NGC 1 = UGC 57 = MCG +04-01-025 = CGCG 477-054 = Holm 2A = LGG 002-001 = PGC 564

00 07 15.9 +27 42 29; Peg

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 2 just 1.8' S.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, oval 3:2 ~E-W, small, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 1.9' NNE and a mag 13 star is 1.5' NNW of center.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, very small, small bright core.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): faint, very small.  Forms a pair with NGC 2 2' SSE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1 on 30 Sep 1861 while testing the 11-inch f/17.5 Merz refractor of the Copenhagen Observatory, though he missed nearby NGC 2.  This was his first deep sky discovery, though d'Arrest was uncertain if his object was identical to h4 or h5 (both of which refer to NGC 16).  He described (combination of 4 observations) NGC 1 as "faint, small, round, 20", no concentration.  In a straight line connecting two stars 11 and 14 mag."  Herman Schultz also observed NGC 1 three times in 1866 and 1868 with a 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala and also missed fainter NGC 2.  The NGC 1 and 2 visual pair are not physically related. NGC 1 lies at a distance of ~200 million l.y. with NGC 2 at roughly 320 million l.y.

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NGC 2 = UGC 59 = MCG +04-01-026 = CGCG 477-055 = Holm 2B = PGC 567

00 07 17.1 +27 40 41; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.1' W of center.  Forms a pair (optical) with brighter and larger NGC 1, just 1.8' N.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, elongated ~E-W.  A mag 13 star lies 1' W.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, very small, low surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2 on 20 Aug 1873 using Lord Rosse's 72-inch and recorded a "vF companion [to NGC 1] south".  Dreyer confirmed the observation on 29 Oct 1877 Dreyer and noted, "Nova 2' ssf easily seen, vF, eS stellar."  NGC 2 was missed by both d'Arrest, who discovered NGC 1 with an 11-inch refractor, and Herman Schultz, who observed NGC 1 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala.

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NGC 3 = UGC 58 = MCG +01-01-037 = CGCG 408-035 = PGC 565

00 07 16.8 +08 18 06; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 111”

 

48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 30"x12", well concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.3' SW.  Brightest in a group with the other members much fainter.  These include NGC 4 4.7' NE, NGC 7840 5.3' NNW and 2MASX J00074110+0814053 7.2' SE.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.25', very small slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.2' SW.  Brightest in a group of faint galaxies.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, small, bright core, slightly elongated.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.2' WSW.  Brightest in the NGC 3 group with NGC 7838 6.3' NW, NGC 7837 6.9' NW, NGC 7835 10' NW, NGC 7834 11' WNW and NGC 4 5' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3 = m 1 on 29 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, vS, R, alm stellar."  NGC 3 is the brightest in a small group of faint galaxies (NGC 7834, 7835, 7837, 7838, 7840, 3, 4) all discovered by Marth on the same night.

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NGC 4 = LEDA 212468

00 07 24.4 +08 22 23; Psc

V = 15.9;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, high surface brightness.  This description applies to the core as the faint thin extensions on the DSS were not noticed.  Located 2.9' W of mag 9.5 SAO 109022 and 4.7' NE of NGC 3 in a group.

 

18" (10/21/06): extremely faint and small, round.  This threshold object appeared virtually stellar, perhaps 4" diameter and only visible occasionally with averted vision.  Located 3' due west of a mag 9 star.  Another very difficult galaxy, NGC 7840, lies 4' WNW.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): faintest member of the NGC 3 group.  Extremely faint and small, at visual threshold.  Located 2.9' W of mag 9 SAO 109022 and 4.8' NNE of NGC 3.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4 = m 2 on 29 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "eF".  His position is 10 tsec of RA following and 5' N of NGC 3 (discovered on the same night, along with 5 other faint galaxies).  The galaxy listed here (PGC 212468) is situated 4.7' NNE of NGC 3, so is a close match in position.  RNGC and PGC misidentify NPM1G +07.0004 = PGC 620 as NGC 4.  PGC 620 is located 15' SE of NGC 3, so is much too far away to be a reasonable candidate.  NED and HyperLeda have the correct identification but SIMBAD still (as of 2017) misidentifies PGC 620 as NGC 4.

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NGC 5 = UGC 62 = MCG +06-01-013 = CGCG 517-017 = IV Zw 7 =  PGC 595

00 07 48.9 +35 21 44; And

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, very small, round, small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5 = St XII-1 on 21 Oct 1881 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "Small core of 13 to 14 mag, surrounded by a very small and faint nebula."  His position matches UGC 62 = PGC 595.

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NGC 6 = NGC 20 = UGC 84 = MCG +05-01-036 = CGCG 498-082 = PGC 679

00 09 32.6 +33 18 31; And

 

See observing notes for NGC 20.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6 = Sw. II-3 on 20 Sept 1885 with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; cE; vS; one of 5 stars which point to it is pretty near."  There is nothing at his position, but 75 seconds of RA east and 47' north is NGC 20 = UGC 84.  The RA offset is shared by several other objects discovered this night (NGC 19, 21, 7831, 7836) though the declination error is much larger (8' for the other objects).  But his description matches the chain of five stars just following NGC 20.  So, it is nearly certain NGC 6 = NGC 20 (discovered by R.J. Mitchell using LdR's 72" on 18 Sep 1857). The RNGC misidentifies NGC 6 as NGC 7831. See Corwin's notes for more info.

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NGC 7 = ESO 409-022 = MCG -05-01-037 = PGC 627

00 08 20.8 -29 54 55; Scl

V = 13.9;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 29”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE.  Requires averted vision due to low surface brightness and low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7 = h4014 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "vF, pL, vmE, gvlbM, 2' long."  The next night he observed the galaxy again and noted "vF, mE, vgvlbM."  On a third sweep he called it "eeF, L, mE, requires the utmost attention to perceive though the sky is perfectly pure."   His position matches ESO 409-022 = PGC 627.  Surprisingly Pietro Baracchi searched for it unsuccessfully twice in 1887 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.

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NGC 8 = Holm 3b = PGC 648

00 08 46 +23 50 16; Peg

V = 15.3/16.5;  Size 6"

 

= **, Corwin.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 8 on 29 Sep 1865 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  He described it as fainter than NGC 9 (found 2 nights earlier) and placed it 3' northwest (10 sec of RA west and 1' north).  At this exact separation is a fairly close, faint double star at 00 08 46 +23 50 16 (2000) with components mag 15.3/16.5. MCG misidentifies MCG +04-01-030 as NGC 8.  Although the RNGC New Description reads "looks like double star", the classification is a galaxy.  HyperLeda (as of 2016) also misclassifies this object as a galaxy.

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NGC 9 = UGC 78 = MCG +04-01-030 = CGCG 477-059 = Holm 3a = PGC 652

00 08 54.6 +23 49 03; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.  Located at the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 9 stars 6' E and 6.5' NE.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 9 on 27 Sep 1865 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg while unsuccessfully searching for comet Biela.  Struve's position is 15 sec of RA west and 2' south of UGC 78 = PGC 652.  He noted, though, that a mag 9 star follows by 26 seconds in RA, so the identification is certain.  See NGC 8.

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NGC 10 = ESO 349-032 = MCG -06-01-024 = PGC 634

00 08 34.5 -33 51 30; Scl

V = 12.5;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE.  A mag 13 star follows by 2.9'.  Located 21' SSE of mag 5.7 SAO 192367.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 10 = h4015 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "Not vF, L, lE, glbM, 1'.".  On a later sweep he logged it "F, pL, R, bM, 40"."  His mean position matches ESO 349-032 = PGC 634.

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NGC 11 = UGC 73 = MCG +06-01-015 = CGCG 517-020 = PGC 642

00 08 42.5 +37 26 53; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 111”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE.  A close double star with mag 11/12 components lies 3' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 11 = St XII-2 on 24 Oct 1881 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory and described "vF; vS; little irregular oval SE to NW; two very faint stars involved."  Although Stephan did not record this object as an edge-on (very elongated), his position clearly matches UGC 73 = PGC 642.

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NGC 12 = UGC 74 = MCG +01-01-040 = CGCG 408-038 = PGC 645

00 08 44.8 +04 36 45; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 12 = H III-868 = h1 on 6 Dec 1790 (sweep 984) and logged "eF, pS, irr F."  The 4 Nov 1850 observation using Lord Rosse's 72" reads "Some stars seen in it, it is vF. Nothing further remarkable."

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NGC 13 = UGC 77 = MCG +05-01-034 = CGCG 498-081 = PGC 650

00 08 47.7 +33 25 59; And

V = 13.2;  Size 2.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 53”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 13 star is 30" S and a mag 12 star lies 1.2' SSW of center.  First of three with NGC 20 12' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 13 = H III-866 = h2 on 26 Nov 1790 (sweep 981) and logged "vF, vS. 300 verified and showed 3 stars and the nebula placed in the form of a square; the nebula being the np corner."  R.J. Mitchell, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 18 Sep 1857, recorded "2 neb. nearly in line p. and f; about 14' apart; the p one [NGC 13] is of irregular outline; F; bM. The f. one [NGC 13] is S; R; pB; bM."  The pair was observed 5 times up to 1873.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 14 = Arp 235 = VV 80 = UGC 75 = MCG +03-01-026 = CGCG 456-034 = PGC 647

00 08 46.1 +15 48 56; Peg

V = 12.1;  Size 2.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, broad concentration, faint extensions.  Located 1.4” ESE of NGC 7814.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 14 = H II-591 = h3 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590) and recorded "F, pL, iF, unequally bright."  His position is at the west edge of Arp 235 = VV 80.  John Herschel observed this galaxy on his first registered sweep of 2 Nov 1823.  On 11 Sep 1828 (sweep 174), he logged "eF; R; bM a star 10 m north preceding, dist. 5'."

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NGC 15 = UGC 82 = MCG +03-01-027 = CGCG 456-035 = PGC 661

00 09 02.5 +21 37 28; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 15 = m 3 on 30 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM".  His position is reasonably match with UGC 82 = PGC 661.

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NGC 16 = UGC 80 = MCG +04-01-032 = CGCG 477-061 = PGC 660

00 09 04.3 +27 43 46; Peg

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 16”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 22 lies 12' NE.

 

13.1" (8/24/84) : moderately bright, small, bright stellar nucleus, small fainter lens SSW-NNE.

 

8" (8/16/82): fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, bright nucleus at 200x.

 

8" (6/19/82): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel probably discovered NGC 16 = H IV-15 = h4 = h5 on 8 Sep 1784.  He recorded "Stellar, or rather like a faint star with a small chevelure and two burs [sic].  F, S." His RA is 1 min 24 seconds east (using a different star Corwin found an error of 1 min 6 seconds) of UGC 80.  JH observed this object on 5 Sep 1828 and logged "pB; R; bM; 30" (? if not IV. 15)"  Due to the difference in position he wasn't sure if his object was new, but listed it as a Nova.  JH swept the area again 11 nights later and found h5, which he assumed was his father's IV-15: "a star 15m with a burr, RA from Cat.", though without an RA the identification of h5 is unknown.  In the NGC, Dreyer equates h4 = h5 = H IV-15 = NGC 16 and Corwin favors this interpreation. Wolfgang Steinicke feels H IV-15 more likely applies to NGC 22 than NGC 16.  His RA is off by 40 sec (too far east) and 7' too far south and the description "F, S, Stellar, or rather like a faint star with a small chevelure and two burs." may be a better fit.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer, using the 72" at Birr Castle on 29 Oct 1877, recorded "pB nucl with vF neby; round; E sp nf; 2 st 13 and 12 mag preceding in the parallel about 4' and 5' distant."

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NGC 17 = NGC 34 = MCG -02-01-032 = PGC 781

00 11 06.7 -12 06 27; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 2.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A close double star (WZ 1 = 12.4/13.9 at 7") is 2' W.  Forms a pair with NGC 35 6' NNE.

 

This infrared-luminous galaxy is in an advanced stage of merger with a tidal tail to the NE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 17 = LM 2-276 in 1886 and logged "mag 13.5, 0.1' dia, iR, two stars mag 9.5, 2.0' in PA 280”."  Muller's position was 2.0 min of RA west of PGC 781 (typical error found in Leander McCormick observations) and his description of the nearby double star 2' west clinches the identification.  This galaxy was independently found by Lewis Swift (Sw. VI-1) on 21 Nov 1886 (same year) at Warner Observatory and catalogued as NGC 34.  Herbert Howe noted the identity NGC 17 = NGC 34 (Mon. Not. LXI) based on the descriptions, and Dreyer copied the correction in the IC II Notes section.  I've used the primary designation NGC 34.

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NGC 18

00 09 23.0 +27 43 56; Peg

 

= **, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 18 on 15 Oct 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  Schultz's micrometric position is 19 sec of RA following NGC 16 and corresponds precisely with a double star at 00 09 23.0 +27 43 55 (2000).  Dreyer noted that Heinrich d'Arrest and Lord Rosse couldn't find NGC 18 and neither could ƒdouard Stephan (notes section of his 11th list).

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NGC 19 = UGC 98 = MCG +05-01-046 = CGCG 499-065 = PGC 759

00 10 40.9 +32 58 59; And

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, diffuse.  A mag 15 star is 1' SW.  Located 9' S of mag 6.8 SAO 53694.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 21 in RNGC and UGC and NGC 19 is listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 19 = Sw. II-4 on 20 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His description reads, "eeF; lE; in [the] center of 3 vF st forming an equilateral triangle, two of them double."  There is no obvious candidate at Swift's position but 74 seconds of RA east and 8' north is UGC 98.  Similar offsets in RA and Dec yield identities for NGC 21, 7831 and 7836, all discovered the same night (NGC 6 also shares the same offset in RA).  Furthermore, his description of the surrounding stars matches this galaxy.  Hermann Kobold suggested this identification when he measured its position in 1898 at Strasbourg with the 18-inch refractor.  Heber Curtis found it again on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector in 1912-13 and reported it as new ("not noted in the NGC).

 

NGC 19 is mislabeled as NGC 21 in RNGC, PGC and UGC (and software Megastar) and not assigned a NGC designation in MCG and CGCG.  Finally, RNGC misclassifies NGC 19 as nonexistent because of the error in Swift's position.  See Corwin's Notes.

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NGC 20 = NGC 6 = UGC 84 = MCG +05-01-036 = CGCG 498-082 = LGG 001-008 = PGC 679

00 09 32.6 +33 18 31; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just 30" E and a brighter mag 10 star lies 2.4' E.  Second of three with NGC 13 12' NW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 20 using Lord Rosse's 72" on 18 Sep 1857 and recorded as "S; R; pB; bM").  Although no position was measured it was catalogued as GC 6 (Rosse nova) and later by Dreyer as NGC 20.  Herman Schultz independently found the galaxy on 16 Oct 1866 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala and it was entered by Dreyer in the GC Supplement as GC 5086, though Dreyer added the comment "Query = GC 6".  Schultz's micrometric position matches UGC 84.

 

Lewis Swift later independently found this galaxy on 20 Sept 1885 and published it in List II-3.  Based on this entry this galaxy was catalogued as NGC 6, but Swift's position for the galaxy was 1.1 tmin W and 47' S of UGC 84.  Swift's RA offset is identical, though, to the error in his positions for NGC 19, NGC 21, NGC 7831, NGC 7836 all found the same evening.  Although the dec error is large, his description ("one of 5 st which point to it is p nr") matches the chain of 5 stars just following, so NGC 6 is a duplicate of NGC 20 (primary designation).

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NGC 21 = NGC 29 = UGC 100 = MCG +05-01-048 = CGCG 499-066 = PGC 767

00 10 46.9 +33 21 11; And

 

See observing notes for NGC 29.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 21 = Sw. II-5 on 20 Sept 1885 and recorded "eF; S; lE."  His positions for NGC 19, 7831 and 7836 from the same evening are all offset ~70 seconds in RA and 8' in declination.  The offset position for NGC 21 lands on NGC 29.  So, NGC 21 is a duplicate of NGC 29.  RNGC, UGC and PGC misidentify UGC 98 = NGC 19 as NGC 21.  See NGC 19.

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NGC 22 = UGC 86 = MCG +05-01-039 = CGCG 499-055 = PGC 690

00 09 48.2 +27 49 57; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Located 2.5' S of a mag 10 star.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 16 12' SW.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, fairly small, roundish, very diffuse, even surface brightness.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): extremely faint, small, round.  A mag 9 star 3' N interferes with viewing.  Located 12' NE of NGC 16.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 22 = St XIII-1 on 2 Oct 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and described "eF; pS; R; lbM, resolvable".  His position matches UGC 86 = PGC 690 and he is credited with the discovery in the NGC.

 

William Herschel possibly discovered this galaxy on 8 Sep 1784 (H IV-15, sweep 260) and recorded "F, S, Stellar, or rather like a faint star with a small chevelure and two burs."  His position is poor -- 40 sec too far east and 7' too far south -- but the description is a reasonable fit.  Dreyer assumed the observation referred to NGC 16, which is 1 min 25 sec of RA to the west and he commented in the NGC notes "Some error in recording the transit, probably simply of 1 min; reductions correct."  Wolfgang Steinicke feels H IV-15 refers to NGC 22 and WH never observed brighter NGC 16 but Corwin and Seligman favor Dreyer's interpretation.

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NGC 23 = UGC 89 = MCG +04-01-033 = CGCG 477-062 = Mrk 545 = LGG 002-003 = PGC 698

00 09 53.3 +25 55 26; Peg

V = 12.0;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, diffuse.  Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is superimposed 26" SE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 26 9' SE.  Brightest member of a group (LGG 002) at a distance of ~200 million l.y.

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, stellar nucleus.  A star is at the SE end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 23 = H III-147 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded as "2 or 3 stars in a line, with seeming nebulosity between them."  I only noted a single superimposed star, though the second "star" may be the nucleus.  Dreyer observed the galaxy on 21 Nov 1875 using LdR's 72" and described a "vS neb, with a starlike nucl = 11-12 mag and a *13 in PA 135.2”. Dist 26.2"."  The NGC position matches UGC 89 (Englemann measured an accurate position, in Astronomische Nachrichten 2485).

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NGC 24 = ESO 472-016 = UGCA 2 = MCG -04-01-018 = PGC 701

00 09 56.4 -24 57 49; Scl

V = 11.6;  Size 5.5'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 46”

 

17.5" (8/2/86): moderately bright, pretty edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 4.0'x0.8', large bright core.  A mag 12 star is just east of the NE end.  This is a little-known striking spiral.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 24 = H III-461 = h2308 on 27 Oct 1785 (sweep 467) and logged it as "vF, cL, lE, glbM, 4 or 5' long."  John Herschel logged it from the Cape as "F; vL; vmE; vgbM; 4' l; 1' br."  Pietro Baracchi, observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 9 Dec 1887, called it "pF; L; vmE; gbM; fades away gradually at the ends - outline not well defined, woolly."  Herbert Howe, using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, reported the length as 3' and PA = 45”.

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NGC 25 = ESO 149-019 = PGC 706

00 09 59.4 -57 01 14; Phe

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 85”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', fairly well concentrated with a brighter core.  Flanked by a mag 15 star 0.6' NE and a similar star 1' S.  Located 2.7' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  NGC 28 lies 4' NE, NGC 31 5.7' ENE, 2MASX J00101851-5700419 2.5' ENE and Fairall 1 3.0' SSE.  NGC 25 is a member of AGC 2731 (distance ~420 million l.y.) and the first (SW end) in a distinctive string of galaxies oriented WSW-ENE that includes four NGCs.  A total of 9 members were logged in the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 25 = h2309 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded as "F; R; 30" across."  His position matches ESO 149-019 = PGC 706.

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NGC 26 = UGC 94 = MCG +04-01-034 = CGCG 477-064 = LGG 002-004 = PGC 732

00 10 25.8 +25 49 55; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Two mag 13.5 stars are 1.0' NE and 1.2' N of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 23 9' NW.

 

13" (12/18/82): very faint, fairly small, oval.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 26 on 14 Sep 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen and made a total of 3 observations.  His position and descriptions (combined in the NGC as "vF, pL, R, 2 F stars north) matches UGC 94  = PGC 732.  Dreyer independently found this galaxy using LdR's 72" on 28 Sep 1875 and recorded "eF, pL, R.  Clouds came on."

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NGC 27 = UGC 96 = MCG +05-01-044 = CGCG 499-063 = PGC 742

00 10 32.7 +28 59 46; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 117”

 

24" (8/25/19): at 324x; moderately bright and large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, ~0.9'x0.4'.  Contains a round, small bright core that gradually increased to a slightly brighter stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.5 star is 1.6' S.

 

NGC 27 forms a close pair with superthin galaxy UGC 95 just 1.5' SW. At 225x and 324x it appeared as a moderately large, thin ghostly sliver, ~10:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.1'.  The surface brightness was very low and nearly even with only a slightly brighter core.  I could often hold it continuously at 225x once acquired.

 

CGCG 499-70, situated 10' NE, appeared faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, ~35"x8", low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Located 1.5' N of mag 9.5 SAO 73786.  A wide pair of mag 13.5 stars are 1.4' NNW and 2.0' NNW.  Forms a pair with UGC 105 10' SE.  Alpheratz (Alpha Andromedae, V = 2.1) lies 28' WNW.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, small, roundish, very small brighter core.  Situated between two mag 13 and 14 stars.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 27 = Sw. I-1 on 3 Aug 1884 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded as "vvF; vS; E; B* nr."  His position matches UGC 96 = PGC 742.

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NGC 28 = PGC 730 = LEDA 395160

00 10 25.2 -56 59 21; Phe

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 30"x25", fairly high surface brightness, steadily increases to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located in the core of AGC 2731 with NGC 31 1.8' E, NGC 25 4' SW and PGC 394784 2.4' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 28 = h2310 on 28 Oct 1834 and described as "eF, preceding of 2. Requires attention, but no doubt remains." The 2nd object is h2311 = NGC 31.  His position matches PGC 730.  This galaxy is missing from ESO and RC3, but is included in the Southern Galaxy Catalogue (0007.9-5716) with the correct identification.  The data in RC3 for NGC 28 refers to NGC 31 and PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 28 and 31.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 29 = NGC 21 = UGC 100 = MCG +05-01-048 = CGCG 499-066 = PGC 767

00 10 46.9 +33 21 10; And

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 154”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the north edge.  Located 13' N of mag 6.8 SAO 53694.  Third of three with NGC 13 and NGC 20.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 29 = H II-853 = h6 on 26 Nov 1790 (sweep 981) and noted "F, S, E nearly in the meridian."  JH called it "pB; pL; irr figure."  Swift independently found the galaxy on 20 Sep 1885 and recorded it in list II-5.  His position was offset 1m 10 sec of RA too far west and 8' in declination, and Dreyer, assuming it was a different object, also catalogued this galaxy again as NGC 21.  But Swift's position for NGC 19, 7831 and 7836, all discovered on the same night, carry this same offset.  So, NGC 21 is a duplicate observation of NGC 29, with the discovery priority going to Herschel.  NGC 29 was observed 8 times using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded on 16 Oct 1854 as "Elongated on and s, * at on end of neb inv, and another rather fainter s of center."

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NGC 30

00 10 50.8 +21 58 37; Peg

 

= **, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 30 = m 4 on 30 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "Neb * 13."  SDSS shows a very close double 1' N of Marth's position at 00 10 50.8 +21 58 37 (J2000).  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "*14 and ? neb *15 nf alm att; *13.3 nff 2.9'.  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 lists of NGC/IC corrections, identifies NGC 30 as a double star.

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NGC 31 = ESO 149-020 = PGC 751

00 10 38.5 -56 59 11; Phe

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): this is the largest of 9 members of AGC 2731 viewed.  Appeared moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration, bright core.  Situated in the center of the cluster with NGC 28 1.8' W, NGC 25 5.7' SW and NGC 37 6.3' ENE.  A mag 12 star lies 1.7' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 31 = h2311 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "eeF; the following of 2. Requires attention, but leaves no doubt" and on a later sweep as "eeF; S; R." The preceding object is h2310 = NGC 28.  JH's positions clearly establishes NGC 28 = PGC 730 and NGC 31 = ESO 149-020 = PGC 751.  Nevertheless, the PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 28 and 31.  The galaxy identified in the RC2 as NGC 28 is actually NGC 31. The ESO entry (149- G20) for NGC 31 does not give the NGC equivalence. The SGC (Southern Galaxy Catalogue) identifications are correct although the PGC errata paper claims the SGC reverses the identifications.

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NGC 32

00 10 53.5 +18 47 46; Peg

 

= wide **, Corwin.  =several stars, RNGC.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 32 = Au 1 on 10 Oct 1861 while observing Comet Encke with the 6.2-inch Plšssl refractor at Athens Observatory.  Although it wasn't Schmidt's first discovery, it was published (AN 1355) in time to be included in Auwers' 1862 list in new nebulae and by JH as GC 16.  His position corresponds precisely with a pair of mag 13.6/14.7 stars at 27" separation in PA = 200.  Harold Corwin identifies Schmidt's object as a double star and RNGC calls it several stars.

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NGC 33

00 10 56.6 +03 40 33; Psc

 

= **, Corwin.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 33 = m 5 on 9 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, vS, or neb st."  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, describes NGC 33 as a "? Neb *13.7, eS, R; *9.5 sp 2.0', *13.0 ssf 1.8'."  The POSS shows a faint evenly matched double star at 00 10 58 +03 40.5 located 2.0' NW of a mag 10 star.  This appears to be Reinmuth's object although the *9.5 is sf 2.0' not "sp".  Corwin also identifies NGC 33 as a double star near Marth's position.

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NGC 34 = NGC 17 = MCG -02-01-032 = PGC 781

00 11 06.7 -12 06 27; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 2.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A close double star (WZ 1 = 12.4/13.9 at 7") is 2' W.  Forms a pair with NGC 35 6' NNE.

 

This LIRG (infrared-luminous galaxy) is an advanced-stage merger with a tidal tail to the NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 34 = Sw. VI-1 on 21 Nov 1886, along with NGC 35, with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position and description ("equilateral triangle with 2 stars, one a close double") matches MCG -02-01-032 = PGC 781.  Frank Muller independently found this galaxy in 1886 and reported it in his list II-276 (later NGC 17).  His position was 2.0 minutes of RA too far west, but the description matches.  So, NGC 34 = NGC 17 (discovery priority unknown).  Herbert Howe searched for NGC 17 unsuccessfully with the 20" refractor at Denver and concluded it was equivalent to NGC 34 based on the similar descriptions.

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NGC 35 = MCG -02-01-033 = PGC 784

00 11 10.5 -12 01 15; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.4

 

17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A close double star (WZ 1 = 12.4/13.9 at 7") is 2' W.  Forms a pair with NGC 35 6' NNE.

 

This LIRG (infrared-luminous galaxy) is in an advanced stage of merger with a tidal tail to the NE.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered NGC 35 = Sw. VI-2, along with NGC 34, on 21 Nov 1886. Frank Muller also found NGC 35 = LM 2-277 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Swift's position is 48" N of MCG -02-01-033 = PGC 784.  The discovery priority is unknown.

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NGC 36 = UGC 106 = MCG +01-01-043 = CGCG 408-040 = PGC 798

00 11 22.3 +06 23 21; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 21”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, bright core.  A mag 14 star lies 1.9' NE.  Forms a close pair with MCG +01-01-044 1.0' E of center, though the companion was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 36 = H III-456 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and recorded "vF, pS, irr figure."  His RA is 1.0 minute too large, but it was corrected by d'Arrest and Bigourdan and the NGC position is just 1' south of UGC 106 = PGC 798.

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NGC 37 = ESO 149-022 = PGC 801 = LEDA 395521

00 11 23.0 -56 57 26; Phe

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright compact core, surrounded by a low surface brightness halo.  A mag 15 star lies 0.8' E.  2MASX J00111972-5657065 = LEDA 95382, a very compact galaxy, is just off the NW side.  This member of AGC 2731 is located 6.3' ENE of NGC 31.  A couple of faint members lie 2.5' NNE (2MASX J00112633-5655018) and 3' NE (2MASX J00114159-5655469).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 37 = h2312 on 2 Oct 1836 and recorded as "extremely faint, small, round.".  His position matches ESO 149-022 = PGC 801, though ESO doesn't label their catalogue entry as NGC 37.

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NGC 38 = MCG -01-01-047 = PGC 818

00 11 47.0 -05 35 10; Psc

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, almost round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 1.4' WNW a mag 12 star 2.6' ENE of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 38 = St XII-3 on 25 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and described as "F; S; R; bM; bright stellar nucleus."  His position matches MCG -01-01-047 = PGC 818.

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NGC 39 = UGC 114 = MCG +05-01-052 = CGCG 499-076 = PGC 852

00 12 19.0 +31 03 42; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse.  A mag 14 star is at the south edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 43 12' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 39 = H III-861 = h7 on 2 Nov 1790 (sweep 975) and noted "eF, S."  JH made three observations as well as two by d'Arrest.

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NGC 40 = PK 120+9.1 = PN G120.0+09.8 = Bow Tie Nebula

00 13 01.0 +72 31 19; Cep

V = 10.6;  Size 38"x35";  PA = 14”

 

48" (10/23/14): this showpiece, annular planetary was observed unfiltered (low-excitation) at both 488x and 813x and a remarkable amount of detail was visible.  The main section of NGC 40 is nearly round and 0.7' in diameter but outer extensions on the north and south ends increase the dimensions to roughly 1.0'x0.8' SSW-NNE.  The darker interior surrounding the blazing mag 11.5 central star (WC8-type carbon Wolf-Rayet) has a very uneven surface brightness and is slightly darker to the southwest of the central star.

 

The irregular rim in much brighter along fairly narrow N-S strips on the west and east side.  The western rim is the brighter one and somewhat patchy with a slightly darker notch to the south of its center.  At its north end is a small, faint extension. The rim is more uniform in brightness on the eastern side.

 

A very faint, thin outer loop curls north and west at its north end of the main disc!  A small, detached, elongated patch floats near its north edge, but slightly south of the tip of the outer loop to its east. A very faint star or stellar knot is involved in this patch.

 

The rim is very weak on the south side and an easy star is at the southwest end.  A faint, very small detached piece was easily visible at the southern extremity [32" SSW of the central star] of NGC 40.  This patch forms the eastern vertex of a small triangle with a star ~10" NW (noted earlier) and a fainter star 10" SE. 

 

17.5" (12/30/99): at 100x appeared (unfiltered) as a slightly elongated, moderately bright disc surrounding a bright mag 11.5 central star. A slightly fainter mag 12 star lies 1.0' SW.  This is a low excitation PN with an OIII/H-beta ratio of just 0.4 and at 100x there was a noticeable enhancement using the H-beta filter, while it dimmed with an OIII filter.  At 220x, a star was intermittently visible at the SW edge and the PN was slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  The UHC filter gave the best response at this power.  The surface brightness appeared irregular -- darker around the central star and slightly brighter along the west and east side of the rim.  At 280x, the faint star I noted earlier was barely off the SW edge and the PN was weakly annular with a brighter rim along the west and east side and a darker center.  The SW and NE ends of the halo were clearly weaker, though.  380x provided a nice view with subtle irregularities in the interior.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): bright, moderately large, round.  Contains a prominent mag 11.5 central star surrounded by a fairly bright halo.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): at 166x, bright central star visible centered within a fairly small prominent disc.

 

13.1" (10/12/85): moderately large, bright central star surrounded by a moderately bright halo at 166x and 214x using a UHC filter.

 

8": at 100x; a bright central star is surrounded by an easy halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 40 = H IV-58 = h8 on 25 Nov 1788 (sweep 886) and recorded, "a star about 9th mag, surrounded with vF milky nebulosity; other stars of the same size are perfectly clear from that appearance. The star is either not round or double; but I am in the north and above the pole, I could not view it sufficiently to determine it. Less than 1' in diameter."  On 20 Nov 1829 (sweep 228), JH logged "a star 11m with a luminous atmosphere 30" to 40" diameter."  On 29 Oct 1831 he noted "a * 10m with strong nebulous atmosphere 15" diameter.  Exactly round and pretty suddently fading away makes a double star class 5 with a star preceding."

 

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) described, "Central star about mag 10.  The nebula resembles a truncated ring from the ends of which extend much fainter wisps.  The brighter central portion is 38"x35" in PA 14”, while the total length along this axis is about 60"."

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NGC 41 = MCG +04-01-039 = CGCG 478-042 = PGC 865

00 12 48.0 +22 01 25; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (11/14/87): faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 42 5' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 41 = m 6 on 30 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta (along with m 7  = NGC 42) and logged as "pF, S, lE, gbM."

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NGC 42 = UGC 118 = MCG +04-01-041 = CGCG 478-043 = PGC 867

00 12 56.3 +22 06 02; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, compact.  Forms a pair with NGC 41 5' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 42 = m 7 (along with NGC 41) on 30 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, vS, stell."

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NGC 43 = UGC 120 = MCG +05-01-054 = CGCG 499-079 = PGC 875

00 13 00.8 +30 54 55; And

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 49" NW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 39 12' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 43 = h9 on 11 Nov 1827 and logged as "eF; has a 12m star 45" dist; pos 325”?"  His position is 2' N of UGC 120 = PGC 875 (nearby NGC 39 is also offset 1.5' too far N).

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NGC 44

00 13 13.4 +31 17 11; And

 

= **, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 44 = h10 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged as "eF, vS; not to be seen but in the clearest night."  There is a faint, very close double star at his position (00 13 13.4 +31 17 11) on the SDSS.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, appears to identify this double star as NGC 44: "cF, eS, E, ident doubtful; BD +30d17 npp 6.6'; double star 16 and 12.5 nf 1.5', *14 sf 1.3'."  Corwin's confirms the identification as a double star.

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NGC 45 = ESO 473-001 = UGCA 4 = MCG -04-01-021 = DDO 223 = PGC 930

00 14 03.9 -23 10 52; Cet

V = 10.7;  Size 8.5'x5.9';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 142”

 

17.5" (8/2/86): faint, large, almost round, very diffuse.  A mag 10 star (SAO 166133) is attached at the south end.  Located 4' ENE of mag 6.9 HD 941.  Both stars interfered with viewing!

 

NGC 45 is a low surface brightness, metal-poor spiral with a weak star formation rate.  It resides in the background of the Sculptor Group at a distance of ~23 million l.y.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): extremely faint, fairly large.  A mag 7 star 4' WSW detracts from observation.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): only suspected at visual threshold.  The nearby mag 7 star interferes with viewing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 45 = h 2313 on 11 Nov 1835 and logged "extremely faint; large; round; very gradually very little brighter in the middle; attached to and nearly involving a large star; the following of two. A very faint object of singular appearance, 3 or 4' diameter; forms a kind of cometic appendage to the star, which, however, is quite at the edge."  His position is 9 sec of RA west of ESO 473-001 (error corrected by Herbert Howe in 1900).

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NGC 46

00 14 09.8 +05 59 16; Psc

 

= *, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 46 = Au 2 on 22 Oct 1852 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland.  While compiling the comprehensive Markree Ecliptic Catalogue it was noted (probably by assistant Andrew Graham) as a nebulous star  but there is only a single mag 12.2 star at his position.  Auwers reported only finding a sharp, nebulous star on 28 and 30 Sep 1861, but included it in his 1862 list of new nebulae. Bigourdan also reported he could not find a nebula at the Markree position.

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NGC 47 = NGC 58 = MCG -01-01-055 = PGC 967

00 14 30.7 -07 10 04; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

24" (11/7/18): at least fairly faint and nearly moderately bright, round,  up to 1.5' diameter with averted vision, broad concentration with a relatively large slightly brighter central region, no distinct nucleus.  The halo fades out without a perceptible edge.  Located 5' NE of a 1' pair of mag 7.3/9.5 stars that point to the galaxy.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core.  Collinear with mag 9 SAO 128650 5.4' WSW and a mag 10 star 4.5' WSW.  In a group with NGC 54 10' ENE and NGC 50 11' SSE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 47 in 1886 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  There is no published record on his observation, so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer, but Tempel's position matches PGC 967.  Lewis Swift likely discovered this galaxy again on 21 Oct 1886, though his position for Sw. V-3 (later NGC 58) is 1 min of RA east of PGC 967.  The discovery priority is unknown.

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NGC 48 = UGC 133 = MCG +08-01-031 = CGCG 549-027 = WBL 005-003 = PGC 929

00 14 02.1 +48 14 05; And

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): third and largest of six in a group (first of three NGC galaxies with NGC 49 and NGC 51 along with the IC trio 1534/1535/1536!).  Fairly faint, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness, diffuse.  Lower surface brightness than NGC 49 and NGC 51 but larger.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 48 = Sw. II-6, along with NGC 49 and 51, on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position was 0.7 minutes of RA too large.   Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and as well as E.E. Barnard, who found them without prior knowledge (AN 4136).

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NGC 49 = UGC 136 = MCG +08-01-033 = CGCG 549-029 = WBL 005-005 = PGC 952

00 14 22.4 +48 14 48; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fifth of six in the NGC 51 group.  Fairly faint, small, almost round, bright core.  Second of three NGC galaxies and situated between NGC 48 and 51.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 49 = Sw. II-7, along with NGC 48 and 51, on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position was 0.5 minutes of RA too large, though his description "middle one of 3 in line" pins downs the identification.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and as well as Barnard (AN 4136).  Barnard's sketch of the field was published in AN 4136.

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NGC 50 = MCG -01-01-058 = PGC 983

00 14 44.7 -07 20 43; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 2.3'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 155”

 

24" (11/7/18): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, strong concentration with a very bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Flanked by a mag 12.9 star 1.8' S and a mag 13.7 star 1.7' NW.

 

MCG -01-01-057, located 3' NNW, was fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 21"x14".

MCG -01-01-056, located 4' NNW, was extremely faint and small, 12" diameter.  Only occasionally visible.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  Rises to a small, very bright core.  Brightest in a group with MCG -01-01-057 3' NNW (logged as "faint, very small, round") and NGC 47 11' NNW.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 50 = Nova #13 = Sw. V-1 on 8 Jan 1866 while searching for Biela's Comet.  He was using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at the College Romain as an assistant to Father Angelo Secchi (see AN 1571).  His position matches MCG -01-01-058 = PGC 983.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 21 Oct 1886 and reported it in his 5th discovery list. Swift's position was 12 seconds of RA too large and 25" too far south. Frank Muller noted the equivalence with GC 5092 (later NGC 50) in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) listing nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue that had been discovered previously (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list).  Only two out of the 14 objects found by Ferrari (Dreyer attributed his discoveries to Secchi, the observatory director) can be identified with certainty!

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NGC 51 = UGC 138 = MCG +08-01-035 = CGCG 549-031 = WBL 005-006 = PGC 974

00 14 34.9 +48 15 20; And

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.  A faint star is superimposed on SE edge (or a companion galaxy).  Brightest and last of six in the group.  Also the third of three NGC galaxies in the NGC 51 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 51 = Sw. II-8 on 7 Sep 1885, along with NGC 48 and 49, with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His RA was 0.5 minutes too large (similar offset as the other two).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and as well as Barnard (AN 4136).

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NGC 52 = UGC 140 = MCG +03-01-030 = CGCG 456-042 = PGC 978

00 14 40.1 +18 34 54; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, thin edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 52 = H III-183 = h11 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "eF, S, irr E." The NGC position is 0.4 min of RA east of UGC 140 = PGC 978.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 13 Nov 1889 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 53 = ESO 111-020 = PGC 982

00 14 42.8 -60 19 44; Tuc

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 160”

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 N-S, 1.2'x0.7'.  Broadly concentrated, then suddenly condenses to a sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 1.7' W of center and a faint star lies 1' NE of center [on the DSS it appears to be a close double star].  Several mag 10-12 stars are in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 53 = h2314 on 15 Sep 1836 and recorded "extremely faint; round; very little brighter in the middle; 30" across."  His position matches ESO 111-020 = PGC 982.

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NGC 54 = MCG -01-01-060 = PGC 1011

00 15 07.7 -07 06 25; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 93”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, even surface brightness.  Located 10' ENE of NGC 47 in a group.

 

Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered NGC 54 in 1886 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, along with Lewis Swift (V-2) on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  Tempel's observation doesn't appear in any of his lists so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer and the discovery priority is unknown.  Swift's published position is 10 sec of RA east and 27" S of MCG -01-01-060 = PGC 1011, but the RA is accurately stated in the NGC (probably from Tempel).

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NGC 55 = IC 1537 = ESO 293-050 = MCG -07-01-013 = PGC 1014

00 15 05.9 -39 13 01; Scl

V = 7.9;  Size 32.4'x5.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 108”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran): NGC 55 nearly filled the 37' field of the 21mm Ethos at 264x, extending close to 30' in length WNW-ESE and roughly 4' in width.  The structure was fascinating at 429x with a highly irregular surface brightness due to dusty patches and rifts, along with bright clumps and knots.  The "bright" central section, which is offset WNW of center, spans ~9' in length.  At the west end of the central section, the surface brightness dims significantly and the galaxy tapers, extending several arc minutes further WNW.  At the ESE side of the central portion is a bright, elongated, mottled core, roughly 1' in length and slightly bulging.  Just ESE of the core are two noticeable knots; the first is small but elongated, the second knot is very bright and elongated.  With careful viewing the second knot resolved into two individual pieces or clumps.  Continuing further ESE, the surface brightness drops significantly very quickly and a large, elongated dark notch appears to take a bite out of the galaxy.  Just as the galaxy begins to brighten again towards the ESE end, there is another bright round knot and a second very small piece just detached to the ENE.  At the ESE tip the galaxy brightens a bit more and has an irregular, patchy appearance with a couple of brighter stars superimposed.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): viewed at nearly 60” elevation at 212x, this huge galaxy was an amazing sight and overfilled the 23' field (at least 25' in length).  Near the core were two small, prominent HII knots. A couple of additional low surface brightness knots were visible further east along the mottled extensions.  The appearance was asymmetric with the brighter WNW section bulging slightly.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very large, edge-on 6:1 WNW-ESE, 16'x3'.  Very asymmetric with a bright, elongated western portion, darker center and a faint eastern section (IC 1537).  Faint stars are involved at the west side.  The eastern portion appears tilted at a slight angle to the main western portion. 

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright.  The very faint eastern portion is near detached from the bright WNW section.

 

8" (9/25/81): very large, very elongated, brighter to the west, very faint eastern section.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (10/21/06): although very low in the southern sky, visible as a faint, relatively large elongated patch using handheld IS binoculars.  Easy to locate 3.8” NW of Alpha Phe as the galaxy is exactly collinear with three mag 7 stars to the east that are aligned east to west.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 55 = D 507 = h2315 on 7 Jul 1826 from Parramatta, New South Wales.  Using his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector, he described it as "a beautiful long nebula, about 25' in length; position N.p. and S.f., a little brighter towards the middle, but extremely faint and diluted to the extremities. I see several minute points or stars in it, as it were through the nebula: the nebulous matter of the south extremity is extremely rare, and of a delicate bluish hue. This is a beautiful object." Dunlop observed the galaxy on 4 nights and made a simple sketch (Figure 21).

 

John Herschel first observed this galaxy from the Cape on 3 May 1834: "bright; very large; very much elongated in a long irregular train, the preceding end being much the brightest. Whole length = 1.5 diam. of field, or 22' The nucleus is either a double star or a much more sharply terminated nebulous mass, elongated in a different position (146.5 ) from that of the nebula (109.8 )." He observed it again on 23 October 1835, recording it as "very bright; very large; very much elongated; at least 25' long and 3' broad. The following part is faint, the preceding and shorter trinuclear the 2d, nucleus taken. A strange object." His final observation on 4 October 1836 reads: "very bright, very large; a very long irregular crooked ray with 3 nuclei, the second of which appears to consist of stars." His sketch of the galaxy (fig. 8, plate IV) clearly shows its convoluted form and three brighter sections. In his discussion, he grouped it together with the galaxy NGC 300 and the star cluster NGC 1950 as "nebulae of irregular forms having a tendency to several centres of condensation; in the case of [NGC 1950] but little conspicuous - in that of [NGC 55] (otherwise remarkable for its extravagant length and crooked shape) much more so, while in [NGC 300], the formation of separate nuclei is decided, the intermediate faint nebula barely sufficing to mark them as forming a connected system."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 55 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope on 29 Oct 1875 (plate I, figure 2 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope from 1869 to 1885").  He reported "The present appearance agrees well with H.'s description and drawing. The 'following' portion is now much fainter than shown by H.'s sketch; indeed it is so very faint that its exact outlines cannot with certainty be determined, a faint whitishness being all that can be made out, while the star-like appearance described by H. in his portion cannot now be seen. The 'preceding' portion is still, as shown by H., much the brightest. There are still three nuclei, the centre one of which is much the brightest. H. says this one appears to consist of stars; but although I have tried several powers, I cannot with any certainty, determine this point, although it has, at times, a sparkling appearance. The 'following' portion of this nebula appears to have become much fainter since H. observed it."  Turner's sketch shows the bright knot on the eastern end of the galaxy.

 

Sw. XI-2 (later IC 1537), found by Swift on 23 Sep 1897 and described as "eeeF; vL; eE; close f NGC 55; f of 2." is actually the ESE arm of NGC 55, which was sketched by both Dunlop and John Herschel (plate IV, #8).

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NGC 56

00 15 24 +12 26; Psc

 

= Not found, Carlson and Corwin.

 

John Herschel found NGC 56 = h12 on 13 Oct 1825 and logged "about this place a considerable space seems affected by nebulosity."  Neither Guillaume Bigourdan nor ƒdouard Stephan found anything near Herschel's position and nothing was found on Mount Wilson and Lick photographs.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 57 = UGC 145 = MCG +03-01-031 = CGCG 456-046 = PGC 1037

00 15 30.9 +17 19 43; Psc

V = 11.6;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

24" (9/16/17): at 375x; moderately bright and large, round, diffuse outer halo, 1'-1.2' diameter, but well concentrated with a small bright core and occasional sharp stellar nucleus.  IC 4, located 31' NW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 35"x25".  No significant concentration but contains a quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 57 = H II-241 = H II-243 = h13 on 8 Oct 1784 (sweep 286) and recorded (for II-241) "pS, cometic, but hazy weather." A couple of nights later he logged this galaxy again as II-243, "faint, small, irregularly round."  In the GC, JH notes that Auwers misidentified H II-243, which is identical to H II-241 (the confusion was caused by an omitted offset star).  This galaxy was observed 7 times at Birr Castle and the 26 Oct 1854 observation reads "vF, I think it is resolvable [mottled]."

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NGC 58 = NGC 47 = MCG -01-01-055 = PGC 967

00 14 30.7 -07 10 04; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 47.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 58 = Sw. V-3 on 21 Oct 1886, in a trio with NGC 50 and NGC 54, with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  There is nothing at Swift's position but his description reads "vF, pS, R, wide D * near sp; 3rd of 3." Herbert Howe, using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, was unable to find NGC 58 on two nights and suggested that NGC 58 was a duplicate of NGC 47, discovered earlier by Wilhelm Tempel in 1886.  This requires that Swift's RA for NGC 58 was 1.1 minutes too large.  Despite Swift's comment "3rd of 3", his description of a "wide D[ouble] star nr sp" applies to NGC 47, making this equivalence very likely.  Dreyer repeats Howe's efforts in the IC II Notes and adds "probably = [NGC] 47".  See Corwin's notes for the full story.

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NGC 59 = ESO 539-004 = MCG -04-01-026 = PGC 1034

00 15 25.3 -21 26 42; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, large bright core.  There are four mag 13-14 stars to the west.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 59 = LM 1-1 on 10 Nov 1885 and recorded "pS, iR, lE 120”".  His very rough RA (to nearest tmin) is coincidentally just 0.2 tmin E of ESO 539-004 = PGC 1034 and the position angle matches.  In the paper "Southern Nebulae" from Leander McCormick Observatory, the position was micrometrically measured and pinpoints ESO 539-004.

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NGC 60 = UGC 150 = MCG +00-01-048 = CGCG 382-037 = PGC 1058

00 15 58.4 -00 18 13; Psc

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, small, round.  A mag 15 star is off the west edge.  Located 17' due east of mag 8 SAO 128658.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 60 = St XII-4 on 2 Nov 1882 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eeF; vS; R; lbM."  His position matches UGC 150 = PGC 1058.

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NGC 61 = MCG -01-01-062 = PGC 1083

00 16 24.5 -06 19 21; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (8/20/88): this is a double system with the brighter component (NGC 61A = MCG -01-01-062) at the SSE end appearing faint, very small, contains a small bright core.  In a common halo with NGC 61B = MCG -01-01-063 at the NNW edge.  The fainter component appeared very faint, extremely small, round. Located near the Cetus border. MCG -01-01-065 lies 10' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 61 = H III-428 = h14 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and logged "vF; vS; irr figure."  John Herschel called it "F; R psbM; 15"."  The declination in RNGC (copied from MCG) is 5' too large.  MCG and RC3 label the brighter component as NGC 61A.

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NGC 62 = MCG -02-01-043 = Holm 5a = PGC 1125

00 17 05.5 -13 29 13; Cet

V = 11.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Located between mag 7.2 SAO 147195 9' WNW and mag 6.5 SAO 147208 13' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 62 = St XIII-2 on 8 Oct 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged as "F, vS, R, glbM."  His position matches MCG -02-01-043 = PGC 1125.  This is the southernmost galaxy discovered by Stephan.  Francis Leavenworth independently found this nebula in 1886 and included it in list I-2.  His rough position was 1.5 tmin too far W (typical error).

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NGC 63 = UGC 167 = MCG +02-01-030 = CGCG 433-042 = PGC 1160

00 17 45.5 +11 27 01; Psc

V = 11.6;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly bright, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 63 = Sf 96 on 27 Aug 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen and recorded (combining two observations) "class II, round, 35", mag 16 nucleus; lying between two mag 12 and 13 stars, the first precedes the nebula by 9.7 sec."  His position and description matches UGC 167.

 

Truman Safford made an independent discovery on 30 Sep 1867 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory as well as Hermann Vogel on 16 Aug 1868 (he credited d'Arrest) with the 8.5" refractor at the Leipzig Observatory.  Dreyer observed NGC 63 at Birr Castle on 30 Oct 1877 and logged, "pB, pS, oval p f, smbM.  Inside a triangle of 3 st 12, one of them in PA 268.9 (W), Dist 143.7", the 2 others about the same distance np and f."

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NGC 64 = MCG -01-01-068 = PGC 1149

00 17 30.3 -06 49 30; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  An anonymous galaxy (2MASXi J0018358-070255) lies 21' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 64 = Sw. V-4 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 17 sec of RA east and 1.6' south of MCG -01-01-068  = PGC 1149.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 65 = ESO 473-010A = MCG -04-02-001 = PGC 1229

00 18 58.7 -22 52 50; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round.  Located 2.6' WNW of mag 8.8 SAO 166184.  Forms a pair with NGC 66 3.6' SSE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 65 = LM 2-278, along with NGC 66, in 1886.  His position is 1.0 minute of RA west of ESO 473-010A = PGC 1229.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The MCG entry for this galaxy (-04-02-001) gives the NGC designation as "uncertain".

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NGC 66 = ESO 473-010 = MCG -04-02-002 = PGC 1236

00 19 05 -22 56 18; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  Located 1.4' S of mag 8.8 SAO 166184.  Forms a pair with NGC 65 3' NNW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 66 = LM 2-279, along with NGC 65, in 1886.  His position is 1 min of RA west and 1' south of ESO 473-010 = PGC 1236.  His description of a mag 9 star 1.2' NNE matches this galaxy.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  The MCG entry for this galaxy (-04-02-002) gives the NGC designation was  "uncertain".

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NGC 67 = Arp 113 = VV 166g = Holm 6e = PGC 138159

00 18 12.2 +30 03 19; And

V = 15.6;  Size 0.45'x0.3';  PA = 112”

 

24" (9/15/12): very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, just visible continuously. This galaxy is at the west end of the NGC 68 group and on a line extending northeast with PGC 1185, NGC 68 and NGC 70 with each galaxy separated from the next by less than 1'.  PGC 1185, misidentified in most catalogues as NGC 67 and the faintest galaxy in the central region, is situated just 44" NE.  PGC 1185 appeared extremely faint and small, 8" diameter.

 

18" (11/14/09): this galaxy and PGC 1185 were the faintest members viewed in the NGC 68 group.  NGC 67 appeared as a mag 16 threshold glow 1.7' SW of NGC 68.  It required averted to occasionally glimpse, though a few times I could tell it was elongated.  In a 22" scope, I was able to hold this galaxy continuously at over 400x.

 

PGC 1185 was occasionally glimpsed as a threshold "star" sandwiched between this galaxy and NGC 68 (0.8' from both galaxies).  Most sources identify PGC 1185 as NGC 67 and this galaxy as NGC 67A or anonymous although it was clearly shown on Rosse's sketch of the field.  The identification is corrected on the NGC/IC Project site.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint and small.  First in the NGC 68 group of 9 with NGC 68 0.9' NE, NGC 69 1.8' SE and NGC 71 1.9' E.  This observation may apply to NGC 67 or PGC 1185 very close NE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 67 using LdR's 72" on 7 Oct 1855, while observing and sketching the NGC 68 group (plate XXV, fig 1 in the 1861 publication).  PGC 1185 (close northeast) is misidentified as NGC 67 in various sources including Megastar.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 68 = Arp 113 = VV 166b = Holm 6a = UGC 170 = MCG +05-01-065 = CGCG 499-106 = WBL 007-008 = PGC 1187

00 18 18.5 +30 04 18; And

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.1'

 

24" (9/15/12): at 322x appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, high surface brightness though contains a brighter nucleus.  One of the brighter members in a dense group of galaxies and forms a tight trio with NGC 70 1.0' NE and NGC 71 1.3' SE.  In addition, CGCG 499-104 is just 57" SW.  In total, 10 galaxies were logged in a 5' circle!

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Appears as a compact knot (like a core) of moderate surface brightness with no outer halo.  Forms the southwest vertex of a tight trio with NGC 70 and NGC 71 in a dense group.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  This galaxy is the brightest in a compact group and first in an interconnected trio with NGC 70 1.0' NE and NGC 71 1.2' SE.  An extremely difficult galaxy, NGC 67, is just 0.9' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 68 = H V-16 = h15 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and recorded "eF, 5 or 6' dia, 3 or 4 stars in it; but they seem to have connection with it."  This is the only galaxy Herschel discovered in the group, but he listed it in his fifth class of "large" nebulae, and Corwin comments it's likely he saw the merged light of NGC's 68, 70, and 71 (3 brightest in a small triangle in the core).  JH made a similar observation.  On 16 Sep 1828 he wrote "An extr F cluster with neb 5' diam.  Several *s 15...18m.  Seen distinctly, but there is also unresolved nebulosity.  R.J. Mitchell, observing with the 72" on 7 Oct 1855, made a sketch of NGC 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74 (1861 LdR publication).  The NGC position matches UGC 170 = PGC 1187.

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NGC 69 = Arp 113 = VV 166e = Holm 6f = MCG +05-01-066 = CGCG 499-105 = WBL 007-007 = PGC 1191

00 18 20.5 +30 02 24; And

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.3'

 

24" (9/15/12): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  Member of the compact NGC 68 group and first in a string with NGC 72 1.8' E and NGC 72A 3.0' E.

 

18" (11/14/09): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1.6' SSE of NGC 71 and a similar separation due west of NGC 72.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint and small, faint stellar nucleus.  In the core of the NGC 68 group with NGC 67 1.8' NW, NGC 71 1.6' NNE, NGC 72 1.8' E.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 69 on 7 Oct 1855 using LdR's 72", while observing the NGC 68 group.  It's clearly shown on the sketch on plate XXV in the 1861 publication. The NGC position matches CGCG 499-105 = PGC 1191.

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NGC 70 = Arp 113 = VV 166a = Holm 6c = UGC 174 = MCG +05-01-067 = CGCG 499-108 = WBL 007-010 = IC 1539 = PGC 1194

00 18 22.6 +30 04 47; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 0”

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S.  Extends between two mag 14 stars separated by 42".  Sharply concentrated with a small, high surface brightness core and a much fainter halo.

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, sandwiched between two mag 13.5-14 stars at the NNE and SW ends [42" separation].  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and a diffuse, low surface brightness halo that might extend to 0.8'x0.6', though the stars confuse the extent of the halo.  Forms the northern member of a very tight trio with NGC 71 1' SSE and NGC 68 1' SW.  A total of 9 members were viewed within a 7' circle!

 

17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located in the core of NGC 68 group and nearly between two mag 13.5 stars 25" NE and 20" SSW.  In an interconnected trio with NGC 68 1.0' SW and NGC 71 1.0' SSE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 70 on 7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group.  It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in the 1861 publication.  The NGC position matches UGC 174 = PGC 1194.  Bigourdan found the galaxy again on 19 Dec 1897, while misidentifying a star as NGC 70, and NGC 70 was catalogued a 2nd time as IC 1539.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Heber Curtis, in his 1918 description of nebulae photographed with the Crossley reflector at Lick, misidentified NGC 70 as NGC 68.

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NGC 71 = Arp 113 = VV 166c = Holm 6b = UGC 173 = MCG +05-01-068 = CGCG 499-107 = WBL 007-009 = PGC 1197

00 18 23.5 +30 03 48; And

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness 0.4' core and a much fainter halo to 40" diameter.  In a tight group of 10 galaxies including NGC 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, along with numerous stars mixed in!  A mag 14 star is 40" ENE.

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Compact appearance with a fairly high uniform surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is close following [38" ENE].  Forms the SE vertex of a tight equilateral triangle of galaxies with NGC 68 and NGC 70.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, small, oval ~E-W, weak concentration.  Member of the NGC 68 group and third in a close trio with NGC 68 1.2' NW and NGC 70 1.0' NNW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 71 on 7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group.  It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in the 1861 publication.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the galaxy on 23 Sep 1865.

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NGC 72 = Arp 113 = VV 166d = Holm 6d = UGC 176 = MCG +05-01-069 = CGCG 499-109 = WBL 007-011 = PGC 1204

00 18 28.3 +30 02 26; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 15”

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 30"x24", very small brighter nucleus.  Member of the compact NGC 68 group and in a string with NGC 60 1.7' W and NGC 72A 1.3' ESE.

 

18" (11/14/09): faint, small, slightly elongated, 35"x30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 2-3' SE of a tight trio (NGC 68/70/71).  NGC 72A, an extremely compact galaxy, lies 1.3' E.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  Located in the core of the NGC 68 group with NGC 72A 1.3' ESE, NGC 69 1.8' W, NGC 71 1.7' NW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 72 on 7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group.  It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in the 1861 publication.  The NGC position matches UGC 176 = PGC 1204.

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NGC 73 = MCG -03-01-026 = PGC 1211

00 18 39.0 -15 19 20; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 14/15 double star is close following (separation of 24" oriented SW-NE).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 73 = Sw. V-5 on 21 Oct 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "vF; S; R; vF D* close following."  His position is 30" N of MCG -03-01-026 = PGC 1211 and his comment about the "vF D * close f" applies.

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NGC 74 = MCG +05-01-071 = PGC 1219

00 18 49.3 +30 03 42; And

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 130”

 

24" (9/15/12): faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.25', broad weak concentration.  On the east side of the NGC 67-72 group, 5.6' due east of NGC 71.

 

18" (11/14/09): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2'.  Appears as a phantom streak with averted vision.  Located ~6' E of the NGC 68/70/71 triple and furthest east member of the group.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Located 6' E of NGC 71 at the east edge of the NGC 68/NGC 70 group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 74 on 7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group.  It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in the 1861 publication.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 29 Sep 1886, matching PGC 1219, as well as Hermann Kobold in 1898.

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NGC 75 = UGC 182 = MCG +01-01-051 = CGCG 408-048 = PGC 1255

00 19 26.4 +06 26 57; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5' SE of an isosceles triangle of mag 11/12 stars with sides 1.3', 1.6' and 1.7'.  Mag 7.2 SAO 109145 lies 13' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 75 = Sw. V-6 on 22 Oct 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 6 sec of RA west and 48" north of UGC 182 = PGC 1255.

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NGC 76 = UGC 185 = MCG +05-01-072 = CGCG 499-111 = Holm 8a = WBL 007-013 = PGC 1267

00 19 37.8 +29 56 01; And

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 80”

 

24" (8/31/16): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 30"x25", very small bright nucleus.  Forms a close pair with MCG +05-01-073 1.1' E.  The companion is very faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 15.0 star is 30" NE.  Member of the NGC 68/70 Group (VV 166).

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, small bright core.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 76 = Big. 1 on 22 Sep 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory.  This was Bigourdan's first discovery.

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NGC 77 = ESO 473-015 = PGC 1290

00 20 01.6 -22 31 56; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint spot on the threshold of visibility with averted vision.  Only glimpsed for moments several times although sighting certain.  Located 3.1' ESE of a mag 11.5 star.  Next closest is a 14th mag star 4.0' WSW.  Incorrectly identified in the RNGC as MCG -04-02-003.

 

17.5" (10/21/95): not seen, though viewed through thin clouds.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 77 = LM 2-280 in 1886 using the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick observatory in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Although the discovery positions at the observatory were generally very imprecise due to poorly calibrated circles (in this case off by 30 tsec in RA), Howe measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section), which matches ESO 473-015 = PGC 1290.  Furthermore, Muller stated a mag 9 star lies 2.8' W (in PA 280”) and a mag 11 star is 3.1' WNW in PA 282”.  ESO and SGC correctly identify this galaxy as NGC 77, but the RNGC misidentifies MCG -04-02-003 as NGC 77.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 78 = UGC 193 = MCG +00-02-004 = CGCG 383-001 = Mrk 547 = PGC 1306

00 20 27.5 +00 50 01; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): this is a double system with the southwestern member appearing faint, very small, round, bright core.  The companion is attached at the northeast end and appears very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  The two components are separated by just 30" and are within a common halo.

 

Frederick PechŸle discovered NGC 78 around 1876 using the 11-inch Merz refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  The discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer as it was included in the GC Supplement (5094), but there was no published announcement.  The NGC position is 1.5' north of UGC 193 = PGC 1306. This is a double galaxy and identified as NGC 78A and 78B in the MCG.  NGC 78B is  and RC3.  The RNGC designations are reversed in RA.

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NGC 79 = MCG +04-02-003 = CGCG 479-003 = WBL 009-002 = PGC 1340

00 21 02.9 +22 34 00; And

V = 14.0;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, broad weak concentration.  This member of the NGC 80 cluster situated between NGC 86 located 6' E and IC 1542 located 5.2' WNW.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, fairly small, almost round, broad concentration.  Located at the NW end of the NGC 80 group 9.1' NW of NGC 83.  NGC 80 lies 13' SSE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 79 = Big. 2, along with NGC 86 and 94, on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory at the NW end of the NGC 80 group.  His position matches CGCG 479-003 = PGC 1340.  10 days later he also picked up NGC 96.

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NGC 80 = UGC 203 = MCG +04-02-004 = CGCG 479-006 = WBL 009-003 = PGC 1351

00 21 10.9 +22 21 26; And

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (11/22/08): this giant lenticular galaxy is the brightest in a visually rich group (WBL 009), with 20 galaxies viewed in a 25' circle.  At 283x it appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 30" core that increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo.  The closest cluster members are NGC 81 1.6' NNE, LEDA 1668596 3.7' WNW and NGC 83 5.3' NNE.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, sharp concentration, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 81, 83, 85, 86, 91, 93, 94, 96, IC 1546 and MCG +04-02-010.  Forms a close pair with extremely faint NGC 81 1.6' NNE and NGC 83 is 5.3' NNE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round, small bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 80 = h16 on 17 Aug 1828 and noted "F; S; R; psbM; 15"."  The NGC 80 group was observed 5 times with Lord Rosse's 72" and R.J. Mitchell's observation on 19 Sep 1857 reads "S; R; or nearly so; and lbM."  The NGC position matches UGC 203 = PGC 1351.

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NGC 81 = PGC 1352

00 21 13.2 +22 22 59; And

V = 15.7;  Size 0.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 84”

 

18" (11/22/08): this companion to NGC 80 appeared extremely faint and small, round, just 6"-10" diameter.  A mag 15 star lies 0.7' NNW.  Located 1.7' NNE of NGC 80.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint and small, slightly elongated.  Two mag 15 stars are close NW, the nearer star is 40" NW.  Located just 1.6' NNE of NGC 80 in a group.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 81 on 15 Nov 1873 during one of the observations with Lord Rosse's 72" of the GC 38 = NGC 80 group.  Copeland described a "F neb, fairly certain. Pos 212.3”, dist 219.5" from [NGC 83]".  His micrometric offset matches PGC 1352.  Corwin notes that Bigourdan mistook a star NW of the galaxy (mentioned in my visual observation of the galaxy) as NGC 81.

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NGC 82

00 21 17.4 +22 27 42; And

 

= *, Corwin and Carlson.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 82 = Big. 3 on 23 Oct 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory.  According to Corwin, Bigourdan's offset matches a star at 00 21 17.4 +22 27 42 (2000).  NGC 82 is incorrectly equated with NGC 83 in the MCG.

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NGC 83 = UGC 206 = MCG +04-02-005 = CGCG 479-008 = WBL 009-004 = PGC 1371

00 21 22.5 +22 26 01; And

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, small, round, 20"-24" diameter, weak concentration.  Cradled by three brighter mag 10-10.5 stars off the following side with the closest 0.9' SSE.  NGC 83 is the brightest in a subgroup that is currently "falling into" the larger NGC 80 subgroup.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  This is the second brightest member of the NGC 80 group with NGC 80 5.3' SSW and the NGC 91/93 pair 7.0' ESE.  Three mag 10-10.5 stars lie 0.9' SSE, 1.4' ESE and 1.6' E.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, very small, round.  Three mag 10 stars follow.  Located 5' NE of NGC 80 is a group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 83 = h17 on 17 Aug 1828 and recorded "E; perhaps bicentral; makes trapezium with three B stars.".  His position is ~1' N of UGC 206 = PGC 1371 and the description of the nearby stars matches.  Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.  R.J. Mitchell, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 26 Oct 1854, noted "round and brighter in the middle."

 

This galaxy is identified as NGC 82/83 in MCG although NGC 82 refers to a star only.

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NGC 84

00 21 21.3 +22 37 03; And

 

= *, Thomson and Corwin.  Incorrectly identified in the RNGC as MCG +04-02-010.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 84 = Big. 4 on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory.  At his position is a single star.  The RNGC misidentifies MCG +04-02-010 as NGC 84.  The identification was discussed in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal for July, 1991.

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NGC 85 = NGC 85A = MCG +04-02-007 = CGCG 479-009 = WBL 009-005 = PGC 1375

00 21 25.5 +22 30 43; And

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (11/22/08): faint, very small, slightly elongated, ~18"x15".  Forms a very close pair with IC 1546 = NGC 85B just 0.9' SE within the NGC 80 cluster.  Situated between NGC 83 4.7' S and NGC 86 2.8' N.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Forms a close pair with IC 1546 = NGC 85B 53" ESE and NGC 83 lies 5' S.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): extremely faint, very diffuse, small, almost round.  Located 5' N of NGC 83.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 85 on 15 Nov 1873 using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded "eeF, cL, R neb, was certainly and repeatedly seen.  Pos 7.4”, dist 289.2" or 2.7s f, 4'46" N of [N83].  His micrometric offset points directly at CGCG 479-009 = PGC 1375.  MCG identifies this galaxy as NGC 85A and assigns NGC 85B to IC 1546.

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NGC 86 = MCG +04-02-009 = CGCG 479-011 = WBL 009-007 = PGC 1383

00 21 28.6 +22 33 24; And

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 9”

 

18" (11/22/08): this member of the NGC 80 group appeared faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~20"x14".  Elongated in the direction of a mag 12.5 star located just 0.7' S of center.  NGC 85 lies 2.8' S.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, elongated ~N-S.  A mag 12.5 star is 35" S.  MCG +04-02-010 (incorrectly identified in RNGC as NGC 84) lies 2.2' NNE.  Located 4' N of NGC 85 in the NGC 80 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 13 star is close S.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 86 = Big. 5 on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, along with NGCs 79 and 94.

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NGC 87 = ESO 194-008 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = PGC 1357 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group

00 21 14.2 -48 37 42; Phe

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7' diameter, low even surface brightness.  Westernmost and second faintest in the compact Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34) with NGC 88 1.5' SE, NGC 89 2.8' SE and NGC 92 2.9' E.  The arrangement is distinctive with the three brighter galaxies (NGC 87/89/92) arranged in an equilateral triangle and NGC 88 at the center, forming a "Y" or propeller shape.  ESO 194-13 lies 12' ENE of the quartet.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 87 = h2316 (along with NGC 88, 89, 92) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF, vS, R, gbM, first of four."  The next sweep two nights later he logged "eF; S; R. The first of a group of four nebulae."

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NGC 88 = ESO 194-010 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = PGC 1370 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group

00 21 22.0 -48 38 24; Phe

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, very small bright core.  An extremely faint star is attached at the SW end.  This galaxy is the faintest in the Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34) and centered in an equilateral triangle of galaxies with NGC 87 1.5' NW, NGC 92 1.9' NE and NGC 89 1.5' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 88 = h2317 (along with NGC 87, 89 and 92) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF, vS, R, 2nd of 4, in centre of gravity of the others.".

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NGC 89 = ESO 194-011 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = SCG 0018-4854 = PGC 1374 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group

00 21 24.4 -48 39 55; Phe

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 148”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', very small slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  Has a slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 92.  Furthest southern member of the compact Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34) with NGC 87, 88, and 92.  NGC 88 lies 1.5' N and a faint star is 43" N (at the midpoint to NGC 88).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 89 = h2318 (along with NGC 87, 88 and 92) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM. The 3rd of four."

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NGC 90 = Arp 65 = UGC 208 = MCG +04-02-011 = CGCG 479-013 = WBL 009-009 = PGC 1405

00 21 51.4 +22 24 00; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 113”

 

48" (10/30/16): at 488x and 610x; bright, oval 3:2 E-W, sharply concentrated with a very bright roundish core (slightly elongated at 610x) and a fairly large oval halo, ~60"x40".  A spiral arm is visible on the northwest side, curling clockwise to the south but the long, thin tidally stretched extensions to the northwest and southeast were not seen.  Forms a striking (interacting) pair with NGC 93 2.8' ENE.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' SW.  Although this galaxy is often identified as NGC 91, that number applies to a mag 14.8 star 1.9' S.

 

NGC 90 = Arp 65 was classified as a Spiral galaxy with small, high surface-brightness companions on arms.  LEDA 1669552, the "companion" just beyond the northwest tidal extension (2.4' NW of NGC 90), appeared faint (V ~17.1), small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 10"x6".  A mag 15.7 star is 30" SE. No redshift is available on this object, so it may lie far in the background.

 

18" (11/22/08): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35'; contains a small, round, brighter core.  NGC 93 lies 2.8' ENE and a mag 12 star is 1.4' SW.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, small (only the central portion of the galaxy observed), slightly elongated, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 93 2.8' E.  Located on the east side of the NGC 80 group 7.0' ESE of NGC 83.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 13 star is 1' SW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 90 using Lord Rosse's 72" on 26 Oct 1854. The description mentioned "Several S; F neb visible at once in finder" so JH assumed at least 3 objects were discovered, which he catalogued as GC 40, 41, 42.  But a sketch of the NGC 90 field shows only two nebulae labeled as Alpha (now NGC 90) and Beta (now NGC 93).  Herman Schultz observed the field on 17 Oct 1866 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala and measured an object he thought was GC 40, but was actually Mitchell's Alpha.  His micrometric position matches UGC 208 = PGC 1405.  Because of an uncertainty in the position and identification, Dreyer catalogued this object as GCS 5096 with the comment "Query = GC 40, 41, 42?". Dreyer equated GC 40 = 5096 in the NGC.

 

Modern catalogues misidentify UGC 208 as NGC 91 but Schultz's position for NGC 91 falls precisely on a very faint star 1.9' S.  This misidentification may have originated in Curtis' description of nebulae (1918) based on Crossley photographs at Lick observatory.  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 91 = LEDA 3325956

00 21 51.6 +22 22 06; And

V = 14.8

 

48" (10/30/16): this number applies to a mag 14.8 star 1.9' due south of the center of NGC 90 = Arp 65.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 91 on 17 Oct 1866 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  Schultz's micrometric position of 00 21 52.1 +22 22 06 (2000) pinpoints NGC 91 as a mag 15 star at 00 21 51.6 +22 22 06.  Lord Rosse and d'Arrest are credited with this number in the NGC, but Corwin notes this star was not mentioned in the Birr Castle observations of the field nor by d'Arrest.  All modern catalogues misidentify NGC 90 = UGC 208 = PGC 1405 as NGC 91.

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NGC 92 = ESO 194-012 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = PGC 1388 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group

00 21 31.6 -48 37 30; Phe

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 144”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): this galaxy is the brightest member and furthest east in the compact Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34).  It appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', broad concentration to a bright core.  A faint tidal tail to the SE was not seen.  The nearby members of the quartet are NGC 87 2.9' W, NGC 88 1.9' SW and NGC 89 2.6' SSW.

 

ESO 194-013, a fifth member of the group, lies 11' ENE.  At 429x, it appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core but no distinct zones.  A distinctive string of three mag 13 stars [length 1.4'] is centered 2' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 92 = h2319 (along with NGC 87, 88 and 89) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, R, gbM; 20" across. The last of four"."

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NGC 93 = Arp 65 = UGC 209 = MCG +04-02-012 = CGCG 479-015 = WBL 009-010 = PGC 1412

00 22 03.3 +22 24 29; And

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 48”

 

48" (10/30/16): at 488x and 610x; very bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', well concentrated with an intense core that elongates into a bar with averted vision.  A low surface brightness outer halo increases the size to 1.0'x0.45'.  Three mag 13.5-14 stars are close following.  Forms a striking interacting pair with NGC 90 2.8' WSW.

 

LEDA 1669768, located 1.4' NNW, appeared fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 30"x10".  At a redshift of z = .071 (light-travel time 950 million years) it resides far in the background of the cluster.

 

18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.5'x0.2', contains a very small brighter core.  A triangle of mag 13.5-14 stars follows by 1'-2'.  NGC 90 lies 2.8' W.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, oval SW-NE, faint stellar nucleus, bright core.  This is a double system with an anonymous companion 35" S.  Three mag 13.5-14 stars follow at 1.2' E, 1.9' E and 1.9' ESE forming a small right triangle.  Forms a pair with NGC 90 2.8' W at the east side of the NGC 80 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, very elongated.  There is a trio of very faint stars to the east.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 93 on 26 Oct 1854 using Lord Rosse's 72" and labeled it as "Beta" on his sketch. The description mentions "Several S; F neb visible at once in finder" so JH assumed at least 3 objects were discovered, which he catalogued as GC 40, 41, 42, but only two are labeled on the sketch. NGC 93 was independently found by Heinrich d'Arrest on 5 Oct 1864 and catalogued by Dreyer as GC(S) 5098, as he was unsure of the positions and identifications.  d'Arrest's position matches UGC 209 = PGC 1412. GC 42 and 5098 entries were combined under NGC 93.

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NGC 94 = CGCG 479-017 = WBL 009-011 = PGC 1423

00 22 13.6 +22 28 59; And

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 25”

 

18" (11/22/08): faint, very small, elongated 4:3, ~20"x15".  This member of the NGC 80 group forms a nearly contact pair with PGC 1670567 just 35" S of center.  The companion appeared extremely faint and small, round.  Located 5' NE of NGC 93.  NGC 96 lies 4' NNE.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with an anonymous galaxy (2MASX J00221387+2228242) 35" SSE.  Located on the east edge of the NGC 80 group.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 94 = Big. 6 on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory, along with NGCs 79, 86 and 96.  His position is a reasonable match with CGCG 479-017 = PGC 1423.

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NGC 95 = UGC 214 = MCG +02-02-003 = CGCG 434-003 = PGC 1426

00 22 13.6 +10 29 31; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): moderately bright, moderately large, round, bright core, very faint stellar nucleus, diffuse halo.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' NE of center.

 

13.1" (12/19/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 95 = H II-257 = h19 on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 298) and logged "F, S, R, lbM."  He found it again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and noted "F, pL, mbM, iR."  JH made the single observation "vF; pL; R; gbM."

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NGC 96 = MCG +04-02-014 = PGC 1429

00 22 17.8 +22 32 47; And

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

18" (11/22/08): very faint, small, round, 24" diameter, irregular surface brightness.  Occasionally a faint star at the edge or possibly a stellar nucleus sparkles.  Last of 20 galaxies viewed in the NGC 80 group.  The SDSS reveals a faint star is superimposed.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly larger but more diffuse than NGC 94.  Located at the NE edge of the NGC 80 group.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 96 = Big. 7 on 24 Oct 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory.  10 days earlier he discovered NGCs 79, 86 and 94 in the NGC 80 group.

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NGC 97 = UGC 216 = MCG +05-02-007 = CGCG 500-009 = PGC 1442

00 22 30.0 +29 44 43; And

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 30" WSW and a mag 14 star 1.3' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 97 = h18 on 16 Sep 1828 and recorded "F; R; g; bM; 15"."  His position matches UGC 216 = PGC 1442.

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NGC 98 = ESO 242-005 = PGC 1463

00 22 49.5 -45 16 09; Phe

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 0”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, sharply concentrated with a bright core and very small bright nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 98 = h2320 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded as "very faint; round; brighter in the middle; resolvable."  His position (single observation) matches ESO 242-005 = PGC 1463.

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NGC 99 = UGC 230 = MCG +02-02-006 = CGCG 434-006 = PGC 1523

00 23 59.4 +15 46 12; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' WNW.  NGC 100 lies 42' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 99 = St XIII-3 on 8 Oct 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged as "vF, R, 1' dia, gbM."  His position matches UGC 230 = PGC 1523.

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NGC 100 = UGC 231 = MCG +03-02-009 = CGCG 457-012 = FGC 42 = Holm 9a = PGC 1525

00 24 02.6 +16 29 10; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 5.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 56”

 

48" (11/8/15): bright, extremely large and thin edge-on 10:1 WSW-ENE, extends at least 4.0'x0.4'.  A brighter central region extends ~2' in length and the outer extensions fade significantly and taper towards the tips as they dim out.  A mag 15.3 star is just beyond the east end of the galaxy.  Four mag 15.2-16.2 stars (in an E-W string) lie within 2.5' south of the galaxy.

 

PGC 1509358 is just south of the southwestern tip of the galaxy.  At 488x it appeared very faint (V = 17.2), very small, slightly elongated, ~10"x7".  With careful averted vision, I could just hold the galaxy continuously. A fairly difficult mag 17+ star is 30" SW.  The redshift based light-travel time (based on z = .10) is 1.2 billion years.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, thin edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, moderately large, 2.0'x0.3', weak concentration.  NGC 99 lies 42' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 100 = Sw. III-1 on 10 Nov 1885 with a 16" refractor at his Warner Observatory.  His description reads "vF; pS; vE" and the position matches UGC 231 = PGC 1525, the flattest galaxy in the NGC.  Guillaume Bigourdan observed the galaxy on 7 Sep 1891 and mentioned its "form and extension are incredible."

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NGC 101 = ESO 350-014 = MCG -05-02-003 = PGC 1518

00 23 54.5 -32 32 12; Scl

V = 12.8;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 84”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, low surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 101 = h2321 on 25 Sep 1834 and logged as "pretty bright; pretty large; a little elongated; 45"; precedes a star of 14th magnitude."  On a later sweep he noted "very faint; round or very little elongated; gradually brighter in the middle; 15 arcseconds."  So the two observation differ significantly in terms of brightness.  His position matches ESO 350-014 = PGC 1518.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 5 Oct 1885 with the Melbourne telescope and wrote "pF, pL, a little elongated following and preceding, about 70" long and 50" broad.  A star 14m following, a little north.  This object is not conspicuous - it is quite flat - or evenly lighted and the outline is not sharp."

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NGC 102 = MCG -02-02-011 = PGC 1542

00 24 36.5 -13 57 22; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, bright core.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 102 = LM 1-3 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and described as "0.2'.  Round."  His rough position is just 1' S of MCG -02-02-011 = PGC 1542.

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NGC 103 = Cr 1 = OCL-291 = Lund 13

00 25 17 +61 19 18; Cas

V = 9.8;  Size 5'

 

24" (1/4/14): at 125x and 260x, ~40 stars were resolved mag 12-15, mostly within or near a distinctive 3.3' string oriented SSW-NNE.  Two brighter mag 11.8/12.3 stars lie at the N end of the string, just detached from the richest clump of stars near the center of the cluster.  Another sparser string of stars is parallel and just 1' W of the main string. A string of stars oriented N-S is detached to the SE of the main string.  Observed with a 4 day moon up.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): 20 faint stars over unresolved haze, very elongated SSW-NNE.  Two mag 11 stars are at the north end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 103 = h20 on 5 Oct 1829 and recorded, "pS, p compressed cl; 3' diam; st 11...18m in 2 or 3 principal branches.  If this be VI 35 [NGC 136], there must be a mistake in my father's obs or mine of 6m in RA."  Herschel's conjecture was wrong - NGC 136 is a much smaller cluster, 6 minutes of RA east.

 

The first observation was made by William Herschel on 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887).  He noted "clustering, small stars, considerable rich", but didn't assign it a discovery number.  He mentioned again, though, in his 1817 paper "Astronomical observations and experiments tending to investigate the local arrangement of the celestial bodies in space, and to determine the extent and conditions of the Milky Way."

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NGC 104 = ESO 050-9 = 47 Tucanae

00 24 05.2 -72 04 50; Tuc

V = 3.8;  Size 30.9';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; the core was distinctly orange-yellow.  In addition, I immediately noted a couple of obvious orange supergiants at the south edge of the core and in the outer halo on the east side.

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 163x and 264x): absolutely stunning view in the 30" at 163x and 264x.  Even in the 37' field of the 21mm Ethos, the stars appeared to fill the entire field, only thinning out near the edge.  The pinpoint stars were amazingly packed, but increased in intensity to a relatively small, blazing core, which was plastered with resolved stars.  The very center of the nucleus contained a small, intense knot overlaid with packed stars giving a strong impression of layers.  I immediately noticed the core had a pale yellowish tint.  

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at low power (76x using a 27mm Panoptic) the blazing core had an unusual, pale yellow hue.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this was the best view I had of 47 Tucanae during the week.  At 212x, the entire 23' field was packed edge-to-edge with pinpoint stars and the blazing, intense core, which had a yellowish tint, was resolved into a mesmerizing dense mat of stars.  The halo extended to at least 30'.  

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this breathtaking globular was viewed at over 50” elevation and was stunningly resolved into several thousand stars out to a diameter of over 25'.  The star density steadily increases towards the center.  The relatively small 4' core was blazing and highly resolved right to the edge of a very small compressed nucleus.  A 3-dimensional affect was very strong with layers of stars forming a dense mat over the core.  Many of the stars in the halo are connected in chains and lanes.  The 9 mm Nagler did a better job of busting apart the stars in the core, although the cluster overfilled the field at this power. Although the total visual magnitude is just slightly fainter than Omega Centauri and the size slightly smaller, 47 Tucanae is certainly equal if not surpassing Omega Centauri in visual impact due to its dazzling central blaze.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): While at Bargo, I observed 47 Tucanae for the first time. Though still very low in the sky the view was thrilling.  At 186x, the globular filled the 26' field with an uncountable number of stars. Strongly concentrated to an intense, blazing core which was only partially resolved at a low elevation.  The highly resolved outer halo extended ~25' in an irregular outline while the central halo was very symmetric.  This is the most prominent naked-eye GC as so much of its light is concentrated into the central core and it lies in a sparse field with no other rivals other than the SMC.

 

Naked-eye: easy 4th magnitude naked-eye blur just west of the SMC, seen many times from the southern hemisphere.  Visible in a dark sky while very low in the sky and from suburban locations when higher in the sky.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered the nebulous appearance of NGC 104 = Lac I-1 = D 18 = 47 Tucanae = h2322 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  It appeared "like the nucleus of a fairly bright comet."  He placed it in group I, consisting of nebulae without stars.  The cluster was noted, though, as a "star" in Bayer's Uranometria, which was first published in 1603. The designation "47 Tuc" comes from Bode's extension of Flamsteed numbers to the southern constellations (these are not used today except for 47 Tuc and 30 Dor). With his 9-inch speculum reflector, James Dunlop logged "(47 Toucan, Bode) this is a beautiful large round nebula, about 8' diameter, very gradually condensed to the centre. This beautiful globe of light is easily resolved into stars of a dusky colour.  The compression to the centre is very great, and the stars are considerably scattered south preceding and north following."  His sketch in figure 1 of his catalogue shows a beautifully resolved, elongated cluster.

 

John Herschel observed it for the first time on 11 Apr 1834 and logged "the great cluster preceding the Nubecula Minor. Estimated dia of the denser portion 5'; of the whole (not, however, including loose stragglers) 8'. Stars 14..16 mag. and one of 12th mag N.p. the centre. Excessively compressed. (N.B. In a sweep below the pole, when of course owing to the low altitude much of the light was lost.)"  His observation of 12 Aug 1834 reads: "A most glorious cluster. The stars are equal, 14th mag., immensely numerous and compressed. Its last outliers extend to a distance of 2 min, 16 sec in RA from the centre. It is compressed to a blaze of light at the centre, the diameter of the more compressed part being 30 arcsec in RA. It is at first very gradual, then pretty suddenly very much brighter in the middle. It is completely insulated. After it has passed, the ground of the sky is perfectly black throughout the whole breadth of the sweep. There is a double star 11th mag. preceding the centre (Pos. 226.5 - 6.5 arcsec in RA from centre of neb.)" On 21 Sep 1835 he wrote: "Fills the field with its stragglers, condensation in three distinct stages, first very gradually, next pretty suddenly, and finally very suddenly very much brighter in the middle up to a central blaze whose diameter in RA is 13.5 sec and whose colour is ruddy or orange-yellow, which contrasts evidently with the white light of the rest. The stars are all nearly equal (12..14 mag). A stupendous object."  His final record of the object was on 5 Nov 1836: "A most magnificent globular cluster. It fills the field with its outskirts, but within its more compressed part, I can insulate a tolerably defined circular space of 90" dia wherein the compression is much more decided and the stars seem to run together; and this part I think has a pale pinkish or rose-colour."  In his diary Herschel also refers to the "Rose coloured central mass".

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NGC 105 = UGC 241 = MCG +02-02-008 = CGCG 434-009 = PGC 1583

00 25 16.8 +12 53 02; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Two mag 13.5 star lie 0.7' W and 1.4' ESE.  Situated in a group of six mag 13/14 stars.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 105 = St XIII-4 on 15 Oct 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and described as "eF, S, R, vlbM".  His position matches UGC 241 = PGC 1583.  Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 31 Oct 1886 and reported it in list V-7.  His position is just 5 tsec too far W and his comment "inside of and near [the] preceding corner of equilateral triangle" applies.

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NGC 106 = PGC 1551

00 24 43.8 -05 08 55; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (9/17/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 106 = LM 1-4 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position in list I is 1.0 tmin E of PGC 1551.  N.M. Parrish corrected the RA with a micrometric offset in "Southern Nebulae" and Dreyer repeated this correction in the IC 1 notes.

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NGC 107 = MCG -02-02-014 = PGC 1606

00 25 42.1 -08 16 59; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (9/17/88): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 4.9' NW of mag 7.8 SAO 128758.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 107 on 14 Jan 1866 with the 15-inch refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St Petersburg while unsuccessfully searching for comet Biela.  MCG (-02-02-014) doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 107, although the identity is certain.

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NGC 108 = UGC 246 = MCG +05-02-012 = CGCG 500-020 = PGC 1619

00 25 59.8 +29 12 43; And

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, fairly small, small very bright core, faint extensions SSW-NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 108 = H III-148 = h21 on 11 Sep 1874 (sweep 266) and noted "vF, pL, lbM."  JH made two observations, logging it on 16 Sep 1828 as "pB; R; psbM; 20"."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on the 72" on 3 Nov 1855, recorded "E sp nf, the arms being vF, and p one rather the brighter, they are perhaps cut off from central Nucl. by dark spaces, but all this is very uncertain.  Night not good."

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NGC 109 = UGC 251 = MCG +04-02-020 = CGCG 479-031 = PGC 1633

00 26 14.6 +21 48 27; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, oval ~E-W.  Located about 75' SE of the NGC 80 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 109 = Au 3 on 8 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen (early discovery) and described it (combining two observations) as "vF, vS, R.  Forms a quadrilateral with 3 stars."  Auwers included it as #3 in his 1862 list of new nebulae.

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NGC 110 = OCL-300 = Lund 14

00 27 25.4 +71 23 27; Cas

 

17.5" (9/2/89): this is a loose group of mag 11-14 stars surrounding a mag 10 star.  Near the bright star are several faint stars in a string.  The status as a cluster is doubtful and this is very possibly a random grouping.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 110 = h22 on 29 Oct 1831 and recorded "a very loose; p rich cl; *s 9...12m; *9m in middle taken."

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NGC 111 = NGC 113?

00 26 42 -02 38; Cet

 

= Not found, SG.  = possibly equal to NGC 758, HC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 111 = LM 2-281 in 1886 and recorded "vF, vS, R, lbM, *8.5, preceding 36s and 2' N, RA doubtful".  There is nothing at his position and the RNGC misidentifies MCG -01-02-016 = NGC 113 as NGC 111.  NGC 113 (discovered by Wilhelm Tempel in 1876) is 7.5' N of Leavenworth's position (not an unusual error), but there is no bright nearby star matching Leavenworth's description.  Bigourdan was unable to recover NGC 111.

 

John Ponting has suggested NGC 111 is identical to NGC 758, though the RA is 1.5 hours off and the declination is 20' off.  See Corwin's NGC ID notes for more on this suggestion.

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NGC 112 = UGC 255 = MCG +05-02-013 = CGCG 500-021 = PGC 1654

00 26 48.8 +31 42 11; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.8' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 112 = Sw. II-9 on 17 Sep 1885 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His RA is just 4 sec east of UGC 255 = PGC 1654.

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NGC 113 = MCG -01-02-016 = PGC 1656

00 26 54.6 -02 30 03; Cet

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 43' S of the NGC 114/118 pair.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 113 = T I-1 on 27 Aug 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  He described it as a "class III nebula, small, mag 14-15 nucleus."  His RA was very round (nearest minute) but he measured an accurate position in his List IV-1.

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NGC 114 = UGC 259 = MCG +00-02-027 = CGCG 383-014 = PGC 1660

00 26 58.2 -01 47 11; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a twin of NGC 118 4' E.  NGC 124 lies 14' ESE.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 114 = Sf 114, along with NGC 118, on 23 Sep 1867 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  The discovery list was not published until 1887 so Safford is not credited in the NGC. Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy on 27 Sep 1880 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and published the discovery in list IV-2. Tempel's micrometric position matches UGC 259 = PGC 1660 and he is credited with the discovery in the main NGC table.

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NGC 115 = ESO 350-017 = MCG -06-02-006 = PGC 1651

00 26 46.1 -33 40 36; Scl

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE.  An unequal double star is 1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 115 = h2323 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "faint; large; very little elongated; 60" across; has a double stars 2.5' distant N.p.".  His position and description matches ESO 350-017 = PGC 1651.

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NGC 116 = MCG -01-02-017 = PGC 1671

00 27 05.2 -07 40 07; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (9/17/88): faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2.5' SSW.  The NGC identification of this galaxy is uncertain.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 116 = Nova #14 on 14 Jan 1866 while searching for Biela's Comet.  He was using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at the College Romain as an assistant to Father Angelo Secchi (see AN 1571).  The galaxy (MCG -01-02-017) identified here as NGC 116 is 15' north of Ferrari's position although it matches in RA.  The RNGC and Harold Corwin both equate NGC 116 with MCG -01-02-017.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 116.  PGC 1677 is closer to Ferrari's position but is probably be too faint.   Wolfgang Steinicke classifies this number as lost.

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NGC 117 = MCG +00-02-029 = CGCG 383-015 = PGC 1674

00 27 11.0 +01 20 01; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W.  A mag 15 star is involved at the west edge 24" from center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 117 = m 8 on 13 Sep 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and described as "F, vS."  His position matches MCG +00-02-029 = PGC 1674.

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NGC 118 = UGC 264 = MCG +00-02-032 = CGCG 383-016 = III Zw 9 = PGC 1678

00 27 16.2 -01 46 49; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Forms a twin of NGC 114 4' W.  NGC 124 lies 10' ESE.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 118 = Sf 91, along with NGC 114 = Sf 90, on 23 Sep 1867 with the 18" refractor at Dearborn Observatory.  The discovery was not published until 1887 and Dreyer included it in an appendix to the NGC.  Wilhelm Tempel (IV-3) independently found the galaxy on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 114 and NGC 124) with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and he is credited with the discovery in the NGC.  Tempel's micrometric position matches UGC 264 = PGC 1678.

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NGC 119 = ESO 150-008 = PGC 1659

00 26 57.6 -56 58 41; Phe

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright and large, irregularly round, ~0.9'x0.8', smooth halo, sharply concentrated with a small, very bright nucleus. Sparsely populated star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 119 = h2324 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; R; psbM; 25 arcsec."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 120 = UGC 267 = MCG +00-02-033 = CGCG 383-017 = PGC 1693

00 27 30.0 -01 30 48; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 16' NNE of the NGC 114/NGC 118 pair.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 120 = T IV-4 on 27 Sep 1880.  In his description of NGC 124 (4th entry in his 4th discovery list), he mentions he found another nebula 10' north of a mag 9.5 star (about 8' north of NGC 124).  The NGC position is 5' too far north.  Bigourdan measured an accurate mircrometric position on 16 Nov 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 121 = ESO 050-012 = Lindsay 10

00 26 47.8 -71 32 12; Tuc

V = 11.2;  Size 1.5'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x appeared fairly bright, roundish, 1.3' diameter with a brighter core, no evident resolution.  A mag 12 star lies just 1' W of center, a bit beyond the halo.  NGC 121 is in the same low power field with 47 Tucanae and 35' SW of mag 6.1 Theta Tuc.  This globular is the oldest and most luminous in the SMC, though it is still 2-3 Gyr younger than the oldest galactic globulars.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this is one known classical globular in the SMC. At 186x is appeared fairly faint, small, 1.5'x1' diameter, contains a small brighter core.  There was no hint of resolution.  Located 35' NNE of 47 Tucanae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 121 = h2325 on 20 Sep 1835 and logged as "pretty bright; a little extended; very gradually brighter in the middle; 40" dia."  His position is accurate.  It was described as a "Bright globular cluster, near 47 Tucanae" in the 1935 Harvard Observatory Bulletin 899 based on Bruce plates at Arequipa, Peru.

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NGC 122

00 27 38.3 -01 38 26; Cet

 

= *15?, Gottlieb and Corwin.  Not found, RNGC

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 122 = T IV-4 on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 124) with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  Tempel noted two nebulae 3'-4' north of a mag 9.5 star.  These numbers may refer to a pair of mag 15.5 stars about 5' NW of the brighter star.  If this is the case, then NGC 122 is at 00 27 38.3  -01 38 26 (2000) and NGC 123 at 00 27 40.0 -01 37 39.  See Corwin's NGC ID notes.

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NGC 123

00 27 40.0 -01 37 39; Cet

 

= *15?, Gottlieb and Corwin.  Not found, RNGC

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 123 = T IV-4 on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 120, 122 and 124) with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  In the observation, Tempel noted two nebulae 3'-4' north of a mag 9.5 star.  These numbers may refer to a pair of mag 15.5 stars about 5' NW of the star. Assuming this identification is correct, then NGC 123 is at 00 27 40.0 -01 37 39 (2000).  See Corwin's NGC ID notes.

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NGC 124 = UGC 271 = MCG +00-02-038 = CGCG 383-018 = PGC 1715

00 27 52.3 -01 48 38; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A pair of mag 14 stars are 1.8' W of center.  Member of a group with NGC 114 and NGC 118 12' WNW.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 124 = Sf 92, along with NGC 114 and 118, on 23 Sep 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory, but Safford's discovery list was not published until 1887 so his is not credited with the discovery in the NGC.  Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 114 and 118) with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, published it in list IV-4, and Tempel is credited in the NGC.  His micrometric position is just 30" south of UGC 271 = PGC 1715.

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NGC 125 = UGC 286 = MCG +00-02-048 = CGCG 383-027 = PGC 1772

00 28 50.3 +02 50 19; Psc

V = 12.1;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85”

 

18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core ~15" diameter surrounded by a faint halo.  A 20" pair of mag 12 stars is less than 1' S of center.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12/13 double star at 20" separation oriented NNW-SSE lies 1' SW.  Located 6' WSW of NGC 128 in a compact group.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Two stars close SW are oriented N-S.  Second brightest of three in the NGC 128 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 125 = H III-869 = h23, along with NGC 128, on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "vF, vS, bM, N.f. 2 small stars.  300 shewed it very plainly in the field with the following [NGC 128].  The NGC position is accurate.  The CGCG (383-027) doesn't label their entry as NGC 125.

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NGC 126 = MCG +00-02-049 = CGCG 383-028 = LGG 006-009 = PGC 1784

00 29 08.1 +02 48 40; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110”

 

18" (12/3/05): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.3'x0.2', weak concentration, low surface brightness but easy with averted vision and slightly brighter than the close companions to NGC 128.  Located 3.6' SW of NGC 128 in a group of five.  A mag 12 star lies.1.6' NW.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, oval ~E-W?.  Located 3.6' SSW of NGC 128 in a group.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): extremely faint, very small.  Member of the NGC 128 group.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 126 on 12 Dec 1874.  He recorded "Suspected a nebulous knot between [NGC 125] and [NGC 128], a little south."  It's very possible this galaxy was seen by George Johnstone Stoney on 4 Nov 1850, as he mentioned "3 others near [NGC 125 and 128]. (1861 Monograph), but only two new objects (NGC 127 and 130) are described in the 1880 publication.  Heinrich d'Arrest's position is close to CGCG 383-028 = PGC 1784.

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NGC 127 = MCG +00-02-050 = CGCG 383-029 = LGG 006-010 = PGC 1787

00 29 12.4 +02 52 21; Psc

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 70”

 

18" (12/3/05): this very close companion to NGC 128 is quite dim, appearing as an extremely faint knot just 12" diameter with no details.  It is fainter and closer than NGC 130 and situated just west of the northern extension, 0.8' from center.  Not noticed initially, but once seen was not difficult with averted vision at 225x.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, round.  Located just 0.8' NW of NGC 128.  Faintest of five in the NGC 128 group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney and Lord Rosse discovered NGC 127 and NGC 130, on 4 Nov 1850, while observing NGC 128. Stoney described "2 S objects [NGC 127/130] about equally distant from [NGC 128].  Both Lord Rosse and I thought they were small nebulae, they lie a little below the minor axis of [NGC 128]."

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NGC 128 = UGC 292 = MCG +00-02-051 = CGCG 383-029 = LGG 006-002 = PGC 1791

00 29 15.1 +02 51 51; Psc

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 1”

 

18" (12/3/05): moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.4'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increases to a stellar nucleus.  The N-S extensions fade out and taper towards the tips.  Flanked on either side of the northern extension by two close companions, NGC 127 and NGC 130, less than 1' NW and 1' NE.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group of five with two extremely close companions: NGC 127 0.8' NW and NGC 130 1.0' ENE.  NGC 125 lies 6' WSW.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, fairly small, spindle N-S.

 

8" (8/16/82): faint, small, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 128 = H II-854 = h25, along with NGC 125, on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and logged "pB, vS, R, vgmbM, pretty well defined on the margin".  Using the 72" on 12 Dec 1874, Dreyer recorded "cE in PA 2.4”, mbM, probably sharp on f side, and a little curved, convex side f; two stars (or eS nebulous knots perhaps?) follow very near."

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NGC 129 = Cr 2 = OCL-294 = Lund 15

00 29 58.5 +60 12 43; Cas

V = 6.5;  Size 21'

 

24" (1/4/14): at 125x and 260x, ~100 stars resolved in a 10'x5' region elongated N-S.  The cluster is more compressed on the south side, where three mag 9 stars (HD 236429, HD 236433 and HD 236436), form a near equilateral triangle with sides of 3'-4'.  Fainter stars nearly complete an oval ring with these stars, though several stars are also inside of the ring.  Starting with the mag 9 star at the south end of the triangle, a number of the brighter stars form two strings extending NNW and NNE, so the overall appearance is an elongated wedge. Two mag 9.5/10 stars are at the N tips of these strings and the eastern string is richer and better defined.  Scattered mag 12-15 stars fill the interior of the wedge, with a couple of brighter stars on the south end, which is more eye-catching .

 

17.5" (8/29/92): 60 stars mag 10-15 in the 8'x6' central region of the cluster formed by an isosceles triangle with vertex at the south end.  Each side of this triangle includes a mag 10 star and most cluster members are contained within triangle.  No real boundaries and many mag 15 stars are at the edges of this triangle.  Mag 6.0 SAO 21457 lies 10' S.  Berkeley 2 lies 35' NW.

 

8": ring-shaped open cluster with stars mag 9-13.  There is a line of stars to the north on the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 129 = H VIII-79 = h24 on 16 Dec 1788 (sweep 892) and logged "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars, mixed with smaller ones, not very rich."  JH reported "a * 9m about middle of a vL, coarse sc rich cluster of *s 9..13 which more than fills field."

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NGC 130 = MCG +00-02-052 = CGCG 383-029 = LGG 00-011 = PGC 1794

00 29 18.5 +02 52 13; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 44”

 

18" (12/3/05): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.3'x0.2', weak concentration, easy with averted vision.  Slightly brighter of two companions to NGC 128 and situated just off the NE flank, 1.0' from center.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, oval ~SW-NE, small bright core.  Located 1.0' ENE of NGC 128.  Second faintest of five in the NGC 128 group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney and Lord Rosse discovered NGC 130 and NGC 127, on 4 Nov 1850, while observing NGC 128.  Stoney described "2 small objects about equally distant from [NGC 128].  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (3 different nights) with the 11-inch at Copenhagen.

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NGC 131 = ESO 350-021 = MCG -06-02-010 = PGC 1813

00 29 38.3 -33 15 36; Scl

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 63”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is off the ENE edge.  Located 9' WSW of much brighter NGC 134.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 131 = h2326 on 25 Sep 1834 and logged "pretty bright; pretty large; pretty much elongated; very gradually brighter in the middle."  On a later sweep he noted "very faint; the preceding of two. The other [NGC 134] very large and bright."

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NGC 132 = UGC 301 = MCG +00-02-063 = CGCG 383-032 = PGC 1844

00 30 10.6 +02 05 34; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 132 = H II-855 = h26 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded (summary from 2 observations) "pB, cL, iR, resolvable, vgbM, about 1 1/2' sp a vS star."  Bindon Stoney, LdR's observer on 6 Dec 1850, logged "R, F nucleus, 40" broad."

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NGC 133 = Cr 3 = OCL-296 = Lund 17

00 31 17 +63 21 12; Cas

Size 7'

 

17.5" (10/13/90): about 15 stars including 5 brighter stars forming a "Y" asterism and 10 faint stars.  One of the brightest stars is a very close double star (9.7/11.3 at 6") and a curving lane of very faint stars passes through this double star, not rich.  This is the poorest of three clusters just north of Kappa Cassiopeia. 

 

8" (8/16/82): group of 8 stars in "Y" asterism, in field with open cluster NGC 146 and King 14.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 133 on 4 Feb 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen and recorded (single observation) a "double star in a group of scattered stars, mag 10 and fainter.  Found while observing h28 [NGC 146].  The double star is mag 10 and 11 at a separation of 6"."  His position and description matches this weak cluster.

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NGC 134 = ESO 350-023 = MCG -06-02-012 = PGC 1851

00 30 21.5 -33 14 50; Scl

V = 10.4;  Size 8.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): bright, fairly large, very elongated SW-NE, sharp concentration with a bright core and long faint arms.  Two mag 13.5 stars are nearby; one at the preceding edge 40" NW of center and one on the opposite side of the core, 1.5' SE of center.  NGC 131 is in the field 9' WSW.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core, sharp edge along the west side.  A star is off the preceding side.

 

8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, elongated, low surface brightness.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 134 = D 599 = D 590 with his 9" reflector on 7 Jul 1826.  His description for D 599 reads "very faint nebula, about 25" diameter, rather elliptical.  North of Eta Caelae Sculptoris.  There are four small stars south of the nebula in the form of a lozenge."  His position is 22' NNW of the galaxy but the description of the four nearby stars to the south clinches the identification.  For D 590 he simply logged "a faint round nebula, about 2' diameter."

 

John Herschel's position is accurate and he noted that his h2327 could be identical D 590.  He recorded it on 25 Sep 1834 as "vB; vL; vmE; pslbM; 8' long; 1' broad; pos = 47.9”; dies away gradually at both extremities; has a star 10th mag., distance 45", pos = 327.9.  On a second sweep on 19 Oct 1835 he logged "bright; large; vmE; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 4' long; 1' broad; position = 227”; the following of 2."  He also sketched the galaxy (Plate VI, figure 19), clearly showing its spindle-shape with tapering edges.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 134 on 2 Nov 1875 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted, "The present appearance of nebula is exactly as represented in Herschel's sketch; the centre is sharp and stellar-like with power of 255; but with 420 it is more diffused, and somewhat sparkling. A careful examination leaves the impression that it is practically unchanged since Herschel's time, the only difference between his sketch and present aspect being the position of the North star, which in Herschel's sketch is shown in a straight line with the centre of nebula and s.f. star, whilst at present it is somewhat to the n.f. of that point; this may however be the fault of the engraver."

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NGC 135 = IC 26 = PGC 2010 = LEDA 138192

00 31 45.9 -13 20 16; Cet

V = 15.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (10/21/95): faint, very small, round, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Forms a quadrilateral with three mag 14 stars, all within 2'.  Located 3.5' SW of a mag 9.5 SAO 147324.

 

IC 27, misidentified as NGC 135 in the RNGC and PGC, lies 20' ESE.  It appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, very low surface brightness.  Located 7.9' SSE of mag 8.9 SAO 147331 and 8.6' NW of mag 8.6 SAO 147330.  MCG -02-02-051 lies 13' N.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 135 = LM 1-5 on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is 2 min of RA west (typical error) of LEDA 138192 but his sketch (examined by Harold Corwin) clearly identifies NGC 135 with this galaxy.  Javelle rediscovered the galaxy on 4 Nov 1891, reported it as new, and Dreyer catalogued J. 1-19 as IC 26.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 135 around 1899 (repeated in the IC 2 notes) though Dreyer failed to equate NGC 135 and IC 26.  See Corwin's notes.

 

RNGC and PGC (and second sources such as Megastar) misidentify NGC 135 as IC 27 based on their positions.  The correct identification is given in NED, HyperLeda and SIMBAD.

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NGC 136 = Cr 4 = OCL-295 = Lund 18

00 31 31 +61 30 36; Cas

V = 11.6;  Size 1'

 

24" (1/4/14): ~10 faint stars are resolved in a small, circular patch ~1' diameter, over unresolved haze.  A small detached group to the southeast increases the total to 15 stars and the size to 2'.  Most of the resolved stars are mag 14-15.  Located ~6' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 11238.  Observed with a 4 day moon up, so it wasn't dark.

 

17.5" (8/16/93): 7-8 faint stars mag 14 resolved in very tight, compact group of 1.5' diameter, over background haze.  A few additional stars trail to the SE so there are about 10 stars in the group.  Located 6' NE of mag 8.3 SAO 11238.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): 5 or 6 very faint stars 13/14 over haze.  Appears similar to a small, faint gc with no strong concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 136 = H VI-35 on 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887) and described a "a small cluster of vF, exceedingly compressed stars about 1' diam.  The next step to an easily resolvable nebula."  He considered this cluster a miniature globular.

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NGC 137 = UGC 309 = MCG +02-02-017 = CGCG 434-019 = PGC 1888

00 30 58.1 +10 12 30; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 137 = H II-471 on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and logged "F, irr figure, lbM."  His position is very accurate.  Heinrich d'Arrest also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 138 = UGC 308 = MCG +01-02-016 = CGCG 409-023 = PGC 1889

00 30 59.2 +05 09 35; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 1' N.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 141 5' ENE and NGC 139 5' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 138 = m 9 (along with NGC 139 and NGC 141) on 29 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, eS, sbM."  Marth's position is accurate.

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NGC 139 = CGCG 409-022 = PGC 1900

00 31 06.4 +05 04 43; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, small, almost round.  Located in a group with NGC 138 5' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 139 = m 10 (along with NGC 138 and NGC 141) on 29 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, S."  Marth's position is 2' N of CGCG 409-022 = PGC 1900.

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NGC 140 = UGC 311 = MCG +05-02-021 = CGCG 500-038 = PGC 1916

00 31 20.5 +30 47 32; And

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, broad concentration.  Two faint stars following including a mag 15 star 44" SSE.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 140 = Sf 60 = St XII-5 on 8 Oct 1866 with the 18" refractor at Dearborn Observatory and described it as "probably a small cluster".  His discovery list was not published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy on 5 Nov 1882 and is credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 141 = CGCG 409-027 = PGC 1918

00 31 17.5 +05 10 47; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 5' ENE of NGC 138 in a compact trio.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 141 = m 11 (along with NGC 139 and NGC 138) on 29 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged as "vF, vS, iR."  His position is 0.1 minute east of CGCG 409-027 = PGC 1918.

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NGC 142 = ESO 473-021 = MCG -04-02-014 = PGC 1901

00 31 07.9 -22 37 07; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 101”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): first of three with NGC 143 and NGC 144.  Faint, small, round, very weak concentration.  A mag 14/14.5 double star at 20" separation is off the NNW edge.  NGC 143 lies 3' NNE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 142 = LM 2-282 (along with NGCs 143 and 144) in 1886 using the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is OK and his note of a double star 0.5' N pins down the identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 143 = ESO 473-022 = MCG -04-02-015 = PGC 1911

00 31 15.6 -22 33 36; Cet

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): second of three with NGC 142 and NGC 144.  Extremely faint, small, oval SSW-NNE.  Located 3' NNE of NGC 142.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 143 = LM 2-283, along with NGCs 142 and 144, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is a reasonable match with ESO 473-022 = PGC 1911. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 144 = ESO 473-023 = MCG -04-02-016 = PGC 1917

00 31 20.6 -22 38 45; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (10/8/88): third of three with NGC 142 and NGC 143.  Faint, small, round, very weak concentration.  Located 3' SE of identical NGC 142.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 144 = LM 2-284, along with NGC 142 and 143, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is a reasonable match with ESO 473-023 = PGC 1917. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 145 = Arp 19 = MCG -01-02-027 = PGC 1941

00 31 45.7 -05 09 09; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 135”

 

48" (11/8/15): at 375x and 488x; fascinating irregular spiral galaxy.  A bright bar extends 30" N-S.  A spiral arm is attached at the north end of the bar and is easily visible extending to the west, and curling clockwise.  The arm has a fairly high contrast and definition.  A small HII knot (~8" diameter) is nearly attached to the north end of the bar where the spiral arm begins.  A fainter, low contrast arm is attached at the south end of bar and extends 30" due east.

 

Two companions were picked up.  PGC 1048844 is 3.1' NE.  At 488x it appeared fairly faint (V = 16.0), small, roundish, 15" diameter.  PGC 1048201 (not catalogued in Megastar) appeared faint (V = 17.1), very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

17.5" (9/17/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval ~E-W, small bright core.  Located 6' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 128813.  This star is situated within a string oriented SW-NE with a mag 10 star 7' SSE of NGC 145 forming the southwest end of this string.  The northeast end of the string intersects a shorter line of four mag 11-12 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 145 = h27 = h2328 on 9 Oct 1828 and recorded "vF; vlE; glbM, 60" long."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 146 = Cr 5 = OCL-299 = Lund 21

00 33 01 +63 18 42; Cas

V = 9.1;  Size 7'

 

24" (1/4/14): at 125x and 260x, ~60 stars are resolved in a 7' region that stands out reasonably well at low power.  Near the southeast end of the group is the pair h 1033 = 10/10 at 7".  The cluster is generally elongated NW-SE and includes a dozen or so brighter stars.  A rectangular "void" lacking stars is on the NW side.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): about 30 stars in a fairly large group about 10' diameter.  Includes a close mag 10 pair at 7" separation, 10 stars mag 12-13 and 20 stars mag 14-15.  Third of three open clusters in low power field with King 14 10' SW and NGC 133 10' WNW. 

 

8" (11/28/81): includes a few mag 10 stars, many mag 12 stars and fainter stars over haze.  Located 22' N of a mag 4 star.  NGC 133 is in the field to the WNW and King 14 is close SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 146 = h28 on 27 Oct 1829 and recorded a "loose cl; *s 11 and 12m; 10' diam; place that of a double +* (h 1033) whose RA is erroneously stated in my 4th catalogue."

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NGC 147 = UGC 326 = MCG +08-02-005 = CGCG 550-006 = DDO 3 = LGG 011-004 = PGC 2004

00 33 11.7 +48 30 27; Cas

V = 9.5;  Size 13.2'x7.8';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, very large, elongated almost 2:1 SSW-NNE, 5'x3', very low almost even surface brightness.  A mag 13.8 foreground star is superimposed just north of center.  The halo gradually fades into background.

 

17.5" (8/29/92): appears larger (8'x4') using 20mm Nagler in the White Mountains (elevation 12,500 ft). 

 

8" (8/28/81): very faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, diffuse.

 

24" (1/1/16): Hodge III is the brightest globular cluster in NGC 147 at V Å 16.5.  At 450x and 500x it only occasionally popped but was verified at the same position using a detailed finder chart.

 

I first identified two mag 13 stars at 1' separation oriented N-S, which are situated 5' SSE of the center of NGC 147.  These stars are just outside the halo of the galaxy.  A mag 14.7 star is 1' further NW, forming an obtuse isosceles triangle with the two mag 13 stars.  Hodge 3 is 41" N of the mag 14.7 star and nearly forms the 4th vertex of a parallelogram with these three stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 147 = h29 on 8 Sep 1829 and recorded "vF; vL; irr R; 4..5' diam; loses itself insensibly; has a *11m in the centre."  Bindon Stoney, LdR's observer on 25 Oct 1851, logged "L, vF neby, round a * 12m.  I suspect it is a spiral of the faintest class, perhaps h 29."  On 21 Aug 1852, George J. Stoney wrote, "Involves some stars, one of about 12th or 13th magnitude, E; vF."

 

In 1944 William Baade announced that NGC 147, along with NGC 185, were members of the Local Group (1944ApJ...100..147B) when they were resolved into stars on plates take with the 100-inch at Mt Wilson.  NGC 147 is considered a satellite system of M31 at a distance of 2.3 million light years.

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NGC 148 = ESO 410-020 = MCG -05-02-017 = PGC 2053

00 34 15.5 -31 47 10; Scl

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (8/2/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated E-W, small bright core.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, small, elongated E-W, very small bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 148 = h239 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "vB; S; lE in parallel; smbM to a * 11m."   His RA was 1.0 min west of ESO 410-020 = PGC 2053, although he noted his two positions differed by a minute.  The incorrect position was used in NGC.  An accurate micrometric position was measured n 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.  MCG (-05-02-017) gives the NGC equivalence as uncertain.

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NGC 149 = UGC 332 = MCG +05-02-024 = CGCG 500-044 = PGC 2028

00 33 50.3 +30 43 24; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus or a mag 15 star is involved.  A mag 13 star is close SW just 0.6' from the center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 149 = St XIII-5 on 4 Oct 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, vS, R, gbM, mag 14 stellar nucl, *12 close sp".  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 150 = ESO 410-019 = MCG -05-02-018 = UGCA 7 = PGC 2052

00 34 16.0 -27 48 16; Scl

V = 11.4;  Size 3.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 118”

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration, irregular surface brightness [probably due to spiral arms], slightly mottled.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 150 = Sw. VI-3 on 20 Nov 1886 with his 16" refractor.  His position was 30 seconds of RA west of ESO 410-019 = PGC 2052.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  The error was also noted in the Harvard College Observatory NGC correction list. The galaxy was photographed by Harold Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 and described as a "two-branched spiral".

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NGC 151 = NGC 153 = MCG -02-02-054 = PGC 2035

00 34 02.5 -09 42 20; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 3.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 75”

 

48" (10/29/19): very bright striking spiral with an inner ring and a long, drawn out spiral arm!  Overall, at 610x the galaxy extended over 2:1 WSW-ESE, ~3.2' x 1.4'.  Very strongly concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increased to the center.  Immediately west of the core was a noticeably darker gap and a lower contrast gap was east of the core.  These gaps were outlined by bright arcs, each about 90”, creating a partial oval ring surrounding the core.

 

The western half of the halo had a low surface brightness and extended at least 1.5' from the center.  I noticed a brightening at the extreme west end of the halo.  Checking the SDSS, this is a split spiral arm, separated beyond a darker dust lane.  A thin, long spiral arm was attached at the south side of the core (along the inner ring) and was easily seen gently curving northeast, extending directly to a mag 12.6 star!

 

A small, faint knot, at most 10" diameter, was easily seen near the end of this arm, very close SSW [16"] of the mag 12.6 star.  This "knot" is a companion galaxy (2MASX J00340814-0941481), though its redshift is 1/3 greater than NGC 151, so it may be in the background.

 

24" (12/1/16): bright, fairly large, contains a very bright boxy rectangular central section that is slightly elongated NNW-SSE (this is the central bar and nucleus), encased by a fairly low surface brightness halo extended at least 2:1 E-W, ~2.7'x1.2'.  A mag 12.5 star is at or just off the ENE edge (1.7' from center). A superimposed companion is at the tip of the eastern spiral arm of the galaxy, very close southwest of the mag 12.5 star.  It was marginally glimpsed but only occasionally popped.

 

17.5" (9/17/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.5', bright nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the ENE edge, 1.7' from the center.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, bright core, very bright nucleus, very faint halo elongated ~E-W.  A faint star is at the ENE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 151 = H II-478 = h30 = h2330 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "pB, L, lE, lbM."  John Herschel observed this galaxy at Slough and at the Cape, where he recorded "pF; R; gbM; 60"."  JH's two entries were combined in GC 74 and his position matches MCG -02-02-054 = PGC 2035.  Lewis Swift (IV-1) found the galaxy again on 9 Aug 1886, but his RA was 17 seconds of RA too large.  He assumed it was new and catalogued it again in his 4th catalogue (Sw. IV-1, later NGC 153).  So NGC 151 = NGC 153 with NGC 151 the primary designation.

 

Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector, NGC 151 was described as "4' x 1.5', bright almost stellar nucleus; spiral with at least 3 long, much curved arms in what are almost stellar condensations.  One o the arms appears to wind completely around the nucleus, and possibly extend to more than 3' from it to a star in p.a. 190”."

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NGC 152 = ESO 028-024 = Lindsay 15

00 32 55.5 -73 06 59; Tuc

V = 12.9;  Size 3'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this SMC cluster appeared as a fairly faint, fairly large, round glow, ~2' diameter.  At 228x, the cluster had a fairly smooth, fairly low surface brightness with no core and no signs of resolution.  NGC 176 lies 13' ESE.  Located 1.2” SSE of 47 Tucanae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 152 = h2331 in the SMC on 20 Sep 1835 and logged "vF; L; R; vglbM; 2'."  His position was 2 min of RA too far west, but the position was corrected in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 153 = NGC 151 = MCG -02-02-054 = PGC 2035

00 34 02.5 -09 42 20; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 3.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 75”

 

See observing notes for NGC 151.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 153 = Sw. IV-1 on 9 Aug 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "pF; pS; R; * near north-following".  There is nothing at his position but 17 sec of RA west is NGC 151 = PGC 2035, a similar offset as other objects observed that night, and his description matches this galaxy. The equivalence NGC 153 = NGC 151 was discussed by Spitaler in AN 3100 and Dreyer mentioned it in the IC 1 Notes.  RC1 mistakenly identifies the mag 12.5 star at the end of the northeast arm as NGC 153.

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NGC 154 = MCG -02-02-053 = PGC 2058

00 34 19.4 -12 39 24; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a triangle with two mag 13.5 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 154 = H III-467 = h31 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "eF, vS, 240 power left some doubt."  His position matches MCG -02-02-053 = PGC 2058. JH made the single observation "eF; S; R; 15 or 16"."  The RNGC position is 15 seconds of RA too small.

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NGC 155 = MCG -02-02-055 = PGC 2076

00 34 40.1 -10 45 59; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (9/17/88): fairly faint, very small, oval 4:3 N-S, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 155 = Sw. IV-2 = LM 1-6 on 1 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 10 sec of RA west of MCG -02-02-055 = PGC 2076.  Frank Muller also found the galaxy in 1886 (sometime before Oct 12th) with the 26" Leander McCormick refractor and reported "mag 13.0, S, R, bsp, *12 in PA 90” at 3.2' separation."  Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 21 Oct 1890 as well as Howe at Denver near the end of the century.

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NGC 156

00 34 35.8 -08 20 24; Cet

 

= **, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 156 (in list V) in 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, while observing NGC 157 = H II-3.  There is a mag 15.7 star at his position although Corwin and Carlson identify it as a double star (the second star is much fainter).

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NGC 157 = MCG -02-02-056 = PGC 2081

00 34 46.6 -08 23 48; Cet

V = 10.4;  Size 4.2'x2.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 35”

 

48" (10/29/19): at 610x; showpiece spiral with the sweep of two prominent spiral arms, outlined by dust lanes, forming a striking, stretched "S" pattern, similar to Superman's logo!  Overall, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~3'x2'.  At the center was a very small, intense nucleus.  A beefy spiral arm was attached at the west side of the nucleus.  It showed a high contrast, due to inner and outer dust lanes with a brighter, curving arc at its southwest end.  This arm rotated clockwise towards the southeast side, and hooked towards the northeast.  The second thick arm as attached on the east end of the nucleus.   It also showed a high contrast arc along its northeast portion, then rotated sharply clockwise towards the west and angled southwest to the west of the central region.  Two mag 13.6/15.3 stars (0.6' apart) lie 1.3' NE of center.  A dusty triangular wedge (between spiral arms) extended from these stars towards the core.

 

17.5" (9/17/88): bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, broad concentration, small bright core, mottled appearance, sharp edge along the east side.  Two mag 13.5 and 15 stars are near the NE edge.  The galaxy is bracketed between 9.5-mag HD 3154 5.5' S and 8.6-mag HD 3144 6' NNW.

 

8": fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse.  Located between two mag 8.5/9.5 stars to the north and south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 157 = H II-3 on 13 Dec 1783 (sweep 44) and recorded "F, L, mE, between two considerably bright stars."  His position was not accurately determined but his description is a perfect match with MCG -02-02-056 = PGC 2081.  Eduard Schšnfeld, Heinrich d'Arrest and Father Secchi provided accurate positions, so the NGC position is correct.  ƒdouard Stephan (IX-1) independently found the galaxy with the 31" reflector at Marseille on 28 Oct 1878.

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NGC 158

00 35 05.3 -08 20 40; Cet

 

= *?, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 158 in 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, and recorded in list V while observing the field of NGC 157 = H II-3.  Corwin identifies his object as a single star at 00 35 05.3 -08 20 40.

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NGC 159 = ESO 150-011 = PGC 2073

00 34 35.7 -55 47 24; Phe

V = 13.8;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 95”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.3', contains a small bright, round core and a stellar nucleus.  Located 29' SSE of mag 7.3 HD 3075 = HJ 3376 (7.5/10 pair at 7").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 159 = h2332 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "vF, S, R, 15", precedes 3 stars."  On a second sweep he noted "vF, R, glbM, 20 arcseconds".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 160 = UGC 356 = MCG +04-02-033 = CGCG 479-043 = PGC 2154

00 36 04.1 +23 57 29; And

V = 12.6;  Size 3.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 45”

 

24" (9/30/16): at 200x; fairly bright or bright, large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Surrounding the core is a large, low surface brightness halo ~1.8'x0.8'.  Situated 4.3' SSW of mag 7.3 HD 3293.  NGC 169/IC 1559 (close pair) lies 11' ENE and mag 6.2 HD 2311 is 15' ENE.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, almost round.  Located 4.2' SSW of mag 7.5 SAO 74134.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 169 11' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 160 = H III-476 = h32 on 5 Dec 1785 (sweep 484) and logged "vF, vS, stellar, a few minutes south preceding a pretty bright star.  240 showed the same."  JH reported "has a * 7m, 5' distant; pos of neb from * 195.5”." Lord Rosse's assistants made 7 observations of the field with the 72-inch.

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NGC 161 = MCG -01-02-036 = PGC 2131

00 35 33.9 -02 50 55; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 150”

 

24" (10/6/18): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~30"x20" though the length increases with averted.  Contains a bright core and a very tiny nucleus.  A mag 12.1 star is 1.2' N.  Forms a pair with IC 1557 1.7' due south (in line with the mag 12 star).

 

24" (11/24/14): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, fairly high surface brightness.  Contains a small bright nucleus that increases to a stellar point.  A mag 12 star is 1.2' N and a mag 12.5 star is 2' SSW.  Forms a close pair with IC 1557 1.7' S.  Located 6' SE of mag 8.8 HD 3205.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Bracketed by two mag 12 stars 1.2' N and 1.5' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 161 = Sw. VI-4 on 21 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. He recorded, "eF; eS; R; nearly between 2 equal mag stars."  His position is 18 sec of RA east and 1' north of MCG -01-02-036 = PGC 2131 but his description matches.  Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 9 Oct 1890, as well as Herbert Howe at Denver.

 

The MCG, PGC, RNGC and Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 incorrectly equate NGC 161 with IC 1557.  IC 1557 is a separate galaxy just 1.7' south that was discovered by Howe.

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NGC 162

00 36 09.2 +23 57 45; And

 

= * 75" NE of NGC 160, Thomson and Corwin.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 162 on 16 Oct 1866 using Lord Rosse's 72" and by Herman Schultz on 5 Sep 1867 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala Observatory. Both observers recorded a single star 75" NE of NGC 160.  This star was possibly noted even earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest on 22 Aug 1862.  Schultz assumed this object was GC 82, discovered by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle on 18 Sep 1857.  But Mitchell's object is a close companion of NGC 169 (now known as IC 1559), not NGC 162 as JH assumed.  Dreyer also observed this star on 6 Nov 1874 and noted "An eS, F neb point, or probably a F* nf h79 in PA 78"."

 

In the GC Supplement, Dreyer incorrectly decided "Rosse nova does not exist [so GC 82 = IC 1559 did not receive an NGC number].  82 was undoubtedly observed instead of 79, which latter nebula is not double.  The description in PT 1861, agrees perfectly with the appearance of 82"  He added that "Schultz's GC 80 has not been seen in Birr before 1874: I have therefore entered it in the catalogue as a nova."  So, Dreyer assigned Schultz's GC 80 to the single star (the one first seen by Lawrence Parsons in 1866) following NGC 160 and renumbered it as GC 5107.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 162 with an anonymous galaxy close SE of NGC 160 and Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 160 = NGC 162 in her NGC errata list.  Wolfgang Steinicke thoroughly covered the identifications of GC 80 and 82 in his book on the history of the NGC.

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NGC 163 = MCG -02-02-066 = PGC 2149

00 35 59.8 -10 07 18; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

24" (8/29/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  The halo drops off quickly in surface brightness. It was obvious only to 30" and ~45" diameter with averted vision.  In a trio with NGC 165 7' E and MCG -02-02-064 14' N.  NGC 163 and 165 form an equilateral triangle with a mag 9.6 star to the north.

 

17.5" (9/17/88): fairly faint, small, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus, diffuse halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 165 6' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 163 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (also measured on the next night) matches MCG -02-02-066 = PGC 2149.  Although William Herschel's H. III-954 is equated with NGC 163, his observation more likely applies to NGC 165 (see that number).  d'Arrest noted the 32 second discrepancy between his RA for NGC 163 and that of H. III-953, but surprisingly d'Arrest didn't record NGC 165, so didn't make the connection between H. III-953 and NGC 165.

 

Lewis Swift independently found NGC 163 on 9 Aug 1886 and recorded it in his 4th discovery list (#3).  Swift's RA was 14 seconds too large and falls between NGC 163 and 165. Harold Corwin notes that Swift's positions for three other galaxies he observed on this night (NGC 153, 217 and 7774) are all 10 - 15 seconds of time too large.  Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector between 1912-13, Heber Curtis described NGC 163 as "Almost stellar; structureless; bright nucleus. A very faint spindle is 1.5' s.p.

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NGC 164 = MCG +00-02-089 = PGC 2181

00 36 32.9 +02 44 59; Psc

V = 15.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (11/6/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located about 30' W of the NGC 182 group.  Sighting not 100% certain but sketch matches POSS.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 164 = m 12 on 3 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged as "eF".  MCG +00-02-089 is a good match with Marth's position.  Bigourdan searched for this object unsuccessfully (too faint for his 11").  Engelhardt's position corresponds with a single star at 00 36 39.0 +02 43 46.

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NGC 165 = MCG -02-02-069 = PGC 2182

00 36 28.8 -10 06 23; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 50”

 

24" (8/29/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core, low surface brightness halo ~45" diameter. A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' NE.  NGC 165 is the fainter of a pair with NGC 165 7' E.  A mag 9.6 star (HD 3336) lies 7' NW.

 

MCG -02-02-064, located 15' NW, appeared faint, oval ~5:2 SSW-NNE, soft even surface brightness, ~0.75'x0.3'

 

17.5" (9/17/88): faint, fairly small, almost round, very weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Slightly larger but fainter than NGC 163 6' W.  A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 165 = H III-954 on 10 Dec 1798 (sweep 1086) and recorded "eF, S."  His position is just 1.6' north-northwest of NGC 165 = PGC 2182, and much further from NGC 163 = MCG -02-02-066 = PGC 2149, the galaxy associated with III-954 in the NGC.  In the 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer noted the RA of H. III-954 was 28 sec too large (for NGC 163).  Wolfgang Steinicke and Harold Corwin agree with the conclusion that H. III-954 more likely applies to NGC 165.

 

Wilhelm Tempel independently found NGC 165 in 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported it in his fifth discovery paper.  In his note on NGC 163, he mentions he found another fainter nebula 30 sec following.  Tempel's second nebula was assumed to be new, so he was credited with the discovery of NGC 165 in the NGC.  Spitaler measured an accurate position in 1891 at Vienna.  Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector between 1912-13, Heber Curtis described NGC 165 as "Nearly round, 1' in diameter. A very faint, rather regular spiral. Nucleus almost stellar."

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NGC 166 = MCG -02-02-063 = PGC 2143

00 35 48.8 -13 36 38; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, oval NW-SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 166 = LM 1-285 in 1886 with the 26" refractor of the Leander McCormick Observatory.   His rough position is just under 1 min of RA preceding MCG -02-02-063.  A mag 12 star is 5' NW, matching Leavenworth's description.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 167 = ESO 473-029 = MCG -04-02-022 = PGC 2122

00 35 22.9 -23 22 29; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 171”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, oval 3:2 ~N-S, very weak concentration.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 167 = LM 2-286 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "0.8', iR, gbM."  His position is 1 min of RA east of ESO 473-029 = PGC 2122.  Frank Muller is incorrectly attributed with the discovery in the NGC.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 168 = ESO 474-004 = MCG -04-02-026 = KTS 4A = PGC 2192

00 36 38.7 -22 35 37; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 26”

 

24" (10/3/13): first of three edge-ons with NGC 172 8.1' E and NGC 177 13' ENE.  At 375x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, 40"x8", broad weak concentration.  A mag 10.4 star is 5.5' N.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): first of three in a group with NGC 172 and NGC 177.  Very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  An extremely faint star is possibly involved.  NGC 172 lies 7' E and NGC 177 13' ENE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 168 = LM 2-287, along with NGC 172 and 177, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position and description matches ESO 474-004.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 169 = Arp 282 NED1 = UGC 365 = MCG +04-02-035 = CGCG 479-044 = PGC 2202

00 36 51.7 +23 59 27; And

V = 12.4;  Size 3.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 88”

 

24" (9/30/16): at 200x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~0.8'x0.3'.  Contains a small, bright elongated core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms a disturbed, interacting pair (Arp 282) with IC 1559 at the south edge [22" between centers].  The companion is fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 15" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Located just 3.8' SW of mag 6.2 HD 3411.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Located 3.8' WSW of mag 6.4 SAO 74148!  Forms a contact pair with IC 1559 = NGC 169A just 21" S of center (Arp 282).  Similar appearance to NGC 160, which lies 11' WSW.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 169 on 18 Sep 1857 with Lord Rosse's 72" and noted "a vS, double nebula, the n one is E sp nf, bM.  A month later he logged "D nebula, alpha [on a diagram] is mE p f, bM.  Beta is lE nearly n s, bM."  In Lord Rosse's 1861 publication, it was mistakenly assumed the the observation referred to NGC 160 so was not a new object.  The following year Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 169 and he was credited with discovery in the General Catalogue (GC 82), published in 1864.  Mitchell's "Beta" was assigned GC 80.

 

d'Arrest listed his discovery in a large table of new nebulae published in 1865, he was able to add a footnote that his object was discovered earlier at Birr Castle (assuming it was identical to GC 80).  In the NGC, Dreyer correctly credited both LrR and d'Arrest for the discovery of NGC 169, but he mistakenly described NGC 160 as a double nebula (repeating Mitchell's error) and deleted GC 80 (Mitchell's "Beta").  Finally, the companion was catalogued IC 1559, though it should have received a NGC designation.  See that number for more.

 

MCG labeled the brighter northern galaxy as NGC 169B and the fainter southern galaxy (IC 1559) as NGC 169A.

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NGC 170 = MCG +00-02-091 = CGCG 383-042 = PGC 2195

00 36 45.8 +01 53 11; Cet

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, round.  Located 2.0' NW of mag 9.0 SAO 109310 and 7.5' SW of NGC 173.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 170 = m 13 on 3 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, S, R."  Marth's position is 1' N of CGCG 383-042 = PGC 2195.

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NGC 171 = NGC 175 = ESO 540-006 = MCG -03-02-024 = PGC 2232

00 37 21.6 -19 56 04; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 175.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 171 = H III-223 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) and recorded "vF; lE or rather oval; roughly 1' dia; np 2 pB stars".  There is nothing at the NGC position, but Dreyer states in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that Carolyn Herschel made a one degree error in copying the declination for III-223.  Once corrected, NGC 171 is identical to NGC 175, found by JH on 11 Nov 1834.  This galaxy is generally identified as NGC 175, due to the error in declination for NGC 171.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 172 = ESO 474-005 = MCG -04-02-027 = KTS 4B = PGC 2228

00 37 13.6 -22 35 13; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 2.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 12”

 

24" (10/3/13): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.2', irregular surface brightness.  Second of three edge-ons in the KTS 4 triplet with NGC 168 8' W and NGC 177 5.3' NE.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): second of three with NGC 168 and NGC 177.  Faint, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.  NGC 168 lies 7' W and NGC 177 5' ENE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 172 = LM 2-288, along with NGC 168 and 177, in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is a good match with ESO 474-005 = PGC 2228.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and commented there is mag 13 star close southwest.

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NGC 173 = UGC 369 = MCG +00-02-092 = CGCG 383-043 = PGC 2223

00 37 12.4 +01 56 32; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 3.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 15.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly large, round, broad concentration.  Bracketed midway between a mag 12 star 1.5' SW and a mag 13 star 1.6' NE.  Forms a pair with fainter NGC 170 7.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 173 = H III-871 = h33 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and logged "vF, S, R, vgbM."  CH's reduced position is 4' north of UGC 369.  The On 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), JH recorded "vF; R; bM; 20".  A star 11m pos 225” +/-, dist = 80"."

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NGC 174 = ESO 411-001 = MCG -05-02-028 = PGC 2206

00 36 58.9 -29 28 40; Scl

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 152”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the SE edge.  Situated among a group of mag 10-11 stars including mag 9.5 SAO 166412 3' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 174 = h2333 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "F, S, lE, among several bright stars."  The next sweep he noted "vF, S, R.". Finally on a third sweep he recorded "vF, R, 25", near one or two stars."  His mean position matches ESO 411-001 = PGC 2206.

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NGC 175 = NGC 171 = ESO 540-006 = VV 791a = MCG -03-02-024 = PGC 2232

00 37 21.6 -19 56 04; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 109”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, oval small bright core, diffuse halo.  Forms a right angle with two mag 11 stars 4' SSE and 5' ENE. 

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 175 = h2334 on 11 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, pL, E, gbM, r, 80" long, 60" broad. If this nebula be really III.223 [NGC 171], the P.D. [polar distance] assigned to that nebula by my Father's observations must be 1 degree in error. The error cannot lie in this observation, the 109th degree of Polar distance being beyond the possible reach of the instrument in [this] sweep."  His position and description matches ESO 540-006 = PGC 2232.

 

By historical precedence, the principal designation should be NGC 171, but the galaxy is usually identified as NGC 175 due to the unambiguous position.

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NGC 176 = ESO 029-002 = Lindsay16

00 35 54 -73 10 00; Tuc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this SMC cluster is fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter, low surface brightness with a brighter core.  It appeared unresolved except for a mag 13 star at the north edge and a mag 14 star at the south edge.  NGC 152 lies 13' WNW.  Located 3.5' NNE of mag 8 HD 3395.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 176 = h2335 in the SMC on 12 Aug 1834 and recorded "eF; R; near a *8m (At the beginning of the Nubecula Minor."  On a second sweep he logged "eF; S; lE, resolvable."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 177 = ESO 474-006 = MCG -04-02-028 = KTS 4C = PGC 2241

00 37 34.3 -22 32 57; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 9”

 

24" (10/3/13): this galaxy is the most prominent of a trio of edge-ons (KTS 4) with NGC 172 5' SW and NGC 168 13' WSW.  Moderately bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 nearly N-S, 1.5'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a small, bright elongated core increasing to a stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): third and brightest of three with NGC 168 and NGC 172.  Faint, edge-on 4:1 N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 172 lies 5' WSW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 177 = LM 2-289, along with NGC 168 and 172, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Muller's position is 2' S of ESO 474-006 = PGC 2241, although he was uncertain if this object was a star.  His comment "E 175”" is fairly accurate (actual PA = 9”).  The IC 2 notes remark "Delete the (original) query; it seems to be a nebula (Howe)"

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NGC 178 = IC 39 = VIII Zw 34 = MCG -02-02-078 = PGC 2349

00 39 08.4 -14 10 26; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

24" (9/30/16): at 282x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~1.5'x0.6'.  Appears mottled along the major axis with a brighter knot or region at the north end [HST image reveals this is a giant star-forming region].  The galaxy appears to spread or bulge out with a faint extension on the southwest side [the HST image shows this is a series of HII/star-forming clumps].  This highly disrupted galaxy lies 8' NE of mag 9.0 HD 3579.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 207 8.7' SE and IC 41 7.8' E.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.8'x0.8', broad low concentration but no nucleus.  NGC 207 is in the field 9' ESE and NGC 210 lies 27' NE.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration, elongated 2:1 N-S, lies 27' SW of NGC 210.

 

R.J. Mitchell probably discovered NGC 178 = LM 1-7 on 7 Dec 1857 as the observer on Lord Rosse's 72".  He stated "about one field of finder [26'] south, and a few seconds preceding, is another neb., faint, E nearly n s, no nucleus."  Dreyer assumed this description applied to GC 108 = NGC 207, but the north-south elongation clearly applies to NGC 178, which is 18' S, though 1.4 minutes of RA to the west.  Yann Pothier caught this correction in March 2020.

 

Ormond Stone made an independent discovery on 3 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "F, S, mE 0”, bM, faint wing south-preceding."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.5 min of RA too far west but his description and sketch (examined by Harold Corwin) matches this galaxy. Stone was credited with the discovery in the NGC.  Finally, Stephane Javelle discovered NGC 178 again on 26 Aug 1892, assumed it was new based on position and listed it as the 28th object in his first discovery paper (J. 1-28, later IC 39).  Herbert Howe later searched for NGC 178 and measured an accurate position in 1898-99 (repeated in the IC 2 notes), though Dreyer failed to equate NGC 178 and IC 39.  See Corwin's notes.

 

The galaxy was described as "sausage shaped with a tail south", in the 1924 list of "nebula" descriptions at Helwan observatory.

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NGC 179 = ESO 540-007 = MCG -03-02-026 = PGC 2253

00 37 46.1 -17 50 57; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round.  Forms a double with a mag 14.5 star just 25" NNW of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 179 = LM 2-290 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position matches ESO 540-007.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 180 = UGC 380 = MCG +01-02-039 = CGCG 409-050 = PGC 2268

00 37 57.7 +08 38 06; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 11 star is at the NW edge 39" from the center.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 10.5 star at the NW edge detracts from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 180 = H III-876 on 29 Dec 1790 (sweep 991) and logged "vF, pL, iR, just S.f. a small star which is partly involved in the nebulosity."  Auwers' reduction is 1” off in NPD.  The NGC position is just 2' north of UGC 380 = PGC 2268.

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NGC 181 = MCG +05-02-032 = CGCG 500-055 = PGC 2287

00 38 23.2 +29 28 21; And

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 151”

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15'.  Located 2.7' SSW of NGC 183.  Second brightest in a trio of NGCs with NGC 184 3.1' SW.  A mag 12.4 is near the midpoint of NGC 181 and 184.  This trio is apparently in the foreground of Abell Galaxy Cluster 71.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.2'.  In a trio with NGC 184 4' ESE and NGC 183 2.7' NE.  A mag 12 star lies 1.5' SE

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, small, round, diffuse.  First of three with NGC 183 2.7' NE.  Located 10' N of 30 Andromedae (V = 4.4).  Member of AGC 71.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 181 = St XIII-6 on 6 Oct 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory, along with NGC 183 (originally discovered by Truman Safford) and 184.  His position matches CGCG 500-055 = PGC 2287.

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NGC 182 = UGC 382 = MCG +00-02-095 = CGCG 383-045 = PGC 2279

00 38 12.4 +02 43 43; Psc

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 75”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', sharply concentrated with a very bright round core.  Located 3.6' SE of mag 7.7 HD 3503.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 4' SE of mag 7.6 SAO 128868.

 

Brightest in the large NGC 182 group (sometimes called the NGC 200 group) including NGC 186, NGC 193, NGC 194, NGC 198, NGC 199, NGC 200, NGC 202, NGC 203, NGC 204, NGC 208.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 182 = H III-870 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and logged "vF, S, iR, vgbM."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 183 = UGC 387 = MCG +05-02-035 = CGCG 500-057 = PGC 2298

00 38 29.3 +29 30 40; And

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter, well concentrated with a bright core increasing to a very small bright nucleus.  Brightest and largest in a group including NGC 181 2.7' SSW, NGC 184 4.1' SSE and LEDA 1871091 (very low surface brightness edge-on) 5.2' NNE.  A mag 12.4 star lies 3.2' S.  It was easy to locate this group as it is situated just 12' N of mag 4.4 Epsilon And.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very small bright nucleus, 40" diameter.  Based on the listed dimensions, I missed a very low surface brightness halo and viewed the high surface brightness core.  Forms the NW vertex of a triangle with a mag 12 star 3' S and a mag 13 star 3' E.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 181 and NGC 184 close south.  MCG +5-2-31 lies 6' N.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 12' N of 30 Andromedae (V = 4.4).  Brightest of three in AGC 71 with NGC 181 2.7' SW and NGC 184 4.1' SSE.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 183 = Sf 65 on 5 Nov 1866 with the 26" refractor at Dearborn Observatory and simply called a "neb. * 13m."  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy on 6 Oct 1883, recorded it in his list XIII-7 and was credited with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's discovery list was not published until 1887.

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NGC 184 = CGCG 500-059 = PGC 2309

00 38 35.8 +29 26 51; And

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 5”

 

24" (9/15/12): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 24"x12", slightly brighter core.  Faintest in a trio with NGC 181 3.1' NW and NGC 183 4.1' NNW.  Bracketed by a mag 12.4 star 1.6' WNW and a mag 13.5 star 50" E.

 

18" (10/21/06): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 24"x16".  Situated between a mag 13 star 0.9' E and a mag 12 star 1.6' WNW.  In a trio with NGC 181 3' NW and NGC 183 4' NNW.  Located 8' N of mag 4.4 Epsilon (30) Andromedae.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is 1' E.  Third of three in AGC 71 cluster with NGC 183 4.1' NNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 184 = St XIII-8 on 6 Oct 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, eS".  His position matches CGCG 500-059 = PGC 2309.  Stephan also independently found NGC 183 (discovered earlier by Truman Safford) on the same night and NGC 181.

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NGC 185 = UGC 396 = MCG +08-02-010 = CGCG 550-009 = PGC 2329

00 38 57.2 +48 20 15; Cas

V = 9.2;  Size 11.7'x10.0';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 35”

 

24" (9/14/12): Hodge V is the brightest globular cluster in NGC 185, first identified by Paul Hodge in his 1974 paper "Photometry of the Globular Clusters of NGC 185" (PASP, 86, 289).  At 325x and 450x it appeared as an extremely faint star (V = 16.7), forming the southern vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 14.5 star 20" N and a mag 15 star 20" NW.  This extragalactic globular was repeatedly glimpsed for brief moments and a couple of times it could be held for a few seconds.  Situated 3.8' NE of the center of NGC 185 and outside the visible halo of the galaxy.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): bright, very large, slightly elongated ~E-W, broad concentration but no nucleus. Three mag 14 stars are at the W, NW and SW ends.  Higher surface brightness than NGC 147.  The brightest globular is located 8' N of center and is a marginal object at high power (see description).  This is a satellite system of M31 and a Local Group member at a distance of 2.15 million light years.

 

8" (10/4/80): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse, NGC 147 58' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 185 = H II-707 = h35 on 30 Nov 1787 (sweep 786) and recorded "pB, vL, irr R, vgmbM, resolvable, 5 or 6' diameter."  The first observation with LdR's 72" on 28 Mar 1848 reads "Resolved by a power of 800, although the night was rather hazy." This is a good example of how preconceptions that nearly all nebulae were resolvable influenced the results.  The NGC position is accurate.

 

James Keeler first photographed the galaxy using the Crossley reflector at Lick before 1900.  It was described (1918 Curtis publication) as "rather irregular slightly oval, 3' long; there are two curious rifts near the nucleus; it appears to be an irregular spiral.  The nebular matter is faint and diffuse.  A star of mag 14 is north of the very faint nucleus."

 

In 1944 William Baade announced that NGC 185, along with NGC 147, were members of the Local Group (1944ApJ...100..147B) when they were resolved into stars on plates take with the 100-inch at Mt Wilson. In an unusual situation, Baade requested that an actual photographic print of NGC 185 was bound in his ApJ paper to demonstrate resolution, as detail was lost with an ordinary halftone illustration.

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NGC 186 = UGC 390 = MCG +00-02-098 = CGCG 383-047 = PGC 2291

00 38 25.3 +03 09 59; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 23”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 40"x20".  Sharply concentrated with a very bright round core and bright stellar nucleus.  Situated just north of the line connecting a mag 6.4 star 14' W and a mag 7.4 star 12' E.  Located on the west side of the NGC 182 group.  LEDA 212560, situated 2.8' SW, was barely seen as extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, stellar nucleus.  Located between mag 6.4 SAO 109315 15' W and mag 7.4 SAO 109348 11' E.  Member of the large NGC 182 group.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 186 on 6 Dec 1850.  It was noted "much smaller than alpha (NGC 194), and is sbM and I think a nova."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this nebula on 23 Sep 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  d'Arrest's position is accurate.

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NGC 187 = MCG -03-02-034 = PGC 2380

00 39 30.3 -14 39 23; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Located 30' SSE of NGC 178.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 187 = LM 1-8 on 3 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and he logged "F, S, mE 150”, bM."  His rough position is 1 min west of MCG -03-02-034 = PGC 2380 and the description matches.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 188 = Cr 6 = Mel 2 = OCL-309

00 47 15 +85 14 49; Cep

V = 8.1;  Size 14'

 

17.5" (12/26/00): At 100x, ~75 stars resolved within 10'-12', roundish group.  The cluster is fairly rich but unconcentrated, with a noticeable void of stars near in the center and a somewhat ill-defined boundary.  The stars appear to be layered; at least a dozen mag 12-13 stars are superimposed on a much richer carpet of mag 14-15 stars over unresolved haze.  At 220x, some additional very faint stars are visible, bringing the total up to ~85 stars.  Two mag 9.5-10 field stars (SAO 109 and 11) are just off the west edge and mag 8.7 SAO 149 is beyond the ENE border.

 

NGC 188 is one of the older known open clusters with an age of ~6.3 billion years and the closest to the north celestial pole.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): about 50 stars at 62x with several mag 7-9 stars in field, appears fully resolved.

 

8" (8/24/84): large cluster, many faint stars, not rich, blank areas near center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 188 = h34 on 3 Nov 1831 and recorded a "Cl, vL, p Rich, 150-200 stars mag 10-18; more than fills the field." The Sky Catalogue 2000.0 gives a poor position of 00 44.0 +85 20.

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NGC 189 = Cr 462 = OCL-301 = Lund 23

00 39 36 +61 05 42; Cas

V = 8.8;  Size 4'

 

24" (1/4/14): well detached, roundish group of stars at 125x.  Using 260x, ~40 stars are resolved in a 5'-6' group.  There are several pairs and tight groupings.  Many of the stars are in a richer 3' inner group, generally arranged in a ring and including h 1043 = 11.6/12.7 pair at 12" (oriented N-S).  A few of the brighter stars, though, form the 6' outline.  A distinctive quadrilateral of stars is ~6' NW.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): 30 stars mag 10-14 in 6' diameter, weakly compressed, no dense areas but appears to have some unresolved background haze.  Elongated E-W due to a couple of strings extending to the west.  A 6'x5' parallelogram of four mag 9 stars in the field to the south.  Not an impressive cluster.

 

8" (11/13/82): about two dozen stars, moderately large, irregular shape, scattered, haze.

 

Caroline Herschel probably discovered NGC 189 = h36 on 27 Sep 1783 although William mistakenly attributed her with the discovery of NGC 381.  This is unlikely as the object she found preceded Gamma Cas, while NGC 381 follows.  Although William made no observations, John Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 27 Oct 1829.  He logged, "Cl, L; p rich; irreg R; 8' diam; straggling; *s 11...15m."

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NGC 190 = UGC 397 = MCG +01-02-041 = MCG +01-02-042 = CGCG 409-051 = III Zw 10 = HCG 5A/5B = PGC 2324

00 38 54.7 +07 03 46; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

48" (10/25/11): HCG 5A is the brighter northern component of a double system forming NGC 190.  It appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 50"x40", bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a very close double with smaller and fainter HCG 5B just 21" between centers.  The halos of the two galaxies are in contact.  HCG 5C is 0.8' NNE and HCG 5D is 0.9' S.  The entire length of the N-S chain of four galaxies is 1.6'.

 

18" (8/26/06): this double system was just resolved into two very close, small knots, roughly 20" each in diameter with their halos in contact.  Both components have faint stellar nuclei.  The northern component (HCG 5A) was slightly brighter and larger.  HCG 5C is a difficult object 1' NW.  The entire quartet is arranged in a N-S chain with a total length of only 1.6'.

 

18" (11/23/05): NGC 190 is a double system which often appears as an elongated glow, 40"x20", oriented N-S.  With careful viewing, the system just resolves into two very small round knots, just 20" between centers.  The northern component is ~20" diameter and the southern member ~15". The two knots both have faint stellar nuclei and appear virtually tangent.  A third member, HCG 5C, is occasionally visible as an extremely faint knot off the NW side.

 

17.5" (12/11/99): Initially seen as a single faint, elongated glow at 220x.  At 280x in moments of good seeing this object cleanly resolved into two very close, very small knots with the brighter component on the north side.  HCG 5C was only intermittently visible with averted vision as a 15" threshold knot.

 

17.5" (9/5/99): NGC 190 is a challenging double system best viewed at high power.  Using 280x, at first appeared as an elongated irregular glow but with extended viewing, two "knots" oriented N-S were resolved within a common halo.  The brighter and larger component (HCG 5A) is at the north end and appears very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  The southern component (HCG 5B) is extremely faint and small, perhaps 15" diameter.  HCG 5C is a threshold knot 1' NW.  The HCG is a subgroup of AGC 76 whose core is ~20' SSE and includes IC 1565, 1566 and 1568.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very close double system, faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, irregular.  HCG 5B is a very small companion attached at the south edge just 22" between centers.  In a compact group of four (HCG 5).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 190 = Sw. V-8 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is just 6 sec of RA east of UGC 397.  His description mentions "3 or 4 stars near sp".  There are two mag 13 and 14.7 stars about 2' SW, but perhaps he also noticed the companion at the south edge (HCG 5B) and took it to be stellar.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver, noted a mag 12.5 star lies about 30" due south of the nebula.  But this probably refers to HCG 5B.  MCG identifies M+01-02-042 as NGC 190 instead of both -041 and -042.

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NGC 191 = Arp 127 NED1 = Holm 13a = MCG -02-02-077 = PGC 2331

00 38 59.3 -09 00 09; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (9/17/88): close double system with IC 1563 0.6' SE.  Fairly faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is 30" SE of center.  A very faint halo surrounding the core extends to IC 1563 and the mag 14 star.  IC 1563 appeared faint, very small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 191 = H II-479 = h38 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "pB, mE nearly in the meridian, near 2' long".  Sir Robert Ball, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 12 Dec 1866, recorded "One neb, with either 2 stars or B, S, neb knots very closely foll - cB, pL, R, bM, two pB st preceding."  One of these "knots" is IC 1563, although discovery credit is given to Bigourdan in the IC.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 192 = HCG 7A = UGC 401 = MCG +00-02-104 = CGCG 383-051 = LGG 010-002 = PGC 2352

00 39 13.5 +00 51 49; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 167”

 

18" (11/23/05): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3' or 1.0'x0.3'.  Well concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the HCG 7 quartet with NGC 196, NGC 197 and NGC 201.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): brightest of four in the HCG 7 group.  Moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, bright core.  NGC 197 lies 2.1' NNE, NGC 196 3' N and NGC 201 5' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 192 = H III-872 = h39, along with NGC 196 and NGC 201, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and logged "vF, vS, bM."  JH made 5 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 193 = UGC 408 = MCG +00-02-103 = CGCG 385-055 = PGC 2359

00 39 18.5 +03 19 52; Psc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x32", sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core.  A mag 13 star is barely off the SW edge and a mag 10 star is 2.6' ESE.  NGC 204 is 6.7' ESE (on line with the mag 10 star).

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, very small, round, sharp concentration.  Located 2.6' WNW of a mag 10 star (9.9/10.6 at 2").  A mag 13 star is off the west edge.  Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 204 7' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 193 = H III-595 = h37 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 657) and logged "vF; S; 3 or 4 stars in it, but I have not been out long enough, however I have no doubt."  WH's RA was off so JH thought his observation was new: "vF; L; close to a *15.  RA by III. 595, which this precedes 25.5 seconds."  R.J. Mitchell observed the galaxy with LdR's 72-inch on 24 Nov 1854 and noted "Not L; R; bM; a bright star close sp; resolvable?".  The NGC position is accurate.

 

WH also recorded nearby NGC 204 and noted "vF, vS, but I have not been out long enough, any may be a deception."  His offset from NGC 193 clearly matches NGC 204, but he didn't assign it an H-designation.

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NGC 194 = UGC 407 = MCG +00-02-105 = CGCG 383-054 = PGC 2362

00 39 18.4 +03 02 14; Psc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; bright, fairly small, slightly out of round, ~35"x30".  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 7.4 star is 6' NNW.  Near the center of the NGC 182 group with several galaxies near; NGC 200 is 10' SSE, NGC 199 is 7' NE and NGC 186 is 15' NW.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5' S of mag 7.3 SAO 109348!  Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 199 6' NE and NGC 200 10' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 194 = H II-856 = h40 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "F, S, vgbM."  JH called it "pB; S; R; bM." The NGC position matches UGC 407 = PGC 2362.

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NGC 195 = MCG -02-02-079 = PGC 2391

00 39 35.8 -09 11 41; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

24" (12/1/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.

 

MCG -02-02-086, the brightest cD member of AGC 85 (distance ~750 million l.y.) lies 34' ESE.  It appeared fairly faint, irregularly round, 40" diameter, low irregular surface brightness, no distinct core or zones.  Two other cluster members were also viewed.

 

17.5" (9/17/88): faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 195 = T I-2 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His position was 0.4 min of RA west and 5' north of MCG -02-02-079 = PGC 2391.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Dec 1897 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 196 = HCG 7B = UGC 405 = MCG +00-02-110 = CGCG 383-053 = LGG 010-003 = PGC 2357

00 39 17.8 +00 54 46; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 3”

 

18" (11/23/05): moderately bright, small, fairly high surface brightness.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, very small core surrounded by a much fainter oval halo 3:2 N-S, ~0.6'x0.4'.  Second brightest in the HCG 7 quartet with NGC 192 3' SSW and much fainter NGC 197 1' SSE.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 197 1' SSE in the HCG 7 group.  NGC 192 lies 3' SSW and NGC 201 5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 196 = H II-860 = h41, along with NGC 192 and NGC 201, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and logged "pF, pS, vgbM."  JH made 4 observations.  MCG mislabels this galaxy as NGC 197.

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NGC 197 = HCG 7D = UGC 406 = MCG +00-02-107 = CGCG 383-053 = LGG 010-006 = PGC 2365

00 39 18.8 +00 53 31; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (11/23/05): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  This galaxy is the smallest and faintest in the HCG 7 quartet and was missed by William and John Herschel.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): extremely faint, very small, almost round.  Member of the HCG 7 group and located 2.1' NNE of NGC 192.  Forms a close pair with NGC 196 1' NNW and NGC 201 lies 4' SE.  Appears fainter than 14.2z.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 197 = m 14 on 16 Oct 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, s of 196."  His position matches UGC 406 = PGC 2365.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 196 in the MCG (+00-02-107).

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NGC 198 = UGC 414 = MCG +00-02-109 = CGCG 383-057 = LGG 009-003 = PGC 2371

00 39 23.0 +02 47 52; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 200x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 60"x50", large bright core.  Slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 200 6' NNE. Two mag 12 stars 3.5' N and 4.5' N are collinear with the galaxy.  A mag 9.9 star is 5.3' SSE.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  Located within the NGC 182 group with NGC 200 6' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 198 = H II-857 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "F, S, vgbM".  At the same time he found H II-858 = NGC 200 to the northeast.  Herman Schultz, Heinrich d'Arrest and Basilius von Engelhardt measured accurate micrometric positions.

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NGC 199 = UGC 415 = MCG +00-02-111 = CGCG 383-058 = PGC 2382

00 39 33.1 +03 08 19; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 160”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Situated 5' E of a mag 7.3 star and 7' NE of NGC 194.  Member of the NGC 182 group.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.  Located 5' E of mag 7.3 SAO 109348 within the NGC 182 group.  NGC 194 lies 6' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 199 on 24 Sep 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and described (from 3 observations) "faint and small. A mag 8 star precedes 27 sec and somewhat south."  His position and description matches UGC 415 = PGC 2382.  Ralph Copeland independently found this galaxy on 11 Dec 1873 at Birr Castle and logged "cF, L neb."

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NGC 200 = UGC 420 = MCG +00-02-112 = CGCG 383-060 = PGC 2387

00 39 34.8 +02 53 15; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 161”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 200x; moderately bright or fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 60"x40", broad concentration but no distinct nucles.  One of the brightest members of the NGC 182 group.  NGC 198 lies 6' SSW.  A 1' pair of mag 12.4 stars oriented N-S lies 3'-4' SW.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 198 6' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 200 = H II-858, along with NGC 198, on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "pB, S, vgbM."  Ralph Copeland, LdR's assistant on 17 Sep 1873, logged "cB, L, cE north-south, gbM".  There was a confusion, though, in the orientation with respect to NGC 198.  The NGC position (from Herman Schultz?) is accurate.

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NGC 201 = HCG 7C = UGC 419 = MCG +00-02-115 = CGCG 383-059 = LGG 010-004 = PGC 2388

00 39 34.9 +00 51 35; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 155”

 

18" (11/23/05): NGC 201 is the largest member of the HCG 7 quartet.  At 225x appears faint, fairly large, round, ~1.6' diameter, low nearly even surface brightness with only a very weak concentration.  Located 5' E of NGC 192.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): largest in the NGC 192 group = HCG 7.  Faint, moderately large, diffuse, even surface brightness, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Last of four including NGC 192, NGC 196 and 197.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 201 = H III-873 = h43, along with NGC 192 and NGC 196, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and recorded "eF, cL. I should not have seen it but for the other two [III-872 = NGC 192 and II-860 = NGC 196]."  On 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), JH recorded "vF; L; E; 60".  The last of 3 on the parallel of the first."

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NGC 202 = UGC 421 = MCG +00-02-113 = CGCG 383-062 = PGC 2394

00 39 39.8 +03 32 11; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 153”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE. A mag 13.6 star is off the east side [42" from center] and a mag 15-15.5 star is at the NNW tip.  Located 7' SSW of mag 7.6 HD 3703. Member of the large NGC 182 group with NGC 203 5.6' S.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, elongated NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the east edge 0.7' from center.  Located 7' S of mag 7.8 SAO 147387.  Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 203 5' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 202 = St VIIIa-1 on 17 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 203 = NGC 211 = MCG +00-02-114 = CGCG 383-061 = PGC 2393

00 39 39.5 +03 26 34; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 85”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval E-W, 30"x20", fairly high surface brightness, quasi-stellar nucleus.  In the NGC 182 group with NGC 193 8.6' SW, NGC 204 8.6' S and NGC 202 5.6' N.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, oval E-W, weak concentration.  Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 202 5' N.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 203 on 19 Dec 1873, while observing the field of NGC 193 and 204.  His micrometric position matches CGCG 383-061 = PGC 2393.  This galaxy was independently found by ƒdouard Stephan (List VIII-2) on 18 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory and catalogued as NGC 211, but Stephan misidentified his offset star so his position was in error.  Applying the correction reveals NGC 211 = NGC 203, with discovery priority going to Copeland.

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NGC 204 = UGC 423 = MCG +00-02-116 = CGCG 383-063 = PGC 2397

00 39 44.2 +03 17 58; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately or fairly bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core that mildly increases towards center.  LEDA 1249738, situated 2.6' ENE, was very faint, round, only 10"-12" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 193 lies 6.6' WNW, beyond a mag 9.7 star.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 4' ESE of a mag 9.5 star.  Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 193 7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 204 = h42 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 657) and noted "vF, vS, but I have not been out long enough, any may be a deception."  His offset from NGC 193 clearly matches NGC 204, but he didn't assign it an H-designation and is uncredited in the GC and NGC.

 

JH independently discovered NGC 204 on 16 Oct 1827 and logged "pB; R; the following of 2 [with NGC193]."  His position (marked as uncertain) is between NGC 193 and 204.  In the Slough Catalogue, JH mistakenly equated h42 with H III-595 (which applies to NGC 193).

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NGC 205 = M110 = UGC 426 = MCG +07-02-014 = CGCG 535-014 = Holm 17c = PGC 2429

00 40 22.0 +41 41 07; And

V = 8.1;  Size 21.9'x11.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 170”

 

13.1": bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 10'x4', quite prominent but only a gentle broad concentration.  G73, the brightest globular cluster in M110 (or associated with M31), lies 6' E of center and appears as a 15th magnitude "star".

 

8" (10/4/80): fairly bright, large, elongated ~N-S, companion to M31.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered M110 = M110 = H V-18 = h44 on 27 Aug 1783.  In the 1785 Philosophical Transactions, William wrote "there is a very considerable, broad, pretty faint, small nebula near it; my sister discovered it, August 27th, 1783, with a Newtonian two-feet sweeper."  Charles Messier probably made an earlier observation on 10 Aug 1773, though no report was published, nor does it appear in his notes.  A sketch published in 1807, though, showed both companions to M31. Kenneth Glynn Jones suggested adding NGC 205 as M110 in a 1967 Sky & Telescope article. William Herschel first observed it on 5 Oct 1784 (sweep 282).  On 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 613), he recorded "vB, mE, above 20' long nearly in the meridian; a few degrees from np to sf, the branches lose themselves."  On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621), he also logged "eB, mE.  I suppose not less than 1/2” long and 10 or 12' broad.; vgmbM; so as to come to a luminous nucleus.  The time very inaccurate, the telescope being off the roller, and only guided by hand."

 

M110 was observed with Lord Rosse's 72" on 2 Nov 1850 and "spirality" was suspected (falsely).  A later observation on 16 Oct 1855 recorded "vL; mE np by sf; sharp nucleus, for some distance round which, the neb. is bright and then suddenly decreases; there is a bright star np the nucleus; and another involved in sf end; another in preceding border.Ó

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NGC 206 = M31-A78 = OB 78

00 40 31.4 +40 44 16; And

Size 4.2'x2';  PA = 0”

 

24" (8/25/19): quite prominent, very large elongated patch, extending 4'x2' N-S.  A number of faint stars were easily seen superimposed.  A brighter, narrow "spine" stands out well with the general star cloud.  NGC 206 can be traced further SSW, where it merges with Association 79, a very large 6'x2' cloud of lower surface brightness oriented SSW-NNE.  Association 80 is 3'  patch directly south of NGC 206 by 7' and has 3 brighter stars superimposed on the north side.  This patch also includes C107, a 5" open cluster on its south side.

 

48" (11/1/13): Using Jimi LowreyÕs 48-inch f/4, we carefully examined the large association NGC 206 for resolved stars using the finder chart in Stephen Odewahn's 1987 study "A photometric survey of the rich OB association NGC 206 in M31Ó.  I assumed using a labeled photographic chart it would not be difficult to identify individual stars, but his chart failed to capture the range in visual brightness of the Milky Way and cluster stars.  As a result I had to carefully verify small patterns of stars (triangle, quadrilaterals, etc.) several times to feel confident of the identifications.  After several minutes of observation, I had identified the 6 or 7 brightest members down to V = 17.6, as well as the superimposed Milky Way stars.  The brightest Ņstar" (Odewahn #12 at V = 16.1) at the north edge was relatively prominent, but most were in the mag 17-17.5 range.

 

Finally, I stopped carefully scrutinizing individual stars, relaxed my eyes and just gazed at the entire star cloud with averted vision.  I was startled that in moments of good seeing, roughly 20 additional extremely faint stars popped in and out of view, mimicking the appearance of a dense open cluster or partially resolved globular cluster!  Based on photometry in the paper, the magnitudes of the resolved stars extended down to approximately V = 18.3-18.4. The cloud, itself, was quite irregular and split up into several slightly brighter patches.

 

Checking journal articles afterwards, I found that Odewahn #12 (= BH05) was not a single star but was listed as a globular cluster candidate (M31GC J004030+404530) in Barmby & HuchraÕs 2001 paper "M31 Globular Clusters in the HST Archive: I. Cluster Detection and CompletenessÓ.  But the 2010 paper "A Photometric catalog of 77 newly-recognized star clusters in M31Ó by Paul Hodge described the results of an HST WFPC2 search for star clusters in active star-formation regions of M31.  BH05 was reclassified as a luminous and massive young cluster with an unusually elliptical shape.  In addition, OdewahnÕs #40 and #112 (and perhaps others) are also clumps of stars or clusters, but visually were essentially stellar.

 

17.5" (8/18/93): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 4.0'x1.6', low and uneven surface brightness.  A few very faint stars are just visible over surface including a brighter star at the south tip.  Located 40' SW of the core of M31.  This is the huge star cloud at the SW end of M31.

 

8" (12/6/80): very faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, low surface brightness patch near the SW end of M31.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 206 = H V-36 = h45 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 613) and recorded "vF, vL, mE, about 20' long nearly in the meridian, or a little from np to sf."  John Herschel simply called it "a very large space filled with neb.Ó

 

E.E. Barnard independently discovered NGC 206 in 1883 and assumed it was new.  On 14 Sep 1885 he reported [AN 2687], "about two years ago, I found with my 5-inch refractor, a moderate size nebula involved with the extreme preceding end of the Great Nebula in Andromeda.  I have now confirmed the observation with the 6-inch Cooke Equatorial and as I can find no record of such nebula I suppose it is new."  Barnard quickly caught his mistake and credited Herschel the next month [AN 2691].  Interestingly, Barnard also reported discovery of the M31 association A54 on the opposite end of M31, though for some reason Dreyer didnÕt assign this object a NGC designation.

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NGC 207 = MCG -03-02-035 = PGC 2395

00 39 40.6 -14 14 13; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85”

 

24" (9/30/16): at 282x; fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, 25"x15".  A mag 14 star is close southwest [separation 38"].  NGC 178 is 8.7' NW and IC 41 is 3.8' N.  A mag 9.5 star lies 4.4' SE.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x15".  A mag 14.3 star is just 40" SW of center.  Located 4.4' NW of mag 9.2 SAO 147389.  Forms a pair with NGC 178 9' WNW.  Member of the NGC 210 group.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 207 on 29 Oct 1877 as the observer on Lord Rosse's 72".  He wrote, "About 35 seconds preceding and 25' ± south [of NGC 210] is [NGC 178], very faint, S, lE p f, mbMN, stellar, 5' nnf a coarse double star 10-11 and 12m.  A very insignificant object."  The description applies, as well as the time difference (actual value 32 seconds preceding) in RA although the galaxy is 5' NNW of the coarse double star instead of NNE as stated.

 

Dreyer assumed R.J. Mitchell's description from 7 Dec 1857 referred to NGC 207, but as it mentions the object is elongated N-S, it more likely applies to NGC 178.  Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 207 at Leader-McCormick Observatory on 3 Nov 1885 and reported it as new (LM 1-9) in the observatory's first discovery list.

 

IC 41 (discovered by Javelle) lies 3.7' north, although MCG, PGC and HyperLeda incorrectly equate IC 41 with NGC 207 (error also in Megastar).  RNGC misclassified NGC 207 as nonexistent and it was reported as not found at Helwan observatory in 1924 (though.  MCG -03-02-035 was noted 4' S of IC 41).  See RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 208 = MCG +00-02-118 = CGCG 383-064 = PGC 2420

00 40 17.6 +02 45 23; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; faint, small, round, 24" diameter, low even surface with no nucleus.  Three brighter stars follow; a mag 11.1 star 3.0' ENE, a mag 11.7 star 5' ESE and a mag 12 star 6' ENE.  NGC 208 is one of the faintest NGC members of the NGC 182 group.  CGCG 383-067, located 10' NE, appeared very faint, small, elongated SW-NE, 20"x12".

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, round.  Located west of four mag 11-13 stars that form a rhombus.  The closest is a mag 11 star 3' ENE.  Member of the NGC 182 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 208 = m 15 on 5 Oct 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply logged "pF".  His position is very close SE of CGCG 383-064 = PGC 2420.

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NGC 209 = ESO 540-008 = MCG -03-02-031 = PGC 2338

00 39 03.6 -18 36 30; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located 70' SW of Beta Ceti.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 209 = LM 1-10 on 9 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is ~1.4 min of RA east of ESO 540-008 = PGC 2338.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and called it "almost a nebulous star."  MCG does not identify -03-02-031 as NGC 209.

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NGC 210 = MCG -02-02-081 = PGC 2437

00 40 34.8 -13 52 28; Cet

V = 10.9;  Size 5.0'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 160”

 

24" (11/21/19): at 322x; the central region is bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.7'.  Contains an intense roundish core that gradually increases to the center.  With averted vision, a very large, low surface brightness halo - more easily visible on the south side - increased the size dramatically to nearly 4'x2'.  Often the halo seemed like a ring as there was a dip in brightness surrounding the brilliant central region.  The halo passes through a mag 12.6 star on the west side [1.2' from center].

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~NNW-SSE, small very bright core.  A mag 11.5 star is close WSW [1.3' from the center].  Located 7' E of mag 8.3 SAO 147392.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-02-082 7.7' NE (not seen).

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, round.  A mag 9 star is 7' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 210 = H II-452 = h46 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 451) and recorded "pB, pS, mbM, resolvable, star 1.5' distant".  His position is 30 tsec too far west.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observer on 7 Dec 1857, logged "bright centre; much elongated north and south, arms vF."  Francis Leavenworth independently found the galaxy on 2 Oct 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and included it in the LM first discovery list (#11).

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NGC 211 = NGC 203 = MCG +00-02-114 = CGCG 383-061 = PGC 2393

00 39 39.5 +03 26 34; Psc

 

See observing notes for NGC 203.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 211 = St VIIIa-2 on 18 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  Corwin notes that Stephan misidentified his offset star (GSC 0014-1250 at 00 40 43.5 +03 28 05) and when his offsets are reapplied they point directly to NGC 203, which was found three years earlier by Ralph Copeland using Lord Rosse's 72" on 19 Dec 1873.  So, NGC 211 = NGC 203, with the original discovery going to Ralph Copeland.  Emmanuel Esmiol did not catch Stephan's error when his rereduced Stephan's positions at the Observatoire de Marseille, so the position is incorrect in his 1916 paper.

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NGC 212 = ESO 150-018 = PGC 2417

00 40 13.3 -56 09 11; Phe

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 131”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): NGC 212, along with NGC 215, are the two brightest members in the core of AGC 2806.  At 429x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, ~55"x45", broad concentration.  A dozen members were easily picked up in the 23' field, though I didn't spend time looking for the faintest members.  The nearest is 2MASX J00400662-5609299 just 1' WSW, while NGC 215 lies 6' SE.  Located 25' NW of mag 5.7 Xi Phoenicis and just 2.4' N of mag 9.6 SAO 232142.  2MASX J00400423-5610499 is situated  just 1' NW of the mag 9.6 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 212 = h2336 on Oct 28 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, 15", the preceding of two [with h2337 = NGC 215]".

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NGC 213 = UGC 436 = MCG +03-02-023 = CGCG 457-026 = PGC 2469

00 41 10.0 +16 28 09; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 13.5-14.0 star is off the SE edge 26" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 213 = H III-200 on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and logged "2 small stars with nebulosity between, verified with 240 power."  His position is accurate.  On 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590) he noted "2 small stars with faint nebulosity, most of the chevulure is about the preceding star; the stars are within 1/2' of each other."

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NGC 214 = UGC 438 = MCG +04-02-044 = CGCG 479-059 = PGC 2479

00 41 28.0 +25 29 58; And

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 214 = H II-209 = h47 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded "vF, pL, iR, equally bright, r."  R.J. Mitchell (LdR's assistant) observed the field on 3 Nov 1855 and noted, "I find 3 neb, perhaps 4, as in annexed sketch.  A is oval, and I think resolvable; and has a star at np edge."  Mitchell goes on to describe 1 or 2 additional nebulae in the field, but these are either stars or close doubles.

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NGC 215 = ESO 150-019 = PGC 2451

00 40 48.9 -56 12 51; Phe

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 120”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): this is the brightest member of AGC 2806. Appeared moderately bright or fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, well concentrated with a bright core that increases to the center.  NGC 212 (just barely inferior) lies 6' NW.  Located 4' NE of mag 10 SAO 232144.  The nearest two members are PGC 101135 3.4' WSW and PGC 128457 2.9' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 215 = h2336 (along with NGC 212 = h2336) on Oct 28 1834 and recorded "pF, S, R, 20", the following of two [with NGC 212]."  On a later sweep he logged "F, R, vgbM; among stars." His position is accurate.

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NGC 216 = ESO 540-015 = MCG -04-02-035 = PGC 2478

00 41 27.1 -21 02 44; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, fades at tips.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 216 = H III-244 = h49 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 330) and noted "eF, vS, E."  JH logged "eF; lE; nf to sp." The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 217 = MCG -02-02-085 = PGC 2482

00 41 33.8 -10 01 20; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small.  This is a pretty edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 217 = H II-480 = h48 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, pL, lE, lbM."  JH observed this galaxy on a single sweep and noted "not vF; S; gbM; 10-15"."  Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 9 Aug 1886 and reported it in list IV-4.  His position was 15 sec of RA east of MCG -02-02-085 = PGC 2482, a similar offset as other objects he observed that night.

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NGC 218 = VV 527 = UGC 480 = MCG +06-02-016 = CGCG 519-021 = PGC 2720 = The Pattern

00 46 31.9 +36 19 32; And

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 177”

 

24" (12/22/14): moderately bright and large, irregularly round, ~0.8' diameter though the halo increases in size and shape with averted vision.  A brighter nucleus is offset to the east side of the galaxy, so could be mistaken for a knot in the halo.  Forms an interacting pair with CGCG 519-022 1.4' ENE.

 

CGCG 519-022 is fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.2', very weak concentration.  The SDSS reveals numerous thin, blue arm segments of NGC 218 that are apparently tidally stretched towards CGCG 519-022.

 

17.5" (9/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular shape and surface brightness, 1.0' diameter, broadly concentrated.  Forms the right angle of a small isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5-14 stars 1.4' N and 1.3' W.  Forms an interacting pair with MCG +06-02-017 1.4' E.  The companion is very faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.5'x0.25'.  Member of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 218 = St VIIIa-3 on 17 Oct 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His published position implies an offset of just 40" S of mag 8.9 SAO 54096 (given as the offset star) but there is nothing at this position and his description makes no mention of a nearby bright star.  The only nearby candidate is UGC 440, which is located 45 tsec W and almost 2' N of Stephan's offsets, and this galaxy is taken as NGC 218 in all modern catalogues.

 

I checked Emmanuel Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions at Marseilles Observatory and found that NGC 218 was left off of the main tables, but replaced with an "Anonymous" galaxy using a different delta RA but the same offset star (SAO 54096) and the same delta Dec.  Esmiol's new position corresponds exactly with UGC 480, although apparently this correction to the position of NGC 218 has gone unnoticed until now.  At the bottom of the page is the note "wrongly identified as NGC 218".  So, NGC 218 = UGC 480.  Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke agree with this analysis.  Wolfgang notes in his book on the history of the NGC, that Esmiol's catalogue gives 4 discoveries of Stephan that did not receive NGC designations, but he missed this connection with NGC 218.  This identification has now been incorporated into NED, although it is still incorrect in HyperLeda (as of 2013) as well as the NGC/IC Project, which has not been updated in a long time.

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NGC 219 = MCG +00-02-128 = CGCG 383-073 = PGC 2522

00 42 11.3 +00 54 16; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' SSW of center.  Located 3.7' NNW of NGC 223.

 

George Phillips Bond, director of Harvard College Observatory, discovered NGC 219 = HN 1 on 16 Sep 1863 at Harvard College observatory with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor.  His position and description matches MCG +00-02-128.  This is one of the few galaxies "discovered" by Bond that are not single or multiple stars.

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NGC 220 = ESO 029-003 = Lindsay 22

00 40 30.6 -73 24 11; Tuc

V = 12.4;  Size 0.8'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~50" diameter, brighter nucleus.  There was no resolution except for a single faint star near the center.  A mag 11 star lies 1' NE and just south of NGC 222.  NGC 220 is the first of three in a chain with NGC 222 1.5' NE and NGC 231 4.0' NE.  Also NGC 176 lies 24' NW.  NGC 220 is located at the west edge of a large SMC star cloud (Hodge Association 3).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 220 = h2338, along with NGC 231, on 12 Aug 1834 in the SMC and recorded "F, vgbM, irregular figure."  On a second sweep he wrote "The first of an irregular string of nebulae and stars which descends at an angle of about 45 degrees from the centre to the edge of the field (i.e. in a north-following direction)."  Finally, on a third sweep he recorded "F, R; the field is full of the nebulous light of the Nubecula Minor."  Harold Corwin notes that NGC 222 = h2339 may be a 4th observations of this cluster (see notes).

 

James Dunlop probably made an earlier discovery of NGC 220 = D 2 on 1 Aug 1826 using his 9" reflector.  He described a "faint nebula, about 1 1/2' long, irregular figure, rather branched.  This is involved in the margin of the Nebula minor."  His position is 3.6' NW of NGC 220, though given his general poor positions this identification is not certain.  Herschel assigned D 2 to NGC 231 = h2340 instead.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 16 Dec 1887 (first of 14 objects) with the Melbourne telescope and called it "pB, irr, pS, lBM, amidst stars."

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NGC 221 = M32 = Arp 168 = UGC 452 = MCG +07-02-015 = CGCG 535-016 = Holm 17b = PGC 2555

00 42 41.9 +40 51 53; And

V = 8.1;  Size 8.7'x6.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 170”

 

24" (11/24/14): extremely high surface brightness, large, elongated at least 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~5'x3.5'.  The large halo is highly concentrated to a small very bright core.  The core itself is sharply concentrated to a very small, very bright nucleus punctuated by an intense stellar nucleus.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, about 4'x3', increases to small very bright core which is almost stellar.  Located 24' S of the center of M31. 

 

8" (8/24/84): very bright, moderately large, round, 24' S of M31.

 

15x50mm (7/26/06): an intense "star-like" core is surrounded by a small halo in my IS binoculars.

 

Guillaume Le Gentil discovered M32 = NGC 221 = h51 on 29 Oct 1749.  He reported "While observing the Andromeda Nebula with a fine 18-foot telescope ... I saw another small nebula, about one minute in diameter which appeared to throw out two small rays; one to the right and the other to the left."  Messier found it independently in 1757 while observing M31, unaware of Le Gentil's earlier observation.

 

In the Appendix to the 1912 'Scientific Papers of Sir William Herschel' this description is given of M32: "1813, December 26, 20 feet telescope, a vB R nebula, vgbM, up to a nucleus."  John Herschel recorded (1 Oct 1828), "eB; pL; sbM to a * 10m; 40"; a small star follows it 11.5 seconds."

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NGC 222 = ESO 029-004 = Lindsay 24

00 40 44.5 -73 23 03; Tuc

V = 12.2;  Size 0.6'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second and the smallest of three SMC clusters in a string with NGC 220 1.5' SW and NGC 231 2.5' NE.  At 228x, it appeared as a fairly faint, small, round glow of ~30" diameter, unresolved.  A mag 11.5 star lies 30" south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 222 = h2339 on 11 Apr 1834 and simply recorded "vF, R, outlying."  His position, though, is unusually poor - landing 3.7' S of NGC 220.  Since h2339 was only recorded on the single sweep 441, Harold Corwin suggests this number may be another observation of NGC 220, which was recorded on 3 later sweeps, but not the one on 11 Apr 1834!  As NGC 220 is much more prominent than the smaller cluster taken as NGC 222, it seems unreasonable that JH would have missed NGC 220.  On sweep 625, JH recorded NGC 220 as "The first of an irregular string of nebulae and stars which descends at an angle of about 45 degrees from the centre to the edge of the field (i.e. in a north-following direction)".  It's very possible that the cluster taken as NGC 222 was one of these "string of nebulae and stars" as it is just 1.5' NE of NGC 220, so perhaps he did see the cluster on this date.  See Corwin's notes for more on this identification.

 

James Dunlop's D 2, discovered on 1 Aug 1826, may refer to this chain.  He described a "faint nebula, about 1 1/2' long, irregular figure, rather branched.  This is involved in the margin of the Nebula minor."  His position is ~3.5' WNW of NGC 220/222 but given his general poor positions, this identification is not certain, and more likely would apply to NGC 220 (brightest cluster).  Herschel assigned D 2 to NGC 231 = h2340.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 16 Dec 1887 (second of 14 objects) with the Melbourne telescope and called it "pB, roundish, pS lbM, amidst stars."

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NGC 223 = IC 44 = UGC 450 = MCG +00-02-129 = PGC 2527

00 42 15.8 +00 50 44; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 62”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 219 3.7' NNW.  Located close to the midpoint of a mag 11 star 2.8' SE and a mag 12 star 3.0' NW that is just south of NGC 219.

 

George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 223 = HN 7 = Au 4 = Sw. VI-5 on 5 Jan 1853.  It was found with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations of stars near the celestial equator.  He noted a round nebula, between stars #131 and 132 and measured the dec, but not the RA.  The discovery was listed as #4 in Auwers 1862 list of new nebulae, though the RA was only given to the nearest minute of time.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy on 1 Jan 1862 and assumed it was a new discovery.  He added a note of Bond's earlier discovery in his 1865 catalogue of new nebulae.  Lewis Swift made another discovery (list VI, #5) on 21 Nov 1886.  Finally Swift "discovered" it again on 12 Nov 1890, and described Sw. X-1 (later IC 44) as "eF; S; R; bet 2 st." His position was ~2' too far north and Dreyer either assumed it was new or just missed the equivalence.  In any case, NGC 223 = IC 44.

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NGC 224 = M31 = UGC 454 = MCG +07-02-016 = CGCG 535-017 = And A = Holm 17a = PGC 2557 = Andromeda Galaxy

00 42 44.1 +41 16 08; And

V = 3.4;  Size 191'x62';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (7/5/86): the remarkable "Andromeda galaxy" is very bright, extremely large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, about 2.5” length.  Very large bright core containing a stellar nucleus using direct vision.  There are two black parallel dust lanes along the NW side of the core.  The galaxy extends beyond the star cloud NGC 206 located about 40' SW of the core.

 

18": a total of 38 globular clusters have been tracked down in M31 as well as 9 star clusters.

 

Persian astronomer Abd-al-Rahman Al-Sžfi first mentioned M31 = NGC 224 = h51 in his "Book of Fixed Stars" (964 AD) as the "Little Cloud" lying before the mouth of a Big Fish (an Arabic constellation).  Surprisingly, Tycho Brahe didn't mention M31 in his star catalogue (nor Hipparchus or Bayer), which included 6 nebulous objects (only real one was M44). German astronomer Simon Marius made the first telescopic observation of M31 (actually of any nebula) on 15 Dec 1612 and it appeared to be composed of rays of light, increasing in brightness towards the center, mared by a dull, pale light.  It appearance "resembling the light of a burning candle, atsome distance, shining through translucent horn."  Giovanni Hodierna listed it as a new nebula in his catalog based on his observation in 1654, so apparently he was unaware of Marius' observation in 1612.  Cassini, in 1740, represented its shape as nearly triangular.  Le Gentil considered it round for some years, then oval, but always of a uniform light.  In 1764 Messier wrote "it resembles two cones or pyramides of light, opposed at their bases, the axes of which are in direction NW-SE."  Due to these varying descriptions, it was thought the nebula might be variable.

 

William Herschel first observed M31 in 1780 ("has no star in it") but using a 6-inch on 2 Aug 1783 he noted, "227x, a strong suspicion of stars.  This speculum has not light enough.  I doubt not but 20 feet will confirm it.  460x, suspicion still stronger."  He was obviously mistaken on the resolvability.  WH also noted the nebula "begins to shew a faint red colour."  Perhaps he detected a slight hue to the nuclear region (red giants), though this seems unlikely.  In 1826 John Herschel wrote, "At present it has not, indeed, a star, or any well-defined disk in its center, but the brightness, which increases by a regular gradation from the circumference, suddenly acquires a great accession, so as to off the appearance of a nipple as it were in the midd, of very small diameter (10" or 12")...Its nebulosity is of the most perfectly milky absolutely irresolvable kind, with the slightest tendency to that separation into flocculi above described in the nebula in Orion..."

 

The quasi-stellar nucleus was observed by Johann Lamont on 13 Oct 1836 with a 10.5-inch refractor at Munich Observatory and measured as 6.9" diameter.  George Bond made a remarkable sketch in 1847 using the new 15-inch Harvard refractor, showing two sharply defined dust lanes, a stellar nucleus and M32 and M110 embedded within the halo of M31. He mentioned "a sudden interruption of light, appearing like a narrow, dark band, in which the eye could detect no deviation from perfect straightness, streating, in the direction of the axis of the nebula, entirely across the field of view; exterior to this, with respect to the axis, was another band or canal..."  Bond also traced the major axis to a length of 4”.  Leopold Trouvelot produced a beautiful sketch of the dust lanes in 1874 at the Harvard College Observatory.

 

The spiral nature, though, was first revealed in photographs by Isaac Roberts in 1888 with a 20-inch reflector (reproduced in many publications) and E.E. Barnard in 1890 with the 12-inch refractor, though neither used in the word "spiral" in their papers.  Roberts speculated wildly on the nature of M31, suggesting it was a "new solar system in the process of condensation from a nebula" and the two companions, M32 and M110, were "already undergoing their transformations into planets."

 

Ernst Hartwig discovered the first extragalactic supernova on 20 Aug 1885 near the center of M31.  SN 1885A = S And reached mag 5.85 and faded to mag 14 a half a year later.  The brightness (if a nova) seemed evidence that M31 was relatively nearby (within the Milky Way).  In 1899, though, German astronomer Julius Scheiner obtained a spectrum using a 7.5 hour exposure and found "No traces of bright nebular lines are present, so that the interstellar speace in the Andromeda nebula, just as in our stellar system, is not appreciably occupied by gaseous matter." He further stated "previous suspicion that the spiral nebulae are star clusters is now raised to a certainty, the thought suggests itself of comparing ..our stellar system, with especial reference to its great similarity to the Andromeda nebula."  This added strong support for the "island-universe" theory.  Hubble first identified a Cepheid variable (V1) in M31 on a plate taken October 5-6, 1923.  In 1944, while the Los Angeles area was in a World War II blackout, William Baade first resolved the central region of M31, M32, M110 as well as NGC 147 and NGC 185 using the 100-inch at Mount Wilson.

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NGC 225 = Cr 7 = OCL-305 = Lund 25 = Sailboat Cluster

00 43 35 +61 46; Cas

V = 7.0;  Size 12'

 

24" (1/4/14): bright, large, scattered group of ~50 stars in 10' group.  Includes 15-18 brighter stars that stand out (mag 9.5-11).  A ragged N-S string of stars defines the eastern border of the cluster.  There are no rich subgroups and a lack of faint stars.

 

A detached group of stars is off the north side, but these stars do not appear to be part of the cluster.  vdB 4, a very faint reflection nebula, is involved with these stars though it was not noticed.

 

17.5" (11/2/91): about two dozen stars at 100x in a 12' diameter.  Bright but scattered.  Outline forms an isosceles triangle with the vertex at west edge and the long base on the east side.  Most stars are mag 10-11 and evenly spaced.  The cluster appears completely resolved.  Only one fairly close double star in group.  Just ENE of the main group is a line of five mag 9 stars oriented N-S.

 

8": two dozen stars in a cluster, fairly bright but scattered, no dense spots.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 225 = H VIII-78 = h52 on 27 Sep 1783 (and seen again on 30 Oct 1783 and 23 Feb 1784) with her 4.2" comet seeker reflector.  The cluster was first seen by William on 11 Mar 1784 before he began the evening's sweeps. On 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887), he recorded, "a good many coarsely scattered L stars of an equal size, they take up a space of 15 or 20'."

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NGC 226 = UGC 459 = CGCG 500-076 = LGG 014-003 = PGC 2572

00 42 54.0 +32 34 52; And

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (9/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.45', very weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is just off the south side, 30" from the center.  Located 11' ESE of mag 8.5 HD 3925, which is just outside the 220x field.

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, bright core, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 30" S.  Located 7' NE of mag 9.4 SAO 54094 and 10.5' ESE of mag 8.5 SAO 54088.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 226 = h53 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged "eF; S; R; has a 13m to south, dist 20"."  His position and description matches UGC 459 = PGC 2572.  R.J. Mitchell (LdR assistant) recorded it on 19 Sep 1857 as "vF, S, R, bM, just on of a vF *."

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NGC 227 = UGC 456 = MCG +00-02-135 = CGCG 383-076 = PGC 2547

00 42 36.8 -01 31 43; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 155”

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, very small bright core or stellar nucleus?

 

13.1" (9/29/84): compact galaxy elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, small prominent nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 227 = H II-444 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "F, pL, lbM".  The micrometric position from Engelhardt in the NGC is accurate.

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NGC 228 = UGC 458 = MCG +04-02-048 = CGCG 479-062 = PGC 2563

00 42 54.5 +23 30 12; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, small, almost round, weak concentration.  In a tight quadruple group with NGC 229 2.5' E, CGCG 479-061 1.5' SW ("extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very low even surface brightness") and CGCG 479-065 11' ESE ("very faint, very small, round, bright core").

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 228 = St X-1 on 10 Oct 1879 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory, along with St X-2 = NGC 229.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 229 = MCG +04-02-049 = CGCG 479-064 = PGC 2577

00 43 04.6 +23 30 33; And

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, stellar nucleus.  In a quadruple group with NGC 228 2.5' W and CGCG 479-065 9' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 229 = St X-2 on 10 Oct 1879 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory, along with NGC 228 = St X-1.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 230 = ESO 474-014 = MCG -04-02-037 = PGC 2539

00 42 27.1 -23 37 44; Cet

V = 14.7;  Size 1.1'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 44”

 

24" (12/22/14): extremely faint to very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~20"x10", low surface brightness.  Requires averted and concentration, but clearly visible ~25% of time.

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely tough, very small object only suspected on a couple of occasions.  My field sketch shows it situated just south of the midpoint of two stars oriented NW-SE [separation 1.5'] and it seemed extended SW-NE (perpendicular to the line connecting the stars).  This matches the DSS image, so I probably finally detected this galaxy.  Located 6' SW of NGC 232 and 8' SW of the double system NGC 235.

 

17.5": Negative sightings on 12/3/88, 10/21/95 in thin clouds and 12/20/95.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 230 = LM 2-291, along with NGC 232 and 235, in 1886 with the 26" refractor the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 0.2 min of RA east of ESO 474-014.  As Leavenworth gave a size of just 0.1' and mag 16.0, it must have appeared nearly stellar.

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NGC 231 = ESO 029-005 = Lindsay 25

00 41 06.4 -73 21 08; Tuc

V = 12.7;  Size 0.8'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared as a moderately large, low surface brightness hazy region with an irregular outline, ~2' diameter.  A few mag 14 stars were resolved.  Last of three open clusters with compact NGC 222 2.5' SW and NGC 220 4.0' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 231 = h2340 on 12 Aug 1834 (sweep 482) and recorded "an irregular train of stars and nebulosity in the Nubecula Minor. (Evidently that referred to in sweep 625 [NGC 220])." His position falls very close to the cluster taken as NGC 231 (ESO 029-005 = Lindsay 25), but Corwin suggests NGC 231 really refers to the entire string of 3 clusters - NGC 220, 222 and 231.  I agree - this was his first observation here and he certainly wouldn't have picked up just the single faintest cluster but either noticed the entire string or just NGC 220 and 222, the two brightest clusters.

 

Herschel suggested h2340 might be equivalent to D 2, but Dunlop likely saw only NGC 220 or both NGC 220 and 221, which he described as "a faint nebula, about 1.5' long, irregular figure, rather branched. This is involved in the margin of the Nubecula Minor."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster of 16 Dec 1887 (third of 14 objects) with the 48" Melbourne telescope and called it "eeeF, very small thin nebulosity around a minute star. Two or more stars near."

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NGC 232 = ESO 474-015 = MCG -04-02-040 = VV 830 = PGC 2559

00 42 45.7 -23 33 41; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 171”

 

24" (12/22/14): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration.  NGC 235/235B lies 2.0' NE and NGC 230 is 6' SW.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a trio with NGC 235A/NGC 235B 2.5' NE.  Extremely difficult NGC 230 lies 6' SW (see notes of 10/4/97).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 232 = LM 2-292, along with NGC 230 and 235, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position essentially matches ESO 474-015 = PGC 2559, but Herbert Howe measured a precise position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 233 = UGC 464 = MCG +05-02-041 = CGCG 500-078 = PGC 2604

00 43 36.6 +30 35 13; And

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo, no distinct edges.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 233 = H III-149 = h54 on 14 Oct 178 (sweep 266) and logged "eF, vS, R."  R.J. Mitchell, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 22 Nov 1854, recorded "pB, vS, R, a F* v close preceding??". There is a very faint star close west of the core.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 234 = UGC 463 = MCG +02-02-028 = CGCG 434-032 = PGC 2600

00 43 32.4 +14 20 33; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, broad concentration, faint nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 234 = H II-245 on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and logged "F, pS, irregular oval."  On 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295), he noted "F, pS, R, lbM." and again on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590), "pB, cL, gmbM."  Dreyer made a detailed observation at Birr Castle on 8 Nov 1876: "pB, pL, iR, seems with higher power to have two points of condensation, p and f, the f. one the brighter.  I think the p one is a S * involved. Lord Rosse thought it resolved."  A mag 16.3 star is at the west edge and the following "point of condensation" probably refers to the nucleus. The NGC position is 2.5' too far south.

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NGC 235 = ESO 474-016 = MCG -04-02-041 = PGC 2569

00 42 52.8 -23 32 29; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 117”

 

24" (12/22/14): at 260x; NGC 235A, the brighter northwest component of this interacting double system, appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter high surface brightness, bright core increases to a very bright stellar nucleus.  NGC 235B is attached on the southeast side and appeared fairly faint, small, 12" diameter, round, very small brighter nucleus.  The pair of galaxies are separated by just 20" between centers!

 

17.5" (12/3/88): the western member of this double system appeared faint, very small, round, small bright core.  The eastern component, attached at the following end, appeared extremely faint and small, round.  Forms a double with NGC 232 2.5' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 235 = LM 2-293, along with NGC 230 and 232, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.3 min of RA east of ESO 474-016 = PGC 2569.  This is a double system with the brighter component on the NW side, although it was not resolved by Leavenworth.  Often NGC 235 is taken as the northwest component with the southeast component (ESO 474-017) a separate galaxy, though Leavenworth likely observed the merged image of both objects.  MCG labeled the two galaxies as NGC 235A and 235B but PGC as NGC 235 and 235A.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes), but also makes no reference to it appearing double.

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NGC 236 = UGC 462 = MCG +00-03-001 = CGCG 383-080 = PGC 2596

00 43 27.5 +02 57 30; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, fairly low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is off the NE edge 1.4' from center.  Located roughly 1 degree east of the large NGC 182 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 236 = m 16 on 3 Aug 1864 using Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta and recorded "vF, pL".  His position is 1.5' N of UGC 462 = PGC 2596.

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NGC 237 = UGC 461 = MCG +00-02-136 = CGCG 383-079 = PGC 2597

00 43 27.9 -00 07 30; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, weak concentration.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 237 = Sf 94 on 27 Sep 1867 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. His discovery list was not published until 1887, so Dreyer was unable to credit him in the NGC. The galaxy was independently found by Lewis Swift on 21 Nov 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and catalogued it as #6 in his 6th discovery list, though his position was 16 seconds off in RA.  Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 238 = ESO 194-031 = AM 0041-502 = PGC 2595

00 43 25.5 -50 10 57; Phe

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 93”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, roundish, ~1.5' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  A weak central bar extends NW-SE from the nucleus.

 

Subtle structure is evident in the halo with slightly enhanced regions.  A slightly brighter patch is on the northwest and west side (images show this part of an inner ring) and an extremely faint "star" is superimposed [25" NW of center].  The DSS2 image reveals this is either a bright knot or possibly an interacting companion.  In 1981ApJS...46...75A ("Spectroscopic Measures of Galaxies, Their Companions, and Peculiar Galaxies in the Southern Hemisphere"), Arp identifies this object as a companion galaxy as well as Madore in the 2007 paper "The Curious Case of NGC 6708".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 238 = h2341 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "eF, pL, R, gvlbM, 50"."  His position matches ESO 194-031 = PGC 2595.

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NGC 239 = MCG -01-03-007 = PGC 2642

00 44 37.4 -03 45 34; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, broad concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.6' E of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 239 = LM 1-12 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 1' S of MCG -01-03-007 = PGC 2642.  Ormond Stone's "corrected" position, given in the IC 1 notes, is 1.1 tmin too far E.  In the IC 2 notes section, Max Wolf states the original NGC position was correct!

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NGC 240 = UGC 473 = MCG +01-03-001 = CGCG 410-003 = PGC 2653

00 45 01.9 +06 06 47; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, oval 4:3 ~E-W, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' SSE of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 240 = Sw. V-9 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF; S; R; * nr south".  His position is 9 sec of RA east of UGC 473 and his "* nr south" is probably the mag 13.6 star 1.2' SE.

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NGC 241 = NGC 242 = ESO 029-006

00 43 34 -73 26 36; Tuc

V = 12.0;  Size 0.9'

 

See observing notes for NGC 242.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 241 = h2342 on 12 Aug 1834 and described "a very F, R nebula or group (We are now fairly in the Nubecula Minor, and field begins to be full of faint perfectly irresolvable nebulous light."  There is nothing at his sinngle Cape of Good Hope position but 10' N is h2343 (later NGC 242).  Herschel caught this error and corrected the NPD in an errata list at the end of the CGH catalogue, though apparently he didn't notice the nearly identical positions.  Since Herschel only observed NGC 241 on a sweep where NGC 242 was not recorded, Harold Corwin (as well as ESO and Eric Lindsay) equate NGC 241= NGC 242.  Since NGC 242 refers to his first observation it should be the primary designation.  See Harold Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 242 = NGC 241 = ESO 029-6 = Lindsay 29

00 43 34 -73 26 36; Tuc

V = 12.0;  Size 0.9'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 282x, this SMC cluster appeared fairly bright, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6'.  A faint star is at the west end and another faint star or clump of stars is at the SE end.  A pair of mag 12.5/13 stars lies 2.5' SW.  NGC 248 lies 9' NE and NGC 256 can be found 11' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 242 = h2343 on 11 Apr 1834 and recorded "pL; vF; R; vgbM; (in a sweep below the pole and ill seen) the RA is probably also in error.  On a second sweep he recorded "a binuclear nebula, or two, vS, R, running together."  Finally on a third sweep he noted "a small irresolvable knot in the bright part of the Nubecula Minor."  NGC 241 = h2343, recorded in Aug 1834, is a duplicate observation (see notes).

 

Interestingly, Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 16 Dec 1887 (as well as numerous other SMC clusters) with the 48" Melbourne telescope and logged it as two objects (labeled as "D" and "E") "almost forming a double nebula".  The main NW clump was called "pB, very small, nebulous star" and the SE knot as "pB; eeS; nebulous star very close to D.  I believe two minute stars in D and one in E which makes the objects sparke, many stars in the field."  This matches Herschel's description of "a binuclear nebula, or two..."  SIMBAD labels the NW clump as NGC 241 = Kron 22w = Lindsay 29w and the SE clump as NGC 242 = Kron 22E = Lindsay 29e and NGC 241/242 is listed as a star cluster pair in 2000A&AS..146...57D.

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NGC 243 = MCG +05-02-043 = CGCG 500-082 = PGC 2687

00 46 00.9 +29 57 34; And

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 1.4' E of a mag 10.5 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 243 = St XII-6 on 18 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged "F, vS, R, gbM,* 10 precedes by 6 sec".  His position and description matches CGCG 500-082 = PGC 2687.

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NGC 244 = UGCA 10 = MCG -03-03-003 = VV 728 = PGC 2675

00 45 46.7 -15 35 50; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, small bright core.  Located 3.5' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.  A tight trio of mag 14.5 stars is 8' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 244 = H III-485 = h55 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "vF, S, iF, resolvable."  The NGC position is just 1' too far N.

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NGC 245 = UGC 476 = MCG +00-03-005 = Mrk 555 = PGC 2691

00 46 05.5 -01 43 22; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, stellar nucleus.  A pair of stars mag 13.5 and 14.5 with a separation of 35" lie 1.5' S.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, star superimposed or faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 245 = H II-445 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and recorded "F, iR, easily resolvable, 1' broad." The NGC RA is just 0.1 tmin too large.

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NGC 246 = PK 118-74.1 = PN G118.8-74.7 = Skull Nebula

00 47 03.3 -11 52 19; Cet

V = 10.4;  Size 240"x210";  PA = 120”

 

48" (10/23/14): At 488x with an NPB filter the view of the Skull Nebula was breathtaking and all the structure in a detailed photograph was visible.  The thin brighter rim varied in brightness, thickness and scalloped structure along its entire length.

 

The rim is brightest along a 60” arc on the western side, bulging inward just north of center, creating a small darker indentation in the rim due west of the prominent central star. Moving counterclockwise around the rim, a small brighter, elongated patch is at the northwest edge, close to a mag 11.5 star just outside the planetary.  The rim is relatively weak along the north side, but two brighter (detached) patches are along the northeast side.  An irregular, elongated luminous patch spreads inward here.  This glow is fairly prominent just northeast of center, on line with the central star and the second interior mag 12 star (southwest of center). A second luminous patch is midway from the central star to the north rim.  The rim is weakest overall along a 90” arc on the eastern side, near a mag 13.5 star, which is embedded just within the planetary. Two more luminous patches are visible at the south rim, with the westernmost glow both larger and brighter.

 

The interior is relatively dark, though glows weakly with subtle variations, creating pockets of darkness - one is northeast of the central star - and mild enhancements.  A small diaphanous glow is just south of the mag 12 star on the southwest side.  More extensive milky nebulosity extends inward from the southern rim, though the most prominent interior glow is the split nebulosity mentioned earlier on the northwest side.

 

33" (9/16/07): gorgeous annular planetary viewed at 200x.  The thin brighter rim was striking and varied in brightness and thickness around the periphery.  The rim is brightest along the western or WNW edge and weakest on the east side.  The interior was darker but irregular in surface brightness.

 

18" (10/13/07): 175x gave an excellent view using the NPB filter and the thin, bright irregular rim (only dimming on the east side) and darker center was quite striking.

 

18" (8/23/03): I took a quick look at 160x from Chew's Ridge with a thin waning crescent low in the ENE.  Without a filter I don't remember the brighter rim being so crisply defined and the annularity so clear.  The superimposed stars gave the planetary a transparent, 3-dimensional feel as if I was seeing inside the object. 

 

17.5" (1/8/00): at 100x, appears as a moderately bright, 3.5' irregular glow with a darker center and encompassing four stars including the 12th magnitude central star.  Excellent contrast gain using an OIII filter, which sharpens up the edge of the roundish annulus and enhances the irregular surface brightness.  The halo is brightest along a 270” arc running from SW to NE and is clearly weakest at the east edge of the halo.  A mag 11.5 star is embedded at the NW edge of the halo 2.0' from center.  The irregular central hole is much darker but faintly luminous.  A mag 12 star is also superimposed southwest of the central star and a 4th star is just inside the eastern boundary.  The central star forms a thin right triangle with the other two brighter stars.  At 220x, the western 90” outer arc is brightest and there appears to be a knot embedded at the NE edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly bright, large, 4' diameter, annular.  Four stars are involved including the central star.  This planetary has an irregular surface brightness with subtle structure.

 

13" (11/5/83): fairly bright with filter, clearly annular, sharper edges.  NGC 255 lies 15' SSE.

 

8" (11/5/83): fairly faint, large, four stars involved.  No annularity noted.

 

16x80 (8/24/84): faintly visible in finder.

 

80mm finder (10/13/07): visible unfiltered at 25x.  Nice contrast gain using the NPB filter and the planetary also appears to increase in size.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 246 = H V-25 = h56 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "four or five pL stars forming a trapezium of 4 or 5' diameter. The enclosed space is filled up with milky nebulosity faintly terminated. The stars seem to have no connection with the nebulosity."  The 1973 Revised New General Catalogue of Nonstellar Objects (RNGC) reversed the sign of the declination (+), and this typo was copied into some amateur software and digital setting circles.

 

Isaac Roberts described NGC 246 as a spiral nebula based on an early photograph.  In 1912 Knox-Shaw reported it was not a spiral, but "like the Owl nebula", based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector from 1909-11.  Still Hardcastle later classified NGC 246 as a spiral nebula.  Campbell (at Lick) and Paddock found the spectrum to be of a PN.   Based on a Crossley photograph, Heber Curtis described (1918) "a somewhat irregular oval, brightest on western edge; 4'x3.5' in PA 120”.  Periphery clear-cut, with a broken ring effect.  Very faint, irregular matter in inner parts.  The central star is bluish, and considerably brighter photographically than visually."

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NGC 247 = ESO 540-022 = MCG -04-03-005 = UGCA 11 = PGC 2758

00 47 08.2 -20 45 37; Cet

V = 9.1;  Size 21.4'x6.9';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 174”

 

48" (10/31/13): at 287x, NGC 247 spanned at least 18'x5' NNW-SSE and stretched from an HII region at the NNW tip to beyond a mag 9.5 star (HD 4529) near the SSE end.  A very large, elongated darker region (though not primarily caused by dust extinction), dubbed the "Needle's Eye", forms an interesting feature on the NNW side of the halo.  Visually it extended at least 3.5'x1.0'.  A relatively bright HII knot (identified in NED as MRSS 540-038059 from the "Muenster Red Sky Survey") is beyond this feature at the NNW end of the major axis, 9.5' from center.  This knot appeared fairly faint, relatively large for an HII region, elongated ~N-S, 20"x12".  A second well-defined HII knot is MRSS 540-038506, found 5' NNW of center.  This easy patch appeared fairly faint, elongated, 15"x10".  At least two small knots (including MRSS 540-038001) are on the SW side of the halo, ~2.4' from center and ~1.5' E of a mag 12-12.5 star just off the west edge of the disc.  Finally, I picked up a faint, very small knot, ~6" diameter, situated 3.5' SSE of center and 1.1' N of a mag 13.5 star.  This HII region (not in the MRSS) forms a "double" with a mag 15 star 15" N.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): bright, very large, bright core, elongated 7:2 N-S, 14'x4'.  The southern extension is brighter and mag 9 SAO 166572 is superimposed at the southern end about 6' from the core.  Burbidge's Chain (VV 518) lies 18' NNE.

 

13" (8/5/83): fairly bright, diffuse, very large, bright core. 

 

8" (10/4/80): very large, elongated ~N-S, bright core.  A mag 10 star is at the south tip.  The southern extension appears brighter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 247 = H V-20 = h57 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) and logged "a Streak of light about 27' long, and in the brightest part, which was pB is 3' or 4' broad. The extension nearly in the meridian (I believe a little from from S.p. to N.f.) ... The situation is so low, that it would probably appear of much greater extent in a higher altitude."  John Herschel observed NGC 247 at Slough on 16 Sep 1830 (sweep 293) and noted "eF; vL; vmE; vglbM; 10' long; pos 172.0 deg. Has no bright star in it, but a star 8.9 mag at some distance n.p."  Surprisingly, he made no (published) observations at the Cape of Good Hope.

 

Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis described NGC 247 as "a faint, very large spiral, 18'x5' in p.a. 175”.  Nucleus stellar; many almost stellar condensations.  Whorls somewhat irregular, and indistinct." (1918)

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NGC 248 = SMC-N13A/B = ESO 029-8

00 45 24.0 -73 22 47; Tuc

Size 0.8'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this fairly faint SMC nebulous cluster appeared as an irregular glow, 0.8'x0.6', elongated NW-SE.  There was a good response using a UHC filter at 76x.  One or two stars or knots are involved including a small nebulous knot at the southeast end.  NGC 256 lies 8' SSE and NGC 242 is 9' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 248 = h2344 on 11 Apr 1834 and logged "very faint.  Below the pole, and the sweep otherwise irregular."  On a later sweep he recorded "faint, elongated or binuclear, small, very gradually a little brighter in the middle."  His position matches the knot at the southeast end.

 

Pietro Barachhi observed this cluster on 16 Dec 1887 along with a number of other SMC clusters with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  He listed NGC 248 as two separate objects; the NW object (SMC-N13B) was labeled as "F" and called "pF; eeS a faint nebulous star" and the SE object was labeled as "G" (SMC-N13A) and described as "very close to F, almost forms a double nebula - this is a little brighter and larger than F.  pB; vS; R; pmbM."

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NGC 249 = SMC-N12B = ESO 029-9

00 45 33 -73 04 48; Tuc

Size 2.0'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): NGC 249 is the first of four striking, collinear SMC nebulae and clusters with NGC 261 5' ESE, SMC-N19 10' ESE and SMC-N30 15' ESE.  At 244x it appeared fairly bright, large, roundish, ~1.5' diameter. A few individual stars were superimposed.  The view with a NPB was superb as the contrast was increased as well as the size to over 2'.  NGC 249 resides in a gorgeous region of the SMC with a bright background due to the star density.  This nebula contains one of only 12 known Wolf-Rayet stars (SMC AB 10) in the SMC.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this SMC cluster with nebulosity appeared fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 1.3'x0.9', weakly concentrated. Two or three faint stars are involved including a mag 13 star just north of the center. The UHC filter produces a good contrast boost and increased the size to at least 2'.  Forms a pair with NGC 261 4.5' ESE with NGC 242 18' S.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 249 = D 19? = h2346 on 5 Sep 1826 with his homemade 9" speculum reflector and recorded "a small faint elliptical nebula - this is the preceding in a line of small faint nebulae."  His position is just 3.7' N of this SMC nebula, although his positions can be all over the map, so assigning a specific object is difficult as NGC 261 is close following.

 

JH recorded this nebula on 3 sweeps, first logging "faint, large, round; very gradually brighter in the middle; 2' across. Here begins a starry region of the Nubecula Minor." The second observation reads: "pretty bright, pretty large, oval, resolvable, 2' diameter." The last notes are "faint, round, 30 arcseconds." Herschel notes that this entry could refer to either Dunlop 19 or 21.

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NGC 250 = UGC 487 = MCG +01-03-002 = CGCG 410-005 = PGC 2765

00 47 16.0 +07 54 36; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, almost round, faint stellar nucleus.  Located in the center of a small right triangle consisting of two mag 13.5 stars 2.1' NE and 2.8' NE and a mag 12.5 star 2.7' S.  Located 29' NW of mag 4.4 63 Psc.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 250 = Sw. III-2 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 17 sec of RA east of UGC 487 = PGC 2765.  His description "in center of 3 stars in form of a right angle triangle" applies to UGC 487, so this identification is secure.

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NGC 251 = UGC 490 = MCG +03-03-003 = CGCG 458-005 = PGC 2806

00 47 54.0 +19 35 48; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 105”

 

24" (11/21/19): at 322x; nearly moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, moderate concentration with a bright core and faint halo that extends over 1'.  The surface brightness seemed irregular like a face-on spiral (it is) and the periphery varied with averted vision.  A mag 12.5 star is 1' NE of center and a 3.5" pair of mag 14.5 stars is just off the E edge.  Located 10' E of mag 6.1 59 Psc.

 

UGC 477, located 25' WSW, is a challenging edge-on. At 200x and 322x it was very faint, moderately large, very low surface brightness streak ~N-S with only a slightly brighter core region, ~1.5'x0.3'.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, weak concentration.  Enclosed by a small group of four mag 12-14.5 stars including a mag 12.5 star (close double) just 0.7' E.  Located 9.5' E of 59 Piscium (V = 6.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 251 = H III-204 = h58 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and reported "vF, S, s.p. 2 vS stars, a third star in it but not in the center, and I suppose is not connected with it.  240 verified it."  On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) he logged "vF, S, lbM, just preceding two stars are in the same meridian."  John Herschel recorded "vF; R; follows a *6.7 40s and is 1.5' north of it.  It is near 2 v s st.  If this be III 204, my father polar distance is 5' wrong."

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NGC 252 = UGC 491 = MCG +04-03-004 = CGCG 480-007 = Holm 23b = PGC 2819

00 48 01.5 +27 37 26; And

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, moderately large, large slightly elongated halo, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest and first of three with NGC 258 3.2' NE and NGC 260 8.4' NE.  An uneven double star is 4' WNW (9.5/12 at 30").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 252 = H II-609 = h59 = h60 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "pB, S, iR, gbM."  John Herschel made 4 observations under h59 and a 5th under h60.

 

Both Herschels missed NGC 258 and NGC 260, which were found by Lord Rosse's assistant George Johnstone Stoney on 22 Dec 1848 ("3 neb in a line, 2 of the novae").

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NGC 253 = ESO 474-029 = MCG -04-03-009 = UGCA 13 = PGC 2789 = Sculptor Galaxy = Silver Coin Galaxy

00 47 33.1 -25 17 17; Scl

V = 7.2;  Size 27.5'x6.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 52”

 

48" (10/23/14): although I've viewed NGC 253 several previous times with Lowrey's 48", I'm always amazed by the spectacular view as the mottled galaxy explodes into numerous bright knots, dusty patches, dark lanes and luminous star associations.  Using a 21mm Ethos (232x), NGC 253 completely filled the 26' field.  The central region of this starburst galaxy contains a blazing, nonstellar nucleus surrounding by an intense, elongated core with several bright patches around the periphery of the core (segments of the inner spiral arms).  Just northwest and southeast of the nucleus are extremely bright sections of the core.  Since the galaxy is only 12” from edge-on, many visible features extend parallel to the SW-NE major axis (PA = 52”).

 

A dark lane running SW-NE parallels the core just off its northern side.  Close northwest and parallel to this dust lane is a very bright, fairly narrow arm, extending ~3' in length.  Another thin arm (also running SW-NE) is to the southeast of the core with a prominent, very thin section ~3.5' SW of center, just southwest of a superimposed mag 12.5-13 star.  Three smaller bright patches surround a superimposed star ~2.5' NE of the nucleus.  The brightest and largest of these patches is close southeast of the star.  Further northeast the surface brightness lowers in the outer portion of the galaxy, but it still appears curdled and blotchy.  Several bright stars are near the periphery including a mag 9.3 star 6.2' SW of center and a mag 11.6 star 3.8' W of center.  A brighter patch is ~3.5' WSW of center is near the latter star.  Additional luminous patches are further out on the southwest end.

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): superb view at 152x and 303x with NGC 253 within 10” of the zenith.  Much of the detail seen in Lowrey's 48" was visible, although the bright patches were not quite as contrasty.  The nucleus is a very small region embedded in a very bright, elongated central region that is enhanced immediately south of the nucleus.  A thin, luminous "arm" extends in the direction of the major axis near the north side.  A long spiral "arm" is along the northeast flank of the galaxy, extending 5 or 6' in length.  Three slightly brighter patches were noted to the northeast of the core close to a superimposed star (also marked in the 48" observation).  A bright, elongated strip was along the southwest side, about 2.8' NNW of a mag 9.3 star near the southwest edge (6.2' from center).

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): stunning view in the 13mm Ethos at 264x although the galaxy overfilled the 23' field.  The dust structure and knots were mesmerizing but I didn't take detailed notes.

 

17.5" (8/29/92): at 100x; very bright, very large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 30'x5', at 100x.  The galaxy exhibits only a weak central concentration to a small elongated core that is slightly larger than the visible knots.  Remarkable dust structure and mottling visible particularly on the southwest extension and a dark lane runs along the north side.  Three faint HII knots are visible near a superimposed star on the southwest side and a slightly brighter knot lies northeast of a star near the core.

 

13" (9/11/82): very bright, elongated 4:1 SW-NE, very mottled, dust lanes, dark patches, 30' diameter.

 

8" (9/11/82): very bright, very elongated, mottled, 25'-30' diameter.

 

10x30mm IS binoculars: easily visible as an elongated glow.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 253 = H V-1 = h61 = h2345 on 23 Sep 1783 (before William started his sweeps) with a "small Newtonian Sweeper of 27 inches focal length, and a power of 30."  This was the only galaxy she discovered.  William took a look in his 6.2" reflector and described it as a nebulous spot lengthened out to a considerable extend from SW to NE.".  He found it just a month later on 30 Oct 1783 while sweeping horizontally (solo sweep 8 of his second night and only internal discovery #3) with his 18/7-inch, though he knew it was previously found by his sister.  He noted, ŅOn looking at the nebula a long while the suspicion of its consisting of stars grows stronger as it begins to put on a faintly mottled appearance.Ó  On 27 Oct 1785 (sweep 467) he recorded "about 45' long and 7 or 8' br; cB, mBM.  The place taken is that of the brightest part of it, where there is a small star visible, which however I suppose has no connection with the nebula.  It makes an angle of 25 or 40” with the meridian, from sp to nf.  The faint ends of it require much attention to be seen, and I believe extend much farther than I could trace them."

 

John Herschel recorded it from the Cape as "vvB; vvL; vmE; 30' long, 3' or 4' broad; has several stars in it; gmbM to a centre elongated like the nebula itself. The nebula is somewhat streaky and knotty in its constitution and may perhaps be resolvable." A second observation in 1836 was logged as "vvB; vvvL; a superb object; 24' in length, breadth about 3'; pos = 143.8 very exact. Its light is somewhat streaky, but I see no stars in it but 4 large and one very small one, and these seem not to belong to it, there being many near."  In the GC, he noted the position angle should read 54.5”.

 

William Lassell sketched NGC 253 from Malta in November 1863 with his 48" and included numerous dark lanes and rifts on the southwest side and a very irregular outline. Wilhelm Tempel's sketch with the 11" Amici refractor at Florence captures several small knots (brightest in the nucleus) and accurately depicts the surrounding star field and superimposed stars.  The origin of the "Silver Coin" nickname goes back to at least 1964 (Time-Life International edition of "The Universe"), with the description "Silvery Coin of the flat Sc spiral NGC 253", though the 1962 edition published in the U.S. reads "Silvery Dollar ..."

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NGC 254 = ESO 411-015 = MCG -05-03-005 = PGC 2778

00 47 27.6 -31 25 20; Scl

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5' SW of mag 7.1 SAO 192746.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, small, elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus.  Located 5' SW of a mag 8 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 254 = h2347 on 28 Sep 1834 and logged "vB, R, gmbM, 40", has a star 8th mag 5' distant."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 255 = MCG -02-03-017 = PGC 2802

00 47 47.1 -11 28 07; Cet

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (8/16/93): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.6', broad mild concentration.  A mag 14 star lies 2.5' ESE.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-03-13 11' NNW.  Planetary nebulae NGC 246 is located 25' SSW.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): similar to previous observation but exhibits a weak concentration.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): moderately bright, fairly small, round, no noticeable concentration. 

 

8" (8/28/81): faint, small, round.  Located 25' NNE of NGC 246.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 255 = H II-472 = h62 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and simply recorded "F, pS."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel made the single observation "vF; L; R; gbM; 30"."  In 1912 Harold Knox-Shaw identified this galaxy as an "spiral with many stellar condensations in the whorls", based on photographs taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11.

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NGC 256 = ESO 029-11 = Lindsay 30

00 45 54 -73 30 24; Tuc

V = 12.5;  Size 0.9'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; bright, fairly small, roughly triangular outline, 30"-35" diameter, high surface brightness, bright core, mottled.  A few faint stars were resolved.  A mag 9.7 star (HD 4558) lies 2' NNE.  Several clusters are nearby; NGC 265 is 5.8' ENE, NGC 269 is 10' ESE, NGC 248 is 8' NNW and NGC 242 is 11' NW.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, triangular or wedge-shaped, 30" diameter.  Weakly concentrated with a slightly brighter core but there was no resolution.  Located 1.9' SSW of mag 9.7 HD 4558, which detracts somewhat from viewing.  NGC 248 lies 8' NNW and several clusters are within 15' including NGC 265 6' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 256 = h2348 in the SMC on 11 Apr 1834 and described "not vF, S, R, has a star 9th mag Nf."  On a second sweep he logged "F, S, R, gbM, 40" south of a star 8th mag. (In Nubecula Minor)."  His third observation reads "F, lE, 30", precedes a star 9th mag" and a fourth record states "F, S, R, 18"; a star 9th mag Nf."

 

Pietro Barachhi observed this cluster on 16 Dec 1887, along with a number of other SMC clusters, with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  He described NGC 256 (labeled as "H" as "follows G [NGC 248] by 30s and is 7' 20" south of it.  pB, very small, sparkling, stars are in it - resolvable?  Probably a group of close stars, only few - immersed in very faint nebulosity."

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NGC 257 = UGC 493 = MCG +01-03-003 = CGCG 410-006 = PGC 2818

00 48 01.6 +08 17 48; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~E-W, weakly concentrated but no core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 257 = H II-863 on 29 Dec 1790 (sweep 991) and logged "pL, lE, gbM, resolvable."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 258 = MCG +04-03-005 = Holm 23d = PGC 2829

00 48 12.8 +27 39 26; And

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 11 star is close WSW 40" from center.  Second of three with NGC 252 3.2' SW and NGC 260 5.3' NE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 258 on 22 Dec 1848.  This was his first discovery and he noted "3 nebulae in line, 2 of them novae."  The field was observed no less than 7 times at Birr Castle, though the descriptions are sometimes contradictory and made under poor conditions. Stoney probably also discovered NGC 260 to the northeast (the 3rd nebulae), and it was also seen in 1854, though d'Arrest was credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 259 = MCG -01-03-015 = Holm 22a = PGC 2820

00 48 03.2 -02 46 31; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.7', broad concentration.  Forms the vertex of a right isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 3' SSE and a mag 11.5 star 3.4' WSW.  MCG -01-03-012 lies 14' WNW (see notes for NGC 331).

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus, pretty system.  Forms a right angle with a mag 10.5 star 3' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 259 = H II-621 = h63 = h64 on 13 Dec 1786 (sweep 646) and recorded "F, E from np to sf, 1 1/2' long, lbM."  He found it again the following year on 11 Sept 1787, relisting the nebula as II-703.  The second observation had an error in the offset position, so WH thought it was a new discovery.  Strangely, JH also recorded the galaxy twice, as h 63 (called a "Nova") and h 64 = H II-621.  Heinrich d'Arrest noted the equivalence of both entries. See JH's note in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 260 = UGC 497 = MCG +04-03-006 = CGCG 480-009 = Holm 23c = PGC 2844

00 48 34.6 +27 41 33; And

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated.  A faint mag 14.5-15.0 star is close NE.  This galaxy is the third of three with NGC 252 8.4' SW and NGC 258.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 260 on 22 Dec 1848 with LdR's 72" and recorded "3 neb in a line nff, p one = h59 [NGC 252], other two vF [NGC 258 and NGC 260], middle one [NGC 258] eF, vS, distance of extremes about 12'."  Although NGC 260 = UGC 497 is 9' ESE of NGC 252, it is collinear with the other two, and most likely the 3rd nebula seen by Stoney.  Another observation in 1854 also mentions "3 neb".

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 260 on 27 Aug 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 497.  He noted "one of Rosse's" although d'Arrest, instead of LdR, was credited with the discovery by Dreyer.

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NGC 261 = SMC-N12A = ESO 029-12

00 46 29 -73 06 06; Tuc

Size 1.8'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; prominent, fairly large roundish glow, ~1.25' diameter, high surface brightness, surrounding a 13th magnitude H-alpha emission star (SK 9 = Lin 78).  Excellent contrast gain adding a NPB (narrow-bandpass) filter yielding a superb 2' nebula, sandwiched between similar NGC 249 5' WNW and the stellar association Hodge 12 with nebulosity (SMC-N19).  A number of stars are close east (part of the association) including three collinear mag 13.5-14 stars 2' E and a 4th mag 12.5 star 3' E.

 

SMC-N19 lies 5' ESE.  At 244x it was a fairly faint, very large nebulous glow, ~3' diameter.   With careful viewing an uncatalogued detached piece is sometimes visible to the NW (centered at 00 47.5 -73 05) and very faint nebulosity spreads to the southwest for a total diameter of 4' diameter.  Unfiltered a 6' cloud of at least 50 mag 12.5-15 stars (Hodge Association 12) are involved with the nebula.

 

SMC-N30 lies ~11' ESE.  At 244x unfiltered it was a fairly easy, fairly large, irregular curving or kidney-shaped nebula SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.8'. Unfiltered a couple of 14th magnitude stars are involved. Adding a NPB filter, the nebulosity was prominent and filled in to a more roundish outline.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this SMC HII region appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter with a single mag 13 star at the center (emission-line star Lin 78 = SK 9).  A UHC filter produced a good contrast gain and increased the size to over 2'.  A group of four stars follows including supergiant SK 13 (three brighter in a string and one faint star) and a number of faint stars are scattered nearby.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 249 4.5' WNW.  NGC 267 lies 12' SE.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 261= D 4 = D 21? = h2349 with his 9" reflector on 5 Sep 1826.  Dunlop 4 was described as a "faint round nebula, about 30" diameter" while D 21 was described as a "small round faint nebula." His position for D 21 is just 3' N of ESO 29-12.

 

John Herschel made 3 observations, first logging "very faint, round, gradually brighter in the middle, 2' across, resolvable." He next described it as "pretty bright, round, 60". Has a star 13th mag in centre. Occurs in a field illuminated by the Nubecular Minor and many stars." His final observation was "pretty faint, round, 90"." Herschel noted this could be either Dunlop 3, 4 or 21.

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NGC 262 = UGC 499 = MCG +05-03-008 = Mrk 348 = PGC 2855

00 48 47.1 +31 57 25; And

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (11/24/14): moderately bright, small, round, dominated by a high surface brightness core that increases to the center, very low surface brightness halo, ~25" diameter.  Forms a pair with 2MASX J00485285+3157309 = PGC 212600 just 1.2' E.  The companion appeared very faint, round, just 10" diameter. It was too faint (V = 15.4) for any details.

 

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, small, round, bright core.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus about 15th magnitude.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 262 = Sw. II-10 on 17 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 15 sec of RA east of UGC 499.  Bigourdan's measured an accurate RA on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 263 = MCG -02-03-021 = PGC 2856

00 48 48.4 -13 06 27; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 30" W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 263 = LM 1-13 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is close to MCG -02-03-021 = PGC 2856.

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NGC 264 = ESO 295-006 = MCG -07-02-016 = PGC 2831

00 48 21.0 -38 14 04; Scl

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 113”

 

18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.3'.  Contains a very small brighter core with direct vision.  A group of 4 stars including mag 9 HD 4735, that nearly form a trapezoid, follows by ~6'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 264 = h2350 on 30 Aug 1834 and noted "F, S, R, vsvmbM to a star 13th mag. A trapezium of large stars follows."  His position and description matches ESO 295-006 = PGC 2831.

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NGC 265 = ESO 029-14 = Lindsay 34

00 47 10 -73 28 36; Tuc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.0'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; bright, fairly large, irregular outline, ~1' diameter, mottled appearance, brighter on the north end.  A few resolved stars occasionally sparkled.  Three other clusters are within 6'; NGC 256 to the WSW, Kron 25 is 3.6' WSW and NGC 269 to the SE.  A mag 9.7 star is 4.8' W and a mag 8.5 star is 9' E.  Situated in a very rich field of faint stars with numerous HII regions and clusters to the north.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright and large, 1' diameter, round, fairly symmetrical appearance with no concentration.  NGC 256 lies 5.7' WSW with NGC 269 6' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 265 = h2351 in the SMC on 11 Apr 1834 and remarked "vF; situated on the edge of the Nubecula Minor." On a later sweep he recorded as "vF, R, 30 arcseconds."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this SMC cluster, along with many others, on 16 Dec 1887 with the Melbourne telescope.  He called it "pB; S; R, gbM"

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NGC 266 = UGC 508 = MCG +05-03-009 = CGCG 501-022 = PGC 2901

00 49 47.8 +32 16 40; Psc

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located on the Andromeda border 4' N of mag 8.2 SAO 54174.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 266 = H III-153 = h65 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and noted "vF, pL, lE, r, very little brighter towards the following side."  JH observed this 4 times and at Birr Castle 5 times with the 72-inch.  On 18 Sep 1857 it was described as "S, pB disc, in vF haze of mottled nebulosity, which seems brightest in a line p and f."  E.E. Barnard found it in Feb 1889 while sweeping with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory and noted it as "R, 1' +/- or less, bM to faint nucleus of 13m."

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NGC 267 = SMC-N22 = ESO 029-15

00 48 02.9 -73 16 27; Tuc

Size 2.5'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; bright, very large nebulous cluster, slightly elongated N-S, ~2'x1.6'.   Removing the filter, several faint stars were peppered across the glow.  Very good contrast gain using the NPB filter.

 

SMC-N25 is a separate 1' patch 2' NNE that appeared fairly bright (with the filter), moderately large, round glow, ~50" diameter.  SMC-N28 is a very large, lower surface brightness patch (barely detached from NGC 267), ~1.5' diameter, centered ~2.3' ENE of NGC 267.  On close inspection it was divided into two sections on the north and south side and weaker in the center.  The southern section (SMC-N28A) was extended E-W and slightly brighter.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this SMC cluster with nebulosity appears as a fairly faint, fairly large irregular glow ~2'x1.4'.  The surface was grainy with a half-dozen mag 14 stars resolved (Hodge Association 15).  There was a good response using a UHC filter, which increased the size of the visible nebulosity.  Collinear with two mag 10.5 stars ~6' SE.  A string of brighter stars to the north heads east for 17' towards NGC 290.  LHa 115-N25, a very small detached piece ~2' N, appears as a 15" glow and increases the total size to nearly 5'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 267 = h2352 in the SMC on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "a faint, pretty large, cluster of very small stars. It is the preceding knot (or centre of condensation) of the resolvable portion of the Nubecula Minor which fills the subsequent field and consists of irregularly scattered clustered stars 12...20th mag."  His position is on the southwest side of the cluster/nebula.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this nebulous cluster (labeled as "I prime" on 17 Dec 1887 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He logged it as "Cl; F; pL; very faint stars.  Not observed last night."

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NGC 268 = MCG -01-03-017 = PGC 2927

00 50 09.4 -05 11 38; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 95”

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weak concentration but no nucleus.  Lies west of a group of four bright stars including mag 8.5 SAO 128977 5' NE, mag 7.8 SAO 128978 9' SSE, mag 8.5 SAO 128987 15' E and mag 6.8 SAO 128986 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 268 = H III-463 = h66 on 22 Nov 1785 (sweep 474) and logged "vF, pL, irr R, resolvable."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 269 = ESO 029-016 = Lindsay 37

00 48 21 -73 31 54; Tuc

V = 12.6;  Size 0.6'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, fairly large, round, 45" diameter.  This SMC cluster contains a relatively large brighter core that appeared a little lively but showed no resolution.  A mag 10.5 star is 3' SE.  Kron 25, situated 3' NNW, appeared  fairly faint, irregular glow, ~35" diameter, low surface brightness.  NGC 269 is located in a rich SMC region with numerous clusters and nebulae to the north.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration but no core or resolution.  A 2.5' string of three stars follows by 2'-3' and a mag 11 star lies 3' SE.  Situated in a rich SMC star field 6' SE of NGC 265.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 269 = h2353 on 5 Nov 1836 in the SMC and described as "vF; S; R; 30"."  His position is accurate.

 

Pietro Barachhi observed this cluster on 16 and 17 Dec 1887, along with a number of other SMC clusters, with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  He described NGC 269 (labeled as "L") as "F ,S , R, gbM.  This follows K [Kron 25] by 21s and is 2' 40" south of it.  A star 10m follows L by 64s and is 3' north of it."

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NGC 270 = MCG -02-03-027 = PGC 2938

00 50 32.4 -08 39 07; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  NGC 277 is 12' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 270 = H III-955 on 10 Dec 1798 (sweep 1086) and logged "cF, vS, iR."  His position matches MCG -02-03-027 = PGC 2938.  Nearby NGC 277 was missed by WH.

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NGC 271 = UGC 519 = MCG +00-03-012 = CGCG 384-013 = PGC 2949

00 50 41.9 -01 54 37; Cet

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  Mag 8.4 SAO 128981 is off the SE edge 1.5' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 271 = H II-446 = h67 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and noted "F, S, E, milky; about 1 1/2' preceding a pB star."  On 13 Dec 1786 (sweep 646) he noted "pB, R, mbM, about 1' sp a bright star." JH logged "Not vF; R; pslbM; 30"; a star 8-9m follows."

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NGC 272 = OCL-312

00 51 25 +35 49 18; And

V = 8.5;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (9/26/92): 9 stars in a 5' diameter forming a "hook" asterism.  Includes a mag 9 star and a close double star.  Appears to be fully resolved and only an unimpressive, scattered asterism.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 272 on 2 Aug 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position points directly to this group of stars.  It is listed in the 4th edition of the Gosta Lynga catalogue but was removed from the 5th edition.  Visually it appears to be a scattered asterism.

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NGC 273 = MCG -01-03-019 = PGC 2959

00 50 48.4 -06 53 08; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 105”

 

24" (10/5/13): moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, ~48"x16".  Contains a very small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is off the NW edge by ~20".  NGC 272/274 = Arp 140 lies 11' SSE.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W.  A mag 14 star is off the NW edge, 42" from center.  NGC 272/274, a contact pair of galaxies, lies 11' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 273 = H III-430 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and noted "vF, vS.  This precedes the former [NGC 274]".  The NGC position from Wilhelm Tempel is accurate.

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NGC 274 = Arp 140 NED1 = VV 81a = Holm 26b = MCG -01-03-021 = PGC 2980

00 51 01.9 -07 03 28; Cet

V = 11.8;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 155”

 

24" (10/5/13): bright, round, fairly small, 0.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a small intensely bright core that gradually increases to the center, but no nucleus.  This is the brighter but smaller component of a striking double system (Arp 140 = VV 81) with NGC 275, which is attached on the SE side.  NGC 273 lies 11' NNW.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, small, compact, very small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 275 1' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 274 = H III-429 = h69 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435), although he only noted a single object as "vF, pS, E."

 

The pair was observed 8 times with Lord Rosse's 72-inch.  On 3 Oct 1856, observer R.J. Mitchell's wrote, "69 [NGC 274] is S, B, R, with bright nucleus; 70 [NGC 275] is F, E and patchy.  Suspect formed of two knots involved in faint nebulosity; there appears to be a nebulous connexion between them all."  On 15 Nov 1857, Lord Rosse experimented with a silvered secondary (the speculum secondary was covered with a thin silver layer) and noted "silvered mirror shows the object brighter than before, but no new details.Ó

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NGC 275 = Arp 140 NED2 = VV 81b = Holm 26a = MCG -01-03-022 = PGC 2984

00 51 04.5 -07 03 56; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 90”

 

24" (10/5/13): at 375x appeared moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~45"x27".  Very unusual patchy, irregular appearance!  A brighter elongated N-S patch (or arm) is on the east end.  Also the southwest border is slightly brighter with a sharp, curving edge. This edge is more prominent at the NW end of the galaxy, where it merges with NGC 274 just northwest.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 274 1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 275 = h70 on 9 Oct 1828 and logged "A fine double neb; the preceding only seen by my father.  pB; S; smbM.  The f is vF; S; R; pos = 60”; dist of centres 40".  The neb join at borders."  Also see the observations using Lord Rosse's 72" under NGC 274.

 

Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory with the Reynolds reflector in 1927-31, NGC 275 was described as an "irregula nebula with 4 pB stellar knots, and one vF knot involved.  These knots are joined together in the form of an "M", the preceding side of which curves round and extends as far as NGC 274."

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NGC 276 = IC 1591 = ESO 474-034 = MCG -04-03-021 = PGC 3054

00 52 06.5 -22 40 49; Cet

V = 14.9;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, very small, 20" diameter.  This is a threshold object and can just glimpse at moments.  No details visible including shape but detection repeated several times.  View hampered by mag 7.6 SAO 166640 4.0' NNE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 276 = LM 2-294 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and he noted a "*11, position 0” [North] Delta 3.2'."  His position is 1.2 min of RA west of ESO 474-034 = PGC 3054.  This galaxy was independently found by DeLisle Stewart on a Harvard plate, correctly placed, and catalogued as HN 123 (later IC 1591).  But Muller's note about the star (much brighter than 11th magnitude!) clearly establishes that NGC 276 = IC 1591, with the discovery priority going to Muller. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 276 in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 277 = MCG -02-03-028 = PGC 2995

00 51 17.2 -08 35 49; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, very small, round.  A mag 11 star is just off the NW edge 50" from core.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 277 on 8 Oct 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position and description of the nearby mag 11 star (52" distant) is a perfect match with PGC 2995.

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NGC 278 = UGC 528 = MCG +08-02-016 = CGCG 550-016 = PGC 3051

00 52 04.3 +47 33 02; Cas

V = 10.8;  Size 2.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

48" (10/27/16): at 610x and 813x; NGC 278 is extremely bright, large, the halo has a squarish appearance, ~1.4' diameter, high surface brightness.  Very well concentrated with an intense round core that increases to the center.  Sections of the two main thick spiral arms are visible, particularly along the north and south portion of the halo.  Slightly darker lanes outline the inside of the arms. The inner arm sections are only noticed as subtle brighter patches.  A well defined, small knot is on the east side of the halo [25" from center] and a second small knot is on the northeast side [23" from center].  These two star-forming complexes are catalogued as X-ray sources in NED.  I also noted a third object at the NE edge, but at this position on the HST image is a very faint star.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): bright, moderately large, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3' S of mag 8.8 SAO 36725.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 278 = H I-159 = h71 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 644) and logged "vB, R, vgmbM, about 1.5' dia., about 1' south of a pretty considerable star."  On 30 Nov 1787 (sweep 786) he noted "cB, R, vgbM, about 1 1/2' dia." R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 16 Oct 1855, recorded "pB, R, N, light certainly patchy, but I can distinguish no stars in it.  It is a right handed spiral??  I suspect a F* cl following the nebula."

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NGC 279 = UGC 532 = MCG +00-03-19A = Mrk 558 = PGC 3055

00 52 08.9 -02 13 07; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 279 = H III-439 = h73 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "vF, S, irr figure."  JH recorded it twice at Slough and the NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 280 = UGC 534 = MCG +04-03-013 = CGCG 480-017 = PGC 3076

00 52 29.9 +24 21 01; And

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the SE edge 1.0' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 280 = H III-477 = h72 on 5 Dec 1785 (sweep 484) and logged "vF, S, R, just preceding a vF star."  This galaxy was observed with on 3 nights at Birr Castle and R.J. Mitchell recorded on 26 Oct 1854, "F object with two nuclei, possibly a spiral."  There is no double nuclei, but the spiral suggestion is correct.

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NGC 281 = IC 11 = IC 1590 = Cr 8 = LBN 616 = Sh 2-184 = Ced 3 = Pacman Nebula

00 52 49 +56 37 40; Cas

Size 35'x30'

 

18" (2/16/07): remarkable view of this detailed emission nebula/cluster at 115x and 220x.  Without a filter at 220x about three dozen stars are visible in the region of the nebula, including a number of faint stars.  At the center of the cluster (IC 1590) and nebula (NGC 281) is the multiple star HD 5005 = Burnham 1, a striking triple with a difficult 4th component at 1.1".  A 13" pair of mag 11.5 stars lie 0.9' SW of Burnham 1.

 

The nebulosity responds dramatically to a UHC or OIII filter.  The two brightest regions have a butterfly appearance with the two lobes or wings partially divided by a curving dust lane oriented roughly N-S. A fainter detached portion is on the southeast side.  The overall dimensions extend to 15'-18'.  The two lobes are fairly similar in size and surface brightness, though the following section is larger including the southern piece.  The western section has the brightest and most sharply defined edge running along its southern border and oriented E-W.  A long straight dust lane extends along the southern boundary of both lobes and defines the sharp edge on the western lobe.  The curving central dust lane intrudes into the nebula on the south side and nearly divides the two sections, though weak nebulosity connects the two wings.

 

17.5" (9/28/02): the bright central quadruple (ADS 719 = Burnham 1) includes a mag 8.6/9.1/9.8 trio at 4" and 9".  At 140x, a fainter companion (mag 10) at 1.54" separation is just visible close following the brightest member and is cleanly resolved at 324x.

 

17.5" (10/17/98): spectacular view of this detailed HII region at 100x using an OIII filter.  This 15' nebulous complex has a mushroom appearance and is separated into three main lobes apparently by dust.  The brightest and largest lobe is following a bright triple star embedded near the center (8.6/9.2/9.8 at 4" and 9").  There appears to be a much fainter detached piece off the south end of this lobe.  Preceding the triple star is a section that is noticeably elongated and irregular in surface brightness fading to the NW.  The section to the north is faintest and separated from the eastern lobe by a curving dark lane.  A dark intrusion, apparently due to obscuring dust, is visible south of the triple star.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very large, fascinating nebulosity, very irregular, dark gaps between sections, five brighter stars mag 8.6-12.5 involved.  The brightest star is a very close double.

 

80mm (2/16/07): at 13x and a UHC filter, the PacMan nebula is easily visible surrounding the central star.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 281 visually on 26 Nov 1881 (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p226 and AN 369, 108, 1884) with his 5-inch refractor at Nashville and recorded a "large, faint nebula, very diffuse, not less than 10' diameter."  IC 11, found around 1892 by Barnard using the 6-inch Cooke refractor at Vanderbilt Observatory in Nashville (probably relayed directly to Dreyer) was placed 30 min of RA west, but Corwin notes that the description "vF, L, triple * on np corner" points to NGC 281 and perhaps he made a transcription error.  IC 1590, discovered by Bigourdan on 31 Oct 1899 is a large, scattered cluster on the west side.  NGC 281 is misclassified as an open cluster in the RNGC, as Barnard made no reference to a cluster.

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NGC 282 = MCG +05-03-015 = CGCG 501-030 = PGC 3090

00 52 42.2 +30 38 21; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 2' N of mag 8.4 SAO 54223.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 282 = St X-3 on 13 Oct 1879 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "F, S, R, lbM".  His position matches CGCG 501-030 = PGC 3090.

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NGC 283 = MCG -02-03-031 = PGC 3124

00 53 13.2 -13 09 50; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  PA = 160”

 

24" (10/5/13): first and largest of five galaxies including four similar NGCs and much fainter MCG -02-03-03.  At 375x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.6' NE.  NGC 284 and 285 follow directly east by 2.7' and 4.1' with NGC 286 5.2' NE and much fainter PGC 173072 is 1.9' NNE.  The entire quintet fits in a 5' circle.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NE.  First of four similar galaxies with NGC 284 3' E and NGC 285 5' E almost on a line.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 283 = LM 1-14 (along with NGCs 284, 285 and 286) on 2 Oct 1886.  He gave the same positions for NGC 283, 284 and 285 in his discovery list, although the (rough) position is good.  NGC 286 was placed 2' further N.  Since the positions were only given to the nearest minute of RA, this is reasonable and his rough position is a reasonable match with MCG -02-03-031 = PGC 3124.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 of NGC 282, 284, 285 and 286 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 284 = MCG -02-03-032 = PGC 3131

00 53 24.2 -13 09 33; Cet

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15".  Collinear with NGC 285 1.4' E and NGC 283 2.7' W, all three similar in brightness.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.6' NW with MCG -02-03-032 2.4' NW.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' NW.  Second of four similar galaxies with NGC 283 3' E, NGC 285 1.5' E and NGC 286 3' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 284 = LM 1-15 (along with NGCs 283, 285, and 286) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position is a good match with MCG -02-03-032 = PGC 3131.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 285 = MCG -02-03-033 = PGC 3141

00 53 29.8 -13 09 39; Cet

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 18"x15", very small brighter nucleus.  Third in a string with similar NGC 284 1.4' W and NGC 283 4.1' W.  NGC 286 is ~3' due N.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round.  Third of four in a group and third of three almost on a line with NGC 283 and NGC 286 3.5' S.  Appears similar to NGC 284 2' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 285 = LM 1-16 (along with NGCs 283, 284 and 286) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position is a good match with MCG -02-03-033 = PGC 3141.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 286 = MCG -02-03-034 = PGC 3142

00 53 30.3 -13 06 46; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 175”

 

24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 N-S, 40"x30", weak concentration, small brighter nucleus.  By a slight margin, the brightest in a compact quartet of similar NGC galaxies with NGC 283/284/285 in an east-west string just 3' S.  Also PGC 173072, a much fainter galaxy, lies 3.7' SW.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  Fourth of four with NGC 285 3.5' S and NGC 284 4' SSW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 286 = LM 1-17 (along with NGCs 283, 284 and 285) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position is a good match with MCG -02-03-034 = PGC 3142.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 287 = CGCG 501-033 = PGC 3145

00 53 28.3 +32 28 56; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 287 = h75 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "eF; S; R.  The faintest object imaginable; (night wonderfully clear)." His position matches CGCG 501-033 = PGC 3145.  This galaxy is not catalogued in the RC 3, MCG or UGC.

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NGC 288 = ESO 474-37

00 52 47.4 -26 35 24; Scl

V = 8.1;  Size 13.8';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): this very loose globular appeared fully resolved at 303x.  There were too many stars to possibly count, but certainly several hundred were resolved including a number of relatively bright stars (brightest members mag 12.6).  The core was loosely overlaid with a dozen or so brighter stars.  A number of stars in the halo appeared to be arranged in strings and arcs including one string extending towards the west.

 

18" (1/1/08): at 220x-280x, ~60 stars were resolved in an 8' diameter.  This globular has a very loose, irregular appearance with a very small brighter core containing a clump of resolved stars.  A string of stars running SSW-NNE runs through the west side of the halo with a brighter star (double) at the NNE end of this string.  A roughly parallel string also passes through the east side of the halo.  Located 1.8” SE of NGC 253 and form a nice pair in the 80mm finder at 13x.

 

18" (8/25/06): this bright globular is quite loose (concentration class 10) and well-resolved at 220x over the entire face and halo.  The outer halo is very irregular with a scraggly appearance and extends to 8'-10' in diameter.  Roughly 100 stars were resolved in total.

 

18" (8/23/03): bright but loose globular, well-resolved at 323x into 75-100 stars (difficult to count).  A number of the stars are clearly aligned in long chains.

 

17.5" (8/29/92): very bright, very large, round, ~8' diameter.  Well-resolved over entire disc into 75-100 stars mag 13-15 at White Mountains over background glow although not densely packed.  60 stars were resolved in a previous observation, only weakly concentrated in core.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): 30-40 stars resolved over haze.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint stars resolved across entire disc at 200x with averted, many near visual limit

 

8" (10/4/80): very large, grainy, few stars resolved at the NW and south edges, other clumps on the verge of resolution.

 

15x50 (8/25/06): easily visible in IS binoculars as a fairly large, diffuse glow.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 288 = H VI-20 = h74 = h2354 on 27 Oct 1785 (sweep 467) and recorded "pB, L, oval round, bM, 7 or 8' long, 4 or 5' br."  His summary description (including a 2nd observation) reads "cB, iR, 8 or 9' diameter, a great many of the stars visible, so that there can remain no doubt but that it is a cluster of vS stars."  Caroline Herschel missed this cluster two years earlier when she discovered NGC 253.  JH observed this globular both at Slough and at the Cape, where he recorded "globular cluster; bright; large; round; gradually brighter in the middle; all resolved into stars 12..16 mag; 5' diameter."

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NGC 289 = ESO 411-025 = VV 484 = AM 0050-312 = MCG -05-03-010 = PGC 3089

00 52 41.6 -31 12 28; Scl

V = 11.0;  Size 5.1'x3.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly bright, fairly large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is off the NW edge 3.2' from the center.  Brightest in a group that includes NGC 254 situated 1.1” WSW.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, oval ~E-W.  A mag 13 star is off the west edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 289 = h2355 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "vB; L; pmE; oval; has a star 11th mag north preceding.". His position and description is accurate.

 

In 1914, Hardcastle classified NGC 246 as a "spindle-shaped nebula" but the following year, Knox-Shaw reported it was a"open spiral" based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector. 

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NGC 290 = ESO 029-019 = Lindsay 42

00 51 15 -73 09 42; Tuc

V = 11.7;  Size 0.8'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, fairly small, irregular, triangular shaped, 40" diameter.  A star or quasi-stellar knot is at the north tip.  SMC-N45, located 4.5' SE, appeared bright, moderately large, irregular or triangular in shape, 35"-40" diameter.  Several very faint stars are superimposed or at the edges of the glow including a couple of mag 15 stars at the south edge and a couple of mag 15.5 stars at the east edge.  Two mag 13/14 stars lie 0.8' SE.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, very small, granular, 20" diameter, brighter core.  A faint star or knot is at the north edge (may be a compact HII region).  A pair of mag 10/11 stars 8' NE are collinear with the cluster.  LHA 115-N45 (cluster with nebulosity) lies 4.5' SE.  This SMC HII region and cluster appeared as a faint, elongated patch with a few faint stars resolved around the edges.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 290 = h2357 in the SMC on 11 Apr 1834 and simply logged "eF".  His position (single sweep) is about 35" N of the cluster.

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NGC 291 = MCG -02-03-035 = PGC 3140

00 53 29.8 -08 46 04; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, very thin extensions.  Located 12' W of 21 Ceti (V = 6.2) at the edge of 220x field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 291 = m 17 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, vS, lE, alm stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 292 = ESO 029-021 = PGC 3085 = Small Magellanic Cloud = SMC

00 52 38 -72 48 00; Tuc

V = 2.3;  Size 316.2'x186.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 45”

 

Naked-eye (6/29/02 - Bargo): this number refers to the entire SMC.  My first view of the SMC was outside Sydney with Les Dalrymple.  I only took observing notes (through a 12") on SMC globular NGC 121 and nearby cluster Kron 3, as well as 47 Tucanae.

 

18" (7/6/02 - 7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory): During a week's stay I went through the most prominent clusters and nebulae in the SMC using the fork-mounted 18" at Zane Hammond's observatory.

 

Amerigo Vespucci was the first northern hemisphere explorer to see the SMC in 1501, 20 years earlier than Magellan.  This was mentioned in a 1990 article by Dekker.

 

John Herschel (h2356) has two entries: "I should consider this to be about the main body of the Nubecula Minor, which is here fairly resolved into excessively minute stars, which are however certainly seen with the left eye."  On a later sweep he noted: "Hereabouts seems to be placed the main body of the Nubecula Minor which is a Faint, Rich, Large Cluster of very small stars (12..18) filling many fields, and broken up into many knots, groups, and straggling branches. But the whole is clearly resolved into stars."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the region between NGC 220 and NGC 294 over 16 and 17 Dec 1887 using the 48" Melbourne telescope.  Along with discovering a few new objects that went uncredited (Bruck 67 near NGC 294, Kron 25, SMC-N45), he wrote "About this region there is a very large cluster of stars scattered in an irregular way - from 12 to 18.  This covers more than one field ..with the supposed [GC 166 = NGC 294], there are other small groups surrounded by extremely faint nebulosity; and along this space occupied by the objects from A [NGC 220] to N [NGC 294] there are several stars which seem to be nebulous.  All the region along with these objects the sky is almost continuously covered with a multitude of stars, which render the observations difficult and confusing."

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NGC 293 = MCG -01-03-030 = PGC 3195

00 54 16.0 -07 14 08; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is off the SE end 1.1' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 298 11' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 293 = m 18 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, S."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 294 = ESO 029-22 = Lindsay 47

00 53 05 -73 22 48; Tuc

V = 12.2;  Size 0.8'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, slightly mottled but there was evident no resolution.  Bruck 67, located just 2.3' SSW, appeared faint, fairly small, irregular low surface brightness patch, 35" diameter.

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 45"-50" diameter, contains a bright core.  The halo has a smooth moderately high surface brightness but there were no resolved stars.  Four mag 12-13 stars forming a parallelogram are centered 4.5' NW, but there are no bright stars in the immediately field.  Bruck 67, a slightly smaller irregular glow with a low surface brightness, lies 2.2' SW.  NGC 267 lies 23' WNW.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 294 = D 5 = h2358 in 1826 with his 9" reflector and reported "a small faint nebula, about 10 or 12 arcseconds diameter."  His position is 5' due north ESO 029-022. D 6 described as "a faint nebula, about 20" diameter" was placed only 5' SE, and may be a duplicate observation.

 

John Herschel first observed this nebula on 11 Apr 1834, noting "eF.  In a sweep below the Pole."  He added a note later that "This obs give 47 -- instead of 46 -- for the min of RA.  The earlier minute preferred."  On a later sweep, he recorded the RA minute as 46, which was used in the GC and NGC but this is 1.0 min too far west.  JH referenced D 5 as the discovery.

 

Pietro Barachhi observed this cluster on 16 and 17 Dec 1887, along with a number of other SMC clusters with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  He described NGC 294 (labeled as "N") as "pB, pL, R, gbM.  N follows M [Bruck 67, which he discovered] by 18 seconds and is 2' north of it."

 

The Hodge-Wright SMC Atlas labels NGC 294 as Lindsay 47, though Table 6 suggests NGC 294 = L47?

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NGC 295 = CGCG 501-056 = PGC 3555

00 59 32.3 +31 47 53; Psc

Size 0.55'x0.5'

 

24" (10/1/16): at 375x; faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"-18" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located 6.5' SW of mag 7.8 HD 5801.

 

NGC 295 is the slightly fainter of a pair with CGCG 501-058 4.8' ENE.  The companion appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, increases to a small bright nucleus and stellar peak, overall fairly high surface brightness.  CGCG 501-058 is situated just 2' SW of mag 7.8 HD 5801 and it helped to place the bright star off the edge of the field.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 295, along with CGCG 501-058, on 26 Oct 1872 while observing the field he assumed was H II 214 (NGC 296).  He found two nebulae and wrote, "(GC) 167 [NGC 296] F, R, *10m (yellow) Pos 29.6 deg, Dist 123.1".  Nova [NGC 295], S, R, and with a * or another neb 10" n. Pos from [NGC 296] 242.0 deg, Dist 314.6" or 21.6 seconds p[receding], 147.6" s[outh]."  Dreyer used WH's (inaccurate) position for NGC 296 to compute a position for the "nova" GC 5123 (future NGC 296) in the GC Supplement and NGC.

 

There is nothing at Copeland's offset from NGC 296.  A 10th magnitude star is near NGC 296 but it's not at the reported position angle and separation, so it's clear Copeland misidentified the field and Corwin considered NGC 295 as lost.  Confusing the situation further, the computed position for NGC 295 happens to land on NGC 296!  As a result, all modern catalogues label NGC 296 as NGC 295 and UGC 562 is misidentified as NGC 296.

 

Recently (2016) Yann Pothier was able to identify the correct field about 1” ENE, surrounding mag 7.8 HD 5801 = SAO 54330.  This star is 115" distant in PA 32” from CGCG 501-058, so Copeland assumed this galaxy was NGC 296.  The second object is CGCG 501-056, located 288" in PA 248” (southwest) from CGCG 501-058.  Although Copeland discovered both galaxies, NGC 295 applies to CGCG 501-056 and CGCG 501-058 is left without an NGC designation.

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NGC 296 = (R)NGC 295 = UGC 562 = MCG +05-03-024 = CGCG 501-042 = PGC 3260

00 55 07.6 +31 32 32; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 164”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated NNW-SSE, bright core.  Located just 30" W of a mag 10 star.  Brightest in a group of four with UGC 565 9' NNE and UGC 567 13' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 296 = H II-214 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "F, E, preceding a bright star.  Appears almost like a brush issuing from the star, but does not join it by a good deal."  Although his RA was 20 seconds too large and Dec 1' too far north, it is clear from the description that NGC 296 = UGC 562.

 

Dreyer used WH's (poor) position to compute the position of NGC 295, found by Ralph Copeland.  See NGC 295 for the story on this number.  Coincidentally, the computed position for NGC 295 lands on NGC 296!  As a result UGC, CGCG, PGC and RNGC misidentify NGC 296 as NGC 295.  In addition, RNGC misidentifies UGC 565 as NGC 296.

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NGC 297 = 2MASX J00545892-0720591 = PGC 3243

00 54 58.9 -07 20 59; Cet

Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

18" (11/22/03): this extremely faint and tiny galaxy was a marginal object at 257x, barely glimpsed several times as a fleeting quasi-stellar spot just 1.3' SW of NGC 298.  If this observation is valid, this is one of the faintest NGC galaxies I've recorded.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 297 = m 19 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "eF".  His position is 2 sec of RA west and 1' S of much brighter m 20 = NGC 298, discovered at the same time.  It's possible that Marth confused a close, faint double situated 2' S of NGC 298 as a nebula.  But 1.3' SW of NGC 298 at 00 54 58.9 -07 20 59 (2000) is a nearly stellar galaxy, described here, which is a more likely candidate.  In any case, NGC 297 is not identical to NGC 298 as stated in the RNGC.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 298 = MCG -01-03-033 = PGC 3250

00 55 02.2 -07 20 00; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 87”

 

18" (11/22/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', weak concentration.  Located 11' W of a mag 6 star that I kept outside the field.  NGC 297 is an extremely difficult companion just 1.3' SW.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W.  Forms a pair with NGC 293 11' NW.  Located 11' W of mag 5.9 SAO 129032 in field!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 298 = m 20 (along with NGC 297) on 27 Sep 1864 using Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 299 = ESO 051-005 = Kron 32 = Lindsay 49

00 53 24.8 -72 11 47; Tuc

V = 11.7;  Size 0.9'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, 0.8' diameter. Contains an intensely bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  A few stars were resolved at the edges at 397x.  Brightest in a group of clusters with NGC 306 5' SE, Kron 30 3.7' W, Lindsay 51 8.5' NE, and Kron 28 14' NW.

 

Lindsay 51 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, irregular shape, ~30" diameter, very small bright nucleus. Situated just 0.6' W of a mag 10.6 star (SMC yellow supergiant) in a rich section of the SMC.

 

Kron 28 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~45" diameter, low surface brightness glow extending to the west of mag 10.7 HD 5148 = V Tucanae (mag 10-12 eclipsing binary superimposed at east edge).

 

18" (7/11/05) - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 50" diameter with a broad weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 306 5' SE.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this SMC cluster appeared as a small, round, bright knot, ~45" diameter. Forms the southeast vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 11 stars ~3.5' NNE and 4' W.  Forms a trio with NGC 306 4.7' SE and Kron 30 3.8' W.  Kron 30 appeared as just a hazy patch, ~1.5' diameter with a few mag 13/14 stars superimposed or resolved.

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first of two small knots of stars (the other being NGC 306) located 26' W of NGC 346.  At 171x, it appeared as a small glowing spot, ~40" in diameter, though standing out fairly well in the field.  The cluster is embedded within a scattered group of brighter stars in the field.  Forms a pair with NGC 306 4.7' SE.  The second edition of Uranometria 2000.0 and DSFG incorrectly list both objects twice - as open clusters and bright nebulae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 299 = h2360 on 12 Aug 1834 and recorded this SMC cluster as "F; vS; R; glbM; r; 15"."  His fourth and final record reads "pB, vS, R, 12", resolvable. Situated at the upper limit of the nubecula which here is starry. At the other it is nebulous."

 

This cluster is misclassified as a Bright Nebula in the RNGC, and the wrong type was copied into the NGC 2000.0 and first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0.

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NGC 300 = ESO 295-020 = MCG -06-03-005 = PGC 3238

00 54 53.4 -37 41 00; Scl

V = 8.1;  Size 21.9'x15.5';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 111”

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 187x; bright, extremely large, irregular, elongated roughly 5:3 WNW-ESE, at least 15'x9'.  Contains a large, brighter core region with a mag 11.5 star at the ENE edge of the core.  A mag 9.6 star is in the halo (along a faint spiral arm), 2.6' SW of center and a mag 10.6 star is superimposed in the outer halo, 5.3' SE of center.  Spiral structure was surprisingly subtle.  A low contrast, broad inner arm extends west from the north side of the core, curls south on the west side and spreads out.  A more obvious inner arm emerges from the south side of the core and sweeps east and north, though the root of the arm is not defined.  The arm passes through a relatively bright and large HII patch/OB association, ~25" diameter, situated 3.9' E of center and loses contrast further north.  This giant HII complex is catalogued in NED as NGC 300:[DCL88] 137 from a 1988 study by Deharveng et al, "H II regions in NGC 300".  A mag 11.5 star is 2.3' further NE in the outer halo of the galaxy. I didn't have time to examine the galaxy at higher power to search for additional H II knots.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly large oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, very diffuse appearance, bright stellar nucleus.  There is a hint of structure although the galaxy has a low surface brightness and was viewed at a low elevation (13” at most) from my latitude of +38.5”.  This nearby galaxy is located at a distance of 6 million light years in the Sculptor group, and may be physically paired with NGC 55.

 

15x50 IS binoculars: (11/18/06): visible in binoculars as a relatively large, very low surface brightness hazy region, roughly 15' in size.  A star is superimposed on the SW side.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 300 = D 530 = h2359 on 5 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a pretty large faint nebula, irregular round figure, 6' or 7' diameter, easily resolvable into exceedingly minute stars, with four or five stars of more considerable magnitude; slight compression of stars to the centre." There are several superimposed Milky Way stars, although the resolution towards the center was spurious, of course.  His position was 8' too far east.

 

John Herschel observed the galaxy on 3 occasions. On the first sweep (1 Sep 1834) he described it as "B; vL; vgpmbM; vmE; irregular figure; 8' to 10' long, 3' or 4' broad; has subordinate nuclei."  His sketch (plate V, figure 10) includes the nucleus and two or three additional regions of nebulosity. Three nights later, he noted it as "faint, very large, very gradually brighter towards the middle; 4' long; 2' broad; has another nebula attached."  The secondary nebula is the large HII complex [DCL88] 137 on the east side.  On 30 Nov 1837 he wrote: "A large oval nebula, containing three stars." He had tentatively identified it with Dunlop 530, but noted: "Mr. Dunlop's neb 530 is described by him as easily resolvable into very minute stars. Its identity with [NGC 300] is therefore very doubtful."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 300 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope on 20 Dec 1875 (plate I, figure 3). The giant HII complex on the east side is clearly shown on the sketch as a distinct oval patch.  Pietro Baracchi showed it on his sketch from 7 Oct 1884 as a relatively large patch making a nearly equilateral triangle with two superimposed stars to the south.  The galaxy was photographed by Harold Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 and described as a "spiral with many conensations".

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NGC 301 = PGC 3345

00 56 18.3 -10 40 25; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round.  Situated between two mag 9/9.5 stars with a separation of 15'.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 301 = LM 1-18 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is fortunately just 0.2 tmin W of PGC 3345 and his note that a *8 precedes by 30" applies (though the star is NW). But the RNGC still managed to identify a plate defect as NGC 301!  He also placed NGC 302 (List I-19)  just 1' ENE, but there is only a star there.

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NGC 302

00 56 19.1 -10 40 42; Cet

 

= * 1.8' ENE NGC 301, Corwin.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 302 = LM 1-19 in 1886 and placed 1.0' ENE (PA 75”) of NGC 301.  The only object close to this position is a faint star.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 302 with PGC 3311, an edge-on galaxy  6' WNW of NGC 301. This error was followed by PGC and others sources (such as Megastar) based on the PGC.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 303 = PGC 3240

00 54 54.7 -16 39 18; Cet

V = 15.3;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness with just a weak concentration.  Can almost hold steadily with averted vision once identified on my finder chart.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 303 = LM 1-20 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 1' N of PGC 03240.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and he noted the PA was 160”.

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NGC 304 = UGC 573 = MCG +04-03-018 = CGCG 480-023 = PGC 3326

00 56 06.0 +24 07 37; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, small very bright core.  Forms pair with CGCG 480-021 4' WNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 304 = St IX-2 on 23 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 305

00 56 20.9 +12 03 54; Psc

 

17.5" (9/26/92): small group of 7 stars, including a mag 9.5 star, in a 3' diameter. A small equilateral triangle of three mag 11-12 stars is just south.  This is an unimpressive but fairly distinctive asterism in a very sparse field.  RNGC, PGC and RC 3 incorrectly equate NGC 305 with the galaxy UGC 571.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 305 = h76 on 17 Oct 1825 as "a small cluster of p closely scattered stars".  At Herschel's position is a small unimpressive asterism (not a cluster). MCG, RNGC and RC3 misidentify the galaxy UGC 571 as NGC 305.   HyperLeda now shows NGC 305 as stellar (or stars) and NED correctly identifies the number as "six galactic stars".   Discussed in Malcolm Thomson's "Catalogue Corrections" and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 306 = ESO 029-023 = Kron 33 = Lindsay 50

00 54 14.7 -72 14 30; Tuc

V = 12.1;  Size 1.1'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): NGC 306 is slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 299 4.7' NW.  At 244x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter.  At 397x, two faint stars were resolved at the northeast and southwest ends.  Two brighter mag 12 and 13 stars lie 1.8' ESE and 2' ENE.  A fairly close pair of mag 13/14 stars (~9" separation) is 1.4' WNW.

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): slightly fainter of a pair with NGC 299 5' NW.  Appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution.  Two mag 12 stars lie 2' E and SE.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 306 is a slightly smaller and fainter companion of NGC 299, situated 4.7' NW.  At 128x it appeared small, round, fairly faint, ~35" diameter with no sign of resolution. Forms the west vertex of a small triangle with two mag 12 stars ~2' SE and a 2' E.

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a fainter of a pair of small SMC clusters with NGC 299 and located 4.7' SE of NGC 299.  At 171x it was just a small, hazy compact knot, ~30" in diameter, with no resolution and fairly even surface brightness to the edge.  A mag 12 star is ~2' SE.  In the same low power field with the impressive NGC 346 located 22' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 306 = h2361 in the SMC on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "an extremely small *faint* knot of the Nubec. Min. 15" diameter."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 307 = UGC 584 = MCG +00-03-035 = CGCG 384-039 = LGG 013-005 = PGC 3367

00 56 32.5 -01 46 19; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

24" (9/28/19): at 322x; moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', strong concentration with a bright core that increases to a very bright nucleus.

 

LEDA 212626, misidentified as NGC 308 in RNGC and PGC, lies 3' SW.  It appeared extremely faint and small (V = 15.8), round, ~8" diameter.  Required averted vision and only popped for a second or two at a time.

 

18" (10/16/09): at 285x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  This galaxy is in the foreground of Abell Galaxy Cluster 119, which lies 1/2 degree to the north.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, oval 3:2 E-W, small bright core.  A mag 15.5 star (NGC 308) is 1' SSE.  The center of  AGC 119 lies 30' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 307 = h77 on 6 Sep 1831 and logged "pF; S; E; 15"."  His position matches UGC 584 = PGC 3367.  This galaxy is located just south of the central region of AGC 119 but the redshift is only z = .013, which is 3 times less than the other cluster members so it is very unlikely to be a member.

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NGC 308

00 56 34.3 -01 47 03; Cet

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Sir Robert Ball discovered NGC 308 on 31 Dec 1866 while observing the field of NGC 307.  He recorded a faint "Nova" in PA 147” (SE) at a separation of 60" (measured at 52" on 23 Oct 1876).  In this position (51" separation) is a 15th magnitude star that Ball apparently mistook for a very small nebulous object.

 

The RNGC misidentified PGC 3354, an extremely faint galaxy 3' SSW of NGC 307, as NGC 308, though with a poor position.  PGC also repeated this identification.  I listed this RNGC error in my RNGC Corrections #3.  Interestingly, it's possible PGC 3354 was seen by Robert Ball with the 72" on 8 Nov 1866, but it didn't receive a NGC designation.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 309 = MCG -02-03-050 = Holm 27a = PGC 3377

00 56 42.8 -09 54 50; Cet

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 175”

 

24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, fairly low but uneven surface brightness, contains a brighter core that increases somewhat to the center.  I detected hints of spiral arms in the halo (slightly brighter arcs).  A mag 12.5 star is 2' NNE and a mag 15 star is off the west side, 1.5' from center.  IC 1602, the brightest member of AGC 117, lies 13' WSW.  It appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is off the NNE edge 2.1' from center.  A mag 15 star is off the west edge.

 

8" (10/13/81): very faint, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.

 

At a redshift distance of ~260 million light years, NGC 309 is one of the largest and most luminous spiral galaxies known.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 309 = T I-4 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His RA was 10 seconds too small.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 26 Oct 1897 as well as by Howe in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

 

Based on a photograph taken with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan observatory, NGC 309 was described as a "open spiral with a pB sharp stellar nucleus, well defined arms and many condensations".

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NGC 310

00 56 48.1 -01 45 58; Cet

 

= *, Corwin and Gottlieb.

 

Sir Robert Ball discovered NGC 310 on 31 Dec 1866 while observing the field of NGC 307.  His placed this object, with respect to NGC 307, at 225" separation in PA 81”.  The offset was measured again on 23 Oct 1876 as 239" in PA 84.8”.  At this position (233" in PA 85”) is a single mag 15.3 star that Harold Corwin identifies as NGC 310.

 

The RNGC and PGC misidentify LEDA 3325895 = PGC 3396 as NGC 310.  This extremely faint galaxy is situated 303" in PA 91” of NGC 307.  As the single star was measured twice and is a much closer fit, this identification is very unlikely.  See Corwin's identification notes under NGC 308.

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NGC 311 = UGC 592 = MCG +05-03-028 = CGCG 501-049 = PGC 3434

00 57 32.7 +30 16 51; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  First of three on line and equally spaced with NGC 315 6' NE and NGC 316 12' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 311 = h78 on 15 Sep 1828 while observing H II-210 = NGC 313, and recorded "F, vS; R; bM; 6".  The next sweep he logged "pB; R; gbM; 10"."

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NGC 312 = ESO 151-006 = PGC 3343

00 56 15.6 -52 46 58; Phe

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 62”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, high surface brightness, 40"x30", sharply concentrated with an intense core.  The halo is extended 4:3 or 5:4 WSW-ESE.  A mag 11.3 star lies 2.4' W. NGC 312 is the furthest north in a group of 8 galaxies in a 25' string to the south.  The galaxies share a common redshift of z = .026, implying a distance of ~350 million l.y.  The closest companion is ESO 151-5 is 3' SSW.  It appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated at least 2:1 N-S, sharply concentrated with a small bright core and faint extensions ~40"x20".  NGC 328 lies 10.6' SE and NGC 323 is 12' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 312 = h2363 on 5 Sep 1836 and noted "vF, S, R".  On a later sweep he logged "F, S, R, 15", follows a star 12th mag on same parallel".  The mag 12 star mentioned in the description is 2.5' W.  His mean position from 2 observations is accurate.

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NGC 313 = Holm 28c

00 57 45.7 +30 22 00; Psc

 

= ** 1' NW of core of NGC 314, Carlson and de Vaucouleurs. =***, Corwin

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 313, along with NGC 316, on 29 Nov 1850.  Stoney's offset of 1' NW of NGC 315 points directly to a double star (clearly resolved on the DSS) at 00 57 45.7 +30 21 56 (2000) - position on the southern star.  The sketch in the 1861 publication shows two stars encased in a small nebula (labeled as Gamma), but in the 1880 publication there are only two stars.

 

Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC Correction paper) and Harold Corwin identify this double star (the northern component itself is a very close double, so technically a triple) as NGC 313.

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NGC 314 = ESO 411-032 = MCG -05-03-015 = PGC 3395

00 56 52.3 -31 57 48; Scl

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.1' ESE of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 314 = h2362 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, eS, R, sbM to a stellar nucleus." On a later sweep he logged "eeF, vS; almost doubtful whether really the object looked for.  Has a pB star following 2' distant. (N.B. The coincidence of the places destroys this doubt)."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 315 = UGC 597 = MCG +05-03-031 = CGCG 501-052 = Holm 28a = PGC 3455

00 57 48.8 +30 21 09; Psc

V = 11.2;  Size 3.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 ~SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3.5' NW of mag 8.5 SAO 54298.  Brightest of three and at midpoint connecting NGC 311 6' SW and NGC 318 6' NE.  A close faint double star is 1' NW of center = NGC 313.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 315 = H II-210 = h79 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and noted "F, pL, unequally bright, resolvable, near a pB star."  JH observed this nebula on 3 sweeps and NGC 311 was also found.  When the field was observed using Lord Rosse's 72", NGC 318 was also discovered, though a nearby single star (NGC 316) and a double star (NGC 313) were mistaken as nebulous.

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NGC 316 = Holm 28b

00 57 52.4 +30 21 16; Psc

 

= * 47" following NGC 315, Gottlieb.  =**, de Vaucouleurs.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 316, along with NGC 313, on 29 Nov 1850.  It was "suspected .. a faint nebula (labeled Delta) 44" ENE of the center of NGC 315, but at this offset  is a single star (noted as such in the 1855 observation published in 1861).  John Herschel repeated it was a star in the GC notes but Dreyer still added it to the GC Supplement.

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NGC 317 = UGC 594 = MCG +07-03-010 = CGCG 536-013 = V Zw 42 = KTG 2B = PGC 3442

00 57 40.4 +43 47 32; And

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 105”

 

24" (10/5/13): this is the larger component of a close double system with NGC 317A = UGC 593 just 35" NNW (between centers).  At 375x appeared fairly faint, very elongated WNW-ESE, ~45"x15", weak concentration, slightly brighter core.  Two mag 11.5/13.8 stars lie 1' W.  NGC 317A appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, small, fairly high surface brightness (core region) ~15".  With averted vision, the core is surrounded by a thin, very low surface brightness halo increasing the diameter to 25". CGCG 536-014 lies 5.5' S, forming the isolated triplet KTG 2.  It appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 25"x18", low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (8/29/92): the SSE component of this double galaxy appeared very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 1' W and a faint mag 14 star is 1' SW, forming a wide 30" double.  The NNW component is the slightly brighter of the pair and appears faint, very small, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. On the POSS the SSE galaxy is the brighter component.  MCG +07-03-011 lies 6' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 317 = Sw. II-11 on 1 Oct 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 28 sec of RA east and 1' N of PGC 3442.  He mentions a "Double star close following", but he confused the directions as the pair of stars is close preceding.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 317A in the MCG as the close pair are given separate designations.

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NGC 318 = CGCG 501-054 = PGC 3465

00 58 05.2 +30 25 32; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 is off the NW edge 0.9' from the center.  Located 5.6' NE of NGC 315 and the third of three in a group.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 318 = St XII-7 on the 3 Nov 1855 observation (only) of NGC 315 .  It was noted as "F, S, R." and placed accurately on a sketch in line with NGC 311 and 315.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 6 Nov 1882 and listed it as new in his 12th discovery list, missing the earlier GC entry.  Stephan's position is accurate.

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NGC 319 = ESO 243-013 = MCG -07-03-001 = PGC 3398

00 56 57.5 -43 50 20; Phe

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.5', contains a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 15.4 star is 33" SW of center and a mag 13 star is 2.3' SSE.  Forms a pair NGC 322 7.1' NNE.

 

24" (10/5/13): at 225x appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 20"x15".  NGC 322 lies 7' NNE.  Despite an elevation of only 10”, both galaxies were easily seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 319 = h4007, along with NGC 322, on 5 Sep 1834 and remarked "eF; vS; R; lbM."  His CGH position has a typo of 23h instead of 00h in RA, but he corrected this mistake in his errata list at the end.

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NGC 320 = ESO 541-003 = MCG -04-03-037 = PGC 3510

00 58 46.5 -20 50 24; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, very small, round, very small bright core, very faint stellar nucleus, diffuse slightly elongated halo.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' NNW.  Located 15' SE of mag 7.8 SAO 166710.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 320 = LM 2-295 in 1886 with a 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.4 tmin of RA east is ESO 541-003 and his published position angle (160”) matches this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 321 = MCG -01-03-043 = PGC 3443

00 57 39.1 -05 05 11; Cet

V = 14.8;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (12/1/13): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Easily visible 1.5' SE of a mag 12.5 star and 5.7' WSW of NGC 329 in a group.

 

17.5" (12/11/99): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  The faintest of 5 galaxies in the field (NGC 325 = MCG -01-03-045 not seen in very soft seeing) including NGC 327 4.8' SE, MCG -01-03-041 5.1' NNW and NGC 329 5.7' WNW.  Located 1.4' SE of a mag 12 star.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): very faint, small, round.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 321 = m 21 (along with NGCs 325, 327 and 329) on 27 Sep 1864 using Lassell's 48" on Malta.  His description simply reads "eF, vS", but his position matches MCG -01-03-043.  Nevertheless, the RNGC, MCG, RC3 and others misidentify MCG -01-03-041 (located 5' further N) as NGC 321.  Furthermore, MCG -01-03-043 is misidentified as NGC 325 in RNGC, MCG, PGC and other sources.  MCG -01-03-041 was visible in my 13" so it is odd that Marth did not notice this galaxy.

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NGC 322 = ESO 243-015 = AM 0054-435 = MCG -07-03-003 = PGC 3412

00 57 10.0 -43 43 39; Phe

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 153”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.25', contains a very small bright nucleus.  PGC 95427, an extremely faint companion at the west edge [13" from center], was barely distinguishable from a very dim star.  NGC 319 lies 7.1' SSW.

 

24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, 25"x15".  A mag 13 star lies 1.4' SW.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 319 7' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 322 = h4007, along with NGC 319, on 5 Sep 1834, and recorded "vF; vS; R; lbM; follows 3 stars 12, 13 and 14m."  His position is 6 sec of RA east and 1' south of ESO 243-015 = PGC 3412 (after corrected for a 1 hour typo in the Cape catalogue).

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NGC 323 = ESO 151-009 = PGC 3374

00 56 41.6 -52 58 34; Phe

V = 12.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 178”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, 40" diameter, very small bright core.  In a group of galaxies (8 recorded in a 25' string N-S) with NGC 328 4' NE and ESO 151-010 4.7' N.  Forms a very close pair with PGC 95384 1.0' S.  The close companion (not catalogued in Megastar) is faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x10", low surface brightness.

 

ESO 151-012, situated 7.3' SSE, appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, ~50"x25", sharply concentrated with a bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1.5' SE and a mag 15.5 star is 1' N.  ESO 151-012 is located 10' NE of mag 6.6 HD 5474 and I'm surprised that John Herschel missed it.  Just 2' E of the bright star is ESO 151-004.  This galaxy appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, contains a slightly brighter elongated core.  A mag 14.5-15 star is at the south tip, 45" from center.  The nearby mag 6.6 star detracts from the view.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 323 = h2365 on 3 Oct 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R. The RA may err several seconds. The PD also is not very good." On a much later sweep he recorded "Viewed; found exactly in the place of No 29, Sweep 498 [previous description] pB, S, R, bM, 15 arcseconds, there is also another [NGC 328], pos = 36.8 degrees [NE], delta in PD = 4'."  JH's RA is 0.1 tmin too large.

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NGC 324 = ESO 295-025 = AM 0054-411 = MCG -07-03-002 = PGC 3416

00 57 14.7 -40 57 34; Phe

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 95”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; moderately bright and large, elongated at least 3:1 E-W, ~1.0'x0.3'. Strongly concentrated with a bright core and much fainter extensions that were initially missed.  Resides in a sparsely populated field with a mag 12 star 5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 324 = h2364 on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "F, S, Stellar, the bad definition of a south-easter prevents certainty, but I think it is not a star."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 30' S is ESO 295-G25 = PGC 3416, a galaxy that fits Herschel's description, assuming he noticed only the central region.  ESO, MCG and RC3 correctly identify this galaxy as NGC 324 but RNGC misidentifies IC 1609 as NGC 324, and as a further complication gives incorrect coordinates for IC 1609.  Nothing exists at the RNGC position on the POSS, but the photographic description clearly applies to IC 1609.

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NGC 325 = MCG -01-03-045 = FGC 111 = PGC 3454

00 57 47.8 -05 06 45; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 1.5'x0.2';  PA = 90”

 

24" (12/22/14): at 260x; very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~20"x10".  Occasionally a mag 16.5 star appeared to be involved [DSS shows a very faint star just north of the core].  Situated 2.1' NW of NGC 327.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): only highly suspected several times as an extremely faint and small glow situated 2.1' NW of NGC 327.  This galaxy is a very low surface brightness edge-on in a group with NGC 329 4' NE and NGC 321 2.7' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 325 = m 22 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, vS."  His position matches MCG -01-03-045 = PGC 3454, an extremely faint edge-on in a quartet.

 

RNGC and MCG misidentify NGC 321 = MCG -01-03-043 as NGC 325.  RC3 doesn't label MCG -01-03-045 as NGC 325.  The "Deep Sky Field Guide" (version 1) mentions a "faint, anonymous galaxy 2' NW" of NGC 327 and this is probably NGC 321.  I find it odd that Marth described NGC 325 as "vF", while NGC 321, which is noticeably brighter, is described as "eF".

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NGC 326 = UGC 601 = MCG +04-03-025 = CGCG 480-026 = IV Zw 35 = PGC 3482

00 58 22.7 +26 51 56; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

24" (12/6/18): NGC 326 is a merged double system with twin nuclei separated by only 8".  At 375; fairly faint, fairly small, round, slightly brighter core.  Increasing to 500x, the nucleus was precisely collinear with a mag 13.0 star 1.2' W and a mag 13.7 star 2.5' W.  This corresponds with the northern of the dual nuclei.  Occasionally the second nuclei (10" SE) seemed to sharpen as a faint quasi-stellar spot within the halo.  Located 5' NNW of mag 7.3 HD 5650 and 3.6' W of a mag 9 star.  STF 77, a 10" pair of mag 10.4/10.5 stars, is 5' NW.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' W.  Situated at the center of an isosceles triangle consisting mag 7.2 SAO 74405 5' SSE, mag 8.5 SAO 74400 5' NW (nice close double star) and mag 9 74409 3.6' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 326 on 24 Aug 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) matches UGC 601 = PGC 3482 and he accurately measured the mag 9-10 star that follows by 15.5 seconds of time and 26" south.   MCG misidentifies +04-03-024 (a much fainter galaxy to the NW) as NGC 326, instead of +04-03-025.  NGC 326 has a double nucleus and appears to be a close pair of merged compacts in a common halo.

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NGC 327 = MCG -01-03-047 = Holm 30a = PGC 3462

00 57 55.2 -05 07 50; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, ~48"x15", fairly high even surface brightness with only a weak concentration.  Brightest in a small group with NGC 329 3.9' NNE and NGC 321 4.8' NW.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Second of three with similar NGC 329 3.8' NNE and MCG -01-03-041 9' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 327 = m 23 (along with NGC 321, NGC 325 and NGC 329) on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, E."  His position and description is appropriate.

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NGC 328 = ESO 151-013 = PGC 3399

00 56 57.4 -52 55 26; Phe

V = 13.3;  Size 2.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.35', contains a slightly bulging core that is only weakly concentrated.  In a group of 8 galaxies in a 24' string N-S including NGC 323 4' SW and ESO 151-010  2.6' NW.  The ESO galaxy (B = 15.7) appeared fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 15"x10".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 328 = h2366 on 5 Sep 1836 and logged "vF, lE, vgbM.".  His position is 0.1 min of RA east and 1' north of ESO 151-013 = PGC 3399.  Both NGC 323 and 328 were observed on the same sweep (730), although NGC 323 was first picked up on an earlier sweep.

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NGC 329 = MCG -01-03-048 = Holm 30b = PGC 3467

00 58 01.4 -05 04 17; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

24" (12/1/13): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 45"x15".  NGC 327, the brightest member in the group, lies 3.9' SSW.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Third of three with NGC 327 3.8' SSW and MCG -01-03-041 8' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 329 = m 24 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, E."  This galaxy is the last in a quartet along with NGC 321, NGC 325 and NGC 327.  His description and position applies to MCG -01-03-048 = PGC 3467.

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NGC 330 = ESO 029-024 = Lindsay 54

00 56 19 -72 27 48; Tuc

V = 9.6;  Size 1.9'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; extremely bright, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, ~1.5' diameter, high surface brightness cluster.  Easily over 20 stars were resolved in central region and more than three dozen including outliers around the periphery.  NGC 330 is situated in a rich, glowing section of the SMC just 20' SW of NGC 346, the top HII region in the SMC.

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is one of the brightest SMC clusters and a fascinating object at 228x.  It appears as a bright, extremely rich knot of stars, just 1' to 1.5' diameter, which was only partially resolved.  Streaming out from the dense core are numerous mag 12 and fainter stars, some arranged in a curving chain off the following side of the core.  The bright outliers seem scattered about to at least 5' (Hodge Association 40).  NGC 330 is situated 20' SW of the remarkable HII region NGC 346 within a rich star field!

 

10x30 IS binoculars (11/4/12 - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand): visible as a very small, but non-stellar knot.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 330 = D 23 = h2367 on 1 Aug 1826 with a 7" reflector and recorded "A small, but very bright nebula, exceedingly condensed. This is the brightest nebula in the small cloud. I think I perceive two bright nuclei in this body." Dunlop observed the cluster 8 times during his survey and his position was just 2' N of the cluster.

 

John Herschel observed the cluster on 5 separate sweeps, first recording on 11 Apr 1834, "pretty bright, small, oval, resolved, 60"." His second sweep reads "globular cluster, S, B, little elliptic, gbM; 2' across. Fairly resolved into rather large and not very crowded stars."  His third observation reads "globular cluster, vB, S, lE, resolvable or resolved; 90" long, 60" broad; a close compressed knot of stars with outliers."

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NGC 331 = MCG -01-03-012 = PGC 2759

00 47 06.9 -02 43 51; Cet

V = 14.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Requires averted to glimpse and can only view for moments knowing exact location.  A nice mag 13/14 double lies 6' N [at 20" separation].  Located 14' W of NGC 259.  The identification NGC 331 = MCG -01-03-012 is very tentative.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 331 = LM 2-296 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, though he mentions the RA (which is often bad) is doubtful.  Harold Corwin suggests the possible identification NGC 331 = MCG -01-03-012 = PGC 2759 (listed here), though that assumes Leavenworth made a 10 min error in RA.  Leavenworth's description mention a *12 located 3' NE and there is a faint star (closer to mag 15) in this relative position. RNGC and PGC misidentify MCG -01-03-039 as NGC 331.  This galaxy is closer to Leavenworth's position but has a mag 7 star 5' NW, so does not fit his description.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 332 = UGC 609 = CGCG 410-021 = PGC 3511

00 58 49.1 +07 06 41; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, bright core, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A line of three mag 12-13 stars is close SW.  Located 18' NNE of a mag 6.9 star SAO 109563.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 332 = Sw. V-10 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position and description ("5 or 6 stars near south in a curve") matches UGC 609 = PGC 3511.

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NGC 333 = MCG -03-03-013 = PGC 3519

00 58 51.3 -16 28 09; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 119”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, very slight central brightening.  Almost on a line with two mag 13 stars 3' SE and 5' SE.  This is a double system (not resolved).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 333 = T I-5 in 1877 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  Tempel's position is 10 sec of RA west and 4' south of PGC 3519.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  This is a double galaxy (often listed as NGC 333A and 333B) with a very small companion just southwest of the nucleus.   Based on RA order, the main galaxy is identified as NGC 333B in NED, RNGC and MCG, and the companion (PGC 3073571) as NGC 333A.

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NGC 334 = ESO 351-026 = MCG -06-03-012 = PGC 3514

00 58 49.8 -35 06 58; Scl

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 169”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration.  Best viewed at 280x.  Forms the north vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11-12 stars 2.5' SW and 2.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 334 = h2368 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, glbM; makes a triangle with two stars south of nebulosity." On later sweep he logged "eF, S, R, at the northern angle of an equilateral triangle formed with two stars 11th mag."  His position and description (of the nearby mag 11 stars) clearly establishes NGC 334 = ESO 351-026.

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NGC 335 = ESO 541-006 = MCG -03-03-015 = PGC 3544

00 59 19.5 -18 14 01; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  NGC 336 lies 20' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 335 = LM 1-21 on 9 Oct 1885 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His very rough position is just 0.1 tmin of RA east and 2' S of ESO 541-006.  He gave the same RA as NGC 336 although both are shown on his discovery sketch (examined by Corwin).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 336 = ESO 541-002 = PGC 3470

00 58 02.8 -18 23 05; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2.2' NW of center.  NGC 335 lies 20' NE.  Incorrect identification in RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 336 = LM 1-22 on 31 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Corwin examined the discovery sketch and verified NGC 336 = ESO 541-002 = PGC 3470.  The RNGC, PGC and ESO misidentify ESO 541-004 = PGC 3526 (located 30' SSW of NGC 335) as NGC 336.  See Corwin's notes and my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 337 = MCG -01-03-053 = IV Zw 35 = PGC 3572

00 59 50.3 -07 34 43; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 2.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

48" (11/1/13): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, very irregular with a number of obvious clumps.  Although the galaxy is generally elongated 3:2 or 5:3 NW-SE it contains a bright, elongated N-S central region that seems to be a bar.  On the south end of the "bar" is a brighter elongated patch extending towards the WSW.  Another brighter knot is at the north end of the bar, extending to the east.  On the southeast flank of the galaxy is an elongated, fainter patch.  The northwest side of the halo extends further out, giving an asymmetric outline, and one or two small knots are involved.  A mag 11 star lies 5' E.

 

17.5" (12/26/00): fairly bright and large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.2', broad concentration.  The appearance is asymmetric -- with a noticeably mottled or irregular surface brightness.  Brighter knots within the halo are also clearly visible at moments.  The visual impression matches well with the DSS image, which shows a chaotic structure with a number of large HII knots.  NGC 337A, a large faint dwarf spiral, lies 27' E.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, fairly even surface brightness, diffuse outer halo.  A mag 11.5 star is 5.4' E of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 337 = H II-433 = h80 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and noted "pB, pL, bM, irregular parallelogram in the direction of the meridian."  His position is pretty accurate.

 

R.J. Mitchell observed this irregular galaxy using LdR's 72" on 3 Oct 1856 and recorded "pL, not vF.  Its brightest part is a line running diagonally, and there is a knot at either end.  Perhaps it shaped like an "S".  The galaxy has a distorted appearance on CCD photo.

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NGC 338 = UGC 624 = MCG +05-03-034 = CGCG 501-061 = LGG 014-015 = PGC 3611

01 00 36.4 +30 40 09; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 109”

 

17.5" (10/5/02): nice, fairly small edge-on oriented WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.25', very small bright core.  A pair of evenly matched mag 14 stars are close off the south side.

 

17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, very elongated WNW-ESE, moderately large, bright core.  An easy mag 14 double star at 22" separation is off the SSE edge just 0.8' from center.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 338 = T I-6 in 1877 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "small but class III;  has 2 stars mag 14-15 near the south end."  His position is 11 tsec W and 1' S of UGC 624 and the description of the nearby stars fits.  ƒdouard Stephan (XII-8) independently found the galaxy on 6 Nov 1882 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory and the position was accurately measured.

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NGC 339 = ESO 029-025 = Lindsay 59

00 57 46.4 -74 28 24; Tuc

V = 12.8;  Size 2.2'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly large, roundish, 3' diameter, weak concentration to a small brighter core.  The outer halo appears ragged and mottled but the only definite resolution was a star on the east side of the halo.  This cluster is located 15' SE of mag 6.7 HD 5499 and 45' NE of mag 5.1 Lambda Hyi.  There are no brighter stars within 5'.  NGC 339 is a massive intermediate age cluster (6.5 billion years old).  Kron 37 lies 8.6' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 339 = h2369 on 18 Sep 1835 in the SMC and recorded "vF, L, R, vgbM, 3' or 3.5' diameter".  His position is 1.3' NNW of center.  NGC 339 was described as "probably globular" in the 1935 Harvard Observatory Bulletin 899 based on Bruce plates at Arequipa.

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NGC 340 = MCG -01-03-055 = PGC 3610

01 00 34.9 -06 52 00; Cet

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright core.  First of six in the NGC 349 group with NGC 342 7' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 340 = m 25 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, E".  This is the first in a group of 6 galaxies he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350).  His position is accurate.

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NGC 341 = Arp 59 = VV 361 = MCG -02-03-063 = PGC 3620

01 00 45.8 -09 11 09; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located along the west side of a triangle formed by a mag 11.5 star 2.5' N, a mag 12.5 star 3' ESE and a mag 13.5 star 3' SSE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 341 = St XII-9 on 21 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is an exact match with MCG -02-03-063 = PGC 3620, though the RC3 does not label this galaxy as NGC 341.  Forms a double system (Arp 59) w/NGC 341B = PGC 3627 on the east edge. In the Arp category of spiral galaxies with small, high surface-brightness companions on arms, though NGC 341B may just be an large region of increased star formation activity.

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NGC 342 = MCG -01-03-058 = PGC 3631

01 00 49.8 -06 46 22; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 340 7' SW and second of six in the NGC 349 group.  Located 11' WNW of mag 7.2 SAO 129088.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 342 = m 26 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS".  Second in a group of 6 galaxies he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350).

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NGC 343 = AM 0055-232 = PGC 133741

00 58 24.1 -23 13 30; Cet

Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 9”

 

18" (12/3/05): extremely faint, very small, ~12" diameter.  Appears as a very low surface brightness spot with averted vision located 2' W of a 1.2' pair of mag 14 stars.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 344.  Uncertain historical identification due to a poor position at Leander McCormick observatory.

 

18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, small, round, very low surface brightness.  Situated 2' W of a N-S pair of mag 14 stars.  A mag 15 star is 1' N.  NGC 344 close SE was not seen.  The identification of this pair is uncertain.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 343 = LM 2-297, along with NGC 344, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  This nebula was placed 1' N of NGC 344 but there is nothing at Muller's position.  Corwin suggests NGC 343/NGC 344 are the faint pair of galaxies AM 0055-232 = PGC 133741/PGC 198261, located 2.5 min of RA following Muller's position, but matching in declination.  As the Leander McCormick positions are often well off in RA (but generally good in dec), this candidate is reasonable, though uncertain.  ESO and RNGC apply NGC 343 to a single star 1' N of ESO 475-006 and ESO 475-006 is misidentified as NGC 344 in ESO and RNGC.

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NGC 344 = LEDA 198261

00 58 25.4 -23 13 46; Cet

Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

18" (12/3/05): extremely faint and small, 5" diameter.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 343 close preceding, just 24" between centers.  At times this object appeared stellar and easier to view than NGC 343, though there doesn't appear to be a faint star close by that I might have confused it with.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 344 = LM 2-298, along with NGC 343, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory..  Muller described both objects as possible stars and his position is 0.3 min of RA east and 1.5' north of ESO 475-006.  Corwin suggests that NGC 343 and NGC 344 may instead refer to a faint pair of galaxies (Arp-Madore 0055-232 = PGC 13374/198261) about 2.5 min of RA due east of Muller's position.  If Muller observed this pair, then NGC 344 (fainter SE component) at B = 17.2 is the faintest discovery at Leander McCormick Observatory with the Clark refractor.

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NGC 345 = MCG -01-03-064 = PGC 3665

01 01 22.0 -06 53 04; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  Located 6' SSW of mag 7.2 SAO 129088.  Third of six in the NGC 349 group with NGC 347 5' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 345 = m 27 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS, gbM".  Third in a group of 6 galaxies he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350) and placed accurately.

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NGC 346 = SMC-N66 = ESO 051-010 = Lindsay 60 = SMC Ass 45

00 59 05 -72 10 36; Tuc

V = 10.3;  Size 14'x11'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the largest HII region in the SMC and an amazing sight at 171x using a UHC filter.  The brightest section is a "bar" extending NW-SE with a well-defined edge along the northern side.  Extending from the central region are two sweeping "arms" or extensions, creating an exaggerated "S" appearance similar to a barred spiral galaxy!  The longer but lower surface brightness arm is attached at the southeast end of the central region and broadly sweeps towards the west, below the bar.  The shorter, but high surface brightness arm is attached at the northwest end and hooks towards the east.  These extensions increase the diameter to 8'-10' in total size!

 

Without the filter, the nebula is set in a rich star field (Hodge Association 45) and a number of stars are superimposed or involved with the nebula, some in the center. NGC 346 hosts 33 O-type stars, several in a small clump including a massive 02-type mag 12.8 star and a mag 12.6 O4-type star.  On the NE side is HD 5980, an ultra-luminous mag 11.3 Wolf-Rayet binary (WN4+O7), one of the brightest stars in the SMC. The surrounding region is rich in fainter stars.

 

NGC 371 is in same low power field 22' NE and NGC 330 lies 21' SW.  The small clusters NGC 306 and 299 lies 22' WSW and 26' W, respectively.

 

10x30mm and 15x50mm: NGC 346 is easily visible in binoculars.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 346 = D 25 on 1 Aug 1826 with his 9" speculum reflector and recorded a "pretty large, pretty bright nebula, about 2.25' diameter, irregular round figure, resolvable, very slight condensation, not well defined at the edges.  He observed it on 7 occasions and his position is unusually accurate.

 

John Herschel gives 5 descriptions in his Cape observations: He first observed it on 11 Apr 1834 as "B, L, pmE, pgmbM, 5', resolvable (ill seen, below the pole)." On a second sweep he called it "Cluster, imperfectly resolved; rather irregular figure; 5' diameter. Not equally condensed about centre; fades imperceptibly; has a double star (12th mag) in centre." His third observation was recorded as "B, L, irregularly round, gmbM, 3' or 4' in extent, fades away insensibly." His next sweep was recorded as "B, L, neb with resolvable centre; irregularly extended into a kind of broad train as in figure, gently graduating away to the borders. 6' diameter." His final observation was logged as "B, L, irregular figure, with a star 13th mag in most compressed part."  His published sketch is in the CGH catalogue on plate IV, figure 6.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 346 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope on 17 Dec 1875, with an "arm" attached on the NW end of bar, hooking to the east.  It also shows a very small knot of stars about 0.8' NE of center (plate I, figure 4 "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885").  He commented, "It is very unlike H.'s drawing and description; indeed I cannot trace any resemblance between that and its present appearance; and were it not for its position, and the fact that L.S. observed and sketched it on 5th February 1870, I should be in great doubt as to its being the proper object. The position, however, accords with that given by Herschel, and Le Sueur's sketch [plate VII, figure 79] is, in its general features, very like mine, so that there is no room for doubting its identity. The central portion is by far the brightest, being a cluster of stars so very distinct that they could almost be counted; and the nebula here also appears the most dense. From this point it proceeds s.f. for almost 1' 30", terminating in a few very faint stars. Towards the n.p. direction it forms a complete bend or hook, and is here very faint. A little n.f. the main or central portion is a very small and faint round patch, which at times looks like a cluster of very faint stars, but I cannot with certainty determine whether or not it be stars or only nebula, although the night is an exquisite one, being clear and steady."

 

Although a spectrum taken in 1919 at the Cordoba Observatory of Argentina clearly revealed a gaseous spectrum, Charles Perrine declared "the first true spiral which I have encountered that appears appears to consist almost wholly of gaseous nebulosity." (confusing the spiral morphology with a spiral galaxy).

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NGC 347 = PGC 3673

01 01 35.2 -06 44 02; Cet

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located 4' N of mag 7.5 SAO 129988.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.1' NE.  Member of the NGC 349 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 347 = m 28 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS".  This is the 4th in a group of 6 galaxies discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350).  At Marth's position is PGC 3673, situated 4' N of mag 7.2 HD 6031 and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey of Herschel's catalogues based on Heidelberg plates, identifies this galaxy as NGC 347.

 

But RNGC misidentifies PGC 1028378 as NGC 347 and it is misplotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas..  PGC 1028378 is located at 01 01 29.1 -06 48 41 (J2000), just 1.5' SW of the mag 7.2 star, and is a more difficult object visually (see notes).  PGC correctly identifies NGC 347 but also claims it is equal to IC 71.  See Corwin's notes and my RNGC Corrections #7.

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NGC 348 = ESO 151-017 = PGC 3632

01 00 52.0 -53 14 41; Phe

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 91”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; NGC 348 and ESO 151-018 form a contrasting 7' pair with two bright stars nearby.  NGC 348 appeared moderately bright at best, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, at most 30" diameter, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the north edge.  The galaxy forms the western vertex of a triangle with mag 8.4 HD 6143 9' SE and mag 8.4 HD 6158 10' NE.  A mag 10.8 star, 5.2' W of NGC 348, forms a larger triangle with the two bright stars, and the two galaxies are just south of this mag 10.8 star and HD 6158.

 

ESO 151-018, situated 7' ENE of NGC 348, appeared fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2', small bright core.  The extensions fade out at the tips.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 348 = h2371 on 3 Oct 1834 and recorded "eF, S, R."  On a later sweep he noted "eeeF, seems to have a vF star involved."  His position and description matches ESO 151-017 = PGC 3632, with the faint star at the north edge.

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NGC 349 = MCG -01-03-068 = PGC 3687

01 01 50.7 -06 47 59; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Located 4' E of mag 7.2 SAO 129088!  Forms a close pair with NGC 350 1.5' E.  Brightest in a group of six galaxies.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 349 = m 29 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS".  This is the fifth in a group of 6 galaxies discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350).  His position is just 1' too far south (same offset as NGC 350).

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NGC 350 = MCG -01-03-069 = PGC 3690

01 01 56.6 -06 47 45; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.2' E.  Last of six in the NGC 349 group and forms a close pair with NGC 349 1.5' W.  Located 6' W of a mag 7.2 SAO 129088.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 350 = m 30 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF."  This galaxy is the last in a group of 6 he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350).  His position is 1' S of MCG -01-03-069 = PGC 3690.

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NGC 351 = UGC 639 = MCG +00-03-057 = CGCG 384-057 = PGC 3693

01 01 57.8 -01 56 12; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 142”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 353 at 7' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 351 = Sw. III-3 (along with NGC 353 = Sw. III-4) on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His RA was 12 seconds too large.  Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 25 Oct 1897 as well as Howe in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 352 = MCG -01-03-071 = PGC 3701

01 02 09.2 -04 14 45; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 2.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.5', broadly concentrated with fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 352 = H III-191 = h81 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and logged "vF, mE."  His position was poor but JH measured a fairly accurate (mean) position.

 

Harold Corwin's ESGC and the Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) give an incorrect PA = 10”.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey of Herschel's objects based on Heidelberg plates, correctly gives the PA = 165”.

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NGC 353 = UGC 641 = MCG +00-03-058 = CGCG 384-058 = PGC 3714

01 02 24.6 -01 57 28; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 351 7' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 353 = Sw. III-4 (along with NGC 351 = Sw. III-3) on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 9 sec of RA following UGC 641 (similar offset as NGC 351).

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NGC 354 = UGC 645 = MCG +04-03-037 = Mrk 353 = PGC 3763

01 03 16.3 +22 20 33; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 29”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the WNW end and a mag 11 star is 1' E.  Located 3.3' NNW of mag 9.1 SAO 74452.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 354 = St XII-10 on 24 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF and S; R; a mag 14 star precedes by 1 sec".  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 355 = MCG -01-03-077 = PGC 3753

01 03 06.9 -06 19 26; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, round.  Near my visual threshold and only glimpsed with averted vision for moments.  Located just 4' WNW of NGC 357. Appears extremely faint on the POSS (16 pg) with a nearly stellar core and very small low surface brightness arms that were not visible.  Previously missed using my 13.1".

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 355 = m 31 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, vS."  His position matches MCG -01-03-077 = PGC 3753, although it is surprisingly faint and was barely visible in my 17.5" (missed with my 13").

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NGC 356 = MCG -01-03-078 = VV 486 = PGC 3754

01 03 07.0 -06 59 17; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very weak concentration.  Located about 30' SE of the NGC 349 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 356 = m 32 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, iR."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 357 = MCG -01-03-081 = PGC 3768

01 03 21.9 -06 20 22; Cet

V = 12.0;  Size 2.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): moderately bright, small, compact, very bright core.  A faint mag 14 star is at the ENE edge.  NGC 355 4' WNW not seen in 13.1" but glimpsed in 17.5".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 357 = H II-434 = h82 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and recorded "F, S, irr figure, bM, resolvable."  His position is accurate. JH observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps, logging on 10 Oct 1828: "F; R; sbM; to a *13m; 20" a *14 10 sec nf."  His position and description is a perfect match with MCG -01-03-081 = PGC 3768.

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NGC 358

01 05 10.9 +62 01 14; Cas

 

17.5" (11/6/93): consists of just four mag 11-12 stars in a 2'x1' trapezoid at the NGC position.  This appears to be just a small asterism.  10' SE is also a scattered group in two detached sections elongated E-W with about a dozen mag 12-13.5 stars in each group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 358 on 4 Feb 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen while observing h 83 = NGC 366.  Harold Corwin suggests his description (translated roughly from Latin) is "A cluster of several stars -- not many members.  Found when inspecting the cluster h 83 [NGC 366], which is nearly of the same nature."  His position matches the group of 4 stars in my visual observation although the NGC description ("Cl, vl Ri") is inaccurate.

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NGC 359 = UGC 662 = MCG +00-03-066 = CGCG 384-066 = PGC 3817

01 04 16.9 -00 45 53; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 364 7' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 359 = m 33 (along with NGC 364) on 2 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and called "eF, vS".

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NGC 360 = ESO 079-014 = FGC 119E = PGC 3743

01 02 51.4 -65 36 36; Tuc

V = 12.6;  Size 3.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 144”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; excellent large, thin edge-on NW-SE with tapered tips, stretching ~2.5'x20".  The center is slightly brighter with a mottled or clumpy appearance. A faint double (mag 14.5/15) at ~12" is just west of the southeast end.  Two bright stars are near; mag 8.8 HD 6221 lies 6.5' WSW (just outside the field at 397x) and mag 6.3 HD 6311 lies 9' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 360 = h2372 on 2 Nov 1834 and remarked "eF, vmE, vlbM; a Ray nebula, pos = 145.4”".  His position and descriptions matches ESO 079-014 = PGC 3743.

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NGC 361 = ESO 051-012 = Lindsay 67 = Kron 46

01 02 11 -71 36 24; Tuc

V = 11.8;  Size 1.6'

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright and large, round, 1' diameter, weak concentration to center, grainy.  A single star or clump was resolved.  Located 4.5' SE of mag 7.8 HD 6222 (2' pair with a mag 9.8 companion).  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 361 = D 54 = h2374 on 6 Sep 1826 with a 9" speculum reflector and recorded "a small round pretty well-defined nebula, 15" or 20" diameter."  His position is 7' SE of this SMC cluster.  There are other Dunlop entries near this cluster that may also refer to it, though this description seems to fits best.  JH swept it on 11 Apr 1834 and noted "vF, L, oval, vgvmbM."  Herschel noted the possible equivalence with D 55, whose position is off by 10' east.

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NGC 362 = ESO 051-013 = 75 Tuc

01 03 14 -70 50 54; Tuc

V = 6.6;  Size 12.9';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 228x, NGC 362 appeared very bright and well-resolved into a couple of hundred stars!  The rich halo was plastered with stars and extended to nearly 8Õ diameter.  The 2' compressed core was well-concentrated to a blazing center (concentration class III).  Stars appeared to stream out of the core in curving spiral lanes.  This globular had a classic symmetric appearance with a prominent, round core and halo.  NGC 362 is situated just north of the SMC, though 47 Tuc (NGC 104) overshadows the splendor of NGC 362.

 

Naked-eye (11/4/12 - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand): this 6.6-magnitude globular was just visible naked-eye to the north of the SMC.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 362 = D 62 on 1 Aug 1826 with a 9" speculum reflector and described "a beautiful bright round nebula, about 4' diameter, exceedingly condensed. This is a good representation of the 2nd of the Connaissance des Temps [M2] in figure, colour, and distance; it is but a very little easier resolved, rather a brighter white, and perhaps more compact and globular. This is a beautiful globe of white light; resolvable; the stars are very little scattered."  He observed the globular 11 times (sketched in Figure 3 of his catalogue) and his published position is just 2' NE of center.

 

John Herschel (h2375) reported it with his 18" reflector from the Cape of Good Hope on 12 Aug 1834 as a "Fine, highly condensed globular cluster; psbM; diameter 4'." On 3 Nov 1834 he called it "vB; vL; psvmbM; round; 5' or 6' diameter; all resolved." Observing the next night, he recorded it as "a globular cluster; vB; vlE; gvmbM. Diameter of more condensed part approx. 60 sec in RA; but there are loose stars to a considerably greater distance, stars 13 or 14 mag all nearly equal and distinct, but run into a blaze in centre." His final observation reads: "globular cluster, vB, very compact; psvmb; 4' across; all resolved into stars 13..15 magnitude."

 

There was a 1.0 tmin error in reduction in the NGC position too far west (Dreyer, IC 2 notes).  This error was noted in Harvard College Observatory NGC corrections.

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NGC 363 = MCG -03-03-023 = PGC 3911

01 06 15.8 -16 32 34; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 49”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core.  A mag 12 star is 3' NNE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 363 = LM 1-23 on 28 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is 1.5 min of RA west of MCG -03-03-023 = PGC 3911.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The MCG does not identify their entry as NGC 363.

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NGC 364 = UGC 666 = MCG +00-03-069 = CGCG 384-067 = PGC 3833

01 04 40.8 -00 48 10; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 359 7' WNW.  Plotted too far south on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 364 = m 34 (along with NGC 359) on 2 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS".  His position matches UGC 666 = PGC 3833.  The RNGC position is 3' too far S, CGCG  does not identify their entry as NGC 364 and the UGC position is 26' too far S!

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NGC 365 = ESO 352-001 = MCG -06-03-017 = PGC 3822

01 04 18.7 -35 07 17; Scl

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  A pair of mag 11/13 stars [45" separation] lie ~5' SE.  Required averted vision to comfortably view this galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 365 = h2373 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 20"." His mean declination from two observations is ~1.3' S of ESO 352-001.

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NGC 366 = Cr 9 = OCL-286 = Lund 37

01 06 26 +62 13 42; Cas

Size 3'

 

24" (1/4/14): small, rich group with 30 stars resolved in a 3' region at 260x, with several small knots of stars.  On the south side is the multiple star STI 177 A/B/C = 12/12.9/13 at 3.8" and 10".  Just 48" NE, is the 12" mag 12/13 D and E components with a fainter component at 7" and another close pair or triple is ~30" E.  On the N end of the group is DAM 304 = 12/14 pair at 9".  A string of mag 14-15 stars oriented SW-NE is on the west side of the main grouping.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): 10 stars mag 12-14 in a small 3' group.  Consists of two mag 12-13 stars both of which form very close doubles and a tight trio of mag 13-14 stars on the east side.  The rest are faint stars and the cluster is set over unresolved haze.  Not impressive but stands out clearly in field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 366 = h83 on 27 Oct 1829 and reported a "small cl 2' in diam.  Place that of the double star h 1070."  His position, though, is 2' S of the double star.

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NGC 367 = PGC 3894

01 05 48.9 -12 07 42; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (12/26/00): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Requires averted vision but visible ~80% of the time with concentration at 280x once identified in the eyepiece field.  Elongation not noted so I probably only picked up the brighter central region.

 

17.5" (10/4/97): uncertain sighting.  Possibly barely glimpsed on a couple of occasions using a GSC finder chart to pinpoint location and averted vision at 280x.  No elongation noticed.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 367 = LM 2-299 in 1866 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 1.0'x0.2', E 175”, bn, 3 st 12, np 30”.  There is nothing at his position but 1 min of RA east is PGC 3894. This galaxy is elongated SSW-NNE (Muller's PA is nearly N-S) and his description of three nearby stars matches this galaxy.  RNGC misidentifies FGC 120 = PGC 90518, an extremely thin edge-on, as NGC 367.  PGC 90518 is 13' S of Muller's position and does not match his description.

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NGC 368 = ESO 243-023 = PGC 3826

01 04 21.9 -43 16 36; Phe

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (10/5/13): at 225x; very faint, very small, round, 18" diameter.  Situated 3.1' NE of mag 8.8 HD 6368.  Viewed at ~10” elevation from Lake San Antonio.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 368 = h4012 on 5 Sep 1834 and logged "eeF; vS; N.f. a star 7-8 mag distant 3'."  His position and description is accurate (after correcting for a 1 hr typo in RA).

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NGC 369 = ESO 541-017 = MCG -03-03-022 = PGC 3856

01 05 08.9 -17 45 32; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, gradually weak concentration.  A similar pair of mag 10.7 and 11.1 stars oriented NW-SE lie 5' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 369 = LM 1-24 on 9 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is 3' S of ESO 541-017 = PGC 3856.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 370 = NGC 372

01 06 44.6 +32 25 43; Psc

 

See observing notes for NGC 372.  Identification uncertain.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 370 = Au 5 on 7 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  There is nothing at his single position, though he mentions a mag 13 star is 15" to the south.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 370 is possibly equal to NGC 372.  This is a triple star found by Dreyer at Birr Castle on 12 Dec 1876 at a mean position of 01 06 44.6 +32 25 43 (2000).  The triplet is about 10 seconds of time greater and 1' further north than d'Arrest's position and the separation for the north-south pair is close to his estimate.  This identification is uncertain, but there is nothing else in the vicinity that matches.

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NGC 371 = SMC-N76 = ESO 051-14 = Lindsay 71 = Kron 48 = SMC Ass 53

01 03 30 -72 03 24; Tuc

Size 8'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter, NGC 371 is a fairly bright, prominent, round SMC nebulous cluster, up to 6' in diameter with a fairly well-defined edge.  The haze has a pretty consistent high surface brightness and seems suspended in a large, scattered cluster or star cloud (Hodge Association 53).  A 5' string of four mag 10-11 stars oriented NW-SE is superimposed on the glow (one is mag 13.0 WR star SMC AB 7) as well as a number of fainter stars.  SMC AB 6, another mag 12 WR binary, is at the south end.  This is an excellent low power field with the striking HII region NGC 346 22' WSW and NGC 395/IC 1624 8'-10' NE.

 

10x30mm and 15x50mm IS binoculars: easily visible along with NGC 346.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 371 = D 31 = h2376 on 1 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and recorded "a pretty large unequally bright nebula, about 5' diameter, round figure, resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes."  He made 5 observations and his published position is 8' too far south.

 

John Herschel made 5 observations beginning on 11 Apr 1834, recording "cluster, 6th class; faint, round, 10' diameter, stars 15..18th mag."  The next observation was logged as "vF, L, p rich cluster, 6th class. Stars 14..15th mag." On a third sweep he noted it as "a F, L, p compressed cl of 6th class. 10' diameter. gbM; stars 12..16th mag - in some parts almost nebulous." The fourth observation was recorded as a "cluster 6th class; stars 12..15th mag, a few = 10th mag and one of 9th mag; much compressed in the middle; fills field and has loose straggling lines and crooks branching off." The final sweep was recorded as "F, L, cl; little compressed; gbM; 7' diam; resolved into stars 14..16th mag."  Herschel noted that this may be Dunlop 31.

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NGC 372 = NGC 370

01 06 44.6 +32 25 43; Psc

 

18" (11/18/06): faint triple star resolved at 280x.  The components form a very small equilateral triangle 1' N of a mag 12 star with the components ~10" apart.  The brightest component of the triple is at the north vertex and the other two are mag 15-15.5.  NGC 370 may also refer to this multiple star.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 372 on 12 Dec 1876 with the 72" at Birr Castle and stated "the last nova [GC 5146 = NGC 372] looks at first sight like a hazy *, the higher power seems to resolve it, at all events sev luminous points were seen. Has a *12 in pos 166.5d, dist, 74"."  This pins down the equivalence with a triple star with a mean position of 01 06 44.6 +32 25 43 (2000).  Heinrich d'Arrest *possibly* also observed this triple star (or one or more of its components) on 7 Oct 1861 and it was catalogued as GC 197 = NGC 370.

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NGC 373 = PGC 3946

01 06 58.2 +32 18 31; Psc

V = 14.9;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (11/18/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  There appears to be a 15-16th magnitude star superimposed as a stellar point was sometimes visible offset from the center.  Located on the SW side of the "Pisces Group", 9' SW of NGC 383.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Located 8.3' SW of NGC 383 in the core of the cluster.  Forms a pair with NGC 375 2.8' NNE.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 373 on 12 Dec 1876 using the 72" at Birr Castle in the NGC 383 group.  His description is simply "vF, vS" but he accurately placed it 428" in PA 225.8” with respect to a mag 12.2 star situated SSW of NGC 382/383.  This offset matches PGC 3946.  This is one of 8 galaxies in the Pisces Group discovered at Birr Castle.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, described this object as a double nebulous star (there appears to be a very faint star at the NW edge) and Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Corrections list, states "nebula + star".

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NGC 374 = UGC 680 = MCG +05-03-048 = CGCG 501-080 = PGC 3952

01 07 05.8 +32 47 42; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus or mag 15 star is superimposed [SDSS shows a nucleus].  Located almost midway between two mag 14 stars 0.7' NE and 0.9' SW.  Located about 25' N of the core of the NGC 383 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 374 = Au 6 on 7 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor at the observatory in Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate and he noted the nebula was "between 2 stars mag 15."    The discovery was early enough to be included in Auwers 1862 list of new nebulae.

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NGC 375 = PGC 3953

01 07 05.9 +32 20 53; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (11/18/06): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, weak concentration.  Situated ~2' W of a triangle of mag 12/13/14 stars (on the opposite side from NGC 384/385) and 5.6' SW of NGC 383 in the "Pisces Group".  The closest cluster member is NGC 373 situated 3' SSW.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint and small, round.  Three mag 12-13.5 stars forming an isosceles triangle with the long base oriented N-S are about 2' SE.  Located 5.6' SW of NGC 383 in the core of the cluster.  Forms a pair with NGC 373 2.8' SSW.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 375 on 1 Dec 1874 with his father's 72" and shown on the constructed sketch of the entire Pisces Group in the 1880 publication.  The GC and NGC position matches PGC 3953, an extremely compact elliptical.  MCG misidentifies UGC 679 = MCG +05-03-049 (an extremely low surf brightness edge-on ~2.5' north) as NGC 375.

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NGC 376 = ESO 029-29 = Lindsay 72

01 03 54 -72 49 30; Tuc

V = 10.9;  Size 1.0'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; very bright, fairly small, irregular or triangular shape, 35"-40" diameter.  A half dozen stars were resolved within the glow surrounded by a much fainter halo.  Brighter and larger NGC 419 lies 20' ESE.

 

Lindsay 60 is 16' ENE (see NGC 419 for notes) and Lindsay 66 is 18' NW.  The latter resolved into three brighter stars in a small string oriented WSW-NNE [length of 21"].  At 397x, the middle "star" was a very small knot, ~6"-8" diameter.  This is probably the core of the cluster. The three stars seem surrounded by an extremely low surface brightness halo.

 

Henize N63 and N64 are a fairly similar pair of compact emission nebulae 27' WNW.  Both are ~30" in diameter and separated by 1.4' NW-SE.  They were easily noticed at 397x with N63 on the NW side slightly brighter.  The contast was increased at 244x through an NPB filter.  A mag 12 star lies 0.7' NW of N63.

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, small, round, 30" diameter, a few individual stars or clumps are resolved. A 10' string of stars (Hodge Association 56) passing ~4' N and angles towards the NE.  NGC 419 follows by 20'.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 376 = D 36 = h2378 with his 9" reflector on 2 Sep 1826 and recorded "a faint ill-defined nebula, about 1 1/2' diameter."  He made a single observation and his published position is 9.5' ESE.  JH recorded this cluster on two sweeps: on 12 Aug 1834 he logged "pretty faint, small, round, resolvable, pretty compact."  On a later sweep he recorded it as a "globular cluster, a vS, vB knot of visible stars 15 or 20" diameter almost like a solid mass."  His position and description on both sweeps is accurate, although Dreyer quotes DeLisle Stewart in the IC 2 notes, "only a D*, pos 270d, Dist 10" (from Harvard College Observatory NGC corrections).  JH credited Dunlop as the possible discoverer (D 36) in the GC but not the Cape observations.

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NGC 377 = ESO 541-019 = MCG -04-03-053 = PGC 3931

01 06 34.8 -20 19 57; Cet

V = 15.1;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

24" (12/1/13): at 325x appeared extremely faint, small, round, 18" diameter.  Visible perhaps 25% of the time as an extremely faint patch and too fleeting to detect an elongated shape.  Forms the northern vertex of a triangle with a mag 14.5 star 6' SW and a mag 13.5 star 4.7' SE.  A large scattered group of stars including several mag 10-11 lies ~10' E.

 

18" (12/3/05): not seen at 225x.

 

18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter (core only viewed?).  Only visible intermittently with averted and concentration (in fairly poor seeing) but sighting definite.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 377 = LM 1-25 on 15 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Based on the discovery sketch, Corwin determined NGC 377 = ESO 541-019 = PGC 3931.  This would place NGC 377 17' S of Leavenworth's rough position, an unusual error in declination.  ESO misidentifies 541-019 as possibly NGC 412 (also from Leavenworth).

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NGC 378 = ESO 412-005 = AM 0103-302 = MCG -05-03-024 = PGC 3907

01 06 12.1 -30 10 41; Scl

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8'.  A mag 11.5 star is 3' NNE.  Located 8' WSW of mag 10.7 SAO 192929.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 378 = h2377 on 28 Sep 1834 and noted "vF, S, R, glbM, 15 arcseconds." His position matches ESO 412-005 = PGC 3907.  Listed in category 8 (Galaxies with apparent companions) in the Arp-Madore catalogue and an image is on page 8.2.

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NGC 379 = Arp 331 NED1 = UGC 683 = MCG +05-03-050 = CGCG 501-082 = VV 193 = IV Zw 38 NED1 = PGC 3966

01 07 15.7 +32 31 13; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0”

 

18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 380 2.3' S.  This galaxy is at the north end of the Pisces Group centered on NGC 383 and is one of 11 NGC galaxies viewed in the field at 280x!

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with similar NGC 380 2' S in the NGC 383 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 379 = H II-215 = h84, along with NGC 380 = II-216 and NGC 383 = II-217, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "Three, F, vS, R, all in a row in the meridian, nearly of equal size, the distance between the two most south [NGC 383 and 383] is about double that of the other."

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NGC 380 = Arp 331 NED2 = UGC 682 = MCG +05-03-051 = CGCG 501-081 = LGG 017-001 = PGC 3969

01 07 17.6 +32 28 59; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core.  Forms a 2.2' pair with NGC 379 and 4.5' NNW of NGC 383 at the north end of the "Pisces Group".

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 379 2' S in the NGC 383 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 380 = H II-216 = h85, along with NGC 379 = II-215 and NGC 383 = II-217 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268).  See description under NGC 379.

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NGC 381 = Cr 10 = OCL-317 = Lund 38

01 08 18 +61 35; Cas

Size 6'

 

24" (1/4/14): nice group of ~75 stars, fairly uniformly distributed in a 6' group.  A triple star (STI 185 = 10.8/12.5 at 9" and a third closer companion) is just north of center.  The cluster is roughly circular with no denser patches, but it does include a number of faint stars so the appearance is fairly rich.  Pretty well detached in the 50' field at 125x (less so on the north side).

 

17.5" (8/16/93): 40 stars mag 11-15 in loose 6' diameter, stands out best at 100x.  The brightest mag 10.8 star is part of a triple along the north side.  Fairly uniform in mag 12/13 stars with a scattering of faint stars, fairly even distribution with no rich regions.  Not recognizable as a cluster at 220x.

 

17.5" (11/2/91): about three dozen stars in 6' diameter, fairly faint, roughly a circular group.  Consists mostly of mag 12/13 stars.  Includes a triple star (10.8/12.5/13 at 8"/~3") and two mag 11 stars on the west side.  Several stars are arranged in strings.  Relatively few stars in center.  A line of mag 10 stars trail off to the north edge of field and the mag 10 star at the end of the string 11' N is a close double star.

 

8": ~30 stars in a circular group, bright curving string to the north.  A mag 8 star is 10' E.

 

Caroline Herschel is generally attributed with the discovery of NGC 381 = H VIII-64 on 27 Sep 1783, though according to an article in Aug 2007 S&T, Caroline's discovery preceded Gamma Cass instead of following and likely refers to NGC 189 instead.  Her brother William probably discovered the cluster on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and noted "a forming cluster of pretty compressed stars."  In his second published catalogued he added "C.H. disc[overy] 1783".

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NGC 382 = Arp 331 NED5 = VV 193b = UGC 688 = MCG +05-03-052 = CGCG 501-086 = LGG 018-002 = PGC 3981

01 07 23.9 +32 24 15; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (11/18/06): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter corer, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Situated at the south edge of the halo of NGC 383 (the brighter member of the "Pisces Group"), just 30" from the center.

 

17.5" (9/23/00): very faint, extremely small, round, 20" diameter, very faint quasi-stellar nucleus at moments.  Viewed SN 2000dk, just 5 days after discovery on 9/18/00, as a mag 15.5 "star" at the NW edge of the halo.  At the first glance using 280x, the galaxy appeared elongated in the direction of the SN, but in moments of better seeing, the SN was clearly resolved and similar in brightness to the nucleus of NGC 382.  This galaxy is the fainter of a close pair with NGC 383 in the Pisces group.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, round.  Forms a double system with much brighter NGC 383 30" NNE in a group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, extremely small, round.  Nearly attached to NGC 383.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 382 on 4 Nov 1850.  It was labeled "Gamma prime" in his sketch of the Pisces Group.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this nebula on 26 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  This is one of 5 galaxies discovered by Stoney on that night including NGCs 384, 385, 386 and 388.

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NGC 383 = Arp 331 NED6 = VV 193a = UGC 689 = MCG +05-03-053 = CGCG 501-087 = LGG 018-003 = PGC 3982

01 07 24.9 +32 24 45; Psc

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

18" (11/18/06): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.3' diameter, broadly concentrated to a bright core that increases to a 6" nucleus.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 382 30" S of center.  This galaxy is the brightest and largest member of the "Pisces Group" (at the southwest end of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster) and is surrounded by 10 galaxies within 8'!

 

17.5" (9/19/87): brightest in the NGC 383 cluster.  Fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broadly concentrated halo.  Forms a double system with NGC 382 30" SW.  NGC 380 is 4.5' NNW, NGC 379 6.8' NNW, NGC 386 3.3' SSE, NGC 385 5.5' SSE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, almost round, bright core.  Forms a double with NGC 382.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 383 = H II-217 = h86, along with NGC 379 = II-215 and NGC 380 = II-216, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268).  See description under NGC 379.  John Herschel made 3 observations and reported on 22 Nov 1827 (sweep 106), "pB; pL; gbM."

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NGC 384 = Arp 331 NED3 = UGC 686 = MCG +05-03-055 = CGCG 501-084 = LGG 017-002 = PGC 3983

01 07 25.0 +32 17 34; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', fairly well concentrated with a small bright core.  At the south end of the "Pisces Group" with NGC 385 1.7' N.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, slightly elongated, bright core.  NGC 385 2' N and NGC 386 is 4.3' NNE in the NGC 383 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 385.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 384 = Au 7 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Zeta" on his sketch of the Pisces Group.  Heinrich d'Arrest rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 385) and measured an accurate position on 12 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  Auwers published d'Arrest's observation in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae and John Herschel credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC. Dreyer credited Lord Rosse, as well as d'Arrest, in the NGC.

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NGC 385 = Arp 331 NED4 = UGC 687 = MCG +05-03-056 = CGCG 501-085 = LGG 018-004 = PGC 3984

01 07 27.2 +32 19 12; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, strong concentration with a bright 20" core.  Located near the south end of the "Pisces Group" and appears slightly larger and brighter than nearby NGC 384 1.7' SSW.  A trio of mag 12-13 stars lies 2'-3' WNW and the two northern stars are collinear with the galaxy.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Forms a trio with NGC 386 2.6' N and NGC 384 1.8' S in the NGC 383 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, small bright core, similar to NGC 384.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 385 = Au 8 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Epsilon" in his sketch of the NGC 383 (Pisces) Group.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 7 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen and measured an accurate position (4 measurements).  d'Arrest's observation was included in Auwers 1862 catalogue of new nebulae and JH credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC.  Dreyer credited both LdR and d'Arrest when compiling the NGC.

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NGC 386 = Arp 331 NED7 = MCG +05-03-057 = CGCG 501-088 = PGC 3989

01 07 31.3 +32 21 43; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

18" (11/18/06): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, gradually increases to a very small brighter core.  Located 3.3' SSE of NGC 383 and on a line to the north of the NGC 384/385 pair in the core of the "Pisces Group".

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located 3.3' SSE of NGC 383 in a group.  NGC 385 lies 2.6' S.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 386 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Delta" in his sketch of the NGC 383 (Pisces) Group.

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NGC 387 = PGC 3987

01 07 33.0 +32 23 28; Psc

V = 15.5;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

18" (11/18/06): at 280x appeared very faint, very small, round, 8" diameter.  This is perhaps the smallest and faintest NGC galaxy in the "Pisces Chain".  Located 2' SE of NGC 383 and 2.5' N of NGC 386 in the heart of the "Pisces Group".

 

17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint, round, almost stellar.  Located 1.8' NNE of NGC 386 and 2.1' SE of NGC 383 in the NGC 383 group.  Not 100% certain of its non-stellar appearance.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 387 on 10 Dec 1873 with Lord Rosse's 72" and included it on the sketch that was made of the cluster (later labeled as GC 5149), along with offsets from NGC 383.  The GC (5149) and NGC position matches PGC 3987.

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NGC 388 = Arp 331 NED8 = MCG +05-03-059 = CGCG 501-090 = LGG 018-018 = PGC 4005

01 07 47.1 +32 18 36; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 168”

 

18" (11/18/06): at 280x appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 4.5' E of the NGC 384/385 pair at the south end of the "Pisces Group".

 

17.5" (9/19/87):extremely faint and small, round, size 10"-15".  Located 5'-6' E of NGC 385 in the NGC 383 group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 388 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Theta" in his sketch of the NGC 383 (Pisces) Group.

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NGC 389 = UGC 703 = MCG +06-03-014 = CGCG 520-017 = PGC 4054

01 08 30.0 +39 41 44; And

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 54”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is just off the NE edge 0.7' from center which detracts from viewing.  Forms a pair with NGC 393 3.3' SSE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 389 = Sw. II-12 on 6 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 30 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of UGC 703 = PGC 4054.  His description "* near" applies to the star just off the NE end of this galaxy.

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NGC 390

01 07 54.4 +32 25 59; Psc

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 390 = Big. 9 on 19 Nov 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory and recorded "mag 13.4-13.5; stellar aspect".  According to Harold Corwin (private correspondence), Bigourdan's offsets match a star at 01 07 54 +32 25 59 (2000).  This identification was first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae"

 

RNGC misidentifies PGC 4021 as NGC 390.  PGC 4021 is  4' ENE of Bigourdan's place.

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NGC 391 = UGC 693 = MCG +00-03-075 = CGCG 384-077 = PGC 3976

01 07 22.6 +00 55 33; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45”

 

24" (11/21/19): at 322x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, very small bright core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus.  Situated within a group of stars including a mag 10.7 star 1.7' NNW.

 

UGC 695, situated 10' NE, appeared

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, very small, round, compact, well-defined edge, small bright core.  Located 1.7' SSE of a mag 10 star and 4.4' NNE of mag 9.5 SAO 109686.

 

George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 391 = HN 3 = Au 9 on 8 Jan 1853 with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor while taking micrometric positions of stars for the Harvard Zone Catalogue.  He noted a "faint nebula, 1' 30" south following star number 32 [11th magnitude]."  At this exact position is UGC 693 = PGC 3976.  Auwers included Bond's discovery in his 1862 Catalogue of new nebulae, before the GC was published.

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NGC 392 = UGC 700 = MCG +05-03-062 = CGCG 501-094 = Holm 36a = KTG 3A = PGC 4042

01 08 23.5 +33 08 00; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 50”

 

24" (10/5/13): brightest member of the KTG 3 triplet with NGC 394 1.0' NNE and NGC 397 2.2' SE.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30"x25", increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1.2' SW.  Also recorded IC 1619 13' WSW and UGC 692 15' SW.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, round, bright core, sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1' SW.  Brightest of three (KTG 3) with NGC 394 1' NE and NGC 397 2' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 392 = H II-218 = h87 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and simply noted "F, resembling the foregoing [NGC 379, 380, 383]."  John Herschel remarked on 16 Nov 1827 (sweep 102), "pF; bM nearly to a *; between 2 stars".  Both Herschels missed the nearby galaxies NGC 394 and 397.

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NGC 393 = UGC 707 = MCG +06-03-015 = CGCG 520-018 = V Zw 52 = PGC 4061

01 08 37.0 +39 38 39; And

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, sharp concentration, faint halo, two mag 13/13.5 star are 1.2' WNW and 1.6' NW with a separation of 36".  Forms a pair with NGC 389 3.3' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 393 = H I-54 = h88 on 5 Oct 1784 during sweeps 281-285, which were made in the east (not in Caroline's fair copy of the sweeps).  On 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) he recorded "pB, S, R, vgbM."  John Herschel logged on 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183), "vF; vS; lE; gbM; 10".  Allowing the moon & c. this cannot be a 1st class neb [as his father placed it]; no other neb near it."  In the GC notes, JH mentioned "This [h88] is not the I. 54 of the P.T, which proved to be one of Messier's nebulae, but another subsequently inserted by WH, so as not to break the order of the numbers..."  Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 389 (discovered by Lewis Swift).

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NGC 394 = MCG +05-03-063 = CGCG 501-095 = Holm 36b = KTG 3B = PGC 4049

01 08 26.0 +33 08 52; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.3;  PA = 135”

 

24" (10/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2', small brighter core.  Second brightest in a small triplet (KTG 3) with brighter NGC 392 1.0' SW and NGC 397 2.6' SSE.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, small brighter core.  In a group with NGC 392 1' SW and NGC 397 3' SSE.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 394 on 26 Oct 1854.  His described GC 212 (later NGC 392) as "B, S, R, bM. [John Herschel] described it as between 2 stars.  I think the northernmost one is a nebula [NGC 394] of same character but smaller."  There are two entries for this galaxy in the GC, the second (GC 215) refers to Heinrich d'Arrest's independent discovery on 22 Aug 1862.  d'Arrest recognized his object was first seen at Parsonstown in a note in his 1865 catalogue.  Dreyer combined the two GC entries in the NGC with credit given to both d'Arrest and LdR.

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NGC 395 = SMC-N78A/B = ESO 051-16 = Kron 51 = Lindsay 75

01 05 07.9 -71 59 37; Tuc

Size 2'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): easily picked up in the same field as brighter NGC 371.  At 171x, this object appeared as a moderately bright 4' round knot of mag 14 or fainter stars with a good response to the UHC filter (the emission component is SMC-N78).  The surface brightness was fairly high with the filter although Hartung just described this object as a "star group".  NGC 395 forms a pair with IC 1624 3.2' SSE.  Located 8' NE of NGC 371.

 

IC 1624 appeared about half the size of NGC 395, roughly 1' in diameter with a mottled appearance and no central condensation or resolution.  A mag 13 star is close west with a mag 11 star 2' W (supergiant SK 118).  A very small nebulous knot (SMC-N78C) was also noted ~2' SE. A large, scattered group of stars (OB-association) is superimposed on the field.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered  NGC 395 = D 35 = D 34? = h2379 on 1 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and recorded (for D 35) "a very small faint nebula, with a small star in the south margin."  He made two observations of D 35 and one observation of D 34 and his published position for D 35 is 7' too far south.  John Herschel made a single observation on 5 Nov 1836 and recorded "very faint, pretty large, round, gradually a little brighter in the middle; 2' across."  His position and description is accurate and no mention is made of Dunlop's possible discovery. See NGC Corrections list from Harvard College Observatory and the IC 2 notes/corrections, DeLisle Stewart.

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NGC 396 = PGC 99944

01 08 08.4 +04 31 51; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Required averted vision to identify with GSC finder chart but with concentration can just hold steadily.  Located 2.1' NNW of a mag 13 star.  By a remarkable coincidence, Saturn was in the same low power field just 15' due S!  Best view of NGC 396 at 280x with Saturn sufficiently out of field to avoid any glare.  Misidentified in RNGC (MCG +00-04-020).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 396 = m 35 on 27 Oct 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, S, lE."  Harold Corwin notes that a faint galaxy (PGC 99944) is very close to Marth's position (just 5 sec of RA west) with a star superimposed on the north side.  RNGC misidentifies UGC 729 as NGC 396.  UGC 729 is located 1” S and 2.2 min of RA east of Marth's position!

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NGC 397 = MCG +05-03-064 = CGCG 501-096 = KTG 3C = PGC 4051

01 08 31.0 +33 06 33; Psc

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (10/5/13): faintest in the KTG 3 triplet with brighter NGC 392 2.2' NW and NGC 394 2.5' NNW.  At 375x appeared fairly faint, small, 15"x12", slightly elongated SW-NE, very weak concentration.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint and small, slightly elongated, very low even surface brightness.  Faintest of three with NGC 392 2' NW.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 397 on 6 Dec 1866.  While observing GC 212 = NGC 392 he noted a "suspected neb preceded by a vF*".  The closest match is MCG +05-03-064 and MCG gives the tentative identification "NGC 397?". There is no "very faint star" preceding this compact galaxy but there is one close following.

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NGC 398 = MCG +05-03-065 = CGCG 501-100 = PGC 4090

01 08 53.6 +32 30 52; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135”

 

18" (11/18/06): very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  Member of the "Pisces Group" (z = 0.016), though located 20' NE of NGC 383.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint and small, round, low surface brightness.  Requires averted to see well.  NGC 399 lies 7' NNE.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 398 = Big. 10 on 28 Oct 1886 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 399 = UGC 712 = MCG +05-03-067 = CGCG 501-101 = LGG 018-005 = PGC 4096

01 08 59.2 +32 38 03; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 40”

 

18" (11/18/06): this member of the NGC 383 group ("Pisces Group") appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.45', weak even concentration.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, even concentration to bright core, substellar nucleus.  NGC 403 is 7.5' NE and NGC 398 7' SSW.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 399 on 7 Oct 1874 with the 72" at Birr Castle and noted a "small nebula" 464.3" (7.7') in PA 205.4” (SSW) from GC 217 = NGC 403.  This offset matches UGC 712 = PGC 4096.  The actual separation is 465" and the PA 204”.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position.

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NGC 400

01 09 02.5 +32 43 57; Psc

 

=*, HC.  = Not found, JS.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 400 on 30 Dec 1866.  He placed his object, with respect to GC 217 = NGC 403, at a separation of 151" (2.5') in PA 242” (WSW).  At this offset is a very faint star at 01 09 02.5 +32 43 57.  NGC 401, described in the same observation, also refers to a faint star!  These identification were first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae"

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NGC 401

01 09 07.7 +32 45 35; Psc

 

=*, HC.  = Not found, JS.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 400 on 30 Dec 1866.  He placed his object, with respect to GC 217 = NGC 403, at a separation of roughly 110" in PA 291.3”.  At this offset is a very faint star at 01 09 07.7 +32 45 35.    This identification was first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae.  "GC 5153 = NGC 400, described in the same observation by Ball, is also a faint star!

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NGC 402

01 09 13.3 +32 48 23; Psc

 

=*, HC.  = Not found, JS.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 402 on 7 Oct 1874 with his father's 72" and recorded a "faint nebulous knot" and placed 281.7" in PA 353” from star 1 in the sketch.  This star is 87.3" in PA 177” from NGC 403 and has a position of 01 09 15.7 +32 43 42 (2000).  This offset points to a very faint star at 01 09 13.3 +32 48 23 (2000).  This identification was first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae"

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NGC 403 = UGC 715 = MCG +05-03-068 = CGCG 501-104 = LGG 018-006 = PGC 4111

01 09 14.1 +32 45 07; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 86”

 

18" (11/18/06): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~1.3'x0.4', sharp concentration with a small, very bright core.  The extensions are fairly low surface brightness but appear a bit asymmetric; possibly misaligned at slightly different angles or slightly different widths.  A group of four stars nearly forming a trapezoid is close south.  Located ~30' NE of the core of the NGC 383 group ("Pisces Group") and one of the brightest members of the cluster.

 

MCG +05-03-071,situated 2' SE, appeared extremely faint, round, only ~8" diameter.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, bright core, small bright nucleus.  Four mag 10-13 stars are close south.  Brightest of a trio with MCG +05-03-071 = CGCG 501-105 2' SE and NGC 399 8' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 403 on 29 Aug 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) matches UGC 715 = PGC 4111 and he also noted the four stars to the south, measuring the one nearly due south.

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NGC 404 = UGC 718 = MCG +06-03-018 = CGCG 520-020 = LGG 011-009 = PGC 4126 = Mirach's Ghost

01 09 26.9 +35 43 05; And

V = 10.3;  Size 3.5'x3.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (10/13/01): bright, fairly large, round, at least 2' diameter.  Contains a bright 30" core that increases steadily to a bright stellar nucleus.  Located 7' NW of mag 2.1 Beta Andromedae (Mirach), which detracts somewhat from viewing.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, round, bright stellar nucleus.  Located 7' NW of Beta Andromedae (V = 2.1)!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 404 = H II-224 = h89 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and recorded "pretty bright (not withstanding the light of Beta Andromeda, which is in the field with it), cL, R, bM."  The observers on LdR's 72" tried to resolve this nebula.  R.J. Mitchell reported on 16 Oct 1855, "pL, B.  I have no doubt it is a cluster.  The F borders of the nebula extend a long way out, involving several stars."

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NGC 405 = ESO 243-39

01 08 33.9 -46 40 05; Phe

 

= Double star 7.3/8.3 at 1.2", Corwin and ESO.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 405 = h2380 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "After a long and obstinate examination with all powers and apertures, I cannot bring it to a sharp disc and leave it, in doubt whether it be a star or not. The star [Beta Phe] immediately preceding offered no such difficulty, giving a good disc with 320."  This is clearly a double star on the Southern Sky Survey (SAO 215379) and is identified in the Sky Catalogue 2000 as SLR (Sellors) 2 = 7.3/8.3 at 1.2".

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NGC 406 = ESO 051-018 = PGC 3980

01 07 24.4 -69 52 33; Tuc

V = 12.5;  Size 3.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 160”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this interesting edge-on is fairly bright, large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.5'x0.8'.  Contains a large, elongated core.  Emerging from the east edge of the north end of the core is an extremely thin extension or arm that stretches north-northwest.  A fainter, less obvious arm is attached at the west edge of the south end of the central region.  In addition there appears to be a faint star or knot involved [images reveal a star superimposed south of the core]. This galaxy is located 1” NNE of the bright globular cluster NGC 362 and 3” NNE of the center of the SMC!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 406 = h2381 on 6 Sep 1834 and logged "F, R, vL, vglbM, 3' dia.".  His position matches ESO 051-018 = PGC 3980.  In Harvard College Observatory NGC corrections, DeLisle Stewart notes that "eE wisps (arms) at 165d" (repeated in IC 2 notes).

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NGC 407 = UGC 730 = MCG +05-03-077 = CGCG 501-115 = PGC 4190

01 10 36.5 +33 07 35; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, bright core.  Faintest of three with NGC 410 5' ENE and NGC 414 8.4' E.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, NGC 410 5' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 407 = H II-219, along with NGC 410 = II-220, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and described both as "Two, eF and vS.  The following [NGC 410] the largest."  He gave a single position, roughly between the two galaxies.  ƒdouard Stephan (XIII-9) independently found the galaxy on 2 Oct 1883 at the Marseille Observatory and published an accurate position.  Herman Schultz also measured a precise micrometric position and recorded a nearby star as a "nova" (NGC 408).

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NGC 408

01 10 51.1 +33 09 05; Psc

 

= * 1.6' W of NGC 410, Gottlieb and Carlson.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.  17.5" (12/23/89): (R)NGC 408 not found.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 408 = Nova III on 22 Oct 1867 with the 9.6-inch refractor at the Uppsala Observatory.  Schultz placed this object just 8 tsec of RA preceding NGC 410.  At this offset is a mag 14.5 star at 01 10 51.1 +33 09 05 (2000), which almost certainly is his object.  RNGC misidentified PGC 4221 as NGC 408.  This galaxy is 3' SW of NGC 410.  Since Schultz micrometric measurement placed his ŅnovaÓ due west of NGC 410, the RNGC identification is incorrect.  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 paper on NGC errata, also came to this conclusion based on Mount Wilson photographs.  Finally, the RNGC has misinterpreted the NGC description to read "406 F 8S" instead of "410 F 8S".  Bigourdan probably observed PGC 4221 (described as almost stellar) although I missed it with my 17.5".  See Malcolm Thompson's "Catalogue Corrections" and my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 409 = ESO 352-012 = MCG -06-03-023 = PGC 4132

01 09 33.2 -35 48 21; Scl

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Located just 45" SE of a mag 13 star.  Identified at 280x after missing at 220x.  Brighter than NGC 415 20' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 409 = h2382 on 29 Nov 1837 and reported "eF, R, S, near a vS star." His position is 8 sec of RA east and 2' north of ESO 352-012 and the description of the nearby star (to the NW) clinches the identification.

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NGC 410 = UGC 735 = MCG +05-03-080 = CGCG 501-118 = Mrk 562 = PGC 4224

01 10 58.9 +33 09 07; Psc

V = 11.5;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broadly concentrated halo, stellar nucleus.  In a trio with NGC 407 5' WSW and NGC 414 5' SE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): brightest of 3, fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated SW-NE, NGC 414 4.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 410 = H II-220, along with NGC 407 = II-219, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "Two. The preceding faint, very small. The following pretty large". Herman Schultz measured an accurate position at Uppsala.

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NGC 411 = NGC 422 = ESO 051-019 = Kron 60 = Lindsay 82

01 07 55.9 -71 46 01; Tuc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  At 228x, appeared as a low surface brightness glow with a very weak concentration and no sign of resolution.  Located 5' NW of mag 8.6 HD 7031 and 19' NE of NGC 395.  Viewed through thin haze.

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly faint SMC cluster was immediately noticed in the same lower power field while viewing NGC 395/IC 1624 about 20' SW.  At 128x it appeared fairly small, round, ~1.5' diameter, mottled but with no resolution.  Located 5.3' NW of mag 8.6 HD 7031 and 13' ESE of mag 7.4 HD 6623.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 411 = h2384 in Sep 1835 and recorded "vF, pL, R, vlbM; 2'."  His position is accurate.  On a second sweep he recorded a similar description and position, but Harold Corwin found the RA minute (1 tmin too large) was miscopied into his table of "Stars, Nebulae, and Clusters in the Nubecula Minor" and it later received the designations GC 231 and NGC 422.  So, NGC 411 = NGC 422, with NGC 411 the primary designation.  See entry for NGC 422.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 411 = D 56 or D 57 in 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a small faint nebula" and "a small faint nebula, about 15" diameter."  The first entry is 16.6' SSE of the cluster and the second entry is 19' SE, both far enough off and a vague enough descriptions that neither is very secure.

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NGC 412

01 10 18 -20 01; Cet

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 412 = LM 1-26 on 15 Oct 1885 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and simply noted "Neb?" There is nothing near Leavenworth's position.  Corwin examined the discovery sketch, but it wasn't of much help and he was unable to recover this object (or even identify it with a star).  ESO lists ESO 541-019 = PGC 3931 as a possible candidate, although this galaxy is 3.8 min of RA west and 19' S of Leavenworth's place.  So, at this time NGC 412 is lost.

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NGC 413 = MCG -01-04-013 = PGC 4347

01 12 31.5 -02 47 37; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 151”

 

17.5" (8/4/97): very faint, diffuse glow located 1.3' SSE of a mag 13.5-14 star. The galaxy is roundish and ~1' in diameter with little or no concentration.  The star to the north is preceded by a mag 14-14.5 star 1.4' W.  The RNGC identification at  01 12 31.5 -02 47 38 is probably incorrect and this number was deleted from DSFG.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 413 = LM 2-301 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His very rough position (to nearest minute of RA and given as doubtful) is 2 tmin west of MCG -01-04-013 = PGC 4347.  This galaxy is not identified as NGC 413 in the MCG.  RNGC misidentifies MCG -01-04-004, an edge-on galaxy, as NGC 413.

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NGC 414 = UGC 744 = CGCG 501-123 = IV Zw 39 = WBL 031-004 = PGC 4254

01 11 17.6 +33 06 48; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 23”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 21"x14" NW-SE with a very faint halo extending SW-NE.  This is a merged double system with twin nuclei NW-SE, separated by only ~7".  I suspected it to be double at 375x and it was definitely "resolved" at 500x.  The brighter NW nucleus (higher surface brightness) was ~6" diameter and appeared more centered in the halo.  The southeast nucleus (~5" diameter) was nearly attached as a round, tiny "bulge" or knot.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  Third of three with NGC 410 5' NW and NGC 407 8.4' W.  NGC 414 consists of a merged pair of compacts, though they were not resolved.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, thin streak NW-SE, weak concentration.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 414 = Nova IV on 15 Oct 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  His micrometric position matches UGC 744 = PGC 4254.  This appears to be the only galaxy in the NGC that Schultz was first to discover.  He independently discovered NGC 20, but it was discovered earlier at Birr Castle.  His GC 5096 [later NGC 90] was also found earlier at Birr Castle (GC 40).  His GC 6153 [later NGC 7553] was discovered earlier (GC 4913) by Lord Rosse assistant George Stoney and finally NGC 7571 is probably a duplicate of NGC 7597, discovered earlier by Albert Marth.  All of his other NGC objects are single or double stars.

 

This is a double or merged system with two nuclei.  The companion on the southeast side is catalogued separately as PGC 93079.  Based on Crossley photographs at Lick Observatory, Heber Curtis described NGC 414 as "very small, binuclear.  The almost stellar nuclei are 7" apart in p.a. 142”."

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NGC 415 = ESO 352-014 = MCG -06-03-024 = PGC 4161

01 10 05.7 -35 29 27; Scl

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter (probably only viewed the core).  Required averted vision at 280x and could not hold it steadily.  NGC 409 is located 20' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 415 = h2383 on 1 Sep 1834 and noted "vF, R, gbM, 20"." On a later he called it "vF, S, R, glbM, 15"." Herschel's mean position  matches ESO 352-014.

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NGC 416 = ESO 029-32 = Lindsay 83 = Kron 59

01 07 58.6 -72 21 19; Tuc

V = 11.8;  Size 1.1'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. A mag 13 star lies 1' N.  Located in a rich faint star field 31' N of NGC 419 and 27' SE of the large, nebulous cluster NGC 371.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 416 = D 42 = D 43? = h2386 in Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "round well-defined nebula, about 30" diameter."  His position is 13.5' SE of the cluster and with a number of other nearby entries that are either spurious or with poor positions, this identification is uncertain.  John Herschel made 4 observations at the Cape with the earliest on 11 Apr 1834 recording "F; S; R; 30".  His other sweeps gave sizes up to 60" and his positions are accurate.  Herschel made no reference to the earlier Dunlop observations.

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NGC 417 = ESO 541-024 = MCG -03-04-019 = PGC 4237

01 11 05.5 -18 08 54; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Can almost hold continuously with averted vision after identified at 280x.  Very weak if any concentration.  No brighter stars in field.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 417 = LM 2-300 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.   His RA is 0.4 min west of ESO 541-024, a close enough match.  This is a double system, though Leavenworth missed the fainter northern component.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 418 = ESO 412-009 = MCG -05-04-002 = PGC 4189

01 10 35.5 -30 13 17; Scl

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 19”

 

24" (11/7/18): at 200x; fairly faint, large, very diffuse, 2' diameter, low surface brightness.  Broad concentration with a slightly brighter core region.  The visual brightness profile corresponded with a face-on spiral and this was verified afterwards on the DSS.  IC 1637 lies 14' SSE.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, slightly elongated, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness though slight broad concentration, gradually fades into the background.  A mag 14 star is 2' S.  Located 7' S of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 418 = h2385 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "not vF, pL, R, gbM, 60"."  On a later sweep he noted "F, R, vglbM, 40", the preceding of two [with NGC 423]."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 419 = ESO 029-33 = Lindsay 85

01 08 17.3 -72 53 02; Tuc

V = 10.6;  Size 2.6'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): this SMC cluster appeared extremely bright, large, round, 2' diameter, strong concentration with a relatively large bright core.  The halo was mottled but no individual stars were resolved.

 

Lindsay 80, located 8' NNW, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated and irregular, 30"-35" diameter.  A mag 13.8 star is at the west edge.  A mag 11 star is 1.6' SSE and a mag 11.3 star is 2.9' E.

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large, impressive, large bright core, fainter halo, 2' diameter.  Mottled and lively but not resolved.  A mag 9 star lies 8' S and a mag 7 star lies 9' SE.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): quite bright, fairly large, round, 1.8' diameter, moderately concentrated, granular but no resolution.  Appears like an unresolved globular cluster with a very symmetrical appearance although classified as a rich open cluster.  Located 9' NW of mag 7 HD 7187 and 7.5' N of mag 9 HD 6997.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 419 = D 38 (and possibly D 39 and/or D 44) = h2387 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta, and recorded (for D 38) a "very small oval nebula, a little brighter in the centre; a star of the 8th magnitude south."  Dunlop claimed two observations of D38, two of D39 and one of D44.  His position for D 38 is 7.8' SSE and for D 44 16' NE (Glen Cozens found a typo in the RA) of this SMC cluster.  John Herschel reported 4 observations in his Cape catalogue, first recording the cluster on 11 Apr 1834 as "pB; pL; R; 2'. Has two stars near".  His position and description is very accurate.  Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 36, though that entry more likely applies to NGC 376.

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NGC 420 = UGC 752 = MCG +05-03-083 = CGCG 501-127 = PGC 4320

01 12 09.6 +32 07 24; Psc

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, moderately large, round, bright core, large fainter halo.  Located 10' W of ·98 = 7.0/8.0 at 20".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 420 = H III-154 = h90, along with NGC 421 = III-155, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268).  He described, "Two. Both eF, vS. The following [NGC 421] is the largest.Ó  John Herschel found only a single object on 16 Nov 1827 (sweep 102), which he called "pB; S; R; bM.Ó

 

Dreyer commented in the notes section of the NGC: "Nothing said in the sweep about their distance apart. John Herschel, d'Arrest (only once, in moonlight), an observer at Birr Castle and Bigourdan have seen only one neb, no doubt the following one.Ó

 

Harold Corwin mentions that despite Herschel's comment that the following [NGC 421] is the largest [and presumably more obvious], "all the observers have assigned the preceding number (H III-154 = NGC 420) to the [single] object."

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NGC 421

01 12 12 +32 07; Psc

 

= Not found, Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 421 = H III-155, along with NGC 420 = III-154 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged both as "Two. Both eF, vS. The following [NGC 421] is the largest."  Dreyer notes there was no mention in the sweep of the separation between the objects and that only a single galaxy was observed by JH, Bigourdan, and at Birr Castle.  Perhaps William Herschel thought that NGC 420 was double?  In any case, although the original description seems to imply that NGC 421 should be the number of the single galaxy here, everyone has assigned NGC 420 to the galaxy.  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 422 = NGC 411 = ESO 051-019 = Kron 60 = Lindsay 82

01 07 55.9 -71 46 01; Tuc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'

 

See observing notes for NGC 411.  The cluster previously assumed to be NGC 422 is IC 1641 and my notes for this cluster are copied below --

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very faint, small, 30" diameter, low surface brightness and no hint of resolution.  Follows NGC 411 by 7' and forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 411 and a mag 8 star 6' SW.  Observation made through thin haze.

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this faint SMC cluster is located 7' following NGC 411.  At 228x it appeared as just a very faint knot, less than 1' diameter with a low surface brightness and no resolution.  Located 5.5' NE of mag 8.6 HD 7031.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 422 in 1836 with his 20-foot (18") reflector and it was included as #162 in his catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae, and Clusters in the Nubecula Minor".  His position was 30 seconds of RA west (very small offset at this declination) of ESO 051-SC022 = Kron 65 = Lindsay 87, the faint cluster taken as NGC 422 by all modern sources (ESO, NED, SIMBAD, etc).

 

But Harold Corwin found that the entry #162 in "Stars, Nebulae, and Clusters in the Nubecula Minor" actually derives from Herschel's second observation of NGC 411 = h2384 ("eF; pL; R; glbM 2'.") on sweep 745 (5 Nov 1836) though he accidentally increased the RA by 1.0 tmin.  So, NGC 411 has two entries in this table (both indicated as deriving from a sweep with his 18") -- #162, which is 1.0 tmin too large, and #157, which was copied correctly.  Entry #162 later acquired the numbers GC 231 and NGC 422.  So, NGC 422 = NGC 411 with NGC 411 the primary designation.

 

The cluster previously assumed to be NGC 422 was later discovered by DeLisle Stewart on plates taken in 1900 at Harvard's station in Arequipa, Peru and received the designation IC 1641.  Instead, IC 1641 has been misidentified as a very faint cluster (Hodge-Wright 62) just following the real IC 1641.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 423 = ESO 412-011 = MCG -05-04-004 = PGC 4266

01 11 22.2 -29 14 04; Scl

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, even surface brightness.  Located 7' S of mag 9.3 SAO 166858.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 423 = h2388 on 14 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF, S, E, glbM."  Two sweeps later he logged it as "eF, S, lE, 20", following of two [with NGC 418]." His position is accurate.

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NGC 424 = ESO 296-004 = MCG -06-03-026 = PGC 4274

01 11 27.6 -38 05 01; Scl

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', brighter core.  NGC 438 lies 27' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 424 = h2389 on 30 Nov 1837 and logged "vF, S, R, glbM, 18 arcsec."  His position matches ESO 296-004 = PGC 4274.

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NGC 425 = UGC 758 = MCG +06-03-023 = CGCG 520-026 = PGC 4379

01 13 02.6 +38 46 06; And

V = 12.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (8/16/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', fairly even high surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is just off NW edge [29" from center].

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 425 = Sf 62 on 29 Oct 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "pS, pB, gar bM."  ƒdouard Stephan (X-4) independently found the galaxy on 11 Oct 1879 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and was credited with the discovery in the NGC, as Safford's discovery list was published in 1887, too late to have been seen by Dreyer.

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NGC 426 = UGC 760 = MCG +00-04-035 = CGCG 385-026 = PGC 4363

01 12 48.6 -00 17 25; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, prominent bright core.  First of trio with NGC 429 4' SE and NGC 430 3.5' NE.  Slightly fainter than NGC 430 but comparable in brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 426 = H III-592 = h91, along with NGC 429, on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and logged "Three, the place is that of the last [NGC 430], which is the largest and most north, F, S.  The next in size is about 2 or 3' sp [NGC 426], vF, vS.  The last [NGC 429] is about 5' south of the 1st; eF, eS, not verified." John Herschel called this object on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), "vF; R; sbM."

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NGC 427 = ESO 412-014 = MCG -05-04-007 = PGC 4333

01 12 19.2 -32 03 41; Scl

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (only core viewed?).  Required averted vision and GSC finder chart to identify at 280x.  Located in a sparse field.  A couple of very faint nearby stars were not recorded.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 427 = h2390 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "Rather doubtful, but I strongly incline to the suspicion of its being a vF neb with 2 vS stars near it".  On a second sweep (#635) he noted "I believe it only 3 vF st, but yet there remains a suspicion of nebulosity."  His position is just 1.3'  S of ESO 412-014, despite the uncertain observations.

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NGC 428 = UGC 763 = MCG +00-04-036 = CGCG 385-028 = PGC 4367

01 12 55.6 +00 58 54; Cet

V = 11.5;  Size 4.1'x3.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 120”

 

24" (12/22/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 ~NW-SE, mottled irregular appearance, broad weak concentration.  With averted vision the halo increases in size to ~2.5'x2.0'.  A quasi-stellar HII region, catalogued in NED as UM 309 NED1 and NGC 428: [HK83] 44-46, occasionally pops as a very small detached knot, ~6" diameter.  This is the brightest in a series of blue HII knots on the northwest side of the outer core [45" WNW of center].  NGC 428 forms the southeast vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 8.7 HD 7208 6' W and mag 8.6 HD 7276 8' NNE.  Mag 12.5 stars are 2' NW and 2' SSW [6" pair].

 

13.1" (9/3/86): fairly bright, moderately large, oval ~N-S, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is at the NW edge 1.8' from center.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 8.5 stars SAO 109728 and SAO 109733 6.0' W and 6.0' NNE, respectively.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 428 = H II-622 on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and noted "F, R, bM, easily resolvable."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on 30 and 31 Oct 1864.

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NGC 429 = UGC 762 = MCG +00-04-037 = CGCG 385-027 = PGC 4368

01 12 57.4 -00 20 43; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1' N.  Faintest of three with NGC 430 6' N and NGC 426 4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 429 = H III-593 = h92, along with NGC 426, on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and recorded "The last [NGC 429] is about 5' south of the 1st [NGC 430]; eF, eS, not verified."

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NGC 430 = UGC 765 = MCG +00-04-039 = CGCG 385-029 = PGC 4376

01 13 00.0 -00 15 09; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, prominent small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1' SSW.  Brightest in a group with NGC 429 6' S and NGC 426 3.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 430 = H II-447 = h93 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and noted "eF, vS, 240 confirmed it with difficulty but left no doubt."  His position is accurate.  The following year he found NGC 426 and 429, so his summary description reads "F, S. Two more near it. See III.592.593 [NGC 426 and 429]." John Herschel reported on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), "F; R; vsbM to a star."

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NGC 431 = UGC 776 = MCG +05-04-002 = CGCG 501-132 = PGC 4437

01 14 04.5 +33 42 15; And

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.5' SW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 431 = h95 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "F; S; vsbM".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 432 = ESO 113-022 = PGC 4290

01 11 46.3 -61 31 40; Tuc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 126”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint, small, round, 25".  Contains a small bright nucleus that gradually increases to a faint stellar peak.  Located 35' NE of mag 5.35 Iota Tucanae.  NGC 432 is the brightest member of the unstudied cluster ACO S137 (distance ~365 million l.y., richness class 0).

 

I didn't make a careful survey of possible cluster members but picked up the following two galaxies: PGC 127867, situated 9.5' WSW, appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. A mag 11.0 star is 2.4' ENE.  ESO 113-019, located 10.2' WNW, appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 432 = h2391 on 6 Oct 1834 and logged "F, S, R."  No position was determined on that sweep.  On a later sweep he noted "pF, S, R, gbM, 15 arcseconds, has a star 12th mag following" and commented the "place is liable to some error".

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NGC 433 = Stock 22 = OCL-319 = Lund 41

01 15 09 +60 07 36; Cas

Size 3'

 

24" (1/4/14): the most distinctive part of this cluster is a mag 9.3 star surrounded by a 2' cloud (mostly south) of ~15 mag 13-14 stars.  A mag 11 star is at the NW corner, a 50" pair of mag 11 stars is at the SE end and a mag 11.5 star is at the SW corner.  A small string of stars extends from the mag 9.3 star to the southwest.

 

17.5" (8/16/93): 30 stars mag 10-14 in a 6' triangular outline although very few stars are inside the triangle.  The mag 10 star at the north vertex is surrounded (mostly on the south side) by a rich subgroup of faint stars,   including at least three close multiple systems.  Mag 8.7 SAO 22122 is just south of the triangle and 8' SSW of the mag 10 star in the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 433 = h94 on 29 Sep 1829 and described a "star 8m the chief of a small loose cluster." The mag 9.3 star is on the north side of the cluster. Robert Ball observed the cluster using the 72" at Birr Castle and logged "Loose CL. consisting of 50 or 60 stars of various sizes from about 8 mag down."

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NGC 434 = ESO 113-023 = AM 0110-583 = KTS 8A = PGC 4325

01 12 14.2 -58 14 51; Tuc

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 6”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 N-S, ~1.25'x0.9'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated core enclosing a round, intensely bright nucleus.  The halo has a subtle but definite uneven surface brightness.  NGC 434 is the brightest in a trio (KTS 8) with NGC 440 5' SE and NGC 434A 3.2' NE.  A mag 11.8 star is midway between NGC 434 and 440.  Located 37' SSE of mag 6.4 HD 7082.

 

NGC 434A appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 12", very low surface brightness.  This galaxy is a thin edge-on with very faint curving arms similar to the Integral Sign galaxy, but only the core was noticed.  NGC 434A is the faintest in the trio.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 434 = h2392 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "B, R, psbM, 40" dia."  His position is accurate (2 sweeps).  Joseph Turner observed the pair of the NGCs on 14 Jan 1879 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and commented that NGC 434 was "considerably elongated" and not round as Herschel described.

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NGC 435 = UGC 779 = MCG +00-04-046 = CGCG 385-035 = PGC 4434

01 13 59.9 +02 04 18; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

24" (1/1/19): at 260x and 375x; faint to fairly faint, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~30"x18", fairly low surface brightness, weakly brighter core but no nucleus.  Situated midway between a mag 10.9 star 2.3' NNE and mag 8.8 HD 7375.  The major axis of the galaxy is nearly parallel to the line connecting these stars. A mag 14.9 star (very blue on the SDSS) is 50" W.  In a group (WBL 034 = USGC U049) with NGC 445 16' SE.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just off the WSW edge 20" from the center.  Located midway between mag 8.5 SAO 109745 2.5' SSW and mag 10.5 2.5' N.  NGC 445 lies 15' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 435 = m 36 on 23 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, S, E".  His position is 2' N of UGC 779 = PGC 4434.

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NGC 436 = Cr 11 = Mel 6 = OCL-320

01 15 58 +58 49 00; Cas

V = 8.8;  Size 6'

 

24" (1/4/14): at 200x, ~50 stars are resolved in a rich, 4' group that is well-detached and distinctive.  The main group is confined within a triangular outline with a mag 10.9 star at the S end, a mag 12 star at the W end and a mag 11.5 star at the N end.  Contains a very rich central region ~1.5' diameter and includes STI 1550, a close triple with components 11.2/11.3/11.8 at 9" and 12".  Another uncatalogued pair is just 0.6' S of STI 1550.  Two mag 9.5/10 stars are collinear to the east of the mag 10.9 star at the south end.

 

17.5" (8/16/93): 40 stars mag 10-15 in 4' diameter.  Includes a rich 1.5' region with 15 stars with a nice triple star in a tight equilateral triangle.  Other brighter stars in this grouping form a pentagon outline.  Three equally spaced mag 9-10 stars oriented E-W begin just off the south side.  Several sprays of stars emanate out in various directions from the central region.

 

17.5" (11/2/91): fairly bright and compact, ~30 stars mag  9-14 at 220x in a 4' diameter, distinctive group.  Just north of center is a tight triple star with 4th star to E, also second trio of stars is close south.  A mag 9 star near the south edge is collinear with two mag 9 stars 2' SE and 4' SE all equally spaced.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 436 = H VII-45 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774).  His summary description is "a small pretty compressed cluster of stars, not rich, iF, like a forming one."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 437 = UGC 788 = MCG +01-04-005 = CGCG 411-009 = PGC 4464

01 14 22.3 +05 55 37; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 437 = Sw. V-11 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 8 seconds of time too far west but his description "F * nr np" applies to this galaxy.  Hermann Kolbold measured an accurate positionin 1895 at the Strasbourg Observatory (not published until 1907).

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NGC 438 = ESO 296-007 = MCG -06-03-029 = PGC 4406

01 13 34.2 -37 54 06; Scl

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 126”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration.  Situated just following the midpoint of two mag 13 stars 3.1' SSE and 2.8' NNE.  NGC 424 lies 27' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 438 = h2393 on 1 Sep 1834.  On one sweep he called this nebula "vF" and another time "pB". His mean position matches ESO 296-007 = PGC 4406.

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NGC 439 = ESO 412-018 = MCG -05-04-015 = PGC 4423

01 13 47.2 -31 44 51; Scl

V = 11.5;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 156”

 

24" (9/15/12): at 175x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.2', increases to a bright core.

 

NGC 439 is the brightest in the cluster ACO S141 = Klemola 1 with NGC 441 2.6' SSE, MCG -05-04-018 7' SE and a trio of MCGs (-011/-012/-013) 5' SW.  MCG -05-04-018 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, 24"x16" and the small trio of MCGs were all between extremely faint and very faint, round, 12" to 18" diameter.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.3' SW and a mag 14 star is 2.2' SE of center.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 441 2.5' SSE.  Located 11' NE of mag 8.2 SAO 192988.  This is the brightest member of ACO S141.

 

8" (1/1/84): very faint, small, round.  Can just hold steadily with averted vision.  A mag 8 star is 10' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 439 = h2394 (along with NGC 441 = h2395) on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "pB, R, bM, 20 arcseconds."  His mean position from 2 sweeps is accurate.

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NGC 440 = ESO 113-025 = AM 0110-583 = KTS 8C = PGC 4361

01 12 48.5 -58 16 56; Tuc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', well concentrated with a very small bright core and much fainter extensions.  Second brightest in a trio (KTS 8) with NGC 434 5' NW and NGC 434A 5' NW.  A mag 11.8 star is 2.3' WNW, midway to NGC 434 and a mag 10.8 star is 2.8' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 440 = h2396 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "F, S, R, 15" dia."  His position (typo corrected at the end of the Cape of Good Hope catalog) matches ESO 113-25 = PGC 4361.

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NGC 441 = ESO 412-019 = MCG -05-04-016 = PGC 4429

01 13 51.1 -31 47 19; Scl

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

24" (9/15/12): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:2 WSW-ENE, bright core, increases to the center.  A mag 14 star lies 1.2' NE.  Second brightest member of ACO S141 with NGC 439 2,6' NNW.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' NE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 439 2.5' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 441 = h2395 (along with NGC 439 = h2394) on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 442 = UGC 789 = MCG +00-04-054 = CGCG 385-041 = PGC 4484

01 14 38.7 -01 01 14; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 157”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): Located 3.9' SW of 38 Ceti (V = 5.7).  Fairly faint, small, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 450.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 442 = Sw. V-12 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 11 seconds of RA west and 15" south of UGC 789 = PGC 4484.  The bright star mentioned in Swift's description as southeast is northeast of NGC 442.  This was first noted by Knox-Shaw in his 1924 description of the galaxy based on a photograph at the Helwan observatory.

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NGC 443 = IC 1653 = UGC 796 = MCG +05-04-005 = CGCG 502-010 = PGC 4512

01 15 07.5 +33 22 38; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 20' NNW of NGC 447.  Identified as IC 1653 in the UGC and CGCG.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 443 = Au 10 = Big. 114 on 8 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  There is nothing at his single position, but he measured a mag 15 star that he placed 8.3 seconds of time directly west.  UGC 796 is 9' due north of his position and 8 seconds west of this galaxy is a very faint star, matching d'Arrest's description.  So, this identification is certain.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position (listed as B. 114) and noted d'Arrest's error in the remarks section of his second Comptes Rendus list (1887).

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Oct 1903 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory, placed it accurately, and Dreyer recatalogued J. 3-849 as IC 1653.   UGC, MCG (+05-04-005) and CGCG (502-010) label this galaxy IC 1653, although the primary designation should be NGC 443.  Malcolm Thomson noted this error in his unpublished "CGCG Corrections".

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NGC 444 = IC 1658 = UGC 810 = MCG +05-04-007 = CGCG 502-015 = PGC 4561

01 15 49.6 +31 04 50; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 157”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE.  A mag 11 star is 3' ESE.  Forms a pair with NGC 452 6' SE.  Appears fainter than the CGCG magnitude.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 444 on 26 Oct 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72" at Birr Castle while observing NGC 452.  The first description reads "vvF ray, elongated NW-SE, without nucleus."  The NGC RA is 28 sec too small but Mitchell's description and sketch clearly identifies NGC 444 = UGC 810 = 4561.  Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Oct 1903 with the 30" refractor at Nice, assumed it was new and placed it correctly in paper 3-851 (later 1658).  So, NGC 444 = IC 1658 with discovery priority to Mitchell.

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NGC 445 = CGCG 385-047 = WBL 034-002 = PGC 4493

01 14 52.6 +01 55 03; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

24" (1/1/19): at 375x; better than fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", strongly concentrated with a fairly high surface brightness core and much fainter outer halo.  An extremely faint star is superimposed at the northeast edge.  The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 11.9 star 2.0' ESE and a mag 12.7 star 0.9' WNW. Brightest in a group (WBL = USGC U049)

 

NGC 445 forms the northern vertex of a triangle with with UGC 791 and CGCG 385-050.  UGC 791, situated 6' SW, appeared faint, slightly elongated, ~25" diameter, low nearly even surface brightness, halo increases in size with averted vision.  CGCG 385-050, 7' SSE of NGC 445, had a slightly higher surface brightness and was small, round, 20" diameter.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  On a line between a mag 12 star 0.9' WNW and a mag 11 star 1.9' ESE.  NGC 435 lies 15' NW.  UGC 791 6.3' SW not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 445 = m 37 on 23 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, vS".  His position matches CGCG 385-047 = PGC 4493.  This galaxy is not included in the MCG, although MCG +00-04-052, located 6.3' SW, is listed as possibly NGC 445.

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NGC 446 = IC 89 = UGC 818 = MCG +01-04-012 = CGCG 411-016 = PGC 4578

01 16 03.6 +04 17 38; Psc

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, prominent sharp bright core with a nearly stellar nucleus.  This galaxy is identified as IC 89 in UGC, CGCG and RC3.  NGC 446 lies 19' WSW and NGC 462 is 30' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 446 = m 38 on 23 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and recorded "F, vS, stellar".  There is nothing at Marth's position but Corwin suggests NGC 446 = UGC 818 = PGC 4578, located exactly 1.0 min of RA east of Marth's position.  Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 20 Aug 1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice, placed it correctly, and it was catalogued again as IC 89.  UGC, CGCG, MCG and RC3 use IC 89 as the primary designation for this galaxy.  Karl Reinmuth also makes the equivalence NGC 446 = IC 89 and gives the IC position.  UGC, CGCG (411-010) and RNGC identify UGC 794 = PGC 4494 as NGC 446.  This galaxy is located 13 sec of RA east and 7' north of UGC 794, which would require random errors in both directions by Marth instead of a single digit error.

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NGC 447 = IC 1656 = UGC 804 = MCG +05-04-006 = CGCG 502-013 = PGC 4550

01 15 37.6 +33 04 04; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 2.2'x2.2';  Surf Br = 15.5

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 15 star is involved at the southeast end.  In a group with NGC 449 and NGC 451.  Incorrectly identified as NGC 449 in the RNGC, CGCG, UGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 447 = Au 11 on 8 Oct 1861with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 4 nights) is accurate and he noted the mag 11 star that follows by 9.2 seconds of RA and 110" north as well as an involved star about 18-19th magnitude (the star is closer to mag 15).  Auwers included this discovery in his 1862 list of 50 new nebulae.

 

Barnard independently found this galaxy visually, along with NGC 451, on 25 Oct 1888 using the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.  He noted the "nebula is s.p. comparison star [mag 6 HD 7578] and close n.p. a small star.  A 9 1/2m star is s.f. 3'+/- [should read n.f.], a 12m star is s.f. 1/4'."  His offset in RA from the bright star (~40 seconds of time) matches NGC 447, though his declination is 1.4' too far north (similar offset as IC 1661 = NGC 451).  He reported the discovery directly to Dreyer who recatalogued it as IC 1656.  So, NGC 447 = IC 1656. In Barnard's notebook, he later added the comment "This is NGC 447.  The star is wrongly located in NGC."  See NGC 443 = IC 1653 and NGC 451 = IC 1661 for more duplicate IC entries.

 

Based on the NGC positions, the RNGC has reversed the identifications of NGC 447 and NGC 449 whose correct orientations should be SW-NE.  UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 447 = PGC 4550 as NGC 449 = IC 1656 and NGC 449 is misidentified as IC 1661 in CGCG.  MCG identifies these galaxies correctly.  These errors were noted in my RNGC Corrections #3 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 448 = UGC 801 = MCG +00-04-060 = CGCG 385-051 = PGC 4524

01 15 16.5 -01 37 35; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 116”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, brighter along major axis, bright core, high surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 448 = Sw. IV-5 on 2 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is just 5 tsec of RA east and 33" S of UGC 801 = PGC 4524.

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NGC 449 = MCG +05-04-009 = CGCG 502-018 = Mrk 1 = PGC 4587

01 16 07.2 +33 05 22; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 451 1.9' SE.  Located 2.9' SW of mag 6.0 SAO 54567.  Incorrectly listed as NGC 447 in RNGC and IC 1661 in CGCG.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 449 = St XII-11 on 11 Nov 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  Stephan's original published position matches CGCG 502-018 = PGC 4587, although the RA is slightly off in the NGC.  The RNGC misidentifies NGC 447 as NGC 449 (reversing the identifications of NGC 447 and NGC 449.  CGCG labels NGC 449 as IC 1661. Although it is possible that IC 1661 (discovered by Barnard) is a duplicate observation of NGC 449, Corwin feels it is more likely that IC 1661 is a duplicate of NGC 451.  See RNGC Corrections #3 and Thomson's "CGCG Corrections".

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NGC 450 = UGC 806 = MCG +00-04-062 = CGCG 385-052 = PGC 4540

01 15 30.4 -00 51 40; Cet

V = 11.5;  Size 3.1'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 72”

 

48" (10/22/11): at 610x this double system is dominated by NGC 450, which appeared bright, large, 2.3' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a relatively large 30" bright core, surrounded by a very large, low surface brightness halo.  The halo is slightly asymmetric and more extensive on the west side.

 

Three faint "stars" are superimposed on the east side of the galaxy; two appeared stellar, but the faintest and most westerly object was clearly "soft" at 610x.  These are apparently HII knots in the galaxy and the southeast object is listed in NED as UM 311 from the University of Michigan Emission Line Survey.

 

NGC 450 has a very close companion, UGC 807, which is attached at the northeast side of the halo, 1.4' between centers.  UGC 807 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.3', even surface brightness except for a very small brighter nucleus.  Despite the fact that UGC 807 appears to form a double system, the companion has a redshift that is over 6x greater than NGC 450, so they are a line-of-sight pair.

 

13.1" (9/3/86): very large, diffuse, broad concentration, slightly elongated.  Located 12.5' NE of 38 Ceti.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 450 = H III-440 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged as "vF, vL, requires great attention."  His RA was 25 tsec too large, but Heinrich d'Arrest provided an accurate position used in the NGC.  This system is a noninteracting spiral pair with the companion (UGC 807) over 6 times as distant.

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NGC 451 = IC 1661 = MCG +05-04-011 = CGCG 502-019 = Mrk 976 = PGC 4594

01 16 12.4 +33 03 51; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, oval.  Located 3.3' SSW of mag 6.0 SAO 54567!  Forms a close pair with NGC 449 1.9' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 451 = St XII-12 on 10 Nov 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches CGCG 502-019 = PGC 4594.   Barnard independently found this galaxy visually, along with NGC 447, on 25 Oct 1888 using the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.  He noted it was 6 seconds of time preceding his comparison star (mag 6 HD 7578) and called it "vvF, S, R."  The rediscovery was sent directly to Dreyer who recatalogued it as IC 1661, though his declination is 1.2' too far north (similar error with IC 1656 = NGC 447).  Barnard later wrote in pen in his notebook that "This is NGC 451".  CGCG labels this galaxy IC 1661, though NGC 451 should be the primary designation.

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NGC 452 = VV 430 = UGC 820 = MCG +05-04-010 = CGCG 502-020 = PGC 4596

01 16 14.8 +31 02 02; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, bright core.  Located 3.2' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 444 6' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 452 = h96 on 22 Nov 1827 and reported "vF; E; a * 9m np and a small * nf at the extremity of the nebula."  His position is accurate and a star is superimposed at the NE end.  The field was observed 7 times using Lord Rosse's 72".  R.J. Mitchell's observation on 3 Nov 1855 reads "mE, pB nucleus and a star in north end; np. this neb. is a star of the 9th mag, and about the same distance preceding this star is another neb., vF, mE [NGC 444].

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NGC 453

01 16 17.4 +33 00 51; Psc

 

= ***, Corwin.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 453 = St XII-13 on 10 Nov 1881 (same night he discovered NGC 451) with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position corresponds with a collinear triple star 2.2' SSE of NGC 451. The triple is cleanly resolved on the DSS.  It is very possible the two brighter (northern) stars were unresolved (nebulous) to Stephan.

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NGC 454 = ESO 151-036 = PGC 4468

01 14 23.0 -55 23 54; Phe

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): NGC 454 was resolved into a neat contact double system at 244x [28" separation between centers], though better viewed at 397x.  The main component is on the east side and appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~50"x25".  At 397x it was sharply concentrated with an extremely high surface brightness elongated core and stellar nucleus. The interacting companion, PGC 4461, appears as an appendage, poking out of the southwest side and was easily seen at 397x. It appeared faint or fairly faint, small, probably elongated ~3:2 N-S, ~20"x14".  On the DSS, this galaxy is highly disrupted with plumes and knots.  A mag 11.9 star lies 1.6' NNW.  Situated 4.7' WSW of mag 8.3 HD 7597.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 454 = h2397 on 5 Oct 1834 and logged "vF, S, R, bM, 15 arcsec."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 455 = Arp 164 = UGC 815 = MCG +01-04-011 = CGCG 411-015 = PGC 4572

01 15 57.6 +05 10 43; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.  Located 2.5' NW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 455 = m 39 on 27 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, vS, alm stell".  His position is 1' N of UGC 815 = PGC 4572

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NGC 456 = SMC-N83A = ESO 029-38 = Kron 65 = Lindsay 94

01 13 44.4 -73 17 26; Tuc

Size 5'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first of an unusual chain of three nebulous clusters with NGC 460 and NGC 465 within 10'.  The best view of the entire group was at 171x using an UHC filter.  At 220x the largest in the trio is NGC 456, appearing as a roundish 3' glow with a very small knot embedded in the SE end (SMC-N83A).  A few stars are superimposed (Hodge Association 61) on the glow.  NGC 460 lies 4' ESE.  Visible in 10x30 IS binoculars.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered  NGC 456 = D 7 = h2399 on 1 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a faint round nebula, 35" diameter, with a small star near the south margin, but not involved."  D10 is possibly a duplicate observation - the description is similar "an elliptical nebula, about 1' long and 40" broad, with three minute stars in it." and the position is 20' ENE of NGC 456.  John Herschel observed this object on at least 3 sweeps from the Cape as the first of 3 nebulous clusters with NGC 460 (observed 4 times) and NGC 465 (recorded once).  In addition it appears that h2398, which did not enter the GC or NGC is a 4th observation of h2399 = NGC 456 but with a poor RA.  Herschel equated D 7 with h2399.

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NGC 457 = Cr 12 = Mel 7 = OCL-321 = ET Cluster = Owl Cluster

01 19 33 +58 17 30; Cas

V = 6.4;  Size 13'

 

17.5" (9/19/87): ~150 stars in a beautiful cluster including mag 5 Phi 1 (likely a foreground star) and mag 7 Phi 2 Cassiopeiae.  Includes many mag 14-15 stars.

 

8" (1/1/84): ~75 stars in cluster at 100x.

 

6: striking bird-shape with two prominent "arms".  One of my favorite objects in this scope at 36x.

 

15x50mm (7/26/06): the cluster was slightly resolved in IS binoculars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 457 = H VII-42 = h97 on 18 Oct 1787 (sweep 769) and described "A star [Phi Cass].  About 50 seconds preceding is a cluster of small scattered stars, not very rich."  John Herschel recorded "a double star 10m, pos 324.5”, dist 12", in the midst of a p rich L cl which fills the field.  The stars are 10m; one of 7 and 1 of 8m in the sf part."

 

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 12 Oct 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 458 = ESO 051-026 = Lindsay 96

01 14 54 -71 32 54; Tuc

V = 11.7

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this cluster is an outlying member of the SMC to the NE of the main body and 70' SE of NGC 362.  At 228x, it appeared fairly bright, small, 1.5'-2' diameter, brighter core, slightly elongated.  The surface brightness was irregular with some mottling but there was no apparent resolution.  Three mag 10 stars are on the SW edge of the field, 10' from the cluster.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 458 = D 60 = h2401 on 6 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a round well-defined nebula, gradually brighter to the centre, about 25" diameter." He made a single observation (no others nearby) and his position is 12' too far east.  John Herschel made 2 observations, recording on 12 Aug 1834 "F, L, R, vgbM, 4' dia."  Herschel noted the equivalence with D 60.  NGC 458 was described as "probably globular" in the 1935 Harvard Observatory Bulletin 899 based on Bruce plates at Arequipa.

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NGC 459 = UGC 832 = MCG +03-04-017 = CGCG 459-024 = PGC 4665

01 18 08.1 +17 33 44; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (8/16/93): extremely faint, very small, round, very low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 1' SE.  Located 5' WSW of two mag 10/11.5 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 459 = H III-205 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and described as "eF, 240 left a doubt, though it rather confirmed it. I perceived it in counting a field, otherwise I should never have suspected it."  WH's position for III-205 is 01 18.2 +17 39 which is 7' north of UGC 832 = PGC 4665, and this is the only nearby candidate.

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NGC 460 = SMC-N84A = ESO 029-39 = Kron 66 = Lindsay 97

01 14 41 -73 17 50; Tuc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the second of three SMC clusters with NGC 456 and NGC 465 in a chain.  At 128x and UHC filter, two close nebulous patches roughly oriented NW-SE were visible, separated by a dusky lane oriented SW-NE.  The total diameter is ~2.5'.  The northwest component, which corresponds with John Herschel's position, has a very small knot or star (SMC-N84A) at the south end.

 

The fainter southeast section has some stars involved (Lindsay 97), including mag 12.5 Sk 155, a massive O9-type star and mag 14.2 SMC-N84B, an emission-line "star" [resolved by HST as a compact HII knot].  Located 4' ESE of NGC 456 with NGC 465 a similar distance southeast. A mag 10 star is close north.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 460 = D 8? = h2402 in 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "a small oval nebula, about 10" diameter" and his position is just 2' NE of this nebulous cluster.  The close match in position might be a pure coincidence given Dunlop's poor positions.

 

In any case, this SMC cluster/nebula was discovered by JH on 11 Apr 1834 and observed on 4 sweeps.  Described as the second of three nebulous clusters with NGC 456 (observed 3 times) and NGC 465 (observed once).  JH placed h2402 at a mean position of 01 14 40 -73 18.2 (2000) and this position was used in the GC and NGC.  Nevertheless, the declination given in RNGC, Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition only), NGC 2000.0 and Uranometria 2000 Atlas (first edition only) is one degree too far north.  The declination given in ESO is correct.

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NGC 461 = ESO 352-033 = PGC 4636

01 17 20.4 -33 50 28; Scl

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, no concentration.  Lies in a barren field with a mag 13 star 3.3' SW.  Incorrect position in RNGC and on U2000 atlas.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 461 = h2400 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, R, glbM, 20 arcseconds".  There is nothing at his position but 30' S is ESO 352-033 = PGC 4636.  He noted in his observation that because he was not able to relocate this galaxy he probably made an error in the declination. So, h2400 = ESO 352-033 = PGC 4636.  The RNGC position is 1.1 tmin too far W and 7' S (17' SW) of this galaxy and it is plotted incorrectly on the first edition of Uranometria 2000.  MCG (-06-04-002) missed assigning the NGC number.

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NGC 462 = PGC 4667

01 18 10.9 +04 13 34; Psc

Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (12/23/92): extremely faint and small, round, visible continuously with averted vision.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.5' S.  The galaxy is almost collinear with mag 9.2 SAO 109796 5' SE and mag 9.1 SAO 109798 10.5' SE.  IC 89 lies 30' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 462 = m 40 on 23 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, vS, stellar".  His position is accurate.  This galaxy is not included in the CGCG, MCG, RC3 and UGC.

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NGC 463 = UGC 840 = MCG +03-04-019 = CGCG 459-025 = PGC 4719

01 18 58.2 +16 19 33; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 4”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, very small brighter core, extremely faint extensions.  NGC 473 lies 20' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 463 = St III-1 on 16 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 464

01 19 26.7 +34 57 20; And

 

= ** or asterism of 4*, Gottlieb.  Unlikely identification in the RNGC.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 464 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, Italy, and recorded it in list V at 01 19 33 +34 57.7 (2000).  According to Bigourdan who searched for NGC 464, Tempel's entry may refer to a small asterism of four stars close northeast.  But just 1' W of his position is a 9" pair of mag 14 stars with a mean position of 01 19 26.7 +34 57 20 (2000).  Interestingly, my observing notes with the 17.5" indicate that I thought the close faint double could possibly be a non-stellar object!

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 4721 as NGC 464.  This extremely faint galaxy is located just 6' W of the NGC position and is missing in the CGCG, MCG and UGC.  But Corwin mentions that although Tempel included this object in his 5th list, the original observation was made by the BD observers with a 78mm refractor and hence the faint RNGC candidate is not plausible. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 465 = ESO 029-040 = Kron 67 = Lindsay 99

01 15 42.7 -73 19 27; Tuc

V = 11.5;  Size 4'

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the last in a chain of interesting knots and clusters including NGC 456, NGC 460nw and 460se.  At 171x it appears as a 4' curving chain of stars (Hodge Association 63) with no central concentration situated 4' following NGC 460.  There is possibly some faint haze involved or this is just dim stars (no significant nebulosity shows on the Red DSS 2 image).  The entire complex of stars and nebulosity is ~10' in length and fascinating in a 171x field (29').

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 465 = D 9 = h2404 on 1 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a faint nebula, about 1 1/2' diameter, of an irregular round figure.  His position is 6' E of this SMC cluster.  JH observed the cluster on 4 Oct 1836 and described it as the third of three "in an irregular line of loose stars and nebula."  This object was only recorded on one sweep, though while NGC 456 and 460 were recorded 3 or 4 times.

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NGC 466 = ESO 113-034 = AM 0115-591 = LGG 019-004 = PGC 4632

01 17 13.4 -58 54 36; Tuc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 103”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter.  Gradually increases to a small brighter nucleus and a stellar peak.  An extremely low surface brightness outer halo was not seen at higher power.  Collinear with a mag 11.7 star 3.5' N and a mag 12.2 star 9' N.

 

ESO 113-035, located 16' NE, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.5'x0.4', broad concentration.  Situated within a group of stars including a mag 11.7 star 2.7' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 466 = h2403 on 3 Oct 1836 and logged "vF, R, gbM, 30" dia."  His position matches ESO 113-034 = PGC 4632.  RNGC classifies this galaxy as an "unverified southern object".

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NGC 467 = UGC 848 = MCG +00-04-079 = CGCG 385-065 = KTG 5A = PGC 4736

01 19 10.1 +03 18 02; Psc

V = 11.9;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (1/12/13): bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a relatively large high surface brightness core that increases to a very small, very bright nucleus.  Located 3.5' WNW of mag 7.5 HD 7991.  First in a trio with NGC 470 and 474 to the northeast.  CGCG 385-068 (which has a similar redshift) lies 6.8' SE.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): moderately bright, slightly brighter core.

 

13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Collinear with mag 8.1 SAO 109805 3.6' ESE at midpoint and mag 10 SAO 109809 6.9' ESE.  NGC 470 is 11' NE and NGC 474 15' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 467 = H I-108 = h99 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and logged  "cB, vL, iR, preceding a very bright star."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 468 = NGC 472 = UGC 870 = MCG +05-04-022 = CGCG 502-034 = PGC 4833

01 20 28.7 +32 42 32; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

See observing notes for NGC 472.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 468 = h98 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF; eS; stellar."  His position was 3.6' south of IC 92 = CGCG 502-029 = PGC 4780, and this galaxy has been assumed to be NGC 468 until recently.

 

In March 2015, Harold Corwin checked JH's observing logs (in response to an inquiry from Courtney Seligman about the identity), and found he made an error in reducing the position of NGC 468 by 37 seconds in RA (recording the wrong wire).  Once corrected for an additional 37 seconds, the position of h98 = NGC 468 is a close match with UGC 870 -- a significantly brighter galaxy than IC 92.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 29 Aug 1862, measured an accurate position, and it was catalogued as NGC 472.  So, NGC 468 = NGC 472.  By historical discovery, the primary designation should be NGC 468, but this galaxy has been known only as NGC 472 up to this time.  See Corwin's notes for the full story.

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NGC 469 = MCG +02-04-023 = CGCG 436-024 = Holm 39a = PGC 4753

01 19 32.9 +14 52 19; Psc

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.5'

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 5.1' NNE of mag 8.6 SAO 92336.  Situated just north of a string of three mag 11-13 stars oriented NNW-SSE with a length of 3.3'.  Pair with NGC 471 10' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 469 = m 41 (along with NGC 471 and NGC 475) on 3 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted as "eF, S, R".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 470 = Arp 227 NED1 = UGC 858 = MCG +00-04-084 = CGCG 385-070 = KTG 5B = PGC 4777

01 19 44.8 +03 24 36; Psc

V = 11.8;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155”

 

48" (10/25/14): very bright, large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~1.8'x1.2'.  The bright core contains an intense circular nucleus.  Two spiral arms are visible with the brighter and better defined arm on the southwest side of the core.  It extends ~40" SW-NE and is fairly narrow and straight.  A second matching arm to the northeast of the core also stretches SW-NE, but has a lower contrast.  Neither arm clearly connects to the nucleus, so they appear more as bright arcs.

 

24" (1/12/13): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.9', high surface brightness.  The halo gradually and weakly increases towards the center and then a sharp increase to a bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Forms a 5.5' pair with NGC 474 to the east.  NGC 467 lies 11' SW.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration at center.  Largest of three with NGC 467 11' SW and NGC 474 6' E. 

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 470 = H III-250, along with NGC 474, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged both as "Two. vF, vS, R, almost stellar 4' or 5' from each other, nearly in a parallel."  On 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) he noted "pB, L, R, mbM." and on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788) he noted "pB, cL, R, gbM, the preceding of two."

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NGC 471 = UGC 861 = MCG +02-04-024 = CGCG 436-029 = PGC 4793

01 19 59.6 +14 47 10; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very small very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus.  NGC 469 is 10' NW.  Superimposed on the distant cluster AGC 175.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 471 = m 42 (along with NGC 469 and NGC 475) on 3 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted as "neb *12m".  His dec is 1' N of UGC 861.  Engelhardt provided a micrometric position.

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NGC 472 = NGC 468 = UGC 870 = MCG +05-04-022 = CGCG 502-034 = PGC 4833

01 20 28.7 +32 42 32; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Located 3.5' SE of a mag 10 star.  IC 92 (generally misidentified as NGC 468) lies 10' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 472 on 29 Aug 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) and description (he measured the nearby mag 9.7 star as preceding by 14 seconds) corresponds with UGC 870 = PGC 4833.  d'Arrest is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC, but in Mar 2015 Harold Corwin found that JH's h98 = NGC 468, which had previously been equated with IC 92, actually refers to this galaxy.  So, NGC 472 = NGC 468, with discovery priority to JH.  See NGC 468.

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NGC 473 = UGC 859 = MCG +03-04-022 = CGCG 459-030 = PGC 4785

01 19 55.1 +16 32 41; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Several bright stars are in the field including three mag 9 stars 5' SE, 10' SSW and 11' NW.  NGC 463 lies 20' SW.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated.  Two very faint stars are off the east edge and a mag 9 star follows.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 473 = H III-206 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and noted "eF, S."  His position is 5' southeast of UGC 859 = PGC 4785, but this is the only nearby galaxy.

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NGC 474 = Arp 227 NED2 = UGC 864 = MCG +00-04-085 = CGCG 385-071 = KTG 5C = PGC 4801

01 20 06.7 +03 24 56; Psc

V = 11.9;  Size 7.1'x6.3';  Surf Br = 15.7;  PA = 75”

 

48" (10/25/14): the outer halo of NGC 474 was examined closely at 375x for evidence of the outer, concentric shells and circular streams that are visible on deep images.  Immediately there was a strong sense of arcs from two more different shells. The easiest arc to confirm was the outermost on the eastern side, which curves south from a mag 13.3 star situated 3.3' NE of center.  The arc passes through a mag 16.3 star and extends 30”-40”.  A second outer arc on the northeast side is half the distance (~1.6') to the center.  This arc has a stronger curvature and measures roughly 60”.  Only a single outer arc (slightly more difficult to confirm) was noted on the southwest side, 2'-2.5' from center.  My rough sketch shows it also curving ~60”.  Additional inner arcs or ripples were strongly sensed in the main halo of the galaxy, but too subtle and fleeting to pinpoint locations.  The center is sharply concentrated with a very prominent 1' core.  The core itself is sharply concentrated to a small, blazing nucleus.

 

24" (1/12/13): bright, very large with a huge very low surface brightness halo, extending roughly 4'x3.5' NW-SE.  Very sharply concentrated with a very bright, slightly oval core, ~1.0'x0.8', which increases to a small intense nucleus.  Largest in a trio with NGC 470 5.5' W and NGC 467 16' SW.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 470 6' W.  NGC 467 lies 15' SW and NGC 479 is 30' NE.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located 30' ESE of mag 5.2 89 Piscium.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 474 = H III-251, along with NGC 470, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged both as "Two. vF, vS, R, almost stellar 4' or 5' from each other, nearly in a parallel."  On 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) he noted "pB, pL, mbM."   Again on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), he reported "pB, S, R, smbM, the following of 2."

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NGC 475 = IC 97 = PGC 4796

01 20 02.0 +14 51 40; Psc

V = 15.0;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (10/4/97): threshold object that was barely glimpsed on a couple of occasions at 280x with averted vision using a GSC finder chart to pinpoint the location.  Visible less than 10% of time and would not have detected at all without first knowing precise position.  Appeared ~10" diameter but much too faint for any details.  Located 4.5' N of NGC 471 and 7' E of NGC 469.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 475 = m 43 on 3 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, S".  His original position matches PGC 4796 and Dreyer used Marth's position in the GC Supplement (GCS 5666).  But Dreyer's NGC position (supposedly an improved micrometric position from C.H.F. Peters) is 0.3 minutes of RA too far east.  Bigourdan independently found this galaxy with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory, listed it as nova Big. 117 (misidentifying NGC 475 with a star).  Dreyer mistakenly assumed this was a new object and catalogued it again as IC 97.  So, NGC 475 = IC 97, with NGC 475 the primary designation.

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NGC 476 = MCG +03-04-023 = CGCG 459-033 = Holm 40a = PGC 4814

01 20 19.9 +16 01 13; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, 20" diameter, weakly concentrated core.  Located just east of distinctive 13' string of six mag 12-13 stars oriented NW-SE including a mag 13 star 3' NW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 476 = m 44 on 3 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta.  He logged it as "eF, vS, stellar" and his position is a close match with PGC 4814.

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NGC 477 = UGC 886 = MCG +07-03-032 = CGCG 536-032 = PGC 4915

01 21 20.3 +40 29 17; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 135”

 

18" (7/11/10): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration with just a slightly brighter center but no core or zones.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.8' SE.  Brightest of three with MCG +07-03-031 2.3' SW ("very faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low even surface brightness") and MCG +07-03-029 4.4' SW ("barely visible as an extremely faint, elongated glow, roughly 0.4'x0.15'.")

 

17.5" (8/16/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated but no core, larger halo with averted.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SE edge.  Forms a very close pair with MCG +07-03-031 2.3' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 477 = H III-577 = h100 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "vF, pL, lE, lbM."  John Herschel reported on 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183), "eF; S; R vglbM; 15" [diameter]; moonlight."

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NGC 478 = ESO 476-003 = VV 398 = MCG -04-04-005 = PGC 4803

01 20 08.9 -22 22 40; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Situated between two mag 13.5-14 stars ~1.5' S and a similar star 1.2' NNW.  ESO 476-G5 lies 30' SE (picked up first sweeping in the region).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 478 = LM 2-302 in 1886 with the 26" refractor of the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 14 sec of RA east of ESO 476-003 = PGC 4803.

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NGC 479 = UGC 893 = MCG +01-04-031 = CGCG 411-031 = PGC 4905

01 21 15.7 +03 51 44; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, small, round, broad mild concentration.  Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 6.6' WSW and a mag 12 star 7' NW.  NGC 474 lies 30' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 479 = m 45 on 27 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, S, R".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 480 = PGC 4845

01 20 34.3 -09 52 50; Cet

V = 15.2;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, round, ~10" diameter.  This marginal object required averted vision and the GSC finder chart to glimpse at 280x.  Located 8' E of mag 7 SAO 147742 and nearly at the midpoint of two mag 12 stars 3.7' SW and 3.3' NE.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC and this identification of a Leavenworth discovery is uncertain (see notes).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 480 = LM 2-304 in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 25 sec of RA following PGC 4845 (described here). This galaxy satisfies the condition of being 40' S of NGC 481 which is the difference in dec given by Leavenworth and Corwin identifies PGC 4845 = NGC 480.  Bigourdan failed to find NGC 480 at Leavenworth's position and the number is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

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NGC 481 = MCG -02-04-030 = PGC 4899

01 21 12.4 -09 12 40; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1' NW.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered NGC 481 = Sw. VI-7 on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory, along with Francis Leavenworth (II-303) sometime in 1886 or early 1887 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick.  The discovery priority is unknown.  Swift's comment "F * nr np" applies to PGC 4899.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 482 = ESO 296-013 = MCG -07-03-017 = AM 0118-411 = PGC 4823

01 20 20.5 -40 57 59; Phe

V = 13.7;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 84”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; very nice thin edge-on, elongated at least 6:1 E-W, ~1.5'x0.25'.  Contains a slightly bulging core and very narrow tips.  Slightly brighter along a thin strip of the major axis. Located 13' W of mag 8.6 HD 8283.

 

ESO 296-012, located 5.7' N, appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 30"x15", low nearly even surface brightness, faint extensions.  The major axis is perpendicular and points to NGC 482. 

 

The interacting pair VV 578 = ESO 296-011 lies 17' SSW.  It appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2, ~24"x18". I was too tired at the end of a long night to use high power for resolving the components.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 482 = h2405 on 23 Oct 1835 and logged "eF, lE, 20". A difficult object but certain after long attention with the left eye."  His position is 1' S of ESO 296-013 = PGC 4823.

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NGC 483 = UGC 906 = MCG +05-04-029 = CGCG 502-050 = WBL 038-004 = PGC 4961

01 21 56.3 +33 31 17; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, high surface brightness, increases gradually to a small bright nucleus.  The halo is slightly elongated with averted vision.  Two mag 10.2/11 stars lie ~3' E.  IC 1679 lies 3' SW (very faint, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 20"x14") and PGC 169764 ("extremely faint and small, round, 8" diameter") is just 1.2' SE.  Member of the NGC 507 Group.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  There is a string of three stars oriented SSW-NNE following including two mag 10 stars 2.6' ESE and 3' ENE and a mag 13 star 3.8' NE.  Member of the NGC 499/507 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 483 = h102 on 11 Nov 1827 and reported "vF, so that had difficulty in finding it again when it had quitted the field".  His declination is 5' S of UGC 906, but it was marked as uncertain in the observation and he assumed it was his father's H. III-156 = NGC 495.  The NGC position is correct (Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz provided accurate positions).  See Corwin's notes for NGC 499.

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NGC 484 = ESO 113-036 = LGG 019-005 = PGC 4764

01 19 34.7 -58 31 28; Tuc

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 94”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright nucleus that increases to a nearly stellar peak and a much fainter halo.  A mag 15.1 star is barely off the southeast side and a mag 14.7 star is 1.7' WSW.  Brightest in a group (LGG 019) with ESO 113-035 14' SW and NGC 466 30' SW (on a line).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 484 = h2406 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "vB, S, lE, psmbM."  His mean position from 2 observations is accurate.

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NGC 485 = UGC 895 = MCG +01-04-032 = CGCG 411-032 = PGC 4921

01 21 27.6 +07 01 07; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, weak concentration.  Located 3.7' NE of mag 8.6 SAO 109824.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 485 = h101 on 8 Jan 1828 and recorded "eF; pL; R; has a red * 7.8m 45 degrees south preceding."  Herschel's description and the NGC position (from Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz) matches UGC 895.

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NGC 486 = LEDA 1281966

01 21 43.1 +05 20 47; Psc

V = 16.5;  Size 0.3'x0.25'

 

17.5" (10/4/97): A stellar object was glimpsed a few times at my plotted position 5.5' N of NGC 488.  On the DSS the nearly stellar galaxy forms a close pair with a very faint star off the NE side.  It is possible that I glimpsed this star, which may be brighter than the galaxy.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 486, along with NGC 490, 492 and 500, on 6 Dec 1850.  The field was observed on four nights, although this object was mentioned twice as only "suspected" (labeled Delta on the sketch in the 1880 publication).  The micrometric position from the 22 Oct 1876 observation is 339" N (PA 353”) of NGC 488.  This corresponds with an extremely faint galaxy along with a faint star.  This galaxy is too faint to be included in CGCG, MCG, RC3, PGC but is now listed in HyperLeda as PGC 1281966.  RNGC, PGC and DSFG misidentify MCG +01-04-037 = PGC 4975 (situated close southwest of NGC 492) as NGC 486.  Discussed in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished Catalogue Corrections.

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NGC 487 = MCG -03-04-056 = PGC 4958

01 21 55.1 -16 22 14; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, weak concentration.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 487 = LM 1-27 on 28 Nov 1885.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.6 tmin west of PGC 4958. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 488 = UGC 907 = MCG +01-04-033 = CGCG 411-033 = PGC 4946

01 21 46.8 +05 15 25; Psc

V = 10.3;  Size 5.2'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): bright, large, very bright core, oval 4:3 ~N-S.  A mag 11 star is at the south edge just 1.6' SSE of center and a mag 10 star lies 3' SW.  Located 9' W of mag 8.3 SAO 109832.  In a group with NGC 490 8' NE, NGC 488 5.5' N and NGC 500 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 488 = H III-252 = h103 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and recorded "vF, pL, iR, lbM."  John Herschel  gave a more detailed description on 24 Sep 1830 (sweep 300): "B; L; svmbM, and losing itself imperceptibly; resolvable in centre with 320x; *7m in parallel 1 min following."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 489 = UGC 908 = MCG +01-04-034 = CGCG 11-034 = LGG 023-001 = PGC 4957

01 21 53.9 +09 12 24; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 120”

 

18" (12/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on streak NW-SE, 0.9'x0.2', well concentrated with a very small bright core.  Contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Furthest west of a large group of galaxies in the NGC 524 group.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core.  Member of the NGC 524 group with NGC 502 18' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 489 on 22 Dec 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) and description (he also noted the double star that precedes by 22 seconds) matches PGC 4957.

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NGC 490 = MCG +01-04-035 = CGCG 411-035 = PGC 4973

01 22 02.9 +05 22 02; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 8' NE of NGC 488.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 488 and mag 8.3 SAO 109832 8' SE.  Seeing conditions very poor.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 490, along with NGC 486, 492 and 500, on 6 Dec 1850.  It was labeled Beta in the sketch and described as "vvF".  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 491 = ESO 352-053 = MCG -06-04-011 = PGC 4914

01 21 20.2 -34 03 49; Scl

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 93”

 

24" (11/21/19): at 322x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 48"x35", strong concentration with a small very bright core.  The surface brightness is irregular, suggesting a face-on spiral.  A mag 13.5 star is less than 1' SW of center.

 

ESO 352-057, 12' SE, was faint, elongated 2:1 or 3:1 ~N-S, 20"x8" (probably the core region of this edge-on).  A mag 13 star is 40" E and a mag 10.2 star is 2.5' E.

 

NGC 491A, 18' NW, was extremely faint, small patch, very low surface brightness.  Easier at 200x; very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 35"x25" (core region).

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, slightly brighter along major axis.  A mag 13.5 star is off the west edge 50" WSW of core.

 

ESO 352-041, situated 27' WSW, appeared fairly faint, very small, round, fairly high surface brightness.  Forms the SW vertex of a triangle with two mag 10.8 stars 2.5' NNE and 3.2' ESE.

 

8" (1/1/84): extremely faint, round, very small, threshold object.  A mag 13.5 star is off the west edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 491 = h2407 on 25 Sep 1834 and reported "B, vlE, pgmbM, near a vS star."  His mean position (2 observations) and description matches ESO 352-053 = PGC 4914.

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NGC 492 = MCG +01-04-038 = CGCG 411-036 = PGC 4976

01 22 13.6 +05 25 01; Psc

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness, no concentration.  On line with a mag 12 star 3.7' NW and a faint pair of mag 14-14.5 stars [at 22" separation] 2' NW.  Forms a close pair with MCG +01-04-037 1' SW (not seen). NGC 492 is located 12' NE of NGC 488 member with several other faint galaxies (NGC 486 8.5' SW, NGC 490 4' SW, NGC 500 7' ESE) in the field.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 492 on 6 Dec 1850 during an observation of the NGC 488 field.  It was labeled "Delta" in the diagram and called "vvF".  The sketch and position clearly identifies NGC 492 = PGC 4976. The sketch appears to show a faint double star mentioned in my notes close NW but not the close companion to the SW, which was first mentioned in Heber Curtis' published descriptions of nebulae photographed with the Crossley reflector (1918) at Lick.

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NGC 493 = UGC 914 = MCG +00-04-099 = CGCG 385-084 = PGC 4979

01 22 09.1 +00 56 47; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 3.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 3.5'x1.0', weakly concentrated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 493 = H III-594 = h105 on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and logged "vF, mE, bM, 3.5' long, 1.5' broad." John Herschel reported on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), "vF; L; E pos by diag 60”±; lbM; 90" length."

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NGC 494 = UGC 919 = MCG +05-04-034 = CGCG 502-057 = WBL 038-007 = PGC 5035

01 22 55.4 +33 10 26; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

24" (10/4/13): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 50"x20", large bright elongated core.  A mag 15.5 star is at the south edge [16" from center].  A wide pair of mag 13.5 stars lie 1.4' SW and a similar star is 1.4' SE.  Located near the center of the NGC 507 Group with IC 1685 2.6' NE, NGC 504 7' ENE, NGC 507 11' NE and IC 1682 10' NW.  IC 1685 appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 10" diameter.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, bright core. A wide mag 13 double star at 30" separation is just 1' SW.  Forms the vertex of a right triangle with mag 7.8 SAO 54647 8' NNE and mag 8.7 SAO 54632 11' WNW.  First in a group with NGC 504 7' ENE, NGC 507 11' NE, NGC 508 12' NE and IC 1685 2.5' NE (seen in 17.5" only).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 494 = h104 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged "vF; E; has a D* to south".  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 495 = UGC 920 = MCG +05-04-035 = CGCG 502-058 = WBL 038-008 = PGC 5037

01 22 55.9 +33 28 18; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 30"x20", contains a small bright core.  Bracketed by two 14th magnitude stars 1' SSW and 1' NNE.  Located in the core of the NGC 507 group (actually the NGC 499 subgroup), with NGC 499 3.3' ESE, NGC 498 3.4' ENE, IC 1684 3.5' S, NGC 496 4.8' NE and NGC 501 6' SE.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Located midway two mag 14 stars 1.1' SSW and 1.1' NNE.  First of three with NGC 496 4.8' NE and NGC 499 3.3' ESE.  Located in a rich galaxy group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 495 = H III-156, along with NGC 496 and NGC 499, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "Three [along with NGC 496 and 499], eS and F, forming a triangle."  He observed this trio again the next night (sweep 271) in more detail: "Three, forming a [right triangle]; the [right angle] to the south [NGC 499], the short leg preceding [NGC 495], the long towards the north [NGC 496].  Those in the legs [NGC 495 and 496] the faintest imaginable; that at the rectangle [NGC 499] a deal larger and brighter, but still vF."  The NGC position (from Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz) is accurate.

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NGC 496 = UGC 927 = MCG +05-04-036 = CGCG 502-060 = WBL 038-010 = PGC 5061

01 23 11.6 +33 31 48; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 28”

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.45', low fairly even surface brightness with a weak concentration. but no distinct core.  Located in the NGC 499 subgroup of the NGC 507 Group with NGC 498 2.4' S, NGC 499 4.2' S, NGC 495 4.8' SW and NGC 501 6.3' SSE.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): faint, low even surface brightness.  Second and largest of three with NGC 495 4.8' SW and NGC 499 4.2' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 496 = H III-157, along with NGC 495 and NGC 499, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and observed again the next night (sweep 271).  See description under NGC 495. The NGC position is 0.1 tmin west and 1' south of UGC 927 = PGC 5061.

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NGC 497 = Arp 8 = UGC 915 = MCG +00-04-100 = CGCG 385-085 = PGC 4992

01 22 23.8 -00 52 30; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.2' SE of center.  Located northwest of the core of AGC 194.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 497 = St XII-14 = Sw. V-13 on 6 Nov 1882 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 31 Oct 1886 and reported it in his 5th discovery list.  Frank Muller equated the two discoveries in an Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) listing nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue that had been discovered previously.

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NGC 498 = MCG +05-04-037 = PGC 5059

01 23 11.3 +33 29 22; Psc

V = 15.0;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

24" (10/4/13): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", low surface brightness.  Located 1.8' N of NGC 499 and 2.4' S of NGC 496, on a line between the two brighter galaxies.  This is perhaps the faintest NGC galaxy in the NGC 507 Group.

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, no details visible.  This very difficult object was only detected after extended viewing at 220x, 280x and 420x.  Finally started to glimpse a virtually stellar spot for moments at 280x using a detailed finder chart to pinpoint the location.  Located 1.7' N of NGC 499 and 2.4' S of NGC 496 within the cluster.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 498 on 23 Oct 1856 with Lord Rosse's 72" and placed on two sketches (object D in the original sketch) in the field of NGC 499.  His description says "only suspected", but the object is placed correctly on the sketch between NGC 496 and 499.

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NGC 499 = IC 1686: = UGC 926 = MCG +05-04-038 = CGCG 502-059 = LGG 024-002 = WBL 038-009 = PGC 5060

01 23 11.5 +33 27 37; Psc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 82”

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 60"x45", well concentrated with a very bright core.  Brightest member of a subgroup of the NGC 507 Group with NGC 498 1.8' N, NGC 501 2.8' SE, NGC 498 3.4' WNW, NGC 496 4.2' N.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): moderately bright, moderately large, very bright core with a much fainter halo!  Third of three with NGC 495 3.3' WNW and NGC 496 4.2' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 499 = H III-158 = h106, along with NGC 495 and 496, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and the trio was observed again the next night (sweep 271).  See NGC 495 for his description.  John Herschel made two observations and recorded on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 100) "pB; R; bM.  Nebulae numerous hereabouts."

 

Stephane Javelle independently found this galaxy on 1 Dec 1899 with the Nice Observatory 30" refractor and it was also catalogued as IC 1686.  His position is 1.7' S of NGC 499 (matches in RA) but this is a similar offset that he gave for IC 1684 and IC 1692.  This makes the equivalence NGC 499 = IC 1686 pretty certain, although Javelle claims he also measured NGC 499 so there is still some doubt on the equivalence.

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NGC 500 = MCG +01-04-040 = CGCG 411-039 = PGC 5013

01 22 39.4 +05 23 14; Psc

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 1' NE.  Located 10' NE of a mag 8 star.  NGC 490 is 9' WSW and NGC 488 18' SW.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 500, along with NGC 486, 490 and 492, on 6 Dec 1850.  It was labeled Epsilon on the diagram in the 1861 and 1880 publications and noted as "vF."

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NGC 501 = CGCG 502-062 = WBL 038-012 = PGC 5082

01 23 22.4 +33 25 59; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", very small brighter nucleus.  Located 2.8' SE of NGC 499 and 1.8' SW of a mag 11.3 star in the NGC 507 Group.

 

17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Can just hold continually with averted vision once identified.  Located 2.8' SE of NGC 499 in a cluster.  A mag 10.5 star lies 1.8' NE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 501 on 28 Oct 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72".  It was sketched as object "E" and described as "vF, S."

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NGC 502 = UGC 922 = MCG +01-04-043 = CGCG 411-040 = LGG 023-002 = PGC 5034

01 22 55.6 +09 02 57; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core ~10" diameter.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, small bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Member of the NGC 524 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 502 on 25 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 4 nights) matches UGC 922 = PGC 5034.  The identifications of NGC 502 and NGC 505 are reversed in the MCG and should read NGC 502 = MCG +01-04-041 and NGC 505 = MCG +01-04-043.

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NGC 503 = MCG +05-04-040 = CGCG 502-065 = WBL 038-014 = PGC 5086

01 23 28.4 +33 19 55; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Two mag 13.4/13.8 stars 0.6' SE and 1.1' SE are collinear with the galaxy.  Located 4' NE of mag 7.6 HD 8347 and 5' NNW of NGC 507, in the central hub of the cluster.

 

17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.6' SE and 1.0' SE.  Located 4' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 54647 within the NGC 507 Group (NGC 507/508 in the field).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 503 on 13 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single micrometric position is an exact match with CGCG 502-065 = PGC 5086.  He was uncertain if it might be one of William Herschel's previous discoveries in the area [NGC 495, 496 and 499].

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NGC 504 = NGC 506: = UGC 935 = MCG +05-04-041 = CGCG 502-064 = WBL 038-013 = PGC 5084

01 23 27.9 +33 12 16; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 47”

 

24" (10/4/13): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, ~40"x16", well-concentrated with a very bright elongated nucleus and faint extensions.  Located 4' SW of NGC 507 in the core of the NGC 507 Group.  IC 1687 is 4.7' NNW, NGC 508 5.2' NE, NGC 494 7' WSW.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small bright core.  First of three with NGC 507 4' NNE and NGC 508 5.3' NNE.  Also NGC 494 lies 7.2' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 504 = h107 = Au 12 on 22 Nov 1827.  No visual description was published but he noted it "precedes III.159 [NGC 507] by about 10 sec, and is half a field to the south of it."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this object on 8 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  His discovery was included in Auwers 1862 catalogue of new nebulae with a total of 5 observations in d'Arrest's 1867 "Siderum Nebulosorum".  JH catalogued the two observations separately as GC 291  and 292, but Dreyer combined them to NGC 504, assigning credit to d'Arrest.

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NGC 505 = UGC 924 = MCG +01-04-041 = PGC 5036

01 22 57.1 +09 28 08; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (12/3/05): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 7' WNW of NGC 509 in the NGC 524 group.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, extremely small, round.  NGC 509 lies 7' ESE.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): extremely faint, slightly elongated ~E-W?  Located 7' WNW of NGC 509 in the NGC 524 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 505 = m 46 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS, stellar".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 506

01 23 35.3 +33 14 41; Psc

V = 15.3

 

24" (10/4/13): this number probably applies to a mag 15.3 star 1.3' SW of the center of NGC 507, beyond the halo.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 506 on 7 Nov 1874 during the 8th and last observation of the NGC 499/507 Group.  There is no description but a micrometric measure is given 223.1" in PA 153.7” from mag 7.6 HD 8347 at 01 23 12.1 +33 17 24 (J2000).  There is no object at this offset but the NGC position is further southeast (perhaps Dreyer had additional information) and the NGC description adds "sp 507".  Near this position is a single star given here that Corwin identifies as NGC 506.  RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 506 with NGC 504.

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NGC 507 = Arp 229 NED1 = VV 207a = UGC 938 = MCG +05-04-044 = CGCG 502-067 = WBL 038-015 = PGC 5098

01 23 40.0 +33 15 22; Psc

V = 11.2;  Size 3.1'x3.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (10/4/13): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a blazing core that increases to the center.  The outer halo gradually fades out, so there is no distinct edge, but just beyond the halo on the north side is NGC 508 (1.5' between centers).  Brightest in a large group with over 20 members that is part of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster.

 

A number of galaxies are nearby including NGC 504 4' SW, IC 1687 4.6' WNW, PGC 5100 3.0' S, CGCG 502-072 5.1' NE ("fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter") and NGC 503 5.2' NNW.  A mag 14.3 star is just off the NW side, 1.3' from center and a mag 15.3 star (= NGC 506) is off the southwest side, 1.3' from center.  Mag 7.6 HD 8347 lies 6.2' WNW.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): moderately bright, moderately large, round, very bright core.  Second of three with NGC 508 1.5' N and NGC 504 4' SSW in a large group.  Located 6' ESE of mag 7.8 SAO 54647.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 507 = H III-159 = h108, along with NGC 508 = III-160, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded both as "Two. Both eF, S, but unequal." John Herschel made 2 observations, calling it "extremely faint" on 17 Nov 1827 (sweep 104) and 5 nights later as "pretty bright".

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NGC 508 = Arp 229 NED2 = VV 207b = UGC 939 = MCG +05-04-045 = CGCG 502-068 = WBL 038-016 = PGC 5099

01 23 40.6 +33 16 51; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (10/4/13): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, round, broad concentration with a brighter nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 507 1.5' S in the central region of the NGC 507 Group.  Also nearby is NGC 503 3.9' NW, CGCG 502-72 4.2' NE, IC 1687 4.6' W and NGC 504 5.3' SW.  Mag 7.6 HD 8347 lies 6' W.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, round.  Forms a close pair with NGC 507 1.5' S.  Third of three with NGC 504 5.3' SSW.  Located 6' E of mag 7.8 SAO 54647.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 508 = H III-160 = h109, along with NGC 507, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded both as "Two. Both eF, S, but unequal."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 509 = UGC 932 = MCG +01-04-045 = CGCG 411-043 = LGG 023-011 = PGC 5080

01 23 24.1 +09 26 01; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 82”

 

18" (12/3/05): faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.5', broad weak concentration.  Situated between two mag 13.8/14.3 stars less than 2' SW and NNE.  NGC 505 lies 7' WNW.  Member of the NGC 524 group.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, small, elongated ~E-W.  Located between a mag 14 star 1.9' SW and a mag 13.5 star 1.4' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 505 7' WNW in the NGC 524 group.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Two faint stars are north and south.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 509 = m 47 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 510

01 23 55.6 +33 29 49; Psc

 

17.5" (10/4/97): this is a faint and difficult double star that was just resolved at 280x.  The fainter eastern component is difficult to cleanly resolve [separation 8"] and it is easy to imagine that Schultz would mistake this oibject as nonstellar.  Located 7' ESE of NGC 499 and 9' WNW of NGC 515 in the field of the NGC 507 Group. The RNGC mislabels PGC 5102 as NGC 510.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 510 = Nova V on 11 Nov 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  At Schultz's micrometric position (44 seconds following NGC 499) is a close, faint double star (also observed by Bigourdan) with a separation of 8" and mean position of 01 23 55.6 +33 29 49.  The RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 5102 as NGC 510.  PGC 5102 is 32 sec east in RA and 3' S of NGC 499.  Discussed in  Malcolm Thomson's "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 511 = UGC 936 = MCG +02-04-033 = CGCG 436-037 = PGC 5103

01 23 30.7 +11 17 27; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is attached at the south edge 17" from center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 511 = St VIII-4 on 26 Oct 1876 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His description reads "eF, diffuse, vS, S* inv, S* attached".  His description and position matches UGC 936 = PGC 5103, with the two faint stars on the west side.

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NGC 512 = UGC 944 = MCG +06-04-013 = CGCG 521-018 = PGC 5132

01 23 59.8 +33 54 30; And

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 116”

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 14 star is just off the SE edge 0.6' from center and a mag 12 star is 1.6' SSW.  Located 6.5' NE of a mag 11 star.  NGC 513 lies 9' SE.  The RNGC misidentifies NGC 512 with a faint companion 2.5' S.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, edge-on streak NW-SE, requires averted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 512 = h110 on 17 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF; vS."  His position (single observation) is just 23" S of UGC 944.  The new description in the RNGC refers to CGCG 521-017, located 2.5' S of NGC 512.  The bright, elongated companion mentioned as 2' N of NGC 512, actually refers to NGC 512!  This misidentification was mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #1 and the Webb Society Quarterly Journal in April 1980.

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NGC 513 = UGC 953 = MCG +06-04-016 = CGCG 521-020 = PGC 5174

01 24 26.8 +33 47 59; And

V = 12.9;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.1;  PA = 75”

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Located at the NE end of a line of four mag 12-13 stars which extend to SW; the closest mag 13.5 star is 0.9' SW and is followed by a second parallel line of stars.  NGC 512 lies 9' NW.  Incorrect RA by 0.6 minutes west in the RNGC and plotted incorrectly on the U2000.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 513 = H III-169 = h111 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar."  This object is in a large group of galaxies found on this sweep using Beta Andromedae as a reference star.  Seven of these objects have varying errors in RA except for NGC 404. In this case, Herschel's RA is off by ~30 seconds from UGC 953.  John Herschel made the single observation "F; S" in Nov. 1827 (sweep 105) and measured a good position.

 

The RA in the RNGC is also 0.6 min too far west and the galaxy is misplotted on the first version of Uranometria 2000. The position is given correctly in UGC and RC3.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 514 = UGC 947 = MCG +02-04-035 = CGCG 436-038 = PGC 5139

01 24 03.9 +12 55 03; Psc

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly large, 2.5'x2.0', elongated ~E-W, broad weak concentration, edges fade into the background, low surface brightness but granular or mottled texture.  Located 3.1' WNW of a mag 9.5 star.  A mag 13.5 star is 3.4' SW.  Several faint stars are very close including a mag 14 star at the northeast edge and a mag 15 star at the south edge 1.5' from center.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, even surface brightness.  A mag 9 star off the east edge interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 514 = H II-252 = h112 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295) and logged "F, pL, oval, lbM, preceding a pretty bright star." John Herschel reported on 17 Ocg 1825 (sweep 15), "vL; irr R; vglbM; by diagram at least 3' in diameter; a remarkable object.  Is closely followed by the D* h13; see fig. 38."  The galaxy was observed 6 times at Birr Castle.  The earliest observation on 13 Dec 1848 noted "h's D* [referring to John Herschel's h 13] is triple and perhaps quadruple.  2 nuclei or nucleus and star in nebula."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 515 = UGC 956 = MCG +05-04-052 = CGCG 502-077 = WBL 038-021 = PGC 5201

01 24 38.6 +33 28 22; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.1'

 

24" (10/4/13): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 ~NW-SE, ~36"x24", fairly well concentrated with a bright core.  A mag 15.7 star is superimposed on the NW side.  Forms a pair with NGC 517 2.9' SE.  Located on the east side of the NGC 507 Group.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, faint stellar nucleus.  An extremely faint mag 16 star is suspected at the NW end (confirmed on the POSS).  Forms a pair with NGC 517 3' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 515 = H III-167 = h113, along with NGC 517, on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271 using Beta Andromedae as the reference star).  WH simply noted "Two, both stellar" and his single position (marked uncertain) is about 35 sec of RA east of UGC 956. JH made the single observation "Precedes [NGC 517] and is 2' north."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (4 nights) and noted the error in WH's position.

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NGC 516 = UGC 946 = MCG +01-04-048 = CGCG 411-046 = LGG 023-004 = PGC 5148

01 24 08.1 +09 33 06; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 44”

 

18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, moderately large, appears as a thin streak, ~1.0'x0.25' oriented SW-NE, weak concentration, bulging core and tapering extensions.  Member of the NGC 524 group.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Located 10' W of NGC 524.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, even surface brightness.  Located about 10' W of NGC 524.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 516 on 25 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position and offset from NGC 524 (41 seconds preceding) is an exact match with UGC 946 = PGC 5148.

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NGC 517 = VV 36a = UGC 960 = MCG +05-04-054 = CGCG 502-079 = WBL 038-022 = PGC 5214

01 24 43.8 +33 25 47; Psc

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

24" (10/4/13): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~45"x22", well concentrated with a bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 515 2.9' NNW.  Member of the NGC 507 Group.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE.  Appears slightly brighter than NGC 515 3' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 517 = H III-168 = h114, along with NGC 515, on on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271 using Beta Andromedae as the reference star).  WH simply noted "Two, both stellar" and his single position (marked uncertain) is about 35 sec of RA east of NGC 515 = UGC 956.  JH made the single observation "pB; R". Heinrich d'Arrest measured a pretty accurate position (3 nights).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 518 = UGC 952 = MCG +01-04-049 = CGCG 411-047 = LGG 023-009 = PGC 5161

01 24 17.7 +09 19 52; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 98”

 

18" (12/3/05): faint or fairly faint, very elongated E-W, 1.0'x0.3', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' SW.  Located 2.5' SW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the SSW side 0.9' from center.  Located 2.5' SW of a mag 10 star and 15' SSW of NGC 524 in a group.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W.  A mag 10 star is NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 518 = m 48 on 17 Dec 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, vS, R."  His position is 1' S of UGC 952 = PGC 5161.

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NGC 519 = CGCG 385-103 = PGC 5182

01 24 28.6 -01 38 29; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 14 star is 45" S.  Member of the AGC 194 cluster.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 519 = Sw. VI-8 (along with NGC 530, 538, 557) on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 7 sec of RA west and 1.3' south of CGCG 385-103 = PGC 5182.

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NGC 520 = Arp 157 = VV 231 = UGC 966 = MCG +01-04-052 = CGCG 411-050 = PGC 5193

01 24 34.4 +03 47 42; Psc

V = 11.4;  Size 4.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

48" (10/22/11): the view of this very bright, highly irregular, disrupted galaxy was fascinating at 488x.  The most prominent feature is a very high surface brightness curving "bar" oriented NW-SE (VV 231a), bending out in the middle towards the southwest, and fading out on the southeast end with a faint extension.  The total length of the banana-shaped bar is close to 2.5'.  The brightest part is at the northwest end, where there is a large, bright knot, 24" diameter that increases to the center.  In AJ, 134, 212 (2007), Rossa et all refer to this knot as the northern nucleus. The edge of the bar is very well defined along the north side.  At the southeast end of the main bar, the brightness dims sharply but a much fainter hazy glow continues further southeast (VV 231c) and spreads out.

 

On the south side is a fairly bright, elongated section oriented WNW-ESE (VV 231b), that is separated from the northern "bar" by a prominent, irregular dark lane running NW to SE, paralleling the bar in the central region. A slightly brighter "knot" is located is the middle of the southern section.  According to the Rossa paper, the dust lane just north of this knot optically obscures the southern nucleus.  At the southeast end, the glow dims rapidly and fans out further southeast.

 

18" (10/19/06): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2'x0.6'.  This disturbed galaxy has a very unusual appearance with a bright knot at the NNW end.  The SSE end is wider and fainter and appears to feather out with a fainter, more delicate section that branches from the main body (VV 231b).  The periphery at the SSE end is difficult to trace due to this chaotic structure.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 3.0'x1.2'.  Very unusual appearance; the NW portion is noticeably brighter with a bright knot at the NW tip and a mottled texture.  Fades towards the SE where it merges into a fainter section which is tilted ~E-W with an irregular surface brightness and ill-defined edges.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, diffuse, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 520 = H III-253 = h116 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and remarked "eF, cL, E."  On 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), he reported "cL, E from sp to nf."  John Herschel reported on 16 Oct 1827, "pB; E like a comet, pos 135”±; 60" length".  Using LdR's 72", Bindon Stoney wrote on 18 Dec 1851, "South end is like a brush or broom with a split in it."  His sketch was included in the 1861 publication (as well as 1880). A second observation on 9 Nov 1876 reads "Lord Rosse thought it had two points of condensation 3/4' apart.  I (Dreyer) thought it spread out in the following end like a fan.  Not well seen."  This galaxy is in Arp's category of disturbed galaxies with interior absorption.

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NGC 521 = UGC 962 = MCG +00-04-118 = CGCG 385-106 = PGC 5190

01 24 33.8 +01 43 53; Cet

V = 11.7;  Size 3.2'x2.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 20”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 375x; bright, large, round, at least 2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to the center (quasi-stellar nucleus), halo fades out at the periphery.  NGC 533 lies 14' ENE.

 

13.1" (1/1/84): sharply concentrated with a very small bright core surrounded by a fairly large but very diffuse round envelope.  Located 14' W of NGC 533.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 521 = H II-461 = h115 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and recorded "F, pL, irr R, bM."  On 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) he noted "vF, R, vgbM, 1 1/2' diam."  JH made two observations, calling it "B" and "vF" on the two sweeps.  R.J. Mitchell, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 3 Oct 1856, logged "pB, S, disc enveloped in F outlying neby and looks like an unresolved cluster." The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 522 = UGC 970 = MCG +02-04-038 = CGCG 436-043 = FGC 163 = LGG 023-009 = PGC 5218

01 24 45.9 +09 59 40; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 2.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 33”

 

18" (12/3/05): faint to fairly faint edge-on streak SW-NE, 1.2'x0.2'.  This is a pretty slash with a slightly brighter core.  Fades at the tips but uniformly narrow in width (does not bulge in the center).  NGC 525 lies 17' S within the NGC 524 group.  A couple of faint members, IC 101 and IC 102, lie 10' SW and 8' SW.

 

IC 101 is a faint hazy spot, irregularly round, ~20"-25" diameter.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' S. IC 102 is extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter, no details.  This marginal object was just glimpsed as drifted through the field.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, pretty edge-on steak SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  Located 27' N of NGC 524 in a group.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, edge-on streak SSW-NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 522 on 25 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (2 observations) matches UGC 962 = PGC 5190.

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NGC 523 = Arp 158 = NGC 537 = UGC 979 = MCG +06-04-018 = CGCG 521-022 = IV Zw 45 = VV 783 = PGC 5268

01 25 20.8 +34 01 30; And

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 108”

 

24" (11/24/14): fairly bright, moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 ~E-W, ~1.1'x0.3'.  This disrupted galaxy (or merger) appeared very asymmetric, widening a bit at the east end and tapering slightly to the west.  A small, relatively bright knot (HII complex or core of companion?), ~10" diameter, is at the east end.  An easily visible mag 14-14.5 star is embedded at the west end.  The main body, which extends ~40" from the knot to the star, is fairly thin and only very weakly brighter in the center.  With careful viewing, a very faint narrow plume extends west of the main glow.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, thin edge-on 4:1 ~E-W.  Located north of the NGC 483-517 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 523 on 23 Aug 1862 and described this galaxy as a "Double Nebula, F, S, both very near.  A *11 precedes by 11.65 seconds."  As he noted this object as a "Nebula duplex", he apparently saw the knot at the east end (identified in NED as NGC 523 NED02).  William Herschel probably made the first discovery on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and simply noted H III-170 = NGC 537 as "stellar".  His RA readings for objects in this sweep are poor (given to the nearest minute) and assuming H III-170 has an error of about 55 sec in RA, then NGC 523 = NGC 537.  The eastern knot was the site of SN 2001EN.

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NGC 524 = UGC 968 = MCG +01-04-053 = CGCG 411-051 = LGG 023-005 = PGC 5222

01 24 47.8 +09 32 19; Psc

V = 10.3;  Size 2.8'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

18" (12/3/05): very bright, large, round, well concentrated with a bright core increasing to a very bright small nucleus.  The halo extends to 2.0' or 2.5'.  A mag 11 star lies 2.3' S of center.  Brightest in a large group of 8 NGC galaxies and a few IC galaxies.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very bright, fairly large, very bright core, large faint halo, bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.5' S.  Brightest in the NGC 524 group including NGC 505, NGC 509, NGC 516, NGC 518, NGC 522, NGC 525, NGC 532.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): bright, small very bright core surrounded by fainter round halo.

 

8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, round, bright core.  Located just north of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 524 = H I-151 = h117 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 581) and logged "cB, cL, R, cometic, vgmbM to a nucleus, several small stars near." On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel desribed this object as "vB; pL; R; psmbM; 60"; 4 st near." The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 525 = UGC 972 = MCG +01-04-054 = CGCG 411-053 = PGC 5232

01 24 52.9 +09 42 12; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~50"x40", symmetrical appearance and increases steadily to a brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  Member of the NGC 524 group.  A mag 11 star lies 2' NW.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located 2' SE of a mag 10.5 star in the NGC 524 group.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): faint, small, almost round.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 525 on 25 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (2 observations) is fairly accurate and also noted the nearby mag 11-12 star (2' northwest) as 5 seconds preceding and 1.5' north.

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NGC 526 = ESO 352-066 = MCG -06-04-019 = AM 0121-351 = PGC 5120 = PGC 5131

01 23 54.2 -35 03 56; Scl

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): initially NGC 526 appeared as a very faint, small glow, slightly elongated WNW-ESE.  After extended viewing, it resolved at times into a close double system with NGC 526B = MCG -06-04-020 = PGC 5135, [35" between centers] that was oriented WNW-ESE.  Both galaxies had very small brighter cores at moments.  Forms a trio with NGC 527 3.1' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 526 = h2408 (along with NGC 527 = h2409) on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, S, rather a doubtful object. The preceding of two [with NGC 527]".  On a later sweep he noted "vF;; S; lE; this is the "doubtful" neb of a former sweep."  This double system consists of NGC 526A = PGC 5120 and NGC 526B = PGC 5135.

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NGC 527 = ESO 352-068 = MCG -06-04-021 = PGC 5128

01 23 58.1 -35 06 54; Scl

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 14”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1' NE.  The double system NGC 526 is 3.1' N.  NGC 527, itself, is a double system with MCG -06-04-022 = PGC 5142 (not seen), a faint edge-on system, close following the south end and just 46" between centers.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 527 = h2409 (along with NGC 526 = h2408) on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, S, E, bM, 20".  The following of 2 [with NGC 526]".

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NGC 528 = UGC 988 = MCG +05-04-057 = CGCG 502-083 = PGC 5290

01 25 33.6 +33 40 18; And

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 55”

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core.  There is a string of mag 10 stars to the north including two mag 10.5 stars 3.6' NNW and 7.6' NE and a mag 9.5 star 5.6' NNE.  Two bright stars lie SE including a mag 10 star 6' SSE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 528, which was missed by both Herschels, on 22 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is quite accurate.

 

In March 2020, Yann Pothier found that Bindon or George Stoney made an earlier discovery on 7 Nov 1850.  A diagram in the 1880 publication shows two nebulae with distances to nearby stars.  Although the orientation for west is off (it should be down) the separations are a perfect match with NGC 513 (discovered by William Herschel) and NGC 528.  A later observation on 27 Nov 1857 by R.J. Mitchell mentions a similar diagram was made, so NGC 528.was seen twice at Birr Castle before d'Arrest's observation.  Dreyer questioned if the two nebulae were novae but he wasn't left with any positions, so d'Arrest was credited in the NGC.

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NGC 529 = HCG 10B = UGC 995 = MCG +06-04-019 = CGCG 521-023 = PGC 5299

01 25 40.3 +34 42 47; And

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, fairly small, bright core.  Located 10' NW of mag 6.3 SAO 54695.  NGC 529, along with NGC 536 8.5' E, are the two brightest members of the HCG 10 group.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, diffuse.  Located among group of 4-5 mag 10-11 stars with a mag 6 star 10' ESE.  Brightest in a group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 529 = h118 on 17 Nov 1827 and recorded "pB; vS; sbM.  The preceding of two [NGC 536].   Corwin suggests that NGC 529 = UGC 995 was probably discovered earlier by William Herschel and catalogued as H III-171, but with an error in RA of over 1 minute of time.  But Wolfgang Steinicke argues that III-171 refers to NGC 536, based on analyzing the sweep order.  R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered the other two members of HCG 10 in 1855.

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NGC 530 = IC 106 = UGC 965 = MCG +00-04-119 = PGC 5210

01 24 41.7 -01 35 14; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 134”

 

24" (11/7/18): at 375x; moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, well concentrated with a very bright elongated core and sub-stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is just off the SE tip.  Several galaxies within AGC 194 are nearby including IC 1696 3.3' SE and Mrk 1154 1.5' NE.  The latter galaxy was just glimpsed (V = 16.4) 40" NW of a mag 14 star.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is at the SE end 0.9' from center.  Forms a pair with IC 1696 3' SE within AGC 194.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 12 star is off the SE end.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 530 = Sw. VI-9 on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 15 sec of RA east of UGC 965 = PGC 5210.  This galaxy was found again by Guillaume Bigourdan on 16 Nov 1887, assumed to be new, and reported as Big. 119 (later IC 106). Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.  The equivalence of NGC 530 and IC 106 was mentioned in the IC 2 Notes.  MCG identifies this galaxy as IC 106 only (NGC 530 is misidentified as MCG +00-04-122) but UGC states NGC 530 = IC 106.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 531 = HCG 10C = UGC 1012 = MCG +06-04-020 = CGCG 521-024 = PGC 5340

01 26 18.8 +34 45 15; And

V = 13.8;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 34”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, fairly small.  A mag 12 star is just off the NE end 1.0' from center.  Member of the NGC 529-536 group = HCG 10 with NGC 536 3.1' SSE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 531 (along with NGC 542) with Lord Rosse's 72" on 16 Oct 1855 while observing NGC 529 and 536 (found earlier by the Herschels).  His position is 28 sec of RA west of UGC 1012 = PGC 5340, but the sketch confirms the identity.  The error in the position was caused by a confusion in the reference object.  PGC 5340 is not identified as NGC 531 in UGC (1012), CGCG (521-024) or MCG (+06-04-020).  Carlson advocated removal of NGC 531 from the NGC.  See Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and WSQJ April 1986.

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NGC 532 = UGC 982 = MCG +01-04-056 = CGCG 411-055 = LGG 023-006 = PGC 5264

01 25 17.3 +09 15 51; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 28”

 

18" (12/3/05): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~2.0'x0.4', broad concentration, patchy appearance with an irregular surface brightness.  Member of the NGC 524 group.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on 3:1 or 4:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration.  Member of the NGC 524 group with NGC 518 15' W and NGC 524 18' NW.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, thin streak elongated SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 532 = H III-556 = h119 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 581) and noted "vF, mE, about 1 1/2' long; the extent about 15” from the meridian from sp to nf."  On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel recorded "not vF, L, R, bM, 40" dia."  When he compiled the General Catalogue, JH included both his father's and his own observations as separate entries because "the description differ so materially, especially in the particular of extension."  Nevertheless, GC 313 = GC 314.  Dreyer combined both entries into NGC 532.

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NGC 533 = UGC 992 = MCG +00-04-131 = CGCG 385-121 = PGC 5283

01 25 31.4 +01 45 33; Cet

V = 11.4;  Size 3.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 50”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 375x; bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.6', sharply concentrated with a large bright core that is slightly elongated, halo gradually fades into the background sky.  NGC 521 lies 14' WSW and IC 103/105/109 is ~20' NNW.

 

13.1" (1/1/84): moderately bright, bright core, faint stellar nucleus suspected, elongated halo WSW-ENE.  A mag 13.5 star is 3.4' WNW.

 

8" (1/1/84): very faint, very small, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 3.5' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 533 = H II-462 = h121 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and logged "pB, R, pL, mbM."  On 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) he noted "pB, R, vgbM, about 1.5' dia." and on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), "F, S, R, gbM."  John Herschel recorded on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), "B; pL; R; bM."

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NGC 534 = ESO 296-021 = MCG -06-04-026 = PGC 5215

01 24 44.6 -38 07 45; Scl

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 142”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): very faint, very small, round, ~25" diameter, weak concentration.  Slightly fainter than NGC 544 5.8' ENE.  First in a group with NGC 544, NGC 546 and NGC 549 (latter not seen).  Located 4' NNW of a mag 11 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 534 = h2410 (along with nearby NGC 544 and 546) on 23 Oct 1835 and logged "eeF, S, bM."  His mean position from two sweeps matches ESO 296-021 = PGC 5215.

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NGC 535 = UGC 997 = MCG +00-04-133 = CGCG 385-124 = PGC 5282

01 25 31.1 -01 24 30; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration.  In the central core of the AGC 194 cluster on line with NGC 541 3.8' NE and NGC 545/NGC 547 8' NE.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): extremely faint, elongated SW-NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 535 on 31 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "eF, vS, 1st of 3 in a line [with NGC 541 and 545 (double)]".

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NGC 536 = HCG 10A = UGC 1013 = MCG +06-04-021 = CGCG 521-025 = PGC 5344

01 26 21.7 +34 42 12; And

V = 12.4;  Size 3.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 62”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  A mag 14 star is involved at the north edge.  Located 8' NNE of mag 6.3 SAO 54695.  Brightest along with NGC 529 in HCG 10 with NGC 529 8.5' W, NGC 542 2.6' SE and NGC 531 3.1' NNW.

 

13" (12/22/84): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, very small faint core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 536 = H III-171 = h120 on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar".  Objects that were discovered on this sweep (NGC 513, 515, 517, 523, 536, 552, 553, 614) have various offset errors in RA.  His position for III-171 is 1.0 min of RA east of UGC 1013.  John Herschel made a single observation in Nov. 1827 (sweep 105) and recorded "pB; pL; gbM; the following of two." His position was accurate.  Heinrich d'Arrest made 3 observations and mentioned the star involved on the north side.

 

Analyzing the sweep data, Harold Corwin suggests H III-171 applies to NGC 529, which is 1 min 40 sec of RA west of WH's place, but Wolfgang Steinicke argues that III-171 must apply to NGC 536 (coming from the previous object NGC 537 in the sweep).

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NGC 537 = NGC 523 = UGC 979 = MCG +06-04-018 = CGCG 521-022 = Arp 158 = IV Zw 45 = PGC 5268

01 25 20.8 +34 01 30; And

 

See observing notes for NGC 523.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 537 = H III-170 on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar".  All the RA positions are off by varying amounts in this sweep, computed with respect to Beta Andromedae (except for NGC 404) in varying amounts.  Dreyer questioned if this object was identical to Heinrich d'Arrest's NGC 523 and these numbers are equated in the RNGC.  If Dreyer's suggestion is correct, WH's RA 1.0 tmin too large and Corwin came to the same conclusion.  See his notes for more on the story.

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NGC 538 = UGC 991 = MCG +00-04-130 = CGCG 385-120 = PGC 5275

01 25 26.1 -01 33 02; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is at the north edge 34" from center.  UGC 995 lies 3' NNW within AGC 194.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, star on NE tip.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 538 = Sw. VI-10 on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; S; vE; pF * close N; Not 5180 [NGC 558]".  Swift's position is 10 sec of RA east of UGC 991 = PGC 5275 and his comment "pF * close N" applies, though the star is not faint.

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NGC 539 = NGC 563 = ESO 542-010 = MCG -03-04-063 = PGC 5269

01 25 21.7 -18 09 51; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, low even surface brightness.  Followed by a line of three mag 13-14 stars oriented SSW-NNE located 3.2' SSE, 2.6' SE and 2.7' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 539 = LM 1-28 on 31 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is just 1' to 2' S of ESO 542-010 = PGC 5269.  NGC 563 (found again by Leavenworth the next year) is a duplicate observation with a 2 tmin error in RA.  So, NGC 539 = NGC 563.

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NGC 540 = ESO 542-012 = PGC 5410

01 27 08.9 -20 02 12; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 179”

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, round.  Only glimpsed at moments at 280x using a Guide Star Catalog (GSC) finder chart but several times appeared virtually stellar.  On two occasions a 20" halo was seen (too faint to determine elongation but extended 2:1 N-S on DSS). A mag 14 star lies 1.3' due north.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 540 = LM 1-29 on 15 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position by ~2 min of RA east and 5' south is ESO 542-012 = PGC 5410.  Corwin examined the sketch, but there is only one star shown, so the field cannot be confirmed and identification is uncertain.

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NGC 541 = Arp 133 = UGC 1004 = MCG +00-04-137 = CGCG 385-128 = PGC 5305

01 25 44.3 -01 22 46; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

48" (10/22/11): very bright, fairly large, round, sharply concentrated with an intense core 30" core surrounded by a much fainter halo, nearly 1.5' diameter.  Just off the east side of the halo are two faint galaxies: PGC 86298 1' E and Minkowski's Object 0.8' NE.  PGC 86298 was faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, visible continuously.  Minkowski's Object was very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 17 star 40" NE forms an equilateral triangle with the pair of galaxies. A 17th magnitude star is 1.4' NE of center and forms an equilateral triangle with the pair of faint galaxies.

 

Minkowski's object, experiencing a burst of star formation, was actually triggered by the jet from the nucleus of NGC 541 because the body of the jet can be traced all the way to the region where the new stars are forming.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, oval SSW-NNE.  Slightly fainter than NGC 545/NGC 547 4.4' NE in the core of AGC 194.  Also at midpoint with NGC 545/547 and NGC 535 3.7' SW.  A bridge of stars and gas connects NGC 541 and the interacting pair NGC 545/547.  Embedded in the bridge just NE of NGC 541 is "Minkowski's Object" (not seen) which has a very unusual optical spectrum.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 541 on 30 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured on 3 nights.  I'm surprised that WH missed this galaxy in his discovery observation of NGC 545/547.

 

A bridge of stars and gas connects NGC 541 and the interacting pair NGC 545/547.  Embedded in the bridge just northeast of NGC 541 is "Minkowski's Object" which has a very unusual optical spectrum.  See "Minkowski's object - A starburst triggered by a radio jet" at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/bib_query?1985ApJ...293...83V.  A brief summary and excellent image is at http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/M/Minkowskis_Object.html.

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NGC 542 = HCG 10D = MCG +06-04-022 = CGCG 521-026 = PGC 5360

01 26 30.8 +34 40 32; And

V = 14.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated.  Located 2.6' SE of NGC 536 in the HCG 10 = NGC 529-536 group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 542 on 16 Oct 1855 with Lord Rosse's 72" while observing NGC 529 and 536 (discovered earlier by the Herschels).  This nebula was shown on the sketch as Delta and Dreyer measured a micrometric position.

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NGC 543 = MCG +00-04-138 = CGCG 385-130 = PGC 5311

01 25 50.0 -01 17 34; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 10.9;  PA = 90”

 

48" (10/22/11): fairly bright/bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.6'x0.2', contains a small bright core.  MCG +00-04-140 lies 1.5' SSE.  In a string of galaxies oriented SSW-NNE in AGC 194 with NGC 545/547 4' SE.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, very elongated ~E-W.  Located 4.5' NW of NGC 545/NGC 547 duo in the core of AGC 194.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): very faint, very small.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 543 on 31 Oct 1864, while measuring positions for other members of AGC 194 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single micrometric position is just off the south edge of CGCG 385-130 = PGC 5311.

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NGC 544 = ESO 296-024 = MCG -06-04-028 = AM 0122-381 NED01 = PGC 5253

01 25 12.0 -38 05 41; Scl

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): very faint, very small, round, 25" round, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Precedes a mag 14 star by 1.5' and forms a close pair with NGC 546 1.5' N; the two galaxies and the star form a nearly perfect equilateral triangle.  Located ~15' SW of the core of the distant AGC 2911.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 544 = h2411 (along with nearby NGC 534 = h2410 and NGC 546 = h2412) on 23 Oct 1835.  His description reads "eeF; the Sp of two [with NGC 546] which form an equilateral triangle with a star 13th mag" and matches ESO 296-024 = PGC 5253.

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NGC 545 = Arp 308 NED1 = UGC 1007 = MCG +00-04-142 = CGCG 385-132 = Holm 42a = 3C 40 = PGC 5323

01 25 59.1 -01 20 25; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 2.4'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55”

 

48" (10/22/11): very bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.7', well concentrated with a large bright core and fainter halo that merges with NGC 547 on the southeast side.

CGCG 385-129, situated 2.5' NW of NGC 545, is moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 , 0.4'x0.3' WNW-ESE, small bright core.  CGCG 385-127, located 3' due west of NGC 545, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3', contains a small bright core.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): NGC 545 is the brightest member of AGC 194.  It appeared moderately bright, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a double system with NGC 547 in a common envelope.

CGCG 385-129, located 2.5' NW of NGC 545, is extremely faint and small, round.  It forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with a pair of mag 13 stars 45" SW and NW.  RNGC and MCG misidentify CGCG 385-129 as NGC 545.  CGCG 385-127, located 3' W of NGC 545 is extremely faint and small, almost round.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, bright core.  Preceding of a double system with NGC 547 0.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 545 = H II-448, along with NGC 547, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and recorded both as "Two, stellar of equal size and within 1' of each other.  Their nebulosities run together and at first sight seem to form only one extended nebula."  These galaxies form a double system and are the brightest members of AGC 194.

 

RNGC misidentifies the double system NGC 545/547 as NGC 547/547A.  MCG calls the double galaxy NGC 547a/NGC 547b.  RNGC and MCG both misidentify MCG +00-04-140 as NGC 545.   See RNGC Corrections #1 and the Webb Society Observer's Handbook, Volume 5.

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NGC 546 = ESO 296-025 = MCG -06-04-029 = AM 0122-381 NED02 = PGC 5255

01 25 12.7 -38 04 09; Scl

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted to view.  Located 1.5' N of brighter NGC 544.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 546 = h2412 (along with nearby NGC 534 = h2410 and NGC 544 = h2411) on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "eeF.  The on f of two."  On a later sweep he logged "eeF; S; R; vgbM."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 547 = Arp 308 NED2 = UGC 1009 = MCG +00-04-143 = CGCG 385-133 = Holm 42b = 3C 40 = PGC 5324

01 26 00.7 -01 20 43; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 85”

 

48" (10/22/11): very bright, round, moderately large, 1' diameter, very bright core.  The halo merges with NGC 545, which is in contact on the NW side.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 545 0.5' NW and the brightest (pair) in AGC 194.  NGC 541 is 4.6' SW and NGC 543 lies 4.1' NW.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, bright core, in contact with NGC 545 very close NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 547 = H II-449, along with NGC 545, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and reported both as "Two, stellar of equal size and within 1' of each other.  Their nebulosities run together and at first sight seem to form only one extended nebula."  These galaxies form a double system and are the brightest members of AGC 194.  MCG identifies this galaxy as NGC 547b.

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NGC 548 = UGC 1010 = MCG +00-04-141 = CGCG 385-134 = PGC 5326

01 26 02.5 -01 13 32; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Member of AGC 194.

 

George Searle discovered NGC 548 = HN 33 on 2 Nov 1867 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor (Annal of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #25) at Harvard Observatory.  His micrometric position matches UGC 1010 = PGC 5326.

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NGC 549 = ESO 296-022 = PGC 5243

01 25 07.1 -38 00 29; Scl

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100”

 

18" (12/17/11): extremely faint, fairly small, round, no structure, required averted vision.  Located ~5' NNW of NGC 544/546 pair.  Viewed at 11” elevation.

 

17.5" (11/1/97): not visible

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 549 = h2413 on 29 Nov 1837 and recorded "eeeF, S, R, vgbM. The 4th of a group of four [with NGC 534, 544 and 546]."  There is nothing at this position, but 15' N is ESO 296-026 = PGC 5278, and ESO, SGC and RC3 identify ESO 296-026 = NGC 549. These galaxies were observed on two sweeps and given very accurate positions.

 

Instead, I suggested that NGC 549 = ESO 296-022 = PGC 5243. This galaxy matches JH's position in declination but his RA would be off by 18 tsec.  Although ESO 296-022 is much smaller and fainter than ESO 296-026, it is closer in position (off only in RA) and a much better match with JH's description "The 4th of a group of 4" [with NGC 534, 544 and 546].  So, although the identification of NGC 549 is not definite, NGC 549 = PGC 5243 appears to be a much better choice.  See Corwin's identification notes.

 

This identification was suggested by Pietro Baracchi, when he observed the group with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 19 Dec 1887.  He noted "GC 324 [NGC 549] found but out of position...It is eeF; eS; R."  It precedes [NGC 544] by 6s and is 5' 10" north of it.  In this group [GC] 316, 320, 321 agree with Herschel in appearance, relative and absolute position, but 324 [NGC 549] is out altogether.  It agrees very well in appearance but its relative position with regard to the other three objects is quite different.  Herschel observed [NGC 549] only once and the other three were observed twice - it is probable that he made some mistake in placing or connecting the four objects together."

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NGC 550 = UGC 1021 = MCG +00-04-146 = CGCG 385-139 = PGC 5374

01 26 42.5 +02 01 20; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core has a fairly high surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus, faint halo.  Located 9' SW of a mag 9.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 550 = H II-463 = h122 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and noted "F, S, lE."  On 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) he logged "F, S, mbM, irr lE nearly in the parallel" and on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), "F, vS, irr R, lbM."

 

John Herschel reported on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), "pB; S; E from p to f; BM; has a granulated (i.e. a resolvable) appearance."  Dreyer observed this object on 23 Oct 1876 with the 72" at Birr Castle and recorded "F, pL, E npsf, 2 st 13-14m p & np  2.5'.  Orange-red *9-10 (with a F companion 3/4' preceding) is 9.2' NE."  The mag 9.0 star is K2-type HD 8827.

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NGC 551 = UGC 1034 = MCG +06-04-027 = CGCG 521-030 = PGC 5450

01 27 40.6 +37 10 59; And

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the NW end 1.1' from center.  A close mag 14.5 double is just following the SE end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 551 = H III-560 = h123 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and noted "vF, S, E, among some stars."  John Herschel reported "vF; E; vglbM; near a * 13m." (Oct. 1828).  R.J. Mitchell observed this galaxy with the 72" on 18 Sep 1857 and recorded, "much elongated np-sf.  Faint triple star following; at Alpha a vF * or neb. patch."  Although the orientation of the sketch is not shown, at the position of Alpha there is just a very faint star.

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NGC 552

01 26 10.1 +33 24 22; Psc

 

17.5" (12/9/01): this number possibly applies to the mag 15 star just 30" preceding CGCG 502-084, assuming NGC 553 applies to CGCG 502-084.  The star was actually slightly easier to view than the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 552 = H III-172, along with NGC 553, on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and noted "Two [with NGC 552 = III-172]. Both vS. stellar, but a little doubtful."  There is nothing near his position and Harold Corwin suggests NGC 552 may apply to a star at 01 26 10.1 +33 24 21, which is just preceding CGCG 502-084 = NGC 553?  Wolfgang Steinicke also identifies it as a star, but at 01 26 57.0  +33 33 29.  See NGC 553.

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NGC 553 = CGCG 502-084 = Mrk 1155 = LGG 026-033 = PGC 5333

01 26 12.6 +33 24 19; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter (viewed core only of this faint edge-on), requires averted.  A slightly brighter mag 15 star (possibly NGC 552) is 30" preceding.  Located 18' ESE of NGC 517, just following the NGC 507 Group.

 

This identification is very uncertain due to a poor position by William Herschel.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 553 = H III-173, along with NGC 552, on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271).  He simply recorded "Two [with NGC 552 = III-172]. Both vS. stellar, but a little doubtful."  There is nothing near his position and RNGC classifies NGC 553 as nonexistent. Dreyer notes the observation by Sir Robert Ball at Birr Castle on 4 Jan 1867 ("Two, perhaps 3 neb, but I had not time to examine the field closely.  Alpha is F, vS; Beta extremely faint; Gamma is doubtful") may refer to other objects.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 553 is possibly CGCG 502-084 = PGC 5333.  NGC 552 could apply to the faint star close preceding.  This assumes Herschel's RA is 1.6 min too large, and his dec 3' too far north (his errors in RA were greater as the sweep progressed).  But Wolfgang Steinicke disagrees. He argues that WH's sweep path from III-171 = NGC 536, the previous object in the sweep, is not consistent with CGCG 502-084, which is too far west and south to be seen.  So, perhaps it is best to simply classify NGC 553 and 552 lost.

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NGC 554 = ESO 476-011 = MCG -04-04-013 = PGC 5412

01 27 09.6 -22 43 30; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 177”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~30"x24".  Contains a very small brighter core/nucleus. A mag 12.3 star is 1.8' E.  Brightest in a small triplet with NGC 556 1.8' NNE and NGC 555 2.3' SSW.  NGC 554 is a merged pair (not resolved) with the two nuclei separated by only 5"-6".

 

18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular round, 40" diameter, weak concentration.  Two mag 12 stars follow 1.8' E and 2.5' SE.  Close pair with NGC 552 2.3' S.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, round.  Forms the SW vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 13.2 star 1.8' NE and a mag 12.8 star 1.8' E.  Forms a close pair with NGC 555 2' S.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 554 = LM 2-305, along with NGC 555 and 556, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.4 min of RA too far west. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  This is an extremely close double system (PGC 5412 and 5413), with the two components identified as NGC 554A and 554B in NED and NGC 554 and 554A in PGC.

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NGC 555 = ESO 476-012 = MCG -04-04-014 = PGC 5419

01 27 11.8 -22 45 44; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 13”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 260x; faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.  In a triplet with NGC 554 2.3' NNW and NGC 556 4' N.  Located 15' ENE of mag 7.1 HD 8767.

 

18" (12/3/05): extremely faint, very small, round.  Appears as a very low surface brightness hazy spot with averted vision. ~15" diameter.  Visible at best 1/3 of the time with averted vision.  Located 2.3' S of NGC 554.

 

17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, very small, round.  In a small group with NGC 554 2' N and NGC 556 (not seen).

 

17.5" (11/6/93): extremely faint, very small, just glimpsed at moments though definitely visible.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' ENE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 554 2' N.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 555 = LM 2-306, along with NGC 554 and 556, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.4 tmin west of ESO 476-012 = PGC 5419.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 556 = ESO 476-013 = PGC 5420

01 27 12.6 -22 41 52; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 136”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 260x; very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  Situated 1.8' NNE of NGC 554.  A mag 12.3 star is 1.7' SE.

 

18" (12/3/05): marginal object, glimpsed a few times but confirmed off the NNE side of NGC 554 and faintest in a close trio with NGC 554 and NGC 555.  Appeared quasi-stellar, ~6" in diameter.  Situated just 1.8' NNE of NGC 554.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): not seen.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 556 = LM 2-307, along with NGC 554 and 555, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.5 min of RA east of ESO 476-013 = PGC 5420.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 557 = IC 1703 = UGC 1016 = MCG +00-04-144 = PGC 5351

01 26 25.1 -01 38 20; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, broad concentration, halo gradually fades into background.  Located 4.5' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 129302 and 20' SE of the core of AGC 194.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 557 = Sw. VI-11 on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; S; B * f 15 seconds and is on of it."  His position is poor; 46 sec of RA east of UGC 1016 = PGC 5351 and the bright star is southeast of the galaxy, but the identification NGC 557 = UGC 1016 is secure.  Bigourdan couldn't find the galaxy at Swift's position but "rediscovered" it on 27 Oct 1897 assuming it was new.  Big. 369 (later IC 1703) has an accurate position.  So, NGC 557 = IC 170, with NGC 557 the primary designation.  UGC and CGCG label this galaxy as IC 1703 but RC3 identifies it as NGC 557.

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NGC 558 = CGCG 385-143 = PGC 5425

01 27 16.1 -01 58 16; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.1;  PA = 110”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, ~20" diameter.  Appears to have a brighter bar oriented WNW-ESE [confirmed on the SDSS].  A mag 12.0 star is 1.3' WNW.  NGC 560 lies 4.2' NNE.  In AGC 194.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE in direction of a mag 12.5 star 1.3' WNW of core.  Member of AGC 194 with NGC 560 4' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 558 on 1 Feb 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, while measuring nearby H III-441 = NGC 560 and H III-442 = NGC 564.  He also accurately placed the nearby mag 12 star (called mag 10) as 5 seconds preceding.

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NGC 559 = Cr 13 = OCL-322 = Lund 45

01 29 34 +63 18 12; Cas

V = 9.5;  Size 4'

 

17.5" (11/2/91): about 50 stars mag 10-15 at 220x in a 6'x4' region.  Fairly compact and rich with an irregular outline.  Includes a thin isosceles triangle of three mag 10 stars with the base to the south.  The southeast star in this base is a close unequal double.  A number of the stars are arranged in strings including four mag 13-14 stars over haze trail from base to the north.  Also four mag 8/9 stars precede the cluster to the northwest in a 10' string.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 559 = H VII-48 = h124 on 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 777) and noted "a compressed cluster of some pL and many vS stars, iR, 6' or 7' diameter."  John Herschel independently found this cluster on 5 Oct 1829 and described "A fine rich cluster 5' diameter, irregular."  He made a clerical error in reducing the PD, which is 1” too far south (error caught by Auwers) and assumed this was a new discovery when compiling the Slough Catalogue.  This error was corrected in the General Catalogue (h124 = H VII-48).

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NGC 560 = IC 117 = UGC 1036 = MCG +00-04-151 = CGCG 385-145 = PGC 5430

01 27 25.4 -01 54 47; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 178”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated at least 3:1 N-S, ~50"x15", slightly brighter core, small bright nucleus.  Middle of 3 with NGC 558 4' SW and NGC 564 6' ENE.  Also IC 120 is 12' E and IC 119 is 11' SE.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, well-defined very small bright core, faint narrow extensions.  In a trio with NGC 558 4' SSW and NGC 564 6' ENE within in AGC 194.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, small, elongated ~N-S, bright core.  Located 5' WSW of NGC 564.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 560 = H III-441 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "vF, vS, iE."  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy (St VIII-1, second list) on 21 Nov 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  He noted his object was probably the same as H. III-411 and St VIII-2, second list, was the probably the same as H. III-442 (later NGC 564).  Harold Corwin found that Stephane Javelle's J. 1-58 (later IC 117) was found by Corwin to be a duplicate observation, due to an error in identifying the offset star.  So, NGC 558 = IC 117.  See Corwin's write-up on this error.

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NGC 561 = UGC 1048 = MCG +06-04-029 = CGCG 521-032 = PGC 5489

01 28 18.8 +34 18 30; And

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 15' ESE of mag 6.3 SAO 54705.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 561 on 23 Aug 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and logged "eF, 30" dia, R".  His single position matches UGC 1048 = PGC 5489.  WH and JH missed this galaxy although they both swept up many galaxies in the region.

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NGC 562 = UGC 1049 = MCG +08-03-025 = CGCG 551-020 = PGC 5502

01 28 29.3 +48 23 15; And

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness.  A bright wide double star is located 4' S with components 8/10 at 21".

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 562 = Sw. III-5 on 30 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and noted "eF; pS; R; D * near south".  His position is 17 tsec following UGC 1049 and his comment "D * near south" applies to a wide pair 4' S of this galaxy.

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NGC 563 = NGC 539 = ESO 542-010 = MCG -03-04-063 = PGC 5269

01 25 21.7 -18 09 51; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 539.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 563 = LM 1-30 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  The description mentions "sev faint stars follow in a line n and s".  Corwin identifies NGC 563 as a duplicate observation of NGC 539 = ESO 542-010 = PGC 5269 (discovered earlier by Leavenworth) with a 2 tmin error in RA as the description of the line of faint stars matches NGC 539.  ESO 542-013 is misidentified as NGC 563 in RNGC, SGC and RC3 as well as in Megastar.

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NGC 564 = UGC 1044 = MCG +00-04-154 = CGCG 385-148 = Holm 44a = PGC 5455

01 27 48.2 -01 52 46; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 145”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, 30" diameter.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' S and a mag 15 star is 40" NW of center.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very small bright core.  A mag 15 star is just off the west edge.  Third of three and similar to NGC 560 6' WSW although different position angles.  Located 7' NNW of mag 8.6 SAO 129314 and 10' NNW of mag 6.9 SAO 129315.  Member of the AGC 194 cluster. 

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, bright core.  Two bright stars are in the field to SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 564 = H III-442 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "vF, vS, iE."  ƒdouard Stephan (VIII-2, second list) independently found the galaxy on 21 Nov 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory, although Stephan noted the probable equivalence with H III-441.

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NGC 565 = UGC 1052 = MCG +00-04-158 = CGCG 385-153 = PGC 5481

01 28 10.1 -01 18 22; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, bright core.  Located just west of the midpoint of two mag 10 stars 3.9' NE and 4.7' S in the rich cluster AGC 194.

 

George Searle discovered NGC 565 = HN 34 on 2 Nov 1867 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor (Annal of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #26) at the Harvard Observatory.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 566 = UGC 1058 = MCG +05-04-062 = CGCG 502-092 = PGC 5545

01 29 03.0 +32 19 56; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, even surface brightness.  NGC 571 lies 15' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 566 = h125 on 22 Nov 1827 and noted "vF; S; R".  His position matches UGC 1058 = PGC 5545.

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NGC 567 = MCG -02-04-053 = PGC 5402

01 27 02.3 -10 15 55; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star is 4.5' S.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 567 = LM 1-31 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15, vS, R".  His rough position (RA given as uncertain) is 1.0 tmin east of MCG -02-04-053 = PGC 5402.

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NGC 568 = IC 1709 = ESO 353-003 = MCG -06-04-037 = PGC 5468

01 27 57.0 -35 43 04; Scl

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration to a small brighter core.  Larger of pair with NGC 574 15' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 568 = h2414 on 29 Nov 1837 and recorded "very faint, small, round."  His position matches ESO 353-003 = PGC 5468, although he was uncertain of the declination.  Lewis Swift found the galaxy on 4 Sep 1897 and assumed it was a new discovery, reporting it in list XI-21.  His position is 10 seconds of RA east and 2.8' south of PGC 5468. The ESO, PGC and Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) misidentify ESO 353-004, a much fainter galaxy 4.3' NE, as IC 1709.  As Swift makes no mention of NGC 568 in his description, it is much more likely he picked up this brighter galaxy.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 569 = UGC 1063 = Mrk 997 = MCG +02-04-053 = PGC 5548

01 29 07.2 +11 07 54; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  PA = 163”

 

24" (10/1/16): fairly faint, but moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~40"x20", fairly low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Forms a disrupted interacting pair with UGC 1065 1.1' NE.  The companion was only occasionally visible as an extremely faint hazy spot (probably the core).

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness with weak concentration.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 569 = m 49 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta.  He noted "eF, vS, R" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 570 = UGC 1061 = MCG +00-04-162 = CGCG 385-159 = PGC 5539

01 28 58.6 -00 56 57; Cet

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, small bright core.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus offset towards the west end or a very faint star is superimposed.  A mag 13 star is 1.8' SSW.  Member of AGC 194.

 

George Searle discovered NGC 570 = HN 32 on 31 Oct 1867 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor (Annal of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #27) at Harvard Observatory.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 571 = UGC 1069 = MCG +05-04-063 = CGCG 502-098 = PGC 5587

01 29 56.1 +32 30 04; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, small, round, very diffuse.  A close mag 14/15 double star is close west.  Located 5.6' SSW of mag 9.0 SAO 54740.  NGC 566 lies 15' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 571 on 1 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  As well as providing an accurate position he measured the mag 14 star that precedes by 6 seconds of RA (or 74" separation), though did not note it was double.

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NGC 572 = ESO 296-031 = MCG -07-04-009 = PGC 5508

01 28 36.4 -39 18 26; Scl

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (10/3/13): although quite low from central California, viewed at 280x and 375x and appeared faint, very small, round, 18" diameter (core only).  A mag 14.6 star is at the NW edge.  A mag 10.3 star lies 6.2' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 572 = h2415 on 4 Sep 1834 and reported "eF, S; attached to a minute star, and very near a bright one.".  His position and description apply to ESO 296-031 = PGC 5508.

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NGC 573 = UGC 1078 = CGCG 537-010 = PGC 5638

01 30 49.3 +41 15 26; And

V = 13.1;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 10.9

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, small, fairly strong smooth surface brightness, only a gradual concentration but no core or nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 30" SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 573 = St XII-15 on 21 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, vS, R, gradually brighter to the center".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 574 = ESO 353-006 = MCG -06-04-039 = PGC 5544

01 29 03.0 -35 35 57; Scl

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration to a brighter core.  Follows an asterism of four mag 13 stars, the closest being 2.4' W.  In same field with NGC 568 15' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 574 = h2416 on 1 Sep 1834 and described "A Double Star. The left eye leaves no doubt of its being involved in a vF neb. diffused over 15". An extremely delicate and difficult object. Pos. of the double star 225 degrees; dist. 4", 15 and 16 mag." On a later sweep he noted "vF, S, R." and the next sweep he recorded it again: "There is a nebula but I perceive no double star in it."  This galaxy is a barred spiral, and possibly he detected a brightening in the bar at one end.

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NGC 575 = IC 1710 = UGC 1081 = MCG +03-04-051 = CGCG 459-072 = PGC 5634

01 30 46.7 +21 26 25; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, low almost even surface brightness, broad mild concentration, edges fade into background.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 575 = St VIIIa-5 on 17 Oct 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and described "eF, almost unobservable, irr R, dia 3/4 to 1'."  His published position matches UGC 1081, although the GC Supplement and NGC position is two degrees too far north (transcription error by Dreyer).  Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again on 18 Jan 1896, placed it correctly, and reported it in list 3-888 (later IC 1710).  So, NGC 575 = IC 1710.  CGCG, UGC and MCG use the IC designation based on position, although NGC 575 should apply based on historical discovery.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, noted the equivalence of NGC 575 with IC 1710.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 576 = ESO 196-007 = AM 0126-515 = PGC 5535

01 28 57.7 -51 35 55; Phe

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 18”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; moderately bright, fairly small, 30" diameter.  Sharply concentrated with an elongated bar oriented NW-SE containing a faint stellar nucleus.  The outer halo has an extremely low surface brightness.  Situated along the north side of a pentagon of mag 11.3-14 stars.  Located 7.6' SE of mag 7.7 HD 9195 and 19' ESE of mag 7.5 HD 8926.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 576 = h2417 on 3 Oct 1834 and logged "F; S; R; bM; among 5 or 6 stars 11m."  His position and description matches ESO 196-007 = PGC 5535.

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NGC 577 = NGC 580 = UGC 1080 = MCG +00-04-165 = CGCG 385-165 = PGC 5628

01 30 40.7 -01 59 40; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration, occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus is visible.  Located near the east edge of AGC 194 and 5' WSW of a mag 10 star.

 

Aaron Skinner discovered NGC 577 = Sf 100 = T I-7 on 23 Oct 1867 with the 18.5" Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  Truman Safford published the discovery list 20 years later (1887), so Dreyer didn't notice it in time for Skinner to be credited in the NGC.

 

Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy on 14 Aug 1877 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded it in both his first discovery list (#7) and his 4th list (#5).  Tempel claimed he found two nebulae 2m 50s following NGC 560 and 564 (there is only a single galaxy at this position), which Dreyer assigned to NGC 577 and NGC 580. His description in the first table reads, "Near the star Lalande 2666, which has in its field the nebulae III 441-42, are still two more nebulae following by 2m 50s, one as bright as the preceding of Herschel's."  In the 4th paper he described only a single nebula, "II class, somewhat brighter than the two preceding nebulae, H III 441, 442 [NGC 560, 564]." Tempel is credited with the discovery of NGC 577 in the NGC.  So, NGC 577 = NGC 580.

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NGC 578 = ESO 476-015 = MCG -04-04-020 = UGCA 18 = PGC 5619

01 30 28.9 -22 40 00; Cet

V = 10.9;  Size 4.9'x3.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, ~4'x3', slightly brighter middle is mottled, no distinct core.  A mag 14 star or knot is at the east end 1.3' from the center.  The SDSS image reveals this is a galaxy, catalogued as PGC 133775.  Located 11' SE of mag 7.8 SAO 81972. 

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, fairly large, elongated.  Lies SE of a mag 8 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 578 = h2418 on 11 Nov 1835 and logged "B; L; pmE; gpmbM; 3' long, 2' broad."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 579 = UGC 1089 = MCG +05-04-064 = CGCG 502-103 = PGC 5691

01 31 46.6 +33 36 55; Tri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, weakly concentrated but no core.  Pair with NGC 582 8' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 579 = h127 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged "vF; pL; gbM".  His position matches UGC 1089 = PGC 5691.  Herschel missed NGC 582 located 8.7' SSE, which was later discovered later by Heinrich d'Arrest.

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NGC 580 = NGC 577 = UGC 1080 = MCG +00-04-165 = CGCG 385-165 = PGC 5628

01 30 40.7 -01 59 40; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 577.

 

Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 580 = T I-8 on 14 Aug 1877 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, claiming to see two nebulae 2m 50s following NGC 560 and 564.  The second object was assigned NGC 580. But there is only the single galaxy UGC 1080 = PGC 5628 at this position, so possibly one of his objects was a faint star. NGC 580 is generally equated with NGC 577. Aaron Skinner discovered this galaxy 10 years earlier on 23 Oct 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn.  As the discovery wasn't published until 1887, Skinner wasn't credited in the NGC.

 

Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 20 Nov 1886 and reported it as new in list VI-12.  Dreyer assigned Swift's position to NGC 580 with Swift and Tempel credited in the NGC.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 581 = M103 = Cr 14

01 33 22 +60 39 30; Cas

V = 7.4;  Size 6'

 

13.1" (10/20/84): 50-60 stars in cluster, fairly rich.  Includes several bright stars in a distinctive triangular wedge shape containing STF 131 at the NW edge (7.3/9.9/11.8 at 14" and 28" lined up to the SE) , colorful orange mag 8.4 SAO 11826 (M2-class supergiant) just SE of center, mag 8.9 SAO 11824 1' S of SAO 11826  and mag 8.2 HD 9365 on the SE edge [not a cluster member].

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M103 = NGC 581 = h126 in April 1781.  Messier added it at the last minute to his 1781 catalogue (published in the 1784 Connaissance des temps), but since the discovery occurred after the manuscript was sent out for publication, he wasn't able to provide visual confirmation or specific coordinates.

 

William Herschel observed the cluster on 8 Aug 1783 and wrote, "14 or 16 pretty large stars with a great many eS ones. Two of the large ones are double, one of the 1st the other of the 2nd class. The compound eye glass shews a few more that may be taken into the cluster so as to make about 20. I exclude a good many straggling ones, otherwise there would be no knowing where to stop."

 

John Herschel included M103 in his Slough Catalogue (h126) but only referenced ·131, Struve's entry (1825) from his catalogue of double stars, so he was apparently unaware of the equivalence with M103. He reported it on 29 Sep 1829 (sweep 213) as "A fine cl; R; rich; rather coarse; 6 or 8' diam; stars 10...11m. One of Struve's "acervi".

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NGC 582 = UGC 1094 = MCG +05-04-065 = CGCG 502-105 = PGC 5702

01 31 58.1 +33 28 35; Tri

V = 13.2;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration.  Pair with NGC 579 8' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 582 on 9 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He mentioned the mag 12-13 star that precedes by 4.5 seconds of time and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 583 = ESO 542-20 = MCG -03-04-077 = PGC 5576

01 29 44.1 -18 20 22; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration with no distinct core.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' NW of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 583 = LM 2-308 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His typical poor position is 1 min of RA east of ESO 542-020 = PGC 5576.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  MCG (-03-04-077) does not equate their entry with NGC 583.

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NGC 584 = IC 1712 = MCG -01-04-060 = Holm 45b = LGG 027-001 = PGC 5663

01 31 20.7 -06 52 06; Cet

V = 10.5;  Size 4.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

24" (12/28/16): at 200x and 375x; very bright, large, oval ~3:2 SW-NE, ~2.4'x1.6', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that gradually increases to quasi-stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group (LGG 027) with NGC 586 4.3' SE.  LEDA 1028168, situated 7' WNW, appeared extremely faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 20" diameter, very low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very bright, moderately large, oval WSW-ENE, very bright large core.  Forms a pair with NGC 586 4.5' SE. 

 

8" (9/25/81): bright, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 584 = H I-100 = h128 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435), along with NGC 586, and recorded both as "two, the first [NGC 584] cB, pS, R, mbM.  The second [NGC 586] eF, S, about 5 or 6' following the former, requires great attention to be seen.  His position is fairly accurate.  John Herschel made 3 observations, reporting it as "vB; R; psbM; 25" [diameter]." (sweep 186, 9 Oct 1826).

 

E.E. Barnard found this galaxy while observing his comet discovery C/1888 RI with the comet nearly occulting the galaxy!  He commented "The comet's nucleus passed some 30" N of the nucleus of the nebula.  The comet is probably 5 times as bright as the nebula and is a great many times larger."  The discovery was reported directly to Dreyer, who catalogued it again as IC 1712.  As Barnard's position is nearly identical to NGC 584, it's strange Dreyer didn't noticed the equivalence, though Barnard later added in his notebook "NGC 584".

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NGC 585 = UGC 1092 = MCG +00-05-001 = CGCG 386-001 = PGC 5688

01 31 42.4 -00 55 55; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 86”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', small bright core, faint thin extensions.  This is an outlying member of AGC 194 cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 585 = h129 on 20 Dec 1827 and reported "vF; R; bM; 25" [diameter]."  His position was off by 7 sec of RA west and 1' S.

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NGC 586 = Holm 45a = MCG -01-05-001 = LGG 027-002 = PGC 5679

01 31 37.0 -06 53 38; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10”

 

24" (12/28/16): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.4', small bright core.  Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 584 4.3' NW.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, very weak concentration.  Located 4.5' SE of NGC 584.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 586 = H III-431 = h130 = Sw. III-6 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) along with NGC 584. See description under NGC 584.  John Herschel made a single observation on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), "vF; R; 15 arcsec".

 

R.J. Mitchell observed NGC 586 with the 72" on 28 and 29 Nov 1856.  JH entered the Birr Castle observations as GC 343 = R[osse]. nova.  In compiling the 1880 Rosse Catalogue, though, Dreyer noted the equivalence with h130 = III 431.  Lewis Swift apparently thought he discovered this object on 30 Nov 1885, though his position for Sw. III-6 was 19 seconds of time too far east.  His description stated "south-following GC 363 [NGC 615], but this must be a typo.

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NGC 587 = UGC 1100 = MCG +06-04-037 = CGCG 521-045 = PGC 5746

01 32 33.4 +35 21 30; Tri

V = 12.8;  Size 2.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 587 on 27 Aug 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 4.5' south of UGC 1100 = PGC 5746, an unusually large error, though there are no other candidates nearby.

 

The CGCG, UGC and PGC label this galaxy IC 1713, although according to Malcolm Thomson, Bigourdan's micrometric position for Big. 247 = IC 1713 on 28 Nov 1891 clearly refers to a faint star near NGC 587.  Bigourdan also determined the position of NGC 587 so NGC 587 cannot be equal to IC 1713.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 588 = M33-A27 = BCLMP 280

01 32 45.9 +30 38 51; Tri

Size 0.5'

 

18" (12/8/07): moderately bright M33 HII region, ~40"x30", well-defined outline.  Situated at the western edge of M33 along the outer spiral arm that winds counterclockwise from the south to the west.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): extremely faint nebulosity in M33, requires averted vision to view.  Located 14' W of the center of M33 and forms the western vertex of a very obtuse isosceles triangle with NGC 592 6' E and NGC 595.  Nearly collinear with NGC 592 and the core of M33. This is a HII region and star cluster.

 

13.1" (7/5/86): barely visible with averted.  Almost collinear with NGC 592 and NGC 595.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 588 = Au 13 in M33, along with NGC 592, on 2 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  His micrometric position (measured on several nights) is accurate.  Auwers included this HII region in his 1862 catalogue of 50 new nebulae.

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NGC 589 = MCG -02-05-004 = Mrk 999 = PGC 5758

01 32 39.9 -12 02 34; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, very small, round, small brighter core, very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 2.3' SW.  In a trio with NGC 599 10' SSE and NGC 593.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 589 = LM 2-309 in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor of the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 50 sec of RA west of MCG -02-05-004 = PGC 5758.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 590 = UGC 1109 = MCG +07-04-003 = CGCG 537-013 = PGC 5808

01 33 40.9 +44 55 44; And

V = 12.9;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 150”

 

24" (11/7/18): at 200x; moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core and a much fainter halo.  Siutated in a rich star field with four mag 10 stars within 5'.

 

Forms a pair with CGCG 537-012 2.3' WNW.  The companion (same redshift) appeared nearly fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broad concentration, faint almost stellar nucleus, rich star field.  There is a group of mag 10 stars in the field to the north including mag 10 stars 2.1' ENE, 3.2' N and 4.5' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 590 on 22 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 591 = UGC 1111 = MCG +06-04-038 = CGCG 521-046 = Mrk 1157 = PGC 5800

01 33 31.2 +35 40 06; And

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' N and a faint mag 15.5 star 1.5' WNW.  Located 6.6' NW of 7.3 SAO 54785.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 591 = Sf 61 on 10 Oct 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and described as "pF, S, R, bM."  Safford was not credited in the NGC as Dreyer missed his discovery list published in 1887, just prior to the NGC. Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 30 Nov 1885, recorded it in list III-7, and Dreyer credited Swift with the discovery in the NGC.  Swift's position is 13 sec off in RA from UGC 1111 = PGC 5800.

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NGC 592 = M33-A59 = BCLMP 277

01 33 12.5 +30 38 50; Tri

Size 0.8'x0.7'

 

18" (12/8/07): moderately bright HII complex, ~40"x30".  There appears to be faint star or stellar knot superimposed.  Located 8' due west of the core with NGC 588 an additional 6' further west on the same line.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): faint nebulosity in M33 9' WSW of the core.  Forms the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with NGC 588 6' W and NGC 595 6' NE.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): fairly easy HII region with averted vision.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 592 = Au 14 in M33, along with NGC 588, on 2 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen.  His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) is fairly accurate.  Auwers included the discovery in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae.

 

In March 2020, Yann Pothier found an earlier discovery by R.J. Mitchell, the observer on Lord Rosse's 72" on 7 Dec 1858.  His excellent sketch in the 1862 publication (plate 26, figure 10) includes NGC 592 at the right edge.

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NGC 593 = MCG -02-05-003 = PGC 5733

01 32 20.7 -12 21 16; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, low surface brightness.  In a small group with NGC 589 12' NE and NGC 601 3.3' ESE (see observation of 10/4/97).  Incorrectly described as a nebulous cluster by Stephan.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 593 = St XII-17 on 2 Nov 1882 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and described a "vS  group of stars, little elongated SSW-NNE, contains very slight nebulosity".  His position is accurate though Stephan description of a cluster is of course incorrect.

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NGC 594 = MCG -03-05-005 = PGC 5769

01 32 57.0 -16 32 08; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.  Located in a barren field 9' SSE of mag 8.8 SAO 147877.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 594 = LM 1-32 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.5, pS, E 225”." His rough position essentially matches MCG -03-05-005 = PGC 5769 and the position angle is close (SW-NE).  Harold Corwin suggests Lewis Swift may have rediscovered this galaxy on 29 Sep 1897 and recorded it in list XII-7 (later IC 1714).  Swift's position is 3 degrees north of NGC 594.

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NGC 595 = M33-A62 = BCLMP 49

01 33 33.5 +30 41 31; Tri

 

18" (12/8/07): fairly bright knot near the core of M33, just 4' NW of center and close west of the spiral arm that winds north from the core on the west side.  Appears elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x30", with a fairly well-defined outer edge.  This is the second most luminous HII region in M33 after NGC 604.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): very faint nebulosity in M33, located 4' NW of the center.  Situated just off the west edge of the beginning of the spiral arm that extends north and then northeast from the core on the west side.  This is a combination star cluster and HII region.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): visible faintly with averted.  Situated at the edge of a spiral arm.

 

Bindon or George Stoney discovered NGC 595 on 27 Dec 1850 with Lord Rosse's 72" (or perhaps on the 13 Sep 1850 observation, "full of knots") and an offset measured from a star superimposed on M33.  The nebula was labeled as "1" on the diagram in the 1861 publication.  No coordinates were ever measured at Birr Castle.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this HII knot on 1 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured a fairly accurate position (4 seconds of RA too large).  d'Arrest is credited with the discovery in the NGC. Truman Safford rediscovered it on 1 Nov 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded Sf 63 as "pF, vS, probably a well-known outlier of M33."

 

 

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NGC 596 = MCG -01-05-005 = LGG 027-003 = PGC 5766

01 32 51.9 -07 01 54; Cet

V = 10.9;  Size 3.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly bright, fairly small, very bright core, surrounded by a small faint halo.  Located 12' W of mag 5.8 SAO 129371.

 

8" (9/25/81): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 12' W of a mag 6 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 596 = H II-4 = h132 on 13 Dec 1783 (early sweep 44). On 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) he logged "pB.  Much like the brightest of the two preceding [NGC 584]; but rather smaller." His summary description from 6 observations reads "pB, pS, R, mbM, resembling a telescopic comet."  John Herschel reported "pB; R; a * 6m follows 47.5 seconds and is 40" north." (sweep 40, 2 Jan 1827).  On 31 Oct 1877, R.J. Mitchell, observing with the 72", noted "B, S, R, Nucl, a vF * preceding and another north."  The 2 mentioned stars are mag 16-16.5.

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NGC 597 = ESO 353-011 = MCG -06-04-044 = PGC 5721

01 32 14.7 -33 29 44; Scl

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (12/26/00): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Located just 1.9' NNW of a mag 12.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 597 = h2419 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF, R, 25"." On a later sweep he logged "F, S, R, bM, 15"." His mean position matches ESO 353-011 = PGC 5721.

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NGC 598 = M33 = UGC 1117 = MCG +05-04-069 = CGCG 502-110 = PGC 5818 = Triangulum Galaxy

01 33 50.9 +30 39 37; Tri

V = 5.7;  Size 70.8'x41.7';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): bright, very large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, weakly concentrated irregular halo, rises suddenly to a small bright core.  Two prominent spiral arms form an "S-pattern" with an irregular surface brightness.  At least a dozen HII regions or clusters are resolved (see the numerous IC listings).  Overall, the entire galaxy is very mottled and the outer extent is difficult to define.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): two prominent spiral arms distinctly visible.

 

8" (10/4/80): the bright central region is slightly grain with the halo showing some indication of spiral arms.  The edge of the arms were glimpsed with averted vision.

 

Naked-eye (several times): just glimpsed in very dark skies, perhaps visible 25% of the time in best conditions.

 

Gioivanni Hodierna probably discovered M33 = NGC 598 = H V-17 = h131 before 1654 and catalogued it as a cloud-like nebulosity or obscuration "near the Triangle".  Charles Messier independently discovered M33 on 25 Aug 1764. William Herschel assumed it was new (not found at Messier's position) and catalogued it as H. V-17 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266).  On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 680) he noted "The large nebula. The middle of it easily resolvable and some of the stars visible; it is impossible to say how far it may extend; the nebulosity losing itself so gradually, but goes undoubtedly a great way in every direction, but chiefly from sp to nf."  A little later in the sweep he noted "Looked for the 33rd of the Conoiss des Temps, but it is not in the place."

 

John Herschel included only a single observation in the Slough Catalogue from 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177): "Enormously L; vgbM.  The nucl taken; has a * 12m, nf the nucl.  The diffused neb extends 15' s[outh] and as much nearly to n[orth].  It has irregularities of light, and even feeble subordinate nuclei [HII knots] and many small stars."

 

Lord Rosse or assistant George Johnstone Stoney recognized M33 as a spiral on 6 Sep 1849 and his drawing with four or more spiral arms was included in the 1850 PT paper (plate XXXVI, figure 5).  The description reads, "New spiral, s(outh) branch the brightest, none F, nf one short but pB, p(receding) on pretty distinct, sf one but suspected; the whole involved in F neby which probably extends past several knots which lie about it in different directions.  Faint nebulosity seems to extend very far following."  R.J. Mitchell produced a more detailed drawing on 18 Dec 1857 (included in the 1861 publication).  Isaac Roberts produced the first excellent photograph of M33 in 1895 with his 20" reflector, revealing more detail than seen visually.

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NGC 599 = MCG -02-05-005 = PGC 5778

01 32 53.7 -12 11 28; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, in a poor star field.  NGC 589 lies 10' NNW and NGC 593 12' SW.  Forms a close pair with NGC 601 3.3' ESE (not seen but appears stellar on the POSS).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 599 = H II-473 = LM 2-310 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and logged "F, S, iF, easily resolvable, some of the stars visible.".  His position is fairly accurate.  This is an S0 galaxy, so I wouldn't expect that Herschel would find it mottled or resolvable.  Frank Muller independently found it again in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and it was recorded in list II-310 as mag 13.0, 0.8' dia, gbM.

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NGC 600 = MCG -01-05-007 = LGG 027-004 = PGC 5777

01 33 05.3 -07 18 43; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 3.3'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter.  Appears as a low surface brightness glow without core or structure.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 600 = H III-432 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and simply noted as "eF".  John Herschel made no observations of this low surface brightness galaxy and it was probably missed at Birr Castle.  The single observation on 29 Nov 1850 with Lord Rosse's 72" commented "searched for 20' sf [NGC 596], doubtful whether found, perhaps it was a vF stellar object 2.5' S of a *13m and about 6' S of a *10m."  This appears to refer to a 15th mag star and not the galaxy.

 

Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory between 1914-16, NGC 600 was described as "vF, 2' x 1', nucleus elongated 20”, giving this spiral an almost Phi-type [barred] appearance."

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NGC 601 = Mrk 1000 = PGC 73980

01 33 06.5 -12 12 32; Cet

Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, round.  Initially appeared as a mag 15.5 "star" but a very small 10" halo was visible after extended viewing. Located 3.3' ESE of NGC 599.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC. Appears stellar on the POSS.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 601 = LM 2-311 (close southeast of II-310 = NGC 599) in 1886 using the 16" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 5 sec of RA west of PGC 73980 and his PA of 115” with respect to NGC 599 is within 5” of the correct value.  Bigourdan missed this object and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  PGC 73980 is not catalogued in the MCG or RC3, but is included in Harold Corwin's Southern Equatorial Galaxy Catalogue (ESGC).  It appears virtually stellar on the POSS with a slightly "soft" appearance.  PGC equates NGC 599 = NGC 601.

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NGC 602 = SMC-N90 = ESO 029-43 = Lindsay 105 = SMC Ass 68

01 29 26 -73 33 36; Hyi

Size 3'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; NGC 602 is a large nebulous cluster (SMC-N90) that was clearly brighter on the southeast end.  The total size is ~3' with the southeast end fairly bright, fairly large, irregular shape.  A tight knot of three stars is near the center. Additional stars are involved near the edges.  A weak dust lane was on the west end oriented SW-NE, separating the roundish western section.  A mag 13.8 star (O3-type Sk 183) is involved just west of the dust lane. This star is one of the massive O-type stars in the SMC and the dominant ionizing source of the nebula.  The two portions are separated (barely) without a filter but tangent when I added a NPB filter.  A mag 12.5 star is off the SW side (1.8' from center) and a mag 13 star is off the north side, 2.2' NNW of center.  NGC 602, along with N89 and N88 to the northwest, are situated along the boundary of SMC-1 (also called SMC-SGS 1), the only supergiant shell in the SMC, with a diameter of ~1”..

 

SMC-N89, located 20' NW, is fairly faint, large, roundish, irregular glow, ~3.5' diameter.  At the northeast end are four mag 11.5/12/12.5/13 stars (part of Hodge association 67) in a near equilateral triangle with a 4th star at the center and a 12th mag star is at the E or SE end of the nebulosity.   Lindsay 104 is a very faint, unresolved patch (cluster) just southwest of the four distinctive stars. Situated at the western boundary of SMC-1.

 

SMC-N88, located 33' NW, is dominated by a Highly Ionized Blob (HEB) of only 3.5" diameter and mag ~12.5.  At 244x + NPB filter it appeared as a bright "star" or quasi-stellar object surrounded by faint nebulosity on the east and south side.  I assume there was a contrast gain with the filter as this dense, high-excitation object has a ratio of O III lines/H-beta > 10.5.   The nebula is surrounded by Hodge Assoication 64 including a mag 14 star 2' E, two close mag 14 stars 1.8' SE and a mag 14.5 star 1' SSE.  A mag 11.2 star (part of Hodge Associatin 65) lies 5.6' S.  Situated at the NW edge of supershell SMC-1.

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, a knot of stars is embedded in a 3' fairly bright oval nebula (Henize N90).  On closer inspection the knot of stars is offset to the SE side of the nebula.  At 171x and UHC filter, the nebulosity is fairly bright and clearly locally brighter on the SE end around the knot of stars.  A weak dark rift, running SW-NE, separates the fainter portion of nebulosity to the NW.  This nebulous cluster is an outlying member of the SMC.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 602 = D 17 = h2421 on 1 Aug 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector and described "a faint round nebula, about 2' diameter, a very little brighter in the middle, with some minute stars in it."  Dunlop's position is just 3' E of this SMC cluster.

 

On his first sweep on 11 Apr 1834, John Herschel logged "pB, S, irregularly round, psb but not to the middle, but rather to a point near the southern edge. Is decidedly resolved, and has scattered stars. (This is an outlier of the Nubecula Minor)".  On a second sweep he called it "B, R or lE, psbM to a star; has also a star involved which looks like a second nucleus and several small stars about it."  JH credited Dunlop with the discovery.

 

Joseph Turner observed this object on 26 Jan 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted there was clearly a double star in the center.

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NGC 603

01 34 44.0 +30 13 58; Tri

 

17.5" (9/28/02): identified at 162x as a slightly fuzzy glow and cleanly resolved into a faint triple star at 325x (7.5mm Tak and Paracorr).  Situated ~30' SE of the core of M33.

 

17.5" (8/11/96): this is a faint, close triple star within M33 described as a "A south neb. or Cl. with 3 st in it" by Lord Rosse.  It appeared as a faint nebulous spot at low power and was barely resolved at 220x.  The trio of mag 14/15 stars was cleanly resolved at 410x.  The maximum separation is 15", the close pair at 9" separation and the other side 12" with the trio forming a 3-4-5 right triangle!  Located 28' SE of the center of M33.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 603 on 29 Nov 1850.  It was recorded as "A S neb. or Cl. with 3 st in it.  It is about 8' ssp a [double star] whose components are of the 11 m.  RA 1h 26m +/- NPD 60d 35' +/-.  (I obs)."  This description pins down the identification as a triple star whose components have a maximum separation of 15".  This identification was noted by Mayall and Aller (1942) in the article "The Rotation of the Spiral Nebula Messier 33," ApJ, 95, pp. 5-23.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "Cl of 3 st 14".  In the IC 2 notes, Dreyer mentioned he only saw an extremely faint star on plates of M33.  See Corwin's Notes.

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NGC 604 = M33-A84 = BCLMP 680

01 34 31.9 +30 47 13; Tri

 

18" (12/10/07): bright, large HII knot in M33 at the end of the spiral arm that trails to the east on the north side of the core.  A mag 10.5-11 star is located 1.5' SE and NGC 604 is elongated 3:2 in the direction of this star.  The outline is oval, though a bit irregular, particularly on the east side.  It appears brighter and mottled on the northwest side and with direct vision a slightly brighter stellaring is embedded near the northwest end.

 

13.1" (7/5/86): bright HII region located 12' NE of the core of M33.  Situated at the end of the large spiral arm of M33 that extends north and then east of the core.  Bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter, round.

 

8": fairly bright, round, knot in M33.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 604 = H III-150 = h133 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and noted "vF, S, R nebula, brightest in the middle."  Lord Rosse or assistant reported on 13 Sep 1850: "large spiral full of knots, north following is a bright, small neb [NGC 604], which on a very good night might appear attached to the spiral, than which it is brighter."  Bindon or George Stoney measured an offset from a star superimposed just north of the core of M33 on 2 Jan 1851 and the nebula was labeled as "3" on the diagram in the 1861 publication.

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NGC 605 = UGC 1128 = MCG +07-04-004 = CGCG 537-014 = PGC 5891

01 35 02.4 +41 14 53; And

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus, very small halo surrounds core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 605 = St XII-18 on 21 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF; eS; R; bN".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 606 = UGC 1126 = MCG +03-05-010 = CGCG 460-011 = PGC 5874

01 34 50.2 +21 25 05; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.5' S of mag 8.8 SAO 74804.  A 30" pair of mag 12 stars is 3' W.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 606 = St XII-16 on 18 Oct 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged "eF; R, diam = 45", very little central concentration, seems resolvable".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 607

01 34 16.3 -07 24 46; Cet

V = 11.7/13.9;  Size 14"

 

= **, Spitaler.  =***, Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 607 = Au 15 on 23 Aug 1855 with a 4.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor at Leibniz.  At his micrometric position (measured on two nights) is a pair of mag 12/14 stars at 14" separation.  He also measured a mag 9.2 star (called mag 11) that follows by 29.7 seconds and 2' north), so this identification is certain.  Auwers included this object in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae.  In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentioned "no nebulosity seen by Schšnfeld, but Auwers saw it [with the Konigsberg heliometer and reported the observation in the notes section of the catalogue]."  Rudolph Spitaler found a double star (mag 11 with a 14th magnitude companion), which was mentioned in the IC 1 Notes section.

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NGC 608 = UGC 1135 = MCG +05-04-073 = CGCG 502-117 = PGC 5913

01 35 28.2 +33 39 24; Tri

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, oval SSW-NNE, gradually increases to small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 614 5' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 608 = h134 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF; psbM.  Stellar".  His position in the Slough and General Catalogue is 7 sec of RA west of UGC 1135 = PGC 5913.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 609 = Cr 16 = King 3 = OCL-325

01 36 27 +64 32 12; Cas

V = 11.0;  Size 3'

 

24" (1/4/14): at 200x, ~15 faint to very faint stars sparkle over an unresolved background glow ~2.5' diameter.  Two brighter mag 12/13 stars are detached, just off the southwest end.  The cluster is 2.5' NW of MLB 187, a 5" pair of mag 9/9.5 stars.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): faint, fairly small, diffuse, about six very faint stars over unresolved haze.  Located 10' SSW of mag 6.6 SAO 11875.

 

8" (1/1/84): not found.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 609 on 9 Aug 1863 (one of two open clusters he found, along with NGC 133) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted it as "subtle and elegant group of stars mag 14-15; 4' dia; nearly round."  His single RA measure is ~50 seconds too large and this error was carried over into the NGC, RNGC and Sky Catalogue 2000.

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NGC 610 = ESO 542-029

01 34 18 -20 09; Cet

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 610 = LM 2-312 (along with NGC 611 = LM 2-313) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position and Corwin was unable to recover this object after an extensive search for a candidate.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

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NGC 611 = ESO 542-029

01 34 18 -20 08; Cet

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 611 = LM 2-313 (along with NGC 610 = LM 2-31) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position and Corwin was unable to recover this object after an extensive search for a candidate.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

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NGC 612 = ESO 353-015 = MCG -06-04-046 = PGC 5827

01 33 57.7 -36 29 36; Scl

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', weak concentration.  Located 1.0' following a mag 11 star.  First of three with NGC 619 11' E and NGC 623 14' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 612 = h2423 on 29 Nov 1837 and recorded "F, R, 12", follows a star 12th mag. This is possibly identical with the next [h2424 = NGC 619] but one with a mistaken minute." His position is 1' S of ESO 353-015 = PGC 5827 and the description applies.

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NGC 613 = ESO 413-011 = MCG -05-04-044 = VV 824 = AM 0132-294 = PGC 5849

01 34 18.2 -29 25 06; Scl

V = 10.1;  Size 5.5'x4.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): this very large barred spiral was a stunning showpiece at 303x!  The bright central bar region is oriented NW-SE and extends ~2.5'x1' with the halo and arms stretching ~5'x3.6'.  The central region was sharply concentrated with a very intense oval core that increased to a bright stellar nucleus.  A prominent spiral arm was easily visible on the southeast end.  It had a well defined edge and a high contrast as it emerged from the central region and unfurled east and north.  The arm then dimmed significantly but could be followed as it bent backwards on the east side towards the northwest!  The arm faded away before reaching a mag 9.6 star (SAO 167149) 2.2' NE of center.  A second relatively bright, well-defined arm is attached on the northwest end of the bar and it curled south on the west end of the halo.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.3', prominent elongated core, almost stellar nucleus with direct vision.  The halo is broader with averted vision. There appeared to be a very faint extension or large knot southeast of the core . The DSS reveals this feature to be the bright spiral arm extending southeast from the central bar.  Located 2.4' SW of mag 9 SAO 167149.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, moderately large, diffuse, small bright core. A mag 9 star lies 2.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 613 = H I-281 = h139 = h2422 on 9 Dec 1798 (sweep 1084) and recorded "cB, E np-sf, 5 or 6' long, 1 1/2' broad, a nucleus in the middle, A pretty considerable star is about 3' north of it, and a little following." James Dunlop independently found the galaxy on 5 Aug 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector and recorded "a very small round nebula, about 15" diameter, pretty well defined, bright at the center." Stephen O'Meara notes it is curious that Dunlop failed to note any elongation and didn't mention its proximity to the 10th magnitude star just off its NE flank.

 

John Herschel observed the galaxy both at Slough and at the Cape of Good Hope.  On 27 Sep 1834, his Cape observation reads "vB; vL; vmE; pos 118.3 ; 1st gradually then suddenly much brighter to the middle to a nucleus 4' long 1.5' broad, has a star 9th mag N.f."  He also noted that the position assigned in his Slough Catalogue was incorrect.  On a second sweep, he logged "pB; vmE; pslbM, 2 1/2' length.  No other near it within 3 fields in RA and 1 field's breadth in declination."  Finally on a third sweep he logged "vB; L; vmE; pspmbM; has a *10; N.F."

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NGC 614 = NGC 627 = UGC 1140 = MCG +05-04-075 = CGCG 502-118 = PGC 5933

01 35 52.3 +33 40 55; Tri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broadly concentrated, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 608 5' WSW.  Located 9' S of mag 7 SAO 54817.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 614 = H III-174 = h135 on 13 Sep 1784 (last object using Beta And as the reference star in sweep 271) and noted "Stellar, verified with 240 power."  There is nothing at his position, but 78 sec of RA preceding his position is UGC 1140 = PGC 5933.  John Herschel measured an accurate position and reported "pF; psbM.  Stellar, or like a star blurred" (sweep 106, 22 Nov 1827).  JH also discovered NGC 608 to the southwest.  NGC 627 and NGC 618 may be duplicate observations – see comments on these numbers.

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NGC 615 = MCG -01-05-008 = LGG 027-005 = PGC 5897

01 35 05.6 -07 20 27; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 3.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2'x1', evenly concentrated halo, very small bright core, bright stellar nucleus.  Located 5.4' ENE of mag 8.5 SAO 129385 but otherwise the immediate field is almost devoid of stars.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, small.  Located 5' E of an 8th magnitude star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 615 = H II-282 = h137 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "pF, cL, irregular brightest about the middle, r."  His summary description (including an observation on 10 Sep 1785, sweep 435) reads "pB, cL, lE, mbM".  John Herschel made a single observation on 9 Oct 1828 (sweep 186): "pB; R; is sf a * 8m distant 10'."  The galaxy is only 5' north-following the star.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate position with the 27" refractor at Vienna. The RC3 position angle of 25” is incorrect.

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NGC 616

01 36 04.3 +33 46 12; Tri

 

= **, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 616 on 14 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted (single observation) a "double star veiled in faint nebulosity."  He measured the offset to nearby mag 6.5 HD 9728 and his position matches a pair of mag 14 stars at 11" separation.  Harold Corwin and Dorothy Carlson equate NGC 616 with this double star.

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NGC 617 = MCG -02-05-007 = PGC 5831

01 34 02.5 -09 46 27; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (11/1/97): at 220x appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Requires averted to view and cannot hold steadily.  Slightly easier to view at 280x.  Located 30' NW of NGC 624.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 617 = LM 2-314 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 1.2 tmin east of MCG -02-05-007 = PGC 5831, a common error with the observations there.  MCG (-02-05-007) does not label this galaxy as NGC 617.

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NGC 618

01 36 18 +33 24; Tri

 

= NGC 614??, Corwin.  = Not found, Dreyer and Carlson.  = *?, IC 1 notes.  = NGC 608?, Burnham.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 618 = h136 on 16 Nov 1827 and reported "pB; pL; bM; precedes a * 2m 51.0s".  There is nothing at his position and there is no fairly bright star at the required separation east of his position. In the NGC Notes section, Dreyer commented "never found at Birr [in 5 attempts], nor by d'Arrest [in several attempts].  Schšnfeld (II) has two observations, vF, eS = *13, place agreeing with [John Herschel].  Query: only a faint star..."   In the IC 1 Notes and Corrections entry for NGC 618 and 627, Dreyer adds "Not observed by John Herschel in the same sweep as [NGC 608 and 614].  Neither of them seen by Burnham."

 

Wolfgang Steinicke suggests NGC 618 may be a mag 10 star at 01 41 36.6 +33 17 40 (J2000) with a mag 12.7 star 30" southwest and a mag 15.7 star 30" south.  Harold Corwin is skeptical that this combo would mimic a "pretty bright" nebula and suggests that NGC 618 is possibly a duplicate observation of NGC 614, although the brighter star following is not at the required separation, unless Herschel meant 51 seconds, instead of 2m 51s.  Wolfgang Steinicke analyzed the sweep data and arrived at a different position, close to 01 42 +33” 23' (J2000), assuming the bright star precedes the object, but this "corrected" position has no "pB" objects nearby.

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NGC 619 = ESO 353-021 = MCG -06-04-051 = PGC 5878

01 34 51.7 -36 29 22; Scl

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8'.  Difficult to determine orientation as requires averted to glimpse (probably affected by fairly low elevation).  Preceding of pair with brighter NGC 623 2.9' E.  In a group with NGC 612 11' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 619 = h2424 on 30 Nov 1837 and noted "eeF, vS, R; the preceding of two [with NGC 623] in the field together." His position is accurate.

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NGC 620 = UGC 1150 = MCG +07-04-006 = CGCG 537-016 = V Zw 81 = PGC 5990

01 36 59.8 +42 19 23; And

V = 13.1;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 45" WSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 620 = St III-2 on 14 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and reported "eF, vS, R, bM but no nucleus."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 621 = UGC 1147 = MCG +06-04-045 = CGCG 521-055 = IV Zw 54 = PGC 5984

01 36 49.0 +35 30 43; Tri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, almost round, broad concentration.  Located 2' SW of a mag 10.5 star and 7' S of mag 8.4 SAO 54831.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 621 = St XIII-10 on 24 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and noted "vF, eS, R, bM and nucleus".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 622 = UGC 1143 = MCG +00-05-014 = CGCG 386-016 = Mrk 571 = PGC 5939

01 36 00.1 +00 39 49; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W.  Even surface brightness except for a well-defined very small bright core and faint stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 622 = H III-454 = h138 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and logged "Suspected, eF, pL, 240 power left it doubtful."  The NGC position matches UGC 1143 = PGC 5939.  John Herschel recorded on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), "vF; not vS; not bM."

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NGC 623 = ESO 353-023 = MCG -06-04-052 = PGC 5898

01 35 06.4 -36 29 25; Scl

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 94”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): brighter of pair with NGC 619 2.9' preceding.  Fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0' diameter, round.  Collinear with NGC 619 and NGC 612 14' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 623 = h2425 on 30 Nov 1837 and recorded "F, S, R; the following of two [with h2424 = NGC 619]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 624 = MCG -02-05-010 = PGC 5932

01 35 51.0 -10 00 10; Cet

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5'.  A mag 13 star is at the south edge 30" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 624 = H III-471 = h140 on 30 Nov 1837 (sweep 479) and described "a few small stars mixed with seeming nebulosity. 240 showed the same."  There is a star at the south edge and another 1.4' N.  John Herschel noted on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 315), "eF; S; among 2 or 3 vF st, very difficult".

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NGC 625 = ESO 297-005 = MCG -07-04-017 = PGC 5896

01 35 05 -41 26 12; Phe

V = 11.1;  Size 5.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, brighter core.  Viewed at a very low elevation (less than 10”).

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 625 = D 479 = h2426 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a very faint nebula, of a round figure, with two or three minute stars in it near the meridian".  His position is ~8' east of ESO 297-005 = PGC 5896.  JH logged on 5 Sep 1834, "B, pL, mE, nearly in the parallel; pmbM." On a second sweep on 4 Dec 1836 he called it "B, mE, gbM, 80"." The next night he logged the galaxy again as "B, L, mE, gbM, 1.25' long."

 

Joseph Turner observed NGC 625 on 24 Jan 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted "it is at present much brighter at the following extremity, giving it the appearance of a tail. This extra brightness is caused by a small star being situated there as shown in the above sketch."  His small star appears to be a bright HII region in the galaxy.

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NGC 626 = ESO 297-006 = MCG -07-04-018 = AM 0133-392 = PGC 5901

01 35 12.0 -39 08 48; Scl

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 43”

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, small bright core, very faint halo.  NGC 630/ESO 297-008 lies 13.5' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 626 = h2427 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 627 = NGC 614? = UGC 1140 = MCG +05-04-075 = CGCG 502-118 = PGC 5933

01 35 52.3 +33 40 55; Tri

 

= NGC 614?, Corwin.  =**, Steinicke.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 627 = h141 on 11 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF; R; another precedes; which must be III.174 [NGC 614].  The RA conjectural and PD liable to some error."  Heinrich d'Arrest was unsuccessful in locating an object at Herschel's position and he commented "is not in the heavens. Anyway, the place assigned [by Herschel] as doubtful, is errant."

 

Sherburne Burnham (Publ of the Lick Observatory, Vol II) was also unable to find the object and Dreyer concluded "should be struck out" in the IC 1 notes section.  Burnham suggested this might be a duplicate observation of NGC 614 in which case the object that preceded would be NGC 608 (misidentified as III 174).  But Wolfgang Steinicke argues that NGC 614 is located 2.4” due north of ·137, the previous object in the sweep, so he could not have arrived at the field of NGC 614 as the next object. See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 628 = M74 = UGC 1149 = MCG +03-05-011 = PGC 5974 = Phantom Galaxy

01 36 41.6 +15 47 03; Psc

V = 9.4;  Size 10.5'x9.5';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

48" (10/22/11): beautiful face-on spiral with long, graceful arms wrapping around an intense 1' core that increases towards the center, but there is no sharp nucleus.  At first glance at 375x there appeared to be four arms, but with a more careful look there are two main arms that each wrap more than 360” around the core as well as a couple of side branches.  Each arm is studded with a number of non-stellar HII regions that highlight the arms.  In addition, a number of stars are superimposed, both in the inner region (two faint stars are within 25" of the center) and around the edge of the halo, which extends to 7'-8' diameter.

 

The more prominent arm "southern" arm is very regular - emerging from the core on the south side and wrapping counterclockwise around the core to the north, unwinding gradually as it curves to the east and then pulls away from the central region more suddenly on the south side.  This arm is very patchy and delineated by a large number of HII knots with the two most prominent ones near the outer southern end.  The "northern" arm begins to emerge from north of the core, tightly wraps counterclockwise around the core, passing near or through a few superimposed stars on the south side of the core, unwinding more as it stretches again to the north.  The arm structure is a bit more complex on the north side due to side branches and the embedded HII knots are more scattered.

 

The HII regions were viewed more carefully at 610x.  The following identifications are from Paul Hodge's 1976 "HII regions in NGC 628" (ApJ, 205, 728), which lists over 700 HII knots.  The brightest is #627, near the end of the outer southern arm 2.7' SSW of center. It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, ~20" diameter.  Moving clockwise along this arm towards the core, the next prominent knot is #598 situated 2.2' SSE of center.  It was slightly fainter than #627, round, 15" diameter.  Next in line is #552, a faint round knot of 10" situated 1.8' SE of center.  East of the core by 1.5' is #406, a very faint, round 10" knot situated 36" S of a superimposed mag 14.5 star.  Just 30" W of this star and 1.2' NE of center is #292, a fairly faint, very small knot, ~8" diameter.  Continuing inward along this arm, the next knot is #196, a very faint hazy spot 1.3' N of center.  Finally, less than 1' NW of center is another very faint patch with multiple Hodge numbers #260-268.

 

There were no notable knots on the inner southern portion of the northern arm, but a noticeable clump of knots is on the NW portion of this arm.  First was #167/168, a faint 10" knot 1.6' NW of center.  Continuing outward 2.0' NNW of center is a faint, elongated patch, ~25" diameter, consisting of #91-95 and #49 at the north end of the glow.  I didn't search the outer region of the halo for additional HII knots, except noted #330, a 10" knot situated between two mag 12-13 stars at the eastern edge of halo, 3.9' from center.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): bright, large, round, very bright core.  A spiral arm is attached at the east side of core winding towards the west along the south side.  A dark gap is visible between the arm and the main central portion.  Several stars are superimposed in the halo.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very prominent, fairly small bright core surrounded by a very large, diffuse glow.  Visible in 16x80 finder.

 

8" (8/24/84): very small bright core surrounded by a large faint halo.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M74 = NGC 628 = h142 in September 1780.  William Herschel made several observations of M74 in which he claimed to partially resolve it into a number of extremely faint stars.  On 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) he logged, "easily resolvable; some stars visible in it, the coma eF at the edges and not resolvable."

 

On 13 Dec 1848, Lord Rosse and/or assistant Johnstone Stoney detected spiral structure with the 72" and noted "Rough sketch made. Spiral?"  The next night he "confirmed last night's observations; feel confident it is a spiral."  LdR classified M74 as "Spiral or curvilinear" in his 1850 paper.

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NGC 629

01 38 58.5 +72 52 01; Cas

 

17.5" (10/13/01): near Struve's position is a striking 1' chain of 5 stars mag 12.5-13.5 extended WSW-ENE.  Two of the stars at the following end of the chain form a very close pair.  There is also a wider trio of stars which follows by 6', but this is a courser, less interesting group in the field and less likely to fit Struve's description "3*+ neb".

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 629 = · 2 = Au 16 in 1825 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at Dorpat.  Auwers included this object in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae with the description "irregular nebula with 3 *.", though he couldn't find it in the Kšnigsberg Heliometer in Feb 1861.  About 6' west of Struve's position is a tight string of 5 stars within 1' and Harold Corwin identifies this asterism as NGC 629. The brightest mag 12.2 star has companions at 11" and 13".

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NGC 630 = ESO 297-009 = MCG -07-04-020 = PGC 5924

01 35 36.5 -39 21 29; Scl

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 60”

 

18" (10/25/08): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.45, small bright core increases to the center, fairly high surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with slightly fainter ESO 297-008 1.8' SW, which was surprisingly missed by John Herschel. NGC 626 lies 13.5' NNW.  The companion is just over the constellation border into Phoenix and appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', low even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 630 = h2428 on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15", precedes two stars 11th mag.  The two stars are there and Herschel's position is accurate.

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NGC 631 = UGC 1153 = MCG +01-05-007 = CGCG 412-006 = PGC 5983

01 36 47.0 +05 50 07; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, small, round, smoothly increases to small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 632 8' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 631 = m 50 on 27 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S, gbM."  His position matches UGC 1153 = PGC 5983.

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NGC 632 = UGC 1157 = MCG +01-05-010 = CGCG 412-008 = Mrk 1002 = PGC 6007

01 37 17.5 +05 52 39; Psc

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, small, very small very bright core dominates, slightly elongated much fainter halo.  A mag 14.5 star is embedded in the north side.  Forms a pair with NGC 631 8' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 632 = h143 on 24 Sep 1830 and logged "pB; S; R; psbM; 15" [diameter]."

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NGC 633 = ESO 297-011 = MCG -06-04-056 = PGC 5960

01 36 23.4 -37 19 18; Scl

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration (hampered by low elevation).  Located 3' SE a mag 9/10 double star at 15" separation.  Forms a pair with ESO 297-012 1.1' S (not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 633 = h2429 on 1 Sep 1834 and logged "pB, S, R, gbM, 15"; follows a pretty bright double star." On a later sweep he noted, "Not vF, R, 30", has a double star N.p."  His mean position and description matches ESO 297-11 = PGC 5960.  He missed a fainter companion (ESO 297-12 = PGC 5959) 1.1' S.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 11 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "Extraordinary - This is a double nebula.  There are two distinct nebulae in the field pretty close to one another as shown in diagram - How is it that Herschel only has one?"  The companion he discovered was ESO 297-012.

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NGC 634 = UGC 1164 = MCG +06-04-048 = CGCG 521-060 = PGC 6059

01 38 18.5 +35 21 54; Tri

V = 13.0;  Size 2.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, very elongated ~N-S.  A mag 15 star is at the west edge.  Located 2' ENE of mag 7.7 SAO 54855.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 634 = St VIIIa-6 on 26 Oct 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged "eF, eS, sev F* inv".  His position matches UGC 1164 = PGC 6059.

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NGC 635 = MCG -04-05-002 = PGC 6062

01 38 17.8 -22 55 44; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (12/9/01): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms the SW vertex of a triangle with a mag 10 star (SAO 167193) 2.9' ENE and a mag 12.5 star 1.6' NNE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 635 = LM 1-33 on 15 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position but based on the discovery sketch (which shows two or three stars to the NE and another to the SSE), Harold Corwin has identified NGC 635 = PGC 6062.  In this case, Leavenworth's dec was 3” too far north.  RNGC lists the number as nonexistent (not found).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 636 = MCG -01-05-013 = LGG 027-006 = PGC 6110

01 39 06.5 -07 30 46; Cet

V = 11.5;  Size 2.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly bright, fairly small, round, bright well-defined circular core, very small nucleus.  The faint halo increases diameter to almost 2'.  A mag 12 star is 3' ENE. 

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, small, round, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 636 = H II-283 = h144 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "pB, S, of equal light, r, a star or two visible in it."  On a second observation on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) he noted "pB, S, mbM." John Herschel made two observations and reported on 9 Oct 1828 (sweep 186), "pF; S; R; psbM; 20" [diameter]."

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NGC 637 = Cr 17 = OCL-329 = Lund 51

01 43 03 +64 02 12; Cas

V = 8.2;  Size 4'

 

18" (10/25/08): very pretty cluster at 283x.  The central 2.5' region is rich and contains roughly 3 dozen stars including a mag 10.2/11.4 double (STI 264 = ADS 1342) at 9.5" separation.  A third mag 11 star forms a wide trio  46" to the south.  An arc or "C" shaped curve of stars passes through the central double and opens to the north.  A chain of brighter stars begins at the center of the open end of the arc (on north side) and zigzags to the north and NE.  A wide bright double (23" separation) sits at the east end of the central region.  Finally another fainter linear chain of stars heads to the west of the central region.  Within a 5' region, 50-60 stars are resolved.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): rich cluster of two dozen stars arranged in an arc.  There are five bright stars including a mag 10/11.2 double star at 9" separation.

 

8" (1/1/84): 10 stars in cluster includes four mag 10 stars and fainter, mottled, over haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 637 = H VII-49 on 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 777) and noted "a cluster of some cL stars and many eS, so as hardly to be visible. The large ones arranged in circular order 3' or 4' diameter."

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NGC 638 = UGC 1170 = MCG +01-05-014 = CGCG 412-011 = Mrk 1003 = PGC 6145

01 39 37.8 +07 14 15; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, almost even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 638 = Sw. V-14 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 639 = ESO 413-013 = MCG -05-05-002 = VV 419 = AM 0136-301 = PGC 6105

01 38 59.1 -29 55 31; Scl

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 31”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, very small.  Fainter of a close pair with NGC 642 1.7' NE.  At first only a 10" round core seen, but with extended viewing can just detect faint extensions which increase dimensions to 0.9'x0.2' SW-NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 639 = h2430 (along with NGC 642 = h2431) on 27 Sep 1834 and noted "vF, vS; the preceding of two [with NGC 642].".  His mean position from 3 observations matches ESO 413-013 = PGC 6105.

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NGC 640 = MCG -02-05-031 = PGC 6130

01 39 24.8 -09 24 03; Cet

V = 15.1;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration.  Collinear with a mag 11-12 double star (30" separation) located 6' NNE.  A mag 11.5 star lies 4.0' SSW of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 640 = LM 2-315 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.8; 0.6'; lE 170”; lbMN; *10 s 4'.".  His position is only 9 sec of RA east of MCG -02-05-031 = PGC 6130 and the star 4' S is just where he placed it.

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NGC 641 = ESO 244-042 = AM 0136-424 = MCG -07-04-026 = PGC 6081

01 38 39.1 -42 31 40; Phe

V = 12.1;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (10/3/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 36", well-defined E-type appearance, gradually increases to the center.  A mag 10 star lies 4.2' SW and a mag 13 star is 1.9' NE, but the field is quite barren of stars.  Forms a pair with NGC 644 4.3' SE.  Located 24' N of mag 6.7 HD 10167.  Surprisingly bright for a galaxy at only 10” elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 641 = h2432 (along with NGC 644 = h2433) on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, S, R, gpmbM; the preceding of two [with NGC 644]."  His mean position from 3 sweeps matches ESO 244-042 = PGC 6081.

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NGC 642 = ESO 413-014 = MCG -05-05-003 = VV 419 = PGC 6112

01 39 06.3 -29 54 56; Scl

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 31”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): brighter of a pair with NGC 639 1.7' SW.  Faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, ~1.2'x0.8' (fades into background so difficult to estimate PA and size), broad weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the SE end 50" from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 642 = h2431 (along with NGC 639 = h2430) on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 15", has a star near it, following.".  His mean from 3 observations matches ESO 413-014 = PGC 6112.

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NGC 643 = ESO 029-050 = Lindsay 111

01 35 02 -75 33 24; Hyi

V = 13.5

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, broad weak concentration without a distinct core, some mottling but no resolution.  Located 8.5' NNE of mag 8 HD 10041.  This object is an outlying cluster of the SMC in its extension on the southeast side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 643 = h2435 on 18 Sep 1835 and logged "eF, R, vglbM, 40"."

 

In 1957, Gerard de Vaucouleurs concluded (based on Mt Stromlo plates) that NGC 643 was an outlying cluster of the Small Magellanic Cloud and not a galaxy as listed in the 1932 Shapley-Ames Catalogue.  Eric Lindsay independently listed it as a new cluster (not making the connection initially with NGC 643) in his 1958 paper on SMC clusters and described it from a 30 minute ADH plate (South Africa) as "a conspicuous object, clearly recognizable as a cluster with 20-30 faint resolved stars.  The texture and distribution of the outlying stars suggest it is globular; otherwise it would have been classified as certainly open."  NGC 643 was deleted from de Vaucouleur's 1964 Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies and Alan Sandage's 1981 revision of the S-A Catalogue.  RNGC gives the type as 28 (cluster in the LMC) instead of 29 (cluster in the SMC).  NGC 2000.0 classifies it as a globular cluster.  NGC 643B = ESO 029-053 = PGC 6117 is misidentified as NGC 643 in the RC3 (letter designation from the RC1).

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NGC 644 = ESO 244-043 = AM 0136-425 = MCG -07-04-027 = PGC 6097

01 38 53.1 -42 35 06; Phe

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

24" (10/3/13): difficult due to low elevation (10”) and fairly poor seeing this far south.  At 200x appeared very faint, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~24"x18", required averted.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 641 4.3' NW.  A mag 10 star lies 6.8' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 644 = h2433 (along with brighter NGC 641 = h2432) on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, lE, glbM. The following of two [with NGC 641].".  His position and description matches ESO 244-043 = PGC 6097.

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NGC 645 = UGC 1177 = MCG +01-05-016 = CGCG 412-013 = PGC 6172

01 40 08.7 +05 43 35; Psc

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, slight broad concentration.  A line of three mag 9.5-10.5 stars aligned E-W are located just north including a mag 9.5 star 3' NW, a mag 10.5 star 2.2' N and a mag 10 star 4.7' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 645 = m 51 on 27 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, pL, mE."  His position and description applies to UGC 1177.

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NGC 646 = ESO 080-002 = VV 443 = AM 0135-650 = PGC 6010

01 37 21.2 -64 53 42; Hyi

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 107”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): this interacting double system (NGC 646 + PGC 6014) was resolved at 244x, though more cleanly viewed at 397x.  NGC 646, the brighter and larger western galaxy, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, 24" diameter, weak concentration.  I didn't notice the very low surface brightness arms that are tidally stretched (one extends to to PGC 6014).

 

The companion, PGC 6014, appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  It was easily seen close east of NGC 646 [0.9' separation between centers].  The pair is located 8' NE of mag 9.5 HD 10080.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 646 = h2434 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "vF, irregularly round, vglbM."  His position matches this double system.

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NGC 647 = MCG -02-05-033 = PGC 6155

01 39 56.1 -09 14 33; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, elongated 4:3, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 649 3.3' SE.  Located 5' W of mag 8.8 SAO 129437.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 647 = LM 2-316 (along with NGC 649 = LM 2-317) in 1886) with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.4 tmin east of MCG -02-05-033 = PGC 6155.  The galaxy identified as NGC 647 in the MCG is actually NGC 649.

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NGC 648 = IC 146 = ESO 543-006 = MCG -03-05-011 = PGC 6083

01 38 39.8 -17 49 53; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration.  A bright uneven double star h2067 = 7.6/11.6 at 34" lies 10' ENE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 648 = LM 1-34 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.6 min of RA east of ESO 543-006 = PGC 6083.  Because of the poor position, Bigourdan was unable to recover the galaxy.  Stephane Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 30 Sep 1892 with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory, assumed it was new, and Dreyer catalogued J. 1-70 as IC 146.  Herbert Howe reobserved and measured an accurate position for NGC 648 around 1900 (repeated in the IC 2 notes), though neither Howe nor Dreyer noticed the equivalence NGC 648 = IC 146.  ESO states the equivalence NGC 648 = IC 146.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 649 = MCG -02-05-034 = PGC 6169

01 40 07.4 -09 16 18; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 3' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 129437, which hampers the observation.  Forms a pair with NGC 647 3.3' NW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 649 = LM 2-317 (along with NGC 647 = II-316) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position angle (N-S) is off by 20” but it is clear that NGC 649 = MCG -02-05-034 = PGC 6169.  MCG misidentifies NGC 649 as NGC 647.

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NGC 650 = M76 = PK 130-10.1 = PN G130.9-10.5 = Little Dumbbell Nebula

01 42 18.1 +51 34 16; Per

V = 10.1;  Size 163"x107"

 

18" (10/19/06): superb view at 225x using a UHC filter.  The main bi-polar body was very bright, elongated ~SW-NE and dominated by two large, irregular knots at either end.  The SW knot is brighter and the brightest portion is more elongated in the direction of the minor axis.  Both knots are somewhat irregular in shape and brightness.  A faint star is just off the SW end. The two bright knots are attached with a fainter bridge of nebulosity. Extending off the north end is a large "arm" that sweeps around towards the west and a slightly less obvious counterpart is attached at the south end and sweeps towards the east.  The overall effect mimics a photograph of a barred spiral galaxy or perhaps a rotating sprinkler head with jets of water curving away.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): bright, fairly large, consists of two prominent irregular lobes with a darker center; the SW lobe is brighter with straight edges while the NE lobe has a slightly curved edge.  A mag 13.5 star is attached at the southern edge of the SW lobe.  Extending from the main body of this striking bipolar planetary is a large halo that contains two large outer arms or wings similar to a spiral galaxy!  The outer "arm" attached at the NE end is brighter and longer and curves to the west.  The southern extension is short, fainter and less defined.  The general features described above were clearly seen in my 13.1" at 166x using an OIII filter on 10/10/86.

 

13.1": SW end is brighter while the NE end is slightly curved.  Boxy appearance with a dark center.

 

80mm (1/20/07): at 12.5x appears as a very faint, very small low surface brightness spot that blinks well using an OIII filter and increases significantly in contrast.  At 25x and OIII filter appears as a fairly faint, round knot with a fairly high surface brightness.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M76 = NGC 650 = H I-193 on 5 Sept 1780 with a 3" refractor.  William Herschel described the planetary on 12 Nov 1787 as "Two close together, their nebulosities run into each other; distance of their centers is 1 1/2 or 2'."  The second nebula was catalogued as NGC 651.

 

Sir Robert Ball described M76 in detail on 5 Nov 1866 using the 72" at Birr Castle: "remarkable object; a new spiral possessing details of interest.  Previous observation as to form confirmed with some further particulars well seen in single lens.  It consists principally of the two B knots which according to Herschel are the pair of double nebula, and third much fainter knot p the other two.  Form compared to a reaping hook.  Sketched by Lord Oxmantown.  The nebulosity terminates very suddenly on the s edge where there is a star, probably distinct from, through very close to the nebulosity.  A branch of nebulosity in the foll direction was suspected by both observes preceding from between the two knots."

 

Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) described, "central star of mag 16.  Quite irregular, but evidently to be included as one of the larger members of the planetary class.  The central and brighter portion of the nebula is an irregular, patchy oblong 87"x42" in pa 40” from the ends of which faint, irregular, ring-like wisps extend total length 157" in pa 128”.  Brightest patch at southern end of central part."

 

The nickname "Little Dumbbell" was used by Leland Copeland in a Feb. 1960 Sky & Telescope article "An Amateur's Tour of Planetary Nebulae"

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NGC 651 = PK 130-10.1 = M76 = PN G130.9-10.5 = Little Dumbbell Nebula

01 42 21.9 +51 34 49; Per

V = 10.1

 

17.5": part of NGC 650 = M76, see description for NGC 650.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 651 = H I-193 on 12 Nov 1787 (sweep 780) and recorded "Two close together; both vB, their nebulosities run into each other.  Distance of their centers 1 1/2' or 2' from sp to nf."  As one was M76 he assigned one new number.  Dreyer assigned NGC 650 to M76 and NGC 651 to H I-193 (following of the double nebula).

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NGC 652 = UGC 1184 = MCG +01-05-017 = CGCG 412-014 = PGC 6208

01 40 43.2 +07 58 58; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, very weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 652 = Sw. V-15 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 14 tsec east of UGC 1184 = PGC 6208.  See Corwin's notes for more info on Swift's discoveries that night.

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NGC 653 = UGC 1193 = MCG +06-04-058 = CGCG 521-070 = PGC 6290

01 42 25.7 +35 38 18; And

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 39”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on SSW-NNE, small bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 653 = St XIII-11 on 29 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, pL, mE, 1' major axis, lbM, sev * inv".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 654 = Cr 18 = Mel 9 = OCL-330

01 43 59 +61 53 00; Cas

V = 6.5;  Size 5'

 

13.1" (10/20/84): 35 stars, rich, includes several doubles.  Located just northwest of mag 7.3 HD 10494, which is a likely member.

 

8": rich in faint stars including doubles.  A mag 7 star is at the southeast edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 654 = H VII-46 = h145 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and noted "a small cluster of pretty large stars, pretty rich."  John Herschel described on 5 Oct 1829 (sweep 216), "a fine rich cluster; stars 11...14m; 3' dia; irreg fig; place that of the most compressed part; one star 6.7 mag, south-following the center, is ruddy."

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NGC 655 = MCG -02-05-037 = PGC 6262

01 41 55.1 -13 04 56; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, weakly concentrated halo, rises quickly to small bright core.  A mag 12/14 double star at 20" separation is 2' S.  Located 10' NNW of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 655 = LM 1-35 on 12 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 2' S of MCG -02-05-037037 = PGC 6262.  Bigourdan was unable to find this galaxy.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 656 = UGC 1194 = MCG +04-05-002 = CGCG 482-004 = PGC 6293

01 42 27.3 +26 08 35; Psc

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.5' NW.  Located 8' ESE of mag 9 SAO 74879.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 656 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He measured a very accurate position on 2 nights as well as the nearby mag 10 star (5 seconds preceding and 1 1/4' north).

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NGC 657 = OCL-337 = Lund 52

01 43 21 +55 50.2; Cas

 

17.5" (10/25/97): very unimpressive asterism near at the double star O· 35 = 7.2/10.4 at 13".  Possibly John Herschel was attracted to a group of ~10 stars 4'-5' SW of the bright double.  There are a few additional stars following this group which lead back to the double.  This grouping includes a couple of close, faint doubles but appears to be a weak asterism at all powers as there is no evident clustering.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 657 = h146 on 28 Nov 1831 and noted "A double star (h2070), the chief of a p rich loose cl; st 12m."

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NGC 658 = UGC 1192 = MCG +02-05-009 = CGCG 437-009 = PGC 6275

01 42 09.7 +12 36 06; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 3.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration, fairly faint small core.  Located 4' SSW of mag 8.8 SAO 92587.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 658 = St IX-1 on 27 Nov 1880 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "very faint, very small, irregular, brighter in the middle."  His position matches UGC 1192 = PGC 6275. This galaxy was independently found by Lewis Swift on 17 Sep 1885 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and reported it in list II-13.  His position and description is good, though he criticized Stephan's description by writing "pB; pL; vE; nearly bet 2 pB st.  If this is Stephan's No 1 of his catalogue of 60 nebulae, A.N. 2390, then his description is wrong in every particular."

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NGC 659 = Cr 19 = Mel 10 = OCL-332

01 44 23 +60 40 12; Cas

V = 7.9;  Size 5'

 

13.1" (10/20/84): ~20 stars in cluster, not impressive.  Located 80' E of M103.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): 18 stars at 166x over haze.  In field to NW of NGC 663.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 659 = VIII-65 on 27 Sep 1783 with her 4.2-inch comet-seeker reflector.  She observed it again on 30 Oct 1783.  William Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and logged "a small cluster of small stars, not very rich." In his PT catalogue, he noted "Caroline Herschel [discovered it in ] 1783."

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NGC 660 = UGC 1201 = MCG +02-05-013 = CGCG 437-012 = LGG 029-002 = PGC 6318

01 43 01.7 +13 38 35; Psc

V = 11.2;  Size 8.3'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 170”

 

48" (10/23/11): this large, striking galaxy contains a very bright, elongated bar oriented SW-NE, ~2'x1'.  The northeastern half of the bar is noticeably brighter with a very high surface brightness. The galaxy is fainter and wider on the southwest portion of the bar.  The central region in mottled and dusty, but I didn't notice the X-shaped dust lanes visible on photos.  At the southwest end, a broad low surface brightness spiral arm emerges and sweeps south, curving slightly east for a length of 2'.  A second faint arm begins at the northeast end of the bar and extends north a similar distance, bending gradually to the west.  The arms gave the galaxy a stretched "S" appearance and significantly increased the overall size to ~6.5'x2.5', roughly N-S.

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly bright, large, oval SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo, mottled.  A mag 14 double star is 1.8' ESE of center.  Located 10' SE of mag 8.1 SAO 92589.  UGC 1195 (possibly = IC 148) lies 22' NNW.  It appeared faint, moderately large, oval SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  NGC 660 and IC 148 are members of the loose M74 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 660 = H II-253 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295) and noted "pB, pl, E, bM, r".  Sir Robert Ball, an assistant with the 72" at Birr Castle, described "a fine neb of the character of the neb in Andromeda.  cB, vL, E 37.1”, possibly curved and with details.  E Nucl which was suspected to be in two parts or have some peculiarity."  A later observation by Dreyer reads "pB, pL mE 41”.  Looks like a brush, fades away gradually south-following, more sharply defined north-preceding.  Condensation in nf end."

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NGC 661 = UGC 1215 = MCG +05-05-005 = CGCG 503-014 = PGC 6376

01 44 14.6 +28 42 22; Tri

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, prominent core, bright stellar nucleus.  Bracketed by two mag 14 stars 75" SW and 75" NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 661 = H II-610 = h147 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and noted "F, S, bM, resolvable".  John Herschel logged on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177), "pF; S; R; psbM".  His position matches UGC 1215 = PGC 6376.  E.E. Barnard independently found it on 11 Oct 1882 with his 5-inch refractor and described a "minute speck of a nebula...which I assume to be new."

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NGC 662 = UGC 1220 = MCG +06-04-060 = CGCG 521-073 = V Zw 98 = PGC 6393

01 44 35.5 +37 41 46; And

V = 12.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, very small, fairly high even surface brightness, elongated 3:2 ~N-S.  Located 3' ENE of mag 6.9 SAO 10617, which hampers viewing.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 662 = St XIII-12 on 22 Nov 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and noted "F, S, R, rather marked central condensation".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 663 = Cr 20 = Mel 11 = OCL-333

01 46 16 +61 13 06; Cas

V = 7.1;  Size 16'

 

13.1" (10/20/84): ~75 stars, fairly large, rich.  Includes several doubles, the most prominent are STF 153 = 9.3/10.3 at 8" and STF 152 = 9.0/11.2 at 9" and STF 151 = 10.5/10.9 at 7".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 663 = H VI-31 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of pretty large stars near 15' diameter, considerably rich."  Neither JH nor LdR's assistants observed the cluster.

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NGC 664 = UGC 1210 = MCG +01-05-029 = CGCG 412-023 = PGC 6359

01 43 45.8 +04 13 23; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  Nearby are a mag 15 star 50" NW and two mag 14 stars 1.8' WSW and 2' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 664 = h148 on 24 Sep 1830 and noted "vF; R; 20" [diameter]."  R.J. Mitchell, observing with the 72" on 11 Dec 1854, recorded "S, R, bmN.  Forms a trapezium [eastern vertex] with 3 stars."

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NGC 665 = UGC 1223 = MCG +02-05-019 = CGCG 437-019 = PGC 6415

01 44 56.1 +10 25 22; Psc

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, prominent core, bright nucleus.  Brightest in a group of four with IC 154 14' NNE, IC 156 11NE and CGCG 437-020 6' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 665 = H II-588 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 582) and logged "F, irr R, r."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 666 = UGC 1236 = MCG +06-05-002 = CGCG 521-079 = PGC 6483

01 46 06.3 +34 22 28; Tri

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus.  Almost collinear with a mag 12.5 star 2' NNE and a mag 13 star 3' NNE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 666 = St XIII-13 on 22 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate and his description "very small star in an extremely small and faint nebula" applies to the stellar nucleus and small halo.

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NGC 667 = ESO 477-002 = PGC 6418

01 44 56.7 -22 55 09; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  Not seen with certainty at 220x and verified at 280x.  Located 1.4' SE of a mag 12 star.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 667 = LM 2-318 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.3' west and 2' south of ESO 477-002 = PGC 6418.  A mag 10 star mentioned in his notes as 1.6' in PA 320” (NW) clinches the identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 668 = UGC 1238 = MCG +06-05-003 = CGCG 521-080 = PGC 6502

01 46 22.6 +36 27 37; And

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo, small bright core.  Located 2.5' W of a mag 10.5 star at the NW edge of AGC 262 galaxy cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 668 = St XI-2 on 4 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "pF; pS; R; gbM".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 669 = UGC 1248 = MCG +06-05-004 = CGCG 522-004 = PGC 6560

01 47 16.2 +35 33 46; Tri

V = 12.3;  Size 3.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright bulging core, thin tapering extensions, fairly striking appearance.  A mag 13 star is just south of the SW tip 1.5' from the center.  Three mag 12 stars form a shallow obtuse triangle close north with the nearest star 1.8' NW.  Located at the SW edge of AGC 262 galaxy cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 669 = St XIII-14 on 28 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged "pF; mE NE to SW; 1.5' length; gbM; mottled center or several small stars involved." His position and description matches UGC 1248 = PGC 6560.

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NGC 670 = UGC 1250 = MCG +05-05-012 = CGCG 503-024 = PGC 6570

01 47 24.9 +27 53 09; Tri

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 172”

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, compact, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.  Located 28' NNW of NGC 672.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 670 = H II-611 = h149 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and noted "F, S, lE".  John Herschel logged on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177), "not vF; S; E nearly in Meridian [N-S]; 15" C; 10" br." R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 18 Sep 1857, recorded "S, pretty much E np sf, bM, is about 2' preceding a double star."

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NGC 671 = UGC 1247 = MCG +02-05-029 = CGCG 437-027 = PGC 6546

01 46 59.1 +13 07 31; Ari

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, seems brighter at both ends.  A double star with components mag 12.5/13.5 (oriented NW-SE with separation 20") lies 3' S.  Located very close to the Pisces border.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 671 = Sw. II-14 on 17 Sep 1885 with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "eF; pS; R; "between a double star and a star with a distant companion."   Swift's position is 18 sec of RA east of UGC 1247 = PGC 6546 and his description of the nearby stars to the north and south pins down the identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 672 = VV 338b = UGC 1256 = MCG +04-05-011 = CGCG 482-016 = Holm 46a = KTG 8B = PGC 6595

01 47 53.9 +27 25 56; Tri

V = 10.9;  Size 7.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 65”

 

24" (12/28/13): at 225x appeared very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, mottled appearance.  Contains a brighter, elongated "bar" that is slightly angled (roughly 7:2 E-W) to the major axis of the halo.  Slightly brighter "patches" were visible just beyond the bar (on both the east and west side), probably where spiral arms attach to the bar.  IC 1727 lies 8' SW.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.  Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star 2.2' WNW and a mag 13 star 3.2' E.  Brightest in a group with IC 1727 8' SW.

 

8" (11/13/82): fairly faint, low even surface brightness, fairly large, diffuse.  Two mag 13.5 stars lie NW and at the east edge.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated ~E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 672 = H I-157 = h150 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "cB, cL, extended in the parallel, mbM, about 6 or 7' long, 3' broad."  The galaxy was observed 7 times with the 72".  On 26 Oct 1854, R.J. Mitchell recorded "A tolerably B ray, bM.  The B portion is narrow, but I think F neby extends laterally; * south of centre and another fainter one sp center? [this may refer to an HII region]."  I'm surprised, though, that IC 1727 was missed during these observations.

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NGC 673 = UGC 1259 = MCG +02-05-033 = CGCG 437-030 = PGC 6624

01 48 22.5 +11 31 18; Ari

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  Located 3.1' WSW of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 673 = H II-589 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 582) and logged "F, pL, E, brightest following the middle, 2' south-preceding a considerably bright star [10th mag]."  Using the 72" at Birr Castle in 1875, J.L.E. Dreyer accurately described the galaxy as "pB, pL, irr R, vlbM, *10-11m Pos. 65.8”, Dist 195.6".

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NGC 674 = NGC 697 = UGC 1317 = MCG +04-05-022 = CGCG 482-027 = PGC 6848

01 51 17.4 +22 21 28; Ari

 

See observing notes for NGC 697.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 674 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted "pretty bright, elongated, *14 follows by 8 seconds."  There is nothing at his position, but 2.0 min of RA east is NGC 697 and the description fits!  JH and Dreyer assumed this was a new discovery and catalogued d'Arrest's object as GC 398 = NGC 674.  Curiously, he claims the object was found the same night (4th of 411) that he also observed NGC 697.  Father Hagen and Bigourdan searched fruitlessly for NGC 674 and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, says "not found, = NGC 697?"  That conclusion is warranted.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 675 = UGC 1273 = MCG +02-05-041 = CGCG 437-037 = PGC 6665

01 49 08.6 +13 03 35; Ari

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 99”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 30"x12".  A mag 14.6 star is close northeast.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 675 1.3' E.

 

17.5" (12/18/89): extremely faint, small, elongated E-W.  Forms a pair with NGC 677 1.4' ENE.  Located just SW of a mag 14 star, which is 1' W of NGC 677.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 675 = Sw. V-16, along with NGC 677 = Sw. V-17, on 25 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 5 sec of RA west and 17" south of UGC 1273 = PGC 6665.

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NGC 676 = UGC 1270 = MCG +01-05-034 = CGCG 412-028 = PGC 6656

01 48 57.3 +05 54 24; Psc

V = 11.9;  Size 4.0'x1.2';  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very unusual appearance as a mag 10 star (BD +5 244) is superimposed on the core!  Fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, almost even surface brightness except for the bright star.  NGC 693 lies 26' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 676 = H IV-42 = h151 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 607) and recorded "a star with vF branches in the direction of the meridian, each branch about 1' in length; the star about 8 or 9 m; other stars of the same size are free from these branches".  Interestingly, he used this example in his 1814 PT paper to argue, not only of the association of the star [very near the center] and the nebula, but that the nebula was brighter near the star because nebulous matter was being drawn by gravity to the star.  John Herschel made two observations and logged on 24 Sep 1830, "a *9m with a vF narrow ray of nebulosity; a most curious object."  The galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle.  On 8 Nov 1876, J.L.E. Dreyer recorded "*9m with pF neb elongated 168.4”, longer on the side of *, concave preceding, convex following."

 

The 9.5-mag star superimposed at the center is included in the CGCG magnitude (10.5z).  Steinicke notes that the separation from centre is only 9", the smallest value of all cases of bright superimposed stars in the NGC!

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NGC 677 = IC 152? = UGC 1275 = MCG +02-05-042 = CGCG 437-039 = PGC 6673

01 49 14.0 +13 03 19; Ari

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright or fairly bright, moderately large, round, at least 1' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a small, intensely bright nucleus and a low surface brightness halo.  A mag 15.3 star is close to the south edge of the halo.  Brighter of a very close pair with NGC 675 1.3' W.

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 1' W and a mag 15 star is 1' S.  Forms a close pair with NGC 675 1.4' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 677 = Sw. V-17, along with NGC 675 = Sw. V-16, on 25 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 10 sec of RA west and 14" north of UGC 1275.  He described NGC 675 as "vF" and 677 as "eeF", although NGC 677 is the brighter galaxy at the eyepiece. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, but identifies the object as NGC 675.

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NGC 678 = UGC 1280 = MCG +04-05-014 = CGCG 482-018 = LGG 034-002 = WBL 052-001 = PGC 6690

01 49 24.8 +21 59 51; Ari

V = 12.2;  Size 4.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 78”

 

24" (8/30/16): fairly bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6'.  Sharply concentrated with an unusually brighter core that is irregularly round, stellar nucleus.  The arms are long and low surface brightness, but the warped dust lane was not seen.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 680 5.5' ESE.

 

18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a small bright core that increases to the center.  The extensions are much fainter.  Forms a pair with NGC 680 5' ESE in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group).

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 3:1 ~E-W.  Forms a pair with NGC 680 5' ESE in the NGC 697 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 678 = H II-228, along with NGC 680, on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and described them together as "Two. Both F, pS, irregularly R."  The NGC position is accurate.  On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he logged "pB, S, mbM."

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NGC 679 = UGC 1283 = MCG +06-05-012 = CGCG 522-015 = V Zw 114 = PGC 6711

01 49 43.7 +35 47 08; And

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broad concentration, in AGC 262.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 679 = H III-175 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar."  His position is 17 tsec east and 1' south of UGC 1283 = PGC 6711.

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NGC 680 = UGC 1286 = MCG +04-05-015 = CGCG 482-019 = WBL 052-002 = LGG 034-003 = PGC 6719

01 49 47.3 +21 58 16; Ari

V = 11.9;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 156”

 

24" (8/30/16): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.5'x1.2'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright 30" core that increases gradually to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.8 star is 3.5' E.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 678 5'.5 WNW.  IC 1730 is 3.5' NE.

 

18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, high surface brightness elliptical or lenticular, slightly elongated, 1.7'x1.5'.  Contains a well-condensed 30" bright core surrounded by a fainter halo that fades gradually.  Surrounded by three mag 10-11 stars 3'-4' S, E and NE.  In a trio with NGC 678 5' WNW and IC 1730 3.5' NE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 678 5' WNW in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 680 = H II-229, along with NGC 678, on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274).  On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he noted "pB, S, mbM." See NGC 678.

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NGC 681 = MCG -02-05-052 = LGG 033-002 = PGC 6671

01 49 10.7 -10 25 35; Cet

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the NW edge of the halo.  Just SW is a perfect rhombus asterism consisting of four mag 13 stars with sides 1.5' with an additional mag 14 star just east of the rhombus.  MCG -02-05-053 lies 22' N.  On images, this galaxy has a striking resemblance to the Sombrero Galaxy, although the dust lane was not noticed.

 

13" (12/22/84): moderately bright, elongated ~E-W, diffuse edges, weak concentration, small bright nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is at the west edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 681 = H II-481 = h2436 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and noted "pB, cL, R, about 1.5' following a small star [mag 13]."  His position is 7' N of MCG -02-05-052 = PGC 6671.  JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, measured an accurate position and noted "F; R; glbM; 35."

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NGC 682 = MCG -03-05-022 = PGC 6663

01 49 04.5 -14 58 29; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very small bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated fainter outer halo.  Located 15' SE of mag 7.5 SAO 148020.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 682 = H II-501 = h154 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and noted "F, S, R, very small pretty bright nucleus."  On 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), John Herschel called it "vF; R; vgbM; 15" [diameter]." The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 683 = UGC 1288 = MCG +02-05-047 = CGCG 437-043 = PGC 6718

01 49 46.7 +11 42 05; Ari

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, small, round.  A pair of mag 14 stars are 2' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 683 = h153 on 17 Oct 1825 and noted "eF; AR may be a whole minute wrong [the transit was missed]." Despite his uncertainly, Herschel's position matches UGC 1288 = PGC 6718.

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NGC 684 = IC 165 = UGC 1292 = MCG +04-05-017 = CGCG 482-022 = KTG 8C = PGC 6759

01 50 14.0 +27 38 48; Tri

V = 12.4;  Size 3.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 90”

 

24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, beautiful edge-on 7:1 E-W, 1.8'x0.25', sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core and a faint stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, even concentration, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 32' NE of NGC 672 in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 684 = H II-612 = h152 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "pB, pL, lE nearly in the parallel, mbM."

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' son, found this galaxy again on 18 Jan 1890 while "searching for Swift's Comet" and it was reported as a new object in list IX-6.  In Astronomische Nachrichten #3429, Isaac Roberts noted the equivalence of IC 165 and NGC 684.  Dreyer repeated this identity in the IC 2 notes.

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NGC 685 = ESO 152-024 = PGC 6581

01 47 42.5 -52 45 47; Eri

V = 11.0;  Size 3.7'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 75”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large, slightly elongated ~WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a large brighter core, 3' diameter.  Just outside the core, the surface brightness is irregular or mottled and a couple of extremely faint quasi-stellar knots (HII regions) are just visible in the outer halo.  There is an impression of spiral structure in the halo, but I couldn't trace the arms.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 685 = h2438 on 3 Oct 1834 and logged "F, vL, R, vgvlbM, 3'.". His position is 1.5' S of ESO 152-024 = PGC 6581.

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NGC 686 = ESO 477-006 = MCG -04-05-008 = PGC 6655

01 48 56.1 -23 47 54; For

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus.  Forms the vertex of a right angle with mag 9.2 SAO 167314 4' WNW and mag 8.1 SAO 167315 5' SW.  Located at the NW edge of Fornax on the Cetus border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 686 = H III-459 = h155 = h2437 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and noted "vF, vS, easily resolvable."  John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope.  He logged it from Slough on 14 Oct 1830 (sweep 306) as "vF; R; gbM; 15"; a *8 m south-preceding."

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NGC 687 = UGC 1298 = MCG +06-05-014 = CGCG 522-017 = PGC 6782

01 50 33.2 +36 22 15; And

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Member of AGC 262.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.

 

13.1" (12/11/82): fairly bright, small, round, bright core, ~1' diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 687 = H III-561 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and noted "vF, stellar."  The NGC position is 4 sec of RA east and 2.3' S of UGC 1298 = PGC 6782.

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NGC 688 = UGC 1302 = MCG +06-05-015 = CGCG 522-020 = Mrk 1009 = PGC 6799

01 50 44.2 +35 17 04; Tri

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with UGC 1299 within in AGC 262.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, weak concentration.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 688 on 16 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches the starburst (nucleus) galaxy UGC 1302 = Mrk 1009 = PGC 6799.

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NGC 689 = ESO 414-005 = MCG -05-05-019 = PGC 6724

01 49 51.7 -27 27 59; For

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, small, round, broad concentration.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.5' SW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 689 = LM 1-89 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is 0.8 tmin west and 3' north of ESO 414-005 = PGC 6724.

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NGC 690 = MCG -03-05-021 = PGC 6587

01 47 48.1 -16 43 17; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): marginal object that required a GSC finder chart and averted vision just to glimpse.  As the observation was extremely difficult, no details were visible, although it seemed round, perhaps 20" diameter.  The correct position confirmed with respect to a couple of collinear mag 12 stars 5' SE and 10' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 690 = LM 1-37 on 9 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is 1.5 tmin east of MCG -03-05-021 = PGC 6587.

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NGC 691 = UGC 1305 = MCG +04-05-019 = CGCG 460-031 = CGCG 482-023 = LGG 034-004 = PGC 6793

01 50 41.7 +21 45 35; Ari

V = 11.4;  Size 3.5'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 95”

 

18" (11/22/03): bright, large, slightly elongated E-W, ~2.0'x1.5'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a well-defined 45" core surrounded by an unconcentrated halo.  A close pair of mag 9-10 stars (uncatalogued) is just off the northeast edge!  NGC 691 is the brightest in the NGC 691 group (also called the NGC 697 group and LGG 034) that includes NGC 678, NGC 680, NGC 691, NGC 694, NGC 695, NGC 697, IC 163, IC 167, IC 1730 and others.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, fairly large, almost round, very diffuse, weak concentration.  A close double star is off the NE edge.  Located 15' SSE of NGC 680 in the NGC 697 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 691 = H II-617 on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) and noted "F, cL, vglbM".  The NGC position matches UGC 1305 = PGC 6793.

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NGC 692 = ESO 197-003 = PGC 6642

01 48 42.0 -48 38 55; Phe

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, moderately large, roundish, 50"-60" diameter.  Contains a bright, elongated core NW-SE that appears to be a bar (verified later on the DSS) and a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Four stars curl south off the southwest side including a mag 12 star 3.7' SSW.  Mag 9.8 HD 11265 lies 11.5' NE

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 692 = h2439 on 2 Oct 1834 and noted "B, R, gbM, 30"." On a later sweep (744) he described it as "vF, R, gbM, 20"."  JH's position (h2439) is accurate, although there was a 10 tsec error in RA on sweep 744.

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NGC 693 = UGC 1304 = MCG +01-05-035 = CGCG 412-033 = PGC 6778

01 50 30.9 +06 08 42; Psc

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 106”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  A mag 10.5 star is 1.4' E of center.  NGC 706 is 22' NE and NGC 676 26' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 693 = H II-859 = h156 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 986) and noted "pB, S, E nearly in parallel, south preceding a small star."  John Herschel logged on 24 Sep 1830 (sweep 300), "pB; E; vgbM; a * 10m, north-following." The galaxy was observed 5 times at Birr Castle. On 7 Oct 1850, Bindon Stoney recorded "Light rather equable, a minute star in the p part, resolvable?".  A sketch was made on 8 Nov 1876 and included in LdR's 1861 publication (Plate XXV, fig 2).

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NGC 694 = UGC 1310 = MCG +04-05-020 = CGCG 482-024 = Mrk 363 = V Zw 122 = LGG 034-007 = PGC 6816

01 50 58.4 +21 59 50; Ari

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  PA = 160”

 

18" (11/22/03): moderately bright, fairly small, 0.7'x0.5'. Fairly high surface brightness, which increases to an occasional faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.3' SE.  IC 167, which lies 5.5' SSE, is very faint, elongated 4:3, 0.8'x0.6', low surface brightness. 

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Member of the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group) with IC 167 5.5' SSE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 694 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted the nebula was collinear with two mag 15 stars [probably to the NW and SE].

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NGC 695 = UGC 1315 = CGCG 482-026 = V Zw 123 = PGC 6844

01 51 14.2 +22 34 57; Ari

V = 12.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, very small, round.  A mag 13 star is at the west end, 0.5' from center.  Located 14' N of NGC 697 in a group, though physically this galaxy lies far in the background.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 695 = H II-618 on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) and noted "vS, stellar."  The NGC position is 1' S of UGC 1315 = PGC 6844.

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NGC 696 = ESO 353-050 = MCG -06-05-004 = SCG 9 = PGC 6695

01 49 31.2 -34 54 19; For

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 40"x30", weak concentration.  A mag 12 star follows by 3.3'.  Forms a pair with fainter NGC 698 5.1' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 696 = h2440 (along with NGC 698 = h2441) on 29 Nov 1837 and noted "F, S, R, 15"."  His position is 0.2 tmin east and 2.5' south of ESO 353-050 = PGC 6695 (same offset as NGC 698).

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NGC 697 = NGC 674 = UGC 1317 = MCG +04-05-022 = CGCG 482-027 = LGG 034-006 = PGC 6848

01 51 17.4 +22 21 28; Ari

V = 12.0;  Size 4.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 105”

 

18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~3.0'x1.3'.  Contains a fairly well-defined bright elongated core and a fairly smooth halo.  Located 16' ENE of the bright double star 1 Arietis.  NGC 695 is located 13' N.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, only a weak broad concentration.  The striking double star 1 Arietis (6.2/7.4 at 3") lies 16' WSW.  Brightest in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group) with a number of members about 30' S.

 

8" (11/28/81): fairly faint, elongated.  Located ~15' E of a close mag 6/7 double (1 Arietis).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 697 = H III-179 on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "vF, pL, lE."  On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he noted "pB, cL, E, mbM."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy was on 2 Dec 1861 but his RA was 2 min too small.  Dreyer assumed d'Arrest's object was new, and recatalogued it as NGC 674. So, NGC 697 = NGC 674, with NGC 697 the primary designation.

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NGC 698 = ESO 353-051 = MCG -06-05-005 = SCG 9 = PGC 6710

01 49 43.7 -34 49 52; For

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 171”

 

17.5" (11/1/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (probably viewed core only), low surface brightness, no concentration.  Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily.  Forms the northern vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 4.7' S and brighter NGC 696 5.1' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 698 = h2441 on 29 Nov 1837 and noted "vvF; S."  His single position is 10 tsec of RA east and 2.5' south of ESO 353-051 = PGC 6710 (same amount of offset as NGC 696).

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NGC 699 = MCG -02-05-059 = PGC 6798

01 50 43.7 -12 02 09; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): extremely faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, very low surface brightness, brighter core.  Located 7' NNE of mag 8.5 SAO 148050.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 699 = LM 2-319 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 16.0, 1.0'x0.4', E 105”, bnp, curved; *9.5 p 22 sec".  His position matches MCG -02-05-059 = PGC 6798 and the mag 9 star he described to the west is accurate.

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NGC 700 = CGCG 522-030 = Holm 49e = WBL 054-006 = PGC 6928

01 52 16.9 +36 02 12; And

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, small, round.  Two mag 14 stars are collinear 1.5' WSW and 2.7' WSW.  Located about 8' SW of the central core of AGC 262 in a group of four galaxies with UGC 1336 3.7' NW.  This galaxy (CGCG 522-030) is not identified as NGC 700 in any of the major catalogues.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint, small, round.  A mag 14 star lies 1' W.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 700 with the 72" at Birr Castle on 12 Oct 1855 and recorded "about 8' sp same group [NGC 703, 704, 705, 708] is another neb., F, S, R"  This rough position is a reasonable match with CGCG 522-030 = PGC 6928.  Bindon Stoney possibly observed the galaxy earlier on 28 Oct 1850, though he just mentions a nebula was found preceding the group.

 

The RNGC, UGC and CGCG misidentify UGC 1336 as NGC 700.  This latter galaxy is 6.5' WSW the center of the group, but is not as obvious at the eyepiece.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 701 = MCG -02-05-060 = Holm 47a = LGG 033-003 = PGC 6826

01 51 03.7 -09 42 10; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, broadly concentrated halo, faint stellar nucleus suspected.  Forms a pair with IC 1738 5.4' S.  The smaller companion appeared faint, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 701 = H I-62 = h160 = h2442 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and noted "F, pS, irr R." On 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) he called this object "cB; pL; E; bM."  It was placed in class I (Bright Nebulae).  John Herschel observed the galaxy at both Slough and at the Cape, commenting on 9 Dec 1835 (sweep 650) from the Cape, "eF, pL; certainly not entitled to a place in the 1st class." In the GC notes, he added d'Arrest missed it with a 4.5-inch refractor at Leibzig.

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NGC 702 = Arp 75 = MCG -01-05-043 = PGC 6852

01 51 19.2 -04 03 21; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 10' NNW of mag 7.3 SAO 129535.

 

Arp classified NGC 702 (Arp 75) as a spiral with "small high surface-brightness companion on arms", though this appears to be a bright emission region.  The core of this galaxy, though, may contain two close nuclei so NGC 702 might be a post-collisional system.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 702 = H III-192 = h158 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and noted "eF, S, 240 verified it with difficulty."  John Herschel observed the galaxy on 3 sweeps and logged on 18 Oct 1827 (sweep 97), "eF; lE in meridian; has a * 14m 90" south."

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NGC 703 = UGC 1346 = MCG +06-05-029 = CGCG 522-037 = Holm 49c = PGC 6957

01 52 39.6 +36 10 17; And

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, oval, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the SW end.  Located in the central core of AGC 262 with NGC 708 1.8' SE, NGC 705 1.7' SSE and NGC 704 2.7' S.

 

13.1" (10/22/84): faint, very small, third brightest of four in the core of AGC 262.

 

13.1" (12/11/82): very faint, round, difficult.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 703 = H III-562 = h157, along with NGC 704, 705 and 708, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and recorded "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them.  All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others."  John Herschel logged on 17 Nov 1828 (sweep 105), "vF; the np of two [with NGC 708], dist 90" ±."

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NGC 704 = UGC 1343 = MCG +06-05-028 = CGCG 522-034 = Holm 49b = PGC 6953

01 52 37.7 +36 07 37; And

V = 13.1;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration.  Located in the dense core of AGC 262 with NGC 705 1.3' NE, NGC 703 2.7'N and NGC 708 2.7' NE.  This double galaxy (companion NGC 704A = PGC 3626786 at the south edge) was unresolved, but was merged in the N-S direction.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, very small.  Second brightest of four in the core of AGC 262.

 

13.1" (12/11/82): very faint.  On a line with NGC 705 and NGC 708.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 704 = H III-563, along with NGC 703, 705 and 708, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599).  He described the group as "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them.  All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 7 Oct 1855, noted "[NGC 704] is seen with higher power (single lens) to be double."  So, he resolved this double system.  I suggested to Harold Corwin (in Mar 2014) that the two components could justifiably be labeled NGC 704A and NGC 704B.

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NGC 705 = UGC 1345 = MCG +06-05-030 = CGCG 522-036 = Holm 49d = VI Zw 90 = PGC 6958

01 52 41.5 +36 08 39; And

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located in the core of AGC 262 with NGC 703 1.7' N, NGC 704 1.3' SW and NGC 708 1.1' NE.  A mag 14 star is 40" south, midway to NGC 704.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): very faint, very small, star less than 1' SW between NGC 703 and NGC 704.

 

13.1" (12/11/82): extremely faint, very small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 705 = H III-562, along with NGC 703, 704 and NGC 708, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599).  He described the group as "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them.  All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 706 = UGC 1334 = MCG +01-05-040 = CGCG 412-037 = PGC 6897

01 51 50.5 +06 17 48; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, almost even surface brightness but faint stellar nucleus seen at moments.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' N of center.  NGC 693 lies 22' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 706 = H II-596 = h161 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 607) and noted "F, S, irr F, about 1' south of a very small star."  The star is exactly 1' north.  John Herschel logged on 24 Sep 1830 (sweep 300), "pB; 30"; a *13m 1 radius of neb dist from edge."

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NGC 707 = MCG -02-05-063 = PGC 6861

01 51 27.1 -08 30 20; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 85”

 

24" (11/7/18): at 375x; small but fairly high surface brightness.  Elongated ~2:1 (at least the brighter major axis), ~30"x15", faint stellar nucleus.  A faint star (mag ~15.5) is superimposed on the southeast end.

 

Brightest in a group at z = .018 with IC 170 7.6' E,  MCG -2-5-64 5.5' N, MCG -2-5-65 6.7' NNE, IC 168 is 15' WSW, LEDA 1002631 11' WSW.

 

MCG -02-05-064 appeared very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~30"x24", low surface brightness.  MCG -02-05-065, a dimmer companion, is 2' NE. LEDA 1002631 was extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Situated just 40" S of a mag 11.5 star and 3.5' E of IC 168.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  A faint star is superimposed [only 12" SE of center] and it gave the appearance of a double nucleus.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 707 = T IV-6 on 13 Nov 1879 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported "III class, with star in the middle."  His micrometric position matches MCG -02-05-063 = PGC 6861 (verified by Sherburne Burnham in the Publications of Lick Observatory, Volume II).  Burnham also discovered IC 168 1.0 minute of time west.

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NGC 708 = UGC 1348 = MCG +06-05-031 = CGCG 522-039 = Holm 49a = PGC 6962

01 52 46.4 +36 09 08; And

V = 12.7;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.9;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the north end just 0.2' from center.  Located in the central core of AGC 262 with NGC 703 1.8' NW, NGC 705 1.1' SW and NGC 704 2.7' SW.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): very faint, small, round, largest in a group of four.  A mag 15 star is off the north edge.

 

13.1" (12/11/82): brightest in the central group, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 708 = H III-565 = h159, along with NGC 703, 704 and 705, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599).  He described the group as "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them.  All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others."  John Herschel logged on 17 Nov 1828 (sweep 105), "pB; pL; lbM; 40" [diameter]."

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NGC 709 = CGCG 522-040 = PGC 6969

01 52 50.6 +36 13 25; And

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE.  Located almost at midpoint of a mag 12 star 1.9' SE and a mag 10 star 2.0' NW.  Located just north of the central core of AGC 262 with NGC 708 4.3' SSW and NGC 703 3.8' SW.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 709 on 28 Oct 1850.  He recorded "4' or 5' nnf of group [NGC 703/704/705/708] is another nebula, perhaps two."   Dreyer independently found it on 18 Nov 1876 and recorded "Nova [=5195] nf h 157 [NGC 703]., Pos 35.1, Dist. 210.5", vF, pS, it has a *11 m in Pos 297, Dist 110.3", *12-13m about same distance sf, the 2 st and neb being almost in a line."  The offset and description of nearby stars matches CGCG 522-040 = PGC 6969.  Dreyer was credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 710 = UGC 1349 = MCG +06-05-033 = CGCG 522-041 = PGC 6972

01 52 53.9 +36 03 12; And

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval slightly elongated ~E-W.  A mag 15 star is 40" SSW of center.  Located about 6' SSE of the central four galaxies (NGC 703, NGC 704, NGC 705, NGC 708) in the core of AGC 262.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated, fairly small, largest in field.

 

13.1" (12/11/82): faint, round, visible with direct vision, second brightest in the central core.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, probably discovered NGC 710 on 28 Oct 1850. He recorded "ssf [a group of 5 or more nebula] about 12' is a F, pL nebula with stars in it."  It was picked up again by R.J. Mitchell on 12 Oct 1855 and noted as "6' or 7' sf this group is a pB, R, neb, bM."  It was next found by Heinrich d'Arrest on 12 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and his position matches UGC 1349 = PGC 6972.  Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, recorded the nebula on 18 Nov 1876 as "Sf the centre of the group of 4 neb is an eF, pL neb [Nova d'A = 5196], Pos 166”, Dist 390", it has 2 stars 12-13 mag south."

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NGC 711 = UGC 1342 = MCG +03-05-024 = CGCG 460-038 = PGC 6940

01 52 27.7 +17 30 46; Ari

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE.  A mag 14 star is 20" E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 711 = St XII-19 on 4 Nov 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and reported a "vF*in vF, vS neby".  His position matches UGC 1342 = PGC 6940.

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NGC 712 = UGC 1352 = MCG +06-05-035 = CGCG 522-043 = PGC 6988

01 53 08.5 +36 49 12; And

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, even concentration, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is close SW 0.6' from center and a mag 12 star is 1' N.  UGC 1353 lies 9' NNE.  Member of AGC 262.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 712 = h163 in October 1828 (sweep 188 between 11 and 27 Oct) and logged "vF; R; among several pB stars."  His position and description matches UGC 1352 = PGC 6988

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NGC 713 = MCG -02-05-075 = PGC 7161

01 55 21.5 -09 05 01; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): at 280x, appeared very faint, small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.7'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  Located 7.7' SE of brighter NGC 731.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): not found.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 713 = LM 2-320 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 3 min of RA west of MCG -02-05-075 although his PA of 90” matches this galaxy.  There is also a mag 15 star 2.2' NNW in agreement with Leavenworth's note of "*14, np 2'."  MCG does not label -02-05-075 as NGC 713.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, mentions a galaxy 8' SE of NGC 731 is much elongated in PA 90”, which fits Leavenworth's description for NGC 713.

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NGC 714 = UGC 1358 = MCG +06-05-037 = CGCG 522-047 = PGC 7009

01 53 29.6 +36 13 17; And

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.  Two mag 13.5 stars are 1.0' W and 1.4' NW of center.  Member of AGC 262.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, bright core, edge-on WNW-ESE, two faint stars are close west.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 714 on 28 Oct 1850. He recorded "following this last [NGC 709] is one about 11'."   R.J. Mitchell independently found NGC 714 on 12 Oct 1855 and noted "about 10' nf the group is a pB, 1L neb, with B Nucl, susp resolvable."  Heinrich d'Arrest next found the nebula on 2 Dec 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured an accurate position matching UGC 1358 = PGC 7009.  Finally, Lawrence Parsons observed it again on 18 Nov 1876, noting "forming a triangle with 2 stars 13m preceding and north-preceding (perhaps a 3rd star).".  In the 1880 publication Dreyer indicated the observation was a duplicate of GC 5197 (d'Arrest). d'Arrest and LdR are attributed with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 715 = MCG -02-05-069 = PGC 6991

01 53 12.5 -12 52 23; Cet

V = 15.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4'.  Located 3.5' N of a mag 11 star.  A mag 8 star is 11' NW edge at the edge of the 220x field.  Best viewed at 280x.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 715 = O St I-38 on 12 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.5 min of RA east and 3' S is MCG -02-05-069 = PGC 6991.  Due to the poor position, Guillaume Bigourdan could not recover the galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 716 = IC 1743 = UGC 1351 = MCG +02-05-054 = CGCG 437-049 = PGC 6982

01 52 59.7 +12 42 30; Ari

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 57”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.7', broad weak concentration but no nucleus.  Located 8' WNW of mag 7.5 SAO 92682.  Identified as IC 1743 in UGC, MCG and CGCG.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 716 = Sw. IV-6 on 1 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but Corwin identifies NGC 716 = UGC 1351.  This implies Swift made a 40' error (copying?) in declination, though his description matches this galaxy, including the "bright * near foll".

 

Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 1 Jan 1892, placed it correctly as a nova, and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1743.  The description for IC 1743 mentions  "=NGC 716?" and in the IC 2 notes Dreyer comments that Bigourdan couldn't find NGC 716 but B.250 = IC 1743 may equal NGC 716.  This galaxy is identified as IC 1743 in UGC, MCG and CGCG, although the earlier discovery by Swift implies that NGC 716 should be the primary designation.

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NGC 717 = UGC 1363 = MCG +06-05-041 = CGCG 522-052 = PGC 7033

01 53 55.1 +36 13 46; And

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE, small bright core.  Located 5.1' E of NGC 715 in the core of AGC 262.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): very faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, 6' E of NGC 714.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 717 on 12 Oct 1855 with Lord Rosse's 72" and noted "5' nf this nebula [NGC 714] is another fainter ray."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the nebula on 16 Sep 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  Lawrence Parsons made another observation on 18 Nov 1876, recording "Foll last neb [NGC 714] is an eF, pL neb with a star 15m ~1' sf."  In the 1880 publication Dreyer indicated that the Birr Castle observation was a duplicate of d'Arrest's GC 5198.  LdR and d'A are mentioned as the discoverers in the NGC.

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NGC 718 = UGC 1356 = MCG +01-05-041 = CGCG 412-039 = PGC 6993

01 53 13.2 +04 11 45; Psc

V = 11.7;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, increases to very small prominent core, stellar nucleus, very faint larger halo 1.5' diameter.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, very small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 718 = H II-270 = h164 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged "pB, S, iR, mbM".  John Herschel made two observations and called it "B; R; psbM; 25" [diameter]" (sweep 300 on 25 Sep 1830).

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NGC 719 = IC 1744 = UGC 1360 = MCG +03-05-026 = PGC 7019

01 53 38.8 +19 50 26; Ari

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  Two mag 14 and 15 star are close east.  The bright double star Gamma Arietis (components 4.4/4.7) lies 30' S.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 719 on 24 Nov 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 13 sec of RA following UGC 1360 = PGC 7019.  Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 18 Jan 1896 with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory and measured an accurate position.  Dreyer assumed J. 3-896 was new and it was catalogued again as IC 1744.  So, NGC 719 = IC 1744.  MCG labels this galaxy IC 1744 and UGC equates NGC 719 = IC 1744.

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NGC 720 = MCG -02-05-068 = PGC 6983

01 53 00.4 -13 44 20; Cet

V = 10.2;  Size 4.7'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.0', well-defined very bright core with dimensions 40"x20".  A very faint halo extends the major axis to almost 2' length.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 720 = H I-105 = h165 = h2443 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 451) and noted "cB, pL, iR, mbM.".  This galaxy was observed by John Herschel at both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "pB, lE, psmbM, 40"."

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NGC 721 = UGC 1376 = MCG +06-05-043 = CGCG 522-056 = PGC 7097

01 54 45.5 +39 23 00; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, 1' diameter, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very diffuse, low surface brightness, no central concentration.  Located in fairly rich star field.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 721 on 27 Aug 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "eF, pL, no ncl".  His RA is 8 seconds too large (single measure). MCG doesn't label their entry as NGC 721.

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NGC 722 = UGC 1379 = MCG +03-05-032 = CGCG 460-046 = PGC 7098

01 54 47.1 +20 41 54; Ari

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 138”

 

24" (12/1/16): at 225x; fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", slightly brighter nucleus.   This galaxy lies a mere 7' SSE from the glare of 2.7-magnitude Beta Arietis, but the galaxy was not difficult with the star placed off the edge of the field.  A group of mag 11.5-13 stars is nearby, including a mag 12 star 2.7' ENE.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, oval 3:2 NW-SE.  Remarkable location as situated 7' SSE of Beta Arietis (V = 2.6) in the same 220x field.  This is a similar situation as NGC 404 near Mirach, but NGC 722 is much fainter.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 722 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "vF, vS, R, Beta Arietis 7' north."  His position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 1379 = PGC 7098, just 6.9' SSE of Beta Ari.

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NGC 723 = NGC 724 = ESO 477-013 = MCG -04-05-016 = PGC 7024

01 53 45.6 -23 45 28; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, 1.0' diameter, just a slight central brightening.  A mag 12.8 star is 2.5' S.  Located very close to Cetus-Fornax border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 723 = H III-460 = h166 = h167 = h2444 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and noted "vF, vS".  The galaxy was observed by John Herschel at both Slough and at the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "pF, R, gbM, 25". No other neb within 15' all round."  His first of two observations from Slough on 14 Sep 1830 differed in North Polar Distance so he catalogued it separately as h167 (later NGC 724) .  The Cape observation made it clear there was only a single object, so NGC 723 = NGC 724.

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NGC 724 = NGC 723 = ESO 477-013 = MCG -04-05-016 = PGC 7024

01 53 45.8 -23 45 28; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 723.

 

John Herschel found NGC 724 = h167 on 14 Sep 1830 and noted "vF; pL; R; gbM; has a small * 75” sp.  It is barely possible that this may be H III 460 [NGC 723] with a mistake in reading the polar distance."  Herschel's suspicion was correct as he later reobserved the galaxy from the Cape (h2444) and noted there was only one nebula in the vicinity.  Nevertheless, h167 became GC 436 and finally NGC 724.  So, NGC 723 = NGC 724 with the two entries equated in ESO and RNGC.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 725 = MCG -03-05-025 = PGC 6950

01 52 35.5 -16 31 04; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 30"x20", low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Located 6.4' WSW of mag 7.8 SAO 148081.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 725 = LM 1-39 on 9 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.6 min of RA west is MCG -03-05-025 = PGC 6950.  Bigourdan was not able to recover the object at Leavenworth's position. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 726 = MCG -02-06-003 = PGC 7182

01 55 31.8 -10 47 58; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, low smooth surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 2.8' E of center.  Located 6.5' SE of mag 8.9 SAO 148102.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 726 = LM 1-40 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (given to the nearest minute of RA) is 1.0 tmin west of MCG -02-06-003 = PGC 7182.  He noted a mag 9 star at 3.6' E, though the separation is 2.8' and the star is closer to mag 12.  Bigourdan was unable to recover the galaxy at Muller's position.

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NGC 727 = NGC 729 = ESO 354-010 = MCG -06-05-012 = PGC 7027

01 53 49.4 -35 51 23; For

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 76”

 

18" (12/3/05): extremely faint, very small, round, appears as a low surface brightness hazy spot with averted, no details.

 

18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 11 and 12 stars 5' NE and 10' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 727 = h2445 on 1 Sep 1834 and logged "F, S, R, bM, 15 arcsec."  His position is just 1.5' S of ESO 354-010 = PGC 7027 and there are no other galaxies near, so this identification is secure.  He added the note in italics that "It is barely possible that this and the next nebula [h2446 = NGC 729] may be identical with Nos. 2440 [NGC 696] and 2441 [NGC 698] by a mistaken degree in PD."  Corwin disagrees, though, and concludes it is more likely that NGC 729 is a duplicate observation of NGC 727.

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NGC 728

01 55 01.4 +04 13 21; Psc

 

= ***, Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 728 = h168 on 16 Oct 1827 and noted a "suspected nebula".  There are three cleanly resolved stars on the DSS at Herschel's position.  Heinrich d'Arrest and Guillaume Bigourdan were unable to find Herschel's object.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 729 = NGC 727? = ESO 354-010 = MCG -06-05-012 = PGC 7027

01 53 49.4 -35 51 23; For

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 76”

 

See observing notes for NGC 727.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 729 = h2446 on 30 Nov 1837 and logged "eeeF, S, R.  RA only rudely taken by a star, being out of the field."  Harold Corwin feels this entry is  most likely a duplicate observation of h2445 = NGC 727, found earlier on 1 Sep 1834.  His position happens to be 12 tsec west of a double star located 5.4' NE of NGC 727 at 01 54 11.3 -35 48 17 and ESO equates NGC 729 with this close double.  The RNGC classification is a galaxy, although the position and description "USB, CLOSE DB*?" applies to this double star!

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NGC 730

01 55 18.0 +05 38 11; Psc

 

= *, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 730 = Big. 11 on 7 Nov 1885 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory.  At his position is just a 15th mag star, though he may have logged a different star on a separate observation.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 731 = NGC 757 = MCG -02-05-073 = PGC 7118

01 54 56.1 -09 00 38; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 731 = H III-266 = h2447, along with NGC 755, on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and reported "eF, stellar, 240 verified it." JH probably observed the galaxy from the Cape and simply described "eeF; 40 arcsec".  Neither of the Herschel's positions are very accurate.  C.H.F. Peters' provided a more accurate position matching MCG -02-05-073 = PGC 7118.  Ormond Stone (I-43) probably independently discovered the galaxy in 1886, though his rough position is 1.5 tmin east and 5' north of PGC 7118.  Dreyer assumed this was a different object (there is nothing at Stone's position) and the galaxy was catalogued as NGC 757.  So NGC 731 = NGC 757, with NGC 731 the primary designation.

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NGC 732 = UGC 1406 = MCG +06-05-057 = CGCG 522-076 = Mrk 1011 = PGC 7270

01 56 27.7 +36 48 08; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 13 star is 45" NW of center.  Member of AGC 262.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 732 = St XIII-15 on 5 Dec 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF* involved with a vF, vS, round neby".  His position corresponds with UGC 1406 = PGC 7270

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NGC 733

01 56 33.9 +33 03 19; Tri

 

= *, Corwin.  Listed as a faint galaxy 3.6' NW of NGC 736 in RNGC.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 733 on 11 Oct 1850.  It was labeled Epsilon in a field sketch. No description was given but the measured position was 115" in PA 293.3 deg (NW) from Alpha [NGC 736].  There is nothing at his exact offset though a mag 15 star is 97" from NGC 736 in PA 296 deg.  Corwin identifies NGC 733 with this star.

 

RNGC and PGC probably misidentify PGC 7255 as NGC 733.  This small elongated galaxy is located 3.6' NW from NGC 736.  The separation appears to be too large to be a match though the PA = 291d is coincidentally close and the galaxy was (barely) visible in my 17.5".

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NGC 734 = 2MASX J01532872-1659442 = PGC 170023

01 53 28.7 -16 59 44; Cet

Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 28”

 

24" (10/3/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Can hold continuously at 375x.  Located 10' SE of mag 5.8 HD 11522.  PGC 7121, identified as NGC 734 in the RNGC and PGC, is located 22' ESE.  PGC 7121 appeared extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", required averted vision.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 734 = LM 1-41 on 9 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 14.0, vS, R, bMN, *11 p[recedes] 11 sec."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) happens to be just 3' N of PGC 7121, and this galaxy is identified as NGC 734 in the RNGC and PGC.  The 11th mag star in the description (also shown on his discovery sketch) might refer to a star situated 4.3' WNW (the difference in RA is 17 sec), though a brighter star even closer (3.2' SSE) is not shown on the sketch.  I proposed to Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke that a better candidate for NGC 734 is 2MASX J01532872-1659442 = PGC 170023.  This galaxy is brighter than PGC 7121 and has a star 13 tsec due west.  PGC 170023 is further off in RA from Leavenworth's position than PGC 7121 but is a better match in declination, typical of the Leander McCormick positions.  Corwin agrees with my identification and is now incorporated in NED, but not HyperLeda.

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NGC 735 = UGC 1411 = MCG +06-05-058 = CGCG 522-078 = PGC 7275 = PGC 7282

01 56 38.0 +34 10 37; Tri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 138”

 

24" (11/24/14): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 36"x15", contains a very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is superimposed on the NW tip.  A mag 10.2 star is 1.5' SW and a mag 12 star is 1.4' NW.

 

Two faint companions are nearby, the trio forming V Zw 146.  2MASX J01563383+3411435 = PGC 2045360 is 1.4' NW of center.  It appeared faint, round, 10" dia.  Easily visible due to a reasonably high surface brightness.  It is situated just 35" NNW of the mag 12 star to the NW of NGC 735.  PGC 7293 is 1.4' NE of NGC 735 and appeared extremely faint, round, 8" diameter. Only visible occasionally with averted.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE.  The apparent elongation may be exaggerated due to a mag 14 star located at the NW edge 20" from center.  Several stars are nearby including a mag 10 star 1.5' SW and a mag 11.5 star 1.3' NW.  Located about 1” north of the NGC 750/751 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 735 = H III-176 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and logged "Stellar, the faintest imaginable, even 240 left some little doubt."  His position is 7' north of UGC 1411 = PGC 7282.  Perhaps due to his error in polar distance, Bigourdan was unable to recover the galaxy.  MCG (+06-05-058) doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 735.

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NGC 736 = UGC 1414 = MCG +05-05-028 = CGCG 503-055 = VI Zw 111 = PGC 7289

01 56 40.9 +33 02 37; Tri

V = 12.1;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, small halo.  A mag 15 star is 30" N (this is NGC 737).  In a close quadruple group with NGC 738 1.3' NE, NGC 740 3' SE and (R)NGC 733 3.6' WNW.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, small, a faint star is at the north edge.  A nearly stellar galaxy (NGC 738:) is close NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 736 = H II-221 = h169 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "F, pL, mE, r, 1 1/2' long."  JH observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps by and described it on 11 Nov 1827 as "pB; R; bM; has a *13m np".  Both Herschel's positions match UGC 1414 = PGC 7289.  John Herschel thought his father's description was irreconcileable ("much elongated" vs "R"), so they probably referred to different objects and he assigned separate designations in the General Catalogue.  Bindon Stoney sketched the group using the 72" on 11 Oct 1850 and NGC 736 is labeled Alpha.

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NGC 737

01 56 40.8 +33 03 00; Tri

 

17.5" (11/1/86): mag 15 star only located 30" N of NGC 736.

 

Bindon  Stoney discovered NGC 737 on the 11 Oct 1850 observation of the NGC 736 field and it was labeled "Beta" on the constructed diagram.  He measured a distance of 30" in PA 12” from NGC 736.  At this offset is a mag 15 star.  The 9 Jan 1874 observation notes "[h169 = NGC 736] has a 12m star 11.9”, 35.1" distant, this must be beta of Oct 11 1850, when it was recorded as a nebula.  [Sir J. Herschel records 3 observations of this companion object, all taken in Nov 1827.  Nov 11 has *13 np, Nov 16 has a "* near it" and lastly, Nov 22 "has a S* or stellar neb to the n."  In "Publications of Lick Observatory (Vol II), Sherburne Burnham identified NGC 737 as a mag 15.5 star about 30" N of NGC 736.  He accurately measured the offset from NGC 736 as PA = 10”, distance 32".  Curtis concluded "Does not exist; is simply a faint star" based on Crossley reflector plates at Lick and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, also writes "*14.7 0.7' N of N736, no neb...".

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NGC 738 = CGCG 503-057 = VI Zw 113 = PGC 7303

01 56 45.7 +33 03 30; Tri

V = 14.9;  Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, extremely small, just non-stellar.  Forms a pair with NGC 736 1.4' SW.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): possible observation as a very faint quasi-stellar object just 1.4' NE of bright NGC 736.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 738 on 11 Oct 1850.  It was labeled "Gamma" on a field diagram.  An offset of 79" in PA 46” was measured from NGC 736, which matches CGCG 503-057 = PGC 7303.   CGCG 503-057 is mentioned in UGC notes to NGC 736 but is not identified as NGC 738.

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NGC 739 = MCG +05-05-030 = CGCG 503-059 = PGC 7312

01 56 54.7 +33 16 00; Tri

V = 13.9;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round.  Forms the south vertex of a triangle with a mag 13.5 star 1.1' NW and a mag 14 star 40" NE.  The galaxy pair NGC 750/NGC 751is in the field 9' SE.  Incorrect declination in the NGC (SW of NGC 750 instead of NW) and not identified as NGC 739 in the CGCG.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 739 on 9 Jan 1874 with the 72" at Birr Castle in an observation of NGC 750/751 group.  Described as "A cF, vS, R neb, bM (inside a triangle of st) is south-preceding the n[orth] component".  The direction should have read north-preceding the north component but Copeland gave the correct orientation as PA 292” (WNW) and separation 524" (8.7').  Because of his error the derived position was in error and this was copied into the NGC.  In 1913 Curtis noted there was nothing at the NGC position and suggested MCG +05-05-030 was NGC 739, based on Crossley photographs at Lick.  CGCG (503-059) fails to label its entry as NGC 739. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 740 = UGC 1421 = MCG +05-05-031 = CGCG 503-058 = PGC 7316

01 56 54.9 +33 00 55; Tri

V = 14.0;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, thin edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE.  Located midway between a mag 10 star 1.3' ESE and a mag 14 star 1.2' WNW.  Last in a group with NGC 736 3' NW.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 740 on 11 Oct 1850.  It was labeled "Delta" on the field diagram with an offset of 197" in PA 115” from NGC 736.  Close to this offset is UGC 1421 = PGC 7316.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 741 = IC 1751 = VV 175a = UGC 1413 = MCG +01-06-003 = CGCG 413-008 = III Zw 38a = WBL 061-004 = PGC 7252

01 56 21.0 +05 37 44; Psc

V = 11.1;  Size 3.0'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (12/21/16): at 375x; bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to the center.  The halo increases with averted to over 1'.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' NW.  NGC 741 is the brightest in a group (WBL 061) with NGC 742 0.8' E of center, at the edge of the halo.  NGC 741 has a extended X-ray halo reaching a distance of 19' from its center.  Furthermore, twin radio jets emerge from the nucleus of NGC 742 and spread into a larger lobe that encircles NGC 741. A total of 8 members of the group were logged within 15' of NGC 741.

 

CGCG 413-006 (often misidentified as IC 1751) is 1.5' NW.  It appeared faint or fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.3'x0.2', sharp stellar nucleus. The mag 11 star lies 1.4' W.

CGCG 413-002, 3.3' SW of NGC 741, appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

CGCG 413-001, 9.5' NW of NGC 741, is very faint, very small, elongated ~2:1 ~E-W, 18"x9".  Not noticed initially but once picked up could just hold continuously with careful averted vision.

CGCG 413-010, 11' NNE of NGC 741, is faint, very small, irregularly round, ~15"x12".

UGC 1425, 12' NE of NGC 741, is fairly faint to moderately bright, small, roundish, 18" diameter, high surface brightness (core only), occasional sharp stellar nucleus.  Increases a bit in size with averted.

UGC 1435, 15' E of NGC 741, is faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20", very low surface brightness patch, no core or zones.  Collinear with two 14th magnitude stars 2' and 3' E.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, round, prominent core, faint stellar nucleus at moments, larger halo with averted.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' NW.  In a common halo with NGC 742 attached at the east end at 0.8' separation in pa 100”.  Brightest in a group and forms a close triple with MCG +01-06-006 1.5' NNW.  CGCG 413-006 (generally misidentified as IC 1751) appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  A mag 10.5 star lies 1.3' WNW.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, round, diffuse edges, small faint core.  A mag 12 star is close NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 741 = H II-271 = h172, along with NGC 742, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338).  His description from 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) reads "F.  I take it to be two very near each other.  240 stregthens the suspicision; not far from from the parallel [E-W]. The following [NGC 742] is the smallest, and most north, it is also the faintest."  R.J. Mitchell , the 72" observer on 24 Nov 1854, described a "D neb, the p one is pB, R, bM, the f one is smaller and fainter and lbM."

 

Lewis Swift found the galaxy on 26 Nov 1897 and reported in list XI-28, "pF; pS; R; 9m * near np."  His position is 6' too far northwest and Dreyer, assuming it was new, catalogued it again as IC 1751.  Herbert Howe corrected Swift's position though didn't make the connection with NGC 741.  The CGCG (413-006) labels the galaxy as IC 1751 instead of NGC 741.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 742 = VV 175b = MCG +01-06-004 = CGCG 413-009 = III Zw 38a = WBL 061-005 = PGC 7264

01 56 24.2 +05 37 36; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.3x0.3'

 

24" (12/21/16): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, small, round, 15" diameter, high surface brightness.  NGC 742 is 0.8' E of center of NGC 741 (closest companion) and lies near the edge its halo.

 

17.5" (11/6/93): faint, extremely small, round.  Located just off the east edge of NGC 741 in a common halo.  Clearly visible, though just 10"-15" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 742 = H II-272 = h173, along with NGC 741, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338). See description under NGC 741. John Herschel logged on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95), "The f]ollowing] and fainter of a double neb [with NGC 741]; vF; R; sbM; 12" [diameter]."

 

On 24 Nov 1854, R.J. Mitchell using the 72" logged a "D neb, the p one is pB, R, bM, the f one is smaller and fainter and lbM."  CGCG 413-009 is not labeled as NGC 742.

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NGC 743 = OCL-343 = Lund 66

01 58 31 +60 10 00; Cas

Size 5'

 

17.5" (11/26/94): bright, distinctive but scattered group in a triangular outline.  Consists of two dozen stars in a 6' diameter including 10 brighter mag 9-11.5 stars.  The brightest star is mag 9.1 SAO 22794 is at the NW end and a distinctive line with three mag 10 stars heads SE and includes a fairly wide uneven double star (John Herschel's h1098 = 10/12.5 at 12").  Two mag 8 stars to the NW (mag 7.9 SAO 22785) and SW (mag 8.3 SAO 22796) are collinear with the sides and form a 10' triangle with the eastern vertex of the cluster.  The classification of this group as a true cluster is uncertain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 743 = h170 on 29 Sep 1829 and recorded a "double star in the following part of a L, poor, triangular cluster of 15 or 20 stars 10...13m.".

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NGC 744 = Cr 22 = OCL-345 = Lund 65

01 58 30 +55 28 30; Per

V = 7.9;  Size 11'

 

13.1" (11/5/83): about two dozen stars in a 7' diameter including several fairly bright stars.  The brightest is mag 7.8 SAO 22809 at the NNE edge.  Pretty scattered appearance.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 744 = h171 on 28 Nov 1831 and logged, "p rich, irr fig cluster of *s 11...13m, 8' dia."  Sir Robert Ball, observing on the 72" on 29 Oct 1866, recorded "about 100 stars, more or less, of various sizes, scattered about, two of the 7th and the rest from the 8th mag down".

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NGC 745 = ESO 152-032 = AM 0152-565 = PGC 7054

01 54 07.8 -56 41 37; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 30”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6', broad concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 15.5 star is just off the east side, 27" from center. A group of 4 stars zigzag to the east including a mag 10 star 4.8' ENE. Located 2.3” NE of Achenar.

 

NGC 745 forms a close pair with PGC 95386 just 42" NE of center.  The companion appeared faint, very small, elongated at least 2:1 E-W, 18"x8".  NGC 754 is also in the field 4.5' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 745 = h2449 on 27 Oct 183 and recorded "pB, R, gbM, 30"."  His position matches ESO 152-032 = PGC 7054.

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NGC 746 = UGC 1438 = MCG +07-05-003 = CGCG 538-004 = PGC 7399

01 57 51.0 +44 55 06; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is at the west tip.  Several other faint stars are near and some nice star chains (both faint and fairly bright) lead off from the west side.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 746 = Sw. II-15 on 12 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is just 5 tsec west of UGC 1438 = PGC 7399.

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NGC 747 = MCG -02-06-007 = PGC 7366

01 57 30.4 -09 27 45; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, no concentration.  Located 7' SW of a mag 10.5-11 star.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 747 = LM 2-321 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded a slightly elongated nebula in PA 180”.  His position is 1.2 minutes of RA west of MCG -02-06-007 = PGC 7366 but the position angle matches (N-S) matches this galaxy, so this identification is very reasonable given the often poor RA.  MCG does not apply the NGC number and RNGC classifies NGC 747 as nonexistent.  Nothing was found on photographs at the Helwan Observatory around 1920 because of the poor position.

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NGC 748 = MCG -01-06-004 = PGC 7259

01 56 21.7 -04 28 03; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 138”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 1.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 748 = H III-193 = h176 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and reported "eF, verified with 240 power with difficulty, near a small star".  His position was well off in RA, but John Herschel measured an accurate position on two consecutive sweeps in October 1827.

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NGC 749 = ESO 414-011 = MCG -05-05-023 = PGC 7191

01 55 41.1 -29 55 21; For

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 111”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.8'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a prominent core and faint extensions.  The core brightens to a very small but non-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 3.9' W of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 749 = h2448 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "B, S, E, psbM."  His mean position from 3 sweeps matches ESO 414-011 = PGC 7191.  See Corwin's comments for IC 1740.

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NGC 750 = Arp 166 NED1 = VV 189a = UGC 1430 = MCG +05-05-034 = CGCG 503-062 = VI Zw 123 = LGG 042-001 = PGC 7369

01 57 32.4 +33 12 37; Tri

V = 11.9;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, small, round.  Forms a contact double system with NGC 751 virtually attached at the south end.  Resolved into two distinct galaxies at 220x.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): double galaxy with NGC 751 N-S, two distinct nuclei in a common halo.

 

8" (11/28/81): both components merge into a single object.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 750 = H II-222 = h175 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "just like the former."  The "former" refers to NGC 736, which was described as "F, pL, mE, r, 1.5' long."  This close pair was not resolved by either William or John but first seen at double by Bindon Stoney with the 72" on 11 Oct 1850.  John Herschel called the galaxy round on one sweep and elongated on another.

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NGC 751 = Arp 166 NED2 = VV 189b = UGC 1431 = MCG +05-05-035 = CGCG 503-062 = VI Zw 123 = LGG 042-002 = PGC 7370

01 57 32.9 +33 12 13; Tri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.4'

 

17.5" (11/1/86): this is the southern member of double system with NGC 750.  Fairly faint, very small, round.  Appears smaller and fainter than NGC 750 just off the north edge.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): double nebula with NGC 750 with two distinct nuclei and probably a common halo, oriented N-S.

 

8" (11/28/81): both components of NGC 750/751 merge into a single object.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 751 on 11 Oct 1850.  It was described as a "D neb [with NGC 750], Pos 171”, Dist 25", nf is a third nebula [NGC 761]."

 

On 10 Dec 1873, Ralph Copeland gave a more detailed description: "D neb, cB, pL, R, sbM and pF, S, R, sbM."  John Herschel's entry for GC 456 is confused; his description "nf h175 [NGC 750]" refers to NGC 761, but he used the same position as NGC 750 ("D neb"), so his comment could be interpreted as referring to NGC 751.  Perhaps to avoid confusion, Dreyer added the entry GC 5200 in the GC Supplement (with reference to the 1861 publication) for NGC 751 and used GC 456 for NGC 761 in the NGC.

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NGC 752 = Cr 23 = Mel 12 = OCL-363

01 57 48 +37 51 00; And

V = 5.7;  Size 50'

 

17.5" (11/1/97): easy naked-eye cluster, overfills the 100x field (20mm Nagler).  The brightest star is a yellowish mag 7 star just south of center. Two equal mag companions to the south form an isosceles triangle.  There are no dense regions and the many brighter mag 9-10.5 stars are pretty evenly distributed throughout the field.  Many of the stars appear to be arrange in long strings and arcs, though.  There are perhaps 150 stars in the field (difficult to count) with a few nice pair and trios.  Off the SW side just out of the field is a wide bright pair of mag 5.7/5.9 stars at 3.6' (naked-eye).  The western of these two stars (56 Andromedae) has a striking orange-red hue and a faint companion.

 

8": very large, bright, many doubles, overfills low power field.  Easy naked-eye open cluster in dark sky.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 752 = H VII-32 = h174 on 29 Sep 1783, though this cluster is a naked-eye object.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, William found it a month earlier on 24 Aug, while observing with his 6.2-inch reflector.  On 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599), he called it "a vL coarse scattered cluster of vL stars, irregularly round, very rich.  I suppose it takes up half a degree."   Later he noted "like a nebulous star to the naked eye."  But Italian astronomer Giovanni Batista Hodierna may have found the cluster earlier around 1654.

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NGC 753 = UGC 1437 = MCG +06-05-066 = CGCG 522-086 = PGC 7387

01 57 42.2 +35 54 58; And

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration.  Bright member of AGC 262.

 

13" (8/8/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, round.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 753 on 16 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 13-4 star follows by 17 seconds and measured an accurate position (2 nights).

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NGC 754 = ESO 152-033 = PGC 7068

01 54 20.9 -56 45 40; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x35", weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Located 4.5' SSE of brighter NGC 745.  Two mag 10 stars lie 5' E and NE and a third mag 11.3 star is 4' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 754 = h2450 (along with NGC 745 = h2249) on 27 Oct 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, bM.".  His position matches ESO 152-033 = PGC 7068.

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NGC 755 = NGC 763 = MCG -02-06-005 = PGC 7262

01 56 22.5 -09 03 42; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 3.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.5'x0.8', brighter along major axis, brighter core but no well-defined nucleus, appears mottled.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 755 = H III-265 = h177 = h2447 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and logged "vF, lE, verified with 240 power."  John Herschel's observations of h177 and h2447, which he assumed referred to H III-265, may instead apply to NGC 731. The NGC position from C.H.F. Peters matches MCG -02-06-005 = PGC 7262.

 

Ormond Stone independently found this galaxy in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at Stone's position but 1 min of RA west and 5' south is NGC 755 and his size estimate (1.6'x0.4') and PA (65”) applies.  So, NGC 755 = NGC 763 with NGC 755 the primary designation.

 

Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory, NGC 755 was described as "bright irregular central portion 1.25' long with no distinct nucleus, but showing some indications of spiral structure; the outer portions are vF and also show spiral strucutre."

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NGC 756 = MCG -03-05-029 = PGC 7078

01 54 29.2 -16 42 27; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Situated ~2' S of a small obtuse triangle of mag 13-14 stars.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 756 = LM 1-42 on 9 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick.  His rough position is 1.7 min of RA east of MCG -03-05-029 = PGC 7078. Bigourdan was unable to recover the galaxy at Leavenworth's place.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 757 = NGC 731 = MCG -02-05-073 = PGC 7118

01 54 56.1 -09 00 38; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 731.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 757 = O St I-43 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick.  There is nothing at his position, but 10' S is NGC 755.  Harold Corwin originally equated NGC 757 with NGC 755 but now feels NGC 757 is a duplicate of NGC 731. Although there is no discovery sketch for NGC 757, the sketch for NGC 763 (#44 in the first list) shows that NGC 763 = NGC 755. Applying the same relative offsets suggests NGC 757 = NGC 731 assuming both galaxies were observed at Leander McCormick on the same night.

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NGC 758 = PGC 7198

01 55 42.1 -03 04 00; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak even concentration to a very small core.  The RNGC position is 4.5' too far ESE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 758 = LM 2-322 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick.  His position is about 0.6 tmin east of PGC 7198 at 01 55 42.1 -03 04 0.  The RNGC position is 0.3 tmin east and 2' south (4.5' ESE) of PGC 7198.  This error is listed in my RNGC Corrections #7.

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NGC 759 = UGC 1440 = MCG +06-05-067 = CGCG 522-087 = PGC 7397

01 57 50.3 +36 20 35; And

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.  Member of AGC 262 with UGC 1434 6' SW.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, faint elongated halo.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 759 on 17 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 1440 = PGC 7397.

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NGC 760

01 57 47.4 +33 21 20; Tri

 

= **, Carlson.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 760 on 19 Dec 1873, observing with the 72" at Birr Castle.  With respected to GC 456 = NGC 761, he placed this nebula 80" distant in PA 202.5” (close southwest) and described it as a "cF, R neb".   At this exact offset is a close double star just resolved on the DSS.  Corwin and Carlson also identify this double star as NGC 760. The MCG misidentifies MCG +05-05-036 as NGC 760.

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NGC 761 = UGC 1439 = MCG +05-05-036 = CGCG 503-064 = VV 425 = LGG 042-003 = PGC 7395

01 57 49.6 +33 22 37; Tri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A faint triangle of stars is off the north edge.  Follows a mag 8.5 star.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): extremely faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  Located close SW of three mag 13-13.5 stars 1.5' NE, 2.1' NE and 1.0' ENE.  Also 5' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 55129.  The NGC 750/NGC 751 pair lies 11' S.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 761 on 11 Oct 1850 and noted as a third nebula northeast of NGC 750/751.  On 10 Dec 1873, Ralph Copeland described it as "pB, cL, 4 S near; it has a *11m in Pos 309”, Dist 314.1"."  At this precise offset is UGC 1439 = PGC 7395.

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NGC 762 = MCG -01-06-006 = Mrk 1012 = PGC 7322

01 56 57.7 -05 24 11; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 762 = H III-464 = h178 = h2451 on 22 Nov 1785 (sweep 474) and logged "eF, S, I found it in gauging [counting stars in a given region], otherwise it might have been overlooked."  John Herschel observed this galaxy from both Slough and at the Cape, where he described it as "vF, E, vlbM, 30 arcseconds".  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 763 = NGC 755 = MCG -02-06-005 = PGC 7262

01 56 22.5 -09 03 42; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 755.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 763 = O St I-44 in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded 1.6'x0.4' in PA = 65”.  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 tmin of RA west and 5' S is NGC 755, which matches his description.  Corwin checked the discovery sketch and confirms NGC 763 is a duplicate of NGC 755 (discovered earlier by William Herschel).  Corwin also notes that if NGC 757 was discovered by Stone on the same night, then the same offset leads to NGC 757 = NGC 731 (also discovered earlier by WH).

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NGC 764

01 57 03.5 -16 03 51; Cet

 

= **, Carlson and Corwin. Not found, RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 764 = O St I-45 on 6 Jan 1886 with the 26" at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing near his position and Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify this number with a double star.  See Corwin's notes for further comments.

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NGC 765 = UGC 1455 = MCG +04-05-025 = CGCG 482-033 = PGC 7475

01 58 48.0 +24 53 33; Ari

V = 12.8;  Size 2.8'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.9

 

17.5" (12/8/90): faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Located 8' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 75071 = ·194 = 8.4/8.7 at 1.2".

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 765 = m 52 on 8 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, vS". His position matches UGC 1455 = PGC 7475.

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NGC 766 = UGC 1458 = MCG +01-06-019 = CGCG 413-019 = PGC 7468

01 58 42.0 +08 20 48; Psc

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, low even concentration, very small brighter core.  Forms the west vertex of isosceles triangle with a mag 11.5 star 2.4' NE and a mag 12 star 3.0' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 766 = h180 on 8 Jan 1828 and recorded "vF; S; R; 15...20"; a *10m 15” np; 2' dist."  His position matches UGC 1458 = PGC 7468 with the star 2.4' ENE.

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NGC 767 = MCG -02-06-010 = PGC 7483

01 58 50.7 -09 35 12; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, very low surface brightness with no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 2.0' N.  Located 7' W of mag 8.4 SAO 129606.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 767 = LM 2-323 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.6 tmin west of MCG -02-06-010 = PGC 7483 and his description 1.3'x0.3' in PA 160” matches this galaxy.

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NGC 768 = UGC 1457 = MCG +00-06-016 = CGCG 387-018 = PGC 7465

01 58 40.8 +00 31 46; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

24" (12/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, 40"x18", brighter along a the major axis (elongated core or bar?).  A mag 15.7 star is 50" E of center and a mag 14.5 star is 2' NE.  IC 1761 lies 3.7' NE, with the mag 14.5 star nearly at the midpoint.  IC 1761 appeared faint to fairly faint, small, round 12" diameter (only the core seen with certainty).

 

17.5" (12/8/90): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 8' W of mag 8.2 SAO 110258.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 768 = Sw. III-8 on 2 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position was 18 seconds east and 1' S of UGC 1457 = PGC 7465, but his description "B * 32 seconds following" applies to this galaxy. Swift found the galaxy again on 2 Oct 1886 and reported Sw. V-18 as "eF; pS; R; B * 30s f and 1' s."  His second position was just 40" northwest of center.  The equivalence was suggested by Frank Muller in an 1887 Sidereal Messenger article on duplicate entries by Swift, but Harold Corwin mentions that Swift's second observation is sometimes taken to be IC 1761, which is less than 4' northeast NGC 768.

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NGC 769 = UGC 1467 = MCG +05-05-037 = CGCG 503-066 = PGC 7537

01 59 35.9 +30 54 35; Tri

V = 12.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 73”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, fairly even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is on the east edge 30" from the center.  Located about 30' SSW of NGC 772.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 769 = Sf 68 on 9 Nov 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "S, pF, irr figure, gbM."  ƒdouard Stephan (XII-20) independently found the galaxy on 5 Nov 1882 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and Dreyer credits Stephan with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's list was not published until 1887, too late for Dreyer to see while compiling the NGC.

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NGC 770 = UGC 1463 = MCG +03-06-010 = CGCG 461-016 = LGG 040-001 = PGC 7517

01 59 13.6 +18 57 17; Ari

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 15”

 

48" (11/1/13): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x32", very high surface brightness.  Forms a double system 3.5' SSW of NGC 772, a showpiece spiral.

 

18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, increases to a small bright core.  This is a companion to NGC 772 and may be the cause of its bright, disturbed spiral arm.

 

13.1": faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located 3.5' SSW of NGC 772.

 

R.J. Mitchell (GC 464) discovered NGC 770 on 3 Nov 1855 while observing NGC 772.  He noted, "has companion neb. 5' or 6' south."  Dreyer later measured an accurate offset.  Heinrich d'Arrest (GC 461) independently found NGC 770 in 1861 and it was listed twice in the GC.  Both entries were combined in the NGC with an accurate position.

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NGC 771 = 50 Cas

02 03 26.6 +72 25 16; Cas

V = 4.0

 

= *4.0 = 50 Cas

 

John Herschel found NGC 771 = h179 on 29 Oct 1831 and noted "I suspect this star[50 Cas] to be nebulous."  There are several other instances where Herschel thought a bright star had a nebulous halo (e.g. NGC 4530) but 50 Cas (V = 4.0) is the brightest single star in the NGC.  Dorothy Carlson may have first noted there is no nebulosity here.

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NGC 772 = Arp 78 = UGC 1466 = MCG +03-06-011 = CGCG 461-018 = LGG 040-002 = PGC 7525 = Fiddlehead Galaxy

01 59 19.8 +19 00 30; Ari

V = 10.3;  Size 7.2'x4.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 130”

 

48" (11/1/13): very bright, very large, elongated at least 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~5.4'x3', sharply concentrated with a blazing core that increases to the center.  Contains two spiral arms, though dominated by a bright, long arm that attaches to the core on the east side, wraps counterclockwise to the north of the core and then extends in a fairly thin arch to the west.  The arm extends over 3' in length and ends at the northwest tip of the galaxy, ~2.5' from the center.  It contains 1 or 2 very faint HII knots.  A second low contrast arm begins at the south end of the core and spirals out clockwise to the east.  This arm is broader and does not have a sharply defined edge but was fairly easily visible.  The outer halo to the southeast of this arm has a very low surface brightness.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 770 3.5' SSW.  PGC 212884 (8x the redshift) was easily picked up 5.8' SW and appeared fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter.

 

24" (9/7/13): bright, very large, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 4'x2.5'.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright oval core.  The halo is clearly asymmetric and more extensive on the NW side.  With careful viewing a long arm is visible at 200x extending from the central region towards the NW.  The arm is better separated from the main body at 450x and ends near NGC 772:[HK83] 57, a slightly brighter HII knot that appears as an extremely faint, "soft" star.

 

18" (12/3/05): bright, very large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, roughly 4'x3'.  The halo is asymmetric and more extensive on the NW side with a very strong impression of a spiral arm attached on the north side and sweeping to the west (confirmed on image).  Forms a pair with much fainter NGC 770 3.5' SSW.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, sharp concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 770 3.5' SSW. 

 

8" (10/4/80): fairly faint, fairly large, oval, bright core, two mag 11 stars to SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 772 = H I-112 = h181 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481) and logged "cB or vB, L, R, mbM, 3 or 4' dia, difficulty resolving.  In the most resolvable part a faint red colour perceivable."  On 3 Nov 1855, R.J. Mitchell wrote "...One branch in particular strongly suspected as at A [in diagram] curved towards the * preceding."  This description refers to the northern spiral arm and star preceding (indicated on the diagram) is the HII region NGC 772:[HK83] 57, from Hodge & Kennicutt's "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  It was also noted by Dreyer on 9 Jan 1875: "An eeF neb point was by glimpses seen by both observers in Pos 315” +/, Dist. 2' +/- from [GC] 463."

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NGC 773 = MCG -02-06-011 = PGC 7486

01 58 52.0 -11 30 53; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', very weak concentration.  Located 11' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 148138 at the edge of the 220x field.  Just outside the field 14' NNW is mag 6.6 SAO 148139.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 773 = H III-468 = h2452 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "vF; E; 1.5' long, 1' broad, nearly in the meridian [N-S]; lbM."   JH reported from the CGH, "F, R, glbM, 30"."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 774 = UGC 1469 = MCG +02-06-008 = CGCG 438-010 = PGC 7536

01 59 34.7 +14 00 29; Ari

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, small, almost round, 0.5' diameter, slight even concentration, no distinct core.  Forms a triangle with two mag 12 stars 2.3' NNW and 3.5' NE.  Located 12' ESE of a mag 9.5 star and 9' ENE of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 774 = H III-214 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295) and logged "vF, stellar, verified with 240 power.".  J.L.E. Dreyer, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 7 Oct 1874, recorded "F, stellar, not quite R but of somewhat irregular shape, probably vlE north-south or very nearly towards a *11m in Pos 333”, Dist 143.7 arcsec". The NGC dec is 1' S of UGC 1469 = PGC 7536.

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NGC 775 = ESO 477-018 = MCG -05-05-024 = PGC 7451

01 58 32.6 -26 17 36; For

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.5'x1.2, broad concentration with no distinct core.  An elongated group of six mag 13-14 stars (6' length oriented E-W) lies 5' S.  Located 13' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 167461.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 775 = h2453 on 14 Nov 1835 and noted "pB, S, R, gbM, 18 arcsec"  His positions from two sweeps differed by 10 tsec in RA, but clearly identifies ESO 477-018 = PGC 7451.

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NGC 776 = UGC 1471 = MCG +04-05-028 = CGCG 482-037 = PGC 7560

01 59 54.5 +23 38 40; Ari

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright and large, round, very small bright core in a diffuse 1' halo.  A mag 15.5-16 star is at the north edge.  Two small companions are close; IC 181 is 2.0' NE and IC 180 is 2.7' SSE.

 

CGCG 482-041 = V Zw 162, located 7.6' NNE, appeared fairly faint, round, 25" diameter.  Occasionally a slightly brighter core region elongated SW-NE was seen.  A mag 14.9 star is 1.2' SSW.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus, halo fades into background.  A mag 15 star is 30" N.  Brightest of three with IC 180 2.6' SE and IC 181 2.0' NE. IC 180 appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE and IC 181 is extremely faint and small, round.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 776 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and logged "vF, S, R".  His single position matches UGC 1471 = PGC 7560.

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NGC 777 = UGC 1476 = MCG +05-05-038 = CGCG 503-067 = LGG 042-004 = PGC 7584

02 00 14.9 +31 25 46; Tri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 155”

 

24" (11/24/14): at 375x; bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright rounder core, ~0.9'x0.7'.  Two fairly bright stars are in the field to the south, mag 9.3 SAO 55174 lies 5' SW and mag 8.7 SAO 55185 is 6.4' SE.  NGC 778 lies 7' SSE.  Brightest in the NGC 777 Group (LGG 042).

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, small, almost round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 778 7' SSE.  NGC 783 is 29' NNE and NGC 769 30' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 777 = H II-223 = h182 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "pB, pS, R."  John Herschel logged on 22 Nov 1827 (sweep 106), "B; R; gbM; 40"; a considerable nebula."  R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 18 Sep 1857, wrote "S, R, bM, several S st p and np the nucleus."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 778 = UGC 1480 = MCG +05-05-039 = CGCG 503-069 = PGC 7597

02 00 19.4 +31 18 47; Tri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 150”

 

24" (11/24/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~30"x20", weak concentration.  A mag 8.7 star is 3' NE.  Second brightest in a trio with brighter NGC 777 7' N and much fainter KUG 0156+310 = PGC 74060 6' W.  The latter was an extremely faint 8" glow just north of a mag 13-13.5 star.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Located within a bright trapezoid formed by two mag 9 stars 7' N and 4.8' NW (SAO 55174), mag 8.5 SAO 55185 3.0' NE and a mag 10.5 star 2.8' WSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 777 7' NNW.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 778 = Sf 64 on 5 Nov 1866 with the 18" refractor at Dearborn Observatory.  ƒdouard Stephan (VIII-7, first list) independently found the galaxy on 17 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  As Safford's discovery was not published until the fall of 1887 as the NGC was going to press, Stephan is credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5205) and NGC.

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NGC 779 = MCG -01-06-016 = PGC 7544

01 59 42.3 -05 57 51; Cet

V = 11.2;  Size 4.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 160”

 

48" (10/24/14): extremely bright, very large, nearly edge-on 7:2 NNW-SSE, 3.5'x1.0'.  Contains an intensely bright, mottled core and nucleus.  The core is within a brighter, elongated "bar".  The outer halo appears to extend further to the south with averted vision and bend slightly with respect to the central region.  The northern end of the halo has a similar effect as if the galaxy is very slightly warped.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE in PA 160”, 3.0'x1.0', brighter core, substellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 4.6' SSW of center.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, bright core, edge-on N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 779 = H I-101 = h183 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and logged "cB, pL, mbM, E a few degrees deviating from the meridian; from np to sf."  John Herschel observed the galaxy on 3 sweeps, including 2 Jan 1827 (sweep 40): "pB; pL; E; pos about 160” by diag."  His position angle and position is accurate.

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NGC 780 = UGC 1488 = MCG +05-05-041 = CGCG 503-072 = V Zw 164 = PGC 7616

02 00 35.2 +28 13 31; Tri

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round.  Two mag 15 stars nearby 0.7' S and 20" E.  Lies within a 12' group of stars roughly forming a "Big Dipper" asterism.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 780 = H III-583 = h184 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and noted "vF, vS, E.  Resembles 3 faint stars in a line, with vF nebulosity between them."  John Herschel logged it on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177): "eF; 3 stars in Meridian precede it; the large 10m is 20” sp the nebula."  Lord Rosse failed to find this object on one occasion with the 72", but it was confirmed and measured twice by d'Arrest with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted the 15th mag star off the south end and measured an accurate position used in the NGC.

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NGC 781 = UGC 1482 = MCG +02-06-010 = CGCG 438-011 = PGC 7577

02 00 09.0 +12 39 22; Ari

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 13”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3', dominated by a round small bright core, much fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 781 = H III-215 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295) and logged "eF, stellar, found with 240 power."  His position is 2' north of UGC 1482 = PGC 7577.

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NGC 782 = ESO 114-015 = AM 0155-580 = PGC 7379

01 57 40.4 -57 47 26; Eri

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, ~1.0' diameter.  Contains a central "bar" oriented ~E-W within a brighter quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14-14.5 star is superimposed at the northeast end of the galaxy with the nucleus WSW [by 28"].  A thin, low surface brightness spiral arm is attached at the east end of the galaxy. It was occasionally glimpsed, extending towards the southwest and separating from the central region.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 782 = h2454 on 27 Oct 1834 and logged "pB, pL, lE, attached to a star 12th mag."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 783 = IC 1765 = UGC 1497 = MCG +05-05-042 = CGCG 503-073 = Mrk 1171 = LGG 042-005 = PGC 7657

02 01 06.4 +31 52 57; Tri

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, diffuse, slightly elongated E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge of halo and a mag 12.5 star is off the SE edge 1.1' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 785 8' ESE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 783 = St VIIIa-8 on 22 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 1497 = PGC 7657.  E.E. Barnard independently found this galaxy, communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer, who recatalogued it as IC 1765.  Barnard's position is about 30 seconds of RA too small and 2' too far S, so Dreyer must have thought it was a different object.

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NGC 784 = UGC 1501 = MCG +05-05-045 = CGCG 503-074 = PGC 7671

02 01 16.9 +28 50 14; Tri

V = 11.7;  Size 6.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly bright, very large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, weak concentration.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 784 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He questioned if it was elongated or double and his single position is accurate.

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NGC 785 = IC 1766 = UGC 1509 = MCG +05-05-046 = CGCG 503-076 = LGG 042-006 = PGC 7694

02 01 40.0 +31 49 35; Tri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

13.1" (8/24/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 783 8' WNW.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 785 = St VIIIa-9 on 25 Oct 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 1509 = PGC 7694.  E.E. Barnard found this galaxy again sometime in the early 1890's at Lick Observatory and communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer.  Barnard's position is about 30 seconds of RA west and 3' S of NGC 785, so Dreyer must have thought it was a different object and recatalogued it as IC 1766.  Most likely IC 1766 = NGC 785 as Barnard's IC 1765 has a similar offset from NGC 783!

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NGC 786 = UGC 1506 = MCG +02-06-012 = CGCG 438-013 = PGC 7680

02 01 24.6 +15 38 48; Ari

V = 13.3;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  NGC 792 lies 12' ENE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 786 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) is 1' too far south-southwest.

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NGC 787 = MCG -02-06-015 = PGC 7632

02 00 48.5 -09 00 08; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 3' W of center.  Located 4' NW of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 787 on 27 Feb 1865 with a 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory in New York. Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy on 9 Nov 1879 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported it in list IV-7.  Peters' and Tempel's positions match MCG -02-06-015 = PGC 7632.  This galaxy was probably "discovered" again Ormond Stone (I-46) at Leander McCormick in 1885 or 1886.  His position is 1.4 tmin W and 6' N of PGC 7632.

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NGC 788 = MCG -01-06-025 = PGC 7656

02 01 06.4 -06 48 57; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 115”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, stellar nucleus. (IC 184 lies 19' W and HCG 14 lies 24' SW - see observations).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 788 = H II-435 = h185 on 26 Sep 1865 (sweep 436) and noted "F, S, iR, bM".  John Herschel observed the galaxy on 30 Dec 1826 (sweep 39) and logged "B; pL; R; bM."

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NGC 789 = UGC 1520 = MCG +05-05-047 = CGCG 503-077 = LGG 042-007 = PGC 7760

02 02 26.0 +32 04 20; Tri

V = 13.4;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 3”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus?  Forms a pair with NGC 798 11' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 789 = St III-3 on 24 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  ƒdouard Stephan discovered the galaxy again on 10 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and measured a very accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 790 = MCG -01-06-026 = PGC 7677

02 01 21.6 -05 22 15; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, strong stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 790 = H III-433 = h186 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and logged "vF, vS."  John Herschel logged "F; pL; R; bM; 25" diameter." (8 Jan 1831).

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NGC 791 = UGC 1511 = MCG +01-06-031 = CGCG 413-028 = PGC 7702

02 01 44.3 +08 29 59; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, small, round, even concentration, very small bright core, very symmetrical appearance.  Located 3.3' SW of a mag 10 star.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.8' E of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 791 on 3 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 13-14 star that follows by 11.5 seconds and measured the position on 3 nights.

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NGC 792 = UGC 1517 = MCG +02-06-015 = CGCG 438-014 = PGC 7744

02 02 15.3 +15 42 44; Ari

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core.  Three mag 11-12 stars in a E-W line of 2' length begins 3' SSW and extends to the west.  NGC 786 lies 12' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 792 = h187 on 7 Sep 1828 and logged "eF; S; R; has a *11m 15” nf."  His position and description matches UGC 1517 = PGC 7744.

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NGC 793

02 02 54.5 +31 58 51; Tri

 

= **?, Corwin.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 793 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  It was placed southeast of NGC 789, but there are no galaxies in the vicinity, only several faint stars.  Corwin tentatively identifies a very faint double as NGC 793.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 794 = IC 191 = UGC 1528 = MCG +03-06-024 = CGCG 461-031 = PGC 7763

02 02 29.3 +18 22 23; Ari

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 794 = H III-207 = h188 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and noted "eF, vS, stellar,240 showed it very plainly."  John Herschel made a single observation on 7 Sep 1828 and noted "F; S; R; glbM; 12" [diameter]."  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 20 Oct 1889 and catalogued it as Sw. IX-9 (later IC 191) with description "pB; pL; lE."  Dreyer thought Sw. IX-9 might be new because of the disparate descriptions, though added the parenthetical "probably = [NGC 794]" in the IC description.  So, NGC 794 = IC 191.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 795 = ESO 153-008 = PGC 7552

01 59 49.4 -55 49 27; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 141”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint or moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~30" diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core (also slightly elongated NW-SE) that increases to an intensely bright nucleus.  13th mag stars are just 0.9' NW and 1.5' ENE, and a 15th mag star is off the west side [30" from center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 795 = h2455 on 27 Oct 1834 and logged "pF, S, R; makes an obtuse angled triangle with 2 stars 11th mag."  His position and description of the nearby stars matches ESO 153-008 = PGC 7552.

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NGC 796 = ESO 030-006 = Lindsay 115

01 56 45 -74 13 12; Hyi

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright but fairly small.  The main knot is round, ~30" in diameter with a single star that stands out at the SE edge.  Barely off the NW edge is a 10" knot that is possibly detached.  This knot increases the total size to nearly 45"x30", elongated NW-SE.  Located 8.5' SW of mag 8.2 HD 12440.

 

NGC 796 is a young, massive cluster and the most compact and dense cluster in the Magellanic tidal bridge structure.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 796 = h2456 on 18 Sep 1835 and remarked "F, vS, R, has a *12m 25" distance at 45” np."  On a second sweep he recorded "somewhat doubtful, but I believe it is a vF neb involving a vF star."  His third observation was reported as "eF, S, R, 10" close to a vS star." 

 

This object was first identified as an outlying open cluster of the SMC in 1935, based on long exposure Bruce plates taken at the Arequipa station in Peru.

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NGC 797 = UGC 1541 = MCG +06-05-078 = CGCG 522-105 = VV 428 = V Zw 170 = PGC 7832

02 03 28.0 +38 07 01; And

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint halo, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just 0.8' WNW of center and a brighter mag 13 star lies 1.7' ENE.  Forms a pair with NGC 801 9' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 797 = H III-566 = h189 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and noted "vF, pL, iR."  He apparently found it again on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and logged "pB, cL, lE, mbM.", though his position is much closer to NGC 801.  In Oct 1828 (sweep 188), John Herschel logged, "vF; R; sbM; near a *."  There are actually a couple of stars very near and his position matches UGC 1541 = PGC 7832.

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NGC 798 = UGC 1539 = MCG +05-05-048 = CGCG 503-078 = PGC 7823

02 03 19.6 +32 04 39; Tri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 137”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, very small, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  Located 11' E of NGC 789.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 798 = St III-4 on 10 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory, along with III-3 = NGC 789 (discovered earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest).  His position matches UGC 1539 = PGC 7823.

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NGC 799 = UGC 1527 = MCG +00-06-023 = CGCG 387-029 = Holm 54a = PGC 7741

02 02 12.3 -00 06 04; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 14 star is just 45" E.  Forms a close pair with NGC 800 1.8' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 799 = Sw. II-16 (along with NGC 800 = Sw. II-17) on 9 Oct 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His RA is 30 tsec too large (same error as NGC 800) and his discription "eeF pS; R; s[outh] of 2" should read "eeF pS; R; n[orth] of 2".  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 800 = UGC 1526 = MCG +00-06-024 = CGCG 387-028 = Holm 54b = PGC 7740

02 02 11.8 -00 07 49; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): extremely faint, very small, round, very low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 799 1.8' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 800 = Sw. II-17 (along with NGC 799 = Sw. II-16) on 9 Oct 1885  with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His RA is 30 seconds east of UGC 1526 = PGC 7740 (same error as NGC 800). Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 801 = UGC 1550 = MCG +06-05-079 = CGCG 522-106 = PGC 7847

02 03 44.9 +38 15 32; And

V = 13.1;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very elongated NNW-SSE, fairly small, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 797 9' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 801 = Sw. II-18 on 20 Sep 1885 and recorded "eF; pS; iR; D * close f; v difficult."  UGC 1550, an edge-on spiral, is 19 seconds of RA west of Swift's position, though there is no obvious double star close following.  NGC 801 was discovered on the same evening with NGCs 19, 21, 7831 and 7836.  All of these galaxies have offsets of -1.2 min in RA and -8' in declination from their correct positions, but there is nothing at this offset to NGC 801.  So, this identification is somewhat uncertain, though there are no other obvious candidates.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 802 = ESO 052-013 = PGC 7505

01 59 06.0 -67 52 13; Hyi

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 152”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration.  Located 27' SE of mag 4.7 Eta-2 Hyi.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' W. Forms a pair with ESO 052-014 5.4' NNE.  This galaxy appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', brighter along the major axis.  Two mag 12.7 and 11.7 stars are located 3' W and 5' W of ESO 52-14.  The brighter star forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with ESO 52-14 and NGC 802.  NGC 813 lies 37' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 802 = h2457 on 15 Oct 1784 and logged "eeF, vS, R; has a star 13th mag preceding, distance 100"."  His position and description matches ESO 052-013 = PGC 7505.

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NGC 803 = UGC 1554 = MCG +03-06-028 = CGCG 461-038 = PGC 7849

02 03 44.7 +16 01 52; Ari

V = 12.6;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on N-S.  A mag 11 star is 1.0' WSW of center.  Located 49' SE of mag 7.6 HD 12315.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 803 = H III-208 = h190 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and logged "eF, vS, iR, just following a pB star."  On 11 Jan 1831 (sweep 319), John Herschel reported, "vF; not vS; glbM; follows *10m 3.5 sec."  His description and position matches UGC 1554 = PGC 7849.

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NGC 804 = IC 1773 = UGC 1557 = MCG +05-05-049 = CGCG 504-001 = PGC 7873

02 04 02.1 +30 49 59; Tri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, very small brighter core with thin faint extensions.  Two mag 11.5 stars are 1.9' WSW and 3.5' SW of center.  UGC 1577 lies 27' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 804 = Sw. II-19 on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and logged "eeF; vS; R; lbM; v difficult."  His position is 22 seconds of RA east of UGC 1557.  Because of his imprecise position, Guillaume Bigourdan, observing with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory, mistook a faint star for NGC 804 and listed the galaxy as a new discovery, and Dreyer catalogued the galaxy again as IC 1773.  So, NGC 804 = IC 1773.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 805 = UGC 1566 = MCG +05-05-050 = CGCG 504-004 = PGC 7899

02 04 29.5 +28 48 44; Tri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): faint, very small, oval 3:2 ~E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the SW edge 30" from center and a mag 14 star is 1' WNW.  NGC 807 lies 13' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 805 on 26 Sep 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 13-14 star preceded by 2 seconds and measured a fairly accurate position (2 nights).

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NGC 806 = MCG -02-06-021 = PGC 7835

02 03 31.4 -09 55 56; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, irregular surface brightness, probably brighter on the west end.  A mag 11 star is 3.7' NNE of center.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness, asymmetric appearance with a very faint stellar nucleus offset to the NE end or an extremely faint star may be superimposed near NE tip.  A mag 11 star is 3.5' NE.

 

Distorted, patchy appearance on the SDSS that may be the result of the post-collision merger.  HyperLeda catalogues the companion a PGC 3100716 and NED gives the primary designation SHOC 103.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 806 = Sw. V-19 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "eeF; S; R; pB * nr; extr difficult".  His RA was 13 seconds too large but his comment of a "pB * nr" applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 807 = UGC 1571 = MCG +05-06-001 = CGCG 504-006 = PGC 7934

02 04 55.7 +28 59 16; Tri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 45" N.  Located 2' NE of a mag 10.5 star and 8.5' SW of mag 7.9 SAO 75133.  NGC 805 lies 13' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 807 = H III-151 = h191 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and wrote "vF, vS, stellar, between a pretty large and small star, but nearer to the smallest."  John Herschel recorded on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177), "vF; vS; 6"; has a *12m 1' N, and another about 20” sp.".  His description and position matches UGC 1571 = PGC 7934.

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NGC 808 = ESO 478-001 = MCG -04-06-003 = PGC 7865

02 03 56.6 -23 18 42; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, very weakly concentrated along the major axis.  A string of three mag 14 stars extending NW are collinear with the galaxy and equally spaced at 1.0' separation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 808 = h192 = h2458 on 14 Oct 1830 and logged "vF; R; vgbM; 40" [diameter]." He observed it again from the Cape of Good Hope and noted, "vF, lE, gbM, 25"."  Joseph Turner sketched NGC 808 on 10 Nov 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate I, figure 5) and described it as small, faint, considerably elongated, brighter in the middle, no appearance of resolvability.

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NGC 809 = MCG -02-06-023 = PGC 7889

02 04 18.9 -08 44 07; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, very small brighter core, stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 809 = Sw. V-20 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 22 sec of RA east of MCG -02-06-023 = PGC 7889.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 810 = UGC 1583 = MCG +02-06-026 = CGCG 438-024 = PGC 7965

02 05 28.5 +13 15 05; Ari

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, small, round, bright core.  Located on a line to the SW of mag 7.8 SAO 92789 7' NE and mag 7.2 SAO 92795 19' NE.  Appears brighter than the CGCG mag of 15.4.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 810 = St III-5 on 11 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, vS, R, more condensed in the center but no bright nucleus".  His position matches UGC 1583.  Corwin notes the NGC position is 10 tsec too far west (transcription error).  A companion (not seen) is superimposed 0.25' following the nucleus, which itself looks double on the SDSS.

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NGC 811 = PGC 7870

02 04 00 -09 06 21; Cet

Size 0.6'x0.5';  PA = 33”

 

18" (10/25/08): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Once identified this faint galaxy could be held continuously.  Located 5.7' ENE of a mag 10.9 star and 22' NNE of mag 7.3 HD 12627.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 811 = LM 2-324 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and commented "neb?, *10 1' S."   There is nothing at his position but 50 sec of RA west is PGC 7870 and there is a star (closer to mag 14) 40" S, so the identification NGC 811 = PGC 7870 is reasonable.  The RNGC, PGC, NED and HyperLeda  misidentify MCG -02-06-024 = PGC 7905 as NGC 811.  This galaxy is 1” south of Leavenworth's position and it's possible Leavenworth made a transcription error of 1”, but there is no star to the south, so this identification is less likely.

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NGC 812 = UGC 1598 = MCG +07-05-014 = CGCG 538-019 = PGC 8066

02 06 51.5 +44 34 20; And

V = 11.2;  Size 9.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 160”

 

13.1" (8/24/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE, diffuse.  A mag 11 star is 1.1' SW.  Located 17' NE of mag 7.4 SAO 37787.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 812 = St VIIIb-3 on 11 Dec 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and remarked "eF, thin shape, E45, 1.5' length, bM".  His position and description matches UGC 1598 = PGC 8066.

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NGC 813 = ESO 052-016 = PGC 7692

02 01 36.0 -68 26 21; Hyi

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 99”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly small, oval E-W, 40"x25", sharp concentration with a small bright core.  A very faint star is superimposed on the east side of the halo and a second very faint star lies 30" S of center.  NGC 802 lies 37' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 813 = h2459 on 24 Nov 1834 and noted "pF, R, gbM, 30"." His position matches ESO 052-016 = PGC 7692.

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NGC 814 = MCG -03-06-010 = PGC 8319

02 10 37.6 -15 46 25; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 4”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', broad concentration.  Located close NE of a mag 12 star [0.9' from center].  At moments appears to have a faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with extremely difficult NGC 815 2.4' S.  Due to a poor position by Stone, these objects are misidentified in RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 814 = LM 1-47 (along with NGC 815 = I-48) on 6 Jan 1886.   There is nothing near Stone's position but his discovery sketch was examined by Corwin and it establishes NGC 814 = MCG -03-06-010 = PGC 8319 and NGC 815 = PGC 906183.   In this case Stone's RA was 4 min of RA too far west.  RNGC and PGC misidentify MCG -03-06-005 = PGC 7799 as NGC 814 and MCG -03-06-004 = PGC 7798 as NGC 815.  Megastar and other sources based on the PGC may also carry this error.

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NGC 815 = PGC 906183

02 10 39.4 -15 48 47; Cet

Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (10/25/97): not seen initially at 220x.  After extended viewing, just glimpsed for moments on a few occasions at 2.4' S of NGC 814.  Appeared virtually stellar, ~5"-10", no details due to faintness.

 

See comments for NGC 814.  RNGC and PGC (as well as Megastar, etc.) misidentify MCG -03-06-004 = PGC 7798 as NGC 815.  NGC 815 appears to be a very close and small double system (virtually stellar).

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NGC 816 = CGCG 504-016 = PGC 8152

02 08 08.8 +29 15 21; Tri

V = 14.5;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 15 star is involved at the south edge just 0.2' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 819 5.7' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 816 = St VI-1 on 15 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is 1' S of CGCG 504-016 = PGC 8152 (probably an error with the position of his offset star).

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NGC 817 = UGC 1611 = MCG +03-06-033 = CGCG 461-047 = PGC 8109

02 07 33.7 +17 12 09; Ari

V = 13.2;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, low almost even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 817 = Sw. IV-7 on 2 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and reported "eF; vS; R; right angled with 2 stars".  His position is 24 tsec east of UGC 1611 = PGC 8109 and his comment "right angled with 2 stars" matches this galaxy. Bigourdan reported Swift's position is 26 seconds too large (Remarks section of his 1891 Comptes Rendus list), though Dreyer's "corrected" position in the IC 1 Notes is 0.8 tmin too far east.

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NGC 818 = UGC 1633 = MCG +06-05-086 = CGCG 522-116 = PGC 8185

02 08 44.5 +38 46 38; And

V = 12.5;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration, no core.  A mag 15 star is 30" E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 818 = H II-604 = h194 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and logged "pB, cL, lE, mbM".  George Stoney, using the 72" Leviathan on 3 Oct 1850, recorded "bM, some stars seen in it; night hazy."  The NGC position is 1' south of UGC 1633 = PGC 8185.

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NGC 819 = UGC 1632 = CGCG 504-017 = PGC 8174

02 08 34.4 +29 14 02; Tri

V = 13.4;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): faint, small, round.  A mag 13 star lies 1' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 816 5.7' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 819 = St VI-2 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted the mag 13 star 42" north and measured an accurate position.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy again on 15 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.

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NGC 820 = UGC 1629 = MCG +02-06-036 = CGCG 438-031 = PGC 8165

02 08 25.0 +14 20 58; Ari

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core.  A mag 15 star is just off the east edge 0.7' from the center.  Located almost at the midpoint of two mag 14 stars 1.6' SW and 1.4' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 820 = h195 on 7 Sep 1828 and logged "F; R; bM; 15 arcsec".  R.J. Mitchell, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 30 Nov 1856, recorded "oval, major axis sp-nf, a F* follows closely.  There is another F* in the on edge."  His description is accurate and the star at the north edge is roughly mag 16.5.

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NGC 821 = UGC 1631 = MCG +02-06-034 = CGCG 438-033 = PGC 8160

02 08 21.1 +10 59 41; Ari

V = 10.7;  Size 2.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, very bright elongated core.  Located just 1.1' SE of mag 10 SAO 92805! 

 

8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, small, compact.  A mag 10 star is just 1' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 821 = H I-152 = h193 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 582) and commented "pB, vS, R, bM, 1' sf a considerable star with a small one sf the nebula." Dreyer's 1912 notes to the Second Catalogue mentions "A second obs. (Sweep 591, Sept. 18, 1786) describes it as vB, vS, lE, vBN. But the neb. is in reality only pB, second class."  John Herschel also logged it on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121) as "Not vB; R; sbM to nucl; has a *1m sp, dist 55"."  R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 18 Dec 1856, recorded a "bMN, E spnf, S * in s end."  This star is around mag 15.5 and was not seen in my observation.

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NGC 822 = LGG 050-002 = ESO 298-009 = MCG -07-05-008 = PGC 8055

02 06 39.1 -41 09 24; Phe

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 77”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~35"x25", small bright nucleus rises to a stellar peak.  Located 10.7' ENE of mag 8.5 HD 12948.  Forms the eastern vertex of a small triangle with a mag 13.7 star 2.7' W and a mag 13.0 star 3.2' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 822 = h2461 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, R, sbM, resolvable, 15", a difficult object."  His mean position from two sweeps matches ESO 298-009 = PGC 8055.

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NGC 823 = IC 1782 = ESO 478-002 = MCG -04-06-005 = PGC 8093

02 07 20.1 -25 26 31; For

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.3'x0.2' although with averted vision the outer halo doubles in diameter.  Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is attached at the east end and the galaxy appears a "fuzzy" component just west of the star.  Located 4' N of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 823 = h196 on 14 Oct 1830 and recorded "A vF double star enclosed in a vF neb."  Herschel also observed this nebula at the Cape (h2460) and gave the same description.  Lewis Swift apparently independently found this object on 8 Oct 1896.  Sw. XI-34 (later IC 1782) was described as "vF; D* of = mag in nebulosity.  Curious object."  He added the note "This appears like a nebulous double star, but I think it is simply a double star in a nebula.  There is a vast difference between a nebulous star, and a star in a nebula."  Dreyer must have missed the close match of Swift's and JH's position and their descriptions are virtually identical.  So, NGC 823 = IC 1782.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 823 with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 11 Nov 1876 (plate I, figure 6), showing a brighter star at the east edge and a stellar nucleus, though he interpreted these as a "very small double star involved".

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NGC 824 = ESO 354-037 = MCG -06-05-028 = PGC 8068

02 06 53.1 -36 27 13; For

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 21”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (probably only viewed the core).  Contains a sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 4.7' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 824 = h2462 on 29 Nov 1837 and commented "F, R, 40", vsvmbM to a star 12th magnitude."   He also observed it on the next sweep and his position (typo in NPD was corrected at the end of the CGH) matches ESO 354-037 = PGC 8068.

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NGC 825 = UGC 1636 = MCG +01-06-045 = CGCG 413-046 = LGG 047-003 = PGC 8173

02 08 32.3 +06 19 26; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 53”

 

24" (1/25/14): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:1 SW-NE, ~0.7'x0.15', brighter elongated core.  An extremely faint star (mag 16.3) is just north of center.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' NNE.

 

NGC 825 forms a pair with IC 208 4.5' NNW.  The companion (similar redshift) appeared fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.5' diameter, very low though irregular surface brightness, no core or nucleus.  Brightest member of a group that includes IC 1776, UGC 1646 and UGC 1649.

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' N.  Located 5.5' WNW of mag 9.3 SAO 110366.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 825 = m 53 on 18 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, S, mE.".  His position is 1.5' S of UGC 1636 = PGC 8173 and the description "much elongated" applies to this edge-on.  Marth missed fainter IC 208, just 5' N.

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NGC 826 = CGCG 504-019 = PGC 8230

02 09 25.1 +30 44 23; Tri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is 40" NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 826 = St VI-3 on 18 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position corresponds with CGCG 504-019 = PGC 8230.  This is a double system (not known if a physical pair) with a very faint companion overlapping on the north side.

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NGC 827 = UGC 1640 = MCG +01-06-046 = CGCG 413-047 = PGC 8196

02 08 56.3 +07 58 17; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 2.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 827 = H III-227 = h198 = Sw. I-2 on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 308) and reported "suspected 2 or 3 small stars with seeming nebulosity between them, 240 rather confirmed it, but left a doubt."  Dreyer commented in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that the "Place perfectly correct, no other nebula near, but it is not a nebulous cluster but a neb, vF, S, lbM, difficult". Lewis Swift found the galaxy on 9 Oct 1884 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and reported it in his first discovery list.  Although Swift insisted his observation "cannot be [NGC 827]", his position and description ("vF; pS; eE; spindle") clearly apply to this galaxy.

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NGC 828 = UGC 1655 = MCG +06-05-092 = CGCG 522-125 = VI Zw 177 = PGC 8283

02 10 09.6 +39 11 26; And

V = 12.3;  Size 2.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core.  A wide double star with components 10.5/11 (separation 25" in PA 0”) are 3' E.  Located 15' NW of the bright double star 59 Andromedae = 6.1/6.8 at 17".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 828 = H II-605 = h197 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and logged "pB, S, iF."  John Herschel logged it in Oct 1828 (sweep 188) "pB; R; gbM; has a D* 15 sec following."  This galaxy was observed 6 times at Birr Castle with the first observation on 4 Nov 1848 (possibly by Lord Rosse): "F, scarcely seen in finder, another S neb 60” np 1.5' dist, if it be not a F *."  A later observation noted "Either a single R neb with * inv sf center or double."  This galaxy is a disrupted spiral with a dust lane on the south side of the core, so some structure was resolved.

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NGC 829 = MCG -01-06-049 = PGC 8182

02 08 42.2 -07 47 26; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE.  A mag 11 star is 0.9' SE.  First of three and similar shape as NGC 830 4.5' ENE but only a weak concentration.  NGC 842 lies 16' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 829, along with NGC 830, on 23 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 11 star was 0.7' distant and his position (measured on two nights) is accurate.

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NGC 830 = MCG -01-06-050 = Mrk 1020 = PGC 8201

02 08 58.7 -07 46 01; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Second of three and similar dimensions as NGC 829 4.5' WSW.  NGC 842 lies 12' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 830, along with NGC 829, on 23 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position and offset from NGC 829 is accurate.

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NGC 831 = CGCG 413-049 = PGC 8241

02 09 34.6 +06 05 47; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.8

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, round.  Located just east of the midpoint of a line connecting mag 7.1 SAO 110371 7' SSW and mag 8.6 SAO 110372 7' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 844 10' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 831 = m 54 on 18 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, pS".  His position matches CGCG 413-049 = PGC 8241.

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NGC 832

03 11 05.4 +35 23 12; Per

 

See observing notes for NGC 1226.  Here's the description of the double star suggested by Harold Corwin as a candidate for NGC 832:

 

17.5" (11/1/97): faint double star mag 14/15 at 7" separation.  Difficult to resolve cleanly at 220x in mediocre seeing due to faintness of the north-northeast component.  Easier to resolve at 280x.  Although the identification as NGC 832 is not certain, this close double star could easily be mistaken as a small nebulous object.  Located 4.3' NE of a mag 9.5-10 star. Also 2' SW is a wider, brighter pair of mag 13.5-14 stars at 11" separation, which is much easier to resolve.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 832 on 17 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted (single observation) that a mag 9-10 star was 5' southwest.  There is nothing at his position and no bright star is 5' southwest.  But Corwin suggests this number may apply to a close double star (7" separation) at 02 11 00.8 +35 32 29.  This pair is 24 seconds following d'Arrest's position (similar dec) and has a mag 9-10 star 4.3' southwest.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 8280 as NGC 832.  This extremely faint galaxy is 6.6' west of d'Arrest's position and is certainly too faint to have picked up.

 

In an email on 26 Jul 2016, Harold Corwin found that if d'Arrest made a 1-hour transcription error in RA his position is a good match (about 1' too far north) with NGC 1226.  Furthermore, there is a mag 10.4 star 4.3' SW, matching d'Arrest's description.  This identification seems likely as d'Arrest made several similar 1-hour errors in RA: NGC 3167 (= NGC 2789), NGC 3575 (= NGC 3162), and NGC 3760 (= NGC 3301).

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NGC 833 = HCG 16B = Arp 318 NED2 = Arp 318:C1 = MCG -02-06-030 = LGG 049-002 = PGC 8225

02 09 20.8 -10 07 59; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 85”

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~2:1 E-W, 55"x25", contains a small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 835 1' E in the striking HCG 16 quartet.

 

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  First of four in HCG 16 and forms a close double with NGC 835 1' E.  NGC 838 is nearly on a line with the pair, 4.4' ESE of NGC 833.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, small, edge-on ~E-W, bright core.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 835 1.0' E of center in the HCG 16 with NGC 838 and NGC 839.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 833 = H II-482 = h199 = h2463, along with NGC 835, 838 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479).  He recorded the quartet as "Two, both faint, both E and S within a minute of each other [NGC 833 & NGC 835], and not far from the parallel.  About 4 or 5' south and about 2 seconds following are two more [NGC 838 & NGC 839], a little fainter and smaller; bot also E and resembling each other, and the situation not far from the meridian.  240 verified them all, so as to leave no doubt."  Joseph Turner made a nice sketch of the group in 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate I, figure 7).

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NGC 834 = UGC 1672 = MCG +06-05-099 = CGCG 522-128 = PGC 8352

02 11 01.4 +37 40 01; And

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 834 = H III-567 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and logged as "vF, S, lE".  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 835 = HCG 16A = Arp 318 NED1 = MCG -02-06-031 = LGG 049-003 = PGC 8228

02 09 24.6 -10 08 10; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~55"x35", sharply concentrated with a small intense core.  Brightest in the striking HCG 16 group.

 

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright small core.  This galaxy is the brightest member of HCG 16 (one of the best Hickson groups) and the eastern member of a close pair with NGC 833 1' W.  A mag 9.7 star lies 2.7' S and NGC 838 lies 3.5' E, roughly on a line with NGC 833.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.  Brightest of four in the HCG 16 group and forms a close pair with NGC 833 1.0' W.  NGC 838 lies 3.4' E and NGC 839 5.3' SE.  A mag 10 star lies 2.7' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 835 = H II-482 = h200 = h2464, along with NGC 833, 838 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479).  See notes for NGC 833. Joseph Turner sketched the quartet on 4 Nov 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. (page 115 of his logbook)

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NGC 836 = ESO 544-017 = MCG -04-06-012 = PGC 8304

02 10 24.9 -22 03 18; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 2.3' ENE.  NGC 837 lies 23' S and NGC 849 is 16' SSW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 836 = LM 2-325 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.3 min of RA east is ESO 544-017 = PGC 8304.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 837 = ESO 478-010 = MCG -04-06-011 = PGC 8297

02 10 16.3 -22 25 52; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.5'x0.3', no concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 849 6.6' NNW.  NGC 836 lies 23' N.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 837 = LM 2-326 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.5, 0.8' dia, vE 0”, *10 1' N."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.1 min of RA east is ESO 478-010 = PGC 8297 and his description is an exact match with this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 838 = HCG 16C = Arp 318 NED3 = Arp 318:C2 = MCG -02-06-033 = LGG 049-004 = PGC 8250

02 09 38.4 -10 08 47; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

18" (11/14/09): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x35", well concentrated with small high surface brightness nucleus.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, small bright core, high surface brightness.  Located 3.5' ESE of NGC 835 with NGC 838 just 2.5' SE.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated, very small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  Third of four in HCG 16 and located 3.4' E of NGC 835.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 838 = H II-482 = h201 = h2465, along with NGC 833, 835 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479).  John Herschel noted it was the "third in order and in size". See notes for NGC 833.

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NGC 839 = HCG 16D = Arp 318 NED4 = Arp 318:C3 = MCG -02-06-034 = LGG 049-005 = PGC 8254

02 09 42.7 -10 11 01; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 85”

 

18" (11/14/09): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', small bright core.  A faint star lies 1' NW.  Last in the HCG 16 quartet of fairly bright NGC galaxies.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 7:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.3', fairly weak concentration.  A mag 14 star lies 1' NW.  Located 4' E of a mag 9.7 star and 5' SE of NGC 835 (brightest in HCG 16).

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, edge-on ~E-W, bright core.  Last of four in HCG 16 and has a similar appearance to NGC 833.  Located 2.5' SE of NGC 838.  A mag 10 star lies 4.2' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 839 = H II-482 = h202 = h2466, along with NGC 833, 835 and 838, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479).  John Herschel noted it was the largest in the quartet.  See notes for NGC 833.

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NGC 840 = UGC 1664 = MCG +01-06-049 = CGCG 413-053 = PGC 8293

02 10 16.2 +07 50 43; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, low almost even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 840 = m 55 on 2 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, vS".  His position matches UGC 1664 = PGC 8293.

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NGC 841 = UGC 1676 = MCG +06-05-101 = CGCG 522-131 = V Zw 194 = LGG 051-002 = PGC 8372

02 11 17.4 +37 29 50; And

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 834 lies 11' NNW and UGC 1695 = (R)NGC 845 12' E.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 841 in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG, MCG.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 841 = H III-604 = St XIII-16 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692) and commented "vF, stellar, confirmed 240x."  His position (reduced by Caroline Herschel and Arthur Auwers) is just 4 seconds of RA west of UGC 1676 = PGC 8372. John Herschel assumed his father's discovery was the same as his h204, and so he equated H III-604 = h204 in the GC (501) and Dreyer equated H III-604 = h204 = GC 501 in the entry for NGC 841.

 

ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered NGC 841 on 24 Nov 1883 (he observed all 3 NGC galaxies here) with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and his position matches UGC 1676.   Dreyer assumed this was new, so Stephan is credited with the discovery of NGC 841 in the NGC instead of WH.  Malcolm Thomson discussed the identifications in Q. Jl R. astr. Soc. (1991), 32, 17-24.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 842 = MCG -01-06-055 = PGC 8258

02 09 50.8 -07 45 45; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE in direction of a mag 13 star 1.5' SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Third of three with NGC 830 12' W and NGC 829 16' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 842 = h203 on 8 Jan 1831 and noted "vF; R; psbM; 12" [diameter]."  Herschel's position is 2' N of MCG -01-06-055 = PGC 8258.  Mrk 1023 is equated with NGC 842 in the PGC but Mrk 1023 is a separate galaxy (PGC 1013430).

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NGC 843

02 11 08.0 +32 05 52; Tri

 

= ***, Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 843 on 16 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There are three mag 14.6-15.0 stars at his position with separations of 9"/9".  In his first observation he states it is possibly a planetary nebula, but on the second he resolved it at 226x.   MCG misidentifies +06-05-098 as NGC 843 although this galaxy is over 5 degrees north of d'Arrest's position.

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NGC 844 = CGCG 413-052 = PGC 8291

02 10 14.3 +06 02 59; Cet

V = 15.0;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 5.3' WSW of mag 7.4 SAO 110383!  Forms a pair with NGC 831 10' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 844 = m 56 on 18 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, S".  Marth's position is a good match with CGCG 413-052 = PGC 8291, although it is strange he didn't mention the bright nearby star.

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NGC 845 = UGC 1695 = MCG +06-05-104 = CGCG 522-135 = PGC 8438

02 12 19.8 +37 28 38; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 149”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, small, thin edge-on NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 12' E of NGC 841.  This identification of this galaxy with NGC 845 is uncertain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 845 = h204 in Oct 1828 and logged "vF; irregular figure."  His position corresponds with UGC 1695 = PGC 8438.  JH (and Heinrich d'Arrest) equated his father's H III-604 with h204, but Harold Corwin concludes H III-604 applies to NGC 841 and that William missed NGC 845.  On the other hand, Malcolm Thomson concluded NGC 845 = NGC 841 (see Q.J. R. astr. Soc.(1991) 32,17-24).

 

ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseille Observatory (added as an "anonymous" nebula in Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions), and was not credited in the GC or NGC.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 846 = NGC 847 = UGC 1688 = MCG +07-05-024 = CGCG 538-032 = PGC 8430

02 12 12.3 +44 34 07; And

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, weak concentration, almost round, in rich field.  Located 4' NW of mag 9.2 SAO 37855 and 23' NW of 60 Andromedae (V = 4.8).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 846 = St VIIIb-4 on 22 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, eS, R, gbM".  His micrometric position matches UGC 1688.  Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 30 Nov 1885 and reported Sw. III-9 (later NGC 847) as new.  So, NGC 846 = NGC 847, with discovery priority to Stephan.

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NGC 847 = NGC 846 = UGC 1688 = MCG +07-05-024 = CGCG 538-032 = PGC 8430

02 12 12.3 +44 34 07; And

 

See observing notes for NGC 846.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 847 = Sw. III-9 on 30 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position and description "nearly between a pB star and 3 vF equal mag stars" matches UGC 1688.  This galaxy was discovered earlier by ƒdouard Stephan (VIII-4, second list) on 22 Nov 1876 and catalogued by Dreyer as NGC 846.  In AN 2992, Spitaler concluded NGC 846 = NGC 847 and this is mentioned in the IC 1 notes.  Since Stephan made the original discovery, NGC 846 should be the primary designation. The RNGC misidentifies a very close clump of stars (6' N of N846) as NGC 847.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 848 = MCG -02-06-036 = Mrk 1026 = LGG 049-006 = PGC 8299

02 10 17.5 -10 19 16; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.2' NE.  Located 17' SE of NGC 835 (HCG 16)

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 11 star is just off the north edge 1.2' from center.  Member of the Arp 318 group.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 848 = LM 1-49 = Sw. V-21 on 11 Dec 1885 and reported "mag 15.5, eS, E 325”, gbM, *10 north 1.0'."  His position is 1 min of RA east of MCG -02-06-036 = PGC 8299, and the description of the nearby bright star applies.  Swift independently found the galaxy on 1 Nov 1886 and reported Sw. V-21 as "eeeF; pL; ee diff.; * nr nf; 495-7-8-9 in field."  Swift's position was 16 seconds of RA too far east. Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article in Feb 1887 that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously.

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NGC 849 = ESO 478-009 = PGC 8286

02 10 11.2 -22 19 23; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 837 6.6' SSE.  NGC 836 lies 16' NNE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 849 = LM 2-327 in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 14.8, 0.5', R, neb?".  His position is 1.5' S of MCG -02-06-036 = PGC 8299.  Herbert Howe reported in 1899-00, "The object is as bright as a star of mag 12, and appeared to me a trifle un-starlike.  I could see nothing else which appeared nebulous in the neighborhood.

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NGC 850 = UGC 1679 = MCG +00-06-049 = CGCG 387-053 = PGC 8369

02 11 13.6 -01 29 08; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, small round, 0.8' diameter, evenly concentrated, faint stellar nucleus.  Collinear with a mag 14 star 1.7' SE and a mag 13 star 3.4' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 850 = H III-259 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and logged "eF, eS, irr F."  His position is 22 tsec of RA following UGC 1679 = PGC 8369.  NGC 863, the next object in the sweep is also 30 tsec too large.  Heinrich d'Arrest's position (used in the NGC) is accurate.

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NGC 851 = UGC 1680 = MCG +01-06-054 = CGCG 413-058 = Mrk 588 = PGC 8368

02 11 12.1 +03 46 46; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~30"x15", contains a small brighter core.  A mag 14.7 star is at the NE edge [23" from center].  Located 20' E of mag 6.8 HD 13285.

 

NGC 851 forms a pair with IC 211 4.5' NNW.  This companion was faint, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, low surface brightness and difficult to estimate diameter, increases in size with averted but at least 1.0'x0.8', slightly brighter core.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NE edge just 22" from center.  Located 20' E of mag 6.9 SAO 110378 20' W and 21' NNW of mag 6.7 SAO 110395.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 851 = Sw. III-10 on 30 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  The Swifts' published position is 12 sec of RA following UGC 1680 = PGC 8368.

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NGC 852 = ESO 153-026 = PGC 8195

02 08 55.5 -56 44 13; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 83”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter. A star is superimposed at the northwest edge of the galaxy [measured 18" from center].  At 397x contains a slight brighter nucleus and the halo has a slightly irregular surface brightness.  A mag 10.5 str lies 9' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 852 = h2467 on 27 Oct 1834 and reported "pF, R, glbM, 40", resolvable."  His position corresponds with ESO 153-026 = PGC 8195.

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NGC 853 = MCG -02-06-038 = PGC 8397

02 11 41.2 -09 18 22; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.8'.  Located midway between two mag 12 and 13 stars 1.8' NE and 1.7' SW.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 9.5 and 10.5 stars in the field 7' NW and 5' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 853 = H II-486 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "F, S, E".  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 854 = ESO 354-047 = MCG -06-05-038 = PGC 8388

02 11 30.7 -35 50 06; For

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated (PA uncertain), 0.8' diameter.  A mag 13.5-14 star follows by 2.0'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 854 = h2468 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; lE in meridian; 50" l; gbM."  On later sweeps it was called "vF".

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NGC 855 = UGC 1718 = MCG +05-06-016 = CGCG 504-035 = PGC 8557

02 14 03.7 +27 52 38; Tri

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.8', bright middle, fainter extensions.  A mag 14.5 star is just 30" S.  Located just north of the Aries border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 855 = H II-613 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "F, S, lE in parallel, bM."  His position is 0.2 tmin west of UGC 1718 = PGC 8557.

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NGC 856 = NGC 859 = UGC 1713 = MCG +00-06-054 = CGCG 387-058 = PGC 8526

02 13 38.4 -00 43 02; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, round, 0.8' diameter, no concentration except for faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just off the east edge 1.0' from center.  NGC 863 lies 14' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 856 = Sw. V-22 on 31 Oct 1886 and recorded "eF; S; lE; F * close.".  His position was 6 seconds of RA west and 1' north of UGC 1713 and the faint star is 1' ENE.  He had discovered this galaxy 4 weeks earlier (3 Oct), listing it as V-23 and logging "pF; pS; lbM; np of 2 [with NGC 863= NGC 866].  His first position was 14 seconds of time too far east and neither Swift nor Dreyer (who later catalogued it as NGC 859) recognized the equivalency as the descriptions were pretty different.  NGC 859 should take historical precedence as it was discovered first but all modern catalogues label the galaxy NGC 856.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1907 using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory and mentioned Swift's 14 second error.  Dorothy Carlson and Jack Sulentic (RNGC) both called NGC 859 nonexistent.

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NGC 857 = ESO 415-006 = MCG -05-06-008 = PGC 8455

02 12 37.0 -31 56 42; For

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core surrounded by a very faint halo.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.8' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 857 = h2469 on 18 Nov 1835 and logged "B, S, E, psmbM, 18"."   His position (also measured on the next sweep) matches ESO 415-006 = PGC 8455.

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NGC 858 = ESO 478-013 = MCG -04-06-016 = PGC 8451

02 12 30.2 -22 28 17; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 79”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): extremely faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, very low surface brightness.  Weak concentration at the center.  Located 8.5' W of a mag 10 star.  A faint companion off the east side was not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 858 = LM 2-328 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.7 min of RA east and 1.7' south of ESO 478-013 = PGC 8451.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 859 = NGC 856 = UGC 1713 = MCG +00-06-054 = CGCG 387-058 = PGC 8526

02 13 38.4 -00 43 02; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 856.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 859 = Sw. V-23 on 3 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and found again by Swift on 31 Oct 1886 and listed as V-22 = NGC 856.  Herbert Howe reported he was unable to find NGC 859 on a night he measured NGC 856.  That's not unexpected as there is only a single galaxy here and Swift's comment of "F* close" for NGC 856 applies to UGC 1713 = PGC 8526.  The two positions are close enough that it's surprising Swift didn't notice the equivalence, although his descriptions are quite different.  Since NGC 859 was discovered first, this designation should take historical precedence, although the galaxy is generally labeled as NGC 856.See Corwin's comments.

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NGC 860 = CGCG 504-037 = V Zw 204 = PGC 8606

02 15 00.2 +30 46 44; Tri

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.3'

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, extremely small, round, 10"-15" diameter.  With direct vision the small halo disappears and a tiny core with a stellar nucleus is visible.  A mag 15 star lies 1.9' SSE.  Located 9' ENE of mag 7.4 SAO 55373.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 860 = St VI-4 on 18 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged "*13 in F neb".  His position matches CGCG 504-037 = PGC 8606.

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NGC 861 = UGC 1737 = MCG +06-06-003 = CGCG 523-005 = PGC 8652

02 15 51.2 +35 54 48; Tri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 38”

 

13.1" (11/14/87): faint, very small, edge-on SW-NE.  A mag 13 star is attached at the SW end 0.5' from center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 861 on 18 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 12 star (double) was joined to the south and his single position is just off the southwest side of UGC 1737 = PGC 8652.

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NGC 862 = ESO 298-020 = MCG -07-05-012 = PGC 8487

02 13 03.0 -42 02 02; Phe

V = 12.8;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 0.5'-0.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  A mag 16 star is just off the west side [30" W of center].  Located 8' WNW of a mag 10.3 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 862 = h2470 on 5 Sep 1834 and logged "pF, vS, svmbM, like a blurred star."  On a second sweep he noted "F, R, gbM, 30"." His mean position matches ESO 298-020 = PGC 8487.

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NGC 863 = NGC 866 = NGC 885 = UGC 1727 = MCG +00-06-056 = Mrk 590 = PGC 8586

02 14 33.6 -00 46 00; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, very small, round, fairly concentrated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 856 is 14' WNW and NGC 868 21' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 863 = H III-260 = h205 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and noted "vF or eF, vS, stellar, not so faint as the last [NGC 850]".  There is nothing at his position, but 30 seconds of RA west and 3' north is UGC 1727 = PGC 8586.  John Herschel called this object "vF; R; bM" and measured an accurate position (24 Nov 1827, sweep 108).

 

On 3 Oct 1856, Lewis Swift recorded 3 galaxies: Sw. V-23 = NGC 859, Sw. V-24 = NGC 866 and Sw. V-25 = NGC 868.  The second entry, which reads "pF; pS; R; lbM; sf of 2", also fits UGC 1727, though Swift's RA was 70 tsec too large (his dec is good).  Then on 31 Oct 1886, Swift revisited the area and recorded Sw. V-27 = NGC 885 as "vF, vS, R, lbM".  There is nothing at his position but Corwin suggests he may have made a 5 tmin error in RA in which case this would be another reobservation of NGC 863!  If so, then NGC 863 = NGC 866 = NGC 885, with NGC 863 the primary designation.

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NGC 864 = UGC 1736 = MCG +01-06-061 = CGCG 413-066 = PGC 8631

02 15 27.8 +06 00 09; Cet

V = 10.9;  Size 4.7'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 20”

 

48" (10/29/16): this striking two-armed barred spiral appeared bright, fairly large, overall elongated 3:2 SW-NE, well concentrated with a bright core.  The core extends into a weakly defined bar WNW-ESE.  A long thin spiral arm is attached to the west end of the bar and it curled gradually counter-clockwise to the south for nearly 90”, ending due south of the core [separation 1.2'].  A bright mag 10.7 star is superimposed on the east side [44" ESE of center].  The second spiral arm was not as easily seen as it begins just inside (west) of the bright star, which detracted from the view.  This thin arm extended straight north, roughly at a right angle to the bar and merged into the halo on the northeast side.  UGC 1775 = Arp 10 is 49' SE.

 

24" (12/6/18): at 260x; fairly bright interesting galaxy with a mag 10.7 star superimposed on the east side that detracts from viewing structure.  Overall the galaxy is fairly large with an irregular halo roughly SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.8'.  Contains a very bright, round nucleus and the brighter central region appeared extended WNW-ESE.  A spiral arm on the west and south side appeared as a slightly enhanced "wing", mostly seen as an enhanced curving edge.  The opposing arm was only a short and weak arc enhancement that extended north of the bright star.

 

13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, oval SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  A fairly bright mag 11 star is at the following edge 43" ESE of the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 864 = H III-457 = h206 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and noted "vF, cL, vlbM, milky, preceding a bright star and the nebulosity joining to it, but probably unconnected."  John Herschel logged on 25 Sep 1830 (sweep 300), "eF; R; attached to and np a * 11.12 mag.  Clouded before it could be fully verified."  Despite the clouds, his position and description match.

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NGC 865 = UGC 1747 = MCG +05-06-020 = CGCG 504-042 = PGC 8678

02 16 15.2 +28 35 59; Tri

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on NNW-SSE, bright middle.  Located between a mag 11 star of the SSE end and a mag 13.5 star off the north end.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 865 = St V-1 on 9 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF; eS; irregular."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 866 = NGC 863 = UGC 1727 = MCG +00-06-056 = Mrk 590 = NGC 885: = PGC 8586

02 14 33.6 -00 46 00; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 863.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 866 = Sw. V-24 on 3 Oct 1886 and again on 31 Oct 1886 (NGC 885 = Sw. V-27) with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, and Herbert Howe reported he could not find NGC 866 in 1899-00.  Swift's discovery positions for NGC 866 and 885 are similar in declination but differ by 4 minutes in RA.

 

In the case of NGC 866, Swift's RA was 1 min of RA east of NGC 863 = UGC 1727, and NGC 885 is 5 min of RA east of NGC 863.  William Herschel (III-260) discovered this galaxy 100 years earlier and it was catalogued as NGC 863.  So, NGC 863 = NGC 866 = NGC 885.  There are several cases where Swift recorded two observations of the same galaxy in two different lists, including Sw. V-23 = NGC 859 (3 Oct 1886) and Sw. V-22 = NGC 856 (31 Oct 1886), which were found on the same two nights!

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NGC 867 = NGC 875: = UGC 1760 = MCG +00-06-060 = CGCG 387-065 = PGC 8718

02 17 04.8 +01 14 39; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 875.  Possibly equal to IC 225.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 867 = H III-2 on 21 Dec 1783 (the only nebula in his early sweep #61).  His complete description reads "An almost invisible F neb, it is R and about 8 or 10" diameter, being brighter in the centre than outwards.  It can be seen when the glass if perfectly clean and the attention confined to the object.  By two diagrams it is about 1.5” nf a star which was taken to be 69 Ceti, but obs was interrupted by clouds."  There is nothing at Herschel's rough position and Bigourdan was unable to find H III-2 on two attempts.  Heinrich d'Arrest suggested NGC 867 might be a duplicate of NGC 875 and Dreyer noted this in the NGC entry for 875, although Herschel's position is a poor match.  Corwin also suggests IC 225 as another possibility.  See his identification notes for more.

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NGC 868 = UGC 1748 = CGCG 387-063 = PGC 8659

02 15 58.5 -00 42 49; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, round, low smooth surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' NE and a mag 11.5 star 3' NE.  NGC 863 lies 21' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 868 = Sw. V-25 on 3 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is a good match with UGC 1748 = PGC 8659, although other galaxies found that night in the area have poor positions, which seems like an odd coincidence.  See Corwin's notes on NGC 859 and 863.

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NGC 869 = h Per = Cr 24 = Double Cluster

02 19 04 +57 08 06; Per

V = 4.6;  Size 30'

 

17.5" (10/25/97): this is the brighter and richer western member of the famous "double cluster". Includes a mag 6.6 star near the center and a mag 6.7 star 2.5' NNE.  Close following the mag 6.6 star is a neat parabolic group of five stars opening towards the star.  On the west side of this star is a rich group of ~20 stars mostly arranged in an incomplete ring.  A faint curving string of stars from the mag 6.7 star leads to the parabolic quintet.  The 20' field at 220x has too many stars to count, but probably has ~200 stars.

 

8": this is the western component of the "double cluster".  Very bright, large, about 30' diameter.  Very rich with about 100 stars resolved, includes several bright mag 6.5-7.0 stars in the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 884 at edge of 100x field.

 

Naked-eye (11/13/07): I noticed that the Double Cluster was clearly resolved into two "clumps" naked-eye.

 

Hipparchus catalogued the Double Cluster about 130 BC and Ptolemy copied it into his Almagest: "At the tip of the right hand [of Perseus] and nebulous [or misty]."  Giovanni Battista Hodierna (1654) resolved the double cluster into stars. William Herschel found NGC 869 = H VI-33 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 877) and recorded "A very beautiful brilliant cluster of large stars, very rich.  The place taken is the most compressed part of it, which is not in the middle; the middle of it contains a vacancy".

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NGC 870 = MCG +02-06-052 = PGC 8721

02 17 09.2 +14 31 23; Ari

V = 15.5;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (1/15/07): extremely faint and small, round, 12" diameter.  Only glimpsed with averted as an extremely faint spot but the detection was repeated several times with concentration and patience.  Located 1.5' SSW of NGC 871 and just NE of a mag 13 star off the SW side of NGC 871.  At a redshift-based distance of ~755 million light years (z = .057), this is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC.

 

18" (11/22/03): not found

 

17.5" (12/18/89): not found

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 870 (along with NGC 876) on 22 Nov 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72" and commented "I am pretty sure of the existence of an eeF patch of neby south [of NGC 871] and in line with its longer axis, but it needs confirmation".  This nebula is shown on the sketch to the south of NGC 871 and marked as Beta.

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NGC 871 = UGC 1759 = MCG +02-06-053 = CGCG 438-046 = LGG 053-002 = PGC 8722

02 17 10.7 +14 32 52; Ari

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 4”

 

18" (11/22/03): at 300x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S.  Irregular surface brightness and a slightly asymmetric shape with the impression of a very faint star or knot at the east edge.  NGC 870, located just 1.5' S, was not seen (but detected on 1/15/07).

 

17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, weak concentration.  A wide pair of mag 13.5 stars at 30" separation lies 2.5' SSW.  Located 5' NNW of mag 9 HD 14108.  Forms an interesting pair with NGC 877 12' E as both are elongated systems with bright stars situated 5' SSE.  The galaxies and the bright stars form a perfect parallelogram with bases oriented exactly E-W.

 

8" (1/1/84): very faint, small, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 4' SE and two mag 13.5 stars lie south.  Located 12' W of NGC 877.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 871 = H III-201 = h208, along with NGC 877, on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and noted "vF, vS, E.  South [the galaxy is 5' north] of pretty considerable star."  George Johnstone Stoney, using the 72" on 22 Nov 1854, recorded "E nearly n-s; a S but conspicuous star closely follow centre, but not involved."  This star is probably 16th mag.  NGC 870 to the south was missed but confirmed in later observations.

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NGC 872 = ESO 544-032 = MCG -03-06-019 = PGC 8629

02 15 25.2 -17 46 51; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint but moderately large and almost requires averted vision, low surface brightness, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'.  A mag 11 star is 3.1' NW of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 872 = LM 1-50 on 15 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest tmin of RA) is 0.8 tmin following ESO 544-032 = PGC 8629 and the description "vE 0” [N-S]" matches.  Corwin also examined two sketches made by Leavenworth, all pointing to this galaxy.

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NGC 873 = MCG -02-06-048 = PGC 8692

02 16 32.4 -11 20 56; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, broad concentration with no distinct core.  A mag 11 star is 3.6' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 873 = H II-474 = h209 = h2471 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and logged "pB, pL, lE, brightest in the middle."  John Herschel observed this galaxy twice at Slough and three times at the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 874 = ESO 478-018 = MCG -04-06-019 = PGC 8663

02 16 02.0 -23 18 22; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): threshold object barely glimpsed on a couple of occasions.  Could not verify the observation with certainty although the exact spot was examined using a GSC chart.  Located 3' SSW of a mag 11 star. This galaxy is incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC and is not plotted on U2000.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 874 = LM 2-329 in 1886 with the 26" Leander McCormick refractor and reported "mag 15.5 (nucleus), 0.3'x0.1' in PA 170” and possibly a double star."  Additionally, he noted a mag 10 star is 2.8' in PA 320” (NW).   His position is 8' N of ESO 478-018 = PGC 8663.  This galaxy has a PA of 173”, which is an excellent match though the nearby star is 2.9' NE (not NW).  ESO and RC3 correctly identify NGC 874 = ESO 478-018.  Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) could not find NGC 874 "in or near this place" and Dreyer repeated this in the IC I notes.  This is probably the reason RNGC misclassifies NGC 874 as nonexistent and MCG does not label MCG -04-06-019 as NGC 874.  See Corwin's NGC identifications for more on this number.

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NGC 875 = UGC 1760 = MCG +00-06-060 = CGCG 387-065 = NGC 867? = PGC 8718

02 17 04.8 +01 14 39; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105”

 

24" (1/25/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core that increases to a nearly stellar nucleus.

 

NGC 875 forms a pair with IC 218 2.4' NNE.  The companion (similar redshift) is very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 25"x8", low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is close off the ENE edge [35" ENE of center].

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, even symmetrical concentration down to small bright core.  Forms a pair with IC 218 2.4' NNE, though the companion was not seen with certainty.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 875 = Sw. V-26 on 26 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  Lewis Swift independently found it again on 7 Oct 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; R."  Both of their positions match UGC 1760 = PGC 8718.  William Herschel may have originally discovered this galaxy and catalogued it as H III-2 = NGC 867 (the identity was suggested by d'Arrest), but this identification is uncertain due to a poor position.  See NGC 867.

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NGC 876 = UGC 1766 = MCG +02-06-057 = LGG 053-004 = PGC 8770

02 17 53.4 +14 31 16; Ari

V = 14.7;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): extremely faint, visible for moments with averted, very small, almost round.  A pair of mag 14.5 stars lie 1.5' S.  Located just 2' SW of NGC 877 and 4' NW of mag 8 SAO 92878.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 876 on 22 Nov 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72", during his observation of h210 = NGC 877.  He noted this nebula as "sp [h210 = NGC 877] I suspect a vvF patch" and labeled it on the sketch as  Delta.  Copeland computed a micrometric position on 15 Nov 1873.  The field of NGC 870, 871, 876 and 877 was observed at Birr Castle 14 times from 1850 to 1875.

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NGC 877 = UGC 1768 = MCG +02-06-058 = CGCG 438-052 = LGG 053 -005 = PGC 8775

02 17 59.4 +14 32 40; Ari

V = 11.9;  Size 2.4'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SE end 1.1' from center.  Located 5' NNW of mag 8.0 HD 14192.  Brightest in a group with NGC 876 2' SW and NGC 871 12' W.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, fairly small, even surface brightness.  An extremely faint star is at the SSE edge.  A mag 9 star is 4' SE.  NGC 871 lies 12' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 877 = H II-246 = h210, along with NGC 871, on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and recorded "F, pL, E, south of a considerable star [the galaxy is 5' north of the star]; the situation of these two is very similar with regard to the star, and rather remarkable; the distance from the star about 4 or 5'."  John Herschel made an observation on 7 Sep 1828 (sweep 173): "pB; R: pgbM; a small * sf; dist 1' and a * 9m 5' dist nearly s[outh], a little foll."  R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant on 3 Nov 1855, recorded "[NGC 877] has a * or knot in p end, centre suspected resolvable; dark space running along southern side of nucleus?"  The "dark space" is a gap between the core and a spiral arm and the "* or knot in p end" appears to be an HII region.

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NGC 878 = ESO 478-022 = MCG -04-06-021 = PGC 8771

02 17 54.3 -23 23 03; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is 3.0' ENE of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 878 = LM 2-330 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 40 sec of RA west of ESO 478-022 = PGC 8771.  Sherburne Burnham corrected the RA (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) and Herbert Howe also measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.  MCG does not label MCG -04-06-021 as NGC 878.

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NGC 879 = PGC 8705

02 16 51.2 -08 57 50; Cet

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

18" (1/15/07): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Very low surface brightness and only glimpsed at 220x.  Once identified I could repeatedly detect this dim galaxy with concentrated averted vision but it was a difficult object.

 

18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Required averted and concentration in fairly poor seeing and just barely visible as  a very low surface brightness spot.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 879 = LM 2-331 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.0 tmin west is PGC 8705.  Bigourdan was unable to find the galaxy.

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NGC 880 = PGC 8805

02 18 27.2 -04 12 20; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.2' diameter.  Located 7' SSE mag 8.5 SAO 129810 and 8' N mag 8.8 SAO 129813.  RNGC misidentifies 2MASX J02180039-0414300 as NGC 94.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 880 = LM 2-332 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, R, sbMN."  His position matches PGC 8805.  The RNGC position is probably 24 tsec of RA too far west or possibly RNGC misidentifies PGC 1060940 (closer to the RNGC position) as NGC 880.

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NGC 881 = MCG -01-06-089 = PGC 8822

02 18 45.2 -06 38 20; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.4'x1.0', broadly brighter middle but no distinct core.  A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNE.  Located 5.3' ESE of mag 8 SAO 129814.  NGC 883 lies 11' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 881 = H II-436 = h211, along with NGC 883, on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and reported "F, pS, lE, south of 2 or 3 unequal stars." The RNGC position is 3' too far north.

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NGC 882 = UGC 1789 = MCG +03-06-052 = CGCG 462-001 = PGC 8874

02 19 39.8 +15 48 51; Ari

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 882 = h213 on 11 Jan 1831 and logged "eF; R; gbM; 12"; near a * 16m.".  His position is 1' N of MCG -01-06-089 = PGC 8822 and the faint star is to the SW.

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NGC 883 = MCG -01-06-090 = PGC 8841

02 19 05.2 -06 47 29; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, fairly high surface brightness, increases to small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W and an uneven mag 10/12 double star at 30" separation is located 3' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 883 = H II-436 = h215, along with NGC 881, on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and logged "F, pS, lE."  On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel wrote "pB; R; gbM; 15"; a coarse D* in field."

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NGC 884 = Chi Per = Cr 25 = Double cluster

02 22 32 +57 08 36; Per

V = 4.6;  Size 30'

 

18" (8/11/10): NGC 884 includes three rare M-type red supergiants including two mag 8/8.5 colored stars separated by 1.9' on the NE side of the cluster appearing red and warm yellow (V403 and V439).  On the east side of the core of the cluster is the orange M-supergiant RS Per.

 

17.5" (10/25/97): the following group of the remarkable field of the "double cluster" is not as large or bright as NGC 869, but is centered around two wide triple stars.  The central 5' has up to 50 stars including a number of faint mag 14-15 stars forming a rich background.  Off the west end of the central region is a long string of stars which heads NE for 10' towards 3 brighter stars and then turning south and heading back past mag 8 orange-red RS Persei. The 20' field includes ~200 stars, although the cluster includes fewer bright stars as NGC 869 and is less compressed.

 

8": this is the eastern component of the "double cluster".  Very bright, large, very rich, ~20' diameter, ~60 stars, includes bright colored stars, many doubles.

 

Hipparchus catalogued the Double Cluster about 130 BC and Ptolemy copied it into his Almagest: "At the tip of the right hand [of Perseus] and nebulous [or misty]."  Giovanni Battista Hodierna (1654) resolved the double cluster into stars.  William Herschel logged NGC 884 = H VI-34 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 877) as "A very beautiful, brilliant cluster of large stars irregularly round, very rich, near one-half degree in diameter."  John Herschel noted on 9 Dec 1831 (sweep 387) that "a fine ruby star in the centre".  The cluster was examined at Birr Castle looking for colored stars and five red stars were reported and one with a bluish tinge.

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NGC 885 = NGC 863 = NGC 866 = UGC 1727 = MCG +00-06-056 = Mrk 590 = PGC 8586

02 14 33.6 -00 46 00; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 863.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 885 = Sw. V-27 on 31 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  There is nothing near his position and Herbert Howe "searched for it on three nights without success [using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory]."  Corwin suggests Swift made a 5 minute error (too far east) in RA, finding NGC 863 again -- he also recorded this galaxy (discovered 100 years previously by William Herschel ) 4 weeks earlier and reported it as Sw. V-24 (later NGC 866).  So, likely NGC 885 = NGC 866 = NGC 863, with NGC 863 the primary designation.

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NGC 886 = Stock 6 = OCL 347

02 23 12 +63 46 42; Cas

Size 14'

 

17.5" (8/5/97): the most noticeable grouping in this area is a 6' scattered group which is arranged into a rough pentagon with a broad triangular "roof" forming the west side.  Nearly all of the stars here form the border of this figure and it visually appears to be an asterism. The brightest member is mag 8.5 SAO 12256 at the north vertex and a nice collinear triple star (with a close pair at ~10") marks the SW vertex.  Only a few mag 13 stars are in the interior of this figure.  This object is labeled Stock 6 on the Uranometria 2000 Atlas.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 886 = h214 on 30 Oct 1829 and described "a coarse straggling cl; not v rich; 10 or 12' dia.  Stars 9...13".  The NGC position is only 5' off from this scattered cluster (Stock 6).  RNGC labels this cluster as "nonexistent" (Type 7).

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NGC 887 = MCG -03-07-001 = PGC 8868

02 19 32.6 -16 04 12; Cet

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, fairly small, round.  Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is embedded in the NE end.  Located between a mag 11 star 3.5' SE and a mag 12 star 3.9' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 887 = H III-486 = h216 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and noted "vF, vS, iF, better with 240 power".  On 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), John Herschel logged "pB; R; pgbM; 25" [diameter]."  George Stoney, using the 72" on 17 Sep 1852, recorded a "* in the edge, perhaps cometary or like a snowdrop."

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NGC 888 = ESO 115-002 = PGC 8743

02 17 27.3 -59 51 40; Hor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 72”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): moderately bright, small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration to center but no defined zones.  A star is just off the NW edge, 25" from center.  One the east side are two very faint stars.  The closest is at the edge of the halo, just 16" from center while the second star is 35" NE of center.  A wide pair of mag 13 stars is centered 3.5' NNE.  PGC 101153 (2MASX J02162596-5956270) was picked up 9' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 888 = h2473 on 6 Oct 1834 and logged "eF, S, R, has two small stars very near it.". His position and description matches ESO 115-002 = PGC 8743.

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NGC 889 = ESO 298-027 = MCG -07-05-016 = PGC 8843

02 19 07.0 -41 44 58; Phe

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 7' NW of mag 6.4 HD 14509.  NGC 893 lies 23' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 889 = h2472 on 6 Oct 1834 and logged "eF, vS, R, psbM, has a star 7th mag Sf and 6 other small stars intermediate".  His position and description matches ESO 298-027 = PGC 8843.

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NGC 890 = UGC 1823 = MCG +05-06-030 = CGCG 504-064 = PGC 8997

02 22 01.0 +33 15 58; Tri

V = 11.2;  Size 2.5'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0'.  Sharply concentrated with a prominent core containing a stellar nucleus.  Using averted vision the faint extensions increase to 2' length.  A group of stars is off the west side.

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, wide double star mag 12/13 lies 3' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 890 = H II-225 = h217 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and noted "F, vS, R."  John Herschel made 4 observations and first logged it on 11 Nov 1827 (sweep 100) as "pB; R; gbM; has 3 or 4 S st p[receding] in a chain".  The galaxy was also observed 6 times at Birr Castle.  On 12 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell remarked "pL, oval major axis spnf, sbM, probably a distant globular cluster."  There are a couple of very faint stars around the periphery and this may have given the impression of a distant globular.

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NGC 891 = UGC 1831 = MCG +07-05-046 = CGCG 538-052 = PGC 9031

02 22 33.4 +42 21 03; And

V = 9.9;  Size 13.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 22”

 

48" (10/25/11): at 375x, the stunning edge-on NGC 891 was one of the top highlights of the observing week with the 48".  The galaxy nearly filled the 16' field, stretching nearly 12' by 2' SSW-NNE.  A 17th magnitude star is superimposed close to the NNE tip and a mag 16.5 star is near the SSW end.  The brighter, bulging central region extends 2.5' with a mag 12 star just north of the core on the west side.  A similar star is superimposed on the southern extension along with a few fainter stars.  A very high contrast dust lane slices through most of the galaxy except at the tips, where the galaxy fades out.  I was surprised how broad the dust lane appeared, particularly through the central section.  Although the dust lane perfectly bisects the galaxy into two symmetric halves, the edge of the lane was ragged and uneven.

 

MAC 0222+4222 = ZOAG G140.39-17.38 was visible just off the east edge, 2.3' NNE of center and collinear with two mag 12 and 13.3 stars off the west edge of the galaxy.  It appeared as a very faint, elongated glow, ~15"x6".  Once identified I could hold this galaxy nearly continuously with averted vision.  In addition, an extremely compact anonymous galaxy is just 50" NW the center of NGC 891 and 40" SE of the mag 13.3 star.  It was visible continuously at 375x and 488x as a faint glow, roughly 6" diameter.  Surprisingly this object is not listed in NED, HyperLeda or SIMBAD, though it's probably no fainter than mag 16.5.

 

18" (8/26/06): the long, remarkable dust lane that bisects this galaxy was quite contrasty with a scalloped appearance along the edges.  Member of the NGC 1023 Group.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): bright, extremely large, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, 10'x2'.  A striking dust lane bisects the galaxy and is most prominent through the bulging central region.

 

13" (9/11/82): dust lane visible with averted.

 

8" (11/28/81): fairly bright, large, edge-on, central bulge.

 

80mm (11/13/07): I was surprised how evident the galaxy appeared at 25x in the 80mm finder.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 891 = H V-19 = h218 on 6 Oct 1783 and described "a considerably bright nebula about 15' long and 3' broad; its length is divided in the middle by a black division at least 3' or 4' long."  On 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614), he logged "cB, about 15' long and 2 or 3' broad, bM, nearly in the meridian, a little from sp to nf."  On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621), he swept it again as "cB, gbM, about 15' l and 3' br, a black division in the middle in the direction of the length; at least 3 or 4' long." In the notes section of his first catalogue, William mentioned that Caroline found this object on 27 Aug 1783 in his first catalogue, but this is a transcription error in the handwritten copy sent to the printer as she found NGC 205 = M110 on that date (sketched earlier by Messier).  Admiral William Smyth repeated this error in his Cycle of Celestial Objects (1844).  WH also found two members of nearby Abell Galaxy Cluster 347 (NGC 898 and 910) on 17 Oct 1786.  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 12) as an illustration of "nebulae that are remarkable for some particularity in figure or brightness."

 

John Herschel noted on sweep 182 that it "has a chink or dark division in the middle and two stars."  He sketched the galaxy and remarked "An extraordinary object. Perhaps the figure is too nicely symmetrical as it certainly is too sharply defined.  It is of the last degree of faintness and may very well be though full in the field of view. There can hardly be a doubt a thin flat ring of enormous dimensions seen very obliquely."  The galaxy was also sketched at Birr Castle in 1850-51 and Dreyer noted, "I think the split is broader at one end, and that the nebula is a little more sharply defined on the following [Eastern] branch.  The central part is longer, but perhaps not so bright as on the preceding branch.  A bifurcation suspected at south end by Lord Rosse."

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NGC 892 = ESO 478-026 = PGC 8926

02 20 52.0 -23 06 49; Cet

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.4'.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 892 = LM 2-333 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.2 tmin west of ESO 478-026 = PGC 8926.

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NGC 893 = ESO 298-029 = MCG -07-05-017 = PGC 8888

02 19 58.5 -41 24 11; Phe

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 115”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration to a small, brighter core.  Located 3.2' WSW of mag 8.6 HD 14575.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 893 = h2474 on 23 Oct 1835 and logged "Not vF, R, pgbM, 35", has a star 9th mag following 4' distance." His position (two sweeps) and description matches ESO 298-029 = PGC 8888.

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NGC 894 = NGC 895 = MCG -01-07-002 = PGC 8974

02 21 33.7 -05 30 46; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 895.  NGC 894 is the NW spiral arm.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 894 on 28 Nov 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72" and described a "D neb, components unite a preceding end.  The south one [NGC 895] is L, oval gbM, the n one [NGC 894] is more elongated and fainter, also bM."  But the observation by J.L.E. Dreyer on 14 Oct 1876 revealed a single spiral with GC 530 = NGC 894 the brightest portion of a spiral arm: "pF, L, seemed first to have 2 Nuclei preceding-following, the foll one being the brighter, but it was soon seen that the preceding one is no Nucl, but only the brightest part of a curved arm, convex sp, very soft.  Sometimes I thought there was also some condensed part f the Nucl; Lord Rosse thought there was some patch or neby s of the nucleus [this probably refers to the southeastern spiral arm].  So, NGC 894 is the brightest part of the northwestern spiral arm of NGC 895.  This was recognized by Curtis after being photographed with the Crossley reflector at Lick Observatory (see 1918 Lick publication).

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NGC 895 = MCG -01-07-002 = PGC 8974

02 21 36.2 -05 31 14; Cet

V = 11.7;  Size 3.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly bright, large, broadly concentrated halo, diffuse halo.  A mag 14 star is off the following edge, 2.0' ENE from the center and a mag 12 star is 4.7' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 895 = H II-438 = h219 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and commented "pB, pL, irr figure, mbM."  On 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 456), he noted "F, vL, irr figure, r, unequally bright."  The northwest spiral arm (discovered at Birr Castle) is catalogued separately as NGC 894.  See historical notes on NGC 894.

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NGC 896 = LBN 645? = Ced 6

02 25 31 +62 00 54; Cas

Size 27'x13'

 

18" (10/13/07): NGC 896 and IC 1795 form a bright, detailed HII region at the NW corner of the huge IC 1805 HII ring ("Heart Nebula").  This complex is split into three or 4 distinct sections by dust lanes.  The largest section is IC 1795, which extends mostly north of the mag 10.3 star TYC 4050-2597-1for ~8'.  To the west of the mag 10 star is a  dust lane oriented NW-SE and beyond this lane to the west is a small, moderately high surface brightness patch (NGC 896) of 2' diameter.  To the east of the star is another broad dust lane extending N-S and following this lane is a fainter wash of nebulosity that streams to the north for over 15' in length.  It passes through mag 9 SAO 12287 and just north of this star the nebulosity has a small, brighter patch.  Initially, I thought the complex ended here on the NE side, but then additional fainter nebulosity was noticed spreading out to the west for several arc minutes increasing the total size to 15'-20' for both N-S and E-W directions. 

 

17.5" (11/27/92): at 100x with OIII filter this is a fairly bright emission nebula, very large, about 20' diameter.  Elongated roughly E-W but consists of two distinct sections (NGC 896 and IC 1795) which merge together.  The bright western portion = NGC 896 has a high surface brightness, round, ~7' diameter and a star is off the NW edge.  A weak dark lane separates NGC 896 from faint IC 1795.  The region is weakly nebulous without filter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 896 = H III-695 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and recorded "eF, pL, iF.  Mem. The PD must be reckoned inaccurate, the string having been touched since the last cluster was taken."

 

NGC 896 is generally taken as the brightest portion of the IC 1795 complex on the southwest end (IC 1795/NGC 895 being the northwest portion of the huge "Heart Nebula").  JH did not make an observation to confirm the position.  Corwin suggests that IC 1795 (found by Barnard) is a separate knot in the same HII complex, though Wolfgang Steinicke equates NGC 896 with IC 1795.

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NGC 897 = ESO 355-007 = MCG -06-06-003 = PGC 8944

02 21 06.5 -33 43 15; For

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 17”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 44" E of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 897 = h2475 on 19 Oct 1835 and logged "pB, S, R, psbM. Has a star 10th mag exactly following in the parallel just at the edge or 35" distant from centre."  His position and description is a perfect match with ESO 355-007 = PGC 8944.

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NGC 898 = UGC 1842 = MCG +07-06-004 = CGCG 539-004 = PGC 9073

02 23 20.43 +41 57 05; And

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 170”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; very pretty edge-on ~6:1 N-S, ~1.2'x0.2'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  Situated in a rich star field with a group of 4 stars mag 11-13 forming a near rhombus ~3' SE (sides ~1').

 

13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, very elongated ~N-S.  Located 10' SSW of mag 6.7 SAO 38002 within AGC 347.  NGC 911 lies 19' E.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 898 = H III-570 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and logged "eF, vS, lE.".  There is nothing at his position but 40 seconds of RA west is UGC 1842 = PGC 9073.  The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 538-060 as NGC 898.  This is a fainter galaxy 8' ENE of NGC 898.  On the same sweep Herschel discovered H III-571 = NGC 910.

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NGC 899 = UGCA 26 = ESO 545-007 = MCG -04-06-030 = KTS 16A = PGC 8990

02 21 53.1 -20 49 24; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 116”

 

24" (10/3/13): brightest (or highest surface brightness) in a trio (KTS 16) with IC 223 5' NNE and NGC 907 17' NE.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, irregular, ~0.9'x0.7'.  A very faint extension was repeatedly visible on the southeast end protruding towards the east.  This asymmetry is confirmed on the DSS, which reveals a chaotic system with knots. A wide pair of mag 13 stars is less than 2' SW.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x1.0', only a weak concentration.  An easy pair of mag 13 stars at 25" separation oriented WSW-ENE is located 1.5' WSW.  Forms a pair with IC 223 5' NNE with NGC 907 17' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 899 = h2476 on 13 Nov 1835 and reported "pB, lE, gbM, resolvable, 30", has a coarse double star preceding."  His position and description (the coarse double is southwest) matches UGCA 26 = PGC 8990.

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NGC 900 = UGC 1843 = MCG +04-06-020 = CGCG 483-023 = PGC 9079

02 23 32.2 +26 30 41; Ari

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Brighter of a close pair with NGC 901 2.8' NNE.  Forms the east vertex of a "cross" asterism with three mag 11-13 stars 2.8' NW, 3.1' SW and 4.5' W.  Almost collinear with a bright wide pair of mag 9-10 stars at 32" separation located 7' S.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, small brighter core.  A mag 9.5 star is 7.5' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 900 = m 57 (along with NGC 901) on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS, stellar".  Marth's position matches UGC 1843 = PGC 9079.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 901 in the MCG (+04-06-020) and the position is 2' too far north.

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NGC 901 = LEDA 212967

02 23 34.1 +26 33 25; Ari

V = 14.8;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, no concentration.  Can view with direct view and hold continuously with averted vision.  Located 2.8' NNE of NGC 900.  Incorrectly listed as identical to NGC 900 in RNGC.  Not listed in any of the major catalogues!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 901 = m 58 (along with NGC 900) on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, vS".  His position is 3 sec of RA east and 3' N of NGC 900 (which was placed accurately) and at this offset is PGC 212967.  This faint galaxy is not listed in any of the major galaxy catalogues based on the POSS.  MCG misidentifies NGC 900 as NGC 901.  The RNGC claims NGC 901is nonexistent (identical to NGC 900).

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NGC 902 = MCG -03-07-005 = PGC 9021

02 22 21.8 -16 40 45; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, low surface brightness, no concentration.  A mag 13 star is 3.2' SSE of center.  Located 10' S of mag 7.8 SAO 148358. Appears fainter than listed V = 13.7.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 902 = LM 2-334 on 28 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 1' S of MCG -03-07-005 = PGC 9021.

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NGC 903 = PGC 9097 = PGC 212969

02 24 00.9 +27 21 23; Ari

Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, glimpsed for moments.  Located 1.5' NW of NGC 904.  First in a group of 6 galaxies.  This is probably the faintest galaxy (LEDA gives 16.4B) discovered by Stephan with the 31.5-inch silver-on-glass reflector at Marseille.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 903 = St XIII-17 (along with NGC 904) on 13 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, eS, R".  His position matches PGC 9097, located 1.5' NW of NGC 904. This may be the faintest galaxy discovered by Stephan!  NGC 903 is mentioned in the UGC notes as a companion to NGC 904 but it is not identified as NGC 903.

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NGC 904 = UGC 1852 = MCG +04-06-024 = CGCG 483-028 = PGC 9112

02 24 05.6 +27 20 33; Ari

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE, smooth surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 903 1.5' NW.  Second of six in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 904 = St XIII-18 (along with NGC 903 = St XIII-17) on 13 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and reported "vF, vS, R, lbM". His position matches UGC 1852 = PGC 9112.

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NGC 905 = PGC 9038

02 22 43.5 -08 43 08; Cet

V = 15.7;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (10/13/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  Requires averted and concentration to glimpse (in fairly poor seeing).  Located 4.4' S of a mag 10 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 905 = LM 2-334 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.7 tmin of RA east of PGC 9038.  An 11th magnitude star is 23 tsec west, matching Leavenworth's notes "*9, p[recedes] 20 s[ec]", so the identification is certain.  Sherburne Burnham searched for this object with the 36" refractor (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) and found "what seemed to be an exceedingly faint patch of luminous light" although he did not measure a position.

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NGC 906 = UGC 1868 = MCG +07-06-012 = CGCG 539-014 = PGC 9188

02 25 16.2 +42 05 24; And

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, round, relatively large, 50" diameter, diffuse halo, slightly brighter core/nucleus.  Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 909 3.5' SSE and NGC 911 9' SSE.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, small, round.  Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 909 3.5' S.

 

13.1" (11/13/82): faint, furthest north in the string of galaxies.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 906 = St X-5 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eeF, irregular oval; dia = 45 arcsec".  His position matches UGC 1868 = PGC 9188.  Except for NGC 898 and NGC 923 (discovered by WH), Stephan discovered all the NGC galaxies in the cluster on the same night.

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NGC 907 = UGCA 28 = ESO 545-010 = MCG -04-06-034 = KTS 16C = PGC 9054

02 23 01.9 -20 42 43; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 81”

 

24" (10/3/13): moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5'.  Irregular surface brightness and clearly brighter on the east side.  Third in the KTS 16 triplet with IC 223 14' WSW and NGC 899 17' SW.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.8'x0.6', broad weak concentration.  IC 223 lies 14' WSW and NGC 899 16' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 907 = H III-224 = h2477 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) and noted "vF, S, irr R".  John Herschel described the galaxy from the Cape as "F, E in parallel; glbM, 20" long."

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NGC 908 = ESO 545-011 = MCG -04-06-035 = UGCA 29 = LGG 056-006 = PGC 9057

02 23 04.6 -21 14 02; Cet

V = 10.2;  Size 6.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 77”

 

48" (10/27/19): at 375x; Showpiece two-armed spiral extending 5'x2' WSW-ESE and displaying a great deal of structure.  Contains a bright oval core with a very small, very bright nucleus. A knotty spiral arm is rooted at the northeast end of the core. It bends sharply to the west on the north side of the core and displays a blotchy surface. As this arm extended west it separated from an inner arm by a dark lane, spread out and faded at the west end.

 

A longer spiral arm emerges from the west side of the core.  It wraps tightly to the east in a bright arc to the south of the core.  This arm has a fairly well defined outer edge, but was not as splotchy as the northern arm.  At the east end, it splits into two arms with a slightly darker gap between and passes north of a mag 14.4 star.  The northern split arm has a brighter 15" patch at its tip [1.0' NNW of the mag 14.4 star].

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly bright, large, elongated 4.5'x2.0' WSW-ENE.  The brighter middle has an irregular surface brightness and a faint star or knot is just west of the geometric center [this is probably the nucleus].  A mag 14 star is just south of the following end.  Four mag 11-12.5 stars lie 3' to 5' N and form a trapezoid with parallel bases oriented E-W.

 

8": fairly bright, large, elongated E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 908 = H I-153 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 596) and noted "cB, vL, E from sp to nf, I believe above 15' long; but the ends are very faint."  His position (CH's reduction) is accurate. John Herschel made no observations of this galaxy either from Slough or the Cape.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 909 = UGC 1872 = MCG +07-06-013 = CGCG 539-016 = PGC 9197

02 25 22.8 +42 02 08; And

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to a brighter core and nucleus.  A mag 9.8 star is 2.4' SW and a mag 9.2 star is 4' W.  In the core of the cluster AGC 347 with NGC 906 3.5' NNW.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, very small, round, compact.  Located 4' ENE of a mag 9.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 906 in the core of AGC 347.

 

13.1" (11/13/82): faint, just south of NGC 906.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 909 = St X-6 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and reported "eF, vS, stellar nucl".  His position matches UGC 1872 = PGC 9197.

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NGC 910 = UGC 1875 = MCG +07-06-014 = CGCG 539-017 = PGC 9201

02 25 26.8 +41 49 26; And

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly bright, relatively large, round, 1.0'-1.2' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright core that increases to an intense nucleus.  The halo is low surface brightness and fades out at the periphery, making it difficult to gauge the exact size.  Located at the core of AGC 347 with several other members near including UGC 1866 4' NW and NGC 912 4' SE.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly bright, small, round.  Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 911 8.5' NNE and NGC 913 3.5' ESE.

 

13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, similar brightness to NGC 911 in the core of AGC 347.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 910 = H III-571 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and recorded "eF, stellar, not verified."  His position was accurate despite the last comment.  On the same sweep he discovered NGC 898.

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NGC 911 = UGC 1878 = MCG +07-06-016 = CGCG 539-021 = PGC 9221

02 25 42.3 +41 57 23; And

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 40"x20", contains a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 9.3 star (HD 14933) is 2' N.  Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 909 6' NW and CGCG 539-018 4.5' SW.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated.  Located 2.1' S of mag 9.2 SAO 38019.  Member of AGC 347 with NGC 910 8.4' SSW.

 

13.1" (11/13/87): fairly faint, just south of a 9th magnitude star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 911 = St X-7 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, vS, R, gbM".  His position matches UGC 1878 = PGC 9221.  Except for NGC 898 and 923 (discovered by WH), Stephan discovered all the NGC galaxies in the cluster on this night.

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NGC 912 = MCG +07-06-015 = CGCG 539-020 = PGC 9222

02 25 42.7 +41 46 38; And

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; faint, fairly small, round, 24", gradually increases to the center.  Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 913 1.4' N and brighter NGC 910 4' NW.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): extremely faint and small, round.  Forms a close pair with NGC 913 1.3' N.  Located 4' ESE of NGC 910 in the core of AGC 347.

 

13.1" (11/13/82): extremely faint, very small, round.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 912 = St X-8 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and noted "F, vS, R, bM".  His position matches CGCG 539-020.  Except for NGC 898 and NGC 923 (discovered by WH), Stephan discovered  all other NGC galaxies in the cluster on the same night.

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NGC 913 = PGC 9230

02 25 44.6 +41 47 58; And

Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 22”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x15", low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 912 1.4' S.  Situated 3.7' SE of NGC 910 in the core of AGC 347.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): extremely faint and small, round.  Located 3.5' ESE of NGC 910 in the core of AGC 347.  Forms a close pair with NGC 912 1.3' S.

 

13.1" (11/13/82): extremely faint and requires averted to glimpse, nonstellar knot.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 913 = St X-9 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and noted "eeF, eS, lbM".  His position matches PGC 9230 (not in UGC, MCG or CGCG).  Except for NGC 898 and NGC 923 (discovered by WH), Stephan discovered  all the NGC galaxies in the cluster on the same night.

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NGC 914 = UGC 1887 = MCG +07-06-017 = CGCG 539-023 = PGC 9253

02 26 05.1 +42 08 39; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 117”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, ~0.8'x0.6', low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Three mag 13.5-14.5 stars are equidistant (1.6') SSW, W and NW. This relatively large member of AGC 347 is 10' ENE of similar NGC 906.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, fairly small, diffuse, almost round.  Located at the NE corner of the core of AGC 347.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 914 = St X-10 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, diffuse, 1' dia".  His position matches UGC 1887 = PGC 9253.

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NGC 915 = MCG +04-06-033 = CGCG 483-041 = KUG 0222+269 = WBL 073-002 = PGC 9232

02 25 45.6 +27 13 16; Ari

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

24" (11/21/19): between faint and fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, small brighter nucleus.  Forms a very close, fairly similar pair with NGC 916 1.4' N.  In a group with NGC 919 7' E, CGCG 483-038 5' NNW and UGC 1885 12' N.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 916 1.4' NNE and first of three with NGC 919 7' E.  Member of the larger group WBL 073.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 915 = m 59, along with NGC 916 and NGC 919, on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta.  He called it "eF, vS, stellar".

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NGC 916 = MCG +04-06-034 = CGCG 483-043 = PGC 9245

02 25 47.6 +27 14 33; Ari

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 5”

 

24" (11/21/19): between faint and fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', small brighter nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 915 1' SSW.

 

CGCG 483-38, just 3.7' NNW, appeared very faint, small, round, 20", very low surface brightness.

UGC 1885, located 10' N, was quite faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness. 

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Appears similar to NGC 915 just 1' SW amd second of three along with NGC 919 6.7' ESE.  Member of the WBL 073 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 916 = m 60, along with NGC 915 and 919, on 5 Sep 1864 from Malta with Lassell's 48".

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NGC 917 = UGC 1890 = MCG +05-06-039 = CGCG 504-079 = PGC 9258

02 26 07.7 +31 54 44; Tri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 55”

 

24" (2/5/13): at 375x appeared moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration to a bright oval core. Just north of a group of mag 12-13 stars and 2' N of mag 8.2 SAO 55553.  UGC 1856 (very faint superthin!) lies 27' SW.

 

17.5" (10/5/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Located 2.0' N of a mag 8 star and 18' NW of mag 5.6 11 Trianguli.  Several mag 13/14 stars in a curving chain are just south.  This galaxy is identified as UGC 1890 in most sources.  See Corwin's comments.

 

17.5" (8/5/97): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, 1.5'x0.8', broad concentration with large slightly brighter core.  Located close north of a semi-circular group of stars and just 2.0' NNW of mag 8.2 SAO 55553.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 917 is uncertain and this number is listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 917 = h220 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF, S, R, forms a semicircle with 4 st."  There is nothing at Herschel's single position.  Dreyer looked for h220 on 5 Nov 1874 at Birr Castle and noted "no nebulosity seen, only 3 st about 18-20 mag close together nearly in a line pf" (these stars are visible on the DSS).  In the NGC notes, Dreyer adds: "h220.  No neb, only a vs, Cl with 4 st nr np (2 Birr obs, 1874-76, not found by d'Arrest)."  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 917 = UGC 1890.  This galaxy is situated exactly 20' S of Herschel's position and there are several stars just south that form a slightly curving arc.  Corwin also checked the sweep and found a diagram matching the nearby stars and nebula (UGC 1890) nearly perfectly.  So, JH must have made a clerical error in recording or transfering the position or simply misread the NPD on his telescope. Archinal and Hynes (Star Clusters) misidentify an asterism near JH's original position as NGC 917.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 918 = UGC 1888 = MCG +03-07-011 = CGCG 462-011 = PGC 9236

02 25 50.6 +18 29 49; Ari

V = 12.2;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly large, almost round, very low surface brightness, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is involved near the northwest edge.  Located 3' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 918 = h221 on 11 Jan 1831 and logged "pF; L; R; 60"; np a *10 m, dist 3'."  His position and description matches UGC 1888 = PGC 9236.  This galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle.  On 30 Nov 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "vvF, pL, R.  A * easily see in or near the centre, 2 others not so certain involved north of center."

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NGC 919 = UGC 1894 = MCG +04-06-039 = CGCG 483-049 = WBL 073-005 = PGC 9267

02 26 16.7 +27 12 43; Ari

V = 14.5;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 138”

 

24" (11/21/19): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~40"x15", irregular surface brightness [perhaps due to a dust lane].  A very faint star appears to be superimposed [a 16th mag star is ~8" S of center].  In a group (WBL 73) with NGC 915 and 916 ~7' W.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE.  Third of three with the NGC 915/NGC 916 pair 7' W and fifth of six in a group (WBL 073)..

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 919 = m 61, along with NGC 915 and 916, on 5 Sep 1864 from Malta with Lassell's 48".

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NGC 920 = IC 1799 = UGC 1943 = MCG +08-05-012 = CGCG 553-014 = PGC 9432

02 28 45.9 +45 58 14; And

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 34”

 

17.5" (8/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, broad concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 14 star is at the west edge .  Viewed after glimpsing UGC 1920 (the galaxy taken to be NGC 920), which is 9.5' W.

 

UGC 1920 (listed as NGC 920 in all modern sources) appeared extremely faint, moderately large, ~1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, required averted vision to glimpse.  This roundish unconcentrated glow is situated within a group of stars including a mag 11 star 1.6' WSW and mag 13 stars 1' NW and 1' SE.  I would not have noticed this object without averted vision and knowing the exact location using a printed finder chart.  Located 9.5' W of much brighter NGC 920 = IC 1799 and 15' WNW of NGC 933.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration to a fairly bright core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is very close west and a mag 12 star (unequal double) is 1.4' NNW.  Located in a rich star field 11' WSW of a mag 7 SAO 38067.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 933 6.6' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 920 = Sw. II-20, along with NGC 933,  on 11 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His description reads "eF, eS, R; 1 or 2 eF * close; e diff." and his position is 16 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of UGC 1920 = PGC 9377, the galaxy which has always been taken as NGC 920.  I wrote the following note in Jan 2014 to Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke after I realized that NGC 920 probably refers to IC 1799, a brighter galaxy 10' ENE:

 

"Swift's position in list II-20 is also 70 tsec due west of IC 1799 = UGC 1943, and an excellent match in declination (given Swift's general accuracy). So, IC 1799 is only off in RA from Swift's position. His description mentions "1 or 2 eF* nr", which could apply to either galaxy, but UGC 1920 also has brighter nearby stars that to me would be mentioned.  More importantly, though, IC 1799 is a more prominent galaxy than UGC 1920. In fact I probably would have missed UGC 1920 (the halo is very low surface brightness) in my 18-inch if I wasn't looking in the right place. IC 1799, on the other hand, was immediately noticed in the field, and has a much higher surface brightness. So, I'm suggesting NGC 920 = IC 1799 = UGC 1943."

 

Wolfgang Steinicke responded that his copy of Swift's paper came from Max Wolf's library in Heidelberg and "The '0' (of 20) is struck through and a '1' is noted to the right of the digit." Therefore Wolf also suspected a 1 minute error in Swift's RA.  Corwin notes that once 1 tmin of RA is added to Swift's RA, this leaves only a "difference in RA of only -10 seconds in RA and just -7 arcseconds in Dec -- negligible, in the face of Swift's usual errors."

 

Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 28 Jan 1891, measured an accurate position, and it was catalogued as Big. 251 (later IC 1799).  All major catalogues, as well as NED, HyperLeda and SIMBAD, identify this galaxy as IC 1799.  This leaves UGC 1920, the galaxy always assumed to be NGC 920, without a NGC or IC designation.

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NGC 921 = MCG -03-07-015 = PGC 9287

02 26 33.5 -15 50 51; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.6'.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' SE of center.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 921 = LM 1-51 on 6 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.3 min of RA east is MCG -03-07-015 = PGC 9287, and given the rough positions (nearest minute of RA), this is the likely object.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 922 = ESO 478-028 = MCG -04-06-037 = AM 0222-250 = UGCA 30 = PGC 9172

02 25 04.7 -24 47 17; For

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, slightly elongated N-S, 1.2'x1.0', weak concentration, stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 12 star is 2' NNW.

 

8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, even surface brightness, slightly elongated N-S.  A mag 12.5 star is 2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 922 = H III-239 = h2478 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and logged "vF, S, near 1' diameter or more". John Herschel reported on on 20 Nov 1835 (sweep 646), "pB; R; gpmbM; 60" [diameter]".

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NGC 923 = UGC 1915 = MCG +07-06-022 = CGCG 539-030 = PGC 9355

02 27 34.6 +41 58 40; And

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 95”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint (relatively bright member of AGC 347), fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, brighter core, 0.6'x0.4'.  Collinear with CGCG 539-029 3' SSW and CGCG 539-031 1.8' NNE.  A mag 8.7 star (HD 15163) is 2.4' NE.

 

18" (11/26/03): faint or fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 2.4' SSW of a mag 9 star.  Second of three on a line with fainter MCG +07-06-023 1.8' NNE and MCG +07-06-21 2.8' SSW in AGC 347.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, very small.  Located just 2.4' SSW of mag 9 SAO 38041, which interferes with viewing.  Member of AGC 347.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 923 = St X-11 on 30 Oct 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, S, R, weak concentration".  His position matches UGC 1915 = PGC 9355.

 

In March of 2020, Yann Pothier suggested the original discovery was made by Dreyer on 6 Nov 1874, though he assumed his observation applied to H. III-570 = NGC 898.  His description, which reads "pB (at least not vF), S, lE npp sff.  A * in Pos. 27.3”, Dist. 145.5".", does not apply to NGC 898, but NGC 923 instead, which is located 4.2 minutes of time east of NGC 898.

 

Wolfgang Steinicke added the following comments: "The reason why Dreyer missed III 570 (NGC 898) on 6 Nov. 1874 is not due to an incorrect setting of the 72-inch. This is shown by correct data given for the other objects in that night (all observed before GC 533 [NGC 898]): GC 5036 (NGC 7794), GC 82 (NGC 169+IC 1559) and GC 272/78/89 (NGC 483/95/99). Dreyer simply had no coordinates. The main source of the Birr Castle astronomers were JH's catalogues (h, GC). Unfortunately, JH could not find III 570 (and III 571 = NGC 910) in his sweeps, though both objects were in his working lists, prepared by CH from her zone catalogue. Thus young Dreyer could only use WH's 2nd catalogue, giving relative positions to Beta Persei. Happy to see a "lE" nebula (at the place of NGC 923), he took the first choice: III 570 (NGC 898), though not at WH's place. For Dreyer derived no position for himself, he used WH's in his catalogues [and therefore later entered Stephan's observation to the NGC as a new object]."

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NGC 924 = UGC 1912 = MCG +03-07-012 = CGCG 462-012 = LGG 061-008 = PGC 9302

02 26 46.8 +20 29 51; Ari

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 53”

 

24" (1/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, oval SW-NE, 45"x30", sharply concentrated with a small bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with CGCG 462-013 2.1' NE.  This physical companion appeared extremely faint, low surface brightness, ~15" diameter.  Member of a large group (LGG 061), inlcuding NGC 932, 935, 938 and 976.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo, distinct stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 924 = H III-474 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481) and logged "eF, vS, iR, confirmed at 240 power." His position (Auwer's reduction) is a close match with UGC 1912 = PGC 9302.

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NGC 925 = UGC 1913 = MCG +05-06-045 = CGCG 504-085 = PGC 9332

02 27 17.0 +33 34 43; Tri

V = 10.1;  Size 10.5'x5.9';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 102”

 

24" (1/25/14): on this observation I used 375x and focused on the HII regions in the spiral arms of NGC 925.  [HK83] 120/121 was seen as an extremely faint, very small HII knot on the west end of NGC 925, 3.2' from center. This HII complex is near the western tip of the southern spiral arm, though I couldn't trace the arm itself as far this knot but a mag 14 star was identified 0.9' SSE.

 

[HK83] 44, a very faint 6" knot, was barely detached off the east end of the central bar.  A second fainter and even smaller knot, [HK83] 46/49, was occasionally seen ~20" WNW, right at the tip of the bar. [HK83] 42, a faint 6" knot, was seen along the weak southern arm, 1.5' SE of center.  The location was pinpointed just north of the midpoint of two mag 13.5/14.5 stars oriented E-W at 1.6' separation.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, large, about 5' diameter although the halo is irregular.  The core appears as a bright bar running through the center and elongated WNW-ESE with a fainter halo north and south of the bar. The bar is moderately concentrated and has a mottled texture.  There is a strong impression of very faint extensions or arms that begin to hook north on the WNW end and south on the ESE ends of the bar.  An extremely faint knot is just visible off the west side 3.3' from the center. This knot is an HII complex and association near the edge of a spiral arm and is catalogued as #120 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  Several stars are near; a mag 10.5 star lies 3.4' S of center, two mag 12 stars are just north of the core 1.0' and 1.5' from the center and a wide pair of mag 12.5 star are 5' W.  Member of the NGC 1023 Group.

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, fairly large, diffuse, irregular, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 3.5' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 925 = H III-177 = h222 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and reported "vF, cL, iR, r, 2 or 3' diameter."  On 11 Nov 1827 (sweep 100), John Herschel logged "pB; L; E; vgbM; among stars."  Bindon Stoney, using the 72" on 14 Sep 1850, recorded "3' by 50", rather F dash of light; a conspicuous star nf the middle outside edge".  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 926 = UGC 1901 = MCG +00-07-011 = CGCG 388-014 = PGC 9256

02 26 06.6 -00 19 57; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.6, diffuse unconcentrated glow.  A mag 13 star is 2.5' SSW.  Located 7' N of a mag 9.5 star.  NGC 934 lies 22' ENE.  R Ceti (7.2-14) is 7' N.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 926 = T I-9 = Sw. V-28 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and noted a 1' diameter. Tempel's position is 3' S of UGC 1901 = PGC 9256.  This galaxy was also found by Lewis Swift on 3 Oct 1886 and reported new as Sw. V-28. Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Tempel's object in a Sidereal Messenger article in Feb 1887 that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list).

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NGC 927 = UGC 1908 = MCG +02-07-009 = CGCG 439-009 = Mrk 593 = PGC 9292

02 26 37.3 +12 09 19; Ari

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, pretty smooth low surface brightness.  Located 10' NW of mag 9.1 SAO 92955.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 927 = Sw. III-11 on 18 Jan 1885 with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at the Vienna University Observatory and reported it in AN 2732.  This is the only NGC object to be discovered with this large refractor.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy later that year on 2 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  Swift's position is just 6 tsec east of UGC 1908 = PGC 9292.

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NGC 928 = MCG +04-06-050 = CGCG 483-060 = PGC 9368

02 27 41.0 +27 13 15; Ari

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Sixth in a group including NGC 903, NGC 904, NGC 915, NGC 916, NGC 919.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 928 = m 62 on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, vS, stellar".  His position matches CGCG 483-060 = PGC 9368.

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NGC 929 = MCG -02-07-009 = PGC 9334

02 27 18.3 -12 05 12; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  Located 3.3' SW of mag 8.5 SAO 148396.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 929 = LM 2-335 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.3, 0.6'x0.2' in PA 170”, precedes *8.5 3.8' PA 15”."  There is nothing at his position but 0.8 min of RA east is MCG -02-07-009 = PGC 9334 and his description is fits.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 930

02 27 54 +20 21; Ari

 

= Not found, Gottlieb and Corwin.

 

Ralph Copeland, an observing assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 930 on 26 October 1872 with the 72". While observing NGC 932 (GC 543) he noted a second object close nearby, which he described as "F, S, iR, vgbM" and offset from NGC 930 by 60" in PA 314.3 deg (NW) or 3.1" p and 42" N.  This nova was not mentioned in the subsequent three observations of NGC 930 in 1872, 1873 and 1876 but Dreyer added it to the GC Supplement (5238), repeating Copeland's description.

 

I carefully examined the POSS print of the field and the only object near the offset is a mag 12.4 star (GSC 1221-478).  There is a small reddish condensation with dimensions about 10" diameter at the northeast edge of the galaxy and Karl Reinmuth took this as NGC 930 ("eF, vS, R, vgvvlbM; 0.6' nf att NGC 932.").  But neither the separation nor the direction is a good match. So, NGC 930 is nonexistent.

 

The RNGC mixes up the identifications and lists the main galaxy as NGC 930 and calls NGC 932 non-existent.  Since Herschel was definitely the first to observe this galaxy, H II-489 = GC 543 = NGC 932 should apply and the data listed in the RNGC under NGC 930 should be transferred to NGC 932.  UGC and CGCG equate the numbers NGC 930 = NGC 932, but the galaxy should be identified as NGC 932 only, since Copeland was clearly referring to something different.   Listed in RNGC Corrections #4.

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NGC 931 = UGC 1935 = MCG +05-06-049 = CGCG 504-089 = Mrk 1040 = PGC 9399

02 28 14.5 +31 18 41; Tri

V = 12.8;  Size 3.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 73”

 

24" (11/24/14): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.3', brighter core, sharp stellar nucleus.  LEDA 212995, a very close (physical) companion, is at the north edge just 18" from center.  At 375x, it appeared as an extremely faint and small glow, ~6" diameter.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.5', broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Several brighter stars are in the field including a pair of mag 10 stars 6' NW and 10' N.  NGC 940 lies 25' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 931 on 26 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (mean of 2 observations) is on the east edge of UGC 1935 = PGC 9399.

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NGC 932 = (R)NGC 930 = UGC 1931 = MCG +03-07-014 = CGCG 462-014 = LGG 061-001 = PGC 9379

02 27 54.7 +20 19 57; Ari

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (1/1/16): fairly faint/moderately bright, round, 40" diameter, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 50" SE and a mag 12.4 star is 1.7' NW.  Member of a large group (LGG 061), inlcuding NGC 924, 935, 938 and 976.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A very faint 15th magnitude "star" (emission knot) is involved at the NE end.  A mag 14 star is 1' ESE.  NGC 938 lies 10' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 932 = H II-489 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481) and noted "F, S, lE, 3 stars visible in it, but they seem not to belong to it."  His position is 2' north of UGC 1931 = PGC 9379.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 930 in RNGC, MCG and RC3 (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar).  UGC and CGCG equate the numbers NGC 930 = NGC 932, but only NGC 932 should apply.  See notes for NGC 930.

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NGC 933 = UGC 1956 = MCG +08-05-013 = CGCG 553-016 = PGC 9465

02 29 17.5 +45 54 41; And

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentration but no well-defined core.  A mag 15 star is 30" N.  Located 8.8' SW of mag 7 SAO 38067.  Forms a pair with IC 1799 6.6' NW.  This galaxy makes a right angle with IC 1799 to the NW and the bright star NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 933 = Sw. II-21 on 11 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory, on the same night he found Sw. II-20 = NGC 920.  His position is accurate (as opposed to NGC 920) and matches UGC 1956 = PGC 9465.

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NGC 934 = UGC 1926 = MCG +00-07-016 = CGCG 388-017 = PGC 9352

02 27 32.9 -00 14 41; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, very small, round, small concentrated core 15" diameter, stellar nucleus.  Located 13' W of mag 8.5 SAO 129923.  NGC 926 lies 22' WSW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 934 = T I-10 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and described as "very small and faint.  5" dia = tiny planetary nebula".  His position matches UGC 1926 = PGC 9352.

 

Based on a photograph taken by Perrine with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis noted "A small, faint, nearly round nebula is near this place, but it is not a planetary."  In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw also noted it was not a planetary based on a visual observation at the Helwan Observatory south of Cairo.

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NGC 935 = Arp 276 NED1 = VV 238a = UGC 1937 = MCG +03-07-015 = CGCG 462-016 = LGG 061-004 = PGC 9388

02 28 11.2 +19 35 56; Ari

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is superimposed.  Located 1.2' NE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a double system with IC 1801 off the southeast end.  IC 1801 appeared very faint, very small, elongated SW-NE, low surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 935 = Sw. II-22 on 18 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is just 4 sec of RA east of PGC 9388 (part of Arp 276).  He mentions the bright star close west though the description implies the galaxy precedes the star. I'm surprised that Swift missed IC 1801 at the SE end.

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NGC 936 = UGC 1929 = MCG +00-07-017 = CGCG 388-018 = PGC 9359

02 27 37.5 -01 09 19; Cet

V = 10.1;  Size 4.7'x4.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): bright, fairly large, very bright core 30"x20" elongated E-W (bar), core increases to almost stellar nucleus.  The much larger fainter halo extends up to 3.0'x1.5'.  Three mag 9 stars lie N; mag 8.7 SAO 129912 8' NNW, mag 9 SAO 12911 12' NNW, mag 9.5 12' N.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 941 12.5' E and UGC 1945 is 14' SE.

 

8" (1/1/84): bright, moderately large, very bright core, oval NW-SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 941 12' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 936 = H IV-23 = h223, along with NGC 941, on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and logged "cB, a very bright nucleus with a chevelure of 3 or 4' diameter."  He placed this nebula in the fourth class, which included planetary nebulae as well as stars with burs, with milky chevelure, with short rays, remarkable shapes, etc.  On 24 Nov 1827 (sweep 108), John Herschel logged it as "vB; vL; R; psmbM; 2' diame; fades away insensibly."

 

Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt, it was described in 1921 as "4'x3', E145”, vB almost stellar nucleus; a Phi-type spiral with pB cross-arms in p.a. 80” and 1.5' long, surrounded by a vF oval haze showing no structure.

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NGC 937 = UGC 1961 = MCG +07-06-024 = CGCG 539-032 = PGC 9480

02 29 28.1 +42 15 00; And

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, very small glow either surrounding a bright stellar nucleus or a mag 13 star is superimposed at the center.  Located within a group of about a dozen faint stars in a 4' diameter with a single brighter mag 11 star at the SW side 2.3' from NGC 937.  Unusual appearance as the galaxy appears set in a very faint cluster.  Located on the east side of AGC 347 with NGC 946 15' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 937 = St XIII-19 (along with NGC 946 = St XIII-20) on 12 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His description reads "vF* with slight neb" and his position matches UGC 1961 = PGC 9480.

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NGC 938 = UGC 1947 = MCG +03-07-017 = CGCG 462-017 = LGG 061-002 = PGC 9423

02 28 33.5 +20 17 01; Ari

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

24" (1/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 35"x27", small bright core.  A mag 15 star is at or just off the southeast edge [35" from center].   NGC 930 is 10' WNW.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, broad concentration, small faint halo.  NGC 932 lies 10' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 938 on 30 Dec 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) matches UGC 1947 = PGC 9423.

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NGC 939 = ESO 246-011 = MCG -07-06-004 = LGG 062-001 = PGC 9271

02 26 21.3 -44 26 46; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter.  Well concentrated with a relatively large bright core.  A mag 10.5 star lies 5.4' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 939 = h2479 on 18 Oct 1835 and noted "eF, S, vlbM, 20 arcsec." His position matches ESO 246-011 = PGC 9271.

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NGC 940 = NGC 952 = UGC 1964 = MCG +05-06-050 = CGCG 504-095 = PGC 9478

02 29 27.5 +31 38 27; Tri

V = 12.4;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, prominent small bright core, stellar nucleus, high surface brightness.  NGC 931 lies 25' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 940 = Sw. III-12 on 26 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He called it round, small with a mag 13 stellar nucleus.  His position (3 measures) is accurate.  Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 7 Nov 1885 and recorded "vF; eS; R; BM; 5239 [NGC 931] nr; v diff."  NGC 952, found by Stephan in 1871, is a duplicate number.

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NGC 941 = UGC 1954 = MCG +00-07-022 = CGCG 388-023 = PGC 9414

02 28 27.8 -01 09 05; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 N-S, 2.0'x1.5'.  Appears to have a slightly brighter bar within a diffuse halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 936 12.5' W.

 

8": extremely faint, very small.  Located 12' E of NGC 936.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 941 = H III-261 = h224, along with NGC 936, on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and logged "vF, cL.  It will just go into the field with the last [NGC 936]."  Dreyer, using the 72" on 22 Oct 1876, recorded "vF, vL, iR, or perhaps lE ns?  No stars near it".

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NGC 942 = Arp 309 NED2 = VV 217b = MCG -02-07-018 = Holm 59a = PGC 9458

02 29 10.3 -10 50 10; Cet

V = 11.4;  Size 3.4'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

24" (12/22/14): NGC 942 is the slightly brighter and southern component of a close double system with NGC 943.  At 375x it appeared moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3'.  Well concentrated with a very small, very bright core and stellar nucleus.  NGC 943 is just 30" SSE (between centers) and within a common halo.

 

IC 230 (discovered by S.W. Burnham in 1891) lies 5.5' due west and appeared faint to fairly faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  Easily seen despite a mag 15.7B. 

 

17.5" (12/4/93): this is the slightly brighter southern member of a double system with NGC 943.  Appears faint, very small, round.  Increases to a small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 943 is just 30" N and both galaxies appear immersed in a common halo.  NGC 950 lies 12' S.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 942 = LM 1-53, along with NGC 943, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  He described both as a "nebulous double star?"  His rough position is a close match with MCG -02-07-018 = PGC 9458, the southeastern member of the pair. Herbert Howe measured accurate positions for the pair in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory as well as Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II).

 

In March 2020 Yann Pothier found the original discovery of NGC 942 and 943 was made by LdR assistant Ralph Copeland on 31 Jul 1872.  He recorded "Double in position 159.0”, distance of nuclei = 40".4; both are R; psbM but the np is slightly larger than the other.  Position of a 12m * from the brighter of the nebulae = 286.4”, distance = 139.3".  But Copeland assumed he was observing NGC 945, discovered by William Herschel, and furthermore provided no coordinates or reference for Dreyer to compute a position.

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NGC 943 = Arp 309 NED1 = VV 217a = MCG -02-07-019 = Holm 59b = PGC 9457

02 29 09.6 -10 49 40; Cet

V = 11.4;  Size 3.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 15”

 

24" (12/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 18"x15", very small brighter nucleus.  NGC 943 is the southern component of a 30" double system with NGC 942.  The halos of the two galaxies are merged.  IC 230 lies 5.5' W.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): this is the northern member of a contact pair with NGC 942.  Faint, very small, weak concentration.  The center of NGC 942 is just 30" S within a common halo.  NGC 950 lies 12' S.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 943 = LM 1-54, along with NGC 942, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and described both as a "nebulous double star?"  His rough position is a close match with MCG -02-07-019 = PGC 9457, the northwestern member of the pair.  Herbert Howe measured accurate positions for the pair in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory as well as Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II).  RC 2 reverses the identifications.  Ralph Copeland first discovered this galaxy, along with NGC 942, on 31 Oct 1872, but mistakenly assumed he was observing NGC 945.  See NGC 942 for more.

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NGC 944 = IC 228 = MCG -03-07-016 = PGC 9300

02 26 41.6 -14 30 57; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint small streak, elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.7'x0.2'.  A mag 14 star is 2.3' E of center.  Two bright stars are following: mag 9 SAO 148394 4.3' ENE and mag 9.3 SAO 148395 7.2' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 944 = LM 1-55 on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.4', vE 0”, sbN like a double star."  There is nothing at his rough position but 1.5 min of RA west is MCG -03-07-016 = PGC 9300 and Corwin verified Leavenworth's discovery sketch matches PGC 9300.  Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again on 7 Dec 1891, assumed it was new and catalogued it in list 1-85 (later IC 228).  So, NGC 944 = IC 228, with NGC 944 the primary designation.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 944 in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 945 = MCG -02-07-013 = Holm 58a = LGG 063-001 = PGC 9426

02 28 37.3 -10 32 21; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration to a small core.  A mag 14 star is off the SE side 1.4' from center.  Located 5' N of mag 8.5 SAO 148906.  Forms a pair with much fainter NGC 948 2.5' NE.  Brightest in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 945 = H II-487 = h225 = h2480 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, cL, iF, lbM".  Herschel missed the companion NGC 948.  John Herschel observed NGC 945 from Slough on 6 Jan 1831 and at the Cape, though he also missed NGC 948.  His Cape observation from 9 Dec 1835 reads "eF, L, R, glbM, 2'."  Francis Leavenworth (list I-56) probably independently found the galaxy again in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory.

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NGC 946 = UGC 1979 = MCG +07-06-026 = CGCG 539-034 = PGC 9556

02 30 38.5 +42 13 57; And

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.6', sharp concentration with a small, round bright core and stellar nucleus.  Forms the southern vertex of a quadrilateral with three mag 11 stars between 2.5' and 3' separation NNW, NNE and NE.  NGC 937 lies 15' W.  Located at the east edge of galaxy cluster AGC 347.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 946 = St XIII-20 (along with NGC 937 = St XIII-19) on 12 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "F, S, R, glbM".  His position matches UGC 1979 = PGC 9556.

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NGC 947 = ESO 545-021 = MCG -03-07-022 = PGC 9420

02 28 33.2 -19 02 32; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.8', broad weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.1' NW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 947 = h2481 on 10 Nov 1835 and reported "pB, E, gbM, 50" long, 35" broad." His position is a good match with ESO 545-021 = PGC 9420.

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NGC 948 = MCG -02-07-015 = Holm 58b = LGG 063-002 = PGC 9431

02 28 45.4 -10 30 49; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated halo has a very low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with much brighter and larger NGC 945 2.5' SW.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 948 = Sw. V-29 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and logged a "D neb with GC 547 [NGC 945]...". Swift's position is about 15 tsec of RA east of MCG -02-07-015.

 

Ormond Stone perhaps discovered this galaxy before 12 Oct 1886.  The nebula in Leander McCormick list I-56 is a close match with NGC 948, though there is no mention of brighter NGC 945, so I'm not certain of the identification.  NGC 945 and 948 were observed and measured by Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) but his RA is too far west.  Herbert Howe measured accurate positions for the pair in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 949 = UGC 1983 = MCG +06-06-048 = CGCG 523-053 = PGC 9566

02 30 48.8 +37 08 12; Tri

V = 11.8;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, fainter outer halo extends dimensions to 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration, no distinct core but brighter along major axis.  A mag 14 star is at the SE tip.  Located in a fairly rich star field.  Member of the NGC 1023 Group.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 30' E of a mag 7 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 949 = H I-154 = h226 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and logged (summary description) "cB, pL, E np to sf, vgmbM, 3' long, 2' broad." On 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692) he recorded "cB, vgbM, lE, about 3' long and 3' broad."  The galaxy was observed 5 times at Birr Castle.  On 16 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded "Oval, no Nucl, light pretty equable, major axis np-sf, clearly resolvable.  I can at moments see some of its stars.  B* at the south edge".

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NGC 950 = MCG -02-07-021 = PGC 9461

02 29 11.7 -11 01 30; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

24" (12/22/14): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 13/14.5 stars to the southwest.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-07-020 = PGC 9454 2.1' due west.  The companion (B = 15.5) appeared very faint to faint, small, 18"x12", can just hold continuously. An uncatalogued double star at ~6" separation lies 5.7' NW.  NGC 942/943, a double system, lies 12' N.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, round, unconcentrated with a low surface brightness.  A wide pair of mag 13/14 stars with separation 37" are 2' SW.  Located 5.1' NNW of mag 8.3 SAO 148415.  The double system NGC 942/NGC 943 lies 12' N.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 950 = LM 1-57 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position matches MCG -02-07-021 = PGC 9461.

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NGC 951 = ESO 479-008 = MCG -04-07-001 = PGC 9442

02 28 56.9 -22 20 55; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): extremely faint, small, round, 0.4'.  The faint glow requires averted and  has a low surface brightness with no noticeable core.  Situated at midpoint between two mag 11.5 stars 3' NW and 3' SE.  Forms a close pair with MCG -04-07-002 2' S (not seen).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 951 = LM 2-336 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.3, 0.4' dia, E 0” [N-S], double star?"."  His position is just 1.5' S of ESO 479-008 = MCG -04-07-001 = PGC 9442 and his PA = 0” matches the central bar.

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NGC 952 = NGC 940 = UGC 1964 = MCG +05-06-050 = CGCG 504-095 = PGC 9478

02 29 27.5 +34 45; Tri

V = 12.4;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 20”

 

See observing notes for NGC 940.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 952 = St III-6 on 14 December 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  There is nothing at Stephan's usually accurate position and Corwin initially concluded that Stephan must have misidentified his offset star (given as 4713 Lalande).  Bigourdan was unable to recover the object and Corwin was also unsuccessful in using offsets from different nearby comparison stars.

 

But Emmanuel Esmiol, an assistant at Marseille Observatory, lists a different offset star (HD 15866) in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions.  The corrected position matches NGC 940, discovered by d'Arrest in 1865.  In fact, Esmiol calls this object NGC 940, instead of NGC 952 in his table.  In any case, NGC 952 = NGC 940.

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NGC 953 = UGC 1991 = MCG +05-07-001 = CGCG 505-001 = PGC 9586

02 31 09.8 +29 35 19; Tri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.5'

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, gradually increases to small brighter core.  A mag 12-13 star is 1.3' W of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 953 = St III-7 on 26 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted the star 5.5 seconds preceding (1.3' W) and measured an accurate position (3 measures).  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.

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NGC 954 = ESO 299-004 = MCG -07-06-006 = LGG 062-006 = PGC 9438

02 28 51.6 -41 24 10; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 19”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~1.25'x0.8'.  Broadly concentrated with slightly brighter core region.  Mag 9.4 HD 15612 lies 7.6' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 954 = h2482 on 5 Sep 1834 and logged "F, pL, lE, has a star 8th mag 3' distant S.f."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) and description (the star is 3.5' SE) matches ESO 299-004 = PGC 9438.

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NGC 955 = UGC 1986 = MCG +00-07-027A = CGCG 388-029 = PGC 9549

02 30 33.3 -01 06 31; Cet

V = 12.0;  Size 2.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.4', fairly bright elongated core.  A mag 12 star is 2.5' SE.  Located 25' W of 75 Ceti (V = 5.4).

 

8" (11/28/81): very faint, small, elongated SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 955 = H II-278 = h229 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and noted "pB, S, E."  John Herschel also observed this galaxy on 2 sweeps and gave a similar description.  Both of the Herschels' positions match UGC 1986, so there's no doubt about the identification.

 

In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentioned this object was a possible "variable nebula" because it was easily seen by Schšnfeld in 1863, 1864 and 1868, Friedrich August Winnecke and Heinrich d'Arrest, but was not found by Vogel in 1865 nor Schšnfeld in 1861.  Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) observed and measured the object without difficulty.  Winnecke wrote a paper in 1878 that claimed NGC 955 showed a "periodic variability".  It was also compared for variability on plates taken with the 60" at Mt Wilson in 1913 and 1917 and at the Helwan Observatory around 1920.  Wolfgang Steinicke covers the story in his book on the NGC (p519).

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NGC 956 = Cr 27 = OCL-377 = Lund 80

02 32 31 +44 35 36; And

V = 8.9;  Size 8'

 

17.5" (11/26/94): 15 stars mag 12-14 and two mag 9 stars in a 5'x2' group, very elongated N-S.  The two mag 9 stars bracket the group at the north (mag 8.9 SAO 38098) and south ends.  Not rich but stands out reasonably well at low power as the stars form a rough curving "S" asterism.  Two additional mag 9/10 stars are 3' and 5' W of SAO 38098 but do not appear part of the cluster.  The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 956 = h228 on 23 Dec 1831 and described a "p rich cl; 2 or 3 B and about 20 st 13...15m; a star 9th mag taken"  His position is 1' SW of the mag 9.3 star in Herschel's description.

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NGC 957 = Cr 28 = OCL-362 = Lund 84

02 33 19 +57 34 12; Per

V = 7.6;  Size 11'

 

17.5" (10/25/97): moderately rich cluster, ~9'x4' in size and oriented ~E-W.  Includes a mag 8 star (HD 15621) on the SW side and a mag 8/10 pair (h2143) on the SE end at 24" separation.  About three dozen stars are fairly evenly distributed within this elongated cluster.  There are few faint close double stars along the NE side and the bright double has a couple of much fainter companions.  A mag 7.5 star is off the west side of the cluster but appears completely detached.

 

8": 30 stars in cluster, fairly large, moderately rich, elongated ~E-W, unresolved haze. A bright wide double star mag 8/10 at 23" is on the SE edge.  Bracketed by fairly bright stars to the east and west.  Located 1” NE of the Double Cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 957 = h227 on 9 Dec 1831 and noted "a p rich, pL, cl; st 13...15; not compressed at the centre.  Figure an irregular parallelogram."

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NGC 958 = MCG -01-07-019 = PGC 9560

02 30 42.7 -02 56 22; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 2.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, 2.5'x1.0'.  Contains a brighter, bulging core and appears brighter along a thinner "bar" (the major axis).  A similar comment was made in the 12/4/93 observation.  MCG -01-07-016 lies 24' SW.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.8'.  Appears brighter along the major axis.  The brighter core has an occasional sparkle or bright spot.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.0' N of center.

 

8": faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, slightly brighter along the major axis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 958 = H II-237 = h230 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and recorded "faint, extended about 2' long in the direction of the meridian".  On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), John Herschel logged "pB; R; or irreg figure; bM."  Bindon Stoney, using the 72" on 24 Nov 1851, commented the "brightest part near preceding edge; E nnf-ssp; double star north, to which nebula does not reach."

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NGC 959 = UGC 2002 = MCG +06-06-051 = CGCG 523-055 = PGC 9665

02 32 24.0 +35 29 41; Tri

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, fairly large, weak concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  Located 13' S of mag 7.6 SAO 55638 and 39' S of 14 Trianguli (V = 5.2).  Member of the NGC 1023 Group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 959 = St VIIIb-5 on 9 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2002 = PGC 9665.

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NGC 960 = MCG -02-07-028 = PGC 9621

02 31 41.2 -09 18 01; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, only 25"x10", very small bright core.  Located 5.6' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 960 = LM 2-337 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, R, neb?; *9 south-preceding 30 sec."  His position is 30 sec west of MCG -02-07-028 = PGC 9621.  I'm surprised he listed this galaxy as round, though a mag 12 star is 5.7' SW (Leavenworth calls it mag 9) or 22 sec preceding in RA.

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NGC 961 = NGC 1051 = MCG -01-07-033 = UGCA 40 = IC 249 = PGC 10172

02 41 02.4 -06 56 09; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 1051.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 961 = LM 2-338 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "1.5'x1.0', E 230”, *10 at end."  There is nothing at Stone's position but Harold Corwin found that if Stone made a 10 min (transcription?) error in RA, then NGC 961 is a duplicate of NGC 1051 = PGC 10172 (discovered by ƒdouard Stephan).  The declinations are similar and Stone's description applies perfectly to NGC 1051.  So NGC 961 = NGC 1051 = IC 249 (another duplicate observation by Javelle), with NGC 1051 the primary designation.  NGC 961 is classified as nonexistent in RNGC and NGC 961 is not included in the aliases of NGC 1051 in HyperLeda.

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NGC 962 = UGC 2013 = MCG +05-07-004 = CGCG 505-003 = PGC 9682

02 32 39.9 +28 04 12; Ari

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 6' W of a mag 9 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 962 = St III-8 on 13 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, S, grad incr to the center."  His position matches UGC 2013 = PGC 9682.

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NGC 963 = IC 1808 = MCG -01-07-017 = PGC 9545

02 30 31.0 -04 12 59; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, round, weak concentration but no distinct core.  Located just north of the midpoint of the line connecting two mag 13/14 stars 2' SE and 2' WNW.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 963 = LM 2-339 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but 1.3 min of RA east (a common error) is MCG -01-07-017 = PGC 9545.  Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy (list 3-929) on 14 Dec 1903, measured an accurate position and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1808. So, NGC 963 = IC 1808, with discovery priority to Leavenworth.  RNGC appears to misidentify PGC 1066010 as NGC 963, though the position is 9' S of this galaxy.

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NGC 964 = IC 1814 = ESO 355-024 = MCG -06-06-010 = PGC 9582

02 31 05.8 -36 02 06; For

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 31”

 

17.5" (10/25/97): fairly faint, moderately large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.4', brighter core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 964 = h2483 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "B, pmE, psbM, 30" long; position 215.7 degrees."  His position (measured on 4 observations) and description matches ESO 355-024 = PGC 9582.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 22 Dec 1897 while observing from Echo Mountain in southern California, and recorded Sw. XI-40 as "pB; pS; vE."  His RA was 40 seconds too small and Swift and Dreyer didn't connect Sw. XI-40 with NGC 964, so it was catalogued again as IC 1814.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 965 = ESO 545-032 = MCG -03-07-031 = PGC 9666

02 32 24.9 -18 38 24; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, no concentration, requires averted vision.  A mag 12 star is 3.4' SSE of center.  Located 11' SSE of mag 9.5 SAO 148446 at the edge of the 225x field.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 965 = LM 1-58 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position is a fairly good match with ESO 545-032 = PGC 9666.

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NGC 966 = ESO 545-030 = MCG -03-07-029 = PGC 9626

02 31 46.7 -19 53 05; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak even concentration.  Located 40" NNE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 966 = LM 2-340 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.3 tmin east of ESO 545-030 = PGC 9626, a relatively good match.  His notes mention a "*9, 2' sp", though the separation is only 40".  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 967 = ESO 545-031 = MCG -03-07-030 = PGC 9654

02 32 12.7 -17 13 01; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 33”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, gradually brightens but no distinct core.  An occasional stellar nucleus is visible.  Located 6.0' E of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 967 = h2484 on 10 Nov 1835 and noted "pF, S, R, pgmbM, 25"." The following October he called it "eF, irregularly round, lbM."  His position matches ESO 545-031 = PGC 9654.

 

WH made an unpublished observation on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459), recording "a patch apparently nebulous; but may be only a few stars."  His re-reduced position is 4.5' due south of this galaxy.  He didn't return on a later sweep to verify this observation so it didn't receive an internal number or H-designation.

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NGC 968 = UGC 2040 = MCG +06-06-056 = CGCG 523-061 = PGC 9779

02 34 06.2 +34 28 48; Tri

V = 12.2;  Size 3.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, stellar nucleus.  Located 10' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 55659  and 15' ESE of mag 5.8 SAO 55650.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 968 = St X-12 on 5 Dec 1879 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and logged "pF, pS, R, incr to a bright core".  Stephan's position matches UGC 2040 = PGC 9779.

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NGC 969 = UGC 2039 = MCG +05-07-008 = CGCG 505-010 = PGC 9781

02 34 08.0 +32 56 50; Tri

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x;  between moderately and fairly bright, oval 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5'.  There are three distinct zone; the oval halo, a bright roundish core and a prominent stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the small trio with NGC 974 3.8' E and NGC 970 (double system) 1.9' NNE.  CGCG 505-8, located 7' NW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', very small brighter nucleus, brighter along the central axis (~E-W).

 

18" (1/26/11): at 285x appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', sharp concentration with a small, very bright core.  In a tight trio with NGC 970 2' NNE and NGC 974 3.8' E.  Also nearby is CGCG 505-008 7.4' NW and NGC 978 10' SE (a dozen total are within 35').  A mag 14 star is just off the SE side of the halo, 0.9' from the center.  Located 3.4' SSW of a mag 10 star. 

 

17.5" (12/4/93): first of five in the NGC 978 group.  Fairly faint, small, round, sharp concentration.  A mag 14 star is just 0.9' S.  Located 3.4' SSW of a mag 9.5 star in a rich star field.  NGC 974 lies 3.8' E, NGC 970 2' NNE and NGC 978 10' SE, all in the same field.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, small bright nucleus, slightly elongated N-S.  In a trio with NGC 974 3.9' E and NGC 978 11' SE.  NGC 970 2' NE not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 969 = h231, along with NGC 974 = h233 and NGC 978 = h234, on 22 Nov 1827 and reported "S; R; psbM.  The first of 3."

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NGC 970 = MCG +05-07-009 = PGC 9786

02 34 11.8 +32 58 38; Tri

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 55”

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x; faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, with averted vision often extends to 18"x12" but the two components of this double system were merged.  A mag 10 star is 1.5' N.  In a close trio with much brighter NGC 969 and NGC 974.  NGC 971 is a mag 15.8 star 0.9' E.

 

18" (1/26/11): faintest in a trio with NGC 969 2' SSW and NGC 974 3.3' SE.  At 285x appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 15"x10".  Located 1.5' S of a mag 10 star.  Two mag 14 stars lie 1.3' NW and 1.7' NE.  NGC 971 is a 15.5 magnitude star 0.9' E.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located near the midpoint and just east of the line connecting a mag 9.5 star 1.5' N and NGC 969 2' SSW.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.3' WNW.  This is a double system (unresolved). Member of the NGC 978 group with NGC 974 3.3' ESE and NGC 978 10' SE.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 970 on 14 Sep 1850 while observing the NGC 978 group.  This galaxy is labeled "Gamma" on the sketch of 11 Oct 1850 and the micrometric offset from NGC 969 is accurate, though it was seen as single.  The listed dimensions apply to the double system.

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NGC 971

02 34 16.0 +32 58 47; Tri

V = 15.8

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x; NGC 971 is a mag 15.8 star situated 0.9' E of NGC 970.  It was very faint, but easily visible.

 

18" (1/26/11): at 285x an extremely faint mag 15.5 star (mistaken as a nebula at Birr Castle) situated 0.9' due east of NGC 970.  It's sandwiched between NGC 970 and a mag 14 star 0.9' NE.  Also lies 1.6' SE of a mag 10 star.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 971, along with NGC 970, on 14 Sep 1850 while observing NGC 969 and 974.  The offsets measured on 11 Oct 1850 point precisely to a mag 15-15.5 star situated 56" east of NGC 970.  The RNGC misidentifies the northeast component of NGC 970 as NGC 971.  This error is included in my RNGC Corrections #7.

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NGC 972 = UGC 2045 = MCG +05-07-010 = CGCG 505-012 = PGC 9788

02 34 13.4 +29 18 43; Ari

V = 11.4;  Size 3.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 152”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.0', large bright core dominates, much fainter outer halo, appears brighter on the southeast side.  Three stars (including two mag 9 stars at 45" separation) are in a line off the southwest flank and equally spaced.

 

8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, round, bright core, bright double star to SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 972 = H II-211 = h232 = St III-9 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and logged "F, pL, lE, bM, just north of 2 stars."  On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 680) he recorded "pB, cL, E from sp to nf [should be np to sf] but nearer the meridian, mbM, about 1' north of 3 stars in a row."  On 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178), John Herschel wrote "pB, lE, pgmB".  Stephan independently found the galaxy again on 11 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and this observation led to the entry 5247 in the GC Supplement.  Dreyer combined the two GC entries (560 = 5247) in the NGC.  NGC 972 was observed 15 times at Birr Castle.  On 7 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded "has a knot in p edge [probably an HII region]; neb spreads out and fades away gradually sf."

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NGC 973 = UGC 2048 = MCG +05-07-013 = CGCG 505-014 = FGC 314 = PGC 9795

02 34 20.2 +32 30 19; Tri

V = 12.8;  Size 3.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 48”

 

18" (1/26/11): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.25', sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core and very faint thin extensions.  A faint star is very close preceding the SW extension.  Located 4.5' NE of mag 7.5 HD 15896.  The major axis of the galaxy is collinear with this star.

 

IC 1815 lies 4.5' S and 2MASX J02342777+3233439 lies 3.8' NNE.  IC 1815 appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, even moderate concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  The 2MASX galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, 20"x12".

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  Located 4.5' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 55664.  Forms a pair with IC 1815 4.5' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 973 = Sw. IV-8 on 30 Oct 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeF; S; vE; pB * nr sp".  His position and description matches UGC 2048 = PGC 9795.

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NGC 974 = UGC 2049 = MCG +05-07-012 = PGC 9802

02 34 25.8 +32 57 16; Tri

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, ~50"x40", broad weak concentration to a small brighter core.  Two mag 14.5 stars are close off the S side and N side.  Brighter NGC 969 is 3.8' W.

 

18" (1/26/11): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration in the halo, then sharply concentrated with a small bright core.  Bracketed by a mag 14 star 0.8' S, and a mag 14.5 star 0.9' N.  Forms the eastern vertex of a small triangle with brighter NGC 969 3.8' W and NGC 970 3.3' NW.  NGC 978 lies 8' SE.  Located 4' SE of a mag 10 star and 11' NW of mag 8.1 HD 16015.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, small brighter core.  Situated between two mag 14 stars 56" NNW and 45" SSE.  Located in the NGC 978 group with NGC 969 3.8' W, NGC 970 3.3' NW, NGC 978 8' SSE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated, moderately large, broadly concentrated, diffuse halo, two faint stars on opposite ends.  Forms a pair with NGC 969 3.9' W.  NGC 970 not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 974 = h233, along with NGC 969 and NGC 978 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged  "vF; R; bM.  The second of 3".  His position matches UGC 2049 = PGC 9802.

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NGC 975 = UGC 2030 = MCG +01-07-009 = PGC 9735

02 33 22.8 +09 36 06; Cet

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Symmetrical appearance with an even concentration to a small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  A mag 10 star is 2.3' NNW of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 975 = Sw. I-3 on 9 Nov 1884 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "vF; cE."  His position is 8' north of UGC 2030 = PGC 9735, but his description "cE" applies to this galaxy (correction in the notes section of his 3rd list).

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NGC 976 = UGC 2042 = MCG +03-07-027 = CGCG 462-027 = LGG 061-006 = PGC 9776

02 34 00.0 +20 58 36; Ari

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (1/20/90): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, large bright core, very small bright nucleus.

 

13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  Situated between two faint stars oriented N-S.  Located about 30' SE of a mag 7 star.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 976 = T I-11 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "Class III, small and faint; on one side of a trapezoid of 4 stars."  His position is 1' S of UGC 2042 = PGC 9776 and the trapezoid of stars is just to the north.

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NGC 977 = MCG -02-07-031 = LGG 063-004 = PGC 9713

02 33 03.4 -10 45 35; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 65”

 

48" (10/26/11): at 488x this galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very intense oval core oriented WSW-ENE, ~36"x27", The core increases to a bright quasi-stellar nucleus and sometimes a stellar point.  The core is surrounded by a much fainter outer halo, 1.6'x1.3', that is only slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  PGC 175239 was picked up 5' NNE.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, round, weak concentration, occasional stellar nucleus.  Just NW are three equally spaced stars mag 11 and 12 which form a line NW-SE of length 6'.  Located 7.7' SSE of mag 8.9 SAO 148452.  NGC 981 lies 13' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 977 = H III-472 = h2485 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "vF, pL, vlbM, near some scattered stars.".  Both William and John Herschel measured accurate positions.

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NGC 978 = UGC 2057 = MCG +05-07-016 = CGCG 505-018 = PGC 9821

02 34 47.0 +32 50 46; Tri

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 80”

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~35"x30", gradually increases to a bright core but no distinct nucleus.  NGC 978 is a contact pair with NGC 978B = PGC 9823, which is merged at the SE end of the galaxy. The companion was visible as a very faint, low surface brightness extension, poking out towards the SSE, ~15"x8". It contained a brighter stellar nucleus.  Mag 8.1 HD 16015 is 6' ENE and NGC 969, 970 and 974 are ~10' NW.

 

18" (1/26/11): at 285x appears moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x32". Sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core and a thin faint halo.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 978B at the SE end.  The companion appeared as an elongated brightening, ~15"x10" N-S, within the SSE portion of the outer halo.  Located 6' WSW of mag 8.1 HD 16015.  A trio consisting of NGC 969, NGC 970 and NGC 974 lies 10' NW.

 

17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, prominent core within a small halo.  A mag 11.5 star is 2.3' ESE.  Located 6' WSW of mag 7.9 SAO 55679.  Brightest of four in a group with NGC 969 10' NW, NGC 974 8' NNW and NGC 970.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core.  Brightest of three with NGC 969 10' NW and NGC 974 8' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 978 = h234, along with NGC 969 and NGC 974, on 22 Nov 1827.  His position is a good match with UGC 2057 = PGC 9821, despite being mentioned as roughly placed with respect to NGC 969.  The brighter northern component of this double system is identified as NGC 978A in MCG.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 978B = MCG +05-07-017 at the southeast end, 0.35' from center.

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NGC 979 = ESO 246-023 = AM 0229-444 = MCG -07-06-014 = KTS 17C = PGC 9614

02 31 38.8 -44 31 28; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 115”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter, faint but sharp stellar nucleus.  Situated within a string of 3 stars ~E-W with a mag 11.5 star 1.8' W.

 

Forms a pair (similar redshift) with ESO 246-022 9' NE.  It appeared faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x 18".  The surface brightness is low and nearly uniform.  Situated 1.6' NE of a mag 9.6 star.  LEDA 130202, 2.2' N, was not noticed (B = 16.5). The trio forms KTS 17, though the last galaxy is far in the background.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 979 = h2486 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged "Not vF, S, R; almost stellar; between 2 stars nearly in the parallel."  His two observations differ by 7 sec in RA.

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NGC 980 = UGC 2063 = MCG +07-06-038 = CGCG 539-054 = PGC 9831

02 35 18.6 +40 55 35; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, small bright core, similar appearance but slightly fainter by 0.5 mag than NGC 982 3.5' S.  Identifications of NGC 980/NGC 982 reversed in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.

 

See notes for NGC 982.

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NGC 981 = MCG -02-07-030 = PGC 9710

02 32 59.9 -10 58 25; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, unconcentrated round spot with a low surface brightness.  Two mag 13 stars are 2.1' SW and 3.3' SW.  NGC 977 lies 13' NNE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 981 = LM 1-59 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.4' dia, gbM".  His (rough) position falls close to MCG -02-07-030 = PGC 9710.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 982 = UGC 2066 = MCG +07-06-039 = CGCG 539-056 = PGC 9838

02 35 24.9 +40 52 11; And

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2' NE of a mag 10 star.  Brighter of a striking pair with NGC 980 3.5' NNW.  Identifications of NGC 980 and NGC 982 are reversed in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 982 = H III-573 = h236, along with NGC 980 = H III-572, on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) describing them together as "Two.  Both vF, vS, er, dist 4', the place between them.  As WH did not provide individual positions, Dreyer used John Herschel's positions for h235 and h236.  Unfortunately, JH measured the position of h236 accurately, but reversed the sign of the declination offset to NGC 982, placing it 5.5' too far south.  This resulted in h235 (later GC 565) being placed southwest of h236 (later GC 566).  Dreyer copied the GC positions into the NGC, and noted the orientation as SW-NE, instead of NW-SE as they appear on the sky.

 

Because of this error, RNGC, CGCG, UGC and RC3 reverse the identifications of NGC 980 and 982, which should be NGC 980 = UGC 2063 = PGC 9831 and NGC 982 = UGC 2066 = PGC 9838.  MCG has the correct identifications.  This summary is based on Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 983 = NGC 1002 = UGC 2133 = MCG +06-06-070 = CGCG 523-079 = PGC 10034

02 38 55.7 +34 37 21; Tri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1002.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 983 = St III-11 on 13 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His 6th magnitude reference star was misidentified, so the position in list III is incorrect. The error was caught and mentioned in a footnote in MN XXXII, although there was still a typo of 10 tmin in RA in the corrected position.  Using Stephan's offsets (3 tmin 8 tsec and 3' 38") from 15 Triangulum, his position corresponds with UGC 2133 = PGC 10034.  Stephan found the galaxy again 10 years later on 14 Dec 1881, measured an accurate position in List XII-21, and Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 1002.  Karl Reinmuth missed the footnote in MN and in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, couldn't find NGC 983.  In any case, NGC 983 = NGC 1002.  Although NGC 983 should be the primary designation due to the earlier discovery, the galaxy is usually identified as NGC 1002.  RNGC misclassifies NGC 983 as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes

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NGC 984 = UGC 2059 = MCG +04-07-012 = CGCG 484-010 = V Zw 257 = PGC 9819

02 34 43.1 +23 24 47; Ari

V = 12.8;  Size 3.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small very bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.2' S.  Located 6' SE of mag 8.4 SAO 75448 6' NW.  This is a double system (not resolved) with a very small, faint companion at the SE end.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 984 = St III-10 on 13 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, eS, R, bM".  His position matches UGC 2059 = PGC 9819.

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NGC 985 = VV 285 = MCG -02-07-035 = Mrk 1048 = PGC 9817

02 34 37.4 -08 47 10; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (10/26/11): at 488x and 610x this disrupted galaxy (possible collisional ring) revealed its structure.  A very bright, sharp stellar nucleus is offset to the southwest side of the halo.  The moderately large halo appears as a 0.9'x0.7' oval or a circle that was squashed along the south and southeast edge, near the nucleus.  With averted vision, the brighter rim was noticeable and the galaxy appeared as a ring with a darker center and a "diamond" (the Seyfert nucleus) attached on the southeast side.  The ring appeared similar to a faint annular planetary.  An extremely faint mag 18 star is at the north edge of the rim.

 

2MASX J02343785-0853042, an easily visible galaxy, lies 6' S.  It appeared faint to fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, 20"x15", broad concentration, brighter core.  A mag 12.5 star lies 45" NW.

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, sharp stellar nucleus with a small very faint halo!  A triangle of mag 10/11 stars with sides 1.7', 2.5' and 3.0' is about 5' WNW and the galaxy forms the bottom of a "cross" asterism with these stars.  This is a Seyfert galaxy, accounting for the dominant nucleus.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 985 = LM 2-341 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is only 1' S of VV 285 = PGC 9817.

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NGC 986 = ESO 299-007 = MCG -07-06-015 = PGC 9747

02 33 34.2 -39 02 43; For

V = 10.9;  Size 3.9'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran): at 264x, this beautiful, barred S-shaped spiral appeared very bright, large, with a very bright elongated central region that increased to a small, very bright core and bright stellar nucleus.  Within the central region it was brighter along the central axis (bar) oriented SW to NE.  At the southwest end of the central bar a relatively thin arm emerged and swept ~1.3' SE (clockwise).  From the NE end of the central region another thin arm shot north for 1.5' and contained a very small, brighter knot or HII region.

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.2'.  Dominated by a 20" rounder core.  A nice evenly matched mag 10.5 pair at 12" separation is 9' NNE with another similar star 1' S.  Located 8' due north of mag 9 SAO 193771.

 

8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, bright core, diffuse edges.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 986 = D 519 = h2487 on 5 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta (near Sydney) and described "a faint nebula, of an irregular round figure, about 30" diameter, north of a bright small star."  His position is 9' SE of NGC 986 (typical error) and there are no other nearby brighter galaxies that he might have been picked up instead.

 

John Herschel described the galaxy on 23 Oct 1835 as "pB, L, psbM, 3' long 2' broad, either binuclear or more elongated on the n.f. side than on the opposite."  On a later sweep he logged "B, L, pmE, very suddenly much brighter middle, 100" long 60" broad, unequally bright, and exhibiting an approach to binuclear form."  See Plate VI, figure 14 of the CGH Observations.  Herschel's secondary nucleus appears to be the brighter southwest end of the central bar.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 29 Nov 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  He resolved it as a stretched S-shaped barred spiral. See Plate I, figure 8 "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885".  Albert Le Sueur earlier made a sketch (plate VII, figure 80) that was not published.

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NGC 987 = UGC 2093 = MCG +05-07-021 = CGCG 505-023 = Mrk 1180 = PGC 9911

02 36 49.6 +33 19 38; Tri

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Located 26' N of mag 6.3 SAO 55711.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 987 = H III-161 = h237 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "vF, S, irregularly extended, resolvable".  John Herschel observed this galaxy on two sweeps, recording on 11 Nov 1827 (sweep 100):"vF; R; S; bM; 2 st 14m np point to it."

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NGC 988 = MCG -02-07-037 = UGCA 35 = PGC 9843

02 35 29.7 -09 21 35; Cet

V = 11.0;  Size 3.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, wider on ESE edge.  Unusual appearance as mag 7.2 HD 16152 (79 Cet) is directly superimposed on the WNW side!

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 988 = St X-13 around 1880 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "This is the star 4811 Lalande, surrounded by a faint round nebulosity, a bit extended to the southeast.".  Stephan's position is incorrect as the 7th magnitude superimposed star is 79 Ceti.  Esmiol doesn't give a corrected position in his re-reduction of Stephan's measurements, but Dreyer corrected the position in the NGC.  He comments in the IC 2 notes section: "No nebulosity seen by Burnham [Publ of Lick Observatory, II) and Barnard. Stephan's position is wrong, being taken from Baily's Lalande, where the places of two stars (with an 18 second difference in right ascension) are mixed up. I took the northeastern star, as I was not certain that it was not nebulous, while the southwestern one was certainly free from haze".

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NGC 989 = MCG -03-07-034 = PGC 9762

02 33 46.0 -16 30 41; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 11.4

 

17.5" (10/29/94): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core.  Located off the SE end of a string of four mag 12-13 stars oriented NW-SE and 6.0' NNE of mag 9.0 SAO 148466.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 989 = LM 1-60 on 9 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position is 1.4 tmin east of MCG -03-07-034 = PGC 9762.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 990 = UGC 2089 = MCG +02-07-018 = CGCG 439-019 = LGG 069-001 = PGC 9890

02 36 18.2 +11 38 32; Ari

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus, even symmetrical concentration from halo to nucleus.  Located 6' W of a mag 9.5 star and 4' N of a mag 10.5 star.  Part of the NGC 1024 group (LGG 069)

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 990 = H III-557 = h238 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 591) and commented "vF, vS, lE, resolvable, 240 power the same.".  On 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121) John Herschel logged "pB; R; psbM; 25"; moonlight."

 

NGC 990 was first observed with the 72" (by Johnstone Stoney) on 12 Dec 1848.  Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 1 Sep 1886 and catalogued it as new in his fourth discovery list (#9).

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NGC 991 = MCG -01-07-023 = PGC 9846

02 35 32.2 -07 09 16; Cet

V = 11.7;  Size 2.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 60”

 

24" (11/21/19): at 322x; large, slightly elongated, broad and fairly weak concentration with only a slightly brighter core.  Overall, low surface brightness but the halo seems slightly mottled as if a face-on spiral (it is).

 

MCG -1-7-22, located 33' SSW, was relatively bright, round, 35"-40" diameter, moderate surface brightness, slightly brighter core/nucleus.  This galaxy is 11' N of 77 Ceti (V = 5.7).

 

17.5" (8/31/86): large, diffuse, weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' S of center.  Located 40' N of mag 5.5 80 Ceti (V = 5.5).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 991 = H III-434 = h239 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and recorded "vF, cL, irr figure, lbM, 4' or 5' long, 2 or 3' broad". His reduced position is accurate.  John Herschel simply noted "eF" on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), and his position is 9 seconds of RA too large.

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NGC 992 = UGC 2103 = MCG +03-07-035 = CGCG 462-035 = PGC 9938

02 37 25.5 +21 06 02; Ari

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 10”

 

18" (1/26/11): at 285x appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 45"x22", well concentrated to a small bright core increasing to a stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 1.5' SSE.  Located 4.3' SW of mag 9 SAO 75477.

 

Forms a pair with CGCG 462-036 2.6' NNE.  This galaxy is situated just 2' SE of SAO 75477 and appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, very faint extensions.  Located 4.3' SSW of mag 8.5 SAO 75477.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' SE of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 992 = Sw. IV-10 on 6 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His RA was 8 seconds too small but his description ("cE, * nr S") matches.  Bigourdan added the note "it passes 7 seconds before the NGC position" in the correction list in his 1891 Comptes Rendus paper, but that should read "7 seconds after" (so the correction is nearly 15 seconds off).  Kobold  measured an accurate position in 1902 with the 18" refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory (published in 1907).

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NGC 993 = NGC 994 = UGC 2095 = MCG +00-07-052 = CGCG 388-063 = PGC 9910

02 36 46.0 +02 03 01; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 110”

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star lies 30" N.  Located between two mag 10 stars 6.7' SW and 4.3' NE at the west edge of the NGC 1016 group.

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, moderate concentration with a very small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is just 34" NNW of center.  Located 4.4' SW of a mag 9.5 star.  An unequal double star (mag 12/14 at 19" separation) lies 3' E.  Located at the west end of the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 993 = m 63 on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, vS".  His position matches UGC 2095 = PGC 9910.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 17 Oct 1885 , despite his claiming it was not NGC 993, and it was catalogued again as Sw. III-13 = NGC 994.  So, NGC 993 = NGC 994, with discovery priority to Marth (NGC 993).

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NGC 994 = NGC 993 = UGC 2095 = MCG +00-07-052 = CGCG 388-063 = PGC 9910

02 36 46.0 +02 03 01; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 993.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 994 = Sw. III-13 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  He described this nebula as "vF * close; between a pB* and a F D*; np of 2 [with NGC 1004]".  Swift mentions is "not [N993], [NGC 1016] nor [NGC 1073]", but his position and description matches NGC 993, which was discovered by Albert Marth (m 65) on 15 Jan 1865.  So, NGC 993 = NGC 994, with priority to Marth (NGC 993).  RNGC notes the equivalence.

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NGC 995 = UGC 2118 = MCG +07-06-044 = CGCG 539-063 = PGC 10008

02 38 32.0 +41 31 46; And

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 35”

 

18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core except for a stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 14.5 star is at the east edge.  Member of the NGC 995-1005 cluster (~40' N of NGC 1003).  Nearby galaxies include NGC 1000 5.3' SE, 2MASX J02382515+4135182 3.8' NNW and NGC 996 7.2' NNE.  These galaxies, as well as NGC 999, NGC 1001 and NGC 1005 are arranged in a partial ring of diameter 13'!

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core.  A mag 15 star is just off the east edge.  Located at the west edge of the NGC 995-1005 group with NGC 996 7' NNE and NGC 1000 5' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 995 = St III-12 (along with NGC 999 = St III-14 and NGC 1001 = St III-16) on 8 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2118 = PGC 10008.  First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies (NGCs 995, 996, 999, 1000, 1001, 1005) discovered by Stephan over 3 nights.

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NGC 996 = UGC 2123 = MCG +07-06-045 = CGCG 539-064 = PGC 10015

02 38 39.9 +41 38 51; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.9', gradually increases to a small, brighter core.  This galaxy is the brightest, along with NGC 995 7.2' SSW, of a group of 8 galaxies (6 NGC's) generally arranged in a ring (part of the NGC 1023 group).  Forms a close pair with NGC 999 2' NE and also forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10.5-11 stars 3' NE and 3' NW.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 999 2' NE in the NGC 995-1005 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 996 = St III-13 (along with NGC 995 = St III-12 and NGC 1001 = St III-16) on 7 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2123 = PGC 10015.  Second in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.

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NGC 997 = UGC 2102 = MCG +01-07-015 = CGCG 414-027 = PGC 9932

02 37 14.5 +07 18 21; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (12/28/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, small bright core, stellar nucleus, high surface brightness.  Mag 9.5 HD 16303 is 1.4' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 998 1.8' NNE.  Brightest in a group (redshift-based distance ~250 million l.y.) with CGCG 414-028 8' N and UGC 2092, an extreme superthin, lies 10.6' W.

 

CGCG 414-028 appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  I was surprised the visibility is comparable to NGC 998.

UGC 2092: extremely faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 SW-NE, ~20"x8", very low surface brightness!  As the axial ratio of this bulgeless superthin is ~12:1, I only picked up the slightly brighter central section.

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration, small ill-defined core.  Located 1.4' NE of mag 9 SAO 110644!  Forms a close pair with NGC 998 1.8' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 997 = m 64 (along with NGC 998) on 10 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, S".  His position matches UGC 2102 = PGC 9932.  Brightest in a group of faint galaxies -- one of which (NGC 997 NED01) is in the halo on the north side.

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NGC 998 = MCG +01-07-016 = PGC 9934

02 37 16.5 +07 20 09; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (12/28/16): at 375x; very faint to faint, small, round, 18" diameter, very low surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 997 1.8' SSW.

 

17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Very low even surface brightness and requires averted vision.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 997 1.8' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 998 = m 65 (along with NGC 997) on 10 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF".  NGC 998 was placed 2 sec of RA following and 1' N of NGC 997, and at this position is PGC 9934.

 

CGCG misidentifies NGC 997 with CGCG 414-028 = PGC 2802440, a small, very faint galaxy situated 8.2' NNE of NGC 997.  The UGC notes to NGC 997 and the RNGC follow the CGCG error and also misidentify CGCG 414-028 as NGC 998.  NGC 998 is mentioned as an anonymous companion to NGC 997 in the UGC notes.  PGC has the correct identification, though is incorrect to use CGCG 414-028 as an alias.  MCG reverses the identifications as well as the declinations.  The identification of NGC 997 is included in my RNGC Corrections #7.

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NGC 999 = UGC 2127 = MCG +07-06-047 = CGCG 539-066 = PGC 10026

02 38 47.4 +41 40 14; And

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 61”

 

18" (12/18/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Sandwiched between a mag 11 star 1' NE and a mag 14 star just off the SW edge [28" from the center].  Located just 2' NE of NGC 996 in the NGC 995-1005 group with NGC 1001 4.5' E.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 12 star is 1.0' NE.  Member of the NGC 995-1005 group with NGC 1001 4.7' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 999 = St III-14 (along with NGC 995 = St III-12 and NGC 1001 = St III-16) on 8 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2127 = PGC 10026.  CGCG, UGC, PGC and HyperLEDA equate NGC 999 = St IC 240, but Bigourdan measured IC 240 with respect to NGC 999 so they cannot be equivalent.  Malcolm Thomson noted this error in his survey of IC identifications and Harold Corwin suggests IC 240 is probably a line of 4 faint stars.  NGC 999 is the third in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan over 3 nights.

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NGC 1000 = MCG +07-06-048 = CGCG 539-067 = PGC 10028

02 38 49.7 +41 27 35; And

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (12/18/06): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 5.3' SE of NGC 995 at the south end of the NGC 995-1005 cluster (35' N of NGC 1003).  Appears very compact on the DSS.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE.  Member of the NGC 995-1005 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1000 = St III-15 (along with NGC 1005 = St III-17) on 9 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches CGCG 539-067 = PGC 10028.  This is the fourth in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan over 3 nights.

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NGC 1001 = MCG +07-06-050 = CGCG 539-069 = PGC 10050

02 39 12.7 +41 40 18; Per

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 114”

 

18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.2'.  With direct vision a faint stellar nucleus is visible.  Occasionally I thought the nucleus was double, but instead there appeared to be an extremely faint star at the NW edge.  Located 4.7' E of NGC 999.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE.  An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at the west end or an extremely faint companion (appears elongated on the POSS).  A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' SE.  NGC 999 lies 4.7' W in the NGC 995-1005 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1001 = St III-16 on 8 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  Fifth in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.

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NGC 1002 = UGC 2133 = MCG +06-06-070 = CGCG 523-079 = N983 = PGC 10034

02 38 55.7 +34 37 21; Tri

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, larger brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  Collinear with a mag 12.5 star 1.2' NE and a mag 13 star 2.8' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 1002 = St XII-21 on 14 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2133 = PGC 10034, though he discovered (list III-11) this galaxy 10 years earlier on 13 Dec 1871 and Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 983.  Stephan misidentified his comparison star, though, so the position for NGC 983 is incorrect.  When corrected, NGC 983 = NGC 1002.  Because the position for NGC 1002 is unambiguous, catalogues use this identification.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 983.

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NGC 1003 = UGC 2137 = MCG +07-06-051 = CGCG 539-070 = LGG 070-005 = PGC 10052

02 39 16.9 +40 52 20; Per

V = 11.5;  Size 5.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 97”

 

18" (12/18/06): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 2.5'x0.9', broad concentration with a large, brighter core.  The core brightens slightly to the center but there is no distinct nucleus, although the center has a mottled appearance with an occasional sparkle or two (possibly a faint, superimposed star or a slightly brighter knot).  A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge of the core.  Located 2' NE mag 10 SAO 38196 and two degrees SSW of M34.  Member of the NGC 1023 Group.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 13 star is involved at the NE side, just 0.8' from center.  Located 2' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is on the NE edge 0.8' from center.  An extremely faint knot is at the NW edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1003 = H II-238 = H III-198 = h240 on 6 Oct 1784 (sweep 283) and noted "Suspected, but the haziness will not permit to verify it."  On 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614), he logged "pB, mE nearly in the parallel, mbM, near 4' long and about 1' br." On the following night (sweep 618) he logged "cB, mE, vgmbM, near 4' l."  The two H-designations were combined in the GC and NGC (suggested by Marth).

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NGC 1004 = UGC 2112 = MCG +00-07-057 = CGCG 388-068 = PGC 9961

02 37 41.8 +01 58 31; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

18" (11/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is attached at the west edge of the halo.  Observation through thin clouds.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, round, bright nearly stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is barely off the WSW edge.  Located 13' SW of NGC 1016 on the west side of the cluster.

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter.  A mag 12 star is just off the WSW edge 25" from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1008 7.1' NE at the SW end of the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is just 25" WSW of the center.  Member of the NGC 1016 cluster with NGC 1008 8' NNE and NGC 1016 13' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1004 = St XI-3 on 1 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2112 = PGC 9961.  Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 17 Oct 1885 and his position in list III-14 is also accurate.  His comment "pF * very close" applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 1005 = MCG +07-06-052 = CGCG 539-071 = PGC 10062

02 39 27.7 +41 29 36; Per

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, increases to a samll bright core.  Located on the SE side of the NGC 995-1005 group, 3' E of a 40" pair of mag 11.5-12 stars.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located in the NGC 995-1005 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1005  = St III-17 on 9 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches CGCG 539-071 = PGC 10062.  Sixth in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.

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NGC 1006 = NGC 1010 = MCG -02-07-044 = PGC 9949

02 37 34.9 -11 01 31; Cet

Size 0.9'x0.9'

 

See observing notes for NGC 1010.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1006 = Sw. V-30 on 29 Sep 1886 with a 16" refractor. His position was 10 sec of RA west of NGC 1010, discovered 10 years earlier by ƒdouard Stephan.  Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Tempel's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) listing nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. Nevertheless, Dreyer assigned Sw. V-30 to NGC 1006, resulting in two NGC designations.

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NGC 1007 = CGCG 388-069 = MCG +00-07-059 = PGC 9967

02 37 52.2 +02 09 21; Cet

V = 16.0;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 49”

 

18" (11/18/06): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter.  Located 7.2' WNW of NGC 1016 and 2.7' S of a mag 9.5 star.  This is the faintest NGC galaxy in the cluster.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 9 star (SAO 110651) lies 2.8' N.  Located 4.6' NNW of NGC 1008 within the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1007 = m 66 on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, stellar".  Marth's position is 1' S of CGCG 388-069 = PGC 9967.

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NGC 1008 = UGC 2114 = MCG +00-07-060 = CGCG 388-070 = PGC 9970

02 37 55.3 +02 04 47; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

18" (11/18/06): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 6.5' WSW of NGC 1016 and 3' NW of a mag 11 star.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35', weak even concentration.  Located 3' NW of a mag 11 star and 7' WSW of NGC 1016 in the core of the cluster.

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, round.  A mag 10 star is 2.9' SE.  Located between NGC 1004 7.1' SW and NGC 1016 6.5' ENE.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  NGC 1007 lies 4.6' NNW. Located 7' SW of NGC 1016 in the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1008 = m 67 on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, eS, stellar". His position is accurate.

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NGC 1009 = UGC 2129 = MCG +00-07-065 = CGCG 388-077 = FGC 325 = PGC 9995

02 38 19.0 +02 18 35; Cet

V = 14.4;  Size 1.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 124”

 

18" (11/18/06): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  Located 11.5' due north of NGC 1016 in a cluster.

 

18" (10/21/06): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.45'x0.15'.  Brighter IC 241 lies 6' WNW.  Located 11' due north of NGC 1016 in the cluster.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 11 star is 2' SE.  IC 241 lies 6.2' WNW and NGC 1016 11.5' S in a cluster.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 15 year-old son, discovered NGC 1009 = Sw. III-15 on 1 Jan 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  The Swifts' published positon is 15 sec of RA west of UGC 2129.

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NGC 1010 = NGC 1006 = MCG -02-07-044 = Holm 62a = PGC 9949

02 37 34.9 -11 01 31; Cet

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (10/8/94): faint, fairly small, round, no concentration.  A mag 13 star is 3.7' NW.  First in and brightest of a trio with NGC 1011 1.5' NE and NGC 1017 3.8' ENE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1010 = St VIIIb-6, along with NGC 1011, on 21 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches PGC 9949.  Swift independently found the pair on 29 Sep 1886 and his position for Sw. V-30 is just 10 sec of RA too far west.  Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stephan's nebula in an 1887 article on Swift's duplicate catalogue entries (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list).  Nevertheless Dreyer assigned Sw. V-30 to NGC 1006, so this galaxy carries two NGC designations

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NGC 1011 = MCG -02-07-045 = Holm 62b = PGC 9955

02 37 38.9 -11 00 20; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, round.  Located 1.5' NE of NGC 1010.  Second of three with NGC 1017 2.7' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1011 = St VIIIb-7 = Sw. V-31, along with NGC 1010, on 21 Nov 1876.  His position is accurate.  Lewis Swift independently found the pair on 29 Sep 1886.  His position in his 5th list is just 10 seconds of RA too far west. Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stephan's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list).  Dreyer combined the two observations into NGC 1011 and credited both observers.

 

 

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NGC 1012 = UGC 2141 = MCG +05-07-027 = CGCG 505-030 = PGC 10051

02 39 14.9 +30 09 05; Ari

V = 12.0;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 24”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, broad concentration.  Unusual appearance as a mag 13.5 star is embedded just east of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1012 = H III-152 = h241 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and recorded "vF, pS, of equal light."  On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 680) he logged "F, irr figure, some stars visible, but they seem not to belong to it."  On 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178), John Herschel recorded "pB; irreg R; bM; 18"; resolvable. RA doubtful".  R.J. Mitchell made a sketch with the 72" on 23 Nov 1857 and it was included in LdR's 1861 publication (plate XXV, figure 4).

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NGC 1013 = MCG -02-07-046 = PGC 9966

02 37 50.4 -11 30 26; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (12/28/94): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 8.8' SW of a mag 8.5 star (·288 = 8.9/11.9 at 12").  The galaxy is collinear with an elongated group of four mag 12-13 stars oriented SW-NE starting 6' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1013 = Sw. V-32 on 29 Sep 1886 with his 16" Clark refractor.  His position is 7 tsec west and 26" south of MCG -02-07-046 = PGC 9966 and his comment "between 2 distant D stars" applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 1014

02 38 00.8 -09 34 24; Cet

V = 14.8/15.2;  Size 10"

 

24" (2/5/13): this NGC designation applies to a close pair of faint stars that was resolved at 282x.  The two stars are both 15th magnitude (14.8/15.2) and at a separation of 10" or less.  Located 3' SW of NGC 1018.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1014 = LM 2-342 in 1886 with the 26" refractor and reported "0.1' dia, iR, and 1st of 2 [with NGC 1018]."  With respect to NGC 1018, Muller's offset is 0.2 tmin west and 1' south.  Just 1' further south is a very faint double star (separation ~11") and Corwin identifies this double as NGC 1014.

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NGC 1015 = UGC 2124 = MCG +00-07-066 = CGCG 388-075 = PGC 9988

02 38 11.5 -01 19 08; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 2.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint halo.  Located 6.4' NW of mag 8.0 SAO 130029.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1015 = T I-13 = T V-1 on 27 Dec 1875 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His micrometric position in list V is a precise match with UGC 2124 = PGC 9988.

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NGC 1016 = UGC 2128 = MCG +00-07-067 = CGCG 388-076 = WBL 081-005 = PGC 9997

02 38 19.5 +02 07 09; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (11/18/06): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  Contains a bright 20" core that increases to the center.  Located 8' SE of a mag 9.6 star.  Brightest and largest member of the NGC 1016 cluster (WBL 081 = USGC U137) at a distance of ~300 million l.y.

 

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly large, round.  The bright 30" core increases to the center.  Surrounding the core is a fairly large, low surface brightness halo ~2' in diameter.  This is the dominant galaxy in the cluster.  A parallelogram of four mag 14 stars is just south.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, bright core.  This galaxy is the brightest and largest in the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1016 = m 68 = Sf 103 = T I-12 on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, S, R, psbM."  His position matches UGC 2128, the brightest member of the cluster.  Truman Safford independently rediscovered the galaxy on 1 Nov 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at Dearborn Observatory (Sf 103) and again by Wilhelm Tempel in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. Dreyer credited Tempel with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5264), but both Marth and Tempel are listed in the NGC.  Safford's list was missed by Dreyer until after the NGC was compiled.

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NGC 1017 = MCG -02-07-047 = Holm 62c = PGC 9964

02 37 49.8 -11 00 37; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint, small, round.  Last and faintest of three with NGC 1011 2.7' W and NGC 1010 3.8' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1017 = Sw. V-33 = LM 1-61 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeeF, vS, R, eee dif 3rd of 3 [with NGC 1010 and 1011].  His position was 1.4' NNE of MCG -02-07-045 = PGC 9955.  Ormond Stone independently discovered the galaxy sometime before Oct 12th (when his paper was dated at the Leander McCormick Observatory), so the discovery order is unknown.  But Frank Muller noted the equivalence of Sw. V-33 and LM 1-61 in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously.  Both observers were credited in the NGC.

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NGC 1018 = MCG -02-07-048 = PGC 9986

02 38 10.3 -09 32 38; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

24" (2/5/13): faint to fairly faint, small, oval 4:3 N-S, 20"x15", weak concentration.  A group of stars lies immediately to the east.  NGC 1014, a close pair of stars, is 3' SW.

 

17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, unconcentrated.  Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily.  A mag 12 star is 2.2' SE.  Located 22' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 148523.  Appears fainter than listed V = 13.7.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1018 = LM 2-343 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.2'x0.1', E 180 (N-S), 2nd of 2 [with NGC 1014]."  His position is 0.1 tmin west and 2' north of MCG -02-07-048 = PGC 9986, though NGC 1014 is a faint double star.

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NGC 1019 = UGC 2132 = MCG +00-07-068 = CGCG 388-079 = PGC 10006

02 38 27.5 +01 54 27; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.0'x0.8', low surface brightness.  Located 13' SSE of NGC 1016.  CGCG 388-080 lies 3.7' N.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Located 13' S of NGC 1016 in cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1019 = St XI-4 on 1 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and reported "vF; lE; vslbM".  His position matches UGC 2132 = PGC 10006.

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NGC 1020 = CGCG 388-081 = PGC 10018

02 38 44.3 +02 13 52; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  PA = 20”

 

18" (11/18/06): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.35', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 1021 1.2' SE.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.7'x0.25', very faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed at the center.  Located 9' NE of NGC 1016 on the NE side of the cluster.  Forms a pair with NGC 1021 1' SE.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1021 1.2' SE in the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1020 = m 69 (along with NGC 1021 = m 70) on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, vS".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1021 = CGCG 388-084 = PGC 10027

02 38 48.0 +02 13 02; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

18" (11/18/06): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low surface brightness with no concentration.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 1020 1.2' NW.

 

18" (10/21/06): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.35', low even surface brightness.  Fainter member of a close pair with NGC 1020 1' NW.

 

17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint, very small, oval ~N-S, diffuse.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1020 1.2' NW in the NGC 1016 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1021 = m 70 (along with NGC 1020 = m 69) on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, S".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1022 = MCG -01-07-025 = PGC 10010

02 38 32.6 -06 40 39; Cet

V = 11.3;  Size 2.7'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.2'.  Broadly concentrated halo contains a well-defined fairly bright 30" core.  The core increases to a stellar nucleus.  At times the elongation appears more pronounced.  A mag 13 star lies 2.1' NE of center.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, diffuse, broad concentration, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1022 = H I-102 = h244 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM."  On 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 456) he noted "cB, pL, R, mbM."  R.J. Mitchell with the 72" on 28 Nov 1856, reported "pL, mbMN, patchy.  Suspect the preceding end is separated from the rest of the neb by a darkish line.  Small * or knot close NW."

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NGC 1023 = Arp 135 = UGC 2154 = MCG +06-06-073 = CGCG 523-083 = LGG 070-003 = PGC 10123

02 40 23.8 +39 03 48; Per

V = 9.4;  Size 8.7'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 87”

 

48" (10/25/11): this gorgeous galaxy appeared extremely bright, very elongated 4:1 E-W, ~7'x1.8', with a large, brighter central core that increases to an intensely bright inner core punctuated by a bright stellar nucleus.  The outer halo gradually fades at the ends of the extensions.  Several stars are superimposed on both sides of the core.

 

NGC 1023A = PGC 10139, a low surface brightness dwarf companion, is superimposed on the east side (2.4' ESE of center).  It appeared as a faint, fairly large, low surface brightness patch oriented SSW-NNE, roughly 1.2'x0.8', and it blends into the main galaxy.  Although most of the companion is within the halo of NGC 1023, part of it juts out the southeast edge of the galaxy.  The halo of NGC 1023 extends beyond (east) of the dwarf.

 

18" (8/1/05): at 225x, this striking galaxy appeared very bright, large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, ~4.5'x1.0', though can possibly be traced further with averted vision.  The central region has a dramatic, sharp concentration with an unusually bright, oval core.  Two mag 14 and 15 stars are superimposed off the west side of the core and a mag 14 star is off the east side.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): bright, large, very elongated 7:2 E-W, very bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  A large fainter halo increases the dimensions to 7'x2'.  Two 15th magnitude stars are superimposed on the east and west ends. 

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very bright, impressive, elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus. 

 

8" (11/8/80): fairly bright, bulging bright core, lens-shaped.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1023 = H I-156 = h242 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "eB, mE, a very BN, the branches losing themselves in the direction of the parallel nearly."  On 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692), he recorded "vB, gmbM to a very bright nucleus, mE nearly 10' long, from about 12” sp to nf." John Herschel sketched the galaxy in Oct 1828 and as well as Bindon Stoney on 27 Dec 1850 (included in plate XXV in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication).

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NGC 1024 = Arp 333 = UGC 2142 = MCG +02-07-020 = CGCG 439-022 = KTG 9A = LGG 069-002 = PGC 10048

02 39 11.9 +10 50 49; Ari

V = 12.1;  Size 3.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 155”

 

48" (10/30/16): very bright, large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE.  Sharply concentrated with a large, very bright elongated core, and a more circular nucleus.  A very large, much lower surface brightness halo, extends nearly 3'x1'.  The halo is a bit more diffuse on the northwest side.  The minor axis nearly reaches a mag 12.3 star 0.7' NNE of center.  A mag 13.7 star is off the SSE end, 2.2' from center.  Brightest in a group with nearby NGC 1028 and 1029.

 

24" (1/12/13): bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core ~25"x15" and much fainter extensions increasing the size to ~1.2'x0.4'.  Interestingly, the elongation of the core seems is slightly misaligned with respect to the major axis of the extensions.  The extremely low surface brightness outer arms were not seen.  A mag 12 star is 0.7' NNE of center.  Brightest in a trio (KTG 9) with NGC 1029 7' SE and NGC 1028 6' E, though the latter lies in the background.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, rounder bright core, brighter along major axis.  A mag 11 star is 42" NNE of center.  Located 13' NNE of mag 6.8 SAO 93034.  Forms a pair with NGC 1029 7' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1024 = H II-592 = h243 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 591) and logged "pB, S, E, bM".  John Herschel logged on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121): "F; R; bM; 20"; has a * 11m 40” nf; 25" distant."

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NGC 1025 = ESO 154-004 = PGC 9891

02 36 20.0 -54 51 49; Hor

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 6”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright but fairly small, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.  A star or stellar companion is at the NW edge of the halo.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1031 situated 2.7' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1025 = h2488 on 11 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF, S, R, 15"; the preceding of two [with NGC 1031]."  His position is 16 tsec of RA west of ESO 154-004 = PGC 9891.

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NGC 1026 = UGC 2145 = MCG +01-07-018 = CGCG 414-033 = PGC 10055

02 39 19.2 +06 32 38; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.8' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1026 = m 71 on 24 Dec 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta, noting "pF, S, R, psbM".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1027 = IC 1824 = Cr 30 = Mel 16

02 42 35 +61 35 42; Cas

V = 6.7;  Size 20'

 

17.5" (11/27/92): 90 stars in 15' diameter, fairly scattered but still a striking cluster. Surrounds mag 7.0 SAO 12402 and includes about 15 mag 10-11 stars and many mag 13-14 stars.  A number of the stars are arranged in spiraling rays emanating from the dominant star.  The cluster is composed of a mixture of bright and faint stars. 

 

8": includes a dozen stars mag 8 to 12.5.  Fairly small, rich, over unresolved background haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1027 = H VIII-66 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and described "a cluster of coarsely scattered considerably large stars, 8' or 10' diameter, one 7th mag, near the middle."  On 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 777) he logged "a much scattered cluster of cL stars.  A star 7m not far from the middle, about 15' diam."

 

Corwin comments that E.E. Barnard independently found the object (probably on a plate), sent a note directly to Dreyer and it was catalogued again as IC 1824.  Barnard's position is at the west edge of the cluster and his description reads "Cl, sts F, perh[aps] F neby p extends to it."  So, NGC 1027 = IC 1824.

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NGC 1028 = MCG +02-07-023 = CGCG 439-025 = KTG 9C = PGC 10068

02 39 37.2 +10 50 37; Ari

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 15”

 

24" (1/12/13): at 375x appeared faint, elongated ~5:3 SSW-NNE, 25"x15", low surface brightness though seems slightly uneven or patchy like a face-on spiral.  Faintest in the KTG 9 triplet with NGC 1029 3' S and NGC 1024 (brightest) 6' W.  The redshift of NGC 1028 is over twice that of NGC 1024 and 1029, so it is a background galaxy.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): extremely faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4'.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' N and a mag 12 star lies 1.7' SW.  Faintest of trio and located 3.0' N of NGC 1029 and 6.1' E of NGC 1024.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1028 = m 72 (along with NGC 1029 = m 72) on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1029 = UGC 2149 = MCG +02-07-024 = CGCG 439-024 = KTG 9B = LGG 069-003 = PGC 10078

02 39 36.5 +10 47 36; Ari

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 70”

 

24" (1/12/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.3', well concentrated with a small high surface brightness core that increases to a stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A very faint mag 15 star is superimposed at the NE edge.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' NW.  Forms a trio with NGC 1024 7' WNW and NGC 1028 3.0' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1029 = m 73 (along with NGC 1028 = m 72) on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, S, mE".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1030 = UGC 2153 = MCG +03-07-039 = CGCG 462-039 = PGC 10088

02 39 50.8 +18 01 28; Ari

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated N-S, low surface brightness, weak concentration and slightly brighter along major axis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1030 = H III-581 = h245 on 25 Oct 1786 (sweep 623) and reported "vF, E, irr F.  The time very inaccurate."  As WH noted, his RA was poor, but John's Herschel's position, measured on 11 Jan 1831 (sweep 319) matches UGC 2153, despite his comment "Doubtful observations. Clouded".

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NGC 1031 = ESO 154-005 = PGC 9907

02 36 38.7 -54 51 35; Hor

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 23”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star lies 3.3' NNE.  Forms a pair with fainter NGC 1025 2.7' W.  Located 15' W of h3520 = 7.6/8.8 at 21" and 40' SW of mag 5.2 Zeta Hor.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1031 = h2490 on 11 Sep 1836 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 20"; the following of two [with NGC 1025]".  His position is close west of ESO 154-005 = PGC 9907.

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NGC 1032 = UGC 2147 = MCG +00-07-073 = CGCG 388-086 = PGC 10060

02 39 23.6 +01 05 37; Cet

V = 11.6;  Size 3.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 68”

 

48" (10/26/11): at 385x and 488x appears very bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x0.8'.  Well concentrated with a prominent, bulging oval core that brightens towards the center and long, thin, fainter tapering extensions that dim at the tips. A mag 13 star is at the tip of the ENE extension.  The visual treat, though, is a razor thin dust lane that clearly bisects the large central buge.  As the much fainter extensions start to taper down, the dust lane loses contrast and disappears towards the ends.

 

18" (1/15/07): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.8'x0.9'.  Well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  The galaxy extends to a mag 12.5 star at the ENE edge making the total length nearly 2.8'.  The thin dust lane seen on images was not visible.

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6'.  Dominated by a bright core which is broadly concentrated and contains a faint stellar nucleus.  The extensions are smooth and unconcentrated.  A mag 12.5-13 star is at the ENE edge 1.4' from the center and two mag 13 stars are along the north side (1.8' NE and 1.3' NNW of center) forming a right triangle.

 

8": faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Four mag 13 stars to north including one 1.8' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1032 = H II-5 = h246 on 18 Dec 1783 (early sweep 47) and noted "vF, S, like a small comet, 3/4” above Delta Ceti."  On 7 Nov 1785 (sweep 470), he called it "the nebula in the quartile.  It is not quite R, but lE having vF rays sp and nf."  His summary description (from 8 sweeps) reads "pB, S, lE, bM."  This was first object WH found with the telescope moving vertically only and using reference stars as they passed through the eyepiece.  NGC 1032 was his 10th overall deep sky discovery (according to his internal numbering).  LdR's 1861 publication mentions "Spirality suspected".

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NGC 1033 = MCG -02-07-053 = PGC 10108

02 40 16.1 -08 46 37; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, very low even surface brightness, no details.  Located 7.1' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 130043 at the SW end of the NGC 1052 group.  Appears fainter than listed magnitude V = 13.2.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1033 = LM 2-344 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but 1.2 minutes of RA east is MCG -02-07-053 = PGC 101083, and Leavenworth's position angle of 10” matches this galaxy.  The number was reported as "not revealed" in a 60 minute exposure with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan observatory (1935).

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NGC 1034 = MCG -03-07-043 = PGC 9991

02 38 13.9 -15 48 35; Cet

V = 11.5;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 11.2;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.5', weak concentration.  A wide pair of evenly matched mag 12-13 stars lie 5' W (58" separation in PA 316”).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1034 = LM 1-62 on 12 Nov 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 tmin of RA west is MCG -03-07-043 = PGC 9991 and his comment "2 B st, p 20s" matches this galaxy.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  He noted the two "B st" are only mag 11 and 12.

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NGC 1035 = MCG -01-07-027 = KTS 18A = PGC 10065

02 39 29.1 -08 07 58; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 150”

 

48" (10/29/19): at 610x, bright, large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2'x0.6', slightly brighter core.  Unusual appearance as the eastern half of the galaxy is significantly affected by dust, so it appeared noticeably darker than the western half.  Furthermore, the eastern half was mottled, with an irregular surface brightness and several slightly brighter knots or patches.  A bright mag 14 star is just inside the SSE tip.  A mag 10.9 star is 5' N and a mag 9.2 star (HD 16583) is 7' SSW.

 

13.1" (9/3/86): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE (PA 150”), fairly small.  A mag 14 star is attached at the SE end.  NGC 1052 lies 25' ESE.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint, very elongated (nearly edge-on) NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1035 = H II-284 = h249 = h2489 on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 355) and recorded "F, mE, about 3' long and 3/4' broad, resolvable."  John Herschel observed this galaxy from both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope.  His latter observation, made on 9 Dec 1835 (sweep 650) reads "vF, pmE, has a vF star at the S.f. extremity".

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NGC 1036 = IC 1828 = UGC 2160 = MCG +03-07-041 = CGCG 462-041 = Mrk 370 = PGC 10127

02 40 29.1 +19 17 50; Ari

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, large brighter core, very small bright nucleus is possibly stellar.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1036 = H III-475 = h247 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481) and logged "vF, S, confirmed with 240 power."  His position is within 1' of UGC 2160 = PGC 10127.  Stephane Javelle independently found this galaxy on 18 Jan 1898 and recorded it in his list 3-939 (later IC 1828) despite Herschel's fairly good position.  So, NGC 1036 = IC 1828.  CGCG and UGC also equates IC 1829 with NGC 1036 but Javelle made an error in reducing IC 1829 and once corrected it matches CGCG 439-026.  Discussed by Malcolm Thomson in WSQJ #84, April 1991 and his Catalogue Corrections.

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NGC 1037

02 40 00 -01 44; Cet

 

= Not found, Gottlieb and Corwin.  The RNGC identification of UGC 2119 is incorrect (see notes).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1037 = Sw. V-35 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and wrote "eeeF; vS; vE; eee dif; [NGC 1032] in field".  There is nothing near his position and furthermore NGC 1032 is ~3” away from his coordinates.  But no reasonably bright galaxy is in the field of NGC 1032 either. Perhaps he misidentified NGC 1032?  RNGC, PGC, and RC3 misidentify UGC 2119 = PGC 9973 as NGC 1032.  This galaxy is 2 tmin of RA west and 7' S of Swift's position and still doesn't agree with Swift's comment about NGC 1032.  See my RNGC Corrections #2 and Corwin's identification comments.

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NGC 1038 = UGC 2158 = MCG +00-07-076 = CGCG 388-090 = PGC 10096

02 40 06.3 +01 30 32; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 61”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.4', bright core is moderately concentrated.  Forms a pair with IC 1827 5.6' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1038 = Sw. III-16 = Sw. V-34 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at the Warner Observatory and "discovered" it again on 2 Oct 1886, recording it in his 5th discovery list.  Dreyer combined both entries in the NGC.  Swift's position is accurate.

 

William Herschel made an observation on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 505) and noted "suspected, may be 2 small close stars in the parallel."  Apparently he never confirmed the observation so it was not catalogued.  His position (Caroline's reduction) is less that 1' northwest of UGC 2158, so he clearly "suspected" NGC 1038.

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NGC 1039 = M34 = Cr 31

02 42 00 +42 47; Per

V = 5.2;  Size 35'

 

24" (12/28/13): gorgeous low power field with 21mm Ethos (125x; 49' diameter).  The cluster roughly extends 35' with a much richer and brighter core of ~12'-15' that contains a large number of mag 8-10 stars.  Several of the brighter stars appear as wide doubles or in chains.  A long string of stars is on the south side of the core, extending towards the southeast.  Other chains extend north and east out of the core.  Several doubles were identified using the chart in Stoyan's "Atlas of the Messier Objects".  O· 44 is a challenging mag 8.5/9.0 pair at 1.4" that just resolved at 225x and better at 300x.  Another 8th mag star (C component) is widely separated at 86".  h2154 is a 9.5/10.9 pair at 10" on the SW side and h1123 is a very wide 20" pair of mag 8.4 star.  Also in the core is ES 1506, a challenging mag 8.9/14 pair at 7" and h2155, a very wide 8.3/10.3 pair at 17" on the NE side.  PN Abell 4 lies 38' ESE of center.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): about 100 stars in a 30' diameter.  Very bright, very large, many double stars, three main curved lanes.  Includes a bright double star h1123 = 8.0/8.0 at 20".  Naked-eye object in fairly dark sky.

 

Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered M34 = NGC 1039 = h248 around 1654, though there is some doubt on his intended object. Charles Messier found M34 again on 25 Aug 1764, and is generally credited with the discovery. William Herschel described M34 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) as "a cl of scattered L stars, considerably rich."  John Herschel called it a "fine cluster, about 20 st 9 10...11m and as many less.  Fills field, coarsely scattered."

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NGC 1040 = NGC 1053 = UGC 2187 = MCG +07-06-060 = CGCG 539-083

02 43 12.4 +41 30 03; Per

 

See observing notes for NGC 1053.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 1040 = St III-18 on 9 Dec 1871 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseille Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but precisely 1.0 tmin of RA west is NGC 1053 = UGC 2187, which was found by Swift (V-37) on 21 Oct 1886 and accurately placed.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, and Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Corrections paper, equate NGC 1040 = NGC 1053.  Based on the earlier discovery, NGC 1040 should be the primary designation. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1041 = MCG -01-07-030 = PGC 10125

02 40 25.2 -05 26 26; Cet

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter.  Symmetrical appearance with an even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A distinctive line (4.5' length) consisting of three equally spaced mag 11 stars oriented WNW-ESE is 3' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1041 = St XII-22 on 17 Nov 1881 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseille Observatory and logged "pF, pS, iR, bM".  His position matches MCG -01-07-030 = PGC 10125.

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NGC 1042 = MCG -02-07-054 = KTS 18B = LGG 071-009 = PGC 10122

02 40 23.9 -08 26 01; Cet

V = 11.0;  Size 4.7'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 488x; bright, very large, face-on spiral with a small bright core and a relatively small weak bar oriented ~NW-SE.  Low contrast spiral structure was visible around the core.  Most prominent, though, was an outer spiral arm along the east side, which swept N-S in a gentle arc.  It was brightest just to the west of a mag 13.6 star [SDSS reveals numerous HII knots] situated 1.6' SE of the core.  The outer spiral arm along the western edge was more diffuse and ill-defined, passing just east of a 16th magnitude star 1.7' WSW of the core.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): very large, very diffuse low surface brightness system best viewed at 83x or 133x.  Almost round, slightly brighter on the SE end with either a very faint star(s) superimposed or a brighter knot.  Forms a pair with NGC 1048 (double system) 6' SSE and NGC 1052 lies 14' NE.

 

13.1" (9/3/86): very large but diffuse, only a very weak concentration.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): large, very diffuse, no central brightening, irregularly round, best at 62x (too large and diffuse for higher power).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1042 = Sw. III-17 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory and reported "eeF, L, R, np of 2 [with NGC 1052]".  In his 5th discovery list, Swift corrected the description to read "sp of 2" [with NGC 1052].  Based on a photograph taken with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan observatory in the late 1920s, NGC 1042 was described as an "open spiral with a pF stellar Ncl, well defined [arms] with some [knots]."

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NGC 1043 = CGCG 388-094 = PGC 10155

02 40 46.5 +01 20 35; Cet

V = 15.0;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (1/9/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  I just glimpsed the core as a very small, round, knot with a mag 14.5 star 0.4' SSE of center.  The small, thin extensions of this edge-on spiral were not seen.  Located 14' SE of NGC 1038 and 20' SE of IC 1827 (on a line).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1043 = Sw. V-36 on 2 Oct 1886 with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is just 4 tsec east and 36" south of CGCG 388-094 = PGC 10155.

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NGC 1044 = MCG +01-07-023 = CGCG 414-038 = PGC 10174

02 41 06.1 +08 44 16; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 11.8

 

24" (1/31/14): NGC 1044 is a double system with fainter LEDA 3080165 barely off the SE side.  At 375x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 24"x20", gradually increases to a sub-stellar nucleus.  PGC 3080165 is attached at the SE side [19" between centers].  The companion was faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter.  This pair is flanked by CGCG 414-36 1.0' NE (noted as "faint, very small, round, 10" diameter") and NGC 1046 2.0' SE, with the collinear quartet spanning 3.0'.  The four galaxies have identical redshifts, though there is no sign of interaction on the DSS.

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration to a large brighter core.  A mag 11 star lies 2.3' NW.  Brightest of a collinear compact trio with NGC 1046 2.0' SE and MCG +01-07-022 = CGCG 414-036 off the NW edge 57" from the center (logged as "very faint, extremely small, round"). NGC 1044 appears larger than the listed dimensions probably due to the combined glow with an unresolved contact companion (PGC 3080165) at the SE edge.  The four galaxies are very nearly on a straight line.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1044 = III-228 = h251, along with NGC 1046, on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 308) and noted "eF, vS, 240 power confirmed it.  Another still smaller and fainter about 1' following [NGC 1046]."  John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) and wrote "vF the p[receding] of two; a * 10m, p[receding] in same line.".

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NGC 1045 = MCG -02-07-059 = PGC 10129

02 40 29.1 -11 16 39; Cet

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', well concentrated to a small prominent core and a stellar nucleus.  A nice evenly matched pair of mag 11-12 stars (16" separation in PA 78”) lies 11' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1045 = H II-488 = h253 = h2491 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, S, iF, bM."  John Herschel observed this galaxy at both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope. His Cape description from 22 Nov 1835 (sweep 648) reads "pB, R, bM, 35". Observed in a south-east cloud drift."

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NGC 1046 = MCG +01-07-024 = CGCG 414-039 = PGC 10185

02 41 12.8 +08 43 09; Cet

V = 13.8;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

24" (1/31/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 50" SE.  Fourth of 4 in a 3' string oriented NW to SE line with NGC 1044 (double) 1.8' NW and CGCG 414-36 2.9' NW.

 

17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 48" from the center.  Forms the third of three on a line with double system NGC 1044 2.0' NW and MCG +01-07-022 = CGCG 414-036 2.9' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1046 = H III-229 = h252, along with NGC 1044, on 7 Nov 1784  (sweep 308) , recording "Another still smaller and fainter about 1' following [NGC 1044] suspected; but 240 power left it doubtful." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118).

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NGC 1047 = MCG -01-07-032 = PGC 10132

02 40 32.9 -08 08 52; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, diffuse with only a very weak concentration, no distinct core.  A mag 11.5 star is 3.9' S.  Located 10.2' NW of NGC 1052 and 15.8' E of NGC 1035 in the NGC 1052 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1047 = Sw. III-18 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 6 tsec of RA east and 1' S of MCG -01-07-032 = PGC 10132.

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NGC 1048 = NGC 1048B = MCG -02-07-062 = PGC 10140

02 40 37.9 -08 32 00; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 90”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 40"x16", bright core.  A mag 14.4 star is 1' NNE.  Located 7' SW of NGC 1042.

 

Forms a similar pair with NGC 1048A 1.0' SW.  It was moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 30"x15", bright core, mottled appearance.  LEDA 1002216, a compact companion, is just 30" S.  It appeared faint (V = 16.8), very small, round, 10" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): at first glance, appeared as an ill-defined faint glow 1' S of a mag 14 star.  One closer inspection, NGC 1048 resolved into a pair of small, faint galaxies 1.0' between centers oriented NNE-SSW.  The northern member (generally identified as NGC 1048) was clearly brighter and elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.6'x0.3'.  Just 1.0' SSW is a fainter companion (NGC 1048A).  Located 7' SSE of the large, low surface brightness system NGC 1042 within a large group.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): large, very diffuse system best viewed at 83x. There was a slight brightening to the south but the fainter companion was not clearly resolved in poor seeing.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1048 = Sw. III-19 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position matches the contact pair PGC 10137 and 10140, and he perhaps viewed the combined glow of both.  The northern component is brighter and often labeled NGC 1048, though sometimes the southwestern component is called NGC 1048A and the northeastern galaxy NGC 1048B (as in the RC1 and RC2).

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NGC 1049 = Fornax-3 = ESO 356-3 = MCG -06-06-017

02 39 49 -34 15 30; For

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'

 

48" (10/29/16): at 488x; very bright, moderately large, very high surface brightness, granular appearance, ~50" diameter.  There are three well defined brightness zones: an extremely bright compact nucleus, a small bright core and a much lower surface brightness halo with a fairly well defined circular edge.  

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, moderately large, very sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core surrounded by 1' halo that dims around the periphery.

 

24" (9/14/12): at 325x, moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, 30" diameter.

 

18" (12/10/07): moderately bright gc in the Fornax Dwarf.  Appears small, round, ~30" diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter core.  Located 15' NNE of mag 8.4 HD 16690.  Brightest gc in the Fornax Dwarf.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): brightest of four globular clusters in the Fornax Dwarf galaxy.  Moderately bright (estimate V = 12), small, very small bright core, faint halo.  Located 15' NNE of mag 8.0 SAO 193841.  The Fornax Dwarf galaxy was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1049 = h2492 on 19 Oct 1835 and reported "pretty bright; small; round; like a star 12th magnitude a very little rubbed at the edges, a curious little object and easily mistaken for a star, which, however, it certainly is not".  His position is 1' N of this Fornax Dwarf globular.  The galaxy itself was discovered over a century later by Harlow Shapley in 1938 while at the Boyden Station in South Africa on photographic plates taken with the 24" Bruce refractor.

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NGC 1050 = UGC 2178 = MCG +06-06-078 = CGCG 523-092 = PGC 10257

02 42 35.7 +34 45 48; Per

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 1.0'x0.8', weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is 45" N of center.  This 15th mag star is described as mag 18 in the NGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1050 = St III-18 on 17 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is just off the north edge of the galaxy and he mentioned the mag 15 star off the north edge of the galaxy (called mag 18).  Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 9 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory. Both are credited in the NGC.

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NGC 1051 = NGC 961? = IC 249? = MCG -01-07-033 = UGCA 40 = PGC 10172

02 41 02.4 -06 56 09; Cet

V = 12.6;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.5', no concentration.  Very unusual appearance as a mag 12 star is attached at the northeast end 35" from the center and the galaxy appears to hang from the star.  Forms the east vertex of a triangle with two mag 10 stars 6.7' NW and 5.2' WSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1051 = St XI-5 on 27 Nov 1880 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseilles Observatory and recorded as "eeF; elongated NE-SW, a little diffuse, * att np."  His position matches MCG -01-07-033 = PGC 10172, though the star is at the northeast end.  Ormond Stone (II-338) independently discovered the nebula in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick but he made a 10 tmin error in RA (error caught by Harold Corwin) and it was also catalogued as LM 2-338 (later NGC 961).  Stephane Javelle also possibly found the galaxy in 1892 and it was catalogued as IC 249 = J. 1-92, although Javelle claimed it was a different object.  See Corwin's notes and Thomson's Catalogue Corrections.  So, NGC 1051 = NGC 961 and possibly IC 249, with NGC 1051 the primary designation.

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NGC 1052 = MCG -01-07-034 = KTS 18C = PGC 10175

02 41 04.8 -08 15 21; Cet

V = 10.5;  Size 3.0'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 120”

 

13.1" (9/9/83): bright, small, round, intense core.  Brightest in a large group with three galaxies in 62x field including NGC 1042 14' SW and NGC 1047 10.2' NW.

 

13.1" (9/3/86): small oval shape, very bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1052 = H I-63 = h254 = h2493 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "B, R, mbM, about 1' diameter, vF towards the border."  His position is matches PGC 10175.  John Herschel observed this galaxy twice at Slough, recording on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), "B; S; R; 20"; gb and psmbM to a *12".

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NGC 1053 = NGC 1040 = UGC 2187 = MCG +07-06-060 = CGCG 539-083 = PGC 10298

02 43 12.4 +41 30 03; Per

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Bracketed by two mag 15 stars just off the north and south edges and collinear with three equally spaced stars to the south (mag 11.5 star 2.3' S, a mag 10.5 star 4' S and a mag 13 star 6' S).  Located 5' W of mag 7.5 SAO 38287.  Brightest in a group and forms a pair with UGC 2194 6' SSE.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1053 = Sw. V-37 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "vF, vS, lE, 4 stars in line south point to it, one close".  His position and description matches UGC 2187 = PGC 10298.  ƒdouard Stephan (III-18) earlier discovered this nebula on 9 Dec 1871, but made a 1 tmin error in RA in the reading from his offset star and Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 1040.  So, NGC 1053 = NGC 1040, with discovery priority going to Stephan.

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NGC 1054 = MCG +03-07-046 = CGCG 462-045 = PGC 10242

02 42 15.8 +18 13 03; Ari

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 30" NW.  NGC 1030 lies 30' WSW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1054 on 8 Oct 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and logged "eF, vS, verified at 230x.  A star is near the northwest rim. "  His single position and description matches CGCG 462-045 = PGC 10242.

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NGC 1055 = UGC 2173 = MCG +00-07-081 = CGCG 388-095 = LGG 073-001 = PGC 10208

02 41 45.2 +00 26 31; Cet

V = 10.6;  Size 7.6'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 105”

 

48" (10/24/14): very bright, nearly edge-on spiral, spans ~6'x1.8' WNW -ESE.  The bright central region extends 2'x0.5' and increases gradually towards the center.  A relatively wide, prominent dust lane runs along nearly the entire northern flank of the galaxy!

 

The fainter portion of the galaxy on the north side of the dust lane was clearly visible paralleling the central region.  Due to a slight tilt in edge-on orientation, the northern section of the galaxy is partially obscured and extended only ~1.6' in length and at most 30" in width.  The glow terminates on its west side after reaching the mag 11.2 star just 1.2' NNW of center.  Forms a wide pair (similar radial velocity) with M77 30' SSE.

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, ~5'x1.6', broad concentration but no well-defined core or nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just north of the core and two mag 13 stars are north of the western flank.  A dark lane runs along the north edge of the galaxy creating a sharp light cut-off, though the faint portion of the galaxy to the north that is cut off by the dark lane was not seen.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 11 star is just off the NW flank 1.2' from the center.  Located 7' SE of mag 6.8 SAO 110689 and 7' SW of mag 7.8 SAO 110692.  Member of the M77 group.

 

13" (9/3/83): fairly faint, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 12 star is 1' N.

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, elongated.  Located 30' NNW of M77.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1055 = H I-1 = H II-6? = h258 on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 53?).  His summary description (based on 7 observations) reads "cB, cL, iF, bM."  He possibly found NGC 1055 the night before, noting H II-6 as "a small nebula. It is like a very small comet, not visible in the finder 1/2”."  He estimated the position as roughly 1/2” north of Delta Ceti and later commented "This has probably been a telescopic comet, as I have not been able to find it again, notwithstanding the assistance of a drawing which represents the telescopic stars in its neighbourhood."  In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer suggested H. II 6 was equivalent to NGC 1055 and added the note "very rough sketch shows it in line with 2 stars preceding and one following."  Steinicke, though, equates H. II 6 with a pair of stars at 02 40 19.5 +00 54 37 (2000), which fits Dreyer's comments.

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NGC 1056 = UGC 2183 = MCG +05-07-032 = Mrk 1183 = PGC 10272

02 42 48.4 +28 34 26; Ari

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, increases to rounder small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 2.2' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1056 = H III-584 = h256 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and recorded "vF, S, bM".  On 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178), John Herschel logged "pB; S; R; psbM; 12" [diameter]."

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NGC 1057 = UGC 2184 = MCG +05-07-033 = CGCG 505-037 = WBL 085-001 = PGC 10287

02 43 02.9 +32 29 28; Tri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 115”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a brighter core that seems to extend into a very low contrast bar.  First in the NGC 1060 group (5 NGC galaxies).

 

24" (2/7/16): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.35', small brighter core.  The major axis points to NGC 1061 3.1' SE.

 

18" (1/26/11): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.45', low even surface brightness.  Located 4.7' NW of NGC 1060 in a group with NGC 1061 3' SE.  NGC 1066 and NGC 1067 lies 10' E.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1057 sometime in Dec 1849.  The sketch and description ("vF double neb") clearly applies to UGC 2184, although the "double" appearance is due to a very close, faint double star at the NW edge.

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NGC 1058 = UGC 2193 = MCG +06-07-001 = CGCG 523-096 = PGC 10314

02 43 29.8 +37 20 27; Per

V = 11.2;  Size 3.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (1/26/11): fairly bright, fairly large, irregularly round, 2' diameter, broad, weak concentration, very small brighter nucleus ~5" diameter, irregular surface brightness, asymmetric appearance.  A star is superimposed on the NW side ~35" from the center.  The halo is more extensive or brighter on the west side and ver weak on the east side, so the nucleus appears offset towards the northeast side.  A mag 15 star is at the south end of the galaxy.  Member of the NGC 1023 Group.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): moderately bright, moderately large, round, almost even surface brightness, no distinct core, possibly mottled.  A mag 14 star is involved at the NW edge and a mag 15 star is involved at the south end.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.3' SSW of center.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): moderately bright, moderately large, round, almost even surface brightness.  A faint star mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the NW edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1058 = H II-633 = h255 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692) and logged "F, cL, R, lbM, 4' diameter.  In Oct 1828 (sweep 188), John Herschel recorded, "pF; L; R; glbM; 50"."  His RA was 9 seconds too small. This galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle.  On 24 Nov 1854, R.J. Mitchell remarked "L, R. Susp Nucl or * in centre, 2 conspicuous stars inv in the preceding side."  Hermann Kobold measured a fairly accurate position in 1899 at Strasbourg (published in 1907).

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NGC 1059

02 42 35.6 +17 59 48; Ari

 

= **, Reinmuth and Gottlieb.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1059 = h259 on 25 Jan 1832 and simply noted "eF, hardly sure."  There is nothing nonstellar near his position but just 1' SE is a close pair of mag 14 stars at 10" separation.  Several observers looked for Herschel's object.  Heinrich d'Arrest was unable to find anything "on a very clear night" and Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) also carefully searched unsuccessfully for the object, although in sweeping around he discovered IC 248.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, and Dorothy Carlson in her NGC errata paper identify NGC 1059 with this double star. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1060 = UGC 2191 = MCG +05-07-035 = CGCG 505-038 = WBL 085-002 = PGC 10302

02 43 15.1 +32 25 30; Tri

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 75”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 260x; bright, large, nearly 2'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the east edge of the halo [1.0' from center].  Brightest in a group (reobserved due to a current supernova in NGC 1067).

 

24" (2/7/16): very bright, large, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to the center.  The much fainter halo gradually dims and is slightly elongated WSW-ENE, ~1.6'x1.3'.  Brightest in a group of 10 galaxies (including 5 NGCs) in a 20' field.

 

The two closest galaxies are NGC 1061 2.5' N and PGC 213071 3' SSE ("extremely faint, small, roundish, 12"-15").  On the south side of the cluster is MCG +05-07-034 ("fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.  Two mag 14.8/15.1 stars at 11" separation lie 1.7' SE.  Located 9.6' S of NGC 1060).  CGCG 505-042 is 4.9' further east-southeast.  It was logged as moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 21"x14", fairly high surface brighness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' E.

 

18" (1/26/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, large low surface brightness halo extends 2.0'x1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a large, very bright core that is well concentrated to the center.  Brightest in a group of 5 NGC galaxies including NGC 1061 2.5' N, NGC 1057 4.8' NW, NGC 1066 8' NE and NGC 1067 9' NE.  Located 10' WNW of mag 7.4 HD 16954.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo gradually brightens to small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 10' WNW of mag 7.7 SAO 55822.  Brightest in a group with NGC 1061 2.5' N and NGC 1066 8' ENE.

 

Huey (22" @230 and 383x): Very bright round glow with diffuse edges, 1.3' across. Gradually then suddenly brighter center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1060 = H III-162 = h257, along with NGC 1066, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and described the pair as "Two, both vF, pS, R lbM".  WH's position is about 15 seconds of RA east and 3' north of UGC 2191 = PGC 10302.  John Herschel made 3 observations and mentioned a "red *7.8 43.5 tsec preceding", though the star is east-southeast.

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NGC 1061 = MCG +05-07-036 = CGCG 505-039 = WBL 085-003 = PGC 10303

02 43 15.8 +32 28 00; Tri

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 25”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 32"x24", very weak concentration.  Located 2.5' N of NGC 1060 (brightest in a group) with NGC 1057 3' NW and NGC 1060 7' E.

 

24" (2/7/16): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 24"x18", even surface brightness.  NGC 1057 is 3.1' NW and NGC 1060 is 2.5' S.

 

18" (1/26/11): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 30"x20".  Located in the center of the group, 2.5' N of NGC 1060.  NGC 1057 lies 3' NW.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Located 2.5' N of NGC 1060 in a group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1061 in Dec 1849 and logged "pF, S, R".  The diagram made in 1850 matches CGCG 505-039 = PGC 10303.

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NGC 1062

02 43 24.0 +32 27 44; Tri

 

= *, Gottlieb and Corwin.  The RNGC and RC3 identification of NGC 1062 = UGC 2201 is incorrect, but here are my notes on UGC 2201.

 

24" (2/7/16): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~30"x10".  This low surface brightness edge-on was only occasionally glimpsed with effort.  Situated 1.8' NW of NGC 1066 and 1.7' SW of NGC 1067 in the NGC 1060 = WBL 085 cluster.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 1062 on 11 Oct 1873 as observing assistant on the 72" at Birr Castle.  He placed this object with respect to NGC 1061 at 116.8" in PA 97.6 deg (ESE). At this offset (1.9' ESE of NGC 1061) is an extremely faint star.  RNGC and RC3 (as well as SIMBAD and other sources) misidentify UGC 2201 = PGC 10331 as NGC 1062.  This galaxy is located over 6' ENE of NGC 1061.  See my RNGC Corrections #2 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1063 = MCG -01-07-036 = PGC 10232

02 42 10.0 -05 34 07; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.5', low even surface brightness.  Preceded by a wide pair of mag 11/13 stars ~4' W.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1063 = St XII-23 on 16 Nov 1881 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1064 = MCG -02-07-071 = PGC 10249

02 42 23.5 -09 21 44; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Requires averted vision but can hold with concentration due to a very low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with brighter MCG -2-7-72 6.8' SSE (on the first observation of the field, this galaxy was assumed to be NGC 1064) and it is surprising that Leavenworth did not pick up MCG -2-7-72.

 

NGC 1064 is a face-on spiral with a small core and much fainter arms (halo) and I missed it twice from the brighter skies east of Mt Hamilton.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1064 = LM 2-345 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 0.2 tsec west of MCG -02-07-071 = PGC 10249. This galaxy was missed on two attempts from Digger Pines although nearby MCG -02-07-072 was viewed!  (finally picked up at Fiddletown).

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NGC 1065 = MCG -03-07-059 = PGC 10228

02 42 06.2 -15 05 30; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (12/20/95): In a trio with slightly brighter IC 253 2.7' N and extremely faint IC 252 just 1.0' SSW (forms compact galaxy group SCG 19).  Appears faint, small, irregularly round, 25" diameter.  There is no core but contains a definite faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.9' SE of center.  Located 9' E of mag 7.6 SAO 48549.

 

IC 253 is fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus, 30" diameter.  IC 254 is an extremely faint, round, barely nonstellar spot just 1.0' SSW of NGC 1065.  Requires averted vision to glimpse and <10" diameter.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1065 = Sw. V-38 on 29 Sep 1886 and reported "eeF, pS, * nr s, B* preceding, e difficult".  His position is just 4 tsec west of MCG -03-07-059 and the description matches, so the identification is secure.  Still, I'm surprised he missed nearby IC 253 to the north, which Javelle discovered later at the Nice Observatory.  RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 1065 and IC 254 (a separate galaxy).

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NGC 1066 = UGC 2203 = MCG +05-07-042 = WBL 085-006 = PGC 10338

02 43 49.9 +32 28 30; Tri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

24" (9/23/17): at 260x; fairly bright, large, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a bright core and low surface brightness halo ~1.5'x1.2'.  A mag 7.4 star (HD 16954) lies 7' SSE. NGC 1066 is the second brightest member of the NGC 1060 group = WBL 85, with NGC 1067 2.2' N.

 

24" (2/7/16): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.3'x1.0', well concentrated core increases to the center, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Second brightest and largest in the cluster (WBL 085).  In a small trio with NGC 1067 2.2' N and UGC 2201 1.7' NW.

 

UGC 2201, which is misidentified as NGC 1062 in RNGC, RC3 and SIMBAD, is an extremely low surface brightness edge-on and was only occasionally glimpsed, extending ~30"x10" E-W.  UGC 2202, situated 5.1' S, appeared very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness, 18" diameter.  A mag 13 star is 0.8' W. This dwarf irregular is located just 2.8' NW of mag 7.4 HD 16954 and it helped to place the star just outside the field.  MCG +05-07-046 is 10.6' SE and 5' ESE of the bright star.  It appeared very faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 E-W, 25"x14", low surface brightness, no concentration.

 

18" (1/26/11): moderately bright, fairly large, irregularly round, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration in halo.  Contains a small brighter core that increases to the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1067 2.2' due north.  Located 8' NE of NGC 1060 and 7' NNW of mag 7.4 HD 16954.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.5'x1.3'.  Similar size to NGC 1060 8' WSW but one magnitude fainter.  Broadly concentrated halo but no well defined core.  Located 7' NNW of mag 7.7 SAO 55822.  Forms a pair with NGC 1067 2.2' N, also nearby is NGC 1061 7' W.  Appears brighter than the CGCG mag of 14.9.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1066 = H III-163 = h260, along with NGC 1060, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and described both as "Two, both vF, pS, R lbM."  The galaxy was observed 10 times at Birr Castle!

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NGC 1067 = UGC 2204 = MCG +05-07-043 = WBL 085-007 = PGC 10339

02 43 50.6 +32 30 42; Tri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (9/23/17): at 260x; faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness, 30-35" diameter.  SN 2017gjn (Type 1a), discovered 1' NNW of center on 24 August, was visible as a mag 15.5 "star".

 

24" (2/7/16): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, low surface brightness with a broad weak concentration [face-on Sc].  In a small trio with NGC 1066 2.2' S and UGC 2201 1.7' SW.  Situated 8' NE of NGC 1060 (brightest in the cluster) and 6.7' NNW of mag 7.4 HD 16954.

 

18" (1/26/11): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, ~40"x35", very low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 2.2' N of NGC 1066 in a group of 5 NGC galaxies.

 

17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1066 2.2' S in the NGC 1060 group.  UGC 2201 (misidentified in the RNGC and RC3 as NGC 1062) is 1.6' SW and was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1067 = h261 on 22 Nov 1827 and reported "eF; S; the nf of two [with NGC 1066].  Change in polar distance estimated at 3'."  The actual separation is 2.2'.

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NGC 1068 = M77 = Arp 37 = UGC 2188 = MCG +00-07-083 = Cetus A = 3C 71 = LGG 073-002 = PGC 10266

02 42 40.3 -00 00 48; Cet

V = 8.9;  Size 7.1'x6.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 70”

 

48" (10/26/11): at 375x; the view through Lowrey's 48-inch was remarkable.  Spiral arm structure was easily visible with two main arms in the central halo and a bright inner arm around the nucleus and core.  The bright inner arm attaches at the east side of the intense core, wraps tightly clockwise around the north side of the core and heads south on the west side of the core.  There were two main arms in the central halo forming an elongated "S" pattern.  A long spiral arm is attached near the east side of the core and wraps clockwise outside the inner arm described above.  It continues around to the west side and heads south, ending near a compact HII knot ([EKS96] 19 from Evans et al 1996 "Atlas of H II Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies").  A second long spiral arm is attached on the southwest side of the core and wraps clockwise to the east side of the core, passing inside of a 10" HII knot [EKS96] 79/80].  The arm rotates to the northern edge of the halo.  Besides these main arms, several fainter sections of additional arms are tightly wrapped in the central halo.  The main central region of the galaxy is encased in a very large, low surface brightness outer halo, extendng ~6'x5' WSW-ENE.  NGC 1055, part of the M77 group, lies 30' NNE.

 

18" (10/21/06): very bright, fairly large oval, extended 4:3 SW-NE, ~3.5'x2.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, oval core containing a sharp, very bright stellar nucleus.  There was a strong impression of mottling or spiral structure in the halo with a curving dust lane (gap between the spiral arms) embedded in the halo that swings around from the southwest side of the halo towards the north along the west side of the core.  Inner arm detail was also suggested around the edge of the halo with an impression of mottling or turbulence.  A mag 11 star is just off the SE side, ~1.5' from the center. 

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very bright, moderately large, sharp concentration with an unusually bright core, almost stellar nucleus, diffuse slightly elongated halo.  Appears mottled at high power and a hint of inner arm structure.  A mag 11 star is 1.3' ESE of the center.  This is a Seyfert 2 galaxy and brightest in a group with NGC 1055 and 1073..

 

8" (11/28/81): bright, intense core, faint halo.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M77 = NGC 1068 = h262 on 29 Oct 1780.  William Herschel described M77 as "Very bright; an irregular extended nucleus with milky chevelure, 3 or 4' long, near 3' broad."

 

Lord Rosse's assistant Johnstone Stoney recorded M77 on 22 Dec 1848 as "a blue spiral?" and it was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" object in Rosse's 1850 PT paper.  Observing assistant Bindon Stoney made a sketch on 24 Nov 1851 (the description reads "The central part is, I am nearly sure, spiral") shown on plate XXV, figure 6 in LdR's 1861 paper (also Plate 1, Figure 4 in the 1880 publication).  William Lassell's 1863 sketch, made using 760x with his 48-inch from Malta, shows a tight spiral emanating from a bright stellar nucleus and wrapping a full 360”.

 

Isaac Roberts' photograph in 1892 revealed considerable structure in the central region with a "dense composite nucleus, bounded by a broad nebulous ring, which is studded with strong condensations.."

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NGC 1069 = MCG -01-07-038 = PGC 10285

02 42 59.7 -08 17 22; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.4'x0.7', slightly brighter core.  A mag 12 star lies 2.2' NE.  Located 4.9' W of mag 8.8 SAO 130077 at the east edge of the NGC 1052 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1069 = Sw. V-39 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeF; pS; R; between two dist stars; B* nr following."  Swift's position is just 6 tsec west of MCG -01-07-038 = PGC 10285 and his comment "B * nr foll" applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 1070 = UGC 2200 = MCG +01-07-026 = CGCG 414-045 = PGC 10309

02 43 22.2 +04 58 05; Cet

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S.  Contains a well-defined bright, round core which is evenly concentrated to the center.  A mag 11 star lies 2.4' SSW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1070 = H II-273 = h263 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and noted "F, S, iR."  His position is 10 tsec in RA west of UGC 2200 = PGC 10309.  On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95), John Herschel logged it as "pB; R; gbM; 15" [diameter]."

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NGC 1071 = MCG -02-07-077 = PGC 10290

02 43 07.8 -08 46 26; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very low surface brightness, no concentration.  Requires averted vision and probably only viewed the core as this galaxy has low surface brightness arms.  Nearly collinear with two mag 11/12 stars 3.3' E and 4.6' W, respectively.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1071 = LM 2-346 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "0.3'x0.1', pE 180”, *10, p 16s; *9, f 15s".  His position is an exact match with MCG -02-07-077 as well as the two mentioned stars, although they are a couple of magnitudes fainter than given.

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NGC 1072 = IC 1837? = UGC 2208 = MCG +00-07-088 = CGCG 388-103 = PGC 10315

02 43 31.3 +00 18 25; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 11”

 

18" (1/15/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, ~0.9'x0.5'.  Contains a moderately bright roundish core with much fainter extensions N-S.  A mag 11 star lies 3.9' NNW and a pair of mag 11/13 stars at 14" is 4.7' SE.  Located 23' NE of M77. 

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, bright core.  Located 23' NNE of M77. 

 

13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, thin, very elongated SSW-NNE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1072 = St XII-24 on 20 Dec 1881.  His position matches UGC 2208 = PGC 10315.  Stephane Javelle (III-945) independently found the galaxy on 24 Jan 1898 and reported it as new in discovery list 3-945 (later IC 1837), but Harold Corwin comments that he reversed the sign of his declination offset from his reference star.  Once corrected, IC 1837 = NGC 1072.  Although this is a reasonable assumption (it occured in several other cases), it's odd that Javelle described NGC 1072 as round as it appeared noticeably elongated in both of my observations.  The RNGC has a typo with the RA given as 00 01.3 (1975).

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NGC 1073 = UGC 2210 = MCG +00-08-001 = CGCG 389-002 = LGG 073-003 = PGC 10329

02 43 40.3 +01 22 33; Cet

V = 11.0;  Size 4.9'x4.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 15”

 

48" (10/24/14): at 488x; the central bar is very bright and well-defined, extending 1.0'x0.3' SW-NE. An easily visible spiral arm is attached at the northeast end of the bar and extends at a right angle to the northwest, passing through a mag 16 star [50" N of center].  The arm then dims but sweeps clockwise around the west side, and merges with the second arm attached at the southwest end of the bar. As a result, the galaxy appears to have a single continuous arm rotating ~270” and ending on the southeast side, ~1.2' from center!  The outer part of the halo has a low surface brightness but extends at least 4' in diameter.  Another mag 16 star is on the southwest side of the halo [1.4' from center].

 

At least three HII complexes were identified.  The brightest is NGC 1073:[HK 83] 6/9, an elongated patch ~13"x8" E-W, situated at or just beyond the southeast end of the spiral arm [1.4' from center].  A small, fainter knot close west, [HK83] 19, was difficult to resolve.  [HK83] 69, a faint 10" knot, is on the west side of the halo (beyond the arm) [1.4' due west of center].  Finally, [HK83] 49 is a third 10" knot of low contrast in the northwest outer halo [1.9' NNW of center].  The designations are from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies".

 

13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, large, even surface brightness, round.  An equilateral triangle consisting of three mag 9.5-10.5 stars with sides 5' lies SW. 

 

8" (11/28/81): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse, round.  Three mag 10 stars are close SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1073 = H III-455 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and recorded "vF, vL, lbM, 6 or 7' diameter".  He noted it was  "easily resolvable" on a later sweep. The mottling he noted is due to numerous HII knots.

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NGC 1074 = MCG -03-08-001 = PGC 10324

02 43 36.1 -16 17 50; Cet

V = 13.7;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 50"x35", low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2.8' SSW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1075 5.8' N.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1074 = LM 1-63 on 28 Nov 1885 with the 26" Leander McCormick refractor.  His rough position essentially matches MCG -03-08-001 = PGC 10324. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1075 = MCG -03-08-002 = PGC 10320

02 43 33.5 -16 12 05; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter.  Requires averted vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 1074 5.8' S.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1075 = LM 1-64 on 28 Nov 1885 with the Leander McCormick 26" refractor.  His approximate RA (nearest min of RA) is just 0.6 tmin west, though 2' south of MCG -03-08-002 = PGC 10320.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and "noticed that NGC 1075 "really precedes 1074".  I'm surprised that Leavenworth described this galaxy as brighter than NGC 1074 (mag 14.0 vs. mag 15.5).

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NGC 1076 = MCG -03-08-003 = PGC 10313

02 43 29.2 -14 45 16; Cet

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.7', broad concentration with a large brighter core.  Located 5.4' W of mag 9.4 SAO 148572.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1076 = Sw. III-20 on 29 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and commented "vF; pS; R; B* 22s east".  His position is 7 tsec of RA east of MCG -03-08-003 = PGC 10313 and the bright star is accurated placed.

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NGC 1077 = UGC 2230 = MCG +07-06-069 = CGCG 539-095 = PGC 10468

02 46 00.7 +40 05 24; Per

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, almost even fairly low surface brightness.  Forms a double system with NGC 1077b = MCG +07-06-068 at 0.5' ENE (not seen).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1077 = Sw. I-23 on 16 Aug 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and placed accurately.  This is a double system (with PGC 10465), though the brighter southwestern component is called NGC 1077B in the MCG. The RNGC magnitude of 16.0 is in error.

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NGC 1078 = MCG -02-08-001 = PGC 10362

02 44 08.0 -09 27 08; Cet

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, very small, round.  Contains a 10" brighter core surrounded by a 25" halo.  A mag 10 star lies 5.8' NNW.  Located close to the Eridanus border.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1078 = LM 2-347 in 1886 with the 26" Leander McCormick refractor and noted a "mag 9.5 star follows 30 sec, south 2'."  His position is 0.3 tmin east of MCG -02-08-001 = PGC 10362 and the description applies.

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NGC 1079 = ESO 416-013 = MCG -05-07-017 = PGC 10330

02 43 44.5 -29 00 11; For

V = 11.5;  Size 3.5'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 87”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, faint elongated halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1079 = h2494 on 14 Nov 1835 and logged "B, pmE, sbM, 90" long, 40" broad". His position is accurate.

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NGC 1080 = MCG -01-08-003 = PGC 10416

02 45 10.0 -04 42 39; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, almost even surface brightness, well-defined halo.  Several stars are near and forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 12.5/13.5 stars 2.7' SE and 2.6' NE of center.  A brighter mag 11.5 star lies 3.5' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1080 = Sw. V-40 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 5 tsec east and 15" north of MCG -01-08-003 = PGC 10416.

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NGC 1081 = MCG -03-08-010 = PGC 10411

02 45 05.5 -15 35 17; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 27”

 

18" (11/26/03): at 160x appears faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.35', low even surface brightness.  Located 10' S of mag 7.6 SAO 14856.  NGC 1105 = IC 1840 lies 20' WSW and NGC 1083 is 16' NE.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5', uniform surface brightness.  Located 10' SSW of mag 8.2 SAO 148586 at the edge of the 220x field.  A wide pair of mag 11/12 stars at 1.1' separation is 5' E and a mag 14.5 star is 2' NE.  The mag 8 star to the north is surrounded by a halo of 7 faint mag 14 stars!  First of three with NGC 1083 16' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1081 = Sw. V-41 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 5 tsec of RA west of MCG -03-08-010 = PGC 10411 (same offset as NGC 1083).

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NGC 1082 = MCG -01-08-004 = PGC 10447

02 45 41.2 -08 10 50; Eri

V = 14.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a well-defined 20" core.  A mag 12.5 star lies 2.4' N of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1082 = Sw. V-42 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate. The RNGC declination is 2' too far south.

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NGC 1083 = MCG -03-08-015 = PGC 10445

02 45 40.6 -15 21 29; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 17”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint but striking edge-on streak 5:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.3'.  Weak concentration with no distinct core.  Located almost at the midpoint of two mag 11 stars 2.5' NW and 3.2' SE.  Second of three on a line with NGC 1081 16' SW and NGC 1089 18' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1083 = Sw. V-43 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and reported "eeF; pS; vE; surrounded by 5 or 6 stars; np of 2 [with NGC 1089].  His position is close to MCG -03-08-015 = PGC 10445 and the comment "surrounded by 5 or 6 stars" applies.  His comment "np of 2" should read "sp of 2".

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NGC 1084 = MCG -01-08-007 = PGC 10464

02 45 59.8 -07 34 42; Eri

V = 10.7;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.2', broad concentration with a large bright core.  Irregular mottled appearance or dust or dark lanes on the east side.  The west side has a symmetric bulging appearance but there are dark indentations or bays on the NE and SE sides of the halo (probably between the spiral arms).

 

8" (10/13/81): bright, moderately large, elongated.  Three mag 9-10 stars lie 13' N, 15' NNE and 16' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1084 = H I-64 = h264 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355). He recorded "vB, pL, lE, mbM" and measured an accurate position.

 

The galaxy was observed 8 times at Birr Castle (earliest by Johnson Stoney on 12 Nov 1848).  On 16 Oct 1855, assistant R.J. Mitchell called this a "Fine oval neb, has nucl, light mottled, sometimes I thought I saw a dark bay north of Nucl, certainly the neb is brighter along n and nf side than in the part intervening between that and the nucleus".  Lassell's sketch shows a very tight spiral wrapping 1 1/2 revolutions around a stellar nucleus. He noted "A very obscure faint spiral nebula of apparently this form with power 760.Ó

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NGC 1085 = UGC 2241 = MCG +00-08-010 = CGCG 389-008 = PGC 10498

02 46 25.3 +03 36 26; Cet

V = 12.3;  Size 3.0'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', gradually increases to a small bright core.  Forms the east vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 10.5/12.5 stars 4' SW and NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1085 on 26 Sep 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position is accurate and he further noted the nebula was between two mag 11-12 stars - one preceding by 14.5 seconds [4' SW] and the other following by 18.5 seconds [4.6' E].

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NGC 1086 = UGC 2258 = MCG +07-06-071 = CGCG 539-101 = PGC 10587

02 47 56.4 +41 14 47; Per

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness, rich star field.  A pretty double star lies 5' SE (9.3/11.3 at 8" in PA 90”).  Surrounded by several mag 14-15 stars.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1086 = Sw. II-24 on 20 Aug 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF; pS; D* near".  His position is 13 tsec east of UGC 2258 = PGC 10587, but there are no other nearby candidates and the nearby double star is 4.8' SE.

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NGC 1087 = UGC 2245 = MCG +00-08-009 = CGCG 389-010 = PGC 10496

02 46 25.1 -00 29 55; Cet

V = 10.9;  Size 3.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

18" (1/15/07): fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1.7' diameter.  Broad concentration with an ill defined core which appears to be offset towards the west side.  The halo gradually fades into the background.  MCG +00-08-012, located 3.5' NE, was just glimpsed.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  Two mag 11 stars 2.9' NE and 3.8' ESE of center are part of a string of brighter stars oriented NW-SE.  NGC 1090 lies 15' NNE.  Nearby MCG +00-08-012 was not seen.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): fairly bright, moderately large, weak concentration, elongated N-S.

 

8" (12/6/80): faint, fairly small, diffuse.  Located near a string of mag 10 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1087 = H II-466 = h265 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and noted "pB, cL, R, mbM."  A month later on 7 Nov 1785 (sweep 470) he logged "pB, pL, irr R."

 

Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatoiry in 1919-20, the galaxy was described as "B, 3' x 1.5', E 10” ±, spiral with fairly sharp BN and about 20 bright, almost stellar condensations; the whols in south portion of nebula are fairly normal, but the north portion is rather curious."

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NGC 1088 = UGC 2253 = MCG +03-08-009 = CGCG 463-011 = PGC 10536

02 47 04.0 +16 12 00; Ari

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Faint stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' NW.  The main body appears elongated E-W on the POSS.  Perhaps the elongation I noticed was caused by a superimposed companion at the NE end.  IC 255 lies 5' N (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1088 = H III-582 on 25 Oct 1786 (sweep 623) and noted "vF, S, irr F."  His position is 2' south of UGC 2253 = PGC 10536.

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NGC 1089 = MCG -03-08-020 = PGC 10481

02 46 10.1 -15 04 23; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 15”

 

24" (1/28/17): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~0.5'x0.4', very small brighter core, occasional stellar nucleus.

 

Arp 131, a close interacting pair consisting of MCG -03-08-025 and -026 off the northeast side [52" between centers], lies 24' NE.  MCG -03-08-025 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 30"x24", strongly concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  MCG -03-08-026 was faint, small, round, 15" diameter, no zones.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter. Symmetrical appearance with a weak, even concentration to a faint stellar nucleus.  Third of three on a line with NGC 1083 18' SSW and NGC 1081 34' SSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1089 = Sw. V-44 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "eeF, S, R, sf of 2 [with NGC 1083]".  His position is 9 seconds of RA west of MCG -03-08-020, though his comment "sf of 2" should read "nf of 2".  Dreyer noted this correction in a short errata list at the end of the NGC.

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NGC 1090 = UGC 2247 = MCG +00-08-011 = CGCG 389-011 = PGC 10507

02 46 33.9 -00 14 50; Cet

V = 11.8;  Size 4.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 102”

 

18" (1/15/07): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x1', broad mild concentration to a fairly large, slightly brighter core which has a mottled texture.  A mag 15 star is just off the the south edge and an 11th magnitude star lies 3' N.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, moderately large, oval ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge 42" from center and a mag 11.5 star is 3.1' N.  NGC 1087 lies 15' S and NGC 1094 is 14' ESE.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated ~E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1090 = H II-465 = h266 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and recorded "F, pL, R, bM."

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NGC 1091 = ESO 546-016 = MCG -03-08-013 = HCG 21e = PGC 10424

02 45 22.4 -17 32 00; Eri

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, very small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', no concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is 2.4' NNW of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1092 1.8' ESE.  Member of HCG 21 with NGC 1098 10' SW, NGC 1100 10' S and NGC 1099 11' S.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1091 = LM 1-65 (along with NGC 1092, 1098, 1099 and 1100) on 17 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 1' too far south.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1092 = ESO 546-017 = MCG -03-08-014 = HCG 21d = PGC 10432

02 45 29.5 -17 32 32; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, increases to a bright core.  Brighter of a close pair with NGC 1091 1.8' WNW.  Last in HCG 21, consisting of five faint galaxies with NGC 1091, NGC 1098, NGC 1099 and NGC 1100.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1092 = LM 1-66 (along with NGC 1091 and 1098) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick.  Herbert Howe's corrected position, repeated in the IC 2 notes, is accurate.  Howe also noted that NGC 1092 is "considerably brighter than its companion" although both were described by Leavenworth as "vF".

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NGC 1093 = UGC 2274 = MCG +06-07-011 = CGCG 524-022 = PGC 10606

02 48 16.2 +34 25 12; Tri

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, fairly low almost even surface brightness.  Located 4.3' SSE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1093 = St X-14 on 6 Dec 1879 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1094 = UGC 2262 = MCG +00-08-015 = CGCG 389-016 = PGC 10559

02 47 27.8 -00 17 06; Cet

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 85”

 

18" (1/15/07): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~1'x0.6', broad weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with CGCG 389-017 = PGC 10560 1' N.  This companion appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 20"x10".  It required needed averted vision to just glimpse and was too faint for details but I was confident of the sighting.  NGC 1094 is less than 5' S of a mag 9.5 star.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.  NGC 1087 lies 20' SW and NGC 1090 14' WNW.  Located 4.8' S of mag 9.1 SAO 130113.  Forms a close pair with MCG +00-08-014 1.1' N (not seen).

 

13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, very small, almost round.  Located 14' ESE of NGC 1090.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1094 = H III-462 = h267 on 7 Nov 1785 (sweep 470) and noted "vF, S."  His position is 1' S of UGC 2262 = PGC 10559.  The RA in the UGC is 1 hour too large.

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NGC 1095 = UGC 2264 = MCG +01-08-001 = CGCG 415-008 = PGC 10566

02 47 37.9 +04 38 15; Cet

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Appears as a low unconcentrated glow just 2.0' SE of a mag 10 star which hampers viewing.  Forms a pair with NGC 1101 10' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1095 = St VIIIb-8 on 11 Dec 1876 with the 31" silvered-reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1096 = ESO 115-028 = AM 0242-600 = PGC 10336

02 43 49.4 -59 54 47; Hor

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 35"x25", fairly even surface brightness.  Mag 9.8 HD 17288 is 9' SSE (along with two nearby mag 12/13 stars).  Viewed through thin clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1096 = h2496 on 3 Oct 1836 and logged "F, R, glbM, 30 arcsec."  His RA is 10 seconds west of ESO 115-028 = PGC 10336.

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NGC 1097 = Arp 77 NED2 = ESO 416-020 = MCG -05-07-024 = UGCA 41 = PGC 10488

02 46 18.9 -30 16 28; For

V = 9.5;  Size 9.3'x6.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 130”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): NGC 1097 was one of the top highlights of my October 2015 trip to Australia.  At 303x; this showpiece barred spiral contains a bright central bar ~4.5'x1.5' NW-SE. The bar is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, slightly elongated NW-SE core but no distinct stellar nucleus.

 

A prominent spiral arm is attached on the northwest end of the bar.  The arm is relatively thin, well defined and knotty as it curls counterclockwise to the east, dimming out gradually about 3' ENE of center.  A large bright knot is close to the northwest end of the bar, just inside the beginning of the arm and close east of a superimposed mag 14.5 star.  NED catalogues this region with the multiple designations NGC 1097:[EKS96] 148 and [EKS96] 151 from the 1996 "An Atlas of H II Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies" in ApJS, 105, 93.  Roughly halfway along its length is a pair of fairly prominent HII knots.  The first is [EKS96] 245, a 12" knot 2.5' NNE of center.  Close east is slightly larger [EKS96] 300/304, 2.5' NE of center. The arm then fades as it passes just south of a mag 15 star.

 

At the southeast end of the bar a delicate, thin spiral arm unfurls counterclockwise towards the northwest.  About halfway along its length is a slightly brighter elongated patch extending ~30" in length, with designations [EKS96] 100/105/119 and others.  The arm dims out about 3' WSW of center.  The arms stretch about 6' tip to tip, giving overall dimensions of perhaps 7'x6'.

 

The satellite galaxy NGC 1097A is superimposed in the halo on the northwest side, 3.3' from center.  It appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 40"x20".

 

18" (12/30/08): very bright, large, very elongated NW-SE.  The brightest portion is the entire central "bar" which extends ~5'x1.5'.  This region is surrounded by a much fainter "halo", increasing the size to ~5'x3'.  The center is strongly concentrated to a very bright 50"x40" core, slightly elongated NW-SE.  At the northwest end of the bar, a very diffuse arm sweeps to the east in a counterclockwise direction for ~2.5' in length and appears to brighten or have a faint knot near the end.  At the southeast end of the bar, only a hint of a short extension sweeping west was detected.  A faint star (mag ~14.5) is along the west side at the northwest end of the main bar, near where the brighter arm is attached.  NGC 1097A, a small companion galaxy, is situated just off the NW side and appeared faint, very small, irregularly round, 25"x20".

 

17.5" (10/17/87): very bright, very large, very elongated NW-SE, very bright core.  A companion galaxy NGC 1097A is attached at the NW end.

 

8" (10/13/81): bright, elongated NW-SE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1097 = H V-48 =h2495 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and logged "vB; E 75” np to sf; about 8' long.  A very bright nucleus confined to a small part about 1' diameter."  John Herschel recorded this barred spiral on 18 Nov 1835 from the Cape as "B, L, vmE, pspmbM, 3' long; pos = 151.1”." The next night he logged "B, L, vmE, psvmbM to a pL, R nucleus; 4' long, 40" broad."

 

Dunlop's D 625 possibly refers to NGC 1097, although his position is too rough to make a positive identification.  He found a "round nebula, about 2' dia, very bright at the centre, and very faint from the centre to the margin , almost equally faint from the bright nucleus to the margin.  There are two pretty bright small stars following the nebula rather north."

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NGC 1098 = ESO 546-014 = MCG -03-08-008 = HCG 21c = PGC 10403

02 44 53.7 -17 39 33; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', small bright core, stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 5.2' SSW of mag 8.1 SAO 148582!  First in HCG 21 with NGC 1099 6.4' SE, NGC 1100 10.1' ESE, NGC 1091 10.2' NE and NGC 1092 11.1' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1098 = LM 1-67, along with NGC 1091 = I-65 and NGC 1092 = I-66, on 17 Oct 1885.  There is nothing at his position but 2 tmin east and 2' north is ESO 546-014 = PGC 10403.  Leavenworth noted this was the "1st of 3" [with NGC 1099 and 1100] and this secures the identification.  Ormond Stone and Herbert Howe later measured accurate positions (Stone's is given in the IC 1 notes).

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NGC 1099 = ESO 546-015 = MCG -03-08-011 = HCG 21a = PGC 10422

02 45 17.6 -17 42 31; Eri

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.5', no concentration.  Brightest in HCG 21 with NGC 1100 4.5' ENE and NGC 1098 6.4' NW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1099 = LM 1-68 (along with NGC 1098 = I-67 and NGC 1100 = I-69) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Ormond Stone's corrected position in the IC 1 is accurate and Herbert Howe also measured an accurate position in 1899-00.

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NGC 1100 = ESO 546-018 = MCG -03-08-016 = HCG 21b = PGC 10438

02 45 36.0 -17 41 19; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Similar appearance as NGC 1099 4.5' WSW.  A mag 14 star is off the SE side 1.7' from the center and a mag 13 star is 2.3' NNE.  About 9' N is pair of faint galaxies; NGC 1091 = HCG 21E and NGC 1092 = HCG 21D.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1100 = LM 1-69 (along with NGC 1098 = I-67 and NGC 1099 = I-68) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Ormond Stone's corrected position given in the IC 1 Notes is accurate and Herbert Howe also measured an accurate position in 1899-00 at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 1101 = UGC 2278 = MCG +01-08-003 = PGC 10613

02 48 14.8 +04 34 41; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.4', very small bright core.  Forms a "double" with a mag 13 star at the west end 24" from the center.  Starting about 4' SW is a very shallow arc of five mag 12-13 stars open to the NW with two 30" pairs at the SW and east ends of the arc and a total length of 4.5'.  Forms a pair with NGC 1095 10' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1101 = St VIIIb-9 on 22 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory, recording "eF, eeS, R, bM, *13 preceding".  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 1102 = ESO 546-019 = MCG -04-07-040 = PGC 10545

02 47 12.9 -22 12 32; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 89”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, only glimpsed with averted vision.  Situated on a E-W line between two mag 12 and 13 stars 5.4' E and 4.4' W.  There are two mag 14 stars nearly collinear 1.6' and 2.4' S.  Located 17' due north of mag 6.5 SAO 168051.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1102 = LM 2-348 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.7, 0.2', R."  His position is 17 tsec east of ESO 546-019.  ESO misidentifies ESO 546-020 as NGC 1102.  This fainter galaxy is a better match in RA, but further off in declination (a less likely error).

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NGC 1103 = MCG -02-08-005 = PGC 10597

02 48 06.0 -13 57 35; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  Unusual appearance with a mag 12 star just at the NE end of this small streak.  Forms a pair with IC 1853 (noted as "extremely faint, very small") 2.0' SSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1103 = Sw. III-21 on 26 Dec 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 8 sec of RA west of MCG -02-08-005 = PGC 10597 and the comment "11 mag * close f" clinches this identification.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, discovered nearby IC 1853 to the south.

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NGC 1104 = UGC 2287 = MCG +00-08-019 = CGCG 389-020 = PGC 10634

02 48 38.7 -00 16 17; Cet

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 70”

 

18" (1/15/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3, very weak concentration except for a slightly brighter quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1' S.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' S of center.  Located 18' E of NGC 1094.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): extremely faint, very small.  A line of three stars is following and a faint star is off the SE edge.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1104 on 6 Nov 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen and logged "vF, vS, a mag 14 star is 50" south."  His position and description matches UGC 2287.

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NGC 1105 = IC 1840 = MCG -03-08-004 = PGC 10333

02 43 42.0 -15 42 20; Cet

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (11/26/03): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', broad concentration with a round 20" core.  Located 6' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 148573.  NGC 1081 lies 20' ENE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1105 = LM 1-71 on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin examined Leavenworth's discovery sketch and it matches PGC 10333, which is located 4.5 min of RA west of his position.

 

This galaxy was independently discovered by Herbert Howe on 30 Jan 1900, probably while searching for NGC 1105 at the NGC position, and reported it as new in list 3-7 (later IC 1840).   So, NGC 1105 = IC 1840.  Howe mentions he was unable to recover NGC 1105 but found a candidate (MCG -03-08-036 = PGC 10867) 4 minutes of RA east of the NGC position which he suggested might be NGC 1105.  Dreyer reported the "corrected" position in the IC 2 notes.  Because of this "correction", PGC 10867 is labeled as NGC 1105 in the RNGC, MCG, PGC, LEDA, etc., although this was not the galaxy found by Leavenworth. See Corwin's notes.  I've taken PGC 10333 as NGC 1105 here.

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NGC 1106 = UGC 2322 = MCG +07-06-076 = CGCG 539-112 = PGC 10792

02 50 40.5 +41 40 18; Per

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is attached at the west end.  Located 3' WNW of mag 8.5 SAO 38389 which interferes with viewing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1106 = h268 on 18 Sep 1828, although he was uncertain about the observation: "Query whether a nebula or a knot of minute stars indistinctly seen."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA west is UGC 2322 = PGC 10792.  Heinrich d'Arrest corrected the RA and as a result the position is accurate in the NGC.

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NGC 1107 = UGC 2307 = MCG +01-08-006 = CGCG 415-013 = Holm 63a = PGC 10683

02 49 19.6 +08 05 34; Cet

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  Fairly high surface brightness with a prominent core and much fainter extensions.  Two strings of stars form a "V" to the south.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1107 = m 74 on 2 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, vS, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1108 = PGC 10633

02 48 38.5 -07 57 04; Eri

V = 15.1;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter.  At moments a stellar nucleus is visible.  NGC 1110 lies 11' NE at the edge of the 220x field.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1108 = Sw. V-45 on 31 Oct 1886 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 5 tsec east and 24" north of PGC 10633.

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NGC 1109 = IC 1846? = UGC 2265 = MCG +02-08-006 = CGCG 440-008 = PGC 10573

02 47 43.6 +13 15 20; Ari

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (1/9/99): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Situated 2.5' ENE of a mag 11.5 star.  The NGC identification of this galaxy is very uncertain due to poor positions in the group by Marth and UGC, MCG and CGCG identify this galaxy as IC 1846.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1109 = m 75 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF".  This is the first in a group of 8 that he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps he confused some faint stars as nebulous.  There is nothing near his position for NGC 1109.  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1109 may refer to UGC 2265 = PGC 10573, which is 2 tmin of RA west of Marth's position but matches in declination.  Stephane Javelle later discovered this galaxy at the Nice Observatory on 7 Jan 1896, gave an accurate position, and it was catalogued as IC 1846. So, NGC 1109 is possibly IC 1846, though other objects on the same night seem to have different offsets in RA and based on all the problems here this identification is uncertain.

 

Modern catalogues, including RC3, RNGC, PGC and LEDA identify IC 1852 as NGC 1109.  This galaxy is 39 sec of RA west and 2' S of Marth's position.  Although closer in RA, IC 1852 is further off in declination (a less likely error) and Corwin equates NGC 1112 and IC 1852.  Courtney Seligman suggests IC 1850 as a better candidate for NGC 1109.  This galaxy is 1.0 min of RA west of Marth's position and matches in declination, though  Corwin suggests NGC 1111 = IC 1850.  So, lots of uncertainty.  See Corwin's notes and Courtney Seligman's entry for NGC 1109.

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NGC 1110 = MCG -01-08-010 = UGCA 43 = FGC 346 = PGC 10673

02 49 09.5 -07 50 14; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 2.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): this unusual galaxy appears a moderately large, low surface brightness streak, 2.0'x0.4' oriented SSW-NNE.  Located 2.7' N of a mag 11.5 star.  NGC 1108 lies 11' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1110 = LM 2-349 on 21 Dec 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 15 tsec east of MCG -01-08-010 = PGC 10673 and his dimensions of 2.8'x0.3' clearly refers to this galaxy although his PA (168”) has a quadrant error.

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NGC 1111 = IC 1850? = PGC 1426583

02 48 39.3 +13 15 34; Ari

Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 9”

 

17.5" (1/9/99): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:1 SSW- NNE, ~25"x9".  Originally this object appeared virtually stellar as I probably just detected the core but after viewing for awhile the thin extensions were noticed.  IC 1850 is located 5.6' NW of IC 1852.  This NGC identification (NGC 1111) is very uncertain.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1111 = m 76 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, vS, stellar".  This is the second in a group of 8 galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps he confused faint stars as nebulous.  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1111 = IC 1850 = PGC 1426583, which is located 1.0 min of RA west of Marth's position but matches in RA.  Courtney Seligman notes that IC 1850 could just as easily be equated with NGC 1109, as Marth's positions for these two entries are very close.  RNGC, PGC and HyperLEDA label PGC 10719 as NGC 1111.  This galaxy is only 8 sec of RA east, but 6' S of Marth's position (a less likely error).  So, the identification of NGC 1111 is quite uncertain but taken as IC 1850 here.  See Corwin's discussion of NGC 1109 and Seligman's website.

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NGC 1112 = IC 1852? = UGC 2293 = MCG +02-08-011 = CGCG 440-015 = PGC 10660

02 49 00.4 +13 13 25; Ari

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (1/9/99): very faint, fairly small, ~40"x25".  Appears as a very low surface brightness glow with no noticeable concentration and an ill-defined edge.  After extended viewing could hold continuously with direct vision.  IC 1850 (possibly NGC 1111) lies 5.6' NW and IC 1846 (possibly NGC 1109) is 19' W.  The NGC identification is very uncertain and CGCG, UGC and MCG label this galaxy as IC 1852 only.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1112 = m 77 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, pS".  This is the third in a group of 8 galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or possibly he confused faint stars as nebulous.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 1112 may refer IC 1852 = UGC 2293 = PGC 10660.  Stephane Javelle discovered this galaxy on 7 Jan 1896 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory.  Marth's position is exactly 1.0 min of RA following IC 1852 and matches in declination.  CGCG, UGC and MCG label this galaxy IC 1852, while RNGC, PGC, RC3 and Megastar identify it as NGC 1109.  RNGC classifies NGC 1112 as nonexistent.  Finally, HyperLEDA equates IC 1852 with NGC 1109.  Although NGC 1112 = IC 1852 is a reasonable match, given all the problems in this region this identification is very uncertain. See Corwin's notes for NGC 1109 and Courtney's Seligman website for NGC 1112.

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NGC 1113

02 50 05.0 +13 19 39; Ari

 

= *??, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1113 = m 78 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted simply as "vF".  This is the 4th in a group of 8 galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps he confused faint stars as nebulous.  Marth's position falls very close to a 10th magnitude star, though it is very unlikely Marth could have described this star as "vF" and there are no other non-stellar candidates due west or east.  Corwin suggests that NGC 1113 may refer to a 15th magnitude star 2' NW (position given here) of the bright star, though this is very speculative.  NGC 1113 is classified as nonexistent in the RNGC and there is no entry in LEDA.

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NGC 1114 = MCG -03-08-029 = LGG 081-004 = PGC 10669

02 49 07.2 -16 59 39; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated almost 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7', broad concentration to a brighter middle but no nucleus.  Appears slightly larger than catalogued dimensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1114 = H III-449 = h269 = h2497 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and logged "vF, pL, broadly extended, lbM."  John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded on 11 Dec 1835 (sweep 652), "pB, L, pmE, vglbM, 2' long, 40" broad."

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NGC 1115 = MCG +02-08-016 = CGCG 440-020 = PGC 10774

02 50 25.3 +13 15 58; Ari

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Can hold steadily with averted vision.  A nice pair of mag 13.5/14 star lie 2' N [17" separation].  Located 4.8' SSW of NGC 1116.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1115 = m 79 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF".  Although 5 of the 8 objects in the region he discovered this night have poor positions or are lost, Marth's position is a good match with CGCG 440-021 = PGC 10774.

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NGC 1116 = UGC 2326 = MCG +02-08-017 = CGCG 440-021 = PGC 10781

02 50 35.7 +13 20 06; Ari

V = 14.3;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', very small brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1115 4.8' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1116 = m 80 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF".  Although 5 of the 8 objects in the region he discovered this night have poor positions or are lost, NGC 1116 is an excellent match with UGC 2326 = PGC 10781.

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NGC 1117 = UGC 2337s = MCG +02-08-019 = MCG +02-08-020 = CGCG 440-022s = PGC 10822

02 51 13.0 +13 11 07; Ari

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  Appears as a barely resolved double system oriented N-S, ~30"x20" total size. The object at the south side appears to have a stellar nucleus.  The northern object has a 20" halo and appears larger.  The centers of this pair are only 24" apart.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1117 = m 81 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "Close to a small star".  This is the 7th in a group of 8 galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps he confused faint stars as nebulous.  There is nothing near his position for NGC 1117, but UGC 2337 = PGC 10821/10822 lies 30 sec of RA east and is fairly close in declination.  This is a double system and perhaps Marth thought one component was a star.   Neither CGCG or MCG label this system as NGC 1117 but RNGC, PGC and LEDA apply this identification.  The southern component is sometimes taken as NGC 1117.

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NGC 1118 = MCG -02-08-011 = PGC 10748

02 49 58.7 -12 09 50; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 2.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4'.  The small, rounder bright core contains a faint stellar nucleus.  A wide unequal pair [mag 12/14 at 33" separation] lies 5' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1118 = Sw. V-46 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position and description "vE" is accurate

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NGC 1119 = ESO 546-024 = PGC 10607

02 48 17.1 -17 59 15; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms the west vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a mag 10.5 star 3.0' NE and a mag 12 star 3.5' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1119 = LM 1-72 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but Herbert Howe measured an accurate position at the end of the century (repeated in the IC 2 notes) that matches ESO 546-024 = PGC 10607.  This galaxy is 1.8 min of RA west and 2' N of Leavenworth's position (not an uncommon error) and this galaxy is generally taken as NGC 1119.  RNGC incorrectly classifies NGC 1119 as nonexistent.

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NGC 1120 = IC 261 = MCG -03-08-028 = PGC 10664

02 49 04.1 -14 28 15; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (11/18/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter.  Even concentration to a bright core and nearly stellar nucleus.  A faint, close double star lies 4.2' SSW and 5' NW is a small group of four mag 13 stars (includes a 30" pair).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1120 = LM 1-72 on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position, but 1.1 min of RA west (common error) is MCG -03-08-028 = PGC 10664, and Corwin confirms Leavenworth's sketch matches this galaxy.  PGC 10664 was found again by Stephane Javelle on 7 Dec 1891 and placed correctly in list 1-98 (later IC 261).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 1120 in 1899-00 matching IC 261. Some sources, such as the MCG, label this galaxy IC 261 although NGC 1120 should be the primary designation.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1121 = UGC 2332 = MCG +00-08-030 = CGCG 389-032 = PGC 10789

02 50 39.1 -01 44 03; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', well concentrated with a small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  Located 1.7' SSW of a mag 10 star in the northwest corner of Eridanus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1121 = Sw. I-4 on 9 Nov 1884 with his 16-inch refractor.  His RA was 13 seconds too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory as well as Porter in 1908 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 1122 = NGC 1123 = UGC 2353 = MCG +07-06-083 = CGCG 539-117 = PGC 10890

02 52 51.1 +42 12 20; Per

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round, diffuse.  A pair of mag 14 stars are at the ESE and NE end and a mag 15 star is at the west end.  Located 12' NNE of mag 7.2 SAO 38407.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1122 = Sw. II-25 on 6 Sep 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pS, R, * nr north."  His position and description matches NGC 1123 = UGC 2353 = PGC 10890, which was discovered by William Herschel (II-601).  Since neither of the Herschel's position are poor, it's unusual that Dreyer did not catch the equivalence.

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NGC 1123 = NGC 1122 = UGC 2353 = MCG +07-06-083 = CGCG 539-117 = PGC 10890

02 52 51.1 +42 12 20; Per

 

See observing notes for NGC 1122.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1123 = H II-601 = h270 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and logged "F, S, iF, resolvable."  His position is within 2' of UGC 2353 = PGC 10890.  John Herschel wrote on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182), "vF R; vgbM; 25" diameter."  Lewis Swift independently "discovered" the galaxy on 6 Sep 1885, resulting in a second designation NGC 1122.  As the positions for NGC 1122 and NGC 1123 are so close, it is very surprising Dreyer included both entries in the NGC. All modern catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 1122 although by historical priority, NGC 1123 should take precedence.

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NGC 1124 = ESO 480-007 = MCG -04-07-047 = PGC 10838

02 51 35.9 -25 42 07; For

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 1.8' SW of a mag 10.3 star.  This galaxy has a faint outer ring, but the observation records the smaller, round core only.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1124 = LM 1-74 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "*9, nf 1'."  His description and rough position is a good match with ESO 480-007 = PGC 10838.

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NGC 1125 = MCG -03-08-035 = PGC 10851

02 51 40.4 -16 39 02; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 53”

 

24" (1/28/17): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.35', small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a very close (optical) pair with MCG -03-08-034 barely off the southwest end [0.9' from center].  At 375x, the companion appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 12"x8".   The redshift of MCG -03-08-034 is nearly 3x that of NGC 1089, so they don't form a physical pair.

 

17.5" (11/18/95): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.4', small bright core.  MCG -03-08-034 at the southwest tip was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1125 = H III-450 = h272 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and noted "vF, S, E."  His position is accurate, though falls closer to the fainter southwest component (MCG -03-08-034).  The northeast component (MCG -03-08-035 = PGC 10851) is generally identified as NGC 1125.

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NGC 1126 = MCG +00-08-038 = CGCG 389-038 = PGC 10868

02 52 18.6 -01 17 45; Eri

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/7/89): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  Located 8' WSW of NGC 1132.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1126 = Sw. V-47 on 31 Oct 1886 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is just 44" north of CGCG 389-038 = PGC 10868 and his comment "p of [N1132]" applies.

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NGC 1127 = UGC 2356 = MCG +02-08-024 = CGCG 440-024 = PGC 10889

02 52 51.8 +13 15 23; Ari

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 39”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', low even surface brightness with no noticeable core.  Situated in a fairly sparse star field with a mag 10.9 star 6' ESE.  Located 19' NW of NGC 1134 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1127 = m 82 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF".  Although 5 of the 8 objects in the region he discovered this night have poor positions or are lost, Marth's position for this number is a good match with UGC 2356 = PGC 10889.

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NGC 1128 = 3C 75 = MCG +01-08-027 = CGCG 415-041 = III Zw 52 = PGC 11188 = PGC 11189

02 57 41.6 +06 01 28; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 N-S.  This merged double system was easily resolved with the two nuclei separated by 16" N-S.  The northern nucleus was noticeably brighter and well defined, ~12" diameter.  The southern nucleus had a lower surface brightness and the edge faded out more gradually into the common halo that enclosed both nuclei.  A mag 13.6 star is 1' W and a mag 12.6 star is 1' SW.

 

18" (11/22/08): on initial glance the brightest galaxy in AGC 400 appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 25"x18". I soon realized this was an extremely close contact pair oriented N-S with two tangent knots (described in the professional literature as a "dumb-bell system") just 16" between centers in a very small common halo.  Each component was no more than 15" in diameter with the southern member brighter.

 

17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 40"x20", irregular surface brightness.  On careful examination the glow resolved into a very close pair of extremely small galaxies oriented N-S with tangent halos [just 16" between centers!].  This double system is the brightest in AGC 400 with CGCG 415-040 3.5' SW.

 

The identification of this galaxy with NGC 1128 is very uncertain.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1128 = Sw. V-48 on 8 Oct 1886 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; S; lE; 2 pF stars close preceding."  There are no good candidates near Swift's position.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 1128 is CGCG 415-041 = PGC 11189 +11188, the brightest galaxy (double) in Abell Galaxy Cluster 400.  Swift's position is 5 minutes of RA to the west, though Corwin notes that several other objects found by Swift in October 1886 have similar 5 minute errors (NGC 885, 1677, 1689).  Two mag 12-13 stars just west of this galaxy fit Swift's description.

 

Interestingly, William Herschel might have first seen this double system.  On 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 607), he recorded "Some small stars with suspected nebulosity, probably a deception."  Although it was never catalogued, his position is just 1' northwest of CGCG 415-041!

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NGC 1129 = VV 85a = UGC 2373 = MCG +07-07-004 = CGCG 540-006 = CGCG 539-124 = AWM 7-1 = PGC 10959

02 54 27.3 +41 34 46; Per

V = 12.5;  Size 2.9'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 90”

 

18" (11/18/06): this giant cD galaxy is the brightest in the nearby X-ray bright cluster WBL 88 = AWM 7 (z = 0.017), which is a member of the Pisces-Perseus supercluster. Several faint galaxies lie within a few arcminutes including NGC 1130 1.7' NNW and NGC 1131 1.8' SE.  A very faint companion (MCG +07-07-003) is embedded at the southwest edge of the halo and appears like a short spike jutting out towards the SW.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): brightest in a compact group.  Moderately bright, moderately large, elongated WSW-ENE, brighter along major axis, small bright core.  A mag 15 star is at the west edge 22" from the center.  Forms a close trio with NGC 1130 1.7' NNW and NGC 1131 1.7' SE.  IC 265 5.6' NE not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1129 = H II-602 = h271 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and logged "F, pS, iR, lbM."  John Herschel wrote on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182), "vF; R vglbM; 30" diameter."  Their positions match UGC 2373 = PGC 10959, the brightest member of a cluster. MCG +07-07-003 is superimposed on its southwest side.

 

Using the 72" in Oct 1854, R.J. Mitchell noted "has either a F* sp or is double".  This refers to MCG +07-07-003, which MCG misidentified this galaxy as NGC 1129.  In December, he noted "suspect the supposed neb close sp edge to be only a faint double star.  Finally in Dec 1855, Mitchell observed with Lord Rosse, who "thought the companion on sp edge to be merely a neb with a * for centre."  Because of the uncertainty, Dreyer didn't assign an NGC designation to MCG +07-07-003.

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NGC 1130 = MCG +07-07-002 = CGCG 540-004 = CGCG 539-122 = AWM 7-6 = PGC 10951

02 54 24.4 +41 36 20; Per

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 35”

 

18" (11/18/06): faint, very small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.2'.  A mag 14 star is attached at the south end.  Located in the core of the NGC 1129 cluster = AWM 7, just 1.7' NNW of NGC 1129.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is just south.  Located 1.7' NNW of NGC 1129.

 

William Parsons (Lord Rosse) and assistant R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 1130 and 1131 on the 8 Dec 1855 observation of the NGC 1129 field.  Their description reads, "there is a knot north about 2' distance [from NGC 1129].  CGCG 540-004 = CGCG 539-122 lies 1.7' NNW of NGC 1129, so it's the logical candidate.  Corwin suggests PGC 197768, situated 1.9' N of NGC 1130, as another possible candidate, but this galaxy is fainter and was not picked up in my observation.  The MCG appears to have a mixup in its identifications.

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NGC 1131 = MCG +07-07-005 = CGCG 539-125 = CGCG 540-007 = V Zw 286 = AWM 7-4 = PGC 10964

02 54 34.0 +41 33 32; Per

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (11/18/06): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak even concentration.  Located 1.7' SE of NGC 1129 in the core of the AWM 7 cluster.  Brighter MCG +07-07-008 lies 2.7' SE!

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  Third of three with much brighter NGC 1129 1.7' NW and NGC 1130 3.5' NW.

 

William Parsons (Lord Rosse) and assistant R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 1131 and 1130 during the 8 Dec 1855 observation of the NGC 1129 field.  They recorded, "another about 2' following and a little south of h271 [NGC 1129]".  CGCG 540-004 = PGC 10964 lies 1.7' SE of NGC 1129 and is the best candidate.  Harold Corwin notes that CGCG 540-008, a brighter galaxy, lies 4.5' SE of NGC 1129, but that would require a very poor estimate of the separation.  MCG (+07-07-005) does not label PGC 10964 as NGC 1131.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 1130.

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NGC 1132 = UGC 2359 = MCG +00-08-040 = CGCG 389-040 = PGC 10891

02 52 51.8 -01 16 27; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (11/7/89): faint, small, round, almost even surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 4.3' WSW of mag 9.5 SAO 130162.  Forms a pair with NGC 1126 8' WSW.

 

NGC 1132 is the prototype of a "Fossil Group" -- the end-product of extensive merging of a once normal group, leaving a massive central galaxy that dominates the luminosity of a X-ray luminous group (delta Rmag ³ 2.0 with next brightest group member).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1132 = h273 on 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107) and recorded "eF; pL; gbM; has a *8m following".  His position and description matches UGC 2359 = PGC 10891.

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NGC 1133 = MCG -02-08-015 = PGC 10885

02 52 42.1 -08 48 15; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a small brighter core.  Mag 14.5 stars lie 2.6' E and 2.3' NNW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1133 = LM 2-350 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is a good match with MCG -02-08-015.  His notes mention that mag 12 stars 3' np and 2' nf.  These stars are 2.3' NNW and 2.6' E, and closer to mag 14.

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NGC 1134 = Arp 200 = UGC 2365 = MCG +02-08-027 = CGCG 440-027 = PGC 10928

02 53 41.2 +13 00 53; Ari

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 148”

 

24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a bright core and fairly bright, sharp stellar nucleus.  Appears slightly brighter along the east edge with averted -- probably a section of the eastern spiral arm, which is bright on the DSS.  A mag 13.6 star is 50" NE of center.  IC 267 is 10' SSE and UGC 2362 is 7' W.

 

Arp noted "Splash appearance on west side [tidal plume] of galaxy points to low surface brightness companion 7' [west]."  The companion he referred to is UGC 2362, which is possibly interacting (the pair has identical redshifts).  UGC 2362 appeared faint, fairly small, very low surface brightness patch ~20" diameter (probably the brighter central part of this Magellanic system).  A mag 14.8 star is 0.8' S.

 

IC 267 appeared moderately bright, relatively large, elongated ~4:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.7'x0.4', irregular surface brightness.  This appears to be a central bar (verified on the DSS) rather than an edge-on galaxy.  Either a star is superimposed at the center or the galaxy has a bright stellar nucleus!  Located 10' SSE of NGC 1134.

 

17.5" (10/21/95): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x0.3', broad weak concentration.  Located 10.3' SSE of NGC 1134.

 

17.5" (10/21/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration with a large brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 48" ENE of center.  Located 11' ENE of mag 8.9 SAO 93163. Brightest in a group with IC 267 10.3' SSE and NGC 1127 19' NW.  The larger low surface brightness spiral arms extending the diameter to over 2' were not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1134 = H II-254 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295) and recorded "F, S, iR, r".  His position is 2.3' SE of Arp 200 = PGC 10928, and there are no other nearby candidates.  Dreyer, using Lord Rosse's 72", recorded "L, irr R, perhaps sharper on nf side".  This probably refers to the brighter arm segment on the east side.

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NGC 1135 = NGC 1136 = ESO 154-019 = PGC 10807

02 50 53.7 -54 58 33; Hor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1136 with the 30" from Coonabarabran.

 

John Herschel found NGC 1135 = h2498 on 11 Sep 1836 and recorded "F, R, gbM.  Taken for No 3 sweep 520 [h2499 = NGC 1136], but proves, on reduction, to be a different nebula".  His position is 1.5' NW of NGC 1136 and 2' S of ESO 154-018 = PGC 10800.  Since there are two NGC numbers as well as two nearby galaxies, ESO 154-018 is taken as NGC 1135 in PGC, ESO, SGC, NED, SIMBAD and Steinicke's Historic NGC.

 

If this identification is correct, NGC 1135 is John HerschelÕs faintest discovery at B = 16.2.  But then why did he classify it as "Faint", instead of "Extremely Faint" (his faintest class)?  Instead, Harold Corwin argues NGC 1135 is a duplicate observation of NGC 1136 (discovered earlier on 5 Dec 1834), despite Herschel stating they were two different objects.  HyperLeda is the only online catalogue that equates NGC 1135 and 1136.

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NGC 1136 = NGC 1135 = ESO 154-019 = PGC 10807

02 50 53.7 -54 58 33; Hor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'.  Sharply concentrated with a fairly small (20") very bright core surrounded by a much fainter halo.  Located 7' NW of mag 8.3 HD 18003.  ESO 154-018 (misidentified as NGC 1135 in RNGC, ESO and PGC) lies 3' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1136 = h2499 on 5 Dec 1834 and logged "F; R; gb; - moon up."  There is nothing at his position but 5.4' N is ESO 154-019 = PGC 10807.  This galaxy was probably also later recorded by Herschel as h2498 (closer to ESO 154-019), and it received the designation NGC 1135.  He assumed they were different objects, because of the apparent difference in positions.  The RNGC uses Herschel's incorrect position.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 1135.

 

Pietro Baracchi searched for GC 622 [NGC 1136] unsuccessfully on 11 Feb 1888 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He reported "GC 622 is not to be found and probably there is some mistake in the position - according to his description 622 is no fainter than 621 [NGC 1135], therefore I should see it."

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NGC 1137 = UGC 2374 = MCG +00-08-043 = CGCG 389-042 = PGC 10942

02 54 02.7 +02 57 43; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): faint, very small, almost round, broad concentration, stellar nucleus?

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1137 = Sw. III-22 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 11 seconds of RA east and 1' south of UGC 2374.

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NGC 1138 = UGC 2408 = MCG +07-07-012 = CGCG 540-015 = PGC 11118

02 56 36.5 +43 02 50; Per

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 13 star 0.9' S and a mag 12.5 star 0.9' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1138 = H III-580 = h274 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) and remarked "Suspected. resolvable, 1 or 2 stars visible in it."  John Herschel gave a more complete description on 23 Dec 1831 (sweep 389), "vF; vS; R; gbM; 10"; makes isosc triangle with 2 st 15 mag".

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NGC 1139 = MCG -03-08-038 = PGC 10888

02 52 46.8 -14 31 46; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Appeared fainter than V = 13.3 and required averted vision to see with certainty using GSC chart.  A mag 15.5 double star is 1' SW (verified on GSC).  MCG -03-38-037 lies 6.1' WSW (not seen).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1139 = LM 1-75 on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position, but 1.4 min of RA west is MCG -03-08-038 = PGC 10888.

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NGC 1140 = VV 482 = MCG -02-08-019 = Mrk 1063 = PGC 10966

02 54 33.4 -10 01 42; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 6”

 

13.1" (12/7/85): fairly bright, very small, round, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1140 = H II-470 = h275 = h2500 on 22 Nov 1785 (sweep 475) and logged "F, S.  I had hardly been out long enough, but yet I think it was no deception."  A second observation showed it as "pretty bright, but hardly to be distinguished from a star."  John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 1141 = NGC 1143 = Arp 118 NED1 = VV 331 = UGC 2388 = MCG +00-08-047 = CGCG 389-046

02 55 09.7 -00 10 41; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 1143.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1141 = m 83 on 5 Jan 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and described as "vF, S, [Double neb with NGC 1142]".  There is nothing at his position (not found by Fath in 1914 on Mt. Wilson plates), however 40' S is the double system NGC 1143 and 1144, independently found by ƒdouard Stephan (VIIIa-10 and VIIIa-11) on 17 Nov 1876 and accurately placed. This pair is generally identified as NGC 1143 and 1144 due to the unambiguous identification. Several other objects discovered that night by Marth have large positional errors.

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NGC 1142 = NGC 1144 = UGC 2389 = MCG +00-08-048 = CGCG 389-046 = VV 331 = Arp 118

02 55 12.0 -00 10 59; Cet

 

See observing notes for NGC 1144.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1142 = m 84 on 5 Jan 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "pF, S, R [Double neb with NGC 1141]".  There is nothing at his position (not found by Fath in 1914 on Mt. Wilson plates), however 40' S is the double system NGC 1143 and 1144.  This was later independently discovered by ƒdouard Stephan (VIIIa-10 and 11) on 17 Nov 1876. This pair is generally identified as NGC 1143 and 1144 due to the unambiguous identification. Several other objects discovered that night by Marth have large positional errors.

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NGC 1143 = NGC 1141 = Arp 118 NED1 = Arp 118:C1 = VV 331b = UGC 2388 = MCG +00-08-047 = CGCG 389-046 = PGC 11007

02 55 09.7 -00 10 41; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  PA = 110”

 

48" (10/25/11): bright, fairly small to moderately large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.7', well concentrated with a very bright, intense core!  Slightly fainter of an interacting pair with highly disrupted NGC 1144, just 35" between centers.  The eastern portion of the outer halo of NGC 1143 is merged or overlaps with the halo of NGC 1144 on its northwestern side.  2MASX J02550661-0009448, listed as a 2nd "collider" with NGC 1144 in Madore's 2009 Atlas and Catalogue of Collisional Rings, lies 1.2' NW.  The 2MASS galaxy appeared fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.4'x0.15', stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, very small, round.  In a common halo with NGC 1144 0.5' ESE.  This galaxy is the slightly fainter of the pair.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 1143 = St VIIIa-11 (along with NGC 1144 = St VIIIa-10) on 17 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  This galaxy was first discovered by Marth on 5 Jan 1864 but his position was 40' too far N (also NGC 1142), so he did not receive credit.  But it clear that NGC 1143 = NGC 1141 and NGC 1144 = NGC 1142.

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NGC 1144 = NGC 1142 = Arp 118 NED2 = VV 331a = UGC 2389 = MCG +00-08-048 = CGCG 389-046 = PGC 11012

02 55 12.0 -00 10 59; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 130”

 

48" (10/25/11): at 488x, appeared very bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 50"x35".  Contains a large, very bright core that is offset to the SE side.  The core gradually increases to an intense center.  A mag 16.4 star is off the southeast side.  Forms a double system (Arp 118) with NGC 1143, attached on thenorthwest side where the halos merge.  This galaxy is highly disrupted with a loop or ring on the NW side.  An extended halo was seen on this side, but only a hint of the actual ring was visible.

 

17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, round, bright core.  Slightly brighter of pair with NGC 1143 in a common halo 0.5' WNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 1144 = St VIIIa-10  (along with NGC 1143 = St VIIIa-11) on 17 Nov 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  This galaxy was discovered by Albert Marth on 5 Jan 1864 and catalogued as NGC 1142, but his position was 40' too far N.  So, NGC 1144 = NGC 1142.  Based on the earlier discovery, NGC 1142 should be the primary designation, but due to Marth's poor position, Stephan's number has been used.

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NGC 1145 = ESO 546-029 = MCG -03-08-042 = UGCA 45 = FGC 360 = PGC 10965

02 54 33.2 -18 38 09; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 3.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): faint, moderately large, thin edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, 2.2'x0.3', only a weak concentration.  Among a group of three mag 10-11 stars with a mag 10 star just following the ENE tip.   NGC 1145 is a member of the NGC 1209 Group (LGG 81), which includes NGCs 1163, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1199 and IC 276.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1145 = h2501 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, vmE, 90" long, 10" broad; has two stars 10th mag following."  His position is accurate.   MCG misidentifies MCG -03-08-028 as NGC 1145 and UGC misidentifies UGC 2384 as NGC 1145.

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NGC 1146

02 57 37.0 +46 26 14; Per

Size 0.4'

 

18" (11/23/05): this asterism consists of a 30" pair of mag 12/13 stars with a couple of fainter companions making a quadruple.  About 1' NW is a faint, hazy clump of three mag 14-15 stars.  Viewed at 225x and 300x.  CGCG 554-017 lies 6.2' NE.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1146 on 29 Jan 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and described "Cl, vS.  At 226x the stars are clearly mixed with nebulosity. A triple star is directly south."  His position is ~1' northwest of a a group of four stars that Corwin identifies as NGC 1146.  Three brighter stars are also close southeast matching d'Arrest's description.

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NGC 1147

02 55 18 -09 07; Eri

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1147 = LM 2-351 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.0, 0.4'x0.2', E 180”, *9.5 f 25s n 1'."  There are no candidates near his position and Corwin found no match within 5” of Muller's position, so it stands now as lost.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

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NGC 1148 = MCG -01-08-018 = PGC 11148

02 57 04.4 -07 41 09; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): very faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness, no concentration.  A mag 15 star appears superimposed at the NE side.  Forms a pair with NGC 1152 8.5' SE.  Located 9' ESE of mag 8.7 SAO 130198.  Appears fainter than V = 12.7.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1148 = Sw. III-23 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate although Bigourdan could not find the galaxy.  Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy again on 21 Oct 1886 and reported it as new in list II-352, though his position was 30 seconds of time too far east.

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NGC 1149 = MCG +00-08-058 = CGCG 389-054 = PGC 11170

02 57 23.8 -00 18 34; Cet

V = 14.0;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is 30" SSW of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1149 = St XI-6 on 2 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory and reported "vF, vS, R, bM, S* preceding 2 sec".  His position and description (the star is 0.5' SW) is accurate.

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NGC 1150 = MCG -03-08-048 = PGC 11144

02 57 01.3 -15 02 55; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): brighter of pair with NGC 1151 2.3' NNE.  Faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  Broad, weak concentration.  Following a group of four stars mag 7.7 SAO 148677 8' WNW.  Member of the IC 270 group.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1150 = LM 1-76 (along with NGC 1151 = LM 1-77) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position is close to MCG -03-08-048 = PGC 11144, with NGC 1151 = PGC 11147 at 2' separation.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes), but assumed the pair was NGC 1180 and 1181.  RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 1150 = NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 = NGC 1181.  Although the declinations are similar, NGC 1180/NGC 1181 are a separate 2' pair about 4.7 min of RA further east.

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NGC 1151 = PGC 11147

02 57 04.6 -15 00 47; Eri

V = 15.0;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  Requires averted to glimpse using GSC chart and no details visible.  Located 2.3' NNE of NGC 1150.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1151 = LM 1-77 (along with NGC 1150 = LM 1-76) with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is close to MCG -03-08-048, with NGC 1151 = PGC 11147.  RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 1150 = NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 = NGC 1181.  Although the declinations are similar, NGC 1180/NGC 1181 are a separate 2' pair about 4.7 min of RA further east.

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NGC 1152 = MCG -01-08-019 = PGC 11182

02 57 33.6 -07 45 32; Eri

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1148 8.5' NW.  This galaxy is the smaller of the pair but has a higher surface brightness and is more concentrated.  Located 2.5' N of a mag 11 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1152 = Sw. III-24 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1153 = UGC 2439 = MCG +00-08-059 = CGCG 389-055 = PGC 11230

02 58 10.2 +03 21 43; Cet

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, small, very small bright core, slightly elongated SW-NE, small halo.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed 20" S of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1153 = H II-274 = h276 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged "F, vS, iE, easily resolvable."  His position is 3.5' southeast of UGC 2439 = PGC 11230.  John Herschel made a single observation on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95) and noted "F S; R; sbM; 12" diameter."

 

Four observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 7 Dec 1857, R.J. Mitchell recorded "F, vS, R, a S* close preceding."  The mag 14.5 star is mentioned in my observation.

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NGC 1154 = MCG -02-08-034 = Holm 64a = PGC 11221

02 58 07.7 -10 21 47; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1155 1.5' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1154 = St VIIIb-11b (along with NGC 1155 = St VIIIb-10) on 15 Dec 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1155 = MCG -02-08-035 = Mrk 1064 = Holm 64b = PGC 11233

02 58 13.0 -10 21 00; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 1154 1.5' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1155 = St VIIIb-10 (along with NGC 1154 = St VIIIb-11) on 15 Dec 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1156 = UGC 2455 = MCG +04-08-006 = CGCG 485-006 = VV 531 = PGC 11329

02 59 42.3 +25 14 15; Ari

V = 11.7;  Size 3.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 25”

 

24" (12/12/17): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, ~2.25'x0.9', no well defined core, noticeably irregular outline and surface brightness.  The low surface brightness halo appeared to spread out on the south end and the northeast side had an indentation. The main body was somewhat uneven or mottled with a couple of very small, low contrast knots suspected. A mag 12 star is just inside the NNW border [0.9' from center] and a mag 15 star is closer in [0.7' NNE of center].  Another mag 15 star is at or just beyond the southern edge [1.0' S of center].  In a friend's 28" at 438x, a knot was confirmed west of center (~0.3'), as well as a knot northeast of center (~0.3').

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x0.8'.  Brighter along the major axis with a slightly brighter core.  The outline is roughly rectangular and the surface brightness is irregular.  The southwest end appears asymmetric.  A mag 11.5 star is at the north end, 0.9' from center.

 

8" (12/6/80): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 12.5 star is just NW of the NE flank.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1156 = H II-619 on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 637) and recorded "pB, cL, pmE in the meridian, resolvable, within a minute of a star."  His position was just off the southeast side of this dwarf Irregular.  Four observations were made with Lord Rosse's 72".

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NGC 1157 = PGC 11218

02 58 06.6 -15 07 07; Eri

V = 16.5;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no other details visible.  Located 1.9' WNW of a mag 12.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1157 = LM 1-78, along with NGC 1158 = LM 1-79, on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position matches PGC 11218 and his estimated position angle of 0” is fairly close.

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NGC 1158 = MCG -03-08-050 = PGC 11157

02 57 11.4 -14 23 45; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (10/17/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (probably only viewed the core).  Surprisingly faint as nearby IC 270 located 24' NW is the brightest the group (including ICs 268, 269 and 272 as well as NGCs 1150, 1151, and 1157).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1158 = LM 1-79 (along with NGC 1157 = LM 1-78) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position (nearest tmin of RA) is 1 min of RA east of MCG -03-08-050, which is a typical error.  The MCG does not identify MCG -03-08-050 as N1158.

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NGC 1159 = UGC 2467 = CGCG 540-023 = PGC 11383

03 00 46.5 +43 09 46; Per

V = 13.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.5

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 6.8' ENE of mag 7.6 SAO 38497.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1159 = St XIII-21 on 2 Dec 1883 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1160 = UGC 2475 = MCG +07-07-014 = CGCG 540-027 = PGC 11403

03 01 13.2 +44 57 18; Per

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broad concentration, diffuse halo.  A trio of mag 12-13 stars lie 1.5'-2' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 1161 3.5' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1160 = H III-199 = h277, along with NGC 1160, on 7 Oct 1784 (during sweeps 281-285, carried out in the east) and reported "the first of 2 [with NGC 1161]. vF, iF, pS."  On 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645), he logged "pB, iR, mbM, about 1' in diam." and measured separate positions for the two objects.

 

JH measured an accurate position for NGC 1161 and noted the wide double star off the west side, but has no entry for NGC 1160 and it was not found by d'Arrest.  So, the observers at Birr Castle assumed NGC 1160 was a new discovery and the two galaxies have three entries in the GC.  Dreyer staightened this out before the publication of the NGC, while an observing assistant at Birr Castle.  Surprisingly, NGC 1160 was sketched by Dreyer and clearly shows the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 1161 = UGC 2474 = MCG +07-07-015 = CGCG 540-026 = PGC 11404

03 01 14.2 +44 53 50; Per

V = 11.0;  Size 2.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Two bright stars are close west; a mag 10 star is 45" W and mag 9 SAO 38510 is 1.2' SW.  Also collinear with two mag 11 stars 1.5' E and 3' ENE.  Forms a pair with NGC 1160 3.5' N.  The pair lies in the Local Void, less than half the distance to the Perseus cluster (AGC 426).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1161 = H II-239 = h277, along with NGC 1160, on 7 Oct 1784 (during sweeps 281-285, carried out in the east), and reported "The 2nd of 2; pB; pS; resolvable."  On 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) he noted "F, E, about 1 1/2' long."  This pair was observed at Birr Castle on 4 nights.

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NGC 1162 = MCG -02-08-036 = PGC 11274

02 58 55.9 -12 23 55; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (12/28/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, evenly concentrated with a small bright core and an quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 3.7' S of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1162 = H III-469 = h2502 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "vF, stellar, 240 power left some doubt."  His position matches MCG -02-08-036 = PGC 11274.  JH observed this galaxy from the Cape, recorded "pF, R, glbM, 25"."

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NGC 1163 = MCG -03-08-056 = FGC 373 = PGC 11359

03 00 22.0 -17 09 10; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 2.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3' (full length of extensions not seen), low even surface brightness.  NGC 1163 is a member of the NGC 1209 Group (LGG 81), which includes NGCs 1145, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1199 and IC 276.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1163 = LM 1-80 on 31 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Leavenworth's rough RA (nearest min of RA) is about 1tmin west of MCG -03-08-056 = PGC 11359, and although this PA = 75d is wrong (should be 135d) he describes this galaxy as "very elongated" and "spindle shaped", so the identification is certain.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1164 = UGC 2490 = MCG +07-07-016 = CGCG 540-028 = Mrk 1067 = PGC 11441

03 01 59.8 +42 35 06; Per

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is just 0.6' NNW of center and a mag 15 star is even closer at 0.4' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1164 = h278 on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182) and logged "eF; S; 5 arcseconds."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1165 = ESO 417-008 = MCG -05-08-009 = PGC 11270

02 58 47.7 -32 05 55; For

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', irregular surface brightness.  The brighter core appeared double at moments (faint star superimposed?).  The outer halo is very diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1165 = h2503 on 19 Oct 1835 and noted "vF, pmE, vlbM, 60" long, 30" broad." His position and description matches E417-008  = PGC 11270.

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NGC 1166 = UGC 2471 = MCG +02-08-046 = CGCG 440-041 = PGC 11372

03 00 35.0 +11 50 35; Ari

V = 14.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (1/9/99): very faint, fairly small, weak concentration.  The halo is ill-defined but appears irregularly round, ~0.8'x0.6.  A couple of mag 15.5 stars are within 1' of the west side.  Also confusing the observation is a superimposed  mag 15.5+ star at the north edge which pops in and out of view for moments.  A wide pair of mag 14 stars lie 3' NE. Forms a pair with fainter NGC 1168 5.2' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1166 = m 85 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, S".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1167 = UGC 2487 = MCG +06-07-033 = CGCG 524-045 = PGC 11425

03 01 42.4 +35 12 20; Per

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, high surface brightness core with very faint larger halo slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  A mag 10 star lies 4.0' S.  UGC 2465 lies 13' WSW.  Brightest in a group that includes UGC's 2435, 2465, 2466, 2491, 2494 and 2526 in the foreground of AGC 407.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1167 = H III-178 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and reported "vF, pL, R, small pB place in the middle."  His position (reduced by Auwers) is ~11' WNW of UGC 2487 = PGC 11425 and the GC position is 4' too far northwest.  The NGC position, though, is accurate.

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NGC 1168 = UGC 2476 = MCG +02-08-047 = CGCG 440-042 = PGC 11378

03 00 47.2 +11 46 21; Ari

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (1/9/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Probably only viewed the core (the arms are very low surface brightness on the digitized sky survey).  Located midway between NGC 1166 5.2' NW and mag 9 SAO 93236 to the SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1168 = m 85 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "eF".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1169 = UGC 2503 = MCG +08-06-025 = CGCG 554-020 = PGC 11521

03 03 34.7 +46 23 09; Per

V = 11.3;  Size 4.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 28”

 

24" (2/8/18): at 200x; bright, very large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, ~2.5'x2.0', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core/nucleus.  A bright star (mag ~13) is superimposed at the SSW edge of the nucleus!  Located in a Perseus star field rich in fainter stars.

 

LEDA 2280846 is just 3' NE of center.  At 375x it appeared very faint (mag 16.2B), small, oval 3:2 E-W, 15"x10", fairly low even surface brightness.  It forms the western vertex of a small triangle with two 13th mag stars 0.6' SE and 0.8' E.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, very small, bright core.  With averted vision a large extremely faint halo is visible elongated SW-NE.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the SW side of the core!  NGC 1169 is located just 10.6” from the galactic equator.  It's is a huge spiral, with a diameter of 170,000 light-years.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Only the core was visible as I missed the large halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1169 = H II-620 = h279 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) and logged "F, S, irr R, bM."  His position is at the northeast end of the galaxy.  Interestingly, John Herschel reported on 31 Dec 1831 (sweep 390), "vF; irreg figure.  Suspected to be only a few stars." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's observer on 11 Dec 1854, recorded a "B* sp the Nucl and a vF* ? involved np the Nucl.  The neby fades away gradually."  The RNGC places this galaxy 1.0 min of RA too far east.

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NGC 1170

03 02 24 +27 04; Ari

 

= Tail of a comet?, HC  =Not found, JS.

 

Charles Sanders Peirce (son of Benjamin Peirce) discovered NGC 1170 = HN 38 on 31 Dec 1869 at Harvard College Observatory using the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor (Annals of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #47).  An approximate position is given in the Harvard Observatory list based on comparison with Comet 1869 III.  A very close, unequal double star is near Peirce's position at 03 02 29.6 +27 03 20 (2000).  But the description "J.W. and C.S.P. independently think the sky generally bright f and a little n of the comet for 14' or more (several fields according to C.S.P.)" implies that the observation refers to an extremely large object and Corwin and Steinicke suggest the observation perhaps refers to the actual tail of the comet!  This is the only object in the NGC attributed to Peirce (mispelled as Pierce in the NGC).   Classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.  See Corwin's comments.

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NGC 1171 = UGC 2510 = MCG +07-07-018 = CGCG 540-031 = PGC 11552

03 03 59.0 +43 23 54; Per

V = 12.3;  Size 2.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1171 = St X-15 on 4 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory and recorded "vF, pL, iF".  His position matches UGC 2510 = PGC 11552.  Lewis Swift independently found this nebula on 12 Sep 1885 and his position in list II-26 is 0.2 tmin too far east.

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NGC 1172 = MCG -03-08-059 = PGC 11420

03 01 36.0 -14 50 12; Eri

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Located 2.1' SW of mag 9.6 SAO 148719.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1172 = H II-502 = h280 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "F, eS, stellar, preceding a pB star. 240 verified it."  The "pB star" is 2' NE.  On 15 Oct 1830  (sweep 307), John Herschel called this object "pB; pL; R; psbM; 40" diameter."

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NGC 1173

03 03 58 +42 23; Per

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1173 = B. 12, along with NGCs 1176, 1178, 1183, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory and reported "mag 13.4-13.5; 20" diameter, stellar ncl".  There is nothing at his position, though Harold Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset stars.  Once corrected, his positions for the other three objects match single stars near NGC 1175, but in the case of NGC 1173 there is nothing at his position.  So, NGC 1173 is lost at this time though probably refers to a faint star like the other objects. See Corwin's notes for story.

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NGC 1174 = NGC 1186 = UGC 2521 = MCG +07-07-021 = CGCG 540-034 = PGC 11617

03 05 30.7 +42 50 05; Per

 

See observing notes for NGC 1186.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1174 = Sw. IV-11 on 31 Aug 1883 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; in contact on preceding side with a pB*; D* np point to it about 4.5"."  There is nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA further east is NGC 1186 and Swift's detailed description of the star in contact and the nearby double star clinches the equivalence.  So, NGC 1174 = NGC 1186, with discovery priority to Herschel (H. IV-43).

 

Rudolph Spitaler first mentioned the equivalence in AN, 127, 91.  He wrote "I could not find NGC 1174.  Close to Swift's place are crowded four or five faint stars; About 6 seconds before the alleged position, I temporarily thought I noticed something nebulous, but I can not vouch for it. According to Swift's description, I rather believe that the place is in error by 1 minute and this nebula is identical to NGC 1186. This is supported by the remark "D[ouble] * np points to it about 4.5"."  If the two nebulae were not identical, this would have to mean: "D * nf, etc.", where "D *" undoubtedly refers to the double star DM 42”694.  Incidentally, according to Swift's description in NGC, it must also be called "pB * close following" instead of "pB * close preceding".

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NGC 1175 = UGC 2515 = MCG +07-07-019 = CGCG 540-032 = PGC 11578

03 04 32.3 +42 20 22; Per

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on 3:1 NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1177 2' NE.  Located 10' SE of mag 7.5 SAO 38540.  Located at the western edge of AGC 426.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, elongated NNW-SSE, fairly small, larger brighter core, diffuse outer arms, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Located SE of a mag 7 star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1177 1.7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1175 = H II-607 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) and recorded "F, cL, E."  His position is just off the east edge of UGC 2515 = PGC 11578.  Nearby NGC 1175 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 1176

03 04 34.9 +42 23 37; Per

 

= *, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1176 = B. 13, along with NGC 1173, 1178 and 1183, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. There is nothing at the NGC position, but Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset star.  Once corrected, his position for NGC 1176 corresponds with a mag 14.5 star 3.3' N of NGC 1175.  The positions for NGC 1178 and 1183 also match stars, although NGC 1173 is apparently lost.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1177 = IC 281 = MCG +07-07-020 = CGCG 540-033 = PGC 11581

03 04 37.1 +42 21 46; Per

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  A mag 13 star is just 33" N of center.  Located 1.7' NE of NGC 1175 at the western edge of AGC 426.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1177 on 29 Nov 1874 and reported a "vS, F, R neb (to which 637 [NGC 1175] perhaps extends) north-following.  A *11 in Pos 15.4”, Dist 34.6 arcsec."  The position and description matches CGCG 540-033.  Lewis Swift (VIII-11) independently found the galaxy on 1 Nov 1888 and reported it as new in his discovery list VIII-11 (later IC 281).  His position falls between NGC 1175 and NGC 1177, but the description mentions the star to the north, so IC 281 = NGC 1177.  Surprisingly, Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1178

03 04 38.8 +42 18 49; Per

 

= *, Corwin.   = Not found, RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1178 = Big. 14, along with NGC 1173, 1176 and 1183, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset star.  Once corrected, his position for NGC 1176 corresponds with a mag 13.8 star 2.0' SE of NGC 1175.  The positions for NGC 1176 and 1183 also match stars, although NGC 1173 is apparently lost.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1179 = ESO 547-001 = MCG -03-08-060 = UGCA 48 = PGC 11480

03 02 38.3 -18 53 51; Eri

V = 12.0;  Size 4.9'x3.8';  Surf Br = 15.0;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint, moderately large, 2.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, Appears as a diffuse, hazy region with a mag 13.5 star at the ESE edge 1.2' from center.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1179 = LM 1-81 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His (rough) position essentially matches ESO 547-001 and his note "*12 follows 1 arcmin" applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 1180 = PGC 11435

03 01 51.0 -15 01 48; Eri

V = 14.9;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (1/28/00): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.  Forms a close (physical) pair with NGC 1181 2.4' SW.  Located 2' WNW of a mag 12 star.  NGC 1191 and 1192, background members of HCG 22, share the same redshift.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1180 = LM 1-82 (along with NGC 1181 = I-83) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Leavenworth's generally poor positions are close enough here so the identification NGC 1180 = PGC 11435 and NGC 1181 = PGC 11427 is certain.  For some reason Howe could not find these galaxies near Leavenworth's position but did find NGC 1150 and 1151 about 5 min of RA west of Leavenworth's positions and assumed they were NGC 1180 and 1181. Dreyer even added the comment "are they perhaps = 1150 and 1151?".  But these are two different pairs, roughly where Leavenworth placed them.  Because of Howe's error, RNGC claims NGC 1150 is identical to NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 is identical to NGC 1181.

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NGC 1181 = PGC 11427

03 01 42.8 -15 03 09; Eri

V = 15.4;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (1/28/00): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.4'x0.2', requires averted.  I was only able to detect the brighter central region and missed the extensions.  NGC 1181 is the slightly fainter of a close (physical) pair with NGC 1180 2.4' NE.  Located 2' WNW of a mag 12 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1181 = LM 1-83 (along with NGC 1180 = I-82) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Leavenworth's generally poor positions are close enough here so the identification NGC 1180 = PGC 11435 and NGC 1181 = PGC 11427 is certain.  For some reason Howe could not find these galaxies near Leavenworth's position but did find NGC 1150 and 1151 about 5 min of RA west of Leavenworth's positions and assumed they were NGC 1180 and 1181. Dreyer even added the comment "are they perhaps = 1150 and 1151?"  But these are two different pairs, roughly where Leavenworth placed them.  Because of Howe's error, RNGC claims NGC 1150 is identical to NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 is identical to NGC 1181.

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NGC 1182 = NGC 1205 = PGC 11511

03 03 28.4 -09 40 13; Eri

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (1/28/00): very faint, small, round, slightly elongated NW-SE, 25"x20" diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 2.5' SW and a mag 13 star is 1' E.  Located 29' NE of mag 5.8 SAO 148721.  NGC 1185 lies 33' NNW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1182 = LM 1-84 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.7'x0.3', E 120”, *10 P 240” [SW], dist 3.0'."  There is nothing at his rough position (RA to the nearest min of time), but 1 min of RA east is PGC 11511 and his position angle of 120” as well as the nearby star matches this galaxy.  This galaxy was also found again by Stone (I-87) the same year, but this time his position was 2 min of RA too far east!  In this case, he listed the identical dimensions and even mentioned the same star preceding but gave an incorrect PA of 25”.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 1182 in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and the following year noted the equivalence of these two numbers.

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NGC 1183

03 04 46.1 +42 22 08; Per

 

= *, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1183 = B. 15, along with NGC 1173, 1176 and 1178, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset star.  Once corrected, his position for NGC 1183 corresponds with a mag 14 star 1.7' ENE of NGC 1177.  The positions for NGC 1176 and 1178 also match stars, although NGC 1173 is apparently lost.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1184 = UGC 2583 = MCG +13-03-002 = CGCG 346-002 = PGC 12174

03 16 45.4 +80 47 36; Cep

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus.  This is a pretty edge-on system with a bulging core and tapering extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1184 = H II-704 on 16 Sep 1787 (sweep 757) and recorded "F, pL, mE from np to sf, lbM."  Auwer's reduced position is ~5' north of MCG -02-08-041 = PGC 11488, although the NGC position is accurate.  This galaxy is the third closest galaxy to the north celestial pole discovered by WH (after NGC 6251 and 6252).

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NGC 1185 = MCG -02-08-041 = PGC 11488

03 02 59.4 -09 07 55; Eri

V = 14.8;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (1/28/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is close SSE [56" from center].

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1185 = LM 2-353 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.7, 0.8' dia, pE 15”.".  His position is just 8 tsec west of MCG -02-08-041 = PGC 11488 and the description applies.

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NGC 1186 = NGC 1174 = UGC 2521 = MCG +07-07-021 = CGCG 540-034 = PGC 11617

03 05 30.7 +42 50 05; Per

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE.  A mag 13 star, superimposed just southwest of the center, detracts from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1186 = H IV-43 = h281 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and reported "a pretty S star with a very F nebulosity to the nf side, of very little extent." On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621), he noted "a pretty B star with two faint branches." John Herschel also described it on 23 Dec 1831 (sweep 389) as "a star 14m with some kind of faint nebulous appendage."  The NGC position is accurate although Herschel's class IV refers to objects that appeared to be planetary nebulae.

 

R.J. Mitchell and Samuel Hunter, observing assistants on the 72", both failed to find this galaxy and d'Arrest tried to follow up in 1863 but was also unsuccessful. Bigourdan observed it though, and suggested it was a "variable nebula", because of the mixed results.  Rudolph Spitaler also observed it on 12 Mar 1891 with the 27-inch Vienna refractor and described it as "elongated NW-SE, but its boundaries are not so regularly shaped it could be described as elliptical. On its south preceding side is a mag 11 star. In the southeast side the nebula is limited by two faint stars, but at times the edge of the nebula seems to stretch beyond these. The brightest part is northeast of the former star. I estimate the length to be 2'."

 

Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy and superimposed star on 31 Aug 1883 but placed Sw. IV-11 one minute of RA too far west.  Dreyer took this as a different object and it was catalogued as NGC 1174.  So, NGC 1174 = NGC 1186.  Finally, it was checked for variability on photographs taken with the Mt Wilson 60-inch in 1914 and 1917, with no change found.

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NGC 1187 = ESO 480-023 = MCG -04-08-016 = UGCA 49 = PGC 11479

03 02 37.4 -22 52 03; Eri

V = 10.8;  Size 5.5'x4.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 130”

 

48" (10/27/19): at 375x; very bright, very large spiral with a bright elongated core oriented WNW-ESE.  The inner portion of the halo was clearly blotchy.  A brighter arc or patch was just SE of the core and another brighter arc as close E and NE of the core.  Finally, a subtle brighter patch was NW of the core.  These brighter spiral segments formed a pseudo-ring oriented WNW-ESE.  The outer halo was diffuse and extended ~4.5'x3.25', reaching a mag 15.9 star 1.9' N of center.  Another 16th mag star was in the outer halo on the NE side. Located 4.6' SE of mag 8.8 HD 18967.

 

ESO 480-20, located 4.5' NNW, appeared faint, low surface brightness, elongated N-S, ~30"x20".  Situated 0.9' NE of mag 8.8 HD 18967, which strongly detracted from the view.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): moderately bright, fairly large, 4'x3' NW-SE.  Elongated in the direction of mag 8.8 SAO 168248, which is 4.7' NW of center.  Broad concentration to an ill-defined core which contains a faint but distinct stellar nucleus.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, fairly large, elongated, diffuse.  Located 4.7' SE of a mag 9 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1187 = H III-245 = h2504 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and noted "vF, cL, iE, resolvable, unequally bright."  JH described the galaxy from the Cape as "bright; very large; pretty much elongated; very gradually brighter to the middle; 3.5' long, 2.5' broad; has in or near the middle a star 16 mag."   E.E. Barnard observed the nebula on 23 Aug 1883 and was surprised Herschel called it "vF", as it was not difficult in his 5-inch refractor.

 

The galaxy was photographed by Harold Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 with the 30" Reynolds reflector and described as a "spiral with curious faint extensions".  Photographs taken in 1919-20 with the new 30" mirror showed "spiral with many braches in which are a great many almost stellar condensations; pF stellar nucleus through which is a vF line in p.a. 115” [central bar], giving the central portion a Phi type appearance ([barred ring]."

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NGC 1188 = MCG -03-08-068 = PGC 11533

03 03 43.4 -15 29 07; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, elongated 3:1 N-S.  NGC 1188 is only 8' N of NGC 1199, the brightest member of HCG 22.  It is also a member of the much larger NGC 1209 Group (LGG 81), which includes NGC 1145, 1163, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1199 and IC 276.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1188 = LM 1-89 on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  This is the first in a group of five galaxies (NGCs 1189, 1190, 1191 and 1192) discovered that night.  Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects, Herbert Howe measured accurate individual RA's in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).  In this case, Howe's corrected RA is a good match with  MCG -03-08-068 = PGC 11533.  It is interesting to note that this places NGC 1188 just 8' N of NGC 1199, which is the brightest member of HCG 22.  The RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 1188 with NGC 1199 and the MCG does not label MCG -03-08-068 as MCG.

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NGC 1189 = HCG 22C = MCG -03-08-061 = LGG 081-001 = PGC 11503

03 03 24.3 -15 37 23; Eri

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.8

 

17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, fairly small, unusually low even surface brightness.  First in the HCG 22 quintet with brightest member NGC 1199 4' ENE.  NGC 1189 lies 2.3' SSE.  NGC 1189 is also a member of the larger NGC 1209 Group at z ~.009.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1189 = LM 1-90 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1190, 1191 and 1192) on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's in 1899-00, which are repeated in the IC 2 Notes section.  This is the first of 5 NGC galaxies in HCG 22.

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NGC 1190 = HCG 22B = MCG -03-08-062 = PGC 11508

03 03 26.2 -15 39 44; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very low surface brightness, requires averted vision.  Member of the HCG 22 quintet with NGC 1199 4' NE, NGC 1189 2.3' NNW, NGC 1191 1.8' SE and NGC 1192 3' ESE.  The two latter galaxies lie in the background but the others are members of the larger NGC 1209 group that also includes NGCs 1145, 1163, 1188 and IC 276.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1190 = LM 1-91 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1189, 1191 and 1192) on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Herbert Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's in 1899-00, which are repeated in the IC 2 Notes section.  This is the second of five NGC galaxies in HCG 22.

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NGC 1191 = HCG 22D = MCG -03-08-064 = PGC 11514

03 03 30.9 -15 41 08; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' S.  Member of the the HCG 22 quintet with NGC 1192 1.0' ENE, NGC 1190 1.8' NW and NGC 1199 4' NNE.  NGC 1191 and 1192 have 3.5 times higher redshift than the other HCG 22 members, so lie in the background at a similar redsift as NGC 1180 and 1181.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1191 = LM 1-91 on 2 Dec 1885 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1189, 1190 and 1192) with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Herbert Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's in 1899-00, which are repeated in the IC 2 Notes section.  This is the third of five NGC galaxies in HCG 22.

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NGC 1192 = HCG 22E = MCG -03-08-065 = PGC 11519

03 03 34.6 -15 40 45; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint and small, round.  In a tight group (HCG 22) with NGC 1191 1' WSW, NGC 1190 2.3' NW and NGC 1199 4' N.  This galaxy and NGC 1191 have 3x higher redshift than the other HCG 22 members so lie in the background at a similar redsift as NGC 1180 and 1181.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1192 = LM 1-91 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1189, 1190 and 1191) on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's, except for NGC 1192.  But assuming this object is east of NGC 1191 and 1' N, the identification is certain.

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NGC 1193 = Cr 35 = OCL-390 = Lund 99

03 05 56 +44 23 00; Per

Size 2'

 

17.5" (10/24/87): this faint open cluster consists of an elongated glow with five faint stars mag 14-15 superimposed and a mag 11 star at the west edge.  Located 4' ESE of a wide pair of bright stars (7.7/9.5 at 1.1').  This is a fairly old open cluster with age ~ 4.2 billion years.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1193 = H II-608 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621) and recorded "F, cL, easily resolvable, some of the stars visible."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1194 = UGC 2514 = MCG +00-08-078 = CGCG 389-068 = PGC 11537

03 03 49.1 -01 06 13; Cet

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  UGC 2517 is in the field 8' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1194 = St XIII-22 on 23 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1195 = MCG -02-08-042A = Holm 65b = PGC 11517

03 03 32.8 -12 02 03; Eri

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; nearly fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 45" SE.  In a quartet with NGC 1196 2.3' SSE, along with NGC 1299 amd IC 285 to the NE.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 45" SE of center.  First of four in the NGC 1200 quartet with NGC 1196 3' S and NGC 1200 7' NE.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1195 while making an observation of the NGC 1196 field on 8 Jan 1877 with the 72".  He logged an "eF, eS nebula (distinctly seen)" in position 305” (NW) of a mag 12 star directly north of NGC 1196.  The position angle is good and clearly establishes NGC 1195 = PGC 11517.

 

Pietro Baracchi independently discovered NGC 1195 on 7 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and sketched the field, along with NGC 1196, NGC 1200 and IC 285 (new discovery).

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NGC 1196 = MCG -02-08-042B = Holm 65a = PGC 11522

03 03 35.2 -12 04 34; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright nucleus, ~30"x20".  A low surface brightness halo increases the size with averted to ~40" in diameter.  Occasionally it brightened along the spine of the major axis like a bar.  In a group (USGC S110) with several NGCs and ICs, including NGC 1195 2.3' NNW.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, well-defined bright core.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' N and a mag 12 star is 3' SSE.  Second of four in the NGC 1200 compact group with NGC 1195 2.2' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1196 = h2505 on 8 Jan 1877 while observing the field of NGC 1200.  He logged it on two consecutive nights as "vF" and "the S.p. of two [with NGC 1200]", but missed nearby NGC 1195.

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NGC 1197

03 06 12 +44 04; Per

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1197 = Sw. II-27 on 12 Sep 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory and reported "pF, cE, pS, sev vF stars nr".  His position falls on a blank piece of sky between two mag 13.1 and 14.2 stars. There are also a number of faint double stars in the vicinity on the DSS that he might have mistaken for a nebulous object.  In any case, this number is currently lost or nonexistent.

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NGC 1198 = IC 282 = UGC 2533 = MCG +07-07-024 = CGCG 540-038 = PGC 11648

03 06 13.3 +41 50 56; Per

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, diffuse round halo, stellar nucleus about 14th magnitude.  Located 7' N of mag 8.8 SAO 38577.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1198 = St XI-7 on 6 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2533 = MCG +07-07-024.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 1198.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 27 Dec 1888 and reported in discovery list VIII-12 (later IC 282), "eF, S, R, bet 2 nr stars".  Swift's position was 1 min of RA too far west, so Dreyer assumed it was a different object, the description applies to NGC 1198.  So, NGC 1198 = IC 282, with priority to Stephan.  Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thomson agree with this equivalence.

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NGC 1199 = HCG 22A = MCG -03-08-067 = LGG 081-002 = PGC 11527

03 03 38.4 -15 36 50; Eri

V = 11.4;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, broadly concentrated halo, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2.8' NE. An extremely faint mag 15 star or possibly an anonymous galaxy is 2' N.

 

NGC 1199 is the brightest in the HCG 22 quintet with extremely faint NGC 1190 4.1' SW, NGC 1191 4.6' SSW, NGC 1189 3.4' W and NGC 1192 4.0' S.   NGC 1191 and 1192 lie in the background, though, at 3.5x the redshift.  NGC 1199, along with NGC 1209, are the brightest members of a much larger group (LGG 81) that also includes NGCs 1145, 1163, 1188 and IC 276 at z ~.009.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, diffuse halo surrounded by a fairly bright stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1199 = H II-503 = h282 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "pB, S, iF, mbM."  Both William and John Herschel's declination was ~ 1' too far north. Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 1200 = MCG -02-08-043 = PGC 11545

03 03 54.6 -11 59 30; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 2.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 85”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated but orientation difficult to pin down. The brighter central region is strongly concentrated with a very small brighter nucleus.  The outer 1' halo has a very low surface brightness and drops off imperceptibly into the background sky.  A mag 15.4 star is at the south edge of the halo.  Brightest in a quartet with IC 285 3' SE and brightest in the larger USGC S110 galaxy group (9 members).

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, halo slightly elongated N-S.  There is an extremely faint star or possible companion at the south edge.  Third of four and brightest in a compact quartet with NGC 1195 and 1196.

 

NGC 1200 forms a close pair with IC 285 3.2' ESE.  The IC companion was logged as "very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, very low even surface brightness."

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1200 = H II-475 = h2506 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and noted "pF, pL, irr F, bM."  John Herschel observed this galaxy from the Cape on 22 Nov 1835 and logged "pB, L, R, 80". The N.f. of two, distance about 7.5'; position 45 degrees." His mean position from 2 measures is accurate.

 

While observing NGC 1200 on 7 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, Pietro Baracchi discovered nearby IC 285 and made an independent discovery of NGC 1195 (found earlier by Dreyer).

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NGC 1201 = ESO 480-028 = MCG -04-08-023 = PGC 11559

03 04 08.0 -26 04 12; For

V = 10.7;  Size 3.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.6'x0.8', well concentrated.  Dominated by a bright, very small round core and an almost stellar nucleus.  Forms the southern vertex of an acute triangle with a mag 12 star off the NNW side 2.9' from center and a mag 10.5 star 3.8' NE of center.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 4' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1201 = H I-109 = h283 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 466) and logged "cB; mbM; iR; resolvable."  On a later sweep he wrote, "cB, pS, lE in the direction of the meridian, mbM, resolvable, 1.5' long."  Finally on sweep (593) he recorded "pB, pS, bM, lE."  On 14 Oct 1830 (sweep 306), John Herwschel remarked "B; R; psbM; 30" [diameter]." His position was just off the north end of the galaxy.

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NGC 1202 = PGC 11593

03 05 02.5 -06 29 30; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A pair of mag 14/15 star (32" separation) lie 1' SE.  Located 4' SW of a 20" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars and 4.8' SSW of a mag 10.3 star.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1202 = LM 2-354 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.3' dia, wide double star, position 45” (NE) at 4' distance.  His position is ~30 tsec of RA east of PGC 11593, but his description of the double star is a perfect match.  Bigourdan's position for IC 286, which he claimed to have found while searching for this galaxy, is very close to NGC 1202 and Corwin notes that his offset stars don't match the field.  So, IC 286 is lost unless his offset stars can be recovered.

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NGC 1203 = MCG -03-08-070 = PGC 11599

03 05 14.1 -14 22 53; Eri

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, very small, round.  A very close contact pair NGC 1203B is attached at the NE end.  The fainter companion appeared extremely faint and small, round.  Located almost at midpoint of mag 8.2 SAO 148753 2.6' SE and mag 9.5 SAO 148757 3.1' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1203 = LM 1-85 on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position is a good match with  MCG -03-08-070/071 = PGC 11603/11599.  This is a close double system with the brighter component (identified as NGC 1203A in NED and MCG) on the south side.  The magnitudes are reversed (brighter mag associated with the northern component) in several sources.  It's likely Leavenworth saw the combined glow of both objects as I could pick out the northern component.  Howe called this object "extremely faint and very small", with no indication of a companion.

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NGC 1204 = MCG -02-08-045 = PGC 11583

03 04 40.0 -12 20 29; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 69”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; very unusual appearance with a fairly bright mag 12.5 star attached on the south edge with the galaxy elongated 2:1 or 5:2 WSW-ENE and extending ~0.9'x0.4'.  A mag 14.5 star is 45" SW (outside the glow) and a mag 15.3 star is just 15" SE of the brighter star.  Member of the NGC 1200 group (USGC S110).

 

17.5" (11/17/01): interesting object as it appears as a diffuse glow, elongated ENE-WSW with three stars near including a mag 11 star attached at the south edge.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1204 = LM 1-86 on 26 Dec 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.5, E 45”, B* and sev F stars inv in neb, resolvable."  His position is a good match with MCG -02-08-045 = PGC 11583 and the description is appropriate for this galaxy.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and mentions "I noticed simply a small triangle of stars of mags 11, 12, and 13.  The brightest star seemed to be enveloped in an extremely faint mantle of nebulous matter."

 

Recently (27 Mar 2015), I found that WH observed NGC 1204 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478), though he only logged "a deception", and didn't assign it an internal discovery number or H-designation.  His offset in position from #1193 = NGC 1200 (the previous object in the sweep), places the "deception" just 1.2' south of NGC 1204, based on Corwin's reduction (Steinicke also confirms this observation).  Based on my visual notes, I can see why WH found the appearance ambiguous.

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NGC 1205 = NGC 1182 = PGC 11511

03 03 28.4 -09 40 13; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1182.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1205 = LM 1-87 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 14.0, 0.7'x0.3', E 25”, *9.5 in PA 240” at 3.0' dist."  There is nothing at his position but 2 min of RA west is PGC 11511 and Stone's description applies (except his PA should read 125”).  This was Stone's second observation of this galaxy.  His position for I-84 = NGC 1182 was 1.0 min of west too far west, but the descriptions are virtually the same.  Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and report "having examined the locality very carefully on two fine nights I judge the objects to be identical."  Based on this this observation, Dreyer states in the IC 2 Notes that "1205 is equal to 1182".  Either number could be the primary designation as the earlier observation is not known.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1206 = PGC 11644

03 06 09.7 -08 50 00; Eri

V = 14.9;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (1/1/08): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Visible ~80% of the time using averted vision as a very low surface brightness knot with no structure.  Located 6.5' N of a mag 10.5 star.  The edge-on streak identified as NGC 1206 in the RNGC is actually a plate flaw.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1206 = LM 2-355 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.6, 0.2' dia, vlE 180”."  His position matches PGC 11644, though Bigourdan was unable to recover this galaxy.  The RNGC misidentifies a plate flaw as NGC 1206!

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NGC 1207 = UGC 2548 = MCG +06-07-043 = CGCG 524-055 = LGG 087-001 = PGC 11737

03 08 15.5 +38 22 56; Per

V = 12.6;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 123”

 

24" (2/7/16): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.4'.  A mag 14.5-15 star is superimposed on the northwest side.  CGCG 524-054 lies 5.7' W and was noted as fairly faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1' NNW.  NGC 1207 is situated in a rich star field with mag 8.6 SAO 56192 5.7' ESE.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 15 star is attached at northwest end.  NGC 1213 lies 20' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1207 = H III-578 = h284 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "vF, vS."  In Oct 1828 (sweep 188) John Herschel wrote, "F; vS; R; psbM; 12" diameter."  The superimposed star was mentioned at Birr Castle: "I am not sure whether it is a star or a nucleus in the north-preceding end."

 

Lewis Swift made a rediscovery in October 1884, according to Gary Kronk, though didn't publish it in one of his twelve lists.

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NGC 1208 = MCG -02-08-047 = PGC 11647

03 06 11.9 -09 32 27; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, contains a very bright elongated core and fainter halo, ~1.1'x0.5'.  LEDA 989667, located 5.8' W, appeared faint (B ~15.8), small, elongated ~3:2, ~25"x18", fairly low surface brightness, slightly brighter core region, indefinite shape.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 E-W, broadly concentrated halo, much fainter extensions.  First and brightest in a group with NGC 1214 = HCG 23A 11' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1208 = H II-285 = h285 = h2507 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and logged "pF, S, lE, south of a pB triangle, about 1/2' in length." On 15 Dec 1786 (sweep 650) he recorded "F, S, lbM, E not far from the parallel; a little from sp to nf."  John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope and 7 observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 1209 = MCG -03-08-073 = LGG 081-003 = PGC 11638

03 06 03.0 -15 36 41; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): moderately bright, fairly small,, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.4'x0.7'.  Increases to a bright, rounder core and stellar nucleus.  NGC 1231 lies 6.8' NE.

 

NGC 1209 is the brightest in a group (LGG 81), along with NGC 1199, that includes NGCs 1145, 1163, 1188, 1189, 1190 and IC 276.  NGC 1209 is located 40' following HCG 22, whose brightest member is NGC 1199.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small bright core.  Appears slightly fainter than NGC 1199 40' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1209 = H II-504 = h286 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "pB, S, lE, mbM.  The brightness also extended. " John Herscel reported on 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), "vB; E; psbM; 30" l; 20" br."

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NGC 1210 = ESO 480-031 = MCG -04-08-024 = PGC 11666

03 06 45.3 -25 42 59; For

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 121”

 

17.5" (12/28/00): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak but even concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.1' NNW of center.  Located 40' NE of NGC 1201.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1210 = LM 1-88 on 13 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.0, vS, iR, E 340”?, gbMN".  There is nothing at his rough RA (nearest minute) and the Knox-Shaw reported it was "Not shown" on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in 1921-22.   But 1 minute of time east is ESO 480-031 = PGC 11666 and this galaxy is identified as NGC 1210 in the RNGC and PGC. MCG lists the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 1211 = UGC 2545 = MCG +00-08-093 = CGCG 389-081 = PGC 11670

03 06 52.4 -00 47 40; Cet

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): moderately bright, fairly small, very faint outer halo, sharp concentration, round.  Two mag 13 stars lie 2.1' ESE and 2.2' ENE oriented N-S with a separation of 1.1'.

 

Truman Safford  discovered NGC 1211 = Sf 102 on 31 Oct 1867 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 27 Nov 1880, published it in list XI-8 and measured an accurate position.  Stephan is credited with the discovery in the NGC, as Safford's discovery was not published until 1887, too late to be included in the NGC.

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NGC 1212 = IC 1883 = UGC 2560 = PGC 11815

03 09 42.2 +40 53 35; Per

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  PA = 22”

 

24" (12/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", faint stellar nucleus.  Located 18' ESE of Algol and 2.7' SW of a mag 8.7 star within AGC 426.  IC 290 lies 4.8' N.

 

18" (11/22/03): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, even surface brightness.  Forms the SW vertex of an equilateral triangle with mag 8.7 SAO 38614 2.7' NE and a mag 11.7 star 2.2' E.  Located just 18' ESE of Algol at the western edge of AGC 426!

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1212 = Sw. I-5 on 18 Oct 1884 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "S; R; vvF.  Right angled with 2 stars.  In field with Algol".  Swift's position is poor, 40 seconds of RA west of UGC 2560, but his description of the two stars applies to this galaxy.  E.E. Barnard independently found NGC 1212 on 26 Nov 1888 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick and comunicated the discovery directly to Dreyer.  Barnard and Dreyer assumed this was a new object, probably due to Swift's poor position, and it was recataloged as IC 1883.  So, NGC 1212 = IC 1883, with discovery priority to Swift.

 

RNGC and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentify PGC 11761, an extremely faint galaxy just 8' SE of Algol, as NGC 1212.  This galaxy is not only too faint to have been seen by Swift, it is nearly lost in the glare of Algol.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1213 = IC 1881 = UGC 2557 = MCG +06-07-045 = CGCG 524-058 = PGC 11789

03 09 17.3 +38 38 59; Per

V = 14.5;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 15.4;  PA = 60”

 

24" (2/7/16): faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~SW-NE, 24"x18", low surface brightness, fades into background.  The image is confused as there are two very faint stars involved as well as two additional stars off the north side.  Located in a rich star field 50' ESE of mag 3.4 Rho Per.  NGC 1207 is 20' SW.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.  This galaxy has an extremely low surface brightness with a very ill-defined outline!  Several faint stars are near or involved including a mag 14 star close off the SW edge and a pair of mag 15.5 stars at the north end.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1213 = Sw. I-6 on 14 Oct 1884 with his 16" refractor and recorded "vvF; lE; v diff; F* close north."  His position is 0.4 min of RA west of UGC 2557 and his description fits (there are faint stars close north and south).  Bigourdan (B. 253) found this galaxy again on 10 Jan 1891 (he misidentified a star as NGC 1213) and assumed it was new.  His position for B. 253 (later IC 1881) is accurate. So, NGC 1213 = IC 1881.

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NGC 1214 = HCG 23A = MCG -02-08-051 = Holm 66a = PGC 11675

03 06 55.9 -09 32 38; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly high surface brightness edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.1'x0.3', small bright core.  In a small group (HCG 23) with NGC 1215 is 4.5' SE and NGC 1216 7' SE.

 

48" (10/30/16): at 375x and 488x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.35', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the HCG 23 quintet with NGC 1215 4' SE.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' due north.  The seeing and transparency was subpar during the observation of the group.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' N.  FIrst of four in the field with NGC 1215 4' SE and NGC 1208 11' W.  Brightest in HCG 23.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1214 = LM 1-94 = Sw. V-49, along with NGC 1215 and 1216, in 1886 using the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Stone reported, "mag 14.0, 0.7'x0.2', E 60”."  He added a note, "48 seconds f[ollowing] G.C. 647 [NGC 1208] same declination, stellar N[ucleus] in cen of vF neb; 1st of 3 [with NGC 1215 and 1216]; *10, P 15” Delta [separation] 3'."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct.

 

Lewis Swift also found this galaxy on 21 Oct 1886.  He described it as "F; pS; iR; 647 [= NGC 1208] nr; 1st of 2 [with NGC 1215]."  Frank Muller suggested the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously.  As the Leander McCormick discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, the discovery credit goes to Stone.

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NGC 1215 = HCG 23B = MCG -02-08-055 = Holm 66b = PGC 11687

03 07 09.4 -09 35 32; Eri

V = 14.1;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 15”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~0.8'x0.6', small brighter core region that brightens towards the center.  low surface brightness halo.  Sandwiched between edge-ons NGC 1214 4.5' NW and NGC 1216 2.5' ESE.

 

48" (10/30/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core SSW-NNE that increases to a stellar nucleus. Surrounded by a fairly large, low surface brightness oval halo ~1.2'x0.9'.  Forms a close pair with MCG -02-08-054 = HCG 23E just under 1' NNE.  It appeared faint or fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~20"x8".

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, well defined small bright core, faint extensions.  Member of the NGC 1208 group and HCG 23 with NGC 1214 4' NW and NGC 1216 2' SE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1215 = LM 1-95 = Sw. V-50, along with NGC 1214 and 1216, in 1886 using the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Stone reported, "mag 15.5, 0.4', dif."  He added the note, "2nd of 3 [with NGC 1214 and 1216]."  His declination is 2' too far south, incorrectly placing NGC 1215 1' south of NGC 1216, instead of 1' N.

 

Lewis Swift also found this galaxy on 21 Oct 1886.  He described it as "eF; vS; R; 647 [= NGC 1208] nr; 2nd of 2 [with NGC 1214]."  Frank Muller noted the prior discovery in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887), though he assumed Swift found NGC 1216.  The Leander McCormick discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, so Stone made the earlier discovery.

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NGC 1216 = HCG 23C = MCG -02-08-056 = PGC 11693

03 07 18.4 -09 36 44; Eri

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 65”

 

24" (12/6/18): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, 4:1 or 5:1 WSW-ENE,

~36"x8", surprisingly high surface brightness.  The listed V magnitude of 14.8 seems too faint based on its appearance.  Similar in surface brightness to NGC 1214.

 

48" (10/30/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, ~40"x8", well concentrated with a very bright, high surface brightness core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  The extensions are quite thin.  NGC 1215 lies 2.5' NW.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, extremely small, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed, extremely faint and very small extensions SW-NE.  Member of HCG 23 with NGC 1215 2' NW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1216 = LM 1-96 in 1886, along with NGC 1214 and 1215, with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  He recorded "mag 14.5, 0.2' dia, stellar ncl, 3rd of 3" and the rough position matches MCG -02-08-056 = PGC 11693.  This galaxy was missed by Lewis Swift, though he found nearby NGC 1214 and 1215.

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NGC 1217 = ESO 300-010 = MCG -07-07-003 = PGC 11641

03 06 06.0 -39 02 11; For

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 50”

 

18" (1/17/09): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, sharply concentrated with a small brighter core and much fainter halo.  A 24" pair of mag 9/12 stars located 7' SE is lined up with the galaxy.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' N.  A faint companion galaxy 0.9' N (MCG -07-07-004) was not seen, probably because of the low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1217 = h2508 on 23 Oct 1835 and logged "not vF; R; pslbM; 20". Has a *11m 2' N.  JH's position (h2508) and description is accurate (the star is 1.6' N).

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NGC 1218 = UGC 2555 = MCG +01-09-001 = CGCG 416-002 = 3C 78 = PGC 11749

03 08 26.3 +04 06 38; Cet

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 92' E of Alpha Ceti.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1218 = Sw. IV-12 on 6 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 1.4' too far west.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1896 at Strasbourg (published in 1907).

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NGC 1219 = UGC 2556 = MCG +00-09-006 = CGCG 390-006 = PGC 11752

03 08 28.0 +02 06 30; Cet

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, weak concentration.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1219 = m 87 on 9 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta, reporting "F, pL, R".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1220 = Cr 37 = OCL-380 = Lund 100

03 11 41 +53 20 54; Per

Size 2'

 

17.5" (12/28/94): very compact group of about a dozen faint stars mag 13.5-15 in a small 1.5' wedge-shaped clump.  There is a very tight string of three strings at the NE end and the brightest mag 13 star is at the south end.  Does not appear fully resolved due to density and background haze.  This is a young cluster(60 million years old) at a distance of ~5900 light years in the Perseus Arm.

 

8" (11/28/81) : faint open cluster, small, six faint stars are visible over unresolved haze.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1220 = h287 on 28 Nov 1831 (sweep 386), recording "a vS, close-packed group of 8 or 10 stars 14...15 mag in a space of 30" diam, so as easily to be taken for a pB nebula."  His position and description matches this cluster.

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NGC 1221 = MCG -01-09-002 = PGC 11739

03 08 15.5 -04 15 35; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' SE.  FIrst of three with NGC 1223 8' NNE and NGC 1225 15' NE.  Also IC 1886 lies 10' SSW.  All four galaxies are visible in a 35' field.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1221 = LM 2-356 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.2'x0.1', E 170”, * in PA 175” (south)."  His position is 20 sec of RA east of MCG -01-09-002 = PGC 11739 and his PA estimate matches.  Howe's corrected position in the IC 2 Notes is accurate.  Bigourdan listed this galaxy as #255, measured an accurate position, and noted "could be NGC 1221 with an error of 20 sec in RA."  MCG gives the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 1222 = MCG -01-09-005 = Mrk 603 = LGG 085-005 = PGC 11774

03 08 56.9 -02 57 18; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1222 = St XIII-23 on 5 Dec 1883.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1223 = MCG -01-09-003 = PGC 11742

03 08 19.9 -04 08 18; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (1/7/89): second and brightest of a trio with NGC 1221 8' SSW and NGC 1225 7' E.  Faint, small, round, bright core.  The identifications of NGC 1223 and NGC 1225 are reversed in the RNGC and U2000.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1223 = LM 2-357 (along with NGC 1225 = II-358) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory in 1886, recording "mag 15.0, 0.3' dia, R, gbMN".  His position is 45 sec of RA following MCG -01-09-003 = PGC 11742 and the description applies.  Bigourdan listed this galaxy as #256, measured an accurate position, and noted "could be NGC 1223 with an error of 40 sec in RA."   MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 1223.  RNGC reversed the identifications of NGC 1223 and NGC 1225 and because of this mistake they were switched in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.

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NGC 1224 = UGC 2578 = MCG +07-07-034 = CGCG 540-055 = LGG 088-002 = PGC 11886

03 11 13.6 +41 21 49; Per

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (12/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter (central region of galaxy), gradually increases to a stellar peak.  A mag 13.5 pair [~12" separation?] is just 1.5' ENE. A mag 9.8 star lies 2.2' SSW and a mag 10.4 star is 3.0' NNW.  Located 42' NW of Algol in AGC 426.

 

IC 293, situated 14' SSW of NGC 1224, appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, broad and weak concentration.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round, small brighter core.  Member of AGC 426.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1224 = Sw. II-28 on 20 Aug 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2578, located just 42' SE of Algol. Swift made specific searches around bright stars assuming others might have missed nebulae hiding in the glare of these stars.

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NGC 1225 = MCG -01-09-004 = PGC 11766

03 08 47.2 -04 06 05; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (1/7/89): third of three with NGC 1221 and NGC 1223.  Very faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located 7' E of NGC 1223.  The identifications of NGC 1223 and NGC 1225 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1225 = LM 2-358 (along with NGC 1223 = II-357) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, R".  His position is 30 sec of RA following MCG -01-09-004 = PGC 11766.  Bigourdan listed this galaxy as #257, measured an accurate position, and noted "could be NGC 1225 with an error of 30 sec in RA."   MCG mislabels -01-09-004 as NGC 1223.  RNGC reversed the identifications of NGC 1223 and NGC 1225 and because of this mistake they were switched in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.

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NGC 1226 = UGC 2575 = MCG +06-08-001 = CGCG 524-061 = PGC 11879

03 11 05.4 +35 23 12; Per

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1227 4' SSE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1226 = St X-16 on 6 Dec 1879 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate. This galaxy was apparently first discovered by d'Arrest on 17 Sep 1865, but due to a transcription error his position is 1-hour of RA too small and falls on a blank piece of sky.  See NGC 832.

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NGC 1227 = UGC 2577 = CGCG 524-062 = CGCG 525-003 = PGC 11880

03 11 07.8 +35 19 29; Per

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 1226 4' NNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1227 = St X-17 on 10 Jan 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory, one month after discovering NGC 1226 (or perhaps he didn't have time to measure the position earlier).  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1228 = Arp 332 NED3 = VV 337a = ESO 480-032 = MCG -04-08-026 = UGCA 54 = PGC 11735

03 08 11.7 -22 55 23; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6'.  A mag 13 star is 50" S.  In a group with NGC 1229 2.2' S.  NGC 1230 lies 3.8' SSE, and IC 1892 8.6' SSE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1228 = LM 2-359 (along with NGC 1229 = II-360) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 15.5, 0.1', R, gbM, 1st of 2".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of time west is ESO 480-032 = PGC 11735.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1229 = Arp 332 NED1 = VV 337b = UGCA 53 = ESO 480-033 = MCG -04-08-025 = PGC 11734

03 08 11.0 -22 57 37; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Located 2.2' S of brighter NGC 1228 in a group with NGC 1230 1.9' SE and IC 1892.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.4' N on a line to NGC 1228.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1229 = LM 2-359, along with NGC 1228 = II-359, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 16.0, 0.1', R, gbM, 2nd of 2".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA west is ESO 480-033 = PGC 11734.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  He also mentioned that NGC 1229 precedes 1228 a little.

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NGC 1230 = Arp 332 NED2 = ESO 480-034 = MCG -04-08-027 = PGC 11743

03 08 16.4 -22 59 03; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 109”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faintest in a group with NGC 1228, NGC 1229 and IC 1892.  Only glimpsed momentarily using Vicker's CCD Atlas.  Appears extremely faint and small, 10" diameter with possible extensions to 20".  Located 3.8' SSE of NGC 1228 and 1.9' SE of NGC 1230.  IC 1892 lies 5' further SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1230 = LM 2-361, along with NGC 1228 and NGC 1229, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Leavenworth made no estimate of size or brightness, only the comment "*??".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA west and 2' N is ESO 480-033 = PGC 11734.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1231 = MCG -03-08-074 = PGC 11658

03 06 29.3 -15 34 09; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (1/12/02): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  A mag 15 star is just off the SSW edge of the halo, 30" from the center.  Located 6.8' NE of NGC 1209.  Due to a poor position by Leavenworth, this galaxy is classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1231 = LM 1-97 on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 16.0, pL, E like a fan."  There is nothing at his rough position (given to an nearest min of RA and arcmin of Dec).  But exactly 4 min of RA west is MCG -03-08-074 = PGC 11658.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 1231.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  Assuming NGC 1231 = PGC 11658, I'm a little surprised Leavenworth didn't mention NGC 1209, just 6' SW, but I don't think this is a duplicate observation of NGC 1209 as it is much too bright to be called mag 16.0.

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NGC 1232 = Arp 41W = ESO 547-0141 = MCG -04-08-032 = PGC 11819

03 09 45.1 -20 34 46; Eri

V = 9.9;  Size 7.4'x6.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 108”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): NGC 1232 is a face-on multi-arm knotty Sc-type.  At 303x it appeared very bright, very large, roundish, at least 6' diameter.  It was sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that contained a brighter central bar-like nuclear region.  Spiral structure was evident in the large halo, but more subtle than I expected as several segments were disconnected.  The most prominent was a knotty arm on the north side.  It emerged near the northwest end of the core and shot linearly (2' length) towards the northeast in the direction of a mag 14 star 2.5' NE of center.

 

Another spiral arm extended east and west perhaps 1.5' length, just south of the central region.  The arm faded out at its west end but after a short break, a very faint elongated knot, ~14"x8", was visible 1.7' WSW of center.  NED includes multiple designations NGC 1232:[HK83] 442, [HK83] 445, [HK83] 450 and more from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies".  The arm dimmed again but could just be traced shooting straight N-S in the northwest end of the halo.  Another short, linear segment of a arm (containing [HK83] 110) was just visible close east of the core, 1.1' ENE of center.

 

NGC 1232A (the subject of a long-standing redshift controversy) was visible 4.1' ESE of center, just beyond the east edge of the galaxy.  It appeared very faint, small, round, ~20" diameter

 

17.5" (10/8/88): bright, large, slightly elongated, bright core, very large faint halo.  Located 8' WSW of mag 8.6 SAO 168347.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): large, large bright core, substellar nucleus, very diffuse outer halo.  An arm is suspected attached at the west end and winding towards the east on the north side of the core.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, diffuse, low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1232 = H II-258 = h2509 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) recording "eF, lbM, 7 or 8' dia."  On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he logged "F, cL, bM, irr F, 5 or 5' diam.  The nebulosity is unequal, seeming to be two or three clouds or nebulosities joined together." John Herschel made 3 observations at the Cape.  His most detailed observation reads, "B; vL; R; resolvable; 3' (dia), first very grad then psbM.  With the left eye I see it mottled. (N.B. This is no doubt a distant globular cluster)."

 

Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in 1921-22, NGC 1232 was described as "pB, 7'x7', open spiral, B stellar nucleus, many branches with almost stellar condensations."  NGC 1232B = PGC 11834, near the end of one of the spiral arms, was assumed to be interacting with NGC 1232, but its redshift places it four times the distance.  Due to the apparent discordan redshift, NGC 1232/1232A was used by Arp to argue against redshift-based distances.

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NGC 1233 = UGC 2586 = MCG +06-08-003 = CGCG 525-006 = PGC 11955

03 12 33.1 +39 19 07; Per

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NNW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4', broadly concentrated, faint extensions.  A mag 13.5 star is off the NE end.  Member of AGC 426 (south of main stream).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1233 = St III-20 on 10 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2586 = PGC 11955.  Harold Corwin mentions that Swift's V-51 = NGC 1235 might be a duplicate observation of this galaxy, with a 24' error in declination.

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NGC 1234 = MCG -01-09-011 = PGC 11813

03 09 39.2 -07 50 47; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 141”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): extremely faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, low even surface brightness.  Requires averted vision but once identified I could almost hold it continuously with concentration.  Based on the galaxy's size and elongation, I probably viewed the brighter core only.  Located 4' SW of mag 9.5 SAO 130313.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1234 = LM 2-362 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 16.2, 0.6' dia, iR, 1 or eF stars inv, *9m precedes 30 sec."  There is nothing at his position but 40 sec of RA due west is MCG -01-09-011 = PGC 11813.  The star to the west is preceding by 22", though it's odd he didn't mention a brighter star to the NE.

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NGC 1235

03 12 48 +38 56; Per

 

= ***, JS. =NGC 1233?, HC

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1235 = Sw. V-51 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  There are no galaxies near his position.  The RNGC identifies NGC 1235 as a triple star, situated about 1.5' N of Swift's position.  But these stars appear too bright and too easily resolved to be confused with a faint nebulous object by Swift.  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1235 may be a duplicate of NGC 1233, which is located due north.  If this identification is correct, Swift made a 24' error in declination (too far south).  Except for NGC 58, the other dozen discoveries by Swift on that night have no significant errors, so this identification is very uncertain.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1236 = CGCG 441-003 = PGC 11898

03 11 28.0 +10 48 30; Ari

V = 14.7;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 30”

 

18" (12/10/07): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.2', low surface brightness, no concentration in fairly poor seeing.

 

Albert Marth discovered  NGC 1236 = m 88 on 5 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta, recording "eF, vS, R".  His position is just off the south side of CGCG 441-003 = PGC 11898.

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NGC 1237

03 10 08.9 -08 41 32; Eri

V = 14.5/14.5;  Size 13"

 

24" (12/28/13): this 13" pair of evenly matched mag 14-15 stars was easily resolved at 225x.  Located 21' NW of the NGC 1241/1242 pair (Arp 304).

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1237 = LM 2-363 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, reporting "mag 13.0, 0.4' diameter, E 170”, double star?"  Dreyer included the description as a possible double star and Corwin confirms it *is* a double star 36 tsec west and 1' south of Muller's position.  The separation is 14" with a PA 152”.

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NGC 1238 = MCG -02-09-010 = Holm 67a = PGC 11868

03 10 52.7 -10 44 53; Eri

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus or possibly a faint star is superimposed.  Forms the west vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with a mag 13 star 2.4' SE and a mag 14 star 2.3' NNE of center.  IC 1897, just 3.3' SW, appeared faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1238 = Sw. V-52 on 1 Nov 1886 with his 16" refractor, recording "vF; pS; R; sp of [NGC 1247].  His RA as 9 seconds too large east.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 1239 = MCG -01-09-012 = PGC 11869

03 10 53.7 -02 33 11; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1239 = H III-262 = h288 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and recorded "Suspected, stellar, 240x verified it with difficulty."  WH's position was poor but John Herschel was only able to correct the declination, as the nebula was "scarcely seen through thick haze" (sweep 96). So, the listed RA is roughly 30 sec too far east in the NGC.  Still there are no other nearby candidates and the identification NGC 1239 = PGC 11869 is not in question.

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NGC 1240

03 13 26.7 +30 30 26; Ari

 

= **, Corwin.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1240 = H III-164 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "suspected, 240 left a doubt; extremely faint and very small, most probably two close stars; between two stars."  There is nothing near his position and Bigourdan was unsuccessful (twice) in trying to recover this object.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, notes "*13.5 in Dreyer's place".  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 1240 is a double star (11" separation) about 8' southeast of WH's position.  This pair is also on a line between two other stars so matches Herschel's position.

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NGC 1241 = Arp 304 NED1 = VV 334a = MCG -02-09-011 = Holm 68a = PGC 11887

03 11 14.7 -08 55 20; Eri

V = 12.0;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 145”

 

24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1', contains a large bright core that increases towards the center.  There was a hint of arm structure in the outer halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 1242 1.7' NE with both galaxies just south of a mag 9.3 star.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, round, bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo.  Forms a close pair with fainter NGC 1242 1.6' NE.  Located 3.0' due south of mag 9.0 SAO 130329.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1241 = H II-286 = h289 = h2510 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "F, pL, R, lbM, south of a small star." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England, calling it "eF" and "pB" on two observations, and at the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "F, pmE, 50", the preceding of two [with NGC 243]."

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NGC 1242 = Arp 304 NED2 = VV 334b = Holm 68c = MCG -02-09-012 = PGC 11892

03 11 19.2 -08 54 07; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

24" (12/28/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~35"x21", weak concentration.  Forms a pair (Arp 304 = VV 334) with brighter NGC 1241 1.7' SE.  A bright mag 9.3 star lies 2' NW.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): very faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus, can hold with averted vision.  Forms a close pair with much brighter NGC 1241 1.6' SW.  Located 2.1' SE of mag 9.0 SAO 130329.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1242 = H III-591 on 15 Dec 1786 (sweep 650) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 1241], that of which the place is taken [NGC 1241] is F, pL, vgvmbM, R.  The other [NGC 1242] is about 1' nf, eF, stellar.  A 3rd suspected sf the 1st, still fainter than the 2nd; the I did not see it well enough to verify it, and it may be a deception."  Bindon Stoney, using LdR's 72" on Dec 7 1850, assumed it was a new discovery (labeled as "Beta" in his sketch).  Dreyer later noticed the equivalence with III-591 when he examined the field on 6 Nov 1877 as the observing assistant at Birr Castle.

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NGC 1243 = Holm 68b

03 11 25.4 -08 56 43; Eri

 

= **, Corwin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1243 = h291 = h2511 on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 315).  From Slough he recorded "eF, vS" and from the Cape "eF; R; the following of two; pos from the other [NGC 1241] = 120” (ESE)".  At JH's position a faint double star and the position angle matches. Interestingly Herschel never observed NGC 1242, which is close NE of NGC 1241.  At Birr Castle, NGC 1241 was observed several times and assumed to be a "nova", but on 6 Nov 1877 Dreyer (the observing assistant at the time) claimed he saw all three objects in the field.  His micrometric offset for h291 = h2511, points exactly to this double star again!  See Corwin's notes for the complete story.

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NGC 1244 = ESO 082-008 = PGC 11659

03 06 31.2 -66 46 33; Hor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 2”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared as a moderately bright, fairly large edge-on N-S, ~2.0'x0.4'.  Exhibits only a broad, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Forms a 10' pair with NGC 1246 to the SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1244 = h2512 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF, lE, gbM, 25 arcseconds."  His position (from 2 sweeps) is accurate.  He questioned if this object was the same as Dunlop's 205, but Dunlop's description ("a very faint small nebula, north following, a pretty bright small star; a very minute star is between the bright star and the nebula") does not seem to match.

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NGC 1245 = Cr 38 = Mel 18 = OCL-389

03 14 41 +47 14 18; Per

V = 8.4;  Size 10'

 

17.5" (12/8/90): about 100 stars at 220x in 10' diameter.  Rich in mag 13.5-14 stars and includes four mag 12 stars along the west side.  Roughly circular outline and uniform but no concentration to the center, many stars are arranged in lanes.  A mag 8.5 star is off the south edge and a mag 9 star is about 5' off the ENE edge.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): about 75 stars in a dense cluster.  Includes bright stars on the north side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1245 = H VI-25 = h290 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645), recording "a beautiful very compressed and rich cluster of small stars, about 8' or 9' diameter, irr R."  On 30 Nov 1787 (sweep 786) he added "The large stars arranged in lines, like interwoven letters."  John Herschel wrote on 31 Dec 1831 (sweep 390), "rich, L, cl not very comp; irreg R with stragglers; stars 12...15m; brightest part 5' diam".

 

On 23 Nov 1848, Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "Coarse, cl. strongly honey-combed.  Would probably look annular with eccentric eyehole if it were far enough to be a nebula."

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NGC 1246 = ESO 082-009 = PGC 11680

03 07 02.0 -66 56 19; Hor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 40”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a large bright core that increases to a faint, stellar nucleus with a much fainter outer halo.  Located 10' SSE of NGC 1244.  Three mag 10-11 stars lie midway between NGC 1246 and NGC 1244.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1246 = h2513 on 2 Nov 1834 and noted "pF, R, glbM, 15 arcseconds."  His position is accurate (2 observations).

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NGC 1247 = MCG -02-09-014 = UGCA 58 = FGC 396 = PGC 11931

03 12 14.3 -10 28 50; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 3.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 69”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): moderately bright edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 2.4'x0.5', weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 "star" 2.5' SE of center appears possibly quasi-stellar -- this is the compact galaxy Mrk 1071.  A mag 10 star is 6.2' NW.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.5', broad mild concentration, fairly striking appearance.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1247 = H II-900 on 10 Dec 1798 (sweep 1087), recording "F, E nearly in the parallel sp-nf, 3' l, 1' b".  His position is 10 sec of RA east of MCG -02-09-014 = PGC 11931.  Dreyer, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 12 Jan 1877, logged "vF, vmE 72.5”, glbM. *10m 6' np."

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NGC 1248 = MCG -01-09-016 = PGC 11970

03 12 48.5 -05 13 29; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  Located 5.5' S of mag 8.3 SAO 130357.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1248 = H III-443 = h292 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457), noting "vF, vS, confirmed by 240 power."  John Herschel made three observations and initially assumed he had made the discovery.

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NGC 1249 = ESO 155-006 = LGG 093-004 = PGC 11836

03 10 01.2 -53 20 09; Hor

V = 11.8;  Size 4.9'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 86”

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, large, very elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, ~4'x1.4', broad concentration with a bulging middle.  Brighter along the major axis suggesting it's a bar.  The observation was cut short by clouds, so it's possible the observation was somewhat compromised.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1249 = h2514 on 5 Dec 1834, recording "B; L; vmE in pos. 80”; vgbM to an axis; 2.5' l; 1' br."  His position and description matches ESO 155-006 = PGC 11836.

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NGC 1250 = UGC 2613 = MCG +07-07-040 = CGCG 540-066 = PGC 12098

03 15 21.1 +41 21 20; Per

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, faint almost stellar nucleus.  Member of AGC 426.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1250 = Sw. V-53 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate (on the west side of AGC 426).

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NGC 1251

03 14 09.1 +01 27 24; Cet

 

= **, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 1251 = HN 24 on 25 Jan 1860 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted "faint nebulosity", but within 25" of his position is a faint double star (14.3/15.0 at 7").  All 9 of his nebulous objects in the NGC turned out to be single or double stars.

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NGC 1252 = ESO 116-011

03 10 44 -57 45 30; Hor

Size 10'

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): fairly large scattered group of ~20 stars in a 10' region.  Includes mag 6.6 HD 20037 on the southwest end and mag 8.7 HD 20059 on the north side.  Not impressive but detached in the field.  This cluster is situated 30' SSE of TW Hor (sometimes referred to as "Herschel's Red Star"), a bright orange-red carbon star (B-V = 2.3)

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1252 = h2515 on 4 Dec 1834, recording a "Star 8m, the chief of a cluster of 18 or 20 stars."  His Cape catalogue position corresponds with mag 6.6 HD 20037 at 03 10 39.2 -57 48 35 (2000), the brightest in this 10' group.  Apparently JH made a copying error after he precessed his coordinates to 1860 for the General Catalogue (#663) as his position there is exactly 20' too far south.  Dreyer didn't catch this mistake so it carried over into the NGC.  As a result, ESO says "Not found" and RNGC classifies NGC 1252 as an "unverified southern object", both using the erroneous NGC position.

 

The group of stars at Herschel's position has been considered an asterism as most of the brighter stars have different proper motion using Hipparchos and ACT data. See Baumgardt "The nature of some doubtful open clusters as revealed by HIPPARCOS" (A&A, 340, 402, 1998).  But a more recent paper by de la Fuente Marcos, et al. (MNRAS 434, 194, 2013) found there is an old, metal-poor cluster remnant here.  At a distance of nearly 900 parsecs from the Galactic disk, it is one of the furthest (from the disk) cluster remnants known.

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NGC 1253 = Arp 279 NED1 = MCG -01-09-018 = UGCA 62 = PGC 12041

03 14 09.1 -02 49 22; Eri

V = 11.7;  Size 5.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 82”

 

48" (10/23/11): very bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 WSW-ENE, ~4'x1.6'.  Contains a large, very bright elongated core that gradually increases to the center.  A mag 12.5 star is superimposed just SW of the central region.  A spiral arm emerges from the galaxy on the ENE end and curls sharply clockwise towards the SW on the follwing end of the galaxy and quickly dims.  The arm appears patchy with a couple of small knots near the outer edge (~1.6' from center).  The arm on the west end is harder to make out as it emerges from the central region near the superimposed star and is not as well defined, appearing more as a hazy, mottled region with some brighter patches.  A mag 12 star lies 3' ENE and just beyond the star is NGC 1253A, a low surface brightness dwarf.  NGC 1253A appeared fairly faint, large, irregular, roughly oval 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', small brighter core, very patchy appearance (contains HII knots).  The nearby mag 12 star is just off the SW side.

 

24" (12/1/13):  NGC 1253A was picked up as a very faint to faint glow, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.4'x0.2' (central region seen), low surface brightness.  Situated 3.9' ENE of much brighter NGC 1253 and just 0.9' NE of a mag 12 star.  NGC 1253 showed a little structure but I didn't take notes.

 

17.5" (1/7/89): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, no central brightening but contains a slightly brighter knot at the NE end.  A mag 12 star is involved at the west end 52" from the center and a mag 11 star is 2.9' ENE of center.  Forms a double system with NGC 1253A 3.7' ENE (just following the mag 11 star) which was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1253 = H IV-17 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280), reporting "a small star with a vF nebulous brush following, discovered with 240x. The brush was faint and about 1.5' or 2' long.  A star on each side which viewed were free from that brush that I drew them in the same part of the field."  His position was 6' too far south (at the beginning of this sweep, he noted "The rope being broken the PD is coarsely marked in revolutions of the axel").  d'Arrest corrected the position on 4 Jan 1864 and made a total of 4 accurate positions.

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NGC 1254 = MCG +00-09-033 = CGCG 390-032 = PGC 12052

03 14 23.8 +02 40 42; Cet

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Equidistant between mag 8.7 SAO 111066 5' SSW and mag 8.4 SAO 111068 5' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1254 = m 89 on 9 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta and logged "F, vS, stellar".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1255 = ESO 481-013 = MCG -04-08-050 = UGCA 60 = PGC 12007

03 13 32.2 -25 43 31; For

V = 10.9;  Size 4.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 117”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, large, fairly diffuse, weak concentration, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' SW of center.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1255 = LM 1-98 on 30 Aug 1883 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, page 226 and Object "b" in AN 108, 370, 1884) and described a "faint nebula, not large, pretty even in light.  A faint star close p and slightly south probably involved.  Star is s and f the nebula by about 30'."  Ormond Stone made an independent discovery in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, recording  "4.1'x2.0', PA 315”."  The NGC position is 2.5' south of ESO 481-013 = PGC 12007, although Stone's declination is accurate.

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NGC 1256 = ESO 547-023 = MCG -04-08-052 = PGC 12032

03 13 58.2 -21 59 10; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration to a small brighter core.  A mag 15 star lies 1.1' N.  Located 6.5' ESE of mag 9 SAO 168391.  In same field with NGC 1258 13' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1256 = h2516 on 13 Nov 1835, calling it "F, S, almost stellar, but E, has a * 8  preceding 7.5', 2' N."  His position and description (the star is mag 9.3 HD 20129) matches ESO 547-023 = PGC 12032.

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NGC 1257

03 16 59.5 +41 31 45; Per

 

= **, Corwin.  Misidentified in RNGC and RC3.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1257 = Big. 16 on 19 Oct 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but according to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan's position (once the position of his offset star is corrected) points directly to a close pair of 15th magnitude stars at 03 16 59.5 +41 31 45.  The RNGC, PGC and RC 3 misidentify UGC 3621 as NGC 1257.  This galaxy is 38 sec of RA preceding his published position and does not match the description. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1258 = ESO 547-024 = MCG -04-08-053 = PGC 12034

03 14 05.5 -21 46 28; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 17”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.  Appears ~1.5'x1.0' (slightly larger than listed dimensions).  In field with NGC 1256 13' SSW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1258 = LM 2-364 on 19 Nov 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 15.6, 1.2' dia, vlE 0”, GC 665 [NGC 1256] 12' south."  His position is just 0.2 min of RA east of ESO 547-024 = PGC 12034 and this galaxy is 13' N of NGC 1256.

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NGC 1259 = MCG +07-07-046 = PGC 12208

03 17 17.3 +41 23 07; Per

Size 0.7'x0.7'

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 15 star is at the west edge and a small trio of 13th mag star is close east.  In the central region of AGC 426 with NGC 1260 is 2.2' NE, UGC 2626 is 3.7' SW, MCG +07-07-048 is 2.3' ESE.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): extremely faint, very small.  An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at the west edge.  Located 3.7' NE of UGC 2626 = (R)NGC 1259.  First of three with NGC 1260 and MCG +07-07-48 within AGC 426.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1259 = Big. 17 on 21 Oct 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory and noted, "round, 25" diameter, vslbM".  With respect to Big. 18 = NGC 1260, his position is 11 sec of RA west and 1' S.  This offset corresponds to MCG +07-07-046 = PGC 12208 (11 sec west and 1.2' S).  MCG misidentifies NGC 1260 as NGC 1259 and the RNGC misidentifies UGC 2626 (3.7' SW of NGC 1259) as NGC 1259!

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NGC 1260 = UGC 2634 = MCG +07-07-047 = CGCG 540-081 = PGC 12219

03 17 27.2 +41 24 19; Per

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 86”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 45" length, strong concentration with a bright round core.  NGC 1259 lies 2.2' SW and MCG +07-07-048 is 1.8' SSE.  The latter galaxy appeared faint, small, round, 15" diameter. A mag ~14.5 star is at the west edge.

 

PGC 12206, picked up 3.2' NW, was very faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.  CGCG 540-085, 5' NE, was fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", very weak concentration with no distinct nucleus.  A distinctive triangle of mag 11 stars (sides 1' to 1.5') is a couple of arc minutes west.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, weak concentration.  This member of AGC 426 is the brightest of three with NGC 1259 2.2' SW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1260 = Big. 18 on 19 Oct 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, reporting "mag 13.3-13.4, 25" dia, no nucleus."  His position corresponds with UGC 2634 = PGC 12219.  MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 1259 and then misidentifies MCG +07-07-048 = PGC 12221 as NGC 1260.

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NGC 1261 = ESO 155-011

03 12 15.3 -55 13 01; Hor

V = 8.3;  Size 6.9';  Surf Br = 0.0

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, symmetric globular, ~5' diameter, with a large very bright condensed core (concentration class II).  A mag 9 star lies 3.6' NE of the center, just outside the halo.  At 171x, the halo is just resolved into a large number of faint stars.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 212x, the resolution was a bit better in the halo than with the 18", but the blazing core was still unresolved.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1261 = D 337 = h2517 on 28 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a very bright round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, pretty well defined and gradually bright to the centre. A small star north following."  No mention is made of resolution, though it should have been possible (brightest stars mag 13.5).

 

JH observed the cluster twice, first describing it on 5 Dec 1834 as a "globular, bright; large; irregularly round; 2.5' diameter; all resolved into equal stars 14 mag.  Has a star 9th mag 45” N.f. 3' distant."  On his second sweep he logged "pretty bright; round; very gradually brighter in the middle; 3' across; resolved into stars of 15th magnitude. A very faint nebula (??) precedes."  There is a close pair of extremely faint galaxies southwest of the globular, but I doubt Herschel could have picked these up.

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NGC 1262 = MCG -03-09-014 = PGC 12107

03 15 33.6 -15 52 46; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (12/30/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, no concentration.  Requires averted vision and could not hold steadily.  A mag 15 star lies 1.0' SW.

 

The redshift-based distance of this galaxy is nearly 1.1 billion l.y., with a second measurement in NED yielding 1.4 billion l.y!  The larger figure places it as the most distant NGC, further than NGC 5609 at 1.2 billion l.y.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1262 = LM 1-99 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 15.0, pS, iR, sbMN, halo 15.5."  Within the accuracy of his measurement (nearest minute of RA), his position matches MCG -03-09-014 = PGC 12107. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1263 = MCG -03-09-015 = PGC 12114

03 15 39.6 -15 05 55; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (12/30/99): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter.  Requires averted to glimpse.  Once or twice the small halo disappeared and an extremely faint stellar nucleus was momentarily visible.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1263 = LM 1-100 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recoerding it as "mag 14.0, 0.7' dia, lE 0”, sbM."  His very rough RA (nearest min of RA) is 0.7 min west of MCG -03-09-015 = PGC 12114.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1264 = UGC 2643 = MCG +07-07-050 = PGC 12270

03 17 59.5 +41 31 14; Per

V = 14.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 30”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', very small slightly brighter nucleus.  The nearest member of AGC 426 is PGC 12263, 1.4' S, which was extremely faint and small, 10" diameter, required averted to pick up. 5' to the SE are PGC 12292 and 12294, a close pair of mag 15V galaxies adjacent to a mag 11.5 star.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness.  An extremely faint companion is 1.5' SSW.  Member of AGC 426.

 

CGCG 540-085, which RNGC misidentifies as NGC 1264, is 4.4' SSW.  It appeared very faint, extremely small, round, even surface brightness.  Three stars forming a right triangle are 2'-3'  west.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1264 = Big. 19 on 19 Oct 1884 and noted "mag 13.3, 30" diameter, vslbM."  His position corresponds with UGC 2643 = PGC 12270.  The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 540-085 = PGC 12254 as NGC 1264.  UGC and MCG have the correct identification.  Discussed in RNGC Corrections #3 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1265 = UGC 2651 = MCG +07-07-052 = CGCG 540-088 = 3C 83.1 = PGC 12287

03 18 15.8 +41 51 28; Per

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 165”

 

24" (1/28/17): at 282x; large, very diffuse glow with a bright star superimposed just east of center!  This galaxy appeared as a low surface brightness haze perhaps 1.25' in diameter.  With careful viewing, there appeared to be a very small, slightly brighter core just west of the star.  A mag 10.4 star lies 2.7' S.  IC 312 lies 6' SSW.

 

17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, small, round glow. This member of the AGC 426 cluster is located just east of a mag 11 star and has a striking location. Forms a pair with IC 312 6' SSW.

Note:  The bright star is directly superimposed, so there was some confusion in this observation.

 

Note: In 2017 it was determined that based on the historical record NGC 1265 = IC 312 (description below) and the traditional identification NGC 1265 = UGC 2651 is incorrect.

 

24" (1/28/17): at 282x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4', small bright core.  PGC 12288, just 1.9' SE, appeared faint, small, elongated ~3:1 SSW-NNE, ~20"x7".  A mag 14-14.5 star is at the northeast end.  NGC 1265, a low surface brightness galaxy with a bright star superimposed, lies 6' NNE of IC 312.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1265 = Big. 20 on 14 Nov 1884 and reported "mag 13.3, 15" diameter, slbM." His position is 5 tsec of RA east and 1.4' south of UGC 2651 = PGC 12287.

 

In January 2017 I wrote Harold Corwin regarding my observation:  "[I] initially was stumped on NGC 1265. It took me a minute or two to notice NGC 1265 as a relatively large, diffuse glow surrounding a fairly bright star that is superimposed. The star is not evident on the DSS, but you can clearly see it on the SDSS, including its diffraction spikes. NGC 1265 supposedly has a V mag ~12, but I'm guessing that includes the star, and the glow of IC 312 at V = 13.4 was more obvious to me."

 

Corwin checked Bigourdan's records and found he misplaced his offset star by 8'.  Once corrected, his offset points to IC 312!  Although the 8 arcminute error is unexplained, Corwin concludes "it is clear that Bigiourdan discovered IC 312 and not UGC 2651."  Although he has updated his files to this identification, it will be difficult to change other databases and the literature on the Perseus galaxy cluster.

 

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NGC 1266 = MCG -01-09-023 = PGC 12131

03 16 00.8 -02 25 38; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, oval 3:2 ~E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1266 = H III-194 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and noted "eF and eS. 240 verified it"  There is nothing at his position, but 11.7' north and 13 sec of RA east is MCG -01-09-023 = PGC 12131. At the beginning of this sweep, WH noted "The rope being broken the PD is coarsely marked in revolutions of the axel." so this identification is reasonable.   Heinrich d'Arrest noted the error and measured an accurate micrometric position on 4 different nights and noted the mag 13 star 6 seconds of RA west and 1' south.

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NGC 1267 = UGC 2657 = MCG +07-07-055 = CGCG 540-092 = LGG 088-005 = PGC 12331

03 18 44.9 +41 28 04; Per

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.8'

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, fairly high surface brightness, increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 1268 1.0' N in the center of AGC 426 with a number of galaxies nearby including CGCG 540-089 1.8' WNW and NGC 1270 2.5' W.  Two mag 13 and 14 star are 1' S.  CGCG 540-087, 5.4' SW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 NNW-SSE, ~0,6'x0.4', broad weak concentration.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1268 1.0' N with CGCG 540-089 1.8' NW and NGC 1270 2.6' E.  Located in the rich central section of AGC 426 with CGCG 540-087 5.5' SW, NGC 1272 7.0' ENE and NGC 1275 12.2' ENE.

 

CGCG 540-089 is extremely faint and small, round.  Two mag 14 stars are close south just 16" and 32" from the center.

CGCG 540-087 is faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' N of center.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, small, compact, arc of stars just south.  In a group of 4 in AGC 426.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1267 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  He noted a size of 8" and his position (measured on 2 nights) is accurate.  The same night he also discovered nearby NGC 1268, 1270, 1272, 1273 and 1278.

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NGC 1268 = UGC 2658 = MCG +07-07-056 = CGCG 540-093 = WBL 097-013 = PGC 12332

03 18 45.1 +41 29 19; Per

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  PA = 120”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, very slightly elongated,~0.6'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness.  A 15th magnitude star is superimposed on the south side.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1267 1.2' S.  NGC 1268 has a significantly lower surface brightness.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): extremely faint and small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1267 1.2' S.  Also very near are CGCG 540-089 1.8' SW and NGC 1270 is 2.7' ESE.  Located in the central core of AGC 426 with NGC 1272 6.8' E.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): extremely faint, very small, diffuse.  Located 1' N of NGC 1267 in AGC 426.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1268 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  His position (measured on 2 nights) and description (1' north of NGC 1267) matches UGC 2658.  At the same time, he discovered and measured NGC 1267, 1270, 1272, 1273 and 1278.

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NGC 1269 = NGC 1291 = ESO 301-002 = MCG -07-07-008 = PGC 12209

03 17 18.2 -41 06 26; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1291.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1269 = h2518 on 1 Nov 1836, and logged "vB; R; glbM; 15"."  On the same sweep he found NGC 1291 = h2521 and strangely he recorded identical declinations and almost identical descriptions!  Could he have reobserved the same object unknowingly?  In MN, Vol 62, p469, Innes comments "not visible in the 7-inch [at the Cape of Good Hope].  This is perhaps the same as NGC 1291, observed by John Herschel on the same night.  JH gives for the latter exactly the same declination and description as for h2518."  Pietro Baracchi also searched for NGC 1269 unsuccessfully with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 16 Feb 1888.  The most reasonable conclusion is Herschel recorded this object twice and NGC 1269 = NGC 1291.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1270 = UGC 2660 = MCG +07-07-057 = CGCG 540-095 = LGG 088-006 = PGC 12350

03 18 58.1 +41 28 13; Per

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 15”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; relatively bright, fairly small, round, ~0.9' diameter, fairly high surface brightness, increases to the center, thin fainter halo.  In the central core of AGC 426 with the trio of NGC 1267, 1268 and CGCG 540-089 immediately west and NGC 1272 4.5' ENE.  PGC 12358, just 1.2' E, was faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, ~18" diameter, very faint stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core.  Located in the central core of AGC 426 with NGC 1267 2.6' W, NGC 1268 2.7' WNW and NGC 1272 4.4' ENE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, weak concentration.  Last of four in a small group in the core of AGC 426 with NGC 1267 2.5' W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1270 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory and placed it 14 seconds of time following NGC 1267.  At the same time, d'Arrest discovered nearby NGC 1267, 1268, 1272, 1273 and 1278.  Dreyer measured a micrometric offset from NGC 1272 in 12 Dec 1876.  Dreyer found this galaxy again on 11 Sep 1888 and reported it as new in his 8th list.  Dreyer correctly assumed Sw. VIII-30 was a reobservation of one of the earlier discoveries in the cluster, so didn't assign it an IC designation.

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NGC 1271 = CGCG 540-096 = PGC 12367

03 19 11.3 +41 21 12; Per

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.2'

 

17.5" (8/12/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Member of AGC 426.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1271 = Big. 21 on 14 Nov 1884, recording "mag 13.5, 20" diameter, no nucleus."  His position is just off the south edge of CGCG 540-096 = PGC 12367.

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NGC 1272 = UGC 2662 = MCG +07-07-058 = CGCG 540-098 = LGG 091-003 = PGC 12384

03 19 21.3 +41 29 27; Per

V = 11.8;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; bright, fairly large (largest in AGC 426!), round, ~2' diameter.  Strongly concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to the center but no central pip.  The surface brightness of the core is lower than NGC 1275, which is 5' ENE.

 

PGC 12387, located 3.7' S, appeared faint, small, elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 0.3'x0.1'.

PGC 12409, located 3.0' E, appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  Collinear with two stars 0.9' NNW (mag 11.6) and 1.5' NNW (mag 14.5).

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core.  This galaxy is the second brightest in AGC 426 and forms the SW vertex of a distinctive parallelogram of brighter galaxies with NGC 1275 5' ENE, NGC 1273 3.1' NNE and NGC 1278/1277 7.5' NE.  Also located midway between NGC 1275 and NGC 1270 4.4' WSW.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core. 

 

8" (1/1/84): extremely faint and small, round.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1272 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  He estimated a size of 45"-50" diameter and measured the position on 2 nights (27 seconds preceding NGC 1275).  The same night he found NGC 1267, 1268, 1270, 1273 and 1278.

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NGC 1273 = MCG +07-07-059 = CGCG 540-099 = LGG 088-029 = PGC 12396

03 19 26.7 +41 32 26; Per

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; relatively bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, very small bright nucleus.  One of a dozen galaxies logged within 8'!  Forms the NW vertex of a trapezoid with NGC 1272, 1274 and 1275 and at the midpoint of NGC 1272 3' SSW and CGCG 540-101 3' NNE.  CGCG 540-101 (misidentified as IC 1907 in RC3 and PGC) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter.  An equilateral triangle of mag 14 stars is close south.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Forms the NW vertex of a parallelogram of brighter galaxies in the core of AGC 426 with NGC 1272 3.1' SSW, NGC 1275 4.4' ESE, and NGC 1278 5.3' ENE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small.  Located 4.4' WNW of NGC 1275 in the core of AGC 426.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1273 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  His position (measured on 2 nights) matches CGCG 540-099 = PGC 12396.  The same night he discovered NGC 1267, 1268, 1270, 1272 and 1278.

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NGC 1274 = MCG +07-07-062 = CGCG 540-102 = PGC 12413

03 19 40.5 +41 32 55; Per

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 43”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 25"x15", slightly brighter nucleus.  Located in the center of an oval ring of galaxies in the core of AGC 426.  The four nearest are NGC 1278 2.7' NE, NGC 1275 2.6' SE, NGC 1273 2.6' WSW and CGCG 540-101 2.2' NW!  The latter galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter.  An equilateral triangle of mag 14 stars is close south.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, weak concentration, slightly elongated.  Located in the dense central core of AGC 426 just 2.7' NW of NGC 1275 and 2.6' E of NGC 1273.

 

CGCG 540-101 = PGC 12405, which is misidentified as IC 1907 in MCG, PGC and RC3, lies 2.3' NW.  It appeared very faint, small, round.  A small triangle of stars is close south.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, very small. Located 2.7' NW of NGC 1275 within AGC 426.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1274 on 13 Dec 1874 and labeled it as "d" on his sketch.  The sketch and micrometric offset from a nearby star matches CGCG 540-102 = PGC 12413.  This galaxy is identified as IC 1907 (discovered by Bigourdan on 22 Oct 1884 and included in list IV-375).  But Harold Corwin equates IC 1907 with NGC 1278 (see that number). Thomson has a long discussion on the identify of IC 1907 in his IC survey.

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NGC 1275 = UGC 2669 = MCG +07-07-063 = CGCG 540-103 = Perseus A = 3C 84 = PGC 12429

03 19 48.1 +41 30 43; Per

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 110”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; bright, fairly large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, ~1.6'x1.3'.  Divided into three distinct zones; sharply concentrated with a strong bright core, a prominent quasi-stellar nucleus and a halo that gradually fades out. Similar or slightly smaller in size to NGC 1272, but with a higher surface brightness core/nucleus.  A mag 13.8 star is just off the NW side.  A dozen members of AGC 426 were logged within 5' of NGC 1275!  The closest is PGC 12441, 1.5' NE of center.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly bright, fairly small, oval ~E-W, small bright core.  NGC 1275 is a Seyfert galaxy and is the largest and brightest member of AGC 426.  Surrounded by a swarm of faint galaxies in the core including NGC 1272 5.2' WSW, NGC 1273 4.4' WNW, NGC 1274 2.6' NW, NGC 1277 3.7' NNE, NGC 1278 3.3' NNE, NGC 1279 2.8' SE, NGC 1281 7.8' NNE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright, fairly small, small bright core. 

 

8" (1/1/84): faint but not difficult, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.

 

6" (10/24/87): extremely faint and small, round.  Used a 6" mask on the 17.5".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1275 = H II-603 = h293 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and recorded "pretty bright, stellar [nebula], or a pretty considerable star with a small, vF chevelure."  William's position was 1.5' too far south.  John Herschel made a single observation on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182) and measured an accurate position. NGC 1275 was observed by Lord Rosse's assistant Johnstone Stoney on 16 Dec 1848.  He noted "A multitude of nebs. knots in the neighborhood, principally preceding; counted 15; many more."

 

Heinrich d'Arrest observed the cluster on 14 Feb 1863 (discovering NGC 1267, 1268, 1270, 1272, 1273 and 1278) and described NGC 1275 as a "nebula duplex", the second component being NGC 1278 about 3' NE, so d'Arrest was the first to observe NGC 1278.  But he wasn't sure which of the two nebulae was NGC 1275 (H. II-603), so reported his observation of NGC 1275 as new and noted for NGC 1278: "II 603? [h]293?".  John Herschel credited d'Arrest with the discovery of GC 675 (later NGC 1278), but Dreyer thought WH discovered NGC 1278 and he mistakenly assigned d'Arrest's discovery to NGC 1275.  Steinicke agrees (personal e-mail) that Dreyer reversed the discovery credits and descriptions for NGC 1275 and NGC 1278 in the NGC and concludes:

NGC 1275 = II 603 = h 293 = GC 674, discovered by WH on 17 Oct 1786 and observed by d'Arrest on 14 Feb 1863.

NGC 1278 = GC 675, discovered by d'Arrest on 14 Feb 1863 and independently by Bigourdan on 22 Oct 1884 (IC 1907).

 

NGC 1275 contains a Sy2 nucleus and is one of the 6 original galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".  It is a powerful radio source (Perseus A)

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NGC 1276

03 19 51.2 +41 38 31; Per

 

= **, Corwin.  = PGC 12430, Malcolm Thomson and RNGC.  Below are my notes for PGC 12430 at 03 19 47.8 +41 35 47.

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  In the central core of the Perseus galaxy cluster 2.8' NNE of NGC 1273 and 3.9' WNW of NGC 1278.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, oval.  Located in the central core of AGC 426 on a line with NGC 1277 and NGC 1278 2' SE.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1276 on 12 Dec 1876 while measured positions within the cluster.  From NGC 1278, his micrometric offset is 291" in PA 352.3” (or 3.5 seconds of RA west and 4.8' north).  There is no galaxy close to this offset, but at 4.7' separation in PA 353” is a 15" pair of stars that Corwin identifies as NGC 1276.  I'm surprised Dreyer didn't resolve this pair, though perhaps he thought one component was nebulous.

 

Malcolm Thomson suggested PGC 12430 as a possible match though the offsets are 6 seconds of RA west of NGC 1278 and only 2' N.  Karl Reinmuth stated in his 1926 monograph, "not found [on a Heidelberg plate] in Dreyer's place; perhaps 1.6' nnp of NGC 1277."  Reinmuth also refers to PGC 12430, but no simple error in Dreyer's offsets lands of this galaxy. RNGC also appears to identify PGC 12430 as NGC 1276.

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NGC 1277 = MCG +07-07-064 = CGCG 540-104 = LGG 088-007 = PGC 12434

03 19 51.5 +41 34 25; Per

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 92”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, fairly high surface brightness, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a "double" with NGC 1278" just 45" SE between centers.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, oval ~E-W, small bright core.  Located in the central core of AGC 426 3.7' N of NGC 1275 and forms a close pair with NGC 1278 0.8' SE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, extremely small.  Located 0.8' NW of NGC 1278.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1277 on 4 Dec 1875.  Dreyer independently found the galaxy a year later on 12 Dec 1876 and both observations are included in Dreyer's GC Supplement (5304 = 5305).  Dreyer equated the GC entries in the NGC.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 14 Sep 1888 and reported it as new as the 32nd nebula in his 8th list, writing "eeeF; vS; R; close D[ouble] with 1276; M[iddle] of 3 in line; 1271, 73, 76, 78 in field".  His position is within 1' of NGC 1277 and the description applies, except it forms a close double with NGC 1278.  Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation to Sw. VIII-32, apparently correctly deciding it was a duplicate.  Unfortunately, Sw. VIII-31 didn't receive an IC designation either, although it applies to PGC 12430 (described as "one of 3 in a line").

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NGC 1278 = IC 1907 = UGC 2670 = MCG +07-07-065 = CGCG 540-105 = PGC 12438

03 19 54.1 +41 33 48; Per

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 85”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 40" diameter, bright core, gradually increases to center.  Slightly brighter than NGC 1277, which is off the northwest side [50" from center].  PGC 12436, off the SSW edge [52" from center], was glimpsed as an extremely faint, round spot, 10" diameter.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval, small bright core.  Located in the central core of AGC 426.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1277 0.8' NW with V Zw 339 1.4' ESE.  NGC 1278 is situated at the NE corner of a parallelogram with NGC 1275 3.4' SSW, NGC 1272 7.5' SW and NGC 1273 5.3' WSW.  V Zw 339 appeared extremely faint and small, round.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small.  Located 3.4' N of NGC 1275 and forms a close pair with NGC 1277.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1278 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  WH (II-603) is credited with the discovery in the NGC, but H. II-603 and h293 should apply to NGC 1275 instead, as well as the description "pB, pS, R, bM".  Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 22 Oct 1884 and reported it in his 4th Comptes Rendus list as Big. 375 (later IC 1907).  Both d'Arrest and Bigourdan missed nearby NGC 1277. See notes on NGC 1275 for more on the confusion of NGC 1275 and 1278.

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NGC 1279 = PGC 12448 = PGC 12449

03 19 59.0 +41 28 47; Per

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (8/12/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Visible continuously with averted vision.  Located in the central core of AGC 426 just 2.8' SE of NGC 1275!  This galaxy is not listed in MCG, CGCG or RC3 and was incorrectly identified in the PGC.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): extremely faint, very small, near visual threshold.  Located 2.8' SE of NGC 1275.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1279 on 12 Dec 1876 with the 72" at Birr Castle. He simply logged "vF, vS" and measured a micrometric offset from a star between NGC 1275 and NGC 1272 at 272.4" in PA 104.5”.  At this precise offset (270" in PA 105”) is PGC 12448 = PGC 12449 (duplicate entries in the PGC).  The PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentifies PGC 12450 = V Zw 338 as NGC 1279.  The current versions of HyperLEDA and NED have the correct identification.

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NGC 1280 = UGC 2652 = MCG +00-09-050 = PGC 12262

03 17 57.1 -00 10 09; Cet

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1280 = St XII-25 on 19 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at Marseille Observatory, recording "vF, vS, R, gbM, seems resolvable".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1281 = MCG +07-07-067 = CGCG 540-108 = PGC 12458

03 20 06.1 +41 37 48; Per

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 68”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 30"x24", sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core that has a high surface brightness.  A mag 10.5 star is 1.0' WSW. Located 4.6' NNE of NGC 1278 in the core of AGC 426.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE.  Located in the central core of AGC 426 1.0' NE of a mag 10 star.  NGC 1275 lies 7.8' SSW.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1281 on 12 Dec 1876 with the 72" at Birr Castle and noted "vF, S, *11m 1' p".  With respect to NGC 1278 (incorrectly identified by Dreyer as h674), this object was placed 10.8 seconds of RA east and 239" N.  This micrometric offset points exactly at CGCG 540-108 = PGC 12458 and the description matches.

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NGC 1282 = UGC 2675 = MCG +07-07-068 = CGCG 540-109 = PGC 12471

03 20 12.1 +41 22 02; Per

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1283 2' NNE in the core of AGC 426.  NGC 1275 lies 10' NW.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, slightly brighter core.  Located 1' E of a mag 13.5 star.

 

13" (1/8/84): faint, fairly small, diffuse halo. Located 10' SE of NGC 1275.  Forms a pair with NGC 1283.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1282 = Big. 22 on 23 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, describing "mag 13.2-13.3, 20" diameter, faint stellar ncl." His position is accurate.

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NGC 1283 = UGC 2676 = MCG +07-07-069 = CGCG 540-110 = PGC 12478

03 20 15.5 +41 23 55; Per

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, round.  A pair of stars are close north.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 13.5 star 1' N and a mag 14 star 1' NNW.  This member of AGC 426 forms a pair with NGC 1282 2' SSW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1283 = Big. 23 on 23 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, reporting "mag 13.4, 20" diamewter, vlbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1284 = MCG -02-09-022 = PGC 12247

03 17 45.5 -10 17 20; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A wide mag 13.5/14.5 double at 26" lies 2' SSE.  Located 9.8' NNW of mag 7.1 SAO 148889.  Appears fainter than listed V = 12.1.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1284 = H III-956 = h2519 on 10 Dec 1798 (sweep 1087) and noted "vF, vS, 2 or 3' north of 2 small stars.". His position matches MCG -02-09-022 = PGC 12247.

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NGC 1285 = MCG -01-09-026 = PGC 12259

03 17 53.4 -07 17 54; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak broad concentration but no defined core.  Slightly mottled or irregular surface brightness.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1285 on 28 Oct 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  His single position is just off the east side of the galaxy.

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NGC 1286 = MCG -01-09-025 = PGC 12250

03 17 48.5 -07 37 01; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

18" (11/23/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core.  A mag 15 star is just of the west side, ~40" from the center.  Located 4.9' ENE of mag 9.7 SAO 130402 and 3.4' NNW of a mag 10.4 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1286 = Sw. III-25 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 7 sec  of RA east of MCG -01-09-025 = PGC 12250.

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NGC 1287 = PGC 12310

03 18 33.4 -02 43 51; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Located 9' NW of mag 7.1 SAO 130415.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1287 = H III-195 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and noted "eF, eS, verified with 240 power."  His RA is 13 seconds too large. Heinrich d'Arrest noted the error and his mean position (3 nights) is close off the northeast edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 1288 = ESO 357-013 = MCG -05-08-025 = PGC 12204

03 17 13.2 -32 34 34; For

V = 12.1;  Size 2.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (12/28/00): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 2.0'x1.5', broad concentration with no distinct.  The surface brightness appears somewhat uneven (face-on Sb) although the outer halo fades smoothly into the background.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1288 = h2520 on 19 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF; L; R; vglbM; 2.5' diam."  His position and description is accurate.  Lewis Swift saw the galaxy as "considerably elongated in the meridian [N-S].  It is not round as Sir J. Herschel says."

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NGC 1289 = IC 314 = UGC 2666 = MCG +00-09-054 = CGCG 390-055 = PGC 12342

03 18 49.8 -01 58 24; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, better than average surface brightness, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 E-W, strong concentration with a prominent core that increases to a stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, broad concentration to a brighter core.  An 8' line of four mag 11-13 stars oriented SW-NE follows; the closest is a mag 11 star 3.6' ESE.  NGC 1298 lies 22' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1289 = Sw. IV-13 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R; 4 st following in a row.".  His position was 11 seconds of RA west of UGC 2666 but his description of the 4 stars applies so the identity is not in doubt.  Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 14 Dec 1887 and measured an accurate position for Big. 140 (later IC 134).  So, NGC 1289 = IC 314, with discovery priority to Swift.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, measured an accurate micrometric position for NGC 1289 and reported "the "4 st following" are of about mag 10, and are not close together, the farthest being perhaps 10' from the nebula."  As only one galaxy was found on plates taken with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan observatory in 1927-31, the 1935 bulletin reported NGC 1289 didn't exist.

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NGC 1290 = PGC 12395

03 19 25.2 -13 59 23; Eri

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Located 1.3' SE of a mag 13.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 1295 9' due east.  The identifications of NGC 1290 and NGC 1295 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1290 = LM 1-101 (along with NGC 1295 = LM 1-102) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) but 1.2 tmin of RA east is PGC 12395.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

 

RNGC and MCG misidentify MCG -02-09-030 as NGC 1290.  The correct identification is NGC 1295 = MCG -02-09-030.

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NGC 1291 = NGC 1269 = ESO 301-002 = MCG -07-07-008 = PGC 12209

03 17 18.2 -41 06 26; Eri

V = 8.5;  Size 9.8'x8.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 156”

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; extremely bright, large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x2.7', very bright core with an intense nucleus.  A mag 12.2 star is is superimposed at the N edge 1.7' from center and a second very faint star is superimposed in the halo on the south side.  The huge outer ring was not noticed.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very bright, fairly large, contains a very bright, large core.  A mag 12 star is just off the north end 1.7' from the center.  Mag 8 SAO 216239 lies 11' SSW.  Viewed at only 10” elevation.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): very bright, moderately large, round, very bright core, almost stellar nucleus, large faint halo.  A star is involved on the north side.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1291 = D 487 = h2521 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and recorded "a pretty bright round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, very bright and condensed to the centre, and very faint at the margin; with a very small star about 1' north, but not involved.".  His position is 4' too far ESE.  John Herschel observed this galaxy on 1 Nov 1836 and also catalogued h2518 (later NGC 1269).  The declination and descriptions are identical for his two entries, but differ by 2.6 minutes of time.  Clearly, Herschel was confused and recorded the object twice.  So, NGC 1269 = NGC 1291.

 

On a second sweep Herschel described the galaxy as "Globular; vB, R, 1st gradually, then suddenly very mbM; r, mottled, but not resolved.", so Dreyer identified this galaxy as a globular in the NGC description.  In a 1908 paper in Annals of the Harvard College Observatory, Solon Bailey expressed his doubt on the object's nature: "This object is given as a globular cluster in the NGC.  This appears probable, although it is not resolved on the [24"] Bruce plates [at Arequipa]."  He later included it in a list of uncertain or not probable globular star cluster.

 

Based on the photographs taken 30-inch reflector at the Cordoba observatory in Argentina, Charles Perrine first described the large outer ring in 1922 as "about one and one-half turns of a helix, the doubled portion (showing two streams) being to the north of the nuclear portion of the nebula.  The diameter of the helix is about 7'."

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NGC 1292 = ESO 418-001 = MCG -05-08-026 = PGC 12285

03 18 14.8 -27 36 37; For

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 7”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, bright core.  A group of four stars lies to the north includes a mag 11 double star at 24" separation 3' NE, a third mag 11 star 4.4' NNE and a mag 12 star 3' due north.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1292 in Nov 1885 with the 6" Cooke refractor at Vanderbilt University.  His position and description in Sidereal Messenger 5, p25 ("rather faint, moderate size, elongated nearly north and south, just south and slightly preceding a small wide double-star") is accurate.

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NGC 1293 = MCG +07-07-075 = CGCG 540-116 = PGC 12597

03 21 36.4 +41 23 35; Per

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 1294 2' SSE.  Member of AGC 426.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1293 = H III-574 = h294, along with NGC 1294, on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and described both as "Two [NGC 1293 and NGC 1294]. Both vF, stellar, vlbM, but the southern [NGC 1294] is the brightest and largest."  His position was ~10 seconds of RA too far west.  Johnb Herschel recorded on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182), "eF; R; bM; the np of 2 [with NGC 1294]."  He made an error computing the declination, but his  identifications are clear.

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NGC 1294 = UGC 2694 = MCG +07-07-076 = CGCG 540-117 = PGC 12600

03 21 40.0 +41 21 36; Per

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1293 2' NNW.  Member of AGC 426.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1294 = H III-575 = h295, along with NGC 1293, on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and described these as "Two [NGC 1293 and NGC 1294]. Both vF, stellar, vlbM, but the southern [NGC 1294] is the brightest and largest."  His position was ~10 seconds of RA too far west.  Furthermore, John Herschel mistaenly called this galaxy the "north-following of two" on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182).

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NGC 1295 = MCG -02-09-030 = PGC 12465

03 20 03.3 -13 59 54; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.3' NW.  Located 3' WSW of a mag 10.3 star and 8' N of mag 9 SAO 148906.  Forms a pair with NGC 1295 9' due east.  The identifications of NGC 1290 and NGC 1295 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1295 = LM 1-102 (along with NGC 1290 = I-101) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His description reads "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, *10 3.0' in PA 75” (ENE)."  There is nothing at Stone's rough position (nearest minute of RA) but 1 min of RA east is MCG -02-09-030 = PGC 12465 and the star is just where he placed it.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 1290 in RNGC and MCG.

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NGC 1296 = MCG -02-09-025 = PGC 12341

03 18 49.7 -13 03 44; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (12/30/99): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration.  At 280x, there is a hint of structure or possibly a very faint star is attached.  The DSS image shows a barred spiral with spiral arms attached at the east and west ends of the bar.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1296 = LM 1-365 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, reporting "0.2' diam, R".  His position is 34 tsec of RA east of MCG -02-09-025 = PGC 12341.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.

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NGC 1297 = ESO 547-030 = MCG -03-09-017 = LGG 090-001 =  PGC 12373

03 19 14.2 -19 06 00; Eri

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright with a large faint halo nearly 2' diameter, broadly concentrated halo, small bright nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge 1' NNE of center.  Companion of NGC 1300, which lies 20' SSE.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1297 around Jan 1885 with his 5-inch Byrne refractor while sweeping comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, p53 and The Observatory 8, p123).  He called it "small, round, and very much brighter, somewhat suddently, in the centre.  Rather faint from its generally low altitude.  It is south following a 9th mag star by 1 1/4'. This nebula is 20'± north preceding a larger nebula.  I have taken this latter nebula to be [NGC 1300], with an error of one degree in declination."

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NGC 1298 = UGC 2683 = MCG +00-09-062 = CGCG 390-063 = PGC 12473

03 20 13.1 -02 06 51; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, oval slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  NGC 1289 lies 22' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1298 on 4 Jan 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  His position (observed on 2 nights) is very good and he accurately measured a mag 13-14 star that precedes by 8 seconds of time.  The MCG misidentifies MCG +00-09-063 as NGC 1298.

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NGC 1299 = MCG -01-09-028 = PGC 12466

03 20 09.6 -06 15 45; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, irregular surface brightness.  A bright knot or possibly a star is superimposed at the NE end.  The galaxy appears to extend out from the pointed NE corner towards the SW.  MCG +01-09-027 lies 14' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1299 = H II-287 = h296 on 27 Jan 1785, logging it as "F, vS, lE, easily resolvable, unequally bright."  On 15 Dec 1786 (sweep 650) he noted "vF, pS, E."

 

NGC 1299 was observed 9 times at Birr Castle, perhaps trying to resolve it.  The earliest was made by assistant Johnstone Stoney on 19 Dec 1848 and noted as "gbM; E [southwest-northeast]."

 

The position angle is off by 90 deg in the RC 3.

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NGC 1300 = ESO 547-031 = MCG -03-09-018 = UGCA 66 = LGG 090-002 = PGC 12412

03 19 41.0 -19 24 40; Eri

V = 10.4;  Size 6.2'x4.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 106”

 

48" (10/25/14 and 10/29/16): the northern spiral arm is brightest and thickest in the 1' section, oriented SW-NE, where it attaches to the bar.  At 375x and 488x at least three knots (HII complexes) were clearly resolved along this region.  The brightest knot is on the southwest end (close to the end of the bar) and appears as a very faint, small, elongated glow, ~12"x8".  This HII complex contains NGC 1300:[H69] 16/19 from Paul Hodge's 1969 "HII Regions in Twenty Nearby Galaxies" (ApJS, 18, 73).  [H69] 15, the next brightest knot, is 0.3' NE and appeared very faint and small, ~8" diameter.  Finally, [H69] 14, the faintest knot, is near the northeast end of this arm segment (~15" NE of [H69] 15) and is extremely faint and small, 6" diameter.  The northern arm appears to fade out as it extends east (north of the core) but reappears along the eastern end of the arm.

 

The root of the southern arm at the east end of the bar is brighter and thicker, but no HII regions were resolved.  The long southern arm could be traced the full length (nearly 4') sweeping west and arcing north on its western half. A small, weak knot is at the very tip, which is 2.5' W of center (on line with the bar).

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): beautiful classic barred spiral at 303x!  A prominent 3' bar runs WNW-ESE and contains a very bright, roundish 1' core that gradually brightens to the center.  An easily visible arm is attached at the east end of the bar.  It hooks sharply to the west on the south side, gradually curling towards the north.  The arm has a fairly even surface brightness except where is attaches to the bar in a brighter, thicker section.  It ends nearly due west of the core [2.2' from center].  An opposing arm is attached at the west end of the bar and is brightest initially along a clumpy section (containing at least 2 resolved knots) angling from southwest to northeast.  The central section of the northern arm (directly north of the core) has a very low surface brightness but it brightens in a thin section near the east end. The two main arms extend at least 4.5'x3' ~E-W

 

48" (10/25/11): this prototype barred spiral was mesmerizing at 375x.  Running roughly E-W through the center is a long bright bar, ~3' in length.  The center is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright 1' core that continues to increase to a stellar nucleus.  At the west end of the bar, a fairly bright arm emerges and hooks back dramatically to the east (counterclockwise) to the north of the bar and continues to the northeast end of the galaxy.  The arm is brightest in a thick arc, oriented SW-NE, where it attaches to the bar.  The central section of the arm to the north of the core is slightly fainter and then brightens slightly on its northeast end.  A mag 15.5-16 star is superimposed in the gap between this arm and the core, 45" NE of center.  The second arm emerges at the east end of the bar and is brightest initially in a fairly thick arc extending counterclockwise to the southwest.  This arm is slightly more separated from the core as it gracefully curves to the southwest side of the galaxy.  The two main arms increase the overall size of the galaxy to 5'x3' WNW-ESE.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly bright, elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A spiral arm is visible at the west end of the central bar curving to the north.  NGC 1297 lies 20' NNW.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, fairly large, elongated, low surface brightness, diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1300 = h2522 on 11 Dec 1835, recording "B; vL; 1st very gradually then pretty suddenly vmbM; 3' l; 2' b; mE. (N.B. These dimensions can only refer to the brighter portions.)" His second descriptions reads: "pF, vL; 1st gradually then pretty suddenly bM to a F nucleus; mE 8' or 10' l, 2' b.".  Herschel's position (2 observations) is accurate but in the GC he accidentally placed GC 689 = NGC 1300 one degree too far south  Barnard caught this error (Sidereal Messenger 4, p125) and Dreyer corrected the position while compiling the NGC.

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NGC 1301 = ESO 547-032 = MCG -03-09-022 = PGC 12521

03 20 35.4 -18 42 58; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 2.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 15 star lies 1.7' NNW of center. Located 30' NW of NGC 1297 and 44' NNW of NGC 1300.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1301 = LM 1-103 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, logging "mag 13.0, iF, vmE 135”."  His rough position is 13' NW of  ESO 547-032 = PGC 1252, but there is no question about the identification as the position angle matches this galaxy.

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NGC 1302 = ESO 481-020 = MCG -04-08-058 = PGC 12431

03 19 51.0 -26 03 37; For

V = 10.7;  Size 3.9'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 172”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly bright, compact, oval ~N-S, small very bright core.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.9' NE of center.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly faint, bright core, fairly small, round.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1302 around Jan 1885 with his 5-inch Byrne refractor while sweeping comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, p53 and The Observatory 8, p123).  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1303 = MCG -01-09-029 = PGC 12527

03 20 40.8 -07 23 40; Eri

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 30"x25".  The halo suddenly brightens to a sharp 5" nucleus.  A mag 15 star is just off the southeast side 20" from center.  Forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with  mag 9.7 SAO 130433 6' SSE and mag 10.1 SAO 130427 6' WSW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1303 on 28 Oct 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches MCG -01-09-029 = PGC 12527 and his comment that "two or three stars are involved" refers to a star right along the eastern edge and probably the nucleus.

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NGC 1304 = NGC 1307 = MCG -01-09-030 = PGC 12575

03 21 12.8 -04 35 03; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1304 = H III-444 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and logged  "eF, pS, E.".  His position (reduced by Auwers) is just 3 sec of RA east and 2' S of MCG -01-09-030 = PGC 12575.  Corwin suggests that NGC 1307, discovered by Francis Leavenworth (II-366) in 1886 is probably a duplicate observation of PGC 12575.  Leavenworth's position is 1.0 tmin east (a common error), though his note of a "*9.5 f 8s, north 3'." does not match.  But there is a mag 11.5-12 star 6 sec of RA west and 3.2' W, which might be Leavenworth's star.

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NGC 1305 = UGC 2697 = MCG +00-09-069 = CGCG 390-072 = PGC 12582

03 21 23.0 -02 19 01; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S.  A faint mag 15.5 star is 30" off the NE edge and 0.9' from center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1305 on 4 Jan 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen, logging it as "pB, R, 20" diam, *15 near the northern end."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 1306 = ESO 481-023 = PGC 12559

03 21 03.0 -25 30 45; For

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (12/30/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Weak, even concentration to a slightly brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Located 17' WNW of mag 6.5 SAO 168493.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1306 = LM 1-103 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.8, vS, gbM, no Nucl, *10.5 4' E."  His rough position matches ESO 481-023 = PGC 12559.  There is no star as bright as mag 10.5 to the east, but a mag 12.5 star 3.3' NE may be the intended star.  The RA was corrected in Robert Baker's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".

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NGC 1307 = NGC 1304 = MCG -01-09-030 = PGC 12637

03 21 12.8 -04 35 03; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1304.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1307 = LM 2-366 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, reporting "mag 15.3, 0.2' diam, R, *9.5 follows 8 sec, north 3'."  Close to his discovery position is KUG 319-47 = PGC 12637, though this galaxy may be too faint to have picked up by Leavenworth.  Corwin suggests that NGC 1307 is identical to NGC 1304, discovered earlier by William Herschel.  This brighter galaxy is 1 tmin of RA west of Leavenworth's position (a common error).  Although there is no star matching Leavenworth's description, Corwin suggests a mag 11.5-12 star 6 tsec of RA west and 3.2' north might be Leavenworth's intended star.  If Leavenworth reversed his directions, then NGC 1307 = NGC 1304.  RNGC calls NGC 1307 nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1308 = MCG -01-09-032 = PGC 12643

03 22 28.6 -02 45 27; Eri

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located within a small group of four stars including two mag 11 stars 1.5' E and 1.9' NNW, also a pair of mag 13.5 stars lie 2' WSW.  These four stars form an isosceles trapezoid.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1308 = H II-568 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 608), recording "eF, S, iF. In the midst of 3 or 4 stars; the following thereof is the brightest."  His position and description of the nearby stars is an exact match with MCG -01-09-032 = PGC 12643.

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NGC 1309 = MCG -03-09-028 = PGC 12626

03 22 06.3 -15 24 00; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly bright, moderately large, halo gradually increases to brighter middle, faint almost stellar nucleus, well-defined halo slightly elongated SW-NE.  Located 4' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 148921.

 

8" (11/28/81): fairly faint, small, round.  A mag 8 star is 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1309 = H I-106 = h2523 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 451), logging it as "cB, cL, iR, bM, 3' diameter."  JH described it as "pF, R, glbM, pos from a * 7 mag = 31”, difference in RA 7.5 sec, * 4' S."

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NGC 1310 = ESO 357-019 = MCG -06-08-004 = LGG 094-001 = PGC 12569

03 21 03.5 -37 06 07; For

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, moderately large, the halo is slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.8'x1.4'.  The halo is weakly concentrated to a slightly brighter, 1' round core.  Located 20' WNW of NGC 1316 (Fornax A) and 8' SW of mag 9.4 SAO 194250.  Member of the Fornax I Cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1310 = h2524 on 22 Oct 1835 and reported "vF, R, pL, vlbM; 90 arcsec."  His position is 2' S of ESO 357-019 = PGC 12569.  On a later sweep he called it a globular cluster (three other members of the Fornax cluster were also described as globulars).  In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was a probably not a globular cluster, but a nebula, based on a visual observation with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.

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NGC 1311 = ESO 200-007 = LGG 093-005 = PGC 12460

03 20 07.2 -52 11 11; Hor

V = 13.0;  Size 3.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 40”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 2.2'x0.6', broad concentration with a large, brighter core but no distinct nucleus.  Located 9.5' S of mag 8.4 HD 20916.  Member of the Dorado Group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1311 = h2525 on 24 Dec 1837, recording it as "F, mE in position 37.3 degrees; gbM, 2' long, 15 arcseconds broad.".  His position and description is accurate.  NGC 1311 and NGC 1356 are included in a list of 46 nebulae recorded on two plates made with the Bruce telescope in October 1898 by DeLisle Stewart (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1899HarCi..38....1P).

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NGC 1312

03 23 41.7 +01 11 05; Tau

 

= **, Corwin.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 1312 = HN 23 on 16 Dec 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted "a circular nebulosity", but at his exact position is a double star at 03 23 41.7 +01 11 05 (J2000).  Bigourdan was unable to find this object and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, mentions "perhaps *, ef * ssf vnr."  RNGC, CGCG, UGC, MCG and RC3 all misidentify UGC 2711 as NGC 1312.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1313 = ESO 082-011 = VV 436 = AM 0317-664 = PGC 12286

03 18 16.1 -66 29 53; Tuc

V = 8.7;  Size 9.1'x6.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 39”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this was the first object I took a look at using the 24" f/3.7 as it was the brightest galaxy I had yet to observe.  I was amazed to find a striking, two-armed barred spiral with obvious bright HII knots in the arms!  At 200x the main body of the galaxy appeared as a bright oval or wide bar ~4.5'x3.5' oriented SSW-NNE with a central bulge.  A relatively short spiral arm emerges from the south-southwest end and hooks towards the northwest.  Embedded with this extension is [PES80] 5/6, a brighter elongated HII knot, ~30"x20".  A mag 15 star is west of the northwest end of this arm.

 

Just east of the north-northeast end of the main bar is [PES80] 1, another brighter HII knot, ~30"x15" and oriented E-W.  A faint star (or stellar knot) is less than 1' NW.  This bright HII region is embedded in a diffuse arm that curves gently east-southeast from the north end of the bar.  After the bright knot, this extension dims but ends at [PES80] 3, a third bright knot ~15" diameter, which is isolated the end of this arm (nearly due east of the core).  The HII designations are from the 1980 study by Page, Edmunds and Smith in MNRAS, 193, 219.

 

NGC 1313A = ESO 83-1, located 16' SE, appeared as a fairly small, thin edge-on oriented 4:1 SSW-NNE, ~0.6'x0.15'.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1313 = D 206 = h2528 on 27 Sep 1826, describing "a faint ill-defined nebula, rather extended in the direction of the meridian, with several exceedingly minute stars in it."  John Herschel only observed this bright galaxy on one sweep and logged "pB, irreg R or lE, vL, vgbM, resolvable, 3'."

 

Joseph Turner observed and sketched the galaxy on 13 Nov 1878 with the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope (p.194 of logbook).  He sketched the central bar oriented N-S, broader on the south end and tapering on the east end.  Just north of end of the "bar" he sketched a small knot, probably a HII region.  A small elongated patch was seen just east of the north end of the bar, oriented NW-SE (part of the eastern spiral arm).  A symmetric elongated patch was shown just west of the south end, also oriented NW-SE (this is the brightest section of the western arm).

 

Pietro Baracchi also observed the galaxy on 4 Dec 1885 and wrote, "pB, vL, irregular, pmbM,. This object is complicated.  It seems to have appendages not quite detached from the main body but alomost separated from it by two very faint portions which seem at first void of nebula, giving a first impression of three detached nebulae, the middle of which is large, elongated due N and S and gpmbM and the other two, small very faint patches one north and one south of the middle one.  The north one pretty much brighter than the south one - but these three individualities are connected by extremely fant nebulous intervals.  Another extremely faint pretty large round flat object south-preceding [NGC 1313].  I believe this is a new nebula." His sketch includes this object as a diffuse patch labeled as "New?" on the southwest side. At his position is the HII complex [PES80] 8, which is situated between the central part of the galaxy and a mag 10 star 7.6' SW of center. [PES80] 1 is also shown on the sketch as a brighter patch on the NE end of the galaxy.

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NGC 1314 = MCG -01-09-033 = PGC 12650

03 22 41.2 -04 11 12; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.8

 

17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Appears as a low surface brightness glow just north of a mag 12 star [52" from center].

 

17.5" (1/7/89): not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1314 = LM 2-367 on 18 Jan 1887 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 2.0' diameter, E 170”, mag 10 star with an eF nebula south, *16 in middle?"  There is nothing at his position but 1.1 tmin of RA west is MCG -01-09-033 = PGC 12650, a low surface brightness, face-on spiral, about 1.5' diameter and the RNGC identifies NGC 1314 = PGC 12650.  A mag 12 star is 1' S, so Leavenworth must have reversed his directions (common error).  MCG does not label MCG -01-09-033 as NGC 1314.

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NGC 1315 = ESO 548-003 = MCG -04-09-002 = PGC 12671

03 23 06.6 -21 22 31; Eri

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (12/28/00): moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.5'x1.3', moderate concentration with a bright core.  Located 21' NW of NGC 1325 in the NGC 1332 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1315 = h2526 on 13 Nov 1835, logging "pB, R, gbM, 25 arcsec."  His position is accurate. The same night he also found NGC 1319, located 15' SE.

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NGC 1316 = Arp 154 = Fornax A = ESO 357-022 = MCG -06-08-005 = PGC 12651

03 22 41.7 -37 12 30; For

V = 8.5;  Size 12.0'x8.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, about 2.5'x1.5'.  Dominated by an intense 40"x30" core which brightens to a non-stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 1317 6.3' N.  Brightest member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (9/25/81): bright, round, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1317 7' N.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1316 = D 548 = h2527 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a rather bright, round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, gradually condensed to the centre."  He made two observations and his published position was pretty poor -- nearly 20' SE of the galaxy.  Dunlop discovered six members of the Fornax cluster, though most (15) were found by John Herschel.  Herschel first observed the galaxy on 22 Oct 1835 and noted "vB; pL; lE; vsvmbM, to a nucleus 2" in diameter." On his second sweep he logged "vB; vL; 4' diameter; 1st gradually, then very suddenly very much brighter towards the middle to a stellar ncl"

 

NGC 1316 is the brightest member of the Fornax cluster and is also known as Fornax A, one of the closest and most famous radio sources in the southern hemisphere.  Its radio lobes extend several degrees of sky.  Arp classified it as a disturbed galaxy with interior absorption -- like Centaurus A, NGC 1316 contains an extensive system of dust filaments as well as low surface brightness shells and tidal tails, indicating a likely merger.  Four supernovae have exploded since 1980.

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NGC 1317 = NGC 1318 = NGC 1392 = ESO 357-023 = MCG -06-08-006 = PGC 12653

03 22 44.4 -37 06 13; For

V = 11.0;  Size 2.8'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Forms a bright pair with NGC 1316 6.3' S.  Located at the southwest end of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1316 7' S.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1317 = D 547 = h2529 on 24 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a small faint round nebula about 15 arcseconds in diameter."  This was the last object he discovered and his position is ~15' ENE of center.  JH first observed the galaxy on 22 Oct 1835 and noted "pB, S, R, psbM." His second sweep he recorded it as "pB, pL, 1' diameter; a miniature of the last neb. of this sweep."  Julius Schmidt independently found the galaxy on 19 Jan 1865 and thought it was new, because JH made an typo of 20 degrees in NPD for h2529 in the CGH catalogue.  JH corrected the NPD in the addendum of the catalogue, but apparently Schmidt didn't check.

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NGC 1318 = NGC 1317 = NGC 1392 = ESO 357-023 = MCG -06-08-006 = PGC 12653

03 22 44.4 -37 06 13; For

V = 11.0;  Size 2.8'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 78”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1317.

 

Julius Schmidt found NGC 1318 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory in his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "a" in his table).  His position is almost identical to NGC 1317 = h2529.  Schmidt assumed this nebula was "new" in his 1876 paper since he was working from John Herschel's Cape Catalogue.  In the original listing for h2529, Herschel made an typo of 20 degrees in NPD but he corrected this mistake in the addendum of the catalogue. Apparently Schmidt didn't check his correction list.  Dorothy Carlson and RNGC list this number as "Not Found".

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NGC 1319 = ESO 548-006 = MCG -04-09-003 = PGC 12708

03 23 56.5 -21 31 39; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (12/28/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6'.  Increases to a small brighter core and occasional quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 6.8' due west of NGC 1325!  A mag 14 star lies 0.8' NW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1319 = h2533 on 13 Nov 1835 and logged it as "F; S; R; bM; 15"; precedes IV-77 [NGC 1325]."  His position matches ESO 548-006 = PGC 12708

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NGC 1320 = MCG -01-09-036 = Mrk 607 = PGC 12756

03 24 48.7 -03 02 33; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE, moderate concentration, small bright core, faint halo.  First of four in the field and forms a close pair with NGC 1321 1.7' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1320 = H III-197 = h298 = h2530, along with NGC 1321, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and reported "Two. Both eF, verified with 240 power but with 157x I had but a very distant suspicion of them."  John Herschel observed made observations from both Slough, England as well as the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 1321 = MCG -01-09-035 = Mrk 608 = PGC 12755

03 24 48.6 -03 00 56; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, elongated ~E-W, bright core.  Appears slightly smaller but higher surface brightness than NGC 1320 1.7' S.  Second of four in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1321 = H III-196 = h297 = h2531, along with NGC 1320, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and wrote, "Two. Both eF, verified with 240 power but just suspected with 157 power."  John Herschel on observed this pair both from Slough on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), as well as the Cape of Good Hope on 5 Oct 1831 (sweep 739) .

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NGC 1322 = MCG -01-09-037 = PGC 12761

03 24 54.7 -02 55 09; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Third of four in the field and appears slightly fainter than the NGC 1320/NGC 1321 pair.  NGC 1321 lies 6' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1322 = h2553 on Oct 5 1836 and logged "F, R, bM, 15", the 3rd of three [with NGC 1320 and 1322]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1323 = PGC 12764

03 24 56.1 -02 49 19; Eri

V = 15.0;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 30" NE of a mag 14 star.  Fourth of four in a group, with two pairs at separate distances.  NGC 1322 and 1323 have similar redshifts.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 1323 on 2 Nov 1850 while reobserving the field containing NGC 1320 and 1321. The description reads, "suspected neb (or perhaps only a star) with a F* close sp."  It's possible this galaxy was found earlier by George Johnstone Stoney on 19 Dec  1848 and mentioned as a "* or nebula about 2 1/2' north of [NGC 1322].  But the separation is nearly 6' and there is an extremely faint star 2' NNE of NGC 1322, which is more likely the object seen..  This quartet was observed a total of 14 times at Birr Castle!

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NGC 1324 = MCG -01-09-038 = PGC 12772

03 25 01.7 -05 44 44; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1324 = H III-445 = h299 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457), logging "vF, pS, E."  On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel noted, "vF; pmE; 20" long, 12" broad."

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NGC 1325 = ESO 548-007 = MCG -04-09-004 = UGCA 70 = PGC 12737

03 24 25.6 -21 32 36; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 4.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (12/28/00): bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 3.0'x1.3', broad concentration with a large, brighter core.  A mag 11.5 star is embedded in the northeast end.  The southwest end is better defined and clearly tapers down, giving a lens-like appearance.  The edge of the halo is more ill defined to the northeast of the star.

 

Second brightest in the NGC 1332 group with NGC 1319 7' W, NGC 1325A 13' NNE, NGC 1315 21' NW and NGC 1332 29' ENE.  NGC 1325A = Holmberg VI appeared faint, large, round, diffuse glow.  Appears ~2' in diameter and brightens slightly but there is no noticeable core.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, pretty edge-on 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration.  A star is attached at the northeast end and a mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE of center.  Located in a small group with NGC 1319 6.8' W and NGC 1325A.  NGC 1325A is faint, moderately large, round, but very diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1325 = H IV-77 = h2534 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091), describing "a star about 9 or 10m with a nebulous ray to the south-preceding side. The ray is about 1.5' long. The star may not be connected with it."  John Herschel described and sketched this galaxy from the Cape on 11 Nov 1835: "A complete telescopic comet; a perfect miniature of Halley's, only the tail is rather broader in proportion; mE; 90" l; the star at the head = 10 mag.  See fig 17, Pl VI."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 15 Nov 1875 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 8 1/2).  He noted it appeared "much fainter than Herschel's sketch shows it - It seems to be much altered since he observed it."  Instead of the tip of the galaxy at the brighter star (called "a perfect miniature of Halley's" by Herschel), Turner sketched a thin section of the galaxy, skirting around the start and extending further northeast.

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NGC 1326 = ESO 357-026 = MCG -06-08-011 = PGC 12709

03 23 56.4 -36 27 52; For

V = 10.5;  Size 3.9'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): bright, fairly small, round, 1.3' diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core and bright stellar nucleus.  On a line with three mag 13 stars 2.7' and 4.2' WSW and 3.6' to the ENE.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 4.3' NNW.  Located on the SW side of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, fairly small, round, bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1326 = h2535 on 29 Nov 1837, recording it as "60" diameter, vsvmbM to a nucleus, ? a disc."  His position is accurate (on the SE side of the halo).

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NGC 1327 = ESO 481-026 = MCG -04-09-008 = PGC 12795

03 25 23.2 -25 40 46; For

V = 14.7;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 176”

 

24" (12/1/13): at 260x appeared very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 18"x12".  Visible ~80% of the time with averted.  Situated 2.5' ENE of a mag 10.7 star.  MCG -04-09-010 lies 9.4' ESE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1327 = LM 1-105 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and placed roughly at 03h 25m -25d 41' (2000).  His description simply includes a magnitude of 16.3 for the nucleus, and the comment "neb?".  Southern Galaxy Catalogue, ESO-LV, RC3 and Uranometria 2000 (2nd edition) identify NGC 1327 = ESO 481-026 at 03 25 23.2 -25 40 46 (2000).  This galaxy is within 1 tmin of RA and a reasonable match in position and description.

 

ESO/Uppsala identifies a pair of stars with a wider third star about 8' NW of this galaxy as possibly NGC 1327, although they are too bright to be Stone's intended object.  This identification probably derives from the NGC Correction list at Harvard College Observatory "3 vF st close together, no neb" (from DeLisle Stewart and repeated in IC 2).   RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent and it is missing from the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.  See my RNGC Corrections #6 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1328 = PGC 12805

03 25 39.1 -04 07 30; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): faint to fairly faint, very small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Located 4.6' SW of mag 8.7 SAO 130481.

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, slightly brighter core.  Located ~5' SW of a mag 8 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1328 = LM 2-368 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 0.5 tmin of RA east of PGC 12805 (typical error made in RA at Leander McCormick).

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NGC 1329 = ESO 548-015 = MCG -03-09-042 = PGC 12826

03 26 02.6 -17 35 29; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (12/30/99): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Contains a small bright core, ~10" in size and a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 11.5 star lies 4.0' S.  Located 9' NE of mag 9 SAO 148955.  A faint edge-on galaxy (ESO 548-014) is attached to the mag 11.5 star but was not noticed.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1329 = h2536 on 11 Dec 1835 and commented "F, R, glbM, 30 arcsec.". His position matches ESO 548-015 = PGC 12826.

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NGC 1330

03 29 04.1 +41 40 30; Per

 

24" (2/14/15): at 225x appears as small, fuzzy patch with 1 star often resolving [probably the mag 15 star at the northwest end.  At 375x, a second mag 15.5 star just 15" E was cleanly resolved.  At 450x, a third mag 16 star was resolved.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1330 = St XII-26 on 14 Dec 1881 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is 6' north of NGC 1335 (found by Stephan on the same night and accurately placed) and falls precisely on a group of at least four mag 15.5-16 stars and a couple of fainter ones.  RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 541-014 = PGC 12967 as NGC 1330.  This galaxy is located ~17' S of Stephan's position.  See my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 1331 = IC 324 = ESO 548-019 = MCG -04-09-012 = PGC 12846

03 26 28.3 -21 21 19; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (10/10/86): faint, fairly small, almost round.  Located 2' SE of NGC 1332.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1331 = H III-959 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091), recording it as "The second is close to it [NGC 1332], or about 1 1/2' sf the former; it is vF, vS."  His single position on this sweep is 22 seconds of RA too small and happens to fall close to ESO 548-016 = PGC 12827, a galaxy too faint to have been seen by Herschel.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 26 Nov 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 9) as well as Pietro Baracchi on 7 Jan 1885.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 3 Dec 1888 and placed it accurately (B. 142, later IC 324).  Dreyer's wrote in "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", "This [NGC 1331] is IC 324, 11 seconds following, 1.2' S of NGC 1332.  NGC 1331 is to be struck out."  Knox-Shaw identified this galaxy as NGC 1331 (and noted the equivalence with IC 324) in his 1912 "Observations of nebulae", based  on photos with the Reynolds 30" reflector. The RNGC misidentifies ESO 548-016 as NGC 1331.

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NGC 1332 = ESO 548-018 = MCG -04-09-011 = UGCA 72 = PGC 12838

03 26 17.1 -21 20 04; Eri

V = 10.3;  Size 4.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 120”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): bright, moderately large, very bright core, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.6'.  A faint mag 14-14.5 star is just southwest of the core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1331 = IC 324 2.8' SE (collinear with the major axis).  NGC 1332 is the brightest in a group with NGC 1315, NGC 1319, NGC 1325, NGC 1331 and Holmberg VI (NGC 1325A).

 

8" (12/6/80): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, bright core, diffuse halo.  NGC 1331 not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1332 = H I-60 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and logged "vB, S, lE, mbM."  On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he recorded "Two [along with NGC 1331], the 1st [NGC 1332] vB, SBNcl with faint branches from np to sf."  The position of NGC 1331 is too far west in the NGC, so the pair is out of RA order.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 26 Nov 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 9) as well as Pietro Baracchi on 7 Jan 1885.

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NGC 1333 = Ced 16 = LBN 741 = vdB 17

03 29 19.7 +31 24 57; Per

Size 9'x7'

 

18" (1/20/07): fairly large, striking reflection nebula with a 10th magnitude star at the NE end.  The nebula curves to the southwest ending with a 1' brighter knot with very faint star involved near its edge.  A couple of mag 14 stars are superimposed between the mag 10 star and the knot.  The total size is roughly 7'x4'.  The surrounding region (particularly to the north) is nearly starless and clearly affected by dust.  This region has a number of Herbig-Haro objects and is an active star formation region.

 

17.5" (2/9/02): bright, interesting reflection nebula at 140x.  Apparently illuminated by a mag 10 star oddly offset at the NE end of the glow.  The appearance is irregular; extending ~10'x6' SW-NE in the general direction of a mag 10 star 11' SW.  The SW extension contains a couple of faint mag 14 stars and ends at a small, brighter knot that appears to surround a very faint star or stars.  The field is oddly void of faint stars and there is a large starless region to the north (this is the dark nebula Barnard 2).

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounds a mag 10 star that is offset to the northeast side of the nebula.  This is a large object, about 10'x6' and elongated SW-NE.  There is a bright knot in the southwest end.  Two or three 15th magnitude stars are superimposed.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly bright nebula, large, extends SSW of a mag 9.5 star, oval, slightly brighter at the south edge.

 

Eduard Schšnfeld discovered NGC 1333 = Au 17 on 31 Dec 1855 with a 3-inch Fraunhofer refractor at Bonn Observatory, while measuring stars for the BD catalogue (NGC 1333 received the number BD +30” 548).  He noted it as a nebulous star.  The discovery was not announced until 1862 in AN 1391 and Auwers included it the same year as #17 in his "Verzeichnis neuer Nebelflecke" (list of new nebulae).  In the meantime Horace Tuttle independently discovered the object on 5 Feb 1859 with a 3-inch comet-seeker and Bond (director of Harvard College) announced it as new in 1859MNRAS..19..224B: "it follows a star of the 9-10 mag by 6 seconds, and is 2' north of it.  It is barely visible in a telescope of 3 in aperture."

 

In September 1862 d'Arrest noted it was as faint as a Herschel nebula of third class with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, but since Tuttle's (independent) discovery was made using a 3-inch scope, he thought it might be a variable nebula (a popular topic among visual observers).  Winnecke also took the view that it "must be a new one" as it was listed neither in the Slough catalogue nor Auwers' lists.  Based on all the observations, Schšnfeld reached the conclusion this case was a "...striking example of how the visibility of very faint, large diffuse nebulae depends on the magnification, air transparency and adaptation to the dark of the eye, so that, compared with ordinary fixed stars, aperture takes a back seat."  In 1914 Barnard photographed the region at Yerkes Observatory and noted the nebula appeared "roundish and not symmetrical with respect to the star - its center seems to be several minutes to the south."  Summarized from Harold Corwin's identification notes and Steinicke's "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters".

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NGC 1334 = UGC 2759 = MCG +07-08-018 = CGCG 541-017 = PGC 13001

03 30 01.8 +41 49 57; Per

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 115”

 

24" (2/14/15): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, ~0.6'x0.3', broad concentration to a brighter core, which increases to a fairly weak nucleus.  A mag 13.5-14 star is 1.0' NW of center.  A mag 15.5 star is at the eastern end [30" E of center] and a similar star is at the north edge of the core.  Located on the east side of AGC 426.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the WNW tip.  An extremely faint stellar nucleus seen for moments. NGC 1335 lies 16' SSE.  This is a possible outlying member of AGC 426.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1334 = Sw. VIII-37 on 14 Feb 1863 with an 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and logged "vF, pL, 35", No nucl. A mag 16 star precedes by 9.6 seconds due west."  His position and description matches UGC 2759 = PGC 13001.  Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 27 Oct 1888 and reported it as #37 in his 8th discovery list.  Dreyer apparently realized the equivalence with NGC 1334 as Sw. VIII-37 wasn't assigned an IC designation.  See IC 323, which refers to a triple star found in the same observation.

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NGC 1335 = UGC 2762 = MCG +07-08-019 = CGCG 541-018 = PGC 13015

03 30 19.5 +41 34 22; Per

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 165”

 

24" (2/14/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 30"x18".  Contains a bright, elongated small core.  Located 3' N of mag 9.0 HD 21566.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round, an extremely faint star is possibly involved, can just hold steadily with averted.  Located 4' N of mag 8.5 SAO 38888.  NGC 1336 lies 16' NNW.  Possible outlying member of AGC 426.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1335 = St XII-27 on 14 Dec 1881 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2762, although UGC does not label this galaxy as NGC 1335.

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NGC 1336 = ESO 358-002 = MCG -06-08-016 = LGG 096-009 = PGC 12848

03 26 32.2 -35 42 50; For

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 22”

 

18" (12/22/11): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.7.  Broad concentration but no distinct core.  Observation may have been through thin clouds.  Located 12' WSW of mag 5.7 Chi 2 and 15' NNE of mag 6.4 Chi 1!

 

17.5" (1/12/02): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x1.4'.  Gradually increases to a large, brighter core.  Situated within a group of several mag 6 stars and located 13' W of mag 5.7 Chi 2 and 14' NNE of mag 6.4 Chi 1!  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1336 = h2537 on 22 Oct 1835 and recorded on his last of 3 observations "vF, lE, 40 arcsec."  His position matches ESO 358-002 = PGC 12848.

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NGC 1337 = MCG -02-09-042 = PGC 12916

03 28 05.8 -08 23 21; Eri

V = 11.9;  Size 5.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 145”

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1337 = Sw. III-26 on 10 Nov 1885 with his 16" refractor and recorded "vL; vE nearly in meridian; eF."  His position matches  MCG -02-09-042 = PGC 12916, though Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, reported the elongation to be 135”.

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NGC 1338 = MCG -02-09-044 = PGC 12956

03 28 54.5 -12 09 12; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 55”

 

48" (10/22/11): at 488x this bright, fairly large, roundish galaxy has an interesting structure.  Off center within the glow is a bright "bar" that extends 1' from NW to SE.  The bar contains a small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  Surrounding the bar feature is 1.2' roundish halo, that is more extensive on the SW side but with a noticeably lower surface brightness.  The halo on the NE side of the bar is brighter but smaller.  Located 2.0' W of a mag 10 star and 6' SW of mag 8.8 HD 21634.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, even surface brightness.  Located 2' W of a mag 10.5 star and 6' SW of mag 8.5 SAO 148982.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1338 = St XIII-24 on 15 Dec 1884 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches MCG -02-09-044 = PGC 12956.

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NGC 1339 = ESO 418-004 = MCG -05-09-004 = PGC 12917

03 28 06.5 -32 17 11; For

V = 11.6;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 172”

 

18" (12/22/11): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.6'.  Has a high surface brightness and evenly increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 6' SE of double star HJ 3578 = 9.2/12.6 at 27".

 

13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, very compact, round, bright core.  An uneven mag 10.5/13 double star at 30" separation lies 6' NW.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1339 = h2538 on 18 Nov 1835 and logged "pB, R, pslbM, 40 arcsec." On a later sweep he noted "B, R, psmbM; a double star precedes."  The double star (HJ 3578) is 5.8' NW.

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NGC 1340 = NGC 1344 = ESO 418-005 = MCG -05-09-005 = PGC 12923

03 28 19.1 -31 04 05; For

 

See observing notes for NGC 1344.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1340 = h715 on 19 Nov 1835 and logged "vB, lE, psbM, 45 arcsec".  There is nothing at his position but exactly 10' S is NGC 1344, which was discovered by William Herschel on 9 Oct 1790 and catalogued as H. I-257.  JH later observed it again at the Cape.  The equivalence was even suggested in the NGC Notes section.  Swift stated the number should be struck out as he was not able to find it at JH's position.  Corwin and ESO equate NGC 1340 = NGC 1344, with NGC 1344 the primary designation.

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NGC 1341 = ESO 358-008 = MCG -06-08-020 = PGC 12911

03 27 58.4 -37 08 58; For

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 134”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is off the SE end 0.9' from center.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1341 = h2540 on 29 Nov 1837 and noted "F, S, R; has a star 12th mag following."  His position and description matches ESO 358-008 = PGC 12911.  The IC notes add "not round, but much extended 140”" (from DeLisle Stewart).

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NGC 1342 = Cr 40 = Mel 21 = OCL-401

03 31 36 +37 22; Per

V = 6.7;  Size 14'

 

17.5" (12/23/92): about 100 stars mag 9-14 in 15' diameter, scattered in chains and loops.  Two mag 8 stars off the NE side are probably field stars, a nice double star is at the west end.  There are several striking star lanes at low power including a long stream oriented E-W.  A line of six stars oriented NW-SE forms the SW side and terminates at an easy double star.  The NW end is near the striking double star (10.4/11.2 at 14".  The field has a large variation of magnitudes.

 

8": bright, large, scattered, consists of mag 8 stars and fainter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1342 = H VIII-88 = h301 on 28 Dec 1799 (sweep 1092) and described "a cluster of coarsely scattered large stars, about 15' diameter."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1343 = UGC 2792 = MCG +12-04-001 = CGCG 327-005 = VII Zw 8 = PGC 13384

03 37 49.7 +72 34 17; Cas

V = 12.7;  Size 2.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 80”

 

48" (11/2/13): bright, large, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~2.2'x1.1', unusually sharply concentrated with a blazing, round core ~0.4' diameter, which is punctuated by a faint stellar nucleus.  Two faint stars [14" separations] are superimposed within the eastern side of the halo and faint spiral arcs were visible in the outer halo.  An extremely faint companion, identified in NED as HFLLZOA G134.74+13.65, was seen as a very low surface brightness patch 1.2' NE of center.  A relatively wide pair of stars (h2190 = 13/14 at 15" separation) is 1' NNW of center.  This is an unusual "nuclear ring" galaxy with intense starburst activity in the ring.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, large brighter core, extremely faint halo elongated 2:1 E-W.  A double star (h2190 = mag 13/14 at 15" separation) is off the NNW edge 1.0' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1343 = H III-694 = h300 on 11 Oct 1787 (sweep 764) and noted "vF, vS, irr R, bM. 360 confirmed it."  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 29 Oct 1831 (sweep 378), "F, R, gbM, 15".  Close to the double star h 2190."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1344 = NGC 1340 = ESO 418-005 = MCG -05-09-005 = PGC 12923

03 28 19.1 -31 04 05; For

V = 10.4;  Size 6.0'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 165”

 

18" (12/22/11): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~3'x1.5'.  Contains a very large, faint halo but sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases to the center.  Mag 10 SAO 194317 lies 5.5' N and mag 9.6 HD 21668 lies 6' E.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.3'x1.0', well concentrated with a very bright 30" round core and a bright stellar nucleus.  Forms an isosceles right triangle with mag 9.7 SAO 194325 6' E and mag 10.4 SAO 194317 5.5' N of center.  Outlying member on the north side of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1344 = H I-257 = h2542 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and recorded "cB, iR, vgmbM, about 1.5' diameter."  His position was accurate, though for some reason the RA in the NGC is 21 seconds too large.  John Herschel independently found this galaxy on 19 Nov 1835 and assumed it was new, but his position was 10' too far north and it was catalogued again as GC 715 = NGC 1340.  So, NGC 1344 = NGC 1340, with NGC 1344 the primary designation.  The RA was corrected in Robert Baker's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".

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NGC 1345 = ESO 548-026 = MCG -03-09-046 = UGCA 74 = VV 690 = PGC 12979

03 29 31.7 -17 46 42; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 33”

 

17.5" (12/30/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Contains a brighter, elongated core.  A trio of mag 9.5-10.5 stars (with nearly equal sides of 4'-5') lies ~5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1345 = h2541 and noted "vF, R, pslbM, 20 arcsec.". His position is an exact match with ESO 548-026.

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NGC 1346 = MCG -01-09-042 = KUG 0327-057 = PGC 13009

03 30 13.3 -05 32 36; Eri

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  PA = 80”

 

24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', very small brighter core.    A mag 13.4 star is just 0.6' W of center.  Member of a small group (USGC S125) that also incudes NGC 1355 and 1358.

 

NGC 1346 forms an interacting pair with MCG -01-09-041 only 1.6' NW.  The companion was extremely faint, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, ~50"x20", very low even surface brightness and visible with averted only.

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is just 30" W.  Located 13' WSW of mag 8.1 SAO 130538 and 12' E of mag 9.5 SAO 130518.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1346 = St VIIIb-12 on 15 Dec 1876 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches MCG -01-09-042 = PGC 13009.

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NGC 1347 = Arp 39 = VV 23a = ESO 548-027 = MCG -04-09-017 = PGC 12989

03 29 41.8 -22 16 45; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter, weakly concentrated.  A very faint companion at the south edge was not seen.  Located 14' N of mag 7 SAO 168587.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1347 = LM 2-369 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 1.0'x0.8', E 130”, sbMN."  His position is only 8 sec of RA east of ESO 548-027 = PGC 12989 (part of Arp 39).  A very faint companion (PGC 816443) is at the south edge.

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NGC 1348 = OCL-391 = Lund 112

03 34 09 +51 25 12; Per

Size 6'

 

18" (11/23/05): at 225x, this unimpressive cluster appears ~4'x3', elongated NW to SE with roughly 20 stars resolved.  Includes two mag 10.5-11.5 stars, a few mag 12 stars with the remainder mag 13-15.  The stars are fairly evenly distributed with a couple of tight clumps of stars on the south side.  Appears fairly well detached in a low power field, though not eye-catching.  Located two degrees NE of Alpha Persei (Mirfak).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1348 = H VIII-84 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and noted "a cluster of small stars, not very rich."  This is a reddened cluster (see Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.387, p.479-486, 2002) at a distance of roughly 6000 light years.

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NGC 1349 = UGC 2774 = MCG +01-09-006 = CGCG 416-013 = PGC 13088

03 31 27.5 +04 22 51; Tau

V = 13.0;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (10/21/95): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, very weak even concentration to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located along the hypotenuse of a small right triangle formed by three mag 13.5 stars with the nearest star 1.6' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1349 = Sw. VI-13 on 20 Dec 1886 with his 16" refractor and reported "eeF; S; R; between 2 stars."  His position is 10 tsec E and 1' S of UGC 2774 and this galaxy is "between 2 stars".

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NGC 1350 = ESO 358-013 = MCG -06-08-023 = PGC 13059 = Cosmic Eye Galaxy

03 31 07.9 -33 37 42; For

V = 10.3;  Size 5.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

18" (12/22/11): bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, 3.0'x1.4'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core surrounded by a much fainter halo.  The core steadily increases to a very small, brighter, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 6' SW of mag 7.2 HD 21988 and  194353 and 8.7' SE of mag 8.9 HD 21898.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S.  The halo appears about 3'x2' although difficult determine the exact dimensions as the halo fades gradually into the background.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" round core and stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is just west of the south extension and two mag 12 stars are 2.7' SE and 3.0' E of center.  Located 6' SW of mag 7.2 SAO 194353.  Fornax I cluster member.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1350 = D 591 = h2545 on 24 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, NSW and noted (single observation) "a very faint small ill-defined nebula." His position is 11' SE of ESO 358-013 = PGC 13059. John Herschel observed the galaxy in his sweep of 19 Oct 1835, logging "bright, large, much elongated, but with a round nucleus much brighter than the environing faint atmosphere. PD roughly taken. Transit missed, the observation having been lost by relying on the RA given by Mr. Dunlop's Catalog (3h 25m) which is too great. That here set down is assumed at random as probably nearer the truth."   His approximate position was corrected by DeLisle Stewart in NGC Corrections, Harvard College Observatory and repeated in the IC 2 Notes.

 

Harold Knox-Shaw photographed the galaxy at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 with the 30" reflector and described an "oval ring with central star and traces of structure external to this in the form of either another ring or spiral arms".

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NGC 1351 = ESO 358-012 = MCG -06-08-022 = PGC 13028

03 30 34.9 -34 51 15; For

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

18" (12/22/11): fairly bright, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5', high surface brightness.  Brightens evenly to a very small bright core and a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 9' SE of mag 9.4 HD 21851.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, bright core.  Fornax I cluster member.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1351 = h2544 on 19 Oct 1835 and reported "pB, R, psbM, 30 arcsec.". His position matches ESO 358-012 = PGC 13028.

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NGC 1352 = ESO 548-030 = MCG -03-10-002 = PGC 13091

03 31 32.9 -19 16 42; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 134”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  Located 4.4' NW of mag 8.4 SAO 149019.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1352 = h2543 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded "eF; S; pslbM; has a * 8 mag S.f. Very difficult and probably not to be seen without a recently polished mirror, such as was used in this observation."  His position and description matches ESO 548-030 = PGC 13091.

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NGC 1353 = ESO 548-031 = MCG -04-09-022 = UGCA 76 = PGC 13108

03 32 03.0 -20 49 05; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 3.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 138”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', large bright core, stellar nucleus.  The halo appears more extensive NW of the core.  The major axis is parallel to a mag 11.5 star off the SE end 2.8' from the center.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.  A mag 12 star is 2.8' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1353 = H III-246 = h2546 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and noted "vF, E, equally bright."  On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he reported "cB, cL, irr F, lE from np to sf." JH logged it on 11 Nov 1835 as "B, mE, gmbM, 90" l, 40" br.

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NGC 1354 = MCG -03-10-004 = PGC 13130

03 32 29.4 -15 13 16; Eri

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 148”

 

18" (11/23/05): this galaxy was a pleasant surprise as it appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3'.  Contains a fairly bright bulging core with fainter extensions that fade and taper at the tips (spindle shape).  A mag 14 star lies off the SE end, 1.2' S of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1354 = H III-487 = h2547 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and recorded "vF, S, E."  JH called it "vF, S, lE, glbM, 25 arcsec."  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 1355 = MCG -01-10-002 = PGC 13169

03 33 23.5 -04 59 55; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WSW-ENE, bright core.  NGC 1358 lies 6.8' SSE.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, bright core.

 

Samuel Hunter, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 1355 on 27 Dec 1861.  His sketch clearly shows NGC 1355 labeled as Alpha, along with NGC 1358 (close to a double star).  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 1355 on 8 Oct 1864 while observing nearby NGC 1358.  He was surprised this nebula was missed by WH and Rosse (unaware of Hunter's observation).  Dreyer made an observation at Birr Castle on 6 Nov 1877 and later realized that Alpha was d'Arrest's "nova".  Nevertheless, he credited d'Arrest and not LdR with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC.

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NGC 1356 = ESO 200-031 = Rose 37 = PGC 13035

03 30 40.6 -50 18 35; Hor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 149”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, ~1.2'x1.0'.  Weak concentration, though with direct vision a faint, stellar nucleus is visible.  With careful viewing the galaxy appeared to be mottled or clumpy.  Forms a close pair with much fainter IC 1947 located 2.2' SW.  A mag 12.7 star lies 1.3' SW, directly between NGC 1356 and IC 1947.  IC 1947 appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~0.5'x0.25'.  Forms the west vertex of a small triangle with the mag 12.7 star 1' NE and a mag 11.7 star 1.3' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1356 = h2549 on 23 Dec 1837 and recorded "vF, R, gbM, 40 arcsec."  The next sweep he logged "vF, pL, irregular, near stars."  His first position is at the northern tip of the galaxy.

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NGC 1357 = MCG -02-10-001 = PGC 13166

03 33 17.0 -13 39 49; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (12/7/85): fairly bright, moderately large, round, bright core.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with mag 8.1 SAO 149035 4' NNE and mag 9.2 SAO 149028 4' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1357 = H II-290 = h2548 on 1 Feb 1785 (sweep 364) and recorded "F, pL, R, bM, about 5 or 6' south preceding of a pretty large star."  JH logged it twice from the Cape of Good Hope and noted on 8 Dec 1835 "pF, pL, R, 40", near three stars, two of which are 10th mag."  Sir Robert Ball, observing with the 72" at Birr Castle on 13 Nov 1866, remarked "cB, pL, bM, either double or with a star [correct] very closely preceding.  Observations interrupted by the superb display of shooting stars."  According to Wikipedia, the 1866 Leonids produced hundreds per minute and a few thousand per hour in Europe.

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NGC 1358 = MCG -01-10-003 = PGC 13182

03 33 39.7 -05 05 22; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 2.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, sharp concentration.  A pretty mag 13 double star at 15" separation is 1.7' ENE.  Located 8' W of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 1355 6.8' NW.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, almost round, small bright core.  A faint double star is close east and brighter star to west.

 

13" (12/18/82): very faint, small, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1358 = H III-446 = h302 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and noted "vF, S, between some small stars."  His position is too far south, but John Herschel measured an accurate position (two observations) used in the NGC.

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NGC 1359 = ESO 548-039 = MCG -03-10-007 = LGG 100-001 = PGC 13190

03 33 47.2 -19 29 23; Eri

V = 12.2;  Size 2.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 139”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): fairly large oval 4:3 NW-SE, 3.0'x2.5' WNW-ESE, fairly low surface brightness with no significant concentration.  This galaxy has a disturbed, knotty appearance that was not picked up visually.  Brightest in a small group with ESO 548-044 8.5' NE and part of the larger NGC 1407 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1359 = h2550 on 12 Oct 1836 and recorded "F, L, R, vglbM, 2'."  His position matches ESO 548-039 = PGC 13190.

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NGC 1360 = PK 220-53.1 = ESO 482-7 = M 1-3 = PN G220.3-53.9 = Robin's Egg Nebula

03 33 14.6 -25 52 18; For

V = 9.6;  Size 460"x320"

 

18" (1/17/09): superb view at 115x and OIII filter.  Appears as a huge oval, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, extends ~6'x4', contains a bright mag 11 central star.  This showpiece planetary is clearly asymmetric and notably brighter on the NNE side in a sector extending from the center and fanning out to the north.  This brighter region is irregular in surface brightness and slightly dims before brightening along the NNE rim.  The south side is slightly fainter and contains a weaker arc or lane.

 

18" (1/1/08): at 115x; this unusual planetary is a huge oval or irregular egg-shape, ~6'x4', oriented SSW-NNE (PA ~30”) surrounding a very bright mag 11 central star.  Excellent contrast with an OIII filter as it really brings out its asymmetric structure.  The planetary is noticeably brighter in a fan-shaped wedge spreading out from the central star to the north.  At times the northeast rim appeared a bit clumpy.  The fainter south side has a slightly darker lane extending to the southeast.

 

17.5" (11/17/01): At 100x with OIII filter, this huge planetary appears a very large oval 3:2 or 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~6'x4.5' with a striking central star.  Appears clearly brighter on the north side of the central star in a section defined by a triangular wedge with apex at the central star.  The nebulosity dims a bit on the west side as well as the south.

 

17.5" (10/8/88): very bright, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 6'x4' diameter, very bright mag 11 central star, almost even surface brightness.  Very impressive planetary with or without OIII filter.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): very large, oval 4:3, very bright mag 10-11 central star.  Impressive at 88x using an OIII filter.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): large, pale oval ~N-S, bright central star.  Appears moderately bright using a filter.

 

80mm finder (1/1/08): faintly visible at 25x as a dim oval glow surrounding a faint star.  Adding an OIII filter significantly increased the contrast and the outline appeared better defined.

 

Lewis Swift probably discovered NGC 1360 in 1859 with his 4.5-inch comet-seeker (discovery not published until 1885, though).  Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered it on 9 Oct 1861, along with NGC 1398, using his personal 4-inch Steinheil refractor from Marseille, but he didn't publish his observation either.  Friedrich August Winnecke then found it again in Jan 1868 with his 3.8-inch comet-seeker, estimating a diameter of 10', as well as Eugen Block on 18 Oct 1879 (AN 2293).  Dreyer credited Winnecke with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5315).  Afterwards, Tempel published his find in 1882, claiming an earlier discovery.

 

Finally, in the Mar 1885 issue of "The Sidereal Messenger: A Monthly Review of Astronomy" Swift reported that "in 1859 while searching in Eridanus for comets I ran upon the most conspicuous nebulous star visible from this latitude - a 7th magnitude star nearly in the center of a bright nebulosity.  As both were so bright, I, of course, supposed they were well known.  Not until five years since was I aware that this wonderful object was not in the G.C."  Dreyer credited Swift (his earliest discovery) and Winnecke in the NGC.  So, NGC 1360 was independently "discovered" by four observers, the most (along with NGC 6364 and 7422) for any NGC number, according to Wolfgang Steinicke.  Robert Innes found it again on 8 Dec 1909 and reported it as "easily seen in the 2-inch finder as in the 9-inch" (Union Observatory, Johannesburg).  He noted it was oval nebula with the longer axis SW-NE, but apparently wasn't realize of the previous discoveries.

 

This is one the brightest objects missed by the Herschels as well as by John Dunlop.  In 1914, Hardcastle classified NGC 1360 as a spindle-shaped nebula. The following year, Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory reported it wasn't a spindle but was "probably like the Owl", based on a photograph taken with the Reynolds reflector.  Minkowski first classified it as definitely a planetary in 1946. A star was incorrectly plotted at the position on the Uranometria 2000 Atlas (first edition) because the CoD and CPD catalogue (used as a source for the U2000) included the central star.

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NGC 1361 = MCG -01-10-005 = PGC 13218

03 34 17.7 -06 15 54; Eri

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 39”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentration to a very small, brighter core.  Situated nearly midway between two mag 12 stars 5' NW and 5' ESE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1361 = LM 2-370 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is just 0.2 tmin east and 1' north of MCG -01-10-005 = PGC 13218.  MCG (-01-10-005) mislabels this galaxy NGC 1369.  The Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide gives a V mag of 13.9 and a surf brightness of 14.6, but that may be too faint.

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NGC 1362 = ESO 548-041 = MCG -03-10-008 = LGG 095-001 = PGC 13196

03 33 53.0 -20 16 56; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Steadily increases to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Located 5.4' NNW of mag 8.9 SAO 168637.  First in the nearby group LGG 95 with NGC 1370 20' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1362 = h2551 on 13 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R."  His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.  WH is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC, but H. III 960 applies to NGC 1370 (see that number).

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NGC 1363 = PGC 13245

03 34 49.3 -09 50 33; Eri

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7'x0.6', very weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1364 2.3' following.  Forms the NE vertex of an equilateral triangle with mag 6.2 SAO 149047 3.3' WSW and mag 9.3 SAO 149051 3.7' S!

 

Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 1363 = Sw. V-54 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory on 31 Dec 1877 (Memoirs of the Royal Astr Soc, Vol 44, p169).  At Burnham's offset from a nearby mag 6 star is PGC 13245.  Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy around 1880 as well as Lewis Swift on 21 Oct 1886, who noted "forms triangle with 2 stars, one vB".  NGC 1364, a fainter companion 2.3' E, was discovered by Frank Muller (LM II-371) in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Muller noted the equivalence with Burnham's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list).  Only Burnham was credited in the NGC.

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NGC 1364 = PGC 13253

03 34 58.8 -09 50 19; Eri

V = 14.7;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (11/17/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no other details visible.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1363 2.3' W.  Located 5.6' ENE of mag 6.2 SAO 149047.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1364 = LM 2-371 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory while observing NGC 1363 (previously discovered by Sherburne Burnham).  His position is a good match with PGC 13253.

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NGC 1365 = ESO 358-017 = MCG -06-08-026 = VV 825 = LGG 094-007 = PGC 13179

03 33 35.9 -36 08 24; For

V = 9.6;  Size 11.2'x6.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 32”

 

48" (10/22/11): stunning view of this huge, barred spiral with the full extent of the long, graceful arms clearly visible and a great deal of structure. The very bright bar runs nearly 3' WSW-ENE and contains an extremely bright core that increases to a striking knotty nucleus that is sliced by a dust lane running SW to NE.  The dust lane creates a mini spiral in the center with a bright elongated section south of the lane that has an "arm" attached at its northeast end that curls to the southwest.  The section of the nucleus north of the lane appears as a small but brighter arm, gently curving from SW to NE.

 

The main northern spiral arm is attached at the west end of the bar and has a bright, mottled "knot" as it emerges from the bar and heads north-northeast.  This knot contains the HII regions #23-25 from Paul Hodge's 1969 "HII Regions in Twenty Nearby Galaxies" (ApJS, 18, 73).  It was also the site of SN 2001du, a supernova discovered visually by Robert Evans.  This arm dims a bit and then brightens along a 1' strip (containing #19) just northwest of a superimposed mag 13.5 star.  The arm then dims significantly but can be easily traced a total length of 6.5', ending just southeast of a mag 13.5-14 star.

 

The main southern arm emerges on the east-northeast end of the bar as a brighter patch or OB association that contains #2-3, matching the west end.  A group of stars is just beyond this patch to the east.  The arm extends ~6.5' SW and is bordered by several stars; a mag 14.5 star is on the south edge before the middle of the arm, a mag 16 star 1.3' due south of this star and two mag 15/16 stars are on the inside (northern edge) beyond the middle of the arm. A very small, very faint knot is near the southwest tip of the arm.  The arm dims significantly at this point but bends and continues another 2' NW.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): viewed SN2012fr, a type Ia supernova, as a mag 12 star situated just 2" west and 52" north of the center of NGC 1365.

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the best visual barred spiral in the sky and although it was only at 33” elevation (well past the meridian), the view was stunning at 200x with its long sweeping arms making a slashing cosmic "Z" in the eyepiece.  I was also surprised by the structure in the fairly small, extremely bright core that is embedded in the 3' E-W bar.  On the north edge of the mottled core, a very short, hooking appendage extended towards the northeast with a fainter counterpart on the southwest end.  This gave the small core the appearance of a tiny barred spiral!  At the west end of the bar a bright arm emerges, dramatically sweeping back to the NNE (sharp 110” angle) beyond a mag 13 star that is situated near the 1/3 mark of its total length.  The counterpart on the east end of the bar shoots to the southwest, reaching a faint star at its end.  The total distance between the tips of the arms is roughly 10'.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 127x and 212x, NGC 1365 appeared as an amazing two-armed barred spiral, similar to the photographic appearance.  The core is a quite bright, bulging oval embedded in a larger bar oriented ~E-W.  Attached at opposite ends of the bar are two long, graceful arms that extend quite a distance and are nearly straight.  The arm attached on the west side of the bar wraps around a mag 12.5 star about 1' NW of the core and extends well beyond towards the NNE.  The opposite arm attached on the following end is slightly fainter and shoots towards the SSW.  The tips of the outer arms dramatically increase the total size of the galaxy.

 

18" (12/30/08): although a pale imitation of the view from Australia, with careful viewing at 175x the spiral arm attached at the west end of the central bar was faintly visible sweeping to the NNE for ~3' in length.  The counterpart on the SE side was not seen.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, elongated core, large, 3' diameter, very diffuse outer halo.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (1/1/84): fairly bright, fairly large, bright core, diffuse halo, broad concentration.

 

8" (9/25/81): moderately large, elongated, gradually brighter core.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1365 = D 562 = h2552 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a pretty large faint round nebula, about 3 1/2' diameter, gradual slight condensation to the centre, very faint at the margin."  He made two observations though his published position is off by 10 tmin in RA.  By examining Dunlop's original papers, Glen Cozens found a copying error and Dunlop's handwritten position falls ~8' E of NGC 1365.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1365 on 28 Nov 1837 and described "A very remarkable nebula. A decided link between the nebula M 51 and M 27. Centre very bright; somewhat extended; gradually very much brighter to the middle; a 13th magnitude star near the edge of the halo involved. The area of the halo very faint; general position of the longer axis 20.8 degrees. whole breadth = 3'. See Pl. IV. fig. 1."  The next night he made a second observation and logged "very bright, extended, resolvable nucleus; or has 2 or 3 stars involved; the preceding Arc is the brighter. I think the oval is in some degree filled up to the south."  Based on his size estimate, JH may have only observed the central region. The NGC attributes JH with the discovery.

 

Joseph Turner observed and sketched a pair of dramatic spiral arms, central bar and core as a "Z" shaped figure using the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope on 2 Dec 1875 (unpublished lithograph plate II, figure 10), as well as Albert Le Sueur on 30 Jan 1870 (plate VII, figure 84).

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NGC 1366 = ESO 418-010 = MCG -05-09-013 = PGC 13197

03 33 53.7 -31 11 39; For

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 2”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, small, bright core, thin faint extensions 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5'.  Located 6.8' S of mag 6.2 SAO 194375.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1366 = H III-857 = h2553 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and recorded "vF, S, irr F, lbM."  His position is at the south edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 1367 = NGC 1371 = ESO 482-010 = MCG -04-09-029 = UGCA 79 = PGC 13255

03 35 00.7 -24 56 04; For

 

See observing notes for NGC 1371.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 1367 = LM 1-106 in 1886 with the 26-inch Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 13.0 [bright], *9, nf 5.0'."  His rough position is a good match with NGC 1371 (discovered by William Herschel).  This was noted by Robert Baker in his 1933 Harvard catatalogue of 985 galaxies in the Fornax and Eridanus region: "[NGC 1367 is] near NGC 1371, but the descriptions are different."  But Stone's comment about the nearby bright star clinches the equivalence.  Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin both concluded NGC 1371 = NGC 1367, with NGC 1371 the primary designation.

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NGC 1368 = MCG -03-10-012 = PGC 13247

03 34 58.9 -15 39 23; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 108”

 

18" (11/26/03): very faint, small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration, very small bright core.  Forms an isosceles triangle with a mag 14 star 1.8' ESE and a mag 14.9 2.5' NE.  NGC 1372 lies 32' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1368 = LM 1-107 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position falls 3' S of MCG -03-10-012 = PGC 13247.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory as well as Robert Baker in his 1937 Harvard catalogue of galaxies in Fornax and Eridanus.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 1368.

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NGC 1369 = ESO 358-034 = MCG -06-09-004 = LGG 096-019 = PGC 13330

03 36 45.2 -36 15 24; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 12”

 

18" (12/30/08): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, ~0.9'x0.8', very weak concentration.  Located 4.3' NW of mag 7.2 HD 22621 and 39' ESE of NGC 1365.  This is a relatively bright member of the Fornax I cluster that was missed by John Herschel.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC due to a poor position by Julius Schmidt.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1369 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey on the Fornax Cluster (nebula "b" in his table).  There is nothing at his position, which is 9.4' SE of NGC 1365.  Interestingly, NGC 1365 is the previous entry in his table (AN 2097, p137) and that position is very accurate.  The entry that follows NGC 1369 is a bright star (assigned mag 5.6), which supposedly follows NGC 1369 by 7 sec in RA and 2.4' S, though its position must also be in error.  Harold Corwin found that if Schmidt made 3 minute error in RA for both objects (change 27 to 30), then NGC 1369 = ESO 358-034 = PGC 13330 and the bright star (4.5' SE) is mag 7.2 HD 22621.

 

This galaxy was listed in a table of new nebulae found between 1909-11 at the Helwan Observatory, but Knox-Shaw remarked that it was "possibly identical with [NGC] 1369."   ESO-LV (surface photometry catalogue) and RC3 identify NGC 1369 = ESO 358-034 but the ESO-Uppsala catalogue and MCG don't label this galaxy as NGC 1369. The RNGC calls this number nonexistent.

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NGC 1370 = ESO 548-048 = MCG -03-10-013 = LGG 095-002 = PGC 13265

03 35 14.5 -20 22 26; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Situated exactly midway between two mag 13/14 stars just off the NW and SE flanks (both ~40" from center)!  NGC 1362 lies 20' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1370 = H III-559 = H III-960 = h2554 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 597) and logged III 559 as "3 vS stars in a line, with vF nebulosity.  On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he noted III 960 as "vF, vS, 300 confirmed it."  His position on both sweeps are pretty close to ESO 548-048 and clearly his first description (III-559) mentioning "3 vS stars in a line" applies to this galaxy (one of the "stars" is the nucleus).  In the CGH catalogue, JH assigned the first H-designation to h2551 = NGC 1362 and the second to h2554 = NGC 1370.  Auwers has a note to III 559, commenting on the large discrepancy in position with h2551 (87 seconds in RA and 4' in Dec).  In the GC, JH decided to reverse the assignment of his father's numbers and Dreyer copied this in the NGC.  But both observations refer to NGC 1370.  JH made 3 observations, recording on 11 Dec 1835, "vF; R; situated exactly between 2 stars 14th mag."

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NGC 1371 = NGC 1367 = ESO 482-010 = MCG -04-09-029 = UGCA 79 = LGG 097-012 = PGC 13255

03 35 01.3 -24 56 00; For

V = 10.7;  Size 5.6'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.5', halo fades into the background.  Very bright elongated core 30" diameter increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 8.3 star SAO 168653 (wide double at 53" with a mag 11.5 star) is 4.5' NE.  NGC 1360 lies one degree SSW.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, moderately large, bright core, diffuse halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1371 = H II-262 = h2555 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and logged "F, a little & irr E above 1' in dia."  His position is ~5' north of ESO 482-010 = PGC 13255.  JH called the galaxy "B, L, R, psbM, 2'." and noted a 4' error in the PD in his working list from Caroline Herschel.

 

Ormond Stone independently found the galaxy in 1886 and recorded LM 1-106 as "mag 13.0 [bright], *9, nf 5.0'."  His rough position is a good match with H II-262 = NGC 1371 and his comment about the nearby star clinches the equivalence.  Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin both conclude NGC 1371 = NGC 1367, with NGC 1371 the primary designation.

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NGC 1372 = PGC 13346

03 36 59.7 -15 52 53; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (11/23/05): very faint, extremely small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' SW.  NGC 1388 lies 17' E and NGC 1368 32' WNW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1372 = LM 1-108 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.9 tmin west of PGC 13346.  The RA was corrected based on Harvard plates taken in South Africa in Robert Baker's 1937 "Catalogue of 1113 Galaxies in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".

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NGC 1373 = ESO 358-021 = MCG -06-08-028 = PGC 13252

03 34 59.2 -35 10 16; For

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 131”

 

18" (12/17/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 40"x30", broad concentration.  Smallest and faintest in a trio with NGC 1374 and 1375 about 6' SE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, extremely small.  First of three with NGC 1374 4.8' SE and NGC 1375 6.8' SE.  Member of the Fornax I cluster member.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1373 = h2556 on 29 Nov 1837 and recorded "eF, vS, the preceding of three [with NGC 1374 and 1375]."  His position is quite poor and lands at the southwest edge of NGC 1374, so clearly there was some problem with the observation.  When Julius Schmidt observed the field he measured an accurate position for NGC 1374, but was unsure of its identification and has no measurement for NGC 1373.  Still, there are only three galaxies here, and Herschel's description is appropriate for ESO 358-021 = PGC 13252.  Harold Knox-Shaw found this galaxy again on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory and reported it as new in the 1915 observatory bulletin.

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NGC 1374 = ESO 358-023 = MCG -06-08-029 = PGC 13267

03 35 16.6 -35 13 35; For

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (12/17/11): very bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Contains a relatively large intense core that increases to the center.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 1375 2.3' S of center.  NGC 1373 lies 4.9' NW and

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, round, bright core.  In a close trio with NGC 1375 2' S and NGC 1373 4.8' NW.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, round.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1374 = h2557 (along with NGC 1373 = h2556 and NGC 1375 = h2558) on 29 Nov 1837, recording "vB, pL, lE, gmbM, the 2nd of three." His position was 1.6' ENE of center (similar offset as NGC 1375).  In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.

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NGC 1375 = ESO 358-024 = MCG -06-08-030 = PGC 13266

03 35 16.8 -35 15 57; For

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 91”

 

18" (12/17/11): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.4'x0.6'.  Broad concentration with a fairly large brighter core.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 1374 2.3' N.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, edge-on streak 3:1 E-W.  In a trio with NGC 1374 2.4' N and NGC 1373 6.8' NW.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1375 = h2558 in the Fornax Cluster and described "B, S, lE, pmbM; the 3d of 3 [with NGC 1373 and 137] of the same RA as the second."  His RA is 7 sec too large, but Julius Schmidt's position (measured on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory and listed as nebula "c") is accurate in RA.

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NGC 1376 = MCG -01-10-011 = PGC 13352

03 37 05.9 -05 02 34; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, diffuse, weak concentration.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, round, moderately large, weak concentration, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1376 = H II-288 = h303 on 28 Jan 1785 (sweep 359) and logged "F, pL, irr R, r."  His position is 1.7' NNE of ESO 548-051 = PGC 13324.  John Herschel measured an accurate position on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), calling it "L; the faintest thing imaginable."

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NGC 1377 = ESO 548-051 = MCG -04-09-033 = PGC 13324

03 36 39.0 -20 54 05; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, bright core, 1.2'x0.6'.  Located 11' W of mag 9.5 SAO 168686.  Located one degree NE of 19 (Tau 5) Eridani.  Member of large LGG 97 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1377 = H II-961 = h2560 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) and noted "vF, vS."  JH made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope, recording it as "F, S, R, bM, 15 arcsec."

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NGC 1378 = ESO 358-030

03 35 58.2 -35 12 40; For

 

= **, Carlson & ESO.  Not found, de Vaucouleurs

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1378 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "d" in his table).  His position corresponds with an 11" double star (brighter component mag 13.2) and ESO, Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify NGC 1378 with these two stars.

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NGC 1379 = ESO 358-027 = MCG -06-09-001 = PGC 13299

03 36 04.0 -35 26 29; For

V = 10.9;  Size 2.4'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (12/17/11): very bright, fairly large, round, 1.6' diameter. Well concentrated with a very bright 20" core that increases to a bright, stellar nucleus.  Slightly larger NGC 1387 lies 11.5' SE and elongated NGC 1381 is 10.5' NE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, almost round, bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  Forms a right angle with NGC 1387 11.5' SE and NGC 1381 10' NE.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, round, bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1379 = h2561 on 25 Dec 1835 and reported a "Globular cluster, pB, R, gpmbM, 70 arcsec."  His position corresponds with ESO 358-027 = PGC 13299. He also described a few other galaxies in the Fornax cluster as globulars.

 

In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was not resolved visually and showed on continuous spectrum on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector.

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NGC 1380 = ESO 358-028 = MCG -06-09-002 = PGC 13318

03 36 27.5 -34 58 31; For

V = 9.9;  Size 4.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 7”

 

18" (12/17/11): extremely bright, large, elongated ~5:3 N-S, ~3.0'x1.8'.  Sharply concentrated with an intense, elongated core that brightens to the center, though there was no evident nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed ~0.9' SW of center.  This is one of the brightest Fornax cluster galaxies.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core, faint elongated halo.  A very faint mag 14 star is SW of the core 1.2' from the center.  Member of Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated, bright core.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1380 = D 574 = h2559 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta.  He recorded "a rather faint pretty well-defined elliptical nebula, about 1' long, and 50" broad, a little brighter to the centre." His position was well off, 19.5' ESE of ESO 358-028 = PGC 13318.  John Herschel made a single observation on sweep 635 (19 Oct 1835) and logged, "very bright; large; round; pretty suddenly brighter towards the middle; A fine nebula." He added: "The obs. of the place like that of Dunlop 591 above was lost by setting the instrument on the place given in Mr Dunlop's Catalogue, and relying on his RA (3h 31m) which is too great, instead of sweeping over them, when they could not have escaped being regularly taken."  In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.

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NGC 1381 = ESO 358-029 = MCG -06-09-003 = PGC 13321

03 36 31.6 -35 17 43; For

V = 11.5;  Size 2.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 139”

 

18" (12/17/11): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core that increases to the center.  A mag 14 star lies 1.8' SE and a similar star is 3' NW.  Situated nearly at the midpoint of a line connecting NGC 1382 10' NE and NGC 1379 10' SW.  NGC 1374/1375 pair is ~15' WNW.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, edge-on 3:1 NW-SE, bright core, faint elongated halo.  A mag 14 star is 1.8' SE of center.  Member of the Fornax I cluster with NGC 1379 10' SW and NGC 1387 14' SSE.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, elongated.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1381 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "e" in his table published in 1876).  His position is an excellent match with ESO 358-029 = PGC 13321.  Of the 11 "new" objects listed by Schmidt in his table, two are clearly duplicates (object "a" = NGC 1318 = NGC 1317 and "c" = NGC 1375).  Of the remaining 9, only 4 have accurate positions that can be matched up with certainty.

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NGC 1382 = NGC 1380B = ESO 358-037 = MCG -06-09-009 = PGC 13354

03 37 09.0 -35 11 42; For

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 179”

 

18" (12/17/11): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter.  Fairly low surface brightness with only a broad, mild concentration and no core or zones.  NGC 1381 lies 9.6' SW.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, round, fairly small, very diffuse.  On a line with NGC 1381 9.5' SW and NGC 1379 20' SW.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1382 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "f" in his table).  There is nothing at his position, but 37 seconds of RA east and 1.7' S is ESO 358-037 = PGC 13354.  Since this the only reasonable candidate.  His position for NGC 1381, the previous object is his list, is accurate so this identification is uncertain.

 

Harold Knox-Shaw found this galaxy again on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory and reported it as new in the 1915 observatory bulletin.  de Vaucouleurs called this galaxy NGC 1380B in his 1956 "Survey of Bright Galaxies South of -35” Declination", based on Mt Stromlo plates. See Harold Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 1383 = ESO 548-053 = MCG -03-10-015 = PGC 13377

03 37 39.2 -18 20 22; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 91”

 

17.5" (12/11/99): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.6', well concentrated.  Situated between two mag 13/14.5 stars 1.5' SW and NE.  First in a group of 7 NGC galaxies including NGC 1400 and NGC 1407.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1383 = h2562 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded "pF, vS, R, psmbM." His position is accurate.

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NGC 1384 = MCG +03-10-003 = CGCG 465-004 = PGC 13448

03 39 13.5 +15 49 08; Tau

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' WNW of center.  Located 3.5' WSW of mag 8.6 SAO 93537.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1384 = m 90 on 20 Oct 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted a "neb * 13."  His position falls very close to a faint, unequal double star but Harold Corwin notes that 1.6' S is CGCG 465-004 = PGC 13448 and this galaxy has a mag 13.5 star superimposed (mentioned in my visual notes) that matches Marth's description.

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NGC 1385 = ESO 482-016 = MCG -04-09-036 = PGC 13368

03 37 28.8 -24 30 07; For

V = 10.9;  Size 3.4'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 165”

 

48" (10/29/19): at 610x; very bright, large, excellent spiral with an unusual, chaotic appearance!  Overall, the galaxy is elongated ~5:3 N-S, ~3.0'x1.8', with a prominent thick bar running ~E-W through the center.  A small, bright knot is close north of the west end of the bar.

 

A brighter, elongated patch (probably a short section of a spiral arm) was easily seen extending north of the bar.  Only the initial part of the southern arm attached to the west end of the bar was visible.  The main, long spiral arm was rooted on the east end of the bar and stretched well north of the central region.  Its surface brightness seemed irregular or patchy.  The arm faded and was less defined as it curled clockwise and spread west on the north end of the halo.  The south portion of the halo was faint overall (due to dust) but displayed a semi-circular outline due to the very low surface brightness southern arm.

 

LEDA 788671 was picked up 3.5' S of NGC 1385.  This small galaxy was faint (B = 16.4) and ~12" in diameter.

 

17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately large.  Dimensions are 2.5'x2.0' slightly elongated N-S, but with an irregular appearance.  A bright bar appears to extend through the galaxy WNW-ESE surrounded by an irregular patchy halo more elongated N-S.  Spiral structure is strongly suggested with a spiral arm on the NE side.  The galaxy appears more extensive north of the bar.  Located within a 10' string of four mag 11-12 stars oriented SW-NE.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, fairly small, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1385 = H II-263 = h2563 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and recorded "F but less bright than the last [NGC 1371], bM, about 1.5' dia."  His position is 4' too far north-northwest.  John Herschel called this object "B, R, gpmbM, 40 arcsec" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 1386 = ESO 358-035 = MCG -06-09-005 = PGC 13333

03 36 46.2 -35 59 58; Eri

V = 11.2;  Size 3.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 25”

 

18" (12/17/11): bright or very bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 2.5'x1.0'.  Gradually brighter outer halo, then sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases towards the center.  NGC 1389 lies 16' NNE.

 

13.1" (1/1/84): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.  NGC 1389 lies 16' NNE and NGC 1369 15' S (not observed).  Located 5.2' NNW of mag 9.5 SAO 194401.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, bright core, almost round.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1386 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "g" in his table). His position is at the east edge of ESO 358-035 = PGC 13333.

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NGC 1387 = ESO 358-036 = MCG -06-09-007 = PGC 13344

03 36 56.8 -35 30 24; For

V = 10.7;  Size 2.8'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (12/17/11): at 285x appeared bright to very bright, fairly large, round, 2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 25"-30" core that increases to a stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.  Bracketed at low power by NGC 1379 11.5' WNW and NGC 1399 19' ENE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, round, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Member of Fornax I cluster.  NGC 1381 lies 14' NNW and NGC 1379 11.5' WNW.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, small, round, broad concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1387 = h2564 on 25 Dec 1835 and described a "globular cluster, vB, R, gmbM, 90 arcseconds, A globular cluster in all probability identical with this, was also seen in Sweep 636, while searching beyond the meridian for Dunlop 562."  His position is accurate.  He also described a few other galaxies in the Fornax cluster as globulars (NGCs 1310, 1379, 1399 and 1436). In 1915 Knox-Shaw reported it was similar to 1380 and 1399 "and probably a nebula", based on a photograph as well as a visual observation with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.

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NGC 1388 = PGC 13402

03 38 12.0 -15 53 58; Eri

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (12/9/01): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Forms the eastern vertex of a triangle with a mag 11.5 star 4.5' W and a mag 13 star 3' SW.  NGC 1372 lies 17' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1388 = LM 1-109 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) happens to be fairly accurate in this case, falling 2.4' SE of PGC 13402.

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NGC 1389 = ESO 358-038 = MCG -06-09-010 = PGC 13360

03 37 11.7 -35 44 46; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 30”

 

18" (12/17/11): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 60"x40".  Moderately concentrated with a brighter core and a thin fainter halo.  Forms the SW vertex of a trapezoid with a mag 10 star 3' N, and two mag 12 stars 3' E and 3.7' NE.

 

13.1" (1/1/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, weak concentration.  Member of Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, small, round.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1389 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "h" on his list).  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1390 = ESO 548-054 = MCG -03-10-017 = LGG 095-003 = PGC 13386

03 37 52.1 -19 00 30; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4'.  Very weak concentration along the major axis.  Situated 6' N of a mag 9.8 star and ~40' SW of the NGC 1407 group.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1390 = LM 2-372 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 14.0, 1.0'x0.6', E 260”."  There is nothing at his position but 16 sec of RA west and 2' N is ESO 548-054 = PGC 13386, the only nearby candidate.  His PA is in error (should read 20”, instead of 260”).  The RA was corrected in Robert Baker's 1937 "Catalogue of 1113 Galaxies in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".

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NGC 1391 = ESO 548-059 = MCG -03-10-020 = PGC 13436

03 38 52.9 -18 21 15; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (12/11/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, very weak concentration.  Located between NGC 1393 5.6' SW and NGC 1394 5.0' NE in the NGC 1407 group.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1391 = LM 2-373 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His description reads "mag 15.4, 0.4' dia, R, gbMN, 1st of 3, one of which is GC 742 [NGC 1383].  There is nothing at his position, but 28 tsec of RA east is ESO 548-059 = PGC 13436 and Ormond Stone's micrometrically measured RA matches this galaxy.  Leavenworth described NGC 1391 as the "1st of 3, one of which is GC 742 [NGC 1383]", but it should read "2nd of 3" as NGC 1393 is further west.  Herbert Howe caught this error in his NGC visual survey.

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NGC 1392 = NGC 1317 = NGC 1318 = ESO 357-023 = MCG -06-08-006 = PGC 12653

03 22 44.4 -37 06 13; For

V = 11.0;  Size 2.8'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 78”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1317.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1392 = Sw. VI-15 on 13 Feb 1887, along with Sw. VI-14, and recorded "vF; pS; R."  There is nothing at his position, though Sw. VI-15 was placed ~4.5' N of brighter VI-14.  Swift has a long note at the end of his 6th list about VI-14 and VI-15. He assumed VI-14 referred to the "Great Southern Comet" 1887-I, though he found it 3” south of the predicted place. At the end of his paper, H.C.F. Kreutz remarked that the most recent orbital calculations placed Swift's nebula 38 minutes of RA east and 4” south of the position of the comet, so they were likely not related.  More of the story which follows, is gleaned from Gary Kronk's book on Lewis Swift and Harold Corwin's IC identification notes.

 

In the following volume of Astronomische Nachrichten (AN 118, 203), Swift wrote (17 Dec) "I have made two unsuccessful attempts to refind the two objects one of which I thought was very probably Comet 1887-I.  The seeing on both occasions were fairly good but not equal that when seen which was exceptionally fine.  I am therefore not surprised that the faintest one was not seen as it was a very faint object and though so near the suspected comet was not noticed for some little time.  In fact I begin to fear I shall never see the faint one again in consequence of an increased number of electric street lights south of and not far from the observatory."

 

Barnard also searched for Swift's nebulae and reported on 19 November (AN 118, 173) he strongly suspected Swift's positions were erroneous as he searched for the comet unsuccessfully on 11 and 12 February and would have picked up a brighter object when he covered Swift's position.  After later receiving a letter from Swift, he specifically searched for the nebulae again on the 15th of November with a 6.4-inch refractor (at Vanderbilt) and found nothing at Swift's position.  But expanding his search area he found two nebulae with the same relative positions and appropriate descriptions that "seems to me that these are Swift's objects".   A note was added by A. Krueger, AN's editor, that based on Barnard's position, the two nebulae are GC 697 and 698 (= NGC 1316 and 1317).  This would imply Swift made a very large error of 15 minutes of time in RA (too far east), but otherwise these galaxies are a good match with Swift's description and relative positions!

 

Swift was apparently quite upset by Barnard's remarks and responded in the AN 118 note (5 Jan 1888) that the previous night he observed Barnard's nebulae and "they bear about as much resemblance to mine as the Orion nebula does to the Andromeda nebula. I am now more thoroughly convinced that the suspected object was a comet than I was at first and highly probably was comet 1887 I."   Despite Swift's comments, the most likely conclusion is NGC 1392 = NGC 1317 and Sw. VI-14 = NGC 1316.

 

ESO misidentifies ESO 358-040 (1” north of Swift's position) as NGC 1392.  RNGC misidentifies ESO 358-034 (53' SSE of Swift's position) as NGC 1392.

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NGC 1393 = ESO 548-058 = MCG -03-10-019 = PGC 13425

03 38 38.5 -18 25 41; Eri

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (12/11/99): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1' diameter, bright core.  Member of the NGC 1407 group. First of three on a line with NGC 1391 5.6' NE and NGC 1394 10' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1393 = H III-451 = h2565 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "vF, S, R."  JH logged "pF, R, glbM, 30".", and measured an accurate position.  Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 1391 and NGC 1394 to the northeast.

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NGC 1394 = ESO 548-060 = MCG -03-10-021 = PGC 13444

03 39 06.9 -18 17 32; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (12/11/99): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', small bright core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.6' N.  Third of three on a line with NGC 1393 and NGC 1391.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1394 = LM 2-374 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.5, 0.4'x0.2', E 170”, sbMN, 3rd of 3."  There is nothing at his position, but 30 seconds of time further east is ESO 548-060 = PGC 13444 and his description matches this galaxy (PA should read 10”).  Ormond Stone's corrected position in the IC 1 notes is accurate.

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NGC 1395 = ESO 482-019 = MCG -04-09-039 = PGC 13419

03 38 29.8 -23 01 41; Eri

V = 9.6;  Size 5.9'x4.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 126”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 ~E-W, very bright core, fainter halo.  Two faint mag 14 stars lie on the west and north edges 1.0' from center.  Brightest in a group of five with NGC 1401, NGC 1403, NGC 1415 and NGC 1416 and the leading member of the larger Eridanus Group.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, small, round, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1395 = H I-58 = h2566 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and logged "B, S, lE, mbM."  JH recorded "vB, pmE, psmbM, 60" long", and measured an accurate position (2 sweeps).

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NGC 1396 = LGG 098-006 = PGC 13398

03 38 06.5 -35 26 24; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 90”

 

18" (12/17/11): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, ~20" diameter, low surface brightness.  Requires averted vision and no details were visible.  Located just 4.7' W of NGC 1399 (second brightest galaxy in the Fornax cluster).

 

18" (12/30/08): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Required averted to glimpse though the observation may have been affected by clouds or contrails.  Located 4.7' W of NGC 1399 in the Fornax I cluster.

 

Note: this identification is very unlikely and the number should probably be classified as "lost".

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1396 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "i" in his table).  There is nothing at his position of 03 38 01 -35 40 17 (2000), and the RNGC classifies NGC 1396 as nonexistent.  The Southern Galaxy Catalogue and RC3, though, identify PGC 13398 as NGC 1396.  This galaxy is 14' due north of Schmidt's location and places NGC 1396 just 5' WNW of the bright elliptical NGC 1399.

 

But I'm not convinced that Schmidt could have picked up this galaxy with a 6" refractor as it was extremely faint in my 18-inch.  Harold Corwin took another look at the SGC galaxy in September 2017 and is now also skeptical this is the object seen by Schmidt.  See Harold Corwin's historical notes and my RNGC Corrections #6. 

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NGC 1397 = MCG -01-10-017 = PGC 13485

03 39 47.2 -04 40 12; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1397 = H III-569 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 608) and recorded "eF, lE, easily resolvable."  His position (re-reduced by Auwers) is just 1.3' NE of MCG -01-10-017 = PGC 13485.  JH thought his observation of h305 applied to this galaxy, but actually he discovered IC 344.

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NGC 1398 = ESO 482-022 = MCG -04-09-040 = PGC 13434

03 38 52.0 -26 20 13; For

V = 9.7;  Size 7.1'x5.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (11/26/94): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2.2'x1.1', well concentrated with a very bright 30" rounder core and a stellar nucleus.  NGC 1360 lies 1.3” NW.  This galaxy has a beautifuil inner and outer ring structure on deep images.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, moderately large, round, bright core.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1398, along with an independent discovery of NGC 1360, on 9 Oct 1861 using his personal 4" Steinheil refractor from Marseille.  Tempel didn't announce the discovery until May 1882 and in the meantime it was independently found by Friedrich August Winnecke on 17 Dec 1868 with a 4.5" refractor at Karlsruhe and Eugen Block (AN 2287) on 18 Oct 1879 with a 4" refractor at Odessa.  This is the brightest galaxy discovered by Tempel (V = 9.7) and the most southerly.

 

Based on plates taken at the Helwan observatory in 1927-31, NGC 1398 was described as an "oval ring 5' diameter, surrounding a faint, disc 1.5' diameter with a vB central almost stellar ncl, 1/2' with a pF axis E 10”."

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NGC 1399 = ESO 358-045 = MCG -06-09-012 = PGC 13418

03 38 29.0 -35 27 04; For

V = 9.6;  Size 6.9'x6.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

18" (12/17/11): very bright, large, round, 3' diameter.  The outer halo has a fairly low surface brightness but the central portion is sharply concentrated with a very bright 35" core.  The core continues to brighten significantly to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A star is superimposed less than 20" NNE of center.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 1404 10' SSE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, large faint halo is broadly concentrated, brighter core.  A star is superimposed 0.3' N of the center.  This galaxy is the second brightest and second largest in the core of the Fornax I cluster.  NGC 1404 is 10' SE.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, round, bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1399 = h2569 on 22 Oct 1835 and recorded a "globular cluster, vB, pL, psbM, resolvable or resolved, 2'."  He also described a few other galaxies in the Fornax cluster as globulars (NGCs 1310, 1379, 1387 and 1436).  In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was not resolved visually awith the 30-inch Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.

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NGC 1400 = ESO 548-062 = MCG -03-10-022 = PGC 13470

03 39 30.8 -18 41 17; Eri

V = 11.0;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (12/11/99): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, brighter core, stellar nucleus. Smaller and fainter than NGC 1407 11' NE.  Possible member of the NGC 1407 group.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, small faint halo.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 1407 11.6' NE. 

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, very small, round.  Situated 11' SW of NGC 1407.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1400 = H II-593 = h2567 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "pB, pS, R, resembling the following [NGC 1407], but much less."  JH noted "B, R, psmbM, 30"."

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NGC 1401 = ESO 482-026 = MCG -04-09-042 = PGC 13457

03 39 21.9 -22 43 29; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 2.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 130”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): faint, small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is just 0.4' N of center.  NGC 1403 lies 20' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1401 = H III-247 = h2568 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and noted "eF, vS."   His position is 23 sec of RA too far east, but JH measured an accurate position.  I'm surprised neither noted the elongation.

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NGC 1402 = ESO 548-061 = MCG -03-10-023 = PGC 13467

03 39 30.5 -18 31 37; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (12/11/99): fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small brighter core.  Located 10' S of NGC 1400 in a group.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1402 = LM 2-376 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position essentially matches ESO 548-061 = PGC 13467.

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NGC 1403 = ESO 482-025 = MCG -04-09-041 = PGC 13445

03 39 10.8 -22 23 18; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, small, 40" diameter, small bright core surrounded by a very faint halo, almost stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the west edge 30" from the center.  A bright wide double star mag 8/10.5 at 30" is located 4' NNE.  NGC 1401 lies 20' S.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1403 = LM 2-375 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His RA was 0.2 minutes of time too large and it was corrected in Robert Baker's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".

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NGC 1404 = ESO 358-046 = MCG -06-09-013 = PGC 13433

03 38 52.1 -35 35 38; For

V = 10.0;  Size 3.3'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (12/17/11): very bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  The outer halo gradually increases then brightens fairly rapidly to a small, very bright core.  The core increases to the center but a stellar nucleus wasn't seen.  A mag 12-12.5 star is 45" SE, at the edge of the halo.  Mag 8.1 HD 22862 lies 2.8' SE.  NGC 1404 is smaller but has an overall higher surface brightness than NGC 1399, located 10' NNW.  NGC 1396 lies 4.6' W.

 

At 285x, supernova 2011iv, discovered on Dec 2, was easily visible just 7" W and 8" N of center.  The supernova was similar in brightness to the mag 12-12.5 star at or just off the southeast edge of the halo.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, fairly small, round, bright core.  Located just 2.8' NNW of mag 8.1 SAO 194428.  NGC 1399 lies 10' NW.  Member of Fornax I cluster.

 

8" (10/13/81): fairly bright, small, round, bright core.  A mag 8 star is close SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1404 = h2571 on 28 Nov 1837 and recorded (the following night) "vB, R, psmbM, 40", has a star N.f."  His RA was 12 seconds too large and the star is south following but this identification is certain.  In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory, though he initially reported it as a new nebula.  His later table in 1876 correctly identifies it as h2571.

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NGC 1405 = MCG -03-10-028 = PGC 13512

03 40 18.9 -15 31 48; Eri

V = 15.6;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 15.1;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.3'.  Requires averted to glimpse.  Located 5' NNE of brighter NGC 1413.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1405 = LM 1-110 (along with NGC 1413 = I-111) on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and logged "mag 16.0, pL, vE 150”, glbM, sev vF st inv."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is accurate and the position angle matches, though no are stars involved (noted first by Herbert Howe in 1900).  Howe measured an accurate RA in 1899-00 at Denver.

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NGC 1406 = ESO 418-015 = MCG -05-09-020 = UGCA 83 = PGC 13458

03 39 23.1 -31 19 18; For

V = 11.8;  Size 3.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 15”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, moderately large, 3.0'x0.6, brighter core, dims at ends of extensions.  Located 16' ESE of mag 7.4 SAO 194416.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1406 = h2572 on 18 Nov 1835 and accurately recorded "F, vmE, vglbM, 2' l, 20" br; *7 mag precedes in parallel."

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NGC 1407 = ESO 548-067 = MCG -03-10-030 = LGG 100-004 = PGC 13505

03 40 11.8 -18 34 48; Eri

V = 9.7;  Size 4.6'x4.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 35”

 

24" (1/1/19): at 260x; very bright, very large, round, 2.5'-3' diameter.  The galaxy displayed three distinct brightness zones that were sharply delineated.  The large halo was fairly smooth, but the sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  The core has a sharp brightness spike with an extremely bright nucleus!

 

A number of galaxies are nearby including NGC 1400 11.5' SW, NGC 1402 10' WNW, IC 343 8' N, IC 345 21' NE, IC 346 29' NE and several more.

 

17.5" (12/11/99): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, bright core, nearly stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the NGC 1407 Group (LGG 100), which includes 8 NGC galaxies and IC 343.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): bright, fairly small, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 1400 11.6' SW. 

 

8" (10/13/81): bright, small, round, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1407 = H I-107 = h2570 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "B, R, mbM or large nucleus, about 1.5' diameter." JH logged it as "vB, L, R, first vg then vs, vmbM; 3'."

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NGC 1408 = ESO 358-048

03 39 24 -35 31; For

 

= Not found, RNGC, Corwin and ESO.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1408 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "k" in his table).  There is nothing near his position, though a 20" pair of mag 14.5/15.5 stars is 1.6' NW and a slightly close pair of mag 13.5/15 star is 4' SE.  Either might apply, so this number is considered lost.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1409 = VV 729 = III Zw 55 = MCG +00-10-011 = CGCG 391-028 = PGC 13553

03 41 10.4 -01 18 08; Tau

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, oval SSW-NNE.  This is a contact pair with NGC 1410 - just 14" between centers.  At high power appears faint, small, round, small bright core.  NGC 1410 is just 15" NE in a common halo.  Located on the Eridanus border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1409 = H III-263 = h304 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and logged "Suspected, eF, stellar or lE, 240x power rather confirmed it, but left a doubt."  His position is 2' south of this double system (with NGC 1410).

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NGC 1410 = VV 729 = III Zw 55 = MCG +00-10-012 = CGCG 391-028 = PGC 13556

03 41 10.7 -01 17 55; Tau

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Forms a very close contact pair with NGC 1409 on the Eridanus border.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's observer, discovered NGC 1410 on 17 Jan 1855. He recorded a "Double neb [with NGC 1409], north and south, both vS, bM.  Cannot make out whether there is a connexion between them."

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NGC 1411 = IC 1943? = ESO 249-011 = MCG -07-08-004 = PGC 13429

03 38 44.9 -44 06 02; Hor

V = 11.3;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 6”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~2'x1.5'.  Very sharply concentrated with an intensely bright 20" core and fairly even surface brightness halo that gradually fades out.  IC 1970 lies 25' WNW.  One of the brighter members of the NGC 1433 subgroup of the Dorado Group complex.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core.  One of farthest southern galaxies easily viewed from Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1411 = h2573 on 24 Oct 1835 and recorded "B, R, vsvmbM, 20 arcsec."  His position is accurate.  Harold Corwin suggests Lewis Swift may have found this galaxy again on 3 Oct 1897 at Echo Mountain, but made an error in recording the RA of Sw. XII-44, with the RA 9 min too small (the dec matches).  If so, then NGC 1411 = IC 1943.  See Corwin's notes for IC 1943.

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NGC 1412 = IC 1981 = ESO 482-029 = MCG -05-09-021 = PGC 13520

03 40 29.3 -26 51 44; For

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 131”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.7', bright core.  Situated in a group of three mag 11/12 stars with a mag 12 star 1.6' SE.  Located 38' SE of NGC 1398 in northeast Fornax.

 

John Herschel found NGC 1412 = h2574 on 20 Nov 1835 and recorded "F, S, E, gpmbM, 15"; has a * S.f. distance 2'."  There is nothing at his position and NGC 1412 was reported as not found on a 60 min exposure at the Helwan observatory (1935) or on Bruce 24-inch refractor plates from South Africa (Robert Baker, 1933).  As a result the RNGC classified the number as nonexistent.  But 40' due south of Herschel's position is ESO 482-029 = PGC 13520 and ESO-LV and RC3 identify this galaxy as NGC 1412.  ESO 482-029 is a good match in description; the galaxy is elongated NW-SE with a mag 12 star 1.6' SSE.  The poor declination probably resulted from a copying error.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 26 Dec 1897, placed it 37 sec of RA too far west (declination matches) in discovery list XI-58 (later IC 1981). So, NGC 1412 = IC 1981.  ESO and MCG use only the IC designation.  Included in my RNGC Corrections #6 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1413 = PGC 13504

03 40 11.5 -15 36 39; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (12/9/01): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14.5 star is located 1.7' W.  Forms a pair with NGC 1405 5' NNE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1413 = LM 1-111 (along with NGC 1405 = I-110) on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, vS, R, lbM."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 0.8 min of RA east of PGC 13504.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1414 = ESO 548-071 = MCG -04-09-045 = LGG 097-014 = PGC 13543

03 40 57.0 -21 42 48; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 1.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.3'.  Collinear with two mag 13 stars 6' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 1422 8' ENE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1414 = LM 2-377 on 19 Nov 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.8, 1.6'x0.1', E 0” (N-S), bMN.  His description and position is accurate (just off the south side).  Herbert Howe corrected position, measured in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, refers to NGC 1422.  In Harvard Observatory's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus", Robert Baker noted the "Original NGC position in agreement with present catalogue".

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NGC 1415 = IC 1983 = ESO 482-033 = MCG -04-09-047 = PGC 13544

03 40 56.8 -22 33 50; Eri

V = 11.9;  Size 3.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): moderately bright, moderately large.  Contains a bright core with a bright almost stellar nucleus and a much fainter halo elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' NNW of center.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 1416 9' S.  Located 8.5' ESE of mag 8.6 SAO 168726.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, elongated NW-SE, fairly small, bright core, faint elongated halo. 

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1415 = H II-267 = h2575 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and logged "F, vS, R, lbM." JH made 3 observations from the CGH, recording it first as "pF, E, pslbM, 40" long."

 

Lewis Swift probably independently found the galaxy on 8 Oct 1896 from Echo Mountain in Southern California and recorded it in list XI-55 (later IC 1983) as "vF; pS; R; not [NGC] 1426."  His position is 3.4' SE of NGC 1415 the most likely galaxy he picked up.  See Harold Corwin's discussion for IC 1983.

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NGC 1416 = ESO 482-034 = MCG -04-09-048 = PGC 13548

03 41 02.9 -22 43 08; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (11/2/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located almost on line with mag 9.2 SAO 168733 1.5' SSW and mag 9.3 SAO 168734 3.7' S.  A mag 13.5 star is 1' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 1415 9' N.  Slightly misplotted 5' too far south on U2000.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1416 = LM 2-378 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.5' dia, R, *8.7 nr; *8.6 north 2'."  His position 3' south of ESO 482-034 but the mag 8.6 star is 2' south-southeast (the other mag 8.7 star is 2.2' further south).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  The RNGC and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas placed the galaxy 3' too far south.  See Corwin's notes for more on the story.

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NGC 1417 = MCG -01-10-021 = Holm 70a = LGG 103-004 = PGC 13584

03 41 57.4 -04 42 18; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 2.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.3' SE of center.  Brightest in a group with NGC 1418 4.9' ESE and IC 344 7.3' WNW.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core.  A mag 10.5 star is close SSE.  Second of three in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1417 = H II-455 = h306, along with NGC 1418, on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and recorded both as "Two. The preceding [NGC 1417] F, S, E, lbM. The following [NGC 1418] eF, vS, E, hardly to be seen but 240 verified it; about 6 or 7' south following the first."  His position is accurate.

 

On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), John Herschel remarked "R; north-preceding a star.  The second of 3 [with NGC 1418]."  His position is 19 sec of RA too far west, but the description applies (the star is 1.3' SE).  He also accurately measured the position, but listed it under h307 (NGC 1418).  See notes for IC 344 = h305.

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NGC 1418 = MCG -01-10-022 = Holm 70b = LGG 103-005 = PGC 13606

03 42 16.2 -04 43 50; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 1417 4.9' WNW.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): faint, small, oval ~N-S.  A mag 12 star is 1' S.  Third of three in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1418 = H II-456 = h307, along with NGC 1417 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and recorded, "Two. The preceding [NGC 1417] F, S, E, lbM. The following [NGC 1418] eF, vS, E, hardly to be seen but 240 verified it; about 6 or 7' south following the first."  His position was 2.6' too far NE, but the identification is certain.  John Herschel had problems with his observation, and his description for 30 Dec 1826 applies to NGC 1417!

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NGC 1419 = ESO 301-023 = MCG -06-09-017 = AM 0338-374 = LGG 096-027 = PGC 13534

03 40 42.1 -37 30 40; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

18" (1/21/04): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter.  Increases to a very small, brighter core.  An occasional stellar nucleus was glimpsed when the seeing steadied up at 215x.  Located 28' SW of mag 4.7 SAO 194475.  Outlying member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1419 = h2576 on 22 Oct 1835 and recorded "pB, vS, psbM, 15" (clouded)."  His position (from two sweeps) matches ESO 301-023 = PGC 13534.

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NGC 1420

03 42 39.8 -05 51 09; Eri

 

= ***, Corwin.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1420 on 28 Oct 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  At his single position is a close triple star and he noted a mag 13 star precedes by 10.5 seconds of time in approximately the same declination.  This clinches the identity with this close triple.

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NGC 1421 = MCG -02-10-008 = PGC 13620

03 42 29.4 -13 29 20; Eri

V = 11.4;  Size 3.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 179”

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated N-S, ~3.2'x1.0', broad concentration with a brighter bulging core.  The surface brightness is noticeably irregular and mottled with the impression of several brighter patchy knots.  Most noticeable is a brighter northern end that appears to contains a small brighter spot.  This end also seems to contain a small knot or extension that bulges out and angles towards the northwest. [This feature was verified on the DSS].  A mag 13 star is close west of the north end. 

 

17.5" (11/2/91): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 3.0'x0.7', broad weak concentration, fades towards tips.  The surface brightness has a patchy or mottled appearance.  The southern tip is slightly fainter than the northern edge.  A mag 13 star is 2.8' NE of center. 

 

8" (11/28/81): very faint, moderately large, elongated N-S.  A distinctive 6.5' collinear string consisting of four stars mag 10-12 oriented NW-SE begins 8' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1421 = H II-291 = h2577 on 1 Feb 1785 (sweep 364) and noted "pF, mE in the direction of the meridian, between 3 and 4' l and about 1' broad, resolvable."  JH observed this galaxy on 8 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, vmE, vlbM, 3' l, 20" br; pos. = 184.2 degrees."  Dreyer and Lord Rosse made a detailed observation with the 72" on 14 Oct 1876: "F, mE 178.7”, about 4' long; F* (17m +/- ) p near the on end, 38.7" distant, the brighter part of the neb seems abruptly terminated just foll the star, towards which it also appears curved; eF* or knot in neb foll the *17m."

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NGC 1422 = ESO 548-077 = MCG -04-09-051 = LGG 097-015 = PGC 13569

03 41 31.1 -21 40 53; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 2.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): extremely faint, very small, round, 20", low surface brightness.  Based on the DSS image, I only viewed the brighter core as this galaxy is very extended SW-NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 1414 8' WSW.  Located 30' NW of NGC 1426.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1422 = LM 2-379 on 19 Nov 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.8'x0.2', E 80 deg."  There is nothing at his position, but roughly 1 min of RA west is ESO 548-077 = PGC 13569 and his description is a good match with this galaxy.  DeLisle Stewart's corrected position in the IC 2 notes is accurate and he also corrected the PA to 65 deg.  Herbert Howe also measured an accurate position in 1899-00, though assumed this nebula was NGC 1414.

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NGC 1423 = MCG -01-10-025 = Mrk 1191 = PGC 13628

03 42 40.1 -06 22 54; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 20”

 

18" (1/21/04): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3'.  No details but not difficult.  A mag 14.5 star follows by 1.3'.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1423 = Sw. V-55 on 31 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 29 sec of RA east of MCG -01-10-025 = PGC 13628 = PGC 13629.

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NGC 1424 = NGC 1429? = MCG -01-10-026 = PGC 13664

03 43 13.9 -04 43 48; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness.  NGC 1418 lies 14' W and NGC 1417 19' W.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse, slightly elongated N-S.  Located 14' E NGC 1418.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 1424 on 8 Dec 1850 while observing the field of NGC 1417, and was suspected during the observation on 7 Oct.  One of the observers noted a "faint nova" 16' following [NGC 1418].  The following month month Stoney called it "vF, E."  This group was observed 15 times at Birr Castle.  Francis Leavenworth mentions the galaxy in list II-381 [NGC 1429]: "1st of 2, one of which is GC 763 [NGC 1424]; *10, p 15 sec."  There's only one galaxy here, though, so NGC 1429 is considered lost or perhaps he found another pair and made a large error in position.

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NGC 1425 = ESO 419-004 = MCG -05-09-023 = UGCA 84 = PGC 13602 = IC 1988?

03 42 11.3 -29 53 36; For

V = 10.6;  Size 5.8'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 129”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core.  A pair of mag 12.5/14 stars at 30" separation are 2' NE of center and a mag 11 star lies 2.5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1425 = H II-852 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and recorded "F, pL, irr R, gbM."  His position is accurate.  Harold Corwin comments that Lewis Swift's object Sw. XI-61 (later IC 1988), found on 3 Oct 1897 (date given as 14 Oct in his large 11th list in AN) and described as "eF, pL, R; 2 sts near f, wide D* np", may be a duplicate observation.  There are two stars "near following" this galaxy, but the wide double star is west-southwest, not northwest per Swift.  The identification NGC 1425 = IC 1988 also requires that Swift made a 10” error in declination, though these types of errors are not uncommon in Swift's later observations from southern California.

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NGC 1426 = ESO 549-001 = MCG -04-09-054 = PGC 13638

03 42 49.1 -22 06 30; Eri

V = 11.4;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 111”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): fairly bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1426 = H III-248 = h2578 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and recorded "vF, vS, lE."  JH made two observations from the CGH, first calling it "F" and then "B", probably due to varying sky conditions.

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NGC 1427 = ESO 358-052 = MCG -06-09-021 = LGG 096-020 = PGC 13609

03 42 19.4 -35 23 34; For

V = 10.9;  Size 3.6'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 76”

 

18" (12/17/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 2.0'x1.5'.  Well concentrated with a very bright, rounder 25" core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5-13 star is 1.7' W, a bit outside the halo.

 

18" (1/21/04): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x1.4'.  Contains a large, prominent core which is rounder than the halo.

 

8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1427 = h2579 on 28 Nov 1837 and logged "pF; S; R; psmbM; 20" dia."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1428 = ESO 358-053 = MCG -06-09-022 = LGG 096-021 = PGC 13611

03 42 22.8 -35 09 16; For

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 118”

 

18" (12/17/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Contains a faint outer halo, well-concentrated with a bright 20" core that increases somewhat to the center.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge (35" from center).

 

18" (1/21/04): fairly faint, small, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE.  A mag 13 star is just west of the NW edge and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star.  Located 14' N of NGC 1427.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1428 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "l" in his table).  His position matches ESO 358-053 = PGC 13611.

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NGC 1429

03 44 00 -04 43; Eri

 

= Not found, Corwin.  =*, Carlson.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1429 = LM 2-381 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He has two listings under this number.  The first reads mag 15.2, 0.2' diameter, R, bgM with the note "1st of 2, one of which is GC 763 [NGC 1424]; *10 p 15s".  The second object is listed at 0.5 min of RA east and described as mag 15.5, 0.3'x0.2', E 180” (N-S) with the note "second of 2".  There is only a single galaxy near his position, namely NGC 1424 (discovered earlier at Birr Castle), which better matches the second entry (elongated N-S).  So, NGC 1429 is nonexistent though Corwin comments his description may apply to a different pair of galaxies!

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NGC 1430 = NGC 1440

03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1440.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1430 = LM 2-380 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He reported, "mag 15.4, 0.6'x0.4', E 20”, sbMN."  There is nothing at his position and no reasonable candidates showed up in a quick search of the surrounding fields.  Bigourdan was not able to recover this object and it was reported not found on Harvard plates taken with the Bruce astrograph in South Africa (Baker, 1937).

 

Harold Corwin identified this number with a mag 13.3 star near Leavenworth's position but a single star does not fit his description (0.6'x0.4' in PA 20”).  As a result, I had listed this object as lost.  But in Apr 2016 Yann Pothier suggested that NGC 1430 is a duplicate of NGC 1440.  The RA of NGC 1440 is 1.5 minutes further east (typical error in the Leander-McCormick observations) and the description is a fairly good match (except for the magnitude estimate).  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 1431 = UGC 2845 = MCG +00-10-017 = CGCG 391-033 = PGC 13732

03 44 40.8 +02 50 06; Tau

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, low surface brightness, requires averted vision.  Located 14' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 111393.  Four mag 9.5-11 stars are in the 220x field including a mag 11 star 4' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1431 = m 91 on 6 Sep 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, pL, iR."  His position is 2' N of UGC 2845 = PGC 13732.

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NGC 1432 = LBN 771 = vdB 21 = Ced 19f = Maia Nebula

03 45 49.5 +24 22 05; Tau

Size 15'x15'

 

8" (12/28/16): at 124x (unfiltered): although all the bright stars in the Pleiades had scattered light halos, it appeared mag 3.9 Maia had a slightly more extensive halo and irregular halo than mag 3.7 Electra.  So, I am fairly confident this was due to the outer reflection nebulosity surrounding Maia.  The scattered light itself seemed about the same intensity around both stars.

 

Paul and Prosper Henry (brothers) discovered NGC 1432 on the first plate they took of the Pleiades on 16 Nov 1885 at Paris Observatory using the 33-cm astrograph. The plate showed nebulosity around Maia which they described "appears very clearly and has spiral form...it was impossible to see it in our telescopes."  The discovery was announced in AN 2702, though it didn't include an image of the nebula (first published in 1888).  This is the only object in the NGC discovered photographically!

 

Pickering noted on 21 Jan 1886 that he had already photographed the Pleiades on 3 Nov 1885 with an 8-inch lens and stated it only showed "certain irregularities...due merely to defects in the photographic process."  However, a comparison revealed that these "irregularities" included a patch west of Maia, pointing to the north, and a diffuse remnant near Merope pointing south.  As Pickering interpreted these as plate flaws, the discovery priority remains with Paul and Prosper Henry.  The first visual observation was made by Otto Struve on 5 Feb 1886 with the new 30-inch refractor at Pulkovo.  On 23 Feb 1886 he made another observation and sketch with the nebula stretching from Maia to the east.  E.E. Barnard also observed it visually in 1890.

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NGC 1433 = ESO 249-014 = AM 0340-472 = PGC 13586

03 42 01.5 -47 13 20; Hor

V = 9.9;  Size 6.5'x5.9';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a large halo.  The overall dimensions are ~3.5'x2.2'.  I had a strong impression of extensions or the beginnings of two spiral arms (sketch made and verified); one arm begins at the west end and starts to curve towards the east on the south side while the other is symmetrically placed on the following end and hooks west on the north side.  On images these arms connect to form a perfect barred ring. A mag 12 star lies 2.8' SW of center, beyond the halo.

 

This barred spiral is the brightest member of the NGC 1433 group and part of the Dorado Cloud complex that includes NGC 1512, 1448, 1493 and 1411.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1433 = D 426 on 28 Sep 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector and described "a very faint nebula, about 1' diameter, rather elliptical in the parallel of the equator; with a brightish point or condensation of the nebulous matter, a little to the preceding side of the centre."  John Herschel first logged the galaxy on 14 Dec 1835 and recorded (h2580), "B, L, pmE, smbM; 100" long, 60" broad".   His second sweep noted "vB, L, mE, vsmbM to nucleus = 10th mag star."  Joseph Turner's sketch with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 10 Nov 1877, shows the thin bar running E-W with a well defined, bright nucleus. (p. 149 of his logbook).

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NGC 1434 = PGC 13804

03 46 12.8 -09 40 57; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Situated between mag 8.6 SAO 130713 6' SE and a mag 11 star 5.5' NW.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.  NGC 1445 lies 21' SW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1434 = LM 2-382 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.3, 0.4' dia, R, *8.5, follows 25 sec and 3' N. " There is nothing at his position, but 1.8 min of RA due east is PGC 13804. The bright star he mentions follows by 21 sec of RA and is 2.6' south, instead of north.  Classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.

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NGC 1435 = Ced 19j = vdB 22 = Merope Nebula = Tempel's Nebula

03 46 10 +23 45 54; Tau

Size 30'x30'

 

24" (12/28/16): at 124x (unfiltered): the huge Merope Nebula was easily visible, roughly spanning 20' in a wedge or triangular shape with mag 4.2 Merope close to the northeast vertex.  The most well defined edge is clearly the eastern side as it extends N-S.  The edge passes close to a string of 7 stars oriented NNW-SSE, including two mag 10 stars and nearly reaches mag 8.1 HD 23512, which is 20' SSE of Merope.  Just before reaching this star the nebulosity clearly curves to the west and extends ~20' generally northwest, passing north of mag 9.0 HD 23326, though the border is slightly less defined.  At this point the edges of the nebulosity can be traced back east or ENE back to Merope, though the edge here is the least defined.  The surface brightness of the interior is irregular with some slightly brighter patches and weaker areas.

 

18" (1/26/11): at 73x (unfiltered), the Merope Nebula was immediately visible as a huge wedge-shape or comet-shaped glow with Merope near the focus on the northeast end and the nebula spreading out generally to the south and west.  The most striking feature of the nebula is the well-defined and approximately eastern edge oriented N-S that heads south from Merope, passing through a 1' pair of mag 10/11 stars as well as a 1' pair of mag 10/12.5 star.  The nebulosity can be traced a bit over 20' along this side.  On the west side of Merope the border is more ill-defined but roughly heads southwest for ~20'.  The southern border is also ill-defined but is roughly oriented NW to SE and nearly extends nearly as far as mag 9 HD 23326.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, the Merope Nebula is the brightest of the reflection nebulae that encase the Pleiades.  It appears as a moderately bright, very large, fan-shaped cone of light extended in a wedge SW to SE from  Merope.  The boundary of the nebulosity is straighter and better defined along the SE edge where it follows a string of mag 10-11 stars.  The SW border is not as well defined but extends beyond a trio of mag 13 stars.  The fan is broadest at its southern extremity which is roughly 15' from Merope.

 

16x80 (12/22/84): the Merope nebula was faint but definite in the 16x80 finder using a Deep Sky filter.  Also, nebulosity surrounding other stars were confirmed with confidence at full aperture in the 13.1" at 62x.

 

8" (10/4/80): very large, faint, very elongated tear-drop shaped nebulosity extending SW away from Merope.  Has a sharper edge along the eastern side.  Best view using the Rich Field Adapter at 37x-50x.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1435, the Merope Nebula, on 19 Oct 1859 from Venice with his personal 4-inch Steinheil refractor using 45x.  The following historical summary is from Wolfgang Steinicke's book "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters".

 

The Merope Nebula was the first deep sky object Tempel discovered.  He initially thought it was a comet, but the next night (20th) he checked and found no movement.  The discovery was published on 23 Dec 1860 (AN 54, 285).  Christian August Peters, the editor of Astronomische Nachricten, confirmed the observation using a 7-inch refractor.  Auwers first observed it on 14 Jan 1861, but d'Arrest was unsuccessful using the 11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen in Aug 1862.  Based on his negative results on several attempts, he reported "I have hitherto been able positively to see nothing. ...I therefore, even yet, am of opinion that this nebula is variable, otherwise the original announcement of the discovery ... must be looked upon as been greatly exaggerated.  This report began a heated interchange involving many of the world's most prominent visual observers over the next 30 years (see NGC 1555 = Hind's Variable Nebula for a similar situation).

 

In September 1862, Julius Schmidt supported d'Arrest, claiming if it was not variable he would have noticed it while carefully observing the Pleiades since 1841.  He first reported a sighting on 5 Feb 1861, describing it as "very large, very pale and quite shapeless."  Auwers responded critically to d'Arrest, claiming neither Tempel's (Merope) nebula nor NGC 1333 were variable but that "large, blurred, faint objects are much more easily visible in small instruments than in large ones" and d'Arrest's failure was due to "a small field of view, completely filled by the 15' large nebula".  Charcornac at Paris Observatory also reported the nebula was difficult to see at high power.  Schšnfeld wrote that the nebula "instantly stuck out in the local telescope (6.5-inch refractor in Mannheim, Germany) on Sept 20, 1862 when I pointed it freely towards Merope, without knowing the exact place, looking like a blurred nebula with the shape and size described by Auwers."  

 

d'Arrest responded to the attack on 12 Nov 1862 (AN 1393) stating "after a long effort I actually set eyes on Tempel's Nebula", though it was "the faintest object which I remember ever having seen in the refractor".  He was "still convinced that the nebula was variable; otherwise the discovery report ["large, bright nebula"] must be seen as highly exaggerated."  In March 1862, Winnecke viewed the nebula with a 4.1-inch refractor at low power and asked Otto Struve to take a look in the 15-inch Merz refractor, convinced that it would be difficult to see in the larger scope.  Winnecke noted "Indeed, we were not convinced about its existence until the telescope was moved quickly back and forth".  Winnecke concluded there was no reason to invoke variability to explain the observations.  In 1863, Tempel wrote a letter to the French magazine Le Monde asserting that nebulae, in general, are unchanging (otherwise their constituent stars would have to be vary simultaneously) and that atmospheric conditions were the source of different observational results.

 

Reverend Thomas Webb observed the nebula on 6 Oct 1863 with his 5.5-inch Clark refractor, stating "on turning the telescope upon the group at 29x and 64x, though I probably should not have it discovered unknown, I found it with ease, as a very ill-defined, but on the whole egg-shaped haze, encompassing a brilliant star with its smaller but rather brighter end." As far as the variability "he [Schšnfeld] thinks this and other suspected nebulae, being very feeble, large and diffuse, are influenced in visibility by magnifying power, varying transparency of the air, and practice of the eye, so that aperture is less concerned in their case than in that of minute stars."  Although he never observed the nebula, John Herschel catalogued the Merope Nebula as GC 768 and his description stated "VAR" [variable].

 

The controversy about the variability and GC entry caused Lawrence Parsons (4th Earl of Rosse) to take a look with the 36-inch and 72-inch reflectors at Birr Castle, but he found no nebulosity in five observations from Feb 1871 to Sep 1873!  Dreyer, himself, was unsuccessful (on a "misty" night) on 24 Dec 1875.  The first (marginal) successful observation at Birr Castle was not made until 10 Dec 1877 and confirmed later that month.

 

The debate over variability wasn't settled. In 1875 Charles Wolf at Paris Observatory reported he was unable to see the Merope Nebula from Nov 1874 to Feb 1875 and Stephan at Marseille confirmed this. Wolf concluded, "This nebula is truly variable and its period seems to be rather short".  But Tempel published another report in Jan 1877 (AN 2139) concluding, "the invisibility of the Merope Nebula in a large telescope is due to the eyepiece and its field of view. If d'Arrest had used an eyepiece of lower power than 95x, giving a field of 20 to 25'; he would have seen the nebula very easily."  Tempel also made disparaging remarks about the large reflectors at Birr Castle, claiming the 36-inch and 72-inch didn't show more stars than his 11-inch Amici refractor (Tempel and Dreyer had a bitter dispute in 1878 about the "spiral form of nebulae", which Tempel couldn't see in his 11-inch).

 

On 6 Mar 1877, Maxwell Hall drew the nebula with his 4-inch refractor at 100x and was amazed it was invisible to Lord Rosse and Robert Newall, who had a 25-inch Cooke refractor.  Hall was also critical of Schiaparelli's description of the orientation of the nebula.  Hall's article touched off another debate between Wolf, Common, Hough, Tempel, Swift, Barnard and Burnham.

 

Charles Wolf published his work on the Pleiades and included a sketch made in Nov 1875.  He saw nebulosity extending to Electra and Celaeno, by masking Merope with the micrometer bar.  A much earlier report by Hermann Goldschmidt to Leverrier in Paris on 21 Sep 1863, claimed he saw not only the Merope nebula but that the Pleiades were completely surrounded by diffuse nebulosity, extending over an area of 5”.

 

In 1880, Ainslie Common published a drawing of the Pleiades nebulosity using his 36-inch reflector.  It showed a large, elongated patch SE of Merope (the wrong direction!) and two additional patches; one north of Merope and another to the NW of Alcyone.  This caused some more controversy.

 

In 1880, Tempel published (MNRAS, 40, 622) an excellent drawing of the nebula using Amici I, with accurate form and brightness levels, along with a large number of nearby faint stars.  He mentioned the various astronomers who confirmed the object, including Schmidt, Winnecke Auwers and Schšnfeld, and also opponents such as d'Arrest, Secchi and the Birr Castle observers.  He stated "But all ambiguity has been since cleared up, for on fitting the large telescopes with eyepieces of a low magnifying power the nebula becomes distinctly visible, and is shown by them with image equal in clearness to that given by the smaller instrucments.  He also criticized Goldschmidt's observation of the Pleiades surrounded by nebulous clouds and the drawing of Common, saying the sketch must have "evidently been executed with a telescope of insufficient power to show the Merope Nebula."  He concluded with satisfaction "It is now ascertained beyond question that the nebula exists...and anyone publishing statements about its non-existence merely uses vain words, and proclaims himself wanting in knowledge of the history and nebulae and the management of telescopes."

 

Common was offended and responded the "three-foot telescope" mentioned in his report was of three-foot aperture!  Hall wrote one more report on 13 Dec 1880, claiming the nebula had changed shape, now "extending as far as Electra, and the parabolic form of the Nebula, as seen 1877, was destroyed." He wondered why Tempel had overlooked the "extension of the nebula in the direction of Electra."

 

Amazingly, the controversy of the existence of the Merope Nebula wasn't over. At Dearborn Observatory in Chicago, Hough and Burnham had previously been critical of earlier reports, because of their discordant descriptions and their negative results in 1879 and 1880 using the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at 120x and higher.  After Tempel's paper, they made a concerted effort from 29 Nov 1880 to 22 Mar 1891 with various eyepieces, stopping down the refractor to 12-inch, even masking Merope.  But they came up empty and decided the previous positive observers were misled by the glare from Merope and the neighboring stars!  Dreyer immediately responded, criticizing the large exit pupil used and furthermore he didn't see anything unusual about or contradictory about previous published reports of a "large and diffused nebulosity".  Also, the theory about the glare from Merope causing an illusion was rejected.  Swift also responded on 2 Dec 1881, that he independently ran across the Merope Nebula in 1874 while searching for comets with his 4.5-inch refractor and "strongly suspected it was a new comet."  His analysis was that Hough and Burnham used too high of a power as he could see the nebula even stopped down to 2-inch aperture at 25x.

 

Barnard observed and drew the Merope Nebula and nearby stars with his 5-inch refractor in 1883.  He wrote "it is plainly visible in my 5-inch refractory, it has been seen with a 2.5-inch telescope, in the presence of a quarter-full moon."  He criticized Common's sketch but felt his sketch agreed with Tempel's (though it extended further west past Electra).  Barnard also mentioned that Trouvelot reported that it is variable and had become very faint (he described the nebula as changing to a dim purplish color) and "can now be seen only by those acquainted with its former appearance"!

 

Paul and Prosper Henry first photographed the Pleiades on 16 Nov 1885 and revealed additional nebulosity around Maia, later catalogued as NGC 1432 (the only photographic discovery in the NGC) as well as faint nebulosity near Electra.  In 1886 Charles Wolf published a comparison between the photographic image and the visual observations that showed significant changes in the Merope Nebula.  Morever, the separate nebula observed by Goldschmidt and Wolf had disappeared but he concluded that photographic and visual observations can never be reconciled as objects invisible on photographs can exist visually.  Surprisingly, the image most closely resembled the ridiculed drawing of Common.  Common wrote that his sketch showed the Maia Nebula, however the connection is poor - his placement is closer to Alcyone than Maia.

 

The image encouraged others to search for addition nebulae in the Pleiades. On 26 Feb 1886, Spitaler and Palisa in Vienna reported the Maia nebula appeared as a "small flaky nebulosity, completely separated from Maia" and on 3 Mar, the former was "only the brightest knot of an extended nebulosity, completely covering Maia." Spitaler wrote "one can hardly refrain from thinking that at least the whole Pleiades region west and north of Alcyone is covered by an extended nebulosity, of which all previously perceived, apparently isolated nebulae, are merely bright knots of light."

 

On 23 Oct 1886 Isaac Roberts took a 3 hour exposure which revealed "not only are the stars [Alcyone, Maia, Electra, Merope] surrounded by nebulae, but the nebulosity extends in streamers and fleecy masses, till it seems almost to fill the spaces between the stars, and to extend far beyond them."  Common again felt vindicated and repeated his treatment by Tempel, "who thought I had not used a sufficiently large telescope" (a misunderstanding by Tempel).

 

Another image was taken by the Henry brothers in 1888 showing extensive nebulosity. At an RAS meeting on 8 Jun 1888, Common says "I immediately compared my sketches with it and found that every star I had seen, except one, was there, and, of course, in their proper places."  Robert Newall, who also attended the meeting, stated he was certain that his observations differed from Common with Merope appearing as an oval comet with Merope at the focus and he had not seen the additional patches claimed by Common.

 

In an 1888 issue of Knowledge, English astronomer Arthur Ranyard wrote an article titled "Great Nebula in the Pleiades" and stated "The observations are worth examining, as they throw some light on the differences which are always likely to exist when observations are pushed into the border-land of vision, where by reason of the extreme faintness or minuteness of the objects examined, the eye begins to fail, and the imagination begins to play a larger and larger part in filling up the gaps where the senses of the eye-straining observer fail him."

 

Maxwell Hall made a late interesting set of observations in 1889 in Jamaica.  He compared the view of the Merope Nebula using a 9-inch reflector with a glass mirror and his 4-inch Cook refractor.  He reported "a glance through the refractor showed the well-known nebula projected against the dark background or field of view; but in the reflector there was so much light scattered around the field of view that the nebula was invisible."  He concluded this explained the positive sightings in smaller refractors and vice versa, the failure with larger reflectors (especially Lord Rosse's initial failures).  In 1891, Spitaler reviewed the major observations of the Pleiades nebulae in a 20-page paper and created a remarkable map of the region, showing extensive nebulosity surrounding the Pleiades.  He argues his map shows the main structures were correctly drawn and generally only the boundaries vary.

 

IC 349 is a knot of nebulosity just 0.6' SSE of Merope discovered and sketched by Barnard in 1890 using the 36-inch refractor at Lick.  The discovery was published in AN 3018.  See WSQJ July 1992.  In terms of distance, Steinicke notes this is the closest NGC object.

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NGC 1436 = NGC 1437 = ESO 358-058 = MCG -06-09-02 = PGC 13687

03 43 37.1 -35 51 12; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1437.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1436 = D 562 = h2581 = h2582 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and described "a pretty large faint round nebula, about 3.5' diameter, gradual slight condensation to the centre, very faint at the margin."  His position was 22' too far SSE.

 

John Herschel logged it on 9 Jan 1836 (sweep 636) as "very bright, and evidently a globular cluster." He only gave the rough place from Dunlop.  He made another observation (h2582) on 28 Nov 1837 (sweep 801) but assumed it was new and as a result NGC 1436 = NGC 1437.   Dorothy Carlson and RNGC list NGC 1436 as "Not Found".  See Corwin's notes for the full story.

 

While searching for NGC 1436 with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 14 Feb 1888, Pietro Baracchi discovered ESO 358-059.  He called it "vF, S, R, gbM.  This is called in diagram GC 770 [NGC 1437] but I hardly think it can be it."

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NGC 1437 = NGC 1436 = ESO 358-058 = MCG -06-09-025 = AM 0341-360 = LGG 986-022 = PGC 13687

03 43 37.1 -35 51 12; Eri

V = 11.7;  Size 3.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

18" (1/21/04): large, low surface brightness glow with just a weak concentration.  Appears slightly elongated NNW-SSE, perhaps 2.5'x2.0', but edges fade into the background so difficult to determine the outline of the halo.  A mag 9.7 star lies 11' NE.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1437 = h2582 on 28 Nov 1837 and logged "F, vL, glbM, R, 4" dia."  His position matches ESO 358-058 = PGC 13687.  h2581 = NGC 1436 is a duplicate observation, made while searching for Dunlop 562.  So NGC 1437 = NGC 1436.  Dunlop 562 may apply to this galaxy or perhaps NGC 1365, with a 10 tmin error in RA.

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NGC 1438 = ESO 482-041 = MCG -04-09-058 = PGC 13760

03 45 17.2 -23 00 09; Eri

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 69”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, halo gradually brightens but no nucleus.  A mag 11 star just 20" off the east edge detracts from viewing and a very faint mag 14.5 star lies 1.7' S.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1438 = LM 1-112 on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, vmE 60”, *10 follows 1.0'."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) and description matches ESO 482-041 = PGC 13760.  DeLisle Stewart's corrected position in the IC 2 Notes is accurate.

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NGC 1439 = ESO 549-009 = MCG -04-09-056 = PGC 13738

03 44 49.9 -21 55 14; Eri

V = 11.4;  Size 2.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, bright core, stellar nucleus, round, large faint halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1439 = H III-249 = h2584 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and recorded "vF, vS."  JH made 3 observations from the CGH, first logging it as "pF, S, R, bM, 20" dia."

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NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1430: = NGC 1458: = ESO 549-010 = MCG -03-10-043 = LGG 100-007 = PGC 13752

03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 28”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, small faint halo, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 7' ENE of mag 10 SAO 149139.  Member of the NGC 1407 group (LGG 100).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1440 = H II-458 = h2583 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "pB, R, bM." John Herschel made two observations from South Africa, logging it on 11 Dec 1835 as "pB; R; vsmbM to a nucleus = *13' 60" dia."  WH also made an observation on 20 Sep 1786 with a 1” error in declination, with the designation II-594.  JH included this observation in the GC (773), although he noted that Auwers considered it identical to II-458.  Dreyer added it as NGC 1442, also noting it was probably identical to NGC 1440.

 

Joseph Turner observed this galaxy on 10 Nov 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and noted it "resembles a planetary nebula with a faint halo surrounding the nucleus, which is a little elongated n the north-following direction."

 

Finally, Francis Leavenworth found this galaxy again in 1886, recorded it in the second discovery list (#387) from the Leander McCormick observatory but made a 2 min error in RA (too far east).  Dreyer assumed it was new and was catalogued as NGC 1458.  So, NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1458.  Finally, NGC 1430, also from Leavenworth, may be another duplicate observation of NGC 1440.

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NGC 1441 = MCG -01-10-029 = PGC 13782

03 45 43.0 -04 05 31; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 70”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Largest and brightest of three with NGC 1449 5.7' SE and NGC 1451 6.2' ENE.  Brighter NGC 1453 lies 13' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1441 = H II-597 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 608) and recorded "F, E in a row with some stars."  His position is just 0.8' north of MCG -01-10-029 = PGC 13782 and the description of the row of stars matches.

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NGC 1442 = NGC 1440 = NGC 1458: = ESO 549-010 = MCG -03-10-043 = PGC 13752

03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1440.

 

William Herschel found NGC 1442 = H II-594 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 597) and logged "pB, vS, R, bM."  There is nothing at his position and it was reported as not found on Harvard plates taken with the Bruce astrograph in South Africa (Baker, 1937).  But exactly one degree north is NGC 1440 = H II-458, which he earlier discovered on 6 Oct 1785.  The equivalence was first noted by Auwers but John Herschel still included his father's observation in the GC (774) as well as Dreyer in the NGC with the comment H. II-594 is probably identical to H. II-458 = NGC 1440.  Leavenworth found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it as new in his second list (#387, later NGC 1458), though his RA was 2 minutes of time too large.  So, NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1458.

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NGC 1443

03 45 53.1 -04 03 09; Eri

 

= *, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1443 in 1882, and described in paper V (AN 2439) "class III and forms with NGC 1441 and the two d'Arrest nebulae (NGC 1449 and  NGC 1451) a trapezoid, so the second northernmost in this group".  There is nothing at his position, but Corwin identifies a single mag 14.5 that fits Tempel's description.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 1444 = Cr 43 = OCL-394 = Lund 119

03 49 26 +51 39 18; Per

V = 6.6;  Size 4'

 

17.5" (11/2/91): at 220x, about 20 mag 7-14 stars scattered in a 5' diameter, not rich or impressive.  The group mainly consists of a bright double star (·446 = 7/9 at 9") with a third fainter mag 13 star 12" NE of the bright mag 7 star.  Close northwest is a line of four mag 10-12 stars oriented SW-NE.

 

The bright star (B-type HD 23675) is a member of the Cam OB1 Association in a dusty portion of the Milky Way, but the "cluster" may be an unrelated group of field stars.

 

8" (1/1/84): consists of a mag 7.5 star with 7 faint stars just west.  The brightest star is ·446 = 7.5/9.0 at 10".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1444 = H VIII-80 = h308 on 18 Dec 1788 (sweep 894) and recorded "a cluster of small stars, containing one large one, 9-10 mag; 2 or 3' diam. not rich."  On 8 Nov 1831 (sweep 384), John Herschel logged a "cluster of about 20 st; place that of a superb double star (· 446); the rest 12m."

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NGC 1445 = PGC 13742

03 44 56.1 -09 51 20; Eri

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.  Located 2.2' SE of a mag 12 star and 25' ESE of mag 3.5 Delta (35) Eridani.  NGC 1434 lies 21' NE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1445 = LM 2-383 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 14.5, 0.3' dia, R, *9, position 330” at 2'."  His position is 0.8 min of RA east of PGC 13742 and the description of the nearby star clinches the identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1446

03 45 57.5 -04 06 44; Eri

 

= *?, Corwin.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1446 on 8 Jan 1877 observing with the 72" at Birr Castle.  He commented "perhaps a vF neb f [NGC 1441]" with no micrometric offsets and the sketch only shows two stars following NGC 1441, so it's unclear what object Dreyer had in mind. (in 1882).  Wilhelm Tempel independently recorded a new object in 1882 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and placed it 16 seconds of RA east of NGC 1441 and +3/4' in declination.  There is nothing at this exact separation and Harold Corwin lists a possible star if the +3' to 4' should read -3' to 4'.  Dreyer assumed both observations referred to the same object, so he and Tempel are credited in the NGC.

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NGC 1447 = PGC 13786

03 45 47.1 -09 01 07; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.  Located 2.7' WSW of mag 7.9 SAO 130711 which detracts from viewing.  NGC 1450 lies 13' S.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1447 = LM 2-384 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.5, 0.4' dia, R, neb?; *9.5 at 3.2' separation in PA 240” (WSW) ."  His position is 3' S of PGC 13786 and the star is ENE.

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NGC 1448 = NGC 1457 = ESO 249-016 = MCG -07-08-005 = PGC 13727

03 44 32.0 -44 38 38; Hor

V = 10.7;  Size 7.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 41”

 

18" (12/30/08): moderately bright, large, edge-on ~6:1 SW-NE, ~4.5'x0.8'.  Contains a brighter, elongated core that increases to the center.  A brighter star is close southeast of the core (1.4' from center) and a fainter star is near the northeast end.  Situated at the midpoint of two mag 9.2/9.7 stars located 7.5' N and 7.5' S.  Viewed at only 8” elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1448 = h2585 on 14 Dec 1835 and recorded "pB, vL, vmE, 3' l, 20" br, position = 221.6 degrees."  There is nothing at his position but 50 sec of RA east is ESO 249-016 = PGC 13727, which matches his description.  He also recorded h2586 = NGC 1457 (observed on 3 different sweeps; the first on 24 Oct 1835), which all point exactly to this galaxy.  I'm surprised he didn't notice there was only a single bright galaxy here!   By priority, NGC 1457 should be the primary designation, instead of NGC 1448 which is commonly used.  The IC 2 notes state "1448 = 1457 (DeLisle Stewart); h on different nights".  ESO labels this galaxy as NGC 1448 = NGC 1457 and MCG calls it NGC 1448.

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NGC 1449 = MCG -01-10-032 = PGC 13798

03 46 03.0 -04 08 17; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): faint, very small, round.  Located 5.7' SE of NGC 1441 and forms a trio with NGC 1451 4.2' NNE in a group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1449, along with NGC 1451, on 9 Oct 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 4 nights, matches MCG -01-10-032 = PGC 13798.  WH probably saw NGC 1449 and 1451 in an observation of NGC 1441 on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638).  He mentions, "I suspected two more following; but quite uncertain, not having been out long enough."

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NGC 1450 = PGC 13775

03 45 36.5 -09 14 04; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (11/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5' SSW-NNE.  Several faint galaxies are situated nearby.  LEDA 994022 is 2.4' N and I recorded a very faint star or galaxy at or near this position.  But even closer (1.7' W) is the brighter edge-on LEDA 993557, which I apparently missed, so I'm not confident of the observation.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1450 = Sw. V-56 = LM 1-113 = LM 1-114 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 16 seconds of RA due east of PGC 13775.  Ormond Stone discovered this galaxy earlier in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described a double nebula with separation 0.5' (only one galaxy is listed in NED and LEDA).

 

Frank Muller (also from the LM Observatory) noted the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. As a result Dreyer assigned a single NGC designation, crediting both Swift and Stone. As the LM discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, Stone made the earlier discovery.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1451 = MCG -01-10-033 = PGC 13801

03 46 07.1 -04 04 10; Eri

V = 13.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 45”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): faint, very small, round.  In a trio with NGC 1441 6.2' WSW and  NGC 1449 4.2' SSW within a group.  Located 7.9' SW of NGC 1453.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1451, along with NGC 1449, on 9 Oct 1864.  His position (measured on 4 nights) matches MCG -01-10-033 = PGC 13801 and he measured a mag 12 star that precedes by 12 seconds of time.  WH probably saw NGC 1449 and 1451 in an observation of NGC 1441 on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638).  He mentions "I suspected two more following; but quite uncertain, not having been out long enough."  Due to his uncertainty, they were not assigned internal discovery numbers.

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NGC 1452 = NGC 1455 = ESO 549-012 = MCG -03-10-044 = LGG 100-008 = PGC 13765

03 45 22.3 -18 38 01; Eri

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 113”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, broad weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus, small faint halo.  Appears similar to NGC 1440 25' NNW but slightly fainter.  Member of NGC 1407 group (LGG 100).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1452 = H II-459 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "F, R, lbM."  His position is 3.2' north of ESO 549-012 = PGC 13765.  Francis Leavenworth (II-386) independently found the galaxy in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory but his position is 40 sec of RA east of NGC 1452.   So Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued it again as NGC 1455.  But Leavenworth's position angle ("lE in 30 deg") matches the bar of NGC 1452, so NGC 1452 = NGC 1455, with NGC 1452 the primary designation.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1453 = MCG -01-10-034 = PGC 13814

03 46 27.2 -03 58 09; Eri

V = 11.5;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (12/18/82): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, very small bright core.  Brightest of four with a faint trio of galaxies NGC 1441, NGC 1449 and NGC 1451 roughly 10' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1453 = H I-155 = h309 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 608) and recorded "cB, S, mbM."  On 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638) he noted "pB; gmbM."

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NGC 1454 = ESO 549-013

03 45 59.3 -20 39 08; Eri

 

= *, Gottlieb.  Not found, ESO.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1454 = LM 2-385 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and reported a "*?; *9.5, P 240” [SW] distance 3'.2."  There is nothing at his position.  ESO 549-011 is 12' NW of Muller's position and has a mag 8 star 2.5' NE.  It's possible that Muller reversed the orientation with the mentioned star, although his magnitudes are usually too bright.  I feel a more likely match is the mag 15.3 star listed here.  With respect to this star there is a mag 12.3 star at a distance of 3.4' in PA 240 degrees, which is an excellent match with the description.  Corwin concurs that NGC 1454 is a star.  ESO and RNGC state "not found".

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NGC 1455 = NGC 1452 = ESO 549-012 = MCG -03-10-044 = PGC 13765

03 45 22.3 -18 38 01; Eri

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 113”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1452.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1455 = LM 2-386 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory amd recorded "mag 14.7, 0.5', lE 30”, sbMN."  There is nothing at his position but 40 sec of RA west is NGC 1452 = H II-459, and his position angle matches the bar of NGC 1452.  Heber Curtis was perhaps the first to note "R.A. as given in the NGC probably in error; no object in that place.  [NGC 1452] faint; Saturn-shaped; 1' long in p.a. 30”."

 

NGC 2000 and the Southern Galaxy Catalogue equate NGC 1455 with NGC 1452.  RNGC misidentifies PGC135094 at 03 46 09.4 -18 39 26 (2000) as NGC 1455 while PGC and ESO misidentify ESO 549-014 as NGC 1455.

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NGC 1456

03 48 08.3 +22 33 31; Tau

 

= **, Gottlieb.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1456 in 1886 with a 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England and noted a "double star mag 10-12, companion nebulous at 130”, 9'' [separation].  At his position is a wide pair of stars with the southwest component a "fused" double star (both components visible) on the DSS at 03 48 08.3 +22 33 31 (2000).  The single mag 10 star is 1.4' NE.  Lohse's description matches this pair although there is no involved nebulosity, as first noted by Sherburne Burnham when he examined the pair in 1909 at Yerkes.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

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NGC 1457 = NGC 1448 = ESO 249-016 = MCG -07-08-005 = PGC 13727

03 44 32.0 -44 38 38; Hor

V = 10.7;  Size 7.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 41”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1448.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1457 = h2586 on 24 Oct 1835 and recorded "pB, vmE, glbM, a ray nebula, 4' l, 20" br, pos = 38 degrees.".  His position (observed on 3 sweeps) is accurate.  He also picked up this galaxy on a separate sweep in 14 Dec 1835, but placed this galaxy 50 sec of RA too far west.  He apparently missed the equivalent descriptions and it was also catalogued as NGC 1448.  The IC 2 notes notes this number is identical to NGC 1448 (DeLisle Stewart).  The primary designation should be NGC 1457 (earlier discovery), but this galaxy is generally referred to NGC 1448.

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NGC 1458 = NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = ESO 549-010 = MCG -03-10-043 = PGC 13752

03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1440.

 

Francis Leavenworth found NGC 1458 = LM 2-387 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He reported "mag 13.0, 0.3' diameter, round."  There is nothing at his position and it was reported not found on Harvard plates taken with the Bruce refractor in South Africa (Baker, 1937).   But NGC 1440, two minutes of time west, is likely Leavenworth's object.  NGC 1442 is probably another observation of this galaxy with a one degree error in declination (see these entries for more).  So, NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1458.

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NGC 1459 = ESO 482-043 = MCG -04-10-001 = PGC 13832

03 46 57.9 -25 31 18; For

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, low almost even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 2.9' S of center.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1459 = LM 1-115 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is a good match with ESO 482-043 = PGC 13832.

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NGC 1460 = ESO 358-062 = MCG -06-09-031 = AM 0344-365 = LGG 096-025 = PGC 13805

03 46 13.7 -36 41 48; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 60”

 

18" (1/21/04): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter.  This Fornax I cluster member has a fairly low surface brightness.  A mag 12.8 star is very close off the SE side [38" from center].  Located 2.7' S of a mag 10.6 star.  Member of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1460 = h2587 on 28 Nov 1837 and described "F; S; R; 15"; attached to a star 14 mag."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 1461 = MCG -03-10-047 = PGC 13881

03 48 27.1 -16 23 36; Eri

V = 11.8;  Size 3.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5'.  Strong concentration with a small bright core.  Located 3.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

8" (11/28/81): faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1461 = H II-460 = h2588 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and noted "pB, S, lE, mbM or a nucleus."   His position is 2' south of MCG -03-10-047 = PGC 13881, and accurate in RA.  JH logged "pB, vlE, pmbM, 25" dia.", but was off by 21 sec in RA (too far east).  Schšnfeld measured an accurate position (used in the NGC).

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NGC 1462 = MCG +01-10-010 = CGCG 417-007 = PGC 13945

03 50 23.5 +06 58 22; Tau

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (11/2/91): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE (orientation uncertain), very low surface brightness.  A faint double star lies 1' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1462 = m 92 on 13 Sep 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S, vlE".  Marth's position is accurate.

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NGC 1463 = ESO 117-009 = PGC 13807

03 46 15.5 -59 48 37; Ret

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 45”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large at 200x, round, even concentration to a small, brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Quite a number of brighter stars are nearby including a group of 7 bright mag 10-11 stars that lie just to the north and two additional mag 11 stars that flank the galaxy 1.8' SSW and 2.5' ENE.  In addition, the galaxy is 8.5' NNW of mag 9.7 HD 24060.  IC 2010 lies 43' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1463 = h2589 on 6 Oct 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, bM, 15", one of a constellation with 7 bright stars." JH's position (h2589) and description is accurate.

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NGC 1464 = NGC 1471 = PGC 13976

03 51 24.4 -15 24 08; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 44”

 

18" (11/22/03): faint, small, round, 40"x35", fairly low even surface brightness with just a weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' SSE.  Located 16' NE of mag 8.3 SAO 149206.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1464 = Sw. V-57 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and reported "pF; S; R; forms equilateral triangle with 2 stars."  His position is 2' NW of PGC 13976 and the description applies, though the triangle is technically isosceles in shape.

 

Frances Leavenworth discovered this galaxy earlier in 1886 (the discovery list was submitted on 12 Oct) but his rough RA for LM 1-116 (later NGC 1471) was nearly 2 minutes too large (fairly typical).  Frank Muller (also from the LM Observatory) noted the equivalence with Leavenworth's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously.  Nevertheless, Dreyer assigned two NGC designations, resulting in NGC 1464 = NGC 1471.  Despite Leavenworth's earlier discovery, the primary designation used today is Swift's NGC 1464.

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NGC 1465 = UGC 2891 = MCG +05-10-003 = CGCG 508-004 = PGC 14039

03 53 32.0 +32 29 33; Per

V = 13.7;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165”

 

13.1" (1/1/84): fainter extensions visible oriented ~N-S.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): faint, small, round, but not difficult.  Mag 6.6 SAO 56775 lies 12' SW.  Located 40' N of Zeta Persei (V = 2.9).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1465 = Sw. V-58 on 25 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "pF; pS; R; pB* near p[receding]."  His position is 8 tsec east and 39" north of UGC 2891 = PGC 14039.  His "pB * nr p" probably refers to a mag 11 star 2' W.

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NGC 1466 = ESO 054-016 = S-L 1

03 44 32.4 -71 40 16; Hyi

V = 11.6;  Size 2.3'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, round, 2.5' diameter.  Appeared mottled with some extremely faint stars resolved in the halo.  The only brighter resolved star is on the south side of the halo.  The view is somewhat hampered by mag 6.3 CT Hydri just 4' ENE and a mag 9 star 2.3' SSE.  NGC 1466 is one of the 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this outlying globular of the LMC is known to be one the oldest LMC clusters.  At 128x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 2' diameter.  There was no resolution except for a single faint star at the south edge but the surface brightness was high.  This cluster was fairly prominent and very easy to find as it is situated 4' WSW of mag 6.3 HD 241888 (CT Hydri) and 2.2' NNW of a mag 9 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1466 = h2590 on 26 Nov 1834 and recorded "F, irregularly round, glbM, 30", has a * 7th mag foll, and others near." On a second sweep he notes "Viewed past meridian; found in place; pB, R, gbM, 30" dia."

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NGC 1467 = MCG -02-10-015 = PGC 13991

03 51 52.7 -08 50 17; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, slightly brighter core.  Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 1470 10' SSE.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very small bright core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo.  Located 4.3' NNE of a mag 10 star.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1467 = LM 2-388 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.3' dia, R, *9 at 4.2' in PA 185” [SSW]."  His position is just 0.2 min of RA west of MCG -02-10-015 = PGC 13991, along with the matching star.

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NGC 1468 = MCG -01-10-045 = PGC 14004

03 52 12.5 -06 20 56; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, weak even concentration to an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' ENE of center.  Located ~3' N of a 1' pair of mag 11/12 stars.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1468 = St XII-27 on 14 Dec 1881 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  HIs position is accurate.

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NGC 1469 = UGC 2909 = MCG +11-05-004 = CGCG 305-003 = PGC 14261

04 00 28.0 +68 34 40; Cam

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.6', very bright core surrounded by fainter elongated halo.  A mag 10 star is just off the west edge 0.6' WSW from the center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1469 = Sw. III-27 on 24 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "vF; vS; R; B* nr."  His position is 6' NW of UGC 2909 = PGC 14261 and the "B * nr" refers to a mag 10.5 star at the SW edge.

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NGC 1470 = MCG -02-10-016 = PGC 14002

03 52 09.7 -08 59 57; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 169”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.3', slightly brighter core.  Forms a faint pair with NGC 1467 10' NNW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1470 = LM 2-389 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.8'x0.2', E 180” [N-S], *9.5 precedes 20s, 2' S."  There is nothing at his position but 1.0 min of RA west is MCG -02-10-016 = PGC 14002, along with the described star at his offset.

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NGC 1471 = NGC 1464 = PGC 13976

03 51 24.4 -15 24 08; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1464.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1471 = LM 1-116 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.5, vS, pE 45”."  His description is accurate, though his rough position is 1 minute 40 seconds of RA due east of PGC 13976 (typical error).  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy again on 1 Nov 1886 and included it in list V-57 (later NGC 1464). So, NGC 1471 = NGC 1464, with discovery priority to Leavenworth.  The primary designation used today is NGC 1464 due to its more precise coordinates. See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 1472 = PGC 14050

03 53 47.3 -08 34 06; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, round.  A mag 13 star is 1' SE.  FIrst and brightest of three with NGC 1477 4' E and NGC 1478.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1472 = LM 1-117 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described "mag 14.0, 0.1' dia, 1st of 3 [with NGC 1477 and 1478]."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) essentially matches PGC 14050 and the other two galaxies are appropriately placed in his list.

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NGC 1473 = ESO 054-019 = LGG 107-001 = PGC 13853

03 47 26.8 -68 13 13; Hyi

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 36”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weakly concentrated with a slightly brighter core.  This galaxy has a slightly mottled or clumpy appearance (the SGC notes a "large knot 0.3' NE of center").  Elongated in the direction of a star 3' SW.  Situated within a string of 4 stars - one star to the NW and three to the SE.  Member of a small group that includes NGC 1511 and NGC 1511A.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1473 = h2592 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; R; glbM; 25" dia."  His position (from two sweeps) corresponds with ESO 054-019 = PGC 13853.

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NGC 1474 = IC 2002 = UGC 2898 = MCG +02-10-003 = CGCG 442-005 = PGC 14065

03 54 30.3 +10 42 24; Tau

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter 15" core.  A mag 13.5 star is just 1.0' N of center.  Located 12' WSW of mag 9 SAO 93675.

 

This galaxy is identified as IC 2002 in UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3 due to a poor declination by Marth. RNGC reverses the sign of the declination.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1474 = m 93 on 5 Oct 1864 and logged "vF, S, R."  His position is 8' S of UGC 2898 = PGC 14065, but this is the only nearby galaxy he could have seen. Several objects discovered by Marth that evening have poor positions including NGC 1141 and NGC 1142 (dec error of 40').  Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 21 Dec 1903 and measured an accurate position for J. 3-983 (later IC 2002).  So, NGC 1474 = IC 2002.  UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3 only use the IC designation as the position is unambiguous, though online catalogues (NED, HyperLEDA and SIMBAD) equate NGC 1474 = IC 2002.  In addition, PGC and RNGC reversed the sign of the declination of NGC 1474 (repeated in Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 and amateur software including Megastar).  See my RNGC Corrections #6 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1475 = PGC 1007783

03 53 49.8 -08 08 15; Eri

Size 0.6'x0.6'

 

18" (10/16/09): not seen initially at 275x but referring to the exact position an extremely faint glow was quickly seen with averted.  Appears very small, round, 12" diameter.  Visible ~2/3 of the time with averted once it was acquired.

 

18" (1/1/08): extremely faint and small, round, 10"-15" diameter.  Requires averted vision to glimpse.  Located 9' SE of mag 8 HD 24485 and 4.5' S of a mag 11.5 star.  A couple of other similar stars are within 5' to the SW and NE.  The RNGC lists this number as nonexistent.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1475 = LM 2-390 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.3, 0.1' dia, R, *14 4' north-preceding."  His position is close to PGC 1007783, though the mag 14 star is 5' southwest, instead of northwest.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1476 = ESO 249-024 = MCG -07-09-001 = AM 0350-444 = PGC 14001

03 52 08.9 -44 31 57; Hor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 86”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.2', broad concentration.  Located 15' SE of a mag 8 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1476 = h2591 on 14 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, S, pmE in the parallel; gbM, 15" long." On a second sweep he described it "vF, lE, gbM, 25" long". His position is accurate.

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NGC 1477 = PGC 14060

03 54 02.9 -08 34 30; Eri

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 15 star is 1' NE.  Located in a trio with NGC 1472 4' W and NGC 1478 2' NE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1477 = LM 1-118 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, 2nd of 3 [with NGC 1472 and 1478]."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is essentially accurate, along with the companions.

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NGC 1478 = PGC 14062

03 54 07.3 -08 33 20; Eri

V = 15.5;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold.  Faintest of a trio with NGC 1477 2' SW and NGC 1472 5' WSW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1478 = LM 1-119 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, 3rd of 3 [with NGC 1472 and 1477]."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is essentially accurate, along with the companions.

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NGC 1479

03 54 24 -10 12; Eri

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1479 = LM 2-391 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory recorded "mag 16.0, 0.6'x0.1', 1st of 2 [with NGC 1480 = LM 2-392]; nebulous **, in PA 170”."  There is nothing near his position which matches this description and no discovery sketch was found to aid in the identification.  Neither of these objects could be recovered by Harold Corwin.  See his identification notes.

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NGC 1480

03 54 30 -10 16; Eri

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1480 = LM 2-392 (along with NGC 1479 = LM 2-391) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, but there is nothing at his position. Muller mentions a "*10 following 30s" but no discovery sketch was found to aid in the identification and Harold Corwin's search came up empty. The RNGC has an obvious typo in the position as the RA is off by over 8 hours.

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NGC 1481 = ESO 549-032 = MCG -03-10-053 = KTS 22A = PGC 14079

03 54 28.9 -20 25 38; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 133”

 

24" (12/1/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20", broad concentration.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 1482 5.0' SE.  Between the two galaxies is mag 8.6 HD 24672 and a mag 12.5 star is less than 1' SE.  ESO 549-035 lies 8.6' ENE.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Located 2.5' NW of mag 8.7 SAO 168936.  Continuing on this line is NGC 1482 5' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1481 = h2593 on 13 Nov 1835 and described "eF, S, R, precedes two bright stars and the nebula III.962 [NGC 1482].".  His single position is 2' S of ESO 549-032 = PGC 14079 and the description applies perfectly.

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NGC 1482 = ESO 549-033 = MCG -03-10-054 = KTS 22B = PGC 14084

03 54 38.9 -20 30 09; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 103”

 

24" (12/1/13): moderately bright to fairly bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.9'.  Contains a large bright core that increases to a very small, bright nucleus.  Surrounding the core is a very low surface brightness halo.  Forms a right triangle with two bright stars; mag 8.6 HD 24694 2.3' ENE and mag 8.6 HD 24672 2.6' NNW.  Brightest in a triplet (KTS 22) with NGC 1481 5.0' NW and ESO 549-35 9' NE.  The dust lane in this IR-luminous starburst galaxy was not seen.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration.  Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 8.7 SAO 168936 2.5' NW and mag 8.6 SAO 168941 2' NE!  Forms a pair with NGC 1481 5' NNW..

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1482 = H III 962 = h2594 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) and recorded "vF; vS; near 2 bright stars, south preceding of them."  JH observed the galaxy from the Cape of Good Hope on 13 Nov 1835 and logged "F, S, R; makes an obtuse angled triangle with two bright stars, the one preceding, the other following it." A week later he called it "eF, S; makes an obtuse angled nearly isoceles triangle with two stars 10th mag north of it." His third observation on 11 Dec was recorded as "pB, lE, gbM (newly polished mirror); makes an obtuse angled triangle with two stars 10th mag to its north."

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NGC 1483 = ESO 201-007 = PGC 14022

03 52 47.7 -47 28 40; Hor

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 125”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration, slightly irregular or patchy surface brightness but no clear spiral structure.  Located 15' SE of mag 6.7 HD 24500.  Member of the Dorado Group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1483 = h2595 on 14 Dec 1835 (and possibly earlier by Dunlop) and recorded "pretty faint; round; very little brighter in the middle; 20". (Newly polished mirror, but the sky dull and haze forming; so that this may very possibly be Dunlop 428.)".  His second observation reads "very faint; pretty large; round; very gradually a little brighter in the middle; 80" across. I feel convinced that this nebula is too faint to have been seen by Mr Dunlop. Put on the 9 inch aperture, could not discern the least trace of it.  Mirror polished yesterday and in high beauty. Sky superb."

 

James Dunlop discovered D 427 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and reported "a pretty large nebula, round figure, 2' or 3' diameter".  D 428 was described as "An extremely faint ill-defined small nebula.  A pretty large nebula (D 427) precedes this."  Despite Herschel's comments, Dunlop's position for D 428 lands very close to NGC 1483, although there is only a single object here, so perhaps this is a coincidence.

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NGC 1484 = ESO 359-006 = MCG -06-09-036 = PGC 14071

03 54 17.9 -36 58 14; Eri

V = 13.1;  Size 2.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

18" (12/30/08): faint, thin edge-on ~6:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.25', low even surface brightness with no noticeable core.  Located at the SE edge of the Fornax I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1484 = h2596 on 28 Nov 1837 and recorded "vF, L, E, vgvlbM, 2'."  His position is 1' S of ESO 359-006 = PGC 14071.

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NGC 1485 = UGC 2933 = MCG +12-04-010 = CGCG 327-014 = PGC 14432

04 05 03.6 +70 59 46; Cam

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 22”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is just following the SSW end.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1485 = Sw. III-28 on 24 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and logged "eF; pS; R."  His position is 2.6' NW of UGC 2933 = PGC 14432 and the identification is certain, though the galaxy is quite elongated.

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NGC 1486 = ESO 549-037 = MCG -04-10-008 = PGC 14132

03 56 18.6 -21 49 17; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (2/22/03): very faint, fairly small,, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration with a roundish, brighter core, requires averted vision.  The halo appears elongated SSW-NNE although difficult to pin down a consistent orientation.  Located 10' E of mag 9.7 SAO 168958 and 9' ENE of mag 9.4 SAO 168962.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1486 = LM 2-393 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is about 25 sec of RA east of ESO 549-037 = PGC 14132.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1487 = VV 78 = ESO 249-003 = MCG -07-09-0021 = LGG 108-001 = PGC 14117

03 55 45.3 -42 22 05; Eri

V = 11.9;  Size 3.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 55”

 

18" (1/17/09): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.8'x1.5', slightly elongated E-W, weak central brightening.  Appears to have an irregular surface brightness, though viewed at a very low elevation from Lake Sonoma.  Two mag 12.5-13 stars form an isosceles triangle with the galaxy 1.2' N and 1.2' W.  On the DSS this is a distorted interacting system with two brighter condensations and long, faint tidal plumes.  This object should be viewed from a more southerly latitude to see detail.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1487 = D 480 = h2597 on 29 Oct 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a very faint ill-defined nebula, with two or three very small stars in it, and a small star following."  There is nothing at his position, but 83 seconds of RA west is the interacting system VV 78 = PGC 14117.  Glen Cozens notes this is probably the faintest galaxy discovered by Dunlop (V = 11.9). 

 

John Herschel observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps, first recording "pB, pL, R, 90"; makes a triangle with two stars 13th mag about 1 radius of nebula (by diagram) from its edge."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 26 Nov 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p. 151 of his logbook).  He noted it had a mottled appearance and was "rather irregular in shape, of rather an oval form...the sp side is brider than the rest of the nebula."  NGC 1487 is a distorted triple system.

 

 

 

 

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NGC 1488

04 00 04.3 +18 34 02; Tau

 

= **, Thomson.  Incorrect ID in RNGC, CGCG, RC3.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 1488 = Au 19 with a 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland.   While compiling the comprehensive Markree ecliptic Catalogue it as noted (probably by asistant Andrew Graham) as a nebulous mag 12 star.  At his position is a 9" pair of stars.  Bigourdan reported finding a 13th mag double star with no nebulosity.  Engelhardt also made a micrometric measurement of the components of this double star.

 

RNGC, CGCG and RC3 misidentify CGCG 466-003 = PGC 14181 as NGC 1488.  This galaxy is located 1m 55s of RA west of Cooper's position.  All of the other six objects discovered at Markree Observatory have been shown to be stars.  See Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1489 = ESO 549-042 = MCG -03-11-003 = PGC 14165

03 57 38.2 -19 12 58; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (2/22/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.4', nearly uniform surface brightness.  Situated between a mag 10.8 star 2.7' W and a mag 11.4 star 4' NE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1489 = LM 2-394 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 1.0'x0.6', E 190” (SSW-NNE)."  His position is 40 sec of RA east of ESO 549-042 = PGC 14165 and the position angle is a perfect match.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 1489.

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NGC 1490 = ESO 083-011 = PGC 14040

03 53 34.4 -66 01 05; Ret

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 142”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 280x appeared bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core that increases to the center, surrounded by a diffuse 1.2' halo.  A faint star is embedded at the east edge of the halo.  NGC 1503 lies 18' E and ESO 083-012 is 9.5' NE.  Located 1.5 degrees SE of mag 3.8 Beta Reticuli and 4' N of mag 9.3 HD 24957.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1490 = h2599 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, S, lE, pmbM, 18" dia."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1491 = LBN 705 = Ced 25 = Sh 2-206

04 03 13.6 +51 18 58; Per

Size 3'x3'

 

18" (1/20/07): at 115x and 174x and OIII filter appears as a bright, large, elongated HII region on the west side of an 11th magnitude star.  Appears roughly 4'x2', extending SSW to NNE and brighter on the south end.  The west side has a fairly hard, well-defined edge while the east side is more irregular and fades into the background.  Four faint stars are involved on the northern end and a pair of fainter stars are at the south end.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, this is a moderately bright, roundish glow, ~3' diameter.  Extends mostly west of a mag 11 star, wrapping around the star, particularly on the north side.  Excellent contrast gain with an OIII filter as it appears bright with an irregular surface brightness.  There is a subtle bite cut out of the nebulosity on the east side that creates a darker hollow extending just west of the star.  At 220x (unfiltered), about a half dozen stars are involved or at the edges.  The nebulosity is quite irregular with a high surface brightness region preceding the star.  Faint, elongated haze extends from this patch to the NE past the star giving an elongated appearance.  A pair of mag 13-14 stars is at the northern end and another pair is just off the western edge.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): at 140x with OIII filter appears as a bright, moderately large, circular nebulosity involving a mag 11 star.  The brightest portion lies to the west of the star and is elongated 3:2 ~N-S.  There appears be a dark gap just west of the mag 11 star.  Two very faint stars are superimposed near the edges.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): bright emission nebula just west of a mag 10.5 star, extends SW-NE, interesting shape.

 

8" (11/14/80): bright, large, ~6' diameter.  A mag 10.5 star is at the east side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1491 = H I-258 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and recorded "vB, iF, resolvable, bM, 5' l, 3 or 4' br. A pL star in it towards the following side, but unconnected."  His position is fairly accurate, though Dreyer used a micrometric position of an involved star by Engelhardt.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1492 = ESO 359-012 = AM 0356-353 = PGC 14186

03 58 13.1 -35 26 48; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 10”

 

18" (1/21/04): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, fairly even surface brightness.  Located 1.5' N of a mag 13 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1492 = h2598 on 28 Nov 1837 and logged "vF, vS, R, 10'."  His position is accurate, though, his size of 10' is probably a typo for 10".

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NGC 1493 = ESO 249-033 = AM 0355-462 = PGC 14163

03 57 28 -46 12 36; Hor

V = 11.3;  Size 3.5'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, round, 3.0' diameter, broad concentration.  Contains a brighter, elongated core or "bar" oriented ~E-W.  The halo contains a strong suggestion of irregular spiral structure.  A mag 15 star is at the east edge of the halo.  This face-on SBcd galaxy is a member of the Dorado Group.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1493 = D 438 = h2600 with his 9-inch reflector on 2 Sep 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, about 1' diameter, round figure".  JH first logged it on 14 Dec 1835 and noted "F, vL, R, vglbM, 3'; sky dull, a haze forming."  On a second sweep he was critical of Dunlop's discovery and commented "faint; large; round; very gradually a little brighter in the middle; 2.5' across. With 9" aperture, and a mirror newly polished yesterday, and in high beauty, it is barely possible to discern with the utmost attention that this nebula exists; but to have discovered it with that aperture and power 180 would have been quite out of the question; possibly, however, 90 might show it better."  Despite Herschel's skepticism, Dunlop's position is unusually accurate.

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NGC 1494 = ESO 201-012 = PGC 14169

03 57 42.5 -48 54 32; Hor

V = 11.7;  Size 3.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 179”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 N-S, 2.4'x1.5'.  Contains an elongated bar-like core with a suggestion of spiral structure and mottling (HII regions) in the halo.  A distinctive trio of mag 12-12.5 stars (separations 30"-45") lie 3.5' N.  Located 14' W of mag 7.9 HD 25315.  Possible member of the Dorado Group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1494 = h2601 on 28 Dec 1834 and described "F, L, R, vgvlbM, 70" dia."  On a second sweep he called it "F, L, R, vglbM, 2.5'; has north of it a triangle of stars 12th mag."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 1495 = ESO 249-034 = MCG -07-09-004 = AM 0356-443 = PGC 14190

03 58 21 -44 28 00; Hor

V = 12.6;  Size 3.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 104”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright or fairly bright, fairly large, very thin edge-on 8:1 WNW-ESE, 2.5'x0.3', broad concentration but no well-defined core, slightly mottled or uneven appearance, fades at tips with the ESE tip fainter.  A mag 11.8 star lies 1.9' SE of center and a mag 9.4 star is 5.9' ESE, nearly collinear with the major axis.  Possible member of the Dorado Group (NGC 1433 subgroup?).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1495 = h2602 on 24 Oct 1835 and logged "F, E in the parallel, vgvlbM, 60" l, 40" br."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1496 = Cr 44 = OCL-396 = Lund 122

04 04 32 +52 39 42; Per

Size 6'

 

17.5" (12/28/94): 20 stars mag 12-15 in a 5' region elongated E-W.  The stars are mainly arranged in a semicircle open to the east with several nice close pairs!  The brightest mag 11 star is on the NE end of the semicircle and the SE end is a very close double.  An isolated mag 10 star is 4' SW and 0.8' NE of this star is an evenly matched mag 14 pair at 7" separation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1496 = h310 on 8 Nov 1831 (sweep 384) and recorded a "curious knot of stars forming a cluster in form the segment of an elliptic ring."  His position and and description accurates describes this cluster.

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NGC 1497 = UGC 2929 = MCG +04-10-008 = CGCG 487-009 = PGC 14331

04 02 06.8 +23 07 59; Tau

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

48" (10/31/13): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 45"x30", contains a bright core.  A mag 12.7 star is 1.1' SW of center.  Brightest in a group with UGC 2927 6' WSW ("fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very small bright nucleus.  A mag 15 star is attached at the east side of the core") and UGC 2928 7.4' NW ("fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter").

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, forms a triangle with two stars to the south.  UGC 2927 lies 6' WSW.  Located 15' E of ·479 = 7.0/7.9 at 7" and about 3.5” SE of the Pleiades.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, roundish, slightly brighter middle, a pair of stars are just south.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1497 = St VIIIb-13 on 11 Dec 1876 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2929 = PGC 14331.

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NGC 1498

04 00 19.4 -12 01 11; Eri

Size 0.7

 

17.5" (12/30/99): at 220x, this is an easily resolved trio of mag 13.5-14 stars forming a small isosceles triangle (separations of 30", 30", 45").  This triple star or asterism is the closest object to William Herschel's position but it's difficult to see how he confused it with a poor cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1498 = H VII-3 on 8 Feb 1784 (sweep 136) and recorded "a small cluster of compressed stars, containing some pretty large."  Dreyer notes in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", that "there is no very pronounced cluster near the place."  Herschel's reference star was 3 Leporis with an offset of -72m 30s and -30' dec.  This places NGC 1498 at 03 59 54 -12 01 (J2000) and Auwer's reduction gives the same position.  A close trio of mag 13/14 stars lies at 04 00 19.4 -12 01 11 (mean of three stars with a maximum separation of ~45"), which is a plausible candidate although doesn't qualify as a "small cluster of compressed stars."  Pietro Baracchi searched for this object unsuccessfully a couple of times in 1887 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. See Corwin's notes for more of the story.

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NGC 1499 = LBN 756 = Ced 26 = Sh 2-220 = California Nebula

04 03 14 +36 22 06; Per

Size 145'x40'

 

17.5" (1/16/02): Despite its reputation as a challenging target, this was an easy, fascinating object at 64x with a H-beta filter. The California Nebula is HUGE and extended a full two eyepiece fields even using a 31 Nagler for a total length of over 2.5 degrees and with a varying width of 15'-30', extended WNW-ESE.  The E-W border is well-defined with a filter, particularly in the general vicinity of Xi Persei (middle of three naked-eye stars in the leg of Perseus collinear with the Pleiades) on the southern border and a long straight stretch on the northern edge.  Along the northern edge, there is some filamentary, wispy structure similar to the view of the Veil nebula in a small scope!

 

The nebulosity is weaker and more disorganized, though, close to the preceding and following ends. The nebula tapers towards the eastern end where there are some additional brighter streaks and dark intrusions near a group of stars.  Portions of the central region are clearly fainter with no evident structure.  At the west end the structure is also chaotic with an irregular mix of weak nebulosity and darker voids.  There is much to view here even at 64x, and I spent 30 minutes scanning the entire length for structure.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): the California Nebula requires very low power and visibility is best using an H-beta filter.  At 82x appears very large, faint, very elongated, irregular low surface brightness with darker lanes and some wispy structure along the edges.  The most well-defined section of the border is near a mag 8.5 star bordering the southern edge.  Located roughly 30' N of mag 4.0 Xi Persei.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): definite contrast gain with H-beta filter as only the section NW of Xi was definite using a Daystar 300 filter (siimlar to UHC), but the H-beta shows the full extent easily.

 

13x80mm (1/13/07): excellent view in my 80mm finder using a 24mm Panoptic and an H-beta filter as a huge, elongated bar of fairly high contrast stretching across the field.  The glow is generally brightest in the broad middle section between Xi Persei and the 6th magnitude star off the central north side.  The nebula noticeably tapers towards the southeast end as the northern side of this end squeezes inward.  Similarly, the northwest end also tapers as the northern boundary narrows towards the southern side.

 

16x80mm (7/27/84): very large and faint, very elongated WNW-ESE, sharper and brighter on WNW edge, very low surface brightness.  Improved contrast with an H-beta filter.

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (8/27/11): very faintly visible as a large, elongated glow near Xi Persei using a pair of 2" H-beta filters over the objectives.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1499, the California Nebula, on 3 Nov 1885 while searching for comets with the 6-inch Cooke Equatorial refractor at Vanderbilt University Observatory.  In the Sidereal Messenger (Vol 5, p27), he reported "this requires the lowest power and cannot be seen by direct vision. It is only by directing the vision slightly to one side of its place that it is pssible to see it, then flashes out feebly."  The NGC position is near the following end.

 

Simon Archenhold produced the first photograph on 27 Oct 1891.  He quickly published an article with a sketch of the outline (nearly 2”) and apparently felt it was too large photographically to be identical to Barnard's intended object.  Barnard responded in an 1894 article that he discovered this object visually and published a photographed taken in 1895 with the Willard lens in Astrophysical Journal, 2, 350.

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NGC 1500 = ESO 201-013 = PGC 14187

03 58 13.9 -52 19 42; Dor

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 88”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.6'x0.5', weak concentration.  Nearly on a line between a mag 11.2 star 2.6' WNW and a mag 10.2 star 4.7' ESE.  Brightest member of AGC 2193 with several cluster members in the field including PGC 14176 2.6' SW, PGC 128672 3.1' SE and PGC 14188 6.3' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1500 = h2603 on 24 Dec 1837 and logged "F, vS, R, pmbM, 12"; has a star 8th mag 15.5 tsec preceding in RA, to northward." Herschel noted this nebula might be equivalent to James Dunlop's D 369, which was described as "a faint nebula, elliptical in the parallel of the equator, about 30" long and 12" broad".  Dunlop's position is 2 min 30 sec of RA east of this galaxy and not nearly as elongated as Dunlop's description.  This equivalence is not given by Glen Cozens or Wolfgang Steinicke.

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NGC 1501 = PK 144+6.1 = PN G144.5+06.5 = Blue Oyster Nebula

04 06 59.4 +60 55 15; Cam

V = 11.9;  Size 56"x48";  PA = 98”

 

18" (11/7/07): superb view at 450x in good seeing.  The 1' diameter disc is slightly elongated ~E-W, ~60"x50" with a very narrow, brighter rim and darker center.  The mag 14.4 central star was steadily visible.  On closer inspection the thin rim was clearly irregular in surface brightness and slightly brighter along the southwest and northeast sides with a couple of tiny knots embedded in the rim.  The slightly darker interior was weakly mottled or patchy with subtle variations in surface brightness.

 

17.5" (1/8/00): at 100x, this moderately bright PN was irregularly round, 1' diameter, weakly annular with a faint glimpse of the central star.  There was a good contrast gain with the OIII filter and the image was crisp-edged, slightly elongated SW-NE and the small, darker center was more evident.  Excellent view at 220x with the faint central star (mag 14.4) clearly visible.  The surface brightness was irregular with an unevenly brighter outer rim.  The central star was visible steadily at 280x and the overall surface brightness was mottled or "clumpy" (brighter on west and NE rim), darkening in the center.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): bright, moderately large, almost round, 1' diameter, high surface brightness.  An easy mag 14.2 central star is visible.  Appears darker near the central star with a brighter rim.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): slightly annular, very faint mag 14 central star visible. 

 

8": fairly faint, moderately large, bluish, slightly elongated, sharp-edged.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1501 = H IV-53 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) using the front-view (no secondary) design with a power of 157.  He described "a very curious planetary nebula of nearly 1' in diameter; it is round, pretty well defined of a uniform light and pretty bright."  Just 6 nights later, he reported "with 360 much magnitified, but still the borders pretty abruptly defined, irregularly elliptical."  John Herschel didn't report an observation.

 

On 15 Jan 1868 Lawrence Parsons, the son of Lord Rosse, reported "a bright ring and inside it a dark annulus, very decided.  A star in the centre seen very clearly and continuously with various powers; suspect variable [unequal?] brightness in the ring, perhaps a dark spot in it nearly on the p side.  The f side of the ring appears broadest and to approach the central star nearer than the preceding side does.  The n and s sides of the ring seem rather brighter than the p and f sides.  Suspect other bright points in it, but am not at all certain.  It is slightly elliptical, its major axis being nearly p and f."

 

Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) described, "central star nearly mag 12, surrounded by a very irregular and patchy elliptical disk, about 56"x48" in pa 98”.  The periphery shows traces of a broken ring formation the brightest portions are the edges at the ends of the minor axis."

 

On a 60-inch Mt Wilson photograph, Pease (1917) reported "this is a fine planetary of regular elliptical shape, 60"x45", p.a. 120”, with protuberances at each end of the minor axis making a total breadth 53". The nebula is irregularly mottled, bearing a resemblance to the convolutions of the brain."

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NGC 1502 = Cr 45 = OCL-383 = Lund 124

04 07 49 +62 19 54; Cam

V = 5.7;  Size 8'

 

13.1" (1/28/84): bright, striking cluster, 40 stars visible in a trapezoidal outline.  The brightest is the striking double STF 485 = 7.0/7.1 at 18" and the cluster also includes ·484 = 9.0/9.5 at 5".  NGC 1502 is located near the SE end of the chain of stars "Kemble's Cascade".  The cluster, part of the Camelopardalis OB1 association, contains 17 type-B0 to B3 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1502 = H VII-47 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and recorded "a cluster of stars, pretty rich and considerably compressed, slightly extended, 3' or 4' diameter, irregular figure."

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NGC 1503 = ESO 083-013 = PGC 14137

03 56 33.5 -66 02 28; Ret

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 25" diameter.  Contains a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Located 18' E of brighter NGC 1490.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1503 = h2604 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "eF, S, R, (a doubtful object) Has a * on p, 10th mag 3' dist."  His position is 1' N of ESO 083-013 = PGC 14137.

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NGC 1504 = MCG -02-11-008 = PGC 14336

04 02 29.7 -09 20 07; Eri

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Appears as a low surface brightness spot sandwiched between NGC 1505 1.8' NE and a mag 12 star 1.6' W.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1504 = LM 1-120 (along with NGC 1505 = LM 1-121) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough positions (nearest min of RA) correspond with MCG -02-11-008 = PGC 14336 and MCG -02-11-009 = PGC 14339.

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NGC 1505 = MCG -02-11-009 = PGC 14339

04 02 36.4 -09 19 21; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (12/30/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x30".  Increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11.5-12.5 stars 3.5' WSW and SSW.  Brighter of a close pair with NGC 1504 1.8' SW (inside the triangle).

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1505 = LM 1-121 (along with NGC 1504 = LM 1-120) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) matches MCG -02-11-009 = PGC 14339.  MCG does not label this galaxy NGC 1505.

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NGC 1506 = ESO 156-027 = PGC 14256

04 00 21.6 -52 34 25; Dor

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 ~SW-NE, 35"x25", weak concentration, gradually increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  Situated between a mag 13 star 1.8' SW and a mag 13.5 star 1.1' NE.  Member of AGC 3193 with brighter member NGC 1500 24' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1506 = h2605 on 23 Dec 1837 and logged "eeeF, S, R.".  On the next sweep (when brighter NGC 1500 was also discovered) he added "between two stars 12th and 13th mag."  His position and description matches.

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NGC 1507 = UGC 2947 = MCG +00-11-009 = CGCG 392-002 = Mrk 1080 = PGC 14409

04 04 27.1 -02 11 21; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 3.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 11”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 N-S, even surface brightness.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.4' SSE and a mag 13 star is 1.2' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1507 = H II-279 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and recorded "mE, easily resolvable, about 4' long, some of the stars [in it] visible."  On 1 Feb 1786 (ssweep 518) he noted "vF, mE, vlbM, about 3' l."

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NGC 1508 = MCG +04-10-021 = CGCG 487-021 = PGC 14454

04 05 47.6 +25 24 31; Tau

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  UGC 2949 lies 15' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1508 = St VIIIb-14 on 15 Dec 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches CGCG 487-021 = PGC 14454.

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NGC 1509 = IC 2026 = MCG -02-11-013 = Mrk 1079 = PGC 14393

04 03 55.2 -11 10 44; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (12/30/99): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  This is a very compact galaxy with a fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1' E.

 

NGC 1509 = IC 2026 forms a close pair with MCG -02-11-012 = PGC 14389 just 1.2' W.  At first I thought it was a very faint mag 15-15.5 star, but with extended viewing, a 15" knot was seen.  This companion is often misidentified as IC 2026.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1509 = LM 1-122 = Sw. V-59 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Stone reported (2 observations), "mag 14.0, 0.1' dia, R, gbM."  His rough position (accurate to the nearest min of RA and less than 1' too far north) is close enough to be unambiguous.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1509 again on 22 Oct 1886 and logged (list V-59), "vF; vS; lE; F* nr p[receding]."  His position is 9 sec of RA following MCG -02-11-013 and it's possible the "F* nr p" refers to PGC 14389 (as I almost thought).  Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. Dreyer credited both Swift and Stone with the discovery in the NGC (in that order), but the Leander McCormick discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, so discovery priority goes to Stone.

 

Bigourdan reobserved the galaxy in 1897 but assumed it was a nova (misidentifying a nearby star as NGC 1509) and it received the number IC 2026.  So, NGC 1509 = IC 2026.  Howe also observed the field in 1899-1900 and measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor at Denver. See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 1510 = ESO 250-003 = MCG -07-09-006 = LGG 108-002 = PGC 14375

04 03 32.6 -43 24 01; Hor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 90”

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, very small, round, only 20" diameter.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5 stars ~1.8' S and 1.7' WSW.  Located 5' SW of NGC 1512.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): not seen although far south from northern California.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1512.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1510 = h2606 on 4 Dec 1836 and recorded "F; R; vgpmbM, 80" dia.  Not resolved.  A companion to Dunlop 466 [NGC 1512]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1511 = ESO 055-004 = AM 0359-674 = KTS 23A = LGG 107-002 = PGC 14236

03 59 36.9 -67 38 03; Hyi

V = 11.3;  Size 3.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 125”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, ~2.5'x0.8'.  Contains a bright, elongated core with a small very bright nucleus.  Two stars mag 14-15 stars bracket the galaxy just 54" E and 1.3' W of center and just north of the center.  The northeast flank of the galaxy appears slightly brighter and more sharply defined and there is an impression of a dust lane on the south side.  At 260x the galaxy has a mottled appearance and is slightly warped or asymmetric at the tips.  A mag 10.8 star lies 3.5' SSE and a fainter edge-on NGC 1511A is in the field 11' SSE.  The companion is a fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.4', broadly concentrated with a slightly bulging core.  NGC 1511 is a member of a small group that includes NGC 1473, NGC 1511A and NGC 1511B.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1511 = h2608 on 2 Nov 1834 and described "pB; mE; vgbM; 90" l; pos 125.5”."  His position and description matches ESO 055-004 = PGC 14236.

 

The galaxy was sketched by Joseph Turner in 1876 (unpublished plate II, figure 12 and 13) using the Great Melbourne Telescope and later by Pietro Baracchi.

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NGC 1512 = ESO 250-004 = MCG -07-09-007 = AM 0402-433 = LGG 108-003 = PGC 14391

04 03 54.2 -43 20 56; Hor

V = 10.3;  Size 8.9'x5.6';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 90”

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 SW-NE.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, 30" core.  The tightly bound spiral "ring" was not seen, although there was some brightening at the southwest and northeast ends of the major axis, where the spiral arms emerge from the central bar.  Forms a pair with NGC 1510 5' SW.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Forms a pair with NGC 1510 5' SW.  Very far south for viewing from Northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1512 = D 466 = h2607 on 29 Oct 1826 and described "a small faint round nebula, about 25 arcseconds diameter, a little brighter in the centre: a star of 10th or 12th magnitude preceding the nebula."  Dunlop made a single observation and his position is 10' SE of the galaxy (typical error).

 

John Herschel made 3 observations:  On 24 Oct 1835 he logged "bright, large, slightly elongated, pretty suddenly brighter in the middle, 3' diameter; it is just north of a great group of large stars 6, 7 and 8th mag, scattered over two or three fields."  On a second sweep he noted "Globular.  bright, pretty large, round, 3' diameter. Resolved into stars barely perceptible." Finally, on a third sweep he recorded "B, R, gpmbM."  Based on the second description, Herschel identified this object as a globular cluster in the GC.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1512 on 5 Dec 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus and faint halo.  He commented "I cannot make out any distinct appearance of stars, although at times there is a suspicion of sparkling about the center - Indeed it has all the appearance of an ordinary nebula, round and much brighter in the centre.  His unpublished lithograph (plate II, figure 11) shows a ring surrounding the core and nucleus.  The east side of the halo or ring seems to be connected to the core by a bar.

 

Based on the GC, Dreyer identified NGC 1512 as a globular in the NGC.  The IC 2, though, has a note from DeLisle Stewart "Not a globular cl, but an eF ring nebula".  Oh a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt, the galaxy was described in 1921 as a Phi-type (barred-ring) spiral.

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NGC 1513 = Cr 46 = OCL-398 = Lund 125

04 09 55 +49 31 00; Per

V = 8.4;  Size 9'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): about 60 stars mag 11 and fainter over unresolved background glow.  Located 50' SE of Lambda Persei (V = 4.3).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1513 = H VII-60 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and recorded "A L cl of considerable L stars, pretty compressed and very rich, iR, about 7' dia."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1514 = PK 165-15.1 = PN G165.5-15.2 = Crystal Ball Nebula

04 09 17.0 +30 46 33; Tau

V = 10.9;  Size 136"x121"

 

48" (10/25/14): at 610x unfiltered; very bright and large; very irregular surface brightness, the rim varies greatly in thickness and brightness.  The relatively thick rim is very bright in the northwest quadrant, along roughly a 70” arc.  A second enhanced portion of the rim is along the southeast end (~35” arc) and a third slightly smaller, bright region (more circular) is on the east end.  The rim is weak on the south or south-southwest end as well as the north and northeast side.  A mag 17 star is at the edge of the rim on the southwest end. A few modest outer lobes were evident; the rim bulges out on the southeast side (near the two enhancements on this end) and to a lesser extent on the northwest and the south end.  The mag 9.5 star at the center and a very faint companion to its southeast are surrounded by a darker central hole.

 

18" (2/4/08): at 175x, appears as a large, roundish glow (~2.5'x2.2) surrounding a bright mag 9.4 central star.  Excellent response to UHC and OIII filters.  The surface brightness is clearly irregular with subtle brighter and darker regions.  The SW and NE ends were slightly dimmer, while the NW and SE portions of the rim were brighter.  The region around the central star was also slightly darker.

 

17.5" (12/30/99): at 100x, moderately bright, round, ~2' halo surrounding a prominent mag 9.5 star.  Displayed an excellent response to UHC and OIII blinking while the H-beta filter killed the PN (OIII/H-beta = 12).  Using the OIII filter, the surface brightness was noticeably uneven, with the NW quadrant of the rim clearly brighter.  The SE end was also weakly enhanced while the center and ends of the minor axis were slightly darker.  At 220x using a UHC filter, the halo appeared nearly 2.5' in diameter.  There was a small, darker "hole" surrounding the central star and the halo was clearly irregular with a brighter "knot" on the SE side, while the NW portion of the halo was brighter along the rim.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): very bright, large, round, 2' diameter.  Contains a very bright mag 9.5 central star surrounded by a fairly bright halo with an irregular surface brightness.  Located midway between mag 8.3 SAO 57017 8' NNW and mag 9 SAO 57021 8' S.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, fairly large, round, dominated by a mag 9.5 central star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1514 = H IV-69 = h311 on 13 Nov 1790 (sweep 980) and wrote, "A most singular phenomenon. A star of about 8th magnitude with a faint luminous atmosphere of a circular form, and about 3' in diameter. The star is perfectly in the center and the atmosphere is so diluted, faint and equal throughout that there can be no surmise of its consisting of stars; nor can there be a doubt of the evident connection between the atmosphere and the star. Another star, not much less in brightness and in the same field with the above, was perfectly free from any such appearance."

 

The striking symmetry of NGC 1514 caused Herschel to rethink his idea of planetary nebulae.  He previously assumed all nebulae were unresolved stellar clusters of some kind, disguised by their great distance. After this point, he was convinced of the existence of pure nebulosity, out of which individual stars or planets were born and he no longer expected every nebula to be resolved with enough aperture.  This essentially destroyed his interest in the 40-foot telescope (48-inch aperture), although the difficulty in using this unwieldy scope was also a major factor.

 

A total of 20 observations were made with the 72" at Birr Castle with one of the earliest (13 Jan 1852) by Bindon Stoney.  He described NGC 1514 as a "new spiral of an annular form round the star, which is central; Brightest part is sf the star, spirality is very faint, but I have no doubt of its existence".  Stoney and later R.J. Mitchell sketched an irregular rim with brighter and dimmer sections.  Samuel Hunter made a sketch on 9 Jan 1858 with a brighter reversed "S" shape within an oval halo.  A version of this sketch was chosen (over Stoney and Mitchell's sketches) for LdR's 1861 publication (plate XXV, figure 7).  Resolving spiral structure was a major theme at Birr Castle but irregularities in the rim was likely the cause of this illusion.

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NGC 1515 = ESO 156-036 = PGC 14397

04 04 03.0 -54 06 10; Dor

V = 11.2;  Size 5.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 18”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): showpiece galaxy with a close companion at 260x.  Very bright and large, very elongated at least 4:1 SSW-NNE, ~4.5'x1' with a bulging core -- similar to a smaller version of NGC 7331.  The overall surface brightness is high with a very high surface brightness elongated core.  NGC 1515A lies 2.0' SW of center.  The companion appeared faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter with a small brighter core and a very low surface brightness halo.  Despite the closeness, the companion is more than 10 times as distant as NGC 1515.  Member of the Dorado Group.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1515 = D348 = h2609 on 5 Nov 1826 using his 9-inch f/12 reflector from Parramatta.  He found "a very faint nebula, about 35 arcseconds diameter. This precedes a group of small stars."  His position is 1 min 15 sec of RA too far east (typical error) and a group of mag 12 stars follows. John Herschel first observed this galaxy on 5 Dec 1834 and logged "B, L, vmE, gbM; 3' l, 40" br".

 

Joseph Turner observed this galaxy on 26 Nov 1877 and Pietro Baracchi on 6 Dec 1885 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope but neither noticed the companion close west.

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NGC 1516 = NGC 1524 = MCG -02-11-017 = MCG -02-11-018 = PGC 14515

04 08 07.4 -08 49 46; Eri

Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

17.5" (2/11/96): at first view (fairly poor seeing) appeared as a single but irregular galaxy elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'.  In periods of better seeing, the system resolved into an extremely close contact pair with the brighter component at the SSE end, round, 25" diameter.  The fainter component is attached at the NNW end, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 15 star lies 1' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1516 = H III-499 = h2610 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and recorded "vF, S, E, easily resolvable." JH observed this double system twice from the CGH, logging it (on his second sweep) as "vF; first vg then psvmbM, 20" diameter".  Ormond Stone (I-113 and I-114) independently found this system again on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  He resolved the individual members, noting a separation of 0.5' in PA 340” [NNW-SSE], but his rough position (nearest min of RA) is over two minutes of RA too large.  Dreyer assumed these were new nebulae and assigned the numbers NGC 1524 and NGC 1525.   So, NGC 1516 should apply to the entire double system found by Herschel, while NGC 1524 and NGC 1525 should apply to the individual members found by Stone.  But the components are generally labeled NGC 1516A and NGC 1516B.  The RNGC declination is 3' too far south.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1517 = UGC 2970 = CGCG 418-013 = PGC 14564

04 09 11.9 +08 38 56; Tau

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located just 1.0' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1517 = St XIII-25 on 23 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 2970  = PGC 14564.

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NGC 1518 = ESO 550-007 = MCG -04-10-013 = PGC 14475

04 06 49.1 -21 10 35; Eri

V = 11.8;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

18" (1/21/04): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~2.8'x1.0', broad concentration with a large bulging core and tapered ends.  Irregular, mottled surface brightness and fades on the SW end.  Located 2.6' NE a mag 10 star.

 

17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.7'x0.9', weak concentration.  Located 2.5' NE of a mag 9.5 star.  Appears asymmetric with the SW end close to the bright star much fainter than the main body.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, very elongated 3:1 streak SW-NE.  A mag 10 star 2.5' SW interferes with viewing.  NGC 1521 lies 22' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1518 = h2611 on 6 Jan 1785 and recorded "B; L; pmE; gbM; has a *8 mag south-preceding 3' or 4' dist."  There is nothing at his position but ESO 550-007 is 1.0 minute of RA east and his description applies.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and gave the position angle as 200”.  Sir Robert Ball, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 25 Jan 1867, wrote "I have little doubt that there are interesting details in the form of this object but the altitude is low (15”) and the night was bad.  The middle part is bright but apparently excentric if (as was suspected) there is a branch proceeding south and somewhat curved towards the preceding side."

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NGC 1519 = ESO 550-009 = MCG -03-11-013 = LGG 109-004 = PGC 14514

04 08 07.6 -17 11 34; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 107”

 

24" (1/1/19): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated nearly 4:1 WNW-ENE, low but irregular surface brightness, weak concentration, 0.9'x0.25'.  Located 4.6' NW of mag 8.5 HD 26223. Brightest in a group (LGG 109 = USGC S137) with UGCA 88 13' W.

 

UGCA 88 appeared very faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, low surface brightness patch, fades out at periphery so difficult to gauge the diameter.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, broad concentration.  Located 4.6' NNW of mag 8.8 SAO 149397.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1519 = T I-14 = T V-2 on 2 Jan 1878 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His ring micrometer position in list V is an exact match with ESO 550-009 = PGC 14514.

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NGC 1520 = ESO 032-005

03 57 51 -76 48 20; Men

Size 5'

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly small and poor cluster of a dozen stars mag 9.6 and fainter in a 5' region.  The group was not impressive but it was detached in the field, so it was easy to identify. Viewed through thin clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1520 = h2615 on 8 Nov 1836 and described "a poor cluster of about a dozen stars 9...12m within a space of about 5', the largest taken." His position corresponds with a mag 9 star surrounded by a small group of stars.

 

Lindsay reported in 1964IrAJ....6..286L: "Not found. Centred on CPD -77”154. Star distribution seems normal."  RNGC repeated this, although ESO classifies the object as an open cluster.

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NGC 1521 = ESO 550-011 = MCG -04-10-015 = PGC 14520

04 08 18.9 -21 03 07; Eri

V = 11.4;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

18" (1/21/04): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~1.2'x1.0', fairly well concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Mag 8.4 SAO 169161 lies 4.6' SSE.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, very small, round, weakly concentrated.  Located 5' NNW of mag 8.5 SAO 169161.  Forms a pair with NGC 1518 22' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1521 = h2612 on 21 Nov 1835 and logged "pB; R; bM; barely in time and too late for a good observation."  Nevertheless, his position matches ESO 550-011 = PGC 14520.

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NGC 1522 = ESO 156-038 = AM 0404-524 = PGC 14462

04 06 07.7 -52 40 12; Dor

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 42”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20", very small brighter core. A mag 15.8 star is just off the NW side, 30" from center.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.3' NE of center.  Located 14' SW of mag 8.6 HD 26354.  Member of the Dorado Group (NGC 1566 subgroup).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1522 = h2613 on 27 Dec 1834 and described "eeF, vS, R, 12". In a very dark field, no star 13th mag within 5'." On a second sweep he called it "vF, vS, R, vlbM, 12" dia". His position matches ESO 156-038 = PGC 14462.

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NGC 1523 = ESO 156-039

04 06 11 -54 05 24; Dor

 

= 4*, Dreyer and HC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1523 = h2614 on 6 Dec 1834 and logged "vF, R."  His position is roughly 2 min of RA east of NGC 1515 (recorded on the same sweep) and just north are four mag 14/15 stars.  DeLisle Stewart reported "Only 3 vF st, not a nebula" in the Harvard College Observatory NGC Correction list.  ESO calls this object "4 faint stars only". See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1524 = NGC 1516a = MCG -02-11-017

04 08 07.4 -08 49 47; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1516.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1524 = LM 1-123 (along with NGC 1525 = LM 1-124) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He described a double system at 0.5' separation in PA 340” (NNW-SSE).  There is nothing at the published position, but 2 min of RA west is NGC 1516, discovered by WH (III-499), and his sketch confirms the intended objects.  Neither William or John resolved the close pair of galaxies.  So, NGC 1516A = NGC 1524 and NGC 1516B = NGC 1525.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1525 = NGC 1516b = MCG -02-11-018

04 08 08.2 -08 50 08; Eri

 

17.5" (2/11/96): this is the brighter SSE component of an extremely close double system with NGC 1516A.  It appeared round, 25" diameter.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1525 = LM 1-124 (along with NGC 1524 = LM 1-123) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He reported finding a double system at 0.5' separation in PA 340” (NNW-SSE).  NGC 1525 = NGC 1524B.  See notes for NGC 1524 for the story.

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NGC 1526 = ESO 084-003 = PGC 14437

04 05 12.3 -65 50 23; Ret

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 36”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~25"x20", even surface brightness.  Situated just south of a 10' x 1.5' group of 8 stars including a mag 9.8 star just 3.3' NNE.  Viewed in poor conditions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1526 = h2617 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "F, R, glbM, among B stars; one = 9th mag, 3' north."  His position and description matches ESO 084-003 = PGC 14437.

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NGC 1527 = ESO 201-020 = PGC 14526

04 08 24.4 -47 53 50; Hor

V = 10.8;  Size 3.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 78”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 WSW-ENE, 3.2'x1.2'.  Very sharply concentrated with a blazing core that is elongated 2:1, increasing to a very small, intense nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 1.2' N of center and a mag 15.3 star is a similar distance south of center.  Probable member of the Dorado Group.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1527 = D 409 on 28 Sep 1826 and described as "a very small and very faint round nebula, about 20" diameter."  His position is 10' too far NE.  JH independently found this galaxy (h2612) on 28 Dec 1834 while searching for D 409 and recorded "B, E, spmbM, growing more round internally; 60" long, 30" broad; pos 77”." On a second sweep he called it "pB, E, vsbM to a roundish nucleus." His third observation logged it as "pB, pmE, vsvmbM; seen in sweeping in vain for Dunlop 409." Herschel tentatively suggested this object corresponded with Dunlop 409 in the Cape Catalogue though the equivalence is not mentioned in the NGC.  It's also possible that D 429 is a duplicate observation with a 1” error in declination (too far north).

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NGC 1528 = Cr 47 = Mel 23 = OCL-397

04 15 19 +51 12 42; Per

V = 6.4;  Size 24'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): 80-100 stars in a 20' diameter.  There are three bright stars on the west side including mag 8.5 SAO 24496 and mag 9.0 SAO 24501, includes many faint stars.  Extremely faint naked-eye object!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1528 = H VII-61 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and described "a beautiful cluster of large stars, very rich, and considerably compressed, about 15' diameter."  His position is near the center of this cluster.

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NGC 1529 = ESO 084-004 = PGC 14495

04 07 19.7 -62 53 57; Ret

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 164”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 45"x18", very small bright core gradually increasing to a stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1534 11' NE.  Located 55' WSW of mag 3.3 Alpha Reticuli.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1529 = h2619 on 9 Dec 1836 and commented "vF, S, R, gbM, 15" dia.". His position matches ESO 084-004 = PGC 14495, though the galaxy was clearly elongated in the 24".

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NGC 1530 = UGC 3013 = MCG +13-04-004 = CGCG 327-017 = VII Zw 12 = PGC 15018

04 23 26.7 +75 17 44; Cam

V = 11.5;  Size 4.6'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 17”

 

48" (10/29/16): at 488x; bright showpiece barred spiral!  A relatively wide, very prominent bar extends WNW-ENE [PA 122”] and is steeply inclined to the orientation of the core.  The bright core, centered on the bar, is elongated N-S and contains a very bright round nucleus that increases to the center.  Two relatively bright and very distinctive thin spiral arms extend from the ends of the bar.  The western arm is brightest in a region near the root, where it attaches to the bar and contains a small knot.  The spiral arm is mostly visible extending  north ~1.5' and only slightly curving east.  A short, low contrast section of the arm extends south of the bar.  A second long thin arm nearly perpendicular to the bar extends south a similar 1.5'.  It is also brightest at its origin on the east end of the bar.  The arm only extends a short distance and blends into the low surface brightness glow of the halo on the north side.  From north to south tips of the arms is at least 3'.  Two mag 15 stars are at the NE edge and a collinear mag 15.5 star is off the NW arm.

 

24" (12/28/13): at 200x, appeared fairly bright, large, elongated nearly 3:2 N-S, ~3.5'x2.2'.  Contains a large, brighter circular core within a very large, elongated halo. A low contrast, thin spiral arm is attached on the west side of the core and sweeps north at the edge of the halo and a similar enhancement is visible on the east side extending due south.  Two mag 15 stars [22" separation] are superimposed on the NE side [1.1' from center] and a mag 12.8 star lies 2.5' N.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, almost round, gradual weak concentration, no nucleus.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1530 = T I-15 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and included in the GC Supplement (GCS 5334).  His matches UGC 3013 = PGC 15018.

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NGC 1531 = ESO 359-026 = MCG -05-11-001 = PGC 14635

04 11 59.3 -32 51 05; Eri

V = 12.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 122”

 

48" (10/22/11): very bright, moderately large, oval ~2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.7', well concentrated with a very bright core.  Forms a beautiful pair with the stunning edge-on NGC 1532 and situated just 1.7' NW of the core of the larger galaxy.  In addition, the major axis of NGC 1531 is angled directly perpendicular to the core of NGC 1532.  Several stars surround the galaxy.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated.  Forms a close pair with larger and brighter NGC 1532 1.6' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1531 = h2620 on 19 Oct 1835 and recorded "faint, round, brighter in the middle, 60". The preceding of two [with NGC 1532]."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1532 = ESO 359-027 = MCG -05-11-002 = PGC 14638

04 12 04.3 -32 52 29; Eri

V = 9.9;  Size 12.6'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 33”

 

24" (12/1/16): SN 2016 iae, a type Ic supernova discovered on 7 Nov 2016, was observed 15" E and 52" N of center of NGC 1532, along the western edge of the spiral arm extending NNE.  The major axis of the companion NGC 1531 off the west side, pointed exactly to an extremely faint "star".  In poor seeing, the supernova was only occasionally visible, perhaps mag 15.5.

 

48" (10/22/11): this showpiece edge-on stretches 7'x1.2', tilting SW-NE.  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a large, elongated, very bright core that is mottled and increases to the center. The surface is knotty, streaky and mottled.  A striking dust lane runs along the major axis, slicing the galaxy asymmetrically into two parts to the south of the core.  The dust lane expands to a larger, elongated (dark) patch on the NE side of the core.  The section to the south of the dust lane is much thinner and brightens to a prominent, very bright knotty 1.5' streak on the SW end [brightest part of a tidal tail extending towards NGC 1531].  A very faint star (B = 18.2) is close to the southwest tip of the bright streak.  The fainter strip of galaxy south of the dust lane near the core appears patchy, probably due to dust and star-forming knots.  Just northwest of the core is NGC 1531, a bright elliptical that angles perpendicular to the core and forms a striking pair.

 

IC 2041 lies 7' NE of center, close following the NE tip of NGC 1532.  It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~35"x24", small bright core.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): bright, large, pretty edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, very bright nucleus, thin extensions.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1531 1.6' NW.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1532 = D 600 = h2621 on 29 Oct 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, NSW, and described "an extremely faint ill-defined nebula, rather elongated in the direction of the meridian, gradualy a little brighter towards the centre."  Dunlop's position (single observation) is 7' too far east.  John Herschel observed this showpiece galaxy on 3 differents sweeps, recording it first on 19 Oct 1835 as "B, vL, vmE, 5' long; A fine and curious object. The following and brighter of two [with NGC 1531]. In the ray is either a vF * or a knot in the nebula."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 30 Nov 1875 using the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 14) as well as Albert Le Sueur (unpublished plate VII, figure 82).  Turner's sketch shows a brighter thin streak along the south edge of the southwest end of the galaxy.

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NGC 1533 = ESO 157-003 = AM 0408-561 = PGC 14582

04 09 51.8 -56 07 06; Dor

V = 10.7;  Size 2.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 151”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, round, contains a small bright core.  Collinear with two 11.5 magnitude stars 1' and 2' NE of center.  Member of the Dorado group with NGC 1536 24' SSE, NGC 1546 40' E and the NGC 1549/1553 pair less than a degree NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1533 = h2622 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "vB, pL, R, smbM to a stellar nucleus.  Has two stars 10th mag N.f." His position and description matches ESO 157-003 = PGC 14582.

 

According to Glen Cozens the original discovery was made by James Dunlop.  He reported D 320 as "a small faint nebula, about 12" diameter, with three very small stars north of it." and claims 3 observations.  There is nothing at his position, but NGC 1533 is 1” to the north.

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NGC 1534 = ESO 084-006 = AM 0408-625 = LGG 110-002 = PGC 14547

04 08 46.2 -62 47 49; Ret

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 76”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4'.  A mag 13.7 star is at the SE edge, 25" from center and mag 8.9 HD 26524 is 6.6' NW.  Forms a wide pair with fainter NGC 1529 11.6' SW.  Located 43' WSW of mag 3.3 Alpha Reticuli.  Images show a dust lane on the south side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1534 = h2623 on 26 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, R. Has a vS star following. Distance 1.5x radius of nebula (by diagram)."  His position and description matches ESO 084-006 = PGC 14547.

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NGC 1535 = PK 206-40.1 = PN G206.4-40.5 = Cleopatra's Eye

04 14 15.8 -12 44 22; Eri

V = 9.4;  Size 48"x42"

 

48" (11/1/13): at 813x, this gorgeous planetary displayed an extremely bright, green double-shell structure.  The 20" diameter inner ring was quite striking with slight irregularities in thickness and brightness and a very slight elongation.  The darker interior of the inner ring was mottled with subtle darker and brighter patches around the mag 12.5 central star.  The outer shell doubled the diameter and was slightly elongated ~N-S, 40"x35", with a mag 14.5-15 star superimposed on the NW side [16" from the central star].  With extended viewing there appeared to be subtle variations in brightness, almost like radial striations in the outer and inner shell.  (Similar view on 10/23/14).

 

24" (11/24/14): I didn't take notes, but at 500x a mag 14.5-15 star was faintly visible near the northwest edge of the outer shell [16" from center].

 

18" (1/1/08): In good seeing at 565x the complex double shell structure of this gorgeous planetary was remarkable.  The bright mag 12.5 central star was surrounded by a well-defined dark central hole with subtle mottling.  The bright inner ring (20" diameter) was relatively narrow, sharply defined and striking. The ring had a clumpy appearance, particularly on the north side and it dimmed slightly on the southeast side.  An outer shell of fainter nebulosity doubled the diameter.  Although the inner ring is round, the outer envelope was slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  At 807x the view was stunning with brighter knots within the inner ring appearing to sparkle at times.

 

17.5" (12/30/99): this planetary has beautiful, bluish double-shell structure which was very evident at 100x surrounding a bright central star.  The view at 380x and 500x was superb in good seeing. The double shell envelope was very prominent with a bright inner ring, ~20" diameter, with a fairly sharp edge embedded in a fainter roundish halo roughly doubling the diameter.  The inner shell was irregularly darker surrounding the central star.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very bright, fairly small, high surface brightness, mag 12.5 central star visible, blue color.  This planetary has a double shell structure with inner shell slightly elongated and a faint rounder outer shell.  Small dark gaps are visible around the central star.

 

13" (12/22/84): at 360x the central star visible surrounded by two shells. The bright inner shell has a small dark annulus surrounding the central star and the outer envelope is fainter and more diffuse.

 

8": bright, greenish, fairly small, round.

 

13x80mm finder (1/15/07): fairly bright stellar object at 13x in my 80mm finder and very easy to identify with blinking.  Appears as a soft bluish star at 25x and definitely non-stellar at 32x and  54x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1535 = H IV-26 = h2618 on 1 Feb 1785 (sweep 364) and recorded "a very curious planetary, vB of a uniform brightness all but the edges which are ill defined; about half a minute in diam.  With 240 proportionally magnified, perfectly R or perhaps a little elliptical."  On a second observation he called it resolvable on the borders, and probably a very compressed cluster of stars at an immense distance.  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH recorded "B; S; R; first pretty suddenly, then very gradually brighter in the middle; 20" across. A mottled disc, but so hazy at the borders that I have no doubt of its being a very distant and highly compressed globular cluster. It is not a planetary nebula, though a near approach to one: does not bear magnifying. A power of 320 is of no use. A very remarkable and interesting object."  Possibly irregularities in the rim influenced JH to believe it was a GC.

 

William Lassell observed NGC 1535 on 7 Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta and commented, "the most interesting and extraordinary object of the kind I have ever seen.  A bright well-defined star, perhaps 11th magnitude, right in the centre of a circular nebula, whose edge was the brightest part; and this nebula again placed upon a larger and fainter, concentric and equally symmetrical."  His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 4) on observations from Malta. He sketched it again in 1862 with his 48-inch and wrote, "An extraordinary and beautiful Planetary Nebula powers 760 and 1060.  The circumferential nebula fades away at its upper margin and the lowe and opposite part of the circumference is less strongly defined than the preceding and following sides.  Moreover, the nucleus does not seem stellar, but a small patch of bright light."

 

Ralph Copeland, made a detailed observation using Lord Rosse's 72" on 19 Dec 1873: "blue planetary nebula.  A small stellar nucleus with a bright atmosphere surrounded by a fainter one [double-shell structure].  There is a very small vacuity close to and sf the nucleus - power 414.  Outside diam np and sf = 45.1"; diameter of bright atmosphere = 18.4".  With power 625 the nucleus seems quite granular and surrounded by a narrow dark ring extending quite round.  Position of two of the most conspicuous central granules = 81.2”."

 

Sherburne Wesley Burnham, observing with the Lick 36-inch refractor, commented "besides the central star, there are other fainter stars within the nebula.  The most prominent of these is near the northern edge of the circular disc... The 14.5m star does not seem to have been seen by other observers [Lassell noted a faint star just inside its preceding edge]."  Burnham measured the position of this star at 16" in PA 324” (NW) of the central star.

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NGC 1536 = ESO 157-005 = PGC 14620

04 11 00.0 -56 28 55; Ret

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, 1.7'x1.1', broad concentration.  Appears to have a bar oriented N-S containing a small, bright nucleus and enhancements in the halo give an impression of two spiral arms.  Forms the western vertex of a triangle with a mag 10.6 star 2.8' WNW and a mag 12.7 star 3' SSE.  NGC 1533 lies 24' NNW and NGC 1546 is 39' NE.  Member of the NGC 1566 subgroup of the Dorado Group of galaxies.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1536 = h2625 on 4 Dec 1834 and described "vF, R, pL, vlbM, 60" dia."  His position matches ESO 157-005 = PGC 14620.

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NGC 1537 = ESO 420-012 = MCG -05-11-005 = LGG 111-006 = PGC 14695

04 13 40.7 -31 38 43; Eri

V = 10.6;  Size 3.9'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 98”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, prominent elongated core, stellar nucleus.  Member of the NGC 1532 group (LGG 111).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1537 = h2624 on 18 Nov 1835 and recorded "vB, lE, psvmbM, 50" l, 40" br." His position is 5' N of ESO 420-012 = PGC 14695, but the identification is secure.

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NGC 1538 = IC 2047 = LEDA 941480

04 14 56.1 -13 11 30; Eri

Size 0.8'x0.6';  PA = 108”

 

24" (12/22/14): faint, small, round, 12" diameter (core only), very faint stellar nucleus.  Holm 73 (double system) lies 3.3' SE and IC 2045 is 5.0' WNW.

 

Holm 73a = LEDA 3093623 appeared faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter (core).  Forms a close pair with Holm 73b = LEDA 940994 45" NE.  The companion was extremely to very faint, also just 6" diameter (core).

 

IC 2045 (identified as NGC 1538 in RNGC and PGC) appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, very small slightly brighter core. IC 2045 is the brightest in a small group including IC 2047 5' ESE and Holmberg 73 (pair) 8' ESE.  With my 17.5" on 12/30/99, IC 2045 was logged as faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Situated between a mag 10 star 3' NE and a mag 9 star 5.5' SW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1538 = LM 1-125 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 16.0, 0.1' dia, R, gbM."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is very close southeast of Holmberg 73a = LEDA 3093623, but could easily apply to other nearby galaxies given the inaccuracy of the Leander McCormick positions.

 

Harold Corwin remarks that Herbert Howe assumed Ho 73A was NGC 1538 when he observed the field on 20 Jan 1900 with the 20" refractor in Denver and also discovered nearby IC 2045 and IC 2047.  Stone's rough position is 8' southeast of IC 2045 = PGC 14722, described by Howe as "eF, eS, almost stellar; near [NGC] 1538." and 4' southeast of IC 2047 = LEDA 941480, noted as "eF, eS, difficult, near [NGC 1538]."

 

RNGC and PGC identify IC 2045 (the brightest of these galaxies) as NGC 1538.   But Corwin examined Stone's discovery sketch and NGC 1538 appears to be a better match with IC 2047.  So, we are left with three possible candidates for NGC 1538 and the identification is uncertain.

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NGC 1539 = CGCG 488-001 = V Zw 373 = PGC 14852

04 19 02.0 +26 49 38; Tau

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (12/10/07): faint, small, slightly elongated ~SW-NE, 0.4'x0.35', moderate concentration with a small brighter core.  Appears a little brighter than the catalogued magnitude.  Located ~ 4' W of a NNW-SSE string of three mag 12-13 stars with another mag 12 star 3' W enclosing the galaxy with this triangular asterism.  The identification of NGC 1539 is uncertain.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1539 = m 94 on 6 Sep 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, vS, gbM."  There is nothing at his position, though CGCG 488-001 = PGC 14852 lies 1 min of RA east and 5' N (nearly 15' ENE).  Harold Corwin notes this would be a fairly large error for Marth, so the identification is uncertain, though there are no other candidates within at least 30' he might have picked up instead.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1540 = ESO 420-014 = AM 0413-283 = PGC 14733

04 15 10.6 -28 29 21; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 5”

 

18" (1/21/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, ~0.8'x0.5'.  Appears to have a star or quasi-stellar knot at the north tip -- this is actually an interacting galaxy [NGC 1540B]!  Located 8' SW mag 9.4 SAO 169272 (wide double).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1540 = h2626 on 6 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; E; resolvable.  Rather a doubtful object.  He confirmed the object, though, on sweep 643 and his position matches ESO 430-014 = PGC 14733.  This is an interacting pair (AM 0413-283) with separation 0.55'.  My visual observation recorded the southern galaxy as brighter and larger and Harold Corwin concurs that the southern object is probably the one viewed by Herschel.  He suggests, though, assigning NGC 1540 to the entire system.

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NGC 1541 = UGC 3001 = MCG +00-11-040 = CGCG 392-013 = PGC 14792

04 17 00.2 +00 50 06; Tau

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small bright core.  Located 7' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 111720.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1541 = m 95 on 14 Nov 1863 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S".  His position is 1' S of UGC 3001 = PGC 14792.

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NGC 1542 = UGC 3003 = MCG +01-11-016 = CGCG 418-017 = PGC 14800

04 17 14.2 +04 46 55; Tau

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 40"x20", very weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' ENE of center.  Collinear with a 1' pair of mag 11 stars about 5' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1542 = m 96 on 18 Nov 1863 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, E."  His position matches UGC 3003 = PGC 14800.

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NGC 1543 = ESO 118-010 = PGC 14659

04 12 43.0 -57 44 17; Ret

V = 10.5;  Size 4.9'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 93”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, large, oval halo 2:1 E-W, at least 3'x1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a brilliant and bulging 1' round core that brightens slightly to a small, intense nucleus. The large halo is relatively fainter and fairly uniform.  9th magnitude HD 26942 lies 5' SW.

 

NGC 1543 is a member of the NGC 1566 subgroup of the Dorado Group of galaxies.  Deep images reveal a detached outer ring, which was not seen.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1543 = D 306 = h2627 on 5 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector and described as "a small round pretty well defined nebula, 10" or 12" diameter, slightly bright to the centre, a bright star in the field south following." Dunlop's position is 11' south of ESO 118-010 = PGC 14659.  John Herschel independently found this galaxy on 4 Dec 1834 (no reference to Dunlop) and recorded it as "B, pL, pmE, smbM to a round nucleus = star 11th mag."  Herschel's position is accurate.

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NGC 1544 = UGC 3160 = MCG +14-03-006 = CGCG 361-011 = CGCG 370-001 = PGC 16608

05 02 36.0 +86 13 20; Cep

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 130”

 

18" (8/1/11): fairly faint, small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small, bright nucleus.  A 10" pair of mag 14.5 stars is at the north edge and a second wider pair at 18" separation (mag 13.6/14.4) is off the NW side.  Located 10' WNW of a very distinctive 2' string of equally spaced mag 9.5/10/11 stars (SAO 785/786).

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round.  Several faint stars are near including an evenly matched mag 14.5 pair with 10" separation at the north edge 20" from center.  This is the second closest NGC galaxy to the north celestial pole.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1544 = T I-16 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  He reported it as a "very small nebula, surrounded by many faint stars but as bright as II. 704 [NGC 1184]." His position is close west of UGC 3160 = PGC 16608.  This galaxy is the 2nd closest galaxy to the pole (next to "Polarissima") in the NGC or IC.

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NGC 1545 = Cr 49 = OCL-399 = Lund 131

04 20 56 +50 15 18; Per

V = 6.2;  Size 18'

 

17.5" (12/28/94): about 50 stars scattered evenly over a 20' field with no dense areas or central concentration.  A pretty pair of mag 7/8 stars are near the center (South 445 = 7.3/8.2 at 72") with a blue mag 9 star to the west (SAO 24549) forming an isosceles triangle.  A number of mag 11/12 stars are arranged in a curving stream oriented SW-NE which passes through the bright pair.  At the north side of the cluster is a pretty colored pair ·519 = 7.9/9.4 at 18".  Off the east side is a small circular group of five faint stars and one brighter star in a clump.

 

8": about two dozen stars in the cluster.  The three brightest stars are mag 7.5-8.5.  Includes chains of faint stars with double star ·519 = 7.9/9.4 at 18" at the north edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1545 = H VIII-85 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars, pretty rich."  His position corresponds with the brightest star in the cluster.

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NGC 1546 = ESO 157-012 = LGG 112-002 = PGC 14723

04 14 36.5 -56 03 39; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 3.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 147”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.1'x0.5', even surface brightness except for a small brighter core.  Located 8' NE of mag 7.5 HD 27142.  A trio of 11-12th magnitude stars trail to the SW (nearest is the easy double HJ 3635 = 8.8/10.9 at 12" just 1.7' W).  Located in the Dorado Group ~25' SW of the NGC 1553/1549 pair.  NGC 1533 lies 40' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1546 = h2628 on 5 Dec 1834 and logged "pB, lE, gbM to an extended nucleus. A double star precedes." His position (two consecutive nights) matches ESO 157-012 = PGC 14723 and the double is HJ 363.

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NGC 1547 = ESO 550-018 = MCG -03-11-020 = PGC 14799

04 17 12.4 -17 51 27; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus offset to the south side or a mag 15.5 star is superimposed [DSS image appears to show a superimposed star].  A mag 13 star lies 1.2' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1547 = LM 1-126 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded a "cl? or neb with sev vF st and one *(mag) 11.5 north of center inv."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of RA), but 43 sec of RA west is ESO 550-018 = PGC 14799, which matches his description.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes), although he adds he "had no such suspicion" it was a cluster", probably due to the nearby stars.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and MCG does not label their entry as NGC 1547.

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NGC 1548 = OCL-415

04 20 59 +36 34 00; Per

Size 20'

 

18" (2/14/10): at 175x there was nothing that looked remotely cluster-like in the 35' field or that I felt might have caught Herschel's attention -- just a random scattered star field with no denser groupings.  At 73x (67' field), though, my attention was drawn to mag 7.7 HD 27403 on the south side of the eyepiece field.  Extending to the west and southwest of this brighter star was an elongated group highlighted by an oval ring, roughly 10' diameter with several mag 10 stars.  A collection of fainter stars that follows the oval ring extends the overall dimensions to 20' x 10'.

 

Still, the asterism I described was unimpressive and not rich enough to mimic a cluster, but seemed the best fit in the nearby area to Herschel's object.  If this group is Herschel's h312, then his position for the brightest star is exactly 20' N of HD 27403 and matches in RA, so a single digit error in dec would explain the discrepancy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1548 = h312 on 3 Feb 1832 (sweep 399) and described "The chief * of a very loose poor cluster 30' diam; little comp; stars 10...12m."  There is nothing near his position and Karl Reinmuth states in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel nach Aufnahmen der Kšnigstuhl-Sternwarte" that "no CL found; many st in milky way".  Brian Skiff calls this object "just a sparse, unconcentrated group of stars slightly brighter than the background."  But 20' south of Herschel's position I noticed that mag 7.7 HD 27403 and the surrounding field is probably the best match for Herschel's object.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1549 = ESO 157-016 = LGG 112-003 = PGC 14757

04 15 44.0 -55 35 30; Dor

V = 9.8;  Size 4.9'x4.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 135”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  Strongly concentrated with an intense 30" core and a bright stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Cradled by a distinctive group of 5 stars including mag 8.7 SAO 233458 to the SSE.  This member of the Dorado Group forms an interacting pair w/NGC 1553 12' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1549 = h2629 on 6 Dec 1834 and noted "B, R, 40 arcseconds." (single sweep).  Wolfgang Steinicke originally credited James Dunlop with the discovery, though Glen Cozens states D 331 applies to NGC 1553 with a 1 hr error in RA and that Dunlop missed NGC 1549 for some reason (possibly poor conditions because of dew on optics).  Steinicke now credits JH with the discovery.  Innes (MN 59, 339, 1899) and DeLisle Stewart's corrected position in the IC 2 Notes section is accurate (Herschel's RA was uncertain).

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NGC 1550 = NGC 1551 = UGC 3012 = MCG +00-11-055 = CGCG 393-001 = LGG 113-006 = PGC 14880

04 19 37.9 +02 24 36; Tau

V = 12.0;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 30”

 

24" (12/28/16): at 282x; fairly bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus, large low surface brightness halo roughly 1' fades out with a distinct edge.  A fairly faint 7" double star is 1.7' S.  IC 366, 3.1' SSE, was logged again as faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  Brightest in a group at z = .012 (also see observation from 12/22/14).

 

UGC 3004, 35' W, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~25"x20", very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 9.8 star is 2.6' SSW. Located 4.8' S of mag 7.2 HD 2714.

UGC 3006, 33' W, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~25"x12", broad concentration with a slightly brighter nucleus.

UGC 2998, 50' NW, appeared faint/fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Situated just 1.9' S of mag 8.3 HD 27039 that significantly detracts from viewing the glow of the galaxy.

 

24" (12/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core.  An uncatalogued double star lies 1.7' S (components 13.7/14.7 at 7").  Forms a pair with IC 366 3.1' SSE.  The companion appeared faint (B Å 15.7), small, round, 12" diameter.

 

UGC 3011, located 12' NNW, appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 21"x14", low surface brightness.  UGC 3008, located 17' NW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 24"x18", slightly brighter core.  Three stars are nearby: a mag 11 star is 1.5' SSW, a mag 13 star 1' SW and a mag 14 star 1.5' ESE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 1550 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His micrometric position (measured on two nights) corresponds with UGC 3012 = PGC 14880.  WH discovered this galaxy on 8 Oct 1785, but made a 1 degree error in recording his declination (too far south) and it was catalogued as H II-464 = NGC 1551.  d'Arrest searched unsuccessfully for NGC 1551 and suspected WH made an error in his declination.  So, NGC 1550 = NGC 1551. Nearby IC 366 was missed by d'Arrest and discovered by Sherburne Burnham with the 36-inch at Lick.

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NGC 1551 = NGC 1550 = UGC 3012 = MCG +00-11-055 = CGCG 393-001 = PGC 14880

04 19 37.9 +02 24 36; Tau

 

See observing notes for NGC 1550.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1551 = H II-464 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and recorded "F, vS, r[esolvable]."  There is nothing at his position and Dreyer comments in the NGC Notes "Not found at Copenhagen [by d'Arrest], not at Birr Castle.  GC 835 [NGC 1550] is exactly 1” north; they are probably identical."  NGC 1550 was found by Heinrich d'Arrest on 29 Dec 1861 and accurately placed.  By historical precidence, WH's II-464 = NGC 1551 should be the primary designation but modern catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 1550 because of the unambiguous positional match.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1552 = UGC 3015 = MCG +00-12-007 = CGCG 393-005 = PGC 14907

04 20 17.6 -00 41 36; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, faint extensions 3:2 WNW-ESE, even concentration to a small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1552 = H III-490 = h313 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and noted "vF, vS, lE, 240 showed it better, but left a bare possibity of deception."  His position is 10 sec of RA west of UGC 3015 = PGC 14907. John Herschel's mean position from 2 sweeps is accurate.

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NGC 1553 = ESO 157-017 = LGG 112-004 = PGC 14765

04 16 10.5 -55 46 48; Dor

V = 9.4;  Size 4.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 150”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): very bright, oval, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.25'x1.0', very bright core, fairly high surface brightness halo.  With averted vision the halo increases to nearly 3' in length.  A mag 12.5 star is at the north edge [1.0' from center], a mag 12.5 mag star is off the SSE edge [1.7' from center] and a mag 12 star is 1.8' WNW of center.  Forms a bright pair with NGC 1549 12' NNW in the center of the Dorado Group.  IC 2058 lies 17' SE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1553 = D 331 on 5 Nov 1826 and described "a rather bright nebula about 1' diameter, very faint at the margin, gradually bright to the centre: a small star north, and another south, both involved in the margin of the nebula. A group of very small stars north."  Dunlop made a 1 hr copying error in his RA (verified by Glen Cozens after examining Dunlop's original observations), and his corrected position is only 10' S of this galaxy, a typical error.  Wolfgang Steinicke equates D 331 = NGC 1549, but that seems less likely, as Dunlop's description of two stars involved and a group of stars to the north (near NGC 1549) applies to NGC 1553.  But it is surprising that Dunlop apparently missed NGC 1549.  On his first sweep (5 Dec 1834), John Herschel recorded "vB, R, gmbM, 60", between three stars."

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NGC 1554 = Struve's Lost Nebula

04 21 43.5 +19 31 14; Tau

 

17.5" (11/10/96): at the position of Struve's Lost Nebula (reported by Otto Struve in 1868) is a mag 14 star noted in the observation of NGC 1555 (Hind's Variable Nebula).  This star is 4' WSW of T Tauri and is not involved with nebulosity.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 1554 = "Struve's Lost Nebula" on 14 Mar 1868 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg and placed it 4' WSW of the star T Tauri (which illuminates NGC 1555 = Hind's Variable Nebula).  It was confirmed and measured by Heinrich d'Arrest on 23-25 Mar 1868 after being notified by Struve.  d'Arrest described it, using an 11" refractor at Copenhagen, as "pretty small, nearly round, with an eccentric core like a star of 14th magnitude".  After that date, it was not observed again and may have just been a spurious observation of a close pair of mag 14 and 15.5 stars, considering the fascination at the time with nearby Hind's Variable Nebula.

 

Dreyer comments in the Notes section of NGC that he was unable to perceive any nebulosity near Struve's position at Birr Castle in 1877 (Lawrence Parsons was previously unsuccessful in 1872, 1876 and 1877) and it was not found by Tempel with the 11-inch Amici refractor at the Arcetri Observatory or Copeland at Dun Echt.  Engelhardt was unsuccessful on 30 Dec 1884 and 8 Jan 1885.  E.E. Barnard and Sherburne Burnham couldn't see it with the 36-inch Lick refractor on 15 Oct 1890.  In the IC 2 notes and corrections section, Dreyer also mentions Struve's nebula was not found by Barnard in 1895 or by James Keeler on plates taken in 1899.

 

Several sources, including  Sky Catalogue 2000.0 and RNGC, group NGC 1554 and NGC 1555 together as a single object.  NGC 1554 doesn't exist now and Steinicke doubts it ever existed.  The RNGC position for NGC 1554/1555 is 1 min of RA too far east.  Steinicke mentions the nickname "Struve's Lost Nebula" was probably introduced by Cederblad in his 1946 catalogue.

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NGC 1555 = Ced 32b = vdB 28 = HH 155 = PP 17 = Hind's Variable Nebula

04 21 56.8 +19 32 04; Tau

Size 1'

 

48" (10/29/19): at 375x, this variable nebula was immediately seen as a diffuse, elongated patch just west of T Tauri.  But the scope was shaking from the wind and the seeing was poor, so details were lacking.

 

24" (1/12/13): at 200x unfiltered, Hind's Variable Nebula was immediately seen as a very faint, fairly small, elongated haze, roughly 40" in length and slightly curved or bowed out to the west.  The variable reflection nebula seemed unevenly lit, though it was too faint to see any specific details.  This famous nebula is illuminated by T Tauri (mag 10-10.5), just 35" to the east.  T Tauri is perfectly collinear with mag 8.4 HD 27560 5.6' SW and a mag 12 star 4.7' SW.  The nebula has likely brightened since the view in 1996 with my 17.5".

 

17.5" (11/10/96): this is Hind's Variable (reflection) Nebula, illuminated by T Tauri (9-13).  At 100x and 140x (unfiltered) an extremely faint haze was highly suspected on the west or west-southwest side of T Tauri (mag 9) in the direction of a mag 14 star to the west or slightly south (this star is at the position of NGC 1554 = "Struve's Lost Nebula").  No details in the nebula were visible at 100x (it did not appear as an arc) but a sketch made at 100x exactly matched the orientation of the nebulosity with respect to T Tauri.  Nebulosity was not visible at 220x and no nebulosity was noted following T Tauri.

 

Hind's Variable Nebula was discovered (along with T Tauri) by John Russell Hind on 11 Oct 1852 with a 7-inch refractor. Because of it's variability, disappearance in the early 1860's, and eventual recovery by Barnard in 1890, it was a subject of fascination and numerous journal reports by most of the major great visual observers of the time including d'Arrest, Tempel, Charconac, Auwers, Secchi, Lassell, Struve, Winnecke, Lawrence Parsons, Dreyer, Barnard and Burnham.

 

John Russell Hind discovered NGC 1555 = Au 20 = Hind's Variable Nebula, which surrounds the variable star T Tauri, on 11 Oct 1852 with the 7-inch Dollond refractor of George Bishop.  He reported in AN 839 a "very small nebulous-looking object...; it was south-preceding a star of 10th mag, which to my surprise, has escaped insertion on the map for 4h R.A. recently published - possibly it may be variable."  Hind had discovered the young variable T Tauri and the variable reflection nebula NGC 1555.  The following summarizes the visual history of this object as told by Wolfgang Steinicke in his "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters".

 

Jean Charcornac confirmed the existence of the nebula in 1854 at Marseilles, likely using a 4-inch refractor.  It was probably independently found by James Breen with a 12-inch refractor at Cambridge in 1855.  Heinrich d'Arrest first observed the nebula on 3 Nov 1855 in Leibniz and described "a pretty bright nebula, 4' diameter, star 10 at its northern end" and made several additional observations in 1856. Arthur Auwers made 7 observations between 7 Jan and 3 Mar 1858 with a 4.3-inch refractor.  He noted the nebula "was visible quite easily and without difficulty, but much fainter than it must have been appearing [to d'Arrest] in 1855 and 1856.  He later concluded that it reached its maximum brightness in 1856.  He listed it as #20 in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae and reported the observations in his notes section.

 

By 1858, though, there was some fading as Charcornac could not recover it at Paris with the 10-inch refractor.  It was not seen with confidence by Eduard Schšnfeld in Feb 1861 using the 6.5-inch Steinheil refractor at Mannheim Observatory.  Auwers was unsuccessful in 1861 with a 6-inch Fraunhofer and so was d'Arrest with the 11-inch Merz refractor in 1861-62.  Leverrier and Charcornac failed to see nebulosity with the 12.4-inch refractor at Paris Observatory or the new 31.5-inch silver-on-glass reflector in Jan-Feb 1862.  Father Angelo Secchi also failed in Rome using the 9.4-inch Merz refractor in Jan 1862.  His report suggested a connection between the fading of the variable star and the nebula, shining by reflected light.  William Lassell made an unsuccessful attempt with his 48-inch from Malta in Mar-Apr 1862.  Hind made another attempt on 12 Dec 1863 in excellent conditions, but failed.

 

The only reported (barely) successful sighting of the nebula during 1861-62 was by Struve and Winnecke using the 15-inch Merz refractor in Pulkovo on 29 Dec 1861 and more easily on 22 Mar 1862, when a sketch was made.  When Struve visited Lassell on Malta, they took a look again on 10 Oct 1863 with the 48-inch and could discern "three or four individual masses separated from each other by black sky", so Struve felt Lassell may have previously looked in the wrong place.  "Hind's wonderful nebula in Taurus" was reported to the general public by Reverend Thomas Webb in 1864 in the popular magazine Intellectual Observer and the same year it was catalogued by John Herschel (who never saw it) as GC 839 and he reported on the history in the Notes section.  In 1865 and 1866, Vogel made several observations (both positive and negative) in Leibniz with 4.6-inch and 6.5-inch refractors and reported very different degrees of visibility.  But during the same time frame and into 1867 it was not seen by Schšnfeld in Mannheim and was completely invisible to Struve on 14 Mar 1868 at Pulkovo, though he reported a new nebula (Stuve's "Lost Nebula", NGC 1554).  Winnecke made a marginal observation in 1875 and sketched it with certainty in 1877.  Tempel observed the field in 1877, made a map of the region including his and others observations, but apparently included nonexistent stars and nebulosity which he recorded.

 

Hind's Variable Nebula wasn't seen again until 1890 when it was barely recovered by E.E. Barnard and S.W. Burnham using the Lick 36-inch refractor.  Barnard confirmed a very small, but "conspicuous and definite" glow (only 4" diameter) surrounding T Tauri, which he assumed was NGC 1555, and an excessively faint, round, larger nebula close south that they took as new, but was actually the real NGC 1555.  The larger glow was observed again in 1891 by Burnham in 1891 and by Barnard in February 1895, when he finally realized that the faint object just south of T Tauri was actually Hind's Variable Nebula, (barely) visible again.  But on three attempts in Sep 1895 ("under the finest conditions") he could find no trace of the nebula.  Three years later in Sep 1898, Barnard made additional observations with the 40-inch Yerkes refractor and reported a tiny nebula attached southeast of T Tauri.  The first photograph showing nebulosity was made by Keeler on 6 Dec 1899 and three patches were recorded (two corresponding with Barnard's sketches), but no sign of Struve's Lost Nebula.  Carl Wirtz was unsuccessful in 1906 seeing either NGC 1554 or 1555 in a visual attempt using the 19-inch Merz refractor at Strausberg as well as by S.W. Burnham in 1907 using the 40-inch Yerkes refractor.   Dreyer discussed many of the original visual observations in the NGC, IC 1 and IC 2 Notes section.  In 1936, it was mentioned in the Carnegie Institute Yearbook that NGC 1555 "have been under observation by Baade and Hubble...About 1920 the region of the knot D in Pease's diagram (Mt. Wilson Contributions, No. 127) began to brighten and can now readily be seen in the telescope".  I assume they mean visually in the 100-inch!

 

Modern sources often group NGC 1554 and 1555 (discovered by Struve) together, although there is no nebulosity visible on the Sky Survey at Struve's position for NGC 1555.  The RNGC RA for NGC 1554 and NGC 1555 is 1.0 min of RA too far east.

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NGC 1556 = ESO 202-004 = AM 0416-501 = PGC 14818

04 17 44.7 -50 09 50; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 167”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.1'x0.35'.  Fairly high surface brightness with a brighter core but no distinct zones.  Member of the Dorado Group.  Viewed with 4.5 day moon up.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1556 = h2631 on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, vglbM, 20" dia."  His position matches ESO 202-004 = PGC 14818.  Using Harvard College Observatory plates, DeLisle Stewart noted "Not round but elongated 165 deg."  The RNGC position is nowhere close and falls on a blank piece of sky.

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NGC 1557 = ESO 055-015

04 12 52 -70 30.9; Hyi

Size 16'x11'

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): very large, scattered group of 3 dozen stars mag 6.0 and fainter (the next three are mag 9-10).  Not rich but detached int the field. This asterism (possible cluster) is projected onto the outer parts of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1557 = h2633 on 24 Nov 1834 and described "A star 7m chief of a cluster 8th class- about 20 in number, loose and struggling."  His position corresponds with mag 7.0 SAO 256073 at 04 13 14.9 -70 25 14.  There is a scattered group of brighter stars mostly south of this star.

 

Eric Lindsay in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", (1964IrAJ....6..286L) reports, "Not found. Centered on CPD -70”287. This star is supposedly the chief of a cluster, about 20 in number, loose and straggling. Star distribution seems normal."  Hodge and Wright marks a smaller group of stars to the northwest of Herschel's cluster.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (repeating Lindsay) as well as Kontizas, et al in the 1990 "The Cluster System of the Large Magellanic Cloud".  But Bica et al (2001A&A...366..827B) call it a  possible open cluster remnant."

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NGC 1558 = ESO 250-017 = PGC 14906

04 20 16.2 -45 01 52; Cae

V = 12.5;  Size 2.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 72”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.7'x0.6'.  Contains a large, brighter elongated core that gradually brightens somewhat to the center.  A mag 13.2 star lies 1.3' SSE of center.  Located 10' E of mag 7.7 HD 27805.  ESO 250-018, with a similar redshift, lies 8' ESE.  Viewed with 4.5 day moon up.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1558 = h2632 on 14 Dec 1835 and recorded "pF, pmE, gpmbM, 25" long, 15" broad".  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1 min of RA east is ESO 250-017 = PGC 14906.

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NGC 1559 = ESO 084-010 = PGC 14814

04 17 35.8 -62 47 01; Ret

V = 10.6;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 64”

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x1.5', broad weak concentration, slightly mottled.  A mag 13.5 star is off the southwest end, 2' from center, and a brighter mag 12 star is 4.7' from center.  Located 30' SE of mag 3.3 Alpha Reticulum and 28' N of the mag 6.1/7.8 double star Theta Reticulum.

 

NGC 1559 is a member of the NGC 1672 Group in the Dorado Cloud complex that includes NGC 1672, NGC 1688, NGC 1796 and NGC 1703.  Images reveal a number of HII knots, though other than some mottling I didn't note these.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1559 = D 264 = h2634 on 6 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "faint round nebula, about 40" diameter, slightly bright to the centre; this is north preceding Theta Rhomboidis".   His position, though, is 18' too far south (accurate in RA).  John Herschel observed the galaxy twice but didn't mention an equivalence with D 264, so Dunlop is not credited with the discovery in the GC or NGC.  On his first sweep of 9 Dec 1836, Herschel noted "B, L, mE, vg pmbM; 90" l; 40" br; has a * 14m at the southern edge."

 

Pietro Baracchi sketched the galaxy on 7 Dec  1885 using the 48" Melbourne Telescope.  His sketch shows the galaxy fading and narrowing at the northeast end and an apparent tiny knot on the south side.

 

 

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NGC 1560 = UGC 3060 = MCG +12-05-005 = CGCG 328-006 = FGC 71A = PGC 15488

04 32 48.9 +71 52 59; Cam

V = 11.4;  Size 9.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (2/20/95): fairly faint, very large, 6'x1', low surface brightness edge-on SSW-NNE.  Broad weak concentration with no distinct core but there a central 2' brightening.  A mag 13 star is embedded on the preceding side of the NNE extension.  The galaxy appears to extend very faintly beyond this towards a mag 12 star further north.  Another mag 13 star is superimposed at the SSW end and a brighter mag 11.5 star is just following the tip of this extension.  Member of the IC 342/Maffei I group, a nearby but obscured group of galaxies.

 

8" (1/1/84): very faint, fairly large, edge-on SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.  Appears as a ghostly streak.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1560 = T IX-1 on 1 Aug 1883 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His position is 1 min of RA preceding UGC 3060 = PGC 15488, though at this high declination this amounts to 5'.  UGC 3060 is misidentified as IC 2062 in RC2, UGC and CGCG.  According to Harold Corwin, IC 2062 is a faint star found by Guillaume Bigourdan on the same night he observed NGC 1560.

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NGC 1561 = MCG -03-12-006 = Holm 75a = PGC 15005

04 23 01.1 -15 50 45; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (12/30/99): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.4' diameter, small brighter center.  Located 2' NE of mag 9 SAO 149593.  Brightest of six faint galaxies with NGC 1562 (18' WNW), NGC 1563 (7.0' NNW), NGC 1564 (6.4' N), NGC 1565 (8' NE) and IC 2063 (12' NNW).

 

17.5" (11/10/96): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.1' NE of a mag 9 star.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, round, broad mild concentration.  Located 2' NE of a mag 8.8 SAO 149593.  Brightest in a very faint group including NGC 1563, NGC 1564, NGC 1565 and IC 2063.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1561 = LM 1-127 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 14.0, vS, lE 170”, glbM, *8, precedes 6 seconds."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is a good match with MCG -03-12-006 = PGC 15005, and the bright star is 2' SW.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) for NGC 1561, 1562, 1563, 1564 and 1565.

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NGC 1562 = PGC 14956

04 21 47.6 -15 45 20; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very little concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is close W.  First of six in the NGC 1561 group (18' following).

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 15.5 star is 1' W.  Located 20' W of the center of the NGC 1561 group.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1562 = LM 1-128 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 1 min of RA east of PGC 14956.   Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and noted that "1562 precedes the rest of the group over a minute [of RA]."

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NGC 1563 = PGC 15000

04 22 53.9 -15 43 58; Eri

Size 0.45'x0.4'

 

17.5" (12/30/99): this member of the NGC 1561 group was a marginal object -- requiring averted vision and only glimpsed ~10% of the time as a 15" featureless knot just 1.7' WNW of NGC 1564 and 7' NNW of NGC 1561.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): Not found.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1563 = LM 1-129, along with NGC 1564, on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Leavenworth gives a single (rough) position for the pair (separated by 1.7'), which is 3'-4' too far north.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  RNGC and MCG misidentify IC 2063 = MCG -03-12-005 as NGC 1563.  PGC misidentifies MCG -03-12-005 as NGC 1563 but gives the correct position.

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NGC 1564 = PGC 15004

04 23 00.9 -15 44 20; Eri

Size 0.7'x0.5'

 

17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  Two mag 13.5/14 stars are close NE.  Located 6.4' due north of NGC 1561 in a group.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1563 1.7' W.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, very small, round.  A trio of mag 13/14 stars lie 2'-3' NE.  Member of the NGC 1561 group.  Nearby NGC 1563 not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1564 = LM 1-130 (along with NGC 1563 = I-129) on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The PGC magnitudes for NGC 1563 and 1564 appear to be reversed.

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NGC 1565 = MCG -03-12-007 = PGC 15015

04 23 23.4 -15 44 40; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, fairly small, round, 30".  This galaxy has a low surface brightness with no central brightening but may be the largest in the group.  A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE of center.  Located 8' NE of NGC 1561 in a group of faint galaxies (last of six).

 

17.5" (2/8/91): Not found.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1565 = LM 1-131 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 2' N of MCG -03-12-007 = PGC 15015.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1566 = ESO 157-020 = LGG 114-003 = PGC 14897

04 20 00.4 -54 56 16; Dor

V = 9.7;  Size 8.3'x6.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 60”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this gorgeous spiral was a showpiece treat even with a 4.5-day moon well up in the west.  NGC 1566 appeared strongly concentrated with a very bright, elongated 1' core region that increased to an intense, round, 20" nucleus.  The two spiral arms were easily visible with direct vision. The "southern" arm is attached on the north side of the core, wrapping around the core counterclockwise on the east side (passing directly between the core and a mag 12 star 2' E of center) and spiraling around 180” to the south side of the halo.  On the south end, the arm passes just north of a mag 15 star and ends at a slightly brighter mag 14.5 star.  The "northern" arm is attached on the south side of the core and wraps around the west side, gradually unfurling towards the north side and ending over 2' NNE of center.

 

With careful viewing, the northern arm "resolved" into 4 distinct extended HII regions, identified as NGC 1566:[HP80] I, II, IV and VI in Hawley and Phillips 1980 paper "Spectrophotometry of H II regions and the nucleus of NGC 1566" in ApJ, 235, 783.  NGC 1566:[HP80] VI is a 12" knot in the arm, 45" due west of center and is clearly resolved from [HP80] IV, a slightly larger 15" knot which is 50" WNW of center.  [HP80] II is a distinct 10" knot 1' NNW of center and the faintest is [HP80] I, just to its north.  The arm passes just south of a mag 14 star 2' N of center.  With averted vision, the outer halo extends beyond the main arms, increasing the size to 5'x3' SSW-NNE.  Mag 8.7 HD 27713 lies 5.4' NW.  NGC 1566 is the largest and most luminous member of the Dorado Group, which contains three subgroups: NGC 1433 group, NGC 1672 group and NGC 1566 group.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): this Seyfert galaxy is a member of the Dorado Group and appears bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S.  With careful viewing the halo extends to ~3'x2'.  A spiral arm is attached on the west side and curves towards the north beyond the main body of the galaxy.  On the eastern side a low surface brightness arm is attached (on an E-W line with a mag 12 star close following the galaxy) and extends a little to the south on the eastern side of the main body.  I was surprised to see the spiral arms so clearly!  Mag 8.2 HD 27713 lies 5.4' NW of center and a mag 9.9 star lies in the field 9' W.  NGC 1581 lies 40' E.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1566 = D 338 = h2635 on 28 May 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a pretty large round nebula, about 4' diameter, moderately and gradually condensed to the centre. A very small star near the following edge, not involved."  His position is 11' too far south but the identification is certain.

 

John Herschel observed the galaxy twice from the CGH, recording on 5 Dec 1834, "B, vL, first very gradually then suddenly much brighter to the middle, to a stellar nucleus. Diameter in RA = 15". A star 11th mag involved, N.p. gives it a distorted appearance. A curious object." JH noted this nebula could be Dunlop 338.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 7 Dec 1885 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope.  His sketch clearly shows both spiral arms and his description reads "the nebulosity is very faint and has a shape almost like the letter S."

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NGC 1567 = ESO 202-010 = AM 0419-482 NED02 = PGC 14934

04 21 08.7 -48 15 18; Cae

V = 12.2;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40"-45" diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 10.5 star lies 5' SW.

 

NGC 1567 forms a pair (same redshift and likely interacting) with ESO 202-009 3' SSW.  The companion appeared very faint, fairly small, thin edge-on SSW-NNE, 40"x12", low surface brightness.  Viewed with a 4.5-day moon up.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1567 = h2636 on 28 Dec 1834 and described "vF, S, R, glbM, 20" (hazy)". A later observation adds "found in place and viewed past meridian; not vF, S, R."  His position matches ESO 202-010 = PGC 14934.

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NGC 1568 = NGC 1568B = UGC 3032 = MCG +00-12-027 = CGCG 393-016 = II Zw 10 = VV 809 = PGC 15034

04 24 25.4 -00 44 47; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  PA = 135”

 

24" (12/22/14): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a small bright core that increases occasionally to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 1' NE.  Forms an interacting double system (II Zw 10) with NGC 1568A = UGC 3031 1.2' WNW.

 

NGC 1568A appeared extremely or very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, low surface brightness glow with averted vision.  A mag 14.5-15 star is less than 30" N.  On the SDSS, this galaxy has a striking set of tidal tails; it is connected to brighter to NGC 1568B with a delicate, curving bridge and a long tidal plume extends to the northwest.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, dominated by small bright core, fainter extensions NW-SE, faint halo.  Two mag 12/13 stars are 1' NE and 1.5' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1568 = Sw. V-60 on 2 Oct 1886 with his 16" refractor and reported "eF; vS; R; nearly betw 2 stars."  His RA was 21 seconds too large and his comment "nearly betw 2 stars" may apply to two stars 1' northeast and 4' southwest.  Most likely the companion (NGC 1568A) is too faint to be seen by Swift.   Jermain Porter measured an accurate position in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 1569 = Arp 210 = UGC 3056 = MCG +11-06-001 = CGCG 306-001 = VII Zw 16 = LGG 104-002 = PGC 15345

04 30 48.6 +64 50 56; Cam

V = 11.0;  Size 3.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 120”

 

48" (10/23/11): at 488x, three very compact knots (luminous super-star clusters) were closely lined up from NW to SE in the central region (total length ~15") with the brightest knot NGC 1569-A in the middle of the trio.  NGC 1569-A was flanked by 1569-C 7" NW and 1569-B 7" SE.  NGC 1569-C appeared very small but was also clearly non-stellar.  NGC 1569-B, very close to the geometric center, was very compact and symmetrical, like a slightly bloated star.  SIMBAD lists a V mag of 15.3 for 1569-A.

 

18" (1/17/09): at 380x this unusual starburst galaxy appeared as a high surface brightness streak, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE.  The brightest region is NW of center and contains two stellar or quasi-stellar knots (super-star clusters) within the glow.  One of these "stars" was fairly easy (NGC 1569-A) and the other was occasionally visible.  A very faint stellar object (SSC NGC 1569-B) is close to the geometric center.  The ESE side of the galaxy is fairly uniform though the position angle is slightly offset.  A mag 9.8 star is less than 1' N of center.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): at 380x this is a bright, very elongated galaxy with an unusual asymmetric appearance, situated less than 1' S of a mag 9.5 star!  Extended nearly 5:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.8'.  The bright core is offset to the NW side of the glow with a tail extending SE, possibly bending at a slight angle to the core.  Two stellar "nuclei" are visible in good seeing.  The brighter "star" is embedded within the core, possibly just slightly north of center.  A second fainter "star" is close SE, near the edge of the core and is visible intermittently.  These "stars" are actually SSC's (luminous super-star clusters).  NGC 1569 was recently determined to be a member of the IC 342 galaxy group.

 

17.5" (1/12/02): very bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 2.5'x1.1', high but irregular surface brightness with an asymmetric appearance.  The very bright core is mottled and irregular and is offset to the NW side of the galaxy!  At 380x, there are two stellar "nuclei" within this glow.  The brighter stellar nucleus is fairly easy and a fainter stellar point is close SE.  There is also a strong impression of a third stellar spot close west of the central nucleus.  These faint "stars" are actually luminous super-star clusters, the most massive known type of star clusters (color image at http://www.lowell.edu/users/dah/papers/n1569hst.html).  A mag 10 star is close off the north side, 1' from center and a mag 13 star is just off the SE end. 

 

13.1" (1/18/85): very bright, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, high surface brightness, elongated bright core, mottling suspected.  Located just 1' S of a mag 10 star.

 

8" (11/28/81): fairly bright, small, elongated.  Located just south of a mag 9 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1569 = H II-768 on 4 Nov 1788 (sweep 881) and noted "pB, S, lE, BN, just south of a pretty bright star."  Ralph Copeland observed this galaxy on 17 Jan 1873 using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded, "Decidedly cometic in appearance, with the head north-preceding.  Position of elongation 111.2”.  Has an 11 mag reddish star in PA 359”, Dist 45".  This star is the south member of a double star.  There is also a 15m star following in the direction of the axis of the nebula.  This object, although of the second class, is 3 or 4x as bright as H I-258 [NGC 1491]."

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NGC 1570 = NGC 1571 = ESO 250-019 = MCG -07-10-001 = PGC 14971

04 22 08.9 -43 37 47; Cae

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 172”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1571.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1570 = h2637 on 4 Dec 1836 and recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20" dia."  His position is 10' N of ESO 250-019 = PGC 14971.  This galaxy was found again by JH on 1 Dec 1837, accurately placed, and it was catalogued again as h2638 = GC 848 = NGC 1571.  Although NGC 1570 is the earlier discovery, this galaxy is referred to as NGC 1571.  RNGC labels NGC 1570 as nonexistent.

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NGC 1571 = NGC 1570 = ESO 250-019 = MCG -07-10-001 = PGC 14971

04 22 08.9 -43 37 47; Cae

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 172”

 

18" (1/17/09): at 175x appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 N-S, ~25"x18", very small brighter core.  A mag 10.6/10.8 double star (h3648) at 12" separation lies 3' ENE.  Located 47' NW of a mag 6.4 star and 49' NE of a mag 5.3 star.  Viewed at only 7 degrees elevation from Lake Sonoma.

 

John Herschel found NGC 1571 = h2638 on 1 Dec 1837 and recorded as "vF; S; R; 15"; gbM; has a double star north-following."  His position and description (the double star is HJ 3648) applies to ESO 250-019 = PGC 14971. Herschel discovered the galaxy a year earlier but placed it 10' too far north and it was catalogued as h2637 = NGC 1570.  Apparently neither Herschel or Dreyer suspected the two observations referred to the same nebula.  Although NGC 1570 is the earlier discovery, this galaxy is generally designated NGC 1571.

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NGC 1572 = ESO 303-014 = MCG -07-10-003 = PGC 14993

04 22 42.8 -40 36 03; Cae

V = 12.4;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 0”

 

18" (12/30/08): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE (central bar), ~0.9'x0.3', slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 12 star is just off the east side, 0.9' NE of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1572 = h2639 on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "pF; S; R; 15"; has a * 13m, 1' nf."  His position and description applies to ESO 303-014 = PGC 14993.

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NGC 1573 = UGC 3077 = MCG +12-05-008 = CGCG 328-009 = VII Zw 18 = PGC 15570

04 35 04.1 +73 15 45; Cam

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 35”

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  The large halo extends to at least 1.6'x1.2' with averted as the outer portion has a very low surface brightness.  A mag 15-15.5 star is at the NNW edge [32" from center].  Several stars follow, including a mag 10.5 star 2.2' E.  Brightest in a trio with CGCG 328-007 4.7' NW ("fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low even surface brightness") and UGC 3069 4.3' SW ("fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", gradually increases to the center, faint stellar nucleus"). 

 

17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, gradually brighter halo, very small brighter core.  A mag 10.5 star is just 2.2' E of core.  CGCG 328-007 lies 4.5' NW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1573 = T IX-2 on 1 Aug 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His position is 2' SW of UGC 3077 = PGC 15570.

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NGC 1574 = ESO 157-022 = PGC 14965

04 21 59 -56 58 24; Ret

V = 10.4;  Size 3.4'x3.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 35”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, fairly bright, fairly large, round, 2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a well defined core.  A mag 9.7 star is near the SE edge of the halo (1.1' from center).  A much fainter star is at the edge of central core on the SE side, ~20" from center.  Two mag 11/12 stars are 4' and 4' 6, respectively.  Located 19' NW of Rmk 4 = 6.8/7.2 at 5".  Member of the Dorado Group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1574 = h2640 on 4 Dec 1834 and described "pB, S, R, pgbM, has a star 10th mag 1' distant and one 14th mag distant one radius of the nebula from its edge, both S.f."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1575 = NGC 1577 = MCG -02-12-014 = PGC 15090

04 26 20.6 -10 05 54; Eri

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

See observing notes for NGC 1577.

 

Frank Muller found NGC 1575 = LM 2-395 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 13.5, 1.0' dia, R, *9.5 at 2' dist in PA 185” [SSW]."  His position is 0.4 min of RA west of MCG -02-12-014 = PGC 15090 (accurate in declination) and his description of the nearby star matches.  This galaxy was discovered earlier by Lewis Swift (III-29) on 10 Nov 1885 and catalogued as NGC 1577.  Swift's position is just south of the galaxy, though the equivalence was not noticed until Herbert Howe examned the field in 1900 (the equivalence is repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  So, NGC 1575 = NGC 1577, with discovery priority to Swift (NGC 1577).  Some sources, such as RNGC, use NGC 1575 as the primary designation.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1576 = MCG -01-12-007 = PGC 15089

04 26 18.8 -03 37 16; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, well-defined bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Almost at the midpoint of two mag 13 stars 1.2' SE and 1.5' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1576 = H III-587 = h314 on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) and reported "vF, S, bM, between 2 stars."  His position (Auwer's reduction) was 1' too far NW.  There are two stars that bracket the galaxy as in the description.

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NGC 1577 = NGC 1575 = MCG -02-12-014 = PGC 15090

04 26 20.6 -10 05 54; Eri

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, irregularly round, gradually increases to small bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Located 2' N of a mag 10.5 star and 13' SE of mag 6.9 SAO 149622.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1577 = Sw. III-29 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pL, R, lbM, * nr south".  His position and description (an 11th mag star is 2' S) applies to MCG -02-12-014.  Frank Muller independently found the galaxy the following year and it was also catalogued as  NGC 1575 (list II-395).  Although his RA is 0.4 min off, the comment "*9.5, PA 185, 2' sep" clinches the identify NGC 1575 = NGC 1577, with priority to Swift.

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NGC 1578 = ESO 202-014 = AM 0422-514 = PGC 15025

04 23 46.7 -51 35 59; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 177”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~0.8'x0.65'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  Situated in a poor star field 1.2” ESE of mag 4.3 Gamma Doradus.  Viewed with a 4.5-day moon in the sky.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1578 = h2641 on 27 Dec 1834 (same night he discovered NGC 1522) and reported "vF, S, R, pgbM, dilute at the borders."  His position (3 sweeps) matches ESO 202-014 = PGC 15025.

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NGC 1579 = LBN 767 = Sh 2-222 = Ced 35 = The Northern Trifid

04 30 14.3 +35 16 47; Per

Size 12'x8'

 

18" (2/16/07): fairly bright reflection nebula at 220x, viewed unfiltered.  The brightest portion is a fairly striking, roundish patch, ~1.5 diameter in the center of a triangular group of 6 stars.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2' N with a faint star close south.  A pair of mag 13 stars is symmetrically placed on the opposite side of the central region.  A wide pair of mag 12 stars are off the NE side.  Faint, irregular haze spreads out from the bright patch towards the SW, extending due west to due south and increasing the size to 6'-7', though the borders of the fainter nebosity are not well defined.  There was only a hint of the dust structure visible on images.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): this bright reflection nebula appears nearly 5' in diameter with a prominent, slightly elongated 1.5' central region.  The haze is irregular extending outward from this knot with the borders seemingly marked by a half-dozen stars situated around the periphery including a mag 11 star 2' N, a wide pair of mag 11.5-12 stars 1.6' and 2.3' NE and a pair of mag 13 stars ~2.5' S.  Nebulosity extends mostly west and southwest of the central mass with a very faint piece to the south.

 

13" (1/18/85): fairly bright, circular, fairly small, appears brightest at the following edge.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 11.5-12 stars off the north and NE edges both 2' from center.

 

8" (12/6/80): faint nebulosity, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1579 = H I-217 = h315 on 27 Dec 1788 (sweep 899) and reported "pB, cL, mbM. Cometic. Stands nearly in the centre of a trapezium, 2 nf small stars pointing to it."  John Herschel made three observations; in Nov 1827 (sweep 105) recording "pB; vL; irr R; it is inclosed among 6 stars, two of which point across its centre to a third.  A * 7m precedes about 1 minute."

 

Samuel Hunter made a detailed sketch with the 72" on 13 Jan 1858 (fig. 8, plate XXV in LdR's 1861 publication).  On 2 Nov 1850 Bindon Stoney logged "A faint patchy neby. follows the chief portion and also to the south.  The chief portion is irregular in figure and I had the impression of a dark space intervening between it and the faint nebulosity."

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NGC 1580 = MCG -01-12-011 = PGC 15189

04 28 18.4 -05 10 44; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (2/11/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 50" diameter.  Broad concentration with a brighter center but no well-defined core.  A mag 15 star is just off the following end 48" from center and a mag 14 star is 1.4' WNW.  There is an 30" pair of mag 12/13.5 stars ~3' SE.  Located 10' NNE of mag 9 SAO 131233, which is at the edge of the 220x field, and 1 degree west of the NGC 1600 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1580 = St VIIIb-15 on 18 Jan 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches MCG -01-12-011.

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NGC 1581 = ESO 157-026 = LGG 114-004 = PGC 15055

04 24 44.9 -54 56 31; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 80”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~0.6'x0.25', no noticeable concentration.  Two mag 10 stars at 1' separation lie 6' E.  This Dorado Group member is located 40' due east of the bright galaxy NGC 1566.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1581 = h2642 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, E, gbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1582 = Cr 51 = OCL-407 = Lund 133

04 31 39 +43 50; Per

Size 24'

 

18" (11/26/03): at 115x, appears a very large, scattered field with a number of brighter stars.  There are no denser regions of fainter stars to distinguish this as a cluster although the star density drops rapidly to the west (edge of Milky Way?).  Most distinctive is a stream of bright stars which extends 20' SW of the cluster's position and includes a number of mag 8-10 stars.  The string begins with mag 8.7 SAO 39581 and includes a 16" pair of mag 10 stars as well as mag 8.6 SAO 39578.  The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1582 = H VIII-70 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 801) and logged "a cluster of coarsely scattered large stars, pretty rich, 20 or 25' diameter."

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NGC 1583 = ESO 551-008 = MCG -03-12-010 = PGC 15193

04 28 20.7 -17 35 44; Eri

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): slightly brighter of a similar pair with NGC 1584 located 5.0' NNW.  Faint, small, round, 40" diameter.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1583 = LM 1-132 (along with NGC 1584 = I-133) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 0.6 tmin east of ESO 551-008 = PGC 15193.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1584 = ESO 551-006 = PGC 15180

04 28 10.2 -17 31 24; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 1584 5.0' SSE.  Collinear with a nice well–matched double star 6.5' NE and a mag 13 star 5.0' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1584 = LM 1-133 (along with NGC 1583 = I-132) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1585 = ESO 303-018 = MCG -07-10-006 = PGC 15150

04 27 33.0 -42 09 55; Cae

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175”

 

18" (12/30/08): at 175x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~35"x30", very small brighter core.  A mag 12.6 star is attached to the west edge and three mag 10 stars lies within 6'.  Located 14' SSW of mag 6.5 HD 28552.  IC 2068 is in the field 11' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1585 = h2643 on 6 Dec 1834 and logged "pF, S, R, gbM, a * 12 mag prec. 2 seconds; pos from centre of neb. = 287.8 degrees."  His position is 1' N of center and the description is accurate.

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NGC 1586 = UGC 3062 = MCG +00-12-036 = CGCG 393-027 = LGG 117-001 = PGC 15331

04 30 38.2 -00 18 15; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE.  Bracketed by two very faint mag 14.5/15 stars close off the WNW end and 30" off the SSE end.  A wide evenly matched mag 11 pair at 1.3' separation lies 7.5' NW and is collinear with the galaxy.  Uncertain identification in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1586 on 30 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and recorded (rough Latin translation) "faint, irregular, in line with a double star and a mag 14 star.  Searched again on night 93 (for this object) in vain."  There is nothing near his single position and Copeland, using the 72" at Birr Castle, reported "Not found, sky very clear".

 

But 15' north-northeast is UGC 3062 and a wide double star is 14' northwest, along with a mag 14.5 star at the northwest end.  All major catalogues (except MCG) correctly identify NGC 1586 = UGC 3062.

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NGC 1587 = UGC 3063 = MCG +00-12-035 = CGCG 393-028 = Holm 76a = Mrk 616 = II Zw 12 = LGG 117-002 = PGC 15332

04 30 40.0 +00 39 43; Tau

V = 11.7;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 144”

 

17.5" (2/3/03): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well-concentrated with a very bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 1588 0.9' E.  In a trio with NGC 1589 12' N.  NGC 1587 is the brightest member of the LGG 117 galaxy group (z = .012)

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 1588 1' E.  NGC 1589 lies 12' N.  Located midway between 44 and 45 Tauri.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1587 = H II-8 = h316, along with NGC 1588 and 1589, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54).  He noted "Two close together [with NGC 1588], 3/4” north of 45 Eri."  His summary description (from 4 sweeps) reads "Two [with NGC 1588]. The first  F, S, r." On 23 Nov1827, John Herschel called this object "the south-preceding of a double nebula; R; pL; distance of centres 60"."

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NGC 1588 = UGC 3064 = MCG +00-12-037 = CGCG 393-028 = Mrk 616 = II Zw 12 = Holm 76b = LGG 117-006 = PGC 15340

04 30 43.7 +00 39 53; Tau

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (2/3/03): fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, 0.6'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright stellar nucleus.  Smaller and fainter of close pair with NGC 1587 just 0.9' W.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, very small.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 1587 1' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1588 = H II-9 = h317, along with NGC 1587 and 1589, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54).  His published summary description (from 4 sweeps) reads "Two [with NGC 1587]. The second F, vS, r." On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107), John Herschel called this "the north-following of a double nebula; F; S; R.  Position by a drawing made at the time 30..40” nf."

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NGC 1589 = UGC 3065 = MCG +00-12-038 = CGCG 393-030 = LGG 117-003 = PGC 15342

04 30 45.5 +00 51 52; Tau

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (2/3/03): very nice moderately large edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.3'x0.3'.  Contains a bright core with faint extensions.  In a trio with NGC 1587/1588 12' S.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, fairly small, small bright core.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 1587 12' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1589 = H II-7 = h318, along with NGC 1587 and 1588, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54).  His summary description (from 3 sweeps) reads "F, pL, iR, vlbM."  On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 100), John Herschel recorded "pB; bM; E from sf to np; has a * 50” nf, 1' dist; its situation is nearly at right angles to the longer axis of the nebula."

 

R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 29 Nov 1856, reported "the preceding edge of [NGC 1589] seems black and sharp as compared to its following edge."  This "black" edge is a dust lane along the western flank.

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NGC 1590 = UGC 3071 = MCG +01-12-008 = CGCG 419-014 = II Zw 13 = LGG 120-015 = PGC 15368

04 31 10.3 +07 37 51; Tau

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 90”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  There is a trio of similar stars to the north with two mag 12.5 stars 2' NNE and 4.7' NW and a mag 11.5 star 4.4' N.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1590 on 28 Oct 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 3071 and his comment "mag 12 star follows by 2.7 seconds of time and 1 3/4' north" clinches this idenfication.

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NGC 1591 = ESO 484-025 = MCG -04-11-015 = PGC 15276

04 29 30.6 -26 42 47; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (11/10/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, very weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 1.2' due west.  Brightest and largest of three with ESO 484-G26 4.4' SE and ESO 484-28 10' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1591 = h2644 on 6 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; glbM; 15" dia."  His position matches ESO 484-025 = PGC 15276.  His RA in sweep 643 is 10 sec too small, though he noted the "time of transit somewhat confusedly stated in MS, which renders a mistake of 10s not improbable."  It's a bit surprising he missed ESO 484-26 and ESO 484-28 on all three sweeps.

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NGC 1592 = ESO 421-002 = MCG -05-11-011 = VV 647 = AM 0427-273 = PGC 15292

04 29 40.8 -27 24 32; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 96”

 

17.5" (2/3/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.4', fairly low even surface brightness. At moments, there appeared to be an extension or companion attached on the following side.  On the DSS, this is an unusual (multiple?) galaxy (PGC 15285 and 15292) with two off-center knots or condensations, one on the east end!  A perfect parallelogram of stars with sides 3'x1' lies 5' SE (brightest stars mag 10 on the south side).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1592 = h2645 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; vS."  He only observed this object on one sweep and the declination is given as uncertain.  There is nothing at his position and Herbert Howe reported in 1898 that "in the place given for this I found only small stars. 1591, near by, was observed".

 

RC3 identifies ESO 421-002 as NGC 1592, although this galaxy is 27' S (correct in RA) of Herschel's position.  Given the uncertainly in his declination, this seems a likely candidate.  Neither MCG nor ESO label ESO 421-002 as NGC 1592.  RNGC classifies this number nonexistent.

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NGC 1593 = NGC 1608 = IC 2077 = UGC 3082 = MCG +00-12-044 = CGCG 393-037 = PGC 15447

04 32 06.1 +00 34 02; Tau

 

See observing notes for NGC 1608.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1593 = m 97 on 7 Nov 1863 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta.  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1 min of RA east is NGC 1608 and Harold Corwin "recovered" this identification while compiling the ESGC.  NGC 1608 was found by Lawrence Parsons, using Lord Rosse's 72", on 1 Jan 1876, though his position is also poor.  Finally, Stephane Javelle (III-988) independently found the galaxy again on 15 Jan 1898 with the 30" refractor at Nice, reported J. 3-988 (later IC 2077) with an accurate micrometric position.  So, NGC 1593 = NGC 1608 = IC 2077.

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NGC 1594 = IC 2075 = MCG -01-12-014 = PGC 15348

04 30 51.6 -05 47 54; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8'.  Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13/13.5 stars 2.0' NW and 2.3' WSW.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the preceding edge 39" from center.  Fairly smooth surface brightness except for a nearly stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1594 = Sw. V-61 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His RA was 17 seconds too large.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 1594 in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  Bigourdan (260) independently found this galaxy on 17 Jan 1895 while searching for NGC 1594 at Swift's position, placed it accurately, and it was catalogued again as IC 2075.  So, NGC 1594 = IC 2075, with discovery priority to Swift. MCG identifies this galaxy as IC 2075.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1595 = ESO 202-025 = AM 0426-475 = KTS 25B = PGC 15195 = Carafe Group

04 28 21.7 -47 48 57; Cae

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 17”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, oval 5:3 SSW-NNE, 40"x25", well concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  With averted vision the dim outer halo increases to 50"x30".  Second of three in the Carafe Group with NGC 1598 2.8' NE and ESO 202-023 (Carafe Galaxy) 6.9' SW. 

 

The "Carafe Galaxy" is the largest in the trio.  At 260x this galaxy was slightly elongated N-S, with a 1.5'x1.2'  halo and an unusual structure.  A brighter bar extends through most of the galaxy in a N-S direction with a brightest and bulging portion of the bar on the south side (perhaps an offset core).  The northern half of the bar is narrower and extends nearly to the edge of the halo creating a lopsided barbell appearance.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1595 = h2646 (along with NGC 1598 = h2647) on 3 Dec 1837 and recorded "vF, R, bM, 15 arcseconds."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1596 = ESO 157-031 = LGG 114-005 = PGC 15153

04 27 38.1 -55 01 40; Dor

V = 11.2;  Size 3.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.8'x0.5', contains a slightly bulging core and tapering extensions.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  Paired with NGC 1602 2.9' SE in the Dorado Group of galaxies.  NGC 1617 lies 43' NE.  Located 55' due west of mag 3.3 Alpha Doradus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1596 = h2648 (along with NGC 1602 = h2649) on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, mE, pL, psmbM, 60" long. The preceding of two [with NGC 1602]."  His position (2 consecutive sweeps) is very accurate.  Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 17 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p. 130 of his logbook).  NGC 1596 is shown as a thin edge-on, sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  A lithograph was prepared (plate II, figure 15) but never published.

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NGC 1597 = MCG -02-12-032 = PGC 15374

04 31 13.5 -11 17 26; Eri

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/3/03): faint, very small, elongated 5:4 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.4', slightly brighter core.  A close double star lies 2' NW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1597 = LM 1-134 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) matches MCG -02-12-032 = PGC 15374.

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NGC 1598 = ESO 202-026 = AM 0427-475 = KTS 25C = PGC 15204 = Carafe Group

04 28 33.6 -47 46 57; Cae

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 123”

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.8', broad concentration with a brighter core that gradually increases towards the center.  NGC 1598 is the third in the "Carafe" trio with NGC 1595 2.8' SW and ESO 202-023 10' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1598 = h2646 (along with NGC 1598 = h2647) on 3 Dec 1837 and logged "F, R, bM, 20 arcseconds."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1599 = NGC 1610? = MCG -01-12-016 = PGC 15403

04 31 38.7 -04 35 18; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, very small, round, slight central brightening.  Located just 1.1' W of mag 9.1 SAO 131769.  Member of the NGC 1600 group with NGC 1607 10' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1599 = St XII-29 on 14 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is an exact match with MCG -01-12-016 = PGC 15403.  NGC 1610 may be a duplicate observation (see notes) and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 labels the galaxy NGC 1599 = NGC 1610.

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NGC 1600 = MCG -01-12-017 = PGC 15406

04 31 39.9 -05 05 10; Eri

V = 10.9;  Size 2.5'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 15”

 

24" (2/24/20): at 260x and 375x; very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~1.6'x1.2', very bright core, stellar nucleus, brighter along a N-S central axis.  Two adjacent NGC companions (1601 and 1603).

 

17.5" (2/1/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, broadly concentrated halo, almost stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a large group with NGC 1601 1.6' N, NGC 1603 2.6' ESE and NGC 1606 7' NE.  Other members include NGC 1599, NGC 1604, NGC 1607, NGC 1609, NGC 1611, NGC 1612, NGC 1613 and IC 373.  Located 12' SE of mag 7.8 SAO 131262 12' NW and 15' ESE of mag 9 SAO 131258. 

 

13" (12/18/82): fairly bright, small, round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1600 = H I-158 = h319 on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638) and recorded "pB, pL, irr R, vgmbM." Just two nights later (sweep 640) he noted "cB, pS, mbB." John Herschel made 4 observations and the observers on LdR's 72" made 5 observations of the field, discovering NGC 1601, 1603 and 1606.

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NGC 1601 = MCG -01-12-018 = PGC 15413

04 31 41.7 -05 03 37; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, extremely small, round, very small bright core.  Faintest of a close trio with NGC 1600 1.6' S and NGC 1603 2.9' SE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1601 = GC 867, along with NGC 1603 and 1606, on 14 Jan 1849. A sketch of the field surrounding NGC 1600 was made in 1850.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the nebula on 16 Jan 1865 and it was catalogued again in the GC Supplement (GC 5343), though the comment was added "probably = GC 867".  The two GC entries were combined in the NGC.

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NGC 1602 = ESO 157-032 = LGG 114-006 = PGC 15168

04 27 54.4 -55 03 24; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 83”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40" diameter, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with the prominent galaxy NGC 1596 just 2.9' NW.  Member of the Dorado Group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1602 = h2649 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "eF, L, roundish undefined. The following of two [with h2648 = NGC 1596]."  His position is accurate (two sweeps).

 

A lithograph was prepared (with NGC 1596) based on Joseph Turner's observation on 17 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate II, figure 15) but it was never published.

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NGC 1603 = MCG -01-12-019 = PGC 15424

04 31 49.9 -05 05 40; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, very small, round.  Last of a close trio with NGC 1600 2.5' WNW and NGC 1601 2.9' NW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1603 = GC 868, along with NGC 1601 and 1606, on 14 Jan 1849. A sketch of the field surrounding NGC 1600 was made in 1850.  In Jan 1874, Ralph Copeland measured an accurate micrometric positions for NGC 1600, 1601 and 1603.

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NGC 1604 = MCG -01-12-020 = PGC 15433

04 31 58.6 -05 22 12; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  The halo brightens to a small bright core.  Situated between two mag 11 stars 2.3' ESE and 2.8' WNW.  Located at the south edge of the NGC 1600 group.  NGC 1600 lies 17' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1604 = Sw. VI-16 on 20 Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 8 tsec west of MCG -01-12-020 = PGC 15433, but his comment "between 2 stars one a wide double" secures the identification.

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NGC 1605 = Cr 52 = OCL-406 = Lund 134

04 34 52 +45 16 18; Per

V = 10.7;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (1/23/93): at 220x this is a very faint cluster of 15 stars mag 13.5-14.5 in 4'-5' diameter.  The resolved stars appear around the periphery forming an irregular oval outline.  The central region is lacking in resolved stars but consists of unresolved haze.  Mag 7.7 SAO 39630 is 10' ESE at the edge of the 220x field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1605 = H VI-26 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) and recorded "A vF compressed cluster of extremely small stars, near 4' diameter".  His position is just off the southeast end of the cluster.

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NGC 1606 = MCG -01-12-022 = PGC 15443

04 32 03.3 -05 01 57; Eri

V = 15.1;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (12/26/00): extremely faint, very small, round, ~15" diameter.  Required averted and much harder to view than IC 373 which was just observed.  Located 7' NE of NGC 1600 and 4.5' W of mag 7.6 SAO 131278 within the large NGC 1600 group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1606 = GC 869, along with NGC 1601 and 1603, on 14 Jan 1849. A sketch of the field surrounding NGC 1600 was made in 1850.  An accurate position was never measured but the sketch matches MCG -01-12-022 = PGC 15443.

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NGC 1607 = MCG -01-12-023 = PGC 15442

04 32 03.1 -04 27 37; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 4.5' S of mag 7.9 SAO 131272.  Member of the NGC 1600 group with NGC 1599 10' SW and NGC 1609 10' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1607 = St XI-30 on 14 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches MCG -01-12-023 = PGC 15442.

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NGC 1608 = NGC 1593 = IC 2077 = UGC 3082 = MCG +00-12-044 = CGCG 393-037 = PGC 15447

04 32 06.1 +00 34 02; Tau

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (2/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'.  Contains a 30" brighter core with fainter extensions.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.8' N of center.  Located 22' ESE of NGC 1587/88 pair.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1608 on 1 Jan 1876 and reported "about 1m 44s +/- following and 3.5' south [of NGC 1587/1588] is a pF, cS stellar neb, with a *12 mag 117" south.  His position is 10' NE of  UGC 3082 = PGC 15447 and the "*12 mag 117" south" is 1.7' north.  Albert Marth (m 97) earlier discovered this galaxy on 7 Nov 1863 and Dreyer catalogued this galaxy as GC(S) 5342 and NGC 1593, but Marth's position was exactly 1.0 min of RA too far west, so the observations seemed to apply to different objects.   FInally, Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 15 Jan 1898 and he (as well as Kobold at Strasbourg) measured an accurate position for J. 3-988 (later IC 2077). So, NGC 1608 = NGC 1593 = IC 2077.  UGC, MCG and CGCG label the galaxy IC 2077, though NGC 1593 refers to the earliest visual observation.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, notes NGC 1608 = IC 2077.  Discussed in Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections.

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NGC 1609 = MCG -01-12-025 = PGC 15480

04 32 45.1 -04 22 21; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, dominated by small bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus, small faint extensions NNW-SSE.  A mag 14 star is 40" NW.  Located in the NGC 1600 group with NGC 1607 10' SW and NGC 1611 7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1609 = H III-585, along with NGC 1611 = III-586, on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638) though only noted "suspected, but the haziness [weather] is increasing."  His position is less than 1' northwest of MCG -01-12-025 = PGC 15480.

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NGC 1610 = NGC 1599?? = MCG -01-12-016 = PGC 15543

04 31 38.7 -04 35 18; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1599.  The NGC identification is very uncertain.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1610 = LM 2-396 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at Leavenworth's position and it was reported as "not revealed with 60 min exposure" at the Helwan Observatory (1935).

 

The RNGC identifies PGC 15543 at 04 34 13.9 -04 41 59 (2000) as NGC 1610.  Leavenworth's position is 81 seconds of RA west and 7' north of PGC 15543 (not an unusual error in RA, but the declination in the L-M lists are generally fairly accurate).  Corwin suggests NGC 1610 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 1599.  This galaxy is ~1 minute of RA west of Leavenworth's position, a common error.  But Corwin notes this galaxy has a bright star 1.1' ENE which would probably have been mentioned by Leavenworth.

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NGC 1611 = MCG -01-12-029 = PGC 15501

04 33 05.9 -04 17 49; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, large brighter middle.  Member of a quadruple subgroup (NGC 1613 5' ENE, NGC 1609 7' SW, NGC 1612 7.5' NNE) within the NGC 1600 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1611 = H III-586, along with NGC 1609, on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638) and recorded "eF, S, E, but hazy weather."  His summary description (including a later observation) reads "eF, S, E nearly in parallel, another suspected 3' S.f., stellar."  In Dreyer's 1912 update to WH's catalogues, he states that WH probably also observed NGC 1613 but his orientation should read 3' north-following instead of 3' south-following.

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NGC 1612 = MCG -01-12-030 = PGC 15507

04 33 13.1 -04 10 20; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, small, round, very faint stellar nucleus.  Faintest of three with NGC 1613 6.5' SSE and NGC 1611 7.5' SSW.  Member of the NGC 1600 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1612 = St XI-31 (along with NGC 1613 = St XI-32) on 21 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1613 = MCG -01-12-031 = PGC 15518

04 33 25.3 -04 15 55; Eri

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a trio with NGC 1611 5' WSW and NGC 1612 6.5' NNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1613 = St XI-32 (along with NGC 1612 = St XI-31) on 21 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches MCG -01-12-031 = PGC 15518.

 

This galaxy was probably discovered earlier by WH in his observation of NGC 1611 = H III-586, commenting "another suspected 3' S.f., stellar."  This would apply to NGC 1613 if south-following was replaced with north-following.

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NGC 1614 = Arp 186 = II Zw 15 = MCG -01-12-032 = Mrk 617 = PGC 15538

04 34 00.0 -08 34 44; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.6', broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.0' S of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1614 = Sw. III-30 on 29 Dec 1885 with his 16" refractor.  His RA was 21 seconds too large.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1615 = UGC 3096 = MCG +03-12-005 = CGCG 467-003 = PGC 15608

04 36 01.9 +19 57 03; Tau

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms the east vertex of an equilateral triangle with mag 7.1 SAO 94022 6' SW and mag 8.0 SAO 94021 5' NW!

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1615 = St IX-3 on 5 Jan 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  MCG does not label +03-12-005 as NGC 1615.

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NGC 1616 = ESO 251-010 = MCG -07-10-013 = AM 0431-434 = PGC 15479

04 32 41.7 -43 42 56; Cae

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 36”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint or moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, brighter core, stellar nucleus, ~48"x32".  A mag 11 star is 4.4' WNW.

 

This galaxy is an asymmetric spiral with two arms of different shapes and brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1616 = h2650 on 24 Oct 1835 and logged "pF, S, psbM."  His position from 3 observations is accurate.

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NGC 1617 = ESO 157-041 = PGC 15405

04 31 39.5 -54 36 08; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 4.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 107”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 2.8'x1.4'.  Well-concentrated with a bright 30" core which increases to a bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus!  This member of the Dorado group is easily located 33' NW of mag 3.2 Alpha Doradus.  The galaxy is cradled by three mag 12 stars 4' WNW, 5' SSW and 6' SE.  The NGC 1596/1602 pair lies 43' SW.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1617 = D 339 on 5 Nov 1826 and described "a small round pretty well defined nebula, bright in the centre, N.p. Alpha Doradus".  His position was off by 11.5' (typical error) to the southeast.  JH observed the galaxy on 5 Dec 1834 and logged (for h2651), "B, L, mE, first very gradually then very suddenly much brighter to the middle to a nucleus 5" in diameter; 3' long, 1' broad."  The next night he reobserved it and noted "pB, L, mE, sbM, 3' long, 2' broad, pos. 105.8 degrees."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 1618 = MCG -01-12-034 = PGC 15611

04 36 06.5 -03 08 56; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

48" (11/2/13): very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x0.7', well concentrated with very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A group of four stars follows.  NGC 1618 is the first of three prominent spirals with NGC 1622 and NGC 1625 at similar redshifts.  Located 13' NNW of mag 3.9 Nu Eridani

 

17.5" (10/12/85): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  First of three very elongated systems with NGC 1622 8' ESE and NGC 1625 18' SE.  Located 13' NNW of Nu Eridani (V = 3.2).  HCG 30 (3 confirmed members) lies 19' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1618 = H II-524 = h320 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and noted "F, S, iF, lbM, preceding 2 small stars."  John Herschel reported his "observation [on 24 Nov 1827] marked as doubtful"and made no description but his position is accurate. William missed nearby NGC 1622 and NGC 1625, although they are similar in magnitude (JH missed NGC 1622 also).

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NGC 1619

04 36 12 -04 50; Eri

 

= Not found, Corwin and Howe.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1619 = Sw. VI-17 on 22 Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 15 sec of RA west and 8.7' N of NGC 1621, which he discovered on the same night (V-18), but there is nothing at this relative offset.  Herbert Howe, using the 20" refractor at Chamberlain Observatory in 1898, reported "in the place given for this I saw only stars of mags 13-14.  Its neighbour, 1627, was readily seen."  Corwin suggests two possible candidates in his notes, though both are speculative.  So, I've left NGC 1619 as not found.

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NGC 1620 = UGC 3103 = MCG +00-12-052 = CGCG 393-046 = LGG 117-007 = PGC 15638

04 36 37.3 -00 08 35; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 2.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.8', only a weak concentration but has an irregular surface brightness and mottled appearance.  A mag 14 star is at the NNE tip.  Located 4.6' WSW of mag 8.9 SAO 131350.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1620 = H II-514 = h321 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and logged "F or vF, pL, E from sp-nf, about 2' long, 1' broad."   He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 8) as an illustration of "extended Nebulae."  On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), John Herschel logged, "vF; L; mE; 3' L; 90" br; vlbM."

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NGC 1621 = NGC 1626 = MCG -01-12-035 = PGC 15626

04 36 25.0 -04 59 14; Eri

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, increases to small bright core.  Located 3.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  NGC 1627 lies 20' ENE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1621 = Sw. VI-18 = LM 2-297 on 22 Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is just 30" N of MCG -1-12-35 = PGC 15626.  Francis Leavenworth made an independent discovery the same year (or early in 1887) that was included in the second Leander McCormick discovery paper.  His position is 48 seconds of RA east of MCG -1-12-35.  Leavenworth mentions a "*8 np 12 sec", which clinches the identification NGC 1626 = NGC 1621.  The discovery priority is unknown.  See notes for NGC 1619.

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NGC 1622 = MCG -01-12-036 = Holm 77a = PGC 15635

04 36 36.6 -03 11 20; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 3.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45”

 

48" (11/2/13): very bright, large, elongated 9:2 SW-NE, 2.8'x0.6', well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases to the center.  This is the thinnest of three striking edge-ons, just 11' NE of mag 3.9 Nu Eridani.  NGC 1618, 8' WNW, is roughly parallel in orientation and NGC 1625, 10' SE, is perpendicular!  MCG -01-12-037 lies 9' NNE.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): faint, elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus, faint elongated halo.  This is the second the of three edge-on systems with similar NGC 1618 8' WNW (also similar position angle) and NGC 1625 10' SE.  Located 11' NNE of Nu Eridani.  HCG 30 lies 22' N.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 1622 = GC 881 on 16 Jan 1850 using LdR's 72".  His sketch shows NGC 1618, 1622 and 1625 in their correct orientation.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 1 Jan 1862 near NGC 1618.  John Herschel included both observations in the GC assuming they were different nebulae (881 for Stoney and 878 for d'Arrest) but accidentally placed GC 881 three degrees too far north.  Dreyer caught this error and added a note that GC 881 = GC 878 in his observation on 1 Dec 1874 at Birr Castle, so the two GC entries were combined into NGC 1622.

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NGC 1623 = PGC 15591

04 35 32.4 -13 33 23; Eri

V = 14.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 15”

 

18" (1/21/04): very faint, extremely small, 15" diameter.  A very faint superimposed star or stellar nucleus was intermittently visible.  Member of AGC 496.  The identification or position in the RNGC is incorrect.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1623 = LM 1-135 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (to the nearest minute of RA) is essentially correct (30 sec too large).  Stone's sketch also positively identifies NGC 1623 = PGC 1559.  RNGC appears to misidentify PGC 75238 as NGC 1623.

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NGC 1624 = OCL 403 = Cr 53 = Ced 37 = LBN 722 = Sh 2-212

04 40 37.2 +50 27 41; Per

V = 10.4;  Size 5'x5'

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, round, compact glow surrounding a small group of at least five stars mag 11.8 and fainter using a UHC filter.  The brightest cluster member (NGC 1624-2) and the principal source of ionization is the most magnetic massive star known with 35 solar masses and 20,000x the sun's magnetic field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1624 = H V-49 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and reported "6 or 7 small stars, with faint nebulosity between them, of considerable extent, and of an irregular form."  G.P. Bond independently discovered NGC 1624 at Harvard College Observatory on 18 Feb 1851 with a 4" comet-seeker and reported it as a discovery.

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NGC 1625 = MCG -01-12-038 = PGC 15654

04 37 06.2 -03 18 12; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 130”

 

48" (11/2/13): brightest of three prominent edge-ons near mag 3.9 Nu Eridani.  At 287x appeared extremely bright, large, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.45', well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.2 star is at the NW edge.  There appears to be an elongated galaxy superimposed at the SE edge, but I didn't look for or notice this object.  Located 12' ENE of Nu.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3'.  A mag 14 star is at the NW tip 0.7' from center.  Third of three edge-on systems with NGC 1622 10' NW and NGC 1618 18' NW.  Located 10' ENE of Nu Eridani.

 

13" (12/18/82): very faint, very elongated NW-SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1625 = h322 on 24 Nov 1827 (sweep 109) and recorded "vF; E; 45” np sf; sbM; follows nu Eridani 41sec." His position and description matches MCG -01-12-038 = PGC 15654.  This is the third of three edge-ons near Nu Eridani with NGC 1618 (discovered by WH) and NGC 1622 (discovered by George Stoney at Birr Castle).

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NGC 1626 = NGC 1621 = MCG -1-12-35 = PGC 15626

04 36 25.0 -04 59 14; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1621.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1626 = LM 2-397 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, R, *8, np 12 sec."  His position is 48 sec of RA east of NGC 1621 (found by Lewis Swift on 22 Dec 1886 and reported in list VI-18) and Leavenworth's note of a "*8 np 12 sec" clinches the identification NGC 1626 = NGC 1621.  Discovery priority is unknown.  RNGC classified this number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes for more of the story.

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NGC 1627 = MCG -01-12-040 = PGC 15675

04 37 38.0 -04 53 15; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.5'

 

17.5" (1/23/93): faint, fairly small, 1.5'-2' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' SSW.  NGC 1628 lies 10' N and NGC 1621 20' WSW.  The photographic descriptions of NGC 1627 and NGC 1628 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1627 = Sw. VI-19 (along with NGC 1628) on 22 Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is just 1' too far N.  RNGC reverses the photographic descriptions for NGC 1627 and NGC 1628.  See my RNGC Corrections #1 and WSQJ 4/80.

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NGC 1628 = MCG -01-12-039 = PGC 15674

04 37 36.1 -04 42 53; Eri

V = 14.2;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  PA = 171”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2' WNW.  NGC 1627 lies 10' S.  The photographic descriptions of NGC 1627 and NGC 1628 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1628 = Sw. VI-20 (along with NGC 1627) on 22 Dec 1886 with a 16" refractor and recorded "vF; pS; vE in meridian; n of 2 [with NGC 1627]."  His position and visual description matches MCG -01-12-038 = PGC 15654.  The photographic descriptions for NGC 1627 and NGC 1628 are reversed in RNGC.  See comments for NGC 1627.

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NGC 1629 = ESO 055-024 = S-L 3

04 29 36 -71 50 18; Hyi

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.8'-1.0' diameter.  A couple of mag 16-16.5 stars are resolved around the edges.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1629 = h2653 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "vF, R, glbM, 1'." (single observation)

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NGC 1630 = ESO 551-019 = PGC 15659

04 37 15.5 -18 54 06; Eri

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (12/26/00): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1630 = LM 2-398 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 42 tsec east of ESO 551-019 = PGC 15659 (typical error).

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NGC 1631 = ESO 551-021 = MCG -03-12-017 = PGC 15705

04 38 24.2 -20 38 59; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 44”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.8' diameter.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.9' W of center.  Located 6' ENE of mag 7.1 SAO 169624.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1631 = h2652 on 11 Dec 1835.  His position is accurate although no visual notes were taken.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory, added "very faint and small".

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NGC 1632 = IC 386? = PGC 15769

04 39 58.5 -09 27 23; Eri

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): very faint, small, round, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Located 3.1' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.  IC 382 lies 30' WSW.  Misidentified in the RNGC as IC 382.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1632 = LM 2-399 in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, R."  There is nothing at his position, but 0.8 min of RA east is PGC 15769.  As the L-M positions are generally only off in RA, this identification is likely.  Javelle found this galaxy again on 6 Feb 1893, measured an accurate position for J. 2-601 (later IC 386), so probably NGC 1632 = IC 386.  RNGC and NGC 2000.0 identify IC 382 as NGC 1632. Although IC 382 is brighter than IC 386, it is 4' off in declination and so less likely to be Muller's object.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1633 = UGC 3125 = MCG +01-12-014 = CGCG 419-023 = LGG 120-012 = Holm 79a = PP 22: = PGC 15774

04 40 09.1 +07 20 58; Tau

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, round, fairly small, faint knot involved.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 1634 just 0.8' S.  Situated among a group of brighter stars including mag 8.7 SAO 111965 5.4' SSW, a mag 10 star 3' SW and a mag 11.5 star 2.4' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1633 = H III-952 = h323, along with NGC 1634, on 9 Dec 1798 (sweep 1085) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 1633 & NGC 1634] within 1' of each other; lying in the meridian. Both eF, vS.  300x showed the same."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is 1' too far north.  On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel logged "eF; pLp E towards the sf side, and has either a * or a second nucl sf [this is NGC 1634]."

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NGC 1634 = MCG +01-12-015 = CGCG 419-022 = Holm 79b = PGC 15775

04 40 09.8 +07 20 19; Tau

V = 14.1;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 109”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): forms a double system with NGC 1633.  Very faint, extremely small.  Appears like a nebulous knot almost in contact close south of NGC 1633.  Situated within a group of brighter stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1634 = H III-953 = h324, along with NGC 1633, on 9 Dec 1798 (sweep 1085) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 1633 & NGC 1634] within 1' of each other; lying in the meridian. Both vF, vS."

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NGC 1635 = UGC 3126 = MCG +00-12-063 = CGCG 393-060 = PGC 15773

04 40 07.8 -00 32 51; Eri

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, increases to very small prominent core.  An easy mag 13 double star at 24" separation is just 1.0' NW.  Located 3.5' WSW of a mag 10 star and 7' S of mag 9 SAO 131395.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1635 = H II-515 = h325 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "F or pB, S, bM."  On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107), John Herschel logged, "vF; R; has a *9m about 12.5 sec following to the north." At Birr Castle (13 Jan 1863) it appeared "very like a distant globular cluster, just plainly visible."

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NGC 1636 = MCG -01-12-042 = PGC 15800

04 40 40.1 -08 36 29; Eri

V = 12.0;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.6', slightly brighter along major axis.  A mag 13.5 star is off the NE edge 1.0' from center.  Located 6.0' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1636 = H II-522 = h326 = h2654 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 516) and logged "F, pS, irr E, resolvable, about a minute sp a small star."  JH observed this nebula both from Slough and from the CGH where he reported "F, R, gbM, 40", near some small stars."

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NGC 1637 = MCG +00-12-068 = CGCG 393-066 = UGCA 93 = PGC 15821

04 41 28.0 -02 51 29; Eri

V = 10.8;  Size 4.0'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

48" (11/2/13): bright, large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 3'x2.5'.  Contains a large bright core with an elongated bright nucleus that appears to be a bar oriented E-W.  The appearance is quite irregular due a thick, fairly prominent spiral arm that curves north-south along the eastern side of the halo and bending west as it curves counterclockwise on the north side.  A darker gap was evident between the slightly brighter inner edge of this thick arm and the core.  A small section of another spiral arm is attached at the SW side of the core.  The SW side of the halo is fainter and not as extensive as the NE side, so the galaxy has a lopsided appearance.

 

13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, large, diffuse, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.1' NE of center.  Located midway between Mu Eridani (V = 4.0) 1” ESE and 51 Eridani (V = 5.2) 1” WNW.

 

8" (10/4/80): faint, oval, fairly small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1637 = H I-122 = h327 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "cB, vL, iR, bM, easily resolvable, 5' or 6' diameter." John Herschel made two observations from Slough, England – once describing it as "bright" and another time as "pretty faint".  Fifteen observations were made at Birr Castle and noted as a spiral on 19 Dec 1848 (included in the LdR's 1850 list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae).  R.J. Mitchell, observing on 26 Dec 1856, added "Suspect very strongly that it is a right handed spiral, but the outlying neby is vF."  He made a sketch two nights later (LdR's 1861 publication, Plate XXV, figure 9).

 

Albert Le Sueur sketched it using the 48" Melbourne Telescope with an elongated core (WSW-ENE) offset to the south side (halo more extensive to the north) and subtle structure in the halo (unpublished plate VII, figure 83).  It was later observed by both Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi (11 Mar 1885).

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NGC 1638 = UGC 3133 = MCG +00-12-069 = CGCG 393-068 = PGC 15824

04 41 36.3 -01 48 33; Eri

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

18" (11/22/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.9'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright 30" core which increases to the center.  UGC 3127 lies 22' SW.

 

13" (12/18/82): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  Evenly lit halo with a very small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1638 = H II-525 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and described as "F, pL, lE."  His position is 2' NW of the center of UGC 3133 = PGC 15824.  The NGC position (from d'Arrest) is accurate.  RNGC has an obvious typo in the RA (0h 01.3m)

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NGC 1639

04 40 52 -16 59 30; Eri

Size 9"/15"

 

24" (12/22/14): this close triple star was viewed at 260x and 375x. It is easy to see how this triple could be mistaken for a nebula at lower power or in soft seeing.  At times, the closer 9" pair nearly blended together or the fainter component appeared as a faint glow off the east side of the brighter component.  The 14.5-15th magnitude southern component (at 12"-15") was always cleanly split.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1639 = h2655 on 10 Dec 1835 and remarked "eF; vS; R; between 2 stars."  At his position is a triple star as reported in 1898 by Herbert Howe using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory, "I find no nebula, but simply an equilateral triangle of 12.5 mag stars."  The closer pair is ~9" separation, with a 3rd star at 15".

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NGC 1640 = ESO 551-027 = MCG -03-12-018 = PGC 15850

04 42 14.5 -20 26 04; Eri

V = 11.7;  Size 2.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 2.0' SSE and 2.0' WSW of center.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1640 = LM 1-136 on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 14.0, 0.4' dia, E 40”."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.5 tmin west of ESO 551-027 (typical error), but his noted "E 40”" secures the identificiation.  Stone later measured an accurate micrometric position with the 26".  Steinicke states this galaxy is the brightest galaxy discovered at Leander McCormick Observatory.

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NGC 1641 = ESO 084-024

04 35 35 -65 46 48; Dor

Size 11'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): large, scattered group of a dozen mag 10.5 to 13.5 stars and another dozen stars down to mag 15, in roughly a 10' region.  No central concentration or rich subgroups, though detached in the field so stands out reasonably well.  Still, this is a very poor "cluster" considering its size.  Some catalogues have misidentified NGC 1641 with a close pair of galaxies on the east side of the group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1641 = h2656 on 2 Dec 1834 and remarked " pL; p rich; irreg R; p m comp; 5'; stars 11...16".  His position is on the southeast side of a scattered group of stars, roughly 10' across.

 

Pietro Baracchi searched unsuccessfully for this object a couple of times in Dec 1885 using the 48" Melbourne telesocpe.  Shapley and Lindsay (S-L 6) give a diameter of only 20" and notes "NGC 1641? irregularly resolved", but this refers to the double system ESO 84-25, which happens to be close to Herschel's position.  Clearly, Herschel's description applies to the larger star group and not these galaxies, so the listing in S-L is erroneous.  The Hodge-Wright Atlas of the LMC also labels the ESO galaxies as NGC 1641.  RNGC classifies this number as an open cluster, but references S-L, and NGC 2000.0 references the RNGC.  The identifications were sorted out by Jenni Kay in an email dated Dec 13, 1998.

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NGC 1642 = UGC 3140 = MCG +00-12-072 = CGCG 393-073 = LGG 120-013 = PGC 15867

04 42 55.0 +00 37 08; Tau

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 175”

 

24" (12/22/14): moderately bright and large, round, ~1.2' diameter, fairly sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core.  Surrounded by a number of 14th and 15th magnitude stars!  A mag 10.4 star lies 3.7' W.

 

UGC 3141 (double system) lies 8.4' NNE and appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, no core or zones.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, fairly diffuse, slightly brighter small core.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1642 on 29 Dec 1861 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.  He mentioned the nebula formed a right triangle with two mag 18 stars following, though the two stars are probably mag 14-15.

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NGC 1643 = MCG -01-13-001 = PGC 15891

04 43 43.9 -05 19 08; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  Located 7' NNE of a mag 9.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 1645 10' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1643 = H III-588 = h328 on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) and noted "vF, S."  On 10 Feb 18 1830 (sweep 232), John Herschel wrote, "eF; irr R; bM; 10"."  Isaac Roberts photographed the region in 1903 and reported (MN, 63, 301) that NGC 1643 was "bright and pretty large."  So, in the IC 2 notes, Dreyer comments "Is not eF.  Roberts in 1903 found it B, pL; d'Arrest has F or pF.  I found it F in 1877."

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NGC 1644 = ESO 084-030 = S-L 9

04 37 40 -66 11 48; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, round, 40" diameter, small bright core, smooth halo, no resolution (brightest stars are mag 17).  Located 5' S of mag 9.3 HD 29878.  NGC 1641, a scattered group of stars, lies 28' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1644 = h2657 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, S, R, gbM, 15"."  His position matches this LMC cluster (possible globular).

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NGC 1645 = MCG -01-13-002 = PGC 15903

04 44 06.4 -05 27 56; Eri

V = 12.2;  Size 2.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 1643 10' NW.  Located 7.8' ESE of a mag 9.5 star.  Appears fainter than V = 12.2.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1645 on 31 Oct 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen while observing NGC 1643 (10' northwest).  He noted it was double the size of NGC 1643 and his position is accurate.

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NGC 1646 = MCG -01-13-003 = II Zw 22 = PGC 15914

04 44 23.5 -08 31 54; Eri

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  PA = 155”

 

24" (12/21/16): at 432x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~NNW-SSE, 0.4'x0.3', high surface brightness, contains a very small bright nucleus.  With averted vision a very low surface brightness halo increases the size to roughly 40"x25" NNW-SSE.  Occasionally an extremely faint stellar or quasi-stellar object briefly popped on the SSE edge of the halo.  This is nucleus of a merged companion NGC 1646 NED2, just 15" between centers of the nuclei! The  stellar companion (perhaps a faint star?) was seen more often with confidence (though not continuously) through Bob Douglas's 28" at 439x.  NGC 1646 is located 4.8' ESE of 5.9-magnitude 56 Eridani, which needs to be kept outside the field!  A mag 10.5 star is 2' E and a mag 14.7 star is 0.9' S.

 

17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, prominent small bright core, overall fairly high surface brightness.  Forms the south vertex of isosceles triangle with NGC 1648 4.4' NE and 56 Eridani (V = 5.9) 4.8' WNW.  The bright star detracts from viewing!  A mag 11 star lies 2.1' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1646 = H II-523 = h329 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and remarked "F, vS, irr R, bM, almost stellar."  On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel measured an accurate position and noted "pF; R; has a *7m, 3 or 4' dist np."  Robert Ball observed NGC 1646 at Birr Castle on 10 Jan 1867 and wrote, "there is one object sf and another np, one or both of which may be nebulae, but my examination was interrupted before it could be completed."  The southeast object possibly refers to PGC 3084954, an extremely faint companion 0.7' SE or perhaps Ball resolved the two merged components of NGC 1646 (15" SSE of center)?

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NGC 1647 = Cr 54 = Mel 26 = OCL-457

04 46 00 +19 04; Tau

V = 6.4;  Size 45'

 

13.1" (1/11/86): about 80 stars in a scattered cluster including several bright stars.  Very large, bright.  Includes a mag 8.5/8.9 double star at 33" separation in the center.  Also includes many faint double stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1647 = H VIII-8 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 143) and called it "a cluster of scattered stars consisting chiefly of large ones, it takes up above 20' of space; but there is not a great number of them."  Sue French notes it was the first object discovered while trying out a new speculum mirror.  He wasn't satisfied with the mirror, repolished it, and put it back into action 4 nights later.

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NGC 1648 = MCG -01-13-004 = PGC 15920

04 44 34.7 -08 28 44; Eri

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (1/23/93): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted vision.  A mag 11 star 3.3' SSW forms the vertex of a right triangle with NGC 1646 4.2' SW and 56 Eridani (V = 5.9) 7.4' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1648 = Sw. III-31 on 29 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and described "eeeF; pS; ee diff; nf of [NGC 1646]."  His position is 19 tsec due east of PGC 15920 and the identification is certain though it's odd he didn't mention the nearby bright star!

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NGC 1649 = ESO 055-031 = KMHK 22

04 38 06.9 -68 46 41; Dor

V = 11.2;  Size 0.6'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Sandwiched between 8.1 HD 29994 2.1' SSE and a mag 12 star 1.4' NNW.  Located 6.5' SSW of NGC 1652.  The identification of NGC 1649 is disputed.  It may refer to the small cluster described above or more likely NGC 1649 is a duplicate observation of NGC 1652.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1649 = h2660 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 30"."  His position is 9' S of h2661 = NGC 1652, which he observed on 3 sweeps, but not on the single sweep that NGC 1649 was recorded.  Harold Corwin concludes NGC 1649 is likely a duplicate of NGC 1652 based on the similar descriptions and a possible 10' digit error in declination.  The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas states "possibly NGC 1652" (no object is indicated) and ESO equates NGC 1649 = NGC 1652.  NGC 1649 is classified as nonexistent in Mati Morel's "A Visual Atlas of the LMC".  Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L], states "Not found. Centered on CPD -69”284. Possibly the faint cluster S/L 8, 13' south."

 

Robert Innes, at the Union Observatory in 1927, suggested a 6 minute error in RA and equal to NGC 1676.  But Jenni Kay suggest NGC 1649 is a small cluster (ESO 55-031 = KMHK 22) just 2.3' NNW of Herschels positon for NGC 1649.  The visual appearance in a 30-inch is given in my notes, but it is probably too faint to have caught Herschel's attention.

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NGC 1650 = MCG -03-13-001 = PGC 15931

04 45 11.5 -15 52 12; Eri

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 11' E of a mag 10 star at the edge of the 220x field.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1650 = LM 1-137 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 13.0, pS, E 0” [N-S], glsmbMN, envelope mag 14.0."   His position is 3.6' SW of MCG -03-13-001 = PGC 15931and the description pins down the identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1651 = ESO 055-030 = S-L 7

04 37 31.7 -70 35 07; Men

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared moderately bright, fairly large, round, 1.7' diameter, slightly brighter core.  Two mag 13.7 and 15.2 stars at ~20" separation are off the SE edge.  A couple of mag 16-16.5 clusters members are occasionally resolved.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC globular appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.7' diameter with a weak concentration.  There was no resolution except for a mag 13.5 star off the SE edge, 1' from the center.  Located 34' NW of mag 5.5 Mu Mensae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1651 = h2662 on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "vF, L, R, vglbM, 2.5' dia."  His position (3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1652 = ESO 055-032 = S-L 10

04 38 22.6 -68 40 21; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, moderately large, round, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration but azonal, symmetrical, no resolution.  Located 8.4' NNE of mag 8.1 HD 29994.  NGC 1649 lies 6.5' SSW and NGC 1676 lies 31' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1652 = h2661 on 2 Nov 1834 and remarked "vF; S; R; gbM; 12" across."  His position (measurd on 3 sweeps) is accurate. NGC 1649 is probably a duplicate observation with a 10' error in declination.

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NGC 1653 = UGC 3153 = MCG +00-13-003 = CGCG 393-002 = PGC 15942

04 45 47.3 -02 23 34; Eri

V = 12.0;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

13.1" (11/29/86): moderately bright, moderately large, round, broadly concentrated halo.  The NGC 1654/NGC 1657 pair lies 19' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1653 = H II-526 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and remarked "F, cS, R, lbM."  His position is just off the ESE side of UGC 3153 = PGC 15942.

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NGC 1654 = UGC 3154 = CGCG 394-003 = PGC 15943

04 45 48.4 -02 05 02; Eri

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 1657 4.6' E.  Located 10' WSW of mag 9.0 SAO 131483.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, oval slightly elongated ~E-W.  NGC 1657 4.6' E not seen.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1654 = St XII-33 (along with NGC 1657 = St XII-34 and NGC 1661 = St XII-35) on 21 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1655

04 46 12 +20 56; Tau

 

= Not found, Dreyer.  =**?, Gottlieb

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1655 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory Scarborough, England and communicated directly to Dreyer.  There is nothing at his position except an easily resolved double star and Steward reported the object was not found on Harvard College Observator plates.  A mag 9.2 star to the south matches the NGC description "pB, R, gbM, *10 south."

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NGC 1656 = MCG -01-13-005 = PGC 15949

04 45 53.3 -05 08 12; Eri

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 14.5 star is at the north edge 0.4' from center.  Located 3.1' S of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1656 = h330 on 10 Feb 1830 (sweep 233) and remarked "eF; irreg figure, if not a double or triple star, seen indistinctly."  His position is accurate and he must have seen the star at the north edge.

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NGC 1657 = UGC 3156 = MCG +00-13-004 = CGCG 394-005 = PGC 15958

04 46 07.2 -02 04 38; Eri

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): very faint, fairly small, round, low almost even surface brightness.  Located midway between NGC 1654 4.6' W and mag 9.0 SAO 131483 5.1' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1657 = St XI-34 (along with NGC 1654 and NGC 1661) on 21 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1658 = ESO 304-016 = MCG -07-10-020 = PGC 15899

04 44 01.2 -41 27 48; Cae

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 124”

 

18" (1/17/09): picked up at 175x as a very faint glow, ~40"x25", extended NW-SE with careful viewing, low even surface brightness.  Forms a 3' pair with fainter NGC 1660 to the SE.  Located 5' NE of mag 10 HD 30203 and 45' NE of mag 4.5 Alpha Caeli.  Viewed at a very low elevation from Lake Sonoma.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1658 = h2658 (along with NGC 1660 = h2659) on 1 Dec 1837 and logged "F, pmE, glbM, 40"."  His position is 1.6' too far south (similar offset with nearby NGC 1660).

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NGC 1659 = NGC 1677 = MCG -01-13-006 = PGC 15977

04 46 29.8 -04 47 22; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1659 = H II-589 = h331 = Sw. V-64 on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) and recorded "vF, cL, iE nearly in the parallel, bM."  Harold Corwin found Lewis Swift independently found this nebula on 22 Oct 1886 and recorded "pF; pL; lE."  His declination was accurate but his RA was 5 min too large (same error with NGC 1689).  Once corrected, NGC 1677 = NGC 1659.

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NGC 1660 = ESO 304-018 = MCG -07-10-021 = PGC 15908

04 44 11.3 -41 29 52; Cae

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 32”

 

18" (1/17/09): not picked up initially at 175x, but just visible at 225x as an extremely faint, round, glow ~20" in diameter (the elongation was not evident).  After viewing at the higher magnification, I was able to go back and glimpse the galaxy at 175x.  Forms a 3' pair with brighter NGC 1658 to the NW.  Located 6' ENE of mag 9.9 HD 30203 and 2' SW of a mag 14 star.  Viewed at a very low elevation from Lake Sonoma although the seeing was very good fairly close to the horizon.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1660 = h2659 (along with NGC 1658 = h2658) on 1 Dec 1837 and logged "vF, lE, glbM, 20"."  His position is 1.5' too far south (similar offset with nearby NGC 1658).

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NGC 1661 = UGC 3166 = MCG +00-13-008 = CGCG 394-009 = PGC 16000

04 47 07.6 -02 03 16; Ori

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (12/23/89): faint, small, almost round, bright core.  A line of four mag 12-13.5 stars is 1.5' S oriented E-W with length 1.7'.  In a group with NGC 1654 and NGC 1657.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1661 = St XII-35 on 21 Dec 1881 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  HIs position is accurate.

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NGC 1662 = Cr 55 = OCL-470 = Lund 141

04 48 29 +10 55 48; Ori

V = 6.4;  Size 20'

 

17.5" (12/9/01): striking group of ~40 stars within 15' including a number of mag 9 stars.  Many of the brighter stars are arranged in a "boat" shape with the bottom of the boat consisting of a string oriented NW-SE.  In the middle is a mast, perpendicular to the longer stream of stars.  The "mast" includes the multiple star HJ 684, a  bright quadruple of mag 8-10 stars with a 5th fainter star (8.5/10.3 at 24" and 9.6/12.5 at 10").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1662 = H VII-1 = h332 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 80) and found "a cluster of large scattered stars, they are visible in the finder."  His Philosphical Transactions description also using a later sweep, added "10' or 12' in extent, with a vacancy in the middle."   His position was 30 seconds of time too far east, but John Herschel measured an accurate position on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121) and described, "A cluster of stars 11 and 12m, three L and five small stars.  Query if the right object."  It is.

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NGC 1663 = OCL-461 = Lund 142

04 49 24 +13 09 06; Ori

Size 8'

 

17.5" (2/3/03): at 140x, ~20 stars are resolved in a scattered 6'-7' group.  Includes a shallow arc of three brighter mag 10 stars on the SW side which may not be cluster members. Most of the mag 12-13 stars are concentrated in a 3' subgroup on the north side. Stands out reasonably well in the field although this group has been listed as a "possible open cluster remnant"  - Bica et al., 2001A&A...366..827B.  The Lynga position, DSFG, NGC 2000, SC 2000 and RNGC all place the cluster too far west by ~45 tsec of RA.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1663 = H VIII-7 on 10 Feb 1783 (sweep 137) and described "A scattered cluster of stars.  Large, intermixt with small (stars), not very rich."  There is no grouping at his offset of 4m 0s preceding, and 1d 7' south of 4 Orionis.  But Brent Archinal found a concentration of stars (~30 stars in 9') that is 1 minute of RA following H's position.  The Lynga position, DSFG, NGC 2000, SC 2000 and RNGC all place the cluster too far west at 04 48.6 +13 09 and the cluster is plotted incorrectly on the first edition of U2000.

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NGC 1664 = Cr 56 = Mel 27 = OCL-411

04 51 05 +43 40 36; Aur

V = 7.6;  Size 18'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): 40-45 stars, striking, rich, many faint double stars and chains.  A long string of stars to the south leads to mag 7.5 SAO 39807 on the SE edge.  Appears rich in the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1664 = H VIII-59 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 622) and called it "a cluster of coarsely scattered pretty large stars, not very rich."  His position was pretty accurate.

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NGC 1665 = MCG -01-13-009 = PGC 16044

04 48 17.1 -05 25 39; Eri

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1665 = H II-457 = h333 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and recorded "F, cL, lbM."  On 10 Feb 1830 (sweep 233), John Herschel measured an accurate position and called it "vF, pL, R."  NGC 1665 wasn't found on one attempt at Birr Castle and d'Arrest followed up in Oct 1864 with two observations with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  It was later observed at Birr Castle in 1877.

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NGC 1666 = MCG -01-13-010 = PGC 16057

04 48 32.8 -06 34 12; Eri

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 1667 15' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1666 = Sw. V-62 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate and the comment "s of [N1667] of Stephan's Catalogue in AN 2661" applies.

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NGC 1667 = NGC 1689: = MCG -01-13-013 = PGC 16062

04 48 36.9 -06 19 13; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak concentration.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 1666 15' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1667 = St XIII-26 on 13 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  Swift independently found this galaxy on 22 Oct 1886, but Harold Corwin found his RA was 5.0 tmin too large (same error with NGC 1677) and it was catalogued as NGC 1689.  So, NGC 1667 = NGC 1689 with priority to Stephan.

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NGC 1668 = ESO 251-030 = MCG -07-10-023 = PGC 15957

04 46 05.9 -44 44 00; Cae

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 107”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): faint to fairly faint, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, low surface brightness, weak concentration to the center, which contains a faint stellar ncleus.  A mag 13.8 star lies 25" NNE of center and several mag 11-12 populate the field.  NGC 1668 is the brightest member of Abell Galaxy Cluster S497.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1668 = h2663 on 1 Dec 1837 and logged "eF; R; attached to a star 14m".  His position is 3' SE of ESO 251-030 = PGC 15957, and the description of the nearby star applies.

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NGC 1669 = ESO 084-038 = PGC 15871

04 43 00.0 -65 48 52; Dor

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 97”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): extremely to very faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Two mag 14 and 13 stars lie 1.4' NW and 3.5' NW, respectively.  An asterism of 5 stars, including two mag 10 stars collinear with the galaxy, lies ~7' WNW.  I couldn't hold the galaxy steadily with averted although it was viewed in poor conditions (very hazy skies and positioned well west of the meridian).  Located in northwest halo of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1669 = h2664 on 20 Dec 1835 and logged "eF, S, R."  His position is 6 sec of RA west of ESO 084-038 = PGC 15871.

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NGC 1670 = MCG +00-13-016 = CGCG 394-017 = Holm 81a = PGC 16107

04 49 42.5 -02 45 37; Ori

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 112”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 14 star is close off the ESE edge 0.9' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1670 = H III-501 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is 1.5' SSE of CGCG 394-017 = PGC 16107.

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NGC 1671 = IC 395? = UGC 3178 = MCG +00-13-015 = Holm 80a = PGC 16095

04 49 34.1 +00 15 10; Ori

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

See observing notes for IC 395.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1671 = Sw. V-63 on 2 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded, "pF; pS; R; pB * nr sp."   His position falls on the empty section of sky.  Corwin suggests NGC 1671 is possibly equivalent to IC 395 = UGC 3178 (found later by Swift on 30 Oct 1889 and recorded in list IX-15).  But this requires that Swift made large errors in both RA (45 tsec) and in declination (1 degree).  His comment "pB * nr sp" applies, though, to this galaxy.  RNGC classifies NGC 1671 as nonexistent.

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NGC 1672 = ESO 118-043 = AM 0444-592 = LGG 119-002 = PGC 15941

04 45 42.5 -59 14 50; Dor

V = 9.7;  Size 6.6'x5.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this gorgeous barred spiral appeared very bright and large with the main body elongated E-W, extending ~3.5'x2.0'.  An obvious spiral arm is attached at the east end of the E-W central bar.  This arm hooks to the north, wrapping around a superimposed star to the northeast of the bar (1.6' from the center).  Three fainter stars with separations ~30" are sandwiched to the west of this star, between the arm and the bar. The arm fades out before reaching a mag 10 star 2.2' NE of center.  A second arm begins to emerge on the west side of the bar, barely sweeping towards the south before abruptly terminating.  So the second "arm" is just a small hooking appendage off the west end.  The central bar itself is sharply concentrated with a dramatic, brilliant nucleus, ~25" diameter, that increases gradually to the center.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this striking spiral galaxy appeared fairly bright and large, ~4' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  Clearly emerging from the east side of the oval core or bar was a spiral arm which curled north and wrapped around two stars to the NW of the core.  The extension on the west side was just a very faint, diffuse haze on the SW side without a sharply defined arm structure.  A mag 9 star is 6.5' ENE and a mag 6.5 star (HD 30790) is 13' NE.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, ~3'x2'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core, ~20" diameter, and a large oval halo.  Spiral structure was evident as an ill-defined extension or haze off the NE side, though I could not resolve this spiral arm clearly.  Situated directly between two mag 9 stars 10' SW and 6.5' ENE.  Located 30' NNE of mag 5.3 Kappa Doradus.  This galaxy is a member of the Dorado group, which includes NGC 1515, NGC 1533, NGC 1536, NGC 1543, NGC 1546, NGC 1553, NGC 1566, NGC 1574, NGC 1596, NGC 1617 and IC 2056. Possible additional members include NGC 1559, NGC 1602, NGC 1672, NGC 1688, NGC 1703 and NGC 1705.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1672 = D 296 on 5 Nov 1826 and described "a faint ill-defined nebula, with a small bright point in the preceding side, which I suspect to be a star; there are several similar small stars in the field."  His position was off by 15' to the NW.  John Herschel, who made two observations of this barred spiral, was uncertain if D 296 was equivalent to h2665.  On the first sweep he logged "B, L, pmE, svmbM to a nucleus; 2.5' long, 1.5' broad; a star 12th mag involved."  His position was accurate.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1672 on 5 Dec 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope but there was no indication of spiral structure (unpublished lithograph plate II, figure 16).

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NGC 1673 = ESO 055-034 = S-L 17

04 42 40 -69 49 18; Men

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, small, irregular shape, 35" diameter, contains a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is at the NE end and a very faint star is resolved at the west edge of the halo.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' ENE.  A string of stars heads NE from the cluster.  Forms a pair with S-L 19 2' E, which is a relatively faint, small, roundish 25" glow.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1673 = h2667 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded (from one sweep only) "vF, S, attached to a star 10m.  A doubtful object".  His position, though, matches this cluster in RA and is off by less than 1' in dec.

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NGC 1674

04 52 24 +23 54; Tau

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1674 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  The discovery note states "two F neb [along with NGC 1675] in same field" but there are candidates near his position so this number is lost.

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NGC 1675

04 52 24 +23 54; Tau

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1675 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  The discovery note states "two F neb [along with NGC 1674] in same field" but there are candidates near his position so this number is lost.

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NGC 1676 = ESO 055-036 = S-L 25

04 43 54 -68 49 42; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 0.8'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, moderately large, 1' diameter.  Between 8 to 10 faint stars are resolved over the irregularly shaped glow.  KMHK 59, a faint cluster, was picked up 5' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1676 = h2669 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "vF; irreg R; 90"; resolvable."  In 1926, Robert Innes, with the 26-inch refractor of the Union Observatory, described NGC 1676 as "a small cloud of 14 and 15 mag stars, 2' diameter."

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NGC 1677 = NGC 1659 = MCG -01-13-006 = PGC 15977

04 46 29.8 -04 47 22; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 40”

 

See observing notes for NGC 1659.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1677 = Sw. V-64 on 22 Oct 1886.  There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 1677 = NGC 1659, assuming Swift's RA was 5 minutes too large.  The same error was made with Swift's V-65 (later NGC 1689), which was found on the same evening.

 

Swift's (uncorrected) position is 0.4 tmin east and 6' north of IC 2099 = PGC 16146, and this galaxy is identified as NGC 1677 in the RNGC, PGC, NED.  Isaac Roberts (MNRAS, Vol LXIII, p302) recorded MCG -01-13-019 on a photographic plate in 1903, placed it accurately, and it was catalogued as IC 2099. So, IC 2099 = PGC 16146 but not NGC 1677.

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NGC 1678 = MCG +00-13-019 = CGCG 394-020 = PGC 16179

04 51 35.3 -02 37 24; Ori

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 70”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is close off western edge 1.0' from core.  NGC 1670 lies 28' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1678 = H III-502 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and called "vF, S."  His position is less than 1' S of CGCG 394-020 = PGC 16179.

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NGC 1679 = ESO 422-001 = AM 0448-320 = MCG -05-12-004 = UGCA 96 = PGC 16120

04 49 54.6 -31 57 53; Cae

V = 11.5;  Size 2.7'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright and large, 2' diameter, irregularly round, brighter core.  Unusual appearance as four stars are closeby; a mag 12 star is at the NW edge, two mag 13/14.5 stars are near the SW edge and a mag 13.5 star at the E edge.  This is a fairly bright galaxy for low elevation viewing.  Images reveal an irregular extension on the south side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1679 = h2666 on 18 Nov 1835 and described "pB, L, irreg round; involves four stars, and is very gradually brighter about the chief of them."  Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 24 Nov 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He drew it boomerange shaped with one side between the mag 12 star at the north edge and the 13th mag star on the east side (central part of galaxy) and a second side beginning at the mag 13 star extending southwest (this section is an irregular spiral arm).  He also sketched nebulosity south of the 12th mag star. (p. 150 in logbook).

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NGC 1680 = ESO 203-004 = PGC 16058

04 48 33.8 -47 48 58; Pic

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 102”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 30"x18", even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 25" S of center, just off the edge.  A mag 10.5 star lies 8' WNW and a few mag 10/11 stars are in the field to the southwest.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1680 = h2668 on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "eeF, R, resolvable, or else stars seen on it. Well defined (hazy)."  His position (3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1681 = MCG -01-13-026 = PGC 16195

04 51 50.3 -05 48 13; Eri

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 12 star is at the west edge 0.8' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.2' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1681 = St IX-4 on 6 Jan 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1682 = MCG -01-13-028 = PGC 16211

04 52 19.7 -03 06 20; Ori

V = 11.8;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 4.0' N of mag 8.0 SAO 131557.  In a group with NGC 1684 3.0' E and NGC 1683 5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1682 = H II-527, along with NGC 1684 = II-528, on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518), and logged "Two, the 1st vF, vS."  His position is 40 tsec too far east, the same offset applying to II-528.  JH missed this galaxy, only recording NGC 1684 = h334.  The NGC position (from d'Arrest) is accurate.

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NGC 1683 = PGC 16209

04 52 17.6 -03 01 29; Ori

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, very small, low even surface brightness.  Among an elongated group of mag 14 stars including a wide pair 1.5' W and a wide pair 2' NW.  Located 5' N of NGC 1682 and faintest in a group of four including NGC 1684 and NGC 1685.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1683 in Jan 1850.  It was found while examining the NGC 1684 field and labeled as "Gamma" on his sketch.  The NGC position is just 1.7' too far east.

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NGC 1684 = MCG -01-13-031 = PGC 16219

04 52 31.0 -03 06 20; Ori

V = 11.7;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, broadly concentrated halo.  Brightest of four with NGC 1682 3' W, NGC 1683 6' NW and NGC 1685 9' N.  Mag 8.0 SAO 131557 lies 3' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1684 = H II-528 = h334 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and noted "The 2nd [with NGC 1682], F, S, lbM."  His position is 40 seconds of time too far east (same error as NGC 1682 = II-527).  John Herschel made two observations at Slough, recording on 24 Nov 1827 (sweep 109), "pB; R; bM; has a *7m 45” sp; very well observed."  His position was accurate, though I'm surprised he missed nearby NGC 1682.  The field was observed 9 times at Birr Castle.  Because of the confusion with WH's positions as well as the identifications at Birr Castle, JH assigned 3 GC designations -- 920, 921 and 924.  Dreyer sorted this out and combined the entries in the NGC.

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NGC 1685 = MCG -01-13-032 = PGC 16222

04 52 34.3 -02 56 58; Ori

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 1.0' from center.  NGC 1684 lies 9.5' S.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1685 in January 1850.  It was found while examining the NGC 1684 field and labeled as "Delta" on his sketch.  The NGC position is 2.7' too far north, though the sketch makes the identification certain.

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NGC 1686 = MCG -03-13-019 = PGC 16239

04 52 54.5 -15 20 49; Eri

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (2/2/02): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Elongation not seen, so I only viewed the brighter core region as this galaxy is nearly edge-on SSW-NNE.  A mag 13 star follows by 2'.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1686 = LM 1-138 on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described as "mag 15.5, vS, vE 30”."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 tmin west of MCG -03-13-019 = PGC 16239 and his position angle matches this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1687 = ESO 361-013 = MCG -06-11-005 = PGC 16166

04 51 21.3 -33 56 21; Cae

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

17.5": very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Very small brighter core at moments but the overall surface brightness is low and the object required concentration for a steady view.  Based on the apparent size, I probably viewed the brighter central region and missed the outer spiral extensions.  Located 7' NE of mag 8.9 SAO 195348 and 19' NW of mag 6.7 HD 31142.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1687 = h2670 on 8 Jan 1836 and noted "vF;  R; gbM; 20"."  On the next sweep his position was a perfect match with ESO 361-013.

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NGC 1688 = ESO 119-006 = LGG 119-003 = PGC 16050

04 48 23.5 -59 47 57; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 177”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.0', broad weak concentration but no other details were evident.  This barred spiral is located 38' SE of NGC 1672 38' NW with NGC 1703 34' E.  Located 30' ESE of mag 5.3 Kappa Doradus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1688 = h2671 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; gbM; 50"."  On later sweeps he called this nebula "B" and "pB".  His position is accurate.

 

Joseph Turner made a sketch on 5 Dec 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope with the object shown as a narrow streak NW-SE, so he noticed noticed the full length of the central bar (page 121 of logbook).  There was some mistake in preparing the lithograph (unpublished plate II, figure 17) which shows two elongated streaks along with additional stars.

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NGC 1689 = NGC 1667 = MCG -01-13-013 = PGC 16062

04 48 36.9 -06 19 13; Eri

 

See observing notes for NGC 1667.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 1689 = Sw. V-65 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  There is nothing at his position and Herbert Howe reported "I searched for it on two nights [with the 20" refractor at Denver] without success.  Probably there was an error of just 5 min in its RA, and it is identical with 1667 [found earlier by Stephan in 1884], which has the same declination.  Swift made the same 5 minute error in RA on the same sweep with NGC 1677 = Sw. V-64, which is identical to NGC 1659.   RNGC classifies this number as "not found" (from Dorothy Carlson's paper).

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NGC 1690 = UGC 3198 = MCG +00-13-027 = CGCG 394-029 = WBL 109-002 = PGC 16290

04 54 19.2 +01 38 25; Ori

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

24" (12/22/14): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Brightest in a trio (WBL 109) with UGC 3199 1.7' NNW and CGCG 394-028 6.8' WNW.  Several stars are nearby including a mag 13.8 star 0.6' NW.  Located 7' NE of mag 6.6 HD 31209.  The observation was made with the bright star outside the field.

 

UGC 3199 appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness and CGCG 394-028 is very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 10 star lies 3.2' SSW.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): very faint, very small, round.  Several faint stars are nearby including a two mag 13.5 star at the west edge 0.6' from center and 1.2' NNE.  Located 7.2' NE of mag 6.6 SAO 112191.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1690 = h335 on 5 Feb 1831 (sweep 322) and logged, "eF; among vS stars; has one vL * sp."  His position matches UGC 3198 = PGC 16289, although he erroneously equated this object with his father's H. III-453, which had an error of 10 min in RA due to a reduction error by Caroline Herschel.  JH corrected this mistake in the GC.

 

MCG, PGC and RC3 (and software such as Megastar) misidentify nearby UGC 3199 as NGC 1690.  UGC, RNGC and CGCG have the correct identification.  UGC mentions the MCG error in the notes section.

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NGC 1691 = UGC 3201 = MCG +01-13-009 = Mrk 1088 = LGG 120-003 = PGC 16300

04 54 38.3 +03 16 04; Ori

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, very small, bright stellar nucleus or star superimposed.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1691 = St VIIIb-16 on 15 Dec 1876 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1692 = ESO 552-021 = MCG -03-13-029 = A0453-20 = PGC 16336

04 55 23.7 -20 34 16; Lep

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (2/14/99): faint, moderately large, round, broad concentration to a 30" core.  With averted vision the halo extends to at least 1' diameter with ill-defined edges.  Located 13' SE of mag 8.9 SAO 169878.  Misidentified in the RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1692 = LM 1-139 on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin examined Stone's discovery sketch and identified NGC 1692 = ESO 552-021.  This implies Stone's position is roughly 2 tmin of RA too small, a typical error found in his list.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 840096 as NGC 1692.  See my RNGC Corrections #5 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1693 = ESO 056-002 = S-L 39

04 47 39 -69 20 36; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 0.7'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright but small, round.  Contains a very bright core and a small 30" halo.  No resolution except for a faint star at the NW edge.  Forms a trio with brighter NGC 1695 2' SSE and fainter H-S 30 = KMHK 109 4.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1693 = h2672 (along with NGC 1695 = h2673) on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "F, S, R".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1694 = MCG -01-13-035a = PGC 16335

04 55 16.8 -04 39 10; Eri

V = 14.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (2/14/99): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 40"x30", very small brighter core. Situated within a group of brighter stars including a mag 10.5 star 3.4' ESE.  Located 28' WNW of NGC 1700.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1694 = St X-18 on 9 Jan 1880 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  The MCG RA is 0.5 tmin too far east.

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NGC 1695 = ESO 056-003 = S-L 40

04 47 45 -69 22 24; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.5'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, fairly small, irregularly round.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core surrounded by a 45" irregular halo.  One brighter star is resolved at the SW edge and a faint star is resolved at the SE edge.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.7' NE.  Brightest of three LMC clusters with NGC 1693 2' NNW and KMHK 109 3.8' E.  KMHK 109 appeared as a faint, small glow with an irregular shape, gradually increased to the center but azonal with no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1695 = h2673 (along with NGC 1693 = h2672) on 3 Nov 1834 and logged "F, S, R."

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NGC 1696 = ESO 056-004 = S-L 43

04 48 30 -68 14 36; Dor

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Bracketed by two stars; a mag 15 star 25" NW of center and a mag 15 star 38" SE of center.  Located 19' SW of mag 6.8 HD 31532.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1696 = h2674 on 2 Nov 1834 and wrote "vF; E; vlbM" on his only observation.  His position is off by 1.5' in dec.

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NGC 1697 = ESO 056-005 = S-L 44

04 48 36 -68 33 30; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, fairly large, round, large bright core, very mottled but not resolved except for a few sparklers that are visible for moments.  A mag 10.6 star lies 2.5' SE.  Located 11' E of mag 7.2 HD 30969.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1697 = h2675 on 2 Nov 1834 (along with NGC 1696, 1714, 1715, 1718, 1735, 1747, and a couple of dozen additional objects).  On his first observation (out of 5) he recorded "pB, R, vglbM, 40"."  On the 4th sweep he wrote "globular cluster, pB, R, glbM, 1.5'; resolved. With the left eye I see the stars".  The Shapley-Lindsay position (S-L 44) is exactly 10' too far south.

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NGC 1698 = ESO 056-006 = S-L 45 = KMHK 115

04 49 04 -69 06 54; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, irregular glow, 1' diameter.  Roughly 10 stars are resolved in the outer halo giving a triangular shape.  NGC 1698 forms a close pair with KMHK 118, a much smaller and fainter cluster 1.6' SE.  It appeared as a faint, small glow, 20" diameter with no resolution.  Mag 10.3 HD 268647 lies 5' SSE and IC 2105, a bright compact HII knot, is just 0.6' SSE of this star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1698 = h2677 on 23 Dec 1834 and called it "pB; R; glbM; 60"; resolvable."  Although only observed on a single sweep his position is good.

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NGC 1699 = MCG -01-13-039 = PGC 16390

04 56 59.6 -04 45 25; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, even surface brightness.  Located just 4' ENE of mag 7.8 SAO 131619 and bracketed by two mag 13 stars 1.8' SW and 1.1' NE of center.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1700 6.7' S.

 

Samuel Hunter discovered NGC 1699 = Sw. VI-21 on 13 Feb 1860 with LdR's 72Ó (too late for inclusion in LdRÕs 1861 publication) while observing the field of NGC 1700.  He noted "a smaller one nf, scarcely perceptible in finder and vF, above a F *."  NGC 1699 is HunterÕs only deep sky discovery while an observing assistant at Birr Castle.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 22 Dec 1886 and reported it as new in list VI-21. Dreyer credited both observers in the NGC.

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NGC 1700 = MCG -01-13-038 = PGC 16386

04 56 56.2 -04 51 56; Eri

V = 11.2;  Size 3.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 E-W, very bright core.  Located 6' SSE of mag 7.8 SAO 131619.  Forms a pair with NGC 1699 6.7' N.

 

13" (12/18/82): fairly bright, small, round, small bright core.  Located 20' NNE of 62 Eridani (V = 5.5).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1700 = H IV-32 = h336 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and noted "cB, S, mbM."  On 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) he reported "cB, vS, bM.  Like a star affected with irregular burs."  NGC 1700 was observed 10 times with the 72".  On 13 Jan 1858 R.J. Mitchell logged, "B centre which I strongly suspect resolvable, faint nebulosity stretches out a long way, involving a minute star preceding."  WH's observation probably influenced the Birr Castle observers to look for (nonexistent) structure.

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NGC 1701 = ESO 422-011 = MCG -05-12-010 = PGC 16352

04 55 51.2 -29 53 01; Cae

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 137”

 

17.5": faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 45" diameter.  Weakly concentrated with no well-defined core.  A mag 11 star is close off the SE side (1.3' from center) and detracts slightly.  A very faint pair of mag 15 stars at 18" separation is less than 2' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1701 = h2676 on 6 Nov 1834 and remarked "F, S, R, 20". A star 10th mag S.f. and a small double star S.p."  His positiions and description apply to ESO 422-011 = PGC 16352.

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NGC 1702 = ESO 056-008 = S-L 46

04 49 28 -69 51 06; Men

V = 12.5;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): nicely resolved cluster, a dozen stars counted in a 50" region.  KMHK119, a faint cluster, was picked up 1.8' SW as a small faint, patch, 20" diameter, no resolution.  Located 6.7' WSW of mag 7.2 HD 31518.  NGC 1704, a bright cluster, lies 6' NNE and NGC 1711, a showpiece object, lies 10' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1702 = h2680 on 12 Nov 1836 and reported a "vF, S, cluster."  His position matches this LMC cluster.  JH mentions that Dunlop's D 73 is possibly an earlier discovery but of the three objects that are likely D 73, namely NGC 1702, 1711 and 1751, NGC 1711 is the brightest.

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NGC 1703 = ESO 119-019 = LGG 119-005 = PGC 16234

04 52 52.6 -59 44 36; Dor

V = 11.3;  Size 3.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, 1.5'x1.0'.  Unusual appearance as a mag 10 star (close double) is superimposed southeast of the core and the galaxy extends to the northwest of this bright star.  The outer halo is diffuse and fades into the background.  Located 34' E of NGC 1688.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1703 = h2678 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded F, L, R, vlbM, 90"; very dilute at borders. A star 9th mag S.f. almost involved." His position is accurate.

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NGC 1704 = ESO 056-009 = S-L 50

04 49 56 -69 45 24; Dor

V = 11.5;  Size 1.7'x1.6'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.1'x0.9'.  Contains three bright collinear stars oriented E-W as well as a number of faint stars resolved in the halo.  NGC 1702, a bright resolved cluster, lies 6' SSW and a mag 7.2 star (HD 31518) lies 6' SE.  NGC 1704 forms the north vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 1702 and the bright star.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1704 = D 110 in 1826 with his 9" reflector and reported "a small faint nebula".  Dunlop claims two observations and his position is 11' too far NE (typical error).  John Herschel described the cluster (h2683) in Dec 1834 as "B; R; bM; 90"."  On a later sweep he called it "eF; S; E; 40" l; resolvable."

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NGC 1705 = ESO 158-013 = PGC 16282

04 54 14.1 -53 21 38; Pic

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration.  This galaxy contains a super-star cluster (SSC 1750-A) that appears as a 14th magnitude "star" offset just west of the center. In good seeing at 350x using the 13mm Ethos and a 2x barlow, the SSC was easily visible and generally appeared stellar, though at moments there was an impression it spanned a couple of arcseconds.  A short string of four faint stars is collinear to the NW.  Located 30' ENE of the bright double star Iota Pictoris (5.6/6.4 at 12").  NGC 1705 is a nearby blue dwarf starburst galaxy at a distance of 17 million light years.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1705 = h2679 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; S; R; pmbM; 20"."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1706 = ESO 085-007 = AM 0452-630 = LGG 125-001 = PGC 16220

04 52 31.0 -62 59 08; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 124”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 40"x35", weak concentration, slightly brighter core.  Mag 11 stars lie 5' SSW and 7' S.  A mag 11.8 star is 3.6' NE.   A companion attached to the northern spiral arm was not seen.

 

ESO 085-014, situated 19' NE, appeared fairly faint, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 45"x15", low surface brightness.  Situated just 2.7' W of mag 8.0 HD 31875.  A mag 12/13 pair at 7" is  1.6' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1706 = h2682 on 25 Dec 1837 and called it "F; R; vglbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1707 = IC 2107

04 58 21.1 +08 14 19; Ori

Size 30"

 

17.5" (2/14/99): this is a compact group of four mag 13.5-14.5 stars within 30".  Easily picked up at 220x and three close stars visible.  At 280x, this multiple star is cleanly resolved in moments of good seeing.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1707 = h338 on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) and described a "resolved nebula or a small round group of very small stars, 30" diameter."  There is nothing at his position but 30 seconds of RA west is a group of four to five stars and R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" in 1854, called it "only a group of 4 or 5 stars."  Bigourdan apparently couldn't find NGC 1707 at JH's position and claimed it as new --  B. 381 (later IC 2107).  He noted, "cl, vF, vS, R".  So, this multiple star has both a NGC and IC designation!  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 1708

05 03 26 +52 52 30; Cam

Size 20'x12'

 

18" (11/26/03): at 115x, this is a huge, triangular group of ~80 stars, roughly 20'x12', extended N-S with the base of this triangle on the south side and the vertex at the north end.  Surprisingly, this scattered group is fairly well detached in the field and appears visually to be a cluster.  Includes a number of mag 10.5-11.5 stars.  The group is unconcentrated and most of the stars are situated along the perimeter with two large starless interior regions (larger one on the south side).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1708 = h337 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and described a "v Loose, pRi, fills field, the largest *10m, mixed magnitudes."  The mag 10 star in h's description appears to be 30 tsec further east at 05 03 26.3 +52 52 31 (J2000).  RNGC classifies this number as a nonexistent cluster.  Walter Scott Houston mentioned this object in his columns of Jan '76 and Sep '89.

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NGC 1709 = MCG +00-13-054 = CGCG 394-058 = PGC 16462

04 58 44.0 -00 28 42; Ori

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 46”

 

24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~0.4'x0.3', very small or stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.3 star is 50" NW of center. In a group (WBL 110) with NGC 1713 (brightest member) 2.7' ESE.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): very faint, very small.  A mag 13 star is close to the WNW edge just 0.8' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1713 2.7' ESE.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 1709 on 8 Dec 1854 while observing NGC 1713.  He described "two nebulous knots, the following one [NGC 1713] brighter than the other, both R, lbM, * preceding."

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NGC 1710 = IC 2108 = MCG -03-13-037 = PGC 16396

04 57 17.0 -15 17 20; Lep

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15”

 

18" (2/5/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.2' SE of center.  Located 13' NE of mag 7.6 HD 31585 and 45' SW of R Leporus.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is off the SE edge 1.2' from center.  Hind's Variable Star lies 45' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1710 = LM 1-140 on 14 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA following MCG -03-13-037 = PGC 16396, so this identification is secure.  Ormond Stone later measured an accurate position.  Bigourdan was misled by Leavenworth's poor position and identified a faint star as NGC 1710.  He assumed Big. 296 (later IC 2108), found on 9 Dec 1896, was new.  But his position matches  MCG -03-13-037, so IC 2108 = NGC 1710.  Corwin notes that Bigourdan realied the equivalence in his own large table of micrometric measurements.  MCG labels the galaxy as IC 2108 and ignores the NGC designation.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1711 = ESO 056-010 = S-L 55

04 50 36 -69 59 06; Men

V = 10.1;  Size 3.5'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large impressive cluster, appearing like a globular!  Contains an intensely bright core, which is very mottled and surrounded by a well resolved halo.  There appears to be two layers of superimposed layers in the halo as it includes a number of brighter stars overlaid on several dozen fainter stars.  The halo extends out to at least 4' diameter, though without a sharp border as it thins.  Located 9' S of mag 7.2 HD 31518.  Nearby objects include S-L 56 5.5' S, NGC 1702 10' NW and NGC 1704 14' NNW.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1711 = D 73 and/or D76 = h2684 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and described (for D 73) "a pretty bright round nebula, bright at the centre."  Dunlop's position is 6' NE of the center of this LMC cluster.  D 76 was also described as a "pretty bright small round nebula" and placed 11' ESE of the cluster.  JH first observed this object on 11 Nov 1836 and described a "globular; B; S; R; r".  On a second sweep he logged "globular; B; irreg R; gbM.  Resolved into st 14m, with outliers as far as 4' diam."  Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 76.

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NGC 1712 = ESO 056-011 = S-L 60 = LMC-N79 = LH 1

04 50 59 -69 24 30; Dor

V = 9.9;  Size 4'x3'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): first of three clusters with nebulosity including NGC 1722 + IC 2111 4' NE and NGC 1727 8' NE.  At 128x it appeared as an irregularly shaped 4' nebulous haze, situated just north of an attractive mag 10.7/11.5 double star (17").  A half dozen faint stars are embedded in the haze (part of LMC-N79) besides the two brighter stars at the south edge. This is a young LMC cluster and forms the western portion of association LH 1.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first of three nebulous clusters with NGC 1722 3.9' NE and NGC 1727  7.7' NE.  NGC 1712 appears as a fairly large knotty region of stars and possible weak nebulosity (within LMC-N79), ~4' diameter.  A mag 10.7/11.5 double (separation 17") is at the south edge.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1712 = D 111 = h2685 on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a small round nebula.  The preceding of three nebulae in the form of a triangle."  He made 2 observations and his position is 12' SE of this nebulous cluster.  JH made a single observation in Dec 1834 and reported "a pB, S, cluster."  Herschel didn't reference Dunlop's possible earlier observation.

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NGC 1713 = UGC 3222 = MCG +00-13-056 = CGCG 394-059 = LGG 120-025 = WBL 110-004 = PGC 16471

04 58 54.5 -00 29 20; Ori

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', gradually increases to the center.  Brightest galaxy in a group (WBL 110 = HDCE 330) with NGC 1709 2.7' WNW.

 

CGCG 394-055, 7.7' SW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~20"x15", slightly brighter core. Forms a close pair with CGCG 394-056 1.3' NNE.

CGCG 394-056, 6.6' S, appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  A mag 13.5 star is attached at the southeast end.  Mag 8.9 HD 31724 is 5' W.

UGC 3221, 24' S, appeared fairly faint, thin edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, ~30"x5", even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed at the south end.  A mag 9.2 star is 4.7' S as well as a nearby mag 9.9 star.

UGC 3214, 26' NW, appeared moderately bright, fairly large edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, at least 1.6'x0.4'.  Contains a bright, elongated bulging core and much fainter extensions.

CGCG 394-053, 21' NNW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 30"x15".

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, faint halo gradually brightens.  Forms a pair with NGC 1709 2.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1713 = H II-516 = h339 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and reported "F, S, iR, lbM."  There is nothing at his position, but 6.3' due south is UGC 3222 = PGC 16471.  Because of his father's poor position, John thought he discovered this nebula on 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107) and wrote, "F; R; bM; the preceding of two [with NGC 1719].  JH equated the two observations in the GC, so there is only a single NGC designation.

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NGC 1714 = LMC-N4A = ESO 085-8 = S-L 64

04 52 06.5 -66 55 25; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 1.1'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, I found a surprisingly bright, high surface brightness knot, ~30" diameter, with a brighter off-center core.  A mag 11 star (M2-class supergiant) is 1' NW.  Forms a close pair with fainter NGC 1715 just 1' NNE.  NGC 1731 lies 8' E and NGC 1718 is 8' SSE.  Situated in the NW corner of the LMC. This object also has an emission component but I didn't record if there was a filter response.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1714 = h2686 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "vB, S, E, bM, 15"; Has another very faint neb nearly north [h2687 = NGC 1715]." On later observations he described "vB, E or bi-nuclear, mbM, 40" long; the S.p. of two" and  "vB, S, lE, psbM. Double or extended wedge-shaped."

 

Williamina Fleming reported NGC 1714 (N4A-1) as a gaseous nebula based on its photographic spectra, as part of the Draper survery.  Probably as a result, NGC 1714 is plotted as an planetary on the Skalnate Pleso "Atlas of the Heavens" as well as the Sky Atlas 2000.0.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1714 and 1715 on 11 Nov 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  NGC 1714 has a broad fan shape with the illuminated star on the east side (unpublished plate II, figure 18).

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NGC 1715 = LMC-N4B = ESO 085-9

04 52 10.2 -66 54 27; Dor

Size 1.1'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faint, small, low surface brightness glow, ~45" diameter.  Located just 1' NNE of brighter NGC 1714 and 1.3' NE of a mag 11 star in the NW portion of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1715 = h2687 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "vF, the N.f. of two [with NGC 1714 = h2686]."  On his last of three observations, he recorded "eF, R, pL, the 2nd of two [with NGC 1714], making a lozenge with the other, and two stars."

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NGC 1716 = ESO 552-034 = MCG -03-13-038 = PGC 16434

04 58 13.3 -20 21 49; Lep

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2.5' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1716 = h2681 on 11 Dec 1835 and called "pF; pL; R; glbM; 50"."  His position is about 1' E of ESO 552-034 = PGC 16434.

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NGC 1717

04 59 12 -00 15; Ori

 

= * or possibly = NGC 1709, Corwin.  = NGC 1719, Sulentic.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 1717 on 15 Jan 1849 while observing the presumed field of h340 [= NGC 1719].  In the 1861 LdR publication, the description for h340 simply notes a "nova" near (2 observations claimed) and John Herschel added a single LdR nova to the GC.  In the 1880 monograph, the description states "3 vF nebulae" and a very small diagram shows 3 nebulae (no arrow for west), two separated by 3.5' and a third separated by 10' from the larger of the pair.  But only a single nebula was found again in 3 subsequent observations of NGC 1719 at Birr Castle.

 

While preparing the 1880 monograph, Dreyer added the note (in brackets) "The two upper ones are probably h339 & 340 [NGC 1709 & 1713]" and noted the third "nebula" could possibly be a mag 13-14 star recorded by d'Arrest 4.7 sec preceding and 80" north of NGC 1719.  A mag 13 star is at d'Arrest's exact offset from NGC 1719 and the UGC notes section equates NGC 1717 with this star.  RNGC equates NGC 1717 with NGC 1719 and MCG labels NGC 1719 as NGC 1717.

 

Yann Pothier suggests the 3 nebulae in the sketch are NGC 1709, NGC 1713 (the closer pair) and the third nebula is CGCG 394-056.  Assuming west is to the left on the diagram, these three galaxies are a pretty good match, though CGCG 394-055 is just 1.4' from -056, which is another possibility.  A visual observation might help decide.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 1718 = ESO 085-10 = S-L 65

04 52 25.6 -67 03 09; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster appeared at 128x as a fairly faint, round, 1' diameter, well-defined knot with no resolution.  A mag 14 star is 1' SSE of center.  Located 8' SSE of NGC 1714 and 6' N of a mag 9 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1718 = h2688 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F, R, bM." On his 3rd of 3 sweeps he logged "pF, R, vglbM, 60"."  His positions are excellent.

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NGC 1719 = UGC 3226 = MCG +00-13-060 = CGCG 394-063 = Holm 83a = LGG 120-026 = PGC 16501

04 59 34.4 -00 15 38; Ori

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 102”

 

24" (1/28/17): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly small, contains a very small bright core with very low surface brightness extensions, ~40"x15".  A mag 15 star is superimposed on the southwest side ~15" from center.  Located 11' SW of mag 8.1 HD 32024.

 

CGCG 394-064 lies 6.8' NNE of NGC 1719 within a group of stars.  It appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 25"x12", low surface brightness.  CGCG 394-064 forms a close pair with LEDA 1150545 1.7' W.  This galaxy was extremely faint (V = 16.0) and small, round, 10" diameter.  It required averted to glimpse and only occasionally popped.  Located 1.3' SE of a mag 10.7 star.

 

17.5" (2/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.2', faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is superimposed on the southwest edge.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' NW.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W.  A mag 14.5 star is at the west end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1719 = h340 on 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107) and reported "pB; R; psbM; has a B * N.f.; the fol of 2 [with NGC 1713]."  Although his position is given as uncertain, it is just 1.7' WNW of UGC 3226 = PGC 16501.  Heinrich d'Arrest's position (used in the NGC) is only 40" N.  MCG identifies this galaxy as NGC 1717 = NGC 1719, but NGC 1717 is either a star or it is NGC 1709 according to Corwin.

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NGC 1720 = MCG -01-13-041 = PGC 16485

04 59 20.5 -07 51 32; Eri

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 95”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated E-W.  Forms a pair with NGC 1726 7' NE.  Located 4.8' S of mag 8.1 SAO 131659.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1720 on 30 Dec 1861 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) and descriptions matches MCG -01-13-041 = PGC 16485.  The RNGC RA is 26 seconds too small.

 

Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector, NGC 1720 was described in the 1935 bulletin as a "spiral in the form of an "S", the central being spindle-lie, 3/4' x 1/4' E 90”, with a pF almost stellar nucleus; there is a slight condensation in the preceding arm and distinct [dust] absorption in the following arm."

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NGC 1721 = MCG -02-13-027 = VV 699 NED1 = KTS 28A = PGC 16484

04 59 17.4 -11 07 08; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 120”

 

24" (12/28/13): moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, high surface brightness, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~45"x30".  Contains a small, bright irregular core.  A mag 14 star is 0.8' NE of center.  First in a close trio (KTS 28) with NGC 1725 and 1728.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 14 star is off the NE side 1' from the center.  In a close trio with NGC 1725 1.6' SE and NGC 1728 2.5' ESE.  In addtion, NGC 1723 lies 8.5' NNE.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1721, along with NGC 1725 and 1728, on 10 Nov 1885 with the 6-inch Cooke Refractor at Vanderbilt Observatory.  In Sidereal Messenger, volume 5, he described "three small novae close together; difficult; rather faint, all three probably elongated north and south.  A good many stars in field.  It requires considerable power to make these nebulae out distinctly, a power of 120 on the 6-inch is about the lowest with which they can be seen.

 

Lewis Swift observed the trio (Sw. III-32, III-33 and III-34) a month later on 2 Dec 1885 after being notified by Barnard, but he mistakenly reported them as new again in his third discovery list, which was published in 1886!  Barnard immediately responded in AN 2755 to claim prior discovery and document their correspondence.  Swift acknowledged Barnard's prior discovery in the errata to his 5th list.  Dreyer credited both Barnard and Swift in the NGC, despite Swift's mistae.

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NGC 1722 = LMC-N79 = ESO 056-12 = LH 1

04 51 43 -69 23 54; Dor

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 1722 is part a small group of LMC clusters with nebulosity (LMC-N79) including NGC 1712 and NGC 1727.  At 128x it appeared as a fairly faint, irregular hazy region with a few resolved stars and highlighted by IC 2111, a small, bright knot.  The nebulosity has a good response to the UHC filter.  Located 4' SW of NGC 1727.  This is a very young open cluster with an unevolved main sequence and forms the eastern component of stellar association LH 2.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the second of a trio of LMC clusters and nebulosity at 128x and UHC filter.  At the core is a small, bright 15" knot = IC 2111 and surrounding this is a larger 2'-3' group of faint haze and some stars.  NGC 1727 lies 4.5' NE and NGC 1712 3.9' SW.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1722 = D 112 = h2689 on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a very pretty small double nebula; very nearly equal; distance about 12" or 15"."  He made 2 observations and his position is 7' too far SE.  JH made three observations beginning in Dec 1834 and describing "F; S; R (Sky Hazy)".  On a second sweep he recorded "pB; S.  A knot of clustering stars."  On his last sweep, he noted "The second of a series of clustering patches."  Herschel did not reference Dunlop's possible earlier observation.  NGC 1722 is plotted as an planetary nebula (since the IC description for IC 2111 is "Planetary, Stellar") on the Skalnate Pleso "Atlas of the Heavens" as well as the Sky Atlas 2000.0

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NGC 1723 = MCG -02-13-029 = PGC 16493

04 59 25.8 -10 58 51; Eri

V = 11.7;  Size 3.2'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 40”

 

24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, moderately large, well concentrated with a bright elongated core or bar oriented E-W that increases to a small, rounder nucleus.  The halo is much fainter and elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~1.8'x0.9'.  The galaxy is bracketed by mag 10 stars 2' N and 2.9' E, with a mag 11 star 1.4' S.  The triplet NGC 1721, 1725 and 1728 lies 9' S.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): brightest in a group with a trio NGC 1721, NGC 1725 and NGC 1728 about 8' S.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Sandwiched between a mag 10 star 2.0' NNW and a mag 11 star 1.3' S.  An additional mag 10 star lies 2.9' due east.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1723 = T V-3 on 12 Jan 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported "Class III. Situated between two stars 9-10m, which form a triangle with a third."  Tempel's micrometric position is very accurate.

 

E.E. Barnard independently found NGC 1723 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University, along with the trio NGC 1723, 1725 and 1728 to the south.  His position in Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5 (page 25) was 30 seconds of RA too far east. Swift notified Barnard that this "nebula" was discovered earlier by Tempel.

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NGC 1724 = OCL-405 = Lund 1121

05 03 33 +49 29 30; Aur

Size 1'

 

18" (3/19/04): this asterism consists of only a trio of mag 11-12 stars at separations of 21" and 29".  Located 5' WSW of mag 8.4 HD 32212.  A few other mag 8-9 stars are in the same field.  Also a chain of 5 mag 12-13 stars is located ~7' E and is certainly more distinctive than this trio of stars.

 

George RŸmker discovered NGC 1724 (his only NGC "discovery") on 30 Apr 1864 while observing stars for the Hamburg catalogue with a 10-cm meridian-circle refractor by Fraunhofer.  RŸmker marked a "nebula" on the Hamburg star catalogue and his position corresponds with a small trio of mag 11/12 stars at a central position of 05 03 33 +49 29.5 (2000).  Auwers couldn't find Rumker's nebula and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, described NGC 1724 as "3 pF st; BD +49d1292 nff."  Lynga considered it a doubtful OC (OCL-405) and RNGC classified this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 1725 = MCG -02-13-028 = VV 699 NED2 = KTS 28B = PGC 16488

04 59 22.9 -11 07 56; Eri

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

24" (12/28/13): moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very small bright core.  Initially logged as 25" diameter, but the low surface brightness halo increases in size to 35"-40".  Squeezed between NGC 1721 1.6' NW and NGC 1728 1.3' NE.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): second of three in a close trio.  Faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located midway between NGC 1721 1.6' NW and NGC 1728 1.3' NE.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1725, along with NGC 1721 and 1728, on 10 Nov 1885 at Nashville with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University (see description under NGC 1721).

 

Lewis Swift observed the trio (Sw. III-32, III-33 and III-34) a month later on 2 Dec 1885 after being notified by Barnard, but he mistakenly reported them as new again in his third discovery list, published in 1886!  Barnard immediately responded in AN 2755 to claim prior discovery and Swift noted this trio was previously discovered by Barnard in the errata to his 5th list. Sherburne Burnham's corrected RA (Publications of Lick Observatory, II) is accurate.

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NGC 1726 = MCG -01-13-042 = PGC 16508

04 59 41.9 -07 45 19; Eri

V = 11.7;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 0”

 

13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, small, compact, small bright core, slightly elongated.  A mag 12 star is just off the south edge 0.8' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1720 7' SW.  Located 4.8' ENE of mag 8.1 SAO 131659.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1726 = h341 on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), noting "F; R; about 30" north of a *13 m."

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NGC 1727 = LMC-N79E = ESO 056-014 = S-L 67 = LH 2

04 52 11.5 -69 20 13; Dor

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.0'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, irregular patch, ~2.5'x1.5', with at least a half-dozen mag 13 stars resolved.  This LMC cluster with nebulosity (N79E) responded well to a UHC filter at 128x.  The western section is catalogued as LMC-N79C.  A small extension was visible to the southeast consisting of cluster KMHK 187 (no stars were resolved) and LMC-N79D, increasing the size to ~3.5'x1.5'.  NGC 1727 is in a group with NGC 1722 4' SW and NGC 1712 7.5' SW. Located 4' N of mag 8.5 HD 31722.  This is a very young cluster or association (LH 2) with an unevolved main sequence similar to nearby NGC 1722.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x and UHC filter this is a fairly large elongated patch of nebulosity, ~3.5' diameter with a group of mag 12-13 stars superimposed.  A smaller detached piece of nebulous haze, ~1' diameter, is close southeast.  This is the 3rd (and 4th) in a chain of objects with NGC 1722 4.5' SW and NGC 1712 8' SW.  A mag 8.5 star (HD 31722) is 4' SSE.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1727 = D 113 in 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a small faint nebula; 12" or 15" diameter."  He made a single observation and his position is 19' SSE of this nebulous cluster.   Because of the poor match in position and simple description, this identification is very uncertain.  JH made three observations of h2690 beginning on 3 Nov 1834, when he noted "a rather poor irreg R cluster. (Sky Hazy)".  On a second sweep he recorded "A cluster, pB, pmE, 3' l, 90" br; stars 12m"  His last description says "The third of a series of clustering patches. Oval."  Herschel did not reference Dunlop's possible earlier observation.

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NGC 1728 = MCG -02-13-030 = VV 699 NED3 = KTS 28C = PGC 16495

04 59 27.7 -11 07 22; Eri

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 177”

 

24" (12/28/13): moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2', sharp concentration with a small bright core and bright stellar nucleus.  Third in a close trio (KTS 28) with NGC 1721 and 1725.  MCG -02-13-031, a very thin edge-on, lies 9.5' SSE and NGC 1725, a barred spiral, lies 8.5' N.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): last of a trio with NGC 1725 1.3' SW and NGC 1725 2.5' W.  Fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, small bright core.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1728, along with NGC 1721 and 1725, on 10 Nov 1885 with the 6-inch Cooke Refractor at Vanderbilt Observatory.  See historical notes for NGC 1721.

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NGC 1729 = MCG -01-13-043 = PGC 16529

05 00 15.5 -03 21 06; Ori

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE.  A mag 11 star is close off the east end 1.0' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.1' N of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1729 = H III-503 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "vF, pL, sp 2 pB stars, equilateral triangle.  Its nebulosity reaches the two stars."  His position and description is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift independently found this nebula on 20 Nov 1886 (6th discovery list, #22) and wrote, "eeeF; pS; R; pF * nr foll; [NGC 1740] in field."

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NGC 1730 = IC 2113 = MCG -03-13-043 = PGC 16499

04 59 31.8 -15 49 25; Lep

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 94”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W.  There is possibly an extremely faint star at the east end [verified on DSS].  Forms an obtuse angle with mag 8.7 SAO 150054 5' NW and mag 9.0 SAO 150066 7' ENE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1730 = LM 1-141 = LM 1-142 = Sw. V-66 on 12 Nov 1885.  Leavenworth called it a double nebula with separation 10" in PA 110”, but there is only a single galaxy with a faint star superimposed.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is accurate in declination and a good match in RA.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 9 Oct 1886 and reported it as new in his 5th list with a very accurate position (used in the NGC).  Frank Muller noted the equivalence of Sw. V-66 with Leavenworth's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously.  As a result, Dreyer only assigned a single NGC designation.  But apparently Barnard found the galaxy again and notified Dreyer directly and it was catalogued again as IC 2113. Barnard's position is nearly identical to Swift's so Dreyer simply missed the earlier discovery.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1731 = ESO 085-012 = S-L 82 = LMC-N4 = LH 4

04 53 29.5 -66 55 30; Dor

V = 9.9;  Size 8'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this is a large region of nebulosity (LHa 120-N4, a confirmed supernova remnant) and scattered stars (association LH 4), 6'-7' diameter.  The double star h3710 = 10.7/12.7 at 12" is involved on the east side, along with a number of fainter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1731 = h2691 on 23 Dec 1834 and described "a double star, the chief of a pretty rich, pretty large cluster of loosely scattered stars, little compressed to the middle; 8'; stars 11..15th mag." On a second sweep he called it "a poor loose cluster 8' diameter, stars 10..15th mag, chief double star taken." and on his third and last sweep, "a double star, the chief of a poor loose cluster 3 or 4' diameter."

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NGC 1732 = ESO 056-017 = S-L 77

04 53 11 -68 39 00; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 0.9'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, very small, 20"-24" diameter.  At first glance looks like a double star oriented NW-SE embedded in some surrounding haze. But with a careful examination one of the "stars" is clearly bloated (perhaps has very close companions) and appears as a very small high surface brightness glow.  NGC 1734 lies 7.3' SSE.

 

LMC Supernova remnant N86 lies 14' E.   This observation is from the 2017 OzSky star party:

25" (10/17/17): at 244x; this LMC supernova remnant appeared unfiltered as a large, low surface brightness hazy region, just south of a mag 11.8 star.  A couple of 14th mag stars appear involved with the haze.  This mag 11.8 star forms the eastern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 11.5 star 5.6' NW and a mag 10.0 star 6' SW.  There was a weak contrast gain adding a NPB filter, with the most evident section ~1' diameter [centered 1.2' S of the mag 11.8 star] and slightly brighter on the east side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1732 = h2694 on 23 Dec 1834 and described "a small double star first class [HJ 3712] in centre of a S, R, nebula."  Joseph Turner made a sketch with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 19) showing a double star within a small patch of nebulosity. Observing in 1926 with the 26-inch refractor of the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, Robert Innes called it a "5 arc second double star in the foci of an elliptical nebula."

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NGC 1733 = ESO 085-013 = S-L 85

04 54 04.9 -66 40 57; Dor

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster appeared as a round knot, ~25" diameter with a fairly even surface brightness.  Easy to locate as it is situated just 3.4' E of mag 6.5 HD 31754 on the NW side of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1733 = h2693 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "eF, R, gbM, 40". A very starry field follows this, and hereabouts may be said to commence the denser part of the Nubecula Major."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1734 = ESO 056-018 = S-L 83

04 53 34 -68 46 06; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly large, 1' diameter, very irregular shape, mottled.  At 200x, a couple of extremely faint mag 16 stars are resolved at the edges.  NGC 1732 lies 7.3' NNW.  In addition I logged three clusters not plotted on the Morel Atlas: KMHK 193 4.7' WSW, KMHK 189 6.9' SW and S-L 75 9.7' SSW.  The S-L cluster was brighter and larger than many NGC objects in the LMC.  At 200x it appeared moderately bright and large, round, 45"-50" diameter, broad concentration, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1734 = h2695 on 23 Dec 1834 and described as "pB, L, R, gmbM".  His position matches this LMC cluster.

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NGC 1735 = ESO 085-15 - S-L 86

04 54 20.2 -67 06 04; Dor

V = 10.8;  Size 1.8'x1.5'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this LMC cluster appeared as a very elongated, very knotty string, ~1.2' in length and consisting of several mag 12-14 stars in a tight chain.  The core is the "star" at the southeast end. NGC 1747 is 6.5' SE and NGC 1731 12' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1735 = h2696 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F, vS, R; has two or three stars appended."  On a later sweep he called it "pB,S, R; has two stars appended forming an arc with the nebula."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the cluster on 13 Nov 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 20 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_20.php).  Turner called the nebula faint and at times sparkling, possbily caused by the presence of three stars.

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NGC 1736 = LMC-N8 = ESO 056-16

04 53 03 -68 03 10; Dor

Size 1.8'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this is a bright, relatively large, crescent-shaped nebulosity involving 4 stars, ~1.2'x0.8', stretching NNW to SSE.  On the east side, four stars were resolved in an 0.8' curving arc that followed the shape of the nebula!  The two brighter mag 13.5 stars are on the south end of the string and two mag 14.5 and 15 stars are just north.  In addition, a couple of very faint stars are off the southwest side.  I didn't compare the view using a filter.  Located ~9' E of a 2' pair of bright stars: mag 6.8 HD 31532 and mag 8.4 HD 31576.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1736 = h2697 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "B; R; resolvable" on his single observation.  There is nothing at his position, but Robert Innes suggested h2697 was probably identical to a "nebulous patch north-preceding a 12 mag star", located 1 min of RA west of JH's position.  Henize (Catalogues of Hydrogen Alpha Emission Stars and Nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds, Astrophysical Journal Supplement 2, 1956, p315), also noted LHa N120-8 is "Probably NGC 1736. The NGC description suits the object but the position is 1 minute in error." He reported, "1.4' east-west and 1.9' north-south. It has a slightly irregular outline, is not elongated and has appreciable structure. Two 12.8 mag exciting stars are involved."  Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), repeated the "NGC position in error and should be 1m [West] where there is a bright round patch of nebulosity not listed in the NGC. This is Henize N8 and noted by Henize to be probably NGC 1736 with 1m error."  JH caught several typos of this type and corrected them in an errata list, but missed this one.

 

Joseph Turner observed and sketch this object on 11 Nov 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. In 1885 Barachi noted, "Small, round, bright, about 202 2 ; edge rather ill-defined, not sharp; sparkling at times; may be a little cluster, but could not make certain with any power."

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NGC 1737 = ESO 056-20 = LMC-N83C

04 53 57.8 -69 10 28; Dor

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; fairly faint, moderately large, round glow (emission nebula N83C), ~0.9' diameter.  A mag 14.4 star is at the center of the circular patch.  NGC 1737 is on the northwest side of an impressive complex of nebulae with NGC 1743 1.8' SE and NGC 1748 2.4' E.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appears as fairly faint nebulous patch centered ~1.8' NNW of the core of NGC 1743 and appears nearly connected.  The outline is irregular and roughly 45" diameter with a couple of mag 14 stars involved on the south side.  Within an impressive complex of nebulosity (LMC-N83 and association LH 5) with NGC 1745 and NGC 1748 as well as cluster NGC 1756.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1737 = h2698 0n 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "very faint, small; the first of a trapezium of four nebulae.  Place estimated from those of the second and fourth." The four objects are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and NGC 1748.

 

NGC 1737 was sketched by Turner on 13 Nov 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  See Plate III, figure 22 sketch at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_22.php

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NGC 1738 = ESO 552-049 = MCG -03-13-054 = PGC 16585

05 01 46.7 -18 09 28; Lep

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, even surface brightness.  Contact pair with NGC 1739 at the south end.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1738 = LM 1-143 (along with NGC 1739 = LM 1-144) on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~1 minute of RA west of ESO 552-049.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1739 = ESO 552-050 = MCG -03-13-055 = PGC 16586

05 01 47.4 -18 10 02; Lep

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round.  Attached at the south end of NGC 1738.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1739 = LM 1-144 (along with NGC 1738 = LM 1-143) on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~1 minute of RA west of ESO 552-049.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1740 = MCG -01-13-046 = Holm 84a = PGC 16589

05 01 54.8 -03 17 47; Ori

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, oval SW-NE, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is at the SW edge 0.5' from center.  NGC 1753 lies 10' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1740 = h342 on 11 Feb 1830 (sweep 233) and wrote, "eF; S; 4"; has a * 12m N.f."   His position is just off the east side of MCG -01-13-046 = PGC 16589, although the star is southwest.

 

While searching for NGC 1788 on 28 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, Baracchi found this galaxy instead (based on his sketch) and questioned if it was GC 1005 (NGC 1788).  He called it "vF; vS; R; gvlbM; ill defined."

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NGC 1741 = NGC 1741A = HCG 31A = Arp 259 NED4 = VV 524 NED4 = VV 565 NED4 = MCG -01-13-045 = PGC 16574

05 01 38.7 -04 15 34; Eri

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 70”

 

48" (11/2/13): NGC 1741 = HCG 31A/C is a merging system with intense star formation.  HCG 31C, the western component, appeared fairly bright, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~18"x9".  HCG 31A, which is attached or merged near the southwest end, appeared moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 20"x10".  A mag 12 star is less than 1' SE.  The seeing was too soft to detect the low surface brightness plume to the northeast.  HCG 31B, just 45" SW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~24"x8", no central brightening.  HCG 31D situated 40" W is by the far the faintest member (V = 17.8 and a distance of over 1 billion l.y.) and appeared as an extremely faint and small knot, round, 6" diameter.  Finally, IC 399 = Mrk 1090 lies 2.3' SE and is interacting with the group.

 

17.5" (2/8/97): brightest in HCG 31 (merged system with HCG 31C).  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W after extended viewing, bright core.  Located 0.9' NW of a mag 12 star.  NGC 1741 has an irregular appearance and is intermittently partially resolved with a faint "knot" = HCG 31C visible with concentration at the west end.  IC 399, located 2.3' SE, is not considered as part of HCG 31 though it is a group member (similar reshift as HCG 31A, 31B and 31C).

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round.  A mag 12 star is 0.9' SE of center.  This is a double system and brightest in HCG 31. IC 399 lies 2.3' SE (not seen).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1741 = St IX-5 on 6 Jan 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  Stephan's micrometric position matches MCG -01-13-045 = Hickson 31A (irregular double system) in a compact group.

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NGC 1742 = Holm 84b

05 02 00.4 -03 17 14; Ori

 

= * 1' NE of NGC 1740, Corwin.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 1742 on 29 Dec 1866 during an observation of GC 965 = NGC 1740.  He described this object as "vF, vS" and placed it 3.6 sec east and 25" north of NGC 1740.  Ball's position corresponds to a star at 5 02 00.4 -03 17 15 (2000).  The RNGC misidentifies NGC 1742 by calling it equal to NGC 1740.

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NGC 1743 = LMC-N83A = ESO 056-21 = S-L 87

04 54 03.2 -69 11 57; Dor

V = 11.3;  Size 1.0'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; extremely bright, fairly large, irregular, extends ~1.5' NW-SE.  The most prominent section has a very high surface brightness and contains a mag 12.3 star (the ionizing star 06-type SK -69”25).  This knot is surrounded by a fainter halo to the SE and E, along with an extension towards the NW that ends just south of NGC 1737 (nearly connected).  In the same nebulous complex (N83) is NGC 1748 ~2' NE, NGC 1745 3' NE, NGC 1737 2' NW and NGC 1756 5' SE.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): brightest section of an excellent HII/cluster complex including NGC 1737, 1745, 1748 and 1756.  At 200x, NGC 1743 appeared very bright, moderately large, ~50" diameter.  Contains a very high surface brightness "core" with a fairly bright star involved.  A larger "halo" extends mostly north amd roughly doubles the size to ~1.7'.  NGC 1737, a faint extension with a couple of stars involved, is 1.8' NNW.  NGC 1743 and NGC 1748 (a bright high surface brightness knot 2' NE) are embedded within a very large, irregular, low surface brightness haze extending ~3' (stellar association LH 5 and emission nebula LMC-N83), oriented roughly from NGC 1743 on the SW side to NGC 1745 on the NE end.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1743 = D 114 = h2699 on 3 Aug 1826 and described "a small round nebula, about 20" diameter, bright at the centre."  John Herschel recorded this object on 3 Nov 1834 as "round, gradually brighter in the middle; 2' (thick haze)." He next saw it as "bright, round, resolvable; No. 2 in a group of four forming a sort of lozenge." The four objects he refers to are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and 1748.

 

Joseph Turner sketched these four nebulous clusters on 13 Nov 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 22).  The orientation of the objects is not very good (even if north is not at the top) and NGC 1743 is shown as a very elongated, curvy nebulosity oriented N-S.  Pietro Baracchi's sketch on 13 Nov 1884 appears to show NGC 1743 in two sections; the northern part elongated elongated NW-SE and ending near NGC 1737 and the southern part has a comet-like appearance surrounding a star.  In a short report by Ellery in The Observatory, 9, 204, he mentions that NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and 1748 appeared to show distinct differences, not only since John Herschel's time, but between Turner's and Baracchi's observations.

 

The gaseous nature of NGC 1743 was first found by Annie Jump Cannon on spectrum plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station in 1897 and was catalogued as HD 31947.  NGC 1743 is misclassified as an planetary nebula on the Skalnate Pleso "Atlas of the Heavens" as well as the Sky Atlas 2000.0 based on the HD spectral class.

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NGC 1744 = ESO 486-005 = MCG -04-12-029 = PGC 16517

04 59 57.6 -26 01 19; Lep

V = 11.1;  Size 8.1'x4.4';  Surf Br = 14.9;  PA = 168”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): weak central brightening.  A faint double star at 20" separation is at the north edge.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, 5'x2', fairly even surface brightness.  Two mag 14 stars are at the north edge 2.5' from the center with a total of three or four faint stars superimposed.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1744 = h2692 and called "vF, vL, vmE, vgvlbM, 4' long, 2.5' broad."  His position is ~35 sec of RA too far east, but the identification is certain based on the description.

 

Joseph Turner sketched this galaxy on 11 Dec 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 23 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_23.php).  He found the nebula much elongated ~N-S, length about 2' 20" and much fainter than expected.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1745 = LMC-N83D

04 54 27 -69 09 34; Dor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x1.0'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): fairly faint but easily visible as an irregular nebulous haze (N83D), fairly large, surrounding a half-dozen stars mag 14 and fainter.  Good contrast gain with a NPB filter at 244x.  In a group of nebulae inlcuding compact NGC 1748 1.5' S and NGC 1743 3.5' SW.  SIMBAD lists the brightest star at mag 12.4 at the east edge.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly large nebulosity with a half dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars involved, ~1' diameter.  Located on the NE side of the NGC 1743 complex (OB association LH 5 and emission nebula LMC-N83), ~1.5' N of NGC 1748 and 3' NE of NGC 1743, the two main sections of the complex.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1745 = h2702 on 11 Nov 1836 and logged "faint, small, No 3 in a group of 4. Place estimated from No. 2." The four objects are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and NGC 1748.  Joseph Turner sketched the group in Nov. 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  See plate III.22 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_22.php.  His sketch shows a number of stars involved with NGC 1745.

 

A small group of stars off the southeast edge of NGC 1743 is misidentified at NGC 1743 on the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.

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NGC 1746 = Cr 57 = Mel 28 = OCL-452

05 03 50 +23 46 12; Tau

Size 42'

 

17.5" (2/22/87): very bright, very large, large range of magnitudes, spread out overall but locally rich in a few spots.  Includes two main subgroups - NGC 1750 and NGC 1758 - which are probably the only clusters here, along with several mag 7.5-8.5 stars.  NGC 1750 consists of two dozen stars on the south side.  It appears as a fairly large oval oriented NW-SE with a void in the center and includes a nice mag 9.1/9.1 pair at 20".  NGC 1758 is a richer, roundish group of stars close northeast (though probably unrelated physically to NGC 1950) including about two dozen stars.  NGC 1758 is bracketed by two mag 8 stars oriented N-S and a mag 7 star is off the east end.  Includes five mag 13 stars at the east side.

 

NGC 1746, although often applied to the 40' field including NGC 1750 and 1758, may in fact be a duplicate of NGC 1750 or just a group of faint field stars noted by d'Arrest while searching for NGC 1750.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): about 100 stars in 20' field.  The brightest mag 7 star (HD 32461) at the south edge and there are many nearby bright stars.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1746 on 9 Nov 1863 with an 11" refractor while searching for NGC 1750 and called it a poor cluster.  His position was roughly 10' north of William Herschel's position for NGC 1750 = H. VIII-43 though d'Arrest refers to his "cluster" as H VIII-43.  NGC 1746 is often applied to the entire 40' field including NGC 1750 and 1758 on the east side but Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1746 may indeed be a duplicate of NGC 1750 or perhaps just a group of  stars on the north edge of NGC 1750.  In any case, it is not a separate cluster from NGC 1750 and 1759, although I've retained the position and size often found in observing books and atlases.

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NGC 1747 = LMC-N9 = ESO 085-016 = S-L 98

04 55 11 -67 10 06; Dor

V = 9.4

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x and UHC filter, this LMC nebulous cluster appeared as a fairly large, low surface brightness glow, ~4' diameter encasing a mag 9.7 star (HD 32034).  Without the filter the cluster consists of a number of mag 12 and fainter stars that huddle around the bright star.  On the DSS, the emission component (N9) is a nearly complete large bubble of 5'-6' in diameter (open on the NE end) with the bright star in the interior to the southwest of center.  The stellar component is part of association LH 6.  NGC 1735 lies 6.5' NW and NGC 1774 is 17' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1747 = h2701 on 2 Nov 1834 and described as "A star 9th mag in the centre of a poor cluster of very small stars, 4' diameter."

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NGC 1748 = IC 2114 = LMC-N83B = ESO 056-024

04 54 24.7 -69 11 02; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 0.7'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; fairly bright but fairly small round patch (N83B) with a high surface brightness and a diameter of ~30".  At 397x, a 13th mag "star" (N83B-1) was resolved at the southeast edge.  This star is classified as a high excitation H II blob [HEB].  According to Iranian-born astronomer Mohammed Heydari-Malayeri, these unusual objects represent "early stages of massive stars emerging from their embryonic molecular clouds".  Unfiltered a second star (mag ~13.5) is involved closer to the center, forming a 7" double with the HEB.  NGC 1748 is in a group of interesting nebulae with NGC 1743 2' SW, NGC 1745 1.5' N and NGC 1737 2.5' WNW.  Also NGC 1756 (populous blue cluster) is 4' SE.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this HII region (LMC-N83B) appeared as a bright, small, high surface bright knot in a striking group of nebulae, 20" diameter.  A couple of stars are involved in the bright glow.  A mag 10.3 star is 1.9' SW.  NGC 1743 lies 2' SW

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1748 = h2704 on 11 Nov 1836 and reported "pB, vS, R, No. 4 in a group of 4."  The other three objects are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745.  According to Harold Corwin, IC 2114 = Fleming 86, discovered by Williamina Fleming on a Harvard objective prism plate taken at the Arequipa station in 1901, is probaby the bright knot at the east edge that is classified as a HEB -- or "High Excitation Blob".

 

Joseph Turner sketched the nebular complex in Nov. 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope.  See plate III.22 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_22.php.  He mentioned a small star in the centre. See notes on NGC 1743.

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NGC 1749 = ESO 056-026 = S-L 93

04 54 56.0 -68 11 22; Dor

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): extremely faint, very small glow, ~20" diameter.  Located 2' NW of NGC 1755.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1749 = h2703 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "vF; R; the preceding of two [with NGC 1755] in the field."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1750

05 04 00 +23 38 42; Tau

Size 20'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): prominent subgroup of two dozen stars within NGC 1746 on the SW side.  Fairly large, oval outline oriented NW-SE, void in the center.  Includes a nice double star 9.1/9.1 at 20".  NGC 1758 is close NE (though probably physically unrelated ).  Modern catalogues apply NGC 1746 to the entire cluster (see description), although NGC 1750 (from William Herschel) and NGC 1746 (from d'Arrest) are either identical or just parts of the same cluster.

 

13": group of fainter stars, just SE of open cluster NGC 1746.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1750 = H VIII-43, along with NGC 1758, on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 493) and described a "A cl of very coarsely scattered L *, joining to the following [VII 21 = NGC 1758] I believe."  His position indicates NGC 1750 is the large, elongated group of stars centered at 05 03 55 +23 39.5, just southwest of NGC 1758.  Although NGC 1750 is generally taken as a subgroup (on the SE side) of much larger NGC 1746, Corwin suggests that Heinrich d'Arrest's NGC 1746, which was found while searching for NGC 1750, is actually a duplicate of NGC 1750.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states that NGC 1750 is the central group in a very large cluster also containing NGC 1746 and NGC 1758.

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NGC 1751 = ESO 056-023 = S-L 89

04 54 12 -69 48 24; Dor

V = 11.7;  Size 1.7'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1.3' diameter.  Contains a slightly brighter core that is offset from the geometric center and an irregular halo.  Two mag 15-15.5 stars were resolved at the edges and a couple of extremely faint mag 16-16.5 stars were occasionally resolved within the main glow.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1751 = D 78 = h2705 on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described as "a small faint nebula, about 15" diameter, with a minute star slightly involved in the south side." His position is 12' ESE of this cluster.  though this observation was missed by JH when compiling the GC.  Dunlop's position is 12' ESE of the cluster.  JH independently discovered this cluster on 12 Nov 1836 and logged "extremely faint, irregularly round; 2' diameter".

 

According to Wolfgang Steinicke, this is the faintest (at V = 14.5) of Dunlop's discoveries but it was much more prominent visually (described as a "fairly bright" using Zane Hammond's 24").  Also, 1996ApJS..102...57 gives V = 11.7, so Steinicke's magnitude may be from an erroneous source (same mag repeated in DOCdb).

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NGC 1752 = MCG -01-13-047 = PGC 16600

05 02 09.4 -08 14 27; Eri

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.  A pair of mag 11.5 stars are 2' NE (50" separation WNW-ESE) and a fainter mag 12.5 star is 3.8' NE.  Located 10' WSW of mag 7.8 SAO 131718 at the south end of the huge Witch Head Nebula IC 2118.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1752 on 30 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (measured on 2 nights) and description is accurate

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NGC 1753 = MCG -01-13-048 = PGC 16610

05 02 32.1 -03 20 35; Ori

V = 14.7;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 15.1;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, fairly small, low even surface brightness.  A close double star mag 13/15 is 3' SE.  NGC 1740 lies 10' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1753 = Sw. V-67 on 31 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position and comment "s of [NGC 1740]" applies to MCG -01-13-048 = PGC 16610, though the direction is ESE.

 

Pietro Baracchi possibly made an earlier discovery on 28 Dec 1885 and reported "very faint, very small,vlbM, indistinct.  He assumed he observed NGC 1740 but his position is 40 seconds of RA due east of this galaxy.

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NGC 1754 = ESO 056-025 = S-L 91

04 54 18 -70 26 30; Men

V = 11.6;  Size 1.6'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness with a relatively thin outer halo, 45" diameter.  Mottled, but unresolved except for a couple of mag 15.5 stars at the edges.  A mag 11 star is just off the southeast side [33" from center].  A mag 10 star (HD 268805) is 3.8' NNW.  NGC 1775 lies 13' E and NGC 1776 is 15' NE.  NGC 1754 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1754 = h2708 on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "F, S, R, 20". Has a 13th mag star close to edge (about 45 degrees S.f. by diag.)".  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 1755 = ESO 256-028 = S-L 99

04 55 14.7 -68 12 20; Dor

V = 9.9;  Size 2'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, compact cluster, round, 1.5' diameter, brighter core, no resolution.  Forms a pair with much fainter NGC 1749 2' NW.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1755 = D 167 = h2706 on 3 Oct 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "pretty bright round well-defined nebula, 15 arcsec diameter."  Dunlop made two observations and his position is 7' west of center.  John Herschel made a single observation on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "very bright, round, gradually brighter in the middle; 60". The following of two [with NGC 1749] in the field."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 1755 and NGC 1749 on 10 Dec 1884 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  His sketch shows NGC 1755 as very mottled with a distinct star at the south edge and another at the northwest edge.  At the same time he discovered S-L 92, an extremely faint cluster 5' SW.  He wrote in his notebook, "Nebula not in Calalogues.  Very faint, a little elongated, no condensation."  The discovery was not published.

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NGC 1756 = ESO 056-27 = S-L 94

04 54 49.9 -69 14 16; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.1'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): fairly bright, relatively lrge, round, 1' diameter, irregular surface brightness, slightly brighter center but no resolution.  In a striking field with NGC 1748 4' NW and NGC 1743 centered 4.7' WNW.

 

LMC-N90, a compact HII region 3.7' SE, appeared as a small but moderately high surface brightness hazy knot, ~20" diameter.  This object is categorized as a Low Excitation Blob (LEB) with a [O III]/H-beta ratio = 0.65.

 

S-L 114, located 7' ESE, was resolved at 397x into 4 stars in a knot including a 12th mag star, surrounding by unresolved haze.  A mag 11.5 star is 0.9' SSE.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright cluster, relatively large, round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration with no nucleus or resolution.  Located ~5' SE of the NGC 1743 HII complex (LMC-N83) and stellar association LH 5, which includes NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and 1748.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1756 = h2707 on on 11 Nov 1836  and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1757

05 02 36 -04 43; Eri

 

= Not found, Corwin and Dreyer.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1757 = h343 on 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 235) and described a "very large space affected with nebulous streams in zigzags up and down.  (N.B.  Such observations require several verifications.  The opportunity has not occurred in this case.)".  This object was searched for unsuccessfully at Birr Castle on 7 attempts between 1848-1858.  Tempel failed twice, as did Spitaler, and Karl Reinmuth was unsuccessful identifying it on Heidelberg plates.  Harold Corwin concludes it is nonexistent (see his notes for more).

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NGC 1758 = OCL-453 = Lund 150

05 04 33 +23 48 54; Tau

Size 10'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): about two dozen stars visible at 100x.  Moderately large, roundish group comprising one of the subgroups of NGC 1746 on the east side.  Located between two mag 8 stars (oriented N-S) and a mag 7 star (HD 32575) is close east.  Includes five mag 13 stars at the east side.  The larger NGC 1750 group is close SW also within NGC 1746.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1758 = H VII-21, along with NGC 1750, on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 493) and described "a cluster of pretty compressed stars with many extremely small stars mixed with them."  Auwers' re-reduced position places H VII-21 at 05 04 24 +23 48, matching this 10' group of stars.

 

A 1992 article "Probable open clusters NGC 1750 and NGC 1758 behind the Taurus dark clouds" (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1992BaltA...1..125S0) concludes that NGC 1758 and NGC 1750 may be true open clusters are different distances and a 1999 article (http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A1002118814371?LI=true) arrives at the same conclusion.  Another 1998 article "The Overlapping Clusters NGC 1750 and NGC 1758" in A&AS, 333, 471 concluded there was at least 1 cluster in the area (but could not conclude it was a double cluster) and that NGC 1746 was not a cluster.  Finally, in a Feb 2005 S&T article, James Kaler states that "N1750 and N1758 are probably two different clusters separated along our line of sight by 500 light years, but they appear to fall almost directly atop each other"

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NGC 1759 = ESO 305-001 = MCG -06-12-001 = PGC 16547

05 00 49.0 -38 40 27; Cae

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

18" (1/17/09): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Not seen initially (confused a close double star as nebulous) until I carefully checked the position.  This galaxy is the brightest member of AGC 3301 and the only one viewed at a very low elevation (9 degrees).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1759 = h2700 on 28 Nov 1837 and called "vF; pL vglbM; 90"."  His position is 2' S of ESO 305-001 = PGC 16547.

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NGC 1760 = LMC-N11F = ESO 085-19 = LH 9

04 56 36 -66 31 36; Dor

V = 11.5;  Size 2'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): appears as a 1.7' E-W string of a half-dozen stars over fairly bright nebulosity.  The emission haze is brightest just south of the string and extending to the west of the string a couple of arc minutes.  Irregular nebulosity also branches out to the south of the string for another 2' and involves a mag 12 star.  Another 2' string of N-S stars is on the west side of the haze.

 

NGC 1760 is at the SW end of a stunning complex (LHA 120-N11)  of clusters and nebulosity including NGC 1763 = Bean Nebula, a showpiece nebula and cluster centered 7' NE; NGC 1761, a larger cluster and nebulosity just 3' N; NGC 1769, a bright emission nebula 8' NE; along with NGC 1773, NGC 1776 and IC 2115.  Lucke and Hodge assign NGC 1760 and 1761 to the stellar association LH 9.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, elongated 1' strip of nebulosity just 3' S of NGC 1761. One or two involved stars were barely resolved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1760 = h2709 on 20 Dec 1835 and described "a very faint, small nebula, with three very small stars involved.  Place deduced not from a sweep but from a drawing carefully made of its configuration with the neighbouring nebula, especially of the cluster [NGC 1761]."  Steinicke attributes James Dunlop with the discovery (D 231), but I don't believe this group of stars is obvious enough to have been picked up with his 9" speculum reflector.

 

NGC 1760 was recorded in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the [48"] Great Melbourne Telescope". In November 1884, Baracchi wrote, "Very faint, small, roundish, three stars in it, 16th or 17th magnitude. Agrees exactly with H[erschel]. and T[urner]. No stars in the field. Three stars involved are not shown distinctly in the lithograph. They really appear as three distinct stars involved in very faint roundish nebula, whereas lithograph shows bright nebula with stars too diffused and uncertain."  His sketch identifies GC 979 as the elongated strip just south of NGC 1771 with 3 embedded stars, though Joseph Turner sketched the entire complex between 17 Apr and 21 Apr in 1879.  Turner's sketch shows the E-W string of stars but a round nebula to the SW, matching the position of LMC-N11I, is identified as NGC 1760.

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NGC 1761 = ESO 085-18 = S-L 122 = LH 9

04 56 38 -66 28 42; Dor

V = 9.9;  Size 4.2'x3.0'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large cluster sandwiched between the showpiece Bean Nebula (NGC 1763) to the north and NGC 1760 to the south.  The cluster contains roughly 80 stars mag 11 to 16 in a 3.5' irregularly shaped group over some background haze.  The stars are fairly even distributed except for a detached 1.3' group of 10-12 stars off the NW side.  Including this detached section, the overall size of this star cloud (association LH 9) is 5'x3.5'. ItÕs the central cluster in the N11 Superbubble.

 

On the northwest side of the main cluster is HD 32228 = Brey 9, a compact knot containing at least 16 early-type stars including a Wolf-Rayet star (type WC5 with dominant carbon emission) and an O9-type star.  Visually I noted Brey 9 as a close bright double star (h3716 = 11.7/12.4 at 5").

 

25" (4/4/19): at 244x; Brey 9 was a fairly bright compact knot on the northwest side of NGC 1761. It had a high surface brightness and ~5" diameter.  A faint star was attached at the edge forming a "double".

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this rich group of very faint stars is located just south of the south end of the HII region/cluster NGC 1763.  On the west side is a quasi-stellar mag 10 object and the cluster is elongated E-W, 2'x1'.  On the west side of the brighter star is another small group of faint stars and haze which may be a continuation of the cluster.

 

James Dunlop was probably the discoverer of NGC 1761 = D 231 on 6 Nov 1826, recording "a faint round nebula, 1' diameter."  His position is 15' too far south, a typical error.  This identification is reasonable, assuming D 230 applies to NGC 1763 (Bean Nebula), although Steinicke applies D 230 to NGC 1760, a much less obvious object.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1761= h2710 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded the "chief star 9th mag in a large loose cluster." He made 3 observations as well as including it on a sketch (Plate III, fig 3), along with NGC 1760, 1763 and 1769.  Joseph Turner sketched the entire complex as well in Apr 1879 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  NGC 1761 is shown as elongated E-W with a number of stars superimposed, particularly around the edges.

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NGC 1762 = UGC 3238 = MCG +00-13-067 = CGCG 394-073 = LGG 120-024 = PGC 16654

05 03 37.0 +01 34 25; Ori

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, oval ~N-S.  A mag 13 star is superimposed on the east side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1762 = H III-453 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and logged "vF, vS, 240 confirmed it."  Caroline Herschel made an error in reducing his offset in RA and his published position was 10 tmin of RA too far west.  Coincidentally, that placed it close to UGC 3198.  When John Herschel observed this galaxy, he equated his h335 with H. III-453.  JH sorted out the mistake when compiling the GC. The NGC dec was 3' too far north.

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NGC 1763 = LMC-N11B = ESO 085-20 = S-L 125 = LH 10 = Bean Nebula

04 56 45 -66 24 36; Dor

Size 5'x3'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): The Bean Nebula complex (LHA 120-N11) is the second largest stellar nursery in the LMC after the Tarantula Nebula.  The showpiece object is NGC 1763, which sits near the center of a stunning field of emission nebulae and clusters including NGC 1760 7' S, NGC 1761 3' S, NGC 1769 6.5' SE, NGC 1773 8' ENE and NGC 1776 11' E.  NGC 1763 is a very bright, very large irregular nebula, shaped like a kidney-bean or a fetus. The main body extends 5'x3', elongated SW-NE with a bulbous portion on the northeast side and an indentation (weaker nebulosity) on the south side.  Overall the surface brightness is very high, though uneven, and much fainter haze and filaments flow out from the Bean in most directions.  Within the main body, the nebula is brightest in a loop on the southwest side and secondly in a section on the northeast side.

 

LH 10, a large cluster or OB-association (youngest in the LMC-N11 complex) with roughly two dozen resolved stars is involved with the nebula.  LH 10 includes a number of 12-13 mag stars (several of which are massive O3-type stars), many in an elongated 1' group on the southwestern side.  The brightest mag 11.7 "star" (PGMW 3070) is actually an extremely compact cluster with 18 stars resolved by the HST.  A wide pair [17" separation] of mag 11.9 and 12.9 stars (O3-type HD 268721 and O8-type PGMW 3223) is ~1.5' ENE of the main stellar group; one of these may be IC 2115. At the northeast edge of the cluster is mag 11.3 HD 268726 (blue supergiant) and 45" further east is IC 2116, a high surface brightness HII knot of ~15" diameter.  Very faint haze at the NE side of NGC 1763 bulges towards IC 2116.  The surrounding field is rich in stars between the individual objects with some locally brighter patches of nebulosity.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this emission nebula and cluster is set in fascinating field of several clusters and HII regions including NGC 1761, 1769, and 1773.  The nebula is fairly bright, large, very elongated WSW-ENE, 4'x2'.  A few stars are superimposed on the nebulosity.  The roughly oval outline is irregular and the HII region appears brighter on the WSW side near a rich group of stars at the WSW tip.  A couple of mag 11 stars are close off the NE end.  IC 2115 and IC 2116 comprise the western and eastern portion of this object.  After viewing this group of objects, the LMC which was well past the meridian disappeared behind some low clouds.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1763 = D 230 on 6 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "very faint rather elliptical nebula, about 2' diameter.  This is the preceding largest of three nebulae forming a triangle".  Dunlop made two observations and his position is ~12' south of the "Bean Nebula", but his description seems to apply.

 

John Herschel made 5 observations of this nebula, describing it on one sweep as "a vB, vL neb with stars (the chief of which in the anterior part of the neb taken) of a crooked rounded oblong starpe.  A fine object.  See fig. 3. Plate III."  His excellent sketch includes NGC 1760, 1761, 1763 and 1769.  Joseph Turner also sketched the complex between 17 Apr and 21 Apr 1879 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  The gaseous nature of NGC 1763 was discovered by Annie Jump Cannon on spectrum plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station in 1897.

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NGC 1764 = ESO 056-030 = S-L 115

04 56 28 -67 41 36; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): relatively bright, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter.  At 200x, a few very tightly packed stars are resolved within the glow.  A mag 14.2 star is 0.6' S and a mag 12 star is 2.2' SW.  NGC 1786 lies 15' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1764 = h2713 on 2 Jan 1837 and described as "very faint, small, round, 15". The zone here is full of grouping and clustering stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1765 = ESO 119-024 = PGC 16444

04 58 24.3 -62 01 41; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 150”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, small bright core, moderate surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star is 3.9' SSE and a mag 12 star is 7.8' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1765 = h2712 on 26 Dec 1834 and described as "vF; S; R; glbM; 15"."  His position, measured on two sweeps, is accurate. In 1926, Willem van den Bos called it a "Nebula with bright centre, elongated Nf and Sp.  11 mag." (26" refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 1766 = ESO 056-029 = S-L 113

04 55 58 -70 13 30; Men

V = 12.2;  Size 0.7'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright LMC cluster, ~35" diameter.  Two mag 14 stars are resolved, as well as 3-5 mag 15+ stars over haze.  Located 2.7' ENE of mag 10 HD 268824 and 4.7' NNE of mag 9.5 HD 32229.  NGC 1754 lies 15' SW and NGC 1775 is 13' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1766 = h2717 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 25 arcsec."  On a second sweep he called it "vF, R, 30 arcsec. Taken at leaving the field, which, in so faint an object, is a source of uncertainty in R.A."  His position, though, is fairly accurate.

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NGC 1767 = LMC-N94A? = ESO 056-31 = S-L 120

04 56 27.3 -69 24 08; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 1'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 218x, this compact LMC cluster appeared bright, small, round, ~25" diameter, very small bright core, overall high surface brightness.  The cluster forms the western vertex of a triangle with NGC 1782 7.4' E and NGC 1772 9.5' SSE.  Just 2' N, I noticed a very faint and small, round cluster, ~15" diameter (verified as Shapley-Lindsay 123).  These clusters are part of LH 8, a large OB-association of stars.  Emission nebula LMC-N94A is off the west side and N94B is close south, though no nebulosity was noticed unfiltered.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1767 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded as#123 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  Dreyer added the cluster to the GC Supplement as GC 5062.

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NGC 1768 = ESO 056-032 = S-L 127

04 57 02.7 -68 14 54; Dor

V = 12.8;  Size 0.7'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this LMC cluster appeared fairly faint, small, 0.7' diameter.  It seemed to consist of a chain of faint knots of stars.  Located 10' ESE of NGC 1755.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1768 = h2718 on 30 Dec 1836 and described as "F; R; gbM; 20"."  His position is just off the southwest side of this cluster.

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NGC 1769 = LMC-N11C = ESO 085-23 = LH 13

04 57 45 -66 27 48; Dor

Size 2'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large oval nebula oriented SW-NE, roughly 3'x2'.  At the center is a mag 11.5 "star" (Sk -66 41), with three mag 14-14.5 companions - the closest is 15" SE (Wo 599, an O3-class star).  A small, bright knot (~10" diameter) is embedded on the south side of the nebula, just 0.9' S of the central star.  NGC 1769 is roughly centered within the stunning NGC 1763 (Bean Nebula) complex with showpiece NGC 1763 just 6.5' NW, NGC 1761 6' WSW, NGC 1776 6' NE, NGC 1760 8' SW and NGC 1773 7' NNE.

 

Sk -66 41 was once thought to be one of the most single massive and luminous stars in the LMC but it was resolved into a very compact cluster with ~15 components.  The star 15" southeast (Wo 599 = O3-class) may be the ionizing source of the nebula.  The 10" knot on the south side (identified as HNT 1 in SIMBAD) has also been resolved into a compact cluster of ~70 stars mag 17 and fainter.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright HII region in a fascinating group with several clusters and nebulae.  Appears fairly large, round, 2' diameter with a single mag 11 at the center.  Situated  6' SE of the cluster/HII region NGC 1763 and a similar distance NNE of NGC 1760.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1769 = D 232 on 6 Nov 1826 and reported "a faint round nebula, about 1 1/2' in diameter."  His position is 11' SSW of the LMC nebula, but roughly matching the positional offset he made with NGC 1763.

 

John Herschel discovered the nebula on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded for h2716, "B, irregularly R; 2'; has a 10th mag star in centre." The next observation reads: "vB; vsmbM to a 10th mag star which is double or triple. Other clusters and nebulae in field." JH made a total of five observations of this nebula.

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NGC 1770 = LMC-N91 = ESO 056-35 = S-L 130 = IC 2117 = LH 12

04 57 17.0 -68 24 39; Dor

Size 3'x2'

 

25" (4/4/19 - OzSky): at 244x; very impressive, bright nebulous cluster 5' in diameter.  Unfiltered includes over two dozen stars from mag 11-14 with a few pairs.  Most of the stars are on the north and west side and include an 11th mag star (HD 268804) near the center and another mag 11 star on the west side.  The western component of a 9" pair of mag 12.6/13.2 stars on the north side is a Wolf-Rayet star Brey 10 (HD 32402).  Two very bright emission knots with a total size of 2' are on the south side; the southernmost knot is IC 2117.

 

The entire field displayed a very strong response to a NPB filter with the nebulosity irregular and patchy and the two main nebulous patches on south side intensely bright.  With careful viewing Brey 10 was surrounded by a very thin, dim arc (Wolf-Rayet bubble) of perhaps 150”, extending NW to SE of Brey 10 (opening to the NE) with a diameter of 1.5'. The SW edge of the arc was just north of (HD 268804.  The arc was subtle and visible only intermittently.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC object is an interesting mix of a star cluster (OB-association LH 12) and an associated emission nebula (LMC-N91A = IC 2117), with the nebulosity mostly on the south side.  A mag 10 star is near the center, along with a number of mag 11-12 and fainter stars.  The stars are mostly on the north side of the nebulosity with several in small clumps.

 

S-L 105, located 13' SW of NGC 1770, was observed using a 25" on 17 Oct 2017.  It appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Contains a relatively large bright core but there was no resolution.  An additional 6' SSW is N86, a verified LMC supernova remnant.  It was picked up unfiltered as a large, low surface brightness hazy region, just south of a mag 11.8 star.  A couple of 14th mag stars appear involved with the haze.  There was a weak contrast gain adding a NPB filter, with the most evident section ~1' diameter [centered 1.2' S of the mag 11.8 star] and slightly brighter on the east side.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1770 = D 169 = h2715 with his 9" reflector and described a "pretty bright pretty large nebula, of an irregular round figure, 5' diameter; a little brighter in the middle."  He made 2 observations and his position is accurate.  John Herschel attributed the discovery to Dunlop and described the object on 23 Nov 1834 as a "cluster of 6th class; pretty rich, large, irregular figure, brighter in the middle; stars of 11..18th mag; fine object."  On a second sweep he wrote "A star of 9th mag, the chief of a cluster of 6th class, 4' diameter; nebulous. The most condensed part is 1' south of the stars."

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NGC 1771 = ESO 085-027 = PGC 16472

04 58 55.7 -63 17 54; Dor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 136”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.3', low surface brightness, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Two mag 12 stars are 1.7' SW and 3' SW.  Located 6' SE of mag 8.2 HD 32363 and 4' SE of a mag 10.7 star (the two stars are nearly collinear with the major axis of the galaxy).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1771 = h2720 on 25 Dec 1837 and recorded "vF, mE, glbM, 25" long, in field with many B and 1 vB * 7' m np the neb."  His CGH position is accurate, but he made an error precessing the coordinates to 1860 for the GC, where the position is 10' too far south.  This was copied by Dreyer into the NGC.   Viewing through the 26" refractor at the Union Observatory, Robert Innes described it in 1926 as "Exactly like the last (ESO 85-14), slightly brighter; elongated 130”-310”; about 2'; stars seem to be involved."  Eric Lindsay noted in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), "A galaxy at the same RA but 9' south, which seems to be this object."

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NGC 1772 = ESO 056-33 = S-L 128

04 56 54.1 -69 33 24; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 1.5'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x35".  Sharply concentrated with a bright, 15" core. Three faint stars are resolved on the south side of the cluster and one on the north side.  Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with LMC clusters NGC 1767 9.5' NNW and NGC 1782 11' NNE, which are part of stellar association LH 8.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1772 = h2722 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, S, R, 40", resolvable, preceded by a hook of stars 12th mag."  On a second sweep he recorded "an irregularly round, compact cluster, bM, 40" diameter."  Finally on a third observation he logged "pF, R, resolvable, among numberless stars."  Robert Innes, observing with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in 1926, described a "cluster of stars, 12 to 15 mag, irregular shape, 90" across."

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NGC 1773 = LMC-N11E = ESO 085-25 = LH 14

04 58 11 -66 21 36; Dor

Size 2.7'x2.1'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran): NGC 1773 is located at the northeast end of the Bean Nebula complex with NGC 1763 centered 9' SW, NGC 1769 7' SSW and NGC 1776 5' SSE.  At 264x it appeared as a fairly large, bright glow, oval 3:2 ~N-S, ~2.2'x1.5'.  Two brighter mag 12/13 stars (17" separation oriented SW-NE) are involved, slightly southwest of the geometric center.  On close inspection the northeastern component (mag 13 0-type supergiant SK -66”43) resolved into a very close double. In additional a couple of fainter mag 15/15.5 stars are superimposed on the north side of the glow. The nebulosity (LMC-N11E) is slightly irregular in surface brightness and brighter along the rim, particularly on the southwest side.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this HII region is the furthest NE in a group of HII regions and clusters.  Appears fairly faint, fairly small, 1'-1.5' diameter with a couple of stars or a knot near the center.  Located 9' ENE of NGC 1763 and a similar distance NNE of NGC 1769.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1773 = h2721 on 3 Jan 1837 and described as "pF, pL, irregularly R with two or three bright stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1774 = ESO 085-026 = S-L 141

04 58 07 -67 14 36; Dor

V = 10.8;  Size 1.8'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): very bright, moderately large, roundish, ~45" diameter.  Appears as a clumpy string of stars ~E-W, surrounding by unresolved haze.  A couple of faint stars are resolved on either end of the string and a few very compact knots and stars "pop" in the main glow.  The cluster appears on the verge of more extensive resolution though would require very high power due to its compactness.  In a fairly poor star field with a mag 10.2 star 4.1' NW.  NGC 1747 is 17' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1774  = h2723 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "B, R or oblong, pretty evidently a double star with a nebula about it."  On a second sweep he called it "pF, R, pgbM" and on his last sweep "vB, S, R, smbM, 20" (evidently better seen.)".

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NGC 1775 = ESO 056-034 = S-L 129

04 56 53 -70 25 48; Men

V = 12.6;  Size 0.7'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, elongated ~E-W, 35" diameter, mottled.  A couple of mag 16-16.5 stars occasionally resolve around the edges.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' NW.  The unresolved background glow of the LMC is remarkable just to the east.  NGC 1754 lies 13' W and NGC 1766 is 13' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1775 = h2725 on 12 Nov 1836 and logged "vvF, irreg R; 2'."  His position is just off the east side of this 1' cluster.

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NGC 1776 = ESO 085-028 = S-L 145

04 58 40 -66 25 48; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): located on the east side of the NGC 1763 (Bean Nebula) complex, this cluster is moderately bright, fairly small, well concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a 50" halo.  A couple of extremely faint stars are just visible in the halo.  Located 5' SE of emission nebula NGC 1773, 6' ENE of emission nebula NGC 1769 and 2.7' NE of a mag 10.8 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1776 = h2724 on 3 Jan 1837 and described "vF; S; R; gbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1777 = ESO 033-001 = S-L 121

04 55 48 -74 17 06; Men

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, fairly small, irregular shape, 45" diameter.  Two mag 11.2/11.5 stars = HJ 3722 at 31" separation are superimposed on the east side of the glow!  Only a couple of mag 16 stars pop around the edges of the mottled glow.  Mag 12.5 and 13 stars lies 2.2' SE and 1.7' NW and a brighter mag 10.6 star is 3.6' N.  Located 38' N of mag 5.5 Eta Mensae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1777 = h2728 on 11 Nov 1836 and reported "eF, E, attached to and following a double star [of 9th magnitude]."  His CGH position is exactly 1 min of RA west of this cluster, but the identification is certain.  The wide double star, though, is east and southeast of the core and this error was corrected by JH in the GC.

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NGC 1778 = Cr 58 = OCL-429 = Lund 152

05 08 06 +37 01 24; Aur

V = 7.7;  Size 7'

 

17.5" (2/1/92): about 50 stars mag 10-15 in a 15' field.  Most stars are arranged in two rows oriented NW-SE with a dark lane between.  Fairly scattered overall, includes several double stars.  There is a nice double star 10/10 at 15" with two mag 13 stars near and 4' SE is a close striking double star h3266 = 9.9/11.1 at 8".  A fairly rich clump is at the SE end of cluster.

 

8": 20 stars mag 10 and fainter in a 6' field, small, elongated NW-SE, nice double star 10/10.  Includes a string of mag 10-11 star to the north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1778 = H VIII-61 = h344 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 693) and noted "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars, irr F, not rich, like a forming one."  His position is off the SW side of the cluster.  On 3 Feb 1832 (sweep 399), John Herschel described "a double star in a pretty close cluster of 20 or 30 stars."  His position was 20' too far north, but he corrected the NPD in a short errata list at the end of his Slough catalogue and the GC has the correct position.

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NGC 1779 = MCG -02-13-041 = PGC 16713

05 05 18.0 -09 08 50; Eri

V = 12.1;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

24" (12/20/17): moderately bright, slightly elongated, ~40"x30" NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases right down to a stellar nucleus.   A very low surface brightness halo increasing the diameter to ~1.25' was difficult.  IC 402 lies 14' ENE.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, fairly small.  Contains a small, well-defined, fairly bright oval core that's elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very faint oval halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1779 = H III-500 = h345 = h2714 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and called it "cF, S, irr F, bM.". John Herschel observed this galaxy both from Slough and in South Africa.  His CGH observation reads "pB, R, gbM, it is visible in strong moonlight and is much brighter than II.522 [NGC 1636] or III.399 [NGC 4163]."

 

Joseph Turner made sketches on 19 Dec. 1876 and 6 Dec 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 25) at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_25.php). In 1882 he noted, "The nebula becomes gradually brighter towards the middle, not suddenly as shown in the lithograph."

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NGC 1780 = ESO 553-001 = MCG -03-13-070 = PGC 16743

05 06 20.7 -19 28 00; Lep

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 84”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' NNE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1780 = LM 1-145 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.6 min of RA west and 1' north of ESO 553-001.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1781 = NGC 1794 = ESO 553-007 = MCG -03-14-002 = PGC 16788

05 07 55.0 -18 11 24; Lep

 

See observing notes for NGC 1794.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1781 = H III-268 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar, 240 verified it beyond doubt."  There was a confusion in the reference star on the sweep and Auwers' position (used by JH in the GC and Dreyer in the NGC) is 3.0 min of RA too far west.  Caroline Herschel's reduced position matches ESO 553-007 = PGC 16788. 

 

Ormond Stone independently discovered this galaxy 100 years later on 11 Dec 1885, recording it in LM 1-146, but his rough position (nearest min of RA) was 1 min too far west.  His sketch (examined by Corwin) clearly establishes the equivalence.  Dreyer assumed it was new and it received the designation NGC 1794.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, was unable to find NGC 1781 on two nights, though measured NGC 1794.  He noted the similar descriptions and difference in RA, and concluded NGC 1781 = NGC 1794.  Dreyer repeats this in the IC 2 Notes.  In this case, NGC 1781 should takes historical precedence.  RNGC misidentifies MCG -03-13-071 = PGC 16748 as NGC 1781.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1782 = ESO 056-36 = S-L 140

04 57 51.5 -69 23 38; Dor

V = 10.5;  Size 1.2'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): viewed at 228x, this bright LMC cluster was fairly small, round, 40" diameter, strongly concentrated with a bright 15" core.  Several faint stars huddle very near or are resolved around the edges.  NGC 1782 forms the NE vertex of a triangle with two other LMC clusters - NGC 1767 7.4' W and NGC 1772 11' SSE.  Located on the east side of stellar association LH 8, which contains these clusters.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1782 = h2727 on 16 Dec 1835 and described "B, R, pmbM, 35", resolvable." His position is accurate.

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NGC 1783 = ESO 085-029 = S-L 148

04 59 08.7 -65 59 18; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 3'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x; Intensely bright LMC cluster!  Very large, roundish, 2.5'-3' diameter, highly concentrationed with a large, brilliant core that gradually increases towards the center.  At 429x; very granular or mottled appearance.  A number of extremely faint stars and/or clumps of stars (too many to count) popped in and out of visibility.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly large, round, 2.0' diameter, fairly smooth surface brightness.  Appears to be a globular cluster as it is well-detached in the field with a fairly crisply defined edge, increasing to a brighter 1' core.  NGC 1805 lies 20' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1783 = h2726 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "pB, L, R, gbM, 2'." On a second sweep he called it "B, L, R, vgpmbM, resolvable 3'."

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NGC 1784 = MCG -02-13-042 = PGC 16716

05 05 27.0 -11 52 18; Lep

V = 11.7;  Size 4.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~E-W, bright core.  Situated in a group of brighter stars including a mag 11.5 star 3.0' E and a mag 12.5 star 1.3' N of center.  Located 14' SE of mag 7.5 SAO 150123.

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, moderately large, diffuse.  A mag 7 star is in the field to the NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1784 = h2719 on 11 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB, pL, irregularly round, or vlE, vgbM, 80", among pB stars." His position is accurate.  Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" GMT on 6 Dec 1877, sketched it as very elongated E-W (p. 156 in logbook) and Ralph Copeland, observing with 72" on 19 Dec 1873 called it "pB, L, irr E.  The brighter part is much elongated 90”."  The elongated part is the central bar.

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NGC 1785 = ESO 056-038

04 58 45.4 -68 49 24; Dor

Size 3.5'

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): asterism of 8 stars superimposed on the LMC.  It includes two mag 11/11.7 stars at the northeast end and a roughly 9" pair of mag 12/12.5 stars at the southwest end.  BSDL 375, a very faint nebulous patch, was noticed 2' following the two stars at the northeast end of NGC 1785.  One or two mag 15 stars were resolved on the south side of the glow.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1785 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and included it as #147 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  No description was given but his position is 04 58 33 -68 51.3 (J2000).  ESO lists two possible candidates:  ESO 56-**38 at 04 58 45 -68 49.4 (2000) with comments "Chain of 5 to 10 sts; not in LMC" and S-L 150 = ESO 56-SC40 at 04 58 57 -69 13 04, which is LMC cluster.

 

In "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L] Eric Lindsay states, "Not found. A few bright widely scattered stars NE but no cluster or nebula. There is a bright cluster, S/L 116, 2m W 3' N and a conspicuous one, S/L 117, 2m W and 7' S, neither in the NGC. The object is in the Nub. Cat. only classified as a nebula."  RNGC follows Lindsay and classifies this number as nonexistent.

 

Based on JH's position and his LMC sketch, Corwin identified NGC 1785 with asterism of about 5 stars superposed on the LMC (ESO 56-**38).  This is the first of the ESO candidates.

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NGC 1786 = ESO 056-039 = S-L 149

04 59 08 -67 44 42; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 1.2'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): exceptionally bright, relatively large, round, 45" diameter, extremely high surface bright core.  A mag 11-12 star is superimposed just northwest of the core!  KMHK 412 was picked up as a very faint glow 6.5' SE and just north of two mag 13 stars.  NGC 1786 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1786 = h2729 on 26 Nov 1834 and logged "vB, E, S. Stellar, like a star 9th mag blurred."  On the second of 3 sweeps it was called "vB, R, vsmbM, 30"."

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NGC 1787 = ESO 085-031 = LH 15

05 00 07 -65 45 48; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 23'

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): large cloud of stars (association LH 15), 15'-20' in size, over an extensive haze of unresolved stars.  40 to 50 mag 11-13 stars were visible at 105x within the cluster.  NGC 1783 is located 15' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1787 = h2731 in the LMC on 25 Dec 1837.  His single observation placed this cluster at 05 00 17.3 -65 50 33 (2000) and his description "p Rich cl of S stars which fills field" appears to describe the entire 20'-25' stellar association HW 15, which includes NGC 1783 and SL 178.

 

The RNGC and NGC 2000.0 position 04 59.1 -65 44 (2000) from Lucke and Hodge's "A Catalogue of Stellar Associations in the Large Magellanic Cloud", AJ, 75, 171-175, corresponds with the northwest portion of the association.  The Hodge-Wright Atlas identifies NGC 1787 = S-L 178 at 05 01 44 -65 49.4, on the east side of the association, and ESO and Morel's Visual Atlas of the LMC follows this misidentification.  Shapley & Lindsay did not equate S-L 178 with NGC 1787.

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NGC 1788 = LBN 916 = Ced 40 = Bernes 98

05 06 53.2 -03 20 27; Ori

Size 8'x5'

 

18" (1/1/08): very interesting, bright reflection nebula at 175x.  Two brighter stars are involved in the brightest portion of the nebula with a mag 10 star (very unequal double) at the NW end.  An oval glow extends ~4'x2.5' to the SE and contains a bright "knot" that surrounds a mag 11.5 star on the SE side.  Two fainter stars are embedded within the glow and form a rhombus with the brighter stars at opposite ends.  The SW edge of the main body has a sharper edge (due to dust).  Surrounding this region are faint extensions that significantly increase the total size to ~8x6'.  Towards the SE, dim haze can be seen as far as a 2' pair of mag 12.5 stars.  Broad, wispy extensions appears to feather off to the NE for ~6' with additional faint haze to the south. The entire complex is bounded by several mag 8-9 stars forming a striking star field.

 

17.5" (2/9/02): at 144x this is a bright reflection nebula involving two mag 10 and 11.5 stars.  The nebulosity is irregularly bright in a 4'x3' region elongated NW-SE and locally very bright in a knot surrounding the mag 11.5 star near the SE end.  Enhanced by a Deep Sky filter at low power.  The brighter mag 10 star ~2' NW has a faint companion and is also encased in the glow as well as a couple of other fainter stars.  A faint extension fans out to the NE from the mag 11 star and some haze is suspected to the south, increasing the size to  ~7' and involving a few additional stars.  NGC 1788 is located within a bright trapezoid consisting of three mag 8.5-9 stars and a mag 10 star (sides of 9'-13')

 

17.5" (12/23/89): bright, fairly large, locally very bright surrounding a mag 12 star on the south end.  This star appears slightly nonstellar as difficult to separate from bright haze.  Extends NW to include a mag 10 star and three other faint stars are involved in the brightest portion.  Very faint nebulosity also extends to north and further east.

 

8" (12/6/80): moderately bright reflection nebula, large, brightest in center, two stars involved, extends to east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1788 = H V-32 = h347 = Sw. II-30 = Sw. VII-9 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518). His description reads, "cB, vL, milky, diffused and vanishing, very near and sf a bright star, the milkiness diffused and vanishing."  On 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) he recorded "vL, milky; seems to have some untied stars towards the southern part of it; some other stars are in it, but plainly unconnected. 3 or 4' dia.  vF except about the united stars."  Joihn Herschel wrote on 11 Feb 1830 (sweep 233), "A *10m with a neb south-following; pos 138 from *; the centre of the neb is like a misty *12 or 13m, or perhaps 2 or 3 st 15m; a small * to the south of neb makes an isosceles triangle.  Place that of the *10m."  This reflection nebula was observed 21 times at Birr Castle beginning in 1849 (the 1880 publication lists 10 of these).

 

Lewis Swift found this reflection nebula on 24 Nov 1884 and apparently felt that nebulosity surrounding the 10th mag star on the west side was distinct from Herschel's nebulosity, reporting it as a "nova" in his 2nd discovery list (#30) and his 7th list (#9).

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NGC 1789 = ESO 056-037 = S-L 144

04 57 51 -71 54 06; Men

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~45" diameter.  A couple of mag 15.5 stars are resolved, one near the west end and another on the northeast side.  Situated on the southwest end of the LMC, with no other significant LMC clusters in the immediate vicinity, though S-L 111 lies 30' NNW.  The description below of S-L 111 was made on 10/17/17 using a 25" f/5.

 

At 244x; easily identified as a partially resolved large cluster, elongated E-W and at least 2' diameter.  A mag 11.2 star is off the south side.  At 397x; a total of ~15 stars were resolved, mostly in the mag 15+ range.  The cluster is situated 6.8' S of mag 9.4 HD 268873.  Another 11' NW of S-L 111 is S-L 95, which appeared fairly faint, round, 30" diameter, bright core, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1789 = h2733 on 15 Dec 1835 and called it "vF, R, vglbM, 40"."  His position is about 40" too far north.

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NGC 1790

05 11 13.3 +52 03 54; Aur

 

18" (2/19/09): scattered, unimpressive group of 15 stars mag 11.5 and brighter in an elongated 15'x8' region.  The main body of stars is extended ~E-W.  A small group of stars is detached off the NW side, including a mag 10 star and an easy 14" pair.  At the east end is a small clump of 4 stars (one very faint) just following mag 9.3 HD 33247, the brightest member.  There are no rich regions and the group does not appear to be a cluster visually.  Classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1790 = h346 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and described "A group of 8 or 9 stars 10m, nearly in parallelogram.  A pretty object."  His position corresponds with mag 9 SAO 25060 at 05 11 13.3 +52 03 54 (2000).   This appears to be an asterism on the DSS and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent.

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NGC 1791 = LMC-N186 = ESO 056-041 = S-L 155

04 59 07 -70 10 06; Men

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright cluster, irregular, ~1' diameter, several mag 14-15 stars are resolved in the core and one on the northwest end.  The cluster is situated in the center of an equilateral triangle consisting of mag 8.7 HD 32571 5' WNW, mag 10 HD 268923 5' NE and S-L 158 5.4' S.  HD 32763, a mag 11.5 red supergiant (binary), is 2' SE.

 

S-L 158 appeared as a bright, compact knot (cluster), round, 20" diameter, with a surprisingly high surface brightness.  LMC-N186, an incomplete, faint annulus of nebulosity (Superbubble) passes through NGC 1791, but I didn't examine the region with a filter to look for nebulous haze.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1791 = h2734 on 16 Dec 1835 and recorded "eF, R; 25"."  His single position is very accurate.

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NGC 1792 = ESO 305-006 = MCG -06-12-004 = LGG 127-001 = PGC 16709

05 05 14.0 -37 58 47; Col

V = 10.2;  Size 5.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 137”

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x appears as a bright, large oval ~2:1 NW-SE, 3.2'x1.6'.  Broad concentration to a large bright core and then sharply concentrated with a bright, 15" nucleus.  The surface brightness is irregular with a mottled texture.  A faint star is just preceding the northwest tip.  At 166x the galaxy appears brighter along the major axis with some areas of lower surface brightness giving a hint of spiral structure!  A mag 14 star is at the preceding edge [1.2' from center].  Brightest in a group (LGG 127) along with NGC 1808 40' NE.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3'x1.5', pretty diffuse.  Two faint mag 14.5 stars are superimposed.  Appears brighter along the western side.

 

8" (1/1/84): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated.

 

8" (11/28/81): fairly faint, round, moderately large, diffuse.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1792 = D 531 = h2730 on 4 Oct 1826 and described "a long or rather elliptical nebula, about 2' long and 50" broad, a little brighter in the middle, and well defined. There is a group of small stars on the north side."  JH lists 3 observations in the Cape Catalogue: on his first sweep on 24 Dec 1835 he logged "vB, vL, vmE, gbM, 4' long. Taken as Dunlop 531 but too late for transit, the observation having been missed by relying on Mr Dunlop's place."  Then 2 nights later he revisited this galaxy and noted  "vB, vL, mE, glbM, 5' long, 2' broad, pos 314”, stars seen in it. Visible with moonlight and lamp illumination".  Finally on a third sweep he noted "B, vL, mE, regular elliptic; resolved. I see several small stars in it."

 

This starburst spiral has a mean distance of  ~42 million light years and spans 70,000 l.y. across.  We view it inclined ~28” from edge-on.

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NGC 1793 = ESO 056-043 = S-L 163

04 59 38 -69 33 30; Dor

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this LMC open cluster appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35" diameter with an even surface brightness and no sign of resolution.  A triangle of mag 11 stars is preceding in the field.  Forms a pair with NGC 1801 6' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1793 = h2736 on 24 Nov 1834 and described as "pB, R, bM, 1'."  On a second sweep he logged "vF, S, R, glbM, 30", insulated."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster, along with NGC 1801, on 2 Jan 1886 with the Melbourne telescope.  His diagram shows the cluster elongated NW to SE, which matches the DSS image.

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NGC 1794 = NGC 1781 = ESO 553-007 = MCG -03-14-002 = PGC 16788

05 07 55.0 -18 11 24; Lep

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' SSE of center.  Located 10' SW of mag 8.0 SAO 150172.  Identified as NGC 1781 on the U2000.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 1794 = LM 1-146 on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Stone's rough position is 1 min of RA west of ESO 553-007 = MCG -03-14-002.  At the end of the second discovery list there is a note that LM 1-146 = GC 998 = NGC 1781.  This galaxy was discovered 100 years earlier by WH (III-268) but Herschel's RA was 3.0 tmin too far west (corrected by Caroline Herschel).  ESO 553-007 is labeled NGC 1781 in the Uranometria 2000 Atlas but as NGC 1794 in MCG and RC3.  By historical precedence, the primary designation should be NGC 1781.

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NGC 1795 = ESO 056-044 = S-L 165

04 59 47 -69 48 06; Dor

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright cluster, relatively large, 0.9' diameter, fairly smooth glow with no resolution.  Located 2.9' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.  This star forms the northern vertex of a distinctive isosceles triangle (legs 3.5' and base 1.4') with two mag 10.2 and 11 stars to its south.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1795 = D 81 = h2738 on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a faint nebula, 35" diameter, a small star preceding".  Dunlop's position is just 2' N of this LMC cluster. JH made a single observation on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "F, pL, lE, 2'."

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NGC 1796 = ESO 119-030 = PGC 16617

05 02 43.0 -61 08 22; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 102”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.45', broad concentration, brighter core.  A mag 10/11.5 pair at 9" lies 10' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1796 = h2735 on 26 Dec 1834 and called it "F, pmE, gbM, 7" long, 25" broad."  His position (2 observations) and description matches.

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NGC 1797 = MCG -01-14-002 = Mrk 1093 = PGC 16781

05 07 44.9 -08 01 07; Eri

V = 14.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round, very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is just 48" NW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1799 3' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1797 = Sw. VI-23 (along with NGC 1799 = Sw. VI-24) on 13 Feb 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1798 = Be 16 = OCL-410

05 11 40 +47 40 37; Aur

Size 5'

 

18" (11/18/06): at 115x I was surprised to find a fairly rich group of perhaps 20 stars peppered over a 5' region of extensive haze.  The low power Milky Way field is rich in bright and faint stars with glowing regions of unresolved stars.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1798 in Nov 1885 with the 6-inch Cooke Refractor at Vanderbilt University. In Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5 (page 25) he described a "small hazy spot, with high power (120) seems to be some faint stars mixed up with nebulosity, a small star involved f[ollowing].  It is followed some little distance by a 9th magnitude star."  His position corresponds with a 5' group of stars, also catalogued as Berkeley 16.  The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent.

 

This cluster is located in the direction of the anti-galactic center at a distance of 4.2 kpc and an estimated age of 1.4 billion years.

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NGC 1799 = MCG -01-14-001 = PGC 16783

05 07 44.5 -07 58 08; Eri

V = 14.3;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): faint, small, round, bright core.  This galaxy is the brighter of two with NGC 1797 3' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1799 = Sw. VI-24 (along with NGC 1797 = Sw. VI-23) on 13 Feb 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His position is 8 tsec east of MCG -01-14-001 = PGC 16783.

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NGC 1800 = ESO 422-030 = MCG -05-13-005 = PGC 16745

05 06 25.5 -31 57 16; Col

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 113”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 1.3' from center.  Brightest in a small group (LGG 108), along with UGCA 103 and UGC 106.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1800 = h2732 on 19 Nov 1835 and described it as "pB, pmE, gpmbM, has a star 13th mag following."  His position and description is accurate.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 2 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  His sketch indicates a 13th magnitude "star" at the NW tip.  At this position is a relatively large bright HII knot.

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NGC 1801 = ESO 056-045 = S-L 170

05 00 35.3 -69 36 48; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, round, 1' diameter with a fairly even surface brightness and no core.  Located 8' SW mag 8 HD 33031.  Forms a pair with NGC 1793 6' NW.  NGC 1809, a galaxy that shines through the LMC, lies 8' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1801 = h2739 on 24 Nov 1834 and reported "B, L, R, vgbM, 2.5'."  On 3 subsequent sweeps he variously described the size as 90", 45" and 40".  Robert Innes and Willem van den Bos, observing with the 26-inch refactor of the Union Observatory in 1926, called this object a "globular cluster, 13 mag and fainter stars, 90" diameter, bM."

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NGC 1802

05 10 13 +24 08 24; Tau

Size 25'

 

18" (11/18/06): at 115x this Milky Way field appears as a bright, large, scattered group including a couple of dozen mag 10-11 stars.  Most distinctive is a fairly rich 5' string of mag 10 to 13 stars oriented N-S.  The rest of the group is scattered and extends east and southeast ~10' in size.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1802 = H VIII-41 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 485) and recorded "a coarse cluster of star or projecting point of the milky way."  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "many st, v sc, no distinct cl."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent but WEBDA has a listing for NGC 1802.

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NGC 1803 = ESO 203-018 = PGC 16715

05 05 26.5 -49 34 04; Pic

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 62”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 30"x24", fairly high surface brightness.  NGC 1803 is situated 4.7' ENE of mag 5.0 Eta-2 Pictoris and the bright glare of the star hampered the observation.

 

Forms a close pair with ESO 203-019 2.2' SE.  The companion appeared as a slightly soft mag 13 "star", as only the nucleus of the galaxy was seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1803 = h2737 on 28 Dec 1834 and described "F, S, R, vglbM; query whether a star 11..12th mag near it S.f. be not also nebulous."  Herschel's object south-following is likely ESO 203-019, located 2.2' southeast, which did not receive a NGC designation (Steinicke concurs).

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NGC 1804 = ESO 056-046 = S-L 172

05 01 03 -69 05 00; Dor

V = 11.9;  Size 0.9'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very small bright knot, ~25"-30" diameter, with four or more mag 12-14.5 stars resolved including three on a NW to SE line.  Tightly packed into a very high surface brightness glow. S-L 180 lies 4' NE and appeared as a fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.5' diameter, soft glow with no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1804 = h2742 on 3 Nov 1834 and described "F (?), R, bM (Thick haze in sky)".  On a second sweep his description reads "F, S, R, 30".  Shapley and Lindsay (1963) give a diameter of 25'' and remark "few stars, partly condensed."

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NGC 1805 = ESO 085-32 = S-L 186

05 02 21.2 -66 06 41; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 2.2'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, fairly small, brilliant core, 30" diameter.  A mag 13 star is situated just off the NW side, 25" from center.  The core is oddly displaced off-center in the direction of this star.  A few faint stars are resolved in the halo and a mag 13.5 star is at the south edge.  NGC 1783 lies 20' WNW and NGC 1822 is 18' ESE (all three collinear).

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, small, 25" diameter, sharply concentrated with a quasi-stellar bright nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the NW edge (24" from center).  This is a well-studied young (40 million years old) LMC star cluster.  Located 20' ESE of NGC 1783.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1805 = D 233 = h2741 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round well-defined nebula, 10" or 12" diameter".  His position is 6' SSW of the cluster.

 

JH made 5 observations, the first on 2 Nov 1834 in which he recorded "a vS compact cluster of stars 11th mag with (?) nebulosity, 20"."  On later sweeps he wrote "B, S, R, sbM, 25", has two stars very near, one N.p. one S.f." and "vB, vS, vsvmbM, a condensed knot of stars, two of which (one on either side) are exterior."

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NGC 1806 = ESO 056-047 = S-L 184

05 02 11 -67 59 00; Dor

V = 11.1;  Size 2.2'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright LMC globular, large, round, at least 1.5' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a brighter, grainy 25" core and a slightly mottled halo.  Located 4.5' NE of mag 8.3 HD 32972 = AO Doradus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1806 = h2745 on 30 Dec 1836 and described as"pB, L, gbM, 3'."  His position and description is accurate, though his estimate is a little too large.

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NGC 1807 = Cr 59 = Mel 29 = OCL-462

05 10 45 +16 30 48; Tau

V = 7.0;  Size 17'

 

18" (1/26/09): this asterism contains a very faint galaxy, CGCG 469-003, located just following a 26" pair of mag 11.5/12 stars just south of center.  The galaxy appeared very faint and small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): bright, moderately large, striking group of 30 stars mag 9-14 in 12' including 10 stars mag 11 or brighter.  Five bright stars are in a 11' string oriented N-S.  The central star in this string is a pleasing, close double star h3268; consisting of mag 9.5/10.5 stars at 10" separation.  This double is collinear with two mag 11 stars 1.3' E and 2.9' E oriented perpendicular to the string.  Several other members trail to SW forming a cross asterism.

 

8": ~25 stars in cluster including 10-12 brighter stars, several almost collinear.  A double star mag 10/11 at 10" separation is near the center.  Forms a pair of open clusters with NGC 1817 25' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1807 = h348 on 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395) and logged, "a cluster of 10 or 12 large and a good many small stars.  The place that of a double star."  It is perhaps an outlier of VII.4 (NGC 1817)."  His position is accurate.

 

A 2004 study ("uvby-H-beta CCD photometry of NGC 1817 and NGC 1807") concludes NGC 1807 is not a distinct cluster. Only NGC 1817, a very extended open cluster, covers the area.

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NGC 1808 = ESO 305-008 = AM 0505-373 = MCG -06-12-005 = LGG 127-002 = PGC 16779

05 07 42.3 -37 30 47; Col

V = 9.9;  Size 6.5'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 133”

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this 105x this striking starburst galaxy appeared bright, large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 5'x1.3'.  The glow is sharply concentrated with a well-defined 20" core that brightens to a stellar nucleus.  There appears to be an irregular extension at the northwest end that brightens and is offset to the major axis [on photos this corresponds with the start of a spiral arm that is attached at the north edge of the NW end of the galaxy].  At 166x, the halo is irregular and mottled.  Brightest in a group (LGG 127) along with NGC 1792 40' SW and the galaxies may have experienced a tidal interaction in the past.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): bright, fairly large, small elongated core, long thin arms 4:1 NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is off the NW end.  This is a very pleasing galaxy. 

 

8" (1/1/84): fairly bright, elongated NW-SE, moderately large, bright core.  Similar in size to NGC 1792 but slightly fainter.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1808 = D 549 = h2740 on 10 May 1826 and described "a faint nebula, about 2.5' long, and fully 1' broad, extended S.p. and N.f.; a very minute star near each extremity, not involved."  He observed it on 2 occasions and his position was ~7' too far east. D 532 is probably a duplicate observation, but the position was off by 42' ESE.

 

John Herschel made two observations from the Cape.  On 24 Dec 1835 he logged "B, L, lE, first gradually then psmbM.  Transit missed, PD very rough"  Two nights later he reobserved it and noted "B, E, 3' long, 1.5' broad; in a field strongly illuminated by the moon in her first quarter."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1808 with a very bright, elongated core on 19 Dec. 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 26). See www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_26.php)

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NGC 1809 = ESO 056-048 = PGC 16599

05 02 05.0 -69 34 06; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 143”

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this faint, reddened galaxy shines through the LMC in the same field 9' NE of the LMC cluster NGC 1801 and 16'-18' SW of a trio of clusters consisting of NGC 1828, NGC 1830 and NGC 1835!  At 128x it appeared as a large, very faint, low surface brightness glow with very weak if any concentration and no visible core or nucleus.  With careful viewing the galaxy is elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NW-SE, perhaps 1.6'x0.6'.  Located 5' SE of mag 8 HD 33031.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1809 = h2747 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded (one one sweep only) "pF, S, R, gbM, 40", the second of two in field [with NGC 1801 = h2739]."  His position is 4' south of ESO 056-048 = PGC 16599, a pretty low surface brightness galaxy that was not found by Robert Innes in 1926 at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg with the 26.5-inch refractor!

 

Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L], commented "At the same RA but 4' N an object which may be a galaxy, 210'' x 50''.  In "Exploring the Southern Sky" (1987), the authors (Laustsen, Madsen and West) noted "It has been known for more than a century, and for a long time was believed to belong to the LMC.  However, less than a decade ago, it became possible to measure the radial velocity...Somewhat unexpectedly, the velocity was found to be 1000 km/s, or several times larger than the velocities of stars and other LMC nebulae..."

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NGC 1810 = ESO 085-035 = S-L 194

05 03 23 -66 22 54; Dor

V = 11.9;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright cluster, fairly small, 45" diameter, partially resolved with 4 or 5 stars visible on the east side of the halo including a couple of mag 13.5-14 stars.  Located 2.6' ESE of mag 10.3 HD 268879.  A mag 12.5 star lies 45" N.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1818 6' SE.  S-L 205 lies 8.4' ENE.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1810 = D 235 = h2746 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round pretty well defined nebula."  He made a single observation and his position is 11' south-southeast of the cluster.  It's also possible that this observation refers to brighter NGC 1818 -- along with D 234 and D236, though the latter two are placed south of D 235, agreeing with orientation of NGC 1810 and 1818.

 

JH made a total of 5 observations beginning on 6 Nov 1834.  In order of his observations, he logged "eF, S, R, 15", precedes a globular cluster.", "vF, R, lbM, 40 arcsec", "F, S, R", "pF, R, lbM, 25 arcsec" and "Nebula; no description but that it has a globular cluster following it."  The cluster he refers to is NGC 1818 and Herschel attributed Dunlop's 235 with the discovery.

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NGC 1811 = ESO 422-037 = MCG -05-13-008 = PGC 16811

05 08 42.6 -29 16 35; Col

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' ENE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1812 2.7' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1811 = h2743 (along with NGC 1812 = h2744) on 6 Nov 1834 and logged as "vF, E."  On a later sweep he recorded "pF; S; lE; the preceding of two [with NGC 1812]."

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NGC 1812 = ESO 422-039 = MCG -05-13-009 = PGC 16819

05 08 52.9 -29 15 04; Col

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 N-S, moderate concentration, very small bright core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.4' SW.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1811 2.7' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1812 = h2744 (along with NGC 1811 = h2743] on 6 Nov 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; glbM; 15"; the following of 2."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1813 = ESO 056-050 = S-L 190 = LH 18

05 02 40 -70 19 06; Men

V = 12.8;  Size 0.8'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): first in a string of three clusters with NGC 1823 4' ESE and S-L 200 7' SE (within stellar association LH 18).  Appears as an irregular 45" glow with a single brighter mag 14 star on the south end and three fainter stars aligned E-W resolved on the north side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1813 = h2752 on 16 Dec 1835 and observed on a single sweep.  His description reads "vF; S; R; r" and his position is just 0.1 tmin preceding the center of the cluster.

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NGC 1814 = LMC-N17B = ESO 085-36 = S-L 199 = LH 19

05 03 46.4 -67 18 04; Dor

V = 12.8;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, small, elongated N-S "knot" of stars on the west side of the LMC association NGC 1820 = LH 19.  Three stars are resolved within the 24" glow.  Faint, irregular nebulosity encompasses the knot.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1816 2.5' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1814 = h2748 on 2 Nov 1834 and described as "The southern of two nebulae [with NGC 1816] in the same cluster of stars [NGC 1820]."  On a second sweep his description reads "vF, R, a nebulous knot in the south preceding part of a cluster".

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NGC 1815 = ESO 056-049 = S-L 189

05 02 27 -70 37 18; Men

V = 12.4;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, small, round, very bright core partially resolved into a couple of knots, 25" diameter.  A single faint star is resolved at the north edge.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1' SSE and several mag 11-12 stars are in the field.  Located 9' due east of mag 7.6 HD 32956.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1815 = h2753 on 24 Nov 1834 and described as "pF, vS, R, vlbM, among many stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1816 = ESO 085-037 = S-L 199

05 03 51 -67 15 36; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): small, brighter "knot" on the west side of the LMC association NGC 1820 = LH 19.  At 200x, a couple of stars are resolved within the 18" glow.  Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 1814 2.5' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1816 = h2748 on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF, R, another nebulous knot [along with NGC 1814] in the cluster [NGC 1820]".  Shapley and Lindsay (1963) group NGC 1814, 1816 and NGC 1820 together and note "bright scattered stars in nebulosity", with a size of 6.8' x 4.5'.

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NGC 1817 = Cr 60 = OCL-463 = Lund 156

05 12 26 +16 41 06; Tau

V = 7.7;  Size 16'

 

17.5" (2/11/96): large, roundish group of ~100 stars in a 15' diameter.  The three brightest mag 8/9 stars lie on the west side.  This trio is part of a 7' arc of 15 stars elongated N-S sharply defining the preceding side of the group.  The cluster is fairly well detached except at the east side which merges into the general field density.  About 5' NW of the trio described above is an unequal double h3269 = 8.6/10.6 at 20", though it appears detached from the main group.  25' SW is the bright, striking group NGC 1807 which has a cruciform outline.

 

8": about 65 stars in 15'-20' diameter, large, fairly rich, many faint stars.  Includes three brighter stars on the west side including a mag 8.5 star.  Forms a poor version of the "Double cluster" with NGC 1807 25' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1817 = H VII-4 = h349 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 147) and recorded "a cluster of stars, ccattered and of very different magnitudes.  They take up a space of about 20' and the cluster is coarsely circular.  The weather is very indifferent so that the small stars are not very well to be seen; but I suppose there cannot be less than 150 that I might count at present."  On 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 292), he reported "a cl of stars about 20 or 25' diameter, pretty rich, the stars not very small, nor very compressed." On 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395), John Herschel wrote, "L, rich cl; stars 12...15 m; fills the field.  Place that of a double star.  The most compressed part is 42.5 sec foll the double star and 3' south of it."  The double star is h3269 = 8.6/10.6 at 20".

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NGC 1818 = ESO 085-040 = S-L 201

05 04 14 -66 26 06; Dor

V = 9.7;  Size 3'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, fairly large, 2.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intense core that is partially resolved into several very faint stars.  The halo was fairly well resolved with two dozen faint stars plus some brighter mag 12-13 stars in the outer halo.  Just off the southwest edge is KMHK 490, a very small non-stellar object that appeared like a close double star.  NGC 1818 is the brightest of a trio with NGC 1810 6' NW and S-L 205 5' NE.  S-L 205 is just a faint, diffuse glow, roughly 35" diameter.  NGC 1822 and NGC 1826, a fainter pair of clusters, lie 14' NNE.  NGC 1818 is a "young" blue globular (YPC), formed only 40 million years ago.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1818 = D 236 = D 234? = D235? = h2749 on 3 Aug 1826 and described (for D 236) as "a small nebula, 20" diameter, with a very bright point in the centre." He observed it twice and the published position is 3.4' ENE of center.  D 234 was described as "a round well-defined nebula, about 30" diameter."  This entry has a single observation and the position is 8.5' SSW of center.  D 235 was described as a "small round pretty well-defined nebula" and his position is 5.5' NNW of center!

 

John Herschel made 6 observations of the cluster with the first description from 2 Nov 1834: "vB, S, R cluster of distinct stars, mbM, 2' diameter."

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NGC 1819 = UGC 3265 = MCG +01-14-002 = Mrk 1194 = PGC 16899

05 11 46.1 +05 12 03; Ori

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 120”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, very small, bright core, elongated NW-SE.  Located 12.5' S of mag 8 SAO 112508.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1819 = Sw. III-35 on 26 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His position is 10 tsec west of UGC 3265 = PGC 16899.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 6 Dec 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 1820 = ESO 085-039 = S-L 199 = LH 19

05 04 02 -67 16 00; Dor

V = 11.5;  Size 8'x5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this star cloud or association (LH 19) in the LMC appears as a very large, irregular group of approximately two dozen stars mag 10-15, roughly 9'x5' and extended N-S.  Includes five stars mag 12 or brighter, along with two brighter "knots" (NGC 1814 and 1816) on the west side as well as containing some irregular nebulosity (LHa120-N17).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1820 = h2754 on 2 Jan 1837 and described a "pL, rich, 6th class cluster, irregular figure, in radiating streaks. Place that of a star 10th mag (one of 3 such).  It is within this cluster that the two nebulae [NGC 1814 & NGC 1816] occur."

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NGC 1821 = MCG -03-14-007 = PGC 16898

05 11 46.0 -15 08 04; Lep

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  MCG -02-14-004 lies 20' N.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1821 = LM 1-147 on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 45 tsec west and 1' N of MCG -03-14-007 = PGC 16898 and his PA = 140 deg is very close. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1822 = ESO 085-042 = S-L 210

05 05 09 -66 12 36; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, fairly small, 30" diameter.  A single mag 14.5 star is resolved at the west edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1826 2.8' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1822 = h2756 on 20 Dec 1835 and described as "vF, 20", the preceding of two [with NGC 1826 = h2751]."  Wolfgang Steinicke credits James Dunlop with the discovery (D 235) on 24 Sep 1826, though Dunlop's position is much closer to NGC 1818, which may have multiple entries.  I believe this cluster is too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop.

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NGC 1823 = ESO 056-051 = S-L 198 = LH 18

05 03 25 -70 20 06; Men

V = 12.1;  Size 0.9'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright irregular cluster with 8 or 9 resolved stars within 45".  Five of the resolved stars are collinear on the west side oriented ~N-S.  Second of three clusters with NGC 1813 4' WNW and S-L 200 4' SSE and the surrounding field is filled with a scattering of mag 12-13 stars and a large number of fainter stars (this is the stellar association LH 18).  S-L 200 is the largest of the three clusters, 1.2'x0.6' extended N-S, with several stars resolved over a hazy background or emission glow and a detached group of 4 stars off the south end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1823 = h2758 on 12 Nov 1836 and described "The most compressed part of a pF; L; branching cluster of stars 12...15m"  His position is on the southeast side of the cluster.  Hodge and Lucke (1970) note this open cluster in the LMC lies within the LMC O-association No. 18; the brightest star in the cluster is 13.9 mag.

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NGC 1824 = ESO 119-036 = AM 0506-594 = PGC 16761

05 06 56 -59 43 30; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 3.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): fairly faint to moderately bright, nice edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.3'x0.5'.  Weak, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Located 9' NNE of mag 7.3 HD 33475.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1824 = h2755 on 26 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF, vmE, 2' long, 20" broad, pos = 162 degrees."

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NGC 1825 = ESO 056-053 = S-L 202

05 04 19 -68 55 36; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, very small, round, 20" diameter, increases to a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus but no resolution.  Located 3.5' WSW of mag 8.0 HD 33477.  NGC 1847 lies 15' ESE and NGC 1804 is 20' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1825 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #199 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  There was no description given but his position is 1.5' NW of this LMC cluster.

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NGC 1826 = ESO 085-043 = S-L 221

05 05 34 -66 13 54; Dor

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): slightly brighter of a pair of small clusters with NGC 1822 2.8' NW.  Appeared moderately bright, round, 45" diameter, broad weak concentration but no resolution.  A mag 10.8 star lies 2.9' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1826 = h2757 on 20 Dec 1835 and recorded "vF, 20", the following of two [with NGC 1822]."  Steinicke lists Dunlop as the discoverer (D 235) of this object as well as NGC 1822, though Dunlop's position is much closer to NGC 1818, which may have multiple entries.  I think this pair of clusters is too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop.

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NGC 1827 = ESO 362-006 = MCG -06-12-008 = LGG 127-004 = PGC 16849

05 10 03.7 -36 57 32; Col

V = 12.5;  Size 3.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, even surface brightness.  Unusual appearance as a mag 11 star is superimposed on the east side of the center.  Member of the NGC 1792/1808 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1827 = h2751 on 28 Nov 1837 and described as "vF, vmE, a long ray through a star 11th mag."  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 1828 = ESO 056-054 = S-L 207

05 04 21.5 -69 23 18; Dor

V = 12.5

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): first in a trio with NGC 1830 and NGC 1835.  At 228x this LMC cluster appears fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  NGC 1830 lies 3.2' NNE and much brighter NGC 1835 is 4' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1828 = h2761 on 23 Dec 1834 and described "F, S, R, 20"; the first of 3 [with NGC 1828, 1830 and 1835]."  His position is accurate

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NGC 1829 = LMC-N23A = ESO 056-57 = S-L 208

05 04 57 -68 03 18; Dor

V = 12.1

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster and HII region (LMC-N23A) appeared bright, fairly large, irregular round, 1.5' diameter.  Four stars are within the nebulous glow including a mag 13.5, two mag 14 stars and a mag 15 star.  Located 1.8' NW of mag 7.9 HD 33486.  The surrounding region includes several mag 12-13 stars, but these are detached from the glow.  HS 114 lies 6.3' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1829 = h2760 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, R, 60", r[esolvable]."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 1830 = ESO 056-056 = S-L 207

05 04 39 -69 20 26; Dor

V = 12.6

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second of three in a distinctive triangle with NGC 1828 3' SSW and NGC 1835 4.6' SE.  At 228x, this LMC cluster appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter and quite similar to NGC 1828.  An extremely faint, very small glow (designated BRHT 3b in SIMBAD) is 1' SW, on a line towards NGC 1828 (verified on DSS).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1830 = h2762 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, 25"." He next recorded it as "the second of 3 [with NGC 1828 and 1835]." His position (observed on 4 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1831 = ESO 085-044 = S-L 227

05 06 16.2 -64 55 09; Dor

V = 11.2;  Size 3.9'

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly large, 1.5'-2' diameter, weak even concentration to the center.  This is a rich intermediate-age LMC globular cluster.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1831 = D 246 = h2759 on 3 Aug 1826 and described a "pretty well-defined round faint nebula, 25" diameter; a little brighter at the centre."  He observed it twice and his position is 5' W of center.  On 3 Dec 1834 John Herschel logged this cluster as "B; L; R; glbM; 90"."  In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "Mag[nificent] globular cluster, 2' diameter, bM of thousands of very faint stars." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 1832 = MCG -03-14-010 = PGC 16906

05 12 03.2 -15 41 19; Lep

V = 11.3;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 10”

 

24" (1/28/17): at 375x; bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 N-S, 1.6'x1.2', well concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.1' E of center.

 

13.1" (12/18/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated ~N-S.  A mag 11 star is 1.0' E of center.  Situated 33' NNW of mag 3.3 Mu Leporis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1832 = H II-292 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 365) and reported "pB, irr R, mbM, south-preceding a pretty considerable star and within a minute of it."  His position is 2.3' SE of MCG -03-14-010 = PGC 16906.

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NGC 1833 = LMC-N190 = ESO 056-55 = S-L 206 = LH 24

05 04 22 -70 43 54; Men

V = 11.7;  Size 2'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; fairly large nebulous patch 1.5' diameter with a mag 13.4 star near the center and a half-dozen additional stars resolved.  The nebulosity had a fair response using the NPB filter with a brighter piece on the northeast side and a 2' irregular shape.  Located at the south end of the huge NGC 1845 association/star cloud (LH 26) and many brighter stars over a rich, glowing background extend a full 20' NNE!  Mag 9.5 HD 269028 lies 3.2' NNW.  NGC 1837 lies 3' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1833 = h2765 on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; pL; runs into and forms the first mass of a series of clustering groups."  His position is accurate.  Located within stellar association LH 24.

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NGC 1834 = ESO 056-060

05 05 12.2 -69 12 27; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 20"

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): bright, small, round, thin halo, just 20" diameter, mottled but no resolution.  Located 2.8' SE of mag 9.3 HD 33487.  NGC 1834 (and nearby clusters NGC 1828 and 1830) is 12' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1834 = h2764 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded (single sweep) "B, vvS, lE, uniform in light, 10" across."  His position is 30" S of this compact cluster.  The NGC description added the query "Planetary?"  On the DSS, this object appears to be an extremely compact cluster, though perhaps a brighter star is superimposed.

 

Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", comments "A fairly bright star blended with two faint ones. Questioned as a planetary nebula in the NGC. Prism plates show a fairly strong continuum only, and it is probably an early-type star."  RNGC follows Lindsay and misidentifies NGC 1834 as a triple star. Hodge and Wright note that it "may only be a bright star in a rich field".  The ESO records it as a globular cluster (ESO 056-SC060) but gives no other details.  NGC 2000.0 misidentifies this object as an asterism.

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NGC 1835 = ESO 056-058 = S-L 215

05 05 06 -69 24 18; Dor

V = 10.2;  Size 1.2'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): brightest of three clusters with NGC 1828 4' W and NGC 1830 4.6' NW.  At 228x, this LMC globular cluster appears bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, strongly concentrated with a small bright core.  This object has a very symmetrical appearance with a high surface brightness like a compact globular cluster.  NGC 1834 lies 12' N.

 

NGC 1835 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.  It has the highest known number (84) of RR Lyr variables in the LMC and is the brightest and most elliptical of the classic globulars.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1835 = D 116 = h2763 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round pretty well-defined nebula, bright at the centre." The description fits this globular, though his position is nearly 15' SSE of center (fairly typical error).  John Herschel independently discovered the cluster in December 1834 and recorded "vB, S, R, pmbM; 40"; the last of three [with NGC 1828 and 1830]."  His position is accurate.  The cluster is missing from the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas although it includes nearby NGC 1828 and 1830.

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NGC 1836 = ESO 056-061 = S-L 223

05 05 35 -68 37 42; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright LMC cluster, relatively large, high surface brightness, very elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x0.4'.  The dominant portion of the cluster is on the NW end and appears bright, roundish, 25"-30" diameter with a few stars resolved just outside the glow. A 14th magnitude star is off the SE side and connects to a small  knot (BRHT 4b) containing a very tight string of 15th magnitude stars.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 1839 2.5' E.  HS 109 is 5.4' S and several other small clusters are in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1836 = h2766 on 23 Nov 1834 (along with NGC 1839 = h2768), though no description or position was given.  On his second sweep (30 Dec 1836) he noted "the first nucleus of a clustering group of mixed stars and nebulosity."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1837 = ESO 056-059 = S-L 217 = LH 24

05 04 56 -70 42 54; Men

V = 10.6;  Size 1.3'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; this cluster is primarily a very elongated N-S string of stars with some unresolved haze. There was no filter response.  A few brighter mag 12.5-13 stars are involved with a total of a dozen in the 1.2' string.  NGC 1837 forms a 3' pair with NGC 1833 to the west-southwest.  A star cloud extends to the north with several mag 12 stars, along with many faint stars in the wider field.  This magnificent association (LH 26) is rich in bright and faint stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1837 = h2769 on 3 Nov 1834.  He observed this cluster on two sweeps and recorded it as "The last of three clustering groups (hazy)" and "the most condensed part of a large rich cluster of scattered stars which more than fills field."  Archinal notes that brightest star is at 05 04 56.8 -70 42 57, close to Herschel's second position.  It is not clear what other two objects he was referring to in the first sweep as only NGC 1833 is in the same field, though the star cloud (stellar association LH 24) containing these clusters extends to the northeast.

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NGC 1838 = ESO 056-064 = S-L 225

05 06 47 -68 25 42; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 10'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): excellent scattered cluster/association in the LMC.  Includes many brighter mag 11.5-13 stars along with dozens of fainter stars.  Perhaps 75 stars down to mag 15 are resolved in a 7' region.  Located just east of mag 8.2 HD 33617 with mag 10.2 HD 269035 at the southeast edge.

 

There are three Shapley-Lindsay clusters (not specifically mentioned by Herschel) at the edges. S-L 225, at the southwest edge, appeared  fairly bright, round, 50" diameter.  Several mag 14-16 stars are resolved, particularly along the north side.  Located 2' SSE of mag 8.2 HD 33617.  A mag 11.7 star is 1.3' WSW.  S-L 230, at the northern edge, appeared very bright, fairly small LMC cluster, 30"x20" ~N-S, clumpy.  At 394x, a brighter star is resolved along with a few very faint stars and a quasi-stellar knot.  It was too densely packed for additional resolution.  Just 1' SW of S-L 230 is S-L 229, a pretty faint small glow, ~20" diameter, with no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1838 = h2767 on 30 Dec 1836 and logged as "a star 7 mag, the chief of a large very loose clustering mass."  The star was earlier listed in the Brisbane Catalogue of Stars (published in 1835) as B895, and JH references the Brisbane number in the Cape Catalogue.

 

Shapley-Lindsay, ESO and the Hodge-Wright Atlas identity the small knot S-L 225 as NGC 1838.  Jenni Kay states that Herschel's description clearly refers to the larger star group, which contains a few small, faint open clusters within it, including S-L 225 and S-L 230.  The large, loose grouping including a mag 8 star is roughly 10' in diameter, compared to S-L 225, which is just 35".  Harold Corwin notes that S-L 225 may be outside of JH's intended object.

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NGC 1839 = ESO 056-063 = S-L 226

05 06 02 -68 37 36; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 1.6'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright cluster forming a striking pair with NGC 1836 just 2.5' W.  At 200x appears as a very high surface brightness irregular glo, ~30" diameter, mottled but not resolved.  A group of six mag 13-14 stars is off the west side in two short N-S strings.  Several fainter clusters are in the field including HS 117 5' SSE, HS 109 6' SSW and S-L 234 6' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1839 = h2768 (along with NGC 1836 = h2766) on 23 Nov 1834 and described as "pB, irregular figure; the following of 2 [with NGC 1836] in field together." On a second sweep he called it "the second nucleus of a binuclear clustering group of mixed nebula and stars."

 

Herschel questioned, though, whether this object was Dunlop 170, which was described as "a pretty large faint nebula, irregular figure."  Dunlop's RA is 1.7 tmin too large and I would assume if NGC 1839 was picked up then so would NGC 1836, just 2.5' W.

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NGC 1840 = ESO 056-062

05 05 19 -71 45 46; Men

Size 0.6'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): NGC 1840 may the asterism of four mag 13.7-14.7 stars within 1.4' at this position.  In  addition a couple of mag 15-16 stars were resolved at 394x.  Situated in a sparsely populated field.

 

More likely, though, NGC 1840 is a duplite of NGC 1833.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1840 = h2771 on 3 Nov 1834 and described "F, R, bM, resolvable.  Hardly visible through a thick haze.  The observations makes the RA 6m 13.5s, but this is impossible from the context [of the sweep].  It *may* be 8m."  In the Cape observations, Herschel gives a position of 5h 7m 13.5s (1830), which is ~3' too far west, and that position is also used in the GC.  In any case, the only nearby object is an asterism of 4 stars.

 

Eric Lindsay, in  the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", comments "There is some confusion about the RA. Dreyer chose the position 5h 6m 13.5' (1830) instead of 5h 7m 13.5s adopted by Herschel. There is nothing at either position. The object was hardly visible though a thick haze, the observation made the RA 6m which was considered impossible and may even by 8m. At the latter is the small cluster S/L 235."

 

In August 2016 Harold Corwin went over the sweep carefully and concluded "Checking this arc, we find two candidate objects:  NGC 1833 and SL 249 (at

05 07 35, -70 44.9).  The NGC object (= h 2765) is the larger and brighter of the two, and its position is off JH's by even digits:  1 minute of time, and 1 degree of declination.  This makes it likely to also be NGC 1840."

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NGC 1841 = ESO 004-015

04 45 22.5 -83 59 55; Men

V = 14.1;  Size 2.4'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this cluster appeared as a fairly large, round glow, ~3' diameter with a low surface brightness and just a very weak concentration.  At 228x the cluster just starts to resolve into extremely faint 16th magnitude stars.

 

NGC 1841 resides in the halo and is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.  It is also the southernmost globular in the sky.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1841 = h2788 on 19 Jan 1836 and described "pF, L, irregularly round, vgbM, resolvable, 3' diameter. (RA open to much error for want of zero stars to be depended on)."  Although his RA is off by 1 tmin, his position still matches the globular very well at this declination.

 

Shapley and Paraskevopoulos announced it was a new globular cluster, possibly extragalactic (credited to Mrs. Seyfert, based on a long-exposure plate).

in "Southern Clusters and Galaxies" (Harvard Obs. Bull., No.914, 6).  The listed V magnitude of 14.1 is almost certainly too faint.

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NGC 1842 = ESO 085-046 = S-L 241

05 07 18 -67 16 24; Dor

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, irregular shape, 25" diameter, no resolution.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1844 3.4' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1842 = h2772 on 20 Dec 1835 and described as "eF, the preceding of two [with NGC 1844 = h2773]." His position is accurate.

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NGC 1843 = MCG -02-14-008 = UGCA 107 = PGC 16949

05 14 05.9 -10 37 38; Ori

V = 12.6;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, halo gradually fades into the background.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 1843 = St VIII-17b on 17 Jan 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1844 = ESO 085-048 = S-L 242

05 07 31 -67 19 24; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 1.3'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, irregular (brightest portion is triangular shaped), 45"-60" diameter.  A couple of faint stars are resolved at the edges with two interior stars occasionally resolving.  Mottled appearance on the verge of higher resolution.  A mag 12.4 star lies 2' SSW.  NGC 1842 lies 3.4' NNW with NGC 1846 8' S.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter, fairly smooth with only a weak concentration to the center.  Two mag 12-13 stars lie to the south and a mag 10 star (HD 33631) is 8' SW.  Nearby is the larger (globular?) cluster NGC 1846 8' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1844 = h2773 on 2 Nov 1834 and described "pB, R, gbM, 60"."  On a second sweep he recorded "pF, R, gbM, 25", has two stars 12th mag to the north." On a third observation is only logged "F, R".  The final observation reads: "F, R, bM, the following of two [with NGC 1842 = h2772]."

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NGC 1845 = ESO 056-065 = S-L 232 = LH 26

05 06 22 -70 35 24; Men

V = 10.2;  Size 20'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very large star cloud/association (LH 26) completely filling the 19' field.  At the northeast end is the small open cluster S-L 232, which is often taken as NGC 1845.  It appeared as a moderately bright, nebulous patch, roundish, 30" diameter, unresolved.  A mag 11.2 star is 0.9' SW.  The star cloud generally trends northeast to southwest (from S-L 232), stretching ~20'x10', and includes the open cluster NGC 1833 and 1837 at the southwest end. The cloud includes a stunning mix of bright (a few mag 9.5 stars are Milky Way stars), numerous mag 12-13 stars and faint stars over the glowing LMC background haze of myriad unresolved stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1845 = h2770 on 24 Nov 1834 and simply noted the position was "the general middle of the same cluster [field containing NGC 1837 = h2769]."  On a second sweep he gave the more detailed description, "a star 9m the second in magnitude and near the centre of clustering groups which run together and form a cluster which fills the whole field. vl comp M; st 11...16m."  His two positions refer to different objects: probably the small cluster S-L 232 to the northeast of HD 269070 and the much larger star cloud itself (LH 26 association).  Uranometria 2000 misclassifies this object as a bright nebula.  The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas identifies S-L 232 as NGC 1845.

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NGC 1846 = ESO 056-067 = S-L 243

05 07 34.1 -67 27 41; Dor

V = 11.3;  Size 2.8'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this young LMC globular appeared fairly bright, relatively large, round, 2.5' diameter, broad concentration, mottled with some weak resolution.  A mag 10 star lies 9' SW.  Second in a collinear string of 4 LMC clusters with NGC 1844 9' NNW, NGC 1842 11.5' NNW and NGC 1852 21' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1846 = h2774 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "B; L; R; gbM; 3'."  He recorded this cluster on 4 different sweeps and his position is accurate.  James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier (D 209) on 6 Nov 1826 and described a "very faint round nebula, 45" diameter, preceding a bright star in the same parallel."  He made a single observation and his position is 9' SW of center, certainly within the range of Dunlop's usual measurements.  Wolfgang Steinicke credits Dunlop with the discovery, but there isn't a bright star "in the same parallel" anywhere nearby to match his description, so I'm skeptical.

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NGC 1847 = ESO 056-066 = S-L 240

05 07 08 -68 58 18; Dor

V = 11.1;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright LMC blue globular, moderately large, irregular elongated shape, high surface brightness glow with a small fainter halo, ~0.6'x0.4'.  At 200x, several mag 14.5-15.5 stars are resolved (a couple are fairly easy) within and at the edges of the central glow.  NGC 1825 lies 15' WNW, NGC 1856 is 16' SE and NGC 1855/1858 are ~15' NE.  John Herschel described a "double star in the centre" and I'm sure this refers to the two brightest central stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1847 = h2775 on 15 Dec 1835 and logged as "B, E, 30", has a double star in the centre." On a second sweep he called it "B, S, R, gbM, 15"."   His position is accurate.

 

Joseph Turner described and sketched NGC 1847 on 18 Dec 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 27): "It has a mottled appearance, the bright parts being very bright, as if consisting of very small stars. Sometimes these bright parts sparkle, but I cannot make out any distinct stars, although I feel convinced that these exist. The small star immediately south of nebula and close to it is involved in very faint nebula. H.'s drawing of this object is very unlike its present appearance. He describes it as having a double star in centre and his drawing also shows it so. The nebula presents altogether a more mottled appearance than indicated by H.'s sketch, and the two brighter parts might easily, upon an unfavourable night, be mistaken for the double star with H. shows in his drawing; I can however make nothing more of it than already stated. Night exquisite"

 

On 19th November 1884, Barachi noted using the GMT: "Pretty large, elongated, bright patches within it, not stars. Sparkling looks as if resolvable, but not so. Agrees exactly with Turner's drawing. Position of neighbouring stars agrees exactly with T. Nebula is most likely unchanged. H. puts a double star in it. This double star is perhaps represented now by the bright patches. It may be that H.'s stars have changed into diffused patches." Both T. and B. consider the lithograph as fairly representing the object."

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NGC 1848 = ESO 056-068 = S-L 247 = LH 28

05 07 17 -71 11 18; Men

V = 9.7;  Size 6'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): large, scattered group of stars, winding in a loop or U-shape that is open on the east and northeast side.  On the west end is a close, unequal double star with the primary being the brightest star in the cluster.  In total between 30-36 stars are resolved in a 5' region (stellar assoication LH 28).  At the east end of the loop is S-L 256, a faint but clumpy glow of 20" diameter.  NGC 1848 is centered 6' NE of mag 7.3 HD 33923.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1848 = h2776 on "the first and brightest star, 9th mag, of a cluster of loosely scattered stars" and recorded as "The first and brightest star, 9m, of a cluster of loosely scattered stars."  His position is exactly 1 min of RA west of the star at the west edge of the group.

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NGC 1849 = ESO 085-049 = S-L 267

05 09 35 -66 19 00; Dor

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'

 

30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, irregularly round, 1' diameter, small bright core, no resolution.  An equilateral triangle of mag 11/12 stars with sides of 2.4' is centered 4' SW.  While scanning the field, I noticed open cluster S-L 283 7.7' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1849 = h2778 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; lE; glbM; 25".  His position from a single sweep is ~30"  NNW of center.

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NGC 1850 = LMC-N103A = ESO 056-70 = S-L 261

05 08 45.8 -68 45 39; Dor

V = 9.5;  Size 3'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x in the 24" I was stunned by the view of this huge, extremely bright, blue globular cluster!  The outer halo, which extends 5' in diameter, was resolved into dozens of faint stars arranged in irregular star chains that appear to stream out of the core.  A single brighter mag 13 star is superimposed on the west side [30" W of center is the core of companion cluster NGC 1850A].  The center is highly concentrated with an extremely bright 1' core that appears elongated, irregular and clumpy with a curved outline.  A small, 20" diffuse glow is embedded at the north edge of the halo (open cluster S-L 260).

 

NGC 1850 resides in a glorious LMC region that is packed with an unbelievable number of clusters and HII regions including NGC 1854 6' SE and NGC 1858, a huge cluster and nebulosity, ~10' SE.  A faint loop of nebulosity (LMC-N103A) is involved with the cluster, extending ~N-S on the east end, but I didn't try a filter to see if it was visible.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): After the Tarantula region (30 Doradus complex), NGC 1850 is the brightest star cluster in the LMC and at an estimated age of only 40-50 million years, this rich, globular-like cluster has no counterpart in the Milky Way!  At 128x, the cluster appeared very bright (9th magnitude), large, round, ~3.5' diameter, well concentrated with an intensely bright 1' core.  A brighter mag 13 star is superimposed on the western side of the halo. Several very faint stars are resolved in the very lively halo.

 

NGC 1850 lies in a very impressive region of the LMC (near the outskirts of the central bar) with 13 additional NGC clusters/nebulosity within 30' including NGC 1854 7' SE, NGC 1858 10' SE, NGC 1856 22' SSE and several others including NGC 1836, 1839, 1847, 1860, 1863, 1865.  Unfortunately dawn was starting to break so I only was able to view the first group of objects mentioned above and I need to return to this field!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1850 = D 172 = h2780 on 3 Aug 1826 and described a "pretty bright round nebula, 40" diameter.  This is the preceding and brightest of three nebulae in a line."  His position was 10' too far east but correct in declination.  The other two "nebulae" are NGC 1855 and 1858.  D 170 may be a duplicate observation ("a pretty large faint nebula, irregular figure.")

 

John Herschel observed this cluster on 6 sweeps beginning on 2 Nov 1834 when he logged "pretty bright, small, round, a cluster of stars 12th mag; diam 1'." The 2nd sweep was recorded as "globular, very bright, very much compressed, 3' diameter." On the third sweep he noted "globular, a fine large clusgter st = 13m, mbM."  Herschel gave possible synonyms with D 172 as well as D 170.

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NGC 1851 = ESO 305-016 = Mel 30

05 14 06.3 -40 02 50; Col

V = 7.2;  Size 11.0';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (1/17/09): at 275x this very bright globular spanned ~6' and contained a blazing 1.5' core.  Nearly two dozen stars were resolved including a distinctive SSW-NNE string that runs past the west side of the core.  The observation was hampered by the low elevation of this globular from northern California (~10” elevation).

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 200x, this compact globular was very bright, strongly concentrated with an intense 1.5' core and a 4-5' fainter halo.  The core was very lively and there were ~30 stars resolved [brightest cluster members are mag 13.2], mostly in the loose halo. A neat loop of stars emerges from the core and runs NNE-SSW along the west edge of the core.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): small bright core, large very mottled halo.  About 20 stars are resolved, mostly west of the core. 

 

13.1" (1/1/84): mottled bright core, unresolved except for two or three faint stars at the west edge. 

 

8" (10/13/81): small, very small bright core, faint halo.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1851 = D 508 = h2777 on 10 May 1826 with his 9-inch speculum f/12 reflector at Parramatta, New South Wales. His decription reads "exceedingly bright, round, well-defined nebula, about 1.5' diameter, exceedingly condensed, almost to the very margin.  This is the brightest small nebula that I have seen. I tried several magnifying powers on this beautiful globe; a considerable portion round the margin is resolvable, but the compression to the centre is so great that I cannot reasonably expect to separate the stars. I compared this with the 68 Conn. des Tems, and this nebula greatly exceeds the 68 in condensation and brightness." Dunlop observed it 5 times.

 

John Herschel recorded it on 23 Oct 1835 as a "superb globular cluster; all resolved into stars of 14th mag.; very suddenly much brighter in the middle to a blaze or nucleus of light; diam. in RA = 15 seconds of time. Difference of left and right eyes in resolving this cluster very remarkable. Returning from the left to the right eye, the object (in comparison) appears as if glazed over with a kind of dull film." On a later sweep he wrote, "very bright; round; very suddenly very much brighter in the middle; 3'; all clearly resolved into stars from 14 to 16 mag except at the centre, where they are massed together into a blaze of light." His final observation reads "Superb globular cluster, very bright; round; first very gradually then suddenly very much brighter in the middle; 4'; resolved, the stars barely visible in strong twilight."

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NGC 1852 = ESO 056-71 = S-L 264

05 09 24 -67 46 36; Dor

V = 12.0

 

25" (4/6/19 - OzSky): at 244x and 353x; bright, fairly large, round, 1.2' diameter, brighter core.  A couple of 15th mag stars were resolved on the north side and a couple more extremely faint 16+ mag stars on the edge of the southern halo.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this rich LMC cluster (possible globular) appeared moderately bright and large, round, 1' diameter.  Fairly low surface brightness with a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Forms the northern vertex of a triangle with two mag 10 stars (HD 34038 and HD 34143) 7.4' SSW and 6' SSE, respectively.  NGC 1846 lies 21' NW.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1852 = D 171 = h2781 on 6 Nov 1826 and described a "very faint round nebula, 25" diameter."  His position is 5' SSE of the cluster and there are no other nearby candidates.  JH independently found the cluster on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 2'." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.  Herschel made no mention of Dunlop's possible earlier observation.

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NGC 1853 = ESO 158-022 = PGC 16911

05 12 16.4 -57 23 57; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 43”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): moderately bright and large, elongated ~5:2 SW-NE, 1.25'x0.5', slightly brighter core, brighter along the major axis.  A mag 12 star is 1.6' NE of center, collinear with the major axis.  Located 4.5' SSW of mag 9.6 HD 34231 and 8.7' SW of mag 9.7 HD 34314.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1853 = h2779 on 4 Dec 1834 and logged "F; S; mE; pos 45” n f to s p.  Has a *11 mag north."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) and description matches ESO 158-022 = PGC 16911.  RNGC labels this object as an "unverified southern object".

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NGC 1854 = NGC 1855 (core) = ESO 056-072 = S-L 265

05 09 20.1 -68 50 50; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 0.8'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I revisited this remarkable field after viewing NGC 1850 (located 6' NW) the previous night.  At 200x this cluster appeared very bright, large, round, with a brilliant core.  At 350x, it was resolved into numerous faint stars around the edges of the intense core.  Up to a couple of dozen very faint stars popped in and out of visibility. The core is noticeably elongated N-S and is surrounded by a large, much fainter halo.  There is a small clump of stars at the NW edge.  NGC 1858, a large star cluster and nebulosity, lies 4' SE.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', moderate concentration. There is a small knot attached to the north edge.  Located 6' SE of NGC 1850 with NGC 1858 4.5' further SE in a region of the LMC packed with clusters.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1854 = D 119 on 2 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and noted a "small round pretty well-defined nebula".  His position is 12' ESE of NGC 1854 (bright core of NGC 1855) and nearby NGC 1858 = D 120 has a similar offset.  It is also possible that D 119 refers to NGC 1858, as Dunlop's position is directly east of NGC 1858 by 8'.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1854 = h2782 on 23 Nov 1834 (Dunlop is not referenced) and logged "a cluster nebula, S, R, pB, 40"."  On a 2nd sweep he noted "globular, B, S, R, 25", resolvable."  On the 3rd sweep logged as "B, S, R, 35"." The 4th observation reads "B, E, gbM, 2' resolvable. The second of three objects." His final observations reads: "F, R, gbM, 40"."  Except for the 4th observation, these refer to the core of the cluster (NGC 1855).  His observation for NGC 1855 = h2783 reads "a vB, L, round cluster of stars 12m, 5' diameter [this obs must refer to the general cluster in which the former (NGC 1854) is situated as a nebulous-looking knot - a combination of the most ordinary occurence in the Nubecula Major, though very rare in other parts of the heavens."

 

NGC 1854 and 1855 are equated in S-L (1963) and ESO as well as online sources such as SIMBAD.  Brent Archinal has separate listings for NGC 1854 ("central portion") and NGC 1855 in his book "Star Clusters".

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NGC 1855 = ESO 056-072

05 09 20 -68 51 00; Dor

Size 2.3'x2.3'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350, the cluster was resolved into numerous faint stars around the edges of the intense core.  Up to a couple of dozen very faint stars popped in and out of visibility. The core (NGC 1854) is noticeably elongated N-S and is surrounded by a large, much fainter halo (NGC 1855).

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):  see description for NGC 1854.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1855 = h2783 on 2 Nov 1834 and described "a vB, L, round cluster of stars 12m, 5' diameter [N.B. this obs must refer to the general cluster in which the former (h2782 = NGC 1854) is situated as a nebulous-looking knot - a combination of the most ordinary occurence in the Nubecula Major, though very rare in other parts of the heavens]."  He has 5 observations of h2782 (the central core of the cluster), but only this single observation noting a much larger field.  Most sources, such as ESO and SIMBAD, simply equate the two numbers or refer to the cluster as NGC 1855, though Brent Archinal has separate listings for both objects in his book "Star Clusters".

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1854 = D 119 (the core of the cluster) on 2 Aug 1826 and described a "small round pretty well-defined nebula". His position is 12' ESE of NGC 1855, a typical error shared by D 120 = NGC 1858.  Dunlop is not credited in JH's catalogues or the NGC.

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NGC 1856 = ESO 056-073 = S-L 271

05 09 29 -69 07 42; Dor

V = 10.1;  Size 2.7'x2.4'

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this LMC rich cluster appeared bright, moderately large, 1.5' diameter.  Well concentrated with a very bright 30" core similar to a globular cluster.  Located 2' N of mag 9.4 HD 34144 and 23' SSE of NGC 1850.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1856 = D 118 = h2784 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a pretty well-defined small nebula, with a small star south of it."  His position is 6' ENE of NGC 1856 and the position of the nearby star clinches the identification.  JH missed the possible earlier observation by Dunlop and independently swept up the cluster on 3 Nov 1834, logging it as "B, R, gbM, 12 seconds diameter in RA in time. Has a bright star to south."  On a second sweep he noted "B, pL, R, gbM, 1.5'."  Robert Innes, observing with the 26.5-inch Union Observatory refractor in 1926, described a "cluster, 90" diameter, bM, stars 14th mag and fainter."

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NGC 1857 = Cr 61 = Mel 32 = OCL-428

05 20 06 +39 20 36; Aur

V = 7.0;  Size 6'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): 50-60 stars resolved surrounding mag 7.5 SAO 57903 near the center.  This is a very pleasing cluster and is rich in faint mag 13/14 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1857 = H VII-33 = h350 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 619).  He described "a cluster of pretty compressed pS stars, considerably rich, contains one large star, the rest are all of a size."  His position is accurate.  On 3 Feb 1832 (sweep 399), John Herschel recorded, "a *7m, very ruddy, almost orange-coloured, in a p rich cl of very small stars."  Wolfgang Steinicke reports that WH discovered it earlier on 30 Sep 1780 (before his sweeps started), while surveying the brighter stars with his 6.2-inch reflector.

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NGC 1858 = LMC-N105 = ESO 056-74 = S-L 274 = LH 31

05 09 56.1 -68 54 06; Dor

V = 9.9;  Size 4.4'x2.6'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 1858 would be a fascinating nebula and cluster (association LH 31) even if it was isolated, but it's more striking situated at the southeast end of a wonderful chain with the bright cluster NGC 1854 and NGC 1850, one of the top showpieces in the LMC.  At 346x about two dozen stars were superimposed over an elongated glow and many other stars were just outside the glow.  At 200x with a UHC filter, the associated emission nebula (LMC-N105) was very bright overall with a very high surface brightness patch (N105A = HD 269111), roughly 30" in size, at the north end.   This patch contains the mag 13.9 Wolf-Rayet star Brey 16a = HD 269113.  The nebula is brightest along the west and east border and weaker in the center.  The elongation is towards a mag 12 star on the south side (Blue supergiant HD 269116).  HD 34169, a mag 13.7 star off the west side, is a rare eclipsing binary, consisting of a Wolf-Rayet WN4 star (Brey 16) and an O5-class blue supergiant.  The nebulosity forms part of a Superbubble. NGC 1854 lies 4.5' NW.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): third of three bright objects in a NW to SE string with NGC 1850 and NGC 1854/55.  This is a large and very unusual cluster with nebulosity.  There is a bright knot attached near the NW edge, ~15"-20" in diameter.  This knot responds very well to a UHC filter at 76x (27 Panoptic).  An obvious elongated patch of nebulous haze curves to the SE with several mag 13 stars involved with the glow and extended N-S.  Overall, the size of the cluster/nebulosity extends to 3.5'x2'.  Located 4.5' SE of NGC 1854.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1858 = D 120 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "small round nebula, about 30" diameter."  His position is 14' ESE of this cluster/nebula (association?).

 

John Herschel missed the earlier observation by Dunlop (not referenced in the CGH catalogue) due to the poor position and independently discovered NGC 1858 = h2784 on 2 Nov 1834, noting "A bright cl of irregular figure."  Herschel observed the cluster on no less than 7 sweeps.  The next observation was recorded as "a large, irregularly elongated cluster and nebula. Has two bright nebulae N.p." On a third occasion he noted it as "bright, large, irregular figure; binuclear; 3' long, 2' broad. The S.f. of 3."  His final observation was recorded as "Two oval nebulae joining." He notes: "This object, by diagrams, made in several of the observations, appears to consist of a resolvable and irresolvable portion, the general form being that of a somewhat crooked oblong extended from N.p. to S.f. at an angle of 60 or 70 degrees with the parallel, the northern end being nebulous, the southern starry. This anomolous form and constitution will serve to explain the apparent disagreement of these descriptions and places."

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NGC 1859 = ESO 085-50 = S-L 297

05 11 32.5 -65 14 55; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly small, round.  A brighter "bar" oriented NW-SE runs through the center, 0.6' diameter.  Appears very mottled with a few very faint stars resolved.  Collinear with mag 7 HD 34349  5.5' NE and a mag 11.4 star 4.5' SW.  NGC 1866 lies 18' SE.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this cluster appeared as a faint, fairly small, round, unresolved spot, roughly 0.5' diameter.  Located 5.5' SSW of mag 7.0 SAO 249218 and 18' NW NGC 1866.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1859 = h2786 on 3 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; vgbM; 20"; has a *7m nf, dist 6'."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 1860 = ESO 056-075 = S-L 284

05 10 39.9 -68 45 13; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 1.1'x1.1'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster was fairly faint, moderately large, possibly elongated slightly N-S, ~35"x30", very weak concentration.  A mag 10 star lies 1.7' SW.  Picked up after viewing NGC 1863 (5.5' ENE) and NGC 1865 (9.5' ESE).  The amazing field containing NGC 1850 (brightest cluster in the LMC), NGC 1854 and 1858 is just to the SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1860 = h2787 on 30 Dec 1836 and described as "F; R; vgbM; 60."  His position is ~30" too far south.

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NGC 1861 = ESO 056-076 = S-L 286

05 10 22 -70 46 36; Men

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, round, fairly small, 35" diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core, no resolution.  A mag 12 star lies 4' W and there are no stars brighter than mag 11 in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1861 = h2790 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "eF, R, gvlbM, 90 arcseconds."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 1862 = ESO 085-051 = S-L 306

05 12 34.4 -66 09 11; Dor

V = 13.3;  Size 0.3'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular round, 25" diameter.  Two mag 15-15.5 stars are resolved on the north side [6" separation] and a knot on the south side just resolves into a 4" pair.  A wide 30" pair of mag 11/12.5 stars is 2.5' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1862 = h2789 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vF, R, 30"."  His position from this single sweep is 1.3' too far west.

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NGC 1863 = ESO 056-077 = S-L 299

05 11 40.1 -68 43 36; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 1.4'x1.2'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC globular appeared very bright, moderately large, irregular outline, ~40" diameter, high surface brightness.  A faint star or clump is at the NE edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 1865, located 5' SE.  The remarkable field containing NGC 1850 (brightest cluster in the LMC), NGC 1855 and 1858 lies 15' SW.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1863 = D 173 on 5 Sep 1826 and recorded a "small faint nebula, 12" diameter."  He made a single observation and his position is 12' ENE of the cluster.  This easily falls within the range of his rough positions although NGC 1860 and NGC 1865 are nearby and also possible candidates. JH independently discovered NGC 1863 = h2791 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; vS; R; 20"."  On a second sweep he added "resolvable, 15", has a small star very near the edge."  His position (recorded on 5 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1864 = ESO 056-079 = S-L 309

05 12 41.0 -67 37 25; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 0.9'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, fairly small, roundish glow, 35" diameter.  Four stars are resolved are 303x.  Two mag 14.3 and 15.5 stars on the west end and a couple of mag 14.5-15 stars on the southeast side.  HD 34650 = HJ 3747 = 9.4/11.0 at 7" is 6.2' ENE.  NGC 1871/1869/1873 lies 12' and more to the northeast.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1864 = h2792 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; bM; 60."  On a second sweep he logged "F; irreg R; r; query, if not a knot of vS stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1865 = ESO 056-078 = S-L 307

05 12 25.0 -68 46 19; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.4'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster was fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1' diameter with a weak concentration and no resolution. It has a symmetrical appearance like a globular.  Located 5' SE of the bright cluster NGC 1863.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1865 = h2794 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF, pL, R, vglbM, 45"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.  James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster earlier in 1826 and described for D 173, "a small faint nebula, 12" diameter."  He made a single observation and his position is 6.4' NE of the cluster.  Herschel noted the possible equivalence with D 173.

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NGC 1866 = ESO 085-52 = S-L 319

05 13 38.6 -65 27 51; Dor

V = 9.8;  Size 4.5'

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): beautiful, highly resolved "blue globular" in the LMC.  Appeared very bright, very large, with an intense 1' core surrounded by a 5' halo containing a few dozen very faint stars.  The core itself was partially resolved into a number of densely packed stars over bright, mottled haze.  NGC 1859 lies 18' NW.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this LMC globular appeared moderately bright and fairly large large, round, 2.5' diameter.  The appearance was symmetrical with a faint 2.5' halo increasing to a 1' bright core which was concentrated to the center.  There was no obvious resolution although the surface was grainy or mottled.  Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 11-12 star 3' WNW and a mag 12-13 star 3' NNW.  This is a young populous "blue globular" with an age of roughly 100 million years.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1866 = D 247 = D 248 on 3 Aug 1826 and described (for D 247) "a pretty bright round nebula, 40" diameter."  His position for this entry (1 observation) is 10' too far NW.  Dunlop described D 248 as "a pretty bright round well-defined nebula, about 30" diameter, gradually brighter to the centre."  He claims 3 observations for this object and the published position is 9' too far east.  Since both descriptions are quite similar and this is the only bright object in the vicinity, it's reasonable to assume D 247 = D 248 = NGC 1866.  John Herschel described NGC 1866 = h2793) as "vB; L; R; vgmbM; 2'; resolvable." and listed both Dunlop entries as possible equivalences.   In 1926, Robert Innes described the cluster as "fine cluster of stars, very dense, with outliers, 2' diam, a miniature of Omega Centauri, 8th mag." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 1867 = ESO 058-053 = S-L 321

05 13 41.6 -66 17 36; Dor

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster appears as a fairly faint soft glow with no resolution, moderately large, irregularly round, 35" diameter, slightly brighter core.  Forms the obtuse angle of a flat triangle with a mag 10.5 star 2.6' S and a mag 12.5 star 1.9' NW.  NGC 1882 lies 15' NE and NGC 1887 is a similar distance ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1867 = h2795 on 3 Jan 1837 and described as "eF, pL, R, 2' (sky dull)"  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1868 = ESO 085-56 = S-L 330

05 14 37 -63 57 18; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 3.9'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, round, fairly thin halo, 1.0' diameter, mottled and high surface brightness but not resolved.  A mag 12 star lies 2.5' NE.  Resides in an fairly sparse field 57' SE of mag 5.2 WZ Doradus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1868 = h2796 on 30 Nov 1834 and reported "pF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"."  On a second sweep he recorded "pB; R; gbM; 30"."  In 1926, Robert Innes described it visually as a "Resolvable. 1' diameter, bM, = 9th mag." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 1869 = LMC-N30A = ESO 085-55 = S-L 326 = LH 37

05 13 52.7 -67 22 41; Dor

V = 10.5;  Size 14'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): S-L 326 (middle of three clusters within a large star cloud) consists of a mag 11.5 star, along with 5 other fairly bright stars and a number of faint stars (12-15 total resolved).  The cluster is encased in an irregular HII glow with a brighter patch (LMC-N30A) to the southeast of the mag 11.5 star.  The glow is moderately enhanced with the NPB filter, which reveals nebulosity extending off the cluster to the west.  HD 34632 = Brey 17, is a mag 13.1 Wolf-Rayet star (binary) is on the west side of the cluster.

 

NGC 1873 lies 3' N and NGC 1871 is 4.5' S.  All three clusters appear as local enhancements anchored by bright stars and lie within a striking star cloud (large association of blue supergiants including LH 32/34/36/37/38).  A rich background glow of unresolved stars extends west and north.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, hazy glow (= S-L 326) around a mag 10.5 star (HD 269183) with a couple of mag 12 stars close west.  NGC 1873 lies 2.7' N with 1871 4.4' S.  Located 11.5' S of mag 4.9 Theta Doradus.  Shapley used NGC 1869 as the center of "Constellation" IV, a 33'x33' association of blue supergiants.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1869 = h2798 on 30 Jan 1835 and described (sweep 658) a "cluster of 7th class; a fine L cluster of scattered stars which fills field.  The point taken is the middle of 3 groups [including NGC 1871 and 1873] in the most condensed part."  On a second sweep (2 Jan 1837) he noted "The first of a series of clusters which extends northwards as far as B 922 [Theta Doradus]."  NGC 2000, ESO and Morel's Visual Atlas of the LMC all identify NGC 1869 with S-L 326, a small cluster flanked by NGC 1871 to the south and NGC 1873 to the north of JH's position.  This is the object described by JH on his second sweep.  But Jenni Kay notes that "I am confident the small cluster centrally positioned between NGC 1871 and NGC 1873, being 2.5' in size is not JH's cluster.  The whole star group is attractive enough to warrant it's own designation. ...the small OC was used to measure a position only for the whole group which is the true NGC 1869 JH cluster."  Based on his two sweeps, NGC 1869 refers BOTH to the small cluster and to the star cloud (Lucke-Hodge associations 36/37/38 as well as 34/32).

 

Wolfgang Steinicke, as well as John Herschel, attributes James Dunlop with the discovery of NGC 1869 on 24 Sep 1826 as his position for D 210 is just 3.4' ESE of S-L 326 in the center of the association (the "point taken" by JH).  Dunlop's description reads "a small round nebula, rather faint.  This is the preceding in a line of nebulae and small stars, with a star of the 7th magnitude at the north extremity."  Although Dunlop gives a sketch, I couldn't match it up with the DSS to tell what object he was sketching.  Another reasonable guess is that D 210 applies to NGC 1871, which is the "southern" cluster in a line of nebulae extending north to Theta Doradus.

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NGC 1870 = ESO 056-081 = S-L 317

05 13 10.9 -69 07 03; Dor

V = 11.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared very bright, small, round, at most 30" in diameter.  The cluster was very grainy and lively at 350x and a few extremely faint stars occasionally popped into view.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1870 = D 123 = h2799 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and described "a faint ill-defined nebula, 2' diameter."  His position, from a single observation, is 9.5' ESE of the cluster.  JH independently discovered the cluster on 30 Jan 1835 and logged "B; S; R; glbM; 25."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1871 = LMC-N30B = ESO 056-085 = S-L 325 = LH 38

05 13 52.0 -67 27 08; Dor

V = 10.1

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): this nebulous cluster contains 5 or 6 bright stars (mag 11.5-13) and 10 stars total, 2' diameter, elongated E-W.  A very small nonstellar knot is near the center; a mag 11.8 blue supergiant (HD 34664) is just 25" N and a mag 11.4 star (HDE 269195) is at the E end.  Nebulosity encases the stars and is moderately enhanced with an NPB filter.  Located at the southeast end of a 15' star cloud (includes LH 32/34/36/37/38) with NGC 1869 = S-L 326 4.6' N and NGC 1873 7' N.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, this is a small group of stars in the LMC, 4 stars are resolved in nebulosity.  NGC 1873 lies 7' N and NGC 1864 is 12' SW.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1871 = D 210 on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula, rather faint.  This is the preceding in a line of nebulae and small stars, with a star of the 7th magnitude at the north extremity".  Although NGC 1871 is not "preceding in a line", it is the furthest south in a line and his position is just 5' NE of this cluster.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1871 = h2800 on 2 Nov 1834 and described "a poor cluster; the southern of three (with NGC 1869 and 1873) of four."  On a subsequent sweep he logged "the second of a series of clusters which extend northwards as far as B 922."  His mean position from two sweeps is accurate.

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NGC 1872 = ESO 056-083 = S-L 318

05 13 11.6 -69 18 45; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 1.7'x1.7'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this bright globular was the first LMC object I observed in the 24" and the view and surrounding field was very striking.  At 200x, the cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, round, 1.25' diameter, with a very bright core and a mottled halo.  A couple of mag 14-14.5 stars are near the edge of the halo.

 

Just to the east is a fairly rich scattering of stars including a 6' N-S curving chain that includes several mag 11-12 stars with a nice mag 12 pair at the north end (NGC 1881).  The southern end of the chain is near an impressive complex (stellar association LH 35) containing five HII regions (NGC 1874, 1876, 1877 and 1880) which are located ~4' S and 5' SSE of NGC 1872.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1872 = h2802 = D 121 on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula." (single observation).  This would require he made a 15' error in declination too far south, a typical error.  See NGC 1876.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1872 = h2802 on 3 Nov 1834 and reported "B, R, gbM; the preceding nebula." The next observation was recorded as "pB, S, R, insulated in the recess of an arc-formed nebulous cluster (See plate III fig 6 for this and several following objects)."  His position (recorded on 4 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1873 = ESO 085-054 = S-L 324 = LH 36

05 13 55.8 -67 20 00; Dor

V = 10.4

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, large resolved cluster, 2.5' diameter.  Includes a bright mag 11.6 star and 20 or more mag 13 and fainter stars over unresolved haze and nebulosity.  Moderate contrast gain with NPB filter. Connected to S-L 326 (see NGC 1869) just 2.8' S and NGC 1871 7.5' SSW.  The three star groups are embedded in a 15' star cloud (including associations LH 32/34/36/37/38).  Faint stars and unresolved haze extends to the west and north as well as a several brighter mag 11.5-12.5 stars 4' to 6' W.  This excellent region is situated 9' S of mag 4.8 Theta Doradus.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, 4 stars resolved over haze, 1.0' diameter.  Located 9' S of mag 4.9 Theta Doradus in a series of small clusters including NGC 1871 7' S and a small group just 3' S surrounding a mag 10 star that John Herschel gave as the center for NGC 1869.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1873 = h2801 on 2 Jan 1837 and described as "the third [with NGC 1871 and 1869] of a series of clusters extending to B 922."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1874 = LMC-N113D = ESO 056-84 = LH 35

05 13 09.0 -69 22 34; Dor

V = 12.8;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first in a complex of HII regions located ~4' due south of the bright cluster NGC 1872.  At 200x and UHC filter, NGC 1874 appeared bright, round, ~1' diameter, even surface brightness.  The nebulous glow is just slightly fainter than NGC 1876 which is just 1.3' NE.  Without a filter a couple of mag 14 stars are involved within the glow.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1874 = h2803 = D 122? and described "a small nebula, about 20" diameter, with three smaller nebulae following, and three pretty bright small stars on the north side".  His position of 14' due south of the NGC 1874/1876/1877/1880 complex, so he probably saw several or all of these.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1874 = h2803 on 16 Dec 1835 and described as "the south preceding of two [with NGC 1876 = h2804], forming a binuclear nebula at the southern extremeity of an arc-formed cluster of stars."  Also in this grouping are NGC 1877 and NGC 1880.  Sketched on Plate III, figure 6 in his CGH observations.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1875 = HCG 34A = Arp 327 NED1 = VV 169a = MCG +01-14-032 = CGCG 421-039 = PGC 17171

05 21 45.8 +06 41 20; Ori

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (10/24/11): bright, round, 30" diameter, brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1' W.  The other three fainter members (interacting chain Arp 327) are in a string to the southeast with HCG 34D 0.5' SE, HCG 34C 0.9' SE and HCG 34B 1.2' SE.  HCG 34D is extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter, HCG 34C is faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, 12"x8" and HCG 34B appears faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 20"x10".  I also picked up 2MASX J05215739+0643182, a fairly faint (mag 16.7B) galaxy 3.5' NE.

 

24" (2/9/13): NGC 1875 is the dominant E or S0 galaxy in HCG 34.  At 375x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter, well concentrated with a small brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1' W and a mag 16 star is just 0.4' W of center.  Two additional members were barely seen to the southeast; HCG 34C 0.9' SE and 34B 1.2' SE.

 

17.5" (2/8/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.0' E of a mag 13.5 star.  No other members of HCG 34 seen.

 

17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1' W.  This galaxy is the brightest member of HCG 34 including an extremely faint interacting triplet just SE which was not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 1875 = m 98 on 18 Nov 1863 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged as "eF, S, R."  His position matches MCG +01-14-032 = PGC 17171, the brightest member of HCG 34.  VV 169 = Arp 327 is a triplet of distorted galaxies just southeast.

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NGC 1876 = LMC-N113C = ESO 056-84 = LH 35

05 13 18.5 -69 21 52; Dor

V = 11.7

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the largest and brightest in an impressive complex of HII regions just 3' S of the blue globular NGC 1872.  At 200x and a UHC filter it appeared very bright with a slightly irregular outline, ~1.2' diameter, brightest along the north rim where there is a brighter knot.   NGC 1874, another bright section, lies only 1' SW and NGC 1877 is a similar distance south-southeast.  A long curving chain of stars sweeps to the NE of the complex (stellar association LH 35).  NGC 1881 lies the north end of this stellar chain.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1876 = h2804 = D 122? and described "a small nebula, about 20" diameter, with three smaller nebulae following, and three pretty bright small stars on the north side".  His position of 14' S of the NGC 1874/1876/1877/1880 complex, so he probably saw several or all of these.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1876 = h2804 on 3 Nov 1834 and described as "B, irreg R (the following of two very close) connected by an arc-formed cluster with another."  On his second he logged "pB, r, the most compressed part of an irregular binuclear nebula which terminates, to the south, an arc-formed cluster."  His mean position from 4 sweeps is accurate and a sketch showing the entire complex is on plate III, figure 6.

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NGC 1877 = ESO 056-084 = LMC-N11A/B

05 13 21.7 -69 22 37; Dor

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the third in an interesting complex of HII regions and is situated just 1' SE of much brighter NGC 1876.  At 200x with a UHC filter it appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, with several stars embedded.  NGC 1877 forms the SE vertex of a small equilateral triangle with NGC 1874 and 1876.  NGC 1880 lies another 1.5' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1877 = h2805 on 17 Jan 1838 and described as "a third and very faint nucleus of the nebular group at the southern extremity of the arc-formed cluster. From a figure of Jan 17, 1838 [plate III, figure 6 in the CGH Observations]."  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1878 = ESO 056-080 = S-L 316

05 12 51 -70 28 18; Men

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; moderately bright, small, round, compact, 20" diameter, fairly high surface brightness glow, no resolution. Occasionally a mag 16-16.5 star pops at the north edge.  A mag 13.5 star is 1' NE and a mag 12.5 star is 1.8' NE.  LHA 120-N 193A, a compact HII region, is 4.3' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1878 = h2807 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "vF, lE, gvlbM, r. (N.B. The Nubecula Major is here very poor, and hardly anything of it seen.)"  His position, from a single sweep, is ~30" too far east.

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NGC 1879 = ESO 423-006 = MCG -05-13-016 = UGCA 110 = PGC 17113

05 19 48.2 -32 08 29; Col

V = 12.8;  Size 2.5'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, moderately large, almost round, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.3' SE of mag 9.8 SAO 195756.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1879 = h2797 on 18 Nov 1835 and reported as "vF, L, R, vgvlbM, 2', has a star 12 seconds preceding and 3' north."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1880 = LMC-N113F = ESO 056-82

05 13 38.6 -69 23 03; Dor

Size 0.7'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the 4th in a striking group of HII regions with the main complex consisting of NGC 1874, 1876 and 1877 just to the west by 2'-3'.  At 200x with a UHC filter NGC 1880 appeared as a moderately bright, small, round haze surrounding a star.  A brighter mag 12.3 star ~40" SW is free of nebulosity.  Very faint haze is visible extending to the east (BSDL 945) and northeast.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1880 = h2808 in Dec 1834 and described as "A fourth nucleus at the southern end of the arc-formed nebula and cluster, as laid down in the figure of Jan 17, 1838 [plate III, figure 6 in the CGH Observations]." This grouping consists of NGC 1872, 1874, 1877 and NGC 1880.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 1874.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered the complex earlier in 1826 with his 9-inch reflector.  He reported D 122 as "a small nebula, about 20" diameter, with three smaller nebulae following, and three pretty bright small stars on the north side".  His position of 14' S of the NGC 1874/1876/1877/1880 complex, so he probably saw several of these, but it's not certain whichh ones he noticed.

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NGC 1881 = ESO 056-086 = S-L 323 = LH 35

05 13 37.3 -69 18 03; Dor

Size 1.0'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): a long, curving chain of stars (part of stellar association LH 35) extends to the northeast of the NGC 1874/76/77 HII complex and ends at an easy pair of mag 12 stars (12" separation) located about 2.5' NE of the globular NGC 1872.  At 260x, faint haze or unresolved stars, ~1' in diameter, encompasses this pair of stars.

 

Although there is dim nebulosity generally north and west of the double, John Herschel's description and sketch refers to an asterism of 5-6 faint stars 2.5' following the pair of stars.  Modern sources are incorrect in identifying NGC 1881 with the pair of mag 12 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1881 = h2810 on 17 Jan 1838 and recorded "vF; follows a double star.  An outlier of the arc-formed nebula and cluster [N1874/76/77].  Laid down in drawing Jan. 17, 1838, whence also its place.  See Plate III. fig. 6."  There are only a handful of faint stars near JH's position.  See Corwin's notes and my visual description.

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NGC 1882 = NGC 1884? = ESO 085-057 = S-L 340

05 15 33 -66 07 48; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 1.2'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, roundish, 1.2' diameter, small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is resolved at the west edge of the core.  A mag 10 star lies 5.5' E.  NGC 1887 lies 12' SSE and NGC 1867 is 15' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1882 = h2809 (along with NGC 1867, 1919, 1946, 2034, 2062, 2153 and 2176) on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "pF, R, vgvlbM, 3' diameter, mottled (resolvable)."  His position is less than 30" NW of center.

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NGC 1883 = Cr 64 = OCL-417 = Lund 175

05 25 54 +46 29 24; Aur

Size 3'

 

13.1" (12/22/84): about a dozen very faint stars mag 13.5 and fainter over unresolved haze.  Located 1.5” NE of Capella.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1883 = H VII-34 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) and recorded "a cluster of vF and vS stars, pretty compressed but not very rich, irr F, about 3' diameter."  His position is just off the north side of this cluster.  The declination in Lynga, RNGC and Sky Catalogue 2000.0 is 4' too far N.

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NGC 1884

05 15 58 -66 09 48; Dor

 

= Not found or 3 *'s, Corwin.  =Not Found, Lindsay.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1884 = h2812 on 3 Jan 1837 and noted,"eF, 2' diameter."  There is nothing obvious on the DSS at his position (29 tsec east and 2' south of NGC 1882).  Eric Lindsay reports "not found" in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud".  ESO equates NGC 1884 with NGC 1882.  Since NGC 1882 and 1884 were recorded on the same sweep, this seems unlikely.  If JH made a 10' error in dec, then NGC 1884 could be a duplicate of NGC 1887 instead, though his size estimate would be significantly too large.  Finally, Harold Corwin notes this number may refer to 3 stars close to JH's position.

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NGC 1885 = ESO 056-88 = S-L 338

05 15 07.0 -68 58 43; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 1.4'x1.2'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared very bright, round, moderately large, ~35" diameter.  It was very irregular and slightly elongated E-W at 350x with a few extremely faint stars resolved around the edges and a few stars resolved within the halo (including one brighter star).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1885 = h2814 on 31 Jan 1835 and described as "pB; R; bM; 15"."  His position from a single sweep is about 1' too far WNW.

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NGC 1886 = ESO 487-002 = MCG -04-13-013 = AM 0519-235 = FGC 484 = PGC 17174

05 21 48.6 -23 48 34; Lep

V = 12.8;  Size 3.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60”

 

48" (10/29/16): at 488x; bright, striking edge-on 7:1 SW-NE, at least 2.0'x0.3', contains a brighter bulging core.  This large, thin edge-on is nearly bisected by a thin, pretty subtle dust lane slightly north of the central axis.  The portion of the core south of the lane was slightly larger and more prominent with a smaller section of the core north of the lane.  A mag 10.0 star (HD 35127) is 2.7' SW, nearly collinear with the major axis.  In additional a mag 9.3 star is 3.6' SSW (HD 35157) and a mag 10 star (HD 35105) is 6' WNW.  These three bright stars, along with a 4th mag 10 star, form a prominent 11' chain angling NW-SE.   On images, NGC 1886 is a miniature version of NGC 891 with a box/peanust-shaped bulge.  Located 54' NW of M79.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, fairly small, edge-on WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.  Located just east of a line of four bright stars oriented NW-SE, including mag 9.5 SAO 170343 10' NW, mag 9.5 SAO 170346 6' WNW and mag 9 SAO 170350 3.4' SSW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 1886 = LM 2-400 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and recorded "mag 14.0, 3.0'x1.8', E 240”, *8 at 0.6' in PA 245”."  His position is just 11 tsec west of ESO 487-002.  Herbert Howe mentioned the "*8 sp 40" should read "*9 precedes 11 sec, 0.9' south, and a *8.5 about 6' S."

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NGC 1887 = ESO 085-059 = S-L 343

05 16 06 -66 19 06; Dor

V = 12.7;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 40" diameter.  Concentrated with a very small brighter core that is offset towards the west side.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the NW edge of the main glow and a mag 15.2 star is off the NE edge.  NGC 1882 lies 12' NNW and NGC 1867 is 14' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1887 = h2813 on 23 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; vS; R; has a * preceding 25" distance."  His position from a single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 1888 = Arp 123 NED1 = MCG -02-14-013 = PGC 17195

05 22 34.7 -11 29 58; Lep

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 145”

 

48" (2/18/12): very bright, large, elongated 5:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.5'.  Contains a very bright, elongated core that appears mottled.  The northwest extension is partially cut off in a north-south direction due to a dust lane near the midpoint and the northwest end has a much lower surface brightness.

 

48" (10/22/11): very bright, large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 2.6'x0.5', large bright core.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 1889, which is attached on the east side of the core.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE streak.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 1889 just NE of the center.

 

8" (10/13/81): very faint, small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1888 = H II-289 = h352 = h2806 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 362) and recorded as "F, pL, irregular triangular figure, resolvable."  I'm surprised he missed NGC 1889, which was discovered by Bindon Stoney at Birr Castle on 29 Oct 1851.  Joseph Turner sketched the pair of galaxies (Arp 123) on 4 Jan. 1877 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.

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NGC 1889 = Arp 123 NED2 = MCG -02-14-014 = PGC 17196

05 22 35.3 -11 29 49; Lep

V = 13.3;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 165”

 

48" (2/18/12): very bright, small, round, very high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus, 0.4' diameter.  Forms a contact pair at the east edge of the core of NGC 1888

 

48" (10/22/11): very bright, small, round, 25" diameter, very high surface brightness.  Attached on the east side of the core of NGC 1888.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, extremely small, round.  Forms a contact pair with much brighter NGC 1888.  Located just east of the north end of NGC 1888.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 1889 on 29 Oct 1851.  He described NGC 1888 as a "close double nebula, the preceding nebula [NGC 1888] is elongated NW-SE.".  The rough position in the NGC is very close.

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NGC 1890 = ESO 056-087 = S-L 331

05 13 46 -72 04 42; Men

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, 40" diameter.  This cluster consists of two "knots".  The brighter knot on the northwest side appears to have a stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 13-13.5 is just off the west-northwest edge, 0.7' NE and another mag 13.5 star is 1' SSE.  Mag 9.5 HD 271126 is 2.8' NNE and mag 9.1 HD 35141 is 9.5' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1890 = h2816 on 26 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; glbM."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 1891 = ESO 362-020

05 21 16.3 -35 42 5; Col

 

18" (1/21/04): ~15 mag 10-13 stars, scattered in a 15' field.  There are no rich subgroups and appears to be an unimpressive, random group of stars.  Still, it stands out as reasonably detached at 115x.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC and not catalogued by Lynga as a cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1891 = h2811 on 26 Dec 1835 and called it "A large scattered cluster, which more than fills the field.  Stars 10...12m.  Place that of a double star [HJ 3753], the chief star."  His position corresponds with mag 9.3 SAO 195771 at 05 21 16.3 -35 42 56.  ESO notes "No Cluster" and RNGC also classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 1892 = ESO 085-061 = PGC 17042

05 17 09.0 -64 57 35; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 2.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 74”

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this galaxy shines through the northern  portion of the LMC!  At 166x, it appeared very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.3' with just a weak concentration.  A very faint star is just south of the following end.  Located 37' NE of the bright LMC young globular NGC 1866.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1892 = h2815 on 30 Nov 1834 and reported "vF; pL; lE in parallel; vglbM; 2' l; 9" br."  On a second sweep he recorded "pF, pL, elongated in parallel; 90", 50"; has a star or two in it."   In 1926, Robert Innes described it visually as a "very elongated nebula, 45” to 225”, 12th mag; 30" broad, 2' long." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory). The Hodge-Wright Atlas claims the RA is off by 1 tmin, but it is correctly marked on the Atlas and the NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 1893 = Cr 63 = Mel 33 = OCL-439

05 22 45 +33 25 12; Aur

V = 7.5;  Size 11'

 

24" (1/4/14): at 200x, this bright, young cluster contains 80-100 stars, with the richest portion forming a large boomerang-shaped region extending 12'x5' N-S.  The outline is slightly concave to the west and convex to the east with a narrow denser region in the center with several pairs and trios.  NGC 1893 is the core of the Aur OB2 association and contains a number of massive O-type stars including 9th mag O4-type HD 242908 at the NW tip of the "boomerang" and 9.4-mag HD 24296 (O6-type star) forming the SW tip of the outline.  In the rich central region is 9.8-mag O7-type HD 242935, and the brightest component of the multiple star Bu 887, with two fainter companions at ~10" separation.  Just 1.4' NNW of this triple is a 14" of mag 10.4/11.4 stars, with brighter component BD+33 1025, an O8-type star.  Also 2.4' SE is a 10" pair of mag 11.4/12.4 stars. In addition, many other stars appear to be arranged in pairs and strings, so the cluster has a striking appearance.  These and other hot O and B-type stars in the cluster ionize the large emission nebula IC 410, which is quite impressive using a UHC filter (see separate description).

 

The cometary "Tadpoles" nebulae Simeis 130 and 129, which contain recently minted stars, lie on the east end of the cluster.  The "head" of Simeis 130 was immediately picked up at 200x as a very small, fairly high surface brightness knot with at least one star involved.  At 260x and 375, two very close "stars" oriented WSW-ENE were embedded in the glow, with the ENE object quasi-stellar (would not focus to a sharp point) and perhaps a very tight pair. Although impressive on images, there was no sign of the wavy tail extending from the "head" towards the NE.  Mag 9.1 BD+33 1028, 3' E of Simeis 130, along with a 6' group of a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars, were visually detached to the NE of the main cluster.

 

48" (10/27/19): just west of the cluster was a noticeable dark nebula, ~3' in diameter and it provided a striking contrast with the rich cluster immediately to its east and northeast.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): about 40 mostly faint stars, elongated N-S in poor transparency.  Located within a triangle of three mag 8 stars.  The emission nebula IC 410 is involved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1893 = h351 on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51) and described a "rich coarse cluster of scattered stars 9...15m; more than fills field."  There is nothing at his position but exactly 3 tmin of RA west is a cluster embedded in the HII region IC 410.  JH didn't mention any nebulosity in his description, so the number should just apply to the cluster only, with IC 410 referring to the nebula. The error in position was copied by JH into the GC and by Dreyer into the NGC.  In the 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", Karl Reinmuth gave an corrected RA (noting it with an asterisk).

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NGC 1894 = ESO 056-089 = S-L 344

05 15 51 -69 28 06; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright to very bright, moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter, high surface brightness.  A couple of mag 15+ stars are at the edge on the north side as well as a mag 13.5 star at the northwest edge.  Situated in a rich region of the LMC with a glowing background. NGC 1903 and NGC 1916, both showpiece globulars, lie 11' NE and 15' ENE, respectively.  NGC 1876 and neighbors, an impressive HII complex, lies 15' NW and NGC 1898 is 12' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1894 = h2818 on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 80"; resolvable.  On a ground of small stars."  His position from a single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 1895 = LMC-N33 = ESO 085-62

05 16 52 -67 19 50; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 0.8'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): very bright, irregular HII region, ~45" diameter, enhanced with NPB filter at 152x.  Three mag 14.5-15 stars are involved with the glow, one centrally. A mag 12 star is 1.7' NNW.  NGC 1897 lies 8' SSE and the NGC 1873 complex (along with NGC 1869 and 1871) is 16' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1895 = h2817 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; R; glbM; 40"."  On later sweeps he estimated the size as 70" and 80".

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NGC 1896

05 25 35 +29 15 36; Tau

 

18" (11/22/03): at 115x, this is a scattered group of two dozen or more stars (depending on assumed dimensions) situated northeast of mag 8.6 SAO 77158.  The group is elongated NW-SE, ~10'x4' in size, although the borders of the group are arbitrary.  Includes 10 brighter mag 10-12 stars.  The declination given in the RNGC is 9 degrees too far south (listed as nonexistent).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1896 = H VIII-4 = h353 on 17 Jan 1784 (sweep 76) and recorded "a cl of scattered stars with small ones intermixed; it is about 3/4 nf Beta Tauri."  His summary description (from 3 observations) reads "a cluster of coarse and irregularly scattered pretty large stars." His position is accurately placed in this scattered group of stars.

 

On 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115), John Herschel logged, "the most condensed part of a poor cl divded into two.  It consists of 20 or 30 stars 9...12m." His position is only given roughly, but is just off the southeast side.  JH made a typo copying the NPD into the GC, where it is 9” too far south and Dreyer passed along this error into the NGC.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and uses the erroneous NGC position.  Lynga does not list a cluster at Herschel's position, so this group is probably an asterism and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, also adds "no distinct Cl."

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NGC 1897 = ESO 056-092 = S-L 355

05 17 32 -67 26 54; Dor

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): moderately bright cluster, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, fairly smooth, no resolution except for a mag 16.5 star at the south edge.  No response to filter.  Mag 9.9 HD 35292 is 5' ENE.  NGC 1895 is 8' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1897 = h2820 on 31 Jan 1835 and described as "eF; S; R."  His position from a single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 1898 = ESO 056-90 = S-L 350

05 16 41.9 -69 39 25; Dor

V = 11.9;  Size 1.6'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, irregular outline, nearly 1.0' diameter, bright central region, very mottled, contains a very small bright nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the southwest edge, 30" from center and two mag 12 stars are 2' S and 1.7' SE . Set within a rich background glow from the LMC, 12' W of NGC 1918, a large nebulous cluster.  Open cluster S-L 363 is 6' E and NGC 1894 is 12' NNW.  NGC 1898 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1898 = D 124 on 27 Sep 1826 and recorded "a very small round nebula, about 12" diameter."  He made 2 observations and his position is 5' SW of this LMC globular.  John Herschel found NGC 1898 = h2822 on 24 Nov 1834 and described it as "F; R; 40"."  His position from a single sweep is accurate.  Herschel noted this object as possibly D 124.

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NGC 1899 = ESO 056-094 = LMC-N36

05 17 49 -67 54 06; Dor

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; no cluster or nebulous object was in the field at the nominal position, which included three mag 11 stars and the rest mag 13 and fainter.  I see nothing that would have caught John Herschel's attention in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1899 = h2821 on 30 Dec 1836 and reported as "F; R; vgbM; 40"; 3 stars 10' [approximate] mag precede."

 

Eric Lindsay reports "Not found" in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud".  Nevertheless, there appears to be a small very faint star and nebulosity (Henize 120-N 36) on the red DSS2 2' SE of Herschel's position. The Hodge-Wright Atlas states "possibly Henize 36".  Two mag 11 stars and a mag 12.7 star precede LHA 120-N 36, roughly agreeing with "3 stars 10' m precede."  See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this number.

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NGC 1900 = ESO 085-068 = S-L 376

05 19 09 -63 01 24; Dor

V = 13.6;  Size 1.7'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, ~45" diameter, mottled with brighter spots but no definite resolution.  A mag 14.5 star is 1' WSW and a few mag 15-15.5 stars are within 1' E. Located 3.7' SE of mag 7.2 HD 35199.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1900 = h2819 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; pL; lE; vgvlbM".  In a second sweep, it appeared "pB; irreg R; gbM; 25".  Among many stars, one = 7m, np."  His position and description (the mag 7 star is 3.7' NW) is accurate.

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NGC 1901

05 18 16 -68 26 24; Dor

Size 15'

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): very scattered cluster of stars in a 15' region.  The central grouping, extending 7'x2.5', is the most compressed with ~15 stars (7 of these are fairly bright).  Perhaps 40 stars total within 15', including 10 brighter stars.  The brightest stars are mag 8.4 HD 35294 in the central group and mag 7.6 HD 35230 on the southwest end.  This sparse Milky Way cluster (neither of the two brightest stars are members) is superimposed on the LMC.  The LMC cluster S-L 359, just 1.3' WSW of the mag 8.4 star, was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1901 = h2824 on 30 Dec 1836 and described "a star 7th mag. The most southern and largest of a large, brilliant but poor cluster which fills the field. Stars 8, 9 ... 12th mag."  His position is close west of mag 7.6 HD 35230.

 

In "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (1964IrAJ....6..286L) Eric Lindsay comments, "Centered on CPD -68”347. A dozen fairly bright stars, of which CPD 68”347 is the brightest and most southern, scattered within 11' diameter. Could hardly be considered a cluster and resembles mroe nearly a field irregularity."  The brighter field stars are not associated with the LMC.  But "A stellar group in line of sight with the Large Magellanic Cloud." (1968AJ.....73..566S) concludes, "BV photometry of a stellar group first noticed by Bok in line of sight with the Large Magellanic Cloud indicates that the group is real.  An H-R diagram shows an apparent main sequence with a turnoff near A0."

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NGC 1902 = ESO 085-066 = S-L 367

05 18 18.3 -66 37 35; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 1.6'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly small, 40" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 43' NE of mag 4.8 Theta Doradus.  NGC 1920 lies 16' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1902 = h2823 on 23 Nov 1834 and described as "pB; S; R; bM; 15"."  On the fifth and final sweep he commented "globular; pB; R; psmbM; 2' diameter.  Resolved."

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NGC 1903 = ESO 056-093 = S-L 356

05 17 22.4 -69 20 16; Dor

V = 11.9;  Size 1.9'x1.9'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this showpiece cluster is located just 10' SW of the NGC 1910 complex, which contains S Doradus.  At 350x, it appeared very bright, ~1' diameter, with a blazing 20" core.  Perhaps 20 stars were resolved in the halo at this power with a single brighter star at the edge of the core on the south side.  NGC 1916, another bright globular, lies 8' SE.  NGC 1903 is situated in a wonderful section of the LMC; panning south and to the west yields field upon field filled with both bright and fainter clusters of all sizes, along with nebulous HII glows.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1903 = h2825 on 3 Nov 1834 and described as "vB; S; R; gbM; 30"."  His position on 5 sweeps (all descriptions similar) is accurate.

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NGC 1904 = M79 = ESO 487-7

05 24 10.6 -24 31 27; Lep

V = 7.8;  Size 6';  Surf Br = 0.0

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): excellent view at 200x.  Contains an intense, 1' core that was mottled and partially resolved, particularly around the edges.  The halo was easily resolved with several dozen brighter members peppered within the halo and around the periphery (~40 stars counted) although there were no dense knots.  Surrounding the inner core (nucleus) is a dense ring of high surface brightness which was very mottled.  In good moments of seeing this ring broke up into a swarm of stars.  Located 40' ENE of 5th magnitude h3752, a striking mag 5.5/6.7 pair at 3".

 

17.5" (1/9/99): at 280x, M79 is well resolved into several dozen stars.  Contains a sharply concentrated intense core, ~2' in diameter which is clumpy, mottled and partially resolved at its periphery.  The inner part of the halo is peppered with faint stars.  The background haze drops off significantly towards the outer portion of the halo but a number of brighter stars are resolved including a nice arc of stars along the following edge of the halo.  A evenly matched close pair is on the northeast side and a mag 12 star (a post-AGB star that belongs to the cluster) is at the north edge.  Located 35' NE of naked-eye 5th magnitude h3752 (5.5/6.7 at 3").

 

17.5" (12/8/90): 40-50 stars resolved mostly in the halo or at the edge of the very mottled core.  A string of six stars is just east of center and a long string passes through the core.  The brightest mag 12.5 star is north of the core.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): three dozen stars resolved, mostly at the edges of the core and in the halo.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): at 220x, three dozen stars were resolved.

 

13" (1/19/85): at 360x, about 40 stars resolved in good seeing including a few over the core.

 

8" (9/25/81): small bright core, a few stars are resolved at the edge of the mottled core.  The outer halo is well resolved in excellent conditions.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M79 = NGC 1904 on 26 Oct 1780.  He reported it to Messier, who confirmed its position, and included it in his 1780 catalogue.  Wolfgang Steinicke reports that William Herschel first observed the cluster on 4 Mar 1783 (before his sweeps) with his 6.2-inch reflector.  On 17 Nov 1784, WH recorded M79 as "a fine cluster of stars, near 3' dia.  Extremely compressed but completely resolved." On 13 Jan 1806, he observed with his "Large 10 feet" and logged "The 79th of the Connoiss. is a cluster of stars of a globular construction, and certainly extremely rich. Towards the centre the stars are extremely compressed, and even a good way from it. With 171 the diameter is a little less than 1/3 of the field, and with 220 a little more; the field of one being 9'0", and of the other 8'0", a mean of both gives the diameter of the cluster 2'50", but I suppose that the lowness of the situation prevents my seeing the tiny scattered stars, so that this cluster is probably larger than it appears."

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NGC 1905 = ESO 085-067 = S-L 369

05 18 24 -67 16 42; Dor

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright LMC cluster, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Contains an irregular, small knotty nucleus that was unresolved.  NGC 1895 (HII region) lies 9' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1905 = h4016 on 2 Jan 1837 and described as "F, S, R, r[esolved].  It was catalogued in a "supplementary nebulae" list of objects at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) and identified as "h o n" (John Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.

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NGC 1906 = MCG -03-14-015 = PGC 17243

05 24 47.2 -15 56 34; Lep

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the SE edge 1.6' from center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1906 = LM 1-148 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct (0.2 tmin too far east).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 21 Feb 1889 as well as Howe in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 1907 = Cr 66 = Mel 35 = OCL-434

05 28 05 +35 19 30; Aur

V = 8.2;  Size 7'

 

17.5" (10/12/85): 50 stars in a 7' diameter.  Includes a few bright stars but very rich in fainter stars in the central region.  A wide pair of mag 9.5-10 stars is at the south end (9.6/9.9 at 52") and a closer pair is off the NE side (h699 = 10.4/11.6 at 10").  Located 33' SSW of M38.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): dense, about three dozen stars. 

 

8" (11/5/83): rich, glowing cluster, compact, includes two bright stars to the south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1907 = H VII-39 = h354 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 693) and noted "a pretty compressed cluster of small stars, near 4' diameter."  John Herschel made three observations and reported on 5 Jan 1827 (42), "p Rich; irreg R; stars 9...12m, 50 or 60 counted; bM."

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NGC 1908

05 26 00 -02 32; Ori

 

= Not found, Corwin and Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1908 = H V-33 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "I suspect diffused eF milky nebulosity.  The means of verifying this phenomenon are difficult."

 

On 15 Jan 1868, Lord Rosse was "unable to say whether any diffused neby exists here.  At the set there was a spot about 10' diam or so, where there was almost total absence of stars when compared with the surrounding parts, and either from this cause or some other, it was rather *darker*."  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey Die Herschel-Nebel, reported "not found" and Harold Corwin, using the PSS, also reports no obvious nebulosity.  So, NGC 1908 is either lost or nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes for more information.

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NGC 1909

05 25.9 -08 07; Ori

 

= Not found, Corwin.  Nominal position given.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1909 = H V-38 on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 656) and recorded "strongly suspected nebulosity of very great extent.  Not less than 2 degrees 11' of PD and 26s of RA."  So, this "suspected nebulosity" stretched across several fields!  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates was unable to find Herschel's nebulosity.  Originally Corwin suggested this giant north-south nebuosity may refer to IC 2118, the Witch Head Nebula  WH's rough position of H V-36 is ~23 minutes of RA to far east but if his offset direction from Rigel was reversed (roughly 11 min of RA west instead of 11 min of RA east), then his corrected position would be a reasonable match with IC 2118.  But it turns out the Herschel observed H. V-38 11 minutes after Rigel left the field, so obviously it can refer to IC 2118, which is well west of Rigel.  So, this is apparently a case where Herschel was misled by subtle irregularities in the background sky or perhaps a reflection from a brighter star.

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NGC 1910 = ESO 056-099 = S-L 371 = LH 41 = LMC-N119

05 18 42.5 -69 14 12; Dor

V = 9.7;  Size 10'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this large, bright cluster or star cloud (stellar association LH 41) contains the variable star S Doradus (8.6-11.5), the brightest star in the LMC and one of the brightest known stars (absolute magnitude -9).  At 200x, roughly 100 stars mag 11-15 were resolved in a 7' region with some extensions increasing the diameter another couple of arc minutes.  S Doradus is the brightest star in the main portion of the cluster, though there are several other mag 11 and 12 stars.  S-L 360 is on the NW side (2' N of S Dor) and appeared as a small bright knot that was clearly non-stellar and surrounded by a thin, fainter halo (ring of faint stars on DSS).  HDE 269333, a mag 11.2 Wolf-Rayet binary (WN+B) lies 1.6' NNE of S-L 360.

 

The cluster is embedded in LMC-N119, a very large, bright emission nebula.  The most prominent section of the nebula is a very bright 3' patch to the east of S-L 360 and a wing to the south of S-L 360 that responds well to a UHC filter at 200x.  Nebulosity is also visible on the west side of S Doradus.  This section curves N-S to S-L 360 and also south of S Doradus.  To the south of NGC 1910, on a northwest to southeast stream extending a couple of degrees, are dozens of LMC clusters with NGC 1903, an impressive globular, situated 10' SW.  In a 1953 paper, Harlow Shapley and Virginia Nail defined NGC 1910 as the center of "Constellation V", a 24' region containing numerous blue supergiants.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1910 = D129 = h2827 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, New South Wales.  He described "A pretty large and very ill-defined nebula, of an irregular round figure, with several small stars in it."  His position is unusually accurate.

 

John Herschel first recorded it in Dec 1834 as a "fine cluster. Irregular figure, the chief nucleus (which seems to be a close double star, 9th mag) taken."  On a second sweep he called it "The most condensed knot ( = 12 arcseconds) in a pretty rich, L, scattered cluster." His third observation was recorded as "p rich L cluster 10' diameter. It has in it a close triple star, easily taken for a nebulous knot. (N.B. This is doubtless the knot taken in the three foregoing observations...)."

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NGC 1911 = NGC 1920

05 20 33.0 -66 46 44; Dor

Size 1.2'

 

See observing notes for NGC 1920.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1911 = h2826 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 30", among may stars."  He only logged this object on one sweep and there is nothing at his position.   Jenni Kay and Harold Corwin suggest NGC 1911 is probably be a duplicate observation of NGC 1920, which was recorded on 7 sweeps but not on the one in which he recorded NGC 1911.  JH's position is 80 sec of RA west of this cluster and his description is a reasonable match.

 

Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" writes "Not found. This should be WNW of NGC 1920. This is No 2826 in Herschel's general Catalogue to which there is reference under NGC 1915."  RNGC follows Lindsay and classifies this number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1912 = M38 = Cr 67

05 28 43 +35 51 18; Aur

V = 6.4;  Size 21'

 

18" (1/17/09): at 175x this gorgeous cluster extends 25'-30' in diameter and contains roughly 200 stars in many irregular groupings.  A very pretty string of stars extends N-S out the north side.  Includes a very large number of mag 10-12 stars (fairly uniform) with many of the stars group very irregularly in long chains and loops.  Some of these chains outline the periphery of nearly starless voids including the unconcentrated center which contains starless patches.  NGC 1907 is located 33' SSW, though the two clusters were likely born in different parts of the galaxy.

 

8": large, bright, rich cluster with many 10th magnitude stars, square or cruciform shape, includes a number of double stars.  A number of stars are arranged in strings.

 

Naked-eye (10/24/11): just glimpsed in very dark skies.

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered M38 = NGC 1912 before 1654.  It was independently discovered by Le Gentil in 1749 and probably by Messier on 25 Sep 1764 (Le Gentil is not mentioned in his description).  WH observed the cluster on 23 Nov 1805 with the large 10-foot reflector and recorded "A cluster of scattered, pretty large [bright] stars of various magnitudes, of an irregular figure. It is in the Milky Way."

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NGC 1913 = ESO 056-097 = S-L 373

05 18 18.7 -69 32 15; Dor

V = 11.1;  Size 1.3'x1.1'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an interesting LMC cluster and nebula at 200x.  On the south edge is a small triangle of mag 13-14 stars (12"-15" on each side) and another three stars within the cluster are resolved.  The cluster is involved an elongated bright nebulous glow NNW to SSE and at 350x additional nebulosity surrounds the main glow for a total size of 1.5'x1.0'.  A mag 11.7 star lies 1.7' E and a mag 10 star 2.2' SW.

 

Continuing southwest for 2' beyond the mag 10 star I also picked up S-L 362, which appeared as a small, high surface brightness knot.  At 350x, 5 or 6 very faint stars were tightly packed into the bright 20" diameter glow, the brightest at the south edge.  These clusters are within the glow of the central bar, so the background is relatively bright.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1913 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as#356 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  No description was given in the GC or NGC but his position is just 1' SE of this small cluster.

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NGC 1914 = LMC-N195 = ESO 056-95 = S-L 365 = LW 40

05 17 40 -71 15 24; Men

V = 12.0;  Size 2'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright cluster and HII region, elongated NNW-SSE, at least a half-dozen stars resolved over an irregular glow extending 1.5'.  Good contrast gain with a NPB filter at 152x.  The size increases to ~2' and a small, very bright patch (LHa 120-N195A) is prominent on the northwest end.  A mag 12 star is 4' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1914 = h2830 on 3 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; L; irreg R; 3'."  On a second sweep he logged "F; pL; irreg fig; resolvable; 2' l, 90" br."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 1915 = BSDL 1237

05 19 38.5 -66 47 59; Dor

Size 0.5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly small knot of four mag 14-14.5 stars with perhaps some unresolved haze, ~40" diameter.  Appears to be an asterism only and unimpressive. Three mag 11-12 stars lie 2'-3' E and emission nebula NGC 1920 is 6' ENE.

 

This identification of NGC 1915 is very uncertain and this number may refer instead to open cluster ESO 085-SC71 located 4' N.  It also may be a duplicate observation of either NGC 1919 or 1920.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1915 = h2828 on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded "extremely faint, pretty large. (Possibly the same with No. 2826 [NGC 1911], but the nebulae are so crowded that they may with equal probability be different ones)."  Herschel's position is 4' S of ESO 085-SC71 and ESO identifies this cluster as NGC 1915.

 

Jenni Kay says a faint cluster exists at the original position and the ESO cluster is too small and faint.  On the DSS, there are only three mag 14 stars and a few very faint stars near Herschel's position, which to me was not eye-catching enough in the 24" to fit JH's description (mentioned to Corwin in a Feb 2014 email).  In the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Eric Lindsay reported "Not found. This should be WSW of NGC 1920...".   RNGC follows Lindsay and notes "Not Found".  So, the identification of this number is uncertain.  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 1916 = ESO 056-098 = S-L 361

05 18 37.6 -69 24 25; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 2.1'x2.1'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this LMC globular was very bright, moderately large, round, symmetric, 45" diameter.  The center was sharply concentrated with a small blazing core!  NGC 1903, a showpiece globular, lies 8' NW.

 

NGC 1916 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.  It resides within the LMC's central bar, ~10' S of the large NGC 1910 complex, which contains S Doradus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1916 = h2829 on 3 Nov 1834 and described "vB; vS; R; gbM; 20"."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.  Shapley and Lindsay ("A Catalogue of Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Irish Astronomical Journal, Vol. 6, 1963) give a diameter of 60'' and comment "NGC 1916, very condensed centre, unresolved."  The RA has a misprint 1 tmin too far west and this error was copied into the RNGC.

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NGC 1917 = ESO 056-100 = S-L 379

05 19 02.1 -69 00 04; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.7'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster (possible a globular) appeared fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1' diameter, with a broad concentration.  A 1' string of 3 faint stars to the east is collinear with the cluster.  S-L 397 lies 8' NE, and appeared as a compact, but relatively bright, elongated glow with an irregular or mottled surface, ~30" diameter.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1917 = D 130 on 25 Sep 1826 and described "a small round nebula."  His position is about 10' ESE of this cluster, certainly within his usual errors.  JH independently discovered NGC 1917 = h2831 on 16 Dec 1835 and recorded "vF, L, R, gvlbM, 1'."  His position (only recorded on this one sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 1918 = LMC-N120C = LH 42

05 19 04.5 -69 38 56; Dor

V = 9.8;  Size 7'x4'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a combination LMC cluster and nebula (contains an embedded SNR B0519-69.6) in the rich LMC central bar.  At 200x a striking double star (TDS 3145 = 11.6/11.8 at 9") sits within the glow with a third star in a line.  The brighter SW component is HD 35517 = Brey 22, a Wolf-Rayet binary. An additional 20 stars are resolved in the cluster (stellar association LH 42).

 

These stars are immersed in a diffuse nebulous glow that responds well to a UHC filter.  The brightest section is a patch just east of the double star (LMC-N120C), but nebulosity extends throughout the cluster as an elongated glow of ~5' length.  On images the nebulosity appears more like an arc or rim with some filamentary structure.

 

LMC-N127A, located 12' E, was observed in the 30" on 10/18/17.  At 264x this emission nebula was bright, compact, roundish, 40" diameter.  A star was visible at the center.  Very good response to the NPB (narrow-band) filter and displayed a slightly brighter central region and thin fainter outer halo.  Forms a "pair" with open cluster S-L 418 2' NE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1918 = D 88 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "small faint nebula, 25" or 30" diameter, with two small stars near the south side of it."  His position is about 13' too far SE, but the double star is within the nebula.

 

John Herschel independently discovered this nebula (SNR) between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as #369 in his catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  Corwin notes Herschel's position falls between two bright knots near the supernova remnant.

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NGC 1919 = LMC-N37 = ESO 085-73 = S-L 392

05 20 15 -66 53 00; Dor

Size 2.5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): large group of ~10 stars mag 13.5-15 in an irregular 2.5' group.  The stars are involved in a fairly bright patch of nebulosity (LMC-N37), which probably including some unresolved stars.  A 6' elongated string of mag 11-12 stars is centered roiughly 3' N and NGC 1920 is 6' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1919 = h2832 on 3 Jan 1837 and described a "cluster, 6th class, extremely faint, large, irregularly round, 4' diameter. Resolved into small stars with nebulous light."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.  NGC 1915 may be a duplicate observation (see that number).

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NGC 1920 = LMC-N38 = ESO 085-74

05 20 33.0 -66 46 44; Dor

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, high surface brightness HII region, relatively large, round, ~50" diameter.  One or two stars are resolved within the glow.  NGC 1919 lies 6' SSW.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this HII region (LMC-N38) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, smooth glow.  Located ~3' NE of a line of three mag 11-11.5 stars.  NGC 1902 lies 16' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1920 = h2833 on 2 Nov 1834 and observed on at least seven different sweeps!  On the initial observation he logged "pB, S, R, vgbM, 20"."  The remaining observations were fairly similar, though his size estimates ranged up to 60" and 2' across.  NGC 1911 (seen on only 1 sweep) is possibly a duplicate (essentially an 8th observation) -- though the RA is off by 1 min 20 sec.

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NGC 1921 = LMC-N121 = ESO 056-102 = S-L 381

05 19 23 -69 47 18; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright but small nebulous glow, with a mag 13.5 star [or an extremely compact emission nebula (N121) or cluster] just off the west edge [20" separation].  A very faint star was visible at its southwest edge.  There was only a weak response to an NPB filter at 152x.  Located at the south end of a very rich region of the LMC (south side of the central bar) just 8' S of the NGC 1918 complex.  Numerous other clusters lie ~15' N.  A faint cluster H-S 227 was noticed 2' SW. It's a very faint, small, roundish, low surface brightness glow, ~20" diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1921 = h2834 on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; oval; r; 40"."  His position from a single sweep is accurate.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded D 128 as "a small faint nebula, 1' north of a pretty bright star."  His position is within his usual errors - 8' WSW, but there is no "pretty bright star" 1' S, so I'm not confident of this identification  Perhaps this is another observation of NGC 1918 to the north.   Another possibility is NGC 1921 = D 89, described by Dunlop as "a pretty well-defined round nebula, about 20" diameter.  His position is 15' ESE of NGC 1921.  Without further information or a sketch, I can't see assigning a Dunlop number to this cluster.

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NGC 1922 = ESO 056-103 = S-L 391

05 19 49.7 -69 30 04; Dor

V = 11.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this LMC cluster appears as a very small but high surface brightness knot, ~15" diameter with a tiny 8" core.  A 3' chain of four mag 11-12 stars extends to the north and another chain extends to the east.  A very close pair of faint clusters, S-L 385 and 387, lie 3' SW.  The clusters are close twins - both soft round glows of ~30" diameter and separated by just 45" in an E-W orientation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1922 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and included it as object #374 his table of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  Dreyer included the cluster to the GC Supplement as GC 5063.  JH's position is 1.5' too far north.  It's possible that James Dunlop's D 131 refers to NGC 1922, but there are several nearby candidates, so assigning it to NGC 1922 seems very speculative.

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NGC 1923 = LMC-N40 = ESO 085-75 = S-L 404 = LH 43

05 21 33.0 -65 29 16; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, irregular glow, ~1'x0.5', brighter center.  Just following a group of faint stars elongated NNW-SSE.  This is a cluster (part of stellar association LH 43) and HII region (N40) although I didn't test to see if there was a filter response.  Locate 49' E of NGC 1866.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1923 = h2835 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; R; 30"." A faint and poor cluster precedes."  His position is accurate.  The poor cluster that precedes is part of stellar association LH 43.

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NGC 1924 = MCG -01-14-011 = PGC 17319

05 28 01.9 -05 18 39; Ori

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated.  Located 6.7' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 1321324 and 9' NW of mag 8 SAO 132149.  M42 lies just two degrees east!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1924 = H III-447 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and recorded as "vF, pL, R, within 2 or 3' of the corner of a hook of vS stars."  It's interesting he classified this galaxy as a cluster.  His position is 3.6' south of MCG -01-14-011 = PGC 17319.  George Bond independently found this nebula on 7 Feb 1863 at Harvard College observatory with the 15-inch Merz refractor and measured an accurate position (#12 in the HC discovery list in AN #1453).

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NGC 1925 = ESO 085-076 = LH 45

05 21 44 -65 47 36; Dor

V = 9.5;  Size 11'

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, appears as a 10' star cloud (association LH 45) of brighter mag 10-11 stars over a background carpet of faint stars and either haze or unresolved stars.  The brightest mag 9.6 star (HD 271182) is one the west side, a couple of mag 10.5 stars are on the south side and another is on the north end. At 105x and UHC filter, the nebulosity seems to increase a bit in contrast although on the DSS, nebulosity (LMC-N43) is only visible in the northern portion (which includes a supernova remnant).  NGC 1923 is located 18' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1925 = h2837 on 30 Nov 1834 and described a "Cluster 8th class; poor; scattered stars; a *10 mag the chief, in southern part taken."  His position is close to the brightest star on the south end.

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NGC 1926 = ESO 056-105 = S-L 403

05 20 35.4 -69 31 33; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 1.4'x1.2'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this bright LMC cluster appeared moderately large, ~55" diameter, irregularly round with a high surface brightness.  Located between two mag 11.5 stars 1' S and 1.5' N.  Located along the central bar with NGC 1922 4.2' WNW and NGC 1928 3.4' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1926 = h2838 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; 60".  Situated in the main body of the Nubecula Major."  On a second observation he wrote "pB; pL; irreg R; r.  Field full of light, consisting partly of stars, and partly of resolvable nebula."   His position (on his first two sweeps) matches this cluster.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered this object earlier on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and recorded D 131 as "a very faint ill-defined small nebula."  His position is 2' NE of the cluster, but also just 1.7' S of NGC 1928, and I'd be surprised if Dunlop picked up one of these clusters and not the other.  Another possibility is his observation refers to NGC 1922, which is 5.6' W of his position.  Unless there is additional information on his observation, I don't see how an assignment can be made (Steinicke gives both NGC 1926 and 1928).

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NGC 1927

05 28 42 -08 23; Ori

 

= Not found, Carlson and Corwin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1927 = h356 on 8 Jan 1831 and reported "all about this place there exists diffused nebulosity."  His position corresponds with mag 6.8 HD 36059, but there is no nebulosity in the vicinity of this star.  He equated his object with his father's H. V-38 (later NGC 1909), but that is either nonexistent or perhaps refers (according to Harold Corwin) to the Witchhead Nebula (IC 2118).  The observers at Birr Castle were unsuccessful on 4 attempts in finding h356, though twice a slight milkiness was suspected.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "not found" and this was repeated by Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC.  Harold Corwin also concludes this object is nonexistent.

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NGC 1928 = ESO 056-106 = S-L 405

05 20 57.7 -69 28 40; Dor

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.3'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter with a symmetrical appearance.  Forms the last of three clusters with NGC 1926 3.4' SW and NGC 1922 6' WSW, along the richly populated central bar.  A very distinctive trapezoid of four mag 10-11 stars (sides 1'-1.5') is just a couple of arc minutes to the NE.  NGC 1928 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1928 = h2839 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; 60".  Situated in the main body of the Nubecula Major."  On a second observation he wrote "vF; R; gbM.  Field full of the nebulous light of the great Nubecula.  His position is accurate, though a second sweep placed it 20 sec of RA too far west.

 

James Dunlop possibly made an earlier observation of NGC 1928, recording it as D 131 on 3 Aug 1826 and reporting "a very faint ill-defined small nebula."  Dunlop made a single observation and his position is 1.7' S of NGC 1928.  But his position is just 2' NE of NGC 1926, which is slightly brighter, and I'm a bit surprised Dunlop would notice one of these clusters and not the other.  Another possibility is D 131 refers to NGC 1922, which is 5.6' W of his position.  Unless there is more unpublished information, I don't see how an assignment can be made (Steinicke gives both NGC 1926 and 1928).

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NGC 1929 = LMC-N44F = DEM L 140 = ESO 056-107 = LH 47

05 21 38.3 -67 54 50; Dor

V = 12.4;  Size 1.1'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this HII knot is the first in an impressive star cluster/emission complex (stellar association LH 47) that extends over 7' in size and includes NGC 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, and IC 2126.  At 260x it appeared as a bright, moderately large, round glow of ~50" diameter surrounding a 13th magnitude star.

 

On the DSS this object appears to be a symmetrical bubble.  This HII complex and cluster includes the Superbubble complex N44.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1929 = h2840 on 23 Nov 1834 and simply noted  "F.  The preceding nucleus of the compound nebula figured in fig. 2, Plate III.  Place by Delta RA and PD, from the chief nucleus measured on diagram."  The sketch clearly established this number refers to the northernmost knot in the complex along the west side.

 

James Dunlop discovered the LH 47 association = D 175, which contains NGC 1929, on 27 Sep 1826.  He described "a pretty large rather faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular figure, partly resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes.  The nebulous matter has several seats of attraction, or rather it is a cluster of small nebulae with strong nebulosity common to all."  Dunlop's position is roughly 5' SSW of the complex, a good match for Dunlop, and NGC 1929 might be one of the "seats of attraction."

 

The SIMBAD position is 1.4' too far northeast and does not correspond with a bright knot.

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NGC 1930 = ESO 253-004 = PGC 17276

05 25 56.5 -46 43 43; Pic

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 32”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): moderately bright, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, brighter core, 0.8'x0.6'. A distinctive collinear trio of mag 11-11.5 stars (2.6' length) is a few arc minutes west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1930 = h2836 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded, "vF; S; R glbM; 15"; has 4 B stars preceding."  His position matches ESO 253-004 = PGC 17276.  On a second observation he called NGC 1930 "B[bright]" instead of "vF".

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NGC 1931 = Sh 2-237 = LBN 810 = Ced 49 = Cr 68 = The Fly Nebula

05 31 26 +34 14 42; Aur

V = 11.3;  Size 3'x3'

 

18" (1/20/07): bright, high surface brightness nebula, ~2'x1.5', surrounds six stars including two mag 11/12 stars, a mag 13 star and three fainter stars.  The central 4 stars = ADS 4112 (one difficult in fairly poor seeing) form a small trapezium asterism.  The best view was unfiltered.  IC 417 lies 45' WNW.

 

17.5" (2/8/86): five stars including ADS 4112 (mag 11.5/12.3/13 at 8" and 10") are located within a bright, small nebulosity of high surface brightness.  A sixth very faint star is just outside the nebula.  Dims with OIII filter.

 

13" (11/5/83): five stars involved including three close fairly bright stars. A fourth very faint star to the west, fifth very faint star NE and sixth extremely faint star west.  This is a bright, high surface brightness nebulosity.

 

8" (11/8/80): compact, striking nebulosity involving several stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1931 = H I-261 = h355 on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1030) and recorded "vB, irr R, vgbM, about 4 or 5' diameter. Seems to have 1 or 2 stars in the middle or an irregular nucleus; the chevelure diminishes very gradually."  On 5 Jan 1827 (sweep 42), John Herschel reported "a triple star in a nebula.  A most curious object.  The nebula surrounds the stars like an atmosphere."

 

The observers using Lord Rosse's 72" reported 5 to 6 stars were involved on various nights.  The first observation was made by Johnstone Stonney on 29 Nov 1848, though he only noted "saw a multitude of stars and some unresolved nebulositiy."

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NGC 1932

05 22 17.3 -66 09 16; Dor

 

= *, Corwin

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1932 + 1933 = h2841 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "B; eS; bM; 10"."  On a later sweep he called it a "double nebula; pos 260”, 80".  The first pB; S; R; 30".  The second eF; R; almost stellar."  The second nebula was only recorded on one sweep (#538) out of 5 total.  Based on this description, though, JH assigned two GC numbers (1138 and 1139), which became NGC 1932 and 1933.  But there is only a single cluster at his position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 1932 with a mag 13 star just west of the cluster. 

 

Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L] writes "[NGC 1932 and NGC 1933] seem to be the same, a small compact fairly conspicuous open cluster, S/L 420. The supposedly fainter was observed in only one of five sweeps by Herschel. Dreyer therefore questioned it as a variable nebula."   ESO also identifies the cluster as NGC 1932 = NGC 1933 but only the latter number should apply to the cluster.

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NGC 1933 = ESO 085-077 = S-L 420

05 22 27.3 -66 09 08; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 1.2'

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, compact with a fairly high surface brightness.  Two mag 11 stars aligned WNW-ESE  lie 2' NNE and 3' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1933 + 1932 = h2841 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "B; eS; bM; 10"."   On the third of five sweeps, he described this object as "a double neb; pos 260 deg; dist 80", hence the two GC and NGC entries.  But there is only a single cluster at his position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 1932 with a mag 13 star just west of the cluster and NGC 1933 with the cluster.  ESO and the S-L catalogue calls the cluster NGC 1932 = NGC 1933, though only a single number (NGC 1933) should apply to the cluster.

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NGC 1934 = BSDL 1363 = ESO 056-109 = = LH 47

05 21 46.9 -67 56 14; Dor

Size 1.1'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a locally brighter patch in the NGC 1929-34-35-36-37 complex (stellar association LH 47), situated immediately northwest of NGC 1935.  This patch is not as well defined as the other NGC objects in this bright HII complex but NGC 1935 is noticeable as it involves a mag 12 star and a number of fainter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1934 = h2842 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "The second nucleus of the compound nebula figured in fig 2, Plate III, from diagram."  The resolution on the pdf of Herschel's sketch in the LMC is not sharp enough to identify which "knot" JH is referring to within the complex (NGC 1929, 1935, 1936, 1937).  At the position indicated here (from Corwin), there is nothing that stands out on the DSS or in my observation, other than a few stars.  The "LMC extended catalog" (Bica+, 1999) places the center of NGC 1934 2' further north and there is another "knot" near this position on JH's sketch.  James Dunlop discovered the entire LH 47 association = D 175, though NGC 1934 is probably not one of the "seats of attraction" in the description.

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NGC 1935 = IC 2126 = LMC-N44B = ESO 056-110 = LH 47 = S-L 417

05 21 58 -67 57 20; Dor

V = 11.2;  Size 1.2'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this emission glow forms a pair NGC 1936 just southeast in a very striking field of clusters and HII patches (part of stellar association LH 47).  At 200x and UHC filter it appeared as a very bright, round glow of uniform high surface brightness.  The size is slightly smaller than NGC 1936, perhaps 45"-50" in diameter.  Good response to the UHC filter.  Nebulosity (BSDL 1363) also extends off to the NW of NGC 1935 and a locally brighter patch (NGC 1934) involves a couple of brighter stars.

 

Superimposed on this entire complex of HII knots is a rich concentration of stars (S-L 417 = KMHK 822).  As John Herschel described NGC 1935 on one sweep as "one of the chief nuclei or knots of a large irregular cluster nebula", this number along with NGC 1936 could also apply to the cluster.  Nail and Shapley designated the OB association centered on NGC 1929, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937 as "Constellation I" in a 1953 paper on the Magellanic Clouds

 

James Dunlop discovered the LH 47 association = D 175, consisting of NGC 1929, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937  on 27 Sep 1826.  He described "a pretty large rather faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular figure, partly resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes.  The nebulous matter has several seats of attraction, or rather it is a cluster of small nebulae with strong nebulosity common to all."  Dunlop's position is roughly 5' SSW of the complex, so a good match (for Dunlop), although John Herschel didn't credit Dunlop as the discoverer.  It's probably safe to assume that two of these "seats of attraction" were NGC 1935 and NGC 1936 (JH only credited Dunlop with the latter).

 

John Herschel found NGC 1935 = h2843 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "B; S; R. One of the chief nuclei or knots of a large irregular cluster nebula."  He next logged it as "F, S, R. The third of a group of four nebulae connected by stars." His third observation saw it as "the second nebula of a group of three." His final sweep was recorded as "the first bright nebulous head of a large beautiful irregular cluster of resolved stars."  His detailed sketch is in Plate III, figure 2.

 

Williamina Fleming discovered the gaseous spectra of NGC 1935 on Harvard objective plates taken in 1901 at the Arequipa station and Dreyer catalogued Fleming 90 as IC 2126, although the IC position is just 5 sec of RA west of NGC 1935.  The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas labels this nebula as IC 2126 instead of NGC 1935 (same with NGC 1936 = IC 2127).

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NGC 1936 = IC 2127 = LMC-N44C = ESO 056-111 = LH 47

05 22 12.6 -67 58 32; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 1.1'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 1936 appeared as a very bright, round glow, ~1' diameter with a very high, uniform surface brightness at 200x using a UHC filter.  Situated at the south end of a large cluster and HII complex.  Additional fainter nebulosity sweeps to the south and is connected with a fainter (anonymous) patch to the west by 1'.  This extension increases the total size to 2' to 2.5'.  NGC 1935 lies 2' NW.  This number also applies to the cluster (S-L 417) that spreads out the north.  Mag 8.5 HD 35665 lies 7' W.

 

James Dunlop discovered the LH 47 association = D 175, consisting of NGC 1929, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937  on 27 Sep 1826.  He described "a pretty large rather faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular figure, partly resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes.  The nebulous matter has several seats of attraction, or rather it is a cluster of small nebulae with strong nebulosity common to all."  Dunlop's position is roughly 5' SSW of the complex, so a good match (for Dunlop), although John Herschel didn't reference Dunlop as the discoverer.  It's probably safe to assume that two of these "seats of attraction" were NGC 1935 and NGC 1936, the brightest knots in the complex.

 

John Herschel observed NGC 1936 = h2844 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R.  Another chief nucleus or knot of the cluster nebula."  He next logged it as "pB, S, R, The fourth of a group of four, connected by stars, etc."  On the third sweep, he wrote "the third nebula in a group of 3." The 4th sweep saw it as "the last of three nebulae in a zig-zag formed cluster." On his 5th sweep, he noted "the southern and brightest nebular nucleus of a great branching cluster."  His detailed sketch of the entire complex is on Plate III, figure 2.

 

Williamina Fleming discovered the gaseous spectra of NGC 1936 on Harvard objective plates taken in 1901 at Arequipa and Dreyer catalogued Fleming 91 as IC 2127, although the IC position is just 4 sec of RA west of NGC 1936. The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas labels this nebula as IC 2127 instead of NGC 1936 (same with NGC 1935 = IC 2126).

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NGC 1937 = LMC-N44I = ESO 056-112 = S-L 422 = LH 48

05 22 25 -67 53 42; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 2.8'x2.0'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this object is the furthest northeast in a gorgeous field of stars and HII regions.  NGC 1937 is a large nebulous patch, ~3.7'x2.7' in size, with ~20 stars resolved over the bright glow.  Excellent contrast gain using a UHC filter at 200x. A string of stars mag 11.5 and fainter oriented WSW-ENE passes through the center of the cluster or star cloud (association LH 48).

 

NGC 1936, a very bright nebulous glow, lies 5' S, and other sections of the N44 superbubble complex lie to the southwest including NGC 1929, 1935 and IC 2126.  Superimposed on this complex of HII glows is a fairly rich concentration of stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1937 = h2845 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL. An outlier of the group figured in Plate III No. 2. Place from diagram."  His detailed sketch (Plate III, figure 2) clearly established that h2845 refers to this nebulous cluster.  James Dunlop discovered the entire LH 47 association = D 175 on 27 Sep 1826 and referred to "several seats of attraction". I doubt that NGC 1937 was one of these, though Wolfgang Steinicke credits Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 1938 = ESO 056-108 = S-L 413

05 21 24.8 -69 56 22; Men

V = 13.0;  Size 0.6'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x and 429x; fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, nearly even surface brightness.  The bright LMC globular cluster NGC 1939 is only 40" SSE.  At 429x I noticed a dim cluster, KMK88 50, just 1.8' N of NGC 1938.  It was just a very faint, very small knot, 15", low surface brightness.

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fainter of a close pair of clusters with brighter NGC 1939 to the south-southeast by just 40".  At 303x, NGC 1938 appeared fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1938 + NGC 1939 = h2848 on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded a "B; R; a double nebula (clouding over)."  On a second observation he recorded "pB; S; R; glbM; a double neb.  It has a vF neb (NGC 1939) attached np."  On a third sweep (of 4) he logged "A double neb.  Pos 339.1; 50" dist; each F; R; glbM; 35" and 30"."  JH catalogued both objects individually in the GC (1144 and 1145).  See Corwin's notes for more on the clusters.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered this "double cluster" on 24 Sep 1826 and described D 89 as a "pretty well-defined round nebula, about 20" diameter."  His position is ~5' NE of NGC 1938 and 1939.  Perhaps he noticed the combined glow of these clusters (though the size would then be much too small), or he picked up only NGC 1939, which is the brighter cluster.   Another possibility is D 90, described as "a small round faint nebula, north of a small star", refers to NGC 1938 and 1939.  His position is 13' SE of the pair of the clusters.  Without further information, I don't see how Dunlop can be confidently given credit for the discovery.

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NGC 1939 = ESO 056-108 = S-L 414

05 21 26.7 -69 56 59; Men

V = 11.8;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x and 429x; bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, high surface brightness with an intensely bright nucleus.  Brighter of a close pair with NGC 1938 only 0.8' N.  NGC 1939 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.  A mag 10.7 star is 3' SE.

 

While looking for this cluster I picked up an unplotted cluster, Hodge-Sexton 253, situated 6.6' SE of NGC 1939 and 3.7' SE of the mag 10.7 star.  It appeared moderately bright, round, ~35" diameter, no significant concentration.  S-L 412, situated 7' N of NGC 1939, was a roundish, fairly faint glow, ~24" diameter.  In addtion, LMC-N127A lies 16' N of NGC 1939.  At 264x this emission nebula was bright, compact, roundish, 40" diameter, with a star visible at the center.  Very good response to the NPB (narrow-band) filter with a slightly brighter central region and thin fainter halo..  It forms a "pair" with open cluster S-L 418 2' NE.

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, high surface brightness, mottled, contains a very bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 1938 just 0.8' NNW.  A mag 10.7 star lies 2.9' SE.  NGC 1943 lies 14' SSE and NGC 1950 is 16' ENE.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1939 = D 89 on 24 Sep 1826 and described a "pretty well-defined round nebula, about 20" diameter."  His position is ~5' NE of NGC 1938 and 1939, a close pair of clusters.  Perhaps he noticed the combined glow of both clusters (though the size would then be too small), or he only picked up NGC 1939, which is the brighter cluster.  See Corwin's notes for more on the clusters.

 

JH observed the pair of clusters (NGC 1938/1939 = h2848) on 24 Nov 1834 and described a "B; R; a double nebula (clouding over)."  On a second observation he recorded "pB; S; R; glbM; a double nebula.  It has a vF neb attached np."  On a third sweep he logged "A double neb.  Pos 339.1; 50" dist; each F; R; glbM; 35" and 30".  He attributed Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 1940 = ESO 085-078 = S-L 427

05 22 44.9 -67 11 10; Dor

V = 11.9;  Size 0.4'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright but relatively small knot, triangular shape, 30" diameter, clumpy with a few stars just resolved.  Forms the western vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 10 star 1' E and a mag 11.5 star 1' S.  The mag 10 star has an 11th magnitude companion following at 27".

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  No resolution.  Cradled by three mag 10-11 stars 1.2' S, 1.1' E and 1.5' E.  Located 52' E of mag 4.8 Theta Doradus in the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1940 = h1146 on 23 Dec 1834 and described the cluster as "pB; S; R; bM.  Has 2 st 9 and 10 mag following."  His position and description is a perfect match.  James Dunlop recorded D 212 on 6 Nov 1826, noting a "small faint ill-defined nebula."  That's not much to go on and his position is 26' E of this cluster.  JH didn't list a possible equivalence with NGC 1940 and I feel this identification is very uncertain.  Still, Wolfgang Steinicke attributes Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 1941 = LMC-N46 = ESO 085-79

05 23 07.4 -66 22 41; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 0.9'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  One or two very faint stars are resolved.  Located 2.7' N of a mag 10 star and 12' NW of NGC 1945.  NGC 1941 is situated within LMC-N46, although nebulosity wasn't evident.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1941 = h2846 on 20 Dec 1835 and described as "a nebulous group or knot."  His single position is ~30" too far southeast.

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NGC 1942 = ESO 085-081 = S-L 445

05 24 45 -63 56 30; Dor

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): this LMC cluster appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, fairly low even surface  brightness.  A mag 13.7 star is at the north edge.  A mag 10.8 star is 4.5' SE and a mag 10.2 star is 8' ESE.  The galaxy NGC 1947 is 17' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1942 = h2849 on 30 Nov 1834 and described "a star 14th mag, with an eF nebula about it." His second observation was recorded as "very faint. (Cloudy) (N.B. The PD has been probably spoiled by the clouds)".  But Herschel's second observation through the clouds has the correct PD and his first was off by ~3'.  Robert Innes and Willem van den Bos observed the cluster visually in 1926 with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory.  They reported it as "A star, 13 mag, with the nebulosity touching it due south about 40" diameter.  Probably star is accidental."

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NGC 1943 = LMC-N130 = ESO 056-114 = S-L 430

05 22 29 -70 09 18; Men

V = 11.9

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large, round, thin halo, 0.8' diameter, quite mottled but not resolved in poor seeing. A mag 14 star is just off the NNE edge, 0.6' from center.  I didn't use the NPD filter, but the red DSS shows some nebulosity is involved (LHA 120-N130).  NGC 1938 and 1939, a very close pair of clusters, lies 14' NNW.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1943 = D 91 = h2850 on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and described "a small round nebula, 12" or 15" diameter."  His position is 13' SE of the cluster.  Dunlop's D 90, described as "a small round faint nebula, north of a small star", may be another observation of this cluster.  His position for D 90 is just 5' NE of the cluster.

 

JH independently discovered the cluster in Dec 1834 and recorded "pB; R; glbM; 50"."  On a later sweep he wrote "vF; 40"; has a *15m at 60" dist, pos = 19.6”."  His position (recorded on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1944 = ESO 033-017 = S-L 426

05 21 57 -72 29 42; Men

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large, round, thin halo, 1.2' diameter, mottled, only a few stars resolved around the edges of the halo.  A mag 13.5-14 star is off the SW edge, a mag 15.5 star is at the NW edge.  Situated within a nice group of stars including four nearby mag 12.5 stars; 1.4' SE, 2' SSE, 2' N and 3.4' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1944 = h2852 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "pB; R; bM; 90"."  His position is just off the NW side of this globular cluster.

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NGC 1945 = LMC-N48E = ESO 085-083

05 24 55 -66 27 24; Dor

Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x unfiltered, this LMC HII region (N48E) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, ~30" diameter.  The shape is irregular and brighter along the south edge.  NGC 1946 lies 4.4' NE.  Several mag 11-13 stars are in the field to the northwest and these seem to stream 10' to the northeast direction, heading towards NGC 1948, a magnificent star cloud and HII complex.  NGC 1951, a bright cluster, lies 11' SE and NGC 1941 is 12' NW.  These objects are located on the west side of the huge LMC-4 Superbubble.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1945 = h2851 on 3 Jan 1837 and reported "eeF, vvL.  Great blotches of diffused nebulosity."  I logged a small, brighter patch of nebulosity on the south side of a large annular ring or loop of nebulosity.  Herschel's description implies a much larger object than I described, though his position is an excellent match with this patch.  I'd be surprised if he picked up the entire loop so perhaps the richness of the star field mimicked "diffused nebulosity".  See Harold Corwin's notes on this number.

 

Karl Henize in the 1956 "Catalogues of Hydrogen Alpha Emission Stars and Nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds" (ApJS 2, p315), notes his object LHa N120-48 "includes NGC 1945."  LHa N120-48 measures 12.3' east-west and 15.2' north-south. It has a slightly irregular outline, is very elongated and shows appreciable structure. LHa N120-48E (33" x 36", somewhat irregular outline, considerably elongated) lies at the centre of NGC 1945.

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NGC 1946 = ESO 085-84 = S-L 454

05 25 16 -66 23 42; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright LMC cluster, fairly small, irregularly round, high surface bright glow, 30" diameter.  Although this knot was not resolved, it is situated in a glorious rich star field surrounded by numerous stars.  A stream of stars, oriented SW to NE, seems to pass through NGC 1946, extending southwest to NGC 1945 (4.4' SSW) and northeast to NGC 1948, a magnificent star cloud and HII complex ~8' NNE.  A brighter, parallel stream, consisting of stars of mixed magnitudes and unresolved glow (stars or nebulosity) is roughly 3' W, extending at least 10' SW to NE.

 

S-L 470 lies 7' E.  Observed with a 25" on 4/3/19 it appeared bright, fairly small, round, compact, 35" diameter, contains a very small bright nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1946 = h2854 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "pF, R, gbM, resolvable."  Herschel credits Dunlop with the discovery (D 237), though in the GC and NGC a question mark was added.  Dunlop's position matches this cluster very well though the description "a rather large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, of an irregular round figure, no central attraction" implies a much larger object  -- probably NGC 1948, whose center is just 6' NNE of his position.

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NGC 1947 = ESO 085-087 = PGC 17296

05 26 47.5 -63 45 37; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 3.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 119”

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly bright and large, slightly elongated, ~2.5'x2.0', well concentrated with a bright core that gradually increased to the center.  A mag 9.7 star (HD 36355) lies 4.2' NNW. The LMC cluster NGC 1942 lies 17' SW and S-L 509 is 21' NE.

 

S-L 509 appeared  fairly faint, fairly large, irregular glow, ~1.2' diameter, mottled. A mag 14.5 star is resolved at the SW edge of the glow and a mag 15.5 star is at the north edge.

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, large, round, contains a large, very bright core surrounded by a fainter halo with a total diameter of ~3'.  Within the brighter 2' core is a sharply concentrated brighter nucleus.  This is an impressive S0 or E-galaxy at 200x due to the high surface brightness core and several brightness levels.  Situated in the northern outskirts of the LMC with S-L 509, a faint LMC cluster, 21' NE.  On images, the minor axis of this elliptical is bisected by a dust lane, though this feature wasn't noticed.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1947 on 5 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector although the observation was not included in his 1828 catalogue.  Glen Cozens found the observation by examining Dunlop's handwritten notes.  John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 30 Nov 1834 and described h2855 as "pB, L, R, glbM; 2.5' diameter, a star 9th mag N.p.".  There is nothing at his position but exactly 1 degree north is ESO 85-87, an unusual elliptical with a minor-axis dust lane, and mag 9.7 HD 36355 (matching his description) is 4.4' NNW.

 

Due to his erroneous position, Joseph Turner was unable to find it when he searched for it on 12 Dec 1878 with the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope.  Interestingly, Pietro Baracchi was unsucessful in finding NGC 1947 on two attempts with the Melbourne telescope, but reported finding a new nebula nearby (perhaps S-L 556) on 3 Jan 1886 that was confirmed the next night (no sketch to confirm).  Robert Innes and Willem van den Bos observed it visually in 1926 with the 26-inch refractor at the Union Observatory and assumed the galaxy was a globular cluster and compared it to 47 Tucanae!  Innes wrote, "very condensed globular, bM, 2' diam, a miniature of [47 Tuc]."

 

Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (1964IrAJ....6..286L), notes "The Decl. [recorded by Herschel] seems to be in error and the object is the well-known galaxy 1” N."  In a paper on LMC clusters, Kontizas et al misidentifies KMH90-878 as NGC 1947 because of the dec error, though there doesn't appear to be a cluster on the DSS at the Kontizas position.

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NGC 1948 = ESO 085-85 = S-L 458 = LMC-N48 = LH 52

05 25 46 -66 15 51; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 8'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a large, well-resolved star cloud (stellar association LH 52) and emission nebula.  The richest section is ~8' diameter, with a roughly diamond shape.  Approximately 60 stars were resolved at 260x over haze.  A fairly large, nebulous knot (LMC-N48B) was visible on the southwest side, ~1.2' diameter, and it responded well to a UHC filter.  A couple of other very small knots or clumps of stars were visible at the center (LMC-N48A and N48C).  Two parallel streams of stars and unresolved haze (roughly 3' apart), oriented SW to NE, extended southwest from NGC 1948 through NGC 1946 to NGC 1945.  The western string was brighter, consisting of a number of mag 12-14 stars along with an unresolved glow (stars and/or nebulosity) extending at least 10'.  These objects are located on the west side of the huge LMC-4 Superbubble.

 

LMC-N49, located 11' NNE, is the brightest LMC supernova remnant and it harbors a powerful pulsar.  At 260x unfiltered, it appeared as a bright "U" shape just under 1' in diameter with the center of the "U" at the east end (base oriented SW-NE) and open on the west side.  The interior is much dimmer than the rim.  The brightest spot is right at the east end, though the rim is much brighter and better defined along the entire base.  The northern bar of the "U" side is fainter and oriented NW-SE with some haze spreading into the interior.  The southern bar is brighter and narrower.  A UHC filter increased the contrast and there were hints of more complex filamentary structure.  Located 3.7' ENE of mag 9.0 HD 36257.  Open cluster S-L 463, which appears as a very small knot attached to a star, is located 2.4' NE.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this is a fairly large star group in the LMC.  Over a dozen mag 12-13 stars are resolved in a triangular group, ~6' diameter, over unresolved background haze or possibly nebulosity.  NGC 1978, a bright "blue globular", lies 18' E.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1948 = D 237 on 6 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector and described a "a rather large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, of an irregular round figure; no central concentration.  His position is about 6' SW of NGC 1948, certainly within his usual errors, and his size estimate (3' or 4') is reasonable.  Another possible assignment is NGC 1945 = D 237, situated a similar distance south-southwest of his position.  But NGC 1945 is much smaller (roughly 30"), so this seems much less likely to me, though Glen Cozens suggests the possible equivalence with D 237.

 

JH independently discovered NGC 1948 = h2856 on 3 Jan 1837 and described "a rich, discrete cluster, class VII. Not much compressed to the middle; 10' diameter, stars of 13th mag."  His position is accurate.  Herschel didn't credit Dunlop as the discoverer and neither did Dreyer in the NGC.

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NGC 1949 = LMC-N138A = ESO 056-117

05 25 05 -68 28 18; Dor

V = 12.4

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, ~35" diameter.  No resolution, though this is primarily an emission nebula.  A string of 3 mag 13.7/12.8/13 stars extend to the southwest by 45", 2.2' and 3.4'.  I was very surprised when I added an NPB filter at 152x.  A fairly prominent, large (~1.3' diameter), round emission nebula was nearly attached on the southwest side!  This nebula (considered part of LHA 120-N 138A) surrounds a mag 13.6 star at its center and has a slightly brighter rim. Together with NGC 1949 the pair nearly forms a "diamond ring".

 

Using the NPB filter, LHA 120-N 138C was also seen 1.8' W as a very faint, fairly small, 25" glow.  It surrounds a mag 15.2 star that was not seen with the filter.  Much brighter is N 138B, located 5.2' SW of NGC 1949.  With the filter it appeared fairly bright, small, round, 20" diameter, crisp-edged.  A mag 15 star is attached at the southwest edge.  This interesting field is located 14' NW of mag 6.1 HD 36584 (equal mag 1.3" pair).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1949 = h2857 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; 20"."  His position (single sweep) is accurate and appears to described the small, high surface brightness nebula only.

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NGC 1950 = ESO 056-116 = S-L 450

05 24 33.0 -69 54 04; Men

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first in a group of clusters including NGC 1958, 1959, 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1986, towards the SE end.  These clusters reside in a dense part of the LMC bar with a bright background glow.  NGC 1950 forms the southwest vertex of a triangle with NGC 1959 5.5' ESE and NGC 1958 6.3' NE.  At 260x it appeared moderately bright, fairly large, ~2' diameter, with a relatively low surface brightness.  At 346x, several extremely faint stars pepper the surface of the cluster.  A mag 11 star lies 3' E, within the triangle described above.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1950 = h2859 on 23 Dec 1834 and described as "The first of several nebulae running together [along with 1958, 1959, 1969, 1971 and NGC 1972] and forming a very remarkable group, which fills the field with a faint diffused nebulosity. See plate IV, figure 7." His second description reads: "A large ill-defined patch at the lower edge of the Nubecula Major, which is pretty definite here, and very bright."  His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1951 = ESO 085-086 = S-L 464

05 26 06.4 -66 35 50; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 1.9'

 

25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; this LMC cluster appeared extremely bright, moderately large, extremely dense knot of stars surrounded by a halo, 1' diameter, 6 or more stars were resolved around the periphery.

 

S-L 465, situated just 1.8' NNE of center, appeared moderately faint, round, compact, contains a very small bright core.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, small, round, 25" diameter, well-concentrated with a 10" bright core (John Herschel described the core as a close double star).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1951 = h2858 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, R or lE; binuclear or sbM to a double star 10th and 11th mag." His second observation was recorded as "A close first class D star, 10th and 11th mag, with a thick nebulous mist like dust about it."  His first position is accurate.  Shapley and Lindsay ("A Catalogue of Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Irish Astronomical Journal, Vol. 6, 1963) give a diameter of 80'' and remark "elongated, inner condensed, outer resolved."

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NGC 1952 = M1 = LBN 833 = Sh 2-244 = Ced 53 = Tau A = SNR 184.6-5.8 = Crab Nebula

05 34 32.0 +22 00 52; Tau

V = 8.5;  Size 6'x4'

 

48" (10/23/14): remarkable intricate filamentary structure at 488x using a DGM Optics OIII filter.  I didn't try to take detailed notes, but the entire surface of  M1, which filled over half the field, was resolved into an intertwined maze of thin, twisting filaments.  This complex structure was more evident than the view I had a year ago at 287x.

 

48" (11/2/13): using 488x I immediately focused in on a close unequal mag double star (roughly mag 16/16.5) that was visible near the center but a bit offset from the geometric center towards the SE side of the nebula.  The fainter southwest component (CM Tau) is the famous pulsar (rotating neutron star) at the heart of the Crab Nebula, which was discovered in 1968 and pulses 30 times/sec!

 

Although this observation was exciting (first definite view of the pulsar), the real jaw-dropping sight was at 287x using a DGM Optics OIII filter, which lit up the interior filaments!  The two bright filaments that meander E-W through the nebula (dipping just south of the pulsar) were very prominent with slightly fainter side filaments extending south and north.  Scanning with averted vision, numerous additional very faint, thin radial filaments extending outward were evident throughout the nebula.  In addition, the periphery had a ragged or curdled appearance, particularly along the northern edge. The eypiece view approached the iconic HST image of the Crab Nebula !

 

18" (11/14/09): at 175x and OIII filter an obvious brighter filament is visible that begins just south of center and extends WNW towards the west end.  This filament is brightest (or has a brighter knot) at its eastern end near the center.  A fainter filament begins near the same point south of center and extends towards the NE.  The two filaments, if joined as one, extend nearly from the west end of the Crab Nebula to the east.

 

18" (2/23/06): at 225x the shape was quite elongated and irregular and the interior had a turbulent appearance due to a very irregular surface brightness.  The periphery has a tattered or ragged edge and changes shape somewhat with averted vision.  With a UHC filter, there is a brighter knot (sometimes appears as an extended, elongated feature) near the SW edge.

 

17.5" (2/8/86): very bright, unusual potato shape with an irregular surface brightness, 6'x4', broad concentration towards center.  Very irregular elongated shape with extensions or "arms" towards the NW and SE, ragged edges at periphery.  A large dark indentation or "bay" intrudes on the NE side of the SE extension, so this end is thinner and less prominent.  A few faint stars are superimposed.  Using an OIII filter, the overall structure is muted but a bright inner streak is visible in the SW quadrant (oriented ~E-W) and this streak is not noticeable without the filter.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): large, bright, irregular potato shape, large indentation on following end.  Easy in 16x80 finder.

 

8" (10/4/80): moderately bright, irregular shape, fairly large, indentation on the NW and SE ends.

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (2/23/06): easily visible as a faint, oval patch.

 

John Bevis discovered M1 = NGC 1952 = h357 around 1731 using a 3-inch (+/-) refractor of 24 ft focal length. He labeled it as a nebula in his Uranographia Britannica star atlas, which was completed in 1750, though not published in 1786.  Charles Messier independently discovered M1 on 28 Aug 1758.  While searching for comet Halley on its first predicted return, he found instead another comet, which turned out to have been discovered earlier.  Then while tracking this comet he found M1, which Messier noted "contains no star; it is a whitish light, elongated like the flame of a taper."  Bevis informed Messier of his earlier discovery in 1771.  MessierÕs rediscovery of M1 was the inspiration to begin the compilation of his catalog.

 

William Herschel made numerous observations with his various telescopes, though first observed it on 24 Mar 1783 with this 6.2-inch reflector.  With his workhorse 18.7-inch he attempted to resolve the nebula into stars: "Very bright, of an irregular figure; full 5 minutes in longest direction. I suspect it to consist of stars."

 

Much of the following is gleaned from Wolfgang Steinicke's book on "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters". William Parsons (third Earl of Rosse) and friends Romney Robinson and James South observed M1 with his first (compound) 36-inch in early November 1840. A few weeks later Robinson wrote Rosse to examine other nebulae as "I am anxious to know whether they all have tails and claws".  Parsons sketched M1 in 1844 (using his solid 36") with filaments or streamers extending out of the body and a long tail (see http://messier.seds.org/more/m001_rosse.html). His description reads:  ".. a cluster; we perceive in this [36-inch telescope], however, a considerable change of appearance; it is no longer an oval resolvable [mottled] Nebula; we see resolvable filaments singularly disposed, springing principally from its southern extremity, and not, as is usual in clusters, irregularly in all directions. Probably greater power would bring out other filaments, and it would then assume the ordinary form of a cluster. It is stubbed with stars, mixed however with a nebulosity probably consisting of stars too minute to be recognized. It is an easy object, and I have shown it to many, and all have been at once struck with its remarkable aspect. Everything in the sketch can be seen under moderately favourable circumstances."

 

Romney Robinson, director of Armagh Observatory and a regular observer at Birr Castle, remarked "it is ragged, bifurcated at the top, and has streamers running out like claws in every direction."  This description, along with the 1844 sketch, probably led the popular nickname "Crab Nebula".

 

William Lassell was certainly influenced by the sketch.  He observed M1 in December 1852 with his 24" reflector and commented, "long filaments run out on all sides".  Three weeks later, he noted "the outlying claws are only just circumscribed by the edge of the field of 6' in diameter."  Father Angelo Secchi was also influenced; his sketch made around 1856 using a 9.5" refractor strikingly mimics the 1844 sketch with a long tail and external feelers!  Secchi claimed the agreement in features demonstrated the strength of his telescope.

 

Interestingly, R.J. Mitchell resketched the Crab in 1855 with a much more traditional shape.  Dreyer commented in The Observatory, Vol. 37, p. 399-402 (1914), "The only published drawing which is a complete failure, is that of M1, the "Crab Nebula", which has unfortunately been reproduced in many popular books.  It was made with the 3-foot, and long "feelers" were never again seen with the 3-foot nor with the 6-foot."  Still the nickname stuck.  See More http://www.southastrodel.com/NGC1952.htm for more historical observations.

 

Isaac Roberts first captured M1 photographically in 1892 with his 20-inch reflector.

 

In 1921 Carl Lampland suspected internal motion and based on plates with the the 40-inch reflector at Lowell, showed the nebula had changed shape.  He also discovered the close double star at the center (5" separation).

 

Also in 1921 Lundmark mentioned (PASP, 33, 234) that the nova of 1054 was near NGC 1952 and in 1928 Edwin Hubble (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1928ASPL....1...55H) stated the nebula "is expanding rapidly and at such a rate that it must have required about 900 years to reach its present dimensions.  For, in the ancient accounts of celestial phenomena only one nova has been recorded in the region of the Crab Nebula.  This account is found in the Chinese annals, the position fits as closely as it can read, and the year was 1054!"  The Chinese text noted "Thereafter, a "guest star" appeared on 4 Jul

 

In 1937 Nicholas Mayall made a spectral analysis (PASP, 49, 101) and in 1939 (ASPL, Vol 3, 145) announced the Crab Nebula was a supernova remnant.

 

In 1951 Australian astronomer John Bolton showed that M1 was a strong radio source (brightest in Taurus) and was named Taurus A.  In 1968 a pulsar (rapidly rotating neutron star) was discovered in M31 with a period of 33 milliseconds (southwestern of the two central mag 16.5 stars).

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NGC 1953 = ESO 56-118 = S-L 459

05 25 28.0 -68 50 18; Dor

V = 11.7;  Size 1.2'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this LMC cluster appeared bright, moderately large, round,~50" diameter, with a brighter core.  At 350x, it was grainy with a couple stars easily resolved at the edges of the halo.  The nucleus appears offset from center towards the east.  The interesting NGC 1962-65-66-70 HII complex and cluster follows with NGC 1962 4.5' due east and stretching quite a distance to the east and SE lie a huge number of clusters, star clouds and HII regions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1953 = h2862 on 31 Jan 1835 and described as "pF, S, R, glbM, 40"." On a second sweep he recorded "pB, S, R, insulated, but has a group of four nebulae [NGC 1962, 1954, 1966, 1970] following in the parallel."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1954 = MCG -02-15-003 = PGC 17422

05 32 48.3 -14 03 45; Lep

V = 11.8;  Size 4.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 155”

 

24" (12/28/16): at 225x; moderately bright and large, sharply concentrated with small, very bright core ~20"x15" N-S.  The core is surrounded by a low surface brightness halo without a well defined edge but roughly 1.25' diameter.  A mag 13 star is superimposed 45" N of center and a mag 13.8 star is 1.3' NW (outside the halo).

 

NGC 1954 is the brightest in a trio (HDCE 361) at a distance of ~150 million years with NGC 1957 4.5' SSE and IC 2132 9.5' NNW.  The three galaxies are nearly collinear.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is off the northwest edge 1.3' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 1957 5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1954 = H III-590 = h2853 on 14 Dec 1786 (sweep 647) and recorded "suspected, eF, stellar, not very doubtful."  His position is accurate.  JH observed it from the Cape and noted "vF, R, 25"."  Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 1957.

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NGC 1955 = LMC-N51D = ESO 056-121 = S-L 467 = LH 54

05 26 10 -67 29 54; Dor

V = 9.8;  Size 1.8'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): this cluster and emission nebula is near the western end of a beautiful curved chain of bright clusters involved with prominent nebulosity (referred to as the "Sextant Arc") that extends 17' WSW to ENE and includes NGC 1966 and NGC 1974 to the NE and S-L 456, a group of stars and nebulosity 4' W of NGC 1955.

 

The cluster, which is part of stellar association LH 54, includes as many as 40 stars in a 4' region including a half-dozen mag 11.5-12.5 stars in a 3' gently curving arc elongated E-W.  Near the W end of this arc is mag 11.6 HD 36402 = Brey 31, a Wolf-Rayet binary (WC-type).

 

The cluster is immersed in a large, irregular haze that was brightest on its eastern side in a 30" circular glow.  This patch is just a locally brighter section of a large irregular loop bowed out to the east and extending N-S for 6'-7' to a mag 9.5 star 3.5' S of the cluster.

 

A fainter group of stars and haze lies 4' W (S-L 456 within association LH 51) and the DSS reveals both halves are the brightest portions of an 8' superbubble (LHa 120-N51D).  NGC 1968 lies ~8' ENE and NGC 1974 11' NE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1955 = D 211 on 3 Aug 1826 and described "a small faint elliptical nebula, about 20" diameter. This is the preceding in a curved line of six or seven small nebulae, of unequal magnitudes."  Dunlop made 4 observations and his position is just 1.6' too far SE.  JH called NGC 1955 = h2863 "The second of a great line of rich clusters [NGC 1968, 1974 and 1991] which are connected by abundant scattered stars. (The first not taken)."  The first is probably S-L 456.  JH credited Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 1956 = ESO 016-002 = PGC 17102

05 19 36.1 -77 43 45; Men

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 68”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent, fairly large edge-on at 200x, ~2.0'x0.6'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, round bright core and much fainter extensions WSW-ENE.  A faint star is just beyond the SW tip.  This galaxy has an absorbtion lane (dust) along the north side, although this feature was not noted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1956 = h2874 on 22 Jan 1836 and recorded "eF, S, R, gbM, 15"."  On a second sweep he noted "eF, little elongated, 40 arcseconds, has a coarse double star n.f., 6' distant."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.  DeLisle Stewart described this galaxy as a "vF, hazy * inv in nebula" (Harvard College Observatory correction list).

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NGC 1957 = PGC 17427

05 32 55.1 -14 07 58; Lep

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (12/28/16): at 225x; fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, gradually increases to the center.  With direct vision a stellar nucleus pops out.  Situated 4.5' SSE of NGC 1954 in a trio (HDCE 361) with IC 2132.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 5' SSE of NGC 1954.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1957 = LM 1-149 on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a good match with PGC 17427.  RNGC classifies it as an unverified southern object.

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NGC 1958 = ESO 056-119 = S-L 462

05 25 30.7 -69 50 10; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; this LMC cluster was very bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter.  A few extremely faint stars were resolved at the edge with a non-stellar knot or small clump of stars at the west end.  A mag 12 star is 1' NW.  Seven clusters lies within 7' of NGC 1958 including NGC 1969, 1971 and 1972, a close trio ~6' E and faint NGC 1950 and 1959, situated 6.5' SW and 5.5' S, respectively.

 

S-L 460, located 3.5' N, appeared fairly faint, round, 30" diameter, even surface brightness.

S-L 469, located 5.5' NNE, appeared fairly faint, irregular, 30" diameter.  Slightly brighter of a pair with S-L 460 3' SW.

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this LMC cluster appeared bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter.  Increasing the magnification to 346x, the cluster resolved into a couple of dozen very faint, densely packed stars.  The 1' halo appeared irregular and mottled as if more stars were just below resolution.

 

This cluster is situated in a rich section of the central bar and a number of clusters are nearby. NGC 1958 forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 1959 5.5' S and NGC 1950 6.3' SW.  A single brighter mag 11 star sits within this triangle at the vertex of another isosceles triangle with NGC 1959 and NGC 1950.  A trio of clusters, NGC 1969, 1971 and 1972, lies 5' to 6' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1958 = h2864 on 23 Dec 1834 and commented "The second of the group, fig 7, Pl IV. L; F; vgbM."  On a second observation he noted "F; R; gbM, 40".

 

Joseph Turner sketched the field containing NGC 1958 on 21 Dec 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 29).  His sketch clearly shows S-L 460 and 469, though Turner misidentified these two clusters as previous discoveries by Herschel.

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NGC 1959 = ESO 056-120 = S-L 466

05 25 35.7 -69 55 36; Men

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this globular is at the southeast corner of a triangle of clusters with NGC 1958 5.5' NNW and NGC 1950 6' WNW.  It appears similar to NGC 1950 -- a moderately bright, fairly large glow of ~2' but with a relatively low surface brightness.  Appears slightly smaller than NGC 1958.  At 346x, a few faint stars are resolved around the edges. Located along the southeast side of the LMC bar, so the background is bright.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1959 = h2865 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; vL; vgbM; the third of several whose borders join, forming the group in figure 7, pl IV."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 1960 = M36 = Cr 71

05 36 18 +34 08 30; Aur

V = 6.0;  Size 12'

 

18" (1/17/09): at 175x roughly 175 stars are resolved in the central 10' but irregular extensions increase the halo to closer to 20' and includes roughly 250 stars.  Many of the stars are arranged in long curving strings as well as one very distinctive curving loop on the SE side of the core with a pretty double (·737 = 8.5/9.0 at 11") with a fainter third companion at the NW end of the loop.  The cluster itself is pretty symmetrical with a dense 10' core and the brighter stars are sprinkled about fairly uniformly.

 

8": very bright, large, loose, includes two curving star lanes.  The double star ·737 = 8.5/9.0 at 11" is near the center.

 

Naked-eye (10/24/11): just glimpsed in very dark skies.

 

Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered M36 = NGC 1960 = h358 in 1654.  Guillaume Le Gentil rediscovered the cluster in 1749 and he is credited with the discovery in the NGC.  William Herschel, using his 7-ft reflector (6.2" aperture) at 120x on 28 Oct 1794, called it "a pretty rich cluster of small [faint] stars, seems to have many more than are visible, very small [faint]."

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NGC 1961 = Arp 184 = IC 2133 = UGC 3334 = MCG +12-06-007 = CGCG 329-008 = LGG 132-002 = PGC 17625

05 42 04.4 +69 22 46; Cam

V = 11.0;  Size 4.6'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 85”

 

48" (10/23/11): at 375x, this distorted spiral appeared very bright, very large oval nearly 2:1 E-W, ~3.6'x2.0', highly asymmetric appearance.  Contains a very bright, large oval core that is clearly offset to the north side of the galaxy!  A large arm sweeps E-W along the south side of the halo.  A broad dust lane runs parallel to the arm on the inside.  Surrounding the core are shorter inner spiral arms including an arm just north of the core that sweeps west and bends south.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed just inside the dust lane, 30" SSE of center.

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x; fairly bright, very large, elongated 5:3 ~E-W, contains a bright elongated nucleus that is oddly offset towards the north side.  The halo has a low, but uneven surface brightness (due to spiral arms and dust) and extends nearly 3.5'x2.0', though it fades imperceptibly into the sky.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed 30" SSE of center.  CGCG 329-011, located 8' NE, appeared very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 15.3 star is 20" S.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration, small bright core.  A mag 13 star is 30" SSE of center and a mag 12 star is just off the west edge, 2.4' from center.  There appears to be a dark patch between this star and the core.  Forms a pair with CGCG 329-011 7.6' NE (not seen).

 

8" (10/13/81): faint, moderately large, bright core, diffuse, elongated, star involved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1961 = H III-747 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 889) and recorded "cF, pL, iF, mbM, easily resolvable, 5 or 6 of the stars belonging to it visible in the middle."

 

Bigourdan found this galaxy independently on 22 Dec 1891, measured an accurate position, and Dreyer catalogued Big. 385 as IC 2133.  In Dreyer's 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" he comments, "Caroline Herschel has used the place of the comparison star in Wollaston's Catalogue of 1790, which is very erroneous.  Auwers assumed it to be B.A.C. 1985, hence his very erroneous polar distance.  But it is = G. 1199 agreeing with two other stars, 42 and 43 Camelop.  The place of the neb found from this coincides with that of I.C. 2133 = Bigourdan 385."    So, NGC 1961 = IC 2133.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 1962 = ESO 056-122 = LMC-N144

05 26 18 -68 50 18; Dor

V = 11.5

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 1962 forms the bright western patch of the NGC 1962-65-66-70 cluster and emission nebula (stellar association LH 58).  At 200x it appeared as a large, fairly bright glow on the west side of the complex, ~2' in diameter.  A few faint stars are peppered across the glow.  At the E end is mag 12.3 HD 36521 = Brey 32, a WC4-type Wolf-Rayet binary.

 

Adding a UHC filter provided an excellent contrast gain to the bright nebulosity.  The entire complex is part of a Superbubble. NGC 1953, an LMC open cluster, lies 4.5' W and a large number of additional clusters that I didn't have time to explore lie to the south and southeast.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1962 = h2866 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF, pL, R; the first of a group of 4 nebulae [NGC 1962, 1965, 1966, 1970] with stars. (N.B. The mirror newly polished. See fig 20, Plate VI.)"  His sketch (Plate VI, figure 20) clearly identifies all 4 nebulae in the group.  James Dunlop discovered the entire group (D 136 = S-L 476) and described "a faint confused pretty large nebula.  There are a multitude of small nebulae in this place."  His position is ~10' too far SW (typical error), though he did not distinguish individual components.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the entire group in Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 30 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_30.php).  The sketch shows NGC 1962 as two connected pieces with a few stars involved.  Pietro Baracchi also sketched a patch directly between NGC 1962 and 1965 on 18 Nov 1884.

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NGC 1963 = ESO 363-005

05 32 10.8 -36 22 51; Col

 

17.5" (2/22/03): at 100x, a distinctive looping group of two dozen mag 10-13 stars which is likely an asterism.  Roughly 10' diameter with a string of stars on the south side trailing to the east (forming the bottom loop of the figure "3").  Includes several mag 10-11 stars with two mag 8 stars (oriented N-S) on the north side of the low power field.  IC 2135, an edge-on galaxy, lies 15' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1963 = h2861 on 24 Dec 1835 and described "the cusp of a cluster of stars, 8...11m; arranged pretty exactly in a figure of 3 with appendages.  *8 in cusp taken."  This group of stars stands out fairly well on the DSS although the brightest star is closer to mag 10.  This is a random grouping with no correlation in proper motion.  The RC3 and PGC misidentify the galaxy IC 2135 (~15' further east) as NGC 1963.  RNGC classifies NGC 1963 as nonexistent.

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NGC 1964 = ESO 554-010 = MCG -04-14-003 = PGC 17436

05 33 22.6 -21 56 49; Lep

V = 10.8;  Size 5.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, unusually bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is at the west edge 0.7' from center and a mag 14 star is at the SSW edge of the major axis 1.2' from center.  Situated just southeast of a thin triangle of mag 9.5-10.5 stars, the closest being mag 9.3 SAO 170546 1.7' NW of center.

 

13" (12/18/82): faint, elongated, small bright nucleus, fairly small, faint halo surrounded core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1964 = H IV-21 = h2860 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and recorded "vS, stellar, the nucleus very brigh; the chevelure vF and not perfectly central; there seems to be a vS star preceding it."  His RA is 13 sec too large, but the identification is certain.  John Herschel observed this galaxy from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "F, irregularly round, vsbM, to a star 12th mag, 2 or 3 stars involved, and several bright ones near."  His position was accurate.

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NGC 1965 = ESO 056-123 = LMC-N144B = LH 58

05 26 29.5 -68 48 23; Dor

V = 11.7

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a bright, small knot on the NW side of a large HII complex and cluster (association LH 58) that includes NGC 1966 (1.5' ESE), NGC 1962 (2.2' SW) and NGC 1970.  NGC 1965 surrounds two stars and ~20" in diameter with a fainter nebulous halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1965 = h2867 = D 136? on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "F, S; the second of a group of four nebulae [with NGC 1962, 1966 and 1970] with stars. The place interpolated from those of the 1st and 3rd by aid of a diagram made at the time.  Plate VI, figure 20."

 

Herschel noted Dunlop 136, discovered on 25 Sep 1826 probably includes h2867.  James Dunlop wrote, "a faint confused pretty large nebula.  There are a multitude of small nebulae in this place."  Dunlop's position is ~10' too far SW (typical error), though he did not distinguish the individual components of the complex, at least in his published description.  The entire group was also sketched by Joseph Turner in Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III.30 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_30.php)

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NGC 1966 = LMC-N144A = ESO 056-125 = LH 58

05 26 46 -68 48 49; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 0.7'x0.3'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this number refers to one of the multiple components of a large star cloud and HII complex (LH 58), ~5' in diameter.  At 346x this is a small, bright glow on the NE side that surrounds three stars, elongated WNW-ESE, ~40"x15".  Fainter nebulosity is attached extending to the west for 1.5' and connecting to the knot NGC 1965.  A mag 9.9 star lies 1.2' S.  This HII complex is located roughly 12' S of a mag 6.1 star (6.7/7.0 pair at a close 1.4").

 

At 200x using a UHC filter, this is a fascinating emission complex as the entire 5' region is awash in bright nebulosity and there are faint, irregular extensions beyond the main portion, particularly to the north (the outer portions form a faint bubble on images).  A 10th mag star is involved, though the cluster itself (S-L 476) does not stand out significantly.

 

NGC 1966 is sometimes applied to the entire complex. Shapley listed the complex as the center of the OB-association "Constellation" II (of V).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1966 = h2868 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "the third of a group of four nebulae with stars; pB, R, pslbM.  Plate VI, figure 20."  Herschel notes this might be Dunlop 77 (two question marks), but this must be an error as the position of D 77 is roughly 04 56 07 -70 07 (2000).  Dunlop discovered the entire group (D 136 = S-L 476) and described "a faint confused pretty large nebula.  There are a multitude of small nebulae in this place."  His position is ~10' too far SW (typical error), though he did not distinguish individual components.

 

The entire group was also sketched by Joseph Turner on 22 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 30 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_30.php).

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NGC 1967 = ESO 056-126 = S-L 478

05 26 43 -69 06 06; Dor

V = 10.8;  Size 0.9'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly small cluster, ~30" diameter. 8 to 10 stars are resolved, many in a string along the west side.  A mag 13 star is at the east edge.  First of 3 clusters with NGC 1984 5.4' ESE and NGC 1994 9' ESE.  BSDL 1781 is a 1.5'x0.5' elongated group of stars just 2.5' NE.  About 10 stars mag 13-14.5 in a N-S string were resolved.  NGC 1967 is situated 9' SW of the NGC 1983 star cloud/association (LH 61).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1967 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as object #456 in his table of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  His position is 1.8' too far northwest.

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NGC 1968 = LMC-N51C = ESO 056-130 = S-L 483 = LH 60

05 27 39.7 -67 27 48; Dor

Size 1.5'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): NGC 1968 is the third in a great chain of clusters involved in extensive nebulosity oriented southwest to northeast. The cluster is bright and very elongated 3'x1' E-W with ~20 stars including a number of mag 12-13 stars.  The cluster (part of association LH 60) is surrounded by nebulosity (Henize N51C) that brightens on the east end in a large, round knot and extends beyond the cluster on the south side for several arc minutes in the direction of NGC 1955 to the WSW.  NGC 1968 is connected to NGC 1974, another nebulous cluster 3' NE and NGC 1955 lies 8' WSW.  The entire complex is nicknamed the LMC "Sextant Arc".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1968 = h2870 on 2 Jan 1837 and described "The third of a great line of rich clusters [with NGC 1955, 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1974] all connected by abundance of irregularly scattered stars."  His position is 1' too far west.

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NGC 1969 = ESO 056-124 = S-L 479

05 26 33 -69 50 27; Dor

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): faintest in a compact trio of clusters with NGC 1971 and 1972.  At 397x; appears moderately bright, small, roundish, fairly low surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the NW end and a couple of fainter stars are involved.

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first in a compact right triangle of clusters with NGC 1971 1.2' SE and NGC 1972 1.4' E (within stellar association LH 59).  At 260x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round.  This cluster has a lower surface brightness than NGC 1971 and 1972.  A mag 13 star is at the NW edge.  NGC 1958 lies 5' W.  Located along the southeast side of the LMC bar, with a relatively bright background glow

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1969 = h2872 in Dec 1834 and recorded on NGC 1969 "the 4th of several running together (fig 7, Pl IV). F; S; attached to a larger (the 5th)."  The 5th refers to NGC 1971 = h2875.  His position is accurate.  James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster earlier on 24 Sep 1826 and noted (D 93) "a very faint nebula, about 30" diameter."  His position is ~5' SE of the NGC 1969/1971/1972 trio, but visually NGC 1971 is the most prominent of the group.  So, my guess is that D 93 refers to NGC 1971.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the field (along with NGC 1958, 1971 and 1972) on 21 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  See plate III, figure 29 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/index.php#m_3_29

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NGC 1970 = ESO 056-127 = LMC-N144 = LH 58

05 26 53 -68 50 12; Dor

V = 10.3

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x; NGC 1970 is at the SE corner of the NGC 1962-65-66-70 complex (stellar association LH 58).  It consists of three close collinear stars oriented NNW-SSE with the brightest mag 10.8 star at the north end.  Using a UHC filter, the stars were surrounded by only very weak nebulosity that was no more prominent than the general field haze.  HD 269546 = Brey 34, a mag 9.9 Wolf-Rayet binary (WN5+B3) and the brightest individual star in the complex, is just 0.7' WNW of the 3 stars.  

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1970 = h2869 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "The last nebula in the group of four [with NGC 1962, 1965 and 1966] with stars. Place concluded (with no precision) from the 1st and 3rd by the aid of a diagram." [Plate VI, fig 20].  Despite his uncertainty with the position, it is pretty accurate. Dunlop discovered the entire group (D 136 = S-L 476) and described "a faint confused pretty large nebula.  There are a multitude of small nebulae in this place."  His position is ~10' too far SW (typical error), though he did not distinguish individual components.  Herschel noted the possible equivalence with D 136. 

 

The complex was also sketched by Joseph Turner in Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III.30 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_30.php).  His sketch shows the three stars oriented NNW-SSE with no nebulosity, but there is a patch of nebulosity surrounded by a ring of stars that is sketched close north. Pietro Baracchi also took this group of four or five stars as GC 1175 = NGC 1970.

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NGC 1971 = ESO 056-128 = S-L 481

05 26 45.6 -69 51 03; Dor

V = 11.9;  Size 1.1'x0.95'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; very bright, fairly small, round, 30"-35" diameter, high surface brightness.  Brightest in a small trio with NGC 1972 50" NNE and NGC 1969 1.3' NW.  In a glowing region on the southeast side of the central bar of the LMC with NGC 1958 6.5' WNW and S-L 469 7' NW.   The latter (brighter of a 3' pair with S-L 460) appeared fairly faint, irregular, 30" diameter.

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this cluster is the furthest south in a small right triangle of clusters with NGC 1969 1.2' NW and NGC 1972 0.9' NNE.  At 260x it appeared bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter (largest of trio), gradually increases to the center.  At 350x, it contains a sharp stellar core or a mag 14 star is superimposed and a star is also on the SE edge.  Located 15' SW of a mag 6.1 star (close double) within the southeast side of the LMC's central bar.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1971 (or NGC 1972) = D 93 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, about 30" diameter."  His position is ~5' SE of the trio NGC 1969/1971/1972.  Based on my visual observation I propose that NGC 1971 = D 93, although Steinicke assigns D 93 to NGC 1972.  JH independently discovered this cluster (h2875) on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded it as "the 5th of several running together (fig 7, Pl IV); attached to a smaller, No. 4".  His position is accurate.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the field (along with NGC 1958, 1969 and 1972) on 21 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  See plate III.29 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/index.php#m_3_29

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NGC 1972 = ESO 056-129 = S-L 480

05 26 48.8 -69 50 17; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness glow (cluster), ~25" diameter.  Contains a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus (knot of stars).  Second brightest in a compact trio of clusters with NGC 1971 50" SSW and NGC 1969 1.4' W.

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): forms the northeast vertex of a small triangle of clusters with NGC 1971 0.9' SSW and NGC 1969 1.4' E (within stellar association LH 59).  At 260x this small cluster is bright, round, ~35" diameter (smaller than NGC 1971).  There is either a very small knot of stars at the east edge (DSS reveals an apparent close double star).  These clusters are buried with the southeast side of the LMC's bar, so the field has a bright background.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1972 (or NGC 1971) = D 93 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, about 30" diameter."  His position is ~5' SE of the trio NGC 1969/1971/1972.  Based on my visual observation I suggest that NGC 1971 = D 93, although Steinicke assigns D 93 to NGC 1972.  JH independently discovered this cluster (h2876) on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded it as "the 6th of several [including NGC 1950, 1958, 1959, 1969 and 1971] running together (fig 7, Pl IV). This also is a double nebula, having a very small one attached N.p (No 7)."  His position is ~40" too far south.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the field (along with NGC 1958, 1969 and 1972) on 21 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  See plate III, figure 29 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/index.php#m_3_29

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NGC 1973 = Ced 55b = Sh 2-279 = Running Man Nebula

05 35 04.8 -04 43 55; Ori

Size 5'x5'

 

24" (1/22/15): locally bright (reflection?) nebula surrounding mag 6.9 HD 36958, embedded within the much larger NGC 1977 complex.  Extends ~4' diameter in a circular glow, though the perphery is not well defined.  A fainter star 34" NNE is involved in the nebula and at moments seemed to be encased in its own small halo.  NGC 1975 is 4.4' NE.

 

13.1": bright reflection nebulosity surrounding 7th magnitude SAO 132302.  See NGC 1977.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1973 on 16 Dec 1862 within NGC 1977.  He calls it a nebulous mag 8-9 star and his single position corresponds with HD 36958 = SAO 132302 = KX Ori.

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NGC 1974 = NGC 1991 = LMC-N51A = ESO 085-89 = S-L 494 = LH 63

05 28 00 -67 25 24; Dor

Size 1.7'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): NGC 1974 is the fourth in a great looping chain of clusters and nebulosity (collectively called the "Sextant Arc") including NGC 1955 and NGC 1968 to the SW.  NGC 1974 is virtually attached to NGC 1968, only distinguished by less nebulosity and stars.  Roughly three dozen stars were resolved in a 3' circular group (stellar association LH 63) including a number of mag 12-13 stars.  The cluster is involved in fairly bright nebulous haze (LMC-N51A).  A filament of nebulosity on the NE side is the brightest part of an incomplete superbubble.

 

Nail and Shapley designated the OB association that includes the "Sextant Arc" as "Constellation III" in a 1953 paper on the Magellanic Clouds.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 1974 = D 213 on 6 Nov 1826 and described "a faint elliptical nebula, about 30" diameter. This is the following in a curved line of nebulae." He observed it on three occasions and his position is 2.8' too far northeast.   John Herschel recorded h2877 on 23 Nov 1834 as "The following part of a large irregular cluster which extends obliquely across the field." The objects in this grouping include NGC 1955, 1968, 1974 and NGC 1991 and his position is accurate (~30" south of center).  JH found this nebulous cluster again on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded it as h2884 (= NGC 1991), although his RA was 1.0 min too large.  So, NGC 1974 = NGC 1991.  Lucke and Hodge misidentifies this object (typo) as NGC 1947.

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NGC 1975 = Ced 55c = Sh 2-279 = Running Man Nebula

05 35 18 -04 41 06; Ori

Size 10'x5'

 

24" (1/22/15):  bright 2' reflection nebulosity surrounding HD 294263 (triple star) within the NGC 1977 complex.  The two brighter components form ·746 = 10.4/10.7 at 14", with a third fainter star 12" SW.  Also a 4th star is ~35" NW of the pair and within the glow.  The nebula seems more centered on the northeast component of ·746.  Brighter NGC 1973 lies 4.5' SW and the entire field is awash in nebulosity.

 

13.1": see description for NGC 1973.  This is the faintest portion of the NGC 1977 complex and appears large and elongated, including a mag 11/11 double star.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1975 on 3 Oct 1864 and called it a "bright double star involved in nebulosity within V. 30 [NGC 1977]."  His single position corresponds with the double star ·746 = 10.4/10.7 at 14" in the northern part of the nebula.

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NGC 1976 = M42 = LBN 974 = Ced 55d = Sh 2-281 = Orion Nebula

05 35 17.1 -05 23 27; Ori

V = 4.0;  Size 66'x60'

 

48" (4/1/11): the Trapezium was first object viewed while the sky was still darkening.  The "H" star (discovered by Barnard in 1888 with the Lick 36" was easily visible without reference to a chart, though I apparently missed the G star inside the Trapezium and a fainter companion to H at 1.3" separation.  The "E" component was seen for the first time with a vivid orange color!  In addition, due north of the A-E pair is a faint double star near the edge of the darker central pocket containing the Trapezium.  On the opposite side (SE) of the Trapezium (at the edge of the inner pocket) are a wide pair of stars (~20") oriented E-W with possibly a third extremely difficult star between and a bit further east.  Although I didn't take notes or try to sketch the main features of M42, there were several faint pink or red stars peppered over the glow of the nebula!

 

17.5" (10/12/85): best emission nebula in northern sky, fantastic view under all conditions, bright colored wings sweep to the east and south.  The remarkable structure is difficult to describe but includes bays, filaments, knots, nebulous stars and a huge outer loop.  Definite colors are visible including pale greens and pinks.  Highlighted by the Trapezium which contains six stars and appears to reside in a darker hollow.  The bright portion surrounding Theta probably has the highest surface brightness of any HII region in the sky with an "electric" appearance.  Dark streaks and a dark wedge = "fish's mouth" intrudes on the NE side.  Using an H-Beta filter, the nebulosity significantly dims in general but there is one outer wing or loop on the west side (oriented N-S) which obviously increases in contrast with the filter!

 

The following observational history of M42 = NGC 1976 = h360 is largely from Wolfgang Steinicke and http://seds.org/messier/more/m042_dis.html

 

The Orion Nebula was probably discovered in November 1610 by Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc (1580-1637), a French lawyer, who turned his telescope (given to him by Galileo) to Orion and reported a "small illuminated cloud" near the middle star of Orion's Sword. This sighting, however, was not published, but only reported in Peiresc's personal documents and mentioned by Bigourdan in 1916.  Jesuit astronomer Johann Baptist Cysat (1588-1657) of Lucerne was independently found it the following year.  In 1619 he compared it to a comet he had observed in 1618. Cysat's work also did not get widely circulated but was found and reported by Rudolf Wolf in 1854. So, Dreyer included Cysat under the "Other Observers" column in the NGC.  The first known (very rough) sketch of the Orion nebula was created by Sicilian astronomer Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and included three stars, probably Theta1, Theta2A and Theta2B.  As he was little-known, his work was lost and not rediscovered until the 1980's.

 

None of the early discoveries were known when Christian Huygens rediscovered the nebula in 1656 with a 50mm refractor and published the first printed sketch which appeared in his "Systema Saturnium" in 1659, gaining credit for a long time as the discoverer, as reported by Halley and Messier. Huygens's sketch included 3 stars in the trapezium and the general shape of the bright central part of the nebula.  Messier's more detailed sketch [made in 1769] showing the wings and the "fish's mouth" near the trapezium was published in 1771 (MŽmoires de l'AcadŽmie Royale), though soon after William Herschel trained his large mirrors towards M42 (first observations in March 1774) and obtained much more detailed views.  He called it "altogether the most wonderful object in the heavens." (16 Oct 1784)

 

M42 was one of the objects Lord Rosse attempted to "resolve" in 1845 and 1846 using his new 72-inch.  After several bouts of poor weather, in February of 1846 he wrote "we are still in doubt as to the resolvability of the Nebula in Orion.  The great instrument has shown us an immense number of stars in it, dense groups in the immediate vicinity of the Trapezium, but further evidence is I think wanting."  A month later he was more convinced, writing in a letter "...there can be little if any doubt as to the resolvability of the nebulae...we could plainly see that all about the trapezium is a mass of stars; the rest of the nebula also abounding with stars, and exhibiting the characteristics of resolvability strongly marked."  Most astronomers accepted these claims, though a few such as Wilhelm Struve challenged the alleged resolution.  Clearly the Orion was a poor choice to decide resolvability as there are many stars associated with it, but the Irish observers also claimed resolvability for the Crab Nebula and the Ring Nebula (especially by Romney Robinson). George Bond, son of William Cranch Bond and Director of the Harvard College Observatory, claimed to have confirmed Rosse's resolution using HCO's new 15" refractor.  In his first examination on 21-22 Sep 1847, he scrawled in his notebook, "Resolved. Mottled. Abundance of Stars."  He reported to Harvard's president that "You will rejoice with me that the great Nebula in Orion has yielded to the powers of our incomparable telescope!"

 

Ronald Stoyan, in "Sketching the Orion Nebula" (Astronomy, Feb 2013), stated that Bond determined the positions of all stars he could perceive through the 15-inch (HCO refractor) in a 20' radius around the Trapezium.  Working through seven winter seasons from 1857 to 1864 and finally reaching a field of 3.36” square, he catalogued 1,101 stars as faint as 15th magnitude, observed numerous various stars, and described M42 in metriculous detail like no one before.  But above all, he sketched what he saw at the eyepiece - the first complete and accurate "image" of this region.  His eye for detail was so that that the engraver [for the 1867 "Observations upon the Great Nebula in Orion" in http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1867AnHar...5D...3B] had to look through the telescope to adequately reproduce Bond's impressions.  The result was the most accurate and elaborate astronomical drawing ever done.  Bond's cousin, American astronomer Edward S. Holden, said in 1882 that it was the "most satisfactory representation of any celestial object."  [A biography of George Bond, as well as his sketch of the Orion Nebula is at http://ejamison.net/bond.html]

 

The Orion Nebula was reported early on by various observers as possibly variable, with changes in both shape and brightness.  Edward Holden gives a comprehensive history of observations of the Orion Nebula by 44 individuals, from Cysat in 1619 to Draper in 1880.  See http://openlibrary.org/books/OL7237514M/.  Henry Draper took the first photograph of the Orion Nebula on 30 Sep 1880 with an 11-inch Clark refractor, though the resolution and details were very poor.  In 1882-83, Ainslee Common obtained a number of impressive long-exposure photographs using his 36-inch silver-on-glass reflector (first to show details not visible naked-eye) and in 1889 Isaac Roberts produced some excellent wide-field photographs of M42 using a 20-inch Grubb reflector.

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NGC 1977 = Ced 55e = Sh 2-279 = Running Man Nebula

05 35 15.8 -04 50 40; Ori

Size 20'x10'

 

24" (1/22/15): NGC 1977 is a prominent 20' field of nebulosity involving 42 Ori (V = 4.6 and a challenging 1.2" pair), 45 Ori (V = 5.2) and mag 7.3 HD 37058 on the south side and NGC 1973 (KX Ori) and NGC 1975 (·746) in the northern half.  The entire complex is irregularly luminous but locally brightest around these stars and dimmer in the central region.  The southern portion is brighter and elongated E-W with an irregular outline.  On the southeast side is an extension and the northeast section ends near a 30" unequal pair of stars.  See NGC 1973 and NGC 1975 for separate descriptions.

 

13.1": extensive bright field of nebulosity including NGC 1973 and NGC 1975, very large, elongated ~E-W.  Involves several bright stars including 42 Orionis (V = 4.7) and 45 Orionis (V = 5.3).  Irregular and detailed with detached segments.  Extends north and south beyond 42 Orionis.  Located north of M42 and south of the bright cluster NGC 1981.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1977 = H V-30 on 18 Jan 1786 (sweep 510) and recorded "I returned to the c's Orionis [1 and 2 c Orionis], and the stars about them; and found them as suspected involved in very visible, and unequally bright milky nebulosity.  I am pretty sure this joins to the great nebula [M42]."  NGC 1977 is generally taken as the brightest portion around 42 and 45 Orionis, though Herschel's description really applies to the entire nebula and scattered group of stars.

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NGC 1978 = ESO 085-90 = S-L 501

05 28 44.6 -66 14 08; Dor

V = 10.7;  Size 3.9'x2.7'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): this impressive LMC (intermediate age) globular is extremely bright and large, noticeably elongated NNW-SSE, 2.3'x1.5', contains a large, very bright core (unresolved), and grainy halo. Only a few mag 15-16 stars were resolved around the edges at 303x.  NGC 1978 is situated within the huge LMC-4 Superbubble that includes the NGC 1848 complex 18' WSW, NGC 2003 19' SE and the "Eighth-Note Nebula" (LHa 120-N55) 25' SE.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): bright, large, elongated NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.5' (unusually elongated for a globular), weak even concentration to center, no resolution.  This is a blue intermediate-age cluster or "blue globular", roughly 2 billion years old, with a million solar masses.  NGC 1948, a combination star cloud/emission complex, lies 18' W.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1978 = D 238 = h2878 on 6 Nov 1826 and described "a faint round nebula, about 50" diameter.  His position is 05 27 37, -66 21 (2000), about 10' SW of the globular.

 

JH first observed this bright globular on 2 Nov 1834, logging "vB, vL, E, gbM, 3'." On his final of 3 sweeps, he recorded "vB, vL; oval; vgpmbM; a beautiful nebula; it has very much resemblance to the Nubecula Major itself as seen with the naked eye, but is far brighter and more impressive in its general aspect as if the Nubecula were at least doubled in intensity. (Note - July 29, 1837. I well remember this observation, it was the result of repeated comparisons between the object seen in the telescope and the actual nubecula as seen high in the sky on the meridian, and no vague estimate carelessly set down. And who can say whether in this object, magnified and analysed by telescopes infinitely superior to what we now possess, there may not exist all the complexity of detail that the nubecula itself presents to our examination!)"

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NGC 1979 = ESO 487-024 = AM 0531-232 = PGC 17452

05 34 01.1 -23 18 37; Lep

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 7”

 

24" (1/1/19): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 50"x40", very strong concentration (fairly sharp) with a small bright core that increases to the center.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' E. ARA 1991, a 14" pair of mag 11.7/13.4 stars is 7' W.  IC 2138 is 14' SSE and IC 2130 is 32' WNW.  M79 lies 2.5” SW.

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  IC 2138 lies 14' SE and NGC 1964 is 80' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1979 = H III-240 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and noted "vF, vS, stellar."   His position is 13 sec of RA east of ESO 487-024 = PGC 17452.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 11 Feb 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 1980 = OCL-529 = LBN 977 = Ced 55f = Lund 189 = Cr 72

05 35 26.0 -05 54 36; Ori

Size 14'x14'

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, large nebulosity of low surface brightness surrounding Iota Orionis (V = 2.8).  Very difficult to distinguish from glare of Iota.  M42 lies 30' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1980 = H V-31 = h361 on 31 Jan 1786 (sweep 517) and noted "Iota Orionis seems with its neighbouring stars to be involved in milky nebulosity; but it is so faint and the number of stars makes the field so bright, that I cannot assure myself; though I compared this spot with the preceding and following ones."  He observed it again on sweep 529 and recorded "Iota certainly affected, but no more that what the tinge of the bottom in this neighbourhood will account for."  John Herschel noted on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 218), "Iota Orionis involved in a feeble neb 3' diam."

 

Iota Orionis was first observed with Lord Rosse's 72" on 28 Jan 1849.  Either Lord Rosse or assistant Johnstone Stoney recorded, "Dark space in the nebula containing nearest companion; light nearly equable; sketch made (by Stoney); 3-feet telescope employed.  All the stars in the neighbourhood are nebulous, of these two a little sp, last seem to have dar spaces as in figure."

 

William Lassell made an observation on 7 Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector and reported, "Surveyed this star for some time without any impression of a nebula about it.  At length I began to conceive that the glare around it, which I had attributed to the splendour of the star, might be really nebulous; and on further looking attentively at the stars, I could fancy they were on a black ground in the midst of the nebulae; but, without the suggestion of Lord Rosse's drawing, I think the appearance would have escaped me."  Observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 3 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi commented, "Uncertain - Is it nebulosity or stray diffused light from the stars?"

 

It is very possible that WH observed just scattered light around Iota, since the very southern end of M42 has a very low surface brightness and would be difficult to distinguish among the several bright stars in the field.  Wolfgang Steinicke favors interpreting NGC 1980 as an illusion (personal email on 21 Mar 2015), though Harold Corwin is not convinced (personal email of 23 Mar 2015).

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NGC 1981 = Cr 73 = OCL-525 = Lund 187

05 35 10 -04 25 30; Ori

V = 4.6;  Size 25'

 

24" (1/22/15): at 200x; HD 37040 = ·750 = 6.4/8.4 at 4" on the northeast side of the cluster was easily resolved and ·743 = 7.7/8.3 at 1.8", a tight pair in the western side was just resolved.  The cluster filled most of the 30' field.

 

18" (1/17/09): this very bright, scattered 25' cluster is situated just north of the cluster/emission nebula NGC 1973/75/77 and both appear to be part of the same complex at 73x.  Contains 7 stars mag 6-7.5 and a dozen stars mag 9 or brighter.  Most of the remaining stars are much fainter and more concentrated on the west side and streaming off the northwest end.

 

8": bright cluster with about two dozen stars mag 6 and fainter.  Very large, scattered.  Includes ·750 = 6/8 at 4".  To the south is another group of bright stars surrounded by the emission nebula NGC 1973-1977.

 

Naked-eye (10/23/11): visible as a hazy glow just north of the three "stars" in the sword.  None of the individual mag 6.5 stars are resolved naked-eye as they are two tightly grouped, but the cluster is easily resolved in binoculars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1981 = h362 on 4 Jan 1827 (sweep 41) and described "a coarse and por but very splendid cluster of large stars; a beautiful object."  His position corresponds with mag 6.5 HD 37040 = ·750 = mag 6/8 at 4" on the NE side of the cluster.

 

But by analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 23 Oct 1780 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 1982 = M43 = Ced 55g = Sh 2-281 = Orion Nebula

05 35 31.3 -05 16 02; Ori

V = 9.0;  Size 20'x15'

 

13.1": large detached piece of M42, mottled outer region, very bright center.  Has a large rotated "comma" shape with a dark indentation on the east side.  A mag 8 star is embedded.

 

8": fairly large, irregular, protrudes to the NE, includes a bright star.

 

Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan discovered M42 = NGC 1982 = H III-1 around 1731 with a small, long-focal length refractor (18 or 22 ft).  It's sometimes referred to as "De Mairan's Nebula". This prominent patch in the Orion Nebula complex was not mentioned by Piersec or sketched by Huygens.  William Herschel catalogued it as H III-1 on 3 Nov 1783 (third night of sweeps), noting "vF, S, mE.  In the Large nebula."

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NGC 1983 = ESO 056-133 = LH 61 = S-L 492

05 27 45.3 -68 59 10; Dor

V = 8.8;  Size 5'x3'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; this large star cloud/association (LH 61) includes the embedded cluster S-L 492.  It appeared as a very bright, small knot of stars, 30" diameter, with a half-dozen resolved.  The star cloud is elongated N-S and is rich in bright and faint stars (too many to count).  A very striking N-S string (6' length) of 10 bright mag 10.5-12 stars passes just east of the cluster.  Just outside the field to the south (9' from S-L 492) is NGC 1984, along with NGCs 1994 and 1967.

 

Two additional clusters were picked up nearby to the east (nearly collinear with S-L 492).  H-S 314, 3.7' E of S-L 492, appeared as a bright, high surface brightness, compact glow, 20" diameter, no resolution.  H-S 319, just 2' E of H-S 314, was noted as fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, no resolution.  A mag 11.5 is off the southeast side [35" from center] and a mag 12.3 star is 0.7' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1983 = h2881 on 11 Nov 1836 and described "a pretty rich irregular cluster which fills the field; a knot in it taken."  S-L 492 is the "knot" he measured, but the object which "fills the field" is the association LH 61.

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NGC 1984 = ESO 056-132 = S-L 488

05 27 40.8 -69 08 05; Dor

V = 10.0;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; extremely bright, small, high surface brightness knot of stars, mottled.  Several stars are resolved around the edges of the 30" clumpy glow. A nice 4' string of stars begins at the west edge of the cluster and extends to the south-southeast, ending at a mag 11.3 star.  No response to a NPB filter, although LMC-N145 is on the southwest edge. NGC 1984 is situated in a very rich region of the LMC with NGC 1994 3.8' ESE and NGC 1967 5.4' NW.  NGC 1983, an excellent cluster and star cloud, lies 9' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1984 = h2882 on 16 Dec 1835 and described as "a cluster; a double star in it taken."  His position is accurate and he catalogued the double star as HJ 3771 = 11.4/13 at 5".

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NGC 1985 = Ced 57

05 37 47.8 +31 59 20; Aur

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint reflection nebulosity surrounding a mag 13.5 star.  This small, circular nebula is visible without a filter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1985 = H III-865 = h359 on 13 Nov 1790 (sweep 980) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM. 300 showed it very plainly."   His position was 2.5' too far NW, though JH measured on accurate position.  R.J. Mitchell, observing on 28 Dec 1856 with Lord Rosse's 72", remarked "Looks like a star enveloped in a vF nebulous atmosphere which is lE nearly preceding-following."

 

This reflection nebula was misclassified as a PN (PK 176+00.1) in Kohoutek's Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebulae and the RNGC repeats this error.

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NGC 1986 = ESO 056-134 = S-L 489

05 27 37.7 -69 58 14; Men

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.4'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x very bright, large, roundish, ~2' diameter, contains a relatively large bright core.  The cluster is very lively and several extremely faint stars are resolved over the glow.  Nine clusters lies within 16' in a 90” arc from the west to the north, the closest is H-S 307 4.8' N (logged as "faint, small, round, ~20" diameter, low surface brightness, no resolution.")  Further east of NGC 1986 are numerous additional clusters.

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this LMC globular appeared very bright, fairly large, round, at least 2' diameter, with a bright core and several faint stars resolved.  At 346x, at least a couple of dozen stars were resolved in the fainter halo and over the disc.  There is a brighter elongated bar in the central portion (reminiscent of M4).  Located 7.5' NE of a mag 8 star (HD 36598) near the southeast end of the LMC's central bar.

 

H-S 307, a very faint cluster, lies 4.8' NNE (logged as "small, round and grainy, ~25" diameter") and a very small trio of clusters, NGC 1969, 1971 and 1972 is ~9' NW.  NGC 1959 is a bit further away at 11' WNW with NGC 1950 continuing on the same line 16.5' WNW.  All of these clusters are visible in the same 30' field of the 13mm Ethos at 200x.  In addition, a number of clusters, including H-S 327, S-L 519, S-L 535 and NGC 2016 are nearly on a line extending to the east!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1986 = h2883 on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; R; glbM; 2'."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.  James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1986 = D 94? earlier on 27 Sep 1826 and simply logged "an extremely faint small nebula."  His position is 7' due south of the cluster.   Another possibility is D 96, recorded on 24 Sep 1826, refers to this cluster.  He reported "a faint round nebula nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, slightly bright to the centre."  Dunlop's position here is further off - 12.6' ESE - but is the entry Glen Cozens identifies as NGC 1986.

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NGC 1987 = ESO 056-131 = S-L 486

05 27 17 -70 44 18; Men

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright and large, roundish with a slightly irregular halo, lively but only a couple of mag 16-16.5 stars are resolved around the edges.  Three bright stars in the field to the west: a mag 10.7 star 2.1' SW, a mag 9.5 star 3' W and a mag 10.5 star 5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1987 = h2885 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; L; irreg R; 3 B st precede."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 1988 = Chacornac's Variable Nebula

05 37 26.5 +21 13 06; Tau

 

= *, Carlson.  =**, Gottlieb.

 

The following historical summary is based on Wolfgang Steinicke's "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters" as well as Harold Corwin's NGC/IC identification notes.  Jean Chacornac discovered NGC 1988 on 19 Oct 1855 with the 25-cm Lerebours refractor of the Paris Observatory, though the note "have found a new nebula very near to Zeta Tauri." was not announced until 1863. When he reobserved the field on 20 Nov 1862, he was surprised to find the "nebula" missing and Heinrich d'Arrest was unsuccessful in seeing it in 1863 and 1865.  Tempel reported it was probably a reflection in the eyepiece (and not a variable nebula) based on his negative sighting in 1861.  Hind later summarized the discovery and subsequent negative results of this object in a paper titled "Chacornac's Variable Nebula near Zeta Tauri" in 1876.  John Herschel, unaware of Tempel's negative result, catalogued it as GC 1911 and Dreyer followed in the NGC with the description "!!!, variable (?)", though he has a long description on this star in the notes section in which he mentions that Tempel found only a false image of a star.  Still others tried to find it including Father Hagen who described this object as a ghost image of mag 3 Zeta Tauri.  Burnham also unsuccessfully searched for it in 1891 with the 36-inch Lick refractor (Publ of Lick Observatory, II).  Burnham agreed with Tempel's assessment and added "Too much time has been wasted in looking for this object.."   Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, concluded "*12.5 in Dreyer's place, BD +21 907 f 0.6'."  Harold Corwin also suggests this was a "reflection or flare from zeta Tauri which is only 5 arcmin to the southeast."  This is the only NGC entry credited to Chacornac, so he didn't discover any non-stellar objects.

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NGC 1989 = ESO 423-021 = MCG -05-14-004 = PGC 17464

05 34 23.4 -30 48 04; Col

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 106”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Situated at the vertex of two converging rows stars including mag 9.6 SAO 19574 3' NNE and mag 9.4 SAO 195974 5.5' NNE.  Forms a pair with NGC 1992 6' SSE and brightest in cluster ACO S536 (distance ~500 million l.y.).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1989 = h2871 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "eeF; S; R; south of several bright stars."  On a second sweep he noted "vF; S; R at the apex of a converging parcel of distant stars."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 1990 = Epsilon Ori = LBN 940 = Ced 55h

05 36 12.7 -01 12 07; Ori

V = 1.7

 

= * (Epsilon Orionis = middle belt star).  Nebulosity not visible on the POSS-II.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1990 = H V-34 = h363 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "Epison Orionis passed, and I am pretty sure it is involved in nebulosity, unequally diffused."  John Herschel made two observations at Slough and remarked (sweep 107, 23 Nov 1827) "Epsilon Orionis.  Place by Catalogue a very brilliant star involved in an immense nebulous atmosphere, whose north and south limits are 91” 7' 29" and 91” 31' 29".  Viewed also and shown to Mr. Dunlop in Sweep 110."  Guillaume Bigourdan reported "I could not see any trace of nebulosity around this bright star which is epsilon Orion. Nor did d'Arrest or Engelhardt see any nebulosity around this star."  The Birr Castle observers reported no nebulosity on several attempts.  But on 3 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi observed Epsilon Ori with the 48" Melbourne telescope and comments "There is no doubt it is a whitish atmosphere surrounding Epsilon Orionis fading gradually away that the boundaries cannot be ascertained..."

 

In 1893 Lewis Swift wrote, "Sir William Herschel supposed he had discovered a very large, very faint nebula surrounding Epsilon Orionis.  For this I have sought many times with both telescopes, but always in vain, having never been able to detect anything more than the faint glow which surrounds every bright star."

 

Based on Crossley plates at Lick, Curtis reported in 1913, "It seems that Herschel must have been misled here by the radiance about the very bright star... I find no trace of nebulosity in an exposure of two hours."  Dorothy Carlson classified this number as nonexistent in her 1940 paper on NGC/IC corrections based on Curtis' results.  Brian Skiff, also found no large nebulosity surrounding Epsilon Orionis and Harold Corwin concludes this object is nonexistent.  He notes, though, that images are too burned in, to tell if there is a small, faint nebulosity very close to Epsilon (like IC 349 adjacent to Merope).

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NGC 1991 = NGC 1974 = ESO 085-089

05 28 00 -67 25 24; Dor

Size 1.7'

 

See observing notes for NGC 1974 with the 30" from Coonabarabran.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1991 = h2884 on 2 Jan 1837 and noted "the 4th of a great line of rich clusters connected by abundant irregularly scattered stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west (same declination) is NGC 1974 and the Hodge-Wright Atlas (1967) notes "probably NGC 1974.  RA off by 1m."  ESO repeats the identification NGC 1974 = NGC 1991.

 

Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L], notes "Not found. This should be 1m due east of NGC 1974 which follows NGC 1955, 1968."  RNGC follows Lindsay and classifies NGC 1991 nonexistent instead of equating with NGC 1974.

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NGC 1992 = ESO 423-023 = MCG -05-14-007 = PGC 17466

05 34 31.9 -30 53 49; Col

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): extremely faint, small, very low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 1989 6' NNW in ACO S536.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1992 = h2873 on 19 Nov 1835 and recorded "eeF; vS; certainly not to be seen except in a superbly clear night, as this is."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1993 = ESO 554-014 = MCG -03-15-003 = PGC 17487

05 35 25.5 -17 48 55; Lep

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Located 40' E of Alpha Leporis (V = 2.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1993 = H III-269 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar, 240 power it beyond doubt."  Auwers reduced position is 1 hr too large in R, but this error was caught by JH when compiling the GC.

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NGC 1994 = ESO 056-136 = S-L 499

05 28 22 -69 08 30; Dor

V = 9.8;  Size 1.6'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, fairly small, high surface brightness knot, 25" diameter, clumpy, irregular.  The main patch is too dense to cleanly resolve (a few stars sparkle over the background glow) but a large number of mag 13-15 stars are nearby, forming a larger cluster.  Mag 11.5 stars are less than 1' NE and 1.5' ESE.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 1984 3.8' W with NGC 1967 9' WNW.  In a gorgeous, rich region of the LMC with scattered brighter stars extending 10' N to NGC 1983.

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright, small, very high surface brightness knot, 25" diameter, slightly elongated E-W.  A few stars are resolved in the cluster and many are scattered very nearby.  In a very rich region of the LMC and third of three clusters with NGC 1984 and 1967.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1994 = h2887 on 16 Dec 1835 and described "a little knot, a triple, perhaps a quadruple star, forming a point of reference in a cluster of the 7th class. The knot looks like a nebula till analysed."  On a second sweep he logged "the second knot in a rich cluster of irregular figure of stars 11..16th mag. The knot seems to be a close double or triple star."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 1995

05 33 03.3 -48 40 34; Pic

V = 15/15.5;  Size 13"

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): NGC 1995 is a 13" pair of mag 15/15.5 stars just 2.3' NW of NGC 1995.  Through thin clouds, low elevation and only fair seeing, it appeared as a very faint unresolved glow.  Under these conditions, I would also have mistaken it for a tiny nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1995 = h2879, along with NGC 1998 = h2880, on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "eeF; R; bM; exceedingly difficult and delicate. (Sky perfectly clear.) The preceding of two [with NGC 1998].  Both objects were recorded on sweep 526, while NGC 1998 was also recorded on sweep 762. NGC 1995 appears to apply to a faint pair of stars at ~13" separation and Corwin also concludes NGC 1995 is a double star.  The photographic description in the RNGC under NGC 1995 applies to NGC 1998 (descriptions are reversed).

 

Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 1995 with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 15 Feb 1888 and noted "vF; vvS; stellar - easily mistaken for a very minute star."  Actually he was mistaken!

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NGC 1996

05 38 10.2 +25 49 02; Tau

Size 20'x10'

 

18" (11/6/04): at 73x (31 Nagler), this is a moderately rich group of ~60 stars mag 11-14 in a large, elongated group, perhaps 17'x8', extended N-S.  The majority of the stars are ~12th magnitude.  A string of 10th magnitude stars heads southeast for 15'.  Situated in a rich star field ~20' W of mag 5.2 HD 37438 (125 Tauri).  This cloud stands out reasonably well at low power but would not be distinguishable at higher power.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1996 = H VIII-42 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 485) and described a "cluster of coarsely scattered stars above 15' dia.  The stars nearly of a size and equally scatterered."  On 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 627) he noted "a coarsely scattered clu of pL stars, not rich; may be a projecting point of the milky way." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, describes this group as 17'x12' in PA 10, "Cl, L, E, pP, sc, st 11..."  The DSS appearance agrees with this description and the group (status as a cluster is uncertain) is between two mag 5-6 stars at 40' separation E-W.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 1997 = ESO 086-001 = S-L 520

05 30 34 -63 12 18; Dor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint elongated glow, oriented SW-NE, ~45"x30".  A mag 14 star is attached at the northeast end and a couple of additional mag 16 stars are on the NW and SW sides.  Located 47' SSW of mag 3.8 Beta Dor, well to the north of the main body of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1997 = h2886 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "eF; R; 30"."  His position from this single sweep is ~30" SE of the center of the cluster.  Robert Innes observed the cluster in 1926 with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory.  He reported it as "Nebula, 12 mag, touching an 11 mag star on Sp, 20" diameter, looks lie the tail of a comet, star being the head."  The direction of the star is at the NE edge of the cluster.

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NGC 1998 = ESO 204-015 = PGC 17434

05 33 15.7 -48 41 46; Pic

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 20”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): faint, slightly elongated ~N-S, 25"x20", smooth surface brightness.  Located within a striking group of mag 9-11 stars; a mag 10 star is 3.5' NE, five mag 9.0-10.8 stars in a N-S string (6' length) is close south, including HD 274952 and 37047.  NGC 1995, a close pair of very faint stars, is 2.3' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 1998 = h2880 on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "eeF, R, bM, the following of two [with NGC 1995 = h2879]; in field to the south is a brilliant group of stars."  His position matches ESO 204-015 = PGC 17434, though NGC 1995 applies to a double star.  RNGC misclassifies NGC 1998 as nonexistent (Type 7), though the photographic description for NGC 1998 is given under the listing for NGC 1995.  Megastar mislabels this galaxy as NGC 1995.

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NGC 1999 = LBN 979 = Ced 55i = PP 34

05 36 25.3 -06 42 57; Ori

Size 2'x2'

 

48" (10/25/11): stunning view at 375x and 488x.  The high surface brightness reflection nebulosity surrounding the mag 10.5-11.0 illuminating star (V380 Ori) was intensely bright.  The dark splotch (possibly a Bok globule) that blots out a portion of the nebula just west of center appeared sharply etched into the nebulosity and formed a "keyhole" or "anvil" outline with a thin extension to the east and a thicker north-south flat section on the west.  The contrast of this dark nebulosity was extremely high and appeared virtually identical to images.

 

18" (2/24/06): spectacular view at 565x.  The bright mag 10.5 central star appears slightly offset east of center, though this may be an optical affect due to the very dark patch on the west side.  The bright, 2' reflection nebula is slightly brighter just following the central star.  The irregular dark vacuity is large and detailed at this power and appears anvil-shaped.  The base of the anvil is along the western side and oriented N-S.  There is a narrow extension to the south that tapers to a wedge.  Along the north side, the globule extends to the east and partially wraps around the central star.  This was the first time I've seen the dark patch take on an appearance similar to the well-known HST image.

 

17.5" (2/22/03): remarkable, bright 2' reflection nebula surrounding mag 10.5 V380 Orionis (emission-line star).  At 220x, a prominent, curving dark patch or globule wraps around the star along the west side.  Two of the brightest Herbig-Haro objects are close south, with HH 2 lies 4.3' due south and fainter HH 1 2.5' is SSW.

 

17.5" (2/8/90): bright, high surface brightness emission nebula surrounding a mag 10 star, round, about 2' diameter.  There is a striking curved irregular dark patch or globule along the west side of the central star that is remarkable at high power.  The nebulosity is weakest on the SE side of star.  Easily takes 220x-280x.

 

17.5" (2/22/86): bright, round nebula around a 10th magnitude illuminating star.  A eye-catching, curved, irregular dark patch is NW of the central star within the nebulosity.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): a curving dark lane is visible west of the central star with faint nebulosity west of the gap.

 

8" (11/28/81): small circular nebulosity surrounds a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 1999 = H IV-33 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and called it "a star with a very strong burr all around."  On 1 Nov 1785 (sweep 468) he noted "vB or rather a nucleus with a milky nebulosity chiefly on the preceding side, of no very great extent."  In his 1814 PT paper WH included NGC 1999 under the section "Of Stars connected with extensive windings of nebulosity" and noted "a star situated upon a ground of extremely faint "milky nebulosity diffused over this part of the heavens, has "a milky chevelure surrounding it, which is brighter than "the nebulosity of the ground; but which loses itself imperceptibly in the extreme faintness of the general diffusion of the nebulous matter."  He used this object in his argument that the star was formed by the law of gravitation from the nebular material.  His rough sketch shows the off-central star superimposed, though no dark patch.  Ralph Copeland, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 15 Nov 1873, recorded a "*9m with nebulosity in which there is a vacuity preceding the star.  It looks like a comet coiled round into a ring nebula [See Pl I.].  So, clearly the dark patch was quite evident.

 

Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt between 1914-16 with the 30" Reynolds reflector, NGC 1999 was described as "!! vB, pL, a dense globe with an absolutely dark triangular hole cutting into it."  Although the dark patch is generally assumed to be a dark globule, a 2010 paper "er ist wahrhaftig ein Loch im Himmel. The NGC 1999 dark globule is not a globule" (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.2202S), suggests that "the dark patch is in fact a hole or cavity in the material producing the NGC 1999 reflection nebula, excavated by protostellar jets from the V 380 Ori multiple system."  See http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMFEAKPO8G_index_0.html for more.

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NGC 2000 = ESO 056-135 = S-L 493

05 27 29 -71 52 48; Men

V = 12.1;  Size 1.5'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large LMC cluster, slightly elongated, 50" diameter, very mottled, contains a brighter and denser core.  The halo is resolved into many mag 14.5-16 stars, particularly on the south and west side.  Located on the south end of the LMC, 25' SW of NGC 2025.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2000 = h2889 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "F; R; vlbM; 60"."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 2001 = ESO 056-137 = S-L 507 = LH 64

05 29 02 -68 46 12; Dor

V = 9.5;  Size 7.3'x3.6'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): a gorgeous, elongated star cloud/association (LH 64), extending 7'x2.5' NNE-SSW.  Roughly 65 stars, including a number of mag 12-13 stars are resolved in this region over a glowing background.  A mag 10.7 star is at the southwest end and a non-stellar mag 12 knot (KMHK 955) is north of center.  A curving chain of a dozen stars pokes out of the west side and heads south towards S-L 495 (3.4' W of the mag 10.7 star).  S-L 495 is a very bright, very small knot, 20" diameter.  It was difficult to resolve this clump, but a few stars popped.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the west edge.  LH 58, a stunning large star cloud and HII complex including NGCs 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1970, lies roughly 13' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2001 = h2888 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "the middle of the most condensed part of a cluster of stars 13th mag which runs off to the south-preceding and joins No. 39 of this sweep."  In a separate entry on the same sweep he also mentioned "Here commences a very starry or resolved region of the greater Nubecula." 

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered this association earlier on 25 Sep 1826, recording D 178 as "a small faint nebula with a ray proceeding from it, about 6' or 7' long; a small star is involved in the preceding extremity of the ray."  Dunlop's position is 11' ENE of the cluster and Herschel noted the possible equivalence of D 178.  Glen Cozens equates NGC 2001 = D 136, which was recorded as "a faint confused pretty large nebula.  There are a multitude of small nebulae in this place."  The position is D 136 is ~12' SSW of the association and actually falls much closer to NGC 1983.  So, I don't see how a specific assignment can be made without additional information, such as similar offsets on the same night.

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NGC 2002 = ESO 086-3 = S-L 517

05 30 21.0 -66 53 02; Dor

V = 10.1;  Size 1.9'x1.7'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster is extremely bright but small.  It is sharply concentrated with a small, brilliant core surrounded by a much fainter 30" halo.  At 346x, the core diameter is ~15" diameter and three interior stars are resolved, the brightest on the southeast side.  Sharing the same field 8' SE is the double cluster NGC 2006 and S-L 538.

 

NGC 2002 is at the west end of a huge, arcing string of associations (bowed to the south) referred to as LH 77 or the "Quadrant", which extends nearly 40' to the east beyond NGC 2041.  The Quadrant, itself, defines the southern rim of the huge LMC-4 Superbubble, a ring of HII regions and clusters spanning 6000 l.y.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2002 = D 214 on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded a "a round small nebula, 12" or 15" diameter."  He made two observations and his position is 4.7' SW of the cluster.  JH credited Dunlop with the discovery.

 

JH made two observations for h2890.  On 20 Dec 1835 he logged "place of a double star, the chief of a great cluster of small stars loose and filling the field. It is the forerunner of the great cluster-region [OB association LH 77] of the nubecula." On a second sweep he called it "vB, S, R. Here comes on the richest and brightest part of the starry and clustering portion of the nubecula. (Note - From this object being described at one time as a double star, and at another as a nebula, it is probable that it is one of those singular close-knotted groups which especially characterize the nubeculae)."  So, it appears he is describing two objects -- one the cluster (containing the double star) and second, the association that contains the cluster.

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NGC 2003 = ESO 086-006 = S-L 526

05 30 54.3 -66 27 59; Dor

V = 11.3;  Size 2.1'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; extremely bright, extremely high surface brightness core, fairly small, 30" diameter.  Surrounded by a thin fainter halo. A mag 13-13.5 star or quasi-stellar knot [BSDL 2043] is at the west end and a couple of mag 15 stars are off the east side.  Two mag 9 and 10 stars lie 4.7' SSW and 7' SSW and mag 8.0 HD 36849 is 9' WNW.

 

S-L 553 and the remarkable Eighth-Note Nebula (LHa 120-N55) lies ~8' E.  Even without a filter the Eighth Note Nebula is a gorgeous object with ~75 stars (S-L 553) in a 7'x3' region elongated NW-SE.  A very large, detailed nebula encompasses these stars.  There are four main sections with the largest and brightest on the southeast end (N55A) extending ~2.5' diameter in an uneven, knotty circular glow.  A couple of dozen stars are involved with N55A including a mag 13 star on the northeast end and a mag 12 star on its northeast side.  A second small, detached 35" glow lies ~2' NW.  Unfiltered, 4 or 5 mag 15-15.5 stars are involved.  A larger roundish glow, extending 1', is 2' further NNW.  A few mag 15 stars are involved and mag 11.5-12 HD 269722 (brightest in the cluster, type OBe) is 1.4' ENE.  Finally the 4th and faintest piece is a 50" detached glow that is close north of the bright star.  Three mag 14-14.5 stars are involved. Using an NPB filter at 152x enhances the nebulosity, presenting a showpiece object similar in detail to the Red DSS2 image!  The three southern nebulous glows all have an irregular surface brightness and are connected by very faint nebulosity but the northernmost section seems detached.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this compact cluster in the LMC appeared fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Appears to have a star involved or increases to a sharp stellar nucleus.  S-L 553, a 3' star cloud (association LH 72) lies 9' E.  S-L 553 appeared as a 3' elongated glow, consisting of a half-dozen resolved stars over an unresolved background glow of stars and nebulosity.  The outline is irregular but elongated N-S.  S-L 553 cluster is embedded within the HII complex LMC-N55 ("Eighth-Note Nebula"), though I didn't use a UHC filter to examine its extent.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2003 = h2891 on 23 Nov 1834 and described "a B S stellar neb, or very close cluster 15"."  His position is accurate.  GC and NGC misidentify (typo) this cluster with h2981, instead of h2891.

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NGC 2004 = ESO 086-004 = S-L 523

05 30 40 -67 17 12; Dor

V = 9.6;  Size 2.7'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, superb cluster, ~3' diameter.  Contains a small, brilliant core and a highly resolved halo that is packed with 50 stars.  The surrounding field is quite rich in both faint and brighter mag 11-12 stars.  The NGC 1955/1968/1974 complex lies ~20' SW and the NGC 2014/2020 complex lies 27' SSE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2004 = D 215 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined nebula, about 20" diameter, bright at the centre."  Dunlop reported 3 observations and his position is 5.5' WSW of center (relatively accurate for him).

 

John Herschel observed this bright cluster (h2893) on 6 sweeps: on 2 Nov 1834 he recorded "B; pretty rich; compressed cluster of stars 12m."  Next he recorded "globular, B; irreg; R; 2'.  The stars are easily distinguishable."  On a third sweep he wrote "globular, B; S; R; comp M to a blaze of stars.  Many stragglers."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2005 = ESO 056-138 = S-L 518

05 30 11 -69 45 12; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 1.8'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, fairly large, round, 45" diameter, very bright core, mottled halo, high surface brightness.  No resolution except for a couple of extremely faint star around the periphery.  Located 2' NE of mag 9.1 HD 37121 along the southeast side of the LMC's central bar.  NGC 2005 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

I noticed two nearby faint clusters.  H-S 332, just 2.3' S and 50" SE of the mag 9 star, is a faint 20" glow with no resolution.  S-L 514 was also picked 3.3' SW.  It appeared  fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, 40"x25", grainy but no resolution.  A mag 13 star is off the southwest edge.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2005 = D 138? on 24 Sep 1826 and described a "small round faint nebula."  His position is 12.7' ESE of the cluster.  JH independently discovered the cluster with a 5-inch refractor between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 and listed it as #509 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."

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NGC 2006 = ESO 086-008 = S-L 537

05 31 20.0 -66 58 23; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 1.6'x1.4'

 

24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): forms the southern member of a close pair of small clusters (a genuine binary cluster pair!) with SL-538 less than 1' N.  At 346x it appeared fairly bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter, brighter core, with no evident resolution.  Forms a small triangle with two stars on the east side.  Located 8' SE of NGC 2002.   NGC 2006 is near the northwestern side of the huge OB association LH 77, an arcing group of clusters and stars stretching 40' E-W and including NGC 2002, 2027 and 2041 and collectively dubbed the "Quadrant Arc".

 

Just 0.9' N is S-L 538, a small, moderately bright glow that is sandwiched between a brighter star at the east edge and a fainter star off the west side.  At 346x the shape appeared irregular and ~25" diameter.  Interestingly, John Herschel's two positions for NGC 2006 on different sweeps correspond closely with each cluster, so he apparently viewed both (they are quite similar in the eyepiece) and NGC 2006 should apply to the pair.  Herschel didn't note this object as double, though he commented this object was the central part of the "extremely rich assemblage of stars and clustering groups which fill the field."

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2006 = h2895 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "a very small nucleus knot in an extremely rich assemblage of stars and clustering groups which fill the field."  On his second sweep JH recorded "a small highly condensed knot in an immensely large and very rich cluster, which fills much more than the field, and is like the Milky Way."  His positions differ by ~2' in declination and apply to two different close clusters!  NGC 2006 is generally assigned to the southern object, with the northern cluster is S-L 538.  The "immensely large and very rich cluster, which fills much more than the field, and is like the Milky Way" is known as the "Quadrant Arc".

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NGC 2007 = ESO 204-019 = PGC 17478

05 34 59.3 -50 55 18; Pic

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 83”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 45"x15", low even surface brightness.  A mag 11.6 star is 4' ENE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2008 2.7' S.  Viewed in poor transparency.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2007 = h2892 (along with NGC 2008 = h2894) on 27 Dec 1834 and logged "eeF; pL; R; 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2008 = ESO 204-020 = PGC 17480

05 35 03.7 -50 58 00; Pic

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 93”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, ~40"x16", weak concentration, low surface brightness.  A mag 11.2 star is 3' E.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2007 2.7' N.  Coincidentally, both galaxies have mag 11-11.5 stars from 3' to 4' following.  The observation was made in poor transparency.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2008 = h289 (along with NGC 2007 = h2892) on 27 Dec 1834 and logged "eF; pL; R; vlbM; 30"."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2009 = ESO 056-140 = S-L 534

05 30 59 -69 10 54; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 0.9'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright knot, moderately large, round, 45" diameter, mottled.  A dozen mag 13.5-15.5 stars are resolved.  Sits in a beautifully rich star field (association) with numerous mag 12 and fainter stars including an arc of 4 mag 12-13 stars off the southwest side. The NGC 2015 star cloud and cluster S-L 557 lies to the southeast and NGC 1994 and 1984 lies 14' and 18' WNW.  This cluster is ~40' WSW of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2009 = h2897 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, R, bM, 40"; in a field rich with clustering stars."  On a second sweep of four he logged "pB, R, glbM, 80", in the N.p. part of a cluster."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 2010 = ESO 056-139 = S-L 531

05 30 34.6 -70 49 10; Men

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.7'

 

25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, elongated N-S, 1.5' diameter, brighter elongated core N-S, mottled and clumpy with a few 16th mag stars popping in/out of visibility.  Located 1.5' NE of mag 8.9 HD 37181.

 

S-L 566, located 11' ENE, appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, small bright core, no resolution.

S-L 539, located 8' NNE, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, irregular.  Unusual appearance as several stars are involved including a bright mag 12 star with a close companion is on the east side, another faint double star is resolved with a third double at the west edge.  A mag 14 star and fainter companion is off the south side.

LMC-SMP 73 is just 2.3' NE of S-L 539.  This is the first PN (stellar) in the LMC I've observed!  It was visible unfiltered as a mag 14.7 "star" forming the south vertex of a small isosceles triangle with a mag 14.4 star 0.6' NW and a mag 14.1 star 0.9' N.  Easy to verify as there was a very good contrast gain when I added a NPB filter.  Only the brighter star to the north as still faint visible with the filter but the PN appeared much brighter.

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is located just 1.5' NE of 9th magnitude HD 37181.  This star is part of a large, scattered group of mag 8.5-10.5 stars including a prominent 24' loop with a double star (h3783 = 8.2/10.7 at 15") at the east end of the loop.  This double star is 6' S of NGC 2010.  NGC 2031 lies 18' SE and the bright HII complex/cluster NGC 2018 lies 15' S.

 

S-L 539, situated, 7.7' NNE, appeared as a small, elongated glow, 20"x10", with a mag 12.5 star involved on the east end and three additional very faint stars resolved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2010 = h2898 on 12 Nov 1836 and logged "F; R; vglbM; 3'."  His position is 1' south of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2011 = ESO 056-144 = S-L 559 = LH 75

05 32 19.8 -67 31 17; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, tight intense knot of four stars (a couple are quite bright) enveloped in a 1.5' triangular glow with a few additional stars resolved within the boundaries of the emission nebula.  A 3' line of brighter stars (part of the stellar association LH 75) oriented E-W passes through the south end of the glow.  The surrounding fields include a number of fascinating objects with a cluster and star cloud ~6' E (S-L 567), a bright, compact cluster/nebula 8' NE (NGC 2021), a large bright cluster/nebula 10' S (NGC 2014), a large ring-shaped emission nebula (NGC 2020) 12' SSE and the Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030/2032/2035) 17' E.  NGC 2011 is embedded in the OB association LH 75.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2011 = h2899 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vB; S; R; psmbM; 25"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 2012 = ESO 016-005 = PGC 17194

05 22 35.4 -79 51 07; Men

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 117”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, contains a very small brighter core.  A very faint star lies close following and a close double star lies 4' E.  An unequal brighter pair lies 5' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2012 = h2907 on 22 Jan 1836 and reported "vF; S; lE; bM; 2 st 9 mag follow toward the north."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2013

05 44 14 +55 46 30; Aur

Size 4'

 

18" (11/6/04): This unimpressive asterism consists of two small groups of stars to the NW of mag 8.9 HD 37880.  A group ~3' NW of the brighter star is a quartet containing two mag 10.5 stars, while 6' NW is a evenly distributed quintet of mag 11-12 stars.  Also, a couple of arcminutes further NW are 3 stars including a double.  The three small groupings are extended NW to SE and span 7', although John Herschel's description may just apply to the first two groups which are 4' diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2013 = h364 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and described "a poor cl of 8 or 10 stars 11 mag."   The NGC RA is 30 tsec larger than JH's discovery position and corresponds better with the center of this group of stars.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "10-12 st 11...14; BD+21d907 f 0.6'."  RNGC gives the description "No cluster."

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NGC 2014 = LMC-N57A = ESO 056-146 = S-L 560 = LH 76

05 32 20 -67 41 24; Dor

V = 9.0;  Size 5'x3.5'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large cluster or star cloud (stellar association LH 76) with nebulosity, ~50 stars resolved in a 5' region (no distinct boundary on the north side), including many in a 2' string, elongated N-S.  A mag 10 star (brightest in the cluster) is at the south end of this string.  A portion of the cluster is immersed in nebulosity (Henize N57A), most prominently on the southeast side of the cluster.  Irregular haze (roughly elongated SW-NE) extends out of the cluster for a couple of arc minutes on the east side, spreading south and north (part of a Superbubble).  NGC 2014 forms an interesting contrast with emission nebula NGC 2020 5' ESE.  The remarkable Seagull Nebula (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies ~20' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2014 = h2900 on 23 Dec 1834 and described the "chief *9 of a very irreg cluster, 4' long, 3' broad."  On a second sweep he logged "a pretty L irreg cluster 7th class; chief *9m taken (at leaving the field); the rest are 10...15m."  His position is accurate.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster (D 217?) earlier on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, NSW, and recorded "a rather well-defined nebula, 40" or 50" diameter.  Dunlop observed this object 3 times and his position is 5' SSW of the cluster.  Despite Dunlop's relatively good position, JH did not credit Dunlop with the discovery and Dunlop's description for D 217 implies a much smaller object, so I'm also hesitant about this identification.

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NGC 2015 = ESO 056-147 = S-L 557 = LH 74

05 31 47 -69 14 54; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 5.6'

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): this bright star cloud extends up to 8' diameter, spreading out on the west side and reaching NGC 2009 in the northwest corner.  Near the east end is open cluster S-L 557, which is often taken for NGC 2015.  It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, very irregular outline, 35" diameter.  It contains a brighter mag 13.5 star and at least a half-dozen mag 14.5-16 stars over haze.  Mag 9.7 HD 269720 lies 2.3' NE.  Extending west and spreading north and south is a large star cloud (association LH 74) containing a number of mag 12 stars and at least 70 in total.  The background glow of unresolved stars is bright in this entire region.  NGC 2009 is 7' NW of S-L 557.

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; large star cloud with a few dozen mag 11-15 stars.  Not well detached in this rich region of the LMC as the clouds extends to the west and north.  On the east end is S-L 557, which includes a single brighter mag 13.5 star and ~6 total, over unresolved glow.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2015 = h2901 on 24 Nov 1834 and reported "the general middle of a cluster of loose stars 11...16m.  It is rich and fills the whole field."  The "whole field" contains the smaller cluster S-L 557 on its east side, which Shapley-Lindsay and the Hodge-Wright Atlas took as NGC 2015.  But based on Herschel's description Brent Archinal says "This is not NGC 2015" in "Star Clusters".  Instead he identifies NGC 2015 as the entire association LH 74 at 05 31 48, -69 14.9 with a size of 5.6'.

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NGC 2016 = ESO 056-142 = S-L 547

05 31 39 -69 56 48; Men

Size 1.8'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright LMC cluster, large mottled glow, elongated E-W, ~1.5'x0.8'.  Two or three mag 14.5-15 stars are resolved on the west end and perhaps a half-dozen additional mag 15.5-16 stars are resolved at 394x.  NGC 2016 is situated in a gloriously rich region of the LMC with numerous clusters nearby including NGC 2028 11' E, S-L 674 9' E, BSDL 2212 2.4' SSE, S-L 535 3.6' WSW, S-L 519 8.3' W, H-S 327 12' WNW.

 

S-L 535: fairly bright, fairly small, roundish haze, 30" diameter, mottled.  Two faint stars were resolved on the west side.  Located 1.5' NNE of mag 10.2 HD 269663.

 

S-L 519: fairly bright, fairly small, elongated E-W, 30"x20", a single star was resolved.  Picked up less than 2' N of mag 8.2 HD 37122.

 

H-S 327: this is a very close pair of LMC clusters. At 394x the brighter western cluster (H-S 327W) appeared as a fairly faint, hazy 20" knot.  H-S 327E = OGLE-CL LMC 520 is a fainter 20" knot just 40" SE.  A couple of mag 15-15.5 stars near these two clumps may be members.

 

BSDL 2212: moderately bright, small, round, hazy glow, ~20" diameter, just preceding a mag 13 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2016 = h2902 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; vL; and diffused; irreg R; gbM."  His position is ~40" too far south.

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NGC 2017 = HJ 3780 = ESO 554-022

05 39 16 -17 51 00; Lep

V = 6.4/7.9/8.5/9.2/8.4/8.1

 

18" (3/13/04): multiple group of six stars mag 7-10 within 3.5'.  The stars are generally separated by at least 1' with the widest separation at 2'.  The brightest star is mag 6.4 HD 37643.  The brightest "star" to the SE is the C+D component, a close 8.5/9.2 pair separated by 1.4", making 7 stars in total.  Located 1.6” east of mag 2.6 Alpha Leporis.

 

8": this is the multiple star h3780.  Six stars are visible including mag 7, 8, 8.5, 9 and 10 stars.  This group does not appear to be a true cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2017 = h2896 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded a "fine clustering group of large stars."  His position matches the multiple star h3780.  Bica et al, in 2001A&A...366..827B, call this object a "possible Open Cluster remnant".

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NGC 2018 = LMC-N206A = ESO 056-141 = S-L 533 = LH 69

05 31 23 -71 04 12; Men

V = 10.2;  Size 25'x18'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a fascinating, showpiece HII complex (N206) with a cluster (S-L 533) and a large, detailed nebula (N206) appearing like a fainter version of M8 -- of course, in another galaxy!  At 200x the cluster is ~8' in diameter and includes a couple of dozen mag 11-15 stars (part of the stellar association LH 69).  The stars are involved in the glow of a bright HII complex (LMC-N206) that has an excellent response to a UHC filter.

 

The brightest region of nebulosity (N206A) is a very prominent 1' circular patch on the east end of the cluster.  Fainter wings extend north and south, increasing the size to 3'x1' N-S.  A wide pair of stars including mag 11.5 HDE 269676 [a massive, compact cluster containing several O-type stars]  is at the west edge of this patch.  Three additional elongated patches (each 1' to 1.5' in diameter) along the SW side of the complex are strung out in a 6' line oriented NW to SE; BSDL 2005 (7' W of NGC 2018), BSDL 2048 (5' WSW) and N206B = BSDL 2120 (5' SW).  Another glowing patch of nebulosity (BSDL 2108), ~45" diameter, is ~3' W of N206A and surrounds a couple of brighter stars.  Finally, an isolated, elongated patch is on the northwest end of the complex (BSDL 1985, associated with mag 13.0 HD 37248, a WC4+O9 Wolf-Rayet binary) that seems detached.  Weaker sections of the nebulosity give the impression of dark lanes.  The entire complex forms a superbubble extending ~12' E-W and ~9' N-S.  Surprisingly, Herschel's description applies only to the brightest region at the east end of this entire complex.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2018 = h2904 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pglbM; 2'; a star 10m involved, preceding."  His position (single sweep) is on the southeast side of the brightest portion of the nebula.  The ESO position is centered on the entire complex described in my notes and not the bright piece described by Herschel.

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NGC 2019 = ESO 056-145 = S-L 554

05 31 57 -70 09 36; Men

V = 10.9;  Size 1.5'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, large, 50" diameter, sharply concentrated with a large intense core and smooth halo, no resolution.  NGC 2019 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

S-L 542 (brightest of 3 nearby clusters) is 4.6' SW, BSDL 2196 is 2.7' SW and S-L 544 is 5' NNW.  S-L 542 is fairly bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, mottled but with no definite resolution.  A mag 12.8 star is 0.9' NW.  BSDL 2196 (noticed between NGC 2019 and S-L 542) is a very faint, small, round, low surface brightness patch, 20" diameter, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2019 = h2905 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded the cluster as "B; R; gbM; 60".  He observed it on two sweeps and his position is just off the east side.  On the first observation, though, his polar distance was 1” further north, but he rejected that (correctly) in favor of the polar distance in the second sweep.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2019 = D 96, D 98, D 99 and/or D 94 (one or more of these may apply!) on 24 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta.  He described D 96 as "a faint round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, slightly bright to the centre."  Dunlop made two observations of D 96 and his position is 12' NW of this cluster.  But his position is also 12.6' SE of NGC 1986, so this description could also apply to the later cluster.  D 98, described as "a pretty well-defined round nebula, about 30" diameter" was observed twice and the position is just 1.9' W.  Finally, D 94, described as an "extremely faint small nebula" is also within Dunlop's usual errors (7' S of the cluster).    To further confuse the issue, Glen Cozens identifies NGC 2019 = D 99, which Dunlop described as a "pretty well-defined nebula, 20" diameter."  His position in this case is 16' SE of the cluster!

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NGC 2020 = LMC-N57C = ESO 056-148 = DEM L 231

05 33 10 -67 42 54; Dor

Size 2.5'

 

25" (4/5/19 - OzSky): at 244x and NPB filter; bright, large, roundish, annular with an easy out-of-round hole.  The WR star, Brey 48, was easily visible at 13th magnitude inside the ring, though slightly offset N of center .  The rim appeared brighter along the NW side, which seemed a bit flattened, and somewhat irregular in surface brightness, in general.  Unfiltered, a second fainter star (mag 15.8) was visible at the inner edge of the ring on the SE side.

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, roundish, annular W-R bubble, slightly elongated SW-NE, 3'x2.5'.  The inner edge of the annulus is slightly brighter and sharply defined with a relatively large dark center, ~45" x 30".  North of center in the ring is the 13th magnitude Wolf-Rayet star HD 269748 = Brey 48, which appears roughly centered in the emission nebula.  A 12th magnitude star lies 1.3' S of the central star, at the southern edge of the nebula.  Two fainter stars are just north and south of the mag 12 star and this trio is collinear with the central star.  NGC 2020 forms a striking due with NGC 2014 (cluster and emission nebula) 5' WNW.  The remarkable Seagull Nebula (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies 15' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2020 = h2903 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB; vL; vglbM; lE; 4'.  A fine cluster [NGC 2014] precedes it."  On the very next sweep he wrote "vF; vL; R; vglbM; 4' diameter."  His position is accurate.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2020 = D 218? earlier in 1826 and described "a pretty bright round nebula, 30" diameter, with a minute star slightly involved in the margin."  Dunlop claims two observations and his position is 5' too far NE, well within his usual errors.  But this nebula is probably too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop with his 9" reflector and his description could apply to NGC 2014, which is 9' west of his position.   Wolfgang Steinicke attributes Herschel with the discovery and I agree.

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NGC 2021 = ESO 056-150 = S-L 570

05 33 30.3 -67 27 11; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 0.9'

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, compact knot surrounding two resolved stars, slightly elongated, ~20"x15".  This knot is in the northern end of a very large, elongated cluster or star cloud.  Extending mostly south of NGC 2021 is a very elongated stream of stars, 5'x1', including a mix of brighter and fainter stars (stellar association LH 78).  The densest concentration is a 2' group (S-L 567) on the south end with a number of mag 12-14 stars.  Roughly a total of 50-60 stars were resolved.  The Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies 12' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2021 = h2906 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vS; F; R; 12".  In the northern part of a cluster of stars 14m, 8' long, 3' br."  His position points to the small clluster S-L 567 within the stellar association LH 79.

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NGC 2022 = PK 196-10.1 = PN G196.6-10.9

05 42 06.2 +09 05 10; Ori

V = 11.7;  Size 29"x28"

 

48" (2/21/12): at 488x, this bright, double-shell planetary contains a bright oval ring oriented SSW-NNE, ~23"x18".  The annulus is fairly thin with a relatively large, darker central hole, though the contrast is fairly low.  At the exact center is a faint central star (close to 16th mag?).  The ring has an irregular surface brightness; slightly brighter at the ends of the major axis, particularly the SW end (knot or thicker?), and slightly fainter along the minor axis.  Surrounding the ring is a fainter and rounder outer shell, ~30" diameter.  The outer shell was surprisingly prominent and exhibited a pinkish hue.

 

24" (1/25/14): at 500x appeared as a fairly bright knotty annulus, slightly elongated SW-NE with fascinating structure.  The rim was clearly brighter along an ~200” arc running from the southwest counterclockwise to the northeast.  Very small brighter knots were definite at the SW and NE ends and perhaps a slight brightening at the NW edge.  In general, though, the rim appeared mottled and sparkling though clearly dimmer along the southeast side, giving a "C" appearance.  At 750x, the darker center was also irregular in surface brightness and occasionally, an extremely faint central star sparkled.

 

18" (2/24/06): at 220x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~25" diameter, very slightly elongated, irregularly lit and brighter along the western half of the rim giving a "C" appearance.  A faint sparkle is occasionally visible on the WSW edge of the rim and images show this may be a faint superimposed star or knot in the planetary.  320x provides an excellent view with the planetary weakly annular and the rim a bit dimmer on the SE side.  At 435x, the shape is slightly elongated SW to NE, ~27"x22" with a mottled interior and a brighter rim, particularly along the western half.  The appearance is quite patchy at 565x and the sparkle on the SW end is still evident.  The central star was not seen at any power.  Ced 59 (surrounding FU Orionis) lies 48' due east.

 

17.5" (2/2/02): immediately picked up at 100x as a very small, bluish-gray "egg" of fairly high surface brightness.  Good contrast gain with OIII filter.  At 380x (unfiltered), it appeared as fairly bright, clearly elongated SSW-NNE, ~27"x20".  The surface brightness was irregular or mottled with a slightly brighter rim and darker center giving a weakly annular appearance.  The rim seems to have a couple of slightly brighter spots and the ends of the minor axis are slightly dimmer.  No sign of a central star.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly bright, slightly elongated 4:3 ~SSW-NNE, about 30" diameter.  Appears slightly annular at 412x with a brighter rim.  No central star seen at this power.

 

13": moderately bright, high surface brightness.  No internal structure was visible.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2022 = H IV-34 = h365 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and described it as "cB, vS, like a star with a large diameter.  With 240 it appeared almost like a planetary nebula, but very ill defined, and little elongated.  Nearly of equal brightness throughout, except at the edges."  John Herschel wrote (sweep 121, 19 Jan 1828), "Planetary neb, a little indistinct at the edges; rather oval and perhaps of a mottled light."

 

NGC 2022 was observed 5 times with Lord Rosse's 72", often in an attempt to resolve it, and the following notes were recorded:

11 Dec 1850: "It is I am nearly sure resolvable, probably it is a glob Cl.  At times I fancied the centre a little darker and a star in the p part."

23 Oct 1851: "I strongly suspect annular, r[esolvable], one star especially seen in the p part.

28 Dec 1853:  "...a B patch or a star?, it is near the edge of the neb.  Some dark spot or spots certainly seen and at times I had the suspicion of a concentric ring or rings."

5 Jan 1877: "Seems a glob Cl, stars seen sparkling in it, oval sp nf.  Edges v diffuse, especially sf, np edge more sharp.  Proportion of diameters about 7:10."

 

William Lassell observed NGC 2022 in Jan. 1853 from Malta with his 24-inch equatorial reflector and commented, "a singular curdled-looking object, slightly and irregularly elliptical, with a sort of cordon [outer shell] running round parallel, but a little outside of its margin."  A sketch was included in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 2).  Father Secchi sketched a slightly darker center in his 1856 "Osservazioni di Nebulose".  In 1862 and 1863, Lassell aos observed the planetary through his 48-inch on Malta and noted "with 1060x some brighter patches or nodules seem to exist in it, but nothing more can be made out.Ó  His sketch showed the central star and a thin outer ring separated by a thin dark gap.

 

Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) reported, "Sharp stellar nucleus about mag 13, surrounded by an elliptical ring 22"x17" in outside dimensions in pa 29”.  Outside this is an oval disk of fainter matter 28"x27".  The brightest parts are the two masses at the ends of the major axis of the inner ring."

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NGC 2023 = LBN 954 = Ced 55o

05 41 38.3 -02 15 33; Ori

Size 10'x10'

 

24" (1/1/19): at 200x; very bright, very large, irregular glow surrounding mag 7.8 HD 37903, ~7' diameter, ragged periphery, high surface brightness!  The reflection nebula has a fairly well defined border on the west side.  A superimposed mag 12.5 star is 2.4' ESE and there is a bite or divot into the nebulosity around this star.  Very low surface brightness glow, though, is evident extending further SE and E of this star.

 

13.1": fairly prominent nebulosity surrounds mag 7.8 SAO 132464.  The Horsehead nebula lies 15' SW.

 

8": moderately bright, surrounds a mag 8 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2023 = H IV-24 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 352) and described in his 1791 paper "On Nebulous Stars" as "A bright star with a very considerably milky chevelure; a little extended, 4 or 5' in length, and near 4' broad; it loses itself insensibly. I suspected some extensive milky windings in the neighborhood but could not verify them; other stars of equal magnitude are perfectly free from this chevelure."  He later noted "The connection between the star and the chevelure cannot be doubted, from the insensible gradation of its luminous appearance, decreasing as it receded from the centre."

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NGC 2024 = Ced 55p = Sh 2-277 = Flame Nebula = Tank Tracks Nebula

05 41 43 -01 51 30; Ori

Size 30'x30'

 

17.5" (2/8/86): bright, very large.  Consists of two main parallel sections elongated SSW-NNE separated by prominent detailed dark lanes.  Excellent structure with ragged edges, gaps, streaks, rifts and various brightness levels.  The eastern strip has one or two indentations or a scalloped inner edge.  The inner edge of the connecting strip has a sharply defined edge and the gap at the base connecting the brighter western section is obvious.  Zeta Orionis lies 15' NE detracts and the best view is unfiltered.

 

8": fairly easy in very dark skies, the strip along the east side is longer with a possible gap at the base of "U" in the southwest corner.  The center is definitely darker than the background sky.

 

8" (10/4/80): fairly bright, large.  Consists of two parallel strips separated by a dark lane. Appears possibly broken (gap) at the base of "U".  Best view with a UHC filter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2024 = H V-28 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a wonderful milky nebulosity, divided into 3 or 4 large patches including a dark space, the whole cannot take up less than half a degree; but I suppose it to be much more extensive."  A month later (sweep 518) he noted "Wonderful black space inlcuded in nebulosities."

 

The following information is from Wolfgang Steinicke's book "Observing Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters.  NGC 2024 was independently found by Brorsen in 1850 with a small refractor at Senftenberg Observatory and announced in AN that "I have found a very faint, very extended, pretty irregular nebula, located about 15 minutes east of Zeta Orionis, which is listed neither in the catalogue of the younger Herschel nor in Messier's."  In 1856 Marth noted that Brorsen's object was William Herschel's H. V-28.  This was another case where the observer only checked the Slough catalogue and didn't refer to WH's catalogues, which only had relative offsets and not absolute positions.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest sketched the nebula in 4 sections. The brightest section (labeled A) is just west of the main dust lane.  This object was observed 13 times at Birr Castle from 1873-1878 by Lawrence Parsons (with the 36-inch), Ralph Copeland and Dreyer, and stars "in an about the neb" were sketched and accurately measured.

 

Garrett Serviss (Pleasures of the Telescope, 1901) wrote "Just to the left of Zeta, and in the same field of view with a very low power, is a remarkable nebula bearing the catalogue number GC 1227. We must use our five-inch on this with a low power, but with Zeta out of the field in order to avoid its glare. The nebula is exceedingly faint, and we can be satisfied if we see it simply as a hazy spot, although with much larger telescopes it has appeared at least half a degree broad. Tempel saw several centers of condensation in it, and traced three or four broad nebulous streams, one of which decidedly suggested spiral motion."

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NGC 2025 = ESO 056-149 = S-L 571

05 32 33.1 -71 43 00; Men

V = 10.9;  Size 1.9'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster appeared bright, slightly elongated, moderately large, ~45"x40", weakly concentrated with a slightly brighter core. Three faint stars are resolved around the edges.  Two 8th magnitude stars lie 11' ESE and 13' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2025 = h2909 on 8 Feb 1836 and recorded "vB; S; lE; gmbM; resolvable.  Almost a globular."  His position is less than 1' too far north.

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NGC 2026

05 43 06 +20 08; Tau

 

17.5" (2/14/99): At 220x, ~30 stars in a 6' region including three mag 9-9.5 stars (mag 8.7 SAO 77440 and mag 9.3 SAO 77448).  Most of the stars are mag 11-13.  The group lacks any concentration and appears to be an asterism with the three brighter stars drawing attention to the group.  However, there is a small arc of a half a dozen mag 13 stars that includes SAO 77448 at the SE corner and a nice clump of mag 13 stars is just south of the mag 9.5 star at the north end of the group. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2026 = H VIII-28 on 5 Dec 1784 (sweep 329) and reported "a cluster of pretty large scattered stars. Not rich."  No observations were made by JH or at Birr Castle.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, found "no distinct Cl" and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent (Type 7" with the comment "No cluster".

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NGC 2027 = ESO 086-13 = S-L 592 = LH 84

05 35 00 -66 54 55; Dor

V = 11.0;  Size 1.0'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): NGC 2027 is at the west end of an interesting, elongated cluster or association (LH 84) extending ~4'x2' E-W in a crescent shape with NGC 2034 at the east end.  At 105x, this condensed portion of the cloud contains a couple of dozen mag 12-13 stars and a wide pair of mag 10 stars on the NW side.  Although NGC 2027 is often applied to the small cluster S-L 592, Herschel described the entire association LH 84.

 

NGC 2027 is situated ~10' NW of the compact cluster NGC 2041 and near the east end of a huge, elongated star cloud known as the "Quadrant" (consisting of OB associations LH 65, LH 77 and LH 84) looping SW and the bending NW, extending 35' to NGC 2006 and 2002.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2027 = D 241 = h2908 on 6 Nov 1826 and described "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure."  His position falls at the east end of association LH 77 or the west end of LH 84, known as the LMC "Quadrant" (of a circle).

 

JH made three observations of the field.  On the first sweep (2 Nov 1832) he described "a very large, very rich cluster of separate stars 9..11th mag, which fills the whole field." On a second sweep he called it "cluster 7th class. The second of two stars 9th mag, which may be considered the leading stars of the very large and fine cluster of the Nubecula Major, which fills many fields, is of all degrees of condensation, and much broken up into groups and patches." His third observation was recorded as "an ill-defined nebuloid group of stars 15th mag (N.B. Clouds very troublesome.) The field full of grouping stars."

 

Herschel is clearly describing the large OB association LH 77, which stretches west to NGC 2002.  His position from the second sweep ("second of two stars 9th magnitude") and third sweeps is close to S-L 592, and the position given here.  This cluster is also at the west end of a looping association of stars (probably NGC 2027) on the east end of LH 77.

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NGC 2028 = ESO 056-152 = S-L 575 = LH 80

05 33 49 -69 57 06; Men

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large, roundish, high surface brightness, mottled, a couple of stars resolved at the edges.  A small partially resolved clump is just off the northeast side.  In a small trio with similar S-L 574 2.4' W and fainter H-S 353 2.2' NNW.  NGC 2028 is within association LH 80, a stunningly rich region of the LMC with NGC 2016 11' W, S-L 591 6' NE, H-S 362 is 8' NE, NGC 2036 8' SE and more.  A group of 4 mag 14 stars is 2' E.

 

S-L 574 appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 30" diameter, brighter along the major axis, clumpy.  A mag 14 star is at the west tip and a mag 11.9 star is 0.9' SSW.  H-S 353 is a fairly faint, soft round glow, 30" diameter.  S-L 591 appeared fairly bright, fairly small, roundish, 35", mottled.  Only a couple of mag 16 stars resolved around the edges.  A mag 11.8 star is 1.7' NE.  H-S 362, just 2' ENE of S-L 591 is fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, 25" diameter.  It forms the eastern vertex of a equilateral triangle with S-L 591 and the mag 11.8 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2028 = h2912 on 12 Nov 1836 and simply noted as "vF".  His position is an excellent match (he corrected his RA by 10 sec) with cluster S-L 575, so the identification is certain although I'm surprised he apparently missed nearby S-L 574, which is equally as prominent.  JH questioned if his object might be D 100.  Dunlop's description reads "a small round nebula, about 2' north of a small star."  His position is just 2' NW of S-L 575 and 3.4' NE of a mag 11 star (his small star?).  But D 100 is also 10' ENE of NGC 2016, so it could be also be D 100 given his range of positional errors.  Neither Steinicke nor Glen Cozens equates D 100 with NGC 2028.

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NGC 2029 = ESO 086-15 = LMC-N63 = DEM L 243 = S-L 595 = LH 83

05 35 40.8 -66 02 06; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 4'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x, 264x and 429x; large, fairly bright cluster (S-L 595) with ~30 stars resolved in a 3.5' region and includes at least 4 brighter stars from mag 12.3-13.5 and another mag 12.7 star is at the SW edge.  Moderately faint nebulous haze (N63) encompasses the cluster.  Adding a NPB filter at 264x increases the contrast with the large nebulous glow, which extended 2.5-3' diameter.  Note: this object is identified as NGC 2030 in most sources!

 

N63A, embedded slightly east of center of N63, is a well-known bright, compact supernova remnant and one of the first 3 extragalactic SNRs to be discovered (1966).  The SNR appeared as a small round knot, only ~12"-15" in diameter, and was faintly visible even at 202x.  It was easy to distinguish at 264x and stood out fairly prominently at 429x.  Surprisingly, I didn't notice any contrast gain adding a NPB filter (similar visibility).

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): fairly bright, large, over a dozen mag 13 and fainter stars are resolved in a 3.5' region.  A fairly faint, oval emission glow (LMC-N63) is involved with the cluster (S-L 595).  Adding an NPB filter, the nebulosity is bright, large, irregular (roughly round), ~2.5' diameter, with several of the brighter stars still visible.

 

Emission nebula LHa 120-N 62A is 14' SSW.  Using an NPB filter, it appeared very bright, very elongated ~E-W, relatively large, ~1.5'x0.4'.  The shape is a bit irregular, but it has a sharply defined northern edge, with the southern edge weaker and more ill-defined.  Visible unfiltered but excellent response to the NPB.  A couple of very faint stars are visible with averted.  BSDL 2348, an LMC cluster perhaps associated with the nebula, is ~2' W and contains a  half-dozen mag 14-15 stars in a 1.5' knot, along with a mag 12.5 star on the west end.    Emission nebula LHa 120-N 64 is 16' further southeast.

 

Emission nebula LHa 120-N 64 is 20' SSE.  Using an NPB filter, it is a bright, large, irregular nebulous patch, about 3'x2' E-W.  The brightest portion (N64A) is on the west side.  A mag 11 star is ~2' N of the east end.  Another 2' NNW of this star is a detached 40" piece (N64C) that was fairly easy with the filter.  Unfiltered three mag 13 line in a 1.8' string are involved in the central portion, along with a couple of mag 14-15 stars.  Mag 8.8 HD 37853 is 6' NW.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, 3'x1.5', elongated N-S.  This LMC object appears to be a large cluster with nebulosity (stellar association LH 83).  A half-dozen mag 12-13 stars are resolved over an irregular background haze (unresolved stars?).  Located 32' N of mag 6.2 HD 37935.  NGC 2003 lies 38' SW.  The compact SNR N63A is embedded (not noted).

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2029 = D 240 = h2911 on 27 Sep 1826 and noted a "faint round nebula, 25" or 30" diameter."  His position is just 4' SW of center of the nebula.  JH called this object "a rich, R, pL cluster of stars 12m; little comp; 5' l; one * 11m."  On a second sweep he wrote "pB; R; gbM; 60"; resolved into stars 13...15m."

 

Jenni Kay notes that GC and NGC positions for NGC 2029 and NGC 2030 are reversed from JH's original CGH positions of h2911 and h2910, respectively.  The error must have occurred when JH transfered his positions into the GC.  So, NGC 2030 = h2030 is part of the Seagull Nebula and NGC 2029 = h2911 is an isolated nebula. All modern sources such as SIMBAD, ESO and the KMHK catalogue reverse the original identifications and call NGC 2029 part of the Seagull Nebula.  See WSQJ #108, 4/97.  The identifications given here are based on the CGH positions/identifications.

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NGC 2030 = LMC-N59A = LH 82 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula

05 35 00.5 -67 33 18; Dor

Size 1.6'x0.9'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; this is the first section in the remarkable Seagull or "Dragon's Head" Nebula, though the faintest of three connected patches extending 5.5' from NW to SE with NGC 2032 and 2036.  The brightest portion is an elongated "bar" section ~2'x40", oriented WSW-ENE, just west of mag 12.2 HD 269810.  Fainter nebulosity spreads to the north in roughly an oval outline and includes a mag 14.5 star, so the total extent of NGC 2030 in the N-S direction is over 2.5'.  Very faint nebulosity appears to connect NGC 2030 with brighter NGC 2032 directly SE.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the NW component of the Seagull Nebula; a bright, highly structured 7'x5' emission nebula.  The brightest portion of NGC 2030 is a bright streak elongated E-W that extends west from mag 12.3 HD 269810.  A large mass of nebulosity spreads to the north from this streak in a more circular 2' patch.  This object is incorrectly identified as NGC 2029 in modern catalogues and atlases.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2030 = h2910 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; L; gbM.  The first of 3 neb, which run together."  On a second sweep, he logged "vF; pL; irreg R.  The first of 3, which run together.  See Plate III. fig 5."  The modern identities for NGC 2029 and 2030 are reversal.  See historical notes for NGC 2029.

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NGC 2031 = ESO 056-153 = S-L 577

05 33 41.9 -70 59 16; Men

V = 10.8;  Size 3.4'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster was very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, well concentrated with a 1' core and 2' much fainter halo.  The cluster had a mottled texture and was quite lively around the edges, but was not clearly resolved.  Located 12' NW of mag 7.6 HD 37899 and 5.5' SW of a mag 9.1 star.  NGC 2018, a remarkable nebulous cluster, lies 12' WSW and NGC 2051 is a similar distance to the ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2031 = h2915 on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "F (?); R; gbM; 3' (Hazy Sky)".  On a later sweep he had a better view and logged "globular, B; R; gbM; 2'.  Resolved into stars."  His position is just off the south side of this large cluster.

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NGC 2032 = LMC-N59A = LH 82 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula

05 35 20.6 -67 34 06; Dor

Size 2'x1'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; NGC 2032 and 2035, separated by a dark lane, form a stunning pair of adjacent emission nebulae of comparable surface brightness, though NGC 2032 is larger.  Using a narrow-band filter, NGC 2032 was extremely bright, elongated SW-NE, ~2'x1', with a scalloped but sharply defined border at the brighter edge along the dust lane. A fairly prominent thin filament extends NE for ~1.5', curling a bit towards the tip.  A thin strip on the SE end (just beyond the lane) connects to NGC 2035.  The ionizing star was visible unfiltered at the eastern border, in an indentation, though it appeared fainter than the listed mag of 13.5.  A second mag 14 star was also involved at 25" to its east.  A mag 11.4 star is off the SW side and a mag 12.2 star (O3-type HD 269810) is at the NE edge.  The latter star (also known as RMC 122) may be the ionizing source for the surrounding nebulosity.  NGC 2040 (part of same complex) is ~5' E.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is possibly the brightest section of the "Seagull Nebula" or "Dragon's Head Nebula" in the LMC (similar to NGC 2035 1.6' SE).  It consists of a very bright, elongated ~SSW-NNE patch, 2'x1', with an unusual kidney-bean shape that is indented or concave on the east side.  NGC 2032 is just separated to 2035 by an elongated dark lane (oriented SSW-NNE) on the east side.  A faint, thin streamer of nebulosity shoots to the north from 2032.  Mag 11.4 HD 269808 is off the SW side.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2032 = D 219 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, bright towards the centre."  He states 2 observations were made and his published position is within the Seagull Nebula complex.  As NGC 2032 is probably the brightest section along with NGC 2035, this identification seems reasonable.  Herschel gave an uncertain equivalence with D 219 in his CGH catalogue.  He first observed the nebula (h2913) on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "vB; vL.  A singular figure like 3 nebulae lumped together."  On a second sweep he recorded "pB; irreg fig; glbM."  On his next observation he logged "B; L; gbM.  The second of 3 which run together."  A detailed sketch of the complex was published in plate III, figure 5 in the CGH observations.

 

The Seagull Nebula contains four separate NGC designations: NGC 2030 (misidentified as NGC 2029 in GC and NGC), NGC 2032, NGC 2035 and NGC 2040 with NGC 2035 being the brightest and largest of the group.  Collectively the area is known as N59A and is located at the boundary of the supershell LMC4 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. NGC 2032 and 2035, which form the bright core of the H II region N59A (B053530- 6736), belong to a single H II region that appears divided due to the presence of a heavy dust lane.

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NGC 2033 = LMC-N154B = ESO 056-157 = S-L 589 = LH 81

05 34 30 -69 46 48; Dor

Size 10'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): large bright star cloud (stellar association LH 81), ~10' diameter with ~50 stars (depending on size taken) mag 11-14.

 

Adding an NPB filter brings out the associated nebulosity (LHA 120-N54), which is fairly bright and very large.  A curving swath of nebulosity, elongated E-W for ~8' is on the southwest side of the association.  The cluster itself is also encased in diffuse nebulosity with the filter.  NGC 2037 is generally taken as a small knot (BCDSP 8) within this star cloud.  NGC 2048, a bright emission nebula, is at the NE end of the association and together with NGC 2033 form part of a Superbubble.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2033 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as #579 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  Herschel's position falls in the large stellar association LH 81.  But as there is no listing or description in the CGH catalogue, it's possible Herschel was recording a small knot or a very large field of stars + nebulosity.  So, the size and center is unknown.  See NGC 2037 for more.  The large nebulosity on the south side of the association might be NGC 2052.  See that number.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2033 = D 141? earlier on 24 Sep 1826, recording "a faint extended nebula, about 4' long, very faint towards the extremities, brightest and broadest in the middle.  This is in the south following side of a faint cluster of very minute stars."  Dunlop's position (single observation) is 11' SE of this nebulous cluster.

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NGC 2034 = ESO 086-14 = S-L 592 = LH 84

05 35 38 -66 54 06; Dor

V = 9.3;  Size 8'x4'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this is an interesting, elongated curving cluster or association (LH 84), situated northwest of the compact cluster NGC 2041.  This condensed portion of LH 84 contains a couple of dozen mag 12-13 stars and a wide pair of mag 10 stars (including HD 269855) on the north side.  The resolved stars are embedded in an unresolved glow of fainter stars, ~4'x2', extended E-W in a crescent shape, arching north on both ends.  NGC 2034 is located at the east end of an impressive star cloud (collectively known as the "Quadrant" = LH 77), looping 30' W (bending south in the middle) to NGC 2002.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2034 = h2914 on 3 Jan 1837 and described "a more condensed part of the great cluster (sweep 761, 39), of a crescent-like form, occupying one field. Rich and fine."  His position corresponds with association LH 84 at the northeast end of the "Quadrant" feature of the LMC.  NGC 2034 = h2914 and NGC 2027 = h2908 both described the same field, though NGC 2027 is on the west end of the association.   Harold Corwin considers NGC 2027 to refer to the entire region.

 

James Dunlop discovered the association on 6 Nov 1826 and described D 241 as "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure."  His position falls at the east end association LH 77 or the west end of LH 84, known as the LMC "Quadrant" (of a circle).

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NGC 2035 = LMC-N59A = LH 82 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula

05 35 33 -67 35 06; Dor

Size 1.6'x1.0'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; NGC 2032 and 2035, separated by a dark lane, form a stunning pair of adjacent emission nebulae of comparable surface brightness, though NGC 2032 is larger.  The two impressive regions are attached or merge at the south end by a thin strip of nebulosity.  NGC 2035 was extremely bright, roughly rectangular but irregular with slightly concave eastern side and lots of complex, internal structure with brighter and darker areas. A fairly thin streamer is attached on the northeast end and extends 2' NNE, similar (though slightly fainter) to a filament attached to NGC 2032!  LMC-N59C is a detached patch ~2' SE.  It appeared moderately large, roundish, at least 1' diameter.  A mag 10.4 star is 2' ESE.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the southeast section of the bright Seagull Nebula in the LMC.  At 200x using a UHC filter it appeared very bright, moderately large, with a very irregular shape similar to an anvil.  The very knotty, complex structure was elongated N-S, 1.6'x1.0', with the widest part of the anvil on the south end.  NGC 2032, another very bright section, is very close preceding (roughly 1.6' between centers) and the two sections are separated by a dark lane oriented SSW-NNE.  A very faint streamer attached on the NE side flows to the north (NGC 2032 has a similar but brighter streamer).  A fairly small detached patch, ~1.2' in diameter, is close SE (identified as LHA 120-N 59C in SIMBAD).

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2035 = D 219 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, bright towards the centre".  He states 2 observations were made and his published position is within the Seagull Nebula complex.  As NGC 2032/2035 are the brightest sections, this identification seems reasonable.

 

JH first observed this bright nebula on 23 Dec 1834 and called NGC 2035 = h2916, "B, L, bM. The 3rd of three which run together.  (Plate III, fig 5)".  On his next observation he recorded "pB, L, R. The third of 3 which run together." Herschel gave an uncertain equivalence with D 220 in the CGH.

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NGC 2036 = NGC 2043? = ESO 056-155 = S-L 587

05 34 32 -70 03 54; Men

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly large, irregular, mottled, brighter core, 50" diameter.  A bright, tiny knot of mag 15.5 stars is at the southeast end.  A couple of additional mag 16 stars are resolved near the edges.  A mag 10.7 star lies 4' NNE.  NGC 2028 lies 8' NW.

 

BSDL 2464 = OGLE-CL LMC 611 was noticed 2.6' NE as a very faint, small glow, 20" diameter.  A couple of very faint stars were resolved at the east end.  The mag 10.7 star noted above lies 2.7' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2036 = h2917 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 90"."  There is nothing at his position, but one degree south is the cluster S-L 587.  Herschel's added a note to his description that there was likely an error of 1” in the polar distance and clearly this was the case.  Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289) comments "The Decl. seems to be in error. The object is probably the small cluster S/L 587 at 1” south. Herschel found strong ground to suspect an error of a degree in P.D. which should most likely be 160” and not 159”."  As this cluster is exactly 1” S of h's position, the identification is virtually certain.

 

Also, see historical notes for NGC 2043, which may be a duplicate observation with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.

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NGC 2037 = OGLE-CL LMC 605 = BCDSP 8

05 34 40.4 -69 44 50; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 0.4'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): very small high surface brightness glow, ~12" diameter.  Situated with the large stellar association LH 81, this cluster is collinear with a 2' string of mag 12, 11 and 13 stars extending south-southwest.  HD 37680, a mag 13.2 Wolf-Rayet star, is 1.8' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2037 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #593 in his preliminary catalogue of"Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  The only information he gives (besides a position) is type "Cl" and Mag 8.  There is no listing or description in the main CGH catalogue, so along with nearby NGC 2033, it is unknown if Herschel was describing a small knot or a very large field of stars + nebulosity in association LH 81, though the magnitude implies a bright object.  NGC 2037 is taken as the small cluster OGLE-CL LMC 605 at 05 34 40 -69 44.8 (2000) by Archinal and Hynes, Mati Morel and Jenni Kay.  Harold Corwin remarks this cluster is too faint to have been picked up by Herschel with his 5-inch refractor and certainly wouldn't be described as 8th magnitude.  So, the standard identification (given here) is almost certainly wrong.

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NGC 2038 = ESO 056-158 = S-L 590

05 34 42 -70 33 42; Men

V = 11.9;  Size 1.6'

 

25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; very bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter, small intense core and mottled halo but no definite resolution.  Mag 9.5 HD 37732 lies 4' NNW.

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40" diameter, clumpy but no individual stars resolved.  First of three nearly on a line with NGC 2056 11' SE and NGC 2075 20' SE.  Located 4' SSE of mag 9.5 HD 37732.

 

Jenni Kay (12.5" @110x): very obvious - bright, small, round, hazy glow.  The cluster is the first of 3 small, bright, hazy glows arching across the field from west to east.  150x: improved - very bright, round, 40" in size, with a smooth and even glow from edge to edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2038 = h2920 on 24 Nov 1834 and logged "B, R, glbM, 25", has a *9 mag 5' north-preceding."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2039

05 44 33 +08 39 42; Ori

Size 30'

 

18" (1/26/09): large, scattered field with a number of mag 8 to 10 stars, though too dispersed to resemble a cluster.  the most distinctive part is a nice 8' string of 6 collinear stars oriented E-W with mag 8 HD 38096 at the west end and mag 8.5 HD 38163 at the east end.  A larger elongated group of stars extends to the SE out to the edge of the 35' field.  This group probably contains unrelated field stars and there is no listing in SIMBAD.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2039 = h366 on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) and described "A large tract of stars filling many fields.  It extends much further in RA."  He equated this observation with H VIII-2 = NGC 2063, so he may have confused these two fields at the time.  His father's object is either nonexistent or just an asterism ~40' to the east.  On a second sweep, JH logged "A large ill-defined tract of loose stars, neither rich nor condensed".  He used two numbers in the GC for h366 and H VIII-2, so both objects received their own NGC designation.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "many st, Cl not well defined."  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 2040 = ESO 56-164 = LMC-N59B = LH 88

05 36 05 -67 34 01; Dor

V = 11.5;  Size 2'

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; bright, very large, irregular nebula just east of NGC 2030/2032/2035 (Dragon's Head or Seagull Nebula).  The main portion is roughly triangular with one "vertex" on the south side and another on the northeast end.  It has a sharp, contrasty edge on the east side to the south tip and some internal, irregular brightness in the interior.  Unfiltered a dozen stars mag 14-15 are involved (association LH 88), with several more spreading to the south.

 

NGC 2040 is merged with a supernova remnant shell (SNR B0536-67.6) on the south side.  On images the shell is ~2' in diameter, with a complex interlaced web of delicate filaments.  Visually, I could see a very faint, thin curving loop, ~45" in length, which forms the southwest end of the shell (brightest part on images). A mag 13.5 star (O5-type) is in the interior of the shell, with the observed strip centered 40" to its WSW. This star was possibly bound to the precursor star of the SNR remnant.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a bright, irregularly round glow, ~2' diameter, located ~4' ENE of the Seagull or Dragon's Head Nebula and part of the same emission complex.  The nebulosity surrounds a cluster of roughly 15 stars (LH 88).  A UHC filter provided an excellent contrast gain at 200x and revealed a very irregular outline.  The POSS image shows delicate filaments to the south forming a large loop (SNR shell SNR 0536-67.6) although I don't believe this extension was recorded.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2040 = h2918 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F; irreg R; glbM; r; 2'. (Pl III, fig 5)."  On a later sweep he reported "vF; R; follows 3 vB L nebulae [NGC 2030, NGC 2032 and NGC 2035] which run together."  His position (from 5 sweeps) is accurate and an excellent sketch of the complex is on plate III, figure 3.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered this nebula (D 220) earlier on 27 Sep 1826 and logged "a round faint nebula, about 40" diameter."  His position is just 4' NNW of the center of LMC N59B = NGC 2040, but given the range of his positional errors, it's possible this observation either refers to nearby NGC 2032 or 2035 (part of the same complex).

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NGC 2041 = ESO 086-16 = S-L 605

05 36 28.0 -66 59 29; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 0.7'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, this LMC cluster appears bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, high surface brightness.  Symmetrical appearance and increases to a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  This young, massive cluster is located ~7' SE of the elongated cluster NGC 2034 at the east end of the very large, extended collection of associations (the "Quadrant") that includes NGC 2026 and 2002 on the western side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2041 = h2919 on 2 Nov 1834 and described as "B, S, vgbM, 20"."  On a second sweep he noted  "a rich clustering part precedes."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.  Wolfgang Steinicke and Glen Cozens both credit James Dunlop with the discovery on 6 Nov 1826.  His entry for D 241 describes "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure."  His position is 6.6' NW of the cluster, but his description implies a much larger object - like NGC 2027/2034 and the position is a closer match.

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NGC 2042 = ESO 056-163 = S-L 601 = LH 89n

05 36 09.6 -68 55 24; Dor

V = 9.6;  Size 6'x3'

 

25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): very large group of stars with unresolved haze (association LH 89), extending nearly 10' from north to south and contains a couple of knots of stars, a few dozen mag 12-14 stars, a mag 10.3 star at the west tip and numerous mag 15+ stars.

 

BRHT 16a, situated near the center, is a very bright knot near the center, ~10" diameter.  A very faint star was resolved at the west edge.

KMHK 1122, on the north east side (2' NW of BRHT 16a), resolved into a 10" pair of stars at the center, encased in a very small glow.  Several stars (mostly faint) were resolved nearby including two two mag 12.5 and 12.8 stars close east of the central pair and some mag 15 stars around the edges.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly large patch of stars and haze (association LH 89), ~5' in size.  At least two dozen stars are resolved in an elongated group oriented SW-NE, including a few mag 10 stars over unresolved stars or outer nebulous haze from the Tarantula complex.  Two additional knots are to the northwest and form an obtuse isosceles triangle with NGC 2042.  The first knot is KMHK 1122 situated 5' NW and S-L 585 is 10' NW.  NGC 2042 is located just 17' NW of the center of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2042 = h2922 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "the chief star (9th mag) of a large, irregular figured, looped or hooked cluster of stars 12..15th mag, rich and various, and filling the field."  His description and position applies to the assocation LH 89.

 

This object may have been discovered earlier by James Dunlop.  His D181, described as a "small faint nebula, 10" or 12" diameter" is 5.5' NW of center of the association.  But the description doesn't match an object of this size.  His D 140, described as "a small faint round nebula" is a similar distance SW of center, but again the description is a very poor match.  Finally D 183, described as "a faint ill-defined nebula, 20" diameter", is ~8' NE but another poor match in description.  So, I'm not confident any of these observations referring to NGC 2042.

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NGC 2043

05 35 33.7 -70 07 27; Men

 

= N-S string of stars (asterism), Corwin and Gottlieb.

 

Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 2043 on 18 Dec 1884 with the 48-inch f/41 Great Melbourne Telescope while examining the field of NGC 2058 and other clusters.  Earlier observers Le Sueur and Joseph Turner had previously observed and sketched this field on 7 Feb 1870 and 26 Apr 1876, respectively. Baracchi's new object was confirmed 4 nights later and described as a "small elongated group of minute stars in very thin nebula."  Robert Ellery, the observatory director, noted the discovery in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" and stated an offset  "preceding H. 1259 [NGC 2058] by 79.5 sec and 4' 30" north."  Eric Lindsay reported "Not found. Star-rich region but no evidence of clustering.  Not listed by Herschel. In the Melbourne Catalogue." ("Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", IAJ, 6, 286-289, 1964).

 

Harold Corwin suggested NGC 2043 is a N-S string of stars (about 1.7' length) situated 2.5' S of Baracchi's position, which is a good match with his description.  I located Baracchi's sketch in his notebook in 2018 (found online at the National Archives of Australia), which confirms Corwin's identification as a N-S string of stars.

 

ESO and SIMBAD misidentify ESO 056-168, an extremely faint cluster close to Baracchi's position, as NGC 2043.

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NGC 2044 = 30 Dor C = ESO 056-165 = S-L 602 = LH 90

05 36 06.2 -69 11 55; Dor

V = 10.6;  Size 4.5'

 

25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; NGC 2044 is a striking group of stars, tiny clusters and weak nebulosity.  The 3 main "knots" are BRHT 17a and 17b (separated by 1' E-W) and KMK88 87, which is 2' N of 17b.  A few dozen stars are resolved in total, mostly in a E-W stream containing the BRHT pair and fainter stars in a vertical stream at the west end of the group (association LH 90). At the north end of the vertical stream is  mag 13.9 HD 269818 (Brey 62), a Wolf-Rayet star and just north of BRHT 17b is Brey 57, an easy mag 13.5 Wolf-Rayet.

 

BRHT 17a: very bright 20" knot, very clumpy, a few individual stars were barely resolved.

BRHT 17b: very bright 15" knot containing a few stars that nearly resolved, but were too closely packed to resolve in the seeing conditions.  One of these is the Wolf-Rayet star Brey 65 (listed at mag 13.0).

KMK88 87: fairly bright, elongated SSW-NNE glow, bright center, 25" diameter.  With a more critical gaze, it resolved into a quasi-stellar center (probably 2 or more stars) with resolved stars at the SSW and NNE ends.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): group of about a dozen stars in a 3' diameter at 171x dominated by three brighter stars in a E-W string.  Two of the "stars" in this line are actually compact clusters (BRHT 17a and 17b). The western "star" (HD 269828 = BRHT 17b) has been resolved into 15+ components including W-R star Brey 65 and the eastern "star" (BRHT 17a) into 9+ components.  A mag 13.5 star on the NW side is the W-R Brey 57.  Another mag 12 "star" just 2' NNW of HD 269828 is also a compact cluster (KMK88 87). 

 

NGC 2044 is situated in the outer portion of the 30 Doradus complex, 16' SW from the central core, and is the central cluster in a 6' diameter Superbubble.  Like NGC 2060, this stellar association (LH 90) also harbors a young SNR!  The site of SNR 1987A (05 35 28, -69 16.2) lies only 5.5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2044 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed as #608 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  His position is ~1' south of the center of this cluster/association (LH 90).

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NGC 2045 = Ced 58 = SAO 94827

05 45 01.3 +12 53 18; Tau

V = 6.6

 

= *6.6 SAO 94827, Gottlieb.  =No nebulosity, Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2045 = h367 on 23 Jan 1832 (sweep 393) and recorded "a star 8-9 mag with faint nebulosity."  His position coincides precisely with mag 6.6 HD 38263.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, describes NGC 2045 as "BD+12 884, nebulous?"  Although classified as nonexistent in RNGC, the RA is 5.0 minutes too small.

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NGC 2046 = ESO 056-162 = S-L 597

05 35 37.6 -70 14 27; Men

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first in a rich field of 8 NGC clusters (with the brightest NGC 2058).  At 200x, it appeared bright, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE in the direction of a mag 13 star just 0.8' SW.  The core seems offset from the center to the NE end or a compact knot of stars is attached at the following end.  NGC 2047 lies 3.2' NNE.  Located 6' SE of mag 8.2 HD 37762.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2046 = h2923 on 11 Nov 1836 and wrote, "vF; R; gbM; the first of a group of six nebulae."  His position and sketch (Pl IV, fig 9) is accurate.

 

Albert Le Sueur sketched the group on 7 Feb 1870 as well as Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  Le Sueur's sketch was reproduced on plate IV, figure 33 and Turner's on plate IV, figure 32 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885".  See www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_33.php.

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NGC 2047 = ESO 056-167 = S-L 600

05 35 54.4 -70 11 29; Men

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is located on the west side of a rich field of 8 NGC clusters in the 13mm Ethos (200x).  It appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter.  A faint star is at the south edge.  Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 2046 3.2' SSW. Located 5.8' ESE of mag 8.2 HD 37762 and 5.4' WSW of NGC 2058.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2047 = h2925 on 11 Nov 1836 and described as "the second of a group.  Pl IV, fig 9."  His position and sketch is accurate.

 

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, as well as Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884, all using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  Le Sueur's sketch is plate IV, figure 32 and Turner's is figure 33 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885".  Turns shows the cluster as very elongated N-S and Baracchi sketched it as round.

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NGC 2048 = ESO 056-166 = LMC-N154A = LH 87

05 35 56 -69 38 54; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 2'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x + NPB filter): NGC 2048 is a bright elongated glow, ~1'x0.7' E-W, surrounded by fainter nebulous haze extending 3'-4' in diameter.  The emission component (LHA 120-N 154A) is cradled around the south and east side by a large, semicircular chain with mostly mag 12 stars and a total length of ~15' (association LH 87).  At the west end of this chain is HD 37836, a mag 10.6 emission-line B0 star.

 

NGC 2048 is situated in a glorious region of the LMC; extending to the southwest is NGC 2033 = LH 81, a large stellar association (the stars on the south side of the semicircular chain are likely members) and further north is NGC 2055 = LH 96, a huge rich cloud just south of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2048 = h2926 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and described as "a very faint large oval ill-defined nebula; not taken in sweeping, but laid down from a careful drawing.  See Notes on Catalogue of Nubecula Major".  His position is 3' NE of the center of this nebula.  Hodge and Wright describe it as "possibly only 2-3 stars in nebulosity" in their LMC Atlas.

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NGC 2049 = ESO 424-011 = MCG -05-14-011 = PGC 17657

05 43 15.2 -30 04 42; Col

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 168”

 

18" (12/22/11): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', low surface brightness, very weak concentration (possibly viewed through thin clouds).  IC 2147 lies 25' S.

 

17.5" (12/8/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2049 = h2921 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R; pslbM; 25."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 424-011 = PGC 17657.

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NGC 2050 = ESO 056-170 = S-L 609 = LH 93

05 36 41.8 -69 22 49; Dor

V = 9.3;  Size 3.0'x2.4'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): NGC 2050 was taken as a 2'-3' patch of stars on the north side of the large stellar association LH 96, a 15'x10' cloud of roughly 120 stars.  At 145x, ~20 stars were resolved including HD 37974, mag 10.9 blue supergiant at the west edge and a mag 10.7 star (11" double) at the southwest edge.  The central part contains several mag 12 stars.  A long stream of mag 10-12 stars begins about 12' SW of the cluster and extends east-northeast for over 20', passing just south of the Tarantula Nebula, and heads towards NGC 2100.  Several of the nearby stars in this stream may also be part of NGC 2050.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 173x, appears as just a locally brighter spot containing perhaps a dozen stars over a hazy background glow (stellar association LH 93), ~2' in diameter.  Embedded in the edge of an amazing 15'-20' linear stream of stars (association LH 93/94) which runs through the field from east-northeast to west-southwest.  This long chain passes just off the south side of the tendrils of the Tarantula Nebula and heads towards NGC 2050!   NGC 2050 is situated 30' SW of the center of the Tarantula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2050 = h2928 in 1834-1835 (exact date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835).  He described this object "Cl VI; vF st and nebulosity of irregular branching figure, or rather 3 clusters connected.  See Notes on Catalogue of Nubecula Major."  His position falls in the north-central portion of NGC 2055, a very large association and probably included part of the stream of stars mentioned in my description..  See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this object.

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NGC 2051 = ESO 056-169 = S-L 608

05 36 07.5 -71 00 43; Men

V = 11.7;  Size 1.7'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster appeared bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter.  Located 12' ESE of brighter NGC 2031.  Two additional S-L clusters (617 and 624) share the field 8.5' SSE.  The cluster is also equidistant from a mag 9 star 8' NW and mag 7.6 HD 37899 a similar distance SW.

 

S-L 617 is the southwestern member of a pair of S-L clusters.  At 200x it appeared faint, moderately large, round, 30" diameter.  Overall it was larger but with a lower surface brightness than S-L 624 located 3.5' NE.  Located ~5' ESE of a mag 7.6 star.

 

S-L 624 appeared as a fairly faint, compact knot, ~20" diameter, with a fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 11.7 star is 1.9' SW and S-L 617 lies 3.5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2051 = h2930 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "pB; S; R; gbM; 30"; insulated."  His position from a single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2052 = ESO 056-176 = LMC-N155

05 37 11 -69 46 30; Dor

Size 1.2'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): without a filter this emission nebula (N155) is a very faint, small patch perhaps 35" diameter, only a couple of faint stars are involved.  Situated midway between a mag 12 star 2' W and a mag 12.5 star 2' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2052 = h2929 in 1834-1835 (sweep number and date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and described as "vvF, vvL, vglbM."  Herschel changed the description in the GC to read "eF, vvS, vglbM" (probably an error) and this was copied by Dreyer into the NGC.  His position is 2.5' SW of the faint HII region Henize N155, which the Hodge-Wright Atlas and the ESO identify as NGC 2052.   There are no other nearby candidates.  Harold Corwin suggests "NGC 2052 may be the large diffuse nebula 2 minutes of time preceding JH's position.  But it may not be."

 

Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "Should be 2.3m E of NGC 2033. It may be a small group slightly NE in which is Henize N155.  Dreyer and Herschel differ as to size [actually Herschel changed the size]. Position measured by Herschel from a drawing and not during a sweep."

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NGC 2053 = ESO 086-017 = S-L 623

05 37 40 -67 24 48; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.2'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): fairly bright, relatively large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0' diameter, smooth glow at 145x, slightly mottled at 178x.  A mag 12 star is 1.2' W.  Located 23' W of mag 7.0 HD 38616 and ~15' NE of the showpiece Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035, 2040).

 

S-L 628 lies 7' NE.  It was immediately seen as an moderately bright, fairly small glow, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2053 = h2927 on 2 Jan 1837 and noted "F; lE; gbM; 2'."  His position from a single sweep is 1' SSE of this cluster.

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NGC 2054

05 45 15.4 -10 04 59; Ori

 

= 4*, HC and Dreyer.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 2054 = HN 3 on 6 Oct 1850 with a 4-inch comet-seeker at the Harvard College Observatory.  He mentioned that it required confirmation and JH didn't include this object in the GC.  Dreyer observed the cluster using the 72" at Birr Castle on 13 Jan 1877 and reported "vF, pS, iR, at times I thought it was a very small cluster, but it is doubtful".   Nevertheless, he included it in the GC Supplement (GC 5354).  Herbert Howe observed it around 1899 using a 20" refractor and noted "it appears to be simply a small triangle composed of 2 stars of mag 12, and one of mag 13."  Bigourdan's position from 26 Dec 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) also corresponds with three mag 14.5, 14.7 and 14.9 stars within 30", along with a couple of fainter stars.

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NGC 2055 = ESO 056-171 = LH 96

05 36 45 -69 29 54; Dor

V = 8.4;  Size 15'x10'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): roughly 120 stars are resolved in a gorgeous 15'x10' SW-NE star cloud (association LH 96) situated to the south of the Tarantula Nebula.  The cloud is rich in faint stars but also includes a mag 9.6 star (HD 269820) at the southwest edge, along with a few other mag 10.5 stars.  The background shows unresolved haze and perhaps nebulosity.  Adding an NPB filter, there is definite nebulosity in the northeastern quadrant of the cloud.  It spreads northwest and northeast, merging with the outer tendrils of the Tarantula Nebula!

 

Within this cloud is S-L 610 (often misidentified as NGC 2055), a small knot of four stars in a 1' region.  It includes two bright "stars" (R127, V Å  10.5 and R128, V Å 10.7 ) at 20" separation, along with two 12th mag stars to the northwest.  Both R127 and R128 are very compact clusters with R127 containing the brightest Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) in the LMC!  NGC 2050 is probably a group of stars on the north side of the cloud.  Roughly ~20 stars were resolved including a mag 10.6 star at the west edge and a mag 10.7 star (11" double) at the southwest edge.  The central part contains several mag 12 stars and HD 38030, a mag 13.0 Wolf-Rayet (Brey 68).

 

A long stream of mag 10-12 stars begins about 12' W of the cluster and extends east-northeast for over 20', including NGC 2050 and association LH 97 at the NE corner of the large star cloud, and passing just south of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2055 = h2931 on 24 Nov 1834 and noted "a vL v rich cluster of sc st 10...15 which more than fills the field."  His position is near the center of this large association or star cloud (LH 96), which includes NGC 2050 and S-L 610.

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NGC 2056 = ESO 056-172 = S-L 611

05 36 34 -70 40 17; Men

V = 11.8;  Size 1.5'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, 1.2' diameter, very high surface brightness core, mottled and clumpy halo with a couple of mag 15.5-16 stars resolved around the edges.  Second of three with NGC 2038 11' NW and NGC 2075 9' ESE.  Mag 9.3 HD 38174 is near the midpoint of NGC 2056 and 2075.  Mag 10.5 HD 269825 lies 3.6' SSW and a mag 11 star is 2.5' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2056 = h2932 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, R, bM, the preceding of 2 [with NGC 2075] on the same parallel; a star 9 mag between."  His position is ~30" SE of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2057 = ESO 056-174 = S-L 616

05 36 56.2 -70 16 10; Men

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is on the south side of a field filled with 8 NGC clusters.  At 260x it appeared bright, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, fairly well concentrated with a small bright core.  Situated on a line between NGC 2065 4' NE and a mag 10.4 HD 269839 3' SW.  NGC 2046 lies 6.8' WNW, 2047 7.0' NW and 2058 6.4' N.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2057 = D 104? on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a very small faint nebula, 8" or 10" diameter." He made a single observation and his position is 11' SE of this cluster.  Assuming Dunlop also picked up NGC 2057 = D 104 and NGC 2065 = D 105, this identification is reasonable.  John Herschel independently discovered NGC 2057 = h2935 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "pF; S; R; gbM; the 5th (4th properly) of a group of 6, RA only estimated from a rough diagram incorrect (as it would seem) in the order of the objects."

 

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Le Sueur, Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi in 1870, 1876 and 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  Le Sueur's sketch was reproduced as plate IV, figure 32 and Turner's sketch in plate IV, figure 33 in in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885".  Turner's sketch shows a star or clump bulging out the southeast side, though Baracchi's sketch shows a narrow extension to the north towards a faint star.

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NGC 2058 = ESO 056-173 = S-L 614

05 36 54.5 -70 09 44; Men

V = 11.9;  Size 2.1'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest cluster in a 15' field of 8 NGC clusters including NGC 2046, 47, 57, 59, 65, 66 and 72.  All 8 clusters easily fit in the field of 13mm Ethos at 200x within a 20' circle.  Using 260x, NGC 2058 appeared very bright, large, well concentrated.  The outer halo extends up to 2' diameter using averted vision.  At 350x, a few very faint stars are resolved in the halo and around the edges of the core.  Two mag 12.5-13 stars lie 1' WSW and 1.5' WNW.  Other nearby clusters include NGC 2059 2' N, NGC 2066 4.1' E, NGC 2047 5.4' WSW and NGC 2065 5.8' SE.  I also picked up a couple of "anonymous" clusters or HII knots.  OGLE-CL LMC 632 is north of NGC 2059 and LHA 120-N171B is following NGC 2072.  This group of clusters is located just over a degree south of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2058 = D 103 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a A round well-defined nebula, 30" diameter, bright at the centre.  The preceding of three nebulae forming a triangle"  He made a single observation and his position is just 3.7' NW of the cluster. On 11 Nov 1836, John Herschel called this cluster (h2933), "B; R; gbM; 90"; the 3rd of a group of 6."  Three sweeps later he observed the cluster again as "vB; R; the 3rd of a group of 7.  Pl IV, fig 9."  His position and sketch is accurate.  John Herschel equated Dunlop 102 with h2933, which Dunlop described as "a faint ill-defined nebula, perhaps 3' diameter".  The large size, though, makes this identification unlikely.

 

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  Le Sueur's and Turner's sketches were published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" in plate IV, figure 32 and figure 33.

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NGC 2059 = ESO 056-175 = S-L 613

05 37 01.5 -70 07 37; Men

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is on the north side of a field of 8 NGC clusters.  At 200x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter.  At 350x it appeared grainy but was still unresolved except for a faint star at the north edge.  Located 2.1' NNE of NGC 2058 and just 40" following a mag 12 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2059 = h2936 on 11 Nov 1836 and reported "vF; the 5th (4th in MS) of a group of 6.  Pl IV, fig 9."  His position and sketch is accurate.

 

The cluster was sketched using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope by Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 .  Le Sueur's and Turner's sketches were published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" on plate IV, figure 32 and figure 33.  Both observers drew the cluster elongated N-S.

 

The Hodge-Wright Atlas misidentifies OGLE-CL LMC 632 (too far north) as NGC 2059.  Interestingly, Pietro Baracchi's sketch of the field on 18 Dec 1884 with the GMT, shows OGLE-CL LMC 632 as a nebulous object close northwest of NGC 2059, directly south of a star labeled as 15th magnitude

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NGC 2060 = 30 Dor B = LMC-N157B = ESO 057-1 = LH 99 = SNR 0538-69.1

05 37 46.9 -69 10 18; Dor

V = 9.6;  Size 2'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly small knot of nebulosity is situated just southwest of the Tarantula nebula, approximately 7' from the center.  About a half-dozen mag 12-14 stars are involved (association LH 99) in the glow with a total diameter of 2'.  A mag 12 "star" at the north edge (Brey 73 = TLD1) is actually a very compact cluster with over a dozen components, including the Wolf-Rayet star.

 

NGC 2060 harbors a compact x-ray source and a rapidly rotating pulsar, indicating an obscured Crab-like supernova remnant (1998 IAU Circ., 6810, 2).  The cluster also contains VFTS 102, the most rapidly rotating massive O-type star known, which is possibly related to the pulsar.

 

25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; Brey 73 appeared as a very high surface brightness knot (V = 12.1), ~12" diameter, with a mag 13.7 star at the SE edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2060 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #642 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." (not included in his main CGH catalogue).  His position corresponds with this SNR on the southwest side of the Tarantula nebula.

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NGC 2061 = ESO 363-016

05 42 53.2 -33 57 29; Col

Size 16'

 

18" (1/15/07): at 115x I was initially attacted by a large, bright trapezoid-shaped asterism of 5 stars with a pair of 9.5-magnitude stars at 35" separation at the NW vertex.  The brightest star in the asterism is a mag 7.2 orange star at the NE vertex with an 11th magnitude companion (h3794).  But John Herschel was likely referring to an 8' scattering of a couple of dozen mag 13 and fainter stars that lie to the north of the bright star.  This group appears to be a random collection at the eyepiece.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2061 = h2924 on 9 Jan 1836 and logged "Cluster, 8th class, course, loose and filling the field; stars 10...13m.  Place that of a double star in a vacant part."  There is no double star at Herschel's position though exactly 1.0 minute of RA west is the double star HJ 3794 (7.7/11.6 at 20" separation) with a mean position of 05 42 53.2 -33 57 29 (J2000).  There is a scattering of stars extending 8' north and five brighter stars to the south.  The ESO position is 05 42 42 -34 00.6 (2000), and classified as a group of stars.   The Helwan Observatory (1921 list of observations) reported "No cluster here.  Exposure 100 minutes."  This was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her NGC correction paper as well as the RNGC.

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NGC 2062 = ESO 086-020 = S-L 640

05 40 03.8 -66 52 36; Dor

V = 12.7;  Size 0.9'

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 30" diameter, mottled. Some extremely faint stars are on the verge of resolution including one at the north or northeast edge.  Two mag 9.8 stars lie 1.6' S and 2.9' SSW.  A small, low surface patch, ~20"x15" NW-SE, was noticed 4.7' W.  On the DSS, it appears to be a possible uncatalogued LMC cluster.  S-L 643 lies 10' SSE.  It appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, smooth surface brightness.  Located 4.7' E of mag 8.4 HD 38305. A mag 12 star is 2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2062 = h2937 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; E; glbM; 40"; north of 2 stars 10m."  His position is 1 tmin too far west, but his declination matches this cluster and two bright stars lie to the south, so the identification is certain.  Eric Lindsay first noted this error in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), "Position should probably be 1.3m E corresponding to S/L 640."

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NGC 2063

05 46 48 +08 39 12; Ori

 

18" (1/26/09): although nothing stands out in the field, near William Herschel's position is a group of 30 stars elongated N-S in a string.  Includes mag 10.1 HD 247555 near the north end, though the richest concentration is at the south end (7' S from the bright star).

 

Other observers have picked brighter groupings in the area as NGC 2063 and WH's description of "a small cluster of very small scattered stars" is not very helpful.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and in any case this number likely applies to an asterism and not a true cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2063 = H VIII-2 on 26 Dec 1783 (very early sweep 67) and logged "A small Cl of scattered stars."  In a second sweep (28 Dec 1785) he reported "A few pretty closely scattered very small stars." JH equated his h366 = NGC 2039 with his father's H VIII-2, but these are two diferent star fields.  Harold Corwin notes there is only a small grouping of faint stars near WH's position although a larger and brighter patch of stars is ~8' south-southeast.  In any case, this is likely just a random group of stars.  The position given in Archinal and Hynes (Star Clusters) to the west of NGC 2039 is incorrect.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2064 = LBN 939 = Ced 55s

05 46 18.4 +00 00 21; Ori

Size 12'x2'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): very faint reflection nebula in the M78 complex, but clearly visible.  Appears elongated 2:1 SW-NE, at most 2'x1'.  There are no involved stars.  Located 7' SW of M78 and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  The large listed dimensions refer to a very elongated strip extending NNE on the west side of M78.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint reflection nebula, small.  Located 7' WSW of M78 and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  This difficult object is near the visual threshold.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2064 near M78 on 11 Jan 1864.  He noted a mag 9-10 star was 4' north-preceding and measured an accurate position (2 nights).  The visual extent is much smaller than the catalogued dimensions.

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NGC 2065 = ESO 057-002 = S-L 626

05 37 35.9 -70 14 07; Men

V = 11.2;  Size 2.6'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this LMC cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, round, 1.2' diameter, weak concentration.  With averted vision, the surface is mottled and the outer halo increases to at least 1.5'.  The cluster appeared very lively at 350x with a few stars just on the verge of resolution.  At this power the halo appeared up to 1.8' in diameter.  A mag 12 star is at the NE edge and two mag 13/13.5 stars lie ~1.5' WNW.  Eight NGC clusters reside in this one field with four other clusters within 6': NGC 2057 4' SW, NGC 2066 4.2' N, NGC 2072 4' E and NGC 2058 5.8' NW!

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2065 = D 105 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined nebula, 25" diameter."  He made two observations and his position is 9' SE of this cluster.  On 11 Oct 1836, John Herschel found the cluster and reported h2938 as "pB; R; last of group of 6.  Pl IV, fig 9."  Three sweeps later he noted "B; the 6th of a group of 7."  His position and sketch is accurate.  He questioned if this object was D 103, though D 105 seems a better match.

 

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.   Le Sueur's and Turner's sketches were published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" on plate IV, figure 32 and figure 33.

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NGC 2066 = ESO 057-003 = S-L 627

05 37 41.2 -70 09 58; Men

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, very weakly concentrated.  Located on the eastern end of a rich field of 9 NGC clusters and forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with NGC 2065 4.2' due south and NGC 2058 4.1' due west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2066 = h2939 on 12 Nov 1836 and noted "vF and S; the last of a group of 7; this nebula escaped notice sweep 748.  Plate IV, fig 9."  The sketch on Plate IV accurately places the 7 clusters (flipped right-left and upside down).

 

The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876  and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  Turner's sketch was published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" on plate IV, figure 33.  Le Sueur apparently missed this cluster in an earlier observation made on 7 Feb 1870.

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NGC 2067 = Ced 55t

05 46 29 +00 06 24; Ori

Size 8'x3'

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, suspected reflection nebula 5' WNW of M78.  Sighting uncertain as only visible fleetingly.  [It's not clear from my description whether I observed the very low surface brightness circular patch NW of M78 or the brightest portion of the streamer pointing towards NGC 2064].

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2067 = T I-17 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His position and rough tranlation of his description (in German) points to the very faint nebulosity to the northwest of M78.  Harold Corwin lists two possible regions as the intended object - "a large patch of pretty low surface brightness nebulosity about 5 arcmin northwest of M78" and "a knot about 3 arcmin southwest, the brightest part of a long faint streamer pointed toward NGC 2064".  It's possible that Tempel's nebula applies to both sections.

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NGC 2068 = M78 = Ced 55u = vdB 59

05 46 45 +00 04 42; Ori

V = 8.0;  Size 8'x6'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): very bright reflection nebula surrounding two mag 10.5 stars with a mag 13 star involved at the south end.  Large, irregular shape, 6'x4'.  Brightest along the north side which has a sharply defined slightly bowed-out edge with one of the mag 10.5 stars near the midpoint.  A brighter knot is just following this star.  The nebula irregularly fans out towards the south and fades with no distinct borders but tapers somewhat at the south edge.

 

17.5" (2/1/92):very bright, surprisingly large, 6'x4'.  Surrounds two mag 10 stars although the nebulosity extends further to east of these stars.  Also a mag 13 star is embedded in the SE end.  Brighter and sharper edge gently curves from west to north side.  Appears to fan out to the SE where the nebula gradually fades into background.  Brightest in a group of reflection nebulae including NGC 2064 7' SW and NGC 2067 6' WNW.

 

8" (12/6/80): bright reflection nebula, large, NW edge brighter and sharper, elongated, roughly rectangular, wide pair of mag 10 stars involved, striking.  Brightest in a group of reflection nebulae.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M78 = NGC 2068 = h368 in March 1780.  On 19 Dec 1783 William Herschel described M78 as "Two large [bright] stars, well defined, within a nebulous glare of light resembling that in Orion's sword. There are also three very small [faint] stars just visible in the nebulous part which seem to be component particles thereof. I think there is a faint ray near 1/2 deg long towards the east and another towards the south east less extended, but I am not quite so well assured of the reality of these latter phenomena as I could wish, and would rather ascribe them to some deception. At least I shall suspend my judgement till I have seen it again in very fine weather, tho' the night is far from bad."  M78 was the first reflection nebula that was discovered.

 

On 9 Jan 1856 the observer on the 72" (R.J. Mitchell) wrote, "in finder eyepiece a B oval neb with n and nf edges brightest and best defined, and sp edge fading away gradually; with higher power there is seen a decided darkness at and between the stars.  I can confirm previous observation as to the curve formed by the brightest part of the neb."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the nebula in Dec 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope - plate III, figure 31 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_3_31.php, as well as Pietro Baracchi on 8 Dec 1884.

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NGC 2069 = ESO 057-007

05 38 37.7 -69 00 49; Dor

V = 10.1

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the northern outer loop of the Tarantula Nebula which Dunlop and Herschel catalogued separately.  Several mag 12-13 stars are involved, including mag 13.1 HDE 269926 (Brey 88), a massive Wolf-Rayet binary (WN4+OB).  In addition, mag 11.1 HD 38282, an extremely massive Wolf-Rayet binary (Brey 89) is close east of the south end and HD 38344, another mag 13 WR star is 1.6' further E.  See observing notes for NGC 2070.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2069 = D 143 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9 reflector and noted a "A pretty large, faint, ill-defined nebula, elongated in the direction of the meridian."  His position is 2'-3' too far north (unusually accurate for him).  JH recorded h2940 on 24 Nov 1834 as "the middle of a large extended faint nebulous mass which forms the northern branch of the great looped nebula, and is almost, or entirely, detached from it. See the next object [Tarantula Nebula]."

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NGC 2070 = LMC-N157A = ESO 057-6 = S-L 633 = LH 100 = Tarantula Nebula = 30 Doradus

05 38 42 -69 06 03; Dor

V = 5;  Size 40'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x unfiltered, I examined the 30 Doradus cluster = R136 cluster at the heart of the Tarantula Nebula.  The cluster is dominated by R136a, a 10th magnitude bloated "star" at the center that would not focus sharply.  Surrounding this star was a compact but very rich carpet of dozens of mag 14-15.5 stars packed into a 1' region that were much too numerous to count.

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):  The Tarantula nebula was simply unreal at 200x in the 13mm Ethos with a UHC filter -- better than any photo I've seen and convincingly 3-dimensional, even though I viewed it late so the elevation was only 20”.  Although this magnification brought out an unbelievable amount of detail in the loops and ribbons, the main complex fit snugly in the eyepiece field (30').

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the Tarantula is the largest known emission region (800-1000 light years) and is easily visible to the naked-eye from Australia.  The view of the Tarantula early in the morning through a 20" f/5 at 127x (20 Nagler) and OIII filter was jaw-dropping!  Near the center are several bright loops and arcs.  Extending out are a number of convoluted loops including one heart-shaped arch which is quite large.  Running out from the central region of the nebula are streaming lanes of nebulosity.  One in particular extends quite a long distance and the outer loops and streamers seem to merge into some of the nearby HII regions forming a mind-boggling complex.  There are perhaps 10 different loops and ribbons in the main body giving a 3-dimensional effect.

 

Near the center lies an extremely compact cluster of superluminous stars (R136) but only a few were visible including what appears to be a single bright star.  A large number of additional stars are scattered about the main body. Mag 11.9 HDE 269928 (Wolf-Rayet = Brey 90) is 1.3' E of R136.  Additional WR stars are mag 11.6 Brey 87 0.9' N of center and mag 13.5 Brey 80 1.5' NW of center.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 2060 lies 6.5' SW of the central cluster (R136) of the Tarantula.  It appeared as a fairly small knot of nebulosity, ~2' diameter, with about a half-dozen mag 12-14 stars involved (association LH 99) in the glow.  A mag 12 "star" on the north edge has been resolved into a very compact cluster by the HST. Studies have shown this nebula contains a compact x-ray source and a rapidly rotating pulsar, indicating NGC 2060 is a Crab-like supernova remnant in the LMC (1998 IAU Circ., 6810, 2).

 

Hodge 301 is the oldest cluster in the Tarantula (age 25-30 million years) and is situated just 3' NW of the central cluster (R136). It appeared as a coompact 30" knot with a half-dozen mag 13-14 stars resolved over haze.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): first view of the Tarantula in Les Dalrymple's 12" was early in the evening, very low in the southern sky (20” elevation) and without a filter.  Even under these conditions it was a fascinating sight – fairly bright, detailed, 15' convoluted, mottled nebulosity with several striking loops or ribbons which radiate out from the central region.  Sweeping in the nearby fields I ran across numerous small knots of nebulosity and small clusters.

 

10x30mm (1/21/12): I viewed the Tarantula Nebula in a 19" dobsonian (pointed horizontally) and in my IS binoculars. At a declination of -69.1”, the Tarantula just skimmed the horizon from the 9300' Mauna Kea Visitor Center, culminating 1.1” above the horizon!  Still with atmospheric refraction, it was obvious in the binoculars. There was too much extinction and seeing effects for much structure in the 19".

 

Naked-eye: at 5th magnitude or so, the Tarantula is obvious from a fairly dark site as a small, fuzzy patch on the eastern side of the LMC, north of the central bar.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2070 = Lac I-2 = D 142 = h2941 in 1751-1752 using a half-inch refractor at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He included it in his 1755 catalogue as Class I No. 2 and remarked "like the former [NGC 104: "like the nucleus of a fairly bright comet] but faint."  James Dunlop reported D 142 as "a pretty large ill-defined nebula, of an irregular branched figure, with a pretty bright small star in the south side of the centre, which gives it the appearance of a nucleus. This is resolvable into very minute stars - Figure 4. is a very good representation of the nebula resolved. (N.B. The 30 Doradus is surrounded by a number of nebulae of considerable magnitudes, nine or ten in number, with the 30 Doradus in the centre.)"

 

On his first observation from the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel noted "the great nebula; an assemblage of loops." He later discussed in detail, "This is one of the most singular and extraordinary objects which the heavens present, and derives no small addition to its intrinsic interest from its situation, which is among the thickest of the nebulae and clustering groups of the greater Nubecula, of whose total area it occupies one-five hundredth part. For these reasons, as well as because its real nature has been completely misunderstood, and its magnified appearance so strangely misrepresented in the only figure which I am aware to have been made of it as to convey an entirely erroneous impression both of its form and structure; I have taken great pains to give as nearly as possible a perfect representation of it as it appeared in the twenty-feet reflector on a great many occasions, but more especially on the 29th November, 1834, when a 'very careful drawing' was made of it by the eye alone, unaided by any micrometrical measures; and on the 21st and 22nd December, 1835, when the nebula was worked in from the telescope on a 'skeleton' previously prepared by an approximate reduction of the micrometrical measures of its principle stars, forming a chart, with a system of triangles, for its reception and for that of minute stars not susceptible of micrometric measurement, or not considered as of sufficient importance to be so measured. This is the only mode in which correct monographs can be executed of nebulae of this kind which consist of complicated windings and ill-defined members obliterated by the smallest illumination of the field of view; and in which the small stars, when very numerous, can be mapped down with tolerable precision. The following catalogue contains all the stars which I have been able distinctly to perceive within the area occupied by the nebula and nearly adjacent to it... [The catalogue contains 105 stars.] The stars thus scattered over the area occupied by this nebula may or may not be systematically connected with it, either as an individual object, or as part of the vast and complex system which constitutes the Nubecula. In respect of their arrangement there is nothing to distinguish them from those which occupy the rest of the area covered by the Nubecula, in which every variety of condensation and mode of distribution is to be met with. The nebula itself  (as seen in the 20-feet reflector) is of the milky or irresolvable kind - quite as free from any mottling or incipient stellar appearance as any other nebula which I can remember to have examined with that instrument. Its situation in the Nubecula is immediately adjacent to two large and rich clusters [NGC 2042 and NGC 2055]. Mr Dunlop remarks that 'The 30 Doradus is surrounded by a number of nebulae of considerable magnitudes, nine or ten in number, with the 30 Doradus in the centre.', of which nebulae he gives a figured representation. For what objects these can be intended I am quite at a loss to conjecture, unless they be the brighter portions of the nebulous convolutions seen without their connecting enbranchments. But with this supposition their relative situations, intensities, and magnitudes in the figure alluded to, so far as I am able to judge, appear irreconcilable."

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NGC 2071 = LBN 938 = Ced 55v = vdB 60

05 47 07.2 +00 17 39; Ori

Size 4'x3'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): fairly bright reflection nebula surounding a mag 9.5 star, 3.5' diameter.  Shape appears irregular (although no distinct borders) but extends more to the south side of the star, which has a faint companion close south.  A second mag 9.5 star (not involved) lies 3.5' NW.  The field is strangely lacking in stars due to obscuration.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounds a mag 10 star although extends farther south.  A second mag 13 star is embedded just south of the bright star.  The round outline gradually fades into the background.  A mag 10 star is 3.5' NW but the field is strangely devoid of stars due to obscuring dust.  Located 15' NNE of M78.

 

8": faint reflection nebula.  Located 15' NNE of M78.  Surround the southeast member of a mag 10 double star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2071 = H IV-36 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a star affected with vF extensive milky chevelure. The star not quite central." On a second observation on 22 Feb 1786 (sweep 526) he noted again "a star with a milky chevelure. vF and extensive."  In his PT paper of 1791 he mentions "As by the word chevelure I always denoted something relating to a center, the connection cannot be doubted."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2072 = ESO 057-004 = S-L 630

05 38 23.8 -70 14 01; Men

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 4' E of NGC 2065 at the east end of a group of 8 NGC clusters (and a couple of fainter ones)

 

Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 2072 on 20 Dec 1884 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope while observing a number of clusters near NGC 2065 in the LMC.  He labeled it as "g" on his sketch of the field and called it "vvF, S, indistinct, flat." With respect to NGC 2065, he measured an offset of 47 seconds following and 40" N.  This falls only 0.6' NE of center of this small cluster.  Dreyer credited "Melbourne Obs" in the NGC (R. L. Ellery's "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the [48"] Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885").  See NGC 2043, also discovered the same night.

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NGC 2073 = ESO 554-031 = MCG -04-14-024 = PGC 17772

05 45 53.9 -21 59 58; Lep

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 35' NE of the wide bright double star Alpha Leporis 3.6/6.3 at 90".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2073 = H III-241 = h2934 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and recorded "eF, vS, lE nearly in the parallel."

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NGC 2074 = LMC-N158C = ESO 057-8 = S-L 637 = LH 101

05 39 03 -69 29 54; Dor

V = 9.3;  Size 3.5'x2.0'

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this prominent HII region (LMC-N158C) and cluster (OB-association LH 101) appeared as a very bright, very large "C" shaped nebula surrounding a semi-circular chain or crown of stars open to the SW.  Two bright mag 10.4 and 11 stars oriented SW-NE (50" separation) lie on the northwest end of this crown. The northeastern luminary consists of a 1.8" pair of OB-stars (TDS 3273 = 11.4/11.8) and a mag 12.5 Wolf-Rayet star just 3" W. The mag 11 star to its southwest (HD 269923) is the brightest single star (A0-class) in the cluster.  In addtion, a mag 12.5 star (O3-class supergiant) is situated on southeast end of the chain.  A bright knot of diameter ~35" is superimposed on the general glow within the northeast side of the "C".  At 216x at least 20 fainter stars were resolved in the chain besides the brighter stars at the ends.

 

NGC 2074 is part of a huge Superbubble complex (LMC-N158) stretching 11' SW-NE with NGC 2081, a bright HII region that lies just 8' NE.  LMC-N158 is located roughly 20' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2074 = h2942 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded as "pL, pB, mE, of irreg rounded and somewhat serpentine figure, much brighter in its foll part; elongated generally in parallel. Involves 5 stars, 2 of which are 10th mag.  See Notes in 'First Approximation Towards a Catalogue of Objects in the Magellanic Clouds...'."  His position is ~1' W of center.

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NGC 2075 = LMC-N213 = ESO 057-5 = S-L 631

05 38 21 -70 41 04; Men

V = 11.5;  Size 2.2'

 

24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, irregular, triangular-shaped, ~50" diameter.  Near the center is a very bright knot consisting of a few extremely close stars.  A couple of additional stars are resolved within the glow and a number of stars are near the edges.  The cluster is surrounded by faint nebulosity (LMC-N213) which doubles the size of the object.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with mag 9.4 HD 38174 4.5' W and a mag 10 star 4.5' S.  Third of three clusters with NGC 2056 9' WNW and NGC 2038 20' NW.  NGC 2107 lies 24' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2075 = h2943 on 23 Dec 1834 and logged "B, R, bM, resolved; the following of two on the same parallel [with NGC 2056], a star 9 mag intervening."  His position is at the east edge of this nebulous cluster.

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NGC 2076 = MCG -03-15-012 = PGC 17804

05 46 47.1 -16 46 54; Lep

V = 13.0;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly large, oval SW-NE, fairly high surface brightness but no distinctive core.  Several bright stars are nearby including mag 7.8 SAO 150803 8' NNE and mag 9.2 SAO 150795 5' WNW.  This is an early-type galaxy with a broad equatorial dust lane.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2076 = H III-267 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 365) and recorded "vF, pS, irr E, bM, requires attention to be seen."

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NGC 2077 = LMC-N160D = ESO 057-9 = LH 103

05 39 35.3 -69 39 21; Dor

V = 11.7;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the southwest component of a very bright, impressive 2' emission patch with NGC 2080.  At 200x and UHC filter, NGC 2077 appeared bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~1.2'x0.6'.  Without a filter, three fainter stars are involved in the glow (one is a massive Wolf-Rayet star Brey 93a).  Forms a close pair with NGC 2080 (Ghost Head Nebula) 1.1' NE.

 

NGC 2085 and 2086, a smaller pair of bright HII glows, lie 3' and 4' ESE, and the entire collection forms LMC-N160. In addition, a bright complex of HII knots including NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084 (LMC-N159 and O-association LW 105) lies 5' S.  Together these groups form a stunning field about 35' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2077 = h2947 in Dec 1834 (exact sweep date unknown) and described as "The preceding two forming a double nebula.  The place deduced from that of the following and brighter [NGC 2080 = h2950], by Delta RA = 7.1sec, Delta NPD = 20", as they result from the drawing of Dec 4, 1837.  Pl III, figure 4."

 

James Dunlop discovered the entire complex (D 145) on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded "This is the centre of a large cluster of extremely minute stars, with many very small nebulae in it."  His position is just 4' SE of NGC 2080.  As NGC 2077 has a high surface brightness, it was likely picked up as one of the "very small nebulae in it."

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NGC 2078 = LMC-N159F = ESO 057-10

05 39 39.7 -69 44 37; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 0.8'

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2078 is the northwest portion of the multi-sectioned NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex (LMC-N159).  At 244x + NPB filter, it appeared as a bright, elongated N-S patch, ~1.3' in length, with a prominent mag 12.1 star (blue supergiant R128) involved on the south side and two mag 14/14.5 stars on the north end.  It appears brightest on the southern end and dims on the northern end.  NGC 2079, the brightest section, lies 1.7' S.

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the northwest component of an impressive 4' emission nebula filled with bright knots (LMC-N159), several of which form a curving "S" shape.  At 200x and UHC filter it appeared as a fairly bright, moderately large glow surrounding a mag 12 star (B5 supergiant R148) and two fainter stars.  This knot is elongated ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.8' and is encased in a fainter outer halo that extends perhaps 1.5', mostly to the north.  NGC 2079, an extremely bright isolated patch, lies 1.7' S, NGC 2083 is a similar distance to the east and NGC 2084 is 2.5' SE.

 

R148 forms a 6" pair - not logged in either of the two observations above - with the optical counterpart (V Å 14.8) of LMC X-1, a 10 solar-mass black hole and variable X-ray source.  Nearby is the impressive LMC-N160 complex with NGC's 2077 and 2080, another very bright patch of nebulosity 6' N, and NGC's 2085 and 2086, a smaller bright pair, a similar distance to the NE.  This complex, along with LMC-N159, is within the O-association LH 105.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2078 = h2948 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "the north preceding of the four principal nuclei of the nebula of Plate III, figure 4."  Herschel's sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084.  Glen Cozens and Wolfgang Steinicke assign Dunlop's #149 (discovered in 1826) to NGC 2078.  Dunlop recorded "a faint round nebula, about 1' diameter" and his position is 6' due east of this emission nebula.  But unless there is additional information available, I don't see how a specific object in this complex can be assigned to D 149.

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NGC 2079 = LMC-N159A = ESO 057-11

05 39 40 -69 46 20; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 1.0'

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2079 = Henize N159A is at the southwest end of the impressive NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex (N159) and has the highest surface brightness.  At 244x + NPB filter it appeared extremely bright, moderately large, with an unusual triangular outline, ~1' diameter, extremely high surface brightness.  A thin fainter strip is on the south end, otherwise, the outline is very sharply defined.  Contains a slightly darker interior region or perhaps a weak dust lane.  Unfiltered a faint star or two is at the center, including the O5-type ionizing source DD 13.  NGC 2079 is just detached from NGC 2084 to the northeast.

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest section of an impressive 4' collection of perhaps 8 different emission knots (collectively LMC-N159) that are encased in a diffuse glow and carry four separate NGC designations. NGC 2079 (LMC-N159A) is situated on the southwest end of the complex and appeared extremely bright, ~1' diameter,with a uniform very high surface brightness.  The outline has an unusual triangular shape (one vertex at the north end) with a well-defined border and appears detached from the main section.  Without a filter, a faint star and ionizing source (DD 13, an unresolved pair of O-stars) is located at the center of the glow.

 

NGC 2079 is collinear with two mag 12 stars 1.7' N (at the center of 2078) and another mag 12 star 3.5' N. The main section of the complex to the northeast forms a large "S" shaped group of multiple knots with NGC 2078 1.7' N, 2084 to the east and 2083 to the NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2079 = h2949 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "The most southern of a group of 4 or 5 nebulae, 5' diameter, mixed with stars.  This is the south preceding of the four chief nuclei [NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084] of the complex group of Plate III, figure 4". Herschel's sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei involved in nebulosity with the NGC 2079 at the upper right corner in the detailed sketch.

 

James Dunlop discovered the entire complex earlier in 1826 and described D 152 as "a cluster of six or seven small nebulae, forming a square figure 5' or 6' diameter, with several minute stars mixt. This is a very pretty group of nebulae - see Figure 5."  Dunlop's sketch with 6 or 7 patches within a group of stars appears to show this complex though his position is offset 15' too far SE.  Since NGC 2079 is one of the brightest sections, Dunlop should probably be credited with the discovery.

 

Annie Jump Canon established the emission spectrum of NGC 2079 in 1897 during her spectroscopic survey at Arequipa for the Henry Draper catalogue. It was independently found by Delisle Stewart around the same time.

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NGC 2080 = LMC-N160A = ESO 057-12 = S-L 641 = Ghost Head Nebula

05 39 44.6 -69 38 45; Dor

V = 10.4;  Size 1.5'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x and UHC filter, this emission nebula is very impressive, appearing as an extremely bright nebulous glow with an irregular shape, ~1.5' diameter, slightly elongated.  The brightest section is encased in a larger, fainter nebulous glow that extends mostly to the south.  NGC 2077, a bright HII glow, is attached on the SW side with their centers just 1' apart.  Located just 30' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula!

 

Along with NGC 2085 and 2086, another pair of knots ~3' SE, the entire complex is part of the Superbubble LMC-N160.  Roughly 6' S is LMC-N159, another stunning group of nebulous glows consisting of NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084.  NGC 2080 is the brightest region in the LMC-N159/160 complex and is nicknamed the "Ghost-Head Nebula" from a 2000 HST image.

 

At 350x the view was fascinating with 3 or 4 embedded "stars" (the brightest one or two appeared to be quasi-stellar knots) and NGC 2080 had a curdled texture.  A couple of brighter mag 13/14 stars are off the NW side and a number of stars trail off to the east and NE (part of the O-association LH 103).

 

The two "eyes" of the Ghost Head (noted as quasi-stellar above) are rare, compact "high excitation blobs" (HEBs) of diameter ~3".  They were discovered in 1986 and identified as A1 and A2, separated by ~20".

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2080 = D 145 or D 150 in 1826 and described D 145 as "the centre of a large cluster of extremely minute stars, with many very small nebulae in it."  Dunlop's position falls just southwest of the NGC 2077/2080/2085/2086 association and just northwest of the NGC 2078/2079/2083 association, so he certainly observed several of these components and NGC 2080 is perhaps the brightest individual section.  D 150 was recorded as "A well-defined round nebula, small.  This precedes a group of nebulae."  There is nothing at his position but NGC 2080 is 14' NW and it is on the west side of the complex, so fits the description.

 

John Herschel observed NGC 2080 = h2947 in Dec 1834 and logged "B; R; double; the other sp [NGC 2077] is F; R; followed by clustering stars."   An excellent sketch of the entire complex is on plate III, figure 4.

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NGC 2081 = LMC-N158A = ESO 057-13 = LH 104

05 40 00 -69 24 24; Dor

V = 9.9;  Size 6'x3.5'

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 214x, this is a gorgeous star cloud consisting of two dozen stars in a 5' region (stellar association LH 104, which is dominated by B-class supergiants), including many mag 13-14 stars as well as mag 12.2 star HD 38489 (an extreme luminous blue variable!) on the northeast side.  On the east side of the central grouping is HD 38472, a mag 13.2 Wolf-Rayet (Brey 95) and on the west side is HD 38448, a mag 13.0 Wolf-Rayet (Brey 94).

 

Adding a UHC filter enhances a fairly bright HII glow that nearly surrounds the entire cluster in a triangular wreath (weak in the center)!  The brightest portion is a ribbon with a bright region (identified in SIMBAD as BSDL 2722) at one end just south of the cluster and extending due east.  With closer inspection BSDL 2722 actually consists of a couple of knots and fainter streaks intersecting!  Just beyond the east end of this ribbon is NGC 2091, a slightly elongated cluster that is collinear with the streamer.  HDE 269936 a mag 11 "star" (an extremely compact cluster) is just off the SW side. NGC 2074, a bright HII region and cluster (part of the same complex LMC-N158), lies 8' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2081 = h2951 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and simply noted in the CGH catalogue as a "Cluster VI of vF stars and nebula.  See Catalogue of Nubecula Major."  His coordinates and placement on his chart of the LMC matches this association.

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NGC 2082 = ESO 086-021 = PGC 17609

05 41 51.0 -64 18 04; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.3' diameter, irregular surface brightness, slightly mottled like a face on spiral.  A mag 12 star is 2.5' ESE and two mag 11.5 stars are 8' WNW.  Shines through the north edge of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2082 = h2945 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF, L, R, vlbM, 2'."  On a later sweep he added "B, L, R, glbM, 90", has a *10m 2' dist 25” south-following."  His position and decsription matches ESO 086-021 = PGC 17609.

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NGC 2083 = LMC-N159D = ESO 057-14

05 39 58.8 -69 44 10; Dor

V = 10.8;  Size 1.5'

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2083 is the main northern section and the largest piece of the NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex (LMC-N159 and OB-association LH 105).  At 244x and NPB filter it appeared bright, large, nearly 2' in diameter, roughly circular.  The surface brightness appeared fairly uniform, though lower at the northeast periphery where it merges with NGC 2078.  Unfiltered, a half-dozen dozen stars mag 13.5 and fainter are involved in the nebula, along with mag 12.5 RMC 149, an O8.5-type supergiant near the center.  At 397x (unfiltered), a mag 14.5 companion is 7" N of RMC 149 and the star seemed slightly "soft".

 

On the southeast side of NGC 2083 [44" SE of the mag 12.5 star] is N159-5, a 15th magnitude "star" known as the LMC "Papillon Nebula".  This very compact object is classified as a Young Stellar Object (YSO) and High Excitation Blob (HEB), a rare class of ionized nebulae associated with massive star formation.  At 397x it appeared faint (15th mag) and quasi-stellar (though difficult to confirm).

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 214x and UHC filter, NGC 2083 appeared as a bright, large, slightly elongated glow ~1.8' diameter, surrounding a mag 12.5 star (O-class supergiant).  A brighter knot is embedded within the glow on the west side (LMC-N159I) on a line with NGC 2078.  Removing the filter, the bright central star has a companion at ~7" and several other mag 14 stars are embedded in the periphery of the glow.

 

NGC 2083 is situated in the northeast section of the curving "S" shaped NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex (LMC-N159 and OB-association LH 105).  This complex shares the same field with two additional bright emission regions - NGC 2085/86 4' N and NGC 2077/80 ~5.5' NNW (LMC-N160), and the combined complex forms a superb field of bright HII regions ~35' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula.  Although Herschel assigned 4 NGC numbers within LMC-N159, I logged at least 7 different brighter knots (see NGC 2084 for more).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2083 = h2952 (along with numerous other objects in this HII complex) on 23 Dec 1834  and recorded "the north following nucleus of the complex group of Plate III, figure 4, from drawing."  Herschel's excellent sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084.

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NGC 2084 = LMC-N159C = ESO 057-15

05 40 06.9 -69 45 34; Dor

V = 11.3;  Size 1.2'

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2084 is the second brightest section of the striking Henize N159 complex (NGC 2078/70/83/84) on its SE side and the brightest part of N159C.  At 244x + NPB filter, it appeared very bright, fairly large, irregular shape, over 1' diameter (elongated N-S). Unfiltered two stars are involved included a mag 14.0 (O-7 type).  Fainter nebulosity extends west for 1' (also part of N159C) with a mag 14.0 O7-type and 14.5 O8-type stars involved unfiltered. The nebulosity curls north on its west side and brightens in a 40" circular patch (N159C-west) that includes two 15th mag stars (unfiltered), one a young stellar object (YSO).  Overall, N159C displays a highly irregular curving shape with a patchy surface brightness and includes a half-dozen stars.

 

N159E, a detached piece ~1.5' S, is a fairly faint to moderately bright patch, irregularly round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness.  Unfiltered, a star was seen involved with the nebulosity (ionizing source?).   N159G, a slightly brighter detached piece 1.1' ENE of NGC 2084, appeared moderately bright and large, roughly oval, ~45" diameter.  Unfiltered, a faint star is centered in N159G.

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This emission knot was noted while making a careful observation of NGC 2084, which is located within the southeast region of a very bright nebular complex NGC 2078-79-83-8 (LMC-N159), located ~40' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula.  At the northeast end of the NGC 2084 region I noted a moderately bright, round knot, ~45" diameter.  Without a filter a star is involved with this glow.  Although John Herschel didn't catalogued this knot, it's shown on his sketch (Plate III, figure 4).  NGC 2084, a brighter knot, is close WSW on a direct line with NGC 2079.  NGC 2084 appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'.  Removing the filter a couple of stars are involved (with one brighter star).

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I returned to this detailed nebula the following night to make a complete observation at 200x using a UHC filter.  NGC 2084 forms the SE region of the complex and it's composed of several nearby components.  At the NE end of this extended region is a moderately bright, round knot, ~45" diameter (N159G).  Without a filter a star is involved with N159G (sketched by John Herschel but not catalogued).  A second, brighter embedded "glow" is close WSW on a direct line with NGC 2079.  This knot corresponds with John Herschel's position for NGC 2084 and is catalogued as N159C-east.  It appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'.  Removing the filter a couple of stars are involved (with one brighter star).  Finally, N159C-west (also sketched by Herschel but not cataloged) lies 1.5' W of N159C-east in the center of the entire complex and is connected to N159C-west by a faint bridge of nebulosity.  N159C-west appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 45" diameter.

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the SE component of a fascinating 4' HII complex filled with up to 8 distinguishable knots (4 have NGC numbers) with several of the brighter knots forming an "S" shape (this knot is at SE end of the "S").  At 200x and UHC filter it appeared very bright, round, fairly large glow, 1' diameter and encased within fainter nebulous haze that extends to the west.  NGC 2083 lies 1.5' NNW within the background glow that envelopes the entire complex.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2084 = h2953 in Dec 1834 and described as "The south following nucleus of the complex group of Plate III fig 4, from drawing."  Herschel's sketch shows 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084. The complex was discovered earlier by James Dunlop on 24 Sep 1826 and D 149 was recorded as "a faint round nebula, about 1' diameter".   His description could apply to NGC 2084 or one of the others in the nebulous group.  His position was ~5' too far east.

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NGC 2085 = LMC-N160B = ESO 057-16

05 40 09.3 -69 40 23; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 0.7'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this HII knot is part of an amazing field of nebulous glows located ~35' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula.  At 200x using a UHC filter, NGC 2085 appears bright, fairly small, ~25" diameter. A mag 10.0 star (supergiant HDE 269953) is just off the NE end (23" from the center).  NGC 2085 forms a close pair with NGC 2086 = IC 2145, a similar knot just 1.2' E.  Both of these knots are immersed in small, much fainter nebulous halos but the bright star itself does not appear to be involved.  Viewing with the filter, the field is divided up into three main groups with NGC 2085 and 2086 forming a close E-W pair separated by a mag 10 star.  NGC 2080 (brightest section in the LMC-N159/160 complex) and NGC 2077 lies ~2.5' NW and an impressive cluster of nebulous knots (NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 84) is roughly 6' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2085 = h2954 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "a very faint, nearly round nebula close to a star 10th mag, not observed in sweeping, but laid down Dec 4, 1873 in the drawing fig 4, Plate III whence its place is derived."  The identification is certain based on his sketch.

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NGC 2086 = IC 2145 = LMC-N160C = ESO 057-18

05 40 24 -69 40 14; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 0.7'

 

24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the eastern component of a close pair of nebulous glows with NGC 2085 just 1.2' W.  This pair is part of a fascinating group of numerous emission nebulae (LMC-N160 and LMC-N159) just 35' S of the Tarantula nebula.  At 200x with a UHC filter, this knot appears very bright (slightly brighter than NGC 2085), fairly small, round, ~30" diameter.  Without a filter, a faint star is near the center.  Mag 10 supergiant HD 269953 (misidentified as NGC 2086 in the ESO catalogue), which is nearly attached to the NE side of NGC 2085, lies 1' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2086 = h2956 in Dec 1834 and recorded "B, pS, R, lbM, follows a star 10m with other S stars about it.  Not observed in sweeping, but laid down in the drawing of Dec 4, 1837, whence its place is derived from the drawing fig 4, Pl III.  JH's position and sketch clearly shows that NGC 2086 follows the mag 10 star and corresponds with a nebulous patch 12 seconds of RA following the bright star.

 

Williamina Fleming discovered the emission spectrum of this nebula again on an objective prism plate taken in 1901 at Arequipa. As she didn't associate it with the NGC number, Dreyer catalogued Fleming 92 (Harvard discovery number) as IC 2145.  ESO, Harold Corwin and Mati Morel misidentified NGC 2086 with the mag 10 star.  After Corwin was notified he corrected his identification of NGC 2086.

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NGC 2087 = ESO 159-026 = PGC 17684

05 44 16.2 -55 31 57; Pic

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 136”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, slightly elongated, 30"x25", weak concentration.  Mag 7.5 HD 38873 is 11' ESE, mag 7.5 HD 38683 is 10' S, and unequal double HJ 3802 (8.4/10.7 at 8") is 14' SE, the trio forming a striking right triangle of stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2087 = h2946 on 6 Dec 1834 and noted "eF, R, vlbM, 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2088 = ESO 057-020 = S-L 652

05 41 00 -68 27 55; Dor

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, irregular, ~35" diameter.  Includes a bright quasi-stellar knot of stars near the center along with an individual star close east and a couple of mag 15-16 stars around the edges.  A neat 6' curving stream of stars begins at a mag 11 star 4.5' north and arcs southeast.  NGC 2088 is the first in a group of cluster with NGC 2096 7' E, NGC 2094 8.6' NE, NGC 2098 14' NE and NGC 2109 19' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2088 = h2955 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "eF; S; R; insulated."  His mean position (2 sweeps) of 05 40 56.4 -68 27 54 (2000) was used by Dreyer in the NGC.  The declination given in RNGC, NGC 2000 and UGC 2000 (first edition) is exactly 1 degree too far south.  This error originated in Shapley and Lindsay's "A Catalogue of Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Irish Astronomical Journal, v. 6, pp. 74-91, 1963.  The declination should have been -68” 29' instead of -69” 29'.  The error was noted by Hodge and Wright in their LMC Atlas.  The ESO and Kontizas position is correct.

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NGC 2089 = ESO 554-036 = MCG -03-15-016 = PGC 17860

05 47 51.4 -17 36 08; Lep

V = 11.9;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 39”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Collinear with a mag 11 star 1.6' SSE and a mag 12 star 2.8' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2089 = H III-270 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "a very faint extremely small stellar nebula; 240 verified it with difficulty, and considerable attention, the night being uncommonly clear."  JH did not make an observation but the NGC position matches ESO 554-036  = PGC 17860.  Auwers reduced RA is 1 hr too large.

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NGC 2090 = ESO 363-023 = MCG -06-13-009 = PGC 17819

05 47 01.8 -34 15 02; Col

V = 11.2;  Size 4.9'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 13”

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 2.5'x0.8'.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north tip 1.5' from center, a mag 14 star is at the west edge, 40" from center and another 14th mag star is 1.2' SE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2090 = D 594 = h2944 on 29 Oct 1826 and described "a small faint nebula, with a ray shooting out on the north side."  Dunlop observed this galaxy once and his position is 3' too far SSW.  The "ray" he mentions probably consists of 3 mag 13-14 stars.  John Herschel recorded the galaxy twice, on 8 Jan 1836 recording a "globular cluster, B; R; with an appendage to northward; 2.5' diameter." The following night he described it as "B, irreg R, gbM; 3' long; 2' broad with stars appended. This RA to be preferred".  Herschel called this galaxy a globular in the GC and Dreyer copied that classification in the NGC description.

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NGC 2091 = ESO 057-021 = S-L 653

05 40 57.7 -69 26 11; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 1.0'

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I accidentally picked up this cluster while examining the beautiful star cloud/nebula NGC 2081 to the NW.  A bright E-W ribbon is on the south side of NGC 2081 with its vertex (brighter and larger end of the streamer) closest to NGC 2074 (to the SW) and extending towards the east.  Just beyond the east end of this ribbon I picked up this elongated glow that appeared collinear with the streamer.  At 214x without a filter, the 35"x25" knot partially resolved into a number of fainter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2091 = h2957 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded as "vF; S; mE; glbM; 1' l; perhaps a vF double neb.  See Catalogue of the Nubecula Major."  Since no sweep is given in his LMC catalogue, the discovery date is unknown.  His position is ~1' SSW of this cluster.

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NGC 2092 = ESO 057-022

05 41 22.0 -69 13 27; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.2'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very faint round knot, ~40" diameter with a brighter core.  Located 4' W of NGC 2100 and 17' SE of the center of the Tarantula.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2092 = h2962 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded a "cluster class 6. vF, R, 60", partially resolved. See Catalogue of the Nubecula Major".  The CGH position (based on the sketch) is 1.3' east of this cluster (and just west of NGC 2100).

 

Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "This may be the star-rich region just W of NGC 2100. Position deduced by Herschel from a drawing and not made in a sweep. Listed as N[ebula] in Nubec. Cat and Cl in general Cat.  Description does not agree with anything here."

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NGC 2093 = ESO 057-023 = S-L 657 = LH 109

05 41 50 -68 55 18; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 1.5'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x):  this stellar association (LH 109) is located just 20' NE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula and less than 1' SSE of a mag 7.2 star (HD 38617).  It appeared as a fairly bright, fairly large mottled glow, roughly 1.7' in diameter. A mag 11.7 star is at the west edge.  Several faint stars are resolved around the edges, including ones at the north, northeast and south side.  A mag 9.4 star (HD 38654) is 3' NW and a mag 9.4 star (HD 269975) is 6' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2093 = h2963 on on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "vF, S, R. This nebula forms an appendage to the skirts of the great looped nebula 30 Doradus, which hang down in visible fringes from the upper (southern) part of the field."  His position is accurate.  Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 184, which James Dunlop discovered in 1826 and described as "a very small round nebula, about 8" diameter."  Dunlop's position is 9' due west of the cluster.

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NGC 2094 = KMHK 1251

05 42 07.4 -68 21 47; Dor

V = 12.8;  Size 0.4'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small, high surface brightness, 20" diameter.  Two close stars are resolved at the north edge.  Mag 9.6 HD 270036 is 4.6' SE. Several clusters are nearby including NGC 2098 5.8' NNE, NGC 2096 5.8' S and NGC 2088 8.7' SW

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2094 = h2959 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; S; R; 12"."  Herschel made a single observation and his position is an excellent match with KMHK 1251.  The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas misidentifies ESO 57-SC26 as NGC 2094.  This cluster is situated 33' south (and just following NGC 2093).  ESO and NED followed this misidentification.  Archinal and Hynes correctly identify NGC 2094 = KMHK 1251.

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NGC 2095 = ESO 086-024 = S-L 669 = LH 112

05 42 51 -67 19 18; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 3.0'x1.5'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): Although Herschel described a large "oblong cluster", the brightest subgroup is at the east end (S-L 669).  It appeared as a bright, moderately large patch, irregular, 1' diameter, with several mag 13.5-14 stars resolved around the edges.  A separate patch lies 1.3' W with a mag 11 star 2.2' W.  A group of stars (KMHK 1253) is 1' NW of the brighter star.  The entire collection forms the stellar association LH 112, a 3'x1.5' group of resolved stars highlighted by S-L 669.  Located 8' NE of mag 7.0 HD 38616.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2095 = h2961 on 20 Dec 1835 and described "a star 9m, chief of a F irreg oblong cluster 3' in extent."  His position, measured on 3 sweeps, is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2096 = ESO 057-027 = S-L 664

05 42 18 -68 27 30; Dor

V = 11.4;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, compact LMC cluster, ~25".  A close double star is resolved at the center, along with two other bright mag 13 stars and a couple of additional mag 15+ stars.  A mag 11.8 star is off the west side [40" from center].  Mag 9.6 HD 270036 lies 3.5' NE.  Nearby is NGC 2088 7' W, NGC 2094 6' N and NGC 2098 11' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2096 = h(725) between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as#725 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  His position is 1.7' too far south.

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NGC 2097 = ESO 086-028 = S-L 682

05 44 16 -62 47 06; Dor

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly faint , moderately large, 45" glow with a mag 14 star involved on the south side.  The slightly brighter core of the cluster is very close northeast of the star, but the cluster was unresolved.  The field includes a mag 13 star 2' SSE, two mag 11/12.5 stars 3.5' ENE and a group of mag 13-15 stars ~3' NW.  Located 17.5' NE of mag 6.9 HD 38511.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2097 = h2960 on 26 Dec 1834 and described as "F, irregularly round, psbM, sf a small group." On a second sweep he called it "eF, S, R; has a star 16th mag in centre." His last observation was recorded as "pF, R, pslbM, 50"."

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NGC 2098 = ESO 057-028 = S-L 667

05 42 30 -68 16 30; Dor

V = 10.7;  Size 1.6'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky):  extremely bright LMC cluster, ~1' diameter.  Contains a very bright, nebulous core.  The halo is largely resolved and includes two or three bright stars; a mag 13 star is at the east edge, a mag 13-13.5 star is at the north edge and a mag 13.5 star is at the south edge.  In addition another 10 stars are resolved in the cluster.  Several clusters are to the south: NGC 2094 5.8' SSW, NGC 2096 11' S, NGC 2088 14' SW as well as S-L 666 6' NNW.  The S-L cluster surrounds a mag 13 star and a half-dozen mag 15/16 stars are resolved in a 40" halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2098 = h2965 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "B; S clustering group or globular cluster; 30", stars visible."  On a second sweep he logged it as "a small close knot or cluster, 40"."  JH gave a very uncertain (??) equivalence with D 185.  Dunlop's description reads "a small faint round nebula, preceding a minute double star of the 12th magnitude.  Another similar nebula follows, about 20" in RA, and 2' south in a line with the double star."  His position is nearly 13' due E of this cluster, though there is no "similar nebula" that follows, so this identification is very suspect.

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NGC 2099 = M37 = Cr 75

05 52 19 +32 33 12; Aur

V = 5.6;  Size 24'

 

8": very large, very rich cluster, over 150 stars, rich in mag 10-13 stars.  A reddish star, HD 39183, is near the center.  Best of the three bright Messier open clusters in Auriga and one of the top open clusters in the sky.

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered M37 = NGC 2099 = h369 in 1654.  Charles Messier independently discovered the cluster on 2 Sept 1764 and reported a "cluster of small stars, not far from the preceding [M36], on the parallel of Chi Aurigae; the stars are very small, very crowded and containing nebulosity; it is difficult to see the stars with an ordinary telescope of 3 feet and a half."   On 4 Nov 1782, William Herschel recorded "Is an astonishing number of small stars with 227; they are almost all of the 2nd or 3rd class. I see no kind of nebulosity in the spot. With 460 the whole is resolvable into stars without nebulosity."

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NGC 2100 = ESO 057-025 = S-L 662 = LH 111

05 42 08.0 -69 12 44; Dor

V = 9.6;  Size 2'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster appears as a small, bright (V = 9.6) clump of stars and unresolved haze with a diameter of ~2'.  Fairly compact and isolated with at least 10 mag 12 and fainter stars resolved.  Located 20' ESE of the core of the Tarantula nebula within the LMC OB-association LH 111.  On the DSS, this appears to be a very rich open cluster or globular within a larger association.  NGC 2092 lies 4' WSW and NGC 2108 is 10' ENE.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2100 = D 154? on 25 Sep 1826 and reported "a pretty bright round or rather elliptical nebula, 25" diameter."  His position is 5.6' ESE of the cluster, well within his typical errors.  Glen Cozens assigns D 151 to NGC 2100.  Dunlop described this entry as "a faint ill-defined small nebula" and the position is just 2.5' NW of the cluster.  Finally, JH also suggest that D 147 might be an equivalence.  This entry is 8.4' WSW of the cluster and the description reads "a pretty bright round or rather oval nebula, 30" diameter."  This description is very similar to the one for D 154.

 

On his first sweep of 3 Nov 1834, JH described NGC 2100 = h2966 as "a bright S cluster of distinct stars (thick haze)."  On a second sweep he wrote "the cluster sf the great looped nebula." On a third occasion he called it "globular cluster, irr R, psmbM, 2'."  His 4th sweep reads "globular, B, R, 3', all resolved into stars 13..16th mag."  His final record states "B, S, m compressed, not mbM; irregular oval, 3', stars distinct 13th mag." He noted it might be equivalent to Dunlop 154, 151? or 154??

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NGC 2101 = ESO 205-001 = PGC 17793

05 46 22.6 -52 05 24; Pic

V = 13.7;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this disturbed, chaotic galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. The galaxy is collinear with a string of three mag 10-11 stars to the southwest (closest star is 3.6' SW) and mag 14 stars are close south and ESE.  Located 22' SSW of NGC 2104.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2101 = h2958 on 9 Jan 1837 and recorded "eF, R, 40", a line of three stars, 10th mag to south, points nearly to it."  His position and description is accurate, though the stars are southwest.

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NGC 2102 = ESO 057-029 = S-L 665

05 42 21 -69 29 12; Dor

V = 11.4;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small, mottled glow, 24" diameter. A half-dozen tightly packed stars are resolved including an easy mag 12.9 star at the south edge.  Located 17' E of the excellent NGC 2074 nebulous cluster and 15' SE of showpiece NGC 2081, both of which lie ~20' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2102 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as#730 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."  His position is 0.9' SSW of this cluster.

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NGC 2103 = LMC-N214C = ESO 57-24 = S-L 660 = LH 110

05 41 40 -71 19 56; Men

V = 10.8;  Size 3'x2'

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x unfiltered; fairly bright, very large, roundish glow surrounding a central star (12.7-magnitude O2-type Sk -71”51) with a bright quasi-stellar knot at the north edge (0.9' N of the central star).  Increasing the magnification to 397x, ~8 total stars are involved.  The nebula was clearly elongated NNW-SSE (tapering on the SSE end) and brighter along a central spine.  The addition of a NPB filter at 244x produced an excellent contrast gain; the nebula appeared very bright with an irregular surface brightness and the small knot at the north edge (a high excitation HII blob or HEB) was a prominent feature.

 

Note: The central "star" was resolved by the HST into a compact cluster of at least 6 components in a 4" region!  The HEB is a small dense region ("only" 4 to 9 light-years wide), representing an "early stage of massive stars (O-type) emerging from their embryonic molecular clouds."

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster and emission nebula appeared as a bright, very large oval glow, ~3'x2'.  Excellent response to a UHC filter at 200x and with this combination the nebulosity has a very high surface brightness.  Five stars down to 15th magnitude are involved unfiltered with mag 12.7-magnitude Sk -71”51, an unusually hot and intrinsically bright star (O2-class), at the center.  The cluster is the O-association LH 110.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2103 = h2968 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB; L; pmE; glbM; has a *13m in the middle."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2104 = ESO 205-002 = PGC 17822

05 47 04.7 -51 33 11; Pic

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness, 1.3'x0.8'.  A mag 12 star lies 5' SW.  Easy to locate 29' S of mag 3.9 Beta Pictoris.  NGC 2101 lies 22' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2104 = h2964 on 27 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, R, vlbM, 30"."  His position matches ESO 205-002 = PGC 17822.

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NGC 2105 = ESO 086-029 = S-L 687

05 44 19.8 -66 55 02; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, irregular, mottled, partially resolved, 50"x30" E-W.  Slightly brighter stars are at the east and west end, and several additional mag 16 stars are resolved.  A mag 11.5 star is 2' SE and cluster H-S 408 was picked up 5.5' SE.  It appeared as a moderately to fairly bright glow, elongated NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', mottled but unresolved.  The mag 11.5 star is roughly midway between H-S 408 and NGC 2105.  The HII complex LHa 120-N74 lies 15' SSE (western part) and 20' SE (eastern part).

 

LHa 120-N74 (west): at 152x + NPB filter; excellent HII region!  Bright, very large, elongated E-W, very irregular shape, ~7'x4', the main section tapers on the eastern end and spreads out on the western end.  Numerous mag 14 stars are involved as well as mag 10.2 HD 270111 on the south side.  LHa 120-N74 (East) lies ~9' ESE, with the two regions spanning nearly 15' E-W.

 

LHa 120-N74 (east): at 152x + NPB filter; bright, very large nebulous region.  The main piece is oval 3:2 E-W, ~2'x1.4' and brighter along the rim.  A filament is attached on the south side extending to the southeast!  Unfiltered a number of stars are involved with the nebulosity.  A mag 11.2 star is roughly 3' S.  LHa 120-N74 W is ~9' W.  Although this is very likely part of the same complex, the two sections did not appear connected.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2105 = h2969 on 2 Jan 1837 and logged "vF; R; 30".  The obs in RA is marked as uncertain."  On the very next night he observed the cluster again and reported "F; R; gbM; 80".  His (mean) position matches ESO 86-SC29.  The RNGC and NGC 2000.0 declination is 30' too far north.  This positional error originated from a misprint in the Shapley-Lindsay catalogues for S-L 687 = NGC 2105.

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NGC 2106 = ESO 555-003 = MCG -04-14-040 = PGC 17975

05 50 46.6 -21 34 01; Lep

V = 12.1;  Size 2.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, oval, bright core.  A mag 13 star is 1.6' N and a mag 13.5 star lies 2.5' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2106 = h2967 on 21 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R or lE; gbM; 15"."  His position matches ESO 555-003 = PGC 17975.

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NGC 2107 = ESO 057-32 = S-L 679

05 43 12.5 -70 38 28; Men

V = 11.5;  Size 2.1'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, round, 1' diameter.  Contains a very large bright core with only a thin fainter halo, slightly mottled appearance but no clear resolution.  Two mag 12 and 13 stars are 3' and 4' WSW and two mag 12.5 and 13 star lie 3.5' and 4' WNW.

 

NGC 2107 is surrounded by several small clusters (these were all picked up just examining the field): S-L 691 and S-L 692, a close pair of open clusters, is 5' ESE, S-L 676 is 4' N, S-L 684 is 5' NNE and H-S 398 is 9' NNW.

S-L 676: moderately bright and large, round, 35" diameter, smooth glow with no resolution.  S-L 684 is 2.4' ENE.

S-L 684: fairly faint to moderately bright, smooth glow, 25" diameter, roundish, no resolution.

S-L 691: faint or fairly faint, small, round, glow, 25" diameter.  S-L 691 is the northern of close pair of LMC clusters with S-L 692 just 48" S.

S-L 692: fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated glow, 35" diameter, no resolution.

H-S 398: moderately bright, fairly small, round, soft glow, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2107 = h2971 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "F; R; gvlbM; 60"."  On a second sweep he recorded "B; R; gmbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 11 Dec 1884 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  At the same time he discovered two other clusters in the field; S-L 676 and S-L 684.  He sketched these clusters with respect to NGC 2107 and measured offsets, though these discoveries were never published.  On 10 Feb 1885 he reobserved the field and also discovered S-L 692.

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NGC 2108 = ESO 057-033 = S-L 686

05 43 56.8 -69 10 50; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up while viewing NGC 2100 located 10' WSW.  At 171x NGC 2108 appeared as a fairly faint knot, ~1 diameter with no resolution.  A mag 10 star is 5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2108 = h2970 on 16 Dec 1835 and described as "eF; pL; 1E."  His position is accurate.  Herschel gave an uncertain (??) equivalence with D 153, which James Dunlop described as "a faint small round nebula, 15" diameter."  His position is 7.4' NW of the cluster, so this identification is within his typical errors, though the Glen Cozens doesn't make this equivalence.

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NGC 2109 = ESO 057-034 = S-L 688

05 44 23 -68 32 54; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, high surface brightness glow with a thin halo, mottled but too dense to resolve the main 40" glow.  A couple of mag 16 stars are visible around the edges of the 1' halo.  A mag 9 star is 7' SW.  NGC 2096 lies 13' WNW and NGC 2116 is 16' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2109 = h2972 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"."  On a second sweep he recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20"."  Finally, on his last observation he noted "pF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 35"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2110 = MCG -01-15-004 = PGC 18030

05 52 11.4 -07 27 21; Ori

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, evenly increases to bright middle and small bright core with a stellar nucleus.  Located in a rich star field 6' SSW of mag 8.9 SAO 132606.  Mag 5.4 55 Orionis lies 12' WSW.  Appears brighter than 14p.  Incorrect declination in the RNGC 10' too far north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2110 = H III-448 = H III-450 = h370 (equivalence noted by Albert Marth in AN 995) on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and recorded III-450 as "eF, vS, 240 confirmed it."  His summary description from three observations reads, "vF, S, R, resolvable, lbM."  He also found it on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and logged "eF, E, er.  Is probably a patch."  Because of the differing descriptions, WH assumed it was new, and catalogued it again as III-510.  On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel logged, "vF; R; psbM." and combined the two H-designations in the GC.  The declination given in the RNGC is 10' too far north.

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NGC 2111 = ESO 057-035 = S-L 699

05 44 33 -70 59 36; Men

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately bright, fairly large cluster, irregular outline, 45" diameter.  The brighter core is elongated E-W and mottled with a couple of stars occasionally resolved.  A few mag 15+ stars are also visible around the edges.  Mag 9.2 HD 39133 is 5' SW.  Located near the southeast end of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2111 = h2973 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; S; R; gbM".  On a second sweep he estimated the size as 40".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2112 = Cr 76 = OCL-509 = Lund 1122

05 53 46 +00 24 36; Ori

V = 8.4;  Size 11'

 

17.5" (2/8/91): three dozen stars over unresolved haze, roughly 10' diameter.  The brightest star (mag 10) is at NW edge.  Includes a string of five mag 12-13 stars on the north side but most stars are very faint.  This cluster is fairly rich but not dense.  Barnard's Loop passes just west of the cluster heading south and NE where it is brightest!

 

8" (1/1/84): 12 faint stars mag 12/13 in cluster.  Also includes one bright mag 10 star at NW edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2112 = H VII-24 = h371 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a cluster of pretty compressed pS scattered stars."  The summary description (including a 2nd observation) in his PT catalogue and "with many eS suspected between them. 7' or 8' diameter."  On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107), John Herschel recorded "the 2nd and brightest star of a poor straggling cl 10 or 12' long."

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NGC 2113 = LMC-N168 = ESO 057-36

05 45 25 -69 46 30; Dor

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly large elongated glow, knotty, 1' diameter.  This nebulous cluster has an unusual structure; a small bright elongated knot is on the east end (N168A) and a second small, fairly bright, elongated knot is adjacent on the west side (N168B).  Strong response to an NPB filter and a much larger nebulous hazy glow extends to the west, increasing the size to 1.5'.  The high surface brightness elongated pieces lie on the east end.  Located 30' E of the NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex.

 

Emission nebula LHa 120-N163 lies 12' W and appeared as a bright, large, irregular glow, ~3' diameter.  Several stars are involved with the nebulosity, including a mag 13 star on the north side and a couple of additional mag 13.5 stars (H-S 400).  Excellent response to the NPB filter at 152x and 303x.  The glow is clearly brighter in an arc (opening towards the northwest) on the southeast end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2113 = h2975 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded (first of 5 observations) "F (?) L, R; thick haze." The next observation was recorded as "a pB cluster nebula 90"." On a third occasion he noted "F cluster, irreg fig; gbM; 2'; resolved." The fourth observation was recorded as "F, irreg fig; resolvable; one star seen; 90"." The final observation was recorded as "irregular oval cluster; vF; 2' diameter; vl compressed to the middle; almost nebulous. Stars = 16th mag."  JH noted the equivalence with Dunlop 155, although it is not given by Steinicke.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2113 = D 155? in 1826 and described "a very faint elliptical nebula, about 50" diameter, slightly bright to the center."  His position is 6' SW of this cluster and the description is a reasonable match.  But Wolfgang Steinicke and Glen Cozens equate D 156 with NGC 2113.  The position for D 156 is 11' SE of this nebulous cluster.

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NGC 2114 = ESO 057-037 = S-L 706

05 46 12 -68 02 54; Dor

V = 12.5;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; this fairly faint to moderately bright LMC cluster is elongated SW to NE, ~1' diameter.  A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge and another is near the north edge, 30" from center.  In addition, a couple of individual stars are within the main body of the cluster.  A mag 11.3 is 1.4' ESE of the cluster, mag 10 HD 270109 is 4.5' NW and mag 7.5 HD 38942 is 15' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2114 = h2974 on 30 Jan 1835 and described as "eF; pL; irreg R."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2114 = D 186? on 27 Sep 1826 and recorded "a very small faint nebula".  His position is 14' SE of the cluster.  Wolfgang Steinicke equates D 187 with NGC 2114. His position for this entry is 19' SE of the cluster.

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NGC 2115 = ESO 205-006 = PGC 18001

05 51 19.8 -50 34 58; Pic

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 50”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located just north of a bright asterism of a half-dozen stars; mag 9.0 HD 39625 is 5' SW, mag 9 HD 39606 8.6' SSW, mag 10 star 3.5' SE, mag 11/12/11 triple at 5"/24" is 3' S.  Located 49' NE of mag 3.8 Beta Pictoris.  A faint companion (NGC 2115A) off the south side was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2115 = h2976 on 4 Jan 1837. His position and description ("eeF; vS; nf a triangle of stars 10m which form part of a bright group") matches ESO 205-006 (double system).  Classified as an "Unverified southern object" in the RNGC.

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NGC 2116 = ESO 057-038 = S-L 715

05 47 15 -68 30 30; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, roundish glow, 0.6' diameter, very mottled and lively with a number of extremely faint mag 16+ stars popping in and out of view.  Located 2.2' ESE of a mag 11 star.  NGC 2109 lies 16' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2116 = h2977 on 30 Dec 1836 and reported "F; S; R.  A star 11m precedes."  His position from this single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2117 = ESO 086-033 = S-L 718

05 47 46 -67 27 00; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 1.3'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): bright, moderately large, irregular shape, 1' diameter.  A mag 13.3 star is at the west edge, a mag 14 star is on the northeast side and a mag 14.8 star is at the southeast end.  The central region is very mottled and lively with 8 additional mag 15+ stars resolving.  Mag 9 HD 39371 lies 6' WNW.  LHa 120-N74, a huge HII complex with two sections lies 20'-25' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2117 = h2978 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded (first of 5 sweeps) "pB, S, resolved."  On a second sweep he recorded "pB, E; resolved. I see the stars in it; 2' long."  On his third sweep he logged "pF, irregularly round, 40 or 50", vlbM."

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NGC 2118 = ESO 057-039 = S-L 717

05 47 40 -69 07 54; Dor

V = 12.0;  Size 1.3'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, unresolved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2118 = h2979 on 16 Dec 1835 and described a "globular; vsmbM; 15"."  On a second sweep he recorded "a vS, B knot, probably 6 or 8 vS stars wedged into a close group."  His position matches this cluster.

 

James Dunlop perhaps discovered NGC 2118 = D 157? earlier on 25 Sep 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula, 8" or 10" diameter.  This is the preceding of three nebulae forming a triangle."  His position from a single observation is 8' NE, well within his typical errors, though there is no sign of his other two nebulae anywhere nearby.

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NGC 2119 = UGC 3380 = PGC 18136

05 57 26.9 +11 56 56; Ori

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, very small, bright core, elongated 3:2 NW-SE in a rich star field.  A mag 11 star is 2' NE.  Located just 6 degrees from the galactic equator.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2119 = St X-19 on 9 Jan 1880.  His position matches UGC 3380 = PGC 18136, though the UGC does not identify this number as N2119.

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NGC 2120 = ESO 086-034 = S-L 742

05 50 35 -63 40 30; Dor

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; moderately bright and large, round, contained a large slightly brighter core, fairly smooth, ~50" diameter. A mag 15 star is off the southwest side, 0.9' from center, and a few extremely faint stars sparkled around the edges.  Located 5.7' S of mag 8.8 HD 39842.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2120 = h2980 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; pL; R; glbM; 80"."  In 1926, Willem van den Bos described it visually as a "Nebula with many stars in it, or a cluster; 11 mag; 1/2' diameter." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2121 = ESO 057-040 = S-L 725

05 48 12 -71 28 54; Men

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.5'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; bright, very large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 2.0'x1.6', only a broad weak concentration.  Fairly smooth appearance with only a slight granularity.  A couple of mag 15.5-16 are resolved around the edges.  Mag 9.9 HD 39626 is 6' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2121 = h2982 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; vglbM; 3'."  His position from one sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2122 = LMC-N180B = ESO 057-41 = S-L 731 = LH 117

05 48 53 -70 04 12; Men

V = 10.4;  Size 4.5'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): Superb HII region and cluster!  Unfiltered, at least 3 dozen stars are resolved in a 4' region including several fairly bright mag 12 stars.  The brightest mag 12.2 star HD 270145 at the center is a supermassive O6-class (binary).  The NPB filter provided an excellent contrast gain at 152x!  With the filter, the nebulosity (N180B) was very bright and large, round, ~4.5' diameter, brighter on the southwest end and overall displayed an irregular surface brightness with some darker areas.  A bright, small detached knot (N180A), just south of 3 stars, is just off the southwest side [~2.5' from center].  NGC 2122 is part of association LH 117 and contains several early O-type stars..

 

Open cluster S-L 740 is 10' SSE and S-L 769 is 23' due east.  At 394x; S-L 769 appeared large, round, smooth moderate surface brightness, nearly 1' diameter.  A mag 13 star is attached at the east end.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2122 = D 106 on 3 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector and recorded "A faint elliptical nebula, about 2' diameter; slightly condensed to the centre."  He made 2 observations and his position is just 3' NE of center.

 

JH observed this cluster/nebula on 5 sweeps (h1319).  On his first observation from 24 Nov 1834 he logged "B, L nebula, 6' l, 5' br; resolved, in part; chief star 11th mag taken."  On a second sweep he called it "pB, L, irregularly round, glbM, 3', resolved into stars 15th mag."  On his 4th sweep he noted "cluster, irregular figure, consists of 3 or 4 disjoined clusters, the middle one the largest and brightest; of 3 or 4 large stars and nebulosity; chief star taken."

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NGC 2123 = ESO 086-036 = S-L 755

05 51 43.5 -65 19 18; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  This LMC cluster is located 50' NE of mag 4.3 Delta Doradus.  In the 105x field it is 8' SE of mag 8.0 SAO 249373 and is collinear with two mag 10.5-11.5 stars 5' and 10' NE, respectively.  DSFG notes this is a "relatively bright and compact group".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2123 = h2983 on 30 Nov 1834 and reported "pB; vS; R; vglbM; 12"."   In 1926, Robert Innes described it visually as a "small globular cluster. = 9mag, with outliers; very condensed." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2124 = ESO 555-016 = MCG -03-16-003 = PGC 18147

05 57 52.2 -20 05 05; Lep

V = 12.6;  Size 2.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge.  Located in a rich star field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2124 = H III-225 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 304) and noted "eF, E, resolvable, near 1' long.  Verified 240 power."  Auwer's reduction places his position is 2.4' NW of ESO 555-016 = PGC 18147.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlain Observatory, commented "F,S; not eeF as in WH's description".

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NGC 2125 = ESO 057-044 = S-L 750

05 50 54 -69 28 48; Dor

Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright glow, elongated NW-SE, 35" diameter.  A mag 14.7 star (~5" double with a mag 16 star) is at the northeast end, a mag 15.7 star is at the southwest tip and a mag 16 star is at the northwest edge.  NGC 2127 lies 7.5' NNE and the double cluster NGC 2136/2137 is 11' E.

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): fairly faint, fairly small, 30" diameter, unconcentrated.  A couple of very faint stars are resolved as well as a mag 14.5-15 star on the northeast edge.  Faintest of 3 clusters with NGC 2127 7.5' NE and NGC 2136/2137 11' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2125 = h2985 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 50"; gbM."  His position (single sweep) is 1' too far south.

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NGC 2126 = Cr 78 = Mel 39 = OCL-418

06 02 31 +49 52 00; Aur

Size 6'

 

13.1" (2/25/84): 25-30 stars mag 12-14.5, fairly dense, small, pretty cluster.  The cluster is dominated by mag 6.1 SAO 40801 which lies on the NE side of the cluster.

 

8" (1/1/84): 20 stars mag 12-13.5.  Located close SW of a mag 6 star, appears rich with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2126 = H VIII-68 on 12 Nov 1787 (sweep 781) and recorded "a small cluster of scattered stars, not rich, one 7th mag towards the northern side, but it does not seem to be connected with the cluster."  His position is very close to mag 6 HD 40626, although this is at the northeast side of the cluster and is probably not related.

 

Ling notes that position of this cluster should be 06h 02.6m +49d 52' according to Megastar position.

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NGC 2127 = ESO 057-045 = S-L 751

05 51 22 -69 21 39; Dor

V = 11.6;  Size 1.2'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): very bright, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30" diameter, high surface brightness, stellar nucleus. No resolution except for mag 14.5 star at the south tip and a mag 15.5 star at the west edge.  NGC 2125 is 7.5' SSW and NGC 2136 is 12' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2127 = h2986 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, S, R, 15"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2128 = UGC 3392 = MCG +10-09-010 = CGCG 284-006 = PGC 18374

06 04 34.2 +57 37 40; Cam

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 15 year-old son, discovered NGC 2128 = Sw. VI-25 on 27 Dec 1886.  There is nothing near the published position but exactly 30' south is UGC 3392.  The description "vF; vS; vlE" is appropriate (though not adding anything) and it seems very possible that Lewis made a 30' error in reading the dec circle.  Due to the difference in dec, Bigourdan was unable to find NGC 2128.  Harold Corwin agrees with my conclusion.

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NGC 2129 = Cr 77 = OCL-467 = Lund 293

06 01 07 +23 19 24; Gem

V = 6.7;  Size 7'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): bright, fairly rich group surrounding two mag 7.5 and 8 stars (SAO 77842 and 77839) oriented N-S.  There are about three dozen stars mag 10-14 in an 5' well-detached circular group with several double stars including a faint pair preceding the northern mag 8 star.  The southern mag 8 star has a couple of very faint companions.

 

This group is apparently an asterism based on a 1994 study.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2129 = H VIII-26 = h372 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 317) and described "A Cl of st of various magnitudes, not very rich, 6 or 7' diam."  On 24 Feb 1827(sweep 59), John Herschel wrote, "about 40 or 50 st.  The brightest 8m taken.  The rest are 10...15m."  The center (as defined as the midpoint of the two mag 7.5-8 stars) is 06 01 07 +23 19.4 (J2000).

 

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 6 Feb 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 2130 = ESO 086-037 = S-L 758

05 52 24 -67 20 06; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 35" diameter.  Four or five mag 14.5-15 stars are resolved in the halo on the NW, SW and E sides.  NGC 2135 lies 9' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2130 = h2987 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and the cluster was observed on 7 sweeps!  His descriptions range from "faint" to "pretty bright" with sizes ranging from 18" to 45".  As an example of his consistency, his RA measures vary by a total of 5.4 seconds with a total declination range of 0.8'.

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NGC 2131 = ESO 488-050 = PGC 18172

05 58 47.4 -26 39 10; Lep

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 118”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is in contact on the north end.  A possible companion is about 4' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2131 = h2984 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; has a *13 m in centre."  His position matches ESO 488-050 = PGC 18172.

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NGC 2132 = ESO 120-022

05 55 58 -59 55 42; Pic

Size 17'x11'

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): 20 stars (half-dozen bright ones) in a 10'x3' region, roughly arranged in two east-west strings.  This group (asterism or cluster) includes mag 7.9 HD 40484 at the northwest end and four additional mag 10 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2132 = h2988 on 11 Jan 1836 and described the "chief * of a cluster 8th class of about a dozen bright and some smaller stars." His position corresponds with mag 8 SAO 234207 at 05 55 09.0 -59 54 37 (J2000) and his description probably applies to the scattered group following.

 

Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289) notes "Not found. Centered on CPD 59”542. This is supposedly the chief star of a cluster of about a dozen stars. Dreyer has a marginal note "1/2 doz. only". Not in the Nubec. Major Catalogue. No sign here of a cluster."  RNGC follows Lindsay as classifies as nonexistent and the number is missing from the ESO catalogue, although it stands out on the DSS.

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NGC 2133 = ESO 057-046 = S-L 751

05 51 29 -71 10 30; Men

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, relatively large brighter core, unresolved.  This cluster is a smaller and paler version of NGC 2134, which lies 5.2' NNE.  S-L 747 is 6.5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2133 = h2989 (along with NGC 2134 = h2991) on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2134 = ESO 057-047 = S-L 760

05 51 57.2 -71 05 52; Men

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly large, round, 1.1' diameter, sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core.  No resolution in the halo except for a mag 14.5 star just off the northeast edge and a mag 15.5 star at the south-southwest edge.  NGC 2133 lies 5' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2134 = h2991 (along with NGC 2133 = h2989) on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded it in four sweeps.  His first observation reads "B; L; R; gbM; 90"."  His mean position is 05 51 57.2 -71 06 27 (2000) which is close to the ESO position of 05 51 56.7 -71 05 50 (2000) but RNGC has an incorrect RA of 05 50.1, which is repeated in NGC 2000.0.

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NGC 2135 = ESO 086-039 = S-L 765

05 53 35 -67 25 36; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright, small, roundish, mottled, high surface brightness, 30" diameter.  Unresolved (too compact) except for a mag 14.5 star at the west edge.  A mag 11 star is 1.9' WSW.  NGC 2130 lies 9' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2135 = h2990 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded it on 5 sweeps.  His first observation reads "vF, R, glbM, 1'. Among stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2136 = ESO 057-048 = S-L 762

05 52 59 -69 29 36; Dor

V = 10.5;  Size 1.9'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright LMC cluster, large, very mottled and lively, relatively large bright core.  A mag 13-13.5 star is at the northwest edge and a mag 14 star is at the south edge.  Roughly a dozen stars are resolved in total.  A mag 10.8 star is 1.5' NNW and a mag 12 star is 1' SSW. Forms a striking double cluster with NGC 2137 1.4' NE (the two clusters form a gravitationally bound binary system).  NGC 2125 lies 11' W and NGC 2150 (a galaxy) is 15' ESE.

 

James Dunlop probably NGC 2136 = D 160 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round pretty well defined nebula."  He made 2 observations and his position is 8.6' too far SW (typical error).

 

JH attributed Dunlop with the discovery and recorded the cluster on 4 sweeps.  His first observation of h2992 reads "pB, R, bM, 1'; has a star 10.11th mag N.p. (thick haze)."   On his last sweep he noted "Globular cluster, pB, R, gmbM, resolved, stars 14..16 mag; has a vvF neb N.f [NGC 2137]."

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NGC 2137 = ESO 057-049 = S-L 764

05 53 13 -69 28 54; Dor

V = 12.7;  Size 0.8'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, small, round, 20" diameter, lively, several extremely faint mag 16+ stars resolved.  A mag 13 star is 50" NE.  NGC 2137 is the fainter and smaller of a striking double cluster with much brighter NGC 2136 just 1.4' SW!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2137 = h2994 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 30"; the following of 2 [with NGC 2136]."  His position (2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2138 = ESO 086-040 = S-L 777

05 54 49 -65 50 06; Dor

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): relatively faint, small, round, 25"-30" diameter, slightly brighter core, low surface brightness, no resolution.  Four bright field stars lie directly south including mag 7.9  HD 40624 2.9' SSE and  mag 8.5 HD 40625 7.5' S, along with a mag 10 companion at ~45".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2138 = h2993 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; has 3 B st pretty distinct towards the south."  In 1926, Willem van den Bos described it visually as a "nebula; bM, 12 mag, 2 or 3 stars involved." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2139 = IC 2154 = ESO 488-054 = MCG -04-15-005 = PGC 18258

06 01 07.9 -23 40 25; Lep

V = 11.6;  Size 2.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (12/8/90): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broad concentration, core appears offset to the northwest of center.  A mag 14 star is at the north edge 1.3' from center and a mag 11 star lies 3.5' SSE.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  A mag 11 star is 4' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2139 = H II-264 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 322) and called it "F, S."  He added "The RA cannot be above 10 or 15 sec out; the roller went off the apparantus which occasions the uncertainty."  This was the only nebula found in the sweep.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy from Southern California on 1 Dec 1897 and reported it in discovery list XI-90 (later IC 2154). Swift's position was off by 14 sec in RA and Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (used in the IC).  In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues Dreyer comments that once a correction is made to WH's position (based on another star in the sweep), NGC 2139 matches IC 2154. MCG labels this galaxy as IC 2154 and ignores the NGC designation.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 2140 = ESO 057-051 = S-L 773

05 54 16.5 -68 36 05; Dor

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright LMC cluster, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 40"x25".  A star is located at the WNW tip.  Situated between a mag 10.2 star 3.2' NW and a mag 10.1 star (HD 40750) 5.3' SE.  NGC 2159 lies 20' E, in a group of 4 NGC clusters with NGC 2155, 2164 and 2172.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2140 = h2995 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pF; irreg R; psbM."  His next observation reads "pF; R; bM; 30"."  On his last sweep he wrote "F; lE; gbM."

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NGC 2141 = Cr 79 = OCL-487 = Lund 203

06 02 56 +10 26 48; Ori

V = 9.4;  Size 10'

 

17.5" (12/8/90): 20-25 faint stars mag 13-15 at 220x over extensive haze.  Located within an incomplete circle of several brighter mag 11-12 stars about 8' diameter.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2141 in Jan 1883 with his 5-inch refractor.  His announcement note in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 3, p9 titled "A New and Faint Nebulosity" gives an accurate position and describes a "very faint nebulosity. It lies a little over 3/4” north of Mu Orionis, and requires a low power to be seen at all. With my 5-inch refractor and a power of 30, it is quite distinct; but high powers diffuse it greatly. There is a faint star in its center, and several others on its border, about 2' diameter. I have repeatedly seen this nebula since January 1883."

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NGC 2142 = 3 Mon = SAO 151037

06 01 50.4 -10 35 53; Mon

V = 5.0

 

= * 5.0 = 3 Mon, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2142 = h373 on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 315) and wrote, "3 Monocerotis.  I am sure this star has a F neb atm 2'-3' diam."  This is a mag 5 star free from nebulosity.  There are other similar cases where Herschel made the same error: NGC 771 = 50 Cas, NGC 4530 = Beta CVn and NGC 2542 = h3115 (see comments on NGC 4530).  On 30 Nov 1850, Lord Rosse noted, "Same appearance as epsilon Orionis [N1990], but v[ery] m[uch] fainter".  In 1868, his son Lawrence recorded, "appears nebulous..."  Corwin notes, however, that on the red POSS1 there is a very faint extended nebulosity surrounding 3 Mon, so perhaps Herschel did pick something up.

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NGC 2143

06 03 07.4 +05 43 42; Ori

Size 15'

 

18" (11/6/04): at 73x this asterism is a large, scattered rectangular group, roughly 10'x6', and elongated N-S. On the west side is a N-S string of stars while the east side is dominated by three brighter mag 9.5-10.5 stars including mag 9.6 HD 41080.  Off the two northern vertices of the main rectangle, strings of stars head NW and NE extending the diameter to at least 15'.  This scattered group just stands out with 31 Nagler in a fairly rich field and appears to be an asterism.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2143 = h374 on 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320) and recorded "L, p rich, very scattered; place of *10m in M."  His position corresponds with mag 9 SAO 113401 at 06 03 07.5 +05 43 42 (J2000).  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, gives the dimensions as 20'x20' and described "Cl, L, iR, P, sc, st 9.5...".  But this group does not appear to be a cluster on the DSS and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent.

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NGC 2144 = ESO 016-010 = PGC 17592

05 40 57.2 -82 07 10; Men

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 93”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.4'x1.1'.  Contains a bright core that increases to the center.  Located between a mag 10 star 6' E and a mag 11 star 6' WNW.  This is the third closest NGC galaxy to the south celestial pole.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2144 = h3009 on 17 Jan 1836 and reported "F; irreg R; pslbM; 40 arcsec."  His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2145 = ESO 057-052 = S-L 780

05 54 23 -70 54 06; Men

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly small, roundish, 40" diameter, well-defined slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star is at the southeast edge and two mag 15.5-16 stars are just off the north and east side.  A bright mag 11.7 star is 50" SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2145 = h2998 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "F; lE; resolvable."  His position from a single sweep is off by 1.7' in dec (too far south).

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NGC 2146 = UGC 3429 = MCG +13-05-022 = CGCG 348-017 = PGC 18797 = Dusty Hand Galaxy

06 18 39.0 +78 21 28; Cam

V = 10.6;  Size 6.0'x3.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 123”

 

48" (10/29/16): at 488x, the "Dusty Hand" galaxy has an unusual, highly disrupted appearance.   The very bright core is large and elongated NW-SE with a small, intense nucleus.  A prominent, fairly wide dust lane slices through the center with the brightest part of the core roughly parallel on the north side. A small portion of the core is on the south side of the lane.  These features give rise to the "Dusty Hand" nickname.   On the southeast side a fairly prominent "arm" or plume (part of a merged companion?) extends generally east beyond a mag 14.5 star 2' ESE of center.  The halo is very diffuse to the north of this arm.  At the northwest end of the a galaxy a very faint "arm" curls sharply clockwise and with careful viewing a very low surface brightness plume (detached from the central portion) extends south on the west side.  On deep images these arms and plumes seem to be a single tidal structure or stream that wraps around the galaxy.

 

24" (12/28/13): this highly distorted galaxy was observed at 260x.  The galaxy appeared very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~5'x2', with a very asymmetric structure.  It contains a very bright, elongated core, ~1.2'x0.5' NW-SE, but with no distinct nucleus.  A low contrast dust lane cuts through the core unevenly, with the main section on the north side, so the lane initially appears to run parallel to the core on the southwest side.  But a fainter, elongated section of the core extending NW-SE is just beyond the dust lane on the southwest side.  To the southeast of the core, the outer halo is diffuse, with a low surface brightness and is not aligned with the major axis of the core, extending more towards the east.  On the NW side of the core, the halo has a higher and irregular surface brightness with a slightly brighter curving arc (arm) along its eastern side.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 11 double at 30" separation is just off the SE end.  A few brighter mag 10-11 stars are 6' E.  NGC 2146A lies 19' ENE.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 2146 = T 1-18 in 1876 using a 6.5-inch comet seeker at the Strasbourg Observatory. It was independently discovered by Wilhelm Tempel the same year and by Johann Palisa (AN 2732).  This is one of 3 galaxies discovered by Winnecke, along with NGC 2276 and NGC 4760.  In 1920, based on a photograph taken with the Mt. Wilson 60", Francis Pease described "the nucleus lies a little S of the center of this mass; the nebulosity is brightest around the nucleus.  Superimposed on this bright mass is a dark marking in the form of a hand, with four talon-like figers stretching south-preceding and with three stars standing out upon it."  This must be the source of the nickname "Dusty Hand Galaxy".

 

As there is no candidate for a previous interaction (creating the disrupted appearance and nuclear starburst), it has been proposed that NGC 2146 is a far-evolved merger.

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NGC 2147 = LMC-N75B = ESO 057-54 = S-L 784

05 55 46 -68 12 06; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, small, roundish cluster, 25" diameter.  Contains a very small, extremely bright core.  Three or four stars are resolved in the small halo on the west side and south side.  Located 3.6' NNW of mag 9.9 HD 270358 and 9.5' S of mag 7.6 HD 40810.  A shallow arc of 3 mag 13/13.9/14.2 stars lies 2' SE.  Just north of these is a small group of resolved mag 15-15.5 stars.  The collection is catalogued as S-L 785 and is part of association LH 122.  The red DSS shows a thick wreath of faint nebulosity nearly enclosing S-L 785, but I didn't notice it, at least without a filter.  NGC 2160 lird 15' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2147 = h2997 on 30 Jan 1835 and logged "vF; R; bM; 30"."  On a second sweep he also noted "connected with stars, etc."  The "stars" probably refers to S-L 785.

 

NGC 2147 was possibly discovered by James Dunlop on 27 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector.  He described D 191 as "a pretty bright round nebula, 40" diameter".  His position is 12' west of the cluster, a typical error.  Also D 190, described as "two very small faint nebulae" is roughly at the same position, so could also apply to this object.  Herschel didn't reference these possible earlier discoveries by Dunlop and neither does Glen Cozens.

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NGC 2148 = ESO 120-024 = PGC 18171

05 58 45.8 -59 07 34; Pic

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 150”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, required averted vision.  A mag 12.5 star is 33" E of center and two mag 13 star are within 2' to the south.  Observation made in quite hazy conditions through thin clouds or smoke.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2148 = h2996 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 20"; has a *12m, sf very near."  The star is 33" E of center.

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NGC 2149

06 03 30.8 -09 43 50; Mon

Size 3'x2'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): this moderately bright reflection nebula is fairly small and has a 12th magnitude (illuminating) star on the west side.  Appears prominent with an OIII filter(?) at 140x.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2149 = St VIIIb-18 on 17 Jan 1877 with the 31" refractor at Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.  NGC 2149 was misclassified as a galaxy in the 1932 Shapley-Ames Catalog.  It was found to be a star + galactic nebulosity by Mayall and communicated privately to Shapley in 1952.  It was deleted as a galaxy in the 1964 Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies (de Vaucouleurs). Still  it was erroneously plotted as a galaxy on the Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens.

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NGC 2150 = ESO 057-055 = PGC 18097

05 55 46.4 -69 33 40; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 143”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 5:4 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.5', smooth halo then suddenly increases to a bright, very small core.  A mag 16.5 star is at the southeast edge.  Located 9' SW of mag 8.0 HD 41158 and 15' ESE of the LMC cluster NGC 2136.  So, this galaxy easily shines through the thin outer halo of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2150 = h3000 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "F; vS; R; vsbM; stellar."  His position is ~35" south of ESO 057-055 = PGC 18097.

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NGC 2151 = ESO 057-057 = S-L 786

05 56 21 -69 01 06; Dor

Size 1.0'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, small, roundish, 35" diameter.  A mag 15.2 star is resolved on the southwest edge and a mag 14 star is at the northeast end.  The bright nucleus is nearly stellar, so on first glance it looked like three collinear stars.  A 13" pair of similar mag 12.6/12.8 stars lies 4.5' ENE and a mag 10.6 star is 3.7' SSW. Located 12.6' NW of NGC 2157.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2151 = h3001 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "F; R; bM; 45"."  His position is accurate.  The Hodge-Wright Atlas completely misplaces NGC 2151 onto chart 66, near 05 57 50 -63 53 38 (2000), about 20' SW of NGC 2162.  NGC 2151 is labeled SL 786.

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NGC 2152 = ESO 205-015 = PGC 18249

06 00 55.2 -50 44 27; Pic

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 69”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low surface brightness, no noticeable concentration.  A mag 14 star is just off the northeast edge.  A mag 10 star is 4.4' E.  Located 29' N of mag 5.7 HD 41214.  Observation through thin clouds or smoke.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2152 = h2999 on 28 Dec 1834 and noted, "eeF; R; attached to a vS star."  His position is fairly accurate and the star is off the northeast edge.

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NGC 2153 = ESO 086-043 = S-L 792

05 57 52 -66 24 06; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter, smooth glow.   A mag 14 star is easily resolved at the southwest edge.  Located 8' SE of mag 8.2 HD 40924.  A mag 10 star is 4' NNE.  NGC 2153 happens to be situated just 16' NW of the south ecliptic pole, so its RA and Dec stay nearly constant.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2153 = h3002 on 3 Jan 1837 and recoded "eeF; R or lE; attached to a * 16m."  His position, from a single sweep, is accurate and the faint star appears to be at the south end.

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NGC 2154 = ESO 086-042 = S-L 793

05 57 38 -67 15 42; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this LMC globular is located 50' SE of mag 5.1 Epsilon Doradus.  It appeared bright, large, round, 1.5' diameter, broad concentration, mottled with a couple of mag 15-16 stars resolving.  A mag 14 star is close off the north side.  S-L 800 lies 10' NNE and NGC 2135 is 25' SW.

 

S-L 800 was fairly faint, round, 0.6' diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is at the west end and a mag 14.5 star is just off the east side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2154 = h3003 on 2 Nov 1834 and observed on 4 sweeps.  His first description reads "F; L; R; glbM; 100".

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NGC 2155 = ESO 086-045 = S-L 803

05 58 32.3 -65 28 40; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, fairly small, round, 1.1' diameter, weak concentration.  Near a scattered group of bright (mag 9-10) Milky Way stars and nearly collinear with two mag 9/9.5 stars 7' NW and 13' NW.  This is a well-studied older intermediate-age LMC cluster with an age of 2.5 - 3.5 billion years.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2155 = h3004 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vlbM; 80"; in a rich field."  In 1926, Willem van den Bos described the cluster visually as "Nebula, 11 mag, 1' diam; brightest part is Np; some stars involved." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2156 = ESO 057-059 = S-L 796

05 57 50 -68 27 36; Dor

V = 11.4;  Size 1.1'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first of four bright clusters in a 16' field!  At 200x it appeared bright, fairly large, elongated N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated.  At 350x a couple of stars were resolved in the halo and the central core was just broken up into several clumps or knots with a couple of very faint stars resolved.  Located 6.9' NW of the impressive cluster globular NGC 2164.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2156 = h3005 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; S; irreg R; psbM; 25".  He observed this cluster on 5 sweeps and other than brightness, the descriptions are similar.

 

James Dunlop possibly made the first observation (D 197) on 27 Sep 1826 and noted a "small faint round nebula".  His position, though, while correct in declination is nearly 19' too far east and might also apply to NGC 2172, which is 12' SW of his position.  Another possibility, given by Herschel, is that D 196 = h 3005 = NGC 2156.  Dunlop's position is 8' ESE of this object.

 

Pietro Barrachi sketched the immediate field on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and described this cluster as "B; S lE; bM; Resolvable or at the least several stars in it and generally mottled appearance.  He drew the cluster lumpy and elongated N-S, with a couple of stars resolved around the edges. In 1926 Robert Innes called NGC 2156 a "fine cluster of stars; 12 to 15 mag" (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2157 = ESO 057-058 = S-L 794

05 57 35 -69 11 48; Dor

V = 10.2;  Size 2.7'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, very large, 1.3' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright, large core, very mottled appearance, showpiece (globular?) cluster.  At 394x, several obvious mag 14.8-15.5 stars were resolved in the halo and around the edges.  With careful viewing the core broke up into a few dozen extremely packed stars (too tight and faint to count).  A mag 11.4 star is 1.4' WNW of center. NGC 2151 lies 13' NNW.  These clusters are on the east end of the LMC.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2157 = D 161 on 6 Nov 1826 with his 9" speculum reflector and described "a small faint nebula, 15" diameter; a small star near the north preceding edge."  Dunlop made a single observation and his position is 6.8' too far SW.  Despite the small size estimate, there is a mag 11 star off the NW edge.

 

John Herschel recorded this cluster (h3006) on 4 sweeps, first recording  "vB, R, gbM, 30"."  On a second sweep he logged "globular cluster, vB, R, vgvmbM, resolvable." JH noted a very uncertain (??) identification with D 161.

 

Pietro Baracchi logged this object on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope as "Cl; vB; R; gpmbM; Diam 55"." His sketch shows two resolved stars (marked as 17th mag) just off the SE side.

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NGC 2158 = Mel 40 = Cr 81

06 07 26 +24 05 48; Gem

V = 8.6;  Size 5'

 

18" (2/24/06): at 323x, this rich, irregularly shaped cluster is beautifully resolved into 45-50 stars that are peppered over a 5' background glow.  Appears like a resolved globular of low concentration class. Includes a couple of dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars along with a rich carpet of fainter mag 15 stars.  There are several close pairs (1"-2" and possibly closer) and the number of stars keep increasing in moments of rock steady seeing as they seem to emerge from the background.  A single brighter star is at the east edge.

 

17.5" (2/8/86): 30-35 stars resolved, unusually rich, compact, about 5' diameter.  The appearance is similar to a resolved globular cluster.  Located 30' SW of M35.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): at least 20-25 stars resolved at 415x.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): ~15-20 stars, mottled clump near SE edge.

 

8" (11/5/83): few stars resolved over haze.

 

13x80mm (1/20/07): visible in the finder as a very faint, small glow about a half-degree SW of M35.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2158 = H VI-17 = h375 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 317), immediately after discovering NGC 2129.  He logged "a very compressed cluster of vS stars, very rich."   On 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59), John Herschel described the cluster as "rich; much compressed almost to nebulosity; stars very small; irregular triangular figure."

 

NGC 2158 was classified as a globular by Rosino in 1954 (Contr. Padova in Asagio No. 52), Helen Sawyer Hogg, 1959 (Star Clusters) and more recently in the RNGC due to its richness.  Nevertheless, it is considered an intermediate age open cluster (~ 1 billion years old).  NGC 2158 is also five or six times as distant as M35, as far as 16,000 light years away (5071 parsecs).

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NGC 2159 = ESO 057-060 = S-L 799

05 58 03 -68 37 30; Dor

V = 11.4;  Size 0.9'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.9'x0.7'.  A brighter star is at the north edge.  At 350x, at least three additional faint stars are resolved on the north side and the appearance is asymmetric as the cluster is brighter on the north side.  Located 8' SW of NGC 2164 and 10' S of NGC 2156.  NGC 2172 lies 11' ESE, NGC 2140 is 20' WNW and S-L 791 is 6' W.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2159 = D 193 on 6 Nov 1826 and recorded "pB; R; well-defined, 12"."  He made a single obervation and his position is just 3' S of this cluster.

 

John Herschel observed the cluster (h3007) on 4 sweeps, first reporting on 23 Nov 1834, "pF; S; irreg R; psbM; 25"."  Next he logged it as "pF; S; R; the second of three [with NGC 2156 and 2164]."  On the third sweep he logged "pB; S; R; has a *15m close to the edge, nf".  Herschel attributed Dunlop with the discovery.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "pB; S; R; mottled.  I believe that there are at the least several stars in it."  He indicated two stars on his diagram on the NNW (mag 15) and WNW (mag 16) edge of the object.

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NGC 2160 = ESO 057-061 = S-L 801

05 58 13 -68 17 24; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small cluster, 25"-30" diameter.  Three stars are resolved in the small central clump including a mag 13.5 star on the northwest edge.  Two fainter stars are on the east side and just south of center.  NGC 2156 lies 10' SSW, NGC 2164 is 14' SSE, NGC 2147/S-L 785 is 15' WNW and S-L 822 is 22' ESE.  The last cluster appeared as a moderately bright, small round glow.  A mag 13.5 star is involved at the north edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2160 = h3008 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded as "pF; R; gbM; 30"."  His position from a single observation is accurate.  James Dunlop's D 195 possibly is an earlier discovery, but the cluster is too faint to be described as "a small pretty bright round nebula, 10" or 12" diameter."  His position is 10.6' NE of the cluster.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "curious object; a small nebula a little elongated with a star 15m involved or attached to its n.p. (NW) end."  He also indicated a 16th mag star barely off the east edge.

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NGC 2161 = ESO 033-031 = S-L 789

05 55 43 -74 21 12; Men

V = 12.9;  Size 2.3'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this outlying LMC globular appeared moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, nearly 1' diameter, weak concentration, no resolution. It seemed the cluster was slightly brighter along a central spine oriented WSW-ENE (probably due to slightly brighter unresolved stars).

 

S-L 804 was picked up 13' NE as a faint, relatively large glow, round, ~50" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 10.6 star is 6' SW.

S-L 828, located 28' ENE, is fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution.  Two mag 13-14 stars lie 2' SW.

S-L 783, located 16' SSW, is very faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, smooth glow, fairly low surface brightness, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2161 = h3013 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "F; pL; R; gpmbM; 2'."  His position from a single sweep is about 30" NW of center.  Located outside the boundaries of the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.

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NGC 2162 = ESO 086-047 = S-L 814

06 00 30 -63 43 18; Dor

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, very large, round, contains a relatively large brighter core, mottled.  A couple of very faint stars were fairly easily resolved and several more popped in and out with averted vision.  Located 4' W of mag 8.5 HD 41515.  Three additional mag 11.5-12 stars, forming a distinctive group, extend south-southwest from the bright star.  This LMC globular is located in the northeast outer halo of the LMC, well outside the main outline.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2162 = h3010 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"."  On a second sweep he noted "F; R; glbM; 40"; a *9 mag follows in parallel, and 3 more 11 mag near."  In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "preceding a bright star, nebula, 1' diam, 11 mag, with several stars involved, the brightest of which is in the centre." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2163 = Ced 62 = DG 87 = GN 06.04.9

06 07 49.5 +18 39 27; Ori

Size 3'x2'

 

17.5" (1/9/98): moderately bright reflection nebula surrounding a young mag 11 star (HBC 193).  The brightest portion of the nebula is noticeably elongated N-S from the central star and 2'-3' in length tapering towards the star.  The northern extension has a slightly higher surface brightness. Located 3' W of a mag 9 star.  Observed at 220x without filtration.

 

17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.0', fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is at the south tip of the bright portion and a small very faint extension appears south of this star.  Located 3' W of mag 9 HD 41787.  Two mag 13 stars are 1' NE and 1' N and a mag 10 star is 5' S.  An evenly matched mag 10.5/10.5 double at 12" separation lies 8' WSW.  This reflection nebula doesn't respond to a Daystar 300 or OIII filter.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC due to an error in declination in the NGC.  Plotted as Ced 62 in U2000.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2163 = St IX-6 on 6 Feb 1874 with the 31-inch reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded "eF, E, dif, *11 attached south."  He observed it again on 6 Jan 1878.  In compiling the NGC, Dreyer accidentally copied the declination of NGC 1741 (Stephan's previous entry, IX-5).  Dreyer later caught and corrected his error in the IC 2 Notes/Corrections section (Dreyer added the comment "my mistake").  The correction was missed by most later cataloguers though Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions also gives the accurate position. As an example, in 1922 Edwin Hubble called it "A bright, uncatalogued nebula similar to NGC 2245" and Sven Cederblad listed it as "anonymous" object (#62).  So, both were obviously thrown off by Dreyer's mistake.  I uncovered that E.E. Barnard independently discovered it on 2 Sep 1888, though initially mistook it for Faye's Comet, which he was searching for.

 

Skiff recomputed Stephan's original position using precise coordinates for his offset star HD 41787 as 06 04 53.62 +18 40 08.7 (1950).  At this exact location is the reflection nebula Cederblad 62 at 06 04 53.17 +18 39 55.0 just 0.45 tsec of RA and 13".7 in declination from Stephan's original coordinates.  Besides the excellent positional match, Stephan described NGC 2163 as "elongated with *11 attached south" and visually this nebula appears to extend more prominently north of the mag 11.5 (central) star.  On the POSS, Ced 62 is an interesting bipolar nebula with two symmetrical funnel-shaped jets extending north-south from the central star.

 

More recently, Cederblad 62 wasn't referenced as a NGC object in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0, Sky Atlas 2000.0 or the Sky Catalogue 2000.  The RNGC identifies this object as nonexistent and furthermore reverses the sign of the declination.  In addition, a poor RA was given for Ced 62 in Sky Catalogue 2000 and it was misplotted on the Uranometria 2000 (first edition) too far east, though the position was corrected in the second edition.  The Millenium Star Atlas labels this object Ced 62 at the wrong position.

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NGC 2164 = ESO 057-062 = S-L 808

05 58 56.0 -68 30 57; Dor

V = 10.3;  Size 2.5'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest of four clusters in a 10' field.  At 260x it appeared very bright, large, round, sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core (appears to be a globular), the large outer halo extended to 2' diameter.  Roughly 15 stars were resolved in the halo - some of these were easily resolved 14th mag stars, while others were quite faint.  At 350x, two dozen stars were resolved and the core was very grainy. Overall, this is a very impressive cluster.  NGC 2156 lies 6.8' NW, NGC 2159 is 8' SW and NGC 2172 is 9.7' SE..

 

James Dunlop probably NGC 2164 = D 194 on 27 Sep 1826 and described a "A pretty large faint ill-defined nebula."  His position is just 3' SW of this cluster.  There are 3 other clusters within 9' (NGC 2156, 2159, 2172), but this is the largest and brightest.  D 193, decribed by Dunlop as "pretty bright" is south of NGC 2159, but could also apply to NGC 2164.

 

John Herschel observed this cluster (h3011) on 5 sweeps beginning on 23 Nov 1834, first recording, "vB, R, gmbM;  90", resolvable."  Herschel attributed Dunlop with the discovery.  In 1926, Robert Innes described this object as "a very condensed cluster of stars with outliers, 11 to 15 mags." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2165

06 11 05 +51 40 36; Aur

 

17.5" (3/1/03): Roughly a dozen stars in a 6'x4' group at 100x.  Extended E-W except for a few stars which tail off towards the north on the following end.  Nine of the stars in the group are fairly evenly distributed and similar in magnitude (10.5-11).  No concentration or dense spots and appears to be an asterism.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2165 = h376 on 12 Feb 1831 (sweep 325) and noted "a ppor cl 7' length, 3' broad; about a dozen stars 11m."   There is a very scattered group of brighter stars on the DSS at Herschel's position with the fields to the west lacking in stars.  Karl Reinmuth, using a Heidelberg plate, described a "Cl, P, 20-25 st 11...".   RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2166 = ESO 057-064 = S-L 811

05 59 34 -67 56 30; Dor

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, high surface brightness.  Contains a relatively large bright core and smooth halo.  A mag 12.5 star is off the northeast side [42" from center].  Located 6' S of mag 9.3 HD 41443.  NGC 2177 lies 16' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2166 = h3012 on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 15"."  His position is accurate. JH credits D 223 as the possible earlier discovery.  James Dunlop found D 223 and/or D 222 on 27 Sep 1826.  His description for D 222 reads "small round nebula preceding a small star."  There is a "small star" just following the cluster, though his position is 9' too far west.  D 223 has a relatively accurate position (1.6' N) with description "pretty bright and well-defined small round nebula."  Both objects were recorded as observed once, though I don't know if they were on the same night.

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NGC 2167 = SAO 132848

06 06 58.5 -06 12 08; Mon

V = 6.6

 

= *6.6 SAO 132848, Gottlieb and Corwin.  = No nebulosity, Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2167 = h378 on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318) and described "a star 7m with a p strong neb atmosphere."  His position matches mag 6.6 HD 41794 at 06 06 58.7 -06 12 25, but there is no surrounding nebulosity.  He incorrectly assumed this was his father's IV-44, which was described on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) as a "star involved in milky chevelure, situated between two stars, with a 3rd star at rectangles to the former two."  There is nothing at WH's position for IV-44, though a couple of reflection nebulae are nearby, including NGC 2170 8' south and vdB 68 about 30 sec of RA following and 2' north.

 

Several unsuccessful attempts were made to see h378 at Birr Castle.  The GC and NGC used JH's position and description for h378, so NGC 2167 = h378 = HD 41694, and not H IV-44.

 

Dreyer commented that IV-44 ­ h378 in the notes to his 1912 Scientific Papers of WH: "Occurs only in Sw. 640, 2m 0s p, 4' n of IV 38 [NGC 2182]. 'Situated between two stars with a third star at rectangles to the former.'  This cannot be h378 (as hitherto assumed), nor does the description quite fit IV 19 [NGC 2170], which does not occur in this sweep, though this star has a star 11m ssp and a vF star north and third farther off npp.  But 70s f h378 on the same parallel there is a star 11m between two others sp and nf with a third star p, forming a striking rectangular triangle [vdB 68].  If this is H's object, his RA is 33s too small." 

 

Dreyer is proposing IV-44 = vdB 68 = Ced 65 (and Wolfgang Steinicke concurs), though Corwin feels H IV-44 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 2170 = H IV-19, which is brighter and 8' due south of WH's position.

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NGC 2168 = M35 = Cr 82

06 08 54 +24 20; Gem

V = 5.1;  Size 28'

 

18" (11/14/09): gorgeous view at 75x, which beautifully frames the cluster as well as nearby NGC 2158.  The densest portion is the central 25' where roughly 250-300 stars are resolved.  The cluster is noticeably lopsided due to a loop of stars that juts out on the SE side of the cluster. This loop includes mag 7.5 HD 42086 near its SE end.  The brightest cluster star is a double on the north side (O· 134 = 7.5/9.1 at 31") with a bright orange-colored primary.  A prominent loop of stars heads south and curves to the west beginning at O· 134.  This same chain nearly merges with another prominent chain of fainter stars that begins on the west side of the cluster and forms a string that heads east through the cluster.  Other loops and chains caught my eye as star chains seem to outline regions where there are star voids.  The cluster itself resides in a rich star field though is fairly well-detached by a region of lower star density surrounding the cluster, particularly around the south side.

 

8": very bright string cluster, very large, excellent field but not rich in faint stars.  Many of the stars are arrange in rows and loops.

 

Naked-eye: Visible as a fairly small naked-eye glow in a dark sky.

 

Phillippe De ChŽseaux discovered M35 = NGC 2168 = h377 in 1745-46.  John Bevis independently found the cluster before 1750 (possibly earlier than De ChŽseaux).  On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) John Herschel described "a L, coarse, p rich cl of st 9...16m, which fills 2 or 3 fields, but cheifly one in which are about 100 stars."

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NGC 2169 = Cr 83 = OCL-481 = Lund 206 = 37 Cluster

06 08 25 +13 57 54; Ori

V = 5.9;  Size 7'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): 20 stars mag 7.5-13 in bright, distinctive group.  Fairly small, about 6' diameter, not rich.  The stars are divided into two main subgroups - along the west side is a string of six stars aligned N-S in a very shallow "V" asterism.  The northern two stars in this string form the wide double ·844 = 8.8/9.9 at 24" and less than 2' S is mag 8.7 SAO 95271.  The eastern subgroup consists of 9 stars forming a distinctive triangle outline and includes the close double star ·848 = 7.5/8.0 at 2.5".  The brighter stars form a fairly distinctive "37" pattern!  Located 0.9 degrees WSW of Xi Orionis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2169 = H VIII-24 = h379 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 293) and recorded as "a small cluster of pretty large white stars, prettily arranged, not many of them."  On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) he noted "a cl of brilliant stars, not many in number, but pretty much compressed; with a vacancy in the middle."

 

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 12 Oct 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 2170 = LBN 994 = vdB 67 = Ced 63 = RAFGL 877

06 07 31.8 -06 23 57; Mon

Size 2'x2'

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, moderately large reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star, ~2.5' diameter.  There are two stars bracketing the nebula at the north and south ends with the brighter southern star of 10th magnitude.

 

Reflection nebula vdB 69 lies 8.5' ENE and surrounds a mag 9.5-10 star.  It appeared moderately bright, ~4'x2', extends mostly SE of the star.  vdB 68 lies 13' NE and surrounds mag 9.6 HD 42004.  It appeared moderately bright, large, encompassing two mag 11 stars 1.5' NE and 3' NE.  The shape appears irregular and ~5' in size.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright nebulosity surrounds mag 9.5 SAO 132861.  Also a star 8' ENE is slightly nebulous (vdB 69).  This is the brightest and westermost in a group of reflection nebulae.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2170 = H IV-19 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded "a pretty large star, about the 9th magnitude, surrounded by milky nebulosity, not circular; but an irregular ellipsis."  He recorded it again on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and logged "a considerable star with milky nebulosity E in meridian or a little from np to sf.  It involves a smaller star which is about 1.5' north of it.  Other stars of equal magnitude are perfectly clear from it."  It was possibly recorded again on 28 Nov 1786 as IV-44 (sweep 640) as a "star involved in milky chevelure, situated between two stars, with a 3rd star at rectangles to the former two."  His position is 8' north of NGC 2170.

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NGC 2171 = S-L 691 and S-L 692

05 58 59 -70 43 09; Men

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): there are no good candidates matching Herschel's description for this number, but Mati Morel suggested NGC 2171 was possibly S-L 691 and 692 with a large error in RA (15 min of RA).  Although Corwin has since rejected this possibility as it is out of RA order in the sweep, here are the descriptions of these clusters.

 

S-L 691: faint or fairly faint, small, round, glow, 25" diameter.  S-L 691 is the northern of close pair of LMC clusters with S-L 692 just 48" S.  Located 5' ESE of NGC 2107.

S-L 692: fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated glow, 35" diameter, no resolution.  Visually, there is no noticeable star cloud surrounding these two clusters.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2171 = h3016 on 16 Dec 1835 and recorded "eeF; vL; R; glbM; 4'."  There is nothing at this position though ~5' NW is S-L 809 = KMHK 1571.  Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "This may be the small object S/L 809, 0.5 min W, 2' N which may be an unresolved cluster or possibly a galaxy. The size does not agree."  SIMBAD also identifies S-L 809 as NGC 2171.  But this tiny cluster is roughly 30", so it's not a reasonable match with a 4' object.  The Hodge-Wright Atlas misidentifies a faint star as NGC 2171.

 

Mati Morel has proposed that h3016 is a star cloud at 05 44 14 -70 40 09, which includes S-L 691 and S-L 692.  This requires a very large error in RA (over 15 min of RA).  Harold Corwin notes that the sweep order argues against such an error (see his identification notes) and this object appears to be lost.

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NGC 2172 = ESO 057-065 = S-L 812

06 00 05.6 -68 38 14; Dor

V = 11.8;  Size 1.7'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 200x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, ~0.8' diameter, irregular, a couple of stars are resolved within the glow.  At 350x, the glow is clumpy with four stars resolved with the brightest star at the SE edge.  Located 10' SE of NGC 2164 and 11' ESE of NGC 2159.  Fourth of four (including NGC 2156)  in a 16' circle.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2172 = h3015 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; 2'."  On a second sweep he recorded "pF; R; lbM; 50"."  His mean position (two sweeps) is at the south edge of the cluster.

 

James Dunlop's D 197, found on 27 Sep 1826, is possibly an earlier discovery though the cluster may be too faint for him to pick up.  He described a "small faint round nebula" and his position was off by 12' to the NE.

 

Pietro Baracchi picked up this cluster on 3 Jan 1886 while observing the nearby clusters with the 48" Melbourne telescope and called it "a nebulous patch, small, a little elongated and faint, with two stars involved in it."  His diagram shows a third star (called 17th mag) just off the SE edge.  He labeled this cluster "(A)" and assumed it was a new discovery.

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NGC 2173 = ESO 033-034 = S-L 807

05 57 58.9 -72 58 46; Men

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this outlying LMC cluster (classified as a GC in SIMBAD with an age of ~2 billion years) appears as a fairly bright, round glow, ~2' in diameter, weak concentration, no resolution.  A wide pair of 12th magnitude stars lies 2.4' ENE and 3.5' ESE.  NGC 2199 (a galaxy) lies 38' SE, and NGC 2209, another LMC cluster, lies 68' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2173 = h3018 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "pF; R; gmbM; 90"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 2174 = LBN 854 = Sh 2-252 = Ced 67a = Monkey Head Nebula

06 09 23.6 +20 39 34; Ori

Size 40'x30'

 

17.5" (1/16/02): at 64x and OIII filter, this is a beautiful, detailed nebulosity surrounding a mag 8 star (SAO 78049), extending at least 20' diameter.  The OIII filter gives a dramatic contrast gain.  With averted vision and careful viewing, the outer borders extend to ~25'.  Structure includes interior streaky dark lanes visible to the west of the star.  The rim is slightly brighter or has a higher contrast on the western edge but slightly more nebulosity is visible on the following side of the star.

 

Without a filter at 64x, I was surprised to immediately notice a moderately bright 3' round glow, situated ~11' NNW of SAO 78049 near the NW edge of the main glow.  Interestingly, this patch of nebulosity is more prominent than the main body without a filter and is probably the section of the HII complex visually discovered by Stephan!  It seemed quite strange that this patch had such a different filter response and dimmed significantly with the OIII (mainly reflection component?).  A curving arc of stars is situated along the north side of the glow.  The entire nebula is situated among a scattered group of stars, which is often mistaken for NGC 2175.  Located 1.4 degrees ENE of Chi(2) Orionis.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very large, irregular nebulosity surrounding mag 8.0 SAO 78049.  Dark lanes are evident west of the star, appears very streaky.  A bright small unresolved knot is 3.2' ENE of the bright star using an OIII filter [this is NGC 2175].

 

13.1" (1/18/85): very bright with filter, very large, surrounds a mag 8 star, sky very dark off west side.  West of the star the nebula is mottled and streaky with a bright region near the north edge.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2174 = St IX-7 on 6 Feb 1877.  His description doesn't refer to the entire nebula but rather a small patch of nebulosity (without the accents): "excessive., excess. faible (a peine observable); a l'interieur d'un triangle forme par trois petites etoiles."

 

He gives a 1878 position of 06 02 07.47 +20 40 54.4 which precesses to 06 09 24.0 +20 39 53 (2000), and falls on the northwest side of the nebula.  This probably needs a small correction in declination based on his reference star, but is still accurate enough to clearly identify a small brighter patch of nebulosity.  His three stars are mag 13-14 and the knot of nebulosity is quite prominent on the DSS just following the middle of these three stars.  This star has a position of 06 09 21.9 +20 39 30 (2000) and Stephan's knot appears only 30-40" in diameter.

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NGC 2175 = Ced 67a = LBN 854 = Sh 2-252E = Cr 84 = Monkey Head Nebula

06 09 39.5 +20 29 15; Ori

Size 40'x30'

 

17.5": See description for NGC 2174.  Although the scattered group of stars involved with the HII region is identified as NGC 2175, the NGC description (from Auwers and Bruhns) does not refer to a cluster but rather a "*8m in neb (Auw No 21)".  The position given is 10' S of NGC 2174 and 16 tsec east.  But in the IC 2 notes and correction, Dreyer gives a correction in RA from Bigourdan to 06 01 32.  This places NGC 2175 at 06 09 52 +20 29.1 (2000) and is just 1' S of the brightest section of the nebula (about 3' ENE of mag 8 SAO 78049).  The scattered group is catalogued as Cr 84.

 

Carl Christian Bruhns discovered NGC 2175 = Au 21 in 1857 using a comet-seeker at the Berlin Observatory.  His position corresponds with mag 7.6 HD 42088.  Arthur Auwers described this nebula on 24 Feb 1861 with the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg Observatory as "a considerable area of milky, faint light, extended about 8' north-south and 25' east-west.  In the brightest part is the 8m star."  Heinrich d'Arrest made 3 observations using the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen in Jan 1865 and wrote "the extraordinarily large, faint nebula is one of the objects which are difficult to see with higher magnification.  It took a long time to find it." (translations from Wolfgang Steincke).  E.E. Barnard also commented "In the finder (3 1/4-inch) [of the 12-inch Lick refractor], the 8m star is seem to be surrounded by a group of small stars - the whole being a loose cluster.  The cluster is enveloped in feeble nebulosity."  See my notes on NGC 2174.

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NGC 2176 = ESO 086-050 = S-L 815

06 01 19 -66 51 12; Dor

Size 1.3'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, roundish, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, no resolution although a mag 14 star is just off the east side.  The compact cluster S-L 824 is 8' SE and large S-L 800 is 23' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2176 = h3017 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded as "eeF; R; pL; gbM; 2'."  His position from a single sweep matches this cluster.

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NGC 2177 = ESO 057-066 = S-L 816

06 01 17 -67 44 00; Dor

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, fairly even surface brightness, no resolution.  Located 8' NNW of mag 9.3 HD 41802 and 11' NE of mag 9.4 HD 41443.  Three additional mag 10 stars are in the field to the north and east.  NGC 2166 lies 16' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2177 = h3020 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "F; R; lbM; 15"."  On a second sweep he noted "pF; irreg R; resolvable."  His mean position matches this cluster.

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NGC 2178 = ESO 086-053 = PGC 18322

06 02 47.6 -63 45 50; Pic

V = 12.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 50"x40", contains a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.3 star is close west-northwest [33" from center].  Located 2.7' WSW of mag 8.5 HD 41904.  The LMC open cluster NGC 2162 lies 15' WNW.

 

ESO 086-056, located 8.8' NE, appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration, the brighter core bulges slightly at the center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2178 = h3019 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "eF, vS, r, 10"."  His position is 35" south of ESO 086-053 = PGC 18322.  In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "mbM, 12th mag, 15" diameter, preceding a bright star." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2179 = ESO 555-038 = MCG -04-15-011 = PGC 18453

06 08 02.2 -21 44 48; Lep

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, broad concentration.  Located 15' ENE of mag 6.0 SAO 171251.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2179 = h3014 on 21 Nov 1835 and noted "F, pmE, glbM, 40"."  His position matches ESO 555-038 = PGC 18453.

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NGC 2180

06 09 37.6 +04 43 03; Ori

Size 15'

 

18" (3/5/05): large, scattered group viewed at 115x with the 31mm Nagler.  Most distinctive is a "candy-cane" loop of a dozen mag 10-11 stars which closely wrap around to the east of mag 7.9 HD 29212 and then extends in a string to the NW ending in two mag 10 stars.  A scattering of brighter stars in the vicinity increase the apparent diameter to perhaps 20'x15', though besides the half-dozen or so brighter stars this appears to be an asterism.  A half-dozen mag 8.5-10 stars 10' to 12' E and north from the mag 7.1 star roughly define an eastern border to the group.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC though this may be an evolved, open cluster remnant that is partially stripped of former members.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2180 = H VIII-6 = h380 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and reported "A Cl of scattered stars, about 30 large and many small ones."  A later sweep provided an accurate position.  On 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320), John Herschel called it a "a fine cluster, coarse, p rich, place of a *9m."  His position corresponds with mag 8.4 SAO 113523 at 06 09 37.6 +04 43 03 (2000).

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey, lists dimensions of 20'x20' with the description "Cl, L, pR, P, sc, st 8.7..., B* BD+4d1141 nr M."  RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7), though a recent journal article suggests this is an evolved, disrupted cluster (A&A 427, 485-494 (2004).

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NGC 2181 = ESO 086-054 = S-L 825

06 02 43.2 -65 15 52; Dor

V = 13.6;  Size 1.6'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): extremely faint, fairly small, irregular, ~1' diameter, very low surface brightness.  This LMC cluster is located 2.8' WSW of a mag 10 star.  NGC 2193 lies 21' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2181 = h3021 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R."  His position from this single sweep is 1' too far east.

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NGC 2182 = LBN 998 = vdB 72 = Ced 68

06 09 30.9 -06 19 35; Mon

Size 3'x3'

 

18" (1/13/07): bright reflection nebula, round, ~2' diameter, surrounding 9.3 HD 42261.  In a group of reflection nebula with NGC 2170 28' WSW and NGC 2183 20' ENE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, nebulosity surrounding mag 9.0 SAO 132895 using averted vision.  Located 28' ENE of NGC 2170.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2182 = H IV-38 = h381 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and described "a considerable star very faintly affected with milky chevelure, the milkiness not far from the parallel."  A second observation (also with an accurate position), was made on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640), although Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) incorrectly stated the RA should be 1 min larger.

 

Both Joseph Turner (Jan 1879) and Pietro Baracchi (2 Jan 1886) were unsuccessful finding this bright reflection nebula using the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope, despite the coordinates being accurate in the GC.

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NGC 2183 = LBN 996 = Ced 69

06 10 46.9 -06 12 43; Mon

Size 1'x1'

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint reflection nebula in a group.  Appears ~1' diameter and notably was *not* surrounding a bright star as are the other nebulae in the group.  There appears to be a faint star, though, at the south edge which may be the illuminating star.  A much larger complex of of nebulosity including NGC 2185 is less than 5' E and SE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint reflection nebula near four faint stars just SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2185 4.8' E.  Located 25' ENE of NGC 2182.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, NGC 2183 on 11 Dec 1850.  This reflection nebula was noted as "about 65' following h378 [NGC 2167} is a small nebula with nucleus or stellar point."  On the sketch of 24 Jan 1851, NGC 2183 was labeled Epsilon and NGC 2185 labeled Alpha.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this reflection nebula on 11 Jan 1864 and measured an accurate position (as well as NGC 2185).  He noted a mag 11-12 star 2.5' south and 1.4 sec of time preceding.  Stoney's observation was not included in the GC (because of his rough location) and Dreyer only credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC.

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NGC 2184

06 11 04 -03 31 12; Ori

Size 20'

 

17.5" (12/23/92): scattered group of 75 stars mag 7.8 to 13 in a 30' diameter.  Bright, very large, includes a mag 7.8 star (HD 42761) on the SE, 10 mag 9 stars and two mag 8 stars off the SE end (one is a nice double ·874 = 9.5/10.3 at 21").  There is no concentration towards the center and there are no dense regions.  Fills most of the 100x field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2184 = h382 on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234) and recorded "A large loose straggling cl of 8th class.  The place is that of a double star [HJ 2299]."  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", reported the size as 30'x30' and described a "Cl, vL, P, v sc, iR, st 9..."

 

RNGC classifies this number as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7) and it is not included in the Lynga catalogue.

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NGC 2185 = LBN 997 = vdB 73 = Ced 70 = GN 06.08.7

06 11 06.1 -06 12 38; Mon

Size 3'x3'

 

18" (1/13/07): faint, fairly small, 1' reflection nebula surrounding a mag 12-12.5 star.  A few arc minutes southwest is a group of 4 mag 12 stars which are also encased in a larger 3' haze of weak nebulosity.  Both of these pieces are part of NGC 2185. NGC 2183 lies 5' W.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): this faint reflection nebula surrounds a mag 12 star.  A group of four mag 11.5-12.5 stars is 2' to 3' SW.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2183 in the NGC 2182 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2185 = H IV-20 = h383 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded as "a small star of the 11 or 12 mag, affected in the same manner [as NGC 2170], but very faint.  240 also showed it, other stars of the same magnitude are perfectly free from these appearances."  He observed this reflection neb again on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and logged "5 or 6 pS stars within a space of 3 or 4'; all affected with vF milky nebulosity.  It is remarkable that the general milkiness which involves them, seems to be a little stronger about each star; but this last circumstance may be a deception arising from the light of the star."

 

John Herschel recorded on 20 Feb 1830 (sweep 235), "A *10m with a vF atmosphere.  Two others sp are free from such atmosphere.  A very F neb suspected south preceding this object".  The last object may refer to NGC 2183, which is due west.

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NGC 2186 = Cr 85 = OCL-498 = Lund 209

06 12 11 +05 27 30; Ori

V = 8.7;  Size 4'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): at 140x about 30 stars in a 4' diameter including three mag 10 stars.  A prominent group is on the north side, highlighted by mag 10 HD 253336 and 50" to its SE is a double star HJ 2301 = 11/12 at 10".  A clump of mag 13/14 stars is just west of this subgroup and a triangular group of stars is at the southwest end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2186 = H VII-25 = h384 on NGC 2186 (sweep 512) and logged "a cluster of pretty compressed stars of several sizes, 4' or 5' diameter wth extensively straggling ones."  John Herschel described on 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320), "a pretty rich, comp cl, one st = 9, 3 or 4 = 11, and many 12...15.  Place that of double star h2288."

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NGC 2187 = ESO 057-068A = AM 0604-693 = PGC 18354

06 03 48.3 -69 34 59; Dor

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  PA = 79”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): although described as a "double nebula" by John Herschel, this close pair of galaxies received a single NGC entry.  At 260x the fused pair is oriented SW-NE with their outer halos overlapping.  The brighter northeast component was fairly bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, strong concentration.  The southwest member was between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x35", weak concentration, with the lower surface brightness of the pair.  This duo shines through the eastern portion of the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2187 = h3025 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded a "Double nebula, position 12.5 degrees; larger pB, R, gbM, 40"; smaller vF, R, glbM." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) corresponds with the double system ESO 57-68A. On the other two sweeps he only recorded seeing a single object.  He called it double in the General Catalogue, although only a single designation was assigned.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the pair with the the Great Melbourne Telescope on 13 Dec 1878, as well as Pietro Baracchi on 3 Jan 1886.  The brighter NE galaxy was shown with a small bright nucleus and the SW galaxy has a smoother surface brightness.  Barrachi assumed the companion was a new discovery, although John Herschel probably deserves credit.

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NGC 2188 = ESO 364-037 = MCG -06-14-008 = AM 0608-340 = PGC 18536

06 10 09.5 -34 06 22; Col

V = 11.7;  Size 4.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

24" (1/25/14): at 200x and 260x; fairly bright, large, very elongated 5:1 N-S, 4.0'x0.8', broad concentration with a large, slightly brighter elongated core.  Mag 8.5 HD 42519 lies 8' SW.  ESO 364-039 lies 16' NE and ESO 364-035/036, in the core of AGC 3391, are 28' N.

 

NGC 2188 is an edge-on Magellanic dwarf irregular with several giant HII regions on the south side and appears to be disrupted, although there are no nearby interacting companions.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, moderately large, edge-on streak 6:1 NNW-SSE.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NNW end.  Located 7.8' NE of mag 8.6 SAO 196541.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2188 = h3022 on 9 Jan 1836 and described as "pF, vmE, gvlbM, 2' long."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2189

06 12 18 +01 08; Ori

 

= Not found, Carlson.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 2189 = HN 25/26 on Mar 19 1863 using the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  In AN #1453, George Bond (then director of the observatory) noted "two clusters, seen 1863 Mar 19, near two stars of the 10th, 11th magnitude by J.H. Safford, with the Great Refractor."  The positions for the two stars are roughly 15' apart E-W although Dreyer used a mean position and only a single entry in the NGC. In any case, there are no obvious clusters on the DSS at his positions, just scattered stars.  The same night he also found NGC 2198, which appears to be nonexistent or a weak scattering of stars.

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey using Heidelberg places, was unable to identify NGC 2189.  Corwin very tentatively identifies a group of stars at 06 14 29 +01 02.2.

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NGC 2190 = ESO 033-036 = S-L 819

06 01 04 -74 43 30; Men

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, relatively large, ~1' diameter, fairly low smooth surface brightness. No resolution, though viewed through thin clouds.  NGC 2161 lies 30' NW.  Located 36' W of mag 5.1 Alpha Men.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2190 = h3027 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; R; gbM; 2'."  His position from single sweep is accurate (45" NW of center).  NGC 2190 is located outside the boundaries of the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.

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NGC 2191 = ESO 160-014 = PGC 18464

06 08 23.8 -52 30 44; Car

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 118”

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this Carina galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small brighter core.  Surrounded by several brighter stars including mag 9 HD 42537 1.9' SW and mag 9 HD 42545 5' ESE.  Located 2.4 degrees west of Canopus on the Pictor border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2191 = h3023 on 9 Jan 1837 and reported "pB, vS, E, vsbM; a ruddy star 9th mag precedes about 5 seconds in R.A."  His position is accurate.  The ruddy star is mag 9 HD 42537.

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NGC 2192 = Cr 86 = Mel 42 = OCL-437

06 15 18 +39 51 18; Aur

Size 6'

 

13.1" (12/22/84): two dozen very faint stars in a 4' diameter over unresolved haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2192 = H VII-57 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and recorded "a compressed cluster of vS stars, irregular figure, 6' diameter, considerably rich."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is accurate.  This older cluster has an age of roughly 2 billion years

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NGC 2193 = ESO 086-57 = S-L 839

06 06 17.5 -65 05 54; Dor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, round, ~1' diameter, low surface brightness.  NGC 2181 lies 24' SW.  This LMC intermediate-age cluster is the most elliptical of any known with an eccentricity = 0.33.  NGC 2193 is located 8' SE of HJ 3838, a mag 10.5/10.5 pair at 10".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2193 = h3026 on 3 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; irreg fig; glbM; has 2 or 3 stars in it."  His position from this single sweep is just 30" NNW of center.

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NGC 2194 = Cr 87 = Mel 43 = OCL-485

06 13 46 +12 48 24; Ori

V = 8.5;  Size 10'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): at least 50 stars in a 5' region including many mag 14/15 stars, very rich with averted.  Includes a few brighter stars on the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2194 = H VI-5 on 11 Feb 1784 and described a "a cluster of very close stars.  Rich and of large extent, i.e. about 7 or 8' or more."  On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) he recorded "a beautiful cluster of very compressed small stars of several sizes, gradually most compressed in the middle, irr R, 12 or 15' in diameter."  In his 1814 PT paper he considered this as an example of a cluster in an advanced state of insulation, "not much differing from a globular figure."

 

Adolph Petersen independently found the cluster in 1849 but with a poor position.  The position was accuratelly measured by d'Arrest on 18 Sep 1862 and by Vogel on 7 Dec 1869.  Dreyer missed the equivalence with H. VI 5 and entered d'Arrest's observation as GC 5380 in his Supplement.

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NGC 2195

06 14 33.8 +17 38 22; Ori

V = 13/14

 

17.5" (12/23/97): this close pair of mag 13/14 stars was picked up at 100x just south of a mag 10 star.  At 220x and 280x this double star was cleanly resolved [10" separation] although the region between the pair and the bright star (just 30" from the southern star) appeared slightly hazy, probably due to two additional very close faint stars just below resolvability. At 410x, at least one very faint sparkle was occasionally glimpsed close to the mag 10 star.  It is not difficult to see why Lohse may have suspected this object to be nebulous.  Coincidentally, a very faint reflection nebula (GN 06.11.5) is located 6.7' NNW and it is misidentified as NGC 2195 in RNGC.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2195 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England.  His position is 17 tsec west of a double star (with two additional very faint stars in a chain).  His description of a mag 10 star 30" north pins down this identification.  Interestingly, on my first observation of this object, I also thought it was nebulous - either due to glare from the mag 10 star or the closeness of the chain of the stars.  Coincidentally, there is a very faint reflection nebula (GM 1-45 = P-P 58) 6.7' NNE in the same field which was also visible in my 17.5" and this object has the same RA as Lohse's original position.  The RNGC has misidentified this reflection nebula as NGC 2195.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Wolfgang Steinicke commented "The discoverer was Gerhard Lohse, a German working at Scarborough using a 15.5 inch refractor. The object is one of 18 nebulae (from a total of 20) Dreyer put into the NGC. Lohse is among the observers with the poorest statistics:  Only 3 objects are real nebulae (the galaxies NGC 2518, 2565, 6792)! 12 are stars (or asterisms), 3 are "not found".  From the existing, NGC 2518 is the faintest, but an easy object with V around 13 mag a and compact core.  Due to this, it is questionable, if he really saw GM 1-45. The description of a 10 mag star 31" N matches the small group. In general Lohse's positions are not bad, there are "objects" at the places, but in most cases no nebulae."

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NGC 2196 = ESO 556-004 = MCG -04-15-014 = UGCA 121 = PGC 18602

06 12 09.5 -21 48 27; Lep

V = 11.0;  Size 2.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45”

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright, fairly small, almost round, increases to a small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2196 = H II-265 = h3024 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and logged "pF, pS, iF, bM of an irregular shape, somewhat elongated."  His position is 30 sec of RA too large and 3' too far south. JH observed this galaxy from the Cape on 4 sweeps, first recording it as "B, pL, R, pspmbM. Many stars near it."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2197 = ESO 086-58 = S-L 838

06 06 09 -67 05 54; Dor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness, a mag 15 star is resolved at the north edge and one or two others occasionally pop.  The galaxy ESO 86-59 is 3.8' SE (= HS 452 in Hodge-Wright Atlas), but was not noticed.  NGC 2197 is situated 12' NNW of mag 6.7 HD 42701

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2197 = h3028 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; R; 40"."  His mean position from two sweeps matches this LMC cluster.

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NGC 2198

06 13 54 +01 00; Ori

 

24" (1/22/15): at the position given here is a 10' to 12' field with perhaps a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars and a number of fainter stars.  The group, though, is totally unimpressive and does not stand out in the general field.  On the southwest side is a 20" pair (one of Safford's 10th magnitude reference stars).   About 25' south is a scattered group of mag 9-10.5 stars (along with some fainter stars) that is much more distinctive, though doesn't match Safford's position.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 2198 = HN 27 on 19 March 1863, along with the nonexistent cluster NGC 2189, using the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory.  In AN #1453, George Bond (director of the observatory) reported "A cluster, seen 1863 March 19, by J.H. [sic] Safford, between two stars in the following position.  With the Great Refractor."  The positions for the two stars are fine (separated by ~8' east-west) but there is no obvious clustering nearby.

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", reported "no CL, many pB st sf Dreyer's place."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).  Harold Corwin suggests Safford's object might be "a scattered group of 20-30 stars, probably no more than a random field, centered at 06 11 56, +01 03.2 (B1950.0) that covers an area about 12 x 11 arcmin in size.  The stars range between 9th magnitude (the eastern-most of Safford's two stars) to about 13.

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NGC 2199 = ESO 034-003 = PGC 18379

06 04 45.0 -73 24 00; Men

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 37”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', small bright core, occasional sharp stellar nucleus.  NGC 2173 and NGC 2209, both likely LMC clusters, lie 38' NW and 30' SE, respectively.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2199 = h3031 on 8 Feb 1836 and recorded "F, vS, R, bM."  His position matches ESO 034-003 = PGC 18379, a galaxy shining through the southeast side of the LMC.

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NGC 2200 = ESO 254-039 = MCG -07-13-006 = AM 0611-433 NED2 = PGC 18652

06 13 17.4 -43 39 48; Pup

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 170”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 15.5 star is at the southwest edge.  Located 5' SE of mag 9.2 HD 432421 and 7' ESE of mag 8.3 HD 43180.  Larger of a pair (similar redshift) with NGC 2201 3.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2200 = h3029, along with NGC 2201, on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; R; vlbM; 40"."  He observed the pair again in Dec 1837, but his NPD was 1” further south.  His first position was accurate and matches ESO 254-039 = PGC 18652.

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NGC 2201 = ESO 254-040 = MCG -07-13-007 = PGC 18658

06 13 31.4 -43 42 18; Pup

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 113”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 25"x15".  Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW.  The two galaxies are nearly collinear with a mag 9.2 star 5' further northwest.

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x; very faint, small, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Viewed at 9” elevation.  Forms a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW, but the companion was not seen at this low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2201 = h3030 (along with NGC 2200 = h3029) on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; vS; pslbM; rather a doubtful object."  He observed the pair again in Dec 1837, but his NPD was 1” further south.  His first position was accurate and matches ESO 254-040 = PGC 18658.

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NGC 2202

06 16 51 +05 59 48; Ori

 

17.5" (2/2/02): fairly distinctive asterism at 100x (20 Nagler), consisting of a bulbous mushroom-shaped ring of about a dozen fairly bright stars with a few others nearby.  Within this irregular ring is a nice, mag 9.1/10.8 double (SAO 113671) at 10" separation.  Adding to the effect is a straight trail of stars from the double forming a 10' "stem" heading to the NNE and containing a mag 8.7 star (SAO 113677).  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 2202 = · 885 = h385 in 1825 with the 9.6" refractor at the Dorpat Observatory and he listed it in his main catalogue of double stars.  John Herschel observed this cluster (or asterism) on 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320) and recorded"The chief of a tolerably neat cluster of large stars."  The double star is a 9.1/10.8 pair at 10" separation located at 06 16 51.5 +05 59 47. Karl Reinmuth described the photographic appearance as "Cl, S, R, vP, st 8.5..." with dimensions 6.5'x6.5'.  RNGC classifies NGC 2202 as a nonexistent cluster.

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NGC 2203 = ESO 034-4 = S-L 836

06 04 43 -75 26 18; Men

V = 11.3;  Size 3.2'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this LMC cluster (outside the Hodge-Wright Atlas) appeared fairly bright and large, round, ~1.4' diameter, unresolved but slightly patchy or mottled with a weak concentration.  A mag 12.4 star is off the NW side [1.6' from center] and a mag 14.5 star is off the south side [1.6' from center].  Located 46' SSW of mag 5.1 Alpha Mensae.

 

The galaxy IC 2164 lies 9' NE and was seen as "faint, small, round, 30" diameter, fairly low surface brightness, no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1' SE."

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2203 = h3035 on 23 Jan 1836 and recorded "pB; irreg R; vgpmbM; 2'; resolvable.  His position from this single sweep is accurate.  Joseph Turner observed this cluster on 5 Jan 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and reported "glimpses of a grannular or stippled appearance occasionally obtained, showing it to be resolvable." (p. 158 of logbook).  Pietro Baracchi called it "pB; pL; R; vglbM.  Soft undefined outline about 70" diameter." (9 Jan 1886, Melbourne).

 

DeLisle Stewart (based on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station) called this object a "faint cluster, not a nebula" (given in the IC Notes).

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NGC 2204 = Cr 88 = Mel 44 = ESO 556-007

06 15 33 -18 40 00; CMa

V = 8.6;  Size 13'

 

13.1" (1/28/84): two dozen stars mag 12-14 in a 10' diameter.  Two mag 9 stars are on the SW and NW edge and many stars are aligned in strings.  Mag 6.0 SAO 151274 in field to NNW about 11'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2204 = H VII-13 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "a cluster of scattered stars, not very rich, above 15' diameter, south following a star 6-7 mag."  Due to a transcrption error by Caroline Herschel while preparing her brother's first catalogue for the printer, she was credited with the discovery instead of H. VII-12 = NGC 2360. Jane Houston Jones mistakenly credited Caroline Herschel for the discovery of NGC 2204 in her Sky & Tel article on Caroline Herschel.

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NGC 2205 = ESO 086-063 = PGC 18551

06 10 33.0 -62 32 19; Pic

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 80”

 

14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20".  A mag 11.7 star is 3.3' NNE and a similar star is 5' SSE.  A group of stars (mag 10.6 and fainter) is ~10' W.  Located 33' SE of a mag 5.0 HD 42540.  Observation made in hazy conditions (thin clouds and/or smoke).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2205 = h3034 on 9 Dec 1836 and noted "pF, R, bM, 20"."  There is nothing at Herschel's position, but Eric Lindsay comments in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), this is "Probably the galaxy 3/4 minute West."   In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "nebula, BM, 20", 12 mag, between 2 faint stars, which may account for the note "spindle"." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).

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NGC 2206 = ESO 489-026 = MCG -04-15-019 = UGCA 123 = PGC 18736

06 15 59.9 -26 45 57; CMa

V = 12.2;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 138”

 

17.5" (2/8/86): moderately bright, small, almost round, small bright core.  A star is superimposed very close east of the core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2206 = h3033 on 20 Jan 1835 and remarked "vF; R; vlbM; 50"."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches ESO 489-026 = UGCA 123.  Herbert Howe noted that the superimposed star is actually a 10" double.

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NGC 2207 = ESO 556-008 = MCG -04-15-020 = UGCA 124 = Holm 85a/b = PGC 18749

06 16 22.0 -21 22 21; CMa

V = 10.8;  Size 4.3'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 112”

 

48" (2/20/12 and 2/28/19): this beautiful spiral galaxy forms a stunning pair with IC 2163 attached to its east side.  The center is sharply concentrated with a brilliant nucleus embedded in a very bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed on the west-southwest edge of the core.  A couple of beautiful, winding spiral arms are visible in the halo.  An outer arm on the south end of the galaxy stretched to the west and curved counterclockwise north towards a mag 12.5-13 star situated 1.7' NW of center.  A second more inner arm vaguely emerged on the west side of the core and wrapped counterclockwise to the north, where it was parallel to the outer arm described above.  This arm then curved back east along the north side of the halo, stretching to the NE side of the halo, but not reaching IC 2163.  The region between the core and these arms were noticeably darker due to dust.

 

IC 2163 is attached at the east side of NGC 2207.  The central region was very bright, round, ~1' diameter, small bright core.  A surprisingly prominent spiral arm is attached on the southwest side.  It sweeps gracefully to the east and bends gently clockwise.  This arm was ~1.5' long and significantly increased the overall size to roughly 2'x1'.  Just northeast of the tip of the arm is 2MASX J06163579-2122032, which appeared as a faint, very small knot.  The 2MASX galaxy is probably a dwarf elliptical at the same distance as the pair.

 

18" (2/5/11): fairly bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated core (WSW-ENE) ~1' diameter and a large, much lower surface brightness halo ~2.5'x2.0'.  A faint star is close WSW of the nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge of the halo.

 

Forms an interacting pair with IC 2163, which is embedded on the east side of the halo.  The fainter companion appears fairly faint, moderately large, oval E-W, 1.0'x0.7', weakly concentrated

 

13.1" (1/28/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, double nuclei.  A faint extension is visible to the east.  This is an unusual interacting pair and the extension to the east is IC 2163.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2207 = h3032 on 24 Jan 1835 and recorded "pB, pL, mE in pos = +/- 87”, pslbM, 2.5' long, 40" broad, to a tolerably well defined round nucleus."  His position and Engelhardt's micrometric measurement are accurate, though I'm surprised that Herschel wasn't able to resolve the IC component of the system.

 

Joseph Turner observed this interacting pair on 18 Dec 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope.  He wrote, "It appears to consist of two nebulae" and his sketch clearly shows IC 2163 elongated E-W as a separate object to the east.  He noted "the preceding one [NGC 2207] seems to have [three?] distinct nuclei or perhaps [three?] small stars."  Herbert Howe also resolved the pair on on 11 Feb 1898 with the 20" refractor at Denver and was credited with the visual discovery of IC 2163.  Holmberg 85b refers to the inner spiral arm (ring) to the west of the core.

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NGC 2208 = UGC 3452 = MCG +09-11-010 = CGCG 260-007 = PGC 18911

06 22 34.7 +51 54 34; Aur

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2208 = Sw. VI-26 on 24 Nov 1886 and noted "pF, pS, lE."  His position is 6 seconds of time too small and 1.6' too far north. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1893 (published in 1907 catalog).

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NGC 2209 = ESO 034-6 = S-L 849

06 08 35 -73 50 18; Men

V = 13.2;  Size 2.8'

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly bright outlying LMC cluster (probable globular cluster) appears as a 2.5'-3' glow with only a weak concentration and no resolution.  Surrounded by a number of stars including a mag 11.5 star 3.4' W.  NGC 2199 (a galaxy) lies 30' NW and continuing in this direction another 38' is NGC 2173, a slightly smaller LMC cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2209 = h3037 on 8 Feb 1836 and remarked "vF; L; R; gvlbM; 3'."  His position from this single sweep is accurate.

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NGC 2210 = ESO 057-71 = S-L 858

06 11 31.7 -69 07 18; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 1.7'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): bright, relatively large, round, at least 1' diameter, contains a very bright grainy core and a relatively thin halo, no definite resolution.  A mag 14 star is off the southeast side [1.3' from center].  Located 9.3' NW of a mag 8.2 star and 22' SE of mag 5.1 Nu Doradus.  NGC 2210 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2210 = h3036 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vB; S; R; pgvmbM; 35"; not resolvable."  He noted the observation probably had a one degree error in the polar distance as the next two sweeps agreed in position.

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NGC 2211 = ESO 556-013 = MCG -03-16-021 = PGC 18794

06 18 30.3 -18 32 14; CMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 22”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2212 1.5' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2211 = LM 1-150, along with NGC 2212, on 11 Dec 1885.  His rough position is accurate to the nearest min of RA, though Bigourdan (on 9 Mar 1890), Herbert Howe and Ormond Stone measured an accurate RA (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 2212 = ESO 556-014 = MCG -03-16-022 = PGC 18796

06 18 35.7 -18 31 10; CMa

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 136”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness.  A line of three equally spaced mag 14 stars begins 1.5' E and ends 1.3' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 2211 1.5' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2212 = LM 1-151, along with NGC 2211, on 11 Dec 1885.  His rough position is accurate to the nearest min of RA, though Bigourdan, Herbert Howe and Ormond Stone measured an accurate RA for nearby NGC 2211 (given in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 2213 = ESO 057-70 = S-L 857

06 10 42 -71 31 42; Men

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, slightly brighter core, no resolution.  A distinctive 1' trio in a slight curve, consisting of a mag 11 star and two mag 12 stars, lies 3' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2213 = h3038 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 30".  A triple star precedes."  His position from this single sweep is 30" SW of center.

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NGC 2214 = ESO 057-74 = S-L 860

06 12 57 -68 15 36; Dor

V = 10.9;  Size 3.6'

 

18" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): this young massive LMC cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, noticeably elongated E-W, ~1.6'x1.1'.  About a half-dozen stars were resolved around the edges and within the main glow.  Well concentrated with a bright central region and a slightly mottled halo.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2214 = D 201 on 27 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined small nebula, 20" diameter, bright at the centre."  Dunlop made 3 observations and his position is about 2' SW of center (unusually accurate).

 

John Herschel made two observations, first on the sweep of 30 Jan 1835 when he recorded h3039 as "B; S; R; or lE; resolved into stars 14...16m; 50"."  On a second sweep he logged it as "B; irreg R; or lE; gbM; 80"; resolvable."

 

Pietro Baracchi sketched the cluster on 4 Jan 1886 and described it as "B; S; lE; Elliptical, even in density, mottled, resolvable.  It seems a double nebula or at the least there is some dark division about the middle of the object."  On his diagram the object is elongated SSW-NNE and consists of two tangent clumps with a mag 15 star attached at the northeast end and another mag 15 star close south of the east end.

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NGC 2215 = Cr 90 = Mel 45 = OCL-550

06 20 50 -07 17 00; Mon

V = 8.4;  Size 11'

 

17.5" (12/28/94): about 50 stars mag 11-14 in a 12' region, pretty evenly distributed and stands out well in the field at 100x.  At the west edge is a faint detached group of 8 stars.  Near the center are several wide pairs and one close evenly matched fainter pair.  The cluster is not well defined on the east side and merges into the general field.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): 30 stars mag 11-14 in 10' diameter, fairly bright, elongated ~E-W, pretty evenly distributed, fairly rich although there no dense areas.  Includes about 10 mag 11 stars but there is no single dominant star.  The remainder are mag 12-14.  Set over background haze.  Stands out well in low power field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2215 = H VII-20 = h386 on 1 Nov 1785 (sweep 468) and recorded "a cl of coarsely but pretty evenly scattered pS stars, of nearly the same magnitude, coarsely round and about 15' diam."  His summary description (based on 3 sweeps) reads "a beautiful cluster of pretty compressed and equally scattered stars, 10' or 12' diameter."

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NGC 2216 = ESO 556-017 = MCG -04-15-027 = PGC 18877

06 21 30.7 -22 05 14; CMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is off the SE end 1.7' from center and a mag 14.5 star is superimposed at the SE end.  A group of 20 stars are in the field to the west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2216 = h3040 on 23 Jan 1835 and noted it as "vF, pL, R, vglbM, 40"." His position (single sweep) matches ESO 556-017 = PGC 18877.

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NGC 2217 = ESO 489-042 = MCG -05-15-010 = AM 0619-271 = LGG 136-002 = PGC 18883

06 21 39.8 -27 14 04; CMa

V = 10.7;  Size 4.5'x4.2';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (2/5/13): very bright, very large, contains a brighter 1.3' core that is sharply concentrated with an intense nucleus!  The round halo extends 3' and has a fairly smooth surface brightness.  The outer halo passes through a wide pair of mag 12/13 stars on the west side.  UGCA 126, a thin edge-on, lies 60' WSW.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, small, elongated ~E-W, well concentrated with a bright core surrounded by small faint halo, stellar nucleus at moments.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2217 = h3041 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "vB; R; psmbM; 30", r."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 489-042 = PGC 18883.

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NGC 2218

06 24 41.5 +19 20 29; Gem

 

= 4*, Reinmuth  =no cluster, RNGC.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 2218 on 13 Jan 1853 with the large 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland while compiling the Markree Ecliptic Catalogue.  Arthur Auwers couldn't find it using the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg, though included it as #22 in his 1862 list of new nebulae.  Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, reported "only 4 st 14...15".  There is only a small group of 3-5 stars on the DSS at Cooper's position.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2219

06 23 45 -04 40 36; Mon

 

17.5" (2/2/02): at 100x, 15-20 fairly faint mag 13-14 stars and a few brighter stars are visible just following mag 6.7 SAO 133199.  The group is elongated ~WNW-ESE and the stars are fairly evenly distributed.  The SE corner is marked by a mag 7.5 star.  Visually, this group appears to be a cluster as the star density is reasonably rich and the group is isolated in the field.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC and not in the Lynga catalogue.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2219 = h387 on 19 Feb 1830 and noted, "The first *6 of a course poor cl; *11...12."  His position corresponds with mag 6.7 SAO 133199 at 06 23 22.8 -04 41 15 (J2000).  Karl Reinmuthm, based on his 1926 photographic survey, gives a size of 10' and describes "Cl, pL, P, st 10...; B* BD -4 1484 p."  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2220 = ESO 255-004

06 21 11.0 -44 45 32; Pup

Size 22'

 

24" (2/22/14): at 125x, this asterism is a scattered 20' field containing several bright stars.  There are two groupings with the more prominent southeast group containing 8 brighter stars including mag 7.7 HD 44737, mag 8.4 HD 44665, mag 8.8 HD 44764, along with 4 mag 10-11 stars.  These are scattered within an 8' region.  A separate group is to the northwest, separated by a 7'-8' gap, which contains 4 mag 9.5-10 stars.  Visually this appears to be a random grouping, though the number of bright stars is striking.  ESO 255-005 off the east side of the asterism was not seen.  Viewed at an elevation of only 8”.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2220 = h3042 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded a "A poor, very coarsely scattered, but brilliant cluster of 8th class.  Place of a star 8m = B 1222, the chief of cl."  His position corresponds with mag 7.7 HD 44737 at 06 21 11.3 -44 45 31 (2000).  The asterism also includes HD 44665 = HJ 3852 (8.4/10.7 at 7") and mag 8.8 HD 44764.  WEBDA has no listing, and this grouping is probably an asterism.  RNGC calls NGC 2220 nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2221 = ESO 121-024 = KTS 33A = PGC 18833

06 20 15.7 -57 34 42; Pic

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 0”

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest member of a trio of elongated galaxies (KTS 33).  At 260x it appeared fairly bright, large, edge-on 4:1 N-S, ~1.5'x0.35', broad concentration, dims at the tips.  Just at the north tip is an extremely faint star or a knot (appears to be an HII knot on the Vickers CCD image).  Forms a striking pair with NGC 2222 2.7' N.  The third member, ESO 161-001 is much fainter and lies 5.3' NNE.  A 26" pair of mag 11.5/12 stars 4.5' NW is collinear with this galaxy and a mag 10.9 star lies to the NW of the trio.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2221 = h3044 (along with NGC 2222 = h3045) on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; lE; vgbM; the preceding of 2."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 2222 = ESO 121-025 = KTS 33B = PGC 18835

06 20 17.0 -57 32 04; Pic

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 150”

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this edge-on galaxy appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', gradually increases to a small bright core.  This is the second brightest in a trio of elongated systems with NGC 2221 2.6' S and ESO 161-001 2.9' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2222 = h3045 (along with NGC 2221 = h3044) on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; lE; vgvlbM; the following of 2."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2223 = ESO 489-049 = MCG -04-16-002 = UGCA 129 = PGC 18978

06 24 36.0 -22 50 18; CMa

V = 11.6;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is on the north end 24" from center.  Apparently I missed the outer 3' low surface brightness outer halo as the superimposed star is just outside the core.

 

8" (1/1/84): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2223 = h3043 on 23 Jan 1835 and logged "F; R glbM; has 1 or 2 stars on it and a small close double star (dist 3", 12 and 12 mag) north."  His mean position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches ESO 489-049 = UGCA 129.

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NGC 2224

06 27 28 +12 35 36; Gem

 

= no cluster, RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2224 = H VII-35 on 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) and described "A cluster of small pretty much compressed stars with suspected  nebulosity, but the latter may be a deception."  His position is close to a mag 9.6 star in a rich field containing some extremely faint nebulosity.   Robert Ball, observing with the 72" on 9 Dec 1866, noted "some stars scattered about, but no neby see.  Sky not good."

 

Karl Reinmuth reported "no pC Cl seen", based on Heidelberg plates. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent and it is not listed in any open cluster catalogue.  Harold Corwin there is an elongated group of very faint stars close to Herschel's position and these are embedded in very faint nebulosity, though I haven't checked this field.

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NGC 2225

06 26 37 -09 38 30; Mon

 

17.5" (1/23/93): NGC 2226 is the core of NGC 2225 and consists of a 2' faint group of six mag 14 stars, over unresolved haze.  A mag 10 star is 1' S and a mag 12 star is 4' N.  NGC 2225 probably also consists of several nearby mag 13.5-14 stars forming a 5' group elongated N-S.  Herschel described the cluster as "hook" shaped.

 

Listed as nonexistent in RNGC though shows up well on the DSS.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2225 = H VII-26 = h388 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and described "a cluster of extremely small and pretty much compressed stars, with a few larger ones, but not very rich; in the shape of a hook."  His position was off the southeast side of the cluster (or asterism) and the "large ones in the shape of a hook" probably refer to a group of stars off the northeast side of the core of the group. This cluster is not listed in the Lynga catalogue and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the comment "NOCL".  NGC 2226 is the small core of NGC 2225.

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NGC 2226

06 26 37.6 -09 38 34; Mon

Size 2'

 

17.5" (1/23/93): faint group of six mag 14 stars over unresolved haze giving a fairly rich appearance.  Forms an irregular arc 2' length N-S bending west on the south end.  Located 1' N of a mag 10 star and a mag 12 star is 4' N.  Several more mag 13.5-14 stars are nearby, which together as a 5' group elongated N-S may form NGC 2225.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2226 (discovery date unknown). Harold Corwin notes Barnard was probably using a 5- or 6-inch refractor at Nashville and the discovery was directly communicated to Dreyer.  His rough position is nearly identical to this cluster, but the NGC description "small,very difficult,*10 close S" suggests he only noted the core of the larger group (NGC 2225) discovered by WH.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2227 = ESO 556-023 = MCG -04-16-004 = PGC 19030

06 25 57.9 -22 00 18; CMa

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (2/8/86): faint, fairly large, fairly diffuse, elongated ~N-S, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 8' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2227 = h3046 on 27 Jan 1835 and remarked "eF; R; has coarse double star preceding on same parallel 90" dist."  His description and position (NPD corrected by two degrees in his addendum) matches ESO 556-023 = PGC 19030.

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NGC 2228 = ESO 087-007 = PGC 18862

06 21 15.6 -64 27 33; Dor

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30"-36" diameter, very small bright core.  At 397x the core seemed elongated ~E-W, but this was due to a mag 15.6 star that occasionally resolved at its east edge.  Located 11.6' NW of mag 8.2 HD 45462 (a wide 1.5' pair with a mag 9.9 star).

 

NGC 2228 is a member of ACO S585 = AGC 3389, which includes NGC 2229, 2230 and 2235, but is situated ~30' N of the core of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2228 = h3047 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "F; R; glbM; 20"."  His position (single sweep) matches ESO 087-007 = PGC 18862.

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NGC 2229 = ESO 087-008 = PGC 18867

06 21 23.7 -64 57 24; Dor

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 133”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.75'x0.25', a mag 14 star is 45" S of center.  In the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585 with NGC 2230 2' S, NGC 2235 6.4' ENE, NGC 2233 5' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2229 = h3048 (along with NGC 2230, 2233 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged as "eF; vS; R; the preceding of 3."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2230 = ESO 087-009 = PGC 18873

06 21 27.5 -64 59 35; Dor

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 81”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, round, 0.9' diameter, moderately concentrated with a bright 20" core.  Situated in the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585 with NGC 2229 2.2' N, NGC 2233 2.9' SE, NGC 2235 6.8' NE, 2MASX J06215975-6459181 3.4' E.  A total of 7 galaxies were picked up within an 11' circle.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2230 = h3049 (along with NGC 2229, 2233 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "eF, S, lE, the middle of 3."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2231 = ESO 087-6 = S-L 884

06 20 43 -67 31 06; Dor

V = 13.2;  Size 2.0'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this LMC globular appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~45" diameter, fairly low but irregular surface brightness, increases in size with averted, no resolution.  A number of brighter stars in the field including HJ 3862, a mag 9.5/11.5 pair at 8", which lies 5' SE.  In addition, a mag 10 star is 6' NNE and two other mag 11 stars are within 4' N.  Several more mag 12 stars (some closer) are in the field. S-L 885 lies 3.7' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2231 = h3050 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, pL, R, gvlbM, precedes a double star [h3862]." On a second sweep he called it "F, L, R, 50", among 10 or 12 stars 10th and 11th mag."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is good.

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NGC 2232 = Cr 93 = OCL-545 = Lund 220

06 28 02 -04 50 48; Mon

V = 3.9;  Size 30'

 

17.5" (12/28/94): at 100x appears as a scattered group of bright stars surrounding 10 Monocerotis (V = 5.1) with the remaining stars forming a wedge tapering to the SW.  Includes 7 brighter mag 8-10 stars and another two dozen fainter stars.  Richest surrounding 10 Mon and five brighter stars form a distinctive box around the bright star.  Too large and scattered for higher power.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2232 = H VIII-25 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded "The 10 Monocerotis surrounded by many bright stars."  His position matches the bright star.  The position in the Lynga catalogue, RNGC, NGC 2000.0 and Sky Catalogue 2000 is about 20' too far west!  Brian Skiff suggests a centroid position of 06 28 02 -04 50.8 based on the star GSC 4793-2505.  See my RNGC Corrections #7.

 

By analyzing William Herschel's earlier "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found that Herschel discovered the cluster on 5 Dec 1779 using his 6.2" reflector.  This is apparently his earliest non-stellar discovery!

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NGC 2233 = ESO 087-011 = PGC 18882

06 21 40.1 -65 02 00; Dor

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 45”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 36"x9", fairly low surface brightness with little or no concentration.  Located 2.8' SE of NGC 2230 in the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2233 = h3051 (along with NGC 2229, 2230 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "eF; S; the last of 3."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2234

06 29 22 +16 43 24; Gem

Size 25'

 

18" (1/26/09): at 175x only a scattered group of ~75 stars in a non-descript 10' region.  Includes a number of mag 12 stars forming the outline of two rough loops or a butterfly shape.  This poor grouping is immediately SE of the listed position.  The Milky Way is patchy here and the stars are set over unresolved haze.  This grouping appears a very weak field enhancement at best and not a cluster.

 

William Herschel described a larger grouping (nearly 30'), though the entire field is not really distinguishable from the surrouding area.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2234 = H VIII-9 = h389 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 148) and reported as "A cluster of stars very much scattered; takes up near 1/2 degree.  It is not very rich; the stars are of various magnitudes."  John Herschel described on 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395), "a p rich v loose cl, fills 2 or 3 fields, not bM, st 10...13m."

 

Karl Reinmuth noted "no distinct Cl" on Heidelberg plates and the RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).  There is a fairly even scattering of mag 10-13 stars in the vicinity on on the POSS.

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NGC 2235 = ESO 087-013 = PGC 18906

06 22 22.0 -64 56 03; Dor

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 68”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly elongated 25" core.  A mag 10.8 star is right at the northeast edge of the halo.  This is the brightest of 7 galaxies, including NGCs 2229, 2230 and 2233, viewed in the core of ACO S585 = AGC 3389 and the furthest northeast.

 

PGC 75662: at 260x; very faint, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.2'.  Picked up 1.1' NW of a mag 10.5 star and 3.8' SW of NGC 2230.

PGC 75671: very faint edge-on streak 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.15'.  A mag 15-16 star is very close following.  Picked up just 2.3' N of NGC 2229 on a line with NGC 2230 4.5' S.

PGC 75689: very faint, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2'.  Picked up 3.4' E of NGC 2229 and 4' SW of NGC 2235.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2235 = h3052 (along with NGC 2229, 2230 and 2233) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "vF; S; R; 30"."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 2236 = Cr 94 = OCL-501 = Lund 221

06 29 40 +06 49 48; Mon

V = 8.5;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): two dozen faint stars in a 5' region over background haze.  The brighter stars are in a rich 1' triangular outline with the brightest mag 11 star in the cluster.  A long curving arc of fainter stars emanates from the group.  Fairly striking cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2236 = H VII-5 = h390 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 156) and described "a cluster of compressed stars of various magnitudes, pretty rich in small stars; the preceding part contains chiefly large onces, not round."  On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) John Herschel described an "Irreg fig cl like a hollow triangle in a crowded part of the Milky Way; stars vS; 12...15m; one star 10m.  The surrounding loose stars are all large."

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NGC 2237 = Sh 2-275 = LBN 948 = Rosette Nebula

06 30 18 +05 03; Mon

Size 80'x60'

 

13.1" (11/5/83 and 1/23/82): the complete annulus of the Rosette Nebula was clearly visible surrounding the naked-eye cluster NGC 2244.  Appears brightest and broadest in the NW region with a bright knot in the NE quadrant (NGC 2246).  The SE portion is split into two shells.  The western section has sharp corner on the inner edge.  NGC 2237 refers to a brighter section in the western section of the Rosette.  The brighter embedded cluster, NGC 2244, is offset within the 20', darker central region, and the SE end of the cluster (including the brightest member 12 Mon) spills over into the nebula.

 

8" (1/1/84): complete annulus easy visible in field at 42x or in 8x50 finder with filter as a large, soft ring surrounding the cluster.

 

Naked-eye (1/8/00): using an OIII filter, the apparent diameter of the cluster (NGC 2244) noticeably increases in size due to the surrounding nebulosity becoming visible.  The overall brightness, though, is slightly decreased with the filter as the cluster is significantly dimmed.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2237 = Sw. II-31 between 1865 and 1874 while comet hunting using his 4.5-inch refractor. The discovery wasn't published, though, until 1884 (Sidereal Messenger, 3, 57-58).  Swift reported "Some ten years ago [implying a discovery date around 1874], while searching for comets, I ran across an exceedingly large and fairly bright nebula near 12 Mon which I of course supposed was familiar to every astronomer."  In the notes to his second list, Swift wrote "until 1881 I supposed it was a well known nebula.  Like the Merope nebula it requires a low power and a large field to see it well, and, like it, it also much obscured by a cluster of bright stars.  It slighty precedes and is a little north of the cluster [only one portion of the annulus seen], and at first would naturally be mistaken for a glow from it.

 

"Through ordinary telescopes it appears to have no visible boundaries, but through my 16-inch refractor it once under excellent conditions presented outlines sharp and distinc of an exact ellipse, with a pretty large easily seen nebula at each foci."

 

In an 1887 article he states the nebula was found "some fifteen years ago" or roughly 1872, and in an 1890 article (Sidereal Messenger, Volume 9, "A Wonderful Nebulous Ring"), he mentions the nebula was found "in about the year 1865".

 

E.E. Barnard independently discovered the Rosette on 29 Jan 1883 with his 5-inch refractor while searching for comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, 313). He commented in his logbook "Found a large nebulous object, [near] a scattering cluster of bright stars; it is elongated southwest and northeast.  Larger than the field of view."  Barnard's announcement prompted Swift to claim an earlier discovery.  Swift mentioned (notes to second list) that at his request Barnard reobserved it on 31 Oct 1885 [probably with the Lick 12-inch] and "estimates it to be one degree in length by a half degree in breadth", implying he saw the entire annulus.  Barnard showed the nebula to Swift when he visited Lick in January 1889.

 

Barnard referred to the nebula as "Swift's Nebula", though it was often called "Barnard's Ring" before the "Rosette Nebula" nickname was introduced. The oldest confirmed usage was in JRASC from 1949 (vol 43, 122): "Often referred to as the Rosette Nebula, it is known to astronomers as NGC 2237."

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NGC 2238 = LBN 948 = Ced 76a = Sh 2-275 = Rosette Nebula

06 30 40.4 +05 00 47; Mon

 

13.1": small knot on the west side of the Rosette Nebula.  See NGC 2237 for description.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2238 = m 99 on 28 Feb 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta.  This is a small, nebulous area around a star in the western half of the Rosette Nebula but there was no mention of the entire nebula, which was first recognized by Lewis Swift and E.E. Barnard.

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NGC 2239 = NGC 2244 = Cr 99 = Mel 47 = OCL-515 = Ced 76b

06 31 55 +04 56 36; Mon

V = 4.8;  Size 24'

 

See observing notes for NGC 2244.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2239 = h392 on 4 March 1830 and noted "the place of a *8m in most compressed part of a large, poor, but brilliant cluster."  His position was 1 min of RA west of mag 6.8 HD 46150, at the northwest corner of the cluster (NGC 2244) in the center of the Rosette Nebula.  Although he noted the equivalence with H VII-2 = NGC 2244, he listed h392 separately in the GC (1420) probably because of the 1 min difference in RA and Dreyer catalogued the object as NGC 2239.  Karl Reinmuth put both numbers together and described (based on Heidelberg plates) "NGC 2239 and 2244 B Cl, pL, P, sc, B st in eeL dif neb."

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NGC 2240

06 33 11 +35 15 00; Aur

 

18" (1/26/09): at 175x this is a fairly course, scattered group of three dozen mag 10-13 stars in a 10' region.  Located just following mag 6.8 HD 46050.  Many of the stars are in pairs and in conjunction with the nearby bright star probably caught William Herschel's attention.  Also in the field is mag 7.0 HD 46072 about 12' SSW of the center of the star group.

 

Described by WH (VIII 49) as "A cluster of coursely scattered large stars, not rich" and by JH (h391) as "a v coarse straggling cl 10' diam; 30 or 40 stars 10...15m.  A *10m taken, but one of 7m precedes to the north."  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2240 = H VIII-49 = h391 on 3 Jan 1786 (sweep 509) and reported "A cluster of coursely scattered large stars, not rich."  On 17 Feb 1828 (sweep 124), John Herschel described "a v coarse straggling cl 10' diam; 30 or 40 stars 10...15m.  A *10m taken, but one of 7m precedes to the N."  Karl Reinmuth gives a diameter of 10' and description "Cl, pL, iR, pP, sc, st 10...; bet BD +35 1436 and BD +35 1444.", based on its photographic appearance.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent as this object may be an asterism.

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NGC 2241 = ESO 057-79 = S-L 888

06 22 53 -68 55 30; Dor

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint or moderately bright LMC cluster, round, 30"-40" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution.  A mag 11.9 star is 2.4' SW and a mag 11 star is 2' S. The cluster forms the northern vertex of a rough right triangle with the two bright field stars.  NGC 2249, a brighter cluster, lies 16' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2241 = h3054 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; pL; R; 30"."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches this LMC cluster.

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NGC 2242 = PK 170+15.1 = CGCG 204-005 = PN G170.3+15.8

06 34 07.4 +44 46 38; Aur

V = 15.2;  Size 20"

 

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, almost round.  Unusually weak filtration response as appears similar brightness or slightly fainter using filters!  Estimate V = 14.5.  This object was recently discovered to be a planetary in 1985 (Shaw and Bidelman) and is listed in the CGCG.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2242 = Sw. VI-27 on 24 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  This is the last planetary nebula, by discovery date, to be included in the NGC.  RNGC and CGCG (204-005) misclassify NGC 2242 as a galaxy although the RNGC new description reads "R, HISB, STEL, PLN??", so it questioned if it was perhaps a PN instead.

 

In 1985, spectroscopic investigations by Richard Shaw and William Bidelman revealed that NGC 2242 is a previously uncatalogued planetary nebula (independently shown to be a planetary by Machara in A&A 178, 221).  It was included as a new planetary nebula in Kohoutek's 4th update list (AN 315, 1994).  See my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 2243 = Cr 98 = Mel 46 = ESO 426-016

06 29 35 -31 16 54; CMa

V = 9.4;  Size 5'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly small faint cluster located just 8' SW of mag 7.4 SAO 196879.  Consists of unresolved haze except for four stars on the west edge and a few stars on the east edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2243 = h3053 on 19 Oct 1835 and recorded "pB, R, vglbM, all evidently resolved into stars, not very rich. Something between a cluster and a globular cluster. [This ob makes the RA 24m 8.9s, but it is pretty clear that this is a misreading of the chronometer.]"  On a second sweep he logged "pB, R, gbM, 4' diameter, mottled or resolved, amongst bright stars."  His mean position (two sweeps) matches this cluster.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 24 May 1826.  His entry for D 616 reads "an ill-defined faint nebulosity of some considerable extent, with several small stars scattered in it."  Although his description seems appropriate (though I don't believe he could have resolved stars in it), his position is 33' to the east-southeast.

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NGC 2244 = NGC 2239 = Cr 99 = Mel 47 = OCL-515 = Ced 76b

06 31 55 +04 56 36; Mon

V = 4.8;  Size 24'

 

17.5" (2/11/96): unusually bright, large cluster of ~15'x5' elongated NW-SE in a rectangular outline and situated in the heart of the Rosette Nebula!  The brightest 8 mag 6/7 stars lie along the sides and vertices of the rectangle with the brightest member, yellowish 12 Mon (V = 5.9), residing at the SE vertex.  There are ~40 stars within the cluster although the only concentration is fifteen mag 11/12 stars surrounding mag 6.8 SAO 114010 (W of center) and trailing to the east towards the wide bright pair of mag 8 stars east of center (one of these stars is the double STF 926 = 9.2/10.3 at 5").

 

8": bright, large cluster in the center of the Rosette Nebula.  The six brightest stars form a rectangular outline with the brightest star 12 Monocerotis (V = 5.9) at the SE corner.  At the north and NW corners of the rectangle are two bright wide pairs with mag 7/8 stars.  Many faint stars are near the center surrounding the wide pairs.  Faint naked-eye cluster in dark sky.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2244 = H VII-2 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and described "the 12th Monocerotis is a beautiful scattered cluster of stars.  They are chiefly of two sorts; the first very brilliant, and the 2nd sort arranged in beautiful winding lines; of these there are about 30 or more.  There are besides many very small stars."  Wolfgang Steinicke reports that Herschel first observed the cluster earlier on 13 Jan 1783 (before starting his sweeps) using his 6.2-inch reflector.

 

John Flamsteed recorded the 6th magnitude star 12 Monocerotis on his Atlas Coelestis (17 Feb 1690).  But Stephen O'Meara notes that Flamsteed didn't note any of the fainter cluster stars (or general fuzziness), so doesn't deserve credit for the discovery.

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NGC 2245 = LBN 904 = Ced 80 = PP 62 = P 13

06 32 41.2 +10 09 24; Mon

Size 5'x3'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): bright, fairly large, about 3' diameter, elongated SW-NE.  Fans out to the southwest from a fairly bright mag 11 star at the northeast end.  Fades smoothly into background. Located 2' WSW of mag 8.0 SAO 95816.  Reflection nebula NGC 2247 lies 12' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2245 = H IV-3 = h393 on 16 Jan 1784 (sweep 81) and reported "A nebula.  It is fan shaped, and appears like a star with a faint, electric brush at one side of it."  On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Herschel called it "a *11 with a milky neb surrounding it, but chiefly on the sp side.  The star is not sharp - not stellar, and the neb fades gradually away from the star; 70" or 80" diam; has a * 7m 30” nf."

 

The account by Lord Rosse (or assistant George Stoney) on Feb 28 1850 is remarkable: "...this neb is part of an enormous neby, which I traced following and north to a great distance, some degrees.  It narrows at times to a band across the finding eyepiece of about 6' or 8'.  I fancied the number of bright stars was greater in it than in the neighborhood; I am certain the number of small stars is much less..."  A sketch made was included in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication (plate XXVII, fig 11).

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NGC 2246 = Sh 2-275 = Rosette Nebula

06 32 33.8 +05 07 42; Mon

 

13.1" (1/23/82): this is a brighter patch on the inner northeast side of the Rosette Nebula.  A slightly darker gap in the annulus is located at the west end of this portion.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2246 = Sw. III-36 on 27 Feb 1886 and described as "eeF; L; iR; e diff.  Probably an offshoot of [NGC 2237]  Two or three others suspected."  The position is on a brighter patch of the Rosette Nebula in the inner portion of the annulus on the northeast side.  Wolfgang Steinicke notes this is the last discovered emission nebula included in the NGC (published in 1888).

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NGC 2247 = LBN 901 = Ced 81

06 33 05.1 +10 19 17; Mon

Size 4'x3'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval shape.  Surrounds a bright mag 8.5 star (Herbig Be star V700 Mon) although extends further to the east side of the star.  Reflection nebula NGC 2245 lies 12' SSW. 

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint nebulosity surrounds mag 8 star, round, fans out to south in direction of three faint stars.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2247 = Sw. 1-7 on 24 Nov 1883 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted a "nebulous star; v diff; B* exactly in center of L, eF nebulosity; follows 1425 [NGC 2245] 28 sec and is 10' N."  His position is 2' SE of this reflection nebula.

 

Dreyer also credited LdR with the co-discovery of NGC 2247.  It's possible that Dreyer was referring to Johnstone Stoney's comment on 28 Feb 1850, "...This nebula [NGC 2245] is part of an enormous neby, which I traced f and n to a great dist. some degrees."

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NGC 2248

06 34 35.7 +26 18 16; Gem

Size 45"

 

18" (2/14/10): at 175x a small clump of 4 stars was resolved.  The brightest two are a 16" pair of mag 12/13 stars, while the fainter two are probably mag 14.5/15.5.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 2248 on 23 Dec 1853 with the large 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland.  Auwers included it as #23 in his 1862 table of new nebulae and mentioned in the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg it appeared "extremely faint, just resolvable spot of 2-3' dia. The brightest star 12m."  At Cooper's position is a small clump of stars (45" diameter), including a mag 12/13 pair at 16" separation with several fainter stars in a chain to the east.  Harold Corwin calls this an "asterism of nine stars".  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2249 = ESO 057-82 = S-L 893

06 25 50 -68 55 12; Dor

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly bright, intermediate age LMC cluster, relatively large, 1.0' diameter, round, gradually increases to the center, no resolution.  An unequal mag 11/13 pair at ~10" separation lies 3.7' WNW and mag 8.9 HD 45987 is 9' NW.  NGC 2241, a fainter and smaller cluster, lies 16' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2249 = h3055 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM."  On a later sweep he logged "pB; R; gbM; 50"; has a double star preceding."  His position is accurate.

 

On 3 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi described the cluster with the 48" Melbourne telescope as "B; S; R; gbM; mottled as if resolvable; soft edged.  A star 10 mag precedes nebula by 40s and is 30" north.  Diameter of nebula 50" approximately."  This object is classified as a globular cluster in SIMBAD.

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NGC 2250 = OCL-540 = Lund 230 = Cr 100

06 33 49 -05 05 12; Mon

Size 7'

 

18" (1/26/09): at 175x about two dozen stars mag 12-14 stars are resolved in an 8'x4' irregular group, elongated E-W.  The brightest star is mag 8.7 HD 46576 on the NE end.  Includes several pairs, although none are impressive.  Set over a glowing Milky Way background.  Appears to be just a weak field enhancement not a true cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2250 = h394 on 20 Feb 1830 (sweep 235) and wrote, "place of a *8-9 m in following part of a large pretty rich loose cluster; irreg oblong fig; stars 12...14m."  His position matches mag 8.7 HD 46576.  The Lynga and RNGC position is 1 tmin too far west.

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NGC 2251 = Cr 101 = OCL-499 = Lund 232

06 34 39 +08 22 00; Mon

V = 7.3;  Size 10'

 

18" (3/4/08): at 175x, this is a fairly striking cluster that includes a fairly rich 6' string oriented N-S.  The string contains ~20 stars including a mag 10.5/11.5 double at 5" (Barton 2120).  The  brightest star in near the geometric center and is part of second group of ~20 stars with several in a 2' loop.  The bright star is a mag 9.5/11.5 pair at 9".  Finally, on the north side is a small string of a half-dozen stars oriented E-W.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): about 40 stars mag 10.5-14 in an 11'x4' fairly rich string NW-SE.  Includes about 10 brighter mag 11 stars.  The brightest mag 9.5 star is part of a small, roundish subgroup on the west side and is a pleasing double with components mag 9.5/12 at 10".  This subgroup has three brighter stars and 15 faint stars mostly west of the double.  The main string is fairly uniform except for an empty 3' gap SE of the mag 9.5 star.  Located 5' NW of the cluster is an isolated mag 10 star which appears to be a field star.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): 35 stars mag 10-14 in 12'x6' string NNW-SSE, bright, moderately large, fairly rich but not dense.  Consists of 3 main subgroups.  The western group is 2' diameter and includes a close double star 10/12 at 10".  The NW group is 3' diameter and includes two mag 11 stars with three mag 13 stars between.  The SE group is largest and includes 15 stars in a 6' string very elongated N-S with a close double star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2251 = H VIII-3 = h395 on 26 Dec 1783 (very early sweep 67) and noted "a small cluster of very close stars, not very remarkable."  His summary description (2 observatins) reads "an extended cluster of large scattered stars."  His position falls just west of center of this cluster.  On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel logged, "a large tract full of stars; v rich; place from working list."

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NGC 2252 = Cr 102 = OCL-514 = Lund 233

06 34 19.8 +05 19 22; Mon

V = 7.7;  Size 18'

 

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, this fairly rich field is located just 50' NE of the center of the Rosette Nebula!  Most distinctive in the field is a very elongated N-S group of roughly 50 stars in a 12'-15' string just 2' wide.  The group has a distinctive hook on the north end as it curves sharply towards the SW.  A near perfect triangle of mag 9 stars at 30", 34" and 40" separation lies 23' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2252 = H VIII-50 = h396 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 512) and reported "a cluster of stars arranged in a broad row, 25' long and 6 or 8' broad, not very compressed but pretty rich."  His position is on the east side of the cluster.  John Herschel logged in Mar 1830 (sweep 237), "L, pretty rich; stars small; place by working list."

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NGC 2253

06 42 31 +66 24; Cam

 

24" (3/22/14): this number might apply to a fairly rich string of stars about 30' north of William Herschel's position.  The surrounding field was examined at 125x (49' field of view) and the only object that caught my attention was a 4' string containing a dozen mag 13-14 stars oriented SW-NE.  In addition, a larger group of mag 14 stars is just south (though detached), with the total size of both groups roughly 10'.  This asterism is penned in by some brighter stars: mag 9.6 star (SAO 13933) is just north of the group, mag 7.7 HD 47522 is southeast and mag 7.2 HD 47215 is roughly 10' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2253 = H VII-54 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded "A vF patch of eS stars."  There is nothing at Harold Corwin's re-reduced position of 06 41 52 +65 50.3 (J2000) -- similar to Auwers -- and Bigourdan failed to recover this object.  Corwin suggests NGC 2253 might be "a small group of about 10-15 stars" at 06 42 32 +66 24.3 (2000).  This clump is roughly 30' north of WH's position (possibly a digit error) and described above.

 

RNGC, CGCG and SIMBAD misidentify CGCG 308-037 as NGC 2253.  This galaxy is located at 06 43 14.7 +65 40 39 (2000).  NED and HyperLeda equate UGC 3511 with NGC 2253 (originally proposed by Sue French?), though NED notes the identification is very uncertain.  UGC 3511 is located ~40' SSE of WH's position so is a very poor positional match.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 2254 = Cr 103 = OCL-500 = Lund 234

06 35 50 +07 40 24; Mon

V = 9.7;  Size 4'

 

18" (3/4/08): small, dense group of ~25 stars in 3' at 225x and 300x.  About a dozen of the stars are arranged in a semi-circular chain or "C" that is open on the east side.  Several mag 14+ stars are near this loop, segregated into small clumps.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): at 220x, about two dozen stars over haze in a 3'-4' diameter.  About 6 stars of mag 13 form a "C" shaped asterism open on the east side.  The brightest mag 13 star is on the NW side of this arc.  The rest of cluster members are 14-15th magnitude.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2254 = H VII-22 = h397 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and noted "a small cluster of pretty compressed vS stars."  His position is just west of center. On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel described "a pretty rich, small cluster; irreg fig; st 11...15m."

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NGC 2255 = ESO 365-031 = MCG -06-15-010 = PGC 19260

06 33 58.6 -34 48 45; Col

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 152”

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2255 = h3056 on 2 Feb 1835 and described as "eF; R; vlbM; 25-30"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 365-031 = PGC 19260. With a redshift of z = .023 (roughly 340 million light years), this galaxy may be an outlying member of Abell S591.

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NGC 2256 = UGC 3519 = MCG +12-07-015 = CGCG 330-114 = PGC 19602

06 47 13.9 +74 14 11; Cam

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 4:3 E-W, broad but only weak concentration.  Located 3.5' NNW of a mag 10 star.  NGC 2258 lies 15' NNE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2256 = T IX-3 (along with NGC 2258) on 1 Aug 1883 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His position and description matches UGC 3519 = PGC 19602.

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NGC 2257 = ESO 087-24 = S-L 895

06 30 12.6 -64 19 37; Dor

V = 12.6;  Size 4'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.5'-2' diameter, broad weak concentration, no resolution.  An elongated group of a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars oriented NW-SE passes just north of the cluster.  NGC 2257 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's (over 10 billion years old) in the LMC and is situated at the northeast periphery of the cloud.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2257 = h3057 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded as "F; vL; R; gvlbM; 3'."  On his third sweep he logged "pB; L; R; vgbM;  resolvable; diam in RA = 17s of time."  His position is accurate.  NGC 2257 was identified by Gascoigne and Lynga as the "easternmost object to which membership of the Clouds may certainly be assigned".

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NGC 2258 = UGC 3523 = MCG +12-07-016 = CGCG 330-115 = PGC 19622

06 47 46.1 +74 28 54; Cam

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

24" (2/18/20): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE,~1.0'x0.8', fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 11.1 star is close off the NE edge, 0.8' from center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' SSE.  A mag 15 star is right at the south edge.  IC 450 and IC 451 lie 18' ESE and 20' E, respectively.

 

CGCG 330-013, located 4' NW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE,~25"x 18", bright core, faint halo. A mag 11 star is 3' WSW.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just 0.8' NE of center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' SSE.  NGC 2256 lies 15' SSW and IC 451 is 20' E.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2258 = T IX-4, along with NGC 2256, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  Tempel just gives a rough RA, but his position is about 6' south of UGC 3523 = PGC 19622 and his description "together with two nearby stars mag 10-11 forms a triangle" clinches the identification.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 22 Dec 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  MCG lists the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 2259 = Cr 108 = Mel 48

06 38 33.3 +10 52 57; Mon

Size 5'

 

18" (3/4/08): at 175x, appears as a 4' rich group of faint stars over haze.  At 300x, about two dozen stars in total are resolved, mostly in a 2' circular clump.  About 1' N of this dense patch of stars is the brightest mag 11.5 star which has a 13th magnitude companion.  This cluster is located 5' E of mag 8.8 HD 47271.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, 3'-4' diameter, rich, irregularly round.  Consists of about 15 faint stars mag 13.5-14.5 sparkling over a layer of background haze.  A double star mag 12/13 at 7" separation is at the north edge.  Mag 8.7 SAO 95930 is 5' W and is surrounded by a less compressed group of 15-20 stars mag 12/13 in a 6' triangular shape.  This mag 8.7 star has two faint companions on the south side and another close faint double star is 3' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2259 = H VI-28 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 682) and called "a cluster of extremely compressed and exceedintly S stars, considerably rich, irr F, the following and most compressed part of it round."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is on the south side of the cluster.

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NGC 2260

06 38 03 -01 28 24; Mon

 

17.5" (2/1/03): roughly 50 stars are visible at 100x spread out over 15'.  The stars are in two main subgroups, oriented SW and NE.  The SW group includes mag 8.0 SAO 133489 with a rich arc of stars trailing to the north.  The NE group is highlighted by mag 7.1 SAO 133505 with a nice 20" mag 11/12 double 1.5' SSE.  Also an isolated mag 8.3 star is at the southern vertex of an obtuse triangle with these two groups.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2260 = H VIII-48 = h398 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and noted "A Cl of very scattered stars of various sizes, of more than 1/2 degree of extent." On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107) John Herschel reported, "very course, v poor, v straggling, the chief *8 taken."  His position corresponds with mag 8.2 SAO 133505 at 06 38 05.8 -01 26 40. Karl Reinmuth gave an approximate size of 15' with description "Cl, pL, P, st 8..." based on its photographic appearance on Heidelberg plates.  The group is not included in the Lynga cluster catalogue and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2261 = LBN 920 = Ced 83 = R Mon = HH 39 = PP 64 = Hubble's Variable Nebula

06 39 10 +08 44 42; Mon

Size 2'x1'

 

48" (5/1/19): at 375x; the view through this scope showed a great deal of structure and brightness variations.  I was struck by the length of the eastern edge, which dimmed after the bright thin section extending north, but could be traced just beyond two mag 17-17.5 stars, for a total length of 3'.

 

18" (3/4/08): Hubble's variable nebula is a striking fan-shaped object, with a mag 12 "star" at its south tip with the nebula extending to the north.  The fan displays a great deal of variation in brightness and structure at 300x.  The brightest portion is on the northwest side of the fan, though it dims a little near the tip on the west side.  The eastern rim is bright and sharply defined N-S like a thin finger. The nebulosity dims along the northern end of the fan and a small, wedge-shaped darker area extends into the fan from the north.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): Hubble's Variable Nebula is bright, small, fan-shaped 2:1 N-S and widest at the north boundary.  The nebulosity tapers down towards 12th magnitude R Monocerotis at the south tip which appears to have a very small high surface brightness halo.  The western edge (oriented NW-SE) is slightly weaker and more curved than the eastern edge which is sharper and straighter N-S.  This is an impressive nebula with high surface brightness and interesting structure.

 

8" (1/28/84): comet-like nebula extends from R Mon.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2261 = H IV-2 = h399 on 26 Oct 1783 (very early sweep 67) and recorded "a curious nebula of a fan shape."  His summary description (based on 4 observations) reads "cB, fan-shaped, about 2' long from the centre."  His placed it in class IV, which includes planetary nebulae.  John Herschel reported on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), "*12m with bright cometic branch 60" l whose axis is 60” np.  The star is a little ill-defined.  The apex of the neb comex exactly up to star, but does not pass it."

 

Lord Rosse and/or assistant George Johnstone Stoney first observed NGC 2261 on 22 Dec 1848 and again on 11 Feb 1849.  Rosse or Stoney sketched the nebula on 16 Jan 1850 (plate XXXVII, figure 10) and noted "two comparatively dark spaces, one near the vertex and other near the base of the cone."  William Lassell observed and sketched NGC 2261 in March 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta. He noted, "the nucleus not stellar, but like the nucleus of the nebula in Andromeda [M31]." Father Angelo Secchi published a detailed sketch and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered the variability of R Mon in 1861 with a 6" refractor.   While a graduate student at Yerkes Observatory in 1916, Hubble discovered the nebula itself was variable, hence the popular nickname. A series of photographs chronically the changes were taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector between 1916-1920 at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt.  This is an unusual bipolar nebula with the second southern jet hidden from view.  According to the California Institute of Technology, Hubble's Variable Nebula was the first object photographed through the 200-inch Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory. Hubble sat in the prime focus cage of that instrument and recorded an image on 26 Jan 1949.

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NGC 2262 = Cr 109 = OCL-531 = Lund 242

06 39 38.7 +01 08 30; Mon

Size 4'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): about 10 very faint stars in cluster over unresolved background glow.  Incorrect position given in modern catalogues.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2262 = H VII-37 = h400 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and described "A Cl of v. com eS st, considerably rich, 3 or 4' dia., most condensed around the middle."   His position matches this small cluster.  On 5 Feb 1831 (sweep 322), John Herschel recorded "A great many sc st; and a strong suspicion of a more comp part (thick haze)."

 

The wrong position (06 38.4 +01 11 (2000)) is given in modern sources such as Sky Catalogue 2000, Lynga, NGC 2000.0, RNGC and SIMBAD (now corrected).  Brent Archinal notes (e-mail from 3/11/98) the error originated with Per Collinder's list of clusters (1931) and copied into the modern catalogues.

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NGC 2263 = ESO 490-019 = MCG -04-16-014 = PGC 19355

06 38 28.9 -24 50 55; CMa

V = 12.1;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Situated between two mag 13.5 stars 1' N and 1' S with a similar star 1.7' ENE.  Located 4.2' N of mag 8.5 SAO 172076 and 7.2' NNW of mag 9.0 SAO 172078" (nearly collinear with the galaxy).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2263 = h3058 on 20 Jan 1835 and recorded "Not vF, R, or lE, pslbM, E between two vS stars, and has two stars about 8th mag S.p. pointing to it." His description and coordinates matches ESO 490-019 = PGC 19355, though the two bright stars are south following.

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NGC 2264 = Cr 112 = Ced 84b = Sh 2-273 = LBN 911 = Christmas Tree Cluster = Fox Fur Nebula = Cone Nebula

06 40 58 +09 53 42; Mon

V = 3.9;  Size 60'x30'

 

17.5" (12/28/00): besides the bright nebulosity extending southwest of mag 4.7 S Monocerotis (15), most of the central region of the cluster was set against a weakly glowing background (part of Sh 2-273).  At the southern end of the cluster (tip of the "Christmas Tree"), this low surface brightness glow was more evident and clearly extended beyond the 7th magnitude star at the tip towards the SE.  The west edge of this weakly glowing extension forms the eastern border of the dark Cone Nebula (LDN 1613).  There is a lack of faint stars within the region of the Cone Nebula but the inclusion itself was not darker than the general background.

 

17.5" (12/30/99): nebulosity was quite prominent to the SW of south Mon as well as a weaker glow in the vicinity around ·954 at the south end of the cluster.  At 100x (unfiltered) there appeared to be a slightly darker vacuity to the south of this star in the position of the Cone nebula but there is no sharp "edge" with the nearby nebulosity.

 

13" (11/5/83): very bright, very large scattered group, elongated N-S, striking Christmas tree shape.  A bright multiple star 15 Monocerotis = south Mon (4.7-7.5 at 2.8" and companions) is at the base of the tree at the north end of the cluster and is surrounded by several stars.  Easy nebulosity is visible which extends 10' SW of south Mon and includes a group of three brighter stars.  At the south end of the cluster is the double star ·954 = 7.1/9.6 at 13".  The Cone nebula (not seen) extends south of ·954 and "points" towards ·954.

 

8" (11/5/83): bright, very large, scattered, Christmas tree outline, fairly rich, includes multiple star south Mon.

 

Naked-eye (1/8/00): vislble as a 4th magnitude nebulous glow including the mag 5 star (S Mon), but appears much smaller naked-eye than the listed dimensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2264 = H V-27 = H VIII-5 = h401 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 81) and recorded VIII-5 as "The 15th Mon is attended by above 30 considerable stars, and is itself a double star of the 3rd class.  The star extremely unequal and probably not visible in smaller instruments. There is also another double star of the 3rd class not far from it consisting of equal stars."  On 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 494) he logged V-27 as "I observed about 7' or 8' sp 15 Mon, some of the pB stars to be contained within vF milky nebulosity which loses itself imperceptibly; but there remains a doubt of the reality."  On the 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) he mentioned "I examined the stars south preceding 15 Mon and believe they contain Milky nebulosity.  It is very difficult to ascertain it on account of the glare of the 15th, but I have hardly any doubt.  Again on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 682) he noted "I suspect the sp 2 stars (of which one is Double [15 Mon] to be affected with vF milky nebulosity but may be a deception."  WH's descriptions and position apply to the cluster and to the brightest part of the nebulosity southwest of mag 4.7 S Monocerotis.  John Herschel also reported on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), "a *5.6 enveloped in a nebulous haze.", although he may have just seen scattered light around the bright star.

 

The region around 15 Mon was examined a number of times at Birr Castle, searching for nebulosity.  There were 9 negative results before 1861 and Lord Rosse wrote "No neby. Found, and only a few stars arranged in pairs; no cl.  Has there been a change here?  Heinrich d'Arrest also missed seeing nebulosity in 1862 at Copenhagen with the 9" refractor.  But successful observations were made at Birr Castle in 1863 and 1878 (the later by Dreyer).  E.E. Barnard and Roberts reported extensive nebulosity in the region based on photographs.

 

On 10 May 1895 Isaac Roberts showed a three-hour exposure of the NGC 2264 complex taken with his 20-inch reflector on 13 Feb to a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society. It clearly showed the nebulosity southwest of S Mon (first photographed by Barnard in 1894) but also revealed a Ņconical dark space bounded by a rim of nebulosityÓ — this is the famous ŌCone NebulaÕ.

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NGC 2265

06 41 42 +11 54 18; Gem

 

17.5" (2/1/03): this is a Milky Way cloud of ~50 faint stars mag 12-14.  There is central "hole" lacking any stars, and there are no rich subgroups.  Does not look to be a reasonable cluster and candidate and in fact, doesn't stand out in the field at 100x. There does seem to be some unresolved background or Milky Way glow.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2265 = h402 on 23 Jan 1832 (sweep 393) and described "A poor cluster 30 or 40 small stars 12-13m."  Karl Reinmuth called this "a rich region, >1 degree, no distinct Cl.", based on its photographic appearance. There is a scattering of mag 10-13 stars near Herschel's position on the POSS, but nothing that looks like a cluster. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2266 = Cr 113 = Mel 50 = OCL-471

06 43 20 +26 58 12; Gem

Size 7'

 

13.1" (12/22/84): three dozen stars mag 9-15 in a 4' diameter.  Most members are very faint and the cluster appears quite rich with averted over unresolved background haze.  The brightest star, mag 8.6 SAO 78670, is at the southwest edge of cluster and a string of five brighter stars mag 10-12 trail to the ENE.  An isolated mag 10 star is off the northwest corner.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2266 = H VI-21 = h403 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 486) and recorded "a very rich and very compressed cluster of stars of about 4 1/2 or 5' diameter, 5 or 6 of the largest stars are in a row."  His position is on the southeast side of the cluster.  John Herschel noted his position from 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) was "the most condensed part of a p rich, p comp cl of stars 11...15m; irreg figure; diam of most compressed part = 3...4'' triangular."

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NGC 2267 = ESO 426-029 = MCG -05-16-015 = PGC 19417

06 40 51.8 -32 28 57; CMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, bright core.  Two nearby stars confuse the observation: a mag 13 star just 36" W of center (at the NW edge) and a mag 14 star 0.9' SW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2267 = h3059 on 16 Feb 1836 and described as "pB, S, R, 20"; has 2 or 3 small stars close to it."   DeLisle Stewart, using photographic plates from Peru, described this object as "two nebulae close together."

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NGC 2268 = UGC 3653 = MCG +14-04-022 = CGCG 362-036 = CGCG 363-020 = LGG 145-001 = PGC 20458

07 14 17.6 +84 22 57; Cam

V = 11.5;  Size 3.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 63”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is at the SW edge 1.1' from center.

 

17.5" (2/22/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, faint halo gradually increases to a large brighter core, small bright nucleus, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2268 = T I-19 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory. He noted "pretty faint, extended, elliptic, no bright point" and his micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) matches UGC 3653. Wilhem Tempel independently discovered the galaxy in 1877.  The RNGC RA is 8.0 tmin too far east.

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NGC 2269 = Cr 114 = OCL-524 = Lund 252

06 43 16.8 +04 37 04; Mon

V = 10.0;  Size 4'

 

17.5" (1/1/92): two dozen stars mag 11.5-15 in a 4' diameter.  The main portion is a rich, thin 3' string oriented NW-SE with about 15 stars including a mag 11.5 and 12 star over unresolved haze.  The scattered outliers to 4' radius increase the total to two dozen stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2269 = H VI-3 = h404 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and described "a cluster of very compressed; they are eF and I suppose cannot be visible with my 7 ft reflector.  It contains a few L ones.  It is of an extended figure, and as it were, divided."  His position is poor - 37 sec of RA too far east and 4' too far south, but not unusual for his early sweeps.  In Mar 1830 (sweep 237), John Herschel described a "close cl of v small st; poor; twilight; preceded by a coarse cl of large ones."  Both Herschels' positions are too far east and so the NGC position is ~9' ESE of center.

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NGC 2270

06 43 58 +03 27 12; Mon

 

17.5" (2/1/03): this is a large, scattered field, ~10' diameter surrounding a kite-shaped asterism of mag 8.5-10 stars.  There is no concentration but there are a couple of denser clumps of faint stars on the east side.  A curving string of stars heads NE and ends at a group of stars surrounding mag 7.6 SAO 114355.  Located 30' S of a mag 5.9 star.  Does not appear to be a cluster but just a Milky Way field.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2270 = H VII-36 = h405 on 26 Dec 1786 (sweep 667) and noted "A Cl of very scattered stars, considerably rich, and of great extent."  On 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320) John Herschel logged a "coarse scattered cluster; not very rich; place of *9m."  His position is just 5 tsec east of mag 8.8 SAO 114331 at 06 43 51.7 +03 27 12. Based on its photographic appeared, Reinmuth calls this a "rich region, no distinct Cl."   RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2271 = ESO 490-034 = MCG -04-16-017 = PGC 19476

06 42 52.9 -23 28 33; CMa

V = 12.2;  Size 2.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 71”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, oval E-W, weak concentration.  There is a string of five stars mag 9-11 on line to north including mag 9.4 SAO 172213 5' NNE and mag 8.7 SAO 12200 9' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2271 = h3060 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded as "pB, S, R, lbM, 20"."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2272 = ESO 490-033 = MCG -05-16-017 = PGC 19466

06 42 41.3 -27 27 34; CMa

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 123”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, round, small faint core.  NGC 2280 lies 30' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2272 = h3061 on 20 Jan 1835 and called "F, E, bM, 20"."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2273 = UGC 3546 = MCG +10-10-015 = CGCG 285-006 = Mrk 620 = PGC 19688

06 50 08.6 +60 50 45; Lyn

V = 11.7;  Size 3.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5.2' SSW of mag 8.5 SAO 13976 and 6.7' WSW of mag 8.3 SAO 13979.  NGC 2273B lies 40' SW.

 

Swedish astronomer Nils DunŽr discovered NGC 2273 on 15 Sep 1867 using the 9.6-inch Merz refractor of the Lund Observatory.  In AN 78, 251 (1871) he described it as "fairly bright and at least 2' in diameter, with a strong concentration in the middle." and measured an accurate position (using mag 8.6 HD 49039).  This was his only NGC discovery.  NGC 2273 was also observed by Herman Schultz on 3 and 8 Sep 1872 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala and listed as "DunŽr's Nova" in his 1874 publication.

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NGC 2274 = UGC 3541 = MCG +06-15-008 = CGCG 175-015 = WBL 121-003 = LGG 139-001 = PGC 19603

06 47 17.3 +33 34 02; Gem

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 169”

 

24" (1/4/14): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, sharply concentrated with a round high surface brightness core of 0.4' diameter that gradually increases to the center.  Halo increases with averted to 0.9'x0.7'.  Brighter of a close pair with NGC 2275 1.9' N.  The pair resides in a rich star field with UGC 3537 7.4' NW.  This low even surface brightness galaxy appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 24", no concentratin.

 

18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, 0.9'x0.8', contains a sharply concentrated, bright 25" core and a much fainter halo.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2275 1.9' N.

 

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8'-1' diameter, bright core.  This galaxy is slightly brighter than its companion, NGC 2275, located 2' N.  The NGC 2288-2294 group lies 45' E.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.  Forms the brighter of a pair with NGC 2275 2' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2274 = H II-614 = h406, along with NGC 2275, on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 628) and described both as "Two, both F, S, R, bM.  The southern one [NGC 2274] is the largest."  The pair was observed a total of 14 times at Birr Castle!  Harold Corwin notes the identifications of NGC 2274 and NGC 2275 are reversed in the MCG.

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NGC 2275 = UGC 3542 = MCG +06-15-007 = CGCG 175-016 = WBL 121-002 = LGG 139-002 = PGC 19605

06 47 17.9 +33 35 57; Gem

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 20”

 

24" (1/4/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:3 N-S, 50"x30".  Sharply concentrated with a small, much brighter core that gradually increases to the center. UGC 3537 lies 6.8' WNW.

 

18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, 0.9'x0.6', contains a small bright core ~15" in diameter and a much fainter halo.  Slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 2274 1.9' S.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', brighter core.  Located 2' N of slightly brighter NGC 2274.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  Forms the fainter of a pair with NGC 2274 2' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2275 = H II-615 = h407, along with NGC 2274, on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and described both as "Two, both F, S, R, bM.  The southern one [NGC 2274] is the largest." His single position was 9 seconds of time too far west.  Harold Corwin notes the identifications of NGC 2274 and NGC 2275 are reversed in the MCG.

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NGC 2276 = Arp 25 = Arp 114 = UGC 3740 = MCG +14-04-028 = CGCG 362-042 = CGCG 363-027 = VII Zw 134 = WBL 134-006 = LGG 145-008 = PGC 21039

07 27 14.4 +85 45 16; Cep

V = 11.4;  Size 2.8'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 20”

 

48" (4/4/13): at 488x, NGC 2276 appeared fairly bright, fairly large, irregularly round, 2' diameter.  Contains a very small, very bright nucleus, surrounded by a patchy halo with weak spiral structure.  The most prominent arm winds along the western edge of the galaxy, curving from west to northwest and creating a very asymmetric appearance.  Along this arm segment is a prominent knotty section with two or three clumps, including [HK83] 69, a bright 6" knot.  On the southwest side of the halo is [HK83] 63, a faint 6" knot on a line between the nucleus and the 8th-magnitude star (HD 51141) 2.3' SW. In the brighter central region surrounding the nucleus are several brighter, small patches that define the inner arms.  A slightly brighter region close southwest of the nucleus includes the multiple designations [HK83] 17/42/46/51.  Finally, [H83] 24/27 are weak enhancements on the southeast side of the nucleus.  HII region #24 was the site of SN 2005dl.

 

24" (9/15/12): moderately bright, fairly large, round, 2' diameter.  Although spiral arms were not visible, the galaxy has an odd appearance with brighter knots and regions resolved.  A non-stellar knot, identified in NED as NGC 2276:[HK83] 69 is visible at the NW edge.  The central region contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus, along with one or two other stellar knots including NGC 2276:[HK83] 24, close east of the nucleus. Another knot (nonstellar) is southwest of the nucleus (perhaps NGC 2276:[HK83] 63).  The halo appears weaker on the east side and brighter on the west side.  Located 2.3' ENE of a mag 8 star and it helps to move the star just outside the field.

 

18" (8/2/11): moderately bright, large, round, ~2.0' diameter, weak concentration, slightly brighter core.  The halo has an irregular surface brightness giving a strong impression of spiral structure with slightly brighter knots on the west side.  Located 2.3' ENE of mag 8.1 HD 51141, which hinders viewing and a mag 11.7 star is squeezed between the bright star and the galaxy.  Brighter NGC 2300 lies 6' SE.  These are the 3rd and 4th closest NGC galaxies to the North Celestial Pole.

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, large, slightly elongated,~2.0'x1.6', low surface brightness.  The halo fades gradually into the background, particularly on the eastern side, so it was difficult to determine a definite edge.  Located 2.2' E of mag 8.4 SAO 1148 which detracts from viewing.  Forms a trio with NGC 2300 6' SE and IC 455.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): diffuse, slightly elongated.  Located 2.2' ENE of mag 8.4 SAO 1148 which interferes with viewing.  Three mag 11 stars also in line with the 8.4 star to the south including a mag 11.5 star just 1.4' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 2300 6.4' ESE.

 

8" (1/1/84): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, slightly elongated.  A mag 9 star is near.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 2276 on 26 Jun 1876 with the 6.5" refractor at the Strausberg Observatory.  Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered the galaxy the same year with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and included it in his first list (#20).  Winnecke also thought he discovered NGC 2300 but Borrelly found that galaxy earlier (either 1871 or 1872) at Marseille.  NGC 2276 is the 3rd closest to the pole in the NGC or IC.

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NGC 2277

06 47 47 +33 27 18; Gem

 

24" (1/4/14): a 7" pair of mag 13.4/14.1 stars were fairly easy to resolve at 375x even in soft seeing.  Located 9' SE of NGC 2274 (2' pair with NGC 2275).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2277 on 20 Apr 1865, while reobserving the nearby galaxies in the NGC 2290 group, along with NGC 2274/2275.  At his position is a 30" pair of stars with the northern component a 7" pair of mag 13.4/14.1 stars.  Corwin includes 5 stars in this asterism. Nearby NGC 2278 from d'Arrest is also a double star.

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NGC 2278

06 48 16.4 +33 23 39; Gem

 

24" (1/4/14): this 10" pair of fairly evenly matched mag 14.0/14.4 stars (oriented N-S) was easily split at 375x.  This pair was easier to resolve than nearby NGC 2277 7' NW and NGC 2279 2' NE.  Located 16' SE of NGC 2274 (2' pair with NGC 2275).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2278 on 1 Jan 1865.  At his exact position is a 10" double star (mag 14/14.5).  Nearby NGC 2277 from d'Arrest also refers to some faint stars.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 2278 = NGC 2275.

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NGC 2279

06 48 24.8 +33 24 55; Gem

 

24" (1/4/14): this is an unequal pair of mag 14.1/15.7 stars at 14" separation.  The faint companion was just visible in soft seeing at 375x.  Situated just 2' NE of NGC 2278, an easier 10" pair of mag 14.0/14.4 stars.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2279 = Big. 24 on 8 Jan 1885 and noted 10" diameter with a "stellar aspect".  Bigourdan's position is less than 1' S of a triple star (two were resolved in my scope) at 06 48 24.8 +33 24 55.  It was found while he was measuring previously discovered nebulae (and asterisms) in the area.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 2279 = NGC 2275.

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NGC 2280 = UGCA 131 = ESO 427-002 = MCG -05-16-020 = LGG 138-001 = PGC 19531

06 44 48.9 -27 38 20; CMa

V = 10.3;  Size 6.3'x3.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 163”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core.  Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10 star.  Almost collinear with a second mag 10 star 5.4' NW.  NGC 2272 lies 30' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2280 = h3062 on 1 Feb 1837 and noted "pF; L; irreg R; or lE; gbM; 2'."  His position (single sweep) matches ESO 427-002 = PGC 19531.

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NGC 2281 = Cr 116 = Mel 51 = OCL-446

06 48 18 +41 04 42; Aur

V = 5.4;  Size 15'

 

18" (3/13/04): ~75 stars in a 30' region to the south of mag 7.3 HD 49009.  A number of stars are arranged in a looping chain.  There is a neat kite-shaped group of 6 stars (including two pairs at 10" and 15") in the middle of the chain with a faint star in the center.  Scattered stars extend to the south, beyond the kite.  The group is fairly bright and distinctive and includes a number of mag 9-10 stars, although there are no dense subgroups.

 

13.1": ~40 stars mag 7-13 in cluster, bright, loose.  Five double stars are visible including a mag 9.5-11.0 pair at 11" and a mag 11.0-11.5 pair at 15".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2281 = H VIII-71 on 4 Mar 1788 (sweep 813) and recorded "a cluster of coarsely scattered pretty large stars, pretty rich, the place is that of a double star of the third class."  His RA is 1.0 minute too large.  The position carried forward to the GC and NGC and modern catalogues including the Lynga Open Clusters Catalog (5th edition) and the RNGC.

 

By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars that resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 6 Nov 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 2282 = IC 2172 = vdB 85 = OCL 535.1 = C0644+013 = Ced 87

06 46 51 +01 18 54; Mon

Size 3'x3'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): very faint reflection nebula with a mag 10 star involved, fairly small, round.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2282 on 3 Mar 1886 with the 6-inch Cooke refractor at Vanderbilt University (announced in AN 2756 and Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5, p154).  He reported finding "a star of 9.5 or 10 magnitiude, with a faint nebulosity surrounding it. I strongly suspect that is not a stellar point but an extremely small nebula with faint nebulosity surrounding.  At best with the 6-inch it did not appear like any of the neighboring stars.  A short distance (4' or 5') preceding this and very slightly north is a faint double star that I suspect is enveloped in nebulosity."  His position matches the central star HD 289120 of this reflection nebula.

 

Barnard later found this reflection nebula again on 30 Oct 1888 using the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.  He noted a "9 1/2 mag star with faint nebulosity about it.  1' in diameter, a little heavier nf.  Examined several other stars near, and no nebulosity seen."  Apparently Barnard didn't connect this with his earlier observation and notified Dreyer who catalogued it again as IC 2172, at nearly the identical position.  So, NGC 2282 = IC 2172.

 

This RN is involved with a sparse open cluster OCL 535.1 = C0644+013, listed in Lynga 5 as vdB 85, although Barnard made no reference to an associated cluster.  Brian Skiff noticed the equivalence.

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NGC 2283 = ESO 557-013 = MCG -03-18-002 = Ced 86 = PGC 19562

06 45 52.7 -18 12 37; CMa

V = 12.2;  Size 3.6'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 2”

 

13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Three faint stars are involved including two mag 13 stars at the NE edge and the north edge.  Located in a rich star field 90' S of Sirius and just 9” from the galactic equator!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2283 = H III-271 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and reported "3 or 4 small stars with vF nebulosity between them forming an irregular triangle.  240 power showed the same very plainly."  Auwers made an error reducing WH's position, but JH corrected the error in the GC and his position matches ESO 557-013  = PGC 19562.  Herbert Howe, observing in 1898-1899 with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, described "a small quadrilateral of stars of mag 11, 12, 11, and 13, the interior of which in nearly filled by an eF nebulosity."

 

Harold Corwin comments that E.E. Barnard's IC 2171 may be a duplicate observation (see his identification notes on that number).  Dave Riddle notes Sven Cederblad catalogued this galaxy as a reflection nebula (Ced 86) and it was later included in the Dorschner and Gurtler reflection nebula catalogue as DG 111.

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NGC 2284

06 49 16.2 +33 09 59; Gem

 

24" (1/22/15): this number applies to one of two possible triples.  At 200x, I found a mag 13.8 star with a mag 14.5 star 19" SW and a mag 15-15.5 star 19" N.  The stars were widely split with no hint of appearing nebulous.  A fourth mag 16-16.5 star listed in Corwin's table was not seen viewing through thin clouds.

 

Just 2' SE of these stars is a very nice equilateral triple!  The three stars range from mag 12.3-13.5 with sides of 10", 12" and 13".  These were also easily resolved.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2284, along with NGC 2285, on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.  Near his position is is a pair of mag 13.8/14.5 stars stars at 19" separation with a mag 15-15.5 star a similar distance from the brighter star.  Alister Ling found "a triple star (using 255x) amidst a chain of singles and doublets."  This trio is 2.4' SSE of d'Arrest's position, but more eye-catching visually.  Harold Corwin lists both candidates.  The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2285

06 49 35.9 +33 21 53; Gem

 

24" (1/22/15): at 200x; a 12" pair of mag 14.6 and 15.8 stars was resolved.  The fainter star was difficult in hazy conditions.  Just 1.6' southeast is a relatively bright double, consisting of mag 10.8/12 stars at 11" separation.  d'Arrest didn't mention this pair, which should have been easily resolved, though it is certainly much more eye-catching.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2285, along with NGC 2284, on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.   About 1' northeast of his single position is a mag 14.6/15.8 pair of stars at 12" separation and he was uncertain if it was nebulous or stellar.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2286 = Cr 117 = OCL-548 = Lund 257

06 47 40 -03 08 54; Mon

V = 7.5;  Size 15'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): at 100x, ~40 stars within an arbitrary 10' region, elongated N-S.  This is a fairly rich group of mostly mag 12 and 13 stars bordered by brighter stars grouped in pairs and trios.  There is some concentration with a richer 4' core.  A wide pair of mag 9 stars is off the SE side.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): ~60 stars mag 11-14 in the central 10' diameter.  Bright, large, fairly rich though not dense.  Richest in a lane running NNW-SSE over haze although the brightest mag 10 stars are outliers to the W, north and SE.  There is also a bright lane 15' length oriented N-S located to the east of the main group which includes several wide double stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2286 = H VIII-31 = h408 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 352) and noted "A larger cluster of scattered stars, not v rich."  John Herschel made two observations and noted on 4 Jan 1827 (sweep 41), a "Loose L irreg scattered cl of about 100 st 9...15m."

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NGC 2287 = M41 = ESO 557-14 = Cr 118

06 46 00 -20 45 18; CMa

V = 4.5;  Size 38'

 

18" (2/14/10): this naked-eye cluster was perfectly framed at 73x with the 31mm Nagler (67' field).  M41 extends roughly 35' in diameter though many of the brighter mag 7 and 8 stars are in a smaller central region.  The cluster includes roughly a dozen brighter stars, many forming a large central oval ~15'-20' diameter and elongated E-W or SW-NE.  Near the center is a richer grouping with a number of fainter stars and two bright stars including orange (K3-class) mag 6.9 HD 49091 (brightest member).

 

A number of loops and chains appear to spin out from the central grouping.  One long chain extends NNW to the edge of the cluster and a shorter nearby chain heads WNW and includes a pretty equal mag pair before bending abruptly SW.  Two other chains extend from the center to the SW and ENE.  About 20' SE of the center of the cluster is mag 6.1 HD 49333, the brightest star in the field though not a member.

 

8" (10/4/80): ~60 stars mag 7-11.5, very bright, very large, very rich, includes 10 bright stars mag 7 and 8.  Many of the stars are arranged in curving rows and groups, includes several double stars.  Located about 20' NW of mag 6.0 12 Canis Majoris.  Naked-eye object in dark sky.

 

Naked-eye (numerous times): fairly easy naked-eye glow in a dark sky.

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered M41 = NGC 2287 = h411 in 1654, using a small refractor at 20x.  It was independently discovered by John Flamsteed on 16 Feb 1702: "Near this star (12 CMa), there is a cluster."  Le Gentil also found it in 1749.  Wolfgang Steinicke credits Aristotle with a naked-eye discovery about 325 based on comments by J.E. Gore in his 1902 review of the Messier objects.  But the source material is not very reliable.  See http://seds.org/messier/more/m041_ari.html for this possibility.

 

William Herschel recorded M41 in 1784 as "A large cluster of very coarsely scattered large [bright] stars." and in Mar 1830 John Herschel called M41 "Coarse; fills field.  The chief, 8m, is red; a poor cluster."  The position in the NGC, RNGC and NGC 2000 is 1 tmin of RA too far east.

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NGC 2288 = MCG +06-15-011 = CGCG 175-017 = WBL 126-001 = PGC 19714

06 50 52.0 +33 27 45; Gem

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 10.3

 

18" (3/4/08): very faint, extremely small, round, no more than 10" diameter.  Located just 1' SSW of NGC 2289 and faintest of 5 in the group.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, extremely small, elongated 5:3 E-W, 20"x12".  In a close trio with NGC 2289 1' NNE and NGC 2288 2' SE.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, extremely small, elongated WNW-ESE.  First of five in a group and forms a close trio with NGC 2289 1.1' NNE and NGC 2290 1.8' SSE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2288 on 22 Feb 1849.  He noted "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2289, 2290, 2291 and 2294]. It was labeled Beta on an accurate sketch of the quintet.  The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and ~9 seconds too far west, though the relative positions are correct.   Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg. The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2288 and 2289.

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NGC 2289 = UGC 3560 = MCG +06-15-010 = CGCG 175-018 = WBL 126-002 = PGC 19716

06 50 53.6 +33 28 43; Gem

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 92”

 

18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~25"x20".  A mag 13.5 star is close off the north side.  One of the brightest two galaxies in a compact galaxy group (all within 6') of 5 NGCs including NGC 2290 2.5' SSE and NGC 2288 1' S.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, very small, round, 25" diameter.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the north side [38" from the center].  In a compact quintet with NGC 2288 1' S and NGC 2290 2.5' S.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is just 0.7' N.  Second of five in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group with NGC 2288 1.1' SSW and NGC 2290 2.6' SSE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2290 2.6' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2289 = H III-897 = h409, along with NGC 2290, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031).  His description reads, "Two, eF and vS.  The place is taken between them.  They are about 4' asunder and northern one which is the largest precedes the other about 2 sec.  300x shows the same."  Assuming Herschel observed the brightest two galaxies with the orientation NNW-SE, then H III-897 = NGC 2289 and H III-898 = NGC 2290 (Dreyer was confused on the identifications in the GC and NGC).  His RA was 15 sec too large, but the NPD is in between the pair. John Herschel also observed the two galaxies and measured the same orientation and 3 or 4' apart. In the NGC, Dreyer incorrectly assigned H. III-898 to NGC 2289.

 

The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2288 and NGC 2289.  MCG also misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2288.  See my RNGC Corrections #1 and Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal in 1/84.

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NGC 2290 = UGC 3562 = MCG +06-15-012 = CGCG 175-019 = LGG 139-003 = WBL 126-003 = PGC 19718

06 50 56.9 +33 26 15; Gem

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 50”

 

18" (3/4/08): brightest and furthest south in a compact group of 5 NGC's, along with NGC 2289.  Appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~45"x22", the halo is weakly concentrated with a sharply concentrated 10" core.  NGC 2289 and NGC 2288 lie 2' N.  The cluster is 0.6” SW of mag 3.6 Theta Gem.  The NGC 2290 quintet is 45' E and may be physically related.

 

18" (10/21/06): furthest south in a curving chain of 5 galaxies including NGC 2288, NGC 2289, NGC 2291 and NGC 2294.  Appears fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x30", increases to a very small bright core.  The cluster is located 35' SW of 3.6-magnitude Theta Geminorum.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): third of five and brightest in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group.  Fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core.  NGC 2289 lies 2.6' NNW and NGC 2288 1.8' NNW.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, similar to NGC 2289 2.6' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2290 = H III-898 = h410, along with NGC 2289, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031). His description reads, "Two, eF and vS.  The place is taken between them.  They are about 4' asunder and northern one which is the largest precedes the other about 2 sec.  300x shows the same."  His RA is 15 sec too large, but the NPD is in between the pair.  John Herschel observed the pair on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51) and measured reasonably accurate positions.

 

George Stoney independently found the entire quintet (NGC 2288, 2289, 2290, 2291, 2294) on 19 Apr 1849 and the group was accurately sketched.  Dreyer credited LdR and d'Arrest (his single position is 10 seconds of time too large) with the discovery in the GC supplement (GCS 5369) as he was probably unsure of the identities of H III-897 and III-898.  All positions in the GC and NGC are offset roughly 4' too far south and 8 seconds to time too far west.  In the NGC, Dreyer incorrectly assigned III-897 to NGC 2290 or NGC 2291.  Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg.

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NGC 2291 = MCG +06-15-013 = CGCG 175-020 = WBL 126-004 = PGC 19719

06 50 58.6 +33 31 30; Gem

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (3/4/08): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a very small slightly brighter core.  Collinear with a mag 10 star 2.7' NNW and a mag 12 star 0.9' NNW.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness.  Located 2.8' SSE of a mag 10 star.  In a chain of 5 galaxies with NGC 2294 2.6' E and NGC 2289 3' SSW.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  Fourth of five in a group.  On a line with NGC 2288 4.0' SSW and NGC 2289 3.0' SSW.  NGC 2294 lies 2.6' ENE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2291 on 22 Feb 1849 using Lord Rosse's 72", noting "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2288, 2289, 2290 and 2294]. It was labeled Delta on the field sketch.  Dreyer assumed this nebula was JH's h409 (described as "eF; the northern of two, 3 or 4' apart") and possibly WH's III-897, but the Herschel designations more likely apply to NGC 2289. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and 8-9 seconds of time too far west.  Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg.

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NGC 2292 = VV 178b = ESO 490-048 = MCG -04-16-022 = LGG 138-005 = PGC 19617

06 47 40 -26 44 48; CMa

V = 10.8;  Size 4.1'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 1”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2293 1' SE and a trio including NGC 2295 just 4' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2292 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and described "a double nebula [with NGC 2293], the preceding eF; the following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of stars, among which is also a third nebula."  His description clearly refers to the double system VV 178 = ESO 490-048/049, although he reversed the orientation and position with NGC 2295!  Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and corrected the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2293 = VV 178a = ESO 490-049 = MCG -04-16-023 = LGG 138-002 = PGC 19619

06 47 43 -26 45 12; CMa

V = 11.2;  Size 4.2'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  In a tight group with NGC 2292 1' WNW (double system in a common halo) and NGC 2295 4' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2293 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and described "a double nebula [with NGC 2292], the preceding eF; the following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of stars, among which is also a third nebula."   His description clearly refers to the double system VV 178 = ESO 490-048/049, although he reversed the orientation and position with NGC 2295!  Herschel listed a single entry for both galaxies, although Dreyer gave separate designations for NGC2292 and 2293.  Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and corrected the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

 

Both Joseph Turner (date?) and Pietro Baracchi (9 Mar 1885) sketched the pair.  Turner's sketch was included in the observatory's unpublished plate V, figure 35 lithograph.

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NGC 2294 = MCG +06-15-014 = CGCG 175-021 = WBL 126-005 = PGC 19729

06 51 11.3 +33 31 38; Gem

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 6”

 

18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.35', weak concentration.  Furthest NE in a group of 5 NGCs.  A wide double of mag 10.5-11 stars lies 2' SE.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration.  NGC 2291 lies  2.6' W and NGC 2288, NGC 2289 and NGC 2290 are all nearby to the SW.  A 40" pair of mag 10.5-11.5 stars lies 2' SE.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~N-S.  Follows four stars on a line.  Last of five in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group with NGC 2291 2.6' W.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, extremely small, almost round, no details.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2294 on 22 Feb 1849.  He noted "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2288, 2289, 2290 and 2291]. It was labeled Epsilon on the field sketch.  The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and 9 seconds of time too far west. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg.

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NGC 2295 = ESO 490-047 = MCG -04-16-021 = PGC 19607

06 47 23.5 -26 44 09; CMa

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 46”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  Located between two mag 13 stars 30" SSW of center and 20" NNE or center.  A similar star is also 1.5' N.  First of three with the NGC 2292/2293 duo 4' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2295 = h3064 on 2 Feb 1835 and described as "eF; S; R; between stars.  A double nebula precedes."   His description clearly refers to ESO 490-047 = PGC 19607, although the "double nebula" (NGC 2292/2293 = h3063) follows and his positions are reversed!  Herbert Howe was the first to note this error in 1898 and correct the orientation and positions based on observations with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2296 = IC 452 = MCG -03-18-003 = PGC 19643

06 48 39.1 -16 54 06; CMa

Size 1.9'x1.4';  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): moderately bright but very small, round, very small bright core.  Sirius is 50' WNW and creates a reflection in the field!  This object is probably a galactic diffuse nebula located within an absorption patch.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2296 = Sw. VI-28 on 11 Mar 1887 and recorded "vF; vS; R; in finder field with Dog star."  His RA was 38 seconds too large.  Bigourdan found this reflection nebula again on 9 Mar 1890 while searching for NGC 2296, measured an accurate position and Dreyer recatalogued Big. 147 as IC 452.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA for NGC 2296 in 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory.  So, NGC 2296 = IC 452.

 

MCG -03-18-003 misclassified this object as a galaxy, though V-V commented "this is almost a diffused nebulosity, but it is not in any catalogue", and it was later catalogued as PGC 19643. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, this was the last reflection nebula, by discovery date, to be included in the NGC.

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NGC 2297 = ESO 087-040 = PGC 19524

06 44 24.6 -63 43 03; Pic

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 45"x30", contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 9.7 star (SAO 249635) is 4.7' S.  NGC 2305 and 2307 pair lies 43' SE (over the border into Volans).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2297 = h3066 on 31 Jan 1835 and called "vF, R, vglbM, 30"."  His position (single sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 2298 = ESO 366-22 = Mel 53

06 48 59.2 -36 00 19; Pup

V = 9.2;  Size 5';  Surf Br = 0.4

 

25" (4/6/19 - OzSky): at 244x; extremely bright, large, highly resolved globular with an intensely bright 1.5' core and a scraggly 4' halo.  Due to a fairly loose structure and brighter members, the cluster was well resolved into more than 50 stars.  A number of fairly bright stars are plastered across the core and the halo contains a few dozen brighter stragglers.  A noticeable chain of stars begins in the core and extends southwest.  A brighter star (double) is near the edge of the halo on the NE side.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 200x, this is a compact, fairly bright globular that is well-concentrated with a bright 1.5' core and a fainter halo of ~3' diameter.  Roughly two dozen stars are resolved (brightest cluster members are mag 13.4) including several across the core and a number of stragglers, which are easier to resolve in the outer halo.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately large globular with no sharp core.  A dozen stars are resolved over the mottled disc.

 

8" (1/1/84): no resolution, fairly small, smooth.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2298  = D 578 on 8 May 1826 and described "a pretty bright round nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, moderately condensed to the centre. This is resolvable into stars."   He made 6 observations and his published position is 6' W of center of the globular.

 

JH observed the globular (h3065) on four sweeps from the Cape of Good Hope, first recording it on 2 Feb 1835 as "B, R, gpmbM, 3', all resolved into stars 14th mag. In the centre is a star 13th mag."

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NGC 2299 = NGC 2302 = OCL-554 = Lund 264

06 51 54 -07 05 00; Mon

 

See observing notes for NGC 2302

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2299 = h412 on 19 Jan 1828 and described "A coarse cl, not v rich, 30 or 40 st, probably only an outlying portion of VIII 39 [NGC 2302]".  There is nothing at his position (about 7' W of mag 6.6 HD 50138), though it is marked as uncertain. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Neblel", comments "many st, but nothing like a cluster."

 

Harold Corwin notes that JH's positional offset from NGC 2302 (discovered earlier by WH) is "nearly the same as NGC 2338 (which see), found in the same sweep on 19 January 1828."  So, he concludes NGC 2299 = NGC 2302, despite that JH apparently thought he was observing a different cluster.

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NGC 2300 = Arp 114 = UGC 3798 = MCG +14-04-031 = CGCG 362-043 = CGCG 363-029 = LGG 145-003 = PGC 21231

07 32 20.0 +85 42 32; Cep

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 80”

 

18" (8/2/11): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.5'x1.3' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases steadily to the center.  The halo fades out and increases with averted vision.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 2276 just 6' NW.  NGC 2300 and 2276 are the brightest in a group of galaxies near +85” declination which includes IC 455, IC 469, IC 512, UGC 3654, UGC 3670, UGC 4078, UGC 4348 and more.

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter.  Well concentrated with a bright 25" core and a much fainter irregular halo. Forms a trio with NGC 2276 6' W and IC 455 11' SSE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, bright core, small fainter halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 2276 7' W.  IC 455 is 11' SSE.

 

8" (1/1/84): moderately bright, small, bright core, slightly elongated.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2300 in 1871 or 1872 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory.  He noted "Nebula pretty bright, moderately extended, round; nucleus of 12-13 magnitude."  His micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) was accurate.  Friedrich August Winnecke independently found the galaxy on 26 Jun 1876, as well as Wilhelm Tempel (list V-21) in 1877.   NGC 2300 is the 4th closest to the pole in the NGC or IC.

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NGC 2301 = Cr 119 = Mel 54 = OCL-540

06 51 45 +00 27 36; Mon

V = 6.0;  Size 12'

 

17.5" (2/28/87): ~60-70 stars in cluster.  A bright blue/yellow double star (h740 = 8.6/9.3 at 21") is near the center.  Many of the stars are arranged in two strings oriented SW-NE which pass through the center.

 

13.1" (1/1/84): striking, ~60 stars in cluster, dozens more nearby.  A very elongated string passes through the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2301 = H VI-27 = h413 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and described "a very beautiful cluster of much compressed small and large stars of many sizes, above 20' diameter."  His position is accurate.  On 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) John Herschel noted, "double star in the chief group of a prety rich coarse cl, not very compressed.  Broken into 3 groups.  The sp group is the richest."

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NGC 2302 = NGC 2299?? = OCL-554 = Lund 264

06 51 54 -07 05 00; Mon

V = 8.9;  Size 3'

 

17.5" (2/1/03): at 140x, this a fairly small group (~4' diameter) of roughly two dozen stars embedded in a large, scattered field of stars.  On the west side is a nice quadruple including three mag 10 stars.  On the east side is a double and a triple star forming a "V" asterism.  Located 7' SE of mag 6.6 SAO 133781.  This bright star has perhaps a dozen fainter stars within 3' but this subgroup does not look to be a plausible candidate for NGC 2299 which is more likely a duplicate of NGC 2302.

 

17.5": 20 stars resolved at 140X, in fairly small group.  Not rich but includes some close doubles.  The three brightest mag 10 stars form a shallow arc on the west side with fourth fainter star nearby.  On the east side is a V-shaped group of six stars with the vertex at the east side.  The central portion includes a few scattered stars with a line of three stars on the south side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2302 = H VIII-39 = h414 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and recorded "a cluster of scattered large stars, of various sizes, not very rich; but taking up above 20 minutes."  His position was ~20 seconds of RA too large, though his description included the surrounding field.  NGC 2299 is a duplicate observation (see notes).

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NGC 2303 = UGC 3603 = MCG +08-13-031 = CGCG 234-030 = PGC 19891

06 56 17.5 +45 29 34; Aur

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2303 = Sw. VI-29 on 24 Nov 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 11 tsec west and 23" north of UGC 3603 = PGC 19891.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 9 Jan 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  UGC does not label the galaxy as NGC 2302 and MCG gives an uncertain NGC identification.

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NGC 2304 = Cr 120 = Mel 55 = OCL-484

06 55 12 +17 59 18; Gem

Size 5'

 

13.1" (12/22/84): ~20 faint stars, unresolved haze, rich, elongated WSW-ENE in a thin wedge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2304 = H VI-2 = h415 on 30 Dec 1783 (early sweep 68) and recorded "a cluster of extremely small stars, very much compressed, 5 or 6' diameter.  The stars of the cluster are of unequal sizes but chiefly of two sorts, vS and eS.  I viewed them with a power of 500 and found them very numerous and compressed.  The cluster is of an irregular oval or almost round form."  Auwer's reduction is 40 sec of RA east of the cluster.  On 18 Dec 1830 (sweep 313), John Herschel noted a "pretty rich cl; acutangular, the acute angle precedes; the p side is bounded by a remarkably definite line..."

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NGC 2305 = ESO 087-044 = PGC 19641

06 48 37.8 -64 16 24; Vol

V = 11.7;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 50"x40", sharply concentrated with a very bright small core.  Bracketed by two close stars; a mag 12.5 star is 35" S of center and a mag 11.6 star is less than 30" E of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2307 4' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2305 = h3067, along with NGC 2307 = h3068, on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded, "F; vS; R; makes a small triangle with 2 stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2306

06 54 30 -07 12 18; Mon

Size 20'x10'

 

18" (1/26/09): at 175x, ~75 stars are resolved in an 18'x10' Milky Way group or cloud that streams WSW to ENE.  The richest portion is on the west side just south of mag 8.6 HD 50734 (not part of the group).  This subgroup includes a fairly close double star and a very small clump that resolves into at least 4 tightly packed stars.  Appears to be an unimpressive Milky Way field, though the cloud is somewhat detached so is distinguishable.

 

WH (VIII 51) noted this object as "a cluster of very scattered stars"  and JH, who observed it three times (h416) described as an outlying portion of VIII 39 = NGC 2302 and "has no title to be called a cluster."

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2306 = H VIII-51 = h416 on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and noted "a very much scattered cluster." John Herschel made 3 observations and described an outlying portion of NGC 2302 = H VIII-39 that "has no title to be called a cluster." Karl Reimuth also comments "many st, but nothing like a cluster.", based on its photographic appearance.  RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).  See Corwin'sidentification notes.

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NGC 2307 = ESO 087-045 = PGC 19648

06 48 50.8 -64 20 07; Vol

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 142”

 

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): slightly larger and fainter of a pair with NGC 2305 4' NNW.  Appeared moderately bright and large, roundish, contains a bright elongated core or "bar" oriented NW-SE [~40" in length] with a diffuse halo ~1.3' diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2307 = h3068 (along with NGC 2305 = h3067) on 30 Nov 1834 and noted "vF; pL; lE; in the parallel."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2308 = UGC 3618 = MCG +08-13-037 = CGCG 234-037 = PGC 19949

06 58 37.6 +45 12 38; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S.  Overpowered by 16 Lyncis (V = 4.9) located 9' SW in the field.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2308 = St VI-5 on 13 Jan 1872 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 3618 = PGC 19949.

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NGC 2309 = Cr 122 = Mel 56 = OCL-557

06 56 04 -07 10 30; Mon

Size 3'

 

17.5" (1/1/92): three dozen stars mag 11-15, fairly rich, compact, 4' diameter.  Most stars are located within two streams.  The brighter stars in the southern stream are oriented E-W.  A fainter star lane to north is oriented NW-SE.  At the NW end it hooks NE to mag 9 SAO 133914 about 4' N of the cluster's center.  Includes several close pairs with two pairs near the center and a double star 11/14 at 7" separation at the west end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2309 = H VI-18 = h417 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and logged "a cluster of considerably compressed small stars, pretty rich, 8 or 9' diameter, irr figure.  With a smaller aperture it would probably appear nebulous."  On 13 Mar 1828, John Herschel described "a cluster, not v rich; 4' diam' irreg fig' st 12...13m."

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NGC 2310 = ESO 309-007 = MCG -07-15-001 = PGC 19811

06 53 54.0 -40 51 45; Pup

V = 11.8;  Size 4.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 47”

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears as a fairly faint, very thin edge-on splinter oriented SW-NE, 1.0'x0.15'.  Contains a stellar nuclues.  Situated in a fairly rich Puppis starfield.  This edge-on galaxy has a "box-peanut" central bulge (similar to NGC 128), which is probably a thick bar viewed edge-on.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2310 = h3069 on 2 Jan 1835 and described "pB; vmE; pos 46.6”; psbM; 90" l; 10" br; in a field very full of small stars.  His position and description is accurate.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 2310 on 12 Dec 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as a thin streak with a small brighter nucleus (unpublished plate V, figure 37).  Pietro Baracchi reobserved and sketched the galaxy on 9 Mar 1885.

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NGC 2311 = Cr 123 = OCL-553 = Lund 276

06 57 48 -04 36 42; Mon

Size 7'

 

18" (3/4/08): at 225x, ~40 stars are resolved in a fairly rich 5'x3' group, elongated NW-SE.  The cluster includes a few pairs with a nice equal mag pair on the south side.  A weak stream of stars trails off to the east from the SE end of the cluster towards a mag 9.8/10.4/13 triple at 3" and 9" (ADS 5636).

 

17.5" (1/1/92): three dozen stars mag 11-15 in 5'x2' region elongated ~N-S.  Fairly rich though no dense spots.  Most stars form a thin isosceles triangle with the vertex star mag 13 at the north end, although the brightest star is a wide double 2' ESE of the vertex.  From the base of the triangle a stream heads SE and then east from the cluster mixing with some brighter field stars.  The cluster includes a few close faint double stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2311 = H VIII-60 = h418 on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 639) and described "a cluster of pL scattered stars, not very rich.  The place taken is the most compressed part, but not the middle.  May be a projecting point of the milky way."  His position was just northeast of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2312

06 58 48 +10 17 42; Mon

 

17.5" (2/1/03): stands out reasonably well in the field at 140x with ~16 stars, highlighted by a mag 10 star at the south end.  The group is ~4'x1.5' in size, elongated N-S and includes a close, faint double on the NE end, which was noticed at 220x.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2312 = h419 on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) and recorded a "A poor cluster.  The largest *10 taken."  His position corresponds with a mag 10 star at 06 58 50.0 +10 15 38 (J2000) with a scattering of mag 12 stars to the north. Karl Reimuth called this group a "loose clustering of pF st.", based on Heidelberg plates. The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2313 = Parsamyan 17 = PP 18 = V565 Mon

06 58 02.8 -07 56 42; Mon

Size 1.6'

 

18" (2/3/05): at 225x this reflection nebula appears as a very faint, very small, low surface brightness glow surrounding a mag 14 illuminating star, ~15"-20" diameter.  Situated within a rich Milky Way field which has a mottled appearance at low power.  Located 20' NE of mag 6.3 HD 51424. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2313 on 4 Jan 1862.  His position (measured on 3 nights) matches this small reflection nebula.  He also measured a mag 15 star that follows by 6 seconds of time and a mag 11 star that follows by 14 seconds.  Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 15 Feb 1877, recorded "pF, pS, iR, fades away nf, 2 F st f about 1'."  The RNGC misclassifies this object as nonexistent and it is not plotted on the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.

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NGC 2314 = UGC 3677 = MCG +13-06-003 = CGCG 348-032 = PGC 20305

07 10 32.6 +75 19 37; Cam

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  IC 2174 ("fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration") lies 5.8' WNW

 

17.5" (2/27/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  25' to the west is a nice double ·973 = 7.1/8.1 at 12".  Forms a pair with IC 2174 6' WNW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2314 = T IX-5 on 1 Aug 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His description says "follows close on the same parallel against the mag 7 star DM +75 ” 281, the latter is a double star".  Although his rough RA is good (nearest min), the galaxy lies 6' N of the double star.

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NGC 2315 = UGC 3633 = MCG +08-13-045 = CGCG 234-041 = PGC 20045

07 02 33.0 +50 35 27; Lyn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 116”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core.  Located 4' S of mag 8.4 SAO 26113.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2315 = h420 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and simply noted "eF; doubtful."  His RA was roughly 10 seconds of time too large.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).

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NGC 2316 = Parsamyan 18 = PP 68

06 59 40.8 -07 46 40; Mon

Size 4'x3'

 

13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright nebulosity, small, possibly surrounds two stars oriented SW [NGC 2316] and NE [NGC 2317] with a separation of ~11".  An obtuse triangle of mag 12 stars is just 1' S.  Enhanced with a Deep Sky filter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2316 = H II-304 = h421 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377). His description reads, "3 or 4 stars, containing vF nebulosity.  240 would not resolve it; but showed the same nebulosity."  Bindon Stoney, William Parsons' assistant, observed it on 20 Feb 1851 and called it a "S close D neb, below 3 st, 2 stellar points (or nuclei)."  The 3 stars are just south.  The second nuclei received the designations GC 1478 = NGC 2317. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (#76 in AN 1500).  Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions for both stars in 1895 (published in his 1907 catalogue).

 

Albert Le Sueur sketched this nebula in 1870 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 81), as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Mar 1885.  Le Sueur was surprised the configuration of the nebula and the nearby stars differed significantly between Stoney's sketch and his (mentioned in an 1870 letter to Professor Stokes).

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NGC 2317

06 59 41.5 -07 46 29; Mon

 

13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright nebulosity, small, surrounding the northeast of two stars (separation ~11").   An obtuse triangle of mag 12 stars is just 1' S.  Enhanced with a Deep Sky filter.

 

Bindon Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2317 on 20 Feb 1851.  NGC 2316 was described as a "S close D neb, below 3 st, 2 stellar points (or nuclei)."  The nebula was sketched on 23 Nov 1851 and included in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication. The RA was only roughly given in the GC and the NGC (nearest min of RA).  The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent although NGC 2317 is part of NGC 2316.  Pietro Baracchi also sketched it as a double star in nebulosity on 16 Mar 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.   Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions for both "nuclei" in 1895 (published in his 1907 catalogue).

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NGC 2318

06 59 27 -13 41 54; CMa

 

17.5" (2/1/03): this is just a weak enhancement of mag 11-13 stars in a Milky Way field, perhaps only noticed by Herschel because of the mag 8.2 SAO 152208 on the NW side (which he used as a position).  Seems roughly 10' in size and circular, although there are no real borders.  Does not stand out in the field, even at 64x with a 31 Nagler, although the background Milky Way glow does seem a bit enhanced over the surrounding field.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2318 = H VII-14 = h422 = h3070 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 370) and logged "a cluster of stars above 20' in dia, the stars much scattered."  John Herschel observed this object at both Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope.  At the Cape he described "A large region full of scattered stars forming a cluster of which the chief (=8 m) taken.  It seems, however to be only a clustering part of the milky way which here comes on rather suddenly."  His position corresponds with mag 8.6 SAO 152208 at 06 59 28.4 -13 41 49 (J2000).  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2319

07 00 32 +03 02 48; Mon

 

17.5" (2/1/03): very nice 15' string of a couple dozen stars heading west of a mag 8.9 SAO 114784 on the east end, which is a close unequal double.  The tail of stars is slightly concave to the south and is marked by a mag 10.5 star at the west end.  Although the star chain is quite noticeable, it could well be an asterism as there are other similar strings of stars in the same or adjacent fields.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel possibly discovered NGC 2319 on 18 Dec 1783 (early sweep 48) and noted "a cluster of vS stars not very rich."  He states this cluster follows 18 Mon by 11 minutes, but only gave a rough polar distance (75' range).  It was assigned the internal discovery #12, but not an H-designation.

 

John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2319 = h423 in March 1830 (sweep 237) and recorded a "Linear cluster of stars 11..13m forming a bent line nearly 15' long, terminating on the following side by a *8 whose place is that here taken."  His position corresponds with mag 8.8 SAO 114784 at 07 01 06.5 +03 03 11.  The "bent line" of stars preceding is oriented WNW-ESE and is fairly striking.  JH equated h423 with his father's #12, but identified it as VIII-1 (the previous class VIII object discovered by his father).  In the GC, he referred to it as VIII-1B.  In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer gives the details of the sweep.  Steinicke suggests VIII-1B = h423. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (probably an asterism).

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NGC 2320 = UGC 3659 = MCG +08-13-051 = CGCG 234-047 = PGC 20136

07 05 42.0 +50 34 51; Lyn

V = 11.9;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, spindle NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 1.7' WSW of mag 9.0 SAO 26147.  Brightest of three with NGC 2322 5' SE and NGC 2321 11' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2320 = H II-861 = h424, along with NGC 2322, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and noted "pB, pL, irr figure, gbM."  His position is 3 - 4' northwest of UGC 3659 (same offset as NGC 2322).  On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel logged it as "pB; R; pgbM; 15"; np a * 8m whose place is that here taken."  The star is 1.6' NE of the galaxy.

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NGC 2321 = UGC 3663 = MCG +08-13-053 = CGCG 234-051 = PGC 20141

07 05 59.0 +50 45 22; Lyn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.  NGC 2320 lies 11' SSW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2321 on 18 Dec 1849. He labeled it Beta in the field sketch (includes NGC 2320, 2322 and 2326).  Although this was an early discovery, it was not included in the 1861 publication so did not receive a GC designation. Dreyer added it in the GC Supplement (GCS 6248).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 2322 = UGC 3662 = MCG +08-13-054 = CGCG 234-050 = PGC 20142

07 06 00.3 +50 30 37; Lyn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 136”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 2320 5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2322 = H III-874, along with NGC 2320 = H II-861, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and noted "vF, vS, lE."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is 2.5' too far northwest, the same offset as NGC 2320.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).

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NGC 2323 = M50 = Cr 124 = Heart-Shaped Cluster

07 02 48 -08 22 36; Mon

V = 5.9;  Size 16'

 

18" (3/15/10): very bright, fairly scattered cluster, though contains a richer subgroup.  About 125-150 stars were resolved at 175x in the central 10'-12'.  The cluster has roughly a triangular or wedge-shaped outline, highlighted by an 8' string of stars oriented ~E-W on the north side (including mag 9.0 HD 52965) and a longer 10' string oriented NW-SE on the SW side that includes the brightest cluster star - distinctly orange mag 7.8 HD 52938 near the SE end of the string.  Along this string are also four easy pairs of stars.  There is a rich circular group of stars, ~5' diameter, a little north of center.  On the east side of the cluster is an unequal double, h748 = 8.5/11 at 15".  A faint, unequal pair of stars, BRT 392 = 11.5/11.6 at 4", is due west of the unequal pair by 3.5' at the edge of the rich group of stars.  A number of stragglers extend out the cluster increasing the size significantly and a scattered group with some brighter stars including mag 9.0 HD 52720 appears detached to the NW.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): ~75 stars including some brighter stars at the south and northeast borders.  There are a few dense spots and many stragglers.  An orange/red mag 8 star is at the south edge and a nice 16" pair of mag 9/11 stars (h748) is 1' NW.  There is an elongated 4'x3' region that is devoid of stars just north of the colored mag 8 star.  Located 42' E of mag 6.0 HD 52312.

 

Giovanni Domenico Cassini possibly discovered M50 = NGC 2323 = h425 around 1711.  Charles Messier independently discovered the cluster on 5 Apr 1772.  William Herschel described the cluster (unpublished) on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) as "a very brilliant cluster of large stars, considerably compressed and rich, above 20' in diameter, the stars of various sizes, visible in the finder."

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NGC 2324 = Cr 125 = Mel 59 = OCL-542

07 04 08 +01 02 42; Mon

V = 8.4;  Size 8'

 

17.5" (3/20/93: 65 stars mag 10-14 in very irregular 8' diameter.  Includes two mag 10 stars at the NE corner and NW side.  Includes several mag 12 stars but rich in mag 13-14 stars.  Somewhat uneven distribution of very faint stars due to a couple of 2' diameter dark voids; one near the center.  The cluster includes several very close, faint double stars.

 

8": rich in faint stars 12-13, includes two mag 9 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2324 = H VII-38 = h427 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and noted "a beautiful cluster of small stars of several sizes, considerably compressed and rich in the middle, 10 or 12' diameter."  John Herschel made 3 observations and logged it on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113) as a "rich L cl; fills field; st 14...16m; not comp towards a centre."

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NGC 2325 = ESO 427-028 = MCG -05-17-005 = PGC 20047

07 02 40.3 -28 41 50; CMa

V = 11.4;  Size 3.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 6”

 

13.1" (3/3/84): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S.  A mag 12 star is off the SE edge 1.6' from center.  Located in a rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2325 = h3071 on 1 Feb 1837 and recorded "pB; pL; lE; gbM; r; 2' long."  His position (single sweep) matches ESO 427-028 = PGC 20047.

 

Joseph Turner's sketch, made on 5 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 38), depicts it very elongated N-S.  Baracchi's sketch on 11 March 1885 added a star at the south tip (called 16th mag)

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NGC 2326 = UGC 3681 = MCG +08-13-062 = CGCG 234-060 = PGC 20218

07 08 11.0 +50 40 55; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, bright core.  Four mag 12-12.5 stars in a group lie 3' W.

 

Forms a pair with NGC 2326A = UGC 3687 5' SE.  This companion appeared  extremely faint, small, low surface brightness.  On a line with two mag 12 and 13.5 star to the south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2326 = H II-734 = h426 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "F, pL, iF, mbM, S.f. a triangle of small stars."  His position is 2' north of UGC 3681 = PGC 20218 and the description applies.  On 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327), John Herschel logged, "eF; R; pslbM; has a small group of stars immediately preceding like the letter Y."

 

The RNGC has a poor position 0.3 tmin of RA too far east and 3' north.  NGC 2326A, located just 4.8' SE, is correctly placed in RNGC. Listed in RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 2327 = Ced 89b = PP 72

07 04 07.2 -11 18 51; CMa

 

18" (2/23/06): moderately bright, 1' reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star with a mag 12 companion at 7".  Viewed unfiltered at 225x.

 

17.5" (3/8/02): small but high surface brightness reflection nebula surrounding an unequal pair of mag 9.5/12.5 stars at 7" separation.  At 280x, the nebulosity is round and approximately 50" in size although it fades smoothly into the background and may be a bit larger.  This small knot of nebulosity is at the western end of a striking arc of 6 stars which trail off to the NE.  The next star in the arc, 1.5' E, also seems to be encased in a very small halo.  A similar mag 9.5 comparison star (with no halo) lies 4' ESE and several other mag 9.5-10.5 stars are scattered across the field.  The background sky in this vicinity is weakly luminous, as NGC 2327 is situated midway along the western side of IC 2177, a huge IC strip of nebulosity straddling Canis Major and Monoceros.  This object did not respond to OIII, UHC or H-beta filters so appears to be predominantly a reflection nebula.

 

This bright nebula was discovered by William Herschel (IV 25) in 1785 and reobserved by his son, John.  Although their positions and descriptions match this object,there is a great deal of confusion in the literature as to its identification and position and some sources misidentify NGC 2327 with the much larger Sh 2-292 = Gum 1 located 50' to the north (also associated with IC 2177).

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint reflection nebula, fairly small, surrounds a mag 8 star (close unequal double).  Located along the faint, extremely large, curving strip of nebulosity = IC 2177.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2327 = H IV-25 = h428 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and described "A pretty considerable star with vF and vS milky chevelure of an irregular chevelure, other stars of the same size are perfectly free from that appearance."  John Herschel reported on 11 Mar 1828 (sweep 130), "a double star whose large star is in the center of a very faint nebula which involves the small star also."  His position of 07 04 07.6 -11 19.0 pins down the identification as a compact HII/Reflection nebula on the west side of the Seagull Nebula. In 1886, Engelhardt also published an accurate micrometric position of  07 04 07.77 -11 18 56.6 (J2000).  Herbert Howe noted the central star is double with separation 7".

 

Joseph Turner (date uncertain) and Pietro Baracchi (11 Mar 1885) observed this nebula with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  Turner's sketch was included in the unpublished plate V, figure 39).

 

Despite John Herschel's accurate position and description, there's been a great deal of confusion in the literature as to the identification and position.

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NGC 2328 = ESO 309-016 = MCG -07-15-002 = PGC 20046

07 02 36.1 -42 04 06; Pup

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 115”

 

18" (2/19/09): at 175x appeared very faint, small, round, 20" diameter (probably viewed brighter core region only).  Steadily visible with direct vision though viewed at a very low elevation, so the surface brightness of the core is moderately high.  Starhopped from mag 5.2 HD 53704 located 23' SE.  Steadily visible with direct vision though viewed at a very low elevation, so the surface brightness of the core is moderately high.  Located in a fairly rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2328 = h3072 on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; vS; R; pslbM; 15"; like a blotted star; in field with many small stars."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2329 = UGC 3695 = MCG +08-13-073 = CGCG 234-070 = PGC 20254

07 09 08.0 +48 36 55; Lyn

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 175”

 

18" (1/13/07): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', small bright core.  Brightest in the core of AGC 569 including UGC 3696, MCG +08-13-072 and +08-13-082.

 

18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 N-S, 1.2'x0.9', contains a large, brighter core.  This galaxy and UGC 3696, located 2.8' NE, are the brightest member of AGC 569.  I observed 7 members of the cluster at 280x.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  A mag 15 star is 0.7' W of center.  Three mag 14 stars lie 1.7' W, 1.3' NE and 2.0' NE.  Forms a pair with UGC 3696 3' ENE.  Brightest member of AGC 569.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2329 = H II-735 = h429 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called "F, stellar." His position is 3' east of UGC 3695, the brightest galaxy in AGC 569.  He observed the field again on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and picked up two galaxies -- NGC 2329 and UGC 3696, oriented southwest-northeast (12 sec of time and 2' north).  Caroline assumed the southwest object was new and assigned it III-875.  She thought the northeast object was II-735, so it didn't receive a new designation.  John Herschel only saw a single galaxy and equated H. II-735 = H. III-875 in the General Catalogue.  Dreyer assigned both designations to NGC 2329.  Since WH clearly observed both galaxies on 28 Dec 1790, Wolfgang Steinicke concludes III-875 should refer to UGC 3696, a galaxy that should have received a NGC designation.

 

Although usually classified as a Lenticular Galaxy, recent studies have concluded NGC 2329 is a 'cluster dominant' Elliptical Galaxy (cD). It is an x-ray source with a radio jet streaming from its core, like many other cD's. In addition that is also a 'radio tail' extending from this galaxy.

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NGC 2330 = IC 457? = MCG +08-13-078 = CGCG 234-074 = WBL 133-001 = PGC 20272

07 09 28.4 +50 09 08; Lyn

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x fairly faint, small, nearly round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located 2' SSW of NGC 2332.  A mag 15.1 star is between this galaxy and NGC 2332.  Note: This galaxy is identified as IC 457 in the CGCG and UGC.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 15 star is 1' NE.  Located 2' SW of NGC 2332.

 

Bindon Stoney or his brother George Johnstone, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2330 on 2 Jan 1851.  He noted a small nebula, which was labeled "b" on the published diagram, and placed SSW of NGC 2332 (the direction of drift is reversed on the sketch).  At this position is CGCG 234-074 = PGC 20272.  This galaxy was also labeled Delta on the final constructed sketch.

 

Although 9 nebulae were found at Birr Castle over 3 nights, the 1861 publication only included the comment "several knots around" NGC 2332.  JH added just one new entry in the GC (1492), which Dreyer assigned to either NGC 2330 and NGC 2334 (with question marks).

 

Since absolute positions were not computed at Birr Castle, Dreyer relied on Bigourdan's erroneous position (he measured a faint star) for NGC 2330.  As a result NGC 2330 was misplaced 2.4' north of NGC 2332 instead of south-southwest (as on the 1851 sketch).  In 1893, Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position and Dreyer catalogued it as IC 457.  Assuming this is the nebula Dreyer had in mind as NGC 2330 (Malcolm Thomson disagrees), then NGC 2330 = IC 457 = CGCG 234-074.  Ironically, Bigourdan measured accurate positions for the other Rosse nebulae in 1885, but these were not published until 1919, so Kobold (and LdR) were given credit for these in the IC.

 

The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2330 and NGC 2332, making NGC 2330 the brighter northern member of the pair and incorrectly describes NGC 2332 as "almstel" (same error in MCG).  UGC and CGCG label NGC 2330 as IC 457.  See RNGC Corrections #5 and Corwin's notes for much more on this complicated story!

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NGC 2331 = Cr 126 = OCL-475 = Lund 295

07 07 00 +27 15 42; Gem

Size 18'

 

17.5" (1/20/90): at 82x, very large scattered group of about 40 stars mag 10-14, 15' diameter.  There is a small circle of 6 stars at the east end. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2331 = H VIII-40 = h432 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and recorded "some clustering, large scattered stars; many of an equal size."  John Herschel noted in on 17 Feb 1827 (sweep 57) as "a small cluster of 10 or a doze st 11...13m in an ellipse."

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NGC 2332 = (R)NGC 2330 = UGC 3699 = MCG +08-13-079 = CGCG 234-075 = WBL 133-002 = PGC 20276

07 09 34.2 +50 10 56; Lyn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 60”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large oval 4:3 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a bright core and very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 15.1 star is 1' S of center and a mag 15.7 star is barely off the NE end [0.8' NW of center].

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 2330 = IC 457 2' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2332 = h430 on 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330) and recorded "F; S; R psbM; 12"."  His position matches UGC 3699 = PGC 20276.  JH and Dreyer equated this number with H II-862, found on 28 Dec 1790 and noted as "F, pL."  In the 1912 republication of WH's catalogues, Dreyer added the note "Identification difficult, as it is one of a group. In Sweep 990, 57 Aurigae is the only comparison star and the neb. is 2 seconds preceding, 2' north of II.736.  Auwers gives for 1860 7h 0m 8s, 39” 37' (NPD).  It is probably one of Kobold's nebulae in the I.C."  Auwers' reduced position is 3' SW of NGC 2340 and Harold Corwin suggests that both H II-862 and H II-736 apply to NGC 2340.  Nearby NGC 2332 was discovered at Birr Castle in 1851.

 

The identications of NGC 2330 and NGC 2332 are reversed in the RNGC and MCG.

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NGC 2333 = UGC 3689 = MCG +06-16-020 = CGCG 176-018 = PGC 20223

07 08 21.3 +35 10 12; Gem

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, very small, sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by faint oval halo 3:2 ~N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2333 = H III-899 = h431 on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and noted "vF, S, nearly R, bM."

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NGC 2334 = IC 465 = MCG +08-13-098 = CGCG 234-095 = WBL 133-012 = PGC 20357

07 11 33.6 +50 14 53; Lyn

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; moderately bright, moderately large, round, strong concentration with a high surface brightness core that increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  Located 5.8' NE of NGC 2340 in a fairly rich group.

 

18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', gradually increases to a very small, brighter core.  Furthest NE in a group of 7 galaxies in the field and 5.8' NE of the brightest member, NGC 2340.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, round, bright core.  Last of four galaxies in a 20' field and located 5.8' NE of NGC 2340.

 

Bindon Stoney or his brother George Johnstone, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2334 on 2 Jan 1851.  He noted a small nebula (unlabeled on a sketch of h433 = NGC 2340) 6' south-following NGC 2340.  Unfortunately the direction of drift was confused as CGCG 234-095 = PGC 20357 is 6' north-following NGC 2340.  This galaxy was also labeled Theta on the final constructed sketch.

 

Although 9 nebulae were found at Birr Castle on 3 nights, the 1861 publication only included the comment "several knots around" NGC 2332.  JH added just one new entry in the GC (GC 1492), which Dreyer assigned to either NGC 2330 and NGC 2334 (with question marks) and the additional Rosse nebulae were not included in the NGC.

 

Since absolute positions weren't computed at Birr Castle, Dreyer relied on Bigourdan's erroneous position for NGC 2334 (he measured a faint star 3' ENE of NGC 2332).  In 1893, Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for Stoney's nebula and Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 465.  So, NGC 2334 = IC 465.  Ironically, Bigourdan measured accurate positions for the other Rosse nebulae in 1885, but these were not published until 1919, so Kobold (and LdR) were given credit in the IC.  Karl Reinmuth couldn't find NGC 2334 (at Bigourdan's position) and noted "in Dreyer's place not found, = IC 464?"

 

The question remains if IC 465 is the galaxy Dreyer meant as NGC 2334.  Dreyer credits both Rosse and Kobold in the IC, so this seems probable, although Malcolm Thomson disagrees.  MCG, CGCG, PGC, SIMBAD all label this galaxy as IC 465 and not NGC 2334.  NED and HyperLeda give the equivalence. See Corwin's identification notes for more on this complicated situation.

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NGC 2335 = Cr 127 = Mel 60 = OCL-562

07 06 49 -10 01 42; Mon

V = 7.2;  Size 12'

 

18" (2/23/06): at 225x, ~75 stars are resolved in a 10'x5' region elongated N-S.  The cluster is broken up by a circular void on the south side that extends to the west in a dark (dust) lane.  Also an elongated rectangular-shaped void of stars is on the north side of the cluster.  The brightest cluster star is on the northeast side and is part of a "keystone" asterism that mimics the shape of the main body of Hercules.  A mag 7 star lies 10' ENE outside the borders of the cluster.  The Milky Way background is very patchy in this vicinity and appears significantly affected by dust in the region and possible nebulosity. This affect is best seen at 115x (20 Nagler).  Located just north of IC 2177 = Seagull Nebul, an extremely long N-S string of nebulosity.

 

17.5" (3/20/93): 50-60 stars mag 10.5-14 in a 10' diameter.  Mag 6.9 SAO 134220 is 10' NE of the core.  In the center is a 1' parallelogram formed by four mag 10.5-12 stars with parallel sides oriented E-W and NW-SE.  There are no dense areas (overall has a fairly scattered appearance) although the cluster includes several subgroups.  A wide mag 12 double is on the north side.  Located at the north tip of the huge emission nebula IC 2177.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2335 = H VIII-32 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and reported "a cluster of coarsely scattered stars of many sizes, pretty rich, more than 15' diameter."  His position is on the west side of this open cluster.

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NGC 2336 = UGC 3809 = MCG +13-06-006 = CGCG 348-034 = CGCG 349-004 = PGC 21033

07 27 03.8 +80 10 43; Cam

V = 10.4;  Size 7.1'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, fairly large, bright core, faint halo elongated N-S.  A mag 15 star is superimposed just east of the core.  Located 3.6' SSE of a mag 10 star.  IC 467 lies 20' SSE.  A mag 14.7 supernova discovered in 1987 by Dana Patchick was observed (1987L).

 

17.5" (2/22/87): fairly bright, small bright core surrounded by a large, diffuse halo elongated 2:1 N-S.  Located 26' S of a mag 7.3 star.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2336 = T I-22 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and described a "beautiful II class nebula, R, lbM, 2' diameter, forms a triangle with two mag 10-11 stars."  Tempel's very rough position (only the hour of RA is given!) is off by 2.5 tmin of RA (west) and 3' dec (north) and the two stars in the description are just north.

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NGC 2337 = UGC 3711 = MCG +07-15-010 = CGCG 205-023 = PGC 20298

07 10 13.6 +44 27 26; Lyn

V = 12.5;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ENE, even surface brightness.  Bracketed by a mag 14 star 1.1' SW and a mag 13.5 star 1.3' ENE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2337 = St VIIIb-19 on 17 Jan 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 3711 = PGC 20298.

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NGC 2338

07 07 47 -05 43 12; Mon

 

17.5" (2/3/03): roughly 3 dozen stars in an elongated N-S group, ~8'x3'.  Includes a few mag 11 stars, with the rest of stars mag 12-14.  Just stands out at 100x as a weak field enhancement and detached enough in the field that a definite border can be traced out.  Still this is probably just an unrelated group of stars and NGC 2338 is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2338 = h435 on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 122) and noted a "Very loose and straggling cluster."  There is nothing noticeable at JH's (uncertain) position.  In 1926, Karl Reinmuth noted (based on Heidelberg plates) "many st, but nothing like a cluster." and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 2338 is a group of stars ~50 tsec of RA east and 5' south of his position.  If a similar offset is applied to NGC 2299 (found by JH on the same sweep), it matches NGC 2302, so this error is quite plausible.

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NGC 2339 = UGC 3693 = MCG +03-19-002 = CGCG 085-040 = CGCG 086-005 = PGC 20222

07 08 20.5 +18 46 49; Gem

V = 11.8;  Size 2.7'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 175”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, nearly round, very weak concentration, low surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the east edge 30" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2339 = H II-769 = h434 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 906) and recorded it as "pB, pL, iR, easily resolvable, bM.".  His position is 16 sec of RA east of UGC 3693.  On 14 Mar 1831(sweep 333), John Herschel wrote, "pB, pL, R, glbM, 40".  In a rich part of the heavens." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2340 = UGC 3720 = MCG +08-13-096 = CGCG 234-091 = WBL 133-010 = PGC 20338

07 11 10.8 +50 10 28; Lyn

V = 11.7;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 80”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, contains a large bright core that is weakly concentrated to the center.  A couple of 12th magnitude stars are off the northwest side.  Brightest in a group of mostly IC galaxies with IC 464 2.4' SSW and IC 463  3.7' SSW.  Also in this string are IC 461 7' SSW and IC 465 5.7' NE!

 

18" (12/18/06): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0', large bright core increases gradually to the center.  A mag 12 star lies 1.7' NW.  Brightest in a group of 12 galaxies (WBL 133) incuding IC 464 2.5' SSW.  Beyond IC 464 a string of stars continues to the SSW.

 

17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, bright core.  Brightest of four in the field with IC 458, IC 464 and IC 465 = NGC 2334?  Two mag 12 stars lie 1.7' NW and 2.4' WNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2340 = H II-736 = h433 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called "pF, vS, lbM, resolvable."  His position (CH's reduction) is just off the east edge of the galaxy.  Harold Corwin concludes that H II-862 (found on sweep 990, 28 Dec 1890), although equated with NGC 2332 = h430, is actually a duplicate observation of this galaxy.  John Herschel described it on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329) as "pB; pL; R; gbM; 25"; two small stars preceding." and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 2341 = UGC 3708 = MCG +03-19-003 = CGCG 086-006 = Holm 86b = PGC 20259

07 09 12.1 +20 36 10; Gem

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (1/20/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.7' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 2342 2.5' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2341 = m 100 (along with NGC 2342 = m 101) on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta.  His position matches UGC 3708 = PGC 20259.

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NGC 2342 = UGC 3709 = MCG +03-19-004 = CGCG 086-007 = Holm 86a = PGC 20265

07 09 18.1 +20 38 11; Gem

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 126”

 

17.5" (1/20/90): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, slightly elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter along major axis but no core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2341 2.5' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2342 = m 101 (along with NGC 2341 = m 100) on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta.  His position matches UGC 3709 = PGC 20265.

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NGC 2343 = Cr 128 = OCL-565

07 08 07 -10 37 00; Mon

V = 6.7;  Size 7'

 

18" (2/23/06): at 225x, three dozen stars are resolved in a fairly scattered, but well-detached 5' group.  The brightest star at the southeast end is a wide double (·1028) with a mag 8.8 yellow primary and a mag 11 bluish secondary at 11".  The stars are arranged in long winding strings with a couple of offshoots.  There are no dense areas and the strings appear to wrap around regions devoid of stars.  Located off the northeast end of IC 2177.  Two ill-defined groups, Cr 465 and Cr 466, lie ~20' to the west (see notes).

 

17.5" (3/20/93): two dozen stars mag 8-13 in compact 5' diameter.  The cluster has a distinctive boxy shape but is not rich.  Includes an unequal double star ·1028 = 8.8/11.1 at 11" at the east side.  Stars are arranged in small subgroups with no central concentration, well detached in field.  Located off the NE end of the huge, strip of nebulosity IC 2177.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2343 = H VIII-33 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and called it "a cluster of scattered large stars, not so extensive as the last [NGC 2335], nor so rich."  His position is just off the southeast side of the cluster.

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NGC 2344 = UGC 3734 = MCG +08-13-103 = CGCG 234-100 = PGC 20395

07 12 28.7 +47 10 00; Lyn

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration, faint stellar nucleus, edges fade smoothly into background.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2344 = Sw. VI-30 on 24 Nov 1886.  His position is 16 sec of RA west and 81" north of UGC 3734 = PGC 20395 and his description "pB, pS, R" applies.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position at the Strasbourg Observatory in 1893.

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NGC 2345 = Cr 129 = Mel 61 = OCL-575

07 08 19 -13 11 36; CMa

V = 7.7;  Size 12'

 

17.5" (3/20/93): 50 stars mag 9-14 in 10'x8' region elongated SW-NE.  Fairly rich in faint stars.  Includes the pretty double h3930 = 9.7/10.6 at 15" on the north side.  Near the center is a small clump of about 8 stars including an unequal triple star.  Located midway between mag 8 SAO 152444 6' NNE and a mag 9.5 star 6' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2345 = h3073 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "a pretty rich cluster; irregular fig; 7' diam; gbM; stars 10..14 m; place that of a double star, the chief *."  His position corresponds with HJ 3930 = 9.7/10.6 at 15".

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NGC 2346 = PK 215+3.1 = PN G215.6+03.6

07 09 22.5 -00 48 23; Mon

V = 11.9;  Size 60"x50"

 

17.5" (2/2/02): easily picked up at 100x as a fairly small, round halo surrounding a bright mag 11.5 star.  Nice view at 280x and 380x.  The halo is irregularly round, ~50"x45" with a slightly uneven surface brightness and it appears a bit thinner or pinched on the NW side.  Modest contrast gain with a UHC filter at 100x-280x, although this object does not require a filter.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): bright mag 11.5 central star surrounded by fairly small, round disc.  Located between two mag 13 stars 0.8' E and 1.2' W.  View enhanced with Daystar 300 filter.  Central star is the variable V651 Mon (mag 11.3-13.5).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2346 = H IV-65 on 5 Mar 1790 (sweep 935) and recorded "a pretty considerable star, 9 or 10m, visibly affected with vF nebulosity, of very little extent all around. A power of 300 shewed the same, but gave a little more extent to the nebulosity. The 22d Monocerotis was quite free from nebulosity."  CH's reduced position is 1” too far south, but a note was added on the sweep there may be an error of 1”, due to a confusion on the polar distance.

 

John Herschel didn't report an observation in either his Slough or Cape catalogues. Dreyer observed the PN on 14 Feb 1877 with the 72" at Birr Castle and reported "*9 mag seems nebulous, especially on the n or np side.  At last we agreed that it was nebulous all round.  About 4' sp is a reddish *10 with a white-bluish *11 1' south.  The nebulous star has a bluish tint."

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NGC 2347 = IC 2179? = UGC 3759 = MCG +11-09-039 = CGCG 309-026 = PGC 20539

07 16 04.0 +64 42 41; Cam

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, slightly elongated N-S, diffuse.  Located 4' S of mag 7.3 SAO 14129.  A mag 10 star lies 5.2' NE.  Forms a wide pair with IC 2179 = UGC 3750 13' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2347 = H III-746 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded, "vF, S, R lbM."  His position, based on Auwers' reduction, is 3.3' N of UGC 3759.  The GC/NGC position (from John Herschel) is 5.7' NNE of UGC 3759.  Finally, Harold Corwin reduced the offsets given in Dreyer's 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues and that position is 18' NNE of UGC 3759 -- and 9' NE of UGC 3750, the galaxy generally identified as IC 2179.

 

Bigourdan later observed this field in 1894 and 1900. His position for B. 267 = IC 2179 in Comptes Rendus is 07 15 33 +64 57 (2000), which is an excellent match for UGC 3750.  CGCG, UGC, MOL, DSFG, RC3, PGC and U2000 all label this galaxy as IC 2179.  But, Bigourdan's listing in his complete Observations, etc. for B. 267 corresponds with UGC 3759, the galaxy identified as NGC 2347 in modern catalogues and his listing for NGC 2347 matches UGC 3750 (Corwin notes an error in his identification of the reference star). So, Bigourdan reverses the modern identifications.

 

The question still remains - which of these two galaxies is WH's III-746?  See Corwin's identification notes for more on this story (also analyzed by Malcolm Thomson).

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NGC 2348 = ESO 088-1

07 03 03 -67 23 36; Vol

Size 11'

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, distinctive group of stars appears fully resolved, ~10' diameter, ~35 stars mag 10-14.  A bright mag 9.9 star (HD 54266) near the center is surrounded by starless areas to the west and southeast.  The cluster includes some wide pairs with a ~36" pair of 12th mag stars on the east side, but there are no dense regions. The group (or cluster) is fairly well defined and detached in the wider field and the outline is roughly circular.  A 4' string of stars ~E-W appears detached off the southeast side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2348 = h3074 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded as a "Coarse loose cluster of about 30 stars, many 11m, one 10m taken."  His position corresponds with a mag 10 star in the center of an 8' circular cluster or group.

 

RNGC calls this "an unverified southern cluster" and  neither Lynga, ESO or WEBDA has a listing for this object.  Bica et al includes NGC 2348 in a 2001 paper on "Dissolving star cluster candidates"

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NGC 2349

07 10 48 -08 36; Mon

 

17.5" (2/3/03): group of ~30 stars, elongated SW-NE, ~8'x3'.  Stands out reasonably well in the field an over background haze but is probably just an asterism.  Most stars are 12-14th magnitude.  This group is ~11' following John Herschel's position, but the star density is richer on this group. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 2349 = H VII-27 = h436 on 4 Mar 1783.  Three years later on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529), WH recorded "An irregular cluster of extremely small stars, considerably compressed, 9 or 10' l, 4 or 5' b with an extending branch towards sp."  Close to his position (Auwers' reduction) is the group of stars described in my observation.  John Herschel logged on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), "a poor straggling cl, place of a D*", but his position is 1 min of RA too far west and corresponds with a mag 10/11.5 at 30" separation that is not involved in any clustering.  Unfortunately JH used his own position in the GC and it was repeated by Dreyer in the NGC.

 

Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth noted "many st in a dense region, very little clustering."  RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2350 = UGC 3747 = MCG +02-19-001 = CGCG 057-005 = PGC 20416

07 13 12.2 +12 15 58; CMi

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core.  Several mag 14 stars are near including one 1' SE of core.  A nice double star (mag 10/10 at 20" separation) lies 10' NNE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2350 = St VI-6 on 18 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 3747 = PGC 20416.

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NGC 2351

07 13 29 -11 29 12; CMa

 

= Not found, Gottlieb.  Possibly a scattered group around two stars, wrong dec in NGC, Corwin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2351 = h437 on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129) and noted "A loose straggling cluster, place of double star." There is nothing at his position and even the double star doesn't seem to be there. Exactly 1 degree north is a mag 9.4/12 double star at 12" separation with two mag 9/10.9 stars 1' NW and 1' SW.  But there is no obvious clustering here on the POSS.  Alister Ling questions if this object is a duplicate of NGC 2353 (20' further NE) which was not recorded separately by JH.  But this cluster includes a prominent mag 6.0 star that would probably be chosen as the position.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2352 = ESO 492-005

07 13 05 -24 02 48; CMa

 

17.5" (3/8/97): at 82x there is no obvious cluster at this position, although there are about a dozen mag 12/13 stars in a 7' string ~N-S, roughly centered on a mag 11.5 star at 07 13.1 -24 03.  At 220x, several fainter stars are visible increasing the total to ~20 stars and it stands out a little better.  The stars in the N-S string are arranged in "seagull wings" concave to the west.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2352 = H VII-15 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and called "A small cluster of pretty compressed stars, not very rich."  There is nothing at his position, but 40 sec of RA west is string of stars oriented N-S.  Howe also "saw nothing noteworthy in the place given for this cluster, except that the whole background contains myriads of minute stars, on the limit of vision."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2353 = Cr 130 = Mel 62 = OCL-567

07 14 30 -10 16 00; Mon

V = 7.1;  Size 20'

 

17.5" (3/20/93): over 100 stars mag 6-13 in a 20' diameter, requires 100x (20mm Nagler) for best view.  Richest around mag 6 SAO 152598 on the south side where 50 stars are in a 8' rectangular outline.  A bright double star ·1052 = 9.1/9.3 at 20" is located just 2' NE of the mag 6 star and two mag 9 stars are at the NW and NE corners of this subgroup.  Surrounding this group is a dark ring devoid of stars and then beyond is a fairly rich outer annulus including several mag 9-10 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2353 = H VIII-34 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and noted "an extensive scattered cluster contains a very bright star."

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NGC 2354 = Cr 131 = ESO 492-006

07 14 15 -25 41 36; CMa

V = 6.5;  Size 20'

 

17.5" (3/12/94): ~100 stars in a 20' diameter, circular outline, fairly uniform in magnitudes.  There are no prominent subgroups or individual stars but the cluster is fairly detached in the field at 100x.  Unconcentrated with a 9'x3' void or dark lane in the center elongated N-S.  A double star with components 11.5/12.5 at 14" separation is just following the dark lane towards the south end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2354 = H VII-16 = h438 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and called it "a large cluster of scattered stars, considerably rich, about 20' in diameter or more."  His position matches this cluster.  John Herschel recorded on 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317), "loose straggling cl; the preceding part is rather separated from the following, and more comp.  Place that of 3 stars in the following part."

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NGC 2355 = NGC 2356? = Cr 133 = Mel 63 = OCL-496

07 16 59 +13 45 00; Gem

Size 9'

 

18" (3/15/10): fairly rich group with ~70 stars in an 8'-9' diameter group, with the richest portion in the central 4'.  On the north side of the central region is a 13" pair of mag 11/12 stars with a mag 13 star 16" S forming an easy triple.  The stars are pretty evenly distributed and many are similar magnitudes, though a number appear to be arranged in strings that extend out radially from the center.  The brightest member is a mag 10 star on the SE side.  The cluster shares the field with mag 8.3 HD 56329 located 7' NNE.

 

18" (2/23/06): rich cluster at 257x with ~75 stars in an 8' irregular group.  Very rich in a 2.5' central "core" with the brightest mag 10 star just SE of this core.  The outline is marked by rows of stars giving a triangular outline.  Mag 8 HD 56329 lies 7' NE of the cluster.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): about 50 stars down to mag 14 in a 8'x5' group elongated N-S including a mag 10 star at the SE edge.  Rich, fairly compact, a number of stars are arranged in lanes.  Located about 7' SW of mag 8.0 SAO 95722.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2355 = H VI-6 = h439 on 8 Mar 1784 (sweep 161) and reported "a cluster of stars of various magnitudes, pretty much compressed in the middle, and the cluster is pretty rich.  Of an iR form; most of the stars are S and I suppose if it is at all visible in my 7 ft reflector it must assume a nebulous appearance.  To the north of it is a pretty considerable star which my field will take in with the cl."  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min 40 sec of east of his position is this cluster and it fits his description.  Karl Harding independently found the cluster around 1823 and reported it as a new discovery (7 of the 8 objects in his list were previously discovered).  John Herschel recorded on 23 Jan 1832 (sweep 393), "a p rich cl of very small stars; irreg; R; 5' diameter; not bM; st 11...16m."  He questioned whether this was his father's H. VI-6.

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NGC 2356 = NGC 2355? = Cr 133 = Mel 63 = OCL-496

07 16 59 +13 45 00; Gem

 

18" (2/23/06): there is no cluster at William Herschel's position or nearby group of stars that match his description "A pretty rich and compressed cluster of stars" other than NGC 2355 10' S of his position.  Corwin equates NGC 2356 = NGC 2355 (see description for NGC 2355).  Also about 20' W of Herschel's position are 15 stars in a 3' arrowhead outline.  This asterism is well detached in the field and though not impressive is also a possible candidate.  A nice equilateral triangle of mag 11.5-12.5 stars with sides of 1' form the eastern corner of the group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2356 = H VII-6 on 16 Mar 1784 (sweep 176) and described "A pretty rich and compressed cluster of stars."  There is nothing at his position (reduced using the offsets given in Dreyer's 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH) but ~15' S is NGC 2355 and Harold Corwin concludes this number is probably a duplicate observation of NGC 2355.  His position for NGC 2355 is not good either -- it's 100 tsec of RA too far west!

 

Based on photographic plates taken at the Heidelberg Obseratory, Reinmuth adds "no Cl north of NGC 2355, in 7h 8m.0 +14d 13' (1860) a loose clustering of st 11... in triangle." At Reinmuth's position (about 1 tmin preceding the NGC position) is a triangular group which stands out pretty well.  But NGC 2355 is the best fit for NGC 2356.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2357 = UGC 3782 = MCG +04-17-014 = CGCG 116-046 = FGC 619 = PGC 20592

07 17 40.9 +23 21 23; Gem

V = 13.3;  Size 3.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE.  Appears as a very low surface brightness ghostly streak with no central condensation!  A mag 13 star is off the NW end 1.3' from center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2357 = St XIII-27 on 6 Feb 1885 with the 31.5" silver-on-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 3782 = PGC 20592.

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NGC 2358

07 16 56 -17 07; CMa

Size 20'x15'

 

18" (3/13/10): gorgeous low power Milky Way field at 72x (63'), though nothing stands out distinctly as cluster-like.  At the given position (07 16.9 -17 07 (2000), is a weak enhancement, roughly 20' diameter, with a nice quardruple group of mag 10-11 stars on the south side.  This field enhancement is only noticeable as the Milky Way is weaker or dusty to the north and south of the group and the background glow brightens near the position of NGC 2358.

 

Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and William Herschel's description ""A course scattered cluster of stars, not rich." is not specific enough to pin down his intended "cluster".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2358 = H VIII-45 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "A course scattered cluster of stars, not rich., not compressed"  JH did not record an observation of this "cluster" and it was not observed at Birr Castle.  There is a large (~20') Milky Way field (described in my observation) including a number of mag 10 stars close to WH's position.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2359 = LBN 1041 = Sh 2-298 = Ced 94b = Gum 4 = RCW 5 = Thor's Helmet = Duck Nebula

07 18 31 -13 13 30; CMa

Size 8'x6'

 

48" (4/13/10): the 5' central region of Thor's Helmet was mesmerizing at 267x and 330x (unfiltered).  A large, bright knot is at the south end of the rim where the inner portion of the bright wing that heads southwest connects with the central bubble.  Along the northern edge of the rim are three collinear mag 11 stars (2.2' length) oriented E-W. The rim of the bubble is noticeably brighter in a thin arc beginning due north of center (between the two western stars) and extending about 90” clockwise to the west (this portion of Thor's Helmet was catalogued separately as NGC 2361).  The rim is also brighter along a 45” thicker arc on the southeast side.  The rim has a lower surface brightness on the east and NE side and varies in thickness and brightness around the entire bubble.

 

Three brighter stars (nearly collinear) and several fainter stars are superimposed within the main bubble.  A second, smaller, incomplete bubble just north of center outlines an inner dark "hole", which includes one of the brighter stars.  The 11.4-magnitude ionizing Wolf-Rayet star HD 56925 is at the southwest edge of this inner bubble.  Additional thin wisps of nebulosity criss-cross the central region.

 

17.5" (12/28/00): "Thor's Helmet" is a remarkably bright, detailed nebulosity at 100x using an OIII filter.  The central region is a 5' bubble (illuminated by a Wolf-Rayet star) with a brighter rim along the west side giving a "C" appearance with irregular knots, filamentary wisps of nebulosity and areas of thinner nebulosity in the interior.  A number of fainter stars are superimposed in the central region along with some brighter mag 11 stars on the north portion of the rim.

 

The southern "horn" of the helmet is attached at the south end of the bubble and a mag 10.5 star is attached to its SE side.  The brightest portion is a thick 4' extension angling towards the WSW.  As it extends more directly west it thins out into a long 10' streamer.  The northern "horn" of Thor's Helmet" is attached at the northwest end of the central bubble and extends towards the northwest.  This section is fairly long and thick but brighter along a thin spine. A fainter strip of nebulosity also begins on the northeast end of the central mass and extends 10' due east.  Finally, weak nebulosity was also visible to the southeast of the central "helmet".  Illuminated by the Wolf-Rayet star HD 56925 = WR 7.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): unusual emission nebula, fairly bright, fairly large, about 7'x5'.  A thinner strip extends west of a mag 10.8 star on the south end.  A few fainter stars are superimposed on the north side.  A very faint section is also attached at the NW end extending towards the NW.

 

13x80mm (1/13/07): the circular central region of Thor's Helmet was easily visible at 13x in my 80mm finder using an OIII filter (24mm Panoptic), though the "horns" of the helmet were not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2359 = H V-21 = h3075 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and recorded "A broad elongated nebulosity, in the form of a parallelogram with a short ray southwards from the south preceding corner.  The nebulosity between the milky and resolvable, almost of an equal brightness; but very faint.  The parallelogram about 8' long and 5 or 6' broad, but ill-defined."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 3) as an illustration "of detached Nebulosity".

 

John Herschel observed this nebula from the Cape and recorded "a very singular nebula, much like the profile of a bust, (head, neck and shoulders,) or a silhouette portrait, very large, pretty well defined, light nearly uniform, about 12' diameter. In a crowded field of milky way stars, many of which are projected on it."  His RA was exactly 1 minute too small (but accurate in NPD) and this position was copied into the GC and later the NGC.  Howe noted this error when he observed the nebula.  Herschel's sketch (Plate IV, figure 4) shows the silhouette shape well with the shoulders/bust region the brighter "wing". See notes for NGC 2361.  From Malta, William Lassell sketched it similar to a balloon, with a long "neck" twisted in the southwest direction.

 

Joseph Turner made a more accurate sketch on 24 Jan 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  The main 5' bubble is depected as annular with some interior nebulosity particularly south of the central star.  The main tail was sketched accurately, though it ends before the thin streamer section. The prepared lithograph of the nebula was not published.

 

I'm surprised NGC 2359 is mentioned in Garrett Serviss' 1901 "Pleasures of the Telescope" written for at most 5-inch telescopes: "In [GC] 1511 we have a faint nebula remarkable for the rows of minute stars in and near it."  And in the 1909 book "In Starland with a 3-inch Telescope", William Olcott repeats "Note the nebula [GC] 1511 and the curving row of faint stars near it."

 

Based on plate taken with the 60-inch at Mt Wilson in 1917, Pease reported: "Sir John Herschel pictured it as resembling a bust, while Lassell drew it like balloon, with a long neck twisted in the Sp direction.  The balloon or head is approximately 5' in diameter; the neck is to the south, with nebulosity about 1' wide extending 8' west, concave on the north and gradually narrowing and fading out.  From the top (N) of the head a symmetrical streamer concave to the south extends in the western direction...A second streamer about 1' wide extends east from the top of the head to a distance of 9'."

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NGC 2360 = Cr 134 = Mel 64 = OCL-589

07 17 43 -15 38 30; CMa

V = 7.2;  Size 13'

 

13.1" (1/28/84): includes about 40 fainter stars in an elongated, arrowhead shape with mag 9 SAO 152691 at the east edge (probably a foreground star).  Appears rich with fairly uniform magnitudes.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 2360 = H VII-12 = h440 = h3076 on 26 Feb 1783.  NGC 2360 was her first deep sky discovery and occurred before William had begun his sweeps for nebulae.  Perhaps this discovery, along with M93, which she discovered independently earlier that night (and assumed it was new), inspired her brother to search for nebulae starting the next month.

 

On 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) William recorded "a large cluster of pretty compressed scattered stars, near 1/2” in diam, considerably rich, most of the stars of the same size."  On 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) he wrote, "A beautiful cluster of pretty compressed stars, very large."  John Herschel recorded it from the Cape of Good Hope on 12 Feb 1836 as the "Middle of a fine large, rich cluster, not compressed to the middle. Stars 9..12th mag; fills field."

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NGC 2361 = Part of NGC 2359 = LBN 1041 = Sh 2-298 = Thor's Helmet = Duck Nebula

07 18 23.4 -13 12 40; CMa

 

48" (4/15/10): Along the northern edge of the rim of Thor's Helmet are three collinear mag 11 stars (2.2' length) oriented E-W. The rim of the bubble is noticeably brighter in a thin arc beginning due north of center (between the two western stars) and extending about 90” clockwise to the west.  Bigourdan's NGC 2361 refers to this brighter portion of the Wolf-Rayet nebula.  See observing notes for NGC 2359  for a complete description of the nebula.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2361 = Big. 27 on 25 Feb 1887.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2361 with a bright knot along the west side of the main bubble of NGC 2359.  Wolfgang Steinicke lists Wilhelm Tempel as a co-discoverer (in 1887), though he is not credited in the NGC.

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NGC 2362 = ESO 492-9 = Cr 136 = Mexican Jumping Bean Cluster

07 18 42 -24 57 18; CMa

V = 4.1;  Size 8'

 

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): gorgeous low power field surrounding Tau CMa using the 20 Nagler (75x).  Tau was easily resolved into a triple with two mag 10 and 11.2 companions at 8.5" and 14" to the east.  At 170x, 75-80 stars are visible and the cluster appears fully resolved.  A string of stars passes to the north of Tau oriented NW to SE.  Several faint stars and a detached clump lie to the north of Tau beyond the string.  A mag 8.5 star marks the south border of the cluster.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): stunning open cluster at 105x surrounding Tau Canis Majoris which is a very close triple star.  Perhaps 75 stars are resolved in a well-detached 6' region.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, this is a gorgeous, uniformly rich cluster surrounding Tau CMa, which is offset north of center. A WNW-ESE string of stars north of Tau gives a flattened border and the rich southern portion tapers to the south giving a triangular appearance.  At 220x, ~60 stars are visible in a 6' diameter, many of 10.5-11.  Just following the central star to the ESE are two mag 11 companions.  Several other fainter stars are in the central core including one fairly close preceding.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): about 75 stars in 6' diameter surrounding Tau Canis Majoris (V = 4.4) in an unusually rich, impressive cluster!  Tau is resolved into several components.

 

13.1": 50 stars in a triangular-shape surrounding Tau Canis Majoris, very rich, impressive.

 

Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered NGC 2362 = H VII-17 = h441 = h3077 around 1654 (marked on a map of Canis Major).  It was discovered again by William Herschel on 4 Mar 1783 before starting his sweeps, with his 6.2-inch reflector.  He found it again on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and described it as "a most beautiful cluster of pretty large stars with one of the 7th magnitude in the center, which however I suppose does not belong to it."  John Herschel observed the cluster from both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded "a fine cluster of discrete stars, 60 or 70 in number. R, gbM, 8' diameter." It's surprising this bright cluster wasn't found by one of Messier's contemporaries.

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NGC 2363 = UGC 3847 = MCG +12-07-039 = Mrk 71 = PGC 21078 = PGC 93088 = NGC 2366:[HK83] 108

07 28 29.6 +69 11 34; Cam

Size 1.7'x1.1';  PA = 20”

 

48" (4/15/10): NGC 2363 is either a small satellite galaxy of NGC 2366 or possibly a detached star cloud or galaxy west of the southwest end of NGC 2366.  At 330x, NGC 2363 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, with a low but irregular surface brightness.  Located ~2.2' SW of the center of NGC 2366 and 1.2' W of the bright knot.  The bright HII knot/starburst region in NGC 2366 is often misidentified as NGC 2363.

 

A 2010 study suggests NGC 2363 was very close to the southern tip of NGC 2366 less than 10 Myr ago, and could have triggered the interaction which has led to the strong episodes of star formation in the southern half of NGC 2366 as well as this galaxy.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2363 on 9 Mar 1874 with the 72" while observing NGC 2366 = H III-748.  He noted a "diffused nebulosity preceding, pos. 265.9”, dist 71.4"."  Copeland's offsets were measured with respect to the unusually bright HII knot at the southwest end of the galaxy, which has always been assumed to be NGC 2363.  But Copeland's "diffused nebulosity preceding" refers to UGC 3847, a separate galaxy ( or isolated star cloud) just west of the southwest end of NGC 2366.

 

CGCG misidentifies NGC 2363 as the "bright emission patch at the SW end of NGC 2366" and RNGC misclassifies NGC 2363 as nonexistent with the comment "Patch in NGC 2366, Zwicky".  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the complete story.

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NGC 2364

07 20 47 -07 33 00; Mon

 

18" (3/13/04): pretty neat group of 50-60 stars at 115x arranged in two rows of stars converging towards the north.  The eastern group of stars hooks on the SE end, bending back towards the north.  Both groups have strings of faint stars extending to the north beyond a mag 9.5 star located ~5' N of the main groups.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC, although the group is fairly distinctive.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2364 = h442 on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318) and noted "Two small pretty close groups of pL stars in the milky way, rather a remarkable cl."  There are two strings of stars at JH's position, matching his description.  RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7).

 

William Herchel apparently made the original discovery on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and noted "Clustering stars, in three short parallel lines, the two last whereof are joined to the sp; the placed taken is that of the middle lane."  He didn't assign it an internal discovery number, so it wasn't included in his catalogues.

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NGC 2365 = UGC 3821 = MCG +04-18-008 = CGCG 117-020 = PGC 20838

07 22 22.5 +22 05 00; Gem

V = 12.4;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 170”

 

24" (2/14/15): at 260x; moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~1.2'x0.6', well concentrated with a bright oval core.  A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge [48" from center].  Located 32' ENE of mag 3.5 Delta Geminorum.

 

Forms a close pair with CGCG 117-019 2.6' SSW.  The companion is faint, small, round, 18" diameter.  Occasionally contains a faint stellar nucleus.  A wide 15" double star is 1' SSE.   UGC 3827 lies 13' NE and appears faint, small, oval 4:3, 20"x15" [core only seen].  A mag 13.3 star is at the south east edge of the galaxy.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.  A mag 14 star is just off the SW side 0.7' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.3' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2365 = m 102 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, pS, R, psbM."  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered this galaxy on 13 Jan 1874 and reported it in list VI-7.

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NGC 2366 = UGC 3851 = MCG +12-07-040 = CGCG 330-038 = Mrk 71 = PGC 21102

07 28 55.0 +69 12 57; Cam

V = 11.1;  Size 8.1'x3.3';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 25”

 

48" (4/15/10): The most striking feature of NGC 2366 is a prominent double knot (giant HII/starburst complex) at the SW end (also known as Mrk 71 amd NGC 2366-I).  At 330x, the knot appeared very bright, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~18"x12", with two overlapping components (super star clusters A and B).  A fainter and smaller knot (NGC 2366-II) was easily visible 15" E, for a total of 3 HII knots.

 

NGC 2363, a low surface brightness companion or detached OB association/HII region, lies 1.2' W of the bright double knot.  At 330x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, with a low but irregular surface brightness.

 

18" (3/19/04): at the SW end of the galaxy is a very bright knot (HII region), roughly mag 12.5 and perhaps 15" in size which responds to a UHC filter at 160x!  At 323x this knot is irregular in shape (~20"x15", SW-NE) and brightness and at moments resolves into two or three components.  The galaxy itself is fairly faint, large, and very elongated SSW-NNE, 3.5'x1.0', with a low surface brightness.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, very large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness.  An unusually bright HII region is at the SW end of the galaxy (2' from the center) and appears as a "fuzzy" 12th magnitude star.  Although very small, it appeared elongated SW-NE and similar to a poorly resolved double star.  Definite contrast gain with OIII filter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2366 = H III-748 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 889) and called it "vF, vS, stellar.  300 confirmed it and showed a vF branch to the nf."  His description and position matches the prominent HII region at the southwest end of the galaxy.  The "vf branch nf" refers to the actual galaxy.  So, NGC 2366 applies to the HII region (also known as Mrk 71) as well as the galaxy.  Modern sources misidentify the large HII knot as NGC 2363.  See historical comments for NGC 2363.

 

Ralph Copeland described it on 9 Mar 1874 with the 72" as a "diffused neby preceding, pos 265.9”, dist 71.4"  Neb * or neb knot post 318”, dist 77.6".  The object has a curved tail, pos 30.9”, convex on the following side, traced 9' or 10'.  The neb knot preceding is connected with the principal enbulosity.  Line of stars spp, curved towards preceding side, nebulous?  At least the enbula appears to extend so far on spp side.  [See Pl I.]."

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NGC 2367 = Cr 137 = ESO 559-005

07 20 05 -21 53 06; CMa

V = 7.9;  Size 4'

 

17.5": 25 stars in a distinctive, fairly rich 6' group which is elongated N-S.  The brightest star HD 57370 is a close double (HLD 87 = 9.4/9.7 at 5").  A nice elongated group at the south end includes the bright double, three other mag 11/12 stars and several fainter stars.  A compact group of four stars is in the field to the north.  Located in a rich low power field at 100x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2367 = H VIII-27 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "a small cluster of scattered stars, not rich, nor very compressed."  His position is ~3' south of the center of this compact cluster.

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NGC 2368 = Cr 138 = OCL-571 = Lund 320

07 20 59 -10 22 48; Mon

Size 5'

 

17.5" (3/20/93): two dozen stars mag 12-14 in 4' diameter, unimpressive although unusual form, no dense spots.  Divided into two distinct groupings; a dozen stars in the SW triangular group with a double star 12/13 at 18" separation at the west end; also a dozen stars in the NE group consists of two strings of stars oriented ~N-S forming a thin triangle.  The two groups are separated by a dark lane oriented NW-SE. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2368 = h443 on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129) and described "the preceding star (which is red) of a pretty rich small cluster; fig irreg triangular; stars 15m - in Milky Way."  His position is on the southwest side of the group.

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NGC 2369 = ESO 122-018 = AM 0716-621 = LGG 144-001 = PGC 20556

07 16 37.7 -62 20 37; Car

V = 12.3;  Size 3.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 177”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared bright, large, very elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.4'x0.9', broad concentration with a slightly bulging middle.  A 16th magnitude star is at the north end and a mag 15 star is just following the core.  Nearly collinear with two mag 12/13 stars 2.5' and 3' NE.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2381 48' SE, NGC 2369A 38' SE (on a line with NGC 2381), NGC 2369B 32' NE, NGC 2417 1.6” east and IC 2200/2200A 1.3” east.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x this Carina galaxy is fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.7'x0.6', broad weak concentration but overall has a fairly low surface brightness (viewed at 16” elevation).  In a group with NGC 2381 and NGC 2417.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2369 = h3078 on 26 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, E or irregular figure, glbM."  His position (2 sweeps) is accurate.

 

Joseph Turner sketched this object on 15 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as a thin streak oriented exactly N-S (unpublished plate V, figure 40) as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Mar 1885.

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NGC 2370 = UGC 3835 = MCG +04-18-015 = CGCG 117-036 = PGC 20955

07 25 01.7 +23 47 01; Gem

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4', even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is attached at the NE end 0.4' from center.  The galaxy appears to extend from the star like a comet tail!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2370 = m 103 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, vS, E."  His position is 1' south of UGC 3835 = PGC 20955.  RNGC refers to the mag 14 star attached at north end as a "* or knot".

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NGC 2371 = PK 189+19.1 = PN G189.1+19.8 = Peanut Nebula = Double Bubble Nebula

07 25 33.8 +29 29 18; Gem

V = 11.2;  Size 74"x54"

 

48" (4/1/11 and 3/1/19): I was stunned by the view of this bipolar nebula. There was so much intricate detail in NGC 2371/72 that there was little resemblance to previous views through my 17.5" and 18" scopes.  The most prominent feature is a pair of irregularly round, very bright nodules on the southwest and northeast side of the boxy, elongated central region.  Each nodule was distinctive and varied in surface brightness and shape with the southwest lobe brighter.  Filamentary streamers or a "hairy tail" extended from the northeast node towards the northwest and similar wisps extended mainly southeast from the southwest node, creating a sense of rotation around the fairly bright central star (mag 14.9). The interior and sides were filled with much fainter nebulosity.  A very faint filament connected the main lobes on the northwest edge.  Two amazing outer wings (similar in visibility) are detached from the main 1' structure and symmetrically hang 1' NW and 1' SE from the central star.  These wings or "polar caps" were easily visible without a filter at 488x and both extended ~40"x10" in a SW-NE orientation, increasing the total diameter of the planetary to 2'.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NW (beyond the NW wing) and a mag 16 star is 50" NE of center.

 

24" (4/13/18): at 220x and NPB filter; the detached NW outer wing (1' from center) was faint but not difficult as an extended strip of nebulosity ~30"x10", oriented SSW-NNE.  A mag 13.8 star is outside the wing to the west [1.5' from center]. The slightly fainter trailing wing required averted vision to glimpse, but is symmetrically placed 1' SE of center and well detached from the central bi-polar body.

 

17.5" (2/14/99): very unusual appearance at 380x with two bright knots oriented SW-NE about 30" between centers and 0.9' in total length.  The southwest knot is 15"-20" in size, slightly elongated and the brighter of the two.  The northeast condensation has a slightly lower surface brightness and appears ~20" in diameter.  The faint mag 14.9 central star is symmetrically placed between the knots.  Weaker nebulosity connects the two knots giving a "dogbone" appearance with a very faint rounder halo encasing the structure!

 

17.5" (2/13/88): unusual planetary, bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE.  Two bright knots are at both ends (with two NGC designations) although the SW end is brighter and concentrated.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): two condensations in halo.  The WSW side is brighter and sharper.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2371 = H II-316 = h444, along with NGC 2372, on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and reported, "Two. F, of an equal size.  Both small within a minute of each other; each has a seeming nucleus, and their apparent atmospheres run into each other.  240 showed the same position from sp to nf."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 6) as an illustration of "double Nebulae with joined Nebulosity."

 

On 17 Feb 1827 (sweep 57), John Herschel called NGC 2371 "the south-preceding of a curious bright double neb or an elongated bicentral neb; nuclei approaching to stars 45” nf or sp - distance of centre 60".  See fig 72."

 

Lord Rosse or assistant Johnstone Stoney made the first observation with the 72" on 19 Dec 1848 and logged a "bright star between, tails and curved filaments, perhaps an annulus round the two nebulae."  A sketch was made (probably by Stoney) three nights later.  William Lassell made an observation in March 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta.  He noted the "preceding one [nebula] is the brightest" and made a sketch (figure IX in his 1854 MRAS paper).   Using his 48-inch on 24 Mar 1862 from Malta, he sketched the two ansae as outer symmetrical arcs.

 

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported the "Brightest portion consists of two lobes which together form an irregular and patchy oval.  The brightest part of these lobes are 35" apart in pa 65”; the toal diameter in this direction is 54".  Two very faint, curved outliers are each 60" distant in the prolongation of the major axis in pa 126-306”.  A narrow vacant lane runs between the lobes, nearly in the major axis, and widens to include the central star."  The emission spectrum (PN) was first found by Campbell and Moore).

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NGC 2372 = PK 189+19.1 = PN G189.1+19.8 = Peanut Nebula = Double Bubble Nebula

07 25 35.8 +29 29 30; Gem

V = 11.2;  Size 74"x54"

 

48" (4/1/11): see description for NGC 2371.

 

17.5": see description for NGC 2371.

 

13": this is the fainter NE component of NGC 2371/NGC 2372.  Slightly fainter and more diffuse than NGC 2371.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2372 = H II-317 = h445, along with NGC 2371, on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385).  See NGC 2371 for his description.

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NGC 2373 = UGC 3848 = MCG +06-17-004 = CGCG 177-014 = PGC 21016

07 26 36.9 +33 49 25; Gem

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 0”

 

18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 20".  A mag 12.7 star is just off the NE side 24" from the center.  Located 6.8' W of NGC 2375 in the NGC 2389 cluster.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, elongated, small.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge.  Forms a trio with NGC 2375 6.7' E and NGC 2379 10' E.  First of seven in the NGC 2389 group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2373 = St IX-8, along with NGC 2375, on 20 Feb 1849. He recorded "6 nebulae of which epsilon [NGC 2375] is perhaps a double star."  NGC 2373 was labeled Zeta on the sketch in the 1861 publication and accurately measured from NGC 2375, although John Herschel didn't assign an GC designation.  Dreyer first catalogued NGC 2373 as GCS 5380.  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 8 Feb 1878 and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2374 = Cr 139 = OCL-585 = Lund 328

07 23 56 -13 15 48; CMa

V = 8.0;  Size 19'

 

17.5" (3/12/94): ~50-60 stars in 7'x4' region elongated SW-NE.  Located in a rich star field so the cluster does not have a distinct border.  A detached group with four brighter mag 10-11 stars is off the NE end.  The richest portion is 3'-4' diameter at the SW end and consists of three dozen stars over some unresolved haze.  At the SW edge is a nice curving U-shaped group of 9 stars mag 13 that is open to the SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2374 = H VIII-35 = h3080 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and recorded (summary from 3 sweeps) "a cluster of pretty large scattered stars, pretty rich, about 20' long, crooked figure."  JH observed it from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "the most compressed part of a scattered cluster or rather region, more crowded with stars than the rest of the milky way, though hardly entitled to rank as a cluster. The stars run in singular lines and curves on a dark ground."

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NGC 2375 = UGC 3854 = MCG +06-17-005 = CGCG 177-017 = PGC 21035

07 27 09.5 +33 49 54; Gem

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 170”

 

18" (1/13/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.4', broad concentration.  Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 2379 3.6' ESE.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): second of three in the NGC 2389 group.  Faint, low surface brightness, appears larger than nearby NGC 2379 3.7' E.  NGC 2375 lies 6.7' W.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2375, along with NGC 2373, on 20 Feb 1849.  He recorded "6 nebulae of which epsilon [NGC 2375] is perhaps a double star."  Although the sketch was included in the Lord Rosse's 1861 publication, John Herschel didn't assign it a GC designation.  Dreyer first catalogued NGC 2375 as GCS 5383.  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 8 Feb 1878 and measured an accurate position (list IX-9).

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NGC 2376 = MCG +04-18-017 = CGCG 117-039 = PGC 21015

07 26 35.9 +23 04 23; Gem

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 15.5 star is attached at the west end.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2376 = m 104 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, vS."  His position matches CGCG 117-039 = PGC 21015.

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NGC 2377 = UGCA 132 = PGC 20948

07 24 56.8 -09 39 37; Mon

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170”

 

18" (3/4/08): unusual location for a galaxy in a rich Milky Way star field.  At 220x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is embedded on the south end and a mag 14.7 stars is on the NE side.  Finally, an extremely faint mag 15.5 star is occasionally visible close south of the fainter star.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness, no core.  A mag 12 star is attached at the south end and an extremely faint mag 15 star is involved at the north end.  Appears diffuse with ill-defined edges and seems similar to a faint nebulosity in a rich Milky Way field!  Unusually low galactic latitude for a galaxy.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC but plotted on U2000.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2377 = St VI-8 on 19 Jan 1874.  His position and description matches UGCA 132.  Classified as nonexistent (Type 7) in RNGC.  Correctly identified in RC2 as NGC 2377.

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NGC 2378

07 27 24.1 +33 49 52; Gem

 

= **, Corwin.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2378 = St IX-10 on 8 Feb 1878. At Stephan's position is a close pair of stars (mag 14.7/15.2 at 8" separation). The double is cleanly resolved on the DSS. The RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 2378 = NGC 2379.

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NGC 2379 = UGC 3857 = MCG +06-17-006 = CGCG 177-018 = PGC 21036

07 27 26.3 +33 48 40; Gem

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  This compact galaxy has a fairly high surface brightenss.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1' NW and a mag 11 star 3.6' NE.  NGC 2375 lies 3.6' WNW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): third of seven in the NGC 2389 group.  Faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.0' WNW of center.  NGC 2375 lies 3.7' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2379 = h446 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128) and simply noted "first of four [with NGC 2385, 2388 and 2389]." He marked both the RA and NPD as approximate, and his position was exactly 1 tmin of RA too far east (repeated in the GC). Lord Rosse (or assistant George Stoney) labeled it Delta on the sketch made 20 Feb 1849.  Stephan independently discovered NGC 2379 = St IX-11 on 8 Feb 1878 at the Marseille Observatory and measured an accurate position (repeated in the NGC).

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NGC 2380 = NGC 2382 = ESO 492-012 = MCG -05-18-005 = PGC 20916

07 23 54.6 -27 31 43; CMa

V = 11.2;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, compact but fairly high surface brightness, appears out of place in very rich Milky Way field.  Located only 5.7” from the galactic equator!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2380 = h3079 on 5 Feb 1837 and called "pF, R, vgmbM, 40", in a rich field."  His position matches ESO 492-012 = PGC 20916.  See NGC 2382.

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NGC 2381 = ESO 088-010 = LGG 144-003 = PGC 20694

07 19 57.4 -63 04 01; Car

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  The core is surrounded by a much fainter, fairly small halo, ~0.8' diameter.  A mag 13 star lies 2' NE.  ESO 088-008 = NGC 2369A lies 11' NW.  This ring galaxy is the furthest south in a group including NGC 2369, NGC 2369A, NGC 2369B, IC 2200/2200A, NGC 2417.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2381 = h3084 on 26 Dec 1834 and noted as "vF, vS, R. In a field full of stars."  His position is just off the southwest side of ESO 088-010 = PGC 20694.

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NGC 2382 = NGC 2380 = ESO 492-012 = MCG -05-18-005 = PGC 20916

07 23 54.6 -27 31 43; CMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 2380.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2382 = h3082 on 1 Feb and recorded "pF; R; bM; 30"; nearly on meridian of Eta Canis, or perhaps somewhat preceding."  He gave approximate coordinates and his position is 9' north and 18 seconds of time west of NGC 2380 (discovered 4 days later).  Herbert Howe couldn't find NGC 2382 at JH's position, but gives a corrected position, which corresponds with NGC 2380.  ESO equates NGC 2380 = NGC 2382 and Harold Corwin concurs.

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NGC 2383 = Cr 141 = ESO 559-008

07 24 43 -20 56 54; CMa

V = 8.4;  Size 6'

 

17.5" (3/7/92): about 30 stars mag 10-14 in 5' diameter and rich in mag 13-14 stars near the center.  Includes three mag 10 stars; one at the west end, another just east of center and the last at the east end.  Just SW of the mag 10 star near the center is a rich glowing knot which is very pretty with averted.  The cluster is set over unresolved background haze.  NGC 2384 is in the field 8' SE. 

 

8" (3/28/81): small, rich cluster of mag 11-13 stars, three mag 10 stars are near, NGC 2384 lies 8' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2383 = h3081 on 15 Feb 1836 (along with NGC 2384 = h3083) and recorded "cluster, irregularly round, pretty much compressed, 6'. Stars of mixed magnitudes."  His first position (of two) is accurate.

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NGC 2384 = Cr 143 = ESO 559-009

07 25 12 -21 01 24; CMa

V = 7.4;  Size 3'

 

17.5" (3/7/92): about 20 stars mag 9-14 in an elongated E-W group about 5' length.  Includes the close bright double star h3964 = 9.0/9.7 at 5" near the center.  A mag 9 star is at the west end and close east are two mag 11/12 stars and a group of six fainter stars.  The rest of the cluster mainly consists of a string of six brighter stars oriented SW-NE with h3964 at the SW end of this string and a mag 10 star 30" SSE.  In the same field with richer NGC 2383 8' NW.

 

8": small group, including 9.0/9.6 at 5".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2384 = h3083 on 15 Feb 1836 and described as "a cluster composed to two groups of bright stars separated in RA by a dark interval. Chief star of preceding group taken."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2385 = MCG +06-17-008 = CGCG 177-020 = WBL 142-001 = PGC 21080

07 28 28.2 +33 50 16; Gem

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 50”

 

18" (1/13/07): faintest of trio with NGC 2389 7.7' ENE and NGC 2388 5.4' ESE.  At 280x appears faint, small, oval, 0.4'x0.3', low even surface brightness.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated.  Located 5' W of NGC 2388.  Fourth of seven in the NGC 2389 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2385 = H III-900 = h447, along with NGC 2388, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and called "I suspected another a little south preceding [of NGC 2389] and 300 confirmed it; and a third almost directly preceding [NGC 2385], and 300 confirms that also.  I saw all the three very plainly."

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NGC 2386

07 28 38.1 +33 46 29; Gem

 

18" (1/13/07): this is an 18" pair of mag 13/14 stars that was misidentified by Rosse as a nebulous object in the field of NGC 2389.  There is a fainter mag 15 star a bit further west forming a triangle.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2386 on 1 Jan 1876 while observing the NGC 2374-2391 group.  His micrometric offsets from GC 1530 = NGC 2388 (342" in PA 103”) points to a close double (mag ~14.5/15.5 at 3") with a third mag 14.5 star at 18".  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 lists of NGC/IC corrections, identifies NGC 2386 as a triple star, and Harold Corwin concurs with this conclusion.

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NGC 2387

07 29 26.1 +36 46 07; Aur

Size 8"

 

24" (2/22/14): at 125x, this 7" double star generally appeared as an unresolved quasi-stellar glow and it was easy to see how it could be mistaken as a possible nebula.  At 200x, it was often cleanly resolved, but still the fainter companion is dim enough to often appear not as a sharp star, but a very faint "appendage" to the brighter component, mimicking a tiny nebula. Also, there are 3 mag 15-16 stars closeby [within 25"] that perhaps contribute to noticing this pair.  At 260x and above, the pair was nearly always resolved cleanly.

 

CGCG 177-023, the galaxy identified as NGC 2387 in the CGCG, RNGC and PGC, appeared very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness, 15" diameter.  An extremely faint companion 25" SE was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2387 = H II-820 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) and recorded "pB, S, stellar.  The wind too high to verify it."  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin suggests Herschel most likely picked up a faint double only 1.5' north of his position (based on Auwers' reduction).  This pair looked like a tiny nebula in my scope at 200x.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey at Heidelberg, describes NGC 2387 as a single mag 13.5 star with "a small group of 5 small stars nnp 3'."  Corwin's double is part of these "5 small stars".

 

Dreyer took CGCG 177-023 as H II-820 on his 23 Feb 1876 observation with the 72": "Irr R, probably lE pf, looks like a hazy star.  Forms a rectangular triangle with a *16 sf and a *17 nff about 2' distant.  3 st 14-15m preceding in a curved line, the nearest one in Pos 279.5”, 161.2"."   This galaxy is ~25 sec of RA west and 8' N of WH's position and his description and class (II) does not fit this galaxy.  RNGC, CGCG and PGC also misidentify CGCG 177-023 as NGC 2387. So, assuming WH's observation refers to the double star, CGCG 177-023 is left without a NGC designation.  Also, see Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 2388 = UGC 3870 = MCG +06-17-010 = CGCG 177-022 = WBL 142-002 = PGC 21099

07 28 53.5 +33 49 08; Gem

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 65”

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4', small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1' NE of center.  Located 3.4' SW of NGC 2389 with NGC 2385 5.4' WNW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fifth of seven in the NGC 2389 group.  Faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE.  NGC 2389 lies 3.4' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2388 = H III-901 = h448, along with NGC 2385, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031).  See description under NGC 2385.  John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) assigned H III-900 to NGC 2388.

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NGC 2389 = UGC 3872 = MCG +06-17-011 = CGCG 177-024 = WBL 142-003 = PGC 21109

07 29 04.7 +33 51 38; Gem

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 83”

 

18" (1/13/07): brightest galaxy in a group.  At 280x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 5:3 ~E-W, ~1.1'x0.7' though the outer halo fades into the background gradually so difficult to trace with averted vision.  Broad, weak concentration with no well-defined core althought there is a small brighter nucleus with direct vision.  Trio with NGC 2388 3.4' SW and NGC 2385 7.7' WSW.  Also, an unusual edge-on UGC 3879 13' SE (similar redshift) appeared extremely faint, small (viewed only the core of this thin edge-on), 15"-20" diameter.  A couple of mag 14-14.5 stars lies 1' to 1.5' NE.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): this galaxy is the brightest in the NGC 2389 group.  Fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core.  Third of three in a tight subgroup with NGC 2385 and NGC 2388.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2389 = H III-703 = h449 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and noted as "vF; vS; perhaps a patch of star."  His position falls just 1' north of UGC 3872 = PGC 21109.  On 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) he confirmed it was a nebula and logged "vF, bM, R."  Herschel also discovered NGC 2385 and 2388 on this sweep.  Dreyer misassigned H III-901 to NGC 2389.

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NGC 2390

07 29 04.2 +33 50 10; Gem

 

18" (1/13/07): this is a 14th magnitude star located 1.4' S of NGC 2389.  Misidentified as a nebulous object by Robert Ball, a Birr Castle assistant.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 2390 on 10 Dec 1866 (along with NGC 2391) and noted "Eta is faint and perhaps little elongated."  He placed this object 82.1" in PA 181” (south) with respect to NGC 2389 and at this position is a mag 14.7 star.  Bigourdan was unable to find Ball's object and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", states "eeS, *15.5?".  NGC 2391 also refers to a faint star.

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NGC 2391

07 29 07.5 +33 49 33; Gem

 

= *, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 2391 on 10 Dec 1866 (along with NGC 2390) and noted "Theta is eF and S and only seen by glimpses."  He placed this object 147" in PA 163.5” with respect to NGC 2389 and at this position is a mag 15.6 star.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", describes a "*14.7, nebulous?, 2.2' ssf of N2389."  Nearby NGC 2390 is also a faint star.

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NGC 2392 = PK 197+17.1 = PN G197.8+17.3 = Eskimo Nebula = Clown Face Nebula

07 29 10.8 +20 54 42; Gem

V = 9.2;  Size 47"x43"

 

48" (4/1/11): I just took a quick look at the Eskimo at 488x but the view of the double green shells was stunning.  The inner, brilliant annulus is irregularly shaped, with an elongated bulge on the north side.  The ring essentially splits into two sections at the north end (the inner "ring" is fainter) with a darker interior forming a small pouch within the ring.  This feature could be considered the "chin" at the bottom of the Eskimo's "face" in the eyepiece view.  The outer shell is irregularly lit and brighter along the southern rim. 

 

18" (2/24/06): viewed at 807x in good seeing. This remarkable double-shelled planetary has a darker ring around the bright, 9th magnitude central star. The darker ring is surrounded by fairly narrow bright annulus, perhaps 20" in diameter.  The rim of the inner annulus appears slightly brighter along the western half and brightest along the northwest section.  Moving outwards, a narrow darker ring separates the inner shell from a large, lower surface brightness outer halo that extends to nearly 1' in diameter (listed diameter is only 47").

 

17.5" (12/19/87): using 410x exhibits a prominent double shell structure with a very bright inner shell about 20" diameter with a darker central hole surrounding a very bright mag 9 central star.  The Eskimo has a very high surface brightness with a bluish color and easily takes this magnification.  The inner shell is surrounded by a thin dark ring about 2/3 of the way out from center and a faint, barely detached outer halo.  Located 1.6' S of mag 8.3 SAO 79428.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): bright mag 9 central star surrounded by a double shell with a bright inner disk and a dark ring separates the two shells.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2392 = H IV-45 = h450 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 694) and recorded "a star with a pretty strong milky nebulosity equally dispersed all around.  The star about 9m.  Having but just began I suspected the glass to be covered with damp, or my eye not yet to be in order; however a star 10 or 11m just north of it was free from the same appearance.  A very curious phenomenon; like my northern Planetary in its growing state."  The next night he added "One of the most remarkable phenomena I ever have seen."  In the 1814 PT paper he used this object as an example of an evident connection between an atmosphere and a star.

 

The annularity of NGC 2392 was discovered by George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, on 20 Feb 1849.  Stoney's sketch (figure 15, plate XXXVIII in the 1850 PT paper) also shows a dark spot just to the right (west?) of the central star.  William Lassell reported similar structure with his 24-inch in Jan 1853: "The nebulous star has its envelope evidently fainter on the preceding side.  Its circular outline is almost wanting there. About half-way between the centre and circumference there is a narrow, concentric, dark ring, within which the nebula is brighter than the exterior portion." His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 6) on observations from Malta.

 

Using an 18.2-inch silvered-glass reflector Henry Cooper Key reported, "the present appearance of this object, as seen in my instrument, is that of a bright, but somewhat nebulous star closely surrounded by a dark ring; this again by a luminous ring; then an interval much less luminous, and, finally, at some distance, an exterior luminous ring" (1867MNRAS..28....2A). Father Secchi also sketched the double ring structure with the 9.5" refractor in Rome around 1856 as well as Barnard with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory on 10 Apr 1890.  He reported "a condensed point or 2 in the preceding part [of the inner disc], then there seems to be a dark vacuity about this disc and then a fainter nebulous ring.  It is a remarkable object."

 

The CGCG misidentifies CGCG 086-035 = PGC 21128 as NGC 2392.  The nickname "Eskimo Nebula" dates back to at least 1962 in a paper by William Liller's titled "Expansions of Planetary Nebulae".

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NGC 2393 = UGC 3884 = MCG +06-17-014 = CGCG 177-027 = PGC 21154

07 30 04.7 +34 01 39; Gem

V = 14.0;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 103”

 

18" (1/13/07): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', low even surface brightness.  Located 16' NE of NGC 2389 in a cluster.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): extremely faint, similar in size to NGC 2388 but a lower surface brightness.  Located 16' NE of NGC 2389.  Last of 7 in the cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2393 = St XIII-28 on 7 Feb 1885. His position matches UGC 3884 = PGC 21154.

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NGC 2394

07 28 37 +07 05 12; CMi

 

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, appears as a 15'x5' scattered group of roughly two dozen stars, extended E-W.  Includes a about a dozen mag 10-11 stars.  The stars appear to be arranged in a zig-zag chain which is fairly distinctive.  Additional stars are scattered to the north and south of this string.   But NGC 2394 may be just a random grouping.  Located just 10' NE of Eta CMi (V = 5.3) in the same field!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2394 = H VIII-44 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and noted "A cluster of very coarse scattered large stars, they form a cross and extend over a large space; not rich."  There were no observations made by JH or at Birr Castle.  Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth described NGC 2394 as "a very loose clustering of pB st, bet BD+7d1729 and BD+7d1739."  There are about 15 fairly bright mag 10-11 stars in the vicinity.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2395 = Cr 144 = OCL-502 = Lund 338

07 27 13 +13 36 30; Gem

V = 8.0;  Size 12'

 

13.1" (12/22/84): scattered cluster of roughly 50 stars mag 10 and fainter in 15' field, not rich.  Visible faintly in the 16x80mm finder.  The planetary "Medusa Nebula" (Abell 21) lies 34' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2395 = H VIII-11 on 16 Mar 1784 (sweep 176) and noted "a cluster of scattered stars."  There is nothing at the Caroline's reduced position (or the GC/NGC position), but 30' southwest is this scattered group of stars.  Auwers' reduced position is 1” too far south, so he made a reduction error.  Still, this is an unusually large error, though the cluster was found only 3 months after WH began his sweeps and his positions are sometimes off quite a bit in his early sweeps.  Caroline Herschel also noted a confusion in the sweep record about the offset star -- whether it was 50 or 51 Geminorum, so perhaps there is still an error to be uncovered.

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NGC 2396 = Cr 148 = OCL-579 = Lund 344

07 28 06 -11 44; Pup

Size 10'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 94x, roughly three dozen stars are resolved, mostly mag 11-13.5 with a pale orange mag 8.5 star on the west side.  At 175x, roughly 50 stars are resolved in a 10' region.  A chain of stars extends a few arcminutes NE from the mag 8.5 star and then abruptly loops due south for the same distance.  This chain then curves around making a large oval loop forming the east side of the cluster.  Located 10' S of a triple star (ADS 6104) consisting of a mag 8.5 primary with mag 8.5 and 9.5 companions at 20" and 23".  The brighter two stars have an orange/blue color contrast.  Located in a rich star field so the borders of the cluster are ill-defined.

 

25x80mm finder (3/2/08): roundish, glowing region just following a mag 8 star.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): about three dozen stars mostly mag 11-13 are resolved at 82x.  Evenly distributed, not rich and does not stand out well in a rich field.  The brightest star is mag 8.7 SAO 152910 situated at the west side.  Located 10' S of ·1097 = 6.1/8.5 at 20"!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2396 = H VIII-36 = h451 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and called it "a coarsely scattered forming cluster about 20 or 30' diam."  His position is within this scattered group.  John Herschel simply called this object a "straggling portion of the Milky Way."

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NGC 2397 = ESO 058-030 = LGG 147-001 = PGC 20766

07 21 19.7 -69 00 05; Vol

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 123”

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~2'x0.8', small bright core, very small bright nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is off the SE end, 1' from center.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 2397A 7' S and NGC 2397B 10' NNE.

 

NGC 2397A: faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~45" diameter, diffuse glow with a low surface brightness.  The redshift is 3x higher than NGC 2397A, so a background galaxy.

NGC 2397B: fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, low surface brightness, no core.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 9.9 star 2.5' S and a mag 12 star 2.5' SW.

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears very bright, large, elongated nearly 5:2 NW-SE, ~2.4'x1.0', broadly concentrated to a brighter core and then rising quickly to a tiny brighter nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the east end 1' from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2397A 7' S.  The companion was very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~1.2'x0.9'.   NGC 2397 is part of the NGC 2442 group and situated 1.4” NW of NGC 2442.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2397 = h3085 on 21 Feb 1835 and recorded "B, L, mE, gbM, 2' long, 1' broad."  On a second sweep he called it "F, pL, pmE, pslbM, 90", pos of extension = 117”."  His position and description matches ESO 58-30 = PGC 20766.

 

Joseph Turner sketched it on 15 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as a thin streak oriented NW-SE and slightly brighter in the center (unpublished plate V, figure 41).

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NGC 2398 = MCG +04-18-023 = CGCG 117-048 = PGC 21165

07 30 16.3 +24 29 16; Gem

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.65';  PA = 126”

 

24" (2/14/15): faint to fairly faint, small, very slightly elongated, 20"x16", nearly even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is off the northwest edge [23" from center].

 

Forms a very close pair with CGCG 117-046 off the west-northwest side [40" between centers].  At 375x, the companion appeared extremely faint and small, round, 8" diameter (core only), visible ~1/3 of time with concentration.  IC 2191 lies 10' S and is fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 20"x15", contains a very small brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration, stellar nucleus.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2398 = St XIII-29 on 10 Feb 1885 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles Observatory.  His position is accurate.

 

Stephane Javelle resolved it into a double nebula on 7 Feb 1896 and made a footnote in his listing for IC 2191 = J. 3-1000 that "NGC 2398 appears double". Dreyer didn't assign CGCG 117-046 an IC designation as Javelle didn't note an offset or position, though he commented in the IC 2 Notes section "seems to be a double neb (Javelle III.)

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NGC 2399

07 29 50.3 -00 12 45; CMi

 

= **, Gottlieb.  =***, Corwin.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 2399 = HN 9, along with NGC 2400, on 26 Feb 1853 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone Survey of stars near the celestial equator.  He noted "between stars #230 and #231 there are two faint nebulae.  Dec +00 05 11 [1853]." Near Bond's position in AN #1453 is a 10" +/- pair of mag 14/15 stars with a third component at 20".  Heinrich d'Arrest measured both NGC 2399 and 2340 on 30 Jan 1865, but his positions are 1 minute of RA too large and he didn't resolve these multiple stars.  Harold Corwin also concludes that NGC 2399 and 2400 are two different triple stars separated by just 1'.

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NGC 2400

07 29 54.9 -00 12 52; CMi

 

= ***, Corwin.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 2400 = HN 10, along with NGC 2399, on 26 Feb 1853 at Harvard College observatory.  Near Bond's position is a triple star with separations of ~10" and 14".  Heinrich d'Arrest's positions for both NGC 2399 and 2340, measured on 30 Jan 1865, is exactly 1 minute of RA too large, though he apparently did not resolve the triple.  See NGC 2399.

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NGC 2401 = Cr 149 = OCL-588 = Lund 346

07 29 24 -13 58 00; Pup

Size 2'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 225x appears as a rich, glowing 1.5' knot with roughly a dozen very faint mag 14-15.5 stars peppered over the glow.  Appears rich with averted but only partially resolved.  A mag 7 star (HD 59543) is the field, 7' ESE.  Situated in a rich Milky Way star field at 175x with a patchy background.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): About 7 very faint mag 13.5-15 stars resolved over haze, unimpressive.  Located in a very rich field 7' W of mag 7.2 SAO 152963.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2401 = H VII-65 = h454 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and recorded "a small cluster of vS stars, considerably rich and compressed."  His position is just off the southeast side of the cluster, but close enough to be unambiguous.

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NGC 2402 = UGC 3891 = MCG +02-19-004 = CGCG 057-015 = PGC 21176

07 30 47.8 +09 38 59; CMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8'

 

24" (2/16/15 and 2/14/15): at 322x; faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 13.5-14 star is at the east-northeast edge [21" from center].  This star is the last of four in a northwest to southeast string with two mag 13 stars and a mag 11 star at the northwest end.  Also, a fainter mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the north edge - just 10" from center!

 

Forms a double system with PGC 200236 at the northeast edge [30" from center].  At 450x, it was seen as a very faint round knot (not 100%, but often visible with concentration), roughly 6" diameter.

 

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is at the east edge 22" from center.  A chain of four stars begin with a mag 14 star 40" N and forms a line to the NW.  Located 3' N of mag 8.8 SAO 115540.  This is a double system in contact, though the fainter companion (PGC 200236) at the NE edge was not noticed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2402 = H III-19 = h453 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 163) and recorded "2 vS and close stars suspected to be mixed with some nebulosity, but not having a higher power at hand I could not put them to the trial.  However I rather think it may be a fallacy."  His position is 5' NE of  UGC 3891 = PGC 21176.  John Herschel observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps, logging on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), "eF; among several stars 13...14m; one = 14m is in the nebula."  My position is on the brighter southwest galaxy.  See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 2403 = UGC 3918 = MCG +11-10-007 = CGCG 309-040 = CGCG 310-003 = LGG 176-006 = PGC 21396

07 36 50.6 +65 36 09; Cam

V = 8.5;  Size 21.9'x12.3';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 127”

 

48" (4/15/10): this amazing multi-arm spiral stretched across the entire 15' field at 330x, with the major axis running NW to SE.  A striking prominent spiral arm is attached near the NW end and sweeps counter-clockwise 180” along the northern side of the galaxy, tapering as it extends to a point roughly 5' SE of the core.  The arm is widest near the NW end, where it begins sweeping east.  A second inner arm attaches near the SE end of the main body and tightly hugs the southern side of the galaxy as sweeps to the NW side.  A more ill-defined branch heads west from the SE end past a mag 11 star situated 2' WSW of the core.  The field was too small to trace out the outer arms.  Numerous HII splotches stained the surface and I only had time to quickly sketch the most obvious knots.

 

The supergiant HII complex NGC 2404 located 1.7' ENE of the core and 1.5' NNW of a superimposed mag 10.5 star, appeared as a very bright, irregular, 20" knot.  Hodge lists NGC 2404 as A67 in his 1985 paper "Stellar Associations in the Galaxy NGC 2403".  On the NW side of the galaxy is a collinear string of 3 stars oriented NE to SW with an obvious collinear knot an additional 50" SW (SPC-44 in Sivan, Petit and Comte's 1990 "Optical HII Regions in NGC 2403"; VS 3 in VŽron and Sauvayre; and A14 in Hodge).  Just north of the core are two HII knots, separated by 45" and both 12" in size.  The western knot is catalogued as SPC-174 = VS 24 = A36 and the eastern knot as SPC-224 = VS 38 = A45 .

 

On the SE side of the galaxy is a pair of HII knots separated by 40".  The eastern knot is SP-346 = VS 51 = A80 and is situated 1.6' SE of the mag 10.5 star and the western knot includes SPC-318/321/322.  At the SE end of the spiral arm that contains NGC 2404 is another 10" knot, which includes SPC-348/351/352 = VS 52 = A81.  It can be pinpointed 1.0' NE of the mag 10.5 star.  On the SE end of the galaxy a fairly faint, irregular knot (SPC-331/336/343 = VS 48/49 = A73) was noticed 1' W of a mag 14 star.

 

18" (3/19/04): at 160x, this chaotic spiral displayed a tremendous wealth of detail with two broad, diffuse spiral arms, dark lanes, mottling and a few obvious giant HII regions.  A number of stars are superimposed including two mag 11 stars.  I focused on observing the HII regions that were best viewed at 323x.

 

The brightest is the HII complex NGC 2404 (VS 44 = SP 298)  on the east side of the core 1.5' from center and 1.5' N of a mag 11 star to the SW of the core.  This knot is fairly bright at 323x, perhaps 15" diameter and irregularly round.

 

On the NW side of the halo is a collinear string of two stars along with a fuzzy knot (VS 3 = SP 44 = A14), oriented from SW to NE.  This HII knot forms the SW end of the string and is clearly nonstellar at 323x, ~15" diameter.  It can also be pinpointed 2.4' NW of the mag 11 star west of the core (middle of three in a E-W string).

 

At the NNW edge of the core is a mag 13.5 "star" that does not focus sharply and appears to be another HII knot (VS 24 = SPC-174 = A36).  Close following is a fainter, but definite nonstellar knot ~10" diameter (VS 38 = SPC-224 = A45).

 

Finally, returning to star on the SW edge of the core, a fainter mag 14 star is close south with a weak nebulous glow attached (SPC-221/222/225).  This region is also catalogued as A41 in Hodge's 1985 "Stellar Associations in the Galaxy NGC 2403" from PASP, 97, 1065 .

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very large, bright core, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 15'x6'.  Impressive galaxy with spiral structure clearly visible.  Two spiral arms are attached at opposite ends of the central region and both wind almost 180”.  The tip of the northern arm ends at the emission nebula NGC 2404.  Several stars are superimposed including two mag 11 stars.

 

17.5" (2/22/87): two spiral arms are visible on attached at the opposite sides of the galaxy and winding a half of revolution.  The northern arm ends at the HII knot NGC 2404.  The galaxy has a mottled appearance.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): spiral arm definite on the west side of the galaxy with a dark gap between this arm and the main body (core).  This feature is very faint but definite with averted.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): spiral arm highly suspected attached at the west side winding along the north side to a faint knot = NGC 2404.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very bright, large bright core.  NGC 2404 is clearly visible as a faint, very small nebulous knot along the east side of the galaxy.  Spiral structure (arms) is just suspected.  On 3/24/84 the knot was difficult to view at 144x, but on 1/11/86 was fairly easy.

 

8" (1/1/84): bright, large, bright core, faint star superimposed, mottled?

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2403 = H V-44 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded "cB; R; vgbM; BN; 6 or 7' dia; resembling a star with a misty atmosphere." His summary description, also based on a later observation, states "with a faint branch extending a great way to the np side; not less than 1/2 degree; and to the n or nf the nebulosity diffused over a space, I am pretty sure, not less than a whole degree."  Obviously, his size estimate is well off, but his description of a "faint branch extending a great way to the np side" applies to the spiral side on the west side and the comment "to the n or nf the nebulosity is diffused over a space" probably applies to the northern arm that extends to the east (and contains NGC 2404).

 

Based on photographs taken with the 60-inch reflector at Mt Wilson, Francis Pease (1917) remarked "This fine right-handed spiral nebula resembles M33...Faint knots and arms extend as far as 10' from the center.  It does not contains the wealth of detail of M33, but has the same sharp stellar images, the nebulous stars [HII regions], the bunching of these knots and the dark streaks.."

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NGC 2404 = [VS65] 44 = [SPC90] 298 = [H85] A67

07 37 07.1 +65 36 39; Cam

Size 20"

 

24" (2/24/20): brightest HII complex in NGC 2404.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, slightly elongated or irregular, ~15" diameter.

 

48" (4/15/10): The supergiant HII complex NGC 2404 (perhaps 2000 light-years across) is located 1.7' ENE of the core and 1.5' NNW of a superimposed mag 10.5 star.  It appeared as a very bright, irregular, 20" knot. At the relatively low power of 330x, I quickly logged 8 HII knots in the galaxy (see description of NGC 2403).

 

18" (3/19/04): brightest of 3 or 4 HII regions visible in NGC 2403.  Fairly bright at 160x, small, round.  Located just east of the core, 1.5' from center, and 1.5' N of a prominent mag 11 star to the SW of the core.

 

17.5" (2/22/87): this is a prominent knot (superassociation) located at the end of the northern spiral arm of NGC 2403.  Appears fairly faint, small, round, clearly nonstellar.

 

13": extremely small emission "knot" at the east end of NGC 2403.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2404 = Big. 28, a superassociation/HII region in NGC 2403, on 2 Feb 1886 with the 12.4-inch refractor of Paris Observatory.  The NGC position, based on Bigoudan's original published position in list I, is in error but Bigourdan later measured and published an accurate position in his five volume (3000 pages) compilation (Annales de l'Observatoire de Paris). RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7), although Type 35 (diffuse nebula in galaxy) would be more appropriate.

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NGC 2405 = MCG +04-18-026 = CGCG 117-051 = VV 643 = PGC 21224

07 32 14.0 +25 54 23; Gem

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very low even surface brightness.  A mag 15.5 star is just off the north edge.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2405 = m 105 on 7 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, iR."  His position is 1' S of CGCG 117-51 = PGC 21224.

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NGC 2406 = MCG +03-19-021 = CGCG 086-041 = CGCG 087-002 = PGC 21218

07 31 47.7 +18 17 17; Gem

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, round, faint core, slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 2407 3.4' NNE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2406 = St XIII-30 on 7 Feb 1885 (along with NGC 2407 = St XIII-31) with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches CGCG 086-041.

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NGC 2407 = UGC 3896 = MCG +03-20-001 = CGCG 086-042 = CGCG 087-003 = PGC 21220

07 31 56.7 +18 19 59; Gem

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2406 3.4' SSW.  Located 7' W of mag 7.8 SAO 96995.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2407 = St XIII-31 on 7 Feb 1885 (along with NGC 2406 = St XIII-30) with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 3896 = PGC 21220.

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NGC 2408

07 40 32 +71 40 30; Cam

Size 20'

 

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, ~50 stars mag 9.5 and fainter are scattered in a 20' triangular group.  The group is unconcentrated and there are only a few stars within the interior of the outline.  Strings of stars extend off the triangle so there no clear boundaries to the group and it appears to be a chance asterism or an open cluster remnant.  A mag 9 star is on the west side of the group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2408 = h452 in Jan 1830 (sweep 230) and noted "A very loose scattered cluster of large stars, or a starry place."  His position corresponds with a mag 9 star. Harold Corwin identifies a scattered group of mag 10-12 stars (asterism) with a diameter of ~20'.  Bica et al, classify this object as a "possible open cluster remnant" (2001A&A...366..827B).

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NGC 2409 = Bochum 4 = Lund 1128

07 31 37 -17 11 24; Pup

V = 7.3;  Size 2'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, this is a 2' group of 8 stars with no faint members, so it appears to be an asterism.  The two brightest mag 8.5/9 stars are part of a boxy quadrilateral with the other 4 stars grouped into two wide pairs.  The three brightest stars are resolved in the 80mm finder at 25x.  Sh 2-302, a very faint large HII region is centered ~13' N.

 

17.5" (2/9/02): small, bright, distinctive group of 8 stars mag 9-11.5 in a 2' knot.  Includes two mag 9 stars in a small quadrilateral and two other pairs.  Stands out well in the field, though seems too sparse to be a real cluster (Bochum 4).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2409 = h3086 on 12 Feb 1836 and noted "a small but brillliant group of 6 or 8 large stars, 8, 9, 10m, within a very small compass."  His position matches this small, bright group of stars.  While observing with the 72", Dreyer called this group "only 4 stars 9...11 mag and some fainter ones.  I suppose there are millions of such clusters."  Herbert Howe noted it  "Consists of 10 scattered stars."  This knot of stars is plotted on Norton's Star Atlas but RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2410 = UGC 3917 = MCG +05-18-023 = CGCG 177-035 = CGCG 147-043 = PGC 21336

07 35 02.4 +32 49 18; Gem

V = 13.0;  Size 2.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 31”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, bright core.  A pair of mag 14 stars are 1.0' SE and 1.5' SSE of center.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 2410 = Sf 74 on 5 Feb 1867 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "pS, pB, vmb M N = 12-13m."  Safford's discovery, though, was not published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC.  Stephan independently found the galaxy on 2 Feb 1877, recorded it in list VIIIb-20, and was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5388) and the NGC.  It was later found again by Stephane Javelle on 11 Feb 1898 and described in list III-1005 as "F, E 250 deg, 1' long, gbM, r."

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NGC 2411 = UGC 3914 = MCG +03-20-005 = CGCG 177-035 = PGC 21315

07 34 36.3 +18 16 53; Gem

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50”

 

24" (2/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 24"x18", well concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just west of the southwest end.

 

Forms a close pair with PGC 1555546 just 1.0' NE.  The companion was extremely faint, 12" diameter, occasionally popped in the same position, but could not hold for any interval

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, sharp concentration.  PGC 1555546, a faint companion off the NE side, was not seen.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2411 = St XIII-32 on 7 Feb 1885.  His position matches UGC 3914 = PGC 21315.

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NGC 2412

07 34 21.5 +08 32 44; CMi

 

= **, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2412 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  At his position is a pair of mag 12.2/13.8 stars at 14" separation that match Lohse's description of a nearby bright star.  The mean position of these two stars is used.  Only 3 of his 16 objects in the NGC are galaxies (two others were earlier discoveries), the rest being stars or missing.

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NGC 2413

07 33 18.5 -13 07 09; Pup

Size 10'

 

18" (3/13/04): appears as two groups of stars symmetrically placed to the north and south of mag 8.7 HD 60307.  The southern group is richer and contains nearly three dozen stars within 5'.  The northern group contains more mag 10-11 stars but is not as rich with two dozen stars in 7'.  This group is probably not a true cluster.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2413 = H VIII-52 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and called it "a cluster of vL coarsely scattered stars, not rich, nearly R."  His position is 1.5' north of mag 8.8 HD 60307, on the south side of the group.

 

JH did not reobserve this object but it was described at Birr Castle on 3 Jan 1873 as a "very loose Cl, scarcely more compressed than the neighborhood."  Brian Skiff notes two clumps in a 10' diameter.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2414 = Cr 150 = OCL-598 = Lund 352

07 33 13 -15 27 12; Pup

V = 7.9;  Size 4'

 

18" (3/2/08): very pretty cluster with ~40 stars mag 12-14 resolved in a 4'x3' group using the 13mm Ethos (175x).  A mag 8.2 star (HD 60308) is superimposed at the center and sprays of stars to the NW, north and east appear to radiate outward from the bright star.  A half a dozen brighter mag 10-10.5 stars form an 8' incomplete ring that partially encompasses the cluster (open to the east).

 

13.1" (1/11/86): about 20 faint stars surrounding mag 8.2 SAO 153056 with some unresolved background haze.  The cluster members are arranged in two curving lanes with a mag 8.2 star at the center, elongated ~E-W.  Pretty view at high power.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2414 = H VIII-37 = h455 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) and recorded "A small cluster of scattered stars of various sizes, not very rich."  John Herschel noted on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) "a cl with 1 st 9m; not rich." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2415 = UGC 3930 = MCG +06-17-021 = Ark 136 = Haro 1 = CGCG 177-038 = PGC 21399

07 36 56.6 +35 14 32; Lyn

V = 12.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core.  Located 2.0' SW of mag 9.1 SAO 60227.  The galaxy is bracketed by two mag 14 stars just 0.6' NW and 0.9' ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2415 = H II-821 = h456 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) and called "pB, cS, resolvable, preceding a considerable star."  His position is 1.2' WNW of UGC 3930. John Herschel wrote on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51), "a curious, almost planetary neb 10" diam R; light nearly equable; between 2 small stars."

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NGC 2416 = UGC 3925 = MCG +02-20-002 = CGCG 058-008 = PGC 21358

07 35 41.5 +11 36 43; CMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (11/25/87): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2416 = m 106 on 26 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted as "eF, S."  His position is 9 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 3925.  There are no other nearby candidates, so this identification is certain

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NGC 2417 = ESO 123-015 = AM 0729-620 = LGG 144-006 = PGC 21155

07 30 12.1 -62 15 10; Car

V = 12.0;  Size 2.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 81”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears bright, large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 WSW-ENE, ~3'x2', broadly concentrated with a large, brighter core.  A very faint star is at the south edge of the halo.  The galaxy pair IC 2200A and IC 2200B lies 15' SW.  This galaxy is at the east end of a group of galaxies including NGC 2381, NGC 2369, NGC 2369A, NGC 2369B and IC 2200/2200A.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2417 = h3087 on 8 Mar 1836 and recorded "vF, L, R, gbM, resolvable. Is no doubt a very distant cluster of 6th class." His position matches ESO 123-15 = PGC 21155.

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NGC 2418 = Arp 165 = UGC 3931 = MCG +03-20-008 = CGCG 087-017 = PGC 21382

07 36 37.5 +17 53 02; Gem

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broadly concentrated halo, bright stellar nucleus.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2418 = St VIIIb-21 on 23 Jan 1874.  His position matches UGC 3931.

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NGC 2419 = Intergalactic Wanderer

07 38 08.5 +38 52 55; Lyn

V = 10.3;  Size 4.6';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, round, 2' diameter, gradually brighter core but no well-defined nucleus, mottled appearance although no resolution into stars.  Framed by a quadrilateral of four mag 13-14 stars and a few other faint stars.  Collinear with mag 7.0 SAO 60232 4' W and mag 7.9 SAO 60229 8' W.  The "Intergalactic Tramp" is one of most distant globulars from earth and may be the core of an accreted dwarf galaxy.

 

8": very faint, small, round, no resolution.  Collinear with two mag 8 stars to the west and a mag 9 star in the field W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2419 = H I-218 = h457 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and wrote "cB, R, vgmbM, about 3' diameter."  John Herschel described the globular on 18 Mar 1831(sweep 335) as "not vB; L; pmE in parallel; 2' l and 75" br."  This is an interesting observation as the globular is generally described as round.  The first time it was logged at Birr Castle on 9 Mar 1850, Lord Rosse remarked "I think clearly resolved, several points, at least 3 seen plainly in edge which I suspect to be filamentous; no nucl., more round than h[erschel] describes it."  The 13 Feb 1852 observation even notes "Lord Rosse thought it like a cluster at a great distance."

 

NGC 2419 was shown to be globular cluster in 1922 on a plate taken at Lowell Observatory.  Shapley estimated a distance of 160,000 l.y. (current estimate ~275,000 l.y., nearly twice the distance of the LMC) and along with Sawyer, assigned it concentration class II.  He may have been the first to use the nickname "Intergalactic Tramp" in the 1944 paper "Revision of the Distances of 30 high-latitude Globular Clusters."

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NGC 2420 = Cr 154 = Mel 69 = OCL-488

07 38 24 +21 34 30; Gem

V = 8.3;  Size 10'

 

18" (3/15/10): this is a rich, pretty group at low power with roughly 80-100 stars in a 10' region at 175x.  Higher power brings out the fainter members.  The brightest mag 9.4 star is at the west end of the cluster and forms a large mag contrast pair with a 13th companion 12" south.  On the north end of the cluster is an equally spaced, collinear trio with separations of 14".  The brighter stars in the cluster are pretty evenly distributed.  Many of the fainter stars are in a 2'-3' patch that follows the mag 9.4 star and which includes some unresolved haze.  A couple of brighter mag 8-9 stars are in the field to the south of the cluster and also to the north.

 

17.5" (1/23/93): excellent cluster of at least 50 stars mag 11-15 within a 6' diameter.  Good spread of magnitudes, includes 15 stars mag 11-13 over a rich background of numerous mag 14-15 stars and unresolved haze.  The brightest mag 10 star is on the west side and has a mag 13 companion 12" S.  Located between mag 9.1 SAO 79575 6' NNE and mag 8.9 SAO 79563 6' SSW.  A faint galaxy pair, CGCG 117-059 and CGCG 117-060 (separation is just 40"), is in the field 10' WNW!  Both of these are extremely faint and small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2420 = H VI-1 = h458 on 19 Nov 1783 (very early sweep and 4th object discovered) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of many large and compressed small stars, about 12' diameter."  On 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) he noted "A brilliant rich cluster of stars."  On 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59), John Herschel called it "a p rich cl; irreg fig; 50...100 stars; 11...18m; 5..7' diam."

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NGC 2421 = Cr 151 = Mel 67 = OCL-626

07 36 12 -20 36 42; Pup

V = 8.3;  Size 10'

 

18" (3/2/08): ~80 stars mag 10-15 stars are resolved at 175x within a 10' region.  Includes a large number of mag 11-12 stars.  The group is well-detached in the field, particularly on the west, north and southeast sides.  One concentration of stars is on the soiuthwest side.  Just to the northeast, a number of the cluster's stars form the outline of a large, equilateral triangle.  A rich clump of stars is the center of this triangle including a mag 11/11.5 pair at 18".  At 225x, ~100 stars are visible, although the cluster spreads out too much to be pleasing at this power.

 

25x80mm (3/2/08): appears as a fairly large, richly glowing region with a few brighter stars resolved.

 

17.5" (3/7/92): about 60 mag 10-14 stars in a 10' field.  Many stars are similar magnitudes and the cluster is pretty evenly distributed.  Brighter stars at the borders give a triangular outline including mag 10.5 stars at the SW, SE and NE edges.  A wide brighter double star (ARA 962 = 10.9/11.5 at 18") oriented N-S lies NE of center and two faint companions are also near.

 

8" (1/1/84): almost three dozen faint stars, triangular-shape, rich field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2421 = H VII-67 = h3089 on 30 Jan 1799 (sweep 1089) and described "a cluster of compressed stars, considerably rich."  JH recorded it from the Cape of Good Hope as "a large fine rich cluster, not much compressed, but nearly filling the field. Stars 11..13th mag, no conspicuous star, place that of a coarse double stars 11th mag."

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NGC 2422 = M47 = NGC 2478 = Cr 152

07 36 35 -14 29 00; Pup

V = 4.4;  Size 30'

 

18" (3/2/08): this naked-eye cluster was stunning at 73x (31 Nagler), though at 30' diameter it was too spread out for higher powers.  The stars are arranged in beautiful chains and groups.  The brightest half-dozen stars are in a 10' subgroup in the center including a striking white double star (STF 1121 = 7.0/7.3 at 7") that is is surrounded by many stars in chains and loops.  The brightest star on the west side is a wide, unequal double (5.7/9.7 at 20").  Perhaps 200 stars are scattered around at low power.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): very bright, very large, fairly rich, impressive.  Includes double stars STF 1121 = 7.9/7.9 at 7" in the center and STF 1120 = 5.7/9.6 at 20" on the west side.  Easy naked-eye object in a dark sky.

 

8" (11/5/83): very bright, large but scattered, includes STF 1121 = 8/8 at 7" near core and STF 1120 on west side, many colored stars.

 

Caroline Herschel independently discovered M47 = NGC 2422 = H VIII-38 = h459 = h3088 on 26 Feb 1783.  William Herschel found the cluster again on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) and recorded "a very coarsely scattered cluster of several vL and other different sized stars."  His summary description (including a second observation) reads "a cluster of pretty compressed large and small stars, round, above 15' diameter."  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel wrote, "a very large, pretty rich splendid cluster, which more than fills the field. Place of the chief star a find double star."

 

Giovanni Hodierna probably was the first to discover M47 before 1654 and simply recorded "a Nebulosa between the two dogs".  Charles Messier rediscovered it 117 years later on 19 Feb 1771, though he clearly made an error as there is nothing at his position.  Messier's missing object was assigned GC 1594 and NGC 2478.  In 1959, Canadian amateur T.F. Morris identified M47 as identical to NGC 2422.  See notes for NGC 2478.

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NGC 2423 = Cr 153 = Mel 70 = OCL-592

07 37 07 -13 52 18; Pup

V = 6.7;  Size 19'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~100 stars are resolved in a 18' region with an excellent double at the center (h3983 = 9.1/9.7 at 8"). The stars are pretty evenly distributed with no rich subgroups though with several doubles and small groupings.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): about 50 stars in 15' field.  Fairly rich in faint stars.  A mag 9 double star is near the center. The primary, itself, is a very close pair (RST 3532 = 9.6/10.2 at 0.5").  Located 37' N of M47.

 

25x80mm finder (3/2/08): A chain of stars extends north from M47 to this obvious glow with a few resolved stars superimposed.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (1/15/07): visible about 40' N of M47 in binoculars as a faint glow with the brighter mag 9 and 10 stars resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2423 = H VII-28 = h3090 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and noted "a cluster of pS stars, pretty rich, 15' diameter."  His position is accurate.  JH observed the cluster from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "a very large, rich fine cluster of small stars which nearly fills the field. Place that of a double star, class II."

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NGC 2424 = UGC 3959 = MCG +07-16-009 = CGCG 206-015 = FGC 649 = PGC 21558

07 40 39.3 +39 13 58; Lyn

V = 12.6;  Size 3.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, very thin extensions from core.  Located 7' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 60267.  The distant globular cluster NGC 2419 lies 37' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2424 = St XIII-33 on 6 Feb 1885 and described "vF; pS; lbM; mE WSW-ENE; length ~1'."  His position and description matches UGC 3959 = PGC 21558.

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NGC 2425 = OCL-599 = Lund 363

07 38 18 -14 52 42; Pup

Size 3'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~18 stars are resolved over haze in a small 4'x2' group elongated WSW-ENE.  At 225x, perhaps two dozen stars are visible.  On the east end is a distinctive line of 5 stars oriented SW-NE, though the richest clump of stars is at the west end of the cluster.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): 15 stars mag 13.5-15.0 over haze in a 4'x2' region elongated ~E-W.  Four collinear mag 13 stars are on the east end.  Lies SE of M47.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2425 = H VIII-87 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and noted "a small cluster of small stars, not very rich."  His position is 2' too far south.

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NGC 2426 = UGC 3977 = MCG +09-13-038 = CGCG 262-022 = PGC 21648

07 43 18.5 +52 19 06; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.7' NNW of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 2429 5' NE.  Misplotted on the U2000 due to a typo in declination (30' too far N) in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2426 = H II-822 = h460 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and wrote, "pF, R, resolvable, vgbM."  His position (based on Auwers reduction) is less than 1' SW of UGC 3977 = PGC 21648.  The RNGC declination is 30' too far north and because of this error, the galaxy was misplotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 atlas.

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NGC 2427 = ESO 208-027 = PGC 21375

07 36 27.8 -47 38 08; Pup

V = 11.5;  Size 5.2'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 122”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this large, unusual galaxy is set in a very rich Milky Way field and appears as a diffuse, very large, elongated glow with a low surface brightness and a size of ~4.5'x2.0'.  A star is superimposed and mimics an offset stellar nucleus, but otherwise there is little concentration.  Situated nearly at the midpoint of two mag 10 stars 5.5' SW and 5.5' NE.  The cometary globular CG 4 and ESO 257-019 lies 45' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2427 = h3091 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF, L, pmE, vlbM, involves two stars."  His position is 1.5' NE of the center of ESO 208-027 = PGC 21375.

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NGC 2428

07 39 18 -16 32; Pup

Size 10'

 

18" (2/4/08): at 175x, roughly 40 stars in 10' barely stand out as a group within a rich Milky Way field.  Most eye-catching is a small trapezoidal group with a double star at the NW vertex and a wide pair at the SE vertex.  A string of 3 stars oriented SW-NE is within the trapezoid.  Off the SE vertex an oval chain of stars extends south and west before looping back towards the trapezoid.  There are no dense regions and this appears to be an asterism.  An even weaker concentration of stars about 10' NNE may be NGC 2430.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2428 = H VIII-47, along with NGC 2430, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503), and noted "A very much scattered and vL cl or stars; or rather the milky way very much crowded with stars not differing much in size and colour."  His position is 10' south of H VIII-46 = NGC 2430 and corresponds with a fairly rich star field on the DSS.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2429 = VV 284 = UGC 3983 = MCG +09-13-039 = CGCG 262-023 = PGC 21664

07 43 47.6 +52 21 27; Lyn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is involved at the SE end 0.3' from center and a mag 11 star is 0.8' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2426 5.0' SW.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2429 on 10 Mar 1874 with the 72".   and recorded "pF, pS, vmE 146.4”, att to a *12 at sf end."  Copeland's description and micrometric offset from a mag 10 star matches the double system UGC 3983.  MCG lists the two components separately: MCG +09-13-039 = NGC 2429A and MCG +09-13-040 = NGC 2429B.

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NGC 2430

07 39 30 -16 20 24; Pup

Size 8'

 

18" (2/4/08): scattered, undistinguished group with three brighter stars (separations of 3'-4') including mag 8.5 HD 61553 and two mag 10-10.5 stars.  A small group of fainter stars is the south of the mag 9 star and a larger group of faint stars is just north of the triangle of brighter stars.  Even so, there is really nothing here to catch my eye and it clearly appears to be a random Milky Way star field.  Just 10' SSW is NGC 2428, another unimpressive Milky Way concentration.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2430 = H VIII-46, along with NGC 2428, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and reported "a very large but coarsely scattered cluster of stars."  There is nothing that stands out significantly visually at his position as noted in my observation, so this identification is very uncertain.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 2431 = NGC 2436? = UGC 3999 = MCG +09-13-042 = CGCG 262-024 = PGC 21711

07 45 13.4 +53 04 30; Lyn

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.7' SE and a fainter mag 13 star is 2.2' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2431 = H III-829 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and noted "eF, vS, R, bM."  Auwers' reduced position is 2.8' north of UGC 3999 = PGC 21711.  NGC 2436 is possibly a duplicate observation.

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NGC 2432 = Cr 157 = Mel 73 = Lund 369

07 40 54 -19 05 12; Pup

Size 8'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, appears a very distinctive 5' N-S string with a total of ~60 stars resolved in a 5'x3' area.  The richest part is along the string with numerous mag 13-14.5 stars packed tightly.  The north side of the string bifurcates into two prongs.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): three dozen faint stars mag 12-15 in a very elongated string oriented N-S with dimensions 5'x1.5'.  This is a rich, pretty group with several pairs.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): ~35 faint stars in an elongated string along one side of bright trapezoid of stars.

 

8" (3/28/81): rich in faint stars or haze, small, elongated.

 

80mm (3/2/08): faintly visible in the finder at 25x as a thin, elongated glow N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2432 = H VI-36 = h3092 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and described a "very compressed cluster of small, and some large stars; extended nearly in the meridian; the most compressed part is about 8' long and 2' broad, with many stars scattered around it to a considerable distance."  In his 1814 PT paper, Herschel speculated "the construction of this cluster may have arisen from the situation of many stars in the same plane, drawn towards a centre by the clustering power, for any plane seen obliquely will have the appearance of an extended form."  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH called this "a rather irregular cluster of 8th class, pretty much compressed. The most compressed part forms a ridge or body of stars elongated in the meridian. Stars 12..15th mag with larger outliers."

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NGC 2433

07 42 43.5 +09 15 33; CMi

Size 6"

 

24" (1/28/17): at 375x; two of the components of this faint, close triple star were resolved.  The brightest (mag ~14.8) is at the north end, with a mag 15 component just 5" SE.  At 450x, the third component (mag 15.6) was occasionally resolved 5" south of the northern star.  So, the three stars formed a tiny equilateral triangle of sides 5"!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2433 = h462 on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 123) and logged "eF, has a *15 90" dist 30 deg [north-preceding]."  At JH's position (07 42 43.5 +09 15 33) is a close triple star (separations ~5"-6") that Corwin identifies as NGC 2433.  The star JH mentions north-preceding is at 50" separation.  RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 058-029 = PGC 21634 as NGC 2433.  HyperLeda has a "placeholder" LEDA 3325911 for NGC 2433 at the position of the triple and calls the object type unknown.

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NGC 2434 = ESO 059-005 = LGG 147-002 = PGC 21325

07 34 51.3 -69 17 03; Vol

V = 11.3;  Size 2.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located 16' NW of the remarkable barred spiral, NGC 2442.  At 260x it appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4, ~1.0'x0.8' in diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core.  Four mag 12 stars are nearby; three to the north and one to the southeast. Mag 6.9 Delta Vol lies 15' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2434 = h3096 on 23 Dec 1834 and measured it on 5 sweeps.  His original description reads "pB, R, gpmbM, 35"." and his position matches ESO 059-005 = PGC 21325.

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NGC 2435 = UGC 3996 = MCG +05-19-002 = CGCG 147-062 = CGCG 148-004 = PGC 21676

07 44 13.5 +31 39 03; Gem

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE.  The halo is evenly concentrated down to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2435 = H II-616 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 628) and noted "F, S, lbM."  His position is 2' northwest of UGC 3996 = PGC 21676.

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NGC 2436

07 45 48.3 +52 02 17; Lyn

 

= **, Gottlieb. = NGC 2431:, Corwin.  =*, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2436 = h461 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM, diam 8"."  About 3' west of his position is a faint pair of mag 14.4/15.4 stars with a separation of 8" that could be his object.  The mean position of these two stars given here.  But Harold Corwin notes that JH's position is exactly 1.0 min of RA east and 1 degree south of NGC 2431 and the description matches the bright core.  As the errors are just single digits, he feels NGC 2436 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 2431, though I feel the faint pair of stars is also a possibility.

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NGC 2437 = M46 = Cr 159

07 41 47 -14 48 36; Pup

V = 6.1;  Size 27'

 

17.5" (3/16/96): At 100x, M46 fills a large portion of the field and there are a few hundred stars fairly evenly distributed in a 35' field.  The cluster appears slightly elongated E-W although there are no clear borders. There is no increase in concentration towards the center and except for two brighter stars on the west side the cluster is unusually uniform in brightness (mag 11-13) and distribution in the main body.  There is a noticeable 2' void, though, very close to the center of the cluster.  Around the periphery the distribution becomes quite scraggly and the cluster mixes with the general field density.  The beautiful annular planetary NGC 2438 is situated in the north side of the cluster.

 

8": bright, very rich, large, includes a couple of mag 9 stars but most stars are mag 10-13 and fairly uniform in magnitude and distribution except for a gap near the center.  Contains the striking pn NGC 2438 at the NE edge.  Faint naked-eye object in a dark sky.

 

Charles Messier discovered M46 = NGC 2437 = h463 on 19 Feb 1771.  Caroline Herschel found it again on 4 Mar 1783 and assumed it was new, realizing her mistake on 19 Nov.  William Herschel described the cluster (unpublished) on 19 Mar 1786 as "a beautiful, very rich, compressed cluster of stars of various magnitudes."  On 17 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel logged, "the brightest part of a v fine rich cl; stars = 10m; which fills the field.  Within the cluster at its n edge is a fine planetary nebula [NGC 2438]."

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NGC 2438 = PK 231+4.2 = PN G231.8+04.1

07 41 50.6 -14 44 07; Pup

V = 11.5;  Size 73"x68"

 

48" (2/20/12): at 488x, much of the same detail described in the 4/15/10 observation was seen, although the ring itself was less structured.  Besides the slightly off-center bright star (the ionizing star is a mag 17.5-18 companion) and a mag 14.5 star ~15" SW, a 16th mag star is at the edge of the rim on the SW side.  A mag 16 star on the SE side appears just inside the bright ring.  Finally another 16th mag star is near the north edge of the annulus, but clearly within the planetary, for a total of 5 interior stars.  The outer rim brightens at this point in a 90” arc to the east and is slightly flattened.  The challenging Calabash Nebula (protoplanetary) lies 6.5' ENE.

 

48" (4/15/10): at 700x, NGC 2438 was a beautiful "cheerio" ring with a sharply defined rim of 1.2' diameter and a fairly large, dark central hole of 25-30".  The mag 12.8 star in the center was prominent with a second mag 14.5 star ~15" SW of center.  A third mag 16 star was just inside the annulus on the SE side, ~20" from center.  The rim had a very uneven surface brightness with an impression of some radial streaks and one or two additional faint, embedded stars.  The rim was noticeably brighter along the NE quadrant and to a slightly lesser extent along the opposite SW portion of the rim, creating a bipolar appearance.  A bright mag 11 star is just off the SE side and the planetary floats in the beautifully rich star field of M46.

 

18" (2/24/06): beautiful view of this 70" planetary within M46 at 323x.  The annulus is quite prominent and relatively thick with a weakly glowing interior.  The rim is irregularly lit and a bit weaker on the NW side and brighter along the eastern edge.  A mag 12.8 star is just NW of the center of the annulus (this is not the central star, though) and a fainter interior star (mag 14?) on the SW side (half-way to the rim) was also visible.  A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge.  At 807x, the rim is noticeably brighter and thicker on the eastern half compared to a weaker section along the NW side and an extremely faint star intermittently pops out on the NNE side on inner edge of the annulus (confirmed on 3/4/08 at Lake Sonoma).

 

17.5" (3/2/02): at 280x this is a beautiful, 1' diameter PN with a darker central hole at 280x situated on the NE side of the rich oc M46.  A mag 13 star (not the central star) is within the central hole slightly offset NW of center.  The rim is fairly uniform but slightly brighter along the NE side.  The 20" central hole is clearly darker although there is not a dramatic contrast.  A brighter mag 11 star is just off the SE edge (about 15"-20" SW of the mag 11 star, a faint mag 14-15 star was also intermittently visible) and a string of faint stars oriented WNW-ESE is just over 1' S.  M 1-18 is located 22' NNE of NGC 2438.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): star near center very easy and second interior star definite.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): annular planetary on the NE side of M46!  Fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter.  A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge and a mag 13 star is just NW of the geometric center (this is not the central star).  A third extremely faint star lies on the SW side.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): clearly annular at 166x.

 

8" (1/1/84): slightly darker center, fairly small, round.

 

80mm (1/15/07): visible continuously in the finder using an OIII filter and a 13mm Nagler (25x) as a very faint, very small disc on the NE side of M46.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2438 = H IV-39 = h464 = h3093 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and recorded "pB, R, resolvable, within the 46th of [Messier], almost of an equal light throughout, about 2' diameter, no connection with the cluster, which is everywhere free from nebulosity."  On 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) he noted "A round, pretty well defined nebula; almost of a planetary nebula aspect."  From South Africa, John Herschel wrote, "a very fine planetary nebula, oval, uniform in light, and of a very flat appearance; rather faint; diam in RA = 4 seconds; has a star 15th mag on it, and one 13th mag close to its border. This object is excentrically situated in a superb cluster of stars 12..16th mag. (46 Messier)"

 

Lord Rosse or assistant Johnstone Stoney sketched NGC 2438 as annular on 22 Dec 1848 (figure 12 in the 1850 PT paper).  It was observed a total of 21 times at Birr Castle including with a visual spectroscope on 15 Feb 1876.  William Lassell also noted the annularity using his 24" equatorial reflector on 11 Jan 1853: "The star is not in the centre, and the nebula seems to retreat from the star, leaving it on a much darker ground than the external parts of the nebula.  With slight attention another star is seen; and two or three points or bright spots in the nebula occasionally catch the eye."  His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 5) on observations from Malta.  Perhaps following Lassell's lead, Secchi sketched in 1856 the "central star" slightly eccentric, along with a second interior star using the 9.5" refractor in Rome.

 

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported "the nebula is a very irregular, broad, patchy ring 68" in diameter.  The star at SW lies in a gap in the ring."

 

This planetary is not physically associated with M46 based on differing radial velocities and the youthful age of cluster and is probably superimposed in foreground).  Les Dalrymple states a distance of 4500 l.y. for the cluster and only 3000 l.y for the planetary in a S&T article (Dec 2002).

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NGC 2439 = Cr 158 = Mel 74

07 40 45 -31 41 36; Pup

V = 6.9;  Size 10'

 

17.5" (1/19/91): at 220x, 70 stars visible in a 10' diameter.  Bright, fairly large, elongated N-S.  This is a rich, pleasing cluster and includes mag 6.7 R Puppis on the northeast edge.  About 1' SW and 2' SSE of R Puppis are two easy but prominent double stars equally spaced with similar magnitudes but with perpendicular orientations (N-S and E-W).  The pair 1.7' SSE is PRO 41 (9.2/10.3 at 12"). These wide double stars form a striking group and are part of an elliptical outline of stars with a void in center.  Very unusual appearance!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2439 = h3094 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "a cluster of about 150 stars, B, pL, p rich, not much more compressed to the middle, 8' diameter, has one star 8th mag (place taken), one red one 9th mag, the rest 12..14th mag."

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NGC 2440 = PK 234+2.1 = ESO 560-9 = PN G234.8+02.4

07 41 55.4 -18 12 31; Pup

V = 9.3;  Size 74"x42"

 

48" (2/20/12): the view of this explosive appearing planetary was remarkably detailed at 488x and 814x.  The very high surface brightness central region was irregularly shaped with a very ragged periphery, giving the impression that the central region was erupting or bursting.  Within the east side of the central portion are two intense condensations or knots, oriented ~N-S, with the southern knot brighter.  A third, smaller elongated knot is just west and sits close to the center.  The main body is elongated nearly 2:1 SW-NE, roughly 1.1'x0.6', but with an irregular outline.  The southwest end of the planetary dims and protrudes out, creating a cup-shaped hollow with a very small brighter knot at its southwest tip.  A prominent partial loop or outer wing is attached on the northwest edge of the central section, like a spiral arm, and swings clockwise to the west and slightly south. The eastern portion of the planetary consists of a large complete, irregular loop (darker in the interior), giving the strong appearance of being blown out from the central region.

 

17.5" (2/14/99): this bi-polar planetary reveals fascinating detail at 380x!  The compact high surface brightness inner region is elongated NNW-SSE.  Two bright knots comprise both ends and the surface brightness is irregular.  The nebulosity is much weaker SW of the main body with a cup-shaped dark "notch" protruding into this central bar.  The outer halo is oriented SW-NE with a brighter wing similar to a spiral arm attached at the west edge which swings back towards the south.  The outer nebulosity is weaker and less well-defined on the north and NE sides.

 

13" (2/23/85): very bright and small with a very high surface brightness.  This planetary has a double shell structure with an elongated box-shape oriented NW-SE and a fainter shell oriented SW-NE.  One or two condensations are visible in the central part.  Located 3.0' W of mag 8.4 orange HD 62167.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2440 = H IV-64 = h3095 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and described a "beautiful planetary nebula of a considerable degree of brightness, but not very well defined.  About 12 or 15" in diameter."

 

William Lassell observed NGC 2440 in Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector on Malta.  He commented, "no description can do justice to this singular object.  With 150 it just attracts the eye in sweeping, as a a bluish-white spot, a few seconds in diameter.  A most extraordinary object [at 650x], not beautiful, for it has no symmetry – but wonderful."  His sketch, showing 4 or 5 knots, was included in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 7).  Father Angelo Secchi published a detailed sketch and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome.  He noted, "It seems to consist of two twin nebulae joined to a third transverse elliptical nebulaÉbut it is very difficult to recognize the true structure."

 

Ralph Copeland made a careful observation at Birr Castle on 20 Jan 1874: "vB, pL, very blue.  An eB nucleus which is E or bi-central in pos 151.4” in vF outer nebulosity, vmE 33.1” and 2' or 3' long.  35 stars in field (diam 11'), the nearest of which is *16m pos 200.8”, dist 54.8"..."  A sketch was prepared by Joseph Turner (unpublished plate V, figure 43) with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and Pietro Baracchi made a careful observation on 17 Mar 1885.

 

Based on Crossley photographs, Heber Curtis (1918) reported NGC 2440 has "no central star; the strong central masses are nebulous in the shortest exposures.  A very irregular and patchy oval; main portion 54"x20" in pa 37”, with a faint extension at east, north of the middle."

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NGC 2441 = UGC 4036 = MCG +12-08-015 = CGCG 331-017 = PGC 22031

07 51 54.8 +73 00 55; Cam

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (2/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse.  Only a very weak concentration.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2441 = T VI-1 on 8 Aug 1882 with the 9.4-inch "Amici II" refractor (this was his only discovery with the small refractor).  He reported a "Weak Neb III class but 1' dia. Found on the terrace with Amici II and seen again on 9 Aug with Amici I; bright III class."  His position is off by a few arc minutes too far southeast, but this is the only nearby candidate.

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NGC 2442 = NGC 2443 = ESO 059-008 = AM 0736-692 = LGG 147-003 = PGC 21373 = Meat-hook Galaxy

07 36 23.9 -69 31 48; Vol

V = 10.4;  Size 5.5'x4.9';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

25" (4/1/19 and 4/2/19 - OzSky): at 244x; the prominent northern spiral arm appeared slightly brighter at the crook of the arm where it bends dramatically to the west.  This knot is catalogued in NED as [SD93] 38 and 39, from a 1993 paper by SŽrsic and Donzelli, "The southern barred spiral NGC 2442".  A faint star is situated right at the eastern edge of this glow. The southwest end of the galaxy appeared patchy with a couple of subtly brighter knots, probably [SD93] 16 and 18.  Overally, NGC 2442 is quite an impressive and unusual galaxy!

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I was amazed how prominent the sweeping spiral arms appeared at 260x giving a stunning "S" appearance.  The main bar of the galaxy is fairly bright and extended ~2:1 in a SW to NE orientation with a length of ~3'.  The bar has just a weak, broad concentration with no real core but it rises sharply at the center to a very small, brighter nucleus.  The main arm is attached at the northeast end of the bar and extends a short distance in that direction before dramatically bending sharply to the west (turning nearly 150”) and extending ~3.5' in length towards a mag 12.9 star.  At the NW end this well-defined arm fades and broadens a little, terminating just SE of the 13th magnitude star.  At the SW end of the bar, a thick arm emerges extending to the SW where it more gently curves around towards the east while fanning out.  This arm is not as sharply defined as the inside (east) portion of the curve blends with a diffuse glow extending from the bar.  The total distance between the tips of the arms spans nearly 5'.  In the same field 10' ENE lies ESO 059-011 and NGC 2534 is 16' NNW.  The field also includes a number of mag 9 to 11 stars that frame the galaxy.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 127x (20mm Nagler), the main body of this unusual galaxy appeared as a fairly faint, large, thick "bar" with just a weak concentration except for an extremely small bright core. On the NE end of the bar, a faint "arm" emerged at a sharp angle towards the NW.  The contrast was improved at 212x and the brighter arm was easier to view, extending at nearly a right angle to the main body and curving towards the west on the north side.  On the SW end a broad but short low surface brightness extension was visible bending towards the SE.  The main bar was elongated 2:1 SW-NE, roughly 3'x1.5', but the thick outer arm significantly increased the size to ~4.5'x2'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2442 = h3097 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "A double nebula; very large; very faint; position of centres = 40”; diameter 4' and 3' running together, and having a star 13th magnitude at their junction." In his 2nd (of 4 sweeps) he called it "faint, very large, much elongated, very suddenly a little brighter to the middle, to a star 13th mag, like a very faint atmosphere, about a nucleus 3.5' long, 1.5' broad; pos of its extension = 39.8. I think it has some sort of hooked appendage."  The "hooked appendage" (NGC 2443) is the prominent arm on the north side (attached at the northeast end of the bar)!

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NGC 2443 = NGC 2442 = ESO 059-008 = PGC 21373 = Meat-hook Galaxy

07 36 23.9 -69 31 48; Vol

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This number refers to the prominent arm attached at the NE end of the bar.  This arm extends a short distance in that direction before dramatically bending sharply to the west (turning nearly 150”) and extending ~3.5' in length towards a mag 12.9 star.  At the NW end this well-defined arm fades and broadens a little, terminating just SE of the mag 13 star. See NGC 2442 for full description of the galaxy.

 

20" f/5 (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This is the NE portion or NE spiral arm of NGC 2442.  At 127x (20 Nagler), on the NE end of the bar, a faint "arm" emerged at a sharp angle towards the NW.  The contrast was improved at 212x and the brighter arm was easier to view, extending at nearly a right angle to the main body and curving towards the east on the north side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2443 = h3097 on 23 Dec 1834.  In sweep 523, he described a "double nebula, vL, vF, position of centres = 40 deg, diameters 4' and 3' running together and having a star 13m at their junction."  JH assigned two GC designations for the double nebula (GC 1568 and 1569) and they received two NGC designations, NGC 2442 and NGC 2443, although the latter number refers to the massive spiral arm on the northeast side of NGC 2442.

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NGC 2444 = Arp 143 NED1 = Arp 143:C1 = VV 117a = UGC 4016 = MCG +07-16-016 = CGCG 206-024 = PGC 21774

07 46 53.0 +39 01 55; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (4/5/13): NGC 2444 is the northwest component of a remarkable interacting system with the multi-component ring galaxy NGC 2445.  At 488x it appeared bright, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very high surface brightness nucleus ~12"-15" diameter.  NGC 2445, directly southeast has 6 components, the nearest being VV 117b, just 0.6' SSE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): forms an interacting double ring system with NGC 2445.  Both appear as two nearly stellar knots oriented NNW (NGC 2444) and SSE (NGC 2445) with a separation of 1.0', surrounded by faint halo which may merge.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2444 = St VIIIb-22 on 18 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2445.  His position matches the northwest component of UGC 4016.

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NGC 2445 = Arp 143 NED2 = VV 117e = UGC 4017 = MCG +07-16-017 = CGCG 206-024 = PGC 21776

07 46 55.1 +39 00 54; Lyn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 15”

 

48" (4/5/13): this remarkable ring galaxy forms an interacting pair with NGC 2444, just 1' N.  At 488x, it was resolved into six components -- the bright ring nucleus and five very small HII regions which are roughly equally spaced around the nucleus (separations between 25" and 42").  The four closest (VV 117b, 117e, 117f, 117g) form a very small square with the nucleus at the center!  The nucleus appears moderately bright to fairly bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 15" diameter.  The five HII regions are within an irregular, triangular glow, ~1.5' diameter.

 

VV 117b is at the northern end of NGC 2445, just 27" N of the nucleus and 36" SSE of NGC 2444.  It appeared very faint, very small, round, 8" diameter.  VV 117f is situated 25" W of the nucleus and appeared very faint to faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  VV 117h is at the SW corner (42" SW of the nucleus) and was the faintest of the 5 knots surrounding the nucleus.  It appeared extremely faint and small, round, just 5" diameter.  VV 117e is at the east end (35" E of the nucleus) and appeared very faint to faint, very small, irregularly round, ~12" diameter.

 

Finally, VV 117g is at the southeast corner, 30" S of the nucleus, and appeared fairly faint, very small, round, high surface brightness, 12" diameter. This object was the brightest of 5 "knots" surrounding the nucleus, although on the SDSS it appears to be an HII region attached to a foreground star, which certainly contributed to its brightness.  In the 2009 Madore "Atlas and Catalogue of Collisional Ring Galaxies" VV 117g is identified as the second collider (C2).

 

13.1" (1/18/85): this is the SE component of a double galaxy with NGC 2444.  Both appear as two nearly stellar knots oriented NNW (NGC 2444) and SSE (NGC 2445) with a separation of 1.0', surrounded by faint halo which may merge.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2445 = St VIIIb-23 on 18 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2444.  His position matches the southeast component of UGC 4016.

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NGC 2446 = UGC 4027 = MCG +09-13-058 = CGCG 262-030 = PGC 21860

07 48 39.2 +54 36 42; Lyn

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Unusual appearance as cradled by several stars including a mag 12 star at the west end, two mag 13 stars at the east end and close NW and a mag 15 star is superimposed.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2446 = h465 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and recorded "four small stars in a semicircle, within whose concavity there is a F nebulosity, which I am pretty sure is real."  His position and description matches UGC 4027.  R.J. Mitchell, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 11 Jan 1856 logged "pF, lE?, bM."  His sketch show the 3 nearby brighter stars.

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NGC 2447 = M93 = ESO 493-7 = Cr 160

07 44 29 -23 51 12; Pup

V = 6.2;  Size 22'

 

18" (3/2/08): very easy with any optical aid (at the threshold of naked-eye visibility) with a few of the brighter stars resolved in 15x50 IS binoculars.  The cluster is fairly well resolved at 25x in the 80mm finder.  The central region is superb in the 18" at 175x (13mm Ethos) with ~100 stars resolved in the 10' region and richest in the core.  Appears fully resolved into mag 10-14 stars.  A small, near parallelogram of 4 stars (sides ~40"x20") stands out near the center with numerous fainter stars nearby.  The brightest star on the SW side of the cluster is a nice, unequal double (ARA 2066 = 8.3/11.3 at 10"). 

 

13.1" (3/24/84): about 60 stars, bright, large, pretty rich.  Contains a tight quadrilateral near the center with three faint companions. 

 

8" (3/24/84): bright, very rich, triangular-shape, pretty compact, excellent field.

 

Charles Messier discovered M93 = NGC 2447 = h3098 on 20 Mar 1781.  Caroline Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 26 Feb 1783 and recorded "Nebula, about 1 1/4 deg north preceding the bright star in the Ship [or more exactly] preceding the 1st Navis [Puppis] towards 23 Canis Majoris. My Brother examined it with [magnification] 460 and found not less than 20 stars, with 227 above 40. with a compound eyepiece perhaps 100 and 150 very beautiful, nothing nebulous among them. Messier has it not."  Owen Gingerich determined that the reference to 1 (Rho) Navis, should read 7 (Zeta) Navis.  Observing from the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel noted "A fine cluster, scarcely scattered, pretty rich, not much more comp[ressed]. M [toward the middle]. Nearly fills field. Stars 8....13 m."

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NGC 2448 = ESO 493-008

07 44 57 -24 40 30; Pup

 

18" (3/13/04): at 115x, this is a fairly distinctive 15' elongated group with mag 5.6 HD 62747 near the geometric center.  The stars are arranged in a concave star chain extended E-W opening towards the north with the mag 5.6 star just a couple of arc minutes north of the center of the arc.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2448 = h466 on 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317) and reported "a *8m followed by a poor cl of 18-20 st, 11...13m."  His position is less than 1' south of mag 5.6 HD 62747.  This bright star is surrounded by a several brighter stars, mostly on the following side (at the position given by Harold Corwin).  RNGC classifies this asterism (not a true cluster) as nonexistent.

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NGC 2449 = UGC 4026 = MCG +05-19-007 = CGCG 148-020 = WBL 152-003 = PGC 21802

07 47 20.4 +26 55 49; Gem

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 137”

 

24" (2/16/15): at 300x and 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  Contains low surface brightness extensions (arms) extending ~40"x20" and a sharply defined oval core 25"x12".  A mag 14.7 star is just off the west side [34" from center] and a mag 15.5 is off the southwest side [35" from center].

 

NGC 2449 is the brightest member of a small group (WBL 152) with NGC 2450 6' NNE, IC 476 1.5' NW and IC 2205 7' SW.  IC 476 appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~15"x12" diameter.  It required averted vision but could hold steadily.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2450 6.0' NNE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2449 = St VI-9 on 18 Jan 1874.  His position matches UGC 4026.

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NGC 2450 = MCG +05-19-008 = CGCG 148-022 = WBL 152-004 = PGC 21807

07 47 32.3 +27 01 09; Gem

V = 14.6;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 156”

 

24" (2/14/15): at 300x and 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2'.  Brighter along a thin strip of the major axis.  A mag 14.6 star is close off the northwest edge.  Last of a 12' quartet (WBL 152) with IC 2205, NGC 2449 and IC 476.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, very elongated NNW-SSE.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the NW edge 0.5' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2449 6.0' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2450 = St IX-12 on 8 Feb 1878.  His position matches CGCG 148-022 = PGC 21807.

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NGC 2451 = Cr 161 = ESO 311-008

07 45 15 -37 58 06; Pup

V = 2.8;  Size 45'

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very bright scattered group of stars including yellow mag 3.6 c Puppis and about 10 bright stars.  This naked-eye cluster appears very large but lacking in faint stars.  Recent research shows this is a random grouping and not a cluster.

 

8" (3/28/81): very bright, very large, very scattered, includes mag 4 c Puppis.  Resolved in 8x50 finder.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2451 = h3099 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "The chief star (4th mag) of an orange colour, of a very large and very diffused cluster of large stars, too loose to be a fit object for the ordinary magnifying power."  His position matches mag 3.6 HD 63032.  Giovanni Hodierna possibly made the original discovery around 1654 though it was not included in his catalog.

 

NGC 2451 consists of NGC 2451A and B, two young open clusters (50-80 million years) projected on each other along the same line of sight at distances of ~600 and 1200 light years, respectively.

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NGC 2452 = PK 243-1.1 = ESO 493-11 = PN G243.3-01.0

07 47 26.2 -27 20 08; Pup

V = 11.9;  Size 31"x24"

 

18" (3/2/08): very interesting bipolar appearance at 450x.  Appears elongated N-S, ~30"x22", with brighter lobes and rims on the north and south ends.  The center appears slightly darker and pinched in.  The small open cluster NGC 2453 lies 7' N.  This may be a very rare planetary physically related to an open cluster.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): at 380x this is a moderately bright, fairly small but interesting planetary.  Appears elongated N-S, ~30"x20" with an irregular surface brightness and a slightly darker center or a darker spot.  The halo appears brighter at the north and south ends giving a slightly bipolar appearance with the impression of two lobes diminishing in brightness in the center.  A faint mag 14.5 star is just off the north edge. Located 8' S of open cluster NGC 2453.

 

13" (3/24/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, no interior star visible.  Located 6' S of open cluster NGC 2453.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2452 = h3100 on 1 Feb 1837 and described as "An object whose nature I cannot make out. It is certainly not a star, nor a close double star; but it is not round, and I should call it an oblong planetary nebula, by reason of its decidedly marked though somewhat dim outline, were there not some suspicion of its being double, as if a very close and highly condensed double nebula. It is very small and rather faint, 8" long, 5" broad, and equals a star of 10th mag. In a field with at least 60 or 80 stars [NGC 2453], all sharp and well defined but this.  Four nights later he recorded "Planetary nebula. In a field with, and south of a cluster, and on a rich ground is the undefined object of Sweep 769. It is no doubt a very faint, small, round planetary nebula..."

 

A lithograph was prepared based on a sketch by Joseph Turner using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate V, figure 44) but his drawing was never published.

 

Based on a Crossley photograph at Lick Observatory, Curtis (1918) reported "there is probably a faint central star, not brighter than mag 19.  Extreme length about 22" in pa 85” the centers of the bright lateral lobes are 11" apart.  In this exposure time the object has much the appearance of a reversed letter Z."  Based on radial velocity, NGC 2452 is in the foreground of open cluster NGC 2453.

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NGC 2453 = Cr 162 = ESO 493-012

07 47 34 -27 11 42; Pup

V = 8.3;  Size 5'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 220x appears as a fairly rich group of two dozen stars in a 3' clump, just SE of a mag 9.5 star (HD 63360).  The densest section is a 1' knot on the SE side with a mag 11 star on its south edge.  Shares the same field with planetary NGC 2452, located 7' SSW.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): at 220x, this is a small but dense open cluster with about two dozen stars resolved in a 3' region with a mag 9.5 star (HD 63360) at the NW edge.  A very rich 1' clump of mag 12-13 stars is on the SE side with a mag 11.5 star at the south tip of this clump.  Two mag 10 stars are 3' S and 3' SE of the central group.  Planetary nebula NGC 2452 is in the field 8' SSW making for an interesting pair.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): about a dozen stars resolved in a compact 2.5' cluster including three mag 9.5-10 stars.  The brightest mag 9.5 star is at the NW edge.  There is one dense, partially resolved clump.  Planetary nebula NGC 2452 lies 6' SSW.  Clouds may have interfered with the observation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2453 = h3101 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "a small but condensed cluster, Class VII. Pretty rich. Dia 3'. [This is the cluster referred to, as in the field with the Planetary Nebula (NGC 2452).]"

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NGC 2454 = UGC 4053 = MCG +03-20-015 = CGCG 087-044 = PGC 21963

07 50 35.0 +16 22 07; Gem

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 101”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, small bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 40" S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2454 = St VI-10 on 19 Jan 1874.  His position matches UGC 4053.

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NGC 2455 = Cr 163 = Mel 77

07 48 59 -21 18 00; Pup

Size 8'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, this is a fairly rich group of ~45 stars, mostly mag 12.5-13.5, situated ~7' W of mag 8 HD 63719.  Most distinctive is a 6' string of stars oriented NW-SE on the west side of the cluster.  Shorter strings with a similar orientation are in the center and east side.  Appears fully resolved.  Further west is a larger, brighter but more scattered grouping in a triangular arrangement (no catalogue designation) and my observation from 19 Jan 1991 appears to describe this group.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): about two dozen stars in a fairly large scattered group.  Consists mostly of brighter mag 10-12 which are aligned in two perpendicular rows oriented E-W and N-S.  Although the stars are fairly bright the cluster does not stand out as located in very rich field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2455 = h3102 on 15 Feb 1836 and recorded "Irregular cluster, p Rich, not much compressed middle, 10', stars 12m nearly equal.  General middle taken."  His position corresponds with the group at my position.

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NGC 2456 = UGC 4073 = MCG +09-13-082 = CGCG 262-044 = PGC 22129

07 54 10.6 +55 29 43; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad mild concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2457 5' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2456 = h467 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and recorded "vF; R; vgbM; and losing itself imperceptibly."  His position is at the south edge of UGC 4073 = PGC 22129.

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NGC 2457 = MCG +09-13-086 = CGCG 262-046 = PGC 22161

07 54 45.7 +55 32 48; Lyn

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 131”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 2456 5' WSW.  Two extremely faint companions 1.2' E and 3' NNE were not seen.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2457 on 10 Mar 1874 with the 72" at Birr Castle during an observation of NGC 2456.  He described (with respect to NGC 2456) "F, pL, R, Pos 54.8”, dist 339" [or 32.9s f, 195.4" n].  About 3' n of the nova there seemed to be another vF neb.  Telescope now at the limit of its range."  Copeland's micrometric offset matches CGCG 262-046 = PGC 22161 and 3' north there is a nebula -- MCG +09-13-089 = PGC 22172, which should have received an NGC designation.

 

MCG and PGC (as well as Megastar, etc) misidentify MCG +09-13-087 = PGC 22171 as NGC 2457.  This galaxy is just 1.2' following the NGC 2457, though it was not seen by Copeland.  See Corwin's identification comments.

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NGC 2458 = MCG +10-12-016 = PGC 22220

07 55 51.4 +56 42 38; Lyn

V = 14.5;  Size 0.15'x0.15';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 158”

 

24" (1/25/14): faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star lies 35" SW.  Located 4.8' ENE of a mag 10.5 star and second in a string of 6 faint galaxies (several of which have identification problems).  This galaxy is identified as NGC 2461 in many sources.  PGC 22191 lies 2.8' NW.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): not found.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2458 = Big. 29 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced.  John Herschel added 8 additional entries in the GC, as h469 (later NGC 2463) and H III-836 = h470 (later NGC 2469) were previously discovered, but was unable to provide specific coordinates for these 8 objects.  Harold Corwin notes that Stoney likely observed only the 6 brightest galaxies in this region, so 4 of his objects are probably single stars or asterisms.

 

Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning positions and descriptions ("vF,*12 close").  Bigourdan's position is 23 sec of RA west of MCG +10-12-016 = PGC 22220 and this galaxy has a mag 12-13 star just 35" SW, matching his description.  RNGC, PGC and LEDA (as well as Megastar, etc) misidentify this galaxy as NGC 2461.  NED does not assign a NGC designation to PGC 22220.  As this is one of the brighter galaxies, it's reasonable to equate NGC 2458 with= PGC 22220.

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NGC 2459

07 52 02.8 +09 33 27; CMi

 

17.5" (2/22/03): this very small group of 5 faint mag 14-15 stars within 30" was just resolved at 220x .  At low power it appeared like a nebulous spot.  Although this may be a multiple star, it's likely just a compact asterism.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2459 = H III-479 = h468 on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 494) and noted "suspected. eF, vS, lE, but may be a deception."  John Herschel observed it on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) as "a large group of small stars which has a nebulous look, and perhaps there may be neb among them.  No other near."  On a later sweep he wrote "a small group of stars; with attention counted 5 with power 320; form a neb group 20" diameter.

 

This asterism was observed 6 times at Birr Castle and last noted by Dreyer as a "vs Cl of 5 st, no neby seen."  Dreyer also added a note in the IC 1 that "No nebulosity, only a couple of faint stars seen by Spitaler."  Karl Reinmuth described the photographic appearance in "Die Herschel-Nebel" as "a small group of 5 stars 13.7...15.5" and Harold Corwin agrees with this description.

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NGC 2460 = UGC 4097 = MCG +10-12-021 = CGCG 287-010 = PGC 22270

07 56 52.4 +60 20 58; Cam

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (1/11/86): moderately bright, fairly small, bright core, diffuse halo, slightly elongated SW-NE.  Forms a (probably interacting) pair with IC 2209 5' SW.  Using averted vision the IC appeared very faint, diffuse, small, weak concentration.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2460 = T VI-3 on 11 Aug 1882 and recorded a "small nebula II-III class, round, with star in the middle; repeatedly seen."  His position is just 7 tsec E and 1.5' N of UGC 4097.

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NGC 2461 = Holm 88a

07 56 26.4 +56 40 24; Lyn

 

= *, Corwin.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2461 = Big. 30 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced.  John Herschel added an entry to the GC (1582) but without specific coordinates.  So, Stoney's specific object is unknown.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's later observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*13 slightly nebulous").  His relative position from NGC 2462 = Big. 31 points to a single mag 15 star (given here) 1.2' SW of NGC 2462.

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NGC 2462 = MCG +10-12-024 = CGCG 287-009 = Holm 88a = PGC 22259

07 56 32.1 +56 41 14; Lyn

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 155”

 

24" (1/25/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 20"x15", weak concentration to the center.  NGC 2463 lies 5.5' ESE.  Located 11' N of mag 6.7 HD 64347.  Third in a 25' E-W string of 6 galaxies (nearly equally spaced).

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very weak concentration.  Located 10' N of mag 6.5 SAO 64347.  First of four on a line with NGC 2463 5.6' E.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2462 = Big. 31 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced.  John Herschel added an entry to the GC (1583) to represent this "knot" but without specific coordinates.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("vF, vS, vlbM").  Bigourdan's position is  21 sec of RA east and 1' S of MCG +10-12-024 = PGC 22259.  His position actually falls closer to NGC 2463 = h469, but since that galaxy was also seen by Bigourdan, PGC 22259 is the only viable candidate.  CGCG (287-009) misidentifies PGC 22259 as NGC 2461.  See NGC 2461.

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NGC 2463 = MCG +10-12-031 = CGCG 287-013 = PGC 22291

07 57 12.5 +56 40 36; Lyn

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, round, small bright core increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  Located 7' W of NGC 2469 in a group of faint galaxies (4th of 6 in a 25' E-W string).  A mag 10.3 star lies 3.2' S.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  In a group with NGC 2462 5.6' W and NGC 2469 8' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2463 = h469 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and recorded "eF; R; the preceding of two [with NGC 2469]."  His position is an exact match with CGCG 287-013 = PGC 22291.  Several of the galaxies in this group have uncertain identifications (see notes for NGC 2458).

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NGC 2464

07 57 32 +56 41 24; Lyn

 

= ***, Corwin.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2464 = Big. 32 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced.  John Herschel added 8 additional entries in the GC (besides h469 (later NGC 2463) and H III-836 (later NGC 2469)), but was unable to provide any specific coordinates.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("pS Cl, st eF, nebulous").  There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a string of three mag 15 stars (within 50" separation) about 2.5' northeast of his position.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2465

07 57 26.1 +56 49 18; Lyn

 

= *, Corwin.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2465 = Big. 33 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. Harold Corwin notes that Stoney likely only observed the 6 brightest galaxies in this region, so 4 of his objects are probably single stars or asterisms.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*, nebulous?").  There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a mag 15 star situated ~5' NNW of the NGC position (perhaps based on a later observation?).  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2466 = ESO 059-018 = PGC 21714

07 45 16.2 -71 24 38; Vol

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.9'x0.8'.  Broad, weak concentration to a very small, brighter core.  The outer halo appeared to change orientation or extent using averted vision (this is a face-on spiral).  Located 1.2” NNE of mag 3.9 Zeta Volantis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2466 = h3104 on 20 Feb 1835 and reported "vF; R; lbM; 25"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2467 = ESO 493-25 = Sh 2-311 = Gum 9 = RCW 16 = Ced 103 = LBN 1065 = LBN 1066 = LBN 1067

07 52 29 -26 25 48; Pup

Size 8'x7'

 

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): bright, large nebulosity at 75x using an OIII filter, ~4-5' diameter, surrounding a mag 8 star (O6-O7V star HD 64315, the ionization source).  The main section is roughly mushroom shaped, extending generally south of the bright star.  The southern border is locally brighter along a strip oriented NW to SE.  There is a sharp light cut-off (apparently due to dust) passing to the north of the central star and oriented E-W.  Faint haze extends ~15' to the east.  To the north, fainter nebulosity extends 12' E-W, and brightens towards the east end at an elongated group of brighter stars (Haffner 18), oriented NW-SE.  Removing the filter, NGC 2467 resides in a gorgeous low power Milky Way field with numerous faint stars peppering the region.

 

17.5" (3/2/02): Using a 31 Nagler at 64x and an OIII filter, this is a prominent 7' nebulosity surrounding a mag 8 star.  A dark lane appears to cut through the nebula from west to east starting NW of the central star.  Fainter nebulosity extends beyond the dark lane but then fades out to the north.  The south and southeast border of the main mass has a bright, distinct edge and the southern border has a small extension on the west edge which hooks towards the NW.

 

A finger of nebulosity extends north from the main body and involves a scattered group of brighter stars. This strip dims but nearly merges with a much larger, elongated mass of fairly faint nebulosity extending NW to SE at a roughly right angle.  This section is ~15' in size with an irregular border that is bounded on the NE side by a string of brighter stars (Haffner 18).  This is a fascinating HII complex to explore in a rich star field!

 

17.5" (1/23/88): at 82x with OIII filter appears as a large, bright, circular nebulosity about 10' diameter.  A mag 7.8 star is involved north of center and several fainter stars are involved.  The nebulosity is brightest along the south side in a strip oriented NW-SE.  A group of brighter stars is NE (Haffner 18).  A separate larger (~15') but fainter section is 10'-15' NE and appears elongated. 

 

8" (3/24/84): fairly bright, moderately large, roughly circular.  A mag 8 star is north of center.  This is a prominent nebulosity even with this aperture.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2467 = H IV-22 = h472 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 333) and recorded (two observations combined) "L, pB, almost R, easily resolvable, 6 to 10' diameter, a faint red colour visible. A star 8 mag not far from the center, but they evidently have no connection together.  By second observation, 9 or 10' diameter."  John Herschel observed it on 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317) and wrote, "a * 9th mag with a W of stars and nebulosity, or ? is not a vF neb about the stars - no red colour seen."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 2467 on 13 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p. 129 on his logbook, unpublished Plate V, figure 45) as an oval shaped nebula to the south of the bright star and brightest along the western side. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 2468 = UGC 4110 = MCG +09-13-095 = CGCG 287-016 = Holm 88b = PGC 22325

07 58 02.4 +56 21 35; Lyn

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 45”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~50"x25", very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.4 star is 1.2' WNW.  NGC 2468 forms a close pair with LEDA 200240, just 30" SSW of center.  The companion appeared very faint and small, 12"-15" diameter and could just be held continuously with averted vision.

 

UGC 4133 and UGC 4134 is another close pair situated 18' due east.  UGC 4134 appeared fairly faint, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~30"x15", nearly even surface brightness.  UGC 4133 = FGC 693 is just 1'NW and was a very faint, superthin streak, ~40"x5" oriented NNW-SSE.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, oval 2:1 SW-NE.  A mag 12 star is off the NW edge 1.2' from center.  Located 15' SE of mag 6.5 SAO 26579.  The NGC 2461-2472 group lies 20' N.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2468 on 1 Jan 1865 and recorded "F, R, lbM. Without doubt one of the LdR nebulae."  See NGC 2458 for some background on the Lord Rosse observations on 20 Feb 1851.  His single position matches UGC 4110 = PGC 22325.

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NGC 2469 = UGC 4111 = MCG +10-12-035 = CGCG 287-017 = WBL 161-003 = PGC 22327

07 58 03.4 +56 40 50; Lyn

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 160”

 

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared moderately bright to fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 36"x28", slightly brighter core, appears mottled.  Located 2.3' SSW of a mag 9.5 star.  5th of 6 galaxies in a 25' E-W string.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE.  A mag 14.5 star is off the NW end 0.8' from center.  Third of three on a line with NGC 2472 6' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2469 = H III-836 = h470 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and recorded "vF, vS, may be a patch of stars."  His position is 12 seconds of time west of UGC 4111 = PGC 22327.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel wrote, "pF; R; 15"; np a *9m which is 2 diameters of neb dist from its centre."  The description is good except the star is northeast.  MCG does label PGC 22327 as NGC 2469.  See Corwin's notes for identification problems on other members of this group.

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NGC 2470 = UGC 4091 = MCG +01-20-009 = CGCG 030-029 = PGC 22137

07 54 20.7 +04 27 35; CMi

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (12/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty edge-on NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 13 star is 0.8' N of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2470 = Sw. V-68 on 24 Oct 1886 and recorded "eF; S; eE; betw 2 stars; 2 other stars preceding form trapezoid."  His position is 6 tsec of RA west of UGC 4091 and his comment "between two stars, 2 other stars preceding form trapezoid" fits perfectly.

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NGC 2471

07 58 33.0 +56 46 34; Lyn

 

= **, Corwin.  =*, Carlson.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2471 = Big. 34 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*13 slightly nebulous?").  There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a faint double star (~16" separation) about 2.5' NW of the NGC position.  Perhaps this is based on a later observation by Bigourdan.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2472 = NGC 2473? = MCG +10-12-039 = CGCG 287-019 = PGC 22364

07 58 41.9 +56 42 04; Lyn

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, visible continuously but low surface brightness and no concentration.  This is the last of 6 galaxies in a 25' E-W string with NGC 2469 5.5' WSW.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 2472 is just an educated guess.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): extremely faint, very small, very low even surface brightness.  Fourth of four on a line with NGC 2469 6' W.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2472 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced but there are 6 galaxies here in shallow arc oriented east-west.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's positions and descriptions for six of these 8 entries, but Bigourdan didn't record an observation for NGC 2472 or 2473, so their coordinates are approximate in the NGC. As a result any assignment is somewhat arbitrary and this number could be considered lost.

 

The CGCG and RNGC identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472 = NGC 2473.  NED and LEDA identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472.  MCG does not label this galaxy with a NGC number.  Although it is uncertain if CGCG287-019 is one of Stoney's "knots", it is comparable to a couple of other very faint ones in the string.  See Harold Corwin's notes for NGC 2469.

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NGC 2473 = (R)NGC 2458 = PGC 22191

07 55 34.8 +56 44 10; Lyn

V = 15.1;  Size 0.3'x0.2';  PA = 80”

 

24" (1/25/14): extremely faint to very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", low even surface brightness.  Located at the west end of a 25' string of 6 galaxies (4 found at Birr Castle), several of which have identification problems).

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2473 on 20 Feb 1851.  The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f."  This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced, but there are 6 galaxies here in shallow arc oriented east-west.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's positions and descriptions for six of these 8 entries, but he did not record NGC 2472 or 2473 so the NGC coordinates are approximate.  As a result any assignment is somewhat arbitrary and this number could be considered lost.

 

RNGC, CGCG, PGC (and software such as Megastar) identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472 = NGC 2473.  Assuming Stoney saw all 6 of the brightest galaxies in this string, Harold Corwin suggests assigning PGC 22191 (which does not have a NGC number) to NGC 2473.  This seems reasonable although the westernmost galaxy in the string then receives the highest NGC number (out of RA order).  PGC 22191 is identified as NGC 2458 in RNGC, PGC and NED and as NGC 2458: = NGC 2473 in LEDA.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 2469.

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NGC 2474 = UGC 4114 = MCG +09-13-096 = CGCG 262-052 = PGC 22321

07 57 58.9 +52 51 26; Lyn

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a double galaxy with NGC 2475 just 21" NE of center.  Located 2.6' SW of a mag 8.8 SAO 26594.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): this is the SW member of a double galaxy with NGC 2475.  Almost stellar, round, faint, NGC 2475 very close NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2474 = H III-830 = h471 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and called it "cF, pS, bM."  His observation probably refers to the brighter northeast component or both were seen but unresolved.  On 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327), John Herschel logged "pF; E; or has a vS star sp and a large [bright] star nf.  Also query if not vS star in centre."  The comment "vS star sp" refers to the fainter southwest component."

 

JH's position (used in the NGC) matches the double system UGC 4114.  But the number has been confused with the nearby planetary JE 1 (Jones-Emberson 1).  This mix-up was resolved in Sky & Telescope, April 1981.

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NGC 2475 = UGC 4114ne = MCG +09-13-097 = CGCG 262-052ne = PGC 22322

07 58 00.4 +52 51 42; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (1/19/91): brighter of a double system with NGC 2474 just 21" SW between centers.  Moderately bright, small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 2474.  Located 2.3' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 26594.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): brightest of double galaxy, moderately bright, small, round.  A mag 9 star is 3' NE.

 

R.J. Mitchell resolved the double system NGC 2474/2475 on 9 Jan 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72".  He recorded "may be a double neb.  I see no star between (as suspected by [JH], but the two almost touch."  JH appears to have resolved the fainter southwest component, but thought it was a star: "vS star sp."  Dreyer assigned the discovery of NGC 2475 to LdR, but NGC 2474 is clearly the fainter component seen by Mitchell.

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NGC 2476 = UGC 4106 = MCG +07-17-003 = CGCG 207-008 = PGC 22260

07 56 45.2 +39 55 40; Lyn

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated halo.  The NGC 2493/NGC 2495 pair lies 40' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2476 = St IX-13 on 23 Feb 1878.  His position matches UGC 4106.

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NGC 2477 = Cr 165 = Mel 78

07 52 10 -38 32 00; Pup

V = 5.8;  Size 27'

 

25" (4/6/19 - OzSky): at 244x; this amazing cluster filled the 25' field from edge to edge!  The central 7' was extremely dense and still very rich all the way out.  There are a couple of dozen 11th mag stars and over 500 stars from mag 12-15.5.  It really looked superb - like an extremely large, loose concentration class, highly resolved globular cluster.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): remarkably rich carpet of mag 11-13 stars at 105x with perhaps 250-300 stars resolved in a 25' field.  The appearance is very similar to a highly resolved globular without a sharply concentrated core.  There are no distinct boundaries as stars loop outside the main group and many stars are arranged in long streamers.  Located roughly 20' N of a mag 4.5 star (HD 64503 = b Puppis).

 

13.1" (12/22/84): superb cluster, over 200 stars resolved in a 25' diameter, very rich in mag 11-14 stars.  Appears similar to NGC 7789 or a rich resolved globular cluster.  Located just north of b Puppis (V = 4.5).  This is one of the top open clusters in the sky despite the very low elevation!

 

8" (3/28/81): beautiful, large cluster, very rich in faint stars mag 11-13 over unresolved haze.  A mag 4 star is at the south edge.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2477 = Lac I-3 = D 535 = h3103  in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He recorded a "large nebula 15' to 20' diameter." James Dunlop described this cluster as "a pretty large faint nebula, easily resolvable into small stars, or rather a cluster of very small stars, with a small faint nebula near the north preceding side, which is rather difficult to resolve into exceedingly small stars. This is probably two clusters or nebula in the same line; the small nebula is probably three times the distance of the large nebula."  Dunlop's position for D 535 is ~12' NW of center of the cluster.

 

John Herschel lists 3 observations in his Cape catalogue: on 1 Feb 1835 he recorded "Cluster 6th class, bright, large, rich, not very highly condensed in the middle. Stars very remarkably equal. All 12 or 13th mag. Very few 14th mag; none 11th mag. A fine object."  On a second sweep he described it as "a very beautiful large cluster, very rich; stars nearly equal, and 12th mag, gbm, not much compressed in the middle; more than fills the field. (N.B. It is visible in the finder of the equatorial, and in the telescope of that instrument appears as a fine cluster."  Finally on his last sweep he described it as a "Superb cluster, gbM, 20' diameter, much more than fills the whole field. Stars 10 and 11th mag all nearly equal."

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NGC 2478 = M47 = NGC 2422

07 36 35 -14 29 00; Pup

 

See observing notes for M47 = NGC 2422.

 

Charles Messier discovered M47 = NGC 2478 on 19 Feb 1771 and recorded a "Cluster of stars a short distance from the preceding [M46]; the stars are brighter; the middle of the cluster was compared with the same star, 2 Navis.  The cluster contains no nebulosity."  There is nothing at his position, but it was assigned GC 1594 and NGC 2478 as placeholders for the missing cluster.  Giovanni Hodierna probably made the first observation of M47 before 1654 and simply recorded "a Nebulosa between the two dogs".

 

In the October 1960 issue of Sky & Tel, Owen Gingrich claims in "The Missing Messier Objects" that Messier apparently switched the signs of his offsets from his comparison star, 2 Navis (now 2 Puppis), and cites articles or notes by Oswald Thomas in 1934 and T. F. Morris in 1959.  Harold Corwin doesn't fully accept this explanation (see his identification notes) as reversing the offset sign doesn't yield a very good match positional match.  In any case, the cluster now taken as M47 was independently discovered by Caroline Herschel on 26 Feb 1783 and observed by William Herschel on 4 Feb 1785.  Herschel catalogued it as H. VIII-38 (later NGC 2422), so it is assumed M47 = NGC 2478 = NGC 2422.  See Corwin's notes for the full story.

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NGC 2479 = Cr 167 = Tr 8 = ESO 561-001

07 55 07 -17 42 48; Pup

Size 7'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, over 80 stars mag 12-14 are resolved in a 9' region with the cluster extended WSW-ENE.  A semi-circular loop of stars is near the center and is open on the east side.  The cluster is ~10' NE of a fairly well matched, bright wide pair (h4015 = 9.1/9.5 at 20").

 

25x80mm (3/2/08): in the finder this cluster appears as a hazy 8' cloud with no resolution

 

13.1" (12/7/85): about 50 faint stars spread out in a 10' diameter over some haze.  Several stars near the center are arranged in a semi-circle open on the east side.  A string of stars trail off to the SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2479 = H VII-58 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and reported "a pretty compressed and rich cluster of small stars, iR, about 7 or 8' diameter."  His position is on the southwest side oft his cluster.

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NGC 2480 = UGC 4116 = MCG +04-19-009 = CGCG 118-026 = Holm 89b = LGG 150-002 = PGC 22289

07 57 10.5 +23 46 46; Gem

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, very elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 2481 1' SE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2480 on 1 Feb 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72".  He described NGC 2481 as a "F ray with pB nucleus. There is np this a companion neb vvF, elongated as in diagram. star at Alpha, suspected another at Beta."   The sketch clearly identifies NGC 2480 = UGC 4116, although no coordinates or offsets were given by Mitchell.  UGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2481.

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NGC 2481 = UGC 4118 = MCG +04-19-010 = CGCG 118-027 = Holm 89a = PGC 22292

07 57 13.7 +23 46 04; Gem

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2480 1' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2481 = H II-302 = h473 on 28 Feb 1785 (sweep 374) and called it "pF, vS, bM, easily resolvable."  On 20 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) he noted "F, pL, irr elongated."  UGC has a typo and calls this galaxy NGC 2482.

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NGC 2482 = Cr 166 = ESO 494-003

07 55 09 -24 15 00; Pup

V = 7.3;  Size 12'

 

18" (3/2/08): distinctive group of 80-100 stars at 175x in a 10'-12' field.  A long, rich string of stars oriented NW-SE passes through the middle of the cluster with arms or sprays of stars extending outwards from this string.  The stars are fairly evenly distributed and similar in magnitude with several close doubles.  A mag 8 star (HD 64820) is off the west side of the cluster.

 

13.1" (12/7/85): about 50 stars mag 10-14 in cluster.  The bright stars from a "Y" asterism.  Located 1.5” ENE of Xi Puppis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2482 = H VII-10 = h474 = h3106 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "a cluster of scattered stars, the stars nearly of a size, more than 15' diam, but not compressed."  On 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) he noted "a L cluster of scattered stars, considerably rich and compressed; my field is too small to determine the extent of it." Observing from the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel reported "a very rich milky way cluster, or mass of stars, 10, 11 and 12th mag, diameter 20'. The neighbourhood is rich, but much less so than this cluster."  His position is a couple of arcmin south of center.

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NGC 2483 = ESO 430-002 = OCL-677

07 55 39 -27 53 12; Pup

V = 7.6;  Size 10'

 

18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~60 stars are resolved, many in a long WNW to ESE chain extending to the NW of the central core of the cluster.  Near the SE end of the string is a trio of stars and a wide, equal mag pair.  Extending from this pair are two additional strings to the SW and towards the east.

 

17.5" (3/7/92): scattered group of 30 stars mag 9-14 in 10' diameter.  Contains mag 8.9 SAO 174829 and a mag 10 star at the east end with 2.5' separation NW-SE.  Most of the member stars are arranged in two well-defined intersecting lanes oriented SW-NE and NW-SE.  There are no dense areas or prominent double stars.

 

25x80mm (3/2/08): easily visible as a hazy cloud with several faint stars superimposed.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2483 = h3105 on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "Cluster 8th class. Large; loose and straggling.  A milky way cluster."  His position is about 1 min of RA west of this cluster.

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NGC 2484 = UGC 4125 = MCG +06-18-004 = CGCG 178-011 = PGC 22350

07 58 28.1 +37 47 11; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just 40" off the SW edge and 0.8' from the center.  The distance of this galaxy is ~600 million l.y.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2484 = St XIII-34 on 21 Jan 1885.  His position matches UGC 4125.

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NGC 2485 = UGC 4112 = MCG +01-21-001 = CGCG 031-003 = PGC 22266

07 56 48.7 +07 28 40; CMi

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse halo.  A mag 13 star is 0.6' S of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2485 = m 107 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "neb *12."  His position matches UGC 4112 = PGC 22266.

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NGC 2486 = UGC 4123 = MCG +04-19-011 = CGCG 118-029 = Holm 90b = LGG 152-002 = PGC 22317

07 57 56.5 +25 09 39; Gem

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 2487 5' ESE and member of a small group (LGG 152) with NGC 2498.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2486 = m 108 on 25 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2487) with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, psbM."  His position is 2' north of UGC 4123 = PGC 22317 (same offset as NGC 2487).

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NGC 2487 = UGC 4126 = MCG +04-19-012 = CGCG 118-030 = Holm 90a = LGG 152-003 = PGC 22343

07 58 20.4 +25 08 57; Gem

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, moderately large, 2' diameter oval, broad concentration.  A mag 10.5 is 20" off the south edge and 1.3' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2486 5' WNW and member of a small group (LGG 152) with NGC 2498.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2487 = m 109 on 25 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2486) with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, gbM."  His position is 2' north of UGC 4126 = PGC 22343 (same offset as NGC 2487).

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NGC 2488 = UGC 4161 = MCG +09-13-109 = CGCG 287-029 = PGC 22520

08 01 45.8 +56 33 13; Lyn

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, bright core.  UGC 4164, situated 6' NNE, appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2488 = H III-837 = h475 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called "eF, vS."  His position was 1' SSW of UGC 4161 = PGC 22520.  Auwers' reduction, though, gave a difference of 10' in dec; the same as NGC 2469 = H III-836, NGC 2497 = III-838, NGC 2505 = III-839 and NGC 2534 = III-840 on this sweep.  On 9 Feb 1831, John Herschel wrote "vF; R; glbM; 15 arcseconds." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2489 = Cr 169 = Mel 79 = Lund 408

07 56 16 -30 03 54; Pup

V = 7.9;  Size 8'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): about 50 stars in a 8' diameter.  Rich in mag 11-14 stars.  A richer group of stars is at the center surrounded by a larger incomplete ring of stars.  Located 13' N of mag 6.3 PX Puppis (6.3-6.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2489 = H VII-23 = h479 = h3107 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 501) and reported "a compressed cluster of pretty large stars, considerably rich."  This cluster was probably first discovered by James Dunlop on 28 May 1826 and logged as "a cluster of small stars, of an irregular round figure, with faint nebula, easily resolvable. The 257 Argus is south following."  His position for D 626 is 30' WNW of center, but despite the poor position the description is reasonable.

 

JH observed the cluster from the Cape of Good Hope on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "A round, pretty compressed cluster of stars 11..13th mag; 6th or 7th class; gradually brighter in the middle, pretty rich, 7' diameter."  On a second sweep he wrote "Cluster 7th class. Round, 5' diameter, stars 12th mag."

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NGC 2490 = MCG +05-19-027 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22382

07 59 17.9 +27 04 40; Gem

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is just 0.7' E.  Located 4.0' NW of brighter NGC 2492.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2490 on 14 Feb 1857 with Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded "I suspect Alpha to be h477 [NGC 2492], F, S, R, lbM.  Beta is a vS, F patch, a star following closely."  The sketch and description clearly established Beta as NGC 2490 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22382.  On 14 Feb 1877, Dreyer recorded "vF, vS, R, *13m 1' foll.  Pos 320.6”, Dist 243.7" [from NGC 2492].

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NGC 2491 = CGCG 031-007 = PGC 22353

07 58 27.4 +07 59 02; CMi

V = 15.1;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 78”

 

24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.7' SW NGC 2496.  A mag 11 star is 2.8' NW and a similar star is 2.4' NE.

 

24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared very faint to faint, small, elongated 4:3, 20"x15", low even surface brightness.  Located 3.7' SW of much brighter NGC 2491.  PGC 1335584, an extremely faint galaxy (V = 16.5), was just glimpsed 1.4' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2491 = Sw. III-37 on 15 Nov 1885 (along with NGC 2496) with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeeF; pS; iR; B* nr W; sp of 2 [with NGC 2496]; e diff.".  His position is ~1.5' NW of CGCG 031-007, which the CGCG, RNGC and PGC have adopted as NGC 2491.  There is a mag 11 star 2.8' NW, which could be the "B[right] * nr W", though a similar star is also 2.4' NE.  The IC 2 has a note from Herbert Howe that "only a few stars 14 mag. The "B *" is 10 mag."

 

Harold Corwin notes there are two brighter galaxies 10' N (CGCG 031-005 and CGCG 031-008) which would have been in Swift's field though neither of these have bright stars preceding (nor are they south-preceding NGC 2496).  But CGCG 031-007 is quite faint to have been noticed by Swift, so this identification is uncertain.

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NGC 2492 = UGC 4138 = MCG +05-19-028 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22397

07 59 29.7 +27 01 35; Gem

V = 12.7;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2490 4.0' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2492 = h477 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and logged "vF; S; R; bM."  His position matches UGC 4138.  Dorothy Carlson misidentified NGC 2492 as a star in her 1949 list of NGC Corrections.

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NGC 2493 = UGC 4150 = MCG +07-17-007 = CGCG 207-014 = Holm 91a = PGC 22447

08 00 23.7 +39 49 49; Lyn

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo gradually increases to a small bright core.  Located 9' SW of mag 7.6 SAO 42123.  Forms a close pair with a dim galaxy NGC 2495 1.8' ENE.  This galaxy forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 9.5 star 5' WNW and a mag 10 star 4.5' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2493 = H III-750 = h476 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM."   His position matches UGC 4150 = PGC 22447.  John Herschel recorded on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "pB even though there is moon enough to see the wires well.  R; gb and then sbM; 20"."

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NGC 2494 = IC 487 = UGC 4141 = MCG +00-21-001 = CGCG 003-002 = PGC 22377

07 59 07.0 -00 38 17; Mon

V = 13.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, fairly small, bright core.  A nice triple star lies 4' ESE; the closer components are mag 11/12 with separation 19".

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2494 = m 110 on 6 Feb 1864 and noted "F, S, lE."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of RA east is UGC 4141.  Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 3 Feb 1888, assumed it was new and reported it in his 7th discovery list as VII-10 (later IC 487).  So, NGC 2494 = IC 487 with priority to Marth.  UGC, MCG and CGCG label this galaxy IC 487 because of the positional match.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2495 = MCG +07-17-008 = CGCG 207-016 = Holm 91b = Mrk 383 = PGC 22457

08 00 33.2 +39 50 23; Lyn

V = 15.2;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (2/24/90): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 14.5 is off the east edge 24" from center.  Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 2493 1.8' WSW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2495 on 14 Feb 1855 as the assistant on Lord Rosse's 72".  While observing NGC 2493, he noted "a faint star precedes, a nebulous knot follows 2' or 3' dist."  Just 2.0' ENE of the center of NGC 2493 is CGCG 207-016 = PGC 22457, the galaxy assumed to be NGC 2495.  On 5 Mar 1867, though, the description reads "eF, R, bM [referring to NGC 2493, presumably], neb north-following is eF, difficult, Pos 54”, Dist 12".  Either this observation refers to a different object, or there was an error in recording the distance (likely).  The sketch is a good match with the pair of galaxies except there is no star to the west and Harold Corwin mentions problems with the descriptions (including the position angle). He questions if the Lord Rosse assistants were observing a different field (on at least 1 or 2 of the 4 observations).

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NGC 2496 = UGC 4127 = MCG +01-21-002 = CGCG 031-009 = PGC 22359

07 58 37.4 +08 01 45; CMi

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 2”

 

24" (1/31/14): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, fairly high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center but no distinct nucleus or zones.  A mag 14 star is 35" W of center. NGC 2491 lies 3.7' SW.

 

24" (1/25/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~25"x18", weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 33" W of center and a mag 11 star is 2' S.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 30" W.  Forms a pair with NGC 2491 4' SW (not seen).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2496 = Sw. III-38 on 15 Nov 1885 (along NGC 2491) using the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pS, R, lbM, * close foll, nf of 2".  His position matches UGC 4127 = PGC 22359, although the "* close foll" probably refers is a mag 14 star 35" preceding the center.

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NGC 2497 = UGC 4168 = MCG +10-12-061 = CGCG 287-032 = WBL 167-003 = PGC 22547

08 02 11.0 +56 56 32; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, extremely small, round, stellar nucleus stands out with direct vision.  Located 6' E of mag 8.6 SAO 26621.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2497 = H III-838 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called "eF, vS."  According to CH's offset, his position is just 12 sec of RA too small.  MCG does not label this galaxy (MCG +10-12-061) as NGC 2497 and MCG +10-12-064 is misidentified as possibly NGC 2497.

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NGC 2498 = UGC 4142 = MCG +04-19-015 = CGCG 118-034 = LGG 152-004 = PGC 22403

07 59 38.8 +24 58 56; Gem

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, small bright core, elongated NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 2486 lies 20' NW.  Member of a small group (LGG 152).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2498 = St XIII-35 on 19 Jan 1885.  His position matches UGC 4142 = PGC 22403.

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NGC 2499 = MCG +01-21-003 = CGCG 031-011 = PGC 22366

07 58 51.7 +07 29 36; CMi

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (3/7/92): very faint, very small, round.  Located 2' N of mag 8.9 SAO 26621.  Two mag 10/11 stars are 1.8' S and 2.8' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2499 = m 111 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, pS, iR." His position matches CGCG 031-011 = PGC 22366.

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NGC 2500 = UGC 4165 = MCG +09-13-110 = CGCG 262-062 = PGC 22525

08 01 53.1 +50 44 15; Lyn

V = 11.6;  Size 2.9'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, fairly large, almost round, mottled, weak concentration.  Situated midway between a mag 12 star 1.9' NE and a mag 10.5 star 1.7' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2500 = H III-709 = h478 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "vF, R, vgbM; about 2 1/2 minutes in diameter."  A later observation says "I can perceive some of the stars." This is a mottled face-on spiral, so this created the impression of resolving some stars.

 

On 1 Feb 1851, Lord Rosse "saw stars in it and suspected at one time a curvilinear arrangement.  On later observations spiral structure was suspected and sketches (by R.J. Mitchell and Samuel Hunter) reasonably capture the spiral structure, although they were not certain.  In addition a couple of HII knots on the preceding side were apparently noticed.

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NGC 2501 = MCG -02-21-002 = PGC 22354

07 58 30.0 -14 21 16; Pup

V = 13.7;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core, stands out well in rich Milky Way field.  Situated only 8” from the galactic equator.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2501 = h3108 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "F, R, gbM, 30", in a field full of stars." On a later sweep he called it "pF, lE, in parallel; glbM, 25"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 2502 = ESO 209-008 = PGC 22210

07 55 51.5 -52 18 25; Car

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 126”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  Well concentrated with a very bright 30" core that dominates the galaxy.  The outer halo or arms are much fainter and could be easily missed but extend to 1.2'x0.8'.  Forms the NW vertex of a triangle with two mag 11 star 4.3' E and a mag 11.5 star 3' SSE.  Located 41' NNW mag 3.5 Chi Carinae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2502 = h3109 on 5 Jan 1837 and reported "pF; R; vgpmbM; 25"."  His single position matches ESO 209-008.  Pietro Baracchi wrote "pB; S; R; glbM.  A star 12m follow nebula by 28s and in the same declination exactly." (9 Jan 1886, 48" Melbourne)

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NGC 2503 = UGC 4158 = MCG +04-19-019 = CGCG 118-041 = PGC 22453

08 00 36.7 +22 24 00; Cnc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NW edge and a mag 11 star lies 2.0' SE of center.  Located on the Cancer/Gemini border.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, round, diffuse, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is just off the NW edge and a mag 11 star is 2.0' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2503 = m 112 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, S, glbM."  His position is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 4158.

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NGC 2504 = UGC 4152 = MCG +01-21-004 = CGCG 031-015 = PGC 22414

07 59 52.3 +05 36 30; CMi

V = 13.9;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.9

 

17.5" (11/25/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, fairly low even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2504 = m 113 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2505 = UGC 4193 = MCG +09-13-115 = CGCG 262-066 = PGC 22644

08 04 06.8 +53 32 57; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S, very small brighter nucleus.  Located 10' SW of mag 7.1 SAO 26650 at the edge of the 220x field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2505 = H III-839 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called it "eF, vS."  His position (CH's reduction) is just 1.8' south-southwest of UGC 4193 (typical error).  Auwers' reduction, though, shows a difference of 10' in dec for several objects in the sweep.

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NGC 2506 = Cr 170 = Mel 80 = OCL-593

08 00 02 -10 46 12; Mon

V = 7.6;  Size 7'

 

18" (3/15/10): at 175x, this is a beautifully rich 8' group of stars, roughly circular, with 80-100 stars mag 11-14 over unresolved background haze.  The brightest two stars are at the west side and form a wide, 27" double.  The richest portion roughly forms a "U" outline, open to the south, as if a chunk of the cluster was missing.  The north side of the "U" consists of a string of stars oriented WNW-ESE (north of the two brightest stars) with a pair at the WNW end.  At the ESE end of this string a few brighter stars form a right angle heading SSW and forming another side of the "U".  A faint string of stars extends out of the cluster to the SE and another string extends out the WNW.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): 75 stars in 10' diameter at 220x.  The brightest members are a wide pair of mag 11/12 stars at the west end with a separation of 27" oriented SW-NE and a mag 11.5 star at the east end.  Rich in mag 13-14 stars with a roughly circular outline except for a "bite" on the south side.  The richest subgroup is following the two brighter stars at the west end and is 3' diameter forming a "C" shaped asterism opening to the south over haze and is quite striking.

 

13" (2/23/85): at 220x, ~35 stars visible, many in a winding row.  A number of brighter mag 11 stars surround the group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2506 = H VI-37 = h480 on 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995) and recorded "a very compressed and very rich cluster of stars. The stars are of 2 sizes, some considerably large and the rest next to invisible. The compressed part 5' or 6' in diameter."  His position (Auwers' reduction) is 7' NNE of center of this cluster.  It was independently found by Karl Ludwig Harding around 1823 and reported it as a new discovery.

 

John Herschel's described the cluster on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129) as "the first *11m in the p part of a rich resolved p comp cl irreg fig; *s 11...20m, so as to be nebulous.  The most comp part = 4' or 5' diam.  His Slough position is accurate, but he subtracted 10' in North Polar Disatance in the GC (General Catalog) assuming he made an error, as his position didn't match his father's or Harding's.  See GC and NGC notes.

 

Lord Rosse, or his observing assistant George Stoney, commented on 27 Jan 1849 "More approach towards spiral appearance than I have seen in any other cluster [obvious spiral shapes were a primary focus].  Very curious black spaces with power 700x."

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NGC 2507 = UGC 4172 = MCG +03-21-010 = CGCG 088-020 = Holm 92a = LGG 153-003 = PGC 22510

08 01 37.2 +15 42 35; Cnc

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

24" (2/14/15): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 0.6'x0.5'.  Moderately concentrated to a small brighter nucleus.  A very low surface brightness halo increases the size to 0.8'x0.7'.  A mag 12 star is off the southwest side [1.3' from center].  A mag 15.5 star is at the southwest edge at 300-375x and a slightly fainter star is embedded on the north edge [just 18" from center!].  An HII region (or galaxy?) at the NE edge was not resolved.

 

NGC 2514 lies 18' NE (see notes) and CGCG 088-016 lies 15' W.  At 322x, the CGCG appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 27"x18", weak even concentration to a faint stellar nucleus, no distinct zones.  A mag 10 star lies 1.8' NW.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually brighter halo, stellar nucleus within slightly brighter core.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.3' SW.  NGC 2514 lies 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2507 = H II-554 = h481 on 18 Mar 1786 (sweep 538) and logged "pB, pL, easily resolvable, gbM."  John Herschel described it on 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395) as "F; R; 15".  Pos of a *12m = 225.5”, dist = 60"."

 

A couple of faint stars as well as a faint galaxy are superimposed on NGC 2507.  On 22 Feb 1867, Robert Ball reported three "knots" were "well seen" at Birr Castle , though one of these "knots" is apparently the nucleus.  "The middle knot [nucleus], alpha, is much the largest.  Alpha to knot sp, Pos = 223.0” [this is a star], alpha to knot np 338.0” [this is also a star]."

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NGC 2508 = UGC 4174 = MCG +02-21-004 = CGCG 059-018 = PGC 22528

08 01 57.2 +08 33 07; CMi

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  Collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.8' WSW and 1.3' WSW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2508 = H III-7 = h484 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 100) and recorded "a nebulous star, but doubtful of the nebulosity.  Yet with 240 the same doubtful appearance continues."  There is nothing near his position, but 1 min 42 sec of RA west and 3' south is UGC 4174.  This was still an early sweep in which his positions were unreliable.  On 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) he mentions "I looked for the supposed nebulous star of the 100th sweep, but the evening being remarkably clear and my telescope in fine order I only saw near the place several very close double stars, one of which probably has been the suspected one.  Otherwise a small telescopic comet may have been thereabout."  JH observed this galaxy on two sweeps although on sweep 120 no position was measured and on sweep 123 the position was marked very uncertain.  The accurate NGC position is from Heinrich d'Arrest.

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NGC 2509 = ESO 561-7 = Cr 171 = Mel 81 = Lund 417

08 00 48 -19 03 00; Pup

Size 8'

 

18" (3/2/08): beautiful cluster of 80-100 stars at 175x, highlighted by a dense 2-2.5' clump of fainter stars resolved over some remaining haze.  Double or multiple stars are at the NE and NW corners of this central knot.  At 220x the SE corner of the clump is very rich in faint stars with averted!  The brightest star is at the SW side with a string of mag 10-11 stars extending outside of the cluster to the SE from of this star.  The cluster is situated ~6' NW of mag 8.8 HD 66034.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): 50 stars resolved in a 6'x5' region outlined by a perfect parallelogram.  The majority of the stars, though, lie in a prominent dense clump along the NW side of the parallelogram and includes a nice double star.  The NE vertex of the parallelogram is a double star with components mag 13/13.5 at 12".  The parallelogram has no concentration and the interior southern portion has only a couple of faint stars.  Mag 8.6 SAO 153720 lies roughly 6' SE and a bright wide double star consisting of a mag 10.5/12 pair at 26" is 4' NNE of the parallelogram.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2509 = H VIII-1 on 3 Dec 1783 (very early sweep, internal discovery #7) and recorded "a cl of coarsely scattered stars.  The place is that of the most comp part, which is not M[iddle]"  On 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and logged "a considerably compressed and very rich cl of small star, irr F." and on 15 Mar 1801 (sweep 1095) he noted "a beautiful cl of stars, arranced in a circular order."

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NGC 2510 = UGC 4178 = MCG +02-21-007 = CGCG 059-023 = WBL-169-005 = PGC 22541

08 02 10.6 +09 29 09; CMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 115”

 

24" (3/22/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~40"x25", fairly low even surface brightness.  First of 5 with NGC 2511 5.6' SSE, NGC 2513 5.6' SE, CGCG 59-27 6.7' ENE and    PGC 1364011 7.5' S.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, even surface brightness.  Similar size to NGC 2513 5.6' SE but lower surface brightness.  In a group of five with NGC 2511 5.6' SSE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2510 and 2511 on 31 Jan 1851.  The group was sketched on 26 Feb 1851 with NGC 2510 is labeled Gamma and precise offsets were measured from NGC 2513.

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NGC 2511 = MCG +02-21-008 = CGCG 059-024 = Mrk 1207 = WBL 169-006 = PGC 22549

08 02 15.0 +09 23 40; CMi

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 125”

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 40"x20", weak concentation.  Located 2.7' SW of NGC 2513.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.  In a group with NGC 2513 3' NE and NGC 2510 5.6' SSW.  Located on the Canis Minor-Cancer border.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2511 and 2510 on 31 Jan 1851.  The group was sketched on 26 Feb 1851 with NGC 2511 labelled Beta and precise offsets measured from NGC 2513.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy in 1862 (#77 in AN 1500) and called it a "Doppelnebel" with h483 [NGC 2513].  John Herschel mistakenly credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC but Dreyer included both observers in the NGC.

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NGC 2512 = UGC 4191 = MCG +04-19-021 = CGCG 118-052 = Mrk 384 = PGC 22596

08 03 07.8 +23 23 30; Cnc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Not identified as NGC 2512 in the UGC or CGCG.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2512 = H III-605 = h482 on 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) and noted "F, S, iF."  His position (Auwers' reduction) was 1.4' too far north.  CGCG and UGC fail to label their catalogue entries as NGC 2512.

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NGC 2513 = UGC 4184 = MCG +02-21-009 = CGCG 059-025 = WBL 169-007 = PGC 22555

08 02 24.7 +09 24 49; Cnc

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

24" (3/22/14): bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core.  The halo extends ~1.25'x0.9' N-S and has a fairly low surface brightness.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2511 2.7' SW, NGC 2510 5.6' NW, LEDA 1364011 4.7' SW, CGCG 59-27 6' NE.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, well concentrated to a very bright core, small faint halo.  Brightest in a group including NGC 2510 5.6' NW, NGC 2511 3' SW, CGCG 59-19 and CGCG 59-26.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2513 = H III-512 = h483 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 534) and recorded "vF, S, R, mbM, 240 showed it very well."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel called the nebula "pB; R; psbM." on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120).  The two fainter companions (NGC 2510 and 2511) were discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2514 = UGC 4189 = MCG +03-21-011 = CGCG 088-022 = PGC 22581

08 02 49.7 +15 48 30; Cnc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, no core but irregular surface brightness (strong impression of a face-on spiral).

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, fairly small, round, low almost even surface brightness.  NGC 2507 lies 18' WSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2514 = St XIII-36 on 19 Jan 1885 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 4189 = PGC 22581.

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NGC 2515

08 03 21.3 +20 11 17; Cnc

Size 9"

 

= **, Reinmuth.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 2515 = HN 5 on 11 Sep 1852 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory.  At his position is a 9" pair of mag 13 stars oreinted ~E-W.  Most of Bond's discoveries in the early 1850's at HCO turned out to be close pairs or even single stars.  NGC 2515 is correctly classified as a double star in the RNGC (from Carlson's list), but the position is wildly off at 09 47.3 +13 02 (2000).

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NGC 2516 = ESO 124-6 = Cr 172 = Mel 82 = Lund 411 = Southern Beehive Cluster

07 58 00 -60 45; Car

V = 3.8;  Size 30'

 

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): very bright naked-eye cluster located 3” SW of Epsilon Car (southern star in the False Cross).  Appears partially resolved in the 9x50 finder and an excellent view using the 15x50 IS binoculars.  The cluster fills over half of the 20mm Nagler field, ~30'-35' diameter with over 100 stars resolved.  The outline is quite irregular though well-detached at low power.  A mag 5.2 M-type giant orange star (V460 = HD 66342) lies at the NE edge of the cluster.  The central region is more concentrated and uniform and includes a number of tinted yellow or orange stars.  A nice triple star (h4027 = 7.1/7.8/9.3 at 9" and 20") is on the west edge of the cluster and an excellent double (h4031 = 7.2/8.0 at 5") lies on the east side of the cluster.  A long curving string starts in the center and heads NE to the mag 5.2 orange star.  This string includes a 9" evenly matched pair of mag 9 stars (Innes 1104) that was resolved at low power.  Mag 5.7 K-type orange subgiant HD 65662 is off the NW side of the cluster.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this bright naked-eye cluster is located SW of the "False Cross" (3 degrees SW of 2nd-magnitude Epsilon Carinae) and is the only open cluster in western Carina.  It was well resolved in the 9x50 finder.  At 105x, the main group is 25'-30' with outliers increasing the size and roughly 100 stars are resolved including a number of mag 6-8 stars.  Many of the stars are arranged in loops and strings and overall the cluster is quite irregular in magnitudes and star distributions.  There is a close, fairly bright double on the SE side (7.2/8.0 at 5.5") and a neat 13' chain of stars near the west side running N-S.

 

10x30 Canon IS (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a prominent naked-eye cluster below the "False Cross" (formed by Epsilon and Iota Car as well as Delta and Kappa Vel), on a line with the longer axis (Epsilon Car and Kappa Vel) of the cross.  In binoculars, it appeared well-resolved, ~50' diameter including outliers with 5 bright stars (mag 6.5-7.5) with a couple of dozen stars resolved overall.  Appears fairly rich towards the center with a number of mag 8-10 stars.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very bright naked-eye cluster, gorgeous even at 10x with a couple of dozen stars resolved, 40'-50' diameter, many brighter stars around the periphery, but richer towards the center.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2516 = Lac II-3 = h3111 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He noted a "Group of 10 to 12 stars, very compressed."  NGC 2516 was not published in Dunlop's main catalogue but his handwritted notes read "Very fine cluster about 35' diameter, many of the stars of the 6th and 7th magnitude, mixed magnitudes.  Figure irregular branched."

 

JH observed the cluster a number of times with his 18-inch f/13 speculum telescope at the CGH. His first record reads: "An orange-coloured star 8th magnitude, in middle of a large and magnificent cluster of perhaps 200 to 250 stars 8..16th mag. Many of the larger magnitudes, and really a superb object. Very visible to the naked eye, etc."

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NGC 2517 = MCG -02-21-003 = PGC 22578

08 02 47.0 -12 19 04; Pup

V = 11.8;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, strong concentration with small bright core.  Located in a rich star field between a mag 13 double star 1.1' S at 20" oriented E-W and a mag 11.5 star 1.0' NW.  Mag 8.5 SAO 153747 lies 4.2' SW.  Located 10” from the galactic equator.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2517 = h3110 on 16 Mar 1836 and noted "F; vS; R; between 3 stars 13 and 14 m."  His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' north of MCG -02-21-003 = PGC 22578 and the description of nearby stars matches.  This galaxy is located only 10 degrees from the galactic equator.

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NGC 2518 = UGC 4221 = MCG +09-14-006 = CGCG 263-009 = PGC 22800

08 07 20.1 +51 07 53; Lyn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2518, along with NGC 2519, in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  The approximate NGC position matches UGC 4221.  This is one of only 3 galaxies discovered by Lohse, out of 16 new entries in the NGC.

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NGC 2519

08 07 58.9 +51 07 42; Lyn

 

= *?, Corwin.  Not found, Sulentic

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2519, along with NGC 2518, in 1886 at the private Wiggleworth Observatory in Scarborough, England and described "Two nebulae, F, L, R, gbM, delta RA = 42 seconds".  There is only a single galaxy at his position (UGC 4221) identified as NGC 2518.  Corwin notes that 39 tsec following this galaxy is a 14th magnitude star (with three much fainter stars within an arcmin northwest) which might be the NGC 2519.  There is an obvious error in the position given in RNGC (both RA and Dec) although NGC 2518 is correctly described as "Not found".

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NGC 2520 = NGC 2527 = ESO 430-15

08 04 58 -28 08 48; Pup

V = 6.5;  Size 22'

 

See observing notes for NGC 2527.  Incorrect position in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2520 = h3112 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded a "Cluster 7th class, distinguished among milky way clusters, pretty rich, bright. The star taken is the chief of a condensed hook in the following part."  In the Cape Observations, JH identifies h3112 as equivalent to H VIII-30 = h488 but his position for h3112 is 3.0 min of RA too far west.  Although his description matches H VIII-30 = h488, JH still listed separate entries in the GC for h3112  and h488, which later received the designations NGC 2520 and NGC 2527.  So, NGC 2520 = NGC 2527, with NGC 2527 the earlier observation.

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NGC 2521 = UGC 4235 = MCG +10-12-077 = CGCG 287-042 = VV 632 = VII Zw 212 = PGC 22866

08 08 49.3 +57 46 10; Lyn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.6' SSE of a mag 9 star (Z Lyncis).  This is the brightest of four in a group including UGC 4241 4.5' E.  The three brighter galaxies and Z Lyncis form a perfect parallelogram.  UGC 4241 appeared fairly large, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2521 = h485 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323).  His position and description ("pF; R; psbM; sf a *9 dist 3'.") matches UGC 4235, the brightest in a group.

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NGC 2522 = UGC 4218 = MCG +03-21-014 = CGCG 088-031 = PGC 22749

08 06 13.4 +17 42 24; Cnc

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, well concentrated with a small high surface brightness core which dominates view, very thin fainter extensions.  NGC 2530 lies 25' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2522 = m 114 on 26 Jan 1865 and recorded "vF, vS, E, psbM."  His position matches UGC 4218.  Brightest in a group.

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NGC 2523 = Arp 9 = UGC 4271 = MCG +12-08-031 = CGCG 331-032 = PGC 23128

08 15 00.2 +73 34 44; Cam

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 57”

 

48" (4/21/17 and 5/1/19): at 488x; bright, very large, showpiece barred spiral!  Superb view with a strong bar running ~5:1 WNW-ESE, highlighted by an intensely brighter nucleus.  Inner spiral arms are attached at the ends of the bar and form a gorgeous 360” inner circular ring!  The region inside the ring is darker on both sides (southwest and northeast) of the bar.  With averted vision a fainter outer halo extended mostly SW and NE, though I couldn't trace arm structure in the halo.  A mag 11.7 star is 1.7' SW of center.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2523B 9' W, UGC 4279 7' NE and NGC 2523C 19' SE.

 

NGC 2523B: moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 40"x15", very faint outer extensions.  A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge of the core.  A mag 12.4 star is 1.2' SW.

 

UGC 4279: extremely to very faint, thin ghostly streak 0.4'x0.1'.  This is the brighter central bar and the extremely low surface brightness arms or halo was not seen.  Situated 7' NE of NGC 2523 and 2.5' S of mag 8.2 SAO 6469.  I needed to keep the bright star out of the field to glimpse this galaxy.

 

NGC 2523C: fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~60"x20", well concentrated with an elongated bright core and small brighter nucleus.  Located 20' SE of NGC 2523 and 10' WSW of mag 8.4 HD 68744.  LEDA 213458 lies 2.8' NW.  The companion (missing from Megastar) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core, 18" diameter.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, fairly small.  A center contains a bright central bar with a small bright core.  A mag 11.5 is off the SW edge 1.5' from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2523B = UGC 4271 9' W and NGC 2523C = UGC 4290 lies 20' SE.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered  NGC 2523 = Sw. II-32 on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.   The Swifts' position and description ("pB, pL, lE, lbM, * nr") is a good match with UGC 4271 = Arp 9.  This is the brightest galaxy (of 23) that Edward discovered.

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NGC 2524 = UGC 4234 = MCG +07-17-016 = CGCG 207-034 = PGC 22838

08 08 09.6 +39 09 26; Lyn

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, almost stellar nucleus, oval NW-SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2528 = UGC 4227 10' WNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2524 = St VIIIb-24, along with NGC 2528, on 22 Jan 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate and matches UGC 4234.  Through a mix-up he placed NGC 2528 to the southeast of NGC 2524 instead of northwest.  This error was caught and corrected by Esmiol in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions.  See notes for NGC 2528.

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NGC 2525 = MCG -02-21-004 = UGCA 135 = PGC 22721

08 05 38.0 -11 25 41; Pup

V = 11.6;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75”

 

24" (2/8/18 and 2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration, no distinct core at 200x but the halo appeared patchy or uneven (brighter and darker regions), strongly hinting at spiral structure.  At 375x, a short low contrast central bar (elongated roughly 3:1 E-W) was visible with a slightly brighter nucleus.

 

13th magnitude SN 2018gv, discovered on Jan 15th, was easily visible at the southwest edge of the galaxy [50" west and 39" south of center].  A mag 14.5 star was easily seen close southwest of the supernova and a very faint and close pair is an additional 20" SW.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, large, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse, weak concentration.  Located 3.8' NNE of mag 8.9 SAO 153813 and 6.2' S of mag 8.7 SAO 153816 on the Monoceros border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2525 = H III-877 = h486 on 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995) and recorded "vF, iR, resolvable, about 2' in diameter, almost of equal light throughout."  On 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), John Herschel wrote, "F; L; R; vgbM; 90"; among stars of the Milky Way."

 

The galaxy was sketched as a spiral by R.J. Mitchell on 30 Jan 1856, using Lord Rosse's 72".  He described "vF, L, oval.  Several F stars on edge, suspect others in the neb., also dark spaces.  Nucl or * in centre?  Spiral as in diagram.  A year later he saw additional details: "light very unequal, suspect nucleus and a star close foll nucleus, also star in p edge?  Again I though I saw a darkness across np centre [gap in spiral arms] and knots in np edge, but it is very uncertain."

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NGC 2526 = UGC 4231 = MCG +01-21-012 = CGCG 031-047 = PGC 22778

08 06 58.6 +08 00 14; Cnc

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  There is a pretty pair of double stars in the field including a mag 11/12 pair at 10" located 3.5' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2526 = m 115 on 25 Mar 1864 and recorded "vF, S, mE." His position matches UGC 4231.

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NGC 2527 = NGC 2520 = ESO 430-15 = Cr 174

08 04 58 -28 08 48; Pup

V = 6.5;  Size 22'

 

17.5" (3/7/92): 75-100 stars mag 10-14 in very large 30' loose group.  This cluster is fairly bright with two fairly rich subgroups.  The central 10' core includes about two dozen stars with a mag 10 star at the NW corner which has three fainter companions within 35".  A rich string of faint stars oriented SSW-NNE of length 4' has two mag 10-11 stars at the endpoints.  Outliers extend east and west and include a rich elongated group at the NE edge of the cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2527 = H VIII-30 = h488 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 333) and noted "a very large cluster of many coarsely scattered large stars." From Sloughon 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317), John Herschel wrote "p rich; v coarsely scattered; fills field; st 10...15m.  RA by working list [marked as uncertain].  He also observed the cluster while in South Africa but his RA was 3 minutes too far west.  As a result it inherited two NGC numbers, so NGC 2527 = NGC 2520.

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NGC 2528 = UGC 4227 = MCG +07-17-015 = CGCG 207-032 = PGC 22805

08 07 24.9 +39 11 39; Lyn

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (2/24/90): faint, fairly small, round, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 2524 10' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2528 = St VIIIb-25 on 22 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2528.  Through a mix-up in measuring the offset, Stephan's position for NGC 2528 is southeast of NGC 2524, instead of northwest.  Corwin sorted out the situation (see his notes for NGC 2528), although it was first corrected by Esmiol in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions.  Esmiol's new position (calling the object "Anon"), establishes NGC 2528 = UGC 4227.  UGC 4227 is not labeled with the NGC designation in CGCG (207-032), UGC (4227) or MCG (+07-17-015) but it is correctly identified in RNGC, PGC and RC3.

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NGC 2529

08 07 48 +17 49; Cnc

 

= Not found, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Bigourdan discovered NGC 2529 = Big. 35 on 29 Jan 1887, along with NGC 2531.  These were noted while examining the NGC 2530 field and placed 1' SW and 1' SE of NGC 2530 = H III-752.  There is nothing at either of these offsets.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 2530 as NGC 2529 and UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 2530 as NGC 2529 = NGC 2531.  See RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 2530 = (R)NGC 2529 = UGC 4237 = MCG +03-21-020 = CGCG 088-038 = PGC 22827

08 07 55.6 +17 49 06; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S.  Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is attached at the north end 0.8' from center and the galaxy appears to fan out to the south.  The edges are difficult to define.  NGC 2522 lies 25' WSW.  Incorrectly identified as NGC 2529 in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2530 = H III-752 = h487 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 906) and noted "eF, lE, south of a vS star."  His position and description matches UGC 4237.  R.J. Mitchell, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 25 Jan 1857, recorded "light mottled, bright star to north, another faint star close to nf edge, suspect other stars involved."

 

RNGC misclassifies NGC 2530 as nonexistent (Type 7), though the correct data for NGC 2530 is listed under the entry for NGC 2529.  NGC 2530 is misidentified as NGC 2529 = NGC 2531 in UGC and NGC 2529 in the MCG (+03-21-020). See my RNGC Corrections #5 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2531

08 08 01 +17 49; Cnc

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.  Incorrect position in the RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2531 = Big 36 on 29 Jan 1887, along with NGC 2529.  These two supposedly nebulous objects were noted while examining NGC 2530.  NGC 2531 was placed 1' SE, but there is nothing at this offset.  See my comments on NGC 2529 and 2530 as well as Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2532 = UGC 4256 = MCG +06-18-013 = CGCG 178-032 = PGC 22922

08 10 15.4 +33 57 26; Lyn

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, 1.5', slightly elongated NW-SE, gradually brightens towards the center, faint stellar nucleus, slightly mottled appearance.  A mag 12 star 1.6' NNE is within a collinear string of six mag 11/12 stars oriented WNW-ESE running through the 20' field and a mag 11.5 star is 2.6' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2532 = H II-726 = h489 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and remarked "pF, pL, iR, lbM, resolvable, south of 2 stars that are nearly in the parallel."  His position (Auwers' reduction) is just off the southeast side of the halo.  This galaxy was observed 13 times at Birr Castle and an arm was suspected several times on the south side.  Also a companion close north was sketched (not in GC or NGC), but this is probably a very faint star.

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NGC 2533 = ESO 430-019 = Cr 175

08 07 04 -29 53 06; Pup

V = 7.6;  Size 4'

 

17.5" (2/8/91): about 20 stars surrounding mag 8.8 SAO 175203.  Also includes a mag 10.5 star but the remainder are 13th and 14th magnitude.  Fairly small, 4' diameter, does not stand out well in rich field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2533 = h3113 on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "place (RA doubtful) of a *9 m; cheif of cl p rich; irreg R; glbM; 5'; stars 13m.  Belong to milky way, but is a much more compressed part of it."

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NGC 2534 = UGC 4268 = MCG +09-14-014 = CGCG 263-014 = Mrk 85 = PGC 23024

08 12 54.1 +55 40 19; Lyn

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, round, broadly concentrated halo, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1' N.  Located 2' N of mag 8.0 SAO 26726.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2534 = H III-840 = h490 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "cF, cS."  His position, based on Caroline's reduction was just 1.6' too far northwest (typical error), though Auwers' reduced position is 9' S of UGC 4268 (an offset shared by several objects discovered on this sweep including NGC 2469, 2488, 2497 and 2505).  On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) John Herschel wrote, "pB; L; R; psbM; diam 60" and very gradually fading away; has a *8m pos = 164.3”.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 7 Mar 1885 with Lord Rosse's 72" described "Has r[esolved] look, * plain at north end.  Alpha [from sketch] is a knot or star.  Neb is bM and probably spiral.  Certainly a dark space from south-preceding to north."  Spiral structure is not evident on the DSS.

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NGC 2535 = Arp 82 NED1 = VV 9a = Holm 94a = UGC 4264 = MCG +04-20-004 = CGCG 119-008 = PGC 22957

08 11 13.5 +25 12 23; Cnc

V = 12.8;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 0”

 

48" (4/2/11): this is the prominent member of a striking interacting pair (Arp 82) with NGC 2536 1.8' SSE.  At 375x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, ~1.6'x0.9' (including arms).  Contains a relatively large, bright core spanning ~40"x30" and punctuated by a very bright, stellar nucleus.  Attached at the west side of the core is a graceful spiral arm that curves clockwise towards the south-southeast in the direction of NGC 2536.  The arm faded towards the south-southeast end though increased in length with averted vision.  Still, it didn't reach the smaller companion.  A second arm is attached on the east side and shoots north, though it's only 2/3 the length of the southern arm.  A string (1.4' length) of three mag 12-13 stars is off the west side of the galaxy.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2536 1.8' SSE (Arp 82).  Located just following a line of three mag 12 stars 1.6' WSW, 1.2' W and 0.9' NW of center.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Located 22' SSE of a mag 6 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2535 = St VIIIb-26 on 22 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2536.  His position matches UGC 4264.

 

SN 1901A in NGC 2535 (one of the first found) was discovered by Karl Reinmuth in 1923 on a Heidelberg plate taken on 10 Jan 1901.  The announcement was made in 1924AN....221...47R.

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NGC 2536 = Arp 82 NED2 = VV 9b = Holm 94b = MCG +04-20-005 = CGCG 119-009 = PGC 22958

08 11 16.0 +25 10 46; Cnc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 112”

 

48" (4/2/11): fainter and smaller member of an interacting pair (Arp 82) with NGC 2535.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", high surface brightness, moderate concentration with a very small, very bright core.  Located 1.8' SSE of NGC 2535.  A spiral arm hooks from the west side of NGC 2535, appearing to be tidally stretched SE in the direction of NGC 2536, though not reaching the companion.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, very small, oval ~SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 2535 1.8' NW.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): very faint, very small, diffuse.  Located 2' SE of NGC 2535.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2536 = St VIIIb-27 on 22 Jan 1877, along with NGC 2535.  His position matches MCG +04-20-005 (southeast component of an interacting pair w/NGC 2535).

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NGC 2537 = Arp 6 = VV 138 = UGC 4274 = MCG +08-15-050 = CGCG 236-035 = Mrk 86 = PGC 23040 = Bear Paw Galaxy

08 13 14.5 +45 59 31; Lyn

V = 11.7;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

48" (4/15/10): At 624x, the view of the highly irregular "Bear-paw" galaxy (Arp 6) was fascinating.  The galaxy is fairly large, roundish, 1.5' diameter and is broken up into bright knots and arcs that border a large curving dust lane that winds through the glow and traces out a dark "U" inside the galaxy.  The main bright regions form the three "toes" of the Bear-paw.  On the NW side, the first "toe" consists of the brightest knot, ~0.3' diameter, with a second smaller and fainter knot close south.  The combined glow for this "toe" is ~30" diameter.  In the center is a brighter core, ~0.3' diameter, which is nearly isolated by the obscuring dust, but the glow extends to the south end of the galaxy where it brightens slightly at the rim, forming the middle toe.  The third toe is on the following side of the galaxy (~0.3' diameter) and is less prominent, though slightly brighter due east of center.  The curving "U"-shaped dust channel enters the galaxy both west and east of the middle toe in two parallel lanes and curves around the core, forming a noticeable arc on the north side of the core.

 

NGC 2537A, situated 4.5' E, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak central brightening.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.2' S and a mag 15.4 star is 57" WSW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly small, round.  The "Bear-paw" galaxy has an unusual appearance with a dark lane or vacuity in the center.  A small slightly brighter knot is visible along the NW edge.  A mag 11 star is 2' SE.  Located 6.5' E of mag 8.4 SAO 42225.  IC 2233, a faint edge-on, lies 18' SE.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, small, round, no structure.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2537 = H IV-55 = h491 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 809) and recorded "pB; R; pL; preceding a star about 1'."  On 10 Mar 1788 (sweep 817) he logged "pB, R, almost of an even light througout, approaching to a planetary [he placed it in the category of planetary nebulae] but very ill defined, and a little fainter on the edges, about 3/4 or 1' dia." John Herschel observed the galaxy on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and remarked, "It is a globular cluster.  Being a remarkable fine night, I see the stars."  NGC 2537 was observed 20 times at Birr Castle and even noted as "probably spiral" in Jan 1852, although photographs show no significant spirality.  Other observations refer to its resolvability and the GC and NGC description call it a globular cluster!  When it was photographed at Lick Observatory with the Crossley reflector, Curtis noted (1918), "This is not a cluster, as described in the NGC, but a bright, irregular spiral."  Francis Peases desribed it as a "horseshoe" based on a photograph with the 60" at Mt. Wilson, and mentions a "faint spot" nearby to the east, which is the companion galaxy NGC 2537A.

 

Wolfgang Steinicke reports that the nickname is from Ron Buta, based on an observation through a 36" telescope at McDonald 36" (Webb Society Galaxy Handbook, 1981): "Small and of relatively high surface brightness; shaped like a bear-paw, the structure consisting of a single spiral arm winding from W to E around the N side; this ring-tail includes 3 knots, one of about 15 mag; a bar-like feature shows in the interior region of the arm and extends to the S edge of the galaxy; there is a faint glow between the arm and the bar feature".

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NGC 2538 = UGC 4266 = MCG +01-21-019 = CGCG 031-067 = PGC 22962

08 11 23.0 +03 37 59; CMi

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located between a mag 14 star 0.9' NW and a mag 12 star 1.7' SE.  A faint double star mag 14/15 is just 1.2' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2538 = St VIIIb-28 on 2 Feb 1877. His position matches UGC 4266.

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NGC 2539 = Cr 176 = Mel 83 = OCL-611

08 10 37 -12 49 12; Pup

V = 6.5;  Size 22'

 

18" (3/2/08): this cluster is situated 10' NW of 4.7-magnitude 19 Pup.  Roughly 125 stars are spread out over a 20' region.  At the NW end is a roughly equal mag pair, an 11" pair is on the east side and a brighter mag 10/11 pair at 20" is on the NE side.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): about 85 stars in a 20' diameter.  Fairly rich with uniform magnitudes.  A brighter mag 10/11 pair at 21" is on the north side.  Located about 10' NW of 19 Puppis (V = 4.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2539 = H VII-11 = h3114 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and called it "a cluster of stars, coarsely scattered, but considerably rich, above 20' diam."  JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, recorded "a large, extended, rich cluster. Fills field; stars 12th mag approx. A bright star (6th mag) S.f."

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NGC 2540 = UGC 4275 = MCG +05-20-004 = CGCG 149-004 = PGC 23017

08 12 46.5 +26 21 41; Cnc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, fairly low surface brightness halo, weak concentration.  Situated within a triangle of mag 14 stars the closest being 1.3' W.  Located 8' NNE of mag 8.5 SAO 80013.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2540 = St XIII-37 on 10 Feb 1885 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 4275.

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NGC 2541 = UGC 4284 = MCG +08-15-054 = CGCG 236-037 = PGC 23110

08 14 40.2 +49 03 43; Lyn

V = 11.8;  Size 6.3'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.9;  PA = 165”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, fairly large, very diffuse halo, elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration to an elongated core.  A mag 10 star lies 4.5' NNE.  In a group with NGC 2500 and NGC 2522.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2541 = H III-710 = h492 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called it "vF, iF, 2.5' long, 1.75' broad."  His position is 20 sec of RA west of center.  John Herschel recorded it on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329) as "not vF; L; lE; vgbM; 90"."  His position is just north of the core of UGC 4284.  An interesting sketch made with the 72" appears to show an elongated HII region or a portion of a spiral arm on the southwest side, separated from the main body.

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NGC 2542 = 19 Puppis = SAO 153942 = ADS 6647

08 11 16.3 -12 55 37; Pup

V = 4.7

 

= * 4.7 = 19 Pup.  No nebulosity, Corwin and Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2542 = h3115 on 11 Dec 1836 and noted "a fine nebulous star 6 mag [19 Pup], in the following part of the cluster VII II [NGC 2539] and almost connected to it.  The nebula is faint, but I feel confident that it is not the nebulous haze. [Notandum -Nothing more difficult than to prove a nebulous star of the 6th mag and above."  In this case, the star is free of nebulosity.  This is the 3rd brightest star with an entry in the NGC (after NGC 771 and 4530).

 

There are several similar cases of bright stars which Herschel assumed had a nebulous halo (see notes on NGC 4530).  Harold Corwin mentions that he may have been misled by the faint companion of 19 Puppis, though I think it's more likely he was misled by scattered light/dew.  Interestingly, three observations were made with the 72" and all described the star as being nebulous!  Pietro Baracchi, observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 9 Jan 1886, wrote in his logbook that it was necessary to hide the star to see the nebulosity and if he had not known of the description he would not had noticed anything.   In addition, Howe reported "I examined it one night, and saw a faint halo about 2' in diameter encircling it.  It looked like a telescopic flare."

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NGC 2543 = IC 2232 = UGC 4273 = MCG +06-18-014 = CGCG 178-035 = PGC 23028

08 12 57.9 +36 15 13; Lyn

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.5', very small brighter core.  Two mag 11.5 stars are 2.4' NW and 3.9' NW on a line with NGC 2543.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2543 = H II-719 = h493 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 803) and recorded "F, pL, iR, bM."  His position is 10 sec of RA west and 5' south of UGC 4273. A second observation from 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) reads "In a line with a N.p. star, pB, cL, iR, vgbM."  The second observation is even further off in dec.

 

John Herschel noted on 7 Feb 1834 (sweep 401), "vF; R; a course double * precedes points to it.  Deta RA = 1 m 2 sec."  There is nothing at his position but two minutes of RA west is UGC 4273 and two stars at 1.6' separation are northwest.  The RA given in the GC and NGC is ~1.0 tmin too far east but Rudolph Spitaler's micrometric position, measured on 24 Dec 1891 and published in the IC 1 notes section, is accurate.  Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 12 Feb 1896, assumed it was new and reported it in list 3-1028 (later IC 2232) with an accurate position.  Dreyer missed the equivalence NGC 2543 = IC 2232.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2544 = UGC 4327 = MCG +12-08-034 = CGCG 331-036 = Mrk 87 = PGC 23453

08 21 40.3 +73 59 16; Cam

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter core.  Located 5.5' SW of a mag 9.5 star.  Forms a close pair with MCG +12-08-035 1.3' ENE.  NGC 2550 lies 12' ENE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2544 = Sw. II-33 on 7 Sep 1885 (along with NGC 2550) with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His description reads "eeF; pS; R; sev B stars nearly surround it."  His position is 16 sec of RA west and 1.4' south of UGC 4327 and there are several mag 11-12 stars nearby (mostly west).

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NGC 2545 = UGC 4287 = MCG +04-20-007 = CGCG 119-016 = PGC 23086

08 14 14.2 +21 21 20; Cnc

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 170”

 

13.1" (1/11/86): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round, gradually increases to a small brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star at the NNW edge 1.0' from center is similar to the substellar nucleus.  Located 3.9' ESE of a mag 9.5 star at the west edge of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2545 = H II-627 = h494 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) and noted "eF, pS, E."  The same sweep he observed Uranus and discovered the moons Titania and Oberon.  On 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) he recorded "F, S, irr F, lE sp to nf."  There is nothing at his position but 30 sec of RA preceding and 4' north is UGC 4287.  In the 1912 publication of WH's catalogues, Dreyer added the note "RA by Sweep 683 29 seconds too great, PD 3.5' too great. But in the interval between the star and the neb, H. had discovered two satellites of Uranus, whereby the telescope may have been slightly disturbed."

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NGC 2546 = ESO 369-7 = Cr 178

08 12 16 -37 35 42; Pup

V = 6.3;  Size 41'

 

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): this very large, bright scattered cluster was just visible to the naked eye close south of a brighter, hazy naked-eye patch of unresolved stars.  The field is beautifully rich, at least 45' diameter though there was no distinct border.  The star field looks impressive beyond the edges of the 66' field of the 20 Nagler.  On the northwest side is a rich, elongated strip of ~20 stars that is quite eye-catching.  Includes a few pairs and a neat triple with a fairly close unequal mag pair at the SSW end of the elongated strip.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this cluster is a very bright, scattered field of stars that completely fills the nearly 40' field at 105x.  Partially resolved in the 9x50 finder.  At the NW edge is a rich elongated strip of two dozen stars including a couple of close, unequal pairs and tight fainter triple.  John Herschel's description applies to this denser group of stars. A mag 6.4 star (h4051 = HD 68450) with two mag 13.5 companions is off the NW side of the larger group but does not appear to be part of the cluster and a similar star lies to the SE (HD 68862).

 

13.1" (1/18/85): ~75 stars, bright, very large, scattered, overfills 30' field. 

 

8" (3/28/81): ~25 stars, rich, elongated.  At the edge of a large, scattered field of stars.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2546 = Lac II-4 = D 563 = h3116 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch refractor at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He recorded II-4 as follows: "One sees with the naked eye two neighboring confused groups of stars; but with the telescope they are faint, distinct stars, very numerous & very close together."

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster on 8 May 1826 and recorded "a large cluster of stars of mixt magnitude, rather extended figure, not rich in very small stars."  He made two observations and his position is 17' N of center (typical error).  JH made 3 observations from the CGH, first recording on 1 Feb 1835 "a cluster 8th class of about 20 bright stars in an oblong, 8' long, 3' broad."

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NGC 2547 = ESO 209-18 = Cr 177 = Mel 84 = Lund 432

08 10 11 -49 13 30; Vel

V = 4.7;  Size 20'

 

13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): this naked-eye cluster to the south of Gamma Velorum (bright binocular double) is roughly 30'x20' in size.  There is a very distinctive, gently curving arc of stars bowed out to the east that defines the eastern side of the central region and the brightest mag 6.5 star (HD 68478) is along this arc.  Three nice pairs are to the west and NW of the mag 6.5 star (one of these pairs has a third fainter companion forming a triple).  The main portion of the cluster is enclosed in two outer strings of stars that form a large "V" with the vertex to the east of the mag 6.5 star and the pair of strings increase the diameter to 30'.  While scanning for NGC 2547 I ran across a bright, distinctive red star to the west (probably M3-class HD 67821).

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this is a very bright naked-eye cluster that includes a number of mag 7-8 stars.  It appears at least 20'-25' in diameter, though the outer boundaries are pretty arbitrary.  Very unusual arrangement as a number of the brighter stars form a curving arc which is bowed out towards the east and which defines the eastern border of the cluster!  The brightest mag 6.5 star is within this arc on the south side of the cluster.  The cluster is encased in faint reflection nebulosity, though this was not visible.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2547 = Lac III-2 = D 410 = h3117 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He described III-2 as "five faint stars like the letter T in nebulosity."  Dunlop observed the cluster twice recording "A curiously arranged group of pretty bright small stars of mixt magnitudes. This answers to the place of 310 Argus (Bode) and is described by Lacaille as nebula with five small stars forming the letter T in it. There is no nebulosity in this place. The diameter of the cluster may be about 12'. Figure 16 [in his publication] is a very good representation of the group."

 

John Herschel first logged the cluster on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "chief star 7th mag about, of a vL, loose, brilliant cluster of very scattered stars, 1 of 7th mag, 2 of 8th mag, rest 9...16th mag.  Fills more than field; 100...150 stars."  JH inadvertently equated this cluster with D 411 instead of D 410 and this error was copied into the NGC.

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NGC 2548 = M48 = Cr 179

08 13 43 -05 45 00; Hya

V = 5.8;  Size 54'

 

18" (3/15/10): large, sprawling cluster that nearly fills the 67' field of the 31mm Nagler.  The most distinctive portion, though, is a 20'x15' group near the center which contains roughly 75 stars, many arranged in strings.  Most prominent is a fairly dense SW-NE string of brighter stars that cuts through the cluster with a nice double star in the center (h 2435 = 9.6/9.7 at 7"). A short chain of a few stars branches off to the south of h2435. Another stream of stars branches off this string  to the SSW.  A third elongated group of stars extends SW-NE on the south side, roughly parallel to main string, and is separated by a mostly starless lane.  The cluster includes a number of mag 8-9 stars, with the brightest mag 8.2.  At 73x, the main cluster is wedged between two very long streams of stars, roughly oriented NW to SE off both the north and south sides of the main group.  These two strings of stars extend the total diameter to over 50'.  On the NW side of the central group, a number of stars are scattered between these two streams including a few very wide pairs, but the SE end the two streams are well separated with a very few stars in between.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): about 125 stars in a large 40' field with no distinct borders.  A rich chain of stars oriented SSW-NNE passes through the center.  Includes a number of brighter mag 10 stars and many double stars.  Partially resolved in 16x80 finder.

 

Charles Messier discovered M48 = NGC 2548 = H VI-22 = h496 on 19 Feb 1771 and described a "Cluster of very faint stars, without nebulosity; this cluster is a short distance from the three stars that form the beginning of the Unicorn's tail."  Johann Bode independently found it the cluster again before 1782.  But the identification of M48 was lost due to an error in Messier's listed position.  In a 1934 book, Oswald Thomas identified M48 with NGC 2548 (without explanation) and in 1959 T.F. Morris pointed out that NGC 2548 has the same RA as Messier's position for M48 though differed by 5” in declination. Owen Gingerich publicized Morris' identification in his 1960 article "The Missing Messier Objects" in Sky & Tel.

 

Caroline Herschel independently discovered M48 on 8 Mar 1783 and William found it on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 519).  He recorded VI-22 (later NGC 2548) as "a beautiful cluster of stars, considerably rich, and pretty much compressed, 10 or 12' dia.  The stars are nearly of a size, white and pretty large."  He later noted "C.H. [Caroline Herschel] discovered it in 1783."

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NGC 2549 = UGC 4313 = MCG +10-12-124 = CGCG 287-069 = PGC 23313

08 18 58.2 +57 48 11; Lyn

V = 11.2;  Size 3.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 177”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.5', very bright core, stellar or almost stellar nucleus.  Located 10' WNW of mag 5.9 30 Lyncis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2549 = h495 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and recorded "pB; S; mE; pos in merid; psmbM; 15" l, 6" br.  A *7m follows."  His position and description matches UGC 4313.

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NGC 2550 = UGC 4359 = MCG +12-08-037 = CGCG 331-039 = PGC 23604

08 24 34.4 +74 00 44; Cam

V = 12.8;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the west tip 0.8' from center.  A nice unequal double star SAO 6528 = 8.6/13 lies 2.5' E.  Nearby is NGC 2544 12' W and NGC 2550A = UGC 4397 23' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2550 = Sw. II-34 on 7 Sep 1885 (along with NGC 2544) and recorded "eeF; pS; cE; bet an eF *, and an unequal double star."  His position and description matches UGC 4359.

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NGC 2551 = UGC 4362 = MCG +12-08-038 = CGCG 331-040 = LGG 160-005 = PGC 23608

08 24 50.2 +73 24 44; Cam

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (2/9/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.7'.  A mag 12 star (with a mag 14.5-15 companion 30" N) lies 2' NE.  The halo suddenly rises to a very small, bright core and stellar nucleus.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated, brighter star off NE side.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2551 = T VI-2 on 9 Aug 1882 (while searching for Comet Pons (1812)) with the 11" refractor at Arcetri Observatory in Venice.  He measured an approximate position and noted "Class III nebula, stellar center; on 11 August observed them again.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 7 Sep 1885, and recorded it in list II-35.  Swift's position is 17 tsec west of UGC 4362.  MCG misidentifies MCG +12-08-039 (one degree north) as NGC 2551.

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NGC 2552 = UGC 4325 = MCG +08-15-062 = CGCG 236-042 = PGC 23340

08 19 20.2 +50 00 26; Lyn

V = 12.1;  Size 3.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 45”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, moderately large, elongated.  A mag 11 star is off the NE side 3.1' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2552 = H III-711 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and logged "eF, E from sp to nf, about 3.5' long, 2.5' broad."  His position (Auwers' reduction) is 2.4' NW of UGC 4325 = PGC 23340.

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NGC 2553 = MCG +04-20-014 = CGCG 119-031 = PGC 23240

08 17 35.0 +20 54 11; Cnc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, gradually increases to small bright core, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 2' ENE.  NGC 2556 lies 21' E.  Member of Cancer 1 galaxy cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2553 = m 116 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, glbM."  His position is 2' north of CGCG 119-031 = PGC 23240 (same offset as NGC 2556).

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NGC 2554 = UGC 4312 = MCG +04-20-015 = CGCG 119-033 = PGC 23256

08 17 53.6 +23 28 20; Cnc

V = 12.0;  Size 3.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 142”

 

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a very small, intense nucleus.  A mag 13.5-14 star is barely off the southeast end, 1.2' from center and a comparable star is off the north side, 1.4' from center.

 

CGCG 119-032 forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle framing the galaxy with the two nearby stars, and lies just off the west edge [1.4' from center].  At 450x it appeared extremely faint (V = 15.5), round, just 6" diameter.  Once identified at high power it was also seen at 322x.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, strongly concentrated with an abrupt well-defined very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus, faint halo with ill-defined edge.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.2' SSE and 1.4' NNE of center.  Located at the north edge of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.  CGCG 119-032 is just 1.5' W but was not noticed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2554 = H II-303 = h497 on 28 Feb 1785 (sweep 374) and recorded "F, S, mbM, r."  On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) he noted "eF, vS, near some vF stars; may be a patch of a few extr small stars."  On 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697), he logged "pF, S, mbM, irr R."  On 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59), John Herschel logged "pB, R, bM" but his position was 1.0 minute of time too far east and this error was repeated in the GC and finally the NGC.  Dreyer corrected the RA in the IC 2 notes.

 

Five observations of the galaxy were made with LdR's 72".  Bindon Stoney recorded on 9 Mar 1852: "R, bMNucl, 2 st 14m nf and sf, a vS * preceding about the same dist."  Interestingly, the "vS * preceding" is CGCG 119-032, a faint compact galaxy. At V = 15.6, this is one of the fainter galaxies discovered with the 72" (though of course it was seen as virtually stellar) and took some effort in my 24", knowing the exact position.

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NGC 2555 = UGC 4319 = MCG +00-21-012 = CGCG 003-028 = Holm 95a = PGC 23259

08 17 56.3 +00 44 45; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE.  Several stars are near including a mag 12 star at the SE edge 1.1' from the center, a mag 13 star 1.7' NNE and a mag 14.5 star is at the NW edge 0.9' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2555 = H III-256 = h498 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 346) and remarked "vF, vS, diffused about the middlemost of 3 small stars in a row; but seems not connected to them; they being too large and like the rest of the scattered stars.  Verified with 240 power."  John Herschel described the galaxy on 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) as "vF; between a *12m sf and one 16m, north.  The former dist about 1 diam, the latter about 1/2 diam from edge.  His position is accurate.  In 1857, R.J. Mitchell, the observer on the 72", noted two stars were at the NW edge.

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NGC 2556 = CGCG 119-045 = LGG 158-006 = WBL 178-002 = PGC 23325

08 19 00.9 +20 56 13; Cnc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 138”

 

18" (2/26/11): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core, sharp stellar nucleus.  A wide pair of mag 13.14 stars are within 2' SSW and a mag 10.5 star is 3.5' SE.  Located 24' WSW of NGC 2563, the brightest galaxy in the core of the Cancer I cluster.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round.  A pair of mag 13/14 stars are 1.3' S and 1.7' S.  NGC 2560 lies 12' WNW and NGC 2553 21' W.  Located near the center of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2556 = m 117 on 17 Feb 1865 and noted "vF, vS." His position is 2' north of CGCG 119-045, the same offset error he made with NGC 2553.

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NGC 2557 = UGC 4330 = MCG +04-20-021 = CGCG 119-048 = LGG 158-004 = PGC 23329

08 19 10.8 +21 26 09; Cnc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 55”

 

18" (2/26/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter core.  Forms the eastern vertex of a small isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' NW and 2.7' SW.  Also forms a larger isosceles triangle with mag 7.8 HD 69698 situated 5' NW and a  mag 11 star 5' SSW.  IC 2293 lies 5.6' SE.  This fainter galaxy appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, gradually brighter core.  Located 5' SE of mag 8.2 SAO 80087 in the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2557 = St VIIIb-29 on 2 Feb 1877 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  Esmiol's re-reduced position is an exact match with UGC 4330.

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NGC 2558 = UGC 4331 = MCG +04-20-022 = CGCG 119-050 = LGG 158-002 = PGC 23337

08 19 12.8 +20 30 38; Cnc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 160”

 

18" (2/26/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 NNW-SSE, 32"x24", sharply concentrated with a 15" bright core.  Located south of the central region of the Cancer I cluster.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2558 = H III-606 = h499 on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and recorded "vF, S."  John Herschel logged it on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) as "pF; R; psbM; and then a feeble atmosphere 25"."

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NGC 2559 = ESO 494-041 = MCG -04-20-003 = UGCA 136 = VV 475 = AM 0815-271 = PGC 23222

08 17 06.3 -27 27 33; Pup

V = 10.9;  Size 3.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 6”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 N-S.  Unusual appearance as nestled between four stars in a rich Milky Way field!  Slight concentration but no core.  The brightest of four nearby stars is mag 9.5 SAO 175514 at the east side, 40" from the center.  Located just 4.5 degrees from the galactic equator!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2559 = h3118 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "pL, F, glbM, in a field of about 60 stars; one of which = 9th mag, and some others also of less magnitudes are involved."  His position is just off the east side of ESO 494-041 = PGC 23222.

 

Pietro Baracchi, observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope in Jan 1886, called it "vF; S; R; vg vvlbM; irregular.  Amidst a multitude of stars."

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NGC 2560 = UGC 4337 = MCG +04-20-027 = CGCG 119-058 = LGG 158-009 = WBL 178-006 = PGC 23367

08 19 51.9 +20 59 06; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 93”

 

18" (2/26/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a small bright core and fainter extensions.  Located 1.5' E of a mag 10.4 star and 11' SW of NGC 2563, the brightest galaxy in the core of the Cancer I cluster.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, small bright core.  Located 4.5' NE of mag 7.9 SAO 116633.  A mag 10.5 star is 1.5' W.  Located near the core of the Cancer I galaxy cluster with NGC 2556 12' WSW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2560 on 17 Mar 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory (recorded as #78 in AN 1500).  His position (based on 4 measurements) matches UGC 4337 and he accurately placed the nearby mag 10.5 star as 7 seconds of time preceding.

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NGC 2561 = UGC 4336 = MCG +01-22-001 = CGCG 031-081 = CGCG 032-001 = PGC 23351

08 19 36.9 +04 39 26; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 138”

 

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 7' SW of mag 8.6 SAO 116633.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2561 = Sw. VI-31 on 23 Mar 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory.  His description reads, "vF, S, R, right angles with 2 stars."  His position was 8 seconds of time too small and the two stars lie southwest and southeast.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1896 at the Strasbourg Observatory (published in 1907).

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NGC 2562 = UGC 4345 = MCG +04-20-031 = CGCG 119-063 = Ark 159 = LGG 158-003 = 178-010 = PGC 23395

08 20 23.7 +21 07 53; Cnc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 3”

 

18" (2/26/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 30"x24", contains a small bright core that gradually increases to the center.  Forms a nice pair with brighter NGC 2563 4.7' SE.  NGC 2560 lies 11' SW and UGC 4332 is a similar distance west.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 N-S, halo brightens to a small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2563 4.7' SE.  Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2562 = H III-607 = h500, along with NGC 2563, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "F, S, bM."   His position was less than 2' WNW of NGC 2562 (similar offset as nearby NGC 2558 = H III-606).

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NGC 2563 = UGC 4347 = MCG +04-20-033 = CGCG 119-065 = LGG 158-005 = WBL 178-011 = PGC 23404

08 20 35.7 +21 04 04; Cnc

V = 12.2;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

18" (2/26/11): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, pretty sharply concentrated with a bright, 20" core.  With direct vision, the core increases to a brighter stellar nucleus.  Slightly brighter and larger than NGC 2562 4.7' NW.  Located 20' NNE of mag 5.8 HD 69994.  This is the brightest galaxy in the core region of the loose Cancer I cluster (called the Cancer II group in NED).

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, halo brightens evenly to a small bright core.  Appears similar to NGC 2562 4.7' NW but slightly larger.  Member of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2563 = H II-634 = h501, along with NGC 2562, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "vF, vS."  His RA was 6 seconds of time too large.

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NGC 2564 = ESO 562-001 = PGC 23290

08 18 30.0 -21 48 58; Pup

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A very faint larger halo is visible at moments.  A wide pair of mag 12/13 stars at 35" separation lies 2' NNW and two mag 14/15 stars are 1' NNW.  Located in a rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2564 = h3119 on 28 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; vS; R; gbM; at least 60 stars in field."  His position is 7 sec of RA west of ESO 562-001.  This galaxy is situated 8 degrees from the galactic equator.

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NGC 2565 = UGC 4334 = MCG +04-20-0264 = CGCG 119-057 = Mrk 386 = LGG 156-003 = PGC 23362

08 19 48.4 +22 01 51; Cnc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 167”

 

24" (4/28/14): at low power appears as close "double" consisting of a mag ~14 star and the fuzzy nucleus (similar or slightly brighter) of the galaxy!  At 260x the bright core is elongated 2:1 N-S, 20"x10" and surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo, extending ~1.0'x0.6' NNW-SSE.  The superimposed star is at the SSE edge of the core.  At 375x, the galaxy is seen to be very sharply concentrated with a very bright core and low surface brightness halo.  Forms a physical pair with CGCG 119-056 1.8' NW.  The companion appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, very small, small bright core, very faint halo elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  Unusual appearance as the core of the galaxy forms a very close double with a similar star at the SE end.  The outer halo appears to touch or encompass the star.  Located 6.5' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 80108.  This galaxy is an outlying member of the Cancer I cluster and is located ~1” north of center of the cluster.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2565 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  His position is 0.9 min of RA east and 1.5' N of UGC 4334 but his description "biN" applies to nucleus and a superimposed star.

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NGC 2566 = ESO 495-003 = MCG -04-20-008 = UGCA 138 = PGC 23303

08 18 45.5 -25 29 59; Pup

V = 11.0;  Size 3.4'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 ~ENE-WSW, 2.5'x1.8', diffuse, edges fade into background.  Unconcentrated except for a nearly stellar bright core.  Unusual appearance (similar to a Milky Way nebula) as it is located in a dense field among a rich group of faint stars including a mag 13 star just following the nucleus.  A 10' semicircle of stars heads to the north and west.  Forms a pair with IC 2311 7.6' N.  The IC galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter.  Even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  NGC 2566 is the brightest member of the Klemola 10 quartet.

 

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~2.0'x1.5', very low even surface brightness.  There is no core and the outer halo is not well defined.  Several stars are superimposed including a mag 13.5 star 22" ESE of center.  Situated in a rich Milky Way field.  Brightest in a group including IC 2311 7.6' N.  Located just 6” from the galactic equator.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2566 = H III-288 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and recorded "vF, considerably large, easily resolvable or rather some of the stars visible besides those of the milky way scattered over it."  His position is off the north side of the galaxy.  Herbert Howe described the galaxy as a "vS neb or neb *11 w/*12 close".  Pietro Baracchi described this object as "vF; pL; 2 stars 14m involved.  A multititude of stars in the field." (9 Jan 1886, 48" Melbourne).  Visually, nearby IC 2311 has a higher surface brightness and is more identifiable as a galaxy!

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NGC 2567 = ESO 431-3 = Cr 180 = Mel 86 = Lund 445

08 18 29 -30 38 42; Pup

V = 7.4;  Size 10'

 

13.1" (3/24/84): about two dozen stars mostly mag 11-13 in 10' diameter elongated N-S.  Includes a long string oriented N-S on the east side.  On the SW wide is a "U" shaped group of brighter stars open to the north.  Mag 9.0 SAO 199057 lies 6' SW.  First in a group of four open clusters with NGC 2571 54' N, NGC 2580 44' NE and NGC 2587 93' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2567 = H VII-64 = h503 = h3120 on 4 Mar 1793 (sweep 1033) and recorded "a large cluster of stars of a middling size, irregularly extended and considerably rich.  The stars are chiefly in rows."  In his 1814 publication, Herschel speculated that each row of stars may have a different preponderating attraction, but every row will attract all the other rows..."  John Herschel logged it on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 316) as "a fine, p rich cl; stars 11m pretty uniform 5..6' diam.  The chief stars make a zigzag line, the outliers extending 20'."

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NGC 2568 = ESO 370-5 = OCL-727 = Pismis 1 = Lund 443

08 18 18 -37 06 18; Pup

V = 10.7;  Size 5'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): small, faint group of about 6 stars over haze, unimpressive.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2568 in 1881 with his 5-inch refractor in Nashville while sweeping for comets.  In Sidereal Messenger, Vol 3, p60, he described a "very faint nebulosity of moderate extension; pretty even in light. A small star involved."  In The Observatory, 8, p123, he wrote "Faint, close to, and south preceding a small star; the star is partly involved in the nebula."  The latter observation was probably made with the 6-inch Cook refractor.  So, with the 5- and 6-inch scope he didn't resolve the cluster.  His discovery list in AN 2588 (1884) mentions Oliver Wendell, using the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory, described it as "rather diffuse and faint, but gradually a little brighter in the middle."  I'm surprised the large refractor didn't provide some resolution.  Paris Pismis reported the cluster as new (= Pismis 1) in her 1959 list of clusters found on Schmidt plates at the Tonantzintla Observatory.

 

Cederblad catalogued the cluster Ced 105, although there does not appear to be nebulosity involved.  The Lynga open cluster catalogue and Sky Catalogue 2000.0 identify the cluster as Pismis 1 although Barnard's accurate position makes the NGC identification certain.  ESO does label the cluster NGC 2568.

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NGC 2569 = MCG +04-20-035 = CGCG 119-067 = LGG 158-013 = PGC 23442

08 21 21.1 +20 52 03; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 119”

 

18" (2/26/11): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small bright core in a fainter halo.  A thin, distinctive triangle of mag 13 stars (separations roughly 12", 30", 30") is 1.5' following.  Forms a pair with NGC 2570 2.6' N.  Located 16' NE of mag 5.8 HD 69994.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round, small bright core in low surface brightness halo.  A group of three mag 13 stars lie between 1.5'-2.0' E.  Forms a pair with NGC 2570 2.6' N.  Member of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2569 on 19 Feb 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory (recorded as #79 in AN 1500).  His position and description ("a miniature 'Triangulum' is not much more than 1' distant") matches CGCG 119-067 = PGC 23442.  Nearby NGC 2570 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2570 = UGC 4354 = MCG +04-20-036 = CGCG 119-068 = PGC 23443

08 21 22.6 +20 54 37; Cnc

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 70”

 

18" (2/26/11): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3', very low even surface brightness, no noticeable core or zones.  Appears larger than NGC 2569, located 2.6' S, but more difficult due to a lower surface brightness.  Located 14.5' SE of NGC 2563 (brightest galaxy in the region) and 17' NE of mag 5.8 HD 69994.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very low surface brightness.  Slightly larger than NGC 2569 2.6' S but has a lower surface brightness.  Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2570 on 20 Feb 1873 in his observation of GC 1650 = NGC 2569 (discovered by d'Arrest) with the 72".  He recorded, with respect to NGC 2569, "eeF, L, R, pos 3.9”, dist 174.1".  His micrometric offsets matches UGC 4354.  This member of Cancer I has a redshift of z = .022.

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NGC 2571 = ESO 431-005 = Cr 181

08 18 56 -29 45 00; Pup

V = 7.0;  Size 13'

 

24" (3/21/20): at 200x; very interesting cluster with ~30 stars in the core of the cluster, including two 9th mag stars, HD 70058 and 70078, oriented NW-SE and a large number of stars 10th-11th magnitude. The "core" stars are pretty isolated by a wide, mostly empty ring with only much fainter stars. At a radius of 4' from the center is a prominent string of stars to the NW (oriented SW-NE) and an extensive group of stars to the south that may also be part of the cluster. Including the large group out to 13' diameter increases the total to 100-120 stars (though a large number are unrelated stars), but it appears too loose to be distinctive at this size.  This region of the Milky Way is rich in bright and faint stars: a 7th mag star (HD 69817) is 17' WNW and mag 6-7th mag stars are 20' SW and 20' NE.

 

13.1"  (3/24/84): 18 stars mag 8.8-12 in 10' diameter.  Includes a wide bright pair (mag 8.8 SAO 175580 and 8.9 SAO 175577) at 1' separation oriented NW-SE near the center.  This cluster is larger and contains brighter stars than NGC 2587 one degree ENE.  Also NGC 2580 lies 47' SE and NGC 2567 54' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2571 = H VI-39 = h502 on 3 Mar 1793 (sweep 1032) and noted "a cluster of large stars, considerably rich, iR, above 15' diameter."  John Herschel logged it on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 316) as "a v loose straggling but p rich cl which fills the field, st 9m and under; vl comp middle.  Some large st preced it."

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NGC 2572 = UGC 4355 = MCG +03-22-004 = CGCG 089-007 = PGC 23441

08 21 24.6 +19 08 52; Cnc

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just off the SSW end 0.5' from the center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2572 = St VIIIb-30 on 2 Feb 1877. His position matches UGC 4355.

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NGC 2573 = ESO 001-001 = PGC 6249 = Polarissima Australis

01 41 37.3 -89 20 04; Oct

V = 13.5;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 70”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x "Polarissima Australis" appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated at least 3:1, ~1.5'x0.5'.  Contains a small bright core and a sharp stellar nucleus (possibly a star?).  Mag 10.3 HD 23641 is 7.4' WNW.

 

NGC 2573 is the brightest of three galaxies close to the south celestial pole with NGC 2573A and 2573B 32' WNW.  NGC 2573A is the fainter of a colliding pair at 1.3' separation.  At 303x it appeared very faint to faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 ~N-S, ~0.7'x0.2', low surface brightness.  NGC 2573B is fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 [PA 125”], 0.6'x0.2', fairly low surface brightness.  The major axis is extended in the direction of NGC 2573A.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' N.  Images reveal an apparent bridge between the galaxies and  plumes, tidal tails and knots (particularly with NGC 2573A).  The outer tidal plumes were not seen based on my size estimate.

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 2573 is known as "Polarissima Australis" and is located only 40' from the south celestial pole.  At 260x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2, ~1.6'x0.45'.  Contains a very small, bright nucleus with much fainter extensions. A mag 10.6/11.2 pair at 7" separation was picked up 13' NNE.  This galaxy was brighter than I expected based on descriptions I've read.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2573 = h3176 on 29 Mar 1837 and recorded "Neb Polarissima Australis. Faint, round, gradually a little brighter in the middle, 25" across. Situated nearly halfway between a star of 10th magnitude south of it, and a small triangle of stars 11th, 13th and 13th mag. north." This is the closest galaxy to the south celestial pole.  In 1919 Robert Innes reported he was unsuccessful in searching for it under the best condistions with the 9-inch Grubb refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg. The RNGC positions are in error for NGC 2573, 2573A and 2573B.

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NGC 2574 = MCG -01-22-003 = PGC 23418

08 20 48.1 -08 55 08; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness, no core.  A trio of stars are at the south edge; a mag 11 star 1.4' SSE, a mag 13.5 star 1.3' S and a mag 13 star 1.2' SSW.  Located 5' SW of mag 7.7 SAO 135801.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2574 = LM 2-401 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 7 sec of RA west and 2.8' south of MCG -01-22-003 and his description "mag 15.8, 1.0' dia, rr; *7.5 at 5' in PA 50”" matches this galaxy.

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NGC 2575 = UGC 4368 = MCG +04-20-040 = CGCG 119-075 = PGC 23501

08 22 44.9 +24 17 49; Cnc

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, round, no core though uneven surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the west end and an extremely faint mag 16 star is involved at the east end.  This is an outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2575 = St IX-14 on 23 Feb 1878.  His position and description "eeF, iR, 1' dia, envelops sev vF*" matches UGC 4368.

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NGC 2576 = UGC 4371 = MCG +04-20-041 = CGCG 119-076 = PGC 23512

08 22 57.7 +25 44 20; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 1.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 41”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration with thin extensions.  Located 3.2' E of mag 8.2 SAO 80137 3.2' W.  A mag 10.5 star is just 1.7' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2576 on 29 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, eS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2577 = UGC 4367 = MCG +04-20-042 = CGCG 119-074 = PGC 23498

08 22 43.4 +22 33 11; Cnc

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~0.8'x0.4', dominated by a prominent core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with UGC 4375 9' NE.  I recorded UGC 4375 as "fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, brighter core, faint halo.  The appearance is unusual as a mag 12 star is embedded in the east side.  Also three mag 14-15 stars are nearby with one at the south edge."

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2577 = H II-259 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and logged "F, S, iF, resolvable."  His position (Auwers' reduction) is 3.7' NW of UGC 4367 (similar offset as NGC 2599, the next nebula discovered in the sweep).  Sir Robert Ball, the assistant on the 72" on 29 Dec 1866 recorded "a very remarkable object.  I suspect details would be seen on a better night.  At first I thought is was a nebulous star, but on closer examination considered it a B, vS neb with a nucl (perhaps stellar); branches were suspected p and f."

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NGC 2578 = MCG -02-22-002 = PGC 23440

08 21 24.3 -13 19 04; Pup

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; moderately bright and large, oval E-W, 1.0'x0.7', fairly strong concentration with a well-defined bright core and much fainter halo.  A mag 15 star is superimposed on the northeast side [24" from center].  Situated in a rich star field with a mag 10.5 star 2.5' SE.

 

Forms a pair with MCG -02-22-003 = PGC 23449, which lies just 50" E of the mag 10.5 star and 3.0' SE of NGC 2578.  It was seen initially at 322x and at 450x appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~20"x15".

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments, in a fairly rich star field.  Located 2.5' NNW of a mag 11 star.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-22-003 3' SE (not seen) which is close following the mag 11 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2578 = H III-902 = h3121 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and logged "vF, lE, bM, resolvable."  JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, recorded "vF, R, gbM, in a field full of Milky Way stars."  Both Herschels' positions are accurate.  JH missed the companion described in my observation.

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NGC 2579 = ESO 370-008 = ESO 370-9 = Gum 11 = RCW 20 = PP 78 = NS 238

08 20 54.8 -36 13 00; Pup

Size 2'

 

17.5" (2/1/92): small, bright compact nebula involving a mag 10.5 star.  Visible without filter as a small bright knot forming a close double with the mag 10.5 star just west.  Using an OIII filter at 140x the size increases to 2' diameter and encompasses the mag 10.5 star.  With this combination the nebula is quite prominent as the surface brightness is quite high!  Located within a large scattered group of about 20 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2579 = h3122 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "A double star (h4083) involved in pB nebulosity, which seems to belong to both stars; but of the two the smaller is more nebulous; diameter 50"; in a pretty rich patch of the milky way."  The next night he logged "a double star, or a star and a nebula, very close and involving the star ... the field contains about 70 stars, of which 8 are about 9th mag. I cannot be quite positive that the neb extends beyond the large star, or that the small one is not a mere condensation of it. However, I remain pretty well satisfied of its investing both."  His mean position (4 sweeps) corresponds with this compact HII region.

 

Joseph Turner described NGC 2579 as two pairs of double stars on 14 Feb 1882 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  Both pairs are oriented ~N-S on his sketch with the brightest star at the west end.

 

The Lynga catalogue includes NGC 2579 as an open cluster at 08 20.3 -36 15 (1950), placing the object 20' too far SE!  At the Lynga position is a scattered group of stars.  This error is repeated in amateur sky-plotting software such as MegaStar.  ESO 370-PN?009 is a faint, detached piece off the southeast side with a separate ionizing star.

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NGC 2580 = ESO 431-006 = Cr 183

08 21 29 -30 17 48; Pup

Size 8'

 

13.1" (3/24/84): 15-20 stars mag 10-13 within a rectangle of stars.  A brighter double star is close north.  Located 44' NE of NGC 2567 and 47' SE of NGC 2571 in a group of 4 open clusters along with NGC 2587 53' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2580 = h3123 on 5 Feb 1837 and described a "cluster 7th class; R; p rich; insulated; 10' diam; stars 12m, nearly uniform."  His position is ~1.0' SE of center of this cluster.

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NGC 2581 = UGC 4388 = MCG +03-22-010 = CGCG 089-019 = PGC 23599

08 24 30.9 +18 35 49; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, fairly low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2.0' N and a mag 14 star is 1.5' NE of center.  Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.  Incorrectly identified in the UGC, CGCG and MCG as IC 2351.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2581 = St XIII-38 on 7 Mar 1885 and measured an accurate position.  This is one of the last few galaxies discovered by Stephen.  Max Wolf's IC 2351, found on Heidelberg plates, refers to a mag 16 star at the southwest edge (30" SSW of center), and UGC, CGCG and MCG mislabel the galaxy as IC 2351 instead of NGC 2581.

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NGC 2582 = IC 2359 = UGC 4391 = MCG +04-20-050 = CGCG 089-022 = CGCG 119-091 = LGG 159-002 = PGC 23630

08 25 12.0 +20 20 05; Cnc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, very symmetrical appearance.  A bright double star O·191 = 7.2/9.2 at 38" lies at the edge of the 220x field 11' SW.  Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2582 = H III-753 = h504 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 907) and logged it as "vF, S, R, vlbM."  There is nothing at his position (Auwers' reduction), but 10' southeast is UGC 4391.  John Herschel observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps, recording on 14 Mar 1831, "vF; R; gbM; is 90" following a *11 m, and many small st near."  His position on this sweep is at the south edge of the galaxy.

 

Max Wolf catalogued this galaxy from a Heidelberg plate and noted the entry was identical to NGC 2582, but Dreyer mistakenly recatalogued it as IC 2359.  So, NGC 2582 = IC 2359.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2583 = MCG -01-22-008 = PGC 23516

08 23 07.9 -05 00 09; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, well concentration with a very small bright nucleus.  Forms east vertex of a thin, isosceles triangle with two mag 14 stars 1.5' W [20" separation].  MCG -01-22-007 and -006 lie ~4' NNW.

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, bright core, crisp-edge to halo.  A 20" pair of mag 14.5/15 star is just 1.5' W.  First of three on a SW-NE line with NGC 2584 2.7' NE and NGC 2585 6.9' NE.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, very small, round, strong concentration with very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A faint mag 14/14 double star with separation 20" oriented N-S lies 1.5' W.  First of three on a line with NGC 2584 2.5' NE and NGC 2585 7' NE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2583 = LM 2-402 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 13.5, 0.4' dia, R, sbMN, 1st of 4 [with NGC 2584, 2585, 2586]."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is MCG -01-22-008 = PGC 23516.  Kobold measured an accurate position at Strasbourg in 1895.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy NGC 2583.

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NGC 2584 = MCG -01-22-009 = PGC 23523

08 23 15.4 -04 58 13; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 0”

 

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration.  Second in a string with NGC 2583 2.7' SW and NGC 2585 4.3' NE.  Also MCG -01-22-007 and -006 are nearly in a line 2.9' and 4.1' NW.

 

17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness.  Second of three with NGC 2583 2.7' SW and NGC 2585 4.3' NE.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, very low surface brightness.  Collinear with NGC 2583 2.5' SW and NGC 2585 5' NE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2584 = LM 2-403 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.5' dia, R, 2nd of 4 [with NGC 2583, 2585, 2586]."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is MCG -01-22-009 = PGC 23523.  Kobold measured an accurate position at Strasbourg in 1895.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy NGC 2584.

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NGC 2585 = MCG -01-22-010 = PGC 23537

08 23 26.2 -04 54 56; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 85”

 

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7'x0.6', weak broad concentration with no distinct zones but surface appears mottled.  In a group with NGC 2585 4.3' SW and NGC 2583 7.0' SW (on a line) as well as MCG -01-22-012 (identified as NGC 2586 in RNGC and PGC) 16' ENE.

 

In addition, a close pair, MCG -01-22-006 and -007, are 5.3' and 6.4' WSW.  MCG -01-006 appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NE, 20"x10".  MCG -01-01-007 was extremely to very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 12"x9", low even surface brightness.  The MCG's have a similar redshift as NGC 2584 and 2585.

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration, 0.9' diameter.  Third of three on a SW-NE line with NGC 2584 and NGC 2583 to the SW.  This is a challenging trio and I missed two nearby MCG galaxies.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, round, very weak concentration.  Third of three on a line with NGC 2584 5' SW and NGC 2583 7' SW.  Viewed core only (the arms are very low surface brightness on the DSS).

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2585 = LM 2-404 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.5' dia, R, 3rd of 4 [with NGC 2583, 2584, 2586]."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 minute of RA west (same offset as NGC 2583 and 2584) is MCG -01-22-010 = PGC 23537.  Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position at Strasbourg in 1895 as well as Porter at the Cincinnati Observatory in 1906.  MCG misidentifies MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2585.

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NGC 2586 = PGC 3325912

08 23 31.4 -04 57 07; Hya

Size 18"/16"/11"

 

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; this faint triple star (components all roughly mag V = 16) appeared as a very faint, very small glow, 0.3' diameter with a mag 16 star often resolving.  It was easy to see how this object could be assumed to be a nebula (galaxy).  At 450x, 2 or all 3 stars sparkled, but I couldn't hold them simultaneously.

 

The RNGC and PGC identifies MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2585.  At 322x, this galaxy appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 21"x15", low surface even surface brightness.  Note: my description applies to the central region and I missed the very low surface brightness spiral arms.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2586 = LM 2-405, along with NGCs 2583, 2584 and 2585, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He noted "mag 16.2, 0.8' dia, R, 4th of 4; neb?".

 

Near his published position is MCG -01-22-012, but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2586 with a triple star at 08 23 31.4 -04 57 07 (2000).  This triple is 1.0 minute of time west of Muller's position, agreeing with his offsets for NGC 2583, 2584 and 2585.  RNGC and PGC are probably incorrect in identifying MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2586, though this still seems a plausible identification as it is certainly bright enough to be picked up Muller.

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NGC 2587 = Cr 184 = ESO 431-007

08 23 24 -29 30 30; Pup

Size 9'

 

13.1" (3/24/84): 15 faint stars over haze in a 5' diameter extended N-S with mag 9 SAO 17537 at the SE edge.  A mag 11.5 star is at the north edge but most members are mag 12-13.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2587 = h3124 on 22 Jan 1835 and described "a milky way cluster 7th class; irreg fig; pretty much compressed in middle.  Stars 10...13m; one 9 m."

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NGC 2588 = ESO 370-010 = Cr 186 = OCL-715

08 23 10 -32 58 30; Pup

Size 2'

 

17.5" (3/25/95): small faint cluster consisting of 15 stars in a 2' diameter with a few additional out to 3' diameter.  The stars are pretty uniform (mag 13/14) and most are arranged in a perfect "U" asterism open towards the south.  Only a few stars are inside this "U".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2588 = h3125 on 16 Feb 1836 and recorded "a small F cluster of st 15m; 3' diam; R; gbM; not very rich.  His position and description matches this faint cluster.

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NGC 2589

08 24 30 -08 46; Hya

 

= Not found, Corwin and Dreyer.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2589 = Sw. VI-32 on 13 Feb 1887 and logged "pF, pS, lE in meridian."  There is nothing near his position except faint stars and Howe was not able to visually recover this object on 3 nights with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory around 1900.  Harold Corwin was also unsuccessful searching for viable candidates - noting NGC 2574 as a possibility - so this number is lost.

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NGC 2590 = IC 507 = UGC 4392 = MCG +00-22-010 = CGCG 004-020 = PGC 23616

08 25 01.9 -00 35 31; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A bright wide double star lies 15' NE (7.3/10 at 43").  Located 4.3' N of mag 9.6 SAO 135887.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2590 = St IX-15 on 26 Feb 1878.  His position matches UGC 4392.  This galaxy was independently discovered by Lewis Swift on 3 Feb 1888 and catalogued as Sw. VIII-47 (later IC 507).  Swift's position is 10' north of UGC 4392 (after a precession  error by Dreyer is corrected) so Dreyer assumed it was new.  Howe reported he was unable to find IC 507 on 3 nights because of the poor position but likely NGC 2590 = IC 507.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2591 = UGC 4472 = MCG +13-07-001 = CGCG 349-029 = CGCG 350-001 = PGC 24231

08 37 25.9 +78 01 34; Cam

V = 12.3;  Size 3.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, narrow edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 2.4'x0.4', brighter middle, very thin faint extensions.  A mag 14 star is just off the SW tip 1.4' from center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2591 on 12 Aug 1866 and noted "F, S, E, 45"-55" dia, lbM."  His position from 2 observations (#80 in his discovery list in AN 1500) is an exact match with UGC 4472.

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NGC 2592 = UGC 4411 = MCG +04-20-055 = CGCG 119-102 = PGC 23701

08 27 08.1 +25 58 13; Cnc

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, small, round, sharp concentration with an unusually bright core for a small galaxy, stellar nucleus, small fainter halo.  A mag 15 star is 1.0' W.  Forms a pair with NGC 2594 5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2592 = H II-315 = h505 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and recorded "F, S, R, bM, cometic or having a seeming nucleus."  John Herschel logged it on 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) as "pB; R; vsbM to a *; 20"." and measured an accurate position.  This galaxy was observed 14 times at Birr Castle and LdR (or assistants) thought it was a tight, unresolved cluster on several occasions!

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NGC 2593 = UGC 4408 = MCG +03-22-012 = CGCG 089-029 = PGC 23692

08 26 47.8 +17 22 29; Cnc

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.  Located in the same field with NGC 2596 11' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2593 on 26 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, vS."  His position matches UGC 4408.

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NGC 2594 = MCG +04-20-056 = CGCG 119-106 = PGC 23704

08 27 17.3 +25 52 43; Cnc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7'

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just 0.6' S of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2592 5' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2594 on 29 Mar 1865 and simply noted "eF".  His position matches CGCG 119-106.

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NGC 2595 = UGC 4422 = MCG +04-20-062 = CGCG 119-109 = III Zw 59 = PGC 23725

08 27 42.0 +21 28 44; Cnc

V = 12.3;  Size 3.2'x2.4';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 45”

 

24" (2/24/20): fairly bright, large, well concentrated with a small bright core that hints of detail, A low surface brightness halo fades into the background but extends ~2'x1.5'.  A mag 14 star is superimposed [40" NNE of center].  A mag 9.0 star (HD 71324) is 2.2' SW.

 

UGC 4414, a ring galaxy 13' NW, appeared as a bright stellar nucleus that dominated faint "wings" (bar) oriented SSW-NNE.  Occasionally this is surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo, but was not resolved as a distinct ring.

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round.  Unusual appearance with a very compact bright core displaced towards the NE end.  Also a mag 14 star is superimposed close northeast of the core.  The halo appears more extensive to the southwest.  Located 2.2' NE of double star HJ 448 = 8.9/10.7 at 31".  Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2595 = H III-599 = h506 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) and noted "eF, pL, resolvable."  He made this observation after he viewed Uranus and discovered the moons Titania and Oberon!  John Herschel logged it on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) as "vF; irreg fig; has a coarse double star 30” s p, 2' dist [HJ 448]."  Five observations were made at Birr Castle as well as a sketch and the note from 14 Feb 1857 "Query: some vF neby reaches to np side" probably refers to the northern spiral arm.

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NGC 2596 = UGC 4419 = MCG +03-22-013 = CGCG 089-030 = PGC 23714

08 27 26.5 +17 17 02; Cnc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A small group of five stars lies about 2' E including a close unequal double star (11.5/13.5 at 9" in PA 90”).  NGC 2593 lies 11' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2596 = m 121 on 26 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, S, lE."  His position is 9 sec of RA east of UGC 4419.

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NGC 2597 = NGC 2598:

08 29 57.4 +21 30 07; Cnc

 

= 1 or 2 *'s?, Gottlieb.  =2*, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.  =NGC 2598, UGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2597 = m 122 on 1 Jan 1864, along with NGC 2598 = m 123.  He listed very similar coordinates for the two objects (NGC 2597 is 5 sec of RA west = 1.2 arcmin).  But there is only a single galaxy here, which UGC labels NGC 2598 = NGC 2597.  It's possible that Marth thought this galaxy was double but it is elongated north-south, not east-west as his position would indicate.  More likely NGC 2597 refers to one or two very faint stars about 1' northwest of UGC 4443.  Also see Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2598 = UGC 4443 = MCG +04-20-065 = CGCG 119-116 = PGC 23855

08 30 02.6 +21 29 18; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Located just west of the vertex of a "V" asterism consisting of five mag 11-12 stars; the asterism appears to point towards this galaxy with the vertex being a mag 12 star 1.7' E.  Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2598 = m 123 on 1 Jan 1864, along with NGC 2597 = m 122.  His position matches UGC 4443.  NGC 2597, placed only 5 sec of RA preceding, may refer to 1 or 2 very faint stars.

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NGC 2599 = UGC 4458 = MCG +04-20-067 = CGCG 119-122 = Mrk 389 = PGC 23941

08 32 11.3 +22 33 37; Cnc

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, round, small high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus embedded, only a small halo visible.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2599 = H III-234 = h507 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and noted "vF, stellar."  His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) was 8 sec of RA west and 3.5' N of UGC 4458, a similar offset as NGC 2577, the previous discovery in the sweep.

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NGC 2600 = UGC 4475 = MCG +09-14-068 = CGCG 263-055 = PGC 24082

08 34 45.1 +52 42 57; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 78”

 

18" (3/13/10): first in a group of 5 NGC galaxies.  At 280x appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 30"x15", low even surface brightness.  Located 2' ENE of a 50" pair of mag 12 stars.  First in a group with NGC 2602, NGC 2603, NGC 2605, NNGC 2606 and second brightest (next to NGC 2606, which is located 8.6' NE).

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x15".  Brightens slightly to a near stellar nucleus.  Forms the vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' SW.  Also forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 14 stars closer to the north.  Located 8.6' WSW of NGC 2606.  In a trio with NGC 2602 7.5' NE.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2600 = Big. 37 on 7 Mar 1886. His position is 6 sec of RA west of UGC 4475 in a faint galaxy group.  It's possible that this galaxy was discovered earlier by Lord Rosse's assistant George Stoney on 9 Feb 1850 as he noted three galaxies in the field, with one "bright".  See NGC 2602 for identification problems in this group.

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NGC 2601 = ESO 060-005 = PGC 23637

08 25 30.6 -68 07 03; Vol

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 120”

 

25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~WNW-ESE, ~1.2'x0.8', small brighter core.  A mag 13 star is at the east edge, 44" from center.  Situated in a very starry region including mag 11-11.5 stars 4' SE, 3' E and 2' NE, along with a mag 12 star 1.4' NW and other fainter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2601 = h3126 on 4 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R; gbM; 30"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2602 = MCG +09-14-069 = CGCG 263-056 = PGC 24099

08 35 04.2 +52 49 54; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 27”

 

18" (3/13/10): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14", low even surface brightness.  Located 2.5' WSW of a mag 10.7 star and 5.2' NW of NGC 2606 in a group of faint NGC galaxies.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint and small, 15" diameter, possibly elongated.  Located 2.6' WSW of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 2606 5.2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2602 = h508 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327).  His mean position from two observations is 08 35 01.4 +52 50 10 (2000), an excellent match with CGCG 263-056.  His description from the next night reads "eF; S; R; north-preceding a star (about 5” n p).  The preceding neb of 2 [with NGC 2606].  A mag 10.8 star 2.5' ENE is probably the intended star, so the description should read "south-preceding a star".   MCG and PGC correctly identify NGC 2602.

 

The field was observed three times at Birr Castle.  On the first observation (9 Feb 1850), the three brightest galaxies -- NGC 2600, 2602 and 2606 -- were likely observed.  On a second observation by R.J. Mitchell on 11 Mar 1858, 4 nebulae were described and sketched.  Harold Corwin suggests the following identifications: "4 neb. found, alpha [NGC 2603] is F, S, bM; beta [NGC 2605] is vvF, gamma [NGC 2602] F, S, lbM; delta [NGC 2606] is E and has a Nucl, a F * sf. alpha and gamma are about 5 arcmin dist. from one another, and beta and delta about the same dist. apart."

 

In compiling the GC, it appears that JH assumed alpha was h508 = NGC 2602, the preceding nebula in the sketch.  So, he misplaced the two LdR novae -- NGC 2603 and NGC 2605 -- following, instead of preceding NGC 2602.  In addition, on the third observation (5 Mar 1867), Sir Robert Ball noted "2 neb seen nearly p f, p one eeF, f one [NGC 2606]  eF.  Measures extremely difficult.  Pos 92”, Dist 118”."  The preceding nebula is PGC 2423840, but it didn't receive a NGC designation.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes under NGC 2600.

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NGC 2603 = 2MASX J08343121+5250247 = PGC 3133653

08 34 31.2 +52 50 25; UMa

V = 16.2;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

24" (3/13/10): at 320x appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.  Required averted vision to momentarily view, but reaquired several times to confirm.  Located 5.0' W of NGC 2602 and 10' WNW of NGC 2606.  Faintest of 5 galaxies in a group with brightest member NGC 2606.  At B = 16.9, this is one of the faintest, if not the faint NGC galaxy.

 

18" (3/13/10): not found at 275x.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2603 and 2605 on 11 Mar 1858.  Although he made a sketch of 4 galaxies (out of 6 total in the group), the identifications have been confused (seen notes for NGC 2602).  NGC 2602 (discovered by John Herschel) is labeled Gamma and NGC 2606 is labeled Delta.  Of the two remaining galaxies, the logical assignment is NGC 2603 = Alpha = LEDA 3133653 and NGC 2605 = Beta = LEDA 2424112. Alpha was noted as "F, S, bM."  JH assumed Alpha = NGC 2602 when compiling the GC, so he placed NGC 2603, as well as NGC 2605, following NGC 2602 instead of preceding.

 

RNGC misidentifies LEDA 2423840, the faintest galaxy in the group, as NGC 2603.  LEDA 2423840 was noted on Sir Robert Ball's observation on 5 March 1867 (preceding NGC 2606 by 118" in PA 90”), but it didn't receive a NGC designation as Dreyer was not sure which two nebulae were described in this observation.  The MCG entry for NGC 2603 (MCG +09-14-072) probably applies to much brighter NGC 2606 as there are no other nearby MCG entries.  At ~785 million light years (z = 0.057), this is certainly one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC.

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NGC 2604 = UGC 4469 = MCG +05-20-022 = CGCG 149-048 = Holm 96a = PGC 23998

08 33 22.9 +29 32 17; Cnc

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.6' diameter, broad weak concentration but there was no core or zones.  The halo gradually fades out.  A pair of faint mag 15.5 stars at ~20" separation lies 1.3' NW (outside the halo).  A bright 30" pair of mag 10.3/10.8 stars lies 5' SSE.  Forms a pair (probably interacting) with CGCG 149-049 = NGC 2604B 3.6' SE.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 20"x10" and required averted vision at 260x.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, low even surface brightness, slightly elongated but irregular or ill-defined outline.  A mag 14 star is 1' off the south edge and 1.8' from center.  A very faint close mag 15/15.5 double is at or just off the WNW edge.  Almost collinear with a double star 5' SSE with components mag 10/10.5 at 32".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2604 = H III-292 = h509 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and recorded "vF, pL, R, lbM, resolvable. 2 or 3 pB stars about it."  His position is ~10 sec of RA too far east and 2' too far south.  John Herschel logged it on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56) as "eF; doubtful obs, as at first the neb was hardly seen.  Verified, but too late for a good RA.  In field with a double star which points rather s of it."  The 10 Dec 1866 observation by Robert Ball with LdR's 72" reads "eF, vL, center not uniformly bright, but the luminous portion lE and curved, convex preceding (this was little more than a suspicion); vF double star close north."

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NGC 2605 = LEDA 2424112

08 34 53.4 +52 48 15; UMa

Size 0.3'x0.3';  PA = 25”

 

24" (3/13/10): at 320x appeared very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  Located 2.4' SW of NGC 2602 and 4th brightest of 5 galaxies.  NGC 2606, the brightest member, lies 6.3' E.

 

18" (3/13/10): not found at 275x.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2605 on 11 Mar 1858 (along with NGC 2603) using Lord Rosse's 72".  It is labeled on the sketch as Beta (PGC 2424112) and simply noted as vvF.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and the galaxy is not catalogued in either CGCG or MCG.  See identification notes for NGC 2602 and 2603.

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NGC 2606 = MCG +09-14-072 = CGCG 263-059 = PGC 24117

08 35 34.7 +52 47 20; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 39”

 

18" (3/13/10): faint or fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE , 35"x25".  Located 4' SE of a mag 10.8 star.  NGC 2602, a much fainter galaxy, lies 5.3' NW and NGC 2600 lies 9' SW.  A very faint galaxy (2MASX J08352151+5247337) which lies 2' W was not seen.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very small brighter core with a low surface brightness halo.  Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  A small group of stars forming a square with a fifth star near the center lies about 6' NNE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2602 5.2' NW.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 2603 in the MCG and DSFG to the Uranometria.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2606 = h510 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and recorded "vF; S; R; 12."  The following and brighter of 2."  His mean position (two sweeps) matches CGCG 263-059.  This galaxy was labeled Delta on the field sketch made by R.J. Mitchell with the 72" on 11 Mar 1858.  MCG mislabels MCG +09-14-072 as NGC 2603, instead of NGC 2606 and PGC labels this galaxy as NGC 2603 = NGC 2606.  PGC 2423840, located 2' west, was observed by Sir Robert Ball at Birr Castle on 5 Mar 1867, but did not receive a NGC designation.

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NGC 2607 = UGC 4473 = MCG +05-20-025 = CGCG 149-051 = PGC 24038

08 33 56.6 +26 58 21; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is close off the west edge 1.1' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2607 = h511 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and wrote "eF; a doubt remained; windy."  His position matches UGC 4473, despite the uncertainty in the observation and the measured North Polar Distance.

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NGC 2608 = Arp 12 = UGC 4484 = MCG +05-20-027 = CGCG 149-055 = PGC 24111

08 35 17.2 +28 28 23; Cnc

V = 12.3;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): Supernova 2001 bg (discovered on May 8, 2001) visible as a mag 14 star at the southeast edge of the galaxy [22" E and 19" S of center].

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small bright core. Two mag 11 and 12.5 stars are 5' S with separation 1.3'.  NGC 2619 lies 33' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2608 = H II-318 = h512 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and noted "F, pL, lE, mbM, r."  His position was ~14 seconds of time west of UGC 4484.

 

The galaxy was observed 8 times at Birr Castle and spiral structure was highly suspected several times.  On 14 Feb 1857, the observing assistant noted "..twist [spiral arms] in the nebulosity p and f the nucleus, most apparent preceding." and the 1 Feb 1856 observation reads "E nearly p f, the p half is much the brighter and I think has curve in it [in a sketch there appears a dark space p the Nucl].

 

Two supernovae have been discovered: Max Wolf discovered SN 1920A (considered anomalous) and Type Ia SN 2001bg.

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NGC 2609 = ESO 124-17

08 29 30 -61 06 36; Car

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): fairly faint and sparcely populated cluster of 12-15 stars in a 6' circle.  Most of the stars are arranged in a 5'x2' region elongated N-S.  Contains a nice double HJ 4108 = 9.6/10.6 at 20" with a wider and fainter pair (10.9/11.6 at 26") about 2' SE.  A mag 9.0 star (HD 72287) lies ~6' W and additional mag 10 stars lie with 10' to the NNW and SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2609 = h3130 on 8 Mar 1836 and observed on 2 sweeps.  His discovery description reads "A double star, chief of a cluster 8th class of scattered stars, 6' diam; not very rich or compression.  His position matches a bright double star (HD 72425) at the center of the group.  RNGC classifies the group as nonexistent (Type 7) although it shows up well on DSS (several mag 12 stars).  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2610 = PK 239+13.1 = PN G239.6+13.9

08 33 23.4 -16 08 57; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 50"x47"

 

48" (2/28/19 and 3/1/19): at 488x and 813x; bright, fairly large, roundish, 50" diameter.  Contains a thick brighter rim (about half the diameter) with a darker central hole.  The rim is slightly brighter in a 90” arc centered on the NW side and appears slightly irregular or ragged around the periphery. The rim was slightly weaker just south of a prominent 12th magnitude star on the NE edge.  The faint central star was easily visible.  With a NPB filter there was a thin outer halo.  Located 3.5' SW of a mag 6.6 HD 72665.

 

17.5" (3/25/00): at 280x using a UHC filter appears moderately bright, ~45"x40", elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 12 star is embedded on the NE edge of the rim.  The planetary appears to taper near the star although this may be a contrast effect.  The rim is sharp-edged and the surface brightness pretty smooth. Located 3.5' SW of a mag 6.5 star.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright PN, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, about 40" diameter.  No annularity or central star seen.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge.  Located 3.5' SW of mag 6.6 SAO 154395.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2610 = H IV-35 = h513 = 3127 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "a small star with an electrical brush sp; F; S.  About 1 1/2' after follows a star of the 8th magnitude.  It resembles fig 7, Phil. Trans. Vol LXXIV.Tab.17. [Plate VII]".  Herschel commented in his 1814 PT paper that "a small star has a small, faint, fan-shaped nebulosity joining to it on the north preceding side."  He used this example to (incorrectly) demonstrate the union or mutual attraction between the objects.  On 16 Nov 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote, "A * 14m with a fan-shaped brush 15" l  to the sp side; the brush however judged by both Mr. [James?] Dunlop (who saw it) and myself not to be in contact."  The 1 Feb 1851 observation by Lord Rosse reads "Dark space foll star, bet neb and star stronlgly suspected like the "snow-drop nebula" [NGC 2261].  Lord Rosse suspected a star in it also."

 

In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported this object was annular and the spectrum probably gaseous based on a photograph with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory. The spectrum was confirmed by Campbell and Paddock at Lick.  Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the ring is slightly irregular, hazy and without structural detail; is 38"x31" in pa 75”.  Relatively vacant around the central.  The matter in the ring is rather faint."

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NGC 2611 = CGCG 119-127 = PGC 24121

08 35 29.2 +25 01 39; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.75'x0.25';  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 0.9' NW of a mag 14 star.  A nice wide pair of mag 10 stars (35" separation) lies 10' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2611 = m 124 on 29 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, S, pmE, gbM."  His position matches CGCG 119-127.

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NGC 2612 = MCG -02-22-020 = PGC 24028

08 33 50.1 -13 10 29; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 2.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, small bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 30" N of center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' S.  Appears to have a sharper light cutoff on the north side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2612 = h3128 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "B, S, psbM, E, between two stars." His position and description matches MCG -02-22-020 = PGC 24028.  Engelhardt measured a precise micrometric position.  Joseph Turner sketched this galaxy in Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p129 of his logbook).  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, noted "not bright but faint".

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NGC 2613 = ESO 495-018 = MCG -04-21-003 = UGCA 141 = PGC 23997

08 33 22.6 -22 58 21; Pyx

V = 10.3;  Size 7.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 113”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly large, very pretty edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.0', broadly concentrated.  Several stars are nearby as the galaxy is located in a rich star field including a mag 12 star 1.5' N, a mag 13 star 2.0' S of center and another mag 12 star at the west edge of the halo.  NGC 2613 is the brightest galaxy in Pyxis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2613 = H II-266 = h3129 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and logged "F, E, bM, r, pS that is about 1.5' diameter."  On 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 663) he noted "cB, cL, irr F, E nearly in the parallel."  John Herschel made 3 observations from the Cape of Good Hope, describing it on one sweep as "B, L, vmE in position 110.3”, pslbM, 3' long, 20" broad."  Joseph Turner made a sketch on 18 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  The galaxy is shown as a thin edge-on with a small bright nucleus.

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NGC 2614 = UGC 4523 = MCG +12-09-005 = CGCG 331-058 = CGCG 332-005 = PGC 24473

08 42 48.2 +72 58 35; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, fairly large, 2.5' diameter, round, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration but no core.  Better view at 140x than 220x due to low surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge.  First in a group of four including NGC 2629 20' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2614 on 1 Dec 1863 while recording NGC 2629.  His single position matches UGC 4523.

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NGC 2615 = UGC 4481 = MCG +00-22-019 = CGCG 004-059 = PGC 24071

08 34 33.2 -02 32 48; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, small bright core, faint halo.  A mag 12.5 lies 1.8' SSW of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2615 = St XIII-39 on 6 Feb 1885 and recorded "F; oval; 1' diam; lbM; seems resolvable; faint star involved."  His position and description matches UGC 4481.

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NGC 2616 = UGC 4489 = MCG +00-22-021 = CGCG 004-069 = WBL 188-004 = PGC 24129

08 35 34.0 -01 51 00; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

24" (2/5/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  A larger halo of extremely low surface brightness was not noticed. A mag 15 star is superimposed just north of center and a mag 13.5 star is off the NE side, 50" from center.

 

Brightest of 8 in a group (WBL 188) with IC 515 3.1' SSW, IC 516 4.4' ESE and CGCG 004-072 6.5' SE.  The four galaxies, with NGC 2616 at the NE vertex, form a near parallelogram.  In addition, CGCG 004-071 lies 6' NNE, IC 514 12' SSW, CGCG 004-065 14.5' SSW and IC 517 17' SE.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' NE of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2616 = Sw. III-39 on 9 Mar 1886 and noted "vF; S; R; * nr north-following; a more distant * in line with both."  His position is 6 sec of RA east of UGC 4489 and the description applies.

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NGC 2617 = MCG -01-22-026 = PGC 24141

08 35 38.7 -04 05 16; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is involved on the north edge 22" from center and a second mag 14 star is 30" S of center.  Forms a pair with MCG -01-22-027 2.4' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2617 = St XIII-40 on 12 Feb 1885 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory.  His position is a perfect match with MCG -01-22-026.  MCG and RC3 misidentify MCG -01-22-027, a fainter galaxy just 2.4' east, as NGC 2617.  The RNGC position and magnitude also refers to MCG -01-22-027, though the RNGC new description "companion 1' foll" refers to MCG -01-22-026.  Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 has the wrong magnitude and size (based on the RNGC position and mag) and the first edition of the Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide also misidentifies MCG -01-22-027 as NGC 2617 (corrected in the second edition). See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2618 = UGC 4492 = MCG +00-22-023 = CGCG 004-074 = PGC 24156

08 35 53.5 +00 42 26; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration.  Located along the south side of a trapezoid of mag 13-14 stars; closest is a mag 13 star 1' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2618 = H III-257 = h515 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 346) and noted "eF, pL, iF, requires long attention; the night remarkably fine."  Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 16 seconds of RA too far west.  John Herschel made a single observation on sweep 397 and wrote "Extremely doubtful, as I could not recover the object."  His reported position (marked as very uncertain) is 7.5 seconds of RA too far east.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2619 = UGC 4503 = MCG +05-21-002 = CGCG 150-008 = PGC 24235

08 37 32.7 +28 42 18; Cnc

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 35”

 

24" (2/16/15): moderately bright and large, oval ~3:2 SW-NE.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated oval core 0.5'x0.3', embedded in a low surface brightness halo ~1.2'x0.7'.

 

PGC 24340, the brightest cD galaxy in AGC 690, lies 24' NE.  At 225x it appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Once identified, I could just hold it continuously with averted and concentration.  With a redshift of z = .079, this galaxy has a light-travel time of 1.05 billion years!

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint version of NGC 2608, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration, fairly even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2619 = H II-319 = h514 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and noted "F, S, bM, r." John Herschel logged it on 26 Mar 1827 (sweep 57} as "pB; S; R: bM."  A total of 26 observations were made with Lord Rosse's 72"!

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NGC 2620 = UGC 4501 = MCG +04-21-001 = CGCG 120-006 = PGC 24233

08 37 28.3 +24 56 48; Cnc

V = 13.4;  Size 2.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 93”

 

17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is 30" N of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2621 4.0' NE.  NGC 2622 lies 10' ESE.

 

William Lassell discovered NGC 2620 = m 124 on 5 May 1863 with his 48" on Malta (about a month before Marth started his systematic search).  It was included in the 1867 Malta catalogue.  Lassell's position matches UGC 4501.

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NGC 2621 = MCG +04-21-003 = CGCG 120-007 = PGC 24241

08 37 36.9 +24 59 59; Cnc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.8'

 

17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' E and a faint mag 15 star is 1.7' WNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 2620 4.0' SW.  Verified on the POSS.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2621 = m 126 on 29 Mar 1865 (along with nearby NGC 2622) with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is 1' south of CGCG 120-007.

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NGC 2622 = MCG +04-21-008 = CGCG 120-013 = Mrk 1218 = PGC 24269

08 38 11.0 +24 53 43; Cnc

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 45”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, 30"x18", contains a very small brighter nucleus.  Brightest in a small triplet and interacting with CGCG 120-011 ("faint, small, slightly elongated, 14"x12", low even surface brightness") just 1.1' SW.  PGC 1719307, just 1.4' WSW (V = 15.9) appeared "very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter."

 

17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, small bright core, very faint halo slightly elongated SW-NE.  Third of three with NGC 2620 10' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2622 = m 127 on 29 Mar 1865 (along with nearby NGC 2621) with Lassell's 48" and noted "F, S, R."  His position matches CGCG 120-013.

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NGC 2623 = Arp 243 = VV 79 = UGC 4509 = MCG +04-21-009 = CGCG 120-015 = PGC 24288

08 38 24.1 +25 45 15; Cnc

V = 13.4;  Size 2.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

48" (2/28/19): this system is a late-stage galactic merger and contains two relatively prominent tidal tails.  At 488x and 610x it appeared bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a very bright bar-like core ~E-W.  The core was slightly brighter at the west end.  Both tidal tails were visible with much difficulty.  The eastern tail was slightly brighter and curved north and then east (bending counter-clockwise) from the central region.  This arm was visible with direct vision and perhaps 0.9' in length. The southern tidal tail was pretty straight and more diffuse, extending southwest, ~0.7'.  Both tails were fairly even in surface brightness and faded only towards the tips.  A mag 17.5 star (not difficult) is 0.9' NW of center.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2623 = St XIII-41 on 19 Jan 1885.  His position matches UGC 4509 = Arp 243.

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NGC 2624 = UGC 4506 = MCG +03-22-019 = CGCG 089-055 = PGC 24264

08 38 09.6 +19 43 32; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 15.5 star is close southwest.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 2625 just 3.2' ESE.  Located on the northwest side of the Beehive cluster.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2625 3.3' ESE.  Located 7.6' E of mag 8.3 SAO 97973 on the NW edge of M44 = Beehive cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2624 = m 128 on 30 Oct 1864 (along with nearby NGC 2625) with Lassell's 48" and noted "eF."  His position matches UGC 4506.

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NGC 2625 = CGCG 089-057 = Mrk 625 = PGC 24285

08 38 23.1 +19 42 59; Cnc

V = 15.0;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Smaller and fainter of a pair with NGC 2624 3.2' WNW, though the difference in brightness appears less than the 1.4 magnitudes listed in catalogues.  At the west edge of the Beehive cluster.  CGCG 89-56 lies 7.3' S.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, extremely small, round.  Appears similar to NGC 2624 3.3' WNW but slightly smaller and fainter.  Located at the west edge of M44 = Beehive cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2625 = m 129 on 30 Oct 1864 (along with nearby NGC 2624) with Lassell's 48" and noted "eF, vS."  His position matches  CGCG 089-057.

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NGC 2626 = ESO 313-4 = Ced 106h

08 35 31 -40 40 18; Vel

Size 5'

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, diffuse circular reflection nebula surrounding a mag 10 central star.  The surrouding, low surface brightness emission nebulosity was not seen, observing at a very low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2626 = h3131 on 2 Jan 1835 and recorded "A star 9th mag involved in nebulosity, 3' diameter. In the milky way with multitudes of equal stars all round the neighbourhood, none of which are so affected. Sky quite pure, not the slightest nebulous haze. No doubt. The nebula loses itself imperceptibly, the star being (though excentric) yet in the most condensed part."  His sketch was published on Plate VI, figure 12.

 

Joseph Turner observed and sketched this object on 26 Jan 1876 (unpublished plate V, figure 48) and earlier by Albert Le Sueur (figure 49).  The nebulosity is shown as mostly fanning out to the north of the illuminating star but weak directly north, so it made a thick "U" shape around the star.  A lithograph of the sketches was completed but not published.

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NGC 2627 = ESO 431-20 = Cr 188 = Mel 87

08 37 15 -29 57 00; Pyx

Size 11'

 

13.1" (1/18/85): about 45 stars mag 11-14 in a 10' region elongated E-W.  This is a rich and pretty cluster set over an unresolved background haze.  Located 40' SW of a mag 5 star.  Visible in a 16x80 finder.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2627 = H VII-63 = h516 = h3132 on 3 Mar 1793 (sweep 1032) and described "a large cluster of scattered small stars, irr F, considerably rich."  John Herschel observed the cluster from both England and the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded "a fine, L, rich, pretty much compressed cluster; irregularly E, 10' l, 7' br; stars 12 and 13th mag nearly equal."

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NGC 2628 = UGC 4519 = MCG +04-21-012 = CGCG 120-020 = PGC 24381

08 40 22.7 +23 32 22; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 30" off the north edge and 1.2' N of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2628 = H III-235 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "eF, S, verified with 240 power." His position is ~15 sec of RA west and 1' north  of UGC 4519, but the identification is certain as there are no other nearby candidates.  There were no further observations by JH or d'Arrest and it was not found with the 72" at Birr Castle on 28 Jan 1867 for some reason.

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NGC 2629 = UGC 4569 = MCG +12-09-010 = CGCG 331-062 = CGCG 332-009 = PGC 24682

08 47 15.8 +72 59 08; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 40" SSE.  Brightest of three with NGC 2641 6.3' SSE and (R)NGC 2630 = UGC 4547 7' WNW.  NGC 2614 lies 20' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2629 = H III-982, along with NGC 2641, on 30 Sep 1802 on his last sweep 1112.  He recorded "Two [NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641].  That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S.  The other [NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."

 

This nebula was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery threshold was reached on 26 Sept 1802.  It was added as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 982. Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 5' due south of UGC 4569, though the NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 2630-31 in MCG (+12-09-010).  See identification notes for NGC 2630 and NGC 2631.

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NGC 2630

08 47 06 +73 00; UMa

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2630 and 2631 in July 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence.  In his discovery paper IX (AN #2660), Tempel refers to "two new fine nebula very close to NGC 2629" (after the main table) and mentions that "my two new nebulae are much brighter than those found by DÕArrest [NGC 2614] and William Herschel [NGC 2629/2641]."  Dreyer was only able to provide an approximate position near NGC 2629 when compiling the NGC, but no pair of bright nebulae exists near NGC 2629 that might be Tempel's objects.  Nevertheless, a confusing array of identifications have been made by various galaxy catalogues.

 

RNGC selects UGC 4547 as NGC 2630 and classifies NGC 2631 as nonexistent (Type 7).  UGC 4547 is a thin edge-on situated 7' WNW of NGC 2629 (see observation).  I feel this identification is unlikely due to its extreme faintness and Malcolm Thomson concurs.  UGC 4547 is not identified as NGC 2630 in the UGC or CGCG (331-061) and is misidentified as NGC 2629 in the MCG and as NGC 2630 = NGC 2631 in the PGC errata paper.  In addition, MCG misidentifies NGC 2629 = MCG +12-09-010 as NGC 2630 = NGC 2631.

 

I discussed the identifications in several letters with Harold Corwin. He suggests that Tempel may have confused NGC 2633 for NGC 2629 and that NGC 2630 and 2631 might be identical to NGC 2634 and NGC 2634A, about 9' SSE of NGC 2633.  But NGC 2634A is a very faint edge-on and I doubt Tempel would refer to this galaxy as a "fine nebula".  So, this pair of numbers is currently lost.  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 2631

08 47 06 +73 00; UMa

 

= Not found, Gottlieb.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2630 and 2631 in Jul 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence.  See the story of their identifications under NGC 2630.

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NGC 2632 = M44 = Beehive Cluster = Praesepe

08 40 22 +19 40 12; Cnc

V = 3.1;  Size 95'

 

16x80mm: extremely large, 1.5” diameter, very bright, brightest stars are mag 6-6.5, includes many double stars, well resolved.  The cluster is really too large and spread out for a decent view in either my 13" or larger scopes.

 

Naked-eye: fairly bright fuzzy glow in dark skies.  Granular with a few resolved stars in excellent conditions.

 

Aratos of Soli made the first written mention of M44 = Beehive cluster about 260 BC in his work Phainomeina (called a "little mist") and it was probably noted 100 years earlier by Eudoxis. It was later recorded by Hipparchus around 130 BC as a "little cloud". Galileo made the first known telescopic observation that clearly resolved M44 into a star cluster, though a few stars may be glimpsed naked eye under excellent conditions.  His observation of 1610 in Siderius Nuncius ("Starry Messenger") reads "The nebula called Praesepe, which is not one star only, but a mass of more than 40 small stars, I have noticed 36 stars besides the Aselli."

 

The earliest found reference to the nickname "Beehive" is from Admiral Smyth's Bedford Catalogue of 1844: "The Praesepe, metaphorically rendered Bee-hive, is an aggregation of small stars which has long borne the name of a nebula, its components not being separately distinguishable by the naked eyeÉ"

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NGC 2633 = Arp 80 = VV 519 = UGC 4574 = MCG +12-09-013 = CGCG 331-063 = CGCG 332-010 = CGCG 350-005 = PGC 24723

08 48 04.6 +74 05 55; Cam

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 175”

 

48" (3/1/19): Excellent, fairly large, two-armed barred spiral!  The central part of the galaxy consists of a very prominent bar oriented ~3:1 NNW-SSE, with a very bright core.  A striking spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar.  It bends sharply clockwise and extends north, on the east side of bar, arcing gently with a length of ~1.5'.  This arm has a well defined inner and outer edge and is separated from the bar by a dark gap.  As the arm extends north it fades but at the northern end bends sharply west [1.0' N of center] and noticeably brightens in an elongated piece [consisting of multiple HII regions on images].  At the north end of the bar a second arm emerges towards the west and starts to curl south, but fades and dims, reaching no further south than the center of the bar.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small bright core with faint extensions slightly elongated N-S.  Forms a pair with NGC 2634 8.2' S.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2633 = T VI-5 = T IX-6 on 11 Aug 1882, along with NGC 2634.  His position (corrected in list IX) matches UGC 4574 = Arp 80 = PGC 24723.

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NGC 2634 = UGC 4581 = MCG +12-09-015 = CGCG 331-066 = CGCG 332-013 = LGG 160-003 = PGC 24749

08 48 24.9 +73 58 01; Cam

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; very bright, fairly large, round, very sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that increases to an intensely bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.9 star is near the edge of the halo, 0.7' W of center.  A mag 17.4 star is in the halo on the SW side, 0.5' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2634A 1.9' SSE.  In a group (LGG 160) with NGC 2633 8' N.

 

NGC 2634A, 2' SSE, appeared moderately bright, fairly large, thin edge-on 7:2 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.5', only a very weak central brightening.  A mag 15.6 star is in line with the galaxy just off the ENE end [44" from center].

 

17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, prominent small bright core, bright stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2634A 2' SSE.  The companion is faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE.  NGC 2633 is in the field 8.2' N.  NGC 2636 lies 18' S.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 2633 8' N.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2634 = T VI-4 = T IX-7 on 11 Aug 1882, along with NGC 2633 = T VI-5.  His position (corrected in list IX) is an excellent match with UGC 4581= PGC 24749.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2630 (listed as "not found") might be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 2635 = ESO 371-1 = Cr 190 = Mel 89

08 38 26 -34 46 18; Pyx

V = 11.2;  Size 3'

 

13.1" (2/25/84): small, very mottled cluster at 166x but only a few stars are resolved on the west side.  Located 38' NW of Beta Pyxis (V = 4.0).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2635 = h3133 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "a pretty compressed cluster of st; irregular triangular fig; much more compressed than milky way around it; stars 13 mag."  His position is north of the most richest section of the cluster.

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NGC 2636 = UGC 4583 = CGCG 331-067 = CGCG 332-014 = PGC 24747

08 48 24.5 +73 40 16; Cam

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, well-defined halo.  Located 5' W of a pair of mag 10/11 with a separation 1.2'.  Also located 12' SW of mag 7.7 SAO 6661.  The NGC 2634/NGC 2634A pair lies 17' N, NGC 2646 15' SE and IC 2389 8' SSW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2636 = T IX-8 on 27 Jul 1883, along with NGC 2646, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence.  His description reads "small, followed by two stars 11-12m close to the same parallel."  Tempel's position is 1 degree north of UGC 4583 = PGC 24747 and the two stars are ~5' following.  This misprint was corrected by Dreyer in the NGC notes section.

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NGC 2637 = CGCG 089-065 = PGC 24409

08 41 13.5 +19 41 28; Cnc

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  PA = 51”

 

18" (1/13/07): extremely faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very low surface brightness and only visible with averted vision.  Located 7' E of mag 6.8 42 Cancri within the Beehive cluster.  Also mag 6.8 HD 73819 is in the field to the south.

 

17.5" (2/8/97): extremely faint and small, round.  Appears as 10" nebulous star which required averted vision to glimpse at moments.  Appears fainter than 15.4z.  Located 7' ESE of mag 6.7 SAO 98030 within M44. The identification of NGC 2637 with CGCG 089-065 is not certain due to a poor position by Marth.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2637 = m 130, along with NGC 2643, on 30 Oct 1864. He simply noted "eeF, vS."  There is nothing at his position except brighter stars, but 8' N and 6 sec of RA west is CGCG 089-065 = PGC 24409, which is identified as NGC 2637 in RNGC, but not CGCG.  Although Marth's declination is poor, this is a similar declination offset as nearby NGC 2643, probably discovered at the same time, so this identification is reasonably secure.  See Corwin's notes.

 

This galaxy was also reported as #154 in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on photographs taken by Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 2638 = UGC 4534 = MCG +06-19-016 = CGCG 179-018 = PGC 24453

08 42 25.8 +37 13 15; Lyn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, small bright core, faint extensions.  The major axis is almost collinear with a mag 12 star 1.6' ENE of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2638 = St XIII-42 on 21 Jan 1885.  His position matches UGC 4534.

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NGC 2639 = UGC 4544 = MCG +08-16-024 = CGCG 237-014 = PGC 24506

08 43 38.0 +50 12 20; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.9', halo gradually increases to a small brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 2.5' SE.  There are several fairly bright stars in the field including two mag 10.5 stars 4.6' E and 5.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2639 = H I-204 = h518 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and remarked "cB, vS, lE, milky."  His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is 2' NW of UGC 4544.  John Herschel observed the galaxy on 4 sweeps and it was logged 13 times at Birr Castle.  On 12 Mar 1850, a "F appendage" was suspected and in 1863 a "F twist starting from sf end and turning p and np".

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NGC 2640 = ESO 165-002 = PGC 24229

08 37 24.6 -55 07 26; Car

V = 11.1;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 104”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright 40" core.  A group of 5 faint stars is snuggled up against the west side of the galaxy in two N-S parallel rows!  Another very faint star is just off the SE side.  Located 4.8' NW mag 9.3 HD 73851 and 2.2' SW of a mag 10.5 star

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this Carina galaxy has an unusual appearance.  At 166x, it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9'.  A trio of mag 14 stars is superimposed on the west side of the halo (4 total).  The galaxy appears to have a brighter knot or star on the following end.  Situated between a mag 10 star 2.2' NW of center and mag 9.3 HD 73851 4.8' SE.  Starhopped over from mag 1.9 Delta Velorum located 67' ENE.  Also, the galaxy is 2.2” SSW of the naked-eye cluster IC 2391 (surrounding Omicron Velorum).

 

John Herschel, observing with Thomas Maclear (the Astronomer Royal at the Cape Observatory), discovered NGC 2640 = h3134 on 26 Feb 1835.  He recorded, "pF; S; R; has 3 or 4 vS stars near it, preceding.  Observation taken by Mr. Maclear." Herschel mentioned in his diary that he invited Maclear that night to repeat his "Great Sweep" (#551), which he made on three weeks earlier.  He called that experience "the subline of Astronome - a sort of 'ne plus ultra'."  Fortunately, the night of the 25th "turned out glorious! Clear as crystal and pure as aether. A finer night for definition was never seen."

 

Pietro Baracchi recorded "pB; S; R; gbM.  5 small stars from 15 to 16 mag precede closely to the nebula." (10 Jan 1886, Melbourne).

 

RNGC classified this galaxy as an "unverified southern object", so despite being relatively bright it was not included in the first edition of Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide nor the Uranometria 2000 Atlas.

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NGC 2641 = UGC 4577 = MCG +12-09-012 = CGCG 331-065 = CGCG 332-012 = PGC 24722

08 47 57.5 +72 53 45; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, round, broad mild concentration, almost stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 2629 6.3' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2641 = H III-983, along with NGC 2629, on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112).  He recorded "Two [NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641].  That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S.  The other [NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."

 

This nebula was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery limit was reached on 26 Sept 1802.  It was added as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 983. Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 6' due south of UGC 4577, a similar offset as NGC 264, so the identifications are certain. The NGC position (adopted by Dreyer from d'Arrest) is 1.0 min of RA too far east.  Dreyer notes in his 1912 correction list that WH was correct.

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NGC 2642 = MCG -01-22-033 = PGC 24395

08 40 44.4 -04 07 18; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

24" (2/16/15): fairly bright, fairly large, dominated by an elongated bar oriented NW-SE with a mag 14 star superimposed at the southeast end of the bar.  Two additional stars are superimposed nearly in a string to the north [mag 15 star 24" N and a mag 14 star 42" N].  Surrounding the bar is a low surface brightness glow encompassing these stars, perhaps 1.25' diameter.  The spiral arms were not evident. Located just north of a bright, equilateral triangle of stars (mag 8.3/9.2/9.5) with sides ~4'.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Unusual appearance as a two mag 13/14 stars are superimposed at the north and SE ends of the halo.  Three bright stars form an equilateral triangle just south; mag 8.9 SAO 136172 4.2' SE, mag 8.5 SAO 136168 6.0' S and mag 9.1 SAO 136160 2.8' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2642 = h519 on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234) and noted "A vF cl or r neb; gbM; 80", one * 17m distinct; stars and nebulosity; has 2 pB stars south and one following."  Dreyer, observing on the 72" on 7 Mar 1877, recorded "Neby very distinct, though vF.  I strongly suspect an eF branch foll the 4 [involved] stars, involving some vF stars."  The "eF branch" probably refers to the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 2643 = IC 2390: = CGCG 089-067 = PGC 24434

08 41 51.7 +19 42 08; Cnc

V = 14.9;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 21”

 

18" (1/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Forms the western vertex of a small triangle with a mag 11.5 star 1' SE and a mag 14.5 star 1' NE.  Located 10' S of a mag 7 star on the east side of the Beehive cluster with several bright stars in the field including a wide pair of mag 8.5/9.5 stars 4' SW.

 

17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1.2' NW of a mag 11.5 star on the eastern side of M44.  Several brighter stars in the 22' field at 220x.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2643 = m 131, along with NGC 2637, on 30 Oct 1864 and simply noted "eF neb*".  There is nothing at his position, but 11' N and 18 sec of RA west is IC 2359. Although Marth's declination is quite poor, nearby NGC 2637 which was discovered on the same night appears to have a similar declination error, so this identification seems reasonable.

 

This galaxy was independently discovered by E.E. Barnard (discovery communicated directly to Dreyer) and placed accurately.  So, NGC 2643 is likely a duplicate of IC 2390.  Karl Reinmuth suggested the equivalence between NGC 2643 and IC 2390 and it is mentioned in the RNGC.  CGCG labels this galaxy IC 2390 and does not use the NGC designation.  +20 03 33

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NGC 2644 = UGC 4533 = MCG +01-22-016 = CGCG 032-052 = PGC 24425

08 41 31.9 +04 58 50; Hya

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 14”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration.  A pretty double star mag 13.5/14 at 17" separation lies 3.0' S of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2644 = St IX-16 on 6 Feb 1877 and recorded "eF, pL, irr oval, several small points [involved]."  His position matches UGC 4533.  The same night he discovered NGC 2174, a large, bright emission nebula in Orion.

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NGC 2645 = ESO 259-14 = Pismis 6 = OCL-754 = Lund 467

08 39 03 -46 13 36; Vel

V = 7.0;  Size 1.5'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): bright compact group with a dozen stars packed into a 2' region.  Contains 4 very bright stars forming a right angle, including a striking pair of mag 9 stars (HJ 4122) at 11" separation.  A third mag 9 star is 1' W of the pair and another mag 9.5 star is 1' SSE.  The latter star is also a double with a mag 10.5 companion at 16" separation.  This knot of bright stars is situated 15' ENE of mag 6.9 HD 73658.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2645 = h3136 on 29 Dec 1834 and described a "close group or small cluster of 12 or 13 large and small stars; place of a double star, the chief one."  This cluster is equivalent to Pismis 6 with the nearly central pair HD 73919/CoD-45 4352 at 08 39 04  -46 13.6 (2000).  Paris Pismis reported the cluster as new in her 1959 list of clusters found on Tonantzintla Schmidt plate and commented, "Two pairs of doubles, including the brightest star."

 

RNGC classifies NGC 2645 as nonexistent (Type 7) and Lynga labels the cluster Pismis 6 without reference to NGC 2645.

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NGC 2646 = IC 511 = UGC 4604 = MCG +12-09-019 = CGCG 331-069 = CGCG 332-019 = LGG 162-003 = PGC 24838

08 50 22.0 +73 27 46; Cam

V = 12.1;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Weak, even concentration to center.  Located 2.5' NNW of a wide 40" pair of mag 11/12.5 stars.  In a group with IC 2389 11' NW, IC 520 14' ENE and NGC 2636 15' NW.

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small, round, faint star close south.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2646 = T IX-9 on 27 Jul 1883, along with NGC 2636, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence.  His description reads "small, 2.5' south-following are two stars 12-13m."  There is nothilng at Tempel's position, but 1 degree south is UGC 4604 = PGC 24838 and two mag 11-12 stars are ~2.5' SSE, matching his description.  The misprint in declination was corrected by Dreyer in the NGC notes section.  I'm surprised Tempel missed nearby IC 520, which is a brighter galaxy.

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NGC 2647 = CGCG 089-068 = PGC 24463

08 42 43.1 +19 39 01; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core.  Located at the eastern edge of the Beehive Cluster and 1' NW of a mag 13 star.  An elongated 6' string of stars heads to the south and includes two mag 10 stars 4' S and 6.5' S.

 

17.5" (2/8/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located 0.9' NW of a mag 13 star at the east edge of M44!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2647 = m 132 on 30 Oct 1864 and simply noted a "neb *".  His position is 1' south of CGCG 089-068, at the east edge of M44.

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NGC 2648 = Arp 89 = UGC 4541 = MCG +02-22-005 = CGCG 060-035 = PGC 24464

08 42 39.9 +14 17 09; Cnc

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 148”

 

48" (2/21/12): very bright large spiral, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, ~2.4'x0.9'.  Contains a large, very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms an interacting pair (Arp 89) with MCG +02-22-006 2.4' SE of center.  NGC 2648 has an asymmetric appearance with the south-southeast arm stretched into a faint tidal tail.  The brighter portion of the arm extends south-southeast of the core (in the direction of the major axis), but a faint thinner extension curves and sweeps east, fading out just before connecting with MCG +02-22-006.  A mag 11 star is 1.9' E.

 

The companion appeared moderately bright, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.2', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright nucleus.  The system was classified by Arp under "spiral with a large high surface-brightness companion on arms".

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, 1.5'x0.6'.  A mag 11 star lies 1.9' E of center.  Forms a pair (Arp 89) with edge-on MCG +02-22-006 2.4' SE.  The companion appeared very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~25"x10", low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, small very bright core.  Located 1.9' W of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2648 = H III-49 = h521 = h3135 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "F, S, with a nucleus.  I had some doubts but 240 confirmed the reality."  On 18 Mar 1786 (sweep 538) he logged "F, lE from np to sf, cS. Almost like two joined together."  John Herschel reported from South Africa, "pB; lE; psmbM; precedes a star 10m."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 23 Feb 1857, described NGC 2648 as "E np sf, mbM."  In addition he noted and sketched a second nebula, "I think Alpha is a very faint ray though likely to be taken at first for a star."  The diagram clearly reveals that Alpha -- drawn as a small nebula extending WNW-ESE -- is CGCG 060-036 = PGC 24469.  The full description and sketch was not included in LdR's 1861 monograph, so JH was unaware when he compiled the GC and Dreyer skipped CGCG 060-036 when compiling the NGC.

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NGC 2649 = UGC 4555 = MCG +06-19-018 = CGCG 179-022 = PGC 24531

08 44 08.3 +34 43 02; Lyn

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the north edge 30" from center.  MCG +06-19-020 lies 24' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2649 = H II-727 = h522 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and called "pF, pL, iR, resolvable."  His position is 2' NW of UGC 4555 = PGC 24531.  On 9 Mar 1852, the Lord Rosse assistant wrote, "Almost planetary, star in north edge, second star much smaller preceding it."

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NGC 2650 = UGC 4603 = MCG +12-09-020 = CGCG 332-018 = LGG 163-002 = PGC 24817

08 49 58.4 +70 17 58; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (2/2/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.4', even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the east end [23" from center] and a fainter mag 14.5 star is just off the north edge [33" from center].  Located 7.6' W of mag 7.3 SAO 6667.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2650 = H II-908 on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112) and recorded "pB, pL, easily resolvable. I believe I see some of the stars. Irregular figure."  His position (Caroline's reduction) and description matches UGC 4603.  This galaxy was not included in WH's third catalogue as it was discovered after his 500 discovery threshold was reached on 26 Sep 1802.  JH added it in the appendix to his CGH catalogue as one of 8 "HON" (Herschel omitted Nebulae) and he included it in the GC as H II-908 = GC 1690.

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NGC 2651 = CGCG 061-001 = PGC 24521

08 43 55.2 +11 46 16; Cnc

V = 15.2;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very low even surface brightness and requires averted vision.  Located 48' SW of 5.9-magnitude 50 Cancri.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2651 = m 133 on 10 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, S, E."  His position is 1' south of CGCG 61-001.

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NGC 2652 = NGC 2974 = MCG +00-25-008 = CGCG 007-022 = UGCA 172 = PGC 27762

09 42 33.0 -03 41 59; Sex

V = 10.9;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 42”

 

See observing notes for NGC 2974.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2652 = LM 2-406 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.7'x0.3', E 50”, gbM, stellar ncl, *9 at 0.8' in PA 240”."  There is nothing near his published position.  But Harold Corwin uncovered that Stone made a 1 hour clerical error in RA.  Once corrected, the position is a reasonable math with NGC 2974 and his detailed description is a perfect match. So, NGC 2652 = NGC 2974 with NGC 2974 the primary designation (WH discovery).

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NGC 2653

08 54 55.6 +78 23 37; Cam

Size 17"

 

24" (3/21/20): NGC 2653 is a 17" pair of mag 13/14 stars that was easily resolved at 124x. At 260x, the pair was widely split and well seen.  Located 10' N of NGC 2655.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2653 = T VI-7 on 18 Aug 1882 and reported a tiny nebula 12' north of NGC 2655 = H I-288.  At this position is a 16" pair of mag 13/14 stars that fits Tempel's description ("together with 2 brighter stars forms an obtuse triangle").

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NGC 2654 = UGC 4605 = MCG +10-13-017 = CGCG 288-006 = PGC 24784

08 49 11.9 +60 13 16; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 4.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 63”

 

13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright elongated core.  A mag 11 star is 4.5' N.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2654 = T VI-6 on 18 Aug 1882 and recorded "S, B, II-III class; stellar ncl; a star 10m is 4'-5' north."  His position is 0.9 min of RA west and 3' north of UGC 4605, but their are no other nearby candidates and the description fits perfectly (a mag 11 star is 4.4' NNE).

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NGC 2655 = Arp 225 = UGC 4637 = MCG +13-07-010 = CGCG 349-033 = CGCG 350-007 = PGC 25069

08 55 38.5 +78 13 25; Cam

V = 10.1;  Size 4.9'x4.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 85”

 

24" (3/21/20): at 260x; very bright, very large, slightly elongated 5:4 E-W, at least 4' x 3.2' and perhaps larger (outer periphery very diffuse), very strong concentration with an unusually bright core and an intense nucleus.  At 375x, the nucleus increases to a a confused stellar peak.  Two stars are superimposed on the southwest side; one near the edge of the core region and the second inside the fainter outer halo.

 

17.5" (2/1/92): very bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 3'x2', even concentration to an unusually bright core and almost stellar nucleus.  There appears to be a sharper light cut-off along the north side.  Forms an equilateral triangle with mag 9.2 SAO 6687 10' NE and mag 7.4 SAO 6692 11' SE.  Brightest in a group (LGG 165) including NGC 2591, 2715 and 2748.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2655 = H I-288 = h520 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "vB, cL, lE, suddenly mbM.  I suspect it to be a cl of star."  CH's reduced position is 5' north of UGC 5152.  On 21 Aug 1828 (sweep 170), John Herschel wrote, "vB; lE; in parallel; psmbM, to a nucl = a * 12m; 30".  Has a L * p and another f, at a considerable distance."  Horace Tuttle independently found the galaxy on 8 Apr 1850 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory and it was reported as HC 12 in the AN #1453 discovery list.  The HCO position is accurate.

 

According to Michael Hoskin's "Unfinished Business: William HerschelÕs Sweeps for Nebulae", NGC 2655 = H I-288, NGC 2908 = H III-977 and NGC 3057 = H III-978 were the last three entries in his third catalogue to officially bring the total to 500 -- added after Herschel's third catalogue had been sent to the Royal Society for publication in 1802.  A month after submission, Caroline discovered that only 497 objects were included and on 26 Sep 1802, Herschel found 6 new nebulae.  Three of these (including NGC 2655) were added by Caroline to the catalogue, and three were saved for a possible additional catalogue.  A few nights later (30 Sep 1802) WH discovered 4 more nebulae but these along with 3 from earlier years that were overlooked were added at the last minute to the proofs to bring the actual total to 510, as WH was finished with his sweeps.

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NGC 2656 = MCG +09-15-025 = CGCG 264-015 = VV 703 = PGC 24707

08 47 53.1 +53 52 34; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 3.5' W.  This is a double system with a compact companion (not seen) at the west edge.  Forms a pair with much fainter CGCG 264-014 3.4' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2656 = h523 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and simply noted "eF; psbM."  His position from this single observation matches CGCG 264-015 = PGC 24707.

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NGC 2657 = UGC 4573 = MCG +02-23-002 = CGCG 061-006 = PGC 24595

08 45 15.8 +09 38 43; Cnc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 2' SSW and a mag 13 star 3' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2657 = St XIII-43 on 7 Mar 1885.  His position matches UGC 4573.  This is one of the last few galaxies discovered by Stephan, along with NGC 2657 and NGC 3007 9 days later.

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NGC 2658 = ESO 432-4 = Cr 195 = Mel 90

08 43 27 -32 39 24; Pyx

Size 12'

 

13.1" (2/25/84): 10 stars mag 11-14 resolved over haze in a 7' diameter.  A knot or double star is at the north edge.  Three mag 11 stars are off the south, southeast and east side but the remaining stars are mag 13-14.  Alpha Pyxidis (V = 3.7) lies 35' SSE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2658 = D 609 = h4017 on 28 May 1826 and described a "small round faint nebula. North of L. Pyxidis".  His position is just 3.3' southwest of center (relatively accurate for his positions), so the identication is fairly secure.   John Herschel recorded the cluster on 16 Feb 1836 and noted a "Cl class 8; not m comp; not v rich; v irreg fig; 5' diam; st 12.13m."  He added the cluster in a supplementary list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021).  Dreyer identified these objects as "h o n" (John Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.

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NGC 2659 = ESO 260-3 = Cr 194 = Mel 91 = Pismis 9

08 42 39 -44 57 30; Vel

V = 8.6;  Size 12'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): bright, compact group with 15-20 stars in a 4' group including five mag 10-10.5 stars and a distinctive brighter pair.  This cluster is in the same field as the Vela Supernova Remnant, though I didn't search for filaments in this region.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2659 = h3137 on 3 Feb 1835.  His second more detailed description reads "Cluster VII class; p rich, pL, 12' l, 8' br; fig irreg; rather branching stars 11..14th mag, not compressed in middle."  Both descriptions give a much larger size than I noted in my observation.

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NGC 2660 = ESO 260-4 = Cr 193 = Mel 92

08 42 38 -47 12 02; Vel

V = 8.8;  Size 4'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this distant cluster appeared relatively faint, small, and was only partially resolved.  It appeared ~2' in diameter and comparable to a faint globular cluster.  A few faint stars were resolved on the west side and an unresolved brighter knot of stars resides on the south side.  The cluster is wedged between a yellow/orange mag 8.4 star 2.5' S and a mag 10 star to the north.  Located 16' ENE of mag 4.7 HD 74272.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2660 = h3138 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded a "Cl VI cluster; irreg R; gbM; 4'; resolved into distinct stars 14m."  His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 2661 = UGC 4584 = MCG +02-23-004 = CGCG 061-008 = PGC 24632

08 45 59.5 +12 37 15; Cnc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star 1.0' W of center and 30" of the edge of the halo detracts from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2661 = H III-50 = Big 38 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and logged "eF, near a pB star, I had only a distant suspicion of its existence, but 240 confirmed it beyond a doubt and showed it of some considerable extent.  It is circular and without a nucleus."  There is nothing at his position, but 28 sec of RA west and 1' north is UGC 4584.  The "pB star" is 1' west.

 

In the GC, JH remarked "I find a memorandum to the effect that this neb is lost and was probably a comet, but I cannot recover my authority for the statement.  It is described by H. as "of the last degree of faintness," and it is therefore no way surprising that it should not have been again pereceived without some time and trouple bestowed, and in clear weather."  Biguordan found this galaxy on 8 Mar 1886 and measured an accurate position.  In the remarks section of his second Comptes Rendus list, Bigourdan noted B. 38 was identical  to GC 1696 [NGC 2661], which has an error of 28 seconds in RA.  Dreyer repeated in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that the "RA is 28s too great (Ann. Harv. Coll., xiii, and Bigourdan.)"

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NGC 2662 = MCG -02-23-002 = PGC 24612

08 45 32.0 -15 07 17; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, very small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, sharp concentration with a very small high surface brightness core surrounded by a very faint halo.  A mag 14 star is 43" WNW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2662 = h3139 on 16 Mar 1836 and remarked "vF; vS; R; bM; near a * 15m."  His position is exactly 10' S of M-02-23-002 = NPM1G -14.0271.  Herbert Howe recovered the galaxy after 3 failed attempts at JH's position and finally measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 2663 = ESO 371-014 = MCG -06-20-001 = PGC 24590

08 45 08.1 -33 47 41; Pyx

V = 10.9;  Size 3.5'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 2.2'x1.5', contains a prominent core which is evenly concentrated down to a non-stellar nucleus.  Located in rich star field.  Several stars are within 5' including a mag 14 star 1.2' N of center and a mag 11.5 star 3.8' NW of center.  Located 5.7' NE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2663 = Sw. III-40 on 8 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory in New York.  His position is 2.6' south of ESO 371-014. This is probably the brightest galaxy (V = 10.9) discovered by Swift and the most southerly!

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NGC 2664

08 47 07 +12 36 24; Cnc

Size 5'

 

17.5" (2/8/97): poor scattered asterism of 10 stars in a 5' region dominated by four mag 10-11 stars in a "kite" asterism with pairs of sides 2' and 3'.  Only noticeable at low power and does not resemble a cluster, although the fainter stars are nicely spaced around the bright stars.  A fainter group with 4-5 mag 13 stars lies 5' NW.  Located ~16' E of NGC 2661.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2664 = h524 on 20 Mar 1830 (sweep 241) and recorded, "A neat cl of stars 9 and 10m regularly arranged about a central one (N.B. This is nearly the place of III 50, but no neb was noticed.)"  At JH's position are four mag 10/11 stars with several mag 13/14 stars nearby (his position nearly coincides with a mag 10 star at 08 47 13.8 +12 36 14).

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "pS Cl of a few st 10...15."  Harold Corwin notes that Villanova (2004, A&A, 428, 67) concludes this is a random enhancement of field stars and not a cluster.  The position given here corresponds with the center of this asterism. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in RNGC.

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NGC 2665 = ESO 563-019 = MCG -03-23-004 = UGCA 144 = PGC 24634

08 46 00.9 -19 18 11; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 144”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core contains a faint stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is superimposed.  Two mag 11 stars lie 3.5' N and 3.7' ESE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2665 = LM 2-407 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 11.0, 0.6' dia, R, gbMN."  His position matched ESO 563-019 = PGC 24634.

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NGC 2666

08 49 49 +44 42 12; UMa

Size 11'

 

18" (2/14/10): The HD 751354 group consists of nearly two dozen stars scattered around a mag 8 star.  Three collinear stars (length 3') oriented SW to NE are 2' E of HD 75135.  Another group of ~10 stars is scattered over a 5' region to the NW of the bright star.  This group was visually uninspiring and appears to be an asterism.

 

18" (2/23/06): the only possible candidate near John Herschel's original position is a mag 11.7 star and a group of five mag 13.5-14.5 stars close south.  Four of the stars are strung along a 5' gently curving arc.  To the northeast is a much brighter 10' string of a half dozen stars that extends towards the northeast.  Neither of these asterisms, though, are probably eye-catching enough to be mentioned as a "course cluster".  Note:  Based on more recent historical investigation, this identification is incorrect.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2666 = h525 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and simply noted "The chief * of a coarse cluster."  He made no mention of size, but there are no other objects matching his description nearby.  Karl Reinmuth remarked "nothing like a cluster" in his NGC photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates.

 

In Jun 2016 Harold Corwin checked JH's sweep record again and found "JH accidentally copied the reduced NPD of the preceding object in the sweep (a double star) into the column for the reduced NPD of this cluster.  The difference in the NPD index between the two objects is 2d 21' 18", leading to a corrected position for JH's "chief *" of 08 38 14.8, 44 40 27 (NPD, 1830) or 08 49 49, +44 42.3 (J2000), very close to the position of the SAO star.  The identity of JH's object with the sparce group is no longer in any doubt."

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NGC 2667 = IC 2410 = MCG +03-23-007 = CGCG 090-016 = Holm 98a = WBL 196-003 = PGC 24741

08 48 27.3 +19 01 09; Cnc

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 80”

 

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 35"x14", low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with IC 2411 1.6' NNE.  This close companion (similar redshift) appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 25"x12", very low surface brightness. In a group with NGC 2762/2763 13' ENE and IC 2399 11' SW.

 

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, small, elongated E-W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2667 on 18 Feb 1862 while observing and measuring NGC 2672.  His single position is not very accurate, but 7 seconds of time east is CGCG 090-016, the brighter of pair of galaxies.  Max Wolf found NGC 2667, as well as the companion 1.6' NNE on Heidelberg plates and catalogued both galaxies (IC 2410 and 2411) without reference to NGC 2667.  So, NGC 2667 = IC 2410 and NGC 2667B = IC 2411. CGCG (090-016) and MCG (+03-23-007) both label this galaxy as IC 2410, without reference to NGC 2667.

 

Interestingly, Ralph Copeland, observing NGC 2667 with the 72" on 26 Dec 1873 noted "cF, pS, lE p f, was thought to have an eF companion about 2' nf."  The companion is clearly IC 2411.  Dreyer later reobserved the field in 1876 and apparently was not convinced: "eF; I think it is only a *16 m +/- nf." Due to Dreyer's uncertainty, IC 2411 missed receiving a NGC designation.

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NGC 2668 = UGC 4616 = MCG +06-20-007 = CGCG 180-013 = PGC 24791

08 49 22.5 +36 42 37; Lyn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, low even surface brightness.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2668 = St IX-17 on 7 Feb 1877.  His position (Esmiol's reduction) matches UGC 4616.

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NGC 2669 = ESO 165-5 = Cr 202 = Harvard 3 = vdB-Ha 52

08 46 22 -52 56 54; Vel

V = 6.1;  Size 12'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): fairly rich group of ~60 stars in a 6' or 7' region, elongated N-S. Includes a mix of brighter mag 9.5-11 stars, along with a number of faint mag 14-15 stars.  A mag 9.5 star and five mag 11-12 in a 1.5' N-S string, is on the northeast side.  The cluster is bounded by a striking number of very bright stars including mag 7.6 HD 75105 off the southwest side, mag 8.2 HD 75227 and mag 7.7 HD 75202 off the north side, and mag 8.6 HD 75167 off the south side (20" pair with a mag 11 star).  The group spans at least 12' to 14' if you include these bright stars.  Located ~55' E of IC 2391 (surrounding mag 3.6 Omicron Velorum).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2669 = h3140 on 11 Apr 1834 and recorded "Cluster VIII class.  A L, poor, loose cl of stars, 10...13m."  The position was noted as very uncertain, with the RA to the nearest (+/-) minute. There is nothing resembling even a poor cluster near his position.  Dreyer credited Persian astronomer Al-Sžfi with the discovery of NGC 2669, but Al-Sžfi mentioned IC 2391 instead.

 

According to Archinal and Hynes in "Star Clusters", in 1930 Robert Trumpler found the most likely candidate for Herschel's missing cluster.  He noted "NGC 2669 - Declination of NGC corrected by +1”.", which corresponds with ESO 165-SC5.  This cluster fits JH's description though Archinal comments that several of the stars are brighter than mag 10...13.  He also mentions that Harvard 3 (from Shapley's 1930 Monograph on star clusters) refers to a part of NGC 2669.

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NGC 2670 = ESO 210-5 = Cr 200 = Mel 93 = Lund 484

08 45 30 -48 47 30; Vel

V = 7.8;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this fairly bright open cluster has an unusual appearance.  Roughly two dozen stars mag 10-12 are arranged in a "wishbone" arrangement with a distinctive string of stars running SW-NE with the brightest mag 9 star on the SW end, with another string running E-W and a third side running N-S.  The group is ~6' in diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2670 = h3142 on 18 Feb 1836 and recorded "a cluster 8th class, not rich, nor much compressed; 8' in diameter, irr round, stars 13 mag."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2671 = ESO 313-14 = Cr 201

08 46 12 -41 52 36; Vel

Size 4'

 

17.5" (12/19/87): faint, small cluster.  Between 15-20 stars mag 11-13 are resolved over haze.  This cluster is far south for viewing from Northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2671 = D 489 = h3141 on 1 May 1826 and recorded "a very faint nebula, about 6' diameter, with small stars scattered in it - in the milky way."  Dunlop made 2 observations and his position is just 2' SSE of center.  JH made a single observation on 2 Mar 1835 and logged "a pretty rich, irregularly round cluster, not mbM, stars 12..13th mag, place that of the general middle."  JH noted D 489 and D 490 as possible equivalences, though D 490 appears to describe Tr 10 = Cr 203: "very large cluster of pretty bright stars, coarsely scattered, about 1” diameter, following a star 5th magnitude, 396 Argus (Bode)."

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NGC 2672 = Arp 167 NED1 = UGC 4619 = MCG +03-23-010 = CGCG 090-019w = Holm 99a = PGC 24790

08 49 21.9 +19 04 29; Cnc

V = 11.7;  Size 3.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

24" (2/16/15): bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  The large halo (~1.6' dia) has a low surface brightness and appears to encompass NGC 2673 (just 35" between center).  A mag 14 star lies 1.2' SE and a mag 13.7 star is 1.6' NE.  A mag 15 star is embedded on the west edge of the halo [34" from center].  At 450x, the core gradually brightens to a quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (1/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 2673 at the east edge 40" separation between centers.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NNE and a fainter mag 14 star is 1.1' SE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2672 = H II-48 = H II-80 = h526 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 169) and recorded "a nebula r[esolvable], pL, lbM then towards the extremes and contains one star following the brightness and very near to it."  His position is off by nearly 15' (the reference star was a large distance away) and the nearby star he mentions is the close companion NGC 2673.  Dreyer noted in his 1912 publication of WH's catalogues, that "there was some doubt about the contraction of the rope in Sw. 169, hence in the error in the P.D. of II.48."   One week later he recorded II-80 on sweep 181 as "pB, pL, E, r. I can see 2 or 3 stars in it."  In this sweep his position was accurate to within 2', so the identification is certain.  Another observation of II-80 was on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698): "pB, E from a few degrees sp to nf.  The greatest brightness lays to the preceding side, it resembles a small one with another much smaller close to it nf [NGC 2673] with resolvable nebulosity around it."  In this sweep he mentioned he looked for II-48, but couldn't find it.

 

Coincidentally, John Herschel discovered a very faint galaxy (h527 = NGC 2677 = CGCG 090-021) on 17 Mar 1831 that he assumed was his father's H. II-48.  On 19 Dec 1848, George Stoney discovered NGC 2673, a close companion to NGC 2672 -- noted as a star by both Herschels -- with LdR's 72", but he thought it was h527.  In the GC, JH still listed H II-48 under the entry for NGC 2677 (GC 1707). Finally, in the GC Supplement, Dreyer suggested II-48 = II-80 and they were equated in the NGC.

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NGC 2673 = Arp 167 NED2 = UGC 4620 = MCG +03-23-011 = CGCG 090-019e = Holm 99b = PGC 24792

08 49 24.1 +19 04 27; Cnc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.2'

 

24" (2/16/15): at 322x; fairly faint, small, round, ~18" diameter. Easily visible glow just 35" E of the center of NGC 2672 and embedded in its low surface brightness halo.  At 450x, the tiny nucleus occasionally brightens to a stellar point.  A mag 14 star is just 50" SE.  The pair is generally considered an interacting pair, resulting in a faint plume (not seen) extending to the southeast of NGC 2673.

 

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  NGC 2673 appears as a small "knot" attached at the east end of NGC 2672 40" between centers.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' SE and a mag 13.5 star lies 1.0' NNE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): very faint, appears as an extremely small "knot" 20" diameter in the halo of NGC 2672 just 0.6' E of the core.  Two stars are near NNE and SE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2673 (eastern component of the double system with NGC 2672) on 19 Dec 1849. He noted a "close double nebula, small star preceding." On 9 Feb 1855, R.J. Mitchell gave a more detailed description but incorrectly assumed NGC 2673 was h527 = NGC 2677: "very close, almost touching; h526 [NGC 2672] is mbM, h527 is smaller and lbM."  Dreyer later added the note "the latter is not h527, but the close companion to [NGC 2673], viz [GC] 1705."  Interestingly, it's possible that both Herschels noted NGC 2673 in their observations, but thought it was a very faint star.

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NGC 2674 = PGC 24785

08 49 13.2  -14 17 39; Hya

V = 14.9;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 65”

 

24" (1/25/14): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", weak concentration.  A number of mag 12-13 stars are in the field including a mag 12.5 star 1.3' NW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2674 = LM 1-152 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.4' dia, neb?"  There is nothing at or near his rough position (nearest min of RA) and Herbert Howe was unable to find it on two nights at Stone's position using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory around 1900.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 2674 probably refers to PGC 24785, a faint galaxy located 1.2 min of RA due east of Stone's position.  As the Leander McCormick positions in the first list are often off in RA, this identification is fairly certain.  RNGC classifes NGC 2674 as nonexistent and NGC 2674 was not included in the first edition of the "Deep Sky Field Guide" to the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.

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NGC 2675 = UGC 4629 = MCG +09-15-037 = CGCG 264-021 = PGC 24909

08 52 05.0 +53 37 02; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', just a weak broad concentration with no well-defined core.  A small trio of mag 14 stars precedes by 2'-3'.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2675 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  This object is #81 in AN 1500, but was added to a short appendix of omitted observations in his Siderum Nebulosorum. His position is poor -- 7 sec of RA east and 7' south of UGC 4629.  But a mag 14 star is 13 sec of RA preceding, matching his comment "mag 15 star precedes 12.4 seconds [of time]."   MCG gives the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 2676 = UGC 4627 = MCG +08-16-032 = CGCG 237-022 = PGC 24881

08 51 35.6 +47 33 27; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (2/9/02): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NE.  A distinctive rectangle of stars is ~4' NE including mag 8.2 SAO 42578 and mag 9.9 SAO 42574.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2676 = Sw. VI-33 on 24 Nov 1886 and described "eeF; pS; R; trapezoid of 4 pB stars near nf."  His position is 7 tsec E and 1' N of UGC 4627 and his description of the nearby 4 stars matches perfectly.

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NGC 2677 = MCG +03-23-012 = CGCG 090-021 = PGC 24821

08 50 01.3 +19 00 35; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round, low even surface brightness.  In a group with NGC 2667, NGC 2672, NGC 2673.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2677 = h527 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and noted "The faintest object imaginable, and discerned with the utmost difficulty.  Sky perfectly clear."  His position is an excellent match with CGCG 090-021 = PGC 24821 although the RA is marked uncertain.  He assumed he found his father's H. II-48 although Dreyer noted in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that H. II-48 = H II-80 = NGC 2672 and H II-48 was not NGC 2677.

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NGC 2678

08 50 03 +11 20 18; Cnc

Size 10'

 

18" (3/5/05): this asterism contains two groupings of stars to the south of M67 which is partly in the field of the 31 Nagler at the north side.  The northern subgroup contains two mag 8.8 and 9.3 stars separated by 3' with a fainter double star between.  About 9' SW is a nice group of 5 stars surrounding mag 8.4 HD 75373.  Several mag 10-11 stars are to the SW including a NW-SE string.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2678 = H VIII-10 = h528 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172), noting a "a cluster of very coarse scattered stars, not rich." John Herschel made four observations and reported on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), "A poor cluster of 4 or 5 large and a few scattered small stars."  Both of the Herschel's positions point to 4 or 5 mag 9/10 stars with a few fainter stars -- an unimpressive asterism.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2679 = UGC 4632a = MCG +05-21-014a = CGCG 150-041a = PGC 24884

08 51 32.8 +30 51 52; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, very small, round, compact appearance.  Has a fairly high surface brightness with a very small bright core.  A nice mag 12/13 double star at 12" separation lies 7' W.  Forms a double system with NGC 2680 attached at the east side within a common halo, just 0.2' between centers.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2679 = H III-294 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM, large stellar neb."  His position is 1.6' south of UGC 4632 = PGC 24884.  John Herschel's observation from on 27 Jan 1827 (56) reads "pB, R, vgmbM, 15"."  Lord Rosse and his assistants found a very close double nebula, with the following nucleus catalogued by Dreyer as NGC 2680.  But the SDSS reveals there are only two stars on the following side of NGC 2679.  See notes on NGC 2680.

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NGC 2680 = UGC 4632b = MCG +05-21-014b = CGCG 150-041b = PGC 24884

08 51 33.6 +30 51 57; Cnc

V = 15.1/16.2;  Size 5"

 

17.5" (3/25/95): appears as a very faint quasi-stellar object attached on the following side of NGC 2679 within a common halo.  This object (a 5" pair of mag 15.1/16.2 stars) is smaller and fainter than NGC 2679 and appears nearly stellar with just 0.2' separation between the pair and the center of NGC 2679.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 2680 on 26 Feb 1851. He recorded an "exceeding close double nebula [with NGC 2679]."  A total of 9 observations were made at Birr Castle, generally describing a very close double nebula within a common envelope or a nebula with a double nucleus.  For example, Sir Robert Ball's description on 12 Jan 1867 reads "Double nebula in Pos 85.5”, preceding on cB, R, mbM, following one F, R, perhaps with a * in the middle."

 

UGC (4632) calls this a double system (NGC 2679 + 2680) with a "companion superimposed at 0.2' following center, 0.20'x0.15'."  The DSS reveals two, very close stellar objects (northern component brighter) at the east edge of NGC 2679.  These are individually catalogued in NED as NGC 2680 NED01 ("Southern of two compacts (or stars?) superposed on NGC 2679") and NGC 2680 NED02 ("Northern of two compacts (or stars?) superposed on NGC 2679").  NED also has a single entry for NGC 2680 = KPG 176B (from the Karachentsev Isolated Pairs of Galaxies catalogue) at their mean position.  LEDA has a single entry for NGC 2679 = NGC 2680, but no individual entry(s) for NGC 2680.  On the SDSS DR8, two stellar objects just east of the nucleus of NGC 2679 are superimposed.  The northern "star" is classified as a galaxy and the southern component as a star.

 

After a query from Ivan Maly, I sent an email to Brian Skiff on 3/10/14 asking about the classification of these two objects and he quickly responded, "These are both stars.  I just examined numerous available images using the Goddard SkyView utility (GALEX, DSS, SDSS DR7 and DR8, 2MASS; no UKIDSS coverage unfortunately). Simply doing a blink-comparison of the POSS-I and -II blue plates (POSS-I red has less-good resolution), it is obvious that the northern star of the pair has modest proper motion, while the southern one is essentially fixed.  (I used 'SAOimage ds9' for this.)  Large-scale cut-outs of the Sloan images show no indication that they are other than stars, and the relative motion shows they are unrelated to each other.  Using the SDSS DR7 catalogue, I get V magnitudes 15.1 and 16.2, and separation of 4".66 in pa 192.2 deg for the two stars (epoch 2003.967).  At the epoch of POSS-I the position-angle is close to 180 deg, so presumably in Lord Rosse's time the fainter star would have been to the southeast."

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NGC 2681 = UGC 4645 = MCG +09-15-041 = CGCG 264-026 = Ark 185 = KUG 0849+515 = PGC 24961

08 53 32.8 +51 18 50; UMa

V = 10.3;  Size 3.6'x3.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, about 2' diameter.  Contains a small unusually bright core and stellar nucleus.  A pair of mag 12 stars are 2.1' W with separation 30" oriented NW-SE.  NGC 2693 lies 32' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2681 = H I-242 = h530 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "vB, large bright resolvable nucleus with vF chevelure."  John Herschel gave a similar description on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328): "B; L; vsmbM to a * 10-11m, but sharply defined.  It is a nebulous star with a vF extensive nebulosity."  Eleven observations were made at Birr Castle, though no additional details were clearly recorded.

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NGC 2682 = M67 = Cr 204

08 51 24 +11 49; Cnc

V = 6.9;  Size 30'

 

17.5": at 140x about 200 stars mag 10-14 in a 15' diameter.  Includes several rich subgroups including one on the south edge near three brighter mag 10 stars.  The brightest star mag 7.8 SAO 98178 is just off the NE edge.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): about 100 stars mag 10-15 in 15' diameter, very rich and impressive cluster.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): beautiful at 88x with over 75 stars resolved at this magnification.

 

Johann Gottfried Koehler (discoverer of M50 and M60) discovered M67 = NGC 2682 = h531 before 1779 and recorded "A rather conspicuous nebula in elongated figure, near Alpha of Cancer."  Messier independently discovered it on 6 Apr 1780 and logged "Cluster of small stars with nebulosity, below the southern claw of Cancer. The position determined from the star Alpha [Cancri]."  William Herschel first observed the cluster on 26 Mar 1783 using his 6-inch and simply noted a "cluster of stars."  With his 18-inch in 1784 he described "a most beautiful cluster of stars; not less than 200 in view."

 

M67 is an old open cluster with age 3-4 billion years (Sue French states 2.6 billion years in March 2009 S&T while Astronomy mentions 3.2 billion in the Apr 2012 issue. The position given in Lynga #5, Sky Catalogue 2000, NGC 2000 and Deep Sky Field Guide (first version) is about 1.0 min of RA too far west.

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NGC 2683 = UGC 4641 = MCG +06-20-011 = CGCG 180-017 = PGC 24930 = UFO Galaxy

08 52 41.4 +33 25 14; Lyn

V = 9.8;  Size 9.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 44”

 

18" (3/13/10): gorgeous view at 280x!  This detailed, edge-on spiral extends 9'x1.5' SW-NE.  The central region is well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core, roughly 3'x1.5' and noticeably mottled or dusty with brighter knots or spots near the core.  The southwest extension is more prominent and was easily traced to the outer tip. It broadly increased in brightness to the core.  In contrast, the northeast extension faded rapidly after the core.  The northeast arm had a low surface brightness as it extended past a mag 13 star (close double) off the north flank.  Overall, the galaxy presents an unusual warped appearance with the southwest and northeast extensions not aligned in position angle.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): very bright, very large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 8.0'x2.0', halo is broadly concentrated.  Mottled or dusty near the core but no distinct nucleus.

 

16x80 (1/18/85): visible in finder as a faint, edge-on steak

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright and impressive, brigter core, thin fainter extensions oriented SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2683 = H I-200 = h532 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and reported  "very brilliant, mE from sp to nf but nearer the meridian, about 7 or 8' l and 2 1/2 or 3' br. The brightness also much elongated and going off pretty suddently; a beautiful object." A total of 16 observations were made at Birr Castle and several times it was described as slightly concave and sharper on the preceding side.  On 2 Jan 1868, "vF streaks and lanes on each side parallel to ray [were suspected]."

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NGC 2684 = UGC 4662 = MCG +08-16-035 = CGCG 237-024 = PGC 25024

08 54 54.1 +49 09 38; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 40”

 

18" (4/26/08): at 220x, NGC 2684 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE.  This is the brightest in a compact group (similar to a HCG) with four additional nearby NGC galaxies: NGC 2686 (double galaxy) 1.4' SE, NGC 2687 1.9' E, NGC 2688 3.7' SE (confirmed, though extremely faint), and NGC 2689 5.8' SE (marignal observation).

 

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', just a broad weak concentration.  Two mag 12-13 stars lie 2' N and 1.5' ESE.  Brightest of three in a close group.  The faintest members NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 were not visible.

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8', weak concetration.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' ESE and a mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' N.  Brightest in a group of extremely faint galaxies including NGC 2687 and NGC 2686 close following.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2684 = H III-712 = h533 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and reported "eF, cS, resolvable, preceding some faint stars."  His position is just 1' too far northwest. John Herschel recorded on 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330) "vF; pL; R; 30"; a *12 m s f and on 13 m, n p."  The two stars are 1.4' ESE and 1.9' N.  Three extremely faint companions to NGC 2684 were discovered by LdR.

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NGC 2685 = Arp 336 = UGC 4666 = MCG +10-13-039 = CGCG 288-012 = PGC 25065 = Helix Galaxy

08 55 34.6 +58 44 03; UMa

V = 11.3;  Size 4.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 38”

 

48" (4/6/13): this famous polar-ring galaxy (nearest and brightest) was viewed at 488x.  It appeared very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.5', slightly bulging center (spindle shape), high surface brightness and brighter along the central axis.  Well concentrated with an intense core and surrounded by a much larger, low surface brightness halo that increases the size to 2.5'x1.2'.  The polar-ring was seen on the northwest side as a faint, low surface brightness outer loop attached to the spindle and bulging out ~20".  Periodically the outer edge of the loop popped as a distinct arc and appeared as a semi-ring.  A mag 11 star lies 2.4' N.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly small edge-on 4:1 SW-NE.  Contains an elongated bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' N of center.  The well-known polar ring was not seen.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2685 = T VI-8 on 18 Aug 1882 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position is ~30 sec of RA too far east and 3' too far north, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 2686 = MCG +08-16-036 = MCG +08-16-037 = VV 765 = PGC 25026

08 54 59.8 +49 08 33; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.45';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

18" (4/26/08): this member of the compact NGC 2684 group appeared very faint, very small, either elongated or double oriented E-W.  I had a strong impression this was a very close pair; sometimes a single round galaxy was visible but at other moments it was elongated E-W or the fainter companion momentarily popped into view.  The DSS shows a double galaxy just 16" between centers with the eastern component fainter.  Located 1.4' SE of NGC 2684 and 0.9' SW of a mag 12.5 star.  NGC 2687 is just 1.4' NE

 

17.5" (3/8/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1' SW of a mag 12.5 star and 1.5' SE of NGC 2684.  Second brightest of three in NGC 2684 group.

 

17.5" (3/16/96): picked up while viewing NGC 2684. Extremely faint, very small, appears elongated 2:1 E-W.  Located 1.3' SE of NGC 2684 and requires concentration to view. The mag 13 star mentioned in the observation of NGC 2684 is 0.9' NE.  This is an (unresolved) double system with the components oriented E-W. The fainter eastern member is designated NGC 2686B.  Member of a group of faint galaxies along with NGC 2687.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2686 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2687, 2688 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684.  He described it as "double or is a neb with hazy * close f" and labeled it on the sketch as Beta.  MCG +08-16-036/037 is a double galaxy and the orientation on the sketch (E-W) is correct, so this identification is certain.  RNGC and MCG have separate listings for NGC 2686A and B.

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NGC 2687 = NGC 2687B = MCG +08-16-038+039 = VV 765 = PGC 25030+31

08 55 06.0 +49 09 22; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 28”

 

18" (4/26/08): this member of the NGC 2684 compact group appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness, 15"x12".  Located 1.9' E of NGC 2684 and just 35" E of a mag 12.5 star.  NGC 2686 lies 1.4' SW.

 

17.5" (3/8/97): faintest of close trio with NGC 2684 and NGC 2686.  Appears extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W with concentration.  Requires averted vision to clearly view.  Located just 30" following a mag 12.5 star and 2' E of NGC 2684.  Looked for NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 unsuccessfully.

 

17.5" (3/16/96): picked up 1.9' E of NGC 2684 and 30" E of a mag 13 star. Extremely faint, very small, requires averted vision but repeatedly glimpsed.  This unresolved double system appeared elongated WNW-ESE, matching the orientation of the members.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2687 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2686, 2688 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684.  There was no description given (or approximate offsets from NGC 2684), so JH gave a single position in the GC for NGC 2686, 2687 and 2688.  The sketch, though, shows NGC 2687 east or slightly ESE of NGC 2684, with a star just preceding NGC 2687.  The SDSS reveals this a very close pair of galaxies (MCG +08-16-038 and -039) with the following component much brighter.

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NGC 2688 = MCG +08-16-040 = PGC 25048

08 55 11.7 +49 07 21; UMa

V = 15.8;  Size 0.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (4/26/08): this very difficult member of the NGC 2684 group appeared extremely faint and small, ~5" diameter (quasi-stellar).  Only popped into view with averted vision and concentration but sketched in the correct position on a line between a mag 10.7 star 2.8' SSE and NGC 2687.

 

17.5" (3/8/97): not found

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2688 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2686, 2687 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684.  He simply noted "vvF" but the sketch can be matched up well with MCG +08-16-040 = PGC 25048.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2689 = LEDA 2333935

08 55 25.4 +49 06 55; UMa

V = 16.3;  Size 0.35'x0.25'

 

18" (4/26/08): this is the faintest of 6 galaxies viewed in the compact NGC 2684 group.  It was a marginal observation (barely glimpsed several times) with averted vision 2.7' NE of a mag 10.7 star.  It was necessary to keep this distracting star out of the field.  Slightly easier NGC 2688 lies 2.3' WNW

 

17.5" (3/8/97): not found.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2689 on 11 Mar 1858 at Birr Castle. It was indicated on the sketch of the NGC 2684 field published in the 1880 Monograph, along with NGC 2686, NGC 2687 and NGC 2688.  Dreyer reobserved the field in 1878, but he noted the "sky is very bad" and the novae were not seen.

 

John Herschel only included three of the four novae in the GC (1715/1716/1717), so one was left out, but Dreyer assigned NGC 2689 to the 4th nebula in the NGC. Based on the sketch, NGC 2689 can be matched with LEDA 2333935.  This is the faintest known galaxy (V = 16.3-16.4) discovered at Birr Castle, according to Wolfgang Steinicke.

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 25042 (at 08 55 15.5 +49 09 04) as NGC 2689.  NED and HyperLEDA equate NGC 2689 with PGC 2333935. The identifications of NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 are discussed by Malcolm Thomson in his Catalogue Corrections.

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NGC 2690 = UGC 4647 = MCG +00-23-008 = CGCG 005-020 = PGC 24926

08 52 38.0 -02 36 12; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2690 = Sw. III-41 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His RA is 20 seconds too large.  Herbert Howe corrected Swift's sloppy RA around the turn of the 20th century with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory and Kobold also measured an accurate position with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg in 1897.

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NGC 2691 = UGC 4664 = MCG +07-18-064 = CGCG 209-006 = Mrk 391 = PGC 25020

08 54 46.3 +39 32 19; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (2/9/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration to a very small brighter core.  Bracketed by a mag 13 star 0.9' N and a mag 12 star 2.5' SW.  NGC 2704 lies 25' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2691 = H II-658 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 721) and noted "pF, vS, mbM."   His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is about 2' NW of UGC 4664 and the only nearby candidate.  MCG does not label the entry +07-18-064 as NGC 2691.

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NGC 2692 = UGC 4675 = MCG +09-15-057 = CGCG 264-036 = PGC 25142

08 56 58.0 +52 03 57; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 165”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~50"x25", small bright core.

 

UGC 4671, located 3.4' NW and a similar redshift, appeared fairly faint, round, ~40 diameter, slightly brighter core.  A mag 13 star is at the northeast edge of the halo and a similar star is 1' SE.  I'm surprised both Herschel's missed this galaxy as it is only slightly less evident than NGC 2692.

 

UGC 4690, located 13' NE, appeared  fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 WNW-ESE, 30"x20", small slightly brighter nucleus.  There is just a hint of a larger halo.  A mag 12 star is 1.2' N.

 

17.5" (2/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S.  A mag 13 star is 2.1' NW of center.  Forms a pair with UGC 4671 3.4' NW.  NGC 2693 lies 43' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2692 = H III-831 = h534 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and simply noted as "vF, vS."  His position is less than 2' southeast of UGC 4675.  On 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328), John Herschel wrote, "vF; S; R; psbM" and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 2693 = UGC 4674 = MCG +09-15-055 = CGCG 264-035 = PGC 25144

08 56 59.3 +51 20 51; UMa

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (2/8/86): fairly bright, fairly small, bright core encased in much fainter halo, slightly elongated ~N-S.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2694 1' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2693 = H II-823 = h535 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "pB, S, R, mbM." His position is within the northwest side of the halo. John Herschel's observation on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) reads, "pB; mE nearly in meridian [north-south]; psbM."  This double system was resolved with the 72" at Birr Castle. The CGCG declination is 30' too far south.

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NGC 2694 = MCG +09-15-056 = CGCG 264-034 = PGC 25143

08 56 59.3 +51 19 55; UMa

V = 14.5;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (2/8/86): faint, very small, almost round.  Forms a close double system with brighter and larger NGC 2693 1' N.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2694 (double system with NGC 2693) on 9 Mar 1850.  Multiple observations were made in the next couple of years (13 total) but John Herschel didn't include this nebula in the General Catalog, presumably as no details were given in the 1861 monograph. So, Dreyer added it in the GC supplement (GC 5435).

 

The CGCG declination is 30' too far south (same error with NGC 2693).  RC3 gives the dimensions as 1.2x1.2, but this much too large.

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NGC 2695 = MCG +00-23-010 = CGCG 005-025 = LGG 164-001 = PGC 25003

08 54 27.0 -03 04 01; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.  Situated between a mag 13 star is 0.8' W of center and a mag 14 star at the east edge 0.4' from center.  Brightest in a group along with NGC 2708 30' SE.  NGC 2697 lies 9.4' NE, NGC 2698 19' SE and NGC 2699 21' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2695 = H II-280 = h536 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and logged "F, vS, lE, just following an obscure star, verified with 240 power."  John Herschel made a more detailed observation on 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 21): "pB; S; E nearly in parallel between 2 st of 12 and 15m, each half the length of the neb from the adjacent extremity."  On 9 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi wrote, "pB; vS; R; glbM; a star 16m following by 1 1/2 seconds nearly in the same declination a little south of neb.  Another star 13m preceding by 3 sec and nearly the same declination, just a little north of neb." (48" Great Melbourne Telescope)

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NGC 2696 = MCG -01-23-004 = PGC 24851

08 50 42.0 -05 00 35; Hya

Size 1.2'x1.1'

 

17.5" (2/1/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak even concentration to center.  Located 6' SSW of mag 8.7 SAO 136330.  Due to a very poor position by Stone, this galaxy is not generally identified as NGC 2696 (4 tmin error in RA) is not plotted on U2000 (version 2) atlas.  Listed at mag 16pg in the MCG, but does not appear that faint.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2696 = LM 1-153 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded as "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, stellar nucleus."  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA).  Harold Corwin suggests this may be MCG -01-23-004, in which case Stone's RA would be 4 minutes too large (as often the case with L M observations, the dec is fairly accurate but the RA is very poor).  So, this is an uncertain but very plausible identification.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 2697 = MCG +00-23-011 = CGCG 005-027 = PGC 25029

08 54 59.2 -02 59 14; Hya

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration.  Located 9.4' NE of brighter NGC 2695 in the same field.

 

Lord Rosse and George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2697 on 24 Jan 1851.  While observing NGC 2695, Stoney noted "another neb, S, oval, about 10' following and 4' north."  d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 22 Feb 1865.

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NGC 2698 = MCG +00-23-012 = CGCG 005-030 = LGG 164-002 = PGC 25067

08 55 36.4 -03 11 02; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 96”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, small, oval ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 4.0' SE of mag 7.1 SAO 136405.  Forms a pair with NGC 2699 4.7' NE.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2695.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2698 = h538 on 11 Mar 1826 (sweep 20) and recorded "vF; R; resolvable; 30"; stars suspected in it.  A *9 m precedes.  This may possibly be II. 281 [NGC 2708] with an error of 10' in PD, but I have no reason for believing my obs erroneous."  His position and description matches PGC 25067.

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NGC 2699 = MCG +00-23-014 = CGCG 005-033 = PGC 25075

08 55 48.7 -03 07 39; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 14.5-15.0 star is 0.9' NE of center (NGC 2700).  Forms a pair with NGC 2698 4.7' SW in the NGC 2695/NGC 2698 group.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 2699 on 27 Jan 1852.  He noted "about 20' sf [of NGC 2695] are 2 B, S neb, about 5' asunder."  At this position are NGC 2698 (discovered earlier by John Herschel) and NGC 2699.  Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2699 independently on 4 Jan 1862 (called a "Doppelnebel" in AN 57, 337).  d'Arrest noted in a later observation that he had no doubt it was one of LdR's "6 knots", but he was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 2700

08 55 50.6 -03 06 59; Hya

 

17.5" (2/13/88): this is a mag 14.5-15.0 star situated just 0.9' NE of the center of NGC 2699 (see observation).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2700 around 1876 (communicated directly to Dreyer), along with NGC 2702/2703/2705/2707.  All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group!  The North Polar Distance in the NGC is two degrees too far south since NGC 2700 was placed just 1' N of NGC 2699.  There is only a mag 14.5-15 star at his position, recorded in my observation of NGC 2699.

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NGC 2701 = UGC 4695 = MCG +09-15-063 = CGCG 264-043 = PGC 25237

08 59 05.4 +53 46 13; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 23”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star on the northwest edge interferes with viewing the halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2701 = H IV-66 = h537 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and recorded "a small star with a fan-shaped nebula. The star is on the preceding side of the diverging chevelure, and seems to be connected with it."  His position (Auwers' reduction) was 4' too far south.  On 10 Feb 1831 John Herschel logged, "A *11-12m with a pB fan-shaped neb appendage in which there seems to one vF*.  A curious object.  See fig 65."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2702

08 55 54.6 -03 03 55; Hya

 

= *?, Corwin.  Misidentified in the RNGC with 2MASX J08553714-0303149.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2702 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2703/2705/2707.  All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group!  He placed this object 4' NE of NGC 2699 and a mag ~15.5 star is at this position.  Interestingly, Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 4 Mar 1877, described this nova as "an eF, vS, neb nf GC 1727 [NGC 2699] in PA 18.0” and dist. 238.8".  But this offset points exactly to the mag 15.5 star.

 

RNGC and PGC (as well as other sources based on these catalogues such as Megastar) misidentify PGC 25072 as NGC 2702.  This galaxy is 4.4' N of NGC 2699 but 11 tsec preceding.  If Tempel confused the E-W orientations of the two galaxies, then PGC 25072 is a possible candidate though it may be too faint to have been seen in the 11-inch Amici I refractor.

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NGC 2703

08 55 47.1 -03 18 25; Hya

V = 14/14;  Size 14"

 

= **, Corwin.  = Not found, Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2703 around 1876 in the N2695/2698 group and described (in the NGC) as "eF,lE,doubtful".  There is no nebula near his position, but 2' SW is a double star.  Dreyer looked for Tempel's "nova" on 4 Mar 1877 at Birr Castle and reported "looked carefully for nova Tempel [NGC 2703] between [[NGC 2698] and [NGC 2708], saw none, only about midways vF double star, which I first mistook for a nebula."  Ironically, the double star was probably Tempel's "nova"!  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" called it a "? Neb *14 [not nebulous], *14.5 sp vnr."  Harold Corwin also identifies this double star as NGC 2703.

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NGC 2704 = IC 2424 = UGC 4678 = MCG +07-19-005 = CGCG 209-009 = Holm 103a = PGC 25134

08 56 47.7 +39 22 56; Lyn

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, broad weak concentration.

 

UGC 4689 lies 12' NE, UGC 4699 (overlapping double system) is 24' ENE and UGC 4704 is 28' SE.  UGC 4689 is very faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 24"x18" (central region).  UGC 4699 is fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, weak concentration.  A very distinctive group of four brighter stars ("T" or "Y" shape) is 3' to 5' preceding.  Finally, UGC 4704 (viewed at 200x) is extremely faint, thin edge-on roughly 10:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.2', can only glimpse due to very low even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is just south of the east end [2.2' from center]. 

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration.  UGC 4699 lies 24' ENE and NGC 2691 is 25' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2704 = H III-625 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "vF, vS.  The same with 300 power."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west and 2' north is UGC 4678.  Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding NGC 2704 at Herschel's position but reported Big. 271 (later IC 2424) as new at the correct position.  Dreyer noted that NGC 2704 is probably equal to IC 2424 (even suggested by Bigourdan) and Herschel's position was in error by 1 tmin.  So, NGC 2704 = IC 2424.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2705

08 56 00.0 -03 00 54; Hya

 

= *?, Corwin.  = Not found, Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2705 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2702/2703/2707 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri observatory.  All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars that he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group!  There are no nebulae near his positions, but 1' south is a mag 16 star.  Interestingly, Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 7 Mar 1877, described this nova as "eF, eS, is nf GC 1727 [NGC 2699] in PA 22.3” and dist. 440.4", it forms a quadrilateral with 3 st 14m f and nf.  Other eF neb susp here."  Dreyer's offset and description points exactly to this faint star.  In 1915, Knox-Shaw reported NGC 2705 was not found on Helwan plates.

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NGC 2706 = UGC 4680 = MCG +00-23-017 = CGCG 005-036 = LGG 164-004 = PGC 25102

08 56 12.3 -02 33 48; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.25'.  A mag 12 star is close following the SSE tip 1.3' from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2706 = Sw. III-42 on 27 Feb 1886 and wrote, "vF; pS; vE; * nr following."  His position and description matches UGC 4680.

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NGC 2707

08 56 05.5 -03 04 00; Hya

V = 13.1

 

= *?, Corwin.  = Not found, Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2707 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2702/2703/2705.  All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri observatory!   A mag 15 star (GSC 4869-855) is close to the NGC position at 08 56 05.5 -03 04 00 (J2000), though this identification is uncertain.  In 1915, Knox-Shaw reported NGC 2705 was not found on Helwan photographs.

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NGC 2708 = NGC 2727 = MCG +00-23-015 = CGCG 005-034 = LGG 164-003 = PGC 25097

08 56 07.9 -03 21 37; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.9' NE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2709 7.1' NNE.  One of the brightest galaxies in a group (LGG 164) that includes NGC 2695, 2699 and 2706.  Other members may include NGC 2697, 2698 and 2709.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2708 = H II-281 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and noted "vF, vS, irr F."  His position is less than 2' south of CGCG 005-034 = PGC 25097.  John Herschel claimed no observations, but his RA for h546 (later NGC 2727) is exactly 5 min greater and Corwin suggests h546 may apply to NGC 2708.

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NGC 2709 = MCG +00-23-016 = CGCG 005-035 = PGC 25103

08 56 12.8 -03 14 36; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 2708 7.1' SSW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2709 on 27 Jan 1852.  His sketch places it 11' SE of NGC 2699 (the actual separation is 9').  On 7 Mar 1877, Dreyer made a more detailed micrometric observation, noting "vF, pL, lE sp nf, north of [NGC 2708].  Pos 9.5”, Dist 434.4"."

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NGC 2710 = UGC 4705 = MCG +09-15-066 = CGCG 264-046 = PGC 25258

08 59 48.4 +55 42 23; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is at the NE edge 1.0' from center.  A bright wide pair mag 10.5/11 at 37" separation lies 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2710 = H III-841 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called it "vF, S."  His position (CH's reduction) is 1' south of UGC 4705.

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NGC 2711 = UGC 4688 = MCG +03-23-020 = CGCG 090-042 = PGC 25164

08 57 23.6 +17 17 17; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, very small, round.  Located between a mag 12 star 1.5' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 1.1' NNE of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2711 = m 134 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position matches UGC 4688.

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NGC 2712 = UGC 4708 = MCG +08-17-003 = CGCG 238-001 = PGC 25248

08 59 30.5 +44 54 50; Lyn

V = 12.1;  Size 2.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 178”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 N-S, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2712 = h540 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and remarked "pB; L; E; vgbM; 2' l; 1.5' br' with attention a central point is seen = a * 18m." His position matches UGC 4708.  Romney Robinson observed it with Lord Rosse's 72" on 5 Mar 1848 and described a "fine globular cluster, well resolved, no trace of  * in centre."  Robinson was adamant that all nebulae could be resolved so this bias certainly affected the observation.

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NGC 2713 = UGC 4691 = MCG +01-23-006 = CGCG 033-028 = PGC 25161

08 57 20.4 +02 55 14; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 3.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 107”

 

24" (2/13/18): bright, large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, strongly concentration with a large, bright, roundish core, ~45" diameter, and a faint stellar nucleus.  The halo or arms are much fainter and gradually fade out but extend roughly 2.5'x1'.  Mag 9.5 SAO 117289 lies 4.5' W.  NGC 2716 is 11' NNE and IC 2426 is 17.5' E, forming the triplet UZC-CG 083.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, fairly small, large brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2716 11' NNE.  Located 4.5' ENE of mag 9 SAO 117289.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2713 = m 135, along with NGC 2716, on 3 Mar 1864 and logged "pB, iR, mbM."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the pair on 15 Mar 1866.  He noted a mag 10 star (SAO 117289) preceded by 18 sec of time and 46" south and measured an accurate position (2 nights).

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NGC 2714 = ESO 125-007 = PGC 24959

08 53 29.8 -59 13 02; Car

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, moderate even concentration to the center, symmetric appearance.  Set in a rich Carina star field 27' W of mag 4.9 HD 77002 (wide 4.9/6.8 pair at 40").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2714 = h3143 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and recorded "eF; S; R; pslbM; difficult, but certain."  His position matches ESO 125-007 = PGC 24959.  RNGC classifies the number as an "Unverified southern object" (Type 0).  Because of this, NGC 2714 is not in the Deep Sky Field Guide nor plotted on the first edition of Uranometria 2000 Atlas.

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NGC 2715 = UGC 4759 = MCG +13-07-015 = CGCG 350-012 = PGC 25676

09 08 06.4 +78 05 07; Cam

V = 11.2;  Size 4.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 22”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 4'x2', broad weak concentration, fairly low but irregular surface brightness.  The major axis is collinear with a mag 11 star 4.0' SSW of center.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2715 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at Marseille Observatory. He noted "pretty bright, 3' in extent, elliptic; no nucleus." and his micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) matches UGC 4759.

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NGC 2716 = UGC 4692 = MCG +01-23-007 = CGCG 033-029 = Holm 104a = PGC 25172

08 57 35.9 +03 05 25; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 30”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright, round, 0.8'-0.9' diameter, bright round core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.8 star is 1.5' ESE.  NGC 2713 is 11' SSW and IC 2426 is 17' SE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, round, brighter core.  A mag 12 star lies 1.4' ESE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2713 11' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2716 = m 136, along with NGC 2713 on 3 Mar 1864 and recorded "F, S, R, mbM."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the pair on 15 Mar 1866 and both measured accurate positions.

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NGC 2717 = ESO 496-021 = MCG -04-21-015 = PGC 25146

08 57 01.1 -24 40 26; Pyx

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 10”

 

24" (2/8/18): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S.  Sharply concentrated with a relatively large 30" core and a very small bright nucleus and a thin low surface brightness halo. Located 13' NW of mag 7.1 HD 76799.  ESO 496-022, a very low surface brightness galaxy, lies 4.8' SSE.

 

17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 50" diameter, oval SSW-NNE, high surface brightness.  Contains a prominent 30" bright core and a stellar nucleus.  Difficult to judge extent of outer halo as gradually fades into background.  A mag 11 star lies 2.1' ENE of center.  Located 13' NW of mag 7.1 SAO 176747.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2717 = h3144 on 20 Mar 1835 and noted "F, S, R, gpmbM, 20"." His mean position (two observations) matches ESO 496-021 = PGC 25146

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NGC 2718 = UGC 4707 = MCG +01-23-015 = Mrk 703 = CGCG 033-034 = PGC 25225

08 58 50.4 +06 17 35; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (4/13/18): at 375x; bright, large, overall roundish, contains a bright elongated "bar" oriented NW-SE (face-on barred spiral), small bright core with a stellar nucleus.  The halo is quite a bit fainter and seems slightly elongated or oval.  Surrounded by three similar stars; a mag 14.8 star lies 1.4' N, a mag 14.4 star 1.7' E and a mag 14.6 star 1.9' W.  Located 55' NE of mag 3.1 Zeta (16) Hydrae.

 

UGC 4703, located 5.4' WNW, appeared faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Too faint for any details; just a dim glow [V = 15.5].  This galaxy is an interacting pair with tidal bridge, but the companion was too faint to detect.  NGC 2718, at 180 million light-years distant is similar to the Milky Way — with two dwarf-galaxy satellites (UGC 4703) like the Magellanic Clouds.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Surrounded by three mag 14.5 stars 1.6' ENE, 1.4' N and 1.9' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2718 = H II-557 = h542 on 24 Mar 1786 (sweep 543) and recorded "F, mE, unequally bright, 3' long, 1' broad."  John Herschel only gave a very rough NPD and noted "F; pL; R." (25 Dec 1827, sweep 116)   In the GC, he included h542 and his father's H II-557 as separate entries with the comment, "The descriptions are irreconcileable, and they must be two distinct nebulae..."  But, Dreyer "looked carefully for other neb near it, found none." on 18 Mar 1876 with the 72" and combined the two GC entries into NGC 2718.

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NGC 2719 = Arp 202 NED1 = UGC 4718 = MCG +06-20-017 = CGCG 180-025a = Holm 105a = PGC 25281

09 00 15.5 +35 43 39; LMi

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 133”

 

24" (2/24/20): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 30"x12".  NGC 2719 is nearly attached (barely resolved) just south of the SE end.  It appeared as a very faint, small knot with a low surface brightness, 12"-15" diameter.

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE.  Forms a double system with NGC 2719A, which appears as a small knot at the south end, just 26" between centers.  NGC 2724 lies 10' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2719 = H III-540 = h541 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "vF, S, lE, seems to contain 2 vF stars."  His position is 11 seconds of RA too far west, but the description is accurate.  On a second sweep he apparently added "E 20 degrees np-sf." and this implies the south-following star is certainly NGC 2719A.  John Herschel made a single observation (interrupted by clouds) on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331).

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NGC 2720 = UGC 4710 = MCG +02-23-016 = CGCG 061-034 = PGC 25238

08 59 08.0 +11 08 57; Cnc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~NW-SE, very small bright core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2720 = m 137 on 10 Mar 1864 and noted "F, S, R, bM."  His position matches UGC 4710.  Wilhelm Tempel also measured the position in list I-23 and noted it was certainly equivalent to Marth's nebula.

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NGC 2721 = MCG -01-23-015 = PGC 25231

08 58 56.5 -04 54 07; Hya

V = 11.7;  Size 2.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, large brighter core.  Located 15' E of mag 6.6 SAO 136450.  The RNGC declination is 18' too far north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2721 = H II-529 = h543 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 520) and simply noted "F, S".  His position was 10 seconds of RA too small, though John measured a more accurate position on two sweeps.

 

The RNGC declination is off by 18' too far north.  This mistake was noticed while using the Uranometria 2000 Atlas to star hop to this galaxy and later was verified on the DSS.  Coincidentally, the MCG declination is also 9' too far N (all the M-01-23-XXX galaxies must be shifted 9' south).  I included this error in RNGC Corrections #3 (on the NGC/IC Project site).

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NGC 2722 = NGC 2733 = MCG -01-23-014 = PGC 25221

08 58 46.1 -03 42 37; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.8', brighter along major axis, fairly weak even concentration down to a brighter core, no well-defined nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 2.0' WNW.  The NGC position is 10' too far east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2722 = H III-264 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and noted as "eF, stellar, 240 verified it. I should have overlooked it, but in gaging the field perceived it."  Caroline's reduced position is 36 seconds of RA too large. An accurate position was measured on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 520), but the NGC RA was 45 seconds too large.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate position in 1907 at the Cincinnati Observatory. MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 2722.

 

See NGC 2733 = h547, which may be a duplicate entry.

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NGC 2723 = UGC 4723 = MCG +01-23-017 = CGCG 033-039 = PGC 25280

09 00 14.3 +03 10 40; Hya

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star just 0.6' ENE of center is brighter than the core.  Also an extremely faint 15th mag star is just off the NW edge 20" from center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2723 = m 138 on 3 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and noted "F, S, R."  His position is 1.6' NE of UGC 4723.

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NGC 2724 = UGC 4726 = MCG +06-20-019 = CGCG 180-027 = PGC 25331

09 01 01.8 +35 45 45; Lyn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 2”

 

24" (2/24/20): at 260x; between faint and fairly faint, relatively large oval, ~1.0'x0.7' N-S, low nearly even surface brightness with a slightly brighter nucleus.  NGC 2719 pair (Arp 202) is 10' WSW.

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, moderately large, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 2.8' NE of a mag 10 star which detracts from viewing.  At the edge of the 220x field is mag 7.7 SAO 61205 10' NE.  In a trio with NGC 2719 and NGC 2719A 10' WSW.  This galaxy is not identified as NGC 2724 in the UGC, CGCG or MCG.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2724 = h544 on 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401) and noted "eF; S; R."  There is nothing at his position, but John noted an uncertain RA and 0.9 minutes of time west is UGC 4726.  Because of this discrepancy, UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label their respective entries as NGC 2724, but RNGC and RC3 both label UGC 4726 as NGC 2724.  Harold Corwin mentions NGC 2719 (further west) as another possibility, but this is further out in RA and is quite elongated.

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NGC 2725 = UGC 4732 = MCG +02-23-018 = CGCG 061-038 = PGC 25332

09 01 03.2 +11 05 51; Cnc

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 2.5' N of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2728 10' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2725 = m 139 on 10 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2728) and noted "F, pL".   Marth's position is at the south edge of UGC 4732.

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NGC 2726 = UGC 4750 = MCG +10-13-054 = CGCG 288-018 = PGC 25498

09 04 56.8 +59 55 58; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', bright bulging core.  A mag 15 star is just south of the core [23" SSW of center].

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2726 = H II-834 = h545 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and recorded "pF, pS, iF, easily resolvable."  His position is 3' NE of UGC 4750.  On 8 Mar 1832 (sweep 404), John Herschel called the galaxy, "eF; R; quite certain".  MCG misidentified MCG +10-13-055 as NGC 2726.

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NGC 2727 = NGC 2708 = MCG +00-23-015 = CGCG 005-034 =LGG 164-003 =  PGC 25097

08 56 07.9 -03 21 37; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 20”

 

See observing notes for NGC 2708.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2727 = h546 on 12 Mar 1826 (sweep 21) and recorded "vF; L; R; bM."  There is nothing at his position.  It was not found by Lord Rosse or by Bigourdan.  Harold Corwin suggests that if Herschel made a 5 minute error in RA, then NGC 2727 would be a duplicate observation of NGC 2708.  His description for h546 is "round", while NGC 2708 is very elongated, so this identification is very uncertain, but NGC 2733 = h547 discovered next in the same sweep also has a large error in RA, making the identification more likely.  RNGC classified NGC 2727 as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2728 = UGC 4738 = MCG +02-23-020 = CGCG 061-042 = PGC 25360

09 01 40.9 +11 04 58; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, fairly small, round, very small bright core, low surface brightness.  Located along the south side of a very thin triangle formed by three mag 11-12 stars including a mag 12 star 2' W and pair of mag 11 stars 2' NE.  Located 10' E of NGC 2725.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2728 = m 140 on 10 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2725) and noted "vF, L, R, bM".   His position matches UGC 4738 = PGC 25360.

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NGC 2729 = UGC 4737 = MCG +01-23-018 = CGCG 033-046 = Holm 196a = PGC 25352

09 01 28.6 +03 43 14; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, very small, round, initially appeared elongated E-W due to a mag 15 star attached at the east end which is not cleanly resolved (16" ESE of center).  Faint halo 30" diameter is weakly concentrated, very small brighter core.  A pleasing bright double star mag 9.9/11 at 24" lies 3' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2729 = m 141 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R".   His position is 6 sec of RA west of UGC 4737, but there's no question of the identity.  The mag 15 star at the east edge was described as nebulous by Karl Reinmuth in his photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates.

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NGC 2730 = UGC 4743 = MCG +03-23-028 = CGCG 090-057 = LGG 166-004 = PGC 25384

09 02 15.8 +16 50 18; Cnc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, moderately large, almost round, low surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge 0.7' from center.  Two mag 12.5 stars lie 2.0' SSE and 2.5' S.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 2734 12' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2730 = m 142 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, L, R."  His position is 1.8' due north of UGC 4743 of U04743 = PGC 25384.

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NGC 2731 = UGC 4741 = MCG +02-23-021 = CGCG 033-048 = CGCG 061-045 = PGC 25376

09 02 08.4 +08 18 05; Cnc

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Has an unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is nearly attached at the ENE edge 0.4' from center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2731 = m 143 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "F, vS, R."  His position is 1.3' NW of UGC 4741 = PGC 25376.

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NGC 2732 = UGC 4818 = MCG +13-07-016 = CGCG 350-013 = PGC 25999

09 13 24.8 +79 11 14; Cam

V = 11.9;  Size 2.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.7, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is at the NE tip 0.8' from center.  Forms a pair with UGC 4832 4.1' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2732 = h539 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep 171) and recorded "pB; S; E from nf to sp.  Has a star nf."  There is nothing at his position (marked as uncertain), but ~3 minutes of time east is UGC 4818 and his description is a perfect fit with this gaalxy.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 3 nights (first on 1 Dec 1863), which was used in the NGC.

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NGC 2733 = NGC 2722 = MCG -01-23-014 = PGC 25221

08 58 46.1 -03 42 37; Hya

 

See observing notes for NGC 2722.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2733 = h547 on 12 Mar 1826 (sweep 21) and noted "eF; R.  RA between 52m 31s and 54m 41s."  There is nothing at his position, but he gave a wide range for the RA, and Harold Corwin suggests this number is a duplicate of NGC 2722, which is 2.8 minutes of RA west.  NGC 2727, the previous object JH found in the sweep, may also have a large error in RA too far east.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 2734 = PGC 25413

09 03 01.6 +16 51 48; Cnc

Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round, just non-stellar.  Three mag 14/15 stars are on a line about 2' NW.  Located 12' E of NGC 2730.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2734 = m 144 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, vS, R."  His position is 2' north of PGC 25413, a faint galaxy not catalogued in the CGCG, MCG, UGC or RC3.

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NGC 2735 = Arp 287 NED1 = VV 40a = UGC 4744 = MCG +04-22-002 = CGCG 121-003 = Holm 108a = PGC 25399

09 02 38.7 +25 56 05; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 94”

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', contains a bright elongated core.  Forms a close pair (VV 40 = Arp 287) with NGC 2735A = PGC 25402 just 45" ENE of center, but detached. At 375x, the companion appeared very faint and small, round, only 10"-12" diameter.  Situated 4.9' NNE of mag 7.3 HD 77313, along with three mag 9-10 stars even closer.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W.  There are four bright stars to the south.  Three of these stars oriented WSW-ENE form a shallow arc; mag 10 star 1.6' S, mag 9.1 SAO 80591 3.2' SW, mag 9.0 SAO 80590 4.6' SW.  Also mag 7.2 SAO 80592 lies 5' SSW (2' S of SAO 80591).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2735 = St IX-18 on 26 Feb 1878 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory and recorded as "small star enveloped in a vF, vS neby, lE E-W."  His position is exactly 1.0 tmin of RA east of UGC 4744 although his offset star is correctly placed.  The error was caught and corrected by Esmiol in his re-reduction of Stephan's position.

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NGC 2736 = ESO 260-14 = RCW 37 = Herschel's Ray = Pencil Nebula

09 00 17 -45 56 54; Vel

Size 30'x7';  PA = 20”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): Herschel's Ray was a striking, bright filament at 130x and a UHC or OIII filter, extending SSW-NNE for at least 20' in length.  Herschel's Ray is brightest along a 5' stretch at the NNE end as it passes to the west of mag 8.3 HD 774433 and continues NNE ending to the west of a mag 9.5 star.  Several very faint stars appear to very close to the northern half of the ray, particularly along the eastern edge, though a mag 11.2 star is also at the western edge.  The ray weakens or thins to a narrow splinter just the east of this mag 11.2 star.  At the NNE tip the filament subtly bends very slightly towards the north and at the SSW end the filament more obviously curves or hooks slightly towards the south as it fades.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): Herschel's Ray was easily picked up at 105x using a UHC filter.  It extended well over 1/2 of the 38' field, at least 20'x2', oriented SSW-NNE.  This prominent Vela Supernova filament is brightest towards the NNE end near a mag 8.3 star which is just following the NNE edge.  It appears like a thin splinter of light through the field with a weak filamentary structure and variations in brightness, similar to one of the fainter filaments in the Veil nebula.  Several stars are very close to the edge including a mag 11 star near the middle.  I was impressed the appearance was very comparable to the view I had through the 18-inch in Australia.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an isolated bright eastern filament in the Vela Supernova remnant which is centered over 4” to the west.  At 128x and UHC filter (38 arcmin field), it appears as a fairly faint, thin, nebulous streak extending SSW-NNE over half the field, ~20'x1'!  The surface brightness is roughly uniform, though the northern portion is brighter near a mag 8.3 star off the NE end.  The nebulosity continues past this star and ends with a mag 9.5 star due east of the NNE tip.  On the SSW end the nebulosity gradually dims out.  A few mag 11 stars border the filament, one just off the west edge near the center and a couple further south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2736 = h3145 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded "eeF, L, vvmE; an extraordinary long narrow ray of excessively feeble light; position 19 deg±.  At least 20' long, extending much beyond the limits of the field...".  His position and sketch (Plate V, figure 12) agrees perfectly with ESO 260-N14, the brightest piece of the huge Vela SNR, centered ~ 5 degrees WNW.

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 2736 on 26 Jan 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 34 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_34.php).  Besides a thin ray, he also saw nebulosity spreading out from the southern end towards the west.  In Jan 1885, Barachi commented, "Extremely faint, a long streak across the field, straight, very narrow, with a peculiar group of stars in the n.f. quadrant, forming almost a semicircle, of which the north portion of the streak is the diameter. Streak spreads out at its s.p. end, and becomes a large irregular-shaped whitishness, without distinct contour, which the eye cannot see except by moving the telescope up and down, and only when the back ground is perfectly black and free from haze; even then it requires a little time before it can be seen."

 

RNGC and NGC 2000.0 misclassify this filament  as a galaxy and I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #5.  The first reported connection of NGC 2736 with the Vela SNR was in 2000: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/journal/issues/ApJL/v543n2/005648/005648.html, two years after the discovery of the SNR itself in 1998.  Estimated age of the supernova is 9-11,000 years.

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NGC 2737 = UGC 4751 = MCG +04-22-005 = CGCG 121-009 = PGC 25453

09 03 59.7 +21 54 23; Cnc

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 61”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2738 3.7' N.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2737, along with NGC 2738, on 23 Feb 1863.  His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 4751 = PGC 25453.  Engelhardt also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2738 = UGC 4752 = VV 481 = MCG +04-22-006 = CGCG 121-010 = LGG 166-008 =PGC 25454

09 04 00.5 +21 58 04; Cnc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2737 3.7' S.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2738, along with NGC 2737, on 23 Feb 1863.  His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 4752 = PGC 25454 and he noted a mag 14 star that precedes by 8 seconds of RA and 30" north.

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NGC 2739 = MCG +09-15-085 = CGCG 264-059 = PGC 25530

09 06 02.8 +51 44 41; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/5/97): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Forms a close double system with NGC 2740 40" SE.  This galaxy is the smaller of the pair but is slightly more noticeable due to a small brighter core and stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 12 star lies 51" NNE of center.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2739 on 18 Feb 1855 while observing h549 = NGC 2740 with Lord Rosse's 72".  He noted a "Double nebula, vF, south one the larger, both S, R."  A sketch clearly shows both galaxies as well as two nearby stars (JH logged "four small stars with a strong suspicion of nebula among them").

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NGC 2740 = MCG +09-15-086 = CGCG 264-060 = PGC 25531

09 06 05.0 +51 44 07; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/5/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  A mag 14 star is 35" SE of center.  Forms a double system with NGC 2739 40" NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2740 = h549 on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) and recorded "four small stars with a strong suspician of nebula among them."  This observation probably refers to both NGC 2739 and NGC 2740 (one or two of Herschel's "stars" are probably the nuclei or cores of these galaxies), but LdR is credited with the discovery of NGC 2740 in the GC and NGC. His position is 1.3' north of CGCG 264-060 = PGC 25531, and falls very close to a nearby star.

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NGC 2741 = Mrk 1221 = PGC 25425

09 03 16.5 +18 15 40; Cnc

Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.5'x0.3', ver weak concentration.  Located 3' N of a mag 10 star.  A mag 13 star follows by 1'.  This galaxy is the westernmost in the NGC 2744 group and lies 30' W of NGC 2744.  The NGC identification is uncertain as Marth's catalogued position is 1.0 tmin further east (nothing exists there).  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2741 = m145 on 28 Mar 1864 and simply noted "vF".  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan, Carlson and RNGC all concluded this object doesn't exist.  But Harold Corwin notes that 1.0 min of RA west of Marth's position (and matching in declination) is PGC 25425.  The NGC description "p[receding] of two [with NGC 2745]" was added by Dreyer based on the positions, but is not accurate.

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NGC 2742 = NGC 2816? = UGC 4779 = MCG +10-13-057 = CGCG 288-019 = PGC 25640

09 07 33.2 +60 28 46; UMa

V = 11.4;  Size 3.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 87”

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, even moderate surface brightness.  Located 4.6' SE of mag 7.7 SAO 14765.  A thin isosceles triangle of stars including a mag 13 pair at 24" separation lies 3' SE.  NGC 2768 lies 40' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2742 = H I-249 = h550 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and described "a considerably bright extended nebula about 4' long and 2' broad; it is easily resolvable, and I suppose with a higher power and longer attention the stars would become visible.  It is brighter about the middle."  His position is 2.3' northeast of the center of UGC 4779 = PGC 25640.  On 12 Mar 1852 the observer on the 72" logged, "an amorphous mass of neby of uneven character, elongated p-f."  MCG misidenties MCG +10-13-058 as NGC 2742.

 

NGC 2816 may be a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 2743 = UGC 4760 = MCG +04-22-009 = CGCG 121-013 = PGC 25496

09 04 54.3 +25 00 14; Cnc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.8', low surface brightness halo, sharp concentration with prominent 15" core and stellar nucleus.  Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 10.5 star 4.1' NW, a mag 12 star 4.1' WSW and mag 9.0 SAO 80621 9' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2743 = H III-608 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 703) and noted "eF, S, R, vlbM."  His position (Auwers' reduction) is within 1' of UGC 4760.

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NGC 2744 = UGC 4757 = MCG +03-23-031 = CGCG 090-065 = VV 612 = LGG 166-001 = PGC 25480

09 04 39.1 +18 27 53; Cnc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small.  Elongated 4:3 ~WNW-ESE, although the appearance is asymmetric with an irregular outline and faint extensions visible with averted vision only.  Weak concentration to an ill-defined core.  A mag 13.5-14 star is at the east edge, 53" from center.  Located 13' NW of NGC 2749 in a group.  Difficult NGC 2745 lies 12' due south.

 

The DSS image reveals a distorted, (possibly) interacting system with a very faint tidal plume to the north.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just 0.9' E of center.  NGC 2749 lies 14' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2744 = H III-60 = h551 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "vF, S, r.  I saw it better with 240 than 157, very near it is a small star."  His position is 8 sec of RA east and 1' north of UGC 4757.

 

John Herschel recorded on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334), "vF; R; is south of a coarse double star."  R.J. Mitchell, observing with the 72" on 9 Feb 1855, recorded "Neb is vlbM, perhaps lE np sf.  It is closely followed by a small star; a few minutes north are 4 stars."

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NGC 2745 = CGCG 090-064 = WBL 202-001 = PGC 25478

09 04 39.3 +18 15 26; Cnc

V = 14.6;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter.  A similar (in brightness) mag 15 star lies ~30" S and initially drew my attention.  Located 4.3' ESE of mag 9.2 SAO 98335 and 10' WSW of NGC 2749 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2745 = m 146 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position matches CGCG 090-064 = PGC 25478.  Dreyer added the description "f of 2 [with NGC 2741]", but this was based on the erroneous position of NGC 2741.

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NGC 2746 = UGC 4770 = MCG +06-20-023 = CGCG 180-032 = PGC 25533

09 05 59.5 +35 22 38; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 12 star is close north [52" from center].

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2746 = H III-825 = h552 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM, south of a small star."  His position matches UGC 4770.

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NGC 2747 = CGCG 090-070 = WBL 202-003 = PGC 25507

09 05 18.3 +18 26 32; Cnc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Low, even surface brightness and even with concentration could not hold steadily.  Collinear with a trio of mag 11 stars which trail to the east.  Just beyond the south-eastern star in the chain lies NGC 2752 8.5' SE.  Located 8' N of NGC 2749 in a small group of a half-dozen galaxies.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2747 = m 147 on 29 Mar 1865 and recorded "vF, vS, stellar."  His position matches CGCG 090-070 = PGC 25507.

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NGC 2748 = UGC 4825 = MCG +13-07-019 = CGCG 350-014 = PGC 26018

09 13 42.9 +76 28 33; Cam

V = 11.7;  Size 3.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3.0'x1.0' SW-NE, broad concentration but no nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2748 = h548 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep 171) and recorded "pB; pL; E; vglbM; 90" l; 40" br."  The position is marked as approximate, but is less than 2' northwest of the center of UGC 4825.

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NGC 2749 = UGC 4763 = MCG +03-23-036 = CGCG 090-069 = LGG 166-005 = WBL 202-002 = PGC 25508

09 05 21.4 +18 18 49; Cnc

V = 11.8;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 69”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.7', small bright core.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2741 30' W, NGC 2744 13' NW, NGC 2745 10' WSW, NGC 2751 4' SE and NGC 2752 5.3' ENE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, almost round, bright core, small faint nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2751 4' SE and NGC 2752 5' NE.  Also NGC 2744 lies 14' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2749 on 5 Mar 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen observatory.  His position (measured on 6 nights!) matches UGC 4763 = PGC 25508, though he missed nearby NGC 2751 and 2752.

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NGC 2750 = VV 541 = UGC 4769 = MCG +04-22-012 = CGCG 121-017 = KPG 186B = PGC 25525

09 05 48.0 +25 26 13; Cnc

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, strong concentration with a very small bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus, fairly large slightly elongated halo 1.2'x1.0'.  A very faint, elongated brightening was visible at the west edge.  This object is catalogued as KPG 186A = PGC 93099, but on the SDSS it appears more likely to be a bright, knotty, star forming region.

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Moderately concentrated to a small bright core and a stellar nucleus.  Forms the NE vertex of a right triangle with mag 9.7 SAO 80618 4' WSW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' SSW.  A superimposed companion on the west side was not seen.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even concentration to a small bright core, halo gradually fades into background.  Located 3.9' NE of mag 9.3 SAO 80618.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2750 = H III-291 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and remarked "vF, pL, R, bM."  Auwer's reduction placed this object 1” too far north, but this error was caught by John Herschel when he compiled the GC.  Heinrich d'Arrest made 4 observations, first on 21 Feb 1863.

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NGC 2751 = MCG +03-23-037 = CGCG 090-071 = WBL 202-004 = PGC 25517

09 05 32.4 +18 15 44; Cnc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 141”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only).  Located 40" S of a mag 13 star and 4' SE of NGC 2749 in a group of a half-dozen galaxies.  Brighter NGC 2752 lies 5' NE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): extremely faint, small, almost round.  In a group with brightest member NGC 2749 4.0' NW, also NGC 2752 lies 5.7' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2751 = m 148, along with NGC 2752, on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2752 = UGC 4772 = MCG +03-23-038 = CGCG 090-072 = WBL 202-005 = PGC 25523

09 05 43.0 +18 20 23; Cnc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3', low surface brightness with no noticeable central brightening.  A mag 11 star is 1.0' NW and a close double star (brighter component is 10.5 mag) with a wider third component is 1.9' NE.  Located 5.3' ENE of NGC 2749 at the eastern end of a group of 6 galaxies.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): extremely faint, small.  Three stars are close NE including a fairly bright mag 10/13 double at 20" separation located 2' NE and a mag 10.5 star lies 1.0' NW.  Located at the east edge of a galaxy group and 5.3' ENE of NGC 2749.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2752 = m 149, along with NGC 2751, on 28 Mar 1864 and remarked "pF, pL, vmE, gbM."  His position matches UGC 4772 = PGC 25523.

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NGC 2753 = MCG +04-22-015 = CGCG 121-020 = PGC 25603

09 07 08.3 +25 20 32; Cnc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' NW.  NGC 2750 lies 19' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2753 on 21 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch Merz-refractor at the Copenhagen observatory.  There is nothing at his position (#87 in AN 1500), though he noted a mag 13-14 star was 40" northwest.  Exactly 1 min of time east of his position is CGCG 121-020 = PGC 25603, matching his description.  He mentioned that he couldn't find this nebula again on nights #173 and 229, so the first position was clearly a recording or copying error.

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NGC 2754 = ESO 564-016 = PGC 25504

09 05 11.2 -19 05 05; Hya

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  Faintest of three in field and located 5.3' SW of NGC 2758 and 9' NW of IC 2437.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2754 = LM 2-408 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted as "mag 15.0, 0.4' dia, R; 1st of 3 [with NGC 2757 and 2758."  His position is 8 sec of RA west of ESO 564-016 = PGC 25504.

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NGC 2755 = UGC 4789 = MCG +07-19-034 = CGCG 209-030 = PGC 25670

09 07 58.3 +41 42 32; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (4/5/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Even surface brightness with no discernable core.  Collinear with a nice well-matched double 12' ENE [mag 11-12 stars at 21" separation].

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2755 = H III-626 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "vF, S, iF, lbM, resolvable."  CH's reduced position is within 1' of UGC 4789.

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NGC 2756 = UGC 4796 = MCG +09-15-098 = CGCG 264-067 = PGC 25757

09 09 01.1 +53 50 58; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (2/9/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.6'.  Contains a brighter, roundish core.  There is an extremely faint clump of stars (triple on the DSS) about 1' SW which was near the limit of visibility and appeared nebulous.  CGCG 264-008 lies 2.8' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2756 = H II-828 = h553 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "pB, S, vgmbM."  His position (Auwers' reduction) is 1.5' south of UGC 4796, within his usual positional accuracy.  On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324), John Herschel logged, "pB; pL; lE; vglbM."

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NGC 2757

09 05 25.7 -19 02 52; Hya

 

17.5" (2/8/97): this is a faint, close triple star (components mag 15) located 1.3' W of NGC 2758.  In my observation of NGC 2758, this triple appeared nebulous and I sketched it as a probably nonstellar companion (slightly elongated with a nearly stellar core)!  Howe identifies a wider pair close NW as NGC 2757.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2757 = LM 2-409 in 1886 with the 26" and recorded "mag 15.0, 2nd of 3 [with NGC 2754 and 2758]; *?".  His position is just 0.1 min of RA west of NGC 2758.  There is no galaxy near this offset and Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, found only an extremely faint double star, dist 12".  Harold Corwin proposes a closer triple star (Muller would have easily resolved the coarser double) at 09 05 25.7 -19 02 52.  I also thought this triple was a nonstellar object in my observation of NGC 2758!  See Corwin's identifications notes for more.

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NGC 2758 = ESO 564-020 = MCG -03-23-019 = PGC 25515

09 05 31.2 -19 02 33; Hya

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration (viewed core only).  A very close trio of mag 15 stars is 1.3' W.  This triple is probably NGC 2757, and I mistakenly took it for a small nebulous object also. Situated between two mag 13 stars 2' N and 3' S. Second brightest of three in field with NGC 2754 5.3' SW. On 3/25/95, I picked up brighter IC 2437 10' N but missed the pair of NGC galaxies.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2758 = LM 2-410 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.5'x0.4', E 180” [N-S], 3d of 3 [with NGC 2754 and 2757].  His position is just 9 sec of RA east of ESO 564-020.

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NGC 2759 = UGC 4795 = MCG +06-20-033 = CGCG 180-042 = PGC 25718

09 08 37.3 +37 37 17; Lyn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderately high surface brightness, broad concentration.  IC 527 lies 13' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2759 = H III-647 = h554 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 721) and noted "vF, vS, verified 300 power."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is less than 2' northeast of UGC 4795.  John Herschel's observation from 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401) reads, "pF; R; S; but not nearly so F as [NGC 2746], which precedes it in the sweep."  His position was 13 seconds of time too small.

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NGC 2760

09 15 42 +76 23; Cam

 

= Not found, Gottlieb and RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2760 = Sw. VI-34 on 26 Mar 1887.  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan came up empty. His description mentioned "nearly between an 8 and 9 mag star". About 10' NW of his position is a wide pair of mag 13.6/15.5 stars at 35" separation which are at the midpoint of two mag 9/10 stars matching Swift's description - but the pair seems too wide to be confused as nebulous.

 

Harold Corwin suggests CGCG 350-021 as a possible candidate, although the flanking stars are mag 11.  Also, this galaxy is 8.5 min of RA further east and 9' north of Swift's position.  More recently (2014) he suggested CGCG 350-016, which is about a half-degree south of Swift's position and 1 min 30 sec west.  Because of the large uncertainties, I'm listing this number as not found. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 2761 = MCG +03-23-041 = CGCG 091-001 = CGCG 090-077 = PGC 25638

09 07 30.9 +18 26 04; Cnc

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak even concentration but no distinct nucleus.  Forms the vertex of an obtuse angle with two mag 13 stars 2.3' WNW and 1.9' S.  Located at the east end of a group including NGC 2744, NGC 2745, NGC 2747, NGC 2749, NGC 2751 and NGC 2752 viewed previously with the 13".

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2761 = m 150 on 29 Mar 1865 and simply noted as "vF, S".  Marth's position matches CGCG 090-077 = PGC 25638.

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NGC 2762 = MCG +08-17-045 = CGCG 264-072 = PGC 25828

09 09 54.5 +50 25 06; UMa

V = 15.1;  Size 0.5'x0.35';  PA = 0”

 

18" (2/14/10): at 280x this difficult galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated though too faint to determine an orientation, 20" diameter.  Required averted and concentration to just briefly glimpse (repeated a few times) this object 2.9' WNW of NGC 2767.  First of four in a group with NGC 2767, NGC 2769 and NGC 2771.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): not found but I appeared to be observing partially in a tree and 5 hrs past the meridian!  Located 2.9' NW of NGC 2767.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 2762 on 26 Feb 1851. It was shown 3' NW of NGC 2767 (Gamma) on the sketch.  The sketch is accurate enough to clearly identify NGC 2767, 2769, 2771 (all discovered by JH), as well as NGC 2762 = MCG +08-17-045.  The first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide lists V = 16.9 and the second edition lists V = 14.0 (should refer to NGC 2767).  The SDSS derived mag is V = 15.1.

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NGC 2763 = MCG -02-23-010 = PGC 25570

09 06 49.1 -15 30 00; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 120”

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, large, slightly elongated 5:4,~2.0'x1.6',  brighter core gradually increases to the center, faint stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo (face-on spiral).  A mag 13.0 star is at the north edge with a fainter star right at the north edge.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo.  A mag 12.5 star is close off the north edge 1.2' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2763 = H III-275 = h560 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and reported "vF, vS, bM, about 1/2' south of a small star."  His position was 3' too far north.  On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel logged, "eF; pL; has a small star just north, and four more preceding."  His position and description was accurate.  The Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. III-275 for H. II-275.  He corrected the error in the General Catalogue.

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NGC 2764 = UGC 4794 = MCG +04-22-017 = CGCG 121-024 = LGG 166-007 = PGC 25690

09 08 17.5 +21 26 37; Cnc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 16”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, weak concentration.  Located between a mag 11.5 star 2.2' N and a mag 10.5 star 2.3' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2764 = H III-236 = h557 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and logged "eF, lE, between 2 pretty bright stars, verified with 240 power."  His position was just off the southwest edge of UGC 4794.  Lord Rosse's observer on 23 Feb 1857 noted a faint double star 1' SE.

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NGC 2765 = UGC 4791 = MCG +01-24-001 = CGCG 033-061 = PGC 25646

09 07 36.6 +03 23 34; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 107”

 

17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, gradually brighter core but no sharp nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2765 = H II-520 = h558 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 512) and recorded "vF, mE, easily resolvable.  May be a patch of stars; the weather being too hazy to observe it well."  His position (Auwers' reduction) was 1.7' north of UGC 4791.  On 15 Mar 1830 (sweep 238), John Herschel wrote, "vF; pL gbM, but not to a nucleus".

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NGC 2766 = UGC 4801 = MCG +05-22-009 = CGCG 151-014 = PGC 25735

09 08 47.6 +29 51 53; Cnc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', slightly brighter roundish core.  A wide pair of mag 13 stars follows (closer one is 1.6' E of center).  Located 16' NE of mag 5.4 Tau Cancri.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2766 = St XIII-44 on 22 Mar 1884. His position matches UGC 4801 = PGC 25735.

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NGC 2767 = UGC 4813 = MCG +08-17-048 = CGCG 264-075 = PGC 25852

09 10 11.9 +50 24 05; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 0”

 

18" (2/14/10): this galaxy forms the west vertex of a near equilateral triangle with NGC 2769 3.8' NE and NGC 2771 4.6' ESE.  At 280x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, well concentrated with a very small bright core.  NGC 2762 lies 2.9' WNW.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): first and smallest of trio with NGC 2769 and NGC 2771.  Faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, even surface brightness.  NGC 2762 3' NW not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2767 = h556 on 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330) and recorded "eF; sbM to a * 15m; the first of 3 [with NGC 2769 and NGC 2771]."  His position is 6 seconds of RA too large, a similar offset as his positions for other two.

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NGC 2768 = UGC 4821 = MCG +10-13-065 = CGCG 288-026 = PGC 25915

09 11 37.6 +60 02 15; UMa

V = 9.9;  Size 8.1'x4.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, faint halo extends to 3.0'x1.5' with averted.  The halo increases to a very bright core with a high surface brightness and a stellar nucleus.  Several bright stars are in the field including two mag 10 stars 3.5' WNW and 4.7' N of center.

 

8": fairly bright, elongated, bright core.  Located 15' SE of a wide mag 8/9 pair.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2768 = H I-250 = h555 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and logged "vB, cL, lE, large bright nucleus in the middle."  Caroline's reduced position was on the eastern side of the halo of UGC 4821.

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NGC 2769 = UGC 4816 = MCG +08-17-050 = CGCG 264-076 = PGC 25870

09 10 32.2 +50 26 01; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 146”

 

18" (2/14/10): at 280x, the northern member of a small group with NGC 2771, NGC 2767 and NGC 2762 appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.5'.  Gradually increases to a bright core and small, brighter nucleus though there are no well defined zones.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): brightest of small trio with NGC 2771 3.4' SSE and NGC 2767 3.8' SW.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.5', brighter core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2769 = h559, along with NGC 2771, on 7 Mar 1831 (sweeo 329)) and noted "not vF; lE; S; pslbM; 15" [diameter]."  The next night he added nearby NGC 2767. His mean position from two sweeps is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 4816.

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NGC 2770 = UGC 4806 = MCG +06-20-038 = CGCG 180-047 = Holm 111a = PGC 25806

09 09 33.6 +33 07 26; Lyn

V = 12.2;  Size 3.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint but surprisingly large, nearly edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.9', weak broad concentration.  The surface brightness is fairly low but uneven, with an impression of mottling.  A mag 12 star is 2' N and a mag 13 star 1.7' NE of center.

 

NGC 2770 hosted four supernovae in a 16-year period: SN 1999eh, SN 2007uy and SN 2008D (all Type 1b ) and SN 2015by

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2770 = H II-490 = h562 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and logged "pF, pmE, resolvable, 3' long, 1.5' broad. South of 2 equals stars nearly in the meridian, and about 2' from each other."  His position matches UGC 4801.

 

Bindon Stoney, the observer for the 72" on 20 Jan 1852, noted "F, L ray, 2 stars nearly parallel to it on n f side; suspect a bright streak down the middle."  This galaxy has hosted 3 Type Ib supernovae over a 10 year period: SN 1999eh, SN 2007uy and SN 2008D.

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NGC 2771 = UGC 4817 = MCG +08-17-051 = CGCG 264-077 = PGC 25875

09 10 39.8 +50 22 47; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

18" (2/14/10): moderately bright, elonated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6' (this is the brighter bar and I missed the lower surface brightness halo).  Contains a well defined, small bright nucleus.  This galaxy is slightly fainter than NGC 2769 3.4' NNW with a roughly perpendiclar orientation.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): the largest member of a small trio with NGC 2767 4.6' WNW and NGC 2769 3.4' NNW appears faint, round, 1.5' diameter with a fairly low surface brightness.  Broad concentration with a very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 13' SW of mag 6.6 SAO 27165.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2771 = h561, along with NGC 2769, on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329) and logged, "vF; S; lE; 10"."  The next night he also recorded NGC 2767.  His mean position (2 sweeps) is 8 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 4817, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 2772 = ESO 497-014 = AM 0905-232 = MCG -04-22-002 = PGC 25654

09 07 41.9 -23 37 17; Pyx

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 163”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, ~40"x15".  The tips have a very low surface  surface brightness so it was difficult to estimate the total length.  The galaxy is nearly on line with an equally space string (length of 4') consisting of three mag 11.4/12/10.7 stars that extends NNE.  A mag 15.2 star is very close NE of the N end and a mag 15.6 star is close SW of the south end.  Occasionally, an extremely faint and small glow (PGC 25653) was glimpsed attached to the north of this star.

 

17.5" (2/8/97): fairly faint, moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad concentration with a bulging core and much fainter extensions.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.1' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2772 = h3146 on 23 Jan 1835 and reported "eF, lE, lbM, rather a doubtful object."  His position is 1.8' south of ESO 487-014.

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NGC 2773 = UGC 4815 = MCG +01-24-004 = CGCG 034-005 = PGC 25825

09 09 44.2 +07 10 25; Cnc

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, elongated E-W.  Located just 1.2' W of a shallow arc of three stars mag 12.5/14/14 with 30" separation between the pairs.  NGC 2775 lies 13' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2773 = m 151 and noted "vF, S, lE."  His position matches UGC 4815 = PGC 25825.

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NGC 2774 = MCG +03-24-004 = CGCG 091-015 = PGC 25879

09 10 40.0 +18 41 47; Cnc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, appears elongated E-W but probably due to mag 15 star just off the west edge 24" from center, very weak concentration.  Collinear with a mag 14 star 2.1' S and a mag 13.5 star 3.8' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2774 = H III-61 = h565 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded, "suspected a nebula with 157; 240 shewed 5 small stars with a little seeming nebulosity, of which however I still have some doubts; most probably a higher power would have shown them free from it."  There is nothing at his position but on 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), John Herschel found it 1” north of his father's position.  Ralph Copeland, confirmed the northern position with the 72" on 20 Feb 1873 and called it "eF, R, glbM *15m in Pos 266.8”, Dist 25.5".  Finally, Stephan independently found the galaxy on 7 Feb 1877 and recorded it in list IX-19.  The NGC position from Stephan and d'Arrest is accurate.

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NGC 2775 = UGC 4820 = MCG +01-24-005 = CGCG 034-006 = LGG 169-002 = PGC 25861

09 10 20.2 +07 02 16; Cnc

V = 10.1;  Size 4.3'x3.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): bright, very large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, large faint halo.  Near the edge of the field is NGC 2777 11' NNE (physical companion) and NGC 2773 13' NW (background galaxy). 

 

13" (2/23/85): bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, stellar nucleus. 

 

8": fairly bright, bright core, elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2775 = H I-2 = h564 on 19 Dec 1783 (internal discovery #16 in sweep 57).  His summary description from 5 sweeps reads "cB, cL, R, vgbM, with nucleus."  On 23 Dec 1827 (sweep 116), John Herschel wrote, "vB; R; psbM; 2' diam; the hazy border perhaps extends further; resolvable??"  Samuel Hunter, the 72" observer on 28 Mar 1861, also thought he could resolve this galaxy, reporting "R, vgbM like a glob. Cl, I see stars plainly at times."

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NGC 2776 = UGC 4838 = MCG +08-17-056 = CGCG 238-020 = PGC 25946

09 12 14.5 +44 57 19; Lyn

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/16/96): moderately bright, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, round.  Fairly even concentration with a large 1' core increasing to a 20" nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 4' SSE.  Located 9' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 42735.

 

8": faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.  Located 8' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 42735.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2776 = h563 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and described "pB; vL; R; vgbM; resolvable; 3' diam."  His position is accurate. R.J. Mitchell, the 72" observer on 16 Feb 1858, noted "pL, mottled and suspect spiral.".

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NGC 2777 = UGC 4823 = MCG +01-24-006 = CGCG 034-008 = LGG 169-003 = PGC 25876

09 10 41.8 +07 12 23; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus suspected.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' NNE.  NGC 2775, a physical companion, lies 11.4' SSW.

 

13" (2/23/85): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, bright core.  Situated 11' NNE of NGC 2775.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2777 = m 152 on 6 Mar 1864 and noted "F, S".  His position matches UGC 4823.

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NGC 2778 = UGC 4840 = MCG +06-20-043 = CGCG 180-054 = Holm 112a = PGC 25955

09 12 24.3 +35 01 39; Lyn

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2779 1.7' NNE with NGC 2780 in the field 7.3' SSE.  An evenly matched pair of mag 10 stars (at 38" in PA ~90”) is located 5' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2778 = H II-564 = h566 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and noted "pB, S, R, mbM."  His position was 6 sec of RA west of UGC 4840, within his usual margin of error. John Herschel logged 4 observations and estimated the size as between 20"-30".  Brightest in a group.

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NGC 2779 = MCG +06-20-044 = CGCG 180-055 = Holm 112b = PGC 25958

09 12 28.2 +35 03 12; Lyn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7'

 

17.5" (3/28/92): extremely faint, very small, round, can almost hold steadily with averted.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2778 1.7' SSW.  Faintest of three including NGC 2780. A wide evenly matched mag 10 pair at 38" separation is just 3.5' NE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2779 on 13 Mar 1850 and noted "a third neb [with NGC 2778 and NGC 2780], eF, found."  The sketch clearly shows the three galaxies correctly positioned and a micrometric offset from NGC 2778 was measured in 1867.

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NGC 2780 = UGC 4843 = MCG +06-20-047 = CGCG 180-057 = PGC 25967

09 12 44.3 +34 55 32; Lyn

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 12/13.5 double star at 15" separation in PA 90” is 1.8' WNW.  Appears slightly larger than NGC 2778 7.3' NNW but has an lower surface brightness.  This galaxy is the second brightest of three with NGC 2778 and NGC 2779.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2780 = H III-826 = h567 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and called "vF, S, resolvable." Caroline's reduced position is 2' south of UGC 4843. The previous nebula observed in the sweep was brighter NGC 2778, which had been discovered 28 Mar 1786.  John Herschel made a single observation on 3 Apr 1831 (sweep 337).

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NGC 2781 = MCG -02-24-002 = PGC 25907

09 11 27.4 -14 49 01; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (2/8/97): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2.5'x1.4', sharp concentration with a prominent 40"x20" core. A mag 13 star lies 2' N.  Located 8' NNE of mag 8.7 SAO 154982.

 

8": very faint, small, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  Located within a group of stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2781 = H I-66 = h569 = h3147 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "B, vS, iF, mbM."  John Herschel called it "pB; E in parallel; psbM; 60" length." and measured an accurate position.  From the Cape of Good Hope, he recorded "B, E, psmbM, 40" l, 30" br."  Joseph Turner, observing the Great Melbourne Telescope on 17 Jan 1877, sketched the galaxy as a sharply concentrated edge-on with a small nucleus.

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NGC 2782 = Arp 215 = UGC 4862 = MCG +07-19-036 = CGCG 209-031 = PGC 26034

09 14 05.2 +40 06 48; Lyn

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

18" (2/14/10): at 280x, appears fairly bright and sharply concentrated with a very bright round core, 40" diameter.  The core is surrounded by a fairly large 2'-2.5' diameter halo.  A faint star is situated 1.6' ENE of the core and an extremely low surface brightness hazy patch is just following.  This patch is likely a detached outer section of a spiral arm or plume, caused by a earlier merger event.

 

17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated fainter halo.  A pair of mag 13 stars are 3' S and mag 9 SAO 42762 is 8.5' NNE. 

 

8": faint, bright core, two mag 13 stars to the S, mag 9 star 5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2782 = H I-167 = h568 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded, "cB, R, BN, about 1.5' dia."  His position is 1.5' south of UGC 4862 = Arp 215.  Using the 72", Ralph Copeland described the galaxy as "B, pL, R, irregular, pgsmbMN."  John Herschel made a single observation on 18 Mar 1831, but recorded no description.

 

Arp 215 is the result of a very unequal mass merger between two galaxies and contains extremely faint tidal tails.

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NGC 2783 = HCG 37A = UGC 4859 = MCG +05-22-019 = CGCG 151-027 = Holm 113a = PGC 26013

09 13 39.5 +29 59 34; Cnc

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 168”

 

24" (2/9/13): dominant member of the HCG 37 quintet (3 members observed).  At 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 N-S, well concentrated with a bright 25" core and large low surface brightness halo, extending 1.0'x0.6'.  HCG 37C (faint, very small, round  12" diameter) is just off the NW edge (0.6' from center) and IC 2449 = HCG 37B is 1.5' NW.  Situated 1.4' NE of a mag 9.8 star (1.1' pair with a mag 11 star further south).

 

17.5" (2/8/97): brightest of three galaxies visible in HCG 37.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.  Two mag 9.5-10 stars lie 1.4' SW and 2.2' SSW. IC 2449 = UGC 4856 = HCG 37B is 1.5' WNW and just off the NW side is a marginal member HCG 37C, 36" from center.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): this is the brightest galaxy in the HCG 37 group.  Moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.  Two bright stars are close south; a mag 9.5 star is 1.5' SW and a mag 10 star 2.3' SSW. The multiple system NGC 2783B = UGC 4856 lies 1.5' WNW (not seen).  Located 22' NW of NGC 2789.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2783 = H III-295 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and reported "vF, vS, R, just N.f. 2 pB stars."  CH's reduced position is 3' north-northeast of UGC 4859 = PGC 26013 and the description of the nearby stars matches.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position (first reporting it as  Big. 274).  Member of the NGC 2789 group and brightest in HCG 37.

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NGC 2784 = ESO 497-023 = MCG -04-22-005 = UGCA 152 = AM 0910-235 = LGG 172-001 = PGC 25950

09 12 19.2 -24 10 18; Hya

V = 10.2;  Size 5.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, moderately large, very bright core with much fainter extensions, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, possibly a sharper edge along the north side.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.7' E of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2784 = H I-59 = h571 = h3148 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and noted, "S, cBM but vF at the side, a very little E; the chevelure of the milky kind."  On 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317), John Herschel noted, "pB; R; gbM; 25"."  On 23 Jan 1835 (sweep 532) at the Cape of Good Hope, he called it "B, L, mE, pgmbM, 4' l, 90" br, position = 63.7”."

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NGC 2785 = UGC 4876 = MCG +07-19-042 = CGCG 209-035 = PGC 26100

09 15 15.2 +40 55 04; Lyn

V = 14.2;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.5'.  Exhibits a weak, broad concentration and fades at the tips.  A mag 14.5 star is close NNE [0.8' from center].

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2785 = St XIII-45 on 16 Mar 1884 and described "quite small, irregularly oval; elongated ESE-WNW; two very distinct points of condensation." His position matches UGC 4876.

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NGC 2786 = UGC 4861 = MCG +02-24-002 = CGCG 062-008 = PGC 26008

09 13 35.6 +12 26 27; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.4', very small brighter core.  There are a group of mag 11/12 stars at the NW edge of the 220x field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2786 = m 153 on 5 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS, mbM".  There is nothing near his position.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel" states "in Dreyer's place not found" but he proposes NGC 2786 = UGC 4861, which is located 18' north and 20 sec of RA west of Marth's position.  There are no other nearby candidates, but with the large positional discrepancy, this identification is uncertain.  Dorothy Carlson simply states "not found" based on Reinmuth's comment and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).  UGC 4861 is not identified as NGC 2786 in the major galaxy catalogues and is plotted as UGC 4861 on U2000.0 version 2.

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NGC 2787 = UGC 4914 = MCG +12-09-039 = CGCG 332-041 = PGC 26341

09 19 18.5 +69 12 11; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 3.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.5', even concentration to a small very bright core.  A mag 14 star is at the SE edge of the halo 0.9' from the center.

 

8": fairly faint, small, bright core.  A mag 7 star is 25' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2787 = H I-216 = h570 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 890) and recorded "p or cB, pL, iF."  On  8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) he noted, "vB, R, mbB, seems to be resolvable. Towards the sf, within the nebulosity, is a vS star."  His position is ~10' southeast of UGC 4914.  On 28 Oct 1831, John Herschel wrote, "F; E in parallel; psbM; 30" [diameter]." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 2788 = ESO 061-002 = PGC 25761

09 09 03.5 -67 55 57; Car

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 114”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent fairly bright edge-on, fairly large, elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.35', very weak cocnentration.  A faint star is just off the south side, 19" from the center.  I had the impression there was a sharper light cut-off on the south side, but was not convinced.

 

NGC 2788A, located 40' SW, appeared moderately bright and large, thin edge-on at least 4:1 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.3'.  A mag 13.9 star is close south of the northeast end.  Situated in a very rich star field with two mag 10.6 and 11.7 stars at 0.7' separation 2.5' SW.  The brighter star has a 14th mag companion and is nearly collinear with the major axis.  The galaxy was found 29' NNE of mag 5.9 HD 77887.

 

NGC 2788B, located 16' NNE of NGC 2788A, appeared extremely faint, small, roundish, 18" diameter, required averted vision.  A mag 10.8 star is 1.2' NE.  Located in a rich star field 30' W of NGC 2788.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2788 = h3150 on 29 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; mE in pos 105”." His position is 30 sec west of ESO 061-002 but the description matches perfectly.

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NGC 2789 = NGC 3167 = UGC 4875 = MCG +05-22-026 = CGCG 151-035 = PGC 26089

09 14 59.7 +29 43 48; Cnc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.9'

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, fairly faint stellar nucleus.  Slightly fainter than NGC 2783 22' NW, although the listed magnitude is brighter.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2789 = St XIII-45 on 13 Mar 1883.  His position matches UGC 4875.  Brightest in a group.

 

NGC 3167, found earlier by d'Arrest on 1 May 1862, is probably a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 2790 = MCG +03-24-016 = CGCG 091-034 = Mrk 1228 = PGC 26092

09 15 02.8 +19 41 49; Cnc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, round, only 15"-20" diameter, weakly concentrated to a very small brighter core.  Located 1.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star which forms a wide unequal double with a 14th magnitude companion 24" N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2790 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." His position matches CGCG 091-034 = PGC 26092.

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NGC 2791 = CGCG 091-033 = PGC 26088

09 15 02.0 +17 35 32; Cnc

V = 14.7;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round.  Forms a close "double" with a mag 15 star just 21" E of center.  First in a group with the NGC 2794/NGC 2795 pair 14' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2791 on 21 Dec 1863 and noted "F, R".  His position matches CGCG 091-033 = PGC 26088.

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NGC 2792 = PK 265+4.1 = ESO 314-6 = PN G265.7+04.1

09 12 26.6 -42 25 41; Vel

V = 11.8;  Size 18"

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x this high surface brightness planetary appeared very bright, small, round, 15"-20" in diameter.  It appeared annular with a brighter rim, although the the inner edge of the annulus was not well defined.  A wide pair of mag 11 stars lies 4' SE.  Located 13' SW of mag 6.3 HD 79524.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright planetary, small, round, no central star.  A pair of mag 11 stars at 36" separation is located 4' SE.  Very far southern object for observation from Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2792 = h3149 on 2 Mar 1835 while observing with Thomas Maclear and another guest.  He recorded, "pF, exactly round, equal to a star 9th mag, but of a dull light. At first I was inclined to think it double, but with 320 it exhibited a uniform round disc; nor did a friend to whom I showed it see any division. Stars to-night perfectly well defined. In a field with leading stars, or which a diagram was made." On 7 Feb 1837 (his third observation of the planetary), he noted "Viewed past meridian. It occurs in a field with about 40 stars. Diameter 4" or 5" at the utmost; 10" is too large certainly. Very like that of sweep 771 [NGC 2452].  But now the night is good and it bears magnifying. With 320 power the disc is dilated into a dim hazy round nebula; yet there is a peculiarity in its appearance which completely separates it from all nebulae of the same size. A very remarkable object."

 

Robert Innes, observing on 16 Mar 1917 with the 9-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, described NGC 2792 as "an 11th magnitude planetary about 20" in diameter.  Is north preceding a pair of 10.5 mag stars. No stars within 3'."

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NGC 2793 = UGC 4894 = MCG +06-21-002 = CGCG 181-006 = PGC 26189

09 16 47.2 +34 25 47; Lyn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

48" (4/4/11): 375x and 488x provided a fascinating view of NGC 2793, a collisional ring galaxy.  It appeared as a fairly faint, moderately large roundish glow, ~0.8' diameter, with a well defined edge.  The rim was slightly brighter along the north side, giving a partial annular or ring-like appearance [the SDSS image resolves this brighter rim into a series of small HII knots or star-forming regions.  The likely companion galaxy or intruder is visible along the east side of the rim as a fairly bright small glow of high surface brightness, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~15"x8", mottled appearance.  The actual nucleus of the ring galaxy is perhaps situated at the north end of the disrupting galaxy.  A 15" pair of mag 10 stars (h2491) lies 5' N.  NGC 2793 is located 8' WNW of mag 9.7 PPM 74387.

 

LEDA 82356 = 2MASX J09164092+3426511, a background galaxy, is located just 1.7' NW. It appeared  faint, small, round, ~15" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 53' W of Alpha Lyncis (V = 3.1).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2793 = h572 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128) and reported, "vF; R; has a double star 5' north; 1 sec preceding."  His position and description matches the ring galaxy UGC 4893.

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NGC 2794 = UGC 4885 = MCG +03-24-018 = CGCG 091-037 = PGC 26140

09 16 01.8 +17 35 23; Cnc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2795 2.4' NNE.  NGC 2791 lies 14' W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2794, along with NGC 2797 and an independent discovery of nearby NGC 2795, on 15 Mar 1866.  His position matches UGC 4885 = PGC 26140.

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NGC 2795 = UGC 4887 = MCG +03-24-020 = CGCG 091-039 = PGC 26143

09 16 03.9 +17 37 42; Cnc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2794 2.4' SSW and NGC 2797 lies 6' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2795 = m 156 on 21 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, R".  d'Arrest independently found it again on 15 Mar 1866, along with nearby NGC 2794 and 2797.

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NGC 2796 = UGC 4893 = MCG +05-22-029 = CGCG 151-042 = Holm 115a = PGC 26178

09 16 41.8 +30 54 57; Cnc

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', slightly brighter core, occasional stellar nucleus.  A close pair of mag 15 "stars" are 1' WSW of center - one of these is actually the compact galaxy PGC 3088981.  A similar galaxy just off the east side of the galaxy was not noted or assumed to be another faint star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2796 = H III-296 = h573 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM."  His position is 1' south of UGC 4893. John Herschel found this nebula "the faintest conceivable."

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NGC 2797 = UGC 4891 = MCG +03-24-023 = CGCG 091-042 = PGC 26160

09 16 21.7 +17 43 38; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with a pair of mag 12 stars 3' WSW and 3' WNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 2795 6' SSW in a group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2797, along with NGC 2794 and an independent discovery of NGC 2795, on 15 Mar 1866.  His single position is 5 seconds of time west of UGC 4891.  The noted the nebula formed a quadrilateral with 3 mag 16 stars (the stars are several mags brighter).

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NGC 2798 = Arp 283 NED1 = VV 50a = KTG 22B = UGC 4905 = MCG +07-19-055 = CGCG 209-045 = Holm 117a = PGC 26232

09 17 22.8 +42 00 00; Lyn

V = 12.3;  Size 2.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

48" (4/6/13): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.0'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, large core increasing to a small, intense nucleus.  A very large spiral arm extends to the NNW from the core and curves back sharply at the end counterclockwise to the SSE, fading rapidly to a very low surface brightness and dimmng out before reaching the core.  The SSE extension has an extremely low surface brightness and no arm structure was visible.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE.

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.7'x0.7', fairly sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a small, intense nucleus.  The extension (spiral arm) to the northwest is brighter.  Forms a striking double system (Arp 283) with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE.  UGC 4904 lies 5' S and appears as a fairly faint glow, slightly elongated NW-SE, 25"x20", weak concentration.  The trio forms KTG 22.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.6' NNE of center.  Forms a double system (interacting) with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2798 = H II-708 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 797) and noted "pB, S, stellar."  His position is 3.5' too far southeast.  Nearby NGC 2799 was first seen at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2799 = Arp 283 NED2 = VV 50b = UGC 4909 = MCG +07-19-056 = CGCG 209-046 = Holm 117b = PGC 26238

09 17 31.0 +41 59 38; Lyn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 125”

 

48" (4/6/13): fairly bright, very thin edge-on, 6:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.25'.  The disc is slightly warped, bending south slightly near the tips of both extensions.  The galaxy is also asymmetric, with the NW end stretched out towards the core of NGC 2798.  With careful viewing, an extremely faint tidal tail appears pulled out in the direction of the companion and it fades out just east of the core.

 

24" (3/9/13): moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.25', brighter along a very thin streak of the major axis.  Forms a 1.5' interacting pair (Arp 283) with brighter and larger NGC 2798.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  Forms a very close (interacting) pair with NGC 2798 1.5' WNW.

 

Ralph Copeland, observing on the 72", discovered NGC 2799 on 9 Mar 1874.  While observing NGC 2798 he recorded "F, cL, vmE 125.9”, pos 102.7”, dist 97.9" from [NGC 2798] or 8.7s f, 21.5" s.  The offsets and description are a perfect match with UGC 4909.  The NGC position is offset to the southeast as Dreyer used WH's poor position for NGC 2798.

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NGC 2800 = UGC 4920 = MCG +09-15-117 = CGCG 264-094 = PGC 26302

09 18 35.2 +52 30 52; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 40"x30".  Contains a very small, slightly brighter core. A mag 12 star is attached on the NW flank, 15" from the center, giving an unusual appearance.  Located 3.7' NW of mag 9 SAO 27206.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2800 = H III-832 = h574 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and noted "vF, S, lE."  John Herschel described it on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) as "a star with vF neb attached, in which is involved another star 10" dist." The other "star" is probably the nucleus of NGC 2800 with the superimposed star at the northwest side just 15" separation.

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NGC 2801 = UGC 4899 = MCG +03-24-025 = PGC 26183

09 16 44.1 +19 56 00; Cnc

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

18" (3/4/08): very faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, very low surface brightness glow with little or no concentration.  Located 4' SW of a mag 9.9 star in the NGC 2804/2809 group

 

18" (2/9/08): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness and required averted.  Located 4.4' SW of a mag 10 star in the NGC 2804 group.

 

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness, requires averted to glimpse.  Member of the NGC 2809 group and located 4.5' SW of *10 and 9.7' SW of NGC 2809.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2801 = m 157 on 17 Feb 1865 and noted "eF, pL".  His position is 1' south of UGC 4899 = PGC 26183.

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NGC 2802 = UGC 4897 = MCG +03-24-026 = CGCG 091-044nw = PGC 26177

09 16 41.4 +18 57 48; Cnc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Almost in contact with NGC 2803 30" ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2802 = H III-62 = h575 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "Two [with NGC 2803]; vF, pS, R, r, both rather bright middle.  240 shewed them of a considerable diameter; both are nearly in the same meridian."  His position was ~30 seconds of RA west of this pair.  Henrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position that was used in the NGC position.

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NGC 2803 = UGC 4898 = MCG +03-24-027 = CGCG 091-044 NED2 = PGC 26181

09 16 43.9 +18 57 16; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.7

 

17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Slightly larger than NGC 2802, which forms a double system just 30" NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2803 = H III-63 = h575 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "Two [with NGC 2802]; vF, pS, R, r, both rather bright middle.  240 shewed them of a considerable diameter; both are nearly in the same meridian."

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NGC 2804 = UGC 4901 = MCG +03-24-028 = CGCG 091-047 = IC 2455: = PGC 26196

09 16 50.0 +20 11 55; Cnc

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 60”

 

18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', weak concentration with a very small brighter core.  This galaxy and NGC 2809 are the brightest in a group of 6 NGC galaxies and several fainter members (AWM 1).

 

18" (2/9/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, bright core, very faint ill-defined halo, 1.2'x0.9'.  Brightest in a poor group along with NGC 2804 located 8.7' SE.  The additional NGC members are NGC 2790, 2801, 2807, 2809, 2812 and 2813.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo is weakly concentrated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located between two mag 13 stars 1.6' N and 2.4' S.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2809 8.6' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2804 = h577, along with NGC 2809, on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and recorded, "vF; S; R; the np of two [with NGC 2809].  His position matches UGC 4901.  NGC 2804 wasn't found on one attempt at Birr Castle and d'Arrest followed up in 1862 and 1864 with three observations using the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  An observation was made at Birr Castle in 1876.

 

Stephane Javelle probably found this galaxy again on on 9 Apr 1896, but his position for J. 3-1087 (later IC 2455) was 5' south of NGC 2804.  There is nothing at that position.  Harold Corwin suggests that Javelle made a recording error and NGC 2804 = IC 2455, despite Javelle stating he also saw NGC 2804.

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NGC 2805 = UGC 4936 = MCG +11-12-003 = CGCG 312-002 = Holm 124b = LGG 173-1 = PGC 26410

09 20 20.4 +64 06 10; UMa

V = 11.0;  Size 6.3'x4.8';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 125”

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, very large, contains a 30" brighter core and a huge halo extending up to 4'x3' NW-SE.  The halo has a fairly low surface brightness but is slightly mottled, hinting of HII regions [SDSS shows a string of HII knots along the outer southern arm].  A mag 12.5 star is just off the NW edge of the halo and a mag 14 star is on the NE side.  Largest in a group (LGG 173) including the trio NGC 2814, IC 2458 and NGC 2820, roughly 10' NE.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, large, irregularly round, very low surface brightness, weak concentration but no nucleus.  Located at the west end of a string of 7 mag 13-14 stars.  Several brighter stars are in the field including mag 9 SAO 14844 6.5' NNW and a mag 10 star 4.4' SE.  Largest of four in a group including NGC 2814 11' NE, NGC 2820 and IC 2458 13' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2805 = H III-878 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1000) and recorded "vF, cL, R, vF, mbM.  I suppose it to be near 5' in diam but is so faint on the outside that it is difficult to determine its extent."  His position and description matches UGC 4936 = PGC 26410.

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NGC 2806

09 16 56.7 +20 04 14; Cnc

 

18" (2/9/08): this mag 14.5 star was mistakenly thought to be possibly nebulous by Dreyer.  At 225x it appeared clearly as a faint star 2.4' W of NGC 2809 and a similar distance NNW of NGC 2807.

 

PGC 26212 is = MCG +03-24-030 is misidentified as NGC 2806 in RNGC, MCG and PGC. For completeness, these are my observations of PGC 26212:

 

18" (3/4/08): very faint, very small, round, 15".  Located 50" WSW of NGC 2807 and about a half-magnitude fainter.

 

18" (2/9/08): extremely faint, very small, round, 15".  Forms a very close pair with NGC 2807 (just 50" between centers) with NGC 2809 just 3.2' NE.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint and small.  Just visible at moments with averted vision just west of the south edge of NGC 2807 forming a close double system (separation 49").  NGC 2809 lies 3.3' NE.  This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 2806 in the RNGC, MCG and DSFG and NGC 2807 in the second version of the DSFG.

 

Dreyer discovered NGC 2806 using Lord Rosse's 72" on 22 March 1876 and recorded "A vF * or cS, eF neb p [NGC 2809] (sky bad), forming an equilateral triangle with [2807] and [2809] (susp as neb by d'A, = [NGC 2806])."  At his position is a mag 14.5 star at 09 16 56.7  +20 04 14 (2000).  This star forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 2807 and NGC 2809 and lies due west of NGC 2809.  Since his descriptions and offsets for other objects in the field are exact, there is no mistaking the identity of NGC 2806 as a single star.  Dreyer noted that d'Arrest also suspected this star to be nebulous on 17 Feb 1862.

 

RNGC, MCG, Deep Sky Field Guide and Uranometria 2000 Atlas misidentify MCG +03-24-030 as NGC 2806.  MCG +03-24-030 is situated just preceding the south edge of NGC 2806.  It was visible in my 18-inch although it was not recorded by Dreyer (he noted the sky was bad).  Discussed in my RNGC Corrections #7 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2807 = MCG +03-24-031 = CGCG 091-051ne = PGC 26213

09 17 00.6 +20 02 10; Cnc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.55';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 165”

 

18" (3/4/08): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 24"x20", weak concentration.  Located 2.4' SW of NGC 2809 in a group.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2807A = MCG +03-24-030 just 50" WSW.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, round, 15".

 

18" (2/9/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 25"x18", weak concentration.  Second faintest of a close trio with brighter NGC 2809 2.4' NNE and fainter NGC 2807A 50" SW.  Member of the NGC 2804 group.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weakly concentrated.  Located 2.5' SSW of NGC 2809 in a group with a mag 10 star 3.3' S.  At moments, an extremely faint companion possibly elongated E-W is barely visible just west of the south edge (separation 49").  This fainter component of the double system NGC 2807 is incorrectly identified as NGC 2806 in the RNGC, MCG, U2000.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2807 on 17 Feb 1863 while observing NGC 2809.  He noted h578 [NGC 2809] follows by 7 seconds in time and 115" north.  His position (measured on 4 nights) and description matches MCG +03-24-031 = PGC 26213.  Several sources such as RNGC, MCG, Uranometria 2000.0 and Deep Sky Field Guide misidentify MCG +03-24-030 (just 50" WSW) as NGC 2807.  d'Arrest did not mention this galaxy.  UGC and CGCG have the correct identification (noted as a double system).  Megastar mislabels NGC 2807 as NGC 2806.

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NGC 2808 = ESO 091-001 = Mel 95

09 12 02.6 -64 51 46; Car

V = 6.1;  Size 13.8';  Surf Br = 0.7

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this was a stunning showpiece globular in the 24"!  The central region displayed an unusually strong concentration with a super-intense 2' core that was unresolved.  A very bright, small halo surrounded the core, which was mottled but mostly unresolved.  The outer halo resolved into perhaps 150-200 mag 14.5 and fainter stars.  The halo gradually thinned out in resolved stars out to 10' diameter. The core was smaller but still unresolved at 350x.  The overall appearance of the three brightness levels mentioned above is unusually symmetrical.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this bright globular (ranked 10th brightest at V = 6.1) is fairly large, ~10' diameter and very compressed with a blazing 2' core.  The halo is noticeably elongated, nearly 3:2.  A dense swarm of mag 14 and fainter stars were resolved in the halo and around the edges of the core but the inner central core was unresolved.  At 228x, there appeared to be some very faint stars lanes streaming into the halo, which were barely unresolved but looked like small tentacles.  A mag 10/10.6 double at 16" is outside the cluster ~10' ESE.  This is by far the brightest concentration class I globular and the only one easily resolved.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this very bright globular was large and elongated, ~8'x6' SW-NE increasing to 2' bright core and a blazing 40" nucleus.  At 144x, this cluster was mottled but with no obvious resolution.  At 166x a large number of extremely faint stars (mag 14-15) popped in and out of view over the entire disc, though the resolved stars could not be held steadily.  Located 1.8” NNE of mag 4.0 Alpha Volantis.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): fairly bright but fairly small at 10x.  Contains a very bright small core.  I wasn't confident of a naked-eye sighting.

 

Naked-eye (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faintly visible naked-eye.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2808 = D265 = h3152on 7 May 1826 and recorded "a very bright round nebula, about 3' or 4' diameter, very gradually bright to the centre.  This has a fine globular appearance."  His position is 20' too far northwest, but the identity is certain.

 

John Herschel recorded 4 detailed observations from the Cape of Good Hope: On the first sweep (8 Mar 1834) he logged it as a "globular cluster, extremely compressed pretty gradually very much brighter to the middle; up to a perfect blaze; diam. in RA = 26.8 seconds; stars of 16th magnitude."  His final observation (9 Feb 1837) notes "a truly beautiful and delicate globular cluster; diameter in RA = 45 seconds, that of the most compressed part 15 seconds; gradually very bright in the middle; all finely resolved into perfectly equal stars like the finest dust, which are seen with the left eye without effort, but the right requires to be somewhat strained to discern them. Runs up to a blaze in the centre."

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NGC 2809 = UGC 4910 = MCG +03-24-033 = CGCG 091-054 = PGC 26220

09 17 06.9 +20 04 11; Cnc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.9'x0.7', gradually increases to a small bright core and faint stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group (AWM 1) containing NGC 2801, NGC 2804, NGC 2807, NGC 2812, NGC 2813 and a few fainter galaxies.  The nearest two are NGC 2807 2.4' SW and CGCG 91-055 5' N.

 

18" (2/9/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.65', weak even concentration to a small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 2807 lies 2.4' SW and NGC 2807A is 3.2' SW.  Located 4.5' W of a 26" pair of mag 11 stars and 3' SSE of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest in a poor cluster along with NGC 2804.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, even moderate concentration down to very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Located 2.9' SSE of a mag 10 star.  A wide double star lies 4.5' W (mag 11/12 at 26").  Brightest in a group with NGC 2807 2.5' SSW and NGC 2804 8.6' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2809 = h578, along with NGC 2804, on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and noted, "vF; S; R; the s f of two, distant 8'."  His position was marked as uncertain, but is a good match with UGC 4910.  He missed nearby NGC 2807, which was discovered by d'Arrest while observing NGC 2809.

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NGC 2810 = UGC 4954 = MCG +12-09-042 = CGCG 332-045 = PGC 26514

09 22 04.5 +71 50 38; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2810 = H III-749 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 890) and noted as "cF, vS."   His position is 2.7' S of UGC 4954, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 2811 = MCG -03-24-003 = UGCA 155 = PGC 26151

09 16 11.1 -16 18 46; Hya

V = 11.3;  Size 2.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 20”

 

18" (3/30/05): the first object I took a look at was SN 2005am in NGC 2811, discovered on 22 Feb 2005.  The SN peaked near mag 13.5, but appeared significantly fainter.  Coincidentally, the SN makes a very close pair with a brighter mag 14.5 star (less than 10").  Generally only this star was visible, but occasionally I could see the supernova close NE.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on streak 4:1 SSW-NNE, brighter core, stellar nucleus.  A faint mag 14.5 star is embedded in the NE tip 0.6' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2811 = H II-505 = h580 = h3151 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "pB, S, lE from sp to nf, suddenly mbM."  John Herschel called it (from Slough) "pB; E to n f; psbM; 60"."  Observing at the Cape, he wrote "pB; mE; psvmbM; 40" l."  In the LdR observations, the star at the northeast edge was mentioned twice.

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NGC 2812 = CGCG 091-060 = PGC 26242

09 17 40.8 +19 55 08; Cnc

V = 14.9;  Size 0.55'x0.15';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 154”

 

18" (3/4/08): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.3'x0.2'.  This difficult galaxy is located just 1.3' NW of NGC 2813 in the NGC 2804/2809 group.

 

18" (2/9/08): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.15'.  Located 2' NNE of mag 9 SAO 80743 and 1.3' NW of brighter NGC 2813 in a galaxy group.

 

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4x0.2.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 2813 and situated just 1.3' NW.  A mag 9 star lies 2' SSW and greatly detracts from viewing.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2812 = m 158 on 17 Feb 1865, along with NGC 2813, and simply noted "eF".  His position is 1' north of CGCG 091-060.

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NGC 2813 = UGC 4916 = MCG +03-24-037 = CGCG 091-061 = PGC 26252

09 17 45.4 +19 54 24; Cnc

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  PA = 145”

 

18" (3/4/08): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 2' NE mag 9.2 star that detracts from viewing.  Close pair with fainter NGC 2812.

 

18" (2/9/08): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very weak concentration to a small brighter core.  Located 2' NE of mag 9 SAO 80743 and brighter of a close pair with NGC 2812 1.3' NW.  Member of the NGC 2809 Group.

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, 0.6' diameter.  Forms a pair with NGC 2812 just 1.3' NW (see observing notes).  Located 2' NE of mag 9.2 that detracts from the observations.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, round, very low surface brightness halo difficult to view.  At first glance, only the core was noticed with a tiny quasi-stellar nucleus.  Overpowered by mag 9.0 SAO 80743 2.0' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 2812 at 1.3' NW (not seen).  Located 13' SE of NGC 2809 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2813 = m 159 on 17 Feb 1865, along with NGC 2812, and simply noted "F".  His position is 1.5' north of CGCG 091-060.

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NGC 2814 = UGC 4952 = MCG +11-12-004 = CGCG 312-003 = KTG 23A = Holm 124c = LGG 173-2 = PGC 26469

09 21 11.5 +64 15 06; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 179”

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, thin edge-on 3:1 or 4:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.25', bright core bulges slightly, tapers at the tips (spindle-shaped).  A mag 11.4 star is 1.1' SSW of center, just off the southern tip.  Forms a striking pair with edge-on NGC 2820 4' E, along with IC 2458.  NGC 2805 lies 10' SW.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 20" off the south tip and 1.1' SSW of center.  This galaxy is smaller but has a higher surface brightness than NGC 2820 4' E.  Located 11' NE of NGC 2805 in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2814 = H II-868 = h576 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and recorded both as "Two nebulae. The first [NGC 2814] F, S, iF, the second [NGC 2820] F, pL, E. The place is that of the second [NGC 2820], the other precedes it about 30 seconds and is nearly in the same parallel."  Dreyer commented in the notes section "Not seen by d'Arrest, and [John Herschel] only observed the following one (II.869)."  Dreyer assigned h576 to NGC 2820 but John Herschel's position on 30 Mar 1832 (sweep 410) corresponds with NGC 2814, and h579 = NGC 2816 is identical to H II-869 = NGC 2820 (see notes on NGC 2816).

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NGC 2815 = ESO 497-032 = MCG -04-22-006 = UGCA 156 = PGC 26157

09 16 19.6 -23 38 00; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 3.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly large, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions SSW-NNE, fairly low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2815 = H III-242 = h3153 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "vF, lE, S, that is about 1' diameter."  From the Cape of Good Hope on 21 Mar 1835 (sweep 559), John Herschel noted, "F, R, or vlE, glbM, 25"."

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NGC 2816 = NGC 2820 = UGC 4961 = MCG +11-12-006 = CGCG 312-005 = KTG 23C = FGC 877 = Holm 124A = LGG 173-3 = PGC 26498

09 21 45.6 +64 15 29; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 4.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 59”

 

See observing notes for NGC 2820.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2816 = h579 on 30 Mar 1832 (sweep 410) and noted, "F, pmE".  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find a suitable candidate.  Karl Reinmuth reported "not found at Dreyer's place" based on Heidelberg plates and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

 

Harold Corwin originally suggested this number might be a duplicate observation of NGC 2742 with a 13 minute error in RA (identical declination).  But Wolfgang Steinicke found (based on my questioning about h576) that JH made a large error (of 3 3/4 degrees) in reducing his declination for h579, and once corrected, h579 = NGC 2816 is a duplicate observation of NGC 2820 (discovered earlier by WH).   In addition, h576 refers to nearby NGC 2814 = UGC 4952 (also discovered by WH).  See Corwin's note for the full story.

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NGC 2817 = MCG -01-24-006 = PGC 26223

09 17 10.5 -04 45 09; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, moderately large, 1.4' diameter.  Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2817 = Sw. VI-35 on 26 Mar 1887.  His position is 10 tsec of RA east and 1' north of MCG -01-24-006 = PGC 26223.

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NGC 2818 = PK 261+8.1 = ESO 372-13 = Hb 2 = PN G261.9+08.5 = AM 0914-362

09 16 01.5 -36 37 37; Pyx

V = 11.5;  Size 85"x47"

 

17.5" (3/25/00): NGC 2818 refers to both an open cluster and a superimposed planetary nebula (identified as NGC 2818A in the RNGC).  The moderately bright PN is nestled on the west side of a faint but fairly rich open cluster.  At 220x it appeared moderately bright, irregularly shaped, ~1.0'x0.8' and elongated roughly N-S.  Excellent view at 280x with a UHC filter and unfiltered at 380x.  The rim is irregularly brighter and gave a weak annular appearance; brightest at the south and southwest rim.  The center is slightly darker but there was no well-defined central hole. The outline is not crisp and seemed to change orientation somewhat with averted vision.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): the cluster appears as a faint group of 25-30 stars mag 12 to 15, over unresolved haze, though good seeing might resolve more.  Includes a fairly faint planetary (NGC 2818A) on the west side.  At 166x using a Daystar 300 filter, the planetary appeared moderately bright and large, elongated ~N-S.  Also responds well to an OIII filter at 79x.

 

13.1 (1/28/84): the cluster is a faint group of two dozen stars mag 12 and fainter.  The planetary on the west side of the cluster is a pretty sight using a UHC filiter at 79x.  It appeared fairly faint, moderately large, 1.0'x0.8', elongated N-S or SSW-NNE.

 

The planetary had been assumed to be the only one to be physically associated with an open cluster, although recent research firmly places the planetary in the foreground.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2818 = D 564 = h3154 on May 28 1826 and recorded a "pretty large faint nebula [star cluster] of a round figure, 6' or 8' diameter; the nebulosity is faintly diffused to a considerable extent. There is a small nebula [PN] in the north preceding edge, which is probably a condensation of the faint diffused nebulous matter; The large nebula is resolvable into stars with small nebula remaining."  His position is 15' southwest of the planetary.

 

John Herschel recorded on 7 Aug 1837 (sweep 787): "A very curious object which reminds me strongly of M46 and IV. 39 [NGC 2438].  It is a rich cluster of the VI class, stars 12..14m; about 8' dia, gpmbM; all but a sort of vacuity, in which is situated a pB, R, neb; 40" diam; of a character approaching to planetary, having its edges shading off very rapidly, and being but very little brighter in the middle."  His sketch is reproduced on plate V, figure 8 of the CGH Observations. A second observation on 22 Jan 1838 (sweep 809) describes the planetary first and the NGC summary refers to the planetary (in a large cluster).  So the number NGC 2818 could apply to the planetary or the cluster.  RNGC lists the cluster as NGC 2818 and the planetary as NGC 2818A.

 

Joseph Turner (date uncertain) and Pietro Baracchi (15 Jan 1885) sketched NGC 2818 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate VI, figure 65).

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NGC 2819 = UGC 4924 = MCG +03-24-040 = CGCG 091-062 = PGC 26274

09 18 09.3 +16 11 53; Cnc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, round, small bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2819 = m160 on 21 Dec 1863 and noted "pB, vS, R."  Johann Palisa independently made an independent discovery on 2 Apr 1886 with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. Palisa's micrometric position in AN 2783 is accurate.  Both Marth and Palisa are credited in the NGC.

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NGC 2820 = NGC 2816 = UGC 4961 = MCG +11-12-006 = CGCG 312-005 = KTG 23C = FGC 877 = Holm 124a = LGG 173-003 = PGC 26498

09 21 45.6 +64 15 29; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 4.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 59”

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly bright, very large, very thin edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, ~2.8'x0.4', very weak concentration, mottled appearance though the surface brightness is not high.  NGC 2820A dangles just south of the west-southwest edge.  It appeared faint, small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 18"x12", occasional stellar nucleus.  NGC 2814, a smaller edge-on, lies 3.7' W.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very thin edge-on 6:1 SW-NE with tapered ends, fairly low surface brightness, no noticeable core.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 2820A 20" off the southwest tip.  The companion is very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, very small brighter core.  NGC 2820 is in a group with NGC 2814 4' W and NGC 2805 13' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2820 = H II-869 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and recorded both as "Two nebulae. The first [NGC 2814] F, S, iF, the second [NGC 2820] F, pL, E. The place is that of the second, the other precedes it about 30 seconds and is nearly in the same parallel."  Dreyer equated John Herschel's observation of h576 with H II-869 = NGC 2820, but his sweep data (checked by Wolfgang Steinicke) reveals h 576 = H II-868 = NGC 2814.  In addition, h579 = NGC 2816 is identical to NGC 2820, with John Herschel making a 3 3/4 error in reducing the position for h579.  IC 2458, found by Guillaume Bigourdan on 14 Mar 1899, refers to the northeastern end of this galaxy and not the close companion NGC 2820A off the southwest end that is generally identified as IC 2458.

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NGC 2821 = ESO 497-034 = MCG -04-22-007 = PGC 26192

09 16 48 -26 49 00; Pyx

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is attached just NW of the center.  A faint very close double star lies 1.8' W and a brighter mag 12 star is 2.0' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2821 = h3155 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF, attached to a star 11th mag; somewhat doubtful."  His position and description matches ESO 497-034.  Herbert Howe noted the mag 11 star is northwest of the galaxy.  MCG does label their catalogue entry (MCG -04-22-007) as NGC 2821.

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NGC 2822 = ESO 061-004 = PGC 26026

09 13 50 -69 38 42; Car

V = 10.7;  Size 3.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 90”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located just 5.4' NE of mag 1.7 Beta Carinae (Miaplacidus)!  The view is significantly hampered by the overwhelming glare of the bright star in the 24".  At 260x it appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, ~1.0'x0.6', with a fairly high surface brightness.  Planetary Nebula IC 2448 lies 39' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2822 = h3156 on 29 Jan 1835 and called "pF, vS, R, glbM."  His RA is marked as approximate and is 1.5 min too far west.  He may have reversed the offset from nearby Beta as the galaxy is east.

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NGC 2823 = UGC 4935 = MCG +06-21-008 = CGCG 181-016 = PGC 26340

09 19 17.4 +34 00 29; Lyn

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

24" (3/9/13): faint to fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 24"x12", weak concentration.  Elongated in the direction of a mag 10.4 star 1.2' SSW.  Member of AGC 779.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2823 on 13 Mar 1850 though a sketch of the cluster was constructed the following year (by George or Bindon).  NGC 2823 was unlabeled but placed at the north end of the cluster with a star close west, so the identification is certain. The NGC declination is 5' too far north (NGC 2827 and 2828 are also placed 3' too far north).

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NGC 2824 = UGC 4933 = MCG +04-22-031 = CGCG 121-057 = Mrk 394 = PGC 26330

09 19 02.3 +26 16 11; Cnc

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, round, very small bright core.  Overpowered by mag 6.5 SAO 80757 just 3' ESE!  The galaxy is located at the west vertex of a rhombus formed by three stars including the mag 6.5 star, a mag 11 star 2.7' S and a mag 12 star 2.9' NE with sides about 3' length.  Described by d'Arrest as a cluster in the NGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2824 on 30 Apr 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 4933, although he notes "vF, vS, cluster" and there are no superimposed stars and he made no mention of the nearby bright star.

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NGC 2825 = MCG +06-21-010 = CGCG 181-017 = PGC 26345

09 19 22.4 +33 44 34; Lyn

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, small, weak concentration.  Located in the core of AGC 779 and preceding the triple system; NGC 2830 lies 3.9' E, NGC 2831 4.8' E and NGC 2832 4.9' ENE.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, slightly brighter core, slightly elongated.  Located 5' WSW of NGC 2832

 

13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, very small.  Located 5' W of NGC 2832 in AGC 779.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2825 = h581 on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51) and noted, "vF; it is the s p of two.  The other is I. 113 [NGC 2832]."  His mean position (measured on sweep 337) matches CGCG 181-017 = PGC 26345.  This is the only galaxy that Herschel discovered in Abell 779.  It is labeled as Delta in Stoney's sketch made at Birr Castle on 26 Mar 1851.

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NGC 2826 = UGC 4939 = MCG +06-21-011 = CGCG 181-018 = PGC 26346

09 19 24.2 +33 37 26; Lyn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): second brightest in the core of AGC 779 rich cluster.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  Located 8.9' SW of NGC 2832.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): faint, fairly small, very diffuse.  Located 9' SW of NGC 2832 in AGC 779.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2826 on 13 Mar 1850.  On a diagram of 12 nebulae in the cluster constructed the following year, NGC 2826 is shown 9' southwest of Alpha (later NGC 2832).  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy on 30 Apr 1862 (#89 in AN 1500) and measured an accurate position (given in the NGC), though he acknowledged it was probably one of LdR's.  Joihn Herschel listed separate entries in the GC (1807 and 1809) for LdR and d'Arrest, assuming they might be different objects, but Dreyer combined them in the NGC.

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NGC 2827 = IC 2460 = MCG +06-21-009 = CGCG 181-015 = PGC 26342

09 19 19.0 +33 52 51; Lyn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, low surface brightness, no central concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' NNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 2828 3.3' ENE.  Located at the north side of the core of AGC 779.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2827 on 13 Mar 1850.  It was included on a sketch from 8 Jan 1851 showing 12 nebulae, on a line with NGC 2828 and 2833.  The NGC position is 8 seconds of RA east and 3' north of CGCG 181-015 = PGC 26342.  Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 28 Feb 1900 and placed J. 3-1091 (later IC 2460) 1.6' too far south due to an error in his reference star.  MCG labels MCG +06-21-009 as IC 2460, without reference to NGC 2827.

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NGC 2828 = CGCG 181-021 = PGC 26365

09 19 34.8 +33 53 17; Lyn

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint, requires averted vision, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.4' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 2827 3.3' WSW.  Located at the north edge of AGC 779.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2828 on 13 Mar 1850.  It was included on the sketch of 8 Jan 1851 on a line between NGC 2827 and NGC 2833.   The NGC position is 3' too far north (same offset as nearby NGC 2827) of CGCG 181-021 = PGC 26365.

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NGC 2829 = 2MASX J09195225+3338584 = LEDA 2036350

09 19 52.3 +33 38 58; Lyn

V = 15.3;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

24" (1/31/14): at 375x; LEDA 2036350 appeared very faint to faint (could hold steadily with averted), extremely small, round, 8" diameter.  LEDA 3529523, a larger galaxy, lies 3.5' ENE and appeared faint, small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x12.

 

The identification of this galaxy with NGC 2829 is very questionable and based on the discovery sketch, the best match is a mag 14.5 star 2.9' due west.  PGC 26356, a double system 4.6' W, is often taken as NGC 2832, but it is fainter and a poor match with the discovery sketch.  For completeness, my description of PGC 26356 follows.

 

24" (3/9/13): at 375x; extremely faint (B = 16.8), very small, round, 12" diameter.  Nearly on a line between NGC 2826 1.9' SE and a mag 12.3 star 1.2' NE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2829 on 13 Mar 1850, one of "15 knots in all".  It was included on the sketch of 8 Jan 1851, which showed only a dozen nebulae, east of line connecting NGC 2832 and NGC 2826.  The nearest galaxy to the NGC position is PGC 26356, an extremely faint, double galaxy (brighter western component) situated 2' NE of NGC 2826.  RNGC and PGC identify this galaxy as NGC 2829 (as well as secondary sources based on the PGC).  But, PGC 26356 is directly on a line with NGC 2832 and 2826, contradicting Stoney's sketch. Karl Reinmuth description (based on Heidelberg plates) was "identification doubtful, vF, vS, R, vgvlbM, triangle with 2 st nf and f, NGC 2826 sp 2.1'."

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2829 might apply to LEDA 2036350, a brighter galaxy 4.6' due E of PGC 26356, though this galaxy is only a fair match with Stoney's sketch.  The best fit to Stoney's sketch is a mag 14.5 star at 09 19 38.4 +33 39 12 (2000).  So, the identification of NGC 2829 is uncertain - it may apply to PGC 2036350 (described here), but more likely is just a faint star 2.9' west of this galaxy.  Seligman and Corwin (as of 2019) favor the single star as NGC 2829.

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NGC 2830 = UGC 4941 = MCG +06-21-014 = CGCG 181-023 = Holm 123b = PGC 26371

09 19 41.4 +33 44 17; Lyn

V = 14.3;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, low surface brightness, edge-on WNW-ESE.  First of three in a triple system with NGC 2831 0.9' ENE and NGC 2832 1.4' NE of center in the core of AGC 779.  Also nearby is NGC 2825 3.9' W.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2830 on 13 Mar 1850.  It was one of "15 knots in all".  A sketch made in March 1851 shows NGC 2831 labeled Gamma and measured at 1.2' southwest (PA = 237”) of NGC 2832.  John Herschel incorrectly equated this galaxy with H I-113 = h582 in the GC, and Dreyer repeated the error in the NGC.  But the Herschel numbers apply to brighter NGC 2832.  The NGC RA is 6 seconds too large.

 

MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 2830 and NGC 2831.  According to the "New Description", RNGC has also reversed these identifications.  This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #1 and was discussed in detail by Malcolm Thomson in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal for Jan 1978.

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NGC 2831 = Arp 315 NED1 = UGC 4942sw = Holm 123c = MCG +06-21-013 = CGCG 181-024sw = PGC 26376

09 19 45.5 +33 44 42; Lyn

V = 13.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, extremely small.  Appears as a round knot at the southwest edge of halo of NGC 2832 just 0.4' from center in the core of AGC 779.  Forms a trio with NGC 2830 0.9' WSW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2831 on 13 Mar 1850 and was one of "15 knots in all".  A sketch made in March 1851 shows NGC 2831 labeled Beta and measured as 25" southwest (PA = 226”) of NGC 2832.  The NGC dec is 1' too large.

 

The identifications of NGC 2830 and NGC 2831 are reversed in MCG and RNGC.  This was caused by a mixup in the descriptions in the NGC.  See notes for NGC 2830.

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NGC 2832 = Arp 315 NED2 = UGC 4942ne = Holm 123a = MCG +06-21-015 = CGCG 181-024ne = PGC 26377

09 19 46.8 +33 44 59; Lyn

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round bright core, slightly elongated halo.  This is the brightest galaxy in AGC 779 and forms a double system with NGC 2831 at the SW edge of halo 22" between centers.  Also nearby is NGC 2830 1.3' SW.  A double star h2493 = 10.1/11.7 is 2.5' SSE and a wide mag 11/12.5 pair is 3.0' ESE.

 

13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, round.  This object is the central galaxy in AGC 779.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2832 = H I-113 = h582 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, much brighter following the middle, pL.  North of 3 stars in a row at very unequal distances, iF."  On 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51), John Herschel wrote, "B; R; bM."  Due to a confusion with the sketch of the cluster made in 1851 at Birr Castle, Dreyer assigned H I-113 to nearby NGC 2830, a much fainter galaxy.  See Corwin's notes for full story.

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NGC 2833 = CGCG 181-027 = PGC 26389

09 19 57.9 +33 55 38; Lyn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, elongated N-S.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' E.  Located at the north edge of AGC 779 10.9' NNE of NGC 2832.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2833 on 13 Mar 1850 and was one of "15 knots in all".  A sketch made the following year only showed a dozen nebulae and NGC 2833 is placed 12' north of NGC 2832 (actual separation is 11').  The NGC position is 6 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of CGCG 181-027.

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NGC 2834 = MCG +06-21-021 = CGCG 181-029 = PGC 26400

09 20 02.5 +33 42 37; Lyn

V = 14.5;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (1/31/87): extremely faint and small, round.  Located 4.1' SE of NGC 2832 in the core of AGC 779. A double star h2493 = 10.1/11.7 is 2.3' W and a mag 11 star is 1.4' N.  NGC 2839 lies 8' ESE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2834 on 13 Mar 1850 (one of "15 knots in all.")  On a sketch made in March 1851 NGC 2834 is labeled Epsilon and measured 4.2' southeast (PA = 125”) of NGC 2832.  The NGC position is 4 sec of RA too large. Hermann Kobold measured a very accurate position in 1897 at the Strasbourg Observatory (published in his 1907 catalog).

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NGC 2835 = ESO 564-035 = MCG -04-22-008 = UGCA 157 = AM 0915-220 = LGG 172-002 = PGC 26259

09 17 52.8 -22 21 17; Hya

V = 10.5;  Size 6.6'x4.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very large, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Bracketed by two mag 10 stars 2.8' W and 3.4' SE of center.  Brightest in a small group (LGG 172), which includes NGC 2784, located 2.2” to the southwest.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2835 on 13 Apr 1884.  E.E. Barnard made an independent discovery in early 1885 while comet-seeking with his 5-inch refractor.  In The Observatory 8, p123, he wrote "very faint, close between two bright stars, the n.p. of which is about 8 mag, the s.f. is about 9 mag.  A 10th mag star is involved in the following edge of the nebula."  His position (determined with the 6-inch equatorial) was accurate.  After the discovery was announced in The Observatory, Wilhelm Tempel claimed an earlier discovery on 13 Apr 1884 in a note to his "New Nebulae" in AN 2660.  Barnard was credited with the discovery in the NGC, as Dreyer apparently missed Tempel's comment.

 

Based on photographs taken with the Reynolds reflectors at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, NGC 2835 was described as "pF, 7'x4', E10”; beautiful 4-branched spiral with faint almost stellar nucleus and many almost stellar condensations along the arms."

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NGC 2836 = ESO 061-003 = PGC 26017

09 13 45.0 -69 20 00; Car

V = 11.8;  Size 2.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 118”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Located 23' N of mag 1.7 Beta Carinae (Miaplacidus) and 18' N of NGC 2822 in a rich Milky Way star field.  Unusual appearance with many nearby stars including at least one superimposed mag 16 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2836 = h3157 on 29 Jan 1835 and recorded "F, R, glbM, 40". Nearly on meridian with Beta Argus [Carinae]."  His position is 2' southwest of  ESO 061-003.

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NGC 2837 = Holm 122a/b

09 18 23.3 -16 28 53; Hya

V = 14.7/14.8;  Size 14"

 

= **, Corwin.  = Not found, Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2837 = h585 on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and recorded "eF, R, bM, precedes a star [by] 8.5 sec".  Exactly at this offset from a mag 12 star is a pair of mag 14.7/14.8 stars at 14" separation with a mean position of 09 18 23.3 -16 28 53 (2000).  Harold Corwin also identifies this double star as NGC 2837.

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NGC 2838 = MCG +07-19-061 = CGCG 209-055 = PGC 26434

09 20 43.0 +39 18 56; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, even concentration down to small bright core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Forms the southern vertex of an acute triangle with two mag 14 stars 50" N and 63" NNE.  Also located almost at midpoint of a mag 10.5 star 3.2' NE and a mag 11.5 star 2.8' SW.  UGC 4950 is at the edge of the 220x field 11' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2838 = H III-627 = h583 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and logged "vF, vS, stellar, 300 power."  Caroline's reduced position is 2' SSW of CGCG 209-055 = PGC 26434.  John Herschel made a single observation on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335).

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NGC 2839 = MCG +06-21-023 = CGCG 181-031 = PGC 26425

09 20 36.3 +33 39 02; Lyn

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, round, diffuse.  Located in the core of AGC 779 12' SE of NGC 2832.  NGC 2834 lies 8' WNW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2839 on 13 Mar 1850 and was one of "15 knots in all".  This galaxy was labeled Zeta on a sketch made in March 1851. It was measured 8' 08" southeast (PA = 120”) of NGC 2834.  The NGC position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 2840 = UGC 4960 = MCG +06-21-025 = CGCG 181-032 = PGC 26445

09 20 52.7 +35 22 06; Lyn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, appears elongated in direction of a mag 11 star 1.0' NW although the catalogued dimensions are nearly circular, almost even surface brightness.  Located 1” north of Alpha Lyncis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2840 = H III-827 = h586 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and noted "eF, vS, south-following a vS star."  His position (CH's reduction) is 3' south of UGC 4960 and the description of the nearby star clinches the identification.  John recorded on 5 Mar 1828 (sweep 127), "vF; not vS; R; 100"-120"; s f a * 10 mag."  His position was very accurate.

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NGC 2841 = UGC 4966 = MCG +09-16-005 = CGCG 265-006 = PGC 26512

09 22 02.3 +50 58 35; UMa

V = 9.2;  Size 8.1'x3.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 147”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 6'x3'.  Contains a very small, very bright nucleus.  There is a sharp light cut-off on the east side due to dust.  A mag 10 star is at the NW edge 2.8' from center and mag 8.6 SAO 27227 lies 4.8' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2841 = H I-205 = h584 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "a very brilliant nebula, 5' or 6' long and 3 or 4' broad; it has a small bright nucleus with a faint chevelure about it, and two opposite very extensive branches."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 23) as an illlustration of "extended nebulae that show the progress of condensation [core and nucleus]." John Herschel described it on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) as "vB; vmE; vsmbM; pos 150.8”; comes up to a nucleus, a star 10-11m; has 2 st not involved 11 & 12 m, and a 3rd 10 m perp to axis of neb."

 

This galaxy has hosted 4 supernovae; the earliest known is SN 1912A, which was discovered by Francis Pease in 1917 on a photograph taken with the 60-inch on 19 Feb 1912.  It was independently found by Curtis.

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NGC 2842 = ESO 091-004 = PGC 26114

09 15 36.3 -63 04 09; Car

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 120”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core.  A mag 12 star is at the west edge of the halo and a mag 14 star is at the SE edge.  Located 3.7' SSW of a mag 9.7 star.  NGC 2887 lies 1.1” SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2842 = h3158 on 8 Mar 1836 and reported "F, vS, between two stars, in a field full of milky way stars. No doubt of the nature of the object."  His position and description matches ESO 091-004.

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NGC 2843 = PGC 26414

09 20 28.7 +18 55 34; Cnc

V = 15.5;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 57;  PA = 57”

 

18" (3/17/07): this marginal galaxy was just glimpsed for moments at 323x as an extremely small, hazy spot perhaps 8" diameter situated close south of a mag 12.5 star.  Located 2.6' NNW of a mag 10.3 star and 10' SSW of mag 7.2 HD 80495.

 

18" (3/11/07): not found at 220x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2843 = H III-64 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded a "suspected neb, but 240 shewed some small stars with suspected nebulosity, probably a deception from want of light and power."  Caroline's reduced position is just 6 seconds of RA east of PGC 26414.  So despite his uncertainty (the RA was given to only the nearest minute of time) the identification seems secure.  Still, this galaxy was not included in the CGCG and MCG and it appears to be the faintest galaxy he discovered!

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NGC 2844 = UGC 4971 = MCG +07-19-064 = CGCG 209-057 = PGC 26501

09 21 48.0 +40 09 05; Lyn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 13”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small brighter core.  Located 9' SSW of mag 7.0 SAO 42822 and 8' WSW of mag 7.7 SAO 42826.  The NGC 2852 and NGC 2853 pair lies 16' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2844 = H III-628 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and called "cF, cS."  His position is within 1' of UGC 4971 = PGC 26501.

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NGC 2845 = ESO 314-010 = MCG -06-21-002 = PGC 26306

09 18 36.7 -38 00 36; Vel

V = 11.7;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 67”

 

18" (12/30/08): faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.25', even surface brightness.  The galaxy is nestled right against a mag 13 star that is attached on the east side, 20" from the center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2845 = h3159 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "vF, S, R, attached to a star 12th mag, south following."  His position and description matches ESO 314-010 = PGC 26306.

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NGC 2846

09 19 40.4 -14 40 35; Hya

V = 14/14.5;  Size 8"

 

= **, Corwin.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2846 on 4 Apr 1874 and described as a "*11 in a vS, pB, R neby."  Several micrometric offsets were also made to nearby stars.  At his position is a pair of mag 14 stars at ~8" separation -- in fact, one of the measured stars is the fainter companion.  Dreyer reobserved the star(s) on 25 Mar 1878 and noted "I think it only a vS cluster.  I do not see any star as bright as 11m in it."  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

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NGC 2847 = Holm 128c

09 20 08.6 -16 31 06; Hya

Size 0.3'

 

48" (2/20/12): at 375x, a mag 16.5 star is superimposed on the northwest side (0.6' from center) of spiral NGC 2848 and attached to this star is an extremely faint HII knot. The faint star (possibly including the knot) was probably recorded by Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell as a "faint knot north-preceding" and it received the designation NGC 2847.  The RNGC misclassified the number as nonexistent.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2847 one 15 Mar 1855 with LdR's 72", and noted a "F knot np [NGC 2848]". Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2847 as a star and HII region 0.6' NW of the nucleus of NGC 2848.  This is the most southerly deep sky object discovered at Birr Castle.  Still, I found it very inconspicuous in the 48", so I have reservations of this identification.

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NGC 2848 = MCG -03-24-007 = UGCA 160 = Holm 128a = PGC 26404

09 20 09.8 -16 31 34; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 2.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 30”

 

48" (2/20/12): bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, contains a relatively large, bright core that increases to the center.  A spiral arm is attached on the west side of the core and it sweeps around the galaxy clockwise, heading south and then sharply bending east before dimming out on the southeast side of the halo.  But an apparently detached section of the arm reappears on the east side heading north towards two mag 14/15 star at the NE edge.  A mag 16.5 star is superimposed on the NW side (0.6' from center) and attached to this star is an extremely faint HII knot. The combination of star + knot was likely recorded by Mitchell using Rosse's 72" as a "faint knot north-preceding" and it received the designation NGC 2847.  A mag 12 star lies 2.7' NE and NGC 2851 is 5' NE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, faint halo 3:2 SW-NE.  A mag 12 star lies 2.8' NE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2851 5.5' ENE. 

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated SW-NE, very weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2848 = H III-488 = h587 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "vF, cL, gvlbM, near 3' long and above 2' broad, preceding a pB star."  His position was 16 tsec too far west and 1' north.  On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel recorded, "vF; L; E nf to sp; lbM.  It is 9.5 sec preceding a * 11m and south of the star."

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NGC 2849 = ESO 314-13 = OCL-756 = Cr 207

09 19 23 -40 31 12; Vel

Size 2'

 

24" (2/22/14): at 200x appeared as a mottled 2' glow with only a few stars resolved.  At 260x, roughly 20 stars pop in and out of view, some in small knots, in only a 2.5' region.  Several resolved stars are along an E-W string on the north side.  A number of bright stars are in the field including mag 9.3 HD 80623 3' SE and a similar star 3' NE.  A striking 25" linear triple of mag 10.5-11 stars lies 3' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2849 = h3160 on 22 Jan 1838 (his last sweep at the Cape of Good Hope) and noted a "globular cluster, eF, R, vglbM; resolved into vS, but not very numerous stars; 2.5' diameter. It is rather a cluster of the 6th class than a globular cluster."  His position is just off the southwest side of the small cluster.  NGC 2849 and NGC 3120 were the last two southern objects that JH discovered.

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NGC 2850 = PGC 26452

09 20 57.0 -04 56 24; Hya

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (2/1/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, nearly even surface brightness with a well-defined halo.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2850 = St XII-36 on 22 Mar 1882.  His position matches PGC 26452.

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NGC 2851 = MCG -03-24-008 = PGC 26422

09 20 30.2 -16 29 43; Hya

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE.  Forms a pair with NGC 2848 5.5' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2851 =Sw III-43 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; vE; 1829 [NGC 2848], R. nova [NGC 2846] and 1828 [NGC 2847] in field west.  Did not see 1819 [NGC 2837] east of 1829."   His position is 1' south of MCG -03-24-008 = PGC 26422.

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NGC 2852 = UGC 4986 = MCG +07-19-065 = CGCG 209-059 = PGC 26571

09 23 14.6 +40 09 49; Lyn

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

13.1" (1/18/85): extremely small, appears as a barely non-stellar "knot" forming a close pair with NGC 2853 2.5' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2852 = H III-629 = h588, along with NGC 2853, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716), and described both as "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance."  His position was between the two galaxies, but close to NGC 2852.  John Herschel wrote on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "vF; S; R: has a * 10m 2' dist preceding.  The first of 2 [with NGC 2853]."

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NGC 2853 = UGC 4987 = MCG +07-19-066 = CGCG 209-060 = PGC 26580

09 23 17.3 +40 12 00; Lyn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 25”

 

13.1" (1/18/85: faint, elongated ~N-S, fairly small.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2852 2' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2853 = H III-630 = h590, along with NGC 2852, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716).  He described both as "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance."  His position is between the two galaxies, but closer to NGC 2852.  John Herschel reported on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "eF; pL; vgbM; the following of 2."

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NGC 2854 = Arp 285 NED1 = UGC 4995 = MCG +08-17-092 = CGCG 238-046 = WBL 221-001 = PGC 26631

09 24 03.1 +49 12 15; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak broad concentration.  Located 2.1' SSE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 2856 3.5' NE and NGC 2857 is also in the field 10.8' ENE.  Forms an unusual pair with NGC 2856 as the major axes of these similar galaxies are exactly perpendicular.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2854 = H III-714 = h589, along with NGC 2856, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815). He recorded, "cF, cS, lE."  On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel wrote, "pF; R; pslbM; 20".  The sp of 2 [with NGC 2856], making an isosceles triangle with a * 9m."

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NGC 2855 = MCG -02-24-015 = UGCA 161 = PGC 26483

09 21 27.5 -11 54 37; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately large, diffuse halo rising to a sharp, bright core with a brighter nucleus.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  Located 4' S of mag 8.8 SAO 155121.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2855 = H I-132 = h592 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and logged "F, S, vgbM, R, 1.5' dia."  On 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995), he noted "pB, R, mbM like a nucleus, about 1' dia."  John Herschel recorded on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), "pB; R; 45"; pgmbM; almost to nucleus."

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NGC 2856 = Arp 285 NED2 = UGC 4997 = MCG +08-17-093 = CGCG 238-047 = WBL 221-002 = PGC 26648

09 24 16.0 +49 14 57; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 134”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): forms an interesting similar pair of elongated systems with NGC 2854 3.5' SW.  Fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', broadly concentrated.  Located 3.5' E of a mag 10 star.  NGC 2857 lies 7.3' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2856 = H III-713 = h591, along with NGC 2854, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815).  He recorded "cF, cS, lE."  On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel wrote, "Not vF; R; psbM; 20"; the nf of 2, making an isosceles triangle with a * 9m."

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NGC 2857 = Arp 1 = UGC 5000 = MCG +08-17-095 = CGCG 238-049 = PGC 26666

09 24 37.8 +49 21 25; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, round, very diffuse, 2.0' diameter.  This face-on spiral appears as a low surface brightness glow with no concentration.  The appearance is unusual, though, as four stars cradle the galaxy on the west side including a mag 13 star 1.6' NW, a mag 12 star 1.8' W and two mag 14 stars close SW.  In the same field with NGC 2856 7.3' SSW and NGC 2854 10.8' SSW (Arp 285).  CGCG 238-051 lies 3.9' ENE, but was not recorded.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2857 on 9 Jan 1856 and recorded "Both oval [NGC 2854 and 2856], their larger axes at right angles to one another, p one [NGC 2854] susp patchy."  About 7' nf the n one is another, pL, slightly oval, follows 4 small stars, mottled, * susp in centre.  Is there about 5' f this latter another vS knot with 2 st p and n?" The last object noted is CGCG 238-051, which Dreyer failed to assign an NGC designation. Although Mitchell's offset from NGC 2856 is accurate, the NGC position is off a bit.

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NGC 2858 = UGC 4989 = MCG +01-24-017 = CGCG 034-040 = PGC 26556

09 22 55.0 +03 09 25; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.5' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a fairly bright stellar nucleus surrounded by a small faint halo.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2858 = m 161 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, S, mbM."  His position matches UGC 4989 = PGC 26556.

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NGC 2859 = UGC 5001 = MCG +06-21-030 = CGCG 181-040 = PGC 26649

09 24 18.6 +34 30 48; LMi

V = 10.9;  Size 4.3'x3.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (1/28/84): moderately bright, moderately large, strong concentration to a bright core, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, fainter halo.  Located 40' ENE of Alpha Lyncis (V = 3.1).

 

8" (12/6/80): faint, fairly small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2859 = H I-137 = h593 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "vB, R, vsmbM, chevelure extending to about 3' diameter".  John Herschel made 3 observations, recording on 1 Apr 1831 (sweep 336), "vB; R; vsmbM to a star; follows a * 7m and is 3' S of it."  A total of 11 observations were made by LdR and assistants and a couple of superimposed stars were noted in the outer halo [on the north side].  On 28 Mar 1861, Sir Robert Ball wrote, "Dull Nucl, I susp a dark ring around it [there is!].  A vF neb nf.  I strongly suspect st in h593 [=NGC 2859]."  The "vF neb nf" is probably UGC 5004.

 

Originally classified as a SBa by Hubble.  de Vaucouleurs (1975) lists it as one of the 5 brightest galaxies in the NGC 2964 group, which includes NGC 2859, 2964, 3003, 3032 and 3067.

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NGC 2860 = UGC 5007 = MCG +07-20-003 = CGCG 210-005 = CGCG 209-065 = PGC 26685

09 24 53.2 +41 03 36; Lyn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'.  Exhibits just a weak concentration and brightens gently to center but no noticeable core.  Located 5.9' SSW of mag 8.5 SAO 428431.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2860 = St XIII-47 on 17 Mar 1884.  His position matches UGC 5007 = PGC 26685.

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NGC 2861 = UGC 4999 = MCG +00-24-010 = CGCG 006-038 = KTG 24A = PGC 26607

09 23 36.5 +02 08 12; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.4'

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, moderately large, small bright core, irregular surface brightness, ~1' diameter.  Seems to have a brighter knot of region just SSE of the core. [On the DSS, this is the brightest portion of the southern spiral arm].  Increases in size as well as orientation with averted vision, as my eye catches faint portions of the halo.  Strong impression of viewing a face-on spiral.  A mag 13.6 star is 1' E of center.  Brightest in a trio (KTG 24) with CGCG 6-40 3.2' SE and CGCG 6-41 7' ESE.

 

17.5" (3/7/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, halo brightens gradually.  A mag 13.5 star is at the east edge 1.1' from center and several other faint stars are near.  Forms the east vertex of a right triangle with a wide mag 10/12 double star at 28" separation located 4' W and a wide mag 10/11 double star at 43" separation which lies 6' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2861 = m 162 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "pB, R."  His position is 1' too far north.  d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 8 Feb 1866.  His single position, copied into the NGC, is 3' too far south (accurate in RA), though he mentioned a mag 14 star follows by 43" separation, so his rediscovery is certain.  The NGC description ("pF, S, irR, *14 following") is also from d'Arrest.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate postion at Strasbourg in 1895 (published in 1907).

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NGC 2862 = UGC 5010 = MCG +05-22-045 = CGCG 151-076 = PGC 26690

09 24 55.0 +26 46 30; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 5:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.4', brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 6' NNE of mag 8.4 SAO 80808 which has two 12th magnitude companions at 21" and 29".

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2862 on 21 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) matches UGC 5010 = PGC 26690.

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NGC 2863 = NGC 2869 = MCG -02-24-018 = PGC 26609

09 23 36.5 -10 26 00; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S (appears roundish on the POSS).  A mag 12 star is at the NW tip and a very faint mag 15 star is just beyond the south edge.  Contains an offset very small brighter core or a bright knot is on the north side just south of the mag 12 star.  Forms a close pair with difficult NGC 2868 2.3' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2863 = H III-520 = h594 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 544) and logged "vF, S, E."  On 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), John Herschel wrote, "F; extended between 2 stars 12 and 16 m."

 

Frank Muller independently found this galaxy (and discovered nearby NGC 2868) in 1886 at Leander-McCormick Observatory, and recorded LM 412 as "mag 14.5, 1.2'x0.6', E 170”, gbM, bet 2 st 12 and 14."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 1 min too far east.  Dreyer assumed this was a different 'nebula' and catalogued it again as NGC 2869.  Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and reported the numbers were identical.  So, NGC 2863 = NGC 2869, with NGC 2863 the primary designation.  Because of Muller's poor position, NGC 2868 precedes NGC 2863 in the sky.

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NGC 2864 = MCG +01-24-020 = CGCG 034-044 = PGC 26644

09 24 15.4 +05 56 28; Hya

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.6'x0.5'.  Low, even surface brightness and requires averted vision for a positive identification.  Situated near the Hydra-Leo-Cancer border.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2864 = m 163 on 6 Mar 1864 and recorded "vF, pL, lE."  His position matches CGCG 034-044 = PGC 26644.

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NGC 2865 = ESO 498-001 = MCG -04-22-011 = PGC 26601

09 23 30.2 -23 09 40; Hya

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, small, very bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2865 = h3161 on 23 Jan 1835 and logged "pB; S; R; vlbM; 15"." His position (2 sweeps) matches ESO 498-001 = PGC 26601.

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NGC 2866 = ESO 212-3 = Pismis 13 = OCL 774 = Lund 504

09 22 06 -51 06 12; Vel

V = 10.2;  Size 1.5'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x):  the central region (Pismis 13) contains a dozen stars mag 12-15 over a glowing 1.5' circular patch.  Includes a close double at the east side.  The brightest mag 12 star (also a double) is at the north end of the cluster.  The surrounding field is rich and includes several mag 10 stars.  Specifically, a bright scattered 10' field centered 10' SSW stands out at low power.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2866 = h3162 on 31 Mar 1835 and noted a "Cluster class VIII.  Place of a small compact knot of st".  His position is an exact match with the small group of stars ESO 212-SC3 = Pismis 13, though because he placed it in class VIII, Herschel meant to include the scattered stars (bright) in the larger field.  Pismis noted "5 bright stars within 1' region."

 

The RNGC description incorrectly states "NOCL" and Lynga 5 and Sky Catalogue 2000 identify the cluster as Pismis 13 only.  ESO gives the correct identification with a question mark.

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NGC 2867 = PK 278-5.1 = ESO 126-8 = PN G278.1-05.9

09 21 25.4 -58 18 41; Car

V = 9.7;  Size 18"x16"

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): beautiful, very high surface brightness blue planetary at 200x, set in a rich star field.  Stunning view at 520x.  The thick, oval rim is clearly brighter with a relatively small darker hole in the center!  I didn't notice this structure in the 18" several years back from Australia.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x (unfiltered) this striking planetary is bright (V = 9.7), small, very high surface brightness oval with a pale blue color.  With a UHC filter, it appeared ~15"x10" and appeared like a cosmic easter egg set in a beautiful star field!  Located 1.1” NE of mag 2.3 Iota Carinae (southeast star of the "False Cross").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2867 = h3163 on 1 Apr 1834 (sweep 435) and called it "The finest planetary nebula I ever remember to have seen for sharpness of termination; 3" diameter; exactly R; no more haziness about them than would be about a star of the same magnitude to-night (which is a favourable one) Light, a pale white = * of 9th +/- mag. Position of companion star = 58.6” (mean) ; * = 15th mag. A very remarkable object. Showed to [assistant] Stone, who distinctly perceived the total difference of appearance between it and a star 9th mag very near it. A second companion * suspected (at about half the distance of the 1st by diagram, and at an estimated position of 330”) among multitude of large and small stars."  The next night he observed it again with Thomas Maclear, astronomer at the Royal Observatory, while it was out of the meridian, to check if it might be a planet.  But he noted it had "not moved perceptibly, and is therefore not a planet."

 

Joseph Turner, observing with the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope on 26 Feb 1878, noted the color was a pale bluish, instead of the "pale white" noted by Herschel.

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NGC 2868 = PGC 26598

09 23 27.2 -10 25 46; Hya

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (2/1/03): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.25, low even surface brightness.  Located just 2.3' W of much brighter NGC 2863!

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2868 = LM 2-411 = Big. 39 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He recorded "mag 15.3, 0.4' dia, R, 10s preceding [NGC 2869 = NGC 2863]."  According to Harold Corwin, Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered NGC 2868 on 15 Jan 1887, but was not credited in the NGC.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in 1899-00 and the correction was repeated by Dreyer in the IC 2.  RNGC misclassified this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2869 = NGC 2863 = MCG -02-24-018 = PGC 26609

09 23 36.5 -10 26 00; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

See observing notes for NGC 2863.

 

Frank Muller found NGC 2869 = LM 2-412 in 1886 and recorded ""mag 14.5, 1.2'x0.6', E 170”, gbM, bet 2 st 12 and 14."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 1 min too far east, but the note on the nearby stars clinches the identification.  Dreyer assumed this was new object and catalogued it again as NGC 2869.  The equivalence was first noted by Howe in his list of NGC observations and corrections in 1900.  So, NGC 2863 = NGC 2869, with NGC 2863 the primary designation.  See that entry.

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NGC 2870 = UGC 5034 = MCG +10-14-013 = CGCG 289-008 = PGC 26856

09 27 53.5 +57 22 33; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 2.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.5', brighter core.  Located 4.5' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2870 = H III-846 = h595 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and logged "cF, S, mE, very narrow."  John Herschel described this galaxy on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) as "vF; pL; lE; vglbM; 35" l, 30" br."

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NGC 2871 = Holm 130c

09 25 39.5 +11 26 40; Leo

V = 15.9

 

24" (2/8/18): this is a 16th mag star located just 1.1' NW of the center of NGC 2872.  It was visible at 375x as a very dim star.

 

48" (2/21/12): mag 15.9 star situated 1.1' NW of NGC 2872.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2871 on 7 Mar 1874.  It was labeled as Epsilon on his field sketch.  The micrometric offset of 65.3" in PA 315.7” from NGC 2872 = Delta points directly to a mag 16 star 1' NW of NGC 2872.  Spitaler reported "not seen" with the 27" refractor at Vienna (mentioned in the IC 1 notes).

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NGC 2872 = Arp 307 NED1 = UGC 5018 = MCG +02-24-008 = CGCG 062-033 = Holm 130a = PGC 26733

09 25 42.5 +11 25 55; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 22”

 

48" (2/21/12): very bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright 20" core.  A mag 15.8 star = NGC 2871 is 1.1' NW.  Forms a striking trio with NGC 2874 and 2873.

 

24" (2/8/18): at 375x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 60"x50", strong concentration with an intense core and very small brighter nucleus.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 2874 1.3' S.  Much fainter NGC 2873 is 2.0' NE.  NGC 2871 was seen as a 16th mag star 1.1' NW.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, sharp concentration with a very bright core.  Brightest of three with NGC 2874 1.3' ESE and NGC 2873 2.0' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2872 = H II-57 = H II-546 = h597 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded, "Two neb. [with NGC 2874] about 3/4' or a little more from each other; Of the resolvable kind. The position of the first [NGC 2872] is about 15” or 20” np the second; they are pS and rather brighter towards the middle, but not much. The neby of the f one is rather more diluted than than of the p one, and it also somewhat larger."  His position was exactly 1.0 min of RA too far west and 11' too far north.  Herschel recorded the pair again two years later (H II-546 and II-547) on sweep 534, this time at the correct position, but assumed they were new.  John Herschel included separate entries for the two H numbers in the GC, but Dreyer realized the equivalence and combined them in the NGC.

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NGC 2873 = MCG +02-24-009 = Holm 130d = PGC 26742

09 25 48.5 +11 27 15; Leo

V = 15.8;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 125”

 

24" (2/8/18): at 375x; extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE?, ~20"x10".  Required averted vision to pick up and could not hold continuously.

 

48" (2/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', very small slightly brighter nucleus.  Faintest member of a striking trio with NGC 2874 and NGC 2872 (Arp 307) to the south and SW, respectively.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Faintest in a tight trio situated 2.0' NE of NGC 2872 and 1.8' N of NGC 2874.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2873 on 22 Feb 1857 while observing NGC 2872 and 2874.  He sketched a trio and noted "Is Beta a vF neb?"  A month later, NGC 2873 = Beta was confirmed.  In the 1874 observation, Copeland measured an exact micrometric offset from NGC 2872.  This galaxy is not included in CGCG, UGC or RC3 but appears to be mentioned as an anonymous galaxy in the UGC notes.

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NGC 2874 = Arp 307 NED2 = UGC 5021 = MCG +02-24-010 = CGCG 062-034 = Holm 130b = PGC 26740

09 25 47.3 +11 25 28; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 43”

 

48" (2/21/12): at 375x, the largest member of this striking trio appeared very bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.5', sharply concentrated with an intense core.  The northeast extension is slightly brighter, particularly along the eastern side (knotty spiral arm = NGC 2875).  NGC 2872 is 1.3' WNW and NGC 2873 is 1.7' NNE.

 

24" (2/8/18): at 375x fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.5', strong concentration with a bright elongated core.  A short central bar is misaligned with the major axis, angling N-S (verified on the DSS). Largest in a trio with NGC 2872 1.3' NW.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, halo gradually increases to a bright core.  A mag 15 star is 1.3' S of center.  In a close trio with NGC 2872 1.3' WNW and NGC 2873 1.8' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2874 = H II-58 = H II-547 = h598 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172).  See NGC 2872 for the story on the duplicate entries.

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NGC 2875

09 25 48.8 +11 25 54; Leo

 

48" (2/21/12): at 375x, the northeast extension (arm) of NGC 2874 is slightly brighter, particularly along the eastern side.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2875 on 7 Mar 1874 and labeled it as Gamma on the same sketch with NGC 2871, 2872, and 2873.  His offset from NGC 2874 (42" in PA 37”) falls on a slightly brighter section of the northeastern spiral arm of NGC 2874.  RNGC equates the number with NGC 2874, though a more appropriate classification would be part of NGC 2874.

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NGC 2876 = MCG -01-24-016 = PGC 26710

09 25 13.8 -06 43 00; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 95”

 

24" (2/8/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~30"x24".  IC 2471, located 7' S, is slightly smaller but has a slightly higher surface brightness.  MCG -01-24-017, situated 3' NNE, appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  The trio are the brightest members of a small physical group.

 

Images reveal a diffuse plume to the west-northwest of NGC 2876, but I didn't notice this low contrast feature.  The galaxy also appears to be a post-merger with an extremely fant plume extending 5' to the E.

 

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Pair with IC 2471 7' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2876 = St X-20 on 5 Mar 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseille and recorded "F, S, halo contains sev vF *."  His position matches MCG -01-24-016 = PGC 26710.  Dreyer incorrectly referenced Stephan's list IX in the NGC.  Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 2876 in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and his position in the second observatory list (#413) is fairly accurate.

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NGC 2877 = MCG +00-24-015 = CGCG 006-043 = PGC 26738

09 25 47.0 +02 13 45; Hya

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (3/8/97): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located 6' following a group of four mag 13 stars in a small "kite" asterism.  Forms a pair with NGC 2878 8.5' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2877 = m 164 on 28 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2878 = m 165) and recorded "vF, S, vlE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2878 = UGC 5022 = MCG +00-24-014 = CGCG 006-042 = PGC 26739

09 25 47.4 +02 05 22; Hya

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, unconcentrated.  Slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 2877 located 8.5' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2878 = m 165 on 28 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2877 = m 164) and recorded "vF, S, vlE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2879

09 25 22.2 -11 39 03; Hya

 

= ***, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2879 on 27 Feb 1865.  He noted a "neb with some vF *" and measured a mag 14-15 star as preceding by 11 seconds of time.  At his position is a triple star with the mag 14 star at this exact offset.  The two brighter components are mag 14.4/14.5 at 10" separation.  In 1924, Knox-Shaw reported "nothing shown here except a double star", based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in 1921-22 with the 30" reflector.

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NGC 2880 = UGC 5051 = MCG +10-14-015 = CGCG 312-011 = PGC 26939

09 29 34.5 +62 29 27; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, round, 1' diameter, strong concentration, very small bright core.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.9' ENE.  Nearby to the north is a string of mag 13-14 stars including a mag 13 star 2.1' N.  Forms a pair with CGCG 312-012 3.2' N.  The companion is very faint, extremely small, round.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.7' NE and 1.2' E.

 

8": faint, small, bright core.  Located 40' SW of a mag 4 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2880 = H I-260 = h596 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1000) and logged, "vB, vL, mbM; iR."  His position matches UGC 5051 = PGC 26939.  On 8 Mar 1832 (sweep 404), John Herschel recorded "pF; R; S; vgbM; 40", a *12 m follows."

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NGC 2881 = Arp 275 = VV 293 = MCG -02-24-021 = PGC 26747

09 25 54.4 -11 59 40; Hya

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (2/24/20): at 200x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, low surface brightness but irregular shape.  A mag 15 star is at the S end.  An extension (interacting companion VV 293b) occasionally bulged out on the NW side, though I wasn't sure if it was detached.  IC 2482 lies 17' ESE.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the northeast edge 0.7' from center.  An easy mag 10/11 double star at 26" separation lies 4.5' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2881 = Sw. III-44 on 9 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; preceding a coarse double star 17 sec; in field with 1854 [NGC 2889]."  His position is just 5 seconds of RA west of Arp 275 = PGC 26747.  In his extensive notes in MN, Herbert Howe stated the two stars mentioned by Swift are south-following, 9.5 & 10.5 mag.  Neither Swift or Howe resolved this double system.

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NGC 2882 = UGC 5030 = MCG +01-24-021 = CGCG 034-046 = PGC 26781

09 26 36.2 +07 57 15; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' SE.  Located 16' N of mag 8.4 SAO 117694.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2882 = m 166 on 6 Mar 1864 and noted "F, pL, E."  His position and description matches UGC 5030.

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NGC 2883 = ESO 372-024 = MCG -06-21-005 + 006 = VV 768 = PGC 26713

09 25 17.5 -34 06 12; Pyx

V = 13.1;  Size 2.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 176”

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, moderately large, elongated at least 2:1 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.5'.  Unusual appearance as the galaxy has an irregular, mottled appearance and perhaps three faint stars are superimposed (with several others nearby).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2883 = h3164 on 7 Apr 1837 and recorded "a vF, S, cluster, class VI; vglbM; resolved so as to see the stars which are 15th mag; almost to be called a vF, large nebula."  His position matches ESO 372-024 = PGC 26713 and his description matches the superimposed and nearby stars.  MCG misidentifies MCG -06-21-006 as NGC 2883 instead of MCG -06-21-005.

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NGC 2884 = MCG -02-24-022 = PGC 26773

09 26 24.4 -11 33 20; Hya

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, possible faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W of center.  NGC 2889 lies 13' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2884 on 27 Feb 1865.  His position (measured on 5 nights) matches MCG -02-24-022 = PGC 26773 and he noted the mag 13.5 star (called mag 15 or 16) that precedes by 5 seconds of time in the parallel.  His AN #1537 list has a 1 min typo in RA.

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NGC 2885 = IC 538 = UGC 5037 = MCG +04-22-058 = CGCG 121-098 = PGC 26943

09 27 18.5 +23 01 12; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 40" E of center and a mag 14 star is 2' NW.  Located 8' NW of mag 8.5 SAO 80841.  Brightest in a trio with CGCG 121-099 1.8' ENE and IC 2474 1.8' NW.  Incorrect identification in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2885 = h599 on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and recorded, "eF; vS; E in parallel; RA very uncertain."  There is nothing at his position (1.7' NNW of a mag 8 star not mentioned in his description), but 25 seconds of RA west is UGC 5037, which fits the description as the galaxy is elongated roughly east-west.  Bigourdan rediscovered the galaxy while searching at JH's position on 21 Mar 1890, measured an accurate position for Big. 154 (later IC 538) and noted "does not seem to be NGC 2885."  Dreyer mentioned the possible equivalence with NGC 2885 in the IC description.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an observing assistant on LdR's 72", recorded on 10 Jan 1867, "3 objects seen close together, of which one is probably a nebula, the other possibly also, and third a star?  All these are eF, and would perhaps not be seen unless on so good a night as this is."  From the description, Ball picked up NGC 2885 and probably nearby IC 2474 and CGCG 121-99.

 

RNGC misidentifies CGCG 122-006 as NGC 2885.  CGCG and UGC misidentify IC 2474 as NGC 2885.  Finally, MCG labels NGC 2885 as IC 538.  Malcolm Thomson analyzed the identifications in a Webb Society Quarterly Journal article, July 1990.

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NGC 2886 = ESO 565-005

09 26 38.7 -21 44 16; Hya

 

= ***, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2886 = h3165 on 1 Feb 1837 and simply noted "eeF; 50"."  There is nothing at his position, but four faint stars about 1.5' ENE of his position are likely Herschel's object (the separation is ~25").  Corwin also identifies this multiple star as NGC 2886.

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NGC 2887 = ESO 091-009 = PGC 26592

09 23 24.2 -63 48 45; Car

V = 11.7;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 78”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core.  Forms the SE vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 12/12.5 stars 1.3' WNW and 1.4' NNW.  A couple of arc minutes SE is a short string of very faint stars.  NGC 2842 lies 1.1” NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2887 = h3168 on 8 Mar 1834 and logged "F; S; R; gbM; near a bright star."  This is the first deep sky object he discovered at the Cape, with his first sweep recorded 3 nights earlier.  His position (measured on 3 different sweeps) matches ESO 091-009.

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NGC 2888 = ESO 434-002 = MCG -05-23-001 = PGC 26768

09 26 19.5 -28 02 08; Pyx

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2888 = h3166 on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "pF R; smbM; very dilute at edges; 30"."  His position (on 2 sweeps) matches ESO 434-002 = PGC 26768.

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NGC 2889 = MCG -02-24-026 = PGC 26806

09 27 12.5 -11 38 37; Hya

V = 11.7;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, diffuse halo, irregular bright core.  A mag 11.5 star is off the south edge 1.4' from the center.  NGC 2884 lies 13' WNW and NGC 2881 is 28' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2889 = H II-555 = h600 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and recorded "vF; pL; R; bM."  On 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), John Herschel logged, "pB; pL; R; vglbM; 80"."  Using the 72" on 30 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell mentioned a very faint star at the east edge and "darkness all round the nucleus."

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NGC 2890 = MCG -02-24-024 = PGC 26778

09 26 29.8 -14 31 44; Hya

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Overpowered by mag 7.8 SAO 155191 which lies 3.9' NE!

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2890 = LM 1-154 on 11 Jan 1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.3' dia, R, bMN, envelope 15.5." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 45 sec of RA east of MCG -02-24-024 = PGC 26778.  Howe published an accurate position in his 1900 MN observations and Dreyer copied this in the IC 2 notes.

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NGC 2891 = ESO 498-008 = MCG -04-23-003 = PGC 26794

09 26 56.6 -24 46 59; Pyx

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/7/92): fairly faint, small, round, sharp concentration with very small prominent core, stellar nucleus.  Located in rich Milky Way field close to the Antlia and Hydra border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2891 = h3167 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"." His position is 1' south of ESO 498-008 = PGC 26794.

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NGC 2892 = UGC 5073 = MCG +11-12-015 = CGCG 312-015 = PGC 27111

09 32 53.0 +67 37 02; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter halo, faint stellar nucleus.  A wide bright double star ·1349 = 7.5/8.7 at 24" is 11' WSW at the edge of the 220x field.  Brightest in a group with UGC 5061 7.5' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2892 = Sw. I-8 on 11 May 1885 and recorded "pF, pS, R, lbM."  His position is 0.2 min of RA east of UGC 5073 = PGC 27111.

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NGC 2893 = UGC 5060 = MCG +05-23-005 = CGCG 152-018 = Mrk 401 = PGC 26979

09 30 17.0 +29 32 24; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3.2' SW of a mag 9 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2893 = H III-297 = h602 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "Suspected eF, eS.  240x showed the same appearance but left a doubt."  There is nothing at his position, but 8.5' north is UGC 5060 = PGC 26979.  On 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) John Herschel wrote, "S; R; sbM; 20", has a * 8m 55” n f dist 3'."

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NGC 2894 = UGC 5056 = MCG +01-24-024 = CGCG 034-051 = Holm 133a = PGC 26932

09 29 30.4 +07 43 06; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, prominent core with faint extensions.  Unusual appearance as a mag 13.5 star is at the east end and a mag 14.5 star (Holmberg 133b) at the west end.  Located 3.0' NNE of mag 8.6 SAO 117726.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2894 = H III-8 = h603 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 101) and recorded "Nebula.  I see 3 stars in it, & I believe it may all be resolved; yet my 240 power does not clear it quite of nebulosity.  [Higher] power gives me 3 very obscure nebulous stars, but leaves it undetermined whether there are more stars in it or whether these are only nebulous for want of light."  John Herschel's observation from 25 Dec 1827 (sweep 116) simply states, "2 or 3 st and nebulosity".

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NGC 2895 = MCG +10-14-018 = CGCG 289-009 = PGC 27092

09 32 25.1 +57 28 58; UMa

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, broad concentration in halo to brighter core.  Collinear with a wide double star 6' SSW (10.5/12.5 at 50" oriented SSW-NNE).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2895 = h601 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and logged "vF; R; vgbM; 15"; has a coarse double star 7' south."  His position and description matches CGCG 289-009 = PGC 27092.

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NGC 2896 = MCG +04-23-007 = CGCG 122-009 = PGC 26985

09 30 16.9 +23 39 47; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, extremely small, round, small bright core.  A mag 15 star is attached at the west end.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2896 on 1 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "F, S, R, *17m very near, *13 follows by 24.3 seconds of time and 30" north."  His position and description matches CGCG 122-009 = PGC 26985, with the star (closer to 15th mag) on the west edge.

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NGC 2897 = PGC 26949

09 29 45.7 +02 12 25; Hya

V = 15.1;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/7/92): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.  Located just 1.8' WNW of mag 8.0 SAO 117736 which detracts from viewing.  Forms a pair with NGC 2898 8' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2897 = m 167 on 6 Feb 1864 (along with NGC 2898) and simply noted "eF, S."  His position matches PGC 26949.  It's odd that Marth did not mention the mag 9 star just 2' E as it interfered with my viewing, although his notes are very sparse.   This galaxy is not catalogued in the CGCG, UGC, MCG or RC3 although it is as bright as 15th magnitude.

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NGC 2898 = MCG +00-24-018 = CGCG 006-048 = PGC 26950

09 29 46.3 +02 03 51; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, faint substellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 2897 8' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2898 = m 168 on 6 Feb 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE."  His position is 6 sec of RA east of CGCG 006-048 = PGC 26950.

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NGC 2899 = PK 277-3.1 = ESO 166-13 = PN G277.1-03.8 = Gum 27 = RCW 43

09 27 03.0 -56 06 22; Vel

V = 12.2;  Size 120"x68"

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fascinating bipolar planetary at 260x using a UHC filter.  A very bright knot is situated on the SW end with fainter extensions along the rim to the SE.  A matching knot with a lower surface brightness is on the north side.  This knot is also elongated, making another short arc.  Overall, NGC 2899 is noticeably elongated with dimensions of ~1.6'x1.0', oriented NW-SE.  At 520x both knots or arcs gradually increase in brightness to their centers and occasionally show very faint stellar nuclei.  The overall surface is noticeably mottled at this power, though darker in the center.  The open cluster IC 2488 lies 50' S.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this interesting Vela planetary appeared fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.3'x1.0'.  Good contrast gain with a UHC filter. The surface brightness appears very irregular or mottled with a brighter knot on the SW end that is nearly detached and an irregular darker center.  Also a less-defined knot appears to be situated on the north end.  Four mag 7.5-9 stars are in the field to the west and north and the PN is situated 9' E of mag 7.3 SAO 236965.  The faint planetary Wray 17-31 = VBRC 2 lies 38' ESE

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this moderately bright planetary is fairly large, ~1.5'x1.0', with an irregular shape and surface brightness.  Adding a UHC filter improved the contrast and the PN is clearly elongated with an annular or bi-polar appearance with a darker, irregular center.  There are two brighter knots or arcs on on the SW and NE sides of the central section (minor axis?) with the SW knot more obvious.  Situated in a fairly rich star field with four mag 7-9 stars including a mag 7.3 star 9' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2899 = h3169 on 27 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 80".  At least 80 stars in field."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 2900 = UGC 5065 = MCG +01-24-026 = CGCG 034-055 = PGC 26974

09 30 15.1 +04 08 39; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration, ill-defined halo.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' SW of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2900 = Sw. III-45 on 10 Mar 1886 and logged "eeF, pL, R, in vacancy."  His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 5065.

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NGC 2901

09 32 24 +31 07; Leo

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2901 = LM 1-155 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory "while looking for Winnecke's comet [7P/Pons-Winnecke]."  No additional notes are given and the position is marked as very rough (approximate even to the nearest min of RA).

 

This number is not listed in any modern catalogue (even the RNGC didn't pick a candidate).  Brian Skiff identifies this object as a double star with brightest component GSC 2494-0616 at 09 32 19 +31 07.1 (2000).  Harold Corwin suggest this number may refer to one of the galaxies (UGC 5070/5074/5087) just over a degree south of Stone's position.  Without more information, this number is lost.

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NGC 2902 = MCG -02-24-030 = PGC 27004

09 30 52.8 -14 44 07; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, 30" diameter, stellar nucleus.  A faint star is off the NW edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2902 = H III-276 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and logged "vF; vS; stellar; with 240 the same."  CH's reduction is less than 2' northwest of MCG -02-24-030 = PGC 27004.  MCG equates NGC 2902 with Bigourdan's IC 543 but Corwin notes that Bigourdan observed both objects so he was not confusing them.

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NGC 2903 = UGC 5079 = MCG +04-23-009 = CGCG 122-014 = PGC 27077

09 32 10.0 +21 30 02; Leo

V = 9.0;  Size 12.6'x6.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 17”

 

48" (4/18/15): this superb spiral was observed at 375x.  Several luminous patches were visible along the central bar, which trends SSW-NNE, including a patch (NGC 2905) at the northeast end near the beginning of the western spiral arm.  Another patch is at the south end of the core with a third near the southern end of the bar where the outer eastern arm emanates.  The outer western arm extends south for a length of ~4', just beyond the southern edge of the main body.  The outer eastern arm emerges from the south end of the galaxy, curls east and shoots north. Although the surface brightness becomes quite low, the arm extends well beyond the main body for a total length of ~7'!  At the northern end is a low surface brightness larger patch about 5.5' NE of center.  The tips of the spiral arms are over 9' apart.

 

24" (2/22/14): excellent view at 200x and 375x.  This beautiful barred spiral is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, mottled core.  A prominent central bar runs along the major axis, extending ~2'x0.4' SSW-NNE.  The central bar is the brightest portion of an more oval, brighter central region, ~2.0'x1.0'.  Just beyond the northeast end of the central bar is a bright, irregular "knot" (NGC 2905) where the northern spiral arm attaches.  This arm bends sharply to the west (clockwise), but only curves for ~1' and quickly fades, as if it was angled towards us.  A prominent arm (more cleanly separated from the central region) is attached at the south-southwest end of the bar where there is another brighter, irregular "knot".  The southern arm bends east and then north, paralleling the orientation of the bar and extending as far north as the core, perhaps just beyond a mag 13.7 star 2' ESE of center. A darker dust lane separates this arm from the central region.

 

18" (2/14/10): beautiful view of this barred spiral at 175x.  The galaxy extends 2:1 SSW-NNE, roughly 8'x4', with a slightly brighter bar running through the major axis.  The center is sharply concentrated with a very bright clumpy core.  At the SSW end of the main body a faint arm emerges and sweeps around to the east.  Near the NNE end of the central bar is a brighter knot (NGC 2905) and beyond the knot is a fainter and less defined arm that curves around a short distance to the west.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): this is one of the brightest non-Messier galaxies.  Very bright and large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 10'x4'.  A very faint knot is involved on the NNE side 1.2' from center = NGC 2905.  An extremely faint knot is also symmetrically placed opposite the core on the SW end 1.2' from center.  The galaxy has a dusty, mottled appearance with knots and arcs easily visible with averted vision.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): a second knotty region is definitely visible on the SW edge.  Lord Rosse mentions these two knots as "thickened regions".

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very bright, elongated bright core.  Contains a very faint knot at the north end = NGC 2905.

 

8": bright, large, elongated, bright mottled core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2903 = H I-56 = h604.I on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "cB, cL, a small bright spot in the middle; at first sight appears very much elongated, but by careful attention it appears to consist of two; the nf of which less bright than the sp, though nearly of the same size and shape with the former, it has also a brightish spot in the middle but not nearly so brilliant as the other; dist of the center about a minute."  John Herschel recorded on sweep 244, "I. 56 is vB; E; gbM; r[esolvable].  Long attentions shows a vF, L, R, neb attached n f."  NGC 2905 = h604.II is the "neb attached n f" and refers to the northeast spiral arm (or a brighter region in the spiral arm).  

 

Lord Rosse first observed this galaxy on 24 Mar 1846 and noted "a tendency to an annular or spiral arrangement discovered."  He commented the night was bad, though.  NGC 2903 was probably the second galaxy (after M51) in which spiral structure was noted. On 9 Mar 1848 Romney Robinson, director of Armagh Observatory and a regular observer at Birr Castle, commented "Night excellent, a spiral seen in an oblique direction, resolved well, particularly towards the vB centre."  LdR was a bit more conservative in his assessment of spiral structure and didn't include this galaxy in his table of 16 spirals in the 1850 Philosophical Transactions paper, though a published sketch from 5 Mar 1848 shows multiple spiral arms with a knot embedded (NGC 2905).  Dreyer later commented, "the engraving does not agree with the numerous sketches taken later..."

 

William Lassell published three different sketches of NGC 2903 made in 1862 with his 48-inch on Malta. (plate II, Fig. 12).  They all showed a "wavy" or curved body with "hooks" at the ends of the spiral arms.

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NGC 2904 = ESO 434-006 = MCG -05-23-003 = PGC 26981

09 30 17.0 -30 23 05; Ant

V = 12.4;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (2/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 3:2 oval E-W, 0.8'x0.5'.  Contains a brighter core with a very thin outer envelope.  Located 4' W of mag 8.8 SAO 200441 and 15' S of mag 7.7 SAO 177562.  There are several ESO galaxies within 20' which I didn't search for.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2904 = h3170 on 11 Apr 1834 and logged "F; S; vlE; psbM; 15".  Very dilute at the edges."  His position matches ESO 434-006.

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NGC 2905 = NGC 2903

09 32 11.9 +21 31 10; Leo

 

48" (4/18/15): NGC 2905 is the brightest of several luminous patches along the central bar.  This irregular knot is located very near the north-northeast end of the central bar at the point where two spiral arms (extending west) emerge from the arm.

 

24" (2/22/14): just beyond the northeast end of the central bar is a fairly bright, irregular "knot" (NGC 2905) where the northern spiral arm attaches to the bar.  This arm bends sharply to the west (clockwise), but only curves for ~1' and quickly fades.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very large knot or arc at the NNE edge of a spiral arm in NGC 2903.  Easily visible with averted vision.

 

13.1" (12/22/84): very faint knot or arc at NE edge of arm of NGC 2903.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2905 = H I-57 = h604.II on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded (together with NGC 2903) "cB, cL, a small bright spot in the middle; at first sight appears very much elongated, but by careful attention it appears to consist of two; the nf of which less bright than the sp, though nearly of the same size and shape with the former, it has also a brightish spot in the middle but not nearly so brilliant as the other; dist of the center about a minute." 

 

On 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244), John Herschel recorded, "[NGC 2903] is vB; E; gbM; r[esolvable].  Long attentions shows a vF, L, R, neb attached n f."  NGC 2905 is the "neb attached n[orth] f[ollowing]" and refers to a brighter starcloud of large HII region in the northeast spiral arm.  George Stoney's sketch at Birr Castle on 5 Mar 1848 shows multiple spiral arms, along with a distinct embedded knot on the northeast side.  RNGC classified this number as nonexistent (Type 7), although Type 35 = nebulous region in a galaxy, would probably be more appropriate.

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NGC 2906 = UGC 5081 = MCG +02-25-001 = CGCG 063-001 = PGC 27074

09 32 06.3 +08 26 30; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, broadly concentrated halo, brighter along the major axis.  A mag 12 star is 2.9' SW and a mag 11 star 3.6' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2906 = H II-495 = h606 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 497) and logged "F, pL, E, iF."   His position is 1' northwest of UGC 5081 = PGC 27074 and the identification is certain. John Herschel made two observations and recorded "F; not vS; R; glbM." on 25 Dec 1827 (sweep 116).

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NGC 2907 = MCG -03-25-002 = LGG 175-002 = PGC 27048

09 31 36.6 -16 44 07; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 115”

 

25" (3/31/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, slightly elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 2.4'x1.6', strong concentration with a bright, elongated core and an intense nucleus.  A number of stars are nearby including a half-dozen stars to the southwest.  The galaxy is elongated in the direction of two mag 14 stars 2.5' SE.  UGCA 167, located 24' E, appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated SW-NE. Contains a very small bright nucleus and a diffuse outer halo.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.7, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A small group of four mag 11-13 stars lies roughly 4' SW.

 

Brightest in a small group including UGCA 167 24' E.  The following observation was made on 13 Apr 2018 with my 24".

At 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, well defined small bright core increasing to a stellar nucleus.  Several 9-10th magnitude stars are in the field including a mag 9.3 star 7' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2907 = H II-506 = h607 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "pB, S, lE, mb towards the sf side."  On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) John Herschel recorded "F; bM; lE s f; 30" [diameter]."

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NGC 2908 = UGC 5152 = MCG +13-07-034 = CGCG 350-029 = PGC 27831

09 43 31.6 +79 42 05; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/6/02): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low but uneven surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 6' ENE.  Located 35' NNW of a mag 6.1 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2908 = H III-977 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and logged "eF, vS, iF.  I also saw it with 300x."  Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 3' north of UGC 5152.  This was one of 6 galaxies found by Herschel that evening after Caroline discovered that the third list of nebulae submitted to the Royal Society included only 497 nebulae, instead of the intended 500.  A few nights later (30 Sep 1802) he made his last sweep for new nebulae and the last three nebulae were found.  Not observed by JH or LdR.

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NGC 2909

09 36 59.9 +65 56 26; UMa

 

= **?, Gottlieb.  Not found, Thomson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2909 = h605 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and logged "eF; S; psbM; 12" [diameter]." There is nothing near his position and this object was not recorded on any other sweeps to verify the position.  RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 312-021 as NGC 2909 although JH's position is more than 40' west of this galaxy.  A 13" pair of mag 14-15 star is close to JH's position, and the only plausible candidate, though perhaps he made some large error in recording the position.

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NGC 2910 = ESO 166-017 = Cr 209

09 30 29 -52 54 48; Vel

V = 7.2;  Size 5'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): ~50 stars are resolved in an oval or "racetrack" outline oriented NW-SE, perhaps 6'x4', with outliers making the group rounder.  Includes a half-dozen stars brighter than mag 11.  The SE end of the oval has a rich subgroup over unresolved haze.  No concentration, in fact the center of the "racetrack" is nearly devoid of stars!

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): faint, small, roundish, no obvious resolution.  Not difficult to identify just northeast of the "False Cross".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2910 = h3171 on 10 Apr 1834 and recorded "Cluster of loose stars; p rich; stars 11...15m; has rather a vacancy in the middle; fills about 2/3 of field."  On a later sweep (763) he measured an accurate position on a bright star at the southeast side of the cluster.

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NGC 2911 = Arp 232 = UGC 5092 = MCG +02-25-003 = CGCG 063-007 = PGC 27159

09 33 46.1 +10 09 09; Leo

V = 11.5;  Size 4.1'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2914 4.8' SE and UGC 5093 8.1' SSE.  Forms a close pair with PGC 27167 1.3' ENE (misidentified as NGC 2912 in RNGC, PGC and Megastar).  In Lowrey's 48", PGC 27167 appeared faint, small, round, low even surface brightness, 15"-18" diameter.  A mag 16.1 star is 26" E.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): fairly bright, fairly small, round, distinctive small bright nucleus. 

 

8" (4/24/82) : faint, small, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2911 = H II-40 = h608 on 11 Mar 178 (sweep 163) and recorded "A nebula between two pretty considerable stars.  Brightest in the middle, but not cometic.  Faint and perhaps 30" dia, almost R and the extremities of it lose themselves gradually."  He swept the field again on 3 Mar 1786 and discovered nearby NGC 2914.

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NGC 2912

09 33 56.9 +10 11 33; Leo

V = 16.1

 

17.5" (2/20/88): mag 14.3 star situated 3.6' NE of NGC 2911.  Misidentified as a "nova" by Schultz.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 2912 on 3 Apr 1870 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory and recorded "eF; follows h608 [NGC 2911] some seconds about 2' N; but not observable".  I'm not sure of the meaning of his last comment but 1.3' ENE of NGC 2911 is PGC 27167, an extremely faint and small, low surface brightness galaxy, which the RNGC identifies as NGC 2912.

 

But this galaxy is too faint to be included in the CGCG and MCG and is extremely unlikely to have been seen by Schultz with a 9.6" scope.  I missed detecting this galaxy in my 17.5" and it was not found by Bigourdan, though of course it was not difficult in Lowrey's 48".  Instead, Corwin suggests NGC 2912 more likely refers to a mag 14.3 star 3.6' NE of NGC 2911.

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NGC 2913 = UGC 5095 = MCG +02-25-005 = CGCG 063-009 = PGC 27184

09 34 02.7 +09 28 45; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): extremely faint, fairly small, even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2913 on 10 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, pL, iR."  His position matches UGC 5095 = PGC 27184.

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NGC 2914 = Arp 137 = UGC 5096 = MCG +02-25-006 = CGCG 063-010 = PGC 27185

09 34 02.8 +10 06 31; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is off the east edge 36" from the center.  A mag 11 star lies 1.6' NW. Forms a trio with NGC 2911 4.8' NW and UGC 5093 4.8' S.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2914 = H III-513 = h609 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 534) and recorded "eF; vS; stellar; 240 verified it."  His position is 1.4' NW of UGC 5096, a similar offset error as nearby NGC 2911, the previous object is the sweep.  Dreyer logged it while observing with the 72" as "F, S, R, bM, vF star 3/4' following."

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NGC 2915 = ESO 037-003 = AM 0926-762 = PGC 26761

09 26 13.0 -76 37 35; Cha

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 129”

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.0'x0.6'.  Appears slightly brighter at the NW end.  An easy pair of mag 12-13 stars (25" separation) lies 4.5' NW.  Located 8.4' NE of a mag 8 star.

 

NGC 2915 is classified as an unusual Blue Compact Dwarf.  A significant percentage of its mass is within an extended neutral hydrogen halo that extends to nearly 20'x12' and within a massive halo of dark matter.

 

A very faint globular, E3, lies 43' SSW.  At 200x, three faint stars were resolved over a 1' low surface brightness hazy glow with no concentration.  In addition two brighter field stars are situated at the outside edge of the glow.  At 260x, a fourth superimposed star was glimpsed, though these are possibly line of sight stars and perhaps the cluster, itself, was unresolved.  Although situated 43' SSW of NGC 2915 the precise position was pinned down moving 13' W of a mag 7.7 star using a 16" pair of mag 12/14 stars (situated at the midpoint of this line) as a reference.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2915 = h3174 on 31 Mar 1837 and logged "pF; pL; R; gbM; 45"."  His position matches ESO 037-003 = PGC 26761.

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NGC 2916 = UGC 5103 = MCG +04-23-011 = CGCG 122-021 = PGC 27244

09 34 57.7 +21 42 19; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' SSW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2916 = H II-260 = h610 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "F, pS, lE."  George Stoney, using the 72" on 9 Mar 1850, logged "D Nucl or D * in it, light unequal, another * susp. preceding the brighter of the D one."  His description matches a (single) star superimposed just north of the nucleus.

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NGC 2917 = UGC 5098 = MCG +00-25-002 = CGCG 007-003 = PGC 27207

09 34 26.9 -02 30 16; Hya

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 169”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core.  A mag 10 star (SAO 136961) is 2' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2917 = m 170 on 6 Feb 1864 and logged "pF, S, mbM."  His position matches UGC 5098 = PGC 27207.

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NGC 2918 = UGC 5112 = MCG +05-23-019 = CGCG 152-032 = PGC 27282

09 35 44.1 +31 42 20; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.8', bright core has a slight even concentration down to an occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located at midpoint of two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' S and 2.5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2918 = H III-298 = h611 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "vF, vS, iR, lbM."  John Herschel recorded on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56), "F; R; vsbM almost to a *."

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NGC 2919 = UGC 5102 = MCG +02-25-007 = CGCG 152-032 = PGC 27232

09 34 47.5 +10 17 01; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, halo gradually brightens.  Flanked by two mag 13.5 stars 2.0' E and 2.0' N of center.  Two mag 9.5 stars are about 5' SE.  NGC 2911 lies 18' WSW.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE.  Located 17' ENE of NGC 2911.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2919 = T I-24 on 1 Feb 1877 and a micrometric position, matching UGC 5102 = PGC 27232, was given in list V-4.  The NGC position is 21 sec of RA too far east.

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NGC 2920 = ESO 565-015 = PGC 27197

09 34 12.1 -20 51 33; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 129”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): faint, small, slightly elongated, 30"x25" (NW-SE?).  A mag 15 star is just off the following end about 20" from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 2921 5.8' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2920 = h3172 on 1 Feb 1837 and logged "eF; S; R: the preceding of two [with NGC 2921]."  His position is ~1' E of ESO 565-015.

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NGC 2921 = ESO 565-017 = MCG -03-25-006 = PGC 27214

09 34 31.3 -20 55 13; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.8', broad concentration to a 15" core.  A mag 14 star is just off the NW side [53" from the center].  Forms a pair with NGC 2920 5.8' NW.  Located 33' NW of NGC 2935.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2921 = H III-597 = h3173 on 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 663) and logged "vF, S, R, vglbM.  His position is within 1' of ESO 565-017 = PGC 27214.  JH made two observations and on sweep 770 discovered NGC 2920.

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NGC 2922 = UGC 5118 = MCG +06-21-057 = CGCG 181-066 = PGC 27361

09 36 52.4 +37 41 41; LMi

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', appears brighter on the western half.  A string of mag 11.5-13.5 stars runs E-W through the 20' field including a mag 13.5 star 39" SW of center.  The western end of this unusual string begins at a mag 11.5 star which is 2.7' W of NGC 2922 and ends at an 11th magnitude star which is 18' E of NGC 2922.  IC 2493 lies 21' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2922 = St XIII-48 on 18 Mar 1884.  His position matches UGC 5118 = PGC 27361.

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NGC 2923 = CGCG 092-008 = PGC 27306

09 36 03.8 +16 45 37; Leo

V = 15.3;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

24" (3/21/20): at 260x, very faint, very small, round, 24" diameter, low even surface brightness.  The CGCG blue photographic mag of 15.2 is too bright -- this galaxy is quite faint.

 

17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Required averted to glimpse intermittently once exact position identified.  Located at the western edge of a faint group of galaxies (brightest member NGC 2943).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2923 = m 171 on 1 Apr 1864 and simply noted "vF".  His position is 2' N of CGCG 092-008 = PGC 27306, so this identification is pretty secure.

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NGC 2924 = MCG -03-25-008 = VV 808 = PGC 27253

09 35 10.8 -16 23 54; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 150”

 

24" (2/13/18): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, consists of mainly a large bright core and only a small halo.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE and a mag 15 star is at the SW edge, ~20" from center.  Mag 9.7 HD 83049 lies 6.6' SE and mag 7.8 HD 82927 is 8' W.  Forms a pair with IC 546 5' WNW.  The companion was fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20" diameter, with a mag 13.7 star attached on the north side.  Just 3' W of IC 546 is mag 7.8 HD 82927, a wide unequal pair.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  A faint mag 14 star (similar in brightness to the nucleus) is off the SE edge, 1.0' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2924 = h3175 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "pB; R; 20"."  His position matches MCG -03-25-008 = PGC 27253.

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NGC 2925 = ESO 166-022 = Cr 210

09 33 11 -53 23 48; Vel

V = 8.3;  Size 12'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): scattered cluster with 60+ stars mag 8.5 and fainter in a 10' region.  The brightest stars roughly define the outline, including mag 8.5 HD 82812 at the west end.  On the south side is HJ 4221, a 9.4/9.9 pair at 15" and three mag 9-10 stars are on the east side.  Mag 7.7 HD 82737 lies 13' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2925 = h3177 on 5 Jan 1837 and recorded "a pretty rich cluster, 8th class; a double star (one of the chief) taken."  His position is at the southeast edge of the cluster and the double is HJ 4221.

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NGC 2926 = UGC 5125 = MCG +06-21-060 = CGCG 181-071 = PGC 27400

09 37 31.0 +32 50 30; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, unconcentrated.  A mag 14.7 star is 1.5' SW.  Located 4.3' S of mag 9.2 SAO 61602.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 2926 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory.  His micrometric position in AN 2782 matches UGC 5125.  The same night he discovered NGC 2944 and Oppenheim found NGC 2981.

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NGC 2927 = UGC 5122 = MCG +04-23-016 = CGCG 122-032 = PGC 27385

09 37 15.2 +23 35 26; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', even concentration in halo down to a very small brighter core, halo fades into background.  Located 14' WNW of mag 8.0 SAO 80939.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2927, along with NGC 2929, 2930 and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863 and roughly recorded "F, pL, R, 25"-35"."  His position (measured on 4 nights) matches UGC 5122.

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NGC 2928 = MCG +03-25-005 = CGCG 092-011 = PGC 27380

09 37 10.1 +16 58 38; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  PA = 40”

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.  Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.4 star.  On a line with NGC 2933 11' ENE and NGC 2943 (brightest in the group) 20' ENE.

 

17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.5', low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.4 star.  First in the NGC 2943 group which extends about 40' to the east.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2928 = m 172 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, S, R, bM."  His position is 1'  NW of CGCG 092-011 = PGC 27380.  This is the 2nd of 7 galaxies discovered that night in the NGC 2943 group.

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NGC 2929 = UGC 5126 = MCG +04-23-017 = CGCG 122-034 = Holm 134b = WBL 227-001 = PGC 27398

09 37 29.9 +23 09 39; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 144”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; first in a nice string of an equally spaced and collinear triplet.  fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.3', slightly brighter bulging core.  Located 11' NE of mag 7.1 HD 83145 and 20' ESE of mag 7.5 HD 83004.  Brightest in a group (WBL 227) which includes NGC 2927, 2930, 2931, PGC 27435 and PGC 27434.

 

PGC 27435, located 5.6' E of NGC 2929, was extremely faint (V = 15.6), fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~25"x12".  It was often visible at 225x (10mm ZAO) and 375x (6mm ZAO), but I couldn't hold steadily for a significant length of time.

 

PGC 27434, located 7' ESE of NGC 2929, was marginally glimpsed 1.2' ESE of PGC 27435.  I probably only noticed the slightly brighter central region (~10") but too ephemeral (V = 16.1) to notice a shape.  It only popped a few definite times but was verified in the same position.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): first and largest of a close trio in a line.  Faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' NW.  Located 10' NE of mag 7.1 SAO 80931 at the edge of the field.  NGC 2930 lies 2.8' NNE and similar brightness to NGC 2931 5' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2929, along with NGC 2930 and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches UGC 5126 = PGC 27398.

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NGC 2930 = MCG +04-23-018 = CGCG 122-035 = Holm 134a = WAS 1 = WBL 229-002 = PGC 27404

09 37 32.7 +23 12 12; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Faintest in a triplet at the midpoint of NGC 2929 2.6' SSW and NGC  2931 2.5' NNE.  NGC 2930 is a blue emission-line galaxy (WAS 1) and the site of a recent supernova (SN 2005M)

 

17.5" (4/15/93): second and faintest of three.  Very faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW.  In a tight trio with NGC 2929 2.8' SSW and NGC 2931 2.5' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2930, along with NGC 2929 and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches CGCG 122-035 = PGC 27404.

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NGC 2931 = MCG +04-23-019 = CGCG 122-036 = Holm 134c = WBL 227-003 = PGC 27415

09 37 37.7 +23 14 26; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  PA = 69”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 40"x30".  Third in a collinear trio with slightly fainter NGC 2930 2.5' SSW.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): third of three with NGC 2930 2.5' SSW and NGC 2929 5' SSW.  Faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.6' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2931, along with NGC 2929 and 2930 on 21 Feb 1863.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches CGCG 122-036 = PGC 27415.  He noted a mag 14-15 star (mag 12 in my observation) follows by 11 seconds of time.

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NGC 2932 = ESO 261-010 = [KPS2012] MWSC 1694

09 35 54 -46 55; Vel

Size 60'

 

18" (10/17/17 - OzSky):  This observation, made at 2:30 AM with the object at an elevation of ~20”, completed the entire NGC!  At 91x it took a few minutes to identify the field with certainty as the general region is fairly uniformly rich and no detached Milky Way patches stood out. Using a printed finder chart, I identified a few distinct asterism within this Milky Way star field.  John Herschel referred to a very large field, 1 to 1.5 degrees, but my eye caught a brighter, more condensed region centered about 09 35 15 -46 52 that was noticeably elongated SW-NE and extended ~15'x6'.  At the southwest end was mag 8.6 HD 83152 and at the northeast was mag 9.4 HD 83265.  This group is identified in SIMBAD as [KPS2012] MWSC 1694.

 

To the east of this grouping is a much smaller 6' string oriented WSW-ENE (centered about 09 36.4  -46 58) with a mag 9.9 star at the WSW tip.  Close  east is mag 8.6 HD 83444 and a curling stream of stars is to its south.  Finally, just to the southwest of this field is mag 7.7 HD 82729 as well as a distinctive 2' group of 4 stars including mag 9.2 HD 82851.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2932 = h3179 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "This is about the middle of an enormous cluster of 1 deg or 1.5 deg, very rich in stars of all magnitudes, from 8m downwards, which merits registry as a sort of telescope Praesape.  It may be regarded as a detached portion of the milky way."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2933 = UGC 5132 = MCG +03-25-008 = CGCG 092-015 = VV 808 = WBL 229-001 = PGC 27436

09 37 55.0 +17 00 52; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  PA = 30”

 

24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8", even surface brightness.  Situated 1.6' NNE of a mag 10 star and 9' W of NGC 2943, the brightest member of the group (WBL 229).  NGC 2934 (faintest member) lies 2.4' N.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, small, round, very diffuse.  A mag 11 star is 1.5' SSW.  Located 11' N of mag 7.9 SAO 98681.  Forms a pair with NGC 2943 9' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2933 = m 173 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, vS, lE, sp of 2 [with NGC 2943]."  His position is 1'  N of UGC 5132 = PGC 27436.  This is the 3rd of 7 galaxies discovered that night in the NGC 2943 group.  A very faint edge-on is at the NE tip and RNGC, UGC, MCG and PGC identify the system as NGC 2933/2934, but NGC 2934 is more likely a separate galaxy 2.4' N.  See that listing.

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NGC 2934 = PGC 1523531

09 37 55.2 +17 03 16; Leo

V = 15.8;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared extremely to very faint, extremely small, round, just 6" diameter.  It took some effort to initially identify and is comparable to a mag 15.9 star just 0.8' E.  Situated 2.4' N of NGC 2933.  This is the faintest of 7 NGC galaxies in the NGC 2943 group (WBL 229).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2934 = m 174 on 2 Apr 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and only noted "eF".  Dreyer added "nf of 2 [with m173 = NGC 2933], but NGC 2933 was discovered a year earlier.  His position is 3 tsec of RA east and 2' N of NGC 2933.  An extremely faint edge-on is at the NE tip of NGC 2933 and UGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2934.  Assuming Marth went back to verify the group in 1865 and picked a nebula near NGC 2933, the most likely candidate is PGC 1523531, situated 2.4' due north of NGC 2933.  Karl Reinmuth misidentifies NGC 2934 with a faint star 0.8' east: "neb*14, vS, R; eeeF neb or * p 0.8' [this refers to NGC 2934], *12.5 nnf 1.2', 2 cF S neb np 7.2' and nnp 3.8'."  This was the last nebula that Marth discovered on Malta and one of the faintest!

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NGC 2935 = ESO 565-023 = UGCA 169 = MCG -03-25-011 = PGC 27351

09 36 44.8 -21 07 41; Hya

V = 11.4;  Size 3.6'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, high surface brightness.  A couple of mag 14 stars are superimposed and a mag 12.5 star is just off the SE end 2.1' from center.  Appears brighter at the SW end.  NGC 2921 lies 33' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2935 = H II-556 = h3178 on 20 Mar 1786 (sweep 542) and logged "pB; cL; iR; vgbM."  On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 663) he noted "pB; vS; R; mbM."  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 561: "pB; vS; gmbM; lE; 25" l, 20" br."

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NGC 2936 = Arp 142 NED2 = VV 316a = Holm 135a = UGC 5130 = MCG +01-25-006 = CGCG 035-015n = PGC 27422

09 37 44.2 +02 45 39; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

48" (2/20/12): bright disrupted galaxy with a highly irregular surface brightness and a curving shape with a faint tail. At 375x and 488x, the central region is extended E-W, roughly 30"x20", with a very small bright nucleus.  A low surface brightness "tail" is attached on the west side of the bright central region. The relatively broad tail sweeps south-southwest for ~45", gradually dimming out due west of the center of NGC 2937.  The tail significantly increases the overall dimensions of the galaxy to at least 1.2'x0.6'.

 

Forms a close pair with NGC 2937 to the south with the cores of the galaxies separated by less than 1'.  A mag 13 star is 1' NW and just beyond is LEDA 1237172, a very low surface brightness streak extending ~18"x5" NW-SE.  Arp describes LEDA 1237172 as a "shred" or "jet" of NGC 2936.

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6'.  A mag 13/14 double star at 18" separation is 1' NNW and two mag 13.5/14 stars at 36" separation are 2' NNE.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 2937 0.8' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2936 = m 175 on 3 Mar 1864, along with NGC 2927, and simply noted "vF, iR."  His position is 1' S of UGC 5130. The dimensions of NGC 2936 and 2937 appear reversed in the RC3 and MCG.

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NGC 2937 = Arp 142 NED3 = Arp 142:C1 = VV 316b = Holm 135b = UGC 5131 = MCG +01-25-007 = CGCG 035-015s = PGC 27423

09 37 45.0 +02 44 50; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  PA = 15”

 

48" (2/20/12): bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', high surface brightness, very small intense nucleus.  Forms a close pair with highly disrupted NGC 2936 with the cores of the galaxies separated by less than 1'.

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, very small, round.  Appears as a fairly high surface brightness "knot" located just off the south edge of NGC 2936.  No outer halo visible.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2937 = m 176 on 3 Mar 1864, along with NGC 2926, and noted "F, S, like a neb*."  His position matches UGC 5131. The dimensions of NGC 2936 and 2937 appear reversed in the RC3 and MCG.

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NGC 2938 = UGC 5115 = MCG +13-07-032 = CGCG 350-027 = PGC 27473

09 38 24.0 +76 19 10; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2938 = H III-963 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "eF, S, iF."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5115 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.

 

By examining the original sweep records, Wolfgang Steinicke found that the irregular errors were a result of the northern sweep not being aligned with the meridian (off in azimuth by 7”).  The reduced positions found by Caroline Herschel, were made of course, assuming a meridian sweep.  Once corrected the identifications of these 15 galaxies is revealed.

 

John Herschel observed what he assumed was his father's III-963, and recorded h612 as "eF; has a coarse double star 3' following."  His position and description is very close to a mag 15 star.  He used his father's description and added "D * f 3'." in the GC description.  The MN article equates h612 with a faint star preceding the double star.  So, NGC 2938 (= UGC 5115) is only equated with H. III-963, and not h612.

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NGC 2939 = UGC 5134 = MCG +02-25-011 = CGCG 063-022 = WBL 228-001 = PGC 27451

09 38 08.1 +09 31 23; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 154”

 

24" (2/8/18): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~1.4'x0.4'. Contains a brighter core with a mag ~14 star attached at its southeast edge!  The extensions fade out at the tips.  In a trio with NGC 2940 5.6' N and IC 548 5.5' SE. NGC 2939 is part of the NGC 2911 group (LGG 177 at z = .01), which includes NGC 2913 and 2914.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2940 5.6' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2939 = H III-4 = h614 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 82) and recorded (full text) "A nebula.  About 2/3 degree prec. & about 10' foll of 14 Leonis, a very faint nebula or cl of suspected stars.  A triangle is situated just north of it, but the nebula is so faint that is best to be seen when the stars are drawn out of the field.  These 3 or 4 stars are visible in the finder in the shape of a small nebula."  His position (from sweep 534 on 3 Mar 1786) is 3' northwest of UGC 5134 = PGC 27451.

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NGC 2940 = MCG +02-25-012 = CGCG 063-023 = WBL 228-002 = PGC 27448

09 38 05.2 +09 37 00; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 91”

 

24" (2/8/18): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20", low nearly even surface brightness with a very small brighter nucleus.  First of three with NGC 2939 5.5' S and IC 548 11' SSE.  A mag 10.5 star is 4.5' E and a mag 9.0 star (SAO 117823) is 7.5' E, with the two stars nearly collinear with this galaxy, along with a mag 9.7 star 6' NE.  The three galaxies have disparate redshifts, so lie at different distances.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 2939 5' S.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2940 = T 1-25  in 1877 with the 11" refractor at Arcetri and placed 5' N of NGC 2939 (the actual separation is 5.6').  He mentioned that d'Arrest missed this object.

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NGC 2941 = MCG +03-25-009 = CGCG 092-017 = Holm 136b = WBL 229-002 = PGC 27470

09 38 24.2 +17 02 40; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 167”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", low even surface brightness.  Located 2.3' WNW of NGC 2943 in a group.

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, elongated ~2:1 N-S, 20"x12", a mag 15 star is 1' NW.  NGC 2943 (brightest in the group WBL 229) is 2.2' ESE.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' NW.  Located 2.2' WNW of NGC 2943 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2941 = m 177 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "eF, vS, lE."  Dreyer added "p of 2 [with NGC 2943]" in the NGC description.  His position is close north of CGCG 092-017 = PGC 27470.  This is the 3rd of 6 members of the NGC 2943 group he discovered that night.

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NGC 2942 = UGC 5140 = MCG +06-21-065 = CGCG 181-076 = PGC 27527

09 39 08.0 +34 00 23; LMi

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, round, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, very weakly concentrated, halo reaches 2/3 of the way to a mag 14 star just 1.4' W of center.  A mag 11.5 star is 3.0' ESE and a mag 12 star lies 4.6' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2942 = h613 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128) and logged "vF; vL; lE parallel to meridian; vgbM; has a * 10m following."  His position and description matches UGC 5140.

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NGC 2943 = UGC 5136 = MCG +03-25-011 = CGCG 092-019 = Holm 136a = WBL 229-003 = PGC 27482

09 38 32.9 +17 01 52; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 5:3 NW-SE, ~40"x24", well concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 15.5 star is 40" SW of center and a mag 15.2 star is 50" SE.  A 10" pair of mag 13.5 stars is 3' NE. NGC 2943 is brightest in a group (WBL 229) including nearby NGC 2941 2.3' WNW and NGC 2946 6.8' E.  LEDA 1523095 1.4' WNW of NGC 2943 (squeezed between NGC 2943 and 2941) appeared extremely faint (V = 15.9) and small, round, 8" diameter.  LEDA 3744883, 1.5' E of NGC 2943, appeared extremely faint, very small, 12" diameter.

 

24" (2/22/14): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~40"x27", very weak concentration in then halo the increases suddenly to a small bright core.  A mag 15 star is 0.9' SE of center and a mag 15.5 star is 0.7' SW of center. Brightest in a group (WBL 229) with NGC 2941 2.2' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): brightest in a group with NGC 2941 2.2' WNW and a faint companion (MCG +03-25-012) 2.7' NE.  Faint, small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is 1' SSE.  The group extends one degree E-W and includes NGC 2923, NGC 2928, NGC 2933, NGC 2934 (not seen), NGC 2941, NGC 2943, NGC 2946 and NGC 2949.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2943 = m 178 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, S ,iR, bM."  Dreyer added "f of 2 [with NGC 2941]" in the NGC description.  His position is accurate.  This is the 4th of 6 galaxies discovered in the cluster on this night (NGC 2944 was picked up a year later).

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NGC 2944 = Arp 63 = VV 82a = UGC 5144 = MCG +06-21-067 = CGCG 181-078 = PGC 27533

09 39 18.0 +32 18 38; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 95”

 

48" (4/18/15): At 697x, this double (or possibly triple) system appeared moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~36"x12", weak concentration.  A small roundish knot (SDSS J093916.79+321837.7 ) attached at the west end has a moderately high surface brightness and a diameter of 8"-10".  On the SDSS this "knot" appears to be the core of a merged interacting companion!  VV 82b is another interacting companion, just 27" SE of center.  It appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  It was only visible with averted for short periods.  PGC lists a photographic mag of 18.6.

 

The double system Arp 129 = VV 83 = UGC 5146 is 3.5' NNE.  At 697x; the eastern component appeared moderately to fairly bright, small, round, high surface brightness, ~20" diameter.  A mag 12 star, superimposed on the western component VV 83a = MCG +06-21-071 is just 30" WSW.  The western component of Arp 129 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, nearly even surface brightness?  Although easily visible, the view is significantly impaired by the 12th magnitude star and the galaxy was only visible on the east side of the star.

 

18" (4/14/12): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18", slightly brighter core.  Arp 63 is a merged double system with a third very faint companion 30" SE, which was not seen.

 

The double system Arp 129 lies just 3.8' NE.  The eastern component (MCG +06-21-072) appeared faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  There is a relatively bright star superimposed on the western component (MCG +06-21-072), making confirmation difficult.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, slightly brighter core but overall low surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 13 stars 3.4' and 4.4' NE.  This double system was not resolved under noticeably hazy sky conditions and soft seeing.  UGC 5146 = Arp 129, another double system, lies 3.7' NE.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 2944 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory.  His micrometric position in AN 2782 matches UGC 5144.  This is a disrupted double or triple system in contact.  The listed dimensions (from UGC) are for the combined system.  The same night Palisa also discovered NGC 2926 and Samuel Oppenheim discovered NGC 2981.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

 

NGC 2944 is in the Arp category of Spiral Galaxies with small, high surface-brightness companions on arms.  Vorontsov-Velyaminov also considered this a pair of galaxies, although VV 82a appears to be double itself.

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NGC 2945 = ESO 565-028 = MCG -04-23-010 = PGC 27418

09 37 41.1 -22 02 06; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration with no nucleus.  A mag 14 star follows 1.1' E of center and a mag 15 star is off the west end 0.8' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2945 = h3180 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "F, S; R; glbM; 2 or 3 small stars near."  His position and description (two observations) matches ESO 565-028 = PGC 27418.

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NGC 2946 = UGC 5143 = MCG +03-25-013 = CGCG 092-020 = WBL 229-004 = PGC 27521

09 39 01.6 +17 01 31; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 13”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2' SSE. Located 6.8' E of NGC 2943 in a group.

 

24" (2/22/14): at 375x; appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 25"x10", weak concentration.  Located 6.9' due east of NGC 2943 (brightest in the group WBL 229-004).

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, elongated N-S.  Located 6.7' E of NGC 2943 in a group.  On a line with three mag 14 stars just SE oriented NNW-SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2946 = m 179 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, S, E."  His position matches UGC 5143 = PGC 27521.  This is the 5th of 6 galaxies discovered that night in the NGC 2943 group.

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NGC 2947 = IC 547 = IC 2494 = MCG -02-25-004 = PGC 27309

09 36 05.8 -12 26 13; Hya

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, round, 1.2' diameter, almost even surface brightness, well-defined outer edge to halo.  Two mag 11 stars are off the SE edge 1.6' and 2.1' from the center.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2947 = LM 1-156 on 6 May 1886 and reported "mag 15.0, 1.1' dia, iR, gbM."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 2.2 minutes o RA west is MCG -02-25-004 = PGC 27309.  Since this galaxy matches in declination, and the LM positions are generally 1-2 minutes of RA too large, this identification is very likely.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered NGC 2947 on 20 Apr 1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice and measured an accurate micrometric position.  Dreyer assumed J. 1-165 was new so it was recatalogued it as IC 547.   Finally, NGC 2947 was independently found by Lewis Swift on 20 Feb 1898, listed as XI-95, and catalogued a third time as IC 2494.  Swift's position was 10 seconds of RA too far west and 3' too far north.  Howe measured an accurate position that was adopted in the IC.  So, NGC 2947 = IC 547 = IC 2494.  MCG labels the galaxy as IC 547, as the position is accurate.

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NGC 2948 = UGC 5141 = MCG +01-25-007 = CGCG 035-020 = PGC 27518

09 38 59.2 +06 57 19; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.7', weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the east edge of the south extension 0.9' from center.  Located between a mag 9.5 star 4.0' SW and wide pair of mag 11/13 stars 3' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2948 = H III-519 = h615 on 24 Mar 1786 (sweep 543) and logged "vF, pL, vgvlbM; between two groups of stars in a directions from np to sf."  His position matches UGC 5141.

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NGC 2949 = CGCG 092-025 = PGC 27579

09 39 56.3 +16 47 09; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.8'x0.45'

 

24" (2/15/18): this double system was resolved at 375x.  The brighter western galaxy (LEDA 1516936) appeared faint, very small, roundish, 20" diameter.  The fainter eastern component (NPM1G +17.0270) was very faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter.  The two galaxies are separated by 32" WSW-ENE.

 

CGCG 92-24, 8' N, appeared very faint, small, round, 20", low surface brightness.  I probably only picked up the slightly brighter central region of this low surface brightness galaxy. CGCG 92-24 = PGC 27573 is misidentified as NGC 2949 in MCG and PGC, as well as secondary sources such as the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas/Catalog and Megastar.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, very low surface brightness, visible with averted only.  Located at the east end of the NGC 2943 group.  This observation refers to the brighter western component.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2949 = m 180 on 1 Apr 1864 and recorded "vF, query: double?"  His position maches the double system CGCG 092-025 = PGC 27579, so both components would have received an NGC designation if he was confident.  MCG and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentify CGCG 092-024 = PGC 27573 as NGC 2949.  This galaxy is 8' N of NGC 2949.  The identification is correct in CGCG and RNGC.

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NGC 2950 = UGC 5176 = MCG +10-14-032 = CGCG 289-016 = PGC 27765

09 42 35.1 +58 51 04; UMa

V = 10.9;  Size 2.7'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): bright, very small, almost round, sharp concentration with a very small and very bright core surrounded by a small faint halo.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' WSW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2950 = H IV-68 = h616 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and recorded "vB, S, exactly R, BMN, vF cheveulure very gradually joining to the north.  Possibly in a lower situation the chevelure might be invisible, and this nebula put on the appearance of a a very ill defined planetary, one of 6-8 or 10" diam."  On 8 Mar 1832 (sweep 404) John Herschel logged, "pB; R; smbM; almost to a star.  Has a * 11m 20s p and 15" or 20" N."

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NGC 2951 = MCG +00-25-006 = CGCG 007-017 = PGC 27562

09 39 40.4 -00 14 07; Hya

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (2/13/88): very faint, very small, round.  Located 2' S of the line joining two mag 9.5 stars 3.1' NE (SAO 117834) and 4.6' NW.  This double system was not resolved.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2951 = m 181 on 6 Feb 1864 and recorded "pF, S, E."  His position matches CGCG 007-017 = PGC 27562. This is a merged double system (the dimensions refer to the combined system) oriented east-west.

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NGC 2952 = PGC 27411

09 37 37.0 -10 11 00; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 9”

 

18" (4/14/12): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Just visible continuously with averted at 283x.  Located 40' NW of mag 6.3 HD 83650.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2952 = LM 2-414 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.6' dia, iR, sbM, *9.5 f 30s."  There is nothing at his position but 2.0 tmin west and 3' south is PGC 27411. A mag 11 star follows by 30 sec of RA so despite the poor position, this identification is very likely.  RNGC classified NGC 2952 as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2953

09 40 27.7 +14 50 37; Leo

 

= *? Corwin, Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2953 = h3182 on 18 Mar 1836 (along with NGC 2954 = h3181) and noted as a "suspected nebula".  A note was added "These suspicions have been so constantly verified on re-observations, that I have little hesitation in registering it as an object in the catalogue."  Only a rough position was given, but the offset is 6' south of NGC 2954, which was measured on the same sweep and whose position is pretty accurate. There are nothing non-stellar near his position, but within 1' of this offset is a mag 14.5 star (isolated, so there are no other good candidates) and Harold Corwin suggests this is probably the "suspected nebula."  RNGC classifies the number nonexistent.

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NGC 2954 = UGC 5155 = MCG +03-25-019 = CGCG 092-026 = PGC 27600

09 40 24.1 +14 55 22; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core, fairly high surface brightness.  Located on a line with two mag 12 stars 1.8' NNW and 2.5' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2954 = h3181 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "vF; R; 20".  Another suspected [NGC 2953] 6' south, nearly on the same parallel.  His position is at the north edge of UGC 5155.  There is nothing near his position for NGC 2953, and it likely refers to a faint star.

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NGC 2955 = UGC 5166 = MCG +06-21-073 = CGCG 181-082 = PGC 27666

09 41 16.6 +35 52 56; LMi

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, elongated 5:3 NNW-SSE, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  The core contains a slightly brighter nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 15 star is at the west edge 32" from the center. Located 2.2' N of a mag 12 star.  There is a faint "star" 2' N which seemed slightly nebulous in appearance, but the DSS reveals this to be a close pair of mag 15 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2955 = H III-541 = h620 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "cF; S; iF; resolvable." CH's reduced position is 2' north of UGC 5166.  John Herschel described it on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) as "F; pL' R' vglbM; 30"; has a *18 mag 30" p."   The star is just where he placed it, though close to 15th-magnitude.

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NGC 2956 = ESO 565-034 = PGC 27531

09 39 17.0 -19 06 04; Hya

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 55”

 

18" (2/23/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides of length 3' with a mag 10 star to the ENE and a mag 11 star to the SE.  I couldn't hold this galaxy steadily using averted vision.  The DSS reveals faint extensions to the SW and NE that were not visible.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 2956 = LM 2-415 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.4' dia, R, *9.5 at 3.8' in PA 130” [SE]."  His position is 3.8' south of ESO 565-034 = PGC 27531 and the description of the nearby star matches.

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NGC 2957 = MCG +12-10-002 = CGCG 332-064 = CGCG 333-002 = Mrk 121 = PGC 28119

09 47 18.2 +72 59 02; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.4'

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is 25" off the SW edge and 40" from the center.  This is a double system with a very compact companion (not seen) just off the NW edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 2963 2.8' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2957 = h617 on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382) and recorded "eF; has a *13m near."  There is nothing at his position but exactly 1 min of RA east is CGCG 332-064 (a double system) and a mag 13 star is off the SW edge, matching the description.  Also, his position of nearby NGC 2963 (discovered by his father) carries the same offset.

 

Looking over the RNGC data, it is clear the entry for NGC 2957 is simply a duplicate of NGC 2963.  This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #4.

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NGC 2958 = UGC 5160 = MCG +02-25-015 = CGCG 063-033 = PGC 27620

09 40 41.7 +11 53 18; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  Broad and weak concentration with a fairly low surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star lies 4' WSW.  "Frosty Leo" nebula lies 13' NW.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, 40" diameter, round, very weak concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 4.3' WSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2958 = St IX-20 on 7 Mar 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 5160 = PGC 27620.

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NGC 2959 = UGC 5202 = MCG +12-09-062 = CGCG 332-061 = PGC 27939

09 45 08.9 +68 35 41; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, halo brightens to a small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' W of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2961 1.5' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2959 = h618 on 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377) and logged, "F; R; pL; vglbM; 40"; is south of a small group of stars."  His position matches UGC 5202 = PGC 27939.

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NGC 2960 = UGC 5159 = MCG +01-25-009 = CGCG 035-026 = Mrk 1419 = PGC 27619

09 40 36.4 +03 34 37; Hya

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.7' WNW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2960 = h621 on 4 Mar 1826 (sweep 18) and logged "vF; R; gbM."  His position is 6 sec of RA east and 1.4' north of UGC 5159 = PGC 27619.

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NGC 2961 = NGC 2959A = MCG +12-09-063 = CGCG 332-063 = PGC 27958

09 45 22.4 +68 36 30; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 136”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): extremely faint, very small, round, brighter core, averted only.  Forms a close pair with NGC 2959 1.5' WSW.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2961 on 26 Dec 1873 during the observation of GC 1893 = NGC 2959.  He noted it as "cF, S, lE 152.6”, gbM.  Several stars near."  His micrometric offset is 77.3" in PA 57.4” from NGC 2959.  This is a good match with CGCG 332-063 although CGCG does not label this entry as NGC 2961.

 

Philip Keenan rediscovered this galaxy on a Yerkes Observatory plate by 1935 and called it NGC 2959A.  It was included in a list of new nebulae in the 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62).  All objects were assigned NGC + letter designations based on the nearest NGC object on the plate. He described it as "0.8'x0.25' in PA 144”; Sb."

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NGC 2962 = UGC 5167 = MCG +01-25-011 = CGCG 035-028 = PGC 27635

09 40 53.9 +05 09 57; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, small bright core.  Collinear with a mag 11.5/14 double star at 24" separation just 1.5' NNE.  A line of three mag 11/12 stars of 1.0' length lies 5' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 2962 = m 182 on 10 Dec 1864 and noted "F, vS, vlE, psbM."  His position matches UGC 05167.  Hosted SN 1995D discovered on 10 Feb 1995, 11 sec of RA east and 90" south of the nucleus.

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NGC 2963 = UGC 5222 = MCG +12-10-003 = CGCG 332-065 = CGCG 333-003 = Mrk 122 = PGC 28155

09 47 50.4 +72 57 52; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions.  A wide double star mag 11/13 is 1.8' S of center (30" separation in PA 45”).  Forms a pair with NGC 2957 3' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2963 = H III-315 = h619 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "eF, vS, 240x confirmed it."  Caroline's reduced position is 2.4' northwest of UGC 5222.  Herschel missed nearby NGC 2957, which was later discovered by his son.

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NGC 2964 = UGC 5183 = MCG +05-23-027 = CGCG 152-056 = Mrk 404 = KTG 25A = WBL 235-001 = PGC 27777

09 42 54.2 +31 50 50; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 2.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 97”

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 E-W, 1.8'x1.1'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus.  Slightly brighter through the major axis like a bar.  Outside the nucleus the surface brightness is irregular, with a slight dip in brightness just north and south of the nucleus [dust or dust lanes].  A brighter arm extends E-W along the south side of the halo and a weak arm runs parallel along the north side.  Brightest in a linear trio (KTG 25, a physical group) with NGC 2968 6' NE and NGC 2970 11' NE.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 E-W, brighter core.  Brightest in a group with NGC 2968 5.8' NE and NGC 2970 11' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2964 = H I-114 = h622, along with NGC 2968, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487). He recorded, "cB, cL, iF, mbM." John Herschel made 4 observations, logging on 5 Mar 1828 (sweep 127), "B; vL; vglbM; E; 2.5' by 1.5'."

 

Fourteen observations were made at Birr Castle and interesting structure was noted.  On 1 Feb 1856, R.J. Mitchell described "h622 [NGC 2968] has nucleus and is mE, its light is very unequal, and I suspect one dark lane running throughout its length south of nucleus; * in preceding edge?"  The dark lane probably refers to a dip in brightness between the nucleus and the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 2965 = UGC 5191 = MCG +06-22-003 = CGCG 181-086 = CGCG 182-004 = PGC 27813

09 43 19.1 +36 14 52; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.8', gradually increases to a brighter and nucleus with direct vision.  Located 3.5' NNE of a mag 11.5 star.  Brightest in a group including CGCG 181-084 5.5' WSW and NGC 2971 6.8' SE (see descriptions), although fainter companions off the south side were not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2965 = H III-751 = h623 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 902) and logged "eF, S, doubtful, not having been out long enough."  On a second sweep in Feb 1789 he recorded "eF, vS, 300x confirmed it."  John Herschel gave an unusual description from 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331): "vF, R, bM, filamentous (i.e. as if filaments hung round it; an effect probably of diverging lines of small stars, as in M13...)."  There are some faint companions on the south side which he may have glimpsed.  Both WH and JH missed nearby NGC 2971, which was discovered by Stephan with the 31" at Marseilles.

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NGC 2966 = UGC 5181 = MCG +01-25-013 = CGCG 035-033 = Mrk 708 = PGC 27734

09 42 11.5 +04 40 23; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" 1/31/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, unusual appearance.  A mag 13 star is attached at the NW end 30" from center and a faint star is west of the core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2966 = St XIII-49 on 16 Mar 1884 and recorded "vF* in vF, lE neby east-west, F* precedes 2 sec of RA"  His position and description matches UGC 5181.

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NGC 2967 = UGC 5180 = MCG +00-25-007 = CGCG 007-020 = PGC 27723

09 42 03.3 +00 20 11; Sex

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, very gradual central brightening.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2967 = H II-275 = h626 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 348) and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, near 1' dia."  On a later sweep he logged "pB, cL, iR."  On 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113) John Herschel logged, "pB; L; R; vglbM; 75"; r; well observed (and correctly reduced)."  His position was accurate.

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NGC 2968 = UGC 5190 = MCG +05-23-029 = CGCG 152-058 = KTG 25B = WBL 235-002 = PGC 27800

09 43 12.0 +31 55 43; Leo

V = 11.7;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45”

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright, small elongated core.  There appears to be a mottled or knotty section just northeast of the core.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  Second of three on a line with NGC 2970 5.1' NE and NGC 2964 5.8' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2968 = H II-491 = h624, along with NGC 2964, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and logged "pB, pL, iF, lbM."  John Herschel observed the galaxy on 4 sweeps and 14 observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2969 = MCG -01-25-021 = Mrk 1235 = PGC 27714

09 41 54.5 -08 36 11; Sex

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (3/11/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, very weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2969 = H III-527 = h628 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 547) and logged "cF, pL, iR, vgbM."  His position was 1.2' NW of MCG -01-25-021 = PGC 27714 and two later measures were taken as well.

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NGC 2970 = MCG +05-23-030 = CGCG 152-059 = Mrk 405 = KTG 25C = WBL 235-003 = PGC 27827

09 43 31.0 +31 58 37; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~24"x20", sharp concentration with a very small bright nucleus.  Faintest in a nearly collinear triplet with NGC 2968 5' SW and NGC 2964 11' SW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): very faint, very small, even surface brightness.  Third and faintest of three on a line with NGC 2968 5.1' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2970 = h627 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128) and reported, "F; the foll and most northern of 3 [with NGC 2964 and 2968]."  His position was 2.4' NNW of CGCG 152-059 but the NGC position is accurate.  On 18 Mar 1857, R.J. Mitchell (observing with the 72") called it "F, R?, bM, * in centre."  Dreyer added the comment in the NGC, "Not seen by d'Arrest, but often observed at Birr Castle."

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NGC 2971 = UGC 5197 = MCG +06-22-005 = CGCG 181-087 = CGCG 182-005 = PGC 27843

09 43 46.1 +36 10 46; LMi

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): very faint, small, irregularly round, 30" diameter, weakly concentrated.  A mag 11 star lies 7' W.  Located 6.8' SE of NGC 2965 in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2971 = St XIII-50 on 26 Mar 1884.  His position matches UGC 5197.  Dorothy Carlson mistakenly calls NGC 2971 nonexistent in her 1940 NGC correction paper.

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NGC 2972 = NGC 2999 = ESO 212-11 = Cr 211

09 40 13 -50 19 18; Vel

V = 9.9;  Size 4'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, three dozen stars are resolved in a 4' group.  Most of the stars are arranged in two intersecting rows forming an "X" shape. One part of the "X" is a 2' E-W string through the center of the group.  A few brighter stars are south of this string and these form another string that intersects and continues to the NW.  Also a 15" pair is less than 2' N of the E-W string.  Located about 2.5' W of a brighter mag 9.4 star.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2972 = D 397 = h3183 on 9 May 1826 and recorded "a very small faint round nebula, about 15 arcseconds diameter, with two or three exceedingly small stars slightly involved in it, and another small star about 1' south of it."  His position is 6.6' too far ESE, within his usual errors.  On the sweep of 18 Feb 1836, JH measured an accurate position and described "a small pretty compressed cluster; irregular figure; 4' in extent. Not rich stars, 13th mag."  NGC 2999 is likely a duplicate observation.

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NGC 2973

09 41 32.4 -30 05 22; Ant

 

= ** or ***, Corwin.

 

RNGC, ESO, LEDA and SIMBAD misidentify ESO 434-016 as NGC 2973, although this galaxy is 3.5 minutes of RA preceding and 6' south of JH's position.  Here is my description of that galaxy for completeness.

 

ESO 434-016 = MCG -05-23-007 = PGC 27439

09 37 59.6 -30 08 55

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  PA = 36”

 

24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 282x; fairly faint, oval 3:2 or 4:3 SW-NE, broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, no visible nucles.  Located 10' ENE of mag 7.5 HD 83379 at the center of a string of four stars, including a mag 10.6 star 3.6' N and a mag 10.4 star 5.4' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2973 = h4018 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "eF, pS, *8 f[ollowing]."  It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) that Dreyer identified as "h o n" (Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.  There is no nebula at his position, but nearby is a double star at 09 41 32.4 -30 05 22 (J2000).  In addition, an 8th magnitude star is 4' due east, matching JH's description.  There is also a wider triple star at 09 41 34.7 -30 02 54, which is another candidate.

 

RNGC, ESO, LEDA and SIMBAD misidentify ESO 434-016 as NGC 2973, although this galaxy is 3.5 minutes of RA preceding and 6' south of JH's position.  Furthermore there is no matching bright star.  The Uranometria 2000.0 atlas (first edition) plots NGC 2973 at the position of ESO 434-016.  Reported in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 2974 = NGC 2652 = UGCA 172 = MCG +00-25-008 = CGCG 007-022 = LGG 179-004 = PGC 27762

09 42 33.0 -03 41 59; Sex

V = 10.9;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 42”

 

13.1" (4/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.7', diffuse, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is superimposed at the southwest end 0.7' from the center. Brightest in a group (LGG 179), though the other members (which include the double system Arp 253) lie over 1.5” to the south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2974 = H I-61 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and logged "pB, vS, just following a star of about 9m."  His position (5 sec of RA too large) and description matches CGCG 007-022.  Dreyer measured an accurate micrometric position using the 72" on 4 Mar 1877.

 

Ormond Stone found the galaxy in 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory (LM II-406) but made a 1 hour mistake in RA and Dreyer recatalogued it as NGC 2652.

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NGC 2975 = PGC 27664

09 41 16.1 -16 40 28; Hya

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (4/14/12): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Required averted vision and could only hold for brief periods.  There is a mag 15.5 star 35" NE that also occasionally popped and it was a bit confusing to disguish the two objects at 250x as they were about the same magnitude.  A couple of times the galaxy and star both popped simultaneously.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2975 = LM 1-157 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.0 tmin following and 1' north of PGC 27664, a typical error, so this identification is very likely.

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NGC 2976 = UGC 5221 = MCG +11-12-025 = CGCG 312-023 = PGC 28120

09 47 15.3 +67 55 00; UMa

V = 10.2;  Size 5.9'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): bright, large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 4.5'x2.0', large brighter center but no core, mottled with an irregular patchy surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge 1.0' from the center and a mag 14 star is just off the NW edge 2.6' from center. 

 

8": moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2976 = H I-285 = h625 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) and recorded "vB, vL, E from np to sf, about 6' l and 2' br."  John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411): "B; vL; mE in pos = 332.4”; vgvlbM, 3' l, 1' br; has several S stars in in, and one 12m nearly at right angles to the axis of extension."  Several involved stars or nearby stars were micrometrically measured at Birr Castle.

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NGC 2977 = UGC 5175 = MCG +13-07-035 = CGCG 350-030 = PGC 27845

09 43 46.7 +74 51 35; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval NW-SE, large bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2977 = H I-282 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "cB, pL, iF."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5175 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  MCG does not label MCG +13-07-035 as NGC 2977.  See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 or Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752.

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NGC 2978 = MCG -01-25-029 = PGC 27808

09 43 16.8 -09 44 45; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness.  Situated among a group of 10 mag 13-14 stars and just west of a line connecting a mag 12.5 star 1.2' SSE and a mag 13 star 1.4' NE which have a separation of 2.1' N-S.  Forms a pair with NGC 2980 8' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2978 = Sw. III-46 on 10 Mar 1886 to the south of NGC 2980.  His RA was 16 seconds too large.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  It seems odd that both William and John Herschel missed this galaxy while observing NGC 2980.

 

The Helwan observatory photographic description from 1935 reads "spiral with a pB almost stellar ncl and fairly distinct [arms]"

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NGC 2979 = NGC 3050 = MCG -02-25-012 = PGC 27795

09 43 08.6 -10 23 01; Sex

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.8', weak concentration.  Located 5.5' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2979 = H III-521 = h631 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 544) and recorded "cF, pS, lE."  His position was just off the northwest edge of MCG -02-25-012.  John Herschel described it on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129) as "pB; R; psbM."

 

Frank Muller independently found this galaxy in 1886 and recorded in list II-418, "mag 14.0, 0.6' dia, vlE 200”, gbMN."  Dreyer assumed this was a new object and catalogued it again as NGC 3050. His position is 9 min of RA too large, but the description (specifically the position angle) matches.  So, NGC 2979 = NGC 3050.

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NGC 2980 = MCG -01-25-028 = PGC 27799

09 43 12.0 -09 36 47; Sex

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration.  Pair with NGC 2978 8' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2980 = H III-528 = h632 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 547) and logged "vF; L; E nearly in the meridian."  His position was 6 seconds of RA too far east.  John Herschel made two observations, though only one good position.

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NGC 2981 = UGC 5208 = MCG +05-23-032 = CGCG 152-062 = PGC 27925

09 44 56.6 +31 05 52; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 1.0' SE of center.  Observation through thin clouds.

 

Samuel Oppenheim discovered NGC 2981 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12" refractor at Wien University Observatory.  His micrometric position is 1.3' north of UGC 5208 (probably an error in the offset star).  Dreyer credited Palisa in the NGC, but Steinicke notes that Oppenheim is mentioned in the discovery note by Weiss in 1887 (AN 2782).  This galaxy is Oppenheim's only NGC discovery.  The same night, though, Palisa discovered NGC 2926 and NGC 2944.

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NGC 2982 = ESO 262-1 = OCL-770 = Ru 80? = Lund 516?

09 42 00 -44 00 30; Vel

Size 12'x6'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): bright, distinctive group of stars, roughly 10' x 6' E-W.  About three dozen stars are resolved with many of the brighter mag 10.5-11.5 stars in a zig-zag pattern extending west to east.  The brightest mag 10 star on the southeast end forms a wide 30" pair with an 11th mag companion.  Another mag 12.5/13.5 pair at 15" is less than 2' NE.  A 4' line of four mag 11-11.5 stars oriented NW-SE passes through the center and the remaining brighter stars are scattered within the outline.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 2982 = D 468 = h3184 on 24 Jun 1826 and recorded "a very faint easily resolvable nebula, extended about 10' long, and 4' or 5' broad: no central condensation."  His position is 8.5' west of the center of the cluster.

 

JH probably found the cluster on 28 Feb 1837 and logged "a cluster of about 20* 11m, and 2 of 10m, forming an oblong nearly in parallel; place of preceding *10m".  But no bright star is near his position.  He modified the declination 30' further north when he recorded this object as GC 1910 (repeated by Dreyer in NGC) but this position does not correspond with a cluster either.  But an additional 10' north of the GC/NGC position is this group of brighter stars and his RA matches the southwest member of a wide pair of mag 10 stars at the southeast side of the group.  JH did not list an equivalence with D 468, so he may have felt it was a different object due to the discrepancy in position.

 

Lynga does not list NGC 2982.  MCG misidentifies MCG+05-28-059 as NGC 2982.  RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 2983 = ESO 566-003 = MCG -03-25-017 = UGCA 176A = PGC 27840

09 43 41.1 -20 28 38; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, bright substellar nucleus, faint halo 3:2 WSW-ENE.  A very faint anonymous galaxy is 5.0' SSW.  Located 7.1 SSE of mag 6.7 SAO 177893.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2983 = H III-289 = h3185 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 382) and logged "vF; S; lbM.  The (offset) star being at such a distance the PD is marked uncertain." Still, his position on this sweep was just 2' southeast of ESO 566-003.  On 20 Mar 1786, he logged "F; vS; large stellar." John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; R; bM; r." and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 2984 = IC 556 = UGC 5200 = MCG +02-25-025 = CGCG 063-053 = PGC 27838

09 43 40.4 +11 03 39; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (4/1/00): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  The halo, which fades at the edges, increases to ~0.6' with averted vision.  A mag 14.5 star is close SSW (33" from center) and a slightly brighter star lies 0.9' NE.

 

NGC 2984 forms a pair with IC 557 7' SE.  The companion appeared faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x15", weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus at moments.  The elongation was not always evident, so often I was just viewing the slightly brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2984 = H III-34 = h633 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "vS, the faintest imaginable.  I was a great while before I could verify its being a nebula; however after having convinced myself with 240x, I saw it also very well with 157.  The evening is uncommonly beautiful."  There is nothing at his position (except stars), but 1 min 19 sec of RA west and 3.5' south is UGC 5200.  This is an unusually poor position (observed on only this one sweep).  John Herschel made two observations but didn't measure a good position, so its not clear what object he saw.   Dreyer carried over his poor position into the NGC.

 

Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 22 Apr 1892 and placed J. 1-168 (later IC 556) accurately.  Karl Reinmuth mentioned he couldn't find NGC 2984 in Dreyer's place using Heidelberg plates and questioned if it was equal to IC 556, probably as there are no other reasonable candidates in the vicinity.  UGC, CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as IC 556 and RNGC calls it NGC 2984.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 2985 = UGC 5253 = MCG +12-10-006 = CGCG 332-067 = CGCG 333-004 = PGC 28316

09 50 22.1 +72 16 44; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 4.6'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, gradually increases to a very bright well-defined core, stellar nucleus.  The faint outer halo extends to 2.0' diameter reaching a mag 12.5 star at the east edge of the halo 1.0' from center.  NGC 3027 lies 25' ESE. 

 

8": moderately bright, bright core, fairly large.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2985 = H I-78 = h629 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and recorded "vB, cL, mbM and the brightness confined to a pretty small space."  His position was 35 sec of RA too far east (equivalent to 2.7').  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382) John Herschel wrote, "vB; R; pgmbM; 50"; has a *13 m following 1' distant, exactly in the parallel."  His position was 50 sec of RA too far west (only 4' at this declination).

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NGC 2986 = UGCA 178 = ESO 566-005 = MCG -03-25-019 = PGC 27885

09 44 15.9 -21 16 41; Hya

V = 10.8;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): bright, small, round, bright core, faint halo.  A mag 14 star is 2.0' WSW.  Forms a pair with ESO 566-004 2.3' WSW (just preceding the mag 14 star).  The companion appeared very faint, small, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2986 = H II-311 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 382) and logged "F, pL, mbM.  I partly suspect a very small, faint one preceding it about a minute or two, but it may be only a few close very small stars."  The comment about a "faint one preceding it about a minute or two" appears to refer to ESO 566-004 (Steinicke concurs), which was also picked up in my 17.5".  WH observed NGC 2986 again during sweeps 542 ("cB; S; mbM; irr R") and 660, but did not mention the companion, so it did not receive a H-designation of NGC number.  Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 2987 = UGC 5220 = MCG +01-25-017 = CGCG 035-047 = PGC 27981

09 45 41.4 +04 56 30; Sex

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak even concentration to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1.4' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 2987 = St XIII-51 on 25 Mar 1884.  His position matches UGC 5220.

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NGC 2988 = MCG +04-23-032 = CGCG 122-078w = PGC 28078

09 46 47.8 +22 00 42; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

24" (4/13/18): at 375x; NGC 2988 appears as a small "spike" attached to the west side of the halo of NGC 2991 and extending to the southwest.  It was very faint, small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, ~24"x6".

 

17.5" (4/15/93): extremely faint, very small, round, cannot hold with averted but definitely seen, possibly elongated ~N-S.  Located just off the west side of NGC 2991.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2988 on 19 Feb 1855 with LdR's 72" and recorded "The preceding one [NGC 2991] is double, its companion [NGC 2988] being close preceding; lE sp nf?"

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NGC 2989 = ESO 566-009 = MCG -03-25-020 = PGC 27962

09 45 25.3 -18 22 27; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 38”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Collinear with a wide pair of mag 10/11 stars 3' SE with a separation of 56".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2989 = h3186 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "F; R; gbM; precedes a coarse D star."  His position is just off the southeast side of ESO 566-009 and the coarse double star is ~3' southeast.

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NGC 2990 = UGC 5229 = MCG +01-25-021 = CGCG 035-051 = PGC 28026

09 46 17.2 +05 42 31; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, oval 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration to a brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2990 = H II-624 on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 672) and recorded "F, lE, about 1.5' l, not far from the parallel."  His position is 15 sec of RA too far west and 2.5' too far south.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 3 nights and noted the difference with WH's position.

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NGC 2991 = UGC 5233 = MCG +04-23-033 = CGCG 122-078 = PGC 28079

09 46 50.1 +22 00 50; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (4/13/18): at 375x fairly faint, fairly small, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  The halo is a fairly low surface brightness and ~45" diameter.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' SSE.  NGC 2988 appears as a small "spike" attached to the west side and extending to the southwest.  NGC 2994 lies 7.6' NE, forming a physical triplet (USGC U259)

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, even concentration to a small bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.1' SSE.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 2988 (discovered by Rosse) just off the west edge.  NGC 2994 lies 7.5' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2991 = h634 on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and recorded "F; vS; bM.  The s p of two [with NGC 2994]."  His position is less than 30" north of the center of UGC 5233, though he missed NGC 2988 (found in 1855 with the 72"), which is attached on the west side.

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NGC 2992 = Arp 245 NED1 = MCG -02-25-014 = PGC 27982

09 45 41.9 -14 19 37; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 3.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

48" (2/19/12): this disrupted galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright central region that is elongated ~5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.4'.  The central region is well concentrated with an intense core that brightens to a brilliant nucleus.

 

I initially noted a faint arm extending 30" SSW of the central region but on a second eyepiece look I noticed this arm is twice that length, though the surface brightness is quite low in the outer portion.  A long, brighter tidal arm stretches 2' NNE, placing the central region off-center along the 3.5' major axis.  This arm or tail has a low surface brightness though brightens in a patch at the NNE end (2.2' NNE of center).  A 2000 multi-wavelength study in AJ,120, 1238 concludes this patch (identified as Arp 245N in NED) is a tidal dwarf galaxy still in the process of formation. The western edge of the arm has a subtle curvature.  With averted vision, extremely low surface brightness haze forms a bridge extending southeast from the core of NGC 2992 towards NGC 2993 (3' between centers).

 

13.1" (3/24/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, bright core.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2993 2.9' SE.

 

13.1" (3/3/84): fairly faint, small, roundish, small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2992 = H III-277 = h635 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 2993], vF, stellar, the most north and preceding [NGC 2992] is the largest.  240x showed the same.  Distance 3 or 4'.  The place is that of the preceding."  His position was ~45 seconds of RA too large (perhaps only recorded to the nearest min).  John Herschel measured an accurate position on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and noted "Not vF; R; bM; 30"."  Bindon Stoney noted a mottled appearance with LdR's 72" in 1852.

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NGC 2993 = Arp 245 NED 2 = MCG -02-25-015 = PGC 27991

09 45 48.3 -14 22 07; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 95”

 

48" (2/19/12): this is the smaller member of an excellent interacting pair (Arp 245) with NGC 2992 3' NW.  At 488x it appeared very bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with an intense central core that brightens to a very small brilliant nucleus.  A single spiral arm is attached on the north side of the core and just begins to sweep east, but fades out after a length of ~0.6'.  There is no counterpart on the south side, but extremely faint haze or a bridge can be seen with averted to the northwest of the core, extending towards NGC 2992.  FGC 938, an extremely faint superthin, was glimpsed 3.9' SW.

 

13.1" (3/3/84): moderately bright, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2' SSE.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2993 2.9' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2993 = H III-278 = h637, along with NGC 2992, on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded both as "Two, vF, stellar, the most north and preceding [NGC 2992] is the largest..."  On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote "pF; R; bM; 25" [diameter]."

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NGC 2994 = UGC 5239 = MCG +04-23-035 = CGCG 122-082 = PGC 28122

09 47 16.1 +22 05 23; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 126”

 

24" (4/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 NW-SE, ~45"x30, gradual weak concentration to the center.  Surrounded by mag 12.0 stars 3' SE and 4' SW, along with mag 13 stars 3' E and 4' W.  Forms a small group (USGC U259 at z = .025) with the close pair NGC 2991/2998 7.6' SW.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration.  Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 12.5 star 2.9' ENE and a mag 12 star 3.1' SE.  In a trio with NGC 2991 and NGC 2988 7.5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2994 = h636 on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and recorded "F; vS; R; bM.  The n f of two [with NGC 2991]; pos 40” n f."  His position is 1' southwest of UGC 5239.

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NGC 2995 = ESO 167-004

09 44 03 -54 36 18; Vel

 

= Not found, ESO.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2995 = h3189 on 5 Apr 1837 and noted a "Cluster VIII class; at least 20* 11m and upwards, and many smaller."  There is no clustering at his position and the ESO and RNGC list the number as "not found" and "nonexistent", respectively.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2995 may refer to a "clump of stars roughly 20-25 min across centered about 10' north of JH's position."  This scattered group (likely not a cluster) seems to fit JH's description, though its been low on my priority to confirm from the southern hemisphere.

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NGC 2996 = ESO 566-012 = MCG -03-25-022 = PGC 28049

09 46 30.1 -21 34 17; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter.  Gradually increases to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar nucleus.  View hampered somewhat by a mag 10.5 star just 1.1' NE of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2996 = h3187 on 23 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; S; has a * 20 m 1' following.  There is nothing at his position but 33 sec of RA east is ESO 566-012.  Herbert Howe corrected the RA in his Nov 1900 list of NGC corrections (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  He also noted that JH's description of a mag 20 star 1' following is in error, although a mag 10 star follows by 4 sec of RA and 0.3' north.

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NGC 2997 = ESO 434-035 = MCG -05-23-012 = UGCA 181 = LGG 180-007 = PGC 27978

09 45 38.6 -31 11 25; Ant

V = 9.4;  Size 8.9'x6.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 110”

 

48" (4/22/17): Gorgeous grand-design spiral at 375x!  Appeared very bright and large, with the arms stretching roughly 7' E-W.  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a round, intensely bright nucleus ~30" diameter.  The spiral arms were sharply etched by intra-arm dust and appeared similar to a photograph of the galaxy.  One thick arm is attached to the core on the west or southwest side.  It curls counterclockwise on the north side towards the east (fairly flat curvature) and includes a slightly bright patch on the northeast portion [1.6' from center].  This arm continues and bends south, passing just inside a mag 14.5 star [2.5' E of center], and then quickly fading out to the south of this star.  The second prominent arm is attached to the core on its northeast side.  It curls counterclockwise to the east on the south and contains a brighter knotty section (numerous HII regions are embedded) nearly 1' in length that's just inside a mag 12 star 2.2' SW of center.  This arm turns abruptly to the north as it curls around the west side and ends on the northwest side of the halo.

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 215x, this beautiful, asymmetric face-on spiral extended ~7'x4.5' and was sharply concentrated with a very bright 40" core.  The spiral structure is unusual with a very long, relatively thick arm that curves from west to east on the north side of the core.  This arm then bends south on the east side and contains a very faint 20" HII knot situated northeast of the core [1.6' from center] and symmetrically placed opposite a mag 12 star in the outer halo on the southwest side.  This HII region is identified in NED as NGC 2997:[MM 81] 306, from the 1981 paper "Morphology and Kinematics of the Ionized Gas in NGC 2997" by Milliard and Marcelin in A&A, 95, 59.  A mag 14.5 star is near the end of this arm and due east of the core.  To the west of the end of this arm the light level noticeably dips (this is a gap between the arms) as well as on the southeast side of the halo, giving an asymmetric appearance.

 

A second fainter outer arm running roughly SW to NE also wraps around the galaxy on the west and north side but at further distance from the core.  This outer arm nearly reaches a mag 12 star on the southwest side (the one opposite the knot mentioned above) and then can be followed with more difficulty to the east where it attaches on the south side of the core.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, very large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 4.5'x3.0', sharply concentrated with a bright core, no nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the SW edge of the halo 2.0' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2997 = H V-50 = h3188 on 4 Mar 1793 (sweep 1033) and recorded "vF, vS, lbM, lE about 8' long and 5 or 6' broad, a little from sp to nf about 10 or 15”."  This galaxy is the 4th most southerly object he discovered.

 

James Dunlop observed the galaxy on 7 May 1826 and recorded D 622 as "a faint elliptical nebula, 2.5' long and 1.5' broad, with a small star involved in the western margin.  His position is 15' too far NE, but the star involved on the southwest side seems to confirm the equivalence.

 

John Herschel made two detailed observations (h3188): on 28 Jan 1835 he logged "pB, vL, R, very suddenly a little brighter in the middle, to a pretty distinct round nucleus 4" in diameter. Diameter of nebula = 15 sec of time. The nebulous atmosphere extremely dilute. A very remarkable object."  On a later sweep he recorded "F, vL, first very gradually then very suddenly much brighter in the middle, to a nucleus (exactly like Halley's comet) as now (Feb. 16, 1836) seen in the equatorial; round; diam. in RA = 24 seconds. Has a 11th mag star S.p. just at the edge."

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NGC 2998 = UGC 5250 = MCG +07-20-051 = CGCG 210-036 = Holm 144a = PGC 28196

09 48 43.6 +44 04 52; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 2.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 53”

 

48" (5/14/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~2.4'x1.2', well concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to the center.  Weak spiral structure is evident at the SW and NE ends.  Brightest in a quartet with NGCs 3005, 3006 and 3008.  In addition, MCG +07-20-052 (misidentified as NGC 3002) lies 4.6' ESE.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak even concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.0' SW and a mag 13 star 1.9' NNW of center.  Brightest in a group including NGC 3006 7' SE, NGC 3008 9.2' E and NGC 3005 6.4' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 2998 = H II-717 = h638 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and logged "F, pL, iF, lbM."  On 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139), John Herschel recorded "pB; irreg R; bM; resolvable."  His position was 12 seconds of RA too far east and 1' too far north.  Brightest in a group of faint galaxies which were later discovered with the 72".

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NGC 2999 = NGC 2972 = ESO 212-15

09 40 13 -50 19 18; Vel

V = 9.9;  Size 4'

 

See observing notes for NGC 2972.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 2999 = h3192 on 13 Apr 1834 and described "a small irreg cl of a long triangular diverging figure; contains perhaps 50 stars 12...15m.  Observed for Ę397, and place only rough.  Possibly the same object with sweep 680, No. 27, which see above (No. 3183 [= NGC 2972])."  There is nothing near his position. Brent Archinal suggests NGC 2972 = NGC 2999 (the description applies), although JH's "rough" position is 5 tmin too large and Harold Corwin concurs.

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NGC 3000 = Holm 144e

09 48 51.3 +44 07 49; UMa

 

= **, Carlson.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3000 on 25 Jan 1851.  On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Beta.  The offset given in the 1 Apr 1878 observation (203.1" in PA 23.6” from NGC 2998) points precisely to a 9" pair of very faint stars (mag 16-16.5).

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", described a "D neb not cont, dist 0.1' 35”; sp one eF, eS, R, bM; nf one perhaps *16."  This refers to the double star above.  Dorothy Carlson calls this a double star in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

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NGC 3001 = ESO 434-038 = MCG -05-23-014 = UGCA 183 = PGC 28027

09 46 18.6 -30 26 12; Ant

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 6”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration, diffuse.  An 11th magnitude star at the NW edge interferes with viewing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3001 = h3190 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; 30"; attached or contiguous to a * 12; pos = 320” +/- by estimation from diagram."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 3002

09 48 57.4 +44 03 26; UMa

V = 16.5

 

48" (5/14/12): near the position of NGC 3002 is a faint trio of stars, mag 16.5/16.5/16.9 as well as MCG +07-20-052, an extremely faint interacting pair of galaxies.  One of the two brighter stars is likely the object sketched by Bindon Stoney at Birr Castle in 1851.  At 488x, the two brighter stars were very comparable in magnitude.  The star identified by Corwin (southwest vertex of the triangle) was possibly marginally brighter, though the other mag 16.5 star at the east vertex of the triangle (09 49 01.4 +44 03 37) is a better match with Stoney's sketch.  MCG +07-20-052, the galaxy misidentified in most catalogues as NGC 3002, is just visible as a very low surface brightness patch ~1.5' SE of the trio of stars.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3002 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Epsilon.  The MCG, along with the RNGC, PGC, HyperLeda and other sources, misidentify PGC 28208 as NGC 3002.  Although this galaxy (double) is close to the position on the sketch, the surface brightness is probably too low to have been picked up by Stoney.  In fact, Dreyer reported not seeing Epsilon in his 1 Apr 1878 observation.

 

More likely, Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3002 applies to one of two nearby mag 16.5 stars (the third is mag 17.0) with the more likely star at 09 48 57.3 +44 03 26 (2000).

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NGC 3003 = UGC 5251 = MCG +06-22-013 = CGCG 182-021 = KTG 26A = PGC 28186

09 48 36.0 +33 25 17; LMi

V = 11.9;  Size 5.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 79”

 

24" (4/20/14): bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 4.0'x1.0', mottled appearance, slightly bulging brighter core and nucleus, brighter and patchy along the major axis with a couple of very small knots.  Nearly detached at the west end is a very low surface brightness patch that seems angled or extends beyond the major axis.  A mag 15.7 star is ~1' N of center.  NGC 3003 and NGC 3021, located 30' ENE, are the two brightest members in the USGC U268 group (z ~.005).

 

13.1" (3/3/84): moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 3.5'x1.0', almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3003 = H V-26 = h639 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, mE nearly in the parallel, 8' long, 3' broad."  His position is accurate. John Herschel described this object on 22 Jan 1828 (sweep 51) as "a singular curved wisp of nebula, It curls up and tapers off at the s p side, and is clubbed at the n f extremity."

 

A total of 13 observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 8 Mar 1858, R.J. Mitchell commented "of unequal brightness throughout its length, p part is F but contains a B patch with a star in it; the foll part is comparatively much brighter and is mottled."

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NGC 3004

09 49 02.4 +44 06 40; UMa

V = 16.7

 

= *, Corwin.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3004 on 25 Jan 1851. It was placed on the diagram of the NGC 2998 field about midway between NGC 2998 and NGC 3005 and mentioned as "suspected".  Dreyer missed it on his 1 April 1878 observation, though he later added "the place for 1926 [NGC 3004] is evidently wrong, it must be about 9 40 15 +45 14 [based on the sketch]."

 

The closest object to the position on the sketch is an extremely faint star with SDSS mag(V) = 16.7.  Reinmuth calls it nonstellar (based on a Heidelberg plate):"vF, vS, R, bM, N3000 np 2.4', N3005 nf 2.7'."  Dorothy Carlson identifies it as a double star (based on Mount Wilson photograph) and this is repeated in RNGC, though it is clearly a single star on the SDSS.

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NGC 3005 = MCG +07-20-054 = Holm 144c = PGC 28232

09 49 14.9 +44 07 53; UMa

V = 15.0;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 150”

 

48" (5/14/12): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.2', broad concentration.  Forms the north vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998, 3006 and 3008.  Located 3.7' SSE of mag 8.9 HD 84830, so I kept the bright star outside the field.  The nearest galaxy is NGC 3008, situated 3.9' SE.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint and small, round.  Located 3.7' SSE of mag 8.4 SAO 43053.  This member of the NGC 2998 group lies just north of a line connecting NGC 2998 6.4' SW and NGC 3008.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3005 on 25 Jan 1851.  He labeled it "Gamma" on a sketch of the NGC 2998 group.  Dreyer gave a more complete description on 1 Apr 1878, "vF, pS, E nnp ssf."  His offset from NGC 2998 (388.5" in PA 62.5”) points exactly to MCG +07-20-054 = PGC 28232, although the RA in the NGC is 10 sec too large (error carried over from NGC 2998).

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NGC 3006 = MCG +07-20-055 = CGCG 210-037 = Holm 144d = PGC 28235

09 49 17.3 +44 01 33; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 82”

 

48" (5/14/12): moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 E-W, ~40"x12", broad concentration with a brighter core.  Forms the south vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998, 3005 and 3008.  MCG +07-20-052, a very low surface brightness interacting pair (misidentified as NGC 3002 in most catalogues), lies 2.2' NW.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, very low surface brightness.  Located 6.9' SE of NGC 2298 and 6.3' S of NGC 3005.  MCG +07-20-052 (misidentified as NGC 3002) 3' NW was not seen.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3006 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Delta. Dreyer logged it on 1 Apr 1878, "vF, S, stellar."  His offset from NGC 2998 (417.9" in PA 117.2”) points exactly to CGCG 210-037 = PGC 28235, although the RA in the NGC is 12 sec too large (error carried over from NGC 2998).

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NGC 3007 = MCG -01-25-038 = PGC 28150

09 47 45.5 -06 26 22; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', just a weak broad central brightening.  A mag 13 star lies 1.0' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3007 = St XIII-52 on 16 Mar 1885 with the 31" reflector at Marseille.  This was his last NGC discovery (by date).  Francis Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy on 23 Feb 1886, though his rough position (nearest min of RA) in list I-158 is 11' too far east-southeast.

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NGC 3008 = MCG +07-20-059 = CGCG 210-039 = Holm 144b = PGC 28252

09 49 34.3 +44 06 10; UMa

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135”

 

48" (5/14/12): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 16.7 star is at the east edge.  Forms the east vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998 (brightest), NGC 3005 and NGC 3006.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is 45" off the west edge and 1.1' from center.  Located 9.2' E of NGC 2998 in a group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3008 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Eta.  Dreyer logged it on 1 Apr 1878 as "pF, S, E, *13-14 1' p[receding]."  His offset from NGC 2998 (552" in PA 88”) is close to CGCG 210-039 = PGC 28252, although the RA in the NGC is 12 seconds too large (error carried over from NGC 2998).

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NGC 3009 = UGC 5264 = MCG +07-20-062 = CGCG 239-033 = Holm 146b = PGC 28303

09 50 11.1 +44 17 41; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (3/21/20): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, ~40" along major axis, broad weak concentration.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3010 5' ENE.

 

Alternative identification: NGC 3009 = NGC 3010sw = MCG +07-20-065

17.5" (2/8/91): this is the southwest member of the NGC 3010 triple system and noted as very faint, small, round.  UGC 5273b = MCG +07-20-066 is just 40" NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3009 = h640, along with NGC 3010, on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138). He described it as "Not vF; R; bM; r.  The first of 2 [with NGC 3010]."  His position was 17 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of UGC 5264 = PGC 28303, a fairly large error of 3.4'.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for this galaxy in 1896.  But the identification is very uncertain and it's possible that NGC 3009 applies to the southwest component of the NGC 3010 triplet (NGC 3010B).  See Corwin's notes on NGC 3010 for the quite involved story.

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NGC 3010 = UGC 5273 NED1 = MCG +07-20-065 = CGCG 239-035 NED1 = Holm 146A = PGC 28335

09 50 33.2 +44 18 52; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.45';  PA = 45”

 

24" (3/21/20): at 375x; triple system oriented SW to NE, with the NE member (NGC 3010C) the faintest.  It appeared extremely faint, slightly elongated, very low surface brightness, 15"x10".  The SW member was fairly faint, fairly small, ~24"x18" SW-NE, very small brighter nucleus and the middle galaxy was fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~20"x14", very small brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): triple system consisting of two very faint, small, round "knots" (identified as UGC 5273a and 5273b in the UGC) with a separation of 40" oriented SW-NE.  The third component (UGC 5273c) is 1' NE and appeared as a mag 15.5 "star".  NGC 3009 lies 5' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3010 = h641, along with NGC 3009, on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138).  He reported it as "F; psbM; r; stars seen.  The second of 2 [with NGC 3009]."  There is nothing at his position, but 35 sec of RA east and 1.4' south is UGC 5273.  His RA for NGC 3009 is also off (to the west), but by only 16 sec, which is strange.  Another possibility is that h640 refers to the southwest component of NGC 3010 (MCG +07-20-065 = PGC 28330).  If that's the case, the relative offsets would be more in line but still not accurate.  Corwin notes that JH's descriptions are generic enough they donÕt assist in choosing between these two alternatives.  So, he favors leaving the "traditional" identification as is.

 

The observations at Birr Castle are interesting.  The 1861 publication only includes the note "Several knots near [NGC 3009 and 3010].  The full account is given in the 1880 monograph.  On 1 Mar 1854 R.J. Mitchell recorded, "one pB [NGC 3009], 6' f and a little n are two others vF, about 3' apart pf; several others round about".  His separations are poor but probably the second part refers to NGC 3010 and one of its companions.  Thirty-five years later in 1878, Dreyer made another observation and wrote, "the f one [NGC 3010] is smaller and in a rectangular triangle of 3 stars."  At least one of these "stars" is likely a galaxy.  Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions of the two southern components of NGC 3010 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 3011 = UGC 5259 = MCG +05-23-038 = CGCG 152-069 = Mrk 409 = PGC 28259

09 49 41.2 +32 13 16; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, 0.8' diameter.  Located 2.5' WSW of a mag 10 star.  A nice 10' string of 8 mag 10-12 stars oriented N-S is just a few arcminutes preceding.  Picked up at 100x and observation at 220x.  Member of the USGC U268 group (z ~.005) with brightest member NGC 3003 1.2” N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3011 = Sw. III-47 on 21 Apr 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and remarked "eeF; eS; stel; a row of 8 or 10 pB stars nr preceding."  His position is 9 sec of RA west and 1' south of UGC 5259 and the row of stars is just as he described (north-south).

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NGC 3012 = UGC 5262 = MCG +06-22-017 = CGCG 182-023 = PGC 28270

09 49 52.1 +34 42 51; LMi

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, small, round, weak concentration, 0.6' diameter.  A mag 15 star is 1.5' W and a mag 12 star 3.5' SSE.  Picked up at 100x and views at 220x and 280x.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3012 on 30 Apr 1862 and described "vF, pL, R, Cometary.  A mag 11 star is 3 1/2' south-southeast."  His single position and description matches UGC 5262.

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NGC 3013 = MCG +06-22-018 = CGCG 182-024 = PGC 28300

09 50 09.4 +33 34 09; LMi

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 64”

 

24" (4/20/14): faint, small, slightly elongated, 18"x15".  Situated 2.7' SE of mag 7.9 HD 85030.  A mag 15 star is 0.6' NE.  Located 10' WNW of NGC 3021.

 

17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Located 3' SE of mag 7.9 SAO 61706 which detracts from viewing.  Also a mag 14.5-15 star is 38" NE of center and confuses the observation.  Situated between fairly bright galaxies NGC 3021 10' E and NGC 3003 21' WSW.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3013 on 18 Mar 1874.  While viewing the field of NGC 3021 he found a nebula at 164.8" in PA 137.2” from a mag 8 star.  His offsets point directly to CGCG 182-024 = PGC 28300.  Due to a misprint in the NGC the declination was reported 40' too far north, although the earlier GC Supplement gave the correct position. As a result when Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 12 May 1896 he catalogued it as new in his 3rd discovery list (#1127).  In addition, the galaxy was found by Keeler on a Crossley plate taken between 1898-1900 and included in a catalogue of new nebulae (#188) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol. VIII.  Dreyer realized the NGC error and corrected the misprint in the IC 2 notes.

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NGC 3014 = MCG -01-25-043 = PGC 28222

09 49 07.7 -04 44 35; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (4/14/18): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~32"x24", broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, no nucleus.  A mag 14.7 star is close off the W side [0.7' WSW of center].  A pair of mag 13.5/14 stars at ~20" separation lies 2.5' N.  Two mag 8 and 9 stars lie 8' S and 9.5' SSE, respectively.  The 8th mag star (HD 85032) has an obvious orange tint (M1-type).  NGC 3014 is a member of the USGC S144 group with brightest member NGC 3022 27' SSE.

 

MCG -01-25-045, located 14.5' SE, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, very small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1' S.

 

17.5" (3/29/97): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is very close WSW [38" from the center].  A pair of mag 14 stars [19" separation] lie 3' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3014 = h644 on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234) and noted "eF; L; 60".  The preceding of two [with NGC 3022].  There is nothing at his position (the dec is marked as uncertain or approximate) though the NGC position is 30' further north (no reason given in the notes) and 2' south of this corrected position is MCG -01-25-043 = PGC 28222.

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NGC 3015 = UGC 5261 = MCG +00-25-020 = CGCG 007-041 = PGC 28240

09 49 22.9 +01 08 43; Sex

V = 13.9;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  No brighter stars in field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3015 = m 183 on 23 Apr 1864.  His position is just 1' north of UGC 5261 = PGC 28240.

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NGC 3016 = UGC 5266 = MCG +02-25-040 = CGCG 063-077 = Holm 147c = KTG 27A = PGC 28269

09 49 50.6 +12 41 43; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70”

 

24" (4/20/14): moderately to fairly bright, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6', contains a relatively large, very bright core that increases to the center.  NGC 3019 lies 5.0' NE and CGCG 063-075 is 3.2' SW.  The latter galaxy appeared very faint and small, round, 12", low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Second brightest of five in the NGC 3020 group.  NGC 3019 lies 5.4' NE and NGC 3020 is 8.2' NNE.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): fairly faint, small, round, almost even surface brightness.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 3016, along with NGC 3019, on 21 Mar 1854.  There was no sketch made but the description reads "4 neb.  Two p and f [NGC 3016 and 3019] about 4' apart; the 3rd is north about 3' [NGC 3024] forming the vertex of an obtuse triangle, the 4th is about 4' further north and lenticular [NGC 3020]."  No positions were measured and only NGC 3019, NGC 3020 and NGC 3024 received GC numbers as JH incorrectly assumed that h642 referred to the 4th galaxy (see NGC 3020 for the story).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 31 Dec 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhangen.  His position, measured on 4 nights, matches UGC 5266.  Dryer included it in the GC Supplement and credited d'Arrest.  Finally, Dreyer realized the equivalence and both LdR and d'Arrest are credited in the NGC

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NGC 3017 = MCG +00-25-019 = CGCG 007-040 = PGC 28220

09 49 03.0 -02 49 19; Sex

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 12.5 and 14.5 stars 2.4' NW and 2.7' SW, respectively.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3017 = LM 2-416 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 20 sec of RA east and 2' south of MCG +00-25-019 and his note of "*11 at 3' in PA 300”" clinches this identification.

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NGC 3018 = UGC 5265 = MCG +00-25-021 = CGCG 007-042 = PGC 28258

09 49 41.5 +00 37 20; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27”

 

48" (4/7/13): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.3', small bright core.  A mag 9.7 star is just 0.8' NW of center.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3023 2.7' E.

 

48" (4/2/11): bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, fairly large, ~60"x15", very small bright core.  Located just 50" SE of mag 9.7 HD 85095 and 2.8' W of the fascinating galaxy NGC 3023 and Mrk 1236. 

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Dominated by a mag 10 star 48" NW of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3023 3' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3018 = St X-21 on 10 Mar 1880, along with NGC 3023 = St X-22.  His position is accurate.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy exactly 6 years later, but his position in list III-48 is 0.4 min too far west.  His comment "* near north, preceding of 2 [with NGC 3023]" clinches the equivalence.

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NGC 3019 = MCG +02-25-044 = CGCG 063-081 = Holm 147d = PGC 28295

09 50 07.2 +12 44 46; Leo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

24" (4/20/14): at 280x appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.2'.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' NE.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, small, almost round.  A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 48" from the center.  Fourth brightest of five in the NGC 3020.  Located 3.0' S of NGC 3020.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3019 on 21 Mar 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72", along with NGC 3016.  There is no published sketch but the description reads "4 neb.  Two p and f [NGC 3016 and 3019] about 4' apart; the 3rd is north about 3' [NGC 3024] forming the vertex of an obtuse triangle, the 4th is about 4' further north and lenticular [NGC 3020]."  The described orientations are poor and no positions were given, but they certainly refer to the four brightest galaxies.  Only a rough position is given in the GC and the NGC position is 3' south of CGCG 063-081 = PGC 28295.

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NGC 3020 = UGC 5271 = MCG +02-25-045 = CGCG 063-082 = Holm 147a = KTG 27B = PGC 28296

09 50 06.6 +12 48 49; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 3.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105”

 

24" (4/20/14): at 280x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.7'x1.0', large elongated core appears to be a bar, mottled appearance. Spiral structure was highly suspected in the halo. Largest and brightest in a quintet with NGC 3019 4' S, NGC 3024 5.5' SE, NGC 3016 8' SSW and CGCG 063-075 11' SW.  NGC 3020 and 3024 are a physical pair (z = .004), while the other three galaxies are in the backgroud at z = .03.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): brightest and largest in the NGC 3020 group, elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core but no nucleus, diffuse halo.  Nearby are NGC 3019 4.0' S, NGC 3024 5.4' SE.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated ~E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3020 = H III-51 = h646 = h642 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 3024], both resolvable and eF. The preceding is the largest and they are about 6 or 7' distant from each other.  Position about 20” np-sf 6 or 7' distant. I saw them better with 240 than 157.  They require some attention before they are well seen." His single position is ~1.0 min of RA too far east.

 

John Herschel made three observations under h646 and measured an accurate position, but on a 4th sweep he made an error recording the RA 1.0 min too far west and claimed a "nova" under h642.  Dreyer correctly equated the H and h designations in the NGC.

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NGC 3021 = UGC 5280 = MCG +06-22-019 = CGCG 182-025 = KTG 26B = PGC 28357

09 50 57.1 +33 33 13; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 110”

 

24" (4/20/14): bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus, the halo has an irregular surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 1' SE and a mag 14 star is at the north edge.  NGC 3013 lies 10' W and NGC 3003 is 20' WSW.  Member of the USGC U268 group.

 

13.1" (3/3/84): fairly bright, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 10 star is 1.1' SE of center.  Located 30' NE of NGC 3003.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3021 = H I-115 = h645 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, pL, lE, iF, mbM."  On 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51), John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; R; bM; has a * 10m 20” sf, dist 30"."  A sketch made with LdR's 72" in 1863 shows a spiral arm of the east side, curling around towards the west.

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NGC 3022 = MCG -01-25-046 = PGC 28257

09 49 39.2 -05 09 59; Sex

V = 12.2;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5.2' SW of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with MCG -01-25-044 3' WSW.  The companion appeared extremely faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3022 = h647 on 19 Feb 1830 (swweep 234) and recorded "F; R; vglbM; r. The following of 2 [with NGC 3014]."  His position matches MCG -01-25-046 = PGC 28257.

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NGC 3023 = UGC 5269 = MCG +00-25-022 = CGCG 007-043 = VV 620 = LGG 182-006 = PGC 28272

09 49 52.5 +00 37 07; Sex

V = 13.0;  Size 2.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 70”

 

48" (4/7/13): at 375x appeared very bright, large, irregular, asymmetric with a bright, slightly elongated central region, ~40"x30".  Extending to the west of the core is large, faint halo or loop, most evident on the north side of the loop, which is brighter and more sharply defined as it sweeps to the west towards companion NGC 3018.  The loop extends the diameter to ~1.7'.  Mrk 1236, is a very small, but very high surface brightness companion attached on the east side of the core.  LEDA 1170217 = MAC 0950+0035 was picked up in the field, 4.4' ESE.  It appeared faint (V = 16.6), small, slightly elongated, 15"x10", low even surface brightness.

 

48" (4/2/11): at 375x this bright, interacting galaxy has a very unusual, asymmetric appearance.  The central region is bright, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 40"x30", increases evenly to a very small, very bright nucleus.  A larger, outer halo extends mainly to the west.  The halo extends from the central region ~1' in a loop and is brightest along the rim, particularly looping from the north side of the core counterclockwise to the west [the DSS reveals this feature is a spiral arm].  This arm gives the visual impression of a partial ring extending the west of the core.

 

A bright companion, Mrk 1236, is attached within the small halo on the east side of the core, just 25" ESE of center.  This Wolf-Rayet galaxy appeared moderately bright, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~16"x8", very high surface brightness.  On the SDSS image this object is resolved into several clumps or knots.  NGC 3018 lies 2.8' W of center.  Located 3.4' ESE of mag 9.7 HD 85095.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3, broad concentration in halo but no nucleus.  A faint star or knot is visible on the east end.  Forms a pair with NGC 3018 3' W and also 3.4' ESE of a mag 10 star.  This is a double system which was probably resolved in the observation as a faint star or knot on the east end (Mrk 1236)!

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3023 = St. X-22 on 10 Mar 1880, along with NGC 3018 = St. X-21, and measured an accurate position.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy exactly 6 years later with the 16" refractor, but his position for Sw. III-49 is 0.4 min too far west (similar offset as Sw. III-48 = NGC 3018).

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NGC 3024 = UGC 5275 = MCG +02-25-046 = CGCG 063-084 = Holm 147b = KTG 27C = PGC 28324

09 50 27.4 +12 45 56; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 125”

 

24" (4/20/14): moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright very elongated core, 1.3'x0.3'.  A mag 14 star is off the SE end (aligned with the major axis).

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, thin edge-on NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3', brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 1.4' from center.  This galaxy is the third brightest of five in the NGC 3020 group.  NGC 3020 lies 5.7' NW and NGC 3019 is 5' ESE.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE.  A mag 13.5 star is off the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3024 = H III-52 = h648 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 3020], both resolvable and eF. The preceding [NGC 3020] is the largest and they are about 6 or 7' distant from each other.  Position about 20” np-sf 6 or 7' distant. I saw them better with 240 than 157.  They require some attention before they are well seen."  His single position was ~1.0 minute of RA too far east.  John Herschel made a single observation on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242): "vF; pL; E.  PD estimated from III.51 [NGC 3020] which precedes."  His "estimated dec" was 1.2' too far south.

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NGC 3025 = ESO 566-015 = MCG -04-23-018 = PGC 28249

09 49 29.1 -21 44 32; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, roundish, 0.8' diameter, weak concentration, halo fades into background.  With averted vision, the halo increases to over 1' in diameter.  Located 2.6' NW of mag 9.3 SAO 178051.  A distinctive grouping of four mag 13-14 stars lies ~4' NW.  ESO 566-018 lies 14' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3025 = h3192 on 21 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF, vS, R, north of a * 9 m."  His position and description is an exact match with ESO 566-015.

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NGC 3026 = UGC 5279 = MCG +05-23-043 = CGCG 152-074 = PGC 28351

09 50 55.4 +28 33 05; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, even fairly low surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3026 = Sw. III-50 on 22 May 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff; in vacancy, found searching for Winnecke's comet [7P/Pons-Winnecke]."  His position is 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 5279 = PGC 28351.

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NGC 3027 = UGC 5316 = VV 358 = MCG +12-10-009 = CGCG 332-068 = CGCG 333-006 = PGC 28636

09 55 40.5 +72 12 13; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 4.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, 3'x2', weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Two mag 15 stars are superimposed at the NW end of the major axis and at the south edge.  NGC 2985 lies 25' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3027 = H V-23 = h643 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and logged "F, L, lE, resolvable, 6' or 7' l, 5' or 6' br."   His position was just off the east side of UGC 5316.  John Herschel recorded this object on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382) as "eF; vL; vglbM; 3' l; 2.5' br."

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NGC 3028 = ESO 566-016 = PGC 28276

09 49 54.1 -19 11 05; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, round, 35" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 3.2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3028 = h3193 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; lbM; 15"."  His position is an exact match with ESO 566-016 = PGC 28276.

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NGC 3029 = MCG -01-25-047 = PGC 28206

09 48 54.0 -08 03 04; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 46”

 

17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', very low surface brightness.  Located 4.5' E of a mag 11 star.  Collinear with two mag 13 star to the NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3029 = Sw. III-51 on 8 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His description simply reads "pF; pS; R."   His position is 1.5 tmin E and 6.5' N of MCG -01-25-047, so this identification seems very uncertain.  RNGC and RC3 identify this object as MCG -01-25-047 (not MCG, though).  The MCG RA is +1 tmin too far E.

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NGC 3030 = MCG -02-25-021 = PGC 28302

09 50 10.5 -12 13 35; Hya

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1' NNW.  Located 2.5' NNW of mag 8.5 SAO 155521.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3030 = LM 2-417 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.7, 0.2' dia, R, gbsbMN."   His position is only 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of MCG -02-25-021 = PGC 28302.  Herbert Howe's corrected position made with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory (published in Monthly Notices 1899) is accurate.

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NGC 3031 = M81 = UGC 5318 = MCG +12-10-010 = CGCG 333-007 = PGC 28630 = Bode's Nebula

09 55 33.2 +69 03 55; UMa

V = 6.9;  Size 26.9'x14.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 157”

 

48" (4/15/10): dazzling view of M81 at 267x (21mm Ethos) and 330x (17mm Nagler).  The  galaxy is elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE and extends at least 20'x10'.  The brightness level increases gradually to the center from the large, very bright oval core but is punctuated at the center by an extremely bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  A bright spiral arm attaches to the galaxy on the northwest end and bends abruptly to the south, passing across a mag 12 star located 5' NW of center.  As it heads southeast, the arm separates from the main glow of the galaxy and can be traced as it passes just north of double star STF 1387 = 10.8/10.8 at 9", ending to the northeast of the striking double star STF 1386 = 9.3/9.3 at 2.1".  The total length of this arm is ~15'.  The second main arm is more prominent, attaching to the main body on the south end.  This arm is much brighter in a narrow arc as it curves around at its south end.  The southern arm is still relatively narrow with a very well defined edge as it sweeps NNW and gradually separates from the main body.

 

Holmberg IX was visible 10.5' E of the center of M81. With this dwarf galaxy centered in the eyepiece, the outer halo of M81 was visible near the edge of the field.  At 330x it appeared very faint, fairly large, 2' diameter, round, low even surface brightness with no noticeable concentration.  The galaxy is nestled within a kite asterism including a mag 13 star 1.3' S.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, about 16'x8', large oval bright middle, bright core, nearly stellar nucleus.  Two mag 11.5 and 11.9 stars are superimposed in the halo at the south edge of the core.  An easily visible spiral arm is attached near these two stars at the south end of the core.  This arm curves due north along the east side and is well separated from the main body.  A second arm was suspected on 10/12/85 as a short extension curving around the NNW end towards a mag 12 star at the WNW edge of the halo and was described as "shorter and much less prominent, though definitely seen" on 1/31/87.  Mag 8.7 SAO 15020 (·1386 = 9.3/9.3 at 2") lies 10' SSW and the striking double star ·1387 = 10.7/10.7 at 9" is 8' SSW.  Forms a very striking pair at low power with M82 37' N.  The bright supernova 1993j was located 3' SSW of the core and formed a right triangle with the two mag 11.5/11.9 stars south of the core.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): extremely faint arm attached at the southeast end near two stars and curves to the east.

 

8": very bright, bright core, large oval halo, elongated NW-SE, two faint stars involved.

 

Johann Bode discovered M81 = NGC 3031 = h649, along with M82, on 31 Dec 1774.  Pierre MŽchain independently discovered M81 in Aug 1779.  On 30 Sep 1802, William Herschel recorded "vB, eL; it very nearly fills all the field, it loses itself imperceptibly, mE np sf; I can trace it nearly 1/2” in extent beyond the brightest part."  On 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377), John Herschel wrote, "eB; eL; E, pos = 156”, gb and svmbM, with faint rays of light nearly to extremities of field (15').  The most condensed part is 4' l and 3' br."  He mistakenly called this galaxy M82 in the Slough Catalogue.

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NGC 3032 = UGC 5292 = MCG +05-23-046 = CGCG 152-077 = PGC 28424

09 52 08.2 +29 14 10; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, very small, almost round, very small bright core, bright stellar nucleus, surrounded by small very faint halo.  Located midway between mag 8.6 SAO 81056 1.7' N and a mag 10 star 1.9' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3032 = h650 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and logged "a *12 with an eF atmos about 10-12".  It is between a *8-9m n p and one = 10m, s f, neither of which are so affected. A curious object." His position and description applies, although the two stars are more nearly north and south.

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NGC 3033 = Cr 212 = ESO 167-006

09 48 39 -56 24 42; Vel

V = 8.8;  Size 5'

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this is a small 4' group of ~30 stars situated just SW of mag 6.1 HD 85250.  Many of the stars are arranged in a loop or oval on the SW side of the star, so the combination with the bright star appears similar to a diamond ring.  The cluster members are fairly uniform in brightness with a number of mag 11 stars.  A wide double star 5' SE (9.5/11.5 at 26") is collinear with HD 85250.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3033 = h3194 on 27 Feb 1835 and logged "irregularly round cluster, 8' diameter, of 50 or 60 stars, 11 and 12 mag. In the milky way, but sufficiently rich and distinct to be registered as a cluster."

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NGC 3034 = M82 = Arp 337 = UGC 5322 = MCG +12-10-011 = CGCG 333-008 = UMa A = PGC 28655 = Cigar Galaxy

09 55 52.7 +69 40 46; UMa

V = 8.4;  Size 11.2'x4.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 65”

 

48" (4/15/10): stunning view at 330x with numerous irregular dark rifts slicing up the mottled, clumpy surface.  Several very small, bright knots or condensations (Super Star Clusters - SSCs) are just west of a dark wedge that pierces the galaxy on the south side and tapers as it cuts across the center at an oblique angle.  The very bright section of the galaxy to the northeast of the dark absorption wedge also displays mottled structure.  Another prominent dark inclusion cuts into the galaxy from the north on the northeast side of the galaxy.  A very faint extension of low surface brightness haze (the superwind outflow) bulges out from the main portion of the galaxy on the south side.  This glow is west of the dark wedge and east of a mag 10.5 star located 5.8' SW of center. On images this large bulge appears to explode out from the galaxy with filamentary structure.  Overall, there was too much visible structure to describe from a couple of minutes at the eyepiece.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): very bright, large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 10' x 2.5', large bright irregular core.  Very mottled with an unusually high surface brightness.  Unique appearance with several dark cuts oblique to the major axis including a prominent wedge or cut nearly through the center.  A mag 10 star is just south of the SW end 5.8' from the center

 

13.1" (11/5/83): two obvious dark lanes.

 

8": bright, spindle, mottled.  A dark wedge cuts into the galaxy near the center from the south side.

 

10x50 binoculars: faintly visible though easier in 15x50's.

 

Johann Bode discovered M82 = NGC 3034 = H IV-79, along with M81, on 31 Dec 1774.  Pierre MŽchain independently discovered M82 in Aug 1779.

 

M82 is not in William Herschel's published catalogues, though on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) he noted "eB, mE sp-nf, about 10' long" and on 30 Sep 1802 (sweep 1112) he logged "a vB, beautiful ray of light, brightest in the middle of all the length, about 8' long and 2 or 3' broad."  John Herschel added it as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations (and in the GC as IV-79), as WH assumed it was a new discovery on his last sweep on 30 Sep 1802!

 

The first published comment about dark lanes was made by Ralph Copeland at Birr Castle on 21 May 1871.  He noted "A most extraordinary object, at least 10' in length, and crossed by several dark bands."

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NGC 3035 = MCG -01-25-052 = PGC 28415

09 51 55.0 -06 49 23; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3035 = St X-23 on 5 Mar 1880.  His position is an exact match with MCG -01-25-052.

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NGC 3036 = ESO 126-027

09 49 20 -62 40 30; Car

Size 10'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): nice cluster consisting of two main groups with offshoots.  Overall fairly rich with roughly 30 stars in the southern group and 15 in the northern.  The larger southern group forms an elongated looping chain and extends ~6'x1.5'.  It includes a mag 9.9 star near the west end and a 11.5/12.5 pair at 15" on the southwest end.  Two mag 10 stars are at the east end.  The distinct northern chain also includes a 14" pair.  This cluster is situated 12' WNW of mag 5.6 HD 85656.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3036 = h3197 on 7 Mar and recorded "The chief star 10m of a cluster class VIII of sc st 10' dia.  It is one the borders of the milky way."  His position corresponds with a mag 10 star on the west side of a scattered group that is well-defined on the DSS.  JH's original Cape position was 20' too far north but he corrected it on the errata page, so the GC and NGC position is accurate. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 3037 = ESO 499-010 = MCG -04-24-002 = PGC 28381

09 51 24.2 -27 00 40; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, roundish, 1.0' diameter, very little concentration.  A 30" pair of mag 14 stars close SE (~1.5') is collinear with the center of the galaxy.  Located 5.4' SSW of mag 9.7 SAO 178100.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3037 = h3195 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; lbM; 30"."  His position is an exact match with ESO 499-010 = PGC 28381.

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NGC 3038 = ESO 374-002 = MCG -05-24-001 = LGG 184-002 = PGC 28376

09 51 15.4 -32 45 09; Ant

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.2', large bright core, very faint halo, brighter quasi-stellar nucleus.  Three IC galaxies lie to the west with IC 2513 the closest at 17' SW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, slightly elongated oval WSW-ENE, fairly small, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3038 = Sw. III-52 on 27 Feb 1886 and noted "pB; pS; R."   His position is just 40" north of ESO 374-002.

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NGC 3039 = UGC 5297 = MCG +00-25-027 = CGCG 007-051 = PGC 28452

09 52 29.6 +02 09 15; Sex

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 3.9' WSW and two mag 12.5 stars lie 3.0' W and 1.5' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3039 = m 184 on 22 Jan 1865 and logged "vF, S, iR."  His position matches UGC 5297.

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NGC 3040 = UGC 5300 = MCG +03-25-037 = CGCG 092-067 = Holm 148a = PGC 28479

09 53 05.1 +19 25 56; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Fairly well concentrated with a bright, round 20" core and faint extensions.  A mag 14 star lies 1.8' SSE.  Brightest in a triple system, including Ho 148b at the northeast edge (companions not seen).

 

CGCG 92-065, located 12' N, appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Contained a stellar nucleus in moments of steady seeing.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3040 = St XIII-53 on 25 Mar 1884.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3041 = UGC 5303 = MCG +03-25-039 = CGCG 092-068 = PGC 28485

09 53 07.2 +16 40 40; Leo

V = 11.5;  Size 3.7'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, large, diffuse, slightly elongated.  A mag 13 is just off the SW end 1.5' from the center and two mag 14.5 stars are at the NW edge 1.2' from center and at the north edge 1' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3041 = H II-98 = h3196 on 23 Mar 1784 (sweep 184) and recorded "L, not vF, resolvable, R, not much bM.  North following the most south of 2 bright stars and not far from it; the nebulosity reaches up the bright star."  Interestingly, JH called this galaxy a globular cluster and noted "F; L; R; vglbm; 2.5' dia; resolved with left eye."  Dreyer noted it was not a globular in 1876 observation at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3042 = UGC 5307 = MCG +00-25-030 = CGCG 007-054 = PGC 28498

09 53 20.1 +00 41 51; Sex

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 111”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, very small bright core, very faint extensions from core.  A mag 13 star is 1.3' SW of core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3042 = m 185 on 30 Apr 1864 and recorded "pB, S, vlE, gbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3043 = UGC 5327 = MCG +10-14-052 = CGCG 289-023 = PGC 28672

09 56 14.6 +59 18 25; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 84”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.5', small bright core.  Located 8' S of mag 7.9 SAO 27433.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3043 = H II-835 = h651 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and noted "cF; S; E."  His position is within 1' of UGC 5327.  John Herschel described it on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) as "eF; pL; 35"; vgbM; has a *10 m 7' n."

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NGC 3044 = UGC 5311 = MCG +00-25-031 = CGCG 007-056 = FGC 965 = PGC 28517

09 53 40.8 +01 34 46; Sex

V = 11.9;  Size 4.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly bright, large, edge-on 6:1 WNW-ESE, dimensions 3.5'x0.5', broadly concentration but does not contain a well-defined core.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very pretty, very thin edge-on streak at 166x-214x, moderately large, brighter middle.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3044 = H III-254 = h652 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 342) and recorded "eF, mE, 3 or 5' long and near 1' br from np to sf; but not far from the parallel."  One week later (sweep 348) he logged "vF; about 5' long but extremely narrow, less than 1/4' broad; from np to sf."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 7) as an example of "very narrow long nebulae."  John Herschel measured an accurate position on 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) and recorded, "vF; mE, pos = 111.5”; 80" l, 15" br.  Aurora in sky, even at this polar distance."  The UGC, RC3 list the PA = 13”, but it should read 113”.

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NGC 3045 = ESO 566-22 = MCG -03-25-028 = PGC 28492

09 53 17.7 -18 38 43; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 110”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, no details.  Located 17' W of NGC 3052.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3045 = h3198 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; lbM; 30"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3046 = ESO 499-015

09 53 22.0 -27 19 19; Ant

 

= *?, RNGC and ESO.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3046 = h3199 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "pF; R.  RA precarious; a hurried observation." His position is 30" south of a mag 14.6 star and RNGC and ESO identify NGC 3046 as a star.  I would think it likely this was a duplicate observation of NGC 3051 except that both were recorded on the same sweep!  Still, Harold Corwin suggests this may be a case (there are two others) where he accidentally recorded the same object twice in the sweep.

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NGC 3047 = UGC 5323se = MCG +00-25-033 = (CGCG 007-059) = PGC 28577

09 54 32.0 -01 17 27; Sex

V = 13.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.3' SSE of mag 8.6 SAO 137215.  Forms a double system with a very faint stellar companion (NGC 3047A) just 40" WNW of center.

 

George Hough discovered NGC 3047 on 24 Apr 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and described as "small and round, very faint."  Both Hough and Sherburne Burnham reobserved the galaxy on 5 May and Dreyer credited the pair.  The discovery position in AN 2524 is 8 tsec W (only given to the nearest tenth of a tmin) of UGC 5323.

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NGC 3048 = CGCG 092-071 = PGC 28595

09 54 56.5 +16 27 23; Leo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3053 8.7' ESE.  A very faint galaxy (LEDA 1509261) off the NE side was not noticed.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3048 = m186 on 27 Apr 1864 and simply noted "eF".  His position matches CGCG 092-071.  Two extremely faint galaxies are close to the east (slightly larger redshifts).

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NGC 3049 = UGC 5325 = MCG +02-25-055 = CGCG 063-103 = Mrk 710 = PGC 28590

09 54 49.6 +09 16 17; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.4' NE of center and a mag 14 star lies 1.9' SW of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3049 = St XII-37 on 20 Mar 1882.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3050 = NGC 2979 = MCG -02-25-012

09 43 08.6 -10 23 01; Sex

 

See observing notes for NGC 2979.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3050 = LM 2-418 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His notes inlcude "mag 14.0, 0.6' dia, vlE 200”, gbMN."  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of time).

 

Harold Corwin suggests, NGC 3050 is a duplicate of NGC 2979 (discovered by WH), which is located is over 11 tmin of RA west of Muller's position!  But the declination matches and the description and position angle is a good fit, so if a 10 min recording error in RA was made, this identification is likely.

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NGC 3051 = NGC 3046: = ESO 499-016 = MCG -04-24-004 = PGC 28536

09 53 58.6 -27 17 11; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (3/25/00): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Broadly concentrated halo containing a very small bright core.  Located 14' ENE of mag 6.4 SAO 178130.  NGC 3037 lies 38' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3051 = h3201 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded ""pF, S, R, gbM; 20 arcseconds."  His position matches ESO 499-016.  NGC 3046 may be a duplicate observation.  See notes on that number.

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NGC 3052 = ESO 566-026 = MCG -03-25-030 = PGC 28570

09 54 28.0 -18 38 21; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 102”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated, diffuse, weak concentration.  Located 23' NNW of mag 4.9 SAO 155588.  NGC 3045 lies 17' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3052 = H III-272 = h3202 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "vF, pS, irr.  A lttle brighter towards the middle."  CH's reduced position is 1.5' southeast of ESO 566-026 = PGC 28570.  JH logged "pF; L; R; gbM; 50" and measured an accurate position (in the NGC).

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NGC 3053 = UGC 5329 = MCG +03-25-040 = CGCG 092-074 = CGCG 093-001 = PGC 28631

09 55 33.6 +16 25 58; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, oval NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3048 8.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3053 = H III-600 = h3200 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 690) and noted "vF, S, iR."  CH's reduced position is 1.5' north of UGC 5329.  JH called it "vF; lE; gbM; 25"."

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NGC 3054 = ESO 499-018 = MCG -04-24-005 = UGCA 187 = PGC 28571

09 54 28.6 -25 42 13; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 3.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, diffuse halo, elongated WNW-ESE.

 

C.H.F. Peters discovered NGC 3054 on 3 Apr 1859 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  The NGC RA (from Peters) is just 6 sec west of ESO 499-018.

 

Ormond Stone found the galaxy again on 14 Jan 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded it again as #60 in the first LM first discovery list.  His rough RA is ~1.5 minutes too large but his description (PA = 120”, 2.7'x0.8') matches this galaxy.

 

Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 at the Helwan Observatory, the galaxy was described as "F, 3'x2', E 110”, spiral with pF almost stellar nucleus and faint well defined whorls [arms]."

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NGC 3055 = UGC 5328 = MCG +01-25-034 = CGCG 035-087 = PGC 28617

09 55 18.1 +04 16 11; Sex

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 63”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, moderately large.  There is a sharper light cut-off on the east side due to dust.  Located 5.7' SSE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3055 = H VI-4 = h656 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 116) and noted "a nebula or cluster of very close and small stars."  His position is 38 sec of RA east of UGC 5328 (not an uncommon error in his early sweeps).  He included this galaxy in class VI (Very condensed and rich clusters of stars). John Herschel made 3 observations and noted on 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143), "pB, gbM; r; lE; 60" l, 40" br; twilight.  No other cluster or neb near."  The NGC position is accurate.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 15 Mar 1855, recorded the following detail: "E sp nf, has a B nucl and a knot in sp end, or rather a twist towards then."  The following Jan he remarked "I see it as last year with appendage or curved branch at sp end."

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NGC 3056 = ESO 435-007 = MCG -05-24-003 = PGC 28576

09 54 32.8 -28 17 53; Ant

V = 11.7;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 16”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, very small, bright core, very slightly elongated halo N-S.  A mag 12.5 star is off the NE end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3056 = h3203 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; vsmbM; has a * 10m almost contiguous; pos from neb = 203.8”.  His position and description matches ESO 435-007, though the position angle of the bright star is off by 180”.

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NGC 3057 = UGC 5404 = MCG +14-05-010 = PGC 29296

10 05 39.5 +80 17 09; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, moderately large, elongated.  Two mag 13-14 stars are off the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3057 = H III-978 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "eF, pL vlbM.  Just north of 2 small stars are are hearly in parallel [E-W]."  CH's reduced position is within 1' of UGC 5404.  This object is the 500th discovery listed in Herschel's third catalogue although he left three additional ones out which exceeded the 500 limit.  NGC 3057 was not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3058 = IC 573 = MCG -02-25-026 = VV 741 = PGC 28513

09 53 35.7 -12 28 55; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 35”

 

28" (4/12/18): at 366x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~40"x25", very small slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 13.6 star is 1.1' W.  A very close, faint pair (~6" separation)  is 1.1' SSE.

 

NGC 3058 is interacting with NGC 3058 NED1 = LEDA 3442467, only 18" NW of center. The companion was very faint, extremely small, ~10" diameter, virtually attached to NGC 3058.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' W.  A wide mag 12/13 pair at 45" separation lies 2' SSW and a mag 12/13.5 pair at 30" separation E-W lies 3.5' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3058 = LM 1-159 on 6 May 1886 and recorded "mag 15.5, size 1.2', double or binuclear, tri-nuclear?". There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of RA) but about 2 min of RA west is the double system MCG -02-25-026. This type of large error in RA is fairly common with positions in the first Leander McCormick list and his description clinches the identification.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 20 Apr 1892 and measured a fairly accurate position for J. 1-171 (later IC 573). So NGC 3058 = IC 573 though MCG only uses the IC designation for MCG -02-25-002.  In his Dec. 1899 paper on NGC/IC observations, Howe described NGC 3058 as a multiple galaxy "p.a. 210 deg, dist 20", nf galaxy brighter" and measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 3059 = ESO 037-007 = PGC 28298

09 50 08.5 -73 55 18; Car

V = 11.0;  Size 3.6'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 71”

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appears fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.  Appears to have a central bar or an elongated core (barred spiral).  At moments I caught a glimpse of a faint stellar nucleus.  The halo is large, ~2.5'x2.0' and seems mottled.  Surrounded by a number of stars in a rich star field and situated 5' ESE of a mag 9 star.  I accidentally forgot to check this object off from the previous night so it was still on my observing list, though I suspected it had been seen earlier.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears fairly bright, large, slightly elongated, ~3.0'x2.5', weak concentration except for a small elongated core or bar (this is a face-on barred spiral).  Overall the surface brightness is fairly low, but fairly impressive due to its large size and central bar.  The galaxy is surrounded by a number of mag 13 stars.  A mag 8.9 star (HD 85642) lies 5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3059 = h3205 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; L; irreg R; glbM; 3'; many vS stars near and in it."  His position (corrected in a list of errata at the end of the CGH) matches ESO 037-007.

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NGC 3060 = UGC 5338 = MCG +03-26-002 = CGCG 093-003 = PGC 28680

09 56 19.2 +16 49 52; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, bright core, no well-defined nucleus, faint extensions taper to points.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3060 = H III-601 = h3204 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 690) and recorded "vF, cS, lE, easily resolvable."  CH's reduced position is just off the north side of UGC 5338.

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NGC 3061 = UGC 5319 = MCG +13-07-040 = CGCG 350-036 = PGC 28670

09 56 11.9 +75 51 59; Dra

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, fairly large, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  There are two faint stars at the edges;  a mag 14.5 star 1.8' NW of center and a faint 15 star 0.9' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3061 = H II-903 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "F, pL, r."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5319 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 or Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752..

 

John Herschel observed what he assumed was his father's II-903, and recorded h653 as "very doubtful.  Moonlight and haze."  There is nothing at or near his poisition (noted in the MN paper).   JH used his position, though, and basically his father's description (changing "F" to "vF") in the GC and Dreyer repeated this in the NGC.  So, NGC 3061 = H II-903 and not h653.

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NGC 3062 = CGCG 008-002 = PGC 28699

09 56 35.7 +01 25 43; Sex

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (4/15/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Not noticed at 100x but easy at 220x.  Based on description, I probably viewed the brighter core only and missed the fainter extensions.  Located 45' ESE of NGC 3044.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3062 = m 187 with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, vS, alm stellar."  His position matches Marth's position matches PGC 28699.

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NGC 3063

10 01 41.6 +72 07 05; UMa

 

= **, Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3063 = H II-909 on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112) in the field of II-333 = NGC 3065 and II-334 = NGC 3066, "The sp one eF, vS, about 1' more south and 20 sec preceding."  This probably refers to a pair of mag 14.9 stars at 11" separation that was also found by d'Arrest (GCS 5512) when he observed the pair of galaxies and d'Arrest's position was used in the NGC.

 

WH didn't include this object in his third catalogue as he had already reached his 500 object threshold, but JH added it in an appendix to the Cape Catalogue (HON = [William] Herschel omitted nebulae") and in the GC as II-909 = GC 1972.  There was confusion, though, which objects were the two nebulae previously discovered, and JH noted it was the third of three, instead of the the first of three.  This confusion carried into the NGC and even Dreyer's 1912 notes on WH's third catalogue.  See Corwin's notes for the full history.

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NGC 3064 = MCG -01-26-001 = PGC 28638

09 55 41.5 -06 21 50; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  A distinctive group of mag 11-13 stars is roughly 5' NE.  The brighter mag 11 stars form a rectangle with a 13th magnitude star in the center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3064 = LM 1-161 on 6 May 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, vS, E45”."  A second listing I-162 (probably from a different date).  The second entry mentions "same as 161?", so Dreyer combined them into NGC 3058.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct - just 0.2 tmin east of MCG -01-26-001.

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NGC 3065 = UGC 5375 = MCG +12-10-014 = CGCG 333-010 = VII Zw 303 = PGC 29046

10 01 55.3 +72 10 13; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core, stellar nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 1.4' NW.  Forms a close striking pair with slightly fainter NGC 3066 3.1' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3065 = H II-333 = h654 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and recorded "Two [along with II-334 = NGC 3066], pF, S, bM.  The most north [NGC 3065] a little larger and brighter than the southern one; otherwise much alike; not far from being in the same meridian."  Caroline's reduced position is ~30 sec of RA east of UGC 5375 and UGC 5379.

 

This pair was also the very last object WH observed on his last sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802 and he also noted a third object (II-909), which turns out to be a double star.  John Herschel made a single observation on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), noting "vF; S; R; 10"; near a * 11-12m."  The NGC position (from d'Arrest) matches UGC 5375.

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NGC 3066 = UGC 5379 = MCG +12-10-015 = CGCG 333-011 = Mrk 133 = PGC 29059

10 02 11.0 +72 07 31; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, gradual moderate concentration but no sharp core.  Only slightly fainter than NGC 3065 3' NNW but has a smoother surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3066 = H II-334 = h655 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and recorded "Two [along with II-333 = NGC 3065], pF, S, bM.  The most north a little larger and brighter than the southern one; otherwise much alike; not far from being in the same merian."  CH's reduced position is 30 sec of RA east of UGC 5375 and UGC 5379.

 

This pair was also the very last objects WH observed on his last sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802 and he also noted a third object (II-909), which turns out to be a double star.  John Herschel made a single observation on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), noting "F; R; 20"; vglbM." The NGC position (from d'Arrest) matches UGC 5379.

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NGC 3067 = UGC 5351 = MCG +06-22-046 = CGCG 182-051 = KTG 26C = PGC 28805

09 58 21.1 +32 22 12; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter elongated central section is mottled and appears to have a sharp light cut-off (dust lane) on the northern flank, the eastern end of the galaxy has a lower surface brightness, probably due to dust. Member of the USGC U268 group.

 

3C 232 = Ton 469, a distant quasar with a redshift of z = .531 (light-travel time of 5.3 billion years), lies 1.9' due north.  It was easily visible at 375x as a very faint mag 16 star.  A brighter mag 15 star is 1.4' WSW of the quasar.  This QSR was central to another Arp controversy as a ŅHI fingerÓ or bridge appears to connect the quasar and NGC 3067.

 

24" (4/20/14): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.5', contains a large bright core that is very mottled with several very small knots (HII regions and dust on the SDSS).  The southeast side of the halo is weaker with an irregular surface brightness. A mag 9.8 star is 3.9' ENE.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter core bulges but no nucleus, extensions taper towards ends.  Located 3.8' WSW of a mag 9.5 star. 

 

8": faint, very elongated ~E-W.  A mag 9 star is 4' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3067 = H II-492 = h657 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "pB, pL, lE nearly in the parallel."  John Herschel made 3 observations and wrote on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), "pB; pL; E in parallel; gbM; 60" l, 40" br; has a * 10th mag n f."

 

A total of 15 observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 13 Mar 1850, LdR (or assistant George Stoney) noted the following detail: "Longitudinal split visible occasionally, at least in following 2/3.  A bright streak seemed to run transversely across neb."

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NGC 3068 = Arp 174 NED2 = UGC 5353b = MCG +05-24-006 NED2 = CGCG 153-006 = PGC 28815

09 58 40.1 +28 52 39; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, contains a small bright core, ~15" diameter.  The oval halo has a very low surface brightness and appears to extend ~25"x18" E-W.

 

NGC 3068 is the brighter of a close, interacting pair with NGC 3068 NED1 = PGC 87670 just 36" SE (between centers).  The companion was extremely to very faint, round, only 10" diameter at most.  Although I couldn't hold this compact galaxy continuously (V = 15.6), it was often visible.  There was no sign of a connection between the pair or the long, diffuse tidal tail to the southwest.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (much smaller than listed dimensions). A mag 12.5 star is 2.8' N.  No details were visible (viewed through thin clouds) and the fainter companion 35" SW was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3068 = H III-293 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and recorded"suspected, eF, eS, stellar. 240 left it doubtful, but showed the same suspicious nebulous which other stars of equal size were free from."  His position is 6' N of UGC 5353.  Dreyer has a note in the NGC that Auwers' reduction was incorrect due to a error in the identification of the offset star in Philosophical Transactions.

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NGC 3069 = IC 580 = MCG +02-26-005 = CGCG 064-010 = PGC 28788

09 57 56.7 +10 25 57; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, very small.  Located on a line with NGC 3070 5.0' SSE and 30" pair of mag 13/14.5 stars 2' NNW.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 3069 on 15 Mar 1877 as LdR's assistant.  While observing NGC 3070 he noted "5' nnp is an object which I have little doubt is a vF, vS, neb, perhaps lE.  Clouds." At his separation and direction is CGCG 064-010 = PGC 28788.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Mar 1892 and recorded J. 1-175 as "pF, vS, iF".  His position is very close north of NGC 3069.  CGCG labels this galaxy IC 580, but it is clear NGC 3069 = IC 580.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3070 = UGC 5350 = MCG +02-26-006 = CGCG 064-011 = PGC 28796

09 58 06.9 +10 21 35; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, prominent core, stellar nucleus.  Located 13' WSW of mag 7.7 SAO 98881.  Forms a pair with NGC 3069 5.0' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3070 = H II-59 = h659 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "vS, cometic; There is a vB star in the fiedl with it and the nebula is the 4th in a row from the bright star both included; the two stars between are small."  John Herschel noted in Jan 1828 (sweep 123), "pB; pL; R; gbM; 40"."

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NGC 3071 = CGCG 153-008 = PGC 28825

09 58 53.1 +31 37 12; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 176”

 

18" (3/11/07): very faint, extremely small, round, 0.2' diameter (core region?), very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 33' SW of 5.4-magnitude 20 Leonis Majoris.  Forms a pair with very compact CGCG 153-009 6.8' NE.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3071 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position in AN 2782 matches CGCG 153-008 = PGC 28825.

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NGC 3072 = ESO 566-033 = MCG -03-26-001 = PGC 28749

09 57 23.9 -19 21 18; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 71”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', very small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3072 = H III-273 = h3206 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "eF, vS, irr."  His position is within 1' of ESO 566-033 = PGC 28749.  JH made two observations at the Cape, logging on sweep 561 "vF; E; glbM; 60" l; 50" br."

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NGC 3073 = UGC 5374 = MCG +09-17-007 = CGCG 265-054 = CGCG 266-006 = Mrk 131 = Holm 156b = PGC 28974

10 00 52.0 +55 37 07; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, round.  Located 10' WSW of NGC 3079.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3073 = H III-853, along with NGC 3079, on 1 Apr 1790 (sweep 955) and logged "vF, S, vglbM."  Caroline's reduced position is 8 seconds of RA west of UGC 5374.  John Herschel didn't make an observation.  Although the NGC position was off by only 1', NGC 3073 was reported as a new nebula when it was found by Keeler on a Crossley reflector plate in 1898-00 and catalogued in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 3074 = UGC 5366 = MCG +06-22-047 = CGCG 182-054 = PGC 28888

09 59 41.2 +35 23 34; LMi

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, moderately large, round.  Appears as a diffuse, low surface brightness glow, ~1.5' diameter with only a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.9' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3074 = H III-542 = h660 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "cF, L, iF.  Part of it 5' long and 4' br."  CH's reduced position is 8 sec of RA preceding UGC 5366, although his size estimate is much too large.  John Herschel measured an accurate position (used in NGC) on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) and wrote, "eF; R; vgvlbM; 60"; has a * 10m in parallel, dist 7'.

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NGC 3075 = UGC 5360 = MCG +03-26-009 = CGCG 093-012 = PGC 28833

09 58 56.2 +14 25 07; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is involved at the NNW end 0.6' from center and a mag 15 star is close off the east side 1.5' ESE of center.  Located 2.9' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3075 = h3207 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "vvF; forms an appendage to a star 14 mag; a star 11 mag follows." His position is accurate. This is one of 3 galaxies he discovered that night in Leo.

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NGC 3076 = ESO 566-034 = MCG -03-26-002 = PGC 28766

09 57 37.6 -18 10 43; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, small, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located 50" S of a mag 13 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3076 = h3208 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "eF, S, R, 15"."  His RA is 33 tsec too large.

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NGC 3077 = UGC 5398 = MCG +12-10-017 = CGCG 333-01 = KTG 28C = PGC 29146

10 03 19.1 +68 44 02; UMa

V = 9.9;  Size 5.4'x4.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 45”

 

24" (4/20/14): at 260x appeared very bright, very large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, large bright core, gradually increases to a small brighter inner core and occasionally a faint stellar nucleus.  The outer halo seems brighter or more extensive on the north-following side and gradually fades, so the periphery has a very low surface brightness.  Two similar unequal doubles are in the field: ·1400 = 8.0/9.8 at 3.4" lies 3.8' NW and ·1398 = 8.1/11.4 at  3.6" lies 10".

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, fairly large outer halo elongated SW-NE, increases to brighter core.  Mag 7.9 SAO 15054 (·1400 = 8.0/9.8 at 3.4") lies off the NW side 3.8' from the center.  Located 45' ESE of M81 (member of the M81 group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3077 = H I-286 = h658 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) and remarked "vB, cL, R, vgmbM. On the north-following side there is a faint ray interrupting the roundness."  Caroline's reduced position is 8' too far south.  Wilhelm Struve independently found the galaxy in 1825 or 1826 and included in his list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars (· 3).  John Herschel's position, measured on 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377) was accurate in declination, but 1 min of RA too far west.  Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" on 26 Dec 1873, noted "vB, L, R, comet like with 2 streams of neby towards the south."

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NGC 3078 = ESO 499-027 = MCG -04-24-009 = PGC 28806

09 58 24.5 -26 55 36; Hya

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very bright core, slightly elongated halo, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3084 is 15' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3078 = H II-268 = h3209 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 676) and recorded "F, S, R, a bright point in the middle or cometic."  JH loigged "B, R, gmbM, 30"."

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NGC 3079 = UGC 5387 = MCG +09-17-010 = CGCG 266-008 = Holm 156a = PGC 29050

10 01 57.3 +55 40 54; UMa

V = 10.9;  Size 7.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 165”

 

48" (4/18/15): I made another short observation of this remarkable asymmetric edge-on at 375x and 488x before observing the Twin Quasars, which lie 14' NNW.  The brightest portions of this 6:1 edge-on NNW-SSE is warped and bowed out towards the east in the very bright central section. An intense nucleus is within this central section, though offset to the east of center.  The west side of the central section is irregular in surface brightness due to dust.  The northern extention thins and has a slight bend on the north end, beyond a mag 14 star.  On the south side is a bright streak, but to the east of this streak and further south the galaxy is dusty and sections of the galaxy appear to be highly obscured.  Two mag 14 stars are off the west side of the galaxy and mag 9.6 HD 237858 is 3.5' SE of center.

 

Both components of the Twin Quasars at mag 16.7 and 16.9 were easily visible nearly continuously at 697x.  The southern component was clearly slightly brighter, although the delta mag is only 0.2.  At 6" separation, the pair was relatively widely split.

 

48" (4/6/13): I only took a quick look at this gorgeous showpiece edge-on at 375x.  The entire length of the galaxy appeared very mottled, clumpy and dusty, although there was no distinct dust lane.  The shape is irregular and sharply rises to an intense, very elongated 4:1 core that bulges and appears offset from the geometric center.  A mag 14 star is superimposed on the north side and SDSS J100200.73+554247.0, an extremely faint galaxy (V = 18.6), was glimpsed 1.2' E.

 

18" (3/13/10): fascinating view at 280x.  NGC 3079 appeared very bright, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 7'x1.4'.  The galaxy extends a little bit beyond a mag 13 star near the north tip of the galaxy and on the south end the galaxy extends beyond a line drawn between mag 9.6 HD 237858 off the SE end and a mag 13.5 star to the west of the southern extension.  Contains a bright elongated 4:1 core, which appears clumpy and mottled with a noticeable irregular surface brightness.  The NNW extension is tilted further towards the west than the core, so appears misaligned.  In addition, the south extension appears warped or has a missing portion on the eastern side probably due to dust, so the entire galaxy has a bent, very striking asymmetric appearance.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very bright, large, edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.  Forms a trio with NGC 3073 10' WSW and MCG +09-17-009 6' NW (noted as "very faint, very small, round.")  To the south is a triangle of bright stars; mag 9.0 SAO 27486 7' SE, mag 8.3 SAO 27476 6' SSW and mag 9.1 SAO 27482 3.3' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3079 = H V-47, along with NGC 3073, on 1 Apr 1790 (sweep 955) and recorded "cB or vB, mE from np to sf, about 8' l and 2' br, vgmbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3080 = UGC 5372 = MCG +02-26-015 = CGCG 064-025 = Mrk 1243 = PGC 28910

09 59 55.9 +13 02 37; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.1' WSW.  IC 585, located 4.4' SSW, appeared faint, small, round, bright core, 40" diameter.  IC 585 is very similar in size and magnitude to NGC 3080 and surprisingly, possibly easier visually due a brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3080 = H III-934 on 1 Apr 1794 while observing Uranus, the "Georgian Planet".  It is not recorded in CH's "fair copy" of WH's sweeps and found while the telescope was out of the meridian.  His offset from Uranus (I used sky-simulation software for the 1794 position of Uranus) is within 1.5' of UGC 5372.  Bigourdan noted the NGC position was 12 seconds of RA too large and measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 3081 = IC 2529 = ESO 499-031 = MCG -04-24-012 = PGC 28876

09 59 29.5 -22 49 35; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 158”

 

48" (4/18/15): this beautiful resonant ring galaxy was viewed at 488x and 610x.  It was very sharply concentrated with a very bright, roundish core (slightly oval at 610x) core that gradually increased to a stellar nucleus.  The surface brightness dropped significantly in the inner halo, but then brightened at the edge to a well defined oval ring, extending 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.3'x0.8'.  The ring was fairly narrow and brightened slightly at the ends of the major axis (southwest and northeast ends).  This was a very distinctive object!  The core itself contains a barred spiral ring, but this feature was not seen.

 

48" (5/3/19): at 488x; NGC 3081 is one of the most distinctive resonant ring galaxies; it was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that appeared roundish, moderately large, gradually intensified further towards the center.  The slightly elongated elongated halo displayed a noticeable edge brightening forming a fairly low contrast ring.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very bright compact core, possible stellar nucleus.  The fainter oval halo is extended E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3081 = H III-596 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, S, lbM.  South of a triangle of unequal small stars." CH's reduced position is 7 seconds of time west of ESO 499-031.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr 1898 and recorded it in list XI-103 (later IC 2529) as "eeF; eS; eF * in contact."  His position is just 1' south of ESO 499-031, though Corwin notes that there is no star in contact.  So, NGC 3081 = IC 2529.

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NGC 3082 = ESO 435-018 = MCG -05-24-011 = PGC 28829

09 58 53.0 -30 21 27; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4'.  A pleasing pair of mag 13 stars (oriented N-S) is just off the NE end.  A thin, faint, edge-on galaxy (ESO 435-019), lies 7' NNE (see notes).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3082 = h3210 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF, S, R, close to a double star. Requires verifying."  His position and description matches ESO 435-018.

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NGC 3083 = MCG +00-26-002 = CGCG 008-011 = WBL 248-001 = PGC 28900

09 59 49.6 -02 52 40; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3'.  A group of ~10 stars mag 12-14 lies a few arcmin NE.  Located at NW end of NGC 3090 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3083 = m 188 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, S, E."  His position matches CGCG 008-011 = PGC 28900.  In a group of galaxies discovered by Marth.

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NGC 3084 = ESO 499-029 = MCG -04-24-010 = IC 2528? = PGC 28841

09 59 06.4 -27 07 44; Ant

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 13 star is off the SE end 25" from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3084 = h3211 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF, S, R, attached to a star 13m sf." His position and description matches ESO 499-029.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 3084.

 

Lewis Swift's possibly found this galaxy on 28 Dec 1897 and recorded Sw. XI-102 as "eeeF; eeS; R; double star south; 3078 in field; ee diff."  His position is 30 sec of RA west and 3.5' south of NGC 3084 and his description doesn't help (a single star is attached to the galaxy and a 5" faint unequal pair is 2.5' SE), so the identification of IC 2528 with NGC 3084 is uncertain, though it is suggested by Harold Corwin.

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NGC 3085 = ESO 566-038 = MCG -03-26-003 = PGC 28875

09 59 29.2 -19 29 32; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 119”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE.  NGC 3091 lies 12' SE.  Member of the NGC 3091 Group, of which HCG 42 is the core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3085 = h3212 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; R.  PD liable to some uncertainty."  His position is 1.5' south of ESO 566-038.  Herbert Howe observed the galaxy in 1899-00 with a 20" refractor and noted "this is called "R" by h, but it seems to be much elongated at 90”."

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NGC 3086 = MCG +00-26-003 = CGCG 008-012 = WBL 248-002 = PGC 28924

10 00 10.9 -02 58 34; Sex

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  Located 4.8' WSW of NGC 3090 at the west side of the NGC 3090 group.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): extremely faint, small, round, averted only.  Located 5' WSW of NGC 3090 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3086 = m 189 on 22 Jan 1865 and recorded "eF, S, iR." His position matches CGCG 008-012 = PGC 28924.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3087 = ESO 374-015 = MCG -06-22-005 = PGC 28845

09 59 08.7 -34 13 31; Ant

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very small, small bright core, fainter halo.  Bracketed by two mag 12/13 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3087 = h3213 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; pmbM; between 2 st 13m."  His position matches ESO 374-015.  Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 8 Mar 1878, noted the star directly north [by 1.4' from center] was double.  Pietro Baracchi described it as "B; S; R: gbM; sparkling; resolvable?  A star 13m precedes by 5 1/2 sec and is on the same declination."

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NGC 3088 = NGC 3088A = UGC 5384 = MCG +04-24-010 = CGCG 123-013 = PGC 28997

10 01 08.4 +22 24 20; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

28" (4/12/18): at 285x; NGC 3088A, the main component of this overlapping pair, appeared moderately bright, small, roundish, fairly bright stellar nucleus, 25" diameter.  NGC 3088B is attached to the southeast side.  Most noticeable is a small, elongated nucleus, ~12"x6", that is centered 30" to the southeast of NGC 3088A.  Occasionally very faint extensions were seen, increasing the size to 0.4'x0.1', merging with the halo of 3088A.  A collinear string of four mag 11.5-13 stars is southwest and a mag 9.9 star lies 8' WNW.

 

UGC 3088 located 6.8' SW, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Occasionally fainter "wings" extending E-W were visible, increasing the dimensions to 35"x20".  A wide pair of mag 12-13 stars is 2' W.  The redshift z = .023 is similar to the components of NGC 3088.

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, very small, high surface brightness, possibly elongated ~E-W, either a stellar nucleus or a very faint star superimposed.  A string of four collinear stars mag 11.5-13.3 is SW; the closest is a mag 12 star 4.8' WSW and the farther two forms a nice wide double (12.4/13.3 at 35").  There is an impression of faint haze off the SE end of galaxy which creates a sense of elongation.  On the POSS, this is a double system – the "faint haze" off the SE end is actually an edge-on contact system MCG +04-24-010 = NGC 3088B.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3088 = H III-24 = h661 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "I suspect a vS nebula.  [Higher power] rather confirmed it, but still left a doubt." His position is 8 sec of RA east of this double system.  On 16 Feb 1860 from Birr Castle, Samuel Hunter wrote, "I think there are two wings, spp and sff."  These probably refer to the two components.

 

The components  have dimensions a) 0.9'x0.8' and b) 0.7'x0.2' and are listed separately as MCG +04-24-010 = NGC 3088a and MCG +04-24-011 = NGC 3088b.

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NGC 3089 = ESO 435-024 = MCG -05-24-014 = PGC 28882

09 59 36.5 -28 19 53; Ant

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 139”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, diffuse.  Unusual appearance as four or five faint stars involved, most near the east end.  Located 2.2' W of mag 7.9 SAO 178285.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3089 = h3214 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "pF; R; 60" has 2 or 3 vS stars involved, and a *8 m; 2' dist, foll[owing."  His position is 1' N of ESO 435-024 and his description is a perfect match.

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NGC 3090 = MCG +00-26-005 = CGCG 008-016 = WBL 248-003 = PGC 28945

10 00 30.2 -02 58 06; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4' NW-SE, small bright core.  Located 34" S of a mag 11 star.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 10.5 star is at the north edge 33" from center which detracts from viewing.  Brightest in a group of six NGC galaxies (MKW 1 = WBL 248) with NGC 3086 5' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3090 = m 190 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "vF, vS."  His position matches CGCG 008-016 = PGC 28945.  In a group of galaxies discovered by Marth.

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NGC 3091 = HCG 42A = ESO 566-041 = MCG -03-26-007 = PGC 28927

10 00 14.1 -19 38 11; Hya

V = 11.1;  Size 3.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 149”

 

48" (4/1/11): extremely bright, large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.2'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a brilliant core that increases to the center.  Brightest of four in HCG 42 with two additional fainter galaxies noted in the group (PGC 852084 and PGC 852825).  HCG 42C = MCG -03-26-006 is the closest member at 1.25' NW, barely off the edge of the halo.

 

25" (3/31/17 - OzSky): at 244x; very bright, fairly  large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and a 2' halo.  HCG 42, just of the NW edge, appeared nearly moderately bright, small, round, 18" diameter, quasi-stellar nucleus..  HCG 42D, located 2.2' due south, appeared very faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

24" (2/9/13): very bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and a very large fainter halo, extending ~2'x1.5'.  HCG 42C, just off NW edge of the halo, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, high surface brightness, brightens to the center.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): bright, moderately large, very small bright core, slightly elongated halo NW-SE.  A 14th magnitude "star" 1.3' NW is actually the compact galaxy MCG -03-26-006.  Brightest in HCG 42 including NGC 3096 4.7' SE.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, small, round, very bright core, substellar nucleus, very faint star close NW.  Brightest in HCG 42.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3091 = H II-293 = h3215 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "pB, S, bM, iR."  JH called this galaxy "pB; pS; the preceding of two [with NGC 3096].

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NGC 3092 = MCG +00-26-008 = CGCG 008-019 = WBL 248-005 = PGC 28967

10 00 47.4 -03 00 45; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', very low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 1.7' SE and a mag 12 star 2' N.  Located 5' SE of NGC 3090 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3092 = m 191 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, S".  His position is 2.5' south of CGCG 008-019 = PGC 28967.  His offset is a bit odd since nearby NGC 3093 was accurate in declination.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3093 = MCG +00-26-007 = CGCG 008-021 = WBL 248-006 = PGC 28977

10 00 53.5 -02 58 20; Sex

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter with a hint of a small halo.  Located in the NGC 3090 group 5.8' due east of NGC 3090 among a small group of stars.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.8' NW, a mag 13 star 2' SE and a mag 12 star 2.2' WSW.  NGC 3092 lies 2.9' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3093 = m 192 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, vS".  His position matches CGCG 008-021 = PGC 28977 in the NGC 3090 group.

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NGC 3094 = UGC 5390 = MCG +03-26-015 = CGCG 093-023 = PGC 29009

10 01 26.0 +15 46 13; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, brighter core.  A mag 10 star is attached at the SE end 0.6' from center.  Located 6.2' NNE of mag 7.8 SAO 98897.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3094 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory.  His micrometric position in AN 2732 matches UGC 5390.

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NGC 3095 = ESO 435-026 = MCG -05-24-016 = UGCA 192 = PGC 28919

10 00 05.6 -31 33 08; Ant

V = 11.7;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 126”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE.  A mag 12 star is off the preceding side 1.0' from the center.  Appears brighter on the west end or an extremely faint star is involved.  NGC 3100 lies 11' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3095 = h3216 on 16 Feb 1836, along with NGC 3100 = h3218, and recorded "F; L; E; vglbM; 3' l; 2' br."  His position and description applies to ESO 435-026.

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NGC 3096 = HCG 42B = ESO 566-042 = MCG -03-26-008 = PGC 28950

10 00 33.1 -19 39 43; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170”

 

48" (4/1/11): this member of HCG 42 appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3, 0.9'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 1.5' NE and a mag 10.6 star is 1.8' NW.  Forms a pair with fainter PGC 852084 1.3' SW (not included by Hickson).  The mag 12 star, NGC 3096, PGC 852084 and a mag 13.8 star are collinear and nearly equally spaced on a 3.7' line oriented NE to SW.

 

25" (3/31/17 - OzSky): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 25"x16", fairly high surface brightness, small bright core.  Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 11.5 star 1.5' NE and a mag 10.6 star 1.8' NW.

 

24" (2/9/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 24"x12" (central bar), very small brighter nucleus.  The larger, low surface brightness halo was not seen.  Located 1.5' SW of a mag 11.5 star and 1.8' SE of a mag 10.6 star.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, weak concentration, visible with direct vision.  Located 4.7' ESE of NGC 3091 in HCG 42.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): extremely faint, small, round, requires averted.  Located 5' ESE of NGC 3091.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3096 = h3217 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; R; lbM; follows II 293 [NGC 3091].  (Place somewhat uncertain.)"  His position is 7 sec of RA east 1.5' north of ESO 566-042.

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NGC 3097

10 04 18 +60 08; UMa

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Edward P. Austin discovered NGC 3097 = HN 39 in 1870 at the Harvard College Observatory with the 15" f/18 Merz refractor (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, 177)   Austin recorded both NGC 3102 = H III-916 and NGC 3097 on the same date; "[NGC 3102] sf neb; p45 deg, s 2'.  Place only approximate."  Although his position is 2' northwest of NGC 3102, his position angle is 45 degrees (northeast).  In the notes section, Pickering states "perhaps a nebulous star.  It is halfway between GC 1998 and a star 11m."  In any case there is nothing in either position so this object is probably nonexistent or a star.  See Corwin's identification notes.

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 3097 as a duplicate of NGC 3102.

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NGC 3098 = UGC 5397 = MCG +04-24-012 = CGCG 123-014 = PGC 29067

10 02 16.7 +24 42 40; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 2.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 90”

 

13.1": moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, brighter core.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, very elongated E-W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3098 = h663 on 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) and logged "pB; S; mE in parallel; 30" l, 10" br; bM to nucleus."  His position and description matches UGC 5397.

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NGC 3099 = MCG +06-22-059 = MCG +06-22-058 = CGCG 182-064 = Holm 160a = PGC 29088

10 02 36.5 +32 42 25; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.55';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, small, round, easily held with direct vision, very weak even concentration down to a slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 2.7' N.  Located 17' WNW of mag 7.6 SAO 61840.  Forms a double system with MCG +06-22-058 = Ho 160b 1.4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3099 = H III-478 = h664 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "eF, S, left doubtful."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3100 = NGC 3103 = ESO 435-030 = MCG -05-24-018 = PGC 28960

10 00 40.8 -31 39 52; Ant

V = 11.1;  Size 3.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 154”

 

48" (5/12/12): very bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core that gradually increases to the center.  Three stars are close following; two mag 10.5/12 stars 1.3' E and 1.5' SE, with a closer mag 14 star 0.9' SE of center.  We took a look at NGC 3100 because an uncatalogued companion (not found in NED or HyperLeda) is just 0.9' SE.  At 488x the companion was easily visible and appeared fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~21"x7", situated just north of the mag 14 star.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.  Two mag 10/11.5 stars are 1.3' E and 1.5' SE (30" separation N-S).  Brightest in a group with NGC 3095 11' NW and NGC 3108 23' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3100 = h3218, along with NGC 3095 = h3216, on 16 Feb 1836 and recorded "pB, R, 30", gpmbM."  His position is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift probably found NGC 3103 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded it in list III-53.  His position is 50 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 3100.  See notes on NGC 3103.

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NGC 3101 = MCG +00-26-011 = CGCG 008-024 = WBL 248-007 = PGC 29025

10 01 35.4 -02 59 40; Sex

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 150”

 

18" (3/11/07): very faint, small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.2', very weak concentration.  A small group of 4 NGC galaxies with brightest member NGC 3090 lies 10' to 20' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3101 = m 193 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF".  His position matches CGCG 008-024.  A tight group of four NGC galaxies found by Marth lies 15' west.

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NGC 3102 = UGC 5418 = MCG +10-15-007 = CGCG 289-030 = CGCG 290-004 = PGC 29220

10 04 31.7 +60 06 29; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 7.0' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3102 = H III-916 = h662 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar neb.  Near a small star.  I wished to see it with a higher power, but it was too far advanced."  Caroline's reduced position is 2.4' southwest of UGC 5418. John Herschel logged on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), "F; vS; R; bM; a coarse double star nf points to it; has a *11m 30" distance, pos 142.2”."

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NGC 3103 = NGC 3100 = ESO 435-030 = MCG -05-24-018 = PGC 28960

10 00 40.8 -31 39 52; Ant

 

See observing notes for NGC 3100

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3103 = Sw. III-53 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pL; R; coarse D * nr p; [NGC 3108] in field.  There is nothing at his position, but 50 seconds of time preceding and 1' north is NGC 3100.  The coarse double star he mentions, though, follows the galaxy.  Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and reported that Swift "saw 3100, but did not take its place with sufficient accuracy."  So, NGC 3100 = NGC 3103, with NGC 3100 the primary designation.

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NGC 3104 = Arp 264 = VV 119 = UGC 5414 = MCG +07-21-007 = CGCG 211-006 = PGC 29186

10 03 57.3 +40 45 25; LMi

V = 13.1;  Size 3.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 15.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, moderately large, ~1.5'-2' diameter although seems irregular in shape.  Appears as a low but irregular surface brightness glow with a mag 13 star embedded at the south edge.  Unusual appearance and could be mistaken for a reflection nebula around the star.  With averted vision a fainter outer halo "grows" at times to 2.5' diameter nearly to a mag 14 star off the NE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3104 = H IV-48 = h665 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and logged "a vF star affected with vF nebulosity.  E from sp to nf about 1' long.  With 300 the same." Caroline's reduced position is 14 sec east of Arp 264. John Herschel wrote on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "A very small * seems to have a nebulous appendage, but moonlight troublesome."

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NGC 3105 = ESO 167-014 = Cr 214

10 00 40 -54 47 18; Vel

V = 9.7;  Size 2'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright compact cluster of just 2.5' diameter with 15 stars resolved at 200x.  Using 350x the total increases to ~20 stars in a 2.5' region.  A close unequal double is close west of center.  A 25" pair of mag 11.5 stars lies 3' NE.  Located 3' NW of a mag 9.6 star.  Located 36' ESE of mag 3.5 Phi Velorum.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3105 = h3219 on 10 Apr 1834 and recorded "a small close clustering knot of stars 13-16 mag; oval; a great train of stars 12..13 mag on the S.p. side."  HIs position is an exact match with this small cluster. Trumpler (Lick Obs Bul, Vol 14, No. 420) gives the diameter as 2.5' and the class as 2 2 p.

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NGC 3106 = UGC 5419 = MCG +05-24-009 = CGCG 153-013 = PGC 29196

10 04 05.2 +31 11 07; LMi

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with faint halo and abrupt bright nucleus.  A mag 13.7 star is 2.7' N of center.  Situated almost at the midpoint of a mag 11.5 star 5.3' WNW and a mag 12 star 4.9' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3106 = H II-320 = h666 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "F, pS, R, lbM."  John Herschel noted on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56), "F; S; R; smbM; is equal to a * 12m."

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NGC 3107 = UGC 5425 = MCG +02-26-022 = CGCG 064-048 = PGC 29209

10 04 22.4 +13 37 17; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Located 1.8' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 98932.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3107 = H II-898 on 22 Mar 1794 (not in CH's fair copy of the sweep records) while observing Uranus, which was used as a reference star.  His description in his 3rd catalogue reads "By coarse estimation. F. 3' north of a pL red star.  This nebula was seen at 8h 49m, sidereal time, the telescope being out of the meridian [observing Uranus]."

 

Three observations were made at Birr Castle.  The RA is very close in the GC to UGC 5425 (6 tsec too far west), although the dec is ~7' too far south. In the 17 Mar 1876 observation at Birr Castle, the position is discussed and it states the RA is 54 sec too large in the GC (due to a misidentification of a red star close south of the galaxy).  So, Dreyer's position in the NGC is 48 tsec too far east!

 

UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label their entries as NGC 3107.  See Corwin's notes for a complete discussion.

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NGC 3108 = ESO 435-032 = MCG -05-24-019 = PGC 29076

10 02 29.1 -31 40 36; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weakly concentrated.  Located 1.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  Two mag 14 stars are 0.9' NE and 1.1' NW.  NGC 3100 lies 23' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3108 = h3220 on 28 Jan 1835 and noted "F; S; R; lbM; 15"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 435-032 = PGC 29076.

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NGC 3109 = ESO 499-036 = MCG -04-24-013 = UGCA 194 = PGC 29128

10 03 07 -26 09 30; Hya

V = 9.9;  Size 19.1'x3.7';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 93”

 

48" (5/4/16): fairly bright, very large, very elongated 6:1 E-W, ~15'x2.5'.  Contains a large brighter irregular core region but no nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is superimposed near the center and a number of fainter stars are superimposed.  Overall the surface brightness is fairly low but patchy with several very small knots.

 

Near the southwest edge of the galaxy, 3.9' WSW of the mag 12.5 star, is a faint 12" knot, identified in SIMBAD as [BCP93] F3 H2 from the 1993 paper "The dwarf galaxy NGC 3109. I - The data".  A faint 10" knot, listed as [BCP93] F1 H3, is 1.1' NW of the same star and another quasi-stellar knot (perhaps a faint star) is close northwest of the star.  Finally, on the southeast flank of the galaxy is a faint larger patch, perhaps 15"-20", catalogued as [BCP93] F5 H1.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, very large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, diffuse.  Appears as a low surface brightness streak with very weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3109 = h3221 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vL; 12' l; 2' br; lbM; pos of axis 82.3”.  See pl. V. fig 9."  His position and description and sketch (Plate V, figure 9) matches this large edge-on.

 

Joseph Turner sketch NGC 3109 in Feb 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, though his sketch shows the galaxy extending between the four stars off the north edge (which are not involved).  A lithograph based on the sketch was never published.  While searching for NGC 3109 on 9 Apr 1885 with the GMT, Pietro Baracchi discovered nearby ESO 499-023.

 

Although Sidney van den Bergh concluded in his 2000 book "The Galaxies of the Local Group" that NGC 3109 was just outside the Local Group, bur recent papers assume this galaxy (along with Sextans A, Sextans B and the Antlia dwarf) is at a distance of 4.2-4.4 million light, on the outskirts of the Local Group.

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NGC 3110 = NGC 3122 = NGC 3518 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 29192

10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 40" NW of center and a mag 14 star lies 1.7' S.  Forms a close (interacting) pair with MCG -01-26-013 1.8' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered NGC 3110 = St XIII-54 on 17 Mar 1884.  His position matches MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 29192 (Esmiol's re-reduced position is within a few arc seconds).

 

This galaxy was discovered by WH (II-305 = GC 2011 = NGC 3122) on 5 Mar 1785.  The GC and NGC positions are incorrect, though, as Herschel's position was reduced using the wrong offset star.  When corrected, II-305 is an exact match with NGC 3110.  Based on historical precedence, NGC 3122 should be the primary designation, though modern catalogues use NGC 3110 as Stephan's position was accurate.

 

This galaxy was found again by Ormond Stone (I-182) on 31 Dec 1885 and recorded in list I-182.  But Stone made a 1 hour error in RA (confirmed by Corwin on Stone's discovery sketch).  Dreyer assumed this was a new object and catalogued it again as NGC 3518.  Once Stone's error is corrected, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3111 = UGC 5441 = MCG +08-19-002 = CGCG 240-007 = PGC 29338

10 06 07.4 +47 15 45; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (4/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Weak concentration to center, very faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Forms eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11/11.5 stars 4.3' SW and 4.0' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3111 = h667 on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138) and noted "pB; R; smbM; 20"."  His mean position from 3 sweeps matches UGC 5441.

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NGC 3112 = ESO 567-011 = PGC 29189

10 03 59.0 -20 46 56; Hya

V = 15.1;  Size 1.1'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 47”

 

24" (2/22/14): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Although only visible part of the time, the observation was confirmed.  Confusing the observation is a mag 16 star 40" NW that was slightly easier to view than the galaxy and it was difficult to view both objects simultaneously.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3112 = LM 1-163 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is only 2.7' east of ESO 567-011 = PGC 29189.

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NGC 3113 = ESO 435-035 = MCG -05-24-021 = UGCA 158 = PGC 29216

10 04 26.2 -28 26 36; Ant

V = 12.7;  Size 3.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (4/15/99): this galaxy was surprisingly difficult due to clouds low in the south obscuring the view.  Appeared extremely faint, small, round, required averted vision.  Viewed only the core of this galaxy as appeared no more than 40" in size [described as 3' diameter by John Herschel].  Forms an obtuse angle with mag 7.5 SAO 178366 4.5' NNW and mag 8 SAO 178361 7.5' SW.  Member of the NGC 3175 group (LGG 189).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3113 = h3222 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "eF, L, 3'; makes an obtuse angled triangle, with 2 stars 8 mag; one nearly on the parallel, the other nearly north."  His position and description matches ESO 435-035.

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NGC 3114 = Cr 215 = Mel 98

10 02 30 -60 07 48; Car

V = 4.2;  Size 35'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this very bright naked-eye cluster measures some 35'-40' in diameter and is framed beautifully in a 50' field with the 27mm Panoptic.  The cluster contains a couple of long curving chains of brighter stars, one forming a huge "U" shaped arc.  There are several pretty smaller groupings and star chains including a striking equilateral triangle of nearly equal mag stars just north of center, consisting of mag 9.2/9.4/10 stars at 20"/22"/27".  Two mag 6-7 stars (brightest mag 6.2 HD 87436) are involved and in addition there are numerous 8-9th magnitude stars scattered across the face of the cluster.  Appears similar to a bright star cloud in Sagittarius or Cygnus and the cluster is just inferior to NGC 3532.  Located 5” west of Eta Carina on the opposite side of Eta from NGC 3532.  This is a young cluster (160 million years old) projected onto the Carina complex and the cluster is heavily contaminated by field stars at varying distances.

 

Naked-eye and 10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very bright naked-eye cluster only 5” W of Eta Carinae.  At least 3 dozen stars were resolved at only 10x in the 30mm binoculars!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3114 = D 297 = h3224 on 8 May 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 reflector from Parramatta near Sydney. He described "a beautiful cluster of stars, arranged in curvilinear lines intersecting each other, about 40' diameter, extended S.p., and N.f."  This is the brightest object Dunlop discovered and his position is within the cluster, though ~10' NW of center.  It's surprising that Lacaille didn't catalogue this bright cluster during his trip to the Cape of Good Hope.

 

On 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543), John Herschel noted "an enormous congeries or clustering region of stars 2 or 3 fields in diameter, constituting a decided cluster. Stars 9..14th mag, the larger magnitudes predominating. There must be many hundreds."  In his diary, JH noted "the night being most superb - the mirror billiant and the zone swept the richest perhaps in the heavens - attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra".

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NGC 3115 = MCG -01-26-018 = UGCA 199 = PGC 29265 = Spindle Galaxy

10 05 14.1 -07 43 07; Sex

V = 8.9;  Size 7.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 43”

 

48" (2/19/12): this showpiece galaxy was stunning at 287x and 375x, with a very high surface brightness halo, ~5.5'x2', which is punctuated by a brilliant, nearly stellar nucleus.  The nucleus is centered within an extremely bright, very flattened core extending 1'-1.5'.  This dazzling streak dims slightly outside the central region but stretches at least 2.5' along the major axis with no breaks or significant drops in surface brightness.  The view of this thin, super-luminous central disc bisecting most of the outer, elongated halo was a unique sight.

 

UGCA 200, a faint dwarf galaxy, lies 5.7' SE.  At 375x it appeared as a faint low surface brightness patch with averted vision, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, with no central concentration.  The galaxy is situated within a triangle formed by a mag 11.2 star 1.7' SE, a mag 15.3 star 1.5' NW and a mag 13.8 star 2' ENE.

 

18" (2/23/06): at 257x the Spindle galaxy is a gorgeous high surface brightness edge-on, ~5'x1'.  Contains a small, very intense elongated core that increases to a dramatic quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, fairly large, edge-on spindle 3:1 SW-NE, 5.5'x1.8'.  Unusually high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 3.2' S of center and a mag 10.5 star is 8' E. MCG -01-26-021 lies 17' SSE.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): stunning edge-on, very bright, small very bright core. 

 

8" (3/24/84): very bright, high surface brightness, very bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3115 = H I-163 = h668 = h3223 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 704) and recorded "eB, cL, mE 45” sp to nf.  The bright part about 2' long with vF branches extending in all, to 4 or 5'."  On 14 Mar 1828 (sweep 136), John Herschel wrote, "vB; L; mE; vsmbM; almost to a nucl; 3' l, 30" br.  With 12-inches aperture, its nucleus is rather speckled; with 6-inch it is barely discernible as a neb."

 

NGC 3115 was first observed by Lord Rosse on 11 Mar 1848 (one of the earliest observations).  In 1861, Lord Rosse's observer questioned if "Is Nucl. resolvable and oblong?"

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NGC 3116 = MCG +05-24-012 = CGCG 153-017 = PGC 29383

10 06 45.1 +31 05 51; LMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6

 

18" (1/20/07): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, compact appearance with a well-define halo, brightens slightly to a faint stellar nucleus.  A triangle of mag 12 stars lies 5' SE (one star is 14" double with a mag 13.5 companion).  Located 10' SE of mag 8.2 HD 87512.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3116 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory and reported it in AN 2782.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 3117 = UGC 5445 = MCG +01-26-014 = CGCG 036-038 = PGC 29340

10 06 10.5 +02 54 46; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a very small brighter core.  A pretty mag 9.5/11 double star at 18" separation lies 8' NNW.  Located 6' NW of mag 8.8 SAO 118106.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3117 = St IX-21 on 15 Mar 1877 and logged "eF, eS, R, stellar nucleus."  His position matches UGC 5445.

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NGC 3118 = UGC 5452 = MCG +06-22-074 = CGCG 182-075 = FGC 118A = PGC 29415

10 07 11.6 +33 01 39; LMi

V = 13.5;  Size 2.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 41”

 

17.5" (4/25/92): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.3', very low almost even surface brightness.   Member of the USGC U268 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3118 = St XIII-55 on 16 Mar 1884 and noted a "small group of vF st in eF nebulosity."  His position matches UGC 5452, though the description is inaccurate.

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NGC 3119 = CGCG 093-045 = PGC 29381

10 06 47.9 +14 18 51; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 15.1

 

17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 4' SSW of NGC 3121.  Forms the SE vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 3121 3.7' NNE and a mag 13.5 star 3.8' NW.

 

The identification of NGC 3119 is uncertain and it may be a duplicate observation of brighter NGC 3121 instead.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3119 = m 194 on 14 Dec 1863 and simply noted "vF".  His position is 2.3' north of CGCG 093-045 and is actually closer to NGC 3121 = UGC 5450, which was discovered by William Lassell in 1848.

 

RNGC identifies CGCG 093-045 as NGC 3119 but MCG identifies UGC 5450 as NGC 3119.  Corwin feels NGC 3119 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 3121 because of the better positional match.  But CGCG 093-045 was visible in my scope so it should have visible to Marth and he may have already known of the earlier discovery of NGC 3121.  So, the identification of NGC 3119 is uncertain.

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NGC 3120 = ESO 374-029 = MCG -06-22-017 = PGC 29278

10 05 22.9 -34 13 13; Ant

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 1”

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, moderately large, 1.0' diameter, slightly elongated, weakly concentrated.  A 20" pair of mag 12.5/13.5 stars are off the NW side 2' from center.  A brighter pair of stars is ~4' SW and the galaxy is nearly collinear with both pairs.  A mag 9.5 star (SAO 201047) lies 5.7' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3120 = h3225 on 22 Jan 1838 (his last sweep at the Cape of Good Hope) and noted "F, R, gbM, 40"."  His position is an exact match with ESO 374-029.  NGC 3120 and NGC 2849 were the last two southern objects that JH discovered.

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NGC 3121 = UGC 5450 = MCG +03-26-027 = CGCG 093-046 = PGC 29387

10 06 51.9 +14 22 26; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 13.5 star is 3.6' W and a mag 10 star 5.5' NW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3119 4' SSW.

 

William Lassell discovered NGC 3121 on 31 Mar 1848 with his 24" reflector at Starfield Observatory near Liverpool, England.  He found this galaxy while observing Comet Mauvais 1847 IV ("almost in the field at the same time as the Comet") and reported the discovery in AN 27 [635], 171 (1848).  Using the 6" Heliometer at Kšnigsberg, Auwers described it as "faint, 1.5' diam, * 9-10m 4' north, 14-15 seconds preceding" and included it as #26 in his 1862 list of new nebulae.  MCG labels this galaxy NGC 3119, though that number may also apply to this galaxy.

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NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 29361

10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3110.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3122 = H II-305 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 379) and logged "F, S, lE, easily resolvable."  He failed to find it again on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 704), but he had confused the offset star on the first observation and the GC and NGC position are incorrect.  Dreyer corrected the position in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues and noted that NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = MCG -01-26-014.

 

ƒdouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 16 Mar 1884 and placed it 1' too far north in list XIII-54.  Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued it as NGC 3110.  Finally, it was found again by by Ormond Stone at Leander McCormick Observatory on 31 Dec 1885 (reported in list LM 1-182) and later catalogued as NGC 3518.  Harold Corwin discovered that Stone's position was off by 1 hr in RA.  So, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518.  RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 29361 as NGC 3122.  Coincidentally, this galaxy is close to WH's original position.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 3123

10 18 11.9 +00 02 25; Sex

 

= *, Gottlieb.  =Not found, Corwin and Carlson.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 3123 = HN 15 on 31 Mar 1859 and simply noted as a "nebulous object" by Bond (director of the Harvard Observatory) in AN #1453.  There are no nonstellar objects in the vicinity of the listed position, given roughly as 9 59 48 +/- 4s, +0 45' +/- 2' for 1859.  That's not unusual as all 8 of Coolidge's other nebulous objects are single or multiple stars. Bigourdan, Reinmuth or Carlson were unable to find his object and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  Harold Corwin lists a few possible candidates (stars) near Coolidge's position.

 

But in March 2015 I took a look at the Zone Catalogue (volume 6 from HCO, page 4-5) and found the number derived from star #47 (preceding #57 = NGC 3229), in which Coolidge noted "has a perceptible disc?" Furthermore, #47 was measured in Zone 117 but not Zone 118, so the position was not confirmed.  The only problem is the dec for entry #47 fits the range given by Bond but not the RA, though perhaps he made a copying mistake.  Assuming Coolidge's single position is Zone 117 is accurate, then NGC 3123 refers to a single star at 10 18 11.9 +00 02 25 (J2000).

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NGC 3124 = ESO 567-017 = MCG -03-26-024 = UGCA 202 = PGC 29377

10 06 40.0 -19 13 21; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter, diffuse, very weak broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.4' N of center.  A pleasing double star, South 607 = 8.8/10.0 at 9.5" lies 5' S.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very large, diffuse, broad concentration, no nucleus.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, large, very diffuse, weak concentration, no nucleus, lies 4' N of double star S607 8.5/9.5 at 9".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3124 = h3226 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "F, L, R, lbM, has a fine double star exactly south."  His description and position clearly apply to ESO 567-017.

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NGC 3125 = ESO 435-041 = MCG -05-24-022 = AM 1004-294 = LGG 189-003 = PGC 29366

10 06 33.1 -29 56 08; Ant

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, roundish, brighter core. NGC 3125 is a nearby blue compact dwarf galaxy.  Member of the NGC 3125 group (LGG 189).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3125 = h3227 on 30 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R: gbM; 20"."  His mean position from two observations matches ESO 435-041.

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NGC 3126 = UGC 5466 = MCG +05-24-019 = CGCG 155-023 = PGC 29484

10 08 20.8 +31 51 47; LMi

V = 12.8;  Size 2.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.4', faint thin arms, fairly well-defined round core.  A mag 11 star is 4.7' N of center.  Located 15' N of mag 6.2 SAO 61882.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3126 on 30 Apr 1864 and recorded "F, S, not lE, mag 15 nucleus.  Confirmation still needed." This was his only observation, but his position matches UGC 5466.  Otto Struve independently found the galaxy on 8 Apr 1869 at St Petersburg while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke).  He recorded finding a "Bright elongated nebula with a stellar nucleus, a miniature image of the Andromeda Galaxy. 4.5' north is a mag 10-11 star with the nebula in PA of 168” [SSE]."  He immediately added a note that this nebula was discovered by d'Arrest in 1864.

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NGC 3127 = MCG -03-26-022 = KTS 38C = PGC 29357

10 06 24.8 -16 07 34; Hya

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 55”

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, very small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8", weak concentration.  The extensions appear to fade at the tips. Situated near the midpoint of a mag 10 star 1.6' SE and a mag 12.5 star 1.1' NW.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3128 5.6' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3127 = LM 1-164, along with NGC 3128, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.6'x0.7', vE 45”."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~1 tmin east of MCG -03-26-022 and the description matches.

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NGC 3128 = MCG -03-26-020 = KTS 38A = PGC 29330

10 06 01.4 -16 07 19; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 174”

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5'.  The surface brightness appears irregular with a broadly concentrated core.  The extensions are more difficult and require averted vision and seem patchy or knotty.  Forms a pair with NGC 3127 5.6' E.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3128 = LM 1-165, along with NGC 3127, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.3'x0.7', vE 170”."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.3 tmin east of MCG -03-26-020 and description matches.

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NGC 3129

10 08 19.2 +18 25 51; Leo

 

= **, Corwin

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3129 = H III-35 = h669 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "vS, E, r.  240 showed it better than 157."  There is nothing near his position besides stars.  John Herschel made an observation on 13 Mar 1831 (sweep 332) and noted, "eF; S; R. Forms a triangle with 2 stars." He only gave a very rough position (from his working list).

 

It was searched for unsuccessfully at Birr Castle on 3 attempts and was not found by Reinmuth on Heidelberg plate in his photographic survey.  No modern catalogue has a listing for NGC 3129.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3129 as a double star (13" pair of mag 14 stars) at WH's position.  There are two stars to the east, which form the vertex of a triangle (as in JH's description). See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3130 = UGC 5468 = MCG +02-26-026 = CGCG 064-072 = PGC 29475

10 08 12.3 +09 58 37; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  The visibility of this galaxy is hindered by by the glare of 31 Leonis (V = 4.6) just 4.7' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3130 = h670 on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 123) and recorded "eF; S; psbM; follows 31 Leonis 16.5s, and is 1' 40" south of it."  His position and description clearly applies to UGC 5468.

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NGC 3131 = UGC 5471 = MCG +03-26-033 = CGCG 093-060 = PGC 29499

10 08 36.5 +18 13 52; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 54”

 

17.5" (3/29/97): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.6', broad concentration.  The major axis is bracketed by two mag 13.5 stars 1.7' SSE and 3.1' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3131 = h671 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and recorded "pB; pmE; gbM; 40" l and 20" br. Found in looking for III. 65 by working list."  His position and description matches UGC 5471. R.J. Mitchell, the observing assistant on LdR's 72" on 10 Jan 1856, suspected a knot in the preceding end.

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NGC 3132 = PK 272+12.1 = PN G272.1+12.3 = Eight-Burst Nebula = Southern Ring

10 07 01.8 -40 26 11; Vel

V = 9.7;  Size 62"x43"

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 40” elevation in Costa Rica along the Gulf of Nicoya , NGC 3132 was quite beautiful at 200x and 260x.  The 10th magnitude "central star" (an unseen 16th mag companion at 1.65" separation is the true ionizing star) is embedded in the center of a very bright, elongated annulus with a darker center and interesting outer ring elongated NW-SE.  The oval ring is relatively narrow with a brighter outer rim.  Surrounding the ring is a faint, thin outer shell.  The ring is slightly offset in orientation to the major axis of the planetary giving a complex multi-ring appearance.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): very bright, moderately large, oval.  A dark ring surrounds the bright mag 10 central star.  Viewed at only 10”-11” elevation.

 

13" (2/23/85): darker around the central star at high power. 

 

8" (3/28/81): mag 9 central star surrounded by a fairly bright, moderately large disc, striking.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3132 = h3228 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "Planetary nebula, very large, very bright, elliptic; has in it a 9th mag star somewhat excentric. Its light is exactly equable, ie. not increasing towards the middle; yet I cannot help imagining it to be closely dotted. It is just like a star out of focus in certain states of the mirror and atmosphere. Three stars near, a = 9th mag; b = 9th mag; c = 14th mag; A very extraordinary object."  On a later observation he logged, "Planetary nebula with a 10th mag star in centre; very bright; very well defined, and perfectly equable all over in light, there being no condensation up to the centre. The star is sharp, the nebula velvety, or like infinitely fine dust; a star 14th mag at a distance rather more than a radius of neb from edge (by diagram); has its position from centre = 333.8”."  Sketch on Plate VI, figure 9.

 

Herschel sketched NGC 3132 and other planetary nebulae from the Cape of Good Hope, commenting: "[these] represent planetary nebulae, a class of special interest, and of which, considering their general rarity, the southern heavens have afforded a rather unexpectedly large harvest. Those only are here delineated which have either accompanying stars, or which are distinguished by some peculiarity, as ... [NGC 3132] which has a star or a small disc near its centre".  Father Angelo Secchi published a sketch (fig. 16) and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome.  He called it a "beautiful and large ring nebula similar to that of the Hydra [NGC 3242]."  William Lassell also made a sketch on 16 Apr 1862 through his 48-inch on Malta, showing an annual structure.  He noted "the centre is bright and evidently stellar.  There is a minute star touching the south preceding side of the nebula.  Thie sides of the nebula are flattened and better defined than the ends."

 

In "Southern Gems", Stephen O'Meara states James Dunlop discovered NGC 3132 while making observations for the 1826 Brisbane Star Catalogue (published in 1835). In a footnote to #3085 he noted "Dusky Yellow - a fine Planetary disk."  John Herschel recognized Dunlop's observation in a letter to Thomas Maclear in 1835.

 

A star (HD 87892) is plotted at the position of NGC 3132 in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 because the BD catalogue (used as a source for the U2000) listed the bright "central" star as an entry.  In 1977 Kohoutek and Laustsen announced (1978IAUS...76..207K) that the actual illuminating star is a hot, dim 16th magnitude companion to the mag 10 star at only 1.65" separation. The pair probably forms a true binary

 

The nickname "Eight Burst Nebula" was coined by H. Shapley and J. S. Paraskevopoulos in "Photographs of Thirty Southern Nebula and Clusters" (1940PNAS...26...31S).  Concerning NGC 3132 they say: "A series of photographs of varying exposures would be necessary to bring out the intricate detailsÉ. It could well be named the "8-burst" planetary from the number of distinct arcs on the boundary of the main disk or shell".

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NGC 3133 = PGC 29417

10 07 12.8 -11 57 55; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 25”

 

18" (4/10/04): extremely faint, small, 0.4'x0.3'.  Visible less than 50% of the time with averted vision so orientation difficult to determine but I was certain of the sighting.  Located 5' NE of a mag 10.4 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3133 = LM 2-419 in 1886.  He noted "mag 16.2, 0.2' dia, R."  There is nothing at his position but 1 min 18 sec of RA west is PGC 29417.  Also, 45 sec of RA east and 2' north is NGC 3138.  But this is the next entry in the LM II list and may have been found the same night.

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NGC 3134 = MCG +02-26-031 = CGCG 064-088 = Todd 21 = PGC 29722

10 12 29.2 +12 22 37; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 51”

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, very small, consists of a 15" core with a faint very thin extension to the SW.  The corresponding arm to the NE was not seen, so the appearance is asymmetric.  This galaxy is listed as nonexistent in RNGC and not identified as NGC 3134 in MCG or CGCG.  Identification from HC (Todd discovery).

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3134 = Todd 21 on 6 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Based on Todd's sketch Corwin identified CGCG 064-088 as NGC 3134.  This galaxy is about 3 min of RA east of Todd's very rough RA.  Todd measured a "bright" star 28.3s following and there is a mag 12 star at his exact separation clinching the identification.  Because of his poor position, Bigourdan was unable to recover this object.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.  Neither MCG or CGCG label their entries for this galaxy as NGC 3134.

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NGC 3135 = UGC 5486 = MCG +08-19-007 = CGCG 240-015 = PGC 29646

10 10 54.4 +45 57 01; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', little or no concentration.  Bracketed by two mag 12.5 stars 2.2' E and 2.1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3135 = h672 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and noted "F; R: gbM; 25"."  His position matches UGC 5486.  It was searched for once at Birr Castle and not found.  Herschel mentioned in the General Catalogue notes that he checked the sweep and reductions and found all correct.

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NGC 3136 = ESO 092-008 = PGC 29311

10 05 48.0 -67 22 41; Car

V = 10.7;  Size 3.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 30”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x; bright, moderately large, eloongated 3:2 SW-NE.  Sharp concentration with a small, intense core that brightens to the center.  The fainter extensions from the core appear irregular.  IC 2554 and IC 2554B, a striking interacting pair of galaxies, is 28' NE.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this Carina galaxy appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.75'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, bright, roundish core increasing to an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is close north.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3136 = h3229 = h3231 on 30 Jan 1835 and noted "B; R; bM; place only a very rude approximation."  In an errata list and the end of the Cape Catalogue, JH corrected the NPD by 2” so it nearly matches h3231, whose position was accurately measured twice and matches ESO 092-008.  Joseph Turner sketched this galaxy on 1 Mar 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and estimated the size as only 20" and brighter in the miiddle to a nucleus.

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NGC 3137 = ESO 435-047 = MCG -05-24-024 = UGCA 203 = AM 1006-284 = LGG 189-004 = PGC 29530

10 09 07.5 -29 03 52; Ant

V = 11.5;  Size 6.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 1”

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, large, elongated at least 5:2 N-S, 3.0'x1.2', fairly low surface brightness.  Broad, weak concentration in poor seeing.  A mag 12 star is on the west side (0.3' from the geometric center).  Located 7' SE of mag 9.4 SAO 178462.  Member of the NGC 3175 group (LGG 189).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3137 = h3230 on 5 Feb 1837 NGC 3137 and recorded "vF; lE; 25"."  His position is 16 sec of RA west of ESO 435-047.

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NGC 3138 = MCG -02-26-032 = PGC 29532

10 09 16.7 -11 57 24; Hya

V = 14.8;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 80”

 

18" (4/14/12): at 225x appeared extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15" diameter.  Required averted vision to just momentarily pop occasionally but held for a few seconds a couple of times.  I did not notice an elongated shape, so probably just viewed the core though the object was well past the meridian.  Located 6.4' SW of mag 7.4 HD 88135, 13' NW of i 6.2 HD 88182 and 30' NW of mag 3.6 Lambda Hyd.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3138 = LM 2-420 and noted "mag 16.0, 0.1', R, 1st of 2 [with NGC 3139]."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 6 sec of RA east of MCG -02-26-032.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3139 = MCG -02-26-034 = PGC 29583

10 10 05.2 -11 46 42; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 75”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2, 0.8'x0.5'.  Broad concentration to a small, round 15" core and an occasional faint, stellar nucleus with direct vision.

 

17.5" (2/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', broadly concentrated.  Located 10' NE of mag 7.4 SAO 155773.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3139 = LM 2-421 and noted "mag 15.60, 0.1', R, 2nd of 2 [with NGC 3138]."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.7 min of RA west of MCG -02-26-034.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3140 = MCG -03-26-028 = PGC 29548

10 09 27.7 -16 37 41; Hya

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (2/22/03): slightly brighter and larger of a close pair with NGC 3140 2.4' SW.  Faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Although following NGC 3141, Leavenworth listed this object first (identical coordinates) and his description indicates it is the brighter of the pair, so the NGC numbers are reversed in right ascension.  Located at the east edge of the rich cluster AGC 940.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3140 = LM 1-166 (along with I-167 = NGC 3141) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  Although he gave a single rough position for both objects, LM 1-166 is mag 15.5 and 0.5', while LM 1-167 is mag 16.0 and 0.3' dia. His position falls very close to the pair PGC 29548 and PGC 29544.

 

According to Harold Corwin, Leavenworth's sketch clearly shows that NGC 3140 = PGC 29548 is the brighter galaxy to the northeast and the fainter galaxy to the southwest is NGC 3141 = PGC 29544.  See Corwin's identification summaries for more.

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NGC 3141 = PGC 29544

10 09 19.8 -16 39 12; Hya

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (2/22/03): smaller and slightly fainter of a pair of galaxies with NGC 3140 2.4' NE.  Very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.4'x0.3', faint stellar nucleus. Incorrectly equated with NGC 3140 in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3140 = LM 1-167 (along with I-166 = NGC 3140) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  Although he gave a single rough position for both objects, LM 1-166 is mag 15.5 and 0.5', while LM 1-167 is mag 16.0 and 0.3' dia. His position falls very close to the pair PGC 29548 and PGC 29544 (separation 2.5' SW to NE).

 

Based on the discovery sketch (examined by Harold Corwin), Dreyer incorrectly assumed that the brighter galaxy to the northeast was NGC 3140 and added "first of two" (listed first in the discovery paper) so the order of RA was reversed in the NGC.  The RNGC erroneously states NGC 3141 = NGC 3140.  See Corwin's identification summaries for more.

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NGC 3142 = MCG -01-26-028 = PGC 29586

10 10 06.4 -08 28 48; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, very small, round, brighter core.  Overpowered by 17 Sextantis (V = 5.9) 4.3' N.  A second bright star 18 Sextantis (V = 5.6) lies 12.8' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3142 = h3232 on 5 May 1836 and recorded "F; vsbM to a * 16m; diam 1' or 1 1/2'; sp the star g Sextantis, which occasioned its being taken by mistake for Halley's Comet, and the consequent loss of that comet."  His position matches MCG -01-26-028 = PGC 29586.

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NGC 3143 = MCG -02-26-033 = PGC 29579

10 10 04.0 -12 34 53; Hya

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105”

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, very small, irregularly round, 25"x20", weak concentration.  Can just hold steadily.  Fors the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 5.7' N and a similar distance SE.  Also situated 9' S of NGC 3145 and nearly midway between mag 5.3 SAO 155780 14' S and mag 3.6 Lambda Lydrae 15' NNE!

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3143 in 1880 with the 36-inch f/5.9 reflector at Ealing, UK.  He noted "S, F, just S of GC 2023 [NGC 3145].  Herbert Howe's corrected position in the IC 2 notes matches MCG -02-26-033, which is located 9' south of NGC 3145.

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NGC 3144 = NGC 3174 = UGC 5519 = MCG +12-10-023 = CGCG 333-020 = CGCG 351-011 = PGC 29949

10 15 32.0 +74 13 14; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, oval N-S.  A mag 13 star is attached at the east end.  Forms a pair with NGC 3155 11.6' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 3144 on 25 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) is fairly close to UGC 5519 and his description "vF, S, R, *13 appended on the following side." clinches the identification.

 

WH discovered this galaxy on the problematic sweep of 15 northern galaxies on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096), and recorded as III-964 (later NGC 3174).  So, NGC 3144 = NGC 3174.  See notes on NGC 3174 and NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

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NGC 3145 = MCG -02-26-036 = PGC 29591

10 10 10.0 -12 26 02; Hya

V = 11.7;  Size 3.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, fairly small, nearly round, weak concentration.  Overpowered by the glare of Lambda Hydrae (V = 3.6) 8' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3145 = H III-518 = h673 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and noted "vF, S, R, 7 or 8' sp Lambda Hydra."  On 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 997) he called it "F, pL, iR, vbmbM, in the field with Lambda Hyae."  His position and description matches MCG -02-26-036 = PGC 29591.  In a note to 8th discovery list at Lowe Observatory, Swift "corrected" the position but was 7' too far NNW.  Furthermore, Swift placed the star Lambda too the northwest, insteast of northeast.  Finally, he commented it was strange the bright star was not mentioned by Herschel, though it was Dreyer who left this off the NGC summary description.

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NGC 3146 = ESO 567-023 = MCG -03-26-029 = PGC 29663

10 11 09.9 -20 52 14; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100”

 

18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, increases to a 15" bright core and a quasi-stellar nucleus.  The edge of the halo is well-defined.  Located 3.9' S of mag 8.9 SAO 178507.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3146 = LM 1-168 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is coincidentally a near match with ESO 567-023 = PGC 29663.

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NGC 3147 = UGC 5532 = MCG +12-10-025 = CGCG 333-022 = LGG 193-001 = PGC 30019

10 16 53.5 +73 24 02; Dra

V = 10.6;  Size 3.9'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE.  Contains a very bright core with a stellar nucleus.  There is an impression of a dust lane to the west of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3147 = H I-79 = h674 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "cB, pL, R, mbM.  The brightness decreasing very gradually."  John Herschel reported on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), "vB; L; R; at first vg, then vs, vsbM."

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NGC 3148 = SAO 27566

10 13 43.8 +50 29 47; UMa

V = 6.6

 

= *6.6 = SAO 27566.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3148 = h675 on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) and noted "a star 7m has a photosphere 2 or 3' diam.  Sky perfectly clear; glass quite clear; windy.  Another star of same magnitude viewed presently after has no photosphere."  Herschel's description applies to mag 6.6 SAO 27566 at 10 13 43.8 +50 29 47, which he thought was surrounded by faint haze but was probably scattered light or dew). Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin agree with this conclusion.

 

RNGC and MCG misidentify MCG +08-19-011 as NGC 3148.

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NGC 3149 = ESO 019-001 = PGC 29171

10 03 44.5 -80 25 19; Cha

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located just 30' NNW of the bright planetary NGC 3195.  At 260x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~0.9'x0.8', slightly brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  John Herschel mentioned a 15th magnitude star was involved, and there is a very faint star at the NE edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3149 = h3234 on 24 Feb 1835 (along with planetary nebula NGC 3195) and recorded "F; lE; vlbM; 25"; has a * 15m in it."  Although position is an exact match with ESO 019-001, the RNGC classifies this as an "Unverified Southern Object".  Because of this, it is not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas or included in the first edition of the companion Deep Sky Field Guide.

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NGC 3150 = MCG +07-21-017 = CGCG 211-019 = Holm 170b = WBL 258-001 = PGC 29789

10 13 26.3 +38 39 27; LMi

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, small, round, 24" diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 2.3' NNW of NGC 3151 and 1.9' NW fo a mag 12 star.  First of 7 (including NGC 3151/3159/3161/3163) in a small stream of galaxies about 7' N of NGC 3158.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 3151 2.3' S.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' WSW and a mag 14 star is 1.8' NNW.  Located within the NGC 3158 group.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3150 = Big. 40, along with NGCs 3151, 3159 and 3161, on 1 Feb 1886 in the NGC 3158 group.  His position matches CGCG 211-019.

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NGC 3151 = MCG +07-21-018 = CGCG 211-020 = Holm 170a = WBL 258-003 = PGC 29796

10 13 29.1 +38 37 11; LMi

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 170”

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", very small brighter core.  Located 2' SW of a mag 12 star with four NGC galaxies close north including NGC 3150 2.3' N and NGC 3159 5' NE.  Forms a close pair with 2MASX J10133377+3837055.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very small, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3150 2.3' N.  An extremely faint galaxy is 55" E of center (2MASXi J1013337+383705). Member of the NGC 3158 group.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.  Located just west of a star.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3151 = Big 41, along with nearby NGCs 3150, 3159 and 3161, on 1 Feb 1886 in the NGC 3158 group.  His position matches CGCG 211-020 = PGC 29796.

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NGC 3152 = MCG +07-21-018A = CGCG 211-021 = WBL 258-003 = PGC 29805

10 13 34.1 +38 50 35; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 80”

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, small, ~20"-22" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star lies 44" NE.  Located 4' W of brighter NGC 3160 and 5.7' NW of NGC 3158 in a small cluster.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, round.  A mag 15 star is off the NE edge 0.8' from center.  NGC 3158 lies 5.5' SE and NGC 3160 4.1' E.  Member of the NGC 3158 group.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 4' W of NGC 3160 and 5.5' NW of NGC 3158.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3152 (along with NGC 3160) on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72".  He noted "3 nebula, preceding one [NGC 3152] vS, about 4' following is a small lenticular ray [NGC 3160], E sp-nf..."  Observing on 27 Feb 1876 Dreyer measured an accurate micrometric offset from NGC 3158 at Birr Castle, which matches CGCG 211-021.

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NGC 3153 = UGC 5505 = MCG +02-26-032 = CGCG 064-090 = PGC 29747

10 12 50.5 +12 39 59; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

28" (4/12/18): at 285x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 ~N-S, ~1.5'x0.6', brighter along the major axis (central bar), slightly brighter nucleus.

 

CGCG 064-091, situated 5.4' E, appeared very faint and small, 18" diameter; a featureless glow with a very low surface brightness.  Its redshift is 3.5x that of NGC 3153 so lies far in the background (~435 million l.y).

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval ~N-S, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3153 = H III-53 = h677 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and noted "vF, not S, r[esolvable]."  Caroline's reduction is 15 seconds of RA west of UGC 5505.  John Herschel called it "eF; pL; R." on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242).

 

David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and recorded it as object #20b in his published results.  It was found again by Christian Peters around 1880.  He was unsure if this was a new object as Herschel's RA in the General Catalog was 12 seconds off.  The NGC position -- from Peters -- matches UGC 5505.

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NGC 3154 = UGC 5507 = MCG +03-26-040 = CGCG 093-071 = PGC 29759

10 13 01.3 +17 02 03; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 124”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): faint, very small, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' N.  Located 2.2' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 99006.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3154 = St X-24 on 12 Mar 1880 and noted "F, S, R, lbM."  His position matches UGC 5507.

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NGC 3155 = NGC 3194 = UGC 5538 = MCG +12-10-026 = CGCG 351-012 = LGG 193-002 = PGC 30064

10 17 39.9 +74 20 51; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3144 11.6' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3155 = h676 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep 171) and recorded "vF; S; R.  RA extremely precarious."  His rough position is 4' northeast of UGC 5538.  The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.

 

William Herschel made the original discovery (III. 965, later NGC 3194) on the problematic sweep (1096) of 2 Apr 1801.  Fifteen northern galaxies were discovered with his telescope out of alignment with due north.  This galaxy is generally known as NGC 3155, despite the WH's earlier discovery designation.  See notes on NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

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NGC 3156 = UGC 5503 = MCG +01-26-019 = CGCG 036-057 = PGC 29730

10 12 41.2 +03 07 45; Sex

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 47”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, small, small bright core.  A triangle of bright stars follows; mag 9.0 SAO 118165 2.4' SE, mag 8.3 SAO 118168 5' ENE and mag 7.6 SAO 118169 9' SE.

 

13" (4/16/83): faint, small, elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3156 = H III-255 = h680 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 342) and noted "vF, vS, preceding a triangle of bright stars."  On 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143) John Herschel called the galaxy, "pB; S; R: psbM; 15"."

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NGC 3157 = IC 2555 = ESO 435-051 = MCG -05-24-026 = PGC 29691

10 11 42.4 -31 38 34; Ant

V = 13.2;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 38”

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, thin edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  Requires averted to glimpse once position pinpointed.  A mag 14.5-15 star is just off the east side of the center.  Located 4.5' N of a mag 9.0 HD 88480.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3157 = h3233 on 28 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; E; 30" has a * 8m sp."  His Cape position is an exact match with ESO 435-051, but due to an error, the GC and NGC position is 40' too far north.

 

DeLisle Stewart later rediscovered this galaxy on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station, recorded the correct position as D.S. 336 (later IC 2555).  So NGC 3157 = IC 2555.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, although ESO and SGC have the correct identification.

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NGC 3158 = UGC 5511 = MCG +07-21-020 = CGCG 211-022 = WBL 258-004 = PGC 29822

10 13 50.5 +38 45 53; LMi

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

18" (2/19/09): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, well concentrated with a very bright core and relatively large, fainter halo, ~0.8'x0.7'.  Brightest of 12 galaxies (WBL 258 group at a distance of roughly 300 million l.y.) viewed that are packed into a 14' circle!

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, irregular round or slightly elongated, small bright core.  Brightest in the NGC 3158 group with NGC 3159 6.7' SSE, NGC 3160 4.7' N and NGC 3152 5.5' NW.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, round, weakly concentrated, largest and brightest in a group.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small, requires averted.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3158 = H II-639 = h678, along with NGC 3163, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "pB, cL, r."  On 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), John Herschel logged, "B; R; psbM; 35 arc seconds."

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NGC 3159 = MCG +07-21-021 = CGCG 211-023 = Holm 172c = WBL 258-005 = PGC 29825

10 13 52.8 +38 39 16; LMi

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (2/19/09): faint to fairly taint, small, irregulaly round, 25"x20", very small bright core.  First of three in a 2.8' E-W string with NGC 3161 and NGC 3163.  MCG +07-21-019 lies 1.6' NW.  Located 6.5' S of NGC 3158 in a small cluster.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core.  This member of the NGC 3158 group is the first of three with NGC 3161 1.2' E and NGC 3163 2.7' E.  NGC 3158 lies 6.7' NNW.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round.  Third brightest in NGC 3158 group.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3159 = Big 42 on 1 Feb 1886, along with NGC 3150, 3151 and 3161.  His position matches CGCG 211-023 = PGC 29825.

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NGC 3160 = UGC 5513 = MCG +07-21-023 = CGCG 211-024 = WBL 258-006 = PGC 29830

10 13 55.1 +38 50 34; LMi

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, ~40"x12".  Located 4.9' N of NGC 3158 in a rich group and directly between a mag 12.5 star 1.5' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 2.2' NNE.  NGC 3152 lies 4' W.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.  Member of NGC 3158 group with NGC 3158 4.7' S.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, small.  Located 5' N of NGC 3158.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3160 (along with NGC 3152) on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72".  He noted "about 4' following [NGC 3152] is a small lenticular ray, elongated sp nf."  His offset and description matches UGC 5513.

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NGC 3161 = MCG +07-21-022 = CGCG 211-025 = Holm 172a = WBL 258-007 = PGC 29837

10 13 59.2 +38 39 26; LMi

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 10”

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, very small, slightly elongated 20"x16", very small or stellar core.  Sandwiched between NGC 3159 1.2' W and NGC 3163 1.6' E in the NGC 3158 cluster.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): this member in the NGC 3158 group is small and the faintest of three with close companions NGC 3159 1.2' W and NGC 3163 1.5' E.  Even surface brightness and visible with direct vision.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located between NGC 3159 and NGC 3163.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3161 = Big 43 on 1 Feb 1886, along with NGC 3151, 3159 and 3161.  His position matches CGCG 211-025 = PGC 29837.

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NGC 3162 = NGC 3575 = UGC 5510 = MCG +04-24-019 = CGCG 123-026 = PGC 29800

10 13 31.6 +22 44 15; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; bright, large, roundish, ~1.8' diameter.  A very strong, well defined spiral arm is attached at the southeast side of the core.  It curled ~90” counterclockwise to the south and west.  The arm dimmed significantly at the apparent end, but looking carefully I could detect very faint haze further SW in the outer fringes of the galaxy.  Further south of this arm, the outer edge of the galaxy was barely visible as the surface brightness was very low.  The spiral arm on the north side of the galaxy was poorly seen, but a relatively large knot [several HII knots on the SDSS] was visible 25" N of center.  A short section of the spiral arm was also visible extending east from this knot.  A mag 15.4 star is east of the core [40" from center] and very faint haze from the ragged outer halo was detected beyond this star, along with a very dim knot (HII region in the outermost spiral arm) 1' E of center.  A mag 13.9 star is 1.1' SE of center, just beyond the halo.  A mag 10.9 star is 3.4' W.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty diffuse, weak broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE, a mag 10.5 star 3.4' W and a mag 11.5 star 3.7' NE.  Located 1” SE of Zeta Leonis (V = 3.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3162 = H II-43 = h682 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "vF, pL, r.  It seemed to consist of two nebula joined together having two places rather brighter than the ousides of the nebula; but with [higher power] the following of them appeared very plainly to be a star.  The star seemed to have no connection with the nebula, for, though within the nebulosity there was no kind of gradation of light from the star to the nebula as there generally is from the brighter to the more faint part of nebula."  His position was 20 seconds of RA too far west.

 

On 20 Mar 1854, R.J. Mitchell described it as a "spiral left-handed, spirality very faintly seen, night bad." In 1857, he "suspected a knot in the northwest end."  Based on my observation with a 48", this is probably a knot on the north side. NGC 3575 is a duplicate observation made by d'Arrest in 1863.  See that number for more.

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NGC 3163 = UGC 5517 = MCG +07-21-026 = CGCG 211-027 = Holm 172b = WBL 258-008 = PGC 29846

10 14 07.1 +38 39 09; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (2/19/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core.  Third of three in a 2.8' string with NGC 3163 1.5' W and NGC 3159 2.8' W.  Also MCG +07-21-019 is close NW of the string.  Located 7.4' SE of NGC 3158 in a rich group.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Brightest and third of three with NGC 3161 1.5' W and NGC 3159 2.7' W.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round.  Third of three in a string and the second brightest in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3163 = H II-640 = h681, along with NGC 3158, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and logged "F, vS, r.  300x showed the same."  Caroline's reduction is within 30" of the core of this galaxy.

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NGC 3164 = UGC 5527 = MCG +10-15-036 = CGCG 290-018 = PGC 29928

10 15 11.4 +56 40 19; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 0”

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.5'.  Low surface brightness with very little concentration.  Located 11' SW of mag 8.5 HD 88828.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3164 = h679 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and noted "eF; R: vglbM; 15 arc seconds."  His single position matches UGC 5527.

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NGC 3165 = UGC 5512 = MCG +01-26-023 = CGCG 063-063 = Holm 173c = PGC 29798

10 13 31.4 +03 22 32; Sex

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, elongated 2:1 N-S.  Forms the western vertex of a triangle with two mag 12.5 stars 1.9' SE and 1.7' NE.  First and faintest of three located 4.6' SW of NGC 3166 and 12' SW of NGC 3169.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3165 on 30 Jan 1856.  While observing NGC 3166 and 3169 he noted "about 5' sp 684 [NGC 3166] is a vvF ray extending N-S."  The NGC RA is 15 sec too small.  Probably based on the poor NGC position, NGC 3165 was included as #212 in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on photographs taken by Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 3166 = UGC 5516 = MCG +01-26-024 = CGCG 063-064 = Holm 173a = LGG 192-003 = PGC 29814

10 13 44.9 +03 25 31; Sex

V = 10.4;  Size 4.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, almost round, even concentration to a brighter core and stellar nucleus (large, low surface brightness arms not seen).  The core appears brighter than NGC 3169 7.8' ENE but the duo is pretty similar.  Second of three with NGC 3165 4.6' SW.  Two mag 12.5 stars lie 2.6' NW and 2.8' SW of center.

 

13" (4/16/83): fairly bright, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3169.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3166 = H I-3 = h684, along with NGC 3169, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 58).  His summary description from 4 sweeps reads "cB, pL, cometic, mbM."  John Herschel made 4 observations.  John Herschel's first of four observations was on 13 Feb 1826 (sweep 18): "B; R; gbM; 60". The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3169]."

 

ƒdouard Stephan's observation on 18 Mar 1884, which was published in list XIII-56, is within a few arcseconds of NGC 3166 though Dreyer and Esmiol (who later re-reduced all of Stephan's positions) misidentify this entry as NGC 3165.  Also Stephan's XIII-57 refers to NGC 3169, though he calls it NGC 3166 in the notes section to list XIII.

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NGC 3167 = NGC 2789 = UGC 4875 = MCG +05-22-026 = CGCG 151-035 = PGC 26089

09 14 59.7 +29 43 48; Cnc

 

See observing notes for NGC 2789

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3167 on 1 May 1862 and recorded a "Small and faint nebula.  * 11 preceding 9.5 sec, a little farther north. Whether it is just a nebula, or perhaps a confused group of faint stars is still undetermined, for this evening the air is turbulent."  There is nothing at or near his single position matching his description and RNGC classifies NGC 3167 as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin originally listed this object as lost as there were no candidates nearby, but recently (email from 16 Jun 2014) he found that if d'Arrest made a 1 hr transcription error in his RA (too large), then his position matches NGC 2789 and the mag 11 star is just where he placed it to the northwest of the galaxy!  Corwin notes that d'Arrest made a similar 1 hr recording error on a few other discoveries (NGC 3575, 3760 and 5008), so this is not a unique situation.

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NGC 3168 = UGC 5536 = MCG +10-15-052 = CGCG 290-023 = PGC 30001

10 16 23.0 +60 14 06; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located 5.6' NE of mag 6.8 SAO 15131.  Brightest of a trio with UGC 5542 4.8' NE (noted as "faint, very small, round, small bright core") and CGCG 290-021 5' NNW (noted as "faint, very small, round.  Two mag 9.5/10 stars are near").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3168 = h683 on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406) and recorded "F; psbM; like a star rubbed out.  A * 7-8m in field np - dist 5'."  His position matches UGC 5536, although the bright star is south-southwest.

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NGC 3169 = UGC 5525 = MCG +01-26-026 = CGCG 036-066 = Holm 173b = LGG 192-004 = PGC 29855

10 14 14.8 +03 28 00; Sex

V = 10.2;  Size 4.4'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, moderate concentration, pretty faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just off the east side, 1.6' from the center.  Third of three with NGC 3166 7.8' WSW and NGC 3165 12' SW.

 

13" (4/16/83): bright, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3169 = H I-4 = h684, along with NGC 3166, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 58).  His summary description from 4 sweeps reads "cB, pL, cometic, mbM."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 22) as an illlustration of "nebulae that have a cometic appearance."  John Herschel also made 4 observations, logging on 13 Feb 1826 (sweep 18): "B; R; gmbM; 60"; the foll of 2."

 

ƒdouard Stephan published accurate positions for NGC 3166 and 3169 from 18 Mar 1884 in his 13th list (#56 and 57), though he misidentified the galaxies as NGC 3165 and NGC 3166. R.J. Mitchell observed ths galaxy on 15 Mar 1855 with LdR's 72" and commented "sharp at sf edge [dust lane?] and fades of np, spreading out in that direction."  The following January he also noted "perhaps vF neby beyond the well defined sf edge?"

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NGC 3170

10 16 14.5 +46 36 43; UMa

 

= **, Gottlieb and Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3170 = h686 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and noted "F; S; R."  Just 1' north of his position (single observation) is a 7" pair of mag 13.8/15.2 stars at 10 16 14.5 +46 36 44 (J2000).  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3171 = ESO 567-031 = MCG -03-26-032 = PGC 29950

10 15 36.7 -20 38 51; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 176”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.1'x0.8'.  Forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5-14 stars 2.3' NE and 2.5' E.  Located 16' W of mag 6.6 SAO 178610.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3171 = LM 1-169 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.4 tmin west of ESO 567-03 = MCG -03-26-032.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 3171.  The RNGC declination is 9' too far south, so the galaxy was misplotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.

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NGC 3172 = MCG +15-01-011 = CGCG 370-002 = CGCG 370-018 = PGC 36847 = Polarissima Borealis

11 47 14.0 +89 05 32; UMi

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.95';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 39”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright round core that increases to the center and a low surface brightness 45" halo.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' separation (NW) and a mag 16-16.5 star is within 1' (50" S).

 

MCG +15-01-010, at 1.6' separation (WSW), appeared fairly faint, fairly small, ~35" diameter, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Visible continuously with direct vision though fairly low surface brightness.   A mag 16.7 star is 16" W at the edge of the halo.  2MASX J11503836+8907109, at 1.8' separation (NNE), appeared extremely faint and small, ~6" diameter.  A mag 15.7 is 25" away.  At 610x, the galaxy popped as a thin, low surface brightness edge-on, ~20"x6".

 

24" (9/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very small brighter core that occasionally sharpens up to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' (NW).  MCG +15-01-010, situated just 1.5' (WSW), appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, well defined halo, broad weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.5' distant (NW) and a very faint mag 16.5 star is 50" S.

 

18" (8/1/11): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NW.  MCG +15-01-010, an extremely faint companion just 1.6' W, was marginally glimpsed though difficult to confirm.

 

17.5" (7/16/93) : faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' NW.  This is the closest NGC galaxy to the North Celestial Pole and is known as "Polarissima Borealis".

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, small, round, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus, can hold steadily with averted.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' distant.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, brighter core, fairly small, round.  A mag 13 star is within 2'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3172 = h250 on 4 Oct 1831 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 25"; has a * 11m 2' S.  This nebula is remarkable for its proximity to the pole.  Owing to this the RA cannot be determined exactly, and the PD is open to correction."  In the synonym column he called it "Polarissima" but later it was called "Polarissima Borealis" to distinguish it from "Polarissima Australis".  Heinrich d'Arrest observed it with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen on 12 Aug 1866.  He noted the mag 12 star is 75" distant to the north.  At the time of discovery in 1831 this galaxy was only 4.5' from the north celestial pole!

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NGC 3173 = ESO 500-016 = MCG -04-24-022 = PGC 29883

10 14 34.9 -27 41 34; Ant

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 7”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, moderately large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a moderately bright 15" core surrounded by a very faint, low surface brightness halo requiring averted vision.  The galaxy is very close preceding mag 10 SAO 178570 (1.3' from center) and 2.4' NNW of mag 10 SAO 178568!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3173 = h3235 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R: gbM; 40"."  His position and description matches ESO 500-016.

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NGC 3174 = NGC 3144 = UGC 5519 = MCG +12-10-023 = CGCG 333-020 = CGCG 351-011 = PGC 29949

10 15 32.0 +74 13 14; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3144

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3174 = H III-964 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "vF, vS."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5519 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 25 Sep 1865, measured a fairly accurate position (within 1' of UGC 5519), and it was catalogued as NGC 3144.  By discovery priority, this galaxy should be identified as NGC 3174, though the common identification is NGC 3144.

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NGC 3175 = ESO 436-003 = MCG -05-24-028 = UGCA 207 = VV 796 = PGC 29892

10 14 42.2 -28 52 18; Ant

V = 11.2;  Size 5.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): bright, fairly large, bright core, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.5'x0.8'.  Located 38' ESE of mag 6.3 HR 2003.  NGC 3175 is the brightest in a group that includes UGCA 196, NGC 3113, 3125 and 3137.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3175 = h3236 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "B; L; mE; gvlbM; 2' l; pos 50.3”."  His position and description matches ESO 436-003.

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NGC 3176 = ESO 567-030

10 15 18 -19 01; Hya

 

= Not found, Corwin and Carlson.  Possibly = ESO 567-029, Corwin.  Possibly = ESO 568-011, Gottlieb

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3176 = LM 1-170 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 16.0, 0.8' dia, iR, neb?"  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) and both Harold Corwin and Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC correction list) conclude this object is lost.  Corwin suggests ESO 567-02 as a possible candidate, but this galaxy is 1 degree south of Stone's position.  Another possible candidate which I found is ESO 568-011.  This galaxy would require a 10 tmin error in RA (too far E) but matches in Declination.

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NGC 3177 = UGC 5544 = MCG +04-24-023 = CGCG 123-032 = PGC 30010

10 16 34.1 +21 07 23; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, increases to a brighter core, stellar nucleus, small faint halo.  Member of the NGC 3190 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3177 = H III-25 = h687 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and noted "vF, S."  Caroline's reduced position is 43 sec of RA preceding UGC 5544.

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NGC 3178 = MCG -03-26-034 = PGC 29980

10 16 09.1 -15 47 28; Hya

V = 13.9;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9', even surface brightness.  A mag 12-13 star lies 2.9' ESE.  There are several mag 10-11 stars in the 20' field and mag 9.3 SAO 155864 8.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3178 = h3237 on 16 Mar 1836 and noted "pB; pL; gpmbM; seen through haze."  His position matches MCG -03-26-034.

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NGC 3179 = UGC 5555 = MCG +07-21-036 = CGCG 211-037 = PGC 30078

10 17 57.2 +41 06 51; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', very small bright core appears mottled.  Almost collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 1.0' SW and 1.9' SW.  NGC 3184 lies 19' NNE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3179 on 25 Jan 1851.  He recorded "25' south and a little preceding [NGC 3184] I found a S, R neb, r, near 2 st almost in a line with it."  The following March it was placed about 20' sp of NGC 3184.  The observation was not included in LdR's 1861 publication so did not receive a GC or GC Supplement designation.  Bigourdan's measured an accurate position (given in IC 2 notes). Because of the poor NGC position, NGC 3179 was included as #233 (with an RA about 9 seconds too large) in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on photographs taken by Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 3180 = [H69] 44/45/47

10 18 10.8 +41 26 55; UMa

 

48" (4/4/11): A small HII knot with a stellar core was visible 1.8' NW of the nucleus of NGC 3184.  This small knot is within a larger, slightly brighter portion of the long, sweeping arm (shown on the sketch at Birr Castle) that wraps around the core of NGC 3184 on the south side before winding north on the west side and ending near NGC 3180.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3180 on 25 Jan 1851.  His description of NGC 3184 states "is triple, neby perhaps extends round them all as far as the * north."  The 1 Feb 1856 description states: "The neby connecting the 3 principal knots is vvF but I have no doubt of its existence."  R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication) and highlighted two brighter knots or sections of the western spiral arm.

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NGC 3181 = [H69] 41

10 18 11.5 +41 24 45; UMa

 

48" (4/4/11): NGC 3181 is a bright, 15" knot in one of the spiral arms of NGC 3184.  It resides 1.2' SW of the nucleus in a long sweeping arm that wraps around around south side of the core and then heads north on the west side of the galaxy.  This is the brightest of a couple of knots resolved in the arms.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3181 on 25 Jan 1851 in an observation of NGC 3184.  R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication) and highlighted two brighter knots or sections of the western spiral arm.  The elongated knot embedded in the spiral arm on the southwest side is NGC 3181.  This HII region is catalogued as [H69] 41 in Hodge's "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies".

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NGC 3182 = UGC 5568 = MCG +10-15-062 = CGCG 290-027 = PGC 30176

10 19 33.0 +58 12 21; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7'.  Bright core, occasional stellar nucleus.  Collinear with two mag 13 stars 2.4' NE and 3.5' NE.  NGC 3225 lies 45' E.

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' SW followed by a mag 12 star 2.4' NE and a mag 13 star 4' NE on a line.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3182 = H I-265 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "cB, S, vgmbM, iR."  CH's reduction matches UGC 5568.  The NGC position (copied correctly from the GC) is 19 seconds of RA too small.

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NGC 3183 = NGC 3218 = UGC 5582 = MCG +12-10-028 = CGCG 351-018 = CGCG 333-023 = Holm 177a = LGG 193-003 = PGC 30323

10 21 49.4 +74 10 37; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (4/6/02): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration but no well defined core.  Several stars are nearby including two mag 13.5 stars at the north edge and a couple more stars within 1'.  Very possibly one of these is a stellar companion 1.0' NNE of center (2MASXi J1021541+741135).  The faint stars at the edges were a bit startling as it initially looked similar to a partially resolved cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 3183 on 28 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 5582.

 

This galaxy was first discovered by WH on 2 Apr 1801, the problematic northern sweep 1096 with large systematic errors.  His revised position, using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals H I-283 = NGC 3218 = NGC 3183.  The modern designation is NGC 3183, despite the earlier discovery by WH.

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NGC 3184 = NGC 3180 = UGC 5557 = MCG +07-21-037 = CGCG 211-038 = PGC 30087

10 18 17.0 +41 25 27; UMa

V = 9.8;  Size 7.4'x6.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 135”

 

48" (4/4/11): NGC 3184 is a beautiful face-on spiral with two main long arms and branches, along with several HII knots (two with NGC designations) in the arms.  Contains a relatively small, very bright core, ~1' diameter with a sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 15-16 star is visible about 40" NE of the center near the edge of the core.  One arm is attached on the east side of the core and winds counterclockwise around the south side of the core towards the west.  The outer halo of the galaxy to the south of this arm has a much lower surface brightness.  NGC 3181 is a bright, 15" knot (HII region/massive star cluster) embedded in this arm, 1.2' SW of the nucleus.  The arm then continues spiraling outward as it heads north and contains NGC 3180, very small knot with a stellar core at 1.8' NW of the nucleus.  This small knot is within a larger, slightly brighter portion of the arm.  A second prominent arm is attached on the west side of the core and rotates counterclockwise around the north side towards the east.  The surface brightness lowers on the east side and the arm splits into two branches.  A mag 11.7 star is superimposed near the outer edge on the north side beyond the arm.  Located 11' ESE of mag 6.6 HD 89053.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, large, slightly elongated ~N-S, large 4' halo has a fairly low surface brightness, very weak concentration, small brighter elongated core.  There is an impression of spiral structure though it wasn't distinct.  A mag 11.5 star is at the north edge of the halo 1.8' from the center.  Located 40' W of Mu Ursa Majoris (V = 3.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3184 = H I-168 = h688 = h689 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "cB, R, near 8' dia, vgbM.  A considerable star in the northern part of it but unconnected. John Herschel assigned two entries for this galaxy, h688 = H I-168 and h689, with the second entry a poor position for this face-on spiral.

 

Bindon Stoney, observing with LdR's 72" on 25 Jan 1851, logged "Is triple, neby perhaps extends round them all as far as the star north.  h689 not seen."  The following month, he commented "preceding part probably a portion of a ring."  R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication).  The sketch shows two brighter, elongated knots in the western arm and Dreyer catalogued these as NGC 3180 and 3181.

 

MCG mislabels the galaxy as NGC 3180.

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NGC 3185 = HCG 44C = UGC 5554 = MCG +04-24-024 = CGCG 123-034 = PGC 30059

10 17 38.5 +21 41 18; Leo

V = 12.2;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130”

 

48" (4/18/15): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, oval halo 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.1'.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright roundish core which increases to a slightly brighter stellar nucleus.  The halo has a brighter arcs at the ends of the major axis (northwest and southeast ends) and is slightly weaker inside, creating a weak ring.  A very weak bar is highly suspected connecting the ends of the major axis and the core (very subtle barred ring).  A mag 14.5 star is just off the west side [42" from center].

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, increases to a brighter core, diffuse halo elongated NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is just off the west edge 0.7' from center and a similar star is 1.4' SW of center.  Member of the NGC 3190 group = HCG 44.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, gradually brighter core.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, fairly small, elongated.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3185, along with NGC 3187, in January of 1850.  He labeled it as Delta on the diagram of the group (shown in the 1861 publication).

 

Eduard Schšnfeld found it at the Mannhein Observatory on 15 Jan 1861, as well as Julius Schmidt at the Athens Observatory on 8 Feb 1861 and Heinrich d'Arrest on 1 Jan 1862 (measuring the position on 5 nights).  Schultz referred to it as "Nova Schonfeld", unaware of the Birr Castle observation. John Herschel credited both LdR and d'Arrest in the GC.

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NGC 3186 = MCG +01-26-032 = CGCG 036-085 = Mrk 720 = PGC 30058

10 17 37.9 +06 58 16; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, extremely small, round, ~15" diameter (probably viewed core only), faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.2' SE of a mag 12.5 star.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 3186 in the RNGC and PGC but the identification is uncertain due to a poor position from Albert Marth.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3186 = m 195 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "pF, vS, gbM."  There is nothing at his position, but a couple of candidates are nearby.  The RNGC and PGC identify CGCG 036-085 as NGC 3186.  This galaxy is located 20 tsec of RA east and 5' south of Marth's position.  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3186 may be the northeastern component of CGCG 036-074.  This galaxy is 1.5 tmin preceding and 6' south of Marth's position.

 

In my observation of the field, I picked up IC 602 = UGC 5561 (double system with IC 601) which is located exactly 1.0 tmin east of Marth's position and appears brighter visually than CGCG 036-085.  Because this galaxy is only off in RA (by a single minute) it seems to me a better choice than the RNGC/PGC candidate.  Stephane Javelle independently discovered IC 602 on 10 Apr 1893 and accurately placed it in list 2-673.  UGC 5561 is identified as IC 602 in all modern catalogues.  See Corwin's notes for more on the story.

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NGC 3187 = HCG 44D = Arp 316 NED1 = VV 307b = UGC 5556 = MCG +04-24-025 = CGCG 123-036 = PGC 30068

10 17 47.8 +21 52 25; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.7

 

48" (4/1/11): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.6', weak concentration with no well defined core.  At both the NW and SE ends of the bar are faint spiral arms.  The arm at the NW end bends sharply towards the south in the direction of a mag 13.8 star 1.0' SW of center, though doesn't reach this star.  On the SW end of the bar a second faint arm hooks at a right angle to the NE.  Both arms extend ~45" and give the galaxy a distinctive zig-zag shape.  Located on a line 4.9' NW of the showpiece edge-on NGC 3190.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is off the SW side 1.1' from center and a similar star is 1.3' SSE.  Unusual as the major axis is exactly collinear with the brighter edge-on NGC 3190 4.9' SE.  Located 6.3' SSW of mag 7.8 SAO 81276 and 8.8' WSW of NGC 3193.

 

13.1" (3/24/84) very faint, elongated NW-SE.  Located 5' NW NGC 3190.  A mag 8 star 6' NNE detracts.

 

8" (4/24/82): not seen.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3187 in January 1850.  This object was found while observing NGC 3190 and 3193, and labeled Gamma on the sketch.  The description mentioned "[NGC 3190] and [NGC 3187] proibably connected.  In [NGC 3187], several minute stars seen by Lord R."  A sketch made by R.J. Mitchell (in the 1861 publication) shows the galaxy tapering at the southeast end and broader at the northwest end.

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NGC 3188 = UGC 5569 = MCG +10-15-065 = CGCG 290-028 = Mrk 31 = PGC 30183

10 19 42.9 +57 25 24; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/9/94): surprisingly faint, small, round, diffuse, unconcentrated except for extremely faint star superimposed at center or a very faint stellar nucleus, appears to have an irregular surface brightness.  Two faint stars just off edges; a mag 14.5 star 0.6' NW of center and a mag 15 star 0.6' E of center also confuse the observation.  Forms a close double with NGC 3188A 0.7' WSW (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3188 = H III-910 = h690 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded "vF, pL, r, iF, some of the stars visible."  John Herschel logged, "eF; pL; 30 arcseconds." (9 Feb 1831, sweep 323).

 

Ralph Copeland, LdR's observing assistant, logged on 5 Apr 1874 "vF, cL, R, gbM, * 15 m near the middle and several small stars near (within 2 or 3' foll), but does seem resolvable."  One of these "stars" may be a very companion (NGC 3188A) just off the southwest side.

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NGC 3189 = part of NGC 3190

10 18 04.3 +21 49 54; Leo

 

48" (4/1/11): this number refers to the thin strip of NGC 3190 that parallels the prominent dust lane on the outer southwest edge of the galaxy.  This strip has a well-defined southern edge and dims at the southeast end of the galaxy.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3189 in January 1850,  He recorded "F neby probably extended to the right of [NGC 3190]."  The sketch produced by R.J. Mitchell (fig 14, Plate XXVII in the 1861 William Parsons' publication) shows NGC 3189 is the strip of NGC 3190 on the southwest side of the dust lane.  None of the subsequent observations at Birr Castle mention this feature, although d'Arrest claimed an observation with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen on 23 Mar 1865.

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NGC 3190 = HCG 44A = Arp 316 NED2 = VV 307a = NGC 3189 = UGC 5559 = MCG +04-24-026 = CGCG 123-037 = Holm 175a = LGG 194-003 = PGC 30083

10 18 05.7 +21 49 57; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 4.4'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

48" (4/1/11): extremely bright, large, nearly edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 3.7'x1.0', very bright core with a dazzling stellar nucleus embedded. A sharp, contrasty dust lane that is relatively wide runs along the full length of the galaxy, passing just south of the core. A thin strip of the galaxy parallels the dust lane on the outer southwest side of the galaxy. This strip has a well-defined southern edge and dims at the southeast end of the galaxy.  Dreyer catalogued the strip as NGC 3189 based on the 1850 sketch using Lord Rosse's 72-inch scope.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, edge-on NW-SE, stellar nucleus, fairly large.  Brightest in HCG 44 with NGC 3187 4.9' NW, NGC 3193 5.8' NE and NGC 3185 11' SW.  Two bright stars are in the field; mag 7.8 SAO 81276 8.3' NNW and mag 9.0 SAO 81279 6.5' NE. 

 

13.1" (3/24/84): bright, small bright nucleus, elongated NW-SE, brightest in a group.  Two mag 8 stars are in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3190 = H II-44 = h692, along with NGC 3193, on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded, "Two small nebulae; very like each other; both E and both lbM; than towards the ends, but of the resolvable kind."  His single position is closer to NGC 3187, but must refer to the brighter galaxies though NGC 3193 is not noticeably elongated.

 

R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 22 Mar 1857 (plate XXVII, fig 14 in LdR's 1861 publication) and clearly showed two strips of the galaxy separated by a dark lane.

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NGC 3191 = NGC 3192 = UGC 5565 = MCG +08-19-018 = CGCG 240-026 = PGC 30136

10 19 05.1 +46 27 15; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak broad concentration.  Located 4.1' SSW of a mag 10 star.  Pair with MCG +08-19-017 1.3' W.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3191 = h691 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and recorded, "F; S; R; bM; 15-20".  If this be III. 704 [NGC 3192], there must exist a great error in PD on one or other side.  His position matches UGC 5565.

 

William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1788 and recorded it as H. III-704 (later GC 2060 = NGC 3192).  His position, though, was 7' too far north.  All major catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 3191, instead of NGC 3192.  References: Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal Apr 1980 and Betelgeuse Nov 1979.

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NGC 3192 = NGC 3191 = UGC 5565 = MCG +08-19-018 = CGCG 240-026 = PGC 30128

10 19 05.1 +46 27 15; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3191.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3192 = H III-704 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "eF, vS, may be a patch of small stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 8' due south is h691 = NGC 3191.  JH recorded this galaxy as h691 (and later NGC 3191), noting "F; S; R; bM; 15-20". If this be III. 704, there must exist a great error in PD on one side or the other."  Dreyer also commented "perhaps = h.691" in the notes to his Scientific Papers of WH.

 

RNGC misidentifies MCG +08-19-017 as NGC 3192.  This galaxy is located 1.3' W of NGC 3191.  See my RNGC Corrections #1, WSQJ Apr 1980 and Betelgeuse Nov 1979 (by Malcolm Thomson).

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NGC 3193 = HCG 44B = Arp 316 NED3 = UGC 5562 = MCG +04-24-027 = CGCG 123-038 = VV 307 = Holm 175b = WBL 262-003 = PGC 30099

10 18 25.0 +21 53 37; Leo

V = 10.9;  Size 3.0'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, small, round, stellar nucleus, second brightest in the NGC 3190 group.  Located just 1.3' S of mag 9.0 SAO 81279.  Third of three with NGC 3190 5.8' SW and NGC 3187 8.8' WSW.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): bright, small bright nucleus, small, round.  A mag 9 star is just 1' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3193 = H II-45 = h693, along with NGC 3190, on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166).  See notes on NGC 3190.

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NGC 3194 = NGC 3155 = UGC 5538 = MCG +12-10-026 = CGCG 351-012 = PGC 30064

10 17 39.9 +74 20 51; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3155.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3194 = H III-965 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "vF, vS."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching UGC 5538 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

 

John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 2 Sep 1828 and recorded h676 as "vF; S; R.  RA extremely precarious." His rough position is 4' northeast of UGC 5538.  Dreyer also assumed this was a new discovery and catalogued it as NGC 3155 (with an accurate position from d'Arrest).  So, NGC 3194 = NGC 3155.  The primary designation should be NGC 3194, but the common name is NGC 3155.

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NGC 3195 = PK 296-20.1 = ESO 019-2 = PN G296.6-20.0

10 09 21.1 -80 51 31; Cha

V = 11.5;  Size 43"x36"

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x, appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x35".  The planetary was clearly annular at this magnification with the rim brightest along the east and west sides, giving a bipolar appearance.  The southern end of the rim dimmed, making the rim appear U-shaped, open to the south (though also somewhat weaker on the north end).  The central hole was irregularly shaped with careful examination.  Two mag 12 stars to the west at 45" and 1.6' are collinear with the planetary and a brighter mag 11.5 lies 2' SE.  The surrounding field was lacking in bright stars but rich in faint stars.  NGC 3149 lies 30' NNW.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an interesting planetary at 171x with a UHC filter or at 228x.  It appeared moderately bright and large, ~40"x35", slightly elongated ~N-S.  This disc had a noticeably irregular surface brightness with a slightly brighter knot on the following side and a hint of annularity.  Good response to UHC and OIII filters.  Located in southern Chamaeleon between Zeta and Delta Chamaeleontis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3195 = h3241 on 24 Feb 1835 and recorded "planetary nebula, pB, not quite uniform in its light, having two brighter patches, lE towards a * (a); slightly hazy; diameter = 15 or 18" (in RA 13 seconds of time). Pos of star a = 265.7 , dist = 0.7 diam from edge, 11th mag.; of star c, pos = 210.7 , dist = 1 3/4 diam from edge."  On a later sweep he described "Planetary nebula, R or vlE; a very little hazy at the edges but still pretty well defined with 240 power. Viewed long and with much attention, being a very remarkable object. I am positive of the existence of two brighter portions near the edges."  Sketched Plate VI, figure 2.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the planetary in July 1874 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate V, figure 54).  His sketch shows it clearly as annular with brighter arcs on the east and west side.  Pietro Baracchi (10 Apr 1885) thought the annular rim was slightly brighter on the E and W sides.

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NGC 3196 = CGCG 153-035 = CGCG 154-001 = PGC 30121

10 18 49.1 +27 40 08; Leo

V = 15.7;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 115”

 

18" (2/23/06): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Located 0.5' W of a mag 15-15.5 star that confuses the observation.  This galaxy is unusually faint for a William Herschel discovery.  Located 13' NE of striking double star ·1421 = 8.2/9.3 at 4.5".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3196 = H III-348 = h694 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and remarked "suspected, eF, pS, lE.  I do not much doubt it; but there is too much light to verify it."  Caroline's reduction is 30 sec of time following CGCG 153-035 = PGC 30121.  John Herschel's position from 17 Feb 1827 (sweep 57) is just 30" south of this galaxy, though he noted "so eF that I remained unsatisfied".  Given that comment and the magnitude of this galaxy, it's amazing that WH apparently picked it up during twilight.  Sweep 396/397 on 11 Apr 1785 was WH's most productive -- with 72 discoveries -- and this was the first object found in the sweep.

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NGC 3197 = UGC 5500 = MCG +13-08-009 = CGCG 350-045 = CGCG 351-010 = PGC 29870

10 14 27.7 +77 49 13; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Located almost at midpoint of two mag 11 stars 3.7' NE and 3.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3197 = H III-966 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "F, S, stellar neb.  It is very near and preceding a small star.  300 confirmed it."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5500 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

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NGC 3198 = UGC 5572 = MCG +08-19-020 = CGCG 240-030 = PGC 30197

10 19 54.8 +45 32 59; UMa

V = 10.3;  Size 8.5'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 35”

 

48" (5/4/16): at 375x; NGC 3198 is a showpiece, large spiral extending 7:2 SW-NE, ~8.0'x2.5'.  Contains a bright, elongated central "bar", punctuated by a very small bright core that rises to a stellar nucleus.  Slightly brighter patches are visible at the ends of the central region, where the spiral arms emerge.  A tight inner arm is attached on the northeast end; it bends back sharply and closely parallels the central region, extending southwest for a length of ~3.5'.  An outer low surface brightness arm sweeps clockwise on the southwest end.  A symmetric outer arm on the northeast end (of slightly higher surface brightness) curls clockwise towards the west.  The outer tip to tip diameter is nearly 8'.  An uncatalogued fairly bright double star [separation ~3.7"] is 3.5' NNE of center, just beyond the halo and a mag 14 star is 2.2' SSE of center.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 7.0'x2.5', broadly concentrated, brighter core has an indistinct elongated nucleus and an irregular surface brightness.  Two mag 14 stars are close south (nearest is 2.0' from the center) and a mag 11 star is just off the NNE edge 3.5' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3198 = H I-199 = h695 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and remarked "cB, mE, gbM, about 5' long and 2' broad from sp to nf."  John Herschel wrote on 20 Mar 1828 (sweep 140), "F; vL; bM; mE; 6' large, 2.5' br; r[esolvable]." George Stoney, observing with LdR's 72" on 3 Mar 1850, noted "probably a faint spiral."  It was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.  In later observations, a "dark vacuity ssp Nucl" was noted as well as "dark spaces throughout its length".

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NGC 3199 = ESO 127-014 = Gum 28 = Ced 107 = RCW 48

10 17 06 -57 55; Car

Size 22'x22'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x and UHC filter this Wolf-Rayet bubble appeared as an amazing 180” crescent, open on the east side and forming a thick "C" shape.  The rim of the bubble is widest on the western portion, although it is slightly brighter on the southwest side.  The main portion of the crescent spans ~13' from the north to south end and appears ~3.5' thick in the middle, though fainter nebulosity spreads out to the southeast.  A double star (h4302 = 10.4/11.6 at 23") is embedded near the south end.  The surface brightness is fairly high overall, though irregular with slightly brighter patches, knots and streaks.  A faint 5' linear streak or filament running NNW-SSE is superimposed along the outer western edge, though it separates or resolves from the Crescent at its north and south ends.  The illuminating mag 10.6 Wolf-Rayet star (WR 18 = HD 89358) is located about 4' E of the center of the "C", and is asymetrically positioned with respect to the center of the entire shell.  This W-R bubble is situated four degrees NW of the Eta Carina nebula in a rich Milky Way star field.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x and UHC filter, this HII region appears as a remarkable, huge crescent, roughly 11'x7' (the main region extends nearly 1/3 of the 39' field).  Opens up towards the east in a huge "C" shape.  The SW portion of the crescent is brightest, although the overall surface brightness is irregular with a mottled or curdled appearance.  A few stars are superimposed even with the filter with the brightest stars at the SW end.  Fainter nebulosity sprouts out of the SW end, increasing the total size by several arcminutes.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an amazing HII region with a 20mm Nagler and UHC filter at 103x.  It appears as a fairly bright, thick crescent opening towards the east, roughly 10'x6'!  The surface brightness was quite irregular with a UHC filter and the nebulosity was noticeably brighter on the south end where a couple of brighter stars are embedded.  Off the bright portion of the south end, much lower surface brightness haze extends the curve further SE for several arcmin and spreads out somewhat increasing the length to  ~15'.  The main mass has a curdled, mottled appearance and dark lanes appear to intrude into the nebulosity.  The illuminating star HD 89358 is a Wolf-Rayet star (WR 18) and this nebulosity is reminiscent of the Crescent Nebula in Cygnus (it could be dubbed the "Southern Crescent").

 

9x50mm finder (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): surprisingly, NGC 3199 was visible in the 50mm finder at just 9x by blinking with the OIII filter.  An elongated bar of nebulosity was seen!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3199 = D 332 = h3239 on 1 May 1826 and described a "very faint ray of nebula, about 2' broad, and 6' or 7' long, joining two small stars at the south following extremity, which are very slightly involved, but their lustre is not diminished from that of similar small stars in the field. The north extremity also joins a group of small stars, but they are not involved. Figure 15 [very basic sketch]."  Unfortunately Dunlop made a one degree error in reading or copying the declination so he didn't receive credit in the GC or NGC (Glen Cozens recovered the identity of D 332).

 

John Herschel rediscovered this Wolf-Rayet nebula on 1 Apr 1834, unaware of Dunlop's earlier observation.  He recorded, "A very large and very remarkable nebula, which is brighter to the S.f. part, and dies off to the N.p., having a curved form and forked tail. In the head of it is a double star. The nebula is pretty bright, very large, figure irregular, 8' long, 4' broad. Among a vast number of milky way stars."  On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote, "very bright, very large, 10' long, of a concave or crescent form, sharply terminated inwards, fading away outwards. In a field of about 80 stars. The place is that of a 13th mag star, about the middle of the crescent, or rather nearer the head."  His sketch from that night is reproduced on plate IV, figure 3.  Later that month (sweep 552) he wrote: "pretty bright, very gradually brighter in the middle, of a falcated or semilunar shape, extending over three-quarters of the field. The place is that of a double star in its vertex or southern extremity."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 3199 carefully on 28 Apr 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished lighograph plate VII, figure 67).  The SE end is tapered and brightest and the wide northwest end is forked with the eastern fork slightly brighter.  A lithograph was completed but not published.  Albert Le Sueur had earlier made a similar sketch with the 48", as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Jan 1885.

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NGC 3200 = ESO 567-045 = MCG -03-26-037 = UGCA 210 = PGC 30108

10 18 36.5 -17 58 57; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 4.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 169”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, moderately large.  A mag 14 star is at the north end.  Either contains a stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed on the center.  A mag 12 star lies 2.0' WNW of center.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3200 on 10 Apr 1882 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin and noted "pB, E 160, bMN." His position in Publ. of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I, p 73, matches ESO 567-045 = PGC 30108.  I find it surprising that this relatively bright galaxy was missed by the Herschels.

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NGC 3201 = ESO 263-026

10 17 36.7 -46 24 40; Vel

V = 6.7;  Size 18.2';  Surf Br = 0.7

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this beautiful, loose globular was well resolved with approximately two hundred mag 12 to 16 stars visible within a 10' region.  An unusual feature is the large number of brighter cluster stars that appear to be superimposed right on top of a fainter layer of stars in the central core.  The core seemed displaced towards the north side as if part of the northern half of the cluster was obscured and flattened.  This apparent affect may also be due to a larger number of brighter resolved stars that are superimposed on the northern half of the core.  A number of stars in the outer halo are arranged in strings and chains and the outer extent of the halo is irregular.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): beautifully resolved globular at 171x and 228x.  The cluster is fairly large, ~8'-10' diameter with more careful viewing.  Roughly 150 stars were resolved, though the number grew with magnification and averted vision.  A fairly dense layer of brighter mag 11.5-12 stars were resolved right over the bright core.  The halo, which has a large number of mag 13 stars, had a scraggly, irregular edge and seemed elongated - possibly partially obscured by dust.  This concentration class X cluster is 7th in ranking of brightest stars (mag 11.7) and 10th in horizontal-branch mag stars (mag 14.8).

 

13" (2/23/85): this fairly bright globular cluster appears fairly large and mottled.  But only a few stars were resolved due to the view being compromised by the very low elevation (~5” altitude) from northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3201 = D 445 = h3238 on 1 May 1826 with his 9-inch reflector at Parramatta, NSW, and described a "pretty large, pretty bright round nebula, 4' or 5' diameter, very gradually condensed towards the centre, easily resolved into stars; the figure is rather irregular, and the stars are considerably scattered on the south preceding side: the stars are also of slightly mixed magnitudes."

 

John Herschel first observed NGC 3201 on 20 Apr 1836 and recorded a "globular cluster, irregularly round, gbM, not v m comp, 6', resolved into stars 13...15th mag." On a second sweep he called it "irregularly round, 7' diameter, but the outliers extend to at least 10' or 12'; gpmbM, but not very much compressed; all resolved into stars 13..16th mag."

 

NGC 3201 is 7th in ranking of brightest member stars (mag 11.7) and 10th in ranking of horizontal-branch mag (mag 14.8).  The distance is ~20,000 light years.

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NGC 3202 = UGC 5581 = MCG +07-21-041 = CGCG 211-044 = WBL 264-001 = PGC 30236

10 20 31.7 +43 01 18; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', only a weak concentration with a small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' W of center.  First of three with very similar NGC 3205 4.4' SE and NGC 3207 5.7' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3202 = H II-720 = h696 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and noted "F, vS."  CH's reduction is 3.5' southwest of UGC 5581 (similar offset as NGC 3205 = II-721 and NGC 3207 = II-722). On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "vF; R; vgbM; 30"; the preceding of 3 neb in a triangle.  Some stars near."  His position was approximate and as a result the NGC position is 2' too far south.

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NGC 3203 = ESO 500-024 = MCG -04-25-002 = PGC 30177

10 19 34.5 -26 41 53; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 2.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, very small bright core is possibly stellar, very thin extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3203 = h3240 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; E; gbM; 25"."  His RA was 1.0 minute too small.  But he measured an accurate RA on the next sweep (563).  Unfortunately he rejected the second (accurate) RA, so the position in the NGC is in error.  Clearly his observations, though, refer to ESO 500-024.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1907, using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory, though he called this object a "nova".

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NGC 3204 = UGC 5580 = MCG +05-25-001 = CGCG 154-003 = PGC 30214

10 20 11.2 +27 49 02; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Located 4.1' NE of a mag 11 star.  A mag 7.7 star (SAO 81305) lies 13' SE at the edge of the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3204 = h698 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and logged "F; L; 40" - 60"; gbM."  His position matches UGC 5580.

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NGC 3205 = UGC 5585 = MCG +07-21-042 = CGCG 211-046 = Holm 179a = WBL 264-002 = PGC 30254

10 20 50.0 +42 58 19; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): second of three in a group.  Very similar appearance to NGC 3202 4.4' NW.  Fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' WSW.  Appears to have a slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 3202 and brighter along the major axis.  A threshold star is superimposed NE of the core (GSC shows a mag 15 star 15" NE of center).  NGC 3207 lies 2.1' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3205 = H II-721 = h699 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and noted "F, vS, stellar."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) John Herschel recorded, "vF; R; vgbM; 30"; the second of 3 [with NGC 3202 and 3207] in a triangle."

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NGC 3206 = WBL 265-001 = UGC 5589 = MCG +10-15-069 = CGCG 290-030 = PGC 30322

10 21 47.6 +56 55 50; UMa

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 2.5'x1.5', broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the NNE end 2.1' from the center.  A pair of galaxies NGC 3214 and NGC 3220 lie 13' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3206 = H I-266 = h697 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded "cB, pL, gbM, iF."  His position is just off the east side of UGC 5589.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel logged, "vF; L; E; vglbM; 2' l; 1 1/2' br."

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NGC 3207 = UGC 5587 = MCG +07-21-043 = CGCG 211-047 = Holm 179b = WBL 264-003 = PGC 30267

10 21 00.6 +42 59 07; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, almost round, even concentration down to very small core.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' S.  Third of three in a close trio with NGC 3205 2.1' WSW and NGC 3202 5.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3207 = H II-722 = h700 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and logged "F, vS, stellar."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) John Herschel recorded, "vF; R; vgbM; 30"; the last of 3 in a triangle [with NGC 3202 and 3205]."

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NGC 3208 = ESO 500-025 = MCG -04-25-003 = PGC 30180

10 19 41.3 -25 48 53; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 20”

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, moderately large, round.  At 220x, appears as a low surface brightness glow with a very weak concentration, ~1.2' diameter.  Situated between two mag 10.5 stars - the closer is 1.6' due west and the second star is 3.0' due E!  Outlying member of AGC 1060?

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3208 = LM 1-171 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a reasonable match with ESO 500-025 (30 tsec too far west).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA in 1899-00at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (mentioned in the IC 2 notes section)

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NGC 3209 = UGC 5584 = MCG +04-25-002 = CGCG 124-003 = PGC 30242

10 20 38.5 +25 30 18; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a very small prominent core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 3.0' W of center.

 

Forms a pair with MCG +04-25-004 4.7' ENE (noted as "very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' NNE").  Brightest in a trio with UGC 5588 9.4' SSE (noted as "fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a small isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 1.0' SSW and 1.2' E of center.  High surface brightness for a UGC galaxy").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3209 = h701 on 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) and recorded "F; R; 30"; has a star."  His position matches UGC 5584.

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NGC 3210

10 27 58.9 +79 49 57; Dra

Size 24"

 

17.5" (1/28/89): NGC 3210 is a pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation located just 1' WNW of NGC 3212.  This double was easily resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3210 = H III-979 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded  "The preceding [with III-980 = NGC 3212 and III-981 = NGC 3215] stellar; they are all in line and about 1' distance from each other.  The preceding is the most north, about 2' more than the last."  A pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation is the only object matching his description with respect to the two nearby galaxies.

 

In the 1912 notes to WH's third catalogue, Dreyer states the RA for NGC 3210 requires a correction of +1.0 tmin in RA (probably based on an observation by Bigourdan) and this would match one or both of the stars. In 1892 William Denning reported "there are two or three faint stars in the place assigned for it [NGC 3210], but, like D'Arrest, I see no nebulosity [in a 10-inch reflector]."  Dorothy Carlson identifies this object as a star in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

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NGC 3211 = PK 286-4.1 = ESO 127-15 = PN G286.3-04.8

10 17 50.3 -62 40 14; Car

V = 10.7;  Size 17"

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): Picked up unfiltered at 105x as a moderately bright, 15" disc.  Good contrast gain with UHC filter.  Appears bright, evenly illuminated with a well-defined bluish halo.  Appears to float in a beautifully rich Carina star field and centered within a parallelogram of mag 10.5 stars (sides ~9'x7').  Located 1.3” south of the mag 3.4 q Velorum.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter this fine planetary appeared as a very bright, round disc, ~15" diameter, crisp-edged with a bluish hue.  Good filter response to UHC.  The surface brightness was very high and there was a hint of a slightly brighter rim.  Set in a rich Carina star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3211 = h3242 on 7 Mar 1837 and recorded "planetary nebula, delicate, exactly round, = * 10 mag, a little dim at edges; white; with 320x considerably hazy. In field with at least 150 stars."  The next sweep he recorded "perfectly round; very well defined, with a perfectly uniform light, not at all mottled; = a star 10th mag, of which brightness there are 5 or 6 more in the field, and not less than 150 others less bright. Examined by both Mr Maclear and myself with 240x which shows it proportionally magnified; quite round and planetary; a little hazy at the edges, but not more so than is due to the decidedly bad definition of the night, and the imperfect figure of the mirror, which has been injured by careless polishing on too soft a polisher."

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NGC 3212 = Arp 181 NED1 = VV 319b = UGC 5643 = MCG +13-08-021 = CGCG 351-023 = PGC 30813

10 28 16.1 +79 49 23; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 107”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, round.  A pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation is 1' WNW (= NGC 3210).  Forms a pair with NGC 3215 1.2' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3212 = H III-980 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "Three, the place is that of the last [III-981].  The two last [NGC 3212 and 3215] vF and vS."

 

None of these 3 objects were included in WH's third catalogue as they were discovered just after his 500 discovery limit was reached on the previous object (NGC 3057).  JH added III-980 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations.  There are only two galaxies here that were measured accurately by d'Arrest and Bigourdan with III-979 = NGC 3210 a single or double star.

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NGC 3213 = UGC 5590 = MCG +03-27-004 = CGCG 094-008 = PGC 30283

10 21 17.3 +19 39 07; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (4/25/92): very faint, small, round, low almost even surface brightness.  Located 10' NE of mag 8.1 SAO 99075 and 21' SE of the striking double star Gamma Leonis (2.2/3.5 at 4.5").

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3213 = St XIII-58 on 13 Mar 1883.  His position matches UGC 5590.

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NGC 3214 = MCG +10-15-071 = CGCG 290-032 = Holm 182a = WBL 265-003 = PGC 30419

10 23 08.9 +57 02 20; UMa

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): first of two with NGC 3220 5.0' E.  Faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.  Bracketed by two mag 13.5 stars 0.8' W and 1.0' E.  NGC 3206 lies 13' SW.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3214 on 9 Mar 1874 using LdR's 72" while observing GC 2082 = NGC 3220. He recorded "cB, vS, R, sbMN = * 11m, pos 277.3”, dist 288.7"  It is in a line, Pos about 100”, between 2 st, about 11m each, dist about 1.5'."  Copeland's offset from NGC 3220 matches CGCG 290-032 = PGC 30419.

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NGC 3215 = Arp 181 NED2 = VV 319a = UGC 5659 = MCG +13-08-022 = CGCG 350-055 = CGCG 351-024 = PGC 30840

10 28 40.4 +79 48 46; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3212 1.2' NW.  Collinear with NGC 3212 and pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars 2.2' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3215 = H III-981 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "Three, the place is that of the last [III-981].  The two last [NGC 3212 and 3215] vF and vS." Caroline Herschel's reduced position is ~4' north of Arp 181 = UGC 5643 and UGC 5659.

 

None of these three objects were included in WH's third catalogue as they were discovered just after his 500 discovery limit was reached on the previous object (NGC 3057).  JH added III-981 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations.  There are only two galaxies here, that were measured accurately by d'Arrest and Bigourdan and NGC 3210 is either a star or wide double star.

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NGC 3216 = UGC 5593 = MCG +04-25-007 = CGCG 124-008 = PGC 30312

10 21 41.2 +23 55 23; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.9'x0.7', weak concentration.  Located 4.7' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest in a group with UGC 5597 at 4.6' SE (not seen) and an anonymous galaxy 4.1' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3216 = H III-330 = h702 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, pS, vlbM."  On 28 Mar 1832 (sweep 407) John Herschel logged, "eF; R; 20" diameter."

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NGC 3217 = IC 606 = Mrk 721 = VIII Zw 074 = MCG +02-27-006 = CGCG 065-017 = Todd 29 = PGC 30448

10 23 32.6 +10 57 35; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 30”

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.  Situated in a small group of mag 13-14 stars and a mag 11.6 star 2.6' SE.  Discovered by David Todd in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and equivalent to IC 606.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3217 = Todd 29 on 4 Mar 1878 using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the US Naval Observatory during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Todd's RA was only given to the nearest minute but Harold Corwin was able to identify CGCG 065-017 = PGC 30448 as NGC 3217.  This galaxy is 2.1 tmin east of Todd's rough position and 4' north but his sketch shows two nearby stars that match this galaxy.

 

Stephane Javelle independently found NGC 3217 on 18 Apr 1893 and reported it in list 2-676 (later IC 606).  PGC, MCG, CGCG and SIMBAD (and amateur software such as Megastar) use the IC designation only and RNGC misclassifies NGC 3217 as nonexistent.  NED and HyperLeda equate the two identities.

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NGC 3218 = NGC 3183 = UGC 5582 = MCG +12-10-028 = CGCG 351-018 = CGCG 333-023 = PGC 30323

10 21 49.4 +74 10 37; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3183.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3218 = H I-283 on 2 Apr 180 (sweep 1096) and recorded "cB, cL, er." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5582 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 28 Sep 1865, measured an accurate position, and Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 3183, assuming it was new.  The primary designation of this galaxy is NGC 3183, despite the earlier discovery by WH.

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NGC 3219 = MCG +07-21-051 = CGCG 211-049 = Holm 184a = PGC 30383

10 22 37.4 +38 34 45; LMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  PA = 60”

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  Situated in the middle of a thin triangle of mag 11-12 stars with a 1.6' pair of mag 11.5/12 stars ~2.5' W and a mag 11 star 3' E.  Forms a close pair with MCG +07-21-049 1.8' NW, which was not seen with certainty.  Located 9.5' NE of mag 8.8 SAO 62000.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3219 = St XII-38 on 11 Apr 1882.  His position matches CGCG 211-049 = PGC 30383.  This galaxy is not in RC3 and for some reason is not plotted on the new version of the Uranometria 2000 Star Atlas.

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NGC 3220 = IC 604 = UGC 5614 = MCG +10-15-073 = CGCG 290-034 = Holm 182b = WBL 265-004 = PGC 30462

10 23 45.2 +57 01 38; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): brighter of a pair with NGC 3214 5.0' W.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration.  Forms the west vertex of a near isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 5.5' NE and a mag 10 star 6.5' ESE.  The mag 10 star is an unequal triple with two 14th magnitude companions at 18" and 27".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3220 = H III-911 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, cL, iF."  CH's reduction matches UGC 5614. Ralph Copeland, observing with the 72" on 9 Mar 1874, recorded "pF, L cE 91.5”, *14 Pos 145.6”, Dist 94", *8m Pos 102.1”, Dist 393.3”.  The NGC description is based on this observation.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 Aug 1890, and reported it as new in his list IX-22 (later IC 604).  Dreyer apparently missed the match in position, so NGC 3220 = IC 604.

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NGC 3221 = UGC 5601 = MCG +04-25-013 = CGCG 124-017 = PGC 30358

10 22 20.2 +21 34 07; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x0.7', brighter middle but no nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 4.6' S of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3221 on 1 Jan 1862 and noted "eF, incredibly thin, 90" length, mag 10 star 4' south."  His position is just off the north side of UGC 5601.

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NGC 3222 = UGC 5610 = MCG +03-27-011 = CGCG 094-018 = PGC 30377

10 22 34.5 +19 53 13; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/25/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, faint halo.  A mag 14.5 star is just south of the west edge 0.6' from center.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.9' S.  FIrst of three with the NGC 3226/3227 duo 13' E in field.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 3222 = Au 27 in March 1855 with a 9.6-in Fraunhofer refractor at the Berlin Observatory, "while observing the double nebula [NGC 3226/3227]." He added "it is much fainter than both components, round and slightly brighter to the middle."  Using the Heliometer at Konigsberg, Auwers described it as "very faint, ~1' diam; star-like core 12-13m."  d'Arrest and Schultz also measure accurate micrometric positions, and Schultz called it "binuclear".

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NGC 3223 = IC 2571 = ESO 375-012 = MCG -06-23-023 = LGG 196-005 = PGC 30308

10 21 35.1 -34 16 01; Ant

V = 11.0;  Size 4.1'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.2'.  Increases to a moderately bright 30" core.  A mag 11 star is just off the SE end and one or two faint stars are superimposed in the halo.  This was a surprisingly easy galaxy and bright for a low elevation (~15 degrees).  Member o the Antlia cluster (ACO S636), located about 1.5” NW of the center of the cluster.  NGC 3224 lies 26' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3223 = h3243 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; vL; vlE; pslbM; to a centre; diam 2'."  His position is on the northeast side of ESO 375-012.

 

Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 30 Dec 1897, assumed it was new and reported Sw. XI-107 (later IC 2571) as "vF; cS; R; mag 9 star close p close following."  His RA was 28 seconds too small.  Herbert Howe followed up on Swift's observation and noted the mag 9 star follows by 9 sec and measured an accurate position.  So, NGC 3223 = IC 2571.

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NGC 3224 = ESO 375-013 = MCG -06-23-024 = LGG 196-006 = PGC 30314

10 21 41.2 -34 41 49; Ant

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 133”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, failry small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.7'. Well concentrated with a small, bright core.  Outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).  Found by starhopping from brighter NGC 3324 located 26' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3224 = h3244 on 18 Apr 1835 and recorded "vF; R; pgmbM; 40"."  His position matches ESO 375-013.  Pietro Baracchi wrote "B; S; R; vgbM; diam 50"." (11 Jan 1886, Melbourne telescope).

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NGC 3225 = UGC 5631 = MCG +10-15-077 = CGCG 290-037 = PGC 30569

10 25 10.0 +58 09 00; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, very weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' NNE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3225 = H II-882 = h703 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "pB, pL, lE, bM."  Caroline's reduced position is 15 seconds of RA west of this galaxy. On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel logged, "pF; L; E; vgbM; 30" to 40" [diameter]."

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NGC 3226 = Arp 94 NED1 = VV 209b = Holm 187b = UGC 5617 = MCG +03-27-015 = CGCG 094-026 = LGG 194-008 = PGC 30440

10 23 27.0 +19 53 54; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15”

 

48" (4/22/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.8'x 1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright non-stellar nucleus.  The halo has only a weak concentration and with averted vision appears to merge with the halo of NGC 3227.  A low surface brightness spiral arm on the west side of NGC 3227 extends north to the outer halo of NGC 3226.

 

17.5" (4/25/92): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, smoothly increases from halo to a bright core and an almost stellar nucleus.  The halo extends to almost 2' diameter with averted vision and fades into background.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3227 at the south side with 2.3' separation between centers.  The outer halo is just in contact with NGC 3227 at the SSE edge.  NGC 3222 lies 13' W.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, broad concentration to a brighter middle.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3226 = H II-28 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and recorded "Two nebula almost close together.  Perhaps 1 1/2 or 2' asunder, they are pretty considerable in size and of a roundish form; but not cometic; they are vF."  His position was 17' too far north, but d'Arrest and Schultz measured accurate positions used in the GC and NGC.

 

Father Secchi found NGC 3226 and 3227 on 6 Mar 1853 with the 9.5" Merz refractor and announced the pair as new in Astronomische Nachrichten 36, p. 243 (1853).  He mentioned the nebulae were "not listed in Herschel's Observations of nebulae and clusters of stars [Slough catalogue]."  Like a number of observers, Secchi missed the prior discovery as he only checked the Slough catalogue or was misled by Herschel's poor positions.  In 1855, d'Arrest reported these nebulae were discovered previously.

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NGC 3227 = Arp 94 NED2 = VV 209a = Holm 187a = UGC 5620 = MCG +03-27-016 = CGCG 094-028 = LGG 194-009 = PGC 30445

10 23 30.6 +19 51 55; Leo

V = 10.3;  Size 5.4'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155”

 

48" (4/22/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE. ~3'x 1.5'.  Contains a very sharp, intensely bright stellar nucleus within a very bright elongated core.  The large, elongated halo displays two subtle spiral arms. A broad, low surface brightness arm is attached on the NNW end and sweeps south on the east side, ending just west of a mag 14.7 star, which is 2.3' SE of center.  A second broad arm emerges roughly on the southwest side and shoots north on the west side, extending to the halo of NGC 3226 [centers of the two galaxies sseparated by 2.2'].

 

17.5" (4/25/92): fairly bright, fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', prominent very small high surface brightness core, striking stellar nucleus.  Just in contact with NGC 3226 at the NW tip 2.3' separation between cores.  Brightest of three with NGC 3222 13' W.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  This Seyfert galaxy forms a contact system with NGC 3226 2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3227 = H II-29 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146), along with NGC 3226. JH did not make an observation.  See notes for NGC 3226.

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NGC 3228 = ESO 214-001 = Cr 218

10 21 22 -51 43 24; Vel

V = 6.0;  Size 18'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): bright, 15' open cluster in Vela.  Prominent in 9x50 finder and easy in 10x30 IS binoculars.  The main portion consists of 9 mag 8-10 stars.  Scattered about are a few additional mag 9 and 10 stars in a 15' field.  Perhaps 3 dozen stars total are within the boundary, though besides the bright stars the remaining are mostly mag 13-14 and appear to be a random background scattering of stars in a rich Milky Way field.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3228 = Lac II-7 = D 386 = h3245 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He described a "heap of four or five faint, very small and compressed."  James Dunlop observed the cluster on 9 May 1826 and noted "11 Roboris Caroli. A group of 8 or 10 pretty bright small stars, with very small stars, about 6' diameter."  JH recorded (single observation) "a group of 9 L, and a few scattered small stars."

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NGC 3229

10 23 24.3 +00 03 54; Sex

V = 13.6/15.8;  Size 9"

 

= **, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 3229 = HN 16 on 31 Mar 1850 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted a "faint nebulous object", but at his exact position is a double star at 10 23 24.3 +00 03 54.  The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 009-008 as NGC 3229.  This galaxy is located 1.6 min of RA west and 12' north of Coolidge's position. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3230 = UGC 5624 = MCG +02-27-007 = CGCG 065-020 = PGC 30463

10 23 44.0 +12 33 59; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Unusual appearance with a mag 10 star superimposed at the south edge.

 

UGC 5625, situated 4' NNE, appeared very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 1.1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3230 = h705 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242) and wrote, "a triple star in nebula, a fourth star suspected."  The next night he logged, "A very close D* of the first class involved in a nebulous wisp. 'A most curious, delicate and interesting object'."

 

In 1885, Herbert Sadler of England claimed to detect a change in the position (proper motion) relative to a nearby double star.  Dreyer replied that there was no evidence of motion.

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NGC 3231

10 26 58 +66 48 42; UMa

Size 2.5'

 

18" (3/5/05): 16 stars are visible in an 8' region.  The stars are distributed into two groups oriented NW-SE.  The northwest group stands out more distinctly as it is a bit richer and more compact (~2.5' diameter) and contains a mag 11.5/13 pair at 18".  The sparser SE group also contains a mag 13 pair at 17".  At the SE edge of the 225x field (9' SE of the NW grouping) is mag 7.9 HD 90318.  Listed as an asterism in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3231 = h704 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and recorded "A cluster of 20 stars more or less, 10,11, and 12m, scattered over a space of 10' dia. A star 7m south."  Heinrich d'Arrest noted the principal star was double.  This group is apparently an asterism although it stands out well on the DSS, being detached from the surrounding field.

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NGC 3232 = MCG +05-25-004 = CGCG 154-008 = PGC 30508

10 24 24.3 +28 01 40; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 2.5' NE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3235 7.7' E.

 

This is a superposed (merging?) pair of galaxies, though it was not seen as double.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3232, along with NGC 3235, on 29 Dec 1861.  His single position and description (he mentions a mag 11-12 star is 150" southwest) matches ESO 568-001.

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NGC 3233 = ESO 568-001 = MCG -04-25-004 = LGG 195-002 = AM 1019-220 = PGC 30336

10 21 57.5 -22 16 04; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): faint, small, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', irregular surface brightness.  There is possibly a very faint envelope surrounding the main bar.  Located 16' NNE of mag 6.5 HD 89828.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3233 = LM 1-172 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.   His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of time west of ESO 568-001.  Herbert Howe's corrected position (given in the IC 2 Notes section) is accurate.

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NGC 3234 = NGC 3235? = UGC 5635 = MCG +05-25-007 = CGCG 154-010 = PGC 30553

10 24 59.3 +28 01 26; LMi

 

See observing notes for NGC 3235.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3234 = h706 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "pB; R: psbM; 30"."  There is nothing at his position, though his brightness estimate of "pB" implies a duplicate observation (with a bad position) of a reasonably bright galaxy.  In the GC, JH mentioned it might be a comet.

 

This object was not found in six attempts at Birr Castle (1852-56), and Reinmuth and Carlson also reported it as not found, based on photographic searches.  In the NGC Notes section, Dreyer states that NGC 3234 is probably identical to NGC 3235 with a 1 degree error in declination.  In the IC 1 notes, though, Dreyer states that NGC 3234 ­ NGC 3235, as both were seen by William Frederick Denning.  Nevertheless, Corwin concludes "NGC 3234 is almost certainly = NGC 3235."

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NGC 3235 = NGC 3234? = UGC 5635 = MCG +05-25-007 = CGCG 154-010 = PGC 30553

10 24 59.3 +28 01 26; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 3.1' NNW.  Brightest in a group with NGC 3232 7.7' W and IC 2572 4.7' NNE.  IC 2572 appeared extremely faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, although difficult to determine exact orientation as could only glimpse.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3235, along with NGC 3232, on 29 Dec 1861.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches UGC 5635 = PGC 30553 and he noted a mag 15 star precedes by 5.7 seconds of time, at a separation of 195" [SSW].  NGC 3234 is probably a duplicate (earlier) observation by JH with an erroneous position.  See notes for NGC 3234.

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NGC 3236 = MCG +10-15-081 = CGCG 290-040 = PGC 30711

10 26 48.5 +61 16 23; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.75'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' ESE and a mag 12 star 2.8' SE.  Located 4.0' NE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3236 = h707 on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406) and recorded "eF; S; psbM; 8"; 2 st 11 and 12m follow."

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NGC 3237 = UGC 5640 = MCG +07-22-003 = CGCG 212-007 = PGC 30610

10 25 43.3 +39 38 47; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, brighter core.  An uneven mag 12/14 double is 3' N and trailing from this pair is a string of three mag 10.5-11.5 (total length including double of 10').

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3237 = H III-631 = h709 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "vF, vS.  With 300 the same."  Caroline's reduced position is 6' SSE of UGC 5640, but there are no other nearby candidates.  On 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335) John Herschel reported, "pF; R; S; pgbM; 10-12" dia."  His position is marked as very uncertain, but his dec is just 1' south of UGC 5640.

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NGC 3238 = UGC 5649 = MCG +10-15-080 = CGCG 290-041 = PGC 30686

10 26 43.0 +57 13 35; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, even concentration with brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with MCG +10-15-079 5.4' NW.  NGC 3220 lies 27' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3238 = H II-883 = h708 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "F, S, R, bM."  Caroline's reduced position is just 1' NE of UGC 5649.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel reported "Not vF; R; pslbM; 20" [diameter]."

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NGC 3239 = Arp 263 = VV 95 = UGC 5637 = MCG +03-27-025 = CGCG 094-038 = PGC 30560

10 25 05.5 +17 09 35; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 5.0'x3.3';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 80”

 

48" (5/4/16): NGC 3239 was examined at 488x, specifically looking for the two tidal tails not seen in the previous observation with Lowrey's 48".  A very faint curving tail or hook (identified as "Tail A" in Krienke & Hodge's 1990 paper "The structure of the irregular galaxy, NGC 3239") was seen extending from the very bright HII knot (VV 95b) on the southeast side.  It curves clockwise to the southeast in the direction of a mag 15.8 star [2' ESE of the mag 10 superimposed star].

 

Beyond the west end of the main glow is a fairly wide, very low surface brightness glow (the start of "Tail B") in the direction of a mag 12.5 star (2.4' due W of the bright star); it then sweeps broadly towards the south.  A narrow extension heading southwest ends at a faint HII knot, perhaps 6" diameter, which is identified in NED as NGC 3239:[HK83] 75 and 80.

 

48" (2/19/12): NGC 3239 = Arp 263 is a large, disrupted irregular, dominated by numerous HII regions.  It was a fascinating sight at 488x.  A mag 10 star is superimposed on the southwest side of the galaxy with the patchy, highly irregular surface brightness glow of the galaxy extending mainly north and east of the star.

 

A very bright, round knot of ~15" diameter is prominent on the southeast side of the galaxy.  This HII complex is catalogued as VV 95b in NED and as region #6 and #10 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies".  A faint star or knot is attached on the north side.  A "star" recorded just off the west side of this knot turns out to be supernova SN 2012A, discovered on 7 Jan 2012, still currently around 14th magnitude (see image at http://skycenter.arizona.edu/gallery/Galaxies/ngc3239).  Very faint haze extends southeast of VV 95b, but the "tail" structure was not seen. 

 

Along the north side of the galaxy (elongated east-west) are several additional knots.  About 30" due north of VV 95B is HK[83] #3 and #4.  This close pair of knots appeared as a faint, small, irregular glow, ~6" diameter.  Patchy haze is just west, but with no condensed spots. Further west, and 40" due north of the mag 10 star, is a moderately bright, small, round knot, ~10" diameter that has several HK[83] entries (#28/29/31/34).  To the west of this knot, the glow of the galaxy ends near HK[83] #57/58, a faint low surface brightness knot that is elongated N-S.

 

18" (3/28/09): moderately bright and large, irregular shape and mottled appearance, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~1.0'x0.5'.  A mag 9.5 star is superimposed on the SW side with the brighter portion of the galaxy extending to the east.  On the SW end of the galaxy is a bright HII knot (VV 95B = Hodge-Kennicutt #10) of ~20" diameter.  The galaxy has a patchy surface brightness with an ill-defined, irregular halo.  A number of fainter galaxies are in the field (background cluster) including CGCG 94-42 2.9' SE, CGCG 94-40 4.8' N, CGCG 94-43 6.3' NNE, UGC 5639 8' NE, CGCG 94-39 8.5' N, CGCG 94-46 8.5' SE.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, very unusual appearance as a mag 9 star (BD+17 2217) is superimposed on the south side.  An unusually bright knot is following the bright star by 51" on the SE side of the galaxy. This is possibly an offset nucleus or more likely an HII knot.  The galaxy appears to extend to the west from this knot.  The galaxy exhibits an irregular surface brightness with edges difficult to define as it fades into the background.  The halo is more extensive to the north with averted vision.  About 2' NW and 2' W are two mag 11 and 12 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3239 = H IV-10 = h710 = h3246 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181)and recorded "A pretty considerable star, with a milky vF brush after it.  The position of the brush is about 15 or 20” nf.  With 240 I saw 2 vF stars towards the confines of the brush; but they seemed to have no connection with it.  The bright star is the following one of a triangle, the preceding stars of which are a little smaller.  It precedes a large star 3 1/2 min of time and is 2' more north."  His description and position applies to Arp 263 = VV 95.

 

10 observations were made at Birr Castle, with knots in NGC 3239 mentioned several times.  On 10 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell commented "A knot north of the star and another nff, the space between them and the star is filled with faint mottled nebulosity.  A star suspected in np end of the following knot.  A very faint nebula suspected following?".  The last comment probably refers to CGCG 094-042, which is 3' ESE.

 

On the POSS, the bright knot on the southeast end seems like it could be an interacting galaxy but on the SDSS it looks like a large, blue HII region.  Also the area immediately north seems dusty.  Contains unusual asymmetric arcs to the south as if very disturbed.  This galaxy has a listed redshift of only 0.0025, while the surrounding galaxies (6 viewed on 3/28/09) have a redshift of z = .044.

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NGC 3240 = ESO 568-003 = MCG -04-25-007 = LGG 195-003 = PGC 30515

10 24 30.6 -21 47 28; Hya

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (2/22/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 0.8' SSE of center just outside the halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3240 = h3247 on 20 Mar 1835 and reported "eF; S; R; near a star."  His position from two sweeps matches ESO 568-003.

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NGC 3241 = ESO 436-016 = MCG -05-25-002 = PGC 30498

10 24 16.9 -32 28 58; Ant

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 123”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0'.  Weak concentration with no distinguishable core.  A mag 11 star is close off the NW edge, 1.4' from center and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star.  Scattered groups of mag 10 stars lie ~20' E and a similar distance west.  Outlying member of the Antlia cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3241 = h3249 on 16 Feb 1836 and logged "F pmE glbM; has a *11m north preceding."  His position is 1' N of ESO 436-016 and the description matches.

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NGC 3242 = PK 261+32.1 = ESO 568-5 = PN G261.0+32.0 = Eye Nebula = The Ghost of Jupiter = The CBS Eye

10 24 46.1 -18 38 32; Hya

V = 7.3;  Size 40"x35"

 

82" (5/4/19): at 400x; fairly prominent wings or handles were visible on both ends of the major axis of the inner lens.  Both "handles" extended well into the halo and greatly increased the length of the bright lens, which showed a couple of brighter interior knots.  The halo was surrounded by an obvious outer shell.

 

48" (4/18/15 and 5/1/19): In addition to the structure previously noted, the sharply defined inner ring clearly has lower surface brightness extensions at the northwest and southeast end, creating an inner lens.  The bulge on the northwest end is a bit larger and brighter, though the southeast end of the ring has a slightly brighter knot.

 

Two galaxies are nearby.  PGC 155202, 3.9' SSW of NGC 3242, is fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 20"x15", very weak concentration.  A mag 11.2 star lies 1.9' NE.  PGC 155215, 3.4' SE of NGC 3242, is faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 15"x12", low surface brightness.  A mag 14 star lies 0.6' WNW and a mag 10 star is 2' E.

 

48" (2/18/12): at 814x, the multiple ring structure was remarkable.  The small, dark central hole and bright central star was surrounded by a beautiful inner lens, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x15".  This vivid turquoise lens was brighter at the ends of the major axis and bulges out with an extension on the northwest end.  Surrounding the lens was a broader halo or shell with a rounder outline, ~45"x35" NW-SE.  This shell had a distinctive light pink or salmon color.  Highlighting the very edge of this shell is an extremely thin, slightly brighter greenish ring.  A low surface brightness outer halo surrounds the planetary.

 

48" (4/1/11): stunning view at 488x with a high contrast, high surface brightness double ring structure and an outer third shell.  The small inner lens has an electric turquoise color and is elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x15".  At the southeast end of the major axis of the inner ring is a well-defined, bright knot.  The irregular inner ring is also brighter and thicker along the northwest end, though not as bright or sharply defined as the southeast knot.  The dim central portion is punctuated by the bright central star.  The outer ring is rounder and extends ~45"x35" NW-SE, with the limb unevenly lit.  The greenish color is not as intense in the outer ring.  Between the two main rings the nebulosity has a pinkish hue.  The main structure was surrounded by a low surface brightness outer halo, at least 1.5' diameter, which significantly increased the total size!

 

18" (4/9/05): at 435x, the double shell structure was prominent and exhibited filametary structure outside the inner ring.

 

17.5" (3/25/00): this beautiful PN has a very high surface brightness and a bluish color at 100x.  The view at 280x-380x is stunning with a well-defined double shell structure.  The bright, narrow inner ring is surrounded by a second fainter oval envelope.  Inside the bright lens is a dark, 10" donut-hole with a faint central star marking the center.  In moments of steady seeing, the inner ring has a hard-edge and the central star is easier.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): at 415x appears very bright, fairly small, bluish color, central star is visible.  Prominent double lens structure with a bright inner lens surrounded by a second fainter elliptical shell.  Stunning at high power with a striking "eye" appearance with a darker center.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very bright, bright inner lens surrounded by a second fainter elliptical shell.  At 350x there is a darker center to the inner lens and the central star is visible almost continuously.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3242 = H IV-27 = h3248 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and described this bright planetary as "a beautiful, very brilliant globe of light; a little hazy on the edges, but the haziness goes off very suddenly, so as not to exceed the 20th part of the diameter, which I suppose to be from 30 to 40" in diameter. It is round, or perhaps a very little elliptical, and all over of an uniform brightness: I suppose the intensity of its light to be equal to that of a star of the 9th magnitude."  On a second observation he logged "Beautiful, brilliant, planetary disk, ill defined, but uniformly bright, the light of the colour of Jupiter. 40" diameter. Second observation, near 1' diameter by estimation."  Interestingly, this is perhaps the only example where WH referred to a color in a planetary.

 

William Lassell observed NGC 3242 on 12 Mar 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector on Malta and noted "a brilliant light blue colour with slight green tinge." The double ring structure was described at Birr Castle, as well as the northwest extension of the inner ring. On 6 Apr 1863 Samuel Hunter logged,"Outer ring is brightest north and south and fainter preceding, but vF on sf side, it does not appear so blue as the inner and brighter one....The little projection of np end of the bright ring is very marked." E.E. Barnard and Sherburne Burnham observed the planetary with the 36-inch at Lick Observatory on 25 Feb 1889.  Barnard described in his logbook "a glowing star in center of dark space, this in in parallelogram or diamond shape () of beautiful bluish green.  This in an elliptical rose colored disc."

 

Admiral Smyth noted the planetary "resembles Jupiter" in his "Cycle of Celestial Objects" (1844), following HerschelÕs comment.  But the nickname "Ghost of Jupiter" was apparently first used by Captain William Noble.  In the 1882 issue of Knowledge, he wrote "It will be a seen as a pale-blue disc, looking just like the ghost of Jupiter." He repeated this description in "Hours with a Three-Inch Telescope" (London and New York, 1886).  William Tyler Olcott also stated "It will be seen like a pale blue disk, like a ghost of jupiter" in his 1909 book "In Starland with a Three-Inch telescopeÓ.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the inner, roughly elliptical ring with its slightly fainter extensions is about 26"x16" in pa 145”.  The outer and considerably fainter oval disk is 40"x35", and shows faint ring or shell effects at its edges.

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NGC 3243 = UGC 5652 = MCG +00-27-012 = CGCG 009-003 = PGC 30655

10 26 21.4 -02 37 20; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (3/29/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, moderate concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus (possibly offset from center).  Located 1.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star and a similar star is 4' NNE.  IC 609 lies 27' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3243 = Sw. III-54 on 2 Apr 1886 and noted "vF; S; lE; between a pB and a vF *."  His position is 10 tsec west and 1' south of UGC 5652 and the description fits.

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NGC 3244 = ESO 317-024 = MCG -07-22-005 = PGC 30594

10 25 28.9 -39 49 41; Ant

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very diffuse, almost round.  A mag 11 star is 1.9' N.  Located 14' NW of NGC 3250.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3244 = h4019 on 22 Apr 1835 and recorded "vF; above a * 11m, dist 1.5'."  It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) which Dreyer identified as "h o n" ([John] Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.  His position and description matches ESO 317-024.

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NGC 3245 = UGC 5663 = MCG +05-25-013 = CGCG 154-017 = LGG 197-002 = PGC 30744

10 27 18.4 +28 30 26; LMi

V = 10.8;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (3/29/97): bright, fairly large, elongated ~3:2 N-S, 2.2'x1.3'.  Unusually bright 30" core, increases to a very small but nonstellar nucleus.  The faint edge-on NGC 3345A = UGC 5662 lies 8.8' NNW.  Brightest in a small, loose group (LGG  197) that incudes NGC 3245A, 3254, 3265 and 3277.

 

NGC 3345A appeared extremely faint, thin edge-on 7:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x0.3'.  Requires averted vision and concentration to glimpse, no noticeable concentration.  Surprisingly low surface brightness and might not have been noticed unless aware of position. The major axis points just north of a mag 11.5 star 2.1' NW of center. Also a mag 12 star is 2.4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3245 = H I-86 = h711 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "cB, pL, mbM, the greatest brightness lE."  John Herschel made 5 observations calling the galaxy "very bright" on 4 sweeps.

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NGC 3246 = UGC 5661 = MCG +01-27-009 = CGCG 037-037 = PGC 30684

10 26 41.8 +03 51 43; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (3/25/00): faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 E-W, broad weak concentration, 1.5'x1.0'.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11.5-12.5 stars 2.8' SW and 3.0' SSW of center.  Located 9' SW of mag 6.7 SAO 118299.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3246 = h712 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "eF; S; R: two stars, 10 and 11m sp, dist 90"."  HIs position and description matches UGC 5661.

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NGC 3247 = ESO 127-18 = Westerlund 2 = OCL-807 + Gum 29 = RCW 49

10 24 13 -57 45 48; Car

Size 6'x4'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): NGC 3247 consists of a compact cluster (often referred to as Westerlund 2), one of the most massive young star clusters known in the Milky Way, and a large, irregular H II region (RCW 49) with star-forming pillars similar to the Eagle Nebula.  At 230x, the cluster extended ~1.5', but the richest part was a dense, elongated clump only 45" long with a half-dozen tightly packed mag 13.5-14 stars resolved in an WNW-ESE string.  Off the SW side is mag 13.5 WR 20a, one of the most massive binary systems (both superluminous O3-type stars).  The cluster is situated 12' N of mag 5.8 HD 90289.

 

At 145x, fairly faint emission haze was easily visible in an irregular 2.5' region just to the east of Westerlund 2. A mag 12 star is embedded near the center of the nebula, a mag 11.5 star is just off the north edge and a few additional stars are involved.  Adding a NPB filter, RCW 49 is a fairly bright, irregular nebula!  The brightest part (centered on the star) was roughly circular with a well-defined northern boundary, but it spread further south and southwest to a ~4'x3' region.

 

Cr 220 (often misidentified as NGC 3247) is located ~15' SE of the NGC 3247 complex in the same low power field.  Roughly three dozen stars were resolved at 145x in a 6' circle, with the central part slightly condensed.  The brightest mag 9.8 star is at the north end with a mag 12 companion [13" separation].  A small quadrilateral of mag 13-13.5 stars [sides 14", 14", 18", 17"] is on the southwest side.  No involved nebulosity was seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3247 = h3250 on 1 Apr 1834 and described "a curious object. Stars involved in evident nebula."  The next sweep he logged, "there is a nebulous appearance, which merits re-examination. Observed much past meridian, and no reliance on the PD [polar distance]."  A third observation only has a very approximate polar distance. His rough (mean) position is 10 24.8 -57 51 (2000).  Joseph Turner unsuccessfully searched for this object using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 12 Feb 1879, as well as Pietro Baracchi on three different occasions, perhaps due to Herschel's poor position.

 

Using a Harvard plate, DeLisle Stewart identified NGC 3247 at 10 23 58 -57 48.5 (2000), and Dreyer repeated this position in the IC 2 notes.  Brian Skiff places NGC 3247 more accurately at 10 24 01 -57 45.6, corresponding with ESO 127-SC18 = Westerlund 2.  This compact cluster (~1.5' dia) is embedded in the HII region RCW 49 = Gum 29, which spreads out ~10' in size.  ESO and Lynga misidentify Cr 220 as NGC 3247.  This group of stars is 1.0 tmin following and 5' south of JH's position.

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NGC 3248 = UGC 5669 = MCG +04-25-020 = CGCG 124-024 = PGC 30776

10 27 45.4 +22 50 49; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8x0.4, sharp concentration with a bright prominent core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' S of center.  Located 6.5' S of mag 9.1 SAO 81359.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3248 = H II-347 = h713 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "pB, S, bM, r."  His position is a good match with UGC 5669.  John Herschel observed it on 3 sweeps, calling it "F" on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and "pB" on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244). The Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. II-347 for H. II-374.  He corrected the error in the General Catalogue.

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NGC 3249 = ESO 375-024 = MCG -06-23-028 = LGG 203-001 = PGC 30657

10 26 22.1 -34 57 50; Ant

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 139”

 

18" (4/10/04): extremely faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter.  Requires averted vision and concentration to glimpse a very low surface brightness circular patch with no details.  Located 4.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star. Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3249 = h3251 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 60"."  His position matches ESO 375-024 = PGC 30657.

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NGC 3250 = ESO 317-026 = MCG -07-22-007 = PGC 30671

10 26 32.3 -39 56 39; Ant

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  A mag 12 star is 3.8' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3244 14' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3250 = h3252 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; R; psbM; 30"; has a * 13m nf."  His position (measured accurately on 4 other sweeps) and description matches ESO 317-026 = PGC 30671.

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NGC 3251 = IC 2579 = UGC 5684 = MCG +04-25-023 = CGCG 124-029 = Holm 195a = PGC 30892

10 29 16.8 +26 05 57; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, weak concentration.  Located 7' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 81378.  A group of three stars are SW including a mag 10 star 3.4' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3251 on 19 Feb 1862 and recorded "vF, pL, 3 bright star precede to the south." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of time following is UGC 5684, and his description pins down the identification.

 

Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 2 Apr 1900 and assumed it was new.  His position for J. 3-1158 (later IC 2579) is accurate.  Dreyer must have realized the possible equivalence with NGC 3251 as he added the note "?3251" to the description of IC 2579.  UGC labels this galaxy IC 2579.

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NGC 3252 = UGC 5732 = MCG +12-10-049 = CGCG 333-039 = PGC 31278

10 34 22.6 +73 45 51; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE.  A double star ·1437 = 7.6/10.1 at 32" lies 5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3252 = H III-316 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "eF, mE, pL, r."  CH's reduced position is 6.5' northwest of UGC 5732, though in the GC, JH noted "CH's reduction of this nebula being affected with a considerable error, Auwer's RA is adopted, after verification."  But the GC/NGC position is even forther off in RA (too far west by 2.0 min of time) than CH's reduction.

 

An accurate position was given in MN, 71, 509 (based on the Greenwich plate to determine positions on the sweep of 2 Apr 1801).  UGC does not label its entry (UGC 5732) as NGC 3252.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3253 = UGC 5674 = MCG +02-27-021 = CGCG 065-043 = PGC 30829

10 28 27.4 +12 42 14; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 3' S of a mag 10.8 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3253 = Sw. III-55 on 27 Apr 1886 and noted "vF, pS, R."  His position is 6 tsec west and 1' south of UGC 5674 = PGC 30829.  Spitaler measured an accurate RA in 1891.

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NGC 3254 = UGC 5685 = MCG +05-25-018 = CGCG 154-020 = LGG 197-003 = PGC 30895

10 29 19.9 +29 29 30; LMi

V = 11.7;  Size 5.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 46”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.8', sharp concentration with small oval core surrounded by faint unconcentrated extensions, occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 2.9' W and a pair of mag 10 stars at 1.2' separation follows by 6'.  Member of the NGC 3245 group (LGG 197)

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3254 = H I-72 = h714 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and recorded "cB, cL, E, mbM.  The brightness [core] also extended."  His position is just off the west side of UGC 5685. John Herschel made a total of 3 observations.  R.J. Mitchell noted "dark spaces suspected" in his 20 Mar 1854 observation at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3255 = ESO 127-20 = Cr 221

10 26 31 -60 40 42; Car

V = 11.0;  Size 2'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): small, glowing spot only 1' diameter at 145x.  A half-dozen stars are resolved over haze at 178x. A mag 12.5-13 star is at the southeast edge and a mag 13.5 star is on the south side of the main clump.  Most of the others are mag 14-14.5.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3255 = h3253 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and described "a very compressed knot or cluster of milky way stars, 4' in diameter, somewhat insulated from the rest. Stars .. 15th mag."  Pietro Baracchi wrote "a knot of stars 15m amidst the multitude of stars of the Milky Way - no properly a cluster.  Rather a group hardly more conspicuous than many other groups of stars hereabout." (28 Jan 1886, Melbourne telescope). This small cluster shows up fairly well on the DSS.

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NGC 3256 = ESO 263-038 = VV 65 = AM 1025-433 = MCG -07-22-010 = LGG 198-001 = PGC 30785

10 27 51.1 -43 54 19; Vel

V = 11.5;  Size 3.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

25" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, ~1.6'x1.2', pretty sharply concentrated with a very bright relatively large core that appears off-center.  The halo is irregular in brightness.  The tidal plumes extending east from the north end and stretching west were not seen in dewy conditions.

 

NGC 3256C, a highly disrupted galaxy (interacting with NGC 3256) situated 14' ENE, appeared fairly faint, roundish, ~35"-40" diameter. Fairly low but uneven surface brightness, weak concentration.  Situated 4' E of mag 6.7 HD 90898.  The galaxy is just east of semi-circular chain of stars on the east side of HD 90898.  The chain includes three double stars as well as a triple!

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this disturbed galaxy appeared as a moderately bright and large oval, extended 3:2 NW-SE with dimensions 1.6'x1.2'.  It contained a fairly bright 1' round core embedded in a very faint halo.  NGC 3256 is the furthest north and the brightest in a group of Vela galaxies stretching south to NGC 3261, located 46' to the SSE.

 

NGC 3256 is a member of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster and possible outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (9 degrees north).  This cluster was first catalogued as Klemola 12.  On photographs NGC 3256 is a chaotic system that appears to be undergoing a spectacular merger with long tidal tails.  This starburst galaxy is a superluminous infrared source with X-ray emission.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3256 = h3254 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "B, R, gmbM, 25"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 263-038.  Joseph Turner observed it on 24 Feb 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted "it is considerably elongated, the densest section being towards the north-following extremlty, the faint section extending in the south-preceding direction."

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NGC 3257 = ESO 375-036 = MCG -06-23-031 = LGG 203-004 = PGC 30849

10 28 47.1 -35 39 29; Ant

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration with no definite core.  Faintest of trio with NGC 3258 3.4' NNE and NGC 3260 5.4' NE in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3257 = h3255 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; sbM; 10".  The preceding of a group [with NGC 3258 and 3260]."  His mean position (3 observations) matches ESO 375-036.

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NGC 3258 = ESO 375-037 = MCG -06-23-032 = LGG 196-008 = PGC 30859

10 28 53.6 -35 36 20; Ant

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 75”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.7'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright core which increases to the center, very faint outer halo.  A mag 13 star is at the NW side of the halo (50" from center).  Brightest in trio with NGC 3260 2.6' ENE and NGC 3257 3.4' SSW

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A pair of stars are near north.  Forms a pair with NGC 3260 2.6' E in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3258 = h3256 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; sbM; 12"."  He observed this galaxy (along with NGC 3257 and 3258) on 4 nights.

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NGC 3259 = UGC 5717 = MCG +11-13-027 = CGCG 313-021 = PGC 31145

10 32 34.8 +65 02 28; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, oval elongated SSW-NNE, broad moderate concentration.  Located 10' WNW of mag 8.4 SAO 15220.  NGC 3266 lies 20' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3259 = H II-870 = h715 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and logged "F, S, iR, almost of equal light throughout." On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411), John Herschel noted "F; R; gbM; 18"."

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NGC 3260 = ESO 375-040 = MCG -06-23-033 = LGG 200-001 = PGC 30875

10 29 06.4 -35 35 43; Ant

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 2”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.5'x0.3', slightly brighter core.  A mag 12.5 star is attached at the south end.  In a small triio with NGC 3258 2.6' WSW and NGC 3257 5.4' SW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): very faint, small, oval.  A mag 12 star is attached at the south end 0.4' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3258 2.6' W.  Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3260 = h3257, along with NGC 3257 and 3258 on 2 May 1834 (sweep 447) and recorded "eF; vS; R; slbM; 6"."  He recorded 4 observations.

 

Lewis Swift likely found this galaxy on 30 Dec 1897 and reported Sw. XI-108 as "eeeF; eeS; R; eF * in contact; [south-preceding] of 3267."  Herbert Howe examined Swift's position in 1900 and found "[NGC] 3257, 3258 and 3260 are in the same field, and I measured them all on the same night, but could not see Swift 108, which is supposed to be close by. 3260 has a star of mag 11.5 about 20" south, and Swift 108 is said to have an "eF * in contact."  Since the position and description of Swift 108 agree closely with those of 3260, I judge them to be identical."  As a result Dreyer didn't assign XI-108 an IC designation.  Harold Corwin comments on inconsistencies in Swift's earlier discovery lists.  Swift wrote "p[receding] of 2" in his 6th discovery list from Lowe in MNRAS and "f[ollowing] of 2" in Popular Astronomy. Then he included it again in his 7th discovery in MNRAS as the "sp of 2"!  Assuming he found NGC 3260, it closely follows NGC 3258, though technically "sp of 3267" is correct.

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NGC 3261 = ESO 263-040 = MCG -07-22-015 = LGG 198-003 = PGC 30868

10 29 01.4 -44 39 25; Vel

V = 11.2;  Size 3.7'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.7', weak concentration.  Bracketed between two mag 12 stars at the SW and NE ends (separation 2.6').  Located 4' SE of a mag 10 star in a rich Vela starfield.  NGC 3261 is in a subgroup of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster (brightest member NGC 3256) and is 9” south of the rich Antlia Cluster (but has the same redshift).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3261 = h3258 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; S; R: 15"; entangled among 2 or 3 stars, but is certainly a nebula."  His position matches ESO 263-040.

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NGC 3262 = ESO 263-042 = MCG -07-22-017 = LGG 204-001 = PGC 30876

10 29 06.2 -44 09 35; Vel

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 108”

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ENE, 30"x25", low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3263 2.6' NNE in a group (Klemola 12).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3262 = h3260 on 2 Feb 1835 (along with NGC 3263) and recorded "eF; S; R."  His position is 2.4' too far south.

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NGC 3263 = ESO 263-043 = AM 1027-435 = MCG -07-22-018 = LGG 204-002 = PGC 30887

10 29 13.4 -44 07 22; Vel

V = 11.9;  Size 5.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 103”

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, broad weak concentration.  A faint star is at the WNW tip.  Forms aa distorted, interacting pair (a faint plume extends E) with NGC 3262 2.6' SSW.  Brightest member of the Klemola 12 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3263 = h3260 on 3 Feb 1835 (along with NGC 3262) and recorded "F; mE in pos = 280” +/- [WNW-ESE]; psbM; 20"."

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NGC 3264 = UGC 5719 = MCG +09-17-069 = CGCG 266-054 = LGG 201-003 = PGC 31125

10 32 19.7 +56 05 00; UMa

V = 12.0;  Size 2.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.6'x1.0'.  Appears as a diffuse glow with no concentration.  Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star at the SW end 0.8' from the center and a mag 13 star just off the ENE side 1.0' from center.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.8' N.  Located 16' ENE of 36 Ursa Majoris (V = 4.8).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3264 = h716 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and noted "eF; between 2 small stars."  His position and description matches UGC 5719.

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NGC 3265 = UGC 5705 = MCG +05-25-019 = CGCG 154-023 = WAS 12 = LGG 197-004 = PGC 31029

10 31 06.8 +28 47 48; LMi

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (4/25/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, bright core.  Forms a close "double" with a mag 14.5 star just off the ESE edge and 0.6' from center.  Member of the NGC 3245 Group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3265 = H III-349 = h718 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "Suspected, 240 showed a few small stars with seeming nebulosity, and I rather suppose it to be a patch."  His position was 8 sec of time preceding and 2' north of UGC 5663.  John Herschel made 4 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3266 = UGC 5725 = MCG +11-13-030 = CGCG 313-022 = PGC 31198

10 33 17.6 +64 44 57; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3259 lies 20' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3266 = H II-871 = h717 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and noted "F, vS, mbM."  His position matches UGC 5725.  On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 717), John Herschel wrote, "vF; R; psmbM; almost to a star."

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NGC 3267 = ESO 375-042 = MCG -06-23-036 = LGG 202-001 = PGC 30934

10 29 48.5 -35 19 21; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3268 2.5' E.  Also A1027-35B = PGC 30939 lies 3.3' S.  First of five in a 10' field in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3267 = h3262 on 18 Apr 1835 (along with NGC 3268) and recorded "eF; vS; R.  By a diagram made out of the meridian in which 4 nebulae are delineated, two of them being those determined in sweep 446, Nos. 6 and 7."  His position is 1.7' south of ESO 375-042.

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NGC 3268 = ESO 375-045 = MCG -06-23-041 = LGG 196-009 = PGC 30949

10 30 00.7 -35 19 32; Ant

V = 11.5;  Size 3.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 71”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, brighter core.  Fourth of five in the field within the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636) with NGC 3267 2' W, NGC 3269 6.0' N, NGC 3271 5.7' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3268 = h3263 on 18 Apr 1835 (along with NGC 3267) and noted "F; S; R.  By a diagram made out of meridian..."  His position is 2.7' south of ESO 375-045.  The position was corrected by de Vaucouleurs in Mem. Commonwealth Obs., (Mt. Stromlo), No. 13, 1956.

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NGC 3269 = ESO 375-044 = MCG -06-23-040 = LGG 202-002 = PGC 30945

10 29 56.9 -35 13 29; Ant

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S.  Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star at the SE end 0.7' from center and a mag 14.5 star at the NW end 0.5' from center.  Located 6' N of NGC 3268.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.5' NNW.  Third of five in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3269 = h3264 on 1 May 1834 and reported "F; S; R: bM; 15"; one of a group of 3 or more.  His position matches ESO 375-044.

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NGC 3270 = UGC 5711 = MCG +04-25-029 = CGCG 124-034 = PGC 31059

10 31 30.0 +24 52 10; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 3.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, extremely faint thin extensions with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3270 = H III-331 = h719 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF; vS; vlbM."  On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel logged, "F; E; gbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3271 = IC 2585 = ESO 375-048 = MCG -06-23-044 = LGG 202-003 = PGC 30988

10 30 26.3 -35 21 35; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 106”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, small bright core.  Appears similar to NGC 3268 5.7' WNW which is the brightest in the group.  Fifth of five in the field in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3271 = h3265 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "F; S; lE; bM; 15"; one of a group of 3 or more."  His position is 23 sec of RA west of ESO 375-048, but this is one of the brightest galaxies in the cluster, so the identification is nearly certain.  Joseph Turner sketched NGC 3271, along with nearby galaxies in Mar 1882 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He included the faint star at the west edge of the galaxy.

 

DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy again on an Arequipa plate and assumed it was new, so it also acquired the designation IC 2585.  The numbers are equated in ESO and Corwin's Southern Galaxy Catalogue.  The correct position was given by de Vaucouleurs in Mem. Commonwealth Obs., (Mt. Stromlo), No. 13, 1956.

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NGC 3272 = ADS 7827

10 31 48.1 +28 28 07; LMi

Size 4"

 

= **, Gottlieb.  Misidentified in RNGC.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 3272 = Nova VI on 9 Mar 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  His micrometric position is a perfect match with a close double star (mag 12.7/13.7 at 4").  In the notes section of his monograph "Micrometrical Observations of 500 Nebulae" Schultz describes "an insignificant object; preceding [NGC 3277] about 68s and 160" s; a * 10m f 0s.2 and 135" n."

 

A mag 11 star is exactly 135" north of the double star and the offset with NGC 3277 also matches, so there is no doubt of this identification.  On the night this double star was found, Schultz recorded the sky conditions as "Aurora.  Images dull."  This probably contributed to the close double star appearing nebulous, although a number of Schultz' objects are single or double stars.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 31115 as NGC 3272 at 10 32 10.4 +28 28 59.

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NGC 3273 = ESO 375-049 = MCG -06-23-045 = LGG 200-002 = PGC 30992

10 30 29.1 -35 36 39; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 97”

 

18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.1'x0.5', bright core.  Located 15' S of NGC 3271 in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core.  Member of the Antlia Cluster (NGC 3257-3281) with NGC 3271 15' N.  Located 19' E of NGC 3258.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3273 = h3259 on 3 May 1834 and recorded "F; R; pslbM; 12".  The 4th and last of a group."  He was uncertain of the minute of time, which should be 10 22 48.7 (for 1830).

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NGC 3274 = UGC 5721 = MCG +05-25-020 = CGCG 154-024 = WAS 13 = PGC 31122

10 32 17.1 +27 40 07; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (4/25/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, brighter core appears slightly offset.  Forms the east vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' NNW and 2' SW.  A double star mag 11.5/13.5 at 13" lies 4' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3274 = H II-358 = h720 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL".  His position is a good match with UGC 5721.  John Herschel made 4 observations and noted the double star HJ 484 to the southeast.

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NGC 3275 = ESO 375-050 = MCG -06-23-046 = PGC 31014

10 30 51.6 -36 44 14; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 2.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, bright core.  Located 2.9' N of a mag 10 star within the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3275 = h3266 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; lE; psbM; 20 arcsec."  His position matches ESO 375-050.

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NGC 3276 = ESO 317-040 = PGC 31031

10 31 09.1 -39 56 41; Ant

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 74”

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 9.3 star (HD 91213) 2.8' N detracts from viewing.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3276 5' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3276 = h3267 on 3 Mar 1835 and noted "F; S; has a * 8m, np."  His position and description matches ESO 317-040.

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NGC 3277 = UGC 5731 = MCG +05-25-022 = CGCG 154-026 = LGG 197-005 = PGC 31166

10 32 55.4 +28 30 42; LMi

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, even moderate concentration, bright core increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 5.1' WSW and a mag 10 star 6.9' SW.  Member of the NGC 3245 group (LGG 197).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3277 = H II-359 = h721 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "pB, pS, almost R, bM."  Caroline's reduced position is 2.3' northwest of UGC 5731.  John Herschel made three observations while d'Arrest recorded 5 accurate positions and measured a mag 12 star that precedes by 23 seconds and 1' south.

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NGC 3278 = ESO 317-043 = MCG -07-22-021 = PGC 31068

10 31 35.3 -39 57 20; Ant

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 62”

 

18" (2/19/09): brighter of a pair with NGC 3276 located 5' W.  At 175x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', contains a slightly brighter core.  Located just SW of a wide, bright pair (h4326 = 9.8/10.6 at 39").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3278 = h3268 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; sp a coarse double star."  His position and description matches ESO 317-043.

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NGC 3279 = IC 622 = UGC 5741 = MCG +02-27-027 = CGCG 065-059 = FGC 1100 = Todd 30 = Holm 201a = PGC 31302

10 34 42.8 +11 11 50; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 2.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 152”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): faint, moderately large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. UGC 5737 lies 12' W.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3279 = Todd 30 on 5 Mar 1878 using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  There is nothing at his postion, but roughly 2 minutes of RA east is UGC 5741 and his discovery sketch of an elongated galaxy and nearby stars, so this identification is certain.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 29 Jan 1890 and reported it as new in list IX-23 (later IC 622).  Swift's description reads "vF; pS; E; *9m s[outh].", though he confused the orientation as the bright star is 3.7' north.  UGC and MCG label this galaxy as IC 622 and don't apply the NGC designation.

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NGC 3280 = NGC 3295 = IC 617 = MCG -02-27-006 = MCG -02-27-007 = PGC 31153 = PGC 31156

10 32 43.7 -12 38 15; Hya

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (3/29/03): this is a triple system listed as NGC 3280A/3280B/3280C in NED and NGC 3280/3280A/3280B in the second edition of the Uranometria DSFG.  At 262x there was a confused glow, ~1' diameter.  Within the glow, two small knots (NGC 3280w and NGC 3280e), ~0.4' and 0.3' were resolved, oriented E-W, with the larger component on the west side (separation is 40" between centers).  At moments there was a impression of the very small and faint third component squeezed between these two galaxies.  In a small group with NGC 3296 4.8' S and NGC 3297 7.1' ESE.  Located 4.6' NE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Andrew Ainsley Common discovered NGC 3280 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector and described a "F double neb with 2 stellar centres".  Common's position is poor, but the description clearly refers to the triple system MCG -02-27-006, -007 and -008. Common probably observed -006 and -008, the two brightest of the trio.

 

Six years later (26 Feb 1886), Francis Leavenworth made an independent discovery with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory, though his rough position for LM 1-173 (later NGC 3295) was off by 2.7 minutes of RA.  Leavenworth remarked, "D neb or sev st inv in neb", echoing Common's description.

 

Finally, Stephane Javelle found this trio again on 19 Apr 1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice, assumed J. 1-179 (later IC 617) was new and measured an accurate position.  He also mentioned "D or st involved", so partially resolved the components.  So, NGC 3280 = NGC 3295 = IC 617.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes and Malcolm Thomson's IC Research Database.

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NGC 3281 = ESO 375-055 = MCG -06-23-050 = LGG 203-002 = PGC 31090

10 31 52.4 -34 51 19; Ant

V = 11.7;  Size 3.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 140”

 

18" (4/25/09): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.6', bright core, fainter extensions.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, large bright core gradually brightens to the center.  A mag 13-14 star is off the NW extension and a mag 11.5-12 star is 2.8' S of center.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Largest in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3281 = h3269 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "eF; E; glbM; 60" l; 40" br."  His position and description matches ESO 375-055.

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NGC 3282 = ESO 568-016 = MCG -04-25-013 = PGC 31129

10 32 21.9 -22 18 08; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 82”

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', weak concnetration.  A mag 13-14 star is at the tip of the eastern extension.  Located 9' SE mag 8.2 HD 91261.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3282 = Sw. III-56 on 5 Mar 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; middle one of 3 eF stars involved in neby.  Two B stars point to it.".  His position is 7 sec of RA west of ESO 568-016 and the description applies, thoiugh only 1 star is attached (1 other mentioned by Swift is the nucleus).

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NGC 3283 = ESO 263-048 = PGC 31035

10 31 11.5 -46 15 05; Vel

V = 11.5;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 168”

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a relatively large, bright core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo, elongated N-S.  Located 6.9' SE of mag 8.8 HD 91215 and 6' S of a mag 10.1/10.4 pair at 5".  Located in a rich star field.  ESO 263-047, an extremely low surface brightness galaxy 7' WSW, was highly suspected as a very small patch attached to a faint star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3283 = h3271 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "pF, S, R, gbM, 25".  RA coarsely taken by an auxiliary star".  The given position (updated to 2000 coordinates) is 10 32 47 (approximate), -46 15 14.  JH also made a 10' error in declination (too far north) in the GC, which was copied into NGC.

 

ESO couldn't find a suitable candidate and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  But assuming the RA was rough, I looked at ESO galaxies and found a likely candidate ESO 263-G48 located at 10 31 11.5 -46 15 05 (J2000).  This galaxy is 1.6 tmin preceding JH's rough RA and a nearly perfect match in declination.  It is also fairly bright (V = 11.5), so it's unlikely it would have been missed in his sweep.  Both NED and HyperLeda use this identification.

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NGC 3284 = NGC 3286 = MCG +10-15-112 = CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433

10 36 21.3 +58 37 13; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

See observing notes for NGC 3286.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3284 = H III-912 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "eF, vS, 300 confirmed it and showed it very plainly."  His position is 2' southwest of NGC 3288 and 5' south of brighter NGC 3286, both observed by WH the following night.

 

Dreyer comments in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that "it precedes III-913 (NGC 3408) 16.0 tmin, 5' N, so it is no doubt identical to either III-917 or III-918 [NGC 3286 or NGC 3288] which were observed the following night (sweep 1039) without any mention of III-912.  Harold Corwin states the GC/NGC position of NGC 3284 is 10 seconds of RA too small and that NGC 3284 is likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3286.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Karl Reinmuth equated NGC 3284 with a "*14 npp 1.5' of NGC 3288; no neb seen; nothing sp of NGC 3288."  This conclusion was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her NGC correction paper and it is repeated by the RNGC.  It's more likely WH picked up one of the nearby galaxies.

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NGC 3285 = ESO 501-015 = AM 1031-271 = MCG -04-25-019 = PGC 31217

10 33 35.8 -27 27 19; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 108”

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core and stellar nucleus, much fainter halo, ~1.6'x1.0'.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright nucleus.  Located 7' SSW of mag 7.7 SAO 178978.  This member of AGC 1060 forms a trio with NGC 3285A 12' WSW and NGC 3285B 18' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3285 = h3270 on 24 Mar 1835 NGC 3285 and noted "pB; E; gbM."  He measured the position four times (including the next two sweeps), so it was well determined.

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NGC 3286 = NGC 3284 = MCG +10-15-112 = CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433

10 36 21.3 +58 37 13; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, moderate even concentration with a bright core and nonstellar nucleus.  Located 4.9' NW of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 3288 3.9' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3286 = H III-917 = h722 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "Two [along with III-918 = NGC 3288], both vF, pS, R, lbM."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "vF; pS; R; pslbM; 15" [diameter]." His position is within 1' of CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433.  NGC 3284 is likely a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 3287 = UGC 5742 = MCG +04-25-032 = CGCG 124-038 = PGC 31311

10 34 47.3 +21 38 54; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 20”

 

13.1": faint, diffuse, moderately large, elongated N-S, even surface brightness.  A bright double star ·1448 = 7.6/9.0 at 11" is 7' WSW.  NGC 3301 lies 30' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3287 on 1 Jan 1862 and made observations on 3 different nights.  He noted the bright double star ·1448 was 24 sec of time preceding and 3 3/4' south.

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NGC 3288 = UGC 5752 = MCG +10-15-114 = CGCG 290-057 = PGC 31446

10 36 25.8 +58 33 23; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.7' WSW of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 3286 3.9' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3288 = H III-918 = h723 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "Two [along with III-917 = NGC 3286], both vF, pS, R, lbM."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "eF; S; R; vglbM; 12"." His position is within 1' of UGC 5752 = PGC 31446.  WH may have observed this galaxy the previous night and recorded it as H. III-912 = NGC 3284, though that number may apply to brighter NGC 3288, which is 4' north.

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NGC 3289 = ESO 375-065 = MCG -06-23-054 = LGG 196-013 = PGC 31253

10 34 07.4 -35 19 24; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 153”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is off the SW side, 50" from the center and two mag 14.5 stars flank the galaxy on the NNW end.  Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636) and situated at the eastern end of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3289 = h3272 on 20 Apr 1835 and noted "eF: R; 15"."  His position is 1.6' north of ESO 375-065.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on a couple of occasions in 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "It is pF, S, R, gbM, a little mottled.  Once star 16m precedes nebula by 5s and in the same declination.  Also a star 13mag precedes nebula by 3s and is 40" south of it.  Another minute star 16m follows neb by 2s and is 20" north of it - this star, the nebula and the star 13 mag are in a straight line, bearing about 40”."

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NGC 3290 = Arp 53 = MCG -03-27-020 = PGC 31346

10 35 17.4 -17 16 36; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 60”

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  In field with mag 8.4 SAO 156083 7' N and mag 7.8 SAO 156089 9' SW which detract from viewing.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3290 = LM 2-422 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.7, 0.4' dia, lE 180”, gbM, * 7.5 n 6'."  His position is 0.5 min west of MCG -03-27-020 = PGC 31346 and a mag 8 staris  5' north, so the identification is certain.

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NGC 3291 = Holm 202b

10 36 06.4 +37 16 28; LMi

 

= * 3.5' SSW of NGC 3294, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3291 = Big 44 on 5 Apr 1885.  His position is 5' southwest of NGC 3294, and falls between two mag 12.6 and 14.9 stars with a separation of 1.3'.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3291 with the mag 14.9 star 3.5' SSW of NGC 3294 based on Bigourdan's offsets.  Dorothy Carlson also arrived the same conclusion in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

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NGC 3292 = MCG -01-27-023 = PGC 31370

10 35 34.4 -06 10 46; Sex

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 175”

 

18" (3/29/03): at 260x, very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.4'.  Either has a faint stellar nucleus or there is a faint star superimposed.  Forms a close double system with MCG -01-27-022 0.9' WSW which was not noticed.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3292 = Sw. VI-36 on 16 Apr 1887 and noted "vF; vS; lE."  His RA was 28 seconds of RA too small.  Herbert Howe provided an accurate position with the 20" refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3293 = ESO 128-5 = Cr 224 = Gum 30 = Gem Cluster

10 35 49 -58 13 30; Car

V = 4.7;  Size 10'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): stunningly rich and bright open cluster, situated 2” northwest of the Eta Carina nebula.  At 105x, 60-70 stars are packed into 7' with many of the stars seemingly arranged in concentric circles!  Appears compact and well-detached, even in a rich Carina star field.  A striking linear trio of mag 6.5-7.5 stars (total length 1.5') runs SW-NE to the center including an orange star (mag 7.2 supergiant V361 Car) on the SW end, a blue star and a white star at the center (mag 6.5 B0-type supergiant HD 91969).  A mag 6.7 star (HD 91943) is on the NW side, 2.2' from center.  NGC 3293 is one of the top southern clusters and a worthy rival in beauty to the Jewel Box, though historically has received much less acclaim. Visible naked-eye and resolved in the 9x50 finder.  The large HII region/cluster NGC 3324 lies 30' SSE.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this very rich, young cluster is situated just NW of the Eta Carina complex and is one of the top open clusters in the southern sky.  It is bright, compact and very rich with a half-dozen mag 6-8 stars over a rich background of dozens of mag 10-13 star in a 10' diameter.  Appears somewhat similar to the Jewel Box including a mag 7 reddish supergiant, but with even a more compact appearance.  The listed 40' diameter is much larger than the visual impression.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3293 = Lac II-8 = D 321 = h3276 in early 1752, using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He described a "Small heap of 4 small stars forming a lozenge."

 

James Dunlop claimed to observe the cluster 4 times (first on 29 Apr 1826) and described "a very small cluster of very small bright stars; round figure, about 4' diameter; rich in extremely small stars resembling faint nebula".  His position is poor -- 17' WSW of the cluster.

 

John Herschel only has a rough position in the Cape catalogue using his small refractor (no published observations with his 18-inch!) and he noted "a fine, bright, rich, not very L cluster. (Equatorial zone review)."  A corrected RA was given in the IC 2 notes (Harv. Ann., xxvi, p207).  Neither Lacaille nor Dunlop are listed as discoverers in the Cape catalogue, GC or NGC.

 

Henry Chamberlain Russell coined the nickname the "Gem Cluster" in an 1879 paper.

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NGC 3294 = UGC 5753 = MCG +06-23-021 = CGCG 183-030 = Holm 202a = PGC 31428

10 36 16.1 +37 19 30; LMi

V = 11.8;  Size 3.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, large brighter core but no nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 2.5' W and a mag 11 star 4.8' SSW.  Located 5.5' WSW of mag 9 SAO 62151.  NGC 3304 lies 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3294 = H I-164 = h724 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and recorded "cB, E from 30” np to sf, 3 or 4' long and 1 1/2' br, easily resolvable, almost uniformly bright."  Caroline's reduced position is 20 sec of RA east of UGC 5753. On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel noted, "pB; mE; glbM; 2' l, 45" br."

 

On 5 Mar 1851, LdR and Bindon Stoney recorded "an appendage at south side.  LdR thought at times the nebula extended beyond this."  The sketch shows a single spiral arm on the west side, curling clockwise to the south.

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NGC 3295 = NGC 3280 = IC 617 = MCG -02-27-006 MCG -02-27-007 = PGC 31153 = PGC 31156

10 32 43.7 -12 38 15; Hya

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

See observing notes for NGC 3280.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3295 = LM 1-173 on 26 Feb 1886 and described a "D nebula or several stars involved in nebula".  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~2 1/2 min of RA following NGC 3280 (discovered in 1880 by Andrew Ainslie Common and also a poor position!).  Leavenworth's description clearly applies to this triple system.  So, NGC 3295 = NGC 3280 and IC 617 is a third identity.

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NGC 3296 = IC 618 = PGC 31155

10 32 45.4 -12 43 03; Hya

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration to a starry center.  Forms a trio with NGC 3280 5' N and NGC 3297 7' ENE.  Located 4.7' ESE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3296 = LM 1-174, along with I-173 = NGC 3295 and I-175 = NGC 3297, on 26 Feb 1886.  All 3 were given same rough position to the nearest min of RA.   His position for LM 1-174 is 2.7 min of RA following PGC 31155 (typical error in the first discovery list), but the identification is secure.

 

Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1892 and naturally assumed  J. 1-180 (later IC 618) was new.  Herbert Howe measured a corrected position for NGC 3296 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section), which clearly establishes NGC 3296 = IC 618.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3297 = PGC 31189

10 33 11.8 -12 40 18; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 160”

 

18" (3/29/03): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 20"x10", situated between two mag 13.5-14 stars SSW and NE (4.3' separation).  In a group with NGC 3280 (triple system) 7' WNW and NGC 3296 7' WSW. This galaxy is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3297 = LM 1-175, along with NGC 3295 and NGC 3296.  His single rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2.3 min of RA following PGC 31189.   Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 3296 with the 20" refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and he added "I could only suspect NGC 3297."  RNGC misclassifies NGC 3297 as nonexistent.

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NGC 3298 = MCG +08-19-043 = CGCG 240-065 = CGCG 241-001 = PGC 31529

10 37 12.3 +50 07 15; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 138”

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, small, round (core only viewed), 0.4' diameter, contains a very small brighter nucleus.  A very faint star lies 1' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3298 = H III-767 = h725 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "vF, pS, iE.  May be a patch, or a few stars too small to be perceived. His position is 6' south of MCG +08-19-043 = PGC 31529.  On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel noted, "vF; two distant star nearly on parallel".  His position is 1.3' too far southeast.  Because of the different positions, he questioned if h725 was identical to his father's III-767.

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NGC 3299 = UGC 5761 = MCG +02-27-029 = CGCG 065-064 = KTG 30A = LGG 217-001 = PGC 31442

10 36 23.8 +12 42 27; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 3”

 

24" (4/20/14): faint, fairly large, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~1.6'x1.2'.  No noticeable core or zones.  First in the KTG 30 trio (not physically related) with NGC 3306 11.8' SE and CGCG 065-069 11' ENE.  Redshift-independent distance of 17.6 million l.y and part of the M96 Group.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): very faint, fairly large, unusually large low surface brightness galaxy with a very weak concentration making detection difficult.  Appears at least 1.5' in diameter and roughly circular.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3306 12' ESE.  Required averted but once identified I could hold it most of the time with concentration and averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3299 = H III-54 = h726 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and logged "eF, cL, R, r, without nucleus."  There is nothing at his position but 42 sec of RA east and 3' south (10' ESE) is UGC 5761 = PGC 31442 and this galaxy fits his description.  On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338), John Herschel noted, "pL; so faint as to be barely perceptible, but a sure observation."

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NGC 3300 = UGC 5766 = MCG +02-27-030 = CGCG 065-066 = PGC 31472

10 36 38.5 +14 10 15; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, bright core, stellar nucleus, fairly small diffuse halo slightly elongated ~N-S.  Surrounded by several brighter stars including a mag 10 star 4.2' NNW, a mag 9.5 star 6.4' E and mag 8.1 SAO 99207 7.8' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3300 = H III-55 = h727 = h3273 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "vS, r, lE and unequally bright.  It is surrounded with brilliant stars at the same time in the field with it."  His RA was 23 seconds too small.  John Herschel made observations both at Slough and the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3301 = NGC 3760 = UGC 5767 = MCG +04-25-035 = CGCG 124-045 = PGC 31497

10 36 56.0 +21 52 55; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 3.5'x0.7', good concentration with a small very bright core and bright stellar nucleus, halo is brighter on the ENE side.  Off the north side is a thin isosceles triangle of mag 10-11 stars consisting of two mag 10 stars 2.9' N and 5.7' NNW, and a mag 11 star 4.2' N.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, very elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3301 = H II-46 = h728 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "not very faint, small.  North of it is a small triangle of pB stars."  Caroline's reduced position is 8' north of UGC 5767, but his description clinches the identification.

 

John Herschel made three observations under h728 (first on 24 Feb1827), though apparently was uncertain if this was the same as his father's H. II-46, so assigned two different GC designations.  The NGC position is accurate and Dreyer comments in the Notes section that JH's and d'Arrest's positions agree.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest also found the galaxy on 21 Feb 1863, but made a 1 hour error in RA (uncovered by Harold Corwin).  Once corrected, the position of NGC 3760 matches NGC 3301 (the same error was made with NGC 3575).

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NGC 3302 = ESO 437-007 = MCG -05-25-020 = AM 1033-320 = PGC 31391

10 35 47.4 -32 21 31; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 118”

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the NW edge.  ESO 437-014 lies 14' E.  Outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636), though its redshift indicates it may lie in the background.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3302 = h3274 = h3275 on 28 Jan 1835 and reported it again on 16 Feb 1865.  His first observation reads "vF; S; R; 15"." and the later observation "eF; S; R."  The two positions are very similar (after a typo was corrected for h3274 in his errata list), so I'm surprised he didn't combine the entries in the GC.  But Dreyer combined the two GC numbers into NGC 3302.

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NGC 3303 = Arp 192 = VV 71 = UGC 5773 = MCG +03-27-066 = CGCG 094-096 = PGC 31508

10 37 00.0 +18 08 09; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 3.5'x2.4';  Surf Br = 15.6

 

48" (2/19/12): Arp 192 is a highly disturbed double system with a enormous irregular plume to the south and diffuse haze off the east side.  At 488x, the size of the main body was ~1.0'x0.7', extended NNW-SSE and split into two components.  LEDA 93104 is a large knot with a stellar center on the northwest side of the main core.  It is likely the core of an interacting companion.  The plume or tail was visible as a diffuse, fairly wide extension attached at the south-southeast end and extending south for ~1.0', roughly doubling the length of the galaxy.  A mag 15 star lies 1.6' S.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration to a slightly brighter core but no nucleus.  Overall fairly low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3303 = H III-66 = h730 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "vF, S, E, r.  240 showed it no better than 157, though larger."  John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3304 = UGC 5777 = MCG +06-23-026 = CGCG 183-032 = CGCG 184-001 = PGC 31572

10 37 37.9 +37 27 20; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with small bright core surrounded by faint extensions.  A mag 14 star is 2.1' E.  NGC 3294 lies 18' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3304 = H III-615 = h729 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "eF, vS, er."  On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel noted, "vF; S; psbM; 12"."

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NGC 3305 = ESO 501-030 = MCG -04-25-031 = PGC 31421

10 36 11.8 -27 09 44; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, small brighter core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12/12.5 double star at ~7" separation is 1.6' W.  Located 17' N of NGC 3308 and 20' NW of naked-eye mag 4.9 HD 92036

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, very small, round, no details.  Located ~15' N of NGC 3308 in AGC 1060.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3305 = h3277 on 24 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; S; R.  The 2nd of a group scattered over more than one field."  HIs position matches ESO 501-030 = PGC 31421.

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NGC 3306 = UGC 5774 = MCG +02-27-032 = CGCG 065-068 = KTG 30C = LGG 207-005 = PGC 31528

10 37 10.2 +12 39 09; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 141”

 

24" (4/20/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', relatively large brighter core.  Brightest in a trio (KTG 30) with CGCG 065-069 7.2' SSE and NGC 3299 11.8' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 11 star lies 1.9' NE.  NGC 3299, a very low surface brightness galaxy, lies 12' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3306 = Sw. III-57 on 27 Apr 1886 and recorded "F; S; R; sf of [NGC 3299]."  His position is 1.5' too far south.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1891 at Vienna.

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NGC 3307 = ESO 501-031 = MCG -04-25-029 = PGC 31430

10 36 17.2 -27 31 47; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 28”

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 24"x18", very low even surface brightness.  Easily the faintest of the 6 NGCs in the core of AGC 1060.  Situated 4.2' W of NGC 3309.

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x, this member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness.  Located in the core of the cluster, ~5' W of the NGC 3309/3311 pair and 9.5' NW of mag 6.6 HD 91964.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3307 = h3278 on 22 Mar 1836 and "eeF.  The 3rd of a group [with NGC 3285 and NGC 3270]."  He only recorded this object once in 4 different sweeps of the cluster and his position falls in a blank region, 5' south of ESO 501-031 = PGC 31430.  He commented in the Cape that his original figure was 5' further north but due to some confusion it was crossed out.  But the original declination matches ESO 501-031.  MCG does not label -04-25-029 as NGC 3307.  I am surprised the Herschel picked up this galaxy as it's easily the faintest one he saw in the cluster.

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NGC 3308 = ESO 501-034 = MCG -04-25-032 = LGG 206-004 = PGC 31438

10 36 22.3 -27 26 17; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 32”

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a small, very bright core, ~1.0'x50". Slightly fainter than NGC 3309.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Furthest NW in the core of AGC 1060 and 11.5' WSW of the mag 5 star in the core.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, round, small weak concentration.  First of five in a 20' field in the core of AGC 1060.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3308 = h3279 on 24 Mar 1835 and simply noted "F".  Less than a week later he added "One of a group; 7 of which were seen and laid down in a careful diagram."

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NGC 3309 = ESO 501-036 = AM 1034-271 = MCG -04-25-034 = LGG 211-005 = PGC 31466

10 36 35.7 -27 31 06; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 94”

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, moderately bright, slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0', contains a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Highest surface brightness core of the main galaxies in the central region of the cluster and noticeably higher than NGC 3311 just 1.7' ESE.  A mag 13.4 star is at the east edge (30" from center) and a mag 15 star is close WSW [48" from center].

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, moderately large, well-concentrated with a bright 40" core, halo increases with averted from 1.2'x1.0' to 1.5'x1.2' oriented SW-NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3311 1.7' ESE in the core of AGC 1060.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is at the east edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3311 1.7' E.  Second of five in the core of AGC 1060.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3309 = h3280 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "B: L; double [with NGC 3311]."  Less than a week later he added "A double nebula, or rather two distinct nebulae near together.  By diagram, both pL, R, pos about 10” np or sf, and nearly equal."

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NGC 3310 = Arp 217 = VV 356 = VV 406 = UGC 5786 = MCG +09-18-008 = CGCG 267-004 = PGC 31650

10 38 45.8 +53 30 10; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 3.1'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

48" (5/16/12): extremely bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a large, very bright, slightly elongated N-S core, ~1' diameter.  The core appears mottled with a couple of "stellarings" or small knots.  The core is surrounded by a larger, much lower surface brightness irregular halo, extending the central portion to nearly 2'.  An outer spiral arm is attached on the north side of the halo and was most evident near the halo.  Occasionally, a very large, very low surface brightness looping arm was glimpsed, rotating 180” clockwise and ending west of the core, ~1.7' from center.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): very bright, moderately large.  Unusual appearance as contains a very bright, very large central core with uniform high surface brightness with only a very faint, fairly small halo, elongated NW-SE.  Located 10.4' SSW of mag 5.5 HR 4165 at the edge of the 220x field.  A mag 12 star lies 3.0' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3310 = H IV-60 = h731 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "vB, R, planetary, but very ill-defined.  About 1' dia of it is equally bright, and 1/4 of a minute hazy or ill-defined round the margin."  His position is accurate. On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324), John Herschel wrote, "B; R; vsmbM, so as to for almost a disc 15" diam. Surrounded by a very feeble atmosphere."

 

On 5 Mar 1848, Lord Rosse and William Rambaut observed NGC 3310 (the earliest observation in LdR's 1861 monograph) and reported, "See minute points in it at intervals, also spiral arrangement well seen."  Their 11 Mar observation states, "Nebula well resolved into little stellar points.  Saw a broad band across the bottom distinctly and two at the top."  NGC 3310 was included in the list of nebulae exhibiting spiral structure.  Later observations mentioned the possibility of this object being a cluster.  A detailed observation was made on 20 Feb 1868: "Three principal branches f, nf and np towards a * np [probably a HII region].  Dark cavity on nf side.  Mr De la Rue, who was with me, saw it as a bay between 2 horns, and much neby surrounding it, with many stars exterior and involved.Ó

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NGC 3311 = ESO 501-038 = AM 1034-271 NED02 = MCG -04-25-036 = PGC 31478

10 36 42.9 -27 31 41; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x2.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, fairly large, roundish core but slightly elongated halo, the brighter central region is relatively large, the outer halo extends ~1.5' (second largest in the central region).  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3309 1.7' WNW.  A mag 13.4 is 1.2' WNW (at the edge of NGC 3309's halo).

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, broad concentration, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  Outer halo increases to 2.0'x1.5' but has a slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 3309 as the core is not as concentrated.  NGC 3312 is less than 5' SE and NGC 3308 is 7' NW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): third of five in the core of AGC 1060 = Hydra I.  Fairly faint, small, even surface brightness.  Appears larger than NGC 3309 1.7' W but with a lower surface brightness.  NGC 3312 lies 4.8' SE.  Located 7.7' N of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3311 = h3281 on 30 Mar 1835 and noted as "The following neb of a double one [with NGC 3309]."  He actually noted both objects in his observation on 24 March, but didn't list the objects separately for that sweep.

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NGC 3312 = IC 629 = ESO 501-043 = AM 1034-271 NED3 = MCG -04-25-039 = LGG 210-002 = PGC 31513

10 37 02.5 -27 33 54; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 3.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S.  Sharply concentrated with a reasonably large oval core (N-S).  The diffuse halo extends roughly 2.0'x0.8' (largest in the cluster) with averted vision.  A faint star, perhaps 15th magnitude, is superimposed just southeast of the core.  The NGC 3309/3307 pair is 5' to 6' NW and NGC 3316 lies 8' ESE.  Mag 4.9 HD 92036 is 9.5' NNE, but not in the field at higher power.

 

18" (4/9/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE.  Contains a fairly bright, roundish core ~20" diameter with fainter extensions 1.2'x0.6'.  The core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus.  A small isosceles triangle of stars is close SE.

 

13.1" (2/18/04) - Costa Rica: moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration.  Possible a brighter knot is at the north end or a star may be near the edge of the halo.  Three stars are close SE including two mag 11/12 stars 2' SE and 3' ESE of center.  In the core of AGC 1060 with NGC 3311/3309 5' NW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fourth of five in the core of AGC 1060.  Moderately bright, small, stellar nucleus, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE.  NGC 3311 lies 4.8' NW.  Located 7.0' NE of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3312 = h3282 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; pmE; the last of 4 in the field at once with two stars 6m near them, one above and one below them (which serves to identify the object beyond doubt)."  His declination, only measured on one of two sweeps, was 3.4' too far south.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found this galaxy on 26 Feb 1887, assumed it was new, and recorded it as Big. 158.  Apparently neither Bigourdan nor Dreyer questioned the equivalence of IC 629 with NGC 3312, but there is no doubt.

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NGC 3313 = ESO 501-050 = MCG -04-25-044 = UGCA 213 = LGG 209-004 = PGC 31551

10 37 25.5 -25 19 10; Hya

V = 11.4;  Size 3.9'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 55”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly bright, large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a small very bright core surrounded by a large, low surface brightness halo, ~1.5'-2' in diameter, which fades into the background.  Outlying member of the Hydra I cluster and member of the group LGG 209 along with NGC 3331 and NGC 3335.  On photos, this is a beautiful, face-on barred spiral with an inner ring and two main long spiral arms.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3313 = LM 1-176 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a good match with ESO 501-050.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor at Denver around the turn of the century and noted the "* 15 north 3 arcseconds is really south of the nebula."  But I'm not sure what star either observer was referring to!

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NGC 3314 = ESO 501-046 = AM 1034-272 = MCG -04-25-041 = LGG 210-003 = PGC 31531

10 37 12.8 -27 41 01; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 143”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.4', brighter core.  Roughly spindle shaped but tapers more on the northwest end.  Irregular surface brightness (slightly brighter along the south side), but the foreground galaxy could not be distinguished.  A mag 13.5 star is just north of the NW tip.

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.35' spindle.  Modest concentration with a slightly brighter bulging central region.  A mag 13.5 star is situated at the northwest tip [36" from center].

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, spindle-shaped, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.5'.  A mag 13 star is at the NW tip.  Located 7' ESE of a mag 6.7 star which detracts from viewing.  Similar to NGC 3312 in the core of AGC 1060, but slightly smaller.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fifth of five in the core of AGC 1060.  Fairly faint, small, elongated ~NW-SE.  Located 6.8' ESE of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.  NGC 3312 lies 7.6' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3314 = h3283 on 24 Mar 1835 and simply noted "the 8th of a group."  His position is an exact match with ESO 501-IG046A/B.  Pietro Baracchi recorded this object as "pF; S; R; gbM.  A star 14m close n.p. Also a star 16m also np." (10 Mar 1886, GMT)

 

NGC 3314 consists of a face-on galaxy (NGC 3314B) superimposed on an edge-on galaxy.  The HST has a remarkable image showing the dust within the foreground galaxy visible because it is silhouetted against the light from the object behind it.

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NGC 3315 = ESO 501-048 = MCG -04-25-042 = LGG 206-018 = PGC 31540

10 37 19.2 -27 11 30; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center.  A mag 11 star is off the west side [42" from center].  Similar to NGC 3305. Located 13' N of mag 4.9 HD 92036.

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.3'x0.2'.  Located 40" SE of a mag 11 star and 13' N of mag 4.9 HD 92036.  HCG 48 lies 9' NE.  This member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) has a disputed identification due to a poor discovery position.

 

Edward Austin discovered NGC 3315 = HN 40, along with NGC 3097 and 3317, on 24 Mar 1870 with the 15" Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #207).  There is nothing at his position. RNGC (as well as Laubert's 1981 ESO list) identifies ESO 501-047 as NGC 3315.  While this identication is possible, Austin mentioned a "star 1' NW" which does not apply to this galaxy and no mention is made of the bright star which would have interfered with the observation.

 

However, 30' N of Austin's position is ESO 501-048 at 10 37 19.2 -27 11 30 (2000) which has a 10th magnitude star 1' NW.  Based on Austin's visual description and a probable digit error in declination, this identification appears more likely and is the one used in ESO-Uppsala and RC3.  Corwin originally listed this number as a duplicate of NGC 3314 (which Austin observed the same night) but now agrees the 30' error in declination is was more likely.  This galaxy was listed by Knox-Shaw in a table of new nebulae (1912) found on plates taken at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11.  The RNGC candidate for NGC 3315 is 17' south of ESO 501-048.

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NGC 3316 = ESO 501-054 = AM 1035-271B = MCG -04-25-046 = LGG 211-006 = PGC 31571

10 37 37.3 -27 35 39; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, high surface brightness with a thin low surface brightness halo, contains a very small bright nucleus that increases to a stellar pip.  Fifth and smallest of 5 brighter galaxies nearly on a line in the core of AGC 1060.

 

18" (4/9/05): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, increases to a small, brighter core.  On a line with NGC 3312 8' WNW and a mag 11 star 4.8' WNW.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration, no well-defined core.  A mag 11.5 star lies 3' SSE and two mag 13.5 stars are 1.2' S and 1.7' SE of center.  Situated in the core of AGC 1060 and forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with much brighter NGC 3314 7.5' SW and NGC 3312 8' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3316 = h3284 on 26 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; R."  In a later note he mentions "This numerous and very interesting group has been made out by a careful collation of diagrams made in sweep 564 and 689, for the purpose of identification, from which if appears that though in each diagram only 7 were seen and laid down, yet there are in reality at least 9 in the whole group."  Harold Corwin notes there are only 7 galaxies he likely picked up, and the remaining two are unknown or may not exist.

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NGC 3317 = ESO 501-055

10 37 43 -27 31 12; Hya

 

24" (2/22/14): this ~9" pair of stars (in the AGC 1060 field) was difficult to resolve at 260x (partially due to the low elevation) and seems more like a small nebulous glow.  It was resolved at 375x, though the (single) companion on the south side was quite faint (mag 15.5-15.8) and sometimes not distinctly seen as a star but as an indistinct glow.  The northern component (very close pair) was not resolved.

 

Edward Austin discovered NGC 3317 = HN 41, along with NGC 3097 and 3315, on 24 Mar 1870 with the 15" f/18 Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #210).  The description reads "nebulous star 5' N of [NGC 3316]".  Very close to Austin's position is a close double star, with the northern component an overlapping pair on the DSS.  RNGC classifies NGC 3317 as a double star (from Dorothy Carlson's paper) and a triple star in ESO/Uppsala (2+1).  NGC 2000 misidentifies ESO 501-047 (located just 3.5' S of a mag 4.9 HD 92036) as NGC 3317.

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NGC 3318 = ESO 317-052 = MCG -07-22-026 = LGG 199-008 = PGC 31533

10 37 15.5 -41 37 40; Vel

V = 11.6;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 78”

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 30" (probably the core only due to the low elevation), very weak concentration. A very faint star or stellar nucleus was glimpsed.  Located 18' S of mag 7.0 HD 92057.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3318 = h3285 on 2 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; pmE; gvlbM; 2'."  His mean position (2 observations) matches ESO 317-052.

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NGC 3319 = UGC 5789 = MCG +07-22-036 = CGCG 212-033 = PGC 31671

10 39 09.3 +41 41 14; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 6.2'x3.4';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 37”

 

48" (5/1/19): at 488x; very large barred spiral, extending 2:1 SW-NE and ~5.5' along the major axis!  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated  high contrast bar, extending 1' SSW-NNE!  A fairly easy section of a spiral arm parallels the bar on the south side of the galaxy. A couple of easy knots, ~6" and 10" in size, along with a faint star, are at the SW end  of this arm [1.9' SSW of center].  The arm vaguely bends at a right angle to the NW and contains a bright, 12" knot [V = 16.6] . A low contrast arm is west of the bar, also running parallel (SSW-NNE).  Another low surface brightness arm is NE of the bar.  It curls sharply counterclockwise to the east and occasionally contained an extremely faint HII knot. An ill-defined, diffuse glow (part of this arm) extends further northeast to the outer edge of the halo.  SQM 21.85.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very elongated 5:2 SW-NE.  The brightest portion is a large bar with a knotty extension attached at the SW end and extending on a right angle to the south.  At this position on the POSS are several bright knots.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3319 = H III-700 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and recorded "cF, L, irr E, about 4' long and 2 1/2' br, much brighter south of the middle."  CH's reduction is just off the southeast side of UGC 5789.

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NGC 3320 = UGC 5794 = MCG +08-20-010 = CGCG 241-005 = PGC 31708

10 39 36.6 +47 23 53; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SSW end 40" from center and a mag 11 star is off the NNE end 2.1' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3320 = H II-745 = h732 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 822) and recorded "cF, pS, E.  Mixed with some stars visible, but probably not belonging to it. A pL star north and a little following the nebula."  His position is 5' north of UGC 5794 (similar offset as other nebula in the sweep).  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), "F; mE; between a *10m and one of 14 m."

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NGC 3321 = NGC 3322 = MCG -02-27-010 = UGCA 214 = PGC 31653

10 38 50.6 -11 38 55; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 36”

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, diffuse, elongated nearly 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', low surface brightness halo, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge. Located 2.9' N of a mag 11 star on the Hydra-Sextans border.

 

Francis Leavenworth found NGC 3321 = LM 2-423 on 3 Jan 1887 and recorded "mag 15.7, 1.0' dia, vE 160”, * np end."  His position is ~35 sec of RA preceding MCG -02-27-010 = PGC 31653 and the star is just where he placed it.  His PA, though, should read 35”, instead of 160”.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor at Denver (given in the IC 2 Notes section).

 

This galaxy was originally discovered by Andrew Ainslie Common in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector, but his position for NGC 3322 was 16' too far north.  So, NGC 3322 = NGC 3321.

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NGC 3322 = NGC 3321 = MCG -02-27-010 = UGCA 214 = PGC 31653

10 38 50.7 -11 38 55; Hya

 

See observing notes for NGC 3321, Howe and HC.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3322 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector and recorded "F, irregular shape, f star."  There is nothing at his position, but 16' south is MCG -02-27-010. = PGC 31653.  The "f star" in his description is at the NW end of this galaxy.

 

Francis Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy on 3 Jan 1887 and reported it in list II-423 (and later NGC 3321).  Leavenworth's position is off by 35 tsec in RA too far west.  Howe was unsuccessful in searching for Common's object on twonights though he notes "Probably = NGC 3321 as their descriptions are fairly similar and their RA's agree fairly."  So, NGC 3322 = NGC 3321, with discovery priority to Common. See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 3323 = UGC 5800 = MCG +04-25-036 = CGCG 124-049 = PGC 31712

10 39 39.0 +25 19 21; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Located just east of the midpoint of a mag 11 star 2.2' WNW and a close double star 2.3' SE (mag 13/14 at 10" in PA 40”).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3323 = St IX-22 on 15 Mar 1877.  His position matches UGC 5800 = PGC 31712.

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NGC 3324 = ESO 128-006 = Gum 31 = Ced 108 = IC 2599 = Cr 225 = Gabriela Mistral Nebula

10 37 19 -58 39 36; Car

V = 6.7;  Size 16'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I only took a quick look at the "Gabriela Mistral" Nebula at 200x and a UHC filter, but the brightest portion appeared like a cartoon drawing of a whale with a huge, very bright bulbous "head" forming the northern end of the nebula.  The brightest portion is perhaps 15'x6' in size, but quite an extensive amount of fainter nebulosity spreads out the east and southeast of the main body, significantly increasing the size to ~15'x11', elongated N-S.  Some faint nebulosity also spreads to the west of the main portion.  At the south end is the mag 5.5 star HD 92207.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): striking HII region and cluster 30' SE of NGC 3293 and 90' NW of the center of the Eta Carina nebula! (this is an outlying piece of the Eta Carina complex)  At 105x and UHC filter this huge, elongated, irregular nebula is quite bright, perhaps 15'x6' in size and tapers towards the south end where mag 5.5 HD 92207 is embedded.  The nebula widens to a well-defined bulbous mass on the north end.  Faint nebulosity hooks off the north end and spreads to the east and northeast.  This HII region is ionized by mag 8 HD 92206 = h4338 (an 8.2/9.2 pair at 5") situated near the center of the nebula.  Unfiltered, a scattered group of stars is superimposed but this just appears to be a random star grouping in the Carina section of the Milky Way.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3324 = D 322 = h3286 on 1 May 1826 and described a "star of the 7th magnitude, involved in faint nebula."  His position was roughly 6' NW of center of the nebula.

 

John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery and reported on 1 Apr 1834 "A double star involved in nebula, which is one of the outliers of the great nebula about Eta Argus. It extends to a star 6.7 mag half a field distant southwards, and almost as far north; pretty bright; irregular figure; fine object."

 

IC 2599, found by Williamina Fleming on a Harvard College Observatory plate in May 1893, refers to the southern portion of this nebula.

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NGC 3325 = UGC 5795 = MCG +00-27-036 = CGCG 009-093 = PGC 31689

10 39 20.4 -00 12 01; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 1.3' W of center.  Located 11' WSW of mag 8.6 SAO 118422.  IC 633 lies 11' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3325 = St X-25 on 19 Mar 1880.  His position matches UGC 5795 = PGC 31689.

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NGC 3326 = UGC 5799 = MCG +01-27-025 = CGCG 037-104 = Mrk 1260 = PGC 31701

10 39 31.9 +05 06 27; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.4' W of center.  Located 5.5' SSW of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3326 = m 196 on 22 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, eS, stellar."  His position matches UGC 5799.

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NGC 3327 = UGC 5803 = MCG +04-25-038 = CGCG 124-051 = PGC 31729

10 39 58.1 +24 05 29; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, moderate even concentration to a very small bright core.  A faint star is almost attached at the west side 25" from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3327 = H II-348 = h734 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S, lE."  On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel noted, "vF: S; has either a star which gives it an apparent elongation in parallel, or is a double nebula."  The star is at the west edge.

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NGC 3328

10 39 54.2 +09 18 01; Leo

 

= *, Gottlieb.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 3328 on 27 Mar 1880 with the 13.5" refractor at the Litchfield observatory in New York.  At his position is a mag 14.8 star with a fainter companion 20" west and there are no nearby objects he might have picked up.  Corwin equates NGC 3328 with this pair of stars.  On 21 May 1879 Wilhelm Tempel found an object ~30 seconds of RA preceding NGC 3332.  Near this location (mentioned in the narrative portion of paper V) is a pair of 15th magnitude stars.  In 1892 Spitaler measured an accurate position for Tempel's pair (given in the IC 1 Notes), but it's unlikely this pair is the same as NGC 3328.

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NGC 3329 = NGC 3397 = UGC 5837 = MCG +13-08-033 = CGCG 351-034 = PGC 32059

10 44 39.4 +76 48 35; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, broad concentration but no sharp nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' NW.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3329 = h733 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep 171) and recorded on 5 Apr 1832 (sweep 414), "pB; lE; gbM; 25"."  His position matches UGC 5837.

 

William Herschel discovered this galaxy on the problematic northern sweep 1096 on 2 Apr 1801, with large systematic errors.  His revised position, using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals NGC 3329 is identical to H I-284 = NGC 3397.  The modern designation is NGC 3329, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3397.

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NGC 3330 = ESO 168-11 = Cr 226 = Harvard 4

10 38 48 -54 06 54; Vel

V = 7.4;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~30 stars mag 10-13 in a 6'x3' group elongated N-S.  Three brighter mag 10 stars are on the south side but the main group of stars is on the north side including another mag 10 star.  This was an easy object in my 10x30 IS bincoculars and was partially resolved in the 9x50 finder.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint but easily seen, a couple of stars were resolved at the edges.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3330 = D 355 = h3287 on 29 Apr 1826 and described "a triangular group of small stars resembling faint nebula, with several stars in it of some considerable magnitude."  This was the first object he discovered with his homemade 9-inch speculum reflector after recording a few known objects.  JH recorded on 6 Apr 1834 "The chief star (9th mag) of a poor cluster of 20 or 30 stars."

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NGC 3331 = ESO 501-072 = MCG -04-25-056 = PGC 31743

10 40 09.0 -23 49 13; Hya

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration, no distinct core.  The NGC position is 24 tsec too far west and this galaxy follows NGC 3335 situated 10' SW.  Member of nearby group LGG 209 (6 galaxies).  IC 625 (faint edge-on) 10' NW was not seen.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3331 = LM 2-424 in 1886 and noted "mag 14.0, 0.8' dia, vlE 180”."  His position is 0.4 min of RA west of ESO 501-72 = PGC 31743 and his position angle (N-S) is a good match.

 

A "corrected" position by Ormond Stone (repeated in the IC I Notes section) is 1.1 min of RA too far west!  Herbert Howe's measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3332 = NGC 3342 = UGC 5807 = MCG +02-27-038 = CGCG 065-080 = Todd 24 = PGC 31768

10 40 28.4 +09 10 57; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Even concentration to a brighter core and a nearly stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5-12 star is 1.2' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3332 = H I-272 on 4 Mar 1796 while observing the satellites of Uranus (not in Caroline's fair copy of the sweeps).  This discovery was made after he abandoned his sweeps in 1794, although even by 1790 and married for two years they had become much less frequent.  He used Uranus as the reference for the offset and recorded "cB, S, iR, mbM, BN."  In the NGC notes, Dreyer states the nebula observed by Schšnfeld on 26 Apr 1862 and by Vogel in 1867 differ a good deal in place from H I-272, while the vF neb found by Tempel in Arcetri on 21 May 1879 and by Peters (AN 3328) is nearly in Herschel's place.  The NGC position (also measured by Engelhardt) matches UGC 5807.

 

This galaxy was probably first discovered on 18 Jan 1784 (early sweep 83) and catalogued as H III-5 (later NGC 3342), but his position was very poor. See notes on NGC 3342.  Interestingly, this galaxy was also picked up by David Todd on 26 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet, but his position for object #24 is about 3 tmin too far west!  Nevertheless, Todd's sketch is an exact match with the surrounding field stars for this galaxy.  Dreyer didn't include Todd #24 in the NGC.  So, it appears this galaxy was independently "discovered" 3 times.

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NGC 3333 = ESO 376-002 = MCG -06-24-001 = PGC 31723

10 39 49.8 -36 02 12; Ant

V = 13.2;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 160”

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, thin edge-on NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15'.  A mag 15 star appears to be superimposed at the SSE end.  Occasionally, there is a strong impresssion that a second very faint star is superimposed, though the second point is probably a faint stellar nucleus.  Member of a group (Klemola 16 = LGG 213) along with NGC 3347, NGC 3354 and NGC 3358.  NGC 3347 lies 40' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3333 = h3288 on 2 Feb 1835 and noted "eF; vS; mE; appended like a tail to a * 15m."  His position and description match the edge-on galaxy ESO 376-002.

 

Swift probably found this galaxy again on 30 Dec 1897 and reported Sw. XI-115 as "eeeF; eeS; R; eF * in contact; sf of 2."  His position was only 1' SW of NGC 3333.  Herbert Howe has a note in his reexamination of NGC/IC objects around 1900 that "Swift says in a letter that these [Sw. XI-115 and 116] are to be dropped.  The former is evidently identical with the h nebula 3333.  The '* 15 att' is of mag. 13, and directly south of the nebula." As a result, Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation.  Finally, Swift called NGC 3333 the "sf of 2" in the large AN table and "f of 2" in his earlier lists, though its unclear what the other object he had in mind.  See Corwin's comments on NGC 3260 for more on Swift's objects.

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NGC 3334 = UGC 5817 = MCG +06-24-004 = CGCG 184-005 = PGC 31845

10 41 31.2 +37 18 46; LMi

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, almost even surface brightness.  A nice evenly matched mag 11.5 pair at 28" lies 3' ENE.  Situated in an interesting field consisting of several fairly bright stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3334 = H II-641 = h735 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "F, vS."  His RA was 34 seconds too large.  John Herschel's position on 7 Feb 132 (sweep 401) is fairly close.

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NGC 3335 = ESO 501-071 = MCG -04-25-055 = PGC 31706

10 39 34.1 -23 55 21; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter, weak even concentration to a small, brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with slightly fainter and smaller NGC 3331 10' NE.  Member of nearby group LGG 209.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3335 = LM 2-425 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He noted "mag 13.5, 0.4' dia, iR, gbM" and his position is 0.7 min east of ESO 501-071 = PGC 31706.  Ormond Stone's corrected RA (given in the IC 1 Notes section) is accurate.

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NGC 3336 = ESO 437-036 = AM 1037-273 = MCG -05-25-036 = LGG 211-007 = PGC 31754

10 40 17.0 -27 46 36; Hya

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 123”

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x1.0', very weak concentration but no core or nucleus.  This member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) is located ~45' ESE of the core of the cluster.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3336 = h3289 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; lE; glbM."  His position is 1' north of ESO 437-036 = PGC 31754.

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NGC 3337 = CGCG 037-119 = PGC 31860

10 41 47.6 +04 59 18; Sex

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Two mag 11.5 stars lie 1.8' and 3.1' SW.  Located 11.4' WSW of NGC 3341.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3337 = m 197 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stellar."  His position matches CGCG 037-119 = PGC 31860.

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NGC 3338 = UGC 5826 = MCG +02-27-041 = CGCG 065-087 = PGC 31883

10 42 07.5 +13 44 49; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 5.9'x3.6';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 100”

 

18" (4/14/12): at 280x appeared fairly bright, large, elongated E-W, ~2.8'x1.6'.  Broad concentration to a round brighter core but no distinct nucleus.  The halo fades out gradually (nearly face-on spiral) and there is a hint of mottling, though no clear spiral structure.  Mag 8.9 HD 92622 lies 2.7' WNW of center, beyond the western edge of the galaxy.  UGC 5832 = Arp 291 lies 20' SE.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, fairly large, broad concentration to an elongated brighter core with a brighter nucleus embedded, hints of internal structure.  The fainter outer halo is elongated 3:2 E-W in the direction of mag 8.7 SAO 99253 which lies 2.7' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3338 = H II-77 = h737 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "a considerable, pB, E, resolvable nebula, brightest about the middle." On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel logged, "F; E; pL; vgbM; follows a * 7m 10s."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 22 Mar 1854, noted "B Nucl, R, about 2' dia, light irr, has a second minute Nucl preceding the L one?  Spiral?"  There is no second nucleus, but he was correct about the spiral structure.

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NGC 3339 = Holm 210b

10 42 10.0 -00 22 08; Sex

 

= * 2.1' WNW of NGC 3340, Corwin.  Misidentified in the RNGC as NGC 3340.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3339 = m 198 (along with NGC 3340 = m 199) on 30 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, stellar."  Very near his position is a single mag 15.4 star that Marth assumed was nebulous.  This star was also measured at Birr Castle on 4 Mar 1877 and called "eF, S."

 

The data in the RNGC listed under NGC 3339 applies to NGC 3340, MCG misidentifies MCG +00-27-042 as NGC 3339 and UGC mislabels NGC 3340 as NGC 3339 = NGC 3340.

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NGC 3340 = UGC 5827 = MCG +00-27-042 = CGCG 009-101 = Holm 210a = PGC 31892

10 42 18.0 -00 22 37; Sex

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/29/00): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core.  The halo fades into the background.  Located 12' SW of uneven double ·1464 = 8.2/10.9 at 5".  This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 3339 in the RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3340 = m 199 on 30 Jan 1865 and noted "F, S, R."  His position matches UGC 5827.  NGC 3339 is a faint star 2.1' west-northwest.  UGC and CGCG label this galaxy as NGC 3339 = NGC 3340, although only NGC 3340 should apply.

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NGC 3341 = UGC 5831 = MCG +01-27-031 = CGCG 037-124 = PGC 31915

10 42 31.5 +05 02 38; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 24”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4', smooth surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.0' NW and a mag 14 star is at the WSW edge 25" from center.  Located 21' NW of mag 5.8 35 Sex.  NGC 3337 lies 11.4' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3341 = m 200 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS."  His position corresponds with UGC 5831 = PGC 31915.

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NGC 3342 = NGC 3332: = UGC 5807 = MCG +02-27-038 = CGCG 065-080

10 40 28.4 +09 10 57; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3332.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3342 = H III-5 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 83) and gives the following long description: "The faintest and smallest nebula imaginable.  I viewed it a long while and with a higher power than the sweeper.  Having no person at the clock, I went in to write down the time and found it impossible to recover the nebula.  It appeared like a vS nebulous star, and is probably of the cometic sort; there was another vS star south-following (I think, or rather, am pretty sure), and it preceded a pB *.  It should have been secured before I went into the light.  Its place must be about 2 1/2 deg following rho Leonis and about 10 arcmin more north than that star.''

 

His position falls on a blank part of the sky, but Harold Corwin notes that WH's description matches NGC 3332 = H I-272, discovered on 4 Mar 1796 while observing the satellites of Uranus (not actively pursuing sweeps).  This implies his RA for III-5 was off by over 2 tmin of RA and 15' in dec, not an unusual error for his early sweeps.  This galaxy was independently found later by David Todd (#24) on 26 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Because of WH's poor position, this galaxy was not recovered by Spitaler or Bigourdan and Reinmuth equated the number with a mag 15 star.

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NGC 3343 = UGC 5863 = MCG +12-10-073 = CGCG 333-051 = PGC 32143

10 46 10.4 +73 21 10; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 55”

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a very small 15" bright core which increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms the vertex of a right angle with a 23" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars situated 4.5' NE and a mag 10.5 star 4' WNW.  NGC 3348 lies 30' S and NGC 3403 is 40' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3343 = H III-317 = h736 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "vF, vS, requires attention to be seen." On 4 Nov 1831, John Herschel noted, "not vF; R; gbM."

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NGC 3344 = UGC 5840 = MCG +04-25-046 = CGCG 124-060 = PGC 31968

10 43 31.0 +24 55 20; LMi

V = 9.9;  Size 7.1'x6.5';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly bright, large, about 4'x3' extended ~E-W.  Unusual appearance as two bright stars are involved on the east side.  Sharply concentrated with a faint outer halo and a well-defined much brighter core.  A mag 10.5 star is on the east side 52" from the center and a mag 10 star is at the east edge of the halo 1.6' from the center.  Also a mag 13.5 star is superimposed about 30" SSE of the core.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, large, low surface brightness.  Two mag 10 stars are at the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3344 = H I-81 = h739 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, cL, milky, very near and preceding 2 stars; a small part of the nebula is considerably brighter than the rest; the 2 stars and the brightest part of the nebula are all within 2' and nearly in one parallel.  The greatest part of the milkiness is preceding the bright part, and the termination of it is imperceptible."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 2) as an illustration of "Nebulosities joined to Nebulae."

 

On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel logged, "pB; L; gbM; has (?) a star excentric within it and a double star closely following it."  Bindon Stoney, observing on 3 Mar 1851, called it a "spiral, vF, has a branch from p edge round to n and f."

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NGC 3345

10 43 31.9 +11 59 07; Leo

 

= **, Carlson.  =M95 = NGC 3351, WS.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3345 = h740 on 24 Mar 1830, while searching for his father's H I-26 (see below).  He simply noted "eF, hardly visible."  At his position is a pair of mag 14 stars at 18" separation.  Peters also reported the same position.  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections, identifies NGC 3345 as a double star.  As John's description was so disparate from his father's, Dreyer added two question marks to the equivalence of h740 with H I-26.

 

William Herschel found H I-26 on 19 Mar 1784 and recorded "cB, pL, not R, and much brighter about the middle than towards the ends."  There is nothing at his position, but ~10' south is M95, which was not observed in the sweep, and Dreyer notes in his 1912 notes to WH's catalogues that I-26 is probably a duplicate of M95.  Wolfgang Steinicke emphasizes the identity with M95, but Harold Corwin feels JH's observation should not be ignored.

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NGC 3346 = UGC 5842 = MCG +03-28-001 = CGCG 094-116 = CGCG 095-003 = PGC 31982

10 43 39.0 +14 52 19; Leo

V = 11.7;  Size 2.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W, 3.0'x2.5', fairly low almost even surface brightness, just a weak broad concentration.  A pair of mag 11-12 stars are 2.6' WSW and 3.5' due west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3346 = H V-7 = h3290 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, vL, almost R, resolvable."  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH recorded "vF; L; R; vgvlbM; 3' or 4' diam.  A soft globe of light, resolvable with the left eye."  His position matches UGC 5842.

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NGC 3347 = ESO 376-013 = MCG -06-24-007 = LGG 213-004 = PGC 31926

10 42 46.6 -36 21 12; Ant

V = 11.3;  Size 3.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright and large, elongated ~N-S, bright nucleus.  First of three with NGC 3354 3.4' E and NGC 3358 10' ESE.  Member of the Klemola 16 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3347 = h3291, along with NGC 3354, on 1 May 1834 (sweep 446) and recorded, "pF; S; R; vsmbM to a * 12m."  He observed this group on four nights.

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NGC 3348 = UGC 5875 = MCG +12-10-077 = CGCG 333-054 = PGC 32216

10 47 10.1 +72 50 22; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright but small, 1' diameter, slightly elongated E-W.  Unusual appearance because at first glance there appears to be a double nucleus.  Instead a mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the east side of the halo.  The core of the galaxy is close west and a small halo surrounds the star with averted vision.  Using direct vision the star is slightly brighter than the core.  A mag 11 star lies 1.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3348 = H I-80 = h738 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "cB, S, irregularly elliptical."  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 383), John Herschel noted, "B; R; psbM; 40"; has a * 11m pos 22.8”, Delta RA = 20 seconds."  Sherburne Burnham measured the separation of the star and the nebula as 22" in 1910.  Karl Reinmuth called this was a double galaxy (based on Heidelberg plates).

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NGC 3349 = VV 514 = MCG +01-28-002 = CGCG 038-002 = PGC 31989

10 43 50.6 +06 45 47; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7'

 

17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Located 5.3' W of brighter NGC 3356.  An extremely faint mag 15 "star" is just off the SE edge [38" SE of center].  On the POSS this "star" is a compact companion (LEDA 2800964) with very faint disrupted arms.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3349 = m 201 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS."  His position matches the triple system VV 514.

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NGC 3350 = CGCG 155-002 = CGCG 154-044 = PGC 32035

10 44 22.9 +30 43 29; LMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  Located just north of a wide pair of mag 9.5 and 10 stars (SAO 62223 and 62226) and 19' W of 5.4-magnitude 42 Leo Minor.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3350 = h742 on 10 Apr 1831 (sweep 342) and recorded "eF; vS; very difficult, but a certain observation; is n of 2 st 9 or 10m."  His position matches CGCG 154-044 = PGC 32035.

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NGC 3351 = M95 = UGC 5850 = MCG +02-28-001 = CGCG 066-004 = LGG 217-002 = PGC 32007

10 43 57.8 +11 42 14; Leo

V = 9.7;  Size 7.4'x5.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 13”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 375x; extremely bright, very large, dominated by an intensely bright, round nucleus/core and a prominent central bar running nearly E-W.  A strong, round ring is attached at the ends of the bar, forming a striking "Theta" shape.  A well defined darker region is inside the ring to the north and south of the bar though the contrast is higher on the north side of the bar.  Surrounding the ring is a very large, low surface brightness outer halo extending SSW-NNE, perhaps 5.5'-6' by 4'.  With averted vision, low contrast spiral arm structure was noticed in the outer halo, particularly on the southwest side.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very bright core. The outer halo is 4.5'x3.0' oriented SSW-NNE.  A bar is highly suspected extending WNW-ESE of the central core with inner ring structure suspected extending from this bar.   M96 (brightest in the group) lies 40' ENE.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very bright, small bright nucleus.

 

8": bright, fairly large, round.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M95 = H I-26 = h743 on 20 Mar 1781.  WH observed M95 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded a "fine, bright nebula, much brighter in the middle than at the extremes, of a pretty considerable extent, perhaps 3 or 4' or more. The middle seems to be of the magnitude of 3 or 4 stars joined together, but not exactly round; from the brightest part of it there is a sudden transition to the nebulous part, so that I should call it cometic."

 

Just a week later (19 Mar 1784) he found H. I-26 and wrote, "cB, pL, not R, and much brighter about the middle than towards the ends."  There is nothing at his position, but ~20' south and 1 min of RA east is M95, which was not observed in the sweep, and Dreyer concludes in his 1912 revision of H's catalogoues that H I-26 is probably a duplicate of M95.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 16 Feb 1858, noted "I sev times thought it had two spiral arms, p and f."  Sir Robert Ball commented on 10 Feb 1867, "The central bright section seems rather more complex than usual.  It may be divided into two ellipses, the inner one is uniform in light and brighter than the other one."  This appears to describe the core and the surrounding inner ring.

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NGC 3352 = UGC 5851 = MCG +04-25-048 = CGCG 124-061 = PGC 32025

10 44 15.0 +22 22 16; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, very small, round, brighter core.  A mag 14 star is 1.8' WNW.  NGC 3363 lies 21' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3352 = St X-26 on 19 Mar 1880.  His position matches UGC 5851 = PGC 32025.

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NGC 3353 = UGC 5860 = MCG +09-18-022 = CGCG 267-009 = Mrk 35 = PGC 32103

10 45 22.4 +55 57 37; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 45”

 

24" (7/11/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.45', very small bright nucleus, occasionally a brighter spot was seen on the west side. 

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, increases to an irregular brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.6' S of center.

 

8": faint, small, round.  A mag 13 star is 1' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3353 = H III-842 = h741 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "vF, vS, R."  His RA is 30 sec too large.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel recorded, "pB; S; R; pgbM; 15"; a small star 90" S."

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NGC 3354 = ESO 376-014 = MCG -06-24-008 = LGG 213-005 = PGC 31941

10 43 02.8 -36 21 46; Ant

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.  Second of three with NGC 3347 3.5' W and NGC 3358 7' ESE.  Member of the Klemola 16 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3354 = h3292 on 1 May 1834 and recorded (two sweeps later) "vF; S; lbM; 8".  The 2nd of 3 [with NGC 3347 and NGC 3358]."  Pietro Baracchi wrote, "pB; S; R: vlbM almost flat.  A star 14m close north." (3 Feb 1886, Melbourne).

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NGC 3355

10 43 30 -23 12; Hya

 

= Not found, RNGC.  =MCG -04-25-058 = ESO 501-G79?, ESO.

 

Samuel Langley found NGC 3355 = HN 29 on 12 Apr 1866 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at Harvard Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #215).  He simply noted "found in search for Biela's comet; place approximate."  There is nothing near his position (the only NGC credited to Langley).  NGC 3355 is not listed in any modern catalogue except ESO, which lists MCG -4-25-58 = ESO 501-G79 as a possible identity.  This galaxy is located 2 min of RA west and 11.4' south of Langley's position.

 

Harold Corwin suggests a more likely candidate is IC 625 = ESO 501-G80, a "normal'' early-type object with a surface brightness two magnitudes brighter than ESO 501-G79, which is located 45' south of Langley's position.  Either of these identifications are pretty speculative as they are not close to Langley's position.  So, I've listed this number as lost.

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NGC 3356 = UGC 5852 = MCG +01-28-004 = CGCG 038-005 = VV 529 = PGC 32021

10 44 12.3 +06 45 32; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE.  A mag 11 star is 2.9' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 3349 5.3' W.  NGC 3362 lies 13.8' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3356 = H III-107 = h744 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 196) and recorded "A suspected, eF, pL.  Too much daylight remaining to verify it; but I do much doubt it."  There is nothing near his position he might have picked up.  But on 12 Apr 1801 (sweep 1098), his position is just 2' northeast of UGC 5852.  On 27 Dec 1827 (sweep 117), John Herschel wrote, "eF; R; bM; 30"; a * 9m south dist 2' or 3'."

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NGC 3357 = UGC 5206 = UGC 5854A = MCG +02-28-002 = CGCG 066-006 = PGC 32032

10 44 20.7 +14 05 03; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration to an ill-defined brighter 15" core.  A mag 12 star is 2.3' W of center.  A wide pair of evenly matched mag 9.5 stars lies 8.5' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3357 = m 202 = T V-5 on 5 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, mbM." His position is 1' north of UGC 5206.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Feb 1865, noted the mag 13-14 star 10 seconds of time due west and measured a very accurate position.  Wilhelm Tempel made another independent discovery on 18 Nov 1881 while looking for Denning's Comet.

 

UGC incorrectly gives the RA as 9h instead of 10h, although identifies this UGC 5206 as NGC 3357.  In the UGC addenda, NGC 3357 is listed again as UGC 5854A, as the corrected position falls between UGC 5854 and 5855.

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NGC 3358 = ESO 376-017 = MCG -06-24-009 = LGG 213-006 = PGC 31974

10 43 32.9 -36 24 37; Ant

V = 11.4;  Size 3.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 141”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, prominent core, fainter elongated halo.  Several stars are near.  Third of three with NGC 3354 7' WNW and NGC 3350 10' WNW.  Member of the Klemola 16 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3358 = h3293 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; vS; R: close to a vS star; the last of 3 [with NGC 3347 and 3354]."

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NGC 3359 = UGC 5873 = MCG +11-13-037 = CGCG 313-033 = PGC 32183

10 46 36.7 +63 13 28; UMa

V = 10.6;  Size 7.2'x4.4';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 170”

 

48" (2/21/12): at 375x, this beautiful barred spiral contains a prominent central bar extending ~1.3' N-S, with a bright, elongated core.  A spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar.  It quickly rotates and sweeps northeast (clockwise) for 1.5', dimming out 1' E of center.  A longer, beautiful arm is attached on the north end of the bar and sweeps south along the west side of the galaxy.  This arm is brightest where it attaches to the bar.  The western arm passes well south of the central bar and includes a couple of HII knots towards the end.  The brightest is a faint 10" knot, situated 1.4' SW of center.  This HII region is catalogued as [H69] 42 in Hodge's 1969 paper "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies" and as SDSS J104627.95+631220.6 (V = 16.5).  It is also referenced in NED as NGC 3359:[RZB2000] #7/9, from the paper "The ionized gas in the spiral galaxy NGC 3359. Part I." in A&A, 354, 823-835 (2000).  Just south of this knot the arm fades out, but brightens slightly again at the tip (2' S of center), where there is a very faint, low surface brightness knot, ~12" diameter, listed in the RZB paper as region #12/14.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE.  A brighter bar is visible through the center along the major axis!  Has a large, diffuse halo about 5'x3' which fades into the background.  The brighter core has an irregular surface brightness.  Two mag 14 stars are 3.4' WNW and 2.8' ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3359 = H V-52 = h745 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1102) and recorded "cB, L, lE in the meridian, vgbM, about 5' long and 3' broad.  The nebulosity seems to be of the milky kind [unresolvable], it loses itself imperceptibly all around.  The whole breadth of the sweeps seems to be affected with vF nebulosity."  His position was 3.5' too far north.  On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411), John Herschel logged, "pF; L; E in merid; glbM; 2.5' l, 2' br."

 

Ralph Copeland, observing on 21 Feb 1874 at Birr Castle, made two sketches showing both a striking "S" shaped spiral and a "figure 8".  No description accompanied the diagrams.

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NGC 3360 = MCG -02-28-003 = PGC 32026

10 44 16.1 -11 14 33; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Low, nearly even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3360 3.8'  NE.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3360 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector.  His description reads "A F[aint] pair, f one brighter."  There is nothing at his position, but 10' north is MCG -02-28-003 = PGC 32026, which forms a pair with NGC 3361 = MCG -02-28-004 about 3.8' NE.

 

Herbert Howe's published position in his series of MN articles matches MCG -02-28-003, although it is incorrect in the IC Notes.

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NGC 3361 = MCG -02-28-004 = PGC 32044

10 44 29.1 -11 12 27; Sex

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration.  A mag 15 star is close preceding.  Forms a pair with NGC 3360 3.8' SW.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3361 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector.  His description reads "A F[aint] pair, f one brighter."  There is nothing at his position, but 10' north is MCG -02-28-004 = PGC 32044, which forms a pair with NGC 3360 about 3.8' SW.  The position angle 160” given in the NGC description is accurate, though it was not given in Common's list.

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NGC 3362 = UGC 5857 = MCG +01-28-005 = CGCG 038-007 = PGC 32078

10 44 51.8 +06 35 48; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', broad concentration.  Located 3.8' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 118472 3.8' ESE.  NGC 3356 lies 13.8' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3362 = m 203 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is within 1' of UGC 5857.  Stephan independently discovered this galaxy on 18 Mar 1882 and reported it in list XII-39, though he questioned if it was equivalent to GC 5534 [NGC 3362] in the notes section.

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NGC 3363 = UGC 5866 = MCG +04-26-002 = CGCG 125-003 = PGC 32089

10 45 09.5 +22 04 42; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' E of center and 1.0' off the edge.  NGC 3353 lies 21' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3363 = St XII-40 on 22 Mar 1882 and recorded "F, pS, iR, lbM, r."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3364 = UGC 5890 = MCG +12-10-082 = CGCG 333-056 = PGC 32314

10 48 29.7 +72 25 30; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  Collinear with a mag 13/13.5 double star at 29" separation located 4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3364 = H III-318 = h746 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "vF, pL, r."  His position was ~2.5' east of UGC 5890.  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 482), John Herschel wrote, "eF; L; R; vgbM; 60"; a coarse double star sf [about 5'] points back directly to it."

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NGC 3365 = UGC 5878 = MCG +00-28-006 = CGCG 010-008 = FGC 1131 = PGC 32153

10 46 12.6 +01 48 48; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 4.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, 4.0'x0.6'.  Appears as a low surface brightness streak, very weak concentration with a small slightly brighter core.  Surprisingly faint for the listed magnitude.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3365 = h747 on 13 Apr 1828 (sweep 144) and recorded, "eF; L; 2' long, 20" broad; vgvlbM; a ray nebula."  His position is 1.4' south of the edge-on UGC 5878.  The NGC has a typo in the RA hour (19).

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NGC 3366 = IC 2592 = ESO 264-007 = MCG -07-22-024 = LGG 204-003 = PGC 31335

10 35 08.4 -43 41 30; Vel

V = 11.3;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 37”

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.4'.  NGC 3366 is located just 1.7' S of mag 6.1 HD 91805 and the combination of low elevation and the glare of the bright star severely hampered viewing the galaxy.  At 225x I was able to place the star just outside the edge of the field which increased the visibility, though only viewed the brighter central region.  This galaxy is located 1.3” ENE of NGC 3256 and is probably part of the southern group Klemola 12 (NGC 3256, 3256B, 3261, 3262 and 3263 were observed from Costa Rica).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3366 = h3294 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded ""F; E; gbM; close to a * 6.7m.  The minute of RA is doubtful.  The written record makes it 47; but as this is impossible from the context, 37 is assumed."  Corwin proproses that his assumed RA is still 10 minutes too large. Once corrected it matches ESO 264-007 in position and description so this identification is nearly certain.

 

DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy on an Arequipa plate around 1899 and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 2592.  So, NGC 3366 = IC 2592.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3367 = UGC 5880 = MCG +02-28-005 = CGCG 066-011 = PGC 32178

10 46 34.8 +13 45 02; Leo

V = 11.5;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, fairly large, almost even surface brightness, slightly elongated ~E-W.  NGC 3377 lies 20' NE.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, slightly elongated, slightly brighter core.  Located about 25' SSE of 5th magnitude 52 Leonis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3367 = H II-78 = h748 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and simply noted "pB".  His position was off by 15' (too far northwest), but he measured a more accurate position on a later sweep.  On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338), John Herschel noted, "pB; vL; irreg R; vgbM; 2' diam" and measured an accurate position in sweep 338.  The description under h748 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242) also probably refers to NGC 3379.

 

On 23 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney noted "probably spiral, dark spaces in it and * suspected in preceding edge."

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NGC 3368 = M96 = UGC 5882 = MCG +02-28-006 = CGCG 066-013 = LGG 217-003 = PGC 32192

10 46 45.5 +11 49 18; Leo

V = 9.3;  Size 7.6'x5.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, 5'x3.5', small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the Leo group (M96 Group) with M95 40' WSW and M105/NGC 3384 ~50' NNE.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very bright, small bright nucleus.

 

8" (3/28/81): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M96 = NGC 3368 = h749 on 20 Mar 1781.  Four nights later it was confirmed by Messier.  William Herschel observed M96 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "A fine, bright nebula, much like the former [M95], but the brightest part in the middle is more joined to the nebulosity than in the former, and the bright part is rather longer, though not quite so vivid as in the former. It may still be called cometic, though it begins to depart a little from that kind."

 

Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, noted "Is, I think, certainly a spiral." (3 Mar 1850).  A year later, Bindon Stoney added "vBM, perhaps shaped like an S reversed." A sketch clearly shows a spiral arm curving counterclockwise on the east side towards the south.  It also shows a darker strip just west of the central region between the western arm.  M96 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.

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NGC 3369 = ESO 501-095 = MCG -04-26-009 = PGC 32191

10 46 44.6 -25 14 39; Hya

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 117”

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, 0.5'x0.4'.  Outlying member of the Hydra I (AGC 1060) cluster to the NE of the main group.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3369 = LM 1-177 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) matches ESO 501-095.  Howe's corrected position in 1899-00 (given in the IC 2 Notes section) is accurate.

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NGC 3370 = UGC 5887 = MCG +03-28-008 = CGCG 095-019 = PGC 32207

10 47 04.0 +17 16 24; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 148”

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly weak concentration, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  The nucleus is displaced to the west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3370 = H II-81 = h750 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "pB, pL, not R, r."  John Herschel made two observations, first recording on 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), "pB; R; bM; r."

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NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 = UGC 5911 = MCG +02-28-012 = CGCG 066-021

10 48 16.9 +12 37 45; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3384.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3371 = h751 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 282) and recorded "F, R. The second of 3 [with h748 and h753 = NGC 3373] in a triangle."  NGC 3367, situated ~7' WSW of JH's position, is the only galaxy in the vicinty.  But if his positions for all 3 objects are offset 73 seconds in RA east and 70' south, they match up perfectly with NGC 3379, NGC 3384 and NGC 3389.  Perhaps while observing NGC 3379, he used the position of NGC 3367 and measured offsets to obtain positions of other two galaxies.  So, h748 (sweep 282) = NGC 3379, NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 = NGC 3389.  His position angles (given under h748) also match these 3 galaxies.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

 

NGC 3371 and 3373 were reported as not found by Pease on plates taken with the 60" reflector in 1917 and 1919.

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NGC 3372 = ESO 128-013 = Gum 33 = 109a = RCW 53 = Carina Nebula = Keyhole Nebula

10 45 09 -59 52 00; Car

V = 4.8;  Size 120'x120'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this observation of the Homunculus was made at 350x in good seeing with the 24".  Eta Carinae appeared an iridescent electric-orange color surrounded by the bipolar blowouts of the Homunculus.  The brighter and larger lobe, which is expanding in our direction, extends to the southeast and was pretty circular (a bit flattened on the end), but punctured by a small, elongated hole that splits the lobe near Eta, creating a small 6" loop (connected on the SE end).  The NW blowout is fainter and smaller with an unusual "fountain" or "fan" appearance (also referred to as the "paddle" in schematics of the Homunculus), tapering in and dimming to an extremely narrow bridge at Eta and then spreading out to the NW.  The NW edge of this lobe is rounder, creating a "fan" appearance.  The two lobes create empty notches near Eta and extending into the NE notch between the two lobes is a very thin, short spike (referred to as equatorial debris or "skirt) that was not difficult to view but the SW "spike" was only intermittently visible.  Just west of Eta is the fairly prominent, dark "Keyhole Nebula".

 

18" (7/4/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): spectacular detail within the Homunculus nebula at 293x.  The bright 6" lobe to the SE of Eta is split by a dark lane (forming the two "legs" of the Homunculus).  This lane actually consists of two darker "holes" with the outer dark hole more prominent.  In moments of good seeing the outer periphery of the lobe has a slightly tattered or scalloped structure and it is flattened on the SE end.  Jutting out a few arcseconds to the NE is a small, thin spike that was visible continuously with averted vision.  On the opposite SW side, only a small, brighter extension or oval nodule bulges out slightly from the SE lobe.  The fainter NW lobe has a more translucent appearance with a pinched "key" or "bust" outline as the nebulosity is very weak or absent in the middle of the sides (this lobe forms the "head" of the Homunculus).  At the center of this remarkable sight is the bright, quasi-stellar, reddish-orange Eta Carinae.

 

Bochum 10 is located 40' NW of Eta Carinae and just north of the huge wedge of nebulosity that extends north of Eta. About two dozen stars, including 7 of 9th magnitude, were resolved in the main group, which extends ~5'x2'.  The cluster is fairly scattered and distributed in the two subgroups oriented NW and SE, with the SE group containing most of the stars.  Visually it was much smaller than the listed diameter of 20'.  Situated just 5' NW of mag 5.4 HD 92964 and just south of the southern arc of the HD 92809 Wolf-Rayet ring, which may be associated with Bochum 10.

 

This huge Wolf-Rayet bubble was surprisingly easy at 76x with an H-beta filter, although without prior knowledge I would have assumed it was an outer extension of the Eta Car nebula.  A huge, 35' semicircular annulus of nebulosity was easily traced.  The south side of the rim is bright, well defined and oriented roughly E-W as it passes north of Bochum 10.  With careful viewing, very faint nebulosity continues to spread out from the east end.  On the west side of this E-W strip, there is a short break and then it continues as a large, fairly prominent arc that curves northward.  This arc is sharply defined on both the interior and exterior edge and widens and fades at the north end, although a small locally brighter patch is at the NW tip.  The nebulosity curves back east on the north side but this section is quite faint and simply appears as low surface brightness haze.  A relatively prominent 4'x3' oval patch of nebulosity is isolated on the SE side, just within the interior.  Very faint haze also spreads out within the interior but the eastern half of the rim is completely missing. The OIII filter significantly dims the curving NW quadrant of the loop.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): I spent quite a bit of time on the Eta Carina complex, particularly examining the remarkable Homunculus Nebula. This is easily the largest bright emission nebula in the sky and a very prominent naked-eye object within the amazingly rich Carina Milky Way.  Dark lanes or rift separate bright islands of billowing nebulosity and the entire complex overfilled the 105x field at the eyepiece.

 

The surface brightness of the various sections is fairly uniform and pretty high, though it lowers in the outskirts.  No section is comparable in intensity to the central heart of the Orion Nebula, but the large wedge that contains Eta Car is quite prominent.  A UHC filter enhances the nebulosity without significantly dimming the stars.  Just west of Eta (within the central wedge) is the fairly prominent, dark "Keyhole Nebula" that extends ~5' length, elongated N-S (not as contrasty as when John Herschel named it in the 1830's).  Eta Carina's orange color and the small bipolar blowouts are quite stunning at high power.  Several clusters are involved with the nebula. The most prominent is Tr 16, situated just south of Eta Car.

 

Tr 14 is a rich group of ~30 stars mag 7 and fainter stars including the double star h4356 (7.2/8.9 at 2.8", with brighter component HD 93129A) within a 4' diameter.  There are several additional mag 8/9 stars and a swarm of mag 12 stars!  Tr 14 is situated just 12' NW of Eta Carinae within the bright, huge triangular section of nebulosity to the NW of Eta.  The cluster is the second most massive in the Carina nebula and contains ten O-type stars.  HD 93129Aa (the brighter spectroscopic component of HD 93129A) is one of the most luminous and massive known stars with ~80-100 solar masses and ~2,500,000 times the sun's luminosity.  The "Mystic Mountain" region, a remarkable star-forming pillar of gas and dust captured by the HST, is at the north edge of the cluster.

 

Tr 16 is the most massive cluster in the Carina nebula complex and contains the majority of the O-type stars.  Visually, Tr 16 is a rich group of stars trailing immediately south of Eta Carinae itself and close southeast of the dark Keyhole Nebula, all within the same bright triangular wedge.  At 166x, about three dozen stars mag 9-13 were resolved within 4'.  A number of the stars are arranged in chains and groups.  Eta Car itself is considered part of the cluster.  Mag 8.8 WR 25 = HD 93162 is about 7' W of center of the cluster.  The primary is considered the most luminous known star in our galaxy.

 

Tr 15 consists of roughly 15 stars (a half-dozen members are O-type supergiants) crammed into a 2' group including a neat triple h4364 (mag 8/9/11 at 8" and 9" in a string with brightest member HD 93249) on the north side.  Situated within a streamer of nebulosity just 20' NNW of Eta Carina itself.

 

At 200x, the Homunculus Nebula surrounding Eta Carina was remarkable in excellent seeing on the last evening of observing.  Both Eta and the nebula were a uniquely vivid color - an amazing fluorescent orange-tangerine.  Extending to the SE of Eta is the brighter lobe, perhaps 6" in diameter with a sharp outline that was flattened along the southern edge in a mushroom shape.  There appeared to be a partial darker lane in the interior.  Extending to the NW was a smaller (4"-5") and much fainter lobe that faded with increased magnification.  A tiny spike of nebulosity jutted out along to the NE between the two lobes.  A couple of very close and faint companions lie just NE of Eta.  This bi-polar reflection nebula resulted from the most recent outburst of supermassive Eta Car in 1841.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): Using a 20 Nagler (127x) and UHC filter, the field of Eta Carina was a breathtaking sight.  The outer wings and streamers extended well outside the 39' field.  The turbulent nebulosity had a curdled, electric appearance with a strong 3-dimensional effect as brighter streaks, wings, fainter masses and dark lanes were mixed together throughout the field.

 

The best overall view of the nebula in the 20" was at 80x (32 mm) using a UHC filter.  Even at this low power, the Eta Carina nebula still overfilled the field with contrasty dark lanes and amazingly structured islands of nebulosity.  I stared into the eyepiece quietly, somewhat stunned by its beauty.  With this aperture at 282x, the 12"x8" bipolar Homunculus nebula was an astounding sight.  The orange central star appeared quasi-stellar with the unequal blowouts fairly prominent.  They had an eerie, translucent appearance with the western lobe somewhat smaller, fainter and more pinched with the eastern lobe more circular.  A possible dark lane is near the center and punctures the lobes.

 

Tr 14 is a rich group of stars mag 7 and fainter stars in a 5' region, situated ~12' NW of Eta within one of the sections of nebulosity. Contains the binary h4356 (7.2/8.9 at 2.8").  The brighter spectroscopic member of the mag 7.2 star (HD 93129Aa) is one of the most massive stars known and rivals Eta Car in mass and luminosity.  A triple system h4360 just 2' SE includes a 2" pair.  Cr 232 is a small, scattered group of ~20 stars in a 4' region just following Tr 14.  The brightest star is mag 7.7 HD 93250, a 04-type supergiant.  Tr 16, the most massive cluster in the Carina complex, is a triangular group of stars just south of Eta and includes a chain of a half-dozen brighter stars.  Tr 15 is a fairly small group of a couple dozen stars mag 8.5 and fainter, less than 30' N of Eta Car. A half-dozen members are O-type supergiants.

 

Cr 228 is a large, scattered cluster ~25' SSW of Eta Carina in the southern part of the complex.  It includes two mag 6.5 stars with brightest member 6.2-6.5 QZ Carinae and the Wolf-Rayet star HD 93131.  Includes a number of mag 8-9 stars spread over a 15'x10' field.  The group is elongated SW-NE.

 

Bochum 10 is a group of two dozen stars in a ~5'x2' region.  It includes 7 mag 9 stars that dominate the group.  Fairly scattered and distributed in the two subgroups NW and SE with the SE group containing most of the stars.  Located just 5' NW of mag 5.4 HD 92964 and just south of the southern arc of the HD 92809 Wolf-Rayet ring.  Situated just north of the huge wedge that extends north of Eta, ~40' NW of the star.  Visually the cluster appears much smaller than the listed diameter of 20'.

 

At 282x, the 12"x8" bipolar Homunculus nebula surrounding Eta Carina was an astounding sight.  The orange central star appeared quasi-stellar with the unequal blowouts fairly prominent.  They had an eerie, translucent appearance with the NW lobe somewhat smaller, fainter and more pinched with the SE lobe more circular.  A possible dark lane is near the center and punctures the lobes.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): My first views of the Eta Carina nebula through Les Dalrymple's 12.5" and Gary's 20" were truly breathtaking and dwarfed the Orion Nebula in size and detail.  The nebula is broken into 4 or 5 main separate masses of varying sizes, shapes and surface brightness by three wide, dark obscuring dust lanes.  The mottled nebulosity has an amazing 3-dimensional curdled appearance and is riddled with dark bays and rifts.  Outer loops and brighter streaks complete an amazing vista.

 

The brightest section forms a triangular wedge isolated by prominent dark lane that cuts at a striking right angle.  This wedge contains the centerpiece Eta Carina which has an amazing orange color.  Extending from Eta are the two small lobes (one is brighter), referred to as the "Homunculus nebula" and appearing as an explosive event from the early 19th century in a HST image.  Just preceding Eta is an elongated N-S, curving dark lane nicknamed the "Keyhole Nebula" by John Herschel, as well as the open cluster Tr 16 just south of Eta.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered (telescopically) NGC 3372 = Lac III-6 = D 309 = h3295 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He recorded a "Large group of a great number of small stars, little compressed, and filling out the space of a kind of a semi-circle of 15 to 20 minutes in diameter; with a slight nebulosity spreading in that space."  Of course, the nebula and embedded clusters is a prominent naked-eye object, so was certainly known by southern sky watchers.

 

James Dunlop observed it at least 13 times and recorded "(Eta Roboris Caroli, Bode) is a bright star of the 3rd magnitude, surrounded by a multitude of small stars, and pretty strong nebulosity; very similar in its nature to that in Orion, but not so bright... I can count twelve or fourteen extremely minute stars surrounding Eta in the space of about 1'; several of them appear close to the disk: there is a pretty bright small star about the 10th magnitude N.f. the Eta, and distant about 1'. The nebulosity is pretty strongly marked; that on the south side is very unequal in brightness, and the different portions of the nebulosity are completely detached, as represented in the figure [plate III, figure 14]. There is much nebulosity in this place, and very much extensive nebulosity throughout the Robur Caroli, which is also very rich in small stars."

 

John Herschel commented "It is not easy for language to convey a full impression of the beauty and sublimity of the spectacle which this nebula offers, as it enters the field of the telescope fixed in R. A., by the diurnal motion, ushered in as it is by so glorious and innumerable a procession of stars, to which it forms a sort of climax, and in a part of the heavens otherwise full of interest."

 

During a 5-year period in the 1840's and '50s Eta Car brightened from 1.5 to -1 (chronicled by John Herschel) and was temporarily the second brightest star in the sky, nearly rivaling Sirius. This outburst later created the double-lobed Homunculus Nebula, discovered in 1944.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, in 1863, Francis Abbott, an amateur in Tasmania, claimed a decrease in the size and brightness of the main nebula and displacement relative to Eta Car using a 4-inch refractor, but a number of critical replies followed by Lt. John Herschel (son of JH), Airy and Lassell.  Interestingly, the dark "Keyhole Nebula" does appear to have lost contrast based on JH's sketches and descriptions.

 

As far as the origin of the nickname "Keyhole Nebula" it's generally assumed that JH coined the phrase and his sketch of the elongated dark patch near Eta certainly appears like a perfect classic "keyhole".  But a search through his Cape Observations and articles about the brightening of Eta Car and possible variability of the nebula reveals he used the term "lemniscate" to describe the shape (must have been his early mathematical training).

 

In an 1873 issue of Appletons' Journal, Emma Converse, who reported on astronomical topics for the popular press, summarizes the dispute about changes in the nebula in an article titled "Eta Argus".  She mentions "In the middle of the brightest part of the nebulous light there was a dark vacancy, of a form resembling a keyhole, or the geometrical figure called a lemniscate, around which the light of the nebula was not uniform." Later she mentions "The southern loop of Herschel's lemniscate, or keyhole-shaped cavity had bulged out into the vacuity, forming an isthmus that trended north-south."  Agnes Mary Clerke refers to the "Key-Hole Nebula" in her "The System of the Stars" (second edition, 1905), plate XVII taken with the Bruce 24-inch at Arequipa in 1896.

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NGC 3373 = NGC 3389 = UGC 5914 = MCG +02-28-013 = CGCG 066-022 = PGC 32306

10 48 27.9 +12 31 59; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3389.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3373 = h753 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 282) and recorded "F, R, the last of 3 [with h748 and h751 = NGC 3371] in a triangle."  NGC 3367, situated ~7' WSW of JH's position, is the only galaxy in the vicinty.  But if his 3 positions are offset 73 seconds in RA east and 70' south, they match up perfectly with NGC 3379, NGC 3384 and NGC 3389.  Perhaps while observing NGC 3379, he used the position of NGC 3367 and measured offsets to obtain positions for the other two galaxies.  So, h748 (sweep 282) = NGC 3379, NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 = NGC 3389.  His position angles (given under h748) also match these 3 galaxies.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 3374 = UGC 5901 = MCG +07-22-066 = CGCG 212-057 = PGC 32266

10 48 01.1 +43 11 11; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 142”

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round though difficult to pin down an orientation, 0.7'x0.6'.  Broad, weak concentration with no noticeable core.  Located 16' NE of mag 7.3 HD 93271 and 18' NW of mag 7.8 HD 93663.  Forms a pair with CGCG 212-055 2.3' SSW (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3374 = H III-701 = h752 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and recorded "vF, vS, iF."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel called this galaxy "vF; S; R; 12"."

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NGC 3375 = MCG -01-28-008 = PGC 32205

10 47 00.8 -09 56 29; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 153”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', bright 15" core, stellar nucleus.  No brighter stars in the 20' field at 220x.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3375 = T I-26 = T V-6 on 21 Feb 1878 and called it class II-III with a stellar nucleus.  It was found independently by Stephan on 23 Apr 1881 and included in list XI-9.  Both Tempel's and Stephan's micrometric positions match MCG -01-28-008 = PGC 32205, although the MCG doesn't label this galaxy NGC 3375.

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NGC 3376 = UGC 5891 = MCG +01-28-007 = CGCG 038-013 = PGC 32231

10 47 26.5 +06 02 53; Sex

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, moderate surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' N which has a very faint companion close west.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3376 on 19 Feb 1863.  His position, measured on 2 nights, is an exact match with UGC 5891.

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NGC 3377 = UGC 5899 = MCG +02-28-009 = CGCG 066-016 = LGG 217-006 = PGC 32249

10 47 42.3 +13 59 08; Leo

V = 10.4;  Size 5.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, well concentrated to a small bright nucleus. Member of the Leo I Group (also called the M96 Group).

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, slightly elongated SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3377 = H II-99 = h754 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "pB, S, r."  John Herschel made three observations and called it "first Class".  Auwers and d'Arrest also measured precise positions.

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NGC 3378 = ESO 318-012 = MCG -07-22-029 = PGC 32189

10 46 43.3 -40 00 59; Ant

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (3/28/09): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3378 = h3296 on 1 Feb 1835 and noted "pB; R; bM.  Out of limit of sweep.  Place rough.  He measured a more accurate position on 3 later sweeps.

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NGC 3379 = M105 = UGC 5902 = MCG +02-28-011 = CGCG 066-018 = Holm 212a = KTG 33A = LGG 217-004 = PGC 32256

10 47 49.6 +12 34 54; Leo

V = 9.3;  Size 5.4'x4.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (4/20/14): very bright, large, slightly elongated ~SW-NE, ~3.0'x2.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a large, brilliant core containing to an intense nucleus, which increases towards the center.  First in a prominent trio with NGC 3384 7.3' NW and NGC 3389 9.8' ESE.   M105 is a member of the M96 or Leo I Group (LGG 217), along with NGC 3384.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright, very small bright core, slightly elongated.  First of three bright galaxies in the field with NGC 3384 7.3' NW and NGC 3389 9.7' ESE.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, round.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M105 = H I-17 = h757 on 24 Mar 1781, four days after he discovered M95 and M96.  It was discovered after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication (in the 1784 Connaissance des temps) but was included in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch and published in the 1786 Jarbuch volume. MŽchain wrote, "Mr. Messier reports in the Connoissance des temps 1784, p. 264 & 265 two nebulous stars, which I have discovered in the Leo [M95 and M96]; I find nothing to change for my positions which I have established by comparing these nebulae to Regulus; but there is also a third one to the north; it is a bit more beautiful [brighter] than the 2 others; I have discovered it on March 24, 1781, 4 or 5 days after the other two. On April 10, I compared it to Gamma Leonis & I have concluded the right ascension 159d 3' 45"; the declination 13d 43' 58" north."

 

William Herschel independently found M105 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "Three nebula in the field together [with NGC 3384 and 3389].  The two preceding ones [M105 and NGC 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96], but considerably less."  John Herschel's earliest observation was on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2). The NGC position is accurate (measured by Auwers and d'Arrest).

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NGC 3380 = UGC 5906 = MCG +05-26-012 = CGCG 155-015 = PGC 32287

10 48 12.2 +28 36 06; LMi

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.3'x0.8'.  Gradually increases to a brighter core which rises suddenly to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 2.1' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3380 = H II-360 = h755 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL, irregular.".  John Herschel made 5 observations (first on sweep 57); once called it "faint" and twice calling it "bright".  Another 4 observations were made a Birr Castle, though other than the elongation, no structural details were mentioned by any observer.

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NGC 3381 = UGC 5909 = MCG +06-24-015 = CGCG 184-016 = LGG 218-001 = PGC 32302

10 48 24.8 +34 42 41; LMi

V = 11.7;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.6' diameter, broad weak concentration, no distinct core.  Located near midpoint of two mag 13 stars 5.5' NNW and 5.2' SSE. Forms a pair with IC 641 6' W (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3381 = H II-565 = h756 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "pB, cL, lbM, iF."  Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA west of UGC 5909.  John Herschel made two observations and three were made at Birr Castle.  On 8 Mar 1858, R.J. Mitchell noted, "I think there is a B streak through it."  This likely refers to the bar running east-west. The NGC description is in error stating "1st of 3", which applies to NGC 3379.

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NGC 3382

10 48 24.9 +36 43 46; LMi

 

= **, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3382 on 5 Apr 1874 and described "About 4 min p [NGC 3432]. pF, cL, R, bM, *14 mag in centre. *9 Pos 238.0, Dist 173.7."  There is no nebula near his position. A second observation on 24 Mar 1878 reads "4m. p and 6'± n of [NGC 3432].  vF, S, irr R, only a S group of st, *9m Pos 192 deg, Dist 162.9"  This second position corresponds with a wide pair of mag 14/15 stars at 38" separation and a mag 10 star to the SSW (not mentioned in the first observation).  So this pair of stars might correspond to the second observation only or perhaps the reference galaxies were misidentified.  Dreyer didn't include this object in the GS Supplement.  See Harold Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 3383 = ESO 501-097 = MCG -04-26-010 = LGG 223-005 = PGC 32224

10 47 19.2 -24 26 18; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 24”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', weak concentration.  A mag 15-15.5 star is at the SW edge of the halo.  Located 7' NNE of mag 8 HD 93474.

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.8'.  Low, even surface brightness with just a weak concentration.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3383 = h3297 on 20 Mar 1835 and noted "F; pL; irreg R; glbM; 40"; moonlight."  He also recorded it on the next sweep and his mean position matches ESO 501-097 = PGC 32224.

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NGC 3384 = NGC 3371 = UGC 5911 = MCG +02-28-012 = CGCG 066-021 = Holm 212b = KTG 33B = LGG 217-005 = PGC 32292

10 48 16.9 +12 37 45; Leo

V = 9.9;  Size 5.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 53”

 

24" (4/20/14): very bright, large, elongated at least 2:1 SW-NE, ~3.2'x1.5' though the outer halo increases in size with averted vision.  Sharply concentrated with a large, brilliant, rounder core that gradually increases to the center.  Forms a prominent trio with M105 7.4' SW and NGC 3389 6.4' SSE.  NGC 3384 is a member of the M96 or Leo I Group, along with M105.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright, bright stellar nucleus, elongated 5:2 SW-NE.  Second of three with M105 7.3' SW and NGC 3389 6.4' SSE.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, round, moderately large.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3384 = H I-18 = h758, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3389, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164).  He recorded, "Three nebula in the field together.  The two preceding ones [NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] r[esolvable] and of a longish form, elongated.  These three together form a beautiful sight."  John Herschel made three observations, each time calling it "vB".

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NGC 3385 = UGC 5908 = MCG +01-28-009 = CGCG 038-015 = PGC 32285

10 48 11.6 +04 55 40; Sex

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 97”

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 30"x15", weak concentration, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.8 star is just off the south side [20" from center].  NGC 3386 lies 4.2' N and CGCG 38-19 is 8.8' SE.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration, diffuse ill-defined halo.  A mag 10.5 star lies 5' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3386 4.3' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3385 = h760, along with NGC 3386, on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "pB; R; bM; 15"."   On 15 Mar 1830 (sweep 238), he called it "eF, E[longated.", so the conditions or transparency were likely worse.

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NGC 3386 = MCG +01-28-010 = CGCG 038-016 = PGC 32284

10 48 11.9 +04 59 55; Sex

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 20"x16", weak concentration.  NGC 3385 lies 4.3' S.  A mag 11 star lies 3.0' SE.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3385 4.3' S.  This is a double system with NGC 3387 (not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3386 = h759, along with NGC 3385 = h760, on 9 Apr 1828 and noted, "vF; R."  His position matches CGCG 038-016 = PGC 32284.

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NGC 3387

10 48 16.5 +04 58 03; Sex

V = 14.2/15.7;  Size 7"

 

24" (3/22/14): at 375x a faint unequal double star at 7" separation was resolved.  The brighter component on the SW side is mag 14.2 and the fainter component is mag ~15.5.  Although sometimes the pair was cleanly resolved into two sharp points, when the seeing was softer the fainter component appeared as a vague, dim spot so I can see how John Herschel might have called this pair a "suspected nebula".  Located 2.1' SE of NGC 3386 and 2.7' NNE of NGC 3385.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3387 = h762 on on 15 Mar 1830 and noted a "suspected nebula.  Has a bright star near." Just 30" northwest of his position is a 7" pair of mag ~14/15.5 stars and a mag 11 star (probably Herschel's "B* near") is 1.3' ENE.  There is a very faint galaxy less than 1' SW of pair, but it's almost certainly too faint to have been picked up by Herschel. 

 

Harold Corwin notes that the NGC position is from Heinrich d'Arrest (single observation), who placed the nebula just off the southeast side of NGC 3386. He noted the observation was uncertain and there is nothing there.

 

The RNGC misidentified a mag 17.5 galaxy on the northwest edge of the halo of NGC 3386 as NGC 3387.  MCG and CGCG also misclassify NGC 3386/3387 as double nebula.  Corwin originally classified this 7" pair as a "star (SE) + compact galaxy (NW)?", but Brian Skiff confirms the northwest component is a star.  The brighter star is itself a 4" double with the fainter component 18th mag.

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NGC 3388 = NGC 3425? = UGC 5967 = MCG +02-28-021 = CGCG 066-044

10 51 25.5 +08 34 01; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3425 (possibly equivalent).

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3388 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  He mentions his RA was roughly taken (estimate to the nearest minute of RA), and there is nothing near his position.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3388 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3425 = III 108, discovered by WH on 17 Apr 1784.  This galaxy has a similar declination but located 3 min of RA east.

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NGC 3389 = NGC 3373 = UGC 5914 = MCG +02-28-013 = CGCG 066-022 = Holm 212c = KTG 33C = PGC 32306

10 48 27.9 +12 31 59; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 112”

 

24" (4/20/14): moderately or fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x0.7', brighter core.  The surface brightness is irregular with a very mottled appearance.  A knot is embedded on the SW side. A mag 15.8 star is 50" south of center (outside the halo).  Faintest in a striking trio with M105 and NGC 3384.  The two apparent companions are member of the M96 or Leo I Group, but NGC 3389 lies in the background Leo II Group at 70 million l.y.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, diffuse.  Third and faintest of three with bright galaxies NGC 3384 6.4' NNW and M105 9.7' WNW.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3389 = H II-41 = h761, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3384, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164).  He recorded "Three nebula in the field together.  The two preceding ones [NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] r[esolvable] and of a longish form, elongated.  These three together form a beautiful sight."  John Herschel made four observations, calling it "faint", "very faint" and "barely visible" on different sweeps.

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NGC 3390 = ESO 437-062 = MCG -05-26-007 = LGG 215-003 = PGC 32271

10 48 04.4 -31 32 00; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 3.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 177”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on, at least 7:2 N-S, ~2'x0.5', broad weak concentration.  A faint star is at the north tip and a similar star is just beyond the southern extension.  Located 9.4' NNW of mag 5.9 SAO HD 93657.  The DSS image is similar to NGC 891 with a thin equatorial dust lane and bulging core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3390 = h3298 on 29 Apr 1834 and recorded "pF; S; pmE in merdian [N-S].  His description matches the edge-on galaxy ESO 437-062.

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NGC 3391 = UGC 5920 = MCG +02-28-014 = CGCG 066-027 = PGC 32347

10 48 56.4 +14 13 11; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE although appears irregular, broad weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NE tip (about 15" from center) and an extremely faint mag 15.5+ star is attached at the west end.  Lies 2.7' NW of a mag 10 star.  Member of a triplet (USGC U327) with NGC 3419 and NGC 3419A 38' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3391 = m 204 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "triple star in nebulosity." His position matches UGC 5920 = PGC 32347 and the description is accurate as two stars are involved (the third is the nucleus of the galaxy).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the galaxy on 1 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch at Copenhagen and noted it was between two stars. His two positions are very accurate.  The RNGC questions if a star or knot is involved, but the two superimposed objects are single stars.

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NGC 3392 = MCG +11-13-042 = CGCG 313-037 = PGC 32512

10 51 03.0 +65 46 53; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3394 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3392 = H III-88I = h763 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and noted "vF, S".  His offset from II-872 = NGC 3394, the previous object in the sweep is accurate.  John Herschel measured an accurate position for h763 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and called it "eF; S; psbM; near some stars."  But he placed h764 = NGC 3394 24 seconds of RA east, instead of 24 seconds west.  MCG +11-13-042 should be labled as NGC 3392.

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NGC 3393 = ESO 501-100 = AM 1045-245 = MCG -04-26-011 = LGG 223-006 = PGC 32300

10 48 23.5 -25 09 43; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Contains a small, round, bright nucleus.  The galaxy precedes two mag 9 (HD 93674) and 11 stars 2.9' E and 1.6' E (nearly equally spaced with galaxy).  This observation (made through thin clouds) refers to the brighter core region and I probably missed the large, low surface brightness halo.  Outlying member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I), located 3.5 degrees northeast of the core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3393 = h3299 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R;  precedes two bright stars."  His position (3 sweeps) matches ESO 501-100.

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NGC 3394 = UGC 5937 = MCG +11-13-041 = CGCG 313-036 = PGC 32495

10 50 39.9 +65 43 38; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3392 4' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3394 = H II-872 = h764 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004), along with III-881 = NGC 3392.  He recorded "F, cL, iR" and his relative offsets (21 sec in RA and 2' in dec) matches the pair.

 

John Herschel placed h764 = NGC 3394 24 seconds of RA east of h763 = NGC 3392, instead of 24 seconds of RA west.  This caused the NGC RA to be 44 seconds east of the true position of NGC 3394.

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NGC 3395 = Arp 270 NED1 = VV 246b = IC 2613 = Holm 215a = UGC 5931 = MCG +06-24-017 = CGCG 184-018 = LGG 218-002 = PGC 32424

10 49 50.1 +32 58 58; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50”

 

48" (5/4/16): this very bright, two-armed disrupted spiral forms an interacting, contact pair (Arp 270 = VV 246) with NGC 3396.  At 375x, it contains a large bright core that increases to the center.  On the north side of the core a spiral arm curls counterclockwise towards NGC 3396, nearly merging with the halo of the companion.  A brighter, more defined spiral arm is on the south side; it rotates sharply counterclockwise nearly 180”, ending on the east side of the galaxy.  A vague outer arm is at the south edge of the halo; it was visible as a low surface brightness extension to the southwest.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.8', fairly high surface brightness, broadly concentrated halo, core appears rounder, no nucleus, mottled texture.  This galaxy is slightly larger and brighter of a striking interacting pair, almost in contact with NGC 3396 at the NNE end 1.6' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3395 = H I-116 = h765, along with NGC 3396, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487).  He recorded, "Two, the 1st [NGC 3395] cB, the 2nd [NGC 3396] pB.  The 1st cL, the 2nd pL.  Both a little and irr E.  Their extent makes an angle, the vertex of which is towards the north about 1' from each other at the vertex."

 

R.J. Mitchell sketched the pair on 9 Feb 1855 and it was included in the LdR 1861 publication (plate XXVII, figure 15).  His description reads "[NGC 3395] is, I think, a spiral with a left-handed twist; immediately foll it is [NGC 3396], which is B and well defined, E pf.  I suspect F neby extending from 3395 and running up throiugh 3396."  The sketch showes a spiral arm wrapping 270” counterclockwise from the north, east and south side, ending west of the core.

 

Stephane Javelle found the galaxy on 13 May 1896 but made a sign error in the RA offset from his comparison star.  So, Dreyer assumed it was new and NGC 3395 was catalogued again as IC 2613.  IC 2605, discovered by Bigourdan on 11 Apr 1899, apparently refers to the southwest spiral arm.

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NGC 3396 = Arp 270 NED2 = VV 246a = Holm 215b = UGC 5935 = MCG +06-24-018 = CGCG 184-019 = LGG 218-003 = PGC 32434

10 49 55.2 +32 59 27; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 3.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 100”

 

48" (5/4/16): NGC 3396 is the eastern member of a striking interacting double system (Arp 270 = VV 246) with NGC 3395 1.2' SW.  At 375x, it appeared bright, very elongated ~3:1 E-W, ~1.5'x0.5', contains a very bright small core and quasi-stellar nucleus that's offset to the west side of the galaxy.  A much lower surface brightness glow extends east from the main body and appears slightly offset or bent in orientation to the main part of the galaxy.  The galaxy is virtually merged with NGC 3395 on the west end.

 

17.5" (3/12/94):  moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.3', brighter along the major axis, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core.  Forms a prominent double system with NGC 3395 almost attached just south of the west end!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3396 = H I-117 = h766, along with NGC 3395, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487).  See notes on NGC 3395.

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NGC 3397 = NGC 3329 = UGC 5837 = MCG +13-08-033 = CGCG 351-034 = PGC 32059

10 44 39.4 +76 48 35; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 3329.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3397 = H I-284 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "cB, vS, iF." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 5837 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

 

John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on on 2 Sep 1828 and described h733 as "pB; irreg R; psmbM; 15"."  His position (measured 3 times) clearly shows NGC 3397 (H I-284) = NGC 3329 (h733).  The primary designation for this galaxy is NGC 3329, despite the earlier discovery by WH.

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NGC 3398 = IC 644 = UGC 5954 = MCG +09-18-038 = CGCG 267-018 = PGC 32564

10 51 31.5 +55 23 27; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): brighter of a pair of galaxies oriented N-S.  NGC 3398 is a faint, narrow edge-on streak 4:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.25'.  IC 646, 4.6' NNE, is very faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.5'x0.4'.  Located 4.7' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 27802.

 

Some catalogues refer to this galaxy as IC 644.  UGC 5976 (identified as NGC 3398 in CGCG and UGC) lies 13' NNE (see observation).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3398 = H III-792 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) and logged "vF, S, E 20 deg sp nf, easily resolvable".   His re-reduced position with respect to 44 UMa is 10 51 27 +55 25.2 (2000), which is 5 tsec west and 1.5' north of UGC 5954.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 May 1890 and reported it in list Sw. IX-24 (later IC 644).  UGC, CGCG and RC3 label this galaxy IC 644.

 

CGCG and UGC misidentify UGC 5987 as NGC 3398 and the RC3 misidentifies IC 646 = MCG +09-18-039 as  NGC 3398.  The correct identification is given in MCG.  See UGC notes for NGC 3398 and Harold Corwin's identification notes for a complete analysis.

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NGC 3399 = MCG +03-28-012 = CGCG 095-031 = PGC 32395

10 49 27.6 +16 13 06; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5'

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a pair with double system NGC 3405 4.0' ENE.  Located near one corner of an asterism of mag 13-14 stars in a rectangular outline with a mag 13 star 50" WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3399 = m 205 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "F, vS".  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA preceding is CGCG 095-031 = PGC 32395.  Marth made a similar error with NGC 3405, located 4' ENE.

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NGC 3400 = UGC 5949 = MCG +05-26-020 = CGCG 155-025 = PGC 32499

10 50 45.5 +28 28 09; LMi

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.7'.  Fairly even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 6.2' WSW of mag 9.1 SAO 81552.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3400 = H II-361 = h768 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F".  John Herschel made 3 observations, calling it both "faint" (17 Feb 1827) and "pretty bright" (13 Apr 1831).

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NGC 3401

10 50 24 +05 48; Sex

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3401 = H III-88 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "Suspected but did not verify it, as I would lose no time in this place."  Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" that H. III-88 was "only seen in Sweep 191; place in NGC is that of Auwers from 56 Leonis.  In the sweep it is 1m 9 sec p, 3' n of II 131 = NGC 3423.Ó  See Harold CorwinÕs identification notes..

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NGC 3402 = NGC 3411? = MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479

10 50 26.1 -12 50 43; Hya

 

See observing notes for NGC 3411, HC.  Misidentified in the RNGC.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found NGC 3402 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  There is nothing at his position, but 10 sec of RA east and 10' south is NGC 3411.  This galaxy was discovered by WH on 25 Mar 1786.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 32444 (a much fainter galaxy) as NGC 3402.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3403 = UGC 5997 = MCG +12-10-089 = CGCG 333-062 = CGCG 334-004 = PGC 32719

10 53 55.1 +73 41 24; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 3.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated.  A mag 12.5 star is 3.1' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3403 = H II-335 = h767 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pF, cL, iE."  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), John Herschel reported, "pF; L; E; vgbM; 60" l, 40" br."

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NGC 3404 = IC 2609 = MCG -02-28-011 = PGC 32466

10 50 18.0 -12 06 31; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 84”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.3', bright core.  NGC 3421 lies 23' SW and NGC 3422.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3404 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector.  There is nothing at his position but 15' south is MCG -02-28-011 and his description of "pB, very long, pos 270 deg [E-W]" is a good match with this galaxy.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered this galaxy on 19 Apr 1898 while searching at Common's position, placed it correctly, and assumed it as new (Big. 403 = IC 2609).  MCG labels the galaxy IC 2609.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 3405 = UGC 5933 = MCG +03-28-014 = CGCG 095-033 = PGC 32414

10 49 43.3 +16 14 19; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x1.0'

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small.  At first glance appeared elongated 3:2 SW-NE but on closer inspection resolves into a very close pair of small faint galaxies with a 20" separation between centers.  The brighter component (NGC 3405) is at the southwest end and is very small and round.  The fainter member (MCG +03-28-015) is just barely separated at the northeast side.  NGC 3399 lies 4.0' WSW.  Forms an perfect equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.7' SW and 1.7' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3405 = m 206 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "F, eS, alm stell, close to S*."   Marth's position is 1.0 tmin east of UGC 5933.  The same offet error was made with NGCC 3399.  This is a double system; 0.7' x 0.7' + 0.2' x 0.2', with a separation of 0.35' SW-NE.

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NGC 3406 = UGC 5970 = MCG +09-18-040 = CGCG 297-020 = Holm 271a = PGC 32580

10 51 44.2 +51 01 26; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  Visually this appeared as a double system with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus that was offset at the southwest end and a faint extension to the northeast of this core [verified later on the POSS].

 

Located in a field with several mag 11 stars and situated between mag 9 SAO 277806 8' NE and mag 8.9 SAO 27796 4.8' SW.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3410 1.8' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3406 = h771 on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) and recorded "pB; 2nd class; R; pgbM; among many stars.  His position matches UGC 5970.

 

C.E. Burton, LdR's observer on 17 Mar 1868, recorded "Suspected to be triple, principal Nucl being double in direction sp nf, B point in p edge of sp part.  Neby susp from this p with a 3rd knot in it."  On 1 Apr 1878 Dreyer observed the field again, discovered nearby NGC 3410, and noted "preceding one [NGC 3406] pB, pL irr R gmbM.  2 points of condensation, brighter one sp centre..."  The fainter northeast nucleus is the merged companion LEDA 93106, though for some reason Dreyer didn't even note the galaxy as double in the NGC description.

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NGC 3407 = UGC 5978 = MCG +10-16-017 = CGCG 291-007 = PGC 32626

10 52 17.9 +61 22 46; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core.  A mag 14 star just 1.1' NNE is collinear with the major axis of the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3407 = H III-919 = h769 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "vF, vS, near a vS star.  On 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), John Herschel noted "eF; S; R; 6"[diameter]."

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NGC 3408 = UGC 5977 = MCG +10-16-016 = CGCG 291-006 = PGC 32616

10 52 11.7 +58 26 18; UMa

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration, diffuse, no sharp edges or nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1.6' NE.  Located 4.2' NNE of mag 8.8 SAO 27804.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3408 = H III-913 = h770 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, vS."  His RA, which I rereduced, is 15 seconds too small.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel recorded "vF; S; R: is north of 2 pB stars forming an isosceles triangle."

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NGC 3409 = MCG -03-28-012 = PGC 32470

10 50 20.3 -17 02 37; Hya

V = 15.0;  Size 1.1'x0.25';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 9”

 

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.15'.  A faint star is just west of the south end of the galaxy.  Located 12' NNE of NGC 3420 and 13' WSW of NGC 3431 which are both brighter galaxies.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3409 = LM 2-426 (along with NGC 3420 and NGC 3431) in 1886 and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.3' dia, E 200”, 2 vF st inv in eF neb ". His position and PA of 20” matches MCG -03-28-012 = PGC 32470.

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NGC 3410 = MCG +09-18-042 = CGCG 267-021 = Holm 217b = PGC 32594

10 51 53.5 +51 00 23; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness, no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 2' SSE.  Located 1.8' SE of double system NGC 3406.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3410 on 1 Apr 1878 while observing GC 2222 = NGC 3406.  He reported "2 neb, pos 121.6”, dist 115.2".   The actual separation is ~110" and the identification with MCG +09-18-042 is certain.

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NGC 3411 = NGC 3402? = MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479

10 50 26.1 -12 50 43; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (3/29/03): at 257x, moderately bright, moderately large, round, small brighter core, 1.0' diameter.  A line of 3 mag 14 stars is close west.  Forms a pair with IC 647 2.1' ESE.  At 300x this tiny companion appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, required averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3411 = H III-522 = h776 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 545) and recorded "cF, S, lbM, iR."  His position matches MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479.  Andrew Common's NGC 3402 is probably a duplicate observation of this galaxy.

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NGC 3412 = UGC 5952 = MCG +02-28-016 = CGCG 066-038 = LGG 217-007 = PGC 32508

10 50 53.3 +13 24 43; Leo

V = 10.5;  Size 3.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x1.5', smooth halo, sharply concentrated with a striking bright core.  The core is evenly concentrated to an almost stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is at the NE edge of the halo 1.4' N of center.  Member of the Leo Group (also called the M96 Group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3412 = H I-27 = h774 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, S, lE.  It seems to have a nucleus or very bright place in the middle."  John Herschel made two observations, noting on 20 Mar 1830 (sweep 241), "B; R; vsmbM almost to a *; 30" dia."

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NGC 3413 = UGC 5960 = MCG +06-24-024 = CGCG 184-027 = Holm 218c = PGC 32543

10 51 20.8 +32 45 58; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration, no nucleus.  First of three in the field with NGC 3424 9.6' NE and NGC 3430 15' NE.  The NGC 3395/NGC 3396 pair lies 20' NW.  Based on redshift, this galaxy lies in the foreground of the grup.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3413 = H II-493 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "F, S."  His RA was 20 seconds too large.  The NGC position, mesured by d'Arrest, is accurate.  Still, Francis Pease listed it as a new nebula in his 1920 paper based on Mt Wilson 60" plates.

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NGC 3414 = Arp 162 = UGC 5959 = MCG +05-26-021 = CGCG 155-029 = PGC 32533

10 51 16.3 +27 58 30; LMi

V = 11.0;  Size 3.5'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright nucleus, fairly small.  Forms a pair with NGC 3418 8.5' NNE.  Located 18' E of 44 Leonis (V = 5.6).

 

8" (3/24/84): faint, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3414 = H II-362 = h773 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and note "pB, pL."  John Herschel made four observations (h773) while 8 observations were made at Birr Castle.

 

Bindon Stoney, using LdR's 72" on 6 Mar 1851, noted "Another neb eF, S. 2' np."  Again on 23 Feb 1857 as well as 22 Mar 1857, R.J. Mitchell mentioned "about 1' np is vvF neb? lE." and "about 1.5' np [NGC 3414] there is a vvF patch of neby."  These observations clearly refer to 2MASX J10511304+2800221 = PGC 93597, although it was not assigned a GC or NGC designation!

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NGC 3415 = UGC 5969 = MCG +07-22-072 = CGCG 212-062 = CGCG 213-001 = PGC 32579

10 51 42.7 +43 42 44; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright but fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, small bright core, fairly high surface brightness overall.  Three mag 12 stars to the south form an equilateral triangle with the nearest star 56" S.  Forms a pair with NGC 3416 3' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3415 = H II-718 = h772 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and logged "F, S, stellar; the np corner of a small trapezium."  His position and description matches UGC 5969.  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "B; S; R; the 2nd and northern of a trapez of stars 11 and 12m."

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NGC 3416 = MCG +07-22-073 = CGCG 212-063 = CGCG 213-002 = PGC 32588

10 51 48.3 +43 45 51; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3415 3' SSW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3416 on 30 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72", while observing NGC 3415.  He noted "[NGC 3415 is] elongated N-S, another neb [NGC 3416] north of it, about 3' dist." At this position is CGCG 212-063 = PGC 32588.  Interestingly, Dreyer's observation on 13 Apr 1876 observation states "[N3416] is about 6' nnf, eF, eS, but is only a star."  There is a faint star at this separation, so he may have missed NGC 3416.

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NGC 3417 = CGCG 066-039 = PGC 32520

10 51 01.7 +08 28 25; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 85”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.4'x0.25', slightly brighter core.  Located 8' SW of NGC 3425.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3417 = m 207 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stell."  His position matches CGCG 066-039 = PGC 32520.  Tempel found NGC 3427 to the southeast as well reobserving NGC 3425, but missed this galaxy.

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NGC 3418 = UGC 5963 = MCG +05-26-023 = CGCG 155-030 = PGC 32549

10 51 24.0 +28 06 43; LMi

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 75”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): faint, slightly elongated, diffuse, even surface brightness, held steadily with averted.  Located 8.5' NNE of NGC 3414.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3418 = H II-363 = h775 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  John Herschel made four observations, while the LdR assistants recorded this galaxy on 5 nights.

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NGC 3419 = UGC 5964 = MCG +02-28-018 = CGCG 066-041 = Ark 259 = LGG 216-003 = PGC 32535

10 51 17.7 +13 56 46; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 115”

 

28" (4/12/18): at 285x; moderately bright, fairly small, ~40 diameter, very sharp bright stellar nucleus.  A fainter star is superimposed on the east side of the halo [9" NE of the stellar nucleus].  Brightest in a trio (USGC U327 at z = .01) with NGC 3419A and NGC 3391.

 

NGC 3419A = UGC 5965, located 4.6' N, appeared  faint, extremely thin edge-on, at least 6:1 NW-SE, ~60"x10".  Contains a slightly brighter core (very elongated) with low surface brightness extensions using averted vision.  A mag 11.7 star is 1.6' SW.

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, brighter core.  Forms the southwest vertex of a triangle with two mag 14 stars 1.5' N and 1.3' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3419 = m 208 = T. I-27 on 1 Apr 1864 and recorded "F, vS, R, alm stell, close to a small star." Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered the galaxy on 15 Mar 1876 and noted in his first discovery list, "F, S, class III, forms an obtuse triangle with the stars."  A micrometric position was published in list V-7.  The NGC position matches UGC 5964.

 

The original discovery, though, was made by William Herschel on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and noted as "vF, vS, most likely a small patch."  His position (CH's reduction) is 2.7' southwest of the galaxy.  As the observation was uncertain, it was never published and he was not credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3420 = MCG -03-28-011 = PGC 32453

10 50 09.7 -17 14 33; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 30”

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, small, round, very low surface brightness halo is difficult.  Contains a 15"-20" core that is weakly concentrated surrounded by a hint of an larger halo.  NGC 3431 is 21' NE and NGC 3409 lies 12' NNE.  This group is located about 0.9 degrees SSE of 3.1-magnitude Nu Hydrae.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3420 = LM 2-427 (along with NGC 3409 and NGC 3431) in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4, 0.2' dia, R, *8.5 6' S.".  His position is 30 sec of RA west of MCG -03-28-011 = PGC 32453 and the description matches (a mag 9.8 star is 5' south).  Herbert Howe's micrometric position measured in 1899-00 is accurate.

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NGC 3421 = IC 652 = MCG -02-28-013 = PGC 32514

10 50 57.6 -12 26 55; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 175”

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Possibly viewed the core only.  Forms a pair with NGC 3422 5.5' NE.  NGC 3422 lies 23' NW and NGC 3411/IC 647 is 25' SSW.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3421 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector and noted "Two, F, R".  His (rough) position is 13' north of MCG -02-28-013 and this galaxy has a companion (NGC 3422 = MCG -02-28-015) at 5.5' NE.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section). 

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 19 Apr 1892 and recorded it in list 1-187 (IC 652), but Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence as Javelle's position was also poor (he misidentified his offset star), but NGC 3421 = IC 652.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3422 = MCG -02-28-015 = PGC 32534

10 51 17.3 -12 24 09; Hya

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 54”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only).  A mag 10.3 star is 42" SSW of center, just off the SW end.  Forms a pair with NGC 3421 5.5' SW.  NGC 3404 lies 23' NW and NGC 3411 29' SSW.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3422 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector, along with NGC 3421.  The pair were simply noted as "Two, F, R".  There is nothing at his position, but 13' south is the pair MCG -02-28-013 (NGC 3421) and MCG -02-28-015 (NGC 3422).  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver around the turn of the century, could not recover NGC 3422, although he viewed brighter NGC 3421.

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NGC 3423 = UGC 5962 = MCG +01-28-012 = CGCG 038-029 = PGC 32529

10 51 14.3 +05 50 24; Sex

V = 11.1;  Size 3.8'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 10”

 

48" (4/16/15): very bright, large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~3'x2.5', large bright core. A mag 15.8 star is superimposed on the SSW side, 1.2' from center.  Spiral structure is evident at 488x, particularly along a curving outer arm running from clockwise from east to north.  This arm contains three HII knots.

 

An obvious faint knot, 8"-10" diameter, is at the north end 1.1' from center.  The brightest knot is at the northeast end of the halo 1.1' from center, and it appeared fairly faint/faint, round, 12" diameter.  The faintest knot (SDSS J105118.10+055024.7) is directly east of center by 1.0' and noted as very faint, round, 6" diameter.  In addition to these three, a 4th knot is due south of center by 0.6'.  This HII region was very faint, round, 8" diameter.

 

Two additional objects were seen just off the south side of NGC 3423, but these are separate galaxies.  2MASX J10511769+0548323, situated 2.0' SE of the center, is fairly faint to moderately bright (V = 15.7), small, round, moderate surface brightness, 15" diameter. 2MASX J10511769+0548323, 2.0' S of center, is very faint (V = 17.1), very small, ~9"x6" SW-NE.  This latter galaxy has a redshift of z = .069 and lies far in the background at a light-travel time of ~920 million years.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 3'x2', fairly low surface brightness, elongated bright core appears offset to the west.  Has a faint halo which seems more extensive to the east of the core.  Two mag 12/13 stars are off the NE edge with the mag 12 star 2.4' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3423 = H IV-6 = H II-131 = h777 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 157) and recorded IV-6 as "F, L, cometic with a bright point in the center.  The nebulous part is eF."  His RA was 30 seconds too large. He found the nebula again on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged H. II-131 as "pB, vL, almost R, lbM, r."  The RA on this sweep was 1 min too large and 5' too far south.  Another observation was made on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521): "pB, vL, R, vgbM, about 5' dia."

 

John Herschel made 3 observations under h777 and equated his father's two entries, though he mistakenly also equated H. III-88 (NGC 3401). While compiling the NGC, Dreyer sorted out the identities IV-6 = II-131 = h777 = NGC 3423.

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 7 Mar 1851 at Birr Castle, noted "2 knots [HII regions] on n side."  On the 29 Mar 1856 observation, R.J. Mitchell noted a "star in the south edge, another fainter in f edge, 2 knots in n edge.  I think it is resolvable."

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NGC 3424 = UGC 5972 = MCG +06-24-025 = CGCG 184-028 = Holm 218a = LGG 218-004 = PGC 32584

10 51 46.7 +32 53 59; LMi

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 2.1'x0.7'.  A mag 13.5 is superimposed at the east edge and a brighter mag 11.5 star is 1.4' SE of center.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3430 6.0' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3424 = H II-494 = h778 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "pB, pL, iR."  Caroline's reduced position is 8 seconds of RA west of UGC 5972. On 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), John Herschel noted "B; E in a wisp; the sp of 2 [with NGC 3420].

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NGC 3425 = NGC 3388? = UGC 5967 = MCG +02-28-021 = CGCG 066-044 = PGC 32555

10 51 25.5 +08 34 01; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, stellar nucleus.  Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 10 star 2.3' SE and a mag 11 star 2.7' SSW.  NGC 3417 lies 8' SW.

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration.  View hampered by a mag 10 star 2.2' SE.  This star is collinear with two mag 11/13 stars to the WSW.  A faint companion off the south side was not noticed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3425 = H III-108 = T I-28 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 197) and noted "eF, eS, r."  There is nothing at his position, but 30 sec of RA west and 3' north is UGC 5967 = PGC 32555.

 

Wilhelm Tempel couldn't find H III-108 at H's position in 1877, but instead found two nebulae and assumed one was Herschel's III-108.  Dreyer chose the slightly brighter northern nebula as III-108 and catalogued T I-29 as NGC 3427.  Andrew Common's NGC 3388 (found in 1880) may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3425 (equivalence suggested by Harold Corwin).

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NGC 3426 = UGC 5975 = MCG +03-28-020 = CGCG 095-046 = PGC 32577

10 51 41.8 +18 28 50; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, sharply defined 30" halo, well concentrated to a small bright core.  A wide pair of mag 11.5-12 stars (1.0' separation) are 2.2' and 2.8' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3426 = Sw. VI-37 on 23 Mar 1887 and recorded "pF; S; R: coarse double star near north."  His position is 7 sec of RA preceding UGC 5975 and his description of a "coarse double star near N" clinches the identification.

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NGC 3427 = UGC 5966 = MCG +02-28-020 = CGCG 066-043 = Todd 4 = PGC 32559

10 51 26.3 +08 17 55; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 77”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small brighter core.  Situated just south of the line connecting a mag 11.9 star 1.7' ENE and a mag 12.5 star 2.3' W.  NGC 3417 lies 12' NW.

 

17.5" (4/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 40"x20", slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  With averted vision the halo increases to nearly 1.0'x0.5'.  Nestled in a 10' stream of stars oriented NW-SE between a mag 12 star 1.7' NE and a mag 12.5 star 2.3' W.  NGC 3425 lies 16' due north.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3427 = T I-29 in 1877, while searching for H III-108 = NGC 3425.  He ran across two nebulae, one of which was NGC 3425 and the other was new. His position is 2' too far south.

 

David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Nov 1877 and listed it as object #4 in AN 2698 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  The surrounding field stars match this galaxy.  Tempel didn't give a specific date in list I, so either Tempel or Todd could be the discoverer.

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NGC 3428 = NGC 3429? = UGC 5968 = MCG +02-28-022 = CGCG 066-045 = PGC 32552

10 51 29.5 +09 16 46; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.  Located 5' NE of mag 7.9 SAO 118535.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3428 = m 209 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, S, lE, glbM."  His position matches UGC 5968.  The MCG declination has a typo, being 20' too far north.

 

Ainslie Common probably found this galaxy again in 1880 with his 36" reflector. See NGC 3429.

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NGC 3429 = NGC 3428? = UGC 5968 = MCG +02-28-022 = CGCG 066-045 = PGC 32552

10 51 29.5 +09 16 46; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3428.  Identification uncertain.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3429 in 1880 using his 36-inch silvered glass reflector.  His position is just 3 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 3428, which was discoverd by Marth on 25 Mar 1865.  So, likely NGC 3429 is a duplicate observation of this galaxy.

 

RNGC misidentifies PGC 32510 as NGC 3429.  This is a much fainter galaxy 8' WSW as NGC 3429.  Alister Ling and Harold Corwin feel the RNGC identification is unlikely and Common more likely recorded NGC 3428, the brighter of the pair.

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NGC 3430 = UGC 5982 = MCG +06-24-026 = CGCG 184-029 = Holm 218b = LGG 218-005 = PGC 32614

10 52 11.7 +32 56 59; LMi

V = 11.6;  Size 4.0'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x1.5', only a weak broad concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is off the south side 1.4' SE from the center.  Three bright stars are in the field; mag 8.6 SAO 62287 6.0' NNW, mag 7.5 SAO 62291 6.6' ENE and mag 9.1 SAO 62293 7.8' ENE.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3424 6.0' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3430 = H I-118 = h779 = 782 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, cL, iR, mbB."  There was apparently an error of 1 degree with his offset from 46 UMa as NGC 3424 was the previous object in the sweep, so both would have been picked up together.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3430 = h779 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), logged it as a Nova with description "B; L; E; gbM; the nf of 2 [with NGC 3424]."  Still looking for his father's H. I-118, he recorded it again as h782 on 3 Apr 1831 as a "Nova or I. 118" and described "B; L; the nf of 3 on a line [with NGC 3413 and NGC 3424].  The neb may possibly be I. II8 as none exists in the place indicated by my Father."  JH added designations for both of his observations in the GC, as well as one for his Father's I-118.  He has a long note in the GC that there was probaby a one degree error in his father's sweep.  By the time of the NGC, Dreyer sorted things out and equated NGC 3430 = H. I-118 with GC 2236 and 2239, though 2233 is also an alias.

 

In Feb and Apr of 1855, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's observer), reported seeing a possible "dark bay" south or southwest of the nucleus.  Photographs shows this is a darker gap between the core region and the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 3431 = MCG -03-28-014 = PGC 32531

10 51 15.0 -17 00 29; Crt

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 130”

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.25', weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 1' NE and a similar star 2.8' SSW.  NGC 3409 lies 13' WSW while NGC 3420 is 21' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3431 = LM 2-428 on 5 Jan 1887 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  His position and description (mag 15.0, 0.6'x0.2', E 130”, gbsbMN) matches MCG -03-28-014 = PGC 32531.

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NGC 3432 = Arp 206 = VV 11 = UGC 5986 = MCG +06-24-028 = CGCG 184-030 = PGC 32643

10 52 31.0 +36 37 09; LMi

V = 11.3;  Size 6.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly bright, large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 3'x0.5.  Irregular surface brightness and fainter on the southwest end.  Appears to have a sharper light cut-off on the north side (due to dust?).  A mag 12.5 star is 48" E of center and two mag 12/13 star are very close to the southwest tip 1.4' from center.  The galaxy appeared asymmetric and brightest just north of the mag 12.5 star near the core [this corresponds to an HII complex].  A very weak enhancement [this is the core] is close west-southwest of this star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3432 = H I-172 = h780 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 719) and recorded "cB, about 2' long and 1/2' broad from sp to nf.  In the preceding part a few stars pretty close together, and in the following part one, but unconnected." His position matches UGC 5986.

 

On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel recorded, "pB; vmE; 90" l, 12" br; pos = 44.2”  It southern extremity touches the large star of a double star [at the south end].  Can this nebula have moved?"  On 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401), he logged "vF; a long ray pos = 40.8”; has a double star class 4 in middle, and one more."  But the star at the east edge of the middle is only single.  Rudolph Spitaler measured the position of a knot or HII region at the northeast end in an observation at Vienna in 1891.

 

Friedrich Bidschof measured two micrometric positions at the Vienna Observatory in Feb 1892 - one for the center or core and a second at a knot (HII complex) I mentioned in my notes.

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NGC 3433 = UGC 5981 = MCG +02-28-023 = CGCG 066-048 = PGC 32605

10 52 03.9 +10 08 54; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 50”

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, large, irregularly round, 2.5'x2.0', fairly low surface brightness, weak even concentration to small, slightly bright core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Appears to be a face-on spiral, though too faint to resolve the arms.  A mag 9.6 star is 8.5' E and 6' further NE of this star is NGC 3444.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated.  NGC 3438 lies 25' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3433 = H III-20 = h783 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and noted as "vF, r[esolvable]".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 minute of RA east and 2' N is UGC 5981 = PGC 32605.  On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Hershel recorded "eF; vL; R; vglbM; 2' diam."

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NGC 3434 = UGC 5980 = MCG +01-28-015 = CGCG 038-036 = PGC 32595

10 51 58.1 +03 47 31; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/25/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~1.3'x1.0'.  Located 4.6' NW of mag 9 SAO 118551. Contains a large, brighter, elongated core with a much fainter outer halo which grows with averted vision.  A mag 14 star lies 1.3' NNE of center.

 

Brightest in close trio with CGCG 38-37 2.7' N and CGCG 38-35 2.4' WSW.  CGCG 38-37 appeared extremely faint and small, round, required averted to glimpse.  Located 2.7' N of NGC 3434 and 1.5' N of a mag 14 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3434 = H III-497 = h784 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 513) and recorded "cF, S, R, vlbM."  On 9 Apr 1828 (sweep 142), John Herschel logged "pB; R; vglbM; 30"."

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NGC 3435 = UGC 6025 = MCG +10-16-022 = CGCG 291-012 = PGC 32786

10 54 48.4 +61 17 23; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3435 = H II-887 = h781 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "F, pL, bM, iF."  His position is 3.8' southwest of UGC 6025 (similar offset as NGC 3407, the previous object in the sweep).  John Herschel's RA was 1 minute too small and this error was copied into GC and NGC.

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NGC 3436 = MCG +01-28-016 = CGCG 038-039 = Mrk 1266 = Todd 6 = PGC 32633

10 52 27.5 +08 05 38; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5'

 

17.5" (4/15/99): very faint, very small, irregular.  Sometimes I had the impression that a very faint star was superimposed.  Located 7' S of mag 8.5 SAO 118552.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3436 = Todd 6 on 30 Nov 1877 (AN 2698) using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO during his search of a trans-Neptunian planet.  There is nothing at his very rough position, but based on Todd's sketch, Corwin was able to identify NGC 3436 as CGCG 038-039.  This galaxy is located 2.2 min of RA following Todd's position and 9' north.  The offsets with the stars he sketched to the east and west are a perfect match with this galaxy.

 

RNGC places NGC 3426 at 10 42.4 +07 56 (2000) or 8.9 min west of Todd's position. There is nothing at this location in CGCG, MCG or RC3 and I couldn't identify any object at this position on the DSS!   I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #6.

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NGC 3437 = UGC 5995 = MCG +04-26-016 = CGCG 125-013 = PGC 32648

10 52 35.7 +22 56 04; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.8'.  Two mag 14 stars are near the NW end collinear with the major axis and a mag 13.5 star is off the SW side 3.0' from center.  Slightly brighter at the SE end and also just west of the weak core.  Appears slightly bowed out on the north side and flatter on the south side.  There is a sharp light cutoff along the north side with a strong impression of a dust lane. 

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, small, very elongated NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3437 = H II-47 = h786 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "pL, E, r."  I think I can distinguish 3 or 4 stars in it, towards the middle, and in a row."  Caroline's reduced position was 11 seconds of RA east and 1' north of UGC 5995.  John Herschel made three observations and measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 3438 = UGC 5988 = MCG +02-28-025 = CGCG 066-052 = PGC 32638

10 52 26.0 +10 32 50; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' SE.  NGC 3433 lies 25' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3438 = m 210 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, eS, alm stell."  His position corresponds with UGC 5988.

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NGC 3439 = CGCG 066-050 = PGC 32634

10 52 25.7 +08 33 27; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (4/15/99): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter.  This galaxy was surprisingly faint and required averted and could not hold steadily.  A mag 12 star lies 2.8' S.  Located 15' E of NGC 3425.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3439 = m 211 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eeF, vS, alm stell."  His position corresponds with CGCG 066-050 = PGC 32634.

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NGC 3440 = UGC 6009 = MCG +10-16-019 = CGCG 291-009 = PGC 32714

10 53 49.6 +57 07 08; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3445 10.0' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3440 = H III-914 = h785 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, S, lE."

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NGC 3441 = UGC 5993 = MCG +01-28-017 = CGCG 038-040 = PGC 32642

10 52 31.1 +07 13 30; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 5”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', very weak concentration.  A mag 14 star lies 1.2' NE.  Located 4.9' W of mag 8.7 SAO 118560.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3441 on 6 Apr 1882 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Madison, Wisconsin.  He simply noted "pB", but his position is fairly accurate (1' south of UGC 5993).

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NGC 3442 = UGC 6001 = CGCG 184-034 = Mrk 418 = LGG 218-006 = PGC 32679

10 53 08.1 +33 54 36; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  Even concentration but no well-defined core or nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.9' SE.  Forms a pair with MCG +06-24-034 8.5' NE. A mag 10 star is 7' ESE.  Located south and west of several bright stars including 18' S of 46 Leonis Minoris (V = 3.8).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3442 = St XIII-59 on 25 Mar 1884 and noted "F, vS, R, mbM, r?"  His position matches UGC 6001.

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NGC 3443 = UGC 6000 = MCG +03-28-025 = CGCG 095-056 = PGC 32671

10 53 00.4 +17 34 30; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 145”

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness halo with a small brighter core. A mag 13-13.5 star is 1.6' E.  NGC 3454/3455 pair is ~26' SE and NGC 3457 is a similar distance E.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, small very bright core, substellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3443 = Sw. VI-38 on 24 Apr 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "eeF; vS; R."  His RA is just 8 sec west of UGC 6000 = PGC 32671, but his declination is 8.3' too far south.  Furthermore, his description doesn't add any information about the field.  But there are no other nearby candidates, so this identification is the most likely.

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NGC 3444 = UGC 6004 = CGCG 066-055 = FGC 1148 = PGC 32670

10 53 00.1 +10 12 32; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 1.1'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 19”

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared faint, small, edge-on 3:1 SSW-NNE, 21"x7", low even surface brightness, not difficult.  Located 6' NE of a mag 9.6 star and 14' ENE of NGC 3433.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3444 = m 212 on 25 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and commented "eF, vS, pmE".  His position is 1' south of UGC 6004 and the description "pmE" applies to this edge-on.

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NGC 3445 = Arp 24 = VV 14a = UGC 6021 = MCG +10-16-023 = CGCG 291-011 = PGC 32772

10 54 35.9 +56 59 24; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (5/16/12): bright, moderately large, very irregular shape, roughly 1.2' diameter.  The brightest portion of the galaxy is on the north and east side and is very mottled with slightly brighter knots (a couple are on the east end).  Attached on the west side and spreading further south is a spiral arm, appearing more like a diffuse extension.  This "arm" fades out on the southeast side of the galaxy and just beyond is MCG +10-16-24, 1.2' SE of center.

 

MCG +10-16-24, an interacting companion, appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 5:2 E-W, 20"x8".  2MASX J10544552+5659588 lies 1.5' ENE, between the main galaxy and a mag 10.3 star just 2.2' NE of NGC 3445.  It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  The bright star detracted somewhat from viewing the fainter companions.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration, bright core.  Located 2.2' SW of a mag 10 star.  Brightest in a group with NGC 3458 13.9' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3445 = H I-267 = h787 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded "cB, pL, iR, about 1 1/4' dia.  The greatest part of it almost equally bright." On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel wrote, "pB; L; R; vglbM; has a star 10m 2' nf."  His position is accurate.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 30 Mar 1856, recorded "[NGC 3445] is very curious, it is round with bright nucleus excentric and a dark curved passage sp this nucleus as in sketch.  [See Plate III, fig 6].  The neby outside this dark curve runs up perhaps to a streak sf which is vF, but of the existence of which I have doubt."  The "streak south-following", which was displayed on the sketch, is certainly MCG +10-16-024 = PGC 32784.  It was mentioned again in the 3 Apr 1858 observation as "a vF, S patch of neby sf."

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NGC 3446 = ESO 264-045

10 52 07 -45 08 24; Vel

Size 7'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): ~30 stars visible in a 6' group with a mag 8.7 star at the northeast corner. The richest part is a 3'x1' group elongated NW-SE on the northeast side of the cluster.  This subgroup includes a mag 10.6 star.  An unequal mag 10.2/13 pair at 19" is on the south side with another mag 10.5 star ~45" SW.  The brightest star in the field is mag 8.4 at ~10' NW.

 

The galaxy ESO 264-047 is situated just off the east side of the cluster, 2' E of the mag 10.6 star mentioned above.  It appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.

 

24" (2/22/14): viewed on the meridian at an elevation of 8”, but not an optimal view.  At 200x, mag 8.7 SAO 222386 is at the NW edge.  A group of ~20 stars is south and east including four mag 10-11 stars in a 7' region.  The ESO galaxy just off the east edge was not seen.  Mag 8.4 HD 94198 is roughly 10' NW.  A number of stars are also scattered around this star including a couple of brighter ones, but this seems like an unrelated, random gathering.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3446 = h3301 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "The chief * (9m) of a cluster class VIII, 7' dia, not rich or comp.  Stars 10...13."

 

Brian Skiff gives a position of 10 52 07 -45 08.3 centered on CoD-44 6866 (mv 9.0) and suggests a diameter of 15' if a few bright stars to the west are included, though Herschel's "chief *" is part of a 7' group.  The galaxy ESO 264-G47 is at the east side, though was missed by Herschel.  RNGC classifies this object as non-existent.

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NGC 3447 = VV 252a = UGC 6006 = MCG +03-28-027 = CGCG 095-058 = LGG 225-001 = PGC 32694

10 53 23.9 +16 46 25; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 3.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 0”

 

18" (3/29/03): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse glow.  Located 3' NE of mag 9.9 SAO 99342 and nearly collinear with mag 9.1 SAO 99340 8.3' SW.  This disturbed gas-rich system form a close pair with NGC 3447B = MCG +03-28-028 1.7' NE.  The companion was highly suspected at 300x but could not be confirmed with certainty.  An extremely distant galaxy PGC 32713 (z = .086) lies 7.8' NE.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse.  Three bright stars form an isosceles triangle to the SW; the closest is mag 9.2 SAO 9934 3.1' SW (very wide unequal double with a mag 13 star).  Forms a double system with NGC 3447B = MCG +03-28-028 1.7' NE (not observed).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3447 = h3300 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "eF; vL; vgvlbM; 3' or 4' diam.  Has a bright coarse double star (9m) sp."  This galaxy is the most northerly discovery JH made from the Cape of Good Hope (four galaxies in Leo were discovered on that date)  His position and description matches UGC 6006.

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NGC 3448 = Arp 205 = UGC 6024 = MCG +09-18-055 = CGCG 267-027 = PGC 32774

10 54 39.0 +54 18 19; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 5.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 65”

 

48" (5/16/12): this interacting starburst galaxy appeared very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, high surface brightness, irregular shape, mottled appearance.  At the northeast end of the galaxy is a large, bright knot, ~25"x12", which is possibly the disrupted core of the galaxy.  Occasionally an extremely faint tidal tail could be glimpsed, extending perhaps 1.5' ENE.  The beginning of the tail near the bright knot was easily seen.  At the very tip was a marginally visible galaxy, perhaps glimpsed a couple of times.  The dim tail extends the length from 2.4' to 3.6'.

 

NGC 3448 is interacting with UGC 6016, a low surface brightness dwarf galaxy, 4.1' WSW.  The companion appeared as a faint to fairly faint, low surface brightness patch, elongated SW-NE (in the direction of NGC 3448) , ~1.2'x0.5', no concentration. 

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, halo increases to a small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star follows 3.1' from center.  An extremely faint knot is visible east of the core along the major axis about 35" from the center.  Located 19' SE of 44 Ursa Majoris (V = 5.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3448 = H I-233 = h788 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) and logged "vF, L, E 20” sp to nf, r."  On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324), John Herschel wrote,"B; mE; gbM; no nucl; 1 3/4' l, 20" br; pos = 67”."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 8 Mar 1856 at Birr Castle, recorded "mE, certainly dark spaces on each side of the nucleus, but not well seen; the foll one rather more distinct.  A sketch or diagram matches the photographic appearance with brighter knots at each ends of the extensions.

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NGC 3449 = ESO 376-025 = MCG -05-26-010 = KTS 41B = LGG 222-003 = PGC 32666

10 52 53.7 -32 55 39; Ant

V = 12.2;  Size 3.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 148”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Moderate, even concentration to a stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Situated 6' NW of mag 8.5 HD 94389.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3449 = h3302 on 29 Apr 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; 15".  Has a * 6.7m sf."  His position and description matches ESO 376-025.

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NGC 3450 = ESO 569-006 = MCG -03-28-004 = UGCA 218 = LGG 220-001 = PGC 32270

10 48 03.4 -20 50 57; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 128”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, moderately large, nearly round, 1.8'x1.5'.  Situated between two mag 12/13 stars 3.4' N and 3.4' S.  DSS reveals a face-on symmetric barred spiral.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3450 = h3303 on 22 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; L; R; vglbM; r; 90"."  There is nothing near his position, though ESO 569-023 is exactly 3.0 min of RA east.  RC3, ESO-LV and ESGC identify ESO 569-006 = PGC 32270 as NGC 3450.  ESO 569-006 is 5.2 minutes of RA west of JH's position, but is a much brighter galaxy and a better fit with the description."  This identication was first suggested in the 1921 Helwan list, based on photographs taken with the 30" reflector in 1914-16.  MCG doesn't identify this galaxy as NGC 3450.  The other objects observed in the sweep (NGC 3514, 3528 and 3529) show no large errors in RA.

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NGC 3451 = UGC 6023 = MCG +05-26-028 = CGCG 155-035 = PGC 32754

10 54 21.0 +27 14 22; LMi

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weakly concentrated but no core.  A mag 11.5 star is 4.2' NW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3451 = H II-364 = h789 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, pL, lE, brightest towards the sf part."  John Herschel made 4 observations logging this galaxy as both "eF" and "pB".

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NGC 3452 = MCG -02-28-019 = PGC 32742

10 54 13.9 -11 24 18; Crt

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 65”

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, very small streak, 20"x6", elongated ENE-WSW in the direction of a mag 12.5 star 1' ENE of center.

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3452 in 1880 with his silvered-glass 36" reflector and logged "eF, R, n of small star".  His position is 30 sec of RA west and 3' north of MCG -02-28-019 = PGC 32742.  A mag 13 star is close east-northeast, so Common probably confused the orientation.

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NGC 3453 = ESO 569-017 = MCG -04-26-013 = LGG 220-002 = PGC 32707

10 53 40.4 -21 47 35; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 4”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.9'x0.7', slightly elongated N-S, very weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3453 = h3304 on 21 Mar 1835 and logged "F; S; R; bM; 15"."  His position matches ESO 569-017 = PGC 32707.

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NGC 3454 = UGC 6026 = MCG +03-28-030 = CGCG 095-060 = FGC 1155 = Holm 221b = LGG 219-004 = PGC 32763

10 54 29.4 +17 20 38; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 116”

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, very thin edge-on ~6:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.25', low nearly even surface brightness with only a very weak central concentration.  Forms a nice pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S with a mag 11.0 star between.

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.3', weak concentration, tapers at the tips.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S, with a mag 10.5-11 star directly between the pair.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint edge-on streak 5:1 WNW-ESE, fairly small, slightly brighter along the major axis.  Forms a pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S.  Located 1.7' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3454 = h790 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and recorded "pF; lE; the np of two [with NGC 3455].  His position matches UGC 6026 = PGC 32763, although I'm surprised he didn't describe this galaxy as very elongated.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 28 Mar 1856 with LdR's 72", called it "the n one is a long narrow ray np-sf."

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NGC 3455 = UGC 6028 = MCG +03-28-031 = CGCG 095-062 = Holm 221a = LGG 219-005 = PGC 32767

10 54 31.0 +17 17 04; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5', slightly brighter nucleus, slightly brighter along the major axis.  Forms an excellent pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N with a mag 11.0 star midway.

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration, no distinct core but an irregular surface brightness.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N.  A mag 10.5-11 star is directly between the two galaxies.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, broad concentration, oval elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.0' N of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N.  The bright star is symmetrically placed between the galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3455 = H II-82 = h791 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded ""F, S, lE, r.  It's situation is south of a pB star."  His position matches UGC 6028 = PGC  32767.  On 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334), John Herschel wrote, "pB; E; gbM; The south-following of 3 [with NGC 3454]; a *9-10m between them."

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NGC 3456 = MCG -03-28-018 = PGC 32730

10 54 03.2 -16 01 39; Crt

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

18" (3/29/03): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9', brighter core.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge.  Located just over one degree ENE of mag 3.1 Nu Hydrae.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3456 = H IV-29 = h792 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "a small star with an eF brush towards the preceding side, or a vF nebula close to and preceding the star.  I perceived it in stopping to gage, otherwise should certainly have overlooked it.  240 shewed the the same."  There is nothing at his position, but 40 sec of RA east and 4' further south is MCG -03-28-018 = PGC 32730, and the description applies.

 

On 16 Dec 1828 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote,  "a *12m with an extremely F neb appendage.  At first it seemed to envelope the *; but Mr Dunlop, to whom I showed it, considered it be detached."  Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 1.75' x 0.75', E 80”; spiral with sharp nucleus."

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NGC 3457 = NGC 3460 = UGC 6030 = MCG +03-28-032 = CGCG 095-065 = PGC 32787

10 54 48.6 +17 37 16; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

24" (2/22/14): bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  NGC 3461 lies 5.4' NNE.  IC 655, a faint double star (actually a triple plus a dim galaxy), lies 4.4' E.  NGC 3454 and 3455, an excellent pair, lies ~20' S.  CGCG 095-061 (interacting pair) lies 10' NW and PGC 3090337 is 7.6' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, small, round, compact, high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3455 lies 20' SSW.

 

Francis Baily discovered NGC 3457 = h793 on 25 Mar 1827 using John Herschel's 18" reflector.  John Herschel wrote, "Stellar. 2 or 3 stars with a nebulous blur observed by Mr. Bailey."  Bailey was the President of the Astronomical Society of London at the time and a regular guest of Herschel.  The position is an excellent match (0.9' SE) with UGC 6030, though the description doesn't match this fairly bright galaxy.  It applies well, though, to IC 656, a small clump consisting of three faint stars and a dim galaxy just 4' E, though how could the more prominent galaxy be missed?

 

R.J. Mitchell also observed UGC 6030 on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72" and noted a "A S neb [NGC 3461] north of a bright one [UGC 6030], distance about 5' or 6'."

 

Lewis Swift also recorded this galaxy on 24 Aug 1883, though his position in list I-9 is 25 sec of RA too far east.  Swift's and LdR's observations were combined by Dreyer into NGC 3460.  So, most likely NGC 3457 = NGC 3460, despite the very poor description of NGC 3457 (perhaps Bailey noted the clump, but JH measured the galaxy).  See Harold Corwin's discussion.

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NGC 3458 = UGC 6037 = MCG +10-16-026 = CGCG 291-014 = PGC 32854

10 56 01.5 +57 07 01; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, very small, round, very bright stellar nucleus, very faint small halo.  Forms a wide galaxy pair with NGC 3445 13.9' SW in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3458 = H I-268 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded a "vB, vS, R, stellar nebula."  In his 1811 PT paper, he noted "this may be a former planetary in a higher state of condensation.

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NGC 3459 = MCG -03-28-022 = PGC 32782

10 54 44.2 -17 02 31; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 156”

 

18" (3/29/03): appeared as a ghostly streak 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.3', slightly brighter center but no well-defined core.  Collinear with a mag 14 star 2' NNW of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3459 = LM 2-429 on 5 Jan 1887 and recorded "mag 14.0, 1.0'x0.3', gbsbMN."  His position is ~20 sec of RA west of MCG -03-28-022 = PGC 32782 and the description matches.

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NGC 3460 = NGC 3457 = UGC 6030 = MCG +03-28-032 = CGCG 095-065 = PGC 32787

10 54 48.6 +17 37 16; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

See observing notes for NGC 3457.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3460 on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72" and recorded "A small neb [NGC 3461 = PGC 32793] north of a bright one [NGC 3460 = PGC 32787]. distance about 5' or 6'."  Lewis Swift also recorded this galaxy on 24 Aug 1883 in list I-9, though his position is 25 sec of RA too far east.  These two observations were combined into NGC 3460.

 

Most likely John Herschel or observing guest Francis Baily first discovered this galaxy on 25 Mar 1827, and it was catalogued as h793 = NGC 3457.  The Slough Catalogue position is accurate, though the description "Stellar. 2 or 3 stars with a nebulous blur observed by Mr. Bailey", appears to describe IC 656, a small clump consisting of three faint stars and a dim galaxy just 4' east.

 

Mitchell's observation clearly refers to NGC 3460 = UGC 6030 and NGC 3461.  Later, on 22 Mar 1878, Dreyer mentions finding an "eS cl , with a *12 in Pos 175 deg, dist 305 arcsec".  It's most likely that this observation is not related to the galaxy but may refer to the 3 faint stars + galaxy 4.5' following NGC 3457 (mentioned above).  RNGC has a typo and equates NGC 3557 = NGC 3460.  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 3461 = PGC 32793

10 54 55.3 +17 42 29; Leo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

24" (2/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  Can just hold steadily with averted vision at 260x.  Located 5.4' NNE of NGC 3457 = NGC 3460.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3461 on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72" and recorded "A small neb [NGC 3461] north of a bright one [NGC 3460]. distance about 5' or 6'."  On 4 Apr 1878, Dreyer also logged this faint galaxy, "..I found a neb [NGC 3457 = NGC 3460] pB, pL, R, gbM with a vF, diffused nebula [NGC 3461] in position 17”, distance 326".  At this offset is PGC 32793.  Although Mitchell's observation is in the 1861 publication, there was no offsets to compute a position and it was not included in the GC or GC Supplement.

 

NGC 3461 is not included in the CGCG, MCG or RC3.  RNGC misidentifies LEDA 1537008, an extremely faint galaxy very close to 3 stars (IC 656), as NGC 3461.

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NGC 3462 = UGC 6034 = MCG +01-28-019 = CGCG 038-049 = Todd 5 = PGC 32822

10 55 21.1 +07 41 48; Leo

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, nearly round, 0.8'x0.7', very small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3462 = H II-16 = h794 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 102) and recorded "a small cometic nebula.  I am not sure whether it is cometic or not."  On 17 Apr 1830 (sweep 250), John Herschel wrote, "vF; S; R: psbM; 12"."

 

David Todd also picked up this galaxy on 13 Nov 1877 and recorded it as #5 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698).  The surrounding field stars are an exact match.

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NGC 3463 = ESO 502-002 = MCG -04-26-014 = LGG 223-001 = PGC 32813

10 55 13.4 -26 09 26; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 77”

 

18" (4/29/06): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4', weakly concentrated.  Nearly collinear with a pair of mag 13/14 stars ~5' N (at 17" separation).  An identical distance to the south is a mag 10.5 star with the galaxy at the midpoint of these stars.  Located ~4.5” ESE of Hydra I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3463 = h3305 on 26 Mar 1835 and logged "F; R; glbM; 20"."  His position matches ESO 502-002 = PGC 32813.

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NGC 3464 = ESO 569-022 = MCG -03-28-021 = UGCA 222 = LGG 220-003 = PGC 32778

10 54 39.9 -21 04 00; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 112”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint but moderately large, roughly oval, 1.7'x1.2' WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a hint of mottled structure.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3464 = LM 1-178 on 14 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 1.3'x0.4', E 125”."  His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA east of ESO 569-022 and the description applies. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3465 = UGC 6056 = MCG +13-08-048 = CGCG 351-050 = KTG 34A = PGC 33099

10 59 31.3 +75 11 29; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 171”

 

24" (5/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 30"x22", contains a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 14-14.5 star is just 40" SE.  First in the KTG 34 triplet with NGC 3500 9' E and NGC 3523 14.5' ESE.

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~NW-SE, ~0.7'x0.5', contains a small, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE side and a 29" pair of mag 12 stars lies 3.5' NE.  First in a trio with NGC 3500 9' E.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, fairly small, round.  First of three in trio with NGC 3500 9' E and NGC 3523 14.5' ESE.  Appears as a low surface brightness spot of 25" diameter (probably viewed core) with little or no concentration.  Observation of the group was severely affected by hazy skies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3465 = H III-967 = h795, along with H III-968, on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He only recorded a single position and noted "Two, the 1st [NGC 3465] vF, vS.  The 2nd eF and smaller than the first.  It is a little more north and following, but very near to it." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 6056 and 6090 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated the corrected positions in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  In the NGC, Dreyer assigned both III-967 and III-968 to NGC 3500 (calling it a "D neb, v near").

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3465 on 4 Apr 1832 and logged h795 as "eF; pL; R; vglbM; 30", a double star nf points to it."  His position and description clearly applies to UGC 6056.  JH was credited with the discovery of NGC 3465 in the GC and NGC, though his father should probably receive credit.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

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NGC 3466 = UGC 6042 = MCG +02-28-028 = CGCG 066-065 = PGC 32872

10 56 15.5 +09 45 16; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', weak even concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.0' due west.  Forms a pair with NGC 3467 7.0' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3466 = h796 on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) and recorded "vF; has another [NGC 3467] still fainter following; has also a * 9m preceding the same parallel."  His position and description matches UGC 6042.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the difference in RA to the star as 13.3 seconds and the difference in Dec as 15".

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NGC 3467 = UGC 6045 = MCG +02-28-030 = CGCG 066-067 = PGC 32903

10 56 44.1 +09 45 32; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter.  Appears slightly smaller than NGC 3466 located 7.0' W but has a sharper concentration with a small bright core.  A mag 11 star lies 3.5' NW (similar brightness to the mag 11 star preceding NGC 3466).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3467 = h798 on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), along with NGC 3466.  His position matches UGC 6045.

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NGC 3468 = UGC 6048 = MCG +07-23-006 = CGCG 213-010 = PGC 32940

10 57 31.2 +40 56 46; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' ENE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3468 = H III-632 = h797 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "cF, vS, R, gmbM."  On 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) he added "lE in the meridian [north-south]."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "not vF; S; R; psbM; 12"; a *13m near."

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NGC 3469 = MCG -02-28-024 = PGC 32912

10 56 57.7 -14 18 03; Crt

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 115”

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentratin with a very small slightly brighter core.  Located 6' SSE of a mag 9 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3469 = h3306 on 7 May 1836 and simply noted "eeF; S."  His position matches MCG -02-28-024 = PGC 32912.

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NGC 3470 = UGC 6060 = MCG +10-16-038 = CGCG 291-016 = PGC 33040

10 58 44.9 +59 30 39; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3470 = H II-888 = h799 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "F, S, R, bM."

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NGC 3471 = UGC 6064 = MCG +10-16-039 = CGCG 291-018 = Mrk 158 = PGC 33074

10 59 09.1 +61 31 51; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 14”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, broad concentration, faint elongated halo.  Located 35' WSW of Alpha Ursa Majoris.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3471 = H III-972 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1102) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM."  His position is 4' north of UGC 6064 = PGC 33074, the only nearby galaxy.

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NGC 3472 = ESO 569-26

10 57 18 -19 38; Crt

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3472 = LM 1-179 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.4' dia, R, gbM." with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA).  Harold Corwin was not able to identify a likely candidate, but lists ESO 572-025 as a possibility. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3473 = UGC 6052 = MCG +03-28-041 = CGCG 095-079 = PGC 32978

10 58 05.2 +17 07 27; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Unusual appearance due to nearby foreground stars.  A mag 12.5 star is attached at the NNE tip 0.5' from the center and the galaxy extends to the SW almost to a fainter mag 14 star 45" from center. Appears unconcentrated with a low surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3474 1.9' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3473 = H III-67 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "a suspected nebulosity reaching from one star to a smaller which is about 2' south of it; 240 confirmed it." He missed nearby NGC 3474.  He used III-67 in his 1814 PT paper to argue that this was too unusual to be a pure line of sight arrangement and the stars had formed within the nebula.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position and noted " bet 2 st 14 and 15m, the brighter one attached to the north limb."

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NGC 3474 = MCG +03-28-042 = CGCG 095-081 = PGC 32989

10 58 08.8 +17 05 44; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very small brighter core.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 3473 1.9' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3474 = Sw. VI-39 on 24 Apr 1887 and noted "vF; pS; R; 2267 [NGC 3473] near north."  His position is 8 sec of RA east of MCG +03-28-042 and the description applies.

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NGC 3475 = UGC 6058 = MCG +04-26-022 = CGCG 125-017 = PGC 33012

10 58 25.3 +24 13 34; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): easily picked up at 100x while scanning the field.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~WSW-ENE.  Well concentrated with a bright, round core and an ill-defined diffuse halo at least 1' along the major axis.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' N.  A couple of nearby faint companions were not seen but MCG +04-26-023 located 9' N was observed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3475 = H III-332 = h800 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, about 1' north aof a small star."  Caroline's reduced position falls nearly 4' south of UGC 6058.  On 28 Mar 1832 (sweep 407), John Herschel wrote, "vF; R; gbM; 2' s of a * 12m."  His position was fairly accurate.

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NGC 3476 = NGC 3480? = MCG +02-28-032 = CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987

10 58 07.6 +09 16 34; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (3/22/96): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' E of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3477 3.7' SSE.  There is faint pair of mag 14.5/15 stars 1.5' SSE at 14" separation which appeared nebulous at first glance.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3476 = m 213, along with NGC 3477, on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stell." His position is 4' N of CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987.  This is the same offset as NGC 3477 so this identification appears solid.

 

NGC 3480, found by Andrew Common in 1880, may be a duplicate observation.  See notes on this number.

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NGC 3477 = CGCG 066-074 = PGC 32997

10 58 12.6 +09 13 03; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE (difficult to determine PA as requires averted vision to glimpse).  A faint pair of mag 15 stars lies 2.3' N.  At the SE edge of the 220x field is a matched pair of mag 9.5 stars at 16" separation. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3476 3.7' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3477 = m 214 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eeF, eS, stell."  His position is 4' north of CGCG 066-074 = PGC 32997, the same offset he made with nearby NGC 3476.

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NGC 3478 = UGC 6069 = MCG +08-20-059 = CGCG 241-051 = PGC 33101

10 59 27.3 +46 07 21; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.75', large brighter middle but no defined nucleus.  A pair of mag 11 stars are 3.9' S and 5.5' SSW with a separation of 2.0'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3478 = H III-705 = h801 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and simply noted "vF".  His position was 1.5' too far north (similar offset as NGC 3583, the next discovery in the sweep). On 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139), John Herschel logged "F; S; R" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3479 = NGC 3502: = MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053

10 58 55.5 -14 57 41; Crt

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 175”

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.1'x0.8'.  Broad, weak concentration to a relatively large, slightly brighter core.  NGC 3502 may be a duplicate observation of this galaxy.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3479 = LM 1-180 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 30 tsec west of MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

 

NGC 3502 = LM 1-181, found by Leavenworth, is probably an independent observation with an error of 2.5 minutes in RA.

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NGC 3480 = NGC 3476? = MCG +02-28-032 = CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987

10 58 07.6 +09 16 34; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3476.  Identification uncertain.

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3480 in 1880 with his 36" silvered glass reflector and simply noted "S, stellar."  There is nothing at his position, though 12' southwest is NGC 3476.  Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding NGC 3480.  Because of the scant description, the identification NGC 3476 = NGC 3480 is uncertain.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3481 = MCG -01-28-016 = PGC 33097

10 59 26.6 -07 32 40; Crt

V = 13.0;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 136”

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, smooth surface brightness.  Located 5' NW of mag 8.8 SAO 137930 (wide yellow/blue unequal double).  Also nearby is a mag 10.7 star 2' W and a mag 11 star 3.5' N.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3481 = LM 2-430 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.3' dia, rr; prob vF Cl; *9 in PA 120” [east-southeast] at 5'."  His position is 0.3 min of RA west and 2' south of MCG -01-28-016 = PGC 33097 and the description clinches the identification.

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NGC 3482 = ESO 264-056 = PGC 33025

10 58 34.3 -46 35 03; Vel

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 14”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, ~50"x30", broad concentration to a small brighter core.  Situated in a rich Vela star field 8.8' WNW of mag 8.2 HD 95274.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3482 = h3308 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; gbM; 30"."  His position is within 1' of ESO 264-056 = PGC 33025.  RNGC calls it an unverified southern object.

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NGC 3483 = ESO 438-001 = MCG -05-26-016 = PGC 33060

10 59 00.2 -28 28 37; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0', fairly high surface brightness.  Well concentrated with a small bright core that brightens to the center.  Forms the southern vertex of a small triangle with mag 9 HD 95183 1.8' NE and a mag 11.5-12 star 1.3' NNW.

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', irregular halo.  Increases to a small bright core and stellar  nucleus.  Located 1.8' SW of mag 9 HD 95183.  Completing a triangle with the galaxy is a mag 12 star 1.3' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3483 = h3307 on 10 May 1834 and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15". Among stars."  His position matches ESO 438-001 = PGC 33060.

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NGC 3484

11 03 00 +75 49; Dra

 

= Not found, Carlson.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3484 = h802 on 5 Apr 1832 (sweep 414) but noted it was "A very doubtful object."  He apparently was looking for H. III-967 as he queried if this was his father's object.

 

In the 1911 Monthly Notices paper on William Herschel's 15 objects discovered on 2 Apr 1810, it was noted "Nothing shown [for NGC 3484] on the photographic [Greenwich plate]" and Dreyer repeats this in his 1912 NGC Correction list.

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NGC 3485 = UGC 6077 = MCG +03-28-044 = CGCG 095-085 = PGC 33140

11 00 02.4 +14 50 28; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, moderately large, fairly diffuse, oval slightly elongated WSW-ENE, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.7' W of center.  Possible member of the Leo group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3485 = H II-100 = h804 = 3309 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, pL r."  JH made three observations at Slough and one at the Cape of Good Hope.

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 9 Apr 1852 at Birr Castle "suspected a dark curved passage sp centre."  Also on 15 Mar 1855, R.J. Mitchell "suspect[ed] a knot in p and one in f edge.  Query, a ring with a Nucl in centre?"

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NGC 3486 = UGC 6079 = MCG +05-26-032 = CGCG 155-041 = PGC 33166

11 00 23.8 +28 58 30; LMi

V = 10.5;  Size 7.1'x5.2';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 80”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, large, slightly elongated E-W, 4'x3', diffuse outer halo with a brighter core.  Located 15' SW of mag 7.9 SAO 81621.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3486 = H I-87 = h805 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "vB, vL, the brightness decreasing very gradually."  John Herschel recorded a total of 10 observations of this galaxy!

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 7 Mar 1856 with LdR's 72", noted "pB, R, B central Nucl, light mottled about Nucl?

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NGC 3487 = UGC 6092 = MCG +03-28-047 = CGCG 095-089 = PGC 33195

11 00 46.6 +17 35 15; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 153”

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~45"x18".  Appears brighter along a thin spine of the major axis.

 

Arp 198 = UGC 6073, an overlapping pair consisting of face-on spiral and a thin edge-on that extends directly to the nucleus of the face-on, lies 15' WNW.  At 260x and 375x, it appeared as a very faint, fairly small, very elongated glow,  ~0.4'x0.1', extending to the southwest of a mag 12.3 star.  The pair has an unusual "spike" appearance, with a very small "knot" (core of VV 267a = UGC 6073b, the face-on spiral) at most 10" diameter at the northeast end close to the mag 12 star [28" SW of the star].  The spike or tail (VV 267b = UGC 6073a) extends southwest with the combined glow collinear with the star!

 

18" (5/31/03): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.25', nearly even surface brightness.  Arp 198 = VV 267 lies 15' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3487 = Sw. III-58 on 5 Mar 1886 and logged "eeF; pS; R; e diff; in vacancy."  His position is 35 sec of RA west of UGC 6092.

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NGC 3488 = UGC 6096 = MCG +10-16-045 = CGCG 291-022 = PGC 33242

11 01 23.6 +57 40 39; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, gradually brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SSE edge 1.0' from center.  Forms a pair with CGCG 291-021 7' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3488 = H I-269 = h803 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "cB, R, about 1' dia, just north of a small star."  His position is accurate.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "It is north of a *13, just at the edge of the nebula."

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NGC 3489 = UGC 6082 = MCG +02-28-039 = CGCG 066-084 = LGG 217-008 = PGC 33160

11 00 18.6 +13 54 04; Leo

V = 10.3;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 70”

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.25'.  Sharply concentrated with a round, intense core (relatively small) highlighted by a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' WSW of center, just outside the halo.  Member of the Leo Group (also called the M96 Group).

 

17.5" (4/1/95): very bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.5'.  Unusually bright, round core dominates view with an almost stellar nucleus with direct vision.  The halo nearly reaches to a mag 13 star 1.5' SW of center.

 

8" (12/6/80): fairly bright, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3489 = H II-101 = h806 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, S, mbM than at the extremes."  John Herschel made two observations at Slough, while four were made at Birr Castle. JH and d'Arrest commented this galaxy should have been placed in William's 1st class.

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NGC 3490 = MCG +02-28-036 = CGCG 066-080 = PGC 33128

10 59 54.4 +09 21 42; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared as a faint, very small, round glow, just 15" diameter.  The surface brightness was fairly low and occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus was glimpsed.  Located 1.5' NW of a mag 12 star.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3490 in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector.  His approximate position is 0.4 min of RA west of CGCG 066-080 = PGC 33128.  Neither MCG or CGCG label this galaxy as NGC 3490.  See Thomson's CGCG Corrections and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3491 = UGC 6088 = MCG +02-28-041 = CGCG 066-089 = PGC 33180

11 00 35.4 +12 09 42; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very small bright core.  Located in a blank region bordered by brighter stars forming a circular pattern 16'-18' diameter.  The brightest of these are mag 8 SAO 99401 10' SE and SAO 99398 12' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3491 = H III-21 = h807 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and noted "vF, S.  I could not be sure till I put on 240x."  His position was ~50 seconds of RA preceding UGC 6088.  On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel simply noted "eF; R" but he measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3492 = UGC 6094 = MCG +02-28-045 = CGCG 066-093 = VIII Zw 116 = PGC 33207

11 00 57.3 +10 30 21; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.0'x0.8'.  Weak, even concentration to a slightly brighter core and nucleus.  This galaxy is the brightest in AGC 1142 with IC 664 4.1' NW, IC 663 6.4' SW and IC 666 4.6' SE.  Observation made in hazy skies.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 3492 around 1880 with the 13.5" refractor at the Litchfield observatory in New York. It was not published in either of his two lists of 1881 and 1882, so the discovery was probably communicated directly to Dreyer.  His NGC position matches UGC 6094.

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NGC 3493 = UGC 6099 = MCG +05-26-036 = CGCG 155-044 = PGC 33249

11 01 27.8 +27 43 10; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 84”

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, edge-on 7:2 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.15', even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star lies 0.7' SW of center.  Located 27' SW of NGC 3504.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3493 = h808 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 343) and noted "eF; has a small star sp."  His position (two sweeps) and description matches UGC 6099.

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NGC 3494

11 01 10.9 +03 46 28; Leo

 

= **?, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3494 in 1882 and described in his 5th paper "6' north from the middle knot [of NGC 3495] I saw repeated a little nebula, I initially took as (part of) III-498 [NGC 3495]."  There are no nearby galaxies at this offset and Harold Corwin proposes a 5" pair of mag 14.5/16.7 stars located 9' north-northwest of NGC 3495.

 

Dorothy Carlson listed NGC 3494 as nonexistent in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and RNGC repeats this classification.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3495 = UGC 6098 = MCG +01-28-027 = CGCG 038-088 = PGC 33234

11 01 16.3 +03 37 40; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 4.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on oriented SSW-NNE, 4'x1', broad concentration, mottled or uneven surface brightness (probably caused by a dark lane).  Located 10.5' E of 58 Leonis (V = 4.8).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3495 = H III-498 = h809 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 513) and noted "vF, mE."  His position is accurate (very close to the offset star 58 Leo).  John Herschel made three observations on consecutive sweeps, first recording on 7 Apr 1828 (sweep 141) as "F; mE; 60” with meridian; 60" length; 15-20" broad."

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NGC 3496 = ESO 128-26 = Cr 237

10 59 34 -60 20 12; Car

V = 8.2;  Size 9'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): this cluster is situated in a glorious Milky Way field!  The cluster is beautifully rich with mag 12 and fainter stars, roughly 60-75 stars in a 5'-6' circular region (this is the richest section) and 100-125 stars within a 9' region elongated E-W.  On the east side is HJ 4395 = 11.5/12.0 pair at 9" and a small knot of stars is on the northwest side. A mag 9.3 star is off the east side and a mag 9.2 star is off the south side. Located 34' ENE of 6th magnitude T Carinae and 80' WNW of NGC 3572.

 

Sher 1, a very small cluster, is 13' NE of NGC 3496. Using an 18" f/4.5 at 182x it appeared as a small 1' knot of ~10 stars including a few bright mag 9.5-11 stars, but several are very faint.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3496 = h3310 on 14 Mar 1834 and recorded the "Place of a small double star in the following part of a loose, rich, pretty large cluster of stars 13m.  8 or 10' in diameter; a fine object; a very much condensed milky way group."  His position is on h4395, a mag 12 pair at 9".

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NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667

11 07 18.1 -19 28 19; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

See observing notes for NGC 3528

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3497 = H III-824 on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and logged "vF, vS, iR, glbM."  His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006 = PGC 33667.  The position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error).  

 

JH independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Mar 1835 and logged h3316 as "F; S; R; pslbM; 20".  The preceding of two [with NGC 3529]."  His position is 6 sec of RA west of ESO 570-006.   Ormond Stone independently found this galaxy in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and his rough position for LM 1-183 (nearest min of RA) is 1.0 tmin west of ESO 570-006.  Finally, Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy again (along with NGC 3529) on 11 Apr 1898 and his position in list XI-118 is 5' too far south (nearly identical to NGC 3529).

 

So, there are four aliases in the NGC/IC!  Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624.  NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues.

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NGC 3498

11 01 41.5 +14 21 04; Leo

 

= ***, Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3498 = H III-75 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, not S.  I had some doubts and therefore put on 240, but as there was not a star very near I could not adjust the focus, which cannot be done on a nebula.  Therefore as it would have taken too much time to verify it, I went on."

 

There is nothing near his position and neither d'Arrest nor Bigourdan were able to find this nebula.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" reported "In Dreyer's place is a vF triple star, *14.7, *14.7, *16, a *14.7 f 1.8' of *16."  The DSS shows a triple star with a brighter pair of mag 14.2/14.6 stars at 10" separation.  Harold Corwin also identifies this number with this triple.

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NGC 3499 = UGC 6115 = MCG +09-18-080 = CGCG 267-037 = CGCG 241-065 = PGC 33375

11 03 11.0 +56 13 18; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 14.8' SE of Beta Ursa Majoris (V = 2.4).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3499 = H III-793 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) and logged "vF, vS, stellar neb.  The brightness of Beta UMa is so considerable that it requires much attention to perceive this nebula."  His position matches UGC 6115.  No observations were made by JH or LdR. The RNGC position is 1.0 tmin too large.

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NGC 3500 = UGC 6090 = MCG +13-08-052 = CGCG 351-052 = KTG 34B = PGC 33277

11 01 51.5 +75 12 05; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45”

 

24" (5/25/14): at 280x appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', very small brighter core.  Second of three in the KTG 34 triplet, with NGC 3465 9.0' W and NGC 3523 7.0' SE.  This galaxy's redshift-based distance is ~150 million l.y., while the other two lie at 325 million l.y.

 

18" (3/30/05): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', low surface brightness.  Smallest and faintest of a trio with NGC 3523 7.2' SE and NGC 3465 9' W.  This galaxy is incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and it is not identified as NGC 3500 in UGC, MCG or CGCG.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x20".  Faintest of trio with NGC 3465 9' W and NGC 3523 7' SE.  A pair of mag 12 stars [30" separation] is 6' preceding. Observation difficult due to very poor transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3500 = H III-968, along with H III-967, on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He noted "Two, the 1st [NGC 3465] vF, vS.  The 2nd [NGC 3500] eF and smaller than the first.  It is a little more north and following, but very near to it." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors  A corrected position matching UGC 6090 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  John Herschel assigned two GC designations to III-967 and III-968, but in the NGC Dreyer mistakenly assigned both to NGC 3500, calling it a "double nebula, very near."  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

 

UGC 6090 is not labeled as NGC 3500 in any modern catalogue including RC3.  RNGC classifies NGC 3500 nonexistent. CGCG, UGC and PGC equate "NGC 3465 = NGC 3500" (following Karl Reinmuth and Dorothy Carlson).  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3501 = UGC 6116 = MCG +03-28-051 = CGCG 095-097 = FGC 1187 = Holm 224b = PGC 33343

11 02 47.3 +17 59 21; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 3.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): faint, edge-on 7:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.4', low surface brightness, very slightly brighter elongated core.  A mag 14 star is 2.3' SE of center.  NGC 3507 lies 12.7' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3501= St XI-10 on 23 Apr 1881 and recorded "vF, gbM, mE N30”E, 3' long."  His position and description matches UGC 6116.

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NGC 3502 = NGC 3479: = MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053

10 58 55.4 -14 57 41; Crt

 

See observing notes for NGC 3479.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3502 = LM 1-181 in 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.2' dia, iR."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2.5 tmin east of MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053.

 

Ormond Stone also found this galaxy at Leander-McCormic Observatory the same year (discovery priority unknown) and recorded LM 1-180 = NGC 3479 as "mag 15.5, 0.6' dia, E 90”."  His rough position is essential correct -- 30 tsec west of PGC 33053.  So, NGC 3502 = NGC 3479.

 

RNGC misidentifies MCG -02-28-041 as NGC 3502.  This galaxy is located 50' north of Leavenworth's position.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes for more.

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NGC 3503 = ESO 128-28 = OCL-833 = Ced 109b = Pismis 17

11 01 17 -59 50 42; Car

Size 3'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The brightest section of this nebulosity surrounds a group of 5 stars, consisting of a brighter mag 10.5 star with a faint, close companion (h4397 = 10.6/13.3 at 8") and three additional stars in a string. Several additional faint stars spiral out from the grouping.  The haze that surrounds these 5 stars is ~3' in diameter.  There was little or no contrast gain using a UHC filter, so the nebulosity does not have a significant emission component.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3503 = h3311 on 1 Apr 1834 and described "3 very close stars, 10m, in a nearly straight line, and a double star north of them, the whole involved in a very faint nebula."  Paris Pismis reported it as new in her 1959 list of 24 new clusters found with the Schmidt camera at the Tonantzila observatory and noted "Quadruple star in nebulosity plus five faint stars; is the center of arcs that extend up 15'. Similar to NGC 2467."  Interestingly, Joseph Turner found no nebulosity using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 14 Feb 1879 (p.202 in logbook).

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NGC 3504 = UGC 6118 = MCG +05-26-039 = CGCG 155-049 = LGG 227-005 = PGC 33371

11 03 11.2 +27 58 20; LMi

V = 11.0;  Size 2.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/25/95): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x1.2'.  The [inner] halo has a fairly high irregular surface brightness.  Sharp concentration with a very small well-defined core dominating.  The bright core appears offset to the south side with the halo more extensive to the north.  Two mag 14 stars lie 1.7' NNW (45" separation).  First of three with NGC 3512 12' ENE and NGC 3515 24' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3504 = H I-88 = h810, along with NGC 3512, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "cB, cL, iR, bM."  John Herschel made a total of 7 observations.  R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 22 Feb 1857, recorded "mE, B nucl, arms faint, patchy,suspect dark space all around the nucleus."  A month later he described "pL, Nucl vB and has a sensible disc, arms vF and patchy.  I think I see a knot or patch in np end of neb."

 

The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large and the galaxy is misplotted on the first version of Uranometria 2000 (later fixed).  Also see NGC 3506.

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NGC 3505 = NGC 3508? = MCG -03-28-031 = IC 2622

11 02 59.7 -16 17 22; Crt

Size 1.0'x0.9'

 

See observing notes for NGC 3508.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3505 = h3312 on 7 May 1836 and logged "pF; S; R; glbM.  Has a star 14m near."  There are two mag 14.5-15 stars about 1' northest and 1' southeast of JH's position, but no nearby galaxy.

 

Harold Corwin suggests this may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3508, which has a mag 13 star attached on the north-northeast tip of the galaxy.  If this identification is correct, his declination is off by over 45'.

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NGC 3506 = UGC 6120 = MCG +02-28-047 = CGCG 066-105 = PGC 33379

11 03 12.9 +11 04 37; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter.  Just a weak central brightening with no distinct core or nucleus.  Preceded by a trio of mag 13.5 stars within 4'.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, slightly brighter core.  A triangle of mag 13 stars is just west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3506 = H III-22 = h811 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "vF, vS.  240x made it considerably larger, but I saw it well enough with the common power not to doubt of the reality."  His position matches UGC 6120.  John Herschel made three additional observations.  On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) he wrote, "F; S; R; vgvlbM."

 

The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large and the galaxy was misplotted in the first printing of Uranometria 2000 Atlas.  Also see notes for NGC 3504.

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NGC 3507 = UGC 6123 = MCG +03-28-053 = CGCG 095-100 = Holm 224a = LGG 288-002 = PGC 33390

11 03 25.6 +18 08 08; Leo

V = 10.9;  Size 3.4'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): unusual appearance as a bright mag 10.5 star is superimposed very close to the center!  Fairly faint, moderately large, 2.5' diameter, irregularly round.  The core is difficult to view but is located just 30" SW of the superimposed star and the galaxy is slightly offset to the west side of the star.  NGC 3501 lies 12.7' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3507 = H IV-7 = h812 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  He described it as "F, pL.  The nebulosity is of the milky kind.  It situated between 2 bright stars but near the most north of them and to the south of that star.  At first sight the nebula appears like an electric brush to the great star, but on examination I find it to have no connection with it.  There is in the nebula, and pretty near the center of it, a vF star.  The milky nebulosity is of a circular form."   On 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), John Herschel called this object "a * 9m with vF neb attached; pos 70” sp = 200” +/- dist 30".

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NGC 3508 = IC 2622 = NGC 3505? = MCG -03-28-031 = PGC 33362

11 02 59.7 -16 17 22; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 15”

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is attached on the NNE tip of the galaxy.  At times the galaxy appears slightly elongated N-S, ~1.0'x0.7' and the DSS image confirms this impression.  Observation made through thin clouds.  This is a starburst and luminous infrared galaxy with an active nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3508 = H II-507 = h814 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, S, E."  John Herschel made a single observation on 16 Dec1827 (sweep 111) and wrote, "F; lE; bM; vL; involved a * 45”nf from the nucleus."

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 14 Jan 1898 and claimed it as new in list XI-117 (later IC 2622).  Swift's position was 0.5 min of RA too far east and 3' north, so Dreyer didn't make the equivalence.   Also see the NGC 3505, which may be another observation of this galaxy.  So, NGC 3508 = NGC 3505 = IC 2622.

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NGC 3509 = Arp 335 = VV 75 = UGC 6134: = MCG +01-28-033 = CGCG 038-109 = PGC 33446

11 04 23.6 +04 49 43; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 40”

 

48" (2/20/12): NGC 3509 = Arp 335 displayed a fascinating amount of structure at 375x, though conditions were subpar in terms of transparency and seeing.  The appearance is very asymmetric with the brighter "central" portion elongated SW-NE and containing a very small, round, bright core.  A small knot is just 15" S of the core.  Attached on the northeast side of the central body is a well defined, easily visible tidal arm that gracefully sweeps to the northeast and then hooks sharply counterclockwise towards the south.  The total length of the arm is perhaps 1.5', though it ends about 45" E of the core.  The southwest side of the galaxy has no corresponding arm, but is slightly brighter along the south edge. A mag 16.5-17 star is 30" SW of the core on the west edge.

 

PGC 93108, recorded as "fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~15"x7", weak central concentration", lies 3.0' NW.  The PGC galaxy is listed as C2 (collider) in the 2009 Atlas and Catalog of Collisional Ring Galaxies (Madore et al) and the knot close south of the core is listed as C1.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.7'.  Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration (no visible core).  It was difficult to determine the outer extent of the halo but appears to have an asymmetric shape (slightly curved?).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3509 = H III-598 on 30 Dec 1786 (sweep 675) and recorded "Suspected, eF, S, lE.  I could not verify it."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east and 3' north is UGC 6134 = Arp 335.  JH made no observations and it was not found by Bigourdan.

 

Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" that this number should probably be rejected since WH noted there was fog "which indeed was so strong as to make everything swim about me."  Still, this identification is reasonable as NGC 3604 has a similar offset error.

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NGC 3510 = UGC 6126 = MCG +05-26-040 = CGCG 155-050 = PGC 33408

11 03 43.6 +28 53 06; LMi

V = 12.2;  Size 4.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 163”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): faint, edge-on streak 4:1 NNW-SSE.  Located 7.6' ESE of mag 7.3 SAO 81642 which interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3510 = H II-365 = h813 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, mE, about 1 1/2' long but very narrow.  On 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115), John Herschel wrote, "pB; mE; nearly in meridian; bM." The assistants at Birr Castle made a total of 5 observations.  For example, R.J. Mitchell, observing on 1 Mar 1854, noted "Query, an oval shaped spiral; major axis n-s."

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NGC 3511 = ESO 502-013 = MCG -04-26-020 = UGCA 223 = PGC 33385

11 03 23.7 -23 05 11; Crt

V = 11.0;  Size 5.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 76”

 

48" (4/18/15): at 488x; very bright, very large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 5'x1.5'.  Well concentrated with a large bright oval core that gradually increases to a small bright nucleus and stellar pip.  The region surrounding the core is mottled, due to slightly brighter regions and dust patches.  An ill defined broad spiral arm is on the west side of galaxy and curved from north to south.  A mag 14 star, 2.0' SW of center, was barely off the southwest end of this arm.  A bright patch is 1' SW of center (not part of the arm), and just to its north was a relatively large darker (dust) region.  A second broad arm arc was visible at the east end of the galaxy.  It made a sharp curve clockwise, passing just inside a mag 13 star at the eastern tip.  NGC 3513 lies 11' SE.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 4.0'x1.4'.  Broad concentration to a larger brighter core.  The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 13 star at the ENE end and a mag 14 star at the WSW tip.  Forms a pair with NGC 3513 10.8' SE.  A mag 9.5 star (SAO 179479) is 5' S, roughly midway between the galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3511 = H V-39, along with NGC 3513, on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660), and recorded "vF, mE, vgbM, about 8' long and 3' br, near the parallel but about 10” sp to nf."

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NGC 3512 = UGC 6128 = MCG +05-26-041 = CGCG 155-051 = PGC 33432

11 04 02.9 +28 02 12; LMi

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, round, weak concentration with an irregular surface brightness.  Second of trio with NGC 3504 12' WSW and NGC 3515 14' NNE.  Surrounded by three mag 12-13 stars 2.9' N, 3.7' E and 2.1' SW.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 3504 12' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3512 = H II-366 = h815, along with NGC 3504, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, pL, goes into the field with [NGC 3504]."  He made an offset error as his position is southeast of NGC 3504, instead of northeast.  John Herschel measured an accurate position, though he thought it was a new object.  He incorrectly equated h815 with H. II-366 in the General Catalogue.

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NGC 3513 = ESO 502-014 = MCG -04-26-021 = UGCA 224 = PGC 33410

11 03 46.0 -23 14 38; Crt

V = 11.5;  Size 2.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 95”

 

48" (4/18/15): at 488x and 610x; this superb barred spiral has a strong bright bar oriented northwest to southeast.  It is brighter along a narrow spine and contains a slightly brighter stellar nucleus.  A prominent spiral arm is attached to the bar at the southeast end and sweeps sharply to the north.  This well defined arm is relatively narrow and contains a small bright knot near the north end of the arm.  A second arm is attached at the northwest end of the bar.  This narrow arm shoots due south and rotates nearly 180” clockwise to the east on the south side of galaxy.  It is slightly more separated from the central region than the northern arm and is patchy or knotty near the eastern end.  Overall, the size is roughly 2.5'x2.0', extending northwest to southeast. A mag 15 star is 1.2' W of center, a mag 13 star is 1.7' E of center and a mag 17 star is just off the north side of the galaxy.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, moderately large, 2.5'x2.0', irregular surface brightness, only a slight central brightening.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' E of center.  A line of three equally spaced mag 11 stars lies about 4' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 3511 10.8' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3513 = H V-40 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, mE, vlbM, about 7' l and 3 or 4' br in the middle, about 10 or 15” from sp to nf near the parallel.  His position matches ESO 502-014 = PGC 33410, so the identification is certain, but the description is virtually identical to that of NGC 3511, which was the previous object in the sweep!  So, there was apparently a mistake in copying the description for NGC 3511 twice.

 

Based on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14, Harold Knox-Shaw stated it was a "S-Shaped spiral".

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NGC 3514 = ESO 570-001 = MCG -03-28-035 = PGC 33430

11 03 59.9 -18 46 51; Crt

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 115”

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7'.  Broadly concentrated with a slightly brighter middle.  Located 1.1” SE of mag 4.1 Alpha Crateris.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3514 = h3313 on 22 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; R; vgvlbM."   His position is 15 tsec west of ESO 570-001.

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NGC 3515 = UGC 6139 = MCG +05-26-044 = CGCG 155-055 = PGC 33467

11 04 37.3 +28 13 40; LMi

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', weak concentration.  Located 13.7' NE of NGC 3512.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3515 = St XII-41 on 20 Apr 1882 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseille.  His position matches UGC 6139 = PGC 33467

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NGC 3516 = UGC 6153 = MCG +12-11-009 = CGCG 334-011 = PGC 33623

11 06 47.5 +72 34 07; UMa

V = 11.7;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright but small, slightly elongated SW-NE, sharp small bright core dominates, fairly small halo.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' SE.  Two mag 10 stars lie 2.3' NE and 4.1' W.  This is a Seyfert galaxy with an large, active black hole.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3516 = H II-336 = h816 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pB, vS, iR."  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep382) John Herschel called this "a singular object.  A burred star 11m diam 12"; vsmbM; a double stars follows."

 

NGC 3516 is a strong X-ray Seyfert galaxy and one of the 6 original galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".

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NGC 3517 = UGC 6144 = MCG +10-16-057 = CGCG 291-027 = PGC 33532

11 05 36.8 +56 31 30; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 91”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, diffuse edges, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3517 = H II-884 = h817 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "F, S, R, bM."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel called it "eF; R; 12"; vglbM."  His position matches UGC 6144.

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NGC 3518 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3122 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 33442

10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3110.  One hour error in RA in Stone's position.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 3518 = LM 1-182 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.1', lE 110”, in same field with neb disc by Stephan."  There is nothing near his position.

 

Harold Corwin examined his discovery sketch and found a double nebula with four stars nearby.  Corwin found that Stone made a 1 hr error in RA (too large) and his sketch matches NGC 3110 = NGC 3122. This galaxy was discovered by WH (II-305 = NGC 3122), but he misidentified his offset star.  Once all positions are corrected, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518 (in order of discovery).  The RNGC and misidentify PGC 29361 as NGC 3518. See Corwin's notes for the full story.

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NGC 3519 = ESO 128-30 = Ru 93

11 04 09 -61 22 30; Car

V = 7.7;  Size 8'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): roughly 80 stars resolved in an irregular 6' region (boundary pretty arbitrary), many of these arranged in chains or curving streamers of stars.  On the west side is the brightest mag 9.7 star (mag 12.5 companion at 8" = HJ 4400) with a linear chain of mag 13 stars just west (oriented SW-NE).  Another chain of mag 12-13 stars (oriented NW-SE) is on the northeast side.  A mag 7.4 star (HD 96193) is roughly 8' SSE and a long chain of stars heads north from this bright star, reaching the south side of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3519 = h3314 on 14 Mar 1834 and reported, "Chief star of a pretty rich cluster, class VII."  His position match the unequal double star HJ 4400 within a small cluster.

 

According to Brian Skiff, Ru 93 appears to be a string of stars on the northeast side of the cluster or may simply be a duplicate of NGC 3519.  In a visual observation with a C-8, Jenni Kay observed about two dozen stars in a single cluster of 5' diameter with two brighter stars at the southwest edge. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, though the group was confirmed as a star cluster by Bica and Bonatto in 2011A&A...530A..32B ("Star clusters or asterisms? 2MASS CMD and structural analyses of 15 challenging targets.")

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NGC 3520 = ESO 570-004 = PGC 33648

11 07 09.2 -18 01 25; Crt

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 165”

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x15", fairly low surface brightness.  An extremely low surface brightness halo was not seen.  This is a close double system [9" between centers] but was not resolved at 260x.  The NGC identification is uncertain due to a poor position.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3520 = LM 2-431 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and reported "mag 15.3, 0.4' dia, iR, gpmbM, sev vF st inv."  Just 2' north of his position is a 1' group of four stars (brightest two are mag 13 and 14.5) and originally Harold Corwin identified this group as NGC 3520.  He now feels a more likely match based on the description is ESO 570-004 = PGC 33648, an interacting triple or quadruple system located 1.6 min of RA east and 5' south of Leavenworth's position.  ESO misidentified ESO 570-003 as NGC 3520.  This edge-on galaxy is situated 44 sec of RA east of Leavenworth's position and 19' south.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 3521 = UGC 6150 = MCG +00-28-030 = CGCG 010-074 = PGC 33550

11 05 49.2 -00 02 02; Leo

V = 9.0;  Size 11.0'x5.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 163”

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; showpiece spiral with a prominent dust lane and an outer spiral arm!  The galaxy appeared extremely bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, at least 8'x3.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core.  The core itself was sharply concentrated with a brilliant quasi-stellar nucleus!  A high contrast, fairly wide dust lane runs in the direction of the major axis along the entire west side of the core!  The principal spiral arm was easily visible emerging NNW from the NE side of the central region.  This arm displayed a hard outer edge (high contrast) and curved sharply clockwise on the north end.  The arm dimmed or lost contrast but could be traced to the west of the dust lane, extending south.  The galaxy was slightly brighter at the south end (along the major axis), where the opposite arm curled east and north.

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright spiral with impressive structure, elongated at least 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~7.5'x3'.  Contains a bright, elongated core highlighted by an intense, stellar nucleus.  The halo is noticeably mottled at first glance and a low contrast dust lane runs NNW-SSE along the west side of the core.  There is a strong impression of spiral structure with an arm attached on the east side that extends to the north and appears to curve towards the west in the outer halo.  The halo appears more extensive or slightly brighter on the northern end.  A more difficult arm appears to sweep to the south on the west side of the core.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): very bright, very large, elongated 5'x2' NNW-SSE.  This is an impressive galaxy!  Contains a well-defined small bright oval core NNW-SSE and a stellar nucleus.  Appears mottled near the core and on the west side.  Along the west side is a dust lane evident as a sharp light cut-off.  The west side is somewhat fainter due to dust but extends beyond the dust lane.

 

8": fairly bright, fairly large, elongated, bright core.  Located 33' E of a mag 6 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3521 = H I-13 = h818 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a fine B nebula, with a bright star or nucleus in the middle; it sends out a milky ray towards the north, and another more F towards the south, the extent of the whole, faint rays included, may be about 7 or 8'.  On 13 Aprl 1828 (sweep144) John Herschel described NGC 3521 as "vB; L; mE in PA 140” +/-, 4' l, 1' br; vsvmbM; a double star follows.  The NGC position (measured by Auwers, d'Arrest, Peters) is accurate.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 29 Mar 1856, recorded "The nucleus projects into the dark space along the p edge.  Outside this dark space there is faint nebulosity, which I see joining the nebula at the north end."

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NGC 3522 = UGC 6159 = MCG +03-28-060 = CGCG 095-113 = PGC 33615

11 06 40.4 +20 05 08; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 117”

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.4'.  Fairly sharply concentrated with a brighter 15" round core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3522 = Sw. III-59 on 26 Apr 1883 and described "pF; vS; lE; in starless field."  His position is 18 sec of RA west of UGC 6159.  This was one of his first two discoveries (along with NGC 3588 on the same night), while still adjusting and testing his new 16-inch Clark refractor at Warner Observatory.  Kobold measured an accurate position in 1901 at the Strasbourg Observatory.

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NGC 3523 = UGC 6105 = MCG +13-08-053 = CGCG 351-054 = KTG 34C = PGC 33367

11 03 06.3 +75 06 57; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (5/25/14): at 280x appeared fairly faint or moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1' diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core that seems offset center within the halo.  Third in the KTG 34 triplet with NGC 3500 = UGC 6090 7' NW.

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Symmetrical appearance with a weak even concentration to the center but no defined core.  NGC 3500 lies 7.2' NW.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 11 stars 5' ESE and 9' ESE.  Brightest in trio with NGC 3465 14.5' WNW and NGC 3500 7' NW.  Observation severely hampered by poor transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3523 = H II-904 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "F, pL, lbM."   This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 6105 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 3523.  See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.

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NGC 3524 = UGC 6158 = MCG +02-28-050 = CGCG 066-112 = PGC 33604

11 06 32.1 +11 23 08; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 14”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.6'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a well-defined 15" bright core and an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star lies 0.9' NNW and a mag 13 star 2.0' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3524 = H III-23 = h819 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "vF, vS.  I was not quite assured of it till I put on 240x.  Very near it to the north are two smalls stars in a line with it."   John Herschel made three observations, recording on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), "vF; R; bM; has 2 stars exactly in a line with centre, on 11-12 m, the other 13-14 m."

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NGC 3525 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667

11 07 18.1 -19 28 19; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

See observing notes for NGC 3528

 

Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 3525 = LM 1-183 in 1886 and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.8' dia, gbMN."  His rough (nearest min of RA) is ~1.0 tmin west of ESO 570-006 (matches in dec).

 

This galaxy was discovered by WH on 8 Mar 1790 and recorded as III-824 (later GC 2281 = NGC 3497).  His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006, but the position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error).  JH and Lewis Swift also independently discovered the same galaxy, so there are four aliases in the NGC/IC!  Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624.  NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues.  See notes on NGC 3497 for more on the story.

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NGC 3526 = NGC 3531 = UGC 6167 = MCG +01-28-039 = CGCG 038-129 = PGC 33635

11 06 56.8 +07 10 27; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.4', very weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the SW end 1.3' from center.  Located 12' ENE of mag 8.3 SAO 118656 (at the west edge of the field).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3526 = m 215 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, perhaps 2' long, vm E ray, pos about 50”."  His position and description matches UGC 6167.

 

Edward Holden found this galaxy again on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin, and assumed it was new.  His description for NGC 3531 reads "E 50”, * 11 at sp end", but his position was 30' too far south. Spitaler equated the two identities NGC 3526 = NGC 3531.

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NGC 3527 = UGC 6170 = MCG +05-26-059 = CGCG 155-066 = PGC 33669

11 07 18.2 +28 31 39; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, very small, round, smooth surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 2.1' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3527 = H III-350 = h820 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, S."  John Herschel made four observations and mentioned the mag 10-11 star that is 1' preceding.

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NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667

11 07 18.1 -19 28 17; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 59”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): moderately bright, fairly large contains a bright core ~45" diameter increasing to a stellar nucleus.  Surrounding the core is a fairly large ill-defined halo elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.5' with a low surface brightness.  A couple of faint stars are superimposed on the south side.  This galaxy may hold the record for the most NGC/IC aliases as NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624.  Forms a pair with NGC 3529 5' S.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3528 = h3316 on 22 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; pslbM; 20".  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3529]."  His position is just 6 tsec west of ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037.

 

WH discovered this galaxy on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and recorded it as H. III-824 (later GC 2281 and NGC 3497).  His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006, but the position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error).  Ormond Stone and Lewis Swift also independently discovered the same galaxy, so there are four aliases in the NGC/IC!  Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624.  NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3497.  See notes on NGC 3497 for more on the identities.

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NGC 3529 = IC 2625 = ESO 570-007 = MCG -03-28-038 = PGC 33671

11 07 19.1 -19 33 20; Crt

V = 14.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated with very faint extensions suspected at moments, ~45"x35", very weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 just 5' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3529 = h3317 on 22 Mar 1835 and logged "eF; S; R; vlbM; 15".  The following of 2 [with NGC 3528]."  His position is just 0.1 tmin west of ESO 570-007.  NGC 3529 is 5' south of NGC 3528, which has 4 NGC/IC designation!

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr 1898 and recorded Sw. XI-119 (later IC 2625) as "eeeF; vS; R; s of 2 [with IC 2624 = NGC 3528].  His position is just 1' to the southeast, so IC 2625 = NGC 3529.

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NGC 3530 = UGC 6188 = MCG +10-16-064 = CGCG 291-030 = PGC 33766

11 08 40.4 +57 13 48; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, bright core, probable stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3530 = H III-915 = h821 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, S."  His position is within 1' of UGC 6188.  John Herschl logged on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), "eF; S; R; pgbM; 10"."

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NGC 3531 = NGC 3526 = UGC 6167 = MCG +01-28-039 = CGCG 038-129 = PGC 33635

11 06 56.3 +07 10 23; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3526.

 

Edward Holden found NGC 3531 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin.  His description from a second observation on 20 Apr 1882 reads "Nebula is elongated 50” +/-, and at its sp end is a star 11m. * 11 at sp end"  He added the comment "This may be Marth 215 (GC 5546 = NGC 3526). If so, Marth's position appears to be a wrong. "  It was Holden who was wrong, though -- his position is 30' too far south.  Rudolph Spitaler equated the two identities NGC 3526 = NGC 3531 (IC 1 Notes section).  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 3532 = ESO 128-31 = Cr 238 = Pin Cushion Cluster = Wishing Well Cluster

11 05 48 -58 46 12; Car

V = 3.0;  Size 55'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this amazing naked-eye cluster packs several hundred stars, filling the 20mm Nagler field (74x and 65' field of view) with wall-to-wall stars in a 55'x35' region!  The central region is condensed and quite rich with several dense knots consisting of pairs, triples, chains, etc.  The brighter stars are extended ~E-W and includes 6th magnitude K2-type star (HD 96544).  There is no well-defined edge to this immense cluster although a huge "U" shaped chain of stars extends around the periphery.  A neat equal-mag equilateral triangle of stars stood out within the central maze of stars.

 

The cluster is quite prominent naked-eye as a 45' cloud just 3” ENE of Eta Carina in the NE corner of the rich Carina starcloud and was densely packed with dozens of resolved stars in the 9x50mm finder.  Mag 3.9 V382 Carinae (a Delta Cepheid variable not considered a cluster member) is just off the SE side.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This spectacular naked-eye and binocular cluster (3” ENE of Eta Carina) filled the entire 51' field of the 27mm Panoptic (76x) with several hundred stars mag 7 and fainter resolved.  The cluster is unusually elongated ~E-W, perhaps 55'x30' and widening on the following side.  The stars are irregularly distributed with many in pairs, small groups, chains and loops.  A group of about a dozen stars forms a perfect "S" asterism.  Interestingly, there is a lack of dense knots although the entire central region is rich.  Many of the stars appear to have a blue or yellowish tint.  This is one of the very top open clusters in the sky although it is probably best in a wider field view.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): absolutely stunning cluster - very prominent naked-eye, rivals nearby Eta Carina though smaller.  A couple of dozen stars were resolved in 10x30mm binoculars including a few very bright stars.  Some additional faint stars scintillated in and out of view.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3532 = Lac II-10 = D 323 = h3315 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He described a "prodigious number of faint stars forming a semi-circle of 20 to 25 minutes diameter."

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster 3 times (including first night of logging on 27 Apr 1826) and described "a very large cluster of stars about the 9th magnitude, with a red star of the 7-8th magnitude, north following the centre of the cluster. Elliptical figure: the stars are pretty regularly scattered."

 

John Herschel was very impressed with the cluster, including it in a list of 'greatest hits': "Among the nebulae which occur from 9h to 12h we have .. the beautiful planetary nebula [NGC 2867], a perfect planet in appearance, with an attendant satellite; the falcated nebula [NGC 3199]; Eta Argus with its nebula; the superb cluster [NGC 3532]; the blue [Herschel's italics] planetary nebula [NGC 3918], a most exquisite and unique object ; and the beautiful cluster of various coloured stars about Kappa Crucis [NGC 4755]."

 

His first sweep on 31 Mar 1834 reported "Chief star of a very large, round, loosely scattered cluster of stars 8..12th magnitude, which fills 2 or 3 fields. A fine bright object." His next observation recorded "The chief star of a superb cluster, which has several elegant double stars, and many orange-coloured ones." On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote,"A glorious cluster of immense magnitude, being at least 2 fields in extent every way. The stars are 8, 9, 10 and 11 mag, but chiefly 10th magnitude, of which there must be at least 200. It is the most brilliant object of the kind I have ever seen."

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NGC 3533 = NGC 3557A = ESO 377-011 = MCG -06-25-002 = AM 1104-365 = LGG 229-009 = PGC 33647

11 07 07.5 -37 10 22; Cen

V = 12.9;  Size 2.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 65”

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 WSW-ENE, low fairly even surface brightness with just a weak, broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is just north of the ENE tip.  First in the NGC 3557 group (40' NW of NGC 3557).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3533 = h3318 on 22 Apr 1835 and simply noted "eeF; attached to a vS star."  His position is 14 sec of RA east of ESO 377-011 = PGC 33647 with the star at the northeast tip.

 

Gerard de Vaucouleurs labeled this galaxy as NGC 3557A in his 1956 "Survey of Bright Galaxies South of -35” Declination", based on Mt Stromlo plates, and the 1964 "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies".   He apparently missed the previous identity of NGC 3533.

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NGC 3534 = NGC 3534A = UGC 6190 = MCG +05-26-062 = CGCG 155-072 = Holm 229a = KTG 35A = WBL 303-001 = PGC 33782

11 08 55.6 +26 36 38; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 88”

 

24" (4/20/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Largest in a trio (KTG 35) and brighter of a close pair with NGC 3534B = UGC 6193 just 0.9' S.  The companion appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 24"x12", with the major axis perpendicular to NGC 3534.  MCG +05-26-064 lies 2.9' ENE and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 25"x15", small bright core.

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', broad weak concentration.  A mag 9.5 star is 4.3' NW.  This is a double system with separation 0.9' between centers (unresolved) and forms a triplet with MCG +05-26-064 2.9' ENE.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3534 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at St Petersburg while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke).  He recorded a "Very faint nebua of uniform light, located 3' southeast (PA 145”) from a mag 9 star.  His position is 12 sec of RA west of UGC 6190.

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NGC 3535 = UGC 6189 = MCG +01-29-004 = CGCG 039-010 = PGC 33760

11 08 34.0 +04 49 55; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, brighter core.  A mag 15 star is just 43" E of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3535 = H III-111 = h823 on 18 Apr 1784 (sweep 201) and recorded "vF, vS, r, 240x confirmed it."  There is nothing at his position, but 33 seconds of RA west and 1.5' north is UGC 6189.  John Herschel measured an accurate position.  In Dreyer's 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, he explained issues with the telescope that led to different reductions between Auwers and Caroline Herschel.

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NGC 3536 = UGC 6191 = MCG +05-26-061 = CGCG 155-073 = PGC 33779

11 08 51.2 +28 28 32; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness.  The 20' field has only a half dozen stars.  NGC 3539 lies 12.3' NNE. Probable member of AGC 1185 and located about 30' SW of the core of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3536 = h822 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "F; S; R; bM; 15 to 20" dia." His declination was 1.2' too small.

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NGC 3537 = PGC 33752 = PGC 33753

11 08 26.6 -10 15 25; Crt

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, ~1.0'x0.8', moderate surface brightness, weak concentration to an irregular nucleus.  This is a double system with a superimposed companion on the south side. Located 8' W of mag 8.7 SAO 138012.  NGC 3527 is misidentified in the RNGC and MCG as MCG -02-29-003 which is located 14' S (see visual observation).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3537 = T V-8 on 7 Feb 1878.  He resolved and accurately measured the two components of this double galaxy (PGC 33752 = PGC 33753).

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found this galaxy in 1880 and described object #13 in his discovery list as "2 stars inv in haze, Pos. 160 deg."  RNGC and MCG both misidentify MCG -02-29-003 as NGC 3537.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3538

11 11 33.1 +75 34 15; Dra

Size 9"

 

= **, Corwin.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3538 on 15 Sep 1866 and noted "vF, pL, *17 near."  Just 20" north of his single position is a pair of mag 14.9/15.1 stars at 9" separation oriented NW-SE at this position.

 

In the 1911 Monthly Notices correction paper on William Herschel's sweep of 2 Apr 1801, NGC 3538 was noted (based on a Greenwich plate) as "Doubtful.  Appears as a double star on the photographs. P 310”, d 12", mags 17, 17."  Based on Heidelberg plates, Reinmuth noted "vS, = neb *14.0, *16 np 0.1', *14.5 f 0.7'.  This description applies to the brighter component of the double star, which is cleanly resolved on the DSS.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3539 = MCG +05-26-065 = CGCG 155-077 = PGC 33799

11 09 08.9 +28 40 20; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 1.2'x0.25';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2'.  Contains a small bright core with very faint extensions.  NGC 3536 lies 12.3' SSW.  Member of AGC 1185.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3539 = h825 on 13 Apr 1831 (sweep 343) and simply noted "eF".  Based on a plate taken with the 24-inch Yerkes reflector, Hubble described NGC 3539 as "F, E 5”, 60"x20"." (1917 PhD thesis).

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NGC 3540 = NGC 3548 = UGC 6196 = MCG +06-25-011 = CGCG 185-011 = PGC 33806

11 09 16.1 +36 01 15; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.  Located 8' E of mag 7.3 SAO 62421 and 17' S of mag 5.7 SAO 62427.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3540 = h824 on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) and recorded, "pF; R; psbM; 20"; a * 7m preceding, distance 7' - 8'."  His position and description matches UGC 6196.

 

NGC 3548, found by JH the following year, is probably a duplicate observation with a 1.0 minute error in RA.  See that number. This galaxy was not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 star atlas.

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NGC 3541 = MCG -02-29-003 = PGC 33759

11 08 32.2 -10 29 30; Crt

V = 14.5;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.8

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter.  Has a much lower surface brightenss than NGC 3537 14' N.  The NGC identification is very uncertain due to an imprecise position by Common and NGC 3541 may apply to MCG -02-29-004 28' SSE.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 3537 in MCG and RNGC.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3541 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector in 1880 and described a "Nebulous star, B centre."  His rough discovery position is 12' north of MCG -02-29-004 and 15' south of MCG -02-29-003.  Both of these galaxies are possible candidates.  Harold Corwin feels that based on Common's description, MCG -02-29-003 = PGC 33759 is more likely.

 

Wolfgang Steinicke credits Wilhelm Tempel with the discovery on 7 Feb 1878, but the position and description in list I-31 appears to apply to a couple of very faint stars.

 

MCG -02-29-003 is misidentified as NGC 3537 in MCG and RNGC (see notes for NGC 3537).  RNGC misclassifies NGC 3541 as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3542 = MCG +06-25-013 = CGCG 185-013 = PGC 33868

11 09 55.5 +36 56 47; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, low surface brightness, no concentration.  Forms a trio with NGC 3545 3.5' ENE and MCG +06-25-014 3.3' N.  MCG +06-25-015 is at the edge of the field 11' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3542 = St XIII-60 on 26 Mar 1884.  His position matches CGCG 185-013 = PGC 33868.

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NGC 3543 = UGC 6213 = MCG +10-16-075 = CGCG 291-034 = PGC 33953

11 10 56.5 +61 20 49; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 ~N-S.  A wide pair of mag 14 stars at 51" separation lie 2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3543 = H III-920 = h826 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "eF, vS, E nearly in the meridian [north-south]."  Caroline's reduced position is 3.5' southwest of UGC 6213.

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NGC 3544 = NGC 3571 = ESO 570-011 = MCG -03-29-001 = PGC 34028

11 11 30.3 -18 17 23; Crt

 

See observing notes for NGC 3571.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 3544 = LM 1-184 on 7 Jan 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of RA) but 2 minutes of RA east (same dec) is NGC 3571 = ESO 570-011 and Stone's position angle (95”) and dimensions (2.5'x0.4') are a perfect match with NGC 3571.

 

This galaxy was discovered by William Herschel on 8 Mar 1790 and catalogued as II-819 (later NGC 3571).  So, NGC 3544 = NGC 3571.  Harold Knox-Shaw noted the equivalence in 1915, based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1912-14 with the 30" Reynolds reflector.  The primary designation should be NGC 3571, although RC3 labels this galaxy NGC 3544.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3545 = VV 182 = MCG +06-25-016 = MCG +06-25-017 = CGCG 185-015 = PGC 33893

11 10 12.3 +36 57 53; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.3'

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, slight even concentration.  Forms a trio with NGC 3542 3.5' WSW and MCG +06-25-014 4.7' NW.  MCG +06-25-015 lies 10.5' NNW.  This is a double system with components separated by just 13" (oriented SW-NE).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3545 = St XIII-61 on 26 Mar 1884.  His position matches the double system MCG +06-25-016/017 or (R)NGC 3545A/B.  The individual components appear to be at most 0.3'x0.3' and in contact SW-NE.

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NGC 3546 = MCG -02-29-007 = PGC 33846

11 09 46.8 -13 22 50; Crt

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, slightly elongated, 25"x 20", stellar nucleus.  Apparently I picked up the core region only as the arms have a much lower surface brightness.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3546 = LM 2-432 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "* 12m in PA 40” at 2.1'."  His position is 0.3' of RA west of  MCG -02-29-007 = PGC 33846 and his description matches.

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NGC 3547 = UGC 6209 = MCG +02-29-007 = CGCG 067-019 = PGC 33866

11 09 55.9 +10 43 14; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, bright core.  Possible member of the Leo group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3547 = H II-42 = h828 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "F, S.  Does not require 240x to see it."  On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Herschel wrote, "F; S; lE; of nearly uniform brightness."

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NGC 3548 = NGC 3540 = UGC 6196 = MCG +06-25-011 = CGCG 185-011 = PGC 33806

11 09 16.1 +36 01 15; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3540.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3548 = h827 on 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401) and noted "eF; R; a * 8m precedes."  There is nothing at his position buyt 1.0 min of RA west is NGC 3540, which he discovered the previous year on 11 Mar 1831, and the two descriptions are very similar.  RNGC equates NGC 3548 with NGC 3540.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes for more on this number.

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NGC 3549 = UGC 6215 = MCG +09-18-097 = CGCG 267-047 = PGC 33964

11 10 56.8 +53 23 17; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 2.6'x1.0', broad concentration. The ends fade into the background but do not taper giving a boxy impression.  Three collinear mag 13.5 stars nearly parallel the galaxy off the SE side.  The nearest is 1.7' ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3549 = H I-220 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "cB, E, 70” np to sf, 3 or 4' long, about 2' br."  His position is within 1.5' (typical error) of UGC 6215.  A second observation was made two nights later to start sweep 920.

 

A sketch made on 29 Feb 1868 at Birr Castle shows a curving shape with the comments "Lord R. remarks; - south end much spread out.  We were almost certain of the branches given in diagram, n one most decided."

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NGC 3550 = UGC 6214 = MCG +05-27-002 = CGCG 155-082 = CGCG 156-003 = PGC 33927

11 10 38.5 +28 46 04; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (3/24/84): brightest in the AGC 1185 cluster.  Faint, small, round.  A mag 11 star is 1.5' E and a mag 12 star 1.5' SSW.  NGC 3552 lies 4.7' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3550 = H III-351 = h829, along with NGC 3552, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded "Two [along with III-352 = NGC 3552], both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3552] is the faintest and but for the other could not have been observed."  John Herschel made 6 disparate descriptions in terms of brightness - ranging from eF to B - and in the notes to the General Catalogue suggested this was possibly a variable nebula.

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NGC 3551 = CGCG 125-032 = Holm 230b = PGC 33825

11 09 42.8 +21 44 07; Leo

V = 14.9;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (4/15/99): extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated but difficult to confirm, 20" in diameter.  Could not resolve this double system with certainty (or only viewed the brighter component).  Located 1.4' SSW of NGC 3555.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, round, fairly low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3555 1.4' NNE.  This is a double system [29" between centers] which was not resolved or only one component visible.  Member of AGC 1177.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3551 = Sw. I-10, along with Sw. I-11 = NGC 3555 on 24 Aug 1883, and noted "eeF; vS; R; diff; s of 2."  His position is 50 sec of RA east of CGCG 125-032 (close pair) but similar in declination.  His relative separation with NGC 3555 is 10 sec of RA and 0.5' north.  This suggests NGC 3555 = UGC 6203 (brightest in the cluster), though the actual RA difference is 3.2 tsec of RA.  CGCG 125-032 is not labeled NGC 3551 in UGC (notes) or CGCG.  RNGC and PGC identify the brighter western component of this double as NGC 3551.

 

As an alternative identification, Corwin suggests that NGC 3551 = UGC 6203 and NGC 3555 = CGCG 125-034, but the declination separation of 3' is much larger than Swift's 0.5'.  I feel this solution is less likely.

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NGC 3552 = MCG +05-27-004 = CGCG 155-085nf = CGCG 156-006nf = PGC 33932

11 10 42.9 +28 41 35; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint glow that is slightly brighter than NGC 3553, situated very close SW just 44" from center.  Located in the core of AGC 1185.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3552 = H III-352 = h832, along with NGC 3550, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded "Two [along with NGC 3550], both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3552] is the faintest and but for the other could not have been observed."  John Herschel made 3 observations, describing this object on sweep 65 as "so excessively faint as hardly to be discerned on long attention.  The second of a group of 3 [with NGC 3561]." 

 

Hermann Kobold measured micrometric positions of the cluster in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg, but nothing is at his position for NGC 3552, so he likely misidentified the offset star.  Also see notes on NGC 3553.

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NGC 3553 = MCG +05-27-004 = CGCG 155-085sw = CGCG 156-006sw = LEDA 1842970

11 10 40.3 +28 41 08; UMa

V = 15.3;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, extremely small.  Located very close SW of NGC 3552 (44" between centers).  The pair is just resolved at 220x.  Located in the core of rich cluster AGC 1185.  There is a faint star at the south edge -- perhaps I noticed the star instead of the galaxy?

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3553 = Big 45 on 13 Mar 1885 and recorded "20" diam; forms a double nebula with GC 2320 [NGC 3552]."  His position, though, matches NGC 3552, as he assumed the galaxy 0.7' southwest (MCG +05-27-003 = PGC 1842970) was NGC 3552.  So, the positions in the NGC for NGC 3552 and NGC 3553 actually apply to the same galaxy.  Since Bigourdan clearly discovered MCG +05-27-003, Harold Corwin suggests it should be labeled NGC 3553.  That places the numbering out of order in RA.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3554 = MCG +05-27-007 = CGCG 155-086 = CGCG 156-007 = PGC 33948

11 10 47.9 +28 39 36; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 57”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): extremely faint and small.  Located in the core of AGC 1185 close SSE of the NGC 3552/NGC 3553 pair.  Appears just non-stellar and near the visual threshold.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3554 = h833 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "F; R; bM; not vS; PD mistaken 10'; corrected."  His declination was 1.5' too large.

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NGC 3555 = UGC 6203 = MCG +04-26-035 = CGCG 125-033 = Holm 230a = PGC 33836

11 09 44.4 +21 45 32; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/15/99): brightest of trio with CGCG 125-032 (= NGC 3551) 1.4' SSW and CGCG 125-034. Appears very faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Located 9' NW of three mag 9 stars which form a shallow arc. This galaxy is the brightest in AGC 1177.  CGCG 125-034 (identified as NGC 3555 in NED and LEDA) appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak even concentration to brighter core and very small nucleus.  A trio of mag 9 stars are in the field 8'-9' S including mag 8.9 SAO 81702 9.1' SE and mag 9.2 SAO 81700 8.7' SSE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3551 1.4' SSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3555 = Sw. I-11, along with NGC 3551 = Sw. I-10, on 24 Aug 1883.  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min west is UGC 62035, the brightest member of the cluster.  UGC, MCG and CGCG fail to label this galaxy as NGC 3555.  This assignment implies NGC 3551 = CGCG 125-032, a faint double double system close southwest.  See Corwin's notes for an alternate interpretation of the identifications.

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NGC 3556 = M108 = UGC 6225 = VV 529 = MCG +09-18-098 = CGCG 267-048 = CGCG 268-001 = PGC 34030

11 11 31.8 +55 40 14; UMa

V = 10.0;  Size 8.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 80”

 

48" (5/12/12): extremely bright and large, very elongated at least 4:1 WSW-ESE, ~8'x2'.  M109 displayed a unique tortured appearance and was riddled with irregular dust lanes and patches.  A very irregular dust lane courses through the galaxy along the major axis, but north of the core.  A bright mag 12.5 Milky Way star is superimposed just west of center and east of this star is a bright, large elongated knot [HK83] 87.  Very close west of the star is a small, faint knot [HK83] 108 and a large dust patch is just west of this knot.  On the west edge of the dust patch (1.2' W of the star) is another bright, elongated knot with multiple HII designations including [HK83] 146.

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright, very large, elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, ~8'x2'.  This striking galaxy has a very mottled, patchy appearance with the main body appearing twisted or distorted.  A few brighter patches or knots are visible along the major axis with a prominent knot along the west side.  The core region is streaked with dust.  The brightest portions of the two extensions have slightly different orientations or central axes!  The galaxy bulges out a bit on the east end and the galaxy appears to bend a bit towards the north on the west end adding to the asymmetry.  A couple of faint stars are superimposed on the eastern extension and close to the center is a prominent mag 12.5 star masquerading as a bright, stellar nucleus.  The Owl Nebula, M97, lies 48' SE.

 

17.5" (2/25/84): very bright, very large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 8.0'x2.0'.  A mag 12 star is superimposed just west of center (V = 12.5) appearing similar to a bright stellar nucleus.  Two fainter stars are also superimposed east of the core.  A bright knot is visible west of the core (1.3' W of the star) and the region near the core appears dusty.  A mag 12 star is just south of the west end, 4.9' from the center.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very bright, very large, a bright star is superimposed near the center, knot visible west of the core.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, very elongated, stellar nucleus.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M108 = NGC 3556 = V-46 = h831 on 16 Feb 1781 with a 3-inch refractor.  Messier measured an accurate position and added it by hand to his personal copy of the catalogue, but a later edition was never published.

 

William Herschel independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) and recorded H. V-46 as "vB, 10' long and 2' br, resolvable.  An unconnected pB star in the middle."  Herschel was credited with the discovery in the NGC. John Herschel made a single observation on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and wrote, "B; vL; p b r; vmE; pos 79”.  Has a distinct star in centre and 1 or 2 vS stars elsewhere."  At Birr Castle, M108 was observed  7 times, first on 13 Apr 1850.  It was described in various observations as "twisted", "mottled", "patched and irregular", "knots".

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NGC 3557 = ESO 377-016 = MCG -06-25-005 = AM 1107-371 = LGG 229-003 = PGC 33871

11 09 57.6 -37 32 21; Cen

V = 10.4;  Size 4.1'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a prominent 40" core.  With averted vision the diffuse outer halo extends to 3'x2' in size.  A mag 10.5 star lies 3.3' SE.  Brightest in a group (Klemola 18) including NGC 3564 7.7' E and NGC 3568 11.5' NE and part of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster.

 

ESO 377-012, 20' WSW, appeared faint, moderately large, elongated roughly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'.  This galaxy has a very unusual appearance as a mag 12.8 star is superimposed and the galaxy is a faint, elongated, low surface brightness haze to the south of the star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3557 = h3319 on 21 Apr 1835 and noted "pB; S; R; bM."  His position (2 observations) matches ESO 377-016.

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NGC 3558 = MCG +05-27-008 = CGCG 155-089 = CGCG 156-010 = Mrk 422 = PGC 33960

11 10 55.9 +28 32 37; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (3/24/84): this is the second brightest galaxy in the rich cluster AGC 1185.  Faint, very small, round.  There is a string of four faint stars preceding.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3558 on 15 Apr 1866 and viewed at 123x, 148x and 226x.  His declination was 1.3' too large.

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NGC 3559 = UGC 6217 = MCG +02-29-008 = CGCG 067-025 = PGC 33940

11 10 45.2 +12 00 58; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8', fairly low surface brightness, brighter core.  IC 2628 is located 14' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3559 = H III-79 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and noted "eF, not L, lE, r."  His position (CH's reduction) is  6' too far south.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (twice) and noted the 6' error in WH's position.  NGC 3560 is a duplicate observation with a poor declination.

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NGC 3560 = NGC 3559 = UGC 6217 = MCG +02-29-008 = CGCG 067-025

11 10 45.2 +12 00 58; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3559.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3560 = h834 on 6 Apr 1831 (sweep 340) and recorded "F; R; gbM; 20" (conspicuous).  The PD of the working list [for H III-79] is 6' out, owing to which I have often looked for it in vain."  Although he was correct about the error in the polar distance of H. III-79, JH's polar distance was off by 50'.

 

Ignoring his previous equivalence with his father's H. III-79 (NGC 3559), JH gave h834 a separate GC designation (2324) at his erroneous position.  Dreyer followed JH, and added the duplicate designation NGC 3560.  Harold Corwin (private correspondence on 10 Aug 1995) identifies NGC 3560 = h834 = H. III 79 = NGC 3559 as JH originally stated.  See Corwin's notes for full discussion.

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NGC 3561 = Arp 105 NED2 = VV 237a = UGC 6224a = MCG +05-27-010 = CGCG 155-090 NED2 = CGCG 156-011 NED2 = PGC 33991

11 11 13.3 +28 41 46; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (5/12/12): bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3561A 0.9' N.  The companion appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 30"x20", small bright core.

 

At 488x, a very low surface extension or plume reaches 30" S.  The dwarf galaxy "Ambartsumian's Knot" was occasionally visible near its southern end as an extremely faint stellar spot.  A number of galaxies within AGC 1185 are nearby including MCG +05-27-012 1.6' SW, which appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.3'x0.2'.

 

MCG +05-27-012, 1.6' SE of NGC 3561, is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.3'x0.2'.  2MASX J11112084+2840183, 2.2' SE of NGC 3561 and 39" SE of MCG +05-27-012, appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 16"x8".

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, very diffuse spot with averted.  This member of AGC 1185 is slightly larger than most members.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3561 = h835 on 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65) and simply noted "vF.  The last of a group of 4 [with NGC 3550, 3552 and 3554]."  The next night he called it "F; pL; 8' dist from another [NGC 3550] and 30” south-following it."  He likely picked up the brighter southern component of this multiple system.

 

RC2 lists the components as NGC 3561A = MCG +05-27-011 (northern) and NGC 3561B = MCG +05-27-010 (southern). The dwarf galaxy "Ambartsumian's knot" is located at the southern end of a plume extending from NGC 3561B.

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NGC 3562 = UGC 6242 = MCG +12-11-011 = CGCG 334-013 = PGC 34134

11 12 58.7 +72 52 45; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3562 = H II-337 = h830 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pF, pS, bM."  John Herschel recorded on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), "pF; lE; gbM; 20"; a * 15m dist 70"; pos from neb 22.1”."

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NGC 3563 = UGC 6234 = MCG +05-27-013 = MCG +05-27-14 = CGCG 156-014 = Holm 234a = PGC 34025

11 11 25.3 +26 57 49; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15”

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  This is a double galaxy and a very small companion was just resolved on the west edge.  NGC 3563A appears as an extremely faint, round "knot" (perhaps 10" diameter) just 17" W of center.  Located 3.3' S of mag 9.5 SAO 81711.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3563 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St Petersburg.  He found this galaxy while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) and noted it was 2' south of a mag 8 star in PA 169”.  RC 3 and the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide label this galaxy NGC 3563B and the fainter companion NGC 3563A.

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NGC 3564 = ESO 377-018 = MCG -06-25-006 = AM 1108-371 = LGG 229-004 = PGC 33923

11 10 36.4 -37 32 51; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 15”

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.6', weak concentration and tapers at the ends (spindle-shaped).  Follows NGC 3557 by 7.7' in a group (Klemola 18) and bracketed by two mag 13 stars 2' NW and 2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3564 = h3320 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "F; S; R; bM.  On the same parallel with [NGC 3557]."  His position matches ESO 377-018 = PGC 33923.  Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 29 Mar 1878, noted the nebula was not round, as stated by Herschel, but elongated SSW-NNE. (p. 165 logbook).

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NGC 3565 = NGC 3566: = ESO 570-008 = PGC 33701

11 07 47.8 -20 01 18; Crt

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 126”

 

18" (3/17/07): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Located 13' WNW a mag 8.3 HD 96800.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 3565 is not certain and the number (along with NGC 3566) may apply to IC 2623 and a star just south.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3565 = LM 1-185, along with NGC 3566, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Both objects were given the same rough position (nearest min of RA and marked as +/-).  There is nothing near his position.

 

ESO, RC3 and PGC identify NGC 3565 = NGC 3566 = ESO 570-008, an interacting double galaxy roughly 2.5 min of RA east of Stone's position (typical error in the first discovery list).  On the POSS, the images of these two small galaxies are merged and difficult to resolve.  So, it's possible that Stone observed this galaxy and a nearby faint star for his second object.  RNGC classifies NGC 3565 and 3566 as nonexistent.  Also, see my RNGC Corrections #6 and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 3566 = NGC 3565: = ESO 570-008 = PGC 33701

11 07 47.8 -20 01 20; Crt

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 126”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3565.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3566 = LM 1-186, along with NGC 3565, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  See NGC 3565.

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NGC 3567 = UGC 6230 = MCG +01-29-011 = CGCG 039-051 = PGC 34004

11 11 18.7 +05 50 10; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 132”

 

18" (3/5/05): fairly faint, round, contains a relatively bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus surrounded by a round, faint halo.  Forms a double system with MCG +01-29-012 39" SE.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, 20" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3567 = H III-89 = h836 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "eF.  I am a little doubtful of the reality.  His position is 30 seconds of RA west and 3' north of UGC 6230, the only object in the vicinity.  John Herschel made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position, but he was uncertain of the identification with H. III-89 because of the poor match in positions.  He also noted "an appearance of stars", perhaps picking up the close companion as stellar!

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NGC 3568 = ESO 377-020 = MCG -06-25-009 = LGG 229-008 = PGC 33952

11 10 48.5 -37 26 52; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 7”

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', fairly low even surface brightness.  Cradled by a trio of mag 10-11 stars just following (the 2 stars off the north and south ends are parallel to the major axis).  NGC 3564 lies 6.7' SSW and NGC 3557, the brightest member of the Klemola 18 group, is 11.5' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3568 = h3321 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; involving several stars.  The last of 3 [with with NGC 3557 and 3564].  The next night he noted "F; R; near 3 bright stars.", apparently recognizing the stars were not involved with the object. His position is 1' south of ESO 377-020 = PGC 33952 and the description matches.

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NGC 3569 = UGC 6238 = MCG +06-25-020 = CGCG 185-018 = PGC 34075

11 12 08.1 +35 27 08; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, very weak concentration with no visible core.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3569 on 27 Apr 1864.  His single position matches UGC 6238 and the description mentions the mag 12 star to the west-northwest by 3.5'.

 

In 1899 Hermann Kobold discovered a faint companion (called Kobold 14) 1.8' SW of NGC 3569 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.  The discovery was published, though, in 1909 - too late for inclusion in the IC2.

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NGC 3570 = UGC 6240 = MCG +05-27-019 = CGCG 156-018 = PGC 34071

11 12 03.3 +27 35 23; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Forms a pair with NGC 3574 at 2.9' NE.  Brightest in a faint group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3570 = St IX-23, along with NGC 3574, on 15 Mar 1877.  His position matches UGC 6240.  This galaxy is the brightest in a group with NGC 3754 2.9' NE.

 

Emmanuel Esmiol, in a re-reduction of Stephan's positions at Marseille Observatory, removed NGC 3570 and replaced it with an anonymous galaxy, as if the NGC position is in error, but his new position matches the old!

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NGC 3571 = NGC 3544 = ESO 570-011 = MCG -03-29-001 = PGC 34028

11 11 30.3 -18 17 23; Crt

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 94”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, moderately large.  Contains a small bright core surrounded by a faint halo elongated 2:1 ~E-W.  Located 19' NW of mag 6.1 Psi Crateris.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3571 = H II-819 on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and reported "pF, pL, bM, iF."  His position matches ESO 570-011 = PGC 34028.

 

Ormond Stone independently discovered the galaxy on 7 Jan 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) for NGC 3544 = LM 1-184 is two tmin too far west, but his description matches.  So, NGC 3571 = NGC 3544.  The primary designation should be NGC 3571, although RC3 labels this galaxy NGC 3544.

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NGC 3572 = ESO 129-1 = Cr 239

11 10 19 -60 14 54; Car

V = 6.6;  Size 20

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is an 8' irregular group of 80-100 stars including a mag 7.9 star on the west side and about a dozen mag 10 stars.  A mag 6.7 star lies 11' SE of center outside of the apparent cluster (but part of Cr 240).  A dark patch abuts the cluster and there is an impression of more bright and dark nebulosity in the field.  At 128x with the UHC filter, the cluster is adjacent to a large field of faint nebulosity to the north (RCW 54) with the borders of the nebulosity seemingly obscured by dust.  Located 16' NW of mag 4.6 HD 97534.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3572 = h3323 on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "Middle of a tolerably rich cluster, class VIII."  His position is good.

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NGC 3573 = ESO 377-022 = AM 1108-363 = MCG -06-25-011 = LGG 229-010 = PGC 34005

11 11 18.3 -36 52 33; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 3.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 4”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, bright core, very small bright nucleus, faint extensions.  A string of three mag 11.5-12.5 stars oriented E-W follow with the closest star 2.3' E and a mag 14.5 star is at the east edge.  Located on the north side of the NGC 3557 group (part of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster) in the NW corner of Centaurus near the Antlia border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3573 = h3322 on 20 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; R; glbM; 20"; precedes 3 stars 11 and 12 mag, nearly on the same parallel.  His position is 1.3' north o fESO 377-022 = PGC 34005 and the description matches.

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NGC 3574 = MCG +05-27-022 = CGCG 156-020 = PGC 34080

11 12 12.1 +27 37 29; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/14/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, no details and requires averted vision.  Located 2.9' NE of NGC 3570 and second brightest in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3574 = St IX-24, along with NGC 3570 on 15 Mar 1877.

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NGC 3575 = NGC 3162 = UGC 5510 = MCG +04-24-019 = CGCG 123-026

10 13 31.6 +22 44 15; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3162.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 3575 on 21 Feb 1863.  He noted it was "moderately bright, R, 45" diam.  A mag 11 stars precedes at 3' separation and a mag 16 star is 1' southeast.  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan and Reinmuth (Heidelberg plate) both reported negative results.

 

But Harold Corwin discovered that d'Arrest's RA was exactly one hour too large, and once corrected his position as well as description is a perfect match with NGC 3162, discovered by WH in 1784.  d'Arrest made the same error with NGC 3760 that evening and with NGC 3167 on 1 May 1862.

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NGC 3576 = ESO 129-005 = RCW 57 = PP 79 = Ced 113a = Statue of Liberty Nebula

11 11 31.7 -61 21 48; Car

Size 1.1'x0.7';  PA = 90”

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3576 is the first of six sections in a small, but very interesting nebulous complex consisting of NGC 3576, NGC 3579, NGC 3581, NGC 3582, NGC 3584 and NGC 3586 – all situated in the same low power field with NGC 3603!  The entire group is often referred to as the NGC 3576 nebular complex or the RCW 57A region.

 

NGC 3576 is a somewhat isolated patch on the southwest side, about 5' from the main sections.  At 128x and a UHC filter it appeared as a faint, circular hazy patch of low surface brightness with a mag 12.5 star at the west side and ~1.5' in diameter.  NGC 3579 is a small, fan or wedge-shaped section located just to the west of larger NGC 3584.  It appears 2' in size with a 12th magnitude star at the south tip and spreads to the north and west from this star.  NGC 3581 is the brightest section of this complex and has sharply defined borders running SW-NE and NW-SE, meeting at a right angle about 1' WNW of mag 9.2 SAO 251313. The overall size is ~2'x1.5' with an irregular surface brightness.  It is just disconnected from NGC 3582, which is close NE.  NGC 3582 is another fan-shaped section which wraps around a mag 10.6 star.  It has a well-defined edge running SW to NE with the northern border running E-W. The brighter star is embedded roughly in the center and several mag 13 stars are near the border.  The diameter is ~2' (similar in size to NGC 3581 just SW).  NGC 3584 is the furthest NE and the largest section of nebulosity.  It appears as a looping arc about 3.5'x1', bowed out towards the east and extending mostly N-S and narrowing at the north end.  A few mag 12 stars are off the edges.  NGC 3579 appears as nearly a continuation of this loop towards the west.  Finally, NGC 3586, the last in the complex, is situated ~4' SE of the center of the group of nebulae.  It appears as a faint, elongated steak of 2' length oriented N-S with an 11th magnitude star about 40" NE of the north tip.  The entire group was roughly sketched and easily matched up with the DSS later.  NGC 3603 lies ~25' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3576 = h3324 on 16 Mar 1834 and recorded "F, oval.  The first of a group of 6.  Place by collation of diagrams."  His (rough) position is too far southwest.  His sketch was included in the CGH Observations, plate IV, figure 10.

 

Joseph Turner also sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 35 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_35.php).  He sketched it noticeably elongated E-W.

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NGC 3577 = UGC 6257 = MCG +08-21-006 = CGCG 242-010 = PGC 34195

11 13 44.9 +48 16 22; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 11.5 star is 30" SE of the outer halo and 1.2' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3583 5.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3577 = H III-723 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 822) and noted "eF, vS.  It is south preceding the foregoing nebula [NGC 3583]."  His position is 4.5' north of UGC 6257, but this is the same offset as NGC 3583, so the identification is certain.

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NGC 3578

11 12 48 -15 57; Crt

 

= **?, Corwin.  = "Not found", Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3578 = h837 on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and recorded an uncertain "Nova" as "A doubtful object, but probably a nebula."  There is nothing near his position he might have picked up.  Dorothy Carlson reports "not found" in her 1940 NGC errata list.  Harold Corwin lists a couple of single or double stars that JH might have noted.

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NGC 3579 = ESO 129-008 = RCW 57 = Ced 113b

11 11 58 -61 14 41; Car

Size 1.6'x0.8';  PA = 45”

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3579 is a small, fan or wedge-shaped section located just to the west of larger NGC 3584 within the RCW 57 complex.  It appears 2' in size with a 12th magnitude star at the south tip and spreading to the north and west from this star.  This is the second of 6 separate pieces catalogued by John Herschel.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3579 = h3325, in a group of nebulae, on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "R, sbM, by diagram. Place by collation of diagrams."  Joseph Turner also sketched the group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV.35 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_35.php).

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NGC 3580 = MCG +01-29-018 = CGCG 039-075 = PGC 34159

11 13 15.9 +03 39 26; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, 20" diameter (core), quasi-stellar nucleus.  At moments there are faint extensions N-S.  A mag 13 star lies 1.3' ESE of center.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3580 = T I-32 in 1876.  His position and description (a mag 14 star follows by 3 - 4 sec of time) matches CGCG 039-075 = PGC 34159.

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NGC 3581 = ESO 129-009 = Gum 38a = RCW 57 = Ced 113c

11 12 01 -61 18 00; Car

Size 1.6'x1.3';  PA = 45”

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3581 is the brightest section of this complex and has sharply defined borders running SW-NE and NW-SE, meeting at a right angle about 1' WNW of mag 9.2 SAO 251313. The overall size is ~2'x1.5' with an irregular surface brightness.  NGC 3581 is just disconnected from NGC 3582, which is close NE.

 

A very young, infrared cluster (identified in SIMBAD as " NGC3576 IR Cluster") is on the western side of the HII region, including a number of massive young stellar objects (YSOs).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3581 = h3326 on 14 Mar 1834 in an HII complex and noted "a * 12m, with a fan nebula attached.  Place by direct observation."  Joseph Turner sketched the group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV.35 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_35.php).  He shows the nebula tapering at the southwest end to a brighter star or knot.

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NGC 3582 = ESO 129-010 = RCW 57 = Ced 113d

11 12 10 -61 16 30; Car

Size 1.8'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3582 is another fan-shaped section which wraps around a mag 10.6 star.  It has a well-defined edge running SW to NE with the northern border running E-W.  The brighter star is embedded roughly in the center and several mag 13 stars are near the border.  The diameter is ~2' (similar in size to NGC 3581 just SW).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3582 = h3327 on 14 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae.  He noted "R; has a * in middle.  Place by collation of diagrams."  Joseph Turner sketched the complex of nebulae in 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV.35 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_35.php).

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NGC 3583 = UGC 6263 = MCG +08-21-008 = CGCG 242-012 = PGC 34232

11 14 10.8 +48 19 06; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 14 star is just off the south side 1.5' from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3577 5.2' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3583 = H II-728 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, pL, R, vgmbM."  His position on sweep is 4' north of UGC 6263 (similar offset as NGC 3577 = II-723 on sweep 822).

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NGC 3584 = ESO 129-012 = RCW 57 = Ced 113e

11 12 19.2 -61 13 12; Car

Size 3.6'x0.8'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3584 is the furthest northeast and the largest section of nebulosity.  It appears as a looping arc about 3.5'x1', bowed out towards the east and extending mostly N-S and narrowing at the north end.  A few mag 12 stars are off the edges.  NGC 3579 appears as nearly a continuation of this loop towards the west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3584 = h3329 on 16 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae and recorded "L, bM, E in meridian.  Place by collation of diagram."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the complex on 19 May 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV.35 at www.docdb.net/history/texts/1885osngmt________e/lithograph_m_4_35.php), and NGC 3584 is shown as a looping nebulosity, narrowing on the north end and matching my description and the photographic appearance.

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NGC 3585 = ESO 502-025 = MCG -04-27-004 = PGC 34160

11 13 17.1 -26 45 18; Hya

V = 09.9;  Size 4.7'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 107”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very high surface brightness, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Two mag 13.5 stars are 2.5' NE and 3.3 ' NNW.  Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 8.5 stars (SAO 179663 and 179667) 8.4' E and 8.4' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3585 = H II-269 = h3328 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 676) and noted "pB, pL, lE, mbB."  His position at the south edge of the galaxy. John Herschel made two observations from the CGH and first logged "vB, pL, pmE; forms equilateral triangle with two stars 8th and 8-9 mag following, distant 6' or 7'."  Joseph Turner made a sketch on 13 Apr 1877 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope showing it as nearly edge-on WNW-ESE with a small bright nucleus.

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NGC 3586 = ESO 129-013 = RCW 57 = Ced 113f

11 12 29.5 -61 20 57; Car

Size 2'x0.4';  PA = 0”

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3586 is the last in the complex of nebulae and is situated ~4' SE of the center.  It appears as a faint, elongated steak of 2' length oriented N-S with an 11th magnitude star about 40" NE of the north tip.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3586 = h3330 on 14 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae and recorded "S, oval, E in pos 160” +/- by diagram.  Place by collation of diagrams; the last of a group of 6."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 3586 as a thin N-S filament on 19 May 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV.35).  A star is close to the north tip.  This matches the photographic appearance.

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NGC 3587 = M97 = PK 148+57.1 = PN G148.4+57.0 = Owl Nebula

11 14 47.7 +55 01 08; UMa

V = 9.8;  Size 202"x196"

 

48" (4/19/15): at 375x and 488x w/NPB filter; although the unfiltered view was excellent, adding a NPB filter at 488x ramped up the contrast!  The two famous holes were very high contrast with the northwest eye slightly larger with a irregular outline.  The slightly darker southeast eye has an easily visible star at the south edge [40" SSE of the central star].  In addition, a third very faint star (best seen unfiltered) is close west of this hole [37" SSE of center].  Overall the surface brightness of the planetary is irregular or mottled.  It fades around the periphery creating a dimmer ragged circular rim of uneven brightness.  The main bright portion of the planetary is slightly elongated NNW-SSE.

 

48" (4/15/10): the Owl Nebula was quite impressive at 330x (unfiltered) and exhibited a fascinating amount of detail.  The mag 16 central star was easily visible at the center of the 3.4' disc.  To the northwest and southeast of the central star are two large, darker "holes" (Owl's "eyes"), each roughly 45" in diameter.  The southeast eye has a little more contrast and a very faint star is close to its southeast edge.  The northwest eye is a little larger, though not quite as dark in the center.  A mag 12 star lies 2.6' NE of center and a mag 14 star lies 3' S of center.  MCG +09-19-014, a faint galaxy, lies 3.8' SSE adjacent to a mag 14.5 star.  HCG 50 (faintest of the Hickson Compact Groups) lies 20' ESE.

 

24" (2/9/13):  although I didn't take notes on the structure of M97, the mag 16 central was readily visible using magnifications of 200x and higher.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): both holes definitely visible at 280x using a UHC filter.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, very large, round.  Two low contrast darker "holes" are visible with averted vision which form the "eyes" of the "Owl Nebula".  The southeast hole is darker but the northwest hole appears larger.  Central star not visible.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): moderately bright, large, round.  A single hole west of center is highly suspected.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): the darker "holes" visible were near the threshold. No central star seen at 166x-220x.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M97 = NGC 3587 = h838 on 16 Feb 1781. In 1789 William Herschel described (with his 18.7") "considerably bright, globular, of equal light throughout, with a diminishing border of no great extent. About 3' diameter."

 

A total of 45 observations were made at Birr Castle.  The dark holes were first recorded by assistant William Rambaut on 5 Mar 1848: "Saw two dark and very large spots in middle; Lord Rosse remarked that all round its edge the sky appeared darker than the average."  On 11 March, Rosse wrote, "Brilliant star in the centre.  After 5 min observation, detected the star to the right, which Dr. Robinson immediately saw.  Round each star seems a black space." Rosse's or Rambaut's sketch, made in 1848, showed a distinct spiral structure ("a double perforation appears to partake of the structure both of the annular and spiral nebulae.").  He was clearly influenced by the focus on resolving spiral structure in a variety of objects.

 

Between 1848 and early 1850 Lord Rosse and Johnstone Stoney made additional detailed sketches (one included in the 1850 publication) that vaguely resembled the face of an owl with two large dark holes or "eyes" punctuated by stars (one is the misplaced central star), additional darker streaks and patches, and fuzzy filaments extending out of the sides (perhaps to indicate an irregular fringe).  On 13 Apr 1850, Stoney noted that only one star was visible.  Wilhelm Tempel was highly critical, though, of Rosse's fanciful sketch when he drew the planetary in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Florence.

 

The nickname "Owl Nebula" was never used by Lord Rosse in a published paper but in 1864 William Darby wrote that M97 was "familiarly known in the Parsontown Observatory as 'the owl nebula' from its resemblance to an owl."  For an unusual interpretation of the appearance, Romney Robinson described the planetary on 11 Mar 1848 as "A most intricate group of spiral arcs disposed around two starry centers, looking like the visage of a monkey."

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NGC 3588 = UGC 6264 = MCG +04-27-009 = CGCG 126-011 = PGC 34219

11 14 02.5 +20 23 15; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (5/31/03): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Weak, even concentration to center.  Located just 8' S of mag 2.6 Delta Leonis! (Zosma).  Not difficult at 320x with Delta just outside of field.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3588 = Sw. I-12 on 26 Apr 1883 and recorded "cS; vF; follows Delta Leonis 4 sec.  Easily overlooked."  His position, 8' south of Delta Leonis, matches UGC 6264.  He specifically looked at Delta Leonis, hoping to find a nebula, hidden in the glare of a bright star. This was his first discovery while still adjusting and testing his new 16-inch Clark refractor.

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NGC 3589 = UGC 6275 = MCG +10-16-096 = CGCG 291-046 = PGC 34308

11 15 13.4 +60 42 02; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, moderately large, oval ~SW-NE, diffuse.  Located just west of the line connecting mag 7.5 SAO 15447 4' NNE and mag 8.6 SAO 15449 5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3589 = H III-921 = h839 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "eF, pL, E."  John Herschel recorded on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), "vF; L; vglbM; 45"; situated in the centre of gravity of a triangle of 3 large stars 5' distance."  His position was accurate.

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NGC 3590 = Cr 242 = ESO 129-014

11 12 59 -60 47 18; Car

V = 8.2;  Size 4'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is a small, fairly bright 2' knot of ~20 stars mag 10 and fainter.  At 76x this diminutive cluster is set in a remarkable field, forming a triangle with NGC 3603 and the NGC 3579-86 complex (RCW 57) to the south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3590 = h3332 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and recorded "a close, p rich, compressed, oval cluster, somewhat insulated."  His position is good.

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NGC 3591 = MCG -02-29-012 = PGC 34220

11 14 03.3 -14 05 14; Crt

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7'.  Contains a very small brighter nucleus, ~10" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3591 = H III-529 = h3331 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "eF, S."  JH recorded "vF; R; 30"; vlbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3592 = UGC 6267 = MCG +03-29-011 = CGCG 096-011 = LGG 237-001 = PGC 34248

11 14 27.5 +17 15 34; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): surprisingly faint for listed magnitude, required averted and appeared as a 15" "knot" just 45" following a mag 14.5 star.  Elongation not seen so I only viewed the brighter inner core of this edge-on system.  Located 11' W of NGC 3598.  Member of the LGG 237 group, which includes NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3592 = m 216 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, S, pmE, pos 60”."  Marth's position matches UGC 6267 = M+03-29-011, although the PA is 120”.

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NGC 3593 = UGC 6272 = MCG +02-29-014 = CGCG 067-040 = PGC 34257

11 14 37.0 +12 49 03; Leo

V = 10.9;  Size 5.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 3.2'x1.2'.  Strong concentration from a faint outer halo to a prominent elongated core and a very small rounder nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3593 = H I-29 = h840 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and recorded "B, cL, lE, mbM, r."  John Herschel made 4 observations, the first on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2), while still developing his technique.  On 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 22) he noted, "B; E; psmbM; 40" l, 30" br."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 27 Mar 1856 with the 72", logged "suspect as before a dark lane along the n side of the nucleus and neby outside this again, but far from being certain."

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NGC 3594 = UGC 6286 = MCG +09-19-022 = CGCG 267-058 = CGCG 268-011 = PGC 34374

11 16 14.0 +55 42 15; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3594 = H III-770 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "vF, vS, stellar neb."  His position is 0.6 tmin of RA west and 2.5' north of UGC 6286.  But Harold Corwin notes that his position is also 13' following CGCG 268-006, which has a higher surface brightness and is a possible identification.

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NGC 3595 = UGC 6280 = MCG +08-21-009 = CGCG 242-014 = PGC 34325

11 15 25.5 +47 26 49; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 176”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and much fainter extensions.  Located 2.0' S of mag 7.4 SAO 43659!  UGC 6255 lies 19' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3595 = H III-706 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar, south of a cB star."  His position is 2' too far north (very close to mag 7.6 HD 97773).

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NGC 3596 = UGC 6277 = MCG +03-29-013 = CGCG 096-013 = PGC 34298

11 15 06.2 +14 47 13; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 4.0'x3.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, large, broad fairly weak concentration in halo to a slightly brighter core, small brighter nucleus.  The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 13.5 star 3.7' SSW and a similar star 3.4' N.  A third 13th mag star is 4.7' due E forming a near equilateral triangle with sides 7'.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, fairly large, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, sharp stellar nucleus is possibly offset to the west of the geometric center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3596 = H II-102 = h841 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Faintish, pS, R, rather bM, resolvable."  His position is 2'-3' north-northwest of UGC 6277.  John Herschel made two observations of this galaxy and noted on 23 Apr 1832 (sweep 419). "pF; vL; gbM; 2' dia."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 22 Mar 1857, wrote that he "strongly suspect either a vF nebulous ring round nucleus, or a branch joining centre at the following side.  Difficult object."  Suprisingly, E.E. Barnard announced in 1906 (AN 172, 123) the discovery of a new large planetary found on a photographic plate and observed visually with the Yerkes 40" refractor.  But his position and description (about 2.5' in diameter) applies to this galaxy!

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NGC 3597 = ESO 503-003 = MCG -04-27-005 = AM 1112-232 = PGC 34266

11 14 42.0 -23 43 39; Crt

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 65”

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Moderate even concentration to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A pair of mag 13 stars lie less than 2' NE of center.  Located 5' SSW of mag 9.1 HD 97783.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3597 = h3333 on 21 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; bM; much diluted at the borders, 30"." His position matches ESO 503-003 = PGC 34266.

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NGC 3598 = UGC 6278 = MCG +03-29-014 = CGCG 096-014 = PGC 34306

11 15 11.6 +17 15 45; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, well-concentrated with a bright core steadily increasing to a faint stellar nucleus.  The outer halo is ill-defined and much weaker.  A mag 14 star is just off the north edge 0.6' from center and a pair of mag 13.5 stars is 4' ENE.  NGC 3592 lies 11' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3598 = m 217 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "F, vS, stell."  His position matches UGC 6278 = PGC 34306.

 

Wilhelm Tempel found this galaxy in 1876 and recorded it in list I-33, and noted a star close north.

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NGC 3599 = UGC 6281 = MCG +03-29-015 = CGCG 096-015 = PGC 34326

11 15 27.0 +18 06 37; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 2.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~4:3, 2.0'x1.5'. Contains a small, fairly bright round core which is concentrated to the center with a much lower surface brightness halo.  Located 21' WNW of NGC 3607 in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3599 = H II-49 = h843 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and logged "resolvable, brightest in the middle & the brightness going off imperceptibly."  John Herschel wrote on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334), "B; R: psmbM; 35"."

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NGC 3600 = UGC 6283 = MCG +07-23-038 = CGCG 213-038 = Mrk 1443 = PGC 34353

11 15 52.0 +41 35 28; UMa

V = 11.7;  Size 4.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.8'x0.6', small bright core, faint extensions.  Two mag 12 stars lie 2.4' and 3.2' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3600 = H II-709 = h842 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "vF; S; E in the meridian [N-S]."  John Herschel wrote on 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), "pB; S; lE; vgbM; 20"."

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NGC 3601 = UGC 6282 = MCG +01-29-024 = CGCG 039-091 = PGC 34335

11 15 33.3 +05 06 56; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20" diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 2.9' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3601 = m 218 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted " vF, pS, alm stell."  His position matches UGC 6282 = PGC 34335.

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NGC 3602 = MCG +03-29-017 = CGCG 096-017 = PGC 34351

11 15 48.3 +17 24 57; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 45”

 

18" (5/15/10): extremely faint, very small, required averted vision to initially pick up at 175x although visible ~75% of the time at 260x.  Appears roughly as a tiny, thin streak, ~15"x5", although sometimes the extensions were not seen, only a 5" core.  .  Located 3.4' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): not found.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3602 = m 219 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "eeF, vS, alm stell."  His position matches CGCG 096-017 = PGC 34351.

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NGC 3603 = ESO 129-16 = Cr 244 = Gum 38b = RCW 57

11 15 07 -61 15 42; Car

V = 9.1;  Size 12'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this distant (20,000 light years) superluminous HII region and cluster was mesmerizing at 200x using a UHC filter.  The nebulosity was generally elongated E-W, ~5'x3', but with bays and extensions and dark lanes.  The surface brightness was highest to the south of the embedded cluster with a dark lane slashing through the nebulosity just west of the bright core.  At 350x, 15-20 stars were resolved in the glow, though the tiny, brilliant "core" cluster (HD 97950) was only mottled and barely resolved into a few stars.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x a bright irregular nebula surrounds a mag 9 "star".  At 200x, a half-dozen very faint stars are packed very close to the central star.  This very compact knot is actually a distant, very dense, super star cluster (SSC) of extremely luminous stars!  Adding a UHC filter, the nebulosity is irregular at 105x, extending mostly south of the star and fading out into two or three sections that are possibly divided by a dark lane.  The brightest section is to the southwest of the central star.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this distant but superluminous HII region is a fascinating clump of stars of and nebulosity surrounding a bright 9th magnitude knot.  The bright central region was extremely dense and contained 10-12 stars crammed into 2', yet it seemed only partially resolved at the very center into a couple of stars.  At 128x and UHC filter, the surrounding "haze" is clearly gaseous in nature with the brightest portion offset to the SW side from the core with a roughly broad fan with a total size of approximately 5'x3'.  A dark lane appears to cut through the nebulosity towards the core and there is a strong impression that the field is riddled with dust lanes and patches.  This is a well-studied highly reddened, luminous cluster (~20,000 light years) and HII region with similarities to the Tarantula nebula in the LMC!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3603 = h3334 on 14 Mar 1834 NGC 3603 and recorded "a red star 10m, the centre of an excessively condensed group of stars 15...18m, with a nebulosity extending over 2' diameter.  On the next sweep, he noted "the center, when examined with powers 240 and 320, decidedly not a star, and the nebula about it all resolved.  Perhaps it is a globular clusters, vs vvmbM."

 

In 1928, Willem van den Bos examined the central "star" with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg and found "the central star to be a close double, B 1184, with many faint stars near."  He measured the AB pair as 0.6" separation in PA 98”, with the "C" component at 1.8" in PA 75” and the D component (I 1132) at 2.7" in PA 259”.  He also noted "The central double is red or at least decidedly reddish, though the spectral type is given as Oe in the Draper Catalogues..."

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NGC 3604 = NGC 3611 = UGC 6305 = MCG +01-29-026 = CGCG 039-103 = PGC 34478

11 17 30.1 +04 33 19; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3611.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3604 = H II-626 on 30 Dec 1786 (short sweep 675) and recorded "pB, S, lE, mbM."  There is nothing at Herschel's position and this object was not recovered by Bigourdan.  In the "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer states "should probably be rejected as there was fog "which indeed was so strong as to make everything swim about me."  But, WH's position is 1.0 tmin preceding NGC 3611 (similar offset as NGC 3509 on the same sweep) and Dorothy Carlson (1940 NGC correction paper) and Harold Corwin equate NGC 3604 and 3611.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3605 = UGC 6295 = MCG +03-29-019 = CGCG 096-019 = Holm 240c = WBL 319-001 = PGC 34415

11 16 46.6 +18 01 01; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 17”

 

24" (5/27/17): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Close pair with brighter NGC 3607 3' NE. Member of the large group USGC U376.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus.  In a group with brigtest member NGC 3607 3.0' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3605 = H III-27 = h844, along with NGC 3607 and 3608, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  He recorded "Three nebula of different sizes; all brightest in the middle & R.  The largest is that in the middle [NGC 3607] & is of a considerable size; that on the north [NGC 3608] is a good deal smaller.  The most south of them [NGC 3605] is much smaller than either of them, so that at first I did not immediately perceive it."

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NGC 3606 = ESO 377-032 = MCG -05-27-004 = PGC 34378

11 16 15.6 -33 49 40; Hya

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, small bright core, relatively bright stellar nucleus.  Two mag 10 and 11 stars lie 4.5' and 5.5' NNE.  ESO 377-031 lies 9' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3606 = h3335 on 20 Apr 1835 NGC 3606 and logged "eF; R; S; gbM; 15"."   His single observation matches ESO 377-032.

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NGC 3607 = UGC 6297 = MCG +03-29-020 = CGCG 096-021 = Holm 240a = WBL 319-002 = PGC 34426

11 16 54.7 +18 03 06; Leo

V = 9.9;  Size 4.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 120”

 

24" (5/27/17): very bright, large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to an extremely bright nucleus.  A nice group of 5 stars is roughly 4' SE with one a wide pair [17"].  In a small group of bright galaxies (part of the larger group USGC U376) with NGC 3605 2.9' SW and NGC 3608 5.8' N.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): bright, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 3608 5.7' N, NGC 3605 3.0' SW and NGC 3599 21' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3607 = H II-50 = h845, along with NGC 3605 and 3608, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  See NGC 3605 for description.

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NGC 3608 = UGC 6299 = MCG +03-29-022 = CGCG 096-022 = Holm 240b = WBL 319-003 = PGC 34433

11 16 59.0 +18 08 55; Leo

V = 10.8;  Size 3.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75”

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and an intense nucleus.  Northern galaxy in a prominent trio with NGC 3607 5.9' S and NGC 3605 8.5' SS W and part of the larger group USGC U376.  Two mag 12.3 and 12.8 stars are 1.4' NW and 1.9' NE.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, stellar nucleus.  Appears slightly fainter than NGC 3607 5.7' S.  In a trio with NGC 3605 and NGC 3607.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3608 = H II-51 = h846, along with NGC 3605 and 3607, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  See NGC 3605 for description.

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NGC 3609 = NGC 3612 = UGC 6310 = MCG +05-27-043 = CGCG 156-050 = Holm 241a = PGC 34511

11 17 50.6 +26 37 33; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star is just off the south edge 50" from center and a second mag 14 star is 1.8' NW.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.3' NE.  Forms a pair with UGC 6321 (misidentified as NGC 3612 in modern sources) 5.4' E.  UGC 6321 appeared extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 11 star lies 3.9' NW.

 

Otto Struve found NGC 3609 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke).  He discovered this galaxy (UGC 6310) just 2 nights earlier so it also carries the designation NGC 3612.  Modern sources mistakenly identify UGC 6321 as NGC 3612.  See NGC 3612 for the story.

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NGC 3610 = UGC 6319 = MCG +10-16-107 = CGCG 291-048 = LGG 234-001 = PGC 34566

11 18 25.3 +58 47 10; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 2.7'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and a faint halo!  About 15' NNW is a small group of 7 stars including mag 9.0 SAO 27978.

 

NGC 3610 is the brightest member of a 5 member group (LGG 234), along with NGC 3610, 3619, 3642, 3674 and 3683.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3610 = H I-270 = h847 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vB, cL."  JH made 3 observations, on sweep 344 logging "B; R; vsvmbM to a * 11m."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3611 = NGC 3604 = UGC 6305 = MCG +01-29-026 = CGCG 039-103 = Todd 1 = PGC 34478

11 17 30.1 +04 33 19; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/22/96): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a rounder 30" core and a bright nearly stellar nucleus offset to the north side of the core. A mag 11 star is 3.2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3611 = H II-521 = h849 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 514) and recorded "F, vS, iF, er."  A second observation on 15 Apr 1786 (sweep 552) noted "vF, iF, smbM."  WH found this galaxy again on the short sweep 675 on 30 Dec 1786 and recorded II-626 = NGC 3604 as "pB, S, lE, mbM."  His position is 1.0 tmin too far west.  So, NGC 3611 = NGC 3604.  JH made two observations, first recording "B; S; R smbM; has a * 10m, 60” np, dist 3'."

 

Finally, David Todd found NGC 3611 = Todd 1 on 3 Nov 1877 in his search for trans-Neptunian planet.  Todd's offsets for nearby stars match this galaxy.

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NGC 3612 = NGC 3609 = UGC 6310 = MCG +05-27-043 = CGCG 156-050 = PGC 34511

11 17 50.5 +26 37 32; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3609.  Modern sources misidentify UGC 6321, located 5.4' E, as NGC 3612.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3612 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke).  His description (translately roughly from German using GoogleTranslate) reads "pretty faint, 30"-40" diameter.  A mag 10-11 star is approximately 2' north following, with the nebula in position angle 225”."  His position is within 1' of UGC 6310, the brighter of a pair with UGC 6321 5.4' east, and his description matches the brighter galaxy (the star is 3' northeast and the PA matches).  Karl Reinmuth identified UGC 6321 as NGC 3612, but noted "No *10-11 nf 2'." and modern sources (including NED) follow this misidentification. 

 

Two nights later (18 Mar) Struve reported finding another nebula,  described as 20" diameter and situated in PA 226” from a 10th magnitude star.  His position was 14 seconds of time too far west, but his PA is a perfect match with UGC 6310.  So, although there are two galaxies here, both of Struve's entries point to the same brighter galaxy.  I notified Corwin and Steinicke of the situation in April 2015 and Wolfgang agreed NGC 3612 = NGC 3615 = UGC 6310.  He mentioned that this leaves UGC 6321 without a NGC designation as Bigourdan, Kobold and Hagen only observed the brighter galaxy.  Kobold called the brighter galaxy NGC 3612, but modern sources identify it as NGC 3609.

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NGC 3613 = UGC 6323 = MCG +10-16-109 = CGCG 291-049 = PGC 34583

11 18 36.0 +58 00 00; UMa

V = 10.9;  Size 3.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3619 lies 15' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3613 = H I-271 = h848 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "vB, cL, E, mbM."   His RA and Dec is too large (noted by Dreyer in Scientific Papers).  JH recorded "vB; mE; pos 305”, a nucl and F branches." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3614 = UGC 6318 = MCG +08-21-015 = CGCG 242-019 = PGC 34561

11 18 21.3 +45 44 53; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 4.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, moderately large, weak concentration, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W with dimensions 2.5'x2.0', low surface brightness, edges fade gradually into background.  Located on a line with a mag 13 star 3.5' E and a mag 12 star 5.1' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3614 = H II-729 = h850 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, cL, lbM, lE in the parallel."  JH noted "F; pL; glbM; r."  His position matches UGC 6318.  The MCG declination is 2 degrees too far north.

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NGC 3615 = UGC 6313 = MCG +04-27-012 = CGCG 126-021 = PGC 34535

11 18 06.7 +23 23 50; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6'.  The prominent 20" core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus.  First and brightest of a trio with NGC 3618 7' NE and extremely faint CGCG 126-022 3.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3615 = H III-333 = h851 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS.  240x verified it."  CH's reduction is 3.4' northwest of UGC 6313.  JH called it "pF; smbM; stellar."  His position is accurate to within 30".

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NGC 3616

11 18 08.9 +14 45 53; Leo

 

= Not found, Harold Corwin and Dorothy Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3616 = H III-76 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, pL.  Some doubts were removed by putting on 240."  There is noithing near his position and Dreyer notes in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that it was not found by Bigourdan (visually) nor by Max Wolf (on a Heidelberg plate).

 

Harold Corwin initially identified this number with a star near WH's position but more recently he feels a single or even close double star would not fit Herschel's description of "pL".  So, this object is not found.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3617 = ESO 503-012 = MCG -04-27-008 = UGCA 231 = AM 1115-255 = KTS 42C = PGC 34513

11 17 50.9 -26 08 04; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 147”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small, round , 30" diameter.  Increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  I probably only viewed the brighter core and missed the dim halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3617 = h3336 on 22 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; S; R: gbM; 20"."  His position matches ESO 503-012 = PGC 34513.

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NGC 3618 = UGC 6327 = MCG +04-27-014 = CGCG 126-025 = Mrk 1288 = PGC 34575

11 18 32.6 +23 28 08; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  Third of three on a line with CGCG 126-022 and NGC 3615 7' SW.  At low power collinear with two mag 10 stars equally spaced 8' and 17' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3618 = H III-334 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, goes into the field with the foregoing [NGC 3615]."  CH's reduction is 3.6' northwest of UGC 6327 (similar offset as NGC 3615).

 

NGC 3618 was assumed to be a new on the 23 Mar 1857 observation by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle: "about 6' or 7' nf [NGC 3615] is a S, vvF patch, lbM."  JH included this observation in the GC (2365) as well as GC 2368 = III-334.  In the 1880 compilation of LdR observations, Dreyer added the note "the latter [GC 2365] is not a "nova" but = III 334, as pointed out by d'Arrest.  GC 2365 is to be struck out."

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NGC 3619 = UGC 6330 = MCG +10-16-115 = CGCG 291-054 = PGC 34641

11 19 21.6 +57 45 29; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 2.7'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 3625 9.5' E and NGC 3613 lies 16' NNW.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3619 = H I-244 = h852 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "cB, R, vgmbM, 1 1/2' dia."  CH's reduced position is just off the nortwest edge of UGC 6330.  JH made a single observation and noted "pB; R;  psmbM; 45".  The PD differs 7' from that assigned by my Father; query therefore if the same object."  His position is 1.5' too far south, so there does not appear to be a significant discrepancy.

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NGC 3620 = ESO 038-010 = PGC 34366

11 16 04 -76 12 54; Cha

V = 13.9;  Size 2.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 15.0;  PA = 78”

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is pinned against the south side, a little west of the center.  I reobserved this galaxy not realizing it was logged the previous night.  Located 32' NE of the bright reflection nebula IC 2631.

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5', small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is barely off the south side (west of center).  The large reflection nebula, IC 2631, lies 32' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3620 = h3338 on 31 Mar 1837 and logged "F; pmE; gbM; 50". His position and description matches ESO 038-010.  This galaxy is not included in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 star atlas or it companion Deep Sky Field Guide.

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NGC 3621 = ESO 377-037 = MCG -05-27-008 = UGCA 232 = PGC 34554

11 18 16.0 -32 48 42; Hya

V = 9.7;  Size 12.3'x7.1';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 159”

 

48" (5/9/18): at 488x; this prominent galaxy is extremely large, irregular but elongated at least 2:1 NNW-SSE.  The main disk extends ~7'x3' and is noticeably mottled and dappled with slightly brighter and darker areas.  Around the periphery is a a very low surface brightness outer halo that dissolved into the background sky, but could be traced ~5' SE of center.  The galaxy contains a very large, brighter central region, which appeared somewhat offset within the main disk, though it was less defined than a typical core or nucleus. The most noticeable features are a couple of large dust lanes that border or outline spiral arms and arcs. A long, thin dust lane extends in a SSE to NNW orientation, just east of the central region.  This dark lane cuts off or borders a relatively narrow spiral arm that is adjacent to the east.  It contains a brighter 10" knot (stellar association/HII complex [KWB2013] 104), that was easily visible 1.1' ESE of center and 1.1' due west of mag 12.7 star. A broader dusty lane extends SSE to NNW along the west side.  A very low surface brightness arm running parallel is just west of this darker lane or gap.  The galaxy is outlined by several brighter stars; two mag 10.3/10.6 stars are near the southern edge of the halo, 2.8' SSW of center and 3.9' SSE of center, and a mag 12.7 star is placed ~2.5' ESE of center.  A number of stars cradle the north end of the galaxy; the brightest is a mag 11.6 star [2.6 NW of center], which forms a kite asterism outlining the galaxy, along with the previous three stars.  In additional a couple of stars are superimposed on the north side of the main glow and a number of additional mag 13 and 14 stars are at the northern edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 6' diameter, weak central concentration and along the major axis but no sharp nucleus.  Several stars are nearby; three mag 11-13 stars are off the north tip and two mag 10 stars are 2.7' SW and 3.7' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3621 = H I-241 = D 617 = h3337 on 17 Feb 1790 (sweep 808) and recorded "cB, vgbM, E from about 70” np to sf, about 6 or 7' long and near 4' broad.  Within a parallelogram of stars."  This is the most southerly object he discovered!  From the latitude of Slough, NGC 3621 culminated at an elevation of only 6.8”!

 

James Dunlop observed NGC 3621 on 7 May 1826 with his 9-inch reflector from Parramatta, NSZ, and recorded "a very faint pretty large nebula, about 2' broad and 4' long, very faint at the edges. The brightest and most condensed part is near the south following extremity; a small star is involved in the north preceding extremity, and there are two small stars near the south extremity, but not involved."   Dunlop made two observations and his published position is 10' NE of center.

 

John Herschel observed the galaxy on 29 Apr 1834 from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded, "pB, vL, oval, vgvlbM, resolvable [mottled], 5' long, 3' broad."

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NGC 3622 = UGC 6339 = CGCG 314-020 = PGC 34692

11 20 12.5 +67 14 29; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.6', elongated bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE of center.  Located 9.3' NNW of mag 6.2 SAO 15478.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3622 = H II-879 = h853 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "pB, R, S, bM."  CH's reduced position is 1.8 tmin following UGC 6339.  JH logged "pF; S; R; gbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3623 = M65 = Arp 317 NED1 = UGC 6328 = MCG +02-29-018 = CGCG 067-054 = Holm 246b = PGC 34612 = Leo Triplet

11 18 55.3 +13 05 35; Leo

V = 9.3;  Size 9.8'x2.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 174”

 

48" (5/1/19): at 375x; beautiful, extremely large, showpiece spiral extending 7:2 N-S. The galaxy displayed a strong concentration with a very bright, round core and an intensely bright, prominent nucleus.  There was a slight enhancement along the major axis but no impression of a bar. A long, low contrast dust lane runs N-S along the length of the galaxy on the east side.  The edge was a bit ragged and the glow of the galaxy on its east side had a low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the W edge of the dust lane, due east of the core.  Also a mag 16 star is at the W edge of the galaxy, slightly south of the nucleus [1.2' WSW of the mag 14.5 star]. A mag 12.3 star is 2.3' SSW of center, just off the W side.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, very large, very elongated N-S, 7.5'x2.0', bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is west of the south end 2.1' from the center.  Forms a remarkable trio with M66 20' ESE and NGC 3628 36' NE.  Requires low power (31 Nagler) to easily fit all three in the same field.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very bright, elongated N-S, elongated bright core, possible stellar nucleus.

 

Charles Messier discovered M65 = NGC 3623 = h854, along with M66, on 1 Mar 1780.   William Herschel first observed it on 31 May 1783 with his 12-inch and noted "almost a certainty of its being stars.  There is however in both the nebulas [65 and 66] a certain whitishness left which may be nebulosity."  With his 20-ft scope (18.7-inch), he recorded "a very brilliant nebula extended in the meridian, about 12' long.  It has a bright nucleus, the light of which suddenly diminishes on its border, and two opposite very faint branches."

 

Lord Rosse first observed M65 on 31 Mar 1848 and called it a "Curious nebula with bright nucleus at left a little above and towards the right is a streak spiral; resolved very well about the nucleus, but no other part.  From the right, and apparently springing from the nucleus, a very faint portion of nebulosity extends for about 15', gradually melting away.  William Rambaut (LdR's assistant) sketch on this night was published in the 1850 PT paper (plate XXXVII, fig. 7).  On 25 Feb 1854, "Lord Rosse suspected dark spaces on either side of the nucleus.", though this suspicion wasn't confirmed the following year.  William Lassell also sketched M65 using the 48" from Malta.

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NGC 3624 = MCG +01-29-029 = CGCG 039-114 = PGC 34599

11 18 50.9 +07 31 16; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, diffuse glow with a brighter center.  Halo fades into background, ~40" diameter.  A mag 13 star lies 2.5' N.  Forms a close pair with CGCG 039-113 2.1' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3624 = h855 on 27 Dec 1827 and simply noted as "eF." His position matches CGCG 039-114 = PGC 34599.

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NGC 3625 = UGC 6348 = MCG +10-16-120 = CGCG 291-057 = PGC 34718

11 20 31.2 +57 46 53; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  Third of three with NGC 3613 20' NW and NGC 3619 9.4' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3625 = H II-885 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "F, E from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long."  The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.

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NGC 3626 = NGC 3632 = UGC 6343 = MCG +03-29-032 = CGCG 096-029 = LGG 237-002 = PGC 34684

11 20 03.9 +18 21 24; Leo

V = 11.0;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 157”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.4', broadly concentrated halo with a larger brighter core and very low surface brightness outer halo.  The core, though, is sharply concentrated with a very intense, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Member of a group (LGG 237) that extends from NGC 3607/08 to NGC 3681/84/86.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 ~NNW-SSE.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core that increases to a bright, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3639 lies 23' ENE.

 

17.5" (3/22/96): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.2'.  Strong, sharp concentration with a very small elongated core and a bright stellar nucleus.  Located roughly 50' ENE of the NGC 3607 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3626 = H II-52 = h856 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "a nebula like the northern one [II-51 = NGC 3608], but a little longish."  His RA is about 30 sec too large.  NGC 3632 = H II-30, found a month earlier on 15 Feb 1784, is a duplicate observation, though further out in position.  John Herschel measured an accurate position and logged "B; R; sbM; 20"."

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NGC 3627 = M66 = Arp 16 = Arp 317 NED2 = VV 308a = Holm 246a = UGC 6346 = MCG +02-29-019 = CGCG 067-057 = PGC 34695 = Leo Triplet

11 20 15.0 +12 59 22; Leo

V = 8.9;  Size 9.1'x4.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 173”

 

48" (4/13/10): this showpiece galaxy stretches 7'x3' N-S.  The central region is dominated by a prominent, 3'x1.2' central bar that is elongated NNW-SSE.  The central region has a mottled, irregular surface brightness and increases gradually towards the center and then suddenly to a very bright, stellar nucleus.  A very faint star or HII knot was seen at the very north tip of the bar [confirmed as #44 in Hodge's "Second Survey of HII regions in Galaxies", ApJS, 27, 113 (1974)].  The longer, better defined arm is attached at the north end and sweeps directly south along the western flank of the galaxy for a total length of ~5'.  The western edge of this arm is very well defined as it fades to the southern tip, though the inner edge merges with the glow within the central region.  The arm and bar are brightest where they join at the north end of the central region. The second spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar and shoots north on the eastern side of the galaxy.  This arm fades after a shorter distance, so is not as prominent, but is brightest at the root where it emerges from the bar.  A mag 9.8 star lies 3' NW of center at the outer edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, large, elongated N-S, 5'x3', bright elongated core contains a stellar nucleus.  Two spiral arms are visible although the western arm is more prominent.

 

13.1" (4/24/82): bright elongated core, stellar nucleus.  A diffuse spiral arm extends south and a second short arm extends to the east.  A dark patch is visible just east of the nucleus.

 

Charles Messier discovered M66 = NGC 3627 = h857 = h875, along with M65, on 1 Mar 1780.  On 12 Apr 1784, William Herschel recorded "vB, mE, iF.  The extension is chiefly in the direction of the meridian, and the greatest brightness near the middle. John Herschel made 4 observations, once claiming it as a new (h875), with his RA 3 minutes too large.  On sweep 22 he logged "vB; vL; sbM; 3' l, 2' br; E 60” np to sf in direction of 2 stars 10m, preceding."

 

George Stoney sketched the galaxy with Lord Rosse's 72" on 17 Apr 1849 (Plate XXVII, fig. 16 in the 1861 publication).  Features included a well defined spiral arm along the western side and arcs within the main body that correspond with brighter sections of spiral arms.  The 31 Mar 1848 observation by Rosse or assistant Rambaut mentions "a little above towards the right [nf] is a dark streak; spiral, resolved well about the Nucl, but no other part.  From the right, and apparently springing from the nucleus, a vF portion of nebulosity extends for nearly 15', gradually melting away."  A schematic in the 1880 publication shows the beginning of two arms on the eastern side and a long, thick arm on the western side.

 

William Lassell also sketched M66 using his 48-inch from Malta on 21 Apr 1862, though misidentified it as M65.  The galaxy was drawn as more irregular than spiral, though the primary arm on the west side is clearly sketched, along with a dark gap between it and the core.  Also a loop was sketched on the north side corresponding with part of the eastern arm as well as a continuation of the western arm as it curls towards the core.

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NGC 3628 = Arp 317 NED3 = VV 308b = UGC 6350 = MCG +02-29-020 = CGCG 067-058 = Holm 246c = PGC 34697 = Leo Triplet

11 20 16.2 +13 35 22; Leo

V = 9.5;  Size 14.8'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 104”

 

48" (5/12/18): at 375x; very prominent, stunning dust lane extending along most of the length of the galaxy [for roughly 8'].  The lane widens on both the WNW and ESE end.  On the ESE end, the outer halo has a fairly low surface brightness and spreads or flares out in width.  At the WNW end, the outer halo was easily visible and sprayed out noticeably in a wide cone, more extensively towards the north, creating an asymmetric appearance.  A mag 16.5 star is along the N edge, at the brightest section, and a mag 15.5 star is 40" further NE.  A brighter mag 14.8 star is along the ESE flank, 2.5' from center.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): bright, unusually large edge-on WNW-ESE, 11'x2.5'.  A broad irregular dust lane is prominent bisecting the galaxy along the entire length.  Appears brighter to the north of the dark lane and fainter on the south side.

 

13.1" (4/24/82): the dust lane is clearly visible along the entire length and divides the galaxy into two asymmetric halves with the south slice much fainter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3628 = H V-8 = h859 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "B, vmE, lbM than towards the ends.  It seems to extend 9 or 10' if not more."  JH called it "a v long narrow ray, vgbM; 15' long, a most curious object.  E by diag in pos 105”.

 

Lord Rosse first observed NGC 3628 on 31 Mar or 1 Apr 1848.  Samuel Hunter, observing on 10 Feb 1861, noted "split into two parallel rays."  A month later he added "split extends its whole length, the f part being partially filled with faint nebulosity."  Robert Ball, observing on 18 Mar 1866 also noted "there seems to be a dark channel on south side in direction of elongation."

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NGC 3629 = UGC 6352 = MCG +05-27-058 = CGCG 156-064 = Holm 247a = PGC 34719

11 20 31.7 +26 57 49; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x0.9', diffuse, low surface brightness, weak broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3629 = H II-338 = h860 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, pL, r, nearly R, gvlbM."  JH made a total of 7 observations with a composite description of "F; L; R; vgbM; 2' dia; *14 m s f 60"."

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NGC 3630 = NGC 3645: = UGC 6349 = MCG +01-29-031 = CGCG 039-124 = PGC 34698

11 20 17.0 +02 57 52; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 4.6'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 37”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core and a much fainter disc, ~1.2'x0.4'

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small but very bright core, stellar nucleus, thin extensions.  Located 10' NW of mag 8.3 SAO 118800 in the NGC 3640 group. 

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, very small bright core.  Located ~20' SW of NGC 3640.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3630 = h861 on 7 Apr 1828 and recorded "B; R smbM to nucl: 25".  His two positions are very similar and correspond with UGC 6349 = PGC 34698.  In the Slough Catalogue, he equated h861 with his father's H. II-32 but listed this object as a nova in the General Catalogue (GC).

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NGC 3631 = Arp 27 = VV 363 = UGC 6360 = MCG +09-19-047 = CGCG 268-021 = LGG 241-001 = PGC 34767

11 21 02.9 +53 10 10; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 5.0'x4.8';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

48" (4/4/11): beautiful face-on spiral of 4' diameter with two long, winding arms and branching extensions!  This very bright galaxy appeared sharply concentrated with an intensely bright small core that increased to an extremely bright stellar nucleus.  A prominent patchy arm was attached on the west side of the core and rotated counterclockwise to the north, then bent sharply back in a straight line to the east end of the galaxy. What appeared to be an offshoot arm turned counterclockwise on the east side and continued all the way to the south end of the galaxy.  The second arm was attached on the southeast end of the core and swept around the south side towards the west and then continued to the northwest end of the galaxy.  An offshoot or another patchy arm continued east near the edge of the northern halo.  The two main arms are nearly connected by a slightly brighter region on the south side.  Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): bright, large, round, 3.5' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a prominent core which brightens to a nearly stellar nucleus.  The outer halo fades into the background and shows a hint of the spiral arm structure.  Two mag 12-13 stars are 3.4' NE and 3.3' WNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3631 = I-226 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, R, small br nucl and vF halo of considerable extent, 3' or 4' dia."

 

Four observations describing spiral arms were made at Birr Castle.  On 30 Mar 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "Spiral, with I think, two arms thus (thumbnail sketch). The arms are broken and of unequal light. There are bright patches at alpha (preceding the nucleus), beta (south preceding arm) and gamma (end of bright north following arm)."  A week later he logged "Spirality seen as in last observation. The following branch comes down past the other, doubling over it and seems to originate from the preceeding side of nucleus. Very patchy."

 

The1880 publication has a thumbnail sketch and the 1861 publication has a drawing (Plate XXVII, fig 20).  Both show the main features that can be confirmed on the DSS.

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NGC 3632 = NGC 3626 = UGC 6343 = MCG +03-29-032 = CGCG 096-029 = PGC 34684

11 20 03.9 +18 21 24; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3626.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3632 = H II-30 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and described a "pB neb, it seems to contain stars; it is of some extent."  There is nothing at his position (objects found in his early sweeps often have fairly large offset errors), but 24 sec of RA west and 12' N is NGC 3626.  Dreyer, in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, states "not seen by d'A (5 times), is no doubt =II 52 = NGC 3626 only 24s p and 12' N.  The latter was observed 14 Mar 1784, a neb like II 51 but a little longish."  This conclusion is repeated by Karl Reinmuth in his photographic survey.  So, NGC 3632 = NGC 3626.

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NGC 3633 = UGC 6351 = MCG +01-29-032 = CGCG 039-126 = PGC 34711

11 20 26.2 +03 35 08; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the west edge.  Located 3.5' WSW of mag 8.9 SAO 118799.  NGC 3640 lies 21' SSE.  Member of the NGC 3640 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3633 = Sw. VI-40 on 23 Mar 1887 and reported "vF; S; R; nearly between a pB star and a faint star."  His position and description matches UGC 6351.

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NGC 3634 = VV 724 = MCG -01-29-008 = PGC 34714

11 20 30.3 -09 00 51; Crt

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

24" (3/9/13): faint, extremely small, round, 8"-10" diameter.  Situated at the west edge of brighter NGC 3635, appearing as a small knot.  The surface brightness is relatively high (similar to the nucleus of NGC 3635), so this galaxy was fairly easy to see at 375x.  A mag 13.5 star is ~30" W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3634 = LM 2-433, along with NGC 3635, on 24 Jan 1887.  His (single) position is very close to the double system MCG -01-29-008 and -009.

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NGC 3635 = VV 724 = MCG -01-29-009 = PGC 34717

11 20 31.4 -09 00 49; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 18”

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 30"x20", very small brighter nucleus.  NGC 3634, a very compact interacting companion, is attached on the west edge.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' W.

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration.  NGC 3634 was not seen.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3635 = LM 2-434, along with NGC 3634, on 24 Jan 1887.  His (single) position is very close to the double system MCG -01-29-008 and -009.

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NGC 3636 = MCG -02-29-019 = LGG 235-001 = PGC 34709

11 20 25.1 -10 16 55; Crt

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/29/85): moderately bright, very small, bright core, round.  Located just 1.8' NW of mag 6.6 SAO 156618!  Forms a pair with similar NGC 3637 3.8' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3636 = H II-550 = h862, along with NGC 3637, on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "Two, stellar, vF, vS.  A considerable bright star is situated between them, but about 1' south of the line that connects them."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found the pair in 1880 and reported them as "2 planetary nebulae, B star between" in his Copernicus discovery list.

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NGC 3637 = MCG -02-29-020 = LGG 235-002 = PGC 34731

11 20 39.5 -10 15 27; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/29/85): moderately bright, very small, bright core, round.  Located 3.0' NE of mag 6.6 SAO 156618.  Forms a pair with NGC 3636 3.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3637 = H II-551 = h863, along with NGC 3636, on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "Two, stellar, vF, vS.  A considerable bright star is situated between them, but about 1' south of the line that connects them."  Andrew Ainslie Common found the pair in 1880 and reported them as "2 planetary nebulae, B star between" in his Copernicus discovery list.

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NGC 3638 = MCG -01-29-007 = PGC 34688

11 20 10.0 -08 06 21; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 141”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', brighter along the major axis.  With averted vision, there are hints of longer extensions.  Forms the western vertex of a right triangle with two mag 12 stars 3.4' E and 4.3' NE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3638 = L II-435 in 1886 and logged "mag 15.8, 0.4' dia, 2 star 10m following."  His position is 0.6 min of RA east of MCG -01-29-007 = PGC 34688 and his description matches two mag 12 stars 3'-4' northeast and southeast.

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NGC 3639 = UGC 6374 = MCG +03-29-036 = CGCG 096-032 = PGC 34819

11 21 35.7 +18 27 30; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 2' N of a mag 12 star.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3639 on 21 Jan 1855 with LdR's 72" and logged "about 15' following [NGC 3626] and a little north is a neb.  S, R, pF, vlbM."  Dreyer added the comment "d'Arrest could not see [NGC 3639], perhaps the observation from 1855 was of some other neb. in this neighborhood."  But the position matches UGC 6374 = PGC 34819, so there is no question regarding the identification, altlhough UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label this galaxy as NGC 3639.

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NGC 3640 = UGC 6368 = MCG +01-29-033 = CGCG 039-130 = PGC 34778

11 21 06.8 +03 14 05; Leo

V = 10.4;  Size 4.0'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 2' diameter, strong concentration with an intense oval core.  The nucleus is small, round and very bright.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 3641  2.4' SSE.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): bright, moderately large, small very bright core, oval halo 3:2 E-W, 15" substellar mottled nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 2.3' N.  Brightest in a group and forms a close pair with NGC 3641 2.5' SSE.

 

8" (4/24/82): bright, moderately large, bright core, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3640 = H II-33 = h864 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and logged "a nebula like the former [pB, bM, vS], but a good deal larger and more regular; almost cometic."  His position is poor (not uncommon in early sweeps) -- 50 sec of RA too large -- but there are no other bright nearby galaxies.  JH logged "B; R; psbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3641 = UGC 6370 = MCG +01-29-034 = PGC 34780

11 21 08.8 +03 11 40; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; between pretty faint and moderately bright, round, 40" diameter, sharp concentration with a small bright nucleus.  The halo seems more extensive to the south of the nucleus.  Located 2.6' SSE of the center of much brighter and larger NGC 3640.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with bright NGC 3640 2.6' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3641 = m 220 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "F, vS, alm stell."  His position matches UGC 6370.  Wilhelm Tempel independently found this galaxy in 1876 and reported NGC 3641 in list I-34 as "Small and faint, Class III; NGC 3640 is 2' south."

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NGC 3642 = UGC 6385 = MCG +10-16-128 = CGCG 291-062 = PGC 34889

11 22 17.9 +59 04 28; UMa

V = 11.2;  Size 5.4'x4.5';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, fairly large, round, even concentration down to a very bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Appears mottled (knot?) on the west side of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3642 = H I-245 = h865 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "p or cB, pS, R, vgbM."  His position is within 1' of the center of UGC 6385.  Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 19 Apr 1862, noted "bright nucleus and I suspect it either a spiral or an annular neb."

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NGC 3643 = MCG +01-29-036 = CGCG 039-136 = PGC 34802

11 21 25.0 +03 00 50; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

24" (5/20/20 and 5/24/20): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, brighter core, 40"x20", overall fairly low surface brightness.  A mag 13.2 star is 1' SE of center.

 

SN 2020hvf, a Type Ia supernova in NGC 3643, was discovered about a month ago (Apr 21) at 22" E of center (at the east edge of the galaxy). At 13th magnitude, the SN was similar in brightness to the mag 13.2 star just 45" to its SSE, and was bright enough to detract from viewing the galaxy!

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  A mag 13 star is at the SE edge 1.0' from center.  NGC 3644 lies 12' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3643 = m 221, along with NGC 3644, on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS".  His position matches CGCG 039-136 = PGC 34802.

 

The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 039-143 = PGC 34817 as NGC 3643 (listed in my RNGC Corrections #2).  See Harold Corwin's NGC notes for more errors in the modern identifications.

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NGC 3644 = IC 684 = UGC 6373 = MCG +01-29-037 = CGCG 039-139 = PGC 34814

11 21 32.9 +02 48 37; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 63”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broad weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the SW edge.  IC 683 and CGCG 039-134 (1.3' pair) lie 3.6' S and 4 members of Shkh 352 were seen 5' N.

 

IC 683: faint, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.

CGCG 039-134: extremely faint, round, 15" diameter, only occasionally popped

 

48" (4/4/11): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 40"x16", contains a bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 40" SSW of center.  Shkh 352, a rich group of faint galaxies, lies 5' N in the field.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 13 star is at the SW edge 0.6' from center.  Located 12' ESE of mag 8.3 SAO 118800 in the NGC 3640 group with NGC 3643 12' N.  A very faint quartet of galaxies is midway between NGC 3644 and NGC 3643.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3644 = m 222 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS."  His position matches UGC 6373 = PGC 34814.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found this galaxy on 14 Apr 1888 and assumed it was new, and recorded #163 as a "small nebula with a mag 12.8 situated in PA 214” at 0.5'." His position is a bit off to the north and Dreyer recatalogued this galaxy as IC 684.  So, NGC 3644 = IC 684.

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NGC 3645 = NGC 3630: = UGC 6349 = MCG +01-29-031 = CGCG 039-124 = PGC 34817

11 20 17.0 +02 57 52; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3630.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3645 = H II-32 = h867 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, vS, bM so that it resembles an irregular nebulous star."  His position, reduced correctly by Caroline, falls 3' south of NGC 3643 (much too faint to fit his description), in a group of very faint galaxies.  But it is also 70 seconds of RA due east of NGC 3630, a bright galaxy that fits the description.  John Herschel has a single observation, giving a very rough position (near his father's) but the description "pB; S; E; bM", also implies h867 = NGC 3630.  In fact, JH suggested the equivalence in the GC, though Dreyer rejected this in the NGC Notes section because Tempel claimed an observation of NGC 3645 (h867).

 

The identification of H. II-32 was analyzed by Malcolm Thomson in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal #73, Alister Ling in issue #87 and Harold Corwin in his NGC/IC identification notes. They all concluded that NGC 3645 is likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3630.  RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 039-143 as NGC 3645.

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NGC 3646 = UGC 6376 = MCG +03-29-037 = CGCG 096-034 = PGC 34836

11 21 43.1 +20 10 10; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 3.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

48" (5/16/12 and 4/6/13): this showpiece spiral appeared bright, large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  The visual treat was a prominent lens or eye-shaped ring surrounding the core!  The ring was slightly brighter in an arc along the north side.  At the west edge of this arc was a very faint quasi-stellar knot (SDSS J112141.34+201039.0, V = 17.2).  Another section of the ring that stands out is along the southwest edge, with a brighter linear piece about 40" long that has several SDSS designations.  The interior of the ring is fairly dark near this section, as well as other sections, providing a good contrast between the core and ring.  A very small, weak brightening was also noted on the northeast end of the ring.  A mag 14 star lies 1.4' NW of center and a mag 16 star is 1' SSE of center.

 

17.5" (4/14/01): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3'x2' SW-NE.  Gradually increases to a brighter 30" oval core.  A quasi-stellar nucleus is occasionally visible with direct vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 3649 7.8' ENE.

 

13.1": moderately bright and large, elongated, broad concentration with no nucleus.  An extremely faint star or knot is involved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3646 = H III-15 = h866 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and recorded "Two, a Large nebula [NGC 3646] followed by a small one [NGC 3649], in the same field of view with it.  The large one is extremely and small one still fainter, so that I did not perceive it immediately.  I suppose the large one cannot be less than 5 or 6' of extent."  JH logged "F; L; E; 2' long.  The sp of two [with NGC 3649]."

 

Bindon Stoney, observing with LdR's 72" on 13 Apr 1852, remarked "L neb [NGC 3646] is bM.  It has a knot in sp end and a dark curved passage on p and n sides of centre; Spiral."  This description is similar to the view in Jimi Lowrey's 48".

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NGC 3647 = CGCG 039-135 = Shkh 352-1 = PGC 34794

11 21 32.6 +02 53 14; Leo

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.45';  PA = 73”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 20"x15", low surface brightness.    Brightest in a quartet with CGCG 039-140 0.8' NE, CGCG 039-141 1.5' E and CGCG 039-142 1.7' NE.  All three were very faint, round, ~12" diameter.

 

48" (4/4/11): fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, small bright nucleus.  First in the dense Shkh 352 cluster (7 members within 2') with 6 galaxies close following including Shkh 352-6 0.8' SE, CGCG 39-140 0.8' NE and Shkh 352-3 1.5' ENE.  Located 4.6' N of NGC 3644 (brightest nearby galaxy) and 11' ENE of mag 8.1 HD 98603.

 

Shkh 352-2: fairly faint, very small, round, 14" diameter, very small bright nucleus.  Located 0.8' NE of NGC 3647 (Shkh 352-1) in a dense group of compact galaxies.  CGCG 39-141 lies 50" E and Shkh 352-6 lies 42" S.

 

Shkh 352-3:  faint, very small, round, 14" diameter.  In a very rich, group of faint, compact ellipticals with CGCG 139-140 = Shkh 352-2 0.8' W, CGCG 139-142 = Shkh 352-4 0.7' N, Shkh 352-7 0.7' NE and NGC 3647 1.5' WSW.

 

Shkh 352-4: fairly faint, very small, round, 12", very small bright nucleus.  Located 0.9' NE of CGCG 39-140 = Shkh 352-2 and 0.7' N of Shkh 352-3 in the core of this compact cluster.  Shkh 352-7 lies 45" ESE.

 

Shkh 352-5: extremely faint and small, 6" diameter.  Furthest north in tight group of 7 members of Shkh 352, packed into a 2' circle.  Located 42" N of CGCG 39-142 = Shkh 352-4.  A mag 16 star lies 35" NW.

 

Shkh 352-6: very faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.  This member of Shkh 352 forms the southern vertex of a tiny quadrilateral with NGC 3647 = CGCG 39-135 0.8' NW, CGCG 39-140 0.7' N and CGCG 39-141 1' NE!

 

Shkh 352-7: faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter, bright stellar nucleus.  Located 40" NE of Shkh 352-3 and 45" ESE of CGCG 039-142 = Shkh 352-4.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3647 = m 223 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted an "eF neb. star."  His position falls in a tight quartet including CGCG 039-135, -140, -141 and -142.  Bigourdan misidentified a star as NGC 3647.

 

Various modern sources pick all four of these compact galaxies as NGC 3647!  NED, HyperLeda and NGC/IC Project (Corwin) identifies CGCG 039-141 as NGC 3647, CGCG identifies CGCG 039-142 as NGC 3647, and the RNGC position falls on CGCG 039-140.  But CGCG 039-135 is the brightest visually in the quartet!  So, although the identification is uncertain with 4 close candidates, the 2014 version of Harold Corwin's NGC positions file also identifies CGCG 039-135 as NGC 3647.

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NGC 3648 = UGC 6389 = MCG +07-23-043 = CGCG 213-043 = CGCG 214-002 = LGG 236-001 = PGC 34908

11 22 31.5 +39 52 37; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 75”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6'.  Contains a small, round, bright core with a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 18' S of mag 6.6 SAO 43717 and 7' ESE of mag 9.7 SAO 43713.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3648 = h868 on 18 Mar 1831 and noted "pB; pmE; S; has a suspicious nucleus, as if a vF close double star."  The coordinates are marked uncertain, but his position is just 1' south of UGC 6389.

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NGC 3649 = UGC 6386 = MCG +03-29-038 = CGCG 096-036 = IC 682 = PGC 34883

11 22 14.8 +20 12 30; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4' (viewed oval core only).  A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge [23" from center].  Forms a pair with NGC 3646 7.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3649 = H III-16 = h869, along with NGC 3646 (see notes), on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146).  JH made two observations of the pair and his mean position is fairly accurate.

 

Lewis Swift possibly found the galaxy on 22 Apr 1889, assumed it was new, and recorded it in his 8th discovery list, #56 (later IC 682) as "eF; eS; R; vF * close np."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east is NGC 3649 and the description applies.

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NGC 3650 = UGC 6391 = MCG +04-27-031 = CGCG 126-043 = PGC 34913

11 22 35.4 +20 42 15; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 54”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.2', irregular surface brightness, small brighter core.  Situated 2.7' SE of a mag 11 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3650 = Sw. III-60 on 5 Mar 1886 and noted "eF; S; R; between 2 stars."  His position is 16 sec of RA west of  UGC 6391, though this galaxy is south of two brighter stars.

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NGC 3651 = HCG 51A = UGC 6388 = MCG +04-27-028 = CGCG 126-042n = Holm 249a = WBL 326-004 = PGC 34898

11 22 26.3 +24 17 56; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (4/18/15): NGC 3651 is the brightest member of the HCG 51 septet.  At 488x, it appeared moderately to fairly bright, round, 0.6' diameter.  It forms a merged double system with HCG 51F at the south edge.  The companion is faint to fairly faint, very small, elongated 2"1 ~N-S, ~12"x6".  The two galaxies were not fully resolved but there is a dip in brightness at the point they merge.  NGC 3653 lies 1.5' SE.

 

HCG 51G, just 28" SE, is a faint, round, quasi-stellar knot under 10" diameter.  MCG +04-27-030 = HCG 51D is 1' E and appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, brighter nucleus. CGCG 126-040 = HCG 51B is 2.8' W and the largest in the septet.  It appeared moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a small bright core.  Most catalogues misidentify this galaxy as IC 2759, which lies 1' further NNW.  IC 2759 = HCG 51E is also moderately bright but small, round, 18" diameter, sharply concentrated with a small bright core.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this is the brightest member of the HCG 51 quintet.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.8', small brighter core.  Forms a small isosceles triangle with NGC 3653 (51C) 1.4' SE and MCG +04-27-030 (51D) 1.0' E.  MCG +04-27-026 (51B) lies 2.7' W and brighter IC 2759 (51E) is 1' N of 51B.

 

MCG +04-27-026 is very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', very weak concentration.  Larger of close pair with IC 2759 1.0' N but has a significantly lower surface brightness.  Modern catalogues misidentify this galaxy as IC 2759.  IC 2759 is faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Finally MCG +04-27-030 is extremely faint and small, 12" diameter.  It's the faintest of five in HCG 51.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3651 = H III-335 = h870, along with NGC 3653, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "Two, both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3653] is the faintest.  I saw them both very well with 240.  About 2 or 3' from each other."  JH noted "F; R; gbM; the np of 2."  His position is a good match with UGC 6388.

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NGC 3652 = UGC 6392 = MCG +06-25-055 = CGCG 185-049 = Ark 291 = LGG 236-002 = PGC 34917

11 22 39.0 +37 45 54; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 150”

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Contains a bulging core and much fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3652 = H II-775 = h871 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and logged "pB, cL, lE, vgmbM."  NGC 3652 was discovered by WH (II 775).  JH noted (single observation) "F; pL; wires visible in twilight."  Both positions are at the edges of UGC 6392.

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NGC 3653 = HCG 51C = MCG +04-27-029 = CGCG 126-044 = Holm 249b = PGC 34905

11 22 30.1 +24 16 45; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

48" (4/18/15): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  NGC 3653 is the second brightest member of HCG 51 with slightly brighter NGC 3651 (and companions) 1.5' NW.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 30" diameter, stellar nucleus.  Second brightest in HCG 51 quintet with brightest member NGC 3651 1.4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3653 = H III-336 = h872, along with NGC 3651, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "Two, both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3653] is the faintest.  I saw them both very well with 240.  About 2 or 3' from each other."  JH noted "vF; the sf of 2."  His position is 45" too far southeast.

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NGC 3654 = UGC 6407 = MCG +12-11-022 = CGCG 334-029 = PGC 35025

11 24 10.9 +69 24 47; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, brighter along the major axis, very small bright core.  Situated midway betwen a mag 12 star 3.1' NE and a mag 13 star 3.4' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3654 = H II-880 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "F, S, lE from sp to nf, bM."  His position matches UGC 6407.

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NGC 3655 = UGC 6396 = MCG +03-29-039 = CGCG 096-037 = LGG 237-003 = PGC 34935

11 22 54.7 +16 35 24; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 30”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, very well concentrated with a relatively large bright core and an intensely bright small nucleus.  Member of a group (LGG 237) that includes NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, prominent core, stellar nucleus, fainter extensions, high surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' ENE.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated.  Located 45' WNW of a mag 6 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3655 = H I-5 = h873 on 30 Dec 1783 (early sweep 71) and recorded "A nebula.  F, not of the cometic kind, but seem to be resolvable.  It is of a roundish shape, but not regular."  JH made three observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3656 = Arp 155 = VV 22a = UGC 6403 = MCG +09-19-063 = CGCG 268-029 = PGC 34989

11 23 38.5 +53 50 32; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 7”

 

48" (4/6/13): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.3'x1.0', large very bright core but no distinct nucleus.  A mag 12.7 star is just off the west edge of a large, diffuse halo.  A dust lane or absorption patch is evident on the north side as a region of lower surface brightness.

 

MCG +09-19-64, a merging companion, is attached at the southern edge of the halo [40" S of center].  It appeared faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, slightly elongated E-W, 20"x15". PGC 2452556, 2.3' ENE, was a fairly faint, fairly small, roundish glow, 15" diameter, with a brighter core.

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, round, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, fairly weak concentration with a brighter core.  A mag 12 star is just off the west side, 45" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3656 = H II-782 = h874 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, S, R, vgmbM, just following a small star."  JH logged "pB; R; vglbM; 20"; a * 12m preceding." and measured a very accurate position.

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NGC 3657 = UGC 6406 = MCG +09-19-065 = CGCG 268-030 = LGG 241-010 = PGC 35002

11 23 55.6 +52 55 15; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, small bright core.  Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3657 = H III-768 = h876 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and noted "vF, vS, stellar, left doubtful."  His dec is is 3' south of UGC 6406 but JH measured accurate position (used in the NGC).

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NGC 3658 = UGC 6409 = MCG +07-24-002 = CGCG 214-003 = LGG 236-003 = PGC 35003

11 23 58.3 +38 33 45; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core, symmetrical appearance.  Located 15' SW of NGC 3665 and 9' SE of mag 9 SAO 62530.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3658 = H IV-59 = h877 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and recorded "cB, S, R, BN, the nucleus considerably well defined, and the chevelure vF."  His position (CH's reduction) is 1' northwest of UGC 6409.  JH made two observations and only measured one position, which was poor, but noted "Nothing remarkable in its character to place it in the 4th class."

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NGC 3659 = UGC 6405 = MCG +03-29-040 = CGCG 096-038 = LGG 237-004 = PGC 34995

11 23 45.3 +17 49 04; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration, elongated WSW-ENE. Member of the LGG 237 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3659 = H II-53 = h878 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "F, S, r."  JH measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3660 = UGCA 234 = MCG -01-29-016 = Mrk 1291 = PGC 34980

11 23 32.2 -08 39 31; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 110”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 697x and 813x; this multi-armed barred spiral appeared bright, large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, ~2.8'x2.1'.  The core consists of fairly narrow bar oriented NNW-SSE with a bright quasi-stellar nucleus at the center.  Subtle spiral structure was evident in the halo with a couple of long spiral arcs, though the contrast was too low to distinguish complete arms.  A mag 11.5 star is 2' NE of center and three mag 10-12.5 star are ~5' E.

 

2MASX J11231643-0840067, a Hoag-type Ring galaxy ("Burcin's Galaxy") lies 4' WSW. The core of this Hoag-type Ring appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, brightens slightly to a faint stellar nucleus.  The detached ring (roughly 1' across and mag V = 17.7) was not seen, though Jimi had pops of the northeast section.

 

48" (5/12/12): fairly bright, large, oval 5:4 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x2.0', well concentrated with a bright, elongated core that seems to contains a brighter bar.  The outer halo fades out gradually and increases in size with averted vision.  2MASX J11231643-0840067 (Ring Galaxy) lies 4' W and 2MASX J11234820-0841218 is 4.4' SE.

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly large, round, ~2' diameter with averted vision, broad concentration but then suddenly increases to a small nucleus.  A faint star is off the west edge 1' from center.  A trio of mag 10-12 stars follows by ~5'.  Located 19' NE of mag 6.9 HD 98853.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3660 = H II-635 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 705) and noted "F, pL, iR, vgbM."  His position matches MCG -01-29-016 = PGC 34980.

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NGC 3661 = IC 689 = MCG -02-29-022 = PGC 34986

11 23 38.4 -13 49 51; Crt

V = 14.0;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (3/29/85): faint, very elongated NW-SE.  A string of three mag 11 stars begins 1.6' S and continues to the SE.  NGC 3667 lies 10' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3661 = H III-530 = h3339, along with NGC 3667, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, stellar."  His position is 2' due south of MCG -02-29-022 = PGC 34986.  JH logged "F; S; R; gbM.  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3667]."

 

Ormond Stone found the galaxy again on 1 Jan 1889 with the 26-inch at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and assumed it was new.  His micrometric position (#421 in the LM Southern Nebulae list) matches PGC 34986.   Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence, but IC 689 = NGC 3661.

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NGC 3662 = UGC 6408 = MCG +00-29-025 = CGCG 011-086 = PGC 34996

11 23 45.6 -01 06 12; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'.  There is a fairly bright star ~mag 13.5 which is superimposed about 10" NE from the geometric center and appears similar to a bright stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3662 = H IV-4 = h879 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "an excessively faint nebula, consisting of a nucleus with a vF, S, brush sp.  The brush is not regularly fan shapes."   Herschel commented in his 1814 PT paper that "a very small star has an extremely faint and very small nebula attached to it in the shape of a puff.".  He gave this example as evidence of a union of attraction between the nebula and the star.  JH called this object a "star 13-14 m with a F, S, nebulous brush."

 

Wolfgang Steinicke, in "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters" states Julius Schmidt found NGC 3662 on 29 Mar 1862 with a 15.7-cm refractor and described an "exceedingly faint, object with slight central condensation." There was a controversy involving a number of observers whether this was a "variable nebula" (like NGC 1555) as either this galaxy or a nearby star appeared in the BD catalogue (BD -1” 2436) and marked as a nebula.  Involved in the controversy were Julius Schmidt, d'Arrest, Hermann Goldschmidt, C.H.F. Peters and Argelander.  The end result is that Argelander found a mistake occurred in the BD entry and the star should not have been marked as nebulous.

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NGC 3663 = MCG -02-29-023 = PGC 35006

11 23 59.8 -12 17 47; Crt

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/29/85): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, low even surface brightness.  Two mag 13 and 15 stars are at the NE edge 39" and 57" from the center, respectively.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3663 in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector and recorded "eF, fan-shaped, star close".  There is nothing at his position but 15' north is MCG -02-29-023 = PGC 35006 and two stars are at the northeast side of this galaxy.  Common's position for his 32 discoveries are consistently poor in declination (obtained from reading the setting circle), so this identification is very plausible.

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NGC 3664 = Arp 5 = VV 251 = UGC 6419 = MCG +01-29-041 = CGCG 039-170 = VIII Zw 146 = LGG 233-004 = PGC 35041

11 24 24.8 +03 19 39; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

48" (5/12/12): This disrupted spiral was a fascinating sight in Jimi Lowrey's 48-inch. The brightest feature is a very knotty 1' irregular bar oriented SW-NE, containing at least three brighter knots. The brightest knot is at the northeast end with at least two very close knots on the southwest side. A very short offshoot extends just north of the northeast end.  Fainter haze surrounds the bar on the NW and SE sides.

 

The second brightest feature is a detached, mottled "arm segment" on the southwest side that's oddly cocked (NW-SE) perpendicular to the bar. As it appeared detached from the bar, it didn't seem like it was part of a spiral feature.  But this arm segment dims significantly and continues curving clockwise around the south and east side, making a low surface brightness outer loop or ring, reaching around to the other side of the bar!  Then I realized the bar was noticeably offset towards the northwest side within a rounder 1.6' outline.

 

NGC 3664A, situated 6.2' south, is a much fainter disturbed companion that was likely involved in a train wreck with NGC 3664 during an earlier encounter.  NGC 3664 is a 30" fairly low surface brightness glow with a broad concentration, but it didn't reveal any irregular structure. UGC 6417, a more challenging edge on, is another 5' further south.

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly large, low surface brightness glow with just a weak concentration, ~2' diameter.  Nearly collinear with a wide pair of mag 10.5/12.5 stars 3' SE with a mag 10.5 star 7' NW also on this line.  In addition, three mag 13 stars to the east are collinear!  Located 20' W of a mag 6.7 star. This Arp galaxy has an unusual extension that juts at a 90” angle from the main body.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, slightly elongated ~N-S.  Two stars lie SE and a bright star (82 Leo) is ~20' E.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3664 on 14 Mar 1879 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Italy. He called it a double nebula with the two nuclei separated by 15"-20", so he resolved the two brightest "knots" along the central bar.  The discovery was reported in a short note in AN 94, p. 335.

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NGC 3665 = UGC 6426 = MCG +07-24-003 = CGCG 214-004 = LGG 236-004 = PGC 35064

11 24 43.7 +38 45 47; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 30”

 

18" (5/30/03): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.4'x1.6', strong concentration with a very bright core which increases to the center.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.6' N of center, outside the halo.  NGC 3658 lies 15' SW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.3', increases to very bright core, stellar nucleus, fainter elongated halo.  A mag 15 star is off the north edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3665 = H I-219 = h881 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and recorded "vB, cL, vgmbM, iF."  JH made two observations, first logging it (sweep 335) as "vB; R; pgmbM; 50"; r."

 

The RNGC has a typo in the declination, which is listed as 2 deg 54' instead of 38 deg 54'.

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NGC 3666 = UGC 6420 = MCG +02-29-025 = CGCG 067-071 = PGC 35043

11 24 26.2 +11 20 31; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 4.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 100”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, elongated ~E-W, bright core, sharper light cut off on the east side.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' NNE of center.  Located 9' SW of mag 5.8 SAO 99598.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3666 = H I-20 = h882 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "E, r.  A vB star may be taken into the field with it."  CH's reduced position is 10 tsec following UGC 6420.  JH observed it on 3 sweeps, first noting on sweep 242 "eF; 2nd or 3rd class.  The bright star 1341 A.S.C. follows it.  This neb must have changed greatly if it ever belonged really to the 1st class [as place by WH]."

 

Winnecke wrote a paper in 1879 (AN 2293) claiming this nebula displayed "periodic variability".  As "proof" Winnecke mentions William Herschel placed this nebula in his first class of "Bright Nebula", but John Herschel called it "eF, 2nd or 3rd class."  Winnecke described it as "pretty bright", while d'Arrest in 1863 termed it "subobscura".  Dreyer found it barely visible in 1887 with the 10-inch Grubb refractor at Armagh but in 1891 he it appeared bright.

 

Dreyer was critical of reports of variability of nebulae in general and commented in a 1891 paper that "this is a diffused nebula with a very slight central condensation" and "the appearance of objects of this kind is far more influenced by the state of our atmosphere than that of nebulae with a distinct condensation."  Wolfgang Steinicke discusses this cases on page 519 of his book on the history of the NGC.

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NGC 3667 = (R)NGC 3667A = MCG -02-29-025 = Holm 252a = PGC 35028

11 24 17.0 -13 51 26; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/29/85): moderately bright, very small, round, small bright nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3667A = MCG -02-29-026 1.1' E.  The companion appeared faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  NGC 3661 lies 10' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3667 = H III-531 = h3340, along with NGC 3661, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "cF, vlbM, stellar."  JH recorded "pF; R; 20"; has 3 stars 10 mag near it, with the two following of which it makes an equilateral triangle.

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NGC 3668 = UGC 6430 = MCG +11-14-023 = CGCG 314-026 = PGC 35123

11 25 30.4 +63 26 46; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', mottled appearance.  Well concentrated with an elongated core and a bright nucleus.  A mag 15 star is superimposed at the northwest end 0.6' from center.  Located 2.6' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

Forms a pair with CGCG 314-028 = Arak 293 9.7' E, at the edge of the 225x field.  The Arakelian galaxy (catalogue of high surface brightness galaxies) appeared fairly faint, very small, round.  Appears a compact fairly high surface brightness glow about 20" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3668 = H II-845 = h880 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and noted "vF, pS."  His position (CH's reduction) is 14 sec of RA west of UGC 6430.  The mag 15 star superimposed on the northwest side is mentnioned in the UGC notes as a galaxy, but it appears stellar on the SDSS.

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NGC 3669 = UGC 6431 = MCG +10-16-135 = CGCG 291-067 = PGC 35113

11 25 26.7 +57 43 17; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3669 = H II-829 = h883 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, E, easily resolvable."  His position is accurate.  JH made a single observation and logged "vF; mE; vlbM; 60" length."

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NGC 3670 = UGC 6427 = MCG +04-27-033 = CGCG 126-048 = PGC 35067

11 24 49.7 +23 56 43; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Moderate concentration with faint extensions and a small, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3670 = H III-337 = h884 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S."  His single position (CH's reduction) is 4' northwest of UGC 6427, the brightest galaxy in the vicinity.  JH called this galaxy "eF; vS; R" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3671 = CGCG 291-068 = PGC 35149

11 25 52.5 +60 28 46; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is close east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3671 = H III-922 = h885 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "vF, vS, 2 very small stars in it."  One of these "small stars" is probably the nucleus.   JH's position matches CGCG 291-068 although his description reads "This must be my father's neb, but it is a suspicious object and I doubt whether it be not a little knot of 3 or 5 stars."  Only a single mag 14.5 star is close following.

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NGC 3672 = MCG -02-29-028 = UGCA 235 = LGG 235-003 = PGC 35088

11 25 02.5 -09 47 40; Crt

V = 11.4;  Size 4.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (3/29/85): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 N-S, weakly concentrated to the center.  Brightest in a small group that includes NGC 3636 and 3637 (LGG 235 = USGC S165).

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, diffuse.  Located 20' W of a mag 7.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3672 = H I-131 = h886 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and reocorded "cB, E, 4 or 5' long and near 4' broad, gbM."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common probably found this galaxy in 1880 with his 36" reflector, assumed it was new, and reported #17 as "pB, L, bM, E 180”" in his Copernicus discovery list.

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NGC 3673 = ESO 503-016 = MCG -04-27-010 = UGCA 236 = PGC 35097

11 25 12.8 -26 44 12; Hya

V = 11.5;  Size 3.6'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 70”

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 2.0'x1.4', broad concentration to halo.  Appears brighter along the major axis like a bar (verified on the DSS) with a very small brighter core.  Two mag 11.5 and 13 stars following closely, 2' and 1.5' from the center.  Located 8' N of mag 8.7 SAO 179863.

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE.  Contains a bright 45" elongated core embedded in a much faint halo, ~2.5'x1.5'.  Within the halo is the strong impression of a bar and the galaxy is locally brighter immediately following the bar.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3673 = h3341 on 22 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; vL; vglbM.  Several small stars near, and one = 7m nearly south, at 6' distance. HIs position and description matches ESO 503-016.

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NGC 3674 = UGC 6444 = MCG +10-16-138 = CGCG 291-069 = PGC 35191

11 26 26.6 +57 02 54; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 33”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3683 lies 13.6' SE and NGC 3683A is 23' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3674 = H II-886 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "pB, iF."  The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.

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NGC 3675 = UGC 6439 = MCG +07-24-004 = CGCG 214-005 = PGC 35164

11 26 07.8 +43 35 06; UMa

V = 10.2;  Size 5.9'x3.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 4'x1.5', very bright sharply defined elongated core, substellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the SSW edge 2.0' from the center.  A dust lane is evident by a sharper light cut-off along the east side of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3675 = H I-194 = h887 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "vB, mE in the meridian, BN."  John Herschel made two observations, first noting on 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), "vB; L; mE; vsmbM; 2' long, 40" broad.  Many stars 14 and 15 mag precede."

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NGC 3676 = MCG -02-29-029 = PGC 35131

11 25 37.5 -11 08 23; Crt

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 151”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  Located in an asterims of 5 mag 11.5-12.5 stars with two mag 11.5 stars just 1' NNE and 1' SE.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3676 = LM 2-436 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but 30' south is MCG -02-29-029 = PGC 35131 and his comment "2 st 10 nf, sf" matches this galaxy perfectly.  NGC 3676 was not recovered by Bigourdan because of the poor discovery position.

 

RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and MCG -02-29-029 is not labeled as NGC 3676 in the MCG, Deep Sky Field Guide, Megastar, etc.

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NGC 3677 = UGC 6441 = MCG +08-21-035 = CGCG 242-035 = PGC 35181

11 26 17.7 +46 58 26; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Weak, even concentration to a small, brighter core.  Collinear with two mag 11 stars 4' and 6' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3677 = h888 on 19 Mar 1828 and noted "S; R; vsbM to a * 16m."   His mean position from 2 observations is 1' north of UGC 6441.

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NGC 3678 = UGC 6443 = MCG +05-27-071 = CGCG 156-075 = PGC 35177

11 26 15.7 +27 52 01; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, fairly even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3678 = h889 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; R; psbM; 25".  Is 2' sp a * 12m."   His position and description matches UGC 6443.

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NGC 3679 = MCG -01-29-021 = Mrk 1294 = PGC 35165

11 26 08.6 -05 35 09; Leo

Size 1.0'x0.5';  PA = 178”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.3', fairly even surface brightness.  Three mag 14 stars are within 2'.  Located 4.6' SSE of a mag 10 star. The NGC identification is very uncertain and NGC 3679 may apply to MCG -01-29-012.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3679 = H III-112 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "cL, eF, R, r.  Just preceding, and very near a B star.  The nebulosity touches the star.  There is so much moonlight that I do not see it satifactory, and am, even not without some doubts as to the reality, but must defer the verification till a darker night."  There is nothing near his position.

 

Dreyer notes that WH could not find this nebula again on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 673).  He reported "Looked for the Nebula III. 112 and though the night is apparently not a bad one, I could not find it.  I examined a great part of the heavens in this neighborhood but saw nothing of it."  He searched again unsuccessfully on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 912), but found another nebula - probably MCG -01-29-021 - "making a trapezium with 2 small stars".  The RNGC and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) identify this galaxy as NGC 3679.   But there is no bright star near MCG -01-29-021 matching the original description and Dreyer concludes that III-112 is probably nonexistent.  NGC 3915 = H III-113, the next object found in the sweep, also cannot be identified with any confidence. 

 

See Harold Corwin's discussion of these identities.  He suggests that NGC 3679 might be MCG -01-29-012, located 2.4' south of of mag 7.8 HD 98750.  My visual description refers to (R)NGC 3679.  Interestingly, Spitaler also identified this galaxy as NGC 3679 in an 1892 observation and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3680 = Cr 247 = ESO 265-032

11 25 37 -43 15 00; Cen

V = 7.6;  Size 12'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): scattered group of a dozen stars at 105x in 7' but with an interesting arrangement as many of the stars form two intersecting lanes crossing at a right angle.  Includes a few mag 10-10.5 stars.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3680 = D 481 on 7 May 1826 and recorded "a cluster of stars, about 10' diameter, mixt magnitude. This precedes 25 Centauri."  Dunlop made 4 observations of this cluster and his position is roughly 10' SE of the center of the large cluster (typical error).  On John Herschel's first sweep (h3342) of 3 Feb 1835 he logged "cluster VIII class, 60 or 70 stars 11..13th mag in a compact round space, 10' diameter." His second observation reads: "not very rich but a good cluster; gradually compressed in the middle, large, rich, very scattered, almost fills field, stars 10..14th mag."

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NGC 3681 = UGC 6445 = MCG +03-29-048 = CGCG 096-045 = LGG 237-005 = PGC 35193

11 26 29.8 +16 51 48; Leo

V = 11.2;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 170”

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, roundish, contains a relatively large brighter core which is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus.  A string of 3 stars extends to the ENE of the galaxy, the last is an uneven double [~7" separation].  First in a bright quartet (part of the LGG 237 group) with NGC 3684 14' NE, NGC 3686 28' NE and NGC 3691 24' ENE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus.  On a line with two stars mag 11 and 12 3.0' NE and 4.7' NE.  First of four in the NGC 3686 group with NGC 3684 14' NNE, NGC 3691 24' ENE and NGC 3686 28' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3681 = H II-159 = h891 = h3343 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198) and recorded "pB, S, bM, rather too large to be called stellar."  His position is 18 sec of RA west of UGC 6445.  JH made three observations at Slough (measuring an accurate position) and one at the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 3682 = UGC 6459 = MCG +11-14-027 = CGCG 314-029 = PGC 35266

11 27 41.2 +66 35 23; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 95”

 

18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.6'x0.45'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright, 20" core and a much fainter halo.  Located on the Draco-Ursa Major border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3682 = H I-262 = h890 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "cB, vS, iF.  A sort of a nucleus with a vF nebulosity about it."  His RA was 92 tsec too large and dec 3' too large.  JH logged "pB; R' vsmbM almost to a *; 30" dia." and his position matches UGC 6459.

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NGC 3683 = UGC 6458 = MCG +10-16-143 = CGCG 291-072 = PGC 35249

11 27 32.0 +56 52 37; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  In a low power field with NGC 3674 14' NW and NGC 3683A 21' NE.   NGC 3683A was noted as moderately bright and large, oval ~SW-NE, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is off the northeast edge, 1.7' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3683 = H I-246 = h892 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "F, pL, iR."  His position (CH's reduction) is 17 sec of RA too small.  JH noted "E.  haze so that I can barely be certain that a nebula exists.", but his position is very accurate!

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NGC 3684 = UGC 6453 = MCG +03-29-050 = CGCG 096-047 = LGG 237-006 = PGC 35224

11 27 11.2 +17 01 48; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, irregular halo increases in size with averted, ~1.6'x 1.2'.  Contains a relatively large brighter core that is nearly round and is very weakly concentrated to the center.  Middle of three bright galaxies that are nearly collinear with NGC 3681 14' SW and NGC 3686 14' NE.  NGC 3691 lies 15' ESE. These galaxies are part of the LGG 237 group.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  Second of three on a line with NGC 3681 14' SW and NGC 3686 14' NE.  Also, NGC 3691 lies 15' SE.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3684 = h893 on 17 Mar 1831 and logged "cB; L; E; vgbM; 100" diameter."  JH made a total of three observations and d'Arrest measured the position on 5 nights.  JH is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.

 

But Wolfgang Steinicke found that WH probably discovered this galaxy on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198).  After discovering NGC 3681, he turned north and found another new object, II-160, which he described as "cL, R, brightest in the middle but the brightness goes off very gradually."   His position is poor -- 35 sec of RA west and 10' north of NGC 3684 and also 68 sec of RA west and 2' south of NGC 3686.  Both JH and Dreyer assumed II-160 applied to NGC 3686 but Wolfgang states that WH didn't move his telescope that far north in the sweep and discovered NGC 3684 instead.

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NGC 3685 = MCG +01-29-045 = CGCG 039-192 = Todd 9 = PGC 35305

11 28 16.2 +04 19 39; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 140”

 

18" (4/30/11): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Forms the western vertex of a triangle with two mag 13 stars 2' NE and 2' E.  Forms a close pair with UGC 6466 just 1' SW, but I wasn't convinced this low surface brightness spiral was glimpsed.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3685 = Todd 9 on 11 Dec 1877 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698).  I was unable to identify this object but Corwin found a match with CGCG 039-192.  He describes this as "the higher surface brightness component of a pair of CGCG galaxies; the other is UGC 06466, a pretty low surface brightness barred spiral."  I confirmed Todd's offsets for the nearby stars, so this identification is certain.  The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, though NED and HyperLeda use this identification.

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NGC 3686 = UGC 6460 = MCG +03-29-051 = CGCG 096-049 = LGG 237-007 = PGC 35268

11 27 44.1 +17 13 26; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 3.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, very large, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad mild concentration with a relatively large slightly brighter core and a small brighter nucleus.  A 14th magnitude star is on the south edge of the halo, 1.2' from center.  The halo extends ~2.5'x2.0' and encompasses this star.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): brightest and largest in a group (LGG 237) with NGC 3681, NGC 3684 and NGC 3691.  Elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 3.0'x2.4', brighter core.  An extremely faint star or knot is involved.  A mag 11 star lies 2.6' N of center.  NGC 3684 is 14' SSW and NGC 3691 19' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3686 = H III-28 = h894 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and logged "vF, L, r."  His position is 15 sec of RA due east of UGC 6460.  His observation of II-160 a month later on 17 Apr 1784 was assumed by JH and Dreyer to be a duplicate observation, but Wolfgang Steinicke analyzed the sweep and found II-160 applies to NGC 3684 instead.

 

JH observed h894 on 3 sweeps recording "pB; pL. (N.B. II 160 and III 28 are probably identical".  On a second sweep he noted "B; L; R; bM; has a L star north and a smaller one south".  Finally he logged "B; vL; E; vgbM; 2' diam.  Near a *."  Dreyer followed JH's comment in his first sweep and commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the transit for II 160 must have been recorded 1 tmin too late.

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NGC 3687 = UGC 6463 = MCG +05-27-073 = CGCG 156-078 = Mrk 736 = PGC 35285

11 28 00.6 +29 30 39; UMa

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round.  Seems to have an irregular surface brightness with a very small, slightly brighter condensation in the halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3687 = H II-770 = h895 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 909) and noted "pB, pL, R, lbM." His position matches UGC 6463.  JH made 5 observations.

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NGC 3688 = MCG -01-29-024 = PGC 35269

11 27 44.4 -09 09 56; Crt

V = 14.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 10”

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.35', low even surface brightness.  Located 7.6' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3688 = LM 2-437 in 1886 and noted "lE in PA 0”."  His position is an unusually good match with MCG -01-29-024 = PGC 35269, and his position angle is similar.  Steinicke lists the discoverer as Ainslie Common, but the closest entry in his list (#17) is a much better match with NGC 3672.

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NGC 3689 = UGC 6467 = MCG +04-27-037 = CGCG 126-057 = PGC 35294

11 28 11.0 +25 39 41; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): moderately bright, oval 5:3 ~E-W, ~1.3'x0.8', broadly concentration to a brighter core.  The core brightens but no distinct nucleus.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3689 = H II-339 = h897 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "pF, pS, irr."  JH logged "B; pL; gbM; lE".  His position is just of the south side of UGC 6467.

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NGC 3690 = Arp 299 = VV 118 = UGC 6471 = UGC 6472 = MCG +10-17-003 = MCG +10-17-005 = CGCG 291-073 = Mrk 171a/b = Holm 256a/b = PGC 35321

11 28 32.3 +58 33 43; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x, the southwest component (VV 118b) of NGC 3690 appeared as a very bright, elongated, irregular knot of high surface brightness.  Contains a very bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  The northeast component (VV 118a) is the larger of the merged interacting pair and appeared bright, moderately large, ~1' diameter, small very bright core.  A very low surface, asymmetric halo extends on the northwest side of the bright pair.  The southwest component is generally misidentified as IC 694, which is described below.

 

VV 118d/e, probably HII regions, are just 45" NW of NGC 3690 (just outside the halo).  Occasionally an extremely faint and small glow popped in this position, 6"-8" diameter.  IC 694, ~1' NW of the bright pair, was easily visible as a fairly faint, slightly elongated glow, 15"x12", weak concentration.  PGC 35345 (the brighter component of Arp 296) lies 2.6' NE.  It was also a direct vision, fairly faint glow, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 24"x18", increasing to a very small brighter core.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): NGC 3690 is a disrupted, interacting double system (Arp 299).  This unusual pair appears moderately bright, fairly small, elongated E-W.  The appearance is confusing with two very small "knots" in a common halo elongated E-W (20" between centers).  On the west side is a fairly bright virtually stellar "knot", which is probably the nucleus of the brighter member of NGC 3690.  There is a small fainter unconcentrated extension on the following end and the two components are not individually resolved.  With averted vision, IC 694 was barely glimpsed as an extremely faint spot about 1' NW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, irregular, mottled appearance.  A mag 14 star is superimposed on the west side and an extremely faint mag 15.5 star or knot is involved.  This is a disrupted interacting system which includes IC 694.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3690 = H I-247 = h896 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, lE, mbM."  On 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) he logged "vB, pL, lE near the parallel, but a little from nf to sp."  JH reported "B; R; pgbM.  Query whether there be not a * excentric towards the south-following side." The "star" may refer to the companion on the south side.  On 27 Jan 1852, LdR's assistant Bindon Stoney described the system as "Neb div into two parts, faint appendage np about one dia distant."

 

Swift also noticed it was double in 1883, writing in Sidereal Messenger IV (p39), "mentioned to all observers as very little elongated.  Chancing to run across it with a power of 132, I immediately suspected it to be a close double, which suspicion a power of 200 confirmed.  It is probably the closest double nebula known."  Swift reobserved the galaxy on 18 Apr 1892 (list X) and noted "vs, close D with [NGC] 3690, suspected with 132, ver with 200".  This is nearly identical to his 1883 comments.  Dreyer entered Stoney's and Swift's second component as IC 694 -- but did they apply to the same object?

 

Usually, IC 694 is identified as the southwest component of the interacting double system NGC 3690 and this is likely what Swift resolved in his first observation.  But Stoney's earlier observation clearly resolved NGC 3690 into two components as well as picking up the extremely faint 16th mag galaxy (MCG +10-17-002a = VV 118c) "one diameter" NW of the NGC 3690 system.  Based on Stoney's observation, it is reasonable to assign IC 694 or IC 694B to MCG +10-17-002a = VV 118c.

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NGC 3691 = UGC 6464 = MCG +03-29-053 = CGCG 096-050 = LGG 237-008 = PGC 35292

11 28 09.4 +16 55 11; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 15”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; fairly bright, moderately large, sightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', broad weak concentration but no core or nucleus.  Last in a group (LGG 237) and a prominent quartet with NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, slightly elongated, moderately large, even surface brightness.  Last of four in the NGC 3686 group.  Located 19' SSE of NGC 3686 and 15' SE of NGC 3684.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3691 = H II-54 = h898 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "vF, S, r."  His position is 35 sec of RA east of UGC 6464 (the previous object in the sweep, NGC 3686, was 15 sec too far east).  He found this galaxy a month later (17 Apr 1784, sweep 198) and logged "not F, S, R."  JH measured the position twice, but made the single description "F; E; 40"; has a * 10m 5' sp".  Heinrich d'Arrest also measured an accurate position (2 nights).

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NGC 3692 = UGC 6474 = MCG +02-29-032 = CGCG 067-084 = PGC 35314

11 28 24.0 +09 24 27; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 95”

 

18" (5/3/11): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 2.4'x0.4'.  Extends at least 80% of the separation (2.9') of two mag 13/13.5 stars to the NE.  Well concentrated with a bright core that gradually increases to very small nucleus.  The halo fades at the tips and only extends the estimated diameter with averted vision.  Located 10' SE of mag 9.6 HD 99621.  A group of IC galaxies, including IC 696, lies 20' S and NGC 3705 is 27' ESE.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, thin edge-on 5:1 E-W, 2.0'x0.4', very small bright core.  A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 2.3' from the center.  NGC 3705 lies 26' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3692 = H II-152 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "F, mE, r." His position (CH's reduction) is 7' N of UGC 6474. Not observed by JH. Neither JH nor d'Arrest made an observation.  The GC position (revised by Tempel) is also too far north.  The NGC position is 9 tsec west and 2' south of UGC 6474.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 using the 27" refractor at Vienna.

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NGC 3693 = MCG -02-29-032 = PGC 35299

11 28 11.5 -13 11 41; Crt

V = 12.3;  Size 3.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 E-W, very small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 3.3' WSW.  Located 10' SE of mag 8.3 SAO 156691.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3693 = H III-532 = h3344 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, lE, vlbM."  JH logged "F; pmE in parallel; gpmbM; 20"."  The NGC misidentifies h3334 as NGC 3693 (typo).

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NGC 3694 = UGC 6480 = MCG +06-25-076 = CGCG 185-070 = PGC 35352

11 28 54.1 +35 24 50; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 30"-40" diameter, bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  Brightest in a pretty similar trio of NGC 3695 11' NNE and NGC 3700 11' NE (both with uncertain NGC identifications).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3694 = h899 on 11 Mar 1831 and logged "Not vF; R; sbM almost to a star; 20"."  His position matches UGC 6480.

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NGC 3695 = NGC 3698 = UGC 6490 = MCG +06-25-078 = CGCG 185-071 = PGC 35389

11 29 17.3 +35 34 31; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus with direct vision at 280x.  A mag 14 star lies 1.7' SE.  In a trio with NGC 3694 11' SSW and NGC 3700 5.7' SE.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 3695 on 31 Mar 1867 in his observation of NGC 3694.  He described "3 faint nebula forming a triangle certainly seen here and one or more susp in the neighborhood.  There being no great difference in brightness, it is not easy to see which is h899 [NGC 3694].  The 2 nf ones, pos 310”, dist 339" [5564 and 5566]."  The relative position for the latter two exactly match NGC 3695 = GC 5564 = UGC 6490 and NGC 3700 = GC 5566 = UGC 6494.

 

But on 18 Mar 1876 Dreyer reobserved NGC 3694 and stated "nnp is a pS, eeF neb [=5564] in PA 357.2”, Dist 256.7"."  This was the position Dreyer used in NGC for NGC 3695 and it corresponds with mag 14.8 star at 11 28 53.1 +35 29 00 (2000).  In the same observation, Dreyer notes "about 15' n and a few minutes f is another eF, vS neb [5565] with an ef* 2' sf."  Apparently he felt this object was not observed on 31 Mar 1867 so he assigned it separate designations GCS 5565 = NGC 3698, but his rough description applies to UGC 6490 = NGC 3695, which has a mag 14.4 star 1.7' southeast.  So, most likely NGC 3698 is a duplicate observation of NGC 3695.

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NGC 3696 = PGC 35340

11 28 43.9 -11 16 58; Crt

Size 1.2'x1.0';  PA = 90”

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, elongated 4:3 E-W, ~16"x12".  There appeared to be a mag 15.5 star superimposed NE of center.  Located 3.2' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, very small, round.  Only glimpsed with averted, though the observation was likely made through clouds that I noticed afterwards.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3696 = LM 2-438.  There are no pertinent notes (simply described as round) or sketch found for this object and nothing at his position.  But 10 sec if RA east and 10' north is the faint galaxy PGC 35340.  NGC 3696 was not recovered by Bigourdan and the identification with PGC 35340 is uncertain.

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NGC 3697 = UGC 6479 = MCG +04-27-042 = CGCG 126-061 = HCG 53a = Holm 258a = WBL 335-001 = PGC 35347

11 28 50.4 +20 47 43; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 93”

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; the brightest of four in HCG 53 appeared bright, large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, 2.0'x0.5'.  Strong concentration with a bright elongated core or bar.

 

HCG 53B: moderately bright, small, round, high surface brightness with a relatively large, very bright core.

HCG 53C: fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, nearly even surface brightness.

HCG 53D: faint, small, elongated 5:2 E-W.  Easily visible and could hold continuously. Located 38" N of a 12th magnitude star.

SDSS J112853.30+204424.3: extremely faint, small, ~15" diameter, very low irregular surface brightness.  Located 1.4' W of HCG 53B at the same redshift.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): brightest of three in the HCG 53.  Fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, weak even concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is 3.6' W and a mag 13 star 1.8' SE.  The mag 13 star is on a line midway to a pair of close companions MCG +04-27-044 (HCG 53B) 4.0' SE and MCG +04-27-045 (HCG 53C) 3.3' SE.  IC 700 lies 13.9' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3697 = h900 on 24 Feb 1827 and noted "eF; vS; E in parallel."  His position and description matches UGC 6479.

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NGC 3698 = NGC 3695 = UGC 6490 = MCG +06-25-078 = CGCG 185-071 = PGC 35389

11 29 17.3 +35 34 31; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3695.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer found NGC 3698 on 18 Mar 1876 while an assistant at Birr Castle.  He noted that "about 15' north and a few minutes following [NGC 3694] is another eF, vS neb with an eF* 2' sf."  This description appears to match NGC 3695 = UGC 6490, which was discovered 9 years earlier by Sir Robert Ball on 31 Mar 1867 (see notes on N3695).  The actual separation is 11' but there is a faint star 2' SE.  So NGC 3698 = NGC 3695.

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NGC 3699 = PK 292+1.1 = ESO 129-21 = PN G292.6+01.2 = Ced 114 = Hf 62

11 27 58.4 -59 57 37; Cen

V = 11.0;  Size 71"

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this showpiece planetary appeared very bright, fairly large, ~70" in diameter.  It displayed an excellent contrast response using an UHC filter at 200x.  The planetary is bisected by a prominent, broad dark rift that slashes through the planetary from WSW to ENE (like Centaurus A!).  The northern lobe is the more prominent: both larger and brighter.  The shape of this lobe is semicircular with a round, outer periphery but with a fairly straight edge SW-NE in the interior due to the dark rift.  The center of the dust lane is south of the geometric center of the planetary, giving an asymmetric distribution to the lobes.  The rift itself is widest at the ENE end and tapers down towards the WSW end.  Superb view at 350x as the extra magnification increases the contrast and confirms that the south lobe is fully detached by the dust lane at the WSW end.  The compact planetary He 2-67 lies in the same field 11' SE.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 100x, this planetary appeared moderately bright and large, ~60"-65" in size.  There was a good contrast gain with a UHC filter at 105x and 166x and it appeared brightest on the north side of the planetary.  A dark rift running WSW-ENE appears to nearly detach the smaller and fainter southern section.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this interesting planetary is moderately bright, fairly large, ~70" in diameter with some faint stars superimposed.  With the UHC filter the appearance is very unusual with a dark rift bisecting it in a WSW-ENE orientation just below the geometric center.  At 228x, the northern "hemisphere" is both larger and brighter with an irregular surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is ~1' NW.  This is a fascinating planetary set in a beautiful Centaurus star field with an appearance similar to faint HII region or a small version of Cen A!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3699 = h3345 on 1 Apr 1834 and recorded "B; pL; irr R; pgpmbM; 90"; r.  Almost resolved. It is, however, by no means a mere knot of the Milky Way."  Joseph Turner sketched this planetary on 8 Apr 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope.  It accurately showed two segments cut by a "dark channel on the following side".  The dark lane is oriented NE-SW with the cut off section to the east much smaller and the dark lane slightly wider at the NE end.  Robert Innes observed it with the 9-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg in 1914 and called it "a faint nearly round nebula 60" in diameter, mag = 14th."

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NGC 3700 = UGC 6494 = MCG +06-25-079 = CGCG 185-073 = PGC 35413

11 29 38.6 +35 30 53; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration.  Similar to NGC 3695 5.7' NW and third in trio with NGC 3694. The orientation given matches the main bar - a fainter outer ring oriented NW-SE was not seen.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 3700 on 31 Mar 1867 while observing NGC 3694.  Ball mentions "the 2 nf ones, Pos 310, Dist 339" which precisely matches the separation and position angle of UGC 6480 and UGC 6494.  This suggests NGC 3694 = UGC 6480 and NGC 3700 = UGC 6494, despite the NGC position for NGC 3700 off by 20 tsec in RA and 6' in dec.

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NGC 3701 = UGC 6493 = MCG +04-27-048 = CGCG 126-068 = PGC 35405

11 29 28.9 +24 05 36; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 145”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', weak concentration with a central bulge.  A mag 14 star lies 0.9' N of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3701 = H II-349 = h901 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "F, pL, of an irregular triangular form."  CH's reduction is 4.4' northwest of UGC 6493 (an similar offset with several objects in the sweep).  JH noted "pB, lE" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3702 = MCG -01-29-026 = PGC 35448

11 30 13.4 -08 51 47; Crt

V = 14.2;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (3/29/85): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3702 = LM 2-439 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.1' dia, R, gbM, *10  precedes 30s; *10 follows 30s."  There is nothing at his position but 1 min of RA east and 8' north is MCG -01-29-026.  A mag 9-10 star is 20 sec of RA east (and 1.8' north) and a mag 13 star is 20 sec of RA west, both plausible candidates but not a certain match.  RNGC identifies this galaxy as NGC 3702, but MCG does not label it as such.

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NGC 3703

11 29 36 -08 37; Crt

 

= Not found, RNGC.  = PGC 170146 at 11 29 09.2 -08 26 47?, Corwin

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3703 = LM 1-187 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) but Corwin suggests a possible identification with PGC 170146 at 11 29 09.2 -08 26 47.  He notes, though, the sketch "only vaguely matches the galaxy (and its surrounding stars)" so this identification is uncertain.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3704 = MCG -02-29-037 = PGC 35435

11 30 04.6 -11 32 47; Crt

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (3/29/85): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 15 star is 42" E of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3707 1.7' E.  Located 2.6' ESE of a mag 10 star.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3704 = T I-35 = T V-10 on 23 Feb 1878 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "Class III; a star 15m (nebulous?) follows 2 sec; near the comparison star is another fainter nebula [NGC 3707]."  His micrometric position matches MCG -02-29-037 = PGC 35435, the brighter of the pair.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common independently discovered this galaxy in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector and described "2 [along with NGC 3707], F, R, on the parallel, star symmetrically placed between."  Common's single position is 13' north of MCG -02-29-037 but his description is a perfect match with the pair.  The NGC description for NGC 3704 mentions a mag 9-10 star 2' SSE of NGC 3704, although the bright star is actually 2.6' WNW.  The RNGC and MCG position is 2' too far north.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that Swift's IC 703 might be a duplicate observation of NGC 3704.

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NGC 3705 = UGC 6498 = MCG +02-29-039 = CGCG 067-093 = Holm 259a = PGC 35440

11 30 07.4 +09 16 37; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 4.9'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 122”

 

18" (5/3/11): very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE (with averted vision), 3.5'x1.5'.  Contains a large, brighter core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus.  Outside the central region, the outer halo fades rapidly but doesn't have a distinct boundary.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): bright, fairly large, small bright core, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.6'.  NGC 3692 lies 26' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3705 = H II-13 = h902 = h903 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 84) and recorded "a pL nebula.  It is probably a faint cluster of stars, not being of the cometic kind."  JH made two observations, but his PD differed by 5' and his descriptions were sufficiently different he assumed h902 and h903 were perhaps different objects.  But Dreyer notes that "only one nebula seen by H, h, d'A, Vogel, Tempel and Ld R" so h902 = h903 = II 13 = NGC 3705.

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NGC 3706 = ESO 378-006 = MCG -06-25-022 = PGC 35417

11 29 44.4 -36 23 29; Cen

V = 11.3;  Size 3.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78”

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0'.  Contains a bright, sharply defined 40" core and much fainter extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3706 = h3346 on 1 May 1834 and noted "pB; R; psbM; 20"."  His mean position (from 3 observations) matches ESO 378-006.  Joseph Turner observed the galaxy on 24 Feb 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and wrote the center has quite a stellar appearance, as if a star of about the 12th mag ..the center." (p.204 in logbook, the last object he transcribed from his notebook)

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NGC 3707 = PGC 35446

11 30 11.5 -11 32 37; Crt

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/29/85): extremely faint and small, round.  Picked up 2.6' E of NGC 3704.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3707 = T V-10b on 23 Feb 1878.  He noted NGC 3704 as "Class III; a star 15m (nebulous?) follows 2 sec; near the comparison star is another fainter nebula [NGC 3707]."

 

Andrew Common made an independent discovery in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector (along with NGC 3704) and described "2, F, R, on the parallel, star symmetrically placed between."  Common's single position (obtained roughly using his setting circles)  is 13' north of the pair MCG -02-29-037 = NGC 3704 and PGC 35446 = NGC 3707.  His description applies, though, as there is a mag 15 star between the two galaxies.  Dreyer credits both Tempel and Common with the discovery in the NGC.  Howe could only find NGC 3704 on 4 nights of searching with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

 

The NGC summary descriptions (from Tempel?) for both NGC 3704 and NGC 3707 has errors.  The description for NGC 3707 mentions a "*15 (neb?) 2s following", which actually describes the mag 15 star 2.8 tsec following NGC 3704.  See RNGC Corrections #4.

 

For some reason, the RNGC ignores the second fainter galaxy of the pair and lists NGC 3707 as nonexistent.

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NGC 3708

11 30 42 -03 13; Leo

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3708 = LM 1-188 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position and this object could not be recovered by Harold Corwin, even with Stone's field sketch.

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NGC 3709

11 30 42 -03 15; Leo

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3709 = LM 1-189 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position and this object could not be recovered by Harold Corwin.

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NGC 3710 = UGC 6504 = MCG +04-27-052 = CGCG 126-078 = PGC 35502

11 31 07.0 +22 46 05; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, small, round, well-defined 30" halo is weakly concentrated but no noticeable core.  Located 4.5' SW of mag 7.8 SAO 81865.  A mag 15 star lies 1.3' SE and a pair of similar stars 2' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3710 = H II-350 = h904 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S."  CH's reduction is 5' north of UGC 6504.  JH logged "F; has a *7.8 nf dist 5'." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3711 = MCG -02-29-035 = PGC 35392

11 29 25.5 -11 04 46; Crt

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3'.  Located 2.4' N of a mag 11 star.  The observation may have been made through some clouds.

 

17.5" (3/29/85): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' S of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3711 = LM 2-440 in 1886.  His position is 1.5 min of RA following MCG -02-29-035, but his description of a "*9, 4' S." is a reasonable match (a mag 11 star is 2.5' south).  Howe's corrected RA in the IC 2 notes is accurate.

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NGC 3712 = Arp 203 = UGC 6506 = MCG +05-27-082 = CGCG 156-090 = PGC 35507

11 31 09.2 +28 34 05; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 160”

 

18" (3/17/07): UGC 6506, the galaxy identified as NGC 3712 in the RNGC and PGC, appeared extremely faint, small, elongated.  Occasionally it was glimpsed as a very low surface brightness hazy patch with no concentration.  It extended perhaps 0.4'x0.2' in the direction of a couple of stars with a third star nearby making a triple.  Located ~8' NE of mag 6.7 HD 100041.

 

More likely NGC 3712 is a duplicate observation of NGC 3714.  See observing notes for that number.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3712 = h905 on 26 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; R; smbM."  The following month he noted "F; vS; R; bM."  Neither description is helpful in identifying this number and his one good position (first observation) falls on a blank patch of sky, roughly 8' from both NGC 3714 and UGC 6506.  Bigourdan and Reinmuth were unsuccessful in finding h905.  RNGC and RC3 identify UGC 6506 as NGC 3712, but UGC, MCG and CGCG do not label this galaxy as NGC 3712.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3712 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3714 as he observed these objects on different sweeps and his position for NGC 3712 was far enough off that he assumed it was new.  See his identification notes for more.

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NGC 3713 = NGC 3927: = UGC 6511 = MCG +05-27-084 = CGCG 156-094 = PGC 35546

11 31 42.0 +28 09 13; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', small bright core.  Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 5' WNW and a mag 13 star 8.5' WNW.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', bright core increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus, halo is ill-defined.  Brightest of 4 in region with NGC 3714 13' NNE, UGC 6522 11' SE and CGCG 156-92 5.5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3713 = H II-367 = h906 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, vS."  JH made three observations and his mean position matches UGC 6511.  NGC 3927, from d'Arrest, is probably a duplicate observation with a 20 minute error in RA.  See that number.

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NGC 3714 = UGC 6516 = MCG +05-27-085 = CGCG 156-095 = PGC 35556

11 31 53.6 +28 21 31; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 68”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness (like the core of a larger galaxy), moderate concentration though no nucleus.

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration.  Appears similar to the core of a larger galaxy.  NGC 3713 lies 13' SSW.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): very faint, very compact galaxy ~20" in diameter, brightens somewhat to center.  Picked up at 100x along with brighter NGC 3713 located 13' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3714 = H III-353 = h907 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "eF but doubtful.  I tried to verify it, but could not succeed."  His re-reduced position is 38 sec of RA east of UGC 6516, but matches in declination and JH measured a fairly accurate position on 3 sweeps (given in the GC and NGC).  There was a misprint in the PT catalogue of 10 tmin from the offset star, so Auwers questioned the identity of III-353.

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NGC 3715 = MCG -02-29-041 = PGC 35540

11 31 32.3 -14 13 53; Crt

V = 11.1;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 11.4;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, even concentration, bright core, smoothly increases to core.  A mag 10.5 star is 5.0' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3715 = H II-562 = h3347 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "F, S, bM, iF."  There is nothing at his position, but 35 sec of RA west and 2' north is MCG -02-29-041 = PGC 35540.  JH made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3716 = UGC 6513 = MCG +01-30-001 = CGCG 040-001 = PGC 35545

11 31 41.2 +03 29 16; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration.  Located just west of the midpoint of a line connecting two mag 10 stars oriented N-S and separated by 8'.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3716 on 6 Apr 1866 and recorded "faint, small.  West of a line connecting two mag 11/12 stars."  His position and description matches UGC 6513.

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NGC 3717 = ESO 439-015 = MCG -05-27-015 = UGCA 238 = PGC 35539

11 31 32.0 -30 18 28; Hya

V = 11.2;  Size 6.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 33”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x; very bright, large, nearly edge-on ~5:1 SSW-NNE, slightly bulges at the center.  Contains a large, very bright central section with a mag 12.5 star attached near the NNE end.  A sharp dust lane cuts off part of the central section along the northwest flank, partially hiding the core.  Only a very faint, thin strip of the galaxy on the northwest side of the dust lane was occasionally visible.  With averted vision the low surface brightness outer extensions (beyond the mag 12.5 star) were visible out to roughly 3.5' diameter. Forms a pair with IC 2913 7.4' SE. The companion appeared fairly bright, round, 0.6' diameter, moderate even surface brightness but with no obvious core/nucleus.

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated SSW-NNE, 2.5'x0.5', small brighter core, fades at the ends of the thin extensions.  A mag 13 star is attached near the NNE end and this galaxy appears like a dagger attached to the brighter star.  Located 7' ESE of mag 9 SAO 179951.  Photographs reveal a strong dust lane but this was not noticed visually.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, thin, moderately large.  Located 10' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 179951 and 1” SSW of north Crateris (V = 5.8).  Forms a pair with IC 2913 7.3' SE (not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3717 = h3348 on 29 Apr 1834 and recorded "pB; S; mE; attached to a star."   His position matches ESO 439-015.  He made a second observation the next sweep, though his position was 7' too far north.

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NGC 3718 = Arp 214 = UGC 6524 = MCG +09-19-114 = CGCG 268-048 = LGG 241-003 = PGC 35616

11 32 35.0 +53 04 05; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 8.1'x4.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 15”

 

48" (4/4/11): NGC 3718 is a very striking, distorted system with sweeping arms emanating from an oval main body crossed by a curving dust lane (reminiscent of Centaurus A).  At 375x it appeared very bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 N-S (including arms), ~6.5'x2.5', contains a bright round core.  A star is at the east edge of the core.  The main body is nearly split by a dust lane or gap oriented NW to SE, which is particularly evident on the NW side as a lane.  A spiral arm (perhaps 0.4' wide) is attached at the NW end and gently curves counterclockwise towards the NE.  The surface brightness is fairly low and the arm or wing dims as it extends nearly to the west of a mag 11 star located 4' NNE of center. The dust on the south side of the core covers a larger region and is concentrated just west of where the southern arm begins to emerge on the southeast end.  A fairly low surface brightness arm spreads south (wider than the northern arm), passing east of a wide mag 11 pair at 33" separation.  The overall visual impression is that the "arms" are really tidal tails being drawn out from a past interaction as the central body looks more like the merger of two galaxies resulting in the warped dust lane and "S" shaped body.  All five members of HCG 56 (located 7' S) were easily resolved.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly large, broad concentration, almost round.  Double star h2574 = mag 11/11 at 35" separation is 2.2' SSW of center.  NGC 3729 lies 12' ENE.    Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 group, probably a subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group. The galaxy chain HCG 56 = UGC 6527 = VV 150 lies 7' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3718 = H I-221 = h908 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB or cB, R, vgmbM, about 3' dia."  His position is accurate. 

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 27 Jan 1852 with LdR's 72", commented "found a neb strongly mottled, with stars inv."  A later observation in 1868 questioned if it was a double nebula.

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NGC 3719 = UGC 6521 = MCG +00-30-005 = CGCG 12-008 = Holm 260b = PGC 35581

11 32 13.4 +00 49 09; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): moderately large, fairly diffuse, almost round, broad weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3720 2.2' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3719, along with NGC 3720, on 15 Mar 1866 and noted a faint, difficult double nebula, with a difference in RA of 9 sec and 1' in declination.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3720 = UGC 6523 = MCG +00-30-006 = CGCG 12-010 = Holm 260a = PGC 35594

11 32 21.6 +00 48 15; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharp concentration.  Appears smaller but slightly brighter than NGC 3719 2.2' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3720, along with NGC 3719, on 15 Mar 1866 and noted a faint double nebula, with a difference in RA of 9 sec and 1' in declination.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3721 = PGC 35727

11 34 07.8 -09 28 01; Crt

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  PA = 141”

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, small, oval 5:3 NW-SE, 24"x15", lens-shaped.  Two mag 15/15.5 stars lie 2' SE.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 3721 is uncertain.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) at z = .021 with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3721= LM 2-441 in 1886 and simply recorded "mag 15.5, 0.1' dia, R, gbM."  There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin lists PGC 35727 as a possible candidate at 11 34 07.8 -09 28 01 (2000).  This galaxy is 1.5 tmin of RA east of Leavenworth's position (typical error) but matches in declination.  Corwin lists PGC 170156 as a preferable candidate at 11 31 53.4 -09 31 57.  This galaxy is 0.7 min of time west of Leavenworth's position but is 4.5' south (a less common error).  Finally, RNGC identifies MCG -01-30-003 as NGC 3721.  Although brighter than the other candidates, it is 1.7 min of RA east and 7' south of Leavenworth's position.  All in all, there is no compelling candidate to me.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 3722 = MCG -01-30-005 = PGC 35746

11 34 23.3 -09 40 48; Crt

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

24" (3/9/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.  Brightest of four in a 4' string, including extremely faint MCG -01-30-006 = PGC 35753 just 0.7' NNE.  PGC 35753 appeared extremely faint to very faint, round, just 6" diameter!  Member of a large group (USGC S171) at z = .021.

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.  First of three in a 4' string with NGC 3724 1.8' NE and MCG -01-30-008 4' NE.  NGC 3730 (MCG -01-30-003) lies 6.4' NNW and NGC 3732 10' SSW.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  First of close trio with MCG -01-30-007 = NGC 3724 (uncertain ID) 1.8' NE and MCG -01-30-008 4.0' NE.  Also nearby is MCG -01-30-003 (possibly NGC 3730) 6.4' NNW and a two anonymous galaxies 9' and 10' NNE.  Located 10' NNE of NGC 3732.  The galaxies in this group have uncertain NGC designations due to poor positions by Leavenworth.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3722 = LM 2-442, along with NGC 3724, in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0, round, 0.2', sbMN, 1st of 2 [with N3724]."  There is nothing at his position, but this number is generally equated with MCG -01-30-005, which lies 1.8 min of RA east (good match in dec).  The error in RA is fairly common in the LM discoveries, though there is no galaxy southeast to match NGC 3724 (a companion is northeast).

 

Corwin proposes PGC 170153 as NGC 3722.  This galaxy is a closer match  in RA (less than 1 min of RA west) and agrees in declination.  Also, NGC 3734 would match IC 2910 in relative offset.  See NGC 3734.

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NGC 3723 = MCG -02-30-002 = PGC 35604

11 32 30.6 -09 58 11; Crt

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small round, 25" diameter, weak concentration to a very small brighter nucleus.  In a group (USGC S171 at z = .021) of mostly faint galaxies with several uncertain designations (NGC 3721, NGC 3722, NGC 3724) ~35' NE, as well as NGC 3732 (z = .006), which is 26' ENE.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3723 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  His position is just 8 sec of RA following and 1.5' north of MCG -02-30-002 (relatively accurate compared to his generally poor positons).

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NGC 3724 = MCG -01-30-007 = PGC 35757

11 34 28.7 -09 39 37; Crt

V = 14.2;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 55”

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 24"x12", contains a small bright core with fainter extensions.  Middle galaxy in a 4' string with NGC 3722 1.8' SW and MCG -01-30-008 = PGC 35771 2.4' ENE.  Both of these companions are comparable in brightness. Also much fainter MCG -01-30-006 is 1.1' SW.  PGC 35771 (labeled as NGC 3730 in the RNGC) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.15'.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) at z = .021.

 

18" (5/12/07): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 SW-NE, ~20"x12".  Second of three in a 4' string with NGC 3722 1.8' SW and MCG -01-30-008 2.3' ENE.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Brightest in close trio with MCG -01-30-005 = NGC 3722: 1.8' SE and MCG -01-30-008 2.3' NE, although still required averted vision.  The NGC identifications in the group (from Leavenworth) are uncertain due to poor positions and several nearby faint galaxies.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3724 = LM 2-443 in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0, 0.4' dia, R, sbMN, 2nd of of 2 [with NGC 3722]."  There is nothing at his exact position, though a number of candidates are in the area.  MCG -01-30-007 = PGC 35757 is often taken (RNGC, PGC, NED, HyperLeda) as NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-005 = PGC 35746 is taken as NGC 3722.  The MCG does not label MCG -01-30-007 as NGC 3724.  This pair is between ~1.7 min of RA east of Leavenworth's positions (not an uncommon error) though the relative orientation (southwest-northeast) is wrong.   Corwin proposes the identification NGC 3722 = PGC 170153 and NGC 3724 = IC 2910.  These two galaxies are less than 1 min of RA west of Leavenworth's position and match the correct orientation.

 

MCG -01-30-007 was possibly discovered by Andrew Common 6 years earlier with his 36-inch reflector.  In his description for NGC 3732 (#20), he mentions "a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' N", which appears to refer to MCG -01-30-005, -007 and -008, though Dreyer did not assign NGC designations to Common's trio.

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NGC 3725 = UGC 6542 = MCG +10-17-015 = CGCG 291-078 = CGCG 292-005 = Mrk 179 = PGC 35698

11 33 40.6 +61 53 16; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration to a small, slightly brighter coire.  A mag 14 star is 1' SE of center.  UGC 6528, 7.6' to the SW, is faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, low surface brightness. .  NGC 3762, a nice edge-on, lies 27' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3725 = H II-836 = h909 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "F, S, R, r, almost of equal light throughout."  CH's reduced position is 1' south of UGC 6542.  JH made two observations, noting (sweep 406) "Not vF; R: gbM; 40"."

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NGC 3726 = UGC 6537 = MCG +08-21-051 = CGCG 242-045 = LGG 258-012 = PGC 35676

11 33 21.1 +47 01 45; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 6.2'x4.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 10”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, very large spiral, extending 3:2 N-S, 4.5' or 5' x 3'.  Contains a brighter, mottled central core that is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright roundish nucleus.  Two obvious spiral arms are attached on the north and south end of the central region.  The northern arm is brightest at its root near the northeast side of the core.  It rotates clockwise and sharply curls west and southwest, then dims and ends west of the nucleus.  This arm appeared a bit thicker than the DSS2 image.  The southern arm is shoots straight southeast, and curls a bit east.  The arm contains a couple of slightly brighter HII patches including NGC 3726:[BKB2006] 2, situated 1.4' south of center.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness but extends to a mag 12.5 star 2.4' N of center.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, 5.0'x2.5', patchy mottled appearance, very small or stellar nucleus but no core.  A mag 12 star is at the north tip 2.4' from the center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup with the NGC 3992 (M109) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3726 = H II-730 = h910 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, bM, 4' long and 3' broad, r."  His position is at the north edge of the galaxy.  JH made two observations, first recording "pB; vL; E in meridian; vgbM; 4' l, 2' br; has a * at its northern extremity."

 

William Rambaut, observing with LdR on 26 Mar 1848, recorded "Before nebula came into the field of the large finding eyepiece Lord Rosse observed a vF neb p it about 2m nearly in the parallel [likely CGCG 242-042, which was ignored in the GC and NGC].  [NGC 3726] is tolerably bright nucleus almost in centre; Lord Rosse at intervals perceived traces of spiral arrangement; dark black elliptical stripe a little above the nucleus."  R.J. Mitchell on 30 Mar 1856 wrote, "it appears of the shape annexed [sketch shows a dramatic "S" shaped (barred) spiral], which exaggerates.  There can be no doubt of the bend upwards at Alpha [shows the southeast arm] and of the darkness about the nucleus."  NGC 3726 was included in the list of spiral nebulae in the 1850 PT paper.

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NGC 3727 = PGC 35697

11 33 40.9 -13 52 44; Crt

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78”

 

18" (4/29/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.3' SE.  NGC 3734 lies 19' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3727 = LM 2-444 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.1' dia, R, gbMN, *11, 1' SE."  His position is 0.8 min of RA east of PGC 35697 and the description applies.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (given in the IC 2 notes) with the 20" refractor at Denver.

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NGC 3728 = UGC 6536 = MCG +04-27-061 = CGCG 126-087 = PGC 35669

11 33 15.8 +24 26 49; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small.  Contains a bright core and stellar nucleus surrounded by faint extensions SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6'.  A nice mag 9/10 pair at 12" lies 11' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3728 = H II-351 = h912 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S."  CH's reduction is 3.8' northwest of UGC 6536.  JH recorded "F; S; R; bM" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3729 = UGC 6547 = KUG 1131+534 = MCG +09-19-117 = CGCG 268-051 = LGG 241-004 = PGC 35711

11 33 49.3 +53 07 33; UMa

V = 11.4;  Size 2.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.  A mag 11 star is on the SSW edge 57" from the center.  NGC 3718 lies 12' WSW.  Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 group, a subgroup of the M109 Group

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3729 = H I-222 = h911 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB, iE, gbM, nearly in the meridian, about 2' long. JH called this galaxy "Not B; L; lE; a *12 mag south-preceding very near the edge."  His position is accurate.

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 27 Jan 1852 with LdR's 72", commented "12' following [NGC 3718] is another neb, irr, with a bright star in south edge and having dark lanes through it."

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NGC 3730 = MCG -01-30-003 = PGC 35743

11 34 16.8 -09 34 34; Crt

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 18”

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~30"x24".  Sharply concentrated with a bright round core and a much fainter halo.  Forms a close pair with MCG -01-30-004, an extremely faint edge-on just 0.8' SSW of center.  This companion was only marginally glimpsed.

 

NGC 3730 is the brightest member of a group of galaxies USGC S171 at z = .021 (several with uncertain identifications) including MCG -01-30-005 (NGC 3722), -006, -007 (NGC 3724) and -008 roughly 6' SE.  Another trio of faint galaxies (LEDA 156711, 156714 and 156715) is ~6' NE.  Finally PGC 35727 (possibly NGC 3721) lies 7' NNW.

 

18" (5/12/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration with an occasional sparkle at the center (slightly brighter nucleus).  A group of 4 or 5 mag 14-15 stars follows.  Located 16' N of NGC 3732 and 10' NNW of a string of three galaxies (including NGC 3722 and NGC 3724).  2MASX J11344327-0931595 (first in another extremely faint trio) lies 5' NE.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to center but no well-defined core.  Several fainter galaxies in field including the trio of NGC 3722, NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-008 ~6' SE and a very faint pair of anonymous galaxies 4.5' NE and 7.0' NE.  The NGC identification is very uncertain as Leavenworth's position is a very poor match.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3730 = LM 2-445 in 1886 and logged "mag 15.6, 0.5' dia, lE 140”, glbM."   There is nothing at this position, though a number of galaxies to the east are possibilities.  In addition, Andrew Common, in his observation of NGC 3732, noted "a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' n."  Dreyer assumed one of these was Leavenworth's NGC 3730 (mentioned in the NGC notes section).

 

The brightest and largest of the galaxies to the north of NGC 3732 is MCG -01-30-003 = PGC 35734, though this is not necessarily one of Common's "cluster of 3".  This galaxy is 0.9 min of RA east of Leavenworth's position and 2' north.  The RNGC likely misidentifies MCG -01-30-008 as NGC 3730.  Another possibility is NGC 3730 refers to one of the trio of extremely faint galaxies that are situated ~6' northeast of MCG -01-03-003, though none would likely be described as large as 0.5' diameter.  So, MCG -01-30-003 is the most plausible candidate.

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NGC 3731 = UGC 6553 = MCG +02-30-001 = CGCG 068-003 = PGC 35731

11 34 11.7 +12 30 44; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  A wide mag 10/14 pair lies 7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3731 = H III-80 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar; brightest in the middle.  240x confirmed it."  His position is The NGC position is 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 6553.

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NGC 3732 = MCG -02-30-005 = LGG 248-005 = PGC 35734

11 34 13.9 -09 50 44; Crt

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

18" (5/12/07): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated nearly 3:2 E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a bright core which gradually increases to the center.  A mag 12 star lies 1' SW.  Brightest in a group with a string of three very faint galaxies 10'-12' NNE and an additional 4 very faint galaxies 5'-8' further north.  Physically, NGC 3732 is part of the much nearer NGC 3892 group (LGG 248).

 

17.5" (4/5/97): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration with a bright core.  A mag 12 star lies 1.0' SW.  A group of at least six very faint galaxies lies between 10'-20' N and NGC 3723 lies 26' WSW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated but irregular outline, fairly bright elongated core.  A faint stellar nucleus is visible at moments.  A mag 13 star lies 1.0' SW.  Located 35' W of Theta Crateris (V = 4.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3732 = H II-552 = h913 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and noted "F, pS, iR.  Following a very small star."  His position is accurate.  JH recorded (sweep 129) "S; R; psbM; has a * 14m, 45” sp."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found it in 1880 with his 36-inch and included it as #20 in his Copernicus discovery list: "F, R, a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' N."  The "3 similar ones" might refer to MCG -01-30-005 = NGC 3722, MCG -01-30-007 = NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-008.  Unfortunately, there are a number of faint galaxies in in this area so these identifications are uncertain.

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NGC 3733 = UGC 6554 = VV 459 = MCG +09-19-123 = CGCG 268-055 = LGG 250-001 = PGC 35797

11 35 01.7 +54 51 02; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 4.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, very diffuse.  Located 4' N of mag 5.6 SAO 28064 which detracts from viewing!  Located within a large galaxy group including NGC 3738 21' SSE and NGC 3737 8' NE.  NGC 3733 is not a member of AGC 1318, but rather the NGC 3898 group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3733 = H III-771 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "eF, S, irr E.  On account of the brightness of the foregoing star which was in the field of view with it; I had nearly overlooked it.  His position matches UGC 6554.

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NGC 3734 = MCG -02-30-006 = PGC 35773

11 34 40.7 -14 04 54; Crt

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 19”

 

18" (4/29/06): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration with a very small slightly brighter core.  Located 7' ESE of mag 9.4 HD 100552.  NGC 3727 lies 19' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3734 = H III-935 = h3349 on 19 Apr 1794 (sweep 1058) and noted "vF or eF, S, bM."  CH's reduction is 4' south of MCG -02-30-006 = PGC 35773. JH recorded "eeF, R, gbM, difficult but a good obs." from the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3735 = UGC 6567 = MCG +12-11-036 = CGCG 334-042 = PGC 35869

11 35 57.3 +70 32 09; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 4.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 131”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 14 star lies 1.1' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3735 = H I-287 = h914 on 7 Dec 1801 (sweep 1105) and recorded "cB, mE, mbM, from np to sf, about 3' long and 1' broad."  CH's reduction is within 1' of UGC 6567.  JH called this galaxy "F; mE in pos 130.4”; bM; 90" l and 12" br."

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NGC 3736 = UGC 6560 = MCG +12-11-035 = CGCG 334-041 = PGC 35835

11 35 41.7 +73 27 07; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 155”

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'.  A faint star is superimposed on the SE side.  Located 4.7' NE of mag 8.3 HD 100532.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3736.  Although the discovery was not published in Lord Rosse observations, Wolfgang Steinicke says it was probably found around between 1885 and 1887 with his 6.1-inch Simms refractor. The NGC position is 0.6 tmin east of UGC 6560.  At this declination the error amounts to only 2-3 arc minutes.  UGC 6560 is not labeled as N3736 in UGC or MCG, though it is in the CGCG.

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NGC 3737 = UGC 6563 = MCG +09-19-128 = CGCG 268-058 = Holm 266a = PGC 35840

11 35 36.4 +54 56 55; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, very small, round.  Forms a pair with CGCG 268-057 = NGC 3737A 1.3' SW.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Member of AGC 1318.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3737 = H III-772 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "vF, stellar neb."  His position is accurate (discovered immediately after NGC 3733).  d'Arrest also measured two accurate positions.

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NGC 3738 = Arp 234 = UGC 6565 = MCG +09-19-130 = CGCG 268-060 = PGC 35856

11 35 48.5 +54 31 28; UMa

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.3', noticeably mottled or knotty appearance. Broad concentration but no defined core or nucleus.  A brighter knot (HII complex?) is on the northwest side.  A chain of bright stars begins at a mag 10.5 star 2.5' NE of center and extends southeast.  NGC 3756 is 16' SE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE although has an irregular appearance.  Sharper edge on the west side and more curved on the east side.  Two mag 10/11 stars are 2.4' NE and 4.0' ENE of center.  NGC 3756 lies 15' SE.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3738 = H II-783 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, pL, bM."  His position matches UGC 6565.

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NGC 3739 = UGC 6564 = MCG +04-27-071 = CGCG 126-105 = PGC 35841

11 35 37.6 +25 05 19; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 17”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.2', very low even surface brightness. Located 12' W of mag 7.0 HD 100843 (very close double?).

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3739 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  He recorded "Very faint nebula, situated in the middle between several small stars.  Almost on a straight line between two stars (mag 11-12), little closer to the south one, from which the PA is 327 ”. From the more northern star it is 160 ”. Distance between the two stars from each other is about 4'." He found this object (along with 7 others) while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.

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NGC 3740 = UGC 6573 = MCG +10-17-023 = CGCG 292-008 = PGC 35883

11 36 12.3 +59 58 35; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110”

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.5'x0.2'.  Situated on a line between a mag 14 star 2' SE and a mag 13 star 3' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3740 = H III-847 = h915 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "eF, vS, iF."  CH's reduced position is 2' south of UGC 6573.  JH called this galaxy "vF; R; vgbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3741 = UGC 6572 = MCG +08-21-068 = CGCG 242-057 = PGC 35878

11 36 06.2 +45 17 02; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 5”

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration, a faint star is just off the west side.  Collinear with a 13" pair of mag 12 stars located ~10' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3741 = h916 on 19 Mar 1828 and recorded "vF; R; vgbM; 20"."   His position (single observation) matches UGC 6572.

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NGC 3742 = ESO 320-006 = MCG -06-26-001 = PGC 35833

11 35 32.5 -37 57 23; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 116”

 

18" (4/25/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~45"x30".  Contains a small, brighter, round core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3749 4.8' SE.  In a group with NGC 3783 43' ENE. The DSS image reveals large, sweeping spiral arms (not seen) that increase the overall size considerably.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3742 = h3350 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "pB, pL, R, glbM, 40"."  His mean position from 2 sweeps matches ESO 320-006.

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NGC 3743 = CGCG 126-106 = PGC 35855

11 35 57.4 +21 43 21; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter.  Located 1.4' NW of a mag 10 star.  Discovered on the same night as Copeland's Septet (13 April 1876) and located 30'-35' SW of the Septet.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3743 on 18 Mar 1876, just west of "Copeland's Septet", and recorded "F, S, R, from *9 [offset of] 78" in PA 322.5”.  This offset points exactly to CGCG 126-106 = PGC 35855, although the galaxy was positioned much too close to Copeland's Septet on the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876 because of a confusion with the offset stars.

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NGC 3744 = CGCG 126-107 = PGC 35857

11 35 57.9 +23 00 42; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  PA = 10”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', brighter core.  NGC 3761 lies 10' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3744 = St XII-46 on 11 Apr 1882.  His position matches CGCG 126-107 = PGC 35857.

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NGC 3745 = HCG 57G = Arp 320 NED1 = MCG +04-28-004 = PGC 36001 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 44.4 +22 01 16; Leo

V = 15.2;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 100”

 

48" (4/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 15" diameter.  Squeezed between slightly brighter and larger NGC 3748 and NGC 3745.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this member of Copeland's Septet appears extremely faint and small, round. Located between brighter NGC 3748 1.1' E and NGC 3746 just 0.7' S.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): second of 7 member of Copeland's Septet.  Extremely faint and small, round.  Second in a very tight trio with NGC 3746  43" SSW and NGC 3748 1.1' ENE.  Located 3.2' NW of NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3745 and other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "pB; pL; R" and labeled it Beta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3746 = HCG 57B = Arp 320 NED2 = UGC 6597 = MCG +04-28-005 = CGCG 127-006 = VV 282 = PGC 35997 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 43.6 +22 00 35; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 127”

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  The 0.6'x0.4' halo has a low surface brightness.  NGC 3745 is 40" N with NGC 3748 1.6' NE.

 

The 9th member of the group, 2MASX J11373896+2202269, lies 2.1' NW.  It appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  This galaxy is not a member of HCG 57.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this member of Copeland's Septet appears very faint, very small, round.  Brightest of close trio with similar NGC 3748 1.6' NE and NGC 3745 just 0.7' N.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): first of 7 in Copeland's Septet and second brightest in the group.  Very faint, very small, round.  Brightest of a close trio with NGC 3745 43" NNE and NGC 3748 1.6' NE.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3746 and 2 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 9 Feb 1874.  He noted "pB; cL; glbM; E 90” +/-" and labeled it Gamma on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3747 = PGC 90149

11 32 31.0 +74 22 42; Dra

V = 15.3;  Size 0.3'x0.1'

 

17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round.  Only visible with averted vision for moments although repeatedly glimpsed.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3747 = H III-969 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "eF, S."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching PGC 90149 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 and Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752.

 

This galaxy is too faint to be included in CGCG or MCG.  If this is the galaxy seen by Herschel it is certainly one of the faintest that he ever recorded (B = 16.2).  RNGC classifies NGC 3747 as nonexistent.

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NGC 3748 = HCG 57E = Arp 320 NED3 = MCG +04-28-007 = CGCG 127-007 = VV 282 = PGC 36007 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 49.1 +22 01 34; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 66”

 

48" (4/16/15): at 488x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.4'x0.3', small brighter core.  HCG 57H (the "8th member" of Copeland's Septet), is 0.9' SSE and appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

48" (2/20/12): at 488x, HCG 57H = PGC 36010 was easily seen 0.9' SSE of NGC 3748.  It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): very faint, very small, round.  Third of three in a tight trio within Copeland's Septet with extremely faint NGC 3745 1.1' W and NGC 3746 1.6' SW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): third of 7 in Copeland's Septet.  Extremely faint and small, round.  This galaxy is the third in a close trio with NGC 3745 1.1' WSW and NGC 3746 1.6' SW.  Located 2.9' NNW of NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3748 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "pB; pS; R" and labeled it Delta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3749 = ESO 320-008 = MCG -06-26-002 = PGC 35861

11 35 53.2 -37 59 50; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 3.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 107”

 

18" (4/25/09): faint, moderately large, elongated.  At times only the brighter 30" core was visible but with concentration, long low surface brightness arms extend WNW-ESE and increase the size to ~1.4'x0.5'.  The eastern side of the galaxy nearly reaches a line connecting two mag 12/13 stars with a separation of 3'.  Located 4.8' SE of NGC 3742 and on images appears to be tidally disrupted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3749 = h3351 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "pB; lE; glbM; 40"."  His mean position from 2 consecutive sweeps matches ESO 320-008.

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NGC 3750 = HCG 57C = Arp 320 NED4 = VV 282c = MCG +04-28-008 = CGCG 127-009 = PGC 36011 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 51.7 +21 58 27; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 160”

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, small, round, very small bright core, high surface brightness, 18" diameter.  First in a striking trio with spirals NGC 3753 40" NE and 3754 1.0' NE.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  First of three in Copeland's Septet in a tight trio with NGC 3753 just 40" NE and NGC 3754 1.0' NE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fourth of 7 in Copeland's Septet.  Very faint, very small, round.  Located just 39" SW of brighter NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3750 and 2 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 9 Feb 1874.  He noted "pB; lbM; * in Pos 23.8”, distance 109.3"." and labeled it Epsilon on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3751 = HCG 57F = UGC 6601 = MCG +04-28-009 = PGC 36017 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 53.9 +21 56 11; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 5”

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 22"x16", very small bright nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.  Southernmost member of Copeland's Septet.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): extremely faint and small, round, 20" diameter.  Requires averted vision although easier to view than NGC 3754.  Furthest southern member of Copeland's Septet.  Located 2.0' WSW of a mag 13 star and 2.7' S of brightest member NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3751 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "F; L; E 45” +/-".  This galaxy is labeled Zeta on the constructed sketch in the 1880 publication.  See NGC 3753.

 

Although NGC 3751 = UGC 6601, the UGC copied the coordinates and magnitude for CGCG 127-011 located 8' south, so this data is incorrect.

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NGC 3752 = UGC 6515 = MCG +13-08-064 = CGCG 351-063 = PGC 35608

11 32 32.3 +74 37 39; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, moderately large.  At first this galaxy appeared roundish (probably viewing the core only), but then fainter extensions were seen NW-SE, increasing the dimensions to 1.2'x0.6'.  Forms a triangle with two mag 11/13 stars 2.4' ENE and 1.4' NNE, respectively, and several other stars trail off towards the SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3752 = H II-905 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "pB, pL."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  John Herschel has a listing (h917) for what he assumed was H. II-905 in the Slough Catalogue, but his position falls on a 14th magnitude star, which he simply called "eF".  Dreyer used JH's erroneous position for NGC 3752 in the NGC  (personal email from Wolfgang Steinicke on 25 Dec 2013).

 

A corrected position using plates taken at Greenwich with the 30-inch reflector (MN, 71, 509, 1911) matches UGC 6515 and Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 or Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752.

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NGC 3753 = HCG 57A = Arp 320 NED6 = VV 282a = UGC 6602 = MCG +04-28-010 = CGCG 127-012s = PGC 36016 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 53.8 +21 58 53; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 120”

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately to fairly bright, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 45"x15", contains a small bright core.  Tightly paired with NGC 3754 21" NE of center and NGC 3750 40" SW.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' N.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): the brightest member of Copeland's Septet appears very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Closely bracketed by NGC 3750 40" SW and virtually in contact with NGC 3754 just 20" NE of center.  A mag 12 star lies 1.3' N.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): this galaxy is the brightest member of Copeland's Septet.  Very faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.  This is the central galaxy in a very tight trio with NGC 3750 39" SW and NGC 3754 22" NE of center.  Other members include NGC 3745 3.2' NW, NGC 3746 2.9' NW and NGC 3748 2.9' NNW.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3753, while an assistant at Birr Castle, on 9 Feb 1874 and noted "pF, star in PA 5.5”, Dist 71.7"."  This galaxy was labeled Eta in the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876.  Copeland found this group while searching in vain for d'Arrest's GC 2464 = NGC 3760, which he assumed was in the general location.  But d'Arrest had made a 1-hour error in RA, so his object was not to be found and the Septet happened to be just west of d'Arrest's erroneous position.

 

Due to a mixup in the reference star, though, Dreyer's computed positions for Copeland's Septet were offset 1.5 min of RA too far west and 16' too far south.  The error was caught by Hermann Kobold while observing with the 19-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory in 1894 (see AN 3241).  Dreyer acknowledged the correction in AN 3246 and the correction was given in the IC 1 Notes section.  Still, the RNGC did not catch the correction and listed the entire Septet as nonexistent!  See RNGC Corrections #2 and Deep Sky 1983.  The nickname "Copeland Septet" appears in the RC2 notes section.

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NGC 3754 = HCG 57D = Arp 320 NED7 = VV 282b = MCG +04-28-011 = CGCG 127-012ne = PGC 36018 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 55.0 +21 59 07; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

48" (4/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3', small bright core.  Situated just off the northeast side of NGC 3753.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): one of the three most difficult members of Copeland's Septet appears extremely faint and small, round.  Difficult to resolve from brighter NGC 3753 just 40" SW of center.  A mag 12 star is 1.0' N.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3754 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "vF; R" and labeled it Theta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3755 = UGC 6577 = MCG +06-26-008 = CGCG 186-012 = PGC 35913

11 36 33.4 +36 24 37; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 3.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1'.  Broad, weak concentration to a slightly brighter oval core.  A couple of very faint stars are nearby.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3755 = h920 on 11 Mar 1831 and noted "eF; pmE; pL; gbM."  His position and desciption matches UGC 6577.

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NGC 3756 = UGC 6579 = MCG +09-19-134 = CGCG 268-063 = LGG 250-002 = PGC 35931

11 36 47.9 +54 17 39; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 4.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 177”

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, large, elongated ~2:1 N-S, ~3.5'x1.7'.  Uneven, moderate surface brightness (except low surface brighterness outer halo) but no distinct core or nucleus.  The halo (arms) is not symmetric and change shape with different brighter patches (parts of spiral arms) using averted vision.  Often the north half of the galaxy appeared brighter.  NGC 3738 is 16' NW.  Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 4.0' NNW of center.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly large, diffuse, elongated N-S.

 

8" (3/28/81): very faint, low surface brightness.  Located 15' SE of NGC 3738.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3756 = H II-784 = h918 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, cL, lE, 3' long."  His position matches UGC 6579.

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NGC 3757 = UGC 6584 = MCG +10-17-026 = CGCG 292-010 = PGC 35955

11 37 02.9 +58 24 56; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (4/14/01): compact, high surface brightness glow, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core.  A mag 13 star lies 1' E of center.  Several galaxies are within 30' in a group (LGG 246).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3757 = H III-843 = h919 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, stellar neb.  North-preceding a small star."  CH's reduced position is 1' northwest of UGC 6584 and the star is 1' east. JH reported "vF; R; 15".  Has a vS star south-following rather more than a diameter from edge."

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NGC 3758 = MCG +04-27-073 = CGCG 126-110 = Mrk 739 = PGC 35905 = Owl Galaxy

11 36 29.2 +21 35 46; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

48" (4/20/17): at 697x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Two stellar nuclei were resolved, separated by only 6" E-W.  The eastern nucleus seemed slighter brighter or perhaps more stellar.  The western nucleus was quasi-stellar (perhaps a few arseconds diameter).

 

NGC 3758 is a post-merger pair and the twin nuclei (separated by ~11,000 light-years) both house super-massive black holes!  The seeing was fairly poor at the time of the observation but the twin nuclei were still easily resolved.  Located 2.6' ESE of a bright mag 9.7 star (SAO 81899).

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5' diameter.  Following by 2.5' is mag 9.7 SAO 81899 which is the first of three on a line to the NE. Also in the field is a 43" pair of mag 9.5 stars ~8' SSE.  Copeland discovered NGC 3758 and this galaxy is situated 30' SW of Copeland's Septet.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3758 south of "Copeland's Septet on 18 Mar 1874 and logged "pB; S; R; smbM; Nucl not stellar."  His offsets to nearby stars is a perfect match with CGCG 126-110 = PGC 35905, although it was placed too close to Copeland's Septet on the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876 showing all discovered nebulae.  This galaxy was independently found by Stephan exactly 10 years later on 18 Mar 1884 and accurately placed in his list XIII-61.

 

Bill Keel dubbed this the "Owl" galaxy (because of twin nuclei) in a 1993 article in Mercury magazine article "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies", though there are no Google hits on that nickname.

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NGC 3759 = UGC 6581 = MCG +09-19-136 = CGCG 268-064 = PGC 35945

11 36 54.1 +54 49 23; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.1' N of a mag 11 star and 16' E of mag 5.6 SAO 28064.  Forms a pair with IC 2943 2.2' NW.  NGC 3759A = UGC 6582 lies 20' N.  Member of AGC 1318.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3759 on 19 Aug 1866 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured twice, matches UGC 6581 and he accurately places a mag 11 star 2' distant (due south).

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NGC 3760 = NGC 3301 = UGC 5767 = MCG +04-25-035 = CGCG 124-045 = PGC 31497

10 36 56.0 +21 52 55; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3301.  There is a one hour error in RA in the NGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3760 on 21 Feb 1863 and recorded "B, pS, mbMN = *13, a mag 11 star precedes 4 seconds of time and south 175"."  There is nothing at his position and he searched in vain for it again in Jan 1865.  Dreyer mentions in the NGC notes that nothing was found at Birr Castle, though "a large group of novae preceding it [Copeland's Septet!] was found."

 

In the IC 1 notes, Dreyer comments "Delenda.  It is = [NGC] 3301 with an error of 1 hour in RA [too large]."  This identity was first suggest by Kobold in 1894.  d'Arrest also mistakenly placed the nearby mag 11 star to the south, instead of north (same offset) and also made the same 1 hour transcription error the same night with NGC 3375, which is identical to NGC 3162.

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NGC 3761 = CGCG 127-001 = PGC 35933

11 36 44.1 +22 59 31; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Located 1” NNW of Copeland's Septet.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3761 = St XII-47 on 11 Apr 1882.  His positon matches CGCG 127-001 = PGC 35933.

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NGC 3762 = UGC 6591 = MCG +10-17-027 = CGCG 292-011 = PGC 35979

11 37 23.9 +61 45 33; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): this attractive spindle appeared fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.35', sharp bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3725 lies 27' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3762 = H II-837 = h921 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "pB, lE."  CH's reduced position is 1' northwest of UGC 6591 and JH's position (used in the NGC) is 1' south.

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NGC 3763 = IC 714 = MCG -02-30-009 = PGC 35907

11 36 30.3 -09 50 48; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.  Overpowered by Theta Crateris (V = 4.7) just 3.7' NE.  Member of a large group at z = .021 (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3763 in 1880 and recorded "F, diffused, sp 7 stars."  His position is within 0.2 minutes of RA and 1' south of MCG -02-30-009 = PGC 35907, the only nearby galaxy he might have picked up.  I'm surprised, though, he didn't mention mag 4.7 Theta Crateris, only 3.7' northeast.

 

Francis Leavenworth independently found this galaxy on 25 Feb 1887 and gave an accurate micrometric position.  It's listed as #430 (later IC 714) in the Southern Nebulae list.  So, NGC 3763 = IC 714.

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NGC 3764 = MCG +03-30-020 = CGCG 097-025 = II Zw 52 = PGC 35930

11 36 54.6 +17 53 18; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter, very small brighter core with direct vision.  This is a close interacting system (unresolved).  Forms a pair with NGC 3768 5.5' SE.  Both William and John Herschel missed this galaxy although they observed nearby NGC 3768.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3764 on 20 Apr 1862, in the field of NGC 3768.  His position, from two observations, matches CGCG 097-025 = PGC 35930 and he mentions a mag 15 star that follows by 14.9 seconds of RA.

 

NGC 3764 was probably discovered earlier by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle on 22 Mar 1857.  While observing h923 = NGC 3768 he noted "npp is another of the same character, but fainter."  Dreyer, while preparing the 1880 publication added the note "= GC 2466, nova d'Arrest", though only d'Arrest is credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3765 = MCG +04-28-001 = CGCG 127-003 = PGC 35956

11 37 04.2 +24 05 46; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x30", even surface brightness.  About 5' following is a perfect equilateral triangle of mag 11 stars with sides 4'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3765 = h922 on 28 Mar 1832 and noted "vF; R; 30"."  His position (single observation) matches CGCG 127-003 = PGC 35956.

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NGC 3766 = Cr 248 = ESO 129-027

11 36 14 -61 36 36; Cen

V = 5.3;  Size 15'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this is a superb naked-eye open cluster in Centaurus with several hundred stars resolved in a 15' field.  It contains a very dense mass of stars in the central 5' that are seemingly arranged in a spiral configuration as well as a beautiful string of stars running SW-NE on the south side of the cluster.  A mag 7.2 M-type reddish star (SAO 251470) lies at the NW end, a mag 7.5 star is on the east side (HD 306799) and a mag 7.1 star (HD 100943) is on the SE side.  On the N end is B798, a mag 9.1/9.4 pair at 5" separation. This impressive cluster was a surprising showpiece as it wasn't on my radar as an excellent cluster.  Located 50' NW of a mag 5.1 star and 1.4” due north of mag 3.1 Lambda Centauri.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): easy naked-eye cluster in a gorgeous wide-angle binocular field!  Situated within a superb string of bright stars.  Very bright, high surface brightness cluster with a few resolved stars, moderately large and well defined. A few additional stars popped on and off.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3766 = Lac III-7 = D 289 = h3352 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He noted "three faint stars in nebulosity".  James Dunlop observed the cluster on 27 Apr 1826 (first night logging objects) and noted, "A pretty large cluster of stars of mixt magnitudes, about 10' diameter. The greater number of the stars are of a pale white colour. There is a red star near the preceding side; another of the same size and colour near the following side; another small red star near the centre; and a yellow star near the south following extremity, all in the cluster."  Dunlop's position was about 10' too far SE.

 

John Herschel first observed the cluster on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "the preceding of two chief stars of a fine, large, loose, round cluster of stars 8..12th mag; gradually pretty much brighter in the middle, fills field; 150..200 stars." Two sweeps later he recorded, "A very fine cluster class VII; nearly round, 8' diameter, slightly compressed in the middle, stars of 9..15th magnitude; place that of an orange star 9..10th mag following the centre."

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NGC 3767 = UGC 6590 = MCG +03-30-023 = CGCG 097-031 = PGC 35969

11 37 15.5 +16 52 37; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20" diameter, fairly high surface brightness (core only viewed?).  A mag 14 star lies 2.3' SW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3767 = h924 on 17 Mar 1831 and simply noted "vF; S; bM."   His position matches UGC 6590.

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NGC 3768 = UGC 6589 = MCG +03-30-024 = CGCG 097-030 = PGC 35968

11 37 14.4 +17 50 23; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0' diameter, moderately concentrated.  Forms a pair with NGC 3764 5.5' NW.  Member of a large group (LGG 246).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3768 = H III-29 = h923 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and described a "very faint, extremely small nebula, or rather nebulous star.  The sweeping power left me rather doubtful but 240x verified it."  His position (CH's reduction) is 28 sec of RA too large (recorded on a very windy night and the RA could not be determined well).  JH also called this galaxy "stellar; a burred star.", though he measured a fairly accurate position.  It seems odd that both missed nearby NGC 3764 (discovered by d'Arrest).

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NGC 3769 = Arp 280 NED1 = UGC 6595 = MCG +08-21-076 = CGCG 242-065 = Holm 270a = PGC 35999

11 37 44.2 +47 53 34; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 152”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5x0.8', weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.2' NE of center.  A very close companion NGC 3769A = CGCG 242-066, which appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low surface brightness, is 56" SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3769 = H II-731 = h925 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and reported "F, S, E from sp to np."  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 330 "'B; mE; gbM; 60" l, 30" br."

 

Neither Herschel noticed the faint companion NGC 3769A at the southeast end, which was observed at Birr Castle. On 9 Apr 1852, Bindon Stoney recorded "gbM, a F appendage of 2nd neb."  On 17 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged "The appendage looks like an independent nebula.  Lord Rosse thought the B ray resolvable."  On 12 Apr 1861, Samuel Hunter also noted "Two, probably connected."  A sketch shows the companion at the correct orientation.  But surprisingly, neither JH nor Dreyer added this second galaxy to the GC or NGC.  Kobold measured an accurate position in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 3770 = UGC 6600 = MCG +10-17-028 = CGCG 292-012 = LGG 251-001 = PGC 36025

11 37 58.7 +59 37 01; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 107”

 

18" (3/5/05): fairly faint, small, round, fairly high surface brightness, only 20" diameter.  I probably viewed only the core as the catalalogued dimensions are much larger).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3770 = H II-838 = h926 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "pB, S." Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA west of UGC 6660.  John Herschel called this galaxy both "B" and "eF", although the latter observation mentions "Sky growing dull.  Mirror tarnished." His mean position matches UGC 6600.

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NGC 3771 = MCG -01-30-018 = PGC 36107

11 39 06.0 -09 20 53; Crt

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, round, increases to a bright core, appears to have a very faint larger halo.  Appears similar to NGC 3791 8' E.  This identification is uncertain as the NGC position from Leavenworth is 1.7 tmin farther west.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3771 = LM 2-446 in 1886 and logged "mag 14.5, 0.1' dia, R, *10 p 15 seconds."  There is nothing near his position, but 1.7 min of RA east is MCG -01-30-018 = PGC 36107.  To clinch this identification, there is a star 16 sec preceding as Leavenworth's notes, though the mag is closer to 13.  Still, Corwin gives this identification as somewhat uncertain.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1907 using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory, though he called this object a "Nova".  The RNGC RA is 0.7 minutes too far west.

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NGC 3772 = UGC 6598 = MCG +04-28-006 = CGCG 127-008 = PGC 36005

11 37 48.5 +22 41 28; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 16”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.5', slightly brighter core.  Located 40' N of Copeland's Septet!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3772 = H II-352 = h927 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, vS."  CH's reduction is 5' north of UGC 6598.  JH made two observation and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3773 = UGC 6605 = MCG +02-30-005 = CGCG 127-008 = Mrk 743 = PGC 36043

11 38 13.0 +12 06 44; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 165”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus, small faint halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3773 = H III-81 = h928 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and recorded "eF, vS; it contains more nebulosity than the preceding [NGC 3731]; 240x showed it better than 157."

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NGC 3774 = MCG -01-30-016 = PGC 36058

11 38 30.3 -08 58 35; Crt

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 56”

 

24" (3/9/13): very faint to faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low but irregular surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 2.9' SW.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3774 = LM 2-447 on 24 Jan 1887 and noted mag 15.8, 0.2'x0.1', E 75”.  Another neb or eF star p 0.5'; *9 np 3'."  His position is 6 sec of RA west and 1' north of MCG -01-30-016 = PGC 36058.  His PA and description is a good match, although the mag 9 star described by Leavenworth as 3' northwest lies 2.9' southwest.

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NGC 3775 = MCG -02-30-012 = PGC 36055

11 38 26.8 -10 38 19; Crt

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 3.0' NNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3779 6.8' NE.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3775 in 1880 and described "pB to a Nucl; another 5' nf, eeF."  The second object was catalogued as NGC 3779.  Common's position is 1.2' south of MCG -02-30-012 and NGC 3779 = MCG -02-30-013 is 6.8' NE, a reasonable match.

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NGC 3776 = CGCG 012-045 = PGC 36048

11 38 17.9 -03 21 15; Vir

V = 15.4;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6

 

18" (4/30/11): extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, required averted and could not hold steadily.  Collinear with two stars mag 12.7/13.8 at 3.2' S and 5.6' S.  Only faint stars in the field.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3776 = LM 1-190 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 3' south of CGCG 012-045 = PGC 36048, a very small faint galaxy.  RNGC identifies this galaxy as NGC 3776, but the CGCG does not make the NGC equivalence.

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NGC 3777 = MCG -02-30-008 = PGC 35879

11 36 06.8 -12 34 08; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', very weak concentration.  Located 13' SE of mag 7.2 SAO 156771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3777 = LM 1-191 on 26 Feb 1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.8' dia, iR, small star or neb following."  There is nothing near his very rough position (near min of RA).  But 2.5 min of RA west is MCG -02-30-008 = PGC 35879 and a very faint star is 4 sec of time following.  Herbert Howe's measured an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3778 = ESO 216-026 = PGC 36051

11 38 22 -50 43 00; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~40"x32", contains a small bright core.  A mag 14.5-15 star is barely off the northwest edge [17" from center].

 

ESO 216-027 lies 8' ENE.  It was visible as a faint round glow, 25" diameter, with a low surface brightness.  A mag 13.6 star is close southeast [42" from center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3778 = h3353 on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; R; 20"; in a field with 50 or 60 small stars."  His position matches ESO 216-026 = PGC 36051.

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NGC 3779 = IC 717 = MCG -02-30-013 = PGC 36084

11 38 51.3 -10 35 01; Crt

V = 13.7;  Size 2.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.5'.  Was not able to locate initially at 220x but once picked up with averted a dim glow was visible <50% of the time.  Located 6.8' NE of brighter NGC 3775. Member of the NGC 3892 group (LGG 248) at z = .006.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3779 in 1860 with his 36" reflector.  With respect to NGC 3775, he noted "another 5' nf ".  Close to this offset is MCG -02-30-013 = PGC 36084.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position, that was repeated in the IC 2 notes.

 

Frank Muller found IC 717 on 14 Feb 1888 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described it as "1.0'x0.8', E 90”, dif."  With respect to NGC 3775, he measured an offset of +53.92 seconds in RA but no delta for declination.  Apparently he made a 30 second error as NGC 3779 follows by +24 seconds in RA.  His description "E 90” [E-W]" seems to clinch the identification IC 717 = NGC 3779.

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NGC 3780 = UGC 6615 = MCG +09-19-150 = CGCG 292-014 = PGC 36138

11 39 22.3 +56 16 15; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 3.1'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration, uneven surface brightness [images reveal a face-on multiarmed spiral].  A mag 13 star is off the ENE side 2.1' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3804 13' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3780 = H I-227 = h929 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, cL, iF, r, 3' by 2'. JH made two observations, noting on sweep 345, "F; L; R; vglbM; 60".  Twilight."

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NGC 3781 = MCG +05-28-004 = CGCG 157-005 = WBL 344-001 = PGC 36104

11 39 03.8 +26 21 43; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.5'x0.3'

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is 50" E.  First of three with NGC 3784 and NGC 3785 7' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3781 = St XI-11, along with NGC 3784 and 3785, on 28 Apr 1881. His position matches MCG +05-28-004.

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NGC 3782 = UGC 6618 = MCG +08-21-087 = CGCG 242-071 = PGC 36136

11 39 20.7 +46 30 48; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', almost even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is at the SSW tip 0.6' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NNE tip 1.3' from center.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258, though another paper list it a member of the NGC 3769 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3782 = H II-732 = h930 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "F, S.  Almost between 2 stars, the cheveulure touches them both; the are sp the nebula."  JH reported "a * 15m with a nebulous tail nf which touches another star."

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NGC 3783 = ESO 378-014 = MCG -06-26-004 = PGC 36101

11 39 02 -37 44 18; Cen

V = 11.9;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 162”

 

18" (4/25/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.6', bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located just NW of a mag 9.2 that detracts from viewing.  This well-studied face-on galaxy contains a very bright, highly variable, Seyfert 1 nucleus (one of the closest) and my observation describes the core of the galaxy.  NGC 3742/3749 lies ~40' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3783 = h3354 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "pB; R; vsbM; precedes (to n) a * 9m."  His position and description matches ESO 378-014.

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NGC 3784 = MCG +05-28-006 = CGCG 157-006 = Holm 271a = WBL 344-002 = PGC 36147

11 39 29.8 +26 18 33; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Located just 0.9' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3785 0.8' SE with NGC 3781 7' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3784 = St XI-12, along with NGC 3781 and 3785, on 28 Apr 1881.  His position matches CGCG 157-006 = PGC 36147.

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NGC 3785 = UGC 6620 = MCG +05-28-007 = CGCG 157-008 = Holm 271b = WBL 344-003 = PGC 36148

11 39 32.9 +26 18 08; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, very faint extensions.  Located 1.5' E of a mag 10.5 star.  This galaxy is the slightly brighter of a close pair with NGC 3784 just 0.8' NW.  NGC 3781 lies 7' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3785 = St XI-13, along with NGC 3781 and 3784, on 28 Apr 1881.  His position matches UGC 6620.

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NGC 3786 = Arp 294 NED1 = VV 228b = UGC 6621 = MCG +05-28-008 = CGCG 157-009 = Mrk 744 = Holm 272b = WBL 345-002 = PGC 36158

11 39 42.4 +31 54 32; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 77”

 

24" (6/16/20): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core, small bright nucleus. Forms a striking pair (Arp 294 = VV 228) with NGC 3788 1.4' NNE.

 

18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core.  I observed SN 2004bd, discovered less than a week earlier on 4/4/04 and situated just 4.7" W and 1.2" S of center.  When the seeing steadied, the supernova was clearly resolved as a mag 14.5 "star" close WSW of center (along the major axis) and very close to the brighter (Markarian) core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3788 1.4' NE of center.  A mag 10.8 star lies 2.0' SE.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, bright core.  Forms a pleasing close pair with NGC 3788 (separation of 1.4' NE).  The galaxies are elongated at nearly right angles and almost attached at the ENE end of NGC 3786.  A mag 10.5 star is 2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3786 = h931 on 29 Apr 1827, along with NGC 3788, and logged "the sp of 2 [with NGC 3788]; less bright and smaller than the nf."  He made 3 observations of both galaxies.

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NGC 3787 = MCG +04-28-015 = CGCG 127-017 = PGC 36154

11 39 37.9 +20 27 17; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.55';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 29”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, elongated 4:3, SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'.  Moderate concentration to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Forms the NE vertex of a small triangle with a mag 13 star 1' W and a mag 12 star 1.7' S.  NGC 3805 lies 16' SE.  Located at the NW edge of AGC 1367.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3787 on 10 May 1864. His position is within 30" of CGCG 127-017 = PGC 36154 and he also noted a mag 15-16 which precedes by 4.5 seconds of time and slightly south.

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NGC 3788 = Arp 294 NED2 = VV 228a = UGC 6623 = MCG +05-28-009 = CGCG 157-010 = Holm 272a = WBL 345-003 = PGC 36160

11 39 44.7 +31 55 51; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 178”

 

24" (6/16/20): at 260x and 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 N-S.  Contains a relatively large, bright elongated core. A small bright nucleus is embedded on the north side of the central core.  A quite noticeable bright arc (outer curve of the northern spiral arm) is at the northern end of the disc.  The disc is relatively dark (due to a dust lane) just on the inside (south) of the arc, so it appears partially detached.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, brighter core.  Forms a striking pair of elongated spirals with NGC 3786 1.4' SW (Arp 294), which is almost attached at the south end of NGC 3788.  A mag 10.5 star lies 2.7' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3788 = h932 on 29 Apr 1827, along with NGC 3786, and logged "pB, E in merid [N-S]; gbM; 40-50" long; the nf of 2 [with NGC 3786]."

 

Bindon Stoney, observing with LdR's 72" on 24 Feb 1852, reported "2 rays, forming an angle of about 100”, the south one has a nucleus, and there is a knot at the north extremity of the north one."  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory.

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NGC 3789 = MCG -01-30-015 = PGC 36036

11 38 09.1 -09 36 26; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 179”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4'.  Contains a small brighter core and stellar nucleus with extremely faint extensions.  Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5 stars ~2.5' SSE and east.  Located 25' NE of mag 4.7 Theta Crateris.  Member of a large group at z = .021 (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3789 = LM 2-448 in 1886 and noted "mag 14.8, 0.3'x0.2', E 180”.  RNGC and MCG misidentify MCG -01-30-019 as NGC 3789.  This galaxy is only 3' south of Leavenworth's position but does match his description (elongated N-S).  But 1.4 min of RA west is MCG -01-30-015 = PGC 36036 and the position angle is directly N-S.  Considering Leavenworth's positions are often too far east, but accurate in declination, MCG -01-30-015 is a much more likely candidate.

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NGC 3790 = UGC 6624 = MCG +03-30-032 = CGCG 097-043 = LGG 246-011 = WBL 347-001 = PGC 36167

11 39 47.2 +17 42 44; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 154”

 

48" (4/2/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very bright small core.  First of six in the NGC 3801 group with MCG +03-30-35 4.5' ESE and NGC 3801 7' ENE.  A mag 12.1 star lies 2.3' SE.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, contains a brighter elongated core.  Collinear with two stars 2.3' and 4.7' SE.

 

18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', nearly collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars to the SE.  First in a group with brightest member NGC 3801.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars 2.3' and 4.7' SE, respectively.  First in the NGC 3801 group and located 7.0' WSW of NGC 3801.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3790 = H III-109 = h933 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198) and recorded "I suspect a vS stellar nebula in the same field with the preceding one [NGC 3801], about 8 or 10' distant and south-preceding it. The suspected nebula is in a row with two small stars and preceding them."  His description fits UGC 6624 perfectly, although the separation is only 7'.  Interestingly, although he noticed this fairly faint galaxy in the field of NGC 3801, he missed NGC 3802, which is located just 2' north.  JH made two observations and recorded "F; vS; pmE; sbM; the first of 3 [with NGC 3801 and 3802]."

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NGC 3791 = MCG -01-30-020 = PGC 36156

11 39 41.7 -09 22 02; Crt

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 164”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  Located 6.0' N of mag 7.4 SAO 138326.  Forms a pair with NGC 3771 8' W.  Member of a large group (USGC S171).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3791 = H III-609 = h935 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 705) and recorded "vF, vS, R, gbM.  240 showed it very plainly."   His RA is 30 sec too small and falls very close to NGC 3771!.  JH's position and description ("vF; R; gbM; 20"; has a * 8m 6' south, on the same meridian") matches MCG -01-30-020 = PGC 36156.

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NGC 3792

11 39 38.1 +05 06 00; Vir

 

= **?, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3792 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Madison, WI.  He noted "vF, diffused.  Neb makes an isosceles triangle with D.M. 2523 and 2525.  There is nothing at his position and there is no entry for NGC 3792 in any modern catalogue.

 

Harold Corwin noticed that a double star (~16" separation) ~6' north of the NGC position matches his description of making an isosceles triangle with DM 2523 and 2525.  This double star is listed here.

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NGC 3793

11 40 02.0 +31 52 39; UMa

 

= *?, Gottlieb and Corwin. = Not found, Thomson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3793, along with NGC 3797, on 12 Feb 1882, and described (paper V) "from the beautiful double nebula [NGC 3886/3788] I have a rough sketch from 12 Feb 1882, which shows two fainter nebulae +18 sec and +30 sec [in RA] following the southern companion [NGC 3786]."  There are no galaxies near these offsets and neither Bigourdan or Pease could find these numbers.  

 

RNGC misidentifies CGCG 157-007 as NGC 3793.  This galaxy is located 15 sec west and 4.9' south of NGC 3788.  Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 3793 = NGC 3786.  Harold Corwin identifies two stars matching Tempel's separation from NGC 3786.

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NGC 3794 = NGC 3804 = UGC 6640 = MCG +09-19-153 = CGCG 268-070 = CGCG 292-019 = LGG 250-003 = PGC 36238

11 40 54.1 +56 12 10; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 3780 13' WNW.  Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3794 = H III-773 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and logged "cF, pS, just following a vS star."  His position (CH's reduction) is 20 tsec preceding and 1' north of UGC 6640 = PGC 36238 and the star is at the west edge, so the identification is certain.

 

He found the galaxy again on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, E.  I saw it too late to describe it properly."  His position here is even cloer to UGC 6640, but he catalogued it as II-830 assuming it was new and Dreyer added it as NGC 3804.  Dreyer noted the equivalence in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues and mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's and Harold Corwin's correction lists.

 

RNGC misidentifes CGCG 268-068 as NGC 3794.  This galaxy is located one degree south of the NGC position!  I originally observed CGCG 268-068 assuming it was NGC 3804.

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NGC 3795 = UGC 6629 = MCG +10-17-038 = CGCG 292-017 = PGC 36192

11 40 06.7 +58 36 47; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 53”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): spindle-shaped galaxy, fairly faint, elongated 7:2 SW-NE in the direction of a mag 12 star 5' SW, 1.4'x0.4'.  In a galaxy group (LGG 246) with NGC 3757 27' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3795 = H III-844 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, mE, S." CH's reduced position is 1.5' southeast of UGC 6629.  Samuel Hunter, LdR's observing assistant on 12 Feb 1860, logged "faint, elongated N-S, vgbM, ends pointed."

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NGC 3796 = UGC 6638 = MCG +10-17-039 = CGCG 292-018 = PGC 36215

11 40 31.1 +60 17 56; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 127”

 

18" (3/5/05): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.6'x0.5', increases to a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3796 = H II-839 = h937 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "pF, cS, R, mbM."  CH's reduced RA is 27 tsec too large. JH made two observations, noting on sweep 406 "pB; R; 35"; pgbM."  His position is within 1' of UGC 6638.

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NGC 3797

11 40 13.3 +31 54 24; UMa

 

= *, Corwin.  Not found, Thomson but ­ NGC 3788.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3797, along with NGC 3793, on 12 Feb 1882.  At his offset from NGC 3786 is a single mag 15 star (see NGC 3793). Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 3797 = NGC 3788 in her 1940 NGC Correction list and this is repeated in RNGC.

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NGC 3798 = UGC 6632 = MCG +04-28-018 = CGCG 127-022 = PGC 36199

11 40 14.0 +24 41 49; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', moderate concentration with a small brighter core visible with direct vision.  In a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3812 14' NE and NGC 3815 20' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3798 = H II-340 = h938 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, vS, lbM."  CH's reduction is 9 sec of RA east of UGC 6632.  He observed this galaxy again on the next sweep 4 nights later and recorded "vF, vS, stellar with a vF and very short ray towards the preceding side."  JH's position (h938) matches UGC 6632.

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NGC 3799 = Arp 83 NED1 = VV 350b = UGC 6630 = MCG +03-30-037 = CGCG 097-047 = PGC 36193

11 40 09.4 +15 19 38; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 115”

 

48" (3/1/19): NGC 3799 is the small and fainter southwest member of an interacting pair (Arp 83 = VV 350) with NGC 3800 1.5' NE.  At 488x it appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~0.6'x0.25', relatively large bright core.  A low surface brightness spiral arm was seen attached at the SE end. It extended a short distance to the east, separated from the main body and dimmed out.  The initial part of the NW arm extending W was also visible though had a low contrast.  A mag 12.7 star is 1' S.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, round.  Forms a striking pair located just off the southwest end of NGC 3800 1.4' from center.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' directly south, and a brighter mag 10.5 star is 2.9' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3799 = h934 = h3355 on 21 Apr 1832, while observing NGC 3800 = H II-103.  He noted "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity."  In a later sweep, he called it "an appendage to II 103 [NGC 3800], which it precedes."  WH, in his observation of NGC 3800, noted "2 or 3 stars visible in it."  One of these "stars" may refer to NGC 3799.

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NGC 3800 = Arp 83 NED2 = VV 350a = UGC 6634 = MCG +03-30-039 = CGCG 097-049 = PGC 36197

11 40 13.4 +15 20 32; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 52”

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; bright, large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 1.7'x0.55', large bright core, very irregular appearance. It appeared the SW portion of the galaxy extended further or was stretched in the direction of the companion NGC 3799 (the pair is Arp 83).  The SW outer fringes had a lower surface brightness than the rest of the galaxy as it neared NGC 3799.  The galaxy brightened slightly at the NE end of a spiral arm.  NGC 3799 is centered 1.3' SW.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.5'.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3799 just off the SW end 1.4' from the center.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.2' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3800 = H II-103 = h936 = h3356 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, S, E, r.  2 or 3 star visible in it.  The nebula is near some small stars."  John Herschel made 5 observations at Slough and one at the Cape of Good Hope.  His first observation (21 Apr 1832) reads "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity."

 

Lord Rosse first observed NGC 3800 on 1 Apr 1848 (when the 72" started use after the potatoe blight) and noted "a tolerably bright nebula with a smaller one following."

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NGC 3801 = UGC 6635 = MCG +03-30-040 = CGCG 097-051 = Holm 273a = WBL 347-003 = LGG 246-002 = PGC 36200

11 40 16.8 +17 43 41; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 3.5'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 120”

 

48" (4/2/11): the brightest of 6 galaxies in a 15' group that is stretched out in a SW to NE orientation.  At 375x appeared very bright, very large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x1.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright core and much fainter outer halo.  There is some ill-defined structure in the halo, either due to dust, spiral arms or both.  NGC 3802 is 2.3' N, MCG +03-30-035 is 3.4' SW, NGC 3803 is 4.5' N, NGC 3790 is 7' WSW and NGC 3806 is 8' NE.  MCG +03-30-035 (B = 16.6) appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, ~40"x10".  A mag 11.5 star is  2.4' preceding.

 

18" (5/12/07): moderately bright, fairly large but moderately low surface brightness, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, broad concentration with a brighter core that increases to a small, brighter nucleus.  Brightest in a group including NGC 3790 7' W and NGC 3802 2.3' N.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): brightest in a group.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3802 2.3' NNE.  Also in the field are NGC 3790 7.0' WSW and NGC 3806 8.1' NE.  Located 7' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 99729.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3801 = H III-30 = H II-161 = h939 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded III-30 as "vF, pS, r, preceded by two vB stars."  His position is only 8 sec of RA following NGC 3801 = UGC 6635, although John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) assumed it applied to NGC 3802, 2.3' north of NGC 3801.  A month later, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198), he returned to the field and recorded II-161 as "F, not S, R, bM."  His position on this sweep is 4' too far south.  John Herschel made 3 observations and his mean position matches UGC 6635.

 

Since WH observed only one object near this position on both sweep 170 and 198, we can assume he picked up the brighter galaxy NGC 3801 both times, and missed NGC 3802.  In fact, he was uncertain if H. II-161 was new or identical to H. III-30, though decided to assign it a new internal number.  So, H. II-161 = H. III-30 = NGC 3801 and JH should be credited with the discovery of NGC 3802.  Wolfgang Steinicke confirmed these conclusions (email on 7/15/14).

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NGC 3802 = UGC 6636 = MCG +03-30-041 = CGCG 097-052 = Holm 273b = WBL 347-004 = LGG 246-003 = PGC 36203

11 40 18.8 +17 45 57; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 85”

 

48" (4/2/11): this bright edge-on is located 2.3' N of NGC 3801 in a group of 6 galaxies.  It appeared edge-on 5:1 E-W, 1.4'x0.3'.  Contains a brighter, slightly bulging core.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the following end, 1.0' from center.  NGC 3803 lies 2.2' N.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 E-W, ~1.1'x0.3', brighter core, slightly brighter along the major axis.  A mag 13.5 star is close to the east end.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3801.

 

18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.3'.  A mag 13 star is just off the following end.  Located 2' N of NGC 3801 in a group.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', very weak concentration.  Almost reaches to a mag 13.5 star just off the east end 1.0' from center.  Located 2.3' NNE of NGC 3801 in a group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3802 = h940 on 14 Mar 1784 and simply noted "last of 3 [with NGC 3790 and 3801]."  He made 3 observations, though real description.  WH is credited with the discovery (III-30) in the GC and NGC, although that number most likely applies to NGC 3801 (see that number).

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NGC 3803 = PGC 36204

11 40 17.2 +17 48 06; Leo

Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

48" (4/2/11): this galaxy is the faintest of 5 NGC galaxies (and one MCG) in the NGC 3801 group.  At 375x it appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter core.  Located 4.5' N of NGC 3801 and 2.2' N of NGC 3802.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): Not found.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3803 on 27 Mar 1856 with LdR's 72" and noted "A [on the diagram] is a vvF knot." The sketch clearly matches PGC 36204.

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NGC 3804 = NGC 3794 = UGC 6640 = MCG +09-19-153 = CGCG 268-070 = CGCG 292-019 = LGG 250-003 = PGC 36238

11 40 54.1 +56 12 10; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 3780 13' WNW.  Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

William Herschel rediscovered NGC 3804 = H II-830 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, E.  I saw it too late to describe it properly." CH's reduced position is within 2' of UGC 6640.  He originally discovered this galaxy on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and logged "cF, pS, just following a vS star."  It was catalogued as III-773 and later as NGC 3794.  There was probably just enough difference in position and description for both Herschel and Dreyer to assume the objects were different, but there is only one galaxy here.  So, NGC 3804 = NGC 3794.  The primary designation should be NGC 3794 (earlier discovery), but it is known as NGC 3804 because of the more accurate position.

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NGC 3805 = UGC 6642 = MCG +04-28-019 = CGCG 127-024 = PGC 36224

11 40 41.6 +20 20 35; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, small bright core dominates a small halo.  A mag 13 star is 2.2' WSW.  NGC 3787 lies 16' NW. Located at the western edge of AGC 1367.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3805 = H III-375 = h941 on 25 Apr 1785 (sweep 401) and logged "eF, S, but strong twilight and moonlight make it impossible to describe it properly."  JH reported "Not vF; S; R; bM." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3806 = UGC 6641 = MCG +03-30-042 = CGCG 097-054 = WBL 347-005 = PGC 36231

11 40 46.6 +17 47 47; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

48" (4/2/11): last of 6 in the NGC 3801 group.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.4'x1.2', broad weak concentration but no core.  Located  8' NE of NGC 3801 and 5' N of mag 9.2 HD 101485.  NGC 3807 is probably a 16th magnitude star 2.4' NE of NGC 3806, although the two numbers are equated in the UGC and PGC and repeated in Megastar.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~45" diameter, weak concentration with only a slightly brighter middle.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): very faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness glow with no concentration.  Collinear with two mag 12.5-13 stars to the SSW by 2.5' and 4.5'.  Located 5' N of mag 8.7 SAO 99729 and 8' NE of NGC 3801 in a group.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 3806 on 3 Apr 1851.  While observing NGC 3802 he noted "another vF neb, about 6' nf."  On 6 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged it as "vvF, R, lbM."  UGC 6641 lies 6.9' NE of NGC 3802, so this identification is certain.  The 1861 LdR publication mentions "2 'novae' near [NGC 3801 and 3802], probably a 3rd." but does not give Stoney's offset from NGC 3802.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 21 Apr 1862 and noted a mag 9-10 star is 5' south.  His position is accurate and both John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) credited d'Arrest with the discovery, although d'Arrest commented his object might be identical to one of the two LdR novae mentioned in the 1861 publication.

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NGC 3807

11 40 54.7 +17 49 07; Leo

 

= *, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.  = NGC 3806, UGC.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3807 on 27 Mar 1856 and noted "C [on the sketch] is a vvF knot or possibly a star."  The diagram shows object "C" to the northeast of NGC 3807 ("B").  There is nothing in this position and Bigourdan and Reinmuth reported negative findings.  UGC, PGC (and other secondary sources such as Megastar) equate NGC 3806 = NGC 3807, but Mitchell's object is very likely the mag 16.5 star identified by Harold Corwin.

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NGC 3808 = Arp 87 NED1 = VV 300a = UGC 6643a = MCG +04-28-021 = CGCG 127-025s = PGC 36227

11 40 44.2 +22 25 46; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 123”

 

48" (4/20/17): NGC 3808 is the brighter member of a remarkable interacting pair with NGC 3808A 1' N.  At 375x it appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, brighter core.The beginning of spiral arms extend south on the northwest end and north on the east end . On deep images, the northern arm extends into a tidal bridge to NGC 3808A (and wraps around the companion), but visually the arm only extended roughly half-way.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.5' NNE of mag 9.1 SAO 81939.  Forms a close, interacting pair (Arp 87) with NGC 3808A = VV 300b 1' N.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3808 = H III-338 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS."  CH's reduction is 10 sec of RA east and 3.8' north of this interacting system.

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NGC 3809 = UGC 6649 = MCG +10-17-040 = CGCG 292-020 = LGG 251-002 = PGC 36263

11 41 16.1 +59 53 09; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 123”

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, well-concentrated with a small, prominent core and stellar nucleus.  Very symmetrical appearance.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3809 on 20 Aug 1866 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured twice) matches UGC 6649.

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NGC 3810 = UGC 6644 = MCG +02-30-010 = CGCG 068-024 = PGC 36243

11 40 58.7 +11 28 17; Leo

V = 10.8;  Size 4.3'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, broad concentration, increases to brighter core but no nucleus, large very faint halo of dimensions 3.0'x2.0'.  A group of three mag 11-12 stars mag is located between 9'-11' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3810 = H I-21 = h943 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB, L, lE, r."  His position was 50 seconds of RA too far east. John Herschel made 5 observations, the earliest on 10 Apr 1823 (sweep 2), while still developing his sweeping technique: "vF; R; vgbM; a *9m 15' dist in parallel."

 

Several interesting observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 18 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney recorded "BM, F neby all round of a mottled charachter, knot or appendage in the p part.  On 10 Apr 1852, he queried "Spriral? glbM."  Dreyer, though, observing in 1878, comments "Beyond doubt a glob cl, outlying F branches on a F background which fades away gradually."

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NGC 3811 = UGC 6650 = MCG +08-21-091 = CGCG 242-074 = Mrk 185 = PGC 36265

11 41 16.6 +47 41 27; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160”

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, moderately large, oval elongated nearly 3:2 N-S, 1.5'x1.1', broadly concentrated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3811 = H II-737 = h942 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, S, lbM, iR."  CH's reduction is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 6650.  JH's mean position from two observations is 1' too far north.

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NGC 3812 = UGC 6648 = MCG +04-28-023 = CGCG 127-027 = WBL 348-001 = PGC 36256

11 41 07.8 +24 49 18; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, small, round, prominent core, fairly high surface brightness.  Located 1.7' WNW of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.  First of three in a 220x field with NGC 3814 5' E and NGC 3815 6.7' ESE.  Member of a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3798 14' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3812 = H III-320 = h944 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and simply noted "stellar", probably rushed in the observation.  JH recorded "F; R; has a * 6.7 m sf, dist 3'.  His position is an exact match with UGC 6648.

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NGC 3813 = UGC 6651 = MCG +06-26-019 = CGCG 186-024 = PGC 36266

11 41 18.7 +36 32 47; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.4'x0.8'.  Broad concentration to a large brighter core which brightens to a small nucleus.  Mottled appearance with an irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the east end 1.3' from center.  Two mag 14 stars just off the west end 2.1' and 2.8' from center are collinear with the major axis.  A mag 15 star is close SW of the core by 1.2'.  Located 13' ENE of mag 7.8 SAO 62647.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3813 = H I-94 = h945 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and recorded "cB, pL, mE nearly in the meridian.  His position is 10 sec of RA west of UGC 6651.  On sweep 72, JH called it "pB; pL; 90 l, 60" b, E in parallel; hazy."

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NGC 3814 = MCG +04-28-024 = CGCG 127-028 = Holm 276b = WBL 348-002 = PGC 36267

11 41 27.7 +24 48 19; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): second and faintest of three with NGC 3812 5' W and NGC 3815 2.5' E.  Very faint, very small, round.  Located 3.1' E of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3814 = St XI-14 on 25 Apr 1881.  His position matches CGCG 127-028 = PGC 36267.

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NGC 3815 = UGC 6654 = MCG +04-28-025 = CGCG 127-030 = Holm 276a = WBL 348-003 = PGC 36288

11 41 39.3 +24 48 01; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, broad concentration.  Last in a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3814 2.5' W, NGC 3812 6.7' WNW and NGC 3798 20' WSW.  Located 5.8' ESE of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3815 = H III-339 = h946 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS, goes into the field with the foregoing [NGC 3812].  He discovered NGC 3812 4 nights earlier, but missed NGC 3815.  JH called this galaxy "Not vF; pL; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3816 = UGC 6656 = MCG +03-30-046 = CGCG 097-060 = WBL 353-003 = LGG 249-005 = PGC 36292

11 41 48.0 +20 06 14; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 70”

 

17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Member of AGC 1367 with CGCG 097-068 7' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3816 on 9 May 1864.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 6656.

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NGC 3817 = HCG 58C = UGC 6657 = MCG +02-30-012 = CGCG 068-028 = WBL 350-001 = PGC 36299

11 41 53.0 +10 18 16; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, brighter core.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' NNW of center.  First of five in the field in HCG 58 with NGC 3819 4.3' NE, NGC 3822 4.7' ESE, NGC 3825 7.9' ESE and NGC 3820 5.7' NNE.  This group is superimposed on distant galaxy cluster Abell 1356.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3817 = h947 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "F.  The first of 4 [with NGC 3819, 3822 and 3825]."  His position is at the south edge of NGC 3817.

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NGC 3818 = MCG -01-30-023 = UGCA 243 = PGC 36304

11 41 57.3 -06 09 21; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, fairly small, oval, very bright core containing a stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3818 = H III-284 = h948 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 379) and recorded "vF, S, iE, lbM."  His RA is 33 sec too large.  JH logged "B; R; psbM; 30". At least 2nd class."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3819 = HCG 58D = MCG +02-30-013 = CGCG 068-030 = WBL 350-002 = PGC 36311

11 42 05.9 +10 21 04; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Second of five in HCG 58, located 4.2' NE of NGC 3817.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3820 2.0' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3819 = h950 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "vF; the second of 4 [with NGC 3817, 3822 and 3825]; place estimated from the others."

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NGC 3820 = HCG 58E = MCG +02-30-014 = CGCG 068-031 = WBL 350-003 = PGC 36308

11 42 04.9 +10 23 02; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): extremely faint, small, almost round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Located 2.0' N of NGC 3819 and 5.5' NNE of NGC 3817.  Third of five (and faintest) in HCG 58.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3820 on 29 Apr 1865 and accurately placed it 2' north of h950 = NGC 3819.

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NGC 3821 = UGC 6663 = MCG +04-28-030 = CGCG 127-032 = PGC 36314

11 42 09.0 +20 18 56; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  A mag 14 star is at the SW edge and a mag 10 star lies 2.9' W.  Member of AGC 1367 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3821 = H III-376 = h949 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "suspected, vF, vS.  I am pretty sure of it; but twilight is too strong."  There is nothing at his position, but 18 sec of RA west is UGC 6663 (only nearby galaxy).  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 246 "vF; S; R; psbM; a * 11m precedes 10s."

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NGC 3822 = HCG 58A = NGC 3848? = UGC 6661 = MCG +02-30-015 = CGCG 068-033 = WBL 350-004 = PGC 36319

11 42 11.1 +10 16 40; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, brighter core.  Brightest in HCG 58 and the fourth of five in the field within the NGC 3817-3869 group.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3825 3.2' ESE on the Leo-Virgo border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3822 = H II-153 = h951, along with NGC 3825, on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded both as "Two F, pS, cometic nebula."   His single position is just 1'-2' too far south.  He probably found this pair a month ealrier (15 Mar 1784, sweep 174), but his position was 2.0 tmin too far east and they were recorded as III-35 = NGC 3848 and III-36 = NGC 3852.  If so, NGC 3822 = NGC 3848.

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NGC 3823 = MCG -02-30-017 = PGC 36331

11 42 15.1 -13 52 01; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration, 0.7'x0.6'.  Situated directly between two mag 13-14 stars 2' N and 2' S.  NGC 3831 lies 1.0” NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3823 = h3357 on 7 May 1836 and logged "F; lE; pslbM; 40"."  His position is just off the north side of PGC 36331 although he questioned if a double error of 1 min in RA and 1 degree in dec would make it a duplicate of NGC 3831.

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NGC 3824 = UGC 6676 = MCG +09-19-161 = CGCG 268-073 = PGC 36370

11 42 44.9 +52 46 47; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 118”

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.35', pretty even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 2.0' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3829 8' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3824 = H III-774 = h952 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "vF, vS."  His position (CH's reduction) --  1.0 tmin too large and 3' south of UGC 6676, but his relative position with nearby NGC 3829 (recorded next in the sweep) is reasonably accurate.  A more accurate position was measured on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946).  JH logged "vF, mE" and measured a good position.

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NGC 3825 = HCG 58B = NGC 3852? = UGC 6668 = MCG +02-30-018 = CGCG 068-037 = MKW 10 = WBL 350-005 = PGC 36348

11 42 23.7 +10 15 51; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Fifth of five (second brightest) in HCG 58 with NGC 3822 3.2' WNW.  Also located within the larger NGC 3817-3869 group on the Leo-Virgo border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3825 = H II-154 = h953, along with NGC 3822, on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded both as "Two F, pS, cometic nebula."   His single position is just 1'-2' too far south.  He probably found this pair a month earlier (15 Mar 1784, sweep 174), but his position was 2.0 tmin too far east and the pair was recorded as III-35 = NGC 3848 and III-36 = NGC 3852.  If so, NGC 3825 = NGC 3852.

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NGC 3826 = UGC 6671 = MCG +05-28-018 = CGCG 157-018 = PGC 36359

11 42 32.8 +26 29 20; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A close trio of mag 14 stars is 8' NE.  NGC 3830 lies 10' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3826 = H II-341 = h954 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, stellar."  JH made 3 observations, calling it "pB; R; psbM; 15"."

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NGC 3827 = UGC 6673 = MCG +03-30-054 = CGCG 097-070 = LGG 246-006 = PGC 36361

11 42 36.3 +18 50 44; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', very weak concentration.  Located midway between mag 9.1 SAO 99747 4.5' S and a mag 10. star 4.5' NNW.  Outlying member of AGC 1367.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3827 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 6673 and his description mentions a mag 16 star is 21 seconds of time preceding and a bit south.  The star is at his offset, though only 14th magnitude.

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NGC 3828 = MCG +03-30-057 = CGCG 097-075 = PGC 36376

11 42 58.4 +16 29 15; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 11 star is 1.7' SE.  Forms a pair with edge-on UGC 6686 5.9' E.  UGC 6686 appeared very faint, very small (only the central region was seen).

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3828 = Big 46 on 28 Mar 1886.  His position matches CGCG 097-075, though CGCG (and the UGC notes to UGC 6686) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 3828.   MCG labels it correctly.  Mentioned by Malcolm Thomson in his "CGCG Corrections" and in Harld Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3829 = UGC 6690 = MCG +09-19-164 = CGCG 268-074 = PGC 36439

11 43 27.3 +52 42 40; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 95”

 

18" (5/31/03): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35', weak concentration.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3824 8' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3829 = H III-775 = h955 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "suspected; vF, vS."  His position is poor -- 37 tsec too large and 2' south of UGC 6690, but his offset from NGC 3824 (previous nebula discovered in the sweep) is a good match.  JH simply noted "eF", but his position is within 1' of UGC 6690.

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NGC 3830 = MCG +05-28-024 = MCG +05-28-025 = CGCG 157-023 = PGC 36414

11 43 11.8 +26 33 32; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 9”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, very small, round.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.5' W and 1.5' SW.  NGC 2826 lies 10' SW.  This is an unresolved double system.

 

The identification of NGC 3830 is uncertain and the number may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3826.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3830 = h956 on 19 Apr 1832 and simply logged "Cloudy; hardly discernible." His position is 3.7' south of CGCG 157-023 = PGC 36414.  Bigourdan was unable to recover this object.  The RNGC identifies CGCG 157-023 = PGC 36414 as NGC 3830 due to its proximity in position.

 

Corwin suggests that NGC 3830 is probably a duplicate of NGC 3826, which is located 43 sec of RA west but with the same declination.  NGC 3826 was observed on three sweeps but NGC 3830 was recorded on a different sweep.  Both NED and LEDA equate NGC 3830 = NGC 3826. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3831 = MCG -02-30-023 = PGC 36417

11 43 18.6 -12 52 42; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 2.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 23”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4'.  Contains a small, bright core and very faint extensions which fades at the tip.  Surrounded by several MCG galaxies, though these were not searched for.  A mag 9 star lies 6' N.  NGC 3823 lies 1” south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3831 = h957 on 9 Mar 1828 and logged "F; vS; R; bM.  Well observed."  His position is within 1' of MCG -02-30-023.  Herbert Howe noted an elongation in PA 20 degrees.

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NGC 3832 = UGC 6693 = MCG +04-28-040 = CGCG 127-038 = PGC 36446

11 43 31.4 +22 43 31; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

18" (5/30/03): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 2.2' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3832 = H III-340 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, pL.  I suspected two stellar near it, but could not ascertain with 240 whether they were stars or nebula as I could not stop long enough to view them sufficiently."  CH's reduction is 5' due north of UGC 6693.  The CGCG does not label this galaxy NGC 3832.  The RA in the MCG is 1.0 min too small.

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NGC 3833 = UGC 6692 = MCG +02-30-020 = CGCG 068-043 = PGC 36441

11 43 28.8 +10 09 43; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very faint, fairly small, very diffuse, elongated SSW-NNE.  A very faint mag 15.5 star is off the SW end 0.9' from center.  Forms a pair with MCG +02-30-023 = PGC 36456 6' NNE.  The companion (identified as NGC 3848 in the RNGC and PGC) appeared very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412) near the Leo-Virgo border, which includes HCG 58.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3833 = H III-102 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "eF, pL."  CH's reduction is 3' south of UGC 6692.  Neither JH nor d'Arrest made an observation.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 using the 27" refractor at Vienna.

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NGC 3834 = MCG +03-30-065 = CGCG 097-084 = PGC 36443

11 43 37.7 +19 05 26; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, round, 0.8' diameter (viewed core only?).  Located 9' SW of mag 9.2 SAO 99762.  NGC 3827 lies 21' SW.  This galaxy is within one degree of the core of AGC 1367 and is likely an outlying member (identical redshift).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3834 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 30" north of CGCG 097-084 = PGC 36443.

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NGC 3835 = UGC 6703 = MCG +10-17-055 = CGCG 292-021 = PGC 36493

11 44 04.9 +60 07 11; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 60”

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE.  Broad concentration with a large, slightly brighter middle and slightly fainter extensions.  Extended in the direction of a mag 12 star 3.6' NE.  Located 7' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 15622.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3835 = h958 on 14 Apr 1831 and recorded "pF; lE; gbM; preceds * 8m, 5' distant.  His position (measured twice) is good, though the star is 7' southeast.

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NGC 3836 = VV 477 = MCG -03-30-010 = PGC 36445

11 43 29.7 -16 47 40; Crt

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~0.9'x0.6'.  Appears brighter along a major axis NW-SE, surrounded by a rounder, faint halo.  A mag 12-13 star is just off the north flank, perhaps 45" from the center.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3836 = T I-36 = T IV-8 on 29 Apr 1877.  His micrometric position in list IV is an exact match with MCG -03-30-010 = PGC 36445.  On the SDSS, the foreground star happens to lie at the exact tip of the northern spiral arm.

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NGC 3837 = UGC 6701 = MCG +03-30-068 = CGCG 097-089 = PGC 36476

11 43 56.4 +19 53 41; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  This is the second brightest galaxy in the core of the galaxy cluster AGC 1367 and lies 3.6' SSW of NGC 3842 (brightest in the core).  UGC 6697, the third brightest galaxy, lies 4.7' NNW.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round.  Second brightest in the core of the cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3837 = H III-377 = h961 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "two [with III-378 = NGC 3842], the time and NPD is that of the most north [NGC 3842], which is the largest and brightest; and is vF, pS.  The most south [NGC 3837] eF; vS, but twilight is too strong to determine them properly."  His position is 10 sec of RA preceding NGC 3842.  JH made two observations, measured an accurate position, and assumed he had discovered h961.  Dreyer concludes in the his revision of WH's catalogues that h961 = H III-377 = NGC 3837.

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NGC 3838 = UGC 6707 = MCG +10-17-056 = CGCG 292-022 = LGG 244-005 = PGC 36505

11 44 13.8 +57 56 53; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 141”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; very pretty edge-on at 375x, bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.35', very strong concentration with a very bright core and an intensely bright nucleus.  A mag 12.1 star is 3' S.  Brightest member of the LGG 246 group.

 

CGCG 292-024, situated 7' SE, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~25"x20", strong concentration, bright core, small brighter nucleus, faint halo with averted.  A mag 15.5 star is at the N edge.  Located 7' SE of NGC 3838.

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3', spindle-shaped.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 3.2' S.  Member of the LGG 246 group along with NGC 3757 and NGC 3795.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3838 = H II-831 = h959 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "pB, vS, lE."  CH's reduced position is within 1' of UGC 6707.

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NGC 3839 = UGC 6700 = MCG +02-30-024 = CGCG 068-048 = PGC 36475

11 43 54.3 +10 47 06; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 87”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, ~50"x30", relatively large slightly elongated central region, low surface brightness outer halo extended E-W.  Located 6' NNW of mag 8.1 HD 101932.

 

IC 727, situated 8.4' E, appeared as a very faint, very thin low surface brightness streak, ~8:1 NNW-SSE, brighter core, ~0.8'x0.1'. A mag 8 star (HD 101932) is 9' SW.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration, elongated WSW-ENE.  Forms the north vertex of near equilateral triangle with mag 8.5 SAO 99760 6.0' SSE and mag 8.4 SAO 99756 7.1' SW.  Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412), which includes HCG 58.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3839 = St XII-48 on 19 Apr 1882.  His position matches UGC 6700 = PGC 36475.

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NGC 3840 = UGC 6702 = MCG +03-30-070 = CGCG 097-091 = PGC 36477

11 43 58.9 +20 04 37; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, irregularly round, broad concentration.  Located 2.9' NNW of NGC 3844 in the core of galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round.  This is the farthest northern galaxy in the core of AGC 1367.  Appears similar to NGC 3844 and NGC 3845.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3840 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 6702 and he mentions "it is certainly one of LdR's 'eight knots'."

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NGC 3841 = MCG +03-30-073 = CGCG 097-096 = PGC 36469

11 44 02.2 +19 58 19; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, extremely small, small bright core.  Located 1.3' N of NGC 3842 in the central core of AGC 1367.  Nearby are NGC 3845 1.7' NNW, and UGC 6697 3.0' W.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, in central core of AGC 1367.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3841 = h960 = Big. 48 on 25 Mar 1827 and simply noted "F; R."  On a later sweep (334) he recorded "vF; S; the first of 4 [with NGC 3837, 3842 and 3845."  All modern catalogues equate NGC 3841 with CGCG 097-096 = PGC 36469, but JH's two positions are a better match with the edge-on UGC 6697, as well as his offset from NGC 3842!

 

Heinrich d'Arrest's #118 in his AN 1500 discovery list matches CGCG 097-096, so he clearly observed this galaxy.  In his main monograph "Siderum Nebulosorum" he gives an uncertain equivalence with h960.  Harold Corwin's equates Big. 48 with NGC 3841.  The MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 3841 and 3842.

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NGC 3842 = UGC 6704 = MCG +03-30-072 = CGCG 097-095 = PGC 36487

11 44 02.1 +19 57 00; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core.  A mag 15 star is 0.8' SE of core.  Brightest and largest in core of the rich cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3841 1.3' N, UGC 6697 3.2' WNW, NGC 3845 2.9' NNE, NGC 3837 3.6' SSW and NGC 3851 4.7' ENE.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, many companions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3842 = H III-378 = h962 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "two [with III-377 = NGC 3837], the time and NPD is that of the most north [NGC 3842], which is the largest and brightest; and is vF, pS.  The most south [NGC 3837] eF; vS, but twilight is too strong to determine them properly."  His position is 10 tsec preceding NGC 3842, so the identification is certain.

 

John Herschel misassigned H. III-377 to h962 and H. III-378 to h966 = NGC 3851 in the GC and Dreyer repeated this in the NGC.  According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan discovered nearby CGCG 097-090 = Big 47 (1' west), but it wasn't assigned a NGC or IC designation.  MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 3841 and NGC 3842.

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NGC 3843 = UGC 6699 = MCG +01-30-011 = CGCG 040-034 = PGC 36471

11 43 54.7 +07 55 33; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3843 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. and recorded "F; elongated 225” [SW-NE].  Follows a star 11m by 14s [of time]."  His position and description matches UGC 6699, though the star is closer to 13th mag.

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NGC 3844 = UGC 6705 = MCG +03-30-069 = CGCG 097-097 = PGC 36481

11 44 00.8 +20 01 46; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located in the core of AGC 1367 4.8' N of NGC 3842.  Nearby are NGC 3845 2.3' SE, NGC 3841 3.4' S, NGC 3840 2.9' N.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round, brighter core, similar to NGC 3840 and NGC 3845.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3844 (#119 in his AN 1500 list) on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 6705.

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NGC 3845 = MCG +03-30-074 = CGCG 097-100 = PGC 36470

11 44 05.5 +19 59 45; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 1.6' NNE of NGC 3841 in the core of AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3845 = h963 on 17 Mar 1831 and recorded "vF; pS; the last of 4 [with NGC 3841, 3837 and 3842].  There are however 3 or 4 more nebulae in this neighbourhood."  His position is 0.8' southwest of CGCG 097-100 = PGC 36470.  d'Arrest measured an accurate position (observed on 2 nights).

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NGC 3846 = UGC 6710 = MCG +09-19-171 = CGCG 268-078 = LGG 250-008 = PGC 36539

11 44 29.1 +55 39 08; UMa

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE.  First in a group of five galaxies with NGC 3850 17' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3846 = h964 on 10 Feb 1831 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM."  His single position is barely off the southwest edge of UGC 6710.

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NGC 3847 = NGC 3856? = UGC 6708 = MCG +06-26-023 = CGCG 186-032 = PGC 36504

11 44 14.0 +33 30 52; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, slightly brighter core.  A close pair (CGCG 186-029) to the NE wasn't noticed.  Member of a group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 10' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3847 = h965 on 3 Apr 1831 and recorded "not vF; S; R psbM."  His position matches UGC 6708.   Rudolph Spitaler's position is 7.5' too far north (error in offset star?) and Max Wolf misidentified this galaxy on a Heidelberg plate.  As a result the "corrected" declination in the IC 2 Notes section is off by 10'.  Sinnott's NGC2000.0 repeats this erroneous position.  It is possible that either NGC 3855 or NGC 3856 (found by d'Arrest but with a poor position) is a duplicate of this galaxy.

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NGC 3848 = HCG 58A = NGC 3822 = UGC 6661 = MCG +02-30-015 = CGCG 068-033 = WBL 350-004 = PGC 36319

11 42 11.1 +10 16 40; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 3822.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3848 = H III-35 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174), along with NGC 3852, and described both as "Two, very small, and eF.  Their situation is in the same parallel of declination, and distance perhaps 3 or 4 minutes.  It took up some time to see them well."

 

The RNGC identifies MCG +02-30-023 = CGCG 068-046 as NGC 3848 (the closest galaxy to his position) though there is only a single object here "in the same parallel of declination".  Malcolm Thomson feels that CGCG 068-046 is a reasonable match in position.  CGCG 068-046 is not labeled NGC 3848 in MCG or CGCG.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3848 and NGC 3852 are probably duplicate observations of NGC 3822 and NGC 3825 (found again by WH a month later!).  This pair is 2.0 min of RA west of WH's position and 1-2' south.   The separation of this pair is 3.2' (roughly east-west), agreeing with WH's description, so this identification seems more liekly likely.

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NGC 3849 = IC 730 = MCG +01-30-013 = CGCG 040-040 = Todd 10 = PGC 36658

11 45 35.2 +03 13 54; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 35”

 

48" (4/16/15): at 488x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.3', small bright core, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 16.3 star is off the southeast side [27" from center].  An extremely faint "star" was noted off the northwest side [25" from center].  After later checking the SDSS, I discovered this is a compact galaxy (SDSS J114534.52+031417.8) with V = 17.8.  An extremely faint edge-on poking out of the east side of IC 730 was not seen.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25" diameter, no concentration.  Visible steadily with direct vision.  A mag 15 star lies 1.6' SSW.  This is a Todd discovery and due to a poor position is listed as nonexistent in RNGC.  This galaxy is listed as IC 730 (good position from Javelle) in modern catalogues.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3849 = Todd 10 on 11 Feb 1878 in his search for trans-Neptunian planets with the 26-inch refractor at the Naval Observatory.  He noted a "large and nebulous" object with a star 2' in PA ~210” (SSW).  There is nothing at his rough position, but using Todd's discovery sketch, Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3849 =CGCG 040-040.

 

Javelle found this galaxy on 22 Mar 1893 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory and measured an accurate position.  Javelle and Dreyer assumed J. 2–728 was new, so it acquired the designation IC 730.  All modern catalogues label this galaxy as IC 730 only.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3850 = UGC 6733 = MCG +09-19-174 = CGCG 268-079 = LGG 250-004 = PGC 36660

11 45 35.6 +55 53 12; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 130”

 

18" (2/14/10): fairly faint, fairly large oval 3:2 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.1', low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 17' WSW of NGC 3888 and 19' NW of mag 5.3 HD 102328 (adjacent to AGC 1377).    Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group), though also included in the M109 (NGC 3992) group.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, diffuse oval NW-SE.  Second of five in a group with NGC 3846 17' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3850 = H III-776 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "eF, pL, lE.  Time inaccurate, left doubtful."  There is nothing at his position but exactly 1.0 min of RA east is UGC 6733.  Probably because of the poor position it was not recovered by Bigourdan.  MCG gives the NGC identification as uncertain.  The RNGC mislabels NGC 3850 as NGC 3889.

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NGC 3851 = MCG +03-30-077 = CGCG 097-106 = PGC 36516

11 44 20.4 +19 58 51; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.45';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, extremely small, round, just non-stellar.  Forms a faint "pair" with a mag 14.5 star 37" W of center.  Located 4.7' ENE of NGC 3842 in the core of AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/20/88): extremely faint, stellar.  Located east of a faint star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3851 = h966 on 24 Feb 1827 and logged "vF; R; the nf of 2."  He mistakenly equated H III-378 with this galaxy, instead of h962 = NGC 3842 and this error was repeated in the NGC.  WH did not record this object.

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NGC 3852 = HCG 58B = NGC 3825? = UGC 6668 = MCG +02-30-018 = CGCG 068-037 = WBL 350-005 = PGC 36348

11 42 23.7 +10 15 51; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 3825.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3852 = H III-36, along with NGC 3848, on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174), and described both as "Two, very small, and eF.  Their situation is in the same parallel of declination, and distance perhaps 3 or 4 minutes.  It took up some time to see them well."  There are no pair of galaxies fitting this description near his position and both numbers were equated by Dreyer in his 1912 NGC Correction list (repeated by Reinmuth).

 

In his 1912 update of WH's catalogues, Dreyer notes that NGC 3852 was not found by Bigourdan but possibly there was a 1 tmin error in RA in reducing the position.  Corwin suggests NGC 3848 and NGC 3852 may be duplicate observations of NGC 3822 and NGC 3825.  These galaxies have the same declination and 3.2' separation but lie 2.0 tmin west of H's position.  So, NGC 3852 = NGC 3825 and NGC 3848 = NGC 3822 seems the most likely scenario, although this identification is uncertain.

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NGC 3853 = UGC 6712 = MCG +03-30-081 = CGCG 097-107 = PGC 36535

11 44 28.3 +16 33 29; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, halo increases to a small bright core.

 

Alphonse Borrelly found NGC 3853 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory. His description reads "R, lE, small ncl at center" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 (4th object) matches UGC 6712.

 

WH probably discovered this galaxy on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 72) and logged "Some minutes after 32, I saw a small nebula, but in looking a good while at the finder to determine its place, lost is again.  I suspect partly that is consists of a few vS stars, but shall look for it another night."  Although he was completely uncertain on the minute of RA, his polar distance is an exact match with NGC 3853.

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NGC 3854 = NGC 3865 = MCG -01-30-028 = PGC 36581

11 44 52.1 -09 13 58; Crt

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 49”

 

See observing notes for NGC 3865.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3854 = LM 2-449 in 1886 and reported "mag 14.5, 0.3' dia, lE 70”, gbsbMN."  There is nothing close to his position.  The brightest galaxy in the vicinity is NGC 3865 = PGC 36581, 28 seconds of RA east and 9' north.  Harold Corwin lists this galaxy as the most likely candidate.  Due to the unusually large discrepancy in declination and only a fair match in PA (70”), this identification is very uncertain. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3855 = IC 2953 = UGC 6709 = MCG +06-26-025 = CGCG 186-033 = WAS 31 = PGC 36508

11 44 25.8 +33 21 18; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, 0.8', low even surface brightness

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  On a line with two mag 14 stars located 6'-7' SE.  In a group with NGC 3847 10' NNW, IC 2952 1.8' W and MCG +06-26-028 4.5' ESE (not observed on 2/24/90).  The identifications are very uncertain in this group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3855 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single observation gives a rough declination (marked to the nearest arcmin and very uncertain) and mentions a companion to the north [NGC 3856], though without a position or even offset.  There are a number of galaxies in the vicinity, but none exactly matching in RA.

 

When Rudolph Spitaler looked for the pair in 1891 with 27-inch refractor at the Wien Observatory, he identified CGCG 186-31 as NGC 3855 and UGC 6709 as NGC 3856 (published in AN 3167-68).  His positions (roughly 17 tsec of RA west of d'Arrest's position) are given in the Notes and Corrections section of the IC 1.  Stephane Javelle independently found these galaxies on 11 Jun 1896 at the Nice Observatory and they were later catalogued as IC 2952 and IC 2953.

 

UGC, MCG and CGCG label these galaxies using the IC designations.  RNGC, MCG and CGCG identify CGCG 186-036 as NGC 3855.  This is a very small galaxy located 5' SE of the close pair.  RNGC classifies NGC 3856 as nonexistent. It seems very unlikely that CGCG 186-036 was the single galaxy seen by d'Arrest as IC 2953 in the same field is both larger and more prominent visually.

 

If we accept Spitaler's corrected positions in the IC 2 notes, then NGC 3855 = IC 2952 and NGC 3856 = IC 2953.  Malcolm Thomson proposes NGC 3855 = IC 2953 and NGC 3856 = CGCG 186-036, though the fainter galaxy would be located southeast, instead of north as d'Arrest mentions.  Harold Corwin argues d'Arrest most likely picked up the two brightest galaxies in the vicinity.  So, he proposes NGC 3855 = IC 2953 and NGC 3856 = NGC 3847, though the latter galaxy is nearly 10' to the north.  So, although NGC 3855 is most likely IC 2953 (brightest galaxy nearest d'Arrest's position), the identification of NGC 3856 is very uncertain.

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NGC 3856 = MCG +06-26-028 = CGCG 186-036 = PGC 36569

11 44 44.9 +33 19 16; UMa

Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (4/14/01): extremely faint, small, round.  Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily.  Located 4.5' ESE of IC 2953 = NGC 3855.

 

The identification of NGC 3856 = CGCG 186-036 is very uncertain and this number may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3847.

 

See notes for NGC 3855.

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NGC 3857 = MCG +03-30-084 = CGCG 097-117 = PGC 36548

11 44 50.1 +19 31 58; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3.3' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 99769 and 5.8' SW of NGC 3862 within the galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round.  A fairly bright star is 3.5' SE.  Appears similar to NGC 3859 5' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3857 = St XIII-63 = Sw. I-13, along with NGC 3859, 3864, 3867 and 3868, on 23 Mar 1884. His position matches CGCG 097-117 = PGC 36548.  Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list.  Swift's position is 12 sec of RA too far west and 1.5' too far south.

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NGC 3858 = NGC 3866 = MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621

11 45 11.7 -09 18 51; Crt

 

See observing notes for NGC 3866.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3858 = LM 2-450 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.6, 0.1' dia, R, gbM, *9.5 preceding 3 sec [of time]."  His position is 30 sec of RA west of NGC 3866 = PGC 36621 (discovered by Andrew Common in 1880).  A star is 3 sec of RA west, so the identification NGC 3858 = NGC 3865 is nearly certain.  Because of the poor position NGC 3865 was not found by Bigourdan or on Helwan Observatory plates in 1919-20 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3859 = UGC 6721 = MCG +03-30-091 = CGCG 097-122 = PGC 36582

11 44 52.3 +19 27 16; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Member of AGC 1367 with NGC 3857 4.7' NNW and CGCG 97-123 2.5' N.  Located 3.4' SW of mag 8.1 SAO 99769.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.  Located 3.4' SW of a bright star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3859 = St XIII-64 = Sw. I-14, along with NGC 3857, 3864, 3867 and 3868, on 23 Mar 1884.  His position matches UGC 6721.  Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list.  His position was 10 sec of RA too far west and 2' too far south.

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NGC 3860 = UGC 6718 = MCG +03-30-088 = CGCG 097-120 = Holm 285a = PGC 36577

11 44 49.1 +19 47 43; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, broad concentration.  Member of galaxy cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3862 13' SSE, NGC 3842 14' NW, CGCG 097-115 5' NNW and CGCG 097-131 6' NE.  Nearby members included NGC 3860B = MCG +03-30-087 1.3' S and CGCG 097-113 2.2' S.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, small, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3860 = H III-386 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "vF, vS, r."  His position is 2' due south of UGC 6718, the brightest cluster member in the vicinity.  The RNGC position is 0.2 min of RA too far west and 1' north.

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NGC 3861 = UGC 6724 = MCG +03-30-093 = CGCG 097-129 = Holm 287a = WBL 353-057 = LGG 249-004 = PGC 36604

11 45 03.8 +19 58 25; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 77”

 

48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.7'x1.0', well concentrated with a large, bright core and very small brighter nucleus.  A very faint spiral arm emerges on the north or northeast side of the core and winds counterclockwise, merging with MCG +03-30-094, a close companion  on the southeast side.  A similar second arm emerges from the south side of the core and unwinds towards the west, ending at 0.9' W of center.  A very faint extension on the northwest side was not seen.  The companion is situated just 50" SE of center and appeared fairly faint, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.25', even surface brightness.  CGCG 97-133 lies 4.3' NE.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, fairly sharp concentration with a very bright core and stellar nucleus, faint oval halo.  This member of AGC 1367 is located 6.5' NW of mag 7.4 SAO 81972.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, moderately large, small bright core, diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3861 = h970 on 23 Mar 1827 and noted "F; S; R; bM.  Doubtful."   His position is just off the northwest side of UGC 6724.

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NGC 3862 = UGC 6723 = MCG +03-30-095 = CGCG 097-127 = 3C 264 = PGC 36606

11 45 05.0 +19 36 23; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a close trio with IC 2955 0.9' NNW and CGCG 97-118 2.9' W.  This galaxy is in the core of AGC 1367 and is the brightest in the field with NGC 3857, NGC 3859, NGC 3868.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round, bright core, IC 2955 0.9' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3862 = H III-385 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r."  His position is within 1.5' of UGC 6723.

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NGC 3863 = UGC 6722 = MCG +02-30-028 = CGCG 068-054 = Holm 286a = PGC 36607

11 45 05.6 +08 28 11; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 2.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, thin edge-on WSW-ENE, moderately large, bright core.  This pretty galaxy is located 15' N of XI Virginis (V = 4.9) within the UGC 6730 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3863 = m 224 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, perhaps 2' l, mE, almost ray, pos 70”, glbM."  His position is less than 1' south of UGC 6722 and the description matches.

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NGC 3864 = MCG +03-30-097 = CGCG 097-130 = Holm 288b = WBL 353-060 = PGC 36620

11 45 15.6 +19 23 32; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Located 3.3' W of NGC 3867 in AGC 1367.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3864 = St XIII-65 = Sw. I-15, along with NGC 3857, 3859, 3867 and 3868, on 23 Mar 1884.  His position matches CGCG 097-130 = PGC 36620.  Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list.  Swift's position is 8 sec of RA too far west and 1.5' too far south.

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NGC 3865 = NGC 3854 = MCG -01-30-028 = PGC 36581

11 44 52.1 -09 13 58; Crt

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 49”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very small brighter core appears offset from the geometric center.  Located 4.5' SE of mag 9 SAO 138385.  Forms a pair (identical redshift) with NGC 3866 7' SSE.  Probably one of the brightest members of the large USGC S171 group that includes NGC 3730, 3771 and 3791.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3865 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector and reported "F, pL, dif, another sf [NGC 3866] not so L".  Common's RA (single position) was 20 seconds of RA too large .  Leavenworth probably found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it as new in list II-449 (later NGC 3854), though his RA was 28 seconds too small, as well as 9' too far south.  In 1921, it was reported again as a possible new nebula at the Helwan Observatory with an interesting description: "F, pS, double nebula [probably an a bright section of a spiral arm] separation 20" in p.a. 40. ? = NGC 3865"  MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 3858.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 3854.

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NGC 3866 = NGC 3858 = MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621

11 45 11.7 -09 18 51; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is close off the west edge 0.8' from center.  Forms a physical pair with NGC 3865 6' NW.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3866 in 1880 and noted "another sf [of NGC 3865] not so L".   The only logical candidate is MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621, situated 7' southeast of NGC 3865.  Leavenworth probably found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it in list LM 2-450 = NGC 3858.  His RA was 30 seconds too small.  So, NGC 3866 = NGC 3858, with discovery priority to Common.  Because of the poor positions, this galaxy was reported as new again at the Helwan observatory (1921 bulletin #22).

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NGC 3867 = UGC 6731 = MCG +03-30-103 = CGCG 097-134 = PGC 36649

11 45 29.6 +19 24 01; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, oval ~N-S, bright core.  Member of the galaxy cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3868 2.7' N.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, brighter than NGC 3857 and 3859 to the NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3867 = St XIII-66, along with NGC 3857, 3859, 3864 and 3868, on 23 Mar 1881.  His position matches UGC 6731.

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NGC 3868 = MCG +03-30-104 = CGCG 097-135 = Holm 288a = WBL 353-062 = PGC 36638

11 45 29.9 +19 26 41; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration.  Located in a trio within AGC 1367 with NGC 3867 2.7' S and NGC 3864 4.5' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 3868 = St XIII-67, along with NGC 3857, 3859, 3864 and 3867, on 23 Mar 1884. His position matches CGCG 097-135 = PGC 36638.

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NGC 3869 = UGC 6737 = MCG +02-30-032 = CGCG 068-059 = PGC 36669

11 45 45.6 +10 49 29; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated spindle 5:1 NW-SE, ~1.5'x0.3', sharply concentrated with an intense, round core that gradually brightens inward.  The disc is relatively thin.  IC 727 is 19' WSW.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, pretty galaxy.  Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412), which includes HCG 58.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3869 = h971 on 10 Mar 1826 and noted "F; S; sbM; irreg fig; r."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is just off the west side of UGC 6737.

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NGC 3870 = UGC 6742 = Mrk 186 = MCG +08-22-001 = CGCG 268-081 = LGG 258-023 = PGC 36686

11 45 56.6 +50 11 59; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 25”

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration.  Situated near the intersection  of a string of stars to the SE and a couple of stars nearly collinear to the ENE.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3870 = H III-833 = h972 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and noted "vF, vS."  JH made three observations and and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3871 = IC 2959 = UGC 6744 = MCG +06-26-031 = CGCG 186-041 = PGC 36702

11 46 10.2 +33 06 31; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, elongated E-W.  First of four and forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides 4' length with NGC 3880 and NGC 3881 to the NE and east and also forms a rhombus using a mag 13 star 3.7' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3871 = h967 on 3 Apr 1831 and noted "eF; R; gbM.  The preceding of 3 [with NGC 3880 and 3881] forming an equilateral triangle.  Place very rough."  There is nothing at his position (given only to the nearest min of RA and min of Dec; both marked as +/-), but 1 min 15 sec of RA due east is UGC 6744, which perfectly fits his description.  Rudolph Spitaler observed the field in 1891 at the Wein Observatory, though his position was 2' too far south (same offset with NGC 3881).

 

Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again when he went through the region on 11 Jun 1896 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory and because of JH's poor position assumed it was new.  So, NGC 3871 = IC 2959.

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NGC 3872 = UGC 6738 = MCG +02-30-033 = CGCG 068-060 = PGC 36678

11 45 49.1 +13 46 00; Leo

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  Located 1” SW of Denebola = Beta Leonis (V = 2.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3872 = H II-104 = h973 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, R, vS, cometic (or rather close resolvable).  The kind of nucleus visible is pretty large and seems not to consist of a single star or point, but looks as if it were resolvable."  JH made three observations, describing it on sweep 242 as "B; R: vsmbM, to a * 11m; 40"."

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NGC 3873 = UGC 6735 = MCG +03-30-106 = CGCG 097-137 = Holm 289a = WBL 353-065 = LGG 249-003 = PGC 36670

11 45 46.1 +19 46 26; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close double with NGC 3875 0.9' SE within the galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round, bright core, close pair with NGC 3875.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3873 = H III-387 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, R."  His position matches the double system NGC 3873/3875 so III-387 could apply to either component.  But it's reasonable to assume he picked up NGC 3873, which is slightly brighter and larger visually.

 

When Heinrich d'Arrest observed III-387 on 8 May 1864, he discovered it was double and measured both components.    He applied III-387 to the northwest component and wrote "Double Nebula, seen [by WH] as single in 1785.  Estimated distance = 52", PA = 119”.  The north-preceding [NGC 3873] is a little brighter and the view is the fainter [NGC 3873] is extremely difficult.  Both are only 2'."   But when Dreyer added d'Arrest's "nova" to the GC Supplement (5582), he mistakenly wrote "III-387 sf", instead of "III-387 np".  Assuming III-387 applies to NGC 3873, then d'Arrest should be credited with the discovery of NGC 3875.

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NGC 3874

11 45 37.7 +08 34 26; Vir

 

= **, Reinmuth and Corwin.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3874 = H III-104 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded "I suspect a vF, vS nebula; but there is too much twilight to verify it."   There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find this nebula on two occasions.

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", notes "F double star in Dreyer's place."  Harold Corwin agrees with this identification.  The only galaxy near his position is NGC 3863, but this galaxy is 45 sec of RA west and 5' south of WH's offsets.

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NGC 3875 = UGC 6739 = MCG +03-30-105 = CGCG 097-139 = Holm 289b = WBL 353-067 = PGC 36675

11 45 49.4 +19 46 03; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, very elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  Forms a close double system with brighter NGC 3873 0.9' NW within AGC 1367.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, oval ~E-W, small brighter core.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.  Forms a pair with NGC 3873.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3875 on 8 May 1864 and noted a double nebula with H III-387 = NGC 3873 at 52" separation in PA 119” (east-southeast).  d'Arrest noted the north-preceding nebula was slightly brighter and the south-following nebula extremely difficult. He attached the designation III-387 to the north-preceding object.  Dreyer added d'Arrest's "nova" to the GC Supplement (5582), using d'Arrest's mean position (two observations) but mistakenly noted "III-387 sf", instead of "III-387 np".  He repeated this error in the NGC, incorrectly crediting d'Arrest with the discovery of NGC 3873, instead of NGC 3875.

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NGC 3876 = UGC 6730 = MCG +02-30-029 = CGCG 068-055 = PGC 36644

11 45 26.7 +09 09 39; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' NE.  Located 5.7' E of mag 8.6 SAO 119025.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3876 = H III-103 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "vF, r."  His position is 4' northeast of UGC 6730 and 4.5' north-northeast of UGC 6734, a much fainter galaxy.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position on 24 Mar 1892 using the 27" refractor at Vienna (given in the IC 1 notes).

 

The major catalogues UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label UGC 6730 as NGC 3876, but it is identified correctly in the RNGC.

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NGC 3877 = UGC 6745 = MCG +08-22-002 = CGCG 243-004 = LGG 258-015 = PGC 36699

11 46 07.6 +47 29 41; UMa

V = 11.0;  Size 5.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; very bright, very large, excellent edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, ~4.5' length and 1' wide.  The central region appears mottled and contains a fairly small brighter core with a sharp, intense stellar nucleus.  The ends of the SW and NE extensions are irregular in brightness (brighter streaks) and don't narrow at the ends.  At times they seemed warped, perhaps due to the patchy brightness.  NGC 3738 is 16' NW.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258 and brightest in the NGC 3877 subgroup.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): Viewed 13.5 magnitude supernova SNGC 1998S as an easy object on the south side of the core.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.1', bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.8' NNW of center.  Located 16' S of Chi Ursa Majoris (V = 3.7).

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, large, very elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3877 = H I-201 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, mE nearly in the meridian, 4 or 5' long, 1' broad."  His RA (CH's reduction) is 10 sec too large.

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NGC 3878 = MCG +06-26-032 = CGCG 186-042 = PGC 36708

11 46 17.8 +33 12 16; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6'

 

17.5" (2/24/90): extremely faint and small, round, very low surface brightness.  Faintest and smallest of four with NGC 3880 2.5' SE and part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 25' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3878 = h974 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "vF; R; the first in an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3880 and 3881].  His position matches CGCG 186-042 = PGC 36708.  In this sweep (74) he missed NGC 3871, which was found later.  R.J. Mitchell missed NGC 3878 when he observed the group on 28 Mar 1856 at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3879 = UGC 6752 = MCG +12-11-040 = CGCG 334-051 = PGC 36743

11 46 49.8 +69 22 59; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 2.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'.  This galaxy appeared as a low surface brightness phantom streak with no concentration.  The galaxy is close following a group of five stars including two to the south and three to the west with a mag 10.5 star 2.5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3879 = H II-881 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and logged "F, mE, about 1 1/2' long, from np to sf, but near the parallel."  His position matches UGC 6752.  In "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer notes this galaxy was not found by d'Arrest or Bigourdan.

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NGC 3880 = MCG +06-26-033 = CGCG 186-043 = PGC 36712

11 46 22.3 +33 09 42; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, small, round, very diffuse, very low surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is off the north end 0.8' from center.  Third of four with NGC 3878 2.5' NW and NGC 3881 4' SE.  Part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 27' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3880 = h968 = h975 on 29 Apr 1827 and noted (sweep 74) "vF; R; bM; the second of an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3881 and NGC 3878]."  On sweep 337 he only has a rough position for h968 which he assumed was different and logged "eF; R; gbM.  The second of 3 [with NGC 3871 and NGC 3881]."  So, on both sweeps he missed one of the 4 brighter galaxies here.

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NGC 3881 = MCG +06-26-034 = CGCG 186-046 = PGC 36722

11 46 34.4 +33 06 23; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.75';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 4' SW.  Last of four in a faint quartet with NGC 3880 4.2' NW and part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 30' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3881 = h969 = h976 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded h976 as "vF; R; the third of an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3878 and 3880].  His position is accurate.  He found the galaxy again on 3 Apr 1831 and logged "eF; R; gbM.  The last of 3 [forming an equilateral triangle with NGC 3871 and 3880]."  His positions for these three galaxies were very poorly determined but the identifications are obvious from the description.  In the first sweep he missed NGC 3871 and in the later sweep he missed NGC 3878.  Rudolph Spitaler measured a position in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory, though his position is 2' too far south (same error with NGC 3871).

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NGC 3882 = ESO 170-011 = PGC 36697

11 46 06.6 -56 23 17; Cen

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 126”

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3882 is buried in a rich Centaurus Milky Way star field only 5.3” from the Galactic planevery, a very unusual setting for a galaxy.  At 200x, it appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star sits at the SSE edge and a mag 13.5 star is close off the SE end.  A faint star barely off the NW end appears to be a very close double.  In addition, 4 or 5 fainter stars are superimposed on the unconcentrated glow!  Located 2.4' WSW of mag 8.8 HD 102323.

 

This galaxy was misclassified as a diffuse nebula in the RNGC and as a reflection nebula in the Sky Atlas 2000.0, probably because it is embedded in the Milky Way.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3882 = h3358 on 3 Apr 1834 and recorded "vF; lE; has two stars in it."  His position is just off the north side of ESO 170-011.  This galaxy is misclassified by the RNGC as a diffuse nebula in the RNGC and the Sky Atlas 2000.0 lists it as a reflection nebula!  I'm not certain where the first misclassification occurred, although Sven Cederblad included it as a nebula.

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NGC 3883 = UGC 6754 = MCG +04-28-053 = CGCG 127-054 = PGC 36740

11 46 47.1 +20 40 31; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 3.0'x2.4';  Surf Br = 14.6

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, fairly small, very slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located 17' N of NGC 3884 in the galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3883 = H III-372 on 13 Apr 1785 (sweep 398) and recorded "vF, cL, but moonlight is too strong to see it well."  His position is 13 sec of RA west and 3' south of UGC 6754.  Neither JH nor d'Arrest made an observation.

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NGC 3884 = UGC 6746 = MCG +04-28-051 = CGCG 127-052 = PGC 36706

11 46 12.1 +20 23 30; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad concentration, small faint core.  Located 4.5' NNE of mag 7.7 SAO 81978 within AGC 1367.

 

NGC 3884 forms a pair with IC 732 4' NW.  The companion is very faint, very small, very elongated. This system is a contact pair though was not resolved.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter middle increases to a small brighter core, very faint halo extended ~N-S.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3884 = H III-388 = h977 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r."  His position (CH's reduction) is just 3 sec of RA east of UGC 6746.  JH recorded "pF; nf a * 7m; Delta RA = 4.5 sec, dist 5'.  His offset from mag 7 HD 102243 is fairly close, but his position was 34 tsec of RA too far east.  Dreyer used JH's erroneous RA in the NGC, placing NGC 3884 east of NGC 3883, instead of west. This error was caught by Bigourdan but was not corrected by Dreyer in the IC Notes section.

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NGC 3885 = ESO 440-007 = MCG -05-28-006 = Mrk 186 = PGC 36737

11 46 46.4 -27 55 19; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 12 star is 1.4' ESE and a fainter mag 13.5 star is 1.4' SSE of center.  Located 6' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 180171.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3885 = H III-828 = h3359 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 939) and logged "eF, stellar.  Just preceding a very small star.  With 300x, R, vgbM."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position,

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NGC 3886 = UGC 6760 = MCG +03-30-111 = CGCG 097-147 = PGC 36756

11 47 05.6 +19 50 14; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  Member of AGC 1367.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3886 on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 6760 and the description mentions the mag 11 star that follows by 13.5 seconds of RA and 45" south.

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NGC 3887 = MCG -03-30-012 = UGCA 246 = PGC 36754

11 47 04.7 -16 51 16; Crt

V = 10.6;  Size 3.3'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 3.0'x2.0', broadly concentrated halo, no well-defined nucleus.  A mag 12 star is at the NE edge of the halo 1.2' from the center and a mag 13 star is off the SE edge 2.0' from center.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, diffuse.  Located 90' NE of mag 5 Zeta Crateris.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3887 = H I-120 = h979 = h3360 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "cB, L, bM, iR, 4 or 5' l and 3 or 4' br."  His position matches MCG -03-30-012 = PGC 36754.  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB; L; R; vgpmbM; r(?); 90"."  Based on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory, Harold Knox-Shaw described it as an open spiral.

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NGC 3888 = UGC 6765 = VV 455 = MCG +09-19-189 = CGCG 268-085 = Mrk 188 = PGC 36789

11 47 34.5 +55 58 01; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 120”

 

18" (2/14/10): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0'.  The galaxy is extended in the direction of a mag 12.5 star 1.9' WNW of center.  Appears brighter along the major axis and increases mildly to a nucleus that seems offset to the SE side.  Located south of a group of 5 mag 9-10.5 stars and 21' NNE of mag 5.3 HD 102328.  Several galaxy are in the vicinity including NGC 3898 16' NE, NGC 3889 3.7' NE and MCG +9-19-183 4.7' NNW.  AGC 1377, a distant cluster near the bright star, lies ~15' south!

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 1' W.  There are five fairly bright mag 9-10 stars to the NE and NW (including mag 8.8 SAO 28139 and mag 9.2 SAO 28134) arranged in two parallel strings.  Third of five in the NGC 3898 group with NGC 3889 3.7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3888 = H II-785 = h978 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "pB, S, lE."  His RA is 30 tsec too small.  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position (used in the NGC).

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NGC 3889 = MCG +09-19-191 = PGC 36819

11 47 48.2 +56 01 06; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 126”

 

18" (2/14/10): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness.  Located just 3.7' NE of NGC 3888.  The redshift (z = .054) implies this is an outlying member of AGC 1377.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE.  Located 3.7' NE of NGC 3888.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 3889 on 13 Mar 1852.  While observing NGC 3888 he noted "another F, S, 5' nf."  The faint galaxy MCG +09-19-191 is situated 3.7' northeast of NGC 3888 and is a reasonable candidate in position and brightness.  But a second observation by Lawrence Parsons on 1 Apr 1878 confused the situation as he logged "Nova, vF, vS, Pos 167.2 deg (SSE), Dist 340.5"."  This placed the nebula southeast of NGC 3888 instead of northeast.  In compiling the NGC, Dreyer was swayed by the second observation and placed NGC 3889 just 2 seconds of RA following NGC 3888 and 5.6' south and there is nothing at Parsons' position.

 

In an attempt to identify NGC 3889, the RNGC assigns it the same coordinates and new description as NGC 3850 which is located 17' WSW of NGC 3888!   Listed in my RNGC Corrections #1, WSQJ January 1985.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3890 = NGC 3939 = UGC 6788 = MCG +13-09-003 = CGCG 352-008 = PGC 36925

11 49 19.9 +74 18 08; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration, no noticeable core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3890 = H III-940 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM."  CH's reduced position (used in the GC) is 2.8' northwest of UGC 6788 = PGC 36925.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position, although the NGC position is 1.0 min of RA too far west.

 

WH later rediscovered this galaxy on the sweep of 2 Apr 1801 with large systematic errors in position and catalogued it again as III-971 = NGC 3939.  The corrected position in MN, 71, 509, 1911 reveals III-971 = III-940.  Dreyer mentioned the 1 tmin error in the NGC position of NGC 3890 and the equivalance with NGC 3890 in his notes to the 1912 version of WH's catalogues.

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NGC 3891 = UGC 6772 = MCG +05-28-031 = CGCG 157-035 = PGC 36832

11 48 03.3 +30 21 34; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 70”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a very small, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3891 = H II-723 = h980 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "pB, S, lE."  JH made three observations, logging "B; R; sbM; 20-30"." on sweep 65, and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 3892 = MCG -02-30-030 = LGG 248-004 = PGC 36827

11 48 00.9 -10 57 43; Crt

V = 11.5;  Size 3.0'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5', prominent core, very small brighter nucleus, large faint halo.  A mag 13.2 star is 2' NW and a mag 13.7 star is off the SW edge of the halo [1.1' from center].  Located 5' WSW of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest in a small, but spread out group (LGG 248 at z = .006) including NGC 3732 and 3779.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3892 = H II-553 = h981 = h3361 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "pB, pL, bM, iF.  To the south and a little preceding is a vS star inclosed in the nebulosity, which at first had the appearance of a small, stellar nebula."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel logged this galaxy from England as "L; R; gbM; 60"; r" and from the Cape of Good Hope as "pB; R; pL; 45"; first gradually the psbM."  Joseph Turner, observing on the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 5 Apr 1878 noted it this object was suddenly brighter to a nucleus.

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NGC 3893 = UGC 6778 = MCG +08-22-007 = CGCG 243-008 = Holm 293a = LGG 258-016 = PGC 36875

11 48 38.2 +48 42 39; UMa

V = 10.5;  Size 4.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

48" (5/9/18): I was quite impressed with this gorgeous asymmetric spiral.  At 488x and 610x it appeared very bright, very large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, slightly over 3'x2'.  The slightly elongated core contains a bright, circular nucleus that rises to a very bright non-stellar peak.  A prominent spiral arm is rooted at the southwest side of the core.  It emerges to the south with a 15th mag star superimposed, and unfurls fairly sharply clockwise to the southeast as it separates from the core. The arm shoots nearly straight north on the east end of the halo, ending nearly 1.5' NNE of center.  The arm is relatively thin and has a high contrast with the much darker interarm gap to the west.  An easy HII knot is within the arm, 50" ESE of center, and a second bright knot with a stellar center is just 15" S.  The northern section of the arm is mottled but I didn't notice any specific knots.  A second thin arm is attached on the east or northeast side of the core.  It curls around the north side of the core to the west and ends at a mag 13.4 star [0.9' NW of center].  This arm has a sharply defined, hard outer edge at 610x.  Forms a pair (similar redshift) with NGC 3896 3.7' SE.

 

MCG +08-22-009 was also picked up in the field 5' NE.  It appeared bright (V = 14.6), fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14", fairly high surface brightness. It contains a very small, very bright nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.6', broad moderate concentration, small bright core.  There is a hint of spiral structure with an impression of an arm attached at the SW end trailing to the east.  A mag 13.5 star is involved at the NW side 1.0' from the center and a mag 10.5 star is 3.1' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3896 3.7' SE.  NGC 3893 is a member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3893 = H II-738 = h982 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM."  His position is accurate.  JH logged "B; pL; R; gb and psmbM; 60"."

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 15 Apr 1852 with LdR's 72", logged "Spiral probably, knot in south edge and a * outside preceding edge."  The next night he also noted the "spiral branch seems to start from the south edge and go round the following and n sides as far as the preceding star."  Further observations of the spiral structure were made in 1857 and 1861.

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NGC 3894 = UGC 6779 = MCG +10-17-078 = CGCG 292-033 = Holm 294a = LGG 251-004 = PGC 36889

11 48 50.3 +59 24 56; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3894 = H I-248 = h983 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), along with NGC 3895, and logged "cB, pL, iF." John Herschel made two observations and noted "B; pL; R; pgmbM; the preceding of 2."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3895 = UGC 6785 = MCG +10-17-080 = CGCG 292-035 = Holm 294b = LGG 251-005 = PGC 36907

11 49 04.0 +59 25 57; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3894 2.2' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3895 = H II-832 = h984 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), along with NGC 3894, and logged "pB, pL, R." John Herschel made a single observation, "F; pL; E; gbM.  The foll of 2."

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NGC 3896 = UGC 6781 = MCG +08-22-008 = CGCG 243-009 = Holm 293b = LGG 258-017 = PGC 36897

11 48 56.4 +48 40 28; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

48" (5/9/18): at 488x and 610x; bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~0.9'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge [25" from center], and a mag 16.8 star is just off the west side [33" from center].  Fainter of pair with showpiece (in this aperture) NGC 3893 3.7' NW.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge 26" from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3893 3.7' NW.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3896 = H II-739, along with NGC 3893, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "F, vS."  His position is 2' too far north.  d'Arrest found it on 4 Dec 1861 and assumed it was new, though he made a transcription error and his position is 36 minutes of time too small.

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NGC 3897 = UGC 6784 = MCG +06-26-041 = CGCG 186-054 = PGC 36902

11 48 59.5 +35 00 58; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

18" (4/5/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration to center but no core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.5' NW.  Located 10' NW of mag 5.7 SAO 62718.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3897 = H II-408 = h986 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and noted "vF, vS, R."  CH's reduction is NGC 3897 is 12 sec of RA west of UGC 6784.  JH made three observations and called this galaxy either "pF" or "F".

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NGC 3898 = UGC 6787 = MCG +09-19-204 = CGCG 268-088 = CGCG 269-002 = LGG 250-005 = PGC 36921

11 49 15.3 +56 05 04; UMa

V = 10.7;  Size 4.4'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 107”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 3888 lies 15' SW. Brightest in the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (also UMa NED2 Group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3898 = H I-228 = h985 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, vB irr Ncl with F branches, 1 1/2' l, 3/4' br."  JH made 4 observation calling it (sweep 345) "B; pL; R; psmbM; 60"."

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NGC 3899 = NGC 3912 = UGC 6801 = MCG +05-28-037 = CGCG 157-041 = PGC 36979

11 50 04.5 +26 28 47; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3912.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3899 = h987 on 26 Mar 1827 and noted "pB, R, smbM".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA east and 2' north is NGC 3912 = h992 which was observed on three different sweeps, but not on the sweep in which he found h987.  Reinmuth noted the equivalence NGC 3899 = NGC 3912 and Corwin agrees with this equivalence.

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NGC 3900 = UGC 6786 = MCG +05-28-034 = CGCG 157-038 = PGC 36914

11 49 09.4 +27 01 19; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2'x1', brighter core, very small prominent round core, faint stellar nucleus.  Surrounded by a mag 11.5 star 3.3' S, a mag 10.5 star 4.6' NNE and a mag 12 star 5.0' ESE.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly bright, elongated, bright core, NGC 3912 30' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3900 = H I-82 = h988 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "pB, pS." JH made 6 observations, recording on sweep 57 "B; pL; R; sbM to nucleus; 40"."

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NGC 3901 = UGC 6675 = MCG +13-09-001 = CGCG 351-068 = CGCG 352-006 = LGG 284-010 = PGC 36386

11 42 49.7 +77 22 22; Cam

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 165”

 

18" (3/5/05): very faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, very weak concentration, elongated roughly 4:3 though it was difficult to pin down an orientation as the halo increased with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3901 = H III-970 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged ""vF, pL, r."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching UGC 6675 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 or Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752.

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NGC 3902 = UGC 6790 = MCG +04-28-055 = CGCG 127-060 = LGG 254-001 = PGC 36923

11 49 18.9 +26 07 18; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', weak concentration.  Member of the nearby group LGG 254 and located ~2 degrees NW of the NGC 4005 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3902 = H III-321 = h989 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, pS."  CH's reduction is 10 sec of time preceding UGC 6790. JH made two observations and measured a more accurate RA.

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NGC 3903 = ESO 378-024 = MCG -06-26-008 = AM 1146-371 = LGG 256-002 = PGC 36906

11 49 03.9 -37 31 02; Cen

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (5/15/10): faint at 175x or fairly faint at 220x, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~30"x25", just a broad weak concentration wit no core or zones.  Situated in a E-W line of stars with a mag 14 star 50" W and a mag 12 star 2.6' E.  A pair of mag 14/15 stars also lies 1.5' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3903 = h3362 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "pF; R or lE; gvlbM; among stars."  His position (measured twice) matches ESO 378-024.

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NGC 3904 = ESO 440-013 = MCG -05-28-009 = LGG 255-002 = LEDA 731258 = PGC 36918

11 49 13.2 -29 16 37; Hya

V = 10.9;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 8”

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core and a much fainter halo of uniform surface brightness.  NGC 3923 lies 40' NE.  Member of a group with NGC 3923, NGC 4105, IC 764 and NGC 4106.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 40' SW of NGC 3923.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3904 = H II-864 = h3363 on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "pB, S, R, vgmbM, almost resembling a nucleus."  CH's reduction is 2' southwest the center of this galaxy.  John Herschel made a single observation, noting "pB, R, psmbM, 15 arcseconds."

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NGC 3905 = MCG -01-30-035 = PGC 36909

11 49 04.9 -09 43 48; Crt

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.  Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 3' N and a mag 13 star 2' E.  The halo fades into the background so it is difficult to determine the elongation.

 

Andrew Common discovered NGC 3905 in 1880 with his 36" reflector.  He recorded #24 in his Copenicus discovery list as "F, L, diffused".  His (rough) position is 0.3 min of RA east and 2' south of MCG -01-30-035 = PGC 36909.

 

Ormond Stone found this galaxy again in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick and reported I-192 as "mag 15.5, 1.8' dia, iR, gbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) was essentially correct (30 sec of RA east).  Dreyer credited both Common and Stone in the NGC.

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NGC 3906 = UGC 6797 = MCG +08-22-012 = CGCG 243-011 = LGG 269-001 = PGC 36953

11 49 40.4 +48 25 33; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, fairly large, round, low surface brightness, broad mild concentration.  Bracketed by a mag 12.5 star 2.0' S and a mag 13.5 star 2.6' NNE of center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3906 = H III-715 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "eF, pS."  CH's reduction is at the west edge of UGC 6797.

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NGC 3907 = UGC 6796 = MCG +00-30-028 = CGCG 012-094 = Holm 295a = WBL 359-003 = PGC 36941

11 49 30.1 -01 05 12; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

18" (4/9/05): This is a close pair of galaxies (NGC 3907A/B) although John Herschel only recorded a single object.  The eastern component has a fairly high surface brightness and appears fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3' (viewed core only and missed the much fainter extensions).  Forms a close 1.7' pair with NGC 3907B = UGC 6793 just west.  The companion appears as a faint edge-on, ~3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.25', low even surface brighness.  UGC 6793 is larger, though has a lower surface brightness than NGC 3907.  Both galaxies were comparable in ease of viewing so it's surprising that Herschel missed one.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3907 = h990 on 15 Apr 1828 and noted "eF; S; psbM."  His position is just off the south side of UGC 6796, though his missed the nearby companion to the west.

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NGC 3908 = PGC 36967

11 49 52.7 +12 11 09; Leo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (3/9/13): very faint to faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.3' SE of a mag 10.6 star and 12' E of mag 8.6 HD 102633.

 

PGC 36967 is the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) in Abell 1390, with a light-travel time of 1.1 billion years (second most distant in the NGC)!  The densest part of the galaxy cluster is 10' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3908 = Sw. I-17 on 10 Apr 1885 and noted "F; vS; R; mbM."  There is nothing at his position, but 7' north is PGC 36967.  This galaxy is not catalogued in the MCG or CGCG and may be too faint for Swift to have noticed visually.  He called the galaxy "F[aint]", although he described difficult galaxies as "eF" or "eeF".  Even though there are no other nearby candidates, this identification is very uncertain.

 

The light-travel time for PGC 36967 is 1.1 billion years, and if seen by Swift is the second most distant galaxy in the NGC (after NGC 5609).

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NGC 3909 = ESO 217-008

11 50 07 -48 14 42; Cen

Size 18'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 145x): at 73x, this very large, scattered cluster contained ~75 stars mag 10-14 in a 20'x14' field, elongated E-W.  Many of the stars are arranged in a roughly circular (somewhat boxy) annulus, with relatively few stars in the interior.  Stands out reasonable well at low power, but unimpressive at 145x.  On the west side is HJ 4476, a 10.1/11.0 pair at 20".  A couple of doubles are on the east side, including a 13th mag pair at 14", and near the center is a mag 10.2/11.8 pair at 25".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3909 = h3364 on 1 Mar 1835 and logged "a fine, large, but coarse cl class VII; stars 9, 10, 11m; two double stars are in it."  On a later sweep he recorded "Place of a double star in a vL, no v comp cl, class VII, well defined and insulated, has about 50 or 60 st 9...12 m".  His position corresponds with a pair of mag 10-11 stars at 18" separation in a scattered group.   RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 3910 = UGC 6800 = MCG +04-28-058 = CGCG 127-063 = PGC 36971

11 49 59.3 +21 20 01; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval ~NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 30" off the NW edge and 1.0' NNW of center.

 

Otto Struve found NGC 3910 on 3 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg and recorded "a round nebula, 20" diameter, strong concentratin to center.  A star 10-11 is 48" north."  He found this object (along with 7 others) while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.

 

Although Struve is credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC, WH made the original discovery on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) though was not convinced it was a nebula.  He recorded "eF, eS.  Suspected, but may be a deception."  His position (CH's reduction) is less than 3' southwest of NGC 3910.  He never went back in a later sweep to confirm this object and the discovery was not published in his catalogues or assigned an internal discovery number.

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NGC 3911 = (R)NGC 3920 = UGC 6803 = VV 367 = MCG +04-28-059 = CGCG 127-064 = PGC 36981

11 50 06.0 +24 55 13; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 3920 lies 10' W.  The identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all modern catalogues.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3911 = H III-341 = h991 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS, but little exceeding the stellar.  240 showed it very plainly."  His position is 3' southwest of UGC 6803, within his typical margin of error.

 

But when John Herschel reobserved this field, he assumed UGC 6803 was new and took UGC 6795, a fainter galaxy 10' west, as his father's III-341. Furthermore, he only measured the declination and failed to measure the RA for either object (as they were past the meridian), but adopted his father's RA for UGC 6795 (assuming it was H. III-341).  This confusion resulted in the CGCG and other modern catalogues reversing the identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920.

 

The identifications given by Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin place the NGC labels on the historically correct galaxies, but this leaves the numbering out of order in RA (NGC 3920 precedes NGC 3911).  Instead, Courtney Seligman favors the NGC numbers in RA order with NGC 3911 on the western galaxy and NGC 3920 on the eastern.  He also assigns "H. III-314" on NGC 3920, the brighter galaxy.  This is consistent with modern catalogues.

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NGC 3912 = NGC 3899 = UGC 6801 = MCG +05-28-037 = CGCG 157-041 = PGC 36979

11 50 04.5 +26 28 47; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.6'.  Broad concentration with a brighter core but no well-defined nucleus.  The surface brightness is irregular at 280x.  Sky transparency and seeing conditions poor.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, elongated N-S.  NGC 3902 lies 23' SSW and NGC 3900 30' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3912 = H II-342 = h992 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, pL."  JH made three observations, noting on sweep 343, "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"."  h987 = NGC 3899 is a fourth observation on 26 Mar 1827 with a similar description, but his position was 1.0 tmin west.  So, NGC 3912 = NGC 3899, with NGC 3912 the principal designation.

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NGC 3913 = IC 740 = UGC 6813 = MCG +09-20-001 = CGCG 268-092 = CGCG 269-004 = Holm 296a = LGG 241-005 = PGC 37024

11 50 38.9 +55 21 13; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.5

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly large, 2' diameter.  The halo has a very low surface brightness with a weak, broad concentration to a small brighter core.  NGC 3916 lies 13' S and NGC 3921 is 17' SSE.  NGC 3913 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group and the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  NGC 3916 and NGC 3921 are located about 15' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3913 = H II-786 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920), along with nearby NGC 3916 and 3921, and noted "F, E."  His position (CH's reduction) is 2' southwest of UGC 6813.

 

Lewis Swift "rediscovered" this galaxy on 8 May 1890 and described "eeF; pL; iR; 3916-3921 in field."  Dreyer recatalogued it IC 740.  Both positions are close enough to each other, that I'm surprised neither suggested the equivalence.  So, NGC 3913 = IC 740.

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NGC 3914 = UGC 6809 = MCG +01-30-017 = CGCG 040-050 = PGC 37014

11 50 32.7 +06 34 05; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Either a knot or more likely a faint star is superimposed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3914 = H III-90 = h995 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191)and noted "vF, vS, not mbM.  Near some bright stars and very near a faint star."  JH logged (sweep 253) "F; R: 15"; has a * 13m, 70" dist np."

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NGC 3915

11 50 30 -05 09; Vir

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3915 = H. III-113 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "eF, eS.  240x showed 2 vS close stars with nebulosity between them; but probably a more favorable evening will prove it a deception."  There is nothing at his position (nor for NGC 3679 = H. III-112, the previous object in the sweep), though 1.0 min of RA preceding is IC 2963 and Wolfgang Steinicke identifies NGC 3915 as IC 2963.

 

Harold Corwin notes that the NGC position is from Christian Peters (in his Copernicus lists).   There is nothing near Peters' position (a bit further east than WH's), but perhaps he measured a poor position for IC 2963, which is 1.1 minutes of RA west of his position, or refers to IC 741, which is 19' N of his position.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3915 might be LEDA 170172 at 11 46 55.6 -05 11 16 (J2000), though IC 2963 seems a more likely candidate to me.  PGC (and HyperLEDA) identifies NGC 3915 as IC 738 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  With all these uncertainties, I've listed the number as Not Found.

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NGC 3916 = UGC 6819 = MCG +09-20-005 = CGCG 269-005 = CGCG 268-093 = PGC 37047

11 50 51.0 +55 08 36; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 4:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.3'.  Arp 224 = NGC 3921 lies 4.5' SE, MCG +09-19-213 is 5.8' SSW and PGC 2491113 (part of Arp 224) is 3.6' ESE.

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.2'.  NGC 3921 lies 4.5' SE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, thin edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3921 4.5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3916 = H II-787 = h993 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "Two, the south-following [NGC 3921], which is that of which the place is taken, is pB, S [with another [NGC 3916] north-preceding about 5', it precedes the other about 5 sec in time.)"  JH logged "eF; R; gbM" and his position is within 1' of UGC 6819.

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NGC 3917 = UGC 6815 = MCG +09-20-008 = CGCG 268-093 = LGG 258-002 = PGC 37036

11 50 45.4 +51 49 28; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 5.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, broad concentration without a distinct nucleus.  Two stars are off the south edge; a mag 13.5 star 1.3' S and a mag 14 star 1.3' SE of center.  I missed the 16th magnitude flat galaxy UGC 6802 6.2' WNW.  NGC 3917 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3917 = H II-824 = h994 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and recorded "'B, mE, about 6' l and 2' br."  CH's reduced position is 5' north of UGC 6815 and the description matches perfectly.  JH made a single observation and logged "F; vmE; vgbM; 150" l, 30" br."  Although he equated h994 with II-824 in the Slough Catalogue, he assigned a separate GC designation to II-824 and placed it 1” too far north.  The two GC designations were combined by Dreyer in the NGC.

 

The RA in the RNGC is 0.7 min of RA too far east.  There is a similar offset for NGC 3921 located 3” north.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 3918 = PK 294+4.1 = ESO 170-13 = PN G294.6+04.7 = Blue Planetary

11 50 17.8 -57 10 56; Cen

V = 8.2;  Size 19"

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x the "Blue Planetary" has an even, extremely high surface brightness disc of 15" and a saturated, vivid blue color.  The edge is crisply defined and the disc has a uniform surface brightness.  At 350x, the planetary is oval or irregular, perhaps 18"x15".  There was no sign of the central star, though I didn't try high powers.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x appears as a bright, beautiful blue cosmic egg floating in a rich star field, ~15" diameter.  The surface brightness is extremely high and uniformly lit, with a sharply defined edge to the disc.  At 228x, the planetary appears to be set in the middle of an absorption hole in the Milky Way as there are very few faint stars in a 4' to 5' circular region surrounding the planetary.  Outside this hole, the Milky Way background is very evident and fairly bright.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 195x, this 8th magnitude planetary appears as a beautiful 10"-12" blue disc with a very crisp edge.  No central star was glimpsed or other structural details at this magnification though the surface brightness is unusually high.  Situated in a rich star field but set near the middle of a oval 12'-13' ring of mag 11 and 12 stars which are near the periphery of the 17' field at 195x!  Located 8.4' SSW of mag 8.1 HD 102817 and 19' SW of mag 5.6 HD 103101.  The open cluster NGC 3960 lies 90' N.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, the "Blue Planetary" appears as a bright, round disc, ~15" diameter with a vivid blue color (V = 8.2).  The surface brightness is very high and the edge of the halo is crisply defined, but no structural details or central star were noted.  Good response to UHC filter, although it was unnecessary for a good view.  The Milky Way is quite rich here in faint stars but the planetary seems to be set a darker, circular hole without the faint background glow - a contrast affect with the PN?

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3918 = h3365 on 3 Apr 1834 and described this planetary as "perfectly round; very planetary; color fine blue;...very like Uranus, only about half as large again and blue."  In a letter to Francis Baily from the Cape of Good Hope dated 22 Oct 1834, he added "On the 3d of April I discovered another fine planetary nebula, having a perfectly sharp disc, without the least haziness, of about 6" diameter.  The most remarkable feature about this is its evident blue colour, which needs not the presence of lamp light, or that of any red star, to be very conspicuous, as it appears when the nebula stands alone in a dark field."  On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote, he noted the color as "a beautiful rich blue, between prussian blue and verditter green...its outline is sharp and clean, and perhaps a very little elliptic.  A feeble lamp light gives a deep indigo contrasted color."

 

James Dunlop first recorded this planetary in the Brisbane Star Catalogue of 1826 as a "fine blue starÓ (#3807) but did not note its non-stellar appearance.

 

Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi (1885) sketched the planetary with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 57).

 

The term "planetary", of course, had been used by William Herschel but he never made an analogy to Uranus.  John Herschel wrote in his "A Treatise on AstronomyÓ, "They [planetary nebulae] have, as their name, exactly the appearance of planets."  He also reported the colors of several as shades of blue (NGC 7009, 7662, 3242, 3918).  See additional comments on M57.

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NGC 3919 = UGC 6810 = MCG +03-30-119 = CGCG 097-161 = PGC 37032

11 50 41.5 +20 00 54; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' ENE of center.  A mag 15.7z galaxy 3' NE was not noticed.  Located 80' E of the core of AGC 1367.  With a similar redshift, this galaxy seems likely to be an outlying member.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3919 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 6810 and he mentions the mag 14 star that follows by 4.3 seconds of RA, and slightly north.

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NGC 3920 = (R)NGC 3911 = UGC 6795 = MCG +04-28-056 = CGCG 127-061 = PGC 36926

11 49 22.2 +24 56 19; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, small, round, ~30" diameter.  A mag 10.5 star is just off the west edge (40" W of center) which hinders observation.  NGC 3911 lies 10.5' E.  The identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all catalogues.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3920 = h996 on 28 Mar 1832.  Although he gives no visual description, he mentioned  "Follows III 341 [NGC 3911] on same parallel."  He was confused on the identification of H. III 341 and assigned the nova to the wrong object.  Because of this confusion, the identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all modern catalogues.  This error is discussed in Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections, WSQJ April 1989 and CGCG Corrections.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3921 = Arp 224 = VV 31 = UGC 6823 = MCG +09-20-009 = CGCG 268-095 = CGCG 269-007 = I Zw 28 = Mrk 430 = PGC 37063

11 51 06.8 +55 04 43; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x; the "core" of this disrupted galaxy is very bright, oval 4:3 N-3, ~25"x20", fairly sharply concentrated with a small intense nucleus that brightens to a blazing stellar center.  A large, faint tear-drop shaped plume extends from the core 1' due south.  The plume forms an elongated loop or ring with a brighter rim. The offset, brilliant core sits at the north edge of the loop.

 

PGC 2489542 lies 1.2' SW and appeared faint, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~12"x6".  PGC 2491113 is 2.4' NNE and was fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 12"x9".  These two fainter galaxies are captured in Arp's 200-inch photo.  Also nearby are MCG +09-19-213 5' WSW and NGC 3916 5' NW.  NGC 3921 is considered a proto-typical late stage merger-remnant with two long, crossed tidal tails indicating a merger of two former disk galaxies.

 

18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo. NGC 3916 lies 4.4' WNW.  This is a disrupted galaxy with an off-set nucleus and long filamentary arms.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round, small very bright core.  Brightest of three with NGC 3916 4.5' NNW and MCG +09-19-213 5' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3921 = H II-788 = h997 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "Two, the south-following [NGC 3921], which is that of which the place is taken, is pB, S [with another [NGC 3916] north-preceding about 5', it precedes the other about 5 sec in time.)"  JH logged "pB; R; psbM" and measured an accurate position. The RA in the RNGC is 0.5 min too large.

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NGC 3922 = NGC 3924 = UGC 6824 = MCG +08-22-017 = CGCG 269-008 = CGCG 243-017 = LGG 258-001 = PGC 37072

11 51 13.4 +50 09 25; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 38”

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', fairly low surface brightness, slightly brighter middle.  A 20" pair of mag 12/13 stars lies 4' SE.  NGC 3922 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3922 = H III-716 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is 3' north of UGC 6824 = PGC 37072. There are no other objects close by, so this identification is solid.  He observed this galaxy again on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and measured a very similar position, but recorded it again as II-825 = NGC 3924.  So, NGC 3922 = NGC 3924.

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NGC 3923 = ESO 440-017 = MCG -05-28-012 = PGC 37061

11 51 01.8 -28 48 21; Hya

V = 9.8;  Size 5.9'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 50”

 

24" (4/13/18): at 200x; very bright, large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright and very small core that seems mottled, highlighted by a stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is situated at the southwest edge of the core.  The core is surrounded by a large, much fainter oval halo that increases in size with averted vision and extends at least 4'x2'.

 

Supernova 2018aoz, discovered on April 2 (11 days ago) was surprisingly bright at mag ~13.0 and very easy to identify 3.7' N of center.  It was clearly brighter than a mag 13.5 star superimposed at the southwest edge of the halo.

 

18" (4/29/06): very bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.5'.  Well-concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  The relatively fainter halo increases in size with averted vision.  This well-studied galaxy is surrounded by concentric gaseous shells of material.

 

8" (5/21/82): bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright nucleus.  NGC 3904 lies 40' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3923 = H I-259 = h3366 on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "cB, pL, gbM, lE, the brightness takes up a large space of it."  His position is at the southwest edge of the galaxy.  John Herschel made two observations, first logging "B, pL, lE, glbM, 80" long, 50" broad, resolvable."

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NGC 3924 = NGC 3922 = UGC 6824 = MCG +08-22-017 = CGCG 269-008 = CGCG 243-017 = PGC 37072

11 51 13.4 +50 09 26; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3922.  This number is incorrectly applied to UGC 6849 in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG, RC3!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3924 = H II-825 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and recorded "pB, L, bM, iF."  His position is just far enough off (3' north-northeast of UGC 6824) that WH didn't equate it with III-716 = NGC 3922, which he previously discovered on 9 Mar 1788.  Dreyer later realized the equivalence and noted in his 1912 Monthly Notices paper on NGC corrections "to be struck out (= 3922)".  CGCG, UGC, RNGC and RC3 misidentify UGC 6849 as NGC 3924. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3925 = MCG +04-28-071 = CGCG 127-075 = PGC 37078

11 51 21.0 +21 53 20; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.4'.  Located 4.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  A mag 11.5 star lies 4' ESE and a nice equal mag 13 pair [12" separation] is 4' ENE.  The double system NGC 3926 is the field 8' N.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3925 on 19 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured twice, matches CGCG 127-075 = PGC 37078, and he mentions the double star (in my notes) that follows by 19 seconds of time.  The RNGC declination is 2' too far north.

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NGC 3926 = VV 218a/b = UGC 6829 = MCG +04-28-074 = CGCG 127-076 = PGC 37079 = PGC 37080

11 51 28.2 +22 01 33; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8'

 

24" (5/20/20): NGC 3926 is an overlapping pair with the nuclei separated by 24" and the halos overlapping.  The eastern component is the larger and brighter and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a quasi-stellar nucleus at most 10" diameter.  The nucleus of the western galaxy was also easily visible at 225x and 375x and similar in brightness.  But only a 10" core could be distinguished as the halos are merged.  Overall, the dimensions were ~40"x20" in an E-W orientation.

 

CGCG 127-079, just 2.5' NE, appeared faint, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness, 24"x18".

 

17.5" (5/4/02): this is a double system in a common envelope.  The combined glow is elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.3'.  In moments of better seeing, the system resolved into a contact pair with the brighter component (VV 218b) on the east end and the companion appearing as a very small knot (VV 218a) at the west edge!  The separation is just 24" between centers.  NGC 3925 is 8' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3926 = H III-379 = h998 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "eF, lE, easily resolvable, may be a patch of stars, the night not being dark enough."  JH made a single observation, logging "eF; R; S; near a star." Perhaps his comment about near a star refers to the western component!

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NGC 3927 = NGC 3713:

11 31 42.0 +28 09 13; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3713.  = Not found, Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3927 on 27 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There are no stellar or nonstellar objects near his single position.  He mentioned the observation was beyond doubt, but the sky conditions were poor.  No one has suggested or found a plausible candidate.  Harold Corwin concludes "NGC 3927 is probably lost for good."

 

But in April 2015, after checking possible digit errors in d'Arrest's postion I found that if he made a 20 minute error in time (too large) then his position is a very close match with NGC 3713.  After notifying Harold Corwin, he concurs this is the only reasonable identification though still leaves a bit of uncertainty as d'Arrest failed to mention any nearby stars.

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NGC 3928 = UGC 6834 = Mrk 190 = MCG +08-22-019 = CGCG 243-019 = LGG 258-018 = PGC 37136 = Miniature Spiral

11 51 47.6 +48 40 59; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Bracketed between a mag 13.5 star 1.3' SE and a mag 14 star 1.9' NNW of center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3928 = H II-740 = h999 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, pS, stellar."  Caroline Herschel's reduction is 1.7' northeast of UGC 6834.  JH called it "not vF; S; R; pspmbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3929 = UGC 6832 = MCG +04-28-076 = CGCG 127-080 = PGC 37126

11 51 42.5 +21 00 09; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is at the SE end 0.5' from center.  Located at the center of triangle formed by a mag 11 star 1.7' SE and two mag 13.5 stars 1.8' N and 2.0' W.  NGC 3940 lies 12' E.  Member of the NGC 3937 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3929 on 4 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 2 nights, matches UGC 6832 and he accurately placed the mag 11 star that follows by 5.3 seconds of RA and 1' south.

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NGC 3930 = UGC 6833 = MCG +06-26-045 = CGCG 186-059 = Holm 300a = PGC 37132

11 51 45.8 +38 00 54; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 3.2'x2.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 30”

 

18" (4/5/03): very faint, moderately large, round.  Appears as a very diffuse ill-defined glow with just a weak concentration.  It was not initially noticed initially in the field.  Located 2.5' E of a mag 13 star, the southernmost of three collinear mag 13/13.5 stars.  John Herschel mentioned a 7th magnitude star which followed due east by 3'.  This is Groombridge 1830, which has the third fastest known proper motion (7.04"/yr) and this star is now roughly 23' SE!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3930 = H III-616 = h1000 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "vF, cS, just south of a star 6th mag.  I suspected at first that my glass had been affect with damp." On 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) he logged "eF, irr figure, 3 or 4' dia, resolvable.  About 5' south of a star 6th mag."  In his 1814 PT paper, WH mentions that on one observation he logged "A star of the 6th magnitude, about 5' north of a very faint nebula, or an irregular figure."  But on a observation two years before, the two objects were then so near each other, as, at first sight, it caused a suspicion that some damp had settled upon the eye-glass and affected the star.  He commented this might suggest that the nebula had a considerable proper motion, though differences in observing conditions might account for the difference.   Coincidentally, this star is Groombridge 1830, which has the third fastest known proper motion of 7.04"/yr and this star is now roughly 23' SE!  But in a two-year period there was not a significant proper motion of the star.

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NGC 3931 = NGC 3917A = UGC 6825 = MCG +09-20-011 = CGCG 268-096 = CGCG 269-009 = LGG 258-031 = PGC 37073

11 51 13.4 +52 00 02; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 4.9' W of mag 8.6 SAO 28166.  NGC 3917 lies 11' NNE.  NGC 3931 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3931 = H III-769 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and noted "cF, S."  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA preceding, and 2' north is UGC 6825.  Philip Keenan rediscovered this galaxy on a Yerkes Observatory plate and labeled it NGC 3917A (assuming it was new) in his 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62).  All objects were assigned NGC + letter designations based on the nearest NGC object on the plate. "  He determined a magnitude of 13.9.

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey, identified PGC 37168 as NGC 3931.  This galaxy is close to WH's position, but UGC 6825 is much brighter and more likely to have been picked up.  CGCG and MCG do not label their corresponding catalogue entries as NGC 3931.  Both Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thompson discuss this identification.

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NGC 3932

11 52 10.8 +48 37 13; UMa

 

= * 5.5' SE NGC 3928, RC1 and Thomson.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.  See CGCG 243-022 for notes.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3932 on 4 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position in AN 1500 corresponds with a mag 13 star 5.5' southeast of NGC 3928.  d'Arrest didn't include this object in his compilation of observations "Siderum Nebulosorum" (1867).  RNGC, CGCG and MCG misidentify CGCG 243-022 = PGC 37194 as NGC 3932.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3933 = UGC 6839 = MCG +03-30-122 = CGCG 097-170 = PGC 37156

11 52 02.0 +16 48 35; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3934 3.6' NE.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 3933, along with NGC 3934, around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory.  His description (5) reads "pF, E, elliptic, no bright point" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 matches UGC 6839.  Dreyer included the discovery in the GC Supplement (5588).  The pair was independently found by PechŸle in 1884 in Copenhagen.

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NGC 3934 = UGC 6841 = MCG +03-30-123 = CGCG 097-171 = PGC 37170

11 52 12.6 +16 51 06; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2.0' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 3933 3.6' SW.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 3934, along with NGC 3933, around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseille Observatory.  His description (6) reads "eF, nearly round, almost undiscernable" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 matches UGC 6839.  Dreyer included the discovery in the GC Supplement (5589).  The pair was independently found by PechŸle in 1884 in Copenhagen.

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NGC 3935 = UGC 6843 = MCG +06-26-049 = CGCG 186-061 = PGC 37183

11 52 24.1 +32 24 15; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3935 = h1001 on 29 Apr 1827 and noted "pB; R; psbM."  His mean position (from 3 sweeps) is an excellent match with UGC 6843. Alphonse Borrelly's position in AN 1885 appears to have a typo in RA as he placed this object 23 sec of RA west of NGC 3933.  Since Borrelly listed this object after NGC 3933 in his short table, he may have communicated the correct RA to Dreyer.

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NGC 3936 = ESO 504-020 = MCG -04-28-004 = UGCA 248 = PGC 37178

11 52 20.5 -26 54 21; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 3.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 63”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.6', fairly even surface brightness.  A mag 10.5 star is 4.8' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3936 = h3367 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vmE; 2' l; 15" br; pos of extension = 59.3”."  His position and description match ESO 504-020.  Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 3' x 0.25', E 75”; spiral seen edge-wise; no nucleus."

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NGC 3937 = UGC 6851 = MCG +04-28-081 = CGCG 127-088 = PGC 37219

11 52 42.6 +20 37 52; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, very small, slightly elongated, small very bright core.  Brightest in the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3943 9.8' SSE and IC 2968 2.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3937 = H III-389 = h1003 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS."  JH made a single observation and measured an accurate position.

 

The RNGC equates NGC 3937 with IC 2968, but IC 2968 is a separate galaxy located 3' west (see that number).

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NGC 3938 = UGC 6856 = MCG +07-25-001 = CGCG 214-034 = CGCG 215-002 = LGG 269-002 = PGC 37229

11 52 49.4 +44 07 15; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 5.4'x4.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

48" (5/10/18):  at 375x; I was very impressed with this gorgeous face-on spiral!  Very bright, roundish, over 4' diameter, strongly concentrated with a well defined, very bright round core and bright stellar nucleus. Three principal spiral arms were easily visible.  A thin inner arm can be traced 180”; it originates just south of the core and curls counterclockwise towards the west.  It dims out as it extends north along the west side [~0.6' from center] but brightens noticeably as it spirals out and detaches from the central region on the northwest side, ending nearly due north [1.3' from center].  A shorter outer arm on the west side was easily visible [at a radius of 1.5'], curving 90” from the southwest to the northwest.  These two western arms are separated by a darker interarm gap

 

The eastern arms have a noticeably lower contrast.  The inner eastern arm can be traced with the help of a wide, darker dust lane immediately to its east.  The arm disappears into the halo on the south side but just further west two small HII knots, ~6" diameter each, were visible. The knots are separated by 20" E-W, and isolated on the southwest edge of the halo.  The 1983 Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" includes multiple designations including #120 [1.4' SSW of center] and #140 [1.5' SW of center].  A 15th magnitude star is ~1' W, just beyond the halo on the SW end.

 

The outer arm on the eastern edge of the halo could mostly be traced by three HII knots within the arm.  The largest is an easily visible 12"-15" patch (#23) on the NE edge of the halo [2.2' from center]. Also 2' ENE of center are a pair of faint knots only ~5" diameter.  These are separated by 12" in a N-S orientation, with the northern knot (#3) slightly brighter than the southern (#4).

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly large, large round halo, 3'x3', fairly weak concentration, core appears elongated E-W, faint stellar nucleus embedded.  This galaxy, along with NGC 4051 and NGC 4111, are the brightest members of the NGC 4111 group (LGG 269) in the UMa Cloud.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3938 = H I-203 = h1002 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "cB, cL, R pBNM."  JH made two observations, logging on sweep 248 "a superb nebula; B; vL; R; 3' diam; vgbM; r; is probably a globular cluster."

 

On 17 Mar 1849, Johnstone Stoney logged that he "Suspect it to be a spiral.  Lord Rosse and I independently thought at moments that were saw a ring around the nucleus.  Two years later, Bindon Stoney wrote "Spiral of the faintest class.  The middle is pB, but branches vF.  Conjectured form as in diagram [which shows a 3-armed spiral]."  Listed as "Spiral or curvilinear" in LdR's 1850 PT paper.

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NGC 3939 = NGC 3890 = UGC 6788 = MCG +13-09-003 = CGCG 352-008 = PGC 36925

11 49 19.9 +74 18 08; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 3890.

 

William Herschel found NGC 3939 = H III-971 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "eF, vS, R."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching UGC 678 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues.  See NGC 2938 for more on sweep 1096 or Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752.

 

Interestingly, Herschel had already discovered this galaxy on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and it was catalogued as H. III-940 (later NGC 3890).  So, NGC 3939 is a duplicate of NGC 3890.

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NGC 3940 = UGC 6852 = MCG +04-28-082 = CGCG 127-089 = PGC 37224

11 52 46.5 +20 59 21; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

24" (5/20/20): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, slightly brighter core that is sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus, ~40" diameter with suggestions of a larger very low surface brightness halo.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' SE.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3946 8.2' ENE and NGC 3929 12' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3940 = H III-380 = h1004 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "F, S."  His position is 10 sec of RA following UGC 6852.  WH found NGC 3940 again on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) and noted "suspected; but doubtful; probably 2 vF and very close stars."  On this sweep, CH's reduction is 3' too far south-southwest, though he didn't equate it with his earlier observation.

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NGC 3941 = UGC 6857 = MCG +06-26-051 = CGCG 186-062 = PGC 37235

11 52 55.3 +36 59 10; UMa

V = 10.3;  Size 3.6'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 10”

 

24" (2/15/18): at 200x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.8'.  Sharply concentrated with an intense core.  At 375x the core increases to a very small, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Type Ia SN 2018pv (discovered on 3 Feb at the pre-max stage) was easily visible at 13th magnitude, but located only 4" E of center, right up against the edge of the bright nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2.5'x1.2', high surface brightness, small very bright mottled core, substellar nucleus, fairly small halo.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' ENE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3941 = H I-173 = h1005 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 719) and recorded "vB, R, NM but very gradually diminishing about 2 1/2' diam."  His position (CH's reduction) is 3' too far north.  JH made three observation and measured a more accurate position.  Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 17 Apr 1862, questioned if it was a "right-handed spiral?"

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NGC 3942 = MCG -02-30-035 = PGC 37099

11 51 30.1 -11 25 29; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 127”

 

18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.6'.  Low, even surface brightness with no discernable core.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3942 = LM 2-451 and reported "mag 16.0, 0.8'x0.5', E 160”, gvlbM." There is nothing near his position, but 1.3 min of RA due west is MCG -02-30-035 = PGC 37099 and the description is a reasonable fit.  Due to the poor position, Bigourdan could not find this object.

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NGC 3943 = MCG +04-28-084 = CGCG 127-090 = PGC 37237

11 52 56.6 +20 28 44; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, oval, small bright core.  Located 6' NE of mag 7.3 SAO 82020.  Located in a group with NGC 3937 9' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3943 on 27 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 2 nights, matches CGCG 127-090 = PGC 37237 and he accurately placed the mag 13 star that precedes by 15.5 sec of RA.

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NGC 3944 = UGC 6859 = MCG +04-28-085 = CGCG 127-091 = CGCG 157-048 = LGG 254-004 = PGC 37244

11 53 05.1 +26 12 25; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', brighter core.  Situated between two mag 10.5-11 stars 2.5' W and 3.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3944 = H III-322 = h1007 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and simply noted "vF, stellar."  CH's reduction is 3.7' southwest of UGC 6859.  JH made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3945 = UGC 6860 = MCG +10-17-096 = CGCG 292-042 = PGC 37258

11 53 13.6 +60 40 32; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 5.8'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 2.0'x1.5'.  The small, very bright core has sharp edges and appears mottled with bright spots.  The slightly elongated halo is much fainter.  Three stars are near; a mag 12 star is 1.3' SW and two mag 13.5 star lie 1.7' NW and 1.3' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3945 = H I-251 = h1006 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, perfectly R, BN with F chevelure joining to it by imperceptible degrees; the whole about 1 1/2' dia.  CH's reduced position is 16 tsec of RA too small.  JH made two observations and logged on sweep 344 "B; R; psbM; 60"; a star precedes 8 sec of time from neb in PA 215.9”."

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NGC 3946 = MCG +04-28-089 = CGCG 127-096 = PGC 37268

11 53 20.6 +21 01 17; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 3.0' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3954 9.6' SE and NGC 3940 8' W.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3946 = Big 49, along with NGC 3948, on 23 Apr 1886.  His position is an exact match with CGCG 127-096 = PGC 37268.

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NGC 3947 = UGC 6863 = MCG +04-28-088 = CGCG 127-095 = PGC 37264

11 53 20.3 +20 45 06; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval E-W.  A mag 15.5 star is at the east edge 0.9' from center.  Located 3.2' SE of a mag 10 star.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with CGCG 127-092 6.0' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3947 = H II-403 = h1008 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "F, S, irr F."  His position is 17 sec too far west.  He measured a more accurate position on two later observations, including 27 Dec 1785 (sweep 671).  JH recorded "F; mE; bM; a coarse D * precedes."

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NGC 3948

11 53 36.7 +20 57 03; Leo

 

= *, Corwin

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3948 = Big 50 on 23 Jun 1886.  There are no galaxies at his position, which is 14 sec of RA east and 4' south of NGC 3946, which he also discovered.  At this offset, though is a mag 13.4 star.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 3954 as NGC 3948.

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NGC 3949 = UGC 6869 = MCG +08-22-029 = CGCG 243-025 = Holm 301a = PGC 37290

11 53 41.6 +47 51 31; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): bright, fairly large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration, substellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 3950 1.8' N (appears stellar).  A mag 15 star lies 3.0' NE of center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3949 = H I-202 = h1009 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and logged "pB or cB, pS, lE." JH made two observations, first logging "B; mE; vgbM."  Nearby NGC 3950 was found at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3950 = MCG +08-22-030: = Holm 301b = PGC 37294

11 53 41.3 +47 53 05; UMa

V = 15.5;  Size 0.4'x0.35'

 

17.5" (4/7/89): seen as an extremely faint mag 15.5-16.0 stellar object located 1.8' N of NGC 3949.  The redshift-based light travel time is 1 billion years!

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3950 on 31 Mar 1872.  While observing NGC 3949 = GC 2604 he noted a "companion nebula north about 2.5'."  On 27 Apr 1875, Dreyer's micrometric measurement placed the nova in position angle 356.5” (north), distance 154.6".  There is a very faint galaxy, PGC 37294, close north but the separation is only 1.6', so Dreyer's offset is 1' too far north.  Despite the error, this galaxy was likely seen at Birr Castle.  Karl Reinmuth identifies this galaxy as NGC 3950 in his 1926 photographic survey Die Herschel-Nebel.

 

The RNGC position is 4' north of NGC 3949.  Dorothy Carlson misidentifies NGC 3950 as a star.

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NGC 3951 = UGC 6867 = MCG +04-28-090 = CGCG 127-099 = PGC 37288

11 53 41.2 +23 22 56; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.5', weak concentration.  Brightest in a string of five galaxies including UGC 6846 and 6855 to the NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3951 = H III-342 = h1010 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS, lE."  JH noted "vF; S; R" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3952 = IC 2972 = MCG -01-30-044 = PGC 37285

11 53 40.6 -03 59 46; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 85”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad weak concentration, ~50"x20".  Mag 8.2 HD 103252 is 7.5' NNW.  Observation several hours past the meridian (elevation 25”).

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, thin edge-on, faint arms ~E-W, brighter core.  Located 7.5' SSE of mag 8.3 SAO 138460.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3952 = H III-612 = h1012 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "vF, cS, E."  Caroline's reduction is 2' north of MCG -01-30-044 = PGC 37285.  John Herschel made 3 observations and on sweep 147 called it "F; lE; nearly in parallel; resolvable??"

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 23 Mar 1895 and reported Sw. XI-127 (later IC 2972) as "vF; pS; R; 2 B stars n and np; s of 2 [with IC 2969]."  His position is very close to NGC 3952, so it's surprising that neither Swift nor Dreyer realized the equivalence IC 2972 = NGC 3952.

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NGC 3953 = UGC 6870 = MCG +09-20-026 = CGCG 269-013 = LGG 258-004 = PGC 37306

11 53 48.8 +52 19 35; UMa

V = 10.1;  Size 6.9'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 13”

 

48" (5/2/19): at 375x and 545x; very bright, large spiral with 3 visible arms, extending .nearly 6'x2.5' SSW-NNE  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright, round nucleus.  A moderate contrast bar extends through the nucleus in a SW-NE orientation.  A long, gently curving spiral arm extends north into the outer halo and curves counterclockwise to the NE.  A low contrast, long spiral arm (~2.5' in length) drapes due south on the east side of the core/bar.  A mag 14.5 star is just within this arm [0.9' NE of center]. An extremely faint HII patch is east of this arm at the edge of the halo [1.4' E of center].  Finally, an outer section of the southern spiral arm was easily seen and brightest in a patch at the south tip [2' from center].  The arms bends sharply from SW to NE at the outer end.  A mag 14 star is close to the W edge [51" from center].

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very bright, very large, elongated ~N-S, 5'x2', very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge, 0.9' from the center, and a brighter mag 11 star is off the NE side, 2.7' from center.  NGC 3953 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

16x80 finder (3/19/88): visible as a fairly large, elongated patch.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3953 = H V-45 = h1011 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "cB, Br N with F branches, 6 or 7' l, 3 or 4' br."  JH reported "B; L; vsbM; r; 3' diam.  Fine object."

 

It has been proposed that NGC 3953, and not NGC 3992, is the object discovered by Pierre MŽchain, and associated with M109.  See http://www.astrobril.nl/FortinOther.html#M109

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant on 3 Mar 1851, reported "S neb, vF, 6' npp."  Although this object was not mentioned again in 3 later observations at Birr Castle, it probably refers to 16th magnitude PGC 2412642, 4.5' WNW of center (Steinicke concurs).  R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 19 Apr 1857 at Birr Castle (included in LdR's 1861 publication).

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NGC 3954 = UGC 6866 = MCG +04-28-091 = CGCG 127-098 = PGC 37291

11 53 41.7 +20 52 57; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 10 star 4.4' SSE and a mag 11 star 4.2' SSW.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3947 10' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3954 = H III-381 = h1013 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "vF, R."  His re-reduced position is 10 sec of RA following UGC 6866.  Caroline made a 2” 25' error in reducing the declination, so John Herschel assumed h1013 was new.  His position is just 40" southeast of center.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1891 at the Stasbourg Observatory (published in 1907).

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NGC 3955 = ESO 504-026 = MCG -04-28-005 = AM 1151-225 = LGG 263-013 = PGC 37320

11 53 57.1 -23 09 50; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE, 2.3'x0.6', broad concentration to a 1.5' diameter core.  A mag 14.5 star is just preceding the NNW tip 1.1' from center.  Located 4.7' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 180282.  Probably a member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3955 = H II-623 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, S, E.  Near the meridian but a few deg. from np to sf., a little brighter south of the middle."  His position and description matches ESO 504-026.

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NGC 3956 = ESO 572-013 = MCG -03-30-016 = UGCA 251 = LGG 263-001 = PGC 37325

11 54 00.9 -20 34 01; Crt

V = 12.1;  Size 3.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE.  Broad concentration with no well-defined core.  Halo gradually fades into background, so difficult to estimate size but roughly 3.2'x1.0' (slightly larger than similar NGC 3955).  Located 4.5' SE of mag 8.6 SAO 180275.  Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3956 = H III-290 = h3368 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and logged "eF, pL, broadly elongated from a few degrees sp to nf."  JH made a single observation and recorded "F; pL; mE; glbM; 60"; pos 236.8”."  Both Herschels measured accurate positions.

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NGC 3957 = IC 2965 = ESO 572-014 = MCG -03-30-017 = LGG 263-002 = PGC 37326

11 54 01.5 -19 34 09; Crt

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 173”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, edge-on spindle 4:1 N-S.  NGC 3981 lies 35' SE.  Both galaxies are members of the NGC 4038/39 group (Antennae).

 

8" (5/21/82): very faint, small, spindle-shape.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3957 = H II-294 = Sw. XI-124 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "F, S, E, r."  His position is just 1' too far east.

 

Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 20 Feb 1898 and reported "B, S, eE, a ray."  Dreyer assumed this was a new nebula, which he catalogued as IC 2965.  There is nothing at Swift's position, but 3.5 tmin of time east (same declination) is NGC 3957 and the description fits.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3957 = IC 2965, the only plausible candidate he could find.

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NGC 3958 = UGC 6880 = MCG +10-17-098 = CGCG 292-043 = LGG 251-006 = PGC 37358

11 54 33.6 +58 22 01; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 28”

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star lies ~30" N.  Located 8.2' SSW of NGC 3963.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3958 = H II-833 = h1014 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "F, S."  JH made two similar observations and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 3959 = MCG -01-30-046 = PGC 37363

11 54 37.7 -07 45 24; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Located midway between a mag 13 star 30" off the SE edge and a mag 13.5 star 30" off the NW edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 3967 10' SE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3959 = T V-11, along with NGC 3967, on 19 May 1881 and noted "between two star mag 14 and 16.".  His micrometric position (measured twice) matches MCG -01-30-046 = PGC 37363, as the comment clinches the identification.

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NGC 3960 = ESO 170-14 = Cr 250 = Mel 108

11 50 33 -55 40 36; Cen

V = 8.3;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): roughly 30 fainter stars are resolved in a 6' group over unresolved background haze.  The cluster is moderately bright, weakly compressed and rich in faint stars although it does not contain any stars brighter than 12th magnitude!  Located 1.5 degrees due north of the "Blue Planetary", NGC 3918.  NGC 3882 lies 56' SW. This is an old open cluster with an age of roughly one billion years.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3960 = D 349 = h3369 on 30 Apr 1826 and described "a pretty large, faint nebula, 6' or 7' diameter, easily resolvable with slight compression of the stars to the centre, or rather towards the following side of the centre."  His position is just 5' south-southeast of center (relatively small error for him).  JH only observed this cluster on one sweep (5 Apr 1837) and noted "cluster, VI class, pretty rich, irregular figure, round with long appendages, gradually pretty much brighter to the middle, 9', stars 13th magnitude."

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NGC 3961 = UGC 6885 = CGCG 334-055 = PGC 37390

11 54 57.6 +69 19 48; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, slightly brighter core.  With averted vision the faint halo grows to 40".  Situated between a mag 14 star 1' SW and a mag 14.5 star 1.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3961 = H III-905 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "eF, vS, 300x confirmed it." His position matches UGC 6885 = PGC 37390 although this galaxy was not found by Bigourdan and it was listed as a dubious object by Father Hagen.

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NGC 3962 = MCG -02-30-040 = UGCA 253 = PGC 37366

11 54 40.1 -13 58 30; Crt

V = 10.7;  Size 2.6'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4 N-S, 2.0'x1.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright 25" core and increasing to a nonstellar nucleus.  Forms a right triangle with two mag 10.5 stars 2.2' S and 3.1' SSE.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3962 = H I-67 = h3370 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and logged "cB, pL, mbM, iF."  John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and first logged "vB; R; psmbM; 40"; forms a triangle with 2 stars 10-11m."  His position matches MCG -02-30-040 = PGC 37366.

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NGC 3963 = UGC 6884 = MCG +10-17-100 = CGCG 292-044 = LGG 251-007 = PGC 37386

11 54 58.7 +58 29 37; UMa

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 2.5'x2.0', fairly low irregular surface brightness.  Asymmetric appearance with the slightly brighter core offset from center and one or two  faint stars or knots embedded near the edge of the halo (breezy conditions and fairly poor seeing made confirmation difficult).  Forms a pair with NGC 3958 8.2' SSW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 2' diameter, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the SSW edge of the halo 0.5' from the center.  The very small core of the galaxy appears to be just NE of this star.  A non-stellar knot is clearly visible with averted vision at the NE edge of the halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3963 = H IV-67 = h1015 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, vL, R.  The greatest part of it equally bright, then fading away pretty suddenly.  Between 2 and 3' dia."  His re-reduced position (with respect to 66 UMa) is 20 sec of RA too large, but JH measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 3964 = MCG +05-28-043 = CGCG 157-050 = PGC 37375

11 54 53.4 +28 15 45; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 76”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, starry center.  A mag 11.5 star lies 0.9' NNE of center.  Very close to the Leo-Ursa Major border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3964 = h1016 on 30 Mar 1827 and recorded "A * 10m with eF neb 45” sp; 30".  The neb by a diagram made at the time is oval, and forms a kind of appendage to the star."  His positions on 3 sweeps and descriptions point directly to CGCG 157-050 = PGC 37375.

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NGC 3965 = PGC 157086

11 54 23.1 -10 52 01; Crt

Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 123”

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  Immediately picked up once the position was centered at 375x.  Located 11.8' NNW of mag 8.2 HD 103449.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3965 = LM 2-452 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His notes mention "mag 16.0, 0.1' dia, R, bMN, *9.5 np 4'."  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin identifies LEDA 157086 = 2MASX J11542315-1052003 as NGC 3965.  This faint galaxy is located 43 tsec west of Leavenworth's position (a typical error with the LM discoveries) and a mag 11 star 4.4' NW matches Leavenworth's description.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3966 = NGC 3986 = UGC 6920 = MCG +05-28-053 = CGCG 157-058 = PGC 37544

11 56 44.1 +32 01 17; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3986.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3966 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 12-13 star that precedes by 4.1 seconds of time and 22" south (separation of 49" from the nebula) but there is nothing at his single position.  Max Wolf suggested in list VIII that d'Arrest's RA was off by 30 seconds and Dreyer copied this "correction" into the IC 2 notes.   The corrected position matches CGCG 157-056 = IC 2981 (see that number) and RNGC, MCG, CGCG and PGC identify CGCG 157-056 as NGC 3966. 

 

But Harold Corwin (e-mail from 6 Mar 1998) notes that NGC 3986 has a star at the exact separation given by d'Arrest, although this galaxy is over 20' southeast of d'Arrest's position (one of his few very poor positions).  Curiously, d'Arrest mentions he was searching for h1027 = NGC 3986!   So, NGC 3966 = NGC 3986.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3967 = MCG -01-30-047 = PGC 37398

11 55 10.4 -07 50 37; Crt

V = 10.7;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 11.1;  PA = 118”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1' ENE. A semicircle of five stars with a 4' diameter is about 5' SE.  NGC 3959 lies 10' NW.  This galaxy does not appear as bright as listed magnitude V = 10.7.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3967 = T V-13, along with NGC 3959, on 19 May 1881.  His micrometric position (measured twice) matches MCG -01-30-047 = PGC 37398, as well as his comment "a mag 11 star follows and 3'-4' south."

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NGC 3968 = UGC 6895 = MCG +02-30-045 = CGCG 068-092 = CGCG 069-004 = PGC 37429

11 55 28.8 +11 58 07; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 2'x1.3'.  The halo is pretty diffuse but brightens fairly suddenly to a distinct core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Located 2.6' WSW of mag 9.8 SAO 99868 and 3” SE of Denebola.  Also two mag 11 stars are 4.5' NNW and 5' N.  Together with the mag 9.8 star the galaxy forms the SW vertex of a rectangle with these two mag 11 stars.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3973 2.7' NE (missed by John Herschel).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3968 = H II-162 = h1018 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "not vF, pL, iR, r, vlb towards the following part." His position (CH's reduction) is 2.3' southeast of UGC 68985.  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 242) "pB; R; vgbM; a * 10m 25” nf, dist 4'-5'."

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NGC 3969 = ESO 572-017 = MCG -03-30-020 = PGC 37396

11 55 09.2 -18 55 38; Crt

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 64”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Weak, even concentration to an ill-defined brighter core.  Located 3.7' S of a mag 10 star.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' ENE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3969 = LM 2-453 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, gbMN, *10 in PA 340” at 4' distance." There is nothing at his position, but 10' south is ESO 572-017 and a mag 10 star matching his description is 3.8' north-northwest.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section) with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 3970 = MCG -02-30-041 = PGC 37425

11 55 28.1 -12 03 41; Crt

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5'.  Contains a round, very small, bright core with faint extensions.  A mag 11 star is 2.3' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3974 3.6' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3970 = h1020, along with NGC 3974, on 9 Mar 1828 and noted "F; S; R; psbM; 15".  The p of 2."

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NGC 3971 = NGC 3984: = UGC 6899 = MCG +05-28-047 = CGCG 157-054 = PGC 37443

11 55 36.4 +29 59 45; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Collinear with a 3' string of three equal mag 12.5 stars to the SSE (closest 3' S).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3971 = H II-724 = h1019 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "F, vS."  JH recorded "pB; R; bM.  An exact obs."  His position matches UGC 6899.  See comments for NGC 3984, which may be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 3972 = UGC 6904 = MCG +09-20-032 = CGCG 269-016 = Holm 304a = LGG 241-006 = PGC 37466

11 55 45.2 +55 19 13; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 3.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 120”

 

18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.6', weak concentration.  Two mag 13.4 stars to the southwest are nearly collinear with the core of the galaxy.  NGC 3972 is listed as a member of the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup of the M109 or UMa cloud.

 

I observed Supernova 2011by, situated 19" N and 5" E of the nucleus and discovered just a few days previously on April 26.  It was easily visible even in darkening twilight.  The magnitude was pretty similar to the two stars on the southwest side.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3977 5.4' NE.  NGC 3990 and NGC 3992 lie 20' NE and NGC 3982 is 13' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3972 = H II-789 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "Two, the first [NGC 3972] pB, E.  The second [NGC 3977], F, S." His single position is 3' west of UGC 6904, but d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 7 Oct 1866.

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NGC 3973 = MCG +02-31-001 = CGCG 068-093 = CGCG 069-005 = PGC 37439

11 55 37.0 +11 59 51; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (5/11/02): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3'.  Nearly lost in the glare of mag 9.8 SAO 99868 just 45" SSE.  This galaxy is the faint companion of NGC 3968 2.7' SW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3973 with LdR's 72" on 15 Mar 1855, while observing NGC 3968.  He simply noted "[NGC 3968] is pF, R, sbM.  Nova nf."  It was seen again by Dreyer on 16 Apr 1876 as "an eeF object, most probably an eS neb" at 56" separation in PA 318.6” from a mag 10 star.

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NGC 3974 = MCG -02-31-001 = PGC 37452

11 55 40.2 -12 01 39; Crt

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' preceding.  Fainter of pair with NGC 3970 3.6' SW.  Located 20' WNW of mag 7 SAO 157002.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3974 = h1021, along with NGC 3964, on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM; 15".  The f of 2."

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NGC 3975 = MCG +10-17-103 = Holm 306b = PGC 37480

11 55 53.7 +60 31 46; UMa

V = 15.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): extremely faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness, requires averted vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 3978 2.0' ESE.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3975 on 21 Feb 1874 and recorded as a "vF, vS knot" 17.2 sec preceding and 32" north of [NGC 3978].  "It was quite certainly and repeatedly seen by Lord Rosse and Copeland."  This offset points to MCG +10-17-103 = PGC 37480.

 

This galaxy is mentioned in the UGC notes to NGC 3978, though questioned if it is NGC 3975.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes on Lewis Swift's IC 3166, which may be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 3976 = UGC 6906 = MCG +01-31-001 = CGCG 041-006 = Holm 305a = PGC 37483

11 55 57.3 +06 44 56; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 3.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 53”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, thin edge-on WSW-ENE, small bright core is possibly stellar.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3976 = H II-132 = h1022 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "pL, E, pBM, r."  JH recorded (sweep 117) "B; E 30” nf to sp; vsmbM to nearly a star.  The arms very faint."

 

Johann Palisa found this galaxy on 26 Mar 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Vienna Observatory and thought it was new.  His micrometric position in AN 2782 is accurate.

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NGC 3977 = NGC 3980 = UGC 6909 = MCG +09-20-034 = CGCG 269-017 = Holm 304b = PGC 37497

11 56 07.2 +55 23 26; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 40"x35", weak even concentration to a small brighter core.  Located 5.4' NE of NGC 3972 in a group.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3972 5.4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3977 = H II-790 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "Two, the first [NGC 3972] pB, E.  The second [NGC 3977], F, S." His single position is 3' west of NGC 3972 and no offset was given for II-790. But Dreyer reobserved this galaxy on 31 May 1878 at Birr Castle and noted "nf one F, R, Pos 37.7”, Dist 323.3" [from NGC 3972].

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 16 Apr 1885 and described Sw. I-18 = NGC 3980 as "eF; pL; pE; v diff; D neb nr."  His position is just 7 sec of RA east of NGC 3977, though perhaps Dreyer decided it was new as Swift's description didn't agree well with H's.

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NGC 3978 = UGC 6910 = MCG +10-17-105 = CGCG 292-047 = Holm 306a = PGC 37502

11 56 10.3 +60 31 21; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  Located just 4' W of mag 8.0 SAO 15664 and 7.6' ENE of a mag 9.5 star.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3975 2' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3978 = H II-840 = h1023 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "F, S, bM."  CH's reduced position is 3' south of UGC 6919.  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.  Harold Corwin suggests IC 3180 may be a duplicate observation.  See his notes on that number.

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NGC 3979 = IC 2976 = UGC 6907 = MCG +00-31-003 = CGCG 013-005 = PGC 37488

11 56 01.1 -02 43 15; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', even concentration to a very small brighter core.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.0' NNE of center.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3979 on 23 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "pF, the nebula precedes DM 2593, 42s [of time].  A star 11.5 north and following 30"."  His position and description matches UGC 6907.

 

Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 27 Apr 1886 and reported it in his 3rd discovery list (#61). Both Holden and Swift are credited in the NGC. Swift found the galaxy again 11 years later on 23 May 1897, while observing at Echo Mountain in southern California.  His last observation (Sw. XI-129) was off by 1.5 min in RA too far west so Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 2976.  Corwin notes this galaxy was "discovered twice by Lewis Swift, once toward the beginning of his systematic sweeping for new nebulae (April 1886), and once toward the end (May 1897)."  So, NGC 3979 = IC 2976, with discovery priority to Holden.

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NGC 3980 = NGC 3977 = UGC 6909 = MCG +09-20-034 = CGCG 269-017 = PGC 37497

11 56 07.2 +55 23 26; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3977.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3980 = Sw. I-18 on 16 Apr 1885 and noted eF; pL; pE; v diff; D neb nr."  His position is just 7 sec of RA east of NGC 3977 (discovered by WH in 1789).  Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC correction paper, and Harold Corwin equate NGC 3980 with NGC 3977. The "D[ouble] neb nr" might apply to NGC 3990 and 3998, though the NGC description reads "D star nr", which would then apply to a mag 12/13 double star 2.5' east-southeast.  Another possibility is that NGC 3980 refers to NGC 3972.  This galaxy is a better fit with Swift's description "pL; pE", but it is further off in position (6' southwest).

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NGC 3981 = Arp 289 = VV 8a = ESO 572-020 = MCG -03-31-001 = UGCA 255 = LGG 263-003 = PGC 37496

11 56 07.1 -19 53 49; Crt

V = 11.3;  Size 5.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15”

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; bright, large, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.6'.  The central region consists of a bright very elongated bar-like core that condenses to a small brighter nucleus.  A fairly thin, straight arm is evident extending north by over 1' on the east side of the galaxy.  The counterpart extending south on the west side was more difficult to distinguish from the halo on the south side.  A low contrast knot (VV 8b) was visible on the south tip of this arm [1.2' SSW of center].  Vorontsov-Velyaminov interpreted this knot as a companion attached at the end of a spiral arm.  A mag 13 star is 1' E and mag 9.8 HD 103615 is 4.3' NW.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is off the east edge 1.0' from the center.  The galaxy forms the east vertex of a rough isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 4.2' NW and 5.0' SSW.  Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

ESO 572-023, located 13' ENE, appeared faint, very small, round, brighter core.  I'm surprised this galaxy was missed by Herschel.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3981 = H III-274 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "vF, pL, iF."  His position is just 1' too far east.

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NGC 3982 = UGC 6918 = KUG 1153+554 = MCG +09-20-036 = CGCG 269-019 = LGG 250-007 = PGC 37520

11 56 28.1 +55 07 29; UMa

V = 11.0;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  Broad concentration but no real zones, though the center is slightly brighter.  Two mag 12/13 stars lie 3.5' S.  Located 23' SW of NGC 3998 in a group of 6 galaxies.    Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, 2.0'x1.5', broad concentration but does not have a well-defined core except for a faint stellar nucleus or very faint star superimposed at center.  A wide pair (1.0' separation) of mag 11 and 12 stars lie 3.5' S.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 3972 13' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): 13th magnitude supernova SNGC 1998aq was an easy object within the outer halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3982 = H IV-62 = h1017 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, quite R.  A large place in the middle of nearly an equal brightness; towards the margin suddenly less bright."  JH called this object "B; pL; R; nearly uniform, but hazy; diam 25"."  His RA is exactly 1.0 tmin too large, but Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (on 5 nights).  Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" in 1878, noted "definition not good, but feel sure that is a globular cluster."

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NGC 3983 = UGC 6914 = MCG +04-28-098 = CGCG 127-108 = PGC 37514

11 56 23.7 +23 52 05; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, elongated 3-1 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.3', very faint stellar nucleus.  Appears to have a brighter bar along the major axis.  Located 80' SSW of the NGC 4005 group (possible member?).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3983 = H III-343 = h1024 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS."  JH logged "F; S; R; psbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3984 = NGC 3971: = UGC 6899 = MCG +05-28-047 = CGCG 157-054 = PGC 37443

11 55 36.4 +29 59 45; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3971 and UGC 6943 (identified as NGC 3984 in modern catalogues).  Identification not certain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3984 = h1026 on 10 Apr 1831 and recorded "eF; R: bM; 25"."  He later added "Supposed at the time to be II.724 [NGC 3971], but on reducing the obs, it differs 1 min in RA and 1 deg in PD, BOTH which can hardly be mistakes."  There is nothing at his position.

 

Modern catalogues (including RC3) label UGC 6943, an extremely low surface brightness face-on spiral with two stars nearly superimposed, as NGC 3984.  This galaxy is 1 min 15 sec of RA following JH's position as well as 2.5' north.  This identification seems very unlikely due to the faintness of the galaxy and the fact that the bright nearby stars were not mentioned.  Malcolm Thomson concludes that NGC 3984 is nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin agrees that the NGC 3984 ­ UGC 6943 but feels that despite errors in both RA and Dec, NGC 3984 is most likely a reobservation of NGC 3971.  These entries were recorded on different sweeps and although NGC 3971 was described as "pB, R, bM", there are many situations where Herschel made very discordant estimates of brightness.  See his identification notes.

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NGC 3985 = UGC 6921 = Ark 334 = MCG +08-22-045 = CGCG 243-031 = LGG 258-020 = PGC 37542

11 56 42.0 +48 20 02; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval WSW-ENE, broad moderate concentration, small bright core.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3985 = H III-707 = h1025 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, vS.  Another still fainter and smaller suspected sf."  The latter object is either a faint star or nonexistent as there is only a single galaxy here.  Soon after "A thick fog came up at once; it has been below all the evening."

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NGC 3986 = NGC 3966 = UGC 6920 = MCG +05-28-053 = CGCG 157-058 = PGC 37544

11 56 44.1 +32 01 17; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 3.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): faint, small, edge-on E-W, bulging core.  A close double star is located just 0.8' SW of the center consisting of mag 13 and 14 stars with separation 9" oriented N-S.  Member of the NGC 3995 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3986 = h1027 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "E nearly in parallel [east-west]; a * 11m near." His mean position (3 observations) matches UGC 6920.  NGC 3966, found by d'Arrest on 8 May 1864, is a duplicate observation.  See notes for NGC 3966.

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NGC 3987 = UGC 6928 = MCG +04-28-099 = CGCG 127-110 = WBL 368-001 = Holm 308c = LGG 261-001 = PGC 37591

11 57 20.9 +25 11 42; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 58”

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.4', large bright core, irregular surface brightness.  First of 4 in a string with NGC 3989 2.6' NE, NGC 3993 4.7' NE and NGC 3997 7.7' NE.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.4' N.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Located 2.5' S of a mag 10.5 star.  Member of the NGC 3987/4005 group with NGC 3989 2.6' NE, NGC 3993 4.6' NE and NGC 3997 7.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3987 = H III-323, along with III-324 (either NGC 3993 or 3997) on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, lE. Suspected another eF, about 5' or 6' nef.  I was pretty sure of it."  His single position is 2' west of UGC 6928.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer mistakenly assigned H III-323 (with a question mark) to NGC 4015, found by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle on 27 Apr 1854.  And in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", Dreyer incorrectly equated H III-323 with "Theta" (NGC 3993), based on Auwer's reduction.

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NGC 3988 = MCG +05-28-057 = CGCG 157-061 = PGC 37609

11 57 24.2 +27 52 39; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Weak even concentration to center but no core.  First of three on a line with NGC 4004 9' E and IC 2982 6' E.  A mag 11 star is 5' following (near IC 2982).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3988 = h1028 on 13 Apr 1831 recorded "vF; R; gbM.  The first of 2 [with NGC 4004]."  On a later sweep he logged "vF; S; R; sbM like a *.  The p of 2 with several stars between them."  His position matches CGCG 157-061 = PGC 37609.

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NGC 3989 = MCG +04-28-100 = CGCG 127-111 = WBL 368-002 = LGG 260-005 = Holm 308d = PGC 37599

11 57 26.7 +25 13 58; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 135”

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1.2' E of a mag 10.5 star and 2.6' NNE of NGC 3987.  NGC 3993 is 2.6' E.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 1.2' E of a mag 10 star.  Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 3987 2.5' SSW and NGC 3993 2.7' ENE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3989 at Birr Castle on 27 Apr 1854 and was labeled "Xi" on the later constructed sketch.  Although a micrometric position was not measured, the identification with CGCG 127-111 = PGC 37599 is certain.

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NGC 3990 = UGC 6938 = MCG +09-20-043 = CGCG 269-024 = Holm 310b = PGC 37618

11 57 35.6 +55 27 31; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 40”

 

18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'. Located 2.9' W of brighter NGC 3998.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3998 2.9' E.  Located 4.4' S of mag 9.2 SAO 28204.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3990 = H II-791 = h1029, along with NGC 3998, on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded both as "Two, the last [NGC 3998] cB or vB, R, vgbM.  The preceding [NGC 3990] pB, E, S."

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NGC 3991 = VV 523 = Haro 5 = KTG 39A = UGC 6933 = MCG +06-26-060 = CGCG 186-073 = Holm 309c = PGC 37613

11 57 31.1 +32 20 16; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 33”

 

24" (5/25/14): moderately to fairly bright, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.25'.  At 375x, this irregular galaxy has a striking, asymmetric appearance with a very bright, elongated knot (site of very active star formation), 15"x8", at the NNE end.  At 375x the knot is slightly skewed to the major axis of the longer (but fainter) portion of the galaxy.  There is no central brightening, in fact, the galaxy dims just south-southwest of the knot (though not completely detaching the knot) and then brightens along the southern half. At best, there was a very small, inconspicuous core. First in an excellent trio (KTG 39) with NGC 3994 3.8' SSE and the remarkable NGC 3995 3.8' SE.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3'.  This object has a bright stellar knot at the NNE end (about 25" from the center) giving an unusual asymmetric appearance!  First of three striking elongated systems with NGC 3994 3.7' SSE and NGC 3995 3.9' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3991, along with NGC 3995, on 5 Feb 1864 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  His position (measured on 3 nights) is accurate.

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NGC 3992 = M109 = UGC 6937 = MCG +09-20-044 = CGCG 269-023 = PGC 37617

11 57 35.9 +53 22 29; UMa

V = 9.8;  Size 7.6'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 68”

 

48" (4/20/17): stunning showpiece barred spiral!  The central bar extends 1.5' in length SW-NE and is highlighted by an extremely bright, rounder nucleus.  Striking spiral arms wrap around the bar/nucleus forming an oval ring, with brighter "handles" at the ends of the bar.  A pair of outer spiral arms, ~6'x4', extend west on the north side and east on the south side.  A mag 13 star is superimposed [50" NNW of center].

 

18" (5/14/07): bright, large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, ~6.5'x4'.  The galaxy lies between a mag 9.5 star 5' SW and a mag 12 star 3.4' NE of center, just beyond the edge of the halo.  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a fainter halo and a bright, oval core that increases slightly to a faint stellar nucleus.  With averted vision, the halo is quite extensive and reaches to the mag 12 star to the northeast.  The halo appears mottled or dusty with an impression of spiral structure.  A mag 12.5 star is superimposed less than 1' N of the center and another mag 12 star is near the SW end.  Brightest in a galaxy group (LGG 258) with 41 members at z ~.003.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, at least 6.0'x3.5', broadly concentrated halo, large faint halo.  A mag 13 star is superimposed on the halo 50" NNW of center.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge of the halo 3.4' from center.  Located 5.1' NE of mag 9.3 SAO 28199 and 39' SE of mag 2.4 Gamma UMa.  Forms a pair with UGC 6923 15' SSW.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, diffuse halo.  A star is superimposed NW of the core.

 

Charles Messier probably discovered M109 = NGC 3992 = H IV-61 = h1030 in March or April 1781 and added a position by hand in his personal copy of the catalog.  MŽchain has been given credit for discovery of this object, but according to the SEDS page, his position corresponds well with NGC 3953, not NGC 3992.  See http://www.astrobril.nl/FortinOther.html#M109

 

WH independently discovered NGC 3992 = H IV-61 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB, cB Ncl with vF extended branches about 30” np to sf, 5 or 6' long, 3 or 4' br."  He recorded it again on the next sweep as "cB, vL, Br Ncl with vF elongated branches 7 or 8' long"

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NGC 3993 = UGC 6935 = MCG +04-28-101 = CGCG 127-112 = Holm 308A = LGG 260-002 = WBL 368-003 = PGC 37619

11 57 37.8 +25 14 25; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 141”

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.35', weak concentration.  Two mag 11.5-12 stars are off the NW end.  Sandwiched between NGC 3997 3.0' NE and NGC 3987 4.7' SE.  Also NGC 3989 is 2.5' W.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3989 2.7' WSW.  Member of the NGC 4007 group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3993 on 25 Apr 1854 and it was labeled "Eta" on the constructed sketch of the group made at Birr Castle.  In a later observation, a very faint star was noted close south-following and two mag 11-12 stars north-preceding.  The micrometric position is very accurate.

 

Harold Corwin notes that WH's III-324 refers to NGC 3997 and not NGC 3993 as Dreyer assigned in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH".  But Wolfgang Steinicke lists WH as the discoverer of NGC 3993 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393), probably due to the better match in position.

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NGC 3994 = Arp 313 NED1 = VV 249b = KTG 39B = UGC 6936 = MCG +06-26-059 = CGCG 186-074 = Holm 309b = PGC 37616

11 57 36.9 +32 16 39; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 10”

 

24" (5/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly bright, elongated oval 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x35', well concentrated with a very bright core.  Second in a striking trio (KTG 39) with NGC 3995 1.9' NE and NGC 3991 3.8' NNW.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, prominent core.  Second of three elongated systems with NGC 3991 3.8' NNW and NGC 3995 1.8' NE.  Located 5' WNW of mag 6.4 SAO 62774.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3994 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate and he accurately placed a mag 15 star (called 17th magnitude) the precedes by 4 seconds due west.

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NGC 3995 = Arp 313 NED2 = VV 249a = KTG 39C = UGC 6944 = MCG +06-26-061 = CGCG 186-075 = Holm 309a = PGC 37624

11 57 44.1 +32 17 39; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 33”

 

24" (5/25/14): fairly bright striking galaxy with unusual asymmetric structure, fairly large, elongated roughly 5:2 SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very bright core containing a short bar oriented E-W.  A long linear arm is attached at the west side of the core and extends south ~40".  The outer, western edge of this arm has a sharply defined edge and the inner (eastern) side has a low, irregular surface brightness.  A short extension (arm) heads northeast from the east side of the core.  As a result the core appears offset towards the north, because of the longer southern arm.  Mag 6.4 HD 103928 lies 5' ESE and was placed outside the field.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, large bright core.  Third and largest of an excellent trio with NGC 3994 1.8' SW and NGC 3991 3.8' NW.  Located 6.6' W of mag 6.4 SAO 62774.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3995, along with NGC 3991, on 5 Feb 1864.  His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate.

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NGC 3996 = UGC 6941 = MCG +03-31-004 = CGCG 098-011 = PGC 37628

11 57 46.0 +14 17 50; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness.  A line of stars oriented SSW-NNE precedes the galaxy and two mag 13.5-14 stars follow.  Located 20' ENE of a mag 6.7 star and 2.1” ESE of Beta Leonis (Denebola).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3996 = h1032 on 23 Apr 1832 and logged "vF; pL; R; has two stars sf."  This was one of the last two objects discovered by Herschel at Slough (the following year he set sail for the Cape of Good Hope), though he measured the position again on the 26th and 28th of April.

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NGC 3997 = UGC 6942 = MCG +04-28-102 = CGCG 127-114 = WAS 38 = Holm 308B = LGG 260-003 = WBL 368-004 = PGC 37629

11 57 48.3 +25 16 15; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, irregular, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a small brighter core embedded in a curving bar oriented ~E-W.  There was an impression of weak spiral arms in the halo.  Bracketed by two mag 12.5-13 stars just off the east and southwest side.  Brightest and fourth in a string with NGC 3993 3' SW and NGC 3987 7.7' SW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W (central bar), small bright core.  Bracketed by two mag 12 stars 0.9' E and 0.9' SW of center.  Member of the NGC 4007 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3997 = H III-324 = h1033, along with NGC 3987 = H III-323, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, lE. Suspected another eF, about 5' or 6' nef.  I was pretty sure of it."  NGC 3997 is 7.8' NE of NGC 3987, while NGC 3993 is 4.7' NE, so either could apply but NGC 3997 is slightly brighter.  JH measured an accurate position and described "F; vS; E pos 25” Between 2 stars, 80" dist."

 

The two WH numbers have been applied to different galaxies. JH equated NGC 3997 = H III-323 in the Slough catalogue.  Dreyer gave a possible equivalence of NGC 4015 = H III-323 and NGC 4021 = H III-324 in the NGC, which in the 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer equates NGC 3987 = H III-323 and NGC 3993 = H III-324.

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NGC 3998 = UGC 6946 = MCG +09-20-046 = CGCG 269-025 = Holm 310a = LGG 241-007 = PGC 37642

11 57 56.1 +55 27 13; UMa

V = 10.7;  Size 2.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 140”

 

18" (4/30/11): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, 1.8' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a small, blazing core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. NGC 3990 lies 3' due W.  Brightest in a group of 6 galaxies in a 30' field.  NGC 3998 is a member of the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup of the M109 group or UMa cloud.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a round very bright well-defined core, increases to stellar nucleus.  Located 5.6' SSE of mag 9.2 SAO 28204.  Forms a pair with NGC 3990 3.0' W.  Brightest in a group including NGC 3982, NGC 3972 and NGC 3977.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3998 = H I-229 = h1031 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920), along with NGC 3990, and recorded both as "Two, the last [NGC 3998] cB or vB, R, vgbM.  The preceding [NGC 3990] pB, E, S."  His offset from NGC 3990 (22 sec of RA) is accurate.

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NGC 3999 = CGCG 127-117 = WBL 368-005 = PGC 37647

11 57 56.5 +25 04 05; Leo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  PA = 88”

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, even surface brightness.  Situated 1.4' E of a mag 12 star and 4.5' SSW of mag 8 HD 103913.  A string of gaalxies oriented NW to SE begins with NGC 4000, which lies 4.5' N.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Requires averted vision and can only hold steadily 2/3 of the time.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' preceding.  Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.4 SAO 82077 in the NGC 4005 cluster.  The RNGC identification is incorrect.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3999 on 25 Apr 1878 in one of the six Birr Castle observations of the NGC 4005 cluster.  Parsons placed this nebula at 277" separation in PA 201.3” (SSW) with respect to mag 8 HD 103913 and it was labeled as Mu on the composite sketch of the cluster.  At this exact offset is CGCG 127-117 = PGC 37647.  The RNGC position is clearly in error and points to a blank piece of sky (closer to NGC 4011).  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 4000 = UGC 6949 = MCG +04-28-103 = CGCG 127-118 = WBL 368-006 = LGG 261-005 = PGC 37643

11 57 57.0 +25 08 39; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 3”

 

24" (3/22/14): faint, fairly small, very thin edge-on, 0.5'x0.1', even surface brightness.  Situated 1.7' WNW of mag 8 HD 103913.  NGC 4005 is symmetrically placed on the opposite side of the star.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, fairly small, very elongated N-S.  Located 1.6' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 82077.  Located in the center of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4007 3.2' ESE.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 4000 on 25 Apr 1878 during one of the six Birr Castle observations of the cluster.  Parsons placed this nebula at 100.5" separation in PA 283.9” (WNW) with respect to mag 8 star HD 103913 and described it as "vF, vS, lE ns, gbM." The micrometric offset points directly to UGC 6949.

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NGC 4001 = MCG +08-22-047 = CGCG 243-033 = Holm 314b = PGC 37656

11 58 06.8 +47 20 05; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, very small but elongation visible NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.1' N and a mag 11.5 star 4.2' NE of center.  Located 6' NW of NGC 4010.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 4001 on 13 Apr 1852.  While observing NGC 4010 he noted "A S, R neb about 7' np."

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NGC 4002 = MCG +04-28-104 = CGCG 127-116 = PGC 37635

11 57 59.3 +23 12 07; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, elongated ~E-W, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' SE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4003 4.6' S.  Located very close to Coma Berenices border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4002 = H III-344 = h1034, along with NGC 4003, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "Two, both eF and vS.  240x verified them, 5 or 6' from each other."  JH measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4003 = UGC 6948 = MCG +04-28-105 = CGCG 127-115 = PGC 37646

11 57 59.0 +23 07 29; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, oval, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4002 4.6' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4003 = H III-345 = h1035, along with NGC 4002, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394).  WH provided a single position for both objects, but JH measured fairly accurate positions.

 

CGCG, UGC and MCG equate NGC 4003 with NGC 4007, but the correct equivalence is NGC 4005 = NGC 4007.

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NGC 4004 = VV 230 = UGC 6950 = MCG +05-28-060 = CGCG 157-065 = Mrk 432 = Holm 312a = WBL 367-003 = PGC 37654

11 58 05.2 +27 52 43; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4', no concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is close following [57" SE of center].  Last and brightest of a trio with IC 2982 3.1' W and NGC 3988.  IC 2982 appeared faint, very small, elongated 20"x15" SW-NE.  Just follows a mag 11 star [45" to center] which is the brightest star in an inverted "L" asterism and which detracts from viewing. 

 

On the DSS, NGC 4004 appears to be an interacting, distorted galaxy (or the result) with a long tidal tail to the south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4004 = H III-354 = h1036 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, vS.  It was in the field I was gaging otherwise it would probably have been overlooked."  CH's reduction is 6.5' NNE of UGC 6950.  Because of the poor position, JH listed this object as a "nova" (h1036), though questioned if it was identical to III-354 in the GC.  JH recorded "pF; lE; gbM; the f of 2 in parallel [with NGC 3988] with a star between."  Both Herschels missed nearby IC 2982, next to the star.

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NGC 4005 = NGC 4007 = UGC 6952 = MCG +04-28-107 = CGCG 127-120 = WBL 368-007 = LGG 261-002 = PGC 37661

11 58 10.1 +25 07 19; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 92”

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", bright core.  Situated 1.6' SE of mag 8.2 HD 103913.  NGC 4011 lies 3.7' ESE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, oval slightly elongated E-W, bright core.  Located 1.8' SE of mag 7.8 SAO 82077.  This is one of the brightest members in the cluster.

 

Otto Struve found NGC 4005 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.

 

WH discovered this galaxy and catalogued it as H III-325 (later NGC 4007), but the declination in the GC and NGC is 2 degrees too far south due to a copying or reduction error (Auwer's reduction has the correct position).  This correction was noted by Dreyer in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH."  Because of Struve's unambiguous position, this galaxy is identified as NGC 4005 in UGC, CGCG, MCG, RNGC, RC3 but by historical precedence, NGC 4007 should be the primary designation.

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NGC 4006 = UGC 6951 = MCG +00-31-006 = CGCG 013-015 = PGC 37655

11 58 05.8 -02 07 12; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Near the middle of a 13' N-S string of stars concave outwards towards the east.  A mag 12 star lies 1.6' NE.  Forms a pair with CGCG 013-020 7' ESE.  This galaxy appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4006 = h1037 on 15 Apr 1828 and noted "F; S; R; bM; sp a * 11m."  His position and description matches UGC 6951.  Harold Corwin notes that IC 2983 is not NGC 4006.  See his notes on that number.

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NGC 4007 = NGC 4005 = UGC 6952 = MCG +04-28-107 = CGCG 127-120 = WBL 368-007 = LGG 261-002 = PGC 37661

11 58 10.1 +25 07 19; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 92”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4005

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4007 = H III-325 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "eF, vS."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is just 1' east of UGC 6952 = PGC 37661, but the North Polar Distance in GC and NGC is two degrees too far south (the offset is 45' south of 4 Comae).  This error was caught and corrected by Dreyer in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues.  Otto Struve independently found the galaxy on 16 Mar 1869 and Dreyer himself picked it up at Birr Castle in 1878 (labeled as Alpha on the diagram of the cluster), and it was catalogued as NGC 4005 at the correct position.

 

All major catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 4005 although you could argue that by prior discovery, H III-325 = NGC 4007 should take historical precedence.  In any case, it is clear that NGC 4005 = NGC 4007.  Unfortunately, as a result of the two degree error, the NGC position falls close to NGC 4003.  So, Karl Reinmuth in his 1926 survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", Dorothy Carlson's NGC/IC Correction list, CGCG, UGC, MCG all misidentify NGC 4007 = NGC 4003, ignoring Dreyer's correction.  See Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4008 = UGC 6953 = MCG +05-28-061 = CGCG 157-066 = PGC 37666

11 58 17.0 +28 11 33; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (4/9/99): moderately bright, very elongated ~N-S with a prominent core., 1.4'x0.5'.  The extensions nearly reach an extremely faint mag 15.5 star at the north edge.  Initially I thought this galaxy was NGC 4004 which is located 20' SSW.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4008 = H II-368 = h1038 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, bM."  JH made 4 observations and measured an accurate position.  A total of 7 observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4009

11 58 15.1 +25 11 24; Leo

 

= *, Corwin.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4009 with the 72" on 26 Apr 1878 in the last observation of the cluster at Birr Castle.  He placed it 238" in PA 41.5” from mag 8 HD 103913 and at this exact offset (labeled "Iota" on the final compiled sketch) is a mag 15 star (GSC 1985-1944).  RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 37677 as NGC 4009.  This galaxy is 7' northeast of the offset star.

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NGC 4010 = UGC 6964 = MCG +08-22-049 = CGCG 243-034 = Holm 314a = LGG 258-021 = PGC 37697

11 58 37.0 +47 15 37; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 4.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, large, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4001 6' NW.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4010 = h1040 on 26 Apr 1830 and noted "F; mE; vglbM; 100" l, 25" br."  His position is 2' southwest of center of UGC 6964, bu the identification is certain.

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NGC 4011 = CGCG 127-121 = WBL 368-008 = PGC 37674

11 58 25.4 +25 05 51; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 35”

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint or faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located 3.7' SE of NGC 4005 and 5.4' NW of NGC 4015.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4011 on 24 Apr 1878 in one of the later observations of the cluster with the 72" and labeled as "Epsilon" on the published sketch (constructed from all observations).  His notes read "vF, vS, *12m 2.5' np."  The nebula was placed +/- 4' in approximately PA  112” from mag 8.3 HD 103913.  The actual offsets to CGCG 127-121 = PGC 37674 are 5.4' in PA 117”.  The mag 12 star (also shown on the sketch) is 1.4' N.  This was apparently the last night that novae were discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4012 = UGC 6960 = MCG +02-31-006 = CGCG 069-009 = PGC 37686

11 58 27.6 +10 01 17; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4012 = m 225 = Sf 108 on 15 Jan 1865 and recorded "vF, S, lE". His position matches UGC 6960.  Truman Safford independently found this galaxy on 12 Jun 1868 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.

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NGC 4013 = UGC 6963 = MCG +07-25-009 = CGCG 215-010 = PGC 37691

11 58 31.7 +43 56 48; UMa

V = 11.2;  Size 5.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): moderately bright, fairly large edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 3.5'x0.7'.  A mag 12 star is superimposed very close to the actual center and masquerades as a bright stellar nucleus (similar to M108).  The galaxy bulges towards center but is only weakly concentrated, fades towards tips.  On the DSS the star is superimposed on a thin equatorial dust lane that was not seen.  Member of the NGC 4111 group in the UMa cloud.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4013 = H II-733 = h1041 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "pB, mE, about 4' long and 3/4' br.  A pBSN and vF branches near the meridian." JH made two observations and logged on sweep 248 "B; mE; vsvmbM to a * = 10-11m; pos of extension = 62.3” by measure."

 

George Stoney, LdR's assistant, recorded it on 17 Mar 1849 as "E with a split or opening in the direction of major axis and a star a little following the center."  The dark lane was confirmed on 12 Apr 1861: "Brightest part preceding the star and certainly a narrow split going towards preceding end from the star."

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NGC 4014 = NGC 4028 = UGC 6961 = MCG +03-31-005 = CGCG 098-012 = PGC 37695

11 58 35.8 +16 10 38; Com

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 120”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated halo, rises suddenly to a very small brighter core.  Forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 10.8 star 6.5' NW and a mag 12 star 6.4' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4014 = h1042 on 26 Apr 1832 and logged "Not vF; R; pgbM; 35".  The next sweep is observed it again as"pB; psbM; 25"."  His position matches UGC 6961.  William Herschel made the original discovery on 26 Apr 1832 and recorded it as H. III-3 (later NGC 4028), but with an erroneous position.  Because of JH's unambiguous identification, this galaxy is known as NGC 4014.

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NGC 4015 = Arp 138 NED1 = VV 216a = UGC 6965 = MCG +04-28-109 = MCG +04-28-110 = CGCG 127-122 = WBL 368-010 = LGG 260-006 = KPG 314 = PGC 37703

11 58 42.6 +25 02 12; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.4'

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a very bright blazing core and a faint halo.  The superimposed or interacting companion (VV 216b) was just visible at 375x as an extremely faint, elongated patch jutting out on the north side!

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated bright core.  First of three with NGC 4021 5' NE and NGC 4023 6' SE.  Located close to the Coma Berenices-Leo border within the NGC 4007 group.  This is a double galaxy but the companion on the north side was not seen.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4015 (along with NGC 4021 and 4023) on 24 Apr 1878 and described it as "F, vS, E pf, mbM."  With respect to NGC 4005, he placed it at a separation of 545.1" in PA 124.9” and it was labeled "Beta" on the constructed sketch of the cluster.  At this exact separation is Arp 138 = VV 216 = UGC 6965.  The summary table questions if this nebula is H III-323, but this Herschel number applies to NGC 3987.  The next night Lawrence Parsons (4th Earl of Rosse) commented "Beta has a tail n[orth] of nucleus."  The "tail" refers to the northern component (VV 216b = MCG +04-28-110) of the double system, which did not receive a separate NGC designation.

 

The PGC positions for the two components, PGC 37702 and 37703, are nearly identical, though the dimensions (0.9?x0.2?) and magnitude (15.6) of PGC 37702 apparently apply to the edge-on.  HyperLEDA assigns the PGC designation in order or RA, which puts the label PGC 37703 on the edge-on, while NED assigns PGC 37702 to the edge-on.

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NGC 4016 = Arp 305 NED1 = UGC 6954 = MCG +05-28-063 = CGCG 157-068 = PGC 37687

11 58 29.0 +27 31 44; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 175”

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated but irregular shape.  Contains a brighter elongated bar through the center oriented ~E-W with a slightly brighter, very small nucleus.  The halo changed shape and size with averted version so I was probably picking up part of the spiral arms that extend north on the west side and south on the east side.  The "bowtie" structure visible around the bar on the SDSS was not seen.  A mag 17.3 star is superimposed just 15" N of center and a mag 16.2 star is at the southeast edge of the galaxy.  Forms a pair (Arp 305) with NGC 4017 6' SE.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, elongated ~ E-W, 0.8'x0.5', no noticeable concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 1.3' S of center.  First and fainter of pair with NGC 4017 6' SE.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 4016 at Birr Castle on 30 Mar 1854 and noted "another vF neb about 5' np or nearly north [of NGC 4017]."  At this offset is UGC 6954.  The following April this galaxy was also noted as "np [NGC 4017] is another F, R neb with stellar centre."  The CGCG confuses the identifications of NGC 4016 and 4017.

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NGC 4017 = Arp 305 NED2 = VV 424 = UGC 6967 = MCG +05-28-065 = CGCG 157-069 = PGC 37705

11 58 45.8 +27 27 10; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; beautiful 2-armed spiral with a very distinctive "S" shape.  Contains a bright, elongated core or bar oriented E-W, though it was not as narrow as a typical bar.  It brightened somewhat in the center to a rounder nucleus.  Two very easy, graceful spiral arms were visible; the eastern arm is a bit brighter and knotty (HII regions) near its root on the southeast side of the core.  It rotates clockwise, bending north on the east side of the galaxy and then curls towards to the west, ending nearly due north of the core.  The western arm was also easily seen as an extension south-southeast, while tapering and fading to the south of the core.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 4016 6' NW.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.8', weak concentration [face-on SBc spiral].  Forms a pair with NGC 4016 6' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4017 = H II-369 = h1043 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, E, pL.  The following part the brightest."  CH's reduction matches this barred spiral.  JH made three observations, although all positions are rough.

 

Six observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 30 Mar 1854, R.J. Mitchell noted "F, spiral?  Another vF neb [NGC 4016] about 5' np or nearly north."  The following spring he commented "Query, shaped like an "S"?  Its light is certainly patchy and the neb is lE nearly pf.  np this object is another F, R neb with stellar centre."  Finally on 16 Apr 1855, he wrote "my previous conjectoure as to shape is rather confirmed by Mr. Johnstone Stoney [on a visit between professorial duties], who saw the p branch turned off sharply to the south, while the f bend is not so sharp, but this latter branch reacher farther round and is rather fainter."

 

CGCG mislabels NGC 4017 as NGC 4016.

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NGC 4018 = UGC 6966 = MCG +04-28-108 = CGCG 127-123 = WBL 368-009 = LGG 261-003 = PGC 37699

11 58 40.7 +25 18 59; Com

V = 13.8;  Size 1.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 163”

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad weak concentration.  NGC 4022 lies 7' SE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE.  A pair of mag 13 stars at 25" separation is located 3' SSE.  Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4022 7' SE.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4018 on 26 Apr 1878 in the last observation of the cluster from Birr Castle.  He placed it roughly 12' in PA 37” from NGC 4009 and it is labeled "Kappa" on the constructed diagram.  The actual separation is 10' in PA 37”, although NGC 4009 is a star.  The note"mE np sf, 2 st S" pins down the identification as UGC 6966 = PGC 37699.  The two stars are ~3' SSE and shown too close to the nebula on the sketch.

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NGC 4019 = IC 755 = UGC 7001 = MCG +02-31-014 = CGCG 069-024 = FGC 1347 = PGC 37912

12 01 10.3 +14 06 16; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 2.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 145”

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, excellent very thin edge-on!  Extended ~10:1 NW-SE, ~80"x8", bright core, tapers at tips.  A mag 10.1 star is 5.6' SSE.

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, edge-on NW-SE, 1.0'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 5.5' SE and 2' following this star is CGCG 069-029.  The identification of this galaxy (IC 755) with NGC 4019 is very uncertain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4019 = h1044 on 23 Apr 1832 (the last night he made a discovery at Slough, setting sail for the Cape of Good Hope the following year) and logged, "eF; has a *9m 5' sf".  There is nothing near his position.  A mag 15 star is 3.5' northwest of his position and a mag 10 star lies 6' southeast of this faint star (a good match with his description), so the faint star is one possible candidate for NGC 4019.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 4019 as IC 755, an edge-on galaxy 2 min 16 sec of RA east and 6' south of JH's position.  It has a mag 10 star 5.5' southeast that matches his description, but it unusually off in both RA and Dec.  So, this identification is uncertain.

Update: Corwin checked JH's sweep records and it appears his offsets refer to Beta Leonis.  Rereducing yields a position 2 minutes of RA further east, which is within 20 seconds of RA within IC 755.  Hence the equivalnce is very likely.

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NGC 4020 = UGC 6971 = MCG +05-28-066 = CGCG 157-072 = LGG 279-012 = PGC 37723

11 58 56.6 +30 24 42; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.8'x0.9', broad concentration but no well-defined core.  A mag 10.5 star lies 3.1' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4020 = H II-725 = h1045 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and recorded "pB, E, mbM, about 2' long from sp to nf, but nearer to the meridian."  John Herschel recorded "Not vF; bicentral or elongated; vgbM to a central axis pos = 199.5”, or pos of the two centres = 19.5”; 14" long and 25" br."  The Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. II-725 for H. II-275.  He corrected the error in the GC. Bindon Stoney, observing on LdR's 72" on 26 Apr 1851, not "Bicentral appearance very indistinct.  Light mottled, E ssp-nnf."

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NGC 4021 = MCG +04-28-112 = CGCG 127-124 = WBL 368-011 = PGC 37730

11 59 02.6 +25 04 59; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  PA = 85”

 

24" (3/22/14): faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, slightly brighter core.  Located 5.2' NE of NGC 4015 in the NGC 4005 cluster.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3'.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 4015 5' SW and NGC 4023 6' SSE.  Member of the NGC 4007 group.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4021 on 26 Apr 1878, the last session "nebulae" were discovered at Birr Castle.   He recorded, "F, S, R or lE and placed this object 58.2" in PA 312.1” with respect to NGC 4015.  It was labeled "Delta" on the final compiled sketch of the cluster.  At Dreyer's micrometric offset is CGCG 127-124 = PGC 37730.  Dreyer made an incorrect assumption that William Herschel's III-323 = NGC 4015 and III-324 = NGC 4021, based on their separations - these numbers apply to NGC 3987 and NGC 3997.

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NGC 4022 = UGC 6975 = MCG +04-28-111 = CGCG 127-125 = WBL 368-012 = LGG 261-004 = PGC 37729

11 59 01.0 +25 13 21; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small very bright core increases to the center.  Two mag 13 stars lies 2.2' WSW and 2.4' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Contains a stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed.  Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4018 7.3' NW.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4022 on 26 Apr 1878 in the last observation of the cluster from Birr Castle.  He placed it approximately 6' in PA 144” from NGC 4018 (Kappa) and noted "pF, vS, stellar".  On the final constructed diagram NGC 4022 is labeled "Lambda".  The actual separation is 7' in PA 140”.

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NGC 4023 = UGC 6977 = MCG +04-28-113 = CGCG 127-127 = WBL 368-013 = PGC 37732

11 59 05.5 +24 59 20; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 25”

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, slightly irregular surface brightness.  Situated 5.9' SE of NGC 4015.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.  Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4015 7' WNW.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4023 on 24 Apr 1878 on a late observation of the NGC 4005 group at Birr Castle.  He described the nebula as "pF, pL, diffuse" and placed it at 358.1" in PA 117.8” with respect to NGC 4015.  It was labeled "Gamma" on the final compiled sketch of the cluster.  At this offset is UGC 6977 = PGC 37732.  This was apparently the last night that nebulae were discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4024 = ESO 572-031 = MCG -03-31-004 = LGG 263-006 = PGC 37690

11 58 31.2 -18 20 50; Crv

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 70”

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a bright 25" core that increases to the center.  The fainter outer halo measures ~1.4'x1.1'.  An isosceles triangle of mag 10-11.5 stars (sides 2', 2', 4.8') lies 6' W.  Located 1 degree NW of the Antennae (NGC 4038/39) in the NGC 4038 galaxy group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4024 = H II-295 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "F, vS, iF, bM."  His RA was 30 seconds too large.  Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 notes) as well as Porter in 1908 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 4025 = UGC 6982 = MCG +06-26-064 = CGCG 186-080 = DDO 107 = PGC 37738

11 59 10.2 +37 47 37; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 2.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 15.0;  PA = 40”

 

18" (3/30/05): picked up at 165x as a moderately large but very low surface brightness glow.  At 225x, it appears ~1.5' diameter with very little concentration.  The DSS images reveals a face-on irregular barred spiral with very low surface brightness arms.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4025 = H III-617 = h1046 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "eF, iR, about 1' in diameter."  JH's position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 4026 = UGC 6985 = MCG +09-20-052 = CGCG 269-029 = LGG 258-009 = PGC 37760

11 59 25.0 +50 57 42; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 5.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (3/8/97): bright, large, excellent lens-shape edge-on 5:1 N-S, 4.0'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a striking bulging core and non-stellar nucleus.  Extensions tapers at ends.  Located 7.2' SSW of mag 9.2 SAO 28211. NGC 4026 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4026 = H I-223 = h1047 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "cB, E in the direction of the meridian, BN with vF branches, 3' long."  His RA was 20 seconds too large, but the NGC position (probably from John Herschel) is accurate.

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NGC 4027 = Arp 22 NED2 = VV 66 = ESO 572-037 = ESO 572-036 = MCG -03-31-008 = MCG -03-31-007 = VIII Zw 158 = UGCA 260 = PGC 37773

11 59 30.5 -19 15 44; Crv

V = 11.1;  Size 3.2'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 167”

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this is a strange looking one-armed spiral.  Overall it appeared quite bright and large with a very irregular shape, 3'x2', and sharply concentrated with a fairly small, round core.  The core gradually increased to the center.  Emerging from the core on the NW end is a fairly well-defined arm that initially extends north in the direction of a mag 11.8 star located 3.7' NNW of the center of the galaxy.  This arm then sharply curves counter-clockwise ~135”, bending around to the N and NE, ending just outside a mag 14 star situated close NE of the core.  On the SE end of the core, a second arm begins to emerge but it suddenly terminates, creating a very asymmetric appearance with one long, wrapping arm.

 

A faint companion, NGC 4027A, lies 4' S.  At 260x, this galaxy appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 25"x20", low even surface brightness.  A very faint star is attached at the south end.  The Antennae galaxy, NGC 4038/4039, lies 40' NE.

 

48" (2/28/19): at 488x; the spectacular spiral arm on the north side of the galaxy wrapped around over 180” and faded out beyond a 14th mag star, nearly due east of the core of the galaxy.  The core of the galaxy was roundish but contained a brighter bar oriented E-W.  There was a darker region just south of the core, due to dust.  NGC 4027A, situated 4' S, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, irregular, fairly low even surface brightness.  An extremely faint star is at the southeast edge.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): fairly bright, round, moderately large, broad concentration, possible stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is off the ENE edge 1.0' from center.  NGC 4027 is an unusual interacting one-armed barred spiral.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): a spiral arm is suspected north of the nucleus trailing to the east. 

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, moderately large, no details.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4027 = H II-296 = h3371 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "pB, pL."  His RA was 1.0 minute of time too large.  John Herschel made an interesting description from the Cape of Good Hope: "Globular; F; pL; R; 2'; resolved; stars barely seen; but in a better night for definition would no doubt be clearly resolved into st 16m."  His position is accurate, though of course his description isn't valid. It was described as a single branched spiral with condensations in the Helwan Observatory bulletin for 1921, based on photos taken by Knox-Shaw in 1914-16 with the 30" reflector.

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NGC 4028 = NGC 4014 = UGC 6961 = MCG +03-31-005 = CGCG 098-012 = PGC 37695

11 58 35.8 +16 10 38; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4014.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4028 = H III-3 on 30 Dec 178 (sweep 72) and recorded "vF, not cometic tho' almost round.  It forms an isosceles triangle with 2 small stars [by a diagram these are about 6' sp].  It is probably of the resolvable kind but eF; it may be a very distant compressed cl of stars, but would require a great quantity of light to resolve."  There is nothing at his position (an early sweep prone to large errors) and III-3 was not found visually by Bigourdan or photographically by Reinmuth.

 

Harold Corwin equates NGC 4028 with NGC 4014, which matches WH's description of forming an isosceles triangle with two stars (6' sp and 6' np).  He notes this would require WH made offset errors on two different sweeps landing roughly at the same erroneous position.

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NGC 4029 = UGC 6990 = MCG +01-31-008 = CGCG 041-017 = PGC 37816

12 00 03.1 +08 10 54; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' NE of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4029 = m 226 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, lE, with stellar N."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4030 = UGC 6993 = MCG +00-31-016 = CGCG 013-033 = PGC 37845

12 00 23.5 -01 06 01; Vir

V = 10.6;  Size 4.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): bright, moderately large, oval SW-NE, halo increases to a small bright core, mottled halo with structure suspected.  Bracketed by a mag 10.5 star 2.2' SSW and a mag 11 star just off the NNW edge 1.6' from the center.  Visible in 16x80 finder.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4030 = H I-121 = h1048 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and recorded "vB, cL, mbM.  Between, but a little following two pB stars." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 145) "B; R; pL; psbM; r; 70"; has 3 or 4 large stars near."  Using the Great Melbourne Telescope, Joseph Turner sketched it on 10 Apr 1877 (p. 133 of his logbook) and noted it was gradually brighter to the center with no resolution.  Pietro Baracchi (in Feb 1886 with the GMT) logged it as "B; pS; R; vgpmbM".

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NGC 4031 = MCG +05-28-075 = CGCG 157-082 = PGC 37855

12 00 31.3 +31 56 51; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 15.5 star is at the SW end and a second mag 15 star is 0.7' N of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4031 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is an exact match with CGCG 157-082 = PGC 37855.  He mentioned the mag 15.5 star at the south end, though his magnitude estimate (17th) is too faint.

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NGC 4032 = UGC 6995 = MCG +03-31-010 = CGCG 098-019 = WAS 40 = PGC 37860

12 00 32.9 +20 04 27; Com

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, round, fairly small, even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 3.4' NNE.  Located west of the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4032 = H II-404 = h1049 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "pB, pL, mbM, R, cometic." His position (CH's reduction) is 2' southeast of UGC 6995. John Herschel observed this galaxy on 6 sweeps and his brightness descriptions vary from "extremely faint" to "bright"!

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NGC 4033 = ESO 572-042 = MCG -03-31-011 = LGG 263-011 = PGC 37863

12 00 34.8 -17 50 34; Crv

V = 11.7;  Size 2.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 47”

 

13.1" (4/29/84): fairly bright, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, small bright nucleus.  Located 1” north of the "Antennae" galaxies NGC 4038/NGC 4039 and a member of the group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4033 = H II-508 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "pB, S, lE, bM."  Using the Great Melbourne Telescope on 11 Apr 1877, Joseph Turner sketched it as very elongated SW-NE with a brighter core (p. 133 of logbook).  Pietro Baracchi reported it as "B; S; lE; gpmb." (28 Feb 1886, GMT). Engelhardt measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4034 = UGC 7006 = MCG +12-11-044 = CGCG 335-002 = CGCG 334-058 = LGG 272-001 = PGC 37935

12 01 29.6 +69 19 26; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, small, very low surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 30" off the NW edge.  Located 9.5' NE of mag 7.3 SAO 15686.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4034 = H III-903 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "eF, S, iF, vlbM."  CGCG misidentifies this galaxy (CGCG 334-058) as NGC 4043.

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NGC 4035 = MCG -03-31-010 = LGG 263-014 = PGC 37853

12 00 29.3 -15 56 53; Crv

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

18" (4/9/05): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very low surface brightness with little or no concentration.  Located 5.8' SSW of mag 9 HD 104306.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4035 = H III-279 = h3372 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "eF, pL.  Requires much attention to be seen.  I saw it also with 240, but its light was much lessened and the difficulty of seeing increasing."  CH's reduction is less than 2' northeast of PGC 37853.  JH made the single observation "eeF; pL; R; has a * 9m 0.9 radius of field dist; 45” +/- nf."

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NGC 4036 = UGC 7005 = MCG +10-17-125 = CGCG 292-059 = PGC 37930

12 01 26.7 +61 53 45; UMa

V = 10.7;  Size 4.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 85”

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x beautiful large spindle 4:1 ~E-W, 3'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core/nucleus and tapered extensions.  Forms a bright pair with NGC 4041 15' NNE.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): very bright striking galaxy!  Fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 3.0'x1.0', halo increases to a bright core, very bright nucleus.  The eastern extension appears slightly brighter.  NGC 4041 lies 16' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4036 = H I-253 = h1050 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "vB, vL, E."  CH's reduced position is 15 sec of RA east of UGC 7005.  JH called this galaxy "pB; R; pslbM; 25"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4037 = UGC 7002 = MCG +02-31-015 = CGCG 069-027 = PGC 37928

12 01 23.7 +13 24 03; Com

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (5/19/01): very faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, ill-defined, ~2' diameter, slightly elongated N-S, very weak concentration.  Located 5' W of mag 9 SAO 99915.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4037 = H III-77 = h1051 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, pL, R, r."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4038 = Arp 244 NED1 = VV 245b = ESO 572-047 = MCG -03-31-014 = UGCA 264 = PGC 37967 = The Antennae = Ringtail Galaxies

12 01 53.0 -18 52 05; Crv

V = 10.3;  Size 3.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 80”

 

82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; I was surprised to see the numerous high surface brightness knots lining the rim of NGC 4038 and the looping spiral arm on the east side. A total of 17 knots were counted; these were irregularly spread out with several in clumps.  The beginning of the spiral arm extending south was very noticeable exiting the eyepiece field.

 

48" (4/1/11 and 5/3/19): I took a quick look at the Antennae Galaxy on 4/1/11 to see the faint tidal tails that shoot north and south from the east end of NGC 4038/4039.  The tidal tail heading south from NGC 4038 (the northern component) was easily visible, sweeping 2' S but then quickly dimming.  The streamer heading north was also visible but appeared detached from the galaxies.  It was picked up ~2.5' NE of NGC 4038 and extended 2' N, terminating at a faint star.

 

On 5/3/19 we examined the galaxy using a NPB filter at 375x.  Overall the galaxy dimmed but a ring of HII knots extending 270” seemed to light up, providing a striking appearance!  They appeared to brighten and dim as individual knots "turned on" with averted vision and gave the impression of viewing car headlights through different layers of fog.

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this was an amazing object in the 24" at 350x.  The main, bright northern component (NGC 4038) was partially annular, with a very bright knotty rim and a darker center giving a truly unique appearance for a galaxy.  At least 3 knots were visible embedded along its rim.  On the SE side is the brightest knot (the nucleus of the galaxy) which appeared faint, small, ~12" diameter.  A second fainter knot is on the west side and was only ~6" in size.  Finally, a third very faint 6" knot is on the north side.  The three knots were roughly spaced out 120” apart along the outer portion of this tortured galaxy.  An elongated "arm" (the interacting companion NGC 4039) is attached on the east end and curves around on the south side towards the southwest.  Another very faint, but slightly larger 20" knot is embedded along the main portion of NGC 4039, roughly halfway along its length.  At the southwest tip of the brighter portion of NGC 4039 was a relatively large, brighter knot (its nucleus) that at times appeared double.  Surrounding the southwest portion of NGC 4039 is a much fainter outer halo extended SW-NE.  This fainter halo extends further southwest for a few arc minutes and widens to a bulbous shape at the end. This was by far the most detailed view I've seen of the Antennae galaxy.  NGC 4027, another disturbed galaxy, lies SW.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly bright, moderately large.  Forms a striking "shrimp-like" or "comma" shape with the tail attached at the east end and extending to the south.  Appears clearly darker between the two objects on the west side.

 

13" (5/21/82): appears as two irregular galaxies connected at the east end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4038 = H IV-28.1 = h1052 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "pB, L.  Two joined together [with NGC 4039], the smallest south; or one opening with a branch very faintly joined."  WH gave a single entry in class IV (planetary), though John Herschel separated these into IV 28.1 and IV 28.2 in the Slough catalogue.  Bindon Stoney sketched the galaxy pair on 14 Apr 1852 (included in LdR's 1861 publication).  It appears to show one of the long tidal tails.

 

The long "Antennae" tidal tails were first photographed by Carl Lampland with the 40-inch Lowell reflector in 1917.  J.C. Duncan remarked "Most remarkable of all, two faint extensions, like antennae" in the 1923 "Photographic studies of nebulae.III."   The Toomre's adopted the nickname "the Antennae" in their early 1972 computer simulation "Galactic Bridges and Tails".

 

 

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NGC 4039 = Arp 244 NED2 = VV 245a = ESO 572-048 = MCG -03-31-015 = UGCA 265 = PGC 37969 = The Antennae = Ringtail Galaxies

12 01 53.6 -18 53 11; Crv

V = 10.6;  Size 3.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 130”

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): attached on the east end of NGC 4038 (see detailed notes) is a long "tail" or arm (this is the interacting companion NGC 4039) that curves around on the south side towards the southwest.  Another very faint, but slightly larger 20" knot is embedded along the main portion of the tail roughly halfway.  At the tip of the main tail was a relatively large, brighter knot that at times appeared double.  Surrounding the SW portion of the tail is a much fainter outer halo extended SW-NE.  This fainter halo extends beyond the tail for a few arc minutes and widens to a bulbous shape at the end.  This was by far the most detailed view I've seen of the Ring-tail galaxy.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): this is the southern member of the striking "Ring-Tail galaxy".  Attached at the east side of NGC 4038 and forms a "tail" elongated NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4039 = H IV-28.2 = h1053, along with NGC 4038, on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and assigned a single H-designation (IV-28).  See that number for more.

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NGC 4040 = UGC 7013 = MCG +03-31-018 = CGCG 098-028 = PGC 37993

12 02 05.4 +17 49 23; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.8'x0.7', broad weak concentration.  An isosceles triangle with sides 2'/2'/1' consisting of mag 12.5 stars is 2' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4040 = Sw. VI-41 on 30 Mar 1887 and noted "forms nearly a square with 3 stars".  His position and description is a good match with UGC 7013.

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NGC 4041 = UGC 7014 = MCG +10-17-129 = CGCG 292-061 = PGC 37999

12 02 12.2 +62 08 14; UMa

V = 11.3;  Size 2.7'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, roundish, nearly 2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a large, low surface brightness halo and an intensely bright core.  The core brightness towards the center but there was no distinct nucleus.  Forms a bright pair with NGC 4036 15' SSW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 2' diameter, broad concentration with an overall fairly high surface brightness.  Two mag 11 and 12 stars at 1.0' separation are 3.5' SSE.  NGC 4036 lies 16' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4041 = H I-252 = h1054 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, cL, R."  CH's reduced position is 2' north of UGC 7014. JH made two observations and logged (sweep 411) "B; R; at first g, the psvmbM to a nuclear mass which seems resolvable." His position is accurate.

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NGC 4042 = 2MASX J12024674+2009478 = LEDA 3781394

12 02 46.8 +20 09 49; Com

V = 15.7;  Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  Cannot hold steadily at 375x but not difficult to see knowing the position.  The identification of this number is uncertain.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4042 = m 227, along with NGC 4056 and NGC 4060, on 18 Mar 1865 using William Lassell's 48" on Malta.  There is nothing near his position and his description "vF, vS" is not helpful.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4042 = LEDA 3781394 = 2MASX J12024674+2009478.  This galaxy is located 26 tsec of RA east and 1.8' N of Marth's position.  This offset in declination would also match the offsets for suggested identifications for NGC 4056 and 4060, though NGC 4042 is still further off in terms of RA.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", suggests the possible equivalent with NGC 4032, but this galaxy is 1.8 tmin of RA west and 4' south of Marth's position.  Carlson and RNGC also give this possible equivalence.

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NGC 4043 = UGC 7015 = MCG +01-31-012 = CGCG 041-026 = PGC 38010

12 02 22.9 +04 19 47; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4043 = h1055 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "S; R; preceds a double star about 30 sec, and is 3' south of it.  RA is a rough estimate only from the double star.  On the next sweep he logged "Not B; S; R; psbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4044 = UGC 7018 = MCG +00-31-020 = CGCG 013-043 = PGC 38018

12 02 29.5 -00 12 45; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4044 = H III-491 = h1056 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "vF, S".  His position matches UGC 7018.

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NGC 4045 = NGC 4046 = UGC 7021 = MCG +00-31-022 = CGCG 013-046 = Todd 13b = Holm 320a = WBL 372-001 = PGC 38031

12 02 42.3 +01 58 38; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, stellar nucleus offset to the SW of faint superimposed star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4045A 1.5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4045 = H II-276 = h1057 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 349) and noted "pF, S, R, lbM."  JH made the single observation "F; R: sbM; 25"; a star sf." and measured an accurate position.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found this galaxy on 10 Apr 1863, but his declination was 15' too far south.  Although he questioned if it was equal to h1057, Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued it as GCS 5602 = NGC 4046.  This galaxy was found a 3rd time by David Todd (#13a) on 2 Jan 1878 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet, along with NGC 4045A and MCG +00-31-023.  The RNGC position is 1.0 min of RA too far west.

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NGC 4046 = NGC 4045 = UGC 7021 = MCG +00-31-022 = CGCG 013-046 = PGC 38031

12 02 42.3 +01 58 38; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4045.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4046 on 10 Apr 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single observation (Latin translation copied from Harold Corwin's notes) reads "round; not small. Class II. It makes a triangle with 2 stars mag 13 and mag 16 to the south and following 6.6 sec.  However, the question remains if it is h1057 [NGC 4045] with a 15' error in declination."   In fact there is nothing at his position, but 15' north is NGC 4045, which matches his description.  The mag 16 "star" is likely NGC 4045A.  So, NGC 4046 = NGC 4045.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4047 = UGC 7025 = MCG +08-22-058 = CGCG 243-037 = PGC 38042

12 02 50.6 +48 38 10; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright and large, ~1.3'x1.1', halo slightly elongated ~E-W.  Fairly well concentrated with a fainter halo surrounding a bright core and nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 3.6' WSW.  Sky hazy with smoke.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4047 = H II-741 = h1058 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, S, R, gbM."  CH's reduction is 1.6' northeast of UGC 7025.  JH logged "B; pL; R; pgbM; 40"."  The RNGC position is 1.0 min of RA too far west (see NGC 4045/4045A).

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NGC 4048 = UGC 7023 = MCG +03-31-020 = CGCG 098-030 = VV 384 = PGC 38040

12 02 50.0 +18 00 56; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.5'x0.35', even surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star lies 3.0' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4048 = h1059 on 23 Mar 1827 and on a second sweep noted "vF; S; R psbM; almost stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4049 = UGC 7027 = MCG +03-31-021 = CGCG 098-031 = PGC 38050

12 02 54.7 +18 45 09; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', weak broad concentration.  A mag 11 star is 2.6' SE and another mag 11.5 star is 5' following.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4049 = H III-390 = h1060 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and simply noted "suspected."  His position (CH"s reduction) is 28 sec of RA followoing UGC 7027. JH made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate RA on one sweep.

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NGC 4050 = MCG -03-31-016 = LGG 263-015 = PGC 38049

12 02 54.0 -16 22 25; Crv

V = 12.2;  Size 3.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 85”

 

18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly large, oval 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5'.  Broad, weak concentration with a 15" brighter nucleus using direct vision.  Located 5.8' NE of mag 8.3 HD 104656.  Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4050 = H II-509 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "F, cL, iR, lbM."  His re-reduced position matches MCG -03-31-016 = PGC 38049

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NGC 4051 = UGC 7030 = MCG +08-22-059 = CGCG 243-038 = LGG 269-004 = PGC 38068

12 03 09.6 +44 31 53; UMa

V = 10.2;  Size 5.2'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

48" (5/10/18): at 375x; NGC 4051 is a highly structured S or Z-shaped barred spiral with easy HII knots and subtle details!  This Seyfert galaxy is very sharply concentrated with a brilliant quasi-stellar nucleus!   The bright core extends into a  slightly brighter central region or bar elongated 2:1 NW-SE and just over 1.5' in length.  The halo extends at ~4.5'x3.5' NW-SE.

 

A very obvious eastern arm is attached at the southeast end of the bar and angles at a 90” angle towards the northeast, pointing towards a mag 14.0 star [2.8' NE of center].  A low surface brightness thin arm [roughly 1.6' in length] angling SE to NW was visible on the north side.  On the DSS this arm appears to emanate from the bright eastern arm though visually it appeared straight and completely detached.

 

A large knotty arm, attached at the northwest end, bends sharply towards the south. This arm is thick or wide at its root with a large brighter knot or region embedded (catalogued as [EKS96] #31 and #28 in the 1996 "Atlas of HII Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies").  As the arm dips south it terminates at a faint 10" knot (#10), 1.4' W of center.  In addition, an obvious, small bright knot (#52), ~8" diameter, is just south of the core [by 0.6'].  This knot resides in a very thin arm (not seen) just south of the central region. Overall, I was very impressed with this gorgeous galaxy!

 

17.5" (3/8/97): fairly bright, large, ~4.0'x2.5' NW-SE.  Nearly extends to a mag 11 star 2.2' W.  Very bright, very small core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus (original Seyfert galaxy list).  The galaxy shows signs of spiral structure and there appears to be a short outer spiral arm attached at the SE end hooking north separated by a slightly darker region between the main body (verified on photo).  This galaxy, along with NGC 3938 and NGC 4111, are the brightest members of the NGC 4111 group (LGG 269) in the UMa Cloud.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4051 = H IV-56 = h1061 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "cB, iR, cBN with extensive chevelure about 5' dia."  His position matches UGC 7030.

 

Bindon Stoney sketched the galaxy on 3 May 1851 as an "S" shaped barred spiral (in LdR's 1861 publication). He captured the structure very accurately and noted, "Spiral.  I suspect the f branch extends to [star] alpha [on the northeast end]."  On 19 Apr 1857, R.J. Mitchell logged "The p branch seems to me the brighter rather of the two, and more suddenly curved than the f one, both of them look not quite so sharp as given in the drawing."

 

NGC 4051 is one of the original 6 galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".

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NGC 4052 = ESO 094-10 = Cr 251 = OCL-870

12 02 05 -63 13 24; Cru

Size 8'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this cluster is located in the field, just 10' NW of mag 4.3 Theta 1 and 15' W of mag 4.7 Theta 2 Crucis in the SW portion of the constellation!  At 105x, ~60 stars mag 10 and fainter are mostly scattered in a 9' diameter.  More striking, though, is a dense 3' subgroup of mostly mag 12-13 stars on the SE end of the cluster over a background of haze from unresolved stars.  A neat string of six stars oriented WNW-ESE is located on the south end with a brighter mag 9.5 star about 2.5' further west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4052 = h3373 on 8 Mar 1837 and logged "Cluster VII class; loose and scattered but pretty rich."  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA west is a scattered cluster.

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NGC 4053 = UGC 7029 = MCG +03-31-024 = CGCG 098-032 = PGC 38069

12 03 11.6 +19 43 44; Com

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 109”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.3'.  Brighter along the major axis and the very small core contains a stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1.6' W of center.  Located 33' SSW of NGC 4065 (brightest in a large group of NGC galaxies).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4053 = m228 on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches UGC 7029.  He accurately placed the mag 15 star which precedes by 7 sec of time (though he estimaged its magnitude as 18).  Marth independently discovered the galaxy on 18 Mar 1865.  His position was good, though on the same night Marth also recorded NGC 4042, 4056 and 4060 which all have very uncertain identifications due to poor positions.

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NGC 4054 = VV 136 = MCG +10-17-131 = CGCG 292-062 = PGC 38078

12 03 12.4 +57 53 36; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 90”

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; NGC 4054 is a close triple (VV 136) that fits in a 30" circle.  VV 136a is the largest component; it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 3:2 E-W, ~24"x15".  The galaxy is diffuse with a fairly low surface brightness and only a weakly brighter nucleus.  VV 136b, on the southeast side [15" between centers], appeared fairly bright, very small, slightly elongated, ~12"x9".  The surface brightness is very high (easily the highest of the trio) and peaks at a stellar nucleus.  VV 136c, on the northeast side [20" between centers], appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~15"x8".

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; the western and largest component (VV 136a) of the triple system NGC 4054 appeared faint, small, slightly elongated 20"x15", low surface brightness.  The southeast component (VV 136b) is smaller but significantly higher surface brightness and was noted as fairly faint, very small, elongated 12"x9" E-W.  The centers of these small galaxies are separated by just 15".  VV 136c, the northeast component, was not seen.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" diameter.  This is a triple system, though it initially appeared single.  After careful viewing an extremely faint "star" occasionally popped out on the southeast edge.  This virtually stellar object is VV 136b = LEDA 3547623.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4054 = H III-794 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "eF, S, verified by 300." His position is 1.5' north of PGC 38078.  Bigourdan wasn't able to find this triple system with the 12-inch refractor at the Paris Observatory (too faint?).

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NGC 4055 = NGC 4061: = UGC 7044 = MCG +04-29-006 = CGCG 128-005 = CGCG 098-040 = VV 179 = PGC 38146

12 04 01.5 +20 13 57; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 0”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4061.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4055 = h1062 on 29 Apr 1832, the same night he logged h1063 = NGC 4057 and h1064 = NGC 4059.  His coordinates were very uncertain ("PD very doubtful") and given to the nearest degree, although all three objects were described as "B[right]".  The description for h1064 also mentions "On meridian with two more".

 

As it seems very likely these are duplicates of brighter galaxies, Harold Corwin suggests (in response to my email about the identifications) that NGC 4055 = NGC 4061, NGC 4057 = NGC 4065, and NGC 4059 = NGC 4070.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, misidentifed MCG +04-29-004 as NGC 4055 although he noted that "no PB nebula in Dreyer's place".  See Corwin's discussion under NGC 4055.

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NGC 4056 = PGC 38140

12 03 57.7 +20 18 45; Com

V = 15.8;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

24" (3/22/14): extremely faint and small, round, 6"-8" diameter.  At 375x, I could repeatedly glimpse this galaxy, though would not have picked it up without knowing the exact location.  Located 3.5' SW of NGC 4066 in the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4056 = m 229, along with NGC 4042 and 4046, on 18 Mar 1865.  All of these objects have uncertain identifications because of imprecise positions and several faint nearby galaxies.  His description "eF, vS" adds no new information.  RNGC identifies PGC 38140 as NGC 4056.  This galaxy is located 12 tsec of RA east and 2.6' north of Marth's position.  If m 230 = NGC 4060 = CGCG 128-006 then the declination errors are similar.  Although this galaxy is extremely faint, Marth could have picked it up with Lassell's 48-inch. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4057 = NGC 4065? = UGC 7050 = MCG +04-29-007 = CGCG 098-042 = CGCG 128-007 = VV 179 = PGC 38156

12 04 06.2 +20 14 07; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

See observing notes for NGC 4065.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4057 = h1063 on 29 Apr 1832, the same night he logged h1062 = NGC 4055 and h1064 = NGC 4059.  His coordinates were very uncertain ("PD very doubtful") and given to the nearest degree, although all three objects were described as "B[right]".  The description for h1064 also mentions "On meridian with two more".

 

Since it is very likely these are duplicates of brighter galaxies, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4055 = NGC 4061, NGC 4057 = NGC 4065, and NGC 4059 = NGC 4070.  RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 38278 as NGC 4057.  PGC 38278 is located 3.0' west of NGC 4090.  See Corwin's explanation under NGC 4055.

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NGC 4058 = UGC 7036 = MCG +01-31-017 = CGCG 041-032 = PGC 38124

12 03 49.1 +03 32 53; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  Located 15' W of mag 7.2 SAO 119207.

 

George Searle discovered NGC 4058 = HN 37 on 24 Mar 1868 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #257).  His position matches UGC 7036.

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NGC 4059 = NGC 4070? = UGC 7052 = MCG +04-29-009 = CGCG 128-009 = WBL 374-008 = PGC 38169

12 04 11.3 +20 24 36; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

See observing notes for NGC 4070.  Uncertain identification.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4059 = h1064 on 29 Apr 1832, the same night he logged h1063 = NGC 4057 and h1062 = NGC 4055.  His coordinates were very uncertain ("PD very doubtful") and given to the nearest degree, although all three objects were described as "B[right]".  The description for h1064 mentioned "On meridian with two more".

 

Since it is very likely these are duplicates of brighter galaxies,  Harold Corwin suggests (in response to my email about the identifications) that NGC 4055 = NGC 4061, NGC 4057 = NGC 4065, and NGC 4059 = NGC 4070.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, misidentifes MCG +04-29-012 as NGC 4059.  See Corwin's discussion under NGC 4055.

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NGC 4060 = CGCG 128-006 = WBL 374-004 = PGC 38151

12 04 01.0 +20 20 15; Com

V = 14.6;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  PA = 85”

 

24" (3/22/14): faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 2.1' WSW of NGC 4066.  Brightest of three companions to NGC 4066 on the southwest side.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 2' WSW of NGC 4066 in the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4060 = m 230 on 18 Mar 1865 (same night he found NGC 4042, NGC 4053 and NGC 4056).  Due to his poor positions, and density of galaxies in the cluster, only NGC 4053 has a secure identification.  Marth's position is 3 tsec of RA west and 2.3' south of CGCG 128-006 = PGC 38151 and this is the identification adopted in RNGC, CGCG and by Corwin.

 

It is also possible that NGC 4060 = PGC 38140.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 4056 in the RNGC.  PGC 38140 is only 0.6' N of Marth's position, though it is noticeably fainter visually and that would leave no other candidate for Marth's NGC 4056.  Finally, it is possible that NGC 4060 = PGC 38166.  PGC 38166 is identified as NGC 4069 in the RNGC and would imply Marth's position was 8 tsec too far W and 1.4' too far S.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4061 = NGC 4055: = VV 179b = UGC 7044 = MCG +04-29-006 = CGCG 128-005 = CGCG 098-040 = WBL 374-003 = PGC 38146

12 04 01.5 +20 13 57; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 0”

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, brighter core but not as strongly concentrated as NGC 4065 just 1.1' ENE.  These form a striking pair with NGC 4065.  Nearby lies NGC 4072 ~3' SE and NGC 4076 7' ESE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4065 1' ENE within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4061 = H III-394 = h1065 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "Six nebulae. The times and numbers belong to the three first [III-391, III-392 and III-393]; but I saw three more [10 or 12'] south of them.  They were are all vF, vS."  I suspected many more besides."  The three nebulae which he did not measure positions, are likely NGC 4061, NGC 4065, and NGC 4076 (the three brightest).  John Herschel observed NGC 4061 on 3 sweeps and logged on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244), "vF; a double neb by diag, pos 20” sp, nearly equal.  They run together."

 

NGC 4055 = h1062, recorded by JH on 29 Apr 1832 (the same night he logged NGC 4057 = h1063 and NGC 4059 = h1064) is very likely a duplicate observation.  See that number for more.

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NGC 4062 = UGC 7045 = MCG +05-29-004 = CGCG 158-008 = PGC 38150

12 04 03.8 +31 53 44; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 4.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): fairly bright, large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.6', broadly concentrated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4062 = H I-174 = h1066 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "cB, E, about 5' l and 1.5' broad."  His position matches UGC 7045.  John Herschel made 4 observations and logged on 11 Mar 1828 (sweep 131), "pB; vL; mE; 10” np to sf; vgbM; 3' l, 1' br."

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, wrote "broad equable band; several consipicuous stars in it especially near the ends." (12 Mar 1850)

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NGC 4063 = MCG +00-31-026 = CGCG 013-055 = Todd 12d = WBL 372-007 = PGC 38154

12 04 05.9 +01 50 49; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  In a group with UGC 7042 3.9' NW, NGC 4073 6.0' ENE and NGC 4139 7.5' SE.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 4063 = Todd 12b on 2 Jan 1878 during his search of a trans-Neptunian planet using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO.  ƒdouard Stephan found the galaxy again on 3 May 1881 and reported the discovery in list XI-15.  Stephan's position is accurate (he mentioned it was distinct from [N4073] and [N4077]) and Dreyer credited him with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 4064 = UGC 7054 = MCG +03-31-033 = CGCG 098-044 = PGC 38167

12 04 11.2 +18 26 36; Com

V = 11.4;  Size 4.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3'x1.5', large bright core but no nucleus, sharper light cut-off on the SW side due to dust.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.6' SSW and 2.7' E of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4064 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 7054 and he accurately placed the mag 14 star 82" southwest.  This is an unusually bright galaxy to have been missed by both Herschels.

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NGC 4065 = NGC 4057: = VV 179a = UGC 7050 = MCG +04-29-007 = CGCG 098-042 = CGCG 128-007 = WBL 374-006 = PGC 38156

12 04 06.2 +20 14 07; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4061 just 1' W.  NGC 4072 lies 2.4' SE and NGC 4076 is 6.5' ESE.  NGC 4066 and 4070, two similar ellipticals, lie 6.8' N and 10.5' N.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  Brightest in the NGC 4065 cluster (a large group of NGC galaxies) with NGC 4061 1.1' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4065 = H III-395 on 18 Mar 1865 (sweep 403) and recorded "Six nebulae. The places belong to the three first [III-391, III-392 and III-393]..."  The three galaxies to the south, which he did not measure positions, are likely NGC 4061, NGC 4065, and NGC 4076 (the three brightest).   John Herschel recorded this nebula twice as h1067 and noted "pB" on one sweep and "vF; R; the second of 5" on another.  His position on sweep 409 is at the southeast edge of the halo.

 

NGC 4057 = h1063, recorded on 29 Apr 1832 (the same night he logged h1062 = NGC 4055 and h1064 = NGC 4059), is very likely a duplicate observation.  See notes for that number.

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NGC 4066 = UGC 7051 = MCG +04-29-008 = CGCG 128-008 = WBL 374-007 = PGC 38161

12 04 09.4 +20 20 53; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, strong concentration with a very bright nucleus that increases to the center.  NGC 4070 is 3.7' NNE and a trio of galaxies are close southwest: NGC 4060 2.1' WSW, NGC 4069 1.7' SSW and NGC 4056? 3.4' SW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, round, strong bright core.  In a tight trio with NGC 4060 2' WSW and NGC 4069 1.7' SSW.  Also in the field are NGC 4065 7' S and NGC 4070 3.8' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4066 = H III-392 = h1068* on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and "Six nebulae.  The times and numbers belong to the three first (III-391, III-392 and III-393)..."  His position was 2.6' SE of UGC 7051 = PGC 38161, a similar offset as NGC 4070 = H III-391.  John Herschel observed this galaxy on 4 sweeps, first recording it on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and noted, "The third of 5."  JH equated this nebula with his father's H III-391 and misassigned H III-392 to NGC 4069 = h1070.

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NGC 4067 = UGC 7048 = MCG +02-31-019 = CGCG 069-036 = PGC 38168

12 04 11.5 +10 51 16; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly small, round, bright core.  Brightest in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4067 = H III-37 = h1069 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded "eF, vS, in a line with 2 small stars and followed by one that is larger.  I had some doubt with the sweeping power, but 240x showed it very plainly and of considerable extent."  There is nothing at his position but 1 min of RA west (similar error with several other nebulae discovered that night) and 3' south is UGC 7048.  JH made 5 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4068 = IC 757 = UGC 7047 = MCG +09-20-079 = CGCG 269-031 = PGC 38148

12 04 00.8 +52 35 18; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 3.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 30”

 

48" (4/20/17): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated SW-NE.  The surface brightness of this galaxy is fairly low but very irregular/patchy with a ragged outline and there is no core or zones.  A mag 12 star is superimposed near the center, which is not well defined, and a second mag 14 star is at the southwest end.  The brightest section is near the mag 12 star and to the NE.  The outline is irregular and spreads out more on the northeast half.  NGC 4102 lies 23' ENE.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE.  A mag 12 star is superimposed and a mag 14 star is at the SW end 40" from the center.  A string of four mag 11-13.5 stars is just NW.  In a low power field with NGC 4102 24' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4068 = H II-781 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pF, Stellar."  On 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929), he logged, "A pS star involved in nebulosity of no great extent; the star does not seem to belong to it."  His position was about 15 sec of RA east and 2' south of UGC 7047.

 

According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan misidentified a star as NGC 4068 on two nights and "rediscovered" the galaxy on 11 Mar 1886, though made an error in his position, and Big. 166 (later IC 757) is identical to NGC 4068.

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NGC 4069 = PGC 38166

12 04 06.0 +20 19 26; Com

V = 15.5;  Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

24" (3/22/14): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1.7' SSE of NGC 4066.  NGC 4060 lies 1.5' NW and an extremely faint galaxy (possibly NGC 4056) lies 2.0' SW.  Either I missed the mag 16 star just off the southeast edge (~10" from center) or the galaxy and star were merged together

 

17.5" (5/14/88): extremely faint and small, round.  Located 1.7' SSW of NGC 4066.  Forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 4060 and NGC 4066 within the NGC 4065 cluster.  The identification of this number with NGC 38166 is very certain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4069 = h1070 on 24 Feb 1827 and described as "vF, R, 4th of 5; has another on same meridian, north".  This is one of the very faint galaxies near NGC 4066 and was not seen by his father, although JH equated h1070 with WH's III 392.  JH's position (single sweep) is 6 seconds of RA east of PGC 38166, a galaxy which is likely too faint to have been swept up.  If NGC 4069 = PGC 38166, then the nebula "on the same meridian, north" would refer to NGC 4066.  But then why did he miss NGC 4060 = CGCG 128-006, which is just 1.5' NW? See Harold Corwin's discussion in his identification notes.  Courtney Seligman classified NGC 4069 as a "lost or nonexistent object, commonly misidentified as PGC 38166."

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NGC 4070 = NGC 4059? = UGC 7052 = MCG +04-29-009 = CGCG 128-009 = WBL 374-008 = PGC 38169

12 04 11.3 +20 24 36; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, high surface brightness, very small bright nucleus.  NGC 4066 lies 3.7' S.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 3.8' NNE of NGC 4066 within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4070 = H III-391 = h1071, along with 5 other nebulae, on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted together as "Six nebulae.  The times and numbers belong to the three first (III-391, III-392 and III-393)..."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is 2.4' southeast of UGC 7052, the same offset he made with NGC 4066 = H III-392.

 

Harold Corwin concludes that NGC 4059 = h1064 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 4070.  See that number.

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NGC 4071 = PK 298-4.1 = ESO 094-12 = PN G298.3-04.8

12 04 15.3 -67 18 35; Mus

V = 13.0;  Size 80"x51"

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I had a difficult time ferreting out this faint PN that is buried within a very rich Milky Way field.  It was finally picked up at 76x (27 Panoptic) and OIII filter as a faint, round disc at least 40" in diameter.  Removing the filter, a faint star was superimposed on the SW side of a low surface brightness glow.  Also viewed unfiltered at 228x which showed the faint star and the disc more easily, though this is quite faint for NGC planetary.  The best view was at 128x using an OIII filter, although NGC 4071 has a low-excitation level.  The disc appeared fairly faint with subtle irregularities in surface brightness and was likely brighter along portions of the rim.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4071 = h3374 on 4 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; 40"; has a vS star in centre; in a field of at least 80 or 90 stars."  His position is accurate.  The "vS star" he mentions might be the one on the southwest side.

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NGC 4072 = CGCG 098-045 = CGCG 128-010 = WBL 374-009 = PGC 38176

12 04 13.8 +20 12 35; Com

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 30”

 

24" (3/22/14): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Not difficult to pick up 2.4' SE of NGC 4065.  A mag 13.6 star is 1' NE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold.  A mag 13 star is 1.1' NE of center.  Located 2.6' SE of NGC 4065.  Member of the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 4072 on 3 Apr 1872 using the 72" during an observation of GC 2686 = NGC 4061 and GC 2689 = NGC 4065.  He described "a third and much fainter neb south-following the second [NGC 4065], in pos 128.4”, dist 144.1"  At precisely Copeland's offset is CGCG 098-045 = PGC 38176.

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NGC 4073 = UGC 7060 = MCG +00-31-029 = CGCG 013-059 = WBL 372-011 = PGC 38201 = Todd 12a

12 04 27.0 +01 53 45; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, elongated WNW-ESE, moderately large, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest of a poor cluster (MKW 4) with NGC 4063 6.0' SW, NGC 4075 11' N, NGC 4077 7.3' SSE, NGC 4139 = IC 2989 6.0' SSE and UGC 7042 8' W, all in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4073 = H II-277 = h1072 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 349) and noted "F, S".  John Herschel made 4 observations (first on 7 Apr 1828). David Todd independently found this galaxy (#12a) on 2 Jan 1878 during his his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.

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NGC 4074 = MCG +04-29-011 = CGCG 128-013 = WBL 374-011 = PGC 38207

12 04 29.6 +20 18 59; Com

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Located within the NGC 4065 cluster with NGC 4076 7' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4074 = H III-393 = h1073, along with 5 other nebulae, on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted together as "Six nebulae.  The times and numbers belong to the three first [NGC 4072 = III-391, NGC 4070 = III-392 and NGC 4074 = III-393] which are vF, vS."  His position (Auwer's reduction) is 3.1' too far southwest (given the same RA as NGC 4072 = H III-391).  John Herschel made a single observation on 29 Mar 1832 (sweep 409), measured an accurate position, and noted "eF".

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NGC 4075 = MCG +00-31-032 = CGCG 013-064 = PGC 38216 = Todd 11

12 04 37.8 +02 04 22; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, stellar nucleus.  Located 11' NNE of NGC 4073 within a group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4075 = h1074 on 14 Apr 1828 and noted "F; S; R."  His position was 6 sec of RA west of CGCG 013-064 = PGC 38216.  David Todd found the galaxy again on 27 Dec 1877 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and reported it as object 11 in his 1885 AN paper.

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NGC 4076 = UGC 7061 = MCG +03-31-034 = CGCG 098-046 = CGCG 128-012 = WBL 374-010 = PGC 38209

12 04 32.5 +20 12 18; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, small slightly brighter core.  Located 6.5' ESE of NGC 4065 (close pair with NGC 4061).  NGC 4072 lies 4.4' W.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse.  Located within the NGC 4065 cluster and the eighth galaxy in the field.  LEDA 213924 lies 2' NE and appeared very faint, very small, round.  Forms a right angle with NGC 4076 2.1' SW and a mag 13 star to the SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4076 = H III-396 = h1075 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "Six nebulae. The times and numbers belong to the three first [III-391, III-392 and III-393]..."  The three nebulae [10 to 12'] to the south, which he did not measure positions, are likely NGC 4061, NGC 4065, and NGC 4076 (three brightest).  John Herschel recorded this galaxy on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59). He simply noted "the last of 5." and equated it with H III-396.  His position as 2.7' too far south-southeast.

 

Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" on 3 Apr 1872, notes "south following these nebulae [NGC 4061, 4065 and 4072] are two others, F, L, R, glbM and eF, L, R, lbM, pos 47.6”, Dist 133.6".  The last pair refers to NGC 4076 and PGC 213924.

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NGC 4077 = NGC 4140 = UGC 7063 = MCG +00-31-031 = CGCG 013-063 = PGC 38218

12 04 38.0 +01 47 16; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, oval ~N-S.  A mag 14 star is attached at the north end.  Forms a pair with NGC 4139 = IC 2989 1.3' NW.  Located 7.5' NNE of NGC 4073 in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4077 = H III-258 = h1076 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 349) and noted "vF, vS."  CH added the noted "goes in the same field with preceding [NGC 4073] conveniently." John Herschle logged on 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143), "F; R; bM; 20"; the sf of two {with NGC 4073]."

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy, as well as NGC 4139, on 10 Apr 1863, but his RA was exactly 5 min too large, and Dreyer recatalogued it as NGC 4140.  So, NGC 4077 = NGC 4140.  NGC 4077 was found again by David Todd 15 years later (5 Jan 1878) during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and reported as object #16a and #14a.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4078 = NGC 4107 = UGC 7066 = MCG +02-31-023 = CGCG 069-043 = WBL 375-001 = PGC 38238

12 04 47.6 +10 35 44; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located in a group with NGC 4083 6.6' ENE, IC 2991 6.7' NE and NGC 4082 7.4' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4078 on 23 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 7066 = PGC 38238.  Albert Marth also found the galaxy just two nights later from Malta.  But d'Arrest made the earliest discovery on 17 Apr 1863, and it was catalogued as GC 5617 = NGC 4107, but he made a 2 minute error in RA.  So, NGC 4078 = NGC 4107.

 

The UGC notes misidentifies NGC 4083 as NGC 4078.

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NGC 4079 = UGC 7067 = MCG +00-31-034 = CGCG 013-067 = PGC 38240

12 04 49.9 -02 22 57; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is off the NW end 1.7' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4079 = h1077 on 15 Apr 1828 and recorded "not vF; L; R; 40"; has a * 10m, 60" north."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4080 = UGC 7068 = MCG +05-29-006 = CGCG 158-012 = PGC 38244

12 04 51.8 +26 59 33; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 122”

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4'.  The core appears to be offset SE of center as the galaxy appears to extend to the NW of this spot.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4080 = H III-355 = h1078 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pmE, S."  His position matches UGC 7068.  John Herschel made 4 observations, the first on 26 Mar 1827 (sweep 64).

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NGC 4081 = NGC 4125A = UGC 7062 = MCG +11-15-015 = CGCG 315-010 = PGC 38212

12 04 33.7 +64 26 13; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.5'.  A nice evenly matched mag 10 double star (STI 739) is 4.7' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4081 = Sw. I-20 on 18 Jun 1884 and recorded "F; S; vE; D * nr; preceding nearest bright star east 20 sec."  His position was 18 seconds of RA too large and 1' too far north, but his description matches.

 

Philip Keenan rediscovered NGC 4081 on a Yerkes Observatory plate and assumed it was new.  He labeled it NGC 4125A in a list of new nebulae in the 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62).  All objects were assigned NGC + letter designations based on the nearest NGC object on the plate.  His description reads, "13.8m; 1.2'x0.3' in PA 132”; Sa."

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NGC 4082 = MCG +02-31-026 = CGCG 069-046 = Holm 324b = WBL 375-004 = PGC 38274

12 05 11.4 +10 40 14; Vir

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Forms a faint pair with NGC 4083 3.7' SSE within the NGC 4067 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4082 = m 232 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, lE, lbM."

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NGC 4083 = MCG +02-31-024 = CGCG 069-044 = Holm 324c = WBL 375-002 = PGC 38275

12 05 14.0 +10 36 47; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Located 2.2' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a faint pair with NGC 4082 3.7' NNW.  Located within the NGC 4067 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4083 = m 233 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS."

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NGC 4084 = MCG +04-29-014 = CGCG 128-017 = PGC 38272

12 05 15.3 +21 12 52; Com

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located less than 1” north of the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4084 on 26 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches CGCG 128-017 = PGC 38272 and he accurately place a mag 13 star that precedes by 2 seconds of time and 3' north.

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NGC 4085 = UGC 7075 = MCG +09-20-086 = CGCG 269-032 = Holm 326b = LGG 258-040 = PGC 38283

12 05 22.9 +50 21 12; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6', weak concentration.  Forms an isosceles triangle with mag 7.6 SAO 28237 6' SW and mag 8.4 SAO 28247 7' SE.  NGC 4088 lies 11' NNE.  Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE.  Two mag 8 stars are in the field to the SE and SW.  Located 11' SSW of NGC 4088.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4085 = H I-224 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB, mE, the brightness confined to a small point."  His position is poor - about 6' too far southeast.  d'Arrest found it on 4 Dec 1861 but his position was nearly 3' too far south (he suspected it was identical to H I-224.  John Herschel still assigned two numbers in the GC, but Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC.  d'Arrest later made two accurate measurements of NGC 4085.

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NGC 4086 = UGC 7076 = MCG +04-29-016 = CGCG 128-018 = WBL 374-012 = PGC 38290

12 05 29.3 +20 14 49; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 13' E of NGC 4076.  Forms a pair with NGC 4090 3.9' N within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4086, along with NGC 4090, on 2 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is a fairly good match with UGC 7076 and he accurately places a mag 9 star as 7' to the west.  In his description he also mentions another nebula is 3' to the north.  This refers to NGC 4090, though his RA for this object is 10 sec too large.

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NGC 4087 = ESO 505-010 = MCG -04-29-005 = PGC 38303

12 05 35.3 -26 31 21; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 39”

 

18" (4/29/06): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 10 star 5' SSW has two faint companions (RST 2777); a close mag 13 star at 1.8" and a wider 12" companion.  I'm surprised that neither one of the Herschels noted this interesting unequal triple.  Several brighter stars are scattered in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4087 = H III-754 = h3375 on 24 Feb 1789 (sweep 911) and logged "Suspected, eF, too low to be verified, but I have not much doubt." John Herschel made an observation on 22 Mar 1836 (sweep 689) from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "pB; R; gbM."  Lewis Swift found it again on 11 Apr 1898 and included in his large 11th discovery list (#132) at Lowe Observatory.  Howe reported Sw. XI-132, "this must be identical with 4087, since both are pretty bright, and their places agree within three seconds in right ascension and 1' in declination." As a result, Dreyer didn't assign a duplicate IC designation.

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NGC 4088 = Arp 18 = VV 357 = UGC 7081 = MCG +09-20-089 = CGCG 269-033 = Holm 326a = LGG 258-010 = PGC 38302

12 05 34.1 +50 32 23; UMa

V = 10.6;  Size 5.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 43”

 

48" (4/4/11): this is a showpiece spiral in the 48-inch with the startling eyepiece view matching the detail in the DSS image.  The galaxy extended 5.5'x2.0' SW-NE.  Near the center is an elongated, extremely bright core.  The very bright central portion extends from the core in a roughly 2'x0.5' region towards the southwest but is concave a bit, bending slightly towards the south.  This feature appears similar to a slightly distorted central bar.  Just south of this central bar is a dust lane extending SW to NE that parallels the bar, though it is more contrasty to the northeast of the core.

 

The dust lane separates the bright bar feature from a very long arm that extends the entire length of the galaxy along the south side and vaguely emerges from the southwest end of the bar.  This arm is clumpy with a couple of large, bright knots to the south of the core and another prominent knot towards the east end of the galaxy (1.7' NE of the core).  Beyond this knot the arm quickly dims, fans out a bit and bends to the north towards a mag 13.5 star.

 

Emerging from the northeast end of the core is a second prominent arm that immediately doubles back towards the southwest on the north side.  This arm nearly parallels the central bar to the north and is separated by a less contrasty darker strip or lane.  This clumpy arm contains a fairly prominent knot only 0.6' NW of the core.  After this point the arm dims dramatically continuing a bit further southwest.  The two main arms, along with the central bar create a squashed irregular "Z" appearance.

 

MCG +09-20-092, which lies 5' SE in the field, appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.

 

18" (3/13/10): using 280x this striking, irregular spiral extends 5:2 SW-NE, rougly 5'x2'.  The surface is noticeably mottled and clumpy with a dark patch or dust lane that extends to the south of the core with a weaker darkening to the north of the core.  At the northeast end of the galaxy, a portion of what appears to be a spiral arm emerges from the main body and bends to the north.  A corresponding feature on the SW end of the galaxy, bending south, is much more subtle.

 

18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared very bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.8', contains a bright elongated core.  The galaxy is very asymmetric, with an unusually mottled or clumpy appearance and an irregular outline.  At the NE end is a faint extension (this is a disrupted arm on the DSS) that juts out or dangles from the NE end of the main body and hooks slightly towards a mag 13.5 star located 3.7' NE of center. A more subtle irregular extension is at the SW end.  Just east of the north side of the core the surface brightness drops, either due to a dust lane or large dust patch on the east side of the core and then brightens a bit again just following the dust patch. NGC 4085 lies 11' SSW.  Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 5.0'x2.0', mottled patchy appearance, small elongated brighter core but no nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 2' off the NW side.  Faint spiral structure is visible with concentration.  An extremely faint arm is off the NE end curving towards a mag 14.5 star to the NE 3.7' from center and a second extremely faint arm is just visible off the SW end curving to the south.  Forms a pair with NGC 4085 11' SSW.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration, cigar-shaped.  Forms a pair with NGC 4085 11' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4088 = H I-206 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and logged "cF, E, about 4' long."  His summary description from 3 observations reads "cB, E, 45” np sf, 6' long, 4' br, almost equally bright."  Heinrich d'Arrest made 3 observation, the earliest on 4 Dec 1861.

 

Sir Robert Ball, observing assistant at Birr Castle on 28 Mar 1867, recorded "vB, vL, E 53.5”.  A new spiral with probably many details of interest, of an S shape.  There is certainly a brighter portion sf the nucleus with a dark lane between them.  Likewise, a similar brightness np the nucleus.  I thought the darkness did not extend all round the centre.  There can be little doubt of the curved branch following, it seems to proceed in the direction of a star nf."

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NGC 4089 = MCG +04-29-017 = CGCG 128-020 = WBL 374-014 = PGC 38298

12 05 37.5 +20 33 21; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 4091 37" E of center.  First of six in field within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4089, along with NGC 4901, on 2 May 1864 and described a double nebula separated by 3 sec in RA.  His mean position from 3 nights matches CGCG 128-020 = PGC 38298.

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NGC 4090 = UGC 7077 = MCG +04-29-015 = CGCG 128-019 = WBL 374-013 = PGC 38288

12 05 27.9 +20 18 32; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, almost round, diffuse, fairly small.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' SE of center.  Located 3.7' N of NGC 4086 within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4090, along with NGC 4086, on 2 May 1864.  He mentioned this galaxy in his description for NGC 4086 as 3' to the north but his position is 10 sec of RA too large and 1.3' too far south.  He notes a mag 13 star 1.1' southeast, as mag 15-16 at 60" distance, so the identification is certain despite the poor position.

 

IC 2997, discovered by Bigourdan, is not identical to NGC 4090, as assumed in modern catalogues.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4091 = UGC 7083 = MCG +04-29-019 = CGCG 128-022 = WBL 374-015 = PGC 38308

12 05 40.1 +20 33 21; Com

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.25';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, elongated SW-NE.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' S.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 4089 37" W of center and the second of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4091, along with NGC 4089, on 2 May 1864 and described a double nebula separated by 3 sec in RA.  His mean position from 4 nights matches UGC 7083 = PGC 38308.

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NGC 4092 = UGC 7087 = MCG +04-29-020 = CGCG 128-023 = WBL 374-016 = PGC 38338

12 05 50.2 +20 28 38; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is close NW 0.9' from center.  This galaxy is the third of six in the field with NGC 4093 2.6' NNE in the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4092 = H III-382, along with NGC 4095 and 4098, on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "Three, the time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S.  The other two which are south-preceding are much fainter and smaller."  His single position is 11 seconds of time east and 2.5' north of NGC 4098 = UGC 7093. 

 

Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position for UGC 7087 on 4 nights and questioned if it was one of WH's three objects.  Dreyer credited d'Arrest with the discovery of NGC 4092 and Dreyer states in his 1912 Scientific Papers that WH probably saw NGC 4093.  But Harold Corwin argues that NGC 4092 is brighter and most likely seen by WH, despite being further south.

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NGC 4093 = MCG +04-29-021 = CGCG 128-024 = WBL 374-017 = PGC 38323

12 05 51.4 +20 31 18; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is close off the NW edge 1.1' from center.  Fourth of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4093 on 4 May 1864.  Two nights earlier he discovered the pair NGC 4089 and 4091.  His position, measured on 3 nights, CGCG 128-024= PGC 38323.

 

In his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer suggests H III-382 is NGC 4093.  But more likely WH picked up NGC 4092, which is brighter.

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NGC 4094 = MCG -02-31-016 = UGCA 269 = PGC 38346

12 05 54.0 -14 31 35; Crv

V = 11.8;  Size 4.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 63”

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated at least 5:2 SW-NE, 2.2'x0.8, fairly low even surface brightness.  The NE end of the galaxy points between a mag 10.5 star just following (2.2' E of center) and a mag 11 star close north (1.7' from center).  NGC 4114 lies 28' NE.  The galaxy is located 8' N of mag 9.3 HD 105063.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4094 = h3376 on 7 May 1836 and recorded "eF; L; pmE; vgbM.  The direction of elongation points between two stars 11m; very near, and nf the centre."  His position and description matches MCG -02-31-016 = PGC 38346.

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NGC 4095 = MCG +04-29-022 = CGCG 128-025 = WBL 374-018 = PGC 38324

12 05 54.3 +20 34 22; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9'

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' E.  Fifth of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster with NGC 4098 3.1' NE.  Located between NGC 4093 and NGC 4098.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4095 = H III-383 = h1079, along with NGC 4092 and 4098, on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "Three, the time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S.  The other two which are south-preceding are much fainter and smaller."  His position is 11 tsec east and 2.5' north of NGC 4098 = UGC 7093.  The "other two" are likely NGC 4095 = CGCG 128-025 and NGC 4092 = UGC 7087, the next two brighter galaxies in the group.  John Herschel made two observation (sweeps 409 and 423) and his mean position is less than 1' too far north. Heinrich d'Arrest measured a very accurate position.

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NGC 4096 = UGC 7090 = MCG +08-22-067 = CGCG 243-043 = PGC 38361

12 06 01.0 +47 28 41; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 6.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): bright, very large, almost edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, sharp concentration with a very small bright core embedded within the long extensions.  Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4096 = H I-207 = h1081 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and reported "cF, mE about 4' long from sp to nf but nearer the meridian."  On 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) he recorded "cB; mE; 6 or 7' long, from sp to nf, about 70”."  In his 1811 PT paper, WH commented "it seems to join to imperceptible nebulosity on the south preceding side." The galaxy does extend further out and more gradually fade on the southwest side.  On 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330), John Herschel logged, "B; vL; mE in pos 32”; seen through much fog."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4097 = UGC 7092 = MCG +06-27-004 = CGCG 187-004 = PGC 38363

12 06 02.5 +36 51 49; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 98”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.6' NNE of a mag 11.4 star, close to the UMa/CVn border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4097 = H III-400 = h1080 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "eF, vS, suspected, stellar; about 1 1/2' north of a small star."  His position and description of the nearby star points to UGC 7092. This was the first of 42 galaxies discovered on this night.  John Herschel made two observations describing it on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) as, "vF; R; vsbM; has a * 10m, 45” sp, 90" dist."

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NGC 4098 = NGC 4099 = VV 61 = UGC 7093 = MCG +04-29-023 = MCG +04-29-24 = CGCG 128-026 = WBL 374-009 = PGC 38365

12 06 03.6 +20 36 28; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  PA = 164”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  Last and brightest of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster.  Appears slightly brighter than NGC 4092 8.4' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4098 = H III-384 = h1082, along with NGC 4092 and 4095, on 26 Apr 1785 and recorded "Three, the time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S.  The other two which are south-preceding are much fainter and smaller."  His position is poor; 11 tsec east and 2.5' north of NGC 4098 = UGC 7093.   On 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) he recorded "Two, the place is that of the most north [NGC 4098], which is the largest.  Both vF."  This time his position was just 6 sec of RA west of NGC 4098.  The second object was either NGC 4095 or NGC 4092.   John Herschel made three observations (first on 25 Mar 1830) though mistakenly labeled it as III-383.

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NGC 4099 = NGC 4098 = VV 61 = UGC 7093 = MCG +04-29-023 = MCG +04-29-24 = CGCG 128-026 = WBL 374-009 = PGC 38365

12 06 03.6 +20 36 28; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  PA = 164”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4098.

 

William Herschel found NGC 4099 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402), recording three nebulae described as "Three, time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S.  The other two [probably NGC 4092 and 4095] which are south preceding are much fainter and smaller."  John Herschel was confused trying to match his father's three objects with the two he observed and those discovered by d'Arrest.  He attributed the discovery of NGC 4092 to d'Arrest (instead of WH) and assigned III-384 separately to GC 2714 (later NGC 4099).  But III-384 applies to NGC 4098 = h1082 and Dreyer suggests in his 1912 update of WH's catalogues that NGC 4099 "is probably superfluous".  Since this number is a duplicate of one of WH's discovered, I've arbitrarily equated it with NGC 4098 here.

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NGC 4100 = UGC 7095 = MCG +08-22-068 = CGCG 243-044 = LGG 258-024 = PGC 38370

12 06 08.4 +49 34 59; UMa

V = 11.2;  Size 5.4'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 4.0'x1.5', large brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  The northern extension appears slightly brighter.  Mag 8.2 SAO 44027 is 7' NW.  Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4100 = H III-717 = h1084 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and logged cF, mE about 5' long near the meridian [N-S], about a little sf."  Caroline's reduction is 1.3' northeast of center.  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), "pB; vL; mE in pos 166.5”; 3' long, 1' broad, vgvlbM.  This cannot be either [NGC 4088] nor [NGC 4096], as neither of these agrees in its angles of position."

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NGC 4101 = UGC 7093 = MCG +04-29-025 = CGCG 128-027 = WAS 46 = PGC 38373

12 06 10.6 +25 33 25; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', weak even concentration to the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4101 = H III-326 = h1083 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "eF, vS.  240 verified it with great difficulty.  It was in the field I gaged, otherwise I should certainly have overlooked it."  John Herschel made two observations and his mean position is a good match with UGC 7093 = PGC 38373.

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NGC 4102 = UGC 7096 = MCG +09-20-094 = CGCG 269-036 = LGG 258-041 = PGC 38392

12 06 23.0 +52 42 40; UMa

V = 11.2;  Size 3.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 38”

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; fascinating galaxy with unusual structure.  Overall, NGC 4102 is very bright, large, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x1.1', very sharply concentrated with a small, intensely bright nucleus surrounded by a bright oval core SW-NE with a bar-like enhancement.  Just outside the core the surface brightness drops significantly forming a darker [dusty] annulus.   Surrounding this is a bright, thick, mottled ring oriented NNW-SSE (slightly offset in orientation from the core).  A brighter knot (SDSS J120625.26+524307.4) is at the NE end of the ring [32" NE of center].  On the SDSS this corresponds with the brightest star cloud in the galaxy and the site of supernova 1975E. A brighter mag 12.5 star is 50" WSW of center, just outside the halo.  When the seeing settled this star resolved into a close pair (~13.2/13.8 at 1.8" separation!)  NGC 4068 lies 23' WSW.  Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is at the west end 48" from the center!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4102 = H I-225 = h1085 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and noted "pB, pL."  JH recorded "B; R; psbM; has a * 12m 35" sp, very near the edge." and measured an accurate position.

 

Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, noted on 13 Apr 1852, "I suspect a dark curved passage south of center, probably a new spiral."  Four years later R.J. Mitchell confirmed "I have little doubt this is a spiral" and he made two diagrams of the arm arrangement.

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NGC 4103 = ESO 130-5 = Cr 252 = Mel 109 = Lund 604

12 06 40 -61 15 00; Cru

Size 7'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~60 stars mag 9.5-13 are resolved in a 8' region including roughly ten mag 10 stars.  The cluster has a very interesting asymmetric arrangement with a perfect 5' string of five stars extending out of the cluster to the WSW. At the west end of the string is the 10th magnitude variable AI Crucis. Two other short strings on the eastern end of the cluster meet up and make a perfect arrow asterism.  NGC 4103 is located 12' ESE of mag 6.6 HD 104971 and two degrees WSW of mag 3.6 Epsilon Crucis.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): moderately bright cluster, perhaps 8' diameter, mottled but no obvious resolution.  Situated within a large, glowing naked-eye patch of the Milky Way that includes two bright stars.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4103 = D 291 = h3377 on 30 Apr 1826 and recorded "a cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes, irregular figure, about 6' long and 4' broad."  His position was 12' too far west.

 

John Herschel observed the cluster on 3 sweeps.  On 14 Mar 1834 he logged "middle of a rich, large, irregularly round cluster; poor VI or rich VII, stars 10..14 mag; diam 5' with stragglers."  His second observation was made under poor conditions: "cluster of stars class VII, pretty rich and compact, stars 10..12 mag, and nearly equal; diameter 5'; the whole field is in a state of wavy fluctuation, owing to the southeast wind, and so bad that each star is dilated into a large puff ball." The final sweep was recorded as "A 10th mag star in centre of a pretty rich close cluster; 5' diameter; irregularly round; stars 10..13 mag."

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NGC 4104 = UGC 7099 = MCG +05-29-016 = CGCG 158-024 = PGC 38407

12 06 38.9 +28 10 26; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x1.2', broad concentration.  Forms a close pair with MCG +05-29-015 = PGC 38387, 3.0' SW of center.  The companion appeared faint, small, round, broad weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4104 = H II-370 = h1086 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pB, cL, mb towards the nf side."  His position (CH's reduction) is 20 sec of time too far west.  JH made a total of 6 observations, so pinned down the position.

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NGC 4105 = ESO 440-054 = MCG -05-29-013 = PGC 38411

12 06 40.7 -29 45 38; Hya

V = 10.7;  Size 2.7'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 151”

 

18" (5/28/06): western member of a close, moderately bright pair with NGC 4106, just 1.1' between centers.  Appears round, ~45" diameter, sharply concentrated with a bright, prominent core.  The halo is fairly faint and increases in size with averted vision to ~1' diameter.  This galaxy is slightly larger and the brighter of the duo.  Nearby galaxies include IC 2996 lies 17' SW, IC 3005 17' SE and IC 3010 38' SE.

 

8" (5/21/82): elongated glow resolves into NGC 4105 and NGC 4106 just following.  NGC 4105 is slightly brighter and larger but appears faint, small and round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4105 = H II-865 = h3378, along with NGC 4106, on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "Two, within a minute of two of each other.  Both F, S, R, bM.  Nearly in the same parallel."  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 10 May 1834 (sweep 452), "The first of a double nebula (pos 111.2” by means of 2 measures), B; R; pL; psbM; r; 25"."

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NGC 4106 = ESO 440-056 = MCG -05-29-014 = PGC 38417

12 06 45.3 -29 46 06; Hya

V = 11.4;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 77”

 

18" (5/28/06): eastern member of a close, striking pair with slightly brighter NGC 4105 just 1.1' west.  Appears moderately bright, round, ~40" diameter, well concentrated with a bright, prominent core.  The halo is fairly faint and increases in size with averted vision to ~55" diameter.  This galaxy is slightly smaller with a less condensed core than NGC 4105.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, round.  This is a close companion to NGC 4105 and is the slightly fainter and smaller of the pair.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4106 = H II-866 = h3379, along with NGC 4105, on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998).  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 10 May 1834 (sweep 452), "The 2nd of a double nebula, B; R; pL; psbM; r; 25"."

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NGC 4107 = NGC 4078 = UGC 7066 = MCG +02-31-023 = CGCG 069-043 = PGC 38238

12 04 47.6 +10 35 44; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4078.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4107 on 17 Apr 1863 and described (loosely translated) a "very small, slightly elongated planetary, a mag 10-11 star follows by 30.2 seconds of time and 1' south."  There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin found that exactly two min of RA west is NGC 4078, which has a star at his required offset.  d'Arrest recorded the galaxy again on 23 Mar 1865 (and just two days later by Albert Marth) at the correct position and it was also catalogued NGC 4078. So, NGC 4107 = NGC 4078.

 

In the IC 1 notes, Sherburne Burnham states "delete planetary; the star is np".  This seems to imply Burnham found some object at the NGC position but in the IC 2 notes Dreyer comments "not found by Frost on plates of 4h exposure" [from Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1].  Reinmuth writes "=*13.5, no nebulosity seen.  *10 ssf 2.6', *13.2 spp 1.4'."  Dorothy Carlson classifies NGC 4107 as a star and this error is repeated in the RNGC.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4108 = UGC 7101 = MCG +11-15-023 = CGCG 315-015 = WBL 379-002 = LGG 277-005 = PGC 38423

12 06 44.6 +67 09 47; Dra

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): brightest in a quartet with UGC 7106 = NGC 4108B 5' NNE, UGC 7087 = NGC 4108A 8' NW and UGCA 272 = CGCG 315-017 15' NE.  Moderately bright, small, almost round, broad concentration.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.9' SE.

 

NGC 4108A = PGC 38343 appeared very faint, small, elongated N-S and NGC 4108B = PGC 38461 is very faint, very diffuse, fairly small, irregularly round.  Finally, UGCA 272 = PGC 38504 was noted as fairly faint, fairly small, oval, brighter core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4108 = h1087 on 3 Apr 1832 and recorded "B; R; gbM; 20"; first class".  His single position matches UGC 7101.

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NGC 4109 = MCG +07-25-024 = CGCG 215-027 = Holm 333b = WBL 380-002 = PGC 38427

12 06 51.1 +42 59 44; CVn

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9'

 

24" (5/30/16): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, 20" diameter, broad weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 2210701 just 40" to the east.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1' NNW. NGC 4109 is situated 4.7' SSE and UGC 7094 is 7.7' SW.

 

LEDA 2210701 appeared extremely faint and small, ~6" diameter.  Once acquired, I could hold it nearly 50% of the time, despite a very low SDSS magnitude (V ~16.0).  The redshift of z = .086 implies a light-travel time of 1.1 billion years!

UGC 7094 is very faint, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.25', very low surface brightness with no noticeable concentration.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): very faint, small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 4111 5.0' NNE.  NGC 4117 lies 9' NE.  Located on the Ursa Major-Canes Venatici border.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 4109 on 21 Apr 1851. During an observation of NGC 4111, it was noted "the first [NGC 4109] is vF and 6' ssp the second [NGC 4111], which is vB and mE.  A double star is 5' nf, whose smaller component is blue."  Although mentioned in the 1861 publication, John Herschel did not include this galaxy in the GC so Dreyer added it to the GC Supplement (GCS 5618).

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NGC 4110 = UGC 7102 = MCG +03-31-040 = CGCG 098-058 = PGC 38441

12 07 03.5 +18 31 54; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5', low fairly even surface brightness.  A nice mag 12/13 double lies 5.5' S [separation 14"].  Globular cluster NGC 4147 is 43' following.

 

William Rambaut, Lord Rosse's first observing assistant, or possibly Lord Rosse himself, discovered NGC 4110 on 1 April 1848.  While observing the globular cluster NGC 4147 he found "a small nebula, RA 3 min less than that of [NGC 4147]."  Nearly 30 years later it was observed again and placed 3 min, 3.5 sec preceding and 35" south of NGC 4147.  This is the first galaxy discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4111 = UGC 7103 = MCG +07-25-026 = CGCG 215-028 = Holm 333a = WBL 380-003 = LGG 269-006 = PGC 38440

12 07 02.6 +43 04 01; CVn

V = 10.7;  Size 4.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 150”

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; stunning edge-on ~8:1 NNW-SSE with a bulging core, ~4.0'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, very elongated bulging core.  The nucleus is very small and brilliant!  Due to dust lanes that run perpendicular to the major axis, the galaxy was slightly brighter on the centerline of the major axis on both sides of the core. The arms taper slightly with a spindle appearance.  A very faint star (~17th mag) is at the SW end of the galaxy.

 

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; very bright, beautiful edge-on ~7:1 NNW-SSE, 3.5'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a small very bright elongated core, with an unusually bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  An extremely faint star or stellar knot was suspected near the southeast end.  A very wide unequal pair (HJ 2596) with a orange mag 8.1 primary lies 3.7' NE.

 

NGC 4111 is the brightest in a group (LGG 269 = UMa NED4 Group) containing NGC 4109 4.8' SSW (background object), NGC 4117 8.6' NE, NGC 4118 9.4' NE, UGC 7094 11.6' SW and UGC 7089 12.8' NW.    All of these galaxies with the exception of UGC 7089 are roughly aligned in a 20' string oriented SW-NE.  UGC 7094 appeared very faint, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.25', very low surface brightness with no noticeable concentration.

 

18" (5/14/07): this striking edge-on is extends 6:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x0.6'.  Dominated by a small, sharply concentrated, intense core.  The core is only 24"x15" and brightens somewhat to the center.  The eastern flank possibly has a sharper edge, but no dust lane was visible.  Located 4' SW of a wide double star (8.2/10.7 at 34").

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly bright, fairly large, excellent edge-on at least 6:1 NW-SE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core that increases to the center.  The extensions are very thin, ~3'x0.4', with a slightly bulging core.  A wide double star (HJ 2596 = 8.2/10.7 at 34") to the northeast is collinear with the core.

 

17.5": fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, small very bright core, long thin extensions.  A double star with components mag 8.2/10.7 at 34" separation lies 3.8' NE.  Brightest in a group with NGC 4109 4.8' SW and NGC 4117 8.7' WSW.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, pretty edge-on, small very bright core, faint thin arms.  Located 5' SW of a mag 8 star.  In a group with NGC 4109 5' SSW and NGC 4117 8.5' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4111 = H I-195 = h1088 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "E sp nf, vBN with faint branches.  His position and description matches UGC 7103.  On 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) he made another observation and also discovered NGC 4117.  John Herschel first recorded (sweep 150) "B; S; mE; sbM; a double star point to its nucleus."

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NGC 4112 = ESO 321-006 = MCG -07-25-003 = AM 1204-395 = PGC 38452

12 07 09 -40 12 24; Cen

V = 12.0;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 5”

 

18" (5/15/10): at 175x, this southern galaxy appeared fairly faint (view diminished by low elevation), fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~45"x30", broad concentration.  Located just north of a group of 3 stars with the closer two (1' S and 1.5' S) collinear with the major axis of the galaxy and mag 9.25 HD 105253 2' SSW.  ESO 321-7, located just 2.5' ESE, was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4112 = h3380 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; at the end (or forming the continuation of an arc of 3 stars respectively, in order 8, 9 and 10m."

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NGC 4113 = NGC 4122 = MCG +06-27-011 = CGCG 187-009 = PGC 38451

12 07 08.5 +32 59 46; Com

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 55”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4122.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4113 = h1089 on 3 Apr 1831 and simply noted as "eF".  There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin found that exactly one degree north is NGC 4122, which JH found earlier on 29 Apr 1827, but also with a poor position!  So, likely NGC 4113 = NGC 4122.

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NGC 4114 = MCG -02-31-018 = PGC 38460

12 07 12.3 -14 11 08; Crv

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 135”

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, prominent core which increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. The low surface brightness halo requires averted to view.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4114 = H III-533 = h3381 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "vF, S, iF.  Time uncertain to 5 or 6 seconds."  JH noted "F; S; R: gbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4115

12 07 09.6 +14 24 24; Com

 

= *?, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4115 = h1090 on 3 Apr 1826 and simply noted "a suspected neb.  Extremely faint."  There are no galaxies near his position, though a mag 14.8 star is 30" away.  So, either this number is lost or perhaps refers to this faint star.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4116 = UGC 7111 = MCG +01-31-022 = CGCG 041-041 = PGC 38492

12 07 37.2 +02 41 29; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 3.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE.  Appears brighter along the major axis.  NGC 4123 lies 14.1' NE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 4116 on 6 Mar 1851.  While observing NGC 4123 it was noted "another also E and vF, about 18' south-preceding."  The actual separation is 14', but the identification NGC 4116 = UGC 7111 is certain.  On 18 Apr 1855, NGC 4116 was sketched "U" shaped (open at one end) with the comment "a wedge-shaped division running downwards?"  Christian Peters measured an accurate position and noted "RA and NPD in the GC [John Herschel's estimated position] not good."

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NGC 4117 = UGC 7112 = MCG +07-25-027 = CGCG 215-029 = Holm 334a = LGG 269-018 = PGC 38503

12 07 46.1 +43 07 35; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 18”

 

24" (5/30/16): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.3', well concentrated with a small bright elongated core with faint extensions.  Forms a pair with NGC 4118 1.8' SE.  NGC 4111, the brightest member in a group, lies 8.6' SW and orange mag 8.1 HD 105288 (wide pair) is 5' WSW.  Member of the NGC 4111 Group = LGG 269.

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with faint NGC 4118 1.6' SE and NGC 4111 lies 8.5' WSW.  The double star h2596 = 8.2/10.7 at 34" is 5' WSW.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, broadly concentrated.  Located on the opposite side of a mag 8 star from NGC 4111.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4117 = H III-708 = h1091 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and logged vF, vS.  The foregoing nebula [NGC 4111], 2 stars [HJ 2598] and this are in a line from sp to nf."  John Herschel's position on 12 Apr 1830 was poor but d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 2 nights in May 1865.

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NGC 4118 = MCG +07-25-028 = CGCG 215-030 = Holm 334b = PGC 38507

12 07 52.8 +43 06 41; CVn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~14"x10".  Located just 1.5' SE of NGC 4117.  Member of the NGC 4111 group.

 

17.5": extremely faint, very small, requires averted to glimpse.  Forms a close pair with much brighter NGC 4117 1.6' NW.

 

13": not seen.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4118 on 20 Apr 1857 using LdR's 72".  He noted "about 60" or 70" sff [of NGC 4117] is an eF nebulous knot which I at first took for a star."  The 1880 publication includes a sketch and this object is labeled "delta".  Dreyer credited Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, with the discovery.

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NGC 4119 = NGC 4124 = IC 3011 = UGC 7117 = MCG +02-31-036 = CGCG 069-058 = PGC 38527

12 08 09.7 +10 22 43; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 4.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 114”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4124

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4119 = H II-14 on 18 Jan 1784 (only object in short sweep 85) and recorded "a nebula of a longish figure, not cometic; probably it consists of stars." There is nothing at his position (using 59 Vir as the reference star) and the galaxy could not be recovered by Bigourdan, Reinmuth or Frost (Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1).

 

According to Harold Corwin, NGC 4119 is likely another observation of NGC 4124 as originally suggested by Dreyer in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues: "WH's final position is just 50 arcmin south of NGC 4124, and there are no other bright galaxies nearby that he might have picked up."

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NGC 4120 = UGC 7121 = MCG +12-12-001 = CGCG 335-004 = LGG 272-002 = PGC 38553

12 08 31.4 +69 32 35; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 166”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, thin, very elongated NNW-SSE.  A mag 15 star is at the south end 0.5' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4120 = H III-904 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "eF, vS, E from north to south."  CH's reduced position is 33 sec of RA west and 2.5' north of UGC 7121.

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NGC 4121 = MCG +11-15-026 = CGCG 315-018 = Holm 335b = PGC 38508

12 07 56.5 +65 06 50; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 0.5'x0.45'

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint but very small, round, stellar nucleus surrounded by a small round halo.  Forms a pair with bright galaxy NGC 4125 3.6' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4121 on 9 Sep 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches CGCG 315-018 = PGC 38508.

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NGC 4122 = NGC 4113 = MCG +06-27-011 = CGCG 187-009 = PGC 38451

12 07 08.5 +32 59 46; Com

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Located at the NW edge of Coma Berenices border.  IC 3003 lies 12' SSE (not noticed).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4122 = h1093 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded "eF; vS; R; mbM."  There is nothing near his position, though 1.1 min of RA west is CGCG 187-009 = PGC 38451.  JH found the galaxy again on 3 Apr 1831, but his position on this sweep was 1 degree too far south!  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 4113.

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NGC 4123 = UGC 7116 = MCG +01-31-023 = CGCG 041-042 = Mrk 1466 = PGC 38531

12 08 11.2 +02 52 41; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 4.4'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 3'x2', small bright core.  NGC 4116 lies 14.1' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4123 = H V-4 = h1092 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "vF, of a considerable extent, being about 5 or 6' diameter.  To the north of the nebula at a distance of about 15' or more is a bright triangle of stars, the base where of is towards the nebula."  His position and description matches UGC 7116 = PGC 38531.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 29 Mar 1856 at Birr Castle, noted "the n one [NGC 4123] is however a spiral like an "S", the arms being faint."

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NGC 4124 = NGC 4119: = UGC 7117 = MCG +02-31-036 = CGCG 069-058 = IC 3011 = PGC 38527

12 08 09.7 +10 22 43; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 4.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): bright, fairly large, elongated WNW-ESE, bright elongated core.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, moderately large, attractive system, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, elongated large bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4124 = H I-33 = H II-60 = h1094 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged II-60 as "F, S, r."  Caroline's reduced position is 2' northeast of UGC 7117.  He logged it again as I-33 exactly a month later as "B, L, mE, mbM, r."  A note was added "by description not the same as [II-60].  Nevertheless, John Herschel combined both (correctly) H-designations in the GC.  John Herschel made an early observation on 11 Apr 1825 (sweep 3) and noted it was "extended in a north-preceding directions towards a star, 30" diameter."

 

William Herschel probably discovered this galaxy earlier on 18 Jan 1784 and listed it as H. II-14 (later NGC 4119).  See notes on this number. Finally Schwassmann's Sn. 124 = IC 3011, found on a Heidelberg plate on 23 Feb 1900, is an exact match.  So, NGC 3124 = NGC 4119 = IC 3011.

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NGC 4125 = UGC 7118 = MCG +11-15-027 = CGCG 315-019 = Holm 335a = PGC 38524

12 08 05.7 +65 10 24; Dra

V = 9.7;  Size 5.8'x3.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): bright, moderately large, very elongated almost 4:1 E-W, 2.5'x0.7'.  A very bright elongated core and nearly stellar nucleus dominates the galaxy with much fainter extensions but overall the surface brightness is high.  A mag 10 star is 2.4' ESE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4121 3.6' SW.

 

John Russell Hind discovered NGC 4125 = Au 28 on 5 Jan 1850 with a 7-inch Dolland refractor at George Bishop's private observatory in London. He noted "tolerably bright, but small."  This was the second deep sky object he discovered after NGC 6760.  In the next issue of Astronomische Nachrichten he added "of an elliptical form with a strong nuclear condensation."  Hind's Crimson star is mentioned in the same note!  Auwer listed this galaxy as #28 in his 1862 list of new nebulae.

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NGC 4126 = UGC 7123 = MCG +03-31-047 = CGCG 098-065 = PGC 38565

12 08 37.4 +16 08 34; Com

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.5', weak even concentration to a faint, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 2' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4126 = H III-68 = h1095 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "Two vS stars very near each other with suspected nebulosity between them.  240x left it doubtful."  Caroline's reduced position is 23 sec of RA east of UGC 7123, though interestingly there are two nearby stars that could possibly be WH's object.  Nevertheless, John Herschel's position on 23 Apr 1832 is within 30" of UGC 7123.

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NGC 4127 = UGC 7122 = MCG +13-09-012 = CGCG 352-019 = PGC 38550

12 08 26.3 +76 48 15; Cam

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, broad mild concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the east end and second mag 14 star is close east.  Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 5.8 SAO 7500 13' NW and mag 7.4 SAO 7497 13' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4127 = H I-279 = h1096 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and noted "pB, cL, irr E, bM."  His RA is either 45 sec too large, or perhaps he reversed the polar distance of this object and NGC 4133 as the RA order is reversed.  In any case, John Herschel measured an accurate position on 2 sweeps.

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NGC 4128 = UGC 7120 = MCG +12-12-002A = CGCG 335-003 = Holm 337a = LGG 272-003 = PGC 38555

12 08 32.4 +68 46 04; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.4'.  Contains a very bright core and almost stellar nucleus that dominates the much fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4128 = H I-263 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "cB, lE."  CH's reduced position is 2' north of UGC 7120.  CGCG does not label  its 335-008 as NGC 4128.

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NGC 4129 = NGC 4130 = MCG -01-31-006 = PGC 38580

12 08 53.3 -09 02 12; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, weakly concentrated.  A mag 13 star is 3.0' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4129 = H II-548 = h1097 = h3382 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "F, pL, mE from np to sf, not far from the parallel."  John Herschel made two observations at Slough and once at the Cape of Good Hope. On sweep 136 he noted "F; vgbM; E in parallel; 30" l, 20" br."

 

NGC 4130, found by Heinrich d'Arrest on 15 Mar 1866, is a duplicate observation with an erroneous position.  See that number.

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NGC 4130 = NGC 4129 = MCG -01-31-006 = PGC 38580

12 08 53.3 -09 02 12; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 95”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4129.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4130 on 15 Mar 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His description mentions a mag 13 star precedes by 21.7 seconds of time, but no star matches that position.  Instead, Harold Corwin found his description fits NGC 4129, which is located exactly 5” south of d'Arrest's position, and a mag 13 star is exactly 21 sec of time west!  So, NGC 4130 = NGC 4129.

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NGC 4131 = UGC 7126 = MCG +05-29-019 = CGCG 158-029 = Holm 339c = WBL 382-001 = PGC 38573

12 08 47.3 +29 18 17; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, small, fairly high surface brightness, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, small prominent core, stellar nucleus.  Located 4.0' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  First of three on a line and second brightest with NGC 4132 4.5' SE and NGC 4134 9' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4131 = H III-356 = h1098, along with NGC 4132 and 4134 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded the trio as "Three, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4134] which is F, irregular.  I suspect a fourth, but could not stay to ascertain it, though I am pretty sure.  The other two are vF, S, mE."  John Herschel made two observations, the first on 31 Mar 1827 (sweep 66).

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NGC 4132 = MCG +05-29-020 = CGCG 158-030 = Holm 339a = WBL 382-002 = PGC 38593

12 09 01.4 +29 15 01; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, small brighter core.  Second and faintest of three with NGC 4134 4.5' SSE and NGC 4131 4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4132 = H III-357 = h1099, along with NGC 4131 and 4134, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded the trio as "Three, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4134] which is F, irregular.  I suspect a fourth, but could not stay to ascertain it, though I am pretty sure.  The other two [NGC 4131 and NGC 4132] are vF, S, mE."  John Herschel made three observations (first on 31 Mar 1827) and his mean position is a good match with this galaxy.

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NGC 4133 = UGC 7127 = MCG +13-09-013 = CGCG 352-020 = PGC 38578

12 08 49.9 +74 54 15; Dra

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, irregular surface brightness with one or two bright knots possibly including a substellar nucleus.  Forms the vertex of a right angle with a mag 12 star 2.5' N and a mag 13 star 2.2' E of center.  Located 18' NNW of mag 6.4 SAO 7512.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4133 = H I-278 = h1100 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and noted "cB, cL, iR, mbM."  His position matches UGC 7127, though Dreyer thought that WH exchanged the PD with this object and NGC 4127.  On 6 May 1831 (sweep 349), John Herschel called it "F; R; gbM.  Strong twilight" and measured an accurate position.  On a later sweep he logged "pB; R; gbM."

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NGC 4134 = UGC 7130 = MCG +05-29-023 = CGCG 158-031 = Holm 339b = WBL 382-003 = PGC 38605

12 09 10.0 +29 10 37; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, broad concentration, NGC 4132 5' NNW.  Brightest and third of three spiral galaxies almost collinear in a NW-SE direction!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4134 = H II-371 = h1101, along with NGC 4131 and 4132, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  He recorded the trio as "Three, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4134] which is F, irregular.  I suspect a fourth, but could not stay to ascertain it, though I am pretty sure.  The other two [NGC 4131 and NGC 4132] are vF, S, mE."  John Herschel made three observations (first on 31 Mar 1827) and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4135 = MCG +07-25-032 = CGCG 215-034 = PGC 38601

12 09 08.9 +44 00 12; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5": very faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 4137 5.5' NNE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 4135 = St XI-16, along with NGC 4137, on 4 May 1881. His position is accurate.

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NGC 4136 = UGC 7134 = MCG +05-29-025 = CGCG 158-034 = PGC 38618

12 09 17.7 +29 55 39; Com

V = 11.0;  Size 4.0'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 4131/NGC 4132 pair lies 38' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4136 = H II-321 = h1108 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "pB, L, gbM."  His position matches UGC 7134.  On 2 Apr 1827 (sweep 67), John Herschel wrote, "vF; vL; 5 or 6' diam."

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NGC 4137 = UGC 7135 = VV 454 = MCG +07-25-033 = CGCG 215-036 = PGC 38619

12 09 17.6 +44 05 26; CVn

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 100”

 

17.5": very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 4135 5.5' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 4137 = St XI-17, along with NGC 4135, on 4 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4138 = UGC 7139 = MCG +07-25-035 = CGCG 215-037 = LGG 269-008 = PGC 38643

12 09 29.9 +43 41 07; CVn

V = 11.3;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 150”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, rises quickly to a small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.0' NNW of center.  Member of the NGC 4111 Group = LGG 269.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4138 = H I-196 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "cB, cL, vgbM, iF."

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NGC 4139 = IC 2989 = MCG +00-31-030 = CGCG 013-061 = WBL 372-013 = PGC 38213

12 04 34.0 +01 48 05; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4077 just 1.3' NW in a group.  Located 6.0' SSE of NGC 4073.  Listed as "not found" in RNGC and identified as IC 2989 in UGC, MCG and CGCG as d'Arrest's RA is 5 minutes too large.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4139 = IC 2989 = PGC 38213, along with NGC 4140, on 10 Apr 1863.  He described a double nebula, with the companion preceding by 4-5 seconds of time and somewhat north.  There is nothing at his position but Corwin found he made a 5 minute error in RA.  See NGC 4140 for the story.

 

David Todd rediscovered the galaxy on 6 Jan 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and reported it as objects #16b and #14b.  Finally Guilllaume Bigourdan found it a third time on 29 Mar 1895 and reported it as Big. 287 (later IC 2989).  Both Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC misclassify NGC 4139 as nonexistent.  CGCG labels this galaxy as IC 2989, though RC3 gives NGC 4139 as an identity.

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NGC 4140 = NGC 4077 = UGC 7063 = MCG +00-31-031 = CGCG 013-063 = PGC 38218

12 04 38.0 +01 47 16; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4077

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4140 on 10 Apr 1863, along with NGC 4139, which was mentioned as 5 seconds of time preceding and somewhat north.  There is nothing near his usually accurate ring-micrometer position.  But Harold Corwin notes that exactly 5 minutes of RA west of d'Arrest's position is the pair NGC 4077 and IC 2989, matching his description.  So, NGC 4140 = NGC 4077 and NGC 4139 = IC 2989.  Dorothy Carlson classifies NGC 4140 as nonexistent in her NGC corrections list and this is repeated in the RNGC.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #6.

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NGC 4141 = UGC 7147 = MCG +10-17-152 = CGCG 292-074 = PGC 38669

12 09 47.3 +58 50 57; UMa

V = 14.5;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Two mag 15 stars are 1' W and 1' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4141 = H III-795 = h1102 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "vF, S, r, iF."  His RA was 20 seconds of time too small.  John Herschel made a single observation on 1 May 1831 (sweep 345) and logged, "F; pL; lE; gbM; 40"." His RA was 15 seconds of time too small.

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NGC 4142 = UGC 7140 = MCG +09-20-102 = CGCG 269-037 = LGG 258-037 = PGC 38645

12 09 30.2 +53 06 18; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 175”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration.  Nearly collinear with a wide pair of mag 11/13 stars ~4' SW.  NGC 4181 is located 32' SE.   Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, moderately large, diffuse, weak concentration, oval ~N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4142 = H III-814 = h1103 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and logged "vF, S, easily resolvable."  His position is accurate. John Herschel made a single observation on 4 May 1831 (sweep 347) and noted, "vF; irreg fig; vglbM; twilight."

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NGC 4143 = UGC 7142 = MCG +07-25-036 = CGCG 215-039 = LGG 269-007 = PGC 38654

12 09 36.1 +42 32 03; CVn

V = 10.7;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 144”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5.0' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 44055.  Member of the NGC 4111 group = LGG 269.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4143 = H IV-54 = h1104 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and noted "cB, Nucleus with faint chevelure (halo)."  His position is just off the east side of this galaxy.  On 1 May 1828 (sweep 150), John Herschel logged "R; sbM to nucleus."

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NGC 4144 = UGC 7151 = MCG +08-22-077 = CGCG 243-048 = PGC 38688

12 09 58.5 +46 27 28; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 6.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 104”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, very large, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 5'x1', bright core.  Double star mag 13.5/13.5 at 8" separation is off the SE end 2.3' from center.  Located between two mag 9 stars 8' N (double) and SAO 44057 7.7' SW.   Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud) or possibly the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

8": faint, edge-on WNW-ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4144 = H II-747 = h1107 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "pB, E, about 3' long, from np to sf about 15 or 20”."  John Herschel made two observations, logging on 26 Apr 1830 (sweep 255), "F; vmE in pos 109” by meaure; vgvbM; 4' long, 30 or 40" br."

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NGC 4145 = UGC 7154 = MCG +07-25-040 = CGCG 215-042 = Holm 342a = PGC 38693

12 10 01.6 +39 52 58; CVn

V = 11.3;  Size 5.9'x4.3';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 100”

 

24" (5/30/16): at 200x; fairly bright, very large, roughly oval 4:3 ~E-W, 4'x3', contains a large brighter core and a noticeably patchy or irregular halo with a strong impression of spiral structure.  Two arms were fairly confident; one extending east of the core on its south side and another extending west of the core on its north side.  Otherwise, it seemed like slightly brighter HII patches in the low surface brightness halo were just resolving in the outer halo.  Located 9' due west of mag 6.8 HD 105824.

 

NGC 4145A = UGC 7175 lies 12' SE.  It appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small as often only the 20" slightly elongated core was visible.  Sometimes very low surface brightness extensions E-W were seen, increasing the size to ~35"x20", but the full extension of the arms were not detected.

 

13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, weak broad concentration, slightly elongated E-W.  Located 9' W of mag 6.9 SAO 44055, a distraction for the low surface brightness galaxy.  NGC 4151 lies 30' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4145 = H I-169 = h1105 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717) and noted "cB, cL."  His position is within the halo on the northwest side.  On 28 Apr 1827 (sweep 73), John Herschel reported, "pB; vL; dilute; vglbM."

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NGC 4146 = UGC 7163 = MCG +05-29-028 = CGCG 158-036 = PGC 38721

12 10 18.3 +26 25 51; Com

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Weak concentration in halo but direct vision revealed a very small brighter core of ~10" (this is a Seyfert galaxy).  Located 22' ESE of mag 7.1 SAO 82152.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4146 = H III-327 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, pS."  CH's reduction is 13 sec of time preceding UGC 7163.  There were no observations made by JH or at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4147 = NGC 4153

12 10 06.2 +18 32 32; Com

V = 10.4;  Size 4.4';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

48" (4/22/17): NGC 4147, a class IX globular, was well resolved and impressive at 488x.  It appeared very bright, fairly large, large bright core.  Over 100 stars were resolved including a number of relatively bright 14.5-15.5 stars.  The stellar density increases significantly towards the center where a large number of resolved stars are packed over a hazy, mottled background.  The loose halo was well resolved, a bit scraggly around the edges and extended to ~5' diameter.  The superthin galaxy UGC 7170 lies 18' NNE.

 

17.5" (4/13/96): moderately bright, fairly small, irregular 2'-2.5' diameter, very small bright core.  A few faint stars are resolved at 220x including one brighter star at the south edge.  Appears on the verge of more extensive resolution.  At 280x, the halo clearly has an irregular outline and several stars are resolved in extensions or star lanes.  The core is mottled and intense but not resolved.

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 2.5' diameter.  Approximately six faint stars are just resolved around the edges of the halo including a single easy mag 14 star at the SSW edge.  The compact core is mottled and clumpy but has no clean resolution.  There is an impression of several star lanes in the halo just below the limit of resolution.

 

A 2010 journal article on the capture of globular clusters, mentions NGC 4147 may be associated with SagDEG (in addition to Terzan 7, Terzan 8, Arp 2 and Pal 12).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4147 = H I-19 = h1106 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "a very brilliant nebula.  Not cometic.  Brightest in the middle but the brightness extends a good way towards the extremes; pS."  His position was 20 seconds of time too large.  The NGC position is accurate (Engelhardt measured a micrometric position). John Herschel made 3 observations; on 23 Mar 1827 he wrote, "B; R; 80"; consists of distinct stars.  A globular cluster."

 

The first discovery was probably made a month earlier on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and recorded as H I-11 = NGC 4153, but his position was poor (not unusual in his early sweeps).  See that number and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

 

Lord Rosse (or assistant William Rambaut) first observed NGC 4147 on 1 Apr 1848 and described it as "a very close cluster of faintish stars, preceded by a small nebula [NGC 4110]."

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NGC 4148 = UGC 7158 = MCG +06-27-018 = CGCG 187-016 = PGC 38704

12 10 08.0 +35 52 39; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 165”

 

17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' SE and a mag 12 star 4' W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4148 on 7 Feb 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured twice, matches UGC 7158 and he accurately placed a mag 12 star at 3.8 seconds of time following (and 1.3' south).

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NGC 4149 = NGC 4154 = UGC 7167 = MCG +10-17-155 = CGCG 292-076 = PGC 38741

12 10 32.9 +58 18 14; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, thin edge-on WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  This is a pretty system.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4149 = H II-802 = h1109 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "F, S, E."  His position was 3' northwest of UGC 7167 = PGC 38741.  He swept it up a second time on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), but mistakenly assumed III-845 (later NGC 4154) was new.  So, NGC 4149 = NGC 4154.  John Herschel made a single observation on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and his position was 9 tsec west and 1' south of UGC 7167.

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NGC 4150 = UGC 7165 = MCG +05-29-029 = CGCG 158-037 = PGC 38742

12 10 33.7 +30 24 06; Com

V = 11.6;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, moderately large, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint halo extends NW-SE to 2.0'x1.3'.  Located 6' E of mag 9 SAO 62870.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4150 = H I-73 = h1110 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vB, S."  His position is close off the southwest side of UGC 7165.  JH made the single observation "B; R: pgmbM; 25"; a * 8m 5' preceding."

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NGC 4151 = UGC 7166 = MCG +07-25-044 = CGCG 215-045 = Holm 345a = WBL 383-001 = PGC 38739

12 10 31.4 +39 23 19; CVn

V = 10.8;  Size 6.3'x4.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 50”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): very bright, very small or stellar nucleus, fainter halo.  A mag 11.5 star is 2.3' N and a closer mag 13 star is 1.3' N of center.  Forms a optical pair with NGC 4156 5.1' NE (the companion is in the background).  NGC 4145 lies 29' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4151 = H I-165 = h1111, along with NGC 4156, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "vB, A bright nucleus, but the nucleus not in the middle, or perhaps two joined together, the northern on having the nucleus."  CH's reduction is on the northwest side of the halo.

 

On 26 April 1851 at Birr Castle, Bindon Stoney logged "Has a B, R centre with nucleus, then two dark spaces concentric with the nucleus and outside these faint nebulosity as in figure."  Two night laters he noted "Previous observation rather confirmed. The dark spaces certainly exist, but I cannot be sure that appendages are not parts of spiral branches."  The following year he wrote "Last year's observation confirmed as to dark curved spaces preceding and following centre and faint nebulosity outside them again."   A sketch was included in the 1861 publication (Plate XXVII, Fig. 20).

 

NGC 4151 is one of the 6 galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".

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NGC 4152 = UGC 7169 = MCG +03-31-052 = CGCG 098-077 = Mrk 759 = PGC 38749

12 10 37.5 +16 01 59; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright, round, ~1' diameter, moderately concentrated with a brighter core ~20" in diameter.  Halo increases to nearly 1.5' diameter with averted vision.  Transparency poor due to smoke.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4152 = H II-83 = h1112 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "F, pL, r."  JH and d'Arrest both observed and measured this galaxy four times.

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NGC 4153 = NGC 4147

12 10 06.2 +18 32 32; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4147.  Identification uncertain.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4153 = H I-11 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and recorded "a B nebula, not very large, however of some extent, it not R; the greatest brightness lies towards the middle but is not circular.  The whitishness of this nebula is of the milky kind of the unresolveable nebula such as that of [M42]."  There is nothing near his position (during an early sweep when his positions were much more prone to error) but 14' northwest is the globular cluster NGC 4147, which he recored just a month later (14 Mar 1784).

 

Harold Corwin notes that Walter Scott Houston may have suggested in one his Deep Sky Wonders columns that NGC 4133 might have been a comet, although offered no proof.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4154 = NGC 4149 = UGC 7167 = MCG +10-17-155 = CGCG 292-076 = PGC 38741

12 10 32.9 +58 18 14; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 4149.

 

William Herschel rediscovered NGC 4154 = H III-845 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "vF, S, E in the parallel."  His offset from Delta UMa and description (elongated E-W) points to within 1' of UGC 7167.  He first discovered this galaxy on 17 Apr 1789 and recorded it as II-802 (and later became NGC 4149), but his position was 3' too far northwest.  So, NGC 4154 = NGC 4149.

 

Interestingly, Bigourdan was not able to recover this galaxy and using Heidelberg plates, Reinmuth apparently was confused and noted "*12?; no neb seen; BD +59 1426 nff 3.7'."  Because of Reinmuth's description, Dorothy Carlson identifies NGC 4154 as a star in her 1940 NGC correction list and RNGC classifies NGC 4154 nonexistent.  NGC 4154 is not equated with NGC 4149 in any major catalogue.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4155 = UGC 7172 = MCG +03-31-058 = CGCG 098-082 = PGC 38761

12 10 45.7 +19 02 27; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate concentration to a small bright core.  Two mag 10 stars are 9'-10' SW near the edge of the 20' field.  Located 31' NNE of gc NGC 4147.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4155 = Sw. I-21 on 6 Apr 1885. Although his description "vvF, vS" is not very helpful, his position is just 6 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 7172.

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NGC 4156 = UGC 7173 = MCG +07-25-045 = CGCG 215-047 = Holm 345b = WBL 383-003 = PGC 38773 = The Eye of Sauron

12 10 49.5 +39 28 22; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

13.1" (3/17/86): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 4151 5.1' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4156 = H II-642 = h1113, along with NGC 4151, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "pB, S."  JH logged "vF; lE; vgbM."

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NGC 4157 = UGC 7183 = MCG +09-20-106 = CGCG 269-038 = FGC 1380 = LGG 258-025 = PGC 38795

12 11 04.9 +50 29 07; UMa

V = 11.3;  Size 6.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, 5.0'x0.7', elongated bright core, extensions taper at ends.  Located 4.3' SE of mag 8.0 SAO 28277.  Two mag 10/10.5 stars oriented N-S are 3.8' SW and 5.1' SW and a mag 11 star lies 4.9' NE.  This is a striking galaxy with several bright stars near adding to the view.  Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, bright core.  A mag 8 star is close NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4157 = H I-208 = h1114 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "F, mE from sp to nf, nearer the parallel, about 3' l and 3/4' broad."  JH made the single observation "B; vmE; vglbM; 4' long." and d'Arrest measured the position twice.

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NGC 4158 = UGC 7182 = MCG +03-31-060 = CGCG 098-084 = PGC 38802

12 11 10.2 +20 10 32; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, fairly small, broad concentration, slightly elongated ~E-W.  A mag 11 star is 1.7' SE of center.  Located 25' SW of 5 Comae Berenices (V = 5.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4158 = H II-405 = h1115 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "F, S, lE.  Preceding a pB star."  His position is 2' south of UGC 7182.  JH noted "vF; has a * nf.", but the star is southeast.

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NGC 4159 = UGC 7174 = MCG +13-09-015 = CGCG 352-022 = PGC 38777

12 10 53.6 +76 07 34; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness.  Two mag 13 stars are 1.4' ESE and 1.0' NE of center.  The galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star to the NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4159 = H III-941 = h1116 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and recorded "vF, pS.  It has two stars nf making a triangle with it."  CH's reduced position is 1.7' southeast of UGC 7174 and the description is accurate.  JH called it "eF; R; makes equilateral triangle with 2 stars."

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NGC 4160

12 11 36 +43 45; CVn

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4160 = Big 51 on 27 May 1886 and described "a star 13.3m accompanied by a little nebulosty."  There is nothing at his position (roughly midway between NGC 4138 and NGC 4183) and no modern catalogues carries this NGC number.  Harold Corwin was not able to recover this object.  See his identification notes.

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NGC 4161 = UGC 7191 = MCG +10-18-002 = CGCG 292-078 = PGC 38834

12 11 33.3 +57 44 14; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, elongated SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4161 = H II-803 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "F, S." His re-reduced position with respect to Delta UMa on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) matches UGC 7191.

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NGC 4162 = UGC 7193 = MCG +04-29-046 = CGCG 128-051 = PGC 38851

12 11 52.5 +24 07 25; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, ~2'x1.3'.  Weak concentration except for a faint but distinct stellar nucleus (this is probably a superimposed star).  Located nearly midway between a mag 10.5 star 2.6' SW and a mag 12 star 2.2' NE.  A mag 14.5 star is 1' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4162 = H II-353 = h1117 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "pB, cL, bM, irr."  His position matches UGC 7193.  JH noted "B; L; E; bM; 60"."

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NGC 4163 = NGC 4167 = UGC 7199 = MCG +06-27-026 = CGCG 187-020 = PGC 38881

12 12 09.1 +36 10 09; CVn

V = 14.0;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 15.1

 

17.5": faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, very diffuse, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Located between mag 8.7 SAO 62893 7.0' NE and a double star STF 1607 = 8.9/9.8 at 27" oriented N-S, which is 9' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4163 = H III-399 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and noted "vF, pL, R, r."  His position is 10 sec of RA west of UGC 7199.  He observed this galaxy again the next sweep (1 May) and added "lE; er."  NGC 4167, found by JH, is a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 4164 = CGCG 069-076 = PGC 38877

12 12 05.4 +13 12 20; Vir

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 111”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small, round, only visible with averted vision.  Faintest in a trio and located 3' SSW of NGC 4165 and 2.9' W of NGC 4168.

 

Willhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4164 = T I-37 (as well as paper V) and placed it 2.5' south of d'Arrest's "nova" [NGC 4165].   He commented "but it is strange that he has not seen the second companion", though I'm not surprised as this galaxy is quite faint.  Interesting, the LdR observation of NGC 4168 on 17 Feb 1855 reads "vB, R, bM, 2 stars preceding."  One of the "stars" preceding must be NGC 4164, but it was seen as stellar.

 

This galaxy is mentioned in the UGC notes for NGC 4168, but not identified as NGC 4164.

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NGC 4165 = IC 3035 = UGC 7201 = MCG +02-31-045 = CGCG 069-078 = WBL 386-002 = PGC 38885

12 12 11.8 +13 14 47; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): very faint, fairly small, round, slightly elongated, diffuse.  Located 2.6' NW of NGC 4168 in a trio with NGC 4164.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4165 on 8 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 1.4' too far southwest, unusually poor for his micrometric positions.  He mentions that LdR (or assistant) missed this nebula when he observed NGC 4168 in 1855.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 16 Nov 1900 on a plate taken by Wolf with the 6" astrograph at the Kšnigstuhl Observatory in Heidelberg. He measured an accurate position and reported Sn. 222 (later IC 3035) as new.  So, NGC 4165 = IC 3035.  CGCG misidentifies an extremely faint companion at the northwest side as IC 3035.

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NGC 4166 = UGC 7198 = MCG +03-31-068 = CGCG 098-096 = PGC 38882

12 12 09.6 +17 45 26; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, moderate concentration to a very small brighter core.  Very symmetrical appearance.

 

Willhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4166 = T IX-10 on 15 Mar 1885 with the 11-inch refractor at Arcetri while searching for the periodic Comet 1867 II.   Tempel's position is just 1' S of UGC 7198.

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NGC 4167 = NGC 4163 = UGC 7199 = MCG +06-27-026 = CGCG 187-020 = PGC 38881

12 12 09.1 +36 10 09; CVn

 

See observing notes for NGC 4163

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4167 = h1118 on 11 Mar 1831 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM; a double star south-preceding dist 10'.  The MS observation makes the polar distance decidedly 33'; but should it be a mistake for 52', this nebula would be identical to [NGC 4163]."  There is nothing at his position, but 30' south is NGC 4163, as he suspected, and 8.5' southwest of this galaxy is a double star.  So, NGC 4167 = NGC 4163.  Reinmuth writes "no pL neb with ** sp 10' found; NGC 4167 = NGC 4163? and Dorothy Carlson repeated this equivalence in her 1940 monograph on NGC corrections.

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NGC 4168 = UGC 7203 = MCG +02-31-046 = CGCG 069-081 = PGC 38890

12 12 17.2 +13 12 18; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 2.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (1/23/88): brightest of a trio with NGC 4164 2.9' W and NGC 4165 2.6' NW.  Fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4168 = H II-105 = h1119 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "pS but pB, roundish, resolvable, containing some stars visible."  Caroline's reduction is 4.7' southeast of UGC 7203.  John Herschel called this galaxy "B; R; psbM; irreg fig; r" and measured an accurate position. Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 4165, which was discovered by d'Arrest.

 

In the IC 2 Notes section, Dreyer mentioned "not found by Frost on plates of 4 hr exposure", although this bright galaxy was included in Adelaide Ames 1930 "A Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae, including the Coma-Virgo Group", based on plates taken with the Bruce astrograph at Arequipa.

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NGC 4169 = HCG 61A = KTG 42A = UGC 7202 = MCG +05-29-032 = CGCG 158-041 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38892

12 12 18.8 +29 10 46; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 153”

 

48" (4/20/17): extremely bright, moderately large, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.6'.  Sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core that increases to an intensely bright nucleus.

 

24" (5/22/17): at 282x; bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.6', highly concentrated with an intense, elongated core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

18" (6/17/06): brightest member of HCG 61 = "The Box".  Appears moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.7'.  Well concentrated with a 25" bright core that increases to the center.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): brightest in a small group of four galaxies = HCG 61.  Moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, very small bright core.  Forms the west vertex of a nearly perfect rectangle with NGC 4173 1.7' NNE, NGC 4174 2.5' SE and NGC 4175 2.9' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4169 = H III-358 = h1120, along with NGC 4173, 4174 and 4175, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Four, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4170], which is F and S.  The other three are less and fainter; forming a small quartile, the largest being the most north of the preceding side; all within 3 arc minutes."

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NGC 4170

12 12 18 +29 12; Com

 

= Not found, Thomson.  =*?, Corwin.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4170 and 4171 on 10 May 1864, while observing the NGC 4169 quartet = HCG 61.  Under his description for H. II-372 = NGC 4173, he noted "In addition, I think I see two other nearby nebulae; clearer skies would help."  There was no position or offset given for these possible two nebulae and most likely he glimpsed a couple nearby eF stars.  The galaxy identified as NGC 4170 in the RNGC is NGC 4173.  Other sources apply the designations NGC 4170 = NGC 4171 to NGC 4173.

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NGC 4171

12 12 18 +29 11; Com

 

= Not found and ­ NGC 4173, Thomson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4170 and 4171 on 10 May 1864, while observing the NGC 4169 quartet = HCG 61.  He did not provide a position or offset, so it is impossible to assign these numbers to a nearby faint star with any confidence. See notes for NGC 4170.

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NGC 4172 = UGC 7205 = MCG +09-20-109 = CGCG 269-039 = CGCG 292-080 = PGC 38887

12 12 15.0 +56 10 38; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4172 = H II-792 = h1123 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "F, S, R, bM."  His RA is 45 sec too small.  JH recorded "pF; S; E; gbM; 15" l, 12" br." and measured an accurate position (in the NGC).

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NGC 4173 = HCG 61B = KTG 42B = Holm 346a = NGC 4171 = UGC 7204 = MCG +05-29-033 = CGCG 158-043 = FGC 1382 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38897

12 12 21.4 +29 12 25; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 5.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 134”

 

48" (4/20/17): fairly faint to moderately bright, very large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x0.4', fairly low surface brightness with only a modest central brightening and no distinct core or nucleus.

 

24" (5/22/17): at 282x; fairly faint, very large, very elongated ~6:1 NW-SE with averted, 2.0'x0.35', low surface brightness.  Only a broad weak concentration with no distinct core/nucleus.

 

18" (6/17/06): faint, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.4'.  Overall, low surface brightness with a very weak central brightening.  Faintest of the HCG 61 quartet though NGC 4173 lies in the foreground with a recessional velocity ionly 1/3 of the other members..

 

13.1" (4/12/86): very faint, very elongated NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  Faintest in the NGC 4169 group = HCG 61 and located just 1.7' NNE of NGC 4169.  Forms the north vertex of a rectangle with NGC 4174, and NGC 4175.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4173 = H II-372 = h1121 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  See description under NGC 4169.  The RNGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 4170, which is nonexistent (possibly a star).

 

Although NGC 4173 appears perfectly lined up with NGC 4175, it is apparently in the foreground with a redshift only 1/3 of the other three galaxies.

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NGC 4174 = HCG 61D = UGC 7206 = MCG +05-29-034 = CGCG 158-044 = Mrk 761 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38906

12 12 26.9 +29 08 57; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.35';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 50”

 

48" (4/20/17): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3'. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core that increases to an intensely bright stellar nucleus!

 

24" (5/22/17): at 282x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3'.  Contains a very small and very bright core with a sharp stellar nucleus (brighter than the nucleus of NGC 4169).

 

18" (6/17/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a bright 15"-20" rounder core with the extentions much fainter.  Smallest member of the striking HCG 61 quartet.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, prominent very small bright core.  Slightly elongated halo is faint and small.  This galaxy is the smallest in NGC 4169 group = HCG 61. Forms a small rectangle with NGC 4175 1.5' NE, NGC 4175 2.5' NW and NGC 4173  3.6' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4174 = H III-359 = h1122 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  See notes under NGC 4169.

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NGC 4175 = HCG 61C = KTG 42C = Holm 346b = UGC 7211 = MCG +05-29-036 = CGCG 158-045 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38912

12 12 31.0 +29 10 06; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 130”

 

48" (4/20/17): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, ~1.5'x0.3', contains a large, brighter bulging core.  The extensions taper at the ends giving a spindle appearance.  This galaxy is parallel to NGC 4173 and perpendicular to NGC 4174 to the southwest.

 

24" (5/22/17): at 282x; moderately bright, fairly large, thin edge-on 5:1 NW-SE.  1.25'x0.25'. Contains a brighter elongated core but not strongly concentrated and no nucleus.  NGC 4174, 1.5' SW, is orientated exactly perpendiculat to NGC 4175.

 

18" (6/17/06): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.25', broad weak concentration to a slightly brighter bulging core.  Fades at the tips.  Second of two edge-ons in HCG 61 = "The Box" with NGC 4173 3' NW.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): faint, edge-on NW-SE, bright core, similar in size to NGC 4173 but fainter.  Last of four in the NGC 4169 group = HCG 61 with NGC 4169 2.9' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4175 = H III-360 = h1124 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  See notes under NGC 4169.

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NGC 4176 = PGC 38928

12 12 36.8 -09 09 37; Vir

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 70”

 

18" (5/12/07): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A small group of stars follows in the field.  Located 12' SW of mag 8.7 HD 106225.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4176 = LM 2-454 in 1886 and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.3' dia, R, slbMN, *10 follows 15 sec."  His position matches PGC 38928.  A mag 12 star is 12 sec following and is likely the one in his description.

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NGC 4177 = MCG -02-31-021 = PGC 38937

12 12 41.2 -14 00 52; Crv

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 69”

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration.  With averted vision a very faint larger halo increases the size to perhaps 1.4'x1.0'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4177 = H III-534 = h3383 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and logged "vF, pL, of unequal light."  His position is 12 sec of time too far west.  JH recorded "vF; pL; R; vgbM; 60"." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4178 = IC 3042 = UGC 7215 = MCG +02-31-050 = CGCG 069-088 = PGC 38943

12 12 46.4 +10 51 57; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 5.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE.  Gradually increases to a small bright core and faint stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very large but diffuse, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, very little central concentration but a brighter knot appears along the SW edge.  Located 7.0' WNW of mag 7.6 SAO 99995.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4178 = h1125 on 11 Apr 1825 (sweep 3) and recorded, "vF; E nf to sp; 40"."  This object was only his third discovery (after NGC 7010 and NGC 7653), found while developing his sweeping technique.  On 2 May 1829 (sweep 191) he noted, "vF; vL; E; a * 7m follows 7' +/- distance."  His position matches UGC 7215 and the bright star follows by 7'

 

Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 6 Sep 1900 on a plate taken with the 6" astrograph at Heidelberg.  Neither he nor Dreyer noticed the equivalence in position with NGC 4178 and it was recatalogued as IC 3042.

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NGC 4179 = UGC 7214 = MCG +00-31-038 = CGCG 013-104 = Todd 15 = PGC 38950

12 12 52.1 +01 17 57; Vir

V = 11.0;  Size 4.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): bright, fairly small, very distinctive edge-on system oriented NW-SE, very bright core, sharp light cut-off along the SW flank.  A string of mag 11 stars trail off to the NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4179 = H I-9 = h1126 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 118) and recorded "F, vS, E."  JH logged "pB; S; mE; a ray with a nucleus pos 45” np to sf."  The NGC position (from JH) matches UGC 7215.

 

David Todd found this galaxy on 5 Jan 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and recorded it as object 15 in his list of suspected objects.

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NGC 4180 = UGC 7219 = MCG +01-31-025 = CGCG 041-048 = PGC 38964

12 13 03.0 +07 02 20; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 22”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty edge-on SSW-NNE, small bright nuclear bulge, stellar nucleus.  NGC 4191 lies 15' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4180 = H II-133 = h1127 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "not vF, S, E, r."  His position matches UGC 7219.  NGC 4182 may be a duplicate observation (see Harold Corwin's identification notes).

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NGC 4181 = MCG +09-20-111 = CGCG 269-041 = PGC 38938

12 12 48.9 +52 54 11; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 11 star lies 1.5' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4181 = H III-777 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "eF, S, stellar neb."  His re-reduced position is 1' south of MCG +09-20-111 = CGCG 269-041, so this identification is certain.  The RNGC data is confusing.  Based on the comment "companion 1' N" (but not the position), the RNGC misidentifies NGC 4187 as NGC 4181.

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NGC 4182

12 13 24 +04 03; Vir

 

= NGC 4180?, Corwin. Not found, Sulentic.  =* or *'s, Gottlieb.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4182 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory.  At his exact position is a mag 12 star.  Harold Corwin comments "NGC 4182 may be NGC 4180, or it may simply be a star at Peters's position".

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NGC 4183 = UGC 7222 = MCG +07-25-051 = CGCG 215-053 = FGC 1386 = LGG 269-009 = PGC 38988

12 13 17.0 +43 41 53; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 5.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 166”

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on about 7:1 NNW-SSE, 3.5'x0.5', broad concentration without a nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the SE edge of the core 0.8' from the center.  Member of the NGC 4111 group = LGG 269 in the UMa Cloud.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4183 = H III-697 = h1128 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and noted "cF, mE from np to sf, 3 or 4' long, 3/4' broad."  In his 1814 PT paper, he mentions "several small stars are contained in faint nebulosity about 3 or 4' long and 3/4' broad."  His sketch shows several stars, although only one star is evident on the DSS.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 6 Apr 1856, noted "F, bM, a bright star in sf edge and a patch in np end which is the brighter.  Neb is fully 4' long."

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NGC 4184 = ESO 130-10 = Ru 102 = OCl 877 = vdB-Ha 128 = Lund 607

12 13 32 -62 43 18; Cru

Size 4'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 318x): about two dozen faint stars resolved in a 4' circle.  Flanked by a mag 10 star ~4' SW and a mag 10 star ~4' NE.  The richest part is a 30" clump on the east side with a half-dozen stars resolved at 318x.  Located 16' NNE of mag 6.0 HD 106068.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4184 = h3384 on 8 Mar 1837 and noted "Cluster class VI; vf, almost nebulous".  There is no obvious clustering at his position on the DSS1.

 

Brian Skiff comments "Looks like an absorption hole, and no more ridiculous than the typical Ruprecht cluster.  I make it just 0'.8 diameter at: 12 13 37  -62 43.2."  Ruprecht gives a diameter of 5' to include a larger scattered group.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 4185 = UGC 7225 = MCG +05-29-038 = CGCG 158-047 = LGG 276-006 = PGC 38995

12 13 22.1 +28 30 40; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 2.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 165”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.5'x1.1', broad concentration.  Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with mag 7.7 SAO 82189 8.5' NW and a mag 11.5 star 10' NE.  NGC 4196 lies 16' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4185 = H II-373 = h1129 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, L, bM."  CH's reduction is 18 sec of time preceding UGC 7225.  d'Arrest noted this object forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 12 stars and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4186 = NGC 4192B = UGC 7240 = MCG +03-31-081 = CGCG 098-111 = Holm 348b = PGC 39057

12 14 06.5 +14 43 33; Com

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Located 11.0' SSE of M98.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 11' SSE of M98.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4186 = T I-38 in 1887.  His position in this paper is 10 seconds of RA preceding and 10' south of M98.  But in list V (AN 2439) he states it is located 20 seconds of time east and 9.5' south of M98.  Dreyer used the latter position, but confused the direction of RA offset and placed NGC 4186 20 sec of RA preceding of M98, instead of following.  His offset in list V establishes NGC 4186 = UGC 7240, but the RA in the NGC is 40 seconds of RA too small.  The correct position was measured by Kobold in 1901 (Strasbourg Annales, Vol 3, 1907).

 

Because of erroneous NGC position, UGC and MCG misidentify UGC 7223 (which lies 22 sec of RA west of M98 and 7.4' south) as NGC 4186.  Also, CGCG misidentifies CGCG 098-119 as NGC 4186.  The correct identification was first given by Dorothy Carlson in 1940 paper and also given in RNGC and RC3.

 

It's possible NGC 4186 was first observed at Birr Castle on 10 Feb 1861.  Samuel Hunter noticed a "F, R neb with a * or Nucl in centre", which he described as 1/2 field of finder [13'] north of M98.  If he confused the direction, then the comment probably applies to NGC 4186.

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NGC 4187 = UGC 7229 = MCG +09-20-117 = CGCG 269-042 = Holm 347a = PGC 39004

12 13 29.2 +50 44 29; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 145”

 

17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' WNW of center.  A mag 15.5 is superimposed on the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4187 = H II-813 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and logged "pB, S, lE." His position is just 1' south of UGC 7229.

 

RNGC misidentifies a faint companion just north of NGC 4187 as NGC 4181.  There are several faint companions with a couple of arcminutes of NGC 4187.

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NGC 4188 = MCG -02-31-023 = PGC 39059

12 14 07.4 -12 35 10; Crv

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (5/8/04): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  A mag 14 star lies 30" N of center, barely off the north edge of the galaxy.  The star masks the galaxy a bit and it was not noticed initially.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 4188 = LM 1-193 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 0.5 tmin W of MCG -02-31-023 = PGC 39059.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 4189 = IC 3050 = UGC 7235 = MCG +02-31-054 = CGCG 069-092 = LGG 285-003 = PGC 39025

12 13 47.5 +13 25 33; Com

V = 11.7;  Size 2.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, broad concentration.  Located northeast of the NGC 4164, NGC 4165, NGC 4168 group in Virgo.  NGC 4193 lies 15' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4189 = H II-106 = h1131 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "vF, pL, r."  JH recorded "pB; L; lE; vgvlbM; 2' diam" and measured an accurate position.  Harold Corwin notes that WH's NGC 4209 (listed as lost) might be a duplicate observation, though both objects were found on the same sweep.

 

Schwassmann found NGC 4189 again on 16 Nov 1900 on a Heidelberg plate of the Virgo/Coma cluster.  His position for Sn. 227 (later IC 3050) matches NGC 4189, so its surprising Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence, but IC 3050 = NGC 4189.

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NGC 4190 = UGC 7232 = MCG +06-27-030 = CGCG 187-024 = VV 104 = PGC 39023

12 13 44.5 +36 38 05; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, broad weak concentration, pretty diffuse, slightly elongated N-S.  Located 7' S of mag 8.5 SAO 62902.  Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud).

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, moderately large, round, diffuse.  A mag 8 star lies 6' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4190 = H II-409 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "vF, S, r." His summary description (including a later sweep) reads "pB, pL, vgbM, r."

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NGC 4191 = UGC 7233 = MCG +01-31-026 = CGCG 041-049 = PGC 39034

12 13 50.4 +07 12 03; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.9' NW.  Forms a pair with NGC 4180 15' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4191 = h1130 on 19 Apr 1830 (sweep 251).  On the next night he logged "F; R; near a small star." and measured positions on four consecutive sweeps.

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NGC 4192 = M98 = UGC 7231 = MCG +03-31-079 = CGCG 098-108 = Holm 348a = PGC 39028

12 13 48.2 +14 54 01; Com

V = 10.1;  Size 9.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): bright, very large, very elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE, 6'x1.5', small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A faint knot was highly suspected near the south tip.  NGC 4186 lies 11' SSE.  Located 32' W of 6 Comae Berenices (V = 5.1).

 

13" (4/29/84): bright, large, very elongated, small bright nucleus, impressive.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M98 = NGC 4192 = h1132 on 15 Mar 1781.  Messier made a confirmation a month later.  William Herschel observed M98 on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 73) and recorded "A large, extended, fine nebula.  It seems to be M98, but from the description in Connoissance des Temps it appears that Mechain has not seen the whole of it, for its feeble branches extend about 1/4”, of which no notice is taken.  Near the middle of it a few stars are visible and more suspected; my field will not quite take it in."  John Herschel recorded M98 on 4 sweeps, first describing it on 3 Apr 1826 as "B; vmE; a ray pos 70” sf to np; mbM almost to nucleus; 10' long."

 

Based on a photograph with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis (1918) described M98 as "An open, elongated spiral 8'x2' in p.a. 150”.  Bright stellar nucleus; numerous almost stellar condensations. Absorption effects on east side"

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NGC 4193 = IC 3051 = UGC 7234 = MCG +02-31-053 = CGCG 069-091 = LGG 285-009 = PGC 39040

12 13 53.6 +13 10 22; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 93”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly large, oval E-W, brighter core.  NGC 4189 lies 15' N over the border in Coma Berenices.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4193 = H II-163 = h1134 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "pS".  JH made the single observation "vF; pL; E; vgbM" and measured an accurate position.

 

Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 16 Nov 1900 on plate taken of the Virgo/Coma cluster with a 6" astrograph at Heidelberg.  His position for IC 3051 matches NGC 4193, so its surprising Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence, but there are several similar cases with Schwassmann's list of nebulae.

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NGC 4194 = Arp 160 = VV 261 = UGC 7241 = MCG +09-20-119 = CGCG 269-043 = Mrk 201 = I Zw 33 = PGC 39068 = Medusa Galaxy

12 14 09.6 +54 31 35; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

48" (4/20/17): at 697x; bright, fairly large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core enclosing an intensely bright nucleus.  The main halo is roughly oval with a weak, elongated brightening oriented SW-NW at the south end.  This low contrast feature is possibly the remnant of a past merger.  A very low surface brightness tidal plume was seen as an ill-defined haze spreading out to the north from the NNW side of the main halo and increasing the N-S dimension to over 1.5'.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): moderately bright, small, elongated NW-SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4194 = H II-867 = h1135 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) amd noted "pB, vS, stellar."  JH called it "F; vsmbM to a * 12m; 20"."  His position is at the northwest edge of the galaxy.

 

The nickname Medusa Galaxy was coined by V-V in his Atlas of Interacting Galaxies, Part II: "Of this 'Medusa', the structure of the "head" is as yet unresolved. In this case, three galaxies apparently are coalescent. "Behind", the dwarfs begin to separate."  William Keel repeats the nickname "Medusa" in his April 1993 article "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies" in Mercury (ASP). Professional journal papers refer to it as "Medusa" since 2000.

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NGC 4195 = UGC 7244 = MCG +10-18-010 = CGCG 292-083 = CGCG 293-004 = PGC 39082

12 14 18.1 +59 36 55; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.9

 

17.5" (5/13/88): extremely faint, fairly small, very diffuse, round, averted only.  Collinear with two mag 14 stars to the NW.  NGC 4199 lies 18' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4195 = H III-796 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and simply noted "eF".  His position is 2.7' northwest of UGC 7244 (only galaxy nearby).

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NGC 4196 = UGC 7245 = MCG +05-29-040 = CGCG 158-050 = LGG 276-007 = PGC 39098

12 14 29.7 +28 25 24; Com

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 60”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.35', fairly well concentrated.  Higher surface brightness than larger NGC 4185 16' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4196 = H II-374 = h1136 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  His position is 20 sec of time too far west and 3' too far north but JH made 4 observations and d'Arrest provided a micrometric position, so the NGC is accurate.

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NGC 4197 = UGC 7247 = VV 520 = MCG +01-31-029 = CGCG 041-052 = FGC 1390 = LGG 278-002 = PGC 39114

12 14 38.6 +05 48 21; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 3.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is south of the SW end 1.5' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4197 = H II-134 = h1137 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "F, mE."  JH recorded "pB; E; vgbM; 20"; like II. 133 [NGC 4180]." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4198 = IC 778 = UGC 7246 = MCG +09-20-123 = CGCG 269-045 = PGC 39090

12 14 22.0 +56 00 42; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  Situated between two mag 12 and 13 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4198 = H II-793 = h1139 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "pF, pS, bM."  JH logged "pF; S; lE; gbM; like II. 792 [NGC 4172]." and measured an accurate position.

 

Swift probably found this galaxy again nearly a 100 years later, but his RA for Sw. VII-19 (later IC 778) is 5 minutes too large.  Once corrected Swift's position matches NGC 4198, which also is a good match with his description.

 

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NGC 4199 = VV 183a/b = UGC 7253 = MCG +10-18-011 = CGCG 292-084 = CGCG 293-005 = PGC 39135

12 14 48.6 +59 54 22; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small.  A mag 15 star is involved at the north end just 16" from center and a mag 16 "star" is involved at the east end 24" from the center.  NGC 4195 lies 18' SSW.  A later check on the POSS revealed the mag 16 star I recorded is an extremely faint and small galaxy (VV 183b)!  NGC 4199 is the brightest galaxy in AGC 1507.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4199 = H III-797 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "eF, S."  His position is 17 tsec west and 4' north of UGC 7253 = PGC 39135.  He observed this object again on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and his position (with respect to NGC 4036) was ~25 tsec too large.

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NGC 4200 = UGC 7251 = MCG +02-31-057 = CGCG 069-096 = PGC 39124

12 14 44.2 +12 10 51; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4200 = H II-164 = h1138 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "pS, vmE."  On 6 Apr 1831, JH logged "pB; R; pslbM; 40"."

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NGC 4201 = MCG -02-31-024 = PGC 39120

12 14 41.9 -11 34 58; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 80”

 

18" (5/8/04): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration to a very small brighter core.  An extremely faint halo was suspected.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.8' S of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4201 = LM 2-455 in 1886.  His position is 0.5 min of RA east of MCG -02-31-024.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 4202 = UGC 7337 = MCG +00-31-046 = CGCG 013-121 = Todd 18 = PGC 39495

12 18 08.6 -01 03 52; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' NNE of center.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 4202 = Todd 18 on 6 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698).  Dreyer only included eight of the 30 objects which Todd sketched as many were considered doubtful or near nebulae already catalogued.  Todd's sketch of #18, which includes several nearby field stars, clearly identifies NGC 4202 = UGC 7337 at 12 18 08.6 -01 03 52 (2000).  This means that Todd's rough position was 3 tmin too far west although a number of his entries have large errors in RA.

 

The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 013-109 as NGC 4202, located at 12 14.9 -02 27 (2000).  Early versions of U2000.0 atlas have it misplotted at this position.  I described this galaxy as nonexistent in RNGC Corrections #5 but corrected the identification in #6.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4203 = UGC 7256 = MCG +06-27-040 = CGCG 187-029 = PGC 39158

12 15 05.0 +33 11 50; Com

V = 10.9;  Size 3.4'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

17.5": bright, moderately large, round, sharp concentration with a prominent very bright core (LINER nucleus) a much fainter halo, possible stellar nucleus.  Located 3.7' SSE of mag 7.8 SAO 62912

 

8": fairly bright, small, small bright nucleus.  A mag 5 star (SAO 62928) is 20' SE at the edge of the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4203 = H I-175 = h1140 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "vB, S, R, mbM."  His position is on the southwest side of the galaxy.  On 6 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72", logged "very like a distant Cl, vB Nucl with neby gradually fading off.  Star involved preceding Nucl and other stellar points suspected in the outlying faint neby."

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NGC 4204 = UGC 7261 = MCG +04-29-051 = CGCG 128-060 = PGC 39179

12 15 14.3 +20 39 31; Com

V = 12.4;  Size 3.6'x2.9';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  Brighter along the major axis but no distinct core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4204 = H III-397 = h1141 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "vF; vL, irr, about 5 or 6' from np to sf and 4 or 5' broad, unequally bright but brightest towards the middle."  JH noted "eF; L; vglbM; 45"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4205 = UGC 7258 = MCG +11-15-038 = CGCG 315-027 = PGC 39143

12 14 55.3 +63 46 55; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.5', brighter along major axis.  A mag 13 star is just 20" west of the NNE tip.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4205 = Au 29 on 4 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches UGC 7258 and he mentions the nearby mag 13 star at the north edge.  Auwers included this object in his 1862 list of new nebulae.

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NGC 4206 = IC 3064 = UGC 7260 = MCG +02-31-066 = CGCG 069-107 = Holm 353b = PGC 39183

12 15 16.7 +13 01 26; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 6.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, edge-on 6:1 exactly N-S, 4'x0.7', fairly large, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 2.9' SE of center.  NGC 4216 lies 10' NE and NGC 4222 is 23' NE.  First of three edge-ons in a low power field!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4206 = H II-165 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "F, vmE."  His position is poor -- 30 tsec west and 9' N of UGC 7260.  NGC 4216, the next nebula in the sweep, also has a poor position.  Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 4206 again in 1877 (as well as NGC 4222) while observing NGC 4216 and measured accurate positions (list I-39), though he was unsure if they applied to H II-165 and II-109.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found the galaxy again on two Heidelberg plates taken with a 6" astrograph (measured on 16 Nov 1900) of the Virgo/Coma cluster and reported Sn. 230 (later IC 3064) as new.  His position matches NGC 4206, so this galaxy also carries the designation IC 3064.

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NGC 4207 = UGC 7268 = MCG +02-31-069 = CGCG 069-107 = PGC 39206

12 15 30.4 +09 35 07; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 124”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star at the WNW end 1.2' from center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4207 on 23 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 3 nights. matches UGC 7268 and he accurately placed the nearby mag 13.5 star as preceding by 5 seconds of time.

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NGC 4208 = NGC 4212 = UGC 7275 = MCG +02-31-070 = CGCG 069-110 = PGC 39224

12 15 39.3 +13 54 05; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4212.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4208 = H II-107 = h1142 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and simply noted as "pL".  Caroline's reduced position is 5' north of NGC 4212 = UGC 7275.  Dreyer, in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, commented for H. II-107 and II-108, "there is only one nebula here (NGC 4212)...We may assume that H, after observing the star [6 Comae], again moved the telescope 1” south and took the nebula a second time without noticing it was the same object."

 

Strangely, John Herschel also recorded this galaxy twice (h1142 and h1144) on two nights and thought they were different objects because of his different positions and descriptions!  So, H. II-107 = H. II-108 = h1142 = h1144 = NGC 4208 = NGC 4212.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4209

12 15 30 +28 31; Com

 

= Not found, Carlson.  = NGC 4185?, Corwin.  = *, Steinicke

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4209 = H II-375 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pS."  Dreyer notes in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that this object was not found by JH, d'Arrest or Bigourdan.  With respect to NGC 4196, the previous object in the sweep, WH placed II-375 1 min 18 sec foll and 2' N, but there is no object at that position.   This sweep was WH's most productive -- with 74 discoveries -- and this is the only object that cannot be identified with a galaxy.

 

In an email correspondence (Jul 15 1998) Harold Corwin commented: I've been unable to find NGC 4209. I thought it might be a reobservation of NGC 4185, but both were found by WH on the same night. It is still not a completely impossible identity (e.g. N4208 = N4212, another nebula seen twice within a single sweep), but the chances are against it. I don't see any object aside from N4185 (just over 2 arcmin west) at any reasonable systematic offset (e.g. +- 1 deg, +-10 min, etc) from WH's position.

 

Wolfgang assigns the number to a star 2 arcmin south-southwest of WH's position. That is certainly possible, but I'd be happier with it if WH had left us a description more complete than "F, pS".

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NGC 4210 = UGC 7264 = MCG +11-15-039 = CGCG 315-028 = PGC 39184

12 15 15.9 +65 59 07; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.4'.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' off the WNW edge.  Located 11' SE of mag 6.7 SAO 62870.  NGC 4221 lies 16' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4210 = H III-850 = h1143 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and noted "vF, pS."  JH recorded (single observation) "Not vF; pL; R; vgbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4211 = Arp 106 NED1 = VV 199a = UGC 7277 = MCG +05-29-042 = CGCG 158-053n = PGC 39221 = PGC 39297

12 15 35.8 +28 10 39; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 105”

 

24" (5/30/16): NGC 4211 is an interacting system (Arp 106) oriented NW-SE (separation 35"), with the brighter component (VV 196a) on the northwest side.  At 225x it appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 24" diameter, increases rapidly to a very small brighter core and stellar nucleus.  The fainter southeast component (NGC 4211A = VV 196b) is faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 15"x10", slightly concentration at the center.  The tidal tail to the south was not seen.  Situated 9' NW of mag 8.2 HD 106678.

 

UGC 7287 lies 8' SE.  It appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 24"x18", low even surface brightness.

 

18" (4/5/03): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter.  This is a double, interacting system (Arp 106) with a small, faint companion 0.55' SE.  At 300x, the companion (VV 196b) appeared extremely faint and small (0.2' diameter) and just resolved from NGC 4211. A mag 12.4 star lies 2.8' NE.  Third of three with NGC 4196 and NGC 4185 20' NW and  35' NW, respectively.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 4211 = St XI-18 on 30 Apr 1881.  His position matches UGC 7277 = Arp 106.

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NGC 4212 = NGC 4208 = UGC 7275 = MCG +02-31-070 = CGCG 069-110 = PGC 39224

12 15 39.3 +13 54 05; Com

V = 11.2;  Size 3.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly bright, fairly large, 2.2'x1.4' oriented WSW-ENE.  Moderate concentration to a large bright core which appears mottled.  The nucleus is not well defined although the core is broadly concentrated and at times a stellar center was glimpsed.  A mag 11.5 star is 2.3' S. IC 3061 lies 11' NW.  Poor transparency due to smoke.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4212 = H II-108 = h1144 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted  "mE, resolvable."  His position (CH's reduction) is 6.5' too far northeast.  He apparently also recorded it as the previous object "pL" in the sweep.  JH also recorded this galaxy twice (h1142 = h1144) on different nights.  See notes for NGC 4208.

 

The LdR observation on 8 Mar 1856 (by R.J. Mitchell) reads "Irregular shaped neb with ncl excentric and some sort of knot or appendage following.  Possibly another knot in preceding end.  The former one is likely connected with the neb forming a sprial arm."  The same month he logged "Much better seen.  There are 4 knots or stars in the neb besides the bright patch south-following."

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NGC 4213 = UGC 7276 = MCG +04-29-054 = CGCG 128-065 = PGC 39223

12 15 37.6 +23 58 55; Com

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (4/17/88): faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  Located 9.9' WNW of 7 Comae Berenices (V = 4.9) which detracts from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4213 = H II-354 = h1145 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, vS."  His position matches UGC 7276.

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NGC 4214 = NGC 4228 = UGC 7278 = MCG +06-27-042 = CGCG 187-032 = PGC 39225

12 15 38.9 +36 19 50; CVn

V = 09.8;  Size 8.5'x6.6';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

13.1" (4/12/86): bright, large, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core.  There is a strong impression of curvature at the ends of the major axis.  A mag 11 star lies 4.3' SE of center.  Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4214 = H I-95 = h1146 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and recorded "cB, cL.  A blunt parallelogram, faintest towards the edges; from np to sf about 4'; the other way about 3'.  Position not above 15 or 20” from the meridian."  His position is on the northwest side of this Irregular-type galaxy.  The next sweep (1 May) he noted "Can hardly be called a parallelogram for want of corners; but rather irregularly elongated."

 

John Herschel reported this galaxy as new (h1157) on 27 Apr 1827 and logged,"vF, L, R, gbM, 90"."  His RA, though, was 1 minute too large and he didn't make the connection with his father's H. I 95, so Dreyer later catalogued this entry as NGC 4228.  So NGC 4214 = NGC 4228.

 

JH reobserved the galaxy 4 years later on 11 Mar 1831 and logged "B, L, gbM, 50", has a double nucleus very indistinct.  The diagram makes it a double neb, the two running together. See fig 71."  The second "nucleus" is a bright HII complex southeast of the core.  At Birr Castle it was also noted in 1856, "Irreg shaped neb with Nucleus excentric and some sort of knot or appendage following.  Possibly another faint knot in preceding end."  Two weeks later, "Much better seen.  There are 4 knots of stars in the neb besides the bright patch south-following."  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for this knot in 1893 at Strasbourg. 

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NGC 4215 = UGC 7281 = MCG +01-31-031 = CGCG 041-055 = PGC 39251

12 15 54.5 +06 24 04; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, moderately large, pretty system very elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4215 = H II-135 = h1147 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "S, E, pBM."  JH made three observations, recording on sweep 250 "vB; mE; vsbM to a * 11m."

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NGC 4216 = UGC 7284 = MCG +02-31-072 = CGCG 069-112 = Holm 353a = PGC 39246

12 15 54.2 +13 08 59; Vir

V = 10.0;  Size 8.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 19”

 

18" (6/17/06): very bright, very large, extremely thin edge-on 8:1 SSW-NNE, 7'x0.9'.  Sharply concentrated with a striking high surface brightness core with dimensions ~0.9'x0.3', which dominates the extensions.  A mag 14 star is just following the core.  A dust lane appears to run along the eastern edge of the galaxy, mostly evident by a sharp light cut off along this edge.  Brightest of three edge-ons in the field with NGC 4206 and NGC 4222!

 

17.5" (1/23/88): very bright, very large, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, small very bright core.  A mag 14 star is close east of the core.  This is a striking galaxy and is the second of three edge-on galaxies in the same field with NGC 4206 11' SW and NGC 4222 12' NE in Coma Berenices!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4216 = H I-35 = h1148 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "vmE, vbM and the brightness also elongated.  The whole not less than 9 or 10' long."  John Herschel made 5 observations, the earliest 10 and 11 Apr 1825 (sweeps 2 and 3).  On sweep 3 he logged, "A very remarkable long ray, extended 70” nf to sp, 1/2 field in length [7 1/2'], smbM.  It has a star nf of center."

 

Samuel Hunter, LdR's assistant on 23 Apr 1860, recorded "a fine E neb, vBM like a globular cluster (I think too it is resolvable?), small star following nucl, where I also think there is very dilute nebulosity, parallel to neb [beyond the dust lane].  The neb is either twisted at n end in p direction or it has a faint companion there?  Dark space around centre?  perhaps only the contrast of the bright centre.  15' long."  The possible nebula Hunter mentions to the north is likely CGCG 069-113.

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NGC 4217 = UGC 7282 = MCG +08-22-087 = CGCG 243-053 = Holm 354a = LGG 258-026 = PGC 39241

12 15 50.9 +47 05 30; CVn

V = 11.2;  Size 5.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

48" (4/23/17): bright, very large, striking edge-on ~4.5'x1.0' SW-NE, large bright core that bulges near the center but no distinct nucleus.  The galaxy is bisected by a beautiful, relatively wide dust lane that slices through the entire length of the galaxy, only losing contrast at the very tips!  The brightest portion, including the core, is on the north side (northwest facing) of the dust lane.  The cut off section of the galaxy on the south side (southeast facing) of the the dust lane is fairly thin and low surface brightness, though slightly brighter at the center/core.  A mag 14.8 star is at the southwest tip of the galaxy. A mag 11.6 star is at the edge of the halo on the north side [50" from center] and a 9th magnitude star is 2.3' NNE of center.  The galaxy is situated 6' E of mag 7.2 HD 106556, though this star was kept outside the field.  NGC 4226 lies 7' SE. Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, pretty edge-on 4:1 SW-NE.  A mag 9 star is off the NE edge 2.2' from the center and a mag 11.5 star is just north of the core 0.8' from center.  Located 6.2' E of mag 7.3 SAO 44092.  Forms a pair with NGC 4226 7' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4217 = H II-748 = h1149 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "pB, pL, sp and in a line with two stars."  JH made 5 observations and logged (sweep 255) "pB, vmE in pos = 225” by measure; 5' long, 1' br; 2 stars near and a large star preceding."  on 15 Mar 1849, LdR or observing assistant George Stoney described it as a "Ray with split [dark lane] in the direction of the major axis".

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NGC 4218 = UGC 7283 = MCG +08-22-088 = CGCG 243-054 = PGC 39237

12 15 46.3 +48 07 53; CVn

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 142”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Located 2.6' NW of mag 8.3 SAO 44096.  NGC 4220 lies 16' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4218 = H III-718 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, vS."  d'Arrest measured an accurate position as well as noting the mag 9-10 star that follows by 15 sec and 55" south.

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NGC 4219 = ESO 267-037 = MCG -07-25-005 = PGC 39315

12 16 27.3 -43 19 26; Cen

V = 11.9;  Size 4.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 36”

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 220x appeared bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, broad concentration but no distinct core, ~2.5'x1'.  Direct vision revealed a very faint stellar nucleus.  The arms (extensions) dim towards the ends and seem irregular in surface brightness (DSS shows an irregular, knotty appearance).  NGC 4219A lies 21' SE.

 

At 220x, NGC 4219A appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.35', weak concentration, irregular surface brightness.  Situated in a group of stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4219 = h3385 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; pmE; vgbM; 2' l, 45" br.  His position (measured on 4 nights) and description matches ESO 267-037.

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NGC 4220 = UGC 7290 = MCG +08-22-089 = CGCG 243-055 = LGG 258-027 = PGC 39285

12 16 11.7 +47 53 00; CVn

V = 11.4;  Size 3.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 141”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, brighter core, stellar nucleus.  Located 12' S of mag 8.3 SAO 44096.  NGC 4218 lies 15' NNW.  Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4220 = H I-209 = h1151 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "cB, cL."  John Herschel made the single observation "pB; pmE in pos 314.4”; psbM. (Foggy)"  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4221 = UGC 7288 = MCG +11-15-040 = CGCG 315-029 = PGC 39266

12 15 59.9 +66 13 51; Dra

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, prominent core, stellar nucleus at moments, very faint larger halo slightly elongated SSW-NNE extends with averted to 1.5'-2.0'.  NGC 4210 lies 16' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4221 = h1150 on 3 Apr 1832 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; 15"." His single position is accurate.

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NGC 4222 = UGC 7291 = MCG +02-31-075 = CGCG 069-119 = FGC 1396 = Holm 353c = PGC 39308

12 16 23.0 +13 18 29; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 3.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (1/23/88): faint, moderately large, very thin edge-on SW-NE.  A mag 15 star is at the east end.  Located 5' W of mag 8.7 SAO 100016.  This is the third of three edge-ons with NGC 4206 23' SW and NGC 4216 12' SW in Virgo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4222 = H II-109 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and simply noted "resolvable".  Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" that the observation was probably rushed as the polar distance is 20' too far south, though my reduction is 10' south. Wilhelm Tempel corrected the position in his first list (T I-40) and in paper V providing an offset from NGC 4216.

 

CGCG, UGC, MCG and PGC incorrectly equate IC 3087 (from Schwassmann) with NGC 4222.  IC 3087 refers to two stars to the southeast of the galaxy.

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NGC 4223 = IC 3102 = UGC 7319 = MCG +01-31-038 = CGCG 041-0653 = LGG 278-004 = PGC 39412

12 17 25.8 +06 41 24; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, larger faint extensions with averted.  Located 5' N of mag 7.9 SAO 119308.

 

The galaxy described above is misidentified as NGC 4241 in modern catalogues. It forms a pair with IC 3115 (the "real" NGC 4241) 8' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4223 = H II-137 = h1152 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and simply noted "r[esolvable]."  Although he was probably rushed (the nearby entries in the sweep were rapidly found), his position is just 2' north of UGC 7319. He reobserved the field on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and his RA was 20 seconds of time too large, but he also discovered H. III-480 = UGC 7333, which was missed on the earlier sweep. 

 

John Herschel made two observations of H II-137 and one of H III-480.  On 4 Apr 1830 (sweep 250) he recorded "vF; vgbM; a *7m to south".  The description and position clearly points to II-137 = NGC 4223, but he calls it III-480.  JH made a second observation on 24 Apr 1830 (sweep 254), recording both II-137 and III-480, and here's where the problem occurs.  He catalogued the preceding object as h1152 = II-137, but the position is about 1 tmin too far west.  He noted, though, that the position was only estimated from III-480.  Unfortunately, his position for the eastern galaxy (III-480) happens to be a close match (1.4' south) with II-137.  The result is that JH's entry in the Slough catalogue for NGC 4241 = h1165 = III-480 contains two observations -- one for II-137 and one for III-480, with a position matching II-137.  Furthermore, his entry for h1152 = NGC 4223 = II-137 points to a blank part of the sky, 1 tmin of RA west of II-137.  In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentions NGC 4223 was not found by d'Arrest, obviously because of the poor position.

 

The two galaxies were later picked up by Arnold Schwassmann in 1899 on a Heidelberg plate, placed accurately, and catalogued as IC 3102 (brighter west-northwest galaxy) and IC 3115 (fainter east-southeast galaxy).   Modern catalogues generally identify the brighter galaxy as NGC 4241 = H II-137 and the fainter galaxy as IC 3115 = H III-480, leaving NGC 4223 = h1152 without an identification.  Dreyer recommended "h1152 (rough place only) is to be struck out" in his notes to "Scientific Papers of William Herschel".

 

But, Harold Corwin argues that since WH and JH observed both galaxies, the correct assignment should be NGC 4223 = H II-137 = h1152 = h1165 (sweep 250) = IC 3102 and NGC 4241 = H III-480 = h1165 (sweep 254) = IC 3115.  This changes, though, the long-standing identification of NGC 4241 as the brighter western galaxy.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4224 = UGC 7292 = MCG +01-31-034 = CGCG 041-060 = PGC 39328

12 16 33.8 +07 27 42; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 57”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4233 13' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4224 = H II-136 = h1153 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "F, S, iF, r."  His position matches UGC 7292.  JH made two observation and noted on sweep 251 "pB; pL; lE; gbM."

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NGC 4225 = MCG -02-31-027 = PGC 39337

12 16 38.4 -12 19 40; Crv

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60”

 

18" (5/28/06): faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  Located 1.6' N of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4225 = h1154 on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded "F; eS; R; 5"; has a * 8m 80” sf, dist 60"."  His position is 1' too far north and the bright star is 1.6' distant.

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NGC 4226 = UGC 7297 = MCG +08-22-090 = CGCG 243-057 = Holm 354b = PGC 39312

12 16 26.3 +47 01 31; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 127”

 

13.1": faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4217 7' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4226 = h1155 on 19 Mar 1828 and recorded "F; S; lE; the second of 2 in field [with NGC 4217]."

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NGC 4227 = UGC 7296 = MCG +06-27-043 = CGCG 187-033 = Holm 355a = PGC 39329

12 16 33.7 +33 31 19; CVn

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70”

 

17.5": fairly faint, small, strong bright core.  A mag 15 star is 0.9' NE of center.  Forms the brighter of a pair with NGC 4229 2.6' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4227 = H II-518 = h1156, along with NGC 4229, on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "Two, both eF, vS.  The preceding [NGC 4227] is the largest, about 3 or 4' distance from each other."  His position is accurate. JH made two observations, recording on sweep 131, "pF; R; psbM; the sp of 2."

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NGC 4228 = NGC 4214 = UGC 7278 = MCG +06-27-042 = CGCG 187-032 = PGC 39225

12 15 38.9 +36 19 50; CVn

 

See observing notes for NGC 4214

 

John Herschel found NGC 4228 = h1157 on 27 Apr 1827 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; 90"."  There is nothing at his position and d'Arrest could not find this object.  Karl Reinmuth questioned if NGC 4228 = NGC 4214 and this is probably the case as JH's position is exactly 1.0 min of RA east and the description applies.  The primary designation should be NGC 4214.

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NGC 4229 = UGC 7299 = MCG +06-27-044 = CGCG 187-034 = Holm 355b = PGC 39341

12 16 38.8 +33 33 39; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 3”

 

17.5": fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 4227 2.6' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4229 = H II-519 = h1158, along with NGC 4227, on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "Two, both eF, vS.  The preceding [NGC 4227] is the largest, about 3 or 4' distance from each other."  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 131, "F; R; psbM; 65” nf the neb [NGC 4227]."

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NGC 4230

12 17 09 -55 17 12; Cen

Size 6'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 178x): roughly 40 stars are resolved in a 7'x5' region (the outline is pretty arbitrary), roughly elongated SW-NE.  Appears as an unimpressive asterism with no rich subgroups.  A mag 11.5/13 pair at 13" separation is southwest of center with several mag 13-14.5 stars to its northeast.  A mag 12 star 2' SW and a mag 11 star 4' SW of the central pair are all collinear.  Located 18' SW of mag 5 Delta Crucis.

 

Note the group of stars described here is 12' S of ESO 171-SC14, the cluster identified as NGC 4230 in most sources including SIMBAD and ESO.  ESO 171-SC14 is a cluster of roughly two dozen mag 13-14 stars in a 3' region just southeast of mag 8.4 HD 106826.  A couple of mag 11 stars are 2' E and 3.5' NE of the mag 8.4 star, but these are detached.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4230 = h3386 on 5 Apr 1837 and described a "Cluster class VI.  F; pL; irreg; 6'; resolved into stars 13, 14, 15m.  Place of a * 12m, chief and near the middle of cluster."  At his position is an unimpressive 5' group of star that is likely an asterism, with the brightest star 12th magnitude.  This is the "cluster" identified by Harold Corwin as NGC 4230.  Corwin notes that ESO (and SIMBAD) misidentify  ESO 171-SC14 as NGC 4230.  This group of stars is scattered southeast of a mag 8 star -- too bright not to have been mentioned by JH.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more on this number.

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NGC 4231 = UGC 7304 = MCG +08-22-094 = CGCG 243-060 = Holm 356a = PGC 39354

12 16 48.9 +47 27 27; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

13.1" (4/12/86): faint, small, round.  Forms a very similar close pair with NGC 4232 1.1' S!  NGC 4248 lies 10' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4231 = H III-719, along with NGC 4232, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded both as "Two both vF, vS, from north to south about 1' distance."  CH's reduction is 20 sec of time following this pair.

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NGC 4232 = UGC 7303 = MCG +08-22-093 = CGCG 243-059 = Holm 356b = PGC 39353

12 16 49.0 +47 26 20; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): faint, small, almost round.  This galaxy is a close twin in brightness and size to NGC 4231 located just 1.2' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4232 = H III-720, along with NGC 4231, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded both as "Two both vF, vS, from north to south about 1' distance."

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NGC 4233 = UGC 7311 = MCG +01-31-037 = CGCG 041-063 = PGC 39384

12 17 07.6 +07 37 26; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, bright core, high surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 4224 13' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4233 = H II-496 = h1161 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "F".  Despite the sparce description, his position falls on the north side of the galaxy.  JH made the single observation "pB; R; vsbM to a small nucleus; 20"."

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NGC 4234 = UGC 7309 = MCG +01-31-035 = CGCG 041-061 = Holm 358a = PGC 39388

12 17 09.0 +03 40 58; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4234 = h1160 on 7 Apr 1828 and recorded "pB; L; R; gbM; 60"."  His single position matches UGC 7309.

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NGC 4235 = IC 3098 = UGC 7310 = MCG +01-31-036 = CGCG 041-062 = Holm 359a = PGC 39389

12 17 09.8 +07 11 28; Vir

V = 11.6;  Size 4.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, fairly large, almost edge-on SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo.  Cradled along the north side by three mag 12-13 stars 2.2' NW, 1.8' N and 3.0' ENE of center.  NGC 4246 lies 12' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4235 = H II-17 = h1159 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 104) and recorded a "longish nebula, not cometic."  JH called it (sweep 253) "vB; pmE; vsbM; among small stars."  Schwassmann found it again on a plate taken with the 6" astrograph at the Kšnigstuhl Observatory on 30 Oct 1899 and listed it as new (Sn. 5), missing the earlier NGC identity, so it also carries the designation IC 3098.

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NGC 4236 = UGC 7306 = MCG +12-12-004 = CGCG 335-008 = Holm 357a = LGG 176-005 = PGC 39346

12 16 43.5 +69 27 34; Dra

V = 9.6;  Size 21.9'x7.2';  Surf Br = 15.0;  PA = 162”

 

18" (4/26/08): this huge, low surface brightness galaxy extends roughly 12'x3', oriented NNW-SSE.  There is only a very weak central brightening with no obvious core.  A very faint star appears to be superimposed near the geometric center and just to the south is a slightly elongated brightening (possibly the core).

 

Another brighter region is near the north end of the galaxy.  This patch seems elongated at 45” to the major axis, appearing to extend out to the west of the main glow on the north end.  Images reveal this is a gigantic HII complex and is catalogued in the Hodge-Kennicutt Atlas of HII regions (1983AJ, 88, 296) as NGC 4236:[HK83] 15, 16 and 17.

 

The south end is also splotchy and at the very south tip were two very faint "stars" oriented SW-NE that seemed slightly fuzzy (probably small HII knots).  The first is also known as VII Zw 446, considered by Zwicky as a "blue patchy compact [galaxy]."

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, extremely large, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE.  Appears as a ghostly streak about 20' length with only a broad, weak concentration!  Best at low power due to size and low surface brightness.

 

13.1" (5/27/84): faint, very large, very elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  In a field with five mag 8-9 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4236 = H V-51 = h1163 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "vF, mE, lbM, about 25' long, and losing itself imperceptibly, about 6 or 7' broad, from about 70” np to sf."  His position, measured again on the next sweep, is accurate.  John Herschel reported, "immensely large; vF; mE; vgbM; it fills more than a field, but is hardly distinguishable.  Hazy."  He incorrectly labeled his h1163 as H. V-17 in the Slough Catalogue.

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NGC 4237 = UGC 7315 = MCG +03-31-091 = CGCG 098-130 = PGC 39393

12 17 11.4 +15 19 26; Com

V = 11.6;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0'.  Moderate concentration to a 30" irregular core which appears mottled.  Located 15' NE of mag 6.3 SAO 100023.  Poor transparency due to smoke.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4237 = H II-11 = h1162 on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 73) and recorded "another nebula about full 1/2” nf 6 Coma Ber.  pL, very feeble, almost round, but not cometic.  It is not a Messier, for being too feeble it could not be seen by an achromatic of 3 1/2 ft, which I suppose is the maximum of his light."  No offsets in time and PD were measured, but the offset from 6 Com matches this galaxy.  JH logged "B; L; lE; vgbM" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4238 = UGC 7308 = MCG +11-15-041 = CGCG 315-031 = PGC 39366

12 16 55.8 +63 24 37; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 1.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.5', low even surface brightness, no central concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4238 = H III-851 = h1164 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "eF, S, iF."  His position is 3.6' too far north.  JH recorded "vF; not vS; R; vglbM; 15"-20"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4239 = UGC 7316 = MCG +03-31-092 = CGCG 098-129 = PGC 39398

12 17 14.9 +16 31 53; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.6', weak concentration.  Easy to locate as situated between two mag 10.5 stars 2.9' WSW and 2.1' NE.

 

Carl Frederick PechŸle discovered NGC 4239 in 1884 with an 11-inch refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. His position is 1.6' south of UGC 7316.

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NGC 4240 = NGC 4243 = MCG -02-31-029 = PGC 39411

12 17 24.4 -09 57 06; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Contains a very small bright core ~10" diameter which increases to a bright substellar nucleus. Located just east of a mag 13 star (24" from the center).

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, strongly concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is barely off the west edge.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4240 on 20 May 1875.  His micrometric position and description (mag 12 star 1/2' southwest) matches MCG -02-31-029 = PGC 39411.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found the galaxy again in 1880, assumed it was new and recorded it as #25 in his Copernicus discovery list.  He noted "Like a pair of stars 90”; the f one is a nebulous star."  His RA is 11 sec too large (estimated positions using setting circles) and his description is a perfect match.  Dreyer, who edited the journal Copernicus, added a footnote that Common's #25 was identical to Tempel's nebula.

 

Finally, Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 27 Apr 1886 and described it in list III-62 as "pB; eS; pB * nr p; Looks a first like a double star.  Curious object."  There is nothing at his position but 1.4 degrees due north is the same galaxy found by Tempel and Common, and his description fits (very similar to Common's!).  Dreyer assumed Swift's object was new and catalogued it as NGC 4243.  So, NGC 4240 = NGC 4243.

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NGC 4241 = IC 3115 = UGC 7333 = VV 431 = MCG +01-31-040 = CGCG 041-069 = PGC 39483

12 17 59.8 +06 39 16; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint, oval, very low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 4223 8' WNW.  This galaxy is identified as IC 3115 in modern catalogues and the brighter, western galaxy is usually catalogued as NGC 4241.  My identification (NGC 4241 = IC 3115 = UGC 7333) follows the historical record.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4241 = H III-480 = h1165 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and recorded "vF, L. Would not have been seen if it had not been for the preceding [H II-137 = UGC 7319].  His position is just 1' from UGC 7333 = PGC 39483.  JH made a single observation on 24 Apr 1830 (sweep 254) and simply recorded "vF."  Unfortunately, JH's position is poor, and lands very close to UGC 7319, causing much confusion in modern catalogues.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found both galaxies on a Heidelberg plate of the Virgo region in 1899 and measured accurate positions.  Schwassmann assumed they were new and Dreyer recatalogued the pair as IC 3102 and IC 3115.  So, NGC 4241 = IC 3115 = UGC 7333 and NGC 4223 = IC 3102 = UGC 7319.  Modern catalogues, though, identify UGC 7319 as NGC 4241 and UGC 7333 as IC 3115.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes on NGC 4223 for the full story.

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NGC 4242 = UGC 7323 = MCG +08-22-098 = CGCG 243-061 = PGC 39423

12 17 30.1 +45 37 08; CVn

V = 10.8;  Size 5.0'x3.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 25”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): very large but very diffuse, 4' diameter, broad weak concentration, large core appears offset to the west, almost round.  A mag 11.5 star lies 3.2' E of center and a faint mag 14 star is at the south edge 2.0' from center.    Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4242 = H III-725 = h1166 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "eF, cL, bM, iR."  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 256), "F; vL; R: vgbM; diam in RA = 15s of time."

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NGC 4243 = NGC 4240 = MCG -02-31-029 = PGC 39411

12 17 24.4 -09 57 06; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4240.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 4243 = Sw. III-62 on 27 Apr 1886 and described "pB; eS; pB * near preceding; Looks at first like a double star.  Curious object."  There is nothing near his position, although the description implies a relatively bright galaxy.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 4240, located 1” 21" due north of Swift's position, as the most likely object.  Swift's "pB* close p" applies to a mag 13 star 25" southwest of center.  NGC 4240 was discovered by Wilhelm Tempel in 1875.

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NGC 4244 = UGC 7322 = MCG +06-27-045 = CGCG 187-035 = FGC 1402 = PGC 39422 = Silver Needle Galaxy

12 17 29.4 +37 48 24; CVn

V = 10.4;  Size 16.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 48”

 

18" (6/4/05): beautiful, extremely large ray extends at least 3/4 across the 20' field, ~15'x1' SW-NE.  The galaxy is broadly concentrated without a well-defined core or nucleus and bulges only very slightly at the center.  The surface brightness is fairly low and only varies gradually over the entire length, though it has a grainy texture.  A mag 13.5 star is near the NE end.  Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud).

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, extremely large edge-on about 10:1 SW-NE.  Extends to 15' diameter (fades at the ends of the extensions).  Appears as a narrow ray with only a weakly concentrated core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4244 = H V-41 = h1167 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "cB or vB, vgbM, 18 or 20' l, about 2' broad, from about 60 degrees sp to nf."  Member of the CVn I cloud (distance ~15 million light years)

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NGC 4245 = UGC 7328 = MCG +05-29-049 = CGCG 158-059 = PGC 39437

12 17 36.8 +29 36 29; Com

V = 11.4;  Size 2.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly bright, elongated ~4:3 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.1', strong concentration with a prominent roundish core.  The core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A string of mag 11 stars from the SW leads to the galaxy.  Located 29' W of NGC 274 and 40' N of double star O· 245 = 5.7/9.8 at 9".  Observed in poor transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4245 = H I-74 = h1168 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "cB, R, mbM."  JH made 3 observations and first logged "vB; R; sbM; 60"."

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NGC 4246 = IC 3113 = UGC 7334 = MCG +01-31-041 = CGCG 041-070 = Holm 359b = PGC 39479

12 17 58.1 +07 11 08; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, very low surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is off the east edge 2.0' NE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4247 5.4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4246 = H III-91 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two, the first [NGC 4235] mE.  The second [NGC 4246] eF."  His position is 4' south of UGC 7334.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found the galaxy again on 30 Oct 1899 using the 6-inch astrographic refractor at Heidelberg and measured an accurate position.  Schwassmann and Dreyer assumed it was new and it was catalogued again as IC 3113.

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NGC 4247 = MCG +01-31-042 = CGCG 041-071 = Holm 359c = PGC 39480

12 17 58.0 +07 16 26; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 4246 5.4' S.

 

George Searle discovered NGC 4247 = HN 35 on 25 Feb 1868 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at the Harvard Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #265).  His offset from GC 2821 = NGC 4235 is just 4 sec of time preceding and 1' north of MCG +01-31-042.

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NGC 4248 = UGC 7335 = MCG +08-22-099 = CGCG 243-064 = CGCG 244-001 = Holm 363b = LGG 290-020 = PGC 39461

12 17 50.4 +47 24 31; CVn

V = 12.5;  Size 3.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 108”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, moderately large, 1.5'x0.5'.  A mag 14.5 is at the NW edge.  Located 10' W of NGC 4231 and NGC 4232 and 13' NW of M106. Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4248 = H II-742 = h1169 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "F, S, E."  CH's reduction is 17 sec of RA following UGC 7335.  JH made two observations and called it "vF; pmE; psbM."

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NGC 4249 = MCG +01-31-039 = CGCG 041-068 = PGC 39481

12 17 59.4 +05 35 55; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration to the center.  NGC 4252 lies 8.2' ESE and CGCG 041-072 ("very faint, round, 12" diameter, low surface brightness") is 5.5' NNE. 

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 4252 7' ESE.  Located at the west edge of the large NGC 4261 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4249 = m 234 on 26 May 1864, along with NGCs 4252, 4266, 4282 and 4287.  His position is an exact match with CGCG 041-068 = PGC 39481.

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NGC 4250 = UGC 7329 = MCG +12-12-005 = CGCG 335-009 = VII Zw 447 = PGC 39414

12 17 26.2 +70 48 09; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 2.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): moderately bright, small, round, broad concentration with overall high surface brightness.  The halo appears to extend further on the north side of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4250 = H I-264 = h1170 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "cB, S, bM."  His position is 1.0 tmin west of UGC 7329.  John Herschel logged "pF S; R pgbM; 15"."

 

Philip Keenan apparently found NGC 4250 on a Yerkes Observatory plate and assigned it the designation NGC 4250A.  It was included in a list of new nebulae in the 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62).  All objects were assigned NGC + letter designations based on the nearest NGC object on the plate.  He assigned a magnitude of 13.5.

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NGC 4251 = UGC 7338 = MCG +05-29-050 = CGCG 158-060 = PGC 39492

12 18 08.4 +28 10 31; Com

V = 10.7;  Size 3.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): bright, moderately large, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, 2.2'x0.8'.  Well concentrated with a roundish prominent core within fainter extensions which dim towards the tips.  At 280x the core contains a substellar nucleus.  A mag 13-13.5 star is 2.9' ESE of center and 9 Com (V = 6.3) follows by 18'.  IC 777 lies 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4251 = H I-89 = h1171 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vB, S, lE."  His position is just off the north side of the galaxy. JH made 3 observations and noted on sweep 417 "vB; vsvsbM; has a *6.7 1.5 min (of time) following."

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NGC 4252 = UGC 7343 = MCG +01-31-045 = CGCG 041-076 = PGC 39537

12 18 30.9 +05 33 34; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 48”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 42"x14". even surface brightness.  NGC 4249 lies 8' WNW, NGC 4257 is 13' NE and NGC 4266 is 18' E.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint, small, edge-on SW-NE, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 4249 7' WNW.  Located at the west side of the large NGC 4261 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4252 on 26 May 1864, along with NGCs 4249, 4266, 4282 and 4287.  He noted "F, E." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4253 = UGC 7344 = MCG +05-29-051 = CGCG 158-061 = Mrk 766 = PGC 39525

12 18 26.5 +29 48 46; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, very small, irregularly round, 20" diameter.  Fairly high surface brightness, quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 1' N.  Located 22' NW of NGC 474.  Observation in hazy conditions.  Contains a Sy 1 nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4253 = H III-702 = h1172 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "vF, vS."  CH's reduction is 5 sec of time preceding and 2.5' north of UGC 7344.  JH called this galaxy "vF; R; 20".", but did not measure a very accurate position either.

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NGC 4254 = M99 = UGC 7345 = MCG +03-31-099 = CGCG 098-144 = CGCG 099-011 = LGG 285-011 = PGC 39578 = Coma Pinwheel Galaxy

12 18 49.6 +14 24 59; Com

V = 9.9;  Size 5.4'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

48" (4/1/11): stunning view of this beautiful, asymmetric two-armed spiral at 375x. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a brilliant 1' core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. The brighter more open arm is attached on the east side of the very bright core.  It unwinds beautifully and expands counterclockwise for ~225” where it ends to the NW of center.  As the arm passes south of the core there is a bright, well defined knot (sketched and later measured 0.9' S of the nucleus) with two additional diffuse knots in this arm 1.2' SW of center and 1.9' W of center.  The arm continues to sweep north on the west side, where it is well separated from the main body.

 

A second long sweeping fainter arm is attached on the west side of the core and unfolds counterclockwise towards the NE.  It contains a diffuse knot ~1.2' NNW of center and terminates near an ill-defined knot 2' NE of center.  The halo of the galaxy is more extensive on this side and contains a prominent knot 1.8' E of center.  This knot is at the end of another more ill-defined arm on the north side of the core heading east that contains additional mottled clumps.

 

24" (5/24/20): at 225x and 375x; relatively large bright circular core, ~1' diameter, increased to a very bright, small mottled nucleus.  The irregular outer halo extended ~4' diameter. The brighter and larger arm was easily visible; it emerged from the east side of the core and curved counterclockwise to the south of the core and then extended to the WSW before dimming out.  A very subtle brightening or knot was seen within the arm [50" S of center]. A second arm of much lower contrast began on the west side of the core and headed in the NNE direction for ~1.5' before fading into the halo.  A very faint knot (NGC 4254:[HK83] 1), was visible in the outer halo on the east side [1.8' ENE of center] and was easily seen with averted.  A mag 13.5 star is just outside the halo, 2' ESE of center.

 

18" (4/10/04): a fairly prominent arm is attached at the southeast end of the large, bright core and winds along the south side towards the southwest.  This arm is clearly detached from the core with a dark gap between the arm and the core.  The northern arm is ill-defined and appears more like a couple of short "brush-strokes" close north of the core.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very bright, large, bright core, stellar nucleus.  There is an obvious spiral arm attached at the SE side of the core and winding along the south side towards the west.  There is a dark gap between the spiral arm and the core along the south and west side.  A second shorter, diffuse arm is visible on the north side.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): bright nuclear region.  A spiral arm is easily visible attached at the SE side of core and winding almost 180” to the west.  Located 10' SW of mag 6.5 HD 10710.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M99 = NGC 4254 = h1173 on 15 Mar 1781. William Herschel observed M99 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded, "vB. vL. vgmbM, and the brightness taking up a great space. John Herschel logged on sweep 419, "B; R; gbM; r; 5' diam."

 

William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse, discovered spiral structure in April of 1846 using the 72" Leviathan of Parsonstown.  The observation was made a full year after the spiral nature of M51 was discovered as LdR's attention was diverted to the Irish potato famine.  M99 was the second confirmed spiral, though a month earlier NGC 2903 was noted as having a "tendency" to an "annular or spiral arrangement".  On 11 Mar 1848, observing assistant William Rambaut described M99 as a "Spiral with a bright star above; a thin portion of the nebula reaches across this star and some distance past it.  Principal spiral at the bottom, and turning towards the right.Ó Lord RosseÕs outstanding sketch showed at least 4 arms. It was published in the Philosphical Transactions of 1850 (plate XXXV, figure 2), alongside his sketch of M51. A good copy of the sketch is at http://www.wsanford.com/~wsanford/exo/rosse/index.html.

 

William Lassell sketched M99 on 31 Mar 1862 from Malta with his 48-inch and included three principal arms and one or two offshoots .  He noted "Viewed with power 285.  The spiral form is very evident, more so, I think than in any other nebula I have seen."

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NGC 4255 = UGC 7348 = MCG +01-31-047 = CGCG 042-004 = PGC 39592

12 18 56.1 +04 47 11; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 4255 in 1865 with the 31-inch silver-on-glass Marseille reflector.  C.H.F. Peters independently found it with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory (discovery date unknown) and listed it as a "nova" in his 1881 Copenicus article.  Peters' position matches UGC 7348.  As Voigt's discoveries weren't published, Peters is credited in the NGC.

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NGC 4256 = UGC 7351 = MCG +11-15-045 = CGCG 315-032 = PGC 39568

12 18 42.9 +65 53 54; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 4.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): bright striking galaxy, large, very thin edge-on 4.0'x0.5' SW-NE, elongated bright core, almost stellar nucleus, thin tapering extensions.  NGC 4210 lies 21' WNW and NGC 4332 25' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4256 = H II-846 = h1174 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "pB, mE, BN, 5' long and 1/2' broad from sp to nf."  JH recorded "pB; vmE in pos 218.2”; 90" l." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4257 = MCG +01-31-049 = CGCG 042-006 = PGC 39624

12 19 06.5 +05 43 33; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 3:1 WSW-ENE, 32"x12", pretty smooth surface brightness.  Two mag 14/15 stars 1.2' S and 1.8' S are collinear with the galaxy.  Located 7' SW of NGC 4261 and 10' SW of NGC 4264 in a field with numerous NGCs.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  Located in a large group with NGC 4261 7' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4257 on 21 Apr 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observator while observing nearby NGC 4261.  His description mentions a mag 18 star 2' south, though the star is closer to mag 14-14.5.  The discovery was listed in his sample preliminary results published in 1862 (AN 57, 337).

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NGC 4258 = M106 = UGC 7353 = VV 448 = MCG +08-22-104 = CGCG 243-067 = CGCG 244-003 = Holm 363a = LGG 290-004 = PGC 39600

12 18 57.5 +47 18 15; CVn

V = 8.4;  Size 18.6'x7.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 150”

 

18" (6/4/05): two spiral arms are evident emerging from the large, very bright core.  On the west side of the core, a thin, gently sweeping arm defines the western edge of the galaxy.  At the southern end of this arm is a brighter knot or HII region (identified as SDSS J121901.36+471525.0 in NED).  On the east side of the core, a well-defined, thin arm juts out from the core towards the NNW as a linear extension.  The arm is brightest at the root, where it attaches to the core.  The core is concentrated to a fairly small, very bright central nucleus and the extensions/arms have a slightly mottled or lively appearance.

 

This is a Seyfert 2 galaxy with a very active galactic nuclei.  The standard model for the core assumes a massive black hole.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 14'x4', large bright core concentrated to a very small brighter central region.  A thin bright spiral arm attached at the core extends towards the NNW on the following side of the galaxy.  There is a sharp edge along the west side of this arm.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): bright, very large, bright core, substellar nucleus, mottling near core.  A large bright knot is at end of the southern arm.

 

13.1" (3/17/86): very bright, very large, impressive!  Contains a nearly stellar core in a high surface brightness oval disk.

 

8": bright, very large, elongated, bright core.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M106 = NGC 4258 = H V-43 = h1175 in July 1781. It was discovered after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication but was included in a letter dated 6 May 1783  to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch and published in the 1786 Jarbuch volume. MŽchain wrote, "In July 1781, I have found another one close to Ursa Major near the star No. 3 of Canes Venatici & 1 deg more or less to the south; I estimate its right ascension 181d 40' & its declination about 49d."

 

William Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 9 Mar 1788 and recorded H. V 43 as "v brilliant.  BN with much fainter branches from np to sf, about 15' long, and the sf running out into vF nebulosity extending a great way."  On 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 823) he logged "vB, mE directly in the meridian [N-S] with faint branches 10 or 12' long, BNM with the nucleus not ground."

 

John Herschel made 4 observations and recorded (sweep 330) "vB; vL; vsvmbM to an oval nucl; 8 or 9' long; 4 or 5' broad."  The 20 Apr 1857 observation at Birr Castle (by R.J. Mitchell) reads "a vL, B, E neb np sf, much mottled.  The f edge is comparatively sharp and well defined, but in the p and n edge there is a great inequality of light.  Nucleus elongated, vB part to north of nucleus."

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NGC 4259 = UGC 7359 = MCG +01-31-051 = CGCG 042-012 = Holm 368e = WBL 397-001 = PGC 39657

12 19 22.2 +05 22 35; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 143”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 5:2 NW-SE, 28"x12", fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is off the NE flank, 0.4' from center.  A number of galaxies are in the field to the east, including IC 3513 3.9' ENE, NGC 4268 8.4' SE, NGC 4270 8.6' NE and NGC 4273/4277 pair 9' ESE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, bright core.  A mag 15 star is at the NE edge 0.5' from center.  First of seven in the NGC 4273 group and forms a pair with IC 3153 3' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4259 = h1178 on 27 Dec 1827 and noted as "precedes four more, nearly in parallel."  His position is 2.3' south of UGC 7359, but the north polar distance was marked as approximate.  The four galaxies are probably NGC 4268, 4273, 4277 and 4281 (nearly collinear).

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NGC 4260 = UGC 7361 = MCG +01-31-054 = CGCG 042-015 = PGC 39656

12 19 22.2 +06 05 55; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 58”

 

24" (4/28/14): bright or very bright, large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2'x1', sharply concentrated with a very bright round nucleus.  A mag 14.7 star is just off the NE edge of the halo.  CGCG 042-007 lies 5.4' W ("very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness"), IC 3136 is 8' NW ("fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 30"x12", even surface brightness") and NGC 4269/IC 3155 pair is 8' SE, just south of a mag 7.7 star.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 14.5 star is off the NE end 1.4' from center.  Located 7' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 11933.  NGC 4261 lies 17' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4260 = H II-138 = h1177 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and simply noted "F".  His position is 3.8' northwest of UGC 6361.  JH noted "B; E; psbM." and measured an accurate position (2 sweeps).

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NGC 4261 = UGC 7360 = MCG +01-31-052 = CGCG 042-015 = 3C 270 = PGC 39659

12 19 23.2 +05 49 29; Vir

V = 10.4;  Size 4.1'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

24" (4/28/14): very bright, very large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a large, intensely bright core that brightens to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is near the edge of the halo on the ENE side.  VCC 344 is 1.8' S, just outside the halo, and was logged as "faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, high surface brightness."  Forms a pair with NGC 4264 3.3' NE and brightest of 30 galaxies viewed within 35'!

 

17.5" (3/24/90): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NW-SE, very bright core with stellar nucleus embedded.  Brightest in a large group of 13 NGC galaxies.  In a field with NGC 4264 3.4' ENE, NGC 4257 7' SSW and CGCG 042-014 5' N.  NGC 4260 lies 17' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4261 = H II-139 = h1176 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two. The first [NGC 4261] is the largest. The 2nd [NGC 4264] very faint."  JH called the galaxy "vB; pL; R; psmbM; 40"."  His single position is 10 sec of RA too far west, but Schšnfeld and d'Arrest both measured accurate positions.

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NGC 4262 = UGC 7365 = MCG +03-31-101 = CGCG 099-014 = PGC 39676

12 19 30.6 +14 52 39; Com

V = 11.6;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, strong bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with IC 781 9' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4262 = H II-110 = h1179 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "S, r."  In his 1811 PT paper, he commented "this star with a bur is probably one that formerly a planetary nebula with a pretty strong haziness on the borders."  JH also called it "B; S; R; like a * 11m with a burr."

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NGC 4263 = NGC 4265 = MCG -02-32-001 = PGC 39698

12 19 42.2 -12 13 32; Crv

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 125”

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, roughly 1.2'x0.9', only a weak broad concentration.  The halo is irregular with averted vision and appears elongated 3:2, though at other times appears rounder.  On the DSS there is a faint extension to the west and perhaps I was picking up this section with averted.

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4263 = H III-535 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "vF, pS, iF."  His position (CH's reduction) is 1.5' southwest of PGC 39698.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 6 May 1886 and reported it in list III-63, close to WH's position. Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued NGC 4263 again as NGC 4265.  Dreyer equated the two numbers in his 1912 version of WH's catalogues.  By prior discovery, NGC 4263 should be the primary designation.

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NGC 4264 = UGC 7364 = MCG +01-32-001 = CGCG 042-020 = PGC 39687

12 19 35.8 +05 50 48; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration.  Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 4261 3.5' WSW.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Located at the north edge of a large galaxy group and 3.4' NE of NGC 4261.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4264 = H II-140 = h1180 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two. The first [NGC 4261] is the largest. The 2nd [NGC 4264] very faint."  John Herschel called the galaxy "pF; R; gbM; 30"." Henrich d'Arrest measured the position 6 times and noted the separation with NGC 4261 was 13 seconds of time.

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NGC 4265 = NGC 4263 = MCG -02-32-001 = PGC 39698

12 19 42.2 -12 13 30; Crv

 

See observing notes for NGC 4263.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 4265 = Sw. III-63 on 6 May 1886.  His position is only 2' south of NGC 4263 = H III-535 so I'm not sure why Dreyer assumed it was a different object.  In any case, he noted that NGC 4265 was identical to NGC 4263 in the IC 2 Notes section as "Howe saw only one."  The primary designation should be NGC 4263.

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NGC 4266 = UGC 7368 = MCG +01-32-002 = CGCG 042-021 = WBL 397-003 = PGC 39699

12 19 42.3 +05 32 18; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 76”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, thin edge-on 6:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.2', even surface brightness.  Although this is a nice streak, the galaxy is partially masked by mag 9.1 HD 107228 just off the NW flank (40" from center).  In a rich region of galaxies, with NGC 4270 4.9' SSW, IC 4153 8.6' SSW, NGC 4282 10' ENE, NGC 4259 11' SSW, NGC 4281 13' SE and more. Mag 7.3 HD 107258 lies 9' NNE.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE.  The view is hampered by mag 8.5 SAO 119331 at the NW edge of the galaxy!  Faintest of 8 galaxies in the field including NGC 4282, NGC 4270, NGC 4259, NGC 4268, NGC 4273, NGC 4281 and IC 3153.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4266, along with NGCs 4249, 4252, 4282 and 4287, on 26 May 1864.  His position matches UGC 7368.

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NGC 4267 = UGC 7373 = MCG +02-32-004 = CGCG 070-013 = PGC 39710

12 19 45.2 +12 47 54; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 3.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (5/29/14): very bright, moderately large, round, 1.3' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intense core that gradually increases to a stellar nucleus. Contains a much fainter outer halo.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, very diffuse round halo.  Sharp concentration as increases suddenly to a small very bright core and stellar nucleus.  NGC 4305/NGC 4306 pair lies 33' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4267 = H II-166 = h1181 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "pB; vS."  His position at the north edge of the halo of UGC 7373.  JH made two observations, calling this galaxy "pB, R, vsmbM, almost to a star."

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NGC 4268 = UGC 7371 = MCG +01-32-004 = CGCG 042-023 = Holm 368d = WBL 397-004 = PGC 39712

12 19 47.2 +05 17 01; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 48”

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4', contains a small bright core.  A mag 14.5-15 star lies 0.8' NW of center.  NGC 4273 lies 4.2' NE, NGC 4277 5.4' NE and NGC 4281 10.6' NE with a total of 8 galaxies (7 NGCs) in a 15' field.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' NW of center.  Third of seven in a group with NGC 4273 4.3' NE.

 

Eduard Schšnfeld discovered NGC 4268 on 1 Apr 1862 with the 6" Steinheil refractor at Mannheim Observatory while observing the NGC 4273 group.  The primary source 1862 "Astronomische Beobachtungen auf der Grossherzoglichen Sternwarte zu Mannheim" is not scanned online.  It was independently discovered by d'Arrest at Copenhagen on only 5 days later and included it in his sample of preliminary results published in 1862 AN, 57, 337.  It was also listed it as an example of a double nebulae.  John Herschel must have missed both 1862 announcements as he didn't include this galaxy in the GC.  Dreyer credited Schšnfeld, d'Arrest and Engelhardt in the NGC.

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NGC 4269 = UGC 7372 = MCG +01-32-005 = CGCG 042-024 = Holm 365a = WBL 392-012 = PGC 39719

12 19 49.2 +06 00 54; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 137”

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, small, round, 12" (core) surounded by a much fainter elongated halo 20"x14" NW-SE.  The core has a very high surface brightness and contains a very bright stellar nucleus.  Located 1.6' SE of mag 7.7 HD 107238 and 8.4' SE of NGC 4260.  Forms a close pair with fainter IC 3155 1.2' SW.  IC 3155 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, very weak concentration, 30"x18".  Slightly larger than NGC 4269, though a lower surface brightness.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, very small and bright core, slightly elongated.  Located 1.7' SSE of mag 7.7 SAO 119333 which interferes with viewing.  Forms a pair with IC 3155 1.2' SW.  NGC 4260 lies 10' WNW.  Located at the north edge of the NGC 4261 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4269 on 4 Mar 1862 with an 11" refractor.  His position, measured on 2 nights, matches UGC 7372 = PGC 39719 and he measured nearby mag 7.7 HD 107238 at 1.7 sec of time preceding and 85" north.  d'Arrest missed nearby IC 3155. The discovery was listed in his sample preliminary results published in 1862 (AN 57, 337).

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NGC 4270 = UGC 7376 = MCG +01-32-007 = CGCG 042-026 = Holm 368c = WBL 397-005 = PGC 39718

12 19 49.5 +05 27 48; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus.  Eight additional NGC galaxies lie within 10'!   NGC 4266 is 3.8' NNW, NGC 4273 7.3' SSE, NGC 4281 is 9' SE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, fainter arms, moderately large.  Located 5.4' SSE of mag 9 SAO 119335.  Fifth of seven in a group including NGC 4273 7.5' S, NGC 4266 4' NNW and NGC 4281 9.4' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4270 = H II-568 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last.  They are scattered about."  There is nothing near his position (10 min 14 sec following and 34' north of 11 Virginis), but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of the 4 bright galaxies.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Eduard Schšnfeld resolved the discrepancy and also discovered nearby NGC 4268, which was missed by WH and JH.

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NGC 4271 = UGC 7375 = MCG +10-18-025 = CGCG 293-010 = Holm 366a = PGC 39683

12 19 32.7 +56 44 12; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, sharp bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is off the west edge 1.1' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4271 = H II-804 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "pB, pL, iF."  His position matches UGC 7375.

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NGC 4272 = UGC 7378 = MCG +05-29-059 = CGCG 158-072 = PGC 39715

12 19 47.6 +30 20 20; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/25/98): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  A nice wide pair of mag 11 stars (47" separation) lie 5' SSE.  Observation in hazy conditions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4272 = H III-299 = h1182 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and simply noted "eF".  JH made the single observation "eF; vS; R; 10"." and measured an accurate position.  The UGC declination is 10' too far south.

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NGC 4273 = UGC 7380 = MCG +01-32-008 = CGCG 042-028 = Holm 368a = WBL 397-006 = PGC 39738

12 19 56.0 +05 20 35; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

24" (4/28/14): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.6'x0.8', well concentrated, brighter along the major axis (bar?).  Among numerous NGC galaxies including NGC 4277 2' E, NGC 4268 4' SW, NGC 4281 7' NE, NGC 4270 7.5' N and NGC 4259 9' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4277 2' ESE.  Brightest in a group of 7 galaxies with NGC 4281 6' ENE, NGC 4268 3.8' SW and NGC 4270 7.5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4273 = H II-569 = h1183 = h1189 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last [NGC 4281].  They are scattered about."  There is nothing near his position, but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of the 4 bright galaxies.  Because of WH's error, JH recorded the nebula as a "nova" (h1189) on 27 Dec 1827, but his RA was ~40 sec too large.  On a later sweep, he recorded it as a nova again (h1183) and measured an accurate position.  Dreyer combined these identities together in the NGC.

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NGC 4274 = UGC 7377 = MCG +05-29-060 = CGCG 158-071 = PGC 39724

12 19 50.6 +29 36 51; Com

V = 10.4;  Size 6.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): bright, very large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, ~5'x2' though difficult to trace the full extent as the outer halo fades into background.  Well concentrated with a bright roundish core ~1' diameter which increases to a very small or stellar nucleus.  NGC 4253 lies 22' NW, NGC 4245 29' W and NGC 4278/NGC 4283/NGC 4286 ~20' SSE.  Observation in hazy skies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4274 = H I-75 = h1185 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and simply noted "vB".  JH made the single observation "vB; vL; E in parallel (E-W); 2' l, 1.5' br."  On 24 Apr 1849, LdR or assistant George Stoney suspected a "faint tail following".  This probably refers to part of the ring surrounding the core.

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NGC 4275 = UGC 7382 = MCG +05-29-058 = CGCG 158-073 = PGC 39728

12 19 52.6 +27 37 16; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, brighter core, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 1.1' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4275 = H II-376 = h1184 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, S, almost R, bM."   JH made two observations and noted on sweep 417, "F; lE; near a * 15m."

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NGC 4276 = UGC 7385 = MCG +01-32-010 = CGCG 042-032 = PGC 39765

12 20 07.4 +07 41 30; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness, no noticeable core.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4276 around 1881 (Copenicus paper, 1881) with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  His position matches UGC 7385.

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NGC 4277 = MCG +01-32-009 = CGCG 042-029 = Holm 368f = WBL 397-007 = PGC 39759

12 20 03.7 +05 20 28; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (5/20/20): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~NW-SE, 30"x24", very weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1' S.  Situated among several brighter Virgo cluster members and forms a close pair with NGC 4273 2' W.

 

SN 2020ftl, a Type Ia supernova in NGC 4277, was discovered on Apr 2nd. It reached nearly 14th magnitude but had faded to only mag 15.5 at the time of this observation.  As the SN is located only 6" N of the nucleus, it was tough to pick out, but it was seen consistently as a faint stellar point.

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration.  A mag 14-14.5 star lies 1.2' S of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4273 2' W and nearly at the midpoint of NGC 4281 5' NE and NGC 4268 5' SW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, diffuse.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' S of center.  Located just 2.1' E of NGC 4273.  Second faintest of 7 in the NGC 4273 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4277 = H II-570 = h1190 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last [NGC 4281].  They are scattered about."  There is nothing near his position, but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of these four galaxies.  Because of WH's error, John Herschel recorded h1190 (later NGC 4277) as a "nova" on 27 Dec 1827.  But his RA was 47 seconds too large!  In addition, his descriptions for h1189 and h1190 are reversed.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1893 (published in 1907) with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 4278 = UGC 7386 = MCG +05-29-062 = CGCG 158-077 = Holm 369a = WBL 399-001 = PGC 39764

12 20 06.8 +29 16 50; Com

V = 10.2;  Size 4.1'x3.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (4/25/98): bright, roundish, fairly large, the outer halo increasing to ~3.5' diameter with averted vision.  The halo surrounds a well-defined very prominent core which increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4283 3.5' NE.  Poor transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4278 = H I-90 = H II-322 = h1186 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded II-322 as "Three [with NGC 4283 and 4286], all in a row, but of unequal size and brightness.  The most following [NGC 4286] vF."  His single position is 14 sec of time following NGC 4278.  He found NGC 4278 again a month later (11 Apr), assumed it was new and recorded I-90 as "Two [with NGC 4283], the time is that of the brightest and preceding [NGC 4278], which is cB, pL, nearly R.  The other is sf, pB, S, about 6' distance."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4279 = MCG -02-32-003 = PGC 39812

12 20 25.0 -11 40 00; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

18" (5/8/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very small brighter core.  Brighter of a close pair with NGC 4285 4' NE.  A couple of faint stars are between the two galaxies (these are possibly Swift's NGC 4280).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4279 = Sw. III-64, along with NGC 4280 and 4285, on 6 May 1886.  His description reads "eeF; vS; R; 1st of 3."  There are only two galaxies near his positions for these three objects and only his position for NGC 4285 = Sw. III-66 lands directly on a galaxy.  His first two positions are both to the south of MCG -02-32-003 = PGC 39812.  Modern catalogues assign NGC 4279 = PGC 39812.  See NGC 4280.

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NGC 4280

12 20 31 -11 39 06; Vir

 

18" (5/8/04): this number may apply to a trio of mag 15 stars situated between NGC 4279 and NGC 4285.  The two brighter stars were noted, although I was not looking for the fainter third star.  This identification is uncertain and listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4280 = Sw. III-65, along with NGC 4279 and 4285, on 6 May 1886.  There are only two galaxies here and either NGC 4279 or 4280 is nonexistent or refers to a faint star(s).  Assuming NGC 4279 = PGC 39812 , then Swift's offsert to NGC 4280 falls close to a 45" string of 3 mag 14.5/15.5/16.5 stars.   His description "eeeF; vS; R; 2nd of 3" is not helpful in pinning down the identification.  So, this number is lost or might apply to one of more of these stars.

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NGC 4281 = UGC 7389 = MCG +01-32-012 = CGCG 042-034 = Holm 368b = WBL 397-008 = PGC 39801

12 20 21.5 +05 23 11; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 3.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 88”

 

24" (4/28/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.8'x0.9', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to quasi-stellar nucleus.  NGC 4268, 4273 and 4277 in a 10' string to the SW and NGC 4270 and 4266 lie to the NW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 2:1 E-W.  This galaxy is the last of 7 in a 15' circle and the brightest in the group along with NGC 4273 6.9' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4281 = H II-571 = H II-573 = h1187 = h1194 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last [NGC 4281].  They are scattered about."  There is nothing near his position, but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of these four galaxies.  He swept the field again 6 days later and measured an accurate position for NGC 4281, and simply noted (for II-573) "a nebula, but cloudy."

 

JH recorded the nebula as a "nova" on 27 Dec 1827 with the description "vB; E; bM; 60"."  His RA was 47 sec too large (same error he made with NGC 4277 and 4273), so he didn't realize the equivalence with II-573.  On a later sweep he observed H II-573 again, measured an accurate position and reported "vB, vL, R, pgbM, 3', 3 more seen." So, errors were made by both WH and JH, though Dreyer sorted things out pretty well in his 1912 publication of WH's catalogues.

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NGC 4282 = MCG +01-32-013 = CGCG 042-035 = WBL 397-009 = PGC 39809

12 20 24.3 +05 34 22; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 100”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 ~E-W, 0.7'x0.3', gradually increases to a slightly brighter core, brighter along the major axis.  On a line between NGC 4270 11' SW and NGC 4287 7' NE.  Also NGC 4266 lies 11' WSW.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 1.8' S of center.  Located in the large NGC 4261 group with NGC 4287 6' NE and NGC 4270 10' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4282 = m 237, along with NGC 4249, 4252, 4266 and 4287 on 26 May 1864.  His position is 2' north of CGCG 042-035 = PGC 39809.

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NGC 4283 = UGC 7390 = MCG +05-29-063 = CGCG 158-080 = Holm 369b = WBL 399-002 = PGC 39800

12 20 20.8 +29 18 39; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright, round, 1' diameter.  Fairly well concentrated with a small, bright core and stellar nucleus.  Second of three in trio with brighter NGC 4278 3.5' SW and NGC 4286 5' NE.  Poor transparency due to smoke.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4283 = H II-377 = H II-323 = h1188 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded II-323 as "Three [with NGC 4278 and 4286], all in a row, but of unequal size and brightness.  The most following [NGC 4286] vF."  His single position is 14 sec of time following NGC 4278.  He found NGC 4283 again a month later (11 Apr), assumed it was new and recorded II-377 as "Two [with NGC 4283], the time is that of the brightest and preceding [NGC 4278], which is cB, pL, nearly R.  The other [NGC 4283] is sf [error: should read nf], pB, S, about 6' distance."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4284 = UGC 7393 = MCG +10-18-026 = CGCG 293-011 = Holm 373b = PGC 39775

12 20 12.6 +58 05 34; UMa

V = 13.5;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, bright core, elongated NW-SE.  Forms a right angle with two mag 13 stars 1.3' S and 1.1' E of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4290 5' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4284 = H III-798 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "cF, lE, iF.  The preceding of two [with II-805 = NGC 4290].  His re-reduced position is 2' northwest of UGC 7393.

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NGC 4285 = MCG -02-32-004 = PGC 39842

12 20 39.8 -11 38 31; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 50”

 

18" (5/8/04): very faint, small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, 35"x20", weak concentration.  Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 4279 4' SW.  Between the galaxies are a couple of faint stars (possibly NGC 4280).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4285 = Sw. III-66, along with NGC 4279 and 4280, on 6 May 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; 3rd of 3."  There are only two galaxies here, but his position clearly establishes NGC 4285 = MCG -02-32-004 = PGC 39842.  See NGC 4280.

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NGC 4286 = UGC 7398 = MCG +05-29-065 = CGCG 158-083 = IC 3181 = WBL 399-003 = PGC 39846

12 20 42.1 +29 20 45; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): very faint, very low surface brightness.  No details visible but appears as an elongated haze ~N-S, located just north of a mag 15.5 star.  On a line with NGC 4283 5' SW and NGC 4278 8.5' SW.  Transparency poor.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4286 = H III-300 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "Three [with NGC 4283 and 4286], all in a row, but of unequal size and brightness.  The most following [NGC 4286] vF.

 

On 24 Apr 1849, LdR (or observing assistant George Stoney), noted "a third nebula about 8.5' nf [NGC 4278]."  Assuming it was new, John Herschel (who missed this galaxy) assigned it GC 2863, although Dreyer realized the equivalence with NGC 4286 and combined the two GC designations in the NGC.  Henrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position. 

 

Max Wolf found this galaxy again on a Heidelberg plate on 23 Mar 1903 and reported it in his list IV-28 (later IC 3181).  His position matches d'Arrest's, so it's surprising that Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence.  So, NGC 4286 = IC 3181.

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NGC 4287 = MCG +01-32-014 = CGCG 042-037 = PGC 39860

12 20 48.5 +05 38 23; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.2';  PA = 75”

 

24" (4/28/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 or 5:1 WSW-ENE, 35"x8", fairly low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.3 star is attached on the northwest side and detracts from viewing.  NGC 4282 lies 7' SW and IC 782 is 14' NE (the trio is collinear).  In addition, NGC 4266 and 4270 are both ~18' SW.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, low surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star on the west edge slightly hampers the view.  NGC 4282 lies 6' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4287 = m 238, along with NGC 4249, 4252, 4266 and 4282 on 26 May 1864.  His position is 1' south of CGCG 042-037 = PGC 39860.

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NGC 4288 = UGC 7399 = MCG +08-23-006 = CGCG 244-006 = Holm 371a = PGC 39840

12 20 38.1 +46 17 31; CVn

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 130”

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, gradually brighter halo.  Located almost at the midpoint of a mag 13 star 3.3' NNW and a mag 13.5 star 3.7' SSE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4288A 2.3' S.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' S.  Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4288 = H III-726 = h1191 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and noted "eF, pS."  JH made 3 observations and reported on sweep 138 "pF; R; vgbM; 60"."

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NGC 4289 = UGC 7403 = MCG +01-32-015 = CGCG 042-038 = FGC 1418 = LGG 281-010 = PGC 39886

12 21 02.3 +03 43 20; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 3.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 1”

 

18" (5/8/04): very faint, thin edge-on 5:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.2', very weak concentration.  This delicate sliver required some care in first acquiring.  A mag 8.4 star (HD 107473) just 3.1' E detracts from viewing.  Located 47' SSW of M61.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4289 = T I-42 in 1877.  His position and description (BD +4”2606 follows by 12 sec of time) matches UGC 7403.

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NGC 4290 = UGC 7402 = MCG +10-18-029 = CGCG 293-012 = Holm 373a = PGC 39859

12 20 47.5 +58 05 33; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4284 4.6' W.  A wide double star = M40 lies 15' E.  Located 15' N of 70 Ursa Majoris (V = 5.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4290 = H II-805 = h1193 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "pB, pL, mbM.  The following of two [with H III-798 = NGC 4284]."  His offset from NGC 4284 is an exact match with UGC 7402.  JH observed this object on a single sweep and noted "pB; L; R; gbM; 60"."

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NGC 4291 = UGC 7397 = MCG +13-09-024 = CGCG 352-028 = PGC 39791

12 20 17.7 +75 22 15; Dra

V = 11.5;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly bright, small, round, small bright nucleus, possible stellar nucleus at 312x.  A mag 14 star is at the west edge 25" from the center.  Form a pair with NGC 4319 6' SE.  Located 13' NNE of mag 5.4 SAO 7540.  NGC 4386 lies 20' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4291 = H I-275 = h1192, along with NGC 4319, on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and noted "cB, S, R."  JH made four observations and logged on sweep 349 "pF; R; gbM; 20"; followed and almost surrounded by 3 stars 10m, one of which is double; has also a vS * sp dist 30"."

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NGC 4292 = UGC 7404 = MCG +01-32-016 = CGCG 042-040 = Holm 375a = PGC 39922

12 21 16.4 +04 35 44; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, bright core, slightly elongated halo.  Located 1.3' SSE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4292A 2' N.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, almost round, requires averted.  M61 lies 11' SE.

 

13" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, brighter core.  A mag 9 star is 1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4292 = h1196 on 7 Apr 1828 and logged "F; S; near a bright star; precedes M61 about half a field."  A few nights later he logged "F; R; vglbM; has a star 70” np; 1' dist.  Taken for H I-139, but this nebula does not exist, or is identical with M61."  The latter is the case.

 

On 1 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney (LdR's assistant) recorded "bM and has a vF companion".  While compiling the 1880 publication, Dreyer added the note "2' north by diagram."  At this offset from NGC 4292 is NGC 4292A = PGC 213977, another pre-NGC discovery which should have recieved a NGC designation.

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NGC 4293 = UGC 7405 = MCG +03-32-006 = CGCG 099-023 = PGC 39907

12 21 13.0 +18 23 00; Com

V = 10.4;  Size 5.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~4.5'x1.5'.  The core is more oval, ~1.2' diameter.  The galaxy has an irregular surface brightness and there appears to be a dark band following the core.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the following end 2.7' from center and a trio of mag 12-13 stars are off the NE end as well as another mag 13 star 2' N of center.  Located 36' N of 11 Comae Berenices (V = 4.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4293 = H V-5 = h1195 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "L, E, r, 6 or 7' in length."  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 61) "F; vL; E; bM; 5' l, 1.5' br."  Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant on 10 Apr 1852, noted a "faint knot at end of the preceding branch."

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NGC 4294 = UGC 7407 = MCG +02-32-009 = CGCG 070-024 = Holm 376a = PGC 39925

12 21 17.8 +11 30 37; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.7', fairly weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the north end 1.1' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4299 5.6' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4294 = H II-61 = h1197 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded "Two [with NGC 4299] considerable, E, F nebula; their situation is in the same parallel; and they are near fixed pB stars."  CH's reduced position is about a min of RA following UGC 7407 and the description fits.  JH's description on sweep 242 is interesting: "F; vmE; like a double neb composed of 2 R nebulae."

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NGC 4295 = MCG +05-29-068 = CGCG 158-085 = PGC 39906

12 21 09.8 +28 09 54; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

18" (6/23/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 30"x25", increases gradually to a very small brighter core.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 3.3' NNE.  Poor transparency due to smoke.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4295 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is just off the east side of CGCG 158-085 = PGC 39906.

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NGC 4296 = UGC 7409 = MCG +01-32-017 = CGCG 042-041 NED2 = PGC 39943

12 21 28.4 +06 39 12; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, bright core, very faint elongated halo N-S mostly visible to the south of the core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4297 1.1' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4296 = H III-92, along with NGC 4297, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded both as "vF, vS; and one still smaller and fainter suspected just by."  His single offset is just 5 sec of RA following UGC 7409.

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NGC 4297 = MCG +01-32-018 = CGCG 042-041 NED1 = PGC 39940

12 21 27.4 +06 40 16; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint and small, round, requires averted.  Located 1.1' N of NGC 4296.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4297 = H III-93, along with NGC 4296, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded both as "vF, vS; and one still smaller and fainter suspected just by."  His single offset is just 5 sec of RA following UGC 7409 (taken as III-92 = NGC 4296) with fainter CGCG 042-041 (taken as III-93 = NGC 4297) just 1.1' NNW.

 

But III-93 was not seen by Heinrich d'Arrest or Guillaume Bigourdan and Frost missed it on a Harvard plate, so he classified it as nonexistent (Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No. 1).  The CGCG has a single entry and calls this a double system.

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NGC 4298 = UGC 7412 = MCG +03-32-007 = CGCG 099-024 = Holm 377a = PGC 39950

12 21 32.8 +14 36 24; Com

V = 11.3;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

48" (4/7/13): very bright, large, oval 2:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.5'.  Contains a very bright core, which increases to a small bright nucleus.  The core is offset a bit to the NW side.  The halo extends further to the southeast side and a weakly defined spiral arm is evident in the outer halo on the west side, extending to the southeast end.  A mag 13.5 star is at the east side, 0.8' from the core.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 4302 2' E.  M99 lies 40' WSW.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, broadly brighter center.  A mag 13 star is at the east end 0.8' from center.  Forms a close pair with edge-on NGC 4302 2' E.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A mag 13 star is at the east end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4298 = H II-111 = h1198, along with NGC 4302, on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula.  The first [NGC 4298] R.  The second [NGC 4302] E.  About 2' from each other.  JH noted "F; L; E; vgbM; a star follows; the p of 2."

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NGC 4299 = UGC 7414 = MCG +02-32-010 = CGCG 070-025 = Holm 376b = PGC 39968

12 21 40.8 +11 30 03; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, moderately large, overall fairly diffuse with a broad concentration, slightly elongated.  A group of mag 12-13 stars is SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4294 5.6' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4299 = H II-62 = h1200 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174)  and recorded "Two [with NGC 4294] considerable, E, F nebula; their situation is in the same parallel; and they are near fixed pB stars."  JH made 3 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4300 = UGC 7413 = MCG +01-32-021 = CGCG 042-044 = PGC 39972

12 21 41.5 +05 23 05; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 42”

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', fairly well concentrated with a bright, elongated core.  At the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 9.2 stars 8.4' NNE and 9.2' NW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  Located 20' E of NGC 4281 and 11' WNW of 17 Virginis (·1636 = 6.6/9.4 at 21").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4300 = H II-572 = h1201 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and only noted "a nebula, [position] very badly taken."  Despite WH's comment just previously in the sweep that "a slop occasioned by the same blundering person", his position is just off the southwest end of the galaxy.

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NGC 4301 = NGC 4303A = UGC 7439 = MCG +01-32-027 = CGCG 042-053 = Holm 379b = PGC 40087

12 22 27.2 +04 33 58; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, fairly even surface brightness.  Located 10' NE of M61.  NGC 4292 lies 11' NW. 

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, fairly small, diffuse, roundish.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): very faint, small, diffuse, slightly elongated, no concentration.

 

Here are my notes on UGC 7411, the galaxy identified as NGC 4301 in the MCG, PGC and RC3:

Fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, broad weak concentration.  Located 19' NNW of M61.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 4301 on 21 Apr 1851.  While observing the field of M61 he noted, "Another neb 10' nf."  This could be interpreted as 10' NE of M61 or 10' NE of NGC 4292, but UGC 7439 (= NGC4303A ) is 10' NE of M61, which suggests NGC 4301 = UGC 7439.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz were unable to find NGC 4301 at the GC position.  Because of this, Dreyer assumed Stoney's object was 10' northeast of NGC 4292 (the other object grouped together) and modified the position of NGC 4301 in the NGC.  As a result, UGC 7411 (located 12' NNE of NGC 4292) assumed to be new when it was found on plates taken by Keeler with the Crossley reflector in 1898-1900 and catalogued in the 1908 list of new nebulae (Publ Lick Obs, Vol VIII).  UGC 7411 was misidentified as NGC 4301 in the MCG, PGC, RC3, NGC 2000.0 and RNGC.  UGC identified UGC 7439 as NGC 4301.  Malcolm Thomson investigated the identifications (WSQJ 10/92) and Harold Corwin has a very thorough analysis in his NGC/IC notes.

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NGC 4302 = UGC 7418 = MCG +03-32-009 = CGCG 099-027 = Holm 377b = PGC 39974

12 21 42.3 +14 35 59; Com

V = 11.6;  Size 5.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 178”

 

48" (4/7/13): at 610x; beautiful, thin edge-on stretches at least 8:1 N-S, ~5.0'x0.5'.  Contains a brighter, elongated, mottled core.  A very thin dust lane extends along the major axis!  The core is slightly brighter on the east side of the dust lane.  The northern tip extends beyond a mag 14.2 star off the northwest end.  A mag 14.3 star is just west of the southern tip.  Forms a superb pair with NGC 4298 just 2' W.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, large edge-on 7:1 N-S, 4.5'x0.6', low surface brightness, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the north edge 2.0' from center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4298 2.4' W.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): faint edge-on streak N-S close following NGC 4298.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4302 = H II-112 = h1199, along with NGC 4298, on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula.  The first [NGC 4298] R.  The second [NGC 4302] E.  About 2' from each other."  On 26 Apr 1832, JH noted "L; vmE nearly in the meridian [N-S]; the f of 2."

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NGC 4303 = M61 = UGC 7420 = MCG +01-32-022 = CGCG 042-045 = Holm 379a = PGC 40001

12 21 54.9 +04 28 25; Vir

V = 9.7;  Size 6.5'x5.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (4/5/13) and 5/1/19) at 375x and 488x, the visible structure was similar to photographic detail!  A bright bar extends north-south and is sharply concentrated with a very small, round, intense nucleus.  A bright arm is attached right at the north side of the bar and sweeps counterclockwise 180” to the south end, along the east side.  A brighter region was visible in the arm east of the nucleus, which include HII regions NGC 4303:[HK83] #35/39/41/45/49, from the Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  At this location, the arm has a sharp turn [63”] and angles towards the SW. The arm dims rapidly on the south end, but I was able to follow it much further SW in the outer halo, where it passes just north of a mag 14.0 star [2.4' SW of center].

 

The western arm is attached at the southern end of the bar and sweeps north on the west side.  A bright, elongated patch is on the southern end of this arm, which includes [HK83] #155, ~45" SSW of the nucleus.  The arm extends inside a mag 14 star in the west side of the halo [1.2' WSW of center] and then sharply dims but extends towards #242, a nearly detached faint knot 1.2' WNW of center.

 

A partial outer arm, not attached to the core, was easily visible on the north side, angling southwest to northeast.  At the NE end of this short bright arm is the HII knot [HK83] #91, a very bright, 15" knot, 1.2' NNE of center.  The arm dims suddenly on the northeast end but a diffuse extension continues to wrap counterclockwise to the southeast at the edge of the eastern halo.

 

24" (5/20/20 and 5/24/20): viewed SN 2020jfo (Type II), discovered on May 6th 1.1' W and 0.5' N of the center of the galaxy.  This is the 8th SN discovered in M61 since 1926, the most of any Messier.  It appeared very close in brightness to a mag 14.2 star that is 1.2' W of center and collinear with another mag 14 star 2.4' SW of center.

 

M61 appeared strongly concentrated with a bright elongated core or bar oriented N-S that increased to an intense, very small nucleus.  Three arms were easily visible. A short but well defined arm angled SW-NE on the north side (outside the eastern arm). It ended at a relatively bright HII knot [HK83] #91, which was well defined and noticed immediately. The eastern arm, which emerged from the north side of the bar, was very well defined and extended east of the core, then headed south and angled towards the southwest. The western arm began on the south or southeast side of the bar and rotated counterclockwise towards to the west and bent in the northwest direction. It past inside a 14th mag star [1.1' W of center]. A subtle brightening or knot, [HK83] #155, was seen along this arm 40" S of center (collinear with the northern knot and the center).

 

18" (5/12/07): spiral structure was easily visible.  One arm is attached at the north end and sweeps towards the northeast and then hooks to the south along the east side.  A bright knot ([HK83] #91) is within the arm at the northeast end.  A second broader arm is attached at the south end and sweeps towards the southwest and then hooks towards the north on the west side.  The central region contains a bright, stellar nucleus.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): very bright, large, bright stellar nucleus.  Two spiral arms are faintly visible; one arm is attached south of the nucleus and winds towards the west and then north.  A slightly brighter arm is attached north of the nucleus and winds along the east side towards the south.  In the field with NGC 4292 11' NW and NGC 4301 10' NE.

 

Italian astronomer Barnaba Oriani discovered M61 = NGC 4303 = H I-139 = h1202 on 5 May 1779 while observing the Comet of 1779.  It was independently found by Messier the same night, though initially he mistook it for the comet, finally recognizing it was a nebula on 11 May.  William Herschel found M61 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553), assumed it was new, and catalogued it as I-139 with the summary description (2 observations) "eB; vBN; r, 6 or 7' dia."  John Herschel observed in on 3 consecutive sweeps in 1828, describing it on 10 April as "very faintly bicentral.  The two nuclei 90" distance in position angle 45 to 50” north-following."  This comment was the source of the GC and NGC description "bi-nuclear" and the second nucleus is very likely the bright knot on the northern spiral arm.

 

Bindon Stoney discovered spiral structure on 1 Mar 1851 and noted "spiral, 2 knots, centre bright.  There is another neb. 10' nf."  A sketch made of M61 on 14 Apr 1852 was included in the 1861 publication, though misidentified as h1196 [NGC 4292].  The two knots clearly included in the sketch are [HK83] #91 and [HK83] #155, mentioned in my 24-inch observation. The neb 10' nf probably refers to NGC 4301 = NGC 4303A = UGC 7439.  See that number.

 

Host of 8 supernovae since 1926 (six of these since 1961), making M61 the current record holder among Messier galaxies.  The first (SN 1926A) was found by Max Wolf and Karl Reinmuth at the Heidelberg Observatory.

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NGC 4304 = ESO 380-020 = MCG -05-29-034 = LGG 280-003 = PGC 40055

12 22 12.7 -33 29 04; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 2.6'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (5/28/06): very faint, fairly large, round, 2' diameter, broad weak concentration.  Appears as a diffuse glow of low surface brightness though seems mottled or one or more very faint stars is superimposed. Located 6.9' NW of mag 8.2 SAO 203407.

 

On the DSS, this galaxy is a face-on barred spiral similar to NGC 1300.  A bright HII region lies on the south side and this probably contributed to the appearance of "mottled" or having a superimposed "star".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4304 = h3387 on 28 Apr 1834 and logged "vF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 90"; r."  His position is accurate.  Based on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14, Harold Knox-Shaw stated it was a "S-Shaped spiral".

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NGC 4305 = UGC 7432 = MCG +02-32-013 = CGCG 070-031 = Holm 381a = PGC 40030

12 22 03.6 +12 44 27; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 32”

 

24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6'.  Contains a brighter, elongated core.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 4306 2.8' N.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, diffuse arms, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4306 2.8' N.  NGC 4267 lies 33' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4305 = h1203 on 2 May 1829 and simply noted "vF; R."  His position is just 45" south of center, though he missed nearby NGC 4306.

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NGC 4306 = UGC 7433 = MCG +02-32-014 = CGCG 070-032 = Holm 381b = PGC 40032

12 22 04.1 +12 47 15; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  PA = 140”

 

24" (5/29/14): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 40"x32", weak concentration.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 4305 2.8' S.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, no concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4305 2.8' S.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 4306 on 13 Apr 1849, while viewing the central region of the Virgo cluster.  He labeled the galaxy Beta on the diagram and recorded "Alpha [NGC 4305] and Beta [NGC 4306] nearly in merdian [N-S], both F, Alpha the larger."  Henrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 4306 on 16 Apr 1865 and measured an accurate position.  d'Arrest is credited with the discovery in the NGC as no positions or offsets were determined at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4307 = UGC 7431 = MCG +02-32-012A = CGCG 070-029 = Holm 380a = PGC 40033

12 22 05.6 +09 02 38; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 3.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 24”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, large, edge-on SSW-NNE, broad moderate concentration.  Forms a pair with IC 3211 3.2' S.  The companion (identified as NGC 4307A in the RNGC) appeared extremely faint and small, round.  NGC 4316 lies 20' NNE.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4307 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  He noted "pL, not vF" and his position is 2.5' south of UGC 7431. Wilhelm Temepel independently found NGC 4307 on 17 Mar 1882 and reported it in list VII (AN 2522).

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NGC 4308 = UGC 7426 = MCG +05-29-069 = CGCG 158-088 = PGC 40011

12 21 56.8 +30 04 27; Com

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/25/98): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located 13' NW of NGC 4314.  Observation hampered by poor transparency.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 4308 = Sf 107 on 11 Jun 1868 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  The discovery was not published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC.  Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Feb 1882, recorded it in list V-16, and was credited with the discovery in the main NGC listing. Tempel's and Safford's position matches UGC 7426.

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NGC 4309 = UGC 7435 = MCG +01-32-025 = CGCG 042-051 = Holm 382a = PGC 40051

12 22 12.4 +07 08 39; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, elongated E-W, diffuse, gradually increases to a small bright core.  A mag 13 star is 2.9' E.  Located 20' W of the NGC 4343 group.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4309 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory in New York.  Peters' position matches UGC 7435. The discovery was not published in his two lists in Copernicus 1881 and 1882, so was probably communicated directly to Dreyer.

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NGC 4310 = NGC 4338 = UGC 7440 = MCG +05-29-074 = CGCG 158-092 = PGC 40086

12 22 26.3 +29 12 31; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', weak concentration.  A wide pair of mag 12 stars [1.3' separation] lies 4' S.  The nearer star has a mag 14 companion at 24".

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration.  The trio of NGC 4278, NGC 4283 and NGC 4286 lies ~30' NW.  Observation affected by hazy skies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4310 = H II-378 = h1205 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "F, cL, lE."  CH's reduction is 2' northwest of UGC 7440.  There is only a single galaxy here, although on sweep 68, JH called it "vB.  The np of 2 [with h1206 = NGC 4611]."

 

d'Arrest made 3 accurate measurements of the positions, with a 4th exactly 1.0 min of time too large.  Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued it as NGC 4338.  So, NGC 4310 = NGC 4338.

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NGC 4311

12 22 26 +29 12 24; Com

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4311 = h1206 on 19 Apr 1827 and recorded "F; the sf of two [with NGC 4310]."  There is only a single galaxy here, so it is not clear what JH was referring to.  Curiously, his position is a very close match with NGC 4310.  Harold Corwin was unsuccessful in searching for other pairs that JH might have misidentified.  UGC, RNGC and MCG label the single galaxy as NGC 4310 = NGC 4311.

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NGC 4312 = UGC 7442 = MCG +03-32-014 = CGCG 099-029 = Holm 387b = PGC 40095

12 22 31.4 +15 32 16; Com

V = 11.7;  Size 4.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright and large, very elongated N-S, 2.5'x0.6', brighter the along major axis.  A pair of mag 12.5/13 stars at 21" separation lies 2.5' ESE.  Located 18' SSW of M100.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4312 = H II-628 = h1209 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and logged "pB, cL, E."  CH's reduced position is 6 sec of RA east of UGC 7442.

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NGC 4313 = UGC 7445 = MCG +02-32-016 = CGCG 070-034 = PGC 40105

12 22 38.6 +11 48 04; Vir

V = 11.6;  Size 4.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 143”

 

24" (5/29/14): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, 2.1'x0.6', bright, elongated core increases to a faint stellar nucleus, mottled surface.  The northwest extension seems slightly brighter and longer and in addition is slightly tilted with respect to the major axis of the core.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, very small bright core.  Located 22' NE of the NGC 4294/NGC 4299 pair in the same low power field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4313 = H II-63 = h1207 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "E, resembling the former two [NGC 4294 and 4299].  His position on this sweep is 1.0 tmin too large. A similar error was made on several nebulae discovered on that night including NGCs 3810, 4067, 4294, 4313, 4352, 4371, and 4429.  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 11 Apr 1823 (only his 3rd registered sweep), "eF; E 45” np, resolved in middle."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4314 = UGC 7443 = MCG +05-29-075 = CGCG 158-093 = PGC 40097

12 22 32.0 +29 53 44; Com

V = 10.6;  Size 4.2'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE, ~3'x1' [prominent central bar].  The halo fades at the tips and rises fairly abruptly to an oval core.  A mag 13 star is at the northwest tip and a mag 14/15 star is embedded on the southeast side.  The observation was hampered by poor transparency and the faint outer halo of this barred spiral was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4314 = H I-76 = h1204 = Sf 20 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "cB, L, E."  His position matches UGC 7443. Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy on 16 May 1886 with the 18.5" Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory, though noted "vB, probably well known."

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NGC 4315

12 22 39.5 +09 17 10; Vir

 

= *, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4315, along with NGC 4316, on 17 Mar 1882.  He mentioned a fainter nebula to the south 1.5' and 2 sec of RA west.  There is nothing at this offset, except a mag 15 star which is 2.8' south and 3 sec of RA west or perhaps a mag 14 star 1.6' south and 2.5 sec of RA east.  Tempel apparently confused one of these stars as being nebulous.

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NGC 4316 = UGC 7447 = MCG +02-32-017 = CGCG 070-035 = PGC 40119

12 22 42.3 +09 19 56; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  A double star is off the WNW end with components 13.2/13.5 at 19".  NGC 4307 is 21' SW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4316, along with NGC 4315, on 17 Mar 1882.  He reported it in his 5th discovery list and noted the 20" pair of stars off the northwest end so the identification with UGC 7447 is certain, although there are only a couple of stars near his offset for NGC 4315.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found NGC 4316 on 1 Apr 1884 and reported it as new in his 13th discovery list (#68).  His position was accurate.

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NGC 4317

12 22 36 +31 02; Com

 

= Not found, Corwin.  = *, Reinmuth and Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4317 = H II-324 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and logged "F, S."  There is nothing at his position and Corwin was not able to find a likely candidate.

 

Karl Renimuth identifies NGC 4317 with a mag 13.7 star and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson.  But Corwin feels II-324 probably does not refer to a star as the description would more likely be vS or eS.  So, he calls it "lost".

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NGC 4318 = UGC 7446 = MCG +02-32-015 = CGCG 042-059 = CGCG 070-033 = PGC 40122

12 22 43.3 +08 11 54; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core.  Located 4.4' S of mag 8.8 SAO 119363.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4318 = h1208 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "eF; a star 8m 5' dist, on meridian to north."  His position is within 30" of the center of UGC 7446 and HD 107744 is 4.4' due north.  Schwassmann reported (IC 2 Notes section) "it looks on the plate like a *11-12, not nebulous". on a Konigstuhl-Heidelberg plate.

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NGC 4319 = NGC 4345 = UGC 7429 = MCG +03-09-025 = CGCG 352-029 = PGC 39981

12 21 43.9 +75 19 20; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 160”

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, bright core, stellar nucleus.  The quasar Markarian 205 (controversial quasar with an apparent discordant redshift) appears as a faint mag 14.5 stellar object 0.7' south of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4291 6' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4319 = H I-276 = h1210, along with NGC 4291, on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM, iF."  JH made three observations and recorded (sweep 413) "pB; pL; bM.  Follows [NGC 4291]."

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NGC 4320 = UGC 7452 = MCG +02-32-018 = CGCG 070-036 = VIII Zw 184 = PGC 40160

12 22 57.8 +10 32 55; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4325 4.9' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4320 on 15 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 4 nights, matches UGC 7452 and he mentions the mag 15 star (called mag 17) which precedes by 5.6 sec of RA.  In the IC 2 Notes section, Dreyer mentions that Frost was unable to identify this galaxy on a Harvard plate of 4 hours exposure, although it was included in Adelaide Ames' 1930 "A Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae, including the Coma-Virgo Group", based on plates taken with the Bruce astrograph at Arequipa.

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NGC 4321 = M100 = UGC 7450 = MCG +03-32-015 = CGCG 099-030 = Holm 387a = WBL 401-001 = PGC 40153

12 22 55.0 +15 49 21; Com

V = 9.3;  Size 7.4'x6.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 400x; this superb spiral nearly filled the 10' eyepiece field and displayed two main high contrast, very thin and beautiful spiral arms.  They wrapped towards the center, which was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright nucleus.

 

48" (4/18/15): stunning view of this gorgeous spiral at 375x and 488x.  M100 was sharply concentrated with an intensely bright circular nucleus.  Two prominent, high contrast arms (fairly narrow) each rotated ~270” and could be clearly traced to within 1' of the center.  The south and north outer tips of the arms are between 5.5'-6' apart with the overall size ~6'x5'.

 

One arm begins off the WNW side of the core with a bright mottled section angling nearly north-south for ~25".  This section contains multiple HII sites NGC 4321:[HK83]220/223/229/230 from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  The arm curls clockwise around the south side.  A small (~8" dia.) HII knot (#160/171/172) is within this arm, 1.0' S of center.  Just to the east [1.5' SE of center] is a brighter, mottled section that contains a close pair [18" separation] of compact HII knots (#110 and #69/87).  The surface brightness of the arm abruptly drops as it shoots due north on the east side of the halo for ~3'.  The arm dims further as it curves west on the northeast side of the outer halo and ends just southeast of mag 15 star situated 2.9' NNW of center.

 

The second arm begins ~1' SE of center as a thicker, much brighter region.  The Hodge-Kennicutt Atlas catalogues numerous HII designations in this region, but none stood out individually.  The arm sharply narrows and rotates clockwise around the north side of the core towards the west.  It passes just south of two mag 15.5 stars, where there is a slightly brighter mottled section containing HII regions #252/253.  The arm dims significantly as it heads south on the west side of the halo.  Finally, it weakens further and spreads out at the end on the southwest side of the galaxy [2.6' from center].

 

18" (5/15/10): very bright, large, ~4.0-4.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright round core.  Spiral structure was evident at 220x with a spiral arm attached on the southwest side of the core region.  This arm sweeps east on the south side, heading in the direction of a mag 14 star just off the southeast end of the galaxy, but bending north.  On the north side off of the core, a portion of the inner spiral arm is visible oriented E-W and extending to the northwest of the core region.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): bright, very large, almost round, well-defined bright core surrounded by a large, fainter halo.  Two faint galaxies NGC 4323 and NGC 4328 lie 5' N and 6' E, respectively.  This is the brightest spiral in the Coma-Virgo cluster.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M100 = NGC 4321 = h1211, along with M98 and M99, on 15 Mar 1781 and Messier verified it a month later.  William Herschel described "a vL nebula of about 10' in diameter, with a small bright cluster of supposed stars in the middle.  It is followed at the distance of 6 or 8' by another distinct F, S, R, r nebula [NGC 4328] which is nearly in the same parallel with the great one."  His description obviously refers to the sharply concentrated core, though he gave this as an example in his 1814 publication of a nebula probably consisting of a cluster of stars.

 

Lord Rosse discovered spiral structure in M100 on 9 Mar 1850 (or earlier) and included M100 in his list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in the 1850 PT paper.   William Lassell published two sketches of M100 using his 48-inch on Malta on 24 and 26 Apr 1862.  The second one is an excellent rendering of the spiral arms, which both wrap about 1 1/2 revolutions around the core.  Dreyer's comment "(L): 2-branched spiral", is based on this sketch.

 

M101 is one of the largest and brightest spirals in the Virgo cluster.  It was the fist Virgo cluster member that the HST observed Cepheid variables (1993) and derived a distance of 55 million light years (since revised to ~50 million light years).  Five supernovae have been recorded: 1901B, 1914A, 1959E, 1979C, 2006X.  The first two were found on archived plates and announced by Heber Curtis in Lick Observatory Bulletin 300 (1917LicOB...9..108C). SN 1901B was found on a photograph taken on 17 Mar 1901 and SN 1914A was found on a photograph taken 2 Mar 1914.

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NGC 4322

12 22 42.0 +15 54 13; Com

 

24" (5/22/17): this number *possibly* applies to a 13th magnitude star 5.7' NW of the center of M100 and 4.8' due west of NGC 4323 (CGCG 099-031).  This single star clearly appeared stellar 200x-375x and was bright enough that I'm surprised if Tempel would have confused it as a nebulous object unless the seeing was very poor.  Most catalogues assign both NGC 4322 and 4323 to the single galaxy to the north of M100.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4322, along with NGC 4323 and NGC 4327, in 1882, during an observation of M100.  In the text section of his 5th discovery list (AN 2439) he mentions "on my drawing are three other very faint nebula in the vicinity, two north and close to M100 and the third south of [NGC 4328]."  There is only a single galaxy close north of M100 and none to the south of NGC 4328.  RNGC and MCG equate NGC 4322 = NGC 4323 although Corwin suggests NGC 4323 should apply to the (single) galaxy and NGC 4322 to a star further west, whose position is given here.  This assignment for NGC 4322 is really just a guess, though, so I've left the designation as "Not Found".  Of course, the galaxy listed here could be identified as NGC 4322 with NGC 4323 left as "Not Found".

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NGC 4323 = MCG +03-32-016 = CGCG 099-031 = Holm 387f = WBL 401-002 = PGC 40171

12 23 01.6 +15 54 20; Com

V = 14.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8'

 

24" (5/22/17): at 375x; very faint, fairly small, roundish, ~0.4' diameter, very low surface brightness with no structure.  Could often hold with averted but required concentration to pick up.  Located 5.3' NNE of the center of M100.  A mag 13 star is 4.8' due W.  This galaxy was marginal in Carter Scholz's 16", which makes me question if Wilhelm Tempel would have picked it up in an 11" refractor.

 

18" (5/15/10): this faint galaxy is located just 5.2' NNE of the center of the face-on spiral M100.  At 220x it appeared very faint, fairly small, ~0.5'x0.4' (difficult to determine the orientation), very low surface brightness with no central brightening.  This galaxy is the fainter of two companions of M100 with NGC 4328 6' E of center.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4323, along with NGC 4322 and NGC 4327, in 1882, during an observation of M100.  He mentions "on my drawing are three other very faint nebula in the vicinity, two north and close to M100 and the third south of [NGC 4328]."  But there is only a single galaxy north of M100, namely CGCG 099-031 = PGC 40171.  RNGC and MCG label this galaxy as NGC 4322 = NGC 4333 but Harold Corwin argues that NGC 4322 is probably a star 4.8' west of the galaxy, which implies only NGC 4323 should be used for the galaxy (placing the numbers in order of RA).  See Corwin's identification notes.

 

In 1908 this galaxy was reported as a new "nebula" based on photographs taken by Keeler and Perrine in 1898-1900 and catalogued (#423) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 4324 = UGC 7451 = MCG +01-32-032 = CGCG 042-063 = Holm 388a = PGC 40179

12 23 06.2 +05 15 01; Vir

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 53”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, small bright core, elongated WSW-ENE, fainter extensions.  Located 9' ESE of double star 17 Virginis (·1636 = 6.6/9.4 at 21").

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4324 on 4 Mar 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 4 nights) is accurate.  Eduard Schšnfeld independently found the galaxy less than a month later on 1 Apr 1862 with a 6-inch refractor at the Mannheim Observatory.

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NGC 4325 = NGC 4368? = MCG +02-32-019 = CGCG 070-037 = PGC 40183

12 23 06.6 +10 37 16; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4320 4.9' SSW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4325 on 15 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He made 4 observations and noted the mag 14.5 star (he called it mag 16) that follows by 7.6 seconds of time.

 

WH's III-38 = NGC 4368 is probably another observation, though this identification is somewhat uncertain as his position is 1.5 minutes of RA further east.  See that number.

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NGC 4326 = UGC 7454 = MCG +01-32-033 = CGCG 042-064 = PGC 40192

12 23 11.6 +06 04 19; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 145”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3, 0.6'x0.45', small bright core.  Bracketed by a mag 10.5 star 3' N and a mag 11.5 star 2' S.  Located 5.8' W of NGC 4339 in a trio with NGC 4333 3.3' SE in the Virgo cluster.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  First of three and forms a right angle with NGC 4333 3.3' SE and NGC 4339 5.7' E.  A mag 11 star is 3.0' N.  Located within the NGC 4339 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4326 = H II-141 = h1213 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [with NGC 4333 and 4339], the last [NGC 4339] is the largest."  JH logged "vF; S; R; bM; 10"; the first of 3 in a triangle." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4327

12 23 07.5 +15 44 11; Com

 

= not found, Gottlieb and Carlson.  =*, Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4327, along with NGC 4322 and 4323, in 1882, during an observation of M100.  In the notes section of paper V (AN 2439) Tempel commented, "There are three other, very subtle nebulae in the vicinity [of M100], two to the north, near to M100, and the third to the south of NGC 2894." There is no nebula to the south of NGC 2894 (and only one to the north of M100) and it was not found visually or photographically by Bigourdan, Frost, Carlson and the RNGC.  Corwin suggests a star that might have been picked up by Tempel, but the magnitude (roughly 16.5) seems too faint, so I've classified it as "not found".

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NGC 4328 = MCG +03-32-019 = CGCG 099-034 = Holm 387d = WBL 401-003 = PGC 40209

12 23 20.0 +15 49 13; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 90”

 

18" (5/15/10): faint, fairly small, very diffuse with just a weak concentration, ~0.8' diameter, no distinct core or zones.  Located just 6' due east of the center of M100 and the brighter of two companions in the field with NGC 4323.

 

18" (4/5/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', very low surface brightness (although catalogued surface brightness is 13.1), very weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.4' NE.  Located 6.0' E of M100.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): extremely faint, small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.4' NE of center.  Located 6' due east of M100!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4328 = H II-84 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "It [M100] is followed at the distance of 6 or 8' by another distinct F, S, R, r nebula which is nearly in the same parallel with the great one."  The NGC RA is 9 seconds too small, but the identification is certain.  Nevertheless, it was found again on plates taken with the Crossley reflector in 1898-1900, and catalogued as a new nebula (#465 of 744) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 4329 = MCG -02-32-009 = PGC 40212

12 23 20.7 -12 33 31; Crv

V = 11.5;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, moderate surface brightness, 25" diameter.  Seems fainter than listed blue magnitude of 12.5.  MCG -02-32-006 lies 24' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4329 = h1214 on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded (single observation) "F; sB; R; bM to nucleus. His position is 1.4' north of PGC 40212.

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NGC 4330 = UGC 7456 = MCG +02-32-020 = CGCG 070-039 = FGC 1423 = PGC 40201

12 23 16.6 +11 22 07; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 4.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 59”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): faint, fairly large, edge-on SW-NE, even surface brightness.  NGC 4353 lies 14' SE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 4330 on 14 Apr 1852.  During an observation of NGC 4294 and 4299 he mentioned "another vF and thin ray about 30' following." John Herschel catalogued this object as GC 2909 ("R. nova").  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 15 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and measured an accurate position (3 nights).  Dreyer catalogued this observation as GC 5639 with the note ""Probably = [GC] 2909."  The two GC entries were combined in the NGC.

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NGC 4331 = UGC 7449 = MCG +13-09-026 = CGCG 352-031 = VII Zw 451 = LGG 284-007 = PGC 40085

12 22 35.9 +76 10 21; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 2.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 2”

 

18" (3/5/05): extremely faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 N-S.  A mag 14-14.5 star is at the north tip and the galaxy appears as a ghostly dagger hanging to the south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4331 = H III-942 = h1220 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and noted "eF, E near the meridian.  Verified with 320x."  CH's reduced position is 1.8' southeast of UGC 7449 and his description applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 4332 = UGC 7453 = MCG +11-15-048 = CGCG 315-033 = PGC 40133

12 22 46.8 +65 50 37; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is 2.1' ENE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4332 = H II-847 = h1216 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "pB; S; lE."  JH recorded (single observation) 'F; R; vgbM; 20"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4333 = MCG +01-32-034 = CGCG 042-065 = PGC 40217

12 23 22.2 +06 02 26; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus, 20" diameter.  Located 4' SW of NGC 4339 in a trio with NGC 4326 3.3' NW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4339 4' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4333 = H II-142 = h1215, along with NGC 4326 and 4329, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191).  JH logged "F; pS; R; bM; 15"; the second of 3 in a triangle." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4334 = UGC 7458 = MCG +01-32-035 = CGCG 042-066 = PGC 40218

12 23 24.0 +07 28 23; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, very small, small bright core, faint extensions NW-SE.  A mag 11.5 star is just 0.7' SSE of center.  NGC 4365 lies 18' SE.  The IC 3256/NGC 4343 group is located 30' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4334 = h1218 on 24 Apr 1830.  His single observation reads "pF; R; S; close to a star [on the south side]" and his position is very accurate.

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NGC 4335 = UGC 7455 = MCG +10-18-035 = CGCG 293-015 = PGC 40169

12 23 01.9 +58 26 40; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): first of four and brightest in the group.  Moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4335 = H II-806 = h1217 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and simply noted "pB".  His re-reduced position is 2.5' northwest of UGC 7455.  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 345 "pB; S; E; gbM; good obs of place."

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NGC 4336 = IC 3254 = UGC 7462 = MCG +03-32-020 = CGCG 099-035 = Holm 389a = PGC 40231

12 23 29.8 +19 25 36; Com

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE (PA 160”) in the direction of a mag 10 star 3.5' SSE, 60"x45".  Weak concentration to center but the surface brightness appears irregular.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4336 = H II-406 = h1219 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "pF, pL, mbM.  It either has a small one almost joined to it to the north, or else the light of it is a little brighter in that place, but not nearly so bright as the other part."  No such structure is apparent on the DSS.  John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 23 Mar 1827 (sweep 61).

 

Royal Frost found the galaxy on 7 May 1904 at Arequipa on a Bruce 24-inch plate (taken on the night of 9 May 1904) and reported as number 884 in Harvard Annals 60.  His position is 2' north of NGC 4336.  So, NGC 4336 = IC 3254.  See Harold Corwin's IC identification notes for the full story.

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NGC 4337 = ESO 131-2 = Cr 254

12 24 02.3 -58 07 12; Cru

V = 8.9;  Size 4'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~15 stars are arranged in a striking 4.5' diameter partial oval for ~270 degrees and open on the west side.  A few stars are situated both in the interior and outside of this three-fourth completed ring.  In the center of the loop are a few mag 13-14 stars and a fairly bright background glow from a dense group of unresolved stars in the core of the cluster.  A gorgeous, equal mag double star Brs 8 = 7.6/7.9 at 5" is located 6' E.  The cluster is located midway between Delta and Gamma Crucis along one side of the Southern Cross.  This group may be an asterism an not a physical cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4337 = h3388 on 1 Apr 1834 and reported "a p rich cl; not much compressed in the middle; stars 12...14m, in curved branches.  A fine double star follows [Brs 8]."  His position is just west of center of this cluster.

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NGC 4338 = NGC 4310 = UGC 7440 = MCG +05-29-074 = CGCG 158-092 = PGC 40205

12 22 26.3 +29 12 31; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4310.  Here are my notes on IC 3247, often misidentified as NGC 4438 --

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; extremely faint, thin edge-on ~5:1 N-S, very low surface brightness, very slightly brighter elongated core, ~45"x9".  Only visible part of the time, though pops clearly and can hold for a few seconds.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4338 on 19 May 1863 and described "vF, E, cometary, quite difficult to see because of dusk. The place has not yet been verified."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of time west is NGC 4310, discovered by WH.  d'Arrest measured NGC 4310 on 3 other nights, but not the one he recorded NGC 4338.  Harold Corwin equates NGC 4338 = NGC 4310.

 

RNGC, RC3, SIMBAD and secondary sources such as WikiSky, Uranometria 2000. Atlas and Megastar misidentify IC 3247 as NGC 4338.  IC 3247 is located 20' south of d'Arrest's position.  Reinmuth also questioned if NGC 4338 = IC 3247 but Malcolm Thomson feels this galaxy is too faint and would not have been visible in d'Arrest's 11-inch refractor in twilight -- I agree.

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NGC 4339 = UGC 7461 = MCG +01-32-036 = CGCG 042-068 = LGG 289-026 = PGC 40240

12 23 35.0 +06 04 54; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 2.4'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, bright core increases evenly to center.  A mag 11 star lies 1.5' S of center.  Brightest of three with NGC 4326 and NGC 4333.  This Virgo cluster member harbors an active galactic nucleus.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly small, round, small very bright core.  Forms a trio with NGC 4333 4' SW and NGC 4326 6' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4339 = H II-143 = h1222, along with NGC 4326 and 4333, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191).  JH logged (sweep 254) "B; R; pL; psbM; 30"; the third in a triangle."

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NGC 4340 = UGC 7467 = MCG +03-32-021 = CGCG 099-036 = Holm 391b = PGC 40245

12 23 35.2 +16 43 21; Com

V = 11.2;  Size 3.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, almost round, fairly small, small well defined core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4350 5.6' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4340 = H II-85 = h1212, along with NGC 4350, on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and described both as "Two nebula, the following [NGC 4350] is the brightest, both S and the last pB."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4341 = IC 3260 = UGC 7472 = MCG +01-32-042 = CGCG 042-076 = PGC 40280

12 23 53.5 +07 06 25; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 96”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness.  Member of the NGC 4343 group and midway between IC 3259 4.9' NNW and IC 3267 5.0' SSW.  NGC identification uncertain and identified as IC 3260 in CGCG and MCG.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4341 = H III-95 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [along with H. III 94 = NGC 4343 and H. III 96 = NGC 4342], all eF and vS, R nebula."  His single position is between NGC 4343 and 4342. H III-95 = UGC 7472 is the faintest of the three brightest galaxies (out of five) that WH likely viewed.

 

Bigourdan observed the group on 23 Apr 1895 and measured the position of this galaxy (UGC 7472).  Likewise, Arnold Schwassmann measured a very accurate position (Sn. 17) on a Heidelberg plate on 27 Nov 1900.  Dreyer assumed they found a new object, but IC 3260 = NGC 4341.

 

Because of the ambiguity with the identification of NGC 4341, the CGCG and MCG label this galaxy IC 3260.  UGC and RNGC use both designations. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.

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NGC 4342 = IC 3256 = UGC 7466 = MCG +01-32-039 = CGCG 042-071 = PGC 40252

12 23 39.1 +07 03 14; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very small, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 4342 = IC 3256 has the highest surface brightness of the members in the NGC 4343 group.  NGC 4343 is 6.0' S, NGC 4341 = IC 3260 4.8' NE, IC 3267 6.6' E, IC 3259 8.3' NNE.  See notes on the identification.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4342 = H III-96 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [along with III-94 = NGC 4343 and III-96 = NGC 4342], all eF and vS, R nebula."  His single position is between NGC 4343 and 4342. As there are 5 galaxies in this group, there has been considerable confusion on the correct identifications.  Harold Corwin assumed Herschel observed the three brightest galaxies here and suggests the identifications NGC 4341 = IC 3260 = UGC 7472, NGC 4342 = IC 3256 = UGC 7466 and NGC 4343 = UGC 7465, though the CGCG (Herzog) argues the NGC designations should be dropped and the unambiguous IC designations used exclusively.

 

Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 23 Apr 1895 and his B. 291 (later IC 3256) matches this galaxy and the CGCG and MCG use the IC designation.   The identifications are discussed in CGCG Vol 5, the RC 2 notes, Webb Society Quarterly Journal articles in Jan 1986 and Jan 1990, Herzog's 1967 paper "On the Identification of Five Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster" (1967PASP...79..627H), as well as Harold Corwin's identification notes!

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NGC 4343 = UGC 7465 = MCG +01-32-038 = CGCG 042-070 = PGC 40251

12 23 38.8 +06 57 15; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, brighter core, elongated NW-SE.  Brightest member of a group of five along with NGC 4342 = IC 3256 6.0' N.  Nearby are IC 3259 14' NNE, IC 3267 8' NE and NGC 4341 = IC 3260 10' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4343 = H III-94 = h1223 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [along with III-95 = NGC 4341 and III-96 = NGC 4342], all eF and vS, R nebul."  His single position is between NGC 4343 and 4342.  JH catalogued only a single nebula in the group that he called III-94, noting "pB; E; or has a F neb on the s f side."  His position matches UGC 7465.  See Corwin's identification notes for more on this group.

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NGC 4344 = UGC 7468 = MCG +03-32-022 = CGCG 099-037 = Holm 390a = PGC 40249

12 23 37.5 +17 32 28; Com

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/23/98): faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Appears as a diffuse glow with weak concentration forming an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 and 14 stars 2.0' SE and 2.0' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4344 = H III-31 = h1224 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "eF.  It forms a triangle with 2 small stars."  JH logged "F; not vS; R; vglbM; 25"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4345 = NGC 4319 = UGC 7429 = MCG +03-09-025 = CGCG 352-029 = PGC 39981

12 21 43.9 +75 19 20; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 4319.

 

Gerhard Lohse found NGC 4345 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at Wigglesworth's observatory near Scarborough, England.  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is NGC 4319 = H I-276.  So, likely NGC 4345 = NGC 4319 with a 1 tmin error in RA.  Dorothy Carlson identifies NGC 4345 as a star near Lohse's position, but since the description mentions "pL" this is very unlikely.

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NGC 4346 = UGC 7463 = MCG +08-23-016 = CGCG 244-009 = PGC 40228

12 23 27.9 +46 59 38; CVn

V = 11.1;  Size 3.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 99”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, rises sharply to a small very bright core, stellar nucleus highly suspected.  Located roughly 50' SE of M106.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4346 = H I-210 = h1225 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 823) and recorded "cB, S, BN with irregular chevelure, lE near the parallel".  CH's reduction is 8' north of UGC 7463.  On 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) he recorded "vB, vS, lE nearly in the parallel; a BN with eF branches."  JH made six observations and d'Arrest made a single observation with a precise position.

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NGC 4347

12 23 54 -03 14; Vir

 

= *?, Gottlieb and Corwin.  = NGC 4348??, Corwin.  = Not found, Sulentic.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4347 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory.  The only objects close to his position are faint stars.  Perhaps coincidentally, 13' south of his position is NGC 4348 (discovered by WH).  He expressly mentions in his description "this can hardly be GC 2911 [NGC 4348]", due to the discrepany in position.  Assuming that's the case, this object is probably lost, though may refer to one or more faint stars.

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NGC 4348 = MCG +00-32-003 = CGCG 014-023 = PGC 40284

12 23 53.9 -03 26 36; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on SW-NE, increases to a brighter core.  A mag 14 star is located 1.2' W of center and a brighter mag 12 star lies 3.2' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4348 = H II-625 = h1226 on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 674) and recorded "F, E from sp to nf, about 2' long."  His position is off the east side of CGCG 014-023 = PGC 40284.  John Herschel made two observations and logged on sweep 21 "F; irreg R; a small star preceding."

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NGC 4349 = ESO 131-3 = Cr 255 = Mel 110 = Lund 611

12 24 06 -61 52 12; Cru

V = 7.4;  Size 16'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~150 stars are resolved in a 15' field.  This cluster is rich and uniform in magnitudes except for a single mag 8.4 star (HD 107944) on the SE side which stands out over the large number of mag 10.5-12.5 stars.  The outline is elongated NW to SE but the stars are distributed fairly evenly within the boundaries.  This is a very pleasing group and an easy binocular object.  Located along the western side of the Southern Cross and 75' NNW of Alpha Crucis (Acrux)!

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint, large glow, appears oval or elongated.  No resolution except for a star at the edge.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4349 = D292 on 30 Apr 1826 and described "a pretty cluster of extremely small stars, resembling a pretty large faint nebula, about 6' or 7' diameter: the compression is very gradual to the centre; a pretty bright star is in the following side of the cluster, round figure."  His position was quite accurate (about 4' SE of the center of the cluster near the brightest member).  The position here corresponds with the densest portion of the cluster.

 

JH observed the cluster on three sweeps.  On 14 Mar 1834 he logged "chief star 10m of a fine rich cluster which fills field."  Two weeks later (31 Mar 1834) he noted "a large loose cluster of small stars 12..14th mag; irregularly round; not very rich; little compressed in the middle; diam. 10'." His final sweep three years later described a "cluster class VI. Very large, very bright, A star about 8..9 mag taken but the brightest part of the cluster is about 4' N.p. Fills field; not much compressed in the middle; stars 12..13th mag; This cluster was found by Mr Maclear in this sweep made with him, not being aware at the time of its having been seen in Sweep 432."

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NGC 4350 = UGC 7473 = MCG +03-32-023 = CGCG 099-038 = Holm 391a = PGC 40295

12 23 57.8 +16 41 36; Com

V = 11.0;  Size 3.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, fairly small, very small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4340 5.6' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4350 = H II-86 = h1221, along with NGC 4340, on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and described both as "Two nebula, the following [NGC 4350] is the brightest, both S and the last pB."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4351 = NGC 4354 = UGC 7476 = MCG +02-32-024 = CGCG 070-045 = PGC 40306

12 24 01.6 +12 12 16; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, diffuse, fairly even surface brightness with only a slight broad concentration, slightly elongated ~E-W.  IC 3258 lies 16' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4351 on 19 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He measured the position on 5 different nights and estimated the size as 40"-45" in diameter.

 

Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 17 Apr 1887 and reported it as new in list VI-42.  His position is nearly identical to d'Arrest's, so it's surprising that Dreyer recatalogued it as NGC 4354. In any case, NGC 4351 = NGC 4354.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4352 = UGC 7475 = MCG +02-32-023 = CGCG 070-044 = PGC 40313

12 24 05.0 +11 13 05; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~E-W, small brighter core.  NGC 4330 lies 14' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4352 = H II-64 = h1227 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "F, vS."  His RA was 1 min too large (roughly the same error was made on this sweep with several others objects).  JH measured an accurate RA and logged "vF; S; lE.", though he used his father's erroneous RA in the GC.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the nebula on 23 Mar 1865, measured an accurate RA again and Dreyer catalogued it again as GC 5642.  Bigourdan noted the equivalence and Dreyer combined the two GC and GCS entries (2929 and 5642) into NGC 4352.

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NGC 4353 = IC 3266 = MCG +01-32-043 = CGCG 042-077 = PGC 40303

12 24 00.2 +07 47 05; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, oval SW-NE.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' NNW.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4353 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory.  His position in Copernicus (1861) is 0.1 min of RA east and 2' north of CGCG 042-077 = PGC 40303.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found the galaxy again on 20 Nov 1899 using a Heidelberg plate taken with the 6" astrograph and assumed Sn. 49 was new.  In addition his Sn. 48 (later IC 3265) refers to a single star 1.2' NNW of the galaxy (mentioned in my observation).  So, NGC 4353 = IC 3266.  Instead of identifying the galaxy as NGC 4353, CGCG mislabels the galaxy as IC 3265 = IC 3266.

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NGC 4354 = NGC 4351 = UGC 7476 = MCG +02-32-024 = CGCG 070-045 = PGC 40306

12 24 01.6 +12 12 16; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4351.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 4354 = Sw. VI-42 on 17 Apr 1887 and described as "eeF; pL; in vacancy; v diff."  His position is 1' from NGC 4351 = UGC 7476 (discovered by d'Arrest on 19 May 1863).  It's surprising that Dreyer didn't equate the two discoveries.  Dorothy Carlson states NGC 4354 = NGC 4351.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 4355 = NGC 4418 = UGC 7545 = MCG +00-32-012 = CGCG 014-039 = Todd 17 = PGC 40762

12 26 54.6 -00 52 40; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4418.

 

David Todd found NGC 4355 = Todd 17 on 5 Feb 1878 with the 26" refractor at the U.S. Naval Observatory during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  This is one of the 8 galaxies in his list that Dreyer credited to Todd.  His rough RA is 4.0 tmin too far west but his field sketch and offsets match UGC 7545 = PGC 40762.  WH discovered this galaxy (III-492) on 1 Jan 1786 and it was catalogued as H III-492 = NGC 4418, so NGC 4355 = NGC 4418.

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NGC 4356 = IC 3273 = UGC 7482 = MCG +02-32-026 = CGCG 070-048 = FGC 1427 = PGC 40342

12 24 14.9 +08 32 16; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 2.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, edge-on SW-NE, low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is involved at the east edge of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4356 = H III-481 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "vF".  CH's reduction is at the southwest tip of UGC 7482, so there is not doubt about the identification.  Arnold Schwassmann found it again in 1899 on a Heidelberg plate taken with a 6" astrograph and measured an accurate position.  He assumed it was new and Dreyer recatalogued this edge-on as IC 3273, although the NGC and IC positions are very close.  So, NGC 4356 = IC 3273.

 

UGC, CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as IC 3273 and ignore the NGC designation.

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NGC 4357 = NGC 4381 = UGC 7478 = MCG +08-23-017 = CGCG 244-010 = PGC 40296

12 23 58.9 +48 46 47; CVn

V = 12.4;  Size 3.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 77”

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, increases to a small brighter core.  Located 10' ESE of mag 7.7 SAO 44149.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4357 = Big 52 on 8 Mar 1886.  His position matches UGC 7478.  This galaxy was discovered earlier by WH on 9 Feb 1788 (II-743 = NGC 4381) but his position was 66 tsec too far east.  So, NGC 4357 = NGC 4381.

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NGC 4358 = UGC 7479e = MCG +10-18-038 = CGCG 293-017e = PGC 40309

12 24 02.1 +58 23 07; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Brightest of a triple group with stellar MCG +10-18-037 just 40" WSW of center and NGC 4362 1.9' SE.  MCG +10-18-037 = PGC 40314 appeared as a mag 15.5 "star" just 40" WSW of center of NGC 4364 and almost attached.

 

This galaxy described above is identified as NGC 4364 in all modern catalogues.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4358 = H III-799 = h1230 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and logged "vF, vS."  His re-reduced position is just 11 sec of RA preceding UGC 7479.  This is a double galaxy with a very faint companion off the southwest edge -- too faint to have picked up by WH and JH certainly did not see it.  The next objects in the sweep were H III-800 = NGC 4362 and H III-801 = NGC 4364, described together as "two, both cF, cS, R".  There are only two galaxies here that were likely seen by WH, and Dreyer notes in the 1912 Scientific Papers that "very probably the word 'two' refers to III 799 and III 800, as nobody [including JH, Bigourdan and d'Arrest] seems to have seen three nebulae in the place."

 

JH, Bigourdan and d'Arrest only found two galaxies (h1230 and h1231) with his first position matching III-799 = UGC 7479 and his second position clearly referring to CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350.  CGCG identifies the two components to UGC 7479 as NGC 4358 + 4364 and MCG and RNGC both identify the stellar western component as NGC 4358 and the main eastern component as NGC 4364.

 

Corwin concludes only the two brighter galaxies should receive NGC designations (and WH was mistaken on the third nebula he reported).  In which case, NGC 4358 = UGC 7479 and NGC 4362 = NGC 4364 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350.  This leaves the southwest component of UGC 7479 without a NGC designation.  See Corwin's notes for the complete story.

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NGC 4359 = UGC 7483 = MCG +05-29-079 = CGCG 158-099 = PGC 40330

12 24 11.7 +31 31 20; Com

V = 12.7;  Size 3.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): very faint, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, appears as large as 3'x1' at times, low surface brightness with weak central brightening, fades at tips.  Located 34' NW of NGC 4414. Transparency poor.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4359 = H III-648 = h1229 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and logged "vF, E, about 1' length in the direction of the parallel."  JH made a single observation, noting "F; pmE; nearly in parallel; vlbM; 25"."  His position is just 25" south of center.

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NGC 4360 = UGC 7484 = MCG +02-32-028 = CGCG 070-052 = Holm 393a = WBL 404-009 = PGC 40363

12 24 21.7 +09 17 34; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Located 1.3' SE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with IC 3274 2' SW.  The companion (identified often as NGC 4360B) appeared very faint, extremely small, round, low surface brightness, just non-stellar.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4360 = T I-43 on 22 Mar 1878.  His micrometric position in discovery list V (+4.87 sec of RA and -47" dec from HD 107953) matches UGC 7484.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found NGC 4360, as well as 4316, on 1 Apr 1884 and reported it as new in his 13th discovery list (#69).  His position was accurate.

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NGC 4361 = PK 294+43.1 = PN G294.1+43.6

12 24 30.8 -18 47 05; Crv

V = 11.0;  Size 93"x37"

 

48" (5/3/19): at 488x; fascinating bright blue planetary with a very bright mag 13 central star.  Unfiltered, the unusual feature are two opposite "handles" or thick arcs that are attached just outside the central region on the WNW and ESE sides.  Adding a NPB filter, two arms or loops lit up on the SW and NE sides.  These loops appeared similar to spiral arms attached to the main body and rotated counterclockwise!

 

48" (2/20/12): the unusual structure in this planetary shocked me at 488x as previous views in my 17.5" and 18" had only showed a hint of detail.  The two main components are large bulbous lobes or wings with an irregular surface brightness that jut out of the central region in a WNW and ESE direction, with the WNW lobe slightly brighter.  More surprising were two arms and loops, similar to spiral arms in a galaxy, that extend out to the NE and SW and curve clockwise.  The arm to the southwest is very thin where it emerges from the central portion, so it appeared partially detached!  The arm on the NE side clearly bends south but was not as sharply defined.  Between the lobes (WNW and ESE) and arms (SW and NE) were darker gaps or regions creating a unique, basically symmetric shape that is elongated SW-NE (arms are longer), ~1.8'x1.4'.  At the center is a very bright mag 13 central star.  A fainter, more roundish halo envelops the brighter components.

 

17.5" (5/15/99): 100x easily reveals the bright central star surrounded by a moderately high surface brightness halo ~1' in size. At 220x, the central star appears 13th magnitude and the halo gradually brightens towards the center.  With averted vision, the halo increases to roughly 90"x60", extended SW-NE, with an ill-defined edge.  I had the strong impression of an extension or hook on the southwest end of the PN, which was confirmed on the DSS image (a similar extension is also on the NE end).

 

13": moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.  The mag 13 central star is fairly easy at 165x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4361 = H I-65 = h1231 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "vB, pL, mbM.  The central brightness not round but as if it had two nucleuses pretty closely joined; the chevelure [halo] iR."  John Herschel wrote, "vB, L, R, vsmbM to nucl = *11, 90" diameter.  R[esolved] with power 320, and is no doubt a globular cluster; fades away to nothing.  So, JH was convinced it was a globular.  Surprisingly it was misclassified as a galaxy in de Vaucoleurs' 1st "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies" (RC1)!

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis described NGC 4361 as "central star about mag 10; this is surrounded by an irregular oval mass whose brighter parts are about 44"x39" in pa 103”.  From this central portion two arms (spiral whorls?) go out in pa 20” and portions of a very faint ring 81" can just be made out."  (1918PLicO..13...55C).  Early photographs were taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory near Cairo.  The director Harold Knox-Shaw also described a "Round nebula 1' diameter from which proceed spiral arms."

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NGC 4362 = NGC 4364? = MCG +10-18-039 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350

12 24 11.3 +58 21 38; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' S.  Located 1.9' SE of NGC 4364.  Possible identification mix-up.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4362 = H III-800 = h1233 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "Two [with III-801 = NGC 4364], both cF, vS, R."  His position is 3 sec of RA following and 1' north of III-799 = NGC 4358.  But there is only a single galaxy (CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350), which is 9 sec of RA following and 1.5' south of NGC 4358.  So, there was clearly some confusion with the orientation and/or description.  JH reported "eF, the last of 2 [with h2914 = NGC 4358]." 

 

Notes on the identifications of NGC 4358, 4362 and 4364 are under NGC 4358.

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NGC 4363 = CGCG 352-032 = PGC 40233

12 23 28.4 +74 57 08; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

18" (3/5/05): very faint, fairly small, round, very low surface brightness.  Appears as a hazy disc with with no evident concentration.  Located 23' SE of NGC 4319 and Markarian 205.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4363 = H III-938 on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and noted "eF, pL, iF."   Dreyer mentions an error in WH's reduction of the position though CH's position is less than 1' from the center.

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NGC 4364 = NGC 4362? = MCG +10-18-039 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350

12 24 11.3 +58 21 38; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 4362.  Uncertain identification.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4364 = H III-801 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "Two [with III-800 = NGC 4362], both cF, vS, R."  There is only a single galaxy (h1233 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350) situated 2' southeast of III-799 = NGC 4358, so WH's observation is clearly in error.  Dreyer suggest that perhaps "Two" should be interpreted as "Two with III-799", as there are only two galaxies that were likely seen.

 

See discussion under NGC 4358 and Corwin's notes for the identifications of NGC 4358, 4362 and 4364.  CGCG 293-018 is labeled NGC 4364 in all modern catalogues.

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NGC 4365 = UGC 7488 = MCG +01-32-048 = CGCG 042-083 = PGC 40375

12 24 28.3 +07 19 03; Vir

V = 9.6;  Size 6.9'x5.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): very bright, large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, very small or stellar nucleus.  The NGC 4343 group is close SW and NGC 4370 lies 10' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4365 = H I-30 = h1232 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "pB, pL, or an iR form, mbM, r."  His position is within 1' east of UGC 7488.

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NGC 4366 = MCG +01-32-050 = CGCG 042-087 = PGC 40421

12 24 47.0 +07 21 11; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  PA = 51”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): very faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Located 5' NE of NGC 4365.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4366 = H III-97 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two unequal nebula [the other is II-144 = NGC 4370]; one of them [III-97 = NGC 4366] eF."  Dreyer notes that III-97 was observed one only 1 sweep and not seen again when nearby II-144 = NGC 4370 was reobserved on 28 Dec 1785.  It was also not seen by JH, d'Arrest, or by Samuel Hunter with the 72".  So, Dreyer suggested NGC 4366 = NGC 4370 and this was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her 1940 list of NGC errata.

 

But 5' northeast of NGC 4365 is CGCG 042-087 = PGC 40421, a faint galaxy that WH might have picked up.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 4366 in the RNGC, PGC and Deep Sky Field Guide though not in CGCG or MCG.   But this galaxy is slightly further from NGC 4370 than NGC 4365, so it seems odd WH would record it together with NGC 4370.  So, the identification NGC 4366 = PGC 40421 is very uncertain.

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NGC 4367

12 24 35.1 +12 10 56; Vir

 

= **, Corwin.  = Not found, Dreyer.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4367 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and also measured 3 nights later.  There is nothing at his position except a mag 15 star with a mag 17.5 companion at 13" separation (likely too faint to have been seen by d'Arrest).  On the second observation, he mentions this object follows NGC 4351 by 35 seconds of time, so the identification with this star is nearly certain.

 

Royal Frost reported NGC 4367 was not found on a 4-hour Bruce plate (Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No. 1).  Karl Reimuth equates NGC 4367 with IC 3311, neglecting the difference of 0.9 tmin in RA.

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NGC 4368 = NGC 4325 = MCG +02-32-019 = CGCG 070-037 = PGC 40183

12 23 06.6 +10 37 16; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4325.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4368 = H III-38 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vF, vS."  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unsuccessful in locating NGC 4368, and neither was Frost photographically (Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1, Virgo-Coma survey).  Dreyer notes in the 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the RA is possibly 1 tmin too great.  Several nebulae discovered by WH that night (including NGCs 3810, 4067, 4294, 4313, 4352, 4371, and 4429) have comparable errors.  So, it's reasonable that NGC 4368 is a duplicate of NGC 4325 (located 1.5 min of RA west of WH's position). See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4369 = UGC 7489 = MCG +07-26-004 = CGCG 216-002 = Mrk 439 = PGC 40396

12 24 36.2 +39 22 58; CVn

V = 11.7;  Size 2.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core with a distinct stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4369 = H I-166 = h1234 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "vB, S, R."  CH's reduced position is 1.4' north of this galaxy.  JH made two observations, calling it "pB; R; smbM almost to a *."

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NGC 4370 = NGC 4366: = UGC 7492 = MCG +01-32-051 = CGCG 042-089 = PGC 40439

12 24 55.0 +07 26 40; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  NGC 4365 lies 10.1' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4370 = H II-144 = h1236 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two unequal nebula; one of them [III-97 = NGC 4366] eF."  His position is 14 sec of RA west of UGC 7492 = PGC 40439.

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NGC 4371 = UGC 7493 = MCG +02-32-033 = CGCG 070-057 = PGC 40442

12 24 55.4 +11 42 15; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 4.0'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): bright, small, sharp concentration with a very small very bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo elongated E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4371 = H I-22 = h1235 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB, not vL."  There is nothing at his position, but 45 seconds of RA west is UGC 7493. Several nebulae discovered that night including NGCs 3810, 4067, 4294, 4313, 4352, 4368 and 4429 have comparable errors so this identification is very likely.  John Herschel made 4 observations, the earliest on 10 Apr 1825, his second formal sweep.

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NGC 4372 = ESO 064-006

12 25 45.4 -72 39 32; Mus

V = 7.5;  Size 18.6';  Surf Br = 1.2

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, NGC 4372 is a highly-resolved, low-concentration class globular.  A mag 6.6 star just 5.5' NW of center was a bit distracting but scores of stars were resolved over the 4' core, appearing to criss-cross the center in numerous lanes.  The outer halo was very large, nearly 15' in diameter, and resolved into a couple of hundred stars.  Except for the brighter and denser core, this globular appeared similar to a very large, fully resolved open cluster.

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this large, bright globular was an impressive object and beautifully resolved into 150-200 stars mag 13 and fainter, within a 13'-14' diameter.  The unresolved background glow was relatively faint for such a well-resolved globular.  The large 4' core was only slightly brighter and there was no nucleus (class 12 concentration), although a close pair of brighter mag 12.5 stars is near the center.  Scores of stars appeared linked in chains and loops, particularly in the outer halo, which is quite irregular and ragged.  Mag 6.6 HD 107947 lies 5.5' NW of center at the edge of the halo and provided a striking contrast although it detracted somewhat from viewing.  A dust lane appeared to pierce the cluster on the north side for a few arc minutes (east of the bright star) and this dark intrusion may be an extension of the "Dark Doodad" (see notes).

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this large, loose globular was well-resolved into ~100 stars mag 12-15 with a 12' diameter.  The roundish core is ~4' in size with many faint stars sprinkled across the core.  The halo is elongated and irregular in shape. A starless dark lane appears to wind into the cluster towards the core from the NW side angling roughly NW-SE (later verified on the DSS).  A mag 6.8 star lies 5' NW of the core and interferes with viewing!  Located 44' SW of mag 3.8 Gamma Muscae.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): faint, low surface brightness glow with no core. Attached to the south of a mag 6.6 star that is close to the end of the "Dark Doodad".

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4372 = D 67 = h3390 on 30 Apr 1826 using his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector from Parramatta, NSW.  He described "a star of the 6th magnitude, with a beautiful well-defined milky ray proceeding from it south following; the ray is conical, and the star appears in the point of the cone, and the broad or south following extremity is circular, or rounded off. The ray is about 7' in length, and nearly 2' in breadth at the broadest part, near the southern extremity. With the sweeping power this appears like a star with a very faint milky ray south following, the ray gradually spreading in breadth from the star, and rounded off at the broader end. But with a higher power it is not a star with a ray, but a very faint nebula, and the star is not involved or connected with it: I should call it a very faint nebula of a long oval shape, the smaller end towards the star; this is easily resolvable into extremely minute points or stars, but I cannot discover the slightest indications of attraction or condensation towards any part of it. I certainly had not the least suspicion of this object being resolvable when I discovered it with the sweeping power, nor even when I examined it a second time; it is a beautiful object, of a uniform faint light."  Dunlop's position is 24' too far WNW (a fairly large error), but the mag 6.6 star near the NW edge clinches the identification.  His sketch is shown in Fig. 2 of his catalogue.

 

John Herschel described it (1 Apr 1835) as "a globular cluster, very faint; large; very gradually brighter in the middle; 6' diameter; resolved into stars of 15th magnitude; rich in stars; a delicate and faint object; has a star 45 N.p., distance 5' from centre. Almost perfectly insulated in a very large space almost entirely devoid of stars, being the smaller and southern lacuna below the great 'coal sack'."

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NGC 4373 = ESO 322-006 = MCG -06-27-025 = LGG 298-002 = PGC 40498

12 25 17.8 -39 45 35; Cen

V = 10.9;  Size 3.4'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 43”

 

18" (3/28/09): fairly bright and large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x1.0'.  Contains a large bright center that increases to a small, bright core.  A number of stars surround the galaxy.

 

NGC 4373 is the brightest in a subgroup of at least 7 galaxies on the northwest side of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526), including IC 3290 and IC 3370.  IC 3290, just 2' SW of NGC 4373, appeared faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter.  It seems odd that John Herschel missed this galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4373 = h3391 on 8 Jun 1834 and logged "pB; S; R; pgvmbM."  His position is accurate.  Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 16 Apr 1877 (p. 136 of his logbook) with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and also discovered IC 3290, though he never announced the discovery and Lewis Swift, who rediscovered it in 1898, was credited in the IC.

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NGC 4374 = M84 = UGC 7494 = MCG +02-32-034 = CGCG 070-058 = Holm 403b = PGC 40455

12 25 03.8 +12 53 13; Vir

V = 9.1;  Size 6.5'x5.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 135”

 

24" (4/28/14): extremely bright, large, slightly elongated, ~4'x3.5', sharply concentrated with a very intense core that increases gradually to a nonstellar nucleus.  The large halo gradually fades out.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the SW side of the halo, 1.2' from center.  In the 23' field (at 260x) is M86 17' ENE, NGC 4438 17' SE, NGC 4387 10' ESE, IC 3303 11' SSE

 

18" (6/12/10): at 175x, very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2.8'x2.4' NW-SE.  The halo gradually brightens from the edge and then suddenly increases dramatically to a very bright 45" core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus.  A faint star is just off the SW edge, 1.3' from center.  At 280x the halo appears slightly mottled.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, moderately large, almost round, very bright core, very small bright nucleus, halo gradually fades into background sky so there is no sharp edge.  Nearly an identical twin of M86 17' ENE but rounder.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very bright, very bright core.  Located in the core of the Virgo cluster.

 

Charles Messier is credited with the discovery of M84 = NGC 4374 = h1237 on 18 Mar 1781, along with M86, and described a "Nebula without star, in Virgo; the center it is a bit brilliant, surrounded with a slight nebulosity: its brightness and its appearance resemble that of those in this Catalog, No.s 59 & 60."  But Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Johann Gottfried Koehler made the original discovery on 5 May 1779 using a Dolland refractor of 6-ft focal length.  WH only recorded it on sweep 199 from 17 Apr 1784 and simply noted "B.  Is No. 84 of the Connoissance des Temps." JH also recorded it only a single sweep, noting "vB; R; psbM; 60"; r."

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NGC 4375 = UGC 7496 = MCG +05-29-080 = CGCG 158-100 = PGC 40449

12 25 00.4 +28 33 31; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.6'.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.2' NE of center.  Located 30' NW of a mag 4.3 SAO 82313 in a field with very few stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4375 = H II-379 = h1238 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 66) "F; R: has a small star 35” nf, 90" dist."

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NGC 4376 = UGC 7498 = MCG +01-32-053 = CGCG 042-093 = LGG 289-027 = PGC 40494

12 25 18.2 +05 44 29; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 157”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', broad, weak concentration with no noticeable core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4376 = H II-530 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "F, S."  CH's reduction is 2' southwest of UGC 7498.

 

The RNGC misidentifies NGC 4378, located 50' south of UGC 7498, as NGC 4376.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 4377 = UGC 7501 = MCG +03-32-025 = CGCG 099-041 = III Zw 65 = PGC 40477

12 25 12.4 +14 45 44; Com

V = 11.9;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round or slightly elongated N-S, small very bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4377 = H I-12 = h1239 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 149) and recorded "pB, but not vL; I saw it only through a very strong haziness and only a single moment."  JH made the single observation "B; S; vsmbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4378 = UGC 7497 = MCG +01-32-052 = CGCG 042-092 = PGC 40490

12 25 18.1 +04 55 30; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 2.9'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly small, very bright core, very slightly elongated.  Forms an obtuse angle with mag 9 stars SAO 119386 3.9' N and SAO 119388 3.5' ESE.  NGC 4376 lies 49' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4378 = H I-123 = h1228 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "F, S".  CH's reduction is at the south edge of the halo.  JH made the single observation "B; visible in strong twilight; has a * 8-9 mag 20” sf dist 3'."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (single observation) and noted the error in RA in the GC.

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NGC 4379 = UGC 7502 = MCG +03-32-026 = CGCG 099-042 = PGC 40484

12 25 14.7 +15 36 27; Com

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, small, round, strong bright core.  NGC 4396 is located 11' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4379 = H II-87 = h1240 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "S, resolvable, brightest in the middle."  There is nothing at his position, though UGC 7502 is 10' northwest.  JH independently discovered this galaxy on 6 May 1826 and assumed h1240 was a new object.  In the GC, he questioned the equivalence with II-87.  Heinrich d'Arrest also observed NGC 4379 and discovered nearby NGC 4396.  He was uncertain which one was WH's II-87.  In the NGC, Dreyer concluded II-87 = h1240 and noted WH's early sweeps were often poor in position.

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NGC 4380 = UGC 7503 = MCG +02-32-037 = CGCG 070-061 = LGG 289-041 = PGC 40507

12 25 22.1 +10 00 59; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 3.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly large, fairly diffuse but gradually increases to a very small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is off the south end 2.4' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4380 = h1241 on 10 Mar 1826 and logged "vF; pL; R; lbM."  In the IC 2 Notes section, Dreyer mentions that Frost was unable to identify this galaxy on a Harvard plate of 4 hours exposure, although it was included in Adelaide Ames' 1930 "A Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae, including the Coma-Virgo Group", based on plates taken with the Bruce astrograph at Arequipa.

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NGC 4381 = NGC 4357 = UGC 7478 = MCG +08-23-017 = CGCG 244-010 = PGC 40296

12 23 58.9 +48 46 47; CVn

 

See observing notes for NGC 4357.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4381 = H II-743 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and logged "F, S." There is nothing at his position, but 70 sec of RA west is NGC 4357 = UGC 7478 and the equivalence was suggested by Dreyer in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues.  NGC 4357 was found again by Bigourdan (II-52) on 8 Mar 1886 and placed accurately.  NGC 4381 should be the primary designation by historical precedence.

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NGC 4382 = M85 = UGC 7508 = MCG +03-32-029 = CGCG 099-045 = Holm 397a = PGC 40515

12 25 24.0 +18 11 28; Com

V = 9.1;  Size 7.1'x5.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): very bright, moderately large, small very bright core.  A mag 13 star is superimposed near the NNE edge and a mag 10 star is off the SE side 2.7' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4394 7.6' ENE.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M85 = NGC 4382 = h1242 on 4 Mar 1781.  William Herschel made an observation on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "Two resolvable nebulae; the preceding is the largest and with 157 seems to have another small nebula joining to it [NGC 4394], but with 240 it appears to be a star."  John Herschel recorded on 23 Mar 1827 (sweep 61), "vB; R; bM; 2' diam; has a * 80” np dist 30" from edge."

 

Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis called it a "Very bright oval, 4'x2'; very slight traces of spiral structure."

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NGC 4383 = UGC 7507 = MCG +03-32-030 = CGCG 099-044 = Mrk 769 = PGC 40516

12 25 25.4 +16 28 12; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, very small, bright stellar nucleus, small faint extensions SW-NE.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' SW of center.

 

Eduard Schšnfeld discovered NGC 4383 on 23 May 1862 with a 6" Steinheil refractor.  This galaxy is not listed in the GC (JH missed the discovery announcement in Schšnfeld's "Beobachtungen von Nebelflecken und Sternhaufen") but Dreyer added it to the GSC (5644).  Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 4384 = UGC 7506 = MCG +09-20-168 = CGCG 269-055 = Mrk 207 = PGC 40475

12 25 12.0 +54 30 22; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7'.  Fairly well concentrated to a small, brighter core and a quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 11' SW of mag 7.5 HD 108316.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4384 = H III-879 = h1243 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and logged "cF, S, iF."  His position is 1' north of UGC 7506.  This is an active galaxy with a UV excess.

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NGC 4385 = UGC 7515 = MCG +00-32-009 = CGCG 014-034 = Mrk 52 = PGC 40564

12 25 42.8 +00 34 21; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, small bright core.  Located 4' N of mag 9 SAO 119390.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4385 = m 239 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, alm stell."  His position is 1' south of UGC 7515.

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NGC 4386 = UGC 7491 = MCG +13-09-027 = CGCG 352-033 = LGG 284-006 = PGC 40378

12 24 28.3 +75 31 44; Dra

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 135”

 

18" (3/5/05): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  Contains a small bright core which increases to the center, surrounded by an oval halo 1.2'x0.8'.  Third in an impressive trio with NGC 4291 and NGC 4319.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4386 = H I-277 = h1247 on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM."  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 348) "pB; lE; psmbM; 25"."  His position matches UGC 7491.

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NGC 4387 = UGC 7517 = MCG +02-32-039 = CGCG 070-065 = PGC 40562

12 25 41.7 +12 48 38; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, 25"x20", gradually increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NNW and a mag 15.5 star is 50" S of center.  At the center of M84, M86 and NGC 4388, ~10' from each galaxy.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' NNW.  This member of the Virgo cluster is located in the center of the triangle formed by M84, M86 and NGC 4388 with NGC 4388 9' S, M84 10' NW and M86 11' NE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S.  A faint star is close north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4387 = H II-167 = h1250, along with NGC 4388, 4413 and 4425, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 4388 and 4387]. The most southern [NGC 4388] extended."  His position is between the two galaxies.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 4 different nights (#255 in AN 1537).

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NGC 4388 = UGC 7520 = MCG +02-32-041 = CGCG 070-068 = Holm 403c = PGC 40581

12 25 46.7 +12 39 41; Vir

V = 11.0;  Size 5.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 92”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, large, edge-on 4:1 E-W, well concentrated with a mottled, very bright core.  Fairly sharp light cutoff on the south side (dust lane) of the core.  Faint, stellar knots are at the west and east ends of the core.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, edge-on streak E-W, fairly large, brighter core, thin extensions.  A faint mag 14.5 star lies 1.3' NE of center.  Located 16' SE of M84 in the core of the Virgo cluster.  On a line between IC 3303 8.4' WNW and NGC 4413 11.4' ESE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, very elongated E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4388 = H II-168 = h1244, along with NGC 4387, 4413 and 4425, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 4388 and 4387]. The most southern [NGC 4388] extended."  His position is between the two galaxies.  John Herschel noted "vF; E; the p of 2 [with NGC 4413], dist about 30s in RA."  He didn't realize this was the same as his father's II-168, so listed it as a "nova" and included separate listings in the GC for II-168 and h1244.  Dreyer combined the listings in the NGC.

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NGC 4389 = UGC 7514 = MCG +08-23-028 = CGCG 244-014 = PGC 40537

12 25 35.4 +45 41 03; CVn

V = 11.7;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter along the major axis.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 1.1' from center and a mag 12.5 star lies 2.1' NNW.  Similar view on 4/12/86.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4389 = H II-749 = h1245 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "pB, S, iF."  JH made 3 observations, noting on sweep 255 "F; vL; E; vglbM; 2' l, 1.5' br."

 

On 30 Mar 1856, R.J. Mitchell logged at Birr Castle "pB, E, Nucl, a bright streak runs through the nucleus, growing broader at the preceding end, on either side of this I suspect dark spaces and outside them again faint nebulosity, especially to south side of the nucleus."  His sketch was included in LdR's 1861 publication.

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NGC 4390 = IC 3320 = UGC 7519 = MCG +02-32-040 = CGCG 070-067 = PGC 40597

12 25 50.7 +10 27 33; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/20/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse, even or almost even surface brightness.  Located 26' NNE of NGC 4380.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4390 = H III-39 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vF; near some bright stars."  His re-reduced position is 5' northeast of UGC 7519, though the nearest stars as bright as mag 10 and 11 are roughly 10' away.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 3 nights and noted the discrepancy of 20 sec in RA and 2.9' in declination, so he wasn't certain if it was the same object.  Dreyer used d'Arrest's mean position in the NGC.

 

Schwassmann "rediscovered" this galaxy on a Heidelberg plate in 1900 and it was catalogued again as Sn. 155 (later IC 3320).  Apparently he was unaware of the NGC identification (a number of his objects have NGC designations) and Dreyer missed the equivalence.

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NGC 4391 = UGC 7511 = MCG +11-15-053 = CGCG 315-037 = VII Zw 454 = PGC 40500

12 25 18.8 +64 56 00; Dra

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A fairly bright triple star is 2' WSW consisting of three mag 10.5-12 stars with separations 34", 50" and 68".  NGC 4441 lies 14' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4391 = H III-852 = h1248 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "vF, stellar, north following a small triangle of B stars."  JH made two observations, first recording on sweep 411 "pB; S; bM; 12".  Near a pB triple star."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4392 = MCG +08-23-023 = CGCG 244-012 = I Zw 35 = PGC 40499

12 25 18.8 +45 50 51; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, small, elongated, bright core.  Located 10' NNW of NGC 4389.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4392 = H III-729 = h1249 on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and noted "vF, S."  Caroline's reduction is within 1' of CGCG 244-012 = PGC 40499.  John Herschel made the single observation, "F; S; R; vgbM.  RA from II. 749 [NGC 4389], which it follows 10 sec."  But NGC 4392 is west of NGC 4389 by 17 sec of RA (3' north of JH's position), so there must have been some confusion.  JH used his position in the GC and Dreyer followed, so the NGC position is poor.  As a result, Curtis reportd in the 1918 "Descriptions of 762 Nebulae and Clusters Photographed with the Crossley Reflector", "There is nothing in just this position, though there are several small nebulae near."  He did finger the correct galaxy, though: "The NGC description accords best with a very small, moderately bright oval 9' n: and 2' w. of 4389."

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NGC 4393 = UGC 7521 = MCG +05-29-083 = CGCG 158-104 = PGC 40600

12 25 51.6 +27 33 43; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 0”

 

18" (5/30/03): faint, large, diffuse glow, approximately 2.5'x2.0' in diameter, extended N-S, very low surface brightness with just a broad, weak concentration.  A neat string of 6 mag 11-12.5 stars running NNW-SSE passes 6'-7' W.  Located 19' NNW of mag 4.9 14 Comae Berenices.  NGC 4408 lies 19' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4393 = H III-361 = h1246 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, vL."  Caroline's reduced position is on the west edge of the galaxy.  John Herschel called it "F; irreg fig; has a line of bright stars preceding."

 

Harold Corwin notes that IC 3329, found by Max Wolf on a Heidelberg plate, is an HII knot in NGC 4393.  IC 3323 is a nearby star.

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NGC 4394 = UGC 7523 = MCG +03-32-035 = CGCG 099-047 = Holm 397b = PGC 40614

12 25 55.6 +18 12 50; Com

V = 10.9;  Size 3.6'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, brighter core, slightly elongated NNW-SSE.  Forms a pair with M85 7.6' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4394 = H II-55 = h1251 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "Two resolvable nebula.  The preceding [M85] is the largest and with 157 seems to have another small nebula joining to it, but with 240 it appears to be a star."  He only measured a single position (matching M85).  JH made two observations and his mean position matches UGC 7523.

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NGC 4395 = UGC 7524 = MCG +06-27-053 = CGCG 187-042 = PGC 40596

12 25 48.9 +33 32 51; CVn

V = 10.2;  Size 13.2'x11.0';  Surf Br = 15.4;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): this chaotic galaxy is dominated by several bright HII regions. At 100x, the large low surface brightness glow is clearly clumpy with a couple of faint knots evident on the east side of the haze. At 220x, the glow of the galaxy is more difficult to view and several nonstellar knots and a couple of very faint superimposed stars are more prominent. The brightest HII region is NGC 4401 located 2' SE of the core, ~25" in size, with a second smaller 15" knot (NGC 4400) close south. The core of the galaxy appears as an ill-defined, low surface brightness glow, larger than the individual HII knots.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed NE of the core. On the SW side of the core is a third difficult knot, about 15" in diameter (NGC 4399) requiring averted vision to confirm.  Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud).

 

17.5": faint, very large, extremely low surface brightness, must use low magnification to view.  Three knots are involved (one of these observed "knots" may be the core) within a very diffuse glow.  The brightest knot (NGC 4401) is at the SE end about 2' SE of center with NGC 4400 close SSW of NGC 4401.  A mag 14.5 star is at the north end.  Also see description for NGC 4399.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): at 62x appears very large, diffuse, slightly elongated glow, broad very weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4395 = H V-29.1 = h1252 on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "eF, vL, vlbM, resolvable, about 10' long and 8 or 9' broad."  JH made two observations, logging on 29 Apr 1827, "two nebulae running into one another; both eF, vL, the f rather the brighter. Place that of the preceding."  Dreyer catalogued the two components as NGC 4395 = V 29.1 and NGC 4401 = V 29.2.  On a second observation, JH wrote "vL; extremely ill defined, may perhaps be 10' l, 3' br; pslbM to an irregular centre.  On closer inspection bicentral; pos of the nuclei 30” np; dist 2'."

 

This galaxy was viewed on three occasions at Birr Castle by Bindon Stoney, who recorded "a cluster of nebulae found" on 13 Apr 1850 and "there are 4 nebulae.  The 3 f ones seem to be inv in a mass of F neby."  Based on these observations, Dreyer included two additional entries: NGC 4399 and NGC 4400. The sketch of these condensations match up well with my own observations with a 17.5" and can be identified on the POSS.

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NGC 4396 = UGC 7526 = MCG +03-32-034 = CGCG 099-049 = Holm 400a = PGC 40622

12 25 58.9 +15 40 19; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 3.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the NW end [probably IC 3310] 1.1' from center and a brighter mag 12 star is 1.4' NNE of center.  Located 11' S of mag 6.9 SAO 100095 which is at the north edge of a 220x field.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4396 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured the position on 2 nights. He also observed NGC 4379 and was uncertain which was H II-87 (likely NGC 4379, see that number).

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NGC 4397

12 25 58.1 +18 18 04; Com

 

= ***, Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4397 = T I-44 and placed "5 sec following, 6 arcmin north of II 55 [NGC 4394]".  Very close to this offset is a triple star, including a 4"-5" close pair, with the third component at 18".  Dorothy Carlson also identifies NGC 4397 as this triple star.

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NGC 4398

12 26 07.5 +10 41 10; Vir

 

= *14.5, Reinmuith and Corwin.  = *, Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4398 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position corresponds with a mag 13.8 star and his description of two mag 11/13 stars (closer to mag 10/11.5) that precede by 11.6 sec and 16.35 sec of time is a perfect match.  d'Arrest was uncertain if his object was the same as WH's III-39, and noted the descrepancy in declination.  Neither Bigourdan (visually) nor Frost (on photographic plate) found NGC 4398, but Karl Reinmuth identified it as a mag 14.5 star using a Heidelberg plate.

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NGC 4399

12 25 42.8 +33 30 57; CVn

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faintest of three HII knots observed in NGC 4395.  Appeared extremely faint and small, 10"-15" in size and situated 2.3' SW of the ill-defined core on a line with a mag 14.5 star to the NE of the core.  Required averted vision to confirm.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4399, along with NGC 4400, on 13 Apr 1850, while observing NGC 4395.  On 14 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell noted "there are 4 nebulae.  The 3 following ones seem to be involved in a mass of faint nebulosity.  A sketch shows 4 "nebulae" along with a couple of stars.  One of these (furthest north on the sketch) is the core of NGC 4395 and the other three (NGC 4399, NGC 4400 and NGC 4401) are HII knots in the galaxy.  John Herschel recorded NGC 4401, the brightest of the knots.

 

Francis Pease assigned NGC 4399 to the knot identified here as NGC 4400 in his 1920 paper on nebulae photographed with the Mt Wilson 60-inch.  Corwin lists the position for NGC 4399 as 12 25 42.8 +33 30 57, which is just following a mag 15 star.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the description "Part of NGC 4395."

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NGC 4400

12 25 55.9 +33 30 54; CVn

 

17.5" (5/15/99): very small HII knot in NGC 4395 situated 0.9' SSW of brighter NGC 4401.  Shows up well at 220x, although only 15" in size and no other details.

 

17.5": one of a pair of knots in the SE end of galaxy NGC 4395.  The smaller and fainter of the pair (probably NGC 4400) is very faint, fairly small and is close SSW of NGC 4401.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4400, along with NGC 4399, on 13 Apr 1850.  See notes on NGC 4399.

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NGC 4401

12 25 57.5 +33 31 42; CVn

 

17.5" (5/15/99): this number refers to the brightest HII region in NGC 4395, located ~2' SE of the ill-defined core.  Fairly easy at 220x (the galaxy loses its identity at this power!), appearing as an irregular 25" knot.  Off the south side is a second fainter knot (NGC 4400).

 

17.5": brightest of three knots in the galaxy NGC 4395 along with NGC 4399 and NGC 4400.  Appears fairly faint and fairly small.  Forms a close pair with knot NGC 4400 just SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4401 = h1252 on 29 Apr 1827, while observing NGC 4395 (discovered by WH).  He described "Two nebulae running into one another; both eF, vL, the following rather the brighter."  JH's description most likely applies to the core of NGC 4395 and the brightest of the HII knots in this galaxy.  Two additional knots (NGC 4399 and NGC 4400) were sketched at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4402 = UGC 7528 = MCG +02-32-044 = CGCG 070-071 = Holm 403d = PGC 40644

12 26 07.7 +13 06 48; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 3.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 E-W, 2.1'x0.6'.  Very mottled, patchy appearance implying a dusty equatorial plane and HII regions, though individual knots were not resolved.  M86 is 10' N.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, fairly even surface brightness. Located 10' N of M86 in core of the Virgo cluster.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, fairly large, even surface brightness.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4402 = Au 30 on 13 Apr 1849 and labeled it Eta on the diagram of the central core of the Virgo cluster.  He also noted "Eta hollow in the middle [dust lane], probably a ring seen obliquely, faint star north of its middle, seen best with the single lens."

 

Arthur Auwers independently discovered NGC 4402 on 5 Mar 1862 with the 6.2-inch Fraunhofer heliometer at the Kšnigsberg Observatory and recorded "faint, gradually brighter in the middle, much elongated in the parallel [east-west], 3' long and 1.5' broad."  Auwers is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC as no positions or offsets were measured at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4403 = MCG -01-32-008 = Holm 402a = PGC 40656

12 26 12.8 -07 41 05; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): NGC 4403 is the preceding and fainter member of close pair with NGC 4404 just 0.9' NE.  Appears fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4' with a brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4403 = H III-75, along with NGC 4404, 5 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and recorded both as "Two, both vF, vS, E, within 1 1/2' of each other."  Neither galaxy was observed by JH.

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NGC 4404 = MCG -01-32-009 = Holm 402b = PGC 40666

12 26 16.2 -07 40 51; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

17.5" (5/19/01): this is the following member of a close pair with NGC 4404 just 0.9' SW.  Moderately bright, round, fairly small, 0.8'x0.6' SW-NE.  Contains a sharp, brighter core.  Although smaller than NGC 4403 this galaxy is the brighter of the pair with a higher surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4404 = H III-756, along with NGC 4403, on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and recorded both as "Two, both vF, vS, E, within 1 1/2' of each other."  His single position is less than 1' from NGC 4404.

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NGC 4405 = IC 788 = UGC 7529 = MCG +03-32-036 = CGCG 099-050 = LGG 289-059 = PGC 40643

12 26 07.1 +16 10 52; Com

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S.  IC 787 lies 11' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4405 = H II-88 = h1254 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "S, resolvable, brightest in the middle."  CH's reduced position is 11 sec of RA east of UGC 7529.  JH called this galaxy "pB; R; vsbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 19 May 1893 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory, measured an accurate position and included it in his second discovery list, #748 (later IC 788).  Javelle's offset point directly to this galaxy. So, NGC 4405 = IC 788.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4406 = M86 = UGC 7532 = MCG +02-32-046 = CGCG 070-072 = Holm 403a = PGC 40653

12 26 11.7 +12 56 46; Vir

V = 8.9;  Size 8.9'x5.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

24" (4/28/14): at 260x appeared extremely bright, very large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 4.5'x3.0'.  Sharply concentrated with a very intensely bright core that increases down to the center.  The halo increases in size with averted and gradually fades out at the periphery.  Brightest galaxy in the central core of the Virgo cluster.

 

18" (6/12/10): at 175x appears very bright, very large, elongated 4:3 or 5:3 NW-SE, ~4.3'x3.0'.  The outer halo gradually brightens then dramatically increases to a very intense 45" core that increases down to a stellar nucleus.  The nucleus is fairly well defined as a 20" brighter inner zone.  A mag 14.6 star is at the ENE edge of the halo, 2.0' from center.  Brighter of a 17' pair with M84 in the core of the Virgo cluster.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 4'x3', intense core, substellar nucleus, large diffuse halo.  One of the two brightest galaxies in the core of the Virgo cluster along with M84 17' W.  NGC 4402 lies 10' N.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very bright, larger and more elongated than M84.

 

Charles Messier is credited with the discovery of M86 = NGC 4406 = h1253 on 18 Mar 1781, along with M84, and described a "Nebula without star, in Virgo, on the parallel and very near to the nebula above, No. 84: their appearances are the same, & both appear together in the same field of the telescope."  But Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Johann Gottfried Koehler made the original discovery on 5 May 1779.  WH only recorded it on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and simply noted "B.  Is No. 74 of the Connoissance des Temps." JH listed M86 as a "Nova", probably due to the poor positions of his father.  On sweep 22 he logged "vB; R; gbM to nearly a star" and on sweep 243 "vB; L; pgmbM; r."

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NGC 4407 = NGC 4413 = UGC 7538 = MCG +02-32-049 = CGCG 070-076 = Holm 403f = PGC 40705

12 26 32.2 +12 36 39; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4413.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4407 = h1255 on 4 May 1829 and simply noted "the following of 2" with h1244 = NGC 4388.  There is nothing at his approximate position, but the description for NGC 4388 mentions the second nebula follows by roughly 30 sec in RA.  NGC 4413 follows by 47 sec in RA and is the only reasonable candidate nearby.  This identification was suggested by Frost, based on Harvard plates and Harold Corwin concurs NGC 4407 = NGC 4413.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 4408 = CGCG 158-107 = PGC 40668

12 26 17.2 +27 52 16; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

18" (5/30/03): faint, small, elongated 4:3, 0.4'x0.25', brighter along the major axis.  There appears to be a faint star at the SE edge.  Located 19' NNE of NGC 4393.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4408 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 4409 = NGC 4420 = UGC 7549 = MCG +01-32-064 = CGCG 042-106 = PGC 40775

12 26 58.5 +02 29 39; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4420.

 

William Herschel found NGC 4409 = H III-17 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and noted "vF, pS, it seems to be resolveable."  There is nothing at his position, but 25 sec of RA east is NGC 4420 = UGC 7549, which WH discovered just a month earlier and catalogued as H. II 23.  JH suggested the equivalence in his observation of this galaxy.  As WH's positions in his early sweeps were prone to errors and there are no other nearby candidates, this equivalence is certain.

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NGC 4410 = UGC 7535 = MCG +02-32-047 = CGCG 070-073 = Mrk 1325 = WBL 408-004 = PGC 40694 = PGC 40697

12 26 28.9 +09 01 11; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  PA = 110”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 225x; NGC 4410 is a merged, interacting pair at 20" separation in a common halo.  NGC 4410B, the brighter eastern component, appeared moderately bright, small, round, 20"-25" diameter (the halos overlap), very small bright core.  NGC 4410A, the western galaxy, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, weak concentration, lower surface brightness than NGC 4410B.

 

IC 790 = NGC 4410C, located 1.8' ENE, appeared fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 24"x16", very small brighter nucleus.  A very diffuse tidal plume (not seen) connects IC 790 with NGC 4410A/B.  CGCG 070-079, 2.3' ENE of IC 790 (and also connected by a tidal plume), is faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 24"x12".

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, weak concentration.  This double system (NGC 4410A and 4410B) was not resolved.  NGC 4410A is the brightest in a quartet with IC 790 1.9' NE and CGCG 070-079 4' ENE (not seen).  NGC 4411A lies 9' S.  IC 790 appeared very faint, very small, elongated E-W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4410 = h1256 on 18 Jan 1828 and recorded "eF; vL; R; gbM; 2.5' diameter."  His position is 7 sec if RA too far west.

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NGC 4411 = NGC 4411A = IC 3339 = UGC 7537 = MCG +02-32-048 = CGCG 070-074 = WBL 408-006 = PGC 40695

12 26 30.0 +08 52 20; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (6/4/16): at 225x; faint or fairly faint, moderately large, round, low surface brightness, ~1.2' diameter.  The view is confused by a superimposed mag 13.5 star, slightly west of center.  A diffuse but uneven glow encompasses the star, with the very weak core just east of the star.  The halo has a very low surface brightness and it was difficult to estimate the diameter.

 

Forms a pair with (similar) low surface brightness NGC 4411B 4.4' ENE.  It appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly large, round, low surface brightness, weak concentration, ~1.6' diameter.  The halo fades out gradually with no distinct edge (increases in size with averted vision) but doesn't reach a mag 13 star off the northwest edge (1.3' from center).

 

CGCG 070-087, located 11' NE, appeared fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 24"x15", sharply concentrated with a brighter 15" core that gradually increases to the center and very low surface brightness extensions.  A mag 9.5 star (HD 108384) is 1.2' NE.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, round, fairly small, very diffuse glow.  Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is superimposed on the core and the galaxy appears as a low surface brightness halo surrounds this star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4411B 4' ENE.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4411 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  His position matches UGC 7537 (generally known as NGC 4411A).  Arnold Schwassmann rediscovered the galaxy on a Heidelberg plate in 1900 and assumed it was new.  Dreyer missed the nearly identical positions, so IC 3339 is another designation. Gerard de Vaucouleurs used the letter suffix NGC 4411A in the 1964 "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies".

 

When Bigourdan observed the field, he found B. 298, which was described as "very large and diffuse, about 2.5' dia, slbM.  Could be NGC 4411 with an error of 17 sec in RA."  In the IC 2 notes Dreyer mentions this is probably the same as NGC 4411, but B. 298 refers to NGC 4411B = UGC 7546, situated 4.5' east-northeast.  Because of Dreyer's error, this galaxy did not receive an IC designation.  See Corwin's notes for more on the story.

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NGC 4412 = UGC 7536 = MCG +01-32-062 = CGCG 042-104 = LGG 281-017 = PGC 40715

12 26 36.1 +03 57 52; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration at center to a small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4412 = H II-34 = h1257 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and noted "vF, pS.  Seems to be resolveable and resembles the former [NGC 4409 = NGC 4420]."  His position is 30 sec of RA east of UGC 7536, the only nearby galaxy.  JH made two observations, calling it "; L; R; vgbM" on sweep 238 and measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 4413 = NGC 4407 = UGC 7538 = MCG +02-32-049 = CGCG 070-076 = PGC 40705

12 26 32.2 +12 36 39; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 60”

 

24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6'.  Unusual appearance with a brighter bar and a small, bright rounder nucleus.  The bar and halo are not aligned along the same axis.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter along major axis.  A mag 12 star is off the north edge 1.4' from center and a mag 11 star is 2.9' N.  Located 12' ESE of NGC 4388 in the core of Virgo cluster with NGC 4425 12.7' NE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, slightly elongated, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4413 = H II-169 = h1259, along with NGC 4387, 4388 and 4425, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199).  He noted "S.  It may be taken into the field with other [NGC 4387 and 4388].  Caroline's reduced position is 17 seconds of RA east of UGC 7538.

 

On 11 Apr 1825 (early sweep 3), John Herschel recorded, "eF; gbM; has 2 stars, n and n p."  His position is 2.8' too far south, although the description clearly applies.  Four years later he recorded it again as h1255 = NGC 4407 and simply noted "the following of 2 [with NGC 4388].  His position was marked as very uncertain or approximate but was noted as ~30 seconds following NGC 4388 (the actual RA difference is 47 sec).  So, NGC 4413 = NGC 4407, with NGC 4413 the primary designation.

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NGC 4414 = UGC 7539 = MCG +05-29-085 = CGCG 158-108 = PGC 40692

12 26 27.0 +31 13 23; Com

V = 10.1;  Size 3.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/25/98): bright, elongated NNW-SSE, ~3'x2'.  Sharp concentration with a prominent rounder core which increases to a stellar nucleus.  There appears to be a sharper light cutoff along the preceding edge and an hint of spiral structure in the outer halo.  Observation hampered by hazy skies.

 

8": fairly bright, elongated NW-SE, small bright nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4414 = H I-77 = h1258 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "vB, L, E, broadly [concentrated] to a mbM."  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 342) "vB; L; pmE; first gb and the vsvmbM to a nucleus = 11m; 3' l, 90" br."

 

Spiral structure was not described at Birr Castle, though on 12 Apr 1849, LdR or assistant George Stoney recorded "uncertain whether double nucleus or nucleus and star; neby decidely darker in middle, following the nucleus and rather brighter outside this."  The 7 Mar 1856 observation by R.J. Mitchell also mentions "Has a double nucl or a nucl and a star which are excentric, being nearer the sp side; light uneven and patchy.  I suspect especially a darkness north of the main nucleus."

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NGC 4415 = UGC 7540 = MCG +02-32-052 = CGCG 070-078 = LGG 292-013 = PGC 40727

12 26 40.5 +08 26 08; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.4' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4415 = H III-482 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "eF".  His position (CH's reduction) is just 3 sec of RA too small.

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NGC 4416 = UGC 7541 = MCG +01-32-063 = CGCG 042-105 = LGG 289-056 = PGC 40743

12 26 46.7 +07 55 08; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to small bright core.  Located 4' NE of mag 8 SAO 119397.  M49 lies 45' E and NGC 4434 20' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4416 = h1260 on 27 Dec 1827 (sweep 117) and recorded "vF; L; R; 60"; has a * 7m, 5' sp."  His position and description matches this galaxy.

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NGC 4417 = UGC 7542 = MCG +02-32-053 = CGCG 070-080 = LGG 292-019 = PGC 40756

12 26 50.6 +09 35 03; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 3.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 49”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): bright, moderately large, elongated lens-shape SW-NE, bright bulging core containing a bright stellar nucleus.  NGC 4424 lies 11' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4417 = H II-155 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and logged "F, pL, lE and lb towards the preceding side, r."  CH's reduction is 3' northeast of UGC 7542.

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NGC 4418 = NGC 4355 = UGC 7545 = MCG +00-32-012 = CGCG 014-039 = PGC 40762

12 26 54.6 -00 52 40; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 59”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, small, oval SW-NE, broad concentration.  A mag 15 star is just off the SW end 0.9' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4418 = H III-492 = h1261 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and recorded "vF, mE, cL, r."  His position is 3' south of UGC 7545 = PGC 40762.  JH made two observations, noting on sweep 146 "F; S; R; near a star" and measured an accurate position.

 

David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1878 and recorded it as object #17 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Todd's rough RA is 4.0 tmin too far west but his field sketch and offsets to nearby stars clearly match this galaxy.

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NGC 4419 = UGC 7551 = MCG +03-32-038 = CGCG 099-054 = PGC 40772

12 26 56.3 +15 02 51; Com

V = 11.2;  Size 3.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.8', bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4419 = H II-113 = h1262 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "E, resolvable."  JH called this galaxy "B; E; np to sf; sbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4420 = NGC 4409 = UGC 7549 = MCG +01-32-064 = CGCG 042-106 = PGC 40775

12 26 58.5 +02 29 39; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated N-S, almost even surface brightness, nuclear bulge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4420 = H II-23 = h1263 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 119) and logged "F, E."  His position is 30 sec of RA east and 5' south (positions in his early sweeps often have larger errors) of UGC 7549.  He recorded the galaxy again a month later as III-17 and it later received the designation NGC 4409, although JH, who measured an accurate position, suspected it was a duplicate observation.  So, NGC 4420 = NGC 4409.

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NGC 4421 = UGC 7554 = MCG +03-32-039 = CGCG 099-055 = PGC 40785

12 27 02.6 +15 27 41; Com

V = 11.6;  Size 2.7'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S.  The 1.5' diameter halo is punctuated by a 30" prominent core.  Located 2.4' SE of mag 9.5 SAO 100101.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4421 = H II-89 = h1264 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "S, resolvable, brightest in the middle, near a bright star."  There is nothing at CH's reduced position but 10' northwest (similar error as  NGC 4379) is UGC 7554 as well as the bright star."  JH made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4422 = MCG -01-32-010 = PGC 40813

12 27 12.1 -05 49 52; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Symmetric appearance as this round galaxy increases steadily to a small brighter core and stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4422 = H III-114 = h1265 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "Two very small stars with nebulosity.  240 rather confirmed it, but there is too much moonlight to see it perfectly.  It makes a vS nebula."  On a later sweep (706) he logged "vF, vS, stellar" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4423 = UGC 7556 = MCG +01-32-065 = CGCG 042-107 = LGG 292-108 = PGC 40801

12 27 08.9 +05 52 47; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 2.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.  NGC 4430/NGC 4432 pair lies 25' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4423 = H II-145 = h1266 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "eF, E."  His position is 28 sec of RA east of UGC 7556.  JH logged "vF; vS; E" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4424 = UGC 7561 = MCG +02-32-058 = CGCG 070-090 = LGG 288-008 = PGC 40809

12 27 11.7 +09 25 13; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 3.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 95”

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; very bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:2 E-W, ~2.5'x1', asymmetric appearance.  Contains a larger bright elongated core that appears brightest on the east end (possibly a HII region).  The brighter central part extends further to the west than to the east of center.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness and dims out gradually, so there was no distinct edge.  A 16th mag star is off the south side [35" from center].  IC 3366, only 0.3' SW of this star, was almost fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~15"x7".

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated E-W, bright core.  NGC 4417 is at the edge of the 220x field 11' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4424 on 27 Feb 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.   His position, measured on 4 nights, matches UGC 7561 and he estimated the size as 80".

 

SN 1895A was discovered in 1925 by Max Wolf on a plate taken on 16 Mar 1895 and reported as a variable star (assigned VW Vir) or a nova.  This supernova and 1895B (Z Cen) in NGC 5253 are the oldest known extragalactic supernovae after S And in M31, which occurred 10 years earlier.

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NGC 4425 = UGC 7562 = MCG +02-32-059 = CGCG 070-091 = Holm 403e = LGG 286-003 = PGC 40816

12 27 13.4 +12 44 05; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 3.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27”

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.4'x0.4', small bright core.  A mag 13.8 star is 1.2' W of center and a mag 15.3 is 1.3' SE.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' W and a mag 11 star 4.4' ENE of center.  Located in the core of the Virgo cluster with NGC 4413 12.7' SW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, very elongated, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 1' W and a mag 11 star to the east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4425 = H II-170 = h1267, along with NGC 4387, 4388 and 4413, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199).  He simply noted "F" and his position is ~18 sec of RA too far east (similar offsets with the others nearby).  JH recorded "pB; S; R; bM" and measured an accurate position (on a second sweep).

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NGC 4426 = NGC 4427

12 27 10.5 +27 50 17; Com

 

= **, Corwin and Dreyer

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4426 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  At his position is a 14" pair of mag 14.5/15 stars.  Interestingly, Bigourdan independently found this pair again 21 years later and also thought it was mixed with some nebulosity.  Both measured nearly identical positions and Dreyer realized the equivalence NGC 4426 = NGC 4427 = **, after compiling the NGC.

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NGC 4427 = NGC 4426

12 27 10.5 +27 50 17; Com

 

= **, Corwin and Dreyer

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 4427 = Big 53 on 22 Apr 1886 and described "vF, 2 or 3 stars mixed with nebulosity."  At his position is pair of stars separated by ~14".  The same pair was discovered earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest on 21 Apr 1865 and both positions are nearly identical in the NGC.  Dreyer must have realized the equivalence before publication of the NGC, as he added the note "These are evidently identical (note added in press)."

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NGC 4428 = MCG -01-32-012 = Holm 407b = PGC 40860

12 27 28.3 -08 10 04; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4433 7' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4428 = h1269 on 16 Mar 1828 and logged "pL; vF; very ill defined."  His position is close off the south side of MCG -01-32-012 = PGC 40860.

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NGC 4429 = UGC 7568 = MCG +02-32-061 = CGCG 070-093 = LGG 292-009 = PGC 40850

12 27 26.4 +11 06 29; Vir

V = 10.0;  Size 5.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): very bright, fairly large, very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint extensions E-W.  Located 2.0' SSW of a mag 9.5 star.  Mag 9.2 HD 108453 lies 5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4429 = H II-65 = h1271 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "pB, not vS."  His position is 40 sec of RA east of UGC 7568 (a similar error as a number of objects in the sweep).  On sweep 191, JH recorded "B; L; pmE; psbM; has a *10m nf, 1' distance."  He was uncertain if this was his father's object and noted "Nova, or II 65" in the Slough catalogue.

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NGC 4430 = UGC 7566 = MCG +01-32-067 = CGCG 042-111 = Holm 406a = LGG 289-033 = PGC 40851

12 27 26.2 +06 15 45; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse, elongated 3:2 E-W.  There is a sharp light cut-off on the east end.  The surface brightness is asymmetric with the brightest portion offset to the east of center with a more extensive faint halo towards the north and west.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4432 2.5' SE.  Located 8' N of mag 7.9 SAO 119411.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4430 = H II-146 = h1270 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "F, pL."  He also logged this galaxy  just two objects earlier in the sweep, though suspected they were the same object, so assigned a single discovery number.  JH noted (sweep 253) "vF; L; R; gbM; 90"."  Both missed nearby NGC 4432, which was discovered by Albert Marth.

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NGC 4431 = UGC 7569 = MCG +02-32-062 = CGCG 070-094 = Holm 408c = LGG 292-006 = WBL 409-001 = PGC 40852

12 27 27.4 +12 17 24; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 177”

 

24" (5/29/14): fairly faint to moderately bright fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 40"x25", broad concentration with a slightly brighter core.  A mag 14.4 star is 1.2' E.  First of three with fainter NGC 4436 3.8' NE and brighter NGC 4440 6.4' E.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, very diffuse, slightly elongated.  This galaxy is slightly brighter and larger than NGC 4436 4.0' ENE.  NGC 4440 lies 6.5' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4431 = H II-171 = h1268 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Three F nebulae; the two first vS [NGC 4431 and 4436], the third [NGC 4440] S."  His single position is roughly 30 sec of RA too large, but the identifications are certain.  JH noted "vF; oval gbM; 50"."

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NGC 4432 = UGC 7570 = MCG +01-32-068 = CGCG 042-114 = Holm 406b = PGC 40875

12 27 33.0 +06 14 00; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/21/90): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  A mag 15 star is 0.7' NW of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4430 2.5' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4432 = m 240 on 22 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and noted "2* in a F nebulosity."  His position matches NGC 4432 = UGC 7570, just 2.5' southeast of NGC 4430, though the brighter galaxy is not mentioned.

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NGC 4433 = MCG -01-32-013 = Holm 407a = PGC 40894

12 27 38.7 -08 16 45; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~N-S, broad concentration. Bracketed by two mag 14 stars at the north edge and 1.0' SW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4428 7' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4433 = h1273 on 16 Mar 1828 and noted "not vF; pL; lE; very ill-defined."  His position is at the south edge of MCG -01-32-013 = PGC 40894.

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NGC 4434 = UGC 7571 = MCG +01-32-069 = CGCG 042-115 = LGG 292-014 = PGC 40886

12 27 36.6 +08 09 15; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, small, round, small very bright core dominates small round halo, sharp stellar nucleus.  Located 35' WNW of M49.  NGC 4416 lies 20' SW.  UGC 7580 is 7' SE but I didn't look for this faint galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4434 = H II-497 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and noted "pF, vS."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on two nights (used in the NGC).

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NGC 4435 = VV 188 = Arp 120 NED1 = UGC 7575 = MCG +02-32-064 = VV 188 = Holm 409b = PGC 40898 = The Eyes

12 27 40.5 +13 04 44; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 2.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 13”

 

24" (4/28/14): very bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 N-S, ~1.5'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to the center.  Forms a prominent pair ("The Eyes") with NGC 4438 4.4' SSE.

 

18" (6/12/10): at 175x appears bright, moderately large oval, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, 20"x10" core and stellar nucleus.  This galaxy is the NW member of the "Eyes" with highly disrupted NGC 4438 4.3' SSE.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a striking pair called the "Eyes" with slightly fainter NGC 4438 4.5' SSE.  Located 20' E of M86 in the central core of the Virgo cluster.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): bright, prominent small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4435 = H I-28.1 = h1274, along with NGC 4438, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "two bright, considerably large nebula. One is 86 of the Connois des Temps."  His single position matches the pair NGC 4435/4438 and was confused about the position of M86.  He made the same mistake on 8 Apr 1784, though it that case his positions fall close to NGC 4458/4461 (if he viewed NGC 4435/4438 instead, his position was 17' off).  John Herschel repeated this error in the Slough catalogue, but in the GC JH split the pair into  h1274 = H 1-28.1 (NGC 4435) and h1275 = H 1-28.2 (NGC 4438).

 

NGC 4435 and 4438 was nicknamed "The Eyes" by Leyland S. Copeland (first author of the Deep Sky Wonders column) in a February 1955 article titled "Adventures in the Virgo Cloud."; the likeness to a pair of eyes is emphasized by the fact that NGC 4435 and 4438 are both elongated in a SSW-NNE direction.

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NGC 4436 = UGC 7573 = MCG +02-32-066 = CGCG 070-096 = Holm 408a = LGG 289-010 = WBL 409-002 = PGC 40903

12 27 41.2 +12 18 57; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 116”

 

24" (5/29/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 30"x20", weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is off the NW side, 0.9' from center.  Faintest of three with NGC 4440 3.4' ESE and NGC 4431 3.8' SW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, diffuse, low even surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star is just off the NW edge 1.0' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4440 3' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4436 = H II-172 = h1272 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Three faint nebulae; the two first vS [NGC 4431 and 4436], the third [NGC 4440] S."  His single position is roughly 30 sec of RA too large, but the identifications are certain.  JH noted "vF; gbM; 40"."

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NGC 4437 = NGC 4517 = UGC 7694 = MCG +00-32-020 = CGCG 014-063 = PGC 41618

12 32 45.6 +00 06 59; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4517.

 

John Herschel found NGC 4437 = h1277 on 14 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; vmE; pos 15” nf to sp; a long ray; it is south preceding a * 10m.  The place is that of the star." There is nothing near his position, but 5 min of RA east is NGC 4517 and his description is a perfect match with this galaxy.  Karl Reinmuth may have first suggested the equivalence in his 1926 photographic Heidelberg survey "Die Herschel Nebel".  Various sources (including the RNGC) mistakenly equate NGC 4437 with NGC 4417, instead of NGC 4517.

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NGC 4438 = Arp 120 NED2 = VV 188 = UGC 7574 = MCG +02-32-065 = CGCG 070-097 = Holm 409a = PGC 40914 = The Eyes

12 27 45.5 +13 00 32; Vir

V = 10.2;  Size 8.5'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 27”

 

24" (4/28/14 and 5/29/14): very bright, very large, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x1.0'.  Contains a large, bright elongated core that increases to a very small, very bright nucleus.  With averted vision, much fainter irregular extensions (with an uneven surface brightness) significantly increase the outer diameter.  The southwest "plume" is not aligned with the major axis of the galaxy and spreads further towards the west.

 

18" (6/12/10): bright, large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 2.4'x1.0'.  Contains a bright, elongated core that increases to a small, very brighter, rounder nucleus.  The outer halo appears warped with very faint extensions that increase the overall size to nearly 5'x1.5'.  The southwest extension is more noticeable and appears to bend or curve to the southwest (counterclockwise).  The NNE extension is extremely faint and slightly offset to the axis of the core.  This highly disrupted galaxy forms an excellent pair with NGC 4435 4.3' NNW along Markarian's Chain.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 4435 4.5' NNW.  The core is not as large or bright as NGC 4435.  Located in the center of the Virgo cluster 23' E of M86.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): bright, bright core, larger but more diffuse than NGC 4435.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4438 = H I-28.2 = h1275, along with NGC 4435, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "two B, cL nebula."  His single position matches the pair NGC 4435 and 4438.  See NGC 4435 for more on the confusion with the identifications. JH made 3 observations and recorded (sweep 242) "pB; L; lE; 60".", along with an accurate position.

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NGC 4439 = Cr 259 = ESO 131-006

12 28 26 -60 06 12; Cru

V = 8.4;  Size 4'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, 20 stars mag 10-13 are arranged in a perfect semi-circle (180 degree arc) open towards the west, with the endpoints directly N-S.  A string of three collinear stars, oriented WNW-ESE, sits right in the middle of the semicircle!  A wide bright double (HJ 4524 = 8/9.5 at 30") situated less than 5' NW is aligned directly with the center of the cluster!  Situated in the middle of the Southern Cross, 55' ENE of mag 3.6 Epsilon Crucis.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4439 = D 300 on 30 Apr 1826 and described "a triangular group of very small stars, about 3' long, resembling faint nebulae. A star of the 9th magnitude near the north following extremity [the bright star is NW of the cluster]."  His position is 7' too far east, but the identification is certain.

 

JH observed the cluster on 31 Mar 1834 and noted "Cluster taken for Dunlop 300; a semi-elliptic group of stars 11..12th mag, diameter 2'."

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NGC 4440 = UGC 7581 = MCG +02-32-067 = CGCG 070-099 = Holm 408b = LGG 292-007 = WBL 409-003 = PGC 40927

12 27 53.6 +12 17 36; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (5/29/14): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core containing a bright stellar nucleus.  Brightest in trio with NGC 4436 3.4' NW and NGC 4431 6.4' W.  Nearly at the midpoint of mag 9.2 HD 108469 5.7' SW and mag 9.6 HD 108577 6.5' ENE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, small, small bright core, diffuse fainter halo.  Third of three with NGC 4436 3.2' NW and NGC 4431 6.5' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4440 = H II-173 = h1276 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Three faint nebulae; the two first vS [NGC 4431 and 4436], the third [NGC 4440] S."  His single position is roughly 30 sec of RA too large, but the identifications are certain.  JH noted "B; R; bM; 50"; resolvable."

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NGC 4441 = UGC 7572 = MCG +11-15-056 = CGCG 315-039 = PGC 40836

12 27 20.3 +64 48 06; Dra

V = 12.7;  Size 3.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.8

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 4391 lies 14' NW.  NGC 4441 is thought to be an advanced galactic merger with optical tidal tails and two shells.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4441 = H II-848 = h1278 = h1291 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "F, bM, iF, stellar."  JH recorded h1278 "pF; R; vgbM; 25"." and measured an accurate position.   The next night he viewed this galaxy again, but placed h1291 1 min of RA too far east and was unsure if it was new.  His two h and GC designations were combined int he GC.

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NGC 4442 = UGC 7583 = MCG +02-32-068 = CGCG 070-100 = LGG 288-001 = PGC 40950

12 28 03.8 +09 48 13; Vir

V = 10.4;  Size 4.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Two mag 14.5 star are at the east end and just south of the core 1.5' E and 0.9' SSW of center.  Located in the core of the Virgo cluster with NGC 4417/NGC 4424 pair roughly 30' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4442 = H II-156 = h1279 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and logged "F, pL, lE, r."  CH's reduction is 28 sec of RA east of UGC 7583.

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NGC 4443 = NGC 4461? = UGC 7613 = MCG +02-32-084 = PGC 41111

12 29 03.0 +13 11 02; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4461.  NGC identification very uncertain.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4443 on 13 Apr 1840 while observing the central region of the Virgo cluster.  He simply noted "F, S" and labeled this object "Kappa" and on the diagram of the field.  No positions were measured, but the sketch places this object close to the NGC 4458/4461 pair.

 

Frost reported NGC 4443 not found in the Virgo-Coma survey (Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1) and Reinmuth also reported a negative result.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4443 may be a duplicate discovery of NGC 4461 (despite missing fainter NGC 4458), and I agree.  See Corwin's notes for story.

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NGC 4444 = ESO 268-010 = MCG -07-26-007 = PGC 41043

12 28 36.4 -43 15 43; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~1.4' diameter, weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 13.2 star is just off the NE edge [1.0' from center].  NGC 4444 forms the northeast vertex of a triangle with a mag 8 star 4.8' ENE and a mag 10 star 4.6' S.  In addition two mag 9.6 stars are 7' SW and 8' SSW!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4444 = h3393 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "eF; L; R; vgbM; 3' diam."  His single position is very accurate.

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NGC 4445 = IC 793 = UGC 7587 = MCG +02-32-072 = CGCG 070-104 = LGG 288-013 = PGC 40987

12 28 16.0 +09 26 11; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 2.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 106”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint but pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, moderately large, weak concentration.  NGC 4451 lies 12' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4445 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 2 nights that he also observed NGC 4424, is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 6 May 1888 and reported it as new in this 8th list, #63 (later IC 793) with description "eF; S; eE; 3 others in field."  His position is 15 seconds of RA too far west, but his description "extremely elongated (or extended)" matches.  Dorothy Carlson equates NGC 4445 = IC 793 in her 1940 list of NGC/IC corrections.

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NGC 4446 = UGC 7586 = MCG +02-32-069 = CGCG 070-103 = PGC 40962

12 28 06.8 +13 54 43; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 82”

 

24" (5/29/14): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.5'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Fainter of a pair(lower surface brightness) with NGC 4447 1.6' SE.  Located 13' WSW of NGC 4459.

 

18" (4/5/03): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.6'x0.4'.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 4447 1.6' ESE.  Two mag 12.5/13 stars are 2' and 3' N of the pair.  Located 7' WSW of a mag 9.6 star and 13' WSW of NGC 4459.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4446 = Sw. VI-43, along with NGC 4447 close southeast, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; ee difficult; Double; triplicity suspected; 2 = mag stars range with it n and s; [NGC 4459] in field following."  His position is 10 sec of RA following and 1' north of UGC 7586.  This galaxy is single, though forms a pair with NGC 4447, so his comment "triplicity suspected" is not valid.

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NGC 4447 = MCG +02-32-073 = PGC 40979

12 28 12.5 +13 53 57; Com

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 117”

 

24" (5/29/14): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4446 1.6' WNW.  Located 12' WSW of NGC 4459.

 

18" (4/5/03): very faint, very small, round, 0.4'.  Slightly smaller of a close pair with NGC 4446 1.6' WNW.  In a galaxy-rich area 12.5' WSW of NGC 4459 and 6' SW of a mag 9.6 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4447 = Sw. VI-44, along with NGC 4446 close northwest, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; ee difficult."  His position is 7 sec of RA following and 2' north of MCG +02-32-073 = PGC 40979 (comparable offset as NGC 4446).

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NGC 4448 = UGC 7591 = MCG +05-29-089 = CGCG 158-113 = CGCG 159-002 = PGC 40988

12 28 15.4 +28 37 13; Com

V = 11.1;  Size 3.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 94”

 

18" (4/5/03): bright, large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, 2.8'x1.2'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, well-defined 35"x25" oval core.  Located 27' NE of mag 4.3 15 Gamma Comae Berenices.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4448 = H I-91 = h1280 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "vB, E in the direction of the parallel [east-west].  It has a B, pL nucleus sending forth a ray to each side."  JH made 4 observations, describing it on sweep 343 "B; L; mE exactly in parallel; smbM."

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NGC 4449 = UGC 7592 = MCG +07-26-009 = CGCG 216-005 = LGG 290-017 = PGC 40973 = The Box Galaxy

12 28 11.2 +44 05 36; CVn

V = 9.6;  Size 6.2'x4.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45”

 

48" (2/20/12, 3/1/19, 5/1/19): NGC 4449 is a boxy-shaped Magellanic-type Irregular containing several bright, giant HII regions that are sites of active star formation.  The galaxy has been intensively studied as one of the strongest galaxy-wide starbursts in the nearby universe.  The overall surface brightness of the galaxy was unusually high at 375x.  The very bright central region is elongated SW-NE, irregular in surface brightness and contains a small, intense "nucleus".  This object is identified in SIMBAD as [GHG2001] 1 and described as a 10 Myr old super star cluster in the 2001 study by Gelatt et al, "The Star Clusters in the Irregular Galaxy NGC 4449".

 

To the southwest is a fairly large, bright patch that mimics a second core.  This region is catalogued as #27/28/30 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" [HK83].  Several addition patches are on the north end of the galaxy.  The largest and brightest is #15, a high surface brightness irregular glow at the north end of the galaxy, 20"x12", with a mottled surface and a stellar knot (#11) at the north tip.  Roughly 35" SW is #25, a moderately bright roundish knot of ~12" diameter.  20" W is #31, a fairly faint, small HII knot, less than 10" in diameter.  At the northeast tip of the galaxy is #2, nearly 1' SE of #15.  It appeared as a moderately bright knot, ~15"-20" in size.  A small knot (#16) was noted on the southeast side of the galaxy. A faint 12" knot is nearly detached at the SW end of galaxy (#6 in the 1969 "Kinematic study of ionized hydrogen in NGC 4449").  Very low surface brightness haze extends west off the SW end. A mag 14 star is superimposed [44" ENE of the nucleus].

 

On 5/1/19, I had the strong impression of an extremely low surface brightness glow nearly 10' SE of the galaxy (and 2.4' W of LEDA 2233323). This is the location of a tidal star stream, discovered in 2011.

 

18" (5/14/07): very mottled, irregular appearance, elongated ~2:1 SW-NE, ~5'x2.5'.  The core is quite splotchy in appearance with a couple of bright knots; the most prominent is attached to the southwest of the core.  The main body is roughly rectangular with an extension at the northwest "corner" that ends with a bright knot or knots ([HK83] #15).  Another extension or knot ([HK83] #2) is off the northeast corner.  A mag 13 star lies 2.4' E of the core and 1 or 2 additional very faint stars or knots are superimposed in the central region.

 

18" (5/8/04): fascinating view of this "Magellanic" system at 323x!  The galaxy is very irregular in appearance and surface brightness with a large, bright, elongated core oriented SW-NE.  The core appears offset to the south side of the galaxy.

 

Several knots (giant HII regions) are visible outside the core.  The brightest is a well-defined obvious patch on the north edge of the galaxy, 1.5' from the center.  This object is #15 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" ([HK83]) and it is nearly comparable in surface brightness to the core.  Roughly 1' SE is #2, a smaller, faint knot that is collinear with #15 and a mag 13.5 star 2.4' E of the core.  #25, a third difficult knot, can sometimes be glimpsed about 40" SW of #15.  Finally, attached on the south end of the core is a larger, bright knot, although initially I thought this was just part of the core.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): very bright, very large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A knot is involved at the north end and the galaxy generally appears brighter to the north of the core.  A star is superimposed close east of the core.

 

8": bright, moderately large, elongated, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4449 = H I-213 = h1281 on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and recorded "very brilliant, cL, E from sp to nf, difficulty r, seems to have 3 or 4 B nuclei."  His sketch at the end of 1811 PT paper (reproduced in Stenicke's book) clearly shows 4 condensations or HII knots within the glow, though one of these may be the nucleus.  He used this an illustration of "Nebulae which are brighter in more the one Place."  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Caroline Herschel was next to find the object on 8 Jul 1793 in her 4.2-inch reflector, "and assumed it to be a comet!"

 

On sweep 150, John Herschel recorded "B; L; gbM; E in pos 75” nf to sp, a fine cluster; well resolved; I see several of the stars; 3' l, 2' br."  On sweep 248 (last of 4 observations), JH wrote "vF; vL; vmE; it is either a double nebula or the nf end is bifid.  If double the companion is F; R; bM; nearly north 1.5' or 2'.  A fine object."  So, clearly WH and JH resolved several HII regions in this galaxy.  Lord Rosse or assistant Johnston Stoney noted on 17 Mar 1849, "3 nuclei or 2 nuclei and star, and faint neb outlying."

 

Based on photographs taken with the 60-inch reflector at Mt Wilson, Francis Pease (1917) described NGC 4449 as "..an irregular nebulous mass in which many nebulous stars [HII regions] are distributed unevenly.  The greater part of the nebula is roughly rectangular, about 4.5'x2.5', p.a. = 40”, there being an assemblage of some dozen nebulous stars W of the SW corner.  On the original negative there are 230 nebulous stars or patches...Two-thirds of them are in the N half.  The nebulosity proper is weak toward the edge, gradually increases inward, and culminates along a central ridge, where it is as strong as the stars themselves.  A number of dark irregular rifts appear here and there in it."

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NGC 4450 = UGC 7594 = MCG +03-32-048 = PGC 41024

12 28 29.6 +17 05 06; Com

V = 10.1;  Size 5.2'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 4'x2', diffuse halo, increases suddenly to a high surface brightness core.  Located 3.9' NE of mag 8.9 SAO 100115.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4450 = H II-56 = H II-90 = h1282 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "A resolvable nebula of an irreg shape of about 2 or 3' diam.  It is near a pB star."  CH's reduced position is 30 sec of RA preceding and 2.4' north of UGC 7594.  He recorded it again a week later on sweep 182 as "pL, r, bM", measured an accurate position, and noted this nebula was observed in sweep 170.  But his next entry (H II-90) was placed 1.0 min following and there is only one galaxy here, so he must have recorded NGC 4450 a second time in the sweep!  JH made 8 observations, apparently looking for a second nebula, but found only one and combed the two H-designations in the GC.

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NGC 4451 = UGC 7600 = MCG +02-32-079 = PGC 41050

12 28 40.5 +09 15 33; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' S of center.  NGC 4445 lies 12' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4451 on 19 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He measured the position on 4 nights and noted the mag 13 star, measured at 83" south.

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NGC 4452 = UGC 7601 = MCG +02-32-080 = PGC 41060

12 28 43.3 +11 45 18; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 2.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, thin pretty edge-on SW-NE, brighter core.  Located 8' SE of mag 7.7 SAO 100114.  IC 3381, situated 7.1' WNW, appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  The IC is located 2.2' S of a mag 7.7 SAO 10014 that detracts from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4452 = H I-23 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded a "B, S, much E nebula, or bright dash."  CH's reduced position is 10 sec of RA east of UGC 7601.

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NGC 4453 = MCG +01-32-073 = PGC 41072

12 28 46.7 +06 30 42; Vir

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, extremely small, round.  Unusual appearance with mag 14 star nvolved near the south edge and also an extremely faint 16th magnitude star or companion superimposed.  NGC 4430/NGC 4432 lie 25' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4453 = H II-26 = h1283? on 28 Jan 1784 (the only nebula discovered on sweep 131) and recorded "pB, not vS.  It is not cometic.  The brightest part of it lies towards the following side.  I suppose it to be resolveable."  Dreyer noted this sweep was problematic ("unsatisfactory") with possible confusion with the offset star.  There is no object at WH's position and it was not found visually by Bigourdan or photographically by Wolf.  Dreyer suggested that if WH made an error of 20' in PD, that II-26 might be II-146 (NGC 4430).

 

JH, though, found h1283 = PGC 41072 44 sec of RA east of II-26 and this may be the intended object.  However, Harold Corwin argues that H II-26 cannot be h1283 due to the significant difference in description (h1283 was called "eF").  He concludes "I'm leaning toward adopting NGC 4430 as II 26, though with considerable uncertainty."

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NGC 4454 = UGC 7606 = MCG +00-32-014 = PGC 41083

12 28 51.0 -01 56 27; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, the large diffuse halo has a gradual concentration down to a small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4454 = H II-180 = h1284 on 22 Apr 1784 (sweep 204) and recorded "pB, L, R, er, near some stars."  On 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) he noted "F, pL, lE."  John Herschel made a single observation: "F; R; gbM; 20"; a stellar point 18m in the centre; 2 B stars precede, distant."

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NGC 4455 = UGC 7603 = MCG +04-30-001 = WAS 57 = Kaz 390 = PGC 41066

12 28 44.1 +22 49 21; Com

V = 12.3;  Size 2.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 16”

 

18" (4/5/03): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x0.7', broad concentration, bulging core, fades at the tips of the extensions.  A wide pair of mag 11 stars are 3' and 4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4455 = H II-355 = h1285 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "pF, L, broadly elongated."  CH's reduction is 25 sec of RA following UGC 7603.  JH made two observations, logging "pB; pmE; gbM; two B stars nf" on sweep 424, and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4456 = ESO 441-030 = MCG -05-30-002 = PGC 40925 = PGC 40922

12 27 52.4 -30 05 52; Hya

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 150”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 13-13.5 star is attached on the west side, 22" from the center.  Located 5.1' E of mag 8.2 HD 108412.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4456 = h3394 on 30 Mar 1835 (sweep 564) and recorded "eeF; vS; attached to a * 13m.  (no doubt of the nebulous character of the object)."  There is nothing at this position, but 1.2 min of RA west is ESO 441-030 and the mag 13.7 at the southwest edge clinches the identification.

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NGC 4457 = UGC 7609 = MCG +01-32-075 = PGC 41101

12 28 59.0 +03 34 14; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 2.7'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (2/28/87): bright, small, almost round, very bright core.  A mag 13 star lies 2.6' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4457 = H II-35 = h1286 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB; mbM than towards the ends."  JH made three observations, logging on sweep 143, "B; R; psbM; 30"."

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NGC 4458 = UGC 7610 = MCG +02-32-082 = Holm 411b = PGC 41095

12 28 57.6 +13 14 31; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2' ENE. Fainter of a pair with NGC 4461 3.7' SSE. 

 

18" (6/12/10): at 175x and 280x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter.  Contains a small, bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 2.2' ENE of center.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 4461 3.7' SE.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.1' E.  Forms a pair with NGC 4461 3.7' SSE.  Located in the core of the Virgo cluster.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, almost round, small faint nucleus.  A mag 11 star is close east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4458 = H II-121 = h1287 on 8 Apr 1784 and recorded (sweep 187) "Two resolvable nebula at 4 or 5' dist."  He assumed one of these was M86, so only added one new discovery number.  His position was ~5' west of NGC 4458 and 4461, the most likely pair.  On 12 Apr 1784 he swept the field again (sweep 189) and recorded "Two [NGC 4461 and 4458]. Both pF, S, bM."  His single position on this sweep was 22 sec of RA following NGC 4458 and the identification is unambiguous. JH logged "pB; R; psbM; the p of 2 [with NGC 4461] and measured an accurate position.

 

On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199), WH recorded "two B, cL nebula" and assumed they were pair from sweep 187 (one being M86), but his position matches NGC 4435 and NGC 4438!

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NGC 4459 = UGC 7614 = MCG +02-32-083 = PGC 41104

12 29 00.0 +13 58 43; Com

V = 10.4;  Size 3.5'x2.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110”

 

24" (5/29/14): very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4 ~E-W, ~1.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a small intensely bright core, stellar nucleus, appears mottled near the core.  The halo increases in size with averted.  Mag 8.7 HD 108676 lies 2.2' SE of center.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright intense compact core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.2' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 100121.  NGC 4468 lies 8.7' NE and NGC 4474 is 14' NE.  A close pair, NGC 4446 and NGC 4447 lies 13' WSW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated, small bright nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4459 = H I-161 = h1288 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vB, pL, iR."  His position is accurate.  JH logged (sweep 23) "pB; R; bM; r; has a *8m 2' dist; 45” sf."

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NGC 4460 = UGC 7611 = MCG +08-23-041 = CGCG 244-022 = PGC 41069

12 28 45.6 +44 51 52; CVn

V = 11.3;  Size 4.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, pretty edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, moderately large, brighter core.  A pretty double star ·1645 = 7.5/8.1 at 10" is in the field 8.5' SW.  Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4460 = H I-212 = H II-750 = h1289 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and noted for I-212 "cB, pL, E."  His position is poor -- CH's reduction places it 8.6' too far northwest (all the preceding objects in the sweep are too far north).  He found it again 17 days later (sweep 833) and logged II-750 as "pF, pL, E sp nf."  His position was just 2' northeast of center.  JH realized the equivalence and combined the two H-designations in the GC.

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NGC 4461 = NGC 4443? = UGC 7613 = MCG +02-32-084 = Holm 411a = PGC 41111

12 29 03.0 +13 11 02; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 3.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 9”

 

24" (4/28/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.0'x0.8', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increases towards the center.  A mag 11 star lies 4' NNE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4458 3.7' NNW. 

 

18" (6/12/10): bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7', extending nearly on a line with a mag 11 star 4' NNE.  Sharply concentrated with a small, intense core that increases to a very bright, stellar nucleus.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 4458 3.7' NW.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, very small bright core possibly stellar.  Form a pair with NGC 4458 3.7' NW.  The striking NGC 4435/NGC 4438 pair lies 21' SW.  Located in core of the Virgo cluster.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly small, elongated N-S, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4458.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4461 = H II-122 = H II-174 = h1290 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula at 4 or 5' dist."  He assumed one of these was M86, so only added one new discovery number.  On 12 April he swept the field again and recorded "Two [NGC 4461 and 4458]. Both pF, S, bM."  His single position on this sweep was 22 sec of RA following NGC 4458.  On 17 April he swept through the field a third time and logged NGC 4461 again as II-174 (apparently not measuring NGC 4458).  NGC 4443 may be a duplicate observation.  See that number.

 

John Herschel made an early observation of NGC 4461 on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2), while working on his observing technique.  On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338) he recorded, "pB; R; psbM; the f of 2 [with NGC 4458] and measured an accurate position.  See notes for NGC 4458.

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NGC 4462 = ESO 506-013 = MCG -04-30-002 = PGC 41150

12 29 21.2 -23 10 01; Crv

V = 11.9;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 124”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 streak WNW-ESE.  Contains a bright core with fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4462 = H III-764 = h3396 on 26 Mar 1789 (sweep 918) and recorded "cF, R, pS, stellar."  John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and logged (sweep 690) "pB; E; sbM; pos of elongation 130” [NW-SE]."

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NGC 4463 = Cr 260 = ESO 095-010

12 29 55 -64 47 24; Mus

V = 7.2;  Size 5'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this is a fairly small but fairly rich group with two bright mag 8.5 stars (HD 108719 and PPM 779024) oriented N-S and separated by 1.3'.  The cluster is fairly rich along a curving E-W string that passes through the northern of the two bright stars.  Scattered outliers increase the size to perhaps 6'x3' and include up to 60 stars.  This cluster is located just 1.7” SSE of Acrux on the SW edge of the Coalsack Nebula.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): faint, small, round.  A couple of close brighter stars were resolved near the center.  Located on a line with Acrux and two other stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4463 = h3395 on 2 May 1835 and noted "cl VIII. class; poor; scattered.  The northern of 2 stars 8m taken."  His single position is good.

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NGC 4464 = UGC 7619 = MCG +01-32-078 = PGC 41148

12 29 21.3 +08 09 23; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright but very small, irregularly round, high surface brightness, small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  M49 is at the edge of the 220x field 11.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4464 = H III-483 = h1292 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "vF".  JH made the single observation "pB; vS; pgbM; R; 10"."  Julius Schmidt found the galaxy again in June 1861, along with NGC 4470 and 4492, and reported them as new in AN 1513 (1866), although Heinrich d'Arrest quickly reported the earlier discoveries.  d'Arrest also measured the position accurately on 4 nights.

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NGC 4465 = CGCG 042-127 = Holm 413d = PGC 41157

12 29 23.5 +08 01 34; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.0;  PA = 108”

 

48" (5/15/12): At 488x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 20"x15", weak concentration.  A mag 16.8 star is just off the NE side [12" from center].  This is one of several faint galaxies outside the halo of M49 (situated 5.9' WNW of center) with brighter NGC 4467 2.6' SE.  According to the redshift, though, this galaxy lies in the background of the Virgo cluster at a distance of ~330 million light years.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4465 = Big 54 on 31 Mar 1886.  The NGC position is just 3 sec of RA too large, although it was not found by Arnold Schwassmann on a Heidelberg plate (probably appeared stellar).

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NGC 4466 = UGC 7626 = MCG +01-32-081 = Holm 412a = PGC 41170

12 29 30.6 +07 41 47; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 101”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W.  Located 7.8' SSW of NGC 4470 and 18' SSW of M49.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 4466 on 26 Feb 1851.  While observing the M49 field he noted "a 3rd about 12' south of 2nd [NGC 4470] is elongated."  The actual separation between NGC 4470 and NGC 4466 is 8', but there are no other possible candidates.  In the GC, JH added three numbers for what he assumed were three new objects found at Birr Castle, although only a single very rough position was given.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 24 Apr 1865 and measured an accurate position.  Dreyer assumed it was new, adding it as GC(S) 5653.  The two GC designations were combined in the NGC and d'Arrest is credited with the discovery.

 

But Wolfgang Steinicke attributes WH with the discovery on 28 Dec 1787 (sweep 498, #44 = II-18).  On the sweep he apparently found both NGC 4470 (seen earlier on 23 Jan 1784) and NGC 4466, although the polar distances are only 2' apart.

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NGC 4467 = MCG +01-32-080 = CGCG 042-130 = Holm 413c = LGG 289-078 = PGC 41169

12 29 30.2 +07 59 34; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

48" (5/15/12): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, 24"x20", small bright core.  A mag 12.8 star is 35" W.  Located 5.2' W of the center of M49.  NGC 4465 lies 2.6' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): very faint, very small, almost round.  Located 6' W of M49!  A mag 12.5 star is just off the west edge 34" from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4467 on 23 Jan 1784 (early sweep 105) and noted "Nebula.  Preceding [M49], and not far from its parallel is a nebulous star or small nebula.  His position was very uncertain and only roughly found, but the description clearly applies to NGC 4467 and the nearby star.  On 28 Dec 1785, he observed what he assumed was the same object (internal discovery #44), but the second observation probably refers to H. II 18 = NGC 4466.  As a result, NGC 4467 wasn't assigned an H-designation.

 

Otto Struve independently discovered NGC 4467 on 28 Apr 1851 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory while observing M49.  He wrote, "Near this last star [preceding M49 by 17 seconds of time] , there is still another smaller nebula at a distance of 2 to 3 seconds, located on the straight line joining the star with the main nebula."  Struve is credited with the discovery in the NGC.  d'Arrest measured an accurate position (3 nights) and credited Struve with the discovery. The IC2 Notes mention Schwassmann couldn't find NGC 4467 on a Heidelberg plate.  The RNGC incorrectly equates this number with NGC 4465.

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NGC 4468 = UGC 7628 = MCG +02-32-090 = PGC 41171

12 29 30.9 +14 02 56; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): faintest of three with NGC 4474 5.5' ENE and NGC 4459 8.7' SW.  Faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small weak concentration.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, diffuse, slightly elongated, no noticeable concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4468 = H II-630 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and simply noted "cL".  His position is 5' south and 14 tsec west of UGC 7628, but it was observed in the sweep between NGC 4459 and NGC 4474, and this is the only galaxy between these two.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position at Copenhagen as well as Rudolph Spitaler in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory.

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NGC 4469 = UGC 7622 = MCG +02-32-089 = PGC 41164

12 29 28.0 +08 45 00; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 3.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 89”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 E-W, fairly large, 3.0'x1.2', faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4469 = H II-157 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded "F, pL, mE, r."  His position is 4.5' north of UGC 7622.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found NGC 4469 on 28 Apr 1884 and reported it as new in his 13th discovery list (#70).  But he caught the prior discovery immediately as a footnote was added that #70 referred to H. II 157 = GC 3019, though Herschel's position was off by 5' in polar distance.

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NGC 4470 = NGC 4610 = UGC 7627 = MCG +01-32-082 = CGCG 042-132 = PGC 41189

12 29 37.9 +07 49 25; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval N-S, pretty even surface brightness.  Located 14' SSW of M49.

 

William Herschel found NGC 4470 = H II-498 = h1293 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and logged "F, pL".  He assumed it was new and assigned the H-designation II-498.  His position is a good match with UGC 7627.  He discovered this galaxy on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 105) and recorded II-19 = NGC 4610 as "south of and a rectangles to the great Nebula [M49] and the small star near it; Is a nebula incomparably more faint.  My field takes them both in together."   But his position was poorly determined (not uncommon in his early sweeps_, so he did not realize the equivalence.  JH made two observations, though his descriptions are so disparate ("B" on sweep 117 and "vF" on sweep 251), they may refer to NGC 4470 and NGC 4466, respectively.  Julius Schmidt made an independent discovery on 29 Jun 1861 and announced it in AN 1513 (1866), but Heinrich d'Arrest noted the earlier discovery and measured an accurate position (7 nights). 

 

In the NGC, Dreyer equated II-18 = II-498 = NGC 4470 and assigned II-19 = NGC 4610.  But in his 1912 Scientific Paper of WH, Dreyer correctly sorts out the identification based on WH's description and sketch and concludes II-19 = II-498 = NGC 4470.  So, NGC 4470 = NGC 4610.

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NGC 4471

12 29 42.0 +07 53 45; Vir

V = 13.9

 

48" (5/15/12): this number applies to one of two 14th magnitude stars at 1' separation oriented NNW-SSE, situated ~6' SSW of M49.  VCC 1203, a fairly faint galaxy (too faint to have been seen by Schmidt), lies 1.5' NW of the NNW star.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 4471 on 29 Jun 1861 near M49 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.  He also found NGC 4470, 4492 and 4464, which had all been discovered earlier by WH.  There is nothing at his position in AN 1513 (1866) except a 14th magnitude star and neither Heinrich d'Arrest nor Guillaume Bigourdan could recover Schmidt's object.

 

Karl Reinmuth refers to a possible candidate as "vS, R, = neb *13.5; eF vs iR neb np 1.7', *13.5 ssf 1.0'."  His description applies to a faint star at 12 29 40.6 +07 54 40.  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 paper on Corrections to the NGC, identified NGC 4471 as a star (from Ames in Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1 (Virgo-Coma survey) and this is repeated in the RNGC.  Corwin identifies NGC 4471 with one of two 14th magnitude stars near the NGC position.  SIMBAD (and others) misidentify VCC 1203 = PGC 41185 as NGC 4471.

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NGC 4472 = M49 = Arp 134 = UGC 7629 = MCG +01-32-083 = CGCG 042-134 = Holm 413a = PGC 41220

12 29 46.8 +08 00 01; Vir

V = 8.4;  Size 10.2'x8.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 155”

 

48" (5/15/12): at 488x, M49 appeared extremely bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, ~6'x5', fades gradually so the outer extent may be larger.  Well concentrated with an intense core that is sharply concentrated with a brilliant nucleus.  A mag 12 star is superimposed 45" E of center.  A number of galaxies (see below) surround the halo, including NGC 4467 4' W and NGC 4465 5.9' WNW.  A mag 13 star is 4.6' W of center (close to NGC 4467).

 

VCC 1199, 4.5' NW of center, appeared faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

 

VCC 1203, 4.6' SSW of center, is fairly faint, fairly small, round, 12" diameter, slightly brighter core.  VCC 1203 is misidentified as NGC 4471 in SIMBAD.  The NGC number probably applies to one of the two faint stars ~2' SE.

 

UGC 7636, 5.4' SE of center, is very faint, fairly small, elongated patch, ~0.5'x0.3' N-S, with a very low surface brightness and no concentration.  This blue, dwarf irregular companion (Arp called it a "fragment") has been disrupted by M49 with H I gas stripped in a tidal tail.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): very bright, fairly large, sharp concentration to a compact very bright nucleus, large halo slightly elongated ~N-S fades at the edges.  A mag 12 star is superimposed at the east edge 0.8' from center.  A faint galaxy NGC 4467 lies 5' W.

 

Charles Messier discovered M49 = NGC 4472 = H I-7 = h1294 on 19 Feb 1771 (first Virgo cluster member discovered).  Oriani Independently found it on 22 Apr 1779 while following a comet that passed through the Virgo cluster.  Admiral Smyth confused these discovery dates, causing later confusion on the primary discoverer.

 

William Herschel first recorded M49 on 23 Jan 1784 (early sweep 105) and described I-7 as "A beautiful nebula.  Not cometic.  It is visible in the finder and vB in the telescope", but his RA was 11 min too large.  On 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) he called M49 "vB, cL, gmbM, extended with F branches."  John Herschel made 5 observations, recording on sweep 253, "eB; L; R psmbM; insensibly fading away, has a * 13m following; by diag the star is just beyond the nebula." Heinrich d'Arrest claimed he resolved the cluster and saw "countless groups of stars; at 147x, the nebula periphery can be resolved into stars of the 13th and 14th magnitudes."

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NGC 4473 = UGC 7631 = MCG +02-32-093 = PGC 41228

12 29 48.8 +13 25 46; Com

V = 10.2;  Size 4.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100”

 

24" (5/29/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2.0'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

18" (6/12/10): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 2.4'x1.0'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, intense core, ~30"x15" that increases smoothly to the center.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, small but intense core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 4477 lies 13' N.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): bright, elongated E-W, small very bright nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4473 = H II-114, along with NGC 4477 and NGC 4479, on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and simply noted "F, resolvable."  His position (CH's reduction) is 10 sec of RA too large.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found NGC 4473 and 4477 on 29 Mar 1856, unaware of WH's prior discovery.  JH responded in an open letter to Hind that both of d'Arrest's "novae" were seen earlier and that he was surprised d'Arrest missed NGC 4479.  This caused some controversy whether NGC 4479 was a "variable" nebula.

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NGC 4474 = UGC 7634 = MCG +02-32-094 = PGC 41241

12 29 53.6 +14 04 07; Com

V = 11.5;  Size 2.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): second brightest of three in the field with NGC 4468 6' WSWand NGC 4459 14' WSW.  Moderately bright, fairly small, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, elongated WSW-ENE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, small, very elongated E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4474 = H II-117 = H II-629 = h1295 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "r[esolvable]."  His position (Caroline's reduction) was 35 seconds of RA too large.  He observed this galaxy again on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and simply noted as "F".  His position was 12 seconds of RA too small, and assuming it was new, catalogued it again as W. II-629.  John Herschel realized the equivalence when he compiled the GC.

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NGC 4475 = UGC 7632 = MCG +05-30-008 = CGCG 159-008 = PGC 41225

12 29 47.6 +27 14 36; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 5”

 

18" (5/30/03): faint, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', fairly low surface brightness.  Appears brighter along a bar extending along the major axis.  Faint halo or extensions which are difficult to pin down the orientation.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4475 = H III-362 = h1297 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "eF, cL, the whole about 4 or 5' long and 2' broad."  His size estimate is much too large and JH, who only picked up the nucleus, called it "eF; R; 15"."  JH's position is accurate.

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NGC 4476 = UGC 7637 = MCG +02-32-096 = PGC 41255

12 29 59.1 +12 20 55; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 25”

 

24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 28"x14", bright core gradually increases to the center.  Fainter of pair with NGC 4478 4.6' ESE.  Located 12.5' WSW of M87 in the core of the Virgo Cluster. 

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, small brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4478 4.7' ESE.  Located 12' W of M87 in the Virgo cluster.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, elongated, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4476 = H II-123 = h1296 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and described "Two [along with NGC 4478] F, S and one B, L nebula [M 87].  His single position matches NGC 4478.  On sweep 245, JH recorded "F; R; S; bM."

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NGC 4477 = UGC 7638 = MCG +02-32-097 = PGC 41260

12 30 02.0 +13 38 12; Com

V = 10.4;  Size 3.8'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

24" (5/29/14): very bright, fairly large, round, 2.0' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core and stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4479 5.3' SE.

 

18" (6/12/10): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 2.5'x2.0'.  The outer halo is very weakly concentrated and then suddenly increases to an intense 40"x20" core.  At 275x the core appears lively or mottled and increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4479 5.3' SE.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4479 5.5' SE and NGC 4473 lies 12' SSW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): bright, slightly elongated N-S, small bright nucleus, NGC 4479 5.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4477 = H II-115 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula [NGC 4477 and 4479]."   His single position matches NGC 4477.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy along with NGC 4473 on 29 Mar 1856, apparently unaware of WH's prior observation.  See notes for NGC 4473.

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NGC 4478 = UGC 7645 = MCG +02-32-099 = PGC 41297

12 30 17.4 +12 19 43; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

24" (5/29/14): bright, fairly small, elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 35"x28", high surface brightness, contains a very small, very bright nucleus.  A star is involved on the north side, just 10" N of center.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 4476 4.6' WNW. Located 8.7' SW of M87.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4476 4.7' WNW.  Located 9' WSW of M87.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4478 = H II-124 = h1298 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and described "Two [along with NGC 4476] F, S and one B, L nebula [M 87].  His single position matches NGC 4478.  On sweep 245, JH recorded "B; S; R; psbM; 30"; the f of 2 [with NGC 4476]."  Kolbold measured the position for both the nucleus and the superimposed star in 1893.

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NGC 4479 = UGC 7646 = MCG +02-32-100 = PGC 41302

12 30 18.4 +13 34 39; Com

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 24”

 

24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 45"x35", broad weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 4477 5.3' NW.

 

18" (6/12/10): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration to an ill defined, slightly brighter core and an occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 4477 5.3' NW.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.  Located 6' SE of NGC 4477.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4479 = H II-116 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula [NGC 4477 and 4479] at 4' or 5' distance."   His single position matches NGC 4477 but the separation is 5' so the identification is certain.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found NGC 4473 and 4477 on 29 Mar 1856, but missed NGC 4479.  John Herschel was surprised that d'Arrest missed NGC 4479 as it was in the same field as NGC 4477 and a class II nebula.  He wrote a letter to John Russell Hind (as possibly another variable nebula), which was reprinted in 1862 MNRAS, Vol. 22, p.250 titled "Sir John Herschel to Mr. Hind, on the Disappearance of a Nebula in Coma Berenices".  He was 70 years old at the time and decades past being an active observer. Jean Chacornac, Schšnfeld and Lassell, reading about the supposed missing nebula, also confirmed the visibility of NGC 4479.  Eventually d'Arrest observed this galaxy on 5 May 1862 using the 11-inch Copenhagen refractor.

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NGC 4480 = UGC 7647 = MCG +01-32-087 = PGC 41317

12 30 26.7 +04 14 48; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weakly concentrated.  A mag 13 star is 1.9' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4480 = H II-531 = h1299 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "pB, E, about 3' long, brighter towards the southern side."  CH's reduction is 2' south of UGC 7647.

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NGC 4481 = MCG +11-15-057 = CGCG 315-040 = PGC 41222

12 29 48.8 +64 01 59; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.15'.  Appears as a thin sliver 40" W of a mag 13 star.  NGC 4510 lies 17' NE and NGC 4481 is 20' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4481 on 7 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His measured an accurate position on 2 nights and accurately placed the mag 13 star that follows by 7 or 8 seconds of time.

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NGC 4482 = IC 3427 = UGC 7640 = MCG +02-32-098 = CGCG 070-130 = PGC 41272

12 30 10.4 +10 46 46; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4482 = H III-40 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "eF, pL, I was near overlooking it."  There is nothing at his position, but 28 sec of RA west and 2' north is UGC 7640.  Several nebulae discovered that night have errors from 30 sec to 90 sec in RA too large, so this identification is very reasonable. Bigourdan first noted the RA in the NGC was 29 seconds too large in his 18 Jan 1897 Comptes Rendus paper.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on a Heidelberg plate in 1900 and reported Sn. 158 (later IC 3427) as new.  NGC 4482 was photographed  as well as by Frost in 1904.  So NGC 4482 = IC 3427.  UGC, MCG and CGCG label this galaxy IC 3427, instead of NGC 4482.

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NGC 4483 = UGC 7649 = MCG +02-32-103 = PGC 41339

12 30 40.6 +09 00 56; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, small, oval SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4483 on 19 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He measured the position on 2 nights and noted the nearby mag 10 star preceded by 26 seconds of time.

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NGC 4484 = MCG -02-32-013 = PGC 41087

12 28 52.7 -11 39 08; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  With direct vision a small slightly brighter 10" nucleus was sometimes visible.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4484 = h1300 on 9 Mar 1828 and logged "Not vF; R; gbM; 20"."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 2.0 min of RA west is PGC 41087.  Herbert Howe was apparently the first to note this error when he observed this galaxy in 1898 or 1899.

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NGC 4485 = Arp 269 NED1 = VV 30b = UGC 7648 = MCG +07-26-013 = CGCG 216-007 = Holm 414b = PGC 41326

12 30 31.4 +41 42 01; CVn

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 15”

 

48" (5/1/19): at 375x; two obvious HII knots are just off the SW side of this bright galaxy.  [VS65] 04, 39" from center, is a bright knot ~12" diameter.  [VS65] 01, a slightly fainter knot only 6" diameter, is just 15" further SW.  These designations are from 1965 study of HII regions in NGC 2403, 2903 and 4485/4490 by VŽron and Sauvayre.

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 N-S, ~1.5'x1.2'.  Contains a very small brighter core/nucleus but not strongly concentrated.  The surface brightness is fairly high and patchy, but I didn't use high power to look for HII regions.

 

18" (6/13/07): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~1.6'x1.2', broad mild concentration.  Extended in the direction of the northwest arm structure in NGC 4490.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, fairly small, brighter core, elongated SSW-NNE.  Forms a fascinating interacting pair with NGC 4490 3.6' SSE of center.  Located 40' NW of Beta Canum Venaticorum (V = 4.3).  Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4485 = H I-197 = h1306 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "Two, the most south [NGC 4490] vB, vL, iE.  That to the north B, pS, iF, about 1 1/2' distance."  JH logged "S; R; is 70” np and 3' n of I. 198 [NGC 4490]."

 

R.J. Mitchell's sketch with the 72" on 27 Mar 1856 shows a bright nucleus and a well defined outer ring.  The following year, though, he could not see any sign of spirality.  In addition, a small patch (HII region) is sketched on the south side as well as a faint star, that's probably also a compact HII region.

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NGC 4486 = M87 = Arp 152 = UGC 7654 = MCG +02-32-105 = CGCG 070-139 = Virgo A = 3C 274 = PGC 41361

12 30 49.7 +12 23 28; Vir

V = 8.6;  Size 7.2'x6.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; M87's jet was a remarkable sight!  It appeared as a bright, sharply defined "spike" with a fairly high surface brightness and two stellar knots!  I was very surprised by the length and the extreme thinness, appearing like a narrow laser beam shooting out of the core, ~20"x2"!

 

48" (5/4/16 and 4/30/19): at 488x, 610x and 697x; M87's jet was almost continuously visible as a small, very thin spike extending to the west-northwest of the core, perhaps 15"x2". When the seeing was sharp, there was a brighter, knot (stellar) at the outer tip that sometimes appeared detached.  There was a strong impression of a second stellar knot within the spike.

 

48" (4/1/11): at 488x, the jet in M87 was immediately noticed as a short, faint spike poking out of the central core to the WNW and the position angle [290-300”] was accurately sketched without prior knowledge.  The narrow jet brightened or there was a knot at the outer tip.

 

In addition to looking for the jet, I sketched three companions at the edge of the outer halo on the southwest side. About 2' SW of the center of M87 is a pair of very faint, roundish galaxies, both ~15" diameter.  The pair forms UGC 7652 with the components separated by 40" and nearly aligned with the center of the galaxy as if they were ejected.  2MASX J12303903+1222222, an extremely faint companion (V = 17.9), lies 2.8' WSW of the core, just 20" SE of a mag 15.5 star.  The three close "companions" to M87 are actually part of a distant, poor cluster in the background of M87, with a redshift of 20x that of M87!

 

Virgo UCD 3 is either one of the brightest globular clusters in M87 or a nucleated dwarf galaxy, called a Ultra-Compact Dwarf (UCD).  It is situated just 3.0' NE of the center of M87, directly opposite the two small galaxies at the southwest edge of the halo of M87.  A mag 14.5 star, just 20" SSW, is a perfect reference to focus on the cluster.  On 4/16/13 using 488x it was suspected as an 18th magnitude "star", but I didn't feel confident of the observation.  At 813x, though, it was confirmed as an extremely faint, stellar object, glimpsed several times at the same position.

 

24" (5/29/14): extremely bright, large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~4'x3.5', well concentrated with a large, intense core.  The core brightens but there was no distinct nucleus.  The halo gradually fades and increases in size with averted vision.  Several galaxies are nearby including NGC 4486B 7.2' NW, NGC 4486A 7.6' SSE, NGC 4478 8.7' SW and NGC 4476 12.6' WSW.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): very bright, fairly large, gradually increases to a very bright core, no sharp nucleus.  A very compact galaxy NGC 4486A = UGC 7658 lies 7' S.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very bright, intense core, fairly smooth halo.

 

Charles Messier is credited with the discovery of M87 = NGC 4486 = h1301 on 18 Mar 1781.  But Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Johann Gottfried Koehler made the original discovery on 5 May 1779.  On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199), WH logged "Three nebulae, the two first [NGC 4476 and 4478] vF, S, the third [M87], B, L, mbM but diminishing very gradually in brightness."  JH made at least 5 observations, recording on sweep 245, "vB; vL; R; psmbM; r; 3' diam."

 

M87 is one of the most distant galaxies (~52 million light years) visible in binoculars.  It contains a 6.4-billion-solar-mass black hole (1,000 times more massive than Sgr A).  The 20" jet was discovered by Heber Curtis at Lick Observatory in 1918 and described as a "curious straight ray lies in a gap in the nebulosity in pa 20”, apparently connected with the nucleus by a thin line of matter. The ray is brightest at the inner end, which is 11" from the nucleus."

 

A supernova (1919A) was found in 1922 by Russian astronomer Balnowski on a plate taken 24 Feb 1919.

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NGC 4487 = MCG -01-32-021 = PGC 41399

12 31 04.4 -08 03 15; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 4.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large, diffuse, brighter core, slightly elongated.  A mag 13 star is off the north end 1.1' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4487 = H II-776 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and logged "F, vL, er."  His position (CH's reduction) is 7 sec of RA west and 1.5' south of MCG -01-32-021 = PGC 41399.  JH did not make an observation.

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NGC 4488 = UGC 7653 = MCG +02-32-104 = PGC 41363

12 30 51.4 +08 21 36; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 3.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, small brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.3' SW of center.  Located 16' NNW of NGC 4492.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4488 = H III-484 = h1302 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and noted "vF".  His position matches UGC 7653.  JH made the single observation "vF; vS; lE."

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NGC 4489 = UGC 7655 = MCG +03-32-054 = PGC 41365

12 30 52.2 +16 45 32; Com

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.  A group of four stars mag 11-13 is about 4' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4498 12' NE.  Located 9.3' NNW of mag 7.8 SAO 100135.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4489 = H II-91 = h1303 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and simply noted "vS".  He was discovering new object very rapidly, so this and several following objects in the sweep have very brief descriptions.  JH made three observations and measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 4490 = Arp 269 NED2 = VV 30a = UGC 7651 = MCG +07-26-014 = CGCG 216-008 = Holm 414a = PGC 41333 = Cocoon Galaxy

12 30 36.1 +41 38 34; CVn

V = 9.8;  Size 6.3'x3.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 125”

 

48" (5/1/19): at 375x; several HII knots were identified along the north side of this remarkable galaxy. NGC 4490:[VS65] 19, 22 and 23 are three very close, tiny knots oriented WNW-ESE [total length 22"] along the north edge of the central region.  The middle knot (#22) was the brightest but only ~6" and the last knot (#23) was the faintest. NGC 4490:[VS65] 02 was a fairly bright, elongated glow on the NW edge of the galaxy [1.8' from center]. On close inspection it resolved into two extremely small knots. These designations are from 1965 study of HII regions in NGC 2403, 2903 and 4485/4490 by VŽron and Sauvayre.

 

24" (5/27/17): very bright, large, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~5'x2.2', fairly high but irregular surface brightness, brighter core, but seems offset from center.  A long arm (somewhat detached from the brighter central region), sweeps WNW and curls north near the end (bending towards companion NGC 4485).  Fascinating unusual structure.

 

18" (6/7/08): I viewed this interesting pair in my 15x50 IS binoculars (just a faint blur), 18" Starmaster (disturbed arm on the WNW end extending towards NGC 4490 easily visible) and the 33.4" f/5 (internal structure visible).

 

18" (6/13/07): very bright, large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~5'x2', with a very bright oval core, ~45"x30".  The surface brightness is irregular or mottled but most interesting is a small extension or arm that juts out of the WNW end and appears to bend or hook north towards the companion NGC 4485.  There appears to be a smaller counterpart at the ESE end that slightly protrudes from the main body.  With averted vision, the galaxy grows wider and appears ~5'x2.5'.  Located 39' NW of mag 4.3 Beta CVn.  Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

18" (6/4/05): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, contains a large, bright core.  At the northwest end a faint arm appears to emerge hooking sharply to the north for 1' towards NGC 4485.  At the southeast end, there appears to be slight extension without much curvature near a 16th magnitude star.  The central region is weakly concentrated to the center.  Overall, the galaxy has a mottled, slightly splotchy appearance as if was dusty or knotty with HII regions.  Located 40' NW of 4.2-magnitude Beta Canum Venaticorum.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): very bright, large, striking, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 6'x3', large bright core is elongated and grainy.  A very faint arm extends from the NW end in the direction of NGC 4485 3.6' NNW.  A small extension (arm) at the SE end is suspected.  Similar view and sketch made on 2/23/85.  On 4/12/86, just a hint of curvature was noted towards NGC 4485.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4490 = H I-198 = h1308, along with NGC 4485, on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "Two, the most south [NGC 4490] vB, vL, iE.  That to the north B, pS, iF, about 1 1/2' distance."  JH logged "vB; vL; mE; 40” np to sf; easily resolvable."

 

An accurate sketch was made of NGC 4485 and 4490 at Birr Castle on 27 Mar 1856 (figure 23, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication).  It showed the northwest tip curling towards NGC 4485 and a faint streak, corresponding to a string of HII regions, along the north edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 4491 = UGC 7657 = MCG +02-32-107 = PGC 41376

12 30 57.1 +11 29 00; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, fairly small, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.2' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4497 12' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4491 = H III-41 = h1304 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vF".  CH's reduced position is 4' southeast of UGC 7657.  JH logged "pB; L; R; 40"." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4492 = IC 3438 = UGC 7656 = MCG +01-32-089 = PGC 41383

12 30 59.7 +08 04 40; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is very close NE 45" from center and a brighter mag 11.5 star is 1.8' SE.  Located 19' ENE of M49.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4492 = H II-499 = h1305 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "F".  His position is within 1' of UGC 7656.  JH made the single observation "pB; pL; vglbM; near two small stars."

 

Julius Schmidt independently found NGC 4492 in June 1861 with the 6" refractor at the Athens Observatory and announced it (along with both NGC 4464 and NGC 4470) in AN 1513 (1866).  All three of these objects, though, were found previously by Herschel.  In addition, Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again in 1900 on a plate taken with the 6" astrograph at the Kšnigstuhl Observatory in Heidelberg.  He assumed Sn. 65 was new (on a different plate he correctly identified Sn. 64 as NGC 4492) and Dreyer recatalogued Sn. 65 as IC 3438 although the NGC and IC positions are virtually identical.  So, NGC 4492 = IC 3438.

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NGC 4493 = MCG +00-32-017 = PGC 41409

12 31 08.3 +00 36 49; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 133”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 200x and 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 30"x25".  Contains a small slightly brighter core and brighter nucleus with direct vision.  Located 4.7' SE of mag 8.5 HD 108916.

 

At 200x an extremely faint "knot" (companion) was suspected off the southeast side [50" between centers].  The companion was definitely glimpsed at 260x and appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, stellar nucleus.  At 375x it was just visible continuously with averted (V = 15.2, B = 16.1) and was round, 12" diameter, possible stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Located 4.7' SE of mag 8.6 SAO 119442.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4493 = m 241 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, iR."  His position is accurate, though he didn't notice the faint companion off the southeast end.

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NGC 4494 = UGC 7662 = MCG +04-30-002 = CGCG 129-005 = LGG 294-001 = PGC 41441

12 31 24.1 +25 46 30; Com

V = 9.8;  Size 4.8'x3.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (4/5/03): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~3'x2.4', sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core which increases to center.  The halo gradually fades and increases in size with averted vision.  Located 6' SSW of mag 7.9 HD 109030 and 35' ESE of the wide binocular pair 17 Coma.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4494 = H I-83 = h1307 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM, iR."  John Herschel noted "vB; R; vsmbM to a nucl; 40-50" dia."

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NGC 4495 = UGC 7663 = MCG +05-30-012 = PGC 41438

12 31 22.9 +29 08 10; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

18" (4/5/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4495 = H III-301 = h1310 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vF, vS, R."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4496 = NGC 4505 = VV 76a = Holm 415b = UGC 7668a = MCG +01-32-090 = CGCG 042-144 = PGC 41471

12 31 39.3 +03 56 23; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 4.0'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): NGC 4496A is moderately bright, large, elongated WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  Forms a double system with NGC 4496B = PGC 41473 superimposed at the SSE end.  The companion is fairly faint, very small, round, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4496 = H II-36 = h1309 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "a faintish pL nebula.  It seems to be resolveable."  John Herschel made three observations and resolved this double system on the 7 Apr 1828: "A double nebula; vF; pL; both R; pos 45” sf by diag; the two are in contact; unequal."  The three editions of the Reference Catalouge of Bright Galaxies label the two components as NGC 4496A and 4496B.

 

R.J. Mitchell sketched and described this system on 18 Apr 1855 at Birr Castle, "A double neb, alpha [NGC 4496B] is vF, and its light flickering, the other [NGC 4496A] has F neby extending a good way downwards [north], and is much the larger and brighter of the two."  Neither JH in the GC or Dreyer in the NGC assigned two designations for the components, although the NGC description reads "bi-nuclear or double nebula".

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NGC 4497 = IC 3452 = UGC 7665 = MCG +02-32-113 = PGC 41457

12 31 32.5 +11 37 29; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, broad concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.4' E of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4497 12' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4497 = H III-42 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "vF" (he was recording objects very quickly on the sweep).  CH's reduced position is 2.5' southeast of UGC 7665 - a similar offset as NGC 4491, the previous object he discovered, so this identification is nearly certain.

 

Schwassmann "rediscovered" the galaxy on 8 Sep 1900 using a Heidelberg plate taken by Wolf, measured an accurate position and recorded Sn. 199 (later IC 3452) as new.  Both Schwassmann and Dreyer missed the earlier NGC discovery, but IC 3452 = NGC 4497.

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NGC 4498 = UGC 7669 = MCG +03-32-056 = PGC 41472

12 31 39.7 +16 51 10; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 3.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint streak NW-SE, diffuse, brighter core.  Forms a trio with NGC 4489 12' SW and NGC 402 11' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4498 = H III-69 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and simply noted "S".  His position is 30 sec of RA east and 6' south of NGC 4489, but the position should be 6' north.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position twice, and questioned if it was same object as III-69.  He noted "F, L, oval, 70" mininum dia.  The nucleus is very faint.  After repeated observation, it was seen as 90" long. Question is whether this is a Herschel object or not as differs in AR 22 sec and in Dec by  is Herscheliana, or not, the former is to stop. Differs from ours in AR 22s, on in Dec by 3 1/2'.

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NGC 4499 = ESO 322-022 = MCG -07-26-008 = PGC 41537

12 32 05.0 -39 58 57; Cen

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 93”

 

18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared very faint, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.65'.  Low even surface brightness with no core or zones, although view compromised by low elevation.  Probable outlying member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).  NGC 4507 lies 40' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4499 = h3397 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; L; R; vglbM; 90"."  His position (measured on 2 sweep) is a close match with ESO 322-022 = PGC 41537.  Pietro Baracchi noticed this galaxy while observing NGC 4507 on 8 Feb 1886 with the GMT and assumed it was new.  He called it "large and diffused and vgvlbM, about 2' long and 40" broad."

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NGC 4500 = UGC 7667 = Mrk 213 = MCG +10-18-062 = PGC 41436

12 31 22.1 +57 57 53; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 130”

 

18" (5/8/04): moderately bright, small lens, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and faint extensions.  Located 1' W of a mag 10.5 star!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4500 = H I-234 = h1311 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "cB, vS, lE.  Just preceding a pL star."  John Herschel logged "pB; E; pgbM; a * 9m foll 30" dist in parallel."  His position was 1' to the southwest.

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NGC 4501 = M88 = UGC 7675 = MCG +03-32-059 = CGCG 099-076 = PGC 41517

12 31 59.1 +14 25 13; Com

V = 9.6;  Size 6.9'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 140”

 

48" (4/5/13): a thin spiral arm was clearly visible extending along the entire western flank of the halo and stretching 4.5' from NW to SE.  This arm separates more cleanly from the central region as it extends south, reaching a wide double star (13.7/14.3 that is superimposed on the southeast end.  A fainter, very thin, straight arm was also visible along the east side of the galaxy, extending towards the northwest.  This arm hugs pretty close to the east side of the core and separates a bit on the north side.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, brighter core, intense very small or stellar nucleus (Seyfert 2 galaxy).  A faint double star is embedded at the SE end (mag 13.5/14.5 at 20").  A brighter double star mag 11/12 at 30" is 5' S of center.  Located at the NE end of "Markarian's chain" in the core of Virgo cluster.

 

Charles Messier discovered M88 = NGC 4501 = h1312 on 18 Mar 1781.  William Herschel described it on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) as "vB, vL, E."  JH made 5 observations and recorded on sweep 422 "B; vL; vmE; 8' l, 1' br.  The northern half is brighter than the southern."  On two other sweeps heaccurately measured the position angle as between 140”-145”.    Listed as "Spiral or curvilinear" in Lord Rosse's 1850 PT paper.

 

At Birr Castle, R.J. Mitchell recorded on 9 Mar 1855 "Another spiral?  dark spaces p[receding] Nucl, others also, especially one sf [south-following] Nucl.  Six nights later he logged "Thought I could trace a dark passage from south end down past the Nucl.  Saw but the one branch f neby outside this passage."  William Lassell sketched M88 on 21 May 1862 using his 48-inch on Malta.  He noted "this nebula is of a somewhat convoluted form it may be a spiral, but I cannot make it out."  Nevertheless, a comparison of his sketch with images, shows the tight set of spiral arms around the core and another spiral arm curling around on the southeast side of the halo.

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NGC 4502 = UGC 7677 = MCG +03-32-060 = CGCG 099-076 = LGG 289-083 = PGC 41531

12 32 03.3 +16 41 16; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

18" (4/5/03): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', low surface brightness.  NGC 4498 lies 11' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4502 = H II-92 = h1314 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "vF, S."  CH's reduced position is 6' north of UGC 7677.  He was working quickly in the sweep and made several positional errors on nearby objects.  JH measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4503 = UGC 7680 = MCG +02-32-118 = CGCG 070-149 = PGC 41538

12 32 06.2 +11 10 35; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 3.5'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 12”

 

24" (5/20/17): bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 or 5:2  N-S, the halo increases to ~2'x0.8' with averted.  Sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that increases to an intense stellar nucleus!  IC 3460 lies 6.6' NE,

 

24" (6/4/16): bright, large, elongated nearly 5:2 N-S, ~1.8'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very large, very bright elonagated core that increases to an even brighter nucleus and stellar peak at the center.  The halo gradually fades out but the ratio of major to minor axis is higher in the halo than the core.  IC 3470 is 6.7' NE and IC 3483 (the third member of Zwicky's Triplet, along with IC 3481 and 3481A) is 19' NE.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, very bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4503 = H II-66 = h1313 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB".  His descriptions are very brief in this portion of the sweep as he was recording new nebulae rapidly.  CH's reduced position is 18 sec of RA too far east.  John Herschel made two observations, the first on 11 Apr 1825, his third formal sweep.  Dreyer made an observation on 24 Mar 1878, though mistakenly assumed he was observing GC 3077 = NGC 4528. He wrote, "pB, lE N-S, irr figure, fades away more gradually on f[ollowing] side..."

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NGC 4504 = MCG -01-32-022 = PGC 41555

12 32 17.3 -07 33 50; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 4.4'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly large, almost even surface brightness, slightly elongated, very weakly concentrated core.  Two mag 14.5-15 stars are off following end 1.4' NE and 2.1' ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4504 = H II-771 = h1398 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and noted "pB, iF, mbM, easily resolvable."  John Herschel made a single observation from the Cape of Good Hope and logged "vF; L; lE; gvlbM; 2' l by 100" broad."

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NGC 4505 = NGC 4496? = UGC 7668a = MCG +01-32-090 = CGCG 042-144 = VV 76a = PGC 41471

12 31 39.3 +03 56 23; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4496.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4505 = H III-18 = h1315 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "vF of a considerable size; it seems to be resolvable, is more faint than the foregoing [II-36 = NGC 4496] and rather larger.  There is nothing at his position, exactly 1.0 min of time following II-36 = NGC 4496, and the description applies to this galaxy!  It appears he likely recorded the same object twice.

 

JH has a single observation on sweep 142: "eF, the following of 2 [with NGC 4496] in fld."  His position is roughly the same as his father's (perhaps using his working list).  Karl Reinmuth, in his photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", questions if it is a mag 14 star, and this is very possible.

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NGC 4506 = UGC 7682 = MCG +02-32-120 = CGCG 070-152 = PGC 41546

12 32 10.5 +13 25 10; Com

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse, very weakly concentrated core.  A mag 11 star is 2.1' W.  Located 34' E of NGC 4473 near the Virgo border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4506 = H II-631 = h1316 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and noted "F".  His position is 2.5' south and 8 sec of time west of UGC 7682. JH recorded "vF; pmE in parallel; gbM; a * 9m 8 sec following."  His position and description matches this galaxy.

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NGC 4507 = Shapley-Ames 2 = ESO 322-029 = MCG -07-26-011 = LGG 298-008 = PGC 41960

12 35 36.7 -39 54 34; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 56”

 

18" (4/25/09): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, increases to a small brighter core.  Situated within an oval group of ~8 stars (~9'x6') and 5' SW of mag 5.8 HD 109573 (on the east end of the group).

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, oval, weak concentration.  Located 5.2' SW of mag 5.8 SAO 203621 and the glare detracts from viewing.  This is a Seyfert galaxy and possible member of the Centaurus galaxy cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4507 = h3399 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R: psmbM to a * 16m."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is at the east edge of ESO 322-029 = PGC 41960.  He must have made an error precessing the position to 1860 coordinates in the GC, as the position there (copied into the NGC) was 3.0 min of RA too far west.  As a result, Joseph Turner couldn't find this galaxy when he searched for it with the Great Melbourne Telescope in 1878.

 

The identication with NGC 4507 was missed in the 1932 Shapley-Ames Catalogue and this galaxy was listed as one of 6 "new anonymous" galaxies (New 2).

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NGC 4508

12 32 17.4 +05 49 08; Vir

 

= **?, Gottlieb. = "Not found", Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4508 = h1317 on 19 Apr 1830 and noted "vF; R; a * 13m with a burr."  His position corresponds with a close, faint double star.  The stars are cleanly resolved on the SDSS.  Karl Reinmuth also identifies a double star at the NGC position, although he also mentions a possible nearby candidate.  This is object #1450 in the Ames "Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae including the Coma-Virgo Group".  Ames felt this object was too far from the NGC position and too faint.

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NGC 4509 = UGC 7704 = MCG +05-30-018 = CGCG 159-015 = Mrk 773 = PGC 41660

12 33 06.8 +32 05 32; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 155”

 

17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, almost even surface brightness.  Located 4.5' NW of a bright double star STF 1653 = 9.7/9.7 at 8".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4509 = h1318 on 11 Mar 1828 and noted "vF; S; R; lbM."  There is nothing at his position but 1.0 min of RA east is UGC 7704 = PGC 41660.  His position matches in dec, so this is a reasonable identification, though CGCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 4509.

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NGC 4510 = UGC 7679 = MCG +11-15-058 = CGCG 315-041 = PGC 41489

12 31 47.2 +64 14 01; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, very small bright core, stellar nucleus, very small halo. NGC 4441 lies 17' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4510 on 9 Sep 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is an excellent match with UGC 7679.  He described it as sparkling and almost resolved, so Dreyer called it a cluster in the NGC description.  Also see NGC 4521, which may be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 4511 = MCG +10-18-063 = CGCG 293-027 = PGC 41560

12 32 08.1 +56 28 16; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 9”

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S.  A mag 14 star is close south, in the direction of elongation.  UGC 7691 lies 11' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4511 = H III-834 = h1319 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and noted "eF, S, iF."  His position matches CGCG 293-027. JH made a single observation, "Not eF; S; R; vgbM; 12"."

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NGC 4512 = NGC 4521? = UGC 7706 = MCG +11-15-061 = CGCG 315-046 = PGC 41621

12 32 47.6 +63 56 21; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 167”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4521.  Identification uncertain; this number may be identical to NGC 4510.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4512 = h1321 on 3 Apr 1832 and recorded "pB; R: psbM; 20"."  There is nothing at his single position, though 10' north-northeast is UGC 7700, the galaxy identified in all modern catalogues as NGC 4512.  But this galaxy would not be described as "pB", as it has a very low surface brightness.  In addition, JH made no mention of much brighter NGC 4521, just 4' north of UGC 7770, which was seen on the previous sweep with a poor position.

 

Bigourdan was unable to recover NGC 4512 and Reinmuth states "no pB neb found, =NGC 4521?"   Corwin suggests that NGC 4512 may be identical to NGC 4510 as this would require a 30' error in declination.  Furthermore this galaxy is more likely than NGC 4521 to be called "round" and "20" in diameter.  So, the identification with NGC 4521 is uncertain, but likely applies to either NGC 4521 or NGC 4510.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4513 = UGC 7683 = MCG +11-15-059 = CGCG 315-042 = LGG 277-007 = WBL 412-001 = PGC 41527

12 32 01.5 +66 19 57; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4', small bright core.

 

The triple system VII Zw 467 = CGCG 315-044 (2 members seen) is 4' NNE and VII Zw 466 = CGCG 315-043 (empty collisional RING galaxy) is 4' N.  PGC 41549 appeared very faint to faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, visible continuously with averted vision.  Both PGC 2686685 and VII Zw 466 were challenging objects, only occasionally visible.

 

48" (4/4/13): at 488x; VII Zw 466 appeared fairly faint, small, round with a slightly brighter rim and darker center.  The ring was irregular lit and brighter on the west side with a couple of slightly brighter knots north and south.

 

PGC 3441759, the faintest member of triple system VII Zw 467, appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.  PGC 41549, the brightest component, is fairly faint, small, round, high surface brightness and PGC 2686685 is faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 20"x10".

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4513 on 16 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is an excellent match with UGC 7683, though he questioned if it consisted of stars or was a genuine nebula.

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NGC 4514 = UGC 7693 = MCG +05-30-015 = CGCG 159-011 = PGC 41610

12 32 43.0 +29 42 45; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration with no noticeable core.  A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4514 = H III-302 = h1320 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "eF, vS".  JH made two observations and called this galaxy (sweep 342) "vF; R; bM; 15"."

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NGC 4515 = UGC 7701 = MCG +03-32-065 = CGCG 099-086 = PGC 41652

12 33 05.0 +16 15 56; Com

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4515 = H II-93 = h1324 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "F, vS."  JH called it "F; an extremely dilute nebulosity, with a centre almost stellar.  His single position is 1' north of UGC 7701.

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NGC 4516 = UGC 7703 = MCG +03-32-067 = CGCG 099-087 = PGC 41661

12 33 07.6 +14 34 30; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): faint, small, very elongated N-S, small well defined core.  Located 18' NE of M88.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4516 = H III-78 = h1323 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "A B, pL, r nebula [M88] with a small one [NGC 4516] after it.  Moonlight so strong that I had nearly overlooked the latter.  JH logged "F; R: vgbM; 40"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4517 = NGC 4437 = UGC 7694 = MCG +00-32-020 = CGCG 014-063 = FGC 1455 = PGC 41618

12 32 45.6 +00 06 59; Vir

V = 10.4;  Size 10.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 83”

 

48" (5/4/16): beautiful edge-on spiral, nearly 8:1 WSW-ENE, ~11'x1.5'.  A mag 10.9 star is attached on the north edge, just east of center.  The galaxy is broadly concentrated with a larger, brighter core region and small brighter nucleus.  A fairly prominent, irregular dust lane extends ~5', unevenly slicing the galaxy along the north edge of the core region.  The absorption lane is widest and most prominent near the core.  A fairly thin strip of the galaxy is visible to the north of the dust lane, passing through the bright star at the north edge.  The dust gives the galaxy an irregular patchy appearance and along with some mottling, the view is reminiscent of NGC 253 or NGC 55.

 

NGC 4517A, situated 17' NNW, appeared moderately bright, large, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~3'x2.2', broad concentration with a small brighter core, patchy, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 3.5' NW and a mag 11.5 star is 4.6' W.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, very large edge-on 8:1 WSW-ENE, almost 10'x1.2'.  This galaxy is an impressive large narrow streak with fairly low surface brightness and fills 1/2 of the 21' field.  There is no well-define nucleus but central region slightly bulges.  Appears brighter along the western extension.  A mag 9 star is attached at the northeast edge of the core.

 

NGC 4517A, located 17' NNW, appeared very faint, large, small brighter core.  Appears as a very diffuse hazy region elongated SSW-NNE with no distinct boundaries.  Located 3.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4517 = H IV-5 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "A pretty bright star with a milky ray on the south side of it, extending from east to west, or rather from np to sf.  It does not seem to touch the star, and is about 10 or 12' in length."  On a second observation (1 Jan 1786, sweep 507), he added "a pB star with a milky ray to the south of it, and partly including it."  WH commented this might suggest that the nebula had a considerable proper motion, though differences in observing conditions might account for the difference.  The GC and NGC position (from 3 observations) is 0.5 min of RA too far east and 2' south.

 

JH found h1277 = NGC 4437 on 14 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; vmE; pos 15” nf to sp; a long ray; it is south preceding a * 10m.  The place is that of the star."  There is nothing near his position, but 5 min of RA east is NGC 4517 and his description is a perfect match with this galaxy.  The equivalence may have first been suggest by Karl Reinmuth in his 1926 photographic Heidelberg survey "Die Herschel Nebel".  Various sources (including the RNGC) mistakenly equate NGC 4437 with NGC 4417, instead of NGC 4517.  So, NGC 4517 = NGC 4437.

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NGC 4518 = MCG +01-32-095 = CGCG 042-149 = Holm 417a = PGC 41674

12 33 11.7 +07 51 06; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 0”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~25"x18", gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 16' NW of NGC 4526 and 6.6' SSW of mag 7.6 HD 109270.

 

Forms a close pair with NGC 4518B = CGCG 042-149 1.1' SSW.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, 15"x10" SW-NE.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, bright core.  Located to the west of a N-S line joining mag 6.9 SAO 119466 12' SSE and mag 7.7 SAO 119465 7' NNE.  NGC 4526 lies 17' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4518 = h1322 on 27 Dec 1827 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 20"."  His position corresponds with CGCG 042-149 = PGC 41674 (double system with a fainter companion close south).  Karl Reinmuth noted CGCG 042-149, as well as several fainter companions, in his description of NGC 4518 based on a Heidelberg plate: "..eF neb sp 1.4'..."

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NGC 4519 = UGC 7709 = MCG +02-32-135 = CGCG 070-167 = Holm 418a = PGC 41719

12 33 30.3 +08 39 16; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 145”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; bright, large, slightly elongated 5:4 SW-NE, at least 1.5'x1.2'.  Contains a relatively large brighter core. The halo is noticeably mottled with an uneven surface brightness (probably due to HII knots in the arms).

 

Forms a pair with NGC 4519A 2.6' NW.  This companion appeared very faint (V ~15.4), small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.3 star is 35" SW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, moderately large, brighter core, slightly elongated.  A knot is superimposed on the SW end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4519 = H II-158 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded, "F, pL, almost R, r."  His position (CH's reduction) is 3' northeast of UGC 7709.  This galaxy was not observed by JH, but d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 2 nights.

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NGC 4520 = IC 799 = PGC 41748

12 33 49.9 -07 22 32; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 101”

 

18" (4/9/05): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W.  A very faint star is at the western tip. The galaxy appears to have a very faint stellar nucleus or a second star is involved.  A mag 11.2 star is 3' NW.  NGC 4504 lies 20' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4520 = H III-757 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and logged "2 vF stars involved in nebulosity, vF, S."  He made another observation with a similar description a few nights later (sweep 916).  The GC and NGC has a typo, calling this galaxy II-757.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 21 Apr 1889 and assumed it was new.  His description for #64 in his 8th discovery list (later IC 799) states "? ef star is in contact on p side.", which applies to PGC 41748, and clinches the identification IC 799 = NGC 4520.

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NGC 4521 = NGC 4512? = UGC 7706 = MCG +11-15-061 = CGCG 315-046 = PGC 41621

12 32 47.6 +63 56 21; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 167”

 

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; moderately bright and large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2' NNW and a mag 15.2 star is 1.4' SSE.  Forms a pair with much fainter UGC 7700 4' SSW.  Brightest in a group including NGC 4510 19' NNW and NGC 4545 27' SSE.

 

UGC 7700 (misidentified in all modern catalogues and most online sources as NGC 4512) appeared very faint, fairly small, 24" diameter (only the central region seen), very low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright and large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, very bright core, faint stellar nucleus, very thin tapering extensions.  Located 2.0' SSE of a mag 10 star.  A mag 15 star is just 30" E of the southern extension.  NGC 4481 lies 20' WNW.  UGC 7700 = (R)NGC 4512 located 4' SW was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4521 = H II-849 = h1326 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "pB, vS, lE, SN."   JH recorded "pB; pmE; pgbM; 20" long, 12" broad; a * 9m near.  His description matches NGC 4521, but his position is 20' too far south.  Because of the discrepancy with his father's position, JH listed it as a "Nova".  In the NGC notes, Dreyer notes that "h1326 = II 848, but h's P.D. Is wrong; d'Arrest's adopted".

 

See notes for NGC 4512 = h1321, which may be identical to NGC 4521.

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NGC 4522 = UGC 7711 = MCG +02-32-137 = CGCG 070-168 = PGC 41729

12 33 39.5 +09 10 25; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 3.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 33”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, fairly large, thin edge-on streak oriented SSW-NNE, weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4522 = h1325 on 18 Jan 1828 and recorded "eF; pL; lE; vlbM." His single position is accurate.

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NGC 4523 = UGC 7713 = MCG +03-32-068 = CGCG 099-089 = DDO 135 = PGC 41746

12 33 47.8 +15 10 02; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 15.4

 

17.5" (5/23/87): extremely faint, difficult, very diffuse, moderately large.  Located 10' S of IC 800.  Three stars are involved; a mag 12 star is 0.4' NE of center and an evenly matched mag 13.5 double star at 21" separation is 0.7' S of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4523 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His published position is 10 sec of RA west of UGC 7713, though he mentions his first observation (of 2) differed to 10 sec. In any case, there is no question about the identification as he mentions a double star on the south side of the nebula and a brighter star on the north.

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NGC 4524 = MCG -02-32-014 = PGC 41757

12 33 54.4 -12 01 39; Crv

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  Three mag 15 stars are just west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4524 = h1327 on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded "vF; irreg R; bM."  His single position is 1' north of MCG -02-32-014 = PGC 41757.

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NGC 4525 = UGC 7714 = MCG +05-30-020 = CGCG 159-016 = LGG 279-015 = PGC 41755

12 33 51.2 +30 16 39; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 47”

 

18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated to an ill-defined 0.8' core.  A low surface brightness halo increases the size to at least 2.0'x.1.0'.  The halo is irregular or patchy and fades into the background so is difficult to trace, though it is a little brighter on the SW extension.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4525 = H II-325 = h1328 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "F, pL, E, bM."  JH made the single observation "pF; L; R; 60"." and did not measure a position.

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NGC 4526 = NGC 4560? = UGC 7718 = MCG +01-32-100 = CGCG 042-155 = PGC 41772

12 34 03.1 +07 41 59; Vir

V = 9.7;  Size 7.2'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 113”

 

24" (5/20/17): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, ~3.75'x1.25'.  Contains a large, rounder core with a small intense nucleus that seems slightly offset south of center.  The extensions gradually fade out towards the tips.  Situated at the midpoint of mag 7.0 HD 109285 7.5' WSW and mag 6.8 HD 109417 7.3' ENE.  NGC 4518 lies 15' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): very bright, fairly large, very elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, strong stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' S of center.  Located midway between mag 6.9 SAO 119466 7.6' W and mag 6.7 SAO 119479 7.2' ENE.  Supernova 1994C observed at 12th magnitude on 3/12/94 five days after discovery.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4526 = H I-31 = H I-38 = h1329 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded I-31 as "vB, E, mbM, r."  It is situated between two brilliant stars at a considerable distance."  There is nothing at his position, but 17' north is UGC 7718 = PGC 41772 and his description matches this bright galaxy.  Five nights later (sweep 202), he returned to the field and recorded I-38 as "B, vL, mE, mbM."  His position was only 2' south of UGC 7718.  JH combined the two H-designations in the GC. 

 

WH probably found this galaxy a third time on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and recorded it as H I-119 = NGC 4560, with another bad position.  So, NGC 4526 = NGC 4560.

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NGC 4527 = UGC 7721 = MCG +01-32-101 = CGCG 042-156 = PGC 41789

12 34 08.4 +02 39 11; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 6.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 67”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 200x; bright; very large; very elongated ~4:1 WSW-ENE, ~4'x1',well concentrated with a very bright elongated core that contains a fairly intense nucleus.  Appears to brighten slightly and curl south on the western end and spread out and curl a bit north on the eastern ends, like the beginning of spiral arms (verified later on the DSS). IC 3474 lies 23' due east.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, very large, very elongated WSW-ENE, prominent core, small bright nucleus.  NGC 4536 is 30' SSE with mag 8.8 SAO 119473 and mag 8.6 SAO 119474 near the midpoint.  NGC 4533, a fainter galaxy, also lies 20' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4527 = H II-37 = h1330 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, of an extended shape, from np to sf and mbM than at the ends."  His orientation should read "sp to nf".  On sweep 143, JH logged "pB; pL; gmbM; E in pos 30” nf to sp."

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NGC 4528 = UGC 7722 = MCG +02-32-140 = CGCG 070-172 = PGC 41781

12 34 06.1 +11 19 16; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright but small, oval ~N-S, nucleus bulge, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 35' WNW of the NGC 4567/NGC 4568 pair.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4528 = H II-67 = h1331 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vS but pB."  His RA is 42 sec too small (several objects on this sweep have a poor RA).  John Herschel made four observations (first on 11Apr 1825, his third sweep) with a range of brightness descriptions from "F" to "pB".

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NGC 4529

12 34 12 +20 32; Com

 

= Not found, Corwin.  Very uncertain ID's UGC 7697 or MCG +04-30-003

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4529 = H III-26 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 167) and logged "I suspected a L, eF nebula; but though I looked at it a good while I could not verify the suspicion, nor could I convince myself that it was a deception."  The RA was only taken approximately.  He reported it again on 16 Mar 1790 (sweep 944), and measured offsets from 26 Com (the reduced position by CH was used in the GC and NGC).  Dreyer discussed the difference between CH's reduction vs. Auwers' reduction in the NGC Notes/Corrections section (based on the sweep used).  In any case, there is nothing at either position.

 

RNGC misidentifies MCG +04-30-003 = CGCG 129-006 as NGC 4529, although neither CGCG or MCG uses this identification.  PGC lists the RNGC entry and the MCG/CGCG entry separately, so PGC 41482 = PGC 41463. Malcolm Thomson concurs this a probable misidentification if the original NGC position is correct.

 

I send an e-mail to Harold Corwin back in October 1999 about the identification and no satisfactory candidate could be identified.  See his identification notes.

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NGC 4530 = Beta CVn = 8 CVn

12 33 44.5 +41 21 27; CVn

V = 4.3

 

= *4.3 (Beta CVn), Gottlieb.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4530 = h1332 in May 1828 (sweep 150) and described "8 [Beta] CVn.  Involved in a considerable nebula 3' in diam, exactly R; vgbM." He made a total of four observation and described the star as nebulous on each occasion.  There is no nebulosity surrounding this star.  JH realized the observation was uncertain.  In the appendix of the Slough catalogue, he noted "With regard to nebulous stars generally, I ought to mention that it has frequently occurred to me to notice a peculiar state of atmosphere in which all large stars (above the 7th magnitude) have appeared surrounded with photospheres of 2' or 3' or more diameter, precisely resembling that about some of the finer specimens of nebulous stars."

 

This is the second brightest star (after NGC 771) with an entry in the NGC.  Albert Marth wrote to Herschel in 1862 that the star "does not appear to me have any nebula or appendage about it."

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NGC 4531 = UGC 7729 = MCG +02-32-141 = CGCG 070-175 = PGC 41806

12 34 15.9 +13 04 31; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 3.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, broad concentration.  Located 37' W of M90.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4531 = H II-175 = h1333 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199)and noted "pF, L."  JH made two observations and recorded (sweep 339) "pF; pL; R; vgbM; 80"."

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NGC 4532 = UGC 7726 = MCG +01-32-103 = CGCG 042-158 = PGC 41811

12 34 19.3 +06 28 07; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 160”

 

24" (5/20/17): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NNW-SSE.  The surface brightness is irregular; brighter and mottled on the NNW end and fainter on the SSE end, giving an asymmetric appearance.  A mag 14.5 star is off the east side [0.6' from center].  Mag 8.0 HD 109402 lies 5.4' S.

 

Holmberg VII lies 12' SE of NGC 4532.  At 200x this dwarf was just visible as a very faint patch with averted vision, roundish, ~40" diameter (no distinct edge), very low even surface brightness, no core or nucleus.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, no central condensation.  Asymmetric appearance as fainter at the SE end (dust?).  Located 5.4' N of mag 8.3 SAO 119478.  NGC 4543 lies 25' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4532 = H II-147 = h1334 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "pB, pL, mE, r."  His position and description matches UGC 7726 = PGC 41811.

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NGC 4533 = UGC 7725 = MCG +01-32-102 = CGCG 042-157 = PGC 41816

12 34 22.0 +02 19 31; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 161”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, moderately large, edge-on NNW-SSE, low surface brightness narrow streak.  Collinear with mag 8.6 SAO 119474 4.1' N and mag 8.8 SAO 119473 7.2' N.  All of these are on line with bright galaxy NGC 4536 8.3' SSE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4533 = T 1-45 and described a class III nebula, 7 sec of RA west and 9' north of H V-2 = NGC 4536.  The exact offsets to this galaxy are -5 sec RA and +8' dec.

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NGC 4534 = UGC 7723 = MCG +06-28-010 = CGCG 188-008 = Holm 419a = PGC 41779

12 34 05.4 +35 31 06; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 2.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 125”

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, round, 2.0' diameter, low almost even surface brightness, very small region of central brightening.  A mag 15 star is 30" SW of the halo and 1.5' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4534 = H II-410 = h1336 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "F, cL, r."  His position is just off the north side of UGC 7723.  JH made two observations, reporting on sweep 331, "vF; L; R; vglbM; 45"."

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NGC 4535 = UGC 7727 = MCG +01-32-104 = CGCG 042-159 = PGC 41812 = The Lost Galaxy

12 34 20.3 +08 11 52; Vir

V = 10.0;  Size 7.1'x5.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0”

 

48" (4/4/13): NGC 4535 is a gorgeous face-on Sc spiral with two, long, very prominent arms extending from a small, very bright central region.  The small, very bright core is elongated SSW-NNE and punctuated by an intense, stellar nucleus.  The two main arms are clearly attached right at opposite ends of the core.  At the northeast end, a beautiful thin arm winds clockwise to the west with a mag 13.5 star pinned on the outer north edge.  The arm contains NGC 4535:[HK83] #157 (several additional entries including #141/145 are in Hodge & Kennicutt's "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies"), a small, bright, 15" knot and then dims as it wraps to the south.  A mag 14.5 star is situated midway between the nucleus and southern end of this arm [47" SW of the nucleus].

 

The second main arm is attached at the southwest end of the core and curves clockwise to the southeast, where the arm brightens in an elongated 30" patch (#51/52/72/78), which is symmetrically positioned opposite #157.  A fainter arm segment, extending WNW to ESE is visible on the south side, containing #84/90, a small, fairly faint 12" patch, located 1.5' SSE of center.  This knot forms the vertex of a flat isosceles triangle with a mag 15 star 0.5' NW and a mag 14 star 0.7' S.  The arms are etched on the slightly fainter and larger background glow of the disc, which extends 5.5'x4.0' in a N-S orientation.

 

24" (5/24/20): at 260x; bright, large, face-on spiral with a low contrast "S" shape, ~5'x4' N-S. Strongly concentrated with a small bright core elongated N-S and an intense quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed 0.8' SW of center.  The northern arm was very subtle; it curved clockwise to the west, passing close to a mag 13.5 star 1' N of center.  A faint 15" knot, [HK83] #157, was at the end of this arm, 1' NW of center. A low contrast arm on the south side curled towards the east and north.  A mag 15 star is 1.2' S of center (just south of the arm) and a mag 14 star is 2.2' S of center at the edge of the outer halo.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): bright, fairly large, very small bright core, elongated SSW-NNE, about 5.5'x4.0'.  Appears slightly darker on both sides of core (this is a gap between the spiral arms).  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed on the north side 1.0' from the center and a similar star is at the south end of the halo 2.2' from center.  A faint mag 14.5 star is just 48" SW of the core.  NGC 4526 lies 30' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4535 = H II-500 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and described "very large, easily resolvable.  I see a few of the largest stars in it."  In his 1814 PT paper, WH hypothesized this object may be a cluster of stars mixed with nebulosity or a cluster seen at great distance which contains no nebulosity.  JH did not make any observations, though d'Arrest made four observations and described it as up to 5 or 6' in size.  He also noted the mag 15 star (called mag 17) just 48" preceding the nucleus.

 

The nickname "Lost Galaxy" is from Leland S. Copeland's February 1955 S&T article "Adventuring in the Virgo Cloud". In his article, Copeland described a star hop through the Virgo Cluster using his 8" Cave reflector. He states, "North of the Diamond is a very dim spiral, here called the Lost Galaxy, NGC 4535." Leland was probably referring to NGC4535's difficulty to locate due to its low surface brightness.  The a caption of a photograph states that NGC 4535's "delicate structure shows only on long exposure photographs".

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NGC 4536 = UGC 7732 = MCG +00-32-023 = CGCG 014-068 = PGC 41823

12 34 27.1 +02 11 16; Vir

V = 10.6;  Size 7.6'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 130”

 

48" (4/4/13): very bright, gorgeous showpiece spiral with two very stretched arms extending northwest and southeast ~7'x2.5'.  Contains a very bright, slightly elongated core that increases to an intense stellar nucleus.  One long arm emanates from the west side of the core and shoots to the northwest, extending over 3' from the nucleus.  Close west of the core is a brighter, knotty region identified as [HK 83] 66/67 in the Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  The second arm is connected at the northeast side of the core and stretches to the southeast. A small brightening (#53) is just north of the core where the arm is attached.  This arm contains a brighter, elongated section which includes [HK 83] 23/33/35/36, opposite the brighter region on the western arm.

 

24" (5/24/20): at 260x; bright, very large, very elongated at least 3:1 NW-SE with two long slightly arched arms, ~6.5'x2', strong concentration with a bright elongated core that increased to a very small but non-stellar nucleus.  The long eastern arm was attached on the north side of the core and was brightest in a 1.5'-2' section angling to the SE.  The arm dimmed with a diffuse, lower surface brightness extension out to 3.5' SE of center, spreading further south at the eastern end. The western arm was also brightest in the initial 1' section on the west side of the core. The arm dimmed and thinned but stretched NW ~3' from center, where is seemed to bend north and fade out.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, very large, very elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, stellar nucleus.  Spiral structure is suspected at the ends of the major axis.  Forms a pair with NGC 4533 8' N.  Located 12' WSW of mag 7.0 SAO 119485 and 12' S of mag 8.6 SAO 119474 (4' N of NGC 4533).  NGC 4527 lies 30' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4536 = H V-2 = h1337 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 120) and noted "F, L, cE.  It is bright in the middle in two or three places."  He recorded the galaxy on 4 different sweeps.  John Herschel reported "pB; vL; mE in pos 20” np; sbM."

 

R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 29 May 1856 with LdR's 72" and clearly showed the central bar and long arms forming an stretched "Z" shape.  The sketch was included (Fig 24) in LdR's 1861 publication.

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NGC 4537 = NGC 4542: = UGC 7746 = MCG +09-21-021 = CGCG 270-011 = PGC 41909

12 34 48.9 +50 48 18; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 21”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4542.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4537 = Sw. I-22 on 16 Mar 1884 and recorded "eeF; S; R; nearly between 2 stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 49 seconds of RA due east is NGC 4542 (discovered by John Herschel), the brightest nearby candidate.  Also in the vicinity is MCG +09-21-022 = PGC 41909, 3.2' northeast of NGC 4537 and with respect to Swift's position, 1.0 min of RA east and 2' north.  But this galaxy is substantially fainter (V = 15), and if it was Swift's object, I would assume he would mention brighter NGC 4542.  Either galaxy could be made to fit his comment "nearly between 2 stars."

 

The RNGC and PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar) identify MCG +09-21-022 as NGC 4537.  Both Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin concur that NGC 4537 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 4542.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4538 = MCG +01-32-105 = CGCG 042-161 = PGC 41850

12 34 40.9 +03 19 25; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  NGC 4544 lies 22' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4538 = m 242 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, nearly R."  His position matches CGCG 042-161 = PGC 41850.

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NGC 4539 = UGC 7735 = MCG +03-32-071 = CGCG 099-092 = LGG 289-054 = PGC 41839

12 34 34.8 +18 12 09; Com

V = 12.0;  Size 3.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint but fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 2.4'x0.9'.  Fairly uniform low surface brightness but bulges slightly at the core.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.5' SE of center.  Located 13' SW of the beautiful double 24 Comae (5.0/6.6 at 20").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4539 = h1338 on 17 Mar 1831and logged "pB; pmE."  His position and description matches UGC 7735.

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NGC 4540 = UGC 7742 = MCG +03-32-074 = CGCG 099-093 = Holm 421a = PGC 41876

12 34 50.8 +15 33 05; Com

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' W of center.  Forms a close pair with IC 3528 1.6' NE.  The IC galaxy (missed by the Herschels) appeared extremely faint and small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4540 = H II-94 = H II-119 = h1335 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted H II-94 as "F, S."  CH's reduced position is 5' southeast of UGC 7742 and there are no other nearby candidates.  Several objects in this relatively early sweep have poor positions. He found it again on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted H II-119 "pL, resolvable.  Moonlight."  JH made two observations but his RA was 30 sec too far west.  Finally, d'Arrest made 3 observations and measured an accurate position.  Reinmuth says IC 3528 is 1' S and questions whether the galaxy NE is IC 3519?

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NGC 4541 = UGC 7749 = MCG +00-32-024 = CGCG 014-071 = PGC 41911

12 35 10.6 -00 13 17; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 91”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4541 = H III-493 = h1342 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "eF, S, irregular."  His position (CH's reduction) is 3' too far south.  JH made a single observation but did measure an accurate position.  The NGC dec is 1.5' south (apparently this position is from Holden) of UGC 7749.  The RNGC position is 6' too far south!

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NGC 4542 = NGC 4537: = UGC 7746 = MCG +09-21-021 = CGCG 270-011 = PGC 41864

12 34 48.9 +50 48 18; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 21”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', very small slightly brighter core.  A near equilateral triangle of mag 11 stars lies to the NE (closest vertex 4' NE).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4542 = h1341 on 17 Feb 1831 and noted "eF; pL; R; 30"."  His position matches UGC 7746.

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NGC 4543 = MCG +01-32-109 = CGCG 042-167 = PGC 41923

12 35 20.3 +06 06 54; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, very small bright core.  NGC 4532 lies 25' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4543 = h1340 on 27 Dec 1827 and recorded "pF; R; bM; 40"."  His position matches CGCG 042-167 = PGC 41923.  See NGC 4577.

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NGC 4544 = UGC 7756 = MCG +01-32-110 = CGCG 042-168 = PGC 41958

12 35 36.6 +03 02 04; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 161”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' ENE of center.  NGC 4538 lies 22' NW and NGC 4527 30' SW.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 16 year-old son, discovered NGC 4544 = Sw. VI-45 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; S; R; bet 2 stars."  The Swifts' position was 14 seconds of time preceding UGC 7756 but the comment "bet 2 stars" clinches the identification.  Perhaps due to the poor position, this galaxy was found on Crossley plates taken at Lick Observatory in 1898-1900 and catalogued as a new nebula (#505) in the 1908 Publ of Lick Obs, Vol VIII.

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NGC 4545 = UGC 7747 = MCG +11-15-064 = CGCG 315-047 = PGC 41838

12 34 34.2 +63 31 30; Dra

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, round, about 2' diameter, broad weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the NNE edge of the halo 1.0' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4545 = H II-850 = h1346 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and recorded "pB, pL, iR, vgbM, r."  His position is 2' too far north.  JH made a single interesting description, "vF; L; wedge shaped, or has a vF * nf, which gives it a distorted appearance."

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NGC 4546 = MCG -01-32-027 = UGCA 288 = PGC 41939

12 35 29.5 -03 47 38; Vir

V = 10.3;  Size 3.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, very bright core, bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.0' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4546 = H I-160 = h1339 on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 674) and recorded "vB, cL, E from sp to nf but nearer the parallel [E-W] than the meridian, a BN with faint branches, the nucleus very gradually diminishing."  John Herschel made four observations and recorded (sweep 147) "vB; mE; vsmbM to a r nucleus; 2' long, 90" br."  Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy elongated at least 3:1 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 8 Apr 1878. (p.170 in logbook)

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NGC 4547 = MCG +10-18-069 = CGCG 293-030w = PGC 41896

12 34 51.8 +58 55 00; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.5'

 

18" (5/12/07): this is a very small and close double system oriented NW-SE.  The slightly brighter and larger NW component is very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter while the SE component is extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  The pair is cleanly resolved, though the centers are just 27" apart.  MCG +10-18-68 lies 3' NW and NGC 4549 is 4.3' NE.  Located 3.8' WNW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4547 = H III-802 = h1344 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and logged "vF, lE."  His re-reduced position is just 1.3' northeast of MCG +10-18-069 = PGC 41896.  This is a double system, with III-802 referring to the brighter northwestern component that was likely seen by WH.  A second observation a week later (sweep 926), confirmed the position of III-802, and he also picked up III-807 = NGC 4549 = PGC 41954.  JH made two observations, noting on sweep 345, "pF; pL; E; vgbM; precedes a * 9m."

 

RNGC and CGCG misidentify the double system as NGC 4547 + NGC 4549.  MCG misidentifies MCG +10-18-068 as NGC 4547 and MCG +10-18-069 as NGC 4549.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for a thorough discussion of the identifications.

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NGC 4548 = M91 = UGC 7753 = MCG +03-32-075 = CGCG 099-096 = PGC 41934

12 35 26.4 +14 29 47; Com

V = 10.2;  Size 5.4'x4.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

24" (5/22/17): at 282x; very bright, large, strongly concentrated with a very bright round core that elongates into a bar oriented WSW-ENE.  The initial portions of spiral arms are attached at both ends of the bar.  On the WSW end, a weak arm extends north, curving slightly counter-clockwise and on the east end, a subtle arm starts to curl south.  Both arms blend into a low surface brightness outer halo that extends ~3.5'x2.5'.

 

CGCG 099-097 was picked up 6.6' SE of the center of M91.  At 375x it was very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~18"x14", low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 3'x2', gradually increases to a bright core and a very small nucleus.  M88 is 50' WSW.

 

Charles Messier discovered M91 = NGC 4548 = H II-120 = h1345 on 18 Mar 1781.  For a long time M91 was a missing Messier object as there is nothing in his position.  In "The Missing Messier Objects" (Sky & Tel Oct 1960), Owen Gingerich concluded that M91 was likely a duplicate observation of M58 (same RA as Messier's position for M91 but differs by 2” in dec). Gingrich noted that M91 had been previously proposed to be a comet (suggested by Harlow Shapley and Helen Davis). But in 1969 Texas amateur William C. Williams of Fort Worth figured out that Messier had determined its position using offsets from M89, though he assumed it was from M58.  Making this correction, the position of M91 matches NGC 4548.

 

William Herschel independently found this galaxy on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded H II-120 as "L, resolvable, but moonlight [end of a long night]."  John Herschel made 3 observations, first logging this galaxy on 3 Apr 1826 (sweep 24) as "pB; R; bM; 60" [diameter]."

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NGC 4549 = MCG +10-18-072 = PGC 41954

12 35 21.2 +58 56 59; UMa

V = 15.2;  Size 0.45'x0.2'

 

18" (5/12/07): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter, required averted vision to glimpse, though transparency was very mediocre.  Located near the midpoint of a mag 14 star 2.3' N and a mag 11 star 2.7' S.  This galaxy is not identified as NGC 4549 in the RNGC or CGCG.  Located 4.3' ENE of the double system NGC 4547.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4549 = H III-807 = h1347 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "Two [with III-802 = NGC 4547], both eF, S, E different ways.  The place is that of the first [NGC 4547], the 2nd [NGC 4549] is about 4' following and 3' more north, and still fainter than the 1st."  His offset pretty clearly identifies NGC 4549 = MCG +10-18-072 = PGC 41954, and this galaxy is certainly one of the faintest he discovered!

 

RNGC and CGCG misidentify MCG +10-18-070 (fainter member of a double system wth NGC 4547) as NGC 4549.  The identifications of NGC 4547 and 4549 are covered in Harold Corwin's identification notes and by Malcolm Thomson in his correction lists.

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NGC 4550 = UGC 7757 = MCG +02-32-147 = CGCG 070-182 = Holm 422a = PGC 41943

12 35 30.6 +12 13 14; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 3.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, pretty edge-on N-S, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 2.9' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4551 3.2' NNE.  Located 20' S of M89.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4550 = H I-36 = h1343, along with NGC 4551, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two small but bright nebula; both lE."  John Herschel made 3 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3) and recorded on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 245), "pB; R; bM; 20"; the sp of 2; pos of the other from this by micrometer = 33.5”."

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NGC 4551 = UGC 7759 = MCG +02-32-148 = CGCG 070-183 = Holm 422b = PGC 41963

12 35 37.9 +12 15 50; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 ~E-W, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 2.1' NW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4550 3.2' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4551 = H I-37 = h1349 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two small but bright nebula; both lE."  JH made 2 observations and recorded (sweep 245) "pB; R; bM; 25"; the nf of 2; place by comparison with the preceding."

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NGC 4552 = M89 = UGC 7760 = MCG +02-32-149 = CGCG 070-184 = PGC 41968

12 35 39.9 +12 33 20; Vir

V = 9.8;  Size 5.1'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, irregularly round, fairly small but high surface brightness with an intense, very small bright core and substellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4550/NGC 4551 pair 20' S.

 

Charles Messier discovered M89 = NGC 4552 = h1348 on 18 Mar 1781.  William Herschel made an observation on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "B, pS."  John Herschel made four observations and recorded on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2) "F; R; gbM; 25"; has a * nf."  On 4 May 1829 (sweep 192) he called M89 "B; R; gbM; 40...50" [diameter]."

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NGC 4553 = ESO 322-030 = MCG -06-28-006 = LGG 298-032 = PGC 42018

12 36 07.5 -39 26 20; Cen

V = 12.2;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 176”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, oval NNW-SSE.  A mag 11.5/12.5 double star at 22" separation lies 3.6' NNE.  This possible member of the Centaurus galaxy cluster (AGC 3526) is located 10' SW of mag 6.8 SAO 203629.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4553 = h3400 on 22 Apr 1835 and recorded "F; R; or lE; glbM."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 4554

12 35 42 +11 11; Vir

 

= Not found, Dreyer and Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4554 in 1882 while observing NGC 4567/4568 (the "Siamese Twins").  He noted in the text portion of paper V "The double nebula is preceded by a very faint nebula, about -50 sec in RA and -2 1/2' in dec, according to my drawing." There is nothing at Tempel's offset and neither Bigourdan (visually) nor Royal Frost (photographically at the Harvard College Observatory) could locate Tempel's object.  Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 list of NGC Corrections and RNGC classify the number nonexistent and Harold Corwin was unsuccessful searching for a good candidate.

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NGC 4555 = IC 3545 = UGC 7762 = MCG +05-30-026 = CGCG 159-021 = PGC 41975

12 35 41.2 +26 31 23; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7', very small bright core.  With averted vision the major axis increases a little and the core seems irregular with a fleeting impression of a knot on the preceding side of the core.  Located 33' NNW of NGC 4565!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4555 = H II-343 = h1350 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "a nebula, not large."  Caroline's reduction is 7 seconds of time preceding and 1.5' S of UGC 7762. On 13 Apr 1831 (sweep 343), John Herschel logged, "B; irreg R; vsmbM to a * 12m.".

 

Max Wolf mistakenly catalogued NGC 4555 in his 4th discovery list (W. IV-211) and labeled a much fainter nearby galaxy as NGC 4555.  As a result IC 3545 is another identity for NGC 4555. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4556 = UGC 7765 = MCG +05-30-027 = CGCG 159-022 = PGC 41980

12 35 45.6 +26 54 32; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', bright core, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 14 star is just off the south side.  First in a group with NGC 4558, NGC 4563, IC 3556, IC 3559, IC 3561, IC 3585 and IC 3590.  The group is located ~55' N of NGC 4565.

 

IC 3556, located 4.4' northeast of NGC 4556, appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15". This galaxy is misidentified in CGCG, MCG, UGC, and PGC as either NGC 4563 or NGC 4558.

 

IC 3561, located 4.2' east-southeast of NGC 4556, appeared very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6'.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the south edge 0.7' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4558 5.2' NNE.  Several other faint galaxies are nearby but the sky conditions were deteriorating and I wasn't able to search for these.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4556 = H II-380 = h1351 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL."  His position (CH's reduction) is 14 sec of time too large. JH made two observations and measured a more accurate RA.  There are several identifications problems within this group.  See NGC 4558 for more.

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NGC 4557

12 35 49.8 +27 03 14; Com

 

= ***?, Corwin and Thomson.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4557 = Big 55 on 22 Apr 1886 and simply noted a "star accompanied by nebulosity."   His position in Comptes Rendus (5 Dec 1887) is 1.5' south of a faint triple star (mag 14.5/15/15.5) in a 30" line, and Harold Corwin confirms his offset from nearby NGC 4558 points to this triple.

 

RNGC appears to misidentify IC 3559 as NGC 4557, although the rectangular coordinates would then be in error.  MCG and PGC misidentify NGC 4558 as NGC 4557 and IC 3556 as NGC 4558.  Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin sorted out the correct identifications.

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NGC 4558 = MCG +05-30-028 = CGCG 159-023 = PGC 41996

12 35 52.6 +26 59 31; Com

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (5/12/07): faint, very small, round, 20"-24" diameter, slightly brighter core.  Symmetrically placed on the opposite side of a mag 13 located at the midpoint of NGC 4556 and NGC 4558.  Located 5.2' NNE of NGC 4556 in a small group.  IC 3556 lies 2' SE and appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15".  IC 3559 is 2.4' E, but with mag(B) = 16.6, it was only glimpsed knowing the exact location.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4558 = h1354 on 19 Apr 1827 and logged "vF; the nf of 2 (the p is II 380); a third suspected.  His offset is 10 sec of RA east and 3' north of NGC 4556 (measured the same sweep).  Unfortunately, his position falls very close to IC 3556, though d'Arrest measured two good positions so the NGC position is less than 1' off.

 

MCG and PGC misidentify this galaxy as NGC 4557 and misidentify IC 3556 as NGC 4558.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4559 = UGC 7766 = MCG +05-30-030 = CGCG 159-024 = Holm 423a = PGC 42002

12 35 57.7 +27 57 36; Com

V = 10.0;  Size 10.7'x4.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 150”

 

48" (4/7/13): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 9'x3', large bright core that gradually increased to the center.  The core appeared irregular, mottled and dusty.  The inner portion of the disc showed weak spiral structure.  At 488x, the outer halo was very patchy with several knots.  Superimposed on the southeast side are three mag 12/12.5/13 stars between 1.5'-2' from center and the galaxy faded out rapidly beyond these stars to the southeast.  Near the southeast end is IC 3563, a very compact HII region and IC 3564, a star association attached on the east side.  Both objects were easily visible but merged as a fairly faint 20" patch, 3' SE of center.

 

The outer halo faded out gradually and extended much further on the northwest side, up to 5' NW of center.  IC 3555 is faint, 20"x10" HII region, extended NW-SE, and situated 1.8' NNW of center in the halo.  IC 3552, a smaller HII region close NW, was not seen.  IC 3551 seen as a faint, 10" HII knot on the west edge, 0.9' WNW of center.  IC 3554 is a mag 15 star 2.1' SSW of center (at the edge of the visible disc) and IC 3550 = NGC 4559C was seen as a faint, 8" HII knot 0.8' WNW of the star.  All of the IC numbers were found by Max Wolf on a Heidelberg plate in 1903.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): bright, large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~7'x3'.  Exhibits a striking, unusual appearance with a broad, weak concentration to a large, elongated core.  The overall surface brightness is noticeably irregular with hints of brighter and darker spots.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness, particularly on the SE end which is wider than the NW side and shows no tapering.  A trio of mag 12-12.5 stars cradle the galaxy at this end and there appears to be mottling near the superimposed stars.  NGC 4559 is located exactly 2.0” N of NGC 4565.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4559 = H I-92 = h1352 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "eB, vL, beautiful.  Four stars are scattered over it.  pmE from np to sf.  The greatest brightness is not in the middle but more towards the following part, where 3 of the 4 stars are placed; the whole extent may be 10 or 12'.   JH made 3 observations and logged "vL; gbM, but not to a nucleus; mE; has 3 stars south following.  By a diagram, the southern end is broader than the norther, giving it a clubbed appeared."

 

IC 3550-52, IC 3555, and IC 3563 are HII regions and/or star clouds within NGC 4559 that were discovered photographically by Max Wolf on a Heidelberg plate.

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NGC 4560 = NGC 4526? = UGC 7718 = MCG +01-32-100 = CGCG 042-155 = PGC 41772

12 34 03.1 +07 41 59; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4526.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4560 = H I-119 = h1353 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and noted "vB, pS."  There is nothing near his position although his description implies a prominent nebula.   But 2 min of RA preceding his position is NGC 4526, which fits the description.  JH made the single observation "B, L, R, gbM", although the RA is marked +/-.

 

Bigourdan and Winnecke (visually), and later Arnold Schwassmann and Karl Reinmuth (photographically) were all unable to locate an object near WH's position.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 4561 = IC 3569 = UGC 7768 = MCG +03-32-076 = CGCG 099-098 = VV 571 = LGG 289-055 = PGC 42020

12 36 08.2 +19 19 20; Com

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration in halo, but suddenly contains a very small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4561 = H II-407 = h1355 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "pB, pL, lE."  His RA was 15 sec too large.  JH made a total of 4 observations and d'Arrest measured the position twice, so the NGC position is an excellent match with UGC 7768 = PGC 42020.

 

Royal Frost found the galaxy at Arequipa on a Bruce 24-inch plate (taken on the night of 9 May 1904) and reported as number 978 in Harvard Annals 60.  His position is 11 sec of RA too far east.  Dreyer apparently thought it was new, but NGC 4561 = IC 3569.  NGC 4336 = IC 3254 is another similar situation.

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NGC 4562 = NGC 4565A = UGC 7758 = MCG +04-30-004 = CGCG 129-008 = Holm 426b = PGC 41955

12 35 34.8 +25 51 00; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, low even surface brightness, visible with direct vision.  Elongated at a right angle to NGC 4565 13' NE.  Located just south of a string of five mag 10-12.5 stars of length 11' oriented N-S.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4562 in 1882 while observing NGC 4565.  In the text portion of paper V (AN 2439) he simply mentioned another nebula was found south preceding NGC 4565, though no offset was mentioned.  Dreyer gives a very rough position in the NGC.  The only galaxy in this location that Tempel might have picked up is UGC 7758 = PGC 41955.  The RNGC also calls this galaxy NGC 4565A.

 

Due to the poor NGC position, this galaxy was found on Crossley plates taken at Lick Observatory in 1898-1900 and catalogued as a new nebula (#508 of 744) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 4563 = (R)NGC 4557 = MCG +05-30-033 = PGC 42030

12 36 12.8 +26 56 28; Com

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 104”

 

18" (5/12/07): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, stellar nucleus.  A very faint star appears to be at the west edge.  Comparable in brightness to NGC 4558 located 5.4' NW.  Located in a small knot of galaxies with NGC 4556 6' WSW.

 

18" (4/5/03): faint, extremely small, round, 10"-15" diameter.  Appears to have a mag 14.5 star superimposed on the west edge or a fairly bright offset stellar nucleus.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4563 on 13 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His two micrometric positions match MCG +05-30-033 = PGC 42030, so there is no question on the identification.

 

RNGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 4557.  Furthermore, CGCG and RNGC misidentify IC 3556 (located 3.5' west-northwest of NGC 4563) as NGC 4563.  Finally, in the UGC notes for NGC 4556, IC 3556 is misidentified as NGC 4536.

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NGC 4564 = UGC 7773 = MCG +02-32-150 = CGCG 070-186 = PGC 42051

12 36 27.0 +11 26 21; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 3.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 47”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, sharp concentration; increases suddenly to a small bright core with a stellar nucleus, fainter extensions.  The NGC 4567/NGC 4568 pair lies 11'S at the edge of the 220x field.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): moderately bright, small, edge-on streak, fairly high surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4564 = H II-68 = h1356 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB".  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4565 = UGC 7772 = MCG +04-30-006 = CGCG 129-010 = FGC 1471 = Holm 426a = PGC 42038 = The Needle Galaxy = Berenice's Hairclip

12 36 20.8 +25 59 16; Com

V = 9.6;  Size 15.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 136”

 

48" (2/19/12): the view of the dust lane and structure along its edge was remarkable at 287x and 375x.  But we spent time exploring the distant galaxy cluster (2.2 billion light years) that resides just off the SE tip and detected 3 or 4 mag 17.7-18 (V) members!  Also two nights later, we revisited the cluster and I picked up SDSS J123631.45+255857.2, a mag 17.7V galaxy just 2' SE of the mag 13.5 star NE of the core of NGC 4565. 

 

17.5" (3/28/87): bright, very large, edge-on 12:1 NW-SE, dimensions approximately 16'x1.5'.  A beautiful dark lane is visible continuously with direct vision along most of major axis although more prominent in the center.  The galaxy is split asymmetrically by the dust lane with the southern half both larger and brighter.  Subtle scalloped structure is visible along the dust lane.  Contains a small bright core with a stellar nucleus at the south edge of the lane.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' NE of the center. A string of five mag 10-12.5 stars of length 11' oriented N-S is west of the galaxy and the southern end leads directly to NGC 4562, 13' SW of center.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): the absorption lane is prominent at 100x and portion of the galaxy beyond fairly easy.  A stellar nucleus is visible within the bright central bulge.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, very large thin streak, bright core.  The dust lane is clearly visible to the north of the bright nucleus.

 

13.1" (4/24/82): a faint dark lane splits the central bulge into two unequal parts.  The nucleus is brightest to the south of the lane.  The strip of the galaxy on the north side of the dust lane is fainter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4565 = H V-24 = h1357 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "a lucid ray with a vB spot in the middle.  The ray about 20' long and about 3 or 4' broad; extended from np to sf, making an angle of about 35” with the meridian.  The nebula makes a beautiful appearance."  John Herschel made 4 observations and noted the fainter strip on the northeast side of the dust lane.  On sweep 407 he recorded "vL; an immensely long ray; pos = 134.5” by micrometer.  Both Lord Adare and Mr Hamilton, who viewed it with me, agreed that a feeble parallel band extends below (north) of the nucleus."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 17 Apr 1855 , remarked "a beautiful object, very well seen in finding eyepiece.  The whole neb is much broader (taking into account the appendage) at Nucl than elsewhere, narrowing off suddenly and very symmetrically towards both ends, and the Nucl projects forward into the dark space; and immediately opposide this the faint appendage is broadest and brightest.  The ray is 12' or 14' long and there is a faint star at Alpha [on diagram]. (Mr. J. Stoney was with me)"

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NGC 4566 = UGC 7769 = MCG +09-21-024 = CGCG 270-012 = PGC 42007

12 36 00.1 +54 13 15; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 80”

 

18" (5/8/04): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'.  Increases to a very small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4566 = H III-880 = h1360 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and noted "eF, S."  His position is poor - 4.5' north and 15 sec of RA west of UGC 7769.  JH logged "pB; irreg R; gbM; 20"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4567 = VV 219b = UGC 7777 = MCG +02-32-151 = CGCG 070-189 = Holm 427b = PGC 42064 = The Siamese Twins

12 36 32.7 +11 15 29; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 3.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): northern member of a double system with NGC 4568.  Moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W.  Slightly smaller than NGC 4568 attached at the east end but NGC 4567 has a slightly higher surface brightness.

 

13" (4/16/83): fairly faint, elongated E-W.  NGC 4568 is attached at the NE end.

 

8" (4/16/83): faint, moderately large, appears as a double nebula at moderately large to high power.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4567 = H IV-8 = h1358 = h1363 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded a "double nebula [with NGC 4568], or two p. considerable nebula apparently running into one another.  The foregoing nebula [NGC 4564] may be taken into the field of view these two."  Caroline's reduced position is ~6' southeast of the Siamese Twins. 

 

Because of his father's poor position, John Herschel recorded the pair as a Nova (h1358 and 1359) at the correct position.  He also made an observation with a poor position (h1363) that he associated with IV-8 and IV-9.  The error was noted by d'Arrest in a 1863 paper.

 

The nickname "Siamese Twins" was coined by Leland S. Copeland and mentioned in his Feb. 1955 article "Adventuring in the Virgo Cloud".

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NGC 4568 = VV 219a = UGC 7776 = MCG +02-32-152 = CGCG 070-189 = Holm 427a = PGC 42069 = The Siamese Twins

12 36 34.2 +11 14 25; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 4.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): this is the southern member of a double system with NGC 4567.  The NE end of this galaxy is nearly attached to the east end of NGC 4567.  Moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, large brighter core.  Two mag 11/12 stars lie 3.5' E.

 

13": fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, two stars following.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4568 = H IV-9 = h1359 = 1363 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded a "double nebula [with NGC 4567], or two p. considerable nebula apparently running into one another.  The foregoing nebula [NGC 4564] may be taken into the field of view these two."  See NGC 4567 for more.

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NGC 4569 = M90 = Arp 76 = UGC 7786 = MCG +02-32-155 = CGCG 070-192 = PGC 42089

12 36 49.9 +13 09 44; Vir

V = 9.5;  Size 9.5'x4.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, sharply concentrated, suddenly increases to a bright stellar nucleus (possibly a superimposed star), fairly even surface brightness to halo.  IC 3583 lies 6' NNW.

 

Charles Messier discovered M90 = NGC 4569 on 18 Mar 1781.  WH observed M90 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and logged "pL, with a nucleus, perhaps cometic, but moonlight permits not to give a proper description."  JH did not make an observation.

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NGC 4570 = UGC 7785 = MCG +01-32-114 = CGCG 042-178 = PGC 42096

12 36 53.4 +07 14 47; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 3.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 3:1x1.0', very bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4570 = H I-32 = h1361 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "pB, not L, E, mbM."  His position matches UGC 7785.  On 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he called this galaxy "vB, E in the meridian, BN with faint branches."  JH made five observations and recorded on sweep 117, "vB; mE; vsmbM; 2' long; pretty bright arms and a resolvable centre."

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NGC 4571 = IC 3588 = UGC 7788 = MCG +02-32-156 = CGCG 070-194 = PGC 42100

12 36 56.4 +14 13 02; Com

V = 11.3;  Size 3.6'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 2.5' diameter, diffuse, weak concentration.  Located 2.8' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 100177.

 

48" (2/18/12): Malin 1, a giant low surface brightness galaxy, lies 6.8' NNE of the center of NGC 4571.  At 287x, it was immediately picked up as an extremely faint, non-stellar glow.  At 488x, it was visible ~75% of the time with averted vision as a very small, round, low surface brightness, ~10" diameter.  With direct vision, a faint stellar nucleus was occasionally visible.

 

Malin 1, discovered in 1986 on an image by David Malin, has the most extended low surface brightness outer halo of any known disk galaxy with a diameter of 650,000 light years.  More recently it was discovered that within 30,000 light-years of Malin 1's center lies a normal barred spiral galaxy.  The galaxy lies at a distance of 1.1 billion light years.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4571 = H III-602 = h1362 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vF, cL, vgbM.  South of a cB star."  His position matches UGC 7788. John Herschel called this galaxy "vF; pL; E; vgbM; attached like a nail to a star (place that of the star.)  He included a sketch in the Slough Catalogue. JH's observation of h1367 may also apply to this galaxy.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 12 Sep 1900 using a plate taken by Wolf with the 6" astrograph at the Kšnigstuhl Observatory in Heidelberg.  But he misidentified the nearby 14th mag star to the west (Sn. 292) as NGC 4571 and listed Sn. 293 (later IC 3588) as new.  His position for IC 3588 is an exact match with NGC 4571, although both Schwassmann and Dreyer missed the NGC designation, which has a good position.

 

Dreyer mentioned this galaxy as a possible candidate for M91, though this is very unlikely due to its faintness.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4572 = UGC 7775 = MCG +12-12-012 = CGCG 352-037 = PGC 41991

12 35 45.5 +74 14 34; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 170”

 

18" (5/8/04): faint, moderately large, appears as a very low surface brightness glow oriented NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.8', with just a weak concentration.  Located 7.5' NW of brighter NGC 4589.  This galaxy has an unusual "integral sign" shape on the DSS.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4572 = H III-939 = h1364 on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and noted "eF, S."  Caroline's reduction is 3' south of UGC 7775, the same offset for nearby NGC 4589, so the identification is certain.  John Herschel made the single observation, "eF, only to be seen with very long attention."  IC 802 (found by Bigourdan) matches in RA but is 3' further north and probably refers to a star. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4573 = ESO 268-026 = MCG -07-26-014 = PGC 42167

12 37 43.7 -43 37 16; Cen

V = 13.0;  Size 2.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 150”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.8'x0.6', increases in size with averted.  Using direct vision a stellar nucleus was seen.  A mag 10.5 star is 1' N, close off the north edge.  Located 16' SE of mag 7.6 HD 109638.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4573 = h3401 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "vF; S; almost exactly south of a * 10m, 30" dist."   His position and description matches ESO 268-026 = PGC 42167.

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NGC 4574 = ESO 380-049 = MCG -06-28-007 = LGG 297-001 = PGC 42166

12 37 43.6 -35 31 04; Cen

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 113”

 

18" (3/28/09): very faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.9', low surface brightness, weak concentration and the halo fades into the background.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4574 = h3402 on 20 Apr 1835 and recorded "vF; L; lE; vglbM; 60" l, 40" br."   His position is just off the northeast side of ESO 380-049 = PGC 42166.

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NGC 4575 = ESO 322-036 = MCG -07-26-015 = PGC 42181

12 37 51.2 -40 32 15; Cen

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 106”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, very elongated ~E-W.  A mag 12 star is at the west end 1.0' from center and a mag 11.5 star is 1.6' SW of center.  Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4575 = h3403 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; pmE; 25" l, 15" br; follows 2 stars."  His position and description matches ESO 322-036 = PGC 42181.

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NGC 4576 = UGC 7792 = MCG +01-32-116 = CGCG 042-182 = PGC 42152

12 37 33.6 +04 22 03; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.8' N of center.  Located 8' NW of mag 6.9 SAO 119502.  NGC 4586 lies 15' ESE.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 4576 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "F; np a star 7th mag."  A second observation on 20 Apr 1882 added "preceding GC 3125 [ NGC 4586] 55.5 sec and 3' north."  His position and description matches UGC 7792 = PGC 42152.

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NGC 4577 = NGC 4591?? = UGC 7821 = MCG +01-32-125 = CGCG 042-191

12 39 12.4 +06 00 44; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4591.  Identification uncertain.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4577 = H III-13 on 28 Jan 1784 (sweep 132) and recorded "a minute before [the transit of 24 Vir] I suspected a vS neb, but while I put on a higher power to examine it, I lost it and would not stop too long to look for it again."  A very rough position was noted.

 

Harold Corwin notes the star 24 Vir is actually a duplicate entry for 5 Boo, so WH made an error as his sweep is not near this star. "There are no galaxies in any of the places that come from WH's observations, from GC/NGC, or from attempting to correct WH's RAs using the idea that H II 26 = NGC 4453 (the only other nebula found that night) is actually NGC 4430. However, the approximate RA that we do have, along with the constraints on the declination, point to either NGC 4580 or NGC 4591 as probably being the object that WH saw. Since N4580 is H I 124, and N4591 is III 504, the sparce description of N4577 strongly suggests that it is N4591."

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NGC 4578 = UGC 7793 = MCG +02-32-159 = CGCG 070-195 = Holm 429a = PGC 42149

12 37 30.6 +09 33 19; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 3.3'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x1.0', small bright core with possibly a stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.5 star lies 4.1' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4578 = H II-15 = h1365 = h1366 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 86) and recorded "F, S.  It is not cometic though pretty round; of the first class." JH made two observations which differed by 5' in declination, so he was uncertain if they refered to the same object.  As a result, he included two GC designations which Dreyer combined in the NGC.

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NGC 4579 = M58 = UGC 7796 = MCG +02-32-160 = CGCG 070-197 = PGC 42168

12 37 43.5 +11 49 06; Vir

V = 9.7;  Size 5.9'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 7.6' E of mag 8.3 SAO 100179.

 

13": bright, increase to a small bright core, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse halo.

 

Charles Messier discovered M58 = NGC 4579 = h1368 (along with M59 and M60) on 15 Apr 1779.  On 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174), William Herschel logged, "pB, pL" on 15 Mar 1784.  On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) he wrote, "F, L.".  JH made four observations, first on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4) as "vB; irreg R; gbM; a B * precedes 1/2 field.".

 

William Parsons apparently discovered spiral structure in M58 before 1850 as it was included in the listed of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in the 1850 PT paper.  The 1861 and 1880 monographs, though, do not list an observation earlier than 1851.

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NGC 4580 = UGC 7794 = MCG +01-32-117 = CGCG 042-183 = PGC 42174

12 37 48.4 +05 22 08; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, moderately large, irregular shape though slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration with an uneven surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4580 = H I-124 = h1369 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "pB, cL, R."  CH's reduction is 1.4' northwest of UGC 7794.

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NGC 4581 = UGC 7801 = MCG +00-32-028 = CGCG 014-083 = PGC 42199

12 38 05.2 +01 28 39; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, even concentration to a small bright core.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 4581 on 20 Apr 1882 with the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "F, S, bM, stell N" (Publications of the Washburn Observatory, Vol II, p101).  His position is 1' north of UGC 7801.

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NGC 4582

12 38 10.1 +00 10 57; Vir

 

= *, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 4582 = HN 20 on 30 Apr 1859  with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted "in a faint nebulosity" and at his exact position is a single mag 13.4 star -- this mirrors his other 8 discoveries at HCO!  Karl Reinmuth and Harold Corwin also equate NGC 4582 with a star.

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NGC 4583 = MCG +06-28-017 = CGCG 188-011 = PGC 42198

12 38 04.4 +33 27 31; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5": faint, small, round, bright core.  Two mag 15 star are 1' NW and 1' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4583 = H III-495 = h1370 on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "eF, S, iF, r."  His position is within 1' of CGCG 188-011 = PGC 42198.  JH made two observations and called this galaxy "F; S; R; bM."

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NGC 4584 = UGC 7803 = MCG +02-32-162 = CGCG 070-199 = LGG 286-007 = PGC 42223

12 38 17.9 +13 06 35; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4584 on 21 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His measurements on 3 nights matches UGC 7803 and he noted a mag 15 star (called mag 18) that follows by 16 seconds of time.

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NGC 4585 = MCG +05-30-042 = CGCG 159-037 = PGC 42215

12 38 13.3 +28 56 13; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 114”

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 5.8' W of mag 10.3 SAO 82417.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4585 = Sf 21 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single micrometric position is an excellent match with CGCG 159-037 = PGC 42215 and he mentions the mag 10.3 star which follows by 27.3 sec in RA.  Truman Safford independently discovered the galaxy on 16 May 1866.

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NGC 4586 = UGC 7804 = MCG +01-32-122 = CGCG 042-187 = PGC 42241

12 38 28.4 +04 19 08; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 4.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE.  Contains a very bright core.  Located 10' E of mag 6.9 SAO 119502.  NGC 4576 lies 15' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4586 = H I-125 = h1371 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "pB, pL, E."  His position at the north edge of UGC 7804.  JH made two observations and logged "pB; pmE; psbM." on sweep 141.

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NGC 4587 = UGC 7805 = MCG +01-32-123 = CGCG 042-188 = PGC 42253

12 38 35.4 +02 39 26; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  Surrounded by seven mag 13-14.5 stars within a 3' radius.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 4587 on 17 Apr 1882 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory. His discovery position in AN 2520 matches UGC 7805.  This was the first of 8 NGC galaxies discovered by Palisa.

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NGC 4588 = UGC 7810 = MCG +01-32-124 = CGCG 042-189 = PGC 42277

12 38 45.4 +06 46 05; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 57”

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Observations made through thin clouds.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4588 = H III-98 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "eF, eS.  By a misunderstanding the time & number [PD] was not taken; however at 12h 24m the time was marked down, which was less than 1 min after the transit of the nebula; so that the time of the nebula must be about 12h 23m or 12h 23m 30s.  The number as far as I can recollect might perhaps be about 40, which gives 45'; but is more uncertain than the time. I saw the nebula very well."  Though very possibly a coincidence, WH's rough position is just 2.4' northeast of UGC 7810.  In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer states "It may = IC 3591 or IC 3617.  No object on Wolf's plate in the place of NGC 4588."

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NGC 4589 = UGC 7797 = MCG +12-12-013 = CGCG 352-038 = CGCG 335-017 = LGG 284-008 = PGC 42139

12 37 25.0 +74 11 31; Dra

V = 10.7;  Size 3.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75”

 

18" (5/8/04): bright, fairly large, elongated ~4:3 E-W, 2.5'x2.0'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright prominent core and a fainter halo.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge of the core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4572 7.5' NW and NGC 4648 lies 22' NE.  A wide mag 8/10.5 double at 24" lies 17' NE (in the field with NGC 4648).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4589 = H I-273 = h1374 on 22 Nov 1797 (sweep 1064) and logged "vB, R, mbM, 3 or 4' dia."  His position is 4.5' southeast of UGC 7797.  JH made 4 observations, recording on sweep 348 "B; R; pgmbM; 30"; a S * np; dist 1'."  His position on this sweep was very accurate.

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NGC 4590 = M68 = ESO 506-30

12 39 28.0 -26 44 35; Hya

V = 7.7;  Size 12.0';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

24" (5/22/17): at 375x; very bright, well resolved globular with quite a number of surprisingly bright stars [brightest stars Vtip = 12.6] spread over the central region and around the edges, giving a fairly loose appearance [class X].  The unresolved central background glow is large and bright.  Perhaps 60-75 stars are resolved in the central region, but excluding the outer portion of the halo, which also seems to contain a number of brighter stars out to at least 8'.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): 30-50 stars resolved including many fairly bright stars over unresolved background haze.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): about 20 stars resolved around edges of core and in halo.  The core is mottled but unresolved.

 

8" (3/24/84): few stars resolved across disk.

 

Charles Messier discovered M68 = NGC 4590 = h3404 on 9 Apr 1780.  WH described "a beautiful cluster of stars, extremely rich, and so compressed that most of the stars are blended together; it is near 3' broad and about 4' long, but chiefly round, and there are very few scattered stars about."  In his 1814 publication he noted "this oval cluster is also approaching to the globular form, and the central compression is carried to a high degree."  JH made the single observation "GC; irr R; gbM; diam in RA = 12...15 sec. All clearly resolved into stars 12 m; very loose and ragged at the borders."

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NGC 4591 = NGC 4577? = UGC 7821 = MCG +01-32-125 = CGCG 042-191 = PGC 42319

12 39 12.4 +06 00 44; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 37”

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.3', weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4591 = H III-504 = h1372 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, vS."  CH's reduction is less than 1' south of UGC 7821.  NGC 4577 = H III-13 is possibly an earlier observation.  See that number.

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NGC 4592 = UGC 7819 = MCG +00-32-032 = CGCG 014-091 = PGC 42336

12 39 18.3 -00 31 53; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 5.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, moderately large, 3.0'x1.2', weak concentration.  Located 1” NNW of beautiful double Porrima = Gamma Virginis (3.6/3.7 at 4").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4592 = H II-31 = h1373 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a nebula; extended from east to west and also towards the north; it is not cometic and seems to be resolvable."  JH made a single observation "eF; L; pmE; vglbM."  JH made an error precessing the coordinates for the GC, so the published position was 30' too far north.  As a result, when Edward Holden found it again on 23 Apr 1881 he reported it as new (#8) in  Publ. of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I.

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NGC 4593 = MCG -01-32-032 = Mrk 1330 = PGC 42375

12 39 39.4 -05 20 39; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 3.9'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated WSW-ENE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  First of four within a 32' field including NGC 4602 19' NE.  Contains a Sy 1 nucleus and also a Markarian object.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright and large, strong bright core, elongated WSW-ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4593 = H II-183 = h1375 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "pB, cL, E, mbM but the brightness confined to a small place."  JH made two observations and first logged (sweep 147) "vsbM, to a * 11-12m, with a faint chevelure."

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NGC 4594 = M104 = MCG -02-32-020 = UGCA 293 = PGC 42407 = Sombrero Galaxy

12 39 59.4 -11 37 23; Vir

V = 8.0;  Size 8.7'x3.5';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 89”

 

82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 400x; remarkable view of the Sombrero with a shockingly black dust lane (like an occulting bar) oriented precisely vertically through the entire eyepiece field.  Perhaps due to the curvature of the dust lane towards the tips and subtle structure in the galaxy's disc, the view had 3-dimensional depth, with the dust lane in front and the disc trailing into the background.

 

Sombrero UCD 1, an Ultra-Compact Dwarf discovered in 2009, was easily visible as a slightly soft mag 17.5 "star", 2.6' SSE of the center of M104.  It forms a 10" double with a somewhat brighter star.

 

48" (2/20/12, 4/5/13, 4/30/19): stunning view of the jet-black super high-contrast dust lane at 375x.  The fainter section of the galaxy south of the dust lane was quite prominent and nearly as extensive as the northern half and the central bulge region was noticeably thicker in proportion to the major axis than views in smaller scopes.  I also clearly noticed that although the dust lane was very flat in the central region (oriented precisely E-W), it bent slightly north and widened just a bit on both the east and west ends of the disc, giving it a slightly warped appearance.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very bright, very large, elongated 3:1 E-W, 7.5'x2.5'.  Very prominent dust lane along the entire length of the major axis and divides the core into two non-symmetric sections.  The prominent section of the core is just north of the dark lane.  Overall, the galaxy is brighter and much more extensive to the north of the lane.  The portion of the core and halo south of the dust lane is much fainter, smaller and unconcentrated.  A mag 10 star lies 4' WSW.

 

13.1" (4/24/82): very bright, large, very elongated, arms long and thin.  A prominent dark lane is visible along the length of the galaxy.  Only a faint glow is visible to the south of the dust lane.

 

15x50mm (6/19/08 and 4/6/13): easily visible in binoculars as a elongated glow with brighter center.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M104 = NGC 4594 = H I-43 = h1376 on 11 May 1781, after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication.  The discovered was mentioned in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch.  He wrote, "On May 11, 1781, I have discovered a nebula above Corvus; it did not appear to me to contain stars; it is faint & very difficult to see when the wires of the micrometer are illuminated; I have compared it on this day & the following to the Ear of Virgo [Spica], & I have derived its right ascension 187d 9' 42", its south. declin. 10d 24' 49". It is not included in the Connoissance des tems."  The note was published near the end of the 1786 Jarbuch volume.  Messier penciled in the position into his own copy of his catalogue, published in 1784.  French astronomer Camille Flammarion introduced the new designation M104 in 1921.

 

As M104 wasn't published in Messier's catalogue, William Herschel was unaware of it and rediscovered it on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210).  He wrote, "E, vBM, about 5 or 6' long, but daylight is too strong to see the whole extent of it.  The bright place in the middle is prety large, but breaks off abruptly." He made a second observation on 11 Mar 1788 (sweep 819): "mE, from about 20” sp. to nf., BN, 4 or 5' long."

 

John Herschel was the first to note the dust lane.  On 9 Mar 1828, he recorded "vB, vmE, in pos 2” np to sf; vsmbM to a nucleus; 5' l, 30" br, a bright star sp.  There is a faint diffused oval light all about it, and I am almost positive that there is a dark interval or stratum separating the nucleus and the general mass of the nebula from the light above (south) of it.  Surely no illusion."  In his sketch (Fig. 50) he adds the remarks "The strong suspicion of a parallel appendage to the latter of these, is almost converted into certainty by its undoubted existence in V. 24 [NGC 4565], in which it was seen by two other observers as well as by myself."  Later sketches were made by William Lassell in 1862 with his 48" and Wilhelm Tempel in 1882 with an 11" refractor.  The first photo was taken by Isaac Roberts in April 1897.

 

Leland Copeland called M104 the "Sombrero" in the June 1942 issue of S&T.  The back cover featured an image taken by the Mount Wilson 60-inch in 1916. The image is referred to as the "Sombrero nebula".  The classic photo of M104 was made with the Palomar 200-inch in 1950 and published in the Hubble Atlas of Galaxies.

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NGC 4595 = UGC 7826 = MCG +03-32-081 = CGCG 099-106 = LGG 292-124 = PGC 42396

12 39 51.9 +15 17 52; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration.  Followed by two mag 12.5 stars which lie 2.5' E and 3.1' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4595 = H II-632 = h1377 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and logged "F, pL, R, vgbM."  CH's reduced position is 2.5' northeast of UGC 7826. JH made four observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4596 = UGC 7828 = MCG +02-32-170 = CGCG 070-206 = PGC 42401

12 39 56.0 +10 10 34; Vir

V = 10.4;  Size 4.0'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (4/18/87): bright, elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core, possible substellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.1' SSE of center at the edge of the halo and two brighter mag 10/11 stars are 3' SE.  NGC 4608 lies 19' E.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated ~E-W.  Located about 30' W of mag 5 Rho Virginis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4596 = H I-24 = h1378 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB".  His RA was 40 seconds too large.  John Herschel made 5 observations, first on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4), "B, round, gmbM, 3 small stars follow."

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NGC 4597 = MCG -01-32-034 = PGC 42429

12 40 12.8 -05 47 59; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 4.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, elongated SSW-NNE, very large but diffuse, smooth surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4597 = H II-636 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and noted "F, vL, bM."  CH's reduced position is 3' southwest of MCG -01-32-034 = PGC 42429.

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NGC 4598 = UGC 7829 = MCG +02-32-171 = CGCG 070-207 = LGG 296-011 = PGC 42427

12 40 11.9 +08 23 02; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate concentration to center with a small, brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge (0.8' from center) and a mag 8.3 star lies 8.6' N near the edge of the 220x field.

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.9'x0.8'.  Located 8.6' S of mag 8.3 HD 110184.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4598 = H III-105 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "eF but vL."  CH's reduction is 18 sec of RA east of UGC 7829.

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NGC 4599 = UGC 7833 = MCG +00-32-034 = CGCG 014-099 = PGC 42453

12 40 27.1 +01 11 48; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 144”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4599 = H III-509 on 22 Feb 1786 (sweep 527) and noted "vF, vS."  CH's reduction is 1.5' northwest of UGC 7833 = PGC 42453.  JH did not make an observation.

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NGC 4600 = UGC 7832 = MCG +01-32-128 = CGCG 042-198 = PGC 42447

12 40 22.9 +03 07 04; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms the west vertex of a right triangle with mag 8.8 SAO 119527 3.5' E and mag 8.6 SAO 119525 2.9' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4600 = H II-577 = h1379 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and logged "F, S, between 2 B stars; making a triangle with them."  JH noted "F; S; R; precedes 2 stars 8-9 mag."  Both descriptions and positions match UGC 7832.

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NGC 4601 = ESO 322-050 = MCG -07-26-026 = LGG 298-057 = PGC 42492

12 40 46.7 -40 53 36; Cen

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 16”

 

25" (4/2/19 - OzSky): at 244x; at least fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated nearly 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.3', brighter core.  Located 5' NNW of NGC 4603. ESO 322-053, situated 4' E, appeared faint, very small, round (core only), 12" diameter, stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; nearly moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', brighter along the major axis.  Situated 5' NNW of NGC 4603 in the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526).

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this Centaurus cluster member (AGC 3526) appeared moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5', broad concentration.  Located 5.3' NNW of NGC 4603.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4601 = h3405, along with NGC 4603 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; L; R; pslbM.  The first of 2."  His position is 12 sec east and 1.6' south of ESO 322-050 = PGC 42492.  This is the same offset in RA as nearby NGC 4603, discovered together.

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NGC 4602 = MCG -01-32-036 = PGC 42476

12 40 36.7 -05 07 55; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 3.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, oval WNW-ESE, fairly large, bright core.  A mag 14 star is just off the east end 1.3' from center.  Second of four in a group with MCG -01-32-037 11' S and NGC 4593 19' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4602 = H II-184 = h1380 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "not F, L, lE, not mbM, r."  His position is poor -  18 sec of RA too large.  JH made the single observation "F; L; E; vglbM; 50"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4603 = ESO 322-052 = MCG -07-26-028 = LGG 301-001 = PGC 42510

12 40 55.4 -40 58 34; Cen

V = 11.6;  Size 3.4'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 27”

 

25" (4/2/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core, ~2.5' major axis.  Two obvious stars are superimposed; a mag 14.5 star 0.8' SW of center in the halo and a mag 14 star 0.4' NW of center at the edge of the core.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, oval 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x1.5', broad concentration but no distinct core or nucleus.  Two stars are superimposed; close NW of center and near the SW end.  A number of Centaurus cluster members are nearby including NGC 4601 5' NNW, ESO 322-053 5.6' NNE, NGC 4603B 7.5' SW.

 

ESO 322-053: faint, very small, round (core only), 12" diameter, stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.

NGC 4603B: very faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SSW-SSE, 40"x10", low surface brightness streak with no core.

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 3'x1.5', broad concentration though the brightest portion seems offset towards the a star embedded just west of of the core.  A second superimposed star is near the southwest end.  NGC 4601 lies 5.3' NNW and NGC 4603B is 7.8' SW.  This subgroup of AGC 3526 (Centaurus Cluster) is catalogued as Klemola 19.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, moderately large, round, very low surface brightness.  Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4603 = h3406 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; L R; vgbM; r(?).  The following of 2 [with NGC 4601].".  His RA is 11 sec east of ESO 322-052 = PGC 42510, a similar error as NGC 4601.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 8 Apr 1885 with the Melbourne telesocpe and recorded "very faint, pretty large, irregular, glbM, mottled, roundish.  A *15 mag attached to n.p. side or involved with the nebula - yes, just within it.  Another star 15 mag s.p. very close to the edge of thenebula.  Contour uncertain - seems to spread out but can't be traced by the eye."

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NGC 4604 = MCG -01-32-037 = PGC 42489

12 40 44.9 -05 18 09; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (1/31/87): faint, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE.  Third of four in the field and located 11' SSE of NGC 4602.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 4604 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  The discovery was not published in either of his two Copernicus lists in 1881 and 1882, so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer, though there is no description in the NGC.  The NGC position is 2' southeast of the center of NGC 4602.

 

The 1921 Helwan Observatory publication reported that NGC 4604 was not found on an 80 min exposure taken between 1914-16 with the 30" reflector.  Dorothy Carlson mentioned this in her NGC errata list and RNGC classified the number as nonexistent.  RC3 and SEGC identify MCG -01-32-037 = PGC 42489 as NGC 4604.  This galaxy is nearly 10' south of the NGC position.  This identification is possible assuming Peters made a single digit error in declination but considering the close match in position it is more likely that NGC 4604 is a duplicate observation of NGC 4602.  Harold Corwin leaves the identification NGC 4604 = PGC 42489 stand, but Courtney Seligman strongly argues that NGC 4604 = NGC 4602.

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NGC 4605 = UGC 7831 = MCG +10-18-074 = CGCG 293-031 = PGC 42408

12 39 59.4 +61 36 33; UMa

V = 10.3;  Size 5.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 125”

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright, large, nearly edge-on 3:1 NW-SE.  The relatively large, bulging core is mottled.  The southeast extension is brighter, mottled (HII regions) and tapers towards the tip. The very tip of this extension appears to hook slightly towards the east. The fainter northwest extension is much more diffuse, is broader and fades at the ends.  The major axis of the two extensions are slightly skewed with respect to each other as if they were bent at the center or possibly the brighter southeast extension is warped or distorted.

 

18" (5/8/04): very bright, large, quite elongated 5:2 ~NW-SE.  Contains a relatively large, high surface brightness elongated core.  This galaxy's structure is very unusual with careful viewing.  The southeast extension is clearly brighter and more tapered than the northwest end.  The surface brightness of the southeast extension is noticeably uneven with a mottled or splotchy appearance possibly from HII regions and an irregular distribution of dust.  Near the center there is a slight bend or kink to the major axis, with the fainter northwest extension slightly misaligned.  Also the northwest extension appears to fan out somewhat at the northwest edge and fade into the background.

 

8": bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4605 = H I-254 = h1381 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "eB, E, about 5' long in the parallel, all over equally bright, except just on the edges."  JH made a single observation (sweep 344): "B; L; vmE; in pos 118.6”; glbM; 4' l and 1' br."

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NGC 4606 = UGC 7839 = MCG +02-32-174 = CGCG 070-213 = Holm 436a = PGC 42516

12 40 57.5 +11 54 41; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 33”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, very elongated SW-NE.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed on the SSW end 0.5' from center and a mag 14 star is at the SSW edge 1.1' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4607 3.8' ESE.

 

13" (4/16/83): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE.  Two stars are at the south edge.  Located 20' NW of M59.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4606 = H III-43 = h1382 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "a nebula".  His position was 2.5' too far southwest.  John Herschel made 3 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3) and recorded on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 245), "vF; a curious object; 2 or 3 vF stars form a line with an oblique ray of neb."  Nearby NGC 4607 was missed by both Herschels.

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NGC 4607 = UGC 7843 = MCG +02-32-176 = CGCG 070-216 = Holm 436b = PGC 42544

12 41 12.4 +11 53 08; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 2.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): extremely faint, edge-on streak N-S, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.8' ESE of much brighter NGC 4606.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): extremely faint, edge-on N-S, low surface brightness, requires averted.  Close following NGC 4606.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): extremely faint, near visual threshold, very elongated N-S, low surface brightness.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4607 on 24 Apr 1854 while observing NGC 4606 with LdR's 72".  He noted "about 3' or 4' following there is also a F lenticular R, E np sf."  The NGC RA is 0.2 min east of UGC 7843.  Mitchell's note was not included in the 1861 monograph (only the 1880 publication) so NGC 4607 was not included in the GC and Dreyer missed it while compiling the GC Supplement.

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NGC 4608 = UGC 7842 = MCG +02-32-177 = CGCG 070-214 = PGC 42545

12 41 13.6 +10 09 23; Vir

V = 11.0;  Size 3.2'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/18/87): bright, fairly small, oval SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.6' WNW of center.  Forms a wide pair at low power with NGC 4596 19' W.  Located 11' SW of Rho Virginis (V = 4.9).

 

13.1" (4/16/83): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4608 = H II-69 = h1383 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded "A nebula.  It may be taken into the field with 30 (Rho) Virginis and precedes that star, but is 8' more south."  The actual difference in Dec is less than 5', but the identification is certain.  JH called it "pB; R; psbM; has a *12 1' np, and a *5.6 in field nf."

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NGC 4609 = ESO 095-014 = Cr 263

12 42 20 -62 59 36; Cru

V = 6.9;  Size 5'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, 30 stars mag 9.5-13 are resolved in a 4'-5' region.  Most of the stars are arranged in a curving lane ~NNW-SSE with fainter stars trailing off to the NNW and a few stars scattered to the east. The main string is oriented roughly N-S and bends towards the east on the north side.  The cluster includes some doubles and triples with a nice mag 10.5 star pair at 15" and a distinctive triple on the south end of the lane.  Situtated just 7' NW of mag 5.3 BZ Crucis = HD 110432.  This star is located within the Coal Sack, 1.8 degrees east of Acrux, and is the only easy naked-eye star with the Coal Sack!  The cluster resides behind the Coal Sack and is dimmed accordingly.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): faint, small glow attached to a bright star (BZ Crucis).

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4609 = D 272 = h3407 on 12 May 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 homemade speculum reflector from Parramatta, New South Wales and recorded "a group of five stars of the 8th or 9th magnitude, with a great number of extremely small stars resembling faint nebulae.  3' or 4' diameter."  His position is about 9' too far west.  JH called it a "Cluster class VII. Stars 11..13th mag; about 6' long and 4' broad; has 10 stars 11th mag, and some 20 or 30 smaller. It occurs in the midst of the black space following Alpha Crucis, which is by no means void of stars."

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NGC 4610 = NGC 4470 = UGC 7627 = MCG +01-32-082 = CGCG 042-132 = PGC 41189

12 29 37.9 +07 49 25; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4470.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4610 = H II-19 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 105) and recorded "South of and at rectangles to the great Nebula [M61] and the small star near it, is a nebula incomparably more faint.  My field [15' dia] takes them both in together."  Dreyer notes in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that "there is no nebula in the place of GC 3147 [NGC 4610]" (Ann Harvard Coll Obs, xiii p 81 and Max Wolf, List II) and that M49 is most probably H I-7 (assumed by WH to be M61).  Dreyer further comments that M49 has a smaller nebula [H II-498 = NGC 4470] 9 sec of RA west, 10.5' south and the sketch perfectly agrees with M49, the star following it and NGC 4470 (found by WH on 28 Dec 1785).  So, NGC 4610 = NGC 4470.

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NGC 4611 = IC 805 = UGC 7849 = MCG +02-32-179 = CGCG 070-218 = PGC 42564

12 41 25.4 +13 43 46; Com

V = 14.3;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 126”

 

18" (5/28/06): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2.5:1 or 3:1 NW-SE, nearly 0.6'x0.2', low surface brightness, no concentration.  Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with two mag 12 stars 2.7' NNW and 3.3' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 4611 = St XII-49 on 17 May 1881 and recorded "eeF; S; lE SE to NW; between 2 vF stars."  His position and description matches UGC 7849.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 20 Apr 1889 and reported it as new in his 8th list, #65 (later IC 805) as "vF; pL; R; 2 pB stars n and nf." His position is about 8 sec of RA west of UGC 7849, but close enough that I'm surprised Swift or Dreyer didn't notice the equivalence.  Dorothy Carlson and Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 equate NGC 4611= IC 805 although UGC, MCG, CGCG, PGC and HyperLeda only use the NGC 4611 designation.

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NGC 4612 = UGC 7850 = MCG +01-32-134 = CGCG 042-205 = PGC 42574

12 41 32.7 +07 18 53; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a very bright compact core.  Located at the SW end of a string of five bright stars mag 9-10.5 including a mag 10.5 star just 1.0' E.  The NE end is this string is a double star 10.5/12 at 20".  NGC 4623 lies 25' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4612 = H II-148 = H II-20 = h1384 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 105) and simply noted II-20 as "vF".  The four nebulae found on this short, early sweep were not placed well, and there is nothing at his position (CH's reduction).  But 1 min 45 sec of RA west is NGC 4612 = UGC 7850.  On 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) he found this galaxy again and noted II-148 as "not F, R, bM and growing fainter by slow degrees."  His offset from 31 Vir points to NGC 4612 = UGC 7850.  On 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he recorded "preceding the most south of a row of stars.  cB, pL, mbM."  On this sweep he it was called II-20, and the internal designation (320) is crossed out in CH's fair copy.  Nevertheless JH decided II-20 and II-148 were possibly different objects because of the discrepancy in positions and assigned two GC designations, though Dreyer combined both in the NGC.  He commented in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that a sketch of II-20 "agrees perfectly with the the description of II-148 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) "preceding a row of considerable stars and near the south of them, making a triangle."

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NGC 4613 = KTG 45A = Holm 439c = MCG +04-30-011 = CGCG 129-016 = Mrk 780 = WBL 419-002 = PGC 42570

12 41 28.9 +26 05 19; Com

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (6/1/13): faintest in a trio (KTG 45).  At 282x appeared faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  NGC 4615 lies 2.1' SE and NGC 4614 is 2.8' SSE.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.5' NNW of NGC 4614.  Faintest of a trio.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4613, along with NGC 4614 and NGC 4615, on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is exactly 1' south of PGC 42570.

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NGC 4614 = KTG 45B = Holm 439b = UGC 7851 = MCG +04-30-012 = CGCG 129-015 = WAS 60 = WBL 419-001 = PGC 42573

12 41 31.5 +26 02 34; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 175”

 

24" (6/1/13): brightest in a triplet (KTG 45) with NGC 4615 2.2' NE and NGC 4613 2.8' NNW.  At 282x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a very bright core, overall fairly high surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.8' W.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.9' WNW.  Second brightest in a group with NGC 4615 2.5' NE and NGC 4613 2.5' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4614 = Sf 11, along with NGC 4613 and NGC 4615, on 9 May 1864.  His position (measured on two nights) matches UGC 7851 = PGC 42573.  He also measured the mag 11 star as 8 sec of time west and 23" north.  Truman Safford independently discovered NGC 4614, as well as NGC 4615, on 11 May 1866.

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NGC 4615 = Arp 34 = KTG 45C = Holm 439a = UGC 7852 = MCG +04-30-013 = CGCG 129-018 = WBL 419-003 = PGC 42584

12 41 37.3 +26 04 22; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 125”

 

24" (6/1/13): largest in a small triplet with NGC 4613 2.1' NW and NGC 4614 2.2' SW.  Fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration.  This is a nice little trio forming a small isosceles triangle with NGC 4615 at the eastern vertex.  NGC 4615 is in Arp's category of "Integral Sign" galaxies.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Third and largest of three with NGC 4614 2.5' SW and NGC 4613 2' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4615 = Sf 12, along with NGC 4613 and NGC 4614, on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two nights) matches UGC 7852.  Truman Safford independently discovered NGC 4615, as well as NGC 4614, on 11 May 1866.

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NGC 4616 = ESO 322-056 = MCG -07-26-030 = LGG 305-003 = PGC 42662

12 42 16.4 -40 38 31; Cen

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this member of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526) appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, broad and weak concentration, perhaps an extremely faint halo.  Located just 42" SW of a mag 12 star and 7' NW of NGC 4622.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4616 = h3408 on 5 Jun 1834, along with NGC 4622, and recorded "eF; vS; R; sp a star at the edge.  His position is 1.7' south of ESO 322-056 = PGC 42662.  Brightest in a group surrounding the Centaurus cluster (in the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster).

 

Using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 6 Apr 1885, Pietro Baracchi described NGC 4616 as "pB; pS; R; gpmbM; diam about 30"."

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NGC 4617 = UGC 7847 = MCG +09-21-028 = CGCG 270-013 = PGC 42530

12 41 05.8 +50 23 36; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 3.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 179”

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is close south.  Located 2.7' SW of mag 9.3 SAO 28477.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4617 = H II-744 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, S."  CH's reduction is 6 sec of RA east and 3.5' north of UGC 7847 (only nearby galaxy).

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NGC 4618 = Arp 23 = VV 73 = Holm 438a = UGC 7853 = MCG +07-26-037 = CGCG 216-017 = IC 3667 = PGC 42575

12 41 32.5 +41 09 02; CVn

V = 10.8;  Size 4.2'x3.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 25”

 

48" (4/7/13 and 4/19/17): fascinating one-armed asymmetric spiral (Arp 23).  At 488x the core region is offset to the north side and appeared extremely bright, irregular, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.6'x1.0'.  A prominent, thick, knotty arm is attached on the northeast end and sweeps counterclockwise to the south and then west.  It includes a small, round knot (listed in NED as infrared source SSTSL2 J124136.60+410900.6), 0.8' due east of center.  IC 3669 is a brighter arc or section of the arm, about 1' southeast of the core.  IC 3668 appears as a bright, elongated HII region(s) at the south end of the arm (1.7' south of center), ~20"x10".  The arm continues to rotate towards the north on the west side of the galaxy, but this feature has a very low surface brightness and ends roughly west of the core.  Only a faint, diffuse glow with no structure was seen to north of the core.  The total size of the galaxy extended 3.5'x2.5'.  NGC 4618 forms a pair with NGC 4625 8.3' NNE.  Interestingly, both galaxies have single prominent arms, though the arm in NGC 4625 was more subtle visually.   Member of the CVn II Group, with brightest member M106.

 

18" (5/15/10): This is a very unusual, asymmetric Arp galaxy with a single massive arm (similar to NGC 4027).  At 220x it appeared bright, fairly large, obviously irregular, with a slightly elongated main body ~2'x1.5', extended 4:3 SW-NE.  Within the main portion of the galaxy a brighter, elongated bar was visible, roughly 1.5'x0.5'.  The central bar, though, is displaced to the NW side of entire glow as extending mostly to the south side is a faint, beefy arm that often appears detached and barely connected on the east end of the central region.  This broad arm winds counterclockwise from east to south roughly 100” with IC 3668, the brightest region or knot near the south end of the arm, ~1.8' from the center of the bar.  This single arm increases the overall size to ~3'x2'.  IC 3369 refers to the brighter SE portion of the spiral arm.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, fairly large, faint elongated halo with large brighter core which appears displaced towards the north.  This is an unusual one-armed spiral galaxy with a more extensive halo on the south side.  Forms a pair with NGC 4625 8.3' NNE.  IC 3668 is a knot in the southern arm.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4618 = H I-178 = H I-179 = h1385 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "Two. The most north considerably or vB.  The most south pB.  Their nebulosities run into each other; the most north vmbM."  The southern object may be IC 3668, the HII complex on the south end of the galaxy.  JH also called this galaxy double.  On 12 Apr 1830 he logged, "Double; a B, L nebula, gbM, with a F one attached, 70” sf, so as to run together into one; moonlight."

 

Two bright knots in the southern portion were noted on several observations with LdR's 72".  R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 27 Mar 1856 (in LdR's 1861 monograph) and clearly revealed the entire southern spiral arm.

 

Max Wolf found this galaxy in 1903 on a Heidelberg plate and catalogued it was new in his list VI-1 (later IC 3667), although his position is identical to the NGC.  IC 3668 and IC 3669 refer to bright knots or parts of the southern arm (probably observed at Birr Castle).

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NGC 4619 = UGC 7856 = MCG +06-28-018 = CGCG 188-014 = PGC 42594

12 41 44.4 +35 03 46; CVn

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, round, broadly concentrated halo, fainter halo.  Located 1.9' WNW of mag 8.6 SAO 63141.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4619 = H II-411 = h1388 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pF, S, R, just preceding a cB star."  JH made three observations and described this galaxy as "eF", "F" and "pB".

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NGC 4620 = UGC 7859 = MCG +02-32-182 = CGCG 070-223 = LGG 292-023 = PGC 42619

12 41 59.3 +12 56 34; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration to the center with a small slightly brighter core.  Forms the NW vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 11 stars 4.7' ENE and 5.3' SSW.

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4620 = h1387 on 29 Mar 1830 and logged "vF; S; R; vgbM; 15"."  His position matches UGC 7859 = PGC 42619.

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NGC 4621 = M59 = UGC 7858 = MCG +02-32-183 = CGCG 070-223 = PGC 42628

12 42 02.4 +11 38 48; Vir

V = 9.6;  Size 5.4'x3.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 165”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 697x; extremely bright, very large, oval nearly 3:2 NNW-SSE.  Contains a very bright elongated core and an intensely luminous nucleus.

 

UCD 3, the brightest ultra-compact dwarf in M59 (considered the remnant nucleus of a recently accreted galaxy) was easily visible continuously as a mag 16.4 "star 2.2' E of the center of M59.  It forms a pair with a slightly fainter mag 16.5-17 star 20" NW.  This object was announced in 2015 as the densest known galaxy!

 

UCD 1, located just 1.4' SW of the center of M59, appeared as a very faint, possibly "soft" star, just visible continuously with averted vision.  It forms a wide pair with a slightly brighter mag 16.5 star 0.5' NW.

 

IC 809 = IC 3672, 6.6' NNE of M59, appeared moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 5:4 NW-SE, contains a large brighter core but no nucleus, and a low surface brightness outer halo ~50"x40".  A mag 10.9 star is 1.2' SSW.

 

24" (5/22/17): at 200x and 375x; extremely bright, very large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 NNW-SSE.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright roundish core and an intensely bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  The core/nucleus is within a brighter central region, but then the surface brightness drops sharply with a very low surface brightness outer halo that extends 3.5'x2.5' NNW-SSE.  A mag 12 star is at the north edge of the halo.  IC 809 = IC 3672 lies 6.5' NNE, just north of an 11th magnitude star.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, 3'x2', small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the SW edge and a brighter mag 13 star is off the north end 1.9' from center.  The NGC 4606/NGC 4607 pair lies 20' NW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): bright, slightly elongated N-S, bright core. M60 lies 25' E and NGC 4606/4607 is 20' NW.

 

Johann Koehler discovered M59 = NGC 4621 = h1386, along with M60, on 11 Apr 1779.  It was independently found by Charles Messier 4 nights later.  On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199), William Herschel recorded "pB, R, not S, mbM."  John Herschel made 3 observations and logged on 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338), "vB; S; lE; vsvmbM; 2' l, 1 1/2' br."

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NGC 4622 = ESO 322-057 = MCG -07-26-031 = LGG 305-004 = PGC 42701

12 42 37.6 -40 44 39; Cen

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526) appeared bright, fairly large, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, halo extends to 1.5'.  NGC 4616 lies 7' NW and NGC 4603D is a similar distance SW (both viewed).

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, round, low fairly even surface brightness.  Located within the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526) with NGC 4622A/B 14' ENE.  Forms a trio with NGC 4616 7.3' NNW and NGC 4603D 7.3' SW (not seen on this observation).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4622 = h3409, along with NGC 4616, on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; pslbM; 15".  The following of 2."  His position matches ESO 322-057 = PGC 42701.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 19 Mar 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and discovered 6 other members of the cluster.  He described NGC 4622 as "pF, S, R, gpmbM, diameter 50", indefinite edge." and labeled it as (1) in his logbook descriptions and sketch.

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NGC 4623 = UGC 7862 = MCG +01-32-135 = CGCG 042-207 = PGC 42647

12 42 10.6 +07 40 36; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 176”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 N-S, small bright core.  NGC 4612 lies 25' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4623 = H II-149 = h1389 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "vF, irregular nebula."  His position is 4.5' too far south.  JH called this galaxy "pB; E; psbM" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4624 = NGC 4665 = NGC 4664 = UGC 7924 = MCG +01-33-005 = CGCG 043-018 = PGC 42734

12 45 06.1 +03 03 21; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4665.  Uncertain identification.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4624 = h1390 on 9 Apr 1828 and noted"B, E. RA ill observed." and placed at 12 42 15.7 +03 03 32 (2000).  There is nothing near his position, though his description states this is a bright nebula.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey, notes "not found; NGC 4624 = NGC 4636?"  NGC 4636 is 24' southeast of JH's position , but certainly fits the description and was not seen on the same sweep that NGC 4624 was observed.  Harold Corwin notes "During the same sweep, he [JH] made a one-degree error in the polar distance for NGC 4636, an error that he himself suggested, and that Dreyer finally rectified for the NGC. Thus, NGC 4624 cannot be NGC 4636 as suggested by Reinmuth and adopted by RNGC."  NGC 4600 is 2.0 min of RA west of JH's position, though probably would not be described as "bright" (WH called it "faint").

 

Harold Corwin concludes "[NGC 4624] is most likely NGC 4665 [nearly 3 min of RA east of JH's position] which JH described as "B, pL" in two other sweeps.  This, and the appearance of the bright bar of the galaxy, matches his terse description for NGC 4624, "B, E."  In addition, his declination is correct for all three observations. There is a faint possibility that NGC 4624 is NGC 4600, but JH's two observations of that make it "F, S" in contrast to his note on NGC 4624.  In addition, the declination of NGC 4600 is off JH's measured dec for NGC 4624."

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NGC 4625 = IC 3675 = Holm 438b = UGC 7861 = MCG +07-26-038 = CGCG 216-018 = PGC 42607

12 41 52.7 +41 16 26; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

48" (4/7/13): at 488x, this companion to NGC 4618 appeared bright, fairly large,~1.3' diameter, bright core that is offset to the north side.  With careful viewing a low contrast spiral arm is visible along the south side of the halo with a darker gap between the arm and the south side of the core.  Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4618 8.3' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4625 = H II-660 = h1392 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM."  R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 10 Apr 1855, recorded "...the brightest part [core] seems excentric, being nearer the nf edge.  From this I suspect a branch [spiral arm] round n to sp." A sketch (figure 25 in the 1861 publication) clearly shows the spiral arm as a ring with the core embedded on the northeast side. 

 

Max Wolf found this galaxy in 1903 on a Heidelberg plate and assumed it was new.  Although the NGC position is accurate, Dreyer recatalogued NGC 4618 as IC 3675.

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NGC 4626 = MCG -01-32-040 = Holm 441b = PGC 42680

12 42 25.3 -07 02 39; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.4;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' SSE.  Forms a similar pair (size, elongation and position angle) with NGC 4628 5' N but has an almost even and lower surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4626 = H II-772 = h1393 = h3410, along with NGC 4628, on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and noted "F, S, E." JH made a single observation from the Cape of the Good Hope and logged "vF; lE; glbM."

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NGC 4627 = Arp 281 NED1 = UGC 7860 = MCG +06-28-019 = CGCG 188-015 = Holm 442b = PGC 42620 = The Pup

12 41 59.7 +32 34 26; CVn

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 10”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  Located 2.6' NW of the center of the remarkable galaxy NGC 4631 and is completely overshadowed by its beauty.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4627 = H II-659 = h1391 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and logged "F, S, R, just np the large following one [NGC 4631]."  JH's position is accurate.

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NGC 4628 = MCG -01-32-041 = Mrk 1333 = Holm 441a = PGC 42681

12 42 25.3 -06 58 17; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 46”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.4', even concentration down to a small bright core.  Two mag 11 stars are just 1.5' N and 1.5' NE and two mag 10 stars are in the field 7' E and 7' ESE.  This galaxy is the slightly brighter of a pair of very similar very elongated systems with NGC 4626 4.4' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4628 = H II-773 = h1394 = h3411, along with NGC 4626, on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and noted "F, S, E."  JH made a single observation from the Cape of the Good Hope and logged "vF; R or lE; glbM."

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NGC 4629 = UGC 7869 = MCG +00-32-037 = CGCG 014-109 = PGC 42692

12 42 32.7 -01 21 04; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): faint, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, weak concentration, diffuse halo.  Forms a pair with UGC 7883 10' NE.  Gamma Virgo = Porrima is just out of the field 15' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4629 on 19 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There is nothing at his position (measured only this night).

 

Reinmuth describes NGC 4629 as a pair of mag 14 stars at 0.7' distance.  These two stars are 4' due south of d'Arrst's position, and a plausible candidate, though I would think would be too easily resolved.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and NGC 4629 is not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Sky Atlas.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 4629 = UGC 7869 = PGC 42692, located 27' due north of d'Arrest's position.  UGC, MCG and CGCG do not identify this galaxy as NGC 4629, although NED, HyperLeda and the NGC/IC Project use this identification.

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NGC 4630 = UGC 7871 = MCG +01-32-136 = CGCG 042-208 = CGCG 043-001 = PGC 42688

12 42 31.2 +03 57 30; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, brighter core, oval ~N-S.  CGCG 043-003 lies 18' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4630 = H II-532 = h1395 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, S, lbM."  His position is at the northwest edge of UGC 7871.  JH made the single observation "vF; vS; R."

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NGC 4631 = Arp 281 NED2 = UGC 7865 = MCG +06-28-020 = CGCG 188-016 = Holm 442a = PGC 42637 = The Whale Galaxy

12 42 06.5 +32 32 24; CVn

V = 9.2;  Size 15.5'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 86”

 

48" (4/16/15): Although I've viewed NGC 4631 a few times previously in the 48-inch, it was difficult to take notes as the amount of structure was overwhelming.  At 375x (13mm Ethos, 16' field), the galaxy stretched across nearly the entire field and consisted of numerous bright luminous patches and irregular dark patches. The overall shape is asymmetric; gradually tapering down to nearly a point on the west end, bulging in the center and broader along the eastern side, only narrowing significantly near the very tip.

 

A mag 13.5-14 star is just north of the western tip.  A relatively bright knot (NGC 4631:[HK83]#91-94, from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies") lies 0.6' SE of this star and 5.8' W of center.  Several obvious bright knots and splotchy regions line the western side of galaxy: #83 is 4.6' W of center, #79 is 3.9' W of center, #72/74 (a fainter spot) is 3.2' W of center, #63/64 (a prominent region) is 2.2' W of center.

 

A mag 12.5 star is at the north edge near the geometric center.  There is no obvious core to the galaxy, though several bright patches are near the center.  #47 is a luminous patch 1' S of the mag 12.5 star and #39/41 is a very bright patch 1.5' ESE of the star.  Additional HII patches are lined up on the east side, mostly along the northern edge of the galaxy.  #33-36 is a large, very bright patch (star cloud?) 2.4' ENE of center and #19/20 is a smaller knot 3.2' E of center.  The galaxy bulges out (star association or arm?) on the south side near the eastern end (3.3' from center) and contains #17/18/21/22.  The dusty eastern tip of the galaxy has a very faint HII knot (#5-7).

 

17.5" (6/5/99): at 280x (14' field) this remarkable galaxy runs edge to edge across the field!  The surface brightness is unusually irregular with bright and dark mottling across the surface.  There is no well-defined core but a prominent knot is close following (east) the geometric center along the north side and a second weaker knot is along the west side.  The north edge has an unusually "scalloped" appearance particularly along the west side due to dust and brighter splotches.  The galaxy gradually bulges towards the center and tapers at the tips, particularly along the west end.  A mag 13 star is situated just north of the edge at the geometric center and NGC 4627 appears to hover over this "starship" a couple of arc miinutes northwest of center.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): stunning galaxy, very bright, unusually large and interesting edge-on E-W, 15'x1.5'.  A bright knot is east of the core and a faint knot is west of core.  Appears very mottled along the major axis.  A mag 13 star is just north of the core.  NGC 4627, a companion galaxy, lies 2.6' NW of the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4631 = H V-42 = h1397 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "vB, mE from sp to nf, but near the parallel.  About 16' long and mbM.  A little below the center of it is a small star, but probably unconnected."  John Herschel made two observations and called it (sweep 74) "vmE; a long ray which crosses the whole field, rather curved upwards (to south).  Has a vF nucleus and a B * nearly in the parallel."  His sketch of the pair is on plate XV, figure 76 of the Slough Observations.

 

Three observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 26 Mar 1848, William Rambaut (Lord Rosse's assistant), wrote, "A most extraordinary object with a B * near the centre, and at the right [north] masses of light appear through it in knots."  George Johnstone Stoney made a detailed sketch on 19 Apr 1849 (published in the 1850 PT paper).  William Lassell sketched the galaxy on 27 May 1862 from Malta (plate V, figure 24) and included a knot on the west side, the bright region east of center, and a third knot towards the east end.  To determine a position, Kobold measured two of the knots/star clouds - one on the west side (#63/64) and the bright region east of the geometric center (#33-36).

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NGC 4632 = UGC 7870 = MCG +00-32-038 = CGCG 014-110 = PGC 42689

12 42 32.1 -00 04 57; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 3.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 63”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, mildly concentrated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4632 = H I-14 = h1396 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "not cometic, seems to be resolvable and much like the foregoing [NGC 4592].  JH made a single observation under poor conditions, but his position matches UGC 7870.

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NGC 4633 = IC 3688 = UGC 7874 = MCG +03-32-085 = CGCG 099-111 = CGCG 100-001 = Holm 445b = PGC 42699

12 42 37.2 +14 21 31; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2x0.8, no central concentration, halo fades into background.  A mag 13 star is just off the NW edge of halo 0.8' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4634 3.8' SSE.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 16 year-old son, discovered NGC 4633 = Sw. VI-46 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; F star close preceding.; [NGC 4634] nr preceding."  The Swifts' position is 0.2 min of RA west of UGC 7874.  The description should read "F star close following".  Both Herschels missed this galaxy, although both observed nearby NGC 4634.

 

Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on a plate taken with the 6" astrograph at Heidelberg at the turn of the century and assumed Sn. 295 (later IC 3688) was new, possibly due to the discrepancy in RA, or not checking the NGC carefully. All modern sources equate NGC 4633 = IC 3688.

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NGC 4634 = UGC 7875 = MCG +03-32-086 = CGCG 099-112 = CGCG 100-002 = Holm 445a = PGC 42707

12 42 41.0 +14 17 46; Com

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 156”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x0.7', weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 4633 3.8' NNW.  This galaxy is fairly striking.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4634 = H III-603 = h1398 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vF, about 2 1/2' long, from np to sf."  His position and description matches UGC 7874, though both Herschel's missed nearby NGC 4633.

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NGC 4635 = UGC 7876 = MCG +03-32-087 = CGCG 099-113 = CGCG 100-003 = PGC 42704

12 42 39.1 +19 56 44; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.6'x1.2', broad weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4635 = h1400 on 17 Mar 1831 and logged "eF L; bM; 3' diam."  The comment "an over-estimation" was later added. His mean position (2 observations) matches UGC 7876 = PGC 42704.

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NGC 4636 = UGC 7878 = MCG +01-32-137 = CGCG 043-002 = PGC 42734

12 42 49.6 +02 41 18; Vir

V = 9.5;  Size 6.0'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

24" (2/24/20): at 200x; I took a quick look at this galaxy to observed SN 2020ue, a type Ia supernova discovered on 12 Jan '20.  It was very easy to identify as roughly 14th magnitude.

 

17.5" (3/24/90): very bright, large, slightly elongated NW-SE, very bright core, substellar nucleus, extensive halo appears mottled.  Located between two mag 12/13 stars 3.4' NNW and 3.1' S, respectively.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4636 = H II-38 = h1399 = h1401 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, pL.  It seems to be of the resolvable kind, and is of an irregular shape."  JH measured two good positions under h1399, logging "B; L; R; vgvmbM but not to a nucleus." in sweep 238.  But on sweep 142, he listed it again as h1401, a possible "Nova", this time with a 1” error in declination (too far north).

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NGC 4637 = UGC 7881 = MCG +02-32-188 = CGCG 071-007 = PGC 42744

12 42 54.1 +11 26 16; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  PA = 97”

 

24" (5/25/14): at 225x, this companion to NGC 4638 appeared extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~25"x10".  Required averted vision and could not hold for fairly brief intervals.  Located 1.6' E of the center of NGC 4638.  The identification of this number is uncertain and it may be a duplicate of NGC 4647

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4637 on 1 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72" and recorded a "Double nebula [including II-70 = NGC 4638], faint nebulosity connects them."  No comment was made on the relative brightnesses or orientation and there were no further observations at Birr Castle or by any others.  RNGC identifies NGC 4637 with an extremely faint spindle-shaped galaxy just following NGC 4638. Although this is identification is reasonable (repeated by Carlson), the RNGC magnitude of 12.0 is greatly in error and the identifications of NGC 4637/4638 are reversed in MCG.

 

But Dreyer comments in the NGC notes "It is very possible that the Birr observer mistook M60 and III 44 [NGC 4647] for h1402 and a nova." In his photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", Karl Reinmuth notes "not found, = NGC 4647?"  Adelaide Ames also states "not found" in the Virgo-Coma Survey at Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for further analysis but the identification of NGC 4637 is uncertain - either applying to the faint companion of NGC 4638 or the companion of M60.

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NGC 4638 = NGC 4667 = UGC 7880 = MCG +02-32-187 = CGCG 070-230 = CGCG 071-006 = PGC 42728

12 42 47.4 +11 26 32; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 125”

 

24" (5/25/14): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated core (bar or edge-on S0?) and a much fainter oval halo.  NGC 4637, an extremely faint companion, is 1.6' E of center.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, very elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, fairly small, bright core, substellar nucleus.  Located between M59 and M60.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, small, bright core, elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4638 = H II-70 = H II-176 = h1402 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "a nebula."  His position was 5' too far south, but fairly close in RA.  On 11 Apr 1825 (early sweep 3), John Herschel recorded, "F; R; gbM."  His position was 2' too far south.  NGC 4667, found again on 23 Mar 1830, is a duplicate observation (see notes on that number), so NGC 4667 = NGC 4638.

 

MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 4637 and 4638 (see NGC 4637 for more).

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NGC 4639 = UGC 7884 = MCG +02-32-189 = CGCG 070-2310 = CGCG 071-008 = PGC 42741

12 42 52.3 +13 15 26; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 2.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', broad concentration to a larger, brighter core.  The core increases sharply to a small bright nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is close following just 1.0' from center.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.0', faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is just off the SE side 1.0' from the center.  NGC 4654 lies 17' SE and NGC 4659 is 28' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4639 = H II-125 = h1403 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "not vF; S; r."  His position is 3.7' north of UGC 7884. JH noted "B; E; has a * 12m sf; 1' dist."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 22 Apr 1854, recorded "a remarkable object.  Spiral?  Suspected a twist to the left at the preceding end."  Five nights later he logged "saw tonight the curve in p part previously remarked."

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NGC 4640 = UGC 7888 = MCG +02-32-190 = CGCG 071-009 = Holm 446a = PGC 42753

12 42 57.8 +12 17 12; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45”

 

18" (4/29/06): very faint, moderately large, elongated ~3:2 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.6', low even surface brightness.  Located 3.4' NE of a mag 10.5-11 star.  NGC 4641 lies 14' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4640 = Sw. VI-47, along with NGC 4641, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; pL; lE; * nr p; np of 2 [with NGC 4641]." His position is just 30" south of UGC 7888, although the nearest star he might have picked up is 1.5' due south (a brighter one is 3.4' southwest).

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NGC 4641 = UGC 7889 = MCG +02-32-191 = CGCG 071-011 = PGC 42769

12 43 07.6 +12 03 03; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness, 0.6'x0.45'.  Located 1' NW of a mag 12.5 star.  The declination in the RNGC is one degree too far south.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4641 = Sw. VI-48, along with NGC 4640, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; pL; R; F * nr f; sf of 2 [with NGC 4640]."  His position is 5 sec of RA west of UGC 7889 and the star he mentions is 1' southeast.

 

The RNGC declination is exactly 1 degree too far south.  Furthermore, this error is repeated in NGC 2000.0 and the galaxy is misplotted on the first edition of Uranometria 2000 Sky Atlas.  UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3 all give the correct declination.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections list #2.

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NGC 4642 = UGC 7893 = MCG +00-33-004 = CGCG 015-007 = PGC 42791

12 43 17.7 -00 38 40; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 37”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, elongated SSW-NNE, fairly small.  A mag 15 star is involved at the NE end.  Forms a pair with NGC 4653 10' NE near the edge of the 220x field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4642 = H III-494 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "eF, vS."  CH's reduction is 1' south of UGC 7893.

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NGC 4643 = UGC 7895 = MCG +00-33-005 = CGCG 015-008 = PRC D-22 = PGC 42797

12 43 20.2 +01 58 41; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 3.1'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, prominent core.  Three mag 11-14 stars lie northwest, the closest is a mag 11.5 star 2.4' NW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4643 = H I-10 = h1404 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 121) and noted "pB, S."  His summary description from 4 observations is "vB, pL, lE, gmbM, 2' l, 1 1/2' br."  JH called it "B; S; lE; psbM." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4644 = UGC 7887 = MCG +09-21-030 = CGCG 270-014 = Holm 447a = LGG 300-001 = PGC 42708

12 42 42.6 +55 08 43; UMa

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 53”

 

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3'.  Contains a bright elongated core.  NGC 4644 is the northernmost in a group of galaxies (LGG 300) including NGC 4669, 4675, 4686, 4695 and UGC 7905 (double).

 

NGC 4644 is the western component of a close pair with much fainter NGC 4644B = MCG +09-21-032 1.4' E.  The companion appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 30"x10".  Despite a low surface brightness, it was easier than I expected based on the SDSS magnitudes (V ~15.0).

 

18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Forms the north vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 12 star 6' SW and 6' ESE.  First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies (LGG 300) with 4 on a line stretching from NGC 4644/4669/4675/4686.  A very faint edge-on (NGC 4644B = PGC 42725) just 1.7' following was not noticed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4644 = H II-794.1 = h1406 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "F, S."  His re-reduced position (with respect to Epsilon UMa) is 2' west (12 sec of time) of UGC 7887.  JH recorded "eF; vS; R; gbM; 10"."  His position also matches UGC 7887, although he thought it was a new discovery.  H II-794.1 refers to NGC 4646.  See that number.

 

On 25 Apr 1878, Dreyer observed the field from Birr Castle, and described "3177 [NGC 4644] is eF, vS, E sp nf, small companion or star 3/4' f."  The "small companion or star" is the nucleus of NGC 4644B = PGC 42725, which did not receive a NGC designation.  See notes for NGC 4646 for more on this observation.

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NGC 4645 = ESO 322-066 = MCG -07-26-037 = PGC 42879

12 44 09.9 -41 45 01; Cen

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration.  Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4645 = h3412 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; S; psbM; 12".".  His position is ~2' west of ESO 322-066, the only nearby galaxy.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 8 and 9 Apr 1885 and logged a new nebula that preceded by 38 seconds and 40" to the south, but at this offset is a faint double star.

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NGC 4646 = UGC 7892 = MCG +09-21-031 = CGCG 270-015 = PGC 42740

12 42 52.1 +54 51 21; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.4;  PA = 18”

 

24" (5/30/16): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE,  0.6'x0.3', bright irregular core seems knotty.  A mag 14.8 star is very close to the northeast edge.  Four collinear mag 13-14.5 stars extending to the northwest begins 2.5' W.

 

UGC 7905, a disturbed, interacting system with tidal tails extending from both galaxies, lies 8.5' ENE.  The pair is oriented SSW to NNE with centers separated by 35".  At 225x, the southwest member (Mrk 220) appeared fairly faint, small, high surface brightness, roundish, 18" diameter.  The northeast component (Mrk 221) appeared faint, fairly small, 18", low surface brightness. Only the central region was seen and I missed the tidal tail extending to the north and east.

 

18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', stellar nucleus.  There appears to be a faint star at the NE tip (verified on DSS).  A striking line of four mag 13-14 stars (total length 2.8') is close NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4646 = H II-910 = H II-794.2 = h1407 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and noted "F, S".  His position (CH's reduction) is within 1' of UGC 7891.  WH incorrectly assumed this object was II-794 = NGC 4644, located 16' north, and didn't assign a new internal number or include it separately in his catalogues.  JH recorded "Has 4 vS stars south-preceding in a line."  His position matches UGC 7891, though the string of stars is north-preceding.

 

JH sorted out the confusion with WH's two observations of II-794 in preparing the GC and listed them as II-794.1 and II-794.2.  Dreyer concurs these are different objects in "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" and introduced the new number II-910 for the second observation.

 

Dreyer examined the field at Birr Castle on 25 Apr 1878.  After observing NGC 4644, he moved 20' south and described NGC 4646 as "pB, E 50”, biN (Dist. 23"), 4 st nearly in a line p and a little n, 3'-4' from neb." The second "nucleus" is a very faint star at the northeast edge of the galaxy.  Then he reported "A third nebula, biN in Pos. 16.5”, Dist 44", sp Nucl much the brighter, other one fainter and smaller, perhaps composed of st.  This nebula is in Pos 71.5”, Dist 533" from [GC] 3179 [NGC 4646]." At this separation from NGC 4646 is the double galaxy UGC 7905, which fits Dreyer's description. He assumed this nebula was [GC] 5668 = NGC 4669, so UGC 7905 did not receive a NGC designation.

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NGC 4647 = Arp 116 NED1 = VV 206b = Holm 448b = UGC 7896 = MCG +02-33-001 = CGCG 071-015 = WBL 421-001 = PGC 42816

12 43 32.5 +11 34 56; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 2.9'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (4/25/87): forms a close double with M60.  Located just off the NW edge 2.8' from the center of M60.  Fairly faint, pretty large diffuse halo, small brighter core.  Appears slightly smaller than M60 but clearly less concentrated.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse.  Forms a close pair with M60.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4647 = H III-44 = h1405 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "Two nebula, one of them [M60] vB."  JH made 4 observations. NGC 4637 is possibly a reobservation of this galaxy (see that number).

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NGC 4648 = UGC 7868 = MCG +13-09-029 = CGCG 352-039 = Kaz 31 = PGC 42595

12 41 44.4 +74 25 16; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 70”

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly bright, moderately large, strongly concentrated with a bright 30" core and a much fainter halo ~1' in diameter.  Situated within a wedge-shaped group of 8 stars.  A striking mag 8.1/10.5 pair 7' W is collinear with the galaxy (oriented E-W).  NGC 4589 lies 22' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4648 = H I-274 = h1410 on 22 Nov 1797 (sweep 1064) and logged "cB, vS, 6 or 7' following a coarse double star."  JH made 5 observations and recorded "F; S; bM", along with an accurate position, on sweep 348.

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NGC 4649 = M60 = Arp 116 NED2 = VV 206a = Holm 448a = UGC 7898 = MCG +02-33-002 = CGCG 071-016 = WBL 421-002 = PGC 42831

12 43 39.8 +11 33 11; Vir

V = 8.8;  Size 7.4'x6.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 697x; M60 and NGC 4647 were viewed but my main target was UCD 1, the brightest ultra-compact dwarf in M60.  It appeared as a very faint, possibly "soft" star, just visible continuously with averted vision, and situated 1.4' SW of the center of M60.  The UCD forms a wide pair with a slightly brighter mag 16.5 star 0.5' NW.  CGCG 071-018 lies 6' SE of M60 and was logged as fairly faint (V = 15.5), moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.6'x0.2', fairly even low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, fairly large, diffuse halo, slightly elongated ~E-W, very bright core with a bright substellar nucleus.  Forms a double system with NGC 4647 which is almost tangent to M60 barely off the NW edge.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): bright, very bright nucleus, slightly elongated ~E-W.

 

Johann Koehler discovered M60 and M59 on 11 Apr 1779 and noted "Two very small nebulae, hardly visible in a 3-foot telescope: The one above the other."  Koehler was tracking the comet of that year.  Oriani independently discovered M60 on 12 Apr 1779, noting "Very pale and looking exactly like the comet."  Also, Messier made an independent discovery on 15 Apr 1779 (along with M58 and M59).

 

William Herschel first recorded M60 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) as "Two nebula [with NGC 4647], one of them vB." John Herschel's first observation was on 11 Apr 1825 (sweep 3).  He logged, "A most curious double nebula.  The center dist 1/6 of the field or about 3'.  They join with very faint nebulosity."

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NGC 4650 = ESO 322-067 = MCG -07-26-038 = LGG 298-041 = PGC 42891

12 44 19.6 -40 43 55; Cen

V = 11.6;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 83”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x; bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with an intense core surounded by a roundish, mottled halo ~1 diameter.  A mag 15 star is 0.5' SW of center at the edge of the halo and a mag 15.5 star is 0.3' NE of center in the halo.

 

PGC 42911, situated just 1.8' E, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 E-W, 0.6'x0.25', low surface brightness.  NGC 4650A, a well-known polar ring galaxy 5.7' ENE, appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 3:2 WSW-ESE, small brighter core.  The polar ring extensions were extremely faint and difficult, though viewed in windy conditions.

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared bright, fairly large, round, strong even concentration with a very bright core inceasing to a small nucleus.  A faint star is on the west side of the halo.  NGC 4650A, a famous polar-ring galaxy, lies 5.6' ENE and PGC 42911 is a mere 1.9' E of center.  The close companion appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.3', even surface brightness.

 

48" (5/12/12): NGC 4650A appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ESE, 24"x16".  The polar ring was occasionally visible as faint, thin extensions oriented NNW-SSE.  Need to reobserve as viewed through thin clouds.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core.  Appears slightly brighter than NGC 4622A 5.8' WNW.  Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4650 = h3413 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; R; bM; r.  Wind violent."  He later added the note "Right reduced.  The degree of PD certainly correct."  His position is accurate, though MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 4650.

 

Joseph Turner observed this galaxy, along with NGC 4622, in July 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 58) but failed to notice any of the surrounding galaxies.  He called it "small; extremely faint; center has somewhat of a stellar character; quite round; appearance of a faint halo."  Pietro Baracchi observed the surrounded field on 19 and 20 Mar 1885 with the GMT and described NGC 4650 as "pB, S, R, gsmbM, small star south-preceding near it." In addition he discovered 6 nearby galaxies; NGC 4622A, 4550A, ESO 322-075, NGC 4603A, ESO 322-047 and NGC 4603C.  He

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NGC 4651 = Arp 189 = VV 56 = UGC 7901 = MCG +03-33-001 = CGCG 100-004 = LGG 289-096 = PGC 42833

12 43 42.6 +16 23 36; Com

V = 10.8;  Size 4.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 80”

 

18" (4/10/04): bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W.  Well-concentrated with a very bright, elongated 1.0'x0.6' core which increases to the center.  Surrounding the core is a large, low surface brightness halo increasing the size to at least 2.5'x1.4' and perhaps 3'x2'.

 

13.1": fairly bright, slightly elongated, broad moderate concentration, fainter extensions ~E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4651 = H II-12 = h1409 on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 74) and recorded "vF, pL, almost R but not cometic, about 3/4 degree sp 27 Coma Ber.  CH's reduction is a poor match (common in his early sweeps), but his offset from 27  Com matches.  JH made 4 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4652 = MCG +10-18-078 = CGCG 293-035 = PGC 42802

12 43 19.7 +58 57 54; UMa

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40”

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3', very weak concentration.  Located 5'-6' NNW of a wide pair of mag 7.9 (HD 110762) and 9.6 (HD 238153) stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4652 = h1413 on 1 May 1831 and recorded "Not vF, pL, gbM.  It is almost 6' dist np two stars sts 8 and 10m".  His position is 15 sec of RA preceding CGCG 293-035 = PGC 42802, but the two bright stars are just where he placed them southeast.  Interestingly, Dreyer insisted the two stars were northwest, while observing at Birr Castle on 27 Apr 1875.

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NGC 4653 = UGC 7900 = MCG +00-33-006 = CGCG 015-009 = PGC 42847

12 43 51.0 -00 33 40; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 3.1'x2.7';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, fairly even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' SE and a mag 13 star 1.4' SE of center.  In a group with NGC 4642 10' SW, NGC 4666 20' ENE and NGC 4668 25' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4653 = H III-662 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and recorded "vF, pL."  His position is 10 sec of RA too large.  JH did not make an observation.

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NGC 4654 = UGC 7902 = MCG +02-33-004 = CGCG 071-019 = IC 3708 = PGC 42857

12 43 56.5 +13 07 33; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 4.9'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): bright, large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core, mottled.  Appears to have a dust lane along the north side.  Several bright stars are in the field including a mag 10 star 3.2' WNW, a mag 11 star 6.1' NE and a mag 12 star 2.1' N.  NGC 4639 lies 17' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4654 = H II-126 = h1411 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "pF, pL, E, r."  JH recorded (sweep 192) "vF; vL; 2' l, 90" br; 3 stars near, one = 9th mag."  In sweep 245 he questioned if "it is double nebula?".

 

Harold Corwin identifies IC 3708, found by Schwassmann in 1900 on a plate taken by Max Wolf, as the northwestern arm of NGC 4654.

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NGC 4655 = MCG +07-26-042 = CGCG 216-021 = PGC 42823

12 43 36.5 +41 01 07; CVn

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, small, round, contains a very small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' E of center.  Forms a pair with IC 3713 10' NE (not looked for).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4655 = H II-661 = h1412 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, stellar.  Just p a smal star.  Not verified, but not much doubt.  His position is just 1' southeast of CGCG 216-021 = PGC 42823.

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NGC 4656 = UGC 7907a = MCG +05-30-066a = CGCG 159-065a = LGG 299-006 = PGC 42863 = Hockey Stick Galaxy = Fishhook Galaxy

12 43 58.2 +32 10 13; CVn

V = 10.5;  Size 15.1'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 33”

 

48" (4/23/17): this showpiece galaxy was viewed at 375x and 488x and the structure/details was very comparable to the POSS2.  The galaxy extended ~8'x1' SW-NE, though it has a much lower surface brightness on the SW end.  It is well concentrated with a very bright and large, elongated core on the south end of the brighter half, giving a very asymmetric appearance.  A bright stellar or quasi-stellar knot is at the southwest edge of the core (this is a huge star cloud on the HST image identified in SIMBAD as [BKD2008] WR 462, from a 2008 paper on Wolf-Rayet features).  A faint (17th mag?) stellar object is close east.

 

The low surface brightness southwest portion of the galaxy to is broader than the northeast section.  It includes a faint, quasi-stellar knot (identified in SIMBAD as CasHII N4656a, from a 1984 Case University survey of HII regions in blue galaxies) along the western edge with a SDSS magnitude of 17.8V.

 

At least 4 main HII complexes are at the northeast end of the galaxy (NGC 4657), including a separate detached section.  On the southwest edge is a bright knot, ~8" diameter, catalogued in SIMBAD as CasHII N4656f and in NED as NGC 4656:[DBT2008] 85 from a 2008 paper on massive clusters.  A brighter 10" knot, identified in NED as 2MASX J12440599+3212340, is ~20" N, also along the west edge of the NE extension.  The northeast end of the galaxy (NGC 4657) has a sharp extension to the east with a slightly brighter patch, identified in NED as 2MASX J12440844+3212340. Finally a bright, elongated patch ~30"x15" oriented NNW-SSE is detached to the east.  SIMBAD identifies this object as NGC 4657, though the NGC designation should probably apply to the entire bent NE end of the galaxy.

 

18" (5/14/07): this fascinating galaxy forms one of the most striking pairs in the sky with NGC 4631 32' NW.  At 220x, the distorted shape extends ~9'x1.5' in a SW-NE orientation.  On first glance, it appears the bulging core is offset at the SW end, though with averted vision a very low surface brightness broader extension continues to the the SW of the core for several arcminutes before fading into the background.  The core is very bright and mottled with a bright knot (HII region) jutting out to the west at the southwest end of the core.  The NE extension has a remarkable, fairly bright 2' extension (NGC 4657), hooking to the east at a 45” angle from the major axis (the "blade" of the hockey stick).  There is a small, faint, detached knot beyond the east end of the "blade" that appears to have broken off.  The unusual bend and knot at the NE end is a result of a prior tidal interaction with its more massive neighbor, NGC 4631.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): striking!, fairly bright, very elongated SW-NE.  Appears wider and brighter at the SW end.  The NE end hooks sharply east to merge with NGC 4657 which may be a part of NGC 4656 and not a separate galaxy. A star or knot is attached at the south end.  Appears like a celestial hockey stick!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4656 = H I-176 = h1414, along with NGC 4657, on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "Two, their nebulosity join; they are both elongated and together form the shape of the letter "S".  The most south [NGC 4656] cB, mbM.  The most north [NGC 4657], pB from sp to nf, but very near the meridian.  John Herschel made a total of 5 observations.  In sweep 342 he noted, "a long nebulous ray pos = 34.3” (by micrometer).  Its southern half is fainter than its northern.  It meets and cuts? another nebula [NGC 4657].  A strange object."  A sketch was published in plate 15, Figure 75 in his Slough Observations.

 

Bindon Stoney sketched the pair at Birr Castle on Apr 26 1851 (included in LdR's 1861 publication).  The following year he called this pair "like a caterpillar on a leaf."

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NGC 4657 = UGC 7907b = MCG +05-30-066b = CGCG 159-065b = PGC 42863

12 44 08.2 +32 12 32; CVn

Size 1.1'x0.7';  PA = 90”

 

48" (4/23/17): NGC 4657 consists of at least 4 main HII complexes at the northeast end of NGC 4657, including a separate detached section.  On the southwest edge is a bright knot, ~8" diameter, catalogued in SIMBAD as CasHII N4656f and in NED as NGC 4656:[DBT2008] 85 from a 2008 paper on massive clusters.  A brighter 10" knot, identified in NED as 2MASX J12440599+3212340, is ~20" N, also along the west edge of the NE extension.  The northeast end of the galaxy (NGC 4657) has a sharp extension to the east with a slightly brighter patch, identified in NED as 2MASX J12440844+3212340. Finally a bright, elongated patch ~30"x15" oriented NNW-SSE is detached to the east.  SIMBAD identifies this object as NGC 4657, though the NGC designation should probably apply to the entire bent NE end of the galaxy.

 

18" (5/14/07): The north end of NGC 4656 has a remarkable, fairly bright 2' extension (NGC 4657), hooking to the east at a 45” angle from the major axis (the "blade" of the hockey stick).  There is a faint, small, detached knot beyond the east end of the "blade" that appears to have broken off.  This unusual bend and knot is likely a starburst region of NGC 4656 and the result of a prior tidal interaction with its more massive neighbor, NGC 4631.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE.  NGC 4657 is attached at the NE end of the remarkable galaxy NGC 4656 and elongated at nearly a right angle to the curving section of NGC 4656 just west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4657 = H I-177 = h1415 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722).  See descriptions under NGC 4656.

 

The UGC, MCG and CGCG list a single entry for the pair and NGC 4657 may be a tidally disturbed "tail" of NGC 4656 and not an independent galaxy.  The primary designation for this object in NED is NGC 4656 NED02, with NGC 4657 the second identification.  The position is on NE warped section (elongated E-W) of NGC 4656.  The position is SIMBAD, though, is on the partially detached section close east with classification HII galaxy.  HyperLeda has a listing for 2MASXJ12440844+3212340, with secondary designation NGC 4657 and object type "Part of galaxy".  Corwin's position is on the brightest patch on the west side of E-W tail.

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NGC 4658 = MCG -02-33-001 = PGC 42929

12 44 37.7 -10 05 03; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, elongated ~N-S, appears mottled or irregular.  Located 2.5' E of mag 8.6 SAO 138945.  A faint mag 14.5 star is off the NW edge 0.6' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4663 7.2' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4658 = H II-558 = h3414 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and recorded "F, E in meridian [N-S], nearly 3' l, following a cB star."  NGC 4658 was discovered by WH (II 558).  JH logged "eF; attached like a wisp to a * 16m; a * 9m precedes."

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NGC 4659 = UGC 7915 = MCG +02-33-007 = CGCG 071-024 = PGC 42913

12 44 29.4 +13 29 55; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:4 ~NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.8'.  Contains a small, bright round core embedded in a fainter halo.  Located 1.4' NE of a mag 9.8 star.  NGC 4639 lies 28' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4659 = H II-127 = h1416 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and recorded "F, vS, R, lbM, r, stellar."  JH logged "F; R; bM; 30".", and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4660 = UGC 7914 = MCG +02-33-006 = CGCG 071-023 = PGC 42917

12 44 32.3 +11 11 27; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 100”

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, very small bright core.  Located 25' SSE of M60.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4660 = H II-71 = h1417 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted as "S".  There is nothing at CH's reduced position, but 40 sec of RA following and 3' south is UGC 7914.  There are no other galaxies in the vicinity he might have picked up and several objects in the sweep have a poor RA.  JH listed h1417 as a Nova in the Slough catalogue and described "vB; S; vsvmbM almost to a star."  His position matches UGC 7914.

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NGC 4661 = NGC 4650B = ESO 322-072 = MCG -07-26-040 = LGG 301-004 = PGC 42983

12 45 14.8 -40 49 27; Cen

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 116”

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this Centaurus cluster member (AGC 3526) was moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Located just 1' S of a 45" pair of mag 12.5 stars and 11.7' SE of NGC 4661.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4661 = h3415 on 5 Jun 1834 and logged "F; R; pL; gbM.".  His position was not measured accurately - the RA is given to the nearest minute of time and the RA to the nearest min of arc and marked "+/-".  There is nothing at his rough position, though 16' north is ESO 322-072  = PGC 42983, often referred to as NGC 4650B in the literature.  The letter designation originated in the RC2.  Corwin notes that ESO 322-072 is the only reasonably candidate for NGC 4661, so the identification is fairly certain.

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NGC 4662 = UGC 7917 = MCG +06-28-025 = CGCG 188-018 = PGC 42904

12 44 26.3 +37 07 15; CVn

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 55”

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, round, gradually brighter halo, very small brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is 3.1' NW and a mag 15 star 2.5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4662 = H II-643 = h1418 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "F, pL, gbM, r."   JH logged "pB; pL; R; bM; 40"."

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NGC 4663 = IC 811 = MCG -02-33-002 = PGC 42946

12 44 47.1 -10 11 52; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, edge-on ~N-S, very small, brighter core, almost stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4658 7' NNW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4663 in 1883 with the 11-inch refractor at Arcetri in Italy.  In the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439) he described a nebula that is 8' south-following NGC 4658, but he was unable to make a measurement using the circle micrometer. This galaxy is 7.2' south-southeast of NGC 4663, so the identification is certain, although the NGC RA is 12 seconds too large and the Dec off by 2' too small.

 

Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 13 May 1888, assumed it was new, and reported it in his Comptes Rendus discovery lists as #176.  As a result, Dreyer recatalogued NGC 4663 as IC 811.  See Corwin's notes on IC 811

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NGC 4664 = NGC 4665 = NGC 4624 = UGC 792 = MCG +01-33-005 = CGCG 043-018 = PGC 42970

12 45 06.1 +03 03 21; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4665.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4664 = H II-39 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB. It contains two stars in the center and is preceded by a small star at the distance of 1/2 or 3/4 minute."  There is nothing at his position, but 10' south is NGC 4665.  In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer comments "Neither H nor h nor d'Arrest saw more than one nebula here, it is therefore = I-142 [NGC 4665] with an error of 10' in PD."  The star mentioned in the observation clinches the identification.  So, NGC 4664 = NGC 4665.  Although NGC 4664 is an earlier observation (I-142 was found on 30 Apr 1786), the modern designation is NGC 4665.  NGC 4624 may be another observation of this galaxy (see that entry).

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NGC 4665 = NGC 4664 = NGC 4624: = UGC 7924 = MCG +01-33-005 = CGCG 043-018 = PGC 42970

12 45 06.1 +03 03 21; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 3.8'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/24/90): bright, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, prominent core.  A mag 15 star is at the NNW end 1.2' from center.  Located 1.7' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4665 = H I-142 = h1419 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "cB, pL, iR, gmbM.  His position matches UGC 7924 = PGC 42970.  JH logged (first of two sweeps) "B; not vL; vsbM; has a * 10m 45” sp at 1' distance."  NGC 4664 = H II-30 is a duplicate (earlier) observation, but he made a 10' error in the north polar distance.  And JH's h1390 = NGC 4624 may also be another observation of this galaxy.

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NGC 4666 = UGC 7926 = MCG +00-33-008 = CGCG 015-015 = Holm 453a = PGC 42975

12 45 08.5 -00 27 42; Vir

V = 10.7;  Size 4.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, fairly large, 4'x1', very bright core, mottled and streaky appearance.  A close trio of mag 11-13 stars lies 5' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4668 8' SE, which follows the triple star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4666 = H I-15 = h1420 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "E from sp to nf, seems to contain bright places in the middle; it is not cometic, but appears to be resolvable.  It resembles the two foregoing nebula [NGC 4666 and NGC 4592] but is narrower." JH logged "pB; mE; psbM; pos 45” nf or sp." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4667 = NGC 4638 = UGC 7880 = MCG +02-32-187 = CGCG 070-230 = CGCG 071-006 = PGC 42728

12 42 47.4 +11 26 32; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4638.

 

John Herschel found NGC 4667 = h1421 on 23 Mar 1830 and logged "B; S; R; psbM; 15"." There are no bright galaxies near his position, but Harold Corwin found that Herschel made an error in his reduction for h1421.  Using 41 Virginis as a reference star (also in the sweep), the re-reduced position lands on NGC 4638.  Reinmuth, Frost, d'Arrest and Vogel all reported NGC 4667 as not found (at the incorrect published position).

 

 

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NGC 4668 = UGC 7931 = MCG +00-33-009 = CGCG 015-016 = Holm 453b = PGC 42999

12 45 31.9 -00 32 10; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S.  Forms a pair with NGC 4666 7.4' NW.  A triple star is 3.0' due west consisting of mag 11.5/13/13.5 stars at 20" separation between the closer pairs.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4668 = H III-663 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and logged "vF, S, iF."  d'Arrest made two observations and mentioned the triple star that preceded by 12 sec in RA.

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NGC 4669 = UGC 7925 = MCG +09-21-038 = CGCG 270-018 = LGG 300-002 = PGC 42942

12 44 46.8 +54 52 33; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 177”

 

24" (5/30/16): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.3', small brighter core.  Mag 9.7 HD 238159 is 3.0' ENE.

 

UGC 7905 = VV 708, located 8' WNW of NGC 4669, is a disturbed, interacting system with tidal tails extending from both galaxies.   The pair is oriented SSW to NNE with centers separated by 35".  At 225x, the southwest member (Mrk 220) appeared fairly faint, small, high surface brightness, roundish, 18" diameter.  The northeast component (Mrk 221) appeared faint, fairly small, 18", low surface brightness. Only the central region was seen and I missed the tidal tail extending to the north and east.  This pair was discovered by Dreyer, but didn't receive an NGC designation due to a misidentification.

 

18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.7'x0.35', fairly low nearly even surface brightness.  Located 3.0' W of mag 9.8 SAO 28505 in a group (LGG 300) of 6 NGC galaxies.  NGC 4675 lies 10.5' SE and NGC 4646 is 16' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4669 = H III-778 = GC 5668 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "cF, S, E."  My re-reduced position (with respect to 77 UMa) is 1.5' northeast of UGC 7925.  He reobserved this galaxy on 24 Mar 1791 (sweep 1001).  JH mistakenly equated H III-778 with GC 3206 (NGC 4675).  Dreyer observed NGC 4669 on 25 Apr 1878 at Birr Castle (noting "F, S, E n-s"), but referred to it as GC 3206 and he repeated this error in the NGC.  In the same observation, Dreyer clearly observed UGC 7905 (pair described as "biN in pos 16.5”, dist 44"), but UGC 7905 didn't receive a NGC designation as he assumed it was NGC 4669!

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 4669 on 10 Dec 1866 and noted a mag 10-11 star followed by 21.5 seconds of time, confirming the identification with UGC 7925.  Although Dreyer attributed d'Arrest with the discovery in the NGC, he equated H III-778 with NGC 4669 in his 1912 NGC Correction list.

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NGC 4670 = Arp 163 = UGC 7930 = Haro 9 = MCG +05-30-072 = CGCG 159-069 = PGC 42987

12 45 17.0 +27 07 31; Com

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  Located 4.5' W of mag 9 SAO 82478.  Forms a pair with NGC 4673 5.6' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4670 = H III-328 = h1422, along with NGC 4673, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, S." JH made four observations, calling this galaxy "B", "pB" and "F".

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NGC 4671 = MCG -01-33-004 = Mrk 1334 = PGC 43029

12 45 47.6 -07 04 11; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 141”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Gradually increases to a very small brighter core, symmetrical appearance.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4671 = H II-774 = h1423 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and logged "pB, S, mbM, iR."  His position matches PGC 43029.  JH made the single observation "F; R; psbM."

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NGC 4672 = ESO 322-073 = MCG -07-26-041 = PGC 43073

12 46 15.5 -41 42 23; Cen

V = 13.2;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 134”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, slightly brighter along the major axis, broad weak concentration. A group of five stars is south and southwest including a mag 11.8 star 3.5' S and a mag 12.3 star 2.4' SE.  NGC 4672 is a member of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526) with NGC 4677 11' NE, NGC 4645 24' WSW and NGC 4696D 24' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4672 = h3416 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; vgbM."  He later added the noted "Right reduced.  See No. 3413."  His position matches ESO 322-073 = PGC 43073, a polar ring galaxy.

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NGC 4673 = UGC 7933 = MCG +05-30-073 = CGCG 159-070 = Mrk 656 = PGC 43008

12 45 34.6 +27 03 38; Com

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 4.1' S of mag 8.9 SAO 82478 which forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with NGC 4673 and NGC 4670 5.6' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4673 = H III-329 = h1424, along with NGC 4670, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, S.  Goes in the field with the former [NGC 4670]."  JH made three observations, although his positions were not very accurate.

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NGC 4674 = MCG -01-33-005 = PGC 43050

12 46 03.5 -08 39 19; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 119”

 

18" (4/9/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'.  At first I only noticed the brighter 0.4' core, but with averted vision the fainter extensions were visible.  Located 9' ENE of mag 9 HD 110901 at the edge of the 225x field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4674 = h3417 on 5 May 1836 and recorded "vF; R: glbM; 30"."  An early SN discovery (1907A) was made by Luyten

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NGC 4675 = UGC 7935 = MCG +09-21-039 = CGCG 270-019 = LGG 300-010 = PGC 42998

12 45 31.9 +54 44 15; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 97”

 

18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration.  A mag 11 star lies 3.9' SE.  Located between NGC 4669 10.5' NW and NGC 4686 15' SE in a large group of NGC galaxies (NGC 4644/69/75/86/95 are all collinear in a one degree string).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4675 = H II-795 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS."  My re-reduced position (with respect to 77 UMa) is 1' northeast of UGC 7935, so this identification is certain.  JH mistakenly identified this galaxy as III-778 (which applies to NGC 4669) in the GC and Dreyer followed in the NGC.  d'Arrest also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4676 = Arp 242 = VV 224 = CGCG 159-072 = Holm 459 = The Mice

12 46 10.7 +30 43 38; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 2.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 0”

 

82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; the tidal tail north of IC 819 (NNW member of the interacting "Mice" (NGC 4676)) was very prominent as a direct vision streak, extending at least as far as the mag 17.3 star situated 1.6' due north of the center of the galaxy. The tidal tail to the south of IC 820 was only seen as a very low surface brightness glow without any definite structure.

 

48" (4/6/13): fascinating interacting pair consisting of IC 819 (NNW component) and IC 820 (slightly brighter SSE component), separated by 40" between centers.  At 375x and 488x in soft seeing, IC 819 appeared fairly bright, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 24"x16", high surface brightness. IC 820 was bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20", high surface brightness, increased to a small, very bright nucleus.  The two galaxies are connected or surrounded by a low surface brightness bridge.  IC 819 has a remarkable bright, long thin tidal tail shooting due north!  The tail has a high surface brightness (brightest feature of this type I've observed in any galaxy) and extends roughly 80"x8", dimming at the north end and ending just east of a mag 17.3 star.  IC 820 has a small, low surface brightness halo on its south side, but its tail to the south was not clearly resolved.

 

24" (5/22/17): the interacting "Mice" duo (Arp 242 = VV 224) was observed at 375.  IC 819 = NGC 4676A is the slightly fainter northwest component.  At 375x it appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 15" diameter.  The tidal tail was easily seen as a straight thin extension due north, so the combined galaxy/tail extended ~60"x10".  The tail has only a slightly lower surface brightness than the "head" (core of the galaxy).  IC 820 = NGC 4676 is the slightly brighter southeast member.  It appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, very small brighter nucleus, 20" diameter.  With averted vision the there was a strong hint of haze on the south side, but its tidal tail wasn't seen.  The cores of the pair are separated by just 38" between centers.

 

17.5": the northwest member (IC 819) of the interacting pair "The Mice" appeared faint, small, low surface brightness, elongated N-S.  NGC 4676B = IC 820, the southeast member of the pair was slightly brighter and appeared faint, small, round with a small bright core.  The thin "tails" of the the Mice extending north and south were not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4676 = H II-326 = h1425 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "F, mE in the meridian [N-S]."  JH made the single observation "eF; query if not bicentral; sky perfectly clear".  So he was uncertain if there were two components and no observations were made at Birr Castle.  Rudolf Spitaler resolved the two component, IC 819 and IC 820, on 20 Mar 1892 with the 27" refractor at the Vienna observatory.

 

In a 1957 paper, Vorontsov-Velyaminov named this class of objects "mice" and the nickname was used in the Burbidge's 1959 paper "Some Interconnected Multiple Extragalactic Nebulae".

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NGC 4677 = ESO 322-078 = MCG -07-26-044 = LGG 298-043 = PGC 43127

12 46 57.0 -41 34 58; Cen

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 167”

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.4'.  Gradually increases to a small bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located in the core of the Centaurus cluster, 26' SW of NGC 4696.

 

NGC 4696A, located 5.2' N, appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S.  Appears like a low surface brightness version of NGC 4677, which was viewed immediately before.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, oval N-S, low even surface brightness.  Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4677 = h3418 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; lE; vgbM."  His position is just off the south end of ESO 322-078 = PGC 43127.  Pietro Baracchi found this galaxy again on 13 May 1885 and again on 4 Jul 1885.  He assumed it was new and wrote, "vF; vS; R; lbM."  On the second observation he also picked up NGC 4696A to the north.

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NGC 4678 = IC 824 = MCG -01-33-018 = PGC 43385

12 49 41.9 -04 34 46; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  PA = 85”

 

18" (4/30/11): faint, but easily picked as a small glow, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x15".  A mag 15 star lies 30" ESE of center.  I kept having the impression that I was resolving a very faint star or nearly stellar galaxy that was attached and the SDDS image reveals this is a double system (oreinted E-W) with two nuclei encased in a common halo, comfirming my impression.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4678 = LM 2-456 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.1' dia, R, neb?; * follows 2 sec."  There is nothing anywhere near his position.   But exactly 3.0 min of RA east is IC 824 and a mag 15 stars follows by 2 sec, so despite the poor position, this identification is certain. Stephane Javelle found IC 824 on 15 May 1893 and placed it accurately.

 

Because of the bad position, RNGC classifies NGC 4678 as nonexistent and MCG labels this galaxy IC 824, though NGC 4678 should be the primary designation.  This is either a merged double system with two nuclei or a bright knot is at the west end.

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NGC 4679 = ESO 322-082 = MCG -06-28-018 = LGG 305-014 = PGC 43170

12 47 30.1 -39 34 17; Cen

V = 12.4;  Size 2.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 4”

 

18" (3/28/09): at 175x appeared very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.7', low surface brightness.  Located 5.5' NNE of mag 8.8 HD 111142 and 21' NW of mag 8.1 HD 111373. A distinctive group of stars including 3 in a string is in the field to the NW. This galaxy resides 1.8 degrees north of NGC 4696 on the north end of AGC 3526.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4679 = h3419 on 22 Apr 1835 and recorded "eeF, pL, R, 60" (No doubt)." His position is 15 sec of RA west of ESO 322-082 = PGC 43170.

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NGC 4680 = MCG -02-33-007 = PGC 43118

12 46 54.7 -11 38 10; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated.  Unusual appearance as the galaxy appears to fan out from a mag 12 star embedded at the east edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4680 = h3420 on 27 May 1835 and recorded "eF; S; has one or two small stars entangled in it."  His position and description matches MCG -02-33-007 = PGC 43118.  Herbert Howe noted "a star of mag 11 follows the nebula 1 second, 0.1' south."

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NGC 4681 = ESO 268-040 = MCG -07-26-046 = PGC 43166

12 47 28.7 -43 20 05; Cen

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 5:4 N-S, ~40"x32", fairly high surface brightness, gradually increases to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A number of bright stars are scattered in the field: mag 7.8 HD 111073 is 6' NW, mag 8.8 HD 111266 is 10' E, mag 9.2 HD 111019 is 9.2' WNW, a mag 10.2 star is 3' NE and more.  In addition a mag 13.8 star is just off the south side [50" from  center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4681 = h3421 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded, "pF; S; R; gbM; 15"."  His position matches MCG -07-26-046 = PGC 43166.  MCG fails to label MCG -07-26-046 as NGC 4681.

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NGC 4682 = MCG -02-33-008 = PGC 43147

12 47 15.5 -10 03 48; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly large, very diffuse, elongated ~WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 1.5' from center.  The NGC 4658/NGC 4663 pair is located 35' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4682 = H III-523 = h3423 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and recorded "vF, E from sp to nf, 3 or 4' l, near 3' br."  JH called this galaxy "pF; E; gvlbM; 45" l." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4683 = ESO 322-083 = MCG -07-26-047 = LGG 298-014 = PGC 43182

12 47 42.2 -41 31 42; Cen

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 130”

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.3', moderate concentration with a 10" core.  A mag 14.5 star is off the SE end and a mag 13 star lies 1.0' SW.  Located 18' SW of NGC 4696 in the core of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4683 = h3422 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; vgbM; 60"; nf a small stars.  His position was 1.7' too far south.

 

While observing the field of NGC 4683, Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 4696A on 4 Jul 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  He described NGC 4683 as "F; S; R; vlbM.  Has a star 13th mag preceding it by 4 seconds and 40" south of it."  This galaxy was reported as new at Helwan observatory in 1921, based on plates taken of the Centaurus cluster in 1919-20.

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NGC 4684 = UGC 7951 = MCG +00-33-011 = CGCG 015-019 = PGC 43149

12 47 17.5 -02 43 38; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 2.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, brighter along the major axis, bright core.  A mag 14 star is off the NNE tip 0.8' from center and a mag 15.5 star is following the SSW end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4684 = H II-181 = h1426 on 22 Apr 1784 (sweep 912) and logged "pF, pL, E, r."  John Herschel made the single observation "B; not vL; pmE; pgbM." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4685 = UGC 7954 = MCG +03-33-004 = CGCG 100-007 = PGC 43143

12 47 11.4 +19 27 51; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 158”

 

18" (5/15/04): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.3'.  Sharply concentrated with a 0.3'x0.2' core which increases to a stellar nucleus.  The small, dim halo is very faint and required averted vision.  Situated between mag 10 SAO 10025 4.8' SW and a mag 13 star 3.8' NE.

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, very small (viewed core only), 20" diameter.  Fairly high surface brightness with a sharp, mag 14 stellar nucleus which easily stands out.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4685 = H III-398 = h1427 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r."  JH made three observations calling this object (sweep 61) "pB; S; resolved or resolvable.  Has a star in centre."  His mean position is accurate and d'Arrest's is withing a few arcsec of center.

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NGC 4686 = UGC 7946 = MCG +09-21-044 = CGCG 270-021 = LGG 300-003 = PGC 43101

12 46 39.8 +54 32 03; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 3”

 

18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.3', fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core.  Two mag 14 stars close NE are collinear with the core.  In a group of NGC galaxies and between NGC 4675 15' NW and NGC 4695 12' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4686 = H II-795 = h1428 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and logged "pB, cL, BrN, lE."  My re-reduced position (with respect to 77 UMa) is within 1' of UGC 7946.  JH called it "pB; pbE; vsbM."

 

On 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001), WH discovered NGC 4695, but assumed it was NGC 4686, so didn't assign it a new internal number.  Dreyer, in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" added the new designation III-985 to refer to NGC 4695, which is referred to as II-795 (which applies to NGC 4675!) by JH in the GC and by Dreyer in the NGC. See notes on NGC 4675.

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NGC 4687 = UGC 7958 = MCG +06-28-031 = CGCG 188-021 = Mrk 442 = LGG 302-002 = PGC 43157

12 47 23.8 +35 21 07; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', slightly brighter quasi-stellar nucleus.  Forms the SW vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 5.7' NE and 5.8' ENE.  NGC 4711 lies 17' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4687 = h1430 on 11 Mar 1831 and logged "vF; R; psbM; 15".". His single position is accurate.

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NGC 4688 = UGC 7961 = MCG +01-33-013 = CGCG 043-028 = Holm 461a = PGC 43189

12 47 46.4 +04 20 10; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (4/21/90): extremely faint, fairly large, round, very low surface brightness, brighter core.  Appears as a hazy region without distinct borders.  Located 3.8' E of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4688 = H III-543 = h1429 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and noted "eF, pL."  JH measured a fairly accurate position and noted "10 sec following a * 9-10 mag."  A bright knot on the northwest end appears bright enough to be a visual object.

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NGC 4689 = UGC 7965 = MCG +02-33-022 = CGCG 071-043 = PGC 43186

12 47 45.7 +13 45 45; Com

V = 10.9;  Size 4.3'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ENE, 3'x2', large diffuse halo, weak concentration, ill-defined brighter core, possible mottling.  A pair of mag 11.5/12 stars with separation 1.2' (parallel to the major axis) are located 3.5' N.  At 280x, a 1.0' core is more prominent and the outer halo become becomes difficult to view.  At low power, forms the northern vertex of a triangle with 28 Comae Berenices (V = 6.6) 14' SSE and mag 8.2 SAO 100258 14' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4689 = H II-128 = h1431 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and logged "L, R, bM, r."  JH made 3 observations and measured an accurate (mean) position.

 

On 29 Apr 1851, LdR assistant Bindon Stoney recorded "vF, gbM, edges fade off.  I fancied a dark space p the central portion."  A few nights later he noted "F, suspected spiral."

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NGC 4690 = UGC 7964 = MCG +00-33-012 = CGCG 015-021 = PGC 43202

12 47 55.5 -01 39 22; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very small bright core is possibly stellar.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4690 = H III-664 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and logged "vF, S."  His position is 2.5' south-southeast of UGC 7964.  No observations were made by JH but d'Arrest made a single observation with an accurate position.

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NGC 4691 = MCG +00-33-013 = CGCG 015-023 = UGCA 299 = PGC 43238

12 48 13.6 -03 19 58; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4691 = H II-182 = h1432 on 22 Apr 1784 (sweep 204) and recorded "pF, pL, E, r."  John Herschel made the single observation "B; pmE nearly in the parallel [E-W]; gmbM; 90" l, 60" br." and measured a fairly accurate position.

 

The SDSS image shows a very knotty bar and Hermann Kobold measured two positions in 1894 at Strasbourg; one he labeled as the main nucleus and a seond (close west) that he identified as nebulous.  This galaxy may be a late merger based on the SDSS image.

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NGC 4692 = NGC 4702 = UGC 7967 = MCG +05-30-086 = CGCG 159-078 = PGC 43200

12 47 55.3 +27 13 20; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 7' NNW of mag 8.0 SAO 82502.  Three mag 13.5-14 stars forming an equilateral triangle cradle the galaxy off the SW, south and SE sides.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4692 = H II-381 = h1433 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and logged "F, S."  JH made three observations and d'Arrest made two observations (and measured an accurate position).

 

NGC 4702, discovered by d'Arrest, is possibly another observation of this galax (see that number).  IC 823, found by Bigourdan on 17 Apr 1885, is the star 1.3' southwest of NGC 4692.  UGC, CGCG, MCG and PGC incorrectly equate IC 823 with NGC 4692.

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NGC 4693 = UGC 7962 = MCG +12-12-018 = CGCG 335-023 = Holm 460a = LGG 303-001 = PGC 43141

12 47 09.2 +71 10 34; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 34”

 

18" (5/8/04): faint, moderately large, edge-on streak 5:1 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is south of the SSW extension, 1.8' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4693 = H III-906 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and logged "vF, E, about 2' long and 1/2' br."  His RA is 40 tsec too small.

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NGC 4694 = UGC 7969 = MCG +02-33-023 = CGCG 071-044 = PGC 43241

12 48 15.1 +10 59 01; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', overall high surface brightness, faint halo with an abrupt bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.3' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4694 = H II-72 = h1434 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "S, lE.  The 2nd figure of the minutes was in the great hurry forgot to put down; but I suppose it was intended for 31 min."  The estimated RA is 1 min too small. John Herschel made up for this by measuring the RA accurately on 6 sweeps, the earliest on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4), when he called it "pB, round, gmbM."

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NGC 4695 = IC 3791 = UGC 7966 = MCG +09-21-048 = CGCG 270-023 = LGG 300-004 = PGC 43173

12 47 32.1 +54 22 29; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 80”

 

18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  With averted vision the size increases slightly and seems brighter along the major axis.  Located 8.5' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 28523 in a galaxy group (furthest SE).  NGC 4686 lies 12' NW and last in a one degree chain of 5 NGC galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4695 = H III-985 = h1435 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and noted "eF, pS."  CH's reduced position is 9 sec of RA west of UGC 7966. He mistakenly assumed it was a duplicate observation of NGC 4686 and didn't assign it a new internal number or catalogue designation.   The GC and NGC position (from JH) is accurate, although JH and Dreyer mislabeled this object H II-796, which applies to NGC 4686.  To correct this mistake, Dreyer added the new designation III-985 in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH".

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 23 May 1897, assumed it was new, and recorded it in discovery list XI-141 (later IC 3791).  There is nothing at his position but 5' S is NGC 4695.  He mentions "NGC 4732 in field", which is impossible, but Harold Corwin notes he probably was referring to NGC 4686 to the NW.

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NGC 4696 = ESO 322-091 = MCG -07-26-051 = LGG 298-044 = PGC 43296

12 48 49.2 -41 18 40; Cen

V = 10.4;  Size 4.5'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.8'x1.2'.  Gradually increases to a brighter 30" core.  The halo reaches a mag 13.5 at the NW edge.  This galaxy is the brightest member of the Centaurus cluster (ACO 3526) and the surrounding rich star field is littered with faint galaxies (18 were observed within just 25' and I could have observed many more with larger finder charts).

 

17.5" (4/7/89): brightest galaxy in the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).  Moderately bright, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge.  NGC 4709 lies 15' ESE and NGC 4706 12' E.  NGC 4696 is located 1.4” SW of 4.3-magnitude n Cen (HD 111968).

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4696 = D 511? = h3424 on 7 May 1826 and described a "pretty large faint nebula."  His position is 12' too far southeast.  It's also possible that D 510 refers to NGC 4696.  Dunlop's description reads "faint nebula, about 12" or 15" diameter, a little brighter to the centre, very faint at the margin."  His published position for D 510 15' too far northwest.  Neither of these positional discrepancies are unusually large, so either could apply.  The relative positions suggests D 510 = NGC 4696 and D 511 = NGC 4706, though that may be a coincidence.

 

John Herschel made the single observation on 5 Jun 1834, "pB; L; R; gbM; 2' resolvable."  His position is accurate.  JH discovered 16 other galaxies in the Centaurus cluster.

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NGC 4697 = MCG -01-33-010 = UGCA 300 = LGG 314-003 = PGC 43276

12 48 35.8 -05 48 02; Vir

V = 9.2;  Size 7.2'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE.  Even concentration in halo, then a very bright intense core.  The large halo gradually fades out at edges.  A mag 12 star is 2.7' NE of center.  Located 35' NNE of mag 6.3 SAO 138967.  Visible in the 16x80 finder.  Brightest in a large, loose galaxy group (LGG 314) with two dozen members including NGC 4731, 4941, 4948, 4951 and 4958.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4697 = H I-39 = h1436 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and described  "vB, vL, iE, mbM but the brightness breaks off abruptly [sharply concentrated] so as almost to resemble a resolvable nucleus consisting of 4 or 5 bright stars.  There is however too much moonlight to describe the nebula completely."  On 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913), he also logged "vB, lE from sp to nf, vgbM, 3 or 4' long, but clouds coming on."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 23) as an illlustration of "nebulae that are suddenly much brighter in the middle."

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NGC 4698 = UGC 7970 = MCG +02-33-024 = CGCG 071-045 = PGC 43254

12 48 23.0 +08 29 16; Vir

V = 10.6;  Size 4.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, small very bright core.  Situated between a mag 11 star at the north edge 2.1' from the center and a mag 10.5 star off the south edge 2.7' from center.  Mag 7.7 SAO 119597 lies 6.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4698 = H I-8 = H III-6 on 18 Jan 1784 (only object in sweep 87) and simply called III-6 "a nebula of the first class."  The RA was only roughly taken in this early sweep and a two degree range for the polar distance.  He observed this galaxy again on 15 Apr 1784 and logged "vB, not L, lE, mbM.  It is between some pB stars."  Again on 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he noted "cB; cL; between 2 pB stars, gmbM." and CH noted "See I.8."

 

In Dreyer's 1912 revision of William Herschel's catalogues, he notes "the place [of III-6] agrees sufficiently with that of I-8 (found on 23 Jan 1784), and a sketch also agrees with one of I-8.  The identity seems certain, and was assumed to be so by J.H. [in the GC]".  The NGC position is 10 tsec following UGC 9790.  Schwassmann's corrected RA (based on a Heidelberg plate) in the IC 2 notes is accurate.

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NGC 4699 = MCG -01-33-013 = UGCA 301 = PGC 43321

12 49 02.2 -08 39 52; Vir

V = 9.5;  Size 3.8'x2.6';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, very small intense core with a bright stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4699 = H I-129 = h1437 = h3425 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "very brilliant, iR, vgmbM."  From Slough, John Herschel described "vB; R; vsmbM to a fine resolvable nucleus, 40".  He mistakenly added in parentheses "doubtless a globular cluster".

 

Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt in 1919-20, the galaxy was described as "A curious and complex form of spiral.  The N is vB and alm stellar.  From it project two bright slightly curved spiral arms in p.a. 55” and total length 40"; these merge into a pB oval disc with a sharp edge 1' x 40", E 50” in which are dark lanes and indications of spiral structure; outside this is a vF slightly irr. oval disc 3.5'x 2', E 45”. "

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NGC 4700 = MCG -02-33-013 = PGC 43330

12 49 07.8 -11 24 46; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, thin edge-on 5:1 SW-NE.  A mag 12 star lies 2' W of center.  NGC 4708 lies 21' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4700 = H III-524 = h1438 = h3426 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and noted "cF, 4' long and 3/4' broad."  His position matches MCG -02-33-013 = PGC 43330.  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH logged "pB; mE; vlbM; 30" l; 15" br."

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NGC 4701 = UGC 7975 = MCG +01-33-015 = CGCG 043-034 = PGC 43331

12 49 11.6 +03 23 19; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weakly concentrated.  A small trio of mag 13 stars lie 3.5' N (closest pair 21" separation).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4701 = H II-578 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "F, S."  His position matches UGC 7975.

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NGC 4702 = NGC 4692 = UGC 7967 = MCG +05-30-086 = CGCG 159-078 = PGC 43200

12 47 55.3 +27 13 20; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4692.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4702 on 4 Mar 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and described (Latin translation from Corwin) as "Doubtless a very small, very much compressed cluster."  There is nothing at his position but exactly 1 min of RA west is NGC 4692.  d'Arrest observed and measured this galaxy on two nights, but not on the night he logged NGC 4702.  So, Corwin identifies NGC 4702 = NGC 4692.

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NGC 4703 = MCG -01-33-015 = FGC 1504 = PGC 43342

12 49 19.0 -09 06 31; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 3.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 156”

 

18" (4/9/05): very faint edge-on, 4:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.25', low even surface brightness.  Located 8' NE of mag 7.6 HD 111384.  On the DSS this galaxy looks like a miniature version of NGC 4565 with a bisecting dust lane and bulging core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4703 = H III-514 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "eF, vS, E."  His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' south of MCG -01-33-015 = PGC 43342.

 

Based on plates taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 2.5' long, vmE 155”, pF almost stellar N; absorption cuts off the northeast edge of the nebula in a sharp line parallel to its greatest extent, giving it much the appearance of the well known nebula NGC 4565."

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NGC 4704 = UGC 7972 = MCG +07-26-054 = CGCG 216-031 = PGC 43288

12 48 46.4 +41 55 16; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 105”

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, round, fairly low surface brightness with only a very slightly brighter core which seems offset from the geometric center.  Located 6.4' SE of mag 8.6 SAO 44330 and 54' NW of M94.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4704 = H II-662 = h1439 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, S, R, bM."  JH made two additional observations.

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NGC 4705 = MCG -01-33-016 = PGC 43350

12 49 25.1 -05 11 46; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 3.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, brighter middle but no core.  A mag 14.5 star is involved at the east edge 0.9' SE of center.  Located 5' SSW of mag 8.8 SAO 138982.  NGC 4718 lies 19' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4705 = H III-610 = h1440 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and noted "cF, pL, E."  JH made a single observation, though his RA is 17 sec too large.  Henrich d'Arrest made two observations and measured an accurate position (given in the NGC).

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NGC 4706 = ESO 323-001 = MCG -07-26-055 = LGG 308-001 = PGC 43411

12 49 54.1 -41 16 47; Cen

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 24”

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE.  Fairly well concentrated with a bright 15" core.  The halo increases in size to 0.7'x0.4' with averted vision.  Located 6.4' NNW of brighter NGC 4709 in the core of the Centaurus cluster.  PGC 43402, situated 3.2' NNW, appeared faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval SSW-NNE, low surface brightness.  Located 6.4' NNW of NGC 4709 and 12' ENE of brightest member NGC 4696 in the central portion of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4706 = h3427 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; psbM; 10"."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the field on 12 May 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "pretty bright, very small, round, a little brighter middle."

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NGC 4707 = UGC 7971 = MCG +09-21-050 = CGCG 270-025 = DDO 150 = I Zw 43 = PGC 43255

12 48 23.2 +51 09 48; CVn

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 25”

 

18" (3/30/05): very unusual appearance to this magellanic spiral as all I could detect was a moderately large (~1.5') very low surface brightness glow with no concentration surrounding what appeared to be a mag 14 star. The DSS and SDSS confirms this is a star and the galaxy extends mostly to the west of the star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4707 = H III-815 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "small, stellar neb."  His position (CH's reduction) is 20 tsec east and 1' north of UGC 7971.

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NGC 4708 = MCG -02-33-016 = Holm 463a = PGC 43382

12 49 41.5 -11 05 35; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 55”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.9'x0.7'.  The surface brightness is irregular and the elongation sometimes changes orientation using averted vision.  NGC 4700 lies 21' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4708 = H III-722 on 11 Mar 1788 (sweep 819) and logged "F, S, E."  His position is 1' south of PGC 43382.

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NGC 4709 = ESO 323-003 = MCG -07-26-056 = LGG 305-006 = PGC 43423

12 50 03.8 -41 22 56; Cen

V = 10.9;  Size 2.4'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 112”

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7' diameter.  This member of the Centaurus Cluster had a symmetrical appearance and steadily increased to a small, bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  NGC 4706 lies 6.4' NNW and ESO 322-102 is 5' W ("faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', very weak concentration".

 

NGC 4709 is located 14' ESE of NGC 4696 in the core of the cluster with many faint galaxies within 10'.  It is the brightest member in a subgroup called Cen 45 that has significantly higher recessional velocities, though these galaxies may be streaming towards the main cluster.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Four mag 12-13 stars forming a parallelogram are roughly 4' NE.  Located 15' ESE of NGC 4696 within the core of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526) and the second brightest member.  Forms a pair with MCG -07-26-057 1.2' SE (not seen).

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 4709 = h3428 = D 511? on 7 May 1826 and reported "pretty large faint nebula".  His position (single observation) is 6.7' SW of NGC 4709.

 

John Herschel rediscovered NGC 4709 = h3428 on 7 May 1826 and recorded "pB; R; gbM; 30"." (More nebulae hereabouts.)"  His position was 1' too far northeast.  Joseph Turner probably discovered nearby ESO 322-102 on 4 May 1880 while observing NGC 4709 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  MCG -07-26-057, a small companion 1' SE, was discovered at the Helwan observatory in 1921, based on a plate taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector in 1919-20.

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NGC 4710 = UGC 7980 = MCG +03-33-009 = CGCG 100-011 = PGC 43375

12 49 38.8 +15 09 55; Com

V = 11.0;  Size 4.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 27”

 

18" (5/14/07): bright, fairly large edge-on, nearly 7:1 SSW-NNE, ~3.5'x0.5' with tapered extensions.  The core is small and round, ~25" in diameter.  The galaxy is irregular in surface brightness and mottled with a brighter knot near the NNE end.  A dust lane appears to slash across the galaxy to the NE of the core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' E of the core.

 

17.5" (5/14/94): beautiful edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE (PA 30”), bright bulging core.  Distinctly mottled with an irregular surface brightness and clearly brighter along the NNE extension.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' E of center.  At 280x, the dimensions are 3.5'x0.6' and the galaxy appears to have a sharper light cut-off along the preceding edge possibly due to dust.  Very mottled with a couple of bright and dark patches along the major axis. IC 3806 lies 19' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4710 = H II-95 = h1441 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "pB, vmE.  The direction of extent is nearly in the meridian or perhaps about 5 or more degree sp and nf."  His position was poor, but JH observed the galaxy twice, noting "vB; vmE; pos = 28.5” by micrometer; bM; 90" long" and measured an accurate position.

 

A total of 12 observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 16 Feb 1855, R.J. Mitchell wrote "vB ray, a dark band across on each side of nucleus, separating it from the extremities."  The dark lane was commented on in each observation.  On 16 Apr 1855, he wrote "My sketch exaggerates the dark lines, they should be broader and not so well defined.  Mr. Johnstone Stoney [visiting between professorial duties] remarked a second dark line across the n branch near its extremity."  On 13 Apr 1876, Dreyer logged "cB, pL, bM, no very defined Nucl, E 28.2”, about 230" long.  On both side of Nucl are dark bands.  The n end of neb is brighter than s one and the maximum of brightness is about 40" from the end.  Maximum in s part is nearer the nucleus.  Centre looks a little oval with higher power."

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NGC 4711 = IC 3804 = UGC 7973 = MCG +06-28-033 = CGCG 188-022 = PGC 43286

12 48 45.9 +35 19 58; CVn

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 40”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broad weak concentration.  NGC 4687 lies 17' W.  Located 6.2' W of a mag 7.8 star.

 

17.5": fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, gradually brighter halo.  Located 6.2' WNW of mag 7.7 SAO 63208.

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  Located 7' W of mag 8 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4711 = H II-412 = h1443 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "F, S, E, er."  His position is only 4 sec of RA east of UGC 7973. JH's single position is 38 sec of RA too large and he used this erroneous position in the GC as well as by Dreyer in the NGC.  Perhaps because of this error, the UGC and CGCG do not label the entries as NGC 4711.

 

Max Wolf found the galaxy on a Heidelberg plate on 21 Mar 1903, assumed it was new, and Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 3804.  So, NGC 4711 = IC 3804.  CGCG, UGC, and MCG use the IC desgination, though the primary identity should by NGC 4711.  This confusion was noted by Malcolm Thomson as well as Harold Corwin.

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NGC 4712 = UGC 7977 = MCG +04-30-021 = CGCG 129-025 = Holm 468b = PGC 43368

12 49 34.2 +25 28 12; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 160”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faint, diffuse, very elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness.  Located 11.9' WSW of NGC 4725.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4712 = h1442 on 28 Mar 1832 and noted "vF; pL."  His position matches UGC 7977 = PGC 43368.

 

On 9 Mar 1850, George Stoney or LdR logged NGC 4725 as "another spiral.  Another neb 15' p."   The other nebula is NGC 4712, though it was assumed to be new and received the designation GC 3241 (LdR nova).  Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC.  R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 17 Feb 1855 (included in LdR's 1861 monograph).

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NGC 4713 = UGC 7985 = MCG +01-33-018 = CGCG 043-041 = PGC 43413

12 49 57.8 +05 18 39; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 2.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' SE and a brighter mag 11.5 star 3.2' SSE.  Located 11' NE of mag 7.4 SAO 119609.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4713 = H I-140 = h1444 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM." JH made 4 observations and recorded (sweep 153) "pB; L; lE; 60" l, 50" br; two stars sf; 2' dist."

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NGC 4714 = MCG -02-33-018 = PGC 43442

12 50 19.2 -13 19 28; Crv

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 150”

 

18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, very bright core 20"x15" surrounded by a much fainter elongated halo elongated NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.6'.  NGC 4722 lies 18' due east.

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  Even concentration to center with a fairly faint stellar nucleus.  Located 18' SSW of mag 7.3 HD 111581.

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'.  There appears to be a small, much fainter envelope so my description probably applies to a sharply concentrated core with a very low surface brightness halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4714 = H III-536 = h1445 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "eF, stellar."  His position matches MCG -02-33-018 = PGC 43442.  JH made two observations and noted (sweep 352) "pF; S; R; gbM; 12"."

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NGC 4715 = UGC 7986 = MCG +05-30-096 = CGCG 159-085 = PGC 43399

12 49 57.8 +27 49 20; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 20”

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak even concentration to a small brighter core.  A mag 13/14.5 double at 28" separation lies 4' S.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4715 on 10 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured twice) matches UGC 7986 = PGC 43399.  Listed as #266 in his AN 1537 discovery list.

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NGC 4716 = MCG -01-33-021 = KTS 46A = LGG 312-004 = PGC 43464

12 50 33.1 -09 27 04; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 80”

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  Forms a double system with NGC 4717 just 0.8' SSE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4716 = T V-19, along with NGC 4717, on 12 Apr 1882 with the 11-inch Amici I refractor at Arcetri Observatory near Florence.  His description in the main table reads "Double nebula; the position is that of the brighter, north preceding [NGC 4716], has a definite stellar nucleus.  The small, fainter companion [NGC 4717] follows by 1 sec and is barely 3/4' south. A star 11-12m is 2' north."  His micrometric position is an exact match with MCG -01-33-021 = PGC 43464.

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NGC 4717 = MCG -01-33-023 = KTS 46C = LGG 312-002 = Holm 466a = PGC 43467

12 50 34.4 -09 27 47; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 12”

 

18" (4/9/05): faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, 0.7'x0.3'.  Forms an 0.8' double system with NGC 4716 off the north side.  MCG -01-33-022, a low surface brightness edge-on, lies 3.5' S (not noticed).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4717 = T V-19, along with NGC 4716, on 12 Apr 1882.  See his description under NGC 4716.

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NGC 4718 = MCG -01-33-020 = PGC 43463

12 50 32.6 -05 16 56; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, low even surface brightness, collinear with a mag 13.5 star 2.9' W and mag 12 star 2.0' E.  NGC 4718 lies 19' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4718 = h1446 on 19 Feb 1830 and logged "eF; vS; between 2 stars 5' asunder."  His position and description matches MCG -01-33-020 = PGC 43463.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for IC 825.

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NGC 4719 = UGC 7987 = MCG +06-28-035 = CGCG 188-024 = Mrk 446 = PGC 43428

12 50 08.7 +33 09 33; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5": faint, small, round, sharp stellar nucleus, small halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4719 = H III-424 = h1448 on 3 May 1785 (sweep 407) and noted "vF, stellar or a little larger."  His position (CH's reduction) is 2.5' southeast of UGC 7987 = PGC 43428.  JH called it "eF; easily mistaken for a * 15m." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4720 = MCG -01-33-024 = PGC 43478

12 50 42.7 -04 09 21; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, fairly high even surface brightness.  Located 3.7' SW of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4720 = H III-611 = h1447 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and noted "Suspected, vF, S.  I did not stop to verify it."  Nevertheless, his position is accurate and was verified on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709).

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NGC 4721 = MCG +05-30-097 = CGCG 159-086 = PGC 43437

12 50 19.9 +27 19 26; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 114”

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, small edge-on WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2', very small brighter nucleus.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 4721, 6.8' NNE.  A mag 11 star lies 3.6' NNE, midway between NGC 4721 and NGC 4728.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4721 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single measurement is accurate.

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NGC 4722 = IC 3833 = MCG -02-33-031 = LGG 307-003 = PGC 43560

12 51 32.3 -13 19 48; Crv

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2  SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5'.  Contains a round bright core that increases to the center with direct vision.

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', small bright core.  A mag 14 star lies 1.1' E of center.  In field with NGC 4748 11' SE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4722, along with NGC 4723, in 1882, and reported it in the narrative portion of his fifth discovery paper (AN 2439). He simply noted "Following [NGC 4714] are two class III nebulae that I sketched, but could not yet measure."  The position in the NGC (estimated by Dreyer) is 0.7 min of RA west of MCG -02-33-031 = PGC 43560, the brightest galaxy east of NGC 4714. So, this is very likely one of the two galaxies seen by Tempel.

 

Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 15 Apr 1895 and reported it as Big. 302 (later IC 3833) with an accurate position, so the IC identification is certain.  Herbert Howe searched the field in 1898 with the 20" refractor in Denver looking for NGC 4722/4723 and reported finding only a single nebula.  His position (given in the IC 2 Notes section) matches IC 3833.  Jermain Porter also measured an accurate micrometric position in 1907 using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory, though he called this object a "Nova".  See notes for NGC 4723 and Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.

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NGC 4723 = MCG -02-33-026 = Holm 471a = PGC 43508 = PGC 43510

12 51 02.9 -13 14 13; Crv

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 40”

 

18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, requires averted to glimpse and too faint for any noticeable structure.  A mag 15 star lies 34" NW.  Located 9' NW of NGC 4722 and 12' NE of NGC 4714.

 

18" (5/16/09): not seen.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4723, along with NGC 4722, in 1882, and reported it in the narrative portion of paper V (AN 2439). He simply noted "Following [NGC 4714] are two class III nebulae that I sketched, but could not yet measure."  One of these is likely IC 3833 = PGC 43560, which is 1.2 min of RA following NGC 4714, and NGC 4722 is equated with this galaxy.  Herbert Howe could only find this object when he searched the field, so the identification of the second galaxy is very uncertain.

 

One possibility is the second galaxy is MCG -02-33-026 (RNGC and PGC equate NGC 4723 with this galaxy), located 9' northwest of IC 3833, though it may be too faint to have been picked up by Tempel.  MCG does not label their catalogue entry as NGC 4723.  Another possibility is the second galaxy is a reobservation of NGC 4848, located 11' southeast of IC 3833.  Finally, a third possibility is MCG -02-033-024, located 11' southwest of IC 3833.  As

 

The identification here is the one used in the NGC and PGC, but as Harold Corwin comments "It's clear, though, that we do not (yet) know which nebulae Tempel found."

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NGC 4724 = MCG -02-33-022 = Holm 470b = PGC 43494

12 50 53.8 -14 19 54; Crv

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 95”

 

18" (5/16/09): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus (or a star is superimposed).  Forms a contact pair off the west side of brighter NGC 4727 (50" between center).  Two mag 12 stars in an obtuse, isosceles triangle to the north are collinear with the pair.

 

18" (4/9/05): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Contains a faint, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located just off the west side of larger and brighter NGC 4727!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4724 = H III-280 = h1449 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "About half a minute preceding [NGC 4727] is a vS star which I strongly suspect to be stellar, but could not verify it with 240." His position is on NGC 4727.  John Herschel made the single observation "F; R: the np of two, 1' distant."

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NGC 4725 = UGC 7989 = MCG +04-30-022 = CGCG 129-027 = Holm 468a = PGC 43451

12 50 26.3 +25 30 03; Com

V = 9.4;  Size 10.7'x7.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 35”

 

48" (5/3/19): very bright, very large, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, strong concentration with a very bright oval core and an intense nucleus.  The inner ring (interpreted as spiral arms in my 18" observation) was very obvious and highlighted by bright arcs or "handles" at the southwest and northeast ends.  The ring dimmed on the east side but could be traced between the two arcs.  The western side, though, had a missing gap.  At least one HII knot was seen on the SW end [2.1' WSW of center], perhaps NGC 4725:[BKB2006] 11, which is in the spiral arm immediately to the west.  A faint HII region was also noted on the NE end of the ring, probably NGC 4725:[BKB2006] 4.  These designations are from a 2006 catalog of HII regions by Bradley et al.

 

18" (5/12/07): very impressive spiral structure visible.  Two arms emerge from the very bright oval core. One arm is attached at the northeast end of the core and sweeps to the north before hooking back to the west.  Three faint stars are superimposed along this arm.  A second broader arm is attached at the southwest end of the core.  This arms heads south before hooking towards the east.  Both arms have brighter patches or arcs near the ends of the major axis.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): very bright, impressive, very small bright core, elongated SW-NE, large halo.  Structure is suspected with the WSW edge possibly brighter.  NGC 4712 lies 12' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4725 = H I-84 = h1451 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, iR, 7 or 8' the longest way, the brightness confined to a small spot; the rest being milky nebulosity."

 

Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered spiral structure on 9 Mar 1850.  NGC 4725 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.  The following February, Bindon Stoney logged "Spiral, 2 arms and some stars in following arm."   On 15 Apr 1858, R.J. Mitchell wrote "vL and vB.  The centre itself it like an E neb with Nucl; the centre is enveloped is an irr ring or rings of nebulous light as in the accompaning rude sketch, which does not contain all the details."  His sketch clearly shows the inner ring was resolved.  On 3 May 1858, he added "The surrounding ring of nebulosity is of irregular shape, it curves gently at delta (south preceding end) but bends more sharply at gamma (north following end), where it is brightest. The centre seems to reach up to and to blend with the nebulosity at delta."

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NGC 4726 = PGC 926789

12 50 46.1 -14 16 07; Crv

Size 1.0'x0.2';  PA = 76”

 

18" (5/16/09): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12".  Based on this description I only viewed the core region of this thin edge-on.  Located 1.2' SSE of a mag 12 star and 4.5' NW of the NGC 4724/4727 duo.  The identification of this NGC number is uncertain and most other sources equate it with IC 3834.

 

IC 3834 appeared faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star lies 43" W of center.  Located 11' NE of the NGC 4727/4724 pair.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4726 in 1882.  In the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439) he mentions "4' further north of the beautiful double nebula [NGC 4724/4727] is a fainter companion."  Dreyer's position is 4' north of the midpoint of NGC 4724 and 4727.   LEDA 926789 is situated 4.5' north-northwest of the pair and the only galaxy in the vicinity.  But is it too faint to have been picked up by Tempel with the 11-inch refractor at Arcetri Observatory?  Possibly, so this identification is uncertain.

 

Herbert Howe searched unsuccessfully for this object at the NGC position in 1899 with the 20-inch refractor in Denver.  But on two nights he measured an object which he assumed was NGC 4726.   His position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) matches IC 3834 = PGC 43559, a much brighter galaxy discovered by Bigourdan on 14 Apr 1895 and recorded as B. 303.  This galaxy is nearly 11' northeast of NGC 4724/4727, so it doesn't match Tempel's object.  But based on Dreyer's erroneous "corrected" position, modern catalogues (with the exception of NED) identify IC 3834 as NGC 4726.

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NGC 4727 = NGC 4740: = MCG -02-33-023 = Holm 470a = PGC 43499

12 50 57.2 -14 19 58; Crv

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 130”

 

18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5', broad, weak concentration with no core but contains a quasi-stellar brighter nucleus with direct vision.  Forms a close contact pair with NGC 4724 barely off the west side.

 

18" (4/9/05): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly irregular surface brightness though no defined core or nucleus.  Forms a close, striking pair with NGC 4724 just 50" between centers.  The V magnitude appears brighter than listed (13.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4727 = H II-298 = h1450, along with NGC 4724, on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "F, pL, lbM."  His position is a very good match with the brighter, eastern component of this close pair.  John Herschel made a single observation, noting "F; R; the sf and brighter of 2, dist 1'."

 

NGC 4740, found by Lewis Swift, is probably a duplicate observation.  See that number for more.

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NGC 4728 = MCG +05-30-098 = CGCG 159-087 = Holm 469a = PGC 43455

12 50 28.0 +27 26 05; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 108”

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, small, round, 20" diameter, no noticeable concentration.  Forms the north vertex of a thin triangle with a mag 11 star 3.3' S and a mag 13 star 3.8' SSW.  Another 3.6' S of the mag 11 star is NGC 4721 (6.8' SSW).  Located 18' WSW of mag 4.9 31 Comae Berenices and a similar distance ESE of mag 5.8 30 Comae!

 

17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 3.3' SSW.  This outlying member of AGC 1656 forms a trio with NGC 4728A = UGC 7992 2' ESE and NGC 4728B 3.5' NNE.  NGC 4745 lies 13' E.  Located 18' SE of 30 Comae Berenices (V = 5.8) and 17' SW of 31 Comae (V = 4.9).  The CGCG magnitude =15.6z is too faint.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4728 on 3 Mar 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position, measured on two consecutive nights, is accurate.  This is the brightest of three with (R)NGC 4728A = UGC 7992 at 2.2' ESE and (R)NGC 4728C at 3.6' NNE.

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NGC 4729 = ESO 323-016 = MCG -07-27-002 = A1248-40 = LGG 298-018 = PGC 43591

12 51 46.2 -41 07 57; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval NW-SE.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' N.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4730 2.8' ESE.  Located within the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526).  Misidentified in the RNGC as ESO 323-008.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4729 = h3430, along with NGC 4730 = h3431, on 8 Jun 1834.  He gave only a single approximate position (nearest minute of RA and nearest minute of dec, both marked as +/-), although he mentions in his observation of NGC 4744 on the same sweep that this pair was to its southwest.  ESO 323-016 and ESO 323-017 are 5' and 8' southeast of JH's rough position, and these are the two brightest galaxies southwest of NGC 4744.  Harold Corwin mentions that Ron Buta and Andris Lauberts first suggested NGC 4729 = ESO 323-016 and NGC 4730 = ESO 323-017 and these identifications are used in the ESO.

 

Helwan Observatory reported "No nebula here", based on photos taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector in 1919-20 but listed ESO 323-016 as a new nebula with description "pF, S, globular nebula."  MCG does not label its two entries as NGC 4729 and 4730.   RNGC misidentifies ESO 323-008 as NGC 4729.  See Corwin's identificiation notes for the full story.

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NGC 4730 = ESO 323-017 = MCG -07-27-003 = PGC 43611

12 52 00.5 -41 08 49; Cen

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small.  A star lies off the south edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4749 2.8' WNW.  Member of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526).  Misidentified in the RNGC as ESO 323-009.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4730 = h3431, along with NGC 4729 = h3430, on 8 Jun 1834.  See notes for NGC 4729.

 

Helwan Observatory reported "No nebula here", based on photos taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector in 1919-20 but listed ESO 323-017 as a new nebula with description "F, S, stellar nucleus."

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NGC 4731 = MCG -01-33-026 = UGCA 302 = Holm 472a = LGG 314-005 = PGC 43507

12 51 01.0 -06 23 33; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 6.6'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 85”

 

48" (4/2/11): this is an amazing stretched barred spiral with a long, thin central bar oriented NW-SE and long extensions (spiral arms) at the northwest end gently curving west, along with one at the southeast end of the bar extending east.  The entire galaxy forms a very distinctive integral sign outline, stretching 5' E-W!  The bar is very bright and very elongated, ~4:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.4'.  The arm on the east side is slightly brighter and longer.  It seems to fan out and become patchy near the end.  A 15th magnitude star is at or just beyond the tip.  The western arm curves gradually to the south and faint haze extends from the arm to the south increasing the total size.  A mag 14 star is just south of the bar and a small triangle of fainter stars is north of the bar.  A faint, very small HII knot (NGC 4731:[HK83] 21/22) is squeezed between the triangle of stars and the bar. 

 

NGC 4731A was picked up 10' SSE and appeared moderately bright and large, irregularly round, ~0.6' diameter, broad concentration, brightens gradually to the center.  A faint star or knot at the SW edge was not noticed in a quick observation at 375x.

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, diffuse.  A mag 10.5 star is 4' N.  Pair with NGC 4731A 10' NNW.

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just south of the nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4731A = MCG -01-33-027 10.5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4731 = H I-41 = h1452 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "B, L, lbM, irr figure, resolvable." JH made the single observation "vF; pL; E; third class; sky perfectly clear and fine."  His position is accurate although Dreyer was concerned about the discrepant descriptions and positions.  In the IC I notes he remarked "H in 1784 described it as "lbM" not "sb M: as in GC.  There has apparently not been any change; it is diffused, without concentration.  The RA in NGC [from JH] is correct (Armagh, 2 observations)."

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NGC 4732 = UGC 7988 = MCG +09-21-053 = CGCG 270-026 = PGC 43430

12 50 07.1 +52 51 00; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 8”

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3'.  Contains a large, brighter middle with faint extensions.  A mag 12 star lies 2.3' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4732 = H II-814 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "F, S, very suddenly mbM."  CH's reduced position is 2.5' north of UGC 7988.

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NGC 4733 = UGC 7997 = MCG +02-33-028 = CGCG 071-054 = Holm 473a = PGC 43516

12 51 06.8 +10 54 43; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 1.9'x1.8'

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5-14 star is 30" off the west edge and 1' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4733 = H II-73 = h1453 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "F, not vS."  John Herschel made 5 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3).  On 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 22) he recorded, "F; R: has a * 12m immediately p." 

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NGC 4734 = UGC 7998 = MCG +01-33-019 = CGCG 043-045 = PGC 43525

12 51 12.9 +04 51 32; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration. Appears brighter on the north edge or the core is asymmetrical on the north side.  Located 33' NE of NGC 4713.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4734 = h1454 on 7 Apr 1828 and noted "vF; vS; R."  His position is good.

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NGC 4735 = MCG +05-30-104 = CGCG 159-091 = PGC 43509

12 51 01.7 +28 55 40; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.6'x0.3', very little central brightening.  The major axis is collinear with a mag 13.5 star 2.2' W of center which has a mag 15 companion.  On line with mag 8.5 SAO 82534 5.8' SE and mag 9 SAO 82535 9.8' SE which detract from viewing.  NGC 4738 in field 8.6' SSE.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4735 = Big 56 on 9 May 1885.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4736 = M94 = UGC 7996 = MCG +07-26-058 = CGCG 216-034 = CGCG 217-001 = PGC 43495

12 50 53.0 +41 07 12; CVn

V = 8.2;  Size 11.2'x9.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): very bright, very impressive, fairly large, oval WNW-ESE, very bright core containing a stellar nucleus.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M94 = NGC 4736 = h1456 on 22 Mar 1781.  William Herschel recorded (sweep 717 on 18 Mar 1787) "very brilliant.  A large, luminous nucleus of more than 20" diameter with faint chevulure and branches extending 6 or 8'."  Again on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725), he logged "Very brilliant, with much F nebulosity on the sp and more on the following side."  JH published 6 observations and noted on sweep 150 "vB; R; psvmbM to a nipple; with 240, r; glimpses of stars seen. A fine object. 90" or 2' in diam."

 

Bindon Stoney reported it as a new spiral in his observation at Birr Castle on 9 Apr 1852.  On 13 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged "vlE pf, dark ring round the nucleus, the bright ring exterior to this.  The annulus, however, is not perfect, but broken up and patchy, and the object will probably run out to be a spiral.

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NGC 4737 = MCG +06-28-036 = CGCG 188-025 = PGC 43490

12 50 52.9 +34 09 24; CVn

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4737 = H III-496 = h1457 on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "eF, vS, pmE."

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NGC 4738 = UGC 7999 = MCG +05-30-103 = CGCG 159-092 = FGC 1510 = PGC 43517

12 51 08.9 +28 47 17; Com

V = 13.4;  Size 2.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 34”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, very thin edge-on 6:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.2', slightly brighter along major axis.  Forms a very close pair with a mag 14.5 star 50" SE of center.  NGC 4735 lies 8.6' NNW.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 8.4 SAO 82534 4.9' NNE and mag 9 SAO 82535 5.7' ENE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4738 = Big 57 on 1 Mar 1851.  He simply noted "nova, Nucl, E" and gave a rough position.  Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 9 Mar 1885 and noted "elongated in PA 30”."  The NGC position from Bigourdan is accurate.

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NGC 4739 = MCG -01-33-029 = PGC 43571

12 51 37.1 -08 24 37; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, gradual central brightening, possibly contains faint stellar nucleus.  Located 10' NW of mag 8.8 SAO 139005.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4739 = H III-515 = h1455 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and reported "vF, S, E."  His position is at the southeast edge of MCG -01-33-029 = PGC 43571.

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NGC 4740 = NGC 4727: = MCG -02-33-023 = PGC 43499

12 50 57.2 -14 19 58; Crv

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 130”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4727.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4740 = Sw. VI-49 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "pF; pS; R; mbM."  There is nothing at this position, but 50 sec of RA west is NGC 4727 and this relatively bright galaxy is a good match in description.  The closest galaxy to Swift's position, though, is IC 3834, which is located 6' north and 14 sec of RA preceding.  So, there are two possible candidates.

 

Herbert Howe, examining the area in 1899 with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, commented "I cannot see anything in the NGC place for NGC 4740.  Under date of 1899 August 9 Dr. Swift writes, in reply to a query: "I have examined the record of 4740, and find that it was made 1887 April 27, with position 12 46, -13 41.  The right ascension is for 1890, the declination for date of discovery.  I have no recollection about it."  This position agrees so well with NGC 4726 that I assume them to be identical."  But Howe couldn't find NGC 4726 at Tempel's location 4'  north of NGC 4724/4727 but found IC 3834, which he assumed was NGC 4726.

 

Malcolm Thomson feels NGC 4740 is IC 3834, but Harold Corwin argues that NGC 4740 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 4727.

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NGC 4741 = UGC 8000 = MCG +08-23-098 = CGCG 244-045 = CGCG 245-003 = PGC 43504

12 50 59.5 +47 40 17; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, broad concentration.  Form the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides ~3' with a mag 14 star to the NE and a mag 12.5 star to the SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4741 = H III-721 = h1458 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, S."  JH made the single observation "vF; R; psbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4742 = MCG -02-33-032 = UGCA 303 = PGC 43594

12 51 48.0 -10 27 17; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, small, bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 1.3' SE of center.  Situated 9' SE of ·1682, a bright unequal double star with components 6.4/9.7 at 30".  In a group with NGC 4760 20' E and NGC 4781 38' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4742 = H I-133 = h3432 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and logged "cB, vS, BN."  His position matches MCG -02-33-032 = PGC 43594.  JH described "A star 9m, with a strong burr about of very small extent, diam 10".  It is the best specimen of the class of "stellar nebulae" that I remember to have seen."

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NGC 4743 = ESO 323-021 = MCG -07-27-005 = LGG 298-046 = PGC 43653

12 52 16.0 -41 23 26; Cen

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 176”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, elongated N-S.  Located 15' S of NGC 4729 and NGC 4744 within the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4743 = h3429 on 8 Jun 1834 and logged "F; R; gbM." His position is accurate, though MCG does not label its entry (MCG -07-27-005) as NGC 4743.

 

Pietro Baracchi discovered and sketched nearby ESO 323-019 on 13 May 1885 while observing the field of NGC 4743 with the 48" Melbourne telescope.  NGC 4743 was described as "pB; S; R; lbM."

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NGC 4744 = ESO 323-022 = MCG -07-27-006 = LGG 298-019 = PGC 43661

12 52 19.5 -41 03 37; Cen

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 122”

 

25" (3/31/17 - OzSky): at 244x; nearly moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 24"x18", brighter core. Located 8' E of mag 9.1 HD 111324.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, small, very low surface brightness.  Third of three and located about 7' NE of the NGC 4729/NGC 4730 pair within the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4744 = h3433 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; L; E; gbM; has two more nebulae preceding, a little to south [NGC 4729 and 4730]." His position is is just off the southeast side of ESO 323-022 = PGC 43661.

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NGC 4745 = MCG +05-30-105A = CGCG 159-094 = Holm 474a = PGC 43539

12 51 26.1 +27 25 16; Com

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8'

 

17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, round, well-defined edge to halo, no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' ENE of center.  The view is hampered by 31 Comae Berenices (V = 4.9) located 8.0' NNE and mag 9 SAO 82532 5.3' SSW.  NGC 4728 is at the edge of the field 13' W.  There were several brief impressions of an extremely faint companion galaxy 1.7' WNW (NGC 4745B).  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4745 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position on two nights is at the northeast edge of CGCG 159-094 = PGC 43539.  The RC3 mag =15.1V appears too faint.

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NGC 4746 = UGC 8007 = MCG +02-33-029 = CGCG 071-060 = PGC 43601

12 51 55.2 +12 04 59; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 3.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration with no well-defined nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 3.5' WSW and a mag 13 star is 2.3' N of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4746 = h1460 on 29 Mar 1830 and logged "pB; mE; r.'  His position is just off the south side of UGC 80007 and his description is appropriate.

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NGC 4747 = Arp 159 = UGC 8005 = MCG +04-30-023 = CGCG 129-028 = Holm 468c = PGC 43586

12 51 45.5 +25 46 30; Com

V = 12.3;  Size 3.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 3'x1', diffuse, low even surface brightness.  Located 22' NE of NGC 4725.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4747 = H II-344 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F; pL; lE." CH's reduction is 1' south of UGC 8005.  Although JH recorded nearby NGC 4725, though either missed or didn't look for this object.

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NGC 4748 = MCG -02-33-034 = PGC 43643

12 52 12.6 -13 24 49; Crv

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, very small bright core.  Located 3' NNW of a mag 10 star.  Pair with similar NGC 4722 11' NW.  Appears double on the POSS with smaller component at the north side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4748 = H III-537 = h1459 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted " vF, vS, iF."  His position is less than 1' south of MCG -02-33-034 = PGC 43643.  JH's position is at the northeast edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 4749 = UGC 8006 = MCG +12-12-020 = CGCG 335-026 = LGG 303-002 = PGC 43527

12 51 12.4 +71 38 05; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 158”

 

18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.3', brighter core.  A distinctive "kite" asterism of mag 12-13 stars is close NW.  Four mag 8-9 stars are in the 20' field around the periphery including mag 7.9 SAO 7686 at 8.5' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4749 = H III-907 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "vF, E from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long and 1/2' br."  His RA (CH's reduction) is ~ 1.0 tmin too small.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position used in the NGC.

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NGC 4750 = UGC 7994 = MCG +12-12-019 = CGCG 335-025 = LGG 303-003 = PGC 43426

12 50 07.2 +72 52 28; Dra

V = 11.2;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (5/8/04): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.4'x1.2', well concentrated with a prominent 30" core which increases to a distinct stellar nucleus with direct vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4750 = H IV-78 = h1463 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1101) and recorded "cB, R, bM, about 1 1/2' diam.  Somewhat approaching to a planetary nebula, with a strong hazy border."  JH (probably working with his father's description) made the single observation "pF; L; R; 40"; the central portion up to diam 30" is nearly uniform, so as to give an approach to th appearance of a planetary nebula."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4751 = ESO 323-029 = MCG -07-27-011 = LGG 309-003 = PGC 43723

12 52 50.7 -42 39 36; Cen

V = 11.8;  Size 3.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 175”

 

18" (3/28/09): this member of AGC 3526 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', small bright core.  Located on the SE side of AGC 3526 (Centaurus cluster), 1.5” SE of NGC 4696 and 30' NW of mag 5.5 HD 112213.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4751 = h3434 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "B; R; first vg, then vsbM; 50"."  His position matches ESO 323-029 = PGC 43723, although MCG fails to label its entry as NGC 4751.

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NGC 4752 = CGCG 071-058 = PGC 43555

12 51 29.1 +13 46 55; Com

Size 0.9'x0.3';  PA = 154”

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.3'x0.2', visible continuously with averted vision.  Located 43' SE of 5.7-magnitude 29 Coma.  The NGC identification with this galaxy is very uncertain due to a poor position by William Herschel.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4752 = H III-82 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and recorded "vF, S, E, r."  There is nothing near his position -- 4.05 min of RA east and 15' south of NGC 4689.  Bigourdan searched unsuccessfully for this object.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 4752 may refer to CGCG 71-058.  This galaxy is 38 sec of RA west and 15' north of WH's position, so this identification is very uncertain, although there are no other good candidates.  Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, notes "=*12; no nebulosity, *13.5 nf 2.8', S double star sf 3.0'."  This mag 12 star is close to the WH's position.  Dorothy Carlson, repeated this identification as a star in her 1940 NGC Correction paper, as well as the RNGC.

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NGC 4753 = UGC 8009 = MCG +00-33-016 = CGCG 015-029 = LGG 315-003 = PGC 43671

12 52 22.0 -01 11 58; Vir

V = 9.9;  Size 6.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 80”

 

48" (5/12/18): very bright and large, irregular oval, ~5'x3'.  Sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that increased to an intense stellar nucleus.  The halo was irregular, particularly on the east side, which had a tattered appearance due to dusty intrusions.  NGC 4753 is an unusual I0 galaxy (amorphous irregular) with dust filaments from the shredded remains of a small spiral galaxy that was captured by a much larger elliptical galaxy.

 

18" (5/28/06): very bright, very large, the halo increases to a large bright core.  The halo appears irregular in shape with averted vision with a strong impression of a low surface brightness extension on the southeast side and a less-defined extension to the northwest.  On images, this distorted galaxy has very unusual chaotic, twisted dust lanes and disc, with a much fainter outer halo inclined to the main body.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): bright, large, oval 2:1 E-W, the halo brightens down to a small very bright core.  Overall, an impressive galaxy.  Mag 9 SAO 139015 lies 8' ESE and mag 7.8 SAO 13910 is 16' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4753 = H I-16 = h1461 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a fine nebula, brightest in the M; pL; 4 or 5' extent.  It is not quite R, but a little compressed.  The middle though vB does not resemble the nucleus of a comet."  JH made a single obervation and measured an accurate position.

 

Knox-Shaw, at the Helwan observatory in 1924, described "two lanes of absorption in the nebula, north and south of centre meeting in the preceding end."

 

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NGC 4754 = UGC 8010 = MCG +02-33-030 = CGCG 071-062 = Holm 478b = PGC 43656

12 52 17.5 +11 18 50; Vir

V = 10.6;  Size 4.6'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated halo SSW-NNE, 3' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright small round core containing a substellar nucleus.  Located in the center of a group of six faint mag 14 stars.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.1' SW of center.  Forms a pretty pair with NGC 4762 11' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4754 = H I-25 = H II-74 = h1462 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "B, S, in a line with two stars.  Caroline's reduced position is 18 seconds of RA preceding UGC 8010 and the description nails the identification.  The next objects logged are NGC 4754 (again) and NGC 4762 as "Two pB nebula; the preceding [NGC 4754] of them is almost R.  The following [NGC 4762] vmE; they are not far from the same parallel and about 8 or 10' distant."  Hence the two H-designations.

 

John Herschel made four observations (noting the equivalence of I-25 and II-74) and six observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 4755 = ESO 131-16 = Cr 264 = Jewel Box Cluster = Kappa Crucis Cluster

12 53 37 -60 21 24; Cru

V = 4.2;  Size 10'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, 120-150 stars are resolved in the Jewel Box cluster with careful viewing.  A huge number of mag 13-14 stars form a rich carpet in the background of a half-dozen very bright stars in the cluster.  Most prominent is a string of three 6-7th magnitude stars and orange-red DU Crucis (V = 7.2-7.7) 40" NE of the 'central' star, mag 7 HD 111934 (BU Cru).  The half-dozen brightest stars in the cluster form a capital "A" asterism.  The mag 5.9 star on the southeast end is often identified as Kappa Crucis (B2-type Supergiant).  The star distribution is very irregular with a number of stars arranged in strings, loops, pair and triplets.  This small naked-eye cluster is just north of the Coalsack and roughly one degree SE of mag 1.3 Mimosa (Beta Crucis).

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): the Jewel Box cluster is a beautiful, naked-eye cluster about a degree SE of Beta Crucis.  At 186x, the cluster includes a half-dozen very bright stars (mag 6-7.5) set over a rich background of scores of mag 9-13 stars within a compact 10' diameter.  A line of three mag 6-7 crosses the center of cluster from NW to SE with a striking orange-red variable star (DU Crucis = SAO 252073) near the center.  Other stars have blue-white and yellow-whites tints, though these are more subdued.  To the south of the cluster is the remarkable 6”x4” oval dark Coalsack which sits adjacent to the SE side of the Southern Cross.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): the Jewel Box is bright naked-eye cluster close to Beta Crucis (Mimosa).  Several very bright stars were resolved and some fainter stars using the 10x30 binoculars.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 4755 = Lac II-12 = D 301 = h3435 in 1751 through a 1/2" telescope during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He classified it as a nebulous star cluster and noted "5 or 6 small stars between two of sixth magnitude".  It was probably next observed at the Parramatta Observatory during regular meridian work and described as "a cluster of 12 or 14 small stars, in the form of a rhomboid, very close together. Part of this cluster forms a very perfect cone of mixed stars."  Using his 9-inch speculum reflector in 1826, James Dunlop described "(Kappa Crucis, Bode) is five stars of the 7th magnitude, forming a triangular figure, and a star of the 9th magnitude between the second and the third, with a multitude of very small stars on the south side - Figure 13 is a very correct representation."

 

John Herschel first observed the cluster on 14 Mar 1834 and recorded "the central star (extremely red) of a most vivid and beautiful cluster of from 50 to 100 stars. Among the larger there are one or two evidently greenish; south of the red star is one 13th mag, also red; and near it is one 12th mag, bluish."  In preparation for his meticulous sketch of the cluster, he drew up a catalogue of 110 stars, accompanied by the following explanation: "Though set down by Lacaille as nebulous, and on that authority entered as a nebula in Bode's Catalogue, no nebula is perceptible in any part of the extent of this cluster, which though neither a large nor a rich one, is yet an extremely brilliant and beautiful object when viewed through an instrument of sufficient aperture to show distinctly the very different colour of its constituent stars, which give it the effect of a superb piece of fancy jewelery. The area occupied by it is about one-forty-eighth part of a square degree, within which area I have laid down, partly from micrometric measures (as regards the large stars) and partly from intertriangulation by the eye (as respects the small ones) the stars (110 in number) of the following catalogue." JH listed eight stars in which the "colour is conspicuous"; 3 are described as "greenish-white, 2 are green, 1 blue-green, 1 red and 1 ruddy.

 

In May 1862, English amateur astronomer and meteoroligist Francis Abbott constructed a map of 75 stars (from Hobart, Tasmania) five of which Abbott thought were not shown by Herschel.  He commented "certain changes are apparently taking place in the number, position, and colours of its component stars."  In 1872 Henry Chamberlain Russell, director of the Sydney Observatory, decided to investigate Abbott's claim and carefully measured the positions of the stars using the observatory's 7.25" refractor and creating a catalog of 130 stars.  He mistakenly noted change also, as he thought several stars had changed their positions based on Herschel's sketch and several faint stars that Russell measured were surprisingly missed by JH.   Russell later took perhaps the first photograph of the cluster in 1891.  In 1929 Trumpler classified the cluster as type I 3 r -; "Detached, strong concentration, bright and faint stars in the cluster, rich in stars, without nebulosity."

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NGC 4756 = MCG -02-33-039 = LGG 306-003 = PGC 43725

12 52 52.6 -15 24 48; Crv

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50”

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', broad mild concentration.  A mag 14.5-15 star is at the NE edge. Brightest in a cluster (LGG 306) superimposed on AGC 1631.  A total of 10 galaxies in both clusters were tracked down.

 

18" (4/29/06): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.8', broad concentration.  Brightest galaxy in a galaxy group (LGG 306) superimposed on AGC 1631 and situtated near the center of the cluster.  Several faint galaxies are visible in the field including a trio ~8' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4756 = H III-281 = h1464 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and noted "vF, pS, resolvable."  CH's reduction is less than 2' southwest of PGC 43725.

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NGC 4757 = MCG -02-33-040 = PGC 43715

12 52 50.0 -10 18 37; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, small, round.  An extremely faint star is at the NW edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 4766 5' SE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4757, along with NGC 4766, in 1882.  In the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439) he mentions finding two nebulae about 10' north of Winnecke's GC 5674 [NGC 4760].  Although no positions are given here, they were probably measured and communicated later to Dreyer, as the NGC position is 1.6' south of MCG -02-33-040 = PGC 43715.  This galaxy lies 12' north-northwest of NGC 4760.

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NGC 4758 = UGC 8014 = MCG +03-33-015 = CGCG 100-015 = PGC 43707

12 52 44.1 +15 50 54; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 3.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 160”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x0.6'.  Fairly low surface brightness, but appears irregular or slightly mottled.  A mag 14 star is 40" N of center, just off the eastern flank.  Located 17' SSE of mag 6.3 SAO 100312.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4758 = H III-70 = h1465 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "vF, not S."  CH's reduced position is 6 sec of RA too far west.  JH made three observations and his mean position matches UGC 8014.

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NGC 4759 = NGC 4776 + NGC 4778 = MCG -01-33-036/037 = Holm 477a/b = HCG 62a/b = PGC 43754

12 53 05.2 -09 12 08; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.8'

 

18" (6/17/06): NGC 4759 is a striking double system consisting of the two brightest members of HCG 62.  The southeast component (NGC 4778 = HCG 62A) is slightly larger and brighter of the duo and appears fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Contains a small bright core surrounded by a lower surface brightness halo.  Located 1.5' N of a mag 9.5 star that detracts somewhat.  Nearly tangent to the northwest edge is slightly fainter NGC 4776 = HCG 62B, which appeared fairly faint but very small, round, 20"-24" diameter. NGC 4761 = HCG 62c lies just 1.3' following.

 

17.5" (4/13/96): the brightest object in HCG 62 is a double system with southeast component HCG 62A = NGC 4759e = NGC 4778 and northwest component HCG 62B = NGC 4759w = NGC 4776.  The southeast galaxy is the brighter of the pair and appears fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter, increases to a small bright core.  Virtually attached at the northwest edge is a slightly fainter and smaller galaxy, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Mag 9 SAO 139019 is just 1.5' SSW of the pair.

 

17.5" (5/17/90): double system consisting of NW component NGC 4759a = NGC 4776 and SE component NGC 4759b = NGC 4778 with 28" separation between centers.  The NW member appears faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core.  The contact companion NGC 4759b is attached at the SE end.  The SE member is the slightly larger and brighter of the double system and appears faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core.  Located 2' N of mag 9.1 SAO 139019.  Second of four with NGC 4761 1' ENE and NGC 4764 4' S.  The SE component is incorrectly listed in the RNGC as NGC 4761.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4759 = H II-559 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and simply noted "F, S".  His position corresponds with this double system.  John Herschel resolved the pair and assigned them two designations - h3437 = NGC 4776 and h3438 = NGC 4778, although his RA was 1.0 tmin too large.  In the GC, JH equated H. II-559 with h3437 (assuming his father's position was poor).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen on 30 Mar 1867 and noted a mag 10 star 1.5' south and 1-2 tsec precding, but only saw a single (unresolved) nebula.  Wilhelm Tempel, later using an 11-inch refractor at Arcetri Observatory, confirmed d'Arrest's position but described it as double.  Dreyer gave H. II-559 = NGC 4759 a separate (accurate) designation in the NGC, noting it as double, assuming II-559 must be different from JH's pair.

 

RNGC and MCG misidentify the components of the double system as NGC 4759 and NGC 4761, while ESGC identifies the pair as NGC 4776 and 4778.

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NGC 4760 = MCG -02-33-041 = PGC 43763

12 53 07.3 -10 29 40; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, moderately large, fairly weak broad concentration, irregularly round.  Located between mag 8.7 SAO 157565 4' SSW and a mag 9.5 star NNE.  NGC 4742 lies 20' WNW.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 4760 on 30 Mar 1876 with a 6.5" refractor at Strausberg.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 4761 = (R)NGC 4764 = MCG -01-33-039 = HCG 62C = Holm 477b = PGC 43768

12 53 09.8 -09 11 52; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 80”

 

18" (6/17/06): faint, small, this small spindle in HCG 62 is elongated 3:1 N-S, 30"x10".  Contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located just 1' following the double system NGC 4759.

 

17.5" (4/13/96): HCG 62C appears very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 25"x15".  Located just 1.2' ENE of the NGC 4759 double system (HCG 62A/B).

 

17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  Located 1' ENE of the double system NGC 4759.  Fourth of four in a group.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4761, along with NGC 4764, in March 1882 and reported it in list V, near NGC 4776 and 4778.  The NGC description reads "eF, eS, 1' f D neb II 559 [NGC 4759]". As Tempel didn't mention any direction in the AN paper, this information must have been communicated directly to Dreyer.  At his position, is MCG -01-33-039 = PGC 43768 = HCG 62C.

 

RNGC and MCG mislabel this galaxy NGC 4764 and also misidentify the eastern component of NGC 4759 as NGC 4761.  The identifications are discussed in Malcolm Thomson's "Catalogue Corrections" as well as in Harold Corwin's NGC identifcation notes.

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NGC 4762 = UGC 8016 = MCG +02-33-033 = CGCG 071-065 = Holm 478a = PGC 43733

12 52 55.9 +11 13 50; Vir

V = 10.3;  Size 8.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 32”

 

48" (4/4/13): extremely bright, stunning thin edge-on SW-NE, ~6.0'x0.6'.  An extremely thin bright streak extends along the major axis, brightening at the center to a remarkably bright core and stellar nucleus.  Beyond the tips of the very high surface portion of the edge-on disc, the galaxy has diffuse extensions at both ends that flare out and appear like water being sprayed out the end of a hose.  The extensions increase the length to at least 8'.  The bright disc has a sharp edge, particularly on the west side, but a low surface brightness glow is visible on both sides, increasing the width to at least 1' and the overall dimensions to 8'x1'.  The southern side of the galaxy is flanked by two mag 9.5 stars and a mag 10.5 star is directly south.  NGC 4754 lies 11' NW.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): very bright, fairly large, beautiful edge-on 12:1 SW-NE, 6.0'x0.5', small intensely bright core, stellar nucleus.  The unusually thin arms taper at the ends.  The galaxy appears to have a sharper light cut-off, possibly due to a dust lane along the west side.  Located almost midway between two 9th magnitude stars (SAO 100313 3.9' WSW and a mag 9.5 star 2.8' E).  Forms a pair with NGC 4754 11' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4762 = H II-75 = h1466 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "Two pB nebula; the preceding [NGC 4754] of them is almost R.  The following [NGC 4762] vmE; they are not far from the same parallel and about 8 or 10' distant."  His position is between the two galaxies.  In 1852 Samuel Hunter (Lord Rosse's assistant) reported "I strongly suspect the ends to be twisted."

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NGC 4763 = MCG -03-33-013 = PGC 43792

12 53 27.2 -17 00 20; Crv

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 130”

 

18" (4/29/06): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.5' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4763 = H III-489 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "vF, S, lbM."  Not observed by JH.  His position is 9 sec of time preceding and 1' north of MCG -03-33-013 = PGC 43792.

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NGC 4764 = HCG 62D = PGC 43760

12 53 06.6 -09 15 27; Vir

V = 15.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4'

 

18" (6/17/06): extremely faint and small, round, 10"' diameter.  Located 1.9' SSE of mag 9.5 HD 111960 that hampers the view and 3.4' SSE of the double system NGC 4759.  Requires averted to view.

 

17.5" (4/13/96): HCG 62d appears extremely faint and small, round, requires averted but once located can hold at least 50% of time.  Located 1.9' SSE of a mag 9 star.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.3' SW.  Faintest of four in HCG 62.

 

17.5" (5/17/90): extremely faint and small, round, almost stellar, glimpsed for moments only.  Located in a compact galaxy group 3.5' S of double system NGC 4759 and 2' S of mag 9.1 SAO 139019.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' SW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4764, along with NGC 4761, in March 1882, and reported it in his 5th paper near NGC 4776 and 4778.  The NGC description reads "eF, eS, sf Dneb 4759." As Tempel didn't mention any direction in the Astronomische Nachricten article, this information was perhaps communicated directly to Dreyer.

 

NGC 4764 is probably HCG 62D = PGC 43760, located 3.5' due south of the double system NGC 4759 = NGC 4776/NGC 4778.  If this identification is correct, HCG 62D would be the faintest galaxy Tempel discovered (V = 15.0).  RNGC and MCG identify HCG 62C = NGC 4761 as NGC 4764.  The identifications are discussed by both Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin.

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NGC 4765 = UGC 8018 = VV 366 = MCG +01-33-020 = CGCG 043-054 = PGC 43775

12 53 14.6 +04 27 48; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright but fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration with no nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4765 = H III-544 = h1467 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and noted "vF, vS."  JH made the single observation "pB; S; R: gbM; 20"."  Both positions are reasonably accurate.

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NGC 4766 = MCG -02-33-042 = PGC 43766

12 53 08.1 -10 22 41; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 1.0' ENE.  Forms a close pair with an anonymous galaxy 1' NW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4766, along with NGC 4757, in 1882.  In the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439) he mentions finding two nebulae about 10' north of Winnecke's GC 5674 [NGC 4760].  Although no positions were stated, they were probably measured and communicated later to Dreyer, as the NGC position is 20 seconds of RA west of MCG -02-33-042 = PGC 43766.  This galaxy lies 7' due north of NGC 4760.

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NGC 4767 = ESO 323-036 = MCG -06-28-023 = LGG 2989-051 = PGC 43845

12 53 52.9 -39 42 52; Cen

V = 11.5;  Size 2.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval NW-SE, bright core.  Located 26' N of n Centauri (V = 4.3) in the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4767 = h3436 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "B; S; lE; psmbM; 25"."

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NGC 4768

12 53 17.2 -09 31 54; Vir

 

18" (4/29/06): appears as a mag 13 star located 3.7' W of NGC 4770.  Forms a 20" pair with a mag 13 star (this is NGC 4769) to the SE.  These two NGC entries are from Tempel while observing the field of NGC 4770.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4768, along with NGC 4769, in 1882.  He simply noted in paper V (AN 2439) finding two faint nebula close preceding III 525 [NGC 4770]."  Dreyer gives only a rough position in the NGC due west of NGC 4770.  The only object preceding NGC 4770 is a 20" pair of mag 13.5 stars.  Harold Corwin assigns NGC 4768 to the northwestern component and NGC 4769 to the southeastern component (which is probably a merged double star).

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NGC 4769

12 53 18.0 -09 32 10; Vir

 

18" (4/29/06): this is a close double star 3.5' W of NGC 4770.  In poor seeing it appeared as a single mag 13 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 4768, a mag 13 star 20" NW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4769 along with NGC 4768 in 1882.  These two numbers probably apply to a 20" pair of mag 13.5 stars.  See NGC 4768.

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NGC 4770 = MCG -01-33-040 = PGC 43804

12 53 32.1 -09 32 29; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 90”

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5'.  Contains a moderately bright, round core, ~20" diameter with faint extensions.  Located 12' W of mag 5 Psi Virginis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4770 = H III-525 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and simply noted "vF, eS."  His position is 1' north of MCG -01-33-040 = PGC 43804.

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NGC 4771 = UGC 8020 = MCG +00-33-017 = CGCG 015-031 = PGC 43784

12 53 21.2 +01 16 10; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 3.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, only a weak concentration.  Located 2.7' E of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4771 = H II-535 = h1468 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "F, mE, 2' l and 3/4' br from np to sf."  JH made the single observation "F; mE; follows a * 9m in parallel; sky not quite clear." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4772 = UGC 8021 = MCG +00-33-018 = CGCG 015-032 = PGC 43798

12 53 29.1 +02 10 06; Vir

V = 11.0;  Size 3.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, elongated NW-SE, fairly small.  Contains a bright core with faint extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4772 = H II-24 = h1469 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 122) and recorded "F, pL."  His position is about 1 min of RA east of UGC 8021 (same error as NGC 4643, the previous object viewed) but he measured an accurate position on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "pB, pL, bM."  JH made 3 observations, logging "B, smbM, R, 1' diam." on sweep 142.

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NGC 4773 = MCG -01-33-041 = PGC 43810

12 53 36.0 -08 38 21; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core.  Forms a contact pair with MCG -01-33-042 on the south edge.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, round.  Located 6' NNW of mag 8.8 SAO 139029.  First and brightest of four with NGC 4780 7.3' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4773 = H III-516 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and noted "vF, S."  CH's reduction is 2' south-southeast of MCG -01-33-041 = PGC 43810.  No observations were made by JH.

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NGC 4774 = VV 789 = I Zw 45 = MCG +06-28-037 = CGCG 188-026 = PGC 43759 = Kidney Bean Galaxy

12 53 06.6 +36 49 06; CVn

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

48" (4/7/13): at 488x this collisional ring galaxy appeared fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, irregular.  It appeared slightly brighter on the north side, which contained a faint stellar nucleus, but I didn't resolve the darker center.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 2087677, about 30" N of center.  The companion, which is identified as the collider in Madore's collisional ring catalogue, appeared very faint (V = 16.7), very small, round, 9" diameter.

 

NGC 4774 is nicknamed the "Kidney Bean Galaxy" by Zwicky in his red book (I Zw 45).  It was first mentioned as a ring galaxy in 1970 by Cannon, Lloyd, Penston in "Ring galaxies" (The Observatory, Vol. 90, p. 153-154) and it is listed as a collisional ring in Madore, Nelson and Petrillo's 2009 "Atlas and Catalog of Collisional Ring Galaxies" (ApJS, Vol 181, p. 572-604).

 

17.5": very faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Appeared fainter than the CGCG mag of 14.6p.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4774 = H III-618 = h1471 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "eF, vS."  JH logged "eF; S; R: bM.  Sky perfectly clear" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4775 = MCG -01-33-043 = UGCA 306 = PGC 43826

12 53 45.8 -06 37 20; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 2.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, mottled appearance.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SW edge 1.3' from center.  NGC 4786 lies 18.4' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4775 = H II-186 = h1470 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and logged "rather F, cL, R, r."  JH made the single obwervation "vF; L; R; 90"; vglbM.  Its companion [NGC 4786] looked for but not seen."

 

Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory between 1927-31 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector, NGC 4775 was described in the 1935 bulletin as an "open spiral, pF complicated central region with an almost stellar nucleus and many stellar condensations n.p. and s.f. of centre."

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NGC 4776 = NGC 4759nw = HCG 62B = MCG -01-33-036 = Holm 477a NED1 = PGC 43754

12 53 04.5 -09 12 00; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (6/17/06): NGC 4776 = HCG 62B is the northwest component of the striking double system NGC 4759.  At 225x it appeared fairly faint but very small, round, 20"-24" diameter. NGC 4761 = HCG 62c lies just 1.3' following.  Nearly tangent to the southeast edge is slightly brighter NGC 4778 = HCG 62A, just 28" between centers.

 

17.5" (4/13/96): NGC 4776 is virtually attached to the northwest edge of NGC 4778 and is slightly fainter smaller, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Mag 9 SAO 139019 is just 1.5' SSW of the pair.

 

17.5" (5/17/90): the northwest component of this double system appears faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core.  The contact companion NGC 4778 = HCG 62A is attached at the SE end (see notes).  Located 2' N of mag 9.1 SAO 139019.  Second of four with NGC 4761 1' ENE and NGC 4764 4' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4776 = h3437, along with NGC 4778, on 5 May 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; vlbM; the preceding of a double nebula [with NGC 4778]."  This is an unusual situation as his father's H II-559 = NGC 4759 refers to this double system, though WH did not resolve the two galaxies. JH resolved the pair, and each component has its own GC and NGC designation, although his RA is exactly 1.0 tmin too large.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 4777 = MCG -01-33-044 = PGC 43852

12 53 58.5 -08 46 32; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core.  Located 4' SE of mag 8.8 SAO 139029.  Third of four in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4777 = H III-517 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and noted "vF, S."  CH's reduction is 6 sec of RA following MCG -01-33-044 = PGC 43852.  No observations were made by JH.

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NGC 4778 = HCG 62A = NGC 4759se = MCG -01-33-037 = Holm 477a NED2 = PGC 43757

12 53 05.7 -09 12 17; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.4'

 

18" (6/17/06): NGC 4778 = HCG 62A is the southeast component of the striking double system NGC 4759 and the slightly larger and brighter of the duo.  At 225x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Contains a small bright core surrounded by a lower surface brightness halo.  Located 1.5' N of a mag 9.5 star that detracts somewhat.  NGC 4776 = HCG 62B is nearly tangent to the northwest edge (28" between centers).

 

17.5" (4/13/96): this is the brighter southeast component of the double system NGC 4759 (see notes) and listed as HCG 62A.  At 220x, it appears fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter, increases to a small bright core.  HCG 62B is virtually attached to the northwest edge.  Mag 9 SAO 139019 is just 1.5' SSW of the pair. 

 

17.5" (5/17/90): the southeast member of this double system is slightly larger and brighter and appears faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core.  Located 2' N of mag 9.1 SAO 139019.  Second of four with NGC 4761 1' ENE and NGC 4764 4' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4778 = h3438, along with NGC 4776, on 5 May 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; vlbM; 15"; has a * sf; the following of two [with NGC 4776]."  He later added the note "II 559 is not noticed as double in Sir W. Herschel's description."  See notes for NGC 4476.  RNGC, PGC and SIMBAD misidentify this galaxy as NGC 4761.

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NGC 4779 = UGC 8022 = MCG +02-33-034 = CGCG 071-068 = Mrk 781 = PGC 43837

12 53 50.9 +09 42 36; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4779 = H III-106 = h1472 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and logged "vF, pL, rather bM, r."  CH's reduction is within 1.5' of UGC 8022. JH made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4780 = MCG -01-33-045 = Holm 482a = PGC 43870

12 54 05.1 -08 37 16; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.  Unusual appearance as a mag 14 is at the west edge and the galaxy extends to the east of this star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4780B 2' S (not seen).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4780 in 1880 and reported it in the narrative portion of list V (AN 2439).   He mentions there are two nebula in the field to the north of NGC 4777, the western object being NGC 4773 and the following one new.  He also gives a position in the table 2' too far south but correctly places this object 27.5 sec of RA following and 1' 10" north of NGC 4773.

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NGC 4781 = MCG -02-33-049 = Holm 483a = PGC 43902

12 54 23.6 -10 32 11; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 3.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, large, very elongated ~E-W, high surface brightness but weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is embedded in the preceding side 1.0' W of center and two comparable stars lie 2.0' W and 3.6' ESE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4784 5.7' SSE.  NGC 4790 lies 18' NNE and NGC 4760 20' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4781 = H I-134 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and logged "cB, 7 or 8' long, about 3' broad."  His position matches MCG -02-33-049 = PGC 43902.

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NGC 4782 = VV 201a = Holm 485a = MCG -02-33-050 = 3C 278 = PGC 43924

12 54 35.7 -12 34 07; Crv

V = 11.7;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 813x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~45" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core.  Forms a striking N-S contact pair (halos form a dumbbell or dogbone outline) with NGC 4783 [40" between centers].  A mag 14.5 star is 30" NW, barely outside the halo.  A 16th magnitude star is within the northeast side of the halo.  NGC 4782/83 are the brightest in a large group that includes NGC 4794 9' ESE and NGC 4792 8' NE.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, very small, round.  Forms an extremely close contact pair with NGC 4783 in a common halo 0.6' NNE of center. 

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, very small.  Contact pair with NGC 4783 oriented SSW-NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4782 = H I-135, along with NGC 4783, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "Two, both cB, R, cS, mbM in the direction of the meridian., nearly within 1' of each other, and the chevelure [halo] mixisng."  His position is accurate (landing on the southern galaxy).  See Harold Corwin's NGC notes on problems with the identifications of the two components.

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NGC 4783 = VV 201b = Holm 485b = MCG -02-33-051 = 3C 278 = LGG 316-001 = PGC 43926

12 54 36.6 -12 33 28; Crv

V = 11.5;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

48" (4/21/17): NGC 4783 is the northern galaxy of a striking contact pair with NGC 4783 [39" between centers].  The merged halos of the two galaxies form a dogbone or dumbbell outline. At 813x, it appeared bright, moderately large, round, ~40" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is 30" SE of center (just outside the combined halos).  An extremely faint "knot", roughly 5" diameter, is at the northwest edge of the halo.  Checking later, I found this is a nearly stellar galaxy, catalogued in HyperLeda as PGC 5065968 and in NED as [QRW96] 073.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, very small, round.  Forms an interesting contact pair with NGC 4782 0.6' SSW within a common halo.

 

8": faint, very small.  The pair is elongated SSW-NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4783 = H I-136, along with NGC 4782, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548).  See notes on NGC 4782.

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NGC 4784 = MCG -02-33-053 = Holm 483b = PGC 43929

12 54 37.0 -10 36 47; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 101”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Fainter of pair with NGC 4781 5.7' NNW.  Forms the SE vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11/12 stars 2.1' W and 2.0' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4784 = H III-526 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and noted "eF, eS, some little doubt."  Despite the doubt, his position is a good match with MCG -02-33-053 = PGC 43929.

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NGC 4785 = ESO 219-004 = PGC 43791

12 53 27.4 -48 44 58; Cen

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 81”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.3', high surface brightness.  Contains a small bright core and a bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus (this is a Sy2 galaxy).  A mag 13.8 star is just off the west side [58" from center] and a mag 15 star is 1.3' SW.  Several brighter stars are to the north of the galaxy including a mag 10.8 star 4.5' NW, a mag 10.6 star 6' N and a mag 11 star 4.3' NNE.  Located 12' NNE of mag 4.3 HD 111915.  It helped to place this annoyingly bright star outside the field.  NGC 4785 is situated 2” NW of the large spiral NGC 4945.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4785 = h3439 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded, "vF; S; R; glbM."  There is nothing at his single position, but 1.75 min of RA west is ESO 219-004 = PGC 43791, the only nearby galaxy, and his declination matches.  ESO/Uppsala calls the NGC designation uncertain.

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NGC 4786 = MCG -01-33-046 = PGC 43922

12 54 32.4 -06 51 34; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 N-S, increases to a small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 2.5' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 4775 18.4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4786 = H II-187 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "pF, pL, r."  JH noted in his observation of NGC 4775 that he looked for this nebula without success.

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NGC 4787 = UGC 8026 = MCG +05-30-121 = CGCG 159-111 = CGCG 160-006 = PGC 43875

12 54 05.5 +27 04 06; Com

V = 14.4;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, low but uneven surface brightness.  A mag 10 star lies 2.9' WSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 4789 3.0' E.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4787 on 3 Apr 1867, measured an accurate position and noted it was 13.6 sec of RA preceding NGC 4789.  This galaxy was missed by both WH and JH while viewing nearby NGC 4789.

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NGC 4788 = MCG +05-30-123 = CGCG 159-112 = CGCG 160-007 = PGC 43874

12 54 16.0 +27 18 12; Com

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 1.3' E of a mag 10.5 star.  NGC 4798 lies 10.9' NE.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4788 on 23 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position is 4 sec of RA west of CGCG 159-112 = PGC 4387 and he mentions the mag 10 star that precedes by 6 sec of RA.

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NGC 4789 = UGC 8028 = MCG +05-30-124 = CGCG 159-113 = CGCG 160-008 = PGC 43895

12 54 18.9 +27 04 04; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  A mag 10 star is just 40" N of center.  Forms a pair with close NGC 4787 3.0' W.  Located 18' NNE of mag 6.9 SAO 82554.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4789 = H II-345 = h1473 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F.  Just south of a pB star."  Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 4787, which was discovered by d'Arrest.

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NGC 4790 = MCG -02-33-056 = PGC 43972

12 54 51.8 -10 14 52; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly large, broad and pretty weak concentration, elongated ~E-W.  NGC 4781 lies 18' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4790 = H II-560 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and noted "pF, pS, iR."  His position is a good match with MCG -02-33-056 = PGC 43972. Harold Knox-Shaw identified this galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.

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NGC 4791 = MCG +01-33-021 = CGCG 043-060 = PGC 43950

12 54 44.0 +08 03 12; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 0.5'x0.35';  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  A wide double star is 2' SE (mag 11/12.5 at 39" separation N-S).  The double system NGC 4795/NGC 4796 is just 5' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4791 = m 243 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, lE, vlbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4792 = PGC 43999

12 55 03.6 -12 29 50; Crv

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, extremely small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 4794 7' SSE and the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 duo 8' SW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4792 in 1882.  I can't find his description in paper V (AN 2439), but the NGC description reads "vS, R, 7' n np of II 538 [NGC 4794] and at this position is PGC 43999.  The NGC position is 2' too far south.  Herbert Howe reported he huntet for NGC 4792 while measuring NGC 4794, but "I could not be sure of it.  Possibly it is a suspiciious-looking star of mag 11."

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NGC 4793 = UGC 8033 = MCG +05-31-003 = CGCG 159-116 = CGCG 160-011 = PGC 43939

12 54 40.6 +28 56 17; Com

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', fairly high irregular surface brightness, broad concentration with no well-defined core.  A mag 15 star lies about 1' off the SW edge and 1.7' WSW of center.  Located 1.8' S of a mag 9.5 star which detracts from viewing.  At 280x, a very small bright nucleus is visible and there is an impression of a dark patch or dust along the NE extension.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4793 = H I-93 = h1475 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "cB, pL, about 1.5' south of a [mag 9-10] star."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate positon.

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NGC 4794 = MCG -02-33-060 = PGC 44012

12 55 10.5 -12 36 30; Crv

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, small.  A mag 14 star is at the WSW edge 33" from center and a mag 13 star is at the ENE end.  In a group with NGC 4792 7' NNW and the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 pair 9' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4794 = H III-538 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "2 or 3 small stars with vF nebulosity." His position (CH's reduction) is 1' southeast of MCG -02-33-060 = PGC 44012, and the description applies.  The H-designation of II-538 in the NGC is a typo.

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NGC 4795 = UGC 8037 = MCG +01-33-024 = CGCG 043-064 = PGC 43998

12 55 02.8 +08 03 56; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, high surface brightness.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 4796 attached at the east end, 27" from center.  Located 3.9' S of a mag 10 star.  NGC 4791 lies 4.7' W and NGC 4803 13' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4795 = H II-21 = h1474 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 107) and recorded "A nebula, vF and of an irregular shape.  1/2” sp the following star [HD 112503]."  JH made three observations, noted "a vS * included, f[ollowing]" and measured an accurate position.  The "vS *" applies to NGC 4796!

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NGC 4796 = PGC 93119

12 55 04.6 +08 03 58; Vir

Size 0.2'x0.2'

 

17.5" (4/4/92): contact pair with brighter NGC 4795.  Very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated, faint stellar nucleus.  This object is attached at the east side of the halo of NGC 4795.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4796 = m 244 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, alm stell, close to [NGC 4795]."  The SDSS shows an extremely compact galaxy with extensions WSW-ENE, superimposed on the eastern arm of NGC 4795. The Deep Sky Field Guide to the Uranometria 2000 Atlas refers to this object as "star or very bright patch 0.5' E of center", but does not refer to this object as NGC 4796.

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NGC 4797 = NGC 4798 = UGC 8038 = MCG +05-31-004 = CGCG 159-118 = CGCG 160-013 = PGC 43981

12 54 55.2 +27 24 44; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4798.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4797 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There is nothing at his position, but 4.8' north is NGC 4798, discovered earlier by WH.  d'Arrest observed and accurately measured NGC 4798 on two nights, but not the one in which he recorded NGC 4797 as new.  As a result, Corwin equates NGC 4797 = NGC 4798.  Because of d'Arrest's poor position, Karl Reinmuth or Max Wolf reported that NGC 4797 was not found on Heidelberg plates.

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NGC 4798 = NGC 4797 = UGC 8038 = MCG +05-31-004 = CGCG 159-118 = CGCG 160-013 = PGC 43981

12 54 55.2 +27 24 44; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, very weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' S of center and a mag 10 star 7.5' E.  Member of AGC 1656 with NGC 4788 10.9' SW, NGC 4807 9.9' NE and IC 3900 14.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4798 = H II-382 = h1477 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pS."  WH was rapidly on his way to discover 74 galaxies in this sweep, so for the next several objects he gave very brief descriptions.  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4799 = UGC 8043 = MCG +01-33-025 = CGCG 043-066 = PGC 44017

12 55 15.5 +02 53 47; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 91”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is attached at the south edge 1' from center.  Located 9' S of mag 7.9 SAO 119665.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4799 = H III-548 = h1476 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "vF, cS, near a vS star.  240x confirmed, and showed it lE."  His position matches UGC 8043.  JH called this galaxy "F; S; close to a *."

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NGC 4800 = UGC 8035 = MCG +08-24-004 = CGCG 245-005 = PGC 43931

12 54 37.8 +46 31 52; CVn

V = 11.5;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 25”

 

13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, fairly small, fainter halo with large bright core containing a stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is just 0.8' WNW from center.  Located 15' SE of mag 7.6 SAO 44376.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4800 = H I-211 = h1478 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 823) and recorded "pF, vS, bM."  On 29 Apr (sweep 836) he logged "pB, pS, R, bM, following a small star."  Joihn Herschel made two observations but the position was only measured once.  d'Arrest noted the mag 13 star, which he measured 4.7 sec of RA preceding and the mag 13 star 19.6 sec of RA following and a little south.

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NGC 4801 = MCG +09-21-060 = CGCG 270-030 = PGC 43946

12 54 37.7 +53 05 24; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 138”

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, very small [core only viewed], irregularly round, 0.5'x0.4', low surface brightness.  A fairly even pair [47"] of mag 12/13 stars lie 7' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4801 = H III-816 = h1479 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "eF, S, lE."  His position (CH's reduction) is 2.5' northeast of CGCG 270-030 = PGC 43946.  JH made a single observation and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4802 = NGC 4804 = MCG -02-33-061 = PGC 44087

12 55 49.8 -12 03 19; Crv

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very small, weak concentration to a virtually stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge.  Located 30' NE of the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 pair.

 

Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 4802 = T V-21 on 20 Apr 1882.  His micrometric position is an exact match with MCG -02-33-061 = PGC 44087.  Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and reported "this was searched for in vain one night.  Its description is so similar to that of 4804 that they may be identical, if the declination is of 4802 is just 1” in error."

 

This galaxy was probably discovered earlier by WH on 27 Mar 1786 and recorded as H IV-40 = NGC 4804, but his position was exactly 1 degree too far south.  Corwin notes that is also possible that WH mistook a double star for a nebula.

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NGC 4803 = MCG +02-33-036 = CGCG 043-069 = CGCG 071-073 = PGC 44061

12 55 33.7 +08 14 25; Vir

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  Overpowered by a mag 9.5 star at a SE edge 0.7' from center.  The NGC 4795/NGC 4796 pair is 13' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4803 = m 245 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, R, lbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4804 = NGC 4802 = MCG -02-33-061 = PGC 44087

12 55 49.8 -12 03 19; Crv

 

See observing notes for NGC 4802.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4804 = H IV-40 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "suspected a pB star, with a seeming brush to the np. May be a small nebula close to it, but there was no time to verify it."  There is nothing near his position, except an easily resolved pair of stars (about 20" separation).

 

But exactly 1” north is NGC 4802 (found later by Tempel) and Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4804 = NGC 4802.  Because of the poor position, NGC 4804 was not recovered by Bigourdan.  The identification of NGC 4804 with 4802 was first proposed by Harold Knox-Shaw, based on a plate taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory in 1912-14.

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NGC 4805

12 55 24.2 +27 58 48; Com

 

= *, Corwin

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4805 = Big 59 on 11 May 1885.  There is nothing at his position, and Harold Corwin states "NGC 4805 is a star positively identified by Bigourdan's two observations.  In spite of the accuracy of his measurements, he comments that "... near it is a star 13.4-13.5, but it's impossible to tell which direction it is from the nebula's center.''  This must be the object itself as there is nothing else in the area that he could have seen."

 

RNGC and LEDA misidentify extremely faint galaxies 2' to 3' southeast of this star, as NGC 4805.  Both galaxies are too faint to have been seen by Bigourdan.

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NGC 4806 = ESO 443-012 = MCG -05-31-003 = PGC 44116

12 56 12.5 -29 30 11; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 50”

 

18" (5/16/09): faint, diffuse glow, moderately large, irregularly round, 45"x40".  A kite-shaped asterism of 4 stars (one is a double) is close SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4806 = h3440 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; gvlbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4807 = UGC 8049 = MCG +05-31-006 = CGCG 160-017 = Holm 488a = WBL 426-006 = PGC 44037

12 55 29.1 +27 31 15; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, round, 0.8' diameter, bright core.  A mag 13 star is 3.2' NNW.  Member of AGC 1656 with NGC 4798 9.9' SW and MCG +05-31-008 8.1' N.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4807 on 23 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured 3 times, matches UGC 8049.

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NGC 4808 = UGC 8054 = MCG +01-33-028 = CGCG 043-071 = LGG 315-012 = PGC 44086

12 55 49.0 +04 18 15; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 2.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 127”

 

18" (5/29/05): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.8'.  Broadly concentrated with a mottled nuclear region but no well-defined core or nucleus.  A mag 14 star is off the NW side, 1.9' from center.  Located 54' N of mag 3.4 Delta Virginis.  Picked up while viewing Comet Tempel (9P) 30' S.  The Comet will be impacted by a spacecraft in just over one month! (July 4).

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.2', broadly concentrated with no nucleus, tapered ends.  A mag 14 star lies 1.9' WNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4808 = H I-141 = h1480 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "vB, cL, E from np to sf."  His position is at the southeast end of UGC 8054 = PGC 44086.

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NGC 4809 = Arp 277 NED1 = VV 313a = Holm 486a = UGC 8034 = MCG +01-33-022 = CGCG 043-062 = LGG 292-055 = PGC 43969

12 54 51.0 +02 39 15; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 68”

 

48" (5/4/16): at 610x; moderately bright, elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, ~1.2'x0.35'.  This galaxy has an unusual irregular "banana" shape with a patchy appearance; it bends slightly south on the east-northeast end and has a blunter west-southwest end that also twists slightly south. There is a slightly brighter patch that is offset just north of the geometric center.  I assumed this was the core region, but on the SDSS it appears to be a large HII region and there is no central core.  A second slightly brighter patch is at the west-southwest end and this is clearly an active star-forming complex on the SDSS.  NGC 4809 is the larger member of an interacting pair with NGC 4810 just 0.8' S.

 

18" (3/30/05): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  This galaxy is nearly attached to the north side of NGC 4810.  Although smaller (must have viewed only a portion as the size is larger on the DSS), it may have a higher surface brightness.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4809, along with NGC 4810, on 18 Apr 1855 while looking for h1509 [NGC 4900] with LdR's 72".  He described a "faint, double nebula, elongated at right angles to each other." He gave a rough position of 12 48.5 (1860) and stated it was "a little north of [NGC 4900]."

 

Mitchell's description pins down the identification of the pair, but John Herschel and Dreyer could only list a single (rough) position in the GC and NGC. The identification of NGC 4809 with the northern component is from the RC2 and repeated in the NGC 2000.0 and RNGC.  But UGC reverses these identifications and has a typo with the RA (1 min too large).  The data (size, PA and possibly magnitudes) listed under NGC 4810 in the RC3 applies to NGC 4809.  The position angle listed under NGC 4809 probably applies to NGC 4810.

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NGC 4810 = Arp 277 NED2 = VV 313b = Holm 486b = MCG +01-33-023 = CGCG 043-061 = LGG 292-056 = PGC 43971

12 54 51.2 +02 38 25; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 162”

 

48" (5/4/16): at 610x; moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4', irregular surface brightness with only a slightly brighter core.  This galaxy is the southern member of an interacting pair of dwarf irregulars (Magellanic types) with NGC 4809 just 45" N.

 

18" (3/30/05): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4'.  Forms a double system with NGC 4809, which is nearly attached at the north end.  Located 10' E of mag 8.4 HD 112130.  There is disagreement in catalogues regarding the identifications of these galaxies as the NGC gave only one position for both galaxies.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4810, along with NGC 4809, on 18 Apr 1855.  See notes on NGC 4809.

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NGC 4811 = ESO 323-047 = MCG -07-27-019 = AM 1254-413 NED01 = PGC 44201

12 56 52.3 -41 47 51; Cen

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): slightly brighter of a close pair with NGC 4812 1' S.  Fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, sharply concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus, elongated 3:2 N-S, 30"x20".  A distinctive trio of mag 10/10/12 stars lies 3'-4' NE.  Located 7' N of mag 8.2 HD 112404 in a busy star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4811 = h3441, along with NGC 4812, on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; R; gbM; 40".  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 4812].  His position is accurate.  MCG doesn't label MCG -07-27-019 as NGC 4811.

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NGC 4812 = ESO 323-048 = MCG -07-27-018 = AM 1254-413 NED02 = PGC 44204

12 56 52.7 -41 48 49; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 36”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 4811 1' N.  Fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 6' N of mag 8.2 HD 112404 in a fairly rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4812 = h3442, along with NGC 4811, on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; R; gbM; 30"; 90" dist from the foregoing [NGC 4811] pos = 170.9”."   MCG doesn't label MCG -07-27-018 as NGC 4812.

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NGC 4813 = IC 833? = MCG -01-33-055 = Holm 385a = PGC 44160

12 56 36.1 -06 49 04; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 11' NE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4813 = H II-777 = h1482 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and recorded "F, S, R, bM."  JH reported "S; R: bM; wind violent." but measured an accurate position.   Harold Corwin suggests IC 833 may be a duplicate observation (see his IC identification notes).

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NGC 4814 = UGC 8051 = MCG +10-19-003 = CGCG 293-044 = CGCG 294-003 = PGC 44025

12 55 22.0 +58 20 39; UMa

V = 12.0;  Size 3.1'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.2'.  Increases to a brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  A pretty 19" pair of mag 9/10 stars (oriented E-W) lies 11' S.  A third mag 9.5 star is just 2' following the closer pair.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4814 = H I-243 = h1483 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and recorded "cB, S, R, gbM."  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 323 "pB; L; lE; vgbM; 90" l, 75" br."

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NGC 4815 = ESO 096-1 = Cr 265 = Lund 628 = OCL-893

12 57 58 -64 57 42; Mus

V = 8.6;  Size 3'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, two mag 10 stars are surrounded by a number of very faint stars within 3'.  The cluster is superimposed on a fairly bright milky background of unresolved stars.  A third mag 10 star is apparently outside the border off the SW edge. At 200x, the unresolved glow is most prominent at the following end and 12-15 mag 13 stars are sprinkled over the backround glow (the cluster was viewed at a very low elevation which probably detracted from the view).  This reddened cluster is heavily obscured and is located just within the SE border of the Coalsack and barely over the border into Musca, 1.1 degrees ENE of the bright double star Theta Muscae (5.9/7.7 at 5").  The two brighter mag 10 stars (separated by 1.3') may be foreground stars and not actual cluster members.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4815 = h3443 on 13 Mar 1834 and recorded "Class VI, p rich, irregular fig, gbM, 3', stars vS, comparatively insulated; has two bright stars 8-9th mag and 9-10th mag."  On a second observation he described a "Cluster, R, pS, resolved; irreg; gbM, 3', stars 13..18th mag."  Innes was unable to resolve the cluster in 1901 using a 7-inch refractor from the Cape of Good Hope (MN, 62, 469).

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NGC 4816 = UGC 8057 = MCG +05-31-010 = CGCG 160-021 = PGC 44114

12 56 12.2 +27 44 43; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 84”

 

18" (5/12/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration.  A mag 13.5-14 star is just off the NE end.  The brighter of a close pair with CGCG 160-023 1.8' E.

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, brighter core, diffuse halo.  Confusing appearance at low power as a mag 13.7 star is close off the NE edge 34" from center creating the appearance of elongation.  Also forms a close pair with CGCG 160-023 1.8' ENE.  The three objects are well resolved at 280x.  This member of AGC 1656 is located 14' E of mag 8 SAO 82565.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4816 = H II-383 = h1481 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL."  His position is 10 sec of time west of UGC 8057.  JH made a single observation and his position is further off -- 15 seconds of time too far west.

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NGC 4817 = PGC 83663

12 56 29.8 +27 56 23; Com

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.6'

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint and small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE.  Located on the west side of AGC 1656 about 45' W of the core.  A similar galaxy, NGC 4828, lies 5.6' NE.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4817 = Big 60 on 11 May 1885.  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin notes his Comptes Rendus position (repeated in the NGC position) is incorrect and Bigourdan's offsets point to PGC 83663.

 

Max Wolf reported NGC 4817 was not found on a Heidelberg plate (IC 2 notes) and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 4818 = MCG -01-33-057 = PGC 44191

12 56 48.9 -08 31 32; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 4.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the south edge and a fainter mag 14 star is 1.4' E of center.  A double star lies 5' SW (mag 11/13 at 19" separation).  A mag 10 star lies 6.5' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4818 = H II-549 = h1484 = h3445 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "pB, vL, lbM, iF." JH logged from Slough "pB; pL; lE in meridian; vgbM." and from the Cape of Good Hope, "B; L; mE in meridian; gpmbM; 3' length."

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NGC 4819 = UGC 8060 = MCG +05-31-014 = CGCG 160-025 = Holm 490a = WBL 426-013 = PGC 44144

12 56 27.9 +26 59 14; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): brighter of pair with NGC 4821 2.0' S.  Fairly faint, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration, brighter center but no nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 3.6' SW.  NGC 4819 lies 12' NNE.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4819 = H II-346 = h1487 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and logged "vF, pS, irr."  CH's reduction is 6 sec of RA preceding and 2.5' south of UGC 8060.  JH measured a more accurate NPD, but his RA is off by nearly 30 sec too far east.  d'Arrest measured an accurate position (on 3 nights), so the NGC position is good.

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NGC 4820 = MCG -02-33-067 = PGC 44227

12 57 00.5 -13 43 10; Vir

V = 14.8;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE.  Forms a pair with NGC 4825 4.3' NE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4820 in 1882, along with NGC 4823 and 4829, while observing nearby NGC 4825.  No position was given in the discovery note (list V), but the NGC position (communicated directly to Dreyer?) matches MCG -02-33-067 = PGC 44227.  See notes for NGC 4823.

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NGC 4821 = MCG +05-31-015 = CGCG 160-024 = Holm 490b = WBL 426-012 = PGC 44148

12 56 29.2 +26 57 25; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fainter and smaller of pair with NGC 4819 2.0' N.  Faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, no concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' WSW and a mag 13.5 is 3.5' W (this star forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 4821 and NGC 4819).  NGC 4827 lies 13.8' N.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4821 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while observing and measuring nearby NGC 4819.  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 4822 = MCG -02-33-069 = PGC 44236

12 57 03.7 -10 45 43; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 90”

 

18" (5/28/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 2' NE and a similar mag star is 3.4' WNW.  Located 7.5' NNE of mag 8.9 HD 112464.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4822 = T V-22 on 21 Apr 1882 and recorded "class III, stellar nucleus, +6 sec [of time] and +7.5' [dec] from Lamont 1239 [mag 9 star]."  His micrometric position in the main table is accurate.

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NGC 4823 = PGC 44305 = (R)NGC 4829

12 57 25.5 -13 41 56; Vir

V = 16.6;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 175”

 

24" (5/25/14): extremely or very faint, small, elongated 3:1 N-S, 20"x6", low even surface brightness.  Located 3.8' SE of NGC 4825.  NGC 4829 lies 2.4' S.  Observed at 27” elevation (nearly 3 hrs past the meridian).

 

17.5" (5/17/90): not found.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered the trio of NGC 4820, 4823 and 4829 in 1882, just south of NGC 4825.  In Tempel's list V (AN #2439), he only mentions "three more faint nebulae south of 3320 [NGC 4825]" found with the 11" refractor at Arcetri and no positions are given.  The NGC position (probably communicated directly to Dreyer) for NGC 4820 matches MCG -02-33-067, and the position for NGC 4829 matches PGC 44299.

 

The position for NGC 4823, though, is close southwest of NGC 4820 and must be erroneous.  Harold Corwin assigns NGC 4823 = PGC 44305, which is 18 sec of RA east and 1'-2' south of the NGC position.

 

The PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 4829 and 4823.  RNGC misclassifies NGC 4823 as nonexistent and misidentifies NGC 4823 as NGC 4829.  See my RNGC Corrections #5 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4824

12 56 36.4 +27 25 57; Com

 

= *, Corwin.

RNGC, PGC, HyperLeda, SIMBAD, MegaStar and more misidentify PGC 44162 as NGC 4824.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4824 = Big 61 on 19 Apr 1885.   His Comptes Rendus position is close to a single mag 14-15 star at 12 56 36.4 +27 25 57 (J2000) and Harold Corwin verifies that Bigourdan's offsets point to this star.

 

PGC, RNGC, HyperLeda, SIMBAD, Uranometria 2000 Atlas (1st edition), MegaStar etc. misidentify PGC 44162 as NGC 4824.  This error was listed in my RNGC Corrections #7.

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NGC 4825 = MCG -02-33-070 = PGC 44261

12 57 12.2 -13 39 54; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, large prominent core, faint halo.  Forms a trio with NGC 4820 5' SW and NGC 4829 5.3' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4825 = H II-563 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "pB, bM, iF."  JH did not make an observation.  Wilhelm Tempel discovered 3 "novae" to the south (NGCs 4820, 4823 and 4829).

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NGC 4826 = M64 = UGC 8062 = MCG +04-31-001 = CGCG 130-001 = PGC 44182 = Black Eye Galaxy

12 56 43.6 +21 40 57; Com

V = 8.5;  Size 10.0'x5.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 115”

 

13.1" (4/29/84): very bright, large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, 6'x3', small bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  The famous curved dark patch or "Black Eye", located just northeast of the core, was quite prominent and visible with direct vision.  Located 55' NE of the tight double star 35 Comae.

 

Johann Bode is generally considered the discoverer of M64 = NGC 4826 = h1486 on 4 Apr 1779, but Edward Pigott discovered the Black Eye galaxy a few days earlier on 23 Mar 1779.  Charles Messier independently rediscovered it on 1 Mar 1780.  Pigott's discovery was announced in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Vol. LXXI (1781), p82-83, but was generally missed until 2002.   See http://www.seds.org/messier/more/m064_pigott.html for more of the story.

 

The nickname "Black-eye" is from William Herschel's description on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 699): "A very remarkable object, mE about 12' long, 4 or 5' broad, contains one lucid spot like a star with a small black arch under it, so that it gives one the idea of what is called a black eye, arising from fighting."  His earlier observation on 13 Apr 1785 (sweep 398) reads "vB, E from np to sf, about 7 or 8' long and 2' broad.  A vB nucleus in the middle, but moonlight and haziness probably lessen its appearance considerably.  The nucleus is very small in proportion to the rest and is not round, but irreg elongated in the same direction."

 

John Herschel described his sketch as follows: "The dark semi-elliptic vacancy (indicated by an unshaded or bright portion in the figure) which partially surrounds the condensed and bright nucleus of this nebula, is of course unnoticed by Messier. It was however seen by my Father, and shown by him to the late Sir Charles Blagden, who likened it to the appearance of a black eye, an odd, but not inapt comparison. The nucleus is somewhat elongated, and I have a strong suspicion that it may be a close double star, or extremely condensed double nebula."  So perhaps Blagden first mentioned the term and William liked the analogy used it in his description.

 

At least 18 observations of the "black eye" were made at Birr Castle.  On 11 Mar 1848 (one of the earliest descriptions): "curious circular-shaped nebula, with a dark and large spot at one side, around which is a close cluster of well-defined little stars."  Using his 48-inch on Malta, William Lassell's sketch from 22 Apr 1862 showed the "remarkable dark space" as distinctly crescent-shaped and he noted it appeared "as dark as any part of the surrounding sky."

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NGC 4827 = UGC 8065 = MCG +05-31-016 = CGCG 160-028 = PGC 44178

12 56 43.6 +27 10 43; Com

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a faint halo and a very small bright core.  The NGC 4819/NGC 4820 pair is 12.0' SSW.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4827 = H II-384 = h1485 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL."  John Herschel made a single observation and his RA was 6 seconds too small.  NGC 4827 wasn't found on two attempts at Birr Castle in the 1850's (on one the sky was noted as hazy) but d'Arrest reported observing it in 1863 using the 11" refractor at Copenhagen, as well as 3 later observations.

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NGC 4828 = MCG +05-31-017 = CGCG 160-029 = PGC 44176

12 56 42.9 +28 01 13; Com

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint and small, round, 20" diameter.  Located on the west side of AGC 1656 about 45' W of the core.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 4817, located 5.6' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4828 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.  d'Arrest's mentioned there are others nearby to the southwest -- so perhaps he noticed NGC 4817, although it was not measured.

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NGC 4829 = PGC 44299

12 57 24.4 -13 44 15; Vir

Size 0.5'x0.3'

 

24" (5/25/14): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter.  Located 5.3' SE of NGC 4825 and second brightest of 3 faint companions, with NGC 4823 2.4' N and NGC 4820 6.0' WNW. Observed at 27” elevation (nearly 3 hrs past the meridian).

 

17.5" (5/17/90): extremely faint and small, glimpsed for moments with averted.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' S and a mag 12.5 3.6' SSW.  Third of three and 5.3' SSE of NGC 4825.  NGC 4823 is 2.4' N but was not seen.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4829 in 1882, along with NGC 4820 and 4823.  In list V (AN 2439), he mentions "Quite close to the south [of N4825] are three more faint nebulae.", although no positions were measured.  The NGC position matches PGC 44299 at 12 57 24.4 -13 44 15 (2000), so the position may have been communicated directly to Dreyer.

 

The PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 4829 and 4823.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 4823 (2.3' north) as NGC 4829.  This error was listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 4830 = ESO 575-037 = MCG -03-33-024 = PGC 44313

12 57 27.9 -19 41 29; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 157”

 

18" (5/15/04): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'. Well-concentrated with a small, high surface brightness core which increases to a well-defined, bright stellar nucleus.  Forms the NW vertex of a trapezoid with three mag 8-10 stars!  The closest is a mag 10.5 star 2' S with mag 8.3 HD 112528 4' SE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4830 = T IV-9 = T V-23 on 26 May 1880.  His micrometric position is an exact match with ESO 575-037 = PGC 44313.

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NGC 4831 = ESO 507-055 = MCG -04-31-010 = LGG 310-011 = PGC 44340

12 57 36.7 -27 17 32; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 178”

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration, very small slightly brighter nucleus.  Located 13' NE of mag 7.2 HD 112403.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4831 = h3447 on 22 Mar 1836 and logged "F, R, gbM, 25"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4832 = ESO 323-051 = MCG -06-29-001 = LGG 298-027 = PGC 44361

12 57 48.5 -39 45 40; Cen

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval NW-SE, bright core.  Located 7.6' ENE of mag 8 SAO 203967.  Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4832 = h3446 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "pF; vS; R; sbM to a * 17m; pos from * 10m (distant 60") = 250.3”."   His position is 1' northeast of ESO 323-051 and the description matches, but he made a typo in the GC and placed this galaxy one degree too far south.  Dreyer copied this error into the NGC.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 4832.  RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 4833 = ESO 065-004

12 59 34.9 -70 52 28; Mus

V = 7.0;  Size 13.5';  Surf Br = 1.0

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this is a gorgeous highly resolved globular with several hundred stars splashed across the core and within a loose, well-resolved halo.  The center is strongly compressed with a very bright 3' core surrounded by a large halo, roughly 10' in diameter.  Beyond 5' or 6' out from the center the halo becomes scraggly but continues to extend out in loops and strings.  A brighter mag 8.7 star is superimposed in the halo, 2.5' N of center.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This was a surprising find for a little known globular!  At 171x, it appeared as a bright, fairly large globular of low concentration class.  The loose halo was highly resolved and numerous stars were splashed across the brighter core.  Many of the stars formed large loops and chains.  A single bright star (mag 8.7 SAO 256996) is superimposed on the northern side of the halo.  The core spans roughly 3', while outliers increase the overall halo to at least 10' [John Herschel gave similar dimensions].  Located 42' NNW of mag 3.6 Delta Muscae and 3” NE of gc NGC 4372 which is a comparable cluster.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): moderately bright and large globular, round.  Contains a brighter star on the north edge.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 4833 = Lac I-4 = D 164 = h3444 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He included it in his 1755 catalogue as I-4, classifying it as a nebula, and noting it resembled "a small faint comet."

 

James Dunlop observed this globular with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector on 29 Apr 1826 (second night he recorded objects) from Parramatta, New South Wales  and described "a pretty bright round nebula, about 4' diameter, moderately condensed to the centre. This, with the sweeping power, has the appearance of a globe of numerous matter with very small stars in the north following margin. But with a power sufficient to resolve it, the globular appearance vanishes in a very considerable degree; and the brightest and most condensed part is to the preceding side of the centre, with the stars considerably scattered on the N.f. side. Resolvable into stars of mixt small magnitudes. A small nebula precedes this." He observed the cluster on 5 nights.

 

John Herschel first recorded "globular cluster, B, L, R, gbM, stars 14th mag, and one 7th mag north-preceding the centre; a fine object." On a second sweep he logged "globular cluster, pB, L, p rich, at first gradually, then vspmbM; diameter of the bright part 3', of the loose stars 10'; stars 12..16th mag, and one large one 7th mag, 3' or 4' north of the centre."

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NGC 4834 = MCG +09-21-067 = CGCG 270-034 = PGC 44136

12 56 25.3 +52 16 45; CVn

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

18" (6/27/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'.  Forms the east vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 12/12.5 stars 4' SW and 4' WNW.  Either contains a very faint stellar nucleus or a faint star may be superimposed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4834 = H III-817 = h1488 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, S, iF."  CH's reduced position is 1' north of CGCG 270-034 = PGC 44136.  JH logged "eF; R S; bM."

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NGC 4835 = ESO 269-019 = PGC 44409

12 58 07.8 -46 15 51; Cen

V = 11.7;  Size 4.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 150”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, appears fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x0.7', slightly brighter bulging core.  A mag 13 star is at the SSE tip.  Located 5.4' NW of a mag 9.6 star and 10' N of mag 7.5 SAO 223791.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4835 = h3448 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "B; L; mE; glbM; 2 1/2' or 3' l, 1' br; pos = 157” +/-."   On 20 Apr 1836, a second observation reads "F; mE; vgbM; 90" l, 25" br."

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NGC 4836 = MCG -02-33-072 = PGC 44328

12 57 34.3 -12 44 39; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, round.  Located 4.1' N of mag 8.4 SAO 157621!  This galaxy has a very low surface brightness on the POSS.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4836 = T V-24 on 19 Apr 1882 and recorded a "L, vF nebula class III; 4' north of Lamont 1421 [HD 112546]."  His position and description matches PGC 44328.

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NGC 4837 = UGC 8068 = MCG +08-24-011 = MCG +08-24-012 = CGCG 245-006 = I Zw 46 = PGC 44188

12 56 49.1 +48 17 55; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70”

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.4', nearly even surface brightness.  This is a double system (not resolved).  The identification of NGC 4837 with UGC 8068 is uncertain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4837 = h1489 on 7 Mar 1831 and recorded "a rather doubtful object; haze".  There is nothing near his position, but 30' south is UGC 8026, a reasonable candidate assuming a digit error in recording the North Polar Distance.  Note a 1 degree error in declination was apparently made 4 nights later.

 

Malcolm Thomson feels this number is best left "Not Found", although Harold Corwin equates NGC 4837 with UGC 8068.  CGCG and RNGC identify UGC 8068 as NGC 4837, but not the MCG or UGC.

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NGC 4838 = MCG -02-33-074 = PGC 44383

12 57 56.1 -13 03 37; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 5' NNE of a mag 9 star (double star mag 8.8/9.0 at 2").  NGC 4847 lies 9.3' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4838 = h1490 on 9 May 1831 and recorded "vF; has 3 small stars south-preceding."  His position is 7 sec of time too large.  Wilhelm Tempel found it again on 19 Apr 1882 and reported it in list V-25 (AN 2439).  In the same observation, he also mentions a small nebulous star follows on the same parallel.  Dreyer catalogued this object as NGC 4844 (see that number).

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NGC 4839 = UGC 8070 = MCG +05-31-025 = CGCG 160-039 = WBL 426-024 = PGC 44298

12 57 24.4 +27 29 52; Com

V = 12.1;  Size 4.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', weak even concentration to a brighter core.  Lies exactly midway between a mag 11.5 star 2.5' NE and a mag 14 star 2.4' SW.  Forms a close "pair" with NGC 4842 (itself a double system) 2.6' E.  NGC 4839 has a cD outer envelope (not seen) and is part of a subgroup that is falling into the core of the Coma Cluster (AGC 1656).

 

Also in the field are NGC 4840 7.0' N and MCG +05-31-023 3.8' SW.  MCG +05-31-023 appeared extremely faint, very small, round.  It forms the SW vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 14 stars 1.5' N and 1.6' ENE.  PGC 44162, which is misidentified in most sources (PGC, SIMBAD, RNGC) as NGC 4824, lies 11.4' WNW.  It appeared extremely faint, round, only 12" diameter, almost visible continuously with averted.  Nearly forms an isosceles trapezoid with two mag 14 stars 5'-6' W and a mag 13.5 star 4.4' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4839 = H II-386 = h1494 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F, pL".  His position is 3' south of UGC 8070.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 5 nights and noted the discrepancy in position (he calls it 5' in declination).

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NGC 4840 = MCG +05-31-029 = CGCG 160-042 = PGC 44324

12 57 32.9 +27 36 37; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, symmetrical appearance with an even concentration.  Member of the AGC 1656 with NGC 4839 7.0' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4840 = H II-385 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F, pL."  His position is 17 sec of RA west of CGCG 160-042 = PGC 44324.  JH accidentally skipped this nebula when he compiled the GC so Dreyer added it to the GC Supplement as 5684.  d'Arrest measured an accurate position over 4 nights.

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NGC 4841 = NGC 4841A = UGC 8072 = MCG -05-31-026 = CGCG 160-044sw = Holm 492a = PGC 44323

12 57 32.0 +28 28 37; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (5/14/94): very close double system located 3.1' NNE of mag 9.5 SAO 82582.  The SW component (NGC 4841A) is fairly faint, small, round, 35" diameter.  Even concentration with a bright core and faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 4841B is in contact at the NE end (separation of 34").  It appeared faint, small, round, 30" diameter (similar size as NGC 4841A).  The surface brightness, though, is lower with only a very weak concentration and no core, although a faint stellar nucleus was visible. Member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4841 = H II-387 = h1493 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL."  On 13 Apr 1831, John Herschel recorded "pF; double, nf, dist 20"."  The fainter northeastern component (MCG +05-31-027 = PGC 44329) did not receive a NGC designation.  Gerard de Vaucouleurs used the letter suffixes NGC 4841A and NGC 4841B in the 1956 "Survey of Bright Galaxies South of -35” Declination", based on Mt Stromlo plates, and again in the 1964 "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies".

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NGC 4842 = MCG +05-31-030 = CGCG 160-046n = PGC 44337

12 57 35.9 +27 29 35; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (5/14/94): very faint, very small, very small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4839 just 2.6' W.  At 280x, this galaxy is resolved into a double system with an extremely faint, nearly stellar companion (NGC 4842B) 30" S of center.  The close double STF 1699 = 8.6/8.6 at 1.6" separation lies 14.4' E.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4842 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, while observing and measuring NGC 4839.  With respect to NGC 4839 his position is 11-12 sec of RA east and 0.4' north.  The actual offset is 11.5 sec east and 0.3' south (to the brighter northern component), so he apparently reversed the offset sign in declination.  As a result the NGC position is off from d'Arrest's usual accuracy. The two components are listed separately in the MCG.

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NGC 4843 = MCG +00-33-024 = CGCG 015-048 = PGC 44388

12 58 00.9 -03 37 18; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 87”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, small bright core seems offset to the east side.  A mag 13 star is just south of the east end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4843 = H III-613 = h1492 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "vF, E, easily resolvable."  CH's reduction is 4' south of CGCG 015-048 = PGC 44388.

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NGC 4844

12 58 08.2 -13 04 49; Vir

 

= * superimposed 3.2' ESE of NGC 4838, Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4844 = T V 25b on 19 Apr 1882 near NGC 4838, which he apparently didn't realize was discovered earlier by JH.  He recorded "following on the parallel with [NGC 4838] is another faint, nebulous star."  No position or even offset was mentioned, so the NGC position must have been communicated directly to Dreyer, but only faint stars are near this position.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4844 may apply to a mag 14 star 3.2' ESE of the center of NGC 4838, but this is uncertain as it is still 1' from the NGC position.

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NGC 4845 = NGC 4910?? = UGC 8078 = MCG +00-33-025 = CGCG 015-049 = PGC 44392

12 58 01.3 +01 34 33; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 5.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 89”

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, bright core, mottled and dusty appearance (due to equatorial dust lane).  A mag 11.5 star is north of the east edge 2.0' from center and a mag 13 star is 1.3' SSE of center.  Located 12' NE of mag 7.0 SAO 11968.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4845 = H II-536 = h1491 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, mE, about 2 1/2' l and 1' br; mbM."  His position is pretty accurate.  JH made the single observation "F; pL; E; has a * 30" dist, 45” sf, 12m."   NGC 4910 = H V-3 may be a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 4846 = UGC 8079 = MCG +06-29-002 = CGCG 188-032 = CGCG 189-004 = PGC 44362

12 57 47.7 +36 22 15; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 62”

 

17.5": faint, small, elongated SW-NE, almost even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4846 = h1495 on 11 Mar 1831 and simply noted "eF".  There is nothing near his position.  The nearest possible candidate is NGC 4868, which is 1 min 24 sec of time east and 4' south.  But, this galaxy would not be described as "eF" and would require errors in both directions.  Exactly 1 degree south, but matching in RA, is UGC 8079.  Max Wolf was the first to makes this identification (IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 4847 = PGC 44464

12 58 29.0 -13 08 26; Vir

V = 16.7;  Size 0.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small or stellar.  This galaxy hides on the SW side of mag 13.5-14 star which makes detection very difficult and just suspected several times.  Located 10' E of a mag 9 star (double star 8.8/9.0 at 2" separation).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4847 on 19 Apr 1882.  The NGC position matches PGC 44464 and the description mentions "*9 p 40 sec on parallel", which confirms this identification.  Dreyer references Tempel's fifth discovery list, which includes several nearby objects, but I can't find a reference to NGC 4847.

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NGC 4848 = UGC 8082 = MCG +05-31-039 = CGCG 160-055 = PGC 44405

12 58 05.6 +28 14 32; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4848 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured 3 times, is accurate.

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NGC 4849 = IC 3935 = UGC 8086 = MCG +05-31-044 = CGCG 160-056 = Holm 495a = PGC 44424

12 58 12.7 +26 23 49; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 175”

 

24" (6/3/19): at 322x; fairly bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated and dominated by a very bright core.  The halo has a very low surface brightness and it was difficult to determne a distinct edge as it faded away.  The core increased to a very small very bright nucleus.  IC 838 (called NGC 4849A in the RNGC) is just 1.8' N.  It appeared very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness, 15" diameter.

 

24" (5/22/17): at 375x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated.  Sharply concentrated with a 25" core containing a small bright nucleus.  The very low surface brightness halo is slightly elongated N-S and extends perhaps 1.0'x0.8'.  Forms a close double (Holmberg 495) with IC 838 1.8' NNE.  The companion appeared extremely faint and small (V = 15.0), just 10" diameter.

 

17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration down to a brighter core.  A faint double star is 7' N with components mag 12.3 and 13.6 at 16".  Forms a close pair with IC 838 1.9' NNE (not seen).  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 4849 = Sf. 23 = Spitaler 61 on 16 May 1866 and noted "pB".  His RA is 8 seconds east of UGC 8086 = PGC 44424, but the declination matches.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy again on 4 Mar 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There is nothing at his position, but 3.5' north is UGC 8086.  Dreyer used d'Arrest's position in the NGC.

 

Rudolph Spitaler also found this galaxy in 1891 with the 27-inch refractor at Vienna and wasn't sure if it was new.  He noted, "Brightness and appearance like Nova 58.  Probably identical with the Nova d'Arrest. Northeast of this nebula, at 1.5', there is still another nebula, but much faint; Both together form a pretty double nebula."  Spitaler's position for NGC 4849 (given in the IC 1 notes) is still 1.5' too far south!

 

Finally, Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 12 Jun 1895 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice and reported it as new in list 3-1230.  Dreyer overlooked Spitaler's position and recatalogued it as IC 3935.  So, NGC 4849 = IC 3935.  CGCG mislabels this galaxy as IC 838 (a companion galaxy 1.9' north-northeast mentioned by Spitaler).

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NGC 4850 = MCG +05-31-040 = CGCG 160-063 = PGC 44449

12 58 21.8 +27 58 04; Com

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Forms pair with MCG +05-31-048 3.5' NE.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, elongated N-S, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4850 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 6 sec of time too small, a relatively large error, but matches in declination.

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NGC 4851 = CGCG 160-061 = PGC 44439

12 58 21.7 +28 08 55; Com

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5x0.3';  PA = 112”

 

24" (6/3/19): at 322x; faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE (the orientation of this close pair) but it was difficult to resolve.  An offset stellar nucleus was sometimes visible on the south side (brighter galaxy) and possibly a fainter nucleus to the north.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, elongated N-S.  This is a double system oriented SSW-NNE (not resolved) in AGC 1656.  IC 839 is a separate galaxy 2.0' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4851 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is less than 3 sec of time west of CGCG 160-061.  This is a close double system (faint companion close northeast), which CGCG labels NGC 4851 + IC 839.  But IC 839 = CGCG 160-057, located ~2' southwest of NGC 4851.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4852 = ESO 131-17 = Cr 266 = Mel 116 = Lund 629

13 00 04 -59 36 36; Cen

Size 11'

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I'm surprised I didn't look for this cluster previously from Australia or Costa Rica as it is located just 1.1” NE of the Jewel Box and 1.6” east of mag 1.3 Beta Crucis!  At 200x it was a pretty impressive collection of ~150 stars mag 10-16 in a 10' region including several mag 10-10.5 stars.  One subgroup makes a neat "zig-zag" or "M" outline while another set of stars forms a "V" shaped group.  There are no real rich subgroups but still it forms a nice cluster.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4852 = D 311 = h3449 on 30 Apr 1826 with his 9-inch reflector from Parramatta, New South Wales, and recorded "a very faint pretty large nebula about 6' or 8' diameter, round figure, resolvable into very minute stars. Several stars of some considerable magnitude appear scattered among the minute stars of the nebula, but they are only the continuation of a branch of small stars which run over the place where the nebula is; the stars in the nebula are very gradually, but not much, compressed to the centre." He observed the cluster of 4 times and his catalogued position is ~8' SE of the center of the cluster.

 

On 31 Mar 1834, JH recorded "a very poor cluster of about 70 stars 11..15th magnitude, very loosely scattered over a space about 15' long and 8' br." His second observation reads "Cluster VII. p rich, L, irr R, 10' diameter, 80 or 100 stars, 10, 11, 12 mag, with a stippling of much smaller ones."

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NGC 4853 = UGC 8092 = MCG +05-31-048 = CGCG 160-068 = II Zw 67 = PGC 44481

12 58 35.2 +27 35 47; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4854 5.2' NE.  Located 8' NNW of ·1699 = 8.6/8.6 at 1.6".  Located within AGC 1656.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4853 = h1496 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; R; pslbM; 20"."   His two observations match UGC 8092.  JH equated this object with his father's II-385, although that number probably applies to NGC 4840.

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NGC 4854 = MCG +05-31-049 = CGCG 160-070 = PGC 44502

12 58 47.4 +27 40 29; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9''x0.6';  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE.  Member of AGC 1656 with NGC 4853 5.2' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4854 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His RA from a single position is 6 seconds too small.

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NGC 4855 = MCG -02-33-077 = PGC 44572

12 59 18.4 -13 13 52; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4855 = T V-26 on 19 Apr 1882.  His micrometric position in the main table is accurate.

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NGC 4856 = MCG -02-33-078 = UGCA 313 = PGC 44582

12 59 21.2 -15 02 32; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 4.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 37”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): bright, fairly large, dominated by a very bright core, fairly large faint halo elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE.  A mag 13 star is superimposed on the halo just east of the core 0.4' from center.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated.  A mag 7.5 is in the field 20' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4856 = H I-68 = h1497 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and logged "cB, mbM, irr R."  JH made two observations, recording on sweep 352 "pB; R; psbM; 20"; a * 13m pos 140” [southeast]; dist 1 diam by diagram."

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NGC 4857 = UGC 8077 = MCG +12-12-022 = CGCG 335-029 = PGC 44284

12 57 18.3 +70 12 13; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 110”

 

18" (6/28/03): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter middle.  A mag 13 star lies 3' ESE (with a mag 15 companion).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4857 = H III-908 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "eF, vS, iR, vlbM."  CH's reduced position is just 1' northwest of UGC 8077.

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NGC 4858 = MCG +05-31-051 = CGCG 160-213 = PGC 44535

12 59 02.0 +28 06 55; Com

V = 15.2;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 36”

 

18" (4/20/12): very faint, extremely small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  Fainter of a close pair with NGC 4860 in the Coma cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): extremely faint and small, round, requires averted.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 4860 34" NE.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4858, along with NGC 4860, on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He described these as a double nebula.  NGC 4858 is the faintest of the 34 members in the Coma cluster that d'Arrest discovered.  Based on my own observations with 17.5" and 18" scopes, in which I called it "very faint" and "extremely faint", I'm impressed that d'Arrest noticed it through the 11-inch Fraunhofer, though there are other similar examples!

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NGC 4859 = UGC 8097 = MCG +05-31-053 = CGCG 160-071 = PGC 44534

12 59 01.8 +26 48 56; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', very weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' SE.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4859 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 4860 = MCG +05-31-054 = CGCG 160-215 = PGC 44539

12 59 03.9 +28 07 25; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 126”

 

18" (4/20/12): at 322x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, small bright core, 0.4'x0.3'.  Brighter of a very close pair with NGC 4858 38" SW.  Located 12' NW of NGC 4874 and 7' NW of mag 7.1 HD 112887.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4858 34" SW within AGC 1656.  IC 4943 lies 5' W and NGC 4865 4.2' SE almost at the midpoint on line with mag 7.2 SAO 82595 7.2' SE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, very small, round.  Located 4' NW of NGC 4865.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4860, along with NGC 4858, on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 25" northwest of center.  Hemann Kobold also measured an accurate position in 1895.

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NGC 4861 = Arp 266 = IC 3961 = UGC 8098 = MCG +06-29-003 = CGCG 189-005 = VV 797 = Mrk 59 = I Zw 49 = LGG 334-010 = PGC 44536

12 59 01.8 +34 51 39; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 4.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 15”

 

48" (4/7/13): very unusual appearance at 488x as the galaxy is dominated by a very high surface brightness HII region (Mrk 59) at the SSW end, about 15" in diameter and 13th magnitude. The knot appeared extremely bright, roundish, sharp-edged.  The main glow of the galaxy is very elongated to the NNE, 3.0'x 0.6', extending just past a mag 13 star near the opposite end.  The core is a somewhat brighter, elongated, knotty region, offset closer to the giant HII region.  The glow of the galaxy dims as it extends to the star at the opposite end and fades out just beyond. Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).

 

PGC 101479, a compact galaxy, is exactly in line with the major axis of NGC 4861, 3.5' NNE of the mag 12 star.  It appeared faint or fairly faint (B = 16.8), round, 12"-15" diameter. 

 

17.5" (1/23/93): faint, very elongated SSW-NNE, even low surface brightness.  Located between two mag 12 stars at low power.  The "star" at the SSW end is slightly nebulous at 166x and appears as a definite nonstellar knot at 332x.  UGC and CGCG misidentify this HII region as NGC 4861 (and the galaxy as IC 3961).  This is one of the few extragalactic HII regions which responds to OIII filtration.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, elongated streak SSW-NNE.  Stretches between two 12th magnitude "stars".  The star at the south end is actually a giant HII region and it appears slightly fuzzy at 166x and clearly nonstellar at 312x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4861 = H IV-30 = h1499 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged, "two stars at about 3' distance connected with a vF narrow nebulosity."  His position matches Arp 266 and the "star" at the south end is the unusually bright HII knot.  JH made three observations and on sweep 131 reported "a vF neb; E nf to sp, between 2 stars, the southern of which is ill-defined.  Both seem to belong to the nebula."  So, he felt the HII knot was perhaps non-stellar.  R.J. Mitchell, using LdR's 72" on 17 Apr 1855, recorded "vF, mE sp nf, has a plain star in the north extremity and either a star or what looks more like a bright little knot involved in the south end."

 

Max Wolf found the galaxy in 1903 on a Heidelberg plate and his position for W. V-103 is on the center of the galaxy.  Despite an accurate position and description, Dreyer recatalogued NGC 4861 as IC 3961.

 

UGC and CGCG identify the main galaxy as IC 3961 and the bright HII knot as NGC 4861 (Webb Society Quarterly Journal #45, July 1981).  Although LdR noted a "bright little knot" at the south end, the HII complex was not given a separate designation in the NGC or IC.

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NGC 4862 = MCG -02-33-079 = IC 3999 = PGC 44610

12 59 30.8 -14 07 56; Vir

V = 14.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 120”

 

24" (6/1/13): extremely faint to very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness, no details though no difficult.  A mag 14 star lies 1.8' NW. Located 6.8' SW of NGC 4862 (exactly on a line with the major axis of this edge-on) and 4.7' E of mag 9.8 HD 112771. 

 

18" (5/15/10): not found.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4862 = LM 1-194, along with NGC 4863, on 26 Feb 1886.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a good match with MCG -02-33-079 = PGC 44610 and his sketch (examined by Harold Corwin) confirms this identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver at the turn of the century (listed in the IC 2 Notes section).  In MN Vol LXI #I, he also mentioned "Another was suspected perhaps 5 arcmin south of this one."  There is nothing at this position, but 5' north is NGC 4863, probably the suspected object.

 

IC 3999, found by Bigourdan in 1895, may be a duplicate observation.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes on IC 3999 for the story.

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NGC 4863 = MCG -02-33-081 = PGC 44650

12 59 42.3 -14 01 47; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  PA = 23”

 

24" (6/1/13): at 282x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.1'x0.3', well concentrated with a very small, well-defined, small bright nucleus.  NGC 4862 lies 6.8' SW.

 

18" (5/15/10): at 285x appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 40"x18", fairly low evens surface brightness.  A mag 15 star lies 1' SE of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4863 = LM 1-195, along with NGC 4862, on 26 Feb 1886.  His rough position (given to the nearest min of RA) is a good match with MCG -02-33-081 = PGC 44650, and his comment "vE 45”" (as well as sketch examined by Corwin) clinches this identification, though the PA is 23”.

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NGC 4864 = MCG +05-31-058 = CGCG 160-221 = PGC 44566

12 59 13.1 +27 58 37; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 11.8

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 24" diameter, well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  On the DSS there is a faint star superimposed, so perhaps this is the stellar nucleus I noted.  Forms a very close double with NGC 4867 just 36" SE.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, very small, round.  Forms a double system with NGC 4867 off the SE edge just 40" from center and IC 3955 is 2' NW.  Located in the core of AGC 1656, 5.0' WNW of NGC 4874.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, very small, round, very close pair with NGC 4867.

 

William Herschel probably discovered NGC 4864 = H II-388 = h1500 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Two, the time taken between them."  His single position is 2.5' northwest of NGC 4874, which is certainly one of these two.  John Herschel assigned WH's second object (H. II-388) to NGC 4869 in the GC and Dreyer followed suit in the NGC.  Harold Corwin argues that NGC 4864 is a better match in position and probably visibility.  See his identification notes.

 

John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1831, and noted "The first of 5 south of a * 7m.  Place by configuration with the others."  His position is noted as very rough, but his sketch (emailed by Wolfgang Steinicke) verifies h1500 = NGC 4864.  Heinrich d'Arrest first observed NGC 4864 on 10 May 1863 and measured the position on 3 nights.  He marked the equivalence with h1500 as uncertain.

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NGC 4865 = UGC 8100 = MCG +05-31-064 = CGCG 160-224 = PGC 44578

12 59 19.8 +28 05 03; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 115”

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 27"x18".  Contains a relatively high surface brightness core that has a modest concentration to the center and faint extensions.  Located just 3.1' NW of mag 7.1 HD 112887 in the Coma cluster.  Forms a pair with CGCG 160-223 1.4' WSW.  The fainter companion was faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Located in the core of AGC 1656 3.1' WNW of mag 7.1 SAO 82595 which detracts from viewing.  Nearby are MCG +05-31-063 1' SW and NGC 4860 4.2' NW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small.  Located 3' NW of a mag 7 star in AGC 1656.  NGC 4860 lies 3' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4865 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 5 seconds of time too far west, but his offset of 12.6 seconds of time from mag 7 HD 112887 is accurate.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1895 (published in 1907)

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NGC 4866 = UGC 8102 = MCG +02-33-045 = CGCG 071-092 = PGC 44600

12 59 27.1 +14 10 16; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 6.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 87”

 

48" (4/2/11): extremely bright, very large, beautiful edge-on 7:1 E-W, ~4'x0.6'.  Sharply concentrated with a small extremely bright nucleus.  The central region bulges slightly (spindle-shaped).  A bright star (mag 12?) is superimposed on the NW edge, ~50" from the center.  GR 8 = UGC 8091, a low surface brightness Local Group member, lies 12' WNW.  At 375x, GR 8 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~1.2' diameter.  It contains a very small brighter core and stellar nucleus. 

 

17.5" (3/20/93): fairly bright, large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 5.0'x1.0', prominent core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is embedded on the west side 0.8' WNW of center.  The core appears slightly offset towards the star or the extension west of the core may appear less prominent due to the glare.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4866 = H I-162 = h1498 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vB, E from sp to nf.  A small star in the extent of it, near the brightest part, preceding it about 1/2'."  His position and description matches UGC 8102.  JH made 6 observations and recorded very similar descriptions.

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NGC 4867 = MCG +05-31-062 = CGCG 160-222 = PGC 44568

12 59 15.2 +27 58 14; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

18" (4/20/12): faint, small, round, 16" diameter.  Fainter of a close pair with NGC 4864 36" NW.  The pair is located about 5' WNW of NGC 4874 in the core of the Coma cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, extremely small, round.  Forms a double system with NGC 4864 off the NW edge 40" from center.  Located 4.5' W of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small, round, very close pair with NGC 4864.  Located 5' WNW of NGC 4874, AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4867 = Big 62 on 10 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  In d'Arrest's description of NGC 4864, he mentions it forms a close double, though no position was given.  Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 28 Apr 1885 and noted it was very close to GC 3343 [NGC 4864] but easily distinguishable.  Bigourdan's Comptes Rendus position was 1.4' too far north and as a result the position is northeast of NGC 4864 in the NGC, instead of southeast. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1895, though it wasn't published until 1907. Harold Corwin proposes that William Herschel may be the original discoverer of NGC 4864/4867.

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NGC 4868 = UGC 8099 = MCG +06-29-004 = CGCG 189-008 = PGC 44557

12 59 09.0 +37 18 37; CVn

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, almost round.  A mag 12 star is on the north edge 1.2' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 4919 19' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4868 = H II-644 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "pB or cB, S, R, mbM.  Among some scattered star."  CH's reduced position is 9 sec of RA west of UGC 8099.

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NGC 4869 = MCG +05-31-065 = CGCG 160-225 = PGC 44587

12 59 23.3 +27 54 41; Com

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14.4 star is attached at the NW edge. This Coma cluster member is situated 4' SW of NGC 4874, on a line with a mag 12.3 star that is 2' SW the center of NGC 4874.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is attached at the NW edge 16" from the center and a mag 12 star is 2.0' NNE.  Located in the core of AGC 1656 4.0' SW of NGC 4874 with a number of galaxies near including NGC 4875 3' ESE, IC 3973 3' SE and NGC 4872 3.2' NE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round.  A mag 13 star is attached at the NW edge.  Located 5' SW NGC 4874 in AGC 1656.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4869 = h1501 on 13 Apr 1831 and noted "The second of 5, south of * 7m."  Although only a very rough polar distance was given, his sketch (emailed by Steinicke) verifies h1501 = CGCG 160-225 = PGC 44587.  This is the second of the five brightest galaxies in the core of the cluster (with NGC 4864, NGC 4874, NGC 4889 and NGC 4898).  The first observation under h1501 on sweep 64 and 65 probably applies to NGC 4874.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position of NGC 4869 accurately on 6 nights, first recording it on 10 May 1863.  He questioned if this object was equivalent to H. II-388 = h1501, but H. II-388 more likely applies to NGC 4864.

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NGC 4870 = PGC 44569

12 59 17.8 +37 02 54; CVn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  PA = 1”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3'.  Situated between two mag 11 stars 1' NW and 1.9' ESE.  Located 12' SE of NGC 4893 and 23' SE of NGC 4914 in a small group of galaxies ~80' SE of Cor Caroli.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 4870 on 1 Apr 1878 during the observation of the NGC 4914 field.  He noted "About 10' p and 10' s of last [NGC 4893] is a third neb, pF, lE ns, bet 2 st 10m, one about 1.5' npp and the other 2' f."  His description is an exact match with this faint edge-on.  The PGC declination is 3' too small.

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NGC 4871 = MCG +05-31-066 = CGCG 160-227 = PGC 44606

12 59 29.9 +27 57 23; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 174”

 

18" (4/20/12): this close companion of NGC 4874 is located just of the west side of the halo, 1.3' between centers.  At 322x it appeared faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small bright nucleus.  One of the swarm of small galaxies hovering around NGC 4874.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 1.3' W of the center of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656.  A mag 12 star lies 1.2' S.  Numerous galaxies are nearby including NGC 4873 1.8' NNE and NGC 4872 1.1' SE.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): very faint, very small, round, very close companion of NGC 4874 just 1' W of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4871 = Big. 62 on 10 May 1863 and placed it 5 sec of time preceding NGC 4874, in the same parallel.  This offset matches CGCG 160-227 = PGC 44606.  Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 16 May 1885 and recorded "mag 13.4; 10" dia, faint stellar nucl."  Apparently Hermann Kobold also independently discovered this galaxy with the 18-inch refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory and listed it as Nova Kobold 8.

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NGC 4872 = MCG +05-31-068 = CGCG 160-230 = PGC 44624

12 59 34.1 +27 56 49; Com

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  PA = 115”

 

18" (4/20/12): this is the closest of the swarm of small galaxies surrounding NGC 4874, situated just 48" SSW of center at the edge of the halo.  At 322x it appeared similar to NGC 4871 (1.1' NW); faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): this is the closest companion of NGC 4874 just off the SW edge of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656.  Very faint, very small, irregularly round, small bright core.  A mag 12 star lies 1.3' SW.  Located just 52" SW of the center of NGC 4874.  A swarm of galaxies in the field with NGC 4871 1.1' NW, NGC 4873 2.2' N and NGC 4875 2.5' SSE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4872 on 21 Apr 1865.  In his description of NGC 4874, he mentioned finding another nebula 45" to the south and preceding, which matches the offset to CGCG 160-230 = PGC 44624.   On 5 May 1864 he recorded an object 3 sec of RA following NGC 4874 and 0.3' north (measured the same night) but there is nothing at this offset, although Dreyer may have assumed this referred to NGC 4872.

 

Dreyer equated William Herschel's H. II-389 and John Herschel's h1502 with NGC 4872, but these two designations apply to much brighter NGC 4874.  Hermann Kobold independently discovered NGC 4872 in 1895 while measuring positions in the cluster with the 18-inch Merz refractor at Strasbourg.  He labeled it Kobold 9 (his 9th "nova").

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NGC 4873 = MCG +05-31-069 = CGCG 160-229 = PGC 44621

12 59 32.8 +27 59 01; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 103”

 

18" (4/20/12): this member of the Coma cluster is located just 1.6' NNW of NGC 4874, within the halo of faint galaxies surrounding the giant elliptical.  At 322x appeared faint, small, round, 18" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.  Just slightly larger than nearby NGC 3871 and 3872.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): close companion of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656.  Very faint, very small, slightly elongated, very small bright core.  Located 1.6' NNW of NGC 4874.  Nearby galaxies include NGC 4871 1.7' SSW and NGC 4864/NGC 4867 pair 4.3' W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4873 = Big 64 on 10 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and placed it 1 1/2' north of NGC 4874 and about 1 sec of time preceding.  This offset matches CGCG 160-229 = PGC 44621.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 16 May 1885 with the 12-inch refractor at Paris and recorded "mag 13.4-13.5; 20" dia, no nucleus."  His position is accurate, but because of the confusion with the identifications in the densely packed Coma Cluster, NGC 4873 wasn't included in the GC or GC Supplement and first appeared in the NGC.

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NGC 4874 = UGC 8103 = MCG +05-31-070 = CGCG 160-231 = PGC 44628

12 59 35.7 +27 57 33; Com

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (4/20/12): at 322x this giant elliptical cD appeared moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, ~1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and fainter halo.  Surrounded by a dense swarm of faint companions; 16 have been observed within a 5' radius!  Located 6.4' S of mag 7.1 HD 112887.  NGC 4889, the brightest member in the central region, is 7.3' ENE.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): second brightest galaxy in the core of AGC 1656.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 6.4' S of mag 7.2 SAO 82595.  A mag 12 star lies 2.5' WSW.  Surrounded by a halo of faint galaxies including NGC 4872 52" SSW, NGC 4871 1.3' W, NGC 4873 1.6' NNW, IC 3998 2.3' ENE. 

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, round, fairly small, 2nd brightest in AGC 1656.  A mag 7 star lies about 6' N and a mag 12.5 star 2' SW.  Numerous companions are nearby in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4874 = H II-389 = h1502 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 4864], the time taken between them."  His position (CH's reduced position) is 2.5' northwest of NGC 4874, in line with his offset of 3.5' northwest for NGC 4889.  Dreyer misassigned II-389 = h1502 to nearby NGC 4872, but this is a much fainter companion that was discovered by Heinrich d'Arrest.  John Herschel simply noted "The third of 5; place by configuration", but he associated it with II-389 and his sketch confirms h1502 = NGC 4874.  Also, his first two observations under h1501 on sweeps 64 and 65 probably apply to NGC 4874. Heinrich d'Arrest made 7 observations of this galaxy and questioned if it was H. II-389?  Dreyer credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the NGC.

 

Heinrich d'arrest discovered 34 galaxies in the Coma cluster with an 11" refractor and Steinicke mentions he was the first to recognize the Coma assemblage of galaxies as a cluster (see NGC 4889 for his description), although Max Wolf is generally given credit in the literature based on his photograph in 1901 using the 16-inch Bruce double astrograph at the Heidelberg Observatory and following announcement "An extraordinary cluster of nebulae" (AN, 155, 127) .

 

"On two Bruce telescope photographs from March 24 of this year [1901] which depict the region surrounding 31 Comae Berenices, there is a very interesting area of the sky. There are numerous small nebulae so crowded together that when you look at the area you are startled by the strange appearance of this "cluster of nebulae". I have determined there are at least 108 nebulae in a circle of 30' diameter around the specified location, so in an area about the size of the full moon. Among them are four or five larger, centrally compressed nebulae [ellipticals], as well as several elongated ones [spirals]. The vast majority have roundish shape and are smaller."

 

Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis (1918) wrote "this region contains the most remarkable aggregation of closely packed small nebulae known to me.  About 30 are catalogued in this area in the NGC and some 25 more are given in the IC.  In reality there are more the 300 small nebulae in an area about 50' x 40', a large proportion of which are probably spirals.  None of them are conspicuous objects."  An image in the paper highlights "249 small nebulae in an area 38' x 29'."

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NGC 4875 = CGCG 160-232 = PGC 44640

12 59 37.9 +27 54 26; Com

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

18" (4/20/12): at 322x this member of the Coma cluster appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 4876 1.5' ENE. IC 3973 lies 2.1' SW.  Situated 3.1' S of NGC 4874 in the core of the Coma cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): companion of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656.  Located 3.1' S of NGC 4874.  Appears extremely faint and small, slightly elongated.  Second of three and located between IC 3973 2.1' SW and NGC 4876 1.5' E.  A mag 12 star is 2.7' NW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4875 = Big. 65, along with NGC 4876, on 16 May 1885.  His Comptes Rendus position is 1' north of CGCG 160-232 = PGC 44640.

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NGC 4876 = MCG +05-31-073 = CGCG 160-234 = PGC 44658

12 59 44.4 +27 54 44; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 20”

 

18" (4/20/12): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 18"x14".  Forms a similar pair with NGC 4875, just 1.5' WSW.  Situated 3.4' SE of NGC 4874 in the core of Coma cluster.  A mag 14.9 star is 0.9' NW.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, elongated N-S.  Located in the core of AGC 1656 3.4' SE of NGC 4874.  Third of three with NGC 4875 1.5' WSW and IC 3973 3.4' SE.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 4' SE of NGC 4874 in AGC 1656.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4876 = Big. 66, along with NGC 4875, on 16 May 1885.  His Comptes Rendus position is 1' northeast of CGCG 160-232 = PGC 44640 (similar offset as NGC 4875).

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NGC 4877 = MCG -02-33-086 = PGC 44761

13 00 26.3 -15 17 00; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 6”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.  Located 2.8' SE of mag 9 SAO 157648.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-33-082 7.2' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4877 = H III-299 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and logged "pB, pL, mbM."  There is nothing near his position, but 54 sec of RA due east is MCG -02-33-086 = PGC 44761 and the description fits. Wilhelm Tempel measured an accurate micrometric position (list V), which was used in the NGC.

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NGC 4878 = MCG -01-33-064 = PGC 44747

13 00 20.1 -06 06 14; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 10”

 

48" (4/2/11): this bright galaxy forms a prominent pair with NGC 4888, which is located 4.3' NE.  Fairly large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.2'x1.0'.  Sharply concentrated with a slightly elongated very bright core.  A mag 12 star is 2' NW and a bright double star just west of NGC 4888 lies 3.5' NE.  NGC 4879 may be a mag 14.5-15 star 1.4' ESE.  The DSS shows a weak ring structure in the halo but I didn't see this feature.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, small, round, prominent core, almost stellar nucleus, small halo.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4888 4.3' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4878 = H III-758, along with NGC 4879, on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS."  His single position is 7 sec of RA west of MCG -01-33-064.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4879 may be a star about 1.5' east-southeast of the galaxy.  MCG identifies NGC 4878 as a double galaxy (with -064a) but Corwin says this is a plate defect on the POSS1.   Karl Reinmuth identifies a star northeast of the galaxy as NGC 4878 and the galaxy, itself, as NGC 4879.  See Corwin's NGC identification notes for more.

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NGC 4879

13 00 25.6 -06 06 40; Vir

 

48" (4/2/11): this number may refer to a mag 14.5-15 star located 1.4' ESE of NGC 4878.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4879 = H III-759, along with NGC 4878, on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS."  There is only a single galaxy at his position (NGC 4878 = MCG -01-33-064 = PGC 44747) and Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4879 may apply to a faint star 1.5' southeast of NGC 4878.  RNGC classifies NGC 4878 as nonexistent and misidentifies NGC 4888 as NGC 4879.

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NGC 4880 = UGC 8109 = MCG +02-33-047 = CGCG 071-094 = Holm 497a = PGC 44719

13 00 10.5 +12 29 00; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x2.0', broad weak concentration with no core or nucleus, fairly low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4880 = H III-83 = h1503 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "vF, S, irr, resolvable."  JH's mean position (two sweeps) matches UGC 8109.

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NGC 4881 = UGC 8106 = MCG +05-31-075 = CGCG 160-238 = PGC 44686

12 59 57.7 +28 14 48; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located 5' E of mag 8.1 SAO 82596.  Forms a pair with NGC 4895 5.2' SE.  Located 15' N of the central core region of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4881 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two consecutive nights) is accurate and he mentions that mag 8 HD 112886 precedes by 24 seconds (also accurate).

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NGC 4882 = NGC 4886 = MCG +05-31-076 = CGCG 160-239 = PGC 44698

13 00 04.4 +27 59 15; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4886.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4882, along with NGC 4884, on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  The offsets for these two objects - +3 sec in RA and -0.3' in dec, matches the differences between NGC 4886 (discovered by d'Arrest a year earlier) and NGC 4889 (discovered by WH).  But his RA was 7 sec too small for both galaxies.  So, NGC 4882 = NGC 4886 and NGC 4884 = NGC 4889.

 

The RNGC places NGC 4882 is 0.2 min of RA west of NGC 4886 but there is no galaxy near that position.  This error was mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #1 and the Webb Society Observer's Handbook #5, p158.

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NGC 4883 = CGCG 160-237 = PGC 44682

12 59 56.0 +28 02 04; Com

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 90”

 

18" (4/20/12): this member of the Coma cluster is relatively isolated, roughly halfway between NGC 4889 (4.4' SE) and the mag 7.2 star (5.4' NW) in the core of the cluster.  At 322x it appeared faint to fairly faint, small, oval 5:4 E-W, 18"x14", slightly brighter core.  The bright star is somewhat of a nuisance.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): located in the central core of AGC 1656 4.4' NW of NGC 4889 and 6.4' NE of NGC 4874.  Very faint, very small, round.  Mag 7.2 SAO 82595 5.4' WNW hinders observation of this galaxy.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4883 = Big. 67 on 16 May 1885.  His Comptes Rendus position (nearest min of dec) is 45" too far northeast. Dreyer (as well as Wolfgang Steinicke) credits d'Arrest with the discovery (on 22 Apr 1865), but I can't identify his observation in his compilation Siderum Nebulosorum.

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NGC 4884 = NGC 4889 = UGC 8110 = MCG +05-31-077 = CGCG 160-241 = PGC 44715

13 00 08.1 +27 58 37; Com

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4889.

 

Henrich d'Arrest found NGC 4884, along with NGC 4882, on 22 Apr 1865 and noted "principal one of multiple nebulae.  One precedes [NGC 4882] by 2 or 3 sec."  His position is 7.5 sec of RA preceding NGC 4889, the only bright galaxy in the immediate vicinity, and his position for NGC 4882 is 7 sec of RA preceding NGC 4886.  So, NGC 4884 = NGC 4889 and NGC 4882 = NGC 4886.  d'Arrest listed 7 observations of NGC 4889, so NGC 4884 was an 8th observation.  Karl Reinmuth, in his photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "not found; = NGC 4889".

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NGC 4885 = MCG -01-33-065 = PGC 44781

13 00 33.8 -06 51 11; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

18" (5/16/09): faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4885 = h1504 on 19 Feb 1830 and logged "vF; vS; E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4886 = NGC 4882 = MCG +05-31-076 = CGCG 160-239 = PGC 44698

13 00 04.4 +27 59 15; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

18" (4/20/12): this galaxy is the closest NGC galaxy (1.0' NW) to NGC 4889 in the core of the Coma cluster.  At 282x it appeared faint or fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, contains a small bright nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): close companion to NGC 4889 in the central core of AGC 1656.  Very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Located just 1.0' NW of the core of AGC 1656.  Nearby galaxies surrounding NGC 4889 includes IC 4011 1.1' NNE, NGC 4883 3.4' NW and IC 4021 4' NE.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): very faint, very small, round.  Close companion 1' NW of NGC 4889 in the central core of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4886 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured it on two nights.  His position, 4-5 sec of time preceding NGC 4889, matches CGCG 160-239.  This is the closest NGC companion to NGC 4889.  NGC 4882 is a third observation by d'Arrest of this galaxy on 22 Apr 1865, but with a relatively poor position (1.6' too far southwest), so he and Dreyer assumed it was new.  See that number.

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NGC 4887 = MCG -02-33-087 = PGC 44796

13 00 39.1 -14 39 58; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, oval 2:1 NW-SE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 4902 10' NNE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4887 = T V-27 on 21 Apr 1882.  His micrometric position in the main table is an exact match with MCG -02-33-087 = PGC 44796.  He also noted this object was -20 sec of time and -9' in dec from [NGC 4902].

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NGC 4888 = MCG -01-33-066 = VV 680 = PGC 44766

13 00 36.3 -06 04 31; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 110”

 

48" (4/2/11): very bright, moderatly large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, brighter along the major axis.  Well concentrated with a very bright core.  A bright, wide double star is 1' W of center (separation of ~35").  A mag 15 star is between the pair and the galaxy, ~30" WSW of center.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, small bright core.  Almost exactly collinear with a nice double star mag 12/13 just 1' WNW of core.  The double star has the same position angle as the galaxy.  Forms a pair with NGC 4878 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4888 = H II-778 = h1505 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and noted "F, S, south following a double star."  JH recorded "pF; vS; E; psbM." and measured a good position.

 

RNGC mislabels NGC 4888 as NGC 4879.

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NGC 4889 = NGC 4884 = UGC 8110 = MCG +05-31-077 = CGCG 160-241 = PGC 44715

13 00 08.1 +27 58 37; Com

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80”

 

82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; extremely bright, large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, very strong concentration with a very bright core and an intensely bright nucleus.  The halo extends ~1.8'x1.4' and fades out slowly.  PGC 44708, an edge-on galaxy, poked out of the west side of the halo towards the NW. It appeared fairly faint, extremely thin, perhaps 7:1 NW-SE, ~28"x4".

 

18" (4/20/12): this is the dominant cD galaxy in the Coma cluster, although NGC 4874 is surrounded by a much richer retinue of small companions.  At 282x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright, slightly elongated core that increases to the center. The closest NGC companion is NGC 4886, situated 1.0' NW.  A mag 13.5 star is a similar distance SE.  With careful viewing, I caught glimpses of PGC 44708, a thin edge-on superimposed at the edge of the core just 27" from the center.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): largest and brightest galaxy in AGC 1656 = Coma I galaxy cluster.  NGC 4889 and NGC 4874 9.2' W are both surrounded by a cloud of faint galaxies.  Moderately bright, fairly small, oval E-W, bright core.  Several companions near including NGC 4886 1.0' NW, NGC 4894 1.9' ESE, NGC 4898 2.4' SE which are all collinear with NGC 4889 and IC 4011 1.6' N.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, fairly small, oval E-W.  Largest and brightest in AGC 1656 = Coma I.  NGC 4874 lies 7' W and several companions are near.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4889 = H II-391 = h1507 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply not "vF".  His position is 3.4' northwest of NGC 4889, close to the same offset he made in the sweep with NGC 4874.

 

John Herschel made two observations under h1507 (sweep 64 and 343) with his RA is marked as very uncertain.  On sweep 343, he recorded "B; pmE; bM.  The fourth of 5, south of * 7m.  His position is 4 sec of RA too large but his sketch verifies the identity.  Also, his observation listed under h1510 on sweep 65 refers to NGC 4889.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest's NGC 4884 is a duplicate observation.  See that number for details.   d'Arrest commented that "The nebulae are incredibly numerous and dense and despite being faint, they have a diversity one cannot imagine a priori.  Sometimes, in the most favorable moments, I had the very definite impression that the nebulae, often only a few arcseconds in diameter, are intermingled with larger, roung, oblong, star-shaped or cometary ones, like oysters packed together in a barrel."

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NGC 4890 = MCG -01-33-067 = PGC 44793

13 00 39.0 -04 36 11; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, fairly high almost even surface brightness, weak concentration.  Forms a vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 12.5 stars 2.7' NW and 2.5' SW.  NGC 4915 lies 12' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4890 = H III-614 = h1506 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "cF, S, irr R."  His position is less than 2' south of MCG -01-33-067 = PGC 44793.  JH made a single observation accurate to less than 1'.

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NGC 4891

13 00 47.0 -13 25 35; Vir

 

= * 2' NW NGC 4897, Corwin.  Incorrectly identified as NGC 4897 in the RNGC and SC 2000.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4891 on 21 Apr 1882.  In the listing under NGC 4897 = T V-28 in his main table, Tempel mentions a nebulous star is 2'-3' northwest.  At this offset is only a 14th magnitude star.  See NGC 4897.

 

NGC 4897 is misidentified as NGC 4891 in many modern sources.  See notes on NGC 4897.

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NGC 4892 = UGC 8108 = MCG +05-31-078 = CGCG 160-081 = PGC 44697

13 00 03.5 +26 53 53; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 13”

 

17.5" (5/14/94): very faint, thin edge-on SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.2'.  Followed by two mag 14-14.5 stars with separation 39" oriented SSW-NNE and parallel to the major axis (closer star is 0.6' E of center).  NGC 4859 lies 14.6' SW.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4892 = H II-390 = h1508 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F".  His position was accurate, although John Herschel's RA was 11 sec too large.

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NGC 4893 = IC 4015 = VV 222b = Holm 498a = UGC 8111 NED1 = MCG +06-29-008 = MCG +06-29-009 = CGCG 189-010 NED1 = PGC 44690

12 59 59.6 +37 11 36; CVn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  PA = 3”

 

24" (6/4/16): the two close components (IC 4015 and IC 4016) of NGC 4893 were resolved at 322x.  The brighter northern component (IC 4015) appeared faint to fairly faint, small, round, 15"-18" diameter.  The southern member (IC 4016) is faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.  The centers of the two galaxies are separated by just 19".  A mag 13.5 star is 44" E and a mag 15.0 star is just under 1' SSW.  IC 4027, located 4' SE, is extremely faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  A mag 13 star lies less than 1' E.  This is a contact double system (IC 4015 + 4016 with a separation of 0.35'), though the components were not resolved.  Located 11' SW of NGC 4914 and 82' SE of Cor Caroli (Alpha CVn).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4893 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 8111 and he noted it was between a mag 20 star south-preceding and a mag 17 star north following.  On the modern scale, both stars are mag(V) = 15-16.  Dreyer independently discovered this double galaxy on 1 Apr 1878 at Birr Castle.  While observing NGC 4914, he remarked, "about 7' p and 10' s is another; F, irr R, elongated north-south, *11-12m 1' nff and *14m 1' ssp."  These are the two stars noted by d'Arrest.

 

Max Wolf gave separate entries for the two components, which Dreyer catalogued as IC 4015 and IC 4016 (essentially at d'Arrest's position).  The two components were apparently seen by Dreyer ("elongated n-s") but not resolved. Corwin notes that the object Wolf identified as NGC 4893 is actually a plate defect, so he assumed the two separate components were new objects.

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NGC 4894 = NGC 4898 = MCG +05-31-082 = CGCG 160-248 = PGC 44736

13 00 17.8 +27 57 20; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4898.  This number is misasigned to CGCG 160-247 = PGC 44732 in all modern catalogues.  My observations of this galaxy follow:

 

82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 20"x8", brighter nucleus.  Situated 0.8' NNW of NGC 4898 (double system) in the core of AGC 1656.

 

18" (4/20/12): this challenging galaxy is located just 45" NNW of brighter NGC 4898 and 1.9' ESE of NGC 4889 in the core of the Coma cluster.  At 282x it appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  The small dimensions imply I only picked up the brighter core and missed the extensions SW-NE.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): located in the core of AGC 1656 just 1.9' SE of NGC 4889.  Extremely faint, very small, round.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 4898 45" SE.  This is the third of four on line with NGC 4889 and NGC 4886 to the NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4894 = h1510 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "the last of 5, south of a * 7m; more suspected to the south."  Since his 4th of 5 in the sweep (h1507) refers to NGC 4889, and he gave the declination as 1' south, Harold Corwin concludes that NGC 4894 is likely the earliest observation of NGC 4898, and not fainter CGCG 160-247 just 1' NW.  All modern sources take CGCG 160-247 as NGC 4894, but there does not appear to be a pre-NGC observation of this galaxy.

 

JH listed a second observation of h1510 on 30 Mar 1827, but that observation applies to NGC 4889.  He also attached his father's III-363 to h1510 in the GC (3354), but H III-363 likely applies to NGC 4908 (Dreyer assigned it to IC 4051 in his 1912 Correction list).

 

Because of the density of galaxies in the Coma cluster, there was a great deal of confusion on the identities!  Bigourdan and d'Arrest later measured an accurate position for NGC 4898 and both are credited in the NGC, so its identity is not in doubt.

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NGC 4895 = UGC 8113 = MCG +05-31-081 = CGCG 160-249 = PGC 44737

13 00 17.9 +28 12 08; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 153”

 

18" (4/20/12): this is one of the brightest galaxies in the Coma cluster and the middle of three in a near line with NGC 4881 5' NW and NGC 4907 7' SE.  At 322x it appeared moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 60"x20", sharply concentrated with a very bright core and much fainter, thinner extensions.  NGC 4895A, located 2.8' SW, appeared very faint, round, 15" diameter.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE.  Nearby companions are NGC 4881 5.2' NW and NGC 4895A 2.7' SW.  Located just north of the central core of AGC 1656 and 14' N of NGC 4889.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4895 on 5 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 8113 and he noted the mag 14-14.5 star (called mag 16) that follows by 8 sec of time.  The position in the UGC is 7' too far south.

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NGC 4896 = UGC 8117 = MCG +05-31-084 = CGCG 160-087 = PGC 44768

13 00 30.8 +28 20 47; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

18" (6/4/05): faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Weak, even concentration to a very faint stellar nucleus.  Located just north of the core of AGC 1656 with CGCG 160-089 3.0' ESE and MCG +05-31-095 4.8' ENE.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4896 = Big 68 on 12 May 1885.  There is nothing at his Comptes Rendus position, but 15 sec of time east and 2' north is UGC 8117 and this galaxy is assumed to be NGC 4896 in modern catalogues. There are other nearby candidates including brighter NGC 4895 6.4' due south of his position.

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NGC 4897 = (R)NGC 4891 = MCG -02-33-089 = UGCA 316 = PGC 44829

13 00 52.9 -13 26 58; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.6'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, halo gradually brightens, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 2' NW (= NGC 4891).  Incorrectly identified as NGC 4891 in modern catalogues.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4897 = T V-28 on 21 Apr 1882.  His micrometric position in the main table matches MCG -02-33-089 = PGC 44829.  The description mentions that 2' to 3' northwest is a fainter nebulous star, which Dreyer catalogued as NGC 4891.  Only a mag 14 star is at the position of NGC 4891.

 

Shapley-Ames, RC1, RC2, RNGC, MCG, UGCA and PGC mislabel NGC 4897 as NGC 4891, but it is correctly identified in RC3.  The RNGC RA is also 42 min too small.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4898 = NGC 4894 = MCG +05-31-082 = CGCG 160-248 = PGC 44736

13 00 17.8 +27 57 20; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  PA = 100”

 

82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; very easily resolved into two components [centers separated by 7" SW-NE].  The brighter southwestern component appeared bright, fairly small, round, very bright nucleus.  The northeastern component was moderately bright, small, round, slightly brighter nucleus.  Both galaxies were encased in a common halo.

 

PGC 44741, just 1.1' S, was fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 (central bar), slightly brighter nucleus.

PGC 44732, just 0.8' NNW, was fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 20"x8", brighter nucleus.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 4898 in modern sources.

 

18" (4/20/12): this double galaxy is the brightest close-in companion to NGC 4889 in the heart of the Coma cluster.  At 282x it appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, small, oval 4:3 E-W, mild concentration to the center.  Occasionally, the companion (NGC 4898B = LEDA 3098454) popped as a stellar or nearly stellar knot on the northeast end of the galaxy.  Located 2.5' SE of NGC 4889.

 

CGCG 160-247, just 45" NNW, is identified as NGC 4894 in modern sources.  At 282x, this challenging galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  The small dimensions imply I only picked up the brighter core and missed the extensions SW-NE.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): located in the central core of AGC 1656 cluster 2.5' SE of brightest member NGC 4889.  Faint, very small, slightly elongated.  This is the last of four on a line with NGC 4894 just 45" NW, NGC 4889 2.5' NW and NGC 4886 3.5' NW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Located 3' SE NGC 4889 in AGC 1656.

 

John Herschel likely discovered NGC 4898 = h1510 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "the last of 5, south of a * 7m; more suspected to the south."  Since the 4th object in the sweep (h1507) refers to NGC 4889, and he reported the declination as 1' south, Harold Corwin concludes that h1510 (later NGC 4894) is likely the earliest observation of NGC 4898, and not fainter CGCG 160-247 just 1' NW. JH catalogued a second earlier observation of h1510 on 30 Mar 1827, but that refers to NGC 4889.  Heinrich d'Arrest made three fairly accurate measurements of this galaxy and questioned if it was h1510.

 

Because of the density of galaxies in the Coma cluster, there was a great deal of confusion on the identities!  Bigourdan and d'Arrest later measured an accurate position for NGC 4898 and both are credited in the NGC, so its identity is not in doubt.

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NGC 4899 = MCG -02-33-090 = PGC 44841

13 00 56.5 -13 56 39; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 15”

 

24" (6/1/13): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~1.7'x1.0', broad concentration, large slightly brighter middle but no distinct core or nucleus.  The central region increases to a vaguely defined nucleus.  Hint of spiral structure in the halo.  Located 8.2' WSW of mag 7.5 HD 112945.  NGC 4863 lies 19' WSW.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly large, oval ~N-S, fairly low surface brightness.  Appears brighter at the south end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4899 = H II-300 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and noted "Faintish, cL."  CH's reduction is at the west edge of MCG -02-33-090 = PGC 44841.  In the Slough catalogue, JH mistakenly assumed his two observations of h1517 = NGC 4924, were the same as H II-300 = NGC 4899, and that his father made a 1” error in polar distance.  JH listed both objects correctly in the GC.  Dreyer notes the NGC description should read "cL" instead of "eL".

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NGC 4900 = UGC 8116 = MCG +01-33-035 = CGCG 043-093 = PGC 44797

13 00 39.1 +02 30 00; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 2.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

48" (4/7/13): this unusual galaxy visually appears like a barred ring.  At 488x a bright nucleus is embedded with a weak bar, extending NW-SE.  A slightly brighter knot is situated close northwest of the nucleus.  A mag 11 star is attached at the southeast end of the galaxy, collinear with the "bar".  A large, round halo extends 1.7' and is slightly brighter along portions of the outer edge, forming a weak ring with a slightly darker interior on either side of the bar.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  A mag 10.5 star is attached at the SE edge 41" from center.  Even surface brightness except for a faint slightly elongated "knot" just NW of center which may be the central bar or an offset nucleus.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, small.  Unusual appearance with a mag 10 star attached at the east edge and the galaxy extends to the west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4900 = H I-143 = h1509 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) amd recorded "cB, just np a pB star and joining it as to appear like a brush to it."  In his 1814 PT paper he used this example and others to demonstrate a supposed union or attraction between the star and the nebula. JH made three observations and one description notes a "star 11m, with a fan or brush."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 18 Apr 1855, recorded "Looks sometimes like the owl nebula when badly seen, with a B, E patch in centre and dark spots on each side of this; sometimes dark ring is seen all the way round, but blackest to [sp and nf]. Neby round is mottled."  On 24 Apr 1857 he logged "B centre is elongated in the direction of the star on edge and on either side of centre there certainly exist dark spaces as before remarked, giving it the look of the owl-neb.  Yet I sometimes thought I saw it as a sprial with a break in outer annulus npp."  The barred-ring structure in his sketch can be verified on the SDSS!

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NGC 4901 = UGC 8112 = MCG +08-24-019 = CGCG 245-009 = PGC 44684

12 59 56.4 +47 12 20; CVn

V = 14.4;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

18" (6/27/03): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, low surface brightness. Increases slightly to a very small brighter core.  Located 6.8' NNE of a mag 10 star.  NGC 4917 lies 10' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4901 = h1512 on 7 Mar 1831 and recorded "vF; vS; E." His position is at the northwest edge of this galaxy.

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NGC 4902 = MCG -02-33-092 = UGCA 315 = PGC 44847

13 00 59.6 -14 30 48; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 3.0'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright and large, round, weak even concentration to a bright core.  Forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 10 stars 2.0' NW and 2.2' WSW of center.  NGC 4887 is at the edge of the 220x field 10.4' SSW.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, moderately large, round, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4902 = H I-69 = h1511 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and noted "cB, pL, iR."  CH's reduction is 10 sec of RA west of MCG -02-33-092 = PGC 44847.  Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.

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NGC 4903 = ESO 443-030 = MCG -05-31-013 = LGG 324-005 = PGC 44894

13 01 22.7 -30 56 06; Cen

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 73”

 

18" (3/17/07): largest of trio with NGC 4905 and ESO 443-034, but the lowest surface brightness.  Appears fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.0'-1.2' diameter, halo fades into the background, very weak concentration.  Three stars are close south including a pair of mag 14.5-15 star just off the south side.  NGC 4905 lies 4.3' NNE and ESO 443-034 the same distance ENE.  The ESO galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.5' (large low surface brightness halo not seen). A mag 10 star lies 2.3' E.  ESO 443-039 lies 18' NE.  It's odd that John Herschel missed this galaxy when he picked up the other two.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4903 = h3450, along with NGC 4905, on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; 30"; attached to a star; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 4905]."   His dec was 1.3' too far south.

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NGC 4904 = UGC 8121 = MCG +00-33-026 = CGCG 015-055 = Mrk 1341 = PGC 44846

13 00 58.5 -00 01 39; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', brighter bar along major axis, very small brighter core, slightly mottled.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' NNW and a mag 14 star 2.2' WSW.  On the POSS a very faint outer halo is elongated roughly N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4904 = H II-517 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "pB, S, R, bM."  A few minutes later he commented in his logbook "twilight pretty strong."  His position is 2' southwest of UGC 8121.

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NGC 4905 = ESO 443-031 = MCG -05-31-015 = PGC 44902

13 01 30.7 -30 52 06; Cen

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 26”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  In a trio with NGC 4905 4.3' SSW and E443-034 3.5' SE.  Located 4.3' SW of mag 7.4 HD 113129 which detracts from viewing.  ESO 443-039 lies 20' ENE and NGC 4396 is 41' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4905 = h3451, along with NGC 4903 = h3450, on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; vS; R; slbM.  The following of 2 [with NGC 4903].  His position is 3.3' south of ESO 443-031 and actually falls closer to ESO 433-034, but the difference of 7 sec in RA is accurate.

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NGC 4906 = CGCG 160-253 = PGC 44799

13 00 39.7 +27 55 26; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

18" (4/20/12): at 322x appeared faint, small, round, 18" diameter.  A mag 14 star is close west, just 25" from the center.  Located 7.7' SE of NGC 4889 in the Coma cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is just 25" W of center.  Located 7.6' SE of NGC 4889 in the core of AGC 1656.  IC 4041 lies 4.4' due north and IC 4042 2.9' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4906 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured twice) matches CGCG 160-253 = PGC 44799 and he noted the mag 14-15 star that precedes by 25" (d'Arrest gives the separation as 17" to the edge).

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NGC 4907 = MCG +05-31-089 = CGCG 160-257 = PGC 44819

13 00 48.8 +28 09 29; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 42”

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness (face-on barred spiral).  A mag 13 star is close off the SW end.  CGCG 160-251 lies 3.0' WSW.  Located 14' NE of NGC 4889 in the central portion of the Coma cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is just off the south end.  Nearby galaxies include CGCG 160-251 3' WSW and IC 4045 5' S.  Located NE of the central core of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4907 on 5 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate and he noted the mag 13 star close south.

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NGC 4908 = UGC 8129 = MCG +05-31-090 = CGCG 160-259 = PGC 44832

13 00 54.5 +28 00 27; Com

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x22", broad concentration.  Just slightly brighter than IC 4051 2.2' WNW.  Located 10' ENE of NGC 4889 in the Coma cluster.  IC 4051 (identified as NGC 4908 in most sources) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 24"x20", very small brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Located in the central region of AGC 1656 with NGC 4908 2.5' N and IC 4042 2.5' SW.  This galaxy is identified as IC 4051 in most modern catalogues (except MCG).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4908 = H III-363 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "vF".  Caroline's reduction matches UGC 8129.  This galaxy was probably found by d'Arrest on 22 Apr 1865, though his position is between NGC 4908 and slightly fainter MCG +05-31-090 = PGC 44828, located 2.3' north-northwest.  Dreyer used d'Arrest's position for NGC 4908, assuming it was more accurate.

 

Kobold and Bigourdan later observed both galaxies, but the position from Kobold for IC 4051 matches the brighter galaxy as he assumed the fainter galaxy was NGC 4908.  To further confuse the issue, John Herschel misassigned H. III-363 to h1510 = NGC 4894 -- see that number for additional problems! -- and this was copied into the GC.

 

Since William picked up the slightly brighter south-southeast galaxy (and presumably d'Arrest), NGC 4908 should apply to this galaxy, though modern catalogues reverse the identifications.   See Corwin's notes for more on this confusing story.

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NGC 4909 = ESO 269-035 = MCG -07-27-028 = AM 1259-423 = PGC 44949

13 02 01.8 -42 46 18; Cen

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 28”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter (this is the central core region on images).  With averted vision increases to ~40" diameter.  A number of stars are nearby including a pair of mag 13 stars [11" separation] 1.6' SE and a mag 11.5 star is  2.3' E.  In addition, a mag 12/13 pair at a similar separation is 2.9' SW.  The latter is part of a distinctive arc of stars that begins 2.5' SW and sweeps clockwise, ending at mag 10 HD 113176 7.7' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4909 = h3452 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; precedes 3 or 4 stars, 11..12m."  His position and description matches ESO 269-035.

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NGC 4910 = NGC 4845? = UGC 8078 = MCG +00-33-025 = CGCG 015-049 = PGC 44392

12 58 01.3 +01 34 33; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 4845.  Identification very uncertain.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4910 = H V-3 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 123) and recorded "vL but eF, or I believe they are very close and vS stars."  The PT summary description reads "eF, vL, er, R, 7 or 8' dia."  In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentioned that Auwers' reduction is 10 min of RA too large.  This observation is from an early sweep (prone to errors) and in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer also mentioned the following note from WH, "The place of this neb is not determined with accuracy" and there were no subsequent sightings by other observers.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 4910 may possibly be a duplicate observation of NGC 4845 (about 2.5 min of RA and 4' south of WH's rough position) as it is the "only reasonable candidate."

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NGC 4911 = UGC 8128 = MCG +05-31-093 = CGCG 160-260 = Holm 499a = PGC 44840

13 00 56.1 +27 47 27; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, 45"x35", broad concentration.  A mag 14.5 star lies 52" SE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 4911A = PGC 83751, just 36" SW of center.  The companion was just visible as an extremely faint and small knot, ~12" diameter.  NGC 4919 lies 4.9' NE.  NGC 4911 is one of the two giant spirals in the Coma cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2' NW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round.  A mag 13 star is close west.  First of three in the field.  Located 18' SE of core of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4911 = H II-392 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Three, the two following [NGC 4921 and 4923] pretty near each other; the south preceding [NGC 4911] about 8' distance; the time was near that of the two."  d'Arrest measured an accurate position (on 4 nights) and questioned if it was identical to II-392.

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NGC 4912 = NGC 4922: = UGC 8125 = MCG +06-29-014 = CGCG 189-013 = PGC 44807

13 01 24.9 +29 18 40; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 129”

 

See observing notes for NGC 4922.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, found NGC 4912, along with NGC 4913, NGC 4916 and IC 4088, on 24 Apr 1865.  He assumed he was on the NGC 4914 field, but the discovery sketch, which shows 4 nebulae (and one suspected neb) is clearly a different field.

 

Sue French suggested that Parsons' field is 8” south of NGC 4914, where a very similar configuration of 4 galaxies is found, including a wide pair of stars that matches the diagram.  This implies NGC 4912 (labeled delta) = NGC 4922, NGC 4913 (labeled gamma) = IC 843, NGC 4916 (labeled epsilon) = CGCG 160-107 and the galaxy he assumed was NGC 4914 labeled beta) was IC 4088.  Harold Corwin notes some errors with his descriptions (epsilson is called the brightest) but the configuration strongly suggests these identifications.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4922 = UGC 8135 just 5 days earlier than Parsons' observation, but the other three galaxies should be credited to Parsons.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4913 = IC 843 = UGC 8137 = MCG +05-31-100 = CGCG 160-099 = PGC 44908

13 01 33.6 +29 07 50; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 134”

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, 45"x12", contains a very small brighter nucleus.  IC 4088 lies 5.6' SSE, NGC 4916 is 10' NE and NGC 4922 is 11' NNW.  This galaxy is identified as IC 843 in all modern catalogues.  See identification notes for NGC 4912.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, found NGC 4913, along with NGC 4912, NGC 4916 and IC 4088, on 24 Apr 1865.  Parsons assumed he was observing the NGC 4914 field, but the discovery sketch, which shows 4 nebulae (and one suspected neb), is a reasonably good match with a field 8” further south.  NGC 4913, labeled as Gamma in the diagram, matches IC 843.  Sue French originally suggested this identification.

 

Truman Safford independently discovered this galaxy on 3 May 1866.  The discovery list was not published until 1887 so Dreyer added this discovery in an appendix to the NGC and later included it as IC 843 = Sf 3.

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NGC 4914 = NGC 4912: = UGC 8125 = MCG +06-29-014 = CGCG 189-013 = PGC 44807

13 00 42.9 +37 18 54; CVn

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 155”

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): bright, fairly large, elongated  5:2 NNW-SSE, very bright core increases to a stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a small group of galaxies ~80' SE of Cor Caroli.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.  NGC 4868 lies 19' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4914 = H II-645 = h1514 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "pB, S, R, mbM."  JH made two observations, described it as "pB" and "eF".  MCG labels the galaxy NGC 4912/4914.  See identification notes for NGC 4912.

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NGC 4915 = MCG -01-33-069 = UGCA 318 = PGC 44891

13 01 28.2 -04 32 48; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly bright, moderately large, round.  Contains a sharply concentrated 0.6' core that increases to a bright, stellar nucleus.  With caref viewing, the core appears to be surrounded by a 1.2' very low surface brightness halo, doubling the initial estimate of size.  NGC 4918 lies 6.2' NE (see observation).

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, round, bright core, high surface brightness.  NGC 4890 lies 12' WSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 4918 6.5' NE (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4915 = H IV-47 = h1513 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and recorded "pB, stellar, resembles a star with a bur all around."  CH's reduction is 2' south of PGC 44891. JH made two observations, first calling it "pB; R; gbM; nothing very remarkable."

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NGC 4916 = MCG +05-31-106 = CGCG 160-107 = PGC 44973

13 02 04.2 +29 15 12; Com

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.25';  PA = 159”

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~0.75'x0.25', contains a very small brighter nucleus.  Overall this edge-on has a high surface brightness.  NGC 4922 lies 9' NW and NGC 4914 = IC 843 is 10' SW.

 

This galaxy was probably discovered and sketched by Lawrence Parsons on 24 Apr 1865 along with NGC 4912 and NGC 4913 while observing the NGC 4914 field.  It is not identified as NGC 4916 in any modern catalogue

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 4916, along with NGC 4912, 4913 and IC 4088, on 24 Apr 1865 at Birr Castle.  His diagram, purportedly of the NGC 4914 field with NGC 4916 labeled epsilon, is a good match with CGCG 160-107 = PGC 44973, located roughly 8” south of the intended object.  He called this object "vF" and the faintest of the quartet.  Sue French suggested this identification.  The RNGC misidentifies PGC 44801, located 4.7' NNW of NGC 4914, as NGC 4916.  See NGC 4912.

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NGC 4917 = UGC 8130 = MCG +08-24-023 = CGCG 245-011 = PGC 44838

13 00 55.6 +47 13 19; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 160”

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE.  Initially appeared only 0.4' diameter.  But with averted vision, very low surface brightness extensions were glimpsed increasing the dimensions to 0.8'x0.4' with a rounder, brighter core.  Located 10' E of NGC 4901.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4917 = h1515 on 20 Mar 1828 and recorded "eF; S; E; bM."  His RA (marked as approximate) was 9 sec too small.

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NGC 4918 = PGC 44934

13 01 50.6 -04 30 02; Vir

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 71”

 

18" (6/4/05): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2?  Requires averted and only glimpsed intermittently.  A mag 10.8 star 1.8' NNW detracts from viewing.  Located 6' NE of NGC 4915.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4918 = LM 2-457 in 1886 and noted "mag 15.7, 0.1' dia, R, bMN, GC 3366 [= NGC 4915] sp 4'."  His position matches PGC 44934, though the separation to NGC 4915 is 6'.

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NGC 4919 = UGC 8133 = MCG +05-31-097 = CGCG 160-094 = PGC 44885

13 01 17.6 +27 48 32; Com

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 140”

 

18" (4/20/12): this Coma cluster member is located 18' SE of NGC 4889, near two spirals -- NGC 4911 4.9' WSW and NGC 4921 5' NNE.  At 322x it appeared faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 27"x20", nearly even surface brightness.  Two small faint companions, CGCG 160-092 and 160-093 lie 2' WNW and 1.6' WSW, respectively.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): situated between NGC 4911 4.8' WSW and NGC 4921 5.1' NNE within AGC 1656.  Very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE.  In a close trio with CGCG 160-093 = MCG +05-31-094 1.6' W and MCG +05-31-096 1.9' WNW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, second of three with NGC 4911/4921.  Located in the core of AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4919 on 5 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (also measured on the next night) matches UGC 8133.

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NGC 4920 = IC 4134 = MCG -02-33-094 = PGC 44958

13 02 04.2 -11 22 42; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5'.  MCG -02-33-097 lies 9' N.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4920 around 1882 while observing NGC 4933. In the narrative portion of list V, he remarked that several years earlier he found that NGC 4933 was double with the two components oriented southwest and northeast.  In a later observation he found another nebula, 1min 53s preceding and a little north of NGC 4933.  At this exact offset west and 7' north is MCG -02-33-094 = PGC 44958.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found the galaxy on 16 Apr 1895, but misidentified his offset star.  Once corrected (see Harold Corwin's notes for the details), his position matches NGC 4920.  So, NGC 4920 = IC 4134.

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NGC 4921 = UGC 8134 = MCG +05-31-098 = CGCG 160-095 = PGC 44899

13 01 26.1 +27 53 09; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 165”

 

18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a fairly faint, slightly elongated core, ~24"x20", surrounded by a very low surface brightness unconcentrated halo.  NGC 4923 lies 2.7' SSE.  This is the largest and brightest spiral (face-on) in the Coma Galaxy cluster.

 

17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, large low surface brightness halo surrounded core.  This is one of the brighter members of AGC 1656 but it appears fainter than the integrated V magnitude suggests.  Nearby are NGC 4923 2.7' SSE and NGC 4919 5.1' SSW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 3rd of 3 in AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4921 = H II-393 = h1516 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Three, the two following [NGC 4921 and 4923] pretty near each other; the south preceding [NGC 4911] about 8' distance; the time was near that of the two."  JH made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position. d'Arrest made 6 observations.

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NGC 4922 = UGC 8135 = MCG +05-31-099 = CGCG 160-096 = VV 609 = PGC 44896

13 01 24.9 +29 18 40; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 129”

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~50"x30", irregular shape, small bright core.  After careful viewing this interacting system consists of a brighter component on the south side, perhaps 30" diameter that is punctuated by a bright core. A very faint low surface brightness glow (PGC 86794) is attached on the north side, extending perhaps 20".  A string of stars extends to the southeast with a mag 12 star 1.4' ESE.  NGC 4916 (see identification notes) lies 9' SE

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.4'.  On sustained viewing, what appears to be the core or a compact galaxy, ~0.3' diameter, is on the SSW end.  A much lower surface brightness glow extends to the NNE, mimicking the appearance of a tiny comet.  Member of AGC 1656 (Coma Galaxy Cluster).  A mag 12 star lies 1.4' E.

 

Checking at home I found this was a double system (NGC 4922A = southern member, NGC 4922B = northern member) in a common halo with the brighter component on the south end so the visual description is fairly accurate.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4922 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted the mag 11-12 star that follows by 6 sec of RA.  His mean position (3 observations) is accurate.  The northern component of this double system is listed in NED as NGC 4922 NED02 and PGC 86794 in HyperLeda.  The position given here is on the SW component of this double system.

 

Sue French found that Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, probably independently discovered this galaxy just 5 days later, while looking for NGC 4912.  His field sketch does not match NGC 4912, but a quartet of galaxies 8” further south, including NGC 4922, IC 843, IC 4088 and CGCG 160-107.  NGC 4912 (labeled delta) matches NGC 4922.  See NGC 4912 for more.

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NGC 4923 = MCG +05-31-101 = CGCG 160-097 = PGC 44903

13 01 31.8 +27 50 51; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (4/20/12): this Coma cluster member appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~28"x24", sharply concentrated with a small bright core.  Located 2.6' SSE of NGC 4921 (giant spiral).

 

17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a trio with brighter NGC 4921 2.7' NNW and NGC 4919 is 3.9' SW.  Located within AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4923 = H II-394 = h1518 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Three, the two following [NGC 4921 and 4923] pretty near each other; the south preceding [NGC 4911] about 8' distance; the time was near that of the two."  JH made a single observation and his position is 1.3' too far southwest.  d'Arrest made two accurate measurements.

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NGC 4924 = MCG -02-33-096 = PGC 44977

13 02 12.8 -14 58 11; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, small, 0.5' diameter, irregularly round, slightly brighter corre.  With direct vision a very faint stellar nucleus is intermittently visible or an extremely faint star is superimposed.  A small triplet of mag 13/14 stars lies 3.5'-4' SE and a mag 10.2 star is in the same direction 6.2' SE.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-33-093 5.7' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4924 = h1517 on 8 May 1831 and recorded "vF; R; bM."  He confirmed the observation the next night and logged "vF; irreg R; vglbM."  Because his position was 1” south of his father's H II-300 = NGC 4899, he initially assumed h1517 was identical, but realized his error when compiling the GC.

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NGC 4925 = MCG -01-33-074 = PGC 44967

13 02 07.4 -07 42 39; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration, moderate surface brightness.  Forms a pair with IC 4071 6.8' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4925 = H II-779 = h1519 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and noted "F, S." JH's position is at the south edge of this galaxy.

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NGC 4926 = UGC 8142 = MCG +05-31-103 = CGCG 160-103 = PGC 44938

13 01 53.7 +27 37 28; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 57”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, round, ~40" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, small bright core increases to a stellar nucleus.  Two 12th magnitude stars lie 4' W and 4' WSW.  NGC 4926A lies 3.5' NE.  This companion (both are members of the Coma galaxy cluster) appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20", slightly brighter core, quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round.  Located 17' SSE of NGC 4921 and 16' SE of NGC 4911 in AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4926 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured 4 times over 3 nights) is accurate and he noted the two mag 12 stars ~4' preceding.

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NGC 4927 = MCG +05-31-104 = CGCG 160-105 = PGC 44945

13 01 57.6 +28 00 21; Com

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, very small bright core.  A mag 15 star is at the north edge 25" from center and a mag 13 star is 1.4' NE.  CGCG 160-101 lies 6' NNW.  Located 24' E of NGC 4889 in AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4927 = H III-364 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "vF".  His position is poor but d'Arrest's position (used in the) matches CGCG 160-105 = PGC 44945.

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NGC 4928 = MCG -01-33-075 = PGC 45052

13 03 00.5 -08 05 06; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', broad mild concentration.  On a line with two mag 12-13 stars 1.5' ESE and 3' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4928 = H II-190 = H III-760 = h3453 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 208) and recorded "not vF, cL, E, r."  He did not measure a position, only noting "it precedes the supposed 39 Vir 3 min in time and is 56' more north."  He observed it again on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and measured an accurate position.  He found it again on 23 Mar 1789, assumed it was new and logged H III-760 as "cF, vS, R."   His position was 3' too far southeast.  JH assigned two GC designations, which Dreyer combined in the NGC.

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NGC 4929 = MCG +05-31-111 = CGCG 160-113 = PGC 45027

13 02 44.4 +28 02 43; Com

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (5/19/01): faint, small, roundish, 25"x20", even surface brightness.  Located 1' following a mag 13.5 star within AGC 1656.  NGC 4931 lies 3.7' ESE and NGC 4934 7.1' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4929 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate and he mentioned the mag 13.5 star (called 16th mag) less than 1' preceding.

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NGC 4930 = ESO 323-074 = MCG -07-27-029 = LGG 325-004 = PGC 45155

13 04 05.3 -41 24 42; Cen

V = 11.1;  Size 4.5'x3.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE.  Forms a thin isosceles triangle with mag 8 SAO 223876 3.1' SE and a mag 9.5 star 3.3' ESE!  Possible member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4930 = h3454 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; R; precedes 2 stars 8-9th mag and 9th mag (with which it makes nearly an equilateral triangle by diagram."   His position and description matches ESO 323-074.  MCG does not label their number as NGC 4930.

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NGC 4931 = UGC 8154 = MCG +05-31-114 = CGCG 160-118 = PGC 45055

13 03 00.8 +28 01 56; Com

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.15'.  Contains a small bright core that occasionally appears stellar.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.6' NE.  Situated nearly at the midpoint of NGC 4927 3.7' WNW and NGC 4934 3.4' E within AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4931 on 10 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 8154.  On 20 Apr 1865 he measured the position again and discovered NGC 4934, just 17 sec of RA following.

 

The RA in the RNGC is poor and this galaxy is misplotted in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.

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NGC 4932 = UGC 8150 = MCG +09-21-089 = CGCG 270-040 = PGC 45015

13 02 37.7 +50 26 18; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, very weak concentration with no noticeable core.  A mag 10.7 star lies 1.6' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4932 = H III-818 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, S, R, vglbM."  His position matches UGC 8150.

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NGC 4933 = IC 4176 = Arp 176 NED 2 = Holm 502a = (R)NGC 4933A = MCG -02-33-102 = PGC 45146

13 03 57.2 -11 29 52; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 45”

 

48" (4/21/17): NGC 4933 is a double system consisting of compact NGC 4933A = IC 4173 on the southwest side and NGC 4933B = IC 4176 on the northeast end, separated by 45" between centers.  At 488x, NGC 4933B appeared bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 SW-NE, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus.  The north side has a sharper light cut off [due to dust].  Located 7' NE of mag 7.9 HD 113425.

 

NGC 4933A on the southwest end appeared bright, fairly small, round, 15" diameter.  Strongly concentrated with a very small bright nucleus and thin halo.  A tidal tail extension (either from NGC 4933A or 4933B) juts out towards the southwest an additional 20".  The combined glow of A and B extends at least 1.5' SW-NE.  NGC 4933C = PGC 45143, a third component 1' NE of 4933B, appeared very faint, small, round, ~15" diameter, very low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, moderately large, dominated by a bright core, faint extensions 2:1 SW-NE.  Forms a contact pair with IC 4173 at the west edge in a common halo (Arp 176).  IC 4173 appeared very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 7.1' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 157687.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4933 = H II-191 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and recorded "pF, pS, R, r.  Near some small stars.  Too much daylight to describe it fully."  CH's reduced position is ~9 sec of RA west of this double system.  In his fifth discovery paper, Wilhelm Tempel remarked that GC 3377 [NGC 4933] was certainly double, with a bright northeast component and a fainter stellar nebula on the southern edge, with a separation of 1'.

 

On 16 Apr 1895, Bigourdan claimed he searched unsuccessfully for NGC 4933, but reported finding Big. 315 = IC 4173 and Big. 316 = IC 4176, which he noted were in PA 225” (SW-NE) and a separation of 1'.  His positions are wrong (over 2 min of RA too far east) as he misidentified his offset star, but once corrected they match the two components (nuclei) of NGC 4933!  These IC identifications were resolved in an e-mail correspondence between Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin in April 1998.  The RC3 labels IC 4173 = NGC 4933A and IC 4176 = NGC 4933B, with the two components first resolved by Tempel.  NGC 4933C was not discovered visually.

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NGC 4934 = UGC 8160 = MCG +05-31-115 = CGCG 160-120 = PGC 45082

13 03 16.3 +28 01 48; Com

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 104”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.1', low even surface brightness.  Slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 4931 3.4' W.  Third of three on a line with NGC 4929 7' WNW within AGC 1656.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4934 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted this object was situated 16 sec of RA following NGC 4931, which he also discovered, so the identification is certain.

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NGC 4935 = UGC 8159 = MCG +03-33-023 = CGCG 100-023 = PGC 45093

13 03 21.2 +14 22 40; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 75”

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, small bright core.  Near the NE edge of the 19' field is a nice group of 5 stars with the three brightest stars forming a collinear string oriented NW-SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4935 = Sw. VI-50 on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; vS; R; 3 st. like belt of Orion nf." His position is 6 sec of RA east and 1.6' north of UGC 8159 and his comment "3 stars like belt of Orion nf" applies to this galaxy (the stars are 8' northeast).

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NGC 4936 = ESO 443-047 = MCG -05-31-028 = LGG 328-002 = PGC 45174

13 04 16.9 -30 31 36; Cen

V = 10.8;  Size 2.7'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 168”

 

18" (5/3/11): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~1.4'x1.1' , well concentrated with a large very bright core that increases to an intense nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' E of center.

 

Brightest in a group with ESO 443-055 7.5' ENE, ESO 443-043 10' NNW and IC 844 13' W.  ESO 443-055 appeared very faint, very small, roundish, ~20"x15", Requires averted vision to glimpse.  A mag 15.3 star is just off the south edge, 35" from center.  ESO 443-043 is faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", weak concentration.  A pair of mag 14 stars 2.3' and 3' SE are nearly collinear with the galaxy.  FInally IC 844 is fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 E-W, 30"x15", slightly brighter core.

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'.  Contains a bright core that is moderately concentrated and a faint halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4936 = h3456 on 6 May 1834 and recorded "pB; R; S; bM; 15"; has a * 6 seconds following." His position and description matches ESO 443-047 = PGC 45174.

 

Brightest in a group of at least 12 members (Sandage 1975b, 1978) including IC 844 12' W with a mean redshift of ~3000 km/sec.

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NGC 4937 = ESO 269-40

13 04 50.7 -47 13 11; Cen

Size 0.3'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): this knot of faint stars appeared as a very faint, very small glow (20").  Occasionally two extremely faint mag 15.2 and 15.7 stars "pop" within the glow.  Located 2' NW of NGC 4940.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4937 = h3455 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "eeF; S; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 4940]; a * 7m, just at the northern edge of the field." There is only a single galaxy here (NGC 4940), but just 1' east of his position and 2' NW of NGC 4940 is a small knot of faint stars within 20".  ESO lists the number as "Not Found".  RNGC calls it a "close double star".  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4938 = MCG +09-21-091 = CGCG 270-042 = PGC 45044

13 02 57.6 +51 19 07; CVn

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 39”

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', low nearly even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4938 = h1521 on 17 Feb 1831 and recorded "eF; R; psbM."  His position matches CGCG 270-042 = PGC 45044.

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NGC 4939 = MCG -02-33-104 = PGC 45170

13 04 14.3 -10 20 24; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 5.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly large, large low surface brightness oval halo 2:1 SSW-NNE, increases to a brighter core.  A mag 15 star is 1.4' NW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4939 = H II-561 = h3458 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and recorded "pB, pL, R, vgmbM."  His position matches MCG -02-33-104 = PGC 45170.  JH reported "pF; L; R; gpmbM; 60"."

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NGC 4940 = ESO 269-042 = PGC 45235

13 05 00.2 -47 14 12; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, round, well-defined halo with a 30" diameter, moderately high even surface brightness.  Situated 7.4' SSW of mag 6.4 HD 113537.  NGC 4937, a small knot of 3-5 stars (asterism), is 2' NW.  See that number.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4940 = h3457 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "F; S; R; 15".  The following of 2 [with NGC 4937]."  There is only a single galaxy here, which his position matches.  See notes for NGC 4937.

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NGC 4941 = MCG -01-33-077 = UGCA 321 = LGG 314-013 = PGC 45165

13 04 13.0 -05 33 06; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 3.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 SW-NE.  Dominated by a small bright core with a stellar nucleus (Sy 2 galaxy), moderately large halo.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.6' S of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4941 = H I-40 = h1520 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "cL, r.  It contains a vB small spot in the middle but the rest is pF.  The nebula is near some stars." JH made two observations and logged on sweep 234 "pF; L; vgbM; E; 60" long."

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NGC 4942 = MCG -01-33-078 = IC 4136 = PGC 45177

13 04 19.1 -07 38 59; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, fairly small, round, very low surface brightness, weak concentration, no distinct edge.  NGC 4948 lies 20' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4942 = H III-761 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and noted "vF, S."  His position is 2' SE of MCG -01-33-078 = PGC 45177.

 

Harold Corwin suggests IC 4136, found by DeLisle Stewart on an plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station in 1899, is probably identical to NGC 4942.  See his IC identification notes.

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NGC 4943 = CGCG 160-122 = PGC 45129

13 03 44.9 +28 05 03; Com

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.35';  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): very faint, very small, round, just 15" diameter, low surface brightness.  This faint member of AGC 1656 is situated 6' S of NGC 4944.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4943 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate and he mentioned that h1522 [NGC 4944] was visible in the same field to the north.

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NGC 4944 = UGC 8167 = MCG +05-31-118 = CGCG 160-124 = PGC 45133

13 03 49.9 +28 11 08; Com

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 89”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.4', very small bright core.  Situated between two mag 11 stars 2' NE and 4' SW with NGC 4943 6' S.  This is one of the brighter members of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4944 = H II-395 = h1522 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  JH recorded "F; R; bM; has * 9m 45” nf; 1' dist."

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NGC 4945 = ESO 219-024 = LGG 344-001 = PGC 45279 = Tweezers Galaxy

13 05 27.5 -49 28 06; Cen

V = 8.6;  Size 20.0'x3.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 43”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): remarkable spiral at 200x, extending southwest to northeast across 2/3 of the 30' field.  I didn't take detailed notes on this observation but there was just a broad concentration with no well defined core region.  The galaxy is very slightly wider through the center and only tapers towards the tips.  Along the south edge, just southwest of center, is a brighter linear streak forming a sharp edge (the dust lane is just beyond).  The main body of the galaxy fades a bit in this area and then brightens again further southwest.  The major axis appears slightly warped or bent towards the north near the northeast tip, due to a large dust patch that bites a notch into the galaxy.  On the south side of the northeast end, some very faint haze is visible.  The DSS image reveals this is a portion of the galaxy beyond the dust lane.  NGC 4945 is the second brightest member of the Centaurus A galaxy group and is situated 18' ENE of mag 4.8 Xi 1 Centauri.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): beautiful, huge edge-on spiral oriented SW-NE. At 166x, appears ~15'x2' with tapering tips that fade out towards the ends of the extensions.  There is only a broad concentration with a gently bulging core, although the surface brightness is somewhat irregular or mottled due to dust.  The galaxy fades a bit to the southwest of the core and then brightens slightly further southwest.  The northeast extension seems a bit splotchy or mottled.  I was very surprised that the view from Costa Rica was a bit better than from Bargo, outside of Sydney, with a similar aperture.

 

NGC 4945A, a challenging galaxy situated 17' SE of NGC 4945 and 13' N of mag 4.3 Xi 2 Centauri, appeared as a large, low surface brightness haze extending on the southwest side of mag 8.3 HD 113767.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this long edge-on spiral is fairly bright and broadly concentrated with a slightly bulging core, extending SW-NE ~14'x2.5'.  The surface brightness is relatively uniform with a weak central brightening and dimming towards the tips.  Set in a rich star field peppered with faint stars.  Located just north of a line connecting mag 4.8 Xi 1 Centauri 18' ESE and mag 4.3 Xi 2 31' SE.  NGC 4976 is situated 30' E.  Member of the Centaurus Group that includes both M83 and NGC 5128 and reddened by dust within our galaxy.  NGC 4945 is comparable in dimensions to NGC 4565 although the dust lane was not evident.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): faint, large, very elongated glow.  Required a careful look to see off and on, but easy to identify as situated just 18' E of mag 4.8 Xi 1 Centauri.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 4945 = D 411 = h3459 on 29 Apr 1826. This is one of the first objects observed by Dunlop (2nd night in logbook) and the first galaxy he discovered, along with NGC 5128 the same night.  His description reads, "a beautiful long nebula, about 10' long, and 2' broad, forming an angle with the meridian, about 30 [degrees] south preceding and north following; the brightest and broadest part is rather nearer the south preceding extremity than the centre, and it gradually diminishes in breadth and brightness towards the extremeties, but the breadth is much better defined than the length. A small star near the north, and a smaller star near the south extremity, but neither of them is involved in the nebula. I have strong suspicions that the nebula is resolvable into stars, with very slight compression towards the centre. I have no doubt but it is resolvable. I can see the stars, they are merely points. This is north following the first zeta Centauri." Dunlop made a total of 7 observations and made a sketch (Figure 17).

 

John Herschel observed the galaxy on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "B; vL; vmE; vglbM. Length much more than a diameter of the field, or than 15'. Its light extends to a star 14th mag beyond the parallel of Brisbane 4299. Position of elongation 38.7”."  He placed the galaxy 10' too far north.

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NGC 4946 = ESO 269-045 = MCG -07-27-030 = LGG 339-010 = PGC 45283

13 05 29.3 -43 35 29; Cen

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 131”

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center and a fainter 1.5' halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 4946 5.6' NNE.  Outyling member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter.  Contains a large, bright core and a fairly low surface brightness irregular halo.  It was difficult to pin down the orientation as the halo fades into the background.  NGC 4950 lies 5.6' NNE but was not seen.  Located 1.4 degrees WSW of NGC 5011.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4946 = h3460 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; bM; 20"."  On a later observation he logged "B; R: gpmbM; 60".  The preceding of two [with NGC 4950].  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4947 = IC 3974 = ESO 382-005 = AM 1302-350 = MCG -06-29-006 = LGG 327-003 = PGC 45269

13 05 20.2 -35 20 17; Cen

V = 11.8;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 10”

 

18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.3'x0.9', broad concentration.  Collinear with a mag 9 star 8' NNE and a mag 7.8 star (HD 113678) 14' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4947 = h3461 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "pL; F; R; vglbM; 50"."  His position matches ESO 382-005.  Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 28 Mar 1898 and reported it in list XI-146 (later IC 3974).  There is nothing near his position and his description "eeF; pS; lE" isn't helpful, but exactly 5 min of RA east is NGC 4947. Harold Corwin suggested this identification as the most likely.

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NGC 4948 = IC 4156 = MCG -01-33-079 = Holm 505a = LGG 314-005 = PGC 45224

13 04 55.7 -07 56 46; Vir

V = 14.4;  Size 2.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.9;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, low surface brightness.  A mag 15 star (Holm 505b) is at the southeast end, 1.1' from center.  NGC 4958 lies 14' ESE and NGC 4942 20' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4948 = Sw. VI-51 on 25 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; [NGC 4958] follows 54 sec."  His position and description matches MCG -01-33-079 = PGC 45224.

 

Harold Corwin found that DeLisle Stewart probably recorded the galaxy again in Jul 1899  on a Harvard plate at Arequipa.  There is nothing at his position for IC 4156, but +5 sec in RA and +100' in dec, is NGC 4948.  This wasn't an isolated random error - apply the same offset to his position for IC 4136 and you arrive at NGC 4942.

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NGC 4949 = PGC 45161

13 04 17.9 +29 01 46; Com

V = 14.9;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 108”

 

18" (5/15/10): at 285x appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Two mag 15 stars lie 2' E and 1.5' SE.  Outlying member of AGC 1656

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4949 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches PGC 45161, one of his faintest discoveries (not catalogued in CGCG or MCG).

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NGC 4950 = ESO 269-047 = MCG -07-27-031 = PGC 45294

13 05 36.4 -43 30 02; Cen

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, 35"x25".  With direct vision contains a small bright core surrounded by a slightly elongated halo.  Located 5.6' NNE brighter NGC 4946.  Outlying member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4950 = h3462 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R.  The following of 2 [with NGC 4946]; barely perceptible, but a sure observation."  His position is less than 1' south of ESO 269-047.  MCG does not identify this galaxy as NGC 4950.

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NGC 4951 = MCG -01-33-081 = LGG 314-014 = PGC 45246

13 05 07.7 -06 29 43; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 3.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 2.1'x0.7', broad concentration, faint extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4951 = H II-188 = h1523 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "F, cL, E, r." His position is 13 sec of RA west and 1' south of    MCG -01-33-081 = PGC 45246.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured a fairly accurate position (single observation) and noted the error in RA.

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NGC 4952 = NGC 4962: = UGC 8175 = MCG +05-31-121 = CGCG 160-129 = PGC 45233

13 04 58.3 +29 07 19; Com

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 23”

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.35'.  A small brighter core stands out but no nucleus was visible.  A mag 11 star lies 4.8' SSE.  NGC 4966 is 17' ESE.  Outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4952 = H II-396 = h1524 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  JH made 5 observations and his brightness estimates ranged from "very faint" to "bright".  NGC 4962 may be a duplicate observation (a month earlier).  See that number.

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NGC 4953 = ESO 382-008 = MCG -06-29-009 = VV 671 = AM 1303-372 = PGC 45349

13 06 10.4 -37 35 11; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 46”

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 0.8'x0.6'.  In a group of three stars with a mag 13 star 0.8' NE and a mag 14 star a similar distance NW.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 1.6' NW.

 

On the DSS, this galaxy appears to be the brightest in a multiple system and described in the Southern Galaxy Catalogue as "Center of group. 6 objects with bridges and plumes in common envelope".  The companions appear to be members of ACO S721 at z = .05, but NGC 4953 has a redshift of only z = .016.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4953 = h3463 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "Viewed; a diagram made representing it as round, with 3 small stars, one distant about 1 semi-diameter from border; pos about 293” [WNW]; another distant 2/3 diameter; pos = 75” [ENE]; the third dist 1 1/2 diam; pos = 300” [NW].  His position is 1.5' north of the multiple system ESO 382-008 = VV 671.

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NGC 4954 = NGC 4972 = UGC 8157 = MCG +13-09-044 = CGCG 352-053 = CGCG 353-008 = Kaz 248 = PGC 44988

13 02 20.1 +75 24 15; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 62”

 

18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core. A distinctive group of 4 mag 12-13 stars is close west with three of the stars nearly collinear and equally spaced.  Located 14' ESE of mag 6.0 SAO 7714.

 

John Herschel found NGC 4954 = h1527 on 5 May 1831 and noted "vF; S; R; gbM; 12".  (The place is within barely possible limits of III. 937.)"   His mean position (two observations) match UGC 8157.

 

WH discovered this galaxy on 5 May 1831 (sweep 1064) and catalogued it as III-937 = NGC 4972, but CH's reduced position was poor.  But using offsets from different stars in the sweep, Dreyer gives two corrected positions in his notes to WH's third catalogue, and they match UGC 8157.  So, NGC 4954 = NGC 4972.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 4955 = ESO 443-062 = MCG -05-31-034 = PGC 45340

13 06 04.8 -29 45 15; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration with no well defined core.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' SW of center.  Forms a pair with ESO 443-066 2.1' NE (not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4955 = h3464 on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "F; R; gbM; 35"."   His position is an exact match with ESO 443-062.

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NGC 4956 = UGC 8177 = MCG +06-29-025 = CGCG 189-017 = PGC 45236

13 05 00.9 +35 10 40; CVn

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, small, round, 0.6' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a bright 15" core and stellar nucleus.  Located 38' SSW of 5.2-magnitude 14 Canum Venaticorum.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4956 = H II-413 = h1525 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "pF, S, R, mbM."  CH's reduction is 2' northwest of UGC 8177.

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NGC 4957 = UGC 8178 = MCG +05-31-124 = CGCG 160-130 = PGC 45253

13 05 12.4 +27 34 11; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, smooth surface brightness.  Situated between a mag 12.5 star 2.2' NW and a mag 14 star 1.9' SE.  Member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4957 = H II-397 = h1526 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  JH measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4958 = MCG -01-33-084 = UGCA 323 = LGG 314-017 = PGC 45313

13 05 48.9 -08 01 13; Vir

V = 10.7;  Size 4.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, dominated by a small very bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the west edge 1.4' WSW of center.  NGC 4948 lies 14' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4958 = H I-130 = h3465 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and noted "vB, S, lE."  JH called it "vB; pL; pmE; psmbM; 90" long" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4959 = MCG +06-29-029 = CGCG 189-018 = PGC 45301

13 05 41.0 +33 10 44; CVn

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (6/4/05): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision in good seeing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4959 = h1528 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded "eF; S; R."  His position matches CGCG 189-018 = PGC 45301.

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NGC 4960 = NGC 4961? = UGC 8185 = MCG +05-31-126 = CGCG 160-134 = PGC 45311

13 05 47.5 +27 44 02; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4961.  Identification uncertain.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4960 on 23 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There is nothing at his single position, though 6 sec of RA east and 4' north is PGC 45312 (not in CGCG or MCG), which is identified as NGC 4960 in RNGC and PGC.  At mag B = 16.0-16.5, this galaxy may be too faint too have been picked up by d'Arrest and requires error in both RA and Dec, though Malcolm Thomson feels this identification is reasonable.

 

Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding an object near d'Arrest's position.   Karl Reinmuth and Max Wolf (Kongistuhl-Nebel List #9) also couldn't identify this object on Heidelberg plates and Wolf felt that NGC 4960 was a duplicate of NGC 4961 (discovered by WH). Harold Corwin also concludes NGC 4960 is most likely NGC 4961 with a 15' error in the declination as d'Arrest recorded NGC 4960 "only once, on a night when he did not record NGC 4961 (he observed that on four other nights)."

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NGC 4961 = NGC 4960? = UGC 8185 = MCG +05-31-126 = CGCG 160-134 = PGC 45311

13 05 47.5 +27 44 02; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 100”

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse with low surface brightness.  Located 15' NE of 41 Comae Berenices (V = 4.8).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4961 = H II-398 = h1529 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  CH's reduced position is 2.4' northwest of UGC 8185 = PGC 45311.  JH logged "F; irr fig; bM" and measured an accurate position.  See notes for NGC 4960, which may a duplicate observation.

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NGC 4962 = NGC 4952: = UGC 8175 = MCG +05-31-121 = CGCG 160-129 = PGC 45233

13 04 58.3 +29 07 19; Com

 

See observing notes for NGC 4952.  Identification uncertain.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4962 = H III-303 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "eF, vS, 240x just verified."  There is nothing at his position, which is 43 sec of RA preceding and 4' N of III-304 = NGC 4966, the next object in the sweep.  Bigourdan (visually), Max Wolf and Karl Reinmuth (on Heidelberg plates) reported not finding III-303.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4962 is identical to NGC 4952 (found again a month later by WH).  This galaxy is 4' north of NGC 4966, though an additional 30 sec of time west of WH's offset from III-304. See his identication notes.

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NGC 4963 = UGC 8190 = MCG +07-27-030 = CGCG 217-010 = PGC 45315

13 05 52.0 +41 43 19; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Symmetrical appearance increasing steadily to the center using direct vision.  A mag 13 star lies 0.8' S of center.  Located 5.2' NE of mag 8.6 SAO 44460 which has a close, faint companion.  NGC 4985 lies 26' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4963 = H II-663 = h1530 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, stellar, very near a small star, and to the north of it." very small stellar nebula."  His position is 3.5' north-northwest of UGC 8190, but the description clinches the identification. JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4964 = UGC 8184 = MCG +09-22-007 = CGCG 294-011 = PGC 45278

13 05 24.8 +56 19 22; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 134”

 

18" (6/27/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration to a slightly brighter, round core.  A mag 11.5 star lies 4.1' SW.  Located 1.6 degrees ENE of Alioth.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4964 = H III-779 = h1532 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, S."  JH made a single observation ("eF; S; lE; a sure obs") and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 4965 = UGCA 326 = ESO 443-070 = MCG -05-31-036 = PGC 45437

13 07 09.2 -28 13 41; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 2.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): very faint, fairly large, irregularly round, Appears as a 3' ill-defined glow of low surface brightness (face-on spiral) with very little concentration.  A nice evenly matched pair of mag 12 stars lies 6' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4965 = h3466 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "vF; vL; oval; vglbM; 3' l; 2' br."  His mean position from two observations is a perfect match with ESO 443-070.

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NGC 4966 = UGC 8194 = MCG +05-31-131 = CGCG 160-137 = PGC 45358

13 06 17.3 +29 03 47; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 143”

 

18" (4/5/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.25'.  Located 2.5' NE of mag 6.5 SAO 82648, which detracts from viewing. This star has a faint, 14th magnitude companion.  NGC 4952 lies 17' WNW.  Outlying member of AGC 1656 and classified as a Seyfert galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4966 = H III-304 = h1531 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "eF, vS, lE.  240 verified it just north following a vB star about 8 or 9 m."  His position (CH's reduction) is 19 sec of RA east and 3' south of UGC 8194, but his comment aboout the bright star clinches the identification.  JH measured an accurate position and recorded on sweep 342, "F; lE; vglbM; pos from the double star h2626 = 34.9” by micrometer."

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NGC 4967 = MCG +09-22-005 = CGCG 270-050 = CGCG 271-006 = PGC 45281

13 05 36.4 +53 33 51; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, fairly small, round, very low surface brightness glow, ~0.8' diameter.  A mag 14 star is at the SW edge.  Located 7' S of NGC 4973 in a compact group of 5 galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4967 = H III-783 = h1533 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, S, E."  There is nothing at his offset but ~1.0 min of RA west and 2.5' north is CGCG 270-050 = PGC 45281.  This is a similar offset error as H III-782 = NGC 4974, the previous object in the sweep, so this identification is fairly secure.  JH recorded "either a vF neb and star attached, or a nebulous double star, a doubtful object.  The RA differs materially from that of my Father's III. 783."  JH's position (used in the NGC) matches CGCG 270-050 and the star is at the southwest edge.  Dreyer equated III-783 = h1533 in his notes to WH's third catalogue.

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NGC 4968 = ESO 508-006 = MCG -04-31-030 = PGC 45426

13 07 06.0 -23 40 37; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Located south of a 6' collinear string of 4 mag 13 stars that is parallel to the major axis of the galaxy.  NGC 4970 lies 20' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4968 = h3467 on 25 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 60"."  His position is at the east edge of ESO 508-006.

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NGC 4969 = MCG +02-33-055 = CGCG 074-004 = PGC 45425

13 07 03.0 +13 38 13; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

24" (5/20/17 and 5/22/17): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter.  Contains a slightly brighter, very small nucleus.  A faint mag 15.5 star is 25" N.

 

NGC 4969 is a difficult double system in a common halo.  At 375x, the nucleus of the fainter companion was barely visible as a "bulge" on the east side of the main galaxy.  It was easier at  450x and occasionally appeared as a distinct quasi-stellar "knot" at the east edge of the glaaxy.  The centers of the pair are separated by only 10"-12"!

 

CGCG 072-005, the brightest in a faint trio, lies 4' E.  It appeared very faint, small, round, 18" diameter, very small brighter nucleus..

 

18" (5/16/09): faint, small, round, 22" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.  A mag 15.5 star is just off the north edge.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 17 year-old son, discovered NGC 4969 = Sw. VI-52 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF, S, R, ee diff."  The Swifts' position is 26 sec of RA west of CGCG 074-004.  Neither CGCG nor MCG label this galaxy as NGC 4969.  The SDDS reveals this is a double galaxy within a common halo.

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NGC 4970 = IC 4196 = ESO 508-009 = MCG -04-31-033 = PGC 45466

13 07 33.7 -24 00 31; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Well concentrated with a small, bright, rounder core.  NGC 4968 lies 20' NNW and IC 4197 14' NNE (unfortunately did not look for).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4970 = H III-765 on 26 Mar 1789 (sweep 918) and noted "vF, pL, iF."  John Herschel missed this galaxy although he discovered nearby NGC 4968, about 20' to the north.  Lewis Swift later "rediscovered" it on 27 Feb 1898, and recorded as Sw. XI-149 (later IC 4196).  His RA was 10 sec too large and neither he nor Dreyer recognized IC 4196 = NGC 4970.

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NGC 4971 = MCG +05-31-134 = CGCG 160-140 = PGC 45406

13 06 54.9 +28 32 53; Com

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, small, irregular round, 0.6'x0.5', weak concentration with a faint stellar nucleus or a very faint star may be superimposed.  This galaxy is collinear with a pretty pair of mag 11 stars [18" separation] located 3' NNW.  NGC 4983 lies 24' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4971 on 23 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 6 sec of RA west of CGCG 160-140 = PGC 45406 and he mentioned the double star to the north.

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NGC 4972 = NGC 4954 = UGC 8157 = MCG +13-09-044 = CGCG 352-053 = CGCG 353-008 = PGC 44988

13 02 20.1 +75 24 16; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 4954.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4972 = H III-937 on 5 May 1831 (sweep 1064) and noted "vF, S, iR, bM."  There is nothing at CH's reduced position.  But using offsets from different stars in the sweep, Dreyer gives two corrected positions in his notes to WH's third catalogue, and they match UGC 8157.  CH's reduced position was ~10' from this galaxy.

 

JH found this galaxy on 5 May 1831 and noted "The place is within barely possible limits of III. 937".  He repeated these suspicions in the notes to the GC, but added "they may be different, and are therefore separately listed."  Dreyer followed suit and added JH's observation as NGC 4954, though later realized the equivalence NGC 4954 = NGC 4972.  The primary designation of this galaxy is NGC 4954, although by historical precedence it should be NGC 4972.

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NGC 4973 = IC 847 = MCG +09-22-006 = CGCG 270-049 = CGCG 271-005 = PGC 45280 = PGC 45299

13 05 32.2 +53 41 07; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (6/27/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and a ver faint stellar nucleus.  In a small, rich group with MCG +09-21-101 4.7' WSW and NGC 4974 3.8' SE  Located 2.6' E of a mag 11 star.  A mag 13 star lies 2' SE midway between NGC 4973 and NGC 4974.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4973 = H III-781 = Ho. 3-19 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two [along with III-782 = NGC 4974], both vF, S.  The place is that of the 2nd [NGC 4974], the other is 3 or 4' sp."  Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 1.0 minute of time east of PGC 45280, but I re-reduced his offset with respect to NGC 4964 = H. III-779, the previous object in the sweep, and it is only 16 sec of RA east and 2' south of CGCG 270-051 = PGC 45321.  The only error is that NGC 4973 is 3.8' north-preceding, not south-preceding as WH stated. In any case, the positions for NGC 4973 and NGC 4974 were corrected by RŸmker and repeated in the IC 2 Notes, so NGC 4973 = PGC 45280 = PGC 45299 and NGC 4974 = PGC 45321.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 4973 again on 11 May 1890, reported Sw. IX-36 with a good position and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 847 (though the IC position is closer to NGC 4974).  So, NGC 4973 = IC 847.  Herbert Howe found NGC 4973 again on 29 Jun 1900 and included it in his list 3-19, assuming NGC 4973 and 4974 were further east.  He stated in his notes that 3-19 was near IC 847, so Corwin concludes Howe probably misidentified NGC 4974 as IC 847.

 

The RNGC, RC3 and CGCG all misidentify NGC 4974 as NGC 4973.  MCG misidentifies MCG +09-22-011 as NGC 4973.  NGC 2000.0 and Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equate NGC 4974 = IC 847, instead of NGC 4973 = IC 847.  See Corwin's notes for more on this confusing situation!

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NGC 4974 = MCG +09-22-009 = CGCG 270-051 = CGCG 271-007 = PGC 45321

13 05 55.9 +53 39 33; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 130”

 

18" (6/27/03): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20" NW-SE, moderate concentration with a 10" brighter core.  The halo increases in size with averted to 0.6' in diameter.  In a rich group with similar NGC 4973 3.8' SE and fainter.  A mag 13 star lies 1.9' WNW close to midpoint with NGC 4973.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4974 = H III-782 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two [along with III-781 = NGC 4973], both vF, S.  The place is that of the 2nd [NGC 4974], the other [NGC 4973] is 3 or 4' sp."  Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 1.0 tmin east of PGC 45280, but I re-reduced his offset with respect to NGC 4964 = III-779, the previous object in the sweep, and it is only 16 sec of RA east and 2' south of CGCG 270-051 = PGC 45321.  WH made an error when noting "the other is 3 or 4' sp".  NGC 4973 is 3.8' northwest.

 

Rumker independently discovered NGC 4974 in preparation for the Hamburg star catalogue (marked as a "nebula" on the chart).  The NGC position was corrected by Rumker and mentioned in the IC 2 notes and in Dreyer's 1912 Scientific Papers.

 

CGCG, RNGC, RC3 and DSFG all mislabel NGC 4974 as NGC 4973 and MCG mislabels NGC 4974 as IC 847.  In addition, CGCG 270-052 is misidentified as NGC 4974 in CGCG, RNGC, PGC and Deep Sky Field Guide.   See notes for NGC 4967 and NGC 4973 for more on this confusing situation.  Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin also analyze the identification in their lists.

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NGC 4975 = MCG -01-34-002 = PGC 45492

13 07 50.1 -05 01 03; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 46”

 

18" (5/16/09): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter quasi-stellar nculeus.  The galaxy is nearly collinear with two mag 14.5/15 stars to the SSW (closer star is 2' SSW).  Located 44' NW of Theta Virginis (4.0/9.5 at 7").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4975 = h1534 on 19 Feb 1830 and recorded "vF; vS; R; psbM; 10"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4976 = ESO 219-029 = LGG 330-003 = PGC 45562

13 08 37.3 -49 30 20; Cen

V = 10.0;  Size 5.6'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 161”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus.  Located 31' E of NGC 4945 and 5' W of mag 7.8 HD 114102.  Also 29' NE of mag 4.3 Xi 2 Centauri.  Brightest in a galaxy group (LGG 330) that includes NGC 4945A, in the background of NGC 4945.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 140x, fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 2'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a prominent core.  Located 30' E of NGC 4945 and 4.6' W of mag 7.8 SAO 223931.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4976 = h3468 on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "B; R; gmbM; 80"."  His RA was 12 tsec too large.

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NGC 4977 = UGC 8196 = MCG +09-22-010 = CGCG 270-053 = CGCG 271-009 = PGC 45339

13 06 04.4 +55 39 21; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

18" (6/27/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, very weak concentration.  Located at the midpoint of a mag 12.5 star 4' W and a mag 14 star 4' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4977 = H III-780 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "cF, S." His position (re-reduced with respect to NGC 4964) is 21 sec of time east of UGC 8196.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 4978 = UGC 8212 = MCG +03-34-002 = CGCG 101-004 = PGC 45494

13 07 50.5 +18 24 56; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 142”

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.3', weak concentration.  A faint stellar nucleus was intermittently visible in moments of better seeing.  Forms the vertex of a flat isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 2' S and 2' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4978 = h1535 on 23 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; R; sbM; stellar."  His mean position (two observations) is accurate.  d'Arrest observed it at Copenhagen in 1861 with the 11" refractor and noted it was between two stars [NW and SE].

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NGC 4979 = IC 4198 = UGC 8209 = MCG +04-31-007 = CGCG 130-009 = PGC 45484

13 07 42.8 +24 48 38; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 100”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.5'x0.4'.  Contains a sharp, nearly stellar nucleus.  Located only 4.6' WSW of distractingly bright mag 6.8 HD 114093.  Best view with star kept outside the field.  IC 4202, an extreme edge-on, lies 13' SE.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness.  Located 4.6' WSW of mag 6.8 HD 114093.  This bright star forms the vertex of a right triangle with NGC 4979 and a mag 10 star 3.6' to its SE.  Situated about 4” SE of the core of Abell 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4979 = H III-346 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "eF, pL, lE, 240 verified it."  His position is 12 sec of RA east and 3' south of UGC 8209.

 

Stephane Javelle rediscovered this galaxy on 20 Jun 1891 with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory and it received the designation IC 4198.  Javelle claimed in the description "III 346 near", implying he observed two distinct objects, but the only other nearby object is IC 4202, which he also found.  In his 1912 NGC correction paper, Dreyer states "III 346 must = IC 4198, as Wolf's ninth list has ony one object here."  Dorothy Carlson, CGCG, UGC, MCG, PGC and NGC 2000 all equate IC 4198 with NGC 4979.

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NGC 4980 = ESO 443-075 = MCG -05-31-037 = PGC 45596

13 09 10.2 -28 38 30; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 168”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.5', very weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.8' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4980 = h3469 on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "eF; R; 30"."  His position is just off the west side of ESO 443-075.

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NGC 4981 = MCG -01-34-003 = PGC 45574

13 08 48.7 -06 46 44; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 2.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x1.5', sharp stellar nucleus, almost smooth halo.  A mag 10 star is in contact at the SSE edge 1.1' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4981 = H II-189 = h1537 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "pB, R, mb in a small place in the middle, near a B star."  On 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) he also recorded "cB, R, vgbM, about 3' diameter" and measured an accurate position. John Herschel made the single observation "F; pL; R; 50"; has a * 9m, 80" dist sf."

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NGC 4982

13 08 46.1 -10 35 19; Vir

 

= 4*, HC.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4982 around 1878.  There is nothing at the NGC position except an asterism consisting of a small square (0.4' each side) of stars mag 13.7/14.7/15.8/16.4.  Corwin suggests this asterism may have appeared nebulous to Tempel.  Dreyer references his fifth discovery list (AN 2439) in the NGC, but Corwin was unable to find this object mentioned in the paper (I was also unsuccessful), so this identification is uncertain.

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NGC 4983 = MCG +05-31-138 = CGCG 160-147 = PGC 45542

13 08 27.3 +28 19 13; Com

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5'.  Weak, even concentration to the center.  Located 7.5' NE of mag 10 SAO 82669.  NGC 4971 lies 24' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4983 = H III-365 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF".  CH's reduction is 13 sec of time preceding CGCG 160-147 = PGC 45542.

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NGC 4984 = MCG -02-34-004 = PGC 45585

13 08 57.2 -15 30 59; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 2.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): bright, moderately large, round, very bright prominent core 30" diameter, embedded within large faint halo of 2.0' diameter.  A mag 15 star is at the west edge.  A pair of mag 12/13 stars are 2.5' NE.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, small, round, small bright nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4984 = H II-301 = h1536 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "pB, pL, mbM, iR."  JH made observations on two consecutive sweeps, logging on 8 May 1831, "B; R; psbM; 30"."

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NGC 4985 = UGC 8218 = MCG +07-27-032 = CGCG 217-012 = PGC 45522

13 08 12.1 +41 40 35; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 135”

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', moderate concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 14 star lies 2' ESE.  NGC 4963 lies 26' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4985 = H III-654 = h1539 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "vF, vS, lbM."  JH made the single observation "vF; vS; R; 10"." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 4986 = UGC 8221 = MCG +06-29-044 = CGCG 189-027 = LGG 329-003 = PGC 45538

13 08 24.5 +35 12 23; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 70”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6'.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed just south of the nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4986 = H III-401 = h1538 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "vF, stellar.  240 showed the same."  JH made two observations and his position matches UGC 8221.

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NGC 4987 = UGC 8216 = MCG +09-22-015 = CGCG 271-013 = PGC 45502

13 07 59.1 +51 55 45; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

18" (6/27/03): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.35'. Sharply concentrated with a fairly prominent 15" core.  Located 8.5' N of mag 8.0 SAO 28644.  MCG +09-22-020 lies 8.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered H II-815 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and recorded "F, vS, stellar."  Re-reducing his position with respect to either 82 UMa (his reference star) or NGC 4998 (the previous object in the sweep), lands 2' southwest - within his typical errors - of CGCG 271-017 = MCG +09-22-020 = PGC 45564.

 

When JH examined the field, he recorded a nova (h1542) at the position of UGC 8216, which lies 8.5' southwest of CGCG 271-017, and logged "pF; S; R; 8-10"."  But when compiling the GC, he mistakenly decided h1542 was the same as his father's II-815 and combined both as GC 3424, using his position of h1542.  The GC description, "vF; vS; stellar", was probably meant to read "pF; vS; stellar", a synthesis of both descriptions.

 

Since Dreyer followed the GC, we are left with NGC 4987 = h1542 = UGC 8216.  Unfortunately, his father's H II-815 = CGCG 271-017 is left without a NGC designation.  Both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke agree with my analysis in an email exchange on 10 Jun 2014.  See Harold Corwin's full write-up.

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NGC 4988 = ESO 269-055 = MCG -07-27-037 = PGC 45671

13 09 54.2 -43 06 22; Cen

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 26”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.3', broad weak concentration.  Forms the southern vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 9-10 stars 2.8' NNW and 2.8' N.  Located 32' W of NGC 5011 and 23' NW of mag 5.2 HD 114474 in the NGC 5011 cluster (outlying member of the Centaurus cluster or in a group surrounding the Centaurus cluster = AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4988 = h3470 on 3 Jun 1834 NGC 4988 and recorded "vF; S; E; possibly a small group of stars, but I think it is nebulous." His position matches ESO 269-055 = MCG -07-27-037.  The MCG does not identify it, though, as NGC 4988.

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NGC 4989 = MCG -01-34-005 = PGC 45606

13 09 16.0 -05 23 47; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, very small, round, compact, high surface brightness, small bright core.  Located 12' NW of Theta Virginis (V = 4.4/9.5 at 6").  Forms a pair with NGC 4990 7.4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4989 = H II-185 = Au 31 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "F, S, irr, near a pB star."  His position is 20 sec of RA west and 3' north of PGC 45606.  The "pB star" is probably a mag 11.5 star 2.5' south.  Edward Cooper (or assistant Andrew Graham) also found this galaxy at the Markree Observatory on 9 Apr 1852 while measuring positions for the comprehensive Markree ecliptic Catalogue.  Auwers listed it in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae, so it received a GC number (3426).  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (on 4 nights) and discovered NGC 4990 7' north.  Dreyer combined the two GC entries in the NGC.

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NGC 4990 = MCG -01-34-004 = Mrk 1344 = PGC 45608

13 09 17.2 -05 16 22; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, extremely small, round, fairly high surface brightness, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 4989 7.4' S.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4990 on 23 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, while observing NGC 4989 located 7.5' south.  His position (measured on two nights) matches PGC 45608 and he mentions the mag 12-13 star that follows by 9 sec of RA.

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NGC 4991 = CGCG 044-013 = PGC 45604

13 09 15.1 +02 20 51; Vir

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (5/16/09): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, requires averted vision to view.  A nice elongated group of 4 brighter stars (including mag 8.2 HD 114191) and some fainter stars lies ~12' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4991 = m 246 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS." His position is within 1' of CGCG 044-013 = PGC 45604.

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NGC 4992 = UGC 8232 = MCG +02-34-001 = CGCG 072-006 = PGC 45593

13 09 05.6 +11 38 03; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.4', very weak concentration.  Located 51' W of mag 5.8 HD 114780.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4992 = h1541 on 4 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; S; lE; north of two small stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4993 = NGC 4994: = ESO 508-018 = MCG -04-31-039 = PGC 45657

13 09 47.7 -23 23 02; Hya

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Pretty symmetrical appearance increasing to a 30" brighter core and a 10" nucleus.  Located 5.3' WNW of mag 8.5 SAO 181423 and 20' SE of mag 5 Psi Hydrae.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4993 = H III-766 on 26 Mar 1789 (sweep 918) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is at the west edge of ESO 508-018 = PGC 45657.  NGC 4994, found by JH, is probably a duplicate observation with a 50' error in declination.  See that number.

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NGC 4994 = NGC 4993: = ESO 508-018 = MCG -04-31-039 = PGC 45657

13 09 47.7 -23 23 02; Hya

 

See observing notes for NGC 4993.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 4994 = h3471 on 25 Mar 1836 and recorded "pF; R; slbM; 35"; among stars."  There is nothing near his position that he might have picked up.  ESO and PGC misidentify ESO 575-065, which is 0.4 min of RA west and 4' north of JH's position, as NGC 4994.  Although this is the closest galaxy, it is much too faint to be described as "pF".

 

Harold Corwin notes that NGC 4993 (discovered by WH) is exactly 50' south of JH's position and a much better match in description.  So, NGC 4993 = NGC 4994.

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NGC 4995 = MCG -01-34-007 = UGCA 329 = PGC 45643

13 09 40.6 -07 50 01; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 99”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 E-W, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.4' SSE of mag 8.3 SAO 139185 and 10.8' S of mag 7.3 SAO 139187.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4995 = H I-42 = h1540 = 3472 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "cB, pL, bM and diminishes gradually towards the ends; near a vB star." On 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) he also recorded "pB almost cB, mbM, about 2' dia."  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB; R; vgpmbM; 60"."

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NGC 4996 = UGC 8235 = MCG +00-34-009 = CGCG 016-011 = PGC 45629

13 09 31.9 +00 51 25; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 40”

 

18" (5/28/06): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Unusual appearance with a very low surface brightness halo surrounding a faint stellar nucleus.  Located 7' N of mag 9.1 HD 114266.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 4996 = m 247 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "pB, S, R, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 4997 = MCG -03-34-005 = PGC 45667

13 09 51.7 -16 30 56; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, high surface brightness, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.3' E of mag 6.7 SAO 157759!  Forms a pair with MCG -03-34-004 6' SSW.

 

Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 4997 on 28 Mar 1878 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory. It was reported in Memoirs of the Astr Soc, Vol 44, p169 and his position with respect to nearby mag 6.7 SAO 157759 is accurate.  Burnham may have shown the galaxy to Edward Holden while visiting Washburn Observatory in 1881, as Holden included this object as #9 in his 1882 discovery list (Publ. of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I) though he noted "This nebula was first discovered by S. W. Burnham at the Dearborn Observatory, 1878, March 28."  Holden called it was "S, R, stellar nucleus."  Only Burnham was credited in the NGC.

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NGC 4998 = MCG +09-22-017 = CGCG 271-015 = PGC 45537

13 08 10.3 +50 39 50; CVn

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5', low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star lies 45" NW.  Three mag 10 stars are in the field between 6'-7.5' SW, SSW and SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4998 = H III-819 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and simply noted "vF".  CH's reduced position is 14 tsec following CGCG 271-015 = PGC 45537 (only nearby galaxy).

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NGC 4999 = UGC 8236 = MCG +00-34-010 = CGCG 016-012 = PGC 45632

13 09 33.1 +01 40 23; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 2.0' diameter.  Contains a very small brighter core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo.  A mag 14 star is barely off the east edge 1.1' from center.  Located 8' E of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 4999 = H II-537 = h1543 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "F, pL, iR, er."  His position is just northeast of the core of UGC 8236.  JH made the single observation "eF; R; lbM; sky not perfectly clear." and his RA is further out.

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NGC 5000 = UGC 8241 = MCG +05-31-144 = CGCG 160-152 = VV 460 = Holm 510a = PGC 45658

13 09 47.5 +28 54 25; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7', very weak concentration.  Nestled in a group of mag 12-14 stars.  A faint galaxy 1' SE was not seen.  Located 6.5' NNW of mag 8.6 SAO 82685 in the outer region of the AGC 1656.  NGC 5000 is a barred-spiral starburst galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5000 = H III-366 = h1544 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pS."  CH's reduction is 17 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of UGC 8241.  JH's position matches UGC 8241 = PGC 45658.

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NGC 5001 = UGC 8243 = MCG +09-22-022 = CGCG 271-020 = PGC 45631

13 09 33.2 +53 29 39; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 160”

 

18" (6/27/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, oval 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NE.  Located 20' following a group of a half-dozen galaxies including NGC 4967/73/74.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5001 = h1545 on 1 May 1831 and recorded "not vF; S; irr R; gbM."   His position is 1' north of UGC 8243.  C.E. Burton, the observing assistant on LdR's 72" on 23 Apr 1868, reported "Patchy, suspect eF patch np [spiral arm?}, annular? lE ns."

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NGC 5002 = UGC 8254 = MCG +06-29-051 = CGCG 189-034 = LGG 334-002 = PGC 45728

13 10 38.3 +36 38 04; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 173”

 

17.5": very faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus.  Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5002 on 27 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 5003 = UGC 8228 = MCG +07-27-033 = CGCG 217-013 = PGC 45559

13 08 37.9 +43 44 15; CVn

V = 14.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 145”

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, fairly low surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 12.5 stars 2.6' NNE and 6' NNE.  This galaxy is not identified as NGC 5003 in RNGC, UGC, MCG, CGCG or PGC.  See identification notes.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5003 = H III-655 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "vF, pS, lbM".  There was confusion in the transit time and he gave a range of 3 minutes in RA (offset 5-7 min 26 sec preceding and 2” 57' north of 19 CVn).  UGC 8228 is located 7 min preceding the offset and 3' south, and Harold Corwin found that additional systematic errors account for the other differences.  UGC 8228 is not labeled NGC 5003 in the UGC, MCG (+07-27-033) or CGCG (217-013).  RNGC and PGC misidentify MCG +07-27-037 = PGC 45732 as NGC 5003.

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NGC 5004 = UGC 8260 = MCG +05-31-149 = CGCG 160-157 = Holm 511a = WBL 434-003 = PGC 45756

13 11 01.5 +29 38 12; Com

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~40"x30", high surface brightness.  Contains a relatively large very bright core and a thin halo that quickly fades out.

 

Brightest in a trio with NGC 5004A 3.5' S and IC 4210 5.3' NW.  NGC 5004A appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.5'x0.25', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is off the southeast side [46" from center].  IC 4210 appeared very faint to faint, small, elongated ~4:3 N-S, ~24"x18", low surface brightness, very weak nucleus.  A mag 15.2 star is 0.8' SSE.

 

18" (7/1/03): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', well concentration with a very small bright core.  NGC 5004A = UGC 8259 lies 3.5' S' and appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is just off the SE tip, 45" from center.  IC 4210 = NGC 5004B is 5.3' NW. Member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5004 = H III-305 = h1546 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and logged "vF, vS, lE."

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NGC 5005 = UGC 8256 = MCG +06-29-052 = CGCG 189-035 = LGG 334-003 = PGC 45749

13 10 56.5 +37 03 32; CVn

V = 9.8;  Size 5.8'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 65”

 

24" (5/27/17): extremely bright edge-on 3:1 WSW-ENE, nearly 5'x1.8' with averted.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright thin, elongated core punctuated by a sharp stellar nucleus.  A thin dust lane is evident hugging the north side of the core (creating a sharp light cut-off) and is more easily seen on the west side.  Spiral structure can be picked out on both ends of the outer halo.  On the WSW end, a broad outer portion of a spiral arm sweeps south (clockwise) and on the ENE end another ill-defined arm curls north.

 

17.5": very bright, large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 4.8'x2.0'.  Strong concentration with a small very bright elongated core and stellar nucleus.  NGC 5002 lies 26' SSW and NGC 5033 (the brightest in the group and a physical companion) is 40' SE.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): very bright, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core with a stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5005 = H I-96 = h1547 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vB, mE nearly in the parallel.  The faint rays included, about 5' long; the vB part of it, about 1.5' long; the brightness decreasing very suddenly."  JH made two observations, described on sweep 73 "vB; vL; mE; 4' l, 1' br; vsbM to a nucleus, pos by diagram = 30” nf to sp."  A dark lane north of the nucleus was suspected during several observations at Birr Castle.  On 4 May 1861: "Nucleus elongated and perhaps not in direction of major axis of nebula.  Dark lane suspected north and perhaps on the other side also, coming slightly preceding nucleus?"

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NGC 5006 = ESO 576-006 = MCG -03-34-011 = PGC 45806

13 11 45.7 -19 15 42; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a round 30" brighter core with faint extensions.  A mag 14 star is less than 1' NW of center.  Two mag 10 stars lie 4' and 5' SW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5006 on 31 Mar 1881, while observing NGC 5018.  In the narrative portion of list V, he noted a new nebula 1 min of time preceding and 16' north of NGC 5018.  Although the difference in RA is 1 min 15 sec, his declination offset is accurate.

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NGC 5007 = UGC 8240 = MCG +10-19-042 = CGCG 294-021 = PGC 45605

13 09 14.4 +62 10 30; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 135”

 

18" (6/27/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, slightly brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star lies 0.9' NW.  Located 5.3' SW of mag 6.5 SAO 15999, which detracts from viewing.  In an interesting group with three UGC galaxies in the field of a bright star!  UGC 8234 6.5' NW, UGC 8237 8' NW and U8214 11.5' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5007 = H III-848 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "vF, vS."  CH's reduced position is 15 sec of time east of UGC 8240.

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NGC 5008 = IC 4381 = HCG 71A = UGC 9073 = MCG +04-33-042 = CGCG 132-078 = CGCG 133-001 = Holm 598a = PGC 50629

14 10 57.2 +25 29 51; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (6/8/96): NGC 5008 is the brightest member of HCG 71, along with IC 4382 = HCG 71B 1.8' NE and HCG 71C 2.0' SE.  At 220x it appeared faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, almost even surface brightness.  Located 1.5' N of a mag 10 star, which is the southeast of three stars in a 2.5' string with two mag 12 stars.  This galaxy is generally identified as IC 4381.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5008 on 18 May 1862 and noted a mag 10 star preceded by 1.1 seconds of time and 95" north.  There is nothing at his position and his object was not recovered by Bigourdan or Reinmuth.  Harold Corwin found that UGC 9073 = PGC 50629 is exactly 1 hour of RA east of d'Arrest's position and a mag 10.5 star precedes by 1.2 seconds, but it is just under 90" south (not north).  So NGC 5008 = UGC 9073.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy, along with a nearby companion to the northeast, on 15 Jun 1895 and listed them as J. 1294 and J. 1295 in his discovery papers.  Dreyer, of course, assumed they were new objects and catalogued the pair as IC 4381 and 4382.  So, NGC 5008 = IC 4381. Because of the poor NGC position, this galaxy is known as IC 4381 in modern catalogues and RNGC classifies NGC 5008 as "Not Found".

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NGC 5009 = UGC 8258 = MCG +08-24-061 = CGCG 245-025 = PGC 45739

13 10 47.0 +50 05 31; CVn

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 75”

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 14 is close off the north side, 40" from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5009 = H III-820 = h1550 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and recorded "2 vS stars with vF nebulosity between them, less than 1' distance." CH's reduced position is 45 sec of time east of UGC 8258.  JH logged "eF; R; south-preceding a * 15m" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5010 = MCG -03-34-015 = PGC 45868

13 12 26.3 -15 47 52; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small , elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.6', fairly even surface brightness.  Contains a bulging core with thinner extensions.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' N of center. Located 5' NE of mag 9.5 SAO 157790.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5010 = h1548 on 9 May 1831 and recorded "vF; R: bM; a * 10m 45” np, distance 5'."  His position is 10 sec of RA too far west and the star is 45” north-preceding.

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NGC 5011 = ESO 269-065 = MCG -07-27-042 = LGG 339-012 = PGC 45898

13 12 51.9 -43 05 47; Cen

V = 11.4;  Size 2.4'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 154”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE.  Moderate even concentration to a brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 5026 lies 17' NE.  Located 12' WNW of mag 6.2 HD 114873 and 23' NE of mag 5.2 HD 114474.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  The following three brighter stars are equidistant to the E; mag 9.1 SAO 223985 7.4' NE and two mag 11 stars 7.8' ESE and 7.3' SE.  Located 12' WNW of mag 6.2 SAO 223989.  Outlying member of the Centaurus cluster or in a group surrounding the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5011 = h3473 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; pS; R; gbM; 15"; in a curve of 3 or 4 stars."  His mean position (3 nights) is accurate.  Joseph Turner recorded "suddenly much brighter in the middle, about 25" in diameter", using the 48" GMT on 1 May 1878. (p.173 in logbook)

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NGC 5012 = UGC 8270 = MCG +04-31-012 = CGCG 130-016 = LGG 336-001 = PGC 45795

13 11 37.0 +22 54 56; Com

V = 12.2;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 10”

 

18" (7/1/03): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x1.2', fairly well concentrated with a very small bright core. A mag 13-14 star is superimposed on the north end.  The surface brightness is uneven and the galaxy appears slightly mottled.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5012 = H I-85 = h1549 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "cB, pL." CH's reduction is 11 sec of RA preceding UGC 8270.  JH made two observations and recorded (sweep 409) "vF; L; double or wedge-formed bicentral; pos 17” per micrometer.  Each neb vglbM; a large star (the first of a trapezium) 25s following."  JH confused the superimposed star with another nucleus.

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NGC 5013 = MCG +01-34-007 = CGCG 044-024 = PGC 45838

13 12 07.3 +03 11 57; Vir

V = 14.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 140”

 

18" (5/28/06): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Forms the eastern vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a mag 12 star 3.8' WNW and a mag 11 star 4.2' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5013 = m 248 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS." His position is less than 1' south of CGCG 044-024 = PGC 45838.

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NGC 5014 = UGC 8271 = MCG +06-29-055 = CGCG 189-037 = Mrk 449 = LGG 334-006 = PGC 45787

13 11 31.3 +36 16 55; CVn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 102”

 

24" (5/20/17): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, fairly nice edge-on, ~1.0'x0.3', small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus (possibly offset from geometric center?).  The surface brightness is not smooth (dust?) near the center.

 

UGC 8303 = Holmberg VIII lies 22' ESE.  At 200x it appeared faint to fairly faint, roundish, low even surface brightness, no core or distinct zones.  Roughly 1' diameter, though the edge of the halo was difficult to pin down because of its diffuse appearance.   Located 23' S of NGC 5033, of which it's considered a satellite.

 

13.1" (4/12/86): faint, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE, brighter core.  Located 46' SSE of NGC 5005.  Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5014 = H II-414 = h1551 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "F, S, lE."  His position matches UGC 8271.  JH called it "pB; S; pmE; psbM."

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NGC 5015 = MCG -01-34-012 = PGC 45862

13 12 22.8 -04 20 12; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 4.3' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5015 = H II-637 = h1552 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and logged "F, cL, iR, lbM.  The time not accurate."  Interestingly, his position (CH's reduction) is accurate in RA and 4' too far south (previous nebulae in the sweep are also offset 2'-4' too far south).

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NGC 5016 = UGC 8279 = MCG +04-31-013 = CGCG 130-019 = PGC 45836

13 12 06.6 +24 05 42; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): moderately bright, roundish, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' N of center.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, round, moderately large.  Located 10' S of mag 6.3 SAO 82707 that interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5016 = H II-356 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "pB, S."  His position is 15 sec of RA too far west and 3' too far south.  d'Arrest's micrometric position (used in the NGC) matches UGC 8279.

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NGC 5017 = MCG -03-34-016 = PGC 45900

13 12 54.4 -16 45 57; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter.  Well-defined halo with crisp edges.  Gradually increases to a nearly stellar nucleus.  Overall moderate surface brightness.  A well-matched pair of mag 11 stars lies 6' WNW.  Located at the SW end of the NGC 5044 group (~40' SW of center of group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5017 = H III-669 = h1553 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and simply noted as "vF". JH made the single observation "vF; R; bM" and   measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5018 = ESO 576-010 = MCG -03-34-017 = UGCA 335 = PGC 45908

13 13 01.0 -19 31 05; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 3.3'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, roughly 2.5'x2.0'.  Very bright core dominates much fainter halo.  Located 6' SE of mag 9.3 SAO 157792.  Forms a pair with NGC 5022 7.2' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5018 = H II-746 = h1554 on 8 Apr 1788 (sweep 826) and recorded "pB, S, pBN."  His position is within the halo of ESO 576-010 = PGC 45908.  JH made the single observation "B; R; pgmbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.  Nearby NGC 5022 was discovered by Wilhelm Tempel.

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NGC 5019 = UGC 8288 = MCG +01-34-009 = CGCG 044-027 = PGC 45885

13 12 42.4 +04 43 47; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

18" (5/28/06): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, very weak concentration.  A 20' string of a half dozen mag 11 stars oriented NW to SE passes to the south of the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5019 = H III-545 = h1555 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and logged "eF, cS, er."  JH measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5020 = UGC 8289 = MCG +02-34-003 = CGCG 072-024 = PGC 45883

13 12 39.9 +12 35 59; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 3.2'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): this face-on barred spiral appears as a fairly large, round 2' glow of fairly low surface brightness.  Contains a sharply defined, bright 20" core and a stellar nucleus.  Located 15' SE of mag 8.4 SAO 100454.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5020 = H II-129 = h1556 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and recorded "F, pL, lbM, r, of a roundish figure."  JH made three observations, first logging "F; pL; E; 30" long."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 16 Feb 1855 at Birr Castle, recorded "S, R, pB Nucl, with (I suspect) straggling arms of F neby branching out, perhaps spiral."

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NGC 5021 = UGC 8284 = MCG +08-24-084 = CGCG 245-030 = PGC 45834

13 12 06.2 +46 11 46; CVn

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 78”

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5', brighter along a fairly thin major axis.  A mag 11 star is off the ENE tip, 1.2' from center.

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is at the NE tip (inadvertently observed twice on the same evening).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5021 = h1557 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "pF; R; 40"; has a *12 north-following by 1 1/2'."  R.S. Ball, LdR's assistant on 28 Mar 1867, noted "Possibly double, at least there seems to be two B portions to it."  The SDSS image reveals either a brighter region south of the core, or a superimposed companion, which is likely Ball's second object.

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NGC 5022 = ESO 576-014 = MCG -03-34-021 = FGC 1581 = PGC 45952

13 13 30.7 -19 32 47; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 2.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 21”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, moderately large, thin edge-on 5:1 ~N-S, 2.0'x0.4', even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 2.3' N of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5018 7' WNW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5022 on 31 Mar 1881, while observing NGC 5018.  Ormond Stone independently discovered this galaxy in 1886 and reported it as #196 in the first discovery list at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Stone noted it was 8' following GC 3448 [NGC 5018] in PA 110” (ESE).

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NGC 5023 = UGC 8286 = MCG +07-27-043 = CGCG 217-017 = FGC 1578 = PGC 45849

13 12 11.8 +44 02 20; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 6.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, large, thin edge-on streak SSW-NNE, 4.0'x0.4', slightly brighter center.  Member of nearby group LGG 347 along with M51!  A 1' pair of mag 10/11 stars lies 9' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5023 = H II-664 = h1559 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, mE from sp to nf, about 5' l and 3/4' br." JH made two observations and his mean position is accurate.  NGC 5023 is one of the flattest NGC galaxies.

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NGC 5024 = M53

13 12 55.2 +18 10 09; Com

V = 7.5;  Size 12.6';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

17.5" (5/27/00): at 220x this moderately bright GC appeared 6'-7' diameter with a very bright 2' core and ~50-60 stars resolved.  At 380x, perhaps 75 stars were resolved, mostly in the outer halo and the edges of the small, bright, concentrated core.  A brighter mag 12 star is just NE of the core, but most of the resolved stars are mag 13.5-15.  The halo is fairly rich, but unevenly distributed with more stars resolved on the north side.  Towards the edges of the halo the globular thins out and appeared straggly, with a maximum diameter 8'-9'.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): at least 50 stars resolved mostly in the outer halo which reaches 6' diameter.  Contains a very bright core that is very mottled.  Many stars are superimposed over the core.

 

13.1" (5/21/82): outer halo of faint stars resolved.

 

Johann Elert Bode discovered M53 = NGC 5024 = h1558 on 3 Feb 1775.  Charles Messier independently discovered it on 26 Feb 1777.

 

William Herschel made his first observation on 30 May 1783 with his 6-inch and noted "more than a suspicion of stars."  On 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) he described M53 as "one of the most beautiful objects I remember ever to have seen in the heavens; The cluster appears under the form of a solid ball consisting of small stars quite compressed into one blaze of light, with a great number of loose ones surrounding it and distinctly visible in the general mass.  See fig. 2 [which shows it resolved into numerous stars]."

 

John Herschel described it on 6 May 1826 as "A most beautiful highly compressed cluster. Stars very small, 12...20m; with sc st to a considerable dist; irreg R, but not globular. Comes up to a blaze in the centre; indicating a round mass of pretty equable density."  On 25 May 1827, he logged "Seen by Mr. Baily. A fine compressed cluster, with curved appendages like the short claws of a crab running out from the main body."

 

Wilhelm Struve found it again in 1825 or 1826 and included it in a list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in the appendix to his main catalogue of double stars.  In his 1844 Bedford Catalogue, William Smyth called M53 a "brilliant mass of minute stars" and a "ball of innumerable worlds."

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NGC 5025 = UGC 8292 = MCG +05-31-155 = CGCG 160-162 = PGC 45887

13 12 44.7 +31 48 33; CVn

V = 13.4;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 57”

 

18" (7/1/03): faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.1'x0.25', low even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is barely off the NE tip [37" from center].  Located 19' SE of mag 6.7 SAO 63396.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5025 = H III-649 = h1560 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "vF, S, lE."  JH made 3 observations and noted (sweep 131) "vF; E; S; 30" south of a * 13m."  His mean position matches UGC 8292.

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NGC 5026 = ESO 269-073 = AM 1311-424 = MCG -07-27-048 = LGG 339-006 = PGC 46023

13 14 13.5 -42 57 40; Cen

V = 11.5;  Size 3.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 52”

 

18" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 182x; bright, very large, very bright large oval core, elongated SSW-NNE.  Slightly brighter arcs (arms) surrounded the core region on the northwest side and south side.  The faint halo was quite large, extending ~2'x1.4'.  Situated in a rich star field 6.7' S of mag6.7 HD 114922.  Two or three 15th magnitude stars are superimposed on the galaxy.  NGC 5011 lies 17' SW.

 

ESO 323-099, located 18' NNE, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, roundish though irregular, diffuse, fairly low surface brightness.  A mag 11.7 star is 1.4' S of center.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.0', broad concentration.  NGC 5011 lies 17' SW.  Located 6.7' S of a mag 7 star.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, large brighter core.  Part of an outlying group in the Centaurus cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5026 = h3474 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 50"."  His mean position (3 nights) is accurate.

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NGC 5027 = UGC 8297 = MCG +01-34-010 = CGCG 044-028 = PGC 45936

13 13 21.0 +06 03 40; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 63”

 

18" (5/28/06): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14 star is off the SE side 1.0' from the center.  Located 1.2” NW of mag 4.8 Sigma (60) Virginis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5027 = h1561 on 17 Apr 1830 and recorded "eF; R; vgbM."  His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.

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NGC 5028 = MCG -02-34-011 = PGC 45976

13 13 45.8 -13 02 33; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', slightly brighter core.  A mag 11.5 star is attached on the west side [22" from center].  A brighter mag 10.5 star lies 2.5' due south.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5028 = T V-29 in 1882.  His micrometric position (on the mag 11 star at the west edge) matches MCG -02-33-104 = PGC 45170.

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NGC 5029 = UGC 8293 = MCG +08-24-087 = CGCG 245-032 = PGC 45880

13 12 37.6 +47 03 48; CVn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 150”

 

18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, sharply concentrated with a bright 30" core and a much fainter halo which increases the size to perhaps 1.0'.  The outer halo appears irregular with a hint of structure.  Collinear with two mag 10 stars to the east.  Collinear with a mag 11 star 3.4' ESE and mag 9.5 SAO 44516 a similar distance further ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5029 = h1562 on 13 May 1830 and logged "F; R; gbM; 15"; twilight."  His position is just off the north side of UGC 8293.

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NGC 5030 = MCG -03-34-023 = PGC 45991

13 13 54.1 -16 29 27; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, bright core.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' NW.  Located 5.4' NW of mag 8.2 SAO 157805 (close double star with components 9.5/9.5 at 1.2").  Member of the NGC 5044 group.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5030, along with NGC 5031 and 5035, on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He noted "vF, S.  GC 3465 [NGC 5044] follows 1m 28s."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5031 = MCG -03-34-024 = PGC 46006

13 14 03.1 -16 07 23; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small.  On first glance appeared as a 30" round glow (core) but faint extensions were noticed extending the major axis to 1.3' WNW-ESE.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' E of center.  Member of the NGC 5044 group (NW of center).

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5031, along with NGC 5030 and 5035, on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He noted "vF, like a nebula star 10-11 mag.  GC 3465 [NGC 5044] follows 2 min." His position is accurate.  RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide give an incorrect PA of 70”.

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NGC 5032 = UGC 8300 = MCG +05-31-160 = CGCG 160-166 = Holm 513a = PGC 45947

13 13 26.9 +27 48 09; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 22”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a bright elongated core or bar and a small bright nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' E and a slightly fainter star is 1.3' SW.  Located 21' ESE of mag 4.3 Beta Comae.

 

Forms a physical pair with NGC 5032B = CGCG 160-165 2.4' S.  The companion appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 20"x12", contains a very small brighter nucleus.

 

18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', increases to a small, bright core.  Bracketed by two similar stars 1.2' the SW and a similar distance to the NE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5032B = MCG +05-31-159 at 2.4' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5032 = H III-367 = h1563 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pL." CH's reduction is 2' south of UGC 8300.

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NGC 5033 = UGC 8307 = MCG +06-29-062 = CGCG 189-043 = PGC 45948

13 13 27.8 +36 35 40; CVn

V = 10.2;  Size 10.7'x5.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 170”

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 N-S, some spiral structure is evident.  Very well concentrated with an extremely bright, elongated core roughly 1'x0.5'.  A low surface brightness spiral arm extends from the core on the north side and hooks sharply south on the west side of the halo.  It brightens and appears to end just west of a superimposed mag 14.5 star, situated 1.3' NNW of center.  A detached section of this arm was also seen due west of the core, just west of a superimposed mag 15.7 star [0.9' WSW of center].

 

Although arm structure was not distinguishable on the south side, a brighter knot was visible (at the sharp bend of an arm) 2.4' due S of center.  It was roughly 15" in diameter and aligned with the major axis of the core.  This HII complex is listed in NED as NGC 5033:[EKS96] 229, from the 1996 "An Atlas of H II Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies" by Evans et al.

 

24" (5/22/17 and 5/27/17): at 124x and 282x; very bright and large impressive spiral, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~7'x2.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated core region and an enhanced central axis or bar that increases to a sharp, intense nucleus.  There is a strong impression of spiral structure in the halo with slightly brighter and darker regions.  A very weak enhancement or HII region is 2.4' due south of center with an hint of an arm segment curving through this patch.  An extremely faint, nearly stellar knot (only identified with a DSS image) is 1.3' W of center just northwest of a dim mag 15.7 star in the halo.  A brighter mag 14.5 star is superimposed 1.4' NNW of center.

 

17.5": fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is superimposed.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5005 40' NW (physical pair).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5033 = H I-97 = h1564 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vB, pL, E, mbM and the brightness diminishing gradually; the extension not far from the meridian [N-S]."

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant on 1 Mar 1851, noted "an appendage [arm] preceding."  The arm was mentioned again on 19 Apr 1862: "The patch p[receding] is vF, yet distinctly seen as far as in sketch, but I suspect it joins n end of neb."   R.J. Mitchell, observing on 3 May 1858, noted "I also think I see a neb knot sf, in the direction of major axis of neb, but was interrupted by clouds."  This "knot" is mostly likely the HII complex NGC 5033:[EKS96] 229, situated 2.4' south of center.

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NGC 5034 = UGC 8295 = MCG +12-13-001 = CGCG 336-003 = PGC 45859

13 12 19.0 +70 38 58; UMi

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 15”

 

18" (6/27/03): very faint, small, irregularly round, 0.5'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Requires averted vision although viewed nearly 6 hrs passed the meridian with the galaxy fairly low.  Forms the east vertex of a triangle with mag 12/13 stars 2.7' WNW and 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5034 = H III-909 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "vF, vS, R."  His RA is 30 sec too small (most objects on this sweep have similar errors).

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NGC 5035 = MCG -03-34-028 = PGC 46068

13 14 49.2 -16 29 34; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.  Bracketed by mag 9.4 SAO 157810 1.8' S and a mag 10 star 2.1' NNE of center.  First of six in field with NGC 5037 7' SE and brightest member NGC 5044 10.5' NE.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5035, along with NGC 5030 and 5031, on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. His description reads "F, S, R, bN. GC 3465 [NGC 5044] follows 34sec [of time]." His position is 1' south of MCG -03-34-028 = PGC 46068.

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NGC 5036 = PGC 46057

13 14 42.8 -04 10 43; Vir

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (6/1/02): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  With direct vision a slightly brighter 5" core is visible.  Forms a pair with difficult NGC 5039 2.6' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5036 = LM 2-458, along with NGC 5036, on 25 Jan 1887.  He noted "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, R, gbM, 1st of 2." and his position matches PGC 46057.  Dorothy Carlson classifies this number as nonexistent.  NGC 5036 and NGC 5039 were the last Leander McCormick discoveries that made it into the NGC.

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NGC 5037 = MCG -03-34-029 = PGC 46078

13 14 59.6 -16 35 27; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is perched at the NE tip.  Second of six in the NGC 5044 group with NGC 5035 6.2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5037 = H II-510 = h1565 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, lE, 1 1/2' long."  His position is an excellent match with MCG -03-34-029 = PGC 46078.  JH recorded "pF; R; bM; 25".  A * 12m 1' np."  The mag 12 star is instead at the north-following end.

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NGC 5038 = MCG -03-34-031 = PGC 46081

13 15 02.1 -15 57 06; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.1;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.2', very small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 4.3' SSW.  Located roughly 30' N of the center of the NGC 5044 group.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5038 on 28 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory.  He recorded "cB, E 90” +/-, stellar nucleus.  Follows Lalande 24460 4min 28sec and is 3' north." His position is accurate.

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NGC 5039 = PGC 46064 = LEDA 1061140

13 14 52.0 -04 09 29; Vir

V = 15.5;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): extremely faint and small, round, 0.2' diameter.  Requires averted and only intermittently visible between a mag 12.5' 1.5' SSW and a mag 13 star 1.6' NNE.  DSFG lists a V magnitude of just 16.1!

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5039 = LM 2-459, along with NGC 5036, on 25 Jan 1887, and recorded "mag 15.8, 0.1' dia , E 45”, 2nd of 2 [with NGC 5036]."  His position is accurate and Corwin notes his sketch clearly shows it in relation to NGC 5036.

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NGC 5040 = MCG +09-22-031 = CGCG 271-024 = PGC 45945

13 13 32.6 +51 15 31; CVn

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', contains a small brighter core with a stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed.  Located 8.3' NNE of mag 9 SAO 28675.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5040 = H II-816 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and logged "F, S, iR, vgmbM."  CH's reduced position is 15 sec of RA east and 1.5' north of CGCG 271-024 = PGC 45945.  Sir Robert Ball noted "vS, stellar, bM" at Birr Castle on 1 Mar 1867.

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NGC 5041 = UGC 8319 = MCG +05-31-162 = CGCG 160-168 = PGC 46046

13 14 32.4 +30 42 20; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): faint, fairly small, irregular round, relatively low surface brightness, 1' diameter, weakly concentrated.  The core appears to be elongated NW-SE within a slightly fainter rounder halo.  Located 26' SW of NGC 5056 in a group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5041 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 8319, although Dreyer made a digit error and the NGC declination is exactly 10' too small.  Max Wolf noted this error in Konigstuhl-Nebel List #9 (the correct position is given under #215).

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NGC 5042 = ESO 508-031 = MCG -04-31-043 = UGCA 340 = PGC 46126

13 15 31.0 -23 59 01; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 4.2'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 22”

 

18" (5/16/09): very large, diffuse galaxy with a fairly low surface brightness, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE.  At 175x there was a broad, weak central brightening but no core or nucleus and appeared nearly 3.0'x1.8' in size.  Located 2.4' NE of mag 8 HD 115123, which distracted from the view.  A faint pair of mag 15 stars is at the NNE end.

 

17.5" (6/1/02): large, low surface brightness galaxy situated just 2.4' NE of mag 8.1 SAO 181487 with a broad concentration.  Picked up at 100x and 200x was nearly too high a power for a good view (in fairly poor seeing).  Appears elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE and perhaps 3'x1.5' although the halo smoothly fades into the background and the nearby bright star detracts from a good view of the halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5042 = h3477 on 25 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; L; R; vgvlbM; a star 9m; 1' north, precedes 10s."  His position is accurate, although the nearby star is southwest, not northwest.

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NGC 5043 = ESO 132-002

13 16 16 -60 04; Cen

Size 15'x8'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 178x): very bright scattered cluster extending over a 14'x7' region from SW to NE.  Contains ~25 brighter mag 10.5-12 stars and an equal number of faint stars.  Three mag 10-10.5 stars are on the southwest end.  Many of the stars appear to be connected in loose, curving chains.  There is no concentration towards the center or denser subgroups and the outline is quite irregular.  Still, at low power the group stands out well enough.  Located 30' SE of a mag 4.5 star (V831 Cen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5043 = h3476 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded, "Cluster VIII; oblong, 10' by 7', of loose sc st 11m."  His position corresponds with a mag 10.7 star at the center of a scattered group of mag 11/12 stars.  Harold Corwin moves the center of the group 30 sec of RA west of JH's position. The RNGC description is "NOCL?".

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NGC 5044 = MCG -03-34-034 = UGCA 341 = PGC 46115

13 15 24.0 -16 23 06; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 3.0'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, round, 2.0' diameter, moderate concentration.  Brightest in a group and third of six in a 20' circle with NGC 5049 8' E, NGC 5046 7' NE, NGC 5047 10' SE, NGC 5035 10' SW and NGC 5037 14' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5044 = H II-511 = h1566, along with NGC 5049, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "pB, R, bM."  Another observation on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, pL, R.  I believe I saw a very faint one preceding."  His position is accurate.  Interestingly, there is a very faint galaxy, PGC 83851, less than 5' west, but at B = 16.2, it may be too faint to have been picked up by WH.  JH made the single observation "pF; pL; R; 30"."

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NGC 5045 = ESO 096-005

13 17 06 -63 25; Cen

Size 45'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x, 145x and 230x): at the NGC position is a very rich Milky Way collection of stars; at least 150 stars were counted in a 15' to 18' region, including mag 6.8 HD 115400 at the southeast edge.  The other stars are mag 10 and fainter, except for a mag 9.4 star on the southwest side.  At lowest power, another 15'x5' (elongated NW-SE) bright, scattered group also caught my attention.  It is situated to the southwest of the NGC star cloud and contains many more brighter stars.  Mag 7 HD 114886 is on its southeast end, along with at least a half-dozen additional mag 8-9 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5045 = h3475 on 16 Jun 1835 and reported "A great cluster or a surprisingly rich portion of the milky way.  It contains 34 stars 11m, and perhaps 150 or 200 of less magnitudes in the field."  At his position (given here) is a rich milky way field, but no distinct cluster.  The RNGC description is "NOCL?".  SIMBAD gives a position 3 min of RA further west, though there is no cluster there either.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 5045 might be a duplicate observation of NGC 5155, nearly 10 min of RA following.  JH's descriptions are quite similar, however both objects were recorded on the same sweep, so this would require some kind of mix-up on his part.

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NGC 5046 = MCG -03-34-035 = PGC 46141

13 15 45.1 -16 19 37; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

17.5" (5/17/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Located 3.2' SSW of mag 8.9 SAO 157821.  Fourth of six in the NGC 5044 group with NGC 5044 7' SW.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5046 on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He recorded "F, vS, R, stellar nucleus.  GC 3465 [NGC 5044] precedes 21 sec."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5047 = MCG -03-34-036 = PGC 46150

13 15 48.4 -16 31 08; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 ENE-WSW, very small bright core.  Fifth of six in the NGC 5044 group with NGC 5044 13' NW, NGC 5049 8' NNE and NGC 5046 11.6' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5047 = H III-670 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and simply noted "vF".  CH's reduction is NGC dec is 3' north of MCG -03-34-036 = PGC 46150.  d'Arrest made a single observation and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5048 = ESO 443-087 = MCG -05-31-041 = PGC 46179

13 16 08.3 -28 24 38; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 48”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak even concentration to the center.  NGC 5051 lies 8' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5048 = h3478, along with NGC 5051, on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; R; has another nebula nf; Delta RA = 20s +/-; Delta PD; 5' +/-."  His position is just off the south side of ESO 443-087 = PGC 46179.

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NGC 5049 = MCG -03-34-037 = UGCA 343 = PGC 46166

13 15 59.3 -16 23 52; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Last of six in a 20' field with NGC 5044 8.5' W and NGC 5047 7.8' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5049 = H II-512, along with NGC 5044, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, S."  His position is 1.4' northwest of MCG -03-34-037 = PGC 46166.

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NGC 5050 = UGC 8329 = MCG +01-34-012 = CGCG 044-043 = PGC 46138

13 15 41.7 +02 52 44; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Contains a very small bright 15" core.  Collinear with two mag 13/14 stars less than 2' N.  Located 10' SSE of mag 7.3 SAO 119834.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5050 = m 249 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell."  His position is 1.5' southwest of UGC 8329, the only nearby galaxy.

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NGC 5051 = ESO 444-001 = MCG -05-31-042 = PGC 46194

13 16 20.0 -28 17 09; Hya

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Appears to have a brighter slightly brighter bulging core and narrower extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5051 = h3479, along with NGC 5048, on 30 Mar 1835 and noted "The following of 2 [with NGC 5048]."  In his description for h3478 = NGC 5048 he gave the separation as roughly 20s of RA and 5' in PD.  The actual figures are 12s of RA and 7.5' in Dec.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00.

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NGC 5052 = UGC 8330 = MCG +05-31-165 = CGCG 160-171 = PGC 46131

13 15 34.9 +29 40 33; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7', fairly bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1.6' SE of center.  Located 7' SE of mag 9.3 SAO 63428.  Probable outlying member of AGC 1656 (core is  4” SE) with a similar redshift as the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5052 = h1567 on 10 Apr 1831 and simply noted "vF".  His position (single observation) is 1' north of UGC 8330 = PGC 46131.

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NGC 5053

13 16 26.9 +17 41 52; Com

V = 9.9;  Size 9';  Surf Br = 0.0

 

17.5" (5/10/86): about two dozen faint stars resolved at 286x over a faint background haze.  Very weak concentration with no core.  Appears similar to a faint, resolved open cluster.  A mag 9.5 star is off the east side, 6.5' from the center.

 

8": faint, fairly large, pale, no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5053 = H VI-7 = h1569 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "an excessively faint cluster of stars intermixed with resolvable nebulosity 8 or 10' diameter.  The stars are so small that they cannot be seen without the greatest attention. 240 verified it beyond all doubts."  There is nothing at his position, but 2 min of RA west is this low surface brightness globular.

 

John Herschel described the GC as "vL; eF; a cluster of stars 19 or 20m, with 4 or 5 = 15m; irreg R, vgvlbM; diam at least 8 or 10'.  A most curious and interesting object.  The stars are just discernable.  So faint, might easily be overlooked."  He also mentioned the RA of his father was "very much out" so he nearly lost the observation.  Dreyer used JH's position in the NGC.

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NGC 5054 = MCG -03-34-039 = UGCA 344 = PGC 46247

13 16 58.3 -16 38 07; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 5.1'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 155”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x and 697x: very bright, large, very irregular 3-armed spiral.  Strongly concentrated with an intensely bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  A thin strong arm is attached to the core on the west side.  It shoots nearly straight north, aiming east of a mag 14 star 2.3' NW of center and quickly dimming as it heads towards MCG -03-34-040, a companion 2.6' NNW of center.   A second arm begins on the north side of the core.  It curls east towards a mag 13.5 star, 1.3' NE of center, and separates from the core.  It then dims to a very low surface brightness and curves south, ending ~2' SE of center.  A third arm starts on the east side of the core and extends south, ending at a brighter patch or HII region [1.2' SSE of center].  NGC 5044, the brightest of a fairly rich group, lies 27' NW. 

 

MCG -03-34-040 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, thin edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.1', fairly low even surface brightness.  The major axis of the axis "points" towards the core of NGC 5054.  The northwestern spiral arm of NGC 5054 heads towards this galaxy, but fades out before reaching it

 

24" (6/1/13): bright, large, elongated nearly 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x2'.  Contains a large, bright core with a sharp, bright nearly stellar nucleus.  The overall outline and surface brightness is irregular with spiral structure evident.  A relatively thin, straight arm is attached on the west side of the core and shoots ~1.2' NNW, separating well from the central region. A second, lower contrast arm is attached at the NE side of the central region and hugs tightly along the eastern side of the core.  This arm was not resolved until it extended south of the central region.  A small, brighter knot (~10") is visible just north of the central region [~40" N of center]. A mag 13.5 star is just off the NE side, 1.3' from center, and a mag 14 star lies NW of the western arm, 2.2' from center.  Forms a pair with MCG -03-34-040 2.6' NNW. The companion appeared faint, small, very elongated 7:2 N-S (major axis aligned with the nucleus of NGC 5054), 22"x6", even surface brightness.  The NGC 5044 group (7 NGCs) lies 20'-30' NW.

 

8" (5/26/84): fairly faint, contains a brighter middle with a diffuse outer halo of low surface brightness; the edge of the halo is difficult to define.  One or two faint stars are involved.  NGC 5017, NGC 5037 and NGC 5044 all lie to the west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5054 = H II-513 = h1568 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "cF, iR."  A second observation on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, almost cB, pL, iF, but mbM."  JH noted "vF; R; 20"."

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NGC 5055 = M63 = UGC 8334 = MCG +07-27-054 = CGCG 217-023 = PGC 46153 = Sunflower Galaxy

13 15 49.2 +42 01 49; CVn

V = 8.6;  Size 12.6'x7.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 105”

 

48" (4/20/17): This gorgeous spiral is sharply concentrated with a bright, mottled oval core that increases to an intensely bright nucleus.  Several low contrast dust lanes surround the core, particularly on the south side of the core, separated thin sections of spiral arms. A long, relatively broad dust lane crosses the halo E-W, roughly 2' south of center.  A very low surface brightness arm or section of the outer halo is visible beyond (south) of this dust lane.  A mag 9.3 star is superimposed in the outer halo [3.7' WNW of center].

 

48" (4/7/13): The "Sunflower Galaxy" is a classic example of a floccelent spiral with many short fragments forming the arms.  At 375x it appeared extremely bright and large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 8'x4'.  A large, intense, mottled core increases to a small, brilliant nucleus.  The outer halo was resolved into several tightly wrapped spiral arcs that are separated by thin dust lanes.  The arm structure is most evident along the south side of the galaxy with the easiest arm at the outer edge, particularly where it separates at the western end.  The galaxy extends just beyond a mag 9.3 star (HD 115270) at the northwest edge.

 

UGCA 342, probably a detached section of the outer halo of M63, lies 8' WSW of center and 1.2' S of a mag 10.7 star.  It appeared extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 20"x10", very low surface brightness.

 

17.5": very bright, large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 6'x3'.  There is a faint outer extension to the WNW (outer spiral arms?) that reaches extremely close to mag 8.7 SAO 44530 just 3.7' from the center.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): very bright, elongated NNW-SSE, broad moderate concentration, stellar nucleus.  The southern edge is more sharply defined while the northern side is more diffuse and extensive.  A mag 8.5 star is off the NW edge.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M63 = NGC 5055 = h1570 on 14 Jun 1779.  On 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717), William Herschel recorded "E from np to sf., 5 or 6' long and near 4' broad, a bright nucleus, very brilliant."  On 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) he logged "vB, 9 or 10' long, considerably broad, the brightness confined to a small place."  JH logged "B; pmE; vsmbM, almost to a *, pos 30” np to sf.  The sf end more diffused.  Has a bright star np and a double star following."

 

On 9 Mar 1850, LdR (or observing assistant George Johnstone Stone) noted M63 was "another fine and bright spiral."  Later observations couldn't confirm the spirality, though the galaxy is included in the list of 14 "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.

 

Basen on Mt Wilson 60-inch photographs, Pease (1918) described M63 as a "bright, beautiful spiral 8' x 3' in p.a. 98”. Has an almost stellar nucleus. The whorls are narrow, very compactly arranged, and show numerous almost stellar condensations."

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NGC 5056 = UGC 8337 = MCG +05-31-166 = CGCG 160-173 = PGC 46180

13 16 12.3 +30 57 00; Com

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, broad concentration.  The extensions appear mottled with a hint of clumpiness.  Two mag 14.5 star are close following with the closer star 1.0' SE of center.  Located 3.3' N of mag 8.8 SAO 63436.  Brightest in a group including NGC 5057 6' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5056 = H III-306 = h1571, along with NGC 5057, on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the first [NGC 5056].  Both vF and S.  The second [NGC 5057] about 7 or 8' north following the first."  JH made the single observation "F; S; R; bM.  The first of 2." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5057 = UGC 8342 = MCG +05-31-169 = CGCG 160-176 = PGC 46202

13 16 27.8 +31 01 53; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (5/27/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  Probably viewed the core only (halo very faint on DSS).  Smaller but higher surface brightness than NGC 5056 6' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5057 = H III-307 = h1572, along with NGC 5056, on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the first [NGC 5056].  Both vF and S.  The second [NGC 5057] about 7 or 8' north following the first."  JH made the single observation "F; S; R; bM.  The second of 2." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5058 = UGC 8345 = MCG +02-34-006 = CGCG 072-042 = Rose 30 = Mrk 786 = PGC 46241

13 16 52.3 +12 32 54; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration to center but no defined core.  Located 8' N of mag 8.4 SAO 100490.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5058 on 2 Jun 1883 while observing to the north of a comet.  Dreyer references Tempel's discovery list V, but it is mentioned in AN 2522 (paper VII).

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NGC 5059 = UGC 8344 = CGCG 044-050 = FGC 1589 = PGC 46244

13 16 58.5 +07 50 40; Vir

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): extremely faint, very small, elongated ~N-S, ~0.4'x0.1', requires averted vision to glimpse.  Located 1.5' NW of a mag 13.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5059 = m 250 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, S, lE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5060 = UGC 8351 = MCG +01-34-015 = CGCG 044-053 = PGC 46278

13 17 16.3 +06 02 15; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7'.  The halo appears to change orientation with averted vision.  Weak concentration to a slightly brighter 15" core.  Forms an equilateral triangle with mag 9.0 SAO 119848 10' SW and mag 9.3 SAO 119852 10' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5060 on 17 Apr 1863 and reported it as #168 in his AN 1500 list.  His position (measured on 3 nights) is an excellent match with UGC 8351 and he noted a mag 15 star that precedes by 11-12 sec of time (the actual separation is 10 sec).  In his 10th discovery list, Lewis Swift claimed he discovered 4 nebulae in the field of NGC 5060, though only one (IC 872) can be associated with a galaxy.

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NGC 5061 = ESO 508-038 = MCG -04-31-048 = PGC 46330

13 18 04.8 -26 50 11; Hya

V = 10.4;  Size 3.5'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, small very bright core.  A mag 13 star is embedded in the NE portion of the halo.  Located 2.5' WNW of mag 8.5 SAO 181534. 

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus.  A mag 10 star is 3' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5061 = H I-138 = h3480 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 550) and recorded "cB, R, mbM in a pretty small place."  His position is accurate. From the CGH, JH logged "vB; R; bM; has a *10m 11s following; 30" south."

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NGC 5062 = ESO 382-035 = MCG -06-29-026 = LGG 340-003 = PGC 46351

13 18 23.6 -35 27 32; Cen

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 132”

 

18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2'.  A mag 11 star lies 1.7' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5063 6' N.  Located 1.3 degrees NNW of mag 2.8 Iota Centauri.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5062 = h3482, along with NGC 5063, on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; E. (? if really a nebula)" His position is 1.5' too far north (similar offset as NGC 5063).

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NGC 5063 = ESO 382-036 = MCG -06-29-027 = LGG 340-004 = PGC 46357

13 18 25.6 -35 21 09; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 145”

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1' diameter.  Unusual appearance with a faint star at the north edge of the halo, a slightly brighter star at the west edge of the halo and third fainter star superimposed closer to the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5062 located 6.4' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5063 = h3481, along with NGC 5062, on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; R; near one or two stars."  His position is 1.5' too far north.

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NGC 5064 = ESO 220-002 = PGC 46409

13 19 00.0 -47 54 33; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 38”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE (with averted), ~1.4'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, high surface brightness core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  The extensions (spiral arms) were much fainter.  A mag 9.4 star lies 6' SW.  Located 1.4” WSW of Omega Centauri!  Brightest member of a group

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5064 = h3483 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "pB; S; R; pslbM; 25"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5065 = UGC 8356 = MCG +05-31-170 = CGCG 160-181 = PGC 46293

13 17 30.6 +31 05 30; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.9'x0.7', pretty smooth surface brightness.  A mag 14.5-15 star is at the north edge, 26" from the center.  Follows a wide pair of mag 10/12 stars (SAO 63455) by 5'.  Located 19' NE of NGC 5056 in a group.  Forms a pair with CGCG 160-180 2.8' SW.  The companion was extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5065 = H III-308 = h1573 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vF, S."  JH made a single observation and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5066 = NGC 5069 = MCG -02-34-020 = PGC 46360

13 18 28.4 -10 14 01; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, irregularly round, low even surface brightness, 0.6'x0.5'.  A thin triangle of mag 11 stars is SW (vertex star is 6' SW).  Located 2” NW of Spica.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5066 = m 251 on 30 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS."  His position matches MCG -02-34-020 = PGC 46360.  Ormond Stone independently discovered the galaxy in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and reported it in list I-197 (later NGC 5069).  His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is 18 sec of RA following this galaxy and essentially matches. So, NGC 5066 = NGC 5069, with discovery priority to Marth.

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NGC 5067

13 18 28.1 -10 08 39; Vir

 

= **, Carlson.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5067 = m 252, along with NGC 5066, on 30 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS."  Less than 30" south of his position is a 12" pair of mag 15 stars.  Based on a Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth described NGC 5067 as a "double star 15.5 and 16 conn 45”; neb?, very doubtful; *14 n 1.1'."  Dorothy Carlson follows Reinmuth and also classifies NGC 5067 as a double star.

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NGC 5068 = ESO 576-029 = MCG -03-34-046 = UGCA 345 = PGC 46400

13 18 54.6 -21 02 20; Vir

V = 10.0;  Size 7.2'x6.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 110”

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly large, diffuse, no definite edges, almost round.  NGC 5087 lies 32' NE.  Member of the M83/Cen A group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5068 = H II-312 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and recorded "F, L, iR, brightest in the middle, but very gradually."

 

Julius Schmidt rediscovered it on 21 Jan 1865, published an offset from a nearby 9th mag star, but thought he had found comet Bruhns (AN 64, 63).  The next year (AN 64, 271), he retracted the observation and stated it was probably another comet or nebula.  Johann Palisa measured an accurate position on 20 Mar 1884, though referred to it as Schmidt's nebula from 1865, without reference to Herschel's original discovery.

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NGC 5069 = NGC 5066 = MCG -02-34-020 = PGC 46360

13 18 28.4 -10 14 01; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5066.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 5069 = LM 1-197 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Stone's rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 17 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 5066, discovered two years earlier by Albert Marth on 30 May 1864. In the NGC description, Dreyer questions if NGC 5066 = NGC 5069 as the positions are fairly similar, and Harold Corwin equates the numbers.

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NGC 5070 = NGC 5072 = MCG -02-34-022 = PGC 46437

13 19 12.4 -12 32 21; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5072.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 5070 = Sw. III-67 on 3 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF, eS, vf * v close, looks like a D* at first; another nr; 6 in field., H.III.117 [NGC 5076], II.193 [NGC 5077], III.118 [NGC 5079], R nova [NGC 5088] and GC 5730 [NGC 5072]."  Swift's position for NGC 5070 is 19 tsec of RA preceding and 2' south of NGC 5072 and falls in an empty section of sky.

 

The only galaxy nearby that matches this description is NGC 5072, which has a 14th magnitude star superimposed on the south end, giving the initial impression of a faint double star. So, based on Swift's description, NGC 5070 = NGC 5072.  Heinrich d'Arrest discovered this galaxy on 26 Apr 1867 and placed it accurately.

 

The RNGC misidentifies MCG -02-34-023 as NGC 5070.  This faint edge-on is located 3' NNE of NGC 5072.  The RNGC misidentification is listed in my RNGC Corrections #3, although misstated that the RNGC reversed the identifications of NGC 5070 and NGC 5072.

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NGC 5071 = CGCG 044-062 = PGC 46375

13 18 37.2 +07 56 08; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 144”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 3.5' W of mag 9.8 SAO 119870, which detracts from viewing.  NGC 5075 lies 9.5' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5071 = m 253 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, stell." His position is just off the north edge of CGCG 044-062 = PGC 46375.

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NGC 5072 = NGC 5070 = MCG -02-34-022 = PGC 46432

13 19 12.4 -12 32 21; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is in contact at the south-southwest end.  Forms a pair with (R)NGC 5070 = MCG -02-34-023 3.6' NNE in the NGC 5077 group.

 

MCG -02-34-023 appeared extremely faint, very small, oval ~N-S.  A mag 14.5 is just off the east edge 40" from the center. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5070 in the RNGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5072 on 26 Apr 1867 (his last deep sky discovery), while observing the NGC 5077 group.  His single position matches PGC 46432.  NGC 5070, found by Lewis Swift on 3 Jun 1886, is a duplicate entry.  See that number.  Herbert Howe, observing in moonlight in 1899-00, noted "it looked almost like a double star of mag 12-13, angle 30” and distance 15"."

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NGC 5073 = MCG -02-34-025 = UGCA 346 = FGC 1594 = PGC 46441

13 19 20.9 -14 50 41; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 3.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 151”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): nice edge-on 7:1 NW-SE, slightly brighter core, very thin extensions, 2.4'x0.3'.  Three MCG galaxies follow (MCG -2-34-028/032/033) by 5'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5073 = H III-282 = h1574 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "vF, mE, very narrow from np to sf." JH made a single observation and noted "vF; pL; E."

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NGC 5074 = MCG +05-31-172 = CGCG 160-183 = CGCG 161-001 = WAS 67 = PGC 46354

13 18 25.7 +31 28 08; CVn

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Fairly low even surface brightness.  Located 10' S of mag 8.0 SAO 63458.  Possible outlying member of AGC 1656.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5074 = H III-309 = h1575 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "eF, vS."  JH made a single observation and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5075 = CGCG 044-065 = PGC 46424

13 19 06.3 +07 49 52; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Located 1.4' SW of a mag 13.5 star. Slightly fainter NGC 5071 is in the field 9.5' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5075 = m 254 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, eS, stell."  His position is less than 1' north of CGCG 044-065 = PGC 46424.

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NGC 5076 = MCG -02-34-026 = Holm 514c = PGC 46453

13 19 30.4 -12 44 27; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): first of three in a group with NGC 5079 3.1' NE and NGC 5077 5' N.  Moderately bright, small, irregularly round, even concentration down to a bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5076 = H III-117 = h1576 = h3489, along with NGC 5077 and NGC 5079, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211) and recorded "three nebulae; the most north [NGC 5077] pB, vS, bM.  The next [NGC 5079] eF, vS.  The most south [NGC 5076] excessively faint, 240 verified it.  The 3 nebulae form an obtuse triangle, the base of which direction from about 30” south-preceding to 30” north-following and vertex follows the base."  His position matches NGC 5077.  From Slough, JH logged "vF; S; R: 15"; the sp of 3."  His position is less than 1' north of MCG -02-34-026 = PGC 46453.  d'Arrest also observed the trio on two nights and measured accurate positions.

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NGC 5077 = MCG -02-34-027 = UGCA 347 = Holm 514b = PGC 46456

13 19 31.6 -12 39 24; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): second of three and brightest in a group with NGC 5079 3.0' SSE and NGC 5076 5.0' S.  Fairly bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' SE and an extremely faint mag 15 "star" is at the southeast end.  The mag 15 "star" mentioned above is actually a very faint companion in contact.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5077 = H II-193 = h1577 = h3490, along with NGC 5076 and NGC 5079, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211).  See his description under NGC 5076.  From Slough, JH recorded "B; R; sbM; 30"; the northern and second of 3."  d'Arrest made two observations and measured a very accurate position with respect to the mag 7.3 star 33 sec of time preceding.

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NGC 5078 = ESO 508-048 = AM 1317-270 = MCG -04-32-001 = PGC 46490

13 19 50.9 -27 24 28; Hya

V = 11.0;  Size 4.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 148”

 

24" (5/25/14): at 282x, appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', sharp concentration with a bright, thin elongated core that looks like a bar. Although the equatorial dust lane immediately southwest of the bar was not noticed at a low elevation, the galaxy was brighter and more extensive on the following side of the bar.  Forms a pair with IC 879 2.5' SW.  Mag 7.8 HD 115890 lies 9' E.  Also nearby are IC 874 17' SW and NGC 5101 25' E.  The Arp-Madore atlas describes NGC 5078 as an "edge-on Sa with interacting companion [IC 879] + dust."

 

IC 879 appeared fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 50"x25", slightly brighter 20" core, fairly low surface brightness.

 

13.1" (3/17/86): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.  This pretty system is located 10' W of mag 7.7 SAO 181564.  NGC 5101 lies 27' E.  Forms a close pair with IC 879 2.5' WSW (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5078 = H II-566 = h3484 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 550) and recorded "F, pS, E."  His position is accurate.  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH logged "pB, S, pmE, psbM; has a star 7-8th mag following."  Both Herschels missed nearby IC 879.

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NGC 5079 = MCG -02-34-030 = Holm 514a = PGC 46473

13 19 38.0 -12 41 54; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): third of three in a group with NGC 5077 3' NNW.  Fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5079 = H III-118 = h1578 = h3491, along with NGC 5076 and NGC 5077, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211).  His description is given under NGC 5076.  JH made the single observation "vF; pL; lE; 40"; the following of 3." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5080 = MCG +02-34-007 = CGCG 072-046 = PGC 46440

13 19 19.2 +08 25 45; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8'

 

18" (5/15/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, moderate concentration to a 15" brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 10' WSW of mag 7.1 HD 115885.  A mag 14 star lies 1.7' NW.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5080 on 27 Apr 1881 at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "F, S.  In field with Lalande 24735.  The next night he added "south preceding Lalande 24735 (7th mag) by 38 sec [of time]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5081 = UGC 8366 = MCG +05-31-174 = CGCG 160-192 = CGCG 161-010 = PGC 46427

13 19 08.2 +28 30 25; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 2.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 103”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.6'x0.6', weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 30" N of center.  Located 4' SSE of mag 7.2 SAO 82777, which detracts from viewing.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5081 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) matches UGC 8366 and he noted Lalande 24724 [HD 115782] precedes by 5 sec and 203" north.

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NGC 5082 = ESO 269-089 = MCG -07-27-053 = LGG 348-001 = PGC 46566

13 20 40.0 -43 42 00; Cen

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 23”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', broad weak concentration.  A nice double star (11.1/11.7) lies 2.8' NNE and the striking pair of galaxies NGC 5090/5091 is 6' E!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5082 = h3485 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R."  On a second observation (sweep 788), he added a size estimate of 20" and noted it was 1st in a group of 4.

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NGC 5083 = UGC 8367 = MCG +07-27-059 = CGCG 217-028 = PGC 46413

13 19 03.0 +39 35 21; CVn

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Low surface brightness with little or no concentration.  Collinear with a mag 10 star 4.5' NNE and mag 9.3 SAO 63470 8' NE (nearly equally spaced).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5083 = Sw. I-23 on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "pF; R; pL; DM +2644/5 point to it."  His position is just 7 sec of RA west of UGC 8367 and the description matches.  Bigourdan was unable to find this galaxy.

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NGC 5084 = ESO 576-033 = MCG -04-32-004 = LGG 345-001 = PGC 46525

13 20 16.6 -21 49 39; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 9.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly bright, very elongated 4:1 E-W, fairly large, small bright nucleus with thin faint extensions.  Brightest in a group (LGG 345) that includes NGC 5087 and NGC 5134.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5084 = H II-313 = h1579 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and recorded "pB, lE in the parallel, the greatest brightness is towards the following side, which is also the thickest; the preceding part being more like a ray proceeding from it."  JH made a single observation, logging "B; R: psbM; 35"."

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NGC 5085 = ESO 508-050 = MCG -04-32-005 = UGCA 349 = PGC 46531

13 20 17.9 -24 26 18; Hya

V = 11.3;  Size 3.4'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 38”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): large, diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated.  Located 4.2' N of mag 8.5 SAO 181562 and 10.8' WNW of mag 7.1 SAO 181577.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large, very diffuse, very little or no concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5085 = H II-780 on 26 Mar 1789 (sweep 918) and recorded "F, L, vglbM, about 4' dia."  His position is 2' north of ESO 508-050 = PGC 46531, the only nearby large galaxy.  JH did not observe this galaxy.

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NGC 5086

13 20 59 -43 44 00; Cen

 

= **, Corwin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5086 = h3486 on 7 Apr 1837 within a group including NGC 5082, NGC 5090 and NGC 5091.  He described NGC 5086 as "eF, R, 15", the 2nd of a group of 4" and placed it 10 sec of RA west and 50" south of NGC 5090, the brightest in the group.  There is no galaxy at this offset, though very close to his position is a pair of mag 14-15 stars at 17" separation that Harold Corwin identifies as NGC 5086.

 

The RNGC misidentifies ESO 270-003 as NGC 5086.  This galaxy is located 3.4' due south of NGC 5090.  This error was noted in my RNGC Corrections #5.   ESO likely misidentifies ESO 270-001 as NGC 5086.  This galaxy is 12 sec of time west of NGC 5090 and 2' south.

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NGC 5087 = ESO 576-035 = MCG -03-34-050 = UGCA 350 = LGG 344-002 = PGC 46541

13 20 24.9 -20 36 40; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, prominent bright core, stellar nucleus.  Five fairly bright mag 9.5-11 stars are at the west edge of the 220x field including a pair 9' due west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5087 = H III-724 on 8 Apr 1788 (sweep 826) and noted "cF, vS, iF."  CH's reduced position is 5 sec of RA east of ESO 576-035 = PGC 46541.

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NGC 5088 = MCG -02-34-034 = Holm 515a = PGC 46535 = LEDA 950842

13 20 20.1 -12 34 18; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 178”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, broad concentration.  In a group with NGC 5077 13' WNW.  Located 8' SE of mag 9.3 SAO 157863.

 

R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 5088 on 18 Apr 1855.  After reporting observations of NGC 5076, 5079 and 5077, another was found "12' nf (Pos 25” +/- from the north one [NGC 5077], pB, S, lE ns, pgmbM."

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found this galaxy on 26 Apr 1867, questioned if it might be LdR's nebula, and measured an accurate position.  Truman Safford found it again on 20 May 1868 (he also questioned if his object was GC 3489 [NGC 5088]) with the 18-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.

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NGC 5089 = UGC 8371 = MCG +05-31-175 = CGCG 160-194 = CGCG 161-012 = WAS 68 = PGC 46477

13 19 39.3 +30 15 23; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5'.  A mag 15 star is at the SW edge (16" from center).  Another faint star is off the NE side ~1' from the galaxy.  UGC 8377 lies 9' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5089 = H II-327 = h1580 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "F, pS."  JH made two observations and logged (sweep 65) "pB; pL; gbM." His position on this sweep is within 30" of UGC 8371.

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NGC 5090 = ESO 270-002 = MCG -07-27-054 = LGG 339-008 = PGC 46618

13 21 13.4 -43 42 20; Cen

V = 11.6;  Size 2.9'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.6'x1.3', broad concentration.  Forms a close, interesting pair with NGC 5091 1.4' SE of center.  NGC 5082 lies 6' W. Located 1” SW of Centaurus A and 4.8' SW of mag 4.8 HD 115988.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  Located 4.8' SSW of mag 6.7 SAO 224083.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.  Located south of a mag 7 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5090 = h3487 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "B; pL; R; 60"."  His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.  Brightest in a group east of the Centaurus cluster.

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NGC 5091 = ESO 270-004 = MCG -07-27-055 = PGC 46626

13 21 18.6 -43 43 19; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, ~1' in length and up to 1.4'x0.3' with averted vision.  The major axis is collinear with the center of NGC 5090 just 1.4' NW!  NGC 5082 lies 7' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5091 = h3488 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; lE; The last of group; attached to the preceding one [NGC 5090]."

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NGC 5092 = UGC 8376 = MCG +04-31-023 = CGCG 130-030 = CGCG 131-001 = PGC 46493

13 19 51.5 +23 00 00; Com

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 14.5-15 star lies 50" SSE of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5092 on 12 Apr 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (measured twice) is just off the southeast side of UGC 8376. He noted the mag 14.5-15 star just off the southern edge, though called it mag 17.

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NGC 5093 = UGC 8373 = MCG +07-27-060 = CGCG 217-029 = PGC 46472

13 19 37.8 +40 23 10; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 143”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.6' diameter.  Appears to have a large, prominent core with a very faint extensions increasing size to 0.9'x0.6'.  Located 16' NNW of mag 5.6 23 CVn and 26' ESE of mag 4.7 20 CVn.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5093 = H III-633 = h1583 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717) and noted "vF, S, lbM."  CH's reduced position is 1.5' south of UGC 8373.  JH logged "vF; R; bM; 12"."

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NGC 5094 = MCG -02-34-037 = PGC 46580

13 20 46.8 -14 04 50; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

18" (5/15/04): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20".  Forms a close pair with MCG -02-34-036 1.4' SW.  The companion appeared faint, very small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 20"x12". A mag 14 star lies 1.2' SE with a mag 15.5 companion close southwest.  A third mag 15 star lies 1' E of the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5094 = H III-539 = h1581 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, vS."  His position (CH's reduction) is within 1' of MCG -02-34-037 = PGC 46580.

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NGC 5095 = UGC 8381 = MCG +00-34-029 = CGCG 016-054 = PGC 46561

13 20 36.7 -02 17 22; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 126”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star is just off the SW edge 1.8' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5095 = h1582 on 15 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF; R; gbM.  It is 40” nf a * 11m."  His position is 1' too far south and the mag 11 star is placed correctly.

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NGC 5096 = MCG +06-29-076 = CGCG 189-051 = VV 633 = PGC 46506

13 20 08.5 +33 05 19; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.8'

 

17.5" (5/23/98): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Situated between a mag 10 star 3.1' SSW and a mag 11 star 2.4' NE.  In a group with double system NGC 5098 3.5' NNE.  An extremely faint companion 1' following was glimpsed several times.  NGC 5096, itself, is a very close triple system that was not resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5096 = H III-650 = h1584 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and logged "eF, vS."  CH's reduction is 22 sec of RA west and 1.4' north of   CGCG 189-051 = PGC 46506.  Nearby is NGC 5098 to the north, though WH's position is a bit further off from this galaxy (pair).  JH made two observations, first calling h1584 (sweep 74) "F; S; R; bM; the sp of 2 [with NGC 5098].  NGC 5096 is a triple, connected system with fainter components attached on the northwest and northeast side.

 

The MCG misidentifies the western component of the double system NGC 5098 as NGC 5096.

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NGC 5097 = PGC 46602

13 20 59.7 -12 28 17; Vir

Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Located within the NGC 5077 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5097 = Sw. III-68 on 3 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; eS; R; stellar; nearly bet. 2 stars."  His position is 4 sec of RA east and 2.5' south of PGC 46602.

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NGC 5098 = MCG +06-29-078 = CGCG 189-052 = PGC 46529 = PGC 46515

13 20 17.7 +33 08 41; CVn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/23/98): Both components of this close double system (separated by 38") appeared very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 11 star lies 2.0' S.  In a group with NGC 5096 3.5' SSW and MCG +06-29-079 9' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5098 = h1585 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "F; S; between 2 stars; the nf of 2 [with NGC 5096]."  Although the two components of this double system are fairly equal in brightness, JH only reported a single object and his position is just south of the midpoint.  Harold Corwin notes the comment "between 2 stars" fits the western component better, though they are close enough that either may have been his object.

 

MCG misidentifies the western component (PGC 46515) as NGC 5096.  See Harold Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 5099 = PGC 46627

13 21 19.5 -13 02 32; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/21/01): extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 12' NW of NGC 5105 and symmetrically placed on opposite side of a 1' pair of mag 13 stars.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5099 = Sw. III-69 on 3 Jun 1886 and logged "eF; eS; R."  His position is 2.7' south of PGC 46627, a very similar error as NGC 5097 = Sw. III-68, observed the same night.

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NGC 5100 = NGC 5106? = UGC 8389 = MCG +02-34-009 = CGCG 072-050 = PGC 46599

13 20 59.6 +08 58 42; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9'

 

18" (5/15/04): faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20", slightly brighter core.  Located 6' NE of mag 9 SAO 119888.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.8' NE of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5100 = m 255 on 22 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS, lbM." His position matches UGC 8389.  William Herschel probably first discovered this galaxy on 23 Jan 1784 and recorded it as H II-22 (later NGC 5106), but his position was poor.  See NGC 5106 for the details.

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NGC 5101 = ESO 508-058 = MCG -04-32-008 = UGCA 351 = PGC 46661

13 21 46.1 -27 25 47; Hya

V = 10.6;  Size 5.4'x4.6';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

13.1" (3/17/86): moderately bright, elongated WNW-ESE, gradually increases to a small bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.6' W of center.  NGC 5078 lies 27' W. 

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 12 star is close W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5101 = H II-567 = h3493 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 550) and recorded "pB, pL, gbM; iF."  His position is 46 tsec preceding ESO 508-058.  JH made two observations from the CGH and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5102 = ESO 382-050 = MCG -06-29-031 = PGC 46674

13 21 56.6 -36 37 53; Cen

V = 9.6;  Size 8.7'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 48”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus.  The extensions are much fainter and require averted vision to see their full extent.  Located 17' ENE of Iota Centauri and 6.1' SE of mag 8.3 HD 116049.  NGC 5102 is a luminous starburst S0 galaxy and a member of the Centaurus A group.

 

13.1" (3/17/86): fairly bright, small, very small bright core, elongated SW-NE.  Located 17' ENE of Iota Centauri (V = 2.8) and 6.1' SE of mag 8 SAO 204385.

 

8": fairly faint, fairly large, elongated.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5102 = h3492 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "vB; R; svmbM; 50"."

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NGC 5103 = UGC 8388 = MCG +07-27-062 = CGCG 217-031 = CGCG 218-001 = LGG 346-002 = PGC 46552

13 20 30.1 +43 05 02; CVn

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 143”

 

18" (5/30/03): this is a pretty, fairly small spindle-shaped lenticular, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.3'.  Located 1.8' S of mag 8.2 SAO 44572.  A distinctive string of mag 11/12/13 star is to the NE of the bright star.  NGC 5123 lies 29' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5103 = H II-665 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, S, E, 300x showed it like a star with pretty strong burs."  His position is 8 sec of RA too far west.  Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 5104 = UGC 8391 = MCG +00-34-031 = CGCG 016-057 = PGC 46633

13 21 23.1 +00 20 32; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 170”

 

18" (5/29/05): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.3'. Contains a very small, brighter core.  This is a an edge-on starburst galaxy.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5104 = m 256 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, lE."  His position is within 1' of UGC 8391.

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NGC 5105 = MCG -02-34-039 = PGC 46664

13 21 49.0 -13 12 24; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): very faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, weak concentration.  In a group with NGC 5099 12' NW and NGC 5111 22' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5105 = Sw. III-70, along with NGC 5099, on 3 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; lE; double star [ADS 12506] in field."  His position is just 1' south of PGC 46664.

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NGC 5106 = NGC 5100? = UGC 8389 = MCG +02-34-009 = CGCG 072-050 = PGC 46599

13 20 59.6 +08 58 42; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5100.  The equivalence with NGC 5100 is uncertain and Reinmuth and Carlson identify NGC 5106 with a star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5106 = H II-22 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 108) and recorded a "a vS and F neb, sp 59 Vir.  Its A.R. is about 13h 06 1/4m [No polar distance recorded].  While I looked into the finder to determine its situation I lost it, but shall endeavor to find it another night."  Dreyer noted in "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" there is no nebula in WH's place and this number probably refers to NGC 5100 (found by Marth), which is 35 sec preceding and 30' north of the assumed place of II-22."  In his NGC correction list, Dreyer repeats "II.22 must be = 5100."   Harold Corwin notes there are inconsistencies with this identification, so the identity NGC 5106 = NGC 5100 is "provisional".  See his notes for more.

 

Karl Reinmuth probably looked for NGC 5106 at the NGC position and reported "=*14.0; 13 14.3 +09 15 (1860) neb susp."  This was repeated by Dorothy Carlson and by the RNGC.

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NGC 5107 = UGC 8396 = MCG +07-28-001 = CGCG 218-003 = CGCG 218-003 = Mrk 1346 = LGG 334-011 = PGC 46636

13 21 24.9 +38 32 17; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, edge-on streak NW-SE, weak concentration.  A faint star is off the NW edge.  Located 13' SSW of NGC 5112.  Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5107 = H III-619 = h1586 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and logged vF, S, E near the meridian."  His position matches UGC 8396.

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NGC 5108 = ESO 444-020 = MCG -05-32-005 = PGC 46774

13 23 18.8 -32 20 32; Cen

V = 14.0;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 2”

 

18" (6/4/05): marginal observation.  An extremely faint star was sometimes visible at the plotted position.  Once or twice this "star" (core of galaxy?) definitely appeared hazy and perhaps elongated.  Located 9' E of NGC 5114 and 3.4' WNW of a mag 10.9 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5108 = h3494 on 3 Jun 1836 NGC 5108 and noted "eeF.  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 5114]."  He noted the RA as approximate and his position is 16 sec of time too far west.

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NGC 5109 = NGC 5113? = UGC 8393 = MCG +10-19-061 = CGCG 294-032 = PGC 46589

13 20 52.7 +57 38 32; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 153”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 7:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.35', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core.

 

William Herschel found NGC 5109 = H II-826 = h1588 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and noted "F, S, E."  There is nothing at his position, but 70 sec of RA preceding is UGC 8393.  This galaxy was discovered by WH on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and catalogued as III-808 = NGC 5113.

 

Dreyer comments in his notes to WH's third catalogue, that "[III-808] is no doubt identical with II 826 [NGC 5109], both observed once only and in different sweeps.  Harold Corwin also concludes that NGC 5113 = NGC 5109.  But Malcolm Thomson argues that NGC 5113 = CGCG 294-034, a fainter edge-on 5' northeast of NGC 5109.

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NGC 5110 = NGC 5111: = MCG -02-34-041 = PGC 46737

13 22 56.5 -12 57 53; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

See observing notes for NGC 5111.  As far as RNGC 5111 = PGC 46719, it appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 1' NE.  Located 8' SW of NGC 5111 and a similar distance north of mag 7.8 SAO 157895.  The NGC identification is uncertain as Swift's position was poor and NGC 5110 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 5111.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 5110 = Sw. III-71 on 3 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF, pS, R, in line with 2 pB stars".  His position is 6 sec of RA west and 2.4' south of NGC 5111 (discovered by WH).  This galaxy is collinear with two mag 12 and 13.5 stars to the northwest, matching Swift's description.

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify  PGC 46719 as NGC 5110.  This galaxy is 13 sec of RA west and 3.5' south of Swift's position.  More importantly, it is not in line with "2 pB stars" as Swift noted.  But Malcolm Thomson feels this galaxy is still a reasonable match.

 

Harold Corwin equates NGC 5110 with NGC 5111 as this galaxy is in a line with two mag 12-13 stars to the northwest.  In this case, Swift's position is 12 tsec E and 4' too far south.  Based on the description, NGC 5111 is a better match, though I'm surprised Swift would call this galaxy "eF" as the V magnitude is 11.7.

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NGC 5111 = NGC 5110: = MCG -02-34-041 = PGC 46737

13 22 56.5 -12 57 53; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, round, 1.5' diameter, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Collinear with two mag 14 and 12 stars 1.2' W and 2.7' NW.  Forms a pair with PGC 46719 (possibly NGC 5110) 8' SW.  The NGC 5077 group lies ~50' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5111 = H III-119 = h1587 on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar; 240 verified it; it is in a row with 2 vF stars and south-following them."  John Herschel made two observations and his position on sweep 352 is a good match with MCG -02-34-041.  NGC 5110 = Sw. III-71, found by Lewis Swift on 3 Jun 1886, is probably a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 5112 = UGC 8403 = MCG +07-28-003 = CGCG 218-005 = LGG 334-012 = PGC 46671

13 21 56.6 +38 44 07; CVn

V = 12.1;  Size 4.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): this unusual galaxy appears moderately bright, generally elongated NW-SE but the brighter core is offset east of center.  A mag 12.5 star is at the southeast edge, 1.1' from the center.  Located 9.8' SSE of mag 7.2 SAO 63494.  NGC 5107 lies 13' SSW.  Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).

 

8" (5/21/82): diffuse, elongated NW-SE.  Located 10' S of a mag 7 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5112 = H II-646 = h1589 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "pB, L, iF; unequally bright, among scattered stars, 3 or 4' dia."

 

R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy in 1856 and 1857 (see LdR's 1861 publication) and noted "sf branch doubtful."  On 19 Apr 1857 he added "the bend in p end quite easily seen, the F neby towards the star sf is not nearly so certain."

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NGC 5113 = NGC 5109? = UGC 8393 = MCG +10-19-061 = CGCG 294-032 = PGC 46589

13 20 52.7 +57 38 32; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 5109.  PGC, CGCG and RNGC identify CGCG 294-034 as NGC 5113.  My notes for CGCG 294-034 are below.

 

18" (5/30/03): extremely faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.15.  A mag 14 star is south of the SW tip.  Requires averted to glimpse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5113 = H III-808 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "cF, S, E."  There is nothing at his position, but 30 sec of time preceding and 2' north is UGC 8393 and his comment "elongated" is appropriate.   He probably found this galaxy again on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and recorded II-826 as "F, S, E."  His position on sweep 947 was about 70 sec of RA following UGC 8393 and both JH and WH catalogued this galaxy a second time as II-826 = GC 3509 = NGC 5109.

 

Dreyer comments in his notes to WH's third catalogue that "[III-808] is no doubt identical with II 826 [NGC 5109], both observed once only and in different sweeps.  Harold Corwin also concludes that NGC 5113 = NGC 5109.

 

Malcolm Thomson has a long discussion of III-808 and II-826 in his Catalogue Corrections monograph and he concludes that H II-826 = NGC 5113 = CGCG 294-034, a fainter edge-on 5' northeast of NGC 5109.  CGCG and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) identify CGCG 294-034 as NGC 5113.

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NGC 5114 = ESO 444-024 = MCG -05-32-006 = LGG 353-001 = PGC 46828

13 24 01.7 -32 20 38; Cen

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 80”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, roughly 1.2'x0.9'.  Contains a relatively large brighter core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  The halo has a low surface brightness and the edge is difficult to determine as it fades into the background.  A mag 11 star lies 5.8' WSW and very difficult NGC 5108 is 9' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5114 = h3495 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; lE; psbM.  The following of 2 [with NGC 5108."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5115 = UGC 8408 = MCG +02-34-010 = CGCG 072-057 = PGC 46754

13 23 00.4 +13 57 02; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter with a low, even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star follows by 2.0' and a very close double star is 6' E.  Located 17' W of NGC 5129 in a group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5115 = Sw. VI-54 on 24 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; * nr f; more distant double star follows 25s; ee diff."  His RA is 10 sec too large but his description of the nearby stars confirms that NGC 5115 = UGC 8408.

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NGC 5116 = UGC 8410 = MCG +05-32-009 = CGCG 161-036 = PGC 46744

13 22 55.6 +26 58 51; Com

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 40”

 

18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.4'.  Broad concentration with a brighter core and fainter, tapering extensions.  A mag 12 star lies 2' NW.  Forms a pair with IC 4234 8' N at 215x in the 18' field (10.5 Pentax XL).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5116 = H III-368 = h1590 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and remarked "vF, mE, about 1.5' long, r.  I stopped to gage otherwise I might perhaps have overlooked it."  JH made two observations and noted "not vF; pmE; lbM; 30" l; pos 40” inclined to the parallel.

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NGC 5117 = UGC 8411 = MCG +05-32-010 = CGCG 161-037 = PGC 46746

13 22 56.5 +28 18 59; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 154”

 

18" (6/21/03): faint, moderately large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.4'.  Forms the southern vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a two mag 12.5 stars 3.0' NNE and 3.6' NW.  Very weak concentration but no noticeable core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5117 = h1592 on 30 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; L; makes an equilateral triangle with two stars 11m, np."  His position and description matches UGC 8411.

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NGC 5118 = IC 4236 = UGC 8413 = MCG +01-34-019 = CGCG 044-078 = PGC 46782

13 23 27.5 +06 23 33; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 100”

 

18" (5/29/05): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weakly concentrated with an irregular surface brightness.  UGC 8427 lies 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5118 = H III-925 = h1591 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "eF; S."  JH made two observations, logged "F; R; gbM; 20".", and measured an accurate position (sweep 152).  Lewis Swift probably found the galaxy again on 22 May 1897 and reported it in discovery list XI-156 (later IC 4236).  There is nothing at Swift's position, but exactly 10' north is NGC 5118.  So, likely IC 4236 is a duplicate of NGC 5118.  See Harold Corwin's notes for some discrepancies with Swift's published data in earlier lists.

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NGC 5119 = MCG -02-34-042 = PGC 46826

13 24 00.3 -12 16 35; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 19”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.2', fairly high surface brightness (possibly viewed core only).  Increases to a sharp stellar nucleus.  Located 70' SSW of Spica.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5119 = h3497 on 6 May 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R: or lE; definition bad; doubted at first if it really was a nebula, but remained satisfied."  His position is just off the south edge of PGC 46826.  In the Cape catalogue, JH equated this object with H III-115, but NGC 5146 = H III-115.

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NGC 5120 = ESO 096-11 = Ru 166 = OCL-899

13 25 41 -63 27 30; Cen

V = 10.8;  Size 3'

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up at 228x as a rich, compact swarm of faint stars to the south of two mag 9.5 stars.  About two dozen mag 13-14.5 stars are resolved in a 2.5' circular region over haze.  A single brighter mag 11 star is near the east end of this small group.  Located just 2.5' SE of mag 9.5 HD 116492 and 5' SW of mag 9.5 HD 116628.  NGC 5155, a very rich and large Milky Way field, is immediately northeast.

 

Listed as "no cl?" in RNGC although shows up quite nicely at the eyepiece.  See identification notes.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5120 = h3496 on 16 Jun 1835 NGC 5120 and recorded "Cl class VI; oval; 4' l by 3' br; stars 12...16; an extremely rich clustering patch in the milky way, which is here superb."  About 3' southwest of JH's position is a fairly rich group of stars. This cluster is identified as Ru 166 in Lynga #5 and the Sky Catalogue 2000, and RNGC says "no cl?".  But ESO labels this group NGC 5120.

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NGC 5121 = ESO 382-057 = MCG -06-29-035 = PGC 46896

13 24 45.5 -37 40 57; Cen

V = 11.5;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 36”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, brighter core.  Located 21' N of mag 7.4 SAO 204431.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5121 = h3498 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "B; R: psvmbM; 30"; r; probably a dim seen globular cluster."

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NGC 5122 = MCG -02-34-043 = PGC 46848

13 24 14.9 -10 39 15; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 115”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 610x; bright, moderately large, very elongated spindle WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.3', tapers at the tips.  Contains a very bright core and a sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is barely off the WNW tip.  An extension bulges out perpendicular to the major axis at the core towards the SSW.  This is the beginning of an edge-on polar ring, which extends out 1' from the center SSW and NNE, but only a small section to the SSW was noticed.

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.2'.  Contains a sharp, stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed.  Confusing the situation is a similar mag 14 star that is just off the WNW extension and in line with the major axis of the galaxy.  Located 35' NNW of Spica.  NGC 5130 lies 27' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5122 = Sw. VI-56 on 24 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; in finder field with Alpha Virginis."  His position is just off the northeast side of the galaxy.  NGC 5122 is a relatively nearby and well-known polar-ring galaxy.  The faint ring is very nearly perpendicular to the disc, and both are seen nearly edge-on.

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NGC 5123 = UGC 8415 = MCG +07-28-005 = CGCG 218-006 = PGC 46767

13 23 10.5 +43 05 10; CVn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Just a broad, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5123 = H II-666 = h1594 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, S, mbM, iR." JH made the single observation "F; R: gbM; 35"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5124 = IC 4233 = ESO 444-027 = MCG -05-32-009 = LGG 351-002 = AM 1322-300 = PGC 46902

13 24 50.4 -30 18 27; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 9”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.5', fades at the tips.  Fairly well concentrated with a small, brighter round core ~15" diameter and fainter extensions.  Three mag 8.5-10 stars to the SE with mag 8.4 HD 116623 6.4' SE. Forms a close pair with NGC 5126 1.6' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5124 = h3499 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "eF; S; lE."  His position (also measured the next night when he also noticed NGC 5126) is accurate.  Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 31 Dec 1897 and recorded Sw. XI-155 (later IC 4233) as "eeF; pS; R; trapezium near sf."  There is nothing at his position, but 50 sec of RA east is NGC 5124 and his description matches.  So, NGC 5124 = IC 4233.

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NGC 5125 = UGC 8421 = MCG +02-34-011 = CGCG 072-062 = PGC 46827

13 24 00.7 +09 42 37; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 50" diameter.  Even concentration to a bright core and very small nucleus.  At steady moments, the nucleus appears stellar.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5125 = h1593 on 18 Jan 1828 and logged "not vF; S; R; gbM."

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NGC 5126 = ESO 444-028 = MCG -05-32-010 = AM 1322-300 = PGC 46910

13 24 53.6 -30 20 01; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 57”

 

18" (6/4/05): extremely faint, small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3'.  Low surface brightness and requires averted to confirm.  Located 1.6' SSE of brighter NGC 5124.  A group of four brighter stars lie southeast including mag 8.4 HD 116623 4.9' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5126 = h3500 on 6 May 1834 and noted "vF; vS."  The previous night he discovered brighter NGC 5124.  This galaxy has two very faint, close companions making this group a quadruple.

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NGC 5127 = UGC 8419 = MCG +05-32-013 = CGCG 161-042 = LGG 350-003 = PGC 46809

13 23 45.1 +31 33 57; CVn

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish but slightly irregular outline, 1.0' diameter.  The bright core appears offset to the geometric center.  A neat group of four mag 13-14 stars lies 3'-4' NW.  Forms a pair with difficult CGCG 161-41 6' N.  NGC 5127 is the second-brightest galaxy in Zwicky cluster 1319.6+3135 and brightest in LGG 350.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5127 = H II-328 = h1596 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "pB, pS, nearly R, mbM."  His position is very poor.  JH made three observations and first logged "pB; R; gbM.  No other near."  His position on this sweep is excellent.

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NGC 5128 = Arp 153 = ESO 270-009 = MCG -07-28-001 = PGC 46957 = Centaurus A

13 25 27.6 -43 01 09; Cen

V = 6.8;  Size 25.7'x20.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 35”

 

48" (4/13/10): at 330x there was a fascinating amount of structure in the wide, equatorial dark lane that bisects the galaxy.  The dust lane varied in width with fine structure resolved along its ragged, crenated edge.  The interior of the dust lane also varied in brightness with a bright patch close to the center, just following a bright mag 12 star near the south edge of the lane.  This patch is elongated with some structure and may be the visible portion of the obscured core.  Clouds interrupted this brief observation.

 

48" (5/9/18): at 610x and 813x; using a DSS2 (Red) finder chart, I easily star hopped over to the globular cluster [VHH81] 7, the first one discovered in NGC 5128 in 1980, starting at the double star HJ 4587 = 9.4/9.5 at 5".  I didn't see the see the GC initially at 610x, but bumping the power up to 813x it was identified with certainty about 30" SE of three brighter mag 15-16 stars.  The globular (V = 17.2) seemed stellar and was glimpsed for brief moments several times at the same position.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I didn't take detailed notes with the 24", but the appearance was mesmerizing at 200x.  The equatorial dust lane was more full of contrast and exhibited finer texture and scalloped detail at the edges than I've observed previously in smaller scopes from Australia.

 

20" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 230x, Cen A nearly filled the 15' field.  The 15'x1' dark rift was fascinating with a scalloped, wavy edge and a thin streak was easily visible near the center within the rift.  This was easily the most detailed view I've ever had of Centaurus A.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 186x, Centaurus A appeared very bright with a large, prominent dust lane cutting a dark swath through the center from NW-SE.  The SW hemisphere is a bit larger and more prominent and contains a bright star.  There is a mag 12 star within the dust lane (west of center) with two very faint stars at both the NW and SW borders of the lane.  Some faint haze is superimposed near the center of the dark rift, following the star superimposed on the lane.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): bright, large, very large prominent dust lane oriented NW-SE.  The SW hemisphere is larger and brighter.  A star is superimposed at the south edge of the dust lane (west of center) and a bright star is superimposed on the SW hemisphere (south of center).

 

13" (4/24/82): wide dust lane bisects galaxy with the southwest hemisphere dominating in terms of size and brightness.  A very faint star is at the southwest edge of the dust lane.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5128 = D 482 = Centaurus A = h3501 on 29 Apr 1826 using his 9-inch f/12 homemade speculum reflector from Parramatta (near Sydney). It was discovered on the second night he started recording deep sky objects -- NGC 4945 was discovered just 20 minutes earlier!  He reported "A very singular double nebula, about 2.5' long and 1' broad, a little unequal: there is a pretty bright small star in the south extremity of the southernmost of the two, resembling a bright nucleus: the northern and rather smaller nebula is faint in the middle, and has the appearance of a condensation of the nebulous matter near each extremity.  These two nebulae are completely distinct from each other, and no connection of the nebulous matters between them.  There is a very minute star in the dark space between the preceding extremities of the nebula; they are extended in the parallel of the equator nearly."  His sketch (Figure 20) shows two parallel bands with a star between at one end.

 

John Herschel made several observations: on 1 Jun 1834 he logged "A most wonderful object; a nebula vB; vL; lE; vgmbM; of an elliptic figure, cut away in the middle by a perfectly definite straight cut 40" broad; pos = 120.3 ; dimensions of the nebula 5' by 4'. The internal edges have a gleaming light like the moonlight touching the outline in a transparency." On his next sweep he describing "[Two nebulae, or two portions of one separated by a division or cut.] The cut is broad and sharp. The two nebulae are very nearly alike. Perhaps the slit is larger towards the N.p. end, where there is a star between them. There is certainly a very feeble trace of nebula, an island as it were, running from this star between the sides of the slit."  He included a small sketch in a letter written a few days later to his Aunt Caroline (see plate IV, figure 2).

 

Pietro Baracchi made a detailed observation on 9 Apr 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He wrote in part "...two very elongated streaks running near one another with their inner edges parallel leaving a channel between them quite dark, about 9' long 50" broad.  A very very narrow streak like or string seems to emanate rom a star with the channel towards it n.p. end and run along its axis for about 3'.  This narrow streak is very faint.  The channel seems to open into a slightly wider spine bounded by much fainter nebulosity into a form a little elongated, irregularly approaching an elliptical shape.  But this n.p. end of the channel is not quite closed.  It leaves a perfect dark opening in the open n.p. of the object..."

 

In 1918 Heber Curtis mentioned Cen A as "almost certainly belong to the class of edgewise spirals with dark lane" based on descriptions or sketches, though in 1933 simply classified it as "diffuse.  Edwin Hubble, in his 1922 paper "A general study of diffuse galactic nebulae", thought it might be an emission nebula and included it in a table of "Diffuse Nebulae with Emission Spectra", along with M42, the Veil, M8, M16, M17, etc.  The Helwan Observatory description from 1921, based on a 30-inch photo from Knox-Shaw, also states "large patch of structureless and possibly gaseous nebulosity.", though no spectrum was taken. The Shapley-Ames catalogue (1932) classified it as an external nebula and in 1947 Harlow Shapley called it as an irregular galaxy.

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NGC 5129 = UGC 8423 = MCG +02-34-012 = CGCG 072-065 = PGC 46836

13 24 10.0 +13 58 35; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.8'.  Well-defined core with a stellar nucleus at 280x.  Precedes a coarse pair of mag 10.5 star oriented N-S (closer star is 1.8' E).  Brightest in a group with NGC 5132 7' NE, NGC 5136 18' SE, NGC 5115 17' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5129 = H II-653 = h1595 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "pB, vS, mbM, just preceding a pretty considerable star.  JH made three observations and noted "a (coarse) double star follows 7.5 secs."

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NGC 5130 = MCG -02-34-044 = PGC 46866

13 24 27.3 -10 12 36; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 40”

 

18" (5/29/05): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.3'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, bright core and a very low surface brightness halo.  A wide 44" pair of mag 13/14 stars lie 2' SSW.  Located 1 degree NNW of Spica and 27' N of NGC 5122.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5130 = LM 1-198 in 1886 and noted "mag 14.0, 0.2' dia, gbM."  His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is 20 sec east of MCG -02-34-044 = PGC 46866.

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NGC 5131 = UGC 8422 = MCG +05-32-014 = CGCG 161-043 = PGC 46819

13 23 57.1 +30 59 19; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 2.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 81”

 

18" (6/21/03): unusual appearance as initially only noticed a very small, bright core ~15" diameter with a stellar nucleus.  But extending ~E-W are very dim, thin extensions increasing the size to 45"x15".  Forms a pair with IC 4239 6.3' ESE.  Extremely faint IC 4238 3.3' S was not seen.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5131 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single measurement is very accurate and he noted a nearby mag 13 star, which he placed 9.7 sec of time preceding and 1 3/4' north.

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NGC 5132 = UGC 8428 = MCG +02-34-014 = CGCG 072-068 = PGC 46868

13 24 28.9 +14 05 34; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', very weak even concentration but no visible core.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 2.2' E and 2.5' NNE.  NGC 5137 lies 5.8' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5132 on 8 Apr 1866.  His single position is just off the north side of UGC 8428 = PGC 46868.

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NGC 5133 = MCG -01-34-015 = PGC 46909

13 24 52.9 -04 04 55; Vir

V = 11.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (much smaller than listed dimensions).  Nearly even surface brightness except for a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 15' NNE mag 7.1 SAO 139322.  HCG 64 lies 19' NE.  PGC magnitude (12.6) appears too bright.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5133 = St XI-19 on 23 Apr 1881.  His position matches MCG -01-34-015 = PGC 46909.

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NGC 5134 = ESO 576-052 = MCG -03-34-073 = LGG 345-003 = LGG 344:003 = PGC 46938

13 25 18.5 -21 08 04; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly large oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.3'.  Contains a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus with direct vision.  The halo has a mottled texture with some stellaring similar to the surface of an unresolved globular.  Brightest in a group (LGG 345) with IC 4237 11' W at the edge of the 220x field.  ESO 576-055 is situated 13' ENE and ESO 576-60 21' ENE.  The IC galaxy appeared as a faint but moderately large glow, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, no central concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5134 = H II-314 = h1597 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and logged "F, S, bM, irr.  Time uncertain to 5 or 6 sec."  JH made a single observation, noting "F; pL; lE; vgbM." and measuring an accurate position.

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NGC 5135 = ESO 444-032 = MCG -05-32-013 = PGC 46974

13 25 44.5 -29 49 59; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 2.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, fairly bright stellar nucleus.  The NGC 5150/NGC 5153 pair lies 30' NE.  This is a Seyfert 2 galaxy with an active starburst nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5135 = h3502 on 8 May 1834 and logged "pB; S; E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5136 = IC 888: = MCG +02-34-015 = CGCG 072-070 = PGC 46905

13 24 51.4 +13 44 16; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8'

 

17.5" (5/23/98): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration.  Located 18' SE of NGC 5129 in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5136 = H III-84 = h1598 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "eF, vS, stellar.  240 confirmed it."  His position is less than 1' north of CGCG 072-070.

 

Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy on 3 May 1889 and recorded it in his 8th list, #74.  There is nothing at Swift's position but 1.0 min of RA west is NGC 5136.  Dreyer, of course, assumed it was a new object but Harold Corwin suggests IC 888 = NGC 5136.

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NGC 5137 = CGCG 072-071 = PGC 46907

13 24 52.5 +14 04 38; Vir

V = 15.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 120”

 

18" (6/12/10): at 300x, required extended viewing to repeatedly glimpse a 15", very low surface brightness glow.  Visible ~20% of the time.  Located 5.8' ESE of NGC 5132 and 12' NE of NGC 5129.

 

17.5" (5/23/98): not found, though there was heavy dew affecting the observation.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5137 = Sw. VI-57 on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; pL; ee diff; [NGC 5132] preceding; [NGC 5129] south-preceding."  His position is 17 sec of RA east of CGCG 072-071 and the description fits.

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NGC 5138 = ESO 132-007 = Cr 270

13 27 15 -59 02 30; Cen

V = 7.6;  Size 8'

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, roughly 100 stars are visible in a 12' region, though the group is not detached well enough at this power to recognize as a cluster.  At 76x (27 Panoptic), barely stands out as a distinct group as it resides in a very rich star field. Includes over two dozen mag stars roughly 11th magnitude. Two mag 8.5/9.5 stars (HD 116721 and 116689) to the NW by 6' and 9' are collinear with the center of the cluster.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5138 = D 312 = h3503 on 26 May 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 reflector at Parramatta.  He recorded "a pretty large faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular branched figure, resolvable, with considerably compression of the stars towards the central point. This precedes a star of the 7th mag, and a group of small stars follows, about 10' north of the nebula."  His catalogued position was 14' too far south but Glen Cozens found a transcription error of 20' from his handwritten position, with his original position 6' too far north.

 

John Herschel tentatively identified his h3503 as Dunlop 312.  He observed the cluster twice; on 3 May 1835 he recorded "General middle of cluster VIII. class. pB; L; irr; scattered, 30 or 40 stars 11..12 mag and many smaller; pretty well insulated, though on a ground rich in very small stars." On a second sweep he logged "Cluster VII class; rather a fine cluster; rich, but loose and straggling. Fills field. Stars 11 and 12th mag."

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NGC 5139 = ESO 270-011 = Omega Centauri

13 26 45.8 -47 28 36; Cen

V = 3.7;  Size 36.3';  Surf Br = 0.4

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x in excellent seeing, the view was absolutely stunning as the field was packed with thousands of pinpoint stars to the edge of the 30' field!  I noted the circular ring of stars near the center mentioned previously, but the large number of brighter, densely packed stars in the core and halo, superimposed on an incredibly rich mat of fainter stars was the real show.  The cluster is only broadly concentrated with very large, brighter core ~10' in diameter and the star density thins out very slowly all the way to 35' diameter.

 

20" (7/08/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 208x with a 24' field, the cluster overfilled the field with edge to edge stars mag 11.5 and fainter and was a breathtaking sight.  Broadly concentrated with large, brighter core of at least 10' in diameter.  The core is extremely densely packed with layers of stars.  The elongated halo gradually thins but has no definite border out to 30'!  This is the largest and brightest globular in the sky (V = 3.7) and an obvious naked-eye blur, but lacks the strong central condensation of NGC 104 = 47 Tucana.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): although I've mentioned this feature on previous observations I was surprised to be drawn to a 1' circular ring of stars just north of the geometric center which is mainly filled with unresolved glow and appears like a darker "hole" near the center.  A second smaller and less distinct 30" ring of stars and darker center is adjacent to the south with the two rings externally tangent in the middle.

 

After the observation I checked John Herschel's description and found these comments on the star rings in the center: "One of these rings, 1.5' in diameter, is so marked as to give the appearance of a comparative darkness like a hole in the centre.  My attendant (J.S.) called up, who saw the hole and darkness, and described it as I have done above. On further attention the hole is double, or an oval space crossed by a bridge of stars. Position of axis = 150."

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x in excellent seeing, the view was absolutely breathtaking with wall-to-wall pinpoint stars in the 37' field!  There was a clear 3-dimensional effect with the 11.5-12.5 magnitude stars seemingly floating over a dense mat of fainter stars with the streamers in the halo reaching the edges of the field. I don't recall a more impressive view in the 12" from Australia, where the cluster was higher in the sky.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): In very good seeing early in the morning of the 20th, Omega Cen was a mesmerizing sea of a couple of thousand stars at 200x.  I set Omega just outside the field and let it drift through the field a few times.  The outer halo was an amazingly dense swarm of 12-13th magnitude stars over a background of fainter pinpoints of lights spilling over the edge of the field.  Very broadly concentrated to a large, brighter center although there is no well-defined core.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this was the first object I viewed at Bargo with Les Dalrymple's 12" and I was not disappointed.  At 140x, it filled 2/3 of the field (over 25') and resolved into perhaps a few thousand stars down to the center.  The cluster seemed almost 3-dimensional with a lattice of brighter mag 12 stars superimposed on a dense background layer of mag 13-14 stars.  The density was generally uniformly high in the elongated halo except near the edge although the core shows more non-uniformity with a couple of darker patches.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very large, very bright, fantastic at 220x with several hundred stars resolved in excellent seeing from east of Mt. Hamilton.  Very faintly visible to the naked eye in good conditions near the horizon from northern California. 

 

13.1" (3/24/84): large, mottled disc covered with faint stars, well resolved outer halo.  Similar view but even better resolution on 2/23/85.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, very large, very broadly concentrated, about 25' diameter, over 100 stars resolved mag 12-13, many in curving streams over the entire disc.  Visible naked-eye.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very prominent naked-eye as Omega Centauri culminated within 5” of the zenith from this southern location.  Huge in 10x30mm, though no resolution.

 

Ptolemy catalogued Omega Centauri = NGC 5139 = Lac I-5 = D 440 = h3504 as a star in the Almagest (150 AD).  Edmond Halley discovered its nebulous nature telescopically in 1676-77 from the island of St. Helena.  He included it in a short list of a half-dozen "luminous spots or patches" found while cataloguing southern stars.  Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille reported "Naked eye, a 3rd mag star [10 Cen] in a fog. Telescope, [Half-an-inch aperture, 8x magnification] like a big diffuse comet."  James Dunlop first resolved the cluster on 7 May 1826 with his 9-inch speculum reflector and described "a beautiful large bright round nebula, about 10' or 12' diameter, easily resolvable to the very centre; it is a beautiful globe of stars very gradually and moderately compressed to the centre; the stars are rather scattered preceding and following, and the greatest condensation is rather north of the centre: the stars are of slightly mixed mags, of a white colour. This is the largest bright nebula in the southern hemisphere." Of course, the cluster is an easy naked-eye object. Johann Bayer catalogued it as a 4th magnitude star (Omega) in the early 17th century.

 

John Herschel first observed Omega Centauri on 26 Feb 1834, a few days after setting up his 20-foot telescope in South Africa.  He wrote in his diary, "a most superb object - entirely resolved into stars of 13...14m.  All very nearly of the same size & most beautfilly graduating in respect of central condensation."

 

In a detailed observation on 20 Apr 1836, he recorded "Globular; Omega Centauri; diameter full 20'. It much more than fills the field. When the centre is on the edge of the field, the outer stars extend fully half a radius beyond the middle of it. The stars are singularly equal, and distributed with the most exact equality, the condensation being that of a sphere equally filled. - Looking attentively, I retract what is said about the equal scattering and equal sizes of the stars. There are two sizes 12th mag and 13th mag, without greater or less, and the larger stars form rings like lace-work on it. One of these rings, 1.5' in diameter, is so marked as to give the appearance of a comparative darkness like a hole in the centre. There must be thousands of stars. To the naked eye it appears as a star of 5th mag or 5.4, rather hazy. There is a * 9m on the S.p. border of it, about 4' or 5' south of centre, and several 8th mag are scattered far away.  My attendant (John Stone) called up, who saw the hole and darkness, and described it as I have done above.  On further attention the hole is double, or an oval space crossed by a bridge of stars.  Position of axis = 150”.  Altogether this object is truly astonishing."  The position in John Herschel's General Catalogue, as well as the NGC, is 10' too far north.

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NGC 5140 = ESO 382-065 = MCG -05-32-016 = LGG 353-002 = PGC 47031

13 26 21.7 -33 52 07; Cen

V = 11.8;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 33”

 

18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to center.  A mag 13.5 star is close off the east edge.  Located 8.5' N of mag 7.0 HD 116788.  Outlying member of AGC 3565 and LGG 353 (part of the Centaurus-Hydra supercluster).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5140 = h3505 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; gbM; 12"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 382-065.  The RA in the RC2 and Sky Catalogue 2000 is 1 min too large.

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NGC 5141 = UGC 8433 = MCG +06-30-004 = CGCG 189-065 = CGCG 190-006 = PGC 46906

13 24 51.7 +36 22 42; CVn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 80”

 

18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1.2' W.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 5142 2.3' NE and a trio with extremely faint NGC 5143.

 

18" (7/22/03): fairly faint, small, round, strong concentration with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  The core is surrounded by a low surface brightness halo ~0.8' diameter.  A mag 13 star lies 1.4' WSW.  First of trio with NGC 5142 2.3' NE and NGC 5143 4' NNE.

 

17.5": fairly faint, small, small bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated E-W.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' WSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5142 2.3' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5141 = H III-402 = h1599, along with NGC 5142, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "Two, vF.  The time is that of the preceding [NGC 5141]; the second about 3' nf, both cS."  JH made two observations, reporting on sweep 331 "pF; R; vsmbM to a star.  Has a * 12m preceding.  The sp of 2 nebulae [with NGC 5142]."

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NGC 5142 = UGC 8435 = MCG +06-30-006 = CGCG 189-066 = CGCG 190-007 = Mrk 452 = PGC 46919

13 25 01.3 +36 23 58; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.5'x0.4'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 5142 2.3' SW with NGC 5143 2.3' N.

 

18" (7/22/03): fairly faint, small but fairly high surface brightness with a bright stellar nucleus and a slightly elongated faint halo N-S, 0.5'x0.4'.  Forms a fairly similar pair with NGC 5141 2.3' SW and difficult NGC 5143 is just 2.3' N.

 

17.5": faint, small, small bright core, stellar nucleus, elongated ~N-S.  Forms a pair with NGC 5141 2.3' SW.  NGC 5143 2.3' N was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5142 = H III-403 = h1600, along with NGC 5141, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405).  JH made two observations and recorded on sweep 331 "pF; R; vsbM to a star."

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NGC 5143 = MCG +06-30-005 = CGCG 189-067 = CGCG 190-008 = PGC 46918

13 25 01.2 +36 26 15; CVn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.9

 

18" (6/4/05): extremely faint, very small, very low surface brightness, 0.2' diameter.  Required averted vision and concentration.  Located 2.3' N of NGC 5142 and faintest in a trio with NGC 5141.

 

18" (7/22/03): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Located 2.3' N of NGC 5142 in a small trio with NGC 5141.  Required averted vision and only visible for moments (repeatedly glimpsed and verified by sketch).

 

17.5": not seen in thin clouds.

 

R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 5143 on 17 Apr 1855.  They noted "a third vF neb [with NGC 5142 and 5143], nearly north of the following one [NGC 5142]."  A sketch clearly matches this trio of galaxies, although offsets were not measured.

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NGC 5144 = UGC 8420 = MCG +12-13-005 = CGCG 336-008 = Mrk 256 = VII Zw 511 = PGC 46742

13 22 54.2 +70 30 52; UMi

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 150”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 375x; moderately bright, irregularly round, fairly small, 0.7'x0.6', mottled or uneven surface brightness but no distinct core.  Situated at the midpoint of a mag 11.8 star 1.9' NNW and a mag 13.7 2.0' SSW.

 

NGC 5144 apparently has a merged companion at the south edge, identified as NGC 5144 NED01 = LEDA 200298.  It appeared as a quasi-stellar knot (less than 6" diameter) at the south edge of the halo, just 18" from the center of the main galaxy!

 

18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, slightly elongated, fairly small, 0.8'x0.7'.  Broad, weak concentration.  Five or six mag 11.5-12 stars are in the field with the closest 1.9' N. Located 25' NW of mag 7.4 SAO 7817.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5144 = H IV-70 on 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) and recorded "pB, R, almost equally bright throughout, resembling a very ill defined planetary nebula, about 0.5' diameter."  Classified by Herschel in category IV (planetary nebula).

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NGC 5145 = UGC 8439 = MCG +07-28-009 = CGCG 218-010 = PGC 46934

13 25 13.9 +43 16 02; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration to a brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5145 = H II-667 = h1602 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, bM, lE."  JH made a single observation and his position is on the south side of the halo.

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NGC 5146 = MCG -02-34-049 = Holm 516a = PGC 47055

13 26 37.4 -12 19 26; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 35”

 

18" (5/29/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, 25" core and much fainter extensions.  Bracketed by two mag 14.5/15 stars to the north and south.  There is a faint galaxy as well as a faint star close north of the galaxy, but I assume I picked up the star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5146 = H III-115 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and logged "vF, vS, stellar.  240 confirmed it with much difficulty." CH's reduction is 9 sec of time preceding PGC 47055.  d'Arrest measured a single accurate position.

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NGC 5147 = UGC 8443 = MCG +00-34-033 = CGCG 016-069 = PGC 47027

13 26 19.7 +02 06 02; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright and large, round, 2' diameter.  Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is superimposed very close to the geometric center, masquerading as a bright stellar nucleus.  The halo is only weakly concentrated but is irregular in surface brightness with a strong hint of structure.  A very faint star or knot is on the SW side and the NE edge of the halo has a hint of spiral structure.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5147 = H II-25 = h1601 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 124) and noted "S, obscure; it seems to be resolvable."  CH's reduced position is 30 sec of RA east and 2.5' south of UGC 8443.  JH called this galaxy "bright" on sweep 142 and three sweeps later he logged it as "faint".

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NGC 5148 = MCG +01-34-021 = CGCG 044-086 = PGC 47060

13 26 38.7 +02 18 50; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

18" (5/29/05): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 30" SW of a mag 14.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5148 = m 257 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "eF, S."  His position matches CGCG 044-086 = PGC 47060.

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NGC 5149 = UGC 8444 = MCG +06-30-010 = CGCG 190-010 = PGC 47011

13 26 09.2 +35 56 03; CVn

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a brighter core with fainter extensions that seem slightly offset from the central region.  A mag 14.5-15 star is superimposed on the north edge [51" from center].  A mag 11 star lies 4' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5154 6' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5149 = H III-404 = h1604, along with NGC 5154, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "two, the time is that of the preceding; the second about 5 or 6' nf, both pS."  JH made two observations and noted (sweep 72) "pB; bM; the sp of 2."

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NGC 5150 = ESO 444-043 = MCG -05-32-023 = PGC 47169

13 27 36.5 -29 33 44; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 115”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, bright core.  Located 2' WSW of mag 9.1 SAO 181670.  In a trio with the NGC 5152/NGC 5153 interacting pair 5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5150 = h3507 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; pslbM; 15"."  Three nights later he logged "pF; S; R; bM; has a * 2' following; pos by diag = 67”."

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NGC 5151 = MCG +03-34-032 = CGCG 101-048 = PGC 47056

13 26 40.8 +16 52 27; Com

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 5' S of mag 7.8 SAO 100566.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5151 = h1603 on 8 May 1826 and recorded "eF; S; R; has a B * [HD 116941] nf."

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NGC 5152 = ESO 444-044 = MCG -05-32-024 = PGC 47187 = Fly's Wing Galaxy

13 27 50.7 -29 37 02; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 117”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): appears as stellar galaxy 0.9' W of NGC 5153 and 5' SE of NGC 5150.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5152 = h3508 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "The preceding of a double nebulae; the individuals are = ; R; vF; S; pslbM."

 

The pair was nicknamed the "Fly's Wing" in the 1982 "Catalogue of the Universe" by Murdin and Allen.  Bill Keel also called it the "Flywing" in "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies" in the April '93 issue of Mercury magazine.  Still, a Google search doesn't find any hits for this nickname.

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NGC 5153 = ESO 444-045 = MCG -05-32-025 = PGC 47194 = Fly's Wing Galaxy

13 27 54.2 -29 37 02; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 175”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): very faint, small, round.  Forms very close pair with NGC 5152 0.9' W and NGC 5150 is 5.2' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5153 = h3509 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "pF; S; the following of two equal neb [with NGC 5152]."

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NGC 5154 = UGC 8447 = MCG +06-30-011 = CGCG 190-011 = PGC 47041

13 26 28.6 +36 00 36; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, round.  Appears as a low surface brightness glow ~45" in diameter with very weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 5149 5' SW.  A mag 11 star lies 3.7' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5154 = H III-405 = h1605, along with NGC 5149, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405).  JH made two observations and recorded (sweep 331) "eF; L; R; it is 45” nf III. 404 [NGC 5149]."

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NGC 5155 = ESO 096-013

13 27 45 -63 23 00; Cen

Size 60'

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 139x): Superb Milky Way field, the richest region is roughly 20-25' in diameter and stands out reasonably well in the lowest power (64' field). Though amazingly rich in faint stars, it appears as a Milky Way star cloud, and not a cluster.  An elongated N-S dark dust cloud (5'x3') to the southeast is prominent (SIMBAD designation [DB2002b] G307.15-1.01).  An 8' string of five mag 8.5-11 stars is off the south side and open cluster NGC 5120 is at the southwest edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5155 = h3506 on 16 Jun 1835 and recorded "A portion of the milky way broken up into clustering masses of astonishing richness.  There must be at least 200 or 300 stars in the field, none greater than 10m."  This Milky Way field or scattered cluster (ESO 096-013) is classified as "NOCL?" in RNGC.

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NGC 5156 = ESO 220-013 = LGG 342-006 = PGC 47283

13 28 44.1 -48 55 01; Cen

V = 11.7;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  A faint star is superimposed and another faint star is at the SE edge. Located 3.8' NNE of mag 7.7 HD 117036.  Starhopped from Omega Centauri just 1.3” to the NW!  In a group of galaxies (including NGC 5064 and ESO 269-057) with similar redshifts mostly close west of Omega Centauri.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5156 = h3510 on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; lE; glbM; has a * 8m 5' dist; pos sp."

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NGC 5157 = UGC 8455 = MCG +05-32-021 = CGCG 161-056 = PGC 47131

13 27 16.8 +32 01 51; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0'.  Broad, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  NGC 5166 is 12' following.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5157 = H III-651 = h1606 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "vF, S."  JH made three observations and logged (sweep 337) "Not vF; pL; E; the following of 2 [with NGC 5166], very similar."  His mean position matches UGC 8455.

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NGC 5158 = UGC 8459 = MCG +03-34-038 = CGCG 101-054 = PGC 47180

13 27 47.0 +17 46 44; Com

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, small, round, almost even surface brightness, very small slightly brighter core.  Located 11' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 100581.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5158 = h1607 on 7 May 1826 and noted "vF; R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5159 = UGC 8460 = MCG +01-34-022 = CGCG 044-088 = PGC 47235

13 28 16.1 +02 58 58; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 162”

 

18" (5/29/05): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE.  Not noticed initially but then caught the slightly brighter core.  When drifting across the field very faint, low surface brightness extensions could be glimpsed increasing the size to nearly 1.0'x0.4'.  Located 47' NE of NGC 5148, another dim galaxy.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5159 = m 258 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "eF, S, lE."

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NGC 5160

13 28 21.6 +05 59 49; Vir

 

= **, Reinmuth.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5160 on 7 Feb 1862.  At his position is an uncatalogued double star (mag 14/14.5 at roughly 11" separation).  He noted a mag 12 star follows by 28 sec and 1' north, which confirms this identification.   He looked for this object again on 19 Feb 1863, but couldn't find anything.  In Wilhelm Tempel's 8th paper (AN 2527), he reported finding a very faint double star at d'Arrest's position with a third star close preceding, but on two occasions it looked like a nebula.  Based on a Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth also reported "vF**, no neb, no * close np."

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NGC 5161 = ESO 383-004 = MCG -05-32-031 = UGCA 359 = PGC 47321

13 29 13.9 -33 10 26; Cen

V = 11.2;  Size 5.6'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 80”

 

18" (5/29/05): large, oval WSW-ENE, ~4'x2'.  Broad concentration with a large, ill-defined core that seems offset to the east side (or the outer halo is irregular lit).  A mag 10.3 star lies 3.9' W of center and a mag 11.5 star is off the NE flank.  This photogenic spiral (thin arms with knots and HII regions) was host to a pair of recent supernovae – 1998E and 1974B.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5161 = h3511 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "pF; L; pmE; vgbM; r; 4' l; 2' br; with left eye feebly stippled."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5162 = NGC 5174 = UGC 8475 = MCG +02-34-018 = CGCG 072-087 = PGC 47346

13 29 25.9 +11 00 28; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 3.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 160”

 

See observing notes for NGC 5174.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 5162 = Sw. VI-58 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "F, pL, eE [not lE as in the NGC]; an eeF * at each focus of ellipse; B * in field sp; F * nr nf."  His position is 1 min of RA west of NGC 5174 and his description is a perfect match with this galaxy.  William Herschel discovered NGC 5174 on 15 Mar 1784 and catalogued it as H III-45.  So, NGC 5162 = NGC 5174.

 

RNGC and RC3 misidentify UGC 8472 as NGC 5162.  This galaxy is 1 min of RA east and 15' north of Swift's position.

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NGC 5163 = UGC 8453 = MCG +09-22-062 = CGCG 271-040 = PGC 47096

13 26 54.2 +52 45 13; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright 10" core.  Located 10' W of mag 6.3 SAO 28763 at the edge of the field and 2 degrees SSE of Mizar!  NGC 5201 lies 29' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5163 = H III-821 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, stellar neb."  CH's reduced position is 21 sec of RA east and 2' north of UGC 8453.  Not seen by Bigourdan.

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NGC 5164 = UGC 8458 = MCG +09-22-063 = CGCG 272-041 = Mrk 257 = PGC 47124

13 27 11.9 +55 29 15; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter middle.  At times the core appears irregular -- either a stellar core or a superimposed star was glimpsed. [Based on the DSS image, it's clear I viewed the stellar nucleus].  Located 44' NE of Mizar!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5164 = H III-784 = h1609 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "cF, S, iR." His position is within 2' of UGC 8458 (within usual errors).

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NGC 5165 = MCG +02-34-016 = CGCG 072-078 = PGC 47281

13 28 39.1 +11 23 13; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located 8.3' SW of mag 8.7 SAO 100590.  NGC 5162 is in the field 10.8' SE.  The NGC 5171 group lies 25' NNE.

 

Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 5165 on 5 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory while searching for d'Arrest's comet.  George Hough included it in a list of new nebulae found at the observatory and called it "very fant, condensed at center.  *8m follows 29 seconds and 5' north."  The star is Bu 113, a mag 8.7/10.7 pair at 1.7".  Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy just 6 days later on 11 May 1883, also searching for the comet, and reported it in his 8th ldiscovery ist (#1).

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NGC 5166 = UGC 8463 = MCG +05-32-026 = CGCG 161-062 = Holm 519a = WBL 446-003 = PGC 47234

13 28 15.1 +32 01 56; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 2.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): pretty edge-on 5:1 oriented WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.3', little or no concentration.  Precedes mag 8.5 SAO 63561 by 9'.  NGC 5157 is 12' due west.  NGC 5166B = MCG +05-32-027 is 4.5' NE and CGCG 161-060 is 5' SSW.  NGC 5166B was logged as "extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter" and CGCG 161-060 as "extremely faint and small, round, 12" diameter.  Located 1.5' NE of a mag 13 star."

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5166 = h1608 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "pF; R; bM; 30"."  His mean position from 3 observations matches UGC 8463.

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NGC 5167 = MCG +02-34-017 = CGCG 072-080 = PGC 47277

13 28 40.2 +12 41 41; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (5/29/05): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 13/14 stars 2' SSW and 2' SE.  Located 13' E of a mag 8.2 star.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5167 on 7 Jun 1883 by Tempel.  He described in list VII (AN 2522) "I found a new nebula on 7 June and observed it again on the 8th. The nebula follows close on the parallel by 54s to DM + 13 ” 2669 [HD 117079], class III; south of it is a * 12."  He description matches   CGCG 072-080 = PGC 47277.

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NGC 5168 = Cr 273 = ESO 132-010

13 31 07 -60 56 24; Cen

V = 9.1;  Size 4'

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): gorgeous low power Milky Way field at 76x, but it was difficult to identify the cluster not having a finder chart.  Initially I was drawn to a striking asterism in the field consisting of a distinctive group of four stars forming a rough 8'x3' parallelogram with brightest member mag 7.8 HD 117356, but the enclosed stars were no richer than the surrounding field and it looked like an asterism.  Then I noticed that 12' S of the mag 7.8 star was an eye-catching double star = HJ 4591 (10.2/10.4) at 7" surrounded by a few faint stars over unresolved haze.  Increasing the magnification to 228x, this rich knot resolved into three dozen mag 14 and fainter stars in a 2'x1.5' roundish cluster with the double star on the following side and this was clearly NGC 5138.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5168 = h3512 on 16 Jun 1835 and recorded "A small but very rich milky way cluster; 3.5' l, 3' br; st 13...16m.  Place that of a double star [HJ 4591]."  On a later sweep he added "place of a double star in centre of a rich, much comp but vF cluster; gbM; 4' diam; st 15m; a remarkable object."

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NGC 5169 = UGC 8465 = MCG +08-25-004 = CGCG 246-002 = PGC 47231

13 28 10.1 +46 40 19; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 2.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 ESE-WNW, 1.6'x0.6', weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 5173 5.5' SE.  Located 36' SSW of M51 and 21' W of NGC 5198.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5169 = h1611 on 26 Apr 1830 and logged "vF; R; 50"."  His position is 2.3' south of UGC 8465.  JH equated this observation with H III-672, but his father's number applies to brighter NGC 5173.

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NGC 5170 = ESO 576-065 = MCG -03-34-084 = UGCA 360 = FGC 1626 = PGC 47396

13 29 48.7 -17 57 57; Vir

V = 11.1;  Size 8.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint but large, very thin edge-on NW-SE.  On first glance appeared 4'-5' in length at 220x but with averted vision this impressive ray extends to at least 6'x0.7'.  Contains a moderately bright and slightly bulging oval core 1.2'x0.7' giving the galaxy a classic thin "lens" appearance.  The extensions are significantly fainter and taper and dim towards the tips.  This galaxy has a narrow dust lane (not seen) similar to NGC 4565.  A mag 9.5 star lies 9' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5170 = H V-22 = h1610 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 369) and recorded "mE from sf to np; 5 or 6' long, the following part is the brightest. His position matches this large edge-on.  A second observation on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, mE, the preceding part much brighter than the south following, about 4' long."  JH made two observations, noting on sweep 354 "F; vmE in pos 128.8” by micrometer; pgbM; 180" l, 30" br."

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NGC 5171 = UGC 8476 = MCG +02-34-020 = CGCG 072-089 = WBL 447-004 = PGC 47339

13 29 21.6 +11 44 07; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, very small brighter core, faint 40" halo.  A faint star is superimposed NW of the core.  Forms the NE vertex of a right triangle with two mag 9 stars are 5.3' WSW and 6.8' SW.  Brightest of five in a tight group (MKW 11) with NGC 5176 2.9' N, NGC 5177 3.8' N, NGC 5179 2.4' ENE and NGC 5178 7' SSE.

 

George Hough discovered NGC 5171 on 5 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. While searching for d'Arrest's comet he recorded "Double. Nebula, round, condensed."  The second object actually refers to a star at the northwest edge.  Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 5171 just 6 days later and reported it in his 8th discovery list (#2).  Ernst Hartwig found it again on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory (AN 2688).  These three independent discoveries were made while searching for d'Arrest's comet.  While searching for the comet, Hartwig also discovered the close pair NGC 5176 and 5177.

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NGC 5172 = UGC 8477 = MCG +03-34-041 = CGCG 101-057 = PGC 47330

13 29 19.2 +17 03 07; Com

V = 11.9;  Size 3.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 2.4'x1.2', brighter middle, gradually increases to small brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is off the north side of the core 44" from center.  Located 11' NW of mag 7.4 SAO 100597.  NGC 5180 lies 14' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5172 = h1613 on 7 May 1826 and logged "F; R: S; 15"."  His mean position (two observations) is accurate.

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NGC 5173 = UGC 8468 = MCG +08-25-005 = CGCG 246-003 = PGC 47257

13 28 25.3 +46 35 29; CVn

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, round, 1.2' diameter, even moderate concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Situated at the midpoint of the shorter base of a isosceles trapezoid consisting of four mag 13 stars.  Forms a pair with NGC 5169 5.5' NW.  Located 39' SSW of M51 and 19' WSW of NGC 5198.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5173 = H III-672 = h1614 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar, 300 verified it."  JH made two observations under h1614 and called it (sweep 255) "pF; R; vsbM; almost stellar."  But he assumed it was a new discovery, confusing this object with NGC 5169 = h1611, which is did discover!

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NGC 5174 = NGC 5175 = NGC 5162 = UGC 8475 = MCG +02-34-018 = CGCG 072-087 = PGC 47346

13 29 25.9 +11 00 28; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 3.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x1.0', broad concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 14 star [NGC 5175] is superimposed on the south end 45" from the center.  A mag 12 star is 2.3' NNE.  Brightest in a group of NGC galaxies with most members about 30' N.  Located 11' NNE of 71 Virginis (V = 5.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5174 = H III-45/46 = h1612 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "Two, vF.  I took them at first for only one, but 240 showed two eF nebula as it were running into each other and of considerable extent; 157 showed also a division between their center after I had seen them with 240."  There is only a single galaxy here and NGC 5175 is very likely a star at the south end of the galaxy.

 

Interestingly, the first observation by JH also describes a double system (probably following his father's lead): "vF; two close together, or one E nearly in meri.  A star 11m N."  His second observation simply states "eF, E, involves a star at the S end."  Dreyer's observation at Birr Castle on 4 Apr 1877 mentions "found only one neb, vF, vS, stellar no other neb found."

 

Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 19 Mar 1887 and recorded it in list VI-58, but his position was 1 tmin too far west.  Dreyer, assuming it was new, catalogued it as NGC 5162.  So, NGC 5174 = NGC 5162.

 

RNGC misidentifies UGC 8468 as NGC 5175.  CGCG misidentifies CGCG 072-087 as both NGC 5174/5175.  For more on the story, see Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5175

13 29 26.2 +10 59 42; Vir

 

17.5" (5/27/95): A mag 14 star is superimposed on the south end of NGC 5174, just 45" from the center.  This is possibly NGC 5175.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5175 = H III-46 = h1612 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "Two, vF.  I took them at first for only one, but 240 showed two eF nebula as it were running into each other and of considerable extent; 157 showed also a division between their center after I had seen them with 240."  There is only a single galaxy here and NGC 5175 is most likely a star at the south end of the galaxy.

 

RNGC misidentifies UGC 8468 as NGC 5175.  UGC and MCG only list a single galaxy but identify it as NGC 5174 = NGC 5175. CGCG calls NGC5174 = NGC 5175 a double system.

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NGC 5176 = MCG +02-34-021 = CGCG 072-090 = Holm 521a = WBL 447-006 = PGC 47338

13 29 24.9 +11 46 53; Vir

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (5/27/95): located 2.9' N of NGC 5171 in a compact cluster.  Very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 5177 57" N.

 

Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5176, along with NGC 5177, on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory.  He found these while searching for comet d'Arrest (AN 2688). Wilhelm Tempel, who viewed nearby NGC 5171, missed NGC 5176.

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NGC 5177 = MCG +02-34-019 = CGCG 072-091 = Holm 521b = WBL 447-005 = PGC 47337

13 29 24.2 +11 47 49; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2', low surface brightness with no concentration.  Located just 57" N of NGC 5176 and 3.8' N of NGC 5171.  Faintest of five in a compact group.

 

Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5177, along with NGC 5176, on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory.  He was searching for comet d'Arrest and reported the discovery in AN 2688.  Wilhelm Tempel, who viewed nearby NGC 5171, missed NGC 5177. CGCG failed to label this galaxy as NGC 5177.

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NGC 5178 = UGC 8478 = MCG +02-34-022 = CGCG 072-093 = Holm 522a = WBL 447-008 = PGC 47358

13 29 29.3 +11 37 29; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.5' NW.  Located 7' S of NGC 5171 in a small, rich group of five galaxies and 5.5' ESE of mag 8.1 SAO 100591.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5178 = T VIII-3 on 11 May 1883.  His position in the main table is 1' north of UGC 8478, although the declination is marked uncertain as it was estimated from a diagram.  Harold Corwin notes Ernst Hartwig missed this galaxy using the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory (he found NGC 5171, 5176, 5177, 5179, 5186) as well as Sherburne Burnham and Hough with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory (NGC 5171, 5191). Tempel felt he could see nebulae as well with his 11-inch Amici I refractor as with an 18-inch Clark refractor.

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NGC 5179 = MCG +02-34-023 = CGCG 072-094 = WBL 447-007 = PGC 47363

13 29 30.9 +11 44 45; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Second brightest in a tight group of five galaxies with brightest member NGC 5171 2.4' WSW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5179 = T VIII-3 on 11 May 1883 while searching for comet d'Arrest.  His position matches MCG +02-34-023 = PGC 47363.  Dreyer incorrectly credited Sherburne Burnham at the Dearborn Observatory with the discovery, but he only found NGC 5165 and 5171 (AN 2524).  Ernst Hartwig found NGC 5179 again on 29 Jun 1883, also while searching for comet d'Arrest (AN 2688).

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NGC 5180 = UGC 8479 = MCG +03-34-042 = CGCG 101-058 = PGC 47352

13 29 27.1 +16 49 34; Com

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just off the SE edge 20" from center.  Located 6' SW of mag 7.4 SAO 100597.  NGC 5172 lies 14' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5180 = H III-71 = h1615 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and recorded "three small stars with suspected nebulosity between them.  240 shows the same but it amount not to a confirmation.  10 or 12' north of it is a very bright star."  His position is poor and the bright star is 6' northeast.  John Herschel noted "F; S; R; 15"; has a *7 mag nf, 8' dist." and measured an accurate position.  The Slough Catalogue entry for h1615, equates with H. III-71, instead of II-71 as listed.

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NGC 5181 = MCG +02-34-024 = CGCG 072-097 = PGC 47373

13 29 41.9 +13 18 14; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very small, round, 30" diameter.  No concentration but moderated surface brightness.  Located 4.9' NE of a mag 9.5 star.  A nice close string of four stars lies 6' NNE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5185 8.3' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5181 = h1616 on 29 Mar 1830 and recorded "F; S; R; 15"."  His mean position (two observations) is accurate.

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NGC 5182 = ESO 444-062 = MCG -05-32-034 = PGC 47489

13 30 41.1 -28 09 00; Hya

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 11”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'.  The halo fades into the background and gradually brightens to a very small brighter core.  Located 11' WSW of mag 6.5 SAO 181723.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5182 = h3513 on 13 May 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; lE; a vL * [HD 117558] follows 12' +/- dist."

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NGC 5183 = UGC 8485 = MCG +00-34-039 = CGCG 016-079 = Holm 523b = PGC 47432

13 30 06.3 -01 43 14; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, broadly concentrated.  Forms a pair with NGC 5184 3.7' NNE.  Brightest in a group of 7.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5183 = H II-679 = h1617 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5184], F, pS, iF."  His positions are ~30 sec of RA too large, and the polar distances are reversed (NGC 5183 is 3' south of NGC 5184).  JH described "F; lE; gbM; 20"; the first of 2." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5184 = UGC 8487 = MCG +00-34-041 = CGCG 016-081 = Holm 523a = PGC 47438

13 30 11.5 -01 39 47; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration.  Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 5183 3.7' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5184 = H II-680 = h1618 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5183], pB, pL, iF."  His positions are ~30 sec of RA too large, and the polar distances are reversed (NGC 5183 is 3' south of NGC 5184).  JH described "F; nearly R; gbM; 30"; the second and brighter of 2." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5185 = UGC 8488 = MCG +02-34-025 = CGCG 072-104 = PGC 47422

13 30 02.4 +13 24 57; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.6', bright core.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.9' NW.  A nice string of four stars with a 1.5' length begins 2' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5181 8.3' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5185 = H III-642 = h1619 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and logged "vF, S, iF.  The time a little inaccurate."  His position is 2.2' southeast of UGC 8488.  JH called this galaxy "eF; R; 25"."

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NGC 5186 = CGCG 072-103 = PGC 47426

13 30 03.9 +12 10 31; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (6/4/05): marginal object, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, very low surface brightness.  Only glimpsed for moments with averted and concentration but confirmed.  Located ~30' NNE of a compact group of 5 NGC galaxies (MKW 11) including NGC 5171.

 

Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5186 on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory while searching for comet d'Arrest (AN 2688).  His position matches CGCG 072-103 = PGC 47426.

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NGC 5187 = MCG +05-32-029 = CGCG 161-069 = KUG 1327+313 = PGC 47393

13 29 48.2 +31 07 48; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 46”

 

24" (6/16/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, ~40"x30", broad concentration

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.5', weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' N.  An easy pair of mag 9.5/11.5 stars is 9' WSW. Located 19' E of mag 6.9 SAO 63556.  A trio of UGC galaxies (UGC 8492, 8496 and 8502) lies 13' NE.

 

UGC 8496: faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.4' W.

UGC 8492: fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter. Highest surface brightness of 3 UGCs.

UGC 8502: faint, small, elongated 2:1, 0.6'x0.3'.

 

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5187 = H III-652 = h1620 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "eF, vS."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5188 = ESO 383-009 = MCG -06-30-007 = PGC 47549

13 31 28.4 -34 47 42; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 104”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration.  A mag 11 star is close off the WNW end [1.9' from center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5188 = h3515 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 45"."  His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.

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NGC 5189 = IC 4274 = PK 307-3.1 = PN G307.2-03.4 = Gum 47 = Ced 123 = RCW 76 = ESO 096-16 = Spiral Planetary

13 33 32.8 -65 58 27; Mus

V = 9.5;  Size 185"x130"

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 5189 was the last of 78 objects that I logged on 4/11/08 and the perfect end to a great evening with the 24".  At 200x using a UHC this amazing planetary displayed an extremely complex morphology.  Through the center is a bright, high surface brightness "bar" elongated WSW-ENE and ~1.5'x0.4' in size.  This central feature has an uneven surface brightness with a mottled texture. A mag 12 star is superimposed just north of the west-southwest end and the fainter central star is just south of the bar.  A close double star (~3.5") is superimposed just south of the west-southwest end.  At this end a spiral extension hooks around counterclockwise to the north and passes through a faint star and ends at a very faint small knot just north of the superimposed star.  A bright 10" knot is just south of the ENE end of the central "bar".  Attached to this knot is another extension that sweeps towards the southwest, ending less than 1' S of center.  About 50" E of the bright knot is another 10" knot that appears detached.  A mag 12 star is ~50" SW of this knot, just outside the halo of the planetary.  All of the brighter features are within a much fainter oval envelope, ~2.5'x2.0'.

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the "Spiral Planetary" is certainly one of the most remarkably structured planetaries and would be famous if located in the northern hemisphere.  At 128x using a UHC filter, a high surface brightness "bar" at least 1' in length, elongated SW-NE forms the main body of the planetary.  The bar is slightly curved and has an irregular surface brightness.  On the NE end is a prominent bright knot, roughly 6" in size.  Nebulosity hooks below this knot, extending below the bar.  Above the southwest end of the bar is the brightest superimposed star and a hook of nebulosity sweeps up to the northwest, wrapping above this star.  The entire structure is encased in a much fainter oval envelope.  A total of five stars are superimposed including a very close double that is just south of the southwest end of the bar and the 14th magnitude central star situated southeast of the center of the bar.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this is a bright, strange-looking PN with a complex bar structure dubbed the "Spiral Planetary".  At 140x and UHC filter, it resembles a small barred spiral galaxy with prominent bar extending SW-NE with curved tips, ~1' in length embedded within a fainter, slightly elongated halo of ~2'x1.5'.  A few stars are superimposed.  At 186x, the "bar" is irregular and knotty with a bright knot at one end.  A mag 11 star is at the SW end with a couple of faint stars on the opposite end. The faint 14th magnitude central star is just south of the bar.  Located 6' NNW of mag 7.2 SAO 252366 in a rich star field in the NE corner of Musca.  NGC 5189 was a fascinating sight!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5189 = D 252 = h3514 on 1 Jul 1826 using his homemade 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector. This is one of three or four southern planetaries that he identified.  He recorded a "very faint nebula, about 25" diameter. It is very near a star of the 8th mag, and near the north following extremity of a crescent of very small stars." His position is off by 15', but the description is adequate to identify.

 

John Herschel recorded "A very strange object.  A nebula of oval fig, but having a central and brighter axis somewhat curved, and terminating in two masses brighter than the rest; diam about 90" or 100".  It involves 3 stars, one of which with 320 is double.  The principal star is 10m, the others eS; a multitude of other stars in field."  Sketched on Plate VI, figure 1.

 

Joseph Turner also made an excellent sketch of the planetary in 1874 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 68).  Figure 69 is based on Albert Le Sueur's earlier sketch.

 

Williamina Fleming found the planetary again in 1901 on a Harvard objective prism plate taken at the Arequipa station and reported it as new in Harvard Circular 60.  Dreyer missed the equivalence in position with NGC 5189 and recatalogued it as IC 4274 =  Fleming 96.  The North Polar Distance in the IC has a typo of 115”.  It should read 155” based on the original position, matching NGC 5189.

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NGC 5190 = UGC 8500 = MCG +03-34-043 = CGCG 101-060 = CGCG 102-001 = PGC 47482

13 30 38.7 +18 08 04; Com

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6'.  A mag 15 star is at the NE edge 28" from center and a 12th magnitude star lies 1.7' SSW.  An easy but striking triple star located 7' E consists of two mag 10 stars at 27" separation N-S and a mag 13 companion 27" E of the northern component.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5190 = h1621 on 23 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; S; bM; has a considerable triple star following, dist = 8'."

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NGC 5191 = MCG +02-34-026 = CGCG 073-003 = PGC 47498

13 30 47.3 +11 12 02; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  Located in an unusually sparse star field.  A mag 14.5 star lies 3.3' NE.  A 50' string of galaxies from NGC 5174 to NGC 5177 oriented N-S is roughly 25' following.

 

George Hough discovered NGC 5191 on 5 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. While searching or d'Arrest's comet he found this "nebula" and described it as "eF, * 9m follows 57s and 39" south."

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NGC 5192 = CGCG 017-001 = PGC 47503

13 30 51.7 -01 46 43; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE.  Member of the NGC 5183 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5192 = m 259, along with NGC 5196 and 5197, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF".  CGCG 017-001 = PGC 47503, the galaxy assumed to be NGC 5192 in modern catalogues, is 16 sec of RA west and 2' south of Marth's position.  Perhaps coincidentally, his position is only 1' southwest (similar offset as nearby NGC 5196 and 5197) of VIII Zw 319, a merged triple system.  Could this be the real NGC 5192?

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NGC 5193 = ESO 383-015 = MCG -05-32-037 = AM 1328-325 = PGC 47582

13 31 53.4 -33 14 03; Cen

V = 11.6;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (6/2/00): moderately bright and large, round, 1.2' diameter, fairly sharply concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.2' N of center.  Located 4.6' W of mag 8.2 SAO 204565.

 

Forms a close pair with a faint edge-on (NGC 5193A) at the west edge [57" between centers].  The companion was extremely faint, very small, elongated, ~0.4'x0.2', required averted to momentarily glimpse.  NGC 5193 and 5193A are members of LGG 353 in the foreground of AGC 3560.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5193 = h3516 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R: first g, then psbM; 45"."  His position is accurate.  Joseph Turner observed this galaxy on 1 May 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and missed the companion (NGC 5193A) just off the southwest edge.

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NGC 5194 = M51a = UGC 8493 = MCG +08-25-012 = CGCG 246-008 = VV 1 = VV 403 = Arp 85 NED1 = Holm 526a = LGG 347-004 = PGC 47404 = Whirlpool Galaxy

13 29 51.8 +47 11 50; CVn

V = 8.4;  Size 11.2'x6.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 163”

 

48" (5/12/12, 4/7/13, 4/30/19, 5/3/19): during these observations through Lowrey's 48" I focused on some of the stellar clusters and brighter knots in the spiral arms, which have a very high contrast with the large, dusty, darker regions between the arms.  The "southern" arm nearly merges with the core on the northeast side.  Two clusters and a cluster/HII region were seen as faint "stars" very close east and northeast of the core.  [BGG2008] A1 is a mag 17.5 "star" 30" NE of center and similar [BGG2008] 3cl-b is 30" E of center. The designations are from a 2008 study by Bastian et al.  A stellar HII region ([CCM69] 37A) is only 10" NE of 3cl-b.

 

As this arm unwinds clockwise to the west, two close very small, fairly bright knots ([CCM69] #77 in Carranza, Crilon and Monnet's "Kinematic Study of Ionized Hydrogen in M51" in A&A, 1, 479) are visible 1.6' W of center, just SE of a star.  A small bright knot (#71) is further out on this arm, 2.3' SW of center. The section of the arm between these knots is quite bright and mottled.  The southern arm then continues to swing around on the east side and heads north, with a lower surface brightness bridge to NGC 5195.

 

The "northern" arm begins on the south or southwest side of the core, and a series of small knots (#60/67) are along the inner south side, roughly 1' from center.  As the arm unwinds on the east side of the core, a large bright knot (#52) resides ~1.4' ESE of center.  The arm is quite bright in a large, clumpy region (#27/29) as it heads north in the direction of NGC 5195.  At the closest point to NGC 5195 are 4 very small knots; the brightest is #10, 2.6' NNE of center.  Very close southwest is #8 and just northwest is #5.  This arm has a sharp bend and shoots west on the north side and includes a moderately large, brighter patch (#90/91) 2' NNW of center. The arm fades somewhat as it unwinds further along the western edge of the halo.

 

48" (4/2/11): during this observation I focused on the attached companion NGC 5195. The entire connecting arm was always a prominent direct vision feature of the pair with variations in brightness and width along its length.  The arm brightened as it connected to NGC 5195.  The slightly oval core was extremely bright but nevertheless a very bright stellar nucleus punctuated the center.  The spiral arms had an extremely high contrast and appeared etched in the eyepiece like a photograph with a great deal of knotty structure.  The outer arm that sweeps clockwise to the north and then around the west side extended much further south (~5' from center) than I had ever previously seen and separated quite a bit from the main spiral.  Sprays of nebulosity looped off of NGC 5195 to the north (see notes).

 

18" (7/2/11): first view of type IIb supernova 2011dh in M51, which was discovered after the last time I could observe.  The magnitude was ~13.3.  The progenitor star of SN 2011dh is possibly an extremely unusual yellow supergiant with a massive blue companion that was leeching material off the yellow supergiant.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): stunning spiral structure, connecting arm visible with direct vision.  First observation with 17.5" on 23 Mar 1985.

 

13.1" (4/24/82): very bright, very large, bright nucleus.  Two winding spiral arms are obvious with a dark gap between the arms on the west side.  The connecting arm to NGC 5195 is definite although near my visual threshold.  There is a sharp bend in the outer arm at the south end of the galaxy. After this point, the arm trails faintly north to NGC 5195 located 4.6' from center.

 

8": bright, large, hint of spiral arms.

 

Charles Messier discovered M51 = NGC 5194 = h1622 on 13 Oct 1773 with a 3.5-inch refractor.  Johann Bode made an independent discovery on 5 Jan 1774, along with the first drawing using his 3-inch refractor.  Using his 12-inch (20-ft focal length) on 20 Sep 1783, William Herschel commented (clearly interested if it was a cluster), "most difficult to resolve; yet I no longer doubt.  In the southern nebula I saw several stars by various glimpses, in the northern also 3 or 4 in the thickest part of it, but never very distinctly."  Viewing with his 18.7-inch on 29 Apr 1788, he described "Two, the most south vB, L, surrounded with a beautiful glory of milky nebulosity with here and there small interruptions that seemed to show the glory at a distance."  On 12 May 1787 he recorded "B, a very uncommon object.  Nebulosity in the center, with a nucleus surrounded by detached nebulosity in the form of a circle; of unequal brightness in 3 or 4 places; forming altogether a most curious object."  He apparently never observed M51 with his 48-inch reflector (40-foot focal length).  John Herschel described M51 as "A very bright round nucleus surrounded at a distance by a nebulous ring" and as a "double ring, or rather one-and-half rings rather like an armillary sphere."

 

M51 was the first galaxy in which spiral structure was clearly seen.  The discovery was made by Lord Rosse (William Parsons) using his newly completed 72-inch Leviathan in the spring of 1845 (replacing the earlier 36-inch scope).  No observing logs were kept of the earliest observations, so the exact date in unknown, but spirality was not reported by Romney Robinson (director of the Armagh Observatory) and James South (double star observer) during their observation on 5-6 March 1845, which focused on resolvability.  In early April 1845 (possibly the 6th), William Parsons observed alone and "discovered" the spiral structure, producing a stunning sketch that was circulated at the British Association for the Advancement of Science in Cambridge in June 1845.  By 1850, M51 had been observed at least 28 times and a second, more dynamic sketch implying motion, was published in LdR's 1850 "Observations of the Nebulae" (plate XXXV, figure 1).

 

Probably using LdR's drawing as a "guide", William Lassell sketched the spiral structure and connecting arm on 12 May 1846 (in his notebook) with his 24" equatorially mounted reflector.  He made two detailed sketches using his 48" in 1862 from Malta, showing slightly variations in the spiral structure. Jean Chacornac made an excellent pencil sketch (unpublished) in 1862 using the 31" silvered-glass reflector of the Paris Observatory.  Using only a 9.6" refractor at Rome, Father Angelo Secchi claimed "even in our telescope it is easy to recognize the spiral and the two branches can be followed very well." (he often compared his telescopic views favorably with LdR's and Lassell's).

 

A bitter debate between Wilhelm Tempel and Dreyer began in 1878 after Tempel was highly critical of Lord Rosse's and William Lassell's sketches of spiral structure.  Tempel had only observed M51 through the 11" refractor at Arcetri, and although he sketched curving arcs in the halo, he felt Rosse and others were interpretating these features as spiral forms.  He wrote "one cannot fend off the thought that these forms and shapes are only figments of the imagination...".  On 29 Apr 1889 Isaac Roberts obtained the first photograph of M51, ending the debate.

 

As far as the origin of the nickname "Whirlpool Galaxy", Ormsby Mitchel's Sidereal Messenger column in November 1847 (Vol. 2, No. 4) announced "Lord Rosse's Whirlpool Nebula" and included a copy of his sketch.  The following year Romney Robinson described spiral nebulae "... resemblance to bodies floating on a whirlpool is, of course, likely to set imagination at work..."

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NGC 5195 = M51b = UGC 8494 = MCG +08-25-014 = CGCG 246-009 = Arp 85 NED2 = VV 1b = Holm 526b = PGC 47413

13 29 59.2 +47 15 59; CVn

V = 9.6;  Size 5.8'x4.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 79”

 

48" (4/2/11): I was shocked by the detail and structure visible in the companion to M51 at 375x.  The main 2' portion of the galaxy has a striking asymmetric appearance with an extremely high surface brightness "bar" perhaps 2'x0.8' elongated N-S with a sharp light cutoff on the east side.  Attached on the east side of a bar is semi-circular "loop" extending about a 1' E and connected at the north and south end of the bar. The western loop portion of NGC 5195 was slightly brighter where it connected at the ends and the interior of this loop was irregularly darker.  On first glance there appeared to be an obvious short "arm" connected to the northeast end of NGC 5195 heading south, but then I realized this was the long connecting arm from M51 that brightened in the last 1' where it attaches to NGC 5195.  The entire connecting arm was always a prominent direct vision feature of the pair.  The center of the bar was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

At least three distinct plumes of nebulosity (referred to as the "crown") extended from NGC 5195 to the north. A broad wing of hazy nebulosity begins near the NE end (at the end of the connecting arm) and sweeps 2' to the north in a gentle curve.  A second shorter plume extends directly north from the north end of NGC 5195.  Finally a mass of very low surface brightness nebulosity spreads to the west from the southwest end of the galaxy and clearly sweeps towards the north for ~2.5'.

 

13.1": bright, fairly small, very irregular appearance.  Forms a double system 4.6' N of M51 and connected on the east side by a faint spiral arm of M51 which trails north on the east side to NGC 5195.  The following side is sharply cut-off due to dust and appears as a half disc.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered the northern component of M51 or NGC 5195 = H I-186 = h1623 on 20 Mar 1781 and commented "saw this nebula; effectively it is double.  The center of each is brilliant and clear; distinct and the light of each touches each other."  Messier mentioned this companion to M51 in his 1784 version of the catalogue in Connaissance de Temps, though it never received recognition as a separate Messier object.  WH found it on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "B, S, R, vgbM.  Just north of the former [M51]."  JH reported "B; R: vsbM to a star.  This nebula is the companion of M51 and is figured with it."

 

LdR and assistants described NGC 5195 as probably a spiral on several observations and other details were noted.  On 17 Mar 1855: "I have no doubt of a spiral arrangement of the smaller Nucl."  On 16 Apr 1855: "The 2nd Nucl seems to be the proper prolongation of the spiral arm with which it is connected."  On 18 Apr 1860: "I still think the small Nucl is shaped like an "S". On 12 Apr 1872: "The edge of the 2nd convol. is very nearly rectilinear on the south side."

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NGC 5196 = CGCG 017-002 = PGC 47540

13 31 19.6 -01 36 54; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval NW-SE.  NGC 5197 lies 5' SSE.  Located within the NGC 5183 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5196 = m 260, along with NGC 5192 and 5197, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF".  His position is less than 1' southwest of CGCG 017-002 = PGC 47540.

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NGC 5197 = CGCG 017-003 = PGC 47546

13 31 25.1 -01 41 36; Vir

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, round.  Member of the NGC 5183 group with NGC 5196 5' NNW and NGC 5202 10' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5197 = m 261, along with NGC 5192 and 5196, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF".  His position is good.

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NGC 5198 = UGC 8499 = MCG +08-25-015 = CGCG 246-010 = I Zw 59 = PGC 47441

13 30 11.4 +46 40 15; CVn

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter.  Contains a large, brighter core with a thin halo.  Forms the SE vertex of a small rectangle with three mag 13-14 stars - the closest star 45" W.  Located 32' S of M51.  NGC 6169 lies 21' W.

 

17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, small very bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is 45" W of center.

 

8": faint, small, round.  Located about 30' S of M51 in the same low power field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5198 = H II-689 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "pF, L, stellar [nucleus]."  His position is accurate.  He made another observation on 29 Apr 1788 and called it "pB, pL."

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NGC 5199 = UGC 8504 = MCG +06-30-024 = CGCG 190-016 = PGC 47492

13 30 42.7 +34 49 50; CVn

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Picked up at 100x 2.1' NE of a mag 13 star.  Located 27' WSW of mag 6.8 SAO 63599 and 46' WNW of NGC 5223 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5199 = H III-406 = h1624 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS, lE."  CH's reduction is 25 sec of time preceding UGC 8504.

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NGC 5200

12 31 42.2 -00 01 49; Vir

 

= **, Reinmuth, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 5200 = HN 18 on 30 Apr 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars and simply noted "a star in faint nebulosity."  At Coolidge's position is a close mag 12.7/15.0 pair at ~9" separation.  Karl Reinmuth described NGC 5200 as a "**15 and 12.5, dist 0.1' 80 deg.  No neb seen."

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NGC 5201 = UGC 8480 = MCG +09-22-069 = CGCG 271-045 = PGC 47324

13 29 16.4 +53 04 54; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 145”

 

18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'.  Moderate, even concentration to a brighter core and faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 5.7' S of mag 7.4 SAO 28775 (a mag 10 companion is 2' NW of the bright star).  NGC 5163 lies 29' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5201 = H II-797 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "pF, pS, R, vgbM." His re-reduced position is ~80 tsec too large and 2' south of UGC 8480.  A second observation made on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) is more accurate.

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NGC 5202 = CGCG 017-010 = PGC 47589

13 32 00.5 -01 41 57; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 10' E of NGC 5197 in the NGC 5183 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5202 = m 262 on 12 Apr 1864 and simply noted "vF". His position is 1' west of CGCG 017-010 = PGC 47589.

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NGC 5203 = MCG -01-35-001 = PGC 47610

13 32 13.4 -08 47 11; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a moderately bright 20"x10" core and a much fainter halo.  A pair of mag 10.5/12.5 stars at 27" separation is 7' SE.  Located 3” NE of Spica.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5203 = H III-507 = h3517 on 4 Feb 1786 (sweep 522) and recorded "vF, vS, er. 240 left a doubt of the nebulosity, but rather confirmed it; may be a small patch of stars."  His position is within 1' of MCG -01-35-001 = PGC 47610. JH logged from the Cape of Good Hope, "vF; S; R gbM; 15"."

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NGC 5204 = UGC 8490 = MCG +10-19-078 = CGCG 294-039 = PGC 47368

13 29 36.4 +58 25 09; UMa

V = 11.3;  Size 5.0'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 5”

 

24" (6/12/18): fairly bright, fairly large, oval N-S, ~3.5'x2.5', irregular halo, broad concentration to a large, very ill-defined central region but no nucleus.  The surface brightness is notably irregular or mottled due to numerous blue compact HII regions, but no individual regions were resolved on the face of the galaxy.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright, elongated 4:3 N-S, 3.5'x2.5', weak concentration.  Has a mottled appearance with several slightly brighter knots across the face of the galaxy [on the DSS, the galaxy is quite unusual with numerous knots].  The outer halo fades into the background.  A nice fairly bright double star is near the edge of the field.  Member of the M101 group.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5204 = H IV-63 = h1625 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "cB, cL, vgmbM, easily res.  I suppose with a higher power I might have seen the stars."  His position was poor -- 35 seconds of RA east of UGC 8490. John Herschel made a single observation and noted "pB; irreg R; gbM; 90"; r; no nucleus seen." His RA was 8 seconds too small.  Edward Fath commented that NGC 5204 may be UGC 8490 (No. 627 in Table 1) in his 1914 paper "A Study of Nebulae".  He remarked it was "irregular with a number of condensations", based on a plate taken with the Mt Wilson 60-inch.

 

Charles E. Burton, the Birr Castle observer on 23 Apr 1868, recorded "E ns, dark lane np sf on north side of nucleus.  Suspect a spiral branch on np side extending to a star sp.  Two stars sf, is the following of the 2 nebulous?"

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NGC 5205 = UGC 8501 = MCG +11-17-003 = CGCG 316-017 = PGC 47425

13 30 03.4 +62 30 42; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): appears as a fairly large, ill-defined diffuse glow, slightly elongated N-S, 1.5'x1.2', very weak concentration.  Situated between mag 13.5/14.5 stars 3' S and 2' N. Two mag 11 stars lie ~8' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5205 = Sw. VI-59 on 18 May 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; R; betw 2 vF stars." His position is 2' south of UGC 8501 and his description applies.

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NGC 5206 = ESO 220-018 = LGG 344-006 = PGC 47762

13 33 44.0 -48 09 04; Cen

V = 10.6;  Size 3.7'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 16”

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6', broad weak concentration. Situated just south of a pair of mag 12 stars 1.5' N and 1.7' NW of center.  NGC 5156 lies 1.1” SW.  Located just 80' SE of Omega Centauri in the Centaurus A galaxy group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5206 = h3518 on 2 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM; 50"; on a ground faintly stippled with minute stars."  His position is within the north side of the halo.

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NGC 5207 = UGC 8518 = MCG +02-35-001 = CGCG 073-018 = PGC 47612

13 32 14.1 +13 53 32; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 140”

 

24" (7/2/16): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 3:2 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.6', brighter core with a stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 0.7' NW, just off the edge.

 

CGCG 073-021, discovered by Lord Rosse's observer in 1856, lies 5' NE.  The companion appeared very faint and small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~12"x9".

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', broad concentration with no distinct core.  A mag 11 star is just off the NW edge 44" from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5207 = H III-643 = h1626 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "vF, S, just sf a star, which is partly included in the nebulosity." CH's reduction is 1.4' north of UGC 8518.  JH logged this galaxy as "a faint oval wisp attached to a * 11m."

 

Three observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 3 May 1856, R.J. Mitchell noted "about 5' nf is a vF nebulous knot."  At this offset from NGC 5207 is CGCG 073-021 = PGC 47648, which did not receive a NGC designation.

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NGC 5208 = UGC 8519 = MCG +01-35-001 = CGCG 045-007 = PGC 47637

13 32 28.0 +07 18 59; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 162”

 

24" (6/1/13): moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', well concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus that increases to the center.  NGC 5208 and NGC 5209, located 3.7' ENE, are the brightest members of a small group.  CGCG 045-008 (identified in the RNGC as NGC 5212) lies 1.7' SE.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6'.  Even concentration with a bright core and faint stellar nucleus.  Appears to a have faint larger halo.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 5209 3.7' ENE and NGC 5210 10' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5208 = H III-9 = h1627, along with NGC 5209, on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 108) and recorded "Two very feeble nebula. They are eF."  There is nothing at his position (often very rough in his early sweeps) but 1.6 min of RA west is the pair UGC 8519 and UGC 8522.  JH made four observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5209 = UGC 8522 = MCG +01-35-002 = CGCG 045-009 = PGC 47654

13 32 42.5 +07 19 38; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (6/1/13): at 225x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright, 0.3' core that increases to the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5208 3.7' WSW with CGCG 045-011 3.0' E.  Also, CGCG 045-012 is 4.7' NNE.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Broad, weak concentration with no distinct core.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 5208 3.7' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5209 = H III-10 = h1628 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 108) and recorded "Two very feeble nebula [with III-9 = NGC 5208]. They are eF."   "Two. Both vF and vS."  His position is poor. JH made two observations, providing a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5210 = UGC 8523 = MCG +01-35-003 = CGCG 045-010 = PGC 47678

13 32 49.2 +07 10 12; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (6/1/13): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter, sharply concentrated with a small bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group (WBL 450), along with NGC 5208 and 5209, which lie 10' NNW.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Contains a fairly bright core with a faint halo with fades into the background. Similar to the NGC 5208/5209 pair that lies ~10' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5210 = H III-99 = h1629 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "eF, S.  It follows a star 7-8 mag 3.1 min in time and 1” 9' more north."  On 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042) he reported "pBN with vF chevelure [halo].  S, almost like a faint nebulous star." JH logged "F; S: R; psbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5211 = UGC 8530 = MCG +00-35-009 = CGCG 017-021 = PGC 47709

13 33 05.3 -01 02 08; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval SSW-NNE, gradually increases to a small bright core.  Forms a pair with UGC 8526 7.9' SSW in the NGC 5183 group.  UGC 8526 appeared very faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5211 = h1630 on 14 Apr 1828 and recorded "pB; S; R; vsmbM; 20"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5212 = CGCG 045-014 = PGC 47687

13 32 56.1 +07 17 16; Vir

V = 15.5;  Size 0.5'x0.45'

 

24" (6/1/13): faint to very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  The NGC identification is very uncertain and could apply to CGCG 045-008 and perhaps a faint, wide double star near John Herschel's position.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): not found though observed well past the meridian.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5212 = h1631 on 24 Apr 1830 and simply note "eF".  There is nothing at his position, which is east of NGC 5208 and 5209.

 

Karl Reinmuth identified CGCG 045-014 as NGC 5212.  This galaxy is 27 sec of RA west of JH's position and matches in declination.  RNGC identifies CGCG 045-008 as NGC 5212.  This galaxy is situated 1.7' southeast of NGC 5208 and is 50 seconds of RA west of JH's position.  Harold Corwin favors a 20" pair of 15th magnitude stars just 1' north of JH's position.  I don't think any of these identifications are compelling and the identification should perhaps be left as "lost".

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NGC 5213 = VV 18a = UGC 8552 = MCG +01-35-008 = CGCG 045-028 = PGC 47842

13 34 39.3 +04 07 48; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration with no noticeable core.  Located 17' NE of a 2' pair of mag 8 stars.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5213 = m 263 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, S, lE."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1 min of RA east is UGC 8552 = PGC 47842.  The other galaxies Marth discovered the same night have correct positions.  Karl Reinmuth describes this galaxy as "cF, cS, lE, lbM, eFN" at the corrected position and notes that "in Dreyer's place is *12.5."

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NGC 5214 = UGC 8531 = MCG +07-28-030 = CGCG 218-021 = PGC 47675

13 32 48.5 +41 52 19; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 140”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 45"x35", very small bright core.  Mag 9.9 SAO 44651 is 5' NE along with a mag 10.7 star 2.8' NW.  Located 22' SE of mag 6.1 HD 117710.

 

Forms a contact pair with NGC 5214A = MCG +07-28-029 just off the southwest edge, 30" between centers.  NGC 5214A appeared extremely faint (though not a threshold object) and small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.2'x0.1'.

 

17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.8', weak even concentration.  Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with a mag 10.5 star 2.7' NW and a mag 10 star 5' NE.  Located 18' SE of mag 6.1 SAO 44637.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5214 = H III-656 = h1632 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "vF, vS, lbM."  JH made the single observation, "vF; R; gbM; 30...40 arcseconds." and measured an accurate position.  A faint edge-on companion is off the southwest side.

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NGC 5215 = ESO 383-028 = ESO 383-29 = MCG -05-32-041 = VV 693 = AM 1332-331 = PGC 47887

13 35 09.5 -33 29 02; Cen

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): this double system consists of a two faint, very small galaxies (NGC 5215A and 5215B) separated by 20" E-W.  The eastern member is slightly elongated and the western galaxy only 20" diameter.  Both galaxies have sharp, stellar nuclei.  A mag 14 star lies 42" due south of the eastern component.  This member of AGC 3565 is located 12' SE of a mag 6.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5215 = h3519 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "eF and S; has 2 st less than 1 diam of neb, distant one (by diagram) s[outh] and one p[receding]".  Based on his description, he resolved this double system.  ESO-LV fails to label this system as NGC 5215.

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NGC 5216 = Arp 104 NED1 = VV 33a = UGC 8528 = MCG +11-17-004 = CGCG 316-019 CGCG 316-019 = PGC 47598 = Keenan's System

13 32 07.0 +62 42 03; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

48" (4/20/17): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with an intense nucleus surrounded by a small bright core and a moderately large halo.

 

17.5" (5/23/98): smaller and fainter of pair with NGC 5218 4.0' N (Keenan's System = interacting on long exposure photos).  Fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter.  The core is 15" in diameter at 280x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5216 = H II-841 = h1635, along with II-842 = NGC 5218, on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "pB, S, iF." CH's reduced position is 2' northeast of UGC 8528.  JH measured an accurate position for h1635, but thought it was a new object, as he applied II-841 to NGC 5218.  The identifications were corrected in GC and NGC, but still the MCG has NGC 5216 and 5218 reversed.

 

The nickname "Keenan's System" derives from a 1935 paper "An Unusual Pair of Nebulae: NGC 5216 and 5218" (in 1935ApJ....81..355K).  Keenan announced that based on a Yerkes 24-inch plate "these two apparently well-separated galaxies are connected by a faint but definite band of nebulosity... The case is striking, among the small number of pairs known to be physically connected, because of the considerable separation of the two objects in proportion to their size."  The paper included a photograph of the system.  Zwicky used the name "Keenan's System in his 1956 paper "Multiple Galaxies" on interacting galaxies (http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1956ErNW...29..344Z).  The filament connecting the galaxies stretches 22,000 light years long.

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NGC 5217 = UGC 8546 = MCG +03-35-009 = CGCG 102-019 = PGC 47793

13 34 06.1 +17 51 24; Com

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, evenly concentrated down to a small bright core.  Forms a pair with IC 897 3.2' ESE.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small.  I could only glimpse this object for moments with averted vision but it appeared very elongated 3:1 SW-NE and extremely thin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5217 = h1634 on 7 May 1826 and recorded "vF; S; R: bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5218 = Arp 104 NED2 = VV 33b = UGC 8529 = MCG +11-17-005 = CGCG 316-020 = CGCG 317-003 = PGC 47603 = Keenan's System

13 32 10.2 +62 46 02; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration with a large brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NE.  Forms a double system with NGC 5216 4.0' S (interacting pair with streamers called Keenan's system).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5218 = H II-842 = h1636 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "pB, pL, iF."  CH's reduced position is 3' northeast of UGC 8529 (northern component of Keenan's System).  JH misidentified h1636 as II-841, instead of II-842.  The identifications of NGC 5216/5218 are reversed in the MCG.

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NGC 5219 = NGC 5244 = ESO 270-023 = MCG -07-28-007 = PGC 48236

13 38 42.0 -45 51 18; Cen

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 17”

 

See observing notes for NGC 5244.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5219 = h3520 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, has a * near lower edge."  There is nothing at his very rough position (near min of RA and NPD marked as approximate), but the description clearly matches h3525 = NGC 5244.  This implies JH made a 2.5 tmin error in RA and 3' in declination and didn't recognize that he observed this galaxy just two days previously!

 

The RNGC misidentifies a double star as NGC 5244, although the classification is a galaxy.

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NGC 5220 = ESO 383-036 = MCG -5-32-46 = PGC 47972

13 35 57.0 -33 27 13; Cen

V = 12.2;  Size 2.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (4/21/01): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.5'x0.6'.  A mag 13 star is at the following end [52" from center] and a mag 14.5 star is just north of central region.  A mag 9.1 star lies 2.8' SE.  NGC 5215 (pair) lies 10' W.  Located 17' SE of mag 6.6 HD 118010. The dust lane (similar to M104) was  not seen.  Member of AGC 3565.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5220 = h3521 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R: precedes a * 10m, dist 1 1/2 diam by diagram."  His position and description matches ESO 383-036 = MCG -05-32-046.  MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 5220.

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NGC 5221 = Arp 288 NED3 = VV 315b = VIII Zw 325 = UGC 8559 = MCG +02-35-006 = CGCG 073-040 = PGC 47869

13 34 55.9 +13 49 57; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 2.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

24" (6/1/13): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.25", well concentrated with a small bright nucleus.  Interacting pair with NGC 5222 5.4' S.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, broad mild concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5222 5.4' S.  A mag 14.5 star 2.5' S is midway NGC 5221 and NGC 5222.  Member of the NGC 5230 group.  NGC 5226 lies 5.7' NNE (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5221 = H III-86 = h1637, along with NGC 5222 and 5230 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189), and recorded "Three small nebula, all vF and R; the last is little larger than the other two.  The first and last differ 0.6 min in RA and 10' in polar distance."  JH made two observations, logging "F; R; pslbM; 25", and "eF; R".   NGC position is just off the south side of the galaxy.

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NGC 5222 = Arp 288 NED2/3 = VV 315a/c = UGC 8558 = MCG +02-35-005 = CGCG 073-039 = PGC 47871

13 34 55.9 +13 44 32; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  PA = 15”

 

24" (6/1/13): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 30"x24", high surface brightness core, small halo.  A mag 15.5 star is just off the south side, 0.6' from center.  NGC 5221 lies 5.4' N and NGC 5230 is 9.6' ESE.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE.  A mag 15.5 star is at the south edge.  A brighter mag 14.5 star lies 3' N.  This is the slightly brighter galaxy of a pair with NGC 5221 5.4' N.  Located 9.7' WNW of NGC 5230 in a group.  A small companion just off the northeast edge was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5222 = H III-85 = h1638, along with NGC 5221 and NGC 5230, on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189).  JH made three observations, describing NGC 5220 as "vF; S; R", "pB; S; R sbM; 30", and "vF; R; vglbM; 20".

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NGC 5223 = UGC 8553 = MCG +06-30-040 = CGCG 190-025 = PGC 47822

13 34 25.2 +34 41 25; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, very little concentration.  A mag 13 star is nearly attached on the SW side, 44" from the center. At 280x, a very small core is visible and the galaxy has an uneven surface brightness.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5228 5.6' NNE and NGC 5233 10' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5223 = H III-407 = h1640 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two [along with III-408 = NGC 5228], the time is that of the most south; both vF and vS; but the most north [NGC 5228] is the faintest and smallest of the two.  Dist about 6 or 7'."  His position is 20 sec of RA too far west.  JH made 3 observations, recording on sweep 131 "F; S; R; has a star sp", and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5224 = MCG +01-35-009 = CGCG 045-030 = PGC 47884

13 35 08.8 +06 28 51; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak even concentration to a brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  Bracketed between two mag 9 stars 2.3' NE (SAO 120022) and 3.5' SW (SAO 120017).  NGC 5235 lies 14' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5224 = H III-926 = h1633 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "vF, S.  It is sp a considerably bright star."  JH made the single observation "a * 9m with a faint, very dilute nebulous atmosphere."  His position is 1 min of time too small (he noted a possible error of 1 tmin), but the description appears to describe one of the nearby bright stars -- not the galaxy, which is 2' from the nearest star. In the GC, JH questioned "Has the star or the nebula moved?"  He probably missed the galaxy and noted a small halo around the nearby star.

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NGC 5225 = UGC 8540 = MCG +09-22-078 = CGCG 271-050 = PGC 47731

13 33 20.3 +51 29 25; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, little or no concentration.  A mag 15.5 star is barely off the SE edge [30" from center].  Located 15' SW of NGC 5238.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5225 = H III-822 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, pS, iR, lbM."  CH's reduced position is 27 sec of RA east of UGC 8540.  There were no follow-up observations by JH or at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5226 = PGC 47877

13 35 03.6 +13 55 20; Vir

V = 15.7;  Size 0.5'x0.25';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 21”

 

24" (6/1/13): faintest member of the NGC 5230 quartet.  At 282x appeared extremely faint, very small, appeared to be elongated ~2:1 N-S, 12"x6".  Required averted and could not hold for more than a couple of seconds.  Located 5.7' NNE of NGC 5221.  This galaxy is surprisingly faint for an NGC, though it was discovered with the 72-inch.

 

17.5" (5/30/92):  Not found.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 5226 using LdR's 72" on 5 April 1877 during an observation of NGC 5221.  He described this object as "eF, pS, pos 20.7”, dist 342" from [NGC 5221].  At this exact position (5.7' north-northeast of NGC 5221) is PGC 47877.

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NGC 5227 = UGC 8566 = MCG +00-35-010 = CGCG 017-029 = PGC 47915

13 35 24.5 +01 24 40; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, gradually increases to a 20" core.  Surrounded by a small isosceles triangle of stars with a mag 14.5 star 1.8' NW, mag 15 star 1.3' SW and a mag 14 star 2.1' E!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5227 = H III-928 = h1641 on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and noted "vF, S."  His position is good. JH made the single observation "vF; R" and did not measure a position.  Ralph Copeland, while an observing assistant at Birr Castle on 22 Mar 1874, noted "vF, pS, R, gmbM, inside a triangle of small stars."

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NGC 5228 = UGC 8556 = MCG +06-30-043 = CGCG 190-026 = PGC 47837

13 34 35.0 +34 46 40; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 5223 5.6' SSW.  A mag 13 star lies 1.4' NE and a similar star is 2' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5228 = H III-408 = h1642 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two [along with III-407 = NGC 5223], the time is that of the most south; both vF and vS; but the most north [NGC 5228] is the faintest and smallest of the two.  Dist about 6 or 7'."  His position is 20 sec of RA too far west.  JH made 2 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5229 = UGC 8550 = MCG +08-25-019 = CGCG 246-013 = FGC 1638 = PGC 47788

13 34 02.9 +47 54 54; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 3.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faint, large, thin edge-on, 6:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x0.4'.  With averted vision the outer tips may extend to 3' in length.  A mag 12 star is off the SSE end 2.4' from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5229 = Sw. III-72 on 1 Jan 1886 and recorded "eF; L; vE; v difficult."  His position is 8 sec of RA following UGC 8550 and his description applies.  Possible member of the M101 group.

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NGC 5230 = UGC 8573 = MCG +02-35-009 = CGCG 073-043 = PGC 47932

13 35 31.9 +13 40 34; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (6/1/13): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.4'x1.2', broad concentration to a brighter core.  With direct vision, a small brighter nucleus was visible.  Largest in a quartet (similar redshifts) with NGC 5222 9.6' WNW and NGC 5221 12.8' NW.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, fairly low almost even surface brightness, weak concentration.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5221 13' NNW and NGC 5222 9.7' WNW.  Located near the Virgo-Bootes border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5230 = H III-87 = h1639 = h1643, along with NGC 5221 and NGC 5222, on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189).  JH made 4 observations including one, on sweep 247, in which he thought it was new and catalogued it as h1643.  His position was 8 tsec of RA too far west on this sweep.  Dreyer combined the two h- and GC-designations in the NGC, noting "according to the well--agreeing observations of WH, d'Arrest and LdR, there are only 3 nebula."   R.J. Mitchell, the LdR observer on 3 May 1856, noted 1643 [NGC 5230] is the largest and is pB, R, gbMN, about which I suspect dark spaces [dust lanes]."

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NGC 5231 = UGC 8574 = MCG +01-35-011 = CGCG 045-034 = Holm 529a = PGC 47953

13 35 48.3 +02 59 57; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core and an occasional stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5231 = m 264 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, bM."  His position is 1' south of UGC 8574.

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NGC 5232 = MCG -01-35-003 = PGC 47998

13 36 08.3 -08 29 52; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a much brighter 30" core.  Forms a pair with MCG -01-35-005 3.5' ENE.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round, no other details.  NGC 5241 lies 10' NNE. Located 5.3' NNE of mag 9 SAO 139434.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5232 = m 265 on 30 May 1864 and noted "F, vS."  His position is less than 1' north-northwest of MCG -01-35-003 = PGC 47998.

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NGC 5233 = UGC 8568 = MCG +06-30-047 = CGCG 190-029 = PGC 47895

13 35 13.3 +34 40 38; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (5/23/98): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.1' SE of center.  Located 10' E of NGC 5223 in a group with NGC 5228.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5233 = H III-425 = h1645 on 3 May 1785 (sweep 407) and noted "vF, vS, may be brought into the field with the two foregoing [NGC 5223 and 5228] and is a little fainter than they are."  His position (CH's reduction) is less than 2' southeast of UGC 8668.  JH called it "F; S; R: has a vS * near [southeast]."

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NGC 5234 = ESO 220-024 = PGC 48129

13 37 29.9 -49 50 14; Cen

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 48”

 

18" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 40"x20", contains a small brighter core.  A mag 14-14.5 star is at the southeast edge [20" from center] and a mag 15 star is just off the northeast end.  Situated in a rich star field with two mag 10.5 stars 4' N and 5' NW.  Located 25' WNW of mag 5.9 HD 118767.

 

ESO 220-023 (similar redshift) lies 5.6' NNW.  This fairly faint edge-on extends 4:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.15', slight bulge at center, tapers at ends.  Collinear with two mag 12.2 and 10.5 stars situated 1.2' SE and 1.9' SE.  It also forms the eastern vertex of a triangle with two mag 10.5 stars 2.5' WNW and 3' SW.  Two more ESO edge-ons (again part of the same group) lies 10' SW of NGC 5234 but I didn't look for these.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5234 = h3522 on 6 Jul 1834 and recorded "eeF; lE; 30".  Requires a newly polished mirror, and a night such as this is to be seen."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5235 = UGC 8582 = MCG +01-35-012 = CGCG 045-036 = PGC 47984

13 36 01.4 +06 35 07; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 120”

 

24" (6/29/16): moderately bright, elongated 5:3 ~WNW-ESE, ~40"x24", contains a relatively large brighter core.  A mag 10 star is 3.7' SW and a mag 14.5 star is 1' NNE.

 

CGCG 045-035 lies 3.6' S and a similar distance southeast of the mag 10 star.  It was noted as very faint, slightly elongated N-S, ~15"x10".  UGC 8596 lies 12.5' SE and appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 25"x20", broad concentration with a slightly brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.4', smooth surface brightness.  NGC 5224 lies 14' SW.  Located 3.6' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5235 = H III-100 = h1644 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "eF, E.  It follows a star 7-8 mag 6.2 min in time and is 34' more north." JH made three observations, recording on sweep 153 "F; pL; R; very dilute; nf a * 9m."

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NGC 5236 = M83 = ESO 444-081 = MCG -05-32-050 = UGCA 366 = PGC 48082 = Southern Pinwheel

13 37 00.3 -29 51 58; Hya

V = 7.5;  Size 12.9'x11.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

48" (4/7/13): During this observation of M83, I focused on the HII regions that light up portions of the remarkable spiral arms that emanate from the 3'x1' central bar.  The bar is sharply concentrated with a small, intensely bright, 1' round core.  At the northeast end of the bar a high contrast arm begins to sweep counterclockwise along the east side, ending up directly south of the core.  Several knotty clumps were visible in the region where the arm is attached.  First, at the northeast end of the central bar [1.2' NE of center] is NGC 5236:[dPD83] 42, a 10" HII knot.  This designation is from a 1983 paper by de Vaucouleurs, Pence and Davoust that includes a map of the 60 brightest HII regions.  Close east of this knot is #46, a 20"x10" elongated patch, situated where the arm begins to unfurl to the south [1.7' NE of center].  HII region #54 is another 12" knot a bit further southeast [0.6'] along the arm [1.9' ENE of center].

 

On the opposite southwest end of the bar a prominent second arm emerges and spirals out counterclockwise along the west side of the galaxy heading north and then spreading out as it curves east.  The arm dims noticeably on the northeast side of the halo near a mag 13 star and has a low surface brightness as it continues south in the outer halo, heading towards h 4599, an 8" pair of mag 8.2/10.7 stars.  Several knots are visible in this arm.  As the arm emerges at the southwest end is #22 and #18, a small 10" knot [1.8' SW of center].  Close north is an elongated clump [2.0' WSW of center], ~25"x10", containing #13 and #15.  Another elongated patch, 30"x10", containing #12 and #16, is 1' further north along the arm [1.9' WNW of center].  Additional HII regions were visible at the northern side of the arm; #39 and #43 are a close pair of small knots ~2.5' NNE of center.  Further east along the arm [3.3' NE of center] is #56, another elongated patch, 20"x10".

 

A third, wider and more diffuse arm begins on the south side of the bar.  It extends below the brighter arm on the west side, and sweeps more gradually, forming an outer western arm. This arm passes just north of a mag 12 star and ends about 4' W of center at a brighter, elongated patch that includes #2 and #3, as well as a mag 15 star.

 

48" (5/15/12): jaw-dropping view of M83, with the galaxy filling about 2/3 of the 375x field.  I didn't take detail notes as we were looking for a recently discovered ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX), in which a companion star is orbiting a neutron star or black hole.  We found a stellar or quasi-stellar object at the north edge of the central core, but this was likely a compact HII region (the ULX is ~1' E of the nucleus).

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): M83 resembled the photographic appearance in the 24" at 200x.  The bright "bar" was elongated SW-NE and roughly 3'x1' in size with a well-defined bright, round core, 1' in diameter.  The first prominent arm is attached at the northeast end of the bar and sweeps south (counter-clockwise) on the east side of the core, wrapping around the southeast side and spreading out a bit as it terminates to the south of the core (~3' from the center).  This arm has a high contrast along its outer edge and a couple of faint stars or HII knots are visible near where it attaches to the bar.  On the southwest end of the bar a second prominent inner arm emerges and abruptly wraps counter-clockwise around the galaxy on the west side as it heads north.  This arm continues to wrap around the north side before spreading out on the northeast side and merging into the outer halo ~3.5' from center on the northeast edge of the halo. A third, more ill-defined arm, also emerges from the core on the south but sweeps more gently to the west (instead of heading north) on the outside of the second arm.  It spreads out and fades into the general glow about 3.5' SW of center near a superimposed mag 12 star.  Offshoots of the main arms are difficult to trace and contribute to the general background glow of the halo.

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): in addition to the complex 3-armed spiral structure I was surprised to see a fairly obvious linear bar that extended through the small, intense core in SW-NE orientation.  The fairly tightly wound spiral arm that wraps from the east side of the core around the south side in a counter-clockwise orientation clearly emerges from the NE end of this bar.  The spiral arms that begin on the south and west side more vaguely emerge from the general glow near the SW end of the bar.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): beautiful view with easy spiral structure in excellent seeing conditions.  The main central portion of the galaxy appears to be in motion, due to the embedded spiral structure and darker ribbons add to this impression.  The three principal arms extending from the galaxy were well seen although they are fairly tightly wound to the main body.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): this impressive galaxy was viewed carefully at both 105x and 166x.  The overall size including the spiral arms are ~8'x6'.  The halo is broadly concentrated then rises sharply to an intense 25" core that increases to the center.  Complex spiral structure is quite obvious.  A spiral arm is attached on the east side of the core and wraps around the south side of the galaxy in a counter-clockwise direction.  A second arm is attached at the south side of the core and winds to the west a bit on the south side.  Finally, an arm is attached on the west side and shoots north before gently bending east along the north side of the outer halo.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this was my best view to date of M83 with a beautiful spiral structure clearly evident and multiple knotty arms.  Well concentrated with a prominent core and very small nucleus.  A very long, spiral arm is attached on the west side of the central core or bar but quickly bends to the north, becoming more spread out and diffuse.  It continues to wind along the entire east side of the halo and fades out near a close double star, which is the middle of three collinear stars to the SE of the galaxy.  Two other principal arms are visible - one is attached on the following end of the core and heads south, wrapping clockwise around the core towards the west.  A third arm emerges from the core on the west side and winds clockwise towards the north.  Offshoots of the main arms are difficult to trace and contribute to the general background glow of the halo.

 

17.5" (5/10/86) : brighter arm or arc visible north of the core.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very bright, large, very bright core, brighter along the central "bar".  The shape of the spiral arms and central bar form the Greek letter "Theta" surrounded by a faint halo.

 

8" (3/24/84): very bright, bright core, elongated, impressive.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered M83 = NGC 5236 = Lac I-6 = D 628 = h3523 in 1751-1752 with only a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He simply described a "small, shapeless" nebula.  M83 is the only galaxy in Lacaille's list and its remarkable that it was discovered with so small an aperture.  Charles Messier was barely able to view it from Paris, noting "It appears as a faint, even light, but is difficult to see with the telescope that the slightest illumination of the micrometer's crosshairs causes it to disappear.  It requires considerable concentration to see at all."

 

William Herschel made two observations of M83:  On 15 Mar 1787 (sweep 711) he logged "vB, a bright resolvable nucleus in the middle with F branches about 5' or 6' long, E sp-nf."  On 5 May 1793 he logged "vB, a SBN with very extensive and vF nebulosity; it more than fills the field, it seems to be rather stronger from sp to nf. It may be ranked among the nebulous stars."

 

James Dunlop observed M83 on 29 Apr 1826 and recorded "185 Centauri is a very beautiful round nebula, with an exceedingly bright well-defined disk or nucleus, about 7 or 8 arcseconds diameter, surrounded by a luminous atmosphere or chevelure, about 6' diameter. The nebulous matter is rather a little brighter towards the edge of the planetary disk, but very slightly so. I can see several extremely minute points or stars in the chevelure, but I do not consider them as indications of its being resolvable, although I have no doubt it is composed of stars."  His published position is off by some 12+ minutes in RA, but Glen Cozens found a copying error of exactly 13 minutes from his handwritten position.  His original position is within 10' of center.

 

John Herschel's first observation from the Cape of Good Hope on 5 May 1834 reads "vB, vL, sbM to a centre equal to a star 9th mag, diam 8", of a resolvable character like a globular cluster, surrounded by an immensely large, extremely dilute almost equable light 7' or 8' diameter, somewhat oval, and passing with excessive suddenness into the central light."

 

William Lassell discovered the spiral nature using his 48-inch fork-mounted reflector on Malta in May 1862. He sketched M83 as an elegant three-branched spiral (Plate VII, Fig. 28, in Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol 36).  The NGC description "3 branched spiral" refers to Lassell's sketch. It was also sketched by Turner as an elegant "S" shaped spiral on the unpublished Plate VI, figure 62 as well as by Pietro Baracchi in Apr 1885.

 

M83 has 6 known supernovae, the first (SN 1923A) found by Lampland on a photograph taken 5 May 1923 with the 40-inch Lowell reflector.

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NGC 5237 = ESO 270-022 = MCG -07-28-005 = AM 1334-423 = Aguero 48 = LGG 344-008 = PGC 48139

13 37 38.8 -42 50 51; Cen

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 128”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round (seems to change shape with averted vision).  I saw no noticeable core but the galaxy seemed brightest at the west end with careful viewing.  On the DSS, it appears I noticed either a very small companion that's merged on the northwest side or a blue, starburst region of the galaxy.  NGC 5237 forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two bright stars; mag 7.4 HD 118337 7' NW and mag 7.0 HD 118483 7' NE!  Member of the NGC 5128 (Cen A) group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5237 = h3524 on 3 Jun 1834 and noted (first of 4 observations) "F; pL; oval; vgbM; 60" l; 50" br."  A sketch was made by Joseph Turner in Jul 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope.  MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 5237.

 

This galaxy, along with Fourcade-Figueroa galaxy = ESO 270-017, may have formed from a close interaction between Centaurus A and a spiral galaxy.  A 1992 paper suggest it was ejected as a non-rotating shred of dusty, gas-rich disc material that appears as a blue irregular/starburst dwarf galaxy.

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NGC 5238 = UGC 8565 = MCG +09-22-082 = CGCG 271-052 = Mrk 1479 = I Zw 64 = KPG 384 = PGC 47853

13 34 42.6 +51 36 50; CVn

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.2'x1.0', very diffuse with no noticeable central concentration.  NGC 5225 lies 15' SW.  Possible outlying member of the M101 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5238 = H III-823 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, pL, R, vlbM."  His position was 20 seconds of RA too large.

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NGC 5239 = UGC 8589 = MCG +01-35-015 = CGCG 045-040 = PGC 48023

13 36 26.2 +07 22 11; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, 1.0' diameter.  Appears as a very low surface brightness glow with no concentration.  Forms the west vertex of a right triangle with two mag 12-13 stars 4.1' E and 5.0' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5239 = H III-101 = h1646 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "eF, pL, R, easily resolvable.  I can almost see the stars of it."  JH made two observations and his position on sweep 250 is accurate.

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NGC 5240 = UGC 8587 = MCG +06-30-056 = CGCG 190-034 = PGC 47971

13 35 55.2 +35 35 16; CVn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.9', Very diffuse appearance with a surprisingly low surface brightness and little or no central concentration. A trio of mag 10-10.5 stars lies 11' ENE.  The NGC 5223 group (trio) is located 55' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5240 = H III-409 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, pL, R, lbM."  His re-reduced position is 1.5' south of UGC 8587.  JH and LdR did not make any observations.

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NGC 5241 = MCG -01-35-006 = PGC 48043

13 36 39.9 -08 24 07; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): this difficult galaxy is attached to a mag 13 star and is situated just 0.9' W of a mag 11 star that detracts from viewing.  The seeing was not steady during the observation, but the galaxy appeared elongated, perhaps 25"x10" roughly WSW-ENE with the star attached on the following side.  Located 10' NE of NGC 5232.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5241 = Sw. III-73 on 29 Mar 1886 and recorded "pF, eS; vF star very close."  There is nothing at this position, but 38 sec of RA west and 6' north MCG -01-35-006 = PGC 48043 and his comment "vf * close" applies to this galaxy.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 5241 but RNGC and PGC identify PGC 48043 as NGC 5241.

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NGC 5242

13 37 06 +02 46; Vir

 

= Not found, Carlson and Corwin.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5242 = h1647 on 10 Apr 1828 and recorded "eF, vL, fills the whole field.  Strongly suspected; yet a doubt remains."  There is nothing near his position (the declination is marked as uncertain) that fits his description and Dorothy Carlson classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin concludes "Since there are no galaxies in the area matching JH's description (all are too small), nor are there any one hour preceding or following, or within two +/- degrees of the nominal declination, this may well be a visual illusion of some sort, perhaps caused by scattered light in his telescope."  Curiously, there is an observation by LdR observer R.J. Mitchell on 19 Apr 1855, stating "not L, gbMN and has a patchy look."

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NGC 5243 = UGC 8592 = MCG +07-28-036 = CGCG 218-027 = PGC 48011

13 36 15.1 +38 20 35; CVn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 126”

 

24" (6/3/19): at 200x; type Ia SN 2019fck, discovered on May 13th, was easily visible as a mag 14.5-14.7 "star" off the NW end of the galaxy (23" W and 40" N of center).

 

24" (5/20/17): at 200x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NE-SE, 1.2'x0.4', moderate surface brightness, weak concentration.  At 375x; NGC 5243 exhibited an irregular surface brightness and seemed knotty or dappled with dust. The outer halo appeared to extend further towards the southeast with an occasional slightly brighter knot.

 

UGC 8564 lies 16.7' WNW.  At 375x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 45"x18", small bright nucleus, moderately high surface brightness (central region of galaxy viewed).

 

17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, thin nearly edge-on NW-SE, 1.1'x0.3' with a bulging core.  A mag 12 star follows by 4.5'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5243 = H III-620 = h1648 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "cF, E, about 3/4' long, r, not far from the parallel."  JH measured a fairly accurate position and described the galaxy as "pF; E or obscurely bicentral; lbM, pos of elongation 25” nf by diagram."

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NGC 5244 = NGC 5219 = ESO 270-023 = MCG -07-28-007 = PGC 48236

13 38 42.0 -45 51 18; Cen

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 17”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~45"x20".  A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge.  The galaxy appears to extend (south) from the star.  A mag 8.5 star is 9.5' WSW and three fairly bright, nearly collinear stars lie 8' ENE.

 

The Fourcade-Figueroa Galaxy = ESO 270-017 (possible remnant or "shard", resulting from a close interaction between Centaurus A and a spiral galaxy), lies 45' NW.  I was pleased to make a definite sighting as an extremely faint, very elongated glow, particularly extending east-southeast of a mag 11 star.  The very low surface brightness glow was "pointing" just south of a mag 9 star (HD 118087), which is 8' ESE of the mag 11 star (roughly the center of the Fourcade-Figueroa System), and extended at least 2'x 0.4'.  A short extension on the west-northwest side of the star was difficult to confirm but was marginally  glimpsed.  The mag 11 near the center forms the northeast vertex of a small quadrilateral (sides 1.2' or less) of mag 10.5, 12.5 and 13 stars.  The faintest star is superimposed on west-northwest extension of the galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5244 = h3525 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; vglbM; has a * at its edge."  His position and description matches ESO 270-023.  NGC 5219 is a duplicate entry (from another observation two nights later).  ESO-LV identifies this galaxy as NGC 5219.  MCG fails to label MCG -07-28-007 as NGC 5244.

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NGC 5245 = CGCG 045-048 = PGC 48110

13 37 23.2 +03 53 51; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, irregularly round, almost even surface brightness.  Located almost at the midpoint between two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' NNW and 3.1' SSE.  NGC 5246 lies 12.5' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5245 = m 266, along with NGC 5246, on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS."  His position is 2.4' south of CGCG 045-048 = PGC 48110.  CGCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 5245.

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NGC 5246 = UGC 8612 = MCG +01-35-017 = CGCG 045-050 = PGC 48128

13 37 29.5 +04 06 14; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/28/90): faint, very small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  NGC 5245 is located 12.5' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5246 = m 267, along with NGC 5245, on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5247 = ESO 577-014 = MCG -03-35-011 = UGCA 368 = PGC 48171

13 38 02.5 -17 53 01; Vir

V = 10.0;  Size 5.6'x4.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

48" (5/14/12): I was amazed at the beauty of this face-on spiral with two well-defined spiral arms containing numerous HII knots and a third faint arm!  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright round core, ~30" diameter.  The slightly brighter and longer southern arm was attached at the north end of the core and winded gracefully counterclockwise for nearly 270”, terminating on the WSW side of the galaxy, 2.4' from center.  The arm displayed a high-contrast and was relatively narrow and sharply defined.  It contained two knots and brighter segments.  It broadened slightly as it unwound on the south side and appeared slightly mottled. The brightest HII knot was 10" in diameter and situated slightly further out, 1.9' SW of center.  Beyond this point, the last portion of the arm dimmed and ended at another 8" knot at the tip, 2.4' WSW of center.  The northern arm is attached on the south side of the core and winds counterclockwise to the north, though only curves gently.  A fairly bright knot (possibly double) is situated along this arm 1.4' NNW of center.  Another fainter knot is at the north tip of the arm, 1.8' from center.  A third, vaguely defined arm emerges to the south of the core and unwinds counterclockwise to the west.  A mag 16.5 star marks the tip of this arm.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): moderately bright, large, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, about 4'x3', sharp concentration with a very weakly concentrated halo which fades into the background.  Unusual appearance as suddenly rises to very small bright core 20"-30" diameter.  Spiral structure not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5247 = H II-297 = h1649 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 369) and logged "pF, L, mbM."  A later observation on 7 Feb 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, vL, the greatest part of it vF, unequally bright almost like two joined, the smaller being north preceding [perhaps a spiral arm?]."  On sweep 354, John Herschel recorded "vF; vL; psb to a brighter kind of nebula; a good type of its class.  It loses itself quite imperceptibly.  Diam of the faint neb = 2'; of the brighter part or nucl = 10 or 15". (See fig 39.)".

 

William Lassell observed this galaxy with his 48-inch from Malta on 20 May 1862 and called it "a very faint spiral Nebula".  His sketch (Plate VII, Fig. 29, in Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol 36) shows a graceful S-shaped spiral with two long arms opening widely from a small nucleus.  The NGC description "2 branched spiral" refers to Lassell's sketch. Joseph Turner observed it on 8 May 1878 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope with a 6-day moon in the sky and noted mottling, but no spiral structure.

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NGC 5248 = UGC 8616 = MCG +02-35-015 = CGCG 073-054 = PGC 48130

13 37 32.0 +08 53 07; Boo

V = 10.3;  Size 6.2'x4.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 110”

 

48" (5/15/12): beautiful two-armed spiral, very large, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE.  The brightest portion is ~3.8'x2.5' but the faint, outer spiral arms increase the diameter to at least 5'. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with an intense oval core.  The brighter spiral arm begins to the north of the core, wrapping counterclockwise around the east and southeast side and it is lit up by several fairly prominent knots.  The arm dims fairly abruptly on the southeast side but continues unwrapping to the south, extending outside and just beyond a mag 13.5-14 star 1.7' SSW of center.  A mag 15.3 star is 0.6' N of center, just outside where the arm emerges on the north side.

 

At least four distinct HII knots are in or near this arm, along with brighter segments.  The following designations are from the 1983 Hodge-Kennicutt "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  A faint knot, [HK 83] 26/28 is between the mag 15.3 star and the core.  The arm brightens along the east side of the core and include the faint knots [HK 83] 13/15, 28" NE of center, and [HK 83] 5/6 1.0' ESE of center.  The most prominent knot along with this arm is [HK 83] 9, 1.2' SE of center.

 

The western spiral arm (not traced directly to the core) stretches to the north and also contains several knots (HII complexes/star associations).  The first knot is [HK 83] 63, 0.8' W of center.  A large brighter knot or arc ~1.1' NW of center includes [HK 83] 74/77/81.  A faint knot, [HK 83] 66/71, is near the tip of this arm 1.5' NNW of center.  A similar knot, [HK 83] 53, is 25" SE, on line with the core.

 

24" (5/24/20): at 225x, 260x and 375x; beautiful two-armed spiral elongated NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core that appeared mottled and a small brighter nucleus. A fairly well defined spiral arm was attached on the NE side, near an easy mag 15.3 star 0.7' N of center.  It curved clockwise along the east side and appeared somewhat diffuse, blending into the glow of the disc on the interior and exterior sides.  It terminated at a very diffuse HII patch ([HK 83] #9), 1.2' SE of center.

 

The western arm had a higher surface brightness with a very sharply defined outer edge and a mottled or uneven appearance.  It was easily traced at 225x and 375x with the brightest part detached from the core and extended almost due north, terminating 1.5' NW of center.  Both arms were immersed in the haze of the disc ~3.5'x2.5'. A mag 13.7 star is 1.7' S, just outside the halo.

 

18" (6/7/08): bright, large, elongated NW-SE, 3.5'x2.4', sharply concentrated with a very bright, round 25" core.  At 200x, two spiral arms extend out from the central region.  The brightest and longest arm is attached at the west side of the core and gradually sweeps to the north.  A couple of very faint, very small knots are embedded in this arm including one due west of the core.  On the east end of the core a matching arm is attached that curves a bit more as it swings towards the south in a counter-clockwise orientation.  A faint star is just north of the central region and a brighter star is 1.7' S of center.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): bright, large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 4'x3', well-defined small very bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1.7' SSW of center and a mag 15 star is embedded at the north edge of the halo.  Appears slightly mottled or dusty but spiral arms were not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5248 = H I-34 = h1650 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded "vB, nearly R and cometic but the nucleus is large and seems to consist of bright close stars, resolvable."  On 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he logged "vB, cL, E from np to sf, a small bright nucleus."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing on 19 Apr 1855 with LdR's 72", logged "Large and pretty bright, Bright nucleus. Seen as in sketch, but not certain whether the lower branch joins the nucleus or is only the continuation of the upper curve."  On 29 March 1856 he recorded "The preceding arm does appear to originate from the nucleus, which is very bright and oval shaped."   The two brightest spiral arms as well as the brightest HII knot at the southeast end of the eastern arm, are clearly shown on Plate XXVIII, fig 29 in PT 1861

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NGC 5249 = UGC 8618 = MCG +03-35-015 = CGCG 102-028 = PGC 48134

13 37 37.6 +15 58 20; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6'.  Unconcentrated halo rises suddenly to a very small brighter core that appears offset to the NE side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5249 = H III-72 = h1651 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "a vS suspected nebula, eF.  Higher power immediately confirmed it."  CH's reduced position is 20 sec of RA west of UGC 8618.  JH made three observations and his mean position is within 30".

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NGC 5250 = UGC 8594 = MCG +09-22-085 = CGCG 271-053 = PGC 47997

13 36 07.4 +51 14 09; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very small bright core, moderate surface brightness.  Located 5.8' NE of mag 7.4 SAO 28814. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.4' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5250 = H II-817 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "pB, S, R, vgbM."  CH's reduced position is 19 tsec east and 1' north of UGC 8594 (very similar offset as other nearby objects in the sweep).  There were no observations made by JH or at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5251 = MCG +05-32-044 = CGCG 161-090 = PGC 48119

13 37 24.8 +27 25 09; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  IC 4307 is located 15' SW.  A wide mag 8.2/11.5 double is 15' SE.  Located 85' SW of M3!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5251 = H III-369 = h1652 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Suspected, eF, vS.  240 showed it larger and lE, but so obscure as not to remove all doubt."  His position was poor but JH measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5252 = UGC 8622 = MCG +01-35-022 = CGCG 045-056 = VV 100 = PGC 48189

13 38 16.0 +04 32 32; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 5246 lies 30' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5252 = H III-505 = h1653 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, vS, R."  On sweep 142, JH noted "F; R; bM; 30"."

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NGC 5253 = ESO 445-004 = MCG -05-32-060 = UGCA 369 = PGC 48334

13 39 55.9 -31 38 24; Cen

V = 10.4;  Size 5.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 43”

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  Very strong concentration with an intensely luminous 20" core.  The outer extent increased with averted vision and faded at the tips, with overall dimensions of ~2.0'x0.7'.  A very small bright knot is at the NE edge of the core and appeared similar to a nearly stellar nucleus (though offset from center), particularly using direct vision.

 

This small starburst galaxy is classified as a "Blue Dwarf" and harbors Super Star Clusters (SSC) near its nucleus.  NGC 5253 is part of the M83/Cen A complex and lies 1.9” SSE of M83.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): bright, elongated, very bright core.

 

8" (5/21/82): bright, elongated SW-NE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5253 = H II-638 = h3526 on 15 Mar 1787 (sweep 711) and recorded "pB, S, lE from sp to nf."  His position is on the south side of the galaxy.  This is the third most southerly object discovered by WH and only reached an altitude of 7” on the meridian.  James Dunlop observed this galaxy on 7 May 1826 and described "a very small and very bright nebula, very much resembling a small star, surrounded by a very strong burr; this is a singular body."  Dunlop made 2 observations and his position is 3' W of center. John Herschel reported it from the Cape of Good Hope as "vB, mE, psmbM, 2.5' long, 1' broad."

 

Z Cen = SN 1895B was the second ŅnovaÓ (now known to be a supernova) to be discovered in a Ņspiral nebulaÓ.  It was discovered on 12 Dec 1895 by Williamina Fleming while examining a photograph of NGC 5253 taken earlier on 6 July. There was no trace of the "nova" on plates taken on 21 May to 14 June.  It reached a maximum brightness of mag 8.0 before fading.

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NGC 5254 = MCG -02-35-012 = PGC 48307

13 39 37.9 -11 29 38; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 3.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x1.5', fairly low even surface brightness.  A nice mag 12/13 double at 15" separation lies 5.5' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5254 = h3527 on 6 May 1836 and recorded "pB; L; pmE; glbM; 2' l; 1 3/4' br."  His position is accurate.

 

Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an spiral in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.

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NGC 5255 = MCG +10-19-098 = CGCG 294-051 = PGC 48124

13 37 18.0 +57 06 32; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 20”

 

18" (6/21/03): faint, very small.  Initially appeared as a 12" knot, but then very faint extensions were glimpsed increasing the dimensions to 0.5'x0.2'.  So, this galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core. A mag 10.5 star is 1.7' following.  HCG 66A lies 16' NE!

 

17.5" (5/27/00): faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.2', very small bright core.  Located 1.7' W of a mag 10.5 star.  HCG 66 lies 16' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5255 = H III-803 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and recorded "eF, vS.  I was too late to verify it with 300, I had however a single glimpse which seemed to verify it."  His position is within 2' (typical error) of CGCG 294-051 = PGC 48124.  On 24 Apr 789 (sweep 926) he logged "Suspected, eF, vS, but may be a deception; probably 2 small close stars."  This galaxy was not observed by JH nor found by Bigourdan.  The GC and NGC position is a mean of sweep 924 and 926 and is 16 sec of RA too large.

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NGC 5256 = Mrk 266 = UGC 8632 = MCG +08-25-031 = CGCG 246-021 = I Zw 67 = PGC 48192 = LEDA 93123

13 38 17.6 +48 16 37; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

48" (5/10/18): at 488x; fairly bright or bright, roundisht, very strong concentration with two easily visible nucleus separated by 10".  The brighter (north-northeast) core is ~8"-10" with a sharp stellar nucleus.  The fainter (south-southwest) core is 6"-8" diameter. The outer halo has a low surface brightness.  HJ 2667, a 14" pair of mag 11 stars, lies 5.6' WSW.  MCG +08-25-030, situated 1' SE of this pair, appeared moderately bright, elongated ~2:1 NW-SE, ~20"x10".

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 40"x30", brighter ill-defined core, uneven surface brightness.  Occasionally, a brighter quasi-stellar knot (nucleus of the merged companion) would pop on the northeast end of the glow [the nuclei are separated by just 10"!].  HJ 2667, a wide pair (14") of mag 11 stars, lies 5.6' WSW.

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', irregular surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is 1.0' NW of center.  Located 5.5' ENE of an evenly matched pair (HJ 2667) of mag 11 stars at 14" separation.

 

This is a well-studied merging system consisting of a Seyfert 2 and a LINER galaxy with the compact nuclei separated by just 10" [physical separation ~15,000 l.y.].

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5256 = H III-673 = h1656 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "cF, S, R, lE."  JH made the single observation "vF; R; vS; gbM; 10"; in field with a double star [HJ 2667]."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 5257 = Arp 240 NED1 = VV 55b = Holm 532a = UGC 8641 = MCG +00-35-015 = CGCG 017-055 = PGC 48330

13 39 52.9 +00 50 24; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 61”

 

82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; the view under subpar conditions in the 82" was similar to the view 3 years ago in Jimi's 48".  The most striking feature are two thin bright spiral arms that appear as very bright arcs, like two parentheses enclosing the fainter central region.  A diffuse tidal arm extends from the north side to the NE and nearly reaches a mag 15 star.  On the SW side a very low surface brightness "bridge" connects NGC 5257 with NGC 5258.

 

48" (5/4/16): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, striking two armed-spiral.  The central portion only extends ~35", but contains a fascinating structure.  Along the southwest and northeast flanks are sharp-edged prominent "arms", appearing as thin, high surface brightness arcs, with the southern arc slightly brighter.  Both "arms" are slightly convex, appearing like a close pair of parenthesis enclosing the central region!  The northern arm continues as a fainter, but easily visible, fairly thin arc extending west-northwest, and ends just before reaching a mag 15 star [1.7' WNW of center].  A thin, very low surface brightness arm extends west from the southern "parenthesis" towards NGC 5258 (1.4' ESE), but stops just short.  The tip-to-tip distance between the two arms is ~1.6'.

 

On the inside of the two bright "arcs" (blue star-forming arms) there appear to be two thin dust lanes as the surface brightness drops dramatically.  At the center is a fairly faint stellar nucleus.  The overall appearance is very unusual as the surface brightness of the core region is lower than the thin pair of symmetrical arms.

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the west side 1.7' from the center.  Forms a close, interacting pair (Arp 240) with NGC 5258 1.3' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5257 = H II-895 = h1654, along with NGC 5258, on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and noted "F, S, iR."  JH made the single observation "The first of 2 comprising a double nebula; both vF; R; bM.  The smaller of the two."

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NGC 5258 = Arp 240 NED2 = VV 55a = Holm 532b = UGC 8645 = MCG +00-35-016 = CGCG 017-056 = PGC 48338

13 39 57.8 +00 49 52; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 154”

 

82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; NGC 5258 is the eastern member of a dramatic interacting pair (Arp 240 = VV 55) with NGC 5257 directly west.  The two galaxies are connected by a very low surface brightness bridge that spans the eastern spiral arm in NGC 5257 and the western arm in NGC 5258.  NGC 5258 was strongly concentrated with a bright, mottled core.  There was a bright region in the spiral arm to the north of the core, midway to a mag 15.5 star.  An obvious spiral arm swept east from the south side of the galaxy. The northern arm is much less evident, mainly just south and west of the mag 15.5 star, but immediately dims into a very low surface brightness bridge stretching to the NGC 5257.

 

48" (5/4/16): at 610x; bright, fairly large, two-armed spiral that is interacting with NGC 5257.  The main body is elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.1'x0.35', and is well concentrated with a fairly small, roundish, brighter core.  A mag 15.5 star is at the NNW edge and an apparent HII region is visible midway between the core and this star, along the major axis.  A strong spiral arm is easy visible attached to the southwest end.  It hooks sharply to the east and gradually fades, stretching 40"-45" E.  A dim shorter arm is attached on the northeast end and curls west near the mag 15.5 star, extending perhaps 20" in the direction of NGC 5257.

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, brighter along the major axis.  Located 4.2' NW of mag 9.5 SAO 120058.  NGC 5258 has a slightly higher surface brightness than its close companion NGC 5257, just 1.5' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5258 = H II-896 = h1655, along with NGC 5257, on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and noted "F, S, iR."  JH called it the larger of the pair, but both were "vF; R; bM."

 

On 24 Apr 1857, R.J. Mitchell (LdR's assistant), recorded "the p one [NGC 5257] is slightly oval in form and the f one [NGC 5258] is mE nearly north-south and has a star at n end.  Both look very resolvable.  No nuclei, not vF."  A sketch made on 26 Apr 1878, shows NGC 5258 as having an irregular shape (like a flying bat) and concave to the east.

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NGC 5259 = MCG +05-32-052 = CGCG 161-105 = Holm 533a = PGC 48292

13 39 24.6 +30 59 26; CVn

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.65'

 

24" (5/20/17): at 200x; faint, small, round, 25"-30" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.  Two 15th magnitude stars lie 2' NW.  Located 11' W of mag 6.2 HD 119035.  Using 375x an extremely faint and small merging companion (Holm 533B = NGC 5259 NED1) was often visible with averted vision at the northwest edge of the halo. It appeared as a quasi-stellar knot, at most 5" diameter and with concentration could be held perhaps 1/2 the time.  The separation of this merging pair is 19" (between nuclei) with a projected distance of 77,500 l.y.

 

17.5" (6/12/99): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, very weak concentration.  Two mag 14.5-15 stars lie 2' NW.  Located 11' W of mag 6.2 SAO 63676.  A very faint, compact companion on the NW edge was not noticed.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5259 on 27 Apr 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen and confirmed the observation the next night.  His mean position is within the halo of CGCG 161-105 = PGC 48292 and he noted the mag 6.2 star (called mag 8-9) ~12' east and 1.5' north.

 

The RNGC coded description reads "E, R, BM, *CLOSE NPR", but the "star close north preceding" is a compact meging companion.

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NGC 5260 = ESO 509-092 = MCG -04-32-050 = PGC 48371

13 40 19.8 -23 51 29; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, very weak concentration with a low surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is just off the following side 1.1' from center.  This star is part of a distinctive string of stars running N-S including two mag 13 stars to north and several brighter stars to the south.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5260 = Sw. I-24 on 6 Apr 1885 and recorded "eF; pL; precedes by 6 sec the middle star in a line north and south."  There is nothing at his position, but 30 sec of RA west and 1.7' north is ESO 509-092 = PGC 48371, and his description of the nearby stars clinches this identification.  This is a beautiful face-on barred spiral.

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NGC 5261 = CGCG 045-067 = PGC 48360

13 40 16.1 +05 04 34; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 4' ENE of a mag 9.5 star.  A curving arc of four equally spaced mag 12-13.5 stars follows.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5261 = h1657 on 17 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; R; among some pB stars."

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NGC 5262 = UGC 8606 = CGCG 353-022 = PGC 47923

13 35 38.6 +75 02 22; UMi

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 14”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, 0.7'x0.5' SSW-NNE, weak even concentration.  Just 2' NE is an easy, nearly collinear triple star of mag 13/14 stars [19" and 20" separation].  Forms a pair with UGC 8595 2' WSW.  The companion is extremely faint, very small, 0.3x0.2', low surface brightness.  A mag 15.5 star is just visible at the NW tip.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5262 = h1660 on 5 May 1831 and logged "eF; S; sky perfectly clear."  His position matches UGC 8606.

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NGC 5263 = UGC 8648 = MCG +05-32-058 = CGCG 161-113 = PGC 48333

13 39 55.6 +28 24 01; CVn

V = 13.3;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3', no central brightening.  Located 3.1' NNE of mag 9.5 SAO 82932.  Also, the galaxy is 30' preceding the beautiful globular cluster M3 in the same low power field!  Easy to view both at 100x with a 20mm Nagler.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5263 = H III-370 = h1658 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and remarked "vF, S, mE nearly in the meridian."  CH's reduction is 2.2' south of UGC 8648. JH noted "pB; has a * 9m 4' distance; 45” sp."  This galaxy was observed on 5 nights with LdR's 72".

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NGC 5264 = ESO 445-012 = MCG -05-32-066 = UGCA 370 = DDO 242 = PGC 48467

13 41 36.5 -29 54 43; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, fairly large, 2.5'x1.5' WSW-ENE.  Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration, halo fades into background.  Located 5' following the colored double star h4605 (9/11 at 17") and one degree east of M83.  A mag 13 star is just off the following end 1.6' from center.  Member of the M83 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5264 = h3528 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; vlbM; 80"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5265 = MCG +06-30-068 = CGCG 190-040 = PGC 48354

13 40 09.1 +36 51 40; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (6/12/99): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.45', weak concentration to round core.  A mag 14 star is attached at the north end 27" from center.  Located 8.5' S of mag 9 SAO 63677.  A string of five stars including two wide mag 13 and 14 pairs leads directly from the mag 9 star to NGC 5265.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5265 = H III-410 = h1659 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vF, S, lE, er."  JH made two observations and reported on sweep 71 "F; pL; r; has a star near."

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NGC 5266 = ESO 220-033 = AM 1339-475 = LGG 356-003 = PGC 48593

13 43 02.0 -48 10 11; Cen

V = 11.1;  Size 3.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 103”

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 212x, moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus.  With careful viewing a very faint, low surface brightness outer halo reached two mag 13.5 stars on the south side, increasing the diameter to 2.0'x1.3'.  This galaxy is an unusual "dust lane elliptical" or polar ring galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5266 = h3529 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; R; vglbM; 45"; has 3 stars 14m near."  His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.

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NGC 5267 = UGC 8655 = MCG +07-28-049 = CGCG 218-036 = PGC 48393

13 40 39.9 +38 47 39; CVn

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Situated between two mag 12.5-13.5 stars 2.3' NW and 2.8' SE.  MCG +07-28-048 lies 6.6' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5267 = h1661 on 28 Apr 1827 and firs recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20"."  He observed this galaxy on 4 different sweeps.

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NGC 5268

13 42 12.6 -13 51 34; Vir

 

= *, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 5268 = Au 32 on 17 Jan 1855 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland.  While making observations for the comprehensive Markree Ecliptic Catalogue, Cooper or assistant Andrew Graham noted it as possibly a nebulous star.  All 7 objects listed as nebulous at the Markree Observatory are single or multiple stars.

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NGC 5269 = ESO 097-004

13 44 44 -62 55 00; Cen

Size 3'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): ~20 stars resolved in a 2.5' triangular region, including two mag 11-11.5 stars  along the east side and a number of mag 12 stars.  Not difficult to identify as fairly detached in the field but very unimpressive and appears to be an asterism.  Most of the stars are in a southwest to northeast stream about 2.5' long and 30" wide.  Located 5' NE of mag 8.6 HD 119271 and 13' due west of NGC 5281, a bright open cluster!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5269 = h3530 on 24 Apr 1835 (sweep 578) and recorded "Cl class VII; poor, L, loose ireg fig, fills field, st 12m."  His position corresponds with a small group of stars about 13' west of NGC 5281.  This object is probably just a Milky Way field and it is not listed in WEBDA as an open cluster.  The RNGC description reads "NOCL ?"

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NGC 5270 = UGC 8673 = MCG +01-35-031 = CGCG 045-075 = PGC 48527

13 42 10.9 +04 15 45; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration, low surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5270 = h1662 on 7 Apr 1828 and noted "eF; S; between 2 stars."  His position and description matches UGC 8673.

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NGC 5271 = MCG +05-32-065 = CGCG 161-120 = PGC 48477

13 41 42.4 +30 07 31; CVn

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, no concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 1.3' WNW.  First in a group of faint galaxies including NGC 5274, 5275, 5277, 5280, 5282.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5271 = St XII-50 on 22 May 1881.  His position matches CGCG 161-120.  First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.

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NGC 5272 = M3

13 42 11.4 +28 22 38; CVn

V = 6.3;  Size 16.2';  Surf Br = 0.0

 

82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 400x, the 10' field was completely filled with pinpoint stars.  The surprise was the large number of stars with visible colors; most were orange/red stars but there appeared to be a number of blue stars!

 

48" (4/19/17): at 375x the 16' field was plastered with an uncountable number of stars.  I noticed the brightest star in the core had an orange hue.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): stunning, several hundred stars resolved at 220x including the dense core.

 

8" (5/26/84): the outer halo well resolved into several lanes converging to an intense core.  A few faint stars are resolved on the edge of the core.

 

Charles Messier discovered M3 = NGC 5272 = h1663 on 3 May 1764.  William Herschel, observing in 1799 with his 10-foot telescope [8" aperture] at 120x, noted "with an aperture of 4 inches it is resolvable; with 5 easily resolvable; with 6 it is resolvable; with 7 and all open the stars may be easily perceived."  JH recorded (sweep 417) "A most superb object, diam = 10s time in RA. Not less than 1000 stars 11m and under. They run into a blaze at the centre, and form as it were radiating lines and pointed projections from the mass, with many stragglers."

 

Several observation at Birr Castle noted dark lanes or dark notes in the cluster.  On 16 Feb 1869, C.E. Burton recorded "Radiating branches somewhat resembling a St. Andrew's cross, central mass globular.  There seemed to be a bifurcated dark lane in the north segment of the nucleus."  On 21 Apr 1873, Ralph Copeland noted "Several small dark holes on the nf side of the central mass."

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NGC 5273 = IC 895 = UGC 8675 = MCG +06-30-072 = CGCG 190-041 = Holm 535a = PGC 48521

13 42 08.4 +35 39 16; CVn

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~2.5'x2.0'.  Fairly low surface brightness halo contains a well-defined core gradually increasing to a stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5276 3.3' SE.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, small bright nucleus with a fainter outer halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5273 = H I-98 = h1664 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM, R.  The brightness diminishing very gradually."  JH made three observations, recording on sweep 331 "B; R; first g and the psbM; 50"."  Nearby NGC 5276 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5274 = MCG +05-32-066 = CGCG 161-125 = PGC 48536

13 42 23.3 +29 50 52; CVn

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (6/7/97): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter.  Observation confused by a couple of nearby mag 15 stars or compact companions.  Forms a similar close pair with NGC 5275 1.4' S, although the overall surface brightness of NGC 5274 is lower.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5274 = St XII-51 on 25 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5275 = MCG +05-32-067 = CGCG 161-124 = VV 543 = PGC 48544

13 42 23.6 +29 49 29; CVn

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, brighter core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5274 1.4' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5275 = St XII-52 on 25 May 1881. His position matches CGCG 161-124.

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NGC 5276 = UGC 8680 = MCG +06-30-074 = CGCG 190-043 = Holm 535b = PGC 48542

13 42 22.0 +35 37 27; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Well-concentrated with a small brighter core with faint extensions.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5273  3.3' NW.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72", discovered NGC 5276 on 27 Mar 1856 while observing NGC 5273.  He noted "about 2' or 3' following [NGC 5273] I found a F, S neb, E np sf and lbM."  Based on his description, the NGC position for NGC 5276 is slightly north of NGC 5273, although it is actually southeast.

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NGC 5277 = CGCG 161-129 = PGC 48563

13 42 38.4 +29 57 16; CVn

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (6/7/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Follows a group of four stars in a rectangular group (2 mag 12 + 2 mag 14) by ~4'.  In field with NGC 5274, 5275 and 5280.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5277 = St XII-53 on 23 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5278 = Arp 239 NED1 = VV 19a = UGC 8677 = MCG +09-22-101 = Mrk 271a = CGCG 271-058 NED1 = I Zw 69a = PGC 48473

13 41 39.7 +55 40 14; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 50”

 

48" (5/3/19): at 545x and 813x; bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  This is an interacting (Arp 239 = VV 19) one-armed spiral with a diffuse bridge to NGC 5279 0.6' ENE of center.  The single arm wraps tightly around the south side to the west and then separates on the north side.  There was a brightening along the south edge that gave the impression of an arm, though it hugged the core too tightly to be resolved.  But starting on the west side a straight spiral arm was evident extending NE.  The arm dimmed suddenly into low surface brightness haze that extended further east to the north side of NGC 5279, merging with its northern spiral arm.  The pair is located 8' SW of mag 6.9 HD 119549.

 

MCG +09-22-094, located 2.8' WNW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very thin edge-on ~6:1 N-S, ~0.6'x0.1', low even surface brightness.

UGC 8671, located 2.7' SW, appeared bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core!

AGC 1783, with up to 18 ultra-dim IC members observed by Barnard and Burnham, is ~15' ESE.

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~36"x27", brighter elongated core. I saw of hint of the spiral arm on the north side, but no indication of the bridge connecting to NGC 5279.

 

UGC 8671, located 2.7' SW, was dominated by a 13th magnitude quasi-stellar nucleus.  The halo was barely detected as a very diffuse, low surface brightness glow mainly west of the nucleus.

 

18" (4/26/08): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 30"x25", weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  The surface appears slightly irregular or mottled.  This is the brighter southwestern member of an interacting double system (Arp 239) with NGC 5279, barely off the east end.  A mag 6.9 star lies 8' ENE, but it was easy to keep it out of the field.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, very weakly concentrated core.  Forms a double system with NGC 5279 just off the ENE edge 40" between centers.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' NNW.  Located 8.1' WSW of mag 6.9 SAO 28858.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5278 = H II-798 = h1665 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "pB, E, 1 1/2' long and 1/2' br."  His position is 2' northwest of this double system.  JH resolved it and recorded "vF; double neb; pos = 73” by microm; a large star follows dist = 15' +/-."  The field was sketched on 9 Apr 1874 at Birr Castle and a "star" labeled "epsilon" actually corresponds with UGC 8671.

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NGC 5279 = Arp 239 NED2 = VV 19b = UGC 8678 = MCG +09-22-102 = Mrk 271b = CGCG 271-058 NED2 = I Zw 69b = PGC 48482

13 41 43.7 +55 40 24; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

48" (5/3/19): at 545x and 813x: fairly bright, small, brighter nucleus, 0.4'x0.3'.  Spiral structure evident with an arm faintly visible on the east side extending north and merging into the dim tidal bridge to the north side of NGC 5279.  The tidal bridge was seen as low surface brightness haze connecting to an easy spiral arm on the north side of NGC 5278.

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x: fairly faint, small, round, 15"-20" diameter, stellar nucleus.  Fainter component of an interacting pair (Arp 239) with NGC 5278 [36" between centers].

 

18" (4/26/08): faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, too small for any other details.  Just resolved off the ENE end of NGC 5278 (35" between centers).  This is an M51-type interacting pair (Arp 239), though there was no sign of the connecting arm.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located just off the east edge of larger and brighter NGC 5278.  On photos NGC 5279 appears to be embedded at the end of a spiral arm of NGC 5278.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5279 = h1665a on 4 May 1831 and described a "vF; double neb; pos = 73” by micrometer."  WH discovered the brighter southwestern component on 14 Apr 1789.  JH only included only a single entry in the GC (3639), though described this system as a double or bi-nuclear.

 

Lawrence Parsons (the 4th Earl of Rosse) resolved the pair again on 2 May 1872 and noted a "D neb, sp one B, pos 71.8”, dist 39".  In the NGC, Dreyer equated NGC 5279 with h1665a and listed LdR* (Lawrence Parsons) in the "Other Observers" column to acknowledge JH's prior discovery.

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NGC 5280 = MCG +05-32-072 = CGCG 161-131 = PGC 48580

13 42 55.5 +29 52 07; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 5277 lies 6' NW and the NGC 5274/5275 pair is ~7' W.  A very faint companion 48" SW (MCG +5-32-73) was not seen.  The UGC 8692 chain lies 20' ENE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5280 = St XII-54 on 23 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5281 = ESO 097-005 = OCL-911

13 46 35 -62 55 00; Cen

V = 5.9;  Size 5'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very bright, striking cluster including a 2' string containing (from southwest to northeast) four stars mag 8.4, 7.9, 8.5 and 6.6 (at the northeast end).  A 2' linear chain of 7 mag 10-11 stars intersects these bright stars.  The central 4'-5' region contains ~50 stars, but many stars are scattered outside this region, extending the size of roughly 10'.  NGC 5269 (probably an asterism) lies 12.5' W.

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this large, rich cluster is striking at 128x.  A curving 2' string of four stars mag 6.6-8.6 oriented SW-NE dominate the view, with a pale yellow star and an orange star at opposite ends adding color.  Overall, perhaps 150 stars are visible (many mag 11-12) in an irregular 10' region although the boundaries are arbitrary as the cluster blends into the surrounding fields.  Most of the brighter stars are within a 3' region and in fact the catalogued diameter is only 5'.  At 228x, another fainter layer of 15th magnitude stars emerged from the background.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 5281 = Lac I-7 = D 273 = h3531 in 1751-1752 during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  With a 1/2" telescope at 8x he noted a "small indistinct spot."  James Dunlop described D 273 as "a curved line of small stars, about 1.5' long, with a star of the 7th mag in the north extremity; a group of extremely minute stars on the preceding side of the crescent, and a multitude of very minute stars extended preceding and following."  Dunlop sketched the cluster (Fig. 11) and observed it 7 times.  John Herschel called it (sweep 596) "a brilliant, compact, milky way cluster.  Rich; irreg fig; gbM; 10' stars 10, 11 and 12m."

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NGC 5282 = UGC 8687 = MCG +05-32-075 = CGCG 161-133 = PGC 48614

13 43 24.8 +30 04 10; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located 2.0' SE of a mag 10 star.  Last in a group of 6 NGC galaxies including NGC 5274, 5275, 5277, 5280.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5282 = St XII-55 on 22 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5283 = UGC 8672 = MCG +11-17-007 = CGCG 317-006 = Mrk 270 = PGC 48425

13 41 05.7 +67 40 20; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Increases to a bright core and occasional stellar nucleus (this is a Seyfert galaxy!).  Collinear with a mag 14 star 2.4' NE and a mag 10.5 star 4.7' NE.  Another mag 14 star lies 2.5' W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5283 on 7 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is very accurate.  MCG +11-17-007 is not labeled NGC 5283.

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NGC 5284 = ESO 133-004

13 47 23 -59 09; Cen

Size 22'x15'

 

18" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 79x (62' field); this large Milky Way field (demonstrated to be a random collection of stars) is located ~25' ENE of a wide, bright double star (DUN 142 = 6.5/7.6 at 33").  It roughly extends 25' in diameter and appears rectangular in outline, though is not detached in the wider field.  The group contains a large number of mag 11.5-13 stars.  A fairly well defined 20' string of stars oriented NW-SE appears to define the southern boundary and runs along the line from DUN 142 and mag 7.3 HD 120042 to the southeast.  The 25' region to the north of this string contains scores of visible stars but too difficult to count.  NGC 5284 was not impressive or stood out though was somewhat richer than the region directly to the east.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5284 = h3532 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded a "Cl class VIII; L; v rich; loosely sc; stars 7,8,...16m; it is an outlier of the milky way, but very rich and insulated."  His position corresponds with the brightest mag 9 star.

 

Harold Corwin notes "there is a Milky Way star cloud, about 30' by 20', centered about 45 seconds of time following JH's position."  ESO states "Not found" and the RNGC description reads "NOCL?"

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NGC 5285 = CGCG 017-065 = PGC 48688

13 44 25.7 +02 06 35; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, elongated N-S.  A mag 12 star lies 3.0' N.  Located 7.1' SE of mag 9.5 SAO 120090.

 

This galaxy has a light-travel time of nearly 1 billion years! (~960 million l.y.)

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5285 = St XI-20 on 29 Apr 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5286 = ESO 220-038

13 46 26.5 -51 22 24; Cen

V = 7.2;  Size 9.1';  Surf Br = 0.7

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this globular appeared very bright, moderately large  and well-condensed with an intense, mottled core.  At 200x, 15-25 14th magnitude stars popped in an out of view (some in chains), though only a handful were easily resolved, including a brighter star just east of the core.  NGC 5286 is located 4' NW of yellow 4.7-magnitude M Centauri in the same high power field!  It was easily visible in the 9x50 finder, though small.  NGC 5307, a fairly bright planetary, lies 44' ENE.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 2.5' diameter, round, evenly concentrated to a bright central region and a small bright core, mottled halo, one brighter mag 12 star on the SE side.  On the verge of resolution although viewed at only 8” elevation.  Mag 4.7 M Centauri with a mag 11 companion at 40" separation is located just 4.1' SE of the core!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5286 = D 388 = h3533 on 29 Apr 1826 with his 9-inch reflector and described "a bright exceedingly well-defined rather elliptical nebula, about 1' diameter, exceedingly condensed almost to the very edge, and gradually a little brighter to the centre. This is about 6' north of M Centauri - I have a strong suspicion that this is resolvable into stars."  His position is 4.7' northeast of center. This one of the first few objects Dunlop discovered (same night as NGC 4945 and NGC 5128!)

 

John Herschel observed it on two sweeps, recording on 31 Mar 1835 "very bright; gradually much brighter to the middle; 2.5' or 3' diameter; resolved into 15th mag stars; has one star 12th mag S.f.; the centre near the edge. It is in the field with Brisbane 4618 a star of 6th mag."  On his second sweep he reported, "bright; round; very gradually brighter to the middle; resolved; diam. 2'; stars of 16th mag; a bright star 7th mag in field."

 

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NGC 5287 = PGC 48741

13 44 52.5 +29 46 15; CVn

V = 15.3;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): extremely faint and small, 10" diameter.  The difficult galaxy is adjacent to a mag 15 star attached on the north side [11" from center], which confuses the observation further!  Located 2.3' ESE of a mag 12.5 star.  One of the brightest galaxies in AGC 1781.  The UGC 8692 chain lies 10' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5287 = St XII-56 on 25 May 1881.  His position matches PGC 48741, a very faint galaxy with a star attached at the north edge.  Despite the good NGC position, the MCG, PGC, Deep Sky Field Guide and Megastar misidentify a faint double galaxy (MCG +05-32-079) about 3' NNE as NGC 5287.

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NGC 5288 = Cr 278 = ESO 097-007

13 48 46 -64 41 08; Cir

Size 4'

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this is a faint but fairly distinctive group of nearly two dozen mag 12.5-14 stars elongated SSW-NNE. It stands out well, being detached in the general field and situated just 3' NE of a yellow mag 7.9 star (HD 119941) that highlights this delicate group.  At 228x, the cluster is somewhat concentrated with a roundish swarm of ~15 stars in the center and two strings of several stars extending in opposite directions to the SSW and NNE giving an overall size of 4'x2'.  A number of mag 11-12 stars pepper the surrounding 29' field at 128x.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5288 = h3534 on 3 Apr 1835 and recorded "a faint, oblong, elliptic cluster of stars 14m; glbM; 4' l; 2 1/2' br."  On a second sweep he logged "a small, irreg R, very compact knot of milky way; gvlbM; stars 14m; a * 8m precedes."

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NGC 5289 = UGC 8699 = MCG +07-28-058 = CGCG 218-042 = LGG 361-001 = PGC 48749

13 45 08.9 +41 30 12; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, thin edge-on 6:1 WNW-ESE, 1.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a nearly stellar core.  In same field with brighter edge-on NGC 5290 13' N.  Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

8" (5/26/84): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W.  Accidentally picked up viewing NGC 5290 13' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5289 = H II-668 = h1666 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, E in the parallel [E-W]; a small miniature of the following [NGC 5290]."

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NGC 5290 = UGC 8700 = MCG +07-28-061 = CGCG 218-043 = LGG 361-002 = PGC 48767

13 45 19.2 +41 42 46; CVn

V = 12.5;  Size 3.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright, pretty edge-on E-W, ~3.5'x0.5'.  Lens-shape with bright bulging core and extensions fade and taper at ends.   Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

8" (5/26/84): faint, small, easily visible, elongated 3:1 almost exactly E-W.  NGC 5289 is 13' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5290 = H I-170 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717) and recorded "pB, E, about 2' long.  A small MN nearly stellar."  CH's reduced position is 2' north-northwest of UGC 8700.  On 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) he made the 2nd observation, "cB, E nearly in the parallel."

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NGC 5291 = ESO 445-030 = MCG -05-33-006 = PGC 48893

13 47 24.4 -30 24 28; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Forms a double system with MCG -05-33-005 just 0.6' SSW.  MCG -05-33-005 appeared very faint, very small, round, nearly attached to the south end of NGC 5291.  The companion is known as the "Seashell Galaxy" due to its unusual "whelk" appearance on photographs.  Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5291 = h3535 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "vF; R; vlbM; follows a bright double star."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 5292 = ESO 445-031 = MCG -05-33-008 = PGC 48909

13 47 39.6 -30 56 20; Cen

V = 11.9;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, gradually brighter halo, bright core.  Two mag 13-14 stars are collinear to the NE (the closer star is 1.0' from center).  Member of IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5292 = h3536 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 20"; has 2 or 3 stars close to it."  His position is 1' too far north (same offset as NGC 5191).

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NGC 5293 = UGC 8710 = MCG +03-35-024 = CGCG 102-057 = PGC 48854

13 46 52.7 +16 16 23; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): faint, moderately large, irregularly round, low surface brightness, ill-defined halo, very weak concentration.  Located 2.6' N of a mag 13 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5293 = H V-6 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "eF, vL, r."  His position is 10 sec of RA west and 2.3' north of UGC 8710.  In the Collected Papers of WH, there is a note stating "The place of this neb. Is not determined wit accuracy.  No modern observations known."   Dreyer adds that "Tempel (AN 2522) found only a F, vS neb here."

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NGC 5294 = CGCG 271-061 = CGCG 272-006 = PGC 48761

13 45 18.1 +55 17 26; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, requires averted vision.  A mag 15.5 is just off the NW edge, 25" from center and requires careful viewing to separate from the faint glow of the galaxy. Several mag 10.5-11 stars are in the 20' field.  Located 2.5 degrees NW of M101.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5294 = H III-785 = h1667 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "2 eF stars with seeming nebulosity, but doubtful."  His position is just 1' from PGC 48761.  JH recorded "eF; hardly more than a violent suspicion, owing to auroral light in the sky".  Nevertheless, his position (h1667) also is accurate.

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NGC 5295 = MCG +13-10-009 = CGCG 353-023 = PGC 48215

13 38 39.4 +79 27 32; Cam

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  No other details visible.  Located 8' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 7856 near the Ursa Minor/Camelopardalis border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5295 = H III-946 on 20 Dec 1797 (far northern sweep 1074) and noted "cF, vS, R.  320 showed it very plainly."  CH's reduced position is 1.5 tmin east and 2' south (a separation of 4.7' at this declination) of CGCG 353-023 = PGC 48215 and there are no other nearby candidates.  Dreyer mentioned using a different star in the sweep as a reference and his position is then 45 tsec too far east and 1' north. Neither JH nor LdR made an observation.

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NGC 5296 = MCG +07-28-062 = CGCG 218-044 = PGC 48811

13 46 18.6 +43 51 04; CVn

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  At moments appears elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.3'.  Situated just off the SW side of NGC 5297 (1.5' from center).

 

17.5" (6/7/97): located 1.5' SW of NGC 5301.  Appears very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter.  Appears elongated at times but extensions very faint so difficult to determine orientation.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5296 on 3 May 1850.  While observing NGC 5297 he noted "another nebula, R, bM, sp [of NGC 5297]."  On a later observation at Birr Castle, a position angle of 216.5” was measured and a distance of 1/3 the length of NGC 5297 was estimated.

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NGC 5297 = UGC 8709 = MCG +07-28-063 = CGCG 218-045 = PGC 48815

13 46 23.6 +43 52 19; CVn

V = 11.8;  Size 5.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): very nice edge-one situated just 2' SW of a mag 9 star (SAO 44745).  The galaxy is elongated 6:1 NW-SE, ~5'x0.8'.  At the NW edge is a mag 12 star and the extension appears longer is this direction.  The brighter core bulges in the center and the surface brighter is irregular or mottled in different spots.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly bright, large edge-on NW-SE, ~4.0'x0.8'.  Located 1.9' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 44745.  A mag 12 star is superimposed on the NNW extension (2.4' NW of center).  Large, brighter core is weakly concentrated.  Forms a pair with NGC 5296 1.6' SW.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, thin spindle NW-SE.  Located 2' SW of a mag 9 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5297 = H I-180 = h1668 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "cB, mE about 3' long from 60” np to sf, the brightness confined to a small place."  JH made the single observation "not vB; E 45” np to sf by diagram; gbM."  Nearby NGC 5296 was discovered by LdR's assistant.

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NGC 5298 = ESO 445-039 = MCG -05-33-015 = LGG 357-009 = PGC 48985

13 48 36.5 -30 25 43; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 69”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration.  ESO 445-035 lies 5.7' WSW.  Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5298 = h3538 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R: gbM; 30"."  His position is less than 1' south of ESO 445-039.  Interestingly, his offset from h3539 = NGC 5302 (which has a 30 tsec error in RA) places h3538 much closer ESO 445-035, a slightly fainter galaxy (see notes).  I contacted Harold Corwin by e-mail and suggested h3538 = ESO 445-035, but his analysis showed that Herschel's other positions on the sweep were all reasonably close, and a simpler explanation is a 30 tsec error for NGC 5302 only.  So, NGC 5298 = ESO 445-039.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5299 = ESO 133-005

13 50 32 -60 26 18; Cen

Size 22'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x): the most noticeable grouping is a large, scattered Milky Way field with ~150 stars in a 12' region.  The brightest star is the variable VX Centauri, at 9th magnitude.  Just off the northwest side is a distinctive 2.5' string of 4 stars (three of these are mag 10.5) oriented NW-SE.   A few arcmin west of the main group is another detached collection (most in an elongated N-S stream, along with several more in a smaller N-S string further west).  The N-S group includes a mag 9.8 star and the smaller string includes mag 9.2 HD 120131 on the south end.  Combining the various subgroups together produces a 20' Milky Way field that stands out reasonably well.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5299 = h3537 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded a "Cl VII class, much more than fill field, a very L and rich milky way cl, quite insulated on the preceding, north, and following sides and nearly so to the south, forming a king of peninsular projection, but much richer than the main portion of the milky way."

 

At his CGH position is a bright Milky Way field with a diameter of  ~30'.  Harold Corwin notes "there is a +30 arcmin error in the GC and NGC declination (too far north)."   RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 5300 = UGC 8727 = MCG +01-35-038 = CGCG 045-108 = PGC 48959

13 48 16.1 +03 57 02; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 3.9'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x2.0', low almost even surface brightness, no distinct edges.  A mag 14 star is at the south edge 1.7' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5300 = H II-533 = h1669 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "F, vL, vlb about the middle, 6 or 7' long and near 4' broad."  JH logged (sweep 143) "vF; vL; lE; vgbM; 2' l, 3' br."

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NGC 5301 = UGC 8711 = MCG +08-25-041 = CGCG 246-023 = PGC 48816

13 46 24.6 +46 06 24; CVn

V = 12.7;  Size 4.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 151”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly bright, large edge-on NNW-SSE, ~4.0'x0.7'.  Bulging brighter center but only weakly concentrated.  Nearly extends to two mag 12 stars on either side of SSE end.  A mag 14.5 star is preceding the NNW end 2.6' from center.

 

8" (5/26/84): faint, very thin streak NW-SE, fairly small.  Forms the north vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11/12 stars 2.6' SE and 2.9' S.  Located 15' E of a triangle of mag 9 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5301 = H II-688 = h1670 on 11 May 1787 (sweep 733) and recorded "F, lbM, mE nearly in the meridian, about 15” sp to nf, about 4' long and less than 1' broad."  His position (CH's reduction) matches UGC 8711.  JH noted "pF; R; mE." and his RA is marked as very rough (nearest min).  He apparently precessed his own poor position to 1860 and recording them as precise in the GC.  As a result, the NGC position is 33 sec of RA too far east and 2' too far north.

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NGC 5302 = ESO 445-043 = MCG -05-33-018 = PGC 49007

13 48 49.7 -30 30 40; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 5298 is located 5.8' NNW.  Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5302 = h3539 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 30"."  His position is 30 sec of RA east and 1.5' north of ESO 445-043.  His position is also poor for nearby NGC 5298 (see notes).

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NGC 5303 = UGC 8725 = MCG +07-27-067 = CGCG 218-047 = Holm 532a = PGC 48917

13 47 45.1 +38 18 19; CVn

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 92”

 

24" (6/12/18): at 282x; fairly bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, small bright core.  A "star" is superimposed just NW of the core.  A mag 10.5 star is 8' NW and a mag 11.0 star is 4.3' NW.  On the SDSS this is clearly a starburst galaxy with numerous blue blobs of star formation and the superimposed "star" appears to be a compact HII region.

 

NGC 5303B  = CGCG 218-046, located 2.7' S, appeared faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 30"x10", low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W.  There appears to be a faint star attached at the west side.  A faint mag 14-15 pair that lies 4.5' N [18" separation] is collinear with the galaxy.

 

NGC 5303B = CGCG 218-046, a very faint companion, lies 2.7' S. It appeared very faint, diffuse, slightly elongated E-W.  Required averted to view.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5303 = H III-681 = h1672 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "cF, vS, lE."  JH made the single observation "pB; S; has two nuclei or involves a double star".  His position is just off the south edge of UGC 8725.

 

On 1 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney noted "* or nucl in np edge; 2nd vF, 3' south, both E pf".  This second galaxy is NGC 5303B = CGCG 218-046, which was accidentally skipped in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 5304 = ESO 445-052 = MCG -05-33-022 = PGC 49090

13 50 01.5 -30 34 43; Cen

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration.  An equilateral triangle consisting of mag 14 stars is off the south side with components 44" S, 1.7' SSW and 2.2' SSE of center.  Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5304 = Sw. I-25 on 10 Apr 1885 and recorded "vvF; pS; lE; vF * f; p diff."   His position is 18 sec of RA too far west and 1.5' too far north.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at Denver around 1900.

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NGC 5305 = UGC 8729 = MCG +06-30-087 = CGCG 190-057 = PGC 48930

13 47 55.8 +37 49 34; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration.  Located 6' SE of mag 7.1 SAO 63747.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5305 = H III-621 = h1673 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "vF, S, iR, 300 confirmed it."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position on one sweep.

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NGC 5306 = HCG 67A = VV 135a = KTS 48B = MCG -01-35-014 = PGC 49039

13 49 11.2 -07 13 25; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, well concentrated with a 20" bright core.  A mag 13 star is 0.8' NW of center.  NGC 5306 is the brightest member of HCG 67 with extremely faint MCG -01-35-013 = HCG 67B 3.4' NW.  This edge-on is an extremely faint, moderately large streak, elongated 6:1 SSW-NNE with dimensions 2.0'x0.3'.  Very low even surface brightness and requires averted vision to glimpse.  A couple of times HCG 67D was highly suspected off the south edge (35" from center).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5306 = H II-306 = h1671 = h3540 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "F, vS, irreg, resolvable."  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH called it "F; R; psbM; 20".  NGC 5306 is the only member of HCG 67 seen by the Herschels.

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NGC 5307 = PK 312+10.1 = ESO 221-11 = PN G312.3+10.5

13 51 03.2 -51 12 21; Cen

V = 11.2;  Size 15"x10"

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, small, blue-green oval, ~15"x10".  This unusual planetary has an irregular, wispy surface brightness with fascinating glimpses of structure at 293x and 428x.  It appears brighter along the major axis, particularly at the south end with a couple of small, darker areas or regions where the nebulosity is weaker on the sides.  A trio of mag 13-14 stars to the southeast is collinear with the planetary.  Situated in a fairly rich star field.

 

10" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 214x and UHC filter, this small, fairly bright planetary appeared as a slightly elongated disc, ~13"x10" in diameter with a high, fairly even surface brightness except for a weak brightening at the center, but no definite central star.  Set in a rich star field 45' ENE of globular NGC 5286 and mag 4.7 M Centauri.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5307 = h3541 on 15 Apr 1836 and recorded "A very singular object. At first I thought it an ill seen double star; 12..13 = 12..13 mag; distance 2"; but not being able to get it into focus I applied 320 power; which showed it as a hazy, rather elongated, planetary nebulous disc, as if a double star all but obliterated. It is positively not a star. The field is full of stars, two of which are equal to this object in light, but 320 shows them both quite sharp. It is a difficult object to find, and unless in a good night for definition (this is superb) it could not be recovered. The place is well taken. It is the smallest and most difficult planetary nebula I have ever seen.  Figure 15, plate VI, exhibits its appearance with power 320  (N.B. By this figure it would seem rather to belong to the class of double nebulae or double stellar nebulae of the utmost remoteness, than to that of planetary nebulae, properly so called.)"

 

Joseph Turner observed and sketched the planetary on 23 Jul 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate VII, figure 70).  He noted a "bluish tinge" and commented that Herschel's sketch showed it as a double nebula (two condensations), but he couldn't see a duplex character, although it was elongated N-S (Herschel sketched it NW-SE).

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NGC 5308 = UGC 8722 = MCG +10-20-029 = CGCG 295-012 = PGC 48860

13 47 00.4 +60 58 23; UMa

V = 11.4;  Size 3.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 60”

 

18" (4/26/08): fairly bright, moderately large, very thin edge-on SW-NE, 1.7'x0.35', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core and a relatively bright stellar nucleus.  A faint star is just beyond the end of the western extension.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): bright, fairly small, almost edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.4', very small very bright core, unusually bright stellar nucleus or almost stellar nucleus.  Appears as a pretty streak with a high surface brightness core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5308 = H I-255 = h1674 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "vB, mE, 3' l and 1/2' br, BENM."  JH recorded "pB; S; mE in pos 57.4” by micrometer; psbM; 30" l." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5309

13 50 00 -15 45; Vir

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 16 year-old son, discovered NGC 5309 = Sw. VI-60 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF, pS, R, between a star and a coarse double star."  There are no viable galaxies nearby and Harold Corwin was not able to find a reasonable candidate.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 5310

13 49 47.7 +00 04 09; Vir

 

= *, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 5310 = HN 19 on 30 Apr 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted "slightly nebulous" and his position corresponds precisely with a mag 12.9 star.  The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 017-074 as NGC 5310, and in addition the RNGC position is 3' north of this galaxy.

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NGC 5311 = UGC 8735 = MCG +07-28-072 = CGCG 218-052 = LGG 361-003 = PGC 49011

13 48 56.0 +39 59 08; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 2.6'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ESE, 1.3'x1.0', well concentrated with an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 2.5' E.  Forms a pair with NGC 5313 9.2' E. Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

8" (5/21/82): very faint, small, small brighter core.  Picked up while viewing NGC 5313 9' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5311 = H II-710 = h1675, along with NGC 5313, on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "F, S."  His position is 3' north-northwest of UGC 8735.  JH logged "F; vS; R; sbM."

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NGC 5312 = MCG +06-30-092 = CGCG 190-061 = PGC 49075

13 49 50.5 +33 37 19; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is less than 1' S.  Located 11' SW of NGC 5318.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): faint, small, slightly elongated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15-15.5 star is 0.9' S.  First in the NGC 5318 group with NGC 5318 10' NE and NGC 5321 11' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5312 = h1676 on 29 Apr 1827 and simply noted "vF".  The mean of his two positions is within 30" of CGCG 190-061 = PGC 49075.  JH assumed this nebula was his father's III-422, but that designation applies to NGC 5321 (see notes of that number).  Because of this error, WH is mistakenly credited with the discovery of NGC 5312 in the GC and NGC, instead of JH.

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NGC 5313 = UGC 8744 = MCG +07-28-074 = CGCG 218-054 = LGG 361-004 = PGC 49069

13 49 44.3 +39 59 06; CVn

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): moderately/fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.9'.  The brighter core contains a nearly stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Forms a nice pair with NGC 5311 9' W.  Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 5311 9' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5313 = H II-711 = h1677, along with NGC 5311, on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "pB, cL, iF."  His position is 2' north of UGC 8744 (similar offset as NGC 5311).  For some reason, JH assumed h1677 was new and logged "pB; S; E; lbM; the f of 2."

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NGC 5314 = MCG +12-13-009 = CGCG 336-017 = PGC 48810

13 46 11.4 +70 20 22; UMi

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 86”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  At 280x, appears 0.5'x0.3' E-W, very small slightly brighter core.  A mag 15 star is close south [28" from center]. Nearly collinear with a mag 10.5/12.5 double about 3.5' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5314 = Sw. III-74 on 8 Apr 1886 and recorded "vF; eS; stellar; an eF * very close; the 2 components of a D * point to it."  His position is 0.9 min of RA too large, but his comment about a double star clinches this identification.

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NGC 5315 = PK 309-4.2 = ESO 097-9 = PN G309.1-04.3

13 53 57.0 -66 30 50; Cir

V = 9.9;  Size 6"

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up by blinking at 128x with an OIII filter, though immediately noticed as non-stellar at this power.  At 228x, appeared as a bright, compact, very high surface brightness 5" disc with a bluish color distinctive of high surface brightness planetaries.  There was only a modest contrast gain with a UHC filter.  Excellent view at 293x, though there was no sign of a central star within the high surface brightness haze.  Located 4' E of mag 7.1 HD 120680.  A couple of fainter stars are close following.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 5315 on 4 May 1883 near Lake Titicaca in the Andes.  He was using a 6.1" refractor fitted with a direct vision Vogel-spectroscope (NGC 5873 and 6153 were discovered the same way).  The RA given in Copernicus III (1884) is 30 sec too large.

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NGC 5316 = ESO 133-006 = Cr 279

13 53 57 -61 52 12; Cen

V = 6.0;  Size 14'

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x (12mm Nagler), over three dozen stars are visible in a 10'x6' bright triangular group.  A number of mag 10 and 11 stars define the periphery and make the cluster appear well-detached although a number of additional mag 9 and 10 adorn a glittering field.  Extending off the north side and heading NW is a 6' string of 11th-12th magnitude stars ending at a mag 10.8 star 7' NW of the center of the cluster.  The chain then abruptly changes direction and continues SW, terminating at mag 8.5 HD 120631 located 10' W of the center of the cluster.  The two intersecting strings are distinctive but appear to be random asterisms.

 

13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): this fairly bright open cluster consists of 35-40 stars in a 10' triangular group.  Includes a number of brighter mag 9.5-12 stars.  Off the NE side is a neat string of stars oriented WNW-ESE.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint, moderately large cluster in binoculars, irregular shape, no obvious resolution.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5316 = D 282 = h3542 on 25 May 1826 and described "A group of ten or twelve stars about the 10th mag, with a multitude of very small stars, forming an irregular branched figure, 8' or 10' long and 6' broad."  His position is only off by 3'.  JH observed the cluster on 24 Apr 1835 and noted it as a "cluster of stars, class VII; 14 stars 11th mag, and 30 or 40 smaller in a round space 8' diameter."  He credited Dunlop, due to his relatively accurate position.

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NGC 5317 = NGC 5364: = UGC 8853 = MCG +01-36-003 = CGCG 046-009 = Holm 557a = PGC 49555

13 56 11.9 +05 00 53; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5364.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5317 = h1678 on 7 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF, vL, vgbM, R".  There is nothing near his position.  Karl Reinmuth reported "no vF vL neb found", based on Heidelberg plates and Dorothy Carlson classified the number as nonexistent in her NGC correction paper and this conclusion was repeated in the RNGC.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 5317 is a duplicate observation of NGC 5364 (discovered by WH) with a 5 min error in RA (declination matches).  Furthermore, the descriptions are identical.

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NGC 5318 = UGC 8751 = MCG +06-30-096 = CGCG 190-063 = Holm 548a = PGC 49139

13 50 35.9 +33 42 18; CVn

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 165”

 

48" (4/15/10): bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core, stellar nucleus, high surface brightness.  This galaxy is the brightest in a group with 7 galaxies picked up in the 510x field (6 in a 10' string oriented NNW to SSE).  The closest two companions, MCG +06-30-097 and MCG +06-30-095 (incorrectly identified as NGC 5319 in several sources), are located 52" NNW and 1.9' NNW, respectively.  These two companions were described and sketched using Lord Rosse's 72", but did not receive NGC numbers.

 

18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.5', bright core.  Brightest of 4 NGC galaxies with NGC 5321 4.6' SSE, NGC 5312 11' SW and NGC 5319 3.5' NNE.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, prominent core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5321 4' S.  NGC 5312 lies 10' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5318 = H III-422 = h1679 on 2 May 1785 (sweep 406) and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, the time and number taken between them.  The northern one is the faintest; distance about 4 or 5' not far from the meridian."  His position (CH's reduction) is 5' south of NGC 5318 = UGC 8751, the brightest galaxy in the group, and 2' southwest of NGC 5321 = CGCG 190-065.  The separation of these two galaxies is 4.6' with a position angle of 160”, matching his description, though the northern galaxy (NGC 5318) is brighter.  On 3 May 1785 (sweep 407), he noted a nebula he logged as "Suspected, vF, i and vS, but 240 made it appear more like a small patch".  His position is just 6 sec of east of NGC 5318, but he didn't connect this with his observation of 1074 and 1075 just the night before.

 

JH made two observations, recording on sweep 337 "pB; S; R; psbM; 15"; the second of 3 [with NGC 5312 and 5321]."  His position is accurate.  See notes on NGC 5321.  R.J. Mitchell, observing NGC 5318 on 27 Mar 1856, discovered nearby NGC 5319 as well as the two close companions to NGC 5318 -- MCG +06-30-097 0.9' NNW and MCG +06-30-095, 1.9' NNW.  These were not assigned separate GC or NGC designations.

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NGC 5319 = PGC 84061

13 50 40.7 +33 45 41; CVn

V = 15.5;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 66”

 

48" (4/15/10): easily visible at 510x as a faint, edge-on streak, roughly 4:1 WSW-ENE, ~30"x8".  A very faint star is off the ENE tip.  Located 3.5' NNE of NGC 5318.  A faint pair of galaxies lies ~3' NW.

 

Several sources misidentify MCG +06-30-095 as NGC 5319.  The sketch made with Lord Rosse's 72" clearly shows MCG +06-30-095 and NGC 5319 (3.5' NNE of NGC 5318), but MCG +06-30-095 did not receive a NGC designation as Dreyer may have felt it was part of NGC 5318.

 

17.5": not seen.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5319 on 27 Mar 1856 at Birr Castle, while observing NGC 5318.  He labeled this galaxy "C" on the field sketch and simply noted "vF".  Although no separations were estimated, the sketch is accurate enough to identify NGC 5319 = PGC 84061.  See NGC 5318 for more on this sketch.

 

The RNGC and Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide misidentify MCG +06-30-095 (1.9' NNW of NGC 5318) as NGC 5319.  Corwin agrees that NGC 5319 = PGC 84061.  Malcolm Thomson disagrees and identifies a faint galaxy 5.2' NNW of NGC 5318 as NGC 5319.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 5320 = UGC 8749 = MCG +07-28-076 = CGCG 218-056 = CGCG 219-001 =LGG 361-012 =  PGC 49112

13 50 20.4 +41 21 59; CVn

V = 12.1;  Size 3.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is off the SSW end 2.3' from center, a mag 11 star is 3.7' NE and a mag 12 star lies 3.1' ESE of center.  Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5320 = H II-669 = h1682 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, pL, vgmbM."  His position matches UGC 8749.  JH made the single observation "F; R; gbM; 40"."

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NGC 5321 = MCG +06-30-101 = CGCG 190-065 = PGC 49148

13 50 43.6 +33 37 57; CVn

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (4/15/10): at 510x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~0.5'x0.25'.  Contains a small, bright nucleus. Located 4.6' SSE of NGC 5318.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11 stars ~3.7' WNW and SW.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.2' WSW of center.

 

18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration though with direct vision a faint quasi-stellar nucleus was visible.  Located 4.5' SSE of NGC 5318 and 11' E of NGC 5312.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): faint, very small, round.  Two faint mag 14.5-15 stars are close west [mag 14.5 1.2' WSW] and two mag 11 stars are 3.6' W and 3.8' SW.  NGC 5318 lies 4' NNW and NGC 5312 11' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5321 = H III-423 = h1680 on 2 May 1785 (sweep 406) and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, the time and number taken between them.  The northern one is the faintest; distance about 4 or 5' not far from the meridian."  His single position is 2' southwest of NGC 5321 = CGCG 190-065 and his description is an excellent fit with NGC 5318 and NGC 5321, which are separated by 4.6' in position angle 160” (NNW-SSE).  The only discrepancy is the northern object (NGC 5318) is brighter.

 

JH made two observations (one good position), calling it "eF; at first sight like a *, but on long attention a pL neb surrounds it" on sweep 337 and "pB; R; smbM." on sweep 74.  But he assumed this object was new and his father's III-422 applied to NGC 5312 = h1676.  As a result, JH is credited with the discovery of NGC 5321 in the GC and NGC.  But NGC 5312 is over 10' southwest of NGC 5318 and the orientation doesn't match WH's description ("not far from the meridian").  Reassigning the historical designations based on this analysis, results in h1676 = GC 3664 = NGC 5312, III-422 = h1679 = GC 3668 = NGC 5318 and III-423 = h1680 = GC 3670 = NGC 5321.

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NGC 5322 = UGC 8745 = MCG +10-20-035 = CGCG 295-017 = LGG 360-003 = PGC 49044

13 49 15.1 +60 11 26; UMa

V = 10.2;  Size 5.9'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 95”

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright, fairly large, oval, 2.5'x1.75'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, 40" core that increases to the center. Two or three mag 14-15 stars are superimposed on the halo including one to the south and one to the east of the core.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): very bright, moderately large, unusually bright compact core, substellar nucleus, fainter halo elongated 3:2 E-W.  A mag 14 star is at the south edge of the core within the outer halo and 20" from the center. 

 

8" (5/21/82): bright, moderately large, small bright nucleus, almost round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5322 = H I-256 = h1684 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, pL, iR, smbM."  His position matches UGC 8745.  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 24) as an illlustration of "nebulae that are suddenly much brighter in the middle."

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NGC 5323 = UGC 8719 = MCG +13-10-012 = CGCG 353-025 = PGC 48785

13 45 36.5 +76 49 41; UMi

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 163”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, slightly brighter core.  A mag 13.5-14 evenly matched double lies 4'-5' NW [11" separation].

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5323 = H II-899 = h1689 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and recorded "F, S, E nearly in the meridian, about 1' long."  His position is 1' from UGC 8719.  The NGC position from JH is accurate.

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NGC 5324 = MCG -01-35-016 = PGC 49236

13 52 05.9 -06 03 30; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 2.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.8' diameter, fairly low almost even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 1.5' from center and a mag 15.5 star is superimposed on the east side.  A pair of mag 12 stars at 36" separation are 4' WNW and a linear trio is ~8' SW.  A line drawn east through both sets of stars intersects at NGC 5324!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5324 = H II-307 = h1681 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and logged "F, cL, bM, irr."  John Herschel made the single observation "F; L; R; gbM; 50 or 60"." and his position is on the northwest edge of the galaxy.  IC 4407, reported by William Henry Finlay at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope in December 1886, may be a duplicate observation.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5325 = VV 607 = MCG +07-28-080 = CGCG 218-062 = CGCG 219-007 = Holm 550a = PGC 49163

13 50 54.1 +38 16 29; CVn

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, very low surface brightness, no concentration.  Required averted vision.  Two mag 11 stars at 2' separation are roughly 5' NW.  Forms a pair with very difficult MCG +07-28-081 2.1' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5325 = Sw. II-36 on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; v diff; 2 B st near."  His position is 1.4' northeast of CGCG 218-062.  The first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide lists NGC 5325A and NGC 5325B.  It appears that NGC 5325A refers to the low surface brightness edge-on UGC 8760, which is located about 15' south.

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NGC 5326 = UGC 8764 = MCG +07-28-082 = CGCG 218-061 = CGCG 219-006 = LGG 361-006 = PGC 49157

13 50 50.9 +39 34 28; CVn

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): moderately bright, small, spindle, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  Located 12.2' SW of mag 7.4 SAO 63794.  NGC 5346 lies 26' E.  Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5326 = H II-712 = h1685 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "F, S, R, bM."  JH made 3 observations and recorded it first (sweep 155) as "pB; S; lE; sbM; 15"."

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NGC 5327 = UGC 8768 = MCG +00-35-021 = CGCG 017-078 = PGC 49234

13 52 04.1 -02 12 23; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 2' diameter.  Weak concentration with a very small core slightly offset north of geometric center.  CGCG 017-079 lies 4.8' N (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5327 = H II-685 = h1683 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 729) and noted "vF, S, iR.  Following 2 stars, and in the parallel with them."  His position is 2' too far south. JH made a single observation and his position is accurate.

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NGC 5328 = ESO 445-067 = MCG -05-33-028 = LGG 357-014 = PGC 49307

13 52 53.3 -28 29 22; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 87”

 

24" (6/1/13): at 225x appeared bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus.  Brightest in a small cluster (Klemola 28) of early-type galaxies with NGC 5330 1.7' NE.  Several of the galaxies are aligned in a NE to SW chain including PGC 3094715 2.8' NE and ESO 445-70 6.0' NE.  PGC 3094715 appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus.  Located 19' WNW of mag 6 SAO 182065.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5328 = H III-923 = h3543 on 5 May 1793 (sweep 1041) and recorded "vF; vS; R; lbM.  300 shewed it very well"  JH made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope: "pB; R; lbM; 20" and "B; lE; sbM; 20".  Lewis Swift discovered nearby NGC 5330.

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NGC 5329 = UGC 8771 = MCG +01-35-044 = CGCG 045-121 = PGC 49248

13 52 10.0 +02 19 30; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0 diameter.  Symmetrical appearance with even concentration to a 20" brighter core and a nonstellar nucleus.  NGC 5331 is located 14' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5329 = H III-549 = h1686 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "eF, vS, stellar, 240 confirmed it."  CH's reduced position is 1' northeast of UGC 8771.  JH made a single observation, calling it "pB; R; psbM; 15"."

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NGC 5330 = ESO 445-068 = MCG -05-33-028a = PGC 49316

13 52 59.2 -28 28 14; Hya

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

24" (6/1/13): this compact galaxy is situated just 1.7' NE of NGC 5328 in a small group.  At 225x it appeared faint to fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 15" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.  PGC 3094715 lies 1.2' N. and ESO 445-70 is 4.3' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5330 = Sw. VI-61 on 25 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; S; R; e diff; nf of 3676 [NGC 5328].

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NGC 5331 = VV 253a/b = UGC 8774 = MCG +00-35-022 = CGCG 017-082 = PGC 49264 = PGC 49266

13 52 16.3 +02 06 28; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 55”

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x and 610x; NGC 5331 is an interacting pair at 25" separation N-S.  The southern component (VV 253a) appeared moderately bright and large, elongated NW-SE but with an irregular outline.  Contains a brighter elongated core with a faint stellar nucleus.  The galaxy thins on the southeast end with a faint extension or tail, creating an asymmetric appearance.  The northern galaxy (VV 253b) appeared fairly bright or bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, irregular outline.  Contains a high surface brightness elongated core with a stellar nucleus.

 

CGCG 017-081, situated 1.3' W of the pair, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, a 17th mag star is 15" WSW.  A 16th magnitude star lies midway between the CGCG and the NGC pair.

 

48" (5/4/16): at 697x; NGC 5531 is a fascinating interacting pair (25" between centers) with a third component (CGCG 017-081) 1.3' W.  The northern component (VV 253b = PGC 49266) is fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, 30"x12", sharply concentrated with a prominent, elongated core and bright stellar nucleus.  The surface brightness of the halo is irregular with a hint of spiral structure.

 

The southern galaxy (highly disrupted on the SDSS with a tidal plume to the WNW) is fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, broad concentration but no well defined zones.  The surface brightness, though, is irregular or mottled and the galaxy appears dusty. More unusual is the shape; the galaxy tapers at the southeast east and the northwest end bends or twists towards the northern spiral, creating a kidney-bean outline.

 

CGCG 017-081, 1.3' W, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, nearly even surface brightness.  A mag 16.5 star is just 14" WSW of center.  A mag 16 star sits midway between this galaxy and the NGC 5331 pair.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this double system was resolved with the brighter component (VV 253b) at the north end. VV 253b is fairly faint, fairly small and slightly elongated.  Attached at the south end is a low surface glow (VV 253a).  The pair requires attention as there is less than 30" separation between centers.  NGC 5329 lies 14' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5331 = H III-929 = h1687 on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and logged "vF, S, E in meridian."  JH made an interesting observation on sweep 144: "A very insignificant cluster of vS scattered stars; or a S[mall] resolved neb."  The position here is on the brighter component of the double system.

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NGC 5332 = UGC 8773 = MCG +03-35-030 = CGCG 102-070 = PGC 49243

13 52 07.9 +16 58 11; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, small bright core.  Bracketed by two mag 14 stars off the north [50" NNW of center] and south ends [38" S of center].  CGCG 102-069 lies 3.7' SW.  Located 15' NNW of mag 6.7 SAO 100747.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5332 = Sw. VI-62 on 23 Mar 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R."  His position matches UGC 8773.

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NGC 5333 = ESO 221-017 = LGG 356-006 = PGC 49424

13 54 24.3 -48 30 45; Cen

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 52”

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, moderately bright and large oval, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.4', moderately strong concentration with a bright 10"-15" core.  Located 2.7' W of mag 9 HD 121119 and 11' N of mag 7.2 HD 121057.  I observed 10 ESO galaxies in this rich Milky Way region (ESO 221-003, -004, -005, -009, -010, -012, -013, -014, -016, -020) from Les Dalrymple's article in S&T on the "Bow and Arrow".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5333 = h3544 on 2 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; 6"; has a * 8m; 3' f in parallel."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5334 = IC 4338 = UGC 8790 = MCG +00-35-024 = CGCG 017-088 = PGC 49308

13 52 54.5 -01 06 52; Vir

V = 11.3;  Size 4.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, large, diffuse glow, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~3.0'x2.4', low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is 2' SW of center. Located 3.2' N of a mag 10 star and 35' NW of mag 5.2 90 Virginis.  NGC 5345 lies 28' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5334 = H III-665 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 729) and recorded "cF, cL, clbM."  His position matches UGC 8790.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 20 Apr 1897 (or perhaps 30 Apr as in his PASP list) and recorded Sw. XI-161 (later IC 4338) as "vL, eF, C E n & s; Munich 9619 nf 121 seconds; in field with 5334.  A F st close to each end of major axis."  His RA is just 0.2 min west of NGC 5334 and the description applies to this galaxy.  It's not clear what other object he confused with NGC 5334, but IC 4338 = NGC 5334, with the identity made as early as 1921in the Helwan Observatory observations.  See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 5335 = UGC 8791 = MCG +01-35-046 = CGCG 045-129 = PGC 49310

13 52 56.5 +02 48 51; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE [bar], brighter core.  Irregular surface brightness and halo fades, so difficult to determine PA.  A mag 14 star is 0.7' S of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5335 = h1688 on 9 Apr 1828 and noted "F; irr R."  His position is a perfect match with UGC 8791.

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NGC 5336 = UGC 8785 = MCG +07-29-003 = CGCG 218-066 = CGCG 219-011 = PGC 49250

13 52 09.7 +43 14 34; CVn

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0' diameter.  No concentration but there appeared to a slight brightening on the SW edge.  Located ~3' W of a two mag 11 stars and a third mag 13.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5336 = H II-670 = h1690 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and noted "pB, pL."  JH made the single observation "vF; R; psbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5337 = UGC 8789 = MCG +07-29-004 = CGCG 219-012 = LGG 363-001 = PGC 49275

13 52 23.1 +39 41 15; CVn

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, brighter core.  NGC 5346 is 9.8' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5337 = H III-698 = h1691 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "vF, S."  JH logged "S; irr R; has a bright star 8th mag preceding" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5338 = UGC 8800 = MCG +01-35-048 = CGCG 045-132 = PGC 49353

13 53 26.6 +05 12 28; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a right angle with a wide mag 10 double star (HJ 2690 = 10.6/11.4 at 27") 3' WNW and two mag 10/12 stars 3' NNE.  First of 7 in the NGC 5363 group with NGC 5348 13' E.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 5338 on 3 May 1877, along with NGC 5348, while making an observation of NGC 5356.  He noted "about 20' p[receding] and 5' or 6' s[outh] is another, elongated p f, about 4' f a D*.".  The bright pair of stars is 3.5' WNW.  The same observation also mentions "a third neb is about 10' p and 5' +/- s" and this refers to NGC 5348.

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NGC 5339 = MCG -01-35-018 = Mrk 1363 = PGC 49388

13 54 00.3 -07 55 52; Vir

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 59”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.8'x1.4'.  Broad concentration with an ill-defined core.  Bracketed by two mag 13 stars 1.3' SSW and 1.3' NE.  PGC magnitude (16.5) is much too faint.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5339 = Big 70 and recorded "mag 13.4, R, 1' dia, no nucleus."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5340 = MCG +12-13-014 = CGCG 336-022 = PGC 49021

13 48 59.9 +72 39 14; UMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (6/5/99): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Located 2.6' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5340 = Sw. III-75 on 6 May 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R."  His position is 11 sec of RA east and 1' south of CGCG 336-022.  MCG and PGC misidentify MCG +12-13-013 as NGC 5340.  Also, the MCG declination for MCG +12-13-014 is off by ~10'.

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NGC 5341 = UGC 8792 = MCG +06-31-002 = CGCG 190-069 = CGCG 191-002 = PGC 49285

13 52 32.1 +37 48 59; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 164”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, small, edge-on NNW-SSE, brighter core.  NGC 5349 lies 9.2' ENE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5341, along with NGC 5349, on 24 Mar 1857 at Birr Castle while observing NGC 5351.  He noted "found here 3 nebulae, as shown, all of them are bM."  The sketch clearly identifies NGC 5341, 10' west-southwest of NGC 5349 (the actual separation is 9').  But no offsets were measured and the NGC position (estimated by Dreyer) is poor.

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NGC 5342 = UGC 8776 = MCG +10-20-041 = CGCG 295-020 = PGC 49192

13 51 25.8 +59 51 50; UMa

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 152”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.3'.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 25' SE of NGC 5322.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5342 = H III-849 = h1694 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "vF, vS." CH's reduced position is 13 tsec following UGC 8776. JH simply noted "eF", but measured a more accurate position (in the NGC).

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NGC 5343 = MCG -01-35-019 = PGC 49412

13 54 11.7 -07 35 17; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9'.  Well concentrated with a bright core increasing to a non-stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5343 = H II-308 = h1692 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and logged "vF, S, lbM, irreg."  JH made the single observation "vF; S; R; bM.  Dull and murky sky." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5344 = CGCG 336-026 = PGC 49085

13 50 12.1 +73 57 11; UMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located 2.8' following a mag 10 star and 8' ENE of mag 8.5 SAO 7884.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5344 = Sw. III-76 on 6 May 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R."  His position is 1.8' south of CGCG 336-026. Corwin notes that the NGC RA is 0.9 min too far west, although Swift's position is only slightly west.

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NGC 5345 = UGC 8820 = MCG +00-35-026 = CGCG 017-094 = PGC 49415

13 54 14.2 -01 26 11; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/11/96): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, bright core gradually increases to center.  A mag 15 star is superimposed at the south edge.  Located 8' NW of mag 5.2 90 Virginis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5345 = H II-686 = h1693 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 729) and logged "pB, S, mbM."  His RA is just 5 sec too small.  JH called it "pB, S, R, gbM, 15"."  UGC 8820 is not labeled as NGC 5345.

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NGC 5346 = UGC 8804 = MCG +07-29-007 = CGCG 219-014 = LGG 361-007 = PGC 49322

13 53 02.0 +39 34 52; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): very faint, requires averted, slightly elongated.  Forms a pair with NGC 5337 9.8' NW.  NGC 5326 lies 26' W.  Forms the NE vertex of a trapezoid with mag 13 stars 2.4' SSW, 3.6' SW and 2.1' WNW.   Member of the NGC 5371 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5346 = St XII-57 on 18 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5347 = UGC 8805 = MCG +06-31-007 = CGCG 191-007 = PGC 49342

13 53 17.8 +33 29 28; CVn

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Broad concentration to a brighter core.  At times there appears to be brighter spot involved (extremely faint star?), although I was not able to confirm this impression.  A mag 10.5 star with two mag 13.5/14 companions lies 3' NE.  Located 8.5' NE of mag 8 SAO 63805.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5347 = H II-424 = h1695 on 2 May 1785 (sweep 406) and noted "F, pL, lbM."  His position is 6' too far north."  JH recorded "pB; L; R; 40".  If this be my Father's nebula, there is an error of 6' in his polar distance."  JH's position matches UGC 8805.

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NGC 5348 = UGC 8821 = MCG +01-35-051 = CGCG 045-137 = PGC 49411

13 54 11.3 +05 13 36; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 3.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 N-S, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' NE of center.  Second of 7 in the NGC 5363 group with NGC 5356 14' NE and NGC 5338 13' W.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 5348, along with NGC 5338, on 3 May 1877, while making an observation of NGC 5356.  He noted "a third neb is about 10' p" and 5' +/- s, it is vF, mE ns, with a * 13m nf and a small group of faint stars 6' +/- s, it is fainter than [NGC 5356]."  This thin edge-on is 13.5' SW of NGC 5356.  In the same observation he discovered NGC 5338 "about 20' p [of N5356] and 5' or 6' s[outh] is another, E p f, about 4' f a D*".

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NGC 5349 = UGC 8803 = MCG +06-31-005 = CGCG 190-072 = CGCG 191-006 = Holm 554b = PGC 49336

13 53 13.3 +37 52 57; CVn

V = 14.1;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5351 3.5' NE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5349, along with NGC 5341, on 24 Mar 1857 at Birr Castle while observing NGC 5351.  He noted "found here 3 nebulae, as shown, all of them are bM."  The sketch clearly identifies NGC 5349, 3' southwest of NGC 5349 (the actual separation is 3.5').

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NGC 5350 = HCG 68C = KTG 50A = Holm 555c = UGC 8810 = MCG +07-29-009 = CGCG 219-017 = Mrk 1485 = WBL 475-001 = LGG 361-008 = PGC 49347

13 53 21.6 +40 21 50; CVn

V = 11.3;  Size 3.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

24" (7/1/16): fairly bright or bright, oval ~4:3 ~N-S, ~2'x1.5', largest in the HCG 68 quintet.  Contains a brighter core with a subtle bar oriented NW-SE.  The center increases gradually to a stellar nucleus.  The surface brightness is irregular with hints of structure including an arc or spiral arm on the northeast side.  The mag 6.5 orange star HD 121197 is 3' SW.

 

24" (6/8/13): bright, large, contains a brighter core or bar that is oriented NW-SE.  The central core of the bar is round and increases somewhat to the center. The 2.0'x1.5' halo, though, is elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE.  Located 2.9' NE of a mag 6.5 star with NGC 5353/5354 ~4' SSE and NGC 5355 ~5' ESE.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): largest galaxy in the striking NGC 5353 group = HCG 68.  Fairly faint, diffuse, slightly elongated, very weak concentration, no core.  Located on a line between mag 6.5 HD 121197 2.9' SW (not in SAO) and mag 9.3 SAO 44789 5.0' NE.  First in the group with NGC 5354 3.7' SSE, NGC 5353 4.9' SSE, NGC 5355 4.9' ESE and NGC 5358 9.0' SE.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, diffuse, between two stars mag 6.5 and 9.0.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5350 = H II-713 = h1696 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "F, pL".  JH made two good observations, noting "pB; R; bM" and "vF; L; a bright D * preceding; the first of 4."

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NGC 5351 = UGC 8809 = MCG +06-31-008 = CGCG 190-073 = CGCG 191-019 = Holm 554a = PGC 49359

13 53 27.7 +37 54 54; CVn

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, broad concentration, elongated WNW-ESE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5349 3.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5351 = H II-697 = h1697 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and recorded "F, bM, E in the parallel, about 1 1/2' long and 1' broad."

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NGC 5352 = UGC 8812 = MCG +06-31-011 = CGCG 191-009 = PGC 49370

13 53 38.4 +36 08 03; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  A small group of stars of a half a dozen stars is close following and the galaxy is roughly collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars 1.5' and 3' following.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5352 = H II-415 = h1700 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "F, S, irr."  JH made two observations, recording (sweep 71) "pF; R; 30"; has a star 90" distance, 25” nf."

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NGC 5353 = HCG 68A = KTG 50B = Holm 555b = UGC 8813 = MCG +07-29-010 = CGCG 219-018 = LGG 363-002 = WBL 475-002 = PGC 49356

13 53 26.7 +40 16 59; CVn

V = 11.0;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 145”

 

24" (6/3/19): at 200x; type Ia SN 2019ein, discovered on May 1st, appeared as a mag 15 "star" just off the SE end of the galaxy (28" E and 28" S of center).  This supernova peaked at mag 14.0.

 

24" (7/1/16): very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~1.8'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to the center.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 5354 (two brightest members of HCG 68), with centers 1.2' apart.

 

24" (6/8/13): the brightest member of HCG 68 appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.7', well concentrated with a very bright  elongated core that increases to the center.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 5354 1.2' N.  NGC 5358 = HCG 68E lies 6.4' due E.  NGC 5371, the brightest and largest in a larger group (LGG 361) including HCG 68, lies 27' NE

 

13.1" (5/26/84): brightest in the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68.  Fairly bright, oval 2:1 NW-SE, gradually increases to a small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5354 1.2' N.  Other nearby members are NGC 5350 4.9' NNW, NGC 5355 4.9' NE, NGC 5358 6.4' E.  Located 4.8' SE of mag 6.5 HD 121197.

 

8" (5/21/82): moderately bright, small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5353 = H II-714 = h1698 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5354], pB, both S, R, at 2' distance in the meridian."  JH logged "The southern of a double neb, dist 1' in meridian." and "pB; S; the southern of 2 nearly in meridian; the second of a group of 4."

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NGC 5354 = HCG 68B = KTG 50C = Holm 555a = UGC 8814 = MCG +07-29-011 = CGCG 219-019 = WBL 475-003 = LGG 361-009 = PGC 49354

13 53 26.7 +40 18 10; CVn

V = 11.4;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 11.9

 

24" (7/1/16): bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:4 E-W, 1.4'x1.1', well concentrated with a large bright core than increases gradually to the center, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  The halo on the south side is in contact with NGC 5353, with the centers 1.2' apart in PA 0” (N-S).  The mag 6.5 orange star HD 121197 is 4' NW.

 

24" (6/8/13): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.4'x1.2', fairly well concentrated (though not as well as NGC 5353) with a small bright core that increases to the center.  The outer halo merges with NGC 5353, 1.2' between centers.  Located 4' SE of mag 6.5 HD 121197.  NGC 5350 is 3.8' NNW and NGC 5355 is 4.2' NE.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): member of the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68.  Fairly faint, fairly small, broad concentration.  Forms a very close pair with brighter NGC 5353 1.2' S.  Located 4.0' SE of mag 6.5 HD 121197.  Nearby members include NGC 5350 3.8' N and NGC 5355 4.2' NE.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, moderately large, even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5353 1' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5354 = H II-715 = h1699 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5353], pB, both S, R, at 2' distance in the meridian."  JH logged "the northern of a double nebula, dist 1' in the meridian", and "F; S; the northern and smallest of 2 in merid; one of a group of 4."

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NGC 5355 = HCG 68D = Holm 555d = UGC 8819 = MCG +07-29-012 = CGCG 219-020 = WBL 475-004 = LGG 361-010 = PGC 49380

13 53 45.6 +40 20 19; CVn

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

24" (7/1/16): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~35"x25", very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Situated 4' NE of NGC 5354 in HCG 68.

 

24" (6/8/13): moderately bright, relatively small compared to the other members of HCG 68, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~40"x28", small brighter nucleus.  Located 4' NE of NGC 5354 and 4.8' ESE of NGC 5350.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  Member of the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68 and located 7' due east of mag 6.5 HD 121197.  Nearby members are NGC 5350 4.9' WNW, NGC 5358 4.7' SE and NGC 5353 4.8' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5355 = H III-699 = h1702 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "vF; S; iF." His position is 3' too far north.  JH made three observations and assumed it was new, probably due to his father's poor position. He logged "F; The last of 4.  There is a *9 preceding the group." and "vF; L; the last of 4."  JH later equated h1702 and III. 699 in the GC.

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NGC 5356 = UGC 8831 = MCG +01-35-052 = CGCG 046-001 = PGC 49468

13 54 58.5 +05 20 01; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 3.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter bulging middle.  Forms a thin isosceles triangle with a pair of mag 12 stars 2.6' NE and 2.6' NNE.  Third of 7 in NGC 5363 group with NGC 5363 17' ESE and NGC 5348 14' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5356 = H III-506 = h1701 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, E, 2' long."  CH's reduction is at the north end of the galaxy.  On 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043), he logged "p or cB, E, cL."  JH made 5 observations, estimated a size of 80"x30" and a position angle of 15”.

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NGC 5357 = ESO 445-078 = MCG -05-33-032 = PGC 49534

13 55 59.5 -30 20 29; Cen

V = 12.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 23”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Situated among three mag 11 stars and directly between a mag 11 star 1.5' N and a mag 11.5 star 1.1' SSE.  Also a mag 11.5 star is 2.2' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5357 = h3546 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; R; glbM; 20"; exactly in middle between 2 stars 10m."  His position is accurate, although Innes was unsuccessful in finding it with the 7-inch refractor at the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 5358 = HCG 68E = UGC 8826 = MCG +07-29-013 = CGCG 219-022 = WBL 475-005 =LGG 361-007 = PGC 49389

13 54 00.4 +40 16 38; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 138”

 

24" (7/1/16): faintest member of the HCG 68 quintet.  At 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1, 25"x12", very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A pair of mag 12.5/13 stars at ~8" separation is 1.1' SSE and nearly collinear with the galaxy.

 

24" (6/8/13): faintest and last member of HCG 68.  Appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 40"x15", small brighter nucleus.  Located 6.4' E of NGC 5353.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faintest member of the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68.  Very faint, very small, very elongated NW-SE.  A close double mag 13 double star at 8" separation is 1.1' SSE.  Located 6.4' E of NGC 5353 and 4.7' SE of NGC 5355.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5358 = St XI-21 on 23 Jun 1880 with the 31-inch silvered reflector at Marseille.  Hermann Vogel found the galaxy again on 3 Jun 1883 with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at Vienna. Although WH and JH observed the 4 brighter galaxies to the west, they both missed this fainter galaxy.

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NGC 5359 = ESO 066-004

14 00 10 -70 23 30; Cir

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x I immediately noticed a 15' irregular chain of two dozen stars, roughly forming the outline of an animal - approximating a dog or horse.  Within the position of the "head" of this figure is a pair of equal mag 10.5 stars at 11" separation.  In fact, many of the brighter stars are 10th-11th magnitude.  This chain is well detached in the field so it stands out well, although there are no dense spots and this loose group appears to be an asterism.  Upping the magnification to 228x, at least 80 stars are visible within a 15' region.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5359 = h3545 on 17 May 1835. On sweep 598 he recorded "Cl VIII class, irreg fig, 8' dia, consists of about a dozen stars 11m, and a great many 12, 13, 14m."  RNGC classifies this object as a nonexistent cluster.

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NGC 5360 = IC 958? = UGC 8838 = MCG +01-36-001 = CGCG 046-003 = Holm 557b = PGC 49513

13 55 38.8 +04 59 05; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 2.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (4/28/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.6'.  A mag 14 star is at the west edge 40" from center.  Forms a pair with brighter and larger NGC 5364 8' ENE.  Fourth of 7 in the NGC 5363 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5360 = m 268 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE."  His position (to the nearest min of dec) is 1.5' too far north. 

 

Lewis Swift possibly found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1890 and recorded "eeeF; pS; iR; seen only by glimpses."  His position is 3.5' northeast of NGC 5360. Dreyer assumed this was a new object and catalogued it as IC 958.  Harold Corwin suggests IC 958 = NGC 5360, though questions why Swift didn't mention nearby NGC 5364.  See entry for IC 958 for more.

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NGC 5361 = MCG +07-29-015 = CGCG 219-025 = PGC 49441

13 54 35.2 +38 26 58; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Located 1.0' SW of a mag 12.5 star.  The 220x field is devoid of any brighter stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5361 = H III-682 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "eF, vS, E, sp a small star.  His position is 1' southwest of CGCG 219-025 = PGC 49441 and the description matches.

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NGC 5362 = UGC 8835 = MCG +07-29-016 = CGCG 219-026 = LGG 363-003 = PGC 49464

13 54 53.3 +41 18 49; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 2.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration, hint of a faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5362 = H II-671 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "pB, pL, E."  CH's reduction is 2' south of UGC 8835.

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NGC 5363 = UGC 8847 = MCG +01-36-002 = CGCG 046-007 = LGG 362-005 = PGC 49547

13 56 07.2 +05 15 17; Vir

V = 10.1;  Size 4.1'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 135”

 

18" (3/29/03): at 450x this fairly large, oval galaxy has a mottled appearance.  The bright stellar nucleus appears like a bright superimposed star (images confirm a star very near the center) surrounded by a bright core.  Located 3.8' SW of SAO 120182 = STT 273, an 8.4/8.9 pair at just 1.0" that was resolved at this power.

 

17.5" (4/28/90): very bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus.  Located 3.8' SW of mag 8.0 SAO 120182 (close double O· 273 = 8.4/8.9 at 1.0").  Brightest in a large group of 7 galaxies with NGC 5364 14.5' S and NGC 5373 15' E.

 

8" (5/21/82): bright, small, round, small bright nucleus.  A mag 8 star is 4' E.  NGC 5364 lies 14' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5363 = H I-6 = h1703 on 19 Jan 1784 (sweep 89) and recorded "a pL nebula, not cometic.  It seems resolvable, but I have no apparatus at hand for applying high powers."  On 12 May 1793 he noted "vB, cL, BN."

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NGC 5364 = NGC 5317 = UGC 8853 = MCG +01-36-003 = CGCG 046-009 = Holm 557a = PGC 49555

13 56 11.9 +05 00 53; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 6.8'x4.4';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 30”

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; very bright, very large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~4.5'x3.0'.  Strongly concentrated with a bright 1.5'x1.0' oval core that increased to a small bright nucleus with direct vision.  There was a strong suggestion of spiral structure (arcs) in the large halo, but the contrast was too low to trace the arms.  Two mag 14.2/14.4 stars are at the edge of the halo on the NW side and form the base of a thin isosceles triangle with the nucleus.  Although the core region was well defined, it didn't appear as a ring.

 

17.5" (4/28/90): moderately bright, large, broad weak concentration, elongated SW-NE.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.6' NW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5360 8' WSW and NGC 5363 lies 14.5' N.  Sixth of seven in the NGC 5363 group. 

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, large, diffuse glow.  Forms an unusual pair with smaller but brighter NGC 5363 14' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5364 = H II-534 = h1705 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "pB, vL, gbM."

 

Bindon Stoney found it again on 14 Apr 1852 at Birr Castle and assumed it to be new, so John Herschel catalogued it also as GC 3703.  Dreyer combined the two GC entries in the NGC.  Harold Corwin suggests that JH's observation of h1678 (later NGC 5317), which he assumed to be new, may be a duplicate observation with a 5 minute error in RA.

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NGC 5365 = ESO 271-008 = MCG -07-29-002 = PGC 49673

13 57 50.6 -43 55 54; Cen

V = 11.4;  Size 3.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 4”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly bright, fairly small, round,  40" diameter, high surface brightness. Contains a very bright nucleus.  Apparently I missed the low surface brightness out halo.  Several stars are nearby including a mag 10.7 star 3.7' NW, a mag 13 star 2' NW, a mag 12 star 2.9' SSW and a mag 12 star 2.4' SE. Several of these stars form a semicircle cradling the galaxy.  Located 53' NNW of mag 3.9 Upsilon 1 Centauri.

 

NGC 5365B is 9' ESE and NGC 5365A is 13.5' SW. NGC 5365B is a fairly faint, thin edge-on SW-NE, 0.8'x0.2'.  NGC 5365A is also a fairly faint edge-on E-W, 1.5'x0.25'.  A mag 12 star is at the east edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5365 = h3547 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "pB; vS; R; gbM; 15"."  His mean position (two sweeps) is accurate.  While observing NGC 5365 on 18 May 1881 with the 48" Melbourne telescope, Joseph Turner discovered NGC 5365A.  The discovery was not published, so it didn't receive a NGC designation.

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NGC 5366 = MCG +00-36-002 = CGCG 018-007 = PGC 49569

13 56 24.9 -00 14 50; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is at the NE end and the galaxy appears to extend from the star in a fan-shape like a faint version of Hubble's Variable Nebula.  Located 2.7' SSW of mag 9 SAO 120186.

 

George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 5366 = HN 14 on Feb 26 1853 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone Survey.  He noted "a small, round nebula precedes [follows?} star #148, distant 2'."  His position in AN 1453 matches the star in the survey and is 2' north of CGCG 018-007 = PGC 49569.

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NGC 5367 = IC 4347 = Bernes 147 = ESO 325-36

13 57 44 -39 58 42; Cen

Size 4'x3'

 

18" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 182x; large, bright reflection nebula surrounding a close pair (4") of mag 10/10.5 stars, perhaps 3' diameter.  A small detached halo also surrounds a mag 12 star 2.4' N.

 

ESO 326-042, located 19' ESE, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 5:1 NW-SE, ~1.1'x0.2', smooth even surface brightness.  Located 3.4' NNE of mag 7.9 HD 121912 in a rich Centaurus star field.

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this prominent reflection nebula appears as 2.5' round glow surrounding a delicate pair of mag 10/10.5 stars at 4" separation (HJ 4636).  The nebulosity has a uniform, fairly high surface brightness.  About 2' N and 1.5' NE are a wide pair of mag 12/13 stars.  The star situated 2' N illuminates a small detached piece of nebulosity.  Deep images reveal this nebula is the head of a one degree faint tail (cometary globule CG 12) that streams to the southeast.

 

17.5" (5/4/02): this unusual reflection nebula surrounds a bright, close pair of mag 10.3/10.7 stars at 4" (h4636).  The nebula appeared as a round, fairly faint, 3' glow surrounding the illuminating stars.  Although the elevation was only 10” at the time of the observation, the hazy glow was pretty evident.  A brighter mag 9 star lies 4' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5367 = h3548 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "a close double star in a vL, B, luminous atmosphere, 2' diameter. The star A which is quite as bright, has no such atmosphere. The atmosphere is vlbM. The star was not noticed as double till too late for a good measure after I showed the object to my attendant J.S [John Stone]., verified with 240x and 320x. A furious hot north wind, but the definition of stars excellent. It is no illusion, other stars are sharp and brilliant, and have not the least nebulous appearance."  Sketch Plate VI, figure 10.

 

Joseph Turner had a difficult time identifying NGC 5367 on two nights, including 1 Jul 1875, as he was expecting a fairly bright object.  He wrote in his logbook, "It is now so very very faint that it only against a clear black sky it can be seen at all...Herschel's drawing [shows] the double star being in the center of the nebula, while at present the star is near the northeast extremity."  Images show the nebulosity is brighter and more extensive to the west and southwest of the star.  Turner also commented "It must surely have diminished in brightness since H's time, as I cannot imagine that an 18 inch telescope could show it at present, it is so very faint."

 

Lewis Swift rediscovered this reflection nebula on 30 Dec 1897, assumed it was new (despite JH's good position) and described Sw. XI-162 (later IC 4347) as "8m * in center of eeeF nebulosity".  He added the note "This is a perfect speciment of a nebulous star, and the only one I have ever found, and a beautiful one it is."  Swift included this object in a short article in the 1902 Popular Astronomy titled "Remarkable Nebulae".  He noted, "this is a beautiful nebulous star of the 8th mag exactly in the center of a nebulous atmosphere, whose outlines are a sharp as the planet Jupiter."  Both Swift and Dreyer missed that IC 4347 = NGC 5367, despite the similar positions and descriptions. 

 

The nebulosity was included in the Catalogue of Bright Nebulosities in Opaque Dust Clouds by Bernes as No. 147. He described it as a reflection nebula 4' x 3' (measured north-south by east-west), appearing very bright on the blue plate. He noted the nebulosity is located on the edge of the cometary globular CG 12, which measures 20'x8'.

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NGC 5368 = UGC 8834 = MCG +09-23-014 = CGCG 272-012 = PGC 49431

13 54 29.2 +54 19 50; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, broad weak concentration, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.6' SSW a mag 13 star.  UGC 8882  lies 28' SE.  Located 1.3 degrees west of M101.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5368 = H III-786 = h1706 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS, stellar neb."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5369 = PGC 49583

13 56 37.6 -05 28 12; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 40"x30", weak concentration to a brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 2.0' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5369 = H III-285 = h1704 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "eF, vS, requires much attention to be distinguished."  There is nothing at his position by 25 sec of RA west and 4' north is PGC 49583.   John Herschel also noted his "place precarious" and marked the RA and Dec as very uncertain.  Still his position was closer than his father's - the RA was 14 sec too large and the dec off by 1.5'.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1908 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 5370 = UGC 8832 = MCG +10-20-044 = CGCG 295-022 = PGC 49408

13 54 09.4 +60 40 41; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter 15" core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.4' SSW of a mag 12.5 star.  Two mag 10/11 stars lie 6'-7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5370 = H II-843 = h1708 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "F, S."  CH's reduced position is 1' north of UGC 8832.

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NGC 5371 = NGC 5390 = UGC 8846 = MCG +07-29-020 = CGCG 219-029 = LGG 361-011 = PGC 49514

13 55 39.9 +40 27 42; CVn

V = 10.6;  Size 4.4'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 8”

 

24" (7/1/16): very bright and large, elongated 4:3 N-S, contains a relatively small brighter core that is slightly elongated E-W (central bar).  The large outer halo shows spiral structure.  An arm on the north side sweeps west and south and a more ill-defined arm on the east side extends to the north.  A mag 9 star is 2.6' NE.  The HCG 68 quintet (including NGCs 5350, 5353 and 5354) is ~25' SW.  Brightest in a large group (LGG 361) with 13 NGC galaxies.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): bright, fairly large, small bright nucleus, slightly elongated N-S.  Located 2.5' SW of mag 9.1 SAO 44805.  The NGC 5353 group lies 25' WSW.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, fairly large, diffuse oval halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5371 = H II-716 = h1707 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and logged "F, R, about 1 1/2' dia, lbM."  NGC 5390 is a duplicate observation by JH (see that number).

 

Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 12 Apr 1861, recorded "pL, E, irr; Nucl like a dull star; sharp on p and sp edges [edge of spiral arm], at the other sides it fades off gradually, it may be a spiral."

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NGC 5372 = UGC 8843 = MCG +10-20-046 = CGCG 295-024 = LGG 360-008 = PGC 49451

13 54 46.0 +58 40 00; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Fairly high surface brightness though only a weak concentration.  Forms the east vertex of a "keystone" with three mag 10-11 stars with longer sides of 5'.  UGC 8836 is located 16' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5372 = H III-809 = h1709 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and noted "vF, vS."  His position (CH's reduction) is 4' south of UGC 8843.  JH made a single observation (sweep 345) and logged "not vF; S; E.  I suspect it to be a double *13 and 14m involved in a nebula. His position is 2' too far southwest.

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NGC 5373 = CGCG 046-014 = PGC 49620

13 57 07.4 +05 15 07; Vir

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

17.5" (4/28/90): extremely faint and small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 4' WNW of mag 9 SAO 120194.  NGC 5363 lies 15' W.  Last of 7 NGC galaxies in the NGC 5363 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5373 = m 269 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stell."  His position is within 1' of CGCG 046-014.  Bigourdan could not find the galaxy (perhaps too faint).

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NGC 5374 = UGC 8874 = MCG +01-36-004 = CGCG 046-016 = PGC 49650

13 57 29.7 +06 05 49; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 10.5 star is 1.2' W.  Located within a group of four mag 9 stars including mag 8.9 SAO 120193 6.3' SW, and mag 9 stars 5.6' NE and 5.8' WSW.  The bright star field also includes several mag 11 stars.  First in loose group of five galaxies with NGC 5387 14' ESE and NGC 5382 15' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5374 = H II-889 = h1710 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and logged "pB, R, pL, just following a small star."  JH made 4 observations and first recorded (sweep 154), "F; S; lE; vgbM; follows a * 4 sec [of RA]."

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NGC 5375 = NGC 5396 = UGC 8865 = MCG +05-33-027 = CGCG 162-035 = PGC 49604

13 56 56.2 +29 09 51; CVn

V = 11.5;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/19/01): this face-on barred spiral appears moderately bright and large, round, 1.8' diameter.  Contains a sharp, bright 30" core.  A nice trio of mag 12-13 stars forming an equilateral triangle lies 4' WSW.  Located 10' following a mag 9.9 star.

 

John Herschel found NGC 5375 = h1711 on 15 May 1830 and recorded "Not vF; R; pslbM; 20".  If this be III 125 [NGC 5396], my Father's place is much out in RA. JH assigned a separate GC designation for h1711, so Dreyer assigned it NGC 5375, but NGC 5396 is very likely the same object with a 2 min error in RA.  So, NGC 5375 = NGC 5396.  As JH's position is unambiguous this primary designation has been NGC 5375.

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NGC 5376 = UGC 8852 = MCG +10-20-047 = CGCG 295-025 = PGC 49489

13 55 15.9 +59 30 25; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.5'x1.0', broad weak concentration with no distinct core.  The NGC 5379/5389 pair lies 15' NNE.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated.  NGC 5389 lies 15.5' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5376 = H I-238 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "cB, pL, vgmbM, iR."  CH's reduced position is less than 2' southeast of UGC 8852.  It was recorded again on 19 Mar 1790 in sweep 953 as II-844 (accurately placed), but he didn't realize the equivalence, so NGC 5376 received two H and GC designations that were combined in the NGC.

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NGC 5377 = UGC 8863 = MCG +08-25-052 = CGCG 246-027 = LGG 372-007 = PGC 49563

13 56 16.8 +47 14 07; CVn

V = 11.3;  Size 3.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.7', striking very bright compact core with a bright stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5377 = H I-187 = h1712 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "cB, BN with very gradually fading branches from about 30” sp to nf."  JH made four observations, logging on sweep 255 "vB; mE; psbM; 50" l, 15" br; pos = 40.4” by micrometer.

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NGC 5378 = UGC 8869 = MCG +06-31-027 = CGCG 191-020 = PGC 49598

13 56 51.1 +37 47 48; CVn

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse outer halo increases to a small bright core.  Located between mag 9 SAO 63854 4.9' ESE and mag 9.5 SAO 63843 4.3' NW.  NGC 5380 lies 11.5' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5378 = h1713 on 11 Mar 1831 and recorded "pB; lE; vglbM."  His single position is good.

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NGC 5379 = UGC 8860 = MCG +10-20-049 = CGCG 295-026 = Holm 561b = PGC 49508

13 55 34.3 +59 44 34; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 5389 4.1' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5379 = H I-239 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926), along with NGC 5389, and recorded "pB, E, S."  His position matches UGC 8860.

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NGC 5380 = UGC 8870 = MCG +06-31-028 = CGCG 191-021 = PGC 49605

13 56 56.9 +37 36 37; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (6/6/86): moderately bright, small, bright core contains a stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5378 11.5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5380 = H II-698 = h1714 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "F, S, R, vsmbM."  JH made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5381 = ESO 133-11 = OCL-915

14 00 42 -59 35 12; Cen

Size 14'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): NGC 5381 is a fairly rich cluster in a superb Milky Way field.  Roughly 75 stars were resolved over unresolved background glow within a 8'x6' region, elongated southwest to northeast, although there was no distinct boundary to the cluster (the surrounding field gradually thinned).  The brightest star is mag 9.6 HD 121947 on the southwest end and mag 10.5 HD 121900 is on the west side.  Extending the cluster to a 1' group of mag 11-12.5 stars off the northeast side, increases the dimensions to 10'x7'.  NGC 5381 is located 54' NNW of Beta Centauri (Hadar)!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5381 = h3549 on 3 May 1835 and recorded "Cl VIII class; 8' long; 5' broad; stars 12 and 13m [N.B. - it is evident that in this obs, probably from defective weather, the eS stars of this cl were not seen."  On sweep 790 he logged "Cl VI; F; rich; high compressed; consists of pL and eS st; fig oblong; 10' l; 7' br; place that of chief * 9m."

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NGC 5382 = UGC 8885 = MCG +01-36-007 = CGCG 046-022 = PGC 49711

13 58 15.0 +06 15 31; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, very bright core, stellar nucleus, very small halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 5386 5.1' NNE.  NGC 5387 lies 12' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5382 = H III-546 = h1715, along with NGC 5386, on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "Two, the place taken between them; both vF, vS, r.  The situation not far from the meridian; from sp to nf."  JH called this galaxy "like a * 15m rubbed out" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5383 = UGC 8875 = MCG +07-29-023 = CGCG 219-033 = Mrk 281 = LGG 363-004 = PGC 49618

13 57 05.0 +41 50 47; CVn

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 85”

 

48" (5/9/18): at 375x and 610x; I was impressed by the prominent "Z"-shaped barred spiral appearance!  NGC 5383 is strongly concentrated with a very bright oval core, ~0.6' diameter, containing a very small brighter nucleus.  The core isn't elongated in the direction of the bar, though, but angles WSW-ENE towards an 8" pair of mag 14 stars 1.1' from center.  The central bar is oriented NW-SE and extends ~1.5' x 0.4'.  At both ends of the bar are relatively large, bright knots (regions of enhanced star formation), ~18" diameter.  A fairly thin, striking "wing" (spiral arm) extends ~0.7' SW from the SE end of the bar, forming a sharp right angle.  A less distinct and shorter arm angles NE from the NW end of the bar, completing the "Z" with a "stroke" (core) outline.   A low surface brightness, roundish halo, encompasses the striking shape.  Two mag 16-16.5 stars are superimposed north of the core.  Member of the NGC 5353/5371 Group (LGG 363/361).

 

UGC 8877, a very low surface brightness dwarf, lies 3' S.  At 610x it appeared faint, fairly large, low even surface brightness.  This face-on barred spiral didn't display any structure due to an anemic surface brightness. A mag 10.8 star is 2' ENE.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 2.5'x2.0'.  Contains a prominent bright core about 45"x30" elongated E-W (bar) with the fainter halo tilted 45” with respect to the core.  A close pair of mag 14 stars at 8" separation is at the east edge 1.1' from center.  Located near the midpoint of mag 10.5 and 12 stars 3' SE and NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5383 = H I-181 = h1717 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM."  JH made the single observation "not vB; R; gbM; 40"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5384 = UGC 8886 = MCG +01-36-008 = CGCG 046-023 = PGC 49707

13 58 13.0 +06 31 05; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3.2' SE of a mag 9.5 star.  NGC 5386 lies 11' SSE.  This is the farthest north in string of four galaxies.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5384 = m 270 on 8 May 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar." His declination is 1' too far south.

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NGC 5385

13 52 19 +76 10 48; UMi

Size 7'

 

17.5" (5/23/98): this group consists of 11 similar mag 11.5-12.5 stars in a 7'x3' field elongated NW-SE and a couple of much fainter stars.  The grouping is unconcentrated and the stars are pretty evenly distributed with no close pairs.  Radial velocities show this group is an asterism and not a true cluster, although it stands out reasonably well at low power.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5385 = h1721 on 5 May 1831 and reported "A cluster of 11 stars 11m, and 2 of 15m."  His position corresponds with a mag 11 star at the center of this asterism.  Villanova (2004, A&A, 428, 67) conclude this is a random enhancement of field stars and not a cluster based  on the random radial velocities (no common motion) of the stars.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 5386 = UGC 8890 = MCG +01-36-010 = CGCG 046-024 = PGC 49719

13 58 22.4 +06 20 20; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 51”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is just off the SW edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 5382 5' SSW.  NGC 5384 lies 11' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5386 = H III-547 = h1716, along with NGC 5382, on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "Two, the place taken between them; both vF, vS, r.  The situation not far from the meridian; from sp to nf."  JH called this galaxy "a neb like a double star obliterated; pos by diam = 55” or 60”" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5387 = UGC 8891 = MCG +01-36-011 = CGCG 046-026 = PGC 49724

13 58 24.8 +06 04 14; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 1.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 22”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 6:1 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.25', low even surface brightness.  NGC 5382, NGC 5386 and NGC 5384 are nearly all collinear to the north with NGC 5382 12' NNW and NGC 5374 14' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5387 = m 271 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF ray, 2' l."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5388

13 58 54 -14 09; Vir

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 5388 = LM 1-199 on 4 May 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag = 12.0, S, R, vgbM".  There is nothing at his position and Harold Corwin was unable to recover this object despite having a copy of Muller's sketch.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 5389 = UGC 8866 = MCG +10-20-051 = CGCG 295-027 = Holm 561a = PGC 49548

13 56 06.4 +59 44 31; UMa

V = 12.0;  Size 3.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.5'x0.8'.  Strong concentration with a prominent core, fades at ends of the extensions.  Located 3.9' SW of mag 8.6 SAO 16223.  A nice evenly matched pair of mag 11.5 stars at 27" separation lies 5' NNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5379 4.1' W.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, elongated N-S, bright core.  NGC 5376 lies 15' SSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5379 4.1' W (not seen).  Located 4' SW of mag 8.6 SAO 16223.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5389 = H I-240 = h1719 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926), along with NGC 5379, and recorded "pB or almost cB, E, B small ncl."  His position matches UGC 8866.

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NGC 5390 = NGC 5371: = UGC 8846 = MCG +07-29-020 = CGCG 219-029 = LGG 361-011 = PGC 49514

13 55 39.9 +40 27 42; CVn

 

See observing notes for NGC 5371.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5390 = h1718 on 18 Mar 1831 and recorded "F; L; vgbM; has a * 9m; nf, 4' dist."  There is nothing at his position (marked as uncertain), but 1.7 min of RA west is NGC 5371 (observed by JH on a separate sweep) and the description of the nearby star applies.  Karl Reinmuth reported "no L neb and no *9 nf found; =N5371?".  So, NGC 5390 = NGC 5371, with NGC 5371 the primary designation.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5391

13 57 36 +46 19; CVn

 

= Not found, Corwin

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5391 = Sw. I-26 on 16 Jun 1884 and recorded "F, vS, to nu. * very close."  There is nothing at his position.  The closest galaxy is MCG +08-25-054 = 49609 about 7' southwest, although there is no "* very close" to this galaxy.  RNGC and PGC identify this galaxy as NGC 5391.  But Harold Corwin rejects this identification because of the missing star as well as his description "F", which should be "eF" or "eeF" for this galaxy.  So, it listed here as "not found".

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NGC 5392 = MCG +00-36-005 = CGCG 018-013 = PGC 49792

13 59 24.8 -03 12 33; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6', brighter core.  Only faint stars in surrounding field. Incorrect RA in the RNGC (2.0 time-min E).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5392 = H III-666 = h1720 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and noted "eF, vS."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 tmin west is CGCG 018-013 = PGC 49792.   JH logged "F; S; R: gbM; 20"." and measured an accurate position used in the GC and NGC. The RNGC RA is exactly 2.0 tmin too large (probably a typo).

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NGC 5393 = ESO 445-087 = MCG -05-33-035 = PGC 49863

14 00 31.9 -28 52 30; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.7', moderate surface brightness.  There are a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars in the 21' field.  IC 4351 lies 40' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5393 = h3550 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 25"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 5394 = Arp 84N = VV 48b = Holm 563b = UGC 8898 = MCG +06-31-033 = CGCG 191-024 = PGC 49739 = Heron Galaxy

13 58 33.6 +37 27 12; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (4/1/11): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30"x24", sharply concentrated with a bright, stellar nucleus.  A faint arm is visible attached at the SW end that hooks SE towards the NW side of NGC 5995.  A fainter arm, which was only visible intermittently, is attached at the NE end and hooks NW.

 

18" (4/26/08): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  A faint star is off the east end (due north of NGC 5395).  Forms the NNW component of a contact pair with NGC 5395, just 1.8' between centers.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): this is the fainter northern member of a contact system with brighter NGC 5395 connected at the south tip (2.0' between centers)!  Fairly faint, very small, round, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5394 = H I-191 = h1722, along with NGC 5395, on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and recorded "Two, that of the south [NGC 5395] cB, cL.  That to the north [NGC 5394], pB, S.  Distance about 1.5'."  John Herschel called NGC 5394 the "smaller and np of 2 which nearly join, constituting a double nebula."

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NGC 5395 = Arp 84S = VV 48a = UGC 8900 = MCG +06-31-034 = CGCG 191-026 = I Zw 77 = Holm 563a = PGC 49747 = Heron Galaxy

13 58 37.5 +37 25 32; CVn

V = 11.4;  Size 2.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 167”

 

48" (4/1/11): the Heron Galaxy was a remarkable interacting pair at 375x and 488x.  The main galaxy (NGC 5395) was extremely bright, elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.5'x1.1', contains a blazing 30" core and a mottled, clumpy appearance.  The most prominent feature is a well-defined, long arm that begins to the north of the core and wraps all the way around the core.  This arm shoots past the core just to its east and heads directly south. The knotty arm then tightly curves back around towards the north on the west side, extending the full length of the galaxy and angling slightly towards smaller NGC 5395.  A dark lane separates the core region from the arm on the west side.  An irregular extension (or part of an arm) branches north from the main arm on the north side of the core and culminates at a brighter region or knot at the north end of the galaxy.  NGC 5394 is 1.9' NW of center and one of the arms of this galaxy attaches to NGC 5395 on the NW side.

 

18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared fairly bright, very elongated ~3:1 N-S, 1.7'x0.5', brighter 25"x20" core, irregular appearance with a brighter knot or extension on the NW side.  Forms a close, interacting pair with NGC 5394 1.8' NNW.  A very faint extension or haze is off the west side (this is an "arm" that interacts with NGC 5394).  Several faint stars are near including a mag 13.5 1.7' S of center, a mag 15 star 1.9' N of center and another mag 15 star ~1.5' WNW of center.  IC 4356 lies 4' NNW.

 

18" (4/26/08): this is the brighter and larger member of an interesting interacting pair with NGC 5394.  Appears fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.5', broad concentration with a brighter core.  The galaxy has a mottled, irregular surface with a slightly brighter linear streak is on the NE end with the impression of a very faint, round knot on the north end.  An extremely faint hazy extension was highly suspected on the west side in the direction of NGC 5394 located 1.8' NNW of center.  A mag 13.5 star is off the south end.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly bright, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, small bright nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is off the south edge 1.7' from center.  There is an impression of a dark lane on the west side and an extremely faint arm beyond the lane (agrees with POSS).  Forms a contact system with NGC 5394 at the NNW edge!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5395 = H I-190 = h1723, along with NGC 5394, on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and recorded "Two, that of the south [NGC 5395] cB, cL. Distance about 1.5'."  John Herschel made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

 

Spiral structure was recorded several times at Birr Castle, though the observations are listed in the 1861 and 1880 publications under h1713 = GC 3717 = NGC 5378.  On 24 Apr 1854, R.J. Mitchell logged "centre pB; oval ns, among sev st.  I thought the n end the broader and suspected a dark space preceding nucleus.  A pB patch of neby np."  On 1 May 1854 he added "Singular object; the main body of neb has a B Nucl and is E ns, the southern end bends back suddenly at a sharp angle and extends np past the neb, ending in a B, R patch or Nucl."  On 19 Feb 1855, he reported "Neby seems to reach the knot np.  There is knot or star in the arm p and some condensation in the centre of neb.  I think F neby reaches up to the star north.  Finally, he sketched the pair on 17 Apr 1855 and noted "Mr Johnstone Stoney [who was visiting between professorial duties at Queen's College Galway] saw the p branch extend round the south end of the main neb and continued on to the north, when after a second turn it joined the nucleus."

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NGC 5396 = NGC 5375 = UGC 8865 = MCG +05-33-027 = CGCG 162-035 = PGC 49604

13 56 56.2 +29 09 51; CVn

V = 11.5;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0”

 

See observing notes for NGC 5375.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5396 = H III-125 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "vF, S, iR, lbM, almost stellar, but a little large for that name."  There is nothing at his position, but 2.0 min of RA west is NGC 5375 (found by JH on 15 May 1830).  Dreyer suggests that NGC 5396 is identical to NGC 5375 in his 1912 revision of William Herschel's catalogues and Harold Corwin agrees. If these numbers are equivalent, NGC 5396 should take historical precedence as the primary designation, although NGC 5375 is the standard designation based on the unambiguous position.

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NGC 5397 = ESO 384-031 = MCG -06-31-013 = LGG 369-005 = PGC 49908

14 01 10.5 -33 56 45; Cen

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60”

 

18" (5/16/09): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 40"x35".  This galaxy is located on the west side of ACO S753, 31' due west of NGC 5419.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5397 = h3551 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM; 15"."  His position is 1' too far southwest.

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NGC 5398 = AM 1358-324 = UGCA 379 = ESO 384-032 = MCG -05-33-037 = PGC 49923

14 01 21.4 -33 03 48; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 170”

 

24" (6/1/13): at 225x (and low elevation) appeared fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.2'x0.9', weak concentration with a slightly brighter 0.4' core.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness and fades into the background so the dimensions were difficult to gauge.

 

Tol 89, a supergiant HII region with multiple young massive clusters, is close southwest of the core [33" from center at the end of the central bar].  It was visible as a very faint 10" knot, appearing like a smaller version of the core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5398 = h3552 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; pL; R; vgbM; 90"."  His position is accurate.  In the foreground of ACO S753?

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NGC 5399 = UGC 8912 = MCG +06-31-039 = CGCG 191-027 = PGC 49799

13 59 31.4 +34 46 25; CVn

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, thin edge-on E-W, 1.0'x0.25', weak concentration.  Forms the western vertex of a triangle with two mag 11/12 star 3' NE and 4.4' E.  MCG +06-31-035 lies 19' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5399 = H III-411 = h1724 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "eF, vS."  JH made two observations and recorded on sweep 131 "vF; vS; pmE in parallel [E-W]."

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NGC 5400 = MCG +00-36-008 = CGCG 018-020 = PGC 49869

14 00 37.2 -02 51 28; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

48" (5/16/12): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright core and faint outer halo.  This bright E or S0 is the brightest and centrally situated in a north-south string of 6 galaxies.  The two closest are PGC 140239, 1.7' NNE, and PGC 1080934 just 55" S of center.  The first galaxy appeared fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 18"x9". 

 

18" (6/30/11): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, ~25" diameter.  Contains a very small bright core surrounded by a small roundish halo.  Difficult to determine an orientation as different portions of the lower surface brightness halo are sometimes visible with averted.  IC 968, a close double system, lies 3' due south.  2MASX J14003752-0252231, an extremely faint, small galaxy (V = 15.5) was occasionally glimpsed 55" S of center, on a line with IC 968.  This cD galaxy is the dominant member of MKW 5, a poor cluster at a distance of ~340 million light years.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weakly concentrated.  A mag 10.5 star is 4.7' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5400 = H III-667 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and noted "eF, vS.  300 verified it."  His RA is 9 tsec too large.

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NGC 5401 = UGC 8916 = MCG +06-31-040 = CGCG 191-028 = PGC 49810

13 59 43.3 +36 14 17; CVn

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint but striking edge-on ~4:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.25'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, round core and a stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' NW.  Located 9' SW of mag 9 SAO 63874.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5401 = H III-412 = h1725 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS."  JH made the single observation "F; S; E; bM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5402 = UGC 8903 = MCG +10-20-054 = CGCG 295-029 = PGC 49712

13 58 16.5 +59 48 55; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 167”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, thin edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 60"x15".  Contains a very small brighter core with very thin extensions.  A mag 15 star is off the south end, 1.1' from center.  Located 4' SSE of a mag 11.5 star.  A pair of galaxies, NGC 5389 and NGC 5379 lie ~20' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5402 = H III-810 = h1727 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and logged "cF, vS, R."  JH made a single observation and his position is 1.5' north of UGC 8903.

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NGC 5403 = VV 310a = UGC 8919 = MCG +06-31-041 = CGCG 191-029 = Holm 564a = PGC 49820

13 59 51.0 +38 10 57; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 3.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 145”

 

48" (4/7/13): at 488x appeared bright, very large, excellent edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.6', broad concentration with a brighter, bulging, elongated core, ~25" diameter.  The edge-on disc tapers towards the tips.  A subtle equatorial dust lane passes just east of the core region, slicing the galaxy in half, though the section east of the dust is fainter and contains much less of the core.

 

NGC 5403A = CGCG 191-030 lies 1.7' NE and is angled perpendicular to the major axis of NGC 5403, on line with the core.  It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.2', brighter core.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x0.8'.  Bulging central region but overall has a low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5403A just 1.6' NE of center.  The companion appeared very faint, small, round.  Appears as a low surface brightness spot with no concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5403 = H III-683 = h1726 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "cF, pL, iF."  JH simply logged "eF; pL", and measured an accurate position.  He missed the nearby companion.

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NGC 5404

14 01 07.5 +00 05 18; Vir

 

= **, Reinmuth, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 5404 = HN 17 on 29 Apr 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars and simply noted as a "nebulous star".  At his position is a 13.2-magnitude star with a 14.2-mag companion 20" south.  Karl Reinmuth found a "**11.7 and 13.0 dist 0.7' in PA 0 deg; no nebulosity seen" on a Heidelberg plate.  See Corwin's comments on Coolidge's discoveries.

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NGC 5405 = UGC 8928 = MCG +01-36-014 = CGCG 046-036 = PGC 49906

14 01 09.4 +07 42 07; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 8' SW of a mag 10 star and about 1.5” SSW of the NGC 5416 cluster. NGC 5418 lies 17' E.

 

Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5405 on 3 Mar 1883 with a 16.3-cm refractor while searching for comet d'Arrest.  His discovery position in AN 2507 is accurate. This was his first of 7 NGC galaxies (5 were new discoveries) he discovered.  Hartwig is most famous for discovering the supernova in M31 (S And) on 20 Aug 1885.

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NGC 5406 = UGC 8925 = MCG +07-29-031 = CGCG 219-038 = PGC 49847

14 00 20.2 +38 54 56; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.5'x1.2'.  Weak concentration except for a sharp sub-stellar nucleus that stands out with direct vision.  Located 6.9' S of mag 6.7 SAO 63881.  NGC 5407 lies 15' NNE.

 

8" (5/26/84): faint, small, round.  Fairly easy but a mag 6.7 star 7' N interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5406 = H II-699 = h1728 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "F, pL."  JH made two observations, logging "vF; S; R; bM" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5407 = UGC 8930 = MCG +07-29-033 = CGCG 219-040 = PGC 49890

14 00 50.0 +39 09 22; CVn

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located with a group of brighter stars and just follows a striking isosceles triangle of mag 11 stars (a mag 13 star is along one side).  Also mag 9 SAO 63883 lies 3.8' W and mag 6.7 SAO 63881 is 9.2' SW!  In same field with NGC 5406 15' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5407 = H III-684 = h1732 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "vF, vS, R."  JH recorded "vF; vS; R; bM; among a cluster of stars 10m."

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NGC 5408 = ESO 325-047 = MCG -07-29-006 = LGG 344-007 = PGC 50073

14 03 20.9 -41 22 39; Cen

V = 11.6;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 63”

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 200x; NGC 5408 appeared fairly faint, small, elongated ~2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4'.  A faint star is at the southwest end.  Located just 3' NNW of mag 6.1 HD 122532 and the galaxy is bracketed by a mag 10 star 1.5' SW and a mag 11 star 2' E.  The "faint star" noted on the southwest end may be an ultra-luminous star formation region (see below).

 

This nearby dwarf irregular starburst galaxy lies 15.6 million light years distant in the M83/Centaurus A group.  It was misclassified as a planetary nebula in the first edition of the Sky Catalogue 2000 and NGC 2000.  Henize 3-959 = StWr 4-9 likely refers to the small clump of HII regions on the southwest side of the galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5408 = h3553 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; E between 2 vS stars, a little sf."  His position (single observation) is 2' south of the emission-line galaxy ESO 325-047.  This galaxy was misclassified as a planetary in the Sky Catalogue 2000 and the NGC 2000 because it was found by Stock and Wroblewski in 1972 (SKWL 4-9) and listed as a PN in a PK update list (PK 317+19.1) with the comment "extragalactic HII region?".  In 1972, Allen reported this object as a peculiar galaxy with a redshift of 500km/s.  MCG does not label -07-29-006 as NGC 5408.

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NGC 5409 = UGC 8938 = MCG +02-36-009 = CGCG 074-044 = WBL 486-002 = PGC 49952

14 01 46.2 +09 29 25; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0'.  Just a very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core and an occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Halo fades into background without a distinct edge.  In a trio with CGCG 74-48 3.7' NE and NGC 5416 6.9' ESE and one or two others suspected.  Member of NGC 5416 cluster = ZC 1400.4+0949.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5409 = T VIII-5 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  In the narrative portion of list VI (AN 2511), he noted this object was class III, round, and situated 27 sec of RA preceding NGC 5416.  His published position in discovery list VIII-5 is 2' south of UGC 8938.

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NGC 5410 = VV 256a = UGC 8931 = MCG +07-29-034 = CGCG 219-041 = PGC 49893

14 00 54.6 +40 59 19; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (7/16/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration.  There is a mag 15.5 star just off the western edge.  Located 2.2' SE of a mag 12.5 star and 12' NE of mag 8.7 SAO 44838.

 

Forms a close pair with UGC 8932 1.2' NE of center.  The companion appeared extremely faint, small, very elongated ~4:1 in the direction of NGC 5410, ~0.5'x0.1', very low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5410 = H II-672 = h1729 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "pF, pS, bM." JH's single position is 1' west-northwest the center of UGC 8931, though he missed UGC 8932.

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NGC 5411 = UGC 8940 = MCG +02-36-011 = CGCG 074-047 = WBL 486-005 = PGC 49967

14 01 59.4 +08 56 15; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', very small brighter core.  Situated within a striking field 10' ENE of mag 6.0 SAO 120228 (identified naked-eye).  A neat string of four mag 11 stars oriented SW-NE trails from the bright star towards NGC 5411!

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5411 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  He first mentions this nebula in the narrative portion of paper VI and gives a very accurate position in discovery list VIII-6.

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NGC 5412 = UGC 8905 = CGCG 336-033 = PGC 49644

13 57 13.5 +73 37 00; UMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (7/16/01): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 40"x35".  Weakly concentrated halo but embedded is a very small 5" brighter core.  Situated near midpoint of mag 14 stars 4.8' NW and 4' SE.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration to a "confused" center.  A mag 12 double at 16" separation lies 8' due west.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5412 = Sw. III-77 on 18 Jun 1884 and recorded "pF; S; R; double star nr preceding."  His position is 9 sec of RA west and 2' south of UGC 8905 and his comment of the double star clinches the identification (the pair is 8' west).

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NGC 5413 = UGC 8901 = MCG +11-17-012 = CGCG 317-012 = PGC 49677

13 57 53.5 +64 54 39; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  The faint halo rises suddenly to a brighter 15" core and occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.9' NW of mag 7.0 SAO 16234 and 53' NW of mag 3.7 Thuban.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5413 = h1733 on 2 Apr 1832 and recorded "pF; pS; R; pslbM; 20"; has a * 7.8m; Delta RA = 37s; Delta PD = 60" +/-."  His RA is 1.1 min too large, but his reference to the nearby mag 7 star clinches the identification.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 18 May 1887 and reported it as new in list VI-63.  Swift's position is 8 sec of RA too large and 1' too far south.  Swift later noticed the equivalence with NGC 5413 and made the correction (as well as a misprint for a nearby double star, instead of B*) in a short errata list at the end of his 8th list.

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NGC 5414 = UGC 8942 = MCG +02-36-013 = CGCG 074-050 = Mrk 800 = PGC 49976

14 02 03.6 +09 55 46; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.4', fairly high surface brightness, bright core, faint stellar nucleus at moments with direct vision.  A mag 11 star is 2.0' NE.  Located at the north edge of the NGC 5416 cluster (30' N of NGC 5416) and brightest in small subgroup with CGCG 074-043 6.0' SW and two extremely faint anonymous companions 1.8' NW and 2.1' N.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5414 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416.  He describes it in the narrative portion of list VI as "the sixth (new nebula in the group) is small, certainly has a stellar nucleus and a mag 10-11 star is north-following by 2 to 3'."  He provided positions in paper VIII for all his discoveries in the group, except this object.  The NGC position is 7' south of UGC 8942, although his description of the nearby star matches.

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NGC 5415 = CGCG 336-032 = PGC 49610

13 56 56.9 +70 45 16; UMi

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms east vertex of a nearly equilateral triangle with two mag 13/14.5 stars ~1.5' W and a similar distance NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5415 = Sw. III-78 on 8 Apr 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; R; forms a triangle with 2 F st."  His position is roughly midway between CGCG 336-032 and fainter CGCG 336-035, but Harold Corwin notes that Swift's comment "forms a triangle with 2 F stars" applies to brighter CGCG 336-032.

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NGC 5416 = UGC 8944 = MCG +02-36-014 = CGCG 074-052 = WBL 486-008 = PGC 49991

14 02 11.4 +09 26 24; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.9', broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.9' S and a mag 11.5 star 4.7' NNE.  Brightest in a cluster although just slightly more prominent than NGC 5409 6.9' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5416 = H III-56 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and noted "eF, vS, E, r."  CH's reduction is 17 sec of RA west of UGC 8944. Wilhelm Tempel measured an accurate position on 25 Apr 1883 (list VIII in AN #2527) and discovered 6 members of the NGC 5416 group (NGCs 5409, 5423, 5431, 5434, 5436, 5437)

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NGC 5417 = UGC 8943 = MCG +01-36-015 = CGCG 046-039 = PGC 49995

14 02 13.1 +08 02 13; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6'.  Sharp concentration with a small, bright rounder core.  A 10' string of mag 12-13 stars precedes the galaxy with a mag 10 star at the west end.  A second mag 10 star is 5.7' SW.  NGC 5418 lies 21' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5417 = H III-11 = h1730 on 23 Jan 1784 (early sweep 109) and recorded "a nebulous star, extr obscure or faint."  CH added the note "The RA was not taken at the moment and was marked as very uncertain."  There is nothing at his RA, but 1 min 15 sec of time preceding is UGC 8943. JH made 4 observations and his mean position matches UGC 8943.

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NGC 5418 = UGC 8946 = MCG +01-36-016 = CGCG 046-040 = PGC 49997

14 02 17.7 +07 41 01; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 44”

 

17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Only a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  No foreground stars lie within 5' of galaxy.  NGC 5417 is in the same low power field 21' N and NGC 5405 lies 17' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5418 = h1731 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; R; bM; well seen."  His position matches UGC 8946.

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NGC 5419 = ESO 384-039 = MCG -06-31-019 = PGC 50100

14 03 38.7 -33 58 43; Cen

V = 10.8;  Size 4.2'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 77”

 

18" (5/16/09): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.5'x1.3'.  Contains a bright, 20" core.  This is the brightest member and sits at the core of ACO S753.  Several faint members are in the field including a pair of galaxies 5.7' and 7.2' SW and ESO 384-037 is 5.7' due south.  A mag 14.8 GSC star is 3.4' S but it appeared slightly fuzzy.  The DSS shows a compact anonymous galaxy on the south side of the star, so I probably noticed the unresolved glow of both objects.

 

PGC 89829: Faint, very small, round (spindle on the DSS), 15" diameter.  Picked up  7' SW of NGC 5419.  Forms a pair with difficult 2MASX J14031458-3401181 1.6' NE.

 

PGC 86320: Extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  This member of ACO S753 is located 9.5' SW of NGC 5419.

 

PGC 88955: Extremely faint and small.  It required averted vision to glimpse.  Located just 35" NW of a mag 13.3 star and 5.6' SW of NGC 5419.

 

ESO 384-037 = PGC 50093: Faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 22"x15" diameter.  Located 5.7' due south of NGC 5419.  A mag 14.8 star is 2.2' N but it appeared slightly fuzzy.  The DSS reveals a compact galaxy on the south side of the star, so I probably noticed the unresolved glow of both objects.

 

MCG -06-31-020 = PGC 50172: Faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 24" diameter.  A very close double star lies 1.8' S (unresolved but slightly fuzzy).  Located 11.5' E of NGC 5419.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core (outer halo not seen).  Very easy object at a fairly low elevation.  Brightest member of the cluster ACO S753 (no other members seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5419 = h3554 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 50"." His mean position (3 observations) matches ESO 384-039.

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NGC 5420 = MCG -02-36-006 = PGC 50121

14 03 59.9 -14 37 01; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 138”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1' S of the center.

 

18" (6/18/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', slightly brighter core.  Bracketed by two mag 14 stars 1.1' S and 1.8' NE of center.  Located 22' NNW mag 6.4 SAO 158325.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5420 = LM 1-200 on 6 Jun 1885 and recorded "F, pS, vE, gbp, a little curved, shades off gradually like a comet's tail; no ncl seen."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of RA west of MCG -02-36-006 = PGC 50121.  Herbert Howe's corrected position (given in the IC Notes) is accurate.

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NGC 5421 = Arp 111 = VV 120a = UGC 8941 = MCG +06-31-045 = CGCG 191-033 = Holm 568a = I Zw 78 = Mrk 665 = PGC 49950 = Flying Ant Galaxies

14 01 41.4 +33 49 35; CVn

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (5/3/19): this striking interacting pair (Arp 111) consists of a tidally disrupted spiral on the north side and a compact elliptical or lenticular on the south side, separated by 20" between centers. At 613x, the central core region or bar of the spiral appeared bright, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 N-S, ~0.3'x0.15', with a very bright nucleus. A faint spiral arm was easily seen attached at the north end and extending directly west, making an angle of perhaps 110” with the central region. This arm spread out a bit as it faded at its west tip.  The southern spiral arm, which extends east, was seen as a dim glow but lacked a distinct edge and merged into the low surface brightness halo on the east side. The southern component (VV 120c) appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 0.3' diameter, small bright nucleus.

 

MCG +06-31-046, a third component of this system, is situated 1' S and appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 20"x15", low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is 0.5' NNW.

 

24" (7/6/13): this mag 17.1V companion to the NGC 5421 = Arp 111 (double system) was intermittently glimpsed but confirmed at 322x!  Situated just 50" S of the center of NGC 5451.

 

24" (7/6/13): at 282x, this interacting pair (Arp 111) appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE but irregular. Contains a very small, bright nucleus.  A non-stellar knot companion (VV 120c) appearing like a second bright "nucleus" was visible at the southeast end of the halo.  At 322x, VV 120c was easily resolved and appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  A mag 15 star is just off the southwest side.  MCG +06-31-046 at mag 17.1V, is just 1' S of the pair and was glimpsed several times for brief moments and confirmed at 322x.

 

17.5" (7/16/01): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular shape, ~1' diameter.  Very unusual appearance like a faint, partially resolved cluster as a couple of faint "stars" are involved.  The star is just off the southwest side and a fainter mag 15 star is attached at the southeast end.  At moments, a stellar nucleus further confuses the observation.  The "star" at the southeast end is VV 120c = PGC 49949, a compact interacting companion.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5421 = St XI-22 on 9 Jun 1880.  He noted two very faint stars were involved - one of these is mostly likely the southern component of this interacting pair.

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NGC 5422 = UGC 8935 = MCG +09-23-024 = CGCG 272-016 = Holm 567a = LGG 373-001 = PGC 49874

14 00 42.2 +55 09 51; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 3.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 152”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated, brighter core.  A mag 11 star lies 2.3' E and two slightly fainter stars are about 5' S.  Located 50' NNW of M101 and 40' NW of NGC 5473.  Member of the NGC 5485 group.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, edge-on streak N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5422 = H I-230 = h1736 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "pB, S, E, cB N with F branches from sp to nf."  His position matches UGC 8935.  JH made two observations, logging on sweep 347 "pB; mE; vsbM; 50" l."

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NGC 5423 = UGC 8952 = MCG +02-36-017 = CGCG 074-059 = Holm 571a = WBL 486-013 = PGC 50028

14 02 48.6 +09 20 29; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, sharp concentration with a very small bright core and occasional stellar nucleus surrounded by a fainter halo.  At first glance, it appeared that there were a pair of mag 14.5 stars 1.6' W and 1.8' WNW but on closer scrutiny the "star" due west was seen as a small galaxy MCG +02-36-016 = CGCG 074-058.  An even fainter companion MCG +02-36-018 = CGCG 074-062 is 1.5' ENE.  Also, NGC 5424 is 5.0' NNE and NGC 5431 is 4.7' ENE.  Located in the center of the NGC 5416 cluster.

 

CGCG 074-058: extremely faint, round, just 10" diameter.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' N.

CGCG 074-062: extremely faint and small, visible intermittently with averted vision.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5423 = T VIII-7 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  In the narrative portion of list VI he mentions discovering two nebula about 5 or 6' away from each other and about 40s and 45s of RA following and several arc minutes south of NGC 5416.  NGC 5423 = UGC 8952 and NGC 5431 = CGCG 074-065 match this description.  He micrometric position in table VIII-7 is accurate.

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NGC 5424 = UGC 8956 = MCG +02-36-019 = CGCG 074-063 = WBL 486-017 = PGC 50035

14 02 55.7 +09 25 14; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, round, 1.2' diameter, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' S.  Forms the north vertex of an equilateral triangle with similar NGC 5423 5.0' SSW (although NGC 5424 has a slightly larger halo with averted) and NGC 5431 4.5' SE.  NGC 5423 is 5.0' SSW and the double system NGC 5434 is 6.8' ENE.  Located within the NGC 5416 cluster.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5424 = T VIII-8 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  This galaxy, along with the others he discovered in the group, were first mentioned in the narrative portion of list VI, but his published position (VIII-8) matches UGC 8956.

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NGC 5425 = UGC 8933 = MCG +08-26-001 = CGCG 247-002 = LGG 372-001 = PGC 49889

14 00 47.9 +48 26 37; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.4'.  Broad concentration but no well-defined core.  Located 3.6' S of a mag 11 star.  Member of a nearby galaxy group (LGG 372) along with NGC 5448 48' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5425 = Sw. I-27 on 16 Jun 1884 and recorded "vvF; S; lE; bright star 4' n; 2 coarse double stars in field."  His RA is 38 sec too large, but his comment of the nearby bright star clinches this identification.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position and he noted the galaxy was elongated in PA 290”.

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NGC 5426 = Arp 271 NED1 = VV 21b = MCG -01-36-004 = UGCA 380 = Holm 573b = LGG 374-001 = PGC 50083

14 03 25.0 -06 04 09; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 170”

 

13.1" (6/4/83): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, small faint nucleus.  Forms a close interesting pair with NGC 5427 2.3' N.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.9' NNE of center directly between the two galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5426 = H II-309 = h1734, along with NGC 5427, on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "Two, pB, the northern one [NGC 5427] cL and mbM.  The southern one [NGC 5426] much less, and a little fainter, and a very small star or two between them, but not connected with them.  Dist about 4' but the chevelures touch each other; nearly the same meridian [north-south]."  His single position is at the northeast edge of NGC 5427.  John Herschel made the single observation "the first of 2.  Both L; F; vgbM; r; 3' dist' 70” np."  See NGC 5428.

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NGC 5427 = Arp 271 NED2 = VV 21a = MCG -01-36-003 = UGCA 381 = Holm 573a = LGG 374-002 = PGC 50084

14 03 26.0 -06 01 51; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 2.8'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, very diffuse with an almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 5426 2.3' S.  Brightest in a group including NGC 5468 and 5472.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5427 = H II-310 = h1735, along with NGC 5426, on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380).  See description under NGC 5426.

 

On 18 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "The n one is spiral?  3 stars in it.  To myself it appeared to have a single branch from below [np] the nucleus, running around the nf side.  Mr. [Johnstone] Stoney [who was visiting between professorial duties] suspected two branches from n and f side, joined into one branch sf."  Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory.

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NGC 5428

14 03 28.0 -05 59 04; Vir

 

18" (4/30/11): this is a mag 14.7 star on line to the north of the galaxy pair NGC 5426 and NGC 5427 (Arp 271).  Situated 2.9' NNE of the center of NGC 5427.  Tempel made several false sightings (also NGC 5429, NGC 5432 and NGC 5435) around the pair of galaxies.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5428, along with NGC 5429, 5432 and 5435 in 1882, while observing NGC 5426/5427.  In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned that the first two of these were near the interacting pair and one was even on a line with NGC 5426/5427.  Dreyer only gave a single rough position for NGC 5428 and 5429.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5428 as a double star on a line to the north of the pair (Arp 271).

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NGC 5429

14 03 33.4 -06 02 18; Vir

V = 15.9/16.8

 

= **, Corwin.  = **, Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5429, along with NGC 5428, 5432 and 5435, in 1882 while observing NGC 5426/5427.  In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned that the first two of these were near the interacting pair and one (NGC 5428) was even on a line with NGC 5426/5427.  Dreyer only gave a single rough position for NGC 5428 and 5429.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5429 as a faint double star close east of NGC 5427, but as Tempel published no position or more detailed description, this assignment is uncertain.

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NGC 5430 = UGC 8937 = MCG +10-20-062 = CGCG 295-029 = Mrk 799 = Holm 569a = PGC 49881

14 00 45.8 +59 19 43; UMa

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 0”

 

24" (7/1/16): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~2'x0.8', contains a small bright elongated core (bar).  The surface brightness in irregular with some interesting structure.  I had an impression of a spiral arm extending north on the east side of the halo.

 

A fairly faint nonstellar knot (Holm 569B), 6"-8" diameter, is at the southeast end of the bar [21" from center].  There is a small dip in brightness between the central region and the knot.  Bill Keel considered the knot an extremely luminous HII region, but a recent paper assumes NGC 5430 is a minor merger and the "knot" is an off-center dwarf satellite with a triggered star formation.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, brighter core containing a stellar nucleus.  A mag 14-15 "star" is involved at the south-southeast end.  This "star" may confuse the apparent position angle of the galaxy as the major axis (including halo) is N-S.  A faint pair of mag 14.5 stars follows by 2.0'.

 

The stellar object at the south-southeast end is a strong HII emission knot (Ho 569b = Mrk 799a) thought to contain a large number of type-O and Wolf-Rayet stars.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', brighter core increases to an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 "star" is close southeast and a mag 14.5 pair at 12" separation lies 2.0' ENE of center.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round.  Located southeast of NGC 5376 and NGC 5389.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5430 = H II-827 = h1738 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 948) and logged "eF, S, E, but nearly R."  CH's reduced position is 3' north of UGC 8937.  JH measured an accurate position on a single observation.

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NGC 5431 = MCG +02-36-020 = CGCG 074-065 = WBL 486-019 = PGC 50046

14 03 07.1 +09 21 47; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): faint, round, 0.6' diameter, low surface brightness glow with no concentration.  Located 4.5' WSW of a mag 10 star.  Forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 5424 4.5' NW and NGC 5423 4.7' WSW.  The double system NGC 5434 is 6.4' NE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5431 = T VIII-10 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  In the narrative portion of list VI he mentions discovering two nebula about 5 or 6' away from each other and about 40s and 45s of RA following and several arc minutes south NGC 5416.  NGC 5423 = UGC 8952 and NGC 5431 = CGCG 074-065 match this description.  His declination in table VIII-10 is 4' too far north, although the position for NGC 5423 is accurate.

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NGC 5432

14 03 40.6 -05 58 31; Vir

 

18" (4/30/11): faint , 13" pair of mag 14.5 stars resolved at 200x.  Located 5' NE of NGC 5427 (pair with NGC 5426 forming Arp 271).  Other nonexistent objects around Arp 271 are NGC 5428, NGC 5429, NGC 5435.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5432, along with NGC 5428, 5429 and 5435 in 1882, while observing NGC 5426/5427.  In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned this object was about 6' northeast of NGC 5427. Close to this separation is a wide double star with one component a close pair.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5432 as a triple star and Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Correction paper, identifies NGC 5432 as a double star.

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NGC 5433 = UGC 8954 = MCG +06-31-050 = CGCG 191-038 = Holm 574a = PGC 50012

14 02 36.2 +32 30 36; CVn

V = 13.6;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.1'x0.3'.  Broad concentration with no nucleus, extensions fade into background.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5433 = H III-653 = h1737 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "vF, pS, E in the direction of the meridian [north-south], 300 showed it very plainly."  JH made two observations and his mean position is accurate.

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NGC 5434 = UGC 8965 = MCG +02-36-022 = CGCG 074-068 = Holm 575a = WBL 486-021 = PGC 50077

14 03 23.1 +09 26 51; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (6/4/94): this is a close double system with the western component (NGC 5434A) larger and brighter.  Fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', very little concentration.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 5434B at the northeast end with a separation 1.5'.  The companion appeared faint, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.3', low surface brightness, no concentration.

 

Located between mag 8.8 SAO 120258 6.4' N and a mag 10 star 3.9' S.  Member of the NGC 5416 cluster with NGC 5431 6.4' SW and NGC 5424 6.8' WSW.  Also the NGC 5436, NGC 5437, NGC 5438 trio is in the field to the NE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5434 = T VIII-11 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  This galaxy was first mentioned (along with the other discoveries in the group) in the narrative portion of list VI, but his published position in list VIII-11 matches UGC 8965.

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NGC 5435

14 04 00.1 -05 55 53; Vir

 

18" (4/30/11): very faint, close pair of stars located 45" NW of a mag 12.6 GSC star.  The two components are mag 14.6 and 14.7 at 11 seconds difference in RA.  Located 10' NE of NGC 5426/NGC 5427 (Arp 271).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5435, along with NGC 5428, 5429 and 5432 in 1882, while observing NGC 5426/5427.  In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned this object was about 10' northeast of NGC 5427 and that a mag 10-11 star was near. At the required separation is a double star with a mag 12 star 45" northeast.  Both Dorothy Carlson, in her NGC Correction paper and Harold Corwin identify this double star as NGC 5435.

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NGC 5436 = UGC 8971 = MCG +02-36-025 = CGCG 074-071 = WBL 486-024 = PGC 50104

14 03 41.1 +09 34 25; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 126”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): faint, very small, faint halo with an abrupt brighter core.  Located 5.2' ENE of mag 8.8 SAO 120258.  First of three in trio with NGC 5437 3.4' SSE and NGC 5438 2.8' NNE in the NGC 5416 galaxy cluster.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5436, along with NGC 5437 and 5438, on 28 Jun 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  In the narrative portion of list VII he wrote "Since then I have repeatedly seen the new nebula in group III-56 and found 3 new nebula here; these three are in a line, 2'-3' away from each other and follow north near the [mag 9] star, the northernmost is quite bright."  He did not measure positions and only a single rough position is given in the NGC for NGC 5436, 5437 and 5438.  Harold Corwin notes the WH probably saw at least one of these three (H III-57 = NGC 5446) and NGC 5438, the northernmost galaxy, is the most likely (noted by Tempel as the brightest).

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NGC 5437 = IC 4365 = MCG +02-36-028 = CGCG 074-074 = WBL 486-025 = PGC 50113

14 03 47.3 +09 31 25; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 3.3' SSW of center.  This galaxy is the south member of a trio with NGC 5436 3.4' NNW and NGC 5438 5.2' N.  The double system NGC 5434A and NGC 5434B is 7.5' SW.  Member of the NGC 5416 cluster.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5437, along with NGC 5436 and 5438, on 28 Jun 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. See his description under NGC 5436.  Bigourdan observed and measured the trio in May 1896, but mislabeled NGC 5436 (furthest west of the trio) as NGC 5437 and his Big. 319 (later IC 4365) refers to NGC 5437. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.  LEDA and SIMBAD only use the NGC designation for this galaxy.

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NGC 5438 = NGC 5446 = MCG +02-36-029 = CGCG 074-075 = WBL 486-026 = PGC 50112

14 03 48.0 +09 36 38; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x1.0'

 

17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, round, weak even concentration to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 2.3' NW of center.  Northern member of a trio with NGC 5436 2.8' SSW and NGC 5437 5.2' S in the NGC 5416 cluster.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5438 on 28 Jun 1883, and described in the narrative portion of paper VII as one three on a line (with NGCs 5436 and 5437) about 2'-3' apart, with the northernmost galaxy the brightest.  He didn't measure individual positions and only a single rough position is given in the NGC.

 

This galaxy was probable discovered by WH on 19 Mar 1784 and catalogued as H III-57 = NGC 5446, but with a 30 tsec error in RA too far east.  Modern sources identify this galaxy as NGC 5438.

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NGC 5439 = UGC 8947 = MCG +08-26-002 = CGCG 247-003 = PGC 49965

14 01 57.8 +46 18 43; CVn

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 9”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.25', small brighter core.  A well matched close double, discovered by Lewis Swift (SWI 1 = 10.1/10.3 at 3.7") lies 6' ENE.  Located nearly at midpoint of a mag 13 star 3' N and a mag 12 star 3' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5439 = Sw. I-28 on 9 Jul 1883 and recorded "vF; pL; cE; bet 2 stars forming with 2 others a trapezoid, the nf being a fine double star of 2.5".  First neb discovered at this observatory.  I have not been able to see this object well since its discovery, at which time I called it pB with p sharp outlines, but since the appearance of red sunsets it has been ill defined and difficult to see except as a hazy spot.  This remark applies to all vF nebulae.  The double star is new [SWI 1 = ADS 9090]."

 

Bob Erdmann noted that Krakatau went off in Indonesia on Aug. 26-28, 1883 about a month after his original discovery!  Although this was the first nebula Swift discovered while systematically searching, a few were discovered earlier in April and June (NGC 3522, 3588, 6317, 6388, 6382), while still testing and adjusting the telescope. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position (MN, LXI, 1900).

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NGC 5440 = UGC 8963 = MCG +06-31-052 = CGCG 191-040 = Holm 576a = PGC 50042

14 03 01.0 +34 45 28; CVn

V = 12.3;  Size 3.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 50”

 

24" (7/1/16): at 375x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright high surface brightness nucleus.  A mag 12 star is off the southwest end, 1.3' from center.

 

UGC 8955, situated 7.8' NW, appeared very faint, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 35"x9".  A mag 14.5 star is off the northeast side, 45" from center.  MCG +06-31-053 = PGC 50057, the galaxy all modern sources identify as NGC 5441, appeared very faint or extremely faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very low even surface brightness.  It required averted vision, but once identified I could almost hold the glow continuously with concentration.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broad concentration, fairly faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is close SW, just 1.3' from center.  NGC 5441 lies 5.0' ESE.  Slightly inferior to NGC 5444 located 23' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5440 = H II-416 = h1739 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pB, pL, bM, irr E."  JH made the single observation "F; S; R: bM; has a * 11m sp 1' distance."

 

NGC 5441 is probably a duplicate observation by JH.  See that number.

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NGC 5441 = MCG +06-31-053 = Holm 576b = PGC 50057

14 03 11.9 +34 41 04; CVn

V = 15.3;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (7/1/16): at 375x; very faint or extremely faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very low even surface brightness.  It required averted vision, but once identified I could almost hold the glow continuously with concentration.  Located 5' SE of NGC 5440.

 

Although all modern sources identify NGC 5441 as this galaxy (PGC 50057), the number is more likely a duplicate of NGC 5440.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): possibly glimpsed as an extremely faint and stellar glow (uncertain sighting) 5' SE of NGC 5440.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5441 = h1740 on 11 Mar 1828 and recorded "Taken for II.416 [NGC 5440], which it cannot be if the last obs be correct. vF, S."  His RA is given to the nearest minute of time and noted +/-.

 

RNGC, PGC, MCG, NED, LEDA and SIMBAD identify MCG +06-31-053 as NGC 5441.  If this is Herschel's object it is certainly one of the faintest, if not the faintest galaxy he discovered.  Corwin argues that NGC 5441 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 5440, despite JH's comment, and I agree based on the view through my 24-inch.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5442 = MCG -01-36-006 = VV 691 = PGC 50189

14 04 43.0 -09 42 43; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 149”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Contains a brighter core with very faint extensions.  It appeared the PA of the extensions shifted slightly with averted vision. Host to supernova 2001U.

 

18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.4', appears brighter along its major axis.  Situated in the middle of a isosceles triangle of mag 9.5 stars with mag 9.6 SAO 139717 7' N, mag 9.9 SAO 139714 6' SW and mag 9.6 SAO 139732 7' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5442 = m 272 on 11 Jan 1865 and noted "vF, vS, iR."  His position matches MCG -01-36-006 = PGC 50189.

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NGC 5443 = UGC 8958 = MCG +09-23-026 = CGCG 272-020 = Holm 578a = LGG 373-002 = PGC 49993

14 02 11.7 +55 48 49; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 34”

 

18" (4/26/08): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, well concentrated with a bright, 20" core and fainter extensions, 1.2'x0.5'.  A faint star is off the southwest edge of the galaxy and another star is a similar distance off the northeast end.  An extremely faint star is pinned on the west edge of the southwest extension.  Member of the NGC 5485 group (LGG 373).

 

13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, edge-on SW-NE, broad concentration, irregular surface brightness.  Two mag 14.5 stars are at the SSW and NE ends 1.3' and 1.4' from center, respectively.  Located 90' N of M101.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5443 = H II-799 = h1743A on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "pB, cL, E."  His RA is ~30 sec too small.  JH forgot to include his own observation in the Slough Catalogue but added it in a short Errata and Addenda list as an "omitted nebula" at the end of the catalogue.  In the GC and NGC, the comment "h o n" ([John] Herschel omitted nebulae) was given in the Other Observers column as well as the designation h1743A to place it in the correct order in the Slough catalogue.  The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 tmin too large due to a precessional error.

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NGC 5444 = UGC 8974 = MCG +06-31-054 = CGCG 191-041 = PGC 50080

14 03 24.2 +35 07 54; CVn

V = 11.8;  Size 2.4'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, NGC 5445 6.6' SSE.  At low power forms the northern vertex of a near equilateral triangle with mag 8.6 SAO 63906 15' SW and mag 9.2 SAO 63915 13' SSE.

 

8" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two moderately bright stars to the south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5444 = H II-417 = h1741 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "pB, pL, bM, irr E."  JH made three observations and recorded on sweep 337 "pB; R; sbM; 15"."

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NGC 5445 = UGC 8976 = MCG +06-31-055 = CGCG 191-042 = PGC 50090

14 03 31.6 +35 01 29; CVn

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, substellar nucleus, small extensions.  A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center.  Located 6.6' SSE of NGC 5444.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5445 = H III-413 = h1742 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and simply noted "vF".  His offset from NGC 5444 points directly to UGC 8976.  JH made the single observation "pF; near a * 13m sp."

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NGC 5446 = NGC 5438 = MCG +02-36-029 = CGCG 074-075 = PGC 50239

14 03 48.0 +09 36 38; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x1.0'

 

See observing notes for NGC 5438.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5446 = H III-57 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and recorded "eF, S, suspected with 157 and verified with 240."  There is nothing at his (single) position, but 30 sec of RA west is CGCG 074-075 = PGC 50239.  As WH's offsets in his early sweeps were often poor in time, this identification is very reasonable.  This galaxy is one of three found by Wilhelm Tempel in June of 1883 (along with NGC 5836 and 5837), and catalogued as NGC 5438.  So, NGC 5446 is likely identical to NGC 5438.

 

RNGC and PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentify CGCG 074-093 = PGC 50239 as NGC 5438.   This galaxy is 1.0 min of RA following WH's position and is fainter than NGC 5438, so is a less likely candidate.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5447

14 02 27.9 +54 16 34; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; NGC 5447 is the brighter (slightly higher surface brightness) of two close HII regions (with NGC 5450) situated  on the SW edge of M101, 8' from the center and just off the south side of a 14th magnitude star.  NGC 5447 appeared moderately bright, compact, ~15"x10" N-S.  There is a small gap between the two adjacent HII regions.

 

18" (6/21/03): at 215x this fairly prominent HII region appeared as an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, perhaps 25"x8", located just south of a mag 13.5 star.  At 323x this patch clearly resolved into two sections -- within 30" of the star is a very compact knot, ~6"-10" diameter.  There may be a small gap to the south with a larger extension to the SSE (this is NGC 5450).  Located on the opposite side of M101 as NGC 5462.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): brightest HII region on the preceding side of M101 located 7.8' SW of center.  Appears as a very elongated glow NW-SE situated just south of a mag 13.5 star.  A very small knot is partially resolved at the north edge within a common halo with the extension to the SE.

 

13": this is a knot in an outer arm of M101 on the western side.  Easily visible, compact, round.  Located symmetrically opposite from NGC 5462 on the opposite side of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5447 = H III-787 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS."  His position was 20 seconds of RA following the bright HII complex (NGC 5447/5450) on the southwest side of M101.  This region was clearly marked Iota on the sketch of the HII regions by Lord Rosse in the 1861 and 1880 publications.

 

John Herschel assigned this knot two GC numbers as he was not sure if his father's object was the same as the one on Lord Rosse's woodcut, but both GC designations were combined into NGC 5447.

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NGC 5448 = UGC 8969 = MCG +08-26-003 = CGCG 247-004 = LGG 372-002 = PGC 50031

14 02 50.3 +49 10 21; UMa

V = 11.0;  Size 4.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 2.4'x0.8', very small brighter core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 4.4' S of center.  Brightest in a group (LGG 372) including NGC 5377, 5425, 5448, 5480, 5481, 5500 and 5520.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, very elongated E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5448 = H II-691 = h1743 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "pB, pL, E nearly in the parallel, mbM."  His position is accurate. JH called this galaxy "pB; L; vmE; psmbM; 4' l, 20" br; a ray with a nucleus."  The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large.

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NGC 5449

14 02 27.2 +54 19 48; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; this M101 HII region appeared faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Probably less obvious than NGC 5451, which is 2.5' NE.  Situated 6.8 W of center and 3.5' N of NGC 5457/540.  NGC 5449 has two adjacent components, separated by 20".

 

18" (6/21/03): marginal object at 323x, but backing down to 215x a weak but definite glow was visible, perhaps 15"-20" diameter.  Located 3.5' N of NGC 5457.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): extremely low contrast HII knot in M101.  Highly suspected hazy spot 3.5' N of NGC 5457 but difficult to confirm.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered the numerous knots in M101 during observations in April and May 1851.  Samuel Hunter sketched NGC 5449 in Apr 1861 based on multiple observations. The NGC position (based on the sketch) is just 1' too far south.

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NGC 5450

14 02 29.5 +54 16 14; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; larger of a close pair of HII regions with NGC 5447, located at the SW end of the halo 8' from center, and just south of a 14th magnitude star.  NGC 5450 is moderately bright, ~20"x10", and is elongated in the direction of NGC 5447.  The nearby star is 50" N.  The two HII complexes were cleanly resolved at 375x.

 

18" (6/21/03): See description for NGC 5447.  NGC 5450 appeared just resolved from NGC 5447 at 323x and was an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, ~20"x6".  The entire complex spans ~45".

 

17.5" (6/7/97): this is the bright HII region on the west side of M101 8' SW of center.  Connected with NGC 5447 (see description). Appears as a very elongated glow NW-SE just south of a mag 13.5 star.  A very small knot is partially resolved at the north edge (NGC 5447) within a common halo with NGC 5450.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered the numerous knots in M101 during observations in April and May 1851.  Samuel Hunter sketched NGC 5449 in Apr 1861 based on multiple observations.  John Herschel later computed the GC position based on the sketch as 33" south of NGC 5447.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5450 as the southeast component of the HII region connected with NGC 5447.  Dreyer modified the position of NGC 5447 2' further north, so the NGC position of the pair is further apart.

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NGC 5451

14 02 37.0 +54 21 45; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; this M101 HII region appeared faint and pretty faint, small, round, 12" to 15" diameter.  Nearly collinear the mag 12.9 star 1.3' N of center of M101 and a mag 13.6 star 3.4' NW of center. Two mag 15.5-16 stars are 1' SW.

 

18" (6/28/03): very difficult, low surface brightness glow, ~10"-15" in size, requiring averted vision to glimpse.  More difficult than two mag 15.5 stars separated by 13", which are location 1' WSW.  The combined glow of these stars could easily mislead the observer into logging these as NGC 5451!

 

18" (6/21/03): initially I picked up a small, hazy glow nearly collinear with a mag 12.9 star just north of the core of M101 and a slightly fainter star due west.  But in good moments, this very small glow resolved into two stellar objects, probably appearing slightly hazy due to the background glow of the outer halo.  After a more careful view, I noticed an extremely faint knot with averted vision, ~15" diameter, located ~2' ENE of this pair -- this is NGC 5451.  It seems likely that the observation from 6/7/97 refers to the pair of faint stars that initially confused me.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): this is a difficult, low contrast HII region in M101 located ~5' WNW of center.  Appears very faint, extremely small, round, starry center?

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered the numerous knots in M101 during observations made in Apr and May 1851.  Samuel Hunter made a remarkly accurate sketch of M101, along with the various knots, in Apr 1861 based on multiple observations.  John Herschel estimated the position in the GC based on this sketch.

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NGC 5452 = UGC 8867 = MCG +13-10-014 = CGCG 353-028 = PGC 49426

13 54 24.6 +78 13 15; UMi

V = 13.3;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/22/93): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.5' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 1' N.  A nice double star ·1798 = 8.1/9.9 at 7" lies 11' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5452 = H III-947 = h1747 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and noted "vF, cL, iF, a very lbM.  A pretty B star just north of it. CH's reduced position is 30 tsec east of UGC 8867.

 

JH recorded "eF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 35".  RA precarious, owing to a great extra meridian correction."  His RA was 3 tmin too large, but that's the one used in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 5453

14 02 56.3 +54 18 28; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint, small, round, low surface brightness patch.  Similar or slightly more evident than NGC 5458, which is 2.4' ESE.  Located 3.4' SW of center of M101.

 

18" (6/21/03): required averted and concentration to confirm a small, low surface brightness glow, just visible over the background glow of the spiral arm this HII region resides.  In fact, between NGC 5453 and the core is an inner arm that contains a couple of HII knots that are more evident!

 

17.5": this low surface brightness HII region in M101 was barely distinguishable at 220x as a very low surface brightness enhancement superimposed on the background glow of a spiral arm 3.4' SW of center.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered the numerous knots in M101 during observations made in Apr and May 1851.  Samuel Hunter made a remarkly accurate sketch of M101 in Apr 1861.  The sketch included various knots, based on multiple observations.  John Herschel estimated the position in the GC based on this sketch.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1898 for a knot he took as NGC 5453, but it was an uncatalogued knot about half-way to the nucleus.

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NGC 5454 = UGC 8997 = MCG +03-36-042 = CGCG 103-064 = PGC 50192

14 04 45.8 +14 22 56; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Weak concentration with an occasional stellar nucleus.  Following a nice matched pair of mag 10/11.5 stars.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5454 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two consecutive nights) is very accurate and he noted the two mag 10-11 stars that precede by 10 sec of time.

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NGC 5455

14 03 01.1 +54 14 27; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; fairly faint knot, small, round, 0.3' diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Forms the south vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5-14 star 2.3' NE and 2.3' NNW.

 

18" (6/21/03): compact knot, round, easily identified as forms the southern vertex of a triangle with two 13th magnitude stars to the NW and NE.  At moments, a stellar nucleus or superimposed star pops out at 323x.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint HII region in M101 located 6.6' SSW of center.  Very small, round, 15" diameter.  Appears a compact but nonstellar knot forming an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 2.3' NE and 2.3' NW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered the numerous knots in M101 during observations made in Apr and May 1851.  Samuel Hunter made a remarkly accurate sketch of M101, along with the various knots, in Apr 1861 based on multiple observations.  John Herschel estimated the position in the GC based on this sketch.  The NGC position is about 3' too far south.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1898, though it wasn't published until 1907.

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NGC 5456 = UGC 9004 = MCG +02-36-036 = CGCG 074-089 = PGC 50213

14 04 59.0 +11 52 16; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, small, roundish, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration.  A mag 14 star lies 1.0' NE and a mag 15 star 1.8' ENE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5456 on 7 Feb 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (measured on two sweeps) matches UGC 9004.

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NGC 5457 = M101 = M102 = Arp 26 = VV 344a = UGC 8981 = MCG +09-23-028 = CGCG 272-021 = VV 456 = PGC 50063 = Pinwheel Galaxy

14 03 12.4 +54 20 55; UMa

V = 7.9;  Size 28.8'x26.9';  Surf Br = 14.9

 

24" (5/24/20):  at 375x; I identified all visible HII regions and stellar associations in M101, 10 of which have NGC designations (5447, 5449, 5450, 5451, 5453, 5455, 5458, 5461, 5462 and 5471).  In addition, I logged 4 additional low contrast knots from Banich's 2013 article in Sky & Telescope.

 

18" (6/21/03 and 6/28/03): the following HII regions were observed --

NGC 5447: at 215x this fairly prominent HII region appeared as an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, perhaps 25"x8", located just south of a mag 13.5 star.  At 323x this patch clearly resolved into two sections -- within 30" of the star is a very compact knot, ~6"-10" diameter.  There may be a small gap to the south with a larger extension to the SSE (this is NGC 5450).  Located on the opposite side of M101 as NGC 5462.

 

NGC 5449: marginal object at 323x, but backing down to 215x a weak but definite glow was visible, perhaps 15"-20" diameter.  Located 3.5' N of NGC 5457.

 

NGC 5450: just resolved from NGC 5447 at 323x and was an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, ~20"x6".  The entire complex spans ~45".

 

NGC 5451: very difficult, low surface brightness glow, ~10"-15" in size, requiring averted vision to glimpse.  More difficult than two mag 15.5 stars separated by 13", which are location 1' WSW.  The combined glow of these stars could easily mislead the observer into logging these as NGC 5451!  In fact on 6/21/03 I initially picked up a small, hazy glow nearly collinear with a mag 12.9 star just north of the core of M101 and a slightly fainter star due west.  But in good moments, this very small glow resolved into two stellar objects, probably appearing slightly hazy due to the background glow of the outer halo.  After a more careful view, I noticed an extremely faint knot with averted vision, ~15" diameter, located ~2' ENE of this pair -- this is NGC 5451.

 

NGC 5453: required averted and concentration to confirm a small, low surface brightness glow, just visible over the background glow of the spiral arm this HII region resides.  In fact, between NGC 5453 and the core is an inner arm which contains a couple of HII knots which are more evident!

 

Anon knot: two small, low contrast knots are visible in the spiral arm that is attached on the west side of the core of M101 and wraps around the south side towards the east. These are situated just 1.7' SW of the center of M101.  Although this knotty structure does not have a NGC number it is slightly more evident than a few of the faintest NGC HII regions.

 

NGC 5455: compact knot, round, easily identified as forms the southern vertex of a triangle with two 13th magnitude stars to the NW and NE.  At moments, a stellar nucleus or superimposed star pops out at 323x.

 

NGC 5458: very faint glow 3' S of the core of M101 on a line between a 13th magnitude star ~7' S of the center of M101.  Requires averted for a definite sighting and appears to have a low, even surface brightness, ~20" diameter.  Easier to view than NGC 5453.

 

NGC 5461: at 435x (5.2mm Pentax) a fairly bright quasi-stellar knot is attached at the NE end with a relatively faint extension (even surface brightness) extending to the SW.  On 6/21 at 215x, this prominent HII region has a high surface brightness and stands out well.  Increasing the power to 435x, there is a stellar or quasi-stellar core offset at the NE end with a faint extension to the SW.  Backing down to 323x and using a UHC filter, the glow decreases in size, but the star-like core seems to increase slightly in contrast.

 

NGC 5462: this HII region is probably the largest continuous piece.  It appears very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 SW-NE, roughly 60"x18". On 6/21 appeared fairly bright and relatively large, elongated 3:1, ~50"x17" SW-NE.  This HII region has an irregular surface brightness with a bright, nearly stellar knot at the NE end.

 

NGC 5471: highest surface brightness of any of the HII regions in M101.  Appears very similar to a small, elliptical galaxy -- even contains a small, brighter core.  Situated beyond the main glow of the galaxy, 11.5' NE of the core of M101.  On 6/21 at 323x appears similar to a compact, round galaxy.  Furthest NE of all the HII regions and well separated from the main glow of M101.  Interestingly, this was one of the few HII regions that did show a positive contrast response to a UHC filter at 161x and 215x.

 

13.1" (6/4/84): four HII regions resolved including NGC 5447, NGC 5458, NGC 5461, NGC 5462.

 

13.1" (4/24/82): fairly bright, very large, round, about 20' diameter, bright core.  Fairly low surface brightness but beautifully resolved into several distinct arms and sections of arms with a pinwheel design.  Obvious mottling along the spiral arms which appear clumpy with two or more easily recognized HII regions. At least six stars are superimposed.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M101 = NGC 5457 = h1744 on 27 Mar 1781.  On 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921), William Herschel described "a very bright small nucleus with extensive nebulosity, pretty well determined on the preceding side, but very diffuse to the north following. Includes the two following nebulae [III-788 = NGC 5461 and III-789 = NGC 5462], and seems to extend 20', perhaps 30' or more."

 

Bindon Stoney (LdR's assistant) sketched the various HII knots, spiral arms and superimposed stars and measured offsets in 1851.  Samuel Hunter's superb sketch from 29 Apr 1861 was included at the last minute in the 1861 publication.  This is probably the finest and most accurate sketch of a spiral galaxy done at Birr Castle and is very favorably compared with the DSS.

 

M101 has had 4 supernovae, the first (SN 1909A) was discovered by Max Wolf.  It was announced as a variable star in Feb 1909 and assigned the designation SS UMa.  The others are SN 1951H, SN 1970G and Type Ia SN 2011fe, which reached mag 10.9.

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NGC 5458

14 03 12.4 +54 17 55; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 225x and 375x; faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  One of the lowest surface brightness HII knots in M101 that has a NGC designation.  Located 3' due south of center.

 

18" (6/21/03): very faint glow 3' S of the core of M101 on a line between a 13th magnitude star ~7' S of the center of M101.  Requires averted for a definite sighting and appears to have a low, even surface brightness, ~20" diameter.  Easier to view than NGC 5453.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): low contrast 25" knot superimposed on the main body of M101 3.0' due south of center.  Visibility is hindered as superimposed on the brighter background of the central region.

 

13": knot in M101 located just south of the core.  Appears as a barely non-stellar spot.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered the numerous knots in M101 during observations made in Apr and May 1851.  Samuel Hunter made a remarkly accurate sketch of M101, along with the various knots, in Apr 1861 based on multiple observations.  John Herschel estimated the position in the GC based on this sketch.

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NGC 5459 = UGC 9005 = MCG +02-36-037 = CGCG 074-090 = PGC 50215

14 05 00.1 +13 07 55; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, small, irregularly round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration to the center but no distinct core.  Two mag 12 and 13 stars lie 2.0' SW and 3.1' NW, respectively.  UGC 9002 lies 25' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5459 = Sw. VI-64 on 23 Mar 1887 and recorded "pF; S; lE; pB * nr sp."  His position is just 5 sec of RA east of UGC 9005 and his description applies.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 26 May 1894, though Dreyer made a 20 sec recording error in RA in the IC2 Notes.

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NGC 5460 = Cr 280 = ESO 221-024

14 07 28 -48 20 36; Cen

V = 5.6;  Size 25'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): this bright, very large cluster of ~120 stars extends to 30' diameter at 110x.  Many of the brighter stars are arranged in a very distinctive winding curve (fractured into groups) that snakes from NW to SE.  At the center is a looping chain of eight mag 7 to 10 stars including a nice double h4647 = 9.3/9.6 at 11".  At the NW and south ends are hooks of stars like the tail end of Scorpius.  ESO 221-25, a faint galaxy, is hidden among the brighter stars and was not noticed.

 

13.1" (3/17/86): about three dozen stars, bright, large, includes several double stars.  Appears scattered with stars arranged in distinct groups with a tight chain in center.  Located 23' N of mag 6.4 HD 123247. This is one of the southernmost clusters visible from Northern California sites, but was still very pretty.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5460 = D 431= h3555 on 7 May 1826 from Parramatta with his 9.75-inch speculum reflector and described "a curiously curved line of small stars of nearly equal magnitudes; two stars of 7th magnitude following."  He observed the cluster 3 times.  John Herschel first observed the cluster on 6 Aug 1831 and recorded "a region of large, bright stars, 8, 9...etc. mag; a very coarse cluster. Place that of a brilliant group, one of which is a double star class III." Two nights later he wrote, "Place of a double star in a semi-elliptic group forming part of it, but insulated in a large scattered cluster or tract of bright stars." On a later sweep he logged "a region of large stars very loosely distributed, but which yet decidedly form a cluster. Place that of a pretty close double star (four arcseconds) in the middle of a group of 8. The cluster is 30' diameter, and is divided into distinct groups."

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NGC 5461

14 03 40.9 +54 19 02; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): NGC 5462 is one the brightest HII region in M101. At 375x it appeared bright, small, high surface brightness, 10" diameter, with a sharp very bright stellar point or nucleus.  Located 4.5' SE of center.

 

18" (6/28/03): at 435x (5.2mm Pentax) a fairly bright quasi-stellar knot is attached at the NE end with a relatively faint extension (even surface brightness) extending to the SW.

 

18" (6/21/03): at 215x, this prominent HII region has a high surface brightness and stands out well.  Increasing the power to 435x, there is a stellar or quasi-stellar core offset at the NE end with a faint extension to the SW.  Backing down to 323x and using a UHC filter, the glow decreases in size, but the star-like core seems to increase slightly in contrast.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint knot in the trailing arm of M101 4.5' SE of center.  Appears slightly elongated, ~25"x15", fairly high surface brightness.  Contains a very small brighter center or a star is superimposed.

 

13": this is a knot in M101 located in the spiral arm that trails to the east.  Appears as a very diffuse, fairly small knot.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5461 = H III-788 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS."  This HII region in M101 was recorded immediately after he logged M101 in the sweep.  His RA was ~25 seconds too large, but matches the offset with the HII region NGC 5462 to the northeast, which was logged next in the sweep.  John Herschel assigned two numbers in the GC, as he was uncertain if this was the same as one of the knots sketched by Lord Rosse (it corresponds with the knot labeled n2).  Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC, though the position is poor.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1898 using the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 5462

14 03 52.9 +54 21 53; UMa

 

24" (5/24/20): at 375x; this M101 HII region appeared relatively large and bright.  It is noticeably elongated ~45"x15" SW-NE, "pointing" in the direction of NGC 5461.

 

18" (6/28/03): this HII region is probably the largest continuous piece.  It appears very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 SW-NE, roughly 60"x18".

 

18" (6/21/03): fairly bright and relatively large, elongated 3:1, ~50"x17" SW-NE.  This HII region has an irregular surface brightness with a bright, nearly stellar knot at the NE end.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright elongated knot in M101, extended 3:1 SW-NE, ~50"x20".  One of the largest and brightest HII regions in M101.

 

13": knot in M101 located in the same arm as NGC 5461 but further to the east.  This is an easily visible, compact, round knot on the opposite side of the core as NGC 5447.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5462 = H III-789 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, pS."  His offset from NGC 5461 was 7 seconds of time east and 2' north, compared to the actual offsets of 10 sec and 3' north.  John Herschel assigned two numbers in the GC, as he was uncertain if this was the same as one of the knots sketched by Lord Rosse (it corresponds with the knot labeled n1).  Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC, though the position is poor.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1898 using the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 5463 = UGC 9017 = MCG +02-36-040 = CGCG 074-102 = Holm 582a = Holm 584a = PGC 50299

14 06 10.5 +09 21 12; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 49”

 

24" (7/1/19): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.2', high surface brightness. Forms a contact pair with NGC 5463B 0.7' NE of center.  The companion was faint, round, only 8-10" diameter and could just be held continuously with averted vision.  A mag 12 star is 2.7' SW.

 

17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.3'.  Contains a bright core with faint extensions.  A mag 11 star lies 2.7' SW of center.  Forms a contact pair with an extremely difficult companion (NGC 5463B) just off the NE edge 0.7' from the center.  Located at the east end of the NGC 5416 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5463 = H III-58 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and recorded as "eF, S.  Suspected with 157 and verified with 240; the latter power showed it a little elongated."  CH's reduction is 13 sec of RA east and 1' north of UGC 9017.

 

Wilhelm Tempel measured a micrometric position in list VIII (given in his table) that was used in the NGC.  His position, though, is 15 tsec too far west and 3' too far north.  But re-reducing his position with respect to his offset star yields an accurate match with UGC 9017.

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NGC 5464 = ESO 446-011 = MCG -05-33-045 = PGC 50356

14 07 04.2 -30 01 00; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): very faint, fairly small, round, requires averted vision.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5464 = h3556 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; S; R; pslbM; 15"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5465 = Holm 585c

14 06 27.3 -05 30 23; Vir

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5465 in 1882, while observing NGC 5468.  In the narrative portion of list V, Tempel mentioned two more very faint nebula were southwest of NGC 5486, though he didn't provide offsets or positions.  These were probably communicated later to Dreyer.  Both Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify NGC 5465 as a single star at this position.

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NGC 5466

14 05 27.3 +28 32 04; Boo

V = 9.0;  Size 9';  Surf Br = 0.0

 

48" (4/19/17): at 375x; very large, highly resolved cluster with chains of brighter stars, particularly in the halo, which extends to at least 8', but also passing through the richer 3' to 4' central section.  The surface brightness is relatively low due its loose structure (concentration class XII), even in the core.  The brighter stars seems superimposed over a layer of much fainter resolved stars.  At 697x, there were way too many visible stars for a reasonably accurate count but perhaps around 250 stars resolved.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): large, low surface brightness globular, 7'-8' in diameter.  Has a ragged, irregular surface brightness to the core and halo.  About 50-60 mag 14-15.5 stars are resolved at 280x-380x.  The brighter core is relatively large, perhaps 4' in diameter and appears offset to the west side of the resolved stars.  Many faint stars are peppered across the core.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): 40-50 mag 14-15 stars resolved at 220x in a 7' diameter.  Very spread out like a fairly rich open cluster with no distinct edges and only a weak concentration.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): roughly three dozen stars resolved about 14th magnitude.  Visible in 18x80 finder.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): few dozen mag 14 stars resolved across disc over extensive background haze.

 

8" (6/5/81): fairly large, low surface brightness with a "loose" structure.  A few faint stars are resolved across the disk at 100-165x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5466 = H VI-9 = h1746 on 17 May 1784 (sweep 219) and recorded "a large cluster of exceedingly small and compressed stars, about 6 or 7' in dia; a great many of the stars are visible, the rest so small as to appear nebulous; those that are visible are of one size and are scattered all over equally.  The cluster is of an irregularly round form."  The globular was placed in classification category VI for "very condensed and rich clusters of stars", although it is an unusually loose globular.  On 16 May 1831 JH described the cluster as "a fine L cl 7 or 8' dia; vgbM, but no nucleus.  The stars 11 or 12m down to an irresolvable mass; irreg R; excessively compressed.  A fine object.  Barely discernible in the 20 feet finder (2 1/2" in aperture)."  Wolfgang Steinicke notes that Heinrich d'Arrest observed it twice in 1856 using a 4.6-inch Merz refractor in Leipzig.

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NGC 5467 = IC 973 = Holm 585d

14 06 29.4 -05 28 55; Vir

V = 15.1

 

48" (5/12/18): NGC 5467 is a mag 15 star 2.2' SW of the center of NGC 5468.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5467, along with NGC 5465, in 1882 while observing NGC 5468.  In the narrative portion of list V, he simply noted two more very faint nebula to the southwest of NGC 5486, though did not provide offsets or positions.  These were probably communicated later to Dreyer.

 

There is are no nearby galaxies and both Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify NGC 5467 as a single star.  Independently, Bigourdan also logged this star as nebulous while trying to find Tempel's nebulae, and he reported it in his 4th Comptes Rendus list as #182 (later IC 973). Assuming the same star fooled both Tempel and Bigourdan, this is the only known case where a single star has both an NGC and IC designation!  Bigourdan's IC 974 is another nearby star he thought to be nebulous.

 

THe 1935 Helwan table of descriptions, identified NGC 5467 as "2 small condensations [HII region] south of the nucleusof NGC 5468".  These are evident on images, but unlikely seen by Tempel [one was quite evident in Lowrey's 48"].

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NGC 5468 = MCG -01-36-007 = UGCA 384 = Holm 585a = LGG 374-003 = PGC 50323

14 06 34.8 -05 27 11; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x2.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 105”

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x; NGC 5468 is a bright, fairly large 3-armed spiral!  It appeared sharply concentrated with a very bright small nucleus and a 2'-2.5' halo containing two arms and a detached segment of an arm.  One arm is nearly attached to the nucleus at its south side.  This arm was easily visible as it rotated counterclockwise to the west and separated from the core, ending due west of center [by 0.6'].  A low contrast arm begins just north of the nucleus and extends a short distance directly east. A faint 5" HII knot is just north of this arm.  Finally a detached, arm segment, oriented WSW to ENE, floats in the south side of the halo.  An easily visibile HII knot, ~8" diameter, is at its SW end.  Forms a pair with NGC 5472 5' E.  LEDA 1043616, a very low surface brightness galaxy, was picked up 6.4' SW.  Mag 8.3 HD 123265 lies 4.3' SSE.

 

17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter.  The low but irregular surface brightness halo has a hint of mottling or structure.  Broad concentration to a ill-defined core and occasional small brighter nucleus.  Mag 8.3 SAO 139737 4.2' SSE detracts from viewing.  Forms a pair with NGC 5472 5.0' E.

 

8" (6/29/84): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, elongated ~E-W.  Located 4' NNW of a mag 8.3 star.  A mag 10 star 11.9' SSE is collinear with NGC 5468 and the mag 8 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5468 = H III-286 = h1745 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "vF, L, brightest towards the north, and eF towards the southern borders." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; vL; R; gbM" and measured an accurate position.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 29 Mar 1856, recorded "1745 [NGC 5468] has a nucleus, light very patchy, 3 stars in edge; vF.  Query, spiral with a right-handed twist.  About 4' following is a S, pB, E knot."  The object following is NGC 5472.

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NGC 5469 = CGCG 074-136 = Holm 600b = PGC 50740

14 12 29.8 +08 38 52; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  PA = 135”

 

18" (6/30/11): faint, very small, irregularly round, 18" diameter, weak concentration.  A small right triangle of mag 13-14 stars [sides 1.1', 1.4', 2'] is close SW.  Brighter of a pair with UGC 9084 4.3' WNW.

 

The identification NGC 5469 = CGCG 74-136 is uncertain but if UGC 9084 was assumed by Tempel to be NGC 5482, then his NGC 5469 refers to CGCG 74-136.  CGCG 74-141 and -142 lie ~9' ESE.  See notes for NGC 5511, which may be CGCG 74-141.

 

17.5" (6/8/02): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Just following a small triangle of mag 13-14 stars.  Forms a pair with UGC 9084 4.3' WNW.  NGC 5511 lies 10' ESE (all three faint galaxies collinear).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5469 in 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group.  In the narrative portion of paper VIII (AN 2527) he writes (translated by Wolfgang Steinicke) "III 59 [= NGC 5482] is 9s preceding, 2 1/2' south of a faint star 11m; the nebula is small and has in its center a faint star with very little nebular matter. Following the star 11m, there is at 15s, parallel to it [the star or NGC 5482?] a nice round nebula, III, without a faint star [in the center]. This nebula is also new."  There is no object matching this description or at the NGC position.

 

Instead, Harold Corwin suggests that Tempel probably confused UGC 9084 for NGC 5482.  This would imply, based on Tempel's description, that CGCG 074-136 = NGC 5469.  See Corwin's notes. The RNGC has misidentified CGCG 074-062 as NGC 5469. This galaxy is a close companion of NGC 5423 and is roughly 90' from the NGC position.

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NGC 5470 = UGC 9020 = MCG +01-36-019 = CGCG 046-050 = PGC 50317

14 06 32.0 +06 01 45; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 2.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 63”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, moderately large, edge-on 6:1 WSW-ENE, low surface brightness, weak concentration but no nucleus, 2.0'x0.3'.  An easy double star mag 10/11 at 21" separation located 4.5' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5470 = h1749 on 17 Apr 1830 and logged "F; mE; vglbM."  There is nothing at his position by 1.0 min of RA west is UGC 9020, which fits his description.  d'Arrest made two observations on the 25th and 26th of Apr 1865.  He noted the 1 min time error in the GC and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5471 = MCG +09-23-030

14 04 29.1 +54 23 49; UMa

Size 0.9'x0.7'

 

24" (5/24/20): one of the most prominent HII regions in M101, situated 11.5' ENE of center, beyond the visible edge of the galaxy.  At 375x it appeared very bright, fairly small, round, ~20" diameter, high surface brightness.  HII region M101-A is 3' NW.

 

18" (6/28/03): highest surface brightness of any of the HII regions in M101.  Appears very similar to a small, elliptical galaxy -- even contains a small, brighter core.  Situated beyond the main glow of the galaxy, 11.5' NE of the core of M101.

 

18" (6/21/03): at 323x appears similar to a compact, round galaxy.  Furthest NE of all the HII regions and well separated from the main glow of M101.  Interestingly, this was one of the few HII regions that displayed a positive contrast response to a UHC filter at 161x and 215x.

 

17.5" (6/7/97): this is one of brightest HII regions in M101, on the extreme NE end of the galaxy 11.5' from center.  Appears as a moderately bright knot, ~20" diameter.  This HII region stands out well due to its isolation and fairly high surface brightness with crisp halo.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5471 on 22 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured it on 5 different nights.  He noted the mag 13 star that precedes by 9 sec of RA and questioned if this object was H III-789 with a 30 sec error in RA.  MCG misclassifies this HII region as a galaxy (MCG +09-23-030).

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NGC 5472 = MCG -01-36-008 = Holm 585b = LGG 374-005 = PGC 50345

14 06 54.9 -05 27 39; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, strong concentration with a very bright elongated core, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3'.  Situated between a mag 13.5 star 0.4' E and a mag 14.3 star 0.9' NW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5468, a face-on multi-arm spiral 5' W.  Mag 8.3 HD 123265 is a similar distance southwest.

 

17.5" (6/8/96): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.3', small brighter core with faint extensions.  A mag 13 star is 0.4' ESE and a mag 14 star 0.9' NW.  Located 5.0' E of brighter NGC 5468.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5472 on 29 Mar 1856 with LdR's 72" during an observation of NGC 5468.  He noted "about 4' f is a S, pB, E knot."   Wilhelm Tempel observed NGC 5468 in 1882 and also noted NGC 5472 as 5' following.  He mentioned it was probably the one seen earlier by LdR.  In addition Tempel mentioned two other nearby objects (NGC 5465 and 5467) to the southwest, which are either nonexistent or single stars.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 10 Mar 1886 and noted it was "within a triangle of minute stars - very very faint.  Hardly visible, irregular uncertain outline - very small."

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NGC 5473 = UGC 9011 = MCG +09-23-031 = CGCG 272-022 = LGG 373-004 = PGC 50191

14 04 43.3 +54 53 33; UMa

V = 11.4;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 160”

 

18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright 25" core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A faint star is embedded in the halo on the NE side.  Located within a string of brighter mag 9.5-11.5 stars including a mag 10.7 star 2' SSW, a mag 9.4 star 5' SSW and a mag 10 star 7' NE.  Located 35' NNE of M101 in a background group (LGG 373) including NGC 5485 22' ENE, NGC 5486 26' NE and NGC 5422 38' NW.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, prominent small bright nucleus, fainter halo.  NGC 5485 lies 22' ENE.  Located 35' NNE of M101.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): brighter but very slightly smaller than nearby NGC 5485, prominent nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5473 = H I-231 = h1748 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and logged "cB, S."   JH made a single observation and recorded "pF; R; S; gbM; sky not quite clear."

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NGC 5474 = UGC 9013 = VV 344b = MCG +09-23-032 = CGCG 272-023 = LGG 371-002 = PGC 50216

14 05 01.2 +53 39 44; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 4.8'x4.3';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

48" (5/2/19): at 375x and 545x; very bright, large, highly asymmetrical galaxy.  A bright core that is broadly concentrated is offset to the north end of the galaxy.  A roundish 2' diameter halo extends to the south.  A few faint, nearly stellar spots are on the east side of the halo.  The halo was uneven in surface brightness and I had a definite impression of spiral arm structure, but was unable to trace any specific arms.  This strongly "sloshed" galaxy is gravitationally distorted by interaction with M101.

 

18" (4/26/08): at 220x this is a fairly bright, large, asymmetric galaxy ~3.0'x2.5'.  The galaxy is moderately concentrated with an 0.8' core that is embedded at the north end of the galaxy!  The halo of the galaxy is a slightly elongated N-S oval glow with the core internally tangent on the north side.

 

18" (6/17/06): fairly bright, large, with an irregular asymmetric appearance.  Broadly concentrated to a 1' brighter core that resides on the north edge of the galaxy.  The 2.5' halo is slightly elongated N-S and spreads out from the core only towards the south!  The halo has a slightly mottled texture and fades at the periphery.  With averted vision the size increases to nearly 3'.  A mag 13.5-14 star is just north of the offset core.  A mag 13 pair at 14" lies 9' ESE.  This disturbed galaxy is a member of the M101 group.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, large, irregular round or slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  Very unusual appearance as a large brighter knot of 0.8' diameter or a very eccentrically placed core is located at the NE edge.  The halo extends generally SW from this brighter spot.  About 3' diameter, no brightening at the geometric center.  A mag 14 star is just off the NE edge 0.8' beyond knot.  Located 45' SSE of M101 and the asymmetry is from being tidally deformed by M101.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5474 = H I-214 on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "cB, terminating abruptly to the north, and diffused to the south."  Indeed, this galaxy is very asymmetric, with the nucleus at the north edge of the galaxy!

 

Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 14 May 1861, logged "vL and probably of interest.  The nucleus is on the n edge and appears to have a dark lane around it; the faint nebulosity spreads out from it like a fan with the edges rather brighter than the centre."

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NGC 5475 = UGC 9016 = MCG +09-23-033 = CGCG 272-024 = LGG 373-003 = PGC 50231

14 05 12.4 +55 44 30; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 166”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, edge-on streak NNW-SSE.  Located 25' ESE of NGC 5443 in the NGC 5485 group (LGG 373).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5475 = H II-800 = h1750 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "pB, S."  JH recorded (single observation) "pB; S; pmE; bM; 18" l, 12" br."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5476 = MCG -01-36-009 = PGC 50429

14 08 08.5 -06 05 31; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, moderately large oval 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0', broadly concentrated with no core.  A mag 11.5 star is off the west side, 1.9' from center.

 

18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8'.  The surface brightness appears slightly irregular with possibly a brighter spot or knot offset to the west side (it didn't appear to be the core).  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5476 = H III-287 = h1751 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and logged "vF, pS, irr."  JH made the single observation "F; pL; R."  He did not measure the RA and the polar distance was only roughly taken.  Nevertheless, his NPD is accurate.

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NGC 5477 = UGC 9018 = MCG +09-23-034 = CGCG 272-025 = VV 561 = PGC 50262

14 05 32.3 +54 27 33; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (3/23/85): extremely faint.  Nearby is a mag 14.5 star 1.2' SW of center and a mag 15 star is superimposed south of the core.  A brighter mag 12 star is 3.5' E of center.  Member of the M101 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5477 = H III-790 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, pL."  His position was 2' too far east but the brief description fits.  This is a surprisingly low surface brightness galaxy to be picked up during a sweep.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 17 Jun 1887.  This galaxy was found on Crossley plates taken by Keeler at Lick Observatory in 1898-1900 and catalogued as a new nebula (#681 of 744) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 5478 = UGC 9034 = MCG +00-36-019 = CGCG 018-055 = PGC 50430

14 08 08.5 -01 42 08; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 37”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Weak, even concentration to the center but there was no well-defined core.  A mag 11 star lies 2' WSW.

 

18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Weak, even concentration to a small, brighter core giving a symmetrical appearance.  A mag 11 star lies 2.4' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5478 = H III-762 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 917) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is barely off the north side of the galaxy.

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NGC 5479 = MCG +11-17-019 = CGCG 317-016 = PGC 50282

14 05 57.3 +65 41 26; UMi

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5'

 

17.5" (6/23/01): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. On a small line with several stars including a mag 11 star 2' NW and a mag 13.8 GSC star 1.3' NW. Forms a close pair with MCG +11-17-18 1.1' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5479 = Sw. IV-14 on 11 Jun 1884 and recorded "eF; vS; R; nearly between 2 stars."  His RA is 1.0 min too small, but his comment "nearly bet 2 st" confirms this identification.

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NGC 5480 = UGC 9026 = MCG +09-23-035 = CGCG 272-027 = Holm 588a = LGG 372-004 = PGC 50312

14 06 21.8 +50 43 29; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 0”

 

18" (4/26/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration with a brighter 25" core and a faint stellar nucleus using direct vision.  Forms a very nice pair with NGC 5480 3.2' E.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, diffuse, almost even or even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 5481 3.2' E over the Bootes border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5480 = H II-692, along with NGC 5481, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and described both as "Two, both F, R.  The preceding pS, vgbM.  The following vS, stellar, suddenly mbM.  The place taken between them; in the parallel nearly, about 2 1/2' distance; the following about 1/2' more south."  CH's reduction is much closer to NGC 5481.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 12 Jun 1887 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).  The UGC declination is 20' too far south.

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NGC 5481 = UGC 9029 = MCG +09-23-036 = CGCG 272-028 = Holm 588b = LGG 372-005 = PGC 50331

14 06 41.4 +50 43 23; Boo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 115”

 

18" (4/26/08): moderately bright but small, round, ~30" diameter.  Fairly high surface brightness with a relatively large, bright 20" core and easily visible stellar nucleus.  Forms the eastern member of a pair with NGC 5480 3.2' E.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Smaller but similar surface brightness to NGC 5480 3.2' W in the constellation of Ursa Major!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5481 = H II-693, along with NGC 5480, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and described both as "Two, both F, R.  The preceding pS, vgbM.  The following vS, stellar, suddenly mbM.  The place taken between them; in the parallel nearly, about 2 1/2' distance; the following about 1/2' more south."  CH's reduction is much closer to NGC 5481.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 12 Jun 1887 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 5482 = UGC 9038 = MCG +02-36-043 = CGCG 074-115 = PGC 50459

14 08 30.7 +08 55 55; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6', moderate concentration with a small brighter core ~15" diameter.  A couple of mag 14.5 stars [28" separation] lie 2.5' SSE.  Follows a mag 12 star by 3.8'.  Located ~1.5” ESE of the large NGC 5416 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5482 = H III-59 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and noted "eF, S, suspected with 157 and verified with 240."  His position is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 9038 and matches in declination.

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NGC 5483 = ESO 271-019 = MCG -07-29-008 = PGC 50600

14 10 25.0 -43 19 29; Cen

V = 11.2;  Size 3.7'x3.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 25”

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 200x this face-on spiral appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~2.6'x1.8', broad concentration.  Nestled among a group of faint stars with a mag 14-15 star just off the NE side and another at the SW edge of the halo.  A mag 9.5 star with a close, mag 11.8 companion at 3" separation lies 4' E.

 

12.5" (6/24/06 - Haleakala Crater): at 176x appeared faint, fairly large, slightly elongated ~2.5'x2.2', broad weak concentration but no well defined core.  Increases in size with averted vision so the outer halo gradually fades.  Situated in a rich star field with a mag 9.5 star 4' E.  Located 19' NE of mag 6.2 HD 123445.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5483 = h3557 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "pF; vL; R; vgbM; 4'."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5484 = CGCG 272-029 = PGC 50338

14 06 48.2 +55 01 47; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

18" (4/26/08): very faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20", fairly low even surface brightness.  Located 3.8' WNW of NGC 5485 in a group.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located 3.8' NW of much brighter NGC 5485 in a trio with NGC 5486.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5484 = H III-791 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two; [referring to NGC 5485] cB, R, vgmbM.  Has another preceding [NGC 5484]; vF, R, nearly in the meridian 3 or 4' dist preceding."  CH added the comment in her fair copy that "By the description it should be perhaps be nearly in the parallel."  Although only a single position was given (matching NGC 5485], this galaxy is 3.7' west-northwest and matches the description.

 

Bigourdan's "corrected" position for NGC 5484 on 13 May 1899 refers to NGC 5485. Bigourdan and d'Arrest were both unsuccessful in finding NGC 5484 so Dreyer mistakenly noted in his 1912 correction list that "III 791 should probably be struck out.  There is not any nebula close p [of NGC 5485]."

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NGC 5485 = UGC 9033 = MCG +09-23-037 = CGCG 272-030 = LGG 373-005 = PGC 50369

14 07 11.4 +55 00 06; UMa

V = 11.4;  Size 2.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

18" (4/26/08): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core and a much fainter 1.4' halo.  With direct vision a stellar nucleus was easily visible.  Brightest in a group (LGG 373) with NGC 5484 3.8' WNW and NGC 5486 6.4' NNE.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  Nearby galaxies are NGC 5484 3.8' WNW and NGC 5486 6.4' NNE.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, increases to a bright core.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): fainter halo increases in size with averted.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5485 = H I-232 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two, cB, R, vgmbM.  Has another preceding [NGC 5484 = III-791]; vF, R, nearly in the meridian 3 or 4' dist preceding."  CH added the comment in her fair copy that "By the description it should be perhaps be nearly in the parallel."  His single position corresponds with UGC 9033.

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NGC 5486 = UGC 9036 = MCG +09-23-038 = CGCG 272-031 = LGG 373-007 = PGC 50383

14 07 25.0 +55 06 10; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 80”

 

18" (4/26/08): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.2'x1.0', weak concentration, fairly low surface brightness.  Located 6.5' NNE of NGC 5485 in a trio and member of the NGC 5485 group.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, very small brighter core.  Last of three with NGC 5485 6.4' SSW and NGC 5484 7.1' SW.

 

13" (6/29/84): very faint, averted only, very elongated ~E-W, no details.  Located 6.5' NNE of NGC 5485.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5486 = H II-801 on 14 Apr 1789 (last object in the long sweep 921) and noted "F, S."  His position (CH's reduction) is 2' northeast of UGC 9036.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position

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NGC 5487 = MCG +01-36-021 = CGCG 046-061 = Holm 594a = PGC 50537

14 09 43.9 +08 04 09; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Located 3' SSW of a mag 8.9 star that hinders viewing.  A group of five mag 12-13 stars just north of the bright star forms a small asterism.

 

George Searle discovered NGC 5487 = HN 36 on 22 Mar 1868 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #324).  He mentioned that clouds hampered measurement of the position so Dreyer noted the position as very uncertain in the NGC.  Nevertheless, the position is very close to CGCG 046-061 = PGC 50537.

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NGC 5488 = IC 4375 = ESO 384-058 = MCG -05-33-048 = LGG 369-010 = PGC 50423

14 08 03.0 -33 18 53; Cen

V = 11.9;  Size 3.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 22”

 

18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.8'x0.5', bright core with much fainter extensions.  Located close north of mag 9 star HD 123387 (1.2' between centers) that detracts from viewing.  The major axis of the galaxy is nearly collinear with the star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5488 = h3558 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "F; R; near and to the north of a * 8m."  His RA is given only to the nearest minute and marked as rough (dec to the nearest min +/-). This rough position is 3 min of RA east and 20' south of ESO 384-058 although his comment of "to the north of a *8m" applies to this galaxy.   DeLisle Stewart found the galaxy again on an Arequipa plate (#393) in 1900, measured an accurate position, and Dreyer catalogued it as IC 4375.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5489 = ESO 271-021 = PGC 50701

14 12 00.7 -46 05 19; Cen

V = 12.2;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 129”

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5', fairly sharply concentrated with a very small brighter core.  A nice string of three mag 12-13 stars at 18" and 23" separation lies 9' SW.  Located 18' WSW of mag 7.5 HD 69489.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5489 = h3559 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; psbM; 10"."  His position (also measured the next night) is accurate.

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NGC 5490 = UGC 9058 = MCG +03-36-065 = CGCG 103-095 = Holm 595a = 4C+17.57 = WBL 493-003 = LGG 376-001 = PGC 50558

14 09 57.3 +17 32 44; Boo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 5”

 

18" (5/3/08): bright, irregularly round, moderately large, ~1.0'x0.8' N-S, sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core and stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group including NGC 5490B = MCG +03-36-067 1.6' ENE, IC 982 9' N and NGC 5490C 4.8' NNE.  NGC5490B appeared extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter, required averted vision to glimpse.  NGC 5490C = Arp 79 appeared very faint, fairly small, 25" diameter, irregularly round, low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/23/01): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with MCG +03-36-064 2.9' NNW and NGC 5490C = Arp 79 located 4.7' NE.  A close companion, MCG +03-36-067, off the east side not seen.  The group is located two degrees SW of Arcturus!

 

17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core.  Brightest in a small group with several faint nearby companions (not seen), IC 983 11' N and IC 982 9' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5490 = H III-32 = h1752 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "a vS nebula, or nebulous double star.  240 confirmed it."  John Herschel made a similar observation on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334): "pB, vS, has a vF double star in centre among several stars 12m; a doubtful object."  His position matches this galaxy, though the Slough Catalogue has a typo h1752 = H. II-32, instead of H. III-32.

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NGC 5491 = UGC 9072 = MCG +01-36-022 = CGCG 046-063 = Holm 597a = PGC 50630

14 10 57.4 +06 21 53; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 78”

 

24" (6/15/15): moderately bright, fairly small elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 40"x30", contains a small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5491B at the north edge of the halo, just 25" from the center.  At 375x (6mm ZAO) this compact companion appeared very faint, nearly stellar, visible ~1/3 of the time.  A mag 14.8 star is 0.9' NE and a second mag 15 star (misclassified by Holmberg as 597c) is 1.0' SW.  Double star BRT 2158 = 12.5/12.7 at 4.5" lies 2.7' NE.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, elongated bright core.  Bracketed between two mag 15 stars 30" off the ENE edge and 1' WSW.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5491B at the north edge of halo (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5491 = H II-890 = h1753 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "pB, pS, iR."  CH's reduced position is 2.5' southwest of UGC 9072.  JH made 4 observations and recorded (sweep 154), "pF; pL; gbM; 25"."  d'Arrest made an additional 3 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5492 = UGC 9065 = MCG +03-36-074 = CGCG 103-106 = PGC 50613

14 10 35.3 +19 36 44; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this nice edge-on is elongated 5:1 NNW-SSE, 1.6'x0.3'.  Moderate surface brightness with no significant central brightening.  Located 14' SE of mag 7.1 SAO 100885.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5492 = H II-876 = h1754 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "pB, vS."  His position is just off the south side of UGC 9065.  Stephan independently found this galaxy and reported it as new in list XII-58, but used a poor position for the offset star so his position was off.  In the notes to list XII, Stephan comments his object is probably identical to NGC 5492.  Esmiol's "corrected" position in his 1916 re-reduction is exactly 1' off in declination (matches in RA).

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NGC 5493 = MCG -01-36-013 = UGCA 386 = LGG 374-004 = PGC 50670

14 11 29.3 -05 02 37; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 124”

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  Sharply concentrated with a small bright nucleus surrounded by a low surface brightness halo ~1.1x0.8'.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly bright, moderately large. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core 40"x15" elongated WNW-ESE, increasing to a stellar nucleus.  Surrounding the core is a much fainter ill-defined halo ~1.3'x1.0' which is not as elongated as the core.

 

8" (6/30/84): fairly bright, very small, slightly elongated, bright stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5493 = H IV-46 = h1755 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and recorded "pB or almost cB, vS.  Stellar, like a star with burs."  Joihn Herschel described this object as "pB; R; psmbM; 15"; seems to have a * 18m involved np."  His position matches MCG -01-36-013 = PGC 50670.  Joseph Turner observed it with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 15 May 1877 (p. 136 of his logbook) and noted it was elongated (sketched at least 2:1 NNW-SSE) and pretty suddenly much brighter in the middle to almost a stellar point.  Pietro Baracchi also obsersed at Melbourne and called it "vB; vS; R; gpmbM; mottled; a little elongated." (10 Mar 1886)

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NGC 5494 = ESO 446-025 = MCG -05-34-001 = LGG 375-002 = PGC 50732

14 12 23.9 -30 38 39; Cen

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, round, weak concentration.  Several mag 14 stars nearby bracket the galaxy to the east and west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5494 = h3560 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; L; R; gbM; r.  Stars barely seen in the nebula, besides several others about it."  His position is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 22 Feb 1898 and recorded Sw. XI-167 as "F; pS; R; 7 faint stars around it."  His position was 7' too far north and Herbert Howe, unable to recover Swift's object at his position, suggested it was identical to NGC 5494.  As a result, Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation.

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NGC 5495 = ESO 511-010 = MCG -04-34-001 = PGC 50729

14 12 23.3 -27 06 30; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 38”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4'.  Contains a very small, bright core with faint extensions.  A mag 11 is just off the NE end and interferes with viewing.  Located 11' NW of mag 5.1 50 Hydrae.

 

18" (6/18/04): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S.  The view is severely hampered by a mag 10.5 star that is very close to the NE edge of the galaxy (42" from center)!  Overall the galaxy has a fairly even surface brightness except for a very faint, nearly stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 10.5' NW of mag 5.1 50 Hydrae which is just outside the 19' field of the 10mm Pentax XW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5495 = h3561 on 13 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM; np a star."  The galaxy is sp the star, not northwest as JH reported (error noted by Herbert Howe in the IC 2 notes).  Joseph Winlock independently found the galaxy again on 20 Jun 1868 at Harvard College Observatory with the 11-inch refractor.

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NGC 5496 = UGC 9079 = MCG +00-36-026 = CGCG 018-074 = FGC 1721 = LGG 377-005 = PGC 50676

14 11 37.9 -01 09 33; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 4.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 172”

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 ~N-S, 2.5'x0.4', low irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.5-15 star is on the east side of the north extension.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, large, very thin edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x0.6'.  Low surface brightness with only a weak concentration towards the center.  A mag 15 star is embedded on the following side of the NNW extension [50" from center].

 

8" (6/30/84): extremely faint edge-on N-S, moderately large.  Requires averted vision as the surface brightness is quite low.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5496 on 23 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and noted "E 180”, bM, 6'-8' long."  His position (measured more accurately on 8 May 1882) matches UGC 9079.  It's unusual that the Herschels missed this relatively bright galaxy.

 

Based on photographs taken at the Helwan observatory between 1919-20, it was described as "pB, 4.5' x 0.5', E 170”; rather irregular patch spiral seen almost edgewise, no nucleus"

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NGC 5497 = UGC 9069 = MCG +07-29-048 = CGCG 219-054 = PGC 50610

14 10 31.6 +38 53 36; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness.  Situated nearly midway between two mag 12 stars 5' WSW and 4.3' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5497 = St XII-59 on 11 May 1882.  His position matches UGC 9069.

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NGC 5498 = UGC 9075 = MCG +04-33-043 = CGCG 132-080 = CGCG 133-003 = PGC 50639

14 11 04.5 +25 41 53; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8' diameter.  Fairly symmetrical concentration to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar nucleus.  HCG 71 (IC 4381 and IC 4382) lies 11' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5498 = St XII-60 on 9 May 1882.  His position matches UGC 9075.

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NGC 5499 = UGC 9074 = MCG +06-31-076 = CGCG 191-060 = PGC 50623

14 10 47.7 +35 54 48; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE?, weak broad concentration, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  A wide pair of mag 11/13 stars lies 3' SSE. NGC 5517 is 28' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5499 = St XII-60 on 13 May 1882.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 5500 = UGC 9070 = MCG +08-26-008 = CGCG 247-007 = Mrk 806 = LGG 372-008 = PGC 50588

14 10 15.2 +48 32 46; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  Two bright stars (mag 8.6 SAO 63883 and a mag 9.5 star) oriented E-W lie 5.8' WSW and 8.3' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5500 = H III-674 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and logged "cF, cS, iR."  His position is 3' too far northeast.  He observed it again 3 nights later (sweep 736) and reported "vF, vS, stellar, 300 confirmed it." There were no additional observations by JH, d'Arrest or LdR.

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NGC 5501 = MCG +00-36-027 = CGCG 018-078 = PGC 50724

14 12 20.2 +01 16 21; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', low surface brightness.  Located 13.5' SE of mag 6.4 SAO 120334.  A pair of mag 10 stars (24" separation) is located 10' due east.  IC 985 lies 13' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5501 = h1756 on 13 Apr 1828 and recorded "a vF nebula or a vS cluster of eS stars."  His position is 1' south of CGCG 018-078 = PGC 50724.

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NGC 5502 = NGC 5503 = MCG +10-20-077 = PGC 50508

14 09 33.9 +60 24 34; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 5503.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 15 year-old son, discovered NGC 5502 = Sw. I-29 on 9 May 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff; between 2 stars, one a wide double."  There is only a single galaxy here (MCG +10-20-077) but Lewis found it again two nights later, thought it was new and it was listed a second time as Sw. I-30 (later NGC 5503), with the description "eeeF; vS; R; ee dif; forms with 2 stars a right angle triangle."

 

In the introduction to his second discovery list, Swift mentions Sw. I-29 should probably be struck out without giving an explanation. Nevertheless, Dreyer catalogued both entries as NGC 5502 and 5503.  Since NGC 5502 was discovered first, this designation should take historical precedence. Swift made several other duplicate observations of galaxies, though this is an unusual case involving a father and son!  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5503 = NGC 5502 = MCG +10-20-077 = PGC 50508

14 09 33.9 +60 24 34; UMa

V = 15.0;  Size 0.3'x0.13';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Requires averted vision to glimpse and only visible intermittently.  Located just 1.3' NE of a mag 12 star and 2' NW of a mag 11 star.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 5503 = Sw. I-30 on 11 May 1886 and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; ee dif; forms with 2 stars a right angle triangle."  This was a reobservation of NGC 5502 = Sw. I-29 which was found two days earlier by his son Edward!  This is a unique case where a father and son both have entries in the NGC for the same galaxy.  RNGC identifies this galaxy as NGC 5503 though by historical precedence, NGC 5502 should apply.  See notes for NGC 5502.

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NGC 5504 = UGC 9085 = MCG +03-36-081 = CGCG 103-114 = Holm 601a = PGC 50718

14 12 15.8 +15 50 31; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.65'.  Fairly low surface brightness but it appears to be uneven (face-on barred spiral).  Forms a close pair with IC 4383 1.8' NNW.  The IC galaxy appeared faint, small, round, 15" diameter.

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, fairly low surface brightness.  Located 11' WSW of mag 8.3 SAO 100916.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5504 = St XI-23 on 7 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.  UGC and CGCG misidentify UGC 9086 as IC 4383.

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NGC 5505 = UGC 9092 = MCG +02-36-048 = CGCG 074-138 = PGC 50745

14 12 31.7 +13 18 17; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'.  The surface brightness is irregular and the brighter core seems offset to one side from the center (this is a Seyfert galaxy with an unusual appearance on the DSS).  Situated between a mag 10.5 star 2.6' SSW and a 17" pair of mag 12 stars 3' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5505 = Sw. III-79 on 6 Jun 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; between a single and a double star."  His position is just 1.4' south of UGC 9092 and his description applies.

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NGC 5506 = MCG +00-36-028 = CGCG 018-081 = Holm 604a = UGCA 387 = Mrk 1376 = LGG 377-002 = PGC 50782

14 13 14.8 -03 12 27; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 3.0'x0.6', broad concentration.  Located 11' NE of mag 7.9 SAO 139790.  Forms a pair with NGC 5507 3.7' NNE.  This is a Seyfert and Markarian galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5506 = H II-687 = h1757 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "pB, cL, mE nearly in the parallel."  His RA is 9 tsec too large and dec 1' south (typical error).  JH measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5507 = MCG +00-36-029 = CGCG 018-082 = Holm 604b = UGCA 388 = LGG 377-003 = PGC 50786

14 13 19.8 -03 08 56; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core dominates, faint extensions.  Forms a pair with NGC 5506 3.7' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5507 = H IV-49 = h1758 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "pB, stellar nebula, like a star with a small bur all around." His RA is 13 sec too large, but John Herschel measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5508 = UGC 9094 = MCG +04-34-002 = CGCG 133-009 = PGC 50741

14 12 29.1 +24 38 08; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 135”

 

24" (5/25/14): at 282x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 45"x30".  Contains a small brighter core and a stellar nucleus.  Rose 17, an extremely faint triplet, lies 20' NNW.

 

17.5" (7/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.7', broad concentration to a 25" brighter core.  Situated within a fairly striking group of stars with three wide, brighter pairs.  Collinear with mag 10 SAO 83223 3.6' NE and a mag 11.5 star 2' NE.  About 4' SSE is a trio of mag 11/12/13 stars (including a close pair).  CGCG 133-017 lies 24' due east.

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.7', broad concentration to a 25" brighter core.  Situated within a fairly striking group of stars with a mag 10/11.5 wide pair collinear with the galaxy a few arcminutes NE.  A trio of mag 10/11/12 stars lie 5' NE and another fainter pair is also near.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5508 = St XII-62 on 20 Apr 1882.  His micrometric position matches UGC 9094.

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NGC 5509 = MCG +04-34-003 = CGCG 133-010 = PGC 50725

14 12 39.6 +20 23 13; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/17/01): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Weak, even concentration and no well-defined core.  Occasionally, a faint stellar nucleus was glimpsed.  Located 7' WSW of NGC 5513/MCG +04-34-004 and first of trio.  This identification differs from the RNGC and PGC and this galaxy is not identified as NGC 5509 in CGCG, MCG or PGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5509 = Big 71 on 10 Jun 1887 (his last NGC discovery).  There is nothing at the position in his second Comptes Rendus list, but he noted an error of 19' in polar distance in the remarks section of his 5th Comptes Rendus list (20 Apr 1891). Harold Corwin's re-reduced position matches CGCG 133-010 (his original error was 16').  CGCG 133-010 is not labeled NGC 5509 in the CGCG or MCG.  RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 50725, situated 3.5' NW of NGC 5508, as NGC 5509.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5510 = ESO 579-003 = MCG -03-36-010 = PGC 50807

14 13 37.2 -17 59 02; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, fairly small, round, 0.9' diameter.  A mag 13 star is 1.3' SSE of center.  Seeing too poor for details, but the DSS image shows a knotty structure.  Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with mag 9.1 SAO 158442 9' ESE and a mag 9.8 star 9' NE.  A mag 6.5 star lies 28' SE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5510 = LM 1-201 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.4' dia, R, gbM, *13 in field.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 30 sec of RA west (essentially correct) and 1' north of ESO 579-003.  Stone later measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 1 Notes).

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NGC 5511 = VV 299b = Rose 18 = MCG +02-36-050 = CGCG 074-141 = Holm 606b = VIII Zw 381 = PGC 50771

14 13 05.4 +08 37 55; Boo

Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 167”

 

18" (6/30/11): faint to very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.3' diameter.  Forms a close pair with fainter CGCG 074-142, just 1.1' SE, which appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 12" (probably just the core seen).  CGCG 74-136 lies 9' W.

 

The identification of NGC 5511 with either galaxy in this pair is uncertain because of Hough's confusing description, but CGCG 074-141 has a higher surface brightness than -142, so seems to be the more likely of the two candidates.

 

17.5" (6/8/02): extremely faint, small, irregular or slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3'.  Only a single galaxy was seen (either CGCG 074-141 or -142, which form a 1' pair) in poor seeing ~3' W of a mag 10.5 star.  Slightly brighter CGCG 74-136 (which may be NGC 5469) lies 10' WNW.

 

George Hough discovered NGC 5511 on 10 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory while searching for d'Arrest's comet.  His position is ~2.5' east of VV 299, a 1' pair of galaxies (CGCG 074-141 and -142).  His description reads "small, very faint, star 10m, 10m preceding."  Ignoring his typo, there is no 10th mag star preceding, though a mag 10 star is ~3.5' east-southeast.  Assuming Hough found one of the pair, CGCG 074-141 is more likely based on my visual observation.  CGCG doesn't label either galaxy as NGC 5511.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more on this story.

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NGC 5512 = CGCG 163-006 = PGC 50749

14 12 41.1 +30 51 18; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.3'

 

17.5" (7/22/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  Very weak concentration with an occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Nearly collinear with two mag 11 stars 3' and 8' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5512 = St XIII-71 on 3 May 1883.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5513 = UGC 9099 = MCG +04-34-005 = CGCG 133-011 = Holm 607a = PGC 50776

14 13 08.7 +20 24 59; Boo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (7/17/01): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.75'.  Contains a bright, sharp 15" core, which is concentrated to a distinct stellar nucleus.  Three mag 11-12 stars forming an arrowhead pointing west is close south.  Brightest of trio with MCG +04-34-004 just 1.4' SW and NGC 5509 7' WSW.  The MCG appeared  faint, very small, round, only 12" in diameter.  This is a small edge-on system, so I probably only picked up the brighter core.  NGC 5513 is located 1.4 degrees NNW of Arcturus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5513 = H II-877 = h1759 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "pB, pL, iF."  CH's reduction is 6' too far north, though he commented "PD perhaps inaccurate."  JH made the single observation "pB; R" and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 5514 = VV 70 = UGC 9102 = MCG +01-36-023 = CGCG 046-066 = PGC 50809

14 13 38.7 +07 39 37; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~1.2'x0.7', very little concentration.  Two mag 14-14.5 stars are 2.0' NNW and 1.2' NE of center.  NGC 5514 is a close double system (strongly disturbed) but the faint companion at the south edge was not seen.  NGC 5519 lies 13.5' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5514 on 26 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 9102 = VV 70 and he noted the mag 14.5 star, which he placed 3.4 sec following and 50" north.

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NGC 5515 = UGC 9096 = MCG +07-29-052 = CGCG 219-057 = PGC 50750

14 12 38.2 +39 18 37; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to a small brighter core.  Forms east vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5 stars 2.3' WNW and 2.3' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5515 = H III-685 = h1760 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "vF, cS, R."  JH made three observations and noted (sweep 73) "F; S; lE; 15"."

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NGC 5516 = ESO 221-034 = AM 1412-475 = PGC 50960

14 15 54.8 -48 06 55; Cen

V = 12.0;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 169”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately or fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 50"x40", contains a small bright core with a relativelylarge halo.  Resides in a pretty rich star field with a pair of mag 11.1/11.4 stars at 11" separation 3.4' ESE.  This pair is at the north tip of a very distinctive "Y" or "T-bone" asterism with three stars due south, branching into two "arms" (actually a semicircle) branching southwest and southeast.  Three mag 12-12.5 form a small triangle less than 2' NNE.  A double star HJ 4666 = 8.5/10.5 at 11" lies 12' ESE.

 

NGC 5516 forms a close pair with ESO 221-034A just 1.8' SE.  It was visible as a very faint to faint patch, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 20"x14", low surface brightness.  The two galaxies have similar redshifts so form a physical pair.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5516 = h3562 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded (sweep 464) "F; S; R: near 2 st 12m; a small double star follows by 5'."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5517 = UGC 9100 = MCG +06-31-079 = CGCG 191-063 = PGC 50758

14 12 51.3 +35 42 39; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weakly concentrated to a slightly brighter core and a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 7' N of mag 8 SAO 63990. NGC 5499 lies 28' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5517 = St XII-63 on 20 Apr 1882.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5518 = MCG +04-34-006 = CGCG 133-013 = PGC 50817

14 13 47.7 +20 50 54; Boo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (7/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25: diameter.  Weak concentration but embedded is a sharp, stellar nucleus, easily seen with direct vision.  Squeezed between two mag 10/12 stars 1.2' NW and 1.2' SE, respectively.  NGC 5513/NGC 5509 lies 28' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5518 = St XII-64 on 10 May 1882 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles Observatory.  His position matches CGCG 133-013 = PGC 50817.

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NGC 5519 = NGC 5570 = UGC 9111 = MCG +01-36-025 = CGCG 103-132 = PGC 50865

14 14 20.9 +07 30 56; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4'.  A mag 14.5 star is at the following edge just 20" from the center.  Located 2.6' ENE of a mag 11 star.  NGC 5514 lies 13.5' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 5519 on 26 Apr 1865 and noted "vF, pL, *10 precedes." His single position matches UGC 9111.  Bigourdan's "corrected" position on 13 May 1896 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) is 6' too far south.

 

This galaxy was likely discovered by WH on 23 Jan 1784 and catalogued as H III-12 = NGC 5570, with a poor position.  Another observation by WH on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042) had a much improved position, but was not assigned a discovery number or H-designation as he was uncertain if it was just two stars ("2 vS statrs with nebulosity suspected between them.")

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NGC 5520 = UGC 9097 = MCG +08-26-013 = CGCG 272-043 = LGG 372-006 = PGC 50728

14 12 22.8 +50 20 54; Boo

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Sharp concentration with a small bright core and faint extensions.  A mag 13 star lies 2.7' SW of center.  Located 5.3' WSW of mag 8.6 SAO 29040.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5520 = H III-676 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "cF, cS, lE, brighter towards the preceding side, nearly in the parallel."  CH's reduction is 12 sec of RA too far east and 1.5' too far north.  He observed the galaxy again on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840), but his RA was further out.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 12 Jun 1887 (repeated in the IC2 Notes). There were no observations by JH, d'Arrest or at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5521 = UGC 9122 = MCG +01-36-030 = CGCG 046-077 = PGC 50931

14 15 23.7 +04 24 30; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (6/1/02): very faint, very small, round, just 15" diameter.  Appears to have a fairly sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by a small halo.  Located between a mag 11.5 star 2.5' S and a similar star 5' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5521 = h1761 on 10 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 5522 = UGC 9116 = MCG +03-36-089 = CGCG 103-125 = PGC 50889

14 14 50.3 +15 08 49; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', weakly concentrated.  Nearly collinear with a mag 11 star 2.0' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5522 = H III-644 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "vF, vS, E.  300 confirmed it, but showed 2 small round patches united, which seem to be like vF aberrations of two stars without the stars.  I viewed them with many different adjustments of the focus."  His position is 17 sec of RA east and 2' south (or 4.5' southeast) of UGC 9116, though the description is odd.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 23 May 1887 (given in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 5523 = UGC 9119 = MCG +04-34-008 = CGCG 133-018 = PGC 50895

14 14 51.7 +25 19 05; Boo

V = 12.1;  Size 4.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 99”

 

13.1" (6/4/83): faint, edge-on streak ~E-W, moderately large, almost even surface brightness.  Located 2.6' SE of a mag 10.5 star.  NGC 5548 lies 45' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5523 = H III-134 = h1762 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and recorded "eF, pL, lE, r, 2 or 3 stars visible in it.  The nebula is nf a pB star."  His position is 5' too far north.  JH logged (sweep 425) "pB; pL; mE; 2' l, 30" br." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5524

14 14 00.6 +36 25 02; Boo

 

= *, Corwin.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5524 on 19 Apr 1855 while observing NGC 5529.  Although no absolute position was given, he placed this nova 6' west and 1' north of NGC 5527 (another LdR discovery).  JH was confused which two objects were being offset and the GC/NGC position is erroneous, but falls closest to CGCG 191-067.  Most modern catalogues misidentify this galaxy as NGC 5524. According to Harold Corwin's analysis, CGCG 191-067 = NGC 5527 and the best candidate for NGC 5524 is the unequal double star at the position given here.  This implies that Mitchell should have placed this double star 6' west and 1' south of NGC 5527.  In November 2014, though, Corwin decided a faint star, which is 5.5' from NGC 5527 and north of it by just under 1', is more consistent with Mtchell's estimates.

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NGC 5525 = UGC 9124 = MCG +03-36-096 = CGCG 103-132 = PGC 50946

14 15 39.3 +14 16 57; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint;, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.6'.  Contains a slightly brighter, rounder core ~20" diameter.  Three mag 11 stars are 6'-8' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5525 = St XIII-72 on 3 May 1883.  His position matches UGC 9124.

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NGC 5526 = UGC 9115 = MCG +10-20-085 = CGCG 295-040 = FGC 1733 = PGC 50832

14 13 53.7 +57 46 17; UMa

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 136”

 

24" (6/3/19): at 322x; moderately bright and large, very nice thin edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.2', brighter elongated core.  A mag 14.3 star is 40" N.

 

Forms a close pair with PGC 50803, just 30" SW.  The apparent companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round, at most 10" diameter.  Required averted to glimpse but repeatable in same position perhaps 20% of the time.

 

24" (7/12/18): at 375x; faint, moderately large, very thin edge-on 7:1 NW-SE, ~70"x10", fairly low nearly even surface brightness with only a slightly brighter core.  A mag 14.3 star is 40" NNE of center.

 

MCG +10-20-084 = PGC 50803 forms a very close pair just off the west side, 0.5' from center.  It appeared very faint, round, 12" diameter.  This apparent companion lies far in the background (5.7 times the distance) at 540 million l.y.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, thin edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.2'.  Appears as a low surface brightness sliver with no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 0.8' NNE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5526 = H III-804 = h1763 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and noted "cF, S, E."  His position and description matches UGC 9115.  He observed the galaxy again on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 948), recorded it again as III-835 at nearly the same position (CH's reduction).  JH combined the two H-designations in the GC.

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NGC 5527 = MCG +06-31-081 = CGCG 191-067 = PGC 50868

14 14 27.2 +36 24 16; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 149”

 

18" (7/2/11): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, weak even concentration but no core or zones.  Located 17' NW of the thin edge-on NGC 5529.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5524 in most sources.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  No concentration although appears asymmetric and possibly brighter on the west side (or an extremely faint star superimposed).  Located 17' NW of NGC 5529.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 5524 in modern catalogues.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5527 on 19 Apr 1855 with LdR's 72" during an observation of the NGC 5529 field.  This nova was described as "another vF about 15' np [of NGC 5529]."  CGCG 191-067 = PGC 50868 is a good match with this description (the actual separation is 17')  Most galaxy catalogues misidentify CGCG 191-067 as NGC 5524 (this was also Bigourdan's interpretation).  But NGC 5524 derives from Mitchell's description "another eeF about 6' preceding and 1' north of this last [NGC 5527]."  Corwin identifies NGC 5524 as an unequal double star, located 6' preceding and 1' south of NGC 5527.

 

RNGC, PGC, SIMBAD and WikiSky misidentify MCG +06-31-085a as NGC 5527.  MCG +06-31-085a is an extremely low surface brightness galaxy 0.3 min of RA west and 2' south of NGC 5529.  NED and HyperLeda correctly identify PGC 50868 as NGC 5527.  Finally, Rosse also mentions a "vF neb sf [NGC 5529], and in this direction is CGCG 191-071 (see observing notes).  Unfortunately this object didn't receive a NGC number, probably due to the lack of offset or a sketch.

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NGC 5528 = MCG +02-36-060 = CGCG 074-153 = Holm 620a/b = PGC 50981

14 16 19.9 +08 17 38; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (7/17/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.  A small group of 7 mag 12-13 stars is 6' W.  Located 10' SSW of a wide pair of mag 9/10 stars.  NGC 5535/5539 pair lies 21'  ESE.  In the foreground of AGC 1890.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5528 = Sw. VI-65 on 23 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; vF * close; triple star in field preceding."  His position is just 6 sec of RA following CGCG 074-153 = PGC 50981 and his description applies, with the triple star 7' west-southwest.

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NGC 5529 = UGC 9127 = MCG +06-31-085 = CGCG 191-069 = FGC 1735 = PGC 50942

14 15 34.1 +36 13 36; Boo

V = 11.9;  Size 6.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 115”

 

48" (4/22/17): bright, very large, thin edge-on ~8:1 or 9:1 WNW-ESE, 5'x0.6'.  Contains a bright, very elongated core or central region that slightly bulges with long thin extensions.  A low contrast dust lane runs through the central 1/3 or 1/2 the galaxy, slicing the galaxy asymmetrically with the main brighter portion on the south side of the lane.  A mag 14.6 star is at or just beyond the ESE tip.  A striking 1' string of three mag 11/13/13.5 stars is ~5' ESE of center.

 

LEDA 2076904 (V = 17.0), is just north of the east-southeast end of NGC 5529 and 2.9' ESE of center.  It appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated, ~15"x12".  CGCG 191-071 (V = 15.0), 3.6' SE of center, appeared  fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.  This galaxy is the brightest of the nearby galaxies.  MCG +06-31-085b (V = 16.8), 3.6' NE of NGC 5529, appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 14.5 star is 25" NW.   These three galaxies are collinear roughly N-S.

 

2MASX J14151337+3610078, 5.5' SW of NGC 5529, appeared faint, very small, round, 6" diameter.  A mag 15 star is 22" SSW.  It was easily visible (V = 16.6) due to fairly high surface brightness.  MCG +06-31-085a, 3.4' SW of NGC 5529, appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 18" diameter.  Very low even surface brightness with no zones.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5527 in RNGC, PGC, SIMBAD and WikiSky, but it is much too faint to have been discovered visually.

 

Finally a close trio of galaxies (two interacting) lie ~9' E of NGC 5529.  LEDA 2076761 is fairly faint (V = 15.7), very small, round, 12" diameter.  LEDA 2076843 (V = 15.0) appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" to 18" diameter.  A tidal arm to the north was not seen.  Just 18" SE is 2MASX J14161954+3612404 (V = 16.2), logged as very faint to faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.

 

18" (7/2/11): fairly faint but striking large edge-on, ~7:1 WNW-ESE, ~3.2'x0.4', weak concentration with a larger, slightly brighter central region.  No distinct core or nucleus.  A 1' string of three star mag 11/13/13.5 stars is ESE, with the bright star collinear with the major axis of the galaxy.

 

NGC 5529 forms a close pair with MCG +06-31-087 3.7' SE (background galaxy) and MCG +06-31-086 is 9' N.  The MCG to the southeast (discovered in 1855 at Birr Castle but not assigned a NGC designation) appeared extremely faint and small, round, 8" diameter, low surface brightness.  MCG +06-31-086 is faint, small, round, 15" diameter, and is situated 3.1' ENE of a mag 10.2 star.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, large, edge-on ~8:1 ratio WNW-ESE, 3.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  Two nearby mag 14.5 stars are 1.4' S of center and off the ESE extension 3.0' from center.  Forms a close pair with MCG +06-31-087 3.8' SE.  NGC 5557 lies 38' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5529 = H III-414 = h1764 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vF, vmE."  JH made the single observation "pF; vmE; a long narrow ray pos = 110.3” by micrometer; vgvlbM; 90" l, 12" br."  R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 19 Apr 1855, recorded "long narrow ray with a S, R, vF neb sf..."  The second object is certainly CGCG 191-071, which was not assigned a GC or NGC designation.

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NGC 5530 = ESO 272-003 = MCG -07-29-013 = PGC 51106

14 18 27 -43 23 18; Lup

V = 11.3;  Size 4.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 127”

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 3.5'x1.5'.  Appears as a low even surface brightness glow except for a 12th magnitude star that appears to be superimposed on the center!  The galaxy seems to extend further to the NW of the star or the halo may be slightly brighter is this direction. Located 3.8' SSW of a mag 10.2 star.  A small rectangular asterism of 4 mag 13-14.5 stars follows by 3'.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, fairly small, almost round, very bright stellar nucleus (~12th mag) surrounded by a diffuse halo.  Very far southern galaxy to view from Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5530 = h3563 on 7 Apr 1837 and recorded "a star 12m, perfectly sharp in the center of a very dilute, very gradually fading atmosphere, pmE; 90" l, 40" br.  A very remarkable specimen of its class."  His position is accurate.  Robert Innes described the galaxy with a 7-inch from the Cape of Good Hope as "a fine nebulous star".

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NGC 5531 = MCG +02-36-061 = CGCG 074-155 = PGC 50999

14 16 43.3 +10 53 06; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (6/15/15): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Forms a merged pair with SDSS J141643.57+105252.4 = LEDA 4409321 barely within the halo, just 16" SSE of center.  At 375x (6mm ZAO) this small companion appeared as a faint, very small extension at the south-southeast edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located near midpoint of NGC 5531 5.2' SSE and a mag 9.5 star 5' NW.  An attached companion on the south side was not noticed.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5531 on 7 Feb 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two nights) matches CGCG 074-155 = PGC 50999.

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NGC 5532 = UGC 9137 = MCG +02-36-062 = CGCG 074-156 = Holm 622a = 3C 296 = PGC 51006

14 16 52.9 +10 48 27; Boo

V = 11.9;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (6/15/15): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to a very bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Forms a close, physical pair with NGC 5532B = PGC 214240 just 34" S of center.  At 375x it appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, 12"x8", contains a faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 5531 lies 5.2' NNW.

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint-moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a well-defined bright core and occasional stellar nucleus.  I recorded a mag 14.5 star at the SE edge - but this appears to be a contact companion listed in the UGC notes as 0.3'x0.2' just 33" SSE of center!  Forms a pair with NGC 5531 5.2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5532 = H III-47 = h1765 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 175) and noted "vF, r.  I see two or three stars in it."  His position was 1.8' too far northwest.  One of WH's "stars" is very possibly the companion at the south-southeast edge that I picked up. JH has a single observation and measured an accurate position.  On 9 May 1825 (sweep 4), John Herschel measured an accurate position and called it "F, round, gbM."

 

There are several very faint galaxies nearby on the DSS - Could this be a background cluster?

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NGC 5533 = UGC 9133 = MCG +06-31-089 = CGCG 191-072 = PGC 50973

14 16 07.7 +35 20 37; Boo

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright core, diffuse halo.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, elongated SW-NE, broad concentration.  Located 25' SW of a mag 5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5533 = H II-418 = h1766 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "pB, mbM, iR."  JH made three observations. His positions vary by nearly 3' in declination, but his position on sweep 71 is accurate.  On an observation at Birr Castle by Mitchell on 30 Mar 1856, he noted "E nearly north-south, small star south-following, B Nucl."

 

CGCG misidentifies CGCG 191-070 as NGC 5533.

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NGC 5534 = MCG -01-36-014 = Mrk 1379 = VV 615 = PGC 51055

14 17 40.7 -07 25 02; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 55”

 

24" (6/15/15): NGC 5534 is an interacting, merging pair.  The main western component is moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus, 40"x25".  The dwarf companion Holm 623B = PGC 51057 is attached on the east side with the centers separated by just 26" (measured on the DSS2).  At 375x it appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, visible continuously.  At 200x, NGC 5534 is situated within a distinctive 12' string of 5 stars mag 10.5-12.5 extending southwest to northeast.  Mag 6.5 HD 125184 lies 9' SE.

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small faint nucleus.  Located within in a line of five stars mag 11-12.5 aligned SW-NE of length 11.8'.  The nearest is a mag 12.5 star 1.6' W.  Mag 6.5 star SAO 139856 is 9.0' SSE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5534 = T V-30 = St XII-65 on 29 Apr 1881 and recorded "class II, stellar nucleus; a * 11-12 precedes. Lalande 21647 follows to the south."  His position is accurate.  Less than 3 weeks later, Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 17 May 1881 and also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5535 = LEDA 97424

14 17 31.3 +08 12 30; Boo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  PA = 15”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 610x; fairly faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  Situated 2.4' NW of NGC 5539, the brightest cluster member in AGC 1890.

 

17.5" (7/18/01): extremely faint and small, round, 10"-15" diameter.  Collinear with two mag 14/15 stars 2.5' and 4' SW.  Located 2.4' NW of brighter NGC 5539.

 

This radio galaxy is the second brightest in AGC 1890 and at a distance of ~780 million light years (z = .057), is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC, along with NGC 870 and NGC 2603, according to Wolfgang Steinicke

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5535 = m 273 on 8 May 1864 and noted "eF, S, irr R."  His position is 7 sec of RA east and 1.7' south of PGC 97424, the second brightest galaxy in the core of AGC 1890.  It is possible, though, this was another observation of NGC 5539 = PGC 51054, the brightest member just 2.4' SE.   MCG and CGCG identify PGC 51054 as NGC 5539/NGC 5535 and have entry for this galaxy.

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NGC 5536 = UGC 9136 = MCG +07-29-057 = CGCG 219-064 = Ark 444 = PGC 50986

14 16 23.8 +39 30 08; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', very small brighter core.  Located near the midpoint of two mag 11.5 stars 3.5' NW and 3.5' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5541 5.5' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5536 = H III-731 = h1768, along with NGC 5541, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "vF, vS."  His position is ~1' north of UGC 9136.  JH made the single observation "F; R; the p of 2 or perhaps of 3."

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NGC 5537 = MCG +01-36-032 = CGCG 046-082 = PGC 51047

14 17 37.1 +07 03 17; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, small, oval 3:2 ~N-S, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the SW edge 1.3' from center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5537 = m 274 on 8 May 1864 and noted "eeF, S, lE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5538 = CGCG 046-083 = PGC 51056

14 17 42.5 +07 28 35; Boo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): extremely faint, very small, round, averted only.  Three mag 12.5-14.5 stars lie 3' S.  In a group with NGC 5542 6' NE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 5538 along with NGC 5542 on 6 Mar 1851.  While observing the field of NGC 5546 he noted "another about 10' south-preceding [NGC 5542]."  There were no later observations to determine a more precise position.

 

Albert Marth independently found this galaxy again on 8 May 1864 and catalogued m 275 as "eF, S, E."  Dreyer catalogued it again as GCS 5762 but realized the likely equivalence with Stoney's nebula and added the note "must be = GC 3830 [LdR]", though placed it under GCS 5763.

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NGC 5539 = MCG +01-36-033 = CGCG 046-084 = PGC 51054

14 17 37.8 +08 10 46; Boo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 35”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 610x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 24"x 18", small bright core.  A mag 15.5 star is barely off the NE edge of the halo.  NGC 5539 is the brightest cluster member of AGC 1890.  Several fainter companions are nearby, the closest 3 form the quartet Rose 20.

 

LEDA 1340691 (V = 16.0), 0.7' SW: faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

2MASX J14173546+0810518 (V = 16.5), 0.6' W: fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

LEDA 1340894 (V = 16.3), 1.8' W: extremely to very faint, round, 6"-8" diameter.

2MASX J14173411+0813258 (V = 16.1), 2.8' NNW: very faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter.

LEDA 1342289 (V = 17.2), 3.2' N:  extremely faint and small, 5" diameter.

LEDA 1341835 (V = 15.3): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter.

 

17.5" (7/18/01): faint, small, 0.5'x0.3', elongated SW-NE.  A faint star is attached at the NE end.  Irregular surface brightness and shape.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 5535/5539 in MCG and CGCG although NGC 5535 is a separate galaxy 2.4' NW (also observed).  At a distance of ~780 million light years (z = .057), this is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC.

 

17.5" (5/15/99): this galaxy is the brightest in AGC 1890 and appeared surprisingly faint and small.  Very faint, very small, 20" diameter, irregular appearance - appears to have a faint star involved or the galaxy may be double.  On the DSS there are several faint stars and/or stellar companions very close.  NGC 5535 is 2.4' NW (not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5539 = h1767 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "F; irreg fig; pL; gbM; r."  His position matches PGC 51054, the brightest member in the distant cluster AGC 1890.  NGC 5535 (discovered by Marth) is 2.4' northwest, although CGCG (046-084) and MCG (+01-36-033) equate NGC 5535 with 5539.  At a distance of ~780 million light years (z = .057), this is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC, along with NGC 870 and NGC 2603, according to Wolfgang Steinicke.

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NGC 5540 = MCG +10-20-090 = CGCG 295-041 = PGC 50883

14 14 54.3 +60 00 39; UMa

V = 13.9;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Situated on a line between a mag 10 star 6.9' NE and mag 8.4 SAO 16313 11' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5540 = H III-805 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and noted "eF, vS, stellar neb, 300 verified it."  His position matches CGCG 295-041 = PGC 50883.

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NGC 5541 = UGC 9139 = MCG +07-29-059 = CGCG 219-065 = PGC 50991

14 16 31.7 +39 35 20; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', even surface brightness.  Nestled in an 8' string of mag 12-13 stars oriented WSW-ENE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5536 5.5' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5541 = H III-732 = h1769, along with NGC 5536, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "vF, vS, lE."  JH made four observations, reporting on sweep 357, "pF; S; R; gbM; 10"."  On another sweep he mentioned "perhaps a third one near."  This possibly refers to MCG +07-29-058.

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NGC 5542 = MCG +01-36-034 = CGCG 046-085 = PGC 51066

14 17 53.2 +07 33 31; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

17.5" (7/17/01): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5', small bright core.  In a trio with NGC 5546 4.0' E and NGC 5543 6.4' NE.  Accidentally ran across the trio while looking for NGC 5528.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  In a trio with NGC 5546 4' E and NGC 5538 6' SW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Stoney discovered NGC 5542, along with NGC 5538, on 6 Mar 1851.  While observing the field of NGC 5546 he noted "another 5' preceding [NGC 5546]."  There were no later observations to determine a more precise position.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (3 observations in 1865) and noted it preceded NGC 5546 by 16-17 sec of RA.

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NGC 5543 = CGCG 046-088 = PGC 51079

14 18 04.1 +07 39 17; Boo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/17/01): faintest in a trio with NGC 5546 5.5' SSE and NGC 5542 6.4' SW.  Faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2'.  Collinear with two mag 13-14 stars equally spaced 1.2' N and 2.3' N.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, irregularly round.  Three collinear equally spaced (1' separation each) mag 14 stars trail off to the N.  In a group with NGC 5546 5' SSE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5543 on 26 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while observing NGC 5546.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5544 = Arp 199 NED1 = VV 210b = UGC 9142 = MCG +06-31-090 = CGCG 191-073w = LGG 378-004 = PGC 51018

14 17 02.6 +36 34 16; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x; Arp 199 = NGC 5544/5545 is a striking overlapping pair.  The western galaxy NGC 5544 (type (R)SB0/a) appeared bright, moderately large, round, sharp concentration with a very bright round core.  The outer halo (spiral arms that form a pseudo-ring) extends ~50" diameter with a very low surface brightness and overlaps with NGC 5545.

 

18" (5/3/08): NGC 5544 is the southwest component of an interacting, contact pair with NGC 5545 (Arp 199).  At 280x it appeared as a fairly faint, small, round knot, ~25" diameter (very faint outer halo not seen), weak even concentration.  NGC 5544 has a slightly higher surface brightness than elongated NGC 5545.  Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very elongated streak WSW-ENE, moderately large, uneven surface brightness.  This is a contact pair appearing as two brighter knots at the SW end (NGC 5544) and the NE end (NGC 5545).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5544 = H II-419 = h1771 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded a single nebula, described as "F, pL", so he did not resolve this double system with NGC 5545.  John Herschel made three observations and logged on 27 Apr 1827 (sweep 72) "F; S; a double nebula or two which run together, pos 10” nf by diagram."  Interestingly, although JH described this galaxy in the GC (3833) as "F; pS; E 80”; D[ouble] or biN[uclear]", he credited LdR with the discovery of GC 3834 = NGC 5545.

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NGC 5545 = Arp 199 NED2 = VV 210a = UGC 9143 = MCG +06-31-091 = CGCG 191-073e = LGG 378-005 = PGC 51023

14 17 05.2 +36 34 29; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 58”

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x; the eastern member of this striking overlapping pair appeared fairly bright, very elongated WSW-ENE, ~1'x0.3'.  Contains a brighter elongated core region (not as prominent as the core of NGC 5544).  The northeast end (an outer spiral arm) dimmed significantly and appeared as a very low surface brightness curving arc.  The western outer arm merged with the outer halo of NGC 5544 in a somewhat dimmer region.

 

18" (5/3/08): this galaxy forms the eastern component of an interacting, contact pair (Arp 199) with NGC 5544 attached at the WSW end. At 280x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration.  NGC 5544 appears as a brighter knot attached at the preceding end!  Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378), which lies 17' ESE.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): double system elongated WSW-ENE and attached to NGC 5544 at the WSW end, 0.6' between centers.  Appears larger than NGC 5544.  The two systems are separated by just a small darker region of lower surface brightness but are not cleanly resolved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5545 on 27 Apr 1827 as he noted "a double nebula [with NGC 5544] which run together pos 10” nf by diagram."  The Stoney brothers, LdR's assistants, found the pair on 10 Apr 1852 and noted "either a double nebula or 2 knots of one neb."  R.J. Mitchell also logged NGC 5545 on 17 Mar 1855 while observing NGC 5544.  He recorded a "D Neb; the p one [NGC 5544] has a nucleus or a stellar point in the center, the following one [NGC 5545] is elongated, no nucleus but lbM."  A sketch was made and included in the 1880 publication on plate V.  John Herschel credited LdR with the discovery in the GC and Dreyer followed this in the NGC.  Steinicke concurs that JH should be credited with the discovery.

 

The NGC positions for both objects are very close, but misleading as the declination for NGC 5545 (nearest arcminute) is slightly south of NGC 5544, instead of north.

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NGC 5546 = UGC 9148 = MCG +01-36-035 = CGCG 046-089 = PGC 51084

14 18 09.3 +07 33 51; Boo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (7/17/01): brightest in a small trio and forming a right angle with NGC 5542 4.0' W and NGC 5543 5.5' NNW.  Moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Broad concentration to a brighter core.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, prominent bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5542 4' W and NGC 5543 5' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5546 = H III-551 = h1770 on 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) and recorded "Two [with III-552 = NGC 5549], both eF and vS.  The place is that of the last; a little inaccurate.  I would not stay to verify it properly.  So that there remains some little doubt; the 1st precedes the last about 3 or 4'."  His position is within 1.5' of UGC 9156, which is identified as NGC 5549, but there no object preceding by 3'-4'.  In his 1912 update of WH's catalogues, Dreyer suggests this observation may refer to NGC 5542 and NGC 5546, which differ by the required amount.

 

On a second observation on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042), H's position for III-551 is 2.4' southwest of UGC 9148!  So, his two sweeps refer to different objects.  JH also made two observations of UGC 9148 and measured an accurate position, but he was uncertain if this was his father's object and gave them both GC designations.  Dreyer combined both GC numbers in the NGC.

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NGC 5547 = UGC 9095 = CGCG 353-031 = PGC 50543

14 09 45.0 +78 36 04; UMa

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (7/16/93): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A string of three mag 12-14 stars are equally spaced about 3' to the west and oriented SW-NE.  An extremely faint mag 16 star is just off the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5547 = H III-948 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and noted "eF, vS, E near the meridian."  Caroline's reduced position is 25 sec of RA east of UGC 9095 (only 1.2' at this declination.

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NGC 5548 = UGC 9149 = MCG +04-34-013 = CGCG 133-025 = Mrk 1509 = LGG 381-001 = PGC 51074

14 17 59.6 +25 08 13; Boo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 110”

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, small, fairly bright stellar nucleus [Seyfert galaxy], round, faint halo.  Brightest in a small group (LGG 381) with NGC 5559 26' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5548 = H II-194 = h1773 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and noted "vF, stellar."  On sweep 425, JH reported "B; vsvmbM; like a star with feeble atmosphere." and measured an accurate position (mean of two sweeps).  Deep images reveal a very low surface brightness outer tidal arm, though no obvious interacting companion.

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NGC 5549 = UGC 9156 = MCG +01-36-036 = CGCG 047-001 = PGC 51118

14 18 38.9 +07 22 38; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated.  Mag 8.9 SAO 120396 lies 7' E.  Located at the south side of the NGC 5546 group with NGC 5546 15' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5549 = H III-552 = h1772 on 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) and recorded "Two [with III-552 = NGC 5549], both eF and vS.  The place is that of the last; a little inaccurate.  I would not stay to verify it properly.  So that there remains some little doubt; the 1st precedes the last about 3 or 4'."  His position is within 1.5' of UGC 9156.  See NGC 5546 for problems with the identity of III-552.

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NGC 5550 = UGC 9154 = MCG +02-36-065 = CGCG 074-162 = CGCG 075-003 = PGC 51108

14 18 28.0 +12 52 59; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.6', low surface brightness with a very weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the SW edge, just 27" from center.  Located 14' SW of mag 5.4 18 Bootis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5550 = h1774 on 4 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; pmE; 30" l, 15" br.  Just comes into the field with 18 Bootis."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5551 = MCG +01-36-037 = CGCG 047-003 = PGC 51139

14 18 54.9 +05 27 04; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, contains a nearly stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is at the south edge of the halo (verified on DSS).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5551 = m 276 on 8 May 1864 and noted " 3 * * in nebulosity."  His position matches CGCG 047-003 = PGC 51139, despite the odd description.

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NGC 5552 = NGC 5558: = CGCG 047-004 = PGC 51140

14 19 03.8 +07 01 54; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5554 2.8' ESE.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' ESE on a line midway between NGC 5552 and NGC 5554.  Located 30' S of a large group at the Bootes border.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5552 = m 277 = Sw. I-32, along with NGC 5544, on 8 May 1864 and simply noted "vF, S."  His RA is 5 seconds too large.  Lewis Swift may have found this pair again on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded Sw. I-32 = NGC 5558 as "S; vvF; lE; 2 faint stars point to it; 2 other nr; v diff; np of 2 [with Sw. I-33 = NGC 5564]."  His position is 38 sec of RA east of NGC 5552, though also 32 sec of RA preceding NGC 5563 and Dreyer suggested Sw. I-33 and 1-34 both referred to NGC 5563.  But Harold Corwin notes that Swift's description for NGC 5558 and 5564 are a much better fit with NGC 5552 and 5554.  If so, then NGC 5552 = NGC 5558.

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NGC 5553 = UGC 9160 = MCG +05-34-017 = CGCG 163-024 = PGC 51105

14 18 29.8 +26 17 15; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (6/2/00): faint, small edge-on E-W, 0.8'x0.2'.  At the edge of the 220x field are IC 4397 10' NW and IC 4405 10' E  (IC 4399 6' NNW not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5553 = h1775 on 6 May 1831 and recorded "vF; lE; 15"."  Although he noted both the RA and Dec as very uncertain, his position is just 1' south of CGCG 191-075 = PGC 51161.

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NGC 5554 = NGC 5564: = CGCG 047-006 = PGC 51160

14 19 15.0 +07 01 16; Vir

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' W.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 5552 2.8' WNW.  NGC 5563 lies 12' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5554 = m 278, along with NGC 5552, on 8 May 1864 and noted "eF, S."  His position is accurate.  Lewis Swift probably found this pair again on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded Sw. I-33 = NGC 5564 as "S; vvF; sf of 2; v diff.; a star midway between them."  His position, though, is 1 min of RA too large, and falls much closer to NGC 5563.  Because of this, Dreyer suggested in the NGC Notes section that NGC 5563 was perhaps a duplicate of NGC 5563.

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NGC 5555 = ESO 579-015 = MCG -03-36-011 = PGC 51124

14 18 48.1 -19 08 20; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

18" (5/29/05): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.3', low surface brightness.  A mag 14 star lies 2' NE.  It took some effort to identify this galaxy in the field, even with a star chart.  Located 7' SE of a mag 9 HD 125216.  A mag 10 star is a similar distance SW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5555 = LM 1-202 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.7' dia, iR, gbMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.3 min of RA east of ESO 579-015, typical with his positions.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 5555.

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NGC 5556 = ESO 446-050 = MCG -05-34-009 = UGCA 389 = PGC 51245

14 20 34.3 -29 14 32; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 4.0'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 148”

 

13.1" (3/17/86): extremely diffuse, moderately large, very difficult, low surface brightness "hazy" region.  Involves 3-4 fainter stars on the north side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5556 = h3564 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "eF; L; 2' diam; has some small stars involved."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5557 = UGC 9161 = MCG +06-31-093 = CGCG 191-074 = LGG 378-001 = PGC 51104

14 18 25.8 +36 29 36; Boo

V = 11.0;  Size 2.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 105”

 

18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared bright, moderately large, round.  Contains a bright, 40" core and a sharply concentrated 10" intense nucleus with a bright stellar point at the center.  The outer halo is much fainter and extends slightly E-W, ~1.5'x1.3'.  A mag 10 star lies 4.8' NW.  Brightest in a group (LGG 378) with NGC 5544/5545 (Arp 199) 17' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, fairly small, small bright core dominates.  A very faint star is involved at SE side.  The NGC 5544/NGC 5545 pair lies 16' NW and the thin edge-on NGC 5529 is 38' WSW.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5557 = H I-99 = h1776 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "cB, S, R, bM."  On 16 May 1787 he logged "vB, S, R, vsmbM." JH made two observations and recorded on sweep 28 "B; R: vsmbM to a *; vF at the borders."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 25) as an illlustration of "nebulae that are suddenly much brighter in the middle."

 

A total of 11 observations were made at Birr Castle. On 26 Apr 1848, Lord Rosse, or assistant William Rambaut, logged "Nucleus manifested a decidedly spiral arrangement; the neb becomes eF towards the edges; from the upper [sff] par of the nucleus proceeds a circular spiral, only seen by glimpses (as also spirality of nucleus)." The observation was made during the period when spiral structure was sometimes overzealously described.  NGC 5557 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" in LdR's 1850 PT paper, though it is a standard E-type galaxy and the 1861 publication mentions "frequently observed, nothing certainÓ.

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NGC 5558 = NGC 5552: = CGCG 047-004 = PGC 51140

14 19 03.8 +07 01 54; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5552.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5558 = Sw. I-32, along with NGC 5564 and NGC 5565, on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded "S, vvF, lE, 2 F st point to it, 2 others near, v diff, np of 2 [with Sw. I-34 = NGC 5564]."  His position falls between NGC 5552 and NGC 5563 (both discovered earlier by Marth), but his description fits the pair NGC 5552 and 5554.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5559 = UGC 9166 = MCG +04-34-017 = CGCG 133-032 = LGG 381-002 = PGC 51155

14 19 12.6 +24 47 55; Boo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 67”

 

13.1" (6/4/83): very faint, elongated WSW-ENE, fairly small, requires averted vision.  NGC 5548 lies 26' NW (similar redshifts).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5559 = H III-347 = h1777 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, lE."  There is nothing near his position, but 77 sec of RA east is UGC 9166.  JH made a single observation and his position (adopted in the NGC) is within 30" of UGC 9166 = PGC 51155.

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NGC 5560 = Arp 286 NED1 = UGC 9172 = MCG +01-37-001 = CGCG 047-010 = KTG 54A = Holm 630b = PGC 51223

14 20 04.5 +03 59 33; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 3.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 115”

 

48" (5/4/16): at 375x; bright, large, very elongated 6:1 WNW-ESE, 3.5'x0.6'.  Contains a very bright, elongated core region and long, thin stretched-out arms that gradually fade (low surface brightness) towards the tips.  The arms curve slightly north on the west side and south on the east end, creating a subtle, graceful integral sign!  A mag 14.3 star is 0.7' N of center.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5566 5.3' SE.

 

24" (5/11/13): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.6', relatively large bright core, fades and tapers towards tips.  First in a trio with NGC 5566 5.3' SE (the pair forming Arp 286) and much fainter NGC 5569 7' E.  A mag 14 star is 40" N of center and mag 8.2 HD 125505 is 5' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, fairly smooth surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just 40" NNW of center.  Located 5.3' NW of NGC 5566 in a group and 5' ESE of mag 8.4 SAO 120403.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5560 = H II-579 = h1778, along with NGC 5566, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "pB, cL, E."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5561 = PGC 2800986

14 17 22.8 +58 45 02; UMa

Size 0.35'x0.35'

 

17.5" (6/2/00): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4', low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is close NW [57" from center].  Forms a close pair with UGC 9151 2.6' SSW (not seen).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5561 = Sw. I-31 on 11 May 1885 and recorded "vvF; pS; R; F * near west."  His position is within 20 arcseconds of the center of PGC 2800986, a very compact galaxy.  Furthermore, there is a mag 14 star 1' west-northwest matching his description.  Nevertheless, PGC, MCG and RC3 misidentify UGC 9151 as NGC 5561.  This larger spiral galaxy is located just 2.4' SSW of Swift's position, but has a much lower surface brightness. Because of the misidentification, there is no (low) PGC listing for this galaxy.  NGC 5561 is mentioned in the UGC notes to UGC 9151 (separation 2.6').  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5562 = UGC 9174 = MCG +02-37-002 = CGCG 075-011 = PGC 51227

14 20 11.0 +10 15 46; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.3', even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' SE of center.  Located 3.1' NE of a mag 11 star.  UGC 9177 lies 11' NNE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5562 on 28 Jun 1883 while observing NGC 5511 and reported it in discovery list VIII.  In the narrative portion of the paper, he describes (translation from Wolfgang Steinicke) "Two degrees north of it [NGC 5511], I found on June 28th a new nebula and have seen it several times. At this time I can specify its position only from Argelander's atlas [the BD]: 14h 13m Os +10d 39'. It is small, III; 3' south-preceding the nebula is a star 11m, and 3 sec following is a very faint star."  Tempel's rough position is 16' south of UGC 9174 but his description applies to this galaxy.  Bigourdan was unable to recover this galaxy (probably due to the poor offset from the BD star).  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5563 = CGCG 047-011 = PGC 51226

14 20 13.1 +07 03 20; Vir

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, extremely small, round, small bright core.  Located just west of a line of three mag 13-14 stars including a mag 14 star 1.8' ENE and a mag 13 star 1.8' SE.  NGC 5573 lies 10' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5563 = m 279 on 8 May 1864 and noted "eF, S, lE."  His position matches CGCG 047-011 = PGC 51226.  Lewis Swift's position for Sw. I-33 = NGC 5564 is just 2' south of this galaxy, but his description applies to NGC 5554.  See notes on NGC 5564.

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NGC 5564 = NGC 5554: = CGCG 047-006 = PGC 51160

14 19 15.0 +07 01 16; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5554.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5564 = Sw. I-33, along with NGC 5558 and 5565, on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded "S; vvF; sf of 2; v diff; a star midway between them."  His position is just 2' south of NGC 5563 and Dreyer mentions in the NGC Notes section that NGC 5564 and 5565 are probably identical to NGC 5563.  But Harold Corwin notes that Swift's description applies to NGC 5554 (discovered earlier by Marth), as  a star is midway between the two galaxies.  NGC 5565 was placed just 30" south of NGC 5564, but there is nothing at this position. RNGC classifies NGC 5564 as nonexistent.

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NGC 5565

14 19 18.6 +06 59 42; Vir

 

= *?, Corwin.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5565 = Sw. I-34, along with NGC 5558 and 5564, on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded "S; vvF; R; v diff."  His position is 30" south of Sw. I-33 = NGC 5564, which is probably a duplicate of NGC 5554 (discovered earlier by Marth).  Assuming this is true, his offset suggests NGC 5565 refers to a mag 15.5 star situated 1.8' southeast of NGC 5554.

 

Harold Corwin mentions that Swift called NGC 5558 and 5564 "np of 2" and "sf of 2" and carefully describes the nearby field, although the positions imply NGC 5564 and 5565 would be a much closer pair.  Another possibility, is that NGC 5565 is actually a duplicate of NGC 5563.  In any case, there are only three galaxies in this area, and all were found previously by Marth.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5566 = Arp 286 NED2 = UGC 9175 = MCG +01-37-002 = CGCG 047-012 = KTG 54B = Holm 630a = LGG 379-003 = PGC 51233

14 20 19.9 +03 56 01; Vir

V = 10.6;  Size 6.6'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

48" (5/4/16): at 375x; extremely bright and large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 6.0'x1.5'.  Very sharply concentrated with a large, roundish, very bright core containing a large, very intense nucleus!  The southern extension or arms is slightly wider than the northern counterpart and more evenly lit, though it is brighter along its southern edge, particularly closer to the core region (this is the edge of a spiral arm).  The northern branch is brighter along its northern edge and appears to be a low contrast spiral arm, bending or twisting slightly counterclockwise (towards the east).  A mag 12 star is 1.6' E of center and a mag 13.8 star is 1.2' WSW.  Brightest in an excellent trio with NGC 5560 5.3' NW and NGC 5569 4.3' NE.

 

24" (5/11/13): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  Very sharply concentrated with a large, bright elongated core that is also sharply concentrated with an intense elongated nucleus, angled with respect to the major axis.  The halo is very diffuse without a sharp edge, but extends at least 4.0'x1.3'.  The core is bracketed by mag 12 and 14 stars to the east and west, respectively. NGC 5569 lies 4.3' NE, beyond the edge of the galaxy, and NGC 5560 is 5.3' NW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright nucleus.  Brightest of three with NGC 5560 5.3' NW and NGC 5569 4.1' NE.  A mag 12 star is 1.6' E of center.  A pair of mag 8 and 9 stars (SAO 120402 and 120403) lie 10' NW.  NGC 5576 (brightest in a trio) lies 40' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5566 = H I-144 = h1779, along with NGC 5560, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "cB, cL, R, gmbM."   JH made 3 observations and recorded (sweep 426) "B; R; 40"; gbM; r; has a *12m 1 diam of neb dist nf."

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NGC 5567 = MCG +06-31-096 = CGCG 191-075 = PGC 51161

14 19 17.6 +35 08 16; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated bright core.  Forms a trio with NGC 5568 3' SSE and an anonymous galaxy 1' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5567 = h1780 on 3 Apr 1831 and noted "pF; R."  His position matches CGCG 191-075 = PGC 51161.  First in a group of 5 NGC galaxies.

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NGC 5568 = MCG +06-31-098 = CGCG 191-077 = PGC 51168

14 19 21.2 +35 05 32; Boo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/10/86): faint, small bright core.  Larger of a pair with NGC 5567 3' NNW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5568 = Big. 72 on 27 May 1886.  His position matches CGCG 191-077, located 3' SSE of NGC 5567.

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NGC 5569 = Arp 286 NED3 = UGC 9176 = MCG +01-37-003 = CGCG 047-013 = KTG 54C = Holm 630c = LGG 379-002 = PGC 51241

14 20 32.1 +03 59 00; Vir

V = 14.5;  Size 1.7'x1.4'

 

24" (5/11/13): faint, fairly large, very diffuse glow with a very weak core, slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'.  Faintest in a triplet; 4.3' NE of NGC 5566 and 7.0' E of NGC 5560.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): extremely faint, almost round, fairly small, just visible at 200x.  This difficult galaxy is the faintest of three and located just 4.1' NE of the center of NGC 5566 and 6.8' E of NGC 5560.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5569 on 26 Apr 1849.  During an observation of NGC 5560 and 5566 he noted "a new neb eeF, gvlbM, north following h1779 [NGC 5566].

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NGC 5570 = NGC 5519 = UGC 9111 = MCG +01-36-025 = CGCG 046-070 = PGC 51185

14 14 20.9 +07 30 56; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 75”

 

See observing notes for NGC 5519.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5570 = H III-12 = h1781 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 110) and recorded "a nebula, it is excessively obscure."  His published description adds "vF, forming an arch with 3 stars.Ó but there is nothing near his position.

 

Harold Corwin suggests H. III-12 is the first observation of NGC 5519: "NGC 5519 indeed forms an arch with two stars west and southwest, and a third is superposed on the galaxy.  WH's observation puts N5570 21m 15s p, 0d 34' s of 31 Bootis.  This is 6 minutes of time off the position of N5519.  I think that the "21m" is a transcription error and should read "27m."  In that case, the RA as well as the Dec and the description would match N5519.Ó

 

Interestingly, it appears Herschel observed this galaxy again on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "2 vS stars with nebulosity suspected between them."  His position was 3' too far south, but matches the mag 14.5 star attached to the following end and the nucleus of the galaxy.  He didn't assign an internal discovery number or H-designation for this observation.

 

Searching for his father's H. III-12, John Herschel recorded h1781 on 9 May 1828 as "Not vF; S; R; bM. (RA by working list.)"  His position was roughly the same as his father's.  On the second sweep he simply noted "Seen.  as also III. 551 [NGC 5546] in the same parallel, but considerably dist in RA.Ó

 

The RNGC and PGC (but not MCG or CGCG) misidentify CGCG 047-007 as NGC 5570.  This galaxy is roughly 1 min of RA west of WH's position and 5' south, but doesn't match his description of "forming an arch with two stars."  Still, it's possible CGCG 047-007 = h1781.

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NGC 5571

14 19 32.0 +35 09 03; Boo

 

17.5" (6/2/00): at 280x-500x, three very faint stars are resolved including a very close double.  It is easy to see how this close "clump" of stars (four on the POSS) could have been mistaken for a nebula.  Located with a group of faint NGC galaxies and 30' SW of a mag 5 star.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5571 = Big. 73 on 27 May 1886.  His position in his second Comptes Rendus list corresponds with a small group of 4 stars.  According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan thought there was some nebulosity on his first observation (used in the NGC), but he resolved the stars on the second attempt.  RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 5571 with NGC 5579.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5572 = UGC 9173 = MCG +06-31-099 = CGCG 191-079 = CGCG 192-002 = Mrk 677 = PGC 51196

14 19 35.3 +36 08 26; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/23/01): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 40" diameter, weak concentration. Located at the midpoint of two mag 11 stars 6'  NE and 6' SW.  A third mag 10.5 lies 7' S.  Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5572 = St XIII-73 on 13 May 1883.   His position is accurate.

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NGC 5573 = MCG +01-37-005 = CGCG 047-016 = PGC 51257

14 20 41.5 +06 54 27; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 1.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  NGC 5563 lies 10' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5573 = m 280 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF, S, lE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5574 = UGC 9181 = MCG +01-37-006 = CGCG 047-018 = KTG 55A = PGC 51270

14 20 56.0 +03 14 17; Vir

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 63”

 

24" (6/8/13): bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to an intense central spot.  Forms a prominent pair with NGC 5576 2.8' NE.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core possibly stellar.  Second brightest of three in a group with NGC 5576 2.7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5574 = H I-145 = h1782 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558), along with NGC 5576, and described both as "Two, the time place is that of the 2nd [NGC 5576].  The preceding [NGC 5574] pB, pL, E.  Distance about 3 or 4' from sp to nf."  JH's simply reported "F; S; lE" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5575 = NGC 5578: = UGC 9184 = MCG +01-37-008 = CGCG 047-021 = PGC 51272

14 20 59.5 +06 12 09; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter.  Weak, even concentration to a faint, quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth found NGC 5575 = m 281 on 8 May 1864 and noted "F, vS, or neb*."  His position is 1' north of UGC 9184.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 22 May 1884 and it received the duplicate designation NGC 5578 (see that number).  The original sighting was made by WH, though on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042).  He recorded "2 vS stars with suspected nebulosity, but 300 shewed them free of it."  WH didn't include this in his list of nebulae, though he could have as his position agrees to within an arcminute of that of the galaxy.

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NGC 5576 = UGC 9183 = MCG +01-37-007 = CGCG 047-020 = KTG 55B = PGC 51275

14 21 03.7 +03 16 16; Vir

V = 11.0;  Size 3.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 95”

 

24" (6/8/13): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W, 2.0'x1.6'.  Well concentrated with a large, very bright core and a more diffuse halo that gradually fades out.  The core gradually increases to the center.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' NW of center at the NW edge.  Brighter of a striking pair with NGC 5574 2.8' SW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, bright core, bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the NW edge 1.3' from center.  Brightest of three with NGC 5574 2.7' SW and NGC 5577 10.2' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5576 = H I-146 = h1783 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558), along with NGC 5574, and recorded "Two; the preceding [NGC 5574], pB; pL; E. Distance 3' or 4' sp nf."  On a later sweep he noted I-146 was "cB, R, pL."  JH recorded "vB; R; vsmbM; a star 11 mag north-preceding and the nebula I 145 [NGC 5574] south-preceding makes a right-angled triangle with I 146 at the right angle."

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NGC 5577 = UGC 9187 = MCG +01-37-009 = CGCG 047-022 = KTG 55C = PGC 51286

14 21 13.1 +03 26 09; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 3.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 56”

 

24" (6/8/13): moderately bright, large, very elongated ~7:2 SW-NE, ~3.0'x0.9', broad concentration to large, brighter central region but no distinct core or nucleus.  A mag 15.5 star is at the east flank of the NE extension and two mag 15.5 stars are off the west flank on the NE side.  Largest but faintest (by far the lowest surface brightness) of trio with NGC 5576 10' SSW and NGC 5574 12.6' SSW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly large, very elongated WSW-ENE, very diffuse, low surface brightness.  Faintest of three in a group with NGC 5576 10' SSW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5577 on 26 Apr 1849.  While observing NGC 5576 he recorded "16' nf [NGC 5576] there is a L, F ray about 4.5'x1', gvlbM."  Two years later (12 May 1850), he described this "Nova" as "pB, D* close preceding, * in nf edge."   Although the identification is certain, the separation is only 10' northeast of NGC 5576 as noted by d'Arrest, who measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5578 = NGC 5575: = UGC 9184 = MCG +01-37-008 = CGCG 047-021 = PGC 51272

14 20 59.4 +06 12 09; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

See observing notes for NGC 5575.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 5578 = Sw. I-35 on 22 May 1884 and recorded "vF; vS; lE; mbM to nucleus."  His position is 15 sec of RA following NGC 5575 (discovered by Marth in 1864), so it's a bit surprising that Dreyer assumed it as new, and recatalogued it as NGC 5578.  In any case, NGC 5575 = NGC 5578, with NGC 5575 the primary designation.

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NGC 5579 = Arp 69 = VV 142 = UGC 9180 = MCG +06-32-002 = CGCG 191-080 = CGCG 192-003 = PGC 51236

14 20 26.5 +35 11 18; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 165”

 

48" (4/30/19): at 545x; fairly bright, fairly large, larger brighter core region, roundish with a  diffuse, very irregular halo. A linear segment of a spiral arm was occasionally visible on the northeast side [knotty portion of spiral arm on the SDSS].  The initial part of two spiral arms were just visible on the south side: a low contrast spiral arm extended SSE from the central region and occasionally a second parallel "arm" about 20" to its west also extended south.

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly large, irregular shape, contains a large brighter core that appears offset to the north side.  The surface brightness of the halo was fairly low so discerning structure was difficult and the seeing was fairly poor.  A long spiral arm that forms a looping arc on the south side was visible as faint, curving haze but no individual HII knots were resolved.

 

NGC 5579 forms a close physical pair with LEDA 214249 1.7' SSE.  It appeared faint (V = 17.2), fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, ~15"x10", low even surface brightness.  A mag 13.3 star is 0.6' SW.

 

LEDA 2061435, situated 3' NNW of NGC 5579, appeared fairly faint (V = 15.8), round, 15", very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is just 0.4' NW.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, fairly large, slightly elongated, very diffuse, even surface brightness.  NGC 5590 lies 15' E and the NGC 5567/5568 pair is 15' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5579 = H III-415 = h1784 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "eF, pL."  JH made two observations and noting on sweep 72 "F; pL; the preceding of 2 [with h1785 = Nova]" and on sweep 331 "eF; L; 30 or 40"."  His positions on both sweeps are good, though there is nothing at his position for h1785 = NGC 5580.  But 1 min of RA due east is NGC 5590.  JH claimed in the GC (and repeated by Dreyer) that NGC 5579 was missed at Birr Castle (though NGC 5589 and 5590 was observed twice).  But Samuel Hunter observed the trio on 9 May 1860, describing NGC 5579 as "a pL, F neb, vgbM, with a triangle formed by 3 stars".  This observation was mistakenly listed in the 1880 publication under GC 3826 (future NGC 5533).

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NGC 5580 = NGC 5590 = UGC 9200 = MCG +06-32-006 = CGCG 192-006 = LGG 378-003 = PGC 51312

14 21 38.3 +35 12 17; Boo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

See observing notes for NGC 5590.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC with an anonymous galaxy 1' S of NGC 5579.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5580 = h1785 on 27 Apr 1827 and noted "Not vF; 20"; the following of 2 [with NGC 5579]."  His position for NGC 5579 on this sweep is good, though there is nothing at his position for h1785.  But exactly 1 min of RA following his position is NGC 5590 and Harold Corwin suggests (personal letter dated 9/12/94) that NGC 5580 = NGC 5590.  This would imply he missed NGC 5589 on this sweep. See his identification notes for the full story.

 

RNGC misidentifies LEDA 214249, an extremely faint galaxy located 1.7' S of NGC 5579, as NGC 5580.  This error is included in my RNGC Corrections #1.

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NGC 5581 = MCG +04-34-021 = CGCG 133-038 = PGC 51282

14 21 16.3 +23 28 48; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7'

 

17.5" (7/22/01): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', very weak concentration, very small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is close SSE [40" from center].  Located 5' NNE of a mag 10 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5581 = St XIII-74 on 6 May 1883 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5582 = UGC 9188 = MCG +07-29-063 = CGCG 219-070 = CGCG 220-003 = PGC 51251

14 20 43.2 +39 41 36; Boo

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.6'x1.1'.  Embedded in the halo is a small, rounder, prominent core ~35" diameter.  The core is moderately concentrated to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Situated with a group of stars including a mag 10.5 star 3.5' SE, a mag 13 star 1.5' WSW and a mag 14 star 1.2' following.

 

17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, moderately large.  The halo is 1.5'x1.0' extended SSW-NNE and contains a prominent core which increases to a stellar nucleus.  Located 3.7' NW of mag 10 SAO 64089 within a small group of stars including a mag 13 star 1.5' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5582 = H II-754 = h1786 on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "pB, pL, R, a faint nucleus."  JH made four observations and first described it (sweep 73) as "pB; R; gbM; 30"; has a * 11m 50” sp, dist 80"."

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NGC 5583 = UGC 9196 = MCG +02-37-004 = CGCG 075-018 = PGC 51313

14 21 40.6 +13 13 56; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (7/22/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3'.  Forms the SE vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 1' NW and a mag 14 star 1' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5583 = Sw. III-80 on 4 Jun 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; R; pB * nr; also a F one."  His position is 6 sec of RA west and 1' south of UGC 9196 and his description applies.

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NGC 5584 = UGC 9201 = MCG +00-37-001 = CGCG 019-008 = PGC 51344

14 22 23.8 -00 23 16; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 3.4'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 140”

 

18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, fairly large oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~2.5'x1.7', broad weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the north end and a mag 13 star is off the SE end.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): fairly large diffuse glow, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~3.5'x2.2', broad weak concentration which is offset towards the west side as the halo is much weaker west of the core.  A mag 12 star is off the north side [2.1' NNE of center] and the SE end extends to a mag 13 star [1.9' SE of center].

 

8" (6/29/84): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, no sharp edges.  A mag 12 star is off the north edge 2.1' NNE.  Located 3.4' SW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 5584 on 27 Jul 1881 with his 5-inch refractor from Nashville and it's probably the first galaxy Barnard discovered.  He reported this galaxy in Sidereal Messenger I, p135 (1882) as "very faint nebulosity of moderate extension; pretty even in light.  A small star involved.  A brighter star lies north and just free of nebulosity."  It was also announced in AN 108, p.369 with a position measured by Oliver Wendell at the Harvard Observatory.  He noted that the nebula was "examined by, among others, Mr. Tempel and is here inserted merely as a matter of record", but there is not published observation by Tempel.  Swift reported a mottled appearance and thought more light and power would resolve it.

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NGC 5585 = UGC 9179 = MCG +10-20-094 = CGCG 295-045 = LGG 371-003 = PGC 51210

14 19 48.3 +56 43 45; UMa

V = 10.7;  Size 5.8'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 3.5'x2.5'. Broad, weak concentration to a 1' slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star is close south (2.1' S of center) and a mag 11.5 star is 3.4' NE of center.  Located 5' NW of mag 9.5 SAO 29106.  Member of the M101 group.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, diffuse.  Located 5' NW of mag 9 SAO 29106.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5585 = H I-235 = h1790 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and recorded "cB, pL, vgmbM, iF, r, about 4' diam."  JH made a single on observation, noting ""vF; vL; R; vgbM; diam 2' at least; moonlight and haze."

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NGC 5586

14 22 07 +13 11 06; Boo

 

= Not found, Corwin.  = *?, Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5586 = Sw. III-81 on 4 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; R; nearly between 2 B st."  There is nothing at his position.  The nearest object is NGC 5583 (27 sec of RA west and 3' north), which he discovered the same night.  There are two bright stars bracketing his positions, but no object that could be confused with a nebula and Harold Corwin was unable to recover this object. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5587 = UGC 9202 = MCG +02-37-005 = CGCG 075-020 = PGC 51332

14 22 10.8 +13 55 04; Boo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (5/15/99): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.5'.  Extended in the direction of mag 8.5 SAO 100994 5' S.  NGC 5591 lies 13' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5587 = H III-110 = h1787 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and recorded "vF, vS, lE.  240x verified it."  He later observed it on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and logged "pB, S, lE."  His position was 7 sec of time too large.  JH made the single observation "vF; R: gbM.  Is np a * 8m 6' dist."

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NGC 5588 = NGC 5589: = UGC 9197 = MCG +06-32-005 = CGCG 192-004 = LGG 378-002 = PGC 51300

14 21 25.1 +35 16 14; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

See observing notes for NGC 5589.

 

John Herschel found NGC 5588 = h1789 on 9 May 1826 (sweep 28) and simply noted "eF."  There is nothing at his position.  On the same sweep, he recorded NGC 5590 and measured an accurate position, but h1788 = NGC 5589 was not recorded.

 

Harold Corwin suggests h1789 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 5589.  JH placed NGC 5588 about as far south of NGC 5590 as NGC 5589 is north and RA's are identical, so if he reversed the direction of the declination offset from NGC 5590, then his position for h1789 = NGC 5588 would match NGC 5589.  Discussed in private email on 12 Sep 1994.  See Corwin's identification notes for his summary.

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NGC 5589 = NGC 5588: = UGC 9197 = MCG +06-32-005 = CGCG 192-004 = LGG 378-002 = PGC 51300

14 21 25.1 +35 16 14; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair and similar size with NGC 5590 located 4.8' SE.   Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5589 = H III-416 = h1788, along with NGC 5590, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the south-following, both vF and S.  Distance about 6' or more."  JH made two observations and noted on sweep 337 "The np of 2.  Pos with the other = 330” [NNW] by micrometer."  JH's h1789 = NGC 5588, found on 9 May 1826 (sweep 28), is probably a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 5590 = NGC 5580 = UGC 9200 = MCG +06-32-006 = CGCG 192-006 = LGG 378-003 = PGC 51312

14 21 38.3 +35 12 17; Boo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5589 4.8' NW.  NGC 5579 lies 15' W.  Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5590 = H III-417 = h1791, along with NGC 5589, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405).  JH made three observations and recorded (sweep 337) "pB; R; psbM; 15"; the sf of 2; moonlight."  In addition, h1785 = NGC 5580 is a duplicate observation with a 1 min error in RA.  So, NGC 5590 = NGC 5580.

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NGC 5591 = UGC 9207 = MCG +02-37-006 = CGCG 075-023 = Mrk 809 = PGC 51360

14 22 33.3 +13 43 01; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

24" (6/15/15): at 375x; the brighter western component of this merged, interacting double system appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, roughly 0.6'x0.4', brighter core, fairly low surface brightness.  The attached eastern component (PGC 93125) is elongated 5:2 E-W, ~0.5'x0.2' and contains a small, slightly brighter nucleus or knot, 6"-8" in diameter.  The two nuclei are 22" apart (measured on the DSS2).

 

17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.5', slightly brighter core.  A mag 11 star lies 2.7' SE.  NGC 5587 lies 13' NNW.  Either the pair was unresolved or I only viewed the brighter western component of this disturbed double system.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5591 = Sw. III-82 on 4 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; pB star near south-following."  His position is 8 sec of RA too far west and 2.2' too far south though his comment "pB * near south-following" secures the identification.

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NGC 5592 = ESO 446-058 = MCG -05-34-011 = AM 1421-282 NED01 = KTS 50A = PGC 51428

14 23 55.0 -28 41 17; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5592 = H III-924 = h3565 on 5 May 1793 (sweep 1041) and recorded "eF, S, r.  300 confirmed it."  JH made the single observation "pF; E; gvlbM; 25"." from the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 5593 = ESO 175-008 = OCL-926

14 25 39 -54 47 54; Lup

Size 7'

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up at 76x as fairly striking elongated group of stars.  At 228x, this is a distinctive group of 11 brighter mag 10/11 stars including a nice pair (h 4675 = 10/11 at 8") and perhaps 30 stars total in a 7'x2.5' group that is quite elongated E-W.  The cluster is well-detached in the field.  In the center is a nearly 1.5' region devoid of stars which separates the cluster into two subgroups with the double star just following this vacuity.  Appears fully resolved, even at low power.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5593 = D 350 = h3566 on 8 May 1826 and described "a curved line of small stars, south preceding a star of the 7th magnitude".  Although his position is well off, the description applies though the star of 7th magnitude - not the cluster - is south-southwest.

 

John Herschel described NGC 5593 as "a poor, coarse, oblong cluster, which is the most condensed part of a rich region of stars 10m. Place of a double star [HJ 4675] in the following part."

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NGC 5594 = IC 4412 = MCG +04-34-024 = CGCG 133-046 = PGC 51391

14 23 10.3 +26 15 57; Boo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration.  Located 1.9' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.  The galaxy did not appear as elongated as dimensions imply, so probably only viewed the inner region.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5594 = H III-135 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and noted "eF, vS, stellar, 240x verified it."  In the notes section of the NGC, Dreyer says there was a discrepancy of 10' in the declination between Caroline Herschel's and Auwers' positions.  He used CH's [her position was actually 6' off in dec] though Auwers' was more accurate.  In Dreyer's 1912 correction list he also notes "the PD should be 63” 8'."  Using this correction, H III-135 = CGCG 133-046.

 

Stephane Javelle rediscovered the galaxy on 14 Jul 1895 and measured a good position for J. III-1306 (later (IC 4412).  Both CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as IC 4412.

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NGC 5595 = MCG -03-37-001 = VV 446 = VV 530 = Holm 638a = PGC 51445

14 24 13.3 -16 43 23; Lib

V = 12.0;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 55”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse, brighter core, elongated SW-NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5597 4' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5595 = H III-121 = h1792, along with NGC 5597, on 14 May 1784 (sweep 214) and recorded "Two, both vF and nearly R.  The following [NGC 5597] which is the most south, is a little larger than the preceding [NGC 5595] but fainter; and is about one minute in dia." I should probably have overlooked it had it not been for the first; their distance is about 5' and position about 10 or 15 degrees sf."  John Herschel described this galaxy (sweep 157) as "F; L; R; vglbM; 60 or 80" diam; the first of 2; delta RA = 15s."  His position is accurate.

 

Based on a Franklin-Adams photograph taken in April 1911, H.E. Woods described NGC 5595 as a "spiral nebula; diameter 55", about 12th magnitude."  At the Helwan observatory, Knox-Shaw (1924) described it as a "curious single branch spiral, arms being formed of straight portions, absorbed [dust] on s.f. side."

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NGC 5596 = UGC 9208 = MCG +06-32-010 = CGCG 192-007 = Mrk 470 = LGG 378-006 = PGC 51355

14 22 28.7 +37 07 20; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.7'x0.6'.  Weak concentration with a very small, slightly brighter core.  Located 13' SW of mag 7.4 SAO 64115.  Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5596 = H III-418 = h1795 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "eF, stellar."  JH made the single observation "eF; S; R" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5597 = MCG -03-37-002 = VV 446 = Holm 638b = PGC 51456

14 24 27.5 -16 45 46; Lib

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 95”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): faint, small, round, small bright nucleus, very slightly elongated, faint halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 5595 4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5597 = H III-122 = h1793, along with NGC 5595, on 14 May 1784 (sweep 214).  See description for NGC 5595.  John Herschel described this galaxy (sweep 157) as "vF; L; R; the second of 2; 60 or 80" diam; delta RA = 15 sec."

 

Based on a Franklin-Adams photograph taken in April 1911, H.E. Woods described NGC 5597 as a "small round nebula with bright nucleus; about 60" diameter; magnitude 12.5."

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NGC 5598 = UGC 9209 = MCG +07-30-004 = CGCG 220-007 = PGC 51354

14 22 28.3 +40 19 11; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50”

 

18" (7/2/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 45"x35", gradually increases to a brighter core and a very small bright nucleus.  Largest in a group with NGC 5601 4.3' E, NGC 5603 7' NE and UGC 9216 8' NE.  Located 6' E of mag 9.5 HD 126008.

 

17.5" (5/15/99): slightly larger of similar pair with NGC 5603.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', very weak concentration.  In a group with NGC 5603 7' NE.  Located 6' E of mag 9.5 SAO 45011.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5598 = H III-733 = h1796, along with NGC 5603, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "vF, vS." JH made two observations, although he noted that one position was bad and the second was uncertain in dec.  Nevertheless his second position is accurate.

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NGC 5599 = UGC 9218 = MCG +01-37-010 = CGCG 047-030 = PGC 51423

14 23 50.8 +06 34 33; Vir

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5', fairly even surface brightness.  Located 10' NNE of a 1' pair of mag 8.5 (SAO 120428) and 10 stars.  The compact group Shkh 358 is close NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5599 = H III-927 = h1794 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "vF, S."  His position is at the south edge of UGC 9218.  JH made a total of 4 observations.

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NGC 5600 = UGC 9220 = MCG +03-37-013 = CGCG 104-015 = Ar 449 = VIII Zw 410 = PGC 51422

14 23 49.5 +14 38 20; Boo

V = 12.1;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/12/99): at 280x appears moderately bright, broadly concentrated to a 50" bright core which is slightly brighter on the following side.  The small halo is slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.3'x1.1'.  Forms one end of a cross asterism with a mag 10 star 8' NE and two mag 12 stars 4' N and 4' SE.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5600 = H II-177 = h1797 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and noted "rather F, no L, lbM, r."  His position is 30 sec of time west of UGC 9220 and 2' south.  He observed it again on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and measured an accurate RA, though his declination was 3.5' too far north.  John Herschel logged it on 3 Apr 1826 (sweep 24) as "pB; R; gbM; 40"." His position was accurate.  On 29 Apr 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "Edges filamentous, centre vB.  I suspect the brightest part to be curved."

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NGC 5601 = MCG +07-30-006 = CGCG 220-009 = PGC 51370

14 22 53.3 +40 18 34; Boo

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0”

 

18" (7/2/11): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 30"x20", very weak concentration.  Faintest of three NGC galaxies with NGC 5598 5' W and NGC 5603 4.4' NNE.  The faintest in the group is UGC 9216 situated 6.5' N.

 

17.5" (6/8/02): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.5'x0.15'.  Located 4.9' ESE of NGC 5598 and 4.3' SSW of NGC 5603 within a small group of galaxies.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on LdR's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 5601 on 27 Mar 1867.  Under the listing for GC 3867 [=NGC 5598] and GC 3871 [=NGC 5603] is the comment "One or perhaps 2 novae; 2nd may be a *".  Although there was no diagram or offsets in the 1880 LdR monograph, Dreyer published a good position for NGC 5601 in the GC Supplement (5770) and NGC.  The second nebula that Ball suspected is probably UGC 9216.  The MCG selection for NGC 5601 appears to be NGC 5603, while its choice of NGC 5603 is UGC 9216.

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NGC 5602 = UGC 9210 = MCG +09-24-002 = CGCG 273-004 = PGC 51340

14 22 18.9 +50 30 05; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 166”

 

18" (5/3/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright, 0.4'x0.3' core and a 1.2'x0.8' halo.

 

17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.7' diameter, sharply concentrated with a bright 20" core.  MCG +08-26-022 is in the field 9' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5602 = H II-694 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "pF, pS, mbM, lE."  CH's reduction is 2' north of UGC 9210.  Copeland observed the field at Birr Castle on 9 Apr 1874 and noted, "2 nebulae, both S, nf one the fainter."  A diagram with west down, published in the large 1880 monograph, appears to show NGC 5602, labeled Alpha with a bright core, and probably CGCG 272-003, labeled Beta.  The orientation of the pair is correct, although NGC 5602, the north-following object, is much brighter.  Two additional objects, labeled Delta and Gamma (indicated with a question mark) are also included, those these are likely faint stars.  Probably since there was no follow up observation and Dreyer didn't know which object was NGC 5602, he didn't assign CGCG 272-003 an NGC designation.

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NGC 5603 = UGC 9217 = MCG +07-30-008 = CGCG 220-011 = I Zw 86 = PGC 51382

14 23 01.5 +40 22 38; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (7/2/11): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, well concentrated to a very small, bright core.  Brightest in a small group of 4 galaxies at 285x including NGC 5603B = UGC 9216 2.6' NNW, NGC 5601 4.4' SSW and NGC 5598 7' SW.  The UGC appeared very faint, fairly small, very low surface brightness, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2'.

 

17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, even concentration to a brighter core and faint, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5598 7' SW and NGC 5601 4.3' SSW.  Also, a low surface brightness companion, UGC 9216, less than 3' NNW was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5603 = H III-734 = h1800, along with NGC 5598, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and noted "cF, pS.".  John Herschel made two observations (first on 13 May 1828), calling this galaxy both pB and vF. His mean position matches UGC 9217.  The MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 5601.  Brightest in a group.

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NGC 5604 = MCG +00-37-003 = CGCG 019-016 = PGC 51471

14 24 42.7 -03 12 44; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 ~N-S, ~50"x35" .  Contains a bright, elongated, mottled core. The N-S extensions are a bit non-symmetric in surface brightness with a hint of spiral structure, but nothing definite.

 

VIII Zw 414, a very close pair, lies 10' NE.  At 610x, the brighter western component appeared moderately bright, small, round, 15" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  Forms a very close pair with edge-on FGC 1750 just 12" E!  A wide bright double (9.2/11.1 at 18") lies 2.5' N.  FGC 1750 was logged as faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 6" diameter [this is the nucleus of the galaxy].  It occasionally elongated with extremely faint wings SW and NE increasing the size to 25"x6".

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, broadly concentrated with no defined nucleus.  A mag 10.5 star is 4.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5604 = H III-668 = h1799 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "cF, S, r."  His RA is 7 tsec too large.  On 15 Apr 1828 (sweep 146), John Herschel called it "F; pL; vgbM to a stellar point." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5605 = MCG -02-37-003 = PGC 51492

14 25 07.6 -13 09 48; Lib

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly large, diffuse, weakly concentrated to a small brighter core, fairly low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5605 = H III-120 = h1798 = h3569 on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, rather brighter towards the following side."  CH's reduction is 25 sec of RA east of MCG -02-37-003 = PGC 51492.  JH made a single observation from Slough and measured a more accurate position (1' too far south).  From the Cape of Good Hope, he recorded "F; pL; R; gvlbM; 90"."

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NGC 5606 = Cr 281 = ESO 134-003

14 27 47 -59 37 54; Cen

V = 7.7;  Size 3'

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is a compact, distinctive group of two dozen stars mag 8.7-15 including four mag 8.7-10 stars in a 2'-3' region.  Two of these stars form a wide 21" pair on the west side and are surrounded by several faint companions creating a rich clump.  The main group is only 2.5' in diameter, though it is situated in a glittering, rich star field so the cluster is not completely detached from the surrounding field.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5606 = D 313 = h3568 on 8 May 1826 and recorded "a very minute group of small stars, about 2' long, extended in the parallel of the equator."  JH made a single observation on 6 July 1836: "a small close group of large and small stars, forming a cluster."

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NGC 5607 = NGC 5620: = UGC 9189 = MCG +12-14-001 = CGCG 337-007 = Mrk 286 = VII Zw 547 = IC 1005 = PGC 51182

14 19 26.7 +71 35 17; UMi

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/10/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus at moments with concentration.  The galaxy is bracketed by two mag 13-14 stars 2.8' WSW and 2.2' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5607 = H II-331 on 16 Mar 1785 (sweep 389) and logged "F, pS, easily resolvable." His position is 1' from UGC 9189.  NGC 5620 = H III-319 (found by Herschel two weeks later) may be a duplicate observation.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 7 Jun 1888 and assumed it was new in his 7th list (#44, later IC 1005).  Swift's RA was 1 minute too small, but his description is appropriate.  So, NGC 5607 = IC 1005.

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NGC 5608 = UGC 9219 = MCG +07-30-009 = CGCG 220-012 = PGC 51396

14 23 17.7 +41 46 33; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (7/10/99): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~1.8'x1.2'.  This galaxy has a pretty low surface brightness with very weak concentration and an ill-defined edge to the halo.  Located 11' WNW of mag 8.8 SAO 45037.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5608 = H II-673 = h1801 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "F, pL, E, vlbM."  JH made the single observation "F; R; pL; vgbM; 80".  Sky very fine." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5609 = 2MASX J14234825+3450350 = PGC 3088538

14 23 48.3 +34 50 34; Boo

V = 15.6;  Size 0.4'x0.35'

 

48" (4/15/10): at 431x easily visible with direct vision as a moderately bright, fairly small, round glow of ~20" diameter, with a moderately high surface brightness.  Located 4' WSW of NGC 5614 and 4.7' SW of slightly brighter NGC 5613.  The redshift-based (z = .10) light-travel time is 1.3 billion years, possibly the most distant object in the NGC!

 

24" (7/8/13): at 280x, fairly faint, fairly small, round, low even surface brightness, 18" diameter.  Visible continuously with averted.  Located 4' WSW of NGC 5614 (Arp 178) in a quartet.

 

18" (5/16/09): extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.  Required averted vision to glimpse ~20% of the time at 280x, though could consistently repeat the observation.  Visible over 1/2 the time in a 22" at 330x.  Located 4' WSW of NGC 5614.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5609 on 1 Mar 1851.  During an observation of NGC 5614 he noted "[NGC 5614] is double [with NGC 5615], two others [NGC 5609 and 5613] faint."  A diagram shows NGC 5609 5' WSW of NGC 5614 (the actual separation is 4').  On 6 May 1877 Dreyer made another observation, noting "another preceding, eeF,  v, Position from GC 3880, ~259”, Dist ~240"."

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NGC 5610 = UGC 9230 = MCG +04-34-025 = CGCG 133-049 = PGC 51450

14 24 23 +24 36 51; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.4', moderate surface brightness with no concentration.  A mag 10 star follows by 5.6'.  Member of a small group (LGG 381), along with NGC 5548 and 5559.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5610 = H III-136 = h1802 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and recorded "eF, vS, E.  Like two stellar nebula very near each other.  240 showed the same; though there remains a possibility of a deception."  He reobserved this galaxy on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, E nearly in the parallel." JH made a more detailed description (sweep 425), "pF; pmE; gbM; 30"; a star 9m follows 20s in the parallel." His position is accurate.

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NGC 5611 = UGC 9227 = MCG +06-32-020 = CGCG 192-013 = PGC 51431

14 24 04.9 +33 02 49; Boo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 63”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, very small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.9' WSW.  NGC 5623 lies 40' ENE.  Located 9' SW of mag 9 SAO 74130.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5611 = h1803 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded "F; S; R; vsmbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5612 = ESO 022-001 = PGC 52057

14 34 01.5 -78 23 16; Aps

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 63”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~35"x25" (core only viewed?).  A star is at the southwest end.  Located 57' NW mag 3.8 Alpha Apodis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5612 = h3567 on 23 May 1835 and recorded "vF; E; gbM; with a feeble appearance of stars, but I have hardly a doubt of its being a nebula."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 5613 = Arp 178 NED1 = VV 77c = UGC 9228 = MCG +06-32-021 = PGC 51433

14 24 05.9 +34 53 31; Boo

V = 14.9;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

48" (4/15/10): at 431x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~24"x18", very small brighter core.  Located 2' NNW of NGC 5614.  Slightly brighter and larger than NGC 5609 situated 4.7' SW

 

24" (7/8/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 10" diameter, stellar nucleus.  With averted vision the halo elongates the size increases to 15"x10".  Located 2' N of NGC 5614 in a quartet, though its redshift implies NGC 5613 lies in the background at twice the distance.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted vision to glimpse.  Located 2.0' N of NGC 5614.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5613 on 1 Mar 1851.  While making an observation of NGC 5614 he noted "[NGC 5614] is double [with NGC 5615], two others [NGC 5609 and 5613] faint."  A diagram shows NGC 5613 2' north of NGC 5614.  On 6 May 1877 Dreyer described NGC 5613 as "eF, pS, dif neb in Pos. 354”, Dist 116" (actual separation 120") and made a sketch.

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NGC 5614 = Arp 178 NED3 = VV 77a = UGC 9226 = MCG +06-32-022 = CGCG 192-014 = PGC 51439

14 24 07.7 +34 51 32; Boo

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

48" (4/15/10): very bright, large, round, ~1.5' diameter, bright core increases to center.  At 330x two "stars" are superimposed, one on the northwest side of the halo with a fainter star superimposed on the east side of the halo.  A third faint star lies ~50" NE of center.  At 430x, the "star" on the NNW edge was noticed to be a compact "knot" (interacting companion NGC 5615), ~4" diameter.  A tidal tail appears as a very low surface brightness hazy extension off the NW side with NGC 5615 at the position where this glow attaches to the galaxy.  Arp classified this extension (Arp 178) as a "narrow counter-tail", apparently formed from a previous interaction with a neighbor (perhaps NGC 5615).

 

24" (7/8/13):  very bright, large, round, sharply concentrated with a blazing core that gradually brightens towards the center.  Contains a large, irregular halo that increases in size with averted to 1.4'.  A very small, very faint "knot" (NGC 5615) is at the NW edge.  NGC 5613 lies 2' NNW and NGC 5609 is 4' WSW.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.5' diameter.  Well concentrated to a prominent 30" core.  A mag 11 star lies 2.7' ESE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5613 2.0' N.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5614 = H II-420 = h1804 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pB, vS, R, mbM and the brightness diminishing very gradually."  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.  Bindon Stoney, observing on 1 Mar 1851 at Birr Castle, noted "[NGC 5614] is double, two others [nearby] faint."  The companion (sketched as very close north-northwest) is NGC 5615.

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NGC 5615 = Arp 178 NED2 = VV 77b = MCG +06-32-023 = LGG 380-004 = PGC 51435

14 24 06.4 +34 51 54; Boo

V = 15.3;  Size 0.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 10.9

 

48" (4/15/10): at 330x logged as a faint "star" at the northwest edge of the halo of NGC 5615, although at 430x it was noticed to be a nonstellar knot, ~4" diameter.  Extending from this knot to the northwest of the halo of the galaxy is a very low surface brightness extension.  This tidal plume was classified by Arp (178) as a "narrow counter-tail".

 

24" (7/8/13): at 322x appeared as a very faint, very small knot at the NW edge of NGC 5614.

 

18" (5/16/09): at 280x, appeared as an extremely faint, virtually stellar object at the northern edge of the halo of NGC 5614, 25" from the center.  Required averted vision and only occasionally popped into view for moments.

 

17.5" (7/18/01): at 380x, occasionally an extremely faint stellar object was barely glimpsed ~25" N of the core of NGC 5614 within the outer halo.  Only detected ~15% of the time, but sighting confirmed.

 

17.5" (5/27/95 and 7/17/01): not seen.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5615 on 1 Mar 1851.  He noted "[NGC 5614] is double, two others [NGC 5609 and 5613] faint."  A diagram in the 1880 publication clearly shows a small knot at the north-northwest side of NGC 5614. A later observation by R.J. Mitchell on 14 May 1857 called it a "faint star involved north.  I suspect it to be a cluster."

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NGC 5616 = UGC 9231 = MCG +06-32-026 = CGCG 192-015 = PGC 51448

14 24 20.6 +36 27 42; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 157”

 

17.5" (7/10/99): faint, moderately large, edge-on 2.0'x0.4' oriented NNW-SSE, bright core.  A mag 15 star lies 2.5' N of center.  Located 6.7' N of mag 9.5 SAO 64124.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5616 = H III-419 = h1805 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS, E, er."  JH made the single observation "vF; S; lE; vgbM: and his position matches UGC 9231.

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NGC 5617 = Cr 282 = ESO 134-004

14 29 44 -60 42 36; Cen

V = 6.3;  Size 10'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): ~75 stars are irregularly distributed over a 10' region.  The stars have a wide range of magnitudes from 10 to 14.5 and the cluster is dense in spots.  Many of the stars are organized into strings with most arranged along a fairly rich string of stars running ~NNE-SSW.  Additional groups of stars lies to the east and west.  The cluster is easily located 1.2” WNW of Alpha Centauri between Alpha and Beta.  The planetary He 2-111 lies 26' ESE.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint, large, roundish, no obvious resolution.  Alpha Centauri is in the field 1.2” ESE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5617 = D 302 = h3570 on 8 May 1826 with his homemade 9-inch speculum reflector and described "a cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes, considerably congregated towards the center, 4' or 5' diameter."  His position is just 2' southwest of the center of the cluster (well within the borders).  John Herschel made 3 observations, first recording on sweep 578, "Cl VI.  v rich; irreg R; pm comp M, but scattered at borders; 15' there are 3 stars 10m; 5 or 6 11m; the rest below 11m."

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NGC 5618 = UGC 9250 = MCG +00-37-005 = CGCG 019-026 = PGC 51603

14 27 11.8 -02 15 46; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 10”

 

18" (5/29/05): faint, moderately large, diffuse glow, 1.0' diameter, weakly concentrated.  A mag 12 star lies 2' W.  Located 15' W of mag 5.0 Phi Vir, a mag 4.9/9.5 pair at 5".

 

18" (6/18/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'x0.7', fairly low surface brightness with very weak concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 2' W.  Just outside the field lies Phi Virginis (very unequal magnitude double 5.0/9.5 at 5").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5618 = H III-763 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 917) and noted "eF, S."  His position is within 1' of UGC 9250.

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NGC 5619 = NGC 5619A = UGC 9255 = VV 408 = KTG 57A = MCG +01-37-012 = CGCG 047-044 = Holm 645a = WBL 507-001 = PGC 51610

14 27 18.2 +04 48 10; Vir

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 8”

 

24" (5/11/13): moderately to fairly bright, very elongated 5:2 N-S, ~1.6'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core.  Brightest and largest in a trio with IC 4424 3.7' ENE and UGC 9258 = NGC 5619C 3.2' ESE.  IC 4424 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~24"x14".  A mag 16 star is just off the south side, 15" from center.  UGC 9258 appeared faint to fairly faint, low surface brightness (face-on spiral?), round, diffuse glow, very weak concentration, 24" diameter.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' NW of center.  Brightest of three with IC 4424 3.5' NE and UGC 9258 3' ESE.  The three galaxies form a rough equilateral triangle with sides of length 3'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5619 = h1806 on 10 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF, R; vgbM; 25"."  He missed the two nearby companions, including IC 4424.  Auguste Voigt independently found the galaxy again in 1865, though the rediscovery was not published.

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NGC 5620 = N5607: = UGC 9189 = MCG +12-14-001 = CGCG 337-007 = Mrk 286 = VII Zw 547 = IC 1005 = PGC 51182

14 19 26.7 +71 35 17; UMi

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

See observing notes for NGC 5607.  CGCG 337-010 is misidentified as NGC 5620 in the RNGC and PGC

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5620 = H III-319 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 391) and recorded "Suspected, eF, vS."  There is nothing near his position (offset from Beta UMi 32 min 2 sec preceding and 2” 26' south).

 

The RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 337-010 = PGC 51356 as NGC 5620.  This galaxy is two degrees south of WH's position.  A better candidate is CGCG 337-009 = PGC 51326, situated 13' due north of WH's position.  This galaxy is quite faint (mag 15.6pg) and between two brighter stars that WH would probably mention.  Finally, NGC 5607 = UGC 9189 is 2.5 min of RA due west.  This galaxy is significantly brighter than the CGCG and was in fact found by WH two weeks earlier and recorded as II-331.  Corwin suggests NGC 5607 as the most likely candidate.

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NGC 5621

14 27 49.7 +08 14 29; Boo

 

= ***, Gottlieb.  Not found to match description, RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5621 = H III-14? = h1807 on 30 Jan 1784 (sweep 134) and logged "I suspect an almost imperceptible cl of stars or nebulosity.  It precedes 31 Bootis 12.5 min, 9' north."  There is nothing near this position.

 

John Herschel recorded h1807, which he took as III-14 on 17 Apr 1830.  His position was 82 seconds of RA to the west and he noted "the faintest possible".  Bigourdan was unable to find this object, although he suspected a nebula at JH's position.  Karl Reinmuth, in his photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", took CGCG 047-050 as NGC 5621 and described "F, cS, E, r; *14.7 p 2.0', *12.7 ssp 1.7'."

 

At the position of h1807, used in the GC and NGC, is a 26" pair of mag 15.5-16 stars and a third mag 17.5 star.  Whether this is Herschel's III-14 is unknown.

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NGC 5622 = UGC 9248 = MCG +08-26-032 = CGCG 247-028 = PGC 51541

14 26 12.2 +48 33 50; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/12/99): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~1.5'x1.1'.  There is a  broad, weak concentration but no core.  A mag 14 star is 2.5' SSW and another 3.0' E.  A brighter mag 11.5 star lies 4.6' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5622 = H III-677 = h1809 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "vF, pS, lE."  Caroline's reduced position is 1' north of UGC 9248.  On 13 May 1830 (sweep 257), John Herschel logged, "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 30"."  On 17 Mar 1868, Sir Robert Ball (LdR's assistant) logged, "E pf, susp spiral arm from foll end toward north."

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NGC 5623 = UGC 9260 = MCG +06-32-035 = CGCG 192-021 = PGC 51598

14 27 08.7 +33 15 08; Boo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 17”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, very small bright core, small almost round halo.  Located among a group of brighter stars including mag 9 SAO 64130 4.4' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5623 = H II-329 = h1808 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 388) and logged "F, S, R."  On 29 Apr 1827 (sweep 74), John Herschel commented, "F; S; R; vsmbM; 15 to 20"; almost stellar."

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NGC 5624 = UGC 9256 = MCG +09-24-006 = CGCG 273-006 = LGG 384-011 = PGC 51568

14 26 35.4 +51 35 09; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 3”

 

24" (6/29/16): at 260x; moderately bright, elongated 4:3 N-S, , ~0.8'x0.6'.  The surface brightness is irregular and the outline asymmetric; specifically the galaxy is brighter on the north end [appears to be an HII knot on the SDSS].  Arp 45 (pair) lies 1.1” WNW.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration.  The galaxy is collinear with two mag 12 stars 5.1' and 7.7' SSE.  Located 20' SE of mag 4.0 Theta (23) Boo.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5624 = Sw. VI-66 on 9 May 1887 and recorded "eF; S; lE; Theta Bootis in field."  His position is 12 seconds too far west.   Howe measured an accurate micrometric position (MN, LXI, 1900).

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NGC 5625 = VV 24b = MCG +07-30-013 = CGCG 220-017 = PGC 51592

14 27 02.2 +39 57 26; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (6/23/01): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 0.7'x0.5', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star lies 3.7' E and a mag 13.5 is 5' N.  Located 12' SSW of mag 9 SAO 45057.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5625 = h1810 on 28 Apr 1827 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM; 20"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5626 = ESO 447-008 = MCG -05-34-015 = PGC 51794

14 29 49.1 -29 44 56; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 127”

 

18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:4, ~30"x24", broad weak concentration.  Forms the south vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 8.7 star 4.8' NW and mag 8 HD 127077 7' NNE.  Located 26' SE of mag 5.0 52 Hydrae.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5626 = h3571 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; R; 20"."  His position is at the southwest edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 5627 = UGC 9280 = MCG +02-37-013 = CGCG 075-046 = PGC 51705

14 28 34.3 +11 22 41; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (7/18/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.0'x0.6'.  Broad concentration in outer halo but then suddenly rises to a very small bright core.  An isosceles triangle of mag 10/12/12 stars is close west with the 10th mag star 3' SW.

 

Brightest in a group of 6 galaxies within 20' and in a tight trio with CGCG 075-044 3.7' NW and CGCG 075-048 1.8' SE.  CGCG 075-044 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', broad weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1' N.  CGCG 075-04 appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5627 = h1811 on 4 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; R; 15"; about 3' f and 40" n of a * 9m.".  His position (h1811) matches UGC 9280.

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NGC 5628 = UGC 9278 = MCG +03-37-019 = CGCG 104-033 = PGC 51699

14 28 25.7 +17 55 28; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'.  Contains a very small brighter core and relatively bright stellar nucleus.  Forms the SW vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 10/11 stars 6' NE and 6' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5628 = St XIII-75 on 6 May 1883.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5629 = UGC 9281 = MCG +04-34-034 = CGCG 133-065 = AWM 3-1 = PGC 51681

14 28 16.4 +25 50 56; Boo

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/11/96): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core.  I expected to find a single galaxy so was surprised to find five galaxies in the 9mm Nagler field with IC 1017 2.4' NW, IC 1013 5.8' W, IC 1019 6.0' N and IC 1020 13' NE.  I missed very compact IC 1018 1.3' SW.  NGC 5629 is located 7' W of mag 7.0 SAO 83375.

 

IC 1017 is fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 45"x25", bright core.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' WSW.  IC 1013 is very faint, fairly small, round, very weak concentration, 40" diameter.  IC 1019 is faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 13 star lies 25" W of center.  IC 1020 is faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, very small bright core.  A mag 13 star lies 0.9' NW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5629 = h1812 on 6 May 1831and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 20".  Precedes [HD 127093]."  His mean position from 2 observations matches UGC 9281.  This galaxy is the brightest in a cluster and it seems odd that JH did not record any of the IC galaxies that Stephane Javelle later discovered at the Nice Observatory.

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NGC 5630 = UGC 9270 = MCG +07-30-014 = CGCG 220-018 = Holm 649a = PGC 51635

14 27 36.8 +41 15 27; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (6/23/01): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 1.5'x0.4'.  Nearly even surface brightness.  Extended in the direction of a mag 12 star 3.8' W.  Located 14' N of mag 6.6 SAO 45058.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5630 = H II-674 = h1814 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, E, about 1 1/2' l and 1/2' broad; nearly in the parallel."  His position is poor (7' southeast of UGC 9270) but JH made four observations.

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NGC 5631 = UGC 9261 = MCG +10-21-002 = CGCG 296-005 = PGC 51564

14 26 33.3 +56 34 58; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (4/26/08): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright, 15" core.  A faint stellar nucleus was clearly visible with direct vision.

 

17.5" (5/27/95): bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a prominent 20" core that dominates the galaxy.  The southern half of the 20' field is oddly devoid of stars (only a few mag 14-15 stars) but contains a number of mag 12-13 stars in the north half of the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5631 = H I-236 = h1820 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and recorded "vB, S, R, irr Br Nucl."  John Herschel made two observations (first on 1 May 1831) and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5632 = NGC 5691 = UGC 9420 = MCG +00-37-020 = CGCG 019-073 = LGG 386-007 = NGC 5632 = PGC 52291

14 37 53.4 -00 23 55; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5691.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 5632 = Au 33 = HN 11, along with NGC 5651 and 5658, on 9 Feb 1853 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations.  Auwers included this object in his 1862 table on new nebulae.  Bond's discovery position in AN 1453 is just 30" north of a mag 15.4 star.

 

But in 2105 Yann Pothier found that Bond misidentified his offset star as Star 118 instead of 129 (in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol I, part II, p 282-3).  Once corrected, his position ("Another nebula precedes No. 118 2m 30s, and is in the same declination with star No. 118.") is 28 seconds of RA east of NGC 5691 and the other two objects also match up with galaxies.  The RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 019-039 as NGC 5632.  See NGC 5651 and 5658.

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NGC 5633 = UGC 9271 = MCG +08-26-034 = CGCG 247-030 = I Zw 89 = PGC 51620

14 27 28.5 +46 08 50; Boo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', moderate surface brightness, very weak concentration.  A right triangle of evenly matched mag 12 stars follows with the closest star 2.6' E.  Just off the north vertex is a very faint close double.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5633 = H I-185 = h1818 on 11 May 1787 (sweep 733) and noted "pB, S, mbM." His position is 2' south of UGC 9271.  John Herschel made two observations, logging on 26 Apr 1830 (sweep 255), "B; R: vglbM; 40"."

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NGC 5634

14 29 37.2 -05 58 35; Vir

V = 9.4;  Size 4.9';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

48" (5/10/18):  Beautiful globular cluster with 50 stars or more resolved at 375x!  Several streams or chains of stars (many easily visible) extend out of the central region, which is densely packed with faint stars over a bright, mottled background glow.  A few dozen very dim stars were constantly sparkling in and out of visibility so it wasn't possible to make a decent star count.  A very bright orange field star (mag 7.9 HD 127119) is superimposed in the halo on the eastern side [1.4' ESE of center].  Three additional brighter stars in the halo on the west and north side [incl. mag 11.9 star 1.7' NW of center] form a semicircle or crown, partially encircling the halo."  The cluster was ~4' diameter, though the outer halo was scraggly without a distinct edge.

 

17.5" (4/13/96): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 3.5' diameter.  Contains a large bright core of 2' diameter that appears mottled with stellarings or knots.  The brightest knot is on the northwest side of the core.  Set in a striking field between mag 8.5 SAO 139967 1.4' ESE of the globular and a mag 11 star 1.9' W, with a mag 10 star 3.7' SW of center.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): bright, round, 3.5' diameter.  Situated in a pretty field among three bright stars.  The small halo smoothly increases to a broadly concentrated core which is very mottled but not resolved.  A few very faint stars are resolved off the edges of the halo at 412x and a star or knot is visible at the west edge of the core. 

 

8": moderately bright, moderately large.  A mag 10 star is on the east edge and a mag 12 star on the west edge.

 

This globular is possibly a former member of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy and appears to be situated in the trailing tidal stream.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5634 = H I-70 = h1813 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "vB, cL, brighter about the middle and the brightness diminishing very gradually, irreg, situated between 3 or 4 considerable stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 74 sec of RA west is this globular cluster.  John Herschel logged it as "A fine small compressed globular cluster.  I can barely discern the stars; the are 19m, 80" diam; has a * 7-8m 90" dist, pos 30” sf, and another 10m np."  The latter star is south-preceding."

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NGC 5635 = UGC 9283 = MCG +05-34-049 = CGCG 163-058 = LGG 383-006 = PGC 51706

14 28 31.9 +27 24 31; Boo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 65”

 

24" (7/6/13): at 322x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.7'.  Well concentrated with a large bright core ~30" diameter, that gradually increases to the center.  The extension to the southwest appears longer and brighter, so the galaxy has an asymmetric appearance.  The DSS confirms this impression, as the SW arm is noticeably brighter and better defined.  Nearly collinear with mag 9.5 SAO 88365 11' NW and a mag 11.5 star 7.5' NW.  A 20" pair of mag 15/16 stars lie 2' N.  UGC 9317 lies 23' ENE and appeared fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak gradual concentration with no core or zones.

 

17.5" (7/16/01): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.2'x1.0'.  Broad concentration to a 40" rounder core.  Collinear with mag 9.5 SAO 88365 11' NW and a mag 11 star 7' NW.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.9' S of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5635 = H III-132 = h1815 on 17 May 1784 (sweep 219) and recorded "eF; S; lE; with 240x it appeared the same." On 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65), John Herschel described the galaxy as "pB; S; E; sbM."

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NGC 5636 = UGC 9304 = MCG +01-37-017 = CGCG 047-062 = Holm 653b = LGG 386-014 = PGC 51785

14 29 39.1 +03 15 58; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 40”

 

24" (6/27/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, but no noticeable nucleus.  Forms a 2' (non-interacting) pair with the bright elliptical NGC 5638.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, 1.2'x0.9', slightly elongated SW-NE, very low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with the high surface brightness galaxy NGC 5638 1.9' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5636 = H II-580 = h1816, along with II-581 = NGC 5638, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558). He recorded "Two, the place is that of the most south [NGC 5638].  pB, gbM, pL, R.  The most north [NGC 5636] distance about 2'.  eF, cL, requiring much attention to be seen."  On 9 Apr 1828 (sweep 142) John Herschel noted, "eF; R; the np of 2."

 

On 25 Apr 1848 William Parson (or assistant Rambaut) noted "A bright, double nebula".  JH assumed that one was NGC 5638 but the second object was new and assigned it a separate GC designation (3905) from II-580.  Later, Dreyer realized the second object was NGC 5636 and both GC designations are combined in the NGC.

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NGC 5637 = UGC 9293 = MCG +04-34-037 = CGCG 133-069 = PGC 51736

14 28 59.8 +23 11 29; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (7/22/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.7'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.3' NW.  Several mag 11 stars are in the field with the closes 3.6' ESE.  UGC 9322 lies 20' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5637 = H II-357 = h1819 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "F, S, lbM, irr."  His position is 3.5' too far north. John Herschel made two observations (first on 22 May 1830) and his mean position is a good match with UGC 9293.

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NGC 5638 = UGC 9308 = MCG +01-37-018 = CGCG 047-063 = Holm 653a = LGG 386-015 = PGC 51787

14 29 40.5 +03 13 59; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 2.7'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

24" (6/27/14): bright, large, very slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.5'.  There are three very distinct brightness zones.  The central region was sharply concentrated with a very bright core containing an intensely bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  The halo was fairly uniform and only dimmed at the edges.  NGC 5638 is the brightest in a trio with NGC 5636 2' NNW and much fainter UGC 9310 5' ESE.

 

UGC 9310 appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.25', surprisingly low surface brightness.  Extends generally north of a mag 13 star (double with a mag 14.7 star 20" SW) at the south end, which detracts from viewing.  Another mag 13 star (very close double) is 1.3' N.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.2', increases to a very small very bright core containing a stellar nucleus.  Forms an unusual pair with low surface brightness NGC 5636 1.9' NNW.  UGC 9277, situated 18' WNW, appeared faint, small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, very small weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5638 = H II-581 = h1817, along with II-580 = NGC 5636, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "Two, the place is that of the most south [NGC 5638].  pB, gbM, pL, R.  The most north [NGC 5636] distance about 2'.  eF, cL, requiring much attention to be seen."

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NGC 5639 = UGC 9290 = MCG +05-34-051 = CGCG 163-061 = Holm 651a = LGG 383-001 = PGC 51730

14 28 46.5 +30 24 46; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): faint, moderately large, round, low surface brightness, no concentration, slightly elongated E-W.  A mag 11.5 star is just 0.9' S of center.  Located 3.8' ESE of mag 8 SAO 64162, which detracts from viewing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5639 = h1821 on 15 May 1830 and recorded "vF; R; n of a * 11m; a * 7.8 precedes."  His position and description matches UGC 9290.  CGCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 5639.

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NGC 5640 = CGCG 353-035 = PGC 51263

14 20 40.8 +80 07 23; Cam

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (7/16/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 20", low even surface brightness.  Two mag 15 stars are 1' SE and 2' SSE.  An equilateral triangle of mag 10 stars with sides 3' in length is at the east edge of the 220x field.  CGCG 353-034 lies 7' W and appeared very faint, small, round, brighter core.  It was slightly brighter than NGC 5640 = CGCG 353-035!

 

17.5" (6/23/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15".  Requires averted vision to glimpse and no details visible.  A trio of mag 10-11 stars is at the east edge of the 220x field (22').  This galaxy seems very faint to be picked up by William Herschel while sweeping.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5640 = H III-949 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and noted "eF, S, lE near the parallel [in RA]."  Dreyer mentions in the collected papers of WH that Bigourdan twice failed to find this object, but the RA may be nearly 2.0 tmin following the NGC position using a different reference star.

 

Corwin suggests NGC 5640 = CGCG 353-035.  This galaxy is 1.1 tmin east and 3' north of the NGC position though at this declination the difference in RA is negligible.  Using the position of NGC 5712 as a reference (the next object in the sweep), the position for III-949 is just 30 tsec west of CGCG 353-035, so this seems likely.  Another possibility is that NGC 5640 = CGCG 353-034 (same declination) which is visually brighter and elongated roughly east-west, but further off in RA.  See Corwin's notes for more on the story.

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NGC 5641 = UGC 9300 = MCG +05-34-055 = CGCG 163-063 = LGG 383-008 = PGC 51758

14 29 16.7 +28 49 18; Boo

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (6/20/98): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8'.  Fairly well-defined 30" oval core.  A mag 13 star is 2.8' preceding. IC 4442 is 11' NW at the edge of the 220x field.

 

13" (6/4/83): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, broadly concentrated.  Located 33' NNE of ·1850 = 7.0/7.4 at 26".  NGC 5657 is 29' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5641 = St XI-24 on 4 Jun 1880 (or earlier on 15 May 1877).  His micrometric position matches UGC 9300.

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NGC 5642 = UGC 9301 = MCG +05-34-052 = CGCG 163-064 = LGG 383-010 = PGC 51751

14 29 13.5 +30 01 35; Boo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright core, 1.2'x0.8'.  A mag 13 star is attached on the following side 18" from center.  A mag 12 follows by 1.5'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5642 = H III-126 = h1822 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "two small stars with suspected nebulosity between.  240 rather confirmed it, but left a doubt." On 10 Apr 1831 (sweep 342), John Herschel reported "pB; vS; close to and np a * 12m; pos from * = 33.5” by micrometer."  His position and description matches UGC 9301.

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NGC 5643 = ESO 272-016 = MCG -07-30-003 = AM 1429-435 = PGC 51969

14 32 40.7 -44 10 28; Lup

V = 10.0;  Size 4.6'x4.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x I was very impressed with this large, bright barred spiral.  The halo is slightly elongated, ~3.5'x3.0' and sharply concentrated with a very bright, small, core.  A brighter bar oriented E-W extends through the center.  A star is superimposed on this bar to the west of the core.  A second superimposed star lies 35" to the south and continuing on this line is a third star just at the edge of the halo, 1.7' S of center.  At the east end of the bar a slightly enhanced arc sweeps clockwise to the north and a similar enhancement on the west side sweeps to the south.  The faint arc or arms wrap around 180” making a complete outer ring. The central bar and the outer ring together formed the Greek letter "Theta".  NGC 5643 is situated in a fairly rich Lupus star field.

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fascinating glimpses of structure at 228x!  This galaxy was fairly bright and large, round, ~3.5' diameter.  The surface brightness was clearly patchy in the halo due to the strong impression of clockwise spiral structure but there was only a broad, weak concentration in the center, except for a sharply concentrated, bright 15" nucleus. A broad spiral arm is attached on the east side of the galaxy and shoots sharply to the north.  There was an impression of another spiral arm attached on the west side of the galaxy. It appeared to sweep towards the south in a clockwise orientation, though this structure was not as well defined.  A string of five stars angling SSE to NNW appear to puncture the galaxy on the south side with the northern two stars superimposed on the west side of the galaxy. The last star in the chain is just west of the nucleus.  Located in a star field densely peppered with stars.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, diffuse, fairly small.  Two stars are superimposed on the south and SW side.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 5643 = D 469 = h3572 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "an exceedingly faint, extended nebula, about 10' long; rather ill-defined."  His position is 7' due east of the galaxy.  John Herschel first observed the galaxy on 1 Jun 1834 and logged "pB, L, vgbM, 2', resolvable, or with stars."  Two nights later he noted "pF, L, R, vglbM; has many stars intermixed."

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NGC 5644 = UGC 9321 = MCG +02-37-016 = CGCG 075-057 = PGC 51834

14 30 25.6 +11 55 40; Boo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (6/24/95): moderately bright, round, 1.0' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a well-defined, nearly stellar bright nucleus.  Forms the vertex of a right angle with a mag 12 star 1.4' SW and a mag 14 star 0.9' NNW of center.  Located 4.7' SSW of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 5647 4.0' SE and brightest in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5644 = St XI-26, along with NGC 5647, on 11 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5645 = UGC 9328 = MCG +01-37-019 = CGCG 047-070 = PGC 51846

14 30 39.7 +07 16 29; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.4'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, 2.0'x1.5', elongated 3:2 E-W, gradually increases to elongated ill-defined core.  Located 6' W of mag 9.1 SAO 120507.

 

8" (6/29/84): faint, small, diffuse, low surface brightness, irregularly round, slightly elongated ~E-W.  A mag 10 star is ESE.  Located near the Bootes border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5645 = H II-150 = h1823 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 192) and recorded "F, pS, nearly R, easily resolvable."   His position (CH's reduction) is 3.5' north of UGC 9328.  He made another observation on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042), logged "cB, iF, about 2' long and 1 1/2' broad" and measured an accurate position.  John Herschel made two observations, describing it as both "vF" (on 8 May 1828) and "pB" (on 19 Apr 1830).

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NGC 5646 = UGC 9312 = MCG +06-32-045 = CGCG 192-030 = PGC 51779

14 29 33.9 +35 27 42; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (6/20/98): very faint, small.  With extended viewing, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.3', only a weak concentration.  Requires averted to see full extensions well.  The major axis is collinear with a mag 10 star 2.0' following. Located 13' NW of NGC 5656.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5646 = St XI-25 on 29 Apr 1881.  His micrometric position matches UGC 9312.  William and John Herschel, both of whom observed nearby NGC 5656, missed this galaxy.

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NGC 5647 = UGC 9329 = MCG +02-37-017 = CGCG 075-058 = PGC 51843

14 30 36.1 +11 52 36; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  There is a hint of extremely faint extensions N-S.  A mag 12 star lies 1.2' SW of center.  Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 5644 4.0' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5647 = St XI-27, along with NGC 5644, on 11 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5648 = NGC 5649 = UGC 9330 = MCG +02-37-019 = CGCG 075-059 = LGG 383-002 = PGC 51840

14 30 32.5 +14 01 28; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 172”

 

See observing notes for NGC 5649.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 5648 = Big. 74 on 23 May 1887 and recorded "mag 13.4-13.5, 30" dia, without nucleus, distinct from GC 3911 [NGC 5649].  His position matches NGC 5649 = h1824, although because JH's position was poor, Bigourdan thought it was new.  Later, Bigourdan realized the equivalence (given in the 17 Jun 1901 Comptes Rendus paper) and the IC 2 Notes state NGC 5648 = NGC 5649.

 

RNGC, UGC, MCG and RC3 label this galaxy as NGC 5648, but by historical priority, NGC 5649 should be the primary designation.  See Webb Society Quarterly Journal for July 1991.

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NGC 5649 = NGC 5648 = UGC 9330 = MCG +02-37-019 = CGCG 075-059 = LGG 383-002 = PGC 51840

14 30 32.5 +14 01 28; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', ill-defined halo with weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 5655 5.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5649 = h1824 on 4 Apr 1831 and noted "the faintest perceivable; the first and northern of 2".  His position is 1.5' southeast of UGC 9330.  He mistakenly assumed his father's H. III-645 applied to this galaxy, instead of NGC 5655, which he claimed as a  "nova".

 

The identifications are confused in all the major catalogues.  NGC 5649 is labeled as NGC 5648 (a duplicate observation by Bigourdan) in the RNGC, UGC and RC3 but as NGC 5649 in MCG.  By historical priority, H III 645 = NGC 5649 should apply.  RNGC, UGC, MCG and PGC misidentify NGC 5655 = UGC 9333 as NGC 5649.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5650 = NGC 5652? = UGC 9334 = MCG +01-37-020 = CGCG 047-072 = Holm 656a = VIII Zw 427 = PGC 51865

14 31 01.0 +05 58 43; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5652.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 5650 = Sw. VI-67 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF, pS, R."  His position is 7 sec of RA west and 0.5' north of NGC 5652 (discovered by William Herschel), but there is only a single galaxy here.  Curiously, Swift's description doesn't mention nearby NGC 5652, so apparently he didn't realize it was catalogued in the GC.  RNGC equates NGC 5650 = NGC 5652, and Harold Corwin concurs.

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NGC 5651 = NGC 5713 = UGC 9451 = MCG +00-37-022 = CGCG 019-077 = VIII Zw 447 = LGG 386-009 = PGC 52412

14 40 11.5 -00 17 27; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5713.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 5651 = Au 34 = HN 12 on 9 May 1853, along with NGC 5632 and 5648, with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations.  At his position in AN 1453 is a very faint star.  But Yann Pothier discovered in 2015 that Bond misidentified his offset star (#118 instead of #129) in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol I, part II, p 282-3. Once corrected, Bond's offset ("A round nebula precedes No. [129] 3 s 7' North of it." points directly to NGC 5713.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 5652 = NGC 5650 = UGC 9334 = MCG +01-37-020 = CGCG 047-072 = VIII Zw 427 = PGC 51865

14 31 01.0 +05 58 43; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, low almost even surface brightness but appears brighter on the west side.  NGC 5661 lies 21' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5652 = H II-891 = h1825 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and logged "pB; pL; lE; BM."  His position is just off the northwest side of this galaxy.  John Herschel made two observations (first on 9 May 1828) and d'Arrest measured a single accurate position.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1887 and assumed Sw. VI-67 (later NGC 5650) was new.  So NGC 5652 = NGC 5650.

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NGC 5653 = IC 1026 = UGC 9318 = MCG +05-34-058 = CGCG 163-068 = LGG 383-002 = PGC 51814

14 30 10.6 +31 12 54; Boo

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 125”

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, small, broad concentration to core but no sharp nucleus, slightly elongated E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5653 = H II-330 = h1826 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "pB, pL, R, bM."  On 29 Apr 1827 (sweep 74), John Herschel logged, "F; S; R: bM; 25"."

 

Truman Safford independently found this galaxy on 11 May 1886 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  His RA for Sf. 13 (later IC 1026) was 1 minute too large. So, NGC 5653 = IC 1026.

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NGC 5654 = UGC 9319 = MCG +06-32-050 = CGCG 192-032 = PGC 51807

14 30 01.4 +36 21 36; Boo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 145”

 

24" (6/15/15): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, small bright core.  At 375x; NGC 5654 resolved into two merged components!  The brighter nucleus is on the northwest side with the main glow of the galaxy offset mostly south-southeast.  Often a fainter quasi-stellar nucleus (PGC 3577442 = SDSS J143001.68+362129.5) was seen very close south-southeast of the brighter nucleus.  The two nuclei are just 12" apart!  A mag 10 star lies 5.4' NNW and mag 9 HD 127505 is 9' E.  A 6th magnitude star (HD 127065) lies 23' SW.

 

17.5" (7/10/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.4'x0.6'.  Contains a small, round bright core.  A mag 15 star lies 1.5' SE.

 

17.5" (6/20/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Sharply concentrated with a very small core that appears offset to the northwest side giving the impression of the galaxy possibly being double.  A mag 15 star is 1.6' SE of center and a 50" pair of mag 13/14.5 stars lie 2'-3' S.  The galaxy precedes a mag 9 star (SAO 64192) by 9'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5654 = H III-420 = h1828 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, S."  On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel logged, "pF; nucleus elongated, or has a F double * in it.  Pos = 115.5”± (micrometer)".  His position matches UGC 9319 and the SDDS shows a double nucleus matching his description!  The brighter nucleus is offset northwest of center as my description.

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NGC 5655 = UGC 9333 = MCG +02-37-020 = CGCG 075-060 = Holm 654a = LGG 382-003 = PGC 51857

14 30 50.9 +13 58 07; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (6/24/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8', weak concentration.  Located on a line between two mag 13.5 stars 1.3' NNW and 1.8' SSE from center.  There are two mag 7 and 8 less than 30' following.  Forms a pair with similar NGC 5649 5.5' NW.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 5649 in all modern catalogues!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5655 = H III-645 = h1827 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "eS, vS, lbM, between 2 vF stars with 300."  His offsets from Zeta Boo point directly to UGC 9333, the southeast of a 5.5' pair with NGC 5649, and his comment "between 2 vF stars" clinches this identification.

 

John Herschel observed the pair on 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338) and called h1827 "the sf of 2 [with NGC 5649]; the faintest perceivable."  His uncertain position is 9 seconds of RA east and 3.5' south of UGC 9333.  He misassigned his father's III-645 to h1824 = NGC 5649 and thought h1827 = NGC 5655 was the "nova". JH was probably confused as neither of his poor positions for the pair were a good match with III-645. Dreyer repeated this error and used JH's poor position in the NGC.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 23 May 1887 (see IC2 Notes).

 

RNGC, UGC, MCG, RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide misidentify NGC 5655 as NGC 5649.  RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 51863 as NGC 5655.  PGC 51863 is located 3' NE of NGC 5655 and much too faint (B = 16.8) to have been picked up by either Herschel.  The correct identification was made by Karl Reinmuth in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel".  Also see Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5656 = UGC 9332 = MCG +06-32-053 = CGCG 192-034 = PGC 51831

14 30 25.4 +35 19 16; Boo

V = 11.8;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (6/20/98): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'.  The brighter core is moderately concentrated.  Located 3.9' WNW of mag 9.5 SAO 64190.  A mag 14 star lies 1.0' SSE.  NGC 5646 is located 13' NW, just outside the 220x field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5656 = H II-421 = h1829 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "F, pL, irr."  John Herschel made four observations and on 3 Apr 1831 (sweep 337) logged, "pB; R; psbM; 20"; a * 9m follows 18.5 sec nearly in parallel, and a * 14m, pos 155” from neb, dist 50"."

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NGC 5657 = UGC 9335 = MCG +05-34-060 = CGCG 163-069 = Mrk 814 = LGG 383-009 = PGC 51850

14 30 43.6 +29 10 50; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 163”

 

17.5" (6/20/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.4', moderate concentration with a small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.9' S.  IC 4442 is located 28' WSW.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 5657 = Sf 16 = St XI-28 on 14 May 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  His discovery list wasn't published until 1887, so he wasn't credited in the NGC, though his discoveries were added to an appendix in the NGC.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy on 5 Jun 1880, reported it in list XI and was credited with the discovery.

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NGC 5658 = NGC 5719 = UGC 9462 = MCG +00-37-024 = CGCG 019-079 = LGG 386-010 = PGC 52455

14 40 56.6 -00 19 05; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5719.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 5658 = HN 13 = Au 35 on 26 Feb 1853, along with NGC 5632 and 5651, with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations.  Auwers included this object in his 1862 table of new nebulae. There is nothing at Bond's discovery position in AN 1453 except an extremely faint star.  But Yann Pothier discovered in 2015 that Bond misidentified his offset star (#118 instead of #129) in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol I, part II, p 282-3. Once corrected, his offset ("A fainter elongated nebula [than NGC 5713] follows No. [129] 6 s, and is 4' North of it." points directly to NGC 5719.

 

This galaxy was found again between 1908 and 1913 on Bruce plates taken at Arequipa and assumed it was new.  It was catalogued as H.N. #1741 by Solon Bailey in a list of 1659 new nebulae (published in 1913) with the description "pB, bM, 1.0' x 0.3' at 120”, Spiral?"

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify UGC 9348 as NGC 5658.  This galaxy is located 39' north of the Bond's position.

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NGC 5659 = UGC 9342 = MCG +04-34-044 = CGCG 133-082 = LGG 383-007 = PGC 51875

14 31 06.3 +25 21 18; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  Only a broad weak concentration.  A string of faint stars trail off the NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5659 = h1831 on 22 May 1830 and noted "eF".  His position is 2' north of UGC 9342, so the identification is fairly secure although the RA and NPD are marked as very uncertain.  Instead of listing this number as a "Nova", Herschel equated h1831 withhis father's H. III-289, which refers to NGC 2983.

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NGC 5660 = UGC 9325 = MCG +08-26-039 = CGCG 247-035 = LGG 384-002 = PGC 51795

14 29 49.8 +49 37 20; Boo

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): moderately bright, weak concentration, diffuse halo.  NGC 5676 lies 30' ESE.  Located 20' SE of 24 Bootis (V = 5.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5660 = H II-695 = h1832 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "pB, cL, iR, vgmbM."  John Herschel made a single observation on 13 May 1830 (sweep 257) and called it resolvable (at least granular): "pF; vL; R; vgbM; 3'; resolvable; stars = 20m."  His position was good (south side of halo).

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NGC 5661 = UGC 9346 = MCG +01-37-023 = CGCG 047-081 = Holm 658a = VIII Zw 431 = PGC 51921

14 31 57.5 +06 15 01; Vir

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  NGC 5652 lies 21' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5661 = H II-892 = h1830 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "F, S, E nearly in the meridian."  His position is just off the east side of the galaxy.  JH made two observations and noted (sweep 250) "vF; pL; irr fig."

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NGC 5662 = Cr 284 = ESO 175-010

14 35 38 -56 37 06; Cen

V = 5.5;  Size 12'

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this cluster stands out well with the 27mm Panoptic (76x) with ~60 stars resolved in a 12'x9' region.  The stars around the periphery are arranged in a distinctive concave pentagon similar to a court jester's crown. Includes three mag 9 stars as well as a number of mag 10.5-11 stars.  The richest group of stars is on the SW side and includes a mag 9 luminary along with over a dozen stars within 3' including 5 or 6 of mag 10.5/11. The cluster is too large for a pleasing view at 228x.  Situated a few arc minutes following orange-colored mag 7 HD 127753, which is isolated from the main group, though was given as the position of the cluster by John Herschel.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 5662 = Lac III-8 = D 342 = h3573 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  It was included in his 1755 catalogue as Class III No. 8. and noted as "two stars in nebulosity."

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster on 25 May 1826 and recorded "A group of small stars of the 11th and 12th mag, with a multitude of minute stars mixt, extended S.p. and N.f."  His position was off by 9'.  JH observed the cluster twice from the Cape.  On 23 Apr 1835 he noted "large, p brilliant, coarse, sc cl of Class VII which more than fills the field; 50 stars more or less 9..12th mag; chief star 7th mag, somewhat insulated, taken for place of cluster." On a later sweep he logged "place of a red star, the chief and centre of a fine bright, but not rich cluster, of about 30 stars 9..13 mag. This red or high yellow star is 8th mag."

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NGC 5663 = MCG -03-37-003 = PGC 52049

14 33 56.3 -16 34 52; Lib

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 0”

 

17.5": faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration.  Situated 4.5' NNE of a neat triple star (23"/29") of mag 13-13.5 stars.  Also a wide pair of mag 12 stars (with a mag 14 star near) is just 2.5' SE.  Located 14' NNW of mag 7.2 SAO 158642.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5663 = LM 1-203 on 31 May 1886 and reported "mag 16.0, 0.2' dia, R, glbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.9 min of RA too far west.

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NGC 5664 = IC 4455 = MCG -02-37-008 = PGC 52033

14 33 43.6 -14 37 11; Lib

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5": faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.3'.  A mag 14.5 star is close SE.  A tight knot of 4 or 5 mag 13-15 stars within 45" lies 10' SSW.  Located 4.5” NE of Zubenelgenubi.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5664 = LM 1-204 on 6 Jun 1885 and noted "pF; S; E; gbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.7 min too far west but Corwin verified the identification based on his sketch.  Ormond Stone's position in the 1893 paper "Southern Nebulae" (given in the IC 1 Notes) is a similar distance too far east!  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor in Denver around 1900 (given in the IC 2 notes).

 

DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy again on an Arequipa plate in Jul 1899, although his published position for D.S. 410 (later IC 4455) was 0.8 minutes too far east and 3' too far south!  Dreyer assumed it was new but Stewart's comment "cE 30”", verifies NGC 5664 = IC 4455.  MCG labels this galaxy as IC 4455.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 5665 = Arp 49 = VV 412 = UGC 9352 = MCG +01-37-024 = CGCG 047-084 = PGC 51953

14 32 26.0 +08 04 48; Boo

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 145”

 

48" (5/16/12): at 488x, this irregular galaxy (Arp 49) appeared bright, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.3'x1.0', broad concentration but no distinct core.  The galaxy has a mottled appearance and seems dusty or patchy.  A very faint, large extension or halo is on the east and southeast side and an extremely faint HII knot (identified as NGC 5665A in NED) is at the east end.

 

17.5" (6/24/95): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.2', broad concentration to a very ill-defined core.  A mag 11 star lies 5.3' ESE of center and a brighter mag 10 star 8.8' ENE.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5665 = H II-27 = h1833 on 30 Jan 1784 (sweep 134) and recorded "a nebula following the large star under Bootis not marked in H."  Caroline added the comment in her sweep copy that "the nebula is pB and not very small; is not cometic; nor is it equally bright throughout, so that it is probably resolvable."  John Herschel made 2 observations and on 9 May 1828 (sweep 153) wrote, "pB; R; gbM; 30"."

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NGC 5666 = UGC 9360 = MCG +02-37-023 = CGCG 075-066 = PGC 51995

14 33 09.3 +10 30 38; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, weak concentration.  A mag 10.5 star is 5.0' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5666 = h1834 on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4) and recorded "vF; R; 10".  Stellar; hardly distinguishable from a star."  His position was accurate.  This is only his 4th deep sky discovery.

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NGC 5667 = UGC 9344 = MCG +10-21-004 = CGCG 296-008 = PGC 51830

14 30 22.8 +59 28 12; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, moderate irregular surface brightness (brighter on the south end).  A mag 14.5 star is involved at the NNW tip 42" from the center somewhat confusing the observation.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5667 = H II-807 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and logged "pB, E in meridian, 1 1/2' l and 3/4' br.  His position matches UGC 9344. Ralph Copeland, observing at Birr Castle, noted "vmE 0”, 2 centres of condensation."  He probably noticed the brighter knot at the south end.

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NGC 5668 = UGC 9363 = MCG +01-37-028 = CGCG 047-090 = LGG 386-017 = PGC 52018

14 33 24.4 +04 27 01; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 3.3'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo of lower surface brightness, moderately large.  Two bright stars mag 8.5 SAO 120528 and mag 10 are located 5'-6' NE with a separation of 1.7' N-S.  Member of NGC 5668-5746 group (LGG 386).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5668 = H II-574 = h1835 on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "F, S, lE, r; preceding two very considerable stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min 16 sec of RA west is UGC 9363, and the description applies.  Because of the poor position, when John Herschel found it again on 9 Apr 1828 (sweep 142) he assumed it was a nova and recorded "vF; pL; R; has a * 15m, nf, involved or very near." In the General Catalogue he equated h1835 with H II-574.

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NGC 5669 = UGC 9353 = MCG +02-37-021 = CGCG 075-064 = PGC 51973

14 32 43.9 +09 53 31; Boo

V = 11.3;  Size 4.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (3/12/94): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  Broad concentration to a large, slightly brighter core but no nucleus.  The core appears offset to the north side.  Forms a pair with CGCG 075-063 6.2' WNW.

 

8" (3/24/84): very faint, fairly small, very diffuse, round, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5669 = H II-79 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and recorded "F, L, R, lbM, r, about 4 or 5' diameter.  CH's reduced position is 45 seconds east of UGC 9353.  There were no other observations prior to the NGC, but Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 9 May 1894 that is given in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 5670 = ESO 272-019 = PGC 52161

14 35 41.9 -45 58 01; Lup

V = 12.0;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 74”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very small brighter core and much fainter extensions.  Nearby stars make the view interesting; a mag 14 star is close off the east side and a mag 13.5 star (double) is at the west edge. A mag 8.2 star (HD 127923) is just 2.3' SW!  Located 20' WNW of the bright double star h4690 = 5.5/7.7 at 19".  This is a very pretty pair with a bright light yellow primary and a blue secondary.  Another mag 5.5 star (HD 128068) is 18' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5670 = h3574 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF, S, lE, between 2 stars 13 and 14 m, forming northern side of a trapezium of stars, one of the others is 8 m." His position and description clearly matches ESO 272-019, although RNGC lists the number as nonexistent (no reference given).

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 5670 on 21 Jul 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He noted the nebula was "much elongated" and the star at the southwest end was a double.

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NGC 5671 = UGC 9297 = MCG +12-14-006 = CGCG 337-014 = PGC 51641

14 27 42.0 +69 41 39; UMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (7/12/99): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.2'x0.9' SW-NE.  Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Ill defined halo appears to change orientation with averted vision, so difficult to pin down the PA (the bar and core is elongated NW-SE but the arms are oriented SW-NE).  Forms the eastern vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 10 stars 3.8' SW and 8.1' WSW.  MCG +12-14-4 is just outside the 220x field 12.5' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5671 = H III-882 on 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "vF, pS, R, bM."  CH's reduced position is 6' southeast of UGC 9297.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Jun 1887.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 5671.

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NGC 5672 = IC 1030 = UGC 9354 = MCG +05-34-068 = CGCG 163-077 = LGG 383-003 = PGC 51964

14 32 38.3 +31 40 12; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (6/20/98): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5'.  At moments a stellar nucleus was glimpsed.  Located 4' NE of a striking evenly matched double star ·1855 = 9.2/10.1 at 15".  The major axis of the galaxy is nearly collinear with this double star!

 

NGC 5672 is superimposed in the foreground of AGC 1930 (Bootes Cluster) at z = .131.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5672 = H III-310 = h1836 = Sf 6 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vF, vS, irregular."  JH made one good observation, logged "vF; R; lbM" and measured an accurate position.

 

Truman Safford independently found this galaxy on 4 May 1886 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  His RA was 1 minute too large (same error as IC 1026 = NGC 5653, found just a week later), so Dreyer assumed it was a new object and catalogued it as IC 1030. So, NGC 5672 = IC 1030.

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NGC 5673 = UGC 9347 = MCG +08-26-042 = CGCG 247-039 = LGG 384-004 = PGC 51901

14 31 30.9 +49 57 29; Boo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 136”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SSE, 2.2'x0.4'.  NGC 5673 has similar dimensions and position angle as IC 1029 9.7' ESE but doesn't contain a bright core so is not nearly as prominent in the same field.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NW tip 1.1' from center.  IC 1029 = UGC 9361 appeared moderately bright, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.4'.  Contains a very small and round prominent core with a faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Located 3.2' W of a mag 9.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5673 = h1838 on 13 May 1830 and recorded "vF; pmE; sf a star 15m."  He assumed h1838 was a reobservation of his father's II-696, a brighter edge-on 10' east-southeast (UGC 9361). JH used his position for II-696 in the GC and Dreyer copied this into the NGC.  In his 1912 Scientific Papers of WH, Dreyer wrongly assumed that WH's position was incorrect: "the transit must have been entered 1 tmin too late".  Because of the error in the NGC position, when Bigourdan observed the pair on 14 Jun 1887, he assumed II-696 was new, measured an accurate position, and Dreyer catalogued it as IC 1029. 

 

Harold Corwin feels it is wisest to keep NGC 5673 assigned to fainter UGC 9347, to conform to the current catalogues as well as the GC and NGC.  So, NGC 5673 = h1838 = UGC 9347 and IC 1029 = H II-696 = B. 185 = UGC 9361, an unusual situation in which an IC object was discovered by WH!  On the other hand, Malcolm Thomson argues NGC 5673 should apply to WH's II-696 = UGC 9361, though in this case UGC 9347 would not receive a NGC or IC number.

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NGC 5674 = UGC 9369 = MCG +01-37-031 = CGCG 047-096 = VIII Zw 434 = PGC 52042

14 33 52.4 +05 27 29; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (7/2/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.0' diameter, gradual even concentration to a slightly brighter core, then suddenly increases a fairly bright stellar nucleus.  The outline of the halo seems irregular and shifts with averted vision.  In the same low power field with NGC 5679 20' ESE.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  NGC 5679 lies 20' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5674 = H II-893 = h1837 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "pB, S, iF."  JH made 4 observations and his mean position is at the north edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 5675 = UGC 9357 = MCG +06-32-062 = CGCG 192-038 = LGG 385-001 = PGC 51965

14 32 39.8 +36 18 08; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 137”

 

24" (6/15/15): moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.6', bright core.

 

UGC 9350, located 7.8' W, is fairly faint, fairly small, thin edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 36"x9".  Situated just 30" W of a mag 11.3 star which detracts somewhat from viewing.

 

17.5" (6/20/98): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.7', broad concentration with large oval core.  With direct vision a faint quasi-stellar nucleus is visible at times.  A wide pair [33" separation] of mag 11/12.5 stars lies 6' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5675 = H II-422 = h1839 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "F, cL, unequally bright, irregular."  JH called this galaxy "F; S; E; bM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5676 = UGC 9366 = MCG +08-26-043 = CGCG 247-042 = CGCG 248-003 = LGG 384-005 = PGC 51978

14 32 46.7 +49 27 26; Boo

V = 11.2;  Size 4.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 47”

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Located 19' WNW of CH Bootis (V = 5.7-5.9).  Brightest in a group (LGG 384) including IC 1029 27' N, NGC 5660 30' WNW and NGC 5673 33' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5676 = H I-189 = h1842 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "cB, cL and broad, E from sp to nf."  His position is accurate.  JH made the single observation "B; L; E; r; pgmbM."

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NGC 5677 = UGC 9378 = MCG +04-34-046 = CGCG 133-088 = PGC 52072

14 34 12.9 +25 28 04; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): located in a field with three mag 9 stars including SAO 83402 7' NW, SAO 83404 5' WNW and a mag 9.5 star 2.0' NW of center.  Fairly faint, 1.2' diameter, even surface brightness.  Irregularly round, although cannot determine PA.  Forms a pair with UGC 9340 8' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5677 = H III-283 = h1840 on 17 Feb 1785 (sweep 373) and recorded "vF, vS, about 8' south of a small triangle of pretty large stars, and just following a larger triangle of stars; a little larger than those of the former triangle." John Herschel made the single observation "F; R; r; has 3 stars 9-10m north-preceding."  He made a misprint in the Slough Catalogue, equating h1840 with H. III-289, instead of H. III-283.  Two additional observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5678 = UGC 9358 = MCG +10-21-005 = CGCG 296-009 = PGC 51932

14 32 05.8 +57 55 17; Dra

V = 11.3;  Size 3.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, broad mild concentration.  Located 2.6' SSE of mag 8.9 SAO 29187 (double star A 1106 = 9.7/10.9 at 2").  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5678 = H I-237 = h1843 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and logged "B, irregular oval, vgmbM." His position and description matches UGC 9358. JH made two observations, noting on sweep 345 "B; lE in merid; gmbM; 50"."  Bindon Stoney, observing with LdR's 72" on 26 Apr 1851, logged "S, E ns, light mottled, vlbM, Nucl suspected, within a trapezium of 4 or 5 stars."

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NGC 5679 = Arp 274 = UGC 9383 = VV 458 = MCG +01-37-034 = MCG +01-37-35 = MCG +01-37-36 = CGCG 047-110 = PGC 52132

14 35 08.8 +05 21 31; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 127”

 

48" (5/16/12): MCG +01-37-034, the fainter western component of NGC 5679, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, 30" diameter, round, small bright core.  An uncatalogued pair (~6" separation) of relatively bright stars is at the north edge!  Forms a close pair with MCG +01-37-035, the brighter eastern component of NGC 5679, just 0.6' following between centers.  MCG +01-37-035 appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 or 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.6', well concentrated with a bright core.  MCG +01-37-036, the faintest member of the Arp 274 trio, lies 0.6' ESE.  It appeared fairly faint, small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.

 

18" (7/2/11): NGC 5679 (Arp 274) is a triple system, though only the two main components were noticed.  Initially seen as a merged image with a mag 12.5 attached on the NW side, the two galaxies could only be separated with careful viewing.  The western component (MCG +01-37-034 = NGC 5679A) is faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", no core or zones.  The star (double on the DSS) is at the NNW tip.  MCG +01-37-035 = NGC 5679B is attached on the east side.  This component appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~40"x20", sharply concentrated with a small, brighter core.  A pair of mag 13/13.5 stars oriented N-S is 2' NE.  In Arp's category "double galaxies with connected arms".

 

17.5" (6/8/91): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, low surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is attached at the west end 0.7' from center and confuses the view.  NGC 5674 is 20' WNW and UGC 9400 18' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5679 = H II-894 = h1841, along with NGC 5674, on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "F, S."  His position is 9 sec of RA west of Arp 274.  JH made a total of 5 observations and noted (sweep 250) "among stars and seems attached to a * 12m like a wisp."

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NGC 5680 = CGCG 019-068 = PGC 52173

14 35 44.4 -00 00 49; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (6/8/91): faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is on the north edge and a mag 12 star is 1.6' NW of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5680 = m 282 on 12 Apr 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, vS."  His position is 1' north of CGCG 019-068 = PGC 52173

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NGC 5681 = UGC 9393 = MCG +02-37-025 = CGCG 075-083 = PGC 52169

14 35 42.9 +08 18 01; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter.  Seeing too poor for any details.  Located 4.4' SW of a mag 10.4 star and 50' ENE of NGC 5665.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5681 on 1 May 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is just off the west side of UGC 9393.

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NGC 5682 = UGC 9388 = MCG +08-27-002 = CGCG 248-008 = Holm 663a = LGG 384-006 = PGC 52107

14 34 45.0 +48 40 13; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): extremely faint. very small, round, ~20" diameter.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5683 1.3' ESE.  A mag 14 star is 2.1' S of center. I only observed the core and missed the low surface brightness arms.  The pair is located ~8' SW of NGC 5689 within a group of 5 galaxies.

 

13" (5/26/84): extremely faint, near visual threshold, no details.  A mag 14 star is 2' S.  Located 8.5' SW of NGC 5689 in a group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5682, along with NGC 5683 and 5693, on 13 Apr 1850.  He was observing the field of NGC 5689.  He simply noted three nova, labeled A = NGC 5682, B = NGC 5683 and C = NGC 5693, which he called "faint" and placed them reasonably accurately in his sketch.

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NGC 5683 = MCG +08-27-003 = CGCG 248-009 = Mrk 474 = Holm 663b = PGC 52114

14 34 52.4 +48 39 43; Boo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (6/27/98): extremely faint and small, round, ~15" diameter.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5682 1.3' NW and required careful viewing at 280x to clearly resolve the pair.  Member of the NGC 5689 group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5683, along with NGC 5682 and 5693, on 13 Apr 1850.  He was observing the field of NGC 5689.  He noted three nova, labeled A = NGC 5682, B = NGC 5683 and C = NGC 5693, which he called "faint" and placed them reasonably accurately in his sketch.

 

MCG reverses the dimensions of NGC 5682 and NGC 5683 and the RC3 dimensions are too large.

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NGC 5684 = UGC 9402 = MCG +06-32-073 = CGCG 192-046 = LGG 385-002 = PGC 52179

14 35 50.0 +36 32 35; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 1.0'x0.8', gradually increases to a small bright core, only a small outer halo.  Situated between two mag 14.5 stars 1.5' NW and 1.5' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5686 3.5' SE.  NGC 5695 lies 20' E.  Located 15' SE of mag 6.0 SAO 64227.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5684 = H III-421 = h1844 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS".  JH made 4 observations and recorded on sweep 331 "pB; R.  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 5686]."

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NGC 5685 = UGC 9403 = MCG +05-34-081 = CGCG 163-087 = PGC 52192

14 36 15.4 +29 54 30; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 12.5 star is 3' NE.  Located 22' NE of Sigma Bootis (V = 4.5).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5685 = St XIII-76 on 11 May 1883.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5686 = MCG +06-32-075 = CGCG 192-048 = PGC 52189

14 36 02.5 +36 30 11; Boo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 5684 3.5' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5686 = h1845 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF; vS.  The following of 2 [with NGC 5684]."  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 5687 = UGC 9395 = MCG +09-24-020 = CGCG 273-014 = PGC 52116

14 34 52.3 +54 28 33; Boo

V = 11.8;  Size 2.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared fairly bright, fairly small for a bright galaxy, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core and much fainter extensions.  A short 1' N-S string of 3 stars begins at the preceding end with a mag 13.5-14 star.  A fainter mag 14.5-15 star is at the east end bracketing the galaxy.  Located 2' N is mag 9.9 HD 238370.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): located 2.0' N of mag 9.2 SAO 29208.  Faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W.  Two mag 13 and 14 stars are very close preceding 46" SW and 1.3' SSW of center, respectively.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5687 = H II-808 = h1849 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 927) and recorded "pB, S, iF, easily resolvable.  Mixed with some pL stars which may perhaps belong to it."  JH made a single observation, noting "F; irreg fig; r; has a *10, 2' sf."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5688 = ESO 272-022 = MCG -07-30-004 = PGC 52381

14 39 35.1 -45 01 08; Lup

V = 11.9;  Size 3.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 85”

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~2'x1.5'.  Contains a moderately bright 45" core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo.  Striking setting as the galaxy is surrounded by a number of stars around the periphery from the north around the west side and back along the south side.  A linear string of 4 stars oriented SW to NE is off the NE flank of the galaxy.  The overall star field is rich in faint stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5688 = h3575 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "not vF; S; vgbM; 25"; among stars."  His position is 1' south of ESO 272-022 = PGC 52381.

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NGC 5689 = UGC 9399 = MCG +08-27-004 = CGCG 248-010 = LGG 384-007 = PGC 52154

14 35 29.6 +48 44 30; Boo

V = 11.9;  Size 3.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:2 WSW-ENE.  The tips of the extensions fade into the background but appear ~2.2'x0.5' with averted vision.  Sharply concentrated with a well-defined bright core.  With direct vision, a quasi-stellar or stellar nucleus is visible at times.  Brightest of five in a group with NGC 5682, NGC 5683, NGC 5693 and NGC 5700.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, distinctive very elongated streak E-W, fairly small, small bright nucleus.  Brightest in a group including NGC 5682 and NGC 5693.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, small, elongated E-W, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5689 = H I-188 = h1848 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "cB or pB, mbM, lE in the direction of the parallel, about 1 1/2' long."  He observed this galaxy again 3 nights later (sweep 736) and called it "pB, mbM, E in the parallel with faint branches."  JH made the single observation "B; S; pmE; psbM; pos nearly in the parallel."  His position and description matches UGC 9399.  George Stoney made a sketch on 13 Apr 1850 with LdR's 72".

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NGC 5690 = UGC 9416 = MCG +00-37-019 = CGCG 019-072 = CGCG 047-119 = PGC 52273

14 37 41.2 +02 17 28; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 3.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 143”

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE.  A very faint star is at the SSE end.  Located 3.3' ENE of mag 6.6 SAO 120569, which interferes with viewing!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5690 = H II-582 = h1846 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "F, mE, about 2' long, 1/4' broad, r.  The stars and nebulosity together make a pretty appearance."  CH's reduced position is 2' south of UGC 9416."  JH made three observations and noted "a vF ray 60" l; follows a *7m dist 5'."

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NGC 5691 = UGC 9420 = MCG +00-37-020 = CGCG 019-073 = LGG 386-007 = NGC 5632 = PGC 52291

14 37 53.4 -00 23 55; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.2'x0.8', elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  Sharper light cut-off on the south side. 

 

8" (6/29/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, very small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5691 = H II-681 = h1847 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and logged "pB, pL, iF."  JH made the single observation "pB; gbM; lE." d'Arrest made three observations and measured an accurate position.  NGC 5632, discovered by George Bond at Harvard in 1853, is a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 5692 = UGC 9427 = MCG +01-37-039 = CGCG 047-123 = LGG 386-006 = PGC 52317

14 38 18.2 +03 24 35; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (6/8/91): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, high surface brightness, sharp edges, gradually increases to brighter center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5692 = St XIII-77 on 13 May 1883.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5693 = UGC 9406 = MCG +08-27-006 = CGCG 248-011 = LGG 384-008 = PGC 52194

14 36 11.3 +48 35 07; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, fairly small, round, ~1.0' diameter.  Appears as a low surface brightness glow with only a weak central brightening.  A mag 13.5 star is at the south edge confusing the observation and a second mag 13 star lies 2' north.  Located 11.5' SE of NGC 5689 in a group.  NGC 5700 lies 8.7' ESE.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faint, extended N-S, diffuse, low even surface brightness.  A faint mag 14.5 star is attached at the SSE edge.  Located ~15' SE of NGC 5689.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S (possibly enhanced by faint star at south edge.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5693, along with NGC 5682 and 5683, on 13 Apr 1850.  He was observing the field of NGC 5689.  He labeled NGC 5693 "C" on a diagram, and placed a star at the south edge.

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NGC 5694 = ESO 512-10

14 39 36.5 -26 32 18; Hya

V = 10.0;  Size 4.2';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

17.5" (4/13/96): moderately bright but compact globular of 2' diameter with a round, symmetrical appearance.  Contains a 40" well defined core that increases to a nearly stellar nucleus.  There is no evident resolution in the halo.  Situated at the end of a string of brighter stars with two mag 11 stars close SSW.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): this is a small globular cluster with a very small bright core and a fainter outer halo.  Very mottled and grainy but no resolution.  A pair of mag 11 stars oriented N-S are off the SW side about 1.5' and 2.5' from the center.

 

8" (6/27/81): fairly faint, small, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5694 = H II-196 = h3576 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "pB, S, r, nearly R and bM.  It forms an arch, or very bright obtuse triangle with two stars very near and preceding it.  The arch is concave to the northeast and the two stars with the nebula are all within 5'."  John Herschel called the cluster "vB; pL; R; psbM; 1st class; 20"; r; several stars near."  His RA in the Cape Catalogue was 35 seconds too large.  Heinrich d'Arrest (who noticed the error) and Engelhardt measured accurate micrometric positions.

 

Announced as a globular cluster in the 1934 paper "Object NGC 5694 a Distant Globular Star Cluster" by Lampland and Clyde Tombaugh (1932AN....246..171L) at Lowell Observatory, based on photographic plates taken with the 13" Lowell telescope and followed up with the 42-inch reflector.  The large reflector clearly showed this was a condensed globular cluster.

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NGC 5695 = UGC 9421 = MCG +06-32-077 = CGCG 192-049 = Mrk 686 = LGG 385-003 = PGC 52261

14 37 22.1 +36 34 04; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', evenly concentrated down to a very small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 2.8' W.  NGC 5684 lies 20' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5695 = H II-423 = h1851 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pF, pS, irr, bM."  JH made 3 observations and called it (sweep 69) "pB; S; bM."  This was last of 42 galaxies in the sweep that he discovered within a two and half hour period!!

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NGC 5696 = UGC 9415 = MCG +07-30-036 = CGCG 220-036 = PGC 52235

14 36 57.1 +41 49 41; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, broad concentration to a roundish core that increases gradually to the center. Outer dimensions increase with averted vision to ~1.4'x1.0'.  Forms a pair with NGC 5697 10' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5696 = H II-648 = h1850 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS, lbM."  His position was off by 6 seconds of RA to the east and 4' to the north.  Dreyer mentioned in his revision of WH's catalogues that WH also saw H. II-648 as well as H. II-675 = NGC 5697 on 9 April 1787 (sweep 725).  In this sweep, WH measured NGC 5696 36 seconds preceding and 10' south of NGC 5697. The actual offsets are closer to 25 sec of RA and 8.5' in dec. See Corwin's identifications notes on NGC 5696 and 5697.

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NGC 5697 = IC 4471 = UGC 9407 = MCG +07-30-031 = CGCG 220-033 = PGC 52207

14 36 32.0 +41 41 08; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.  Follows a distinctive trapezoid of mag 10-12 stars (brighter stars form the longer 3' base).  Also a mag 14.5 star is 1.5' NW and a mag 15 star is close WSW [double on DSS].  Fainter of pair with NGC 5696 10' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5697 = H II-675 = h1853 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, vS."  His position is 6' south of UGC 9407.  On the same sweep he reobserved II-648 = NGC 5696 and their relative separations are reasonably accurate.

 

On 6 May 1828 (sweep 151), John Herschel logged "vF, R, bM, follows an arc of 4 B stars."  The description is good, but his position (marked as very rough) is 30 sec of RA too large and 3.5' too far south.  Because of this error, the NGC RA is ~30 seconds too large, placing NGC 5697 south-southeast of NGC 5696 instead of southwest. Also as a result, Bigourdan thought his reobservation was a new object and NGC 5697 was catalogued again as IC 4471.

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NGC 5698 = UGC 9419 = MCG +07-30-038 = CGCG 220-037 = PGC 52251

14 37 14.7 +38 27 15; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, diffuse halo fades into background, broadly concentrated halo but fairly low surface brightness, no nucleus.  Several bright stars near including a mag 10 star 2.7' SSW, a mag 11 star 3.8' ENE and a mag 11.5 star 3.9' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5698 = H II-700 = h1852 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "pF, S, iE."  His position is accurate. JH made 3 observations and logged (sweep 331) "F; pL; lE; 40" l; in a scalene triangle of stars 10..11m."

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NGC 5699 = NGC 5706 = MCG +05-35-002 = CGCG 164-004 = Holm 665b = PGC 52334

14 38 42.3 +30 27 59; Boo

 

See observing notes for NGC 5706

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5699 = H III-127 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "Two [along with III-128 = NGC 5703], vS, eF nebula about 3' from each other, and nearly in the same parallel.  240 confirmed them.  The second [NGC 5703] is vl brighter than the first, and is of an iR figure."  His position is 5' northwest of CGCG 164-004 = PGC 52334, but C.H. made an error in reducing WH's position and the GC and NGC position is 1” too far south (Auwers' reduction is correct).

 

ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered this pair on 12 May 1883, assumed it was new, and his position in list XIII-78 is accurate.  Dreyer catalogued the galaxy as NGC 5706. So, NGC 5699 = NGC 5706. The same error was made for III-128 = NGC 5703 with the corrected position matching NGC 5709.

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NGC 5700 = UGC 9423 = MCG +08-27-007 = CGCG 248-013 = PGC 52237

14 37 01.7 +48 32 42; Boo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3'.  A very faint star is 30" SE of center.  Last in NGC 5689 group of 5.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5700 on 4 May 1877 during an observation of the NGC 5689 field.  With reference to NGC 5693 (nova "B"), he noted "9' f and 2' or 3' s of the nova there is a smaller & eF neb with 2 or 3 st in it & a *11m 4' sp."  This description points to NGC 5700 = UGC 9423, although his comment "2 or 3 st in it" is incorrect.

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NGC 5701 = UGC 9436 = MCG +01-37-042 = CGCG 047-127 = LGG 386-020 = PGC 52365

14 39 11.1 +05 21 47; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 4.3'x4.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (6/8/91): bright, moderately large, 2.2'x1.8', faint halo slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, small well-defined very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just off the NE side 1.2' from center.  Located within a triangle of mag 10 stars 3.6' W, 3.6' NE and 6.3' S of center. 

 

8" (6/29/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, brighter core, within a triangle of three stars mag 9-10.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5701 = H II-575 = h1854 on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "pB, mbM, cL, iR."  JH made a total of 4 observations, first describing the galaxy as "B; R; psbM; 30"."

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NGC 5702 = UGC 9434 = MCG +04-35-002 = CGCG 134-007 = PGC 52347

14 38 55.1 +20 30 25; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Several mag 10-11 stars are in the 220x field to the west and SW.  A pair of galaxies, NGC 5710 and NGC 5711, lie ~30' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5702 = H III-894 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "vF, vS."  CH's reduction is 10 sec of RA west of UGC 9434.

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NGC 5703 = NGC 5709 = UGC 9435 = MCG +05-35-003 = CGCG 164-006 = Holm 665a = LGG 383-012 = PGC 52343

14 38 50.0 +30 26 34; Boo

 

See observing notes for NGC 5709.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5703 = H III-128 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "Two [along with III-127 = NGC 5699], vS, eF nebula about 3' from each other, and nearly in the same parallel.  240 confirmed them.  The second [NGC 5703] is very little brighter than the first, and is of an iR figure."  The GC and NGC position is 1” too far south and once corrected, NGC 5703 = NGC 5699 = UGC 9435.  See notes on NGC 5699.

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NGC 5704 = NGC 5708 = UGC 9430 = MCG +07-30-044 = CGCG 220-042 = PGC 52315

14 38 16.3 +40 27 24; Boo

 

See observing notes for NGC 5708.

 

John Herschel found NGC 5704 = h1855 on 12 May 1828 and recorded "F, S, r."  He assumed this was a reobservation of his father's II-649 = UGC 9430, but his position is 5' northwest of the galaxy and corresponds (perhaps coincidentally) with a mag 14 star.  He also recorded the galaxy as well as h1859 (later NGC 5711), but assumed it was nova.  A second observation listed under h1855 matches UGC 9430, so NGC 5704 is perhaps a star (from the first observation) or a duplicate of NGC 5708 (from the second observation).

 

JH used the position from the first observation in the GC, so the NGC position for NGC 5704 is 5' off from the galaxy.  As a result, Reinmuth and Carlson reported NGC 5704 as nonexistent and modern catalogues identify the galaxy as NGC 5708.

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NGC 5705 = UGC 9447 = MCG +00-37-021 = CGCG 019-076 = LGG 386-008 = PGC 52395

14 39 49.6 -00 43 08; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (6/8/91): extremely faint, fairly large, extremely low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Appears as an ill-defined haze elongated WSW-ENE with no definite edge.  NGC 5713 lies 27' NNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5705 = St XIII-80 on 17 May 1884 in the NGC 5713 group.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5706 = NGC 5699 = MCG +05-35-002 = CGCG 164-004 = Holm 665b = PGC 52334

14 38 42.3 +30 27 59; Boo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

24" (6/29/16): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, moderately high surface brightness, visible continuously.  Located 2.2' NW of NGC 5709.

 

18" (7/2/11): extremely faint to very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 5709 2.2' SE.  UGC 9425 lies 11' W.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 15" diameter.  Can just hold continuously with averted.  Forms a pair with NGC 5709 2.1' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 5706 = St XIII-78, along with NGC 5709 = St XIII-79, on 12 May 1883.  His position matches CGCG 164-004.  William Herschel discovered this galaxy nearly a 100 years earlier on 16 May 1784 and catalogued it as H III-127 (later NGC 5699), but the GC and NGC position was 1” too far south (clerical error).  So, NGC 5699 = NGC 5706.  Based on historical precedence NGC 5699 should be the primary designation, but this galaxy is primarily known as NGC 5706 because of Stephan's unambiguous position.

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NGC 5707 = UGC 9428 = MCG +09-24-023 = CGCG 273-015 = PGC 52266

14 37 31.0 +51 33 42; Boo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): moderately bright, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.3', very bright compact round core, faint very thin extensions.  A mag 14.5-15 star is off the SW tip 1.8' from center.  Located 4.5' WSW of mag 7.4 SAO 29224.

 

Forms a double system with MCG +09-24-024 = PGC 52269 just beyond the NNE end, 1.5' from the center. The companion appeared extremely faint and small, round, just non-stellar.  NGC 5707 has a redshift-based distance of ~100 million l.y., while MCG +09-24-024 resides at 600 million l.y., so they are not physically related.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5707 = Sw. I-36 in 1878 with his 4.5-inch comet seeker and found it again 7 years later on 22 Jun 1885 with his 16" Clark refractor.  He recorded "B; pS; R; precedes DM +52”1816 31 sec [of time].  Found in presence of a half moon.  First found 7 years ago with 4 1/2-inch Comet seeker and recorded as can find no record of it."  His RA was 5 seconds too small.  Herbert Howe commented that this "nebula" had two extremely faint and opposite extensions.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1893 (published in 1907).

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NGC 5708 = NGC 5704: = UGC 9430 = MCG +07-30-044 = CGCG 220-042 = PGC 52315

14 38 16.3 +40 27 24; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is attached at the south tip [38" from center] and a mag 14 star lies 2' NE.  UGC 9429 lies 21' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5708 = H II-649 = h1859 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "F, E, S, r."  On 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) he called this nebula "vF, S, E nearly in the meridian [N-S], r."  CH's reduced position is 1.7' north of UGC 9430 and the observation is certain.

 

On 12 May 1828, JH recorded h1855, which he assumed was II-649 and noted "F; S; R."  The only object near his position, though, is a mag 14 star 5' northwest of the galaxy.  He used this position in the GC and Dreyer copied it for the position of NGC 5704, so WH's number was associated with the wrong object (perhaps a star).  The same night JH logged h1859 = NGC 5708, and mistook it as a new discovery.

 

Reinmuth and Carlson reported NGC 5704 as nonexistent because of JH's misidentification and modern catalogues identify the galaxy as NGC 5708.  But clearly, NGC 5704 = NGC 5708. See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 5709 = NGC 5703 = UGC 9435 = MCG +05-35-003 = CGCG 164-006 = PGC 52343

14 38 50.0 +30 26 34; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

24" (6/29/16): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.2'x0.4', modest concentration with a large brighter core region.  Brighter and larger of a pair with NGC 5706 2.2' NW.

 

Arp 241, located 13' WNW, is a close encounter of two spiral galaxies with the interaction resulting in pair of opposing tidal tails forming a "sprinkler" appearance.  The two nuclei are separated by only 16" and were resolved at 375x.  The brighter and larger southeast component (VV 264a) appeared fairly faint, small, round, ~15" diameter, stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.  The northwest component (VV 264b) is faint, very small, round, ~10" diameter, with a very small brighter nucleus.

 

18" (7/2/11): faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', very weak concentration.  Close pair with smaller and fainter NGC 5706 2.2' NW.  UGC 9245 lies 13' WNW.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.3', low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5706 2.1' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5709 = St XIII-79, along with NGC 5706 = St XIII-78, on 12 May 1883.  His position matches UGC 9435.  This galaxy was first discovered by WH nearly a 100 years earlier on 16 May 1784 and catalogued as H III-128 = NGC 5703, but the GC and NGC position is 1” too far south (clerical error).  So, NGC 5703 = NGC 5709.  NGC 5703 should be the primary designation because of the earlier discovery, but this galaxy is known as NGC 5709 because of the unambiguous position.

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NGC 5710 = UGC 9440 = MCG +03-37-032 = CGCG 104-060 = PGC 52369

14 39 16.2 +20 02 36; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, brighter core.  A close double star lies 2.5' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5711 3.5' SSE (past the close double).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5710 = H III-895 = h1856 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and logged "vF, vS."  CH's reduction is just 5 sec of RA west of UGC 9440.  JH made the single observation "eF; S; vgbM; the p of 2 [with NGC 5711], close to a double star [HJ 2737]."

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NGC 5711 = UGC 9445 = MCG +03-37-033 = CGCG 104-062 = PGC 52376

14 39 22.6 +19 59 26; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 73”

 

17.5" (6/20/01): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  A close double star lies 1' NW.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5710 3.5' NNW with the double star between the two galaxies.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5711 = h1858 on 17 Mar 1831 and recorded "eF; vS; the following of 2 [with NGC 5710], close to a double star [HJ 2737]."

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NGC 5712 = MCG +13-10-021 = CGCG 354-005 = VII Zw 553 = PGC 51799

14 29 41.6 +78 51 51; UMi

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.7'

 

17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint and small, round, 10-15" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with IC 4470 4.0' WNW.  IC 4470 appeared very faint, very small, round.  There is a mag 14.5 star just off the NE side 21" from center which confused the observation.  At moments, the compact core of the galaxy and the star appeared to form a faint double star.  I missed the faint extensions (arm) E-W on the POSS.  Forms a pair with NGC 5712 4.0' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5712 = H III-950 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and recorded "vF, S, r.  It is preceded by a small patch of stars which appears almost like this nebula, but more resolved."  CH's position is 2.5' south and 25 sec of RA east of MCG +13-10-021 = PGC 51799.  MCG does not label this galaxy NGC 5712.

 

The "small patch of stars which appears almost like this nebula" in WH's description applies to IC 4470, situated 4' west-northwest, which was rediscovered by Bigourdan on 11 Jul 1887.  Interestingly, Bigourdan also calls it a star cluster: "Object which, at first sight, could be nebulous, but in which I suspect several stellar points.  It is therefore a cluster enveloped in nebulosity; it is vaguely elongated at 90 degrees and is 1' l and 40" wide."  Corwin and Steinicke both agree that WH should be credited with the discovery of IC 4470, although it did not receive a NGC designation.

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NGC 5713 = UGC 9451 = MCG +00-37-022 = CGCG 019-077 = VIII Zw 447 = LGG 386-009 = NGC 5651 = PGC 52412

14 40 11.5 -00 17 27; Vir

V = 11.2;  Size 2.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, broad concentration, asymmetric appearance.  The brightest portion of the core seems offset to the west.  The halo appears irregular and weaker on the south side.  Forms a pair with NGC 5719 11' ESE.  On the POSS, a single spiral arm winds from SW to NE but is absent on the south side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5713 = H I-182 = h1857 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and noted "cB, pL, iR."  JH made the single observation "B; R; psbM; r; 20"." d'Arrest measured this galaxy on 6 nights, so the NGC position is accurate.  At Birr Castle, Bindon Stoney logged on 13 Apr 1852 "[NGC 5713] is gbM, a faint indication of spirality??"  NGC 5651, discovered by George Bond at Harvard in 1853, is a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 5714 = UGC 9431 = MCG +08-27-011 = CGCG 248-014 = FGC 1785 = PGC 52307

14 38 11.7 +46 38 16; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 3.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 82”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, edge-on streak oriented WSW-ENE.  The tips of the extensions dissolve gradually into the background.  Located 1' S of an unequal pair of mag 11/13 stars at 40" separation.  NGC 5714 is the first (furthest west) and brightest of group of 6 faint galaxies, of which 5 were viewed.  Next in the group is NGC 5717, 4.7' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5714 = H III-675 = h1861 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "vF, iF, pS, sp two small unequal stars."  His position is 1.5' too far north, but clearly applies to UGC 9431.  JH recorded "vF; E; 40" l; south of a coarse double star; the preceding of 2 [should be 3, with NGC 5717 and 5722]."  JH mistakenly assumed this was a new object, and applied his father's III-675 to h1864 = NGC 5717.

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NGC 5715 = Cr 286 = ESO 176-002

14 43 30 -57 34 36; Cir

V = 9.8;  Size 7'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this cluster appears to extend 7' to 8' in diameter but the eye-catching portion is a small, distinctive group of similar mag stars on the west side, forming an striking oval ring or loop.  Within this 2.5' curving chain are roughly two dozen, mostly mag 12.5-13.5 stars and the interior of the loop is nearly devoid of stars.  A mag 10.7 star is a couple of arcminutes east.  Roughly 50 additional stars are in the surrounding portion of cluster, for a total of ~75 stars.  A mag 9.3 star (HD 129144) is 5' S.

 

James Dunlop discovered D 333 = h3577 on 8 May 1826 and described "a group of small stars with faint nebula. There is rather a gathering of the nebulous matter, about 10 arcseconds diameter, near the north side."  His position was 10' west of center.  JH observed this cluster on 9 Jul 1834 and logged, "cluster VII. Pretty rich, stars 11..13th mag, irregular, scattered,10' diameter, rather more comp M."  JH credited Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 5716 = MCG -03-37-004 = PGC 52458

14 41 05.5 -17 28 35; Lib

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 80”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, low even surface brightness.  Two mag 12/13 stars are at the NE edge both 1.0' from center.  Located 23' SW of NGC 5716.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5716 = H III-671 = h1860 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and logged "cF, S, R, joining two small stars."

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NGC 5717 = MCG +08-27-012 = CGCG 248-015 = PGC 52332

14 38 37.6 +46 39 47; Boo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak even concentration to center.  Nearly collinear with the mag 11/13 pair 4' W.  NGC 5714 is 4.7' WSW and the NGC 5722 (part of a quadruple group) is 2.9' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5717 = h1864 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "Not eF; R; psbM; 20"; the second of 3 [with NGC 5714 and 5722]."  The next night he also logged "The second of 3 in a line (two R; one mE), south of a double star."  JH incorrectly equated his discovery with H III-675, but his father discovered NGC 5714 (the edge-on).

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NGC 5718 = Arp 171 NED2 = UGC 9459 = CGCG 047-137 = MCG +01-37-047 = WBL 518-005 = PGC 52441

14 40 42.9 +03 27 55; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85”

 

24" (6/18/12): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2  or 4:3 E-W, ~35"x25", large bright core, brighter along the major axis.  Forms a double system (Arp 171) with IC 1042 ("fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration"), just 1.0' WNW.  A mag 10.7 star is 1.2' NE and detracts a bit.  NGC 5718 is the brightest member in the poor group MKW 8 and over 20 members were tracked down within 30' of NGC 5718. 

 

17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, weak concentration.  Located 1.3' SW of a mag 10 star that detracts from viewing.  A number of mag 13-14 stars are within 3'.  Forms a close contact pair (Arp 171) with IC 1042 off the west edge.  IC 1042 is very faint, very small, low even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5718 = H III-550 = h1862 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "vF, S, preceding and in a line with 2 B stars."  His position is 2' south of this double system and the two stars are collinear with the brighter eastern component UGC 9459.  Neither Herschel noticed IC 1042 close west.

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NGC 5719 = UGC 9462 = MCG +00-37-024 = CGCG 019-079 = LGG 386-010 = NGC 5658 = PGC 52455

14 40 56.6 -00 19 05; Vir

V = 12.2;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 107”

 

48" (5/4/16): bright, large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 3.2'x0.8', well concentrated with a large, very bright elongated core.  A slightly curved, sharply defined dust lane extends along the south side of the core region and into the halo.  A very faint strip of the halo is visible beyond the dust lane.  Forms a disrupted pair with NGC 5713 11' WNW.

 

On images, the prominent dust lane is clearly warped and studies reveal a counter-rotating stellar disc accreted from a previous interaction with NGC 5713.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, elongated bright core, thin extensions.  Located 2' S of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 5713 11' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5719 = H II-682 = h1863 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and noted "pB, cS."  His position is 1' too far north.  JH made a single observation "pB; S; lE; bM." Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position of 6 nights using the mag 10 star just under 2' north.  NGC 5658, discovered by George Bond at Harvard in 1853, is a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 5720 = UGC 9439 = MCG +09-24-025 = CGCG 273-017 = PGC 52328

14 38 33.4 +50 48 54; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 2.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', weakly concentrated.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5720 = Sw. IX-40 on 24 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; bet 2 stars."  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (given as list VI in the NGC), but the position in his 9th list (published in 1890) is just off the north edge of UGC 9439.

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NGC 5721 = MCG +08-27-013 = CGCG 248-016nw = PGC 52346

14 38 52.9 +46 40 28; Boo

V = 15.9;  Size 0.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/27/98): this close companion to NGC 5722 required averted vision and concentration to momentarily glimpse a virtually stellar object <10" diameter, just 35" NNW of NGC 5722.  This borderline detection was repeated several times knowing precise location.

 

R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 5721 and 5723 on 16 Apr 1855 during an observation of the NGC 5714 group.  A diagram is accurate enough to clearly establish the identifications of NGC 5721 = MCG +08-27-013, NGC 5722 = MCG +08-27-014, NGC 5723 = MCG +08-27-015 and 5724 = mag 17 star.

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 5721 as NGC 5722.  The CGCG misidentifies the close pair as NGC 5721 + NGC 5723, instead of NGC 5721 + NGC 5722.  Finally the MCG misplaces MCG +08-27-013 (the furthest west of the quartet)  2' south of NGC 5722, instead of 30" north.  This error is carried forward into PGC.

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NGC 5722 = MCG +08-27-014 = CGCG 248-016se = PGC 52355

14 38 54.3 +46 39 56; Boo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (6/27/98): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter.  Collinear with NGC 5717 2.9' W and the mag 11/13 pair 6.5' W.  A nice pair of mag 12.5 stars [26" separation] located 5' N is perfectly on line with this galaxy.  Brightest in a tight grouping with NGC 5721 just 35" NNW and NGC 5723 1.5' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5722 = h1865 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; R; psbM; 15"; the third of 3 in a line".  His position is 2.8' north of MCG +08-27-014.  This galaxy has two fainter companions (NGC 5721 and NGC 5723), which were discovered and sketch at Birr Castle on 16 April 1855.

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 5722 as NGC 5723.  Also the MCG dec is 1' too far north, which places it north of NGC 5721, instead of south.  See Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5723 = MCG +08-27-015 = PGC 52354

14 38 57.9 +46 41 22; Boo

Size 0.6'x0.2';  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): this galaxy is the last of five viewed in the NGC 5721 group and part of small quartet (3 seen).  Like NGC 5721, this marginal object required concentration and averted vision to momentarily glimpse a 16th magnitude stellar object (only core viewed) 1.5' NNE of NGC 5722.  17th magnitude NGC 5724 just 43" NE was not visible.

 

R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 5723 and 5721 on 16 Apr 1855 while observing the NGC 5714 group.  A sketch shows a small quartet to the northeast of NGC 5717 and NGC 5723 matches MCG +08-27-015 = PGC 52354, though the last object (NGC 5724) is a single star.

 

The RNGC entry for NGC 5723 applies to NGC 5721. The MCG entry for NGC 5723 is possibly correct (the coordinates are imprecise) though it may erroneously refer to PGC 2286446, which lies northeast of the quartet.  CGCG errs in calling the close pair NGC 5721 + NGC 5723 instead of NGC 5721 + NGC 5722.

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NGC 5724 = MCG +08-27-016 = PGC 52360

14 39 02.1 +46 41 32; Boo

V = 17.0

 

= *, Gottlieb and Corwin

 

R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 5724 on 16 Apr 1855.  Based on the sketch published in the 1880 monograph (showing (NGC 5714, 5717, 5721, 5722, 5723 and 5724), Harold Corwin identifies this number with MCG +08-27-016, an extremely compact galaxy or star.  The RNGC misidentifies 2MASX J14390847+4644487 as NGC 5724.  This galaxy is located about 4' NE of the trapezium formed by NGC 5721, NGC 5722, NGC 5723 and NGC 5724.

 

In an email exchange with Corwin, I suggested that NGC 5724 is actually a star based on its completely stellar appearance and SDSS classification.  Corwin concurs and the type has now been changed to a star in NED.  At B = 17.4, Corwin notes this is certainly one of the faintest NGC objects.

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NGC 5725 = UGC 9466 = MCG +00-37-025 = CGCG 019-080 = LGG 386-003 = PGC 52456

14 40 58.3 +02 11 10; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5725 on 27 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two nights) matches UGC 9466.

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NGC 5726 = ESO 580-012 = MCG -03-37-006 = PGC 52563

14 42 56.0 -18 26 42; Lib

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, contains a fairly high surface brightness 25" core with a fainter halo.  Located 7' SE of mag 9.2 HD 129378 in a fairly rich star field.  ESO 580-014 lies 14' E.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5726 = LM 1-205 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.8, 0.3' dia, R, gbM, *10.5, np 2.7'."  His approximate position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of time west of ESO 580-012.  Stone later measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC I notes).  RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent. The correct identification is given in ESO-LV and RC3.  MCG fails to label -03-37-006 as NGC 5726.

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NGC 5727 = UGC 9465 = MCG +06-32-083 = CGCG 192-052 = PGC 52424

14 40 26.3 +33 59 20; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE although edges difficult to determine, 2.0'x1.0', very low even surface brightness.  A striking pair of fairly bright wide double stars is 5' SSE consisting of a mag 10/11 duo at 16" and a mag 9/11.5 pair at 30".  The two pairs are separated by 1.5'.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5727 = St XII-66 on 10 Jun 1882.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5728 = MCG -03-37-005 = PGC 52521

14 42 24.0 -17 15 10; Lib

V = 11.3;  Size 3.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE.  Contains a bright core and possible stellar nucleus.  A faint mag 14.5 star is at the southern tip 1.2' from center.  An extremely faint 15th magnitude star is suspected just north of the core 0.4' from center.  NGC 5716 lies 23' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5728 = H I-184 = h1866 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and recorded "cB, pL, E from sp to nf, mbM."  His position is accurate.  On his first observation, JH called this object "pB; mE; bM, almost to nucleus; has a * 10m 90” south."  On a second sweep, he logged "F; R; pgbM; 20" has a * 15 nf; certainly not of first and hardly of second class.  Sky perfectly clear."

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NGC 5729 = MCG -01-37-012 = PGC 52507

14 42 06.8 -09 00 30; Lib

V = 12.6;  Size 2.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 166”

 

17.5" (6/20/01): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.6'x0.4'.  A mag 14.5 star is at the east edge [close double].  MCG -01-37-011 lies 18' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5729 = H III-508 = h3578 on 4 Feb 1786 (sweep 522) and recorded "vF, cL, irregularly elongated nearly in the meridian.  His position is off the south side of MCG -01-37-012 = PGC 52507.  JH recorded from the Cape of Good Hope, "F; pL; pmE; gbM; with an appearance of resolvability, arising as I imagine from a few small stars accidentally on it, I hardly think it can be reckoned a cluster in the sense of class VI.  Re-examined working list.  It is III. 508.  VI. 8 does not exist in the space assigned to it in the catalogue."

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NGC 5730 = UGC 9456 = MCG +07-30-046 = CGCG 220-044 = Holm 667a = PGC 52396

14 39 52.0 +42 44 33; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): larger of a faint pair of edge-on galaxies with NGC 5731 3.9' NE.  Faint, fairly large, elongated 5:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.3', weak central brightening.  A mag 11 star lies 3.0' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5730 = H III-657 = h1867, along with NGC 5731, on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS, E, but in different directions. The preceding [NGC 5730] is the brightest; about 2 or 3' distance, nearly in the parallel [E-W].  Each situated south of a small star."  JH made the single observation "eF; pL; E; seen only with great attention.  Place estimated from III. 658 [NGC 5731].  His estimated declination is 1.5' north of NGC 5731, but he reversed the direction, which should be 2' south of NGC 5731.  This error was carried forward to the GC and NGC

 

The identifications of these galaxies are reversed in the RNGC and CGCG due to this mix-up, although UGC, MCG and PGC have the correct identifications.  See Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5731 = UGC 9460 = MCG +07-30-047 = CGCG 220-045 = Holm 667b = PGC 52409

14 40 09.3 +42 46 46; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 116”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.25', weakly concentrated.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NW of center.  Forms a close pair of edge-ons with NGC 5730 3' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5731 = H III-658 = h1867, along with NGC 5730, on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS, E, but in different directions. The preceding [NGC 5730] is the brightest; about 2 or 3' distance, nearly in the parallel [E-W].  Each situated south of a small star."

 

See notes for NGC 5730 for identification errors.  IC 1045 is not equal to NGC 5731.  See that number.

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NGC 5732 = UGC 9467 = MCG +07-30-048 = CGCG 220-046 = PGC 52438

14 40 39.0 +38 38 16; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

24" (6/15/15): at 260x; moderately bright, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', fairly weak concentration.  Using 375x the galaxy has a mottled, irregular appearance and fainter outer portions of the halo sometimes become more evident.

 

UGC 9473, which lies 17' NE, appeared moderately to fairly bright, roundish, 0.8' diameter, gradually brightens to the center but no distinct zones at 260x.  A mag 10 star lies 6.5' SW and NGC 5732 is 17' SW.   

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak broad concentration with no visible core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5732 = H III-686 = h1869 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "eF, cS, lbM."  The next object in his sweep was simply described as "a small patch, very faint." and not assigned an internal discovery number. But the time was noted as 1 min 6 sec after NGC 5732, and 13' north. Close to this offset is UGC 9473, which is another pre-NGC discovery by WH.  JH made two observations of NGC 5732 and logged "vF; S; R; bM."

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NGC 5733 = MCG +00-38-001 = CGCG 020-002 = PGC 52550

14 42 45.8 -00 21 05; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 32”

 

17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.7' WNW and 1.6' ENE of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5733 = m 283 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, S, mE".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5734 = ESO 580-016 = MCG -03-38-003 = PGC 52678

14 45 09.1 -20 52 14; Lib

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 38”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4'.  A mag 13 is just off the NE tip, 30" from center, and detracts from viewing.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5743 2.6' S.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5734 = LM 1-206, along with NGC 5743, on 3 Jun 1885 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "vF; S; lE; glbM."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 1 min of RA east is ESO 580-016.  Herbert Howe's corrected position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) is accurate and he noted that NGC 5734 and 5743 have the same RA, not 1 minute apart, per Leavenworth.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, this is the first galaxy discovered at the LM Observatory.

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NGC 5735 = UGC 9481 = MCG +05-35-007 = CGCG 164-013 = PGC 52535

14 42 33.4 +28 43 34; Boo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.5'x1.1'.  A mag 11 star is 4.2' WSW.  In the field 7' NE is a pretty double star with components mag 11/12 at 19" separation.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5735 = H III-133 = h1870 on 17 May 1784 (sweep 219) and recorded "eF, cL, iR, lbM."  JH made the single observation "vF; L; R" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5736 = MCG +02-38-001 = CGCG 076-007 = KTG 58A = PGC 52597

14 43 30.8 +11 12 10; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  PA = 108”

 

24" (5/11/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 45"x30", small bright core.  Forms a pair with CGCG 76-9 2.7' NE.  The companion appeared very faint and small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness, 20"x15".

 

17.5" (6/20/01): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.7'.  Contains a 10" brighter core.  Collinear with a pair of mag 13.5/14 stars 4' NE.  A 2.4' pair of mag 10 and 11 stars are located 11' NNE and 8' N, respectively.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5736 = Sw. VI-68 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; S; lE; v diff."  His position in list VI is 4.5' west-northwest of CGCG 076-007 = PGC 52597, although Corwin notes the NGC position, which was communicated directly to Dreyer by Swift, is accurate.

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NGC 5737 = UGC 9488 = MCG +03-37-039 = CGCG 105-007 = PGC 52582

14 43 11.8 +18 52 48; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170”

 

18" (7/10/10): faint to fairly faint, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', slightly brighter core, very faint stellar nucleus.  Situated 4.5' S of a mag 10 star and 4.6' WNW of a mag 9..8 star, forming the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with the two similar stars.  IC 1051 lies 16' NE.

 

17.5" (7/16/01): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.1'x0.8', weak concentration, irregular surface brightness.  Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 4' N and 4' E.  Viewed low in the west with decreased transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5737 = H III-896 = h1871 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "eF, S, vlbM."  JH made the single observation "vF; pS; R; glbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5738 = MCG +00-38-002 = CGCG 020-004 = PGC 52614

14 43 56.4 +01 36 15; Vir

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 64”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.3'.  Two stars mag 14-15 are close following including a mag 14.5 star 1.3' ESE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5740 8.3' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5738 = m 284 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5739 = IC 1028 = UGC 9486 = MCG +07-30-052 = CGCG 220-049 = PGC 52531

14 42 28.9 +41 50 32; Boo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/27/98): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 14 star is just off the northeast end 0.8' from center and three additional nearby mag 14-15 stars form a parallelogram with this star.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5739 = H I-171 = h1873 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "pB, R, S, lbM, r."  His position was 3' north and 9 sec of RA west of UGC 9486.  Less than a month later on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725), he logged "cB, S, mbM, r."  JH noted that several faint stars were near and measured a good position.

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NGC 5740 = UGC 9493 = MCG +00-38-003 = CGCG 020-008 = LGG 386-004 = PGC 52641

14 44 24.5 +01 40 47; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.8', bright core, almost stellar nucleus, faint extensions.  A mag 15 star is 1.5' WNW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5738 8.2' SW and NGC 5746 lies 18' NNE.  Located 31' WSW of 109 Virginis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5740 = H II-538 = h1872 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, cL, iR."  JH made the single observation "L; irreg R; gbM; r."  R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 10 May 1855, reported "pB, R, Nucl surrounded by faint nebulosity, which has a prolongation [arm] to np; between nucleus and tail the neby is fainter [dust]."

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NGC 5741 = MCG -02-38-008 = PGC 52718

14 45 51.7 -11 54 51; Lib

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5": faint/fairly faint, small, round, crisp-edged, 40" diameter, relatively high surface brightness.  A mag 14.5-15 "star" 40" S of center appears to be a compact galaxy on the DSS and is catalogued in NED as LCRS B144308.4-114255.  Forms a pair with NGC 5742 7.3' NW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5741 = LM 1-207, along with NGC 5742, on 12 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, sbMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min west of MCG -02-38-008.  Ormond Stone later measured a more accurate RA at the LM observatory, but his position is 0.2 min of RA too small.

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NGC 5742 = MCG -02-38-007 = PGC 52707

14 45 37.0 -11 48 34; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 73”

 

48" (5/9/18): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 or 5:2 WSW-ENE, ~1.0'x0.4'.  Strong concentration with a prominent core and a bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 16.8 star is off the south edge.  A pair of galaxies, LEDA 961733 (slightly brighter) and LEDA 961698 is 2' NW.  Both are very faint, small, round, 12" diameter and separated by 28" WNW-ESE.  A mag 15.3 star close WNW is collinear with the pair.

 

17.5": fairly faint/moderately bright, round, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8', bright core.  A mag 14 star lies 1.3' SSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5741 7.3' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5742 = LM 1-208, along with NGC 5741, on 12 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 12.0, pS, pmE, gbMN, envelope mag 15.0."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) was 40 seconds of RA too small.  Ormond Stone's corrected position, repeated in the IC 1 notes, is accurate.

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NGC 5743 = ESO 580-017 = MCG -03-38-004 = PGC 52680

14 45 10.9 -20 54 48; Lib

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 95”

 

18" (5/29/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', broad concentration.  Larger and brighter of a close pair with NGC 5743 2.6' N.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5743 = LM 1-209, along with NGC 5734, on 3 Jun 1885 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "F; S; vE; smbMN."  His position (nearest min of RA) is just 2' north of ESO 580-017, though the RA of nearby NGC 5734 is 1 minute too small.  Herbert Howe's corrected position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) is accurate.

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NGC 5744 = ESO 580-023 = MCG -03-38-007 = PGC 52761

14 46 38.6 -18 30 48; Lib

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 108”

 

18" (5/29/05): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  No details were visible in this small galaxy.  A striking 1.3' string of 3 stars lies 10' E with mag 9.3 HD 130194 at the north end.  NGC 5744 is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

The NGC identification is uncertain and may apply to this galaxy or ESO 580-014 = MCG -03-38-001.  ESO 580-014 appeared very low surface brightness, moderately large.  Appears as a 1' very hazy glow with no core.  Picked up while viewing NGC 5726 14' WNW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5744 = LM 1-210 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, neb?"  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.5 min of RA east of ESO 580-014 but also 1.4 min of RA west of ESO 580-023, so either galaxy is a candidate.  But his description is a better fit with ESO 580-023, based on my visual observation.  ESGC identifies ESO 580-023 as NGC 5744.

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NGC 5745 = MCG -02-38-004 = VV 98b = PGC 52669

14 45 01.8 -13 56 50; Lib

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W.  Weak concentration to a small, brighter core.  A mag 14 star lies 1.6' SW of center.  Situated near the midpoint of mag 9.3 SAO 158769 7' NW and mag 10 SAO 158779 10' SE and 1 degree WNW of mag 5.3 Mu Librae.  This galaxy is an unusual dust lane elliptical, though this structure was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5745 = h3579 on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; E; pslbM; 20"."  His single observation is an exact match with MCG -02-38-004.

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NGC 5746 = UGC 9499 = MCG +00-38-005 = CGCG 020-012 = LGG 386-005 = PGC 52665

14 44 55.8 +01 57 19; Vir

V = 10.3;  Size 7.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 170”

 

48" (4/19/17): at 375x; gorgeous edge-on stretching nearly 7' NNW-SSE, It bulges nearly 1' in the core, though is much thinner towards the tips.  Contains an intensely bright, elongated core with a rounder nucleus.  The galaxy is sliced asymmetrically by a razor sharp, straight dust lane that splits the galaxy to the east of center, so that the main part of the galaxy is west of the dust lane.  The portion of the disc on the east side of the lane is much fainter but shows up well as a thin strip, mostly visible in the central section east of the main section of the core.  A bright mag 14 star is embedded on the south side, ~2' from the center.  A mag 15.1 star is near the NNW end, off the east side and a mag 16 star is just west of the very NNE tip.  Finally a mag 16+ star is superimposed just north of the core along the western flank ~0.6' from center.  The galaxy is located 20' WNW of 109 Vir (V = 13.7) and mag 8.5 HD 129827 is 5' NW.

 

A small trio 17' to the west, consisting of LEDA 1210436 (V = 15.1), LEDA 1210907 (V = 17.1) and LEDA 1210022 (fits in a 2' circle) was picked up and observed at 697x.  The light-travel time for all 3 is just over 1 billion years.

 

18" (6/17/06): superb edge-on 7:1 N-S, ~6'x0.8', broadly concentrated to a 2'x0.7' elongated, bulging core.  The core is mottled and clumpy due to a dust lane that appears to pass along the east edge of the core.  The southern extension passes through a star and is slightly brighter and possibly longer, though the northern extension does extend as far with careful viewing (slightly lower surface brightness).

 

17.5" (2/28/87): beautiful edge-on ~N-S, bright, fairly large, 4.5'x0.7', small bright core.  A mag 15 star is at the south end 2' from the center.  A dust lane is evident as a sharp light cut-off along the eastern edge.  Located 5' SSE of mag 8.2 SAO 120633 and 20' WNW of 109 Virginis (V = 3.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5746 = H I-126 = h1874 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "eB, mE in the parallel [should be in the meridian], BN, 8 or 9' long." John Herschel made the single observation "a long pB ray with a pB nucleus; 3' long."

 

Lord Rosse made an early observation with the 72" on 25 Apr 1848.  On 3 Apr 1875, Dreyer reported "there seems to be a split in the nebulosity following the nucleus."  This clearly refers to the dust lane.

 

The RNGC declination is 10' too far south.

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NGC 5747 = IC 4493 = UGC 9496 = MCG +02-38-002 = CGCG 076-013 = PGC 52638

14 44 20.7 +12 07 53; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star lies 0.9' WNW of center while a brighter mag 12.5 star follows by 3.5'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5747 = H III-48 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 175) and logged "eF, S, required some time to look at it before it could be well seen."  There is nothing at his position but 50 seconds of RA west is UGC 9496.  Several other nebulae discovered that night also have errors of 30 to 90 seconds in RA too far east, so this identification is very likely.

 

Bigourdan failed to find H III-48 twice at WH's position, though he recorded IC 4493 at the position of UGC 9496. So, NGC 5747 is likely identical to IC 4493.  UGC, CGCG and MCG label this galaxy IC 4493 instead of NGC 5747.

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NGC 5748 = CGCG 134-029 = PGC 52672

14 45 05.1 +21 54 58; Boo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration.  Located between a mag 9.5 star 2.6' NNE and mag 9.2 SAO 83498 6.6' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5748 = St XII-67 on 14 Jun 1882.  His position matches CGCG 134-029 = PGC 52672.  This galaxy was possibly discovered earlier by George Bond at the Harvard College Observatory on 30 Dec 1850 and reported in AN 1453, but the approximate coordinates leaves this identification uncertain.

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NGC 5749 = Cr 287 = ESO 176-004

14 48 54 -54 29 54; Lup

Size 8'

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): With a 27 Panoptic (76x), a group of three dozen stars are scattered in an irregular 8' region.  The cluster includes a number of 12th magnitude stars with a mag 9.5 star at the NW edge.  At 228x, up to 60 stars within this group were counted.  There are no rich subgroups but the most distinctive group is a V-shaped or "wishbone" asterism of mag 11 stars with the prongs opening to the east.  Eight of the stars are grouped into wide pairs of 30" to 40" separation.  A mag 9.7 yellow star lies ~6' E of the cluster.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5749 = D 206 = h3580 on 7 May 1826 and described "a group of 8 or 10 pretty bright small stars, in the form of a letter Y, about 5' long, parallel to the equator, with small stars in it resembling faint nebula."  His position was off by ~8'.  JH made the single observation "cluster VII class; p rich, loose, irregular figure, 8', stars 10 and 11th mag."

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NGC 5750 = UGC 9512 = MCG +00-38-006 = CGCG 020-013 = LGG 386-012 = PGC 52735

14 46 11.1 -00 13 25; Vir

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.8'x1.2'.  The halo has a moderate even concentration down to a very small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 1.1' N of center.

 

8" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated with no sharp nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5750 = H I-183 = h1875 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and logged "cB, pL, iR."  JH made the single observation "F; R; gbM; r; 30"; is not entitled to be called first class.  Sky perfectly clear."

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NGC 5751 = UGC 9498 = MCG +09-24-033 = CGCG 273-024 = PGC 52607

14 43 49.2 +53 24 01; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6, even surface brightness.  Forms the vertex of an obtuse angle of 135” with two mag 11 stars 2.8' W and 3.1' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5751 = H II-809 = h1877 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 927) and noted "F, S, E."  His position is poor, but JH commented "vF; R; forms an obtuse-angled isosceles with 2 equal stars 10-11m, one p, one sf; dist of each 3'." and he measured a more accurate position (1' too far north).

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NGC 5752 = Arp 297 NED1 = UGC 9505 = MCG +07-30-060 = CGCG 220-052 = Holm 674c = PGC 52685

14 45 14.1 +38 43 44; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 120”

 

18" (5/3/08): NGC 5752 forms the western component of a close interacting pair with much brighter NGC 5754 just 1' E.  Appears faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 24"x18".  NGC 5753 and NGC 5755, a wider pair of galaxies at twice the redshift, lie ~4' N.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): first of four in the NGC 5754 group.  Extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter, round, averted vision only.  In a tight group with NGC 5754 1.1' E and the NGC 5753/NGC 5755 pair 3.5' NNE.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5752, along with NGC 5753 and 5755 on 1 Apr 1878, while observing NGC 5754.  He noted a "double nebula, pos 83.5”, distance 70.3"; p one [NGC 5752] the fainter."  NGC 5754 has a very low surface brightness arm on the south side that attaches like a tidal tail to NGC 5752.

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NGC 5753 = Arp 297 NED2 = MCG +07-30-062 = CGCG 220-053nw = Holm 674d = PGC 52695

14 45 18.9 +38 48 21; Boo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (5/3/08): extremely faint, round, just 10" diameter, requires averted vision.  This the furthest north and the faintest member of a tight quartet.  Located 1.9' NW of NGC 5755 and 4.5' N of NGC 5754.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, very small, round, visible with averted vision only.  Forms a pair with NGC 5755 1.9' SE.  In a quartet with the NGC 5752/NGC 5754 pair 4' S.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5753, along with NGC 5752 and 5755, on 1 Apr 1878 while observing NGC 5754.  With respect to NGC 5755, he noted another nebula that was "F, bM, pos 324.7”, dist 121.1".   Parsons' micrometric offsets clearly pinpoints MCG +07-30-062 as NGC 5753.  The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 5753 and NGC 5754.  See my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 5754 = Arp 297 NED3 = UGC 9505 = MCG +07-30-061 = CGCG 220-052 = Holm 674a = PGC 52686

14 45 19.4 +38 43 52; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

18" (5/3/08): brightest galaxy in a small quartet and form a close, interacting pair with NGC 5752 just 1' W.  At 280x, NGC 5754 appeared moderately bright, round, 1' diameter, contains a very small bright core and faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 5755 lies 3' NNE and NGC 5753 is 4.4' N.  The redshift of the latter two galaxies is half that of NGC 5252 and 5254.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): brightest in a compact quartet.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.8', gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5752 1.1' W.  The NGC 5753/NGC 5755 pair lies 4' N and 3' NNE, respectively.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5754 = H III-687 = h1878 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and recorded cF, pS.  Another much fainter and smaller suspected, about 2' more north.  300x showed the same."  NGC 5754 is the brightest in a close group of four with NGC 5752, NGC 5753 and NGC 5755 (discovered by Lawrence Parsons on 1 Apr 1878) with NGC 5752/5754 a close pair.  NGC 5755, situated 3' north-northeast of NGC 5754, is probably the galaxy suspected by WH!

 

RNGC has confused the identities of NGC 5753 and NGC 5754, hence the positions and new descriptions for these two entries should be reversed.  The correct identifications are given in UGC and MCG.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 5755 = Arp 297 NED4 = UGC 9507 = MCG +07-30-063 = CGCG 220-053se = Holm 674b = PGC 52690

14 45 24.6 +38 46 47; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 15”

 

18" (5/3/08): at 280x this member of the NGC 5754 quartet appeared very faint, round, just 20" diameter.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed.  On the DSS, this appears to be an interacting double system, so perhaps I was just resolving it.  NGC 5753 lies 1.9' NW.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): last of four in the NGC 5754 quartet.  Very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 1' SE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5753 1.9' NW and the NGC 5752/5754 pair is just 3' SSW.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5755, along with NGC 5752 and 5753 on 1 Apr 1878, while observing NGC 5754.  He noted a faint nebula in PA 18.3” from NGC 5754 at a distance of 131.8" (the actual separation is closer to 3', although the PA is accurate).

 

WH probably discovered this object earlier on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738).  In his discovery of NGC 5754 = H III-687, he noted "Another much fainter and smaller suspected, about 2 [arcmin] more north.  300 shewed the same."  Because of his uncertainty, he didn't assign NGC 5755 an internal discovery number and WH missed being credited with the discovery.

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NGC 5756 = MCG -02-38-012 = Holm 676a = PGC 52825

14 47 33.7 -14 51 13; Lib

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, very elongated SW-NE, weakly concentrated halo, small bright nucleus with faint extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5756 = h3581 on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; pmE; gpmbM; 80"."  His single position is at the east edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 5757 = ESO 580-033 = MCG -03-38-014 = PGC 52839

14 47 46.4 -19 04 42; Lib

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 160”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, moderately large, brighter core surrounded by a round, diffuse halo.  A mag 13 star is off the NNE edge 2.0' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5757 = H III-690 = h1876 on 19 May 1787 (sweep 741) and recorded "vF, cS, lbM, iF."  His position is just off the north edge of the galaxy.  JH called this galaxy "F; S; R; bM."

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NGC 5758 = UGC 9524 = MCG +02-38-011 = CGCG 076-039 = PGC 52787

14 47 02.1 +13 40 06; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (7/17/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14 star lies 0.9' E.  In a group and forms a pair with CGCG 76-043 1.8' ESE.  This companion (misidentified as NGC 5758 in the Uranometria 2000.0) appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  CGCG 76-31 lies 6' W, CGCG 76-53 12' E and NGC 5759 13' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5758 = Sw. III-83 on 6 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; bright star follows 22 sec."  His position is 8 sec of RA west and 1.6' south of UGC 9524.  His note of the bright star secures the identification, though the actual separation is 19 sec.  Swift missed nearby CGCG 076-043.  See Harold Corwin comments.

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NGC 5759 = UGC 9525 = MCG +02-38-012 = CGCG 076-044 = PGC 52797

14 47 14.8 +13 27 25; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.5'

 

24" (7/10/18): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round.  Contains a bright core that is offset to the southeast side and a faint halo that extends only northwest of the core!  CGCG 076-042, situated 3.4' S, appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~25"x15", very small bright nucleus.

 

NGC 5759 form an interacting pair (connected with a tidal bridge) with LEDA 200319, just 45" NNW. At 375x, the companion was very faint, round, only 5" diameter, and could be barely held continuously with averted vision.  A mag 15.2 star is 45" N.

 

17.5" (7/17/01): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with difficult CGCG 076-042 3.4' S.  This is a double system with a compact companion off the NW end but it was not resolved.  Located 13' S of NGC 5758 in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5759 = St XI-29 on 7 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5760 = UGC 9531 = MCG +03-38-015 = CGCG 105-028 = PGC 52833

14 47 42.3 +18 30 07; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 96”

 

18" (7/13/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W.  Contains a small, bright core that appears offset to the west side of the glow.  Occasionally a faint stellar nucleus popped into view.  Forms a pair with IC 4507 ~3' south.  This companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

17.5" (7/16/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, weakly concentrated.  Located 3.4' N east of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with difficult IC 4507 2.9' S.

 

17.5" (6/16/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration.  IC 4507 2.8' S (mag 15.7z) was not seen with certainty in poor conditions (partially cloudy).  HCG 72 lies 32' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5760 = H III-885 = h1879 on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1006) and recorded "eF, vS, E nearly in the parallel [E-W]."  JH logged "vF; lE in parallel; vglbM." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5761 = ESO 580-039 = MCG -03-38-018 = PGC 52916

14 49 08.4 -20 22 35; Lib

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 85”

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, oval 5:4 ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright, oval core, halo fades out gradually.  A mag 16 star lies 45" SW.  Two companions are on opposite sides of the galaxy: PGC 52918 is 50" NNE of center and ESO 580-038 lies 1.9' SW.  The PGC appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 15"x12", brighter core.  The ESO was fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~21"x7".  The tidal plume connecting NGC 5761 to the ESO by a long tidal plume was not convincingly seen (though by Lowrey).

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter.  The faint outer halo rises sharply to a 15" bright core.  Brightest in a small group with ESO 580-040 12' NE.  The NGC identification is uncertain and NGC 5761 may be ESO 580-040.  This is a disrupted interacting galaxy with a long connecting tail SW to a faint companion.  PGC 52918 close north was not seen with certainty in breezy conditions.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5761 = LM 1-211 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.5, 0.3' dia, R, glbMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 6' north of ESO 580-039 and also 36 sec of RA west of ESO 580-040.  The galaxy directly south of his position is brighter, but Leavenworth's positions are more often off in RA, suggesting ESO 580-040 is the correct identification.

 

RNGC, ESO-LV and RC3 identify ESO 580-039 as NGC 5761.  But in the South Equatorial Galaxy Catalogue (ESGC) and an early NGC errata list, Harold Corwin identified ESO 580-040 as NGC 5761.  Without a discovery sketch, either identification is plausible.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5762 = UGC 9535 = MCG +02-38-014 = CGCG 076-063 = PGC 52887

14 48 42.6 +12 27 26; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1' diameter, weak even concentration to a brighter core.  A semicircle of four stars mag 13-14 lies 6-7' W.  Forms a pair with NGC 5763 at 4.4' ENE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5762 = Sw. III-84, along with NGC 5763 = Sw. III-85, on 22 May 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R; preceding of 2 [with NGC 5763]."   His RA is 13 sec too large but his relative positions for the pair are very good.  Both Herbert Howe and Bigourdan (21 May 1892) measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 5763 = CGCG 076-064 = PGC 52905

14 48 58.7 +12 29 24; Boo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (6/3/00): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 5762 4.4' WSW.  Forms the eastern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 15 stars 1.5'  SW and NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5763 = Sw. III-85, along with NGC 5762, on 22 May 1886, and recorded "eeeF; pS; ee diff; following of 2 [with NGC 5762]."  His RA is 22 sec too large but his relative positions for the pair is good.  Both Herbert Howe and Bigourdan measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 5764 = Cr 288 = ESO 223-004

14 53 32 -52 40 12; Lup

V = 12.6;  Size 2'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): NGC 5764 is a very small, faint elongated glow, ~1' length, with a half-dozen mag 13-15 stars resolved in a tight clump.  A mag 13 star (close double) is off the east end and the brightest star in the elongated clump is a very close double.  Several additional very faint stars are within a 2' x 1' region (nominal size of the cluster).  Located 26' NW of mag 5.4 HD 131562.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5764 = h3582 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "a small elongated close group of vS milky way stars; 3' l, 1 1/2' br; so close and faint as to approach very near to the character of a nebula."  His single position is at the east end of the small group.

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NGC 5765 = UGC 9554 = MCG +01-38-004 = MCG +01-38-005 = CGCG 048-024 = PGC 53011 = PGC 53012

14 50 51.0 +05 07 01; Vir

V = 13.3

 

24" (6/30/16): at 322x; NGC 5765B is moderately bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that stands out.  Brighter of a contact pair with NGC 5765A 24" NW.  The companion appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 E-W, 30"x12", contains a very small brighter core, very faint low surface brightness extensions.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): NGC 5765 is a very close double system oriented NW-SE.  The southeast component (NGC 5765B) is brighter and appears faint, small, round.  NGC 5765A is virtually in contact at the northwest end and appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, low surface brightness.  The nuclei have a separation of 20".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5765 = h1880 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; a double nebula, both individuals eF."  His position matches this contact pair. R.J. Mitchell made another observation on 10 May 1855 at Birr Castle and wrote, "2 vS neb np and sf, very close both R, bM.  The sf neb seems a little the larger the brighter."  So, there is no doubt both galaxies were seen, although only a single NGC designation was assigned.

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NGC 5766 = ESO 580-050 = MCG -03-38-024 = PGC 53186

14 53 09.5 -21 23 38; Lib

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 149”

 

18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle (sides 2', 2' and 1') with two similar mag 12 stars to the north and NE.

 

17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8'.  Very weak even concentration (not noticeable initially) but no core or nucleus.  Forms the southern vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 12-13 stars 2.3' N and a similar distance NE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5766 = LM 1-212 on 8 Jul 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  He reported "mag 14.5; 0.3' dia; R; glbMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of RA west and 1' N of ESO 580-050.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observation at the turn of the century.

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NGC 5767 = UGC 9549 = CGCG 248-022 = Holm 681a = PGC 52942

14 49 34.4 +47 22 34; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.1' NNW of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5767 = Sw. I-37 on 14 May 1885 and recorded "vvF; pS; R; * nr; saw another nr as I supposed, but could not refind it."  His RA is 16 sec too large.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 14 Jun 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  UGC does not label UGC 9549 as NGC 5767.

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NGC 5768 = UGC 9564 = MCG +00-38-009 = CGCG 020-026 = PGC 53089

14 52 08.0 -02 31 49; Lib

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', fairly even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is attached at the south edge 0.5' from center.  Located 25' SE of 11 Librae (V = 4.9).

 

8" (6/30/84): very faint, small, almost round, even surface brightness.  A faint star is on the south edge.  Two stars to the east and SE form an equilateral triangle.  Mag 5 11 Librae lies 25' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5768 = H III-373 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "vF, just north of a small star, which it seems to be an electrical brush preceding towards the north, but there is a little distance between the star and the brush.  At first sight it resembles the 1st of my Fanshaped."  On 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 917) he logged, "F, R, faint nucleus, vF chevelure north of a small star; the chevalure reaches up to it."

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NGC 5769 = MCG +01-38-008 = CGCG 048-047 = PGC 53145

14 52 41.6 +07 55 55; Boo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (6/18/93): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, extremely small brighter core with direct vision.  Located 9.5' N of mag 7.9 SAO 120708 at the edge of the 220x field.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5769 on 27 Apr 1881 at the Washburn Observatory and noted "vF, exactly north of Lalande 27090."  His position is 2.5' north of CGCG 048-047, with the declination measured on the 27th and 28th.

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NGC 5770 = UGC 9575 = MCG +01-38-011 = CGCG 048-052 = LGG 387-005 = PGC 53201

14 53 15.0 +03 57 36; Vir

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, increases to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus.  The core is surrounded by a small halo.  NGC 5774 and NGC 5775 are located 25' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5770 = H II-576 = h1881 on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "F, S, lE; like two stellar joined very closely."  His RA is 36 sec too large.  JH made 3 observations and measured an accurate position.  On 26 Apr 1851, LdR (or assistant Bindon Stoney) reported "strongly suspected to be a very close double nebula; but definition and clouds."  On 12 May 1858, R.J. Mitchell reported "closely double preceding - following, p companion vS."  The preceding companion is a superimposed star.

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NGC 5771 = MCG +05-35-021 = CGCG 164-037 = PGC 53088

14 52 14.3 +29 50 43; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, broad moderate concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Forms a pair with NGC 5773 4' ESE.  NGC 5774 lies 24' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5771 = H III-129 = h1882, along with NGC 5773, on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "Two, extr F and vS, R nebula; about 6' from each other. 240 confirmed them with difficulty."  His single position matches NGC 5771.  JH made the single observation "vF; S; R; pgbM; 15"."

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NGC 5772 = UGC 9566 = MCG +07-31-001 = CGCG 220-060 = PGC 53067

14 51 39.0 +40 35 57; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.8', small bright core, sharp stellar nucleus.  Located 7' SSE of mag 8.9 SAO 45240.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5772 = h1883 on 12 May 1828 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 20"; a * 8m np."  His position and description matches UGC 9566.

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NGC 5773 = UGC 9571 = MCG +05-35-022 = CGCG 164-038 = PGC 53124

14 52 30.3 +29 48 27; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.8' S.  Forms a very similar pair with NGC 5771 4' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5773 = H III-130 = h1884, along with NGC 5771, on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218).  See description for NGC 5771. JH made the single observation "vF; R; pgbM; 20"."

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NGC 5774 = UGC 9576 = MCG +01-38-013 = CGCG 048-057 = Holm 685b = LGG 387-003 = PGC 53231

14 53 42.6 +03 34 58; Vir

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 145”

 

48" (4/19/17): Interesting face-on SBc spiral at 488x.  Contains a fairly bright, small oval core with a weak E-W bar.  A spiral arm is attached on the south side of the core and curls at least 90” counterclockwise towards the south and west, ending about 40" WNW of center.  A second arm is on the north side of the core but it was more difficult to distinguish as it wraps east tight to the core.  Finally, a fairly long, detached spiral arm of low surface brightness is on the southwest side of the halo, extending linearly WNW-ESE.  On the SDSS, this "arm" consists of a number of adjacent blue HII knots and angles towards companion NGC 5775. Two stars are superimposed north of center, one just 12" N and a mag 16 star 30" NE.

 

24" (7/14/15): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 2.0'x1.5', slightly brighter middle, gradually increases towards the center.  Either contains a faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed near the center.  A mag 14 star is just off the northeast side, 1.4' from the center.  Forms a trio with NGC 5775 4.4' SE and IC 1070 6.3' SSE.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, round, fairly low surface brightness, gradually brighter but no well-defined core.  A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 1.4' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5775 4.5' SE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 5774 on 26 Apr 1851.  While observing NGC 5775 he noted "[NGC 5775] is a long ray with another nebula [NGC 5774] about 3' preceding and a little north."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on two nights.

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NGC 5775 = UGC 9579 = MCG +01-38-014 = CGCG 048-060 = Holm 685a = LGG 387-004 = PGC 53247

14 53 57.5 +03 32 42; Vir

V = 11.4;  Size 4.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 146”

 

48" (4/19/17): very bright, large, very elongated 5:1 NW-SE, 4.0'x0.8', Contains a larger brighter middle section but no distinct nucleus.  A well defined, long thin dust lane slices through much of the galaxy, just east of center, though the contrast is less towards the outer portions.  The section west of the lane is considerably brighter and contains the main central section.  Overall, the galaxy has a very irregular surface brightness and is generally mottled.  The galaxy appears dusty with a lower surface brightness to the northwest of the central section and a knotty section is at the northwest end (identified as [LED2001] C in SIMBAD from the 2001 paper "NGC 5775: Anatomy of a disk-halo interface").  Similarly, there is a lower surface brightness region (dust) southeast of the central section and two very small HII knots near the southeast end (HII complex [LED2001] A).  NGC 5775 is the brightest and largest in a trio with NGC 5775 4.4' NW and IC 1070 4' SSW.

 

24" (7/14/15 and 6/23/17): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 3.6'x0.9', slightly brighter elongated middle.  This edge-on has a mottled, dusty appearance.  A slightly brighter patch is at the southeast end (HII region "A" in "NGC 5775: Anatomy of a disk-halo interface").  Also, there appears to be a slightly brighter patch on the northwest side.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' NE of center. Brightest in a physical trio with NGC 5774 4.4' NW and IC 1070 3.9' SSW.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, weakly concentrated to a large elongated brighter central region.  A mag 13 star is just northeast of the core 0.9' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5774 4.5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5775 = H III-554 = h1885 on 27 May 1786 (sweep 567) and recorded "vF, S, E from np to sf but nearly in the meridian."  JH made 3 observations and first recorded (sweep 143), "Not vF; gvlbM; a narrow ray, 90" l, 15" br."  Both Herschel's missed nearby NGC 5774, which was discovered at Birr Castle.  Brightest member of GCG 387 (Garcia Compact Group).

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NGC 5776 = MCG +01-38-018 = CGCG 048-067 = PGC 53289

14 54 32.7 +02 57 59; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  Several bright stars in field including mag 9 SAO 12073 3.5' SSW and mag 9 SAO 120733 5' ENE.  The IC 1066/IC 1067 pair lies 30' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5776 on 27 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two nights) is accurate and he noted the mag 9 star (HD 131604), preceding by 3 sec of time and 4' south.

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NGC 5777 = UGC 9568 = MCG +10-21-034 = CGCG 296-018 = FGC 1822 = PGC 53043

14 51 17.8 +58 58 39; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 3.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 144”

 

48" (5/1/19): at 375x; bright, large, very thin edge-on NW-SE, 3.0'x0.3'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, small but slightly elongated core.  The galaxy extends just beyond a mag 14.5 star near the NW end.  UGC 9570, a low surface brightness companion 2.7' SE of center, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, diffuse glow, ~40" diameter, very weak concentration.

 

Mrk 830, a distant Sy1 galaxy (light-travel time = 2.56 billion years) located 20' SSE, was easily visible and displayed a faint stellar nucleus surrounded by a very small halo, ~6" diameter.

 

24" (7/6/13): at 200x appeared fairly bright, large, edge-on ~8:1 NW-SE, ~2.4'x0.3'.  Contains a small bright core that is elongated and increases to a brighter sub-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is adjacent to the NW tip of the galaxy on the following edge.  Forms a pair with UGC 9570, a dwarf galaxy 2.8' SE of center.  The ghostly companion appeared as a very low surface brightness ill-defined glow, ~25" diameter.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.4', small bright core, thin extensions.  A mag 14.5 star is close to the NW tip, 1.2' from center.  Located 20' S of mag 5.5 HD 131507.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5777 = H III-806 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and logged "vF, vS, lE."  His position matches UGC 9568.

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NGC 5778 = NGC 5825?? = UGC 9590 = MCG +03-38-050 = CGCG 105-066 = VV 766 = PGC 53279

14 54 31.4 +18 38 32; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (6/3/00): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core, very diffuse halo.  View hampered by a mag 11.5 star close following [ 50" from center].  MCG +03-38-052 is located 6' SE.  This galaxy is the brightest in the rich cluster AGC 1991.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5778 = Sw. IV-15 on 20 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; pB * close f; ee dif."  His position is just 9 sec of RA west of UGC 9590 and the description applies to this galaxy.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 19 May 1890.  UGC fails to label equivalent UGC 9590 as NGC 5778.  See identification notes on NGC 5825.

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NGC 5779 = MCG +09-24-048 = CGCG 273-031 = PGC 53090

14 52 09.4 +55 53 58; Dra

V = 14.7;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/27/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 15 star is 40" WSW of center and a mag 15.5 star (not on GSC) lies 44" SSE.  Can hold the galaxy continuously at 280x.  Located 10' NNW of mag 7.2 SAO 29317.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5779 = Sw. I-38 on 9 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; lbM; pB * nr."  His position is just 9 sec of RA east and 1' north of CGCG 273-031 = PGC 53090.

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NGC 5780 = MCG +05-35-024 = CGCG 164-041 = PGC 53275

14 54 22.7 +28 56 23; Boo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 50"x25".  A mag 11.5 star is 1.6' SSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5780 = Sw. VI-69 on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; pB * sp."  His position is accurate to within 1' and his comment "pB * nr sp" applies.

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NGC 5781 = MCG -03-38-028 = PGC 53417

14 56 41.2 -17 14 38; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 31”

 

17.5": faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6'.  A mag 15.5-16 star is right at the south edge (~30" from center) and another mag 15 star is 51" SW of center, on line with the major axis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5781 = h1886 on 11 May 1831 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; has a * 16m sp near."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5782 = UGC 9602 = MCG +02-38-022 = CGCG 076-099 = PGC 53322

14 55 55.2 +11 51 41; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, mild even concentration to center.  Forms a close pair with MCG +02-38-023 just 52" NNE of center.  The RNGC, CGCG, MCG, PGC and NED misidentify NGC 5782 = MCG +2-38-21 = CGCG 76-94.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5782 = Sw. VI-70 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF, vS, E, * nr sf".  There is nothing near his position, but 20 sec of RA further east and 9' north is UGC 9602.  Although this is a relatively large error for Swift, there is a star 45" southeast, matching Swift's description.  Bigourdan caught Swift's error and measured an accurate position on 31 May 1894.

 

If this identification is correct, then the RNGC, CGCG, MCG and PGC misidentify CGCG 076-094 = PGC 53322 as NGC 5782.  This galaxy (visually fainter than UGC 9602) was probably selected as it differs only in RA from Swift's original position.  This assignment, though, ignores Bigourdan's correction and fails to match Swift's comment about a star southeast.  I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #6.  See Corwin's identification notes (he concurs with my identification).

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NGC 5783 = NGC 5785: = UGC 9586 = MCG +09-24-050 = CGCG 273-033 = PGC 53217

14 53 28.2 +52 04 34; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.7', even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the north edge 20" from the center.  Forms a pair with MCG +09-24-049 = (R)NGC 5788 2.6' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5783 around 1887. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer, who referenced his 6th discovery list, which was under preparation when the NGC was published.  But Swift didn't include it in either his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC.  This was one of six objects discovered by Swift that never appeared in his discovery lists.  Swift's position was 5 sec of RA west and 1.7' north of UGC 9586 and his description "pB, pS, iR, F* inv" applies.  List VI contains two nearby entries - NGC 5785 and NGC 5788, described as "np of 2" and "sf of 2".  NGC 5785 mentions a "F* close f", so appears to be a duplicate observation (or the same observation?) of UGC 9586 (the star is at the northeast end), though his RA is 30 sec too large (also off 2.6' in declination).  So, NGC 5785 = NGC 5783.

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NGC 5784 = UGC 9592 = MCG +07-31-006 = CGCG 221-009 = PGC 53265

14 54 16.5 +42 33 29; Boo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/21/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5787 12' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5784 = H II-676 = h1887 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "pB, vS, Stellar."  JH made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5785 = NGC 5783: = UGC 9586 = MCG +09-24-050 = CGCG 273-033 = PGC 53217

14 53 28.2 +52 04 34; Boo

 

See observing notes for NGC 5783.  Uncertain identification.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5785 = Sw. VI-71, along with NGC 5788 = Sw. VI-72, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; F * close following; np of 2 [with NGC 5788].  His position is 30 sec of RA east and 3' north of UGC 9586, but his description is a reasonable match with a star on the northeast end of the central region.  The much fainter companion, NGC 5788, is situated 2.6' southwest, so his orientation is incorrect.

 

Furthermore, Swift communicated the discovery of a third nebula, NGC 5783, directly to Dreyer, which did not appear in either his 6th or 9th discovery lists.  The NGC position for NGC 5783 is within 2' of UGC 9586 and also mentions the nearby star.  So NGC 5783 = NGC 5785 may be the same observation (Swift may have manipulated the position) or the result of separate observations of this galaxy.

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NGC 5786 = ESO 327-037 = MCG -07-31-004 = PGC 53527

14 58 56.3 -42 00 48; Cen

V = 11.2;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 63”

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 200x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.6'x0.8', weak concentration to a small brighter core, surrounded by several mag 13-14 stars.  Overpowered by *3.1 k Cen just 6' SE and it helped to place the star outside the field.

 

12.5" (6/24/06 - Haleakala Crater): at 180x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.6'x1.0', broad concentration to a relatively large slightly brighter core with a small, sharply concentrated nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the NE end and a similar star is at or just off the SW end.  Located 6' NW of mag 3.1 k Centauri, which makes viewing difficult as the galaxy is nearly lost in the glare of the bright star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5786 = h3585 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; mE.  In field with and np Kappa Centauri.  Place very rude."  His position is 1' too far southeast.  MCG does not label -07-31-004 as NGC 5786, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 5787 = UGC 9599 = MCG +07-31-008 = CGCG 221-013 = I Zw 98 = PGC 53339

14 55 15.5 +42 30 25; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 5784 12' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5787 = H II-677 = h1888 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "F, pS, lbM."  JH made the single observation "S; R; psbM; 12"; like a burred star."  His position is just off the south end of the galaxy.

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NGC 5788 = MCG +09-24-049 = CGCG 273-032 = PGC 53189

14 53 16.9 +52 02 39; Boo

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/18/93): extremely faint, very small, round, just visible continuously with averted, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 2.1' W.  Located 2.6' SW of NGC 5783.  Identified as NGC 5788 in the RNGC, NGC 2000 and DSFG although the identification is uncertain.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5788 = Sw. VI-72, along with NGC 5785, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; ee dif; sf of 2 [with NGC 5785].  Assuming NGC 5785 = NGC 5783 = UGC 9586, there is no galaxy to the southeast, but CGCG 273-032 = PGC 53189 lies 2.6' southwest and the logical candidate assuming he erred on the orientation.

 

Neither CGCG nor MCG label this galaxy as NGC 5788, but it is the choice of the RNGC.  I originally concluded NGC 5788 was lost (Malcolm Thomson concurred) and wrote up this case in RNGC Correction #7 as a RNGC misidentification.  But Swift made several similar errors in his observations, so it is not unreasonable that NGC 5788 = CGCG 273-032.  See notes on NGC 5785 as well as Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 5789 = UGC 9615 = MCG +05-35-026 = CGCG 164-043 = WAS 93 = LGG 388-002 = PGC 53414

14 56 35.7 +30 14 00; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (7/11/18): at 375x; moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, very small brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  The star field only includes some relatively few faint stars.  Brighter NGC 5798 lies 21' SE and UGC 9588 is 31' W.  The UGC appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, occasional very faint nucleus.  A 14th mag star lies 50" SE.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, fairly small, very diffuse, irregularly round, weak concentration.  Located 21' NW of NGC 5798.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5789 = H III-976 = h1890 on 21 May 1802 (late sweep 1107) and recorded "eF, S, iF."  CH's reduction is 6 sec of RA west of UGC 9615.  JH called this galaxy "eF; pL; 40...50"."

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NGC 5790 = UGC 9624 = MCG +01-38-022 = CGCG 048-076 = PGC 53459

14 57 35.9 +08 17 07; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness except for very small brighter core.  The pretty double star h2756 = 9.1/10.1 at 25" is just 3' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5790 = St XIII-81 on 16 May 1884.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5791 = ESO 581-007 = MCG -03-38-035 = LGG 389-002 = PGC 53516

14 58 46.2 -19 16 01; Lib

V = 11.7;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 163”

 

17.5" (6/16/01): moderately bright, oval elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.7'.  The faint halo contains a bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group and forms a close pair with IC 1081 2.7' NE.  A mag 12 star lies 3' SE.  Located 5' NNW of mag 10 SAO 158945.  IC 1081 appeared very faint, very elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  Very weakly concentrated. 

 

13" (6/18/85): moderately bright, dominated by a bright core surrounded by faint extensions roughly NW-SE.  A mag 11 star is 4.7' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5791 = H III-691 = h1889 on 19 May 1787 (sweep 741) and recorded "cF, stellar, smbM."  JH logged "pF; R; bM; 20" and measured a fairly accurate position.  JH missed nearby IC 1081.

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NGC 5792 = UGC 9631 = MCG +00-38-012 = CGCG 020-038 = PGC 53499

14 58 22.7 -01 05 24; Lib

V = 11.3;  Size 6.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 84”

 

48" (5/16/12): very bright, very large, very elongated over 4:1 E-W, ~6.2'x1.5'.  Dominated by a large, bright central region that increases to an intensely bright core.  The central region has a patchy, dusty appearance in the outer portion.  A mag 9.6 star is attached at the NW edge of the core.  A single, thin spiral arm is attached near this star (slightly east) and shoots west for ~2.5', curving very little.  There is no counterpart on the east side, but just a very large, elongated, low surface brightness halo that extends east for ~2' towards a mag 14 star.

 

18" (6/13/07): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W.  The major axis extended to ~3' in poor seeing.  Contains a bright core and much fainter extensions that dim towards the tips.  A mag 10 star close NW of the core detracts from viewing.

 

17.5" (6/12/99): moderately bright, fairly large, broad concentration with a quasi-stellar nucleus at moments with direct vision.  A mag 10 star close WNW of the core detracts from viewing.  Initially appeared ~2.5'x1.5', but with averted vision, very low surface brightness extensions oriented E-W increase the dimensions to at least 4'x1.5'.  The ends of the arms fade into the background so it was difficult to judge the size.

 

8" (6/30/84): faint, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, very diffuse, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is attached at the WNW side of the core 1.1' from center and interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5792 = H II-683 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM, sf a considerable star; the nebulosity joining to it with a little nebulosity towards the following side."  His position is accurate.  Not observed by JH, but d'Arrest made two observations and seen twice at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5793 = MCG -03-38-038 = PGC 53550

14 59 24.8 -16 41 36; Lib

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 150”

 

18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Contains a brighter core with direct vision.  An elongated group of 5 stars is off the east side, including 4 in an arc.  Forms a pair with NGC 5796 4.2' N.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): fairly faint, moderately range, elongated nearly 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.5'x0.5'.  Contains a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 5796 5' N.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): faint, small, nearly edge-on streak NNW-SSE, bright core with faint extensions.  Picked up while viewing NGC 5796 4' N.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5793 = LM 1-214, along with NGC 5796, in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4; 0.8'x0.3'; lE 135”; bMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA) and description matches MCG -03-38-038.  Herbert Howe's corrected micrometric position, given in his series of MN articles, is accurate.

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NGC 5794 = UGC 9610 = MCG +08-27-032 = CGCG 248-027 = PGC 53378

14 55 53.7 +49 43 32; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', small bright core increases to the center.  First of three on a perfectly spaced string with NGC 5797 and NGC 5804.  Located 7.6' NW of mag 5.6 HD 132254.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  First and slightly inferior of three on a line with NGC 5797 5.3' ESE.  Located 8' NW of mag 5.6 SAO 45288.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5794 = h1891 on 13 May 1830 and recorded "pF, S, vsbm to a *13m; the first of 3 in a line [with NGC 5797 and 5804].  A star 6.7 mag near."   His position is 3' too far south, although he marked the declination uncertain. This galaxy and NGC 5797 are the only two galaxies in the group with a decent position in the RNGC.

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NGC 5795 = UGC 9617 = MCG +08-27-035 = CGCG 248-029 = PGC 53402

14 56 19.5 +49 23 56; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 64”

 

18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, thin edge-on, at least 5:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.15'.  Very unusual appearance as a mag 11 star is attached at the ENE end [29" ENE of center] and the galaxy appears as thin spike to the WSW.  A mag 11 star lies 1.5' N.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.3'.  A mag 11 star is at the ENE end 0.5' from center.  Located 14' S of mag 5.6 SAO 45288.  NGC 5804 lies 20' north.

 

The identification of NGC 5795 with this galaxy is uncertain as Lewis Swift's position was 50'  to the south.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5795 on 24 Jun 1887 and communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer.  His description in list IX reads "vF; pS; eE; spindle; pB star close to p end; [NGC 5794/5804/5805] in field."  There are no good candidates near his position though 50' north is UGC 9617.  Corwin argues this galaxy (identified as NGC 5795 in RNGC and RC3) is correct based on Swift's description, although the "pB star" is at the following end.  UGC 9617 is not labeled NGC 5795 in the UGC, MCG and CGCG, but is taken as NGC 5795 in the RNGC.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Malcolm Thomson feels UGC 9617 is a very unlikely candidate due to large error in position (50') and that UGC 9626 is a more likely identification.  This galaxy is 10' east-northeast of Swift's position, but does not have a bright star nearby, so I don't agree with this assignment.

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NGC 5796 = NGC 5816? = MCG -03-38-039 = LGG 390-002 = PGC 53549

14 59 24.1 -16 37 26; Lib

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

18" (6/21/09): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.2'x1.0', very bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 5793 4.2' S.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~2.5'x1.5' (difficult to judge extent of halo).  Contains a striking 30" core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  Forms a nice pair with NGC 5793 5' S.  NGC 5815 lies 20' SE and NGC 5817 is 27' N.

 

13" (6/18/85): moderately bright, round, fairly small, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5793 4.7' S.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5796 = T X-1 on 23 May 1884, while observing GC 4007 = NGC 5781 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  He mentioned the discovery, calling it a "New Class II nebula with a stellar nucleus" in a short note in 1885AN....113...47T.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  Francis Leavenworth independently found the galaxy again on 31 May 1886 (Dreyer misattributed Ormond Stone with the rediscovery).

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NGC 5797 = UGC 9619 = MCG +08-27-036 = CGCG 248-030 = PGC 53408

14 56 24.0 +49 41 46; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 110”

 

18" (6/21/09): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.45'.  Contains a bright core that is sharply concentrated with a striking quasi-stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a quartet and middle of three on a line with NGC 5794 and NGC 5804.  Located 4.2' due north of mag 5.6 HD 132254.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, prominent core.  Brightest in a group of four galaxies and second of three on a line with NGC 5794 5.3' WNW and NGC 5804 7.2' ESE.  Located 4' N of mag 5.6 SAO 45288.  NGC 5795 lies 19' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5797 = H III-678 = h1893, along with NGC 5804, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "about 3' north and 1/12' of space following [a mag 7 star] is a vF, vS nebula." His position is accurate.  JH made the single observation "pF; S; vsbM to a * 13m; the second of 3 in a line [with NGC 5794 and 5804]; a 6.7m star near."

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NGC 5798 = UGC 9628 = MCG +05-35-028 = CGCG 164-047 = WAS 94 = LGG 388-003 = PGC 53463

14 57 38.0 +29 58 05; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 42”

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~SW-NE.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the NE end 0.9' from center and a very faint star is involved at the SW end. Possibly slightly mottled with an asymmetric appearance. NGC 5789 (similar redshift) lies 21' NW. 

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5798 = H III-131 = h1892 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "vF, E. It contains two stars.  It precedes, and is very near a star; so that without looking a little while, it might be taken for a brush to the star; the nebulosity is however not at all connected with it."  His description is a perfect fit with UGC 9628.  On 1 May 1854, LdR (or assistant) described "has a curved form; bet 2 star sp nf and in contact with them..."

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NGC 5799 = ESO 067-006 = AM 1500-721 = LGG 397-001 = PGC 53875

15 05 35.1 -72 25 58; Aps

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  The major axis is collinear with a double star (plotted as a single on Megastar) 3.5' NW.  Located 38' NW of NGC 5833 in a small group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5799 = h3584 on 4 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; bM; 15"."  His single position is off the east end of the galaxy.

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NGC 5800 = ESO 223-11

15 01 48 -51 55 06; Lup

Size 3'

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): this small bright asterism contains four bright stars, three in a N-S string.  The brightest is mag 7.4 HD 132606 = HJ 4723 (7.6/10.0 at 5").  Referring to this star, 2nd is mag 8.9 HD 132552 2.5' W, 3rd brightest is a mag 9.1 star 2' SSW, and 4th is a mag 9.6 star 0.8' SW.  A total of 8 stars are within a square region 2' on each side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5800 = h3585 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "A pL cl VII class; coarse; not comp; chief D* taken."  His position corresponds with a wide mag 7/9 pair at 49" separation surrounded by a scattered group of stars.  This appears to be an asterism. The RNGC New Description reads "NOCL?"

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NGC 5801 = PGC 53596

15 00 25.9 -13 54 16; Lib

V = 14.9;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5": first of three in a group.  Extremely faint, fairly small, possibly elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4', very low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5802 1.5' SE.  NGC 5803 2.2' NE not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5801 = LM 1-215, along with NGC 5802 and 5803, on 10 Jun 1885.   He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 1st of 3."  Herbert Howe's micrometric position, measured in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor in Denver, is accurate.

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NGC 5802 = PGC 53601

15 00 29.9 -13 55 08; Lib

V = 14.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 90”

 

17.5": second and brightest of three in a group with NGC 5801 1.5' NW and an anonymous galaxy 5.2' ESE.  Very faint, very small, round, small brighter core.  A mag 15 star is 1' S.  NGC 5803 1.9' NNE not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5802 = LM 1-216, along with NGC 5801 and 5803, on 10 Jun 1885.   He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 2nd of 3.  Brightest and most nebulous of the three."  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position around 1900 at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 5803 = PGC 53609

15 00 34.5 -13 53 40; Lib

V = 15.1;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (6/30/00): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, occasional stellar nucleus.  Faintest of a trio situated 2.2' ENE of NGC 5801 and 1.8' NE of NGC 5802.  The galaxy is nearly collinear with two mag 13-13.5 stars to the SE [2.6' and 4.0'].

 

17.5" (7/15/93): not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5803 = LM 1-217, along with NGC 5801 and 5802, on 10 Jun 1885.   He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 3rd of 3."  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position around 1900 at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

 

Harold Corwin notes that Leavenworth's sketch clearly identifies NGC 5803 with a faint galaxy just northeast of both NGC 5801 and 5802.  The RNGC identification and position is correct although the Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 and the Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) is 0.4 min of RA too large.

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NGC 5804 = UGC 9627 = MCG +08-27-038 = CGCG 248-032 = PGC 53437

14 57 06.8 +49 40 08; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2, 30"x20", sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that increases to the center.  Third of three equally spaced galaxies on a line with NGC 5805 7' WNW and NGC 5797 12' WNW.  Forms a closer pair with NGC 5805, a much fainter galaxy 2.6' SSE.  Mag 5.6 HD 132254 lies 7.6' WSW.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Third of three similar galaxies on a line: forms a close pair with NGC 5805 2.5' SSE with NGC 5797 7' WNW.  Located 7.4' ENE of bright mag 5.6 SAO 45288.  An incorrect position is given in RNGC, NGC 2000, and the first edition of U2000 and DSFG.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5804 = H III-679 = h1895, along with NGC 5797, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "...and another still fainter and smaller [than NGC 5797] about 7 or 8' following the same star, and about 1' north of it.  300 confirmed it."  His position is accurate.  JH made the single observation "pF; S; vsbM to a * 13m; the third of 3 in a line [with NGC 5794 and 5797]; a 6.7m star near."

 

The RNGC position is 1.4 min of RA too far west, falling close to PGC 53381.  Unfortunately, NGC 2000.0, Deep Sky Field Guide and the Uranometria 2000.0 atlas (first editions) followed the RNGC, confusing the identification.  RNGC also confused the position or identification of NGC 5805.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5805 = MCG +08-27-039 = PGC 53435

14 57 11.6 +49 37 44; Boo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 140”

 

18" (6/21/09): very faint, fairly small, round, 22" diameter, small slightly brighter core.  Located 2.6' SSE of NGC 5804 and faintest in a quartet with NGC 5794 and NGC 5795.  Located 8' E of mag 5.6 HD 132254.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, very small, round, just visible continuously with averted.  Located on line between a mag 14 star 1.4' SSE and NGC 5804 2.6' NNW.  Last of four in a group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5805 on 3 Apr 1854 while observing the field of NGC 5794/5797/5804 with LdR's 72".  He noted "I think there is a vF, S neb at Delta [in sketch], about 2' +/- from Gamma [NGC 5804]."  The observation was confirmed the following year.  The diagram is a perfect match with MCG +08-27-039 = PGC 53435. This is an overlapping double system.

 

The RNGC misidentifies KUG 1454+498 = PGC 53381 as NGC 5805.  Unfortunately, NGC 2000, Deep Sky Field Guide and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas repeat the RNGC error.  NGC 5805 is referred to in the UGC notes to NGC 5804 but is not identified as NGC 5805.  Malcolm Thomson mentions this error in his unpublished Catalogue Corrections as well as in Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 5806 = UGC 9645 = MCG +00-38-014 = CGCG 020-041 = LGG 392-001 = PGC 53578

15 00 00.3 +01 53 28; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 3.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x1.1', gradually brightens to a small bright core.  NGC 5813 lies 21' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5806 = H II-539 = h1894 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, cL, gbM, lE."  JH made the single observation "B; sbM to nucleus; E pos 75” np." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5807 = MCG +11-18-016 = CGCG 318-009 = Mrk 832 = PGC 53373

14 55 48.7 +63 54 13; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' NW of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5807 on 14 Sep 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and confirmed at 123x and 161x.  His single position is on the west side of CGCG 318-009 = PGC 53373.

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NGC 5808 = NGC 5819: = UGC 9609 = CGCG 337-023 = PGC 53251

14 54 02.9 +73 07 54; UMi

 

See observing notes for NGC 5819.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5808 = H III-311 on 16 Mar 1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "vF, S, iR.  Situated in the middle between two equal stars that are about 6' distance, and not very small."  His position is 1 min of RA west of UGC 9609.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered and measured this galaxy accurately on 6 Oct 1861 while searching for NGC 5808.  d'Arrest questioned if his object was identical to III-311, but Dreyer catalogued it separately as NGC 5819.  Dreyer claimed d'Arrest's nebula "is not in the middle between two stars 6' apart" but there are two mag 11.5 stars at 4' separation to the NW and SE.  Karl Reinmuth concluded NGC 5808 = NGC 5819, based on Heidelberg plate.  This galaxy is generally labeled NGC 5819, although the primary designation should be NGC 5808, based on WH's earlier discovery.

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NGC 5809 = MCG -02-38-025 = PGC 53624

15 00 52.3 -14 09 55; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness, no noticeable core.  A mag 13 star is 2.6' E.  Located 6.1' ESE of a mag 10 star.  The NGC 5801, NGC 5802, NGC 5803 trio is located 15' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5809 = h3586 on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; S; E; glbM."  His single position matches MCG -02-38-025 = PGC 53624.

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NGC 5810 = ESO 581-018 = MCG -03-38-046 = PGC 53711

15 02 42.6 -17 52 05; Lib

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 31”

 

17.5" (6/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', broad weak concentration.  Bracketed by two mag 14/15 stars off the north and south ends [48" and 41" from center, respectively].

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5810 = LM 1-218 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "eF, vS, lE 230”, bet 2 vF stars."  His rough position (nearest min of RA and arcmin of Dec) is 1.5 min of RA west and 1' north of ESO 581-018 and his description matches this galaxy.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-1900 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 5811 = MCG +00-38-015 = CGCG 020-043 = LGG 392-002 = PGC 53597

15 00 27.2 +01 37 25; Vir

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 1.8' SW of center.  Member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5814 12' E and NGC 5813 11' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5811 = m 285 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, S, iR."  His position is 1' north of CGCG 020-043 = PGC 53597.  This is an overlapping double system.

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NGC 5812 = MCG -01-38-016 = UGCA 398 = PGC 53630

15 00 55.7 -07 27 26; Lib

V = 11.2;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

18" (6/13/07): bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with an intense 30" core that gradually increases to the center surrounded by a fairly large, low surface brightness halo extending to ~1.7'.  Forms a pair with IC 1084 4.8' ESE.  A nice asterism of 4 stars in a triangular pattern lies 5' E.  The IC galaxy appeared faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 25"x20".

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter to halo, gradually increases to a prominent core containing an almost stellar nucleus.  Located 20' WNW of mag 6.4 SAO 140281.  Forms a close pair with IC 1084 4.8' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5812 = H I-71 = h3587 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "cB, but vS, almost stellar; the brightness diminishing insensibly and breaking off pretty abruptly.  The whole together is not more than about 7 or 8" in diameter."  A second observation, made on a "remarkably clear morning" states "the greatest brightness is towards the following side, and that the very faint nebulosity extends to near a minute."

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NGC 5813 = UGC 9655 = MCG +00-38-016 = CGCG 020-045 = Holm 688a = PGC 53643

15 01 11.2 +01 42 07; Vir

V = 10.5;  Size 4.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, high surface brightness, increases to a small bright core, substellar nucleus.  Located at the exact center of a diamond asterism formed by two mag 12 stars 2.8' W and 2.6' E and two mag 12/13 stars 2.9' N and 3.0' S!  NGC 5813 is a member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5814 5' SE.  Located 35' SW of 109 Virginis (V = 4.4).

 

8": fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus.  Surrounded by four stars of similar magnitudes!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5813 = H I-127 = h1896 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "cB, pS, mbM."  His position is accurate.  JH made the single observation "B; R; psbM; 40"."

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NGC 5814 = MCG +00-38-017 = CGCG 020-046 = Holm 688b = PGC 53653

15 01 21.1 +01 38 13; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very weakly concentrated but no well-defined core.  Forms a pair with NGC 5813 5' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5814 = h1897 on 13 Apr 1828, while observing NGC 5813, and noted "vF; vS; R."  His position is 1.4' too far south.

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NGC 5815 = MCG -03-38-044 = PGC 53600

15 00 29.2 -16 50 02; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 20”

 

17.5": faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter (only viewed core), weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.4' NNE of center.  Located 20' SE of NGC 5796.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5815 = LM 1-219 on 15 Feb 1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.8' E 10”.  Faint double star(?) involved in neb."  His rough position is 1.2 minutes of RA east of MCG -03-38-044 and his position angle of 10” fits this galaxy.  Herbert Howe reported in his series of NGC observations in the late 1890's that "I could not find any nebula in the NGC place for this, but 100 seconds preceding was a nebula which answered the description of 5815, except that I saw no 'D * involved.'  But the seeing was not very good."  His micrometric position was accurate.

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NGC 5816 = PGC 902544

15 00 04.8 -16 05 37; Lib

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  PA = 95”

 

18" (6/21/09): extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  This difficult galaxy was visible nearly continuously with averted.  Located 7.7' NE of NGC 5817.  The NGC identifications of these two galaxies is uncertain.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5816 = LM 1-220, along with NGC 5817, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His description is "mag 11.0, 0.8' dia, gbMN, stellar."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), though 2 min of RA west and 2.5' north is PGC 902544.  If this identification is correct, then NGC 5817, which Stone placed 4' south, applies to MCG -03-38-041 = PGC 53567.  The actual separation in declination is 5'.  But Stone's magnitude (11.0) would have to apply to MCG -03-38-041, which is about 1.5 magnitudes brighter than PGC 902544.  Herbert Howe searched for the pair around 1900, but only reported a position for NGC 5817, so he apparently missed PGC 902544 with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 5817 = MCG -03-38-041 = PGC 53567

14 59 40.8 -16 10 49; Lib

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (6/21/09): faint, small, round, very weak concentration, 20" diameter.  An extremely faint galaxy (possibly NGC 5816) lies 7.7' NE.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): faint, very small, round, 20"-25" diameter, weak concentration.  Occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus was seen with direct vision.  Collinear with two stars to the WSW [3.5' and 6'] and a 15th magnitude star close ENE [1.5'] is also on this line.  MCG +03-38-042 lies 13' SE (see observation).

 

This galaxy is located 2.5 minutes of RA west of Ormond Stone's position and the NGC identification is uncertain (it may be NGC 5816 as Stone listed it as 3 magnitudes brighter than NGC 5817) .

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5817 = LM 1-221, along with NGC 5816, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He recorded "mag 14.0, 0.8' dia, gbMN, stell."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 2.5 minutes of RA west is MCG -03-38-041.  Herbert Howe's corrected position in his series of NGC/IC observations in Monthly Notices matches MCG -03-38-041, although he doesn't mention NGC 5816.  See notes on NGC 5816 for more on this pair.

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NGC 5818 = UGC 9643 = MCG +08-27-046 = CGCG 248-039 = PGC 53530

14 58 58.3 +49 49 17; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration.  Located 7' W of mag 8.4 SAO 29374 7' E.  NGC 5828 lies 20' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5818 = Sw. VI-73 on 23 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; R; bet 2 stars; an eF * involved."  His position is 1.7' north of UGC 9643 and his comment "between 2 stars" applies to two mag 11/12 stars 2' north and 3' south.

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NGC 5819 = NGC 5808: = UGC 9609 = CGCG 337-023 = PGC 53251

14 54 02.9 +73 07 54; UMi

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (6/27/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.9' diameter, nearly even surface brightness.  Located between two mag 11.5 stars 2.0' NW and 2.4' SSE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5819 on 6 Oct 1861 while searching for H III-311 [= NGC 5808] with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position is off by 22 sec of RA (only 1.6' at this declination), but his comment "forms a triangle with two mag 11 stars" clinches this identification.   He noted this nebula was is the vicinity of H's object and questioned if it was identical.  It is, but WH's position was 1 min of time too far west and Dreyer assumed the two observations referred to different nebulae.  So, NGC 5819 = NGC 5808.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 11 Jul 1896. See notes for NGC 5808.

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NGC 5820 = Arp 136 = UGC 9642 = MCG +09-25-001 = CGCG 273-038 = CGCG 274-004 = Holm 687b = LGG 395-005 = PGC 53511

14 58 39.8 +53 53 09; Boo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (5/3/08): brighter member of a 3.6' pair with NGC 5821.  At 280x it appeared bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.1'x0.5', contains a small bright core.  Located 8' WNW of SHJ 191 = 6.8/7.6 at 40".  It helped to keep this bright pair out of the field while observing NGC 5821.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 5821 3.7' NE.  Located 8' W of the wide double star ADS 9474 = 6.8/7.4 at 40".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5820 = H II-756 = h1898 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "cF, pL, iF, r."  His position is poor - about 7' southwest of UGC 9642.  JH called this object "B; R; sbM; precedes a splendid double star."  His position is just 1' north of center.  Because of his father's poor position, he assigned a separate GC designation to his object, but they were combined in the NGC.

 

Samuel Hunter observed NGC 5820 and 5821 on 29 Apr 1861 with the 72" and wrote, "[NGC 5820] is vB, E pf and has Nucl, about 2' ssf [of NGC 5820] is an eeF, S neb., 3' f [NGC 5820] is a F neb or possibly a D * [it is a double star]; 3 nf is a F, pL neb [NGC 5821], vgbM to a dull nucl."  At 1.7' SSE of NGC 5820 is SBS1457+540 = PGC 140436 at V = 15.7.  Although this galaxy is quite faint, it matches Hunter's position and within the magnitude range of the 72".  Dreyer added a note later that "the eeF neb would appear to be a nova", but perhaps because it wasn't confirmed on another observation he didn't include it in the NGC.

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NGC 5821 = UGC 9648 = MCG +09-25-002 = CGCG 273-039 = CGCG 274-005 = Holm 687a = LGG 395-006 = PGC 53532

14 59 00.0 +53 55 23; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 148”

 

18" (5/3/08): This is the fainter northeast galaxy forming Arp 136.  At 280x it appeared faint, moderately large, elongated ~2:1 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.6', low even surface brightness.  Located 3.7' NE of NGC 5820 and 6' NW a wide bright pair of mag 7 stars.  It helped to keep this bright pair outside the field.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): very faint, diffuse, elongated NW-SE.  Two bright stars ADS 9474 = 6.8/7.4 at 40" located 6' SE interfere with viewing.  Located 3.7' NE of brighter NGC 5820.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5821 = H III-811 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 927) and recorded "vF, S, E."  His position (CH's reduction) is poor, but his offset from NGC 5820 is points to UGC 9648.  Bindon Stoney independently discovered this galaxy on 6 Apr 1851 at Birr Castle and JH assigned two GC designations to both observations but Dreyer combined these in the NGC.

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NGC 5822 = Cr 289 = ESO 176-009

15 04 28 -54 23 24; Lup

Size 40'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): overfills the 110x (22 Panoptic) field of 37'.  Roughly 150 stars are resolved, most fairly similar in magnitude.  Many of the stars are notably arranged in long sprays and curving loops.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent open cluster at 76x (27 Panoptic).  Appears very large, fairly rich, with the main body extended ~WNW-ESE and with dimensions  ~40'x25' with roughly 150 stars resolved.  The stars are fairly uniform in brightness (many mag 11 and 12) and convincingly arranged in loops and chains surrounded by voids.  The outline is quite irregular but well defined by the star chains around the periphery.  One chain detaches from the main group near the center and heads south and the outline tapers at the following end.  Easy in 10x30 IS binoculars, 7” NE of Alpha Centauri.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): roughly 60 stars mag 9-12 resolved at 63x.  Very large, 40' diameter, almost fills the low power field, elongated ~NW-SE.  Spread out with no central condensation.  Many stars have similar magnitudes.  The stars forming the borders are arranged in rows and arcs with many empty gaps inside this outline.  There is an extension of stars to the south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5822 = h3588 on 3 Jul 1836 and recorded "cluster, vL, coarse, but rich and fine; diam in RA = 2 field in PD 25 (30' and 45'); stars 9, 10, 11, 12. General middle taken."  His position, though, is on the east side of the cluster. Megastar's position (following NGC 5823) is erroneous.

 

It seems surprising that James Dunlop (and Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille) missed this bright cluster.   But perhaps he didn't.  Glen Cozens reported a list of copying errors that Dunlop made between his notes and his published catalog.  In the case of Dunlop 357, he reported an RA of 14h 15m, but his handwritten notes show the RA is 14h 50m (for 1827).  This corrected RA lands on the west side of NGC 5822 and his description fits very well: "a very extensive cluster stars of mixed small magnitudes; the stars appear to be either congregating together in different parts of the cluster, or breaking up; there are several groups already formed, the whole cluster is composed of lines of stars, but no general attraction towards any particular point."

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NGC 5823 = Cr 290 = ESO 176-011 = Mel 131

15 05 31 -55 36 12; Cir

V = 7.9;  Size 10'

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a rich, fairly impressive cluster using the 27 Panoptic (76x) with at least 80 stars resolved in a 9'x7' area including numerous 11-13th magnitude stars.  A number of stars are bunched towards the center.  The periphery is well defined by curving sprays of stars roughly forming a heart-shape.  Two 10th magnitude stars mark the NW and SW corners of the cluster.  Perhaps 100-120 stars are resolved at 228x with a number of stars in pairs, trios, small groups, strings and arcs forming a very pretty cluster.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5823 = D 351 = h3589 on 8 May 1826 and described a "pretty large cluster of small stars resembling faint nebula, general figure round, south preceding 2 Pyxidis."  His position is 8' east of the center of the cluster.  JH made a single observation in Apr 1836 and noted "Cluster class VII; a fine large cluster of separate stars 13..14th mag, 10' diameter; not much compressed in the middle; nearly fills the field."  Neither JH nor Dreyer credited Dunlop with the discovery.

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NGC 5824 = NGC 5834 = ESO 387-001

15 03 58.4 -33 04 04; Lup

V = 8.0;  Size 6.2';  Surf Br = 0.4

 

17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright globular, small, ~2.5' diameter.  It contained a sharply concentrated 1' core that was very prominent, surrounded by a symmetric 2.5' halo.  I didn't see any definite resolution at 500x although the halo was mottled and one or two "sparkles" were glimpsed (one at the SE end of halo).

 

8" (6/27/81): small, bright core.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5824 = D 611 on 14 May 1826 and reported "a very singular body resembling a star with a burr.  The light is equal to that of a star of the 7th and 8th magnitude, and the diameter is not sensibly larger, with various magnifying powers.  This has the appearance of a bright nucleus, surrounded by a strong brush of light; and the nebulosity surrounding the bright point has not that softness which nebulae in general possess.  I consider this different from nebulae in general."  Dunlop's position was off by nearly 30' in RA (too far west) and he wasn't credited with the discovery in the NGC.

 

John Herschel next discovered this globular on 9 May 1834, but his position for h1900 (later NGC 5834) was poor.  E.E. Barnard independently NGC 5824 in 1882 with his 5-inch refractor in Nashville.  In AN 2756, he gave an accurate micrometric position and mentions "this nebula is recorded in GC 4036 [= NGC 5834] as eeF?  I have frequently seen it since 1882.  Presuming that the nebula observed by me is identical with GC 4036, the place in GC, as well as the description is erroneous."  In Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5, p.255, he also gave a corrected position and described this globular (through the 6" Cooke refractor) as "B; S; R; vvmbM; probably a stellar nucleus."

 

Despite Barnard's corrected position and description, Dreyer assigned two numbers (NGC 5824 and 5834) to Barnard's and John Herschel's observations. But Barnard's assumptions were likely correct and NGC 5824 = NGC 5834, with the primary designation NGC 5824 (due to the unambiguous position).  In the IC 1 Notes and Corrections, Dreyer comments "NGC 5834 to be struck out, is = NGC 5824." See identification notes on NGC 5834 and Harold Corwin's comments for more on this story.

 

In 1924 Robert Innes announced NGC 5824 was a globular cluster, based on his observation his observation with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg.  He reported "it has almost exactly the appearance of 47 Tucanae as seen in a small telescope.  It is a very condensed globular cluster, its outliers resolved into stars."

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NGC 5825 = NGC 5778??

14 54 31.4 +18 38 32; Boo

 

See observing notes for NGC 5778.  Identification very uncertain and may be lost.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5825 = Sw. IV-16 on 20 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; pB star close f; easily overlooked."  There is nothing near his position.  Bigourdan was unable to locate a candidate and RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

 

Interestingly, his description for NGC 5825 is nearly identical to NGC 5778 (which also mentions a "pB star close f"), found by Swift on the same night, and their declinations are similar.  But his RA for NGC 5825 is 7 min 40 sec too large.  Corwin mentions the possibility Swift made an error and recorded NGC 5778 twice, botching the RA for NGC 5825.  Otherwise, NGC 5825 appears to be lost.

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NGC 5826 = NGC 5870 = UGC 9725 = MCG +09-25-016 = CGCG 274-017 = PGC 53949

15 06 33.8 +55 28 44; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 5870.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5826 = Sw. I-39 on 9 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF, E, pL, * near, [GC] 4058 [= NGC 5866] in field."  There is nothing near his position, which is not in the field of NGC 5866.  Harold Corwin notes that his position is 7 min of RA west of NGC 5870 = Sw. I-41, which Swift found again just two night later!   This galaxy fits in Swift's 32' eyepiece field and a mag 11 star is 1' following.

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NGC 5827 = UGC 9662 = MCG +04-35-024 = CGCG 134-066 = PGC 53676

15 01 53.7 +25 57 51; Boo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 11.5 star is 3.7' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5827 = St XI-28 on 8 Jun 1880.  His position matches UGC 9662.  Truman Safford apparently discovered this galaxy on 15 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  His position is 1.6' too far north (accurate in RA), though he commented "doubtful" and didn't assign it a (Safford) number.

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NGC 5828 = UGC 9658 = MCG +08-27-051 = CGCG 248-043 = Holm 690a = PGC 53618

15 00 46.1 +49 59 36; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 50”

 

24" (6/13/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.45', slightly brighter core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5828A just 40" S of center.  The companion appeared very faint and small, round, 8" diameter. Visible ~80-90% of the time with averted.

 

17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Forms a double system with NGC 5828A = MCG +08-27-052 just off the south edge (40" S of center).  A mag 14 star is 1.3' ENE.  NGC 5828A appeared extremely faint and small, round, visible intermittently with averted vision.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5828 = Sw. IX-28 on 24 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; pS; R; between two stars."  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and referenced to list VI in the NGC, but it was not published until 1890 in his 9th list.  Swift's position matches UGC 9658.  RNGC lists the two components of the double system as NGC 5828A and 5828B, though NED references the companion as NGC 5828A.

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NGC 5829 = HCG 73A = Arp 42 NED2 = VV 7a = UGC 9673 = MCG +04-35-027 = CGCG 134-070 = PGC 53709

15 02 42.0 +23 20 01; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 45”

 

48" (5/3/19): at 375x; fairly bright, large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated with a relatively large brighter core.  A bright mag 12.4 star is 1.2' W.  NGC 5829 is the brightest of 5 in the HCG 73 quintet with IC 4526 1.4' NW, HCG 73C 2.4' NE,  HCG 73D 3.3' NW and HCG 73E 2.5' WSW.  HCG 73E lies in the background.

 

73C: fairly faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, very small bright nucleus.

73D: nearly fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.3'x0.1'.

73E: faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~10"x7".  Nearly visible continuously with averted vision.

 

24" (7/11/18): at 225x; fairly faint to moderately bright, irregularly round, very small brighter core, low surface brightness halo, ~0.8'x0.6'.  A mag 12.4 star is 1.2' W, a mag 14.5 star 1.3' ESE and a mag 16.2 star is 1.3' NE.

 

Two other members of HCG 73 were visible; IC 4526 1.4' NW and HCG 73C 2.4' NE.  The latter galaxy appeared extremely faint and small, 10" diameter.  The mag 16.2 star is at the midpoint of NGC 5829 and HCG 73C.

 

18" (8/4/05): the brightest member in HCG 73 appeared faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3, ~0.6'x0.45', low surface brightness with very little concentration.  Located 1.2' E of a mag 12 star and a mag 14 star lies a similar distance east.

 

Forms a close pair with IC 4526 = HCG 73B 1.3' NW.  IC 4526 appeared extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides of 1' with NGC 5829 and a mag 12 star.  Once this difficult galaxy was noticed, it was visible most of the time using averted vision and concentration at 225x.  The pair forms Arp 42 ("spiral with LSB companion on arm").  The redshift of NGC 5829, though, is less than half that of HCG 73B, C and D, so is a foreground object.

 

17.5" (7/8/94): fairly faint, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, 1.2'x0.9', very weak concentration, irregular or mottled surface brightness.  Located between a mag 11.5 star just off the west edge 1.2' from center and a mag 13.5 star 1.3' ESE of center.  This is the brightest member of HCG 73.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5829 = St XII-68 on 11 May 1882.  His position matches UGC 9673, the brightest member of HCG 73.  The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 min of time too large.  The UGC incorrectly equates IC 4526 with NGC 5829, but IC 4526 is a separate galaxy close northwest.

 

Edwin Hubble, in the 1920 published version of his PhD dissertation "Photographic Investigations of Faint Nebulae", noted "IC 4526 is connected to NGC 5829. The two form a double nebula fashioned as a miniature of Messier 51.Ó  That bridge is illusionary, though, as IC 4526 lies far in the background (redshift over twice that of NGC 5829) and there is no physical connection.

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NGC 5830 = UGC 9670 = MCG +08-27-056 = CGCG 248-047 = PGC 53674

15 01 51.0 +47 52 31; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration.  Located 5' SSW of mag 8.4 SAO 45341 and 24' NW of 44 Boo (close double with a very elongated and narrow orbit).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5830 = Sw. VI-74 on 23 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R: B * nr following."  His position is 9 sec of RA west and 2' north of UGC 9670, but there is no bright star following.  There is a 9th magnitude star 3.8' north, which is probably the intended star.

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NGC 5831 = UGC 9678 = MCG +00-38-020 = CGCG 020-054 = LGG 393-002 = PGC 53770

15 04 07.0 +01 13 11; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NNE of center.  Member of the NGC 5846 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5831 = H II-540 = h1899 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, S, mbM."  His position is at the southeast edge of the halo.

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NGC 5832 = UGC 9649 = MCG +12-14-015 = CGCG 337-025 = Kaz 409 = PGC 53469

14 57 45.3 +71 40 55; UMi

V = 12.1;  Size 3.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (6/27/98): appears as fairly large, irregularly round glow with an uneven surface brightness, at least 2.0' diameter, weak concentration.  The halo gradually fades into the background and difficult to pin down a position angle.  Collinear with a 1' pair of mag 11/12 stars 7' SSE.  Located 15' SW of mag 6.7 SAO 8140.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5832 = H II-332 on 16 Mar 1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "pB, cL, brightest towards the preceding side."  CH's reduction is at the north edge of UGC 9469.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 14 Aug 1884.

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NGC 5833 = ESO 042-003 = LGG 397-002 = PGC 54250

15 11 54.1 -72 51 34; Aps

V = 12.0;  Size 3.1'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 128”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~2.5'x1.8'.  Broad concentration with a large, brighter core.  Located 6' SW of mag 6 HD 133981.  Surrounded by a large number of nearby stars including a 50" pair of mag 10.8/11.6 stars ~2' N and a mag 7.9 star 4' ESE.  NGC 5822 lies 39' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5833 = h3590 on 4 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; pmE; 25"."   His mean position (3 observations) is accurate.

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NGC 5834 = NGC 5824: = ESO 387-001

15 03 58.4 -33 04 04; Lup

 

See observing notes for NGC 5824.

 

John Herschel found NGC 5834 = h1900 on 9 May 1834 and recorded "a very strongly suspected nebula; but I cannot be quite sure (from the low altitude [of 6”]) it is not a star."  There is nothing at his position, but 30' west is the globular cluster NGC 5824 [discovered earlier by Dunlop in 1826 and independently found by Barnard], which would have appeared quite faint and poorly defined at this altitude.  Dreyer commented in the IC 1 Notes section that "NGC 5834 to be struck out, is = NGC 5824."

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NGC 5835 = UGC 9674 = MCG +08-27-057 = CGCG 248-048 = PGC 53699

15 02 25.4 +48 52 40; Boo

V = 14.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW and a mag 15 star is at the NW tip 19" from center.  IC 4528 lies 16' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5835 = Sw. VI-75 on 23 Apr1887 and recorded "vF; pS; R."  His position is 1.8' north of UGC 9674 (same offset error as NGC 5830, discovered on the same night).

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NGC 5836 = UGC 9664 = MCG +12-14-016 = CGCG 337-026 = VII Zw 576 = PGC 53554

14 59 31.1 +73 53 36; UMi

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (6/27/98): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7' diameter.  A mag 14.5 star is attached at the south end just 20" from center.  The galaxy precedes a group of six mag 11/12 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5836 = H III-312 on 16 Mar 1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "eF, vS, lE, 2 vS stars visible in it."  There is nothing at his position, but 2.0 min of RA following and 3' north is UGC 9664 and a mag 14.5 star is involved.  Considering the difficulty in measuring accurate positions near the pole, this identification is nearly certain.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 18 Aug 1884 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).

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NGC 5837 = UGC 9686 = MCG +02-38-036 = CGCG 076-144 = PGC 53817

15 04 40.6 +12 38 01; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  A very faint star or companion lies 1.4' NE.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5851 and NGC 5852 35' NE.  On the POSS, there is a very faint and small companion 1.5' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5837 = Sw. IX-44 on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; D * nf points to it; planetary."  His position is just 6 sec of RA west of UGC 9686.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and referenced as list VI in the NGC, but was not published until list IX in 1890.   Swift's original description sent to Dreyer correctly notes "D * np" (the two stars are 5.5' northwest) and the list IX comment "D * nf points to it" is in error.

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NGC 5838 = UGC 9692 = MCG +00-38-022 = CGCG 020-057 = PGC 53862

15 05 26.2 +02 05 58; Vir

V = 10.9;  Size 4.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 3.5'x1.0'.  Dominated by a very bright core, stellar nucleus just visible, long fainter extensions.  The southwest extension heads towards a bright wide double star 6' SW of core (mag 8.3 SAO 120829 and a mag 11 companion at 46").  A mag 14 star is just west of the SW extension 2.3' from the center.  Located 38' E of 110 Virginis (V = 4.4).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5838 = H II-542 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB".  His position is unusually accurate.  JH made no observation but Johann von Lamont independently discovered this galaxy on 28 June 1837 with the 10.5-inch refractor at the Munich Observatory. Apparently Lamont was not aware of the earlier discovery of WH.

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NGC 5839 = UGC 9693 = MCG +00-38-023 = CGCG 020-058 = LGG 392-004 = PGC 53865

15 05 27.5 +01 38 05; Vir

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35”

 

24" (6/23/17): at 260x; bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus surrounded by a much fainter halo of fairly even surface brightness.  A mag 11.8 star is 2' SSW.  First in a string with NGC 5845 8' E, NGC 5846/5846A 16' E and NGC 5850 26' ESE.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, moderate concentration down to a small bright core containing a substellar nucleus.  Member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5845 10' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5839 = H II-541 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and simply noted "F".  His position is an excellent match with UGC 9693. John Herschel made no observations, but it was recorded by d'Arrest on 5 nights with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 5840

15 04 18 +29 30; Boo

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5840 = Sw. IV-17 on 22 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeeF, pS, lE, ee diff[icult]."  There is nothing reasonably bright near his position  that he might have picked up and his description doesn't refer to any nearby stars to aid in identifying the field.

 

RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and Harold Corwin also concludes NGC 5840 is probably lost.

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NGC 5841 = NGC 5848: = MCG +00-39-001 = CGCG 021-001 = PGC 53941

15 06 35.0 +02 00 18; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5848.

 

Albert Marth found NGC 5841 = m 286 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, E."  There is nothing at his position but 1.0 min of RA east and 1' north is NGC 5848, discovered two years earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest.  So, NGC 5841 is likely a duplicate observation of this galaxy.  Based on photographs with the Crossley reflector at Lick in 1912-13, Heber Curtis selected  LEDA 1215798 as a possible candidate, but this galaxy is certainly too faint to have been picked up by Marth.  Karl Reinmuth reported NGC 5841 was not found on Heidelberg plates and Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC repeated this conclusion.

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NGC 5842 = MCG +04-36-003 = CGCG 135-005 = PGC 53831

15 04 52.1 +21 04 10; Boo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (7/8/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' N of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5842 = St XII-69 on 11 May 1882 with the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5843 = ESO 387-004 = MCG -06-33-013 = PGC 53996

15 07 27.8 -36 19 40; Lup

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 70”

 

17.5": moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0'.  Increases to a 30" core and a quasi-stellar nucleus w/direct vision.  A pair of mag 11.5/13 stars to the south are nearly collinear [2.1' and 1.3'].  Located 6' ESE of mag 9 SAO 206303 and 15' ESSE of mag 6.3 SAO 206292.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5843 = h3592 on 3 May 1834 and recorded "eF; E; vlbM; r; 15" length."  On a second observation he logged "vF; R; vglbM; 20"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5844 = PK 317-5.1 = PN G317.1-05.7 = He 2-119 = ESO 099-1

15 10 41.0 -64 40 23; TrA

V = 12.1;  Size 68"x41"

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent view of this interesting object at 128x with a UHC filter.  Using this combination, the planetary appeared moderately bright and large with an irregular shape and surface brightness, but elongated ~0.9'x0.7' WSW-ENE, .  At 228x, the northeast end is brighter and larger and the center seems pinched in, particularly on the north side with a small, faint extension or knot on the southwest end.  Unfiltered at 228x, a fairly close double (B 832 = 9/10.5 at 5") lies 3' NE and a very close, faint double lies 1.3' SE of center.  Located 3” ENE of mag 3.2 Alpha Circini.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly bright, moderately large planetary was quite interesting at 171x and a UHC filter.  It was elongated 3:2 E-W, ~55"x40".  It appeared brighter on the following end with an indentation or notch on the north side giving the impression of a bipolar structure.  Set in a rich Triangulum Australe star field 3' SW of a mag 9 double star (9/10.5 at 6").  Also a mag 10.5 star lies 2.5' E.

 

This object is listed in the PK and ESO-Strausberg catalogues as He 2-119 instead of NGC 5844 although John Herschel's position (from two observations) matches this planetary.  Also, it was listed as an unverified southern object in the RNGC and probably because of this error was not included in Sky Atlas 2000.0, Sky Catalogue 2000.0 or the first edition of the Uranometria 2000!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5844 = h3591 on 2 May 1835 and recorded "pB; R; vgvlbM; 60"."  His position on two sweeps is accurate.  DeLisle Stewart called it "Three very faint nebulae only" (repeated in the IC2 Notes section).

 

This PN is listed in the PK and ESO-Strausberg catalogues as He 2-119 but the identification with NGC 5844 was only made recently!  RNGC classifies it an unverified southern object and it is not included in Sky Atlas 2000.0, Sky Catalogue 2000.0 and first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0!

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NGC 5845 = UGC 9700 = MCG +00-38-024 = CGCG 020-059 = Ark 468 = LGG 392-006 = PGC 53901

15 06 00.8 +01 38 02; Vir

V = 12.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 150”

 

24" (6/23/17): at 260x; bright, small, roundish, 25"x20".  Cntains a very bright, high surface brightness nucleus surrounded by a low surface brightness halo.  Situated halfway between NGC 5846/5846A 7' ESE and NGC 5839 8' W.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, extremely small, round, very small very bright core, extremely compact, about 20" diameter.  Appears like the bright nucleus of a galaxy without a halo.  Member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5846 8' ESE and NGC 5839 10' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5845 = H III-511, along with NGC 5846 and NGC 5839, on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532).  He recorded, "..with one preceding [NGC 5846] and 5' more north, and vF, R.  I saw also a third small one preceding [NGC 5839]."  His position is 3' too far north-northeast, but his position for NGC 5839 is very good. John Herschel made no observations, but it was measured on 4 nights by d'Arrest with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 5846 = UGC 9706 = MCG +00-38-025 = CGCG 020-061 = Holm 694a = LGG 393-003 = PGC 53932

15 06 29.3 +01 36 25; Vir

V = 10.0;  Size 4.1'x3.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (6/23/17): at 375x; very bright, moderately large, round, 1.5'-2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus that increases to the center.  Large, round halo gradually fades at periphery.  NGC 5846A is situated on the south side of the halo and appeared moderately bright, high surface brightness but very small and round, 15" diameter.

 

24" (6/14/15): bright, fairly large,  round, 1.8' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness.  NGC 5846A is on the south side of the halo [44" from center].  It appeared as a fairly faint compact glow, round, 15" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  A much fainter mag 15.5 star is superimposed 25" N of center.  NGC 5850 lies 10' SE.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 3'x2', evenly concentrated as halo brightens down to a small bright core but no nucleus, fainter halo.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 5846A (appears as a mag 13.5 "star") embedded in the southern portion of halo 40" from the center!  Brightest in a group with NGC 5850 10' ESE and NGC 5845 8' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5846 = H I-128 = h1901, along with NGC 5845, on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "vB, pL, bM. With one preceding [NGC 5845] just [at edge of field]; and 5' more north, and vF, R.  I saw also a third small one preceding."  The "third small one preceding" might refer to NGC 5839, which has a separate log entry or Wolfgang Steinicke suggests it might apply to NGC 5846A, the very close companion on its south side.  On 13 Apr 1838, John Herschel logged "B; R; psbM to nucleus; 30" [diameter]."

 

John Herschel's first observation of NGC 5846 was on 29 May 1821 while being instructed on sweeping techniques by his elderly father.  His Aunt Caroline recorded the observation: "F; R; gmbM; resolvable; appears to have 2 nuclei; south following in the same field is a very small, round nebula."  James South also took a look and exclaimed (quoted in JH's journal), "O! Good God!  It is worth going to the devil for!  The second nuclei is NGC 5846A.  This short sweep (4 objects) was later registered out of order as sweep 53.   He observed NGC 5846 again the next night (sweep 54) and noted "The neb of last night with the 2 nuclei."  Guillaume Bigourdan also resolved the companion and noted Big. II-75 as "round, stellar centre, forms a very close companion to 4045 G.C. [NGC 5846]." 

 

In addition, Edward Burton, observing with LdR's 72" on 25 Apr 1868, logged "h1901 [NGC 5846] is double, 3rd Nucleus suspected on n side."  The third nucleus is a faint star.  On 3 May 1877 Dreyer also noted "companion nebula [to NGC 5846] vS, less than 1' south."  But the following year he commented "small star (NOT a nebula) involved south."  This was likely the reason Dreyer did not enter NGC 5846A into the NGC. DeVaucouleurs introduced the NGC 5846A designation in the RC I.

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NGC 5847 = MCG +01-38-030 = CGCG 048-120 = PGC 53928

15 06 22.3 +06 22 47; Vir

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (6/20/01): picked up at 64x with 31mm Nagler.  At 220x, appears very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness.  Situated 2.9' NE of a mag 10.4 star.  CGCG 48-111 lies 18' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5847 = m 287 on 25 Mar 1865 and recorded "eF, S, iR."  His position matches CGCG 048-120 = PGC 53928.  NED notes this galaxy is mistakenly called a "double system" in the CGCG.

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NGC 5848 = NGC 5841: = MCG +00-39-001 = CGCG 021-001 = PGC 53941

15 06 35.0 +02 00 18; Vir

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/3/97): faint, small, nearly round, 25" diameter, well-defined brighter core.  No significant elongation noted (extensions are much fainter on DSS).  An easy pair of mag 12.5/13.5 stars lie 6.5' SSE.  Located ~25 north of the NGC 5846 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5848 on 6 May 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (2 observations) is on the northwest end of CGCG 021-001 = PGC 53941.  Albert Marth independently found this galaxy on 12 Apr 1864, but his position was 1.0 min of RA too far west and it was catalogued as NGC 5841.  So, NGC 5848 = NGC 5841.  CGCG and MCG both label this galaxy NGC 5848 (only).

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NGC 5849 = MCG -02-38-035 = PGC 53962

15 06 50.6 -14 34 19; Lib

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness.  Several fairly bright stars are nearby including mag 8.5 HD 133861 5' SE, mag 8.2 HD 133912 (the galaxy is collinear with these stars) and mag 8.0 HD 134013 16' ESE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5849 = LM 1-222 on 6 Jun 1885 and recorded "*13 inv in vF neb.  3 stars preceding 1 sec [of RA], *8 follows 10 sec of RA, 15' S."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 15 sec of RA following MCG -02-38-035.  The first part of his description is appropriate, although there appears to be just two stars or a star + galaxy preceding), but the mag 8 star is placed incorrectly.

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NGC 5850 = UGC 9715 = MCG +00-39-002 = CGCG 021-006 = PGC 53979

15 07 07.8 +01 32 47; Vir

V = 10.8;  Size 4.3'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 140”

 

24" (6/23/17): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.  Contains a small, bright nucleus (round) ~25" diameter with extensions (central bar) NW-SE, mimicking a lenticular galaxy.  A very low surface brightness, roundish halo appears to surround the bar, but no structure seen.  NGC 5850 is the last in a string of bright galaxies with NGC 5846/5846A 10' WNW, NGC 5845 17' WNW and NGC 5639 26' WNW.

 

24" (6/14/15): at 200x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core ~30" in diameter.  A very faint bar stretches northwest to southeast from the bright core, with a total diameter of 2'.  The bar is within an extremely faint halo (ring on images).  The bar is easier to see at 260x.  Forms a prominent pair with NGC 5846 10' NW.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated.  Unusual appearance as the large bright core dominates the galaxy but there are very faint larger extensions (this is the central bar) very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE clearly seen with averted.  There is a very large difference between the surface brightness of the core and the bar!  Two mag 12 stars lie 2' N.  A mag 11 star 5.5' NW is midway between NGC 5850 and NGC 5846 which lies 10' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5850 = H II-543 = h1902 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and simply noted "F".  His position is just 4 sec of time too large. JH made the single observation "pF; S; lE; psbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5851 = UGC 9714 = MCG +02-38-044 = CGCG 077-008 = Holm 697a = WBL 543-002 = PGC 53965

15 06 53.4 +12 51 32; Boo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 43”

 

24" (6/13/15): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~40"x14", weak concentration.  Second in a trio with NGC 5852 1.1' SE and CGCG 077-007 1.8' WSW.  Mag 10.7 HD 133925 lies 3.1' NW.  CGCG 077-007 appeared extremely faint, small, 15"x10".

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  A mag 10 star is 3.1' NW.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5852 1.0' SE within the NGC 5837 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5851 = H III-886, along with NGC 5852, on 26 May 1791 (sweep 1001) and described both as "Two, eF, vS, about 1 1/2' distance from each other; the preceding is the most north.  300 shewed them very plainly."  There were no additional observations by JH, LdR or d'Arrest.

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NGC 5852 = MCG +02-38-045 = CGCG 077-010 = Holm 697b = WBL 543-003 = PGC 53974

15 06 56.4 +12 50 48; Boo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 130”

 

24" (6/13/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~0.5'x0.4', small bright core increases to the center.  Third in a trio with NGC 5851 1.1' NW and CGCG 077-007 2.5' W.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 5851 1.0' NW.  Member of the NGC 5837 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5852 = H III-887, along with NGC 5851, on 26 May 1791 (sweep 1001) and described both as "Two, eF, vS, about 1 1/2' distance from each other; the preceding is the most north.  300 shewed them very plainly."

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NGC 5853 = UGC 9707 = MCG +07-31-030 = CGCG 221-027 = PGC 53894

15 05 53.3 +39 31 20; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/17/93): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, broad weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5853 = St XII-70 on 19 May 1881.  His position matches UGC 9707.

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NGC 5854 = UGC 9726 = MCG +01-39-001 = CGCG 049-009 = LGG 393-005 = PGC 54013

15 07 47.6 +02 34 06; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 12 star lies 1.8' ESE of center.  Located 5.1' ESE of a mag 9 star.  Member of the NGC 5846 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5854 = H II-544 = h1903 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and simply noted "pB".  He logged this galaxy again on 27 May 1786 (sweep 567) as "F, vS." JH made 3 observations and recorded on sweep 427 "pB; S; R; glbM; 12"; among stars."

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NGC 5855 = CGCG 049-010 = PGC 54014

15 07 49.0 +03 59 03; Vir

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.6'

 

17.5" (7/3/97): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very weak concentration to an occasional stellar nucleus.  A wide pair of mag 12/13 at  36" separation lies 1.7' NE.  Located 8' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 120858.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5855 = Sw. VI-76 on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "eF; S; R; 2 pB stars nr following."  His position and description matches CGCG 049-010 = PGC 54014.

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NGC 5856 = SAO 101379

15 07 20.2 +18 26 32; Boo

V = 6.0

 

= *6.0 (SAO 101379), Reinmuth.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5856 = H IV-71 = h1904 = HD 134064 on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1006) and recorded "a star 7.6m, enveloped in extensive milky neby; but I am not sure whether there many not be a perception till I have another star of about the same size."  A little later in the sweep he noted another star 7m "perfectly free from any nebulosity, so that the foregoing star must certainly be involved in extensive nebulosity; probably unconnected with the star."  JH commented "A star of fully 6m, with a supposed nebulous appearance about it, but of whose reality I cannot satisfy myself, as it 'blinks' with the star behind the wire."  As JH suspected, this star is free of nebulosity.

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 10 May 1855 agreed that the "atmosphere seems to exist" and on 1 Apr 1878 Dreyer noted "*6m; seemed nebulous, but it is doubtful, eyepiece inclined to dew."  Dreyer mentioned in the IC 1 notes that "no nebulosity seen by Bigourdan".  Father Hagen also found "no neb around *6.1" in the Vatican Zone Catalogue.

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NGC 5857 = UGC 9724 = MCG +03-39-004 = CGCG 106-005 = LGG 394-002 = PGC 53995

15 07 27.5 +19 35 58; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core.  Forms a striking close duo with NGC 5859 2.1' ESE with identical position angles.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5857 = H II-751 = h1905, along with NGC 5859, on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 834) and recorded "Two, the 1st [NGC 5857] cF, cS.  The 2nd pF, pL, both lE."  The next night he observed the pair again (sweep 835) and noted "both E from np to sf, but nearer the parallel."  John Herschel logged and sketched (fig. 77) "a double nebula; pos of the individuals, centre from centre, 20” np; 2' dist." 

 

A series of observations were made at Birr Castle of the pair.  On 28 Apr 1848, Lord Rosse noted "[I] think the distance between the 2 neb greater than h's drawing."  On 11 Apr 1850 George Stoney remarked "the two nebulae not in a line and a faint connection suspected."  On 17 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded "these two nebulae are not in a line, but run parallel to one another in the direction of the major axis, dist between them considerable, but faint neby suspected connecting them. On 9 May 1861, Samuel Hunter commented "bright brightest parts of both are elongated and *not* parallel to each other nor in the same straight line, but as shown [sketch included in the LdR 1861 publication]."

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NGC 5858 = MCG -02-39-002 = PGC 54075

15 08 49.1 -11 12 29; Lib

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135”

 

24" (6/22/17): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~50"x30", fairly high surface brightness,  small bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' W and a mag 13.7 star is 1.8' ESE.  Nearly at midpoint of a line connecting NGC 5861 9.5' SE and IC 1090 9.6' NW.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly bright, very small, small bright nucleus.  NGC 5861 lies 9.5' SE.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 5858 on 14 May 1882 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at Washburn Observatory. He recorded "F, S, stell Nuc, np GC 4055 [NGC 5861]" and his position is accurate. (Publications of the Washburn Observatory, Vol II, p101)

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NGC 5859 = UGC 9728 = MCG +03-39-005 = CGCG 106-007 = LGG 394-003 = PGC 54001

15 07 34.8 +19 34 58; Boo

V = 12.4;  Size 2.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 136”

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, brighter along the major axis.  Larger and brighter though similar position angle to companion NGC 5857 2.1' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5859 = H II-752 = h1905, along with NGC 5857, on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and recorded "Two, the 1st [NGC 5857] cF, cS.  The 2nd pF, pL, both lE."  See NGC 5857 for the observations at Birr Castle (a total of 13 were made).

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NGC 5860 = UGC 9717 = MCG +07-31-033 = CGCG 221-028 = Mrk 480 = I Zw 102 = PGC 53939

15 06 33.6 +42 38 28; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

48" (5/12/18): at 488x; the small bright core of NGC 5860 appeared slightly elongated, ~25" diameter, and was surrounded by a low surface brightness halo of ~35"-40".  The core contained twin nuclei that were quite prominent and easily resolved at 9" separation.  The southern nucleus was quite bright and very small, ~4" diameter.  The fainter northern nucleus (14th mag?) was stellar or quasi-stellar (diameter at most 2").  A mag 15.4 star is 1.0' NNE.

 

24" (7/1/16): at 500x; NGC 5860 is a merged pair of compact ellipticals in a common halo with the nuclei separated by only 9"!   Overall the glow was fairly faint, fairly small, round and punctuated by a small bright nucleus (the southern component).  The northern nucleus (listed in NED as NGC 5860 NED02) was fainter and quasi-stellar, perhaps 3"-4" diameter, and cleanly separated at 500x.  A wide, equal pair of mag 13.3/13.4 stars lies 3' WNW and a third mag 13 star is 2' SW.

 

17.5" (7/15/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' NNE.  Follows an arc of three mag 13 stars aligned NW-SE; the closest star of the three is 2.2' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5860 = h1906 on 17 Apr 1830 and logged "F' R' gbM; 20"."  His position (measured on two consecutive sweeps) matches UGC 9717.  This is a merged double system with two nuclei.

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NGC 5861 = MCG -02-39-003 = PGC 54097

15 09 16.0 -11 19 20; Lib

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

24" (6/21 and 6/22/17): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.2', broad weak concentration, slightly brighter core/nucleus.  The halo exhibited evidence of spiral structure with slightly brighter and darker regions.  Last in a collinear trio with NGC 5858 9.5' NW and IC 1091 19' NW.

 

Supernova 2017erp, discovered 8 days earlier on 13 Jun, was easily visible as a mag 13.5-14 stellar object on the SSW edge of the halo.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly large, very diffuse, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, fairly low even surface brightness.  Located 2.5' NNE of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 5858 9.5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5861 = H II-192 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and recorded "Faintish, pL and broad, lE, r, nearly of equal brightness throughout; the extension almost in the meridian; many stars in the field with it."  His position was 2.5' too far northwest.

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NGC 5862 = CGCG 274-015 = PGC 53900

15 06 03.2 +55 34 26; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (6/20/87): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold with averted.  Located 7' SE of mag 7.6 SAO 29401.  NGC 5866 (M102) lies 13' NNE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5862 = Sw. I-40 on 11 Jun 1885 and recorded "eF; pS; R; v Diff; 3 stars in a line point to it; [GC] 4058 [= NGC 5866]."  His position is 7 sec east and 1' north of CGCG 274-015 = PGC 53900 and his description applies.

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NGC 5863 = ESO 581-022 = MCG -03-39-001 = PGC 54160

15 10 48.3 -18 25 52; Lib

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 21”

 

17.5" (7/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3, 0.7'x0.5', weak even concentration, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus flickers with direct vision.  Situated between a mag 13.5 star 2' E and a mag 14.5 star 2' W.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5863 = LM 1-223 = Big. 189 in 1886 and recorded "S, R, gbMN, *12 in eF neb."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 35 seconds of RA west too small.  Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 30 Apr 1889, assumed it was new and reported it as Big. 189.  His position was 5' too far south (accurate in RA). Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1906 using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 5864 = UGC 9740 = MCG +01-39-002 = CGCG 049-015 = LGG 393-006 = PGC 54111

15 09 33.6 +03 03 11; Vir

V = 11.8;  Size 2.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.6, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 30" ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5864 = H II-585 = h1907 on 27 May 1786 (sweep 567) and noted "F, cS."  JH made 3 observations and first recorded (sweep 143) "pB; S; E; has a * 14m closely following."

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NGC 5865 = NGC 5868 = UGC 9743 = MCG +00-39-007 = CGCG 021-023 = PGC 54118

15 09 49.1 +00 31 47; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 5868.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5865 = H II-684 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and recorded "Two [NGC 5865 = NGC 5868 and NGC 5869], pB, S, iE."  NGC 5869 = UGC 9742 = PGC 54119 (the southern galaxy) was originally discovered on 24 Feb 1786, but WH was confused which one was new and mistakenly assigned II-684 to NGC 5869 instead of NGC 5865.  This caused later confusion.

 

NGC 5868, found by d'Arrest on 27 Apr 1882, is a reobservation of NGC 5865.  JH thought it was new and assigned it a GC designation because of the difference in position.  Dreyer concluded NGC 5865 = NGC 5868 in his 1912 update of WH's catalogues as JH and Birr Castle only reported two nebulae.  By earlier discovery NGC 5865 should apply to PGC 54118 but it is known as NGC 5868.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 5869 as NGC 5865.

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NGC 5866 = UGC 9723 = MCG +09-25-017 = CGCG 274-016 = LGG 396-001 = PGC 53933

15 06 29.3 +55 45 49; Dra

V = 9.9;  Size 4.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 128”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x and 697x; spectacular lenticular (S0/a) with a razor-thin dust lane perfectly bisecting the galaxy. Overall the galaxy is extremely bright, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, roughly 4'x1.35'.  The main spindle contains an intensely bright, bulging oval core that is nearly perfectly bisected by an extremely narrow dust lane.  The outer portion of the halo has a low surface brightness and increases in size with averted vision.  A mag 11.3 star is at the northwest edge of the halo and a mag 12.2 star is just off the southwest side, 1.4' from center.  Also a mag 15.5 star is superimposed on the northwest halo [1.6' from center].  NGC 5867, one of the faintest in the NGC, lies 2' SE.  SDSS J150631.55+554348.9, an 18th magnitude galaxy, was marginally glimpsed 2.0' SSE of center.

 

24" (7/6/13): at 200x appeared extremely bright, large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, spindle shaped, well concentrated with a blazing oval core.  A very thin, low contrast dust lane bisects the galaxy and is most evident along the central bulging core.  The outer halo is much fainter and extends ~3.25'x1.25'.  A mag 11.3 star is just off the NW flank, 1.6' from center and a mag 12.2 star is off the SW side 1.4' from center.  At 322x, NGC 5867 was picked up 1.0' SSE of the mag 12.2 star as a very faint 8" glow, held continuously with averted vision.  NGC 5866B, situated 47' E, appeared faint, ~1' in diameter, slightly elongated N-S, very low surface brightness.  Seems to have a small slightly brighter central region.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x1.5', bulging bright core.  This galaxy has a high surface brightness and a mottled surface.  Just a hint of the razor-thin dust lane prominent on photographs is visible.  A mag 11.5 star is at the NW end 1.6' from the center and a slightly fainter mag 12 star is 1.5' SW.  Located 10' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 29401.

 

13" (6/4/83): very bright, impressive, large bright core, two stars off the NW and SW edges.  A mag 7 star is 10' SW.

 

8" (6/4/83): fairly bright, brighter central bulge, fainter extension.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5866 = H I-215 = h1909 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "vB, cL, E, following 2 stars."  His position is poor - nearly 6' southwest of the galaxy.  NGC 5866 is likely an edge-on S0 galaxy with a dust lane.

 

NGC 5866 was first observed by Lord Rosse on 27 Apr 1848 and described as "A very bright resolvable nebula, but none of the component stars seen distinctly even with a power of a thousand.  A perfectly straight and longitudinal division in the direction of the major axis."  George Johnstone Stoney's (Lord Rosse's assistant) sketched the galaxy and dust lane on 27 Apr 1849 (plate XXXVII, figure 8, 1850 publication).

 

This galaxy is sometimes taken as M102 for completeness of the Messier catalogue.  Pierre MŽchain found M102 on 27 Mar 1781, but in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch, he stated M101 and 102 "are nothing but the same nebula, which has been taken for two, by an error in the charts."  But in the September 2015 issue of Sky & Tel, Michael Covington argues that Mechain probably did see NGC 5866, along with the adjacent 7th-magnitude star and Messier may have confirmed the observation.  See Harold Corwin's notes for a more detailed analysis of M102.

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NGC 5867 = 2MASX J15062441+5543543 = LEDA 2512461

15 06 24.3 +55 43 53; Dra

V = 16.1;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

48" (4/30/19): at 545x; fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  Picked up 2' SE of NGC 5866 in excellent conditions (SQM 21.9+ skies).

 

48" (4/21/17): at 697x; faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  Located 2.0' SE of the center of NGC 5866, though lies far in the background.  A mag 12.2 star is 1' NNW.  This galaxy is one of the 10 faintest in the NGC.

 

24" (7/6/13): extremely faint to very faint, extremely small, round, 6"-8" diameter.  Once identified, I could hold this galaxy continuously with averted at 320x.  Situated 2.0' SSW the center of NGC 5866 and 1.0' SSE of a mag 12.2 star.  It is also just south of the line connecting the mag 12.2 star and a mag 14 star 3.3' further SE.

 

18" (7/13/07): after a couple of failed attempts I picked up this extremely faint companion located 2' S of center to NGC 5866 and 1' SE of a mag 12 star.  I first took a look in Alvin Huey's 22" to check the relative position and appearance. Then in my Starmaster at 262x I glimpsed an extremely faint, barely non-stellar knot, ~6" diameter, that required averted and was only visible for moments at a time.  The observation was repeatable, though, and confirmed in excellent conditions at the Lassen Peak parking lot.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 5867 on 25 Apr 1851.  While observing NGC 5866 he noted "alpha [on field sketch] is an eeF neb."  The sketch clearly points to NGC 5867 = 2MASX J15062441+5543543.  Four years later (13 Apr 1855), R.J. Mitchell recorded "the nova alpha seems to a real neb."  RNGC and NGC 2000.0 misclassify NGC 5867 as nonexistent (Type 7)

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NGC 5868 = NGC 5865 = UGC 9743 = MCG +00-39-007 = CGCG 021-023 = PGC 54118

15 09 49.1 +00 31 47; Vir

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 4.0' ENE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5869 3.6' S.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 5868 on 27 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single measurement is on the north side of the halo of UGC 9743.  WH discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr 1787, recorded it as II-684 = NGC 5865, but his position was poor (or he confused it with nearby NGC 5869).  JH assumed d'Arrest's nebula was new, assigned it GC 4060 and Dreyer included it in the NGC.  But Dreyer concluded NGC 5868 = NGC 5865 in his 1912 update to WH's catalogues

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NGC 5869 = UGC 9742 = MCG +00-39-006 = CGCG 021-022 = Holm 699a = LGG 393-008 = PGC 54119

15 09 49.4 +00 28 12; Vir

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small, very faint halo elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brighter and larger of pair with NGC 5865 3.6' N.  This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 5865 in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5869 = H II-545 = h1908 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and logged "F, S."  His position matches UGC 9742, the brighter of a pair with NGC 5865 = NGC 5868 (discovered by WH on 11 Apr 1787).  JH made the single observation "pB; S; E; psbM."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 3 nights.  RNGC and MCG misidentify this galaxy as NGC 5865.

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NGC 5870 = NGC 5826 = UGC 9725 = MCG +09-25-016 = CGCG 274-017 = PGC 53949

15 06 33.8 +55 28 44; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): extremely faint, very small, roundish, 30" diameter. A mag 12 star follows by 1' and a similar star is 2.3' NNE.  Located 18' S of NGC 5866.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5870 = Sw. I-41 on 11 Jun 1885 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; vv diff; preceding a B * 7 sec; [GC] 4058 = NGC 5866."  His position and description matches UGC 9725.  Two night earlier he found I-39 = NGC 5826, which was placed exactly 7 min of RA preceding, but he also mentioned "* nr, [GC] 4058 [= NGC 5866] nr."  The description also applies to UGC 9725 and he probably made an error copying the RA, which happened with several other galaxies found by Swift.  So, NGC 5870 = NGC 5826.

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NGC 5871

15 09 56.6 +00 30 34; Vir

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5871 around 1882 while observing NGC 5865 and NGC 5869.  In the narrative section of list V, he claims he made a sketch of four close nebula forming a trapezoid with a diagonal of 4' and the smallest side of 2.5'.  But there are only the two NGC galaxies here, so his other two objects must refer to faint stars.  The NGC position (communicated directly to Dreyer) is between two mag 15-16 stars to the southeast of NGC 5865.  Harold Corwin lists both stars in his table, with the brighter western star given here as a more likely candidate.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 5872 = MCG -02-39-005 = PGC 54169

15 10 55.6 -11 28 49; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 5”

 

13.1" (6/11/83): faint, very small, possibly slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is superimposed 29" E of center.  Located 6' W of mag 7.9 SAO 159077.  The NGC 5858/NGC 5861 pair is roughly 30' NW.

 

Joseph Winlock discovered NGC 5872 = HN 30 on 30 Jul 1866 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at Harvard Observatory.  His position in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #329, matches PGC 54169.  No description was given in the table but Dreyer included Bigourdan's description in the IC 1 notes.

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NGC 5873 = PK 331+16.1 = ESO 328-34 = PN G331.3+16.8

15 12 50.6 -38 07 33; Lup

V = 11.2;  Size 8"x6"

 

13.1" (3/17/86): appears stellar at 79x and quite prominent with an OIII filter.  A barely non-stellar disc was seen at 166x.  Forms a near equilateral triangle with fainter mag 12 stars 1.8' W and 2.1' S.  Estimate mag V = 11.5.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 5873 on 2 May 1883 near Lake Titicaca using a 6.1" refractor with a direct vision Vogel-spectroscope.  The position given in Copernicus III (1884) is 8 sec of RA too far west and 2' north.  This was the first deep sky object to be discovered in South America.  Copeland discovered three NGCs in the Andes using this visual spectroscopy including NGC 5315, just two nights later.

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NGC 5874 = UGC 9736 = MCG +09-25-024 = CGCG 274-020 = LGG 395- 001 = PGC 54018

15 07 51.8 +54 45 10; Boo

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 53”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): faint, fairly large, diffuse, slightly elongated SW-NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5874 = Sw. I-42 on 11 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; pL; R; in center of a large equilateral triangle of 3 bright stars." His position and description applies to UGC 9736.

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NGC 5875 = UGC 9745 = MCG +09-25-027 = CGCG 274-027 = WBL 549-006 = PGC 54095

15 09 13.1 +52 31 43; Boo

V = 12.6;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 145”

 

24" (7/28/19): at 322x; fairly bright, fairly large, well concentrated with a relatively large bulging core.  The nucleus was stellar and indistinct.  The central region is noticeably uneven in surface brightness, probably reflecting spiral structure. (confirmed).  A string of 4 stars, each increasing in brightness, extends to the SE with mag 8.3 HD 134809 9' SE.  Brightest in a group (WBL) 549.

 

CGCG 274-19, 12' W, appeared fairly faint, elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, 0.5'x0.3'.  Contains a faint but sharp stellar nucleus.

CGCG 274-22, 16' SW, was nearly fairly faint, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.5'x0.2', small bright core, fainter extensions.

NGC 5875A (UGC 9745), 15' SSW, appeared fairly faint, roundish, 30", very weak concentration, no distinct core or nucleus.

CGCG 274-24, 7' SW, was almost fairly faint, round, 18" diameter, compact.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  Forms a 5.6' pair SSW with much fainter CGCG 274-026, which was logged as "very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5875 = H II-755 on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "pB, pL, lE."  His position was just off the northwest edge of the galaxy and Engelhardt measured a precise micrometric position.

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NGC 5876 = IC 1111 = UGC 9747 = MCG +09-25-028 = CGCG 274-028 = LGG 395-002 = PGC 54110

15 09 31.6 +54 30 23; Boo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, very small, round, brighter core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5876 = Sw. I-43 on 11 Jun 1885 and recorded "F; S; mbM; R."  His position is 7 sec west of UGC 9747.  Swift likely "discovered" the galaxy again on 27 Aug 1888 and placed it on list VIII-86 (later became IC 1111).  His RA was 5 tmin too large but the comment "triangle with 2 st" applies to UGC 9747, which has two mag 12-13 stars 2' NW and 3' SW.  So, likely NGC 5876 = IC 1111.  See Harold Corwin's comments on IC 1111.

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NGC 5877

15 12 53.0 -04 55 29; Lib

 

= ***, Reinmuth, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 5877 on 24 May 1867 with a 6.2"  refractor at the Athens Observatory.  At his position are three stars (mag 13.6-14.2) and Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, also identified NGC 5877 as "= triple *12, 13, 14; *12 n of *13 and *14; IC 1104 s 10'."

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NGC 5878 = MCG -02-39-006 = UGCA 403 = PGC 54364

15 13 45.7 -14 16 10; Lib

V = 11.5;  Size 3.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

18" (6/13/07): in poor seeing appeared fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, ~1.5'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a bright, round core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 9' SW of an orange mag 7 star (HD 135207).  MCG -02-39-009 lies 8' SE.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, small bright nucleus, much fainter extensions.  A mag 15 star is at the SSE edge 0.9' from center.  Forms a pair with MCG -02-39-009 8' SE.  Located 8.8' SW of mag 7.0 SAO 159117.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, elongated N-S.  A mag 7 star is in the field to the east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5878 = H III-736 = h3593 on 30 Apr 1788 (sweep 839) and recorded "vF; lbM; pL; E in the meridian; 300 showed the same."  John Herschel made the single observation "B; pmE; psmbM; involves a * 14m to northward."  His comment probably refer to the faint star on the south side.  Using the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope on 21 May 1878, Joseph Turner felt the faint star at the south end was not "involved" but just east of the south tip.  Although slightly east of the major axis, it is superimposed on the edge of the halo (p.179 of logbook).

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NGC 5879 = UGC 9753 = MCG +10-22-001 = CGCG 297-004 = LGG 396-002 = PGC 54117

15 09 47.0 +57 00 05; Dra

V = 11.6;  Size 4.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 in PA 0”, 3.0'x1.0'.  Contains a prominent elongated core with a faint stellar nucleus.  The fainter elongated halo also extends the minor axis.  A mag 14 star is at the west edge 0.7' from the center.  Located 7.5' SE of mag 7.2 SAO 29427.

 

8" (6/19/82): faint, very elongated N-S, thin, small bright nucleus.  A mag 7 star is 7' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5879 = H II-757 = h1910 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842).  His RA (determined in sweep 843) is 45 sec too small.  JH reported "B; irr R with ray-like appendages; gbM; r; 30"."  His position (used in the GC and NGC) is accurate.

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NGC 5880 = MCG -02-39-012 = PGC 54427

15 15 01.1 -14 34 44; Lib

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/30/92): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 2.1' NNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 5883 3.5' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5880 = LM 1-224 on 6 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.2' dia, R, lbsbMN, in field with Harvard 331 [NGC 5883]."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.0 min of RA west and 3' north of MCG -02-39-012 = PGC 54427.  As this galaxy is 3' northwest of NGC 5883, the identification is reasonable.

 

Because of Leavenworth's poor position, there's been confusion on the identification.  The Helwan Observatory bulletin #38 for 1935 misidentified  MCG -02-39-010 as NGC 5880.  This galaxy is 12' due north of the NGC position but doesn't match being "in field with [NGC 5883]."  It is in the field of NGC 5878 instead.  The RNGC and MCG misidentified MCG -02-39-010 as NGC 5880.  This is a very low surface brightness spiral about 10' southwest of MCG -02-39-012.

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NGC 5881 = IC 1100 = UGC 9729 = MCG +11-18-025 = CGCG 318-014 = PGC 54150

15 06 20.7 +62 58 52; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 40"x30", weak concentration.  Bracketed by a mag 13 star 52" SW of center and a mag 12 star 1.8' NNE.  NGC identification uncertain (poor position from WH) and this galaxy is identified as IC 1100 (from Swift) in UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5881 = H II-818 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 930) and noted "pF, cL, R, vgbM."  CH's reduced position is 52 sec of RA east and 2' south of UGC 9729.  Dreyer notes in the 1912 "Scientific Papers", that the listed RA in GC and NGC was 2 tmin too large (the actual error is ~ 2 min 45 sec).  Because of this error, Bigourdan and d'Arrest were unable to locate NGC 5881.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy (list IX-45) on 22 Jun 1889 and logged "vF; pS; lE; bet 2 stars."  Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1100, but noted in the "Scientific Papers" that "II-818 is probably = IC 1100."

 

The RNGC misidentifies UGC 9764 as NGC 5881.  This galaxy is over two degrees from the NGC position.  UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3 all label this galaxy as IC 1100 (because of the unambiguous position) instead of NGC 5881.  I wrote up this case in RNGC Corrections #6 and it is discussed in Corwin's notes.

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NGC 5882 = IC 1108 = PK 327+10.1 = ESO 274-7 = PN G327.8+10.0

15 16 49.9 -45 38 58; Lup

V = 9.5;  Size 16"x15"

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter, this small planetary appeared as a very bright (V = 9.5), very high surface brightness round disc, ~12" diameter with a bluish color.  At 228x there was an impression of a thin outer shell increasing the size to ~16" diameter.

 

13.1" (3/17/86): very small round disc visible at 80x, estimate V = 10.0.  Good contrast gain with an OIII filter.  A prominent small disc was visible at 166x with a mag 12 star 4.4' NE.  Located 10.8' WNW of mag 7.4 SAO 225623.  This planetary is very far south for viewing from my location in Northern California!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5882 = h3594 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "a most elegant and delicate planetary nebula. Diam in RA = 1.35 seconds by many observations. Long contemplated with x180, x240 and x320. The disc is magnified by the power in due proportion. It is = a star 8.9 mag; perfectly sharp, not the slightest haziness. A very fine object. It has no 'satellites'.  My attendant [John Stone], to whom I showed it, said it was like the moon, only smaller, and not in the least like a star."  His sketch is on Plate VI, figure 8.   The planetary was also sketched by both Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate V, figure 56 and Plate VII, figure 71).

 

Duncker independently found the planetary on an objective prism plate at Harvard's Arequipa station and Williamina Fleming announced it was new in 1884.  Despite JH's accurate position, Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1108.  The equivalence apparently went unannounced until Andris Lauberts (ESO) and Harold Corwin ran across it while scanning southern Schmidt plates.

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NGC 5883 = MCG -02-39-014 = PGC 54439

15 15 10.1 -14 37 01; Lib

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, small, round, very small bright core.  This is the brighter of a pair with NGC 5880 3.5' NW.  Mag 8.4 SAO 159132 is 10' SE near the edge of the 220x field.

 

Joseph Winlock discovered NGC 5883 = HN 31 on 30 Jul 1867 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at the Harvard Observatory.  His position in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #331, matches PGC 54439.  Francis Leavenworth independently found this galaxy on 6 Jun 1885.  Bigourdan described it as "vF, pS, stellar ncl".  MCG misidentifies NGC 5880 as NGC 5883.

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NGC 5884

15 13 09.2 +31 51 42; Boo

 

= **, Bigourdan

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 5884 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at James Wigglesworth's private observatory in England.  At Lohse's position are two mag 14 stars at 14" separation in PA 160”.  Bigourdan found only these two faint stars.

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NGC 5885 = MCG -02-39-013 = PGC 54429

15 15 04.1 -10 05 08; Lib

V = 11.8;  Size 3.5'x3.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 65”

 

18" (6/13/07): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE,, ~1.5'x1.1', very weak concentration.  A mag 10 star sits at the NE tip of the galaxy.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): very faint, round, diffuse with a low, even surface brightness.  Mag 9 SAO 140412 is just off the NE edge 1.7' from center and light from the star swamps the dim glow of the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5885 = H III-116 = h3595 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and recorded "vF, cL, almost R, the whitishness approaching to the milky kind; very near and preceding a bright star."  John Herschel made a single observation: "pF; L; R; vgbM; 3' diam."

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NGC 5886 = CGCG 221-036 = PGC 54298

15 12 45.4 +41 14 01; Boo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): first of three in the NGC 5888 group.  Faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus, 0.4' diameter.  A mag 15.5 star is at the north tip 14" from the center.  Situated almost midway between a mag 12 star 1.9' WNW and a 13th mag star 1.3' SE.  Located 2.9' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 45437.  Forms a pair with NGC 5888 4.6' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5886 = h1911 on 13 May 1828 and logged "F; R; bM; 12"."  His position is 40" south of the center of CGCG 221-036 = PGC 54298.

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NGC 5887 = UGC 9779 = MCG +00-39-012 = CGCG 021-056 = PGC 54416

15 14 43.9 +01 09 15; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (7/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, slightly brighter core.  A mag 14.5-15 star is 1.4' NNE of center.  A wide pair of mag 13 stars at 36" separation is 3' SE.  Located 7.4' SSW of mag 8.6 SAO 120913.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5887 = St XI-31 on 9 Jun 1880.  His position matches UGC 9779.

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NGC 5888 = UGC 9771 = MCG +07-31-038 = CGCG 221-037 = PGC 54316

15 13 07.3 +41 15 53; Boo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): second and brightest of three with NGC 5886 4.6' SW and NGC 5889 4.2' NNE.  Fairly faint, elongated 5:3 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5888 = H III-659 = h1912 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "vF, vS, r."  His position is 7' southeast of UGC 9771.  JH made the single observation "pB; R; bM; 15"; the PD differs 5' from my Father's."  His position is on the south side of the galaxy.

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NGC 5889 = PGC 54317

15 13 15.7 +41 19 41; Boo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.7'x0.25';  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): extremely faint, small, appears very elongated SSW-NNE but difficult to pin down the orientation due to faintness and only visible for moments using averted.  Collinear with NGC 5888 4.1' SSW and mag 8.7 SAO 45437 7.5' SSW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5889 on 25 Apr 1851.  While observing NGC 5886 and 5888.he noticed an "eeF patch, glbM, same distance nf [NGC 5888, as NGC 5888 is from NGC 5886]."

 

The RNGC and RC3 position or identification is incorrect.   PGC 54317 is mentioned in the UGC notes to NGC 5888 but it is not identified as NGC 5889.

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NGC 5890 = MCG -03-39-004 = PGC 54602

15 17 51.1 -17 35 21; Lib

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (6/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weak concentration to a brighter core which appears offset from the geometric center.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the NE edge [43" from center].

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5890 = LM 1-225 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "vF, vS, E 55”."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.6 min west and 2' north of MCG -03-39-004 = PGC 54602 and his position angle is roughly consistent with this galaxy.

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NGC 5891 = MCG -02-39-015 = PGC 54491

15 16 13.4 -11 29 39; Lib

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (6/29/00): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 40"x30", low even surface brightness.  Three faint stars cradle the galaxy around the SE end [1.1-1.5' from center].

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5891= LM 1-226 on 12 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 13.0, pS, lE, gbM, *11 follows."  His rough RA (nearest minute) is just 15 seconds too small.  The mag 11 star in his notes probably refer to the mag 14 star less than 1' northeast.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 1 Notes section).

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NGC 5892 = Fath 703 = MCG -02-39-007 = PGC 54365

15 13 48.2 -15 27 50; Lib

V = 11.7;  Size 3.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (7/9/94): very faint but fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter.  Very low but uneven surface brightness (weak irregular concentration) with no distinct borders.  Located just northwest of a group of five mag 13.5-14.5 stars forming a parallelogram asterism (the southern base consists of three collinear stars); the closest mag 13.5 star is just off the ESE edge 1.3' from center.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5892 = LM 1-227 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 2.5' gbM."  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA).  The RNGC identified MCG -02-39-007 = PGC 54365 as NGC 5892.  This galaxy is nearly 3 minutes of RA west (not an uncommon error) as well as 30' south of Stone's position, but his description (especially size) does match this galaxy.  Not surprisingly, due to the poor NGC positional match, Fath (see below), Shapley-Ames, Helwan observatory, MCG and RC2 failed to label this label this galaxy as NGC 5892. The Helwan observatory 1935 bulletin stated NGC 5892 was "not shown with 80 min exposure."

 

Edward Fath catalogued it as #703 in his 1914 paper "A study of nebulae", which included 864 new "nebulae" discovered on plates taken with the 60-inch at Mt. Wilson.  Fath gave the dimensions as 2'16" x 2'16" and noted it was a spiral. The designation Fath 703 was used in the 1932 "Shapley-Ames Catalogue" of 1249 objects brighter than 13th photographic magnitude as well as in Sandage and Tammann's 1981 revised version.  Due to the 30' discrepancy in declination and lack of a sketch, the identification of Fath 703 with NGC 5892 is uncertain but adopted in NED, HyperLEDA and SIMBAD.

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NGC 5893 = UGC 9774 = MCG +07-31-042 = CGCG 221-041 = Holm 701b = PGC 54351

15 13 34.2 +41 57 32; Boo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45”

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~45"x35", very weak conentration.  A mag 13 star is 2' NW and a mag 13.9 star is 2' ESE.  NGC 5895 [same redshift] lies 4' NE and NGC 5899 is 17' ENE.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): faint, fairly small, round, ~1.0' diameter.  Weak even concentration to the center but no core or nucleus.  Situated within a string of mag 13-13.5 stars oriented NW-SE.  The very faint pair NGC 5895/96 lies 4' NE.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  In a line with a string of four mag 13 stars oriented NW-SE; the closest stars are 1.9' NW and 1.8' SE.  In a trio with NGC 5895 4.2' NE and NGC 5896 5.0' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5893 = H II-678 = h1913 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, S, r.  In a row with 3 stars. His position is 5' too far south-southeast. JH made the single observation "F; R; gbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5894 = UGC 9768 = MCG +10-22-004 = CGCG 297-006 = PGC 54234

15 11 41.0 +59 48 32; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 3.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 13”

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, small brighter core, thin extensions.  Located 5.7' SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5894 = H II-763 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "cF, S, E nearly in the meridian [N-S]."

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NGC 5895 = MCG +07-31-043 = CGCG 221-042a = Holm 701a = PGC 54366

15 13 50.0 +42 00 29; Boo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 20”

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 25"x8", even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 1' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 5896 1' N.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25" diameter, no concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' E.  Forms a pair with difficult NGC 5896.  Located 4.2' NE of NGC 5893.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Apparently I only viewed the center of this elongated galaxy through thin clouds.  Located 1' W of a mag 14 star.  At moments I suspected a marginal glow close north which might have been NGC 5896.  Located 11' SSE of mag 6 SAO 45445.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): extremely faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' E of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 5893 4.2' SW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5895, along with NGC 5896, on 23 May 1854 while observing NGC 5893 at Birr Castle.  He noted "about 3' nf [of NGC 5893] is a small nebula [NGC 5895], lE, vF with a third vvF neb [NGC 5896] close north; I suspect the two novae to be connected, as they are very close, and the n one exactly in a line with the axis of the small one.  2 stars close sf the novae, the f being vS."  The description and diagram clearly identifies the two small galaxies.  The CGCG lists a single entry for NGC 5895 + 5896 with a combined magnitude of 15.5.

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NGC 5896 = MCG +07-31-044 = CGCG 221-042b = Holm 701c = PGC 54367

15 13 50.6 +42 01 27; Boo

V = 16.0;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; extremely faint, very small, round, 12: diameter. Forms a close (line of sight) pair with NGC 5895 1' N.  This is one of the faintest galaxies in the NGC.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x seen as an extremely small, faint glow, ²10" diameter.  Visible with averted vision ~50% of the time just 1' N of NGC 5895.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): this galaxy forms a double system with NGC 5895 and was only suspected for moments 1' N and 1.3' NW of the mag 14 star just west of NGC 5895).  The observation was only marginal and probably viewed through thin clouds.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): Not seen.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5896, along with NGC 5895, on 23 May 1854 while observing NGC 5893 at Birr Castle.  See notes for NGC 5895.

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NGC 5897 = ESO 582-2

15 17 24.3 -21 00 36; Lib

V = 8.6;  Size 12.6';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

18" (7/11/07): this low surface brightness globular was easily picked up 12.5x in the 80mm finder as a small, faint, hazy knot.  Excellent view at 225x in the 18" with 60-70 stars resolved and a very weak concentration and no distinct core.  At 325x, 90-100 stars were resolved over an 11' diameter though the halo does not have a well defined edge so the count is somewhat arbitrary.  The hazy background glow of unresolved star is quite lively and irregular in surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): large, loose, globular, ~10' in diameter with only a weak concentration and no core.  At 280x, 60-70 stars are resolved in good moments of seeing and many appear to be arranged in strings (two on the east side of the halo) emanating from the central region.  The extent of the halo is ill-defined.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): this is a low surface brightness globular of 10' diameter with little concentration.  Roughly circular although the outline is irregular.  Well resolved into 50 stars at 286x over haze although NGC 5897 is too large for a good view at high power.  About 5' NNE of center is a string of three mag 11.5, 12 and 14 stars with a total length of 1.4'.

 

13.1" (6/30/84): about two dozen faint stars resolved over irregular haze.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): a number of faint stars resolved over a larger region of haze.

 

12x80 (6/30/84): very faint but visible in the finder!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5897 = H VI-19 = H VI-8 = h3596 on 25 Apr 1785 (sweep 209) and recorded VI-8 as "a very close compressed cluster of stars, 8 or 9' in diameter, extr rich, of an iR figure, a little E.  The stars so small as hardly to be visible so accumulated in the middle as to look nebulous."  There is nothing at his position and Dreyer chronicled the problems in the sweep in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel".

 

Harold Corwin has an extensive discussion and argument that H VI-8 = NGC 5897.  WH rediscovered this cluster a couple of weeks later on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 383) and recorded VI-19 as "A beautiful L cluster of the most minute and most compressed stars imaginable.  Different sizes and a faint red colour perceivable."  His position on this sweep was only 3' south of center.

 

In 1914, Hardcastle classified NGC 5897 as a known spiral nebula (based on ?).  The following year, Knox-Shaw reported it was a loose globular cluster and "certainly no a spiral nebula", based on a photograph taken between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector. 

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NGC 5898 = ESO 514-002 = MCG -04-36-006 = UGCA 404 = LGG 398-001 = PGC 54625

15 18 13.6 -24 05 53; Lib

V = 11.4;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (6/22/09): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.1'x1.0', sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core.  First in a trio with NGC 5903 5.5' ENE and ESO 514-003 5.3' ESE.

 

18" (6/17/04): moderately bright, moderately large, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intense 20" core.  Forms a similar close pair with NGC 5903 5.5' ENE.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): moderately bright, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright nucleus.  Forms a close pair with similar NGC 5903 5.5' ENE.

 

8" (7/5/83): faint, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5898 = H III-138 = h3597, along with NGC 5903, on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded both as "Two, vF, R nebula, not vS, about 7' distance from each other and nearly in the same parallel."  John Herschel made a single observation, reporting "pB; R; pgbM; 15"."  Vincenzo Cerulli measured an accurate micrometric position in 1895 (given in the IC2 Notes) at his private Italian observatory while searching unsuccessfuly for Comet 1889 V (Brooks).

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NGC 5899 = UGC 9789 = MCG +07-31-045 = CGCG 221-043 = PGC 54428

15 15 03.2 +42 02 58; Boo

V = 11.7;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 18”

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly bright, large, very elongated nearly 3:1 SSW-NNE, 2.2'x0.8' strong concentration with a bright elongated core that rises to a stellar peak.  Two spiral arms were evident; one extending north along the NE flank of the halo and other extending south on the SW flank of the halo. Both appeared as thin, nearly linear arcs in the halo with a sharp outer edge.  The inner edge of the arcs (arms) were less defined as they blended into the halo on the north and south side.  NGC 5899 forms a pair with NGC 5900 10' N.  Located 12' SE of mag 6.1 HD 135530.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.8'.  Gradually increases to a bright, elongated core.  Embedded in the core is a brighter quasi-stellar nucleus.  Follows a string of three stars including a mag 10.5 star 3.3' NW and two mag 12/14 stars.  Just off the edge of the field is mag 6 SAO 45445 situated 12' NW.  Brightest in a group with NGC 5893 and NGC 5895/96.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): brightest in a group with NGC 5900 10' N, NGC 5893 17' WSW and NGC 5895/NGC 5896 12' WSW.  Fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x1.0', small bright core.  A knot or faint star is embedded in the southern extension.  Forms the east vertex of a triangle with a mag 10 star 3.4' NW and a mag 11.5 star 3.8' W.  Located 12' SE of mag 6.1 SAO 45445 at the edge of the 220x field.

 

very elongated N to S, 2' x 40", with evident but little contrasting bulge (it was easily observable even in the 10") - 450x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5899 = H II-650 = h1914 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "pB, E, near 2' l and 1/4' br."  His RA was 30 tsec to large.  On 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) he noted "pB almost cB, BNM."  A 3rd observation on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) states "pB, E, a pBN with faint branches about 1 1/2' long." JH made two observations and measured an accurate RA.  The observation at Birr Castle on 25 Apr 1849 mentions "Dark space nf nucleus??"  The dark space is a gap between the core and the spiral arm on the north following end of the galaxy.

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NGC 5900 = UGC 9790 = MCG +07-31-046 = CGCG 221-044 = Holm 702a = PGC 54431

15 15 05.1 +42 12 34; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 130”

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, very thin streak 5:1, ~1.25'x0.25', small brighter nucleus, uneven surface brightness [due to dust lane].  NGC 5901 is a mag 15.8 star 1' N.  Located 10' ENE of mag 6.1 HD 135530.  Forms a physical pair with NGC 5899 10' S.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 9.7' N of NGC 5899 and 10.3' ENE of mag 6.1 SAO 45445.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5900 = H III-660 = h1915 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and noted "eF, cS."  JH made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position.  See NGC 5901.

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NGC 5901

15 15 02.3 +42 13 45; Boo

V = 15.8

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; extremely faint mag 15.8 star located 1' N of NGC 5900.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 5901 on 23 May 1854 while observing NGC 5900. He recorded "Found 2 neb close ns.  I believe the s one, which is vF, vlEns, lbM to be h's.  The neb n of it is not vS, but eF."  There is only a single galaxy here (assuming he found the correct field), though 1.3' north is a mag 15.5-16 star, which Harold Corwin and the RNGC identify as NGC 5901.

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NGC 5902 = MCG +08-28-011 = CGCG 274-035 = PGC 54394

15 14 22.2 +50 19 49; Boo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, round, small, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5902 = H III-737 on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar."  CH's reduction is 0.2 min of RA east and 3' south of   CGCG 274-035 = PGC 54394.

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NGC 5903 = ESO 514-004 = MCG -04-36-008 = UGCA 405 = LGG 398-003 = PGC 54646

15 18 36.5 -24 04 07; Lib

V = 11.2;  Size 2.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 165”

 

18" (6/22/09): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.8', contains a bright core that gradually increases to the center, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.3 star is off the NW side, 1.5' from center. Forms a trio with NGC 5898 5.5' SW and ESO 515-003 3.1' S.

 

18" (6/17/04): moderately bright, moderately large, 1.2'x1.0', well-concentrated with a bright 20" core.  Slightly fainter than NGC 5898 5.5' SW.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): moderately bright, small, round.  Appears similar to NGC 5898 5.5' SW but slightly larger.

 

8" (7/5/83): very faint, round, nice pair with NGC 5898.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5903 = H III-139 = h3598, along with NGC 5898, on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded both as "Two, vF, R nebula, not vS, about 7' distance from each other and nearly in the same parallel."  JH logged "B; R; pgbM; 20"."  Vincenzo Cerulli measured an accurate micrometric position although Dreyer didn't publish his corrected position in the IC II notes.

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NGC 5904 = M5

15 18 33.7 +02 04 58; Ser

V = 5.7;  Size 17.4';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (7/26/06): at 435x the cluster overfills the field and the intense 3.5' core is resolved to the center.  The core has two easily resolved parallel star lanes oriented E-W that cross the core on the north and south sides and an extremely dense knot of stars is resolved on the west side of the northern lane.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very bright, very large, extremely dense, edge-to-edge resolution of several hundred stars across 22' field (not possible to count), many stars arranged in arcs and streamers.  Strong even concentration to a large very bright core.  Third best globular cluster from northern California (5th brightest integrated magnitude) and can be glimpsed naked-eye in as a small fuzzy glow in dark skies.  Located 22' NW of 5 Serpentis (·1930 = 5.2/10.2 at 11") and the star is more prominent than the globular.

 

13.1": spectacular resolution of several hundred stars from the outer halo to the core, rows of long streamers.

 

8": very high resolution of large, intense outer halo, many stars at edge of small core.

 

Naked-eye (7/26/06): M5 was just visible naked-eye but the nearby mag 5 star (5 Ser) detracts from the observation.  The globular appears as a faint, very small fuzzy glow close NW of the star.

 

Naked-eye (1/21/12): confirmed naked-eye from Mauna Kea visitor center though the nearby mag 5 star is much more prominent.

 

Gottfried and Maria Kirch discovered M5 = NGC 5904 = h1916 on 5 May 1702.   Maria's diary (translated by Leos Ondra) mentions "By such searching [for the comet then visible] my husband found by this with just this 3 Sch. tube, high over Mu [Serpentis] a nebulous light, it had many other fine stars around it, but one stood particularly by the tube above it about thus: [sketch follows]."   Charles Messier independent found it on 23 May 1764.

 

William Herschel's first observation using his 6.2-inch (7-ft telescope) was on 4 Mar 1783: "It consists of stars; they are however so small that I can but just perceive some, and suspect others. 1810 (power?), the globular figure is visible."  Using his 18.7" on 5 May 1785 (sweep 409) he recorded, "a very compressed very beautiful, and large cluster of small stars of various sizes, and of a red colour.  For about 2 or 2.5' they are extremely compressed in the center; and the pretty regularly scattered stars extend to about 7 or 8' diam."  Then there are besides many more irregularly scattered at a greater distance; especially one branch, which extends in a direction of about 15 or 20 degrees sp and some of the stars of this branch are rather larger than the rest."  On 24 Feb 1787, he logged "The most beautiful, extremely compressed cl of small stars; the greatest part of them gathered together into one brilliant nucleus; evidently consisting of stars, surrounded with many detached gathering stars of the same size and colour."

 

While being instructed by his father on his first sweep of 29 May 1821, John Herschel logged, "a most beautiful cluster, vmbM, very compressed, round, the stars various sizes scattered."  The sweep was later numbered 53, out of date.  His regular sweeps began in 1825.

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NGC 5905 = UGC 9797 = MCG +09-25-038 = CGCG 274-036 = LGG 395-003 = PGC 54445

15 15 23.3 +55 31 02; Dra

V = 11.7;  Size 4.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 135”

 

24" (7/28/19): at 322x; fairly bright, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. A slightly brighter "bar" runs SW-NE through the nucleus, but the contrast is low.  The halo has a fairly low surface brightness and there was only a subtle hint of spiral arms.   A mag 15 star is 0.7' SW of center (in halo), a mag 15.3 star is 0.8' S of center (in halo) and a mag 14.4 star is 1.6' E of center (outside halo).  A mag 11/11.5 double star (WZ 13) at 9" separation, lies 4' SSE. Member of the NGC 5908 group (LGG 395).

 

MCG +09-25-037, located 12' WNW, appeared very faint, fairly small,roundish, ~25" diameter, very low surface brightness, requires averted vision.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  A mag 14 star lies 1.6' E of center.  NGC 5908 lies 12' SE.

 

13" (6/4/83): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, diffuse halo increases to brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5905 = H II-758 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and logged " pF, pS, iR."  His position (offset from another galaxy) is 42 sec of RA too far west.  NGC 5905 and 5908 were observed at Birr Castle on 13 Apr 1850 and assumed to be novae, so John Herschel assigned a separate General Catalog designation (4084).  Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC and reported an accurate position measured by d'Arrest.

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NGC 5906 = NGC 5907 = UGC 9801 = MCG +09-25-040 = CGCG 274-038 = CGCG 297-010 = Holm 704a = FGC 1875 = LGG 396-003 = PGC 54470

15 15 52.1 +56 19 48; Dra

 

48" (4/21/17): at 375x; a sharply defined dust lane slices through the central region of NGC 5907, creating two asymmetric sections with the thin, brighter core section on the eastern side.  An easily visible glow is on the western side of the dust lane (catalogued separatedly as NGC 5906), though it has a much lower surface brightness.

 

24" (7/8/13): A thin dust lane on the preceding side of the core of the showpiece edge-on NGC 5907 can be traced at least 5'.  NGC 5906 is a thin, low surface brightness strip of the galaxy, parallel to the major axis, that is visible on the west side of the dust lane.

 

In 1850, Lord Rosse (or an assistant) sketched this part of the galaxy (with an embedded star) extending parallel to the main, brighter eastern side.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5906 on 13 Apr 1850.  He description of NGC 5907 mentions a "very remarkable ray, 12' or 15' long,..., a longitudinal split p[receding] nucleus."  NGC 5906 refers to the faint slice of the galaxy on the west side of the dust lane, which was shown on his field sketch.

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NGC 5907 = NGC 5906 = UGC 9801 = MCG +09-25-040 = CGCG 274-038 = CGCG 297-010 = Holm 704a = FGC 1875 = LGG 396-003 = PGC 54470 = Splinter Galaxy

15 15 53.3 +56 19 44; Dra

V = 10.3;  Size 12.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 375x; huge showpiece splinter extending 10' to 12' NW-SE and ~0.8' wide.  The central 2' long  core region is very bright and contains a slightly brighter nucleus.  The outer extensions have a lower, irregular surface brightness and appear patchy.  A sharply defined dust lane slices through the central region, creating two asymmetric sections with the thin, brighter core section on the eastern side.  An easily visible glow is on the western side of the dust lane (catalogued separatedly as NGC 5906), though it has a much lower surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 1' W of the core.  Overall, the view was very comparable to the DSS2 image.

 

24" (7/8/13): this showpiece edge-on contains a very bright, large, thin extended core but no well defined nucleus.  The galaxy nearly fills the 15' field at 280x, extending ~12'x1', with a patchy surface brightness towards the tips.  A thin dust lane on the preceding side of the core can be traced at least 5'.  A thin, low surface brightness strip (catalogued as NGC 5906) is visible on the west side of the dust lane.

 

18" (6/17/06): extremely large edge-on, roughly 12:1 NNW-SSE, ~10'x0.8', broadly concentrated to a brighter core but with no discernible nucleus.  The 2' central core region is mottled with a couple of brighter spots and the extensions are also irregular in surface brightness.  There appears to be a dust lane running along the western edge of the galaxy.  A mag 14 star is just preceding the core.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly bright, extremely large edge-on 9:1 NNW-SSE, extends to roughly 13'x1.5'.  Contains a bright core increasing to a near stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 1.1' W of center.

 

13" (6/18/85): very large, very elongated, narrow streak, bright core, faint star is west of the core.

 

8" (6/5/81): impressive, needle-like streak.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5907 = H II-759 = h1917 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "pB; 8 or 10' long, 1.5' or 2' broad, FNM."  On sweep 347, JH logged "B; a superb ray nebula, at least 7.5' long and narrow, pos = 159.9” by meas; at first vgb, then psmbM."

 

George Stoney was the first to note the dust lane on 13 Apr 1850 at Birr Castle.  He described a "very remarkable ray, 12' or 15' long; alpha, beta, gamma and delta are stars, of which alpha is faint; a longitudinal split precedes the nucleus." A faint star was sketched within the portion to the west of the dust lane. The dust lane was confirmed on 13 Apr 1855.  On 23 Apr 1860, Samuel Hunter described "south-preceding nucleus there is a dark space with vF neby beyond, & south-following nucleus is rather dark with a portion much brighter beyond, then another dark space and again neby."  The faint portion of the galaxy preceding the dust lane was catalogued as GC 4086 = NGC 5906.

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NGC 5908 = UGC 9805 = MCG +09-25-041 = CGCG 274-039 = LGG 395-004 = PGC 54522

15 16 43.4 +55 24 34; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 154”

 

17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x1', weak concentration.  A mag 11 star lies 3.4' NW of center on a line parallel with the major axis.  Forms an interesting pair with NGC 5905 12' NW.

 

13" (6/4/83): fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on, brighter along major axis.  Forms a pair with NGC 5905.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5908 = H II-760 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and logged "pF, pS, R." His RA is 1.0 min too small, though his positions are systematically offset too far west on the sweep (poor position for the offset "galaxy").

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NGC 5909 = UGC 9778 = MCG +13-11-010 = CGCG 354-021 = Holm 703b = PGC 54223

15 11 28.1 +75 23 02; UMi

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W of center.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 5912 48" E of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5909 = H III-943 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1070) and recorded "Two, both vF and vS.  The place is that of the last [NGC 5912].  The first [NGC 5909] precedes it at the distance of about 1 1/2' and is in the same parallel.  320 showed the same. r."  CH's reduced position is 1.5' south of this pair of galaxies.

 

The declination for NGC 5912 and 5909 in the UGC, CGCG, RNGC and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 atlas is 14' too far south.

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NGC 5910 = HCG 74A = VV 139a = MCG +04-36-035 = CGCG 135-045 = PGC 54689

15 19 24.7 +20 53 47; Ser

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (7/18/17): NGC 5910 is a triple system consisting of HCG 74A (middle), 74B (south) and 74C (northeast).  The main galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus.  HCG 74B, just 20" SE at the edge of the halo, appeared faint (visible continuously), very small, round, 10"-12" diameter.  HCG 74C, only 18" separation at the NE edge of the halo, appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.   The combined glow of the three galaxies spanned ~50" SSW-NNE.  HCG 75D is 1.8' S and appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter.  A mag 14.5/14.5 double [18" separation] is 1' W.

 

18" (8/4/05): at first glace this appeared to be a fairly faint, fairly small glow, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.3', with a knotty appearance and brighter on the north end.  With careful viewing at 225x, this glow was resolved into two nearly tangent knots.  The larger and much brighter glow at the north end was HCG 74A and appeared fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Barely off the SSW end was a nearly stellar knot, HCG 74B. A close pair of mag 14-14.5 stars that are collinear with the galaxy is just 1.3' W and two mag 11 stars to the north are also collinear with the galaxy.  HCG 75 lies just 35' NE!

 

17.5" (7/8/94): brightest member of HCG 74.  Fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  The observation is confused by a companion (HCG 74B) that is attached at the SSW end, just 20" between centers.  HCG 74B popped into view with averted vision and looked like a knot at the edge.  A faint mag 14/14 double star close west is collinear and a mag 13 star is 3' WSW.  UGC 9813 lies 8.0' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5910 = H II-400 on 13 Apr 1785 (sweep 399) and noted "F, pL, easily resolvable."  On 28 Apr 1788 (sweep 835) he logged "eF, vS, may be a few stars."  He position is pretty accurate, though.  Neither JH nor d'Arrest made an observation of this galaxy (brightest in HCG 74).

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NGC 5911 = MCG +01-39-019 = CGCG 049-133 = KTG 60A = PGC 54731

15 20 18.2 +03 31 06; Ser

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  PA = 47”

 

24" (5/11/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 30"x24", small brighter core.  Brightest in the KTG 60 trio with CGCG 49-134 1.6' NE and CGCG 49-135 6' SSE.  A mag 12 star and three mag 14 stars in a group is ~3' E.

 

17.5" (7/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, moderate even concentration to a small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus.  Four stars in an elongated kite asterism follow by about 3'.  Forms a close pair with an extremely faint companion CGCG 049-134 1.5' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5911 = St XI-32 on 5 Jun 1880   His position is accurate.

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NGC 5912 = MCG +13-11-011 = CGCG 354-022 = Holm 703a = PGC 54237

15 11 41.3 +75 23 05; UMi

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8'

 

17.5" (6/18/93): slightly brighter of pair with NGC 5909 just 48" W.  Fairly faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5912 = H III-944 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1070) and recorded "Two, both vF and vS.  The place is that of the last [NGC 5912].  The first [NGC 5909] precedes it at the distance of about 1 1/2' and is in the same parallel.  320 showed the same. r."  CH's reduced position is 1.5' south of this pair of galaxies.

 

The declination for NGC 5912 and 5909 in the UGC, CGCG, RNGC and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 atlas is 14' too far south.

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NGC 5913 = UGC 9818 = MCG +00-39-021 = CGCG 021-079 = PGC 54761

15 20 55.4 -02 34 40; Ser

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (7/9/94): faint, moderately large, low irregular surface brightness.  Poorly defined edge makes shape difficult to clearly determine but appears elongated 4:3 roughly N-S.  Halo increases with averted to 1.4'x1.1'.  A mag 14 star is 1.7' E of center.  Located 10' SSE of mag 6.4 SAO 140473.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5913 = H III-374 = h1918 = h3599 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "eF, pL, r."  His position is at the north edge of UGC 9818.  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH logged "vF; lE; gbM; 25" l, 20" br."

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NGC 5914 = MCG +07-31-055 = CGCG 221-051 = CGCG 221-001 = Holm 706a = PGC 57792

15 18 43.7 +41 51 56; Boo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.3', very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 11' NNW of mag 7.9 SAO 45483.  NGC 5914B (double system), just 1.5' N, was not seen.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5914 = St XII-71 on 16 May 1882.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5915 = MCG -02-39-019 = UGCA 407 = PGC 54816

15 21 33.2 -13 05 32; Lib

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (6/17/04): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE.  Contains a bright, sharply concentrated, 20" core.  A faint star is embedded on the south side of the halo (34" from center).  Brightest in a trio with NGC 5916 4.5' SSE and NGC 5916A.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', brighter along the major axis but halo appears rounder.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge 33" from center and a mag 12.5 star is 2.1' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5916 4.5' SSE. 

 

13" (6/4/83): fairly faint, small, fairly compact, round, slightly brighter core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5915 = h3600, along with NGC 5916, on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "B; S; R; glbM; 15". The preceding of 2." His position is accurate.

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NGC 5916 = MCG -02-39-020 = PGC 54825

15 21 37.9 -13 10 09; Lib

V = 13.1;  Size 2.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15”

 

18" (6/17/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.3'x0.6'.  Broad concentration to a slightly brighter, irregularly round 25" core.  The outer halo has a pretty low surface brightness. In a trio with slightly brighter NGC 5915 4.7' WNW and much fainter NGC 5916A 7' NW.

 

NGC 5916A appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star on the NW edge of the galaxy hampers the view!

 

17.5" (5/30/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, low even surface brightness.  The major axis is elongated at a right angle to NGC 5915 located 4.5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5916 = h3601, along with NGC 5915, on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; lE; glbM; 25".  The following of 2." His position is accurate.

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NGC 5917 = Arp 254N = MCG -01-39-002 = PGC 54809

15 21 32.6 -07 22 39; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (7/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis.  A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge.  Forms an interacting pair (Arp 254) with MCG -01-39-003 4.2' S.  Located 4' NNE of a mag 10 star.

 

MCG -01-39-003 (nicknamed the "Hooked Galaxy") appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  A mag 10 star is 1.8' ESE.  On deep images MCG -01-39-003 has two tidal tails, with a long one stretching north about 2/3 of the way to NGC 5917 and then hooking east at the end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5917 = h3602 on 16 Jul 1835 and recorded "eF; S; psbM; 10"."  His single position is 1' too far north.

 

Supernova SN 2005cf exploded in the vicinity of the bridge connecting NGC 5917 and MCG -01-39-003 in May 2005.

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NGC 5918 = UGC 9817 = MCG +08-28-017 = CGCG 249-016 = PGC 54690

15 19 25.3 +45 52 48; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W,1.4'x0.7', weak concentration.  A nice unequal double star (mag 10.5/13) at 16" separation is 2.8' SSW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5918 = h1920 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "pB; pmE; vglbM; 60" long, 40" broad."  The next sweep he logged "vF; L; mE; vlbM; north of a double star." His mean position is just off the west edge of UGC 9817.

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NGC 5919 = MCG +01-39-020 NED5 = CGCG 049-142 NED3 = WBL 564-002 = PGC 54812 = PGC 54826

15 21 36.9 +07 43 10; Ser

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.4'

 

24" (6/23/17): at 375x; faint, small, roundish, 15" diameter, low surface brightness and surprisingly faint for an NGC galaxy.  Several nearby companions were identified with careful viewing -

 

CGCG 049-144, 1.2' ENE of NGC 5919, appeared very faint, extremely small, round, only 6"-8" diameter.

PGC 54838, 1.6' NNW of NGC 5919, appeared faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, 15th mag stars are 0.8' SSW and 0.8' NNW.

2MASX J15213154+0744254, 1.9' NW of NGC 5919, appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

2MASX J15213639+0744209, 1.2' N of NGC 5919, appeared extremely faint (V = 16.1) and small, round, 9" diameter.  Only occasionally pops with averted vision but sighting repeated several times.

2MASX J15213619+0742369, 0.6' S of NGC 5919, was extremely faint and small, only occasionally glimpsed close south of NGC 5919 [34" between centers].

 

17.5" (7/9/94): extremely faint, small, round, 0.3' diameter, very low even surface brightness.  Requires averted vision to glimpse although appears to "grow" in size close to 1.0' diameter.  On continued observation, the galaxy resolves into a second and possibly a third member very close that pops into view momentarily.  It was very difficult, though, to view these simultaneously.  One of these glows might be CGCG 049-144, which is 1.2' ENE of NGC 5919.  Forms a group (MKW 3s) along with brighter NGC 5920 4' ESE.  The POSS reveals six faint galaxies within 2' of this galaxy!  Member of AGC 2063.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5919 = Sw. VI-77, along with NGC 5920, on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; wide double star near, e difficult; np of 2."  His position is 10 sec of time west of CGCG 049-142/144 = PGC 54826.  There are at least 6 small nearby galaxies near his position so this identification is not certain, but this is the brightest single galaxy north-preceding NGC 5920 = UGC 9822.  Harold Corwin came to the same conclusion regarding the identifications (personal e-mail on 27 Sep 1994).

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NGC 5920 = UGC 9822 = CGCG 049-145 = WBL 564-004 = PGC 54839

15 21 51.8 +07 42 32; Ser

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (6/23/17): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~5:4, ~40"x32".  Exhibited a broad weak concentration with a slight brighter, but ill-defined core.  Situated 10' SW of mag 8.7 HD 136797.  NGC 5920 is the brightest of at least 7 galaxies within 5.4'!

 

PGC 54838, situated 1.6' N, appeared faint (V = 15.2), small, round, 12"-15" diameter, 15th mag stars are 0.8' SSW and 0.8' NNW.

 

17.5" (7/9/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very low surface brightness with a very slight concentration.  Located between a mag 14 star off NW edge 1.1' from center and a mag 15 star just off the SE edge.  Two mag 10/11 stars lie 4.5' SSW and 3.3' SSW, respectively.  This galaxy is the brightest in cluster AGC 2063 with NGC 5919 3' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5920 = Sw. VI-78, along with NGC 5919, on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; ee diff; sf of 2 [with NGC 5919]."  His position matches UGC 9822 though UGC doesn't label this galaxy as N5920.   NGC 5920 is the brightest in a group (MKW 3s) of about 10 galaxies.  See notes on NGC 5919.

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NGC 5921 = UGC 9824 = MCG +01-39-021 = CGCG 049-146 = PGC 54849

15 21 56.5 +05 04 14; Ser

V = 10.8;  Size 4.9'x4.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 130”

 

48" (5/1/19): at 545x; superb barred ring spiral, very sharply concentrated with an intense, round nucleus.  The central 1.25' bar was easily visible extending SSW-NNE, and displayed a pretty even surface brightness.  A fairly low contrast circular ring was visible enclosing the bar and nucleus.  The northern spiral arm was attached at the north end of the bar and curled clockwise, extending west for ~1.5'.  A prominent southern arm was fairly straight as it extended 1.25' ESE from the south end of the bar (at a right angle).  The diffuse eastern part of the halo had a low, but irregular surface brightness.  A mag 12.0 star is at the southwest side, 1.2' from center and a mag 10.3 star is 2.9' SE.  A curve of stars extends directly south of the galaxy and a number of stars are close west.

 

UGC 9830, located 36' SSE, appeared  faint, fairly large, extremely thin edge-on, ~10:1 SW-NE, ~1.5''x0.15', very low nearly even surface brightness.  A mag 13.6 star is attached at the east edge near the center and detracts from viewing.

 

24" (7/25/14): at 260x, this multi-armed barred spiral appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, sharply concentrated with a striking, very bright core.  A slightly brighter bar (fairly low contrast) extends SSW to NNE.  The very beginning of a spiral arm is evident as an elongated glow at the north end of the bar, extending a very short distance to the northwest.  The view was improved at 385x with a strong hint of a second spiral arm beginning at the south end of the bar and starting to bend east. Contains a bright, sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 10 star is 3' SE and a mag 12 star is at the southwest edge.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 2.0'x1.4', small bright core dominates, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.9' WNW of a mag 9.5 star.  A mag 12 star is just at the SW edge 1.1' from center.  This star is at the end of a distinctive arc of four mag 11-12 stars leading to the galaxy on the south side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5921 = H I-148 = h1919 on 1 May 1786 (sweep 561) and recorded "cB, cL, bM, iR.  Stars scattered over and about it; not belonging to it."  His position is accurate.  On 17 Apr 1855, LdR's assistant R.J. Mitchell, logged "suspect spiral like an 'S'.  Mr J. Stoney saw the np branch with considerable certainty, the sf one not so sure."

 

A photograph (3-hour exposure) with the Crossley reflector was included in the October 1912 Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Curtis described NGC 5921 as a "very interesting spiral.  Fairly strong nucleus, about which is an oval 1.8' long, whose longer axis is crossed by a straight lane of matter; from the ends of this oval spring the two main whorls of the spiral; other fainter whorls are visible."

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NGC 5922 = NGC 5923: = UGC 9823 = MCG +07-32-001 = CGCG 221-052 = CGCG 222-002 = Holm 707a = PGC 54780

15 21 14.2 +41 43 33; Boo

 

See observing notes for NGC 5923.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5922 = H III-661 = h1921 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "eF, S."  His position is 6' south and 10 sec of RA east of UGC 9823 - a comparable offset to several previous objects in the sweep.  Because of WH's poor position and perhaps the comment "small", JH assumed he discovered the galaxy and reported h1921 as a "Nova" at the correct position.  So, NGC 5922 = NGC 5923.  RNGC classifies this number as a star.

 

JH discovered h1922 on 6 May 1828, though he assumed it was his father's H III-661.  No measured RA is given (just WH's rough RA) and the declination is 4' south of NGC 5923.  Close to JH's offset in declination is a 17" pair of mag 16 stars, and JH possibly glimpsed these stars (he gave no description).

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NGC 5923 = NGC 5922: = UGC 9823 = MCG +07-32-001 = CGCG 221-052 = CGCG 222-002 = Holm 707a = PGC 54780

15 21 14.2 +41 43 33; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5" (7/15/93): faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, low surface brightness, broad weak concentration.

 

John Herschel found NGC 5923 = h1921 on 6 May 1828 and logged "F; pL; lE; vgbM."  JH made a total of 4 observations (including sweep 151), with size estimates of 40" and 60".  Because of his father's poor position for NGC 5922 = H III-661, he assumed his observation was new and reported it as a "Nova".  So, NGC 5922 = NGC 5923.  By historical precedence, the primary designation should be NGC 5922, but this galaxy is known as NGC 5923 due to the unambiguous position.

 

On sweep 151, he also made an observation of what he assumed was H III-661 at ~4' south of the NGC 5923.  Close to this position is a 17" pair of 16 mag stars.  This is perhaps what JH took for H III-661, though there is no description and perhaps h1922 is just a empty placeholder for his father's number.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 5924 = MCG +05-36-015 = CGCG 165-043 = PGC 54850

15 22 02.0 +31 13 58; CrB

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (7/3/97): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.4'x0.3' (outer arms not viewed).  A mag 14.5 star at the SSE edge confuses the observation as it is similar in brightness to the galaxy.  Nearly collinear with three mag 13-14 stars between 4' and 6.5' SE.  MCG +05-36-026 (brightest galaxy in AGC 2067 - Corona Borealis supercluster) lies 25' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5924 = St XII-72 on 10 Jun 1882.  His position and description matches CGCG 165-043 = PGC 54850.

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NGC 5925 = Cr 291 = ESO 177-006

15 27 27 -54 31 42; Nor

Size 15'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 110x appears as a large, fairly rich cluster of ~150 stars mag 11 to 14 in a 25'x12' group (roughly rectangular) elongated SSW to NNE.  Not concentrated and without any distinctive rich clumps, though many stars forming small subgroups.  Situated in a rich region of the Milky Way and not distinguishable at moderate power but fairly detached using low power.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5925 = h3603 on 28 Jul 1826 and recorded "a most numerous and beautiful milky way group or cluster covering a space of 1.5 or 2 fields diameter (20' or 30') entirely composed of double and triple stars, and distinct groups of 4 or 5 nearly of a size (10th and 11th mag) on a black ground. Perhaps 100 or 150 stars in field."  The next night he logged "a remarkable cluster, 20' diameter, R, very discrete, and composed of small groups of 2, 3, 4 stars, chiefly 11, 12 and 13th mag, sufficiently insulated from the rest of the pretty rich neighbourhood to be considered a cluster."

 

JH credited James Dunlop with the discovery (D 357), but Dunlop's position is a much better fit with NGC 5593 and an hour off in time from NGC 5925.  Dreyer associated D 357 with both NGC 5593 and NGC 5925 in the NGC, so there was clearly some confusion.

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NGC 5926 = MCG +02-39-026 = CGCG 077-109 = VIII Zw 468 = Holm 708a = Mrk 853 = PGC 54950

15 23 24.9 +12 42 55; Ser

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (7/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, even concentration to a bright core, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is 1' ESE.  Forms a right angle with a mag 9.5 star 2.5' WNW and a mag 12.5 star 2.2' SSW.  Located 17' NE of 17 Serpentis (V = 6.3).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5926 = Sw. I-44 on 15 Jun 1884 and recorded "F; vS; forms a right angle triangle with 2 stars."  His position is 30 sec of time too large, but his description is a perfect match.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 5927 = ESO 224-4

15 28 00.4 -50 40 22; Lup

V = 8.0;  Size 12.0';  Surf Br = 1.4

 

18" (7/4/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this fairly bright globular is fairly large, roundish, ~6' diameter.  Broadly concentrated to a 3' core that brightens slightly to the center.  Within the halo and scattered just outside the periphery of the ragged halo are two dozen faint stars, though it was difficult to clearly distinguish these outliers from the uniformly rich star field that surrounds the globular.  At 228x, at least three dozen mag 14-15.5 stars are resolved and the core is very lively and granulated. I had the strong impression that it was on the verge of more extensive resolution.  A mag 10 star lies 4.5' due south of center with a mag 11 star 3' NW.  The halo extends to nearly the line connecting these two stars. NGC 5927 forms a pair with globular NGC 5946 just over a degree following within Norma.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 4' diameter, round, gradually increases to bright core, lively but no resolved.  Fainter gc NGC 5946 is 70' E.  Viewed at only 14” elevation from Baja.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5927 = D 389 = h3604 on 8 May 1826 and describing it (based on 8 observations) as "a very fine round pretty bright nebula, about 3' diameter, gradually brighter towards the centre, and well defined at the margin: this is resolvable. With a power of 260 it has a beautiful globular appearance. The stars are considerably scattered on the south side."  John Herschel  described it on 7 Jul 1834 as "globular, B, L, R, gbM, diam in RA = 16 seconds. Comes up to a bright blaze in middle. Resolved by left eye. Stars 17th mag."  On a later sweep he called it "globular, pB, fine highly condensed, vgbM, 3' diameter, clearly resolved. I see all the stars (15th mag) well."

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NGC 5928 = UGC 9847 = MCG +03-39-027 = CGCG 106-042 = PGC 55072

15 26 02.9 +18 04 25; Ser

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, small bright core.  Located 6.0' SSW of mag 7.8 SAO 101554.  Forms a pair with UGC 9841 14' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5928 = H II-874 = h1923 on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1006) and recorded "pB, pL, vgmbM, iR."  JH made the single observation "pB; S; R; psbM; a * 7.8m, 6' north." and measured a fairly accurate position.  In the IC 1 Notes section, Dreyer mentions this galaxy is possibly M102.

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NGC 5929 = Arp 90 NED1 = UGC 9851 = MCG +07-32-006 = CGCG 222-007w = I Zw 112 NED1 = VV 823 NED1 = Holm 710b = LGG 399-004 = PGC 55076

15 26 06.1 +41 40 14; Boo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (5/3/08): this is the southwest member of a contact, interacting pair with brighter NGC 5930.  At 280x it appeared moderately bright, small, round, 25" diameter, high surface brightness, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  The pair is separated by only 34" between centers and barely resolved.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, very small, round, small bright nucleus.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 5930 attached at the NE end 34" between centers.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5929 = h1924 on 13 May 1828 and recorded "the sp of 2 very near constituting a double neb.  The fainter and smaller."  His description for h1925 = NGC 5930 reads "The nf [NGC 5930], larger and brighter of a double neb.  Pos of the other [NGC 5929] 35” sp, dist about 15".  Not described as double by my Father."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 5930 = Arp 90 NED2 = UGC 9852 = MCG +07-32-007 = CGCG 222-007 NED2 = I Zw 112 NED2 = VV 823 NED2 = Holm 710a = LGG 399-001 = PGC 55080

15 26 07.9 +41 40 34; Boo

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 163”

 

18" (5/3/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.3'x0.6'.  Contains a small, bright round core.  Interacting pair (Arp 90) with NGC 5929 attached on the southwest side of the core.

 

13.1" (4/29/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated, small bright nucleus.  NGC 5929 is attached at the SW end with just 34" separation between centers.

 

8" (6/19/82): faint, small, diffuse, elongated SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5930 = H II-651 = h1925 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "F, pL, iF, easily resolvable."  John Herschel made four observations and recorded on 13 May 1828 and recorded "The nf [NGC 5930], larger and brighter of a double neb.  Pos of the other [NGC 5929] 35” sp, dist about 15".  Not described as double by my Father."

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NGC 5931 = MCG +01-39-023 = CGCG 049-180 = PGC 55233

15 29 29.5 +07 34 23; Ser

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  PA = 40”

 

24" (6/13/15): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.9' W.  Forms a pair with IC 1122 is 3' NW.  Brightest in a group (WBL 568) that includes CGCG 049-170, -171, -172 and -173.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' W and a mag 11 star is 3.4' SSE of center.  NGC 5940 lies 28' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5931 = Sw. VI-81, along with NGC 5940, 5941, 5942 and 5944, on 19 Apr 1887.  He noted "eF; pL; R" and his position is just 4 sec of RA preceding CGCG 049-180 = PGC 55233.  Barnard independently found this galaxy on 15 May 1890 while searching for the asteroid Eucharis and called it "vF, 13m neb, R, vgbM, 3/4' dia, a 11m star 1' p."  Dreyer later assumed this was the same as Bigourdan's IC 1122 so didn't assign it a separate IC designation..

 

CGCG and MCG mislabel NGC 5931 as IC 1122.  HyperLeda labels this galaxy as both NGC 5931 and IC 1122.  But according to Thomson and Corwin, IC 1122 = LEDA 1326415 is a very small and faint galaxy exactly where Bigourdan placed it ~3' NW of NGC 5931. See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 5932 = MCG +08-28-033 = CGCG 249-023 = PGC 55109

15 26 48.2 +48 36 54; Boo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (7/15/93): faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 5933 2.2' E.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5932 = Sw. VI-79, along with NGC 5933, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; R; np of 2 [with NGC 5933].  His position is 8 sec of RA east and 2.6' north of CGCG 249-023 = PGC 55109.

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NGC 5933 = MCG +08-28-034 = CGCG 249-024 = PGC 55117

15 27 01.5 +48 36 48; Boo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): very faint, extremely small, round, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 15.5 star is 1' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 5932 2.5' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5933 = Sw. VI-80, along with NGC 5932, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; sf of 2 [with NGC 5932].  His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1.7' north of  CGCG 249-024 = PGC 55117, but the identifications are certain.

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NGC 5934 = UGC 9862 = MCG +07-32-011 = CGCG 222-011 = I Zw 113 = PGC 55178

15 28 12.7 +42 55 47; Boo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 2”

 

24" (7/28/16): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', broad concentration.  There appears to be a very low surface brightness hazy extension off the southwest side with averted vision (confirmed on the DSS and SDSS as a tidal plume).  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5935 1.1' NE.  Located 6.5' NE of a mag 7.5 star (very wide pair with a mag 9.8 star).  A mag 13/13.5 pair at ~20" is 2' NW.  In a group (distance ~250 million l.y. including NGC 5945 17' E and NGC 5943 19' SE

 

CGCG 222-012 = PGC 55173 lies 4.8' N.  It appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 30"x15", low even surface brightness (no core or zones).  A mag 14.3 star is at the north edge.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.9' E of center.  A closely matched mag 13/13.5 double star at 20" separation is 2' WNW.  A wide unequal mag 7.6/9.7 pair at 41" separation lies 7' WSW.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 5935 1.1' NE.  First in a group of five including NGC 5945 16' E, NGC 5943 19' ESE, NGC 5947 and 29' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5934 = St XI-33, along with NGC 5935, on 12 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.  Harold Corwin notes that NGC 5935 is misidentified in the UGC Notes (for NGC 5934 = UGC 9862) as "NGC 5934."

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NGC 5935 = MCG +07-32-013 = CGCG 222-013 = I Zw 113 NOTES2 = PGC 55183

15 28 16.6 +42 56 38; Boo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 30”

 

24" (7/28/16): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 30"x12", sharply concentrated with a very small or stellar nucleus.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5934 1.1' SW.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.2' SE.  CGCG 222-012 is 4' NNW.  In a group (WBL 569 and WBL 572) that includes NGC 5945 16' E.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, very small brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' ESE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 5934 1' SW.  Second in a group of five galaxies with NGC 5945 16' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5935 = St XI-34, along with NGC 5934, on 12 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.  Harold Corwin notes that NGC 5935 is misidentified in the UGC Notes (for NGC 5934 = UGC 9862) as "NGC 5934."

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NGC 5936 = UGC 9867 = MCG +02-39-030 = CGCG 077-137 = CGCG 078-001 = PGC 55255

15 30 00.8 +12 59 21; Ser

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, almost even surface brightness.  Located 13' ESE of mag 7.1 SAO 101577.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5936 = H II-130 = Sf 24 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 190) and recorded "F, not S, iF, resolvable."  There is nothing near his position, but 40 sec of RA east and 2' north is UGC 9867, the only reasonably bright galaxy in the area.  d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position (in the NGC).

 

Truman Safford found the galaxy again on 1 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory, assumed it was new, and included it in his 1887 discovery list.

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NGC 5937 = MCG +00-40-001 = CGCG 022-002 = PGC 55281

15 30 46.2 -02 49 45; Ser

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/7/94): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8', broad moderate concentration although no distinct core.  An arc of four mag 11-13 stars curving N-S follows with the mag 11 star 3.4' NNE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5937 = H II-401 = h1926 = h3606 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "pF, pL, vlbM, r, preceding 3 small stars that are in a row."  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH logged "pB; S; R; gbM; 18"."

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NGC 5938 = ESO 099-007 = PGC 55582

15 36 26.4 -66 51 37; TrA

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 177”

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Two stars are at opposite ends of the galaxy; a mag 13.5 star is at the NNE edge and a mag 14.5 star is at the SSW edge.  Also a mag 12.5 star [7" double] is just off the south side and a 15th magnitude star is superimposed.  Situated in a very rich Milky Way star field with a huge number of mag 13 and fainter stars!  Located 33' S of mag 4.1 Epsilon Triangulum Australe.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5938 = h3605 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "F, S, among a crowd of milky way stars.  No doubt as to its nebulous character. All that is starry in the field is clearly resolved."  His position from this single sweep matches perfectly with ESO 099-007.

 

RNGC classifies this number as an unverified southern object.  As a result, it is not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas nor listed in the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide.

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NGC 5939 = UGC 9854 = MCG +12-15-007 = CGCG 338-008 = PGC 55022

15 24 46.0 +68 43 50; UMi

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 40"x25", even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5939 = Sw. I-45 on 11 Jul 1883 and noted "pB; lE; pS."  His position matches UGC 9854.  This galaxy was discovered just 2 nights after he started systematically searching for nebulae with the 16-inch refractor

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NGC 5940 = UGC 9876 = MCG +01-39-025 = CGCG 050-007 = Mrk 1511 = PGC 55295

15 31 18.0 +07 27 28; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/7/94): faint, round, 45" diameter, weak concentration but no distinct core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' WNW of center.  The HCG 76 quartet (including NGC 5941, NGC 5942, NGC 5944) lies about 12' SE at the edge of the 225x field.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5940 = Sw. VI-82, along with NGC 5941/42/44 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF, pS, R, 1st of 4."  His position is 1.4' due north of UGC 9876.

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NGC 5941 = HCG 76B = MCG +01-40-003 = CGCG 050-011e = PGC 55309

15 31 40.2 +07 20 20; Ser

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

48" (5/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', round, small bright core.  Forms a very close pair with HCG 76F 15" SW.  The companion appeared faint, very small, round, 10" diameter and was barely resolved off the southwest side.  NGC 5941 is one of the three brightest members of HCG 76.  HCG 76G, situated just 1.2' NW, appeared extremely to very faint, thin ghostly streak with averted, ~8:1 NW-SE, ~40"x5", low even surface brightness.

 

18" (8/3/05): the brightest member of HCG 76 appeared faint, small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.35', contains a very small brighter core.  Forms the northern vertex of a rectangular quartet with NGC 5942, NGC 5944 and MCG +01-40-002.  Although visually the brightest in the group, this galaxy does not receive a NGC designation in any modern catalogue.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration to a brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  This is the brightest galaxy in HCG 76 with NGC 5944 2.6' SE, MCG +01-40-002 = HCG 76d and NGC 5942 1.8' SSW.  This galaxy is not identified as NGC 5941 in any modern catalogue.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5941 = Sw. VI-83, along with NGC 5940/42/44, on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; ee diff; 2nd of 4."  NGC 5941/42/44 refer to 3 of the 4 members of HCG 76.  Unfortunately his positions were not accurate enough to easily pin down the identities.  Modern catalogues identify NGC 5941 = HCG 76C, NGC 5942 = HCG 76D and NGC 5944 = HCG 76A.  That leaves HCG 76B without an NGC number, although visually I found it the most prominent in the group visually, so Swift would not have likely missed it.

 

Based on correspondence with Corwin, he agrees that NGC 5941 = HCG 76B, and all modern catalogues are incorrect.  Corwin also suggests NGC 5942 = HCG 76C and NGC 5944 = HCG 76A. These agree with Bigourdan's assignments (he picked up 3 members) and leaves HCG 76D without a number. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.

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NGC 5942 = HCG 76C = MCG +01-40-001 = CGCG 050-009 = PGC 55316

15 31 36.8 +07 18 45; Ser

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

48" (5/20/17): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 45" NW.  One of the three brightest members of the HCG 76 septet.  NGC 5941 lies 1.6' NE.  HCG 76D, situated 2' SE, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

18" (8/3/05): at 257x appeared very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star is close NW.  Third brightest in a tight quartet (HCG 76) with NGC 5941, NGC 5944 and MCG +01-40-002. This galaxy is identified as NGC 5941 in all modern catalogues!

 

17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 14.5 star is off the NW side 45" from center.  This is the third brightest of four in HCG 76 with MCG +01-40-002 = HCG 76D 2.0' SE, NGC 5944 2.7' E and NGC 5941 1.8' NNE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5942 = Sw. VI-84, along with NGC 5940, -41 and -44, on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; eee diff; 3rd of 4."  See notes for NGC 5941 on problems with the modern identifications.

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NGC 5943 = UGC 9870 = MCG +07-32-016 = CGCG 222-016 = WBL 572-002 = PGC 55242

15 29 44.0 +42 46 41; Boo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

24" (7/28/16): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated perhaps 5:3 ~N-S, ~40"x32", well concentrated with a bright core that gradually increases to the center.  In a group (WBL 572 and WBL 569) with NGC 5945 8.5' N, CGCG 222-015 = PGC 55238 7.5' S, NGC 5947 10' ESE and NGC 5934/5935 19' NW.  CGCG 222-015 appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, even surface brightness except for very small brighter core.  Third of five in a group with NGC 5945 8.5' N and NGC 5947 10' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5943 = St XIII-82, along with NGC 5947, on 18 Jun 1884.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5944 = HCG 76A = MCG +01-40-004 = CGCG 050-013: = PGC 55321

15 31 47.6 +07 18 29; Ser

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 111”

 

48" (5/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 35"x10", bulges slightly in the center and tapers at the tips.  Second brightest in the HCG 76 septet.  HCG 76E lies 40" ENE.

 

18" (8/3/05): at 257x appeared faint to very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE though took some effort to make out the elongation, 0.5'x0.25', low fairly even surface brightness.  Second brightest in quartet and eastern vertex of the small rectangular grouping of HCG 76.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration, slightly brighter core.  Second brightest in the HCG 76 with MCG +01-40-002 = HCG 76D 1.8' SW, NGC 5941 2.6' NW and NGC 5942 2.7' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5944 = Sw. VI-85, along with NGC 5940, -41 and -42 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; eee diff; 4th of 4."  See notes for NGC 5941 on problems with the modern identifications.

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NGC 5945 = UGC 9871 = MCG +07-32-017 = CGCG 222-017 = PGC 55243

15 29 45.0 +42 55 07; Boo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 105”

 

24" (7/28/16): at 260x; moderately bright and large, round, 1' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus.  A faint bar extends ~N-S from the nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the NNE end and a fainter mag 15-15.5 is on the west side [20" from center].  In a group with NGC 5943 8.5' S, NGC 5934/5935 17' W and NGC 5947 15' SE.

 

17.5" (6/21/93): faint, round, 1.2' diameter, gradually brighter halo, small brighter core.  Fourth and brightest of five in a group with NGC 5943 8.5' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5945 = St XI-35, along with NGC 5934 and 5935, on 12 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5946 = ESO 224-7 = IC 4550

15 35 28.5 -50 39 35; Nor

V = 9.5;  Size 7.1';  Surf Br = 1.7

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this globular appeared moderately bright, moderately large, round.  The halo extends to 3' diameter with averted vision and surrounds a brighter 1' core.  At 228x a number of very faint stars were just resolved around the periphery of the halo in moments of better seeing.  Perhaps two dozen stars were resolved in total including a bright mag 12 star (superimposed field star?).  Many of the resolved stars form a semi-circular loop, ringing the halo along the entire eastern half of the globular.  Several mag 10-11 stars form a long chain curving around from the SW to the east side, ~5' from the cluster.  NGC 5946 is situated within a beautiful Norma star field ~70' E of the brighter globular cluster NGC 5927.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): faint, very small, 1.5' diameter, round, almost even surface brightness with a weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is at the WSW edge (field star).  The core appeared displaced towards this star.  No additional resolution was evident.  Located in a rich star field with globular cluster NGC 5927 70' W.  Viewed at about 14” elevation from Baja.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5946 = h3607 on 8 May 1826 and recorded "not vB; S; glbM; 90"; resolved into stars 16m, with one of 12m, at or a little beyond the sp edge."  His position (mean of two observations) is accurate.

 

Harold Corwin notes that James Dunlop may have first discovered this globular. Glen Cozens, who examined a copy of Dunlop's original observing log, found about a dozen objects that did not make it into Dunlop's published list and NGC 5946 is probably one of them.

 

Lewis Swift independently found this globular on 24 May 1898 and reported as new in list XI-180 (later IC 4550) as "pB; pS; lE."  His position is 42 sec of time too far west, but as Harold Corwin notes, there are no other possible nearby candidates.  This was his most southerly observation from California and one of his very last.  So, NGC 5946 = IC 4550.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 5947 = UGC 9877 = MCG +07-32-019 = CGCG 222-019 = PGC 55274

15 30 36.7 +42 43 00; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, fairly small, round, very low even surface brightness.  Last of five in a group with NGC 5943 10' WNW. [Also see observations of MCG +07-32-015 and UGC 9873].

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5947 = St XIII-83, along with NGC 5943, on 18 Jun 1884.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5948

15 32 58.6 +03 58 58; Ser

 

= **?, Gottlieb.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5948 = St XII-73 on 14 Jun 1881. Very close to his position is a tight pair of stars oriented northwest-southeast with a  separation ~2".  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 5949 = UGC 9866 = MCG +11-19-008 = CGCG 319-016 = PGC 55165

15 28 00.8 +64 45 46; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 147”

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, moderately large, oval, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5949 = H II-906 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1103) and noted "F, S, lE from sp to nf, vglbM."  His position is just 1' south of UGC 9866.

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NGC 5950 = UGC 9884 = MCG +07-32-021 = CGCG 222-020 = PGC 55305

15 31 30.8 +40 25 48; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 37”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE.  A mag 13.5 star is just at the north edge of the halo 1.0' from center. A nice right triangle of three brighter stars is about 5' SW with mag 9 SAO 45583 at the vertex with a mag 10 star 40" N and a mag 11 star 50" E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5950 = St XII-74 on 21 Jun 1882 and recorded "vF, S, R, preceded by a small star a little north."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5951 = UGC 9895 = MCG +03-40-003 = CGCG 107-003 = KTG 62A = Holm 713a = LGG 400-001 = PGC 55435

15 33 43.1 +15 00 26; Ser

V = 12.7;  Size 3.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 5”

 

24" (6/8/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, large, excellent thin edge-on N-S, 2.4'x0.4'.  Brighter along a thin strip of the major axis (like a very thin bar) and brightens slightly in the central 0.3'.  The extensions fade out towards the tips.  First in the KTG 62 triplet with NGC 5953/5954 = Arp 91 = VV 244 17' NE.  Located 7' SW of a mag 9.1 star.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.6', fairly low surface brightness, broad concentration with slightly brighter middle and very faint extensions.  Located 7.0' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 101619.  NGC 5953/NGC 5954 pair is 17' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5951 = H II-654 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "F, E about 1 1/2' long from np to sf, but nearer the meridian."  His position is less than 2' southeast of UGC 9895.

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NGC 5952 = CGCG 050-030 = PGC 55496

15 34 56.4 +04 57 32; Ser

V = 14.4;  Size 0.3'x0.3'

 

17.5" (7/3/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Requires averted but observation definite.  NGC 5955 lies 7' NE.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): very marginal sighting and not confidently seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5952 = m 288 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stell."  His position matches CGCG 050-030 = PGC 55496.  Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan's IC 1126 applies to a nearby star, and not NGC 5952.

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NGC 5953 = Arp 91 NED1 = VV 244a = UGC 9903 = MCG +03-40-005 = CGCG 107-008 = KTG 62B = Holm 714b = LGG 400-002 = PGC 55480

15 34 32.4 +15 11 37; Ser

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 169”

 

24" (6/8/13): very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~45"x35", sharply concentrated with a very bright small core.  A mag 15 star is at the SW edge.  Forms a bright, partially overlapping double system (Arp 91) with NGC 5954 on the NE side.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): bright, very small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a striking high surface brightness 20" core surrounded by a much fainter halo slightly elongated ~E-W.  A mag 15-15.5 star is just visible at the SW edge 23" from the center.  Forms a striking double system (Arp 91 = VV 244) with NGC 5954 attached at the NE edge, 46" between centers.  NGC 5951 lies 16' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5953 = H II-178 = h1927, along with NGC 5954, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and described both in sweep 200 as "Two, vS, stellar nebula, very near each other; the southern one [NGC 5953] is the largest and their nebulosities run into each other.  240x confirmed it."  He also observed the pair on two later sweeps (571 and 720) and measured an accurate position (1' south).  LdR (or assistant Bindon Stoney) logged "pB, the nf one [NGC 5954] is larger and the light of a more diffused character; that of the preceding one [NGC 5953] is more concentrated.  A small star precedes."

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NGC 5954 = Arp 91 NED2 = VV 244b = UGC 9904 = MCG +03-40-006 = CGCG 107-008 = KTG 62C = Holm 714a = LGG 400-003 = PGC 55482

15 34 35.0 +15 12 00; Ser

V = 12.2;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 5”

 

24" (6/8/13): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.35', broad weak concentration.  Merges or partially overlaps with NGC 5953 on the SW side, 45" between centers.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): forms the NE member of a striking double system (Arp 91 = VV 244) with NGC 5953 attached at the SW side.  Fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.3'.  Almost even surface brightness but possibly brighter on the south end (photograph shows the core asymmetrically placed on the south end).  The galaxy is preceded by a string of three mag 13 stars which are 4' W.  A pair of mag 13 stars with 1' separation lies 1.5' SE.  A mag 10 star lies 6' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5954 = H II-179 = h1927, along with NGC 5953, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and described both in sweep 200 as "Two, vS, stellar nebula, very near each other; the southern one [NGC 5953] is the largest and their nebulosities run into each other.  240x confirmed it."  See NGC 5953 for more.

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NGC 5955 = MCG +01-40-006 = CGCG 050-031 = PGC 55510

15 35 12.5 +05 03 47; Ser

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Appears as an unconcentrated glow collinear with a mag 9.5 star 5.2' SE and a mag 10.5 star 7' SE.  A mag 16 companion 2.5' NNE was not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5955 = m 289 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is 1' north of CGCG 050-031 = PGC 55510.

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NGC 5956 = UGC 9908 = MCG +02-40-003 = CGCG 078-017 = LGG 401-001 = PGC 55501

15 34 58.6 +11 45 00; Ser

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, round, 1.2' diameter, sharp concentration with a small prominent core.  Located in a small group of four stars.  Bracketed by a mag 15 star 1' NW and a mag 14 star 36" ENE of center and 2' S are a pair of mag 12 and 13.5 stars oriented N-S that are almost collinear with the galaxy.  NGC 5957 lies 19' NNE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5956 on 29 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted the mag 14 star at the east end (called mag 16), 25"-28" from center.

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NGC 5957 = UGC 9915 = MCG +02-40-004 = CGCG 078-018 = LGG 401-002 = PGC 55520

15 35 23.2 +12 02 50; Ser

V = 11.7;  Size 2.8'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5', weak even concentration to a 15" diameter brighter core.  A mag 15 star is at the SE edge 0.9' from center.  Located 2.5' SSE of a mag 10.5 star.  NGC 5956 is located 19' SSW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5957 on 29 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 3 nights) is accurate.

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NGC 5958 = UGC 9909 = MCG +05-37-003 = CGCG 166-009 = PGC 55494

15 34 49.2 +28 39 18; CrB

V = 12.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, moderate even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 3.8' E and a mag 15 star 2.0' S of center.  Located 11' WSW of mag 8.9 SAO 83900.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5958 = H II-399 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 397) and recorded "pF, pL, bM, iR, r."   This was the second to last of the 72 galaxies he discovered that night, his most productive ever.

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NGC 5959 = MCG -03-40-002 = PGC 55625

15 37 22.4 -16 35 45; Lib

V = 13.5;  Size 2.4'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, moderately large, irregular round, 1.2' diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter core.  Situated between two pairs of stars.  Located 9' NNW of mag 8.3 SAO 159393.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5959 = LM 1-228 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  The "description" includes "mag 14.5, pS, vlE?, glsbMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct - just 8 sec of time preceding MCG -03-40-002 = PGC 55625.

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NGC 5960 = MCG +01-40-007 = CGCG 050-038 = PGC 55575

15 36 18.4 +05 39 55; Ser

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, irregularly round (slightly elongated N-S?), almost even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' NNW of center.  A pair of mag 10/11 stars at 57" separation located 7' SE are collinear with NGC 5960.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5960 = m 290 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, S neb *."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5961 = UGC 9918 = MCG +05-37-005 = CGCG 166-013 = Holm 715a = PGC 55515

15 35 16.3 +30 51 51; CrB

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.3', fairly high even surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is just 0.9' ENE of center.

 

NGC 5961 forms a pair with UGC 9920 3.7' S.  The companion appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.45'x0.15', low surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just off the north edge 26" from the center.  The redshift of UGC 9920 is 5x that of NGC 5961, so it lies far in the background.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5961 = St XI-36 on 8 Jun 1880 and recorded "pF, S, E pf (small spindle)".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5962 = UGC 9926 = MCG +03-40-011 = CGCG 107-012 = Holm 716a = LGG 400-004 = PGC 55588

15 36 31.7 +16 36 28; Ser

V = 11.3;  Size 3.0'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

24" (7/16/15): bright, large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.0'x1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright small core that increases to a stellar nucleus.

 

VV 132 = UGC 9912 lies 20' WSW.  This irregular blue spiral appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, very low irregular surface brightness with no core.  The surface brightness is not smooth and it appeared to have 1 or 2 slightly brighter patches.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x1.5'.  Contains an elongated bright core, easy stellar nucleus with direct vision.  The fainter outer halo surrounding the core is rounder.  Located 16' WNW of mag 7.7 SAO 101654.  This is the brightest galaxy near the head of Serpens Caput.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5962 = H II-96 = h1928 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and recorded "pB, pL, bM, resolvable, not R but inclining to a parallelogram."

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NGC 5963 = UGC 9906 = MCG +09-25-058 = CGCG 297-015 = KTB 63A = PGC 55419

15 33 27.9 +56 33 35; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 3.3'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 55”

 

24" (7/8/13): at 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 SW-NE.  Dominated by a large bright core with a much fainter halo that quickly dims to a very low surface brightness.  Two mag 13/14.4 stars just off the southeast side are collinear with the core and a mag 15.8 star 2' NW is also on this line.  First in the large KTG 63 trio with NGC 5965 9' NNE and NGC 5971 19' ESE.  A couple of very faint galaxies are close;  PGC 3848996, 2.2' E, was extremely faint (V = 16.2-16.3) and small, round, 8" diameter.  PGC 214388, 3' NNW, appeared very faint (V = 15.9), very small, elongated 2: 1 ~E-W, 15"x8".

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter core.  Collinear with a mag 13 star 0.9' SSE and a mag 14 star 1.5' SSE of center.  First in the NGC 5965 group with NGC 5965 8' NNE and NGC 5969 13' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5963 = H II-761 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and logged "pF, pS, iF."  His RA is 38 sec too small (systematic offset on the sweep) and his dec 3' too small.  The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.

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NGC 5964 = IC 4551 = UGC 9935 = MCG +01-40-008 = CGCG 050-047 = PGC 55637

15 37 36.3 +05 58 25; Ser

V = 12.0;  Size 4.2'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (7/3/97): fairly faint, fairly large, irregular glow, ~2.5' to no well-defined edges.  Contains a brighter core that is also ill-defined but appears elongated (bar).  This face-on galaxy has an unusual mottled appearance with brighter spots with averted vision (extremely faint superimposed stars?).  A couple of faint stars are clearly superimposed which also confuse the view including a mag 14.5 star off the north edge and a mag 15 star (double on DSS) is within the south side of the halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5964 = h1929 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF, vL, R, vgbM, r, diam = 9s of time.  With long attention it is seen to be composed of excessively minute stars like points rubbed out; and is in fact a globular cluster, but to see it thus requires long and perfect tranquility of the eye.  A very interesting object. (See figure 89)"  His position matches UGC 9935, a large, low surface brightness galaxy.  JH's description is unusual for a galaxy.  There are several stars superimposed and in addition I thought the galaxy appeared mottled, so this explains the description.

 

Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy on 19 Aug 1897 and reported Sw. XII-12 (later IC 4551) as "eeeF, L, R, eee dif".  His RA was about 3.5 minutes too small, a large but not unusual error in his last year of observing.  So, Harold Corwin suggests IC 4551 = NGC 5964.

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NGC 5965 = UGC 9914 = MCG +10-22-020 = CGCG 297-016 = KTG 63B = FGC 1918 = PGC 55459

15 34 02.5 +56 41 08; Dra

V = 11.7;  Size 5.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 53”

 

24" (7/8/13): bright, large, thin edge-on ~7:1 SW-NE, 4.0'x0.6', well concentrated with a very bright core.  Sharper light cut-off on the following side due to dust.  2MASX J15335352+5641268 was picked up just 1.3' W of center as a very faint, extremely small glow, ~12"x9".

 

17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.5, small bright core.  Located 5.0' WSW of a mag 10 star.  Largest and brightest of four in a group with NGC 5963 8' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5965 = H II-762 = h1931 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "pF, pL, E."  His RA is 44 sec too small (systematic offset on the sweep) and his dec 3' too small (same offset as NGC 5963).  JH called it "F; L; R; 40"." The NGC position (from d'Arrest?) is accurate.

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NGC 5966 = UGC 9923 = MCG +07-32-032 = CGCG 222-028 = PGC 55552

15 35 52.1 +39 46 08; Boo

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 90”

 

24" (6/13/15): moderately bright to fairly bright, oval 4:3 E-W, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration with a round bright middle.  Striking location 3.9' SSW of mag 7.5 HD 139323 and 3' SW of mag 6.8 HD 139341.  This latter is also the close binary pair STT 298 = 7.2/8.4 at 1.1".  The pair was cleanly split at 375x into two sharp discs.

 

IC 4563 lies 4.4' NE, just 1' E of the mag 7.5 star.  It appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, slightly brighter core.  IC 4560 lies 2.7' N, just 2' NW of the close pair.  It appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~9"x6", low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms the southwest vertex of a right isosceles triangle with mag 6.8 SAO 64800 2.6' NE and mag 7.9 SAO 64799 3.7' NNE.  IC 4563 4.4' NE was not picked up.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5966 = H III-634 = h1930 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and logged "vF, vS, 300 confirmed it, sp 2 vB stars."  His position is 45 sec of time too far east, but his note about the stars clinches the identification.  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 5967 = ESO 042-010 = PGC 56078

15 48 15.1 -75 40 23; Aps

V = 12.0;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.7'x1.2'.  Broad concentration with a large, slightly brighter core.  The halo (arms) appears slightly irregular or mottled.  Located 34' NE of a mag 6 star.

 

NGC 5967A lies 8' SW in the same field.  At 260x, it appeared fairly faint, moderately large but diffuse, with an ill-defined edge and weak concentration.  Situated within a N-S string of stars including a mag 12.5 star at the SW edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5967 = h3608 on 7 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM; 2'."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 5968 = ESO 450-005 = MCG -05-37-001 = PGC 55738

15 39 57.1 -30 33 09; Lup

V = 12.2;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5": moderately bright and large, round.  The 1.5' halo is weakly concentrated and contains a nearly stellar core.  A group of stars cradle the galaxy around the north side.  A unequal pair of mag 11/13.5 stars lies 4' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5968 = h3609 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; r; 90"."  His single position is accurate.

 

Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt in 1919-20 with the Reynolds reflector, described as  "F, 2' x 2'; spiral with a sharp almost stellar N, in a very rich field."

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NGC 5969 = MCG +09-25-059 = CGCG 297-018 = PGC 55491

15 34 50.9 +56 27 03; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

24" (7/8/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 20"x15", very small bright nucleus.  NGC 5971 lies 6.4' ENE.  Also in a low power field are bright galaxies NGC 5963 and NGC 5965.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): very faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, very small slightly brighter core, small very faint halo.  Located 9' NE of mag 8.2 SAO 29575.  In a group with NGC 5971 6' ENE, NGC 5963 14' NW and NGC 5965 16' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5969 = Sw. II-37, along with NGC 5971, on 5 Aug 1885 and logged "eS; R; stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5970 = UGC 9943 = MCG +02-40-006 = CGCG 078-034 = LGG 401-003 = PGC 55665

15 38 30.1 +12 11 12; Ser

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 88”

 

24" (6/22/17): at 375x; bright, large, oval 2:1 E-W, at least 2'x1', perhaps 2.4'x1.2' with averted.  Sharply concentrated with a prominent elongated core that gradually brightens to a central pip.  Spiral structure was strongly suggested in the halo, particularly on the east side, where a slightly brighter section appeared to hook to the north.  Mag 7.4 HD 139609 lies 5.3' NE.

 

IC 1131, 8' SE, appeared  fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, broad concentration.  A small trio of 14th magnitude stars is close west, with the galaxy nearly forming a parallelogram

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, broad concentration to core.  Located 5.3' SW of mag 7.5 SAO 101663.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5970 = H II-76 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 175) and recorded "pB, R, brightest in the middle and gradually fainter from the center; not cometic; a considerable star is in the field with it."  CH's reduced position is 26 sec of RA east and 2' south of UGC 9943.

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NGC 5971 = UGC 9929 = MCG +09-26-002 = CGCG 297-019 = KTG 63C = PGC 55529

15 35 36.9 +56 27 42; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 136”

 

24" (7/8/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~40"x16", contains a brighter core. NGC 5969 lies 6.4' WSW.  Last in the KTG 63 triplet with NGC 5963 19' WNW and NGC 5965 19' NW.

 

17.5" (5/22/93): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE.  A mag 15.5 star is 30" S.  Last of four in the NGC 5965 group with NGC 5969 6' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5971 = Sw. II-38, along with NGC 5969, on 5 Aug 1885 and logged "eeF; vS; R; lbM. In field with GC 4114-15 [= NGC 5963/5965]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5972 = UGC 9946 = MCG +03-40-016 = CGCG 107-018 = PGC 55684

15 38 54.1 +17 01 34; Ser

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

24" (7/28/19): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 N-S, 30"x20".  Contains a round, small bright core that increases gradually to the center.  The halo has a low surface brightness and shows best with averted vision.  A mag 12.2 star is 1.4' NW and a mag 13.3' star is 1' ESE.  IC 1130 lies 21' NW and NGC 5977 is 25' ENE.

 

17.5" (5/27/00): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration.  Based on DSS image, I viewed the brighter core and missed very faint extensions N-S.  Sandwiched between a mag 12 star 1.4' NW and a mag 13 star 1.0' SE.  Also collinear is a mag 14 star 2.6' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5972 = St XI-37 on 29 Jun 1880.

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NGC 5973 = PGC 55757

15 40 15.6 -08 36 06; Lib

V = 15.3;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.3'.  Weak concentration to an irregular brighter center.  The DSS image shows an edge-on with a star superimposed close to the center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5973 = m 291 on 26 May 1864 and noted "F, vS, iR."  His position, which he verified, matches PGC 55757.

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NGC 5974 = UGC 9952 = MCG +05-37-010 = CGCG 166-025 = PGC 55694

15 39 02.4 +31 45 34; CrB

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (7/15/93): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.5'x0.25', even surface brightness.  Located 5' NW of mag 8.4 SAO 64828.  A mag 9.5 star is 6' SSE and mag 7.6 SAO 64824 12' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5974 = h1932 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "vF; S; R; bM; 12"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 5975 = UGC 9963 = MCG +04-37-019 = CGCG 136-046 = Holm 718a = LGG 403-004 = PGC 55739

15 39 58.0 +21 28 13; Ser

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 171”

 

24" (7/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated N-S, ~40"x16", slightly brighter along the major axis but no well defined core.  Located on the south side of AGC 2107 (in the foreground) and 8' NW of mag 8.4 HD 139952.  CGCG 136-050, located 3.7' NE, appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 20"x15", broad weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 1.3' SSE.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, very elongated N-S, poorly concentrated.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5975 = St XII-75 on 19 Jun 1882.  His position matches UGC 9963.  This galaxy is apparently superimposed on AGC 2107.

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NGC 5976 = MCG +10-22-025 = CGCG 297-022 = PGC 55609

15 36 47.9 +59 23 51; Dra

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

24" (7/6/13): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE, ~28"x12", low even surface brightness.  Located 8' W of NGC 5981 and 5' SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

17.5" (6/14/96): extremely faint, very small, roundish (elongated NW-SE on the POSS).  On a line with two mag 10/12 stars to the NW by 5' and 7'.  Located 8.2' W of NGC 5981, which is first of three in a striking linear trio with NGC 5982 and NGC 5985.  NGC 5976A lies 11.6' NW (not looked for).

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5976, along with NGC 5981, on 6 May 1850.  He called it "eeF, S" and measured an accurate offset from NGC 5981, although this galaxy was only noticed on this single observation out of 7 at Birr Castle.

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NGC 5977 = UGC 9967 = MCG +03-40-023 = CGCG 107-023 = PGC 55769

15 40 33.4 +17 07 40; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, very small, round, very weak concentration, 20" diameter. Located 3.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5977 = St XI-38 on 29 Jun 1880 and recorded "eeF, S, R, lbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5978 = MCG -02-40-002 = PGC 55838

15 42 27.2 -13 14 04; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/27/00): extremely faint, very small, round.  Appears as  a 30" diameter low surface brightness glow between two mag 14-15 stars 1' S and 2' NNE.  Located 15' SW of a mag 6.7 SAO 159458.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5978 = LM 1-229 on 10 Jun 1885 and recorded "eF, vS, sbMN, in a group of stars."  His rough position, as well as the description, is a good match with MCG -02-40-002 = PGC 55838.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 5979 = PK 322-5.1 = ESO 136-3 = PN G322.5-05.2

15 47 41.0 -61 13 04; TrA

V = 11.8;  Size 8"

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter, NGC 5979 appeared moderately bright, small, round.  The disc was ~15" diameter and fairly evenly lit.  It appeared larger than the catalogued size of 8".  At 228x (unfiltered), the surface brightness was slightly irregular with possibly a very faint halo or the halo dims at the periphery.  Set in a rich star field with a mag 10 star 2.7' S.  A distinctive trail of mag 12-13 stars meanders off to the east.  Located in the northwest corner of Triangulum Australe, about a degree from the Norma border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5979 = h3610 on 24 Apr 1835 and recorded "planetary nebula.  Not B; pF; S; R; with something like a protuberance, which may arise from an accidental star, on or close to the edge.  Not quite sharp; a little furred; light not quite uniform; an odd sort of mottling like a resolvable light; taken at first for a vF double star out of focus; 12" diameter; but seen with 240; 320 is too high a power for it.  See figure 7, plate VI."  On 16 Jun 1835, he recorded "planetary; transit just missed; R; 5" diam; about equal in light to a * 9m; of a feeble intensity of light; nearly equable; under 320 it is not nebulous; but indistinct at the edges; a very singular kind of appearance - not "mottled", not "curdled", but yet not planetary.  In a field with about 100 or 150 stars.  His position is accurate, but due to a reduction error the NGC position is 1.0 minute too far west (corrected in the IC 2 Notes section). 

 

Joseph Turner sketched the planetary as annular and brighter or a thicker rim on the north side using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 72).

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NGC 5980 = UGC 9974 = MCG +03-40-026 = CGCG 107-025 = Holm 720a = PGC 55800

15 41 30.5 +15 47 15; Ser

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 13”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.7', large broadly brighter core, overall fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1' E and a mag 12 star lies 2.9' SE.  Located 16' SSE of 19 Serpentis (V = 6.0).  Forms a pair with IC 1133 13.6' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5980 = H II-655 = h1933 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "F, E in the meridian [N-S], about 1 1/2' long.."  JH simply noted "vF, R", though measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 5981 = UGC 9948 = MCG +10-22-027 = CGCG 297-023 = Holm 719c = PGC 55647

15 37 53.4 +59 23 30; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 2.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, fairly large, thin well-defined edge-on, at least 5:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.35'.  Contains a brighter elongated core that bulges very slightly and the tips taper down.  First of three in the striking Draco trio with NGC 5982 6.3' ESE. Also NGC 5978 lies 8' W.

 

18" (6/17/06): fairly faint, fairly large thin edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.3'.  Broad weak concentration though no well-defined core.  First of a striking trio with NGC 5982 and NGC 5985 arranged in a 15' WNW-ESE line.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, pretty, thin edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, brighter core.  This edge-on galaxy is the first of three with elliptical NGC 5982 6.4' ESE and spiral NGC 5985 13.8' ESE in the same field!

 

13.1" (5/14/83): faint, moderately large, narrow streak.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5981, along with NGC 5976, on 6 May 1850.  He called it a "vF ray."   William Herschel made the first observation on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843).  In his description of H II-764 = NGC 5982, he noted "A vF [nebula] suspected preceding, lE."  Due to his uncertainty, though, he didn't assign it an internal discovery number, so he did not receive credit in the GC or NGC.

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NGC 5982 = UGC 9961 = MCG +10-22-029 = CGCG 297-024 = Holm 719a = KTG 64B = LGG 402-001 = PGC 55674

15 38 39.8 +59 21 21; Dra

V = 11.1;  Size 2.6'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 110”

 

24" (5/29/14): bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness intense core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  The halo extends up to 1.6'x1.3'.  Second in the Draco triplet with edge-on NGC 5981 6.3' WNW and spiral NGC 5985 7.5' ESE.

 

18" (6/17/06): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core increasing to a stellar nucleus. The halo is much fainter and increases in size to ~1.5'x1.2'.  This elliptical is the second of an excellent trio in a 14' string with NGC 5981 (edge-on spiral) and NGC 5985 (face-on spiral).

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly small, bright round core, stellar nucleus, fainter halo elongated 3:2 ~E-W.  Second of a striking trio with NGC 5981 6.4' WNW and NGC 5985 7.5' ESE.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, small, small bright nucleus, slightly elongated E-W.  In a trio with NGC 5981 and NGC 5985.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5982 = H II-764 = h1934 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "pB, S, iR.  A vF [nebula] suspected preceding, lE."  Herschel's position is just off the southwest side.  John Herschel noted "B; R; psbM; r; 25"."  His position is midway between NGC 5982 and 5985 and only a single object was logged, so perhaps the observation was rushed or interrupted.

 

On 6 May 1850, Lord Rosse's observing assistant George Johnstone Stoney logged "B, condensed oval neb."

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NGC 5983 = UGC 9983 = MCG +01-40-012 = CGCG 050-079 = PGC 55845

15 42 45.6 +08 14 28; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus, diffuse halo that fades into background without a distinct edge.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' WNW.  A group of bright stars follows within 8' including three mag 9.5-10.5 stars and three mag 11.5-12 stars; the nearest two are a mag 10.5 star 2.9' NE and a mag 11.5 star 3.2' SE.  In addition, mag 8.6 SAO 121148 is 12.7' SSE at edge of field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5983 = m 292 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, R, vlbM." His position is accurate.

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NGC 5984 = UGC 9987 = MCG +02-40-011 = CGCG 078-052 = PGC 55853

15 42 53.2 +14 13 54; Ser

V = 12.5;  Size 2.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 144”

 

17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.6', broad concentration with no distinct nucleus.  A thin isosceles triangle consisting of three mag 12.5/13 stars is 2' N.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5984 = H II-656 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and logged "pB, bM, E from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long."  His position is 1.7' due south of UGC 9987.

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NGC 5985 = UGC 9969 = MCG +10-22-030 = CGCG 297-025 = Holm 719b = KTG 64C = LGG 402-004 = PGC 55725

15 39 37.1 +59 19 55; Dra

V = 11.1;  Size 5.5'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 13”

 

24" (7/6/13): bright, very large, oval 2:1 ~N-S, ~4'x2', broad concentration with a bright 40"x30" core.  Spiral structure is evident in the uneven halo, with at least two long sweeping arms giving the impression of a stretched "S" and slightly darker gaps between the arms.

 

18" (6/17/06): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, the halo extends to ~4'x2.5'.  Broadly concentrated to a brighter 40" core that increases slightly to the center.  The halo is mottled and patchy giving a strong impression of spiral structure.  This face-on spiral is the largest and brightest overall of an excellent trio with NGC 5981 (edge-on spiral) and NGC 5982 (elliptical) arranged in a 14' line oriented WNW to ESE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, large, small bright core, mottled oval disc ~N-S.  There is possibly a sharper light cut-off along the western side.  Third and brightest of three with NGC 5982 7.5' WNW and NGC 5981 13.8' WNW.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): moderately bright, moderately large, diffuse halo N-S.  Brightest of trio.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5985 = H II-766 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "pB, cL, iF, r."  He measured an accurate position (CH's reduction) and discovered NGC 5982 (NGC 5981 as only noted as suspected).

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's observing assistant, recorded "Suspect A to be a spiral, to be re-examined on a fine night." (6 May 1850).  A week later (14 May) he wrote "Examined A; new spiral?  Dark space round or on either side of Nucl seen at moments, also a dark line running along the south-following edge, splitting off a part of the neb, which had a bright knot to south, also some ill defined dark space at N end."

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NGC 5986 = ESO 329-18

15 46 03.4 -37 47 10; Lup

V = 7.5;  Size 9.8';  Surf Br = 0.9

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 273x this bright, fairly well concentrated globular was well resolved into ~60 mag 13-15 star over the entire face of the cluster, including the core.  A loop of stars heads from the north side and bends to the east ending in a nice pair of stars.  A brighter string of stars runs along the north side of the halo.  The background surface is quite mottled and the cluster would probably resolve further in better seeing.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): this fairly bright globular has a 4' halo surrounding a bright 2' core.  At 500x, about 30 stars were resolved including a fairly prominent string along the north side (running ~E-W) and many faint stars in the halo and at the edge of the core.  A brighter mag 12.5 star is off the following end.

 

13" (7/5/83): bright, moderately large, very mottled.  About five stars are resolved on the north side including the two brightest mag 13-13.5 stars at the NE edge.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): only a few stars are resolved primarily in the NE region.  One brighter star is detached off the east side.

 

8" (6/27/81): fairly bright, moderately large, very grainy. A few stars are visible at the NE edge.  Includes one bright straggler.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5986 = D 552 = h3611 on 10 May 1826 and described "a beautiful round pretty bright nebula, about 2' diameter, pretty well defined."  Dunlop reported 3 observations and his published position was 5' too far north.  John Herschel made 2 observations and first recorded on 28 Jun 1834 "globular, fine object, pgbM, diam 15', composed to distinct stars 13..15th mag, one star 10th mag is eccentric, and 3 of 13th mag in centre nearly."  Christian Peters independently found the cluster around 1849 and reported it as new in 1856 (AJ 2).

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NGC 5987 = UGC 9971 = MCG +10-22-032 = CGCG 297-026 = LGG 402-003 = PGC 55740

15 39 57.2 +58 04 47; Dra

V = 11.7;  Size 4.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 60”

 

24" (6/21/17): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE.  Very strong concentration with a very bright core and occasionally stellar nucleus.  The halo is much more evident on the northern side of the core, creating an asymmetric appearance.  It was quickly apparent there was a sharp light cutoff (dust lane) just south of the core, roughly paralleling the major axis.  A low surface brightness portion of the galaxy on the south side of the lane was mostly seen on the southwest end of the galaxy.  A 10th mag star is 1.4' NW of center.

 

17.5" (6/14/96): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.5'.  Prominent, high surface brightness core with much fainter extensions.  A mag 10.5 star is 1.3' NW of center.  Located 11' NE of mag 6.5 HD 140117.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5987 = H II-765 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and recorded "pF, vS."   Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position as well as the mag 10 star that precedes by 7 sec of time and just under 1' north.  The UGC PA = 165” is incorrect and the error is repeated in the RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide.

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NGC 5988 = UGC 9998 = MCG +02-40-012 = CGCG 078-058 = PGC 55921

15 44 33.9 +10 17 35; Ser

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only).  Situated just 0.8' S of a mag 12.5 star and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5988 = Sw. VI-86 on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF: pS; R; F * nr north; D * sf."  His position is 11 sec of time west and 1.6' north of UGC 9998, but his description is a perfect match.

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NGC 5989 = UGC 9985 = MCG +10-22-034 = CGCG 297-028 = LGG 402-002 = PGC 55802

15 41 32.7 +59 45 17; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (7/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 35"x30", very weak concentration, slightly mottled or irregular surface brightness.  Located 30' NNE of NGC 5985 (largest in the Draco Triplet).

 

13.1" (4/29/84): faint, fairly small, very slightly elongated, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Located 29' NNE of the NGC 5981, NGC 5982, NGC 5985 trio.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5989 = H II-738 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5990 = UGC 10024 = MCG +01-40-014 = CGCG 050-101 = PGC 55993

15 46 16.4 +02 24 56; Ser

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus, diffuse halo.  A faint double is 3.5' ENE consisting of two mag 14.5 stars at 21" separation.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5990 = H II-425 = h1935 on 5 May 1785 (sweep 409) and logged "eF, vS, stellar.  240 confirmed it."  JH made two observations, first describing it as "F; R; gbM; 20"."

 

Wolfgang Steinicke notes that NGC 5990 was observed on the last night of published observations at Birr Castle on 5 May 1878.  Dreyer logged "pB, pS, gbM, * about 13m nf, dist 77", * possibly nebulous [perhaps referring to a very faint companion]."

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NGC 5991 = MCG +04-37-028 = CGCG 136-067 = PGC 55953

15 45 16.7 +24 37 50; Ser

V = 13.7;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, round, gradually increases to a very small bright core.  Located 7' SSE of mag 7.5 SAO 83981, which hampers viewing somewhat.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 5991 = St X-27 on 13 Jun 1879 and recorded "fairly faint, small, round, strong concentration in the center."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 5992 = UGC 10003 = MCG +07-32-049 = CGCG 222-047 = Mrk 489 = PGC 55913

15 44 21.6 +41 05 09; Boo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, bright core.  A mag 15 star is 30" off the NE edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 5993 2.5' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5992 = H III-635 = h1936 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "Two, that of which the place is taken [NGC 5993] vF, vS.  In verifying it with 300 I perceived another sp [NGC 5992] still fainter, iF, vS, but rather larger than the former.  Distance about 1 1/2'."

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NGC 5993 = UGC 10007 = MCG +07-32-050 = CGCG 222-048 = PGC 55918

15 44 27.7 +41 07 14; Boo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo, substellar nucleus.  Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 5992 2.5' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5993 = H III-636 = h1937 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "Two, that of which the place is taken [NGC 5993] vF, vS.  In verifying it with 300 I perceived another sp [NGC 5992] still fainter, iF, vS, but rather larger than the former.  DIstance about 1 1/2'."

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NGC 5994 = Arp 72 NED1 = VV 16b = UGC 10033 NED1 = MCG +03-40-038 = Holm 721b = PGC 56020

15 46 53.2 +17 52 21; Ser

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.5;  PA = 87”

 

48" (5/15/12): at 488x appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 20"x10", gradually brightens to the center.  This galaxy is the fainter member of the interacting pair Arp 72, and is situated just 1.5' from the center of NGC 5996.  A spiral arm from the NGC 5996 hooks southwest towards NGC 5994, but the pair is not connected.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fainter member of an interacting system with NGC 5996 (Arp 72).  Very faint, extremely small.  Appears as a barely non-stellar knot just 1.5' SW of the center of NGC 5996.  A mag 14 star lies 1.3' SE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5994 on 9 Mar 1851.  During an observation of NGC 5996 he noted a  "small nebula preceding."  This observation was not included in LdR's 1861 publication and the discovery was not included in either the GC or GCS.  The rough NGC position is 34 seconds of RA too far west (no position was measured at Birr Castle).

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NGC 5995 = MCG -02-40-004 = PGC 56081

15 48 24.9 -13 45 28; Lib

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/27/00): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only).  A mag 13 star is just 0.9' NW of center.  Located 15' S of mag 7.0 SAO 159506.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 5995 = h3613 on 5 Jun 1836 and logged "eF; S; R; follows a vS *; 25"."  His single position and description matches MCG -02-40-004 = PGC 56081.

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NGC 5996 = Arp 72 NED2 = VV 16a = UGC 10033 NED2 = MCG +03-40-039 = CGCG 107-036 = Mrk 691 = PGC 56023

15 46 58.8 +17 53 05; Ser

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

48" (5/15/12): NGC 5996 is the brighter member of an interacting pair (Arp 72) with NGC 5994.  At 488x it appeared quite bright, elongated over 2:1 SSW-NNE, though the brightest central section (bar) is elongated ~E-W.  The galaxy is well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core or bar.  It has an asymmetric appearance with a long, bright arm attached on the east side.  This arm hooks southwest towards NGC 5994 and appears slightly clumpy (a knot in the arm is 24" S of the center).  On the west end of the bar a shorter arm shoots straight north and fades quickly as it starts to hook east, with the brightest portion near the connection with the bar.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated ~N-S, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 1.5' S.  Forms a close interacting pair (Arp 72) with NGC 5994 1.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5996 = H II-97 = h1938 = Sf 25 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and recorded "pF, vS, r, preceding 2 pB stars, the most south of which is the brightest.  Other stars besides in the field of view."  CH's reduced position is 17 sec of RA following Arp 72 = VV 16.  JH made two observations and measured an accurate position.  Truman Safford later independently found this galaxy on 1 Jun 1866 and included it in his 1887 discovery list at the Dearborn Observatory.

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NGC 5997 = CGCG 050-015 = PGC 56044

15 47 27.6 +08 19 16; Ser

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

17.5" (5/13/88): extremely faint and small, round.  A shallow arc of three stars mag 13-14 of length 1.6' lies 4' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 5997 = m 293 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eeS, stell."  His position is accurate.  The CGCG classifies this galaxy as a compact.

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NGC 5998 = ESO 450-019

15 49 30 -28 36; Sco

Size 6'

 

17.5" (6/30/00): this asterism appears as a faint, elongated group of 9 stars.  Most of these stars are arranged in an arc concave to the NE.  Appears fully resolved and too poor to be a true cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 5998 = H VII-29 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 559) and recorded "A small cl of vS stars, pretty rich; coming just from the light, I saw it imperfectly, about 5 or 6' long and near 4' broad, in the form of a parallelogram.  Five minutes after it was past, I returned to it, and saw it very well."

 

At his position is group of stars that Dave Riddle called a "detached scatter of nine 13th to 14th magnitude stars in a loose arrangement spanning about 3' across.  The immediate field appeared bland, making this cluster (asterism?) obvious."  ESO and RNGC both report the object as not found.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 5999 = Cr 293 = ESO 178-001

15 52 09 -56 28 24; Nor

Size 5'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 229x, this is a fairly rich, moderately large cluster.  In the center is a striking elliptical ring of roughly two dozen stars.  Surrounding this annulus is a larger loop of stars forming a heart-shaped asterism.  The looping star patterns make this an interesting visual target!  The diameter is roughly 8', though there is no distinct border.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 5999 = D 343 = h3612 on 8 May 1826 and described "a pretty large faint nebula, with several minute stars in it; round figure, 4' or 5' diameter, resolvable."  His position was off by ~10' west-southwest.  JH made a single observation on 9 Jul 1834 and reported "cluster VI class. A pretty rich large cluster, round; little compressed in the middle, 12', stars 12..14th mag, nearly fills field; middle taken."

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NGC 6000 = ESO 450-020 = MCG -05-37-003 = PGC 56145

15 49 49.3 -29 23 11; Sco

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 154”

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, very elongated NNW-SSE.  A mag 13 star is 1' NW.  Located 3.4' NE of mag 9 SAO 183830.  This galaxy is the brightest of the very few in Scorpius.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6000 = h3614 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; sbM."  His single position (corrected by 10 sec of time in the errata page to the CGH catalogue) is accurate.

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NGC 6001 = NGC 6002: = UGC 10036 = MCG +05-37-027 = CGCG 166-058 = PGC 56056

15 47 45.9 +28 38 31; CrB

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very weak concentration.  Located 10' N of mag 7.5 SAO 84005.  The very faint companion to the southwest was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6001 = H III-371 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 397) and recorded "vF, S, R. 240x showed it very distinctly."  His position is within 1' of UGC 10036 = PGC 56056.  This was last of 72 objects discovered on 11 Apr 1785, his most productive night.

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NGC 6002

15 47 44.4 +28 36 35; CrB

 

= *?, Gottlieb, = NGC 6001, RNGC.  = "Not found", Carlson.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 6002 on Apr 20 1873 while observing NGC 6001. He noted "Nova Pos 197.3” [SSW], distance 97.6Ó [~1.6']."  A mag 16.7 star is fairly close to his offset at PA 190” and separation 116" [~1.9'].

 

MCG and PGC identify MCG +05-37-026 = PGC 56051 as NGC 6002.  This dim edge-on is situated 57" southwest of NGC 6001 in PA 225”, a poor match with Parsons' position and likely too faint to have been picked up, even in the 72".  Harold Corwin suggests the faint star is more likely NGC 6002, thought it too is quite faint. So perhaps Parsons made some type of error such as misidentifying NGC 6001.

 

Karl Reinmuth reported "no neb 100" S of NGC 6001" based on his photographic survey at Heidelberg (repeated by Dorothy Carlson) and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the comment NGC 6002 = NGC 6001.

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NGC 6003 = UGC 10048 = MCG +03-40-048 = CGCG 107-043 = PGC 56130

15 49 25.6 +19 01 55; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  NGC 6004 lies 15' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6003 = St X-28 on 19 Jun 1879.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6004 = UGC 10056 = MCG +03-40-051 = CGCG 107-046 = PGC 56166

15 50 22.7 +18 56 21; Ser

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, moderately large, round, broad concentration.  NGC 6003 lies 15' WNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6004 = St X-29 on 14 Jun 1879.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6005 = Cr 294 = ESO 178-003

15 55 49 -57 26 12; Nor

V = 10.7;  Size 4'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): ~40 stars mag 13 and fainter in a small group, roughly 4' in diameter.  Stands out well in the field.  A wide pair of mag 10.5 stars [~27" separation] is off the southwest side.  The cluster is pretty rich, with many stars arranged in two intersecting strings.  A thin, winding chain of stars extends N-S through the center.  A second strip of stars bisects this chain, angling WNW to ESE.  The central 45" of the cluster is fairly dense, with ~15 stars packed into this region.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6005 = D 334 = h3615 on 8 May 1826 and described "a faint round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, very slightly bright towards the centre. A small star is south, rather preceding the nebula, and Iota Normae is south following."  His position is 15' east of the cluster.

 

JH first observed the cluster on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "a milky way cluster; but so densely concentrated as to merit as a fine cluster VI class; irregularly round, gbM, stars 11..15th mag."  On a second sweep he noted "cluster, small, irregularly round, gbM, a group or rather a small oval pretty much compressed cluster of stars 16..17th mag. A few = 15th mag."

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NGC 6006 = CGCG 078-093 = Mrk 862 = PGC 56295

15 53 02.5 +12 00 19; Ser

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 157”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  In a trio with brighter NGC 6007 6' ESE and NGC 6009 NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6006 = m 294, along with NGC 6007 and 6009, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate (to within 1' of polar distance).

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NGC 6007 = UGC 10079 = MCG +02-40-018 = CGCG 078-095 = PGC 56309

15 53 23.3 +11 57 33; Ser

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration.  Brightest of three with NGC 6008 5.8' WNW and NGC 6009 6' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6007 = m 295, along with NGC 6006 and 6009, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "F, pL." His position is accurate.

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NGC 6008 = UGC 10076 = MCG +04-37-052 = CGCG 136-110 = Holm 726a = LGG 403-006 = PGC 56289

15 52 56.0 +21 06 02; Ser

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.  There is possibly an extremely faint knot or star at the east end (there is a slightly brighter "arc" in the eastern arm on the POSS).  Forms a pair with NGC 6008B = PGC 56301 3.3' ESE.  Located 25' ENE of Rho Serpentis (V = 4.8).

 

NGC 6008B appeared very faint, very small, round.  Collinear with two mag 14/15 stars close SE (the mag 14 star is 1.3' SE).

 

13" (6/29/84): faint, small, round, diffuse.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6008 = St XI-39 on 10 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6009 = CGCG 078-096 = PGC 56312

15 53 24.2 +12 03 30; Ser

V = 14.6;  Size 0.65'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 15 star is close east.  Located 6' N of NGC 6007 in a tight trio.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6009 = m 296, along with NGC 6006 and 6007, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell." His position is accurate.

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NGC 6010 = UGC 10081 = MCG +00-40-013 = CGCG 022-048 = PGC 56337

15 54 19.2 +00 32 34; Ser

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.9' S and a mag 15 star 40" S of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6010 = H II-583 = h1939 on 3 May 1786 (sweep 562) and recorded "vF, S, E, r."  His position is less than 1' south of UGC 10081.  A second observation on 28 May 1786 (sweep 568) states "pB, S, bM, E, nearly in the parallel."  JH made the single observation "pB; S; lE in parallel [E-W], gbM."

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NGC 6011 = UGC 10047 = MCG +12-15-016 = CGCG 338-017 = PGC 56008

15 46 32.9 +72 10 09; UMi

V = 13.5;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 14 star is off the east edge [52" from the center].

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6011 = H III-313 on 16 Mar 1785 (sweep 389) and logged "vF, vS, lE."  His position is within 3' of UGC 10047.  On 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) he noted "vF, cS, E nearly in the parallel, just preceding a very small star."  MCG doesn't label its entry as NGC 6011.

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NGC 6012 = UGC 10083 = MCG +03-40-059 = CGCG 107-054 = CGCG 108-003 = PGC 56334

15 54 13.9 +14 36 04; Ser

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core, mottled appearance.  Several bright stars in field and bracketed by mag 9 SAO 101806 2.0' S and a mag 10 star just 1.4' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6012 = H II-657 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "F, bM; between, but a little preceding 2 bright stars."

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NGC 6013 = UGC 10080 = MCG +07-33-004 = CGCG 223-007 = PGC 56287

15 52 53.0 +40 38 48; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated ~N-S, brighter center.  Four mag 12-13 stars are within a 5' radius including a pair of mag 13 stars 2.6' NNW with separation 28" which are collinear with NGC 6013" (aligned NNW-SSE).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6013 = St VII-1 on 21 Jun 1876.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6014 = IC 4586 = UGC 10091 = MCG +01-41-002 = CGCG 051-007 = PGC 56413

15 55 57.5 +05 55 56; Ser

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, even surface brightness.  A pair of mag 14/15 stars are at the NE end [the mag 14 star is 32" from center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6014 = h1940 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "pB; pL; E; 30" l, 18" br."  His position is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 19 Aug 1897 and recorded IC 4586 = Sw. XII-13 as "eF, S, R, bet *8 following and curve of stars p[receding]."   His description is a perfect match with NGC 6014, though his RA (noted as uncertain and only to the nearest minute of time) is off by a minute and his dec was 5' in error.  Dorothy Carlson equated the two numbers in her 1940 paper on NGC/IC Corrections.

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NGC 6015 = UGC 10075 = MCG +10-23-003 = CGCG 298-003 = CGCG 319-028 = PGC 56219

15 51 25.2 +62 18 35; Dra

V = 11.1;  Size 5.4'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 28”

 

13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 4.0'x1.8', diffuse, almost even surface brightness.  Located 2.3' E of a mag 11 star.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SSW end 1.9' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6015 = H III-739 on 2 Jun 1788 (sweep 844) and recorded "vF; R; about 3' diam; vgbM; easily resolvable."  Dreyer also gives d'Arrest's summary description "B, mE" in the NGC as it differs so much from WH's.  In the IC 1 Notes, Dreyer mentions that William Denning stated that d'Arrest's description was correct.

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NGC 6016 = UGC 10096 = MCG +05-38-001 = CGCG 167-004 = PGC 56410

15 55 54.9 +26 57 59; CrB

V = 14.3;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (6/15/91): extremely faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.  Located 5.4' SSW of mag 8 SAO 84084.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6016 = m 297 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6017 = UGC 10098 = MCG +01-41-003 = CGCG 051-008 = PGC 56475

15 57 15.5 +05 59 54; Ser

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6017 = h1941 on 9 May 1828 and recorded "pF; vS; R; much condensed in the centre.  A disc with a burred borders.  Almost a planetary nebula."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6018 = UGC 10101 = MCG +03-41-006 = CGCG 108-016 = PGC 56481

15 57 29.8 +15 52 23; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  A mag 15 is 1' S.  In a trio with NGC 6021 5.1' N and LEDA 214439 2.6' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6018 = H III-646 = h1942 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and noted "vF, lE, S."  NGC 6021, situated 5' north, was discovered 3 years earlier on 21 Mar 1784.  IC 1150, discovered by Stephane Javelle on 10 Jul 1891, might be a duplicate observation, though his RA is off by 49 seconds of time.

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NGC 6019 = CGCG 319-031 = PGC 56265

15 52 09.1 +64 50 26; Dra

V = 15.4;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/15/93): extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter, round, very low surface brightness.  Located 2.6' S of a mag 10 star which detracts from viewing.  A mag 11 star lies 3.5' ESE.  Forms a pair with NGC 6024 8' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6019 = Sw. IV-18, along with NGC 6024 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; double star points to it; ee difficult."   His position is 24 sec east and 1' north of CGCG 319-031 = PGC 56265, but his comment "D * points to it" clinches the identification.  The wide pair of stars is 2' north.

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NGC 6020 = IC 1148 = UGC 10100 = MCG +04-38-002 = CGCG 137-005 = LGG 403-009 = PGC 56467

15 57 08.1 +22 24 16; Ser

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Situated among a group of stars and at the midpoint of a mag 11 star 1.9' WSW and a 13 star 1.9' ESE of center.  Another mag 13 star is 1.7' SSE of center.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6020 = Sf. 10 = St. VII-2 on 9 May 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  The discovery list was not published until 1887 so Safford is not credited in the main NGC table.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy on 27 Jun 1876, measured an accurate position, and was credited by Dreyer with the discovery.  When Dreyer obtained Safford's list, he apparently missed the equivalence with NGC 6020 and catalogued this galaxy again as IC 1148.  So, NGC 6020 = IC 1148.

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NGC 6021 = UGC 10102 = MCG +03-41-005 = CGCG 108-017 = PGC 56482

15 57 30.7 +15 57 22; Ser

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Brightest of three with NGC 6018 5.1' S and an anonymous galaxy 5.5' SSE.  In the foreground of rich cluster AGC 2147.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6021 = H III-739 = h1943 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and recorded "eF, vS.  I suspected it with 157 and 240 showed it very plainly."  He observed this galaxy three years later (19 Mar 1787) and also picked up NGC 6018 to the south.

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NGC 6022 = MCG +03-41-009 = CGCG 108-020 = PGC 56495

15 57 47.7 +16 16 56; Ser

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (5/13/88): extremely faint, small, oval.  Located 1.6' SSW of NGC 6023 in AGC 2147.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6022 = St XII-76, along with NGC 6023, on 19 May 1881.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6023 = UGC 10106 = MCG +03-41-010 = CGCG 108-021 = PGC 56492

15 57 49.6 +16 18 37; Ser

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, gradually increases to a brighter core.  Brightest in AGC 2147 with NGC 6022 1.6' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6023 = St XII-77, along with NGC 6022, on 19 May 1881.  His position is an exact match with UGC 10106.

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NGC 6024 = MCG +11-19-026 = CGCG 319-032 = PGC 56294

15 53 07.8 +64 55 05; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, 30" diameter, round.  Surrounding the galaxy are several stars: a mag 12.5 star is off the WSW edge 49" from center, a mag 13 star 1.2' ESE and two mag 14 stars are off the north edge 31" from center and 1.2' SE.  Also several mag 9-10 stars in field: forms the vertex of a perfect isosceles triangle with mag 9 SAO 16879 6.2' WNW and a mag 10 star 6.3' SW.  Brighter of a pair of galaxies with NGC 6019 8' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6024 = Sw. IV-19, along with NGC 6019, on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "pF; pS; R; BM; * close; forms a little right angle with 2 stars."  His position is 10 sec east of CGCG 319-032 = PGC 56294 and his description applies to this galaxy.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1893 with the 18" refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 6025 = Cr 296 = ESO 136-014

16 03 18 -60 25 54; TrA

V = 5.1;  Size 12'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x using a 27mm Panoptic, this cluster was a very pretty sight.  It appeared loose but bright and large, ~13' diameter, with 50-60 stars resolved.  A couple of dozen stars are mag 11.5 or brighter and seem to form a continuous loop or exaggerated "S" shape with no central concentration!  At 128x, ~80 stars were visible but the cluster was really too large for a good view at this power.  Two brighter mag 7 and 8 stars are at the SE end (HD 143448, the northern one, is the brightest in the cluster and a Be type) with mag 8.5 and 9 stars near the NW edge.

 

The cluster straddles TrA and Norma and was just visible naked-eye.  Abell 3627 (the core of the "Great Attractor"!) lies 1.5 degrees southeast and deep images show a number of very faint galaxies within and around the borders of the cluster that are probably outlying members.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6025 = Lac III 10 = D 304 = h1941 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. With this small telescope he noted "three faint stars in line in nebulosity."  Dunlop observed the cluster 5 times with his 9-inch reflector from Parramatta and recorded "(Lambda Circini) Lacaille describes this as three small stars in a line with nebula. No particular nebula exists in this place. A group of about twenty stars of mixt magnitudes, forming an irregular figure, about 5' or 6' long, answer to the place of the Lambda. This is in the milky way; and there is no nebula in the group of stars except what is common in the neighbourhood."

 

John Herschel lists 4 observations in the Cape Catalogue: on his first sweep (22 Apr 1835) he logged "VII.; loose; scattered; brilliant; stars large; much more than fills field; 46 stars counted above 12th mag; chief star 7th mag taken."  On a second sweep as ""Chief star 7th mag of a large, oblong, bright scattered cluster, stars 7..10th mag."

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NGC 6026 = PK 341+13.1 = ESO 389-7 = PN G341.6+13.7

16 01 20.9 -34 32 39; Lup

V = 13.2;  Size 54"x36"

 

18" (6/7/08): fairly faint, moderately large glow surrounding a mag 13-13.5 central star at 150x.  Excellent contrast gain using a NPB filter and the disc appeared moderately bright and crisply defined and slightly elongated.

 

18" (7/22/06): picked up unfiltered at 160x as a mag 13.5-14 star surrounded by a 40"x30" faint halo elongated SW-NE.  A UHC filter increases the contrast so the disc appears fairly faint to moderately bright (easy with direct vision).  325x provided a good view unfiltered and the elongation appeared closer to WSW-ENE.  The easy central star was visible steadily and the dimensions roughly 45"x35".

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this planetary appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~0.8'x0.6'.  Dominated by a mag 13.5 central star with an even surface brightness halo.  Nice contrast gain using a UHC filter at 228x.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 220x this fairly faint PN appeared slightly elongated SW-NE, ~50"x35".  The 14th magnitude central star is easily visible encased by an evenly lit disc.  The edges of the halo appear somewhat ragged but the PN is crisp-edged at 280x using a UHC filter.

 

13" (7/5/83): very faint, small, round.  A very faint mag 14 central star is visible.  The planetary is visible with direct vision using a UHC filter.  Located 7.3' NW of mag 7.6 SAO 207243.

 

8": not found.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6026 = h3617 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "F; S; R: 15"; gpmbM.  There are 3 stars forming a triangle about 60”, np the nebula."  His position is at the west edge of the planetary.

 

NGC 6026 was misclassified as an elliptical galaxy in the 1932 Shapley-Ames catalog, with dimensions 1.0'x0.8', mag(p) = 12.5.  In the course of a photographic survey of bright southern galaxies at Mt Stromlo, de Vaucouleurs noticed the appearance suggested it might be a galactic PN.  He notified Nicholas Mayall of Lick Observatory who obtained a spectrogram, which established it was a planetary nebula (announced in 1955PASP...67..418D).  de Vaucouleus omitted it from the 1964 Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies as well as Alan Sandage in the 1981 revised S-A catalogue.

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NGC 6027 = HCG 79B = VV 115 = VII Zw 631 = UGC 10116 = MCG +04-38-005 = CGCG 137-010 = PGC 56575 = Seyfert's Sextet

15 59 12.5 +20 45 49; Ser

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

48" (5/15/12): the brightest components of Seyfert's Sextet were NGC 6027 = HCG 79b and NGC 6027A = HCG 79a.  Both were moderately bright at 610x, though NGC 6027 was more elongated at 2:1 E-W, ~20"x10".  NGC 6027E, a diffuse plume, was easily visible extending 30" NE and narrowing near the end where it brightens slightly. NGC 6027D = HCG 79e is situated barely off the south side and appeared faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.  NGC 6027B = HCG 79c (third brightest member) is just 24" W and appeared fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 18"x12".  Finally NGC 6027C = HCG 79d is furthest south (fifth brightest) and appeared faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 N-S, ~25"x7", with a low, nearly even surface brightness.

 

18" (8/3/05): at 257x, the brightest component of Seyfert's Sextet appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 15"x10", contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' ESE and two additional mag 14.5 stars lie close SE.  Just resolved from HCG 79c which lies 22" W of center.

 

18" (6/20/04): at 320x, a trio of galaxies forming a small equilateral triangle were fairly easily resolved with careful viewing.  The brightest of the trio (HCG 79b) is at the NE corner and appeared elongated 3:2 E-W, ~20"x13".  The other two members (HCG 79a and HCG 79c) are both extremely small, round, ~10" diameter.  Two mag 14.5 stars 1'-1.5' SE are collinear with HCG 79b and a slightly brighter mag 14 star lies 2' W.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): this is Seyfert's Sextet = HCG 79, an extremely compact group!  On close inspection, the confused "clump" resolves into three components with the brightest component (HCG 79b) appearing fairly faint, small.  Extremely close are HCG 79a = NGC 6027A just 36" SSW and HCG 79c = NGC 6027B 22" W of center.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.1' ESE and other faint stars are near.  These three galaxies are just resolved at 220x.

 

13" (6/18/85): slightly elongated E-W.

 

13" (5/26/84): faint, very small, irregularly round, weak concentration.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6027 = St XII-78 on 20 Mar 1882 and measured an accurate position.  Although Stephan recorded this ultra-compact group as only a single entry, his description "eF, vF* inv, 2 vF st nr" implies he probably resolved two or three members.  Barnard ran across NGC 6027 while sweeping on 29 Jan 1889 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.

 

Carl Seyfert's name was attached after his 1951 paper "A Dense Group of Galaxies in Serpens" (PASP...63...72S).  Different lettering of the components were introduced by VV, RNGC and Hickson, so there is often confusion on the designations.  There are likely only 4 galaxies in the group as NGC 6027D has a discordant redshift over four times the other members and NGC 6027E is considered either a tidal tail of HCG 79b or a partially dissolved remnant.  Seyfert's Sextet is probably the densest (most compact) galaxy aggregate in the local Universe with all 4 members fitting within the confines of the Milky Way.

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NGC 6028 = NGC 6046 = UGC 10135 = MCG +03-41-043 = CGCG 108-063 = I Zw 133 = PGC 56716

16 01 28.9 +19 21 34; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 30”

 

48" (5/15/12): this Hoag-type ring galaxy contains a bright, very small core, ~18" diameter.  A star is right at the south edge of the core.  The 1' diameter detached outer ring occasionally popped into view and the galaxy appeared as a slightly elongated Cheerio!  NGC 6028 is the nearest and brightest of the Hoag-style rings.

 

17.5": faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  I only recorded the bright, inner core of the ring galaxy. CGCG 108-053, located 7' NW, appeared very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 6028 = B. 76 on 4 May 1886.  His position matches UGC 10135.  WH originally discovered this galaxy on 14 Mar 1784 and catalogued as H III-33 = NGC 6046 (see notes), but with a 3.5 min error in RA.  NGC 6028 is the primary designation because of Bigourdan's unambiguous position.

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NGC 6029 = CGCG 079-023 = PGC 56756

16 01 58.9 +12 34 27; Ser

V = 14.8;  Size 0.55'x0.4';  Surf Br = 9.3

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W, bright core, very faint stellar nucleus.  This is a double system (not resolved).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6029 = m 298 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS." His position is 1' north of CGCG 079-023 = PGC 56756.

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NGC 6030 = UGC 10139 = MCG +03-41-044 = CGCG 108-065 = LGG 403-010 = PGC 56750

16 01 51.4 +17 57 27; Her

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 43”

 

24" (6/22/17): at 375x; bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 3:2 SW-NE.  Contains a high surface brightness core with a fainter elongated halo.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1' NNW of center.  LEDA 214444 lies 2.4' WSW.  This (physical) companion appeared extremely or very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter.

 

NGC 6030 is located 12' NE of 5.1-magnitude 5 Herculi.  The core of AGC 2151 (Hercules Galaxy Cluster) lies ~40' ESE, though this galaxy is in the foreground.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, bright core, elongated SW-NE.  Two mag 13 stars are 1.0' NNW and 2.5' N.  Located between 5 Herculis (V = 5.1) 12' SW and mag 7.4 SAO 101890 14' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6030 = St XIII-84 on 17 Jun 1884.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6031 = Cr 297 = ESO 178-009

16 07 35 -54 00 54; Nor

V = 8.5;  Size 2'

 

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): small, fairly rich cluster with 40-50 stars (with careful viewing) packed into a 2.5' region.  The cluster is roughly triangular with vertices on the southwest, east and northeast ends.  Contains a tight knot of 4-5 stars within 20".  A close double star (mag 11 primary, separation <5") is 1' off the north end.  Located 50' WNW of NGC 6067.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6031 = D 359 = h3618 on 28 Jul 1826 and described "three very minute stars forming a triangle, with a faint round nebula, about 20 arcseconds diameter in the centre, but none of the stars are involved in the nebula."  His position is 5' south of the cluster.  JH made a single observation on 19 Jun 1835: "cluster, a small, compact knot of stars 11..14th mag, in a magnificently full field and zone."

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NGC 6032 = UGC 10148 = MCG +04-38-016 = CGCG 137-021 = LGG 403-001 = PGC 56842

16 03 01.1 +20 57 23; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 0”

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S.  Appears as an unconcentrated diffuse glow which requires averted vision.  Pair with NGC 6035 6.6' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6032 = St XI-40, along with NGC 6035, on 9 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6033 = UGC 10159 = MCG +00-41-003 = CGCG 023-011 = PGC 56941

16 04 27.9 -02 07 15; Ser

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, small, round.  A close very faint double star is 1' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6033 = m 299 on 23 Jul 1864 and noted "vF neb *."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6034 = MCG +03-41-062 = CGCG 108-084 = PGC 56877

16 03 32.1 +17 11 55; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 64”

 

17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' SSE.  Member of AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6034 = Sw. IV-20 on 19 Jun 1886 and logged "eeeF; vS; R; eee diff."  His position is 1.5' north of CGCG 108-084 = PGC 56877.

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NGC 6035 = UGC 10154 = MCG +04-38-018 = CGCG 137-024 = PGC 56864

16 03 24.2 +20 53 29; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, fairly small, almost round.  Slightly brighter of pair with NGC 6032 6.2' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6035 = St XI-41, along with NGC 6032, on 9 Jun 1880.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6036 = UGC 10163 = MCG +01-41-010 = CGCG 051-032 = PGC 56950

16 04 30.8 +03 52 06; Ser

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 0.7' NE and a fainter mag 15 star is just 0.8' NNW of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6037 3.3' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6036 = m 300, along with NGC 6037, on 23 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, stell."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6037 = MCG +01-41-009 = CGCG 051-031 = PGC 56947

16 04 29.8 +03 48 54; Ser

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, broad concentration, can just hold steadily with direct vision.  Pair with NGC 6036 3.3' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6037 = m 301, along with NGC 6036, on 23 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S."

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NGC 6038 = UGC 10149 = MCG +06-35-026 = CGCG 195-008 = PGC 56812

16 02 40.5 +37 21 34; CrB

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, 1' diameter, round, low almost even surface brightness with no discernable core, halo gradually fades into background.  A mag 11 star is 40" off the SE edge and 1.3' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6038 = H III-622 = h1944 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and noted "vF, S, R.  I saw it in the field while I was gauging otherwise it would have certainly been overlooked."  His position is 22 sec of RA east of UGC 10149. JH made 3 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 6039 = NGC 6042? = MCG +03-41-079 = CGCG 108-104 = PGC 56972

16 04 39.5 +17 42 03; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

See observing notes for NGC 6042.  Possibly =*, HC.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC; (R)NGC 6039 = NGC 6040B.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6039 = Sw. IV-21 on 27 Jun 1886 on the west side of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; sp of 3 in a line, the other 2 being 2 of Stephan's, 3rd of 10."  The three galaxies near his position are NGC 6040, 6041 and 6042, with NGC 6042 (the south-following of 3) 14 sec of RA east of Swift's position.  He also added a note that "three of the ten of more nebulae in this interesting group are M. Stephan's, presumably [NGC 6040] and certainly [NGC 6041] and [NGC 6042].  Two or 3 more are suspected.  They are very difficult objects to see and especially to measure, atmospheric condition seldom allowing them to be seen at all except Stephan's last two, which are quite interesting objects, but those he describes as faint and small and very small, I call pretty large."

 

Despite Swift's note, NGC 6039 is mostly likely is a duplicate of NGC 6042, which is the third in a line with NGC 6040 and 6041, though his description should reads "sf of 3."  RNGC misidentifies NGC 6040B = MCG +03-41-073 as NGC 6039.  This galaxy is attached to the southwest end of NGC 6040.

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NGC 6040 = Arp 122 NED2 = VV 212a = UGC 10165b = MCG +03-41-074 = CGCG 108-096n = PGC 56932

16 04 26.8 +17 45 02; Her

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 47”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, small brighter core.  The southwest and northeast extensions are slightly curved or misaligned.  NGC 6040B, just 26" S of center, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 12" diameter.  Easily visible due to relatively high surface brightness.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.  Forms a close interacting system with NGC 6040B 26" S.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W.

 

First of three NGC galaxies with NGC 6041 2.7' SE and NGC 6042 4.3' SE.  Also, IC 1170 is just visible 2.0' SSE.  Located within the central core of AGC 2151.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE.  First of 3.  NGC 6040B was not resolved.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small, diffuse.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6040 = St I-1, along with NGC 6041 and NGC 6042, on 27 Jun 1870.  His micrometric position is an exact match with the brighter northern component of this pair (Arp 71).  Many sources label the northern component as NGC 6040A with the southern galaxy NGC 6040B.  MCG misidentifies this galaxy as IC 1170.

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NGC 6041 = VV 213a = NGC 6041A = UGC 10170ne = MCG +03-41-078 = CGCG 108-101ne = PGC 56960

16 04 35.8 +17 43 18; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 46”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", well concentrated with a small bright core.  Forms a double system with NGC 6041 at the southwest end [19" between centers] with the companion faint, extremely small, round, 6".  IC 1170, a small faint edge-on, is 1' due west.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, oval SW-NE.  Forms a double system with NGC 6041B attached at the southwest end.  The fainter companion appeared extremely faint and small or stellar.  In a quadruple subgroup with NGC 6040 2.7' NW (another double system!), NGC 6042 1.5' SE and IC 1170 0.9' W ("extremely faint and small, elongated E-W, requires averted vision").  A mag 11 star lies 1.5' S.  Located on the west side of the rich central region of AGC 2151.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, irregularly round or slightly elongated SW-NE.  Suspected to be double.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, very small, round, similar to NGC 6040 3' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6041 = St I-2, along with NGC 6040 and NGC 6042, on 27 Jun 1870.  His position matches the galaxy often called NGC 6041A.

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NGC 6042 = NGC 6039? = MCG +03-41-079 = CGCG 108-104 = PGC 56972

16 04 39.6 +17 42 03; Her

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round.  Third of three NGC galaxies on a line with NGC 6041 1.5' NW and NGC 6040 4.3' NW in the core of AGC 2151.  Also extremely faint IC 1170 lies 2.3' NW.  Located 1.7' NE of a mag 11 star.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, very small, roundish.  Faintest in trio on a line in AGC 2151.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): extremely faint, at visual threshold, very small, round.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6042 = St I-3, along with NGC 6040 and NGC 6041, on 27 Jun 1870.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6043 = MCG +03-41-086 = CGCG 108-109 = PGC 57019

16 05 01.4 +17 46 32; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 0.65'x0.5';  PA = 35”

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 20"x16", strong bright core.  NGC 6045 is 1.9' SE.  A mag 15 star is 0.8' SSW and a mag 13 star is 1.8' S.  NGC 6045 is 1.9' SE.

 

48" (4/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.3'x0.2', small bright core.  Located 1.9' NW of NGC 6045.  I didn't look for the faint companion attached at the SW edge, but it should be visible.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, collinear with two stars to the south including a mag 13.5 star 1.8' S.  First of three NGC galaxies on a line with NGC 6045 1.9' SE and NGC 6047 3.3' SSE.  Also nearby are NGC 6050 5.3' ESE and NGC 6044 5.6' N.  This is a double system (not resolved) in the central region of AGC 2151.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): first of three galaxies aligned NW to SE with NGC 6045 and NGC 6047 in the core of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.  Faint, very small, round, faint star off the south side (45").

 

13.1" (5/14/83): extremely faint, small, round.  First of four in a subgroup of AGC 2151.  A mag 15 star is off the south side.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6043 = Sw. IV-22 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. He recorded "eeF; lE; pS; 4th of 10."  There is nothing at his exact position, but 13 seconds of time east is CGCG 108-109 = PGC 57019.  Guillaume Bigourdan measured an accurate position in Jun 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6044 = IC 1172 = MCG +03-41-084 = CGCG 108-110 = PGC 57015

16 04 59.7 +17 52 13; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (8/1/19): at 322x; faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.4' WSW.  PGC 57020 lies 2.4' S, LEDA 84714 is 5.6' WSW and PGC 57055 is 5.5' ESE.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star lies 1.4' WSW.  Located 5.6' N of NGC 6043 in the core of AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6044 = Sw. IV-23 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.  His description reads "eeF; vS; R; vf * nr p[receding]; 5th of 10." and his position is 10 seconds west of CGCG 108-110 = PGC 57015.

 

Bigourdan found the galaxy on 8 Jun 1888, assumed it was new and recorded Big. 199 = IC 1172 with an accurate position.  CGCG labels the galaxy as IC 1172, though MCG uses NGC 6044.  In any case, NGC 6044 = IC 1172.

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NGC 6045 = Arp 71 = UGC 10177 = MCG +03-41-088 = CGCG 108-112 = PGC 57031

16 05 07.9 +17 45 28; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 82”

 

48" (5/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.2', slightly brighter core.  A very small companion is attached at the east end, dangling to the south perpendicular to the major axis.  It appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 12"x6".

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; faint to fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 45"x 12", slightly brighter elongated core.  NGC 6045B was occasionally glimpsed at or just off the east end.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE.  Located in the core of AGC 2151 between the NGC 6040/6041/6042 trio to the west and NGC 6050 3.8' E.  The companion attached at the east end was not seen.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): second of a faint collinear trio.  Very faint though slightly brighter than NGC 6043 1.9' NW and NGC 6047 1.7' S, though the nearby stars to these two galaxies was more eye catching.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, elongated.  Second of four in subgroup of AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6045 = Sw. IV-24 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.  He logged "eeF; vS; R; v diff; 6th of 10." and his position is 13 seconds of RA preceding UGC 10177 (a similar offset as NGC 6043).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position in June 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6046 = NGC 6028 = UGC 10135 = MCG +03-41-043 = I Zw 133 = PGC 56716

16 01 28.9 +19 21 34; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 30”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6028.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6046 = H III-33 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 171) and recorded "A nebula suspected by 157 and the suspicion strengthened by 240; but the latter power does not remove all doubt.  It follows 3 pB stars making an arch [concave towards np or nnp direction by a diagram], south of which arch there is a still brighter star."

 

There is nothing near WH's offset, but based on his description of the nearby stars, Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6046 = NGC 6028 (correctly placed by Bigourdan).  This galaxy is nearly 3.5 min of RA west of WH's position.  The 3 stars are actually concave to the northeast and the "still brighter star" is mag 9.0 HD 143614.  RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6047 = MCG +03-41-087 = CGCG 108-111 = 4C 17.66 = PGC 57033

16 05 09.0 +17 43 47; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core.  A mag 13 star is just off the northwest side, 25" from the center.  NGC 6045 lies 1.7' N.

 

48" (4/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 24" diameter, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the northwest edge.  Located 1.7' S of NGC 6045.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is just 26" NW of the center.  This galaxy is the third of three in a the central region of AGC 2151 with NGC 6043 3.3' NNW and NGC 6045 1.7' NNW.  Also nearby is NGC 6050 4.0' NW.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): third of trio in a line.  Appears very faint, small, a faint star is close preceding.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, very small.  Third of four in a subgroup of AGC 2151 and located 2' SSE of NGC 6045.  A mag 13.5 star is very close west.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6047 = Sw. IV-25 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.  He logged "eF; R; pS; F * close north; 7th of 10."  His position is 9 seconds of RA too small (a similar offset in RA as NGC 6043 and 6045) and the comment about the faint star applies.

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NGC 6048 = UGC 10124 = MCG +12-15-038 = CGCG 338-032 = PGC 56484

15 57 30.2 +70 41 21; UMi

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 13' SSW of mag 7.3 SAO 8382.  NGC 6071 lies 18' ESE.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, small, oval, brighter core.  Forms a pair with 2MASX J15575417+7039470 2.5' SE.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter center, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6048 = H II-873 on 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "F, R, bM, about 1' dia."  CH's reduced position is 37 sec of RA following UGC 10124.

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NGC 6049 = SAO 121361 = HD 144426

16 05 37.9 +08 05 46; Ser

 

= *6.3 SAO 121361, Gottlieb. "Not found", Carlson.  No nebulosity surrounds mag 6.3 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6049 = h1945 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "a * 7m which I strongly incline to think has a nebulous atmosphere about 2' dia."  On 14 May 1855 LdR noted the "star looked quite sharp and well defined in the finding eyepiece", but on 26 May 1875 Lawrence Parsons commented "*7-8m with vF surrounded atmosphere which could be traced about 1' from the star."  Two days later, Henry Chamberlain Russell of Sydney Observatory was also shown the star and the entry reads "Mr. H.C. Russell from Sydney was not sure of the reality of the atmosphere, but I had no doubt of it."  Reinmuth wasn't sure: "BD +8 3134; *6.8 with halo?"  All of these observations are spurious as there is no halo around the star.

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NGC 6050 = Arp 272 = VV 220a = IC 1179A = UGC 10186 = MCG +03-41-092 = CGCG 108-118 = PGC 57058 = PGC 57053

16 05 23.4 +17 45 32; Her

V = 14.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 132”

 

48" (5/15/12): this is an interconnected pair of galaxies with the brighter component (NGC 6050A) on the northeast side.  The pair appeared as a moderately bright, irregular glow, slightly elongated SW-NE, and roughly 60"x45". They were not individually separated at 375x although NGC 6050A has a slightly brighter nucleus and NGC 6050B (often called IC 1179) is a faint, diffuse glow attached to its southwest side.  NGC 6050B displayed a very weak central brightening and a very faint nucleus.  This double system is centered in an amazingly rich field of galaxies, the closest being PGC 1540468, just 45" S.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, round, diffuse.  This member of AGC 2151 forms a close pair with NGC 6054 1.9' ENE.  Follows the trio of NGC 6047 4.0' SW, NGC 6045 3.8' W and NGC 6043 5.3' WNW.  This is an interacting pair with IC 1179 20" SW (not individually resolved).

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint but easily visible, small, roundish.  This is a double system, but IC 1179 was not seen.

 

13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small, round.  Fourth of 4 in a subgroup of AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6050 = Sw. IV-26 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several additional members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.  He logged "eeeF; S; R; e diff.; 8th of 10." and his position is 13 seconds west of UGC 10186 (a similar offset in RA as NGC 6043, 6045 and 6047).  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 1 Jun 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

 

Swift "discovered" the galaxy again on 3 Jun 1888 and reported it in list VII-71 (this time described as "11th of 12").  Dreyer added this second entry as IC 1179.  Most modern sources including PGC, HyperLeda and SIMBAD misidentify the southwest component (NGC 6050B) as IC 1179.  It's extremely unlikely that IC 1179 refers to the southwest galaxy in list VII, as Swift described NGC 6050 as "eeeF" and NGC 6050B is much fainter and he makes no mention of the nebula being double!

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NGC 6051 = UGC 10178 = MCG +04-38-021 = CGCG 137-030 = AWM 4-1 = PGC 57006

16 04 56.6 +23 55 57; Ser

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 165”

 

24" (7/23/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.6'x0.45', weak concentration.  A mag 11.2 star is 0.7' SSE of center and a mag 16.7 star is 0.7' W of center. Brightest in a faint compact cluster (AWM 4) with 5 members within 3'!

 

IC 4588 = PGC 57025 lies 2' SE and is very faint (B = 16.3), round, 10" diameter.  PGC 57003, 2.9' NNW, is very faint (B = 16.4), round, 12" diameter.  PGC 57010, 2' N, is extremely faint (B = 16.9), round, 10" diameter.  PGC 57014, 2.3' NNE, is very faint (B = 16.2), elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 25"x8".  PGC 140564, 1.2' WNW, is extremely difficult (B = 17.3), slightly elongated NW-SE, 12"x8".

 

17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is just off the SSE edge 44" from center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6051 = St XII-79 on 20 Jun 1881.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6052 = Arp 209 = VV 86a/b = NGC 6064 = UGC 10182 = MCG +04-38-022 = CGCG 137-032 = Mrk 297 = LGG 403-008 = PGC 57039

16 05 13.2 +20 32 33; Her

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 171”

 

48" (4/5/13): the main glow of this disrupted system or merger appeared fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, irregular or mottled.  The glow brightens along the eastern side and very thin, faint extensions protrude along the eastern side to the north and south (more prominent on the south end).  The appearance is similar to an edge-on galaxy attached to the larger, mottled western component.

 

48" (5/15/12): at 488x, the disrupted system NGC 6052 = Arp 209 had a very strange appearance.  Attached on the southeast side is a faint, elongated glow, ~22"x6", extending out from the main portion of the system and giving the strong impression that an edge-on galaxy was involved in this merger.  Also on the northeast side, a fainter and broader extension or plume was visible oriented N-S.  Although these two features seemed detached, they may be part of the same partially merged galaxy.  To the west of these extended features is the most prominent region or core of the galaxy, which appeared bright, irregular round and mottled.  The halo was very irregular in shape and brightness, particularly on the west side which had a mottled, tattered appearance.

 

24" (7/23/14): using 375x, moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~25"x18".  Contains an extremely small nucleus that appears offset to the north side.  The eastern component is merged, except for a small, thin extension that juts out to the south on the southeastern side.  A mag 15 star lies 0.8' W.

 

24" (6/28/14): at 375x, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 30"x20", contains a quasi-stellar nucleus and mottled core that is slightly displaced to the north side.  The two components were not clearly resolved.

 

18" (7/12/10): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.9'x0.3', fairly even surface brightness except at 285x and 335x there was a very faint, slightly brighter "bulge" or knot on the west side (VV 86a) in the direction of a faint star 45" W.  On the SDSS, this is a highly disrupted system with jets or knots of material appearing to shoot out on the west side.

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, bright core.  Appears asymmetric as the galaxy is brighter on the west side. The POSS reveals this is an attached contact system (Arp 209).  A mag 14.5 star is 1' W.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  In line with two mag 12/13 stars equally spaced.

 

8" (7/5/83): extremely faint, very small, at visual threshold.

 

Albert Marth found NGC 6052 = m302 on 2 Jul 1864 and recorded "F, about 1' diameter, irr R, ??III. 140 [NGC 6064]."

 

WH discovered H III-140 = NGC 6064 on 11 Jun 1784 (sweep 225), but his position was 1 min 47 sec of RA too large, so Marth was uncertain if H. III-140 was the same nebula.  Dreyer concluded in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that this number "is no doubt = NGC 6052 (Marth 302).  H did not observe the neb in the centre of the field but applies a correction of -0.7m, which appears to have been too small."

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NGC 6053 = NGC 6057 = MCG +03-41-106 = CGCG 108-130 = PGC 57090

16 05 32.5 +18 09 34; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6057.  RNGC misidentifies CGCG 108-129 as NGC 6053.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6053  = Sw. III-86, along with NGC 6055, on 8 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF, S, R, ee diff; 1st of 4".  His position is 8 seconds of RA west and 1.5' south of UGC 10191, which is a similar offset from his position for NGC 6055 and CGCG 108-130.  Swift likely discovered NGC 6053 just 2 nights earlier, and it was also catalogued as NGC 6057.  So, NGC 6053 = NGC 6057 = UGC 10191.  See notes on NGC 6057.

 

Most modern catalogues ignore the number NGC 6053, assigning NGC 6055 to UGC 10191 and NGC 6057 to CGCG 108-130.  RNGC misidentifies CGCG 108-129 as NGC 6053.  This galaxy is roughly 6' south of the pair.

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NGC 6054 = IC 1183 = MCG +03-41-103 = CGCG 108-128 = PGC 57086

16 05 38.1 +17 46 04; Her

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70”

 

48" (5/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x15".  Located 1.0' NE of a mag 12.6 star with a mag 16 star 1' S.  Brighter IC 1182 lies 2.1' NNW, fainter PGC 1541356 is 40" NE and MCG +03-41-099 (often identified as NGC 6054) is 1.8' W.  NGC 6054 is identified as IC 1183 in most sources

 

17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Located 1.0' NE of a mag 12.5 star. An extremely faint galaxy (MCG +03-41-099) is 1.5' W with IC 1182 2.1' NNW.  Member of AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6054 = Sw. IV-27 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.  His description reads "eeeF; pS; lE; f * v nr sp; 9th of 10."   His position is 13 seconds west of CGCG 108-128 = PGC 57073 (similar offset as NGC 6043, 6045, 6047, 6050) and his comment "faint star very near south-preceding" applies (the star is 1' southwest).

 

His position, though, happens to fall closer to fainter CGCG 108-121, and MCG, PGC and RNGC misidentify CGCG 108-121 as NGC 6054. But if this was the case, the star would be southeast and he would have picked up brighter CGCG 108-121 in any case.  NGC 6054 was independently found and measured by Bigourdan on 1 Jun 1888 and again by Stephane Javelle on 11 Aug 1892.  Dreyer combined these two observations as IC 1183.  So, NGC 6054 = IC 1183 = PGC 57073.

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NGC 6055 = MCG +03-41-106 = CGCG 108-130 = PGC 57090

16 05 39.6 +18 09 52; Her

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (7/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small or stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 6057 just 1.7' WSW in the northern part of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.

 

17.5" (6/14/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Situated in the northeast portion of AGC 2151 1.7' ENE of brighter NGC 6057.  Several faint galaxies lie northeast.

 

17.5" (5/28/89): extremely faint and small, round.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6057 1.7' WSW in the northern region of AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6055 = Sw. II-87 on 8 Jun 1886 and logged "eeeF; S; R; ee diff; 2nd of 4 [with N6053, N6056 and N6057].  Although his description is not of much help, his position is 5 seconds of time east of NGC 6053, also discovered the same night.  Assuming NGC 6053 refers to UGC 10191, this implies NGC 6055 = CGCG 108-130.  This contradicts modern sources, which apply NGC 6055 to UGC 10191 and NGC 6057 to CGCG 108-130.  It also places NGC 6057 and NGC 6053 out of order in RA, but agrees with the historical record.  See notes on NGC 6057 for more on these numbers.

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NGC 6056 = IC 1176 = MCG +03-41-100 = CGCG 108-122 = PGC 57075

16 05 31.3 +17 57 49; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 56”

 

24" (8/1/19): at 324x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', bright core.  PGC 57070 is 2' S and MCG +03-41-096 is 3.4' SSW.

 

PGC 57070: extremely faint (V = 15.5), very small, slightly elongated, 18"x12".

MCG +03-41-096: very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 24"x12".  A very faint mag 16.1 star is 28" SE of center.

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, broad and very weak concentration.

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with MCG +03-41-096 3' SSW.  This is one of the brighter galaxies in AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6056 = Sw. III-88 on 8 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff; 3rd of 4 [with NGC 6053, 6055 and 6061 in the Hercules Cluster].  His position is 1.5' south of CGCG 108-122 = PGC 57075.  Swift "discovered" this galaxy again exactly two years later and recorded Sw. VII-69 = IC 1176 as "eeF; pS; iR; pB star near south."  The positions for Swift's two observations are nearly identical and his description of VII-69 clearly applies to CGCG 108-122.  So, NGC 6056 = IC 1176.

 

CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as IC 1176, though the NGC designation should apply by prior discovery.

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NGC 6057 = NGC 6053 = UGC 10191 = MCG +03-41-101 = CGCG 108-123 = PGC 57076

16 05 32.6 +18 09 34; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40”

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, small, irregularly round, 30"x25".  Brighter of a pair with NGC 6055 1.7' ENE in the northeast section of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.

 

17.5" (6/14/96): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 45"x30".  Situated in the NE corner of AGC 2151 with NGC 6055 1.7' ENE, IC 1189 7' ENE, MCG +03-41-115 6' ENE, UGC 10195 6' NE and NGC 6061 12' NE.

 

17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 40" WSW.  Forms a pair with NGC 6055 1.7' ENE in AGC 2151.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6057 = Sw. III-89 on 6 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eS; R."  His position is 2' south of the pair UGC 10191 and CGCG 108-130.  Two nights later he found Sw. III-86 = NGC 6053 and Sw. III-87 = NGC 6055 nearby and assumed they were different.  But there are only two reasonably bright galaxies, UGC 10191 and CGCG 108-130, close to his three positions.  Assuming he picked up the brighter of these two galaxies on the first night, then NGC 6057 = UGC 10191.  Two nights later he logged both galaxies and placed them 5 seconds apart in RA (the actual separation is 7 seconds).  This implies NGC 6053 = NGC 6057 = UGC 10191 (observed both nights) and NGC 6055 = CGCG 108-130 (observed only on the 8th of June).  After an email exchange in Nov 2014 with Harold Corwin, he concurs with these identifications.

 

This changes the standard identification in modern catalogues (UGC, MCG, CGCG, RNGC) that NGC 6055 = UGC 10191 and NGC 6057 = CGCG 108-130!  It also places NGC 6057 to the west of NGC 6055, an unfortunate result if we preserve the historical record.

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NGC 6058 = PK 64+48.1 = PN G064.6+48.2

16 04 26.4 +40 40 59; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 24"x21"

 

24" (7/14/18): at 375x; bright mag 13 central star encased in a well defined 0.4' halo. At 500x the halo is clearly elongated N-S, ~25"x20", slightly fainter at north and south end. A very faint mag 15.9 star is close off the north edge.

 

18" (7/20/06): picked up at 115x as a mag 13-13.5 star surrounded by a small 20" halo.  Adding an OIII filter the halo brightened significantly and increased slightly in size.  Nice view at 225x as the central star and halo were both prominently displayed.  At this magnification, the halo was slightly elongated NNW-SSE, roughly 25"x20" in size.  At 325x, the planetary was beautifully framed within an isosceles triangle that just fits within the high power field of view.  Adding a UHC filter the halo appeared irregular in surface brightness and dimmed around the periphery, perhaps extending to 30".

 

17.5" (5/27/00): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 25"x20".  Contains an easy mag 13.5 central star, which stands out well at all powers.  At 380x, the halo appears to brighten surrounding the central star.  Nicely framed within a triangle of mag 9-10 stars.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly bright, small, 20" diameter.  A bright mag 13 central star is easily visible.  Located within a bright isosceles triangle consisting of mag 8.8 SAO 45874 4.8' NW, mag 8.7 SAO 45881 6.3' NE and a mag 10 star 3.5' S. 

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly faint, small.  Fairly easy central star at 166x, two stars to the north form an equilateral triangle.  Can take 333x.

 

8" (7/5/83): at 100x, faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  At 200x, an extremely faint mag 13.5-14 central star is visible surrounded by a small faint halo.  Two mag 9 stars to the north form an rough isosceles triangle.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6058 = H III-637 = h1946 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "vF, eS, 300 showed 2 very close stars affected with nebulosity, a very small star in the field with it was perfectly free from that nebulosity."  John Herschel made two observations on consecutive sweeps and noted "pB, vS, R, almost stellar or psbM; diam 10"."

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 5 May 1850, wrote "strongly suspect to be an annular neb with a star near the center.  On 5 Apr 1851, his brother Bindon wrote, "like [NGC 2392], dark ring plainer seen on preceding part of neb; vS * north, about 3/4' diam of neb off.  The following part of dark ring a little broader than the preceding part."  Samuel Hunter made a sketch on 9 May 1861 and this was included at the last minute in the 1861 publication.

 

The spectrum was recognized as a PN by Campbell and Moore.  Based on a Crossley photograph at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "an irregular oval fading out at ends of major axis, brightest at north and south edges; 25"x20" in pa 77”."

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NGC 6059

16 06 48 -06 23 36; Oph

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.  =**?, Gottlieb.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6059 = Sw. III-91 on 6 May 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R."  There is nothing near his position.  Bigourdan claimed he found NGC 6059 12 seconds of RA after the NGC position (20 Apr 1891 Comptes Rendus), but there is nothing at his position except 3 stars 1.5' north.  Jeff Corder suggested NGC 6059 might apply to the faint double star about 25 seconds further west (and 1' north).  In any case, there are no nearby galaxies Swift might have seen.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6060 = UGC 10196 = MCG +04-38-025 = CGCG 137-036 = LGG 403-002 = PGC 57110

16 05 52.0 +21 29 05; Her

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, elongated WNW-ESE, large brighter core, fainter extensions.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6060 = St VII-3 on 22 Jun 1876.  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 6061 = UGC 10199 = MCG +03-41-118 = CGCG 108-145 = PGC 57137

16 06 16.0 +18 15 00; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

24" (8/1/19): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, small bright core, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 10.5 star 2.8' S and 3.1' SW.

 

24" (6/14/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 36" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms the northern vertex of a near perfect rhombus (sides 3') with three mag 10.5-11 stars to the south.  Several galaxies are nearby including IC 1189 4' due south, IC 1191 3' ENE and UGC 10195 6' WSW.

 

18" (7/13/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 36" diameter, weak concentration.  Collinear with two mag 10.5-11 stars 2.8' and 6' S.  Two additional mag 10.5 and 11.5 stars form a striking "Y" asterism to the south of NGC 6061.

 

17.5" (6/14/96): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8' diameter, very weak concentration.  Forms the north vertex of a near perfect rhombus (of sides 3') with three mag 10-11 stars in the NE corner of AGC 2151.  IC 1189 lies 4.0' S

 

17.5" (5/28/89): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Four bright stars form an upside down "Y" asterism just south including a mag 11 star 2.9' SE and two mag 10 stars 3.1' SW and 2.8' S.  Located in the northern region of AGC 2151 with IC 1190: = UGC 10195 6' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6061 = Sw. III-90 on 8 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; ee diff; 4th of 4 [with NGC 6053, 6055 and 6056]; 4 B stars south with the nebula form a cross like cross in Cygnus.  Neb. placed as is Deneb Cygni."  His position is just 4 seconds west of UGC 10199 and his description matches (three brighter stars just south form a parallelogram).

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NGC 6062 = UGC 10202 = MCG +03-41-125 = CGCG 108-148 = Holm 728a = PGC 57145

16 06 22.7 +19 46 40; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 10”

 

24" (6/13/15): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~36"x27", broad weak concentration but no distinct nucleus.  Four brighter stars are in the field including mag 9.8 SAO 101926 4' NW and mag 9.0 HD 144621 5' SW.

 

Forms a close (physical) pair with NGC 6062B = MCG +03-41-122 just 1.2' SW.  At 375x the companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, only visible occasionally.  It is situated directly on a line with HD 144621 to the southwest.

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration, fairly diffuse.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6062 = St XIII-84 on 20 Jun 1884.  His position is accurate.  NGC 6062B lies 1.3' southwest.

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NGC 6063 = UGC 10210 = MCG +01-41-012 = CGCG 051-045 = PGC 57205

16 07 13.1 +07 58 44; Ser

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 159”

 

17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, even surface brightness, elongated NW-SE.  Bracketed by a mag 14 star 1.8' NNE and a mag 14.5 star 2.3' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6063 = St XII-80 on 10 Jun 1882.  His micrometric position using the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at Marseille Observatory is very accurate.

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NGC 6064 = NGC 6052 = UGC 10182 = MCG +04-38-022 = CGCG 137-032 = VV 86 = Mrk 297 = Arp 209 = PGC 57039

16 05 13.2 +20 32 33; Her

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 171”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6052.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6064 = H III-140 on 11 Jun 1784 (sweep 225) and recorded "vF, vS, r, 240 verified it; np a pB star, with another equally B st in the field sp the former; also several eS stars in the field."  There is nothing near his position and III-140 was not found by Bigourdan."  But 1 min 47 sec of RA preceding his position (CH's reduction) is UGC 10182.  Dreyer concludes in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that this number "is no doubt = NGC 6052 (Marth 302).  H did not observe the neb in the centre of the field but applies a correction of -0.7m, which appears to have been too small."   Karl Reinmuth, Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin concur that NGC 6052 = NGC 6064.

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NGC 6065 = MCG +02-41-008 = CGCG 079-051 = PGC 57215

16 07 22.9 +13 53 16; Ser

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Collinear with two unequal double stars due east; an unequal mag 10/14 double at 21" is 2' E and a mag 10/13 double at 29" is 4' E.  Forms a pair with NGC 6066 4.5' NNE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6065 = Sw. IX-53, along with NGC 6066, on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; D * follows point to it; sp of 2 [with NGC 6066]."  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (indicated as list VI in the NGC), but Swift didn't publish the discovery until 1890 in his 11th discovery list.  The NGC positions (communicated directly to Dreyer) are good but Swift's published declinations for NGC 6065 and 6066 are reversed.  See Harold Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 6066 = CGCG 079-054 = PGC 57230

16 07 35.3 +13 56 37; Ser

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 6065 4.5' SSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6066 = Sw. IX-54, along with NGC 6065, on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; 2 pB stars near south both double; nf of 2 [with NGC 6065]."  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (indicated as list VI in the NGC) in 1887, but not published until 1890 in his 11th list, where he accidentally switched the declinations.

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NGC 6067 = Cr 298 = ESO 178-012

16 13 11 -54 13 06; Nor

V = 5.6;  Size 13'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): this stunning cluster was partially resolved in my 15x50 IS binoculars.  At 110x a few hundred stars were resolved and formed a gorgeous group.  A striking 11" pair (h4835) is in the center with the western star a noticeable orange color.  Just south of the eastern star is a fainter, third close companion and several other pairs are in the vicinity.  The cluster is compressed in the center with a number of curving chains and loops of stars that appear to spiral out into the periphery.  Located 25' N of mag 5 Kappa Normae.

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x (27 Panoptic), this cluster was a stunning sight with a few hundred stars sparkling in a 20' region.  NGC 6067 appeared comparable to one the richer Messier clusters.  The cluster is compressed towards the center and thins out in the periphery, blending in with the rich, surrounding Milky Way.  The cluster includes a few striking pairs with a bright mag 8.8/9.4 pair at 10" near in the center,  The duo is collinear with a much closer and fainter equal mag pair.  At 228x, the cluster appeared much more irregular and most of the stars seemed to be arranged in elegant loops and chains that enclosed starless holes in the cluster.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): At 83x, in excess of 100 stars mag 8-12 in a 20' diameter.  Very bright, large, very rich, compressed towards the core, which includes a striking double star at center (h4835 = 8.8/9.4 at 10").  Many stars are arranged in spirals and arcs, rich in faint stars.  The brightest mag 7.8 star is located at the south edge with a mag 8 star off the east edge.  This is a beautiful open cluster in the rich Norma starcloud!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6067 = D 360 = h3619 on 8 May 1826 and described "a pretty large cluster of small stars of mixed magnitudes, about 12' diameter; the stars are considerably congregated towards the centre, extended south preceding and north following."  He made 5 observations of the cluster and his position is unusually accurate.

 

John Herschel made 3 observations: On 9 Jul 1834 he recorded "the chief star in middle of a most superbly rich and large cluster, 20' at least in diameter, as it much more than fills field; not much compressed in the middle, stars 10..12th mag." On a second sweep he called it "place of a near double star in centre of a superb cluster; very large and rich; composed of equal stars 12th mag, a fine object, Much more than fills field."

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NGC 6068 = UGC 10126 = MCG +13-11-019 = CGCG 354-031 = CGCG 355-005 = Holm 727a = PGC 56388

15 55 26.5 +78 59 48; UMi

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Follows a triangle of mag 13-14 stars 0.8' SSW, 1.3' NW and 2.5' WSW.

 

Forms a close pair with NGC 6068A 2.0' WSW.  The companion appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, brighter core.  Can hold steadily with direct vision.  Located along the south side of a small triangle of mag 13-14 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6068 = H III-973 on 6 Dec 1801 (sweep 1104) and recorded "vF; S; lE in the meridian [N-S], r."  His position is 2.3' south-southeast of UGC 10126, though he missed NGC 6068A.

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NGC 6069 = MCG +07-33-043 = CGCG 223-042 = PGC 57237

16 07 41.7 +38 55 51; CrB

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, very small, round.  Shows a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 40" SW of center.  There are two bright stars in the field; mag 8.9 SAO 65098 9' S and mag 7.7 SAO 65093 7' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6069 = St XII-81 on 21 Jun 1882.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6070 = UGC 10230 = MCG +00-41-004 = CGCG 023-017 = LGG 404-001 = Holm 729a = PGC 57345

16 09 58.6 +00 42 32; Ser

V = 11.8;  Size 3.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 62”

 

48" (5/9/18): at 375x; even in poor seeing NGC 6070 revealed three spiral arms or arcs of arms as well as a couple of HII knots. The galaxy appeared bright, large, elongated nearly 2:1 ~SW-NE, ~3'x1.5'.  An inner spiral arm was visible on the NE side of the bright core.  It showed a "hard" outer edge that defined the arm and contrasted with an obvious darker gap (dust) that was between this arm and an outer spiral arm.  The outer arm seemed to emerge just north of the inner arm and gently curved counterclockwise towards the east and bending south near its tip.  This outer arm ended at a very faint, small HII knot labeled as region I in the 2010 paper "Giant HII regions in NGC 7479 and NGC 6070".  Just outside the northeast curve of this arm was a second, slightly brighter HII knot, 6"-10" diameter (identified as region IV).  Another inner spiral arc was symmetrically placed to the SW side of the core. It was pretty ill-defined, though, and lacked a sharp edge.

 

NGC 6070B is a close double system 4.3' NE of NGC 6070.  The cores were easily resolved at 16" separation N-S.  The southern component (NGC 6070B NED2) was larger and appeared fairly faint, round, 0.4' diameter, small bright core.  The northern component (NGC 6070B NED1) was also fairly faint and round, but smaller - about 15" diameter.  NGC 6070C, just 1.3' NE [PA 35”], was brighter than either component of NGC 6070B and appeared  moderately bright, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, moderately high surface brightness.

 

24" (6/28/14): fairly bright, large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2'x1', contains a large brighter core, fades out around the periphery. A very faint "star" seen near the northeast tip is actually a compact HII region labeled as region IV in the 2010 paper.  Located 8' SE of mag 6.7 HD 145204.

 

NGC 6070 is the brightest in a trio with NGC 6070B = CGCG 023-018 (double) 4.2' NE and NGC 60670C = PGC 1175364 5.6' NE.  NGC 6070B appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, low surface brightness.  This is a close double system and the noted elongation implies both systems were visible, but not individually resolved.  NGC 6070C was extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  The fainter companions are much more distant at ~590 million l.y., compared to NGC 6070 (~100 million l.y.).

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broad moderate concentration.  Brightest of trio with NGC 6070B 4.3' NE and 6070C 5.6' NE.  Located 7.9' SW of mag 7 SAO 121396.

 

13.1" (6/4/83): fairly large, diffuse, elongated ~E-W, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 7 star is 7' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6070 = H III-553 = h1947 on 3 May 1786 (sweep 562) and recorded "cF, iF, 4 or 5' long, 2 or 3' br."  His position and description matches UGC 10230.  JH called this galaxy "F; L; pmE; vgbM; 2 1/2' long."

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NGC 6071 = MCG +12-15-047 = CGCG 338-041 = PGC 56767

16 02 07.0 +70 25 01; UMi

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with CGCG 338-039 4' SW.  Located 13' SE of NGC 6071.  A bright unequal double star 0··143 = 6.7/9.3 at 47" lies 17' SE.  This galaxy was identified as NGC 6071 by Harold Corwin, but is not identified as NGC 6071 in any other catalogue except NED.  (R)NGC 6071 = UGC 10157 lies 13' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): faint, small, round, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6071 = H III-883 on 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "eF, vS, 300 verified it."   Caroline's reduced  position is 1 tmin east and 1.5' south of CGCG 338-041 = PGC 56767 and Harold Corwin identifies this galaxy with NGC 6071.  Corwin also notes that his relative position from NGC 6079 (the next object in the sweep) points to PGC 56767.

 

UGC, PGC, HyperLeda, etc. misidentify UGC 10157 as NGC 6071.

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NGC 6072 = PK 342+10.1 = PN G342.1+10.8 = ESO 389-15 = Hb 3

16 12 58.1 -36 13 48; Sco

V = 11.3;  Size 70"

 

18" (7/22/06): viewed unfiltered at 225x, 325x and 435x as a moderately bright, round, 1' disc of irregular surface brightness.  The disc appears mottled with slightly darker and brighter regions though I couldn't say there was a definite annularity.  Inside the rim there appeared to be a darker zone or darker patches that did not extend, though, all the way to the center.  In fact, the very center appeared to brighten very slightly.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x using a UHC filter this southerly PN appeared fairly bright, round, 60" diameter.  The surface brightness was uneven with an irregularly brighter rim and a slightly darker center.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright and large, roundish, 1.0' diameter, fairly prominent with a UHC filter at 166x.  No structure at 332x although this planetary is far south for viewing from northern California.

 

8" (6/19/82): faint, fairly small, round.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6072 = h3620 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "pF; R; vgvlbM; 60"; with left eye slightly mottled; but not resolved."

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NGC 6073 = UGC 10235 = MCG +03-41-139 = CGCG 108-160 = Holm 731a = LGG 43-011 = PGC 57353

16 10 10.8 +16 41 58; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5": faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, broad weak concentration and has a fairly even surface brightness overall.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6073 = H III-74 = h1948 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and noted "vF, S, r.  Pointed out by 157 and verified at 240."  Caroline's reduced position is 2' north-northeast of UGC 10235.  It was looked for once at Birr Castle, but not found.

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NGC 6074 = MCG +02-41-015 = MCG +02-41-016 = CGCG 079-075 = PGC 57418 = PGC 57419

16 11 17.2 +14 15 32; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 0.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 10.7

 

24" (7/24/14): this contact pair was nearly tangent at 260x and barely resolved at 375x.  The brighter component, MCG +02-41-016, is on the north end and appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  The fainter component, MCG +02-41-016, is attached at the south-southwest end (just 15" between centers!) and was very faint, round, 9" diameter.  Located 1.0' ENE of a mag 11.9 star.  NGC 6078, another close double system, lies 12' ESE.

 

2MFGC 13014, located 3.7' NE, appeared extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 15"x8".  At B = 17.3, it required averted vision to glimpse.

 

17.5": very faint, very small, round.  A mag 12 star is 1.0' WSW.  An extremely faint anonymous companion is at south end 15" from the center.  NGC 6078 lies 12' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6074 = St VII-3 on 21 Jun 1874.  His position is an exact match with the northern component of this double system.

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NGC 6075 = IC 4594 = MCG +04-38-038 = VV 380 = CGCG 137-055 = PGC 57426

16 11 22.6 +23 57 53; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 93”

 

17.5": faint, very small, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 8' N of mag 8.8 SAO 84237.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6075 = St XII-82 on 27 Jun 1881.  His position is accurate.  Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 20 Jul 1903, but he reversed the sign on the declination offset from his comparison star so his position for J. III-1393 (later IC 4594) is in error.  Once corrected, it is clear that IC 4594 = NGC 6075.

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NGC 6076 = UGC 10253 = MCG +05-38-023 = CGCG 167-034 = PGC 57409

16 11 13.3 +26 52 21; CrB

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 63”

 

24" (6/14/15): at 225x; this double system appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 24"x12".  At 375x, the elongated glow occasionally resolved into two extremely small nuclei within a common halo.  The fainter eastern component (NGC 6076 NED2) is listed in HyperLeda as PGC 200331.  Located just 1.7' SE of mag 7.5 HD 145676.  Slightly brighter NGC 6077 lies 3' N.

 

17.5" (7/15/93): very faint, very small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 6077 3.5' N.  Located 2' SE of mag 7.3 SAO 84233.  A mag 14 star is 45" NE.  This double system was not resolved.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6076 = m 303, along with NGC 6077, on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6077 = UGC 10254 = MCG +05-38-024 = CGCG 167-035 = PGC 57408

16 11 14.1 +26 55 24; CrB

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (6/14/15): slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 6076 (double system) 3.0' S.  At 260x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, small bright core increases to the center.  The pair of galaxies flank mag 7.5 HD 145676 with NGC 6077 2.3' NE of the bright star.

 

17.5" (7/15/93): brighter of a pair with NGC 6076 3.5' S.  Faint, small, round, broad concentration.  Located 2.5' NE of a mag 7.3 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6077 = m 304, along with NGC 6076, on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "F, sbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6078 = MCG +02-41-017 = CGCG 079-076 = PGC 57460

16 12 05.4 +14 12 32; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9'

 

24" (7/24/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, increases to a very small bright core and down to a stellar nucleus.  This is dominant component of a very close pair with MCG +02-41-018 attached to the south-southeast side, just 25" between centers!  The companion appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, occasional stellar nucleus.  The pair was just resolved at 260x.  NGC 6074, another double system, lies 12' WNW.  NGC 6078 is the brightest in the USGC U751 group at z = .032, which includes NGC 6074, NGC 6083 and CGCG 079-073.

 

17.5": fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, substellar nucleus.  Two mag 14-15 stars are 1.1' WNW and 1.3' NNW of center.  Located 5.9' SE of mag 9.3 SAO 101996.  NGC 6074 is 12' WNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6078 = St VII-5 on 21 Jun 1876.  His micrometric position using the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at Marseille Observatory is very accurate.

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NGC 6079 = IC 1200 = UGC 10206 = MCG +12-15-050 = CGCG 338-043 = PGC 56946

16 04 29.0 +69 40 05; UMi

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' SSE.  Forms a pair with IC 1201 7.7' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6079 = H III-884 on 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "vvF, vS, 300 verified it very plainly, and showed it of a considerable size."  His position is 1 min of RA east and 2' south of UGC 10206 (similar offset as H. III 883 = NGC 6071, the previous object in the sweep).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 18 Jul 1884 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

 

Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 2 Aug 1888 (and discovered IC 1201 to the southeast) and reported it in list VII-77 (later IC 1200).  His position is a close match with NGC 6079, as well as his relative offset from IC 1201.  Dreyer must have felt Swift's VII-77 was a new object because of the different position for H. III-884.

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NGC 6080 = UGC 10268 = MCG +00-41-007 = CGCG 023-023 = PGC 57509

16 12 58.6 +02 10 38; Ser

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 90”

 

24" (6/12/15): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, ~24"x18", very small bright nucleus.  Forms a very close double system with PGC 93131 at the northeast edge of the halo, just 18" between centers!  The physical companion (identified in NED as NGC 6080 NED02) appeared very faint to faint, extremely small, quasi-stellar (~6" diameter)

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.  Forms a double system with a faint companion (PGC 93131) attached at the north end.  PGC 93131 is extremely faint and small, appears as a mag 15-15.5 "star" attached at the northeast end of NGC 6080.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6080 = Sw. VI-87 on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "pB; pS; R; mbM."  His position is 6 seconds west of UGC 10268.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1900, commented "this is accompanied by a star of mag 12.5, 20" distant at 45”, which appeared to be nebulous."  The "star" is actually the compact companion PGC 93131.

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NGC 6081 = IC 1202 = UGC 10272 = MCG +02-41-019 = CGCG 079-078 = PGC 57506

16 12 56.8 +09 52 02; Her

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 131”

 

17.5": faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, small brighter core, very faint extensions.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6081 = St II-1 on 26 Jul 1870.  His micrometric position using the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at Marseilles Observatory is an exact match with UGC 10272.  Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 7 Apr 1888 and reported it as new in list VII-79.  Dreyer missed the equivalence and recatalogued the galaxy as IC 1202. So, NGC 6081 = IC 1202.  Rudolph Spitaler also observed this galaxy (AN 2993).

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NGC 6082 = ESO 390-1 = IC 4597??

16 15 36 -34 15; Sco

 

= IC 4597??, Corwin.  Not found, Dreyer and ESO.  =**?, Gottlieb.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6082 = h3621 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "eF, E, lbM, 25."  There is nothing at this position and Frost reported it was not found on a plate of 4 hours exposure.  A close pair of mag 15 stars at 6" separation is 1' north of JH's position and another small group is 1' further west. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6082 may be identical to IC 4597, though that would require a 2 minute error in RA as well as a 7' error in declination.

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NGC 6083 = MCG +02-41-020 = CGCG 079-080 = PGC 57520

16 13 12.6 +14 11 07; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.55';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 33”

 

17.5": extremely faint, very small, round.  Surrounded by a triangle consisting of three mag 13-14 stars located 1.5' NNW, 2.4' WSW and 1.5' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6083 = St VII-6 on 21 Jun 1876.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6084 = UGC 10291 = MCG +03-41-143 = CGCG 108-168 = PGC 57575

16 14 16.6 +17 48 27; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5": very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small faint nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 39" WNW of center.  Located just 1.9' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6084 = Sw. III-92 on 6 Jun 1886 and logged "eeeF, pS, R, eee diff."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.1 minutes east is UGC 10291 (same declination), the only nearby candidate.  Assuming this is Swift's object, it's odd he didn't mention the bright mag 10 star close southwest.

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NGC 6085 = UGC 10269 = MCG +05-38-034 = CGCG 167-044 = PGC 57486

16 12 35.2 +29 21 54; CrB

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 165”

 

18" (7/28/03): fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, ~0.9' diameter, well concentrated with a suddenly brighter 20" core.  The halo appears elongated or irregular at times, but the orientation is difficult to pin down.  An 11th magnitude star lies 1.9' E.  This galaxy is the second brightest of 9 galaxies viewed in AGC 2162 and similar NGC 6086 is located 7' N.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 6086 7.2' N.  These are the two brightest members of AGC 2162.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6085 = m 305 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "F, S."  His position is 1' north of UGC 10269.

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NGC 6086 = UGC 10270 = MCG +05-38-035 = CGCG 167-045 = PGC 57482

16 12 35.5 +29 29 05; CrB

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 0”

 

18" (7/28/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the NW edge, 40" from center.  This galaxy is the brightest of 9 galaxies viewed in AGC 2162 with NGC 6085 7' S slightly fainter.  Forms the north vertex of a right triangle with two mag 10.5 stars 3' SW and 3' S.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is just off the NW edge 0.7' from center.  Located within a group of several fairly bright stars including three mag 10 stars, the closest being 2.8' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 6085 7.2' S and these two galaxies are the brightest members of the AGC 2162 cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6086 = m 306 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, with stellar nucleus."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6087 = Cr 300 = Mel 141 = Lund 693

16 18 51 -57 56 06; Nor

V = 5.4;  Size 12'

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about three dozen stars mag 7-11 were resolved at 63x.  Very bright, large, ~15' diameter.  The cluster contains several bright stars, including S Normae (Cepheid that varies from 6.1-6.8 over 10 days) and three mag 8-9 stars just south.  Many of the stars in the cluster form an arrowhead outline with the vertex at the north end.  Also a bright string of stars is off the SW end of the arrowhead aligned N-S.  Impressive cluster although there are no dense spots.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6087 = D 335 = h3622 on 8 May 1826 and described "a group of very small stars of an irregular branched figure, 15' or 20' diameter. The central part is very thin of stars."  Dunlop's position was 8' southeast of the center of the cluster.

 

John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery and made two observations: on 22 Apr 1835 he logged "Cluster VIII class, large, loose, brilliant, irregular figure, fills field, chief star about 7th mag taken." On a second sweep he called it "Cluster VIII; large, coarse, bright, fills field, stars 7, 8, 9, 10th mag; a star about 7th mag taken."

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NGC 6088 = MCG +10-23-029 = MCG +10-23-030 = CGCG 298-013 = Holm 732a/b = PGC 57383

16 10 42.6 +57 27 59; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 138”

 

24" (6/28/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~25"x15", weak concentration with no defined core or nucleus.  Forms a very close double with MCG +10-23-030 = PGC 57384 at the southeast edge [22" between centers].  The companion was seen as an extremely faint glow, very small, ~12" diameter.  In moments of good seeing, it was barely detached from NGC 6088.  The two components form a physical pair at roughly 245 million l.y.

 

17.5" (6/15/91): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 6.6' E of mag 8.6 SAO 29827.  This is a double system on the POSS, although in the observation the two components were not individually resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6088 = H III-812 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and noted "vF, vS, lE."  His RA (CH's reduction) is 30 sec preceding MCG +10-23-029/030 = PGC 57383.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Apr 1886 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

 

This double system (oriented northwest-southeast) is listed in the RNGC as NGC 6088A and 6088B and the MCG also has two entries.

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NGC 6089 = MCG +06-36-001 = CGCG 196-091 = PGC 57491

16 12 40.5 +33 02 10; CrB

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (7/1/19): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~40"x35", appears to have a brighter core/nucleus that is offset to the SW side.  The galaxy forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5/14.5 stars 1.7' WSW and SSW.

 

At 375x; a contact companion occasionally "popped" on the NE end of the galaxy.  The centers are separated by 18".

 

17.5" (6/24/95): faint, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW of center.  Located 7' ESE of mag 9 SAO 65135.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6089 = H III-889 = h1949 on 28 May 1791 (sweep 1014) and recorded "vF; S; R; vglbM."  John Herschel made the single observation "vF; S; R: bM".

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NGC 6090 = UGC 10267 = VV 626 = MCG +09-26-064 = CGCG 275-029 = CGCG 276-002 = Mrk 496 = I Zw 135 = WBL 610-003 = PGC 57437

16 11 40.5 +52 27 24; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (7/9/13): at 280x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, 24"x18", high surface brightness.  Inspection of the SDSS reveals a close double nucleus of a merged pair with very low surface brightness plumes extending SW and NE.

 

NGC 6090 is the last and brightest in a trio (WBL 610) with CGCG 275-28 3' W and UGC 10261 6' W.  CGCG 275-28 was fairly faint, small, round, very small brighter nucleus, 15" diameter and UGC 10261 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 40"x30", weak concentration.

 

17.5" (6/15/91): faint, very small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with CGCG 275-028 3' W.  Also nearby is UGC 10261 6' W which was not recorded.  This is a close double system, though was not resolved.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6090 = Sw. IX-56 on 24 Jun 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R."  His position is 8 seconds west of UGC 10267, though he missed the two companions to the west.   This galaxy, itself, is a merged, interacting system with tidal tails, etc. similar to the Antenna Galaxies.

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NGC 6091 = MCG +12-15-054 = CGCG 338-047 = PGC 57242

16 07 53.0 +69 54 17; UMi

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.6'

 

24" (6/14/15): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, very small bright core, 25" diameter.  A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNW.  IC 1204 lies 3.6' WNW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 6091 = Sw. II-39 on 8 Jul 1885 and noted "vF; vS; R; * nr north."  Their position matches MCG +12-15-054, though MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 6091. Lewis Swift credited his son with the discovery in the errata to his 6th discovery list.

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NGC 6092

16 14 04.6 +28 07 32; CrB

 

= **, Harold Corwin.  Not found, Malcolm Thomson  =UGC 10275, RNGC and RC3

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6092 = Big. 77 on 11 May 1885.  At his Comptes Rendus position is a 10" double star with a third wide companion. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6092 with this double star.

 

RNGC, PGC and other sources misidentify UGC 10275 as NGC 6092.  This galaxy is 1.2 min west and 8' south of Bigourdan's position.

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NGC 6093 = M80 = ESO 516-11

16 17 02.5 -22 58 30; Sco

V = 7.3;  Size 8.9';  Surf Br = 0.6

 

18" (7/24/06): at 325x appears bright, fairly large, round, pretty symmetrical appearance, contains a blazing 1.5' core in a 5' to 6' halo.  At 435x the halo and the periphery of the core are well resolved into roughly 100 stars and additional extremely faint stars pop in and out of visibility.  The core itself is overlayed with a number of faint stars.  Beautiful view at 565x as the cluster nearly fills the 7' field with stars from edge to edge with 100-150 stars and the core region is well resolved.  The cluster appears asymmetric with the halo more extensive to the west (core offset to the east). Mag 8.5 HD 146457 is at the NE edgeo of the halo.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): fairly bright, round, 5' diameter, well concentrated with a bright 1.5' core and an intense 30" nucleus.  At 500x, the nucleus is clearly offset east of center and the outer halo is well resolved into at least 75 stars.  A dim galaxy, IC 4596, lies 25' NW.

 

13" (7/5/83): contains a small intense unresolved core surrounded by fairly compact halo 5' diameter.  The nucleus is offset to the east within the halo.  The outer shell resolves into a few dozen faint stars over haze.

 

8" (7/5/83): a few faint stars resolved at moderate to high power at edges, very grainy, difficult to resolve.

 

Charles Messier discovered M80 = NGC 6093 = h3624 on 4 Jan 1781. On 21 May 1784 (sweep 222), WH reported "a large cluster of exceedingly small and compressed stars, about 6 or 7' in dia; a great many of the stars are visible, the rest so small as to appear nebulous; those that are visible are of one size and are scattered all over equally.  The cluster is of an iR form."  On 24 May 1835 (sweep 588), John Herschel logged "Glob. Cl.; v m comp M; psvmbM; diam 12.0'; st = 14 m; all resolved. Fine object."

 

Arthur von Auwers discovered a nova (T Sco = Nova Scorpii 1860) in M80 on 21 May 1860 at Konigsberg Observatory.  The magnitude was estimated between 6.5 and 7.0, as bright as the entire cluster.  It was seen by N.R. Pogson on 28 May, while observing the variables R and S Sco, which share the same field.  He reported being started by the appearance of a mag 7.6 star in the place of the cluster!  Pogson assumed it was a new variable precisely along our line of sight to M80.  T Sco is probably the first known variable star to be associated with a cluster.

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NGC 6094 = UGC 10228 = MCG +12-15-052 = CGCG 338-045 = PGC 57167

16 06 33.9 +72 29 40; UMi

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6094 = H III-314 on 16 Mar 1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "eF, vS, lE, may be only a patch of a few eF small stars."  His position is 8' southeast of UGC 10228, the only nearby galaxy.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 1 May 1886 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6095 = UGC 10265 = MCG +10-23-033 = CGCG 298-014 = PGC 57411

16 11 11.2 +61 16 04; Dra

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, round, fairly weak even concentration down to a small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Very symmetrical appearance.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6095 = Sw. III-93 on 27 May 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; in line with 2 stars.  His position is 13 seconds west and 1.8' south of UGC 10265 and the two stars in line are equally spaced to the east.

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NGC 6096 = MCG +05-38-044 = CGCG 167-057 = Holm 735a = PGC 57598

16 14 46.7 +26 33 32; CrB

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (7/24/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very weak even concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Located 2.1' NE of mag 9.4 SAO 84259.  A mag 15 star is 1' SW midway between the mag 9 star and the galaxy.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6096 = m 307 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6097 = MCG +06-36-007 = CGCG 196-011 = PGC 57583

16 14 26.2 +35 06 33; CrB

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 156”

 

17.5" (6/27/87): faint, very small, round, small brighter core.  Located 13.6' ESE of mag 7.5 SAO 65158 in Zwicky Cluster 1615.8+3505.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6097 = St XI-42 on 7 Jun 1880.  His micrometric position using the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at Marseille Observatory is very accurate.

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NGC 6098 = VV 192b = MCG +03-41-145 = CGCG 108-170 = PGC 57634

16 15 34.2 +19 27 42; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (7/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30"-40" diameter, well concentrated with a bright core. An extremely faint 16th magnitude star is close off the east side [24"from center]. A superimposed 15th mag star [just 7" S of center] was suspected but difficult to confirm.  NGC 6098 is the northwest component of a similar contact pair of ellipticals with NGC 6099 0.6' SE.  The halo of NGC 6098 seems slightly larger.

 

17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.  Located 10.2' WSW of mag 7.7 SAO 102051.  Forms a close double system with NGC 6099 off the SE edge 36" between centers.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6098 = Sf 76 = Sw. VI-88, along with NGC 6099, on 24 Apr 1867.  In his 1887 list (too late to be included in the main NGC table) Safford described a "double nebula, pretty faint, dist 40"."  His position is off the southeast side of this close pair.  Lewis Swift found the pair again on 3 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; vS; R; B * f 41s and is n of it; F * f 16s; np of 2 [with NGC 6099]."  Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 6099 = VV 192a = UGC 10299se = MCG +03-41-146 = CGCG 108-170 = PGC 57640

16 15 35.5 +19 27 11; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 13.9”

 

24" (7/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, ~30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core, high surface brightness.  NGC 6099 and 6098 form a contact pair of ellipticals with the companion just 36" NW between centers.  Situated 10' SW of mag 7.8 HD 146588.

 

17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, stellar nucleus.  Forms a very close double system with similar NGC 6098 off the NW edge and just 36" separation!

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6099 = Sf 76 = Sw. VI-89, along with NGC 6098, on 24 Apr 1867.  In his 1887 list (too late to be included in the main NGC table) Safford described a "double nebula, pretty faint, dist 40"."  His position is off the southeast side of this close pair.  Lewis Swift found the pair again on 3 Apr 1887 and reported it as the 89th object in his 6th discovery list: "eF; vS; R; forms D neb with above."  Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 6100 = UGC 10307 = MCG +00-41-012 = CGCG 023-032 = PGC 57706

16 16 52.5 +00 50 27; Ser

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the east end.  A wide unequal double star is 1.5' NW consisting of a mag 9.5/13 pair at 30" separation.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6100 = Sw. IV-28 on 3 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF; vS; a B and a F * nr np. point to it; an eeF * close p; e diff.".  His position is 9 seconds west and 1.7' north of UGC 10307 and his description applies, although the "eeF * close p" should read close following.

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NGC 6101 = ESO 069-004

16 25 48.5 -72 12 05; Aps

V = 9.2;  Size 10.7';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x; fairly large but apparently loose globular with about two dozen stars resolved and little central concentration.  At 228x at least three dozen stars mag 14 and fainter were resolved including a clump of faint stars near the center.  At this power the periphery is quite irregular and ragged with most of the brighter resolved stars hugging close to the edges of the halo.  A group of brighter mag 11 field stars are just off the NNE side.  A mag 10 star lies 8' NW of center and a similar star is placed 7' SE.  Located 28' SE of a mag 6.7 star.

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x appears moderately bright, fairly large, round, 4'-5' diameter.  This globular has an unusual appearance, as there was only a weak concentration except for a very small brighter nucleus.  At 228x many mag 14-15 stars are superimposed over the background glow while a number of faint stars huddle around the edges of the halo.  Several of the faint, resolved stars reside very near the center and these may have been the "very small brighter nucleus" I noticed at only 128x.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 140x this moderately faint globular is ~4' diameter with just a weak concentration.  A scattering of mag 14 stars pepper the face of the cluster and at the edges of the irregular halo.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6101 = D 68 = h3623 on 1 Jun 1826 and recorded "A pretty large rather faint round nebula, about 3.5-4' diameter, a little brighter in the middle. There is a very small nebula on the N.p. side joining the margin of the large nebula."  Dunlop's position is off by a relatively small 4'.

 

On 18 Jun 1835, John Herchel recorded "Globular cluster, large, faint, round, very gradually a little brighter in the middle, all resolved into stars 15..18th mag, 4' diam, with stragglers. A delicate and beautiful object."  A week later he called it "pretty bright, large, irregularly round, gradually brighter in the middle, resolved into stars 13..16th mag; pretty compressed, diam 5' or 6' by estimation, approx. 50 seconds in RA. A fine object."

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NGC 6102 = UGC 10300 = MCG +05-38-047 = CGCG 167-060 = PGC 57639

16 15 37.0 +28 09 30; CrB

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 3.1' NNE of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6102 = m 308 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6103 = UGC 10302 = MCG +05-38-049 = CGCG 167-062 = PGC 57648

16 15 44.6 +31 57 50; CrB

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (6/18/93): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located on line between a mag 14 star 1.2' WNW and a mag 14.5 star 1.6' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6103 = H III-888 = h1950 on 27 May 1791 (sweep 1013) and recorded "eF; vS; R; 300 showed it very plainly and of a considerable size."  JH described it as "vF; vglbM; 30...40"." and measured an accurate position (2 sweeps).

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NGC 6104 = UGC 10309 = MCG +06-36-011 = CGCG 196-020 = PGC 57684

16 16 30.8 +35 42 28; CrB

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

24" (6/12/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration, no nucleus.  Forms a physical pair with CGCG 196-022 3.9' E.  The companion appeared faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Mag 8.3 HD 146914 lies 8.3' E and mag 8.2 HD 146621 is 10' SW.

 

17.5" (6/27/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located 8.4' W of mag 8.3 SAO 65198 in Zwicky Cluster 1615.8+3505.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6104 = H III-688 = h1951 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 739) and recorded "vF, cS, iR."  His RA was 10 seconds too large. JH made two observations and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 6105 = MCG +06-36-013 = CGCG 196-023 = WBL 612-001 = PGC 57716

16 17 09.3 +34 52 44; CrB

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.35'.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 2056058 just off the NE side.  Located 2.6' SW of NGC 6107 in a large group and 2.8' SW of a mag 9 star.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small brighter core.  Located 2.6' SW of NGC 6107 in cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6105 = St XI-43, along with NGC 6107, on 1 Jul 1880.  His micrometric position is very accurate. Stephan found all 7 NGC galaxies in this cluster and measured the positions over three nights; July 1, 7 and 10.

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NGC 6106 = UGC 10328 = MCG +01-41-016 = CGCG 052-001 = PGC 57799

16 18 47.3 +07 24 40; Her

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 140”

 

48" (5/10/18): at 375x; bright, large, elongated ~2:1 NW-SE, ~1.6'x0.8', large bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  The large halo appeared as two irregular "wings", but there were no distinct spiral arms.

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, gradually increases to a bright core, mottled appearance.  A knot is visible on the west side (there is a brighter extension on the SW side on the POSS).  A mag 15 star is 1.1' S of center and an extremely faint mag 16 star is just off the NNW end.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly faint, fairly small, brighter core.

 

8" (7/5/83): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6106 = H II-151 = h1952 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "not vF, pL, bM, roundish, r."  JH logged "F; pL; lE; vgbM; 50" l, 40" br." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 6107 = UGC 10311 = MCG +06-36-014 = CGCG 196-024 = WBL 612-002 = PGC 57728

16 17 20.1 +34 54 05; CrB

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 40”

 

18" (7/13/07): the largest and possibly brightest of 12 members of a cluster appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broad concentration and then suddenly increased to a very small brighter nucleus.  Situated just 0.9' SE of a mag 9 star that detracted from viewing.  NGC 6105 and a near stellar companion lie 2.6' SW.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): this is the brightest member of the NGC 6107 cluster.  Fairly faint, small, almost round, small bright core.  A mag 9 star (SAO 65201) lies just 0.9' NNW of center!  Forms a pair with NGC 6105 2.6' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6107 = St XI-44, along with NGC 6105, on 1 Jul 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6108 = MCG +06-36-015 = CGCG 196-025 = WBL 612-003 = PGC 57734

16 17 25.6 +35 08 09; CrB

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 124”

 

18" (7/13/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter.  A 15th magnitude star is just off the WSW edge, 0.6' from center. PGC 57737 lies 2' E.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is at the WSW edge 34" from center. This is one of the largest galaxies in the NGC 6107 cluster.  NGC 6110 lies 4.7' SW and PGC 57737 is 2.0' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6108 = St XI-45 on 10 Jul 1880.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6109 = UGC 10316 = MCG +06-36-016 = CGCG 196-026 = WBL 612-004 = PGC 57748

16 17 40.5 +35 00 15; CrB

V = 12.7;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, small, round, 20" diameter, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Situated between NGC 6107 7.5' SSW and NGC 6110 5' N.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  Member of the NGC 6107 cluster with NGC 6110 5.0' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6109 = St XI-46 on 7 Jul 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6110 = CGCG 196-027 = WBL 612-005 = PGC 57751

16 17 44.0 +35 05 13; CrB

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 105”

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Slightly fainter than NGC 6112 located 3.7' NE.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): very faint, small, slightly elongated.  In a trio with NGC 6112 3.7' ENE and an anonymous galaxy 1.9' SW, also nearby is NGC 6109 5.0' S.  This is the faintest NGC galaxy in the NGC 6107 cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6110 = St XI-47 on 10 Jul 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6111 = MCG +11-20-007 = CGCG 320-014 = VII Zw 638 = PGC 57579

16 14 22.4 +63 15 38; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 11”

 

24" (6/30/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  This is a double (merged) system with a double nuclei and occasionally a faint "knot" was visible on the E or SE edge (directly opposite MCG +11-20-006).  Sometimes it sharpened to a small compact glow ~6" diameter.  The two nuclei are separated by a mere 9".

 

Forms a close pair with MCG +11-20-006, just 1.2' WNW.  The companion appeared faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, diffuse with a very low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/24/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located 4.5' NW of a mag 9.5 star.  Collinear with a faint double star 3' S (13/14.5 at 18").

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6111 = Sw. IX-57 on 31 May 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; D * nr south points to it."  The NGC position, based on personal correspondence from Swift to Dreyer, is in error.  His published position in his 9th discovery list is nearly a degree further north and corresponds with CGCG 320-014 = PGC 57579.  His comment "D[ouble] * nr south points to it" clinches this identification, as a faint double star 3' south (mag 13/14.5 at 18") is collinear with the galaxy.  Dreyer published a correction to Swift's position in the IC I Notes section.  Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 1 May 1897 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) is wrong and corresponds with a star.

 

MCG and CGCG fail to label CGCG 320-014 as NGC 6111 and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas misplots NGC 6111.  RNGC misidentifies IC 1210 (10' N of Swift's original position) as NGC 6111.  Coincidentally, Swift discovered IC 1210 and placed it correctly in his 9th list.  The identification errors were covered in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections", my RNGC Corrections #5 list and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6112 = MCG +06-36-017 = CGCG 196-028 = WBL 612-006 = PGC 57762

16 18 00.5 +35 06 37; CrB

V = 13.9;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  This member of the NGC 6107 cluster is slightly brighter than NGC 6110 located 3.7' SW.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Member of the NGC 6107 cluster with NGC 6110 3.7' WSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6112 = St XI-48 on 7 Jul 1880.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6113 = MCG +02-41-024 = CGCG 080-004 = PGC 57807

16 19 10.5 +14 08 01; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 147”

 

17.5": faint, very small, elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.  This galaxy is not identified as NGC 6113 in the CGCG or MCG.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6113 = Sw. IX-59 on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; S; R."  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and referenced as list VI in the NGC, but it was not published until list IX in 1890.  His position is 2' northeast of CGCG 080-004 = PGC 57807.

 

Neither CGCG nor MCG label this galaxy as NGC 6113.  The RNGC position is 2' too far south.

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NGC 6114 = MCG +06-36-019 = CGCG 196-030 = WBL 612-008 = PGC 57784

16 18 23.6 +35 10 27; CrB

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

18" (7/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Nestled in a "W" shaped asterism of stars.  Located 6' NE of NGC 6112 and 6.4' WNW of NGC 6116 in the NGC 6107 cluster.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): faint, small, slightly elongated.  Member of the NGC 6107 cluster with NGC 6116 6.4' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6114 = St XI-49 on 10 Jul 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6115 = ESO 226-007 = Ru 118

16 24 26 -51 56 54; Nor

V = 9.8;  Size 3'

 

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): ~30 stars resolved in a small 3' cluster.  The brightest mag 10.8 star is at the west edge and includes a number of mag 11.5-13 stars, mostly on the east side.  This cluster is unimpressive, though, as it sits in a glorious rich Norma star field that overwhelms the cluster!  Ruprecht 116, a scattered group of bright stars (brightest is mag 8.6 SAO 243732), lies 10' WSW.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 6115 = D 379 = h3625 on 26 Jun 1826.  He noted "a small faint round nebula, with a bright centre" and his position is just 5' northeast the cluster. John Herschel independently discovered NGC 6115 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "A part of the milky way, so immensely rich as to be one vast cluster of clusters."  His single position matches Ru 118.  Sky Catalogue 2000.0 labels the cluster as Ru 118 and RNGC misclassifies the NGC 6115 as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6116 = UGC 10336 = MCG +06-36-021 = CGCG 196-032 = WBL 612-009 = PGC 57800

16 18 54.6 +35 09 14; CrB

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 12”

 

18" (7/13/07): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Last of a dozen galaxies viewed in the NGC 6107 cluster.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): faint, fairly small, broad concentration, elongated.  NGC 6114 lies 6.4' WNW.  Located at the east end of the NGC 6107 cluster.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6116 = St XI-51, along with NGCs 6108, 6110 and 6114, on 10 Jul 1880.  His positions are all accurate.

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NGC 6117 = UGC 10338 = MCG +06-36-022 = CGCG 196-036 = Holm 737a = PGC 57816

16 19 18.2 +37 05 43; CrB

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (7/30/08): fairly faint, moderately large, oval N-S, 0.9'x0.65'.  There appears to be a very small knot or star on the south side that may be detached and the appearance is a bit mottled as if this was a face-on spiral.  Located 2.6' S of a mag 9.7 star. Forms a pair with NGC 6117B = MCG +06-36-024 1.7' SSE.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.

 

17.5" (6/27/87): very faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.6' W of center.  Located just 2.6' S of mag 9.5 SAO 65226.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6117 = m 309 on 5 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His declination is 1' too far south.

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NGC 6118 = UGC 10350 = MCG +00-42-002 = CGCG 024-008 = PGC 57924

16 21 48.6 -02 17 03; Ser

V = 11.7;  Size 4.7'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 58”

 

13.1" (6/4/83): moderately large, elongated WSW-ENE.  This is a very diffuse object with no concentration and ill-defined edges.  Located 17' SW of mag 6.2 SAO 141129 in the SE corner of Serpens Caput.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6118 = H II-402 = h1953 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "F, cL, E from sp to nf, about 3' l and 2' broad, r."  John Herschel made a single observation: "eF; vL; oval; 3' l, 2' br; cloudy; 3m preceding nearly in the parallel is a fine double star [STF 2033]."  NGC 6118 is often mentioned as one of the most challenging objects on the Herschel 400 list.

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NGC 6119 = MCG +06-36-026 = CGCG 196-040 = PGC 57837

16 19 41.9 +37 48 23; CrB

V = 14.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (6/27/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is at the south end just 19" from center.  Forms a trio with NGC 6120 2.3' SE and NGC 6122 5.5' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6119 = h1954 on 27 Apr 1827 while observing nearby NGC 6120 and noted "vF; eS; R."  His position falls closer to NGC 6120, but his relative position from NGC 6120 (7 seconds west and 100" north) is accurate.

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NGC 6120 = UGC 10343 = MCG +06-36-029 = CGCG 196-041 = I Zw 141 = Holm 739a = PGC 57842

16 19 48.0 +37 46 27; CrB

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (6/27/87): fairly faint, very small, almost round, even surface brightness.  Located 2' N of a wide unequal double star mag 10/13 at 44".  Brightest of three with NGC 6119 2.3' NW and NGC 6122 4.6' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6120 = H III-623 = h1955 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and noted "vF, vS, north of 2 stars.  300 confirmed it."  John Herschel made 3 observations (first on 24 Apr 1827) and measured an accurate position. Nearby NGC 6119 and 6122, were discovered by JH and Bigourdan, respectively.

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NGC 6121 = M4 = ESO 517-1

16 23 35.3 -26 31 32; Sco

V = 5.9;  Size 26.3';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

24" (8/16/12): M4 displayed several orange/red supergiants, including the brightest star (mag 12) within the central bar.  This star is situated at the northern intersection point of the bar and the partial oval ring of stars that extends mostly to the east of the bar.  Another orange star is on the southwest side of the core, 4' from center.  A bright, orange mag 10 star is on the SSW side of the halo, 6.5' from center.  A wide, bright pair of orange stars (10.8/10.9 at 17") is SE of the bar (1.8' from center).

 

18" (7/12/07): at 225x, the remarkable 10' central region is bounded by a nearly complete ring of stars with a prominent string (bar) of brighter stars oriented SSW-NNE nearly bisecting the central region.  The center of this ridge of stars is intersected by a dense, elongated ring of stars with major axis E-W, with the majority of the stars to the east of the bar. A wide, brighter pair of stars (10.8/10.9 at 17") to the SE of the bar has an orange tint.  Sprays of stars appear to emanate from the bar in all directions with a beautiful arc of stars curving along the entire north side of the core.  The outer halo is relatively sparse but includes a number of brighter stars and appears to extend 15'-18' in diameter.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): very bright, very large, 15' diameter.  Resolved into an extremely dense swarm of several hundred stars with many stars arranged in strings.  Appears fully resolved at moderate power including the distinctive bar extending N-S through the center.  M4 is possibly the closest GC at a distance of 5600 light-years.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): the core is beautifully resolved including the bar which resolves into a number of faint stars.  The halo is fully resolved with many star lanes.

 

8" (6/19/82): superb resolution of mag 11-13 stars.

 

Philippe de ChŽseaux discovered M4 = NGC 6121 = Lac I-9 in 1745-46.  Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille found it again in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  William Herschel didn't catalogue M4 as he tried to avoid repeating the Messier objects but described M4 as "a rich cluster of considerably compressed small stars surrounded by many straggling ones.  It contains a ridge of stars running through the middle from south preceding to north following.  The ridge contains 8 or 10 pretty bright stars.  All the stars are red."  He noted in his 1814 publication that the observed red color was probably owing to the low elevation of M4, though there is one conspicuous red star in the bar. John Herschel has no entry in his Cape of Good Hope catalogue, though he undoubtedly observed this showpiece.

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NGC 6122 = MCG +06-36-032 = PGC 57858

16 20 09.5 +37 47 53; CrB

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 156”

 

17.5" (6/27/87): extremely faint, averted only, very small, round.  Third and faintest of three in a group and located 4.6' ENE of NGC 6120 and 5.5' E of NGC 6119.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6122 = Big 78 on 6 May 1886.  There is nothing at his Comptes Rendus (5 Dec 1887) position but his corrected position 6' further north (published in the Corrections table of his 1 Jul 1901 Comptes Rendus paper) matches MCG +06-36-032 = PGC 57858.  The MCG doesn't label this galaxy with the NGC designation. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6123 = UGC 10333 = MCG +10-23-060 = CGCG 298-028 = PGC 57729

16 17 19.7 +61 56 21; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 4”

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, small bright core, thin extensions.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' SSW of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6123 = Sw. II-40 in 1884-85 (exact date unknown) and recorded "pF; vS; E; * nr."  His position was 15 seconds of time too far west.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 31 Aug 1888 as well as Hermann Kobold in Mar 1894.

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NGC 6124 = Cr 301 = ESO 331-003

16 25 20 -40 39 12; Sco

V = 5.8;  Size 29'

 

25" (4/5/19 - OzSky): gorgeous open cluster at 102x (31mm Nagler) and 244x (13mm Ethos). with several hundred resolved stars within a 25' field.  Contains a very large number (perhaps 30) of 9th and 10th magnitude stars.  There is a condensed group of roughly 3 dozen stars in the center, many forming easy but eye-catching pairs.  The central stars are distributed irregularly with a nearly vacant lane running roughly NW to SE.  The "halo" stars are spread out fairly evenly and a roughly circular outline of ~25'.  Two 10" pairs forming a wide "double-double" is close east of the central group.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): bright, fairly rich, large, roughly 125 stars are resolved.

 

8" (6/27/81): fairly large but scattered, richer in center.

 

16x80mm (6/18/85): this bright cluster appears partially resolved even in my 16x80 finder.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6124 = Lac I-8 = D 514 = h3626 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x.  During his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope he catalogued "a fairly big tailless comet."  James Dunlop observed it on 10 May 1826 as "a round cluster of small stars of nearly equal magnitudes, about 12' diameter, considerably congregated to the centre, not rich in small stars. This answers to the place of 44 Normae, but there is no nebula."  Dunlop made a total of 5 observations and his position is accurate.

 

On 5 Jun 1834 (sweep 456), John Herschel logged "Viewed; a brilliant cluster class VII.; p rich, L, irregularly scattered, fills field, stars 8,9,10,11th mag."  On 4 Aug 1834 he recorded the cluster as "cluster, bright, large, loosely scattered, not much compressed in the middle, fills nearly a field, consists of about 50 or 60 stars 9..11th mag."

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NGC 6125 = NGC 6130 = UGC 10347 = MCG +10-23-066 = CGCG 298-030 = PGC 57828

16 19 33.4 +57 36 55; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

See observing notes for NGC 6127.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6125 = H II-810 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and noted "pF, pS, lE."  His position is close to NGC 6130 = UGC 10347 (independently discovered by Lewis Swift) but Dreyer assumed that WH made a 20' error in dec (partly because Bigourdan was unsuccessful on 4 attempts at WH's position) and that II-810 referred to NGC 6127 = NGC 6128 = UGC 10345.

 

But in an email on 28 Jan 2013, Steinicke wrote, "I've now detected that [UGC 10345] could not be seen by WH: It was well outside (north) of his sweep 928!  Moreover, the zone of this 12 mag galaxy was never swept, so he could not find it. His position, based on the 5th mag reference star of Bode's catalogue (SAO 29727), clearly points to NGC 6130 [UGC 10347], located 24' south. His description "pF, pS, lE" matches the elongated object, whereas [UGC 10345] is brighter and round. That he does not mention the 9 mag star 3' west is nothing special. There is no PD error! The position of NGC 6088 (III 812), based on the same star is also pretty good. Another position, relative to Mu Draconis, confirms both nebulae.

 

This galaxy was also found twice by Swift on 6 Jul 1886 and on 28 Jun 1886, so it received two more NGC numbers, NGC 6127 = Sw. IV-29 and NGC 6128 = Sw. IV-30, respectively.  Swift's positions and description make it clear he saw the same galaxy.  Karl Reinmuth equated NGC 6125 = NGC 6130, which coincidentally has the same dec as H's original position but is 50 seconds of RA east of the NGC position for NGC 6125.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6126 = UGC 10353 = MCG +06-36-035 = CGCG 196-055 = I Zw 144 = PGC 57908

16 21 27.9 +36 22 36; CrB

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, broadly concentration halo, slightly brighter core.  Located 1.6' S of a mag 10.5 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6126 = St XII-83 on 19 Jun 1880.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6127 = NGC 6128 = UGC 10345 = MCG +10-23-065 = CGCG 298-029 = I Zw 142 = PGC 57812

16 19 11.5 +57 59 03; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/15/91): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.5' diameter, round.  Sharp concentration with a small very bright core containing a stellar nucleus, faint round halo.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6127 = Sw. IV-29 on 6 Jul 1886 and logged "pF; vS; R."  His position matches UGC 10345.  He found this galaxy again just 3 weeks later (28 Jul) and recorded it as Sw. IV-30 = NGC 6128.  His positions and descriptions are nearly identical, so it seems odd that neither Swift nor Dreyer suggested the equivalence NGC 6127 = NGC 6128.

 

It's been assumed that this galaxy was first discovered by WH and catalogued as H II- 810 = NGC 6125 with a 20' error in declination.  But Wolfgang Steinicke has shown that WH could not have seen this galaxy, as it is too far north in his sweep.  Instead, WH II-810 refers to NGC 6130 = UGC 10347.

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NGC 6128 = NGC 6127 = NGC 6125 = UGC 10345 = MCG +10-23-065 = CGCG 298-029 = I Zw 142 = PGC 57812

16 19 11.5 +57 59 03; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

See observing notes for NGC 6127.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6128 = Sw. IV-30 on 28 July 1886 and logged "pF, pS, R, bM."  His position is less than 1' northeast of the center of UGC 10345.  He discovered this galaxy just 3 weeks earlier on 6 July 1886 and included it in the same list as Sw. IV-29 = NGC 6127.  Neither Swift nor Dreyer assumed an equivalence, although the positions and descriptions are very similar.  So, NGC 6128 = NGC 6127.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, NGC 6125 = H II-180 is not the original observation of this galaxy.  See notes on NGC 6125.

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NGC 6129 = MCG +06-36-037 = CGCG 196-048 = Holm 741a = PGC 57920

16 21 43.2 +37 59 45; CrB

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (7/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a pair (similar redshift) with CGCG 196-047 2.0' NW.  The companion appeared faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/27/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6129 = H III-891 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "eF, vS, R, lbM.  300 confirmed it with great ease."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6130 = UGC 10347 = MCG +10-23-066 = CGCG 298-030 = PGC 57828

16 19 33.4 +57 36 55; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, almost even surface brightness.  Several brighter stars in field including mag 8 SAO 29889 2.7' SW!

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6130 = Sw. IV-31 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "pF; pL; R; B * near preceding."  His position is just 4 sec of RA east of UGC 10347 and the comment about the bright star applies.

 

But according to Wolfgang Steinicke, William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and noted II-810 as "pF, pS, lE."  Wolfgang states that WH's offset from SAO 29727 matches UGC 10347.  In this case, NGC 6130 = NGC 6125. 

 

Dreyer assumed that WH made a 20' error in dec for II-810 and NGC 6125 = NGC 6127 = NGC 6128.  Corwin concurs with Dreyer's identification.

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NGC 6131 = UGC 10356 = MCG +07-34-004 = CGCG 224-004 = Holm 742a = PGC 57927

16 21 52.5 +38 55 56; CrB

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (6/27/87): very faint, small, round.  Located 3.5' E of mag 9 SAO 65250.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6131 = St XII-84 on 15 Jun 1882.  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 6132 = IC 4602 = UGC 10363 = MCG +02-42-002 = CGCG 080-020 = PGC 58002

16 23 38.8 +11 47 10; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 127”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is 1' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6132 = St VII-7 on 16 Jul 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  Lewis Swift apparently found this galaxy again on 22 Jul 1897 and recorded Sw. XI-183 = IC 4602 as "eeeF; S; lE; F * near following; 2 bright stars south nearly point to it; eee diff."  There is nothing near Swift's position, but 1 degree south is NGC 6132 and his description of the nearby stars fits.  So NGC 6132 = IC 4602. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more on IC 4602.

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NGC 6133

16 20 17.2 +56 39 08; Dra

 

= ***??, Corwin. =**?, Gottlieb.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6133 = Sw. V-69 on 23 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; cE; ee diff."  There is nothing at his position. One possible candidate is CGCG 276-012, but this galaxy is 2.4 min of RA east and 4' south of Swift's position.  A mag 14.7/15.1 double star at 15" separation is close southeast of Swift's position, with a third fainter star forming a triple.  Harold Corwin suggests this asterism may have appeared nebulous to Swift, but this identification is very uncertain.

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NGC 6134 = Cr 303 = ESO 226-009

16 27 46 -49 09 06; Nor

V = 7.2;  Size 7'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, NGC 6134 is a bright, fairly large open cluster, at least 10' diameter, with roughly 150 stars resolved from mag 10 and fainter.  Many of the stars are arranged in chains, loops and rings although there was no central concentration.  The brightest mag 9.3 star (HD 148076) is on the SE side of the cluster, about 4' from the center.  The Norma Milky Way background is very rich in this region.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6134 = D 412 = h3627 on 10 May 1826 and described as "a pretty large round nebula, about 4' diameter, gradually a little brighter towards the centre.  There is a small star on the north, and another on the south side, both involved.  This is easily resolved into stars, with slight compression to the centre."  His position is 6' too far northeast.

 

On 5 Jul 1834, JH recorded "a pretty rich loose large, roundish cluster of stars 12..14th mag, 7' diameter, not m comp M." On 15 Apr 1836 he called it "VII class, rich, L, gradually a little compressed in the middle, irregularly round, 12', stars 13,14,15th mag, nearly fills field."

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NGC 6135 = MCG +11-20-008 = CGCG 320-015 = PGC 57580

16 14 24.9 +64 58 58; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 45”

 

18" (7/30/08): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.35', broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is just off the west edge [30" from the center].  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 6135 is very uncertain as it differs quite a bit from Swift's position.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6135 = Sw. IV-32 on 9 Jul 1886 and recorded "vF, vS, cE, 2 st nr."  There is nothing near his position.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6135 may apply to CGCG 320-015 = PGC 57580.  This galaxy is elongated 3:1 and has a couple of stars nearby, matching Swift's description.  But his position is a particularly bad fit --  5.5 minutes of RA too far east and 5' too far north, so this identification is very uncertain.

 

RNGC classifies NGC 6135 nonexistent and neither CGCG, MCG or PGC label PGC 57580 as NGC 6135.

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NGC 6136 = MCG +09-27-019 = CGCG 276-010 = PGC 57892

16 20 59.4 +55 58 14; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (6/15/91): extremely faint, very small, round, very low even surface brightness.  A nice row of stars is just north consisting of four mag 11-12 stars oriented WNW-ESE ending at mag 8.5 SAO 29903 at the WNW end.  NGC 6136 is located 5.5' SW of SAO 29903.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6136 = Sw. IV-33 on 6 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; nearly between 5 pB stars in a curve north and 3 F stars in a curve south; ee diff.".  His position and description matches CGCG 276-010 = PGC 57892.

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NGC 6137 = UGC 10364 = MCG +06-36-039 = CGCG 196-053 = Holm 744a = PGC 57966

16 23 03.2 +37 55 19; CrB

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

24" (7/22/14): at 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', broad concentration with a brighter core.  Increases in size with averted vision.  A mag 14.3 star is 1' E and a mag 14.8 star is 1' NW.

 

Three galaxies are aligned in a string to the NNW.  NGC 6137B = CGCG 196-052, 1.7' NNW, appeared fairly faint (B = 15.8), small, round, 18" diameter.  PGC 214491, 3.9' NNW, appeared faint (B = 16.3), very small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  PGC 3498453, 7.3' NNW, appeared faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 18"x15".

 

17.5" (6/27/87): faint, small, slightly elongated oval.  Located between two mag 14 stars 1.0' NW and 1.0' E.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6137B 1.7' NW.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' S (same one 1' NW of NGC 6137).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6137 = H III-624 = h1956 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and recorded "vF, S, bM.  Discovered with 300x."  Caroline's reduced position is 1.5' southwest of UGC 10364.  On 9 May 1826 (sweep 73) John Herschel called it, "F; S; R; bM."

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NGC 6138 = NGC 6363 = UGC 10827 = MCG +07-36-005 = CGCG 226-008 = PGC 60164

17 22 40.0 +41 06 06; Her

 

See observing notes for NGC 6363.   PGC 58070 is misidentified as NGC 6138 in the RNGC and PGC, but my notes follow.

18" (7/29/08): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 25"x12", weak concentration.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6138 = St II-2 around September 1872.  His published position is roughly 25' west of NGC 6145 (within Abell 2197) and there are only faint stars near this position.  But Stephan made an error with his offset star and once corrected, his position matches NGC 6363 (found again by Stephan on 24 July 1879 and assumed to be a new discovery).  The error was caught and mentioned by Emmanuel Esmiol in the introduction to his 1916 reduction of Stephan's positions with a note that NGC 6138 is identical to NGC 6363.  Esmiol, though, made a typo and called NGC 6138 = NGC 6263.  So, NGC 6138 = NGC 6363.  Despite the earlier discovery of NGC 6138, this galaxy is known as NGC 6363 due to its unambiguous identification.

 

RNGC and PGC (as well as secondary sources) misidentify MCG +07-34-020 = PGC 58070 as NGC 6138.  This is an edge-on galaxy located 7' north of NGC 6145.

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NGC 6139 = ESO 331-004

16 27 40 -38 50 54; Sco

V = 9.0;  Size 5.5';  Surf Br = 2.3

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this globular appeared moderately bright and well concentrated to a bright 1' core.  The halo spanned ~3.5' and the overall structure was symmetric.  A number of very faint stars winked in and out of view with the seeing and the cluster appeared on the verge of extensive resolution at 171x.  I didn't examine it, though, at higher power.

 

8" (6/27/81): faint, small, even concentration to core.  Although easily visible, there was no resolution.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6139 = D 536 on 13 May 1826 and recorded "a round nebula, about 1' diameter, bright immediately at the centre, and very faint from the bright nucleus to the margin. Another observation makes the figure rather elliptical, with a bright nucleus."  He observed the cluster twice and his position is pretty poor -- 23' east of center.

 

John Herschel acknowledged Dunlop's discovery despite the poor position and observed the globular on 4 nights.  On his first sweep of 24 Jun 1834 he logged "vB, R, pL, pgmbM, 2.5'. Evidently a globular, but moonlight very bright and near full, and I cannot see the individual stars."  Two nights later he wrote "B, R, pgbM, resolvable, 2'."  Another two nights later he wrote "pB, R, pgbM, resolvable, with left eye I can barely discern a few of the stars."  Using the Great Melbourne Telescope on 2 Jun 1877, Joseph Turner called it "very finely stippled but too faint for any stars to be seen distinctly" (p. 137 in logbook).

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NGC 6140 = UGC 10359 = MCG +11-20-012 = CGCG 320-025 = PGC 57886

16 20 57.3 +65 23 23; Dra

V = 11.3;  Size 6.3'x4.6';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 95”

 

24" (7/22/14): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, broad concentration.  Often a thin brighter "bar" oriented WSW-ENE stands out.  It appears offset from center as the south portion of the halo is very weak. At 375x, a narrow spiral arm oriented E-W is occasionally visible just south of the bar, and it extends slightly further east than the brighter central region.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.3' NW and several mag 15 stars are nearby.

 

17.5" (7/9/88): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, broadly concentrated halo, very faint extensions.  A mag 12 star lies 2.2' NW.  Bracketed by three mag 15 stars 1.4' SE, 1.6' NNE and 1.9' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6140 = H III-740 on 3 Jun 1788 (only nebula in sweep 845) and logged "cF, pL, iE."  There is nothing at his position but 95 sec of RA following is UGC 10359.  Dreyer noted this error in his 1912 Scientific Papers.

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NGC 6141 = 2MASX J16230639+4051295 = LEDA 3498497

16 23 06.4 +40 51 30; Her

V = 15.0;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (7/18/01): very faint, very small, slightly elongated 25"x20".  With direct vision contains a fairly faint quasi-stellar nucleus.  Since this galaxy is not in the MCG or CGCG I expected the observation to be more difficult.  A wide pair of mag 11/12 stars lies 3.5' NE and a mag 14.5 star is 1.2' N.  The RNGC incorrectly identifies NGC 6147 = MCG +07-34-023 as NGC 6141.  Member of AGC 2197.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6141 = Big. 79 on 27 May 1886.  There is nothing at his Comptes Rendus position, but 3.2' due north is PGC 58077, and Harold Corwin associates NGC 6141 with this galaxy.

 

The RNGC and HyperLEDA misidentifies NGC 6147 = MCG +07-34-023 as NGC 6141.  This galaxy is located 2.7 minutes of time east and 4.8' north of Bigourdan's position.  See my RNGC Corrections #2 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6142 = UGC 10366 = MCG +06-36-041 = CGCG 196-056 = PGC 57984

16 23 21.1 +37 15 29; CrB

V = 13.8;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge 55" from center.  Located almost at midpoint of two mag 12/12.5 stars 5.6' N and 4.4' S.  Two mag 14.5-15 between 2'-3' NW are collinear with the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6142 = H III-892 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "eF, S, bM."  Recomputing his offset from 25 Her shows his position is less than 1' too far south and exact in RA.  UGC does not label UGC 10366 as NGC 6142 but the galaxy is correctly labeled in MCG, CGCG and RC3.

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NGC 6143 = UGC 10358 = MCG +09-27-024 = CGCG 276-011 = PGC 57919

16 21 42.4 +55 05 09; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  Bracketed by two bright stars; a mag 10 star 2.3' ESE and mag 8.7 SAO 29911 4.0' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6143 = H II-811 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and recorded "pB, iR, vgvlbM."  His position (CH's reduction) is 20 sec of RA east of UGC 10358.

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NGC 6144 = ESO 517-6 = IC 4606:

16 27 14.0 -26 01 25; Sco

V = 9.1;  Size 9.3';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

18" (7/26/06): at 325x roughly two dozen stars were resolved over an irregular, scraggly glow. A mag 12 star at the west edge is probably a field star.  Very weak central condensation (concentration class XI) so the appearance does not look like a typical globular.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): about 20 stars mag 12-14 resolved at 286x.  The brightest mag 12 star is at the west edge.  Located 37' NW of Antares.  This globular is about 30,000 light years away or 5 times the distance of nearby M4.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): a dozen very faint stars are resolved at 220x over haze.  Includes a string of stars to the SE.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): just resolves in steady moments into perhaps 15 very faint stars over haze.  Otherwise the globular is very lively and mottled.

 

8" (6/27/81): faint, small.  A mag 12 star is at the SW end but no other resolution.  Located 40' NW of Antares.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6144 = H VI-10 = h3629 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "a very close considerably L cluster of the smallest stars imaginable; all the stars are of a dusky red colour.  This cluster is the next step to an easily resolvable nebula."  John Herschel called the globular "pL; oval; gbM; resolved."

 

David Frew comments "I'm almost sure that IC 4606 (observed by Finlay from the Cape) is just an observation of the globular cluster NGC 6144 with an error in position [4.3 min of time too large]. His description fits perfectly: "follows a faint star 4.5 secs., and is 0.5 [arcmin] S."  There is a 12th magnitude star on the north-preceding side of the core, so this identification seems very plausible.

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NGC 6145 = MCG +07-34-021 = CGCG 224-017 = Holm 747a = PGC 58074

16 25 02.4 +40 56 48; Her

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 2”

 

18" (7/29/08): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.7'x0.35', weak concentration.  First of 3 in a NNW-SSE line with NGC 6147 1.3' SSE and brighter NGC 6146 3.6' SSE within AGC 2197.

 

17.5" (7/24/95): faint, fairly small, 1.0' diameter, slightly elongated N-S.  Similar size to NGC 6146 but lacks the central concentration.  Only a very weak brightening with no core or nucleus.  Forms a trio with NGC 6146 3.6' SE and NGC 6147 1.4' SE.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): faint, weak concentration, elongated ~N-S.  Forms a pair with NGC 6146 3.5' SE.  Member of AGC 2197.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): extremely faint, small, elongated N-S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6145 = h1957 on 12 May 1828, while observing nearby NGC 6146 (discovered by his father), and recorded "F; R; bM; sky very clear."  His position is less than 1' south of CGCG 224-017 = PGC 58074.  Nearby NGC 6147 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 6146 = UGC 10379 = MCG +07-34-024 = CGCG 224-018 = PGC 58080

16 25 10.4 +40 53 33; Her

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 75”

 

18" (7/29/08): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', well concentrated with a very small bright core, bright stellar nucleus.  Two mag 13/14 stars 1.2' and 2' E.  In a line with NGC 6147 2.3' NNW and NGC 6145 3.6' NNW in AGC 2197.

 

17.5" (7/24/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.0' diameter, slightly elongated E-W.  Broad concentration with a fairly high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' E of center.  Brightest of a collinear trio with NGC 6145 3.6' NNW and NGC 6147 2' NNW in AGC 2197.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, almost round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 6145 3.5' NW.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large.  Forms a pair with NGC 6145.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6146 = H III-638 = h1958 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS."  CH's reduced position is 7 sec of RA east of UGC 10379.

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NGC 6147 = MCG +07-34-023 = Holm 747b = PGC 58077

16 25 05.8 +40 55 44; Her

V = 15.1;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (7/29/08): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Located 2.3' NNW of NGC 6146 and 1.4' SSE of NGC 6145 within AGC 2197.  The three galaxies are collinear.

 

17.5" (7/24/95): extremely faint and small, 15" diameter, round.  Only able to glimpse repeatedly <25% of time with averted vision.  Faintest of trio and situated 1.4' SE of NGC 6145 and 2' NW of NGC 6146 in AGC 2197.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 6147 on 26 May 1849.  He noted "2 new neb, alpha (on diagram) eF st, Beta small."  The diagram clearly shows NGC 6147 = PGC 58077 (labeled as Alpha) on a line between NGC 6146 (not labeled) and NGC 6145 (labeled Beta), with NGC 6147 slightly closer to NGC 6145.   The direction of drift is not shown but is presumably down in the diagram. Dreyer later added the parenthetical comment "Query h1957 [NGC 6145] and h1958 [NGC 6146] and one Nova."  One faint star (labeled alpha) is shown on the diagram and it appears to correspond with MCG +07-34-022 = PGC 58078.  Since Stoney didn't record it as nebulous, it didn't receive a NGC designation.

 

MCG and UGC (notes section) does not label PGC 58077 as NGC 6147.  The RNGC misidentifies PGC 58078 as NGC 6147 and mislabels NGC 6147 as NGC 6141.

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NGC 6148 = 2MASX J16270405+2405357 = PGC 58162

16 27 04.0 +24 05 36; Her

V = 16.1;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

24" (7/7/13): at 282x appeared faint to very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 15"x10", low even surface brightness.  Can just hold steadily with averted.  Located 9' SSE of mag 8.9 HD 148405 within a small trapezoid of mag 13-14.5 stars.  This galaxy, found by Marth in 1864, is one of the faintest he discovered with the 48" on Malta and was missed previously in my 17.5".

 

17.5" (5/28/89): not found.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6148 = m 310 on 10 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, with **."  There is nothing at his position.  RNGC identifies PGC 58162 as NGC 6148.  This faint galaxy is 33 seconds of time east and 4.3' south of Marth's position, an unusually poor match, and in RNGC Corrections #4, I listed the RNGC identification as questionable.  But PGC 58162 is surrounded by a small group of a half-dozen stars and may match Marth's comment "with **".

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NGC 6149 = UGC 10391 = MCG +03-42-011 = CGCG 109-021 = PGC 58183

16 27 24.3 +19 35 50; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 22”

 

17.5": faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3.8' N of mag 8.7 SAO 102184.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6149 = Sw. VI-90 on 3 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; R; pB * nr south."  His position is just 6 seconds west of UGC 10391 and his description applies.  UGC does not label this galaxy as NGC 6149.

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NGC 6150 = MCG +07-34-029 = CGCG 224-022 = Holm 748a = PGC 58105

16 25 50.0 +40 29 19; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  PA = 61”

 

18" (7/30/08): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 24"x16", gradually increases to the center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6150B = MCG +07-34-027 1.3' SW.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. MCG +07-34-033 lies 9.5' E and was noted as faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3'.  A mag 12.5 attached at the north end confused the observation.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  MCG +07-34-033 lies 9.5' E.  This is a double system (unresolved) on the southwest side of AGC 2197.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6150 = H III-639 = h1959 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "eF, eS."  Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA east of CGCG 224-022 (double system). John Herschel recorded on 28 Apr 1827 (sweep 73), "F; S; R."

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NGC 6151

16 38 25.2 -73 15 09; Aps

Size 0.9'

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 139x and 236x): at 139x, this asterism (very small group of faint stars) appeared fairly faint grainy patch, less than 1' in diameter.  At 236x, two or three mag 14.5-15 stars were occasionally resolved.  Situated 2.5' WSW of a mag 11 star and nearly collinear with a closer mag 13 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6151 = h3630 on 29 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF and S; is pointed to by 2 small stars 9m and 14m; the * 9m is the only one of that magnitude within 6'."  His position corresponds with a 1' group of at least 7 stars.  A 10th and 14th magnitude star are collinear to the east-northeast (by ~1.5' and 2.5'), matching his description.  Harold Corwin also identifies this group of stars as NGC 6151.

 

ESO and PGC (and modern sources that follow these sources) misidentify ESO 043-003 = PGC 58689 as NGC 6151.  This galaxy is 50 seconds of RA following JH's position.  RNGC classifies the number as an "Unverified southern object."

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NGC 6152 = Cr 304 = ESO 179-009

16 32 46 -52 38 36; Nor

Size 30'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 76x (27mm Panoptic), this is a large 30' cluster in a glorious Milky Way field.  A couple of hundred stars generally mag 10 and fainter are resolved including a few dense clumps of stars.  Many of the stars are arranged in loops and knots.  A wide mag 8/10 pair is on the east side.  The surrounding region is rich, so the cluster does no stand out except at low power.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6152 = h3631 on 8 Jul 1834 and logged a large and coarse milky way cluster, tolerably insulated, composed of large stars."  His position is near the center of this large cluster.

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NGC 6153 = PK 341+5.1 = ESO 331-6 = PN G341.8+05.4

16 31 30.5 -40 15 13; Sco

V = 10.9;  Size 28"x21"

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly bright, fairly small, almost round, picked up at 62x.  Striking location as forms the southern vertex of a small "kite" or cruciform asterism (rhombus) with two mag 10 stars 2.6' N and 2.7' NW and a mag 9.5 star 2.5' NE.  Although prominent, this planetary is very far south for viewing from northern California.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 6153 on 27 May 1883 near Lake Titicaca, using a 6.1" refractor with a direct vision Vogel-spectroscope.  The position given in Copernicus III (1884) is just 1' too far north.  In 1926, Willem van den Bos at the Cape Observatory, reported "This object is a planetary as seen through the 26 1/2-inch reractor.  Major axis 28", Minor axis 22" in PA 7”-187”."  The same year, W.S. Finsen called it a ring nebula.

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NGC 6154 = UGC 10382 = MCG +08-30-012 = CGCG 251-016 = PGC 58095

16 25 30.6 +49 50 24; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (6/30/19): at 282x and 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~50" diameter, strong concentration with a very small bright nucleus.  Two mag 12.3/14.4 stars close NW are nearly collinear with the galaxy.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small.  Sharp concentration with an elongated NW-SE core and a faint rounder halo with no distinct edges.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6154 = H III-680 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 737) and recorded "eF, S, easily resolvable, near some small stars."  Caroline Herschel's reduction was 10 sec of RA east and 2' north of UGC 10382.  He observed this galaxy again on 13 Apr 1788 (sweep 832) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM."  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) on 19 Jul 1884.

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NGC 6155 = UGC 10385 = MCG +08-30-013 = CGCG 251-018 = PGC 58115

16 26 08.5 +48 21 59; Her

V = 12.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo.  Located equidistant from two double stars; a mag 9.5/12.5 at 30" separation is 3.2' SW and an evenly matched mag 14 pair at 12" separation is 3.3' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6155 = H II-690 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 735) and recorded "F; pL; gbM; iF."  His position is 37 sec of RA too large.  He logged this galaxy again on 13 Apr 1788 (sweep 832) and noted "eF, S, iF."  His RA on this sweep was 17 sec too large.  Bigourdan's measured an accurate position on 29 May 1884 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6156 = ESO 137-033 = LGG 407-004 = PGC 58536

16 34 52.3 -60 37 06; TrA

V = 11.6;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 0”

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6', high but irregular surface brightness, slightly brighter core.  Appears brightest, though, at the west end; either a faint star is superimposed or perhaps a knot in the galaxy.  Situated in a very rich star field with a mag 11 star 1.7' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6156 = h3632 on 24 Apr 1835 and logged "pF; lE; glbM; 50" long."  A second observation called this galaxy "pF; R; gpmbM; 45"; in a field full of small stars."

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NGC 6157 = MCG +09-27-039 = CGCG 276-018 = PGC 58101

16 25 48.4 +55 21 38; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  PA = 19”

 

17.5" (6/20/87): very faint, very small, almost round, brighter core.  A mag 15 star is off the SW edge just 20" from the center.  Located 13' ENE of mag 7.0 SAO 29930.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6157 = Sw. IV-34 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; v diff."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6158 = MCG +07-34-041 = CGCG 224-031 = Holm 749a = PGC 58198

16 27 40.9 +39 22 59; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 81”

 

18" (8/12/10): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20", sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  PGC 58195, an extremely faint companion, is just 28" SE.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): faint, very small, round.  Located 2.1' NW of a mag 10 star and 5.3' N of a second mag 10 star.  Brighter than the faint companions of NGC 6166.  Located 14' SW of NGC 6166 in AGC 2199.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6158 = H II-647 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and recorded "F, S, iF.  Discovered with 300, but I could see very well with the sweeping power.  The time inaccurate."  His rough position is ~1 min of RA east of CGCG 224-031 = PGC 58198.  Herman Schultz measured an accurate position (used in the NGC) at the Uppsala Observatory.

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NGC 6159 = UGC 10397 = MCG +07-34-038 = CGCG 224-029 = PGC 58185

16 27 25.1 +42 40 47; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, easy with direct vision, small, round, bright core.  Collinear with mag 8.8 SAO 46092 5.4' W and a mag 11 star 2.6' W.  Pair with CGCG 224-033 3.4' SE.  The companion was very faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6159 = St X-30 on 20 Jul 1879.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6160 = UGC 10400 = MCG +07-34-042 = CGCG 224-032 = PGC 58199

16 27 41.2 +40 55 36; Her

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 65”

 

18" (7/29/08): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, ~40"x25", very small bright core ~10"x6".  Two mag 14 stars are at the NE end.  A few times I glimpsed an extremely faint star or stellar galaxy (2MASX J16273992+4054518) just off the SW end.  A number of faint galaxies are huddled nearby:

 

LEDA 214502 (3' S):  extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter.

LEDA 214501 (4' NE): extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter, requires averted.

LEDA 2173685 (7' ENE): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 12"x9".

LEDA 87321 (8' ESE): faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small slightly brighter core.

2MASX J16282511+4051298 (9' SE): faint, small, round (elongated on DSS), 22" diameter, very small brighter core.

LEDA 2171275 (10' SW): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, small brighter core.  Two mag 14 stars are just off the NE side 23" and 37" from the center.  Member of the galaxy cluster AGC 2197 with NGC 6146 28' WSW.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): faint, diffuse, moderately large, slightly elongated, extremely faint star at the NE edge.  Located 28' E of NGC 6146.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6160 = H II-652 = h1960 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "F, pL, r."  CH's reduced position is 10 sec of RA east of UGC 10400.  JH made two observations and measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 6161 = MCG +06-36-046 = CGCG 168-013 = HCG 82C = PGC 58235

16 28 20.6 +32 48 38; Her

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 159”

 

24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, 24"x12", very small bright nucleus.  A mag 16 star is at the south tip.

 

24" (6/16/12): at 322x this member of HCG 82 appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.4'x0.2,' very small brighter nucleus.

 

18" (6/7/08): this is the third brightest member of the HCG 82 quarter.  At 260x it appeared very faint, small, elongated ~5:2 N-S, 33"x12".  Located 2.3' S of NGC 6162.  HCG 82D, the faintest member, lies 50" WNW.

 

18" (8/3/05): the third brightest member of HCG 82 appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, just 0.3'x0.2'.  Forms the southwest vertex of a small right triangle with NGC 6162 2.2' N and NGC 6163.  The difficult 4th member, PGC 58231 is just 48" west.

 

17.5" (8/14/96): the third brightest member of HCG 82 appears very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, slightly  brighter core.  In a compact quartet with HCG 82D 50" WNW and NGC 6162 = HCG 82A 2.3' due north.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, very small, low even surface brightness.  In a tight trio (HCG 82 group) with NGC 6162 2.3' N and NGC 6163 2.6' NNE.  Located 10' NE of mag 7 SAO 65320.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6161 = St I-4, along with NGC 6162 and 6163, on 30 Jun 1870.  His positions are accurate.

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NGC 6162 = HCG 82A = UGC 10403 = MCG +06-36-047 = CGCG 168-014 = PGC 58238

16 28 22.3 +32 50 57; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 24"x20", very small bright nucleus.

 

24" (6/16/12): at 322x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3', very small bright core.  Slightly smaller and fainter NGC 6263 lies 1.2' E.

 

18" (6/7/08): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.25'. Forms a similar pair with slightly fainter NGC 6163 just 1.2' E in the HCG 82 quartet.  Located 10' NE of mag 6.9 HD 148616 (best to keep out of the field).

 

18" (8/3/05): the brightest member of HCG 82 appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3'.  Contains a very small slightly brighter core with direct vision.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 6163 = HCG 82B just 1.2' E and a right triangle with NGC 6161 2' S.

 

17.5" (8/14/96): this galaxy is the brightest in the very compact HCG 82.  Appears faint, small, slightly elongated, ~30" diameter, slightly brighter core, very faint stellar nucleus.  In the quartet are NGC 6163 1.2' E, NGC 6161 2.3' S and HCG 82D 2.5' SW.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, round, bright core.  Brightest of HCG 82 with NGC 6163 1.2' E and NGC 6161 2.3' S.  Located 10' NE of mag 7 SAO 65320.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6162 = St I-5, along with NGC 6161 and 6163, on 30 Jun 1870.  His micrometric position was accurate.

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NGC 6163 = MCG +06-36-048 = CGCG 168-015 = HCG 82B = PGC 58250

16 28 27.8 +32 50 47; Her

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.45';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 54”

 

24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, 24"x18", very small bright nucleus.

 

24" (6/16/12): at 322x this member of HCG 82 appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.25' very small brighter nucleus.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 6162 1.2' W.

 

18" (6/7/08): just slightly fainter than similar NGC 6162 1.2' W.  At 260x appeared faint, small, elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.25'.  NGC 6161 lies 2.7' SW.

 

18" (8/3/05): second brightest member of HCG 82 appeared faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3'.  Appears pretty similar to NGC 6162 1.2' W, but it slightly fainter with a less concentrated core.

 

17.5" (8/14/96): second brightest of four in HCG 82 located just 1.2' following NGC 6162.  Appears very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~30" diameter.  More weakly concentrated and slightly fainter than NGC 6162 but has a similar size.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, elongated N-S, weak concentration.  Second brightest of three in HCG 82 with NGC 6162 1' W and NGC 6161 3' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6163 = St I-6, along with NGC 6161 and 6162, on 30 Jun 1870.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6164 = ESO 226-012 = PK 336-0.1 = Ced 135a = Gum 52 = RCW 107

16 33 52.4 -48 06 40; Nor

Size 6'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this striking bi-polar nebula was quite impressive at 200x and UHC filter.  The two bright loops or arcs are symmetrically placed along the rim, 2.6' NW and 3' SE of center with the southeastern arc brighter.  The interior of the rim is filled with a fainter glow and the entire object forms a slightly elongated, 6.2'x5.2' oval.  The nebula is dominated by the mag 6.8 central star (HD 148937).  Mag 9 HD 148988 lies 3' NE of center.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this bipolar emission nebula was a startling sight at 171x and UHC filter!  A bright illuminating star (HD 148937 at V = 6.8) is surrounded by two lobes or loops to the NW (NGC 6164) and SE (NGC 6165).  Both loops contain brighter arcs symmetrically placed at the opposite ends.  This is a large object, ~6' diameter, with the southeastern knot a bit brighter.  A mag 9 star is 3' NE, outside the nebulosity.  Located near the midpoint of mag 4.5 Epsilon Normae 1.3” NW and NGC 6188/6193 a similar distance SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6164 = h3633 on 1 Jul 1834, along with NGC 6165, and recorded "Neb violently suspected immediately preceding a double star."  His rough position (marked as approximate in RA and Dec (nearest arcmin)) is less than 2' south of the northwest wing of this large emission shell.  NGC 6165 refers to the southeast wing.

 

Several older sources, including the RNGC, misclassify this object as a planetary nebula.  The illuminating star is a massive, evolved O-star, losing mass from its outer layers through a strong stellar wind  (similar mechanism to the Crescent Nebula = NGC 6188 and Thor's Helmet = NGC 2359).

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NGC 6165 = ESO 226-014 = Gum 52 = RCW 107 = Ced 135b

16 34 03 -48 09 12; Nor

Size 6'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this striking bi-polar nebula was quite impressive at 200x and UHC filter.  The two bright loops or arcs are symmetrically placed along the rim, 2.6' NW and 3' SE of center with the southeast arc brighter.  The interior of the rim is filled with a fainter glow and the entire object forms a slightly elongated, 6.2'x5.2' oval.  The nebula is dominated by the mag 6.8 central star (HD 148937).  Mag 9 HD 148988 lies 3' NE of center.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this bipolar emission nebula was a startling sight at 171x and UHC filter!  A bright illuminating star (HD 148937 at V = 6.8) is surrounded by two lobes or loops to the northwest (NGC 6164) and southeast (NGC 6165).  Both loops contain brighter arcs symmetrically placed at the opposite ends.  This is a large object, ~6' diameter, with the southeast knot a bit brighter.  A mag 9 star is 3' NE, outside the nebulosity.  Located near the midpoint of mag 4.5 Epsilon Normae 1.3” NW and NGC 6188/6193 a similar distance SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6165 = h3634 on 1 Jul 1834, along with NGC 6164, and recorded "F; S; lE; vglbM; 35"; certain; follows a double star."  His position corresponds with the bright arc on the southeast end.  Harold Corwin notes the central star is not double on the DSS.

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NGC 6166 = UGC 10409 = VV 364 = MCG +07-34-060 = CGCG 224-039 = 3C 338 = Holm 751a = PGC 58265

16 28 38.4 +39 33 05; Her

V = 11.8;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 35”

 

18" (7/13/07): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, clumpy with a brighter core.  The major axis is collinear with mag 14 star 2.7' NE.  This cD galaxy is surrounded by a swarm of very small, faint galaxies and 10 companions were viewed from Lassen within a 9' circle!

 

17.5" (8/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, broad concentration.  Brightest and largest of seven galaxies in AGC 2199 within a 5' circle!  The following close companions were viewed: NGC 6166A = MCG +07-34-050 2.3' SW, NGC 6166B = MCG +07-34-076  2.9' E, NGC 6166C = MCG +07-34-048 3.1' NW, NGC 6166D = MCG +07-34-056 2.0' S, MCG +07-34-064 4.8' SSE and an anonymous galaxy just off the south edge of NGC 6166.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.  Brightest and largest in A2199.  Several faint companions are near.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6166 = H II-875 = h1961 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "pB, S, lE, vgmbM."  His position is poor - roughly 20 seconds of RA too far west and 3' too far north.  JH made the single observation "F; S; R." and measured an accurate position.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for a discussion of the close companions and the letter designations.

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NGC 6167 = ESO 226-16 = Cr 305 = Harvard 11

16 34 35 -49 46 18; Nor

V = 6.7;  Size 8'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): this bright cluster contains roughly 150 stars in a 10' region.  The brightest mag 7.4 star (HD 14919) is on the west edge of the cluster and the richest region is just following this star.  At the east edge of this rich group is a nice double star. Several curving strings and sprays of stars crisscross the cluster.  NGC 6164/6165 lies 1.7” north.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about 50 stars within a 10' diameter at 63x.  Bright, fairly large, rich and pretty with both bright and faint stars.  Includes many faint stars over unresolved haze.  Includes curved arcs of stars and a nice string of stars to the south.  The brightest mag 7.4 star is at the west side.  Located on the Norma-Ara border.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6167 = D 400 = h3635 on 26 Jun 1826 with his 9-inch reflector from Parramatta, New South Wales.  He recorded "a pretty large faint nebula, about 6' diameter, easily resolvable, round figure, with two rows of small stars following."  His position is 13' northeast of center of the cluster.  Apparently D 401 is a duplicate observation: "A very faint cluster of small stars, with a branch extended; the head of the cluster is rich in small stars."  His position for D 401 is 16.5' east-southeast of the cluster and he notes 3 observations.  JH recorded "a large irregular cluster of loose stars 11..14th magnitude which fills field; place that of an 8th magnitude star in the preceding part."

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NGC 6168 = UGC 10434 = MCG +03-42-016 = CGCG 109-028 = PGC 58423

16 31 21.4 +20 11 06; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 1.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 111”

 

17.5": very faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 14.5 star is attached at the east end 39" from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6168 = Sw. I-46 on 21 May 1884 and recorded "eeF; vE; F * at p[receding] end; v diff." There is nothing at his position, and CGCG 109-025, 4' north-northwest of Swift's position, is small and round.  When Howe observed the field in 1899-00, he remarked "The "F * at p end" I did not see."  His position, though, matches CGCG 109-025.

 

A more likely candidate, though, is UGC 10434, which is 80 seconds of RA east of Swift's position.  This galaxy fits the comment "vE" and has a star at its end, but on the following side.  Neither UGC (10434), MCG (+03-42-016) or CGCG (109-028) label this galaxy as NGC 6168, though it is taken as NGC 6168 in the RNGC.

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NGC 6169 = Cr 306 = ESO 276-005 = Mu Normae Cluster

16 34 05 -44 02 42; Nor

Size 7'

 

18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 139x and 236x): at low power a number of scattered stars surround mag 4.9 Mu Normae, but these are not eye-catching or cluster-like as the star density is high in this area, especially to the north and west.  At 236x, a number of very faint stars surround Mu itself, particularly in a wreath-like shape on the north side and a east-west trending chain of mag 12-13.5 stars about 5' south.  A nice triangle of mag 12 stars (sides ~1') lies 4' S of Mu.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6169 = h3636 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "Cluster; place of a * Mu Normae in it."

 

The 1973 study by Vogt and Moffat "Southern Open Star Clusters III." (1973A&AS...10..135M) states "According to the Catalogue of Star Clusters and Associations this cluster has a diameter of 7' and is centered on the bright super-giant mu Nor. However, there is no obvious clustering here. To check this, three stars close to mu Nor were observed which show no genetic relation to one another or to mu Nor."  A 2011 study ("A Catalog of 120 NGC Open Star Clusters") also found no CMD could be determined, so this group is an asterism.

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NGC 6170 = NGC 6176 = MCG +10-23-076 = CGCG 298-038 = PGC 58188

16 27 36.4 +59 33 45; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 90”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6176.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6170 = Sw. IV-35 on 9 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; in vacancy; many pB stars south; e diff."  His position is 39 seconds of RA west of CGCG 298-038 = PGC 58188 and his description is a perfect match.  Swift found this galaxy again less than 3 months later and published it in list V-70 = NGC 6176, with a very similar description.

 

Jack Sulentic, in the RNGC, equated NGC 6170 = NGC 6176 and Harold Corwin concurs.  By prior discovery, this galaxy should be identified as NGC 6170, but it is known as NGC 6176 because of the accurate position.

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NGC 6171 = M107

16 32 31.9 -13 03 13; Oph

V = 8.1;  Size 13';  Surf Br = 1.0

 

18" (7/26/06): beautifully resolved at 325x and framed by three mag 11.5-12.5 stars to the east, west and south.  In the halo, roughly 35-40 stars were resolved and in addition the bright 1.5' core was partially resolved into a large number of densely packed stars.  The cluster extends roughly to 6'x4.5', reaching the bright stars off the east and west side and elongated E-W at least 4:3.

 

17.5" (7/10/99): this bright globular was well resolved at 220x, with a ~5'x3' halo elongated in an E-W orientation although the sharply defined core is circular and ~2' in diameter.  Enclosing the globular on the west, east and south sides are brighter mag 11.5-12.5 stars.  Roughly 30 stars are scattered throughout the outer halo at 280x and a couple of dozen densely packed stars overlay the core of the globular in steady moments.

 

13" (6/19/82): bright core with several faint stars resolved in the halo and a few stars resolved at the edge of the core.

 

8": bright core, fainter halo, mottled.  A few stars are visible at the northwest edge.

 

15x50 IS binoculars: faint but not difficult.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M107 = NGC 6171 = H VI-40 = h3637 in April 1782.  It was discovered after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication but was included in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch and published in the 1786 Jarbuch volume.  Mechain wrote "In April 1782 I discovered a small nebula in the left flank of Ophiuchus between the stars Zeta and Phi, the position of which I have not yet observed any closer."  This was the last of Mechain's discoveries.

 

William Herschel rediscovered the globular on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and called it "a very beautiful extremely compressed cluster of stars, extremely rich, R, about 5 or 6' dia, gradually more compressed toward the center."  It was found again by Karl Harding around 1823 and reported as new.  John Herschel, observing from the Cape of Good Hope on 5 Jun 1836, recorded "Globular; v rich; gpmbM; diam in RA = 20.0s; that of the most compressed part 4.5s; stars well separated."

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NGC 6172 = IC 1213 = UGC 10352 = MCG +00-42-003 = CGCG 024-009 = PGC 57937

16 22 10.2 -01 30 54; Oph

V = 12.8;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/24/95): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Moderate concentration with a very small bright core which stands out well surrounded by a small halo.  Preceded by three mag 13 and 14 stars within 3'.  Located 9' NW of a mag 10 star and 11' NE of a similar star. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC.  Identified as IC 1213 in UGC, MCG.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6172 = St XIII-86 on 21 Jun 1884.  Due to a misprint in Stephan's list XIII, the RA is 10 tmin too large.  The position for his comparison star (SAO 141069) is 16 16 19.5 -01 38 55 (2000) and once this correction is applied the recomputed coordinates for NGC 6172 matches UGC 10352.  The error was caught and corrected by Esmiol in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's position.  Esmiol dropped NGC 6172 from the list and added an anonymous nebula at the position of UGC 10352.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 19 Apr 1890, and reported Sw. IX-61 (later IC 1213) as "F; vS; R."  His RA is 9 seconds too small.  So, NGC 6172 = IC 1213 with priority to Stephan's observation.  Because of the erroneous position for NGC 6172, the RNGC misclassifies NGC 6172 as nonexistent and UGC 10352 is labeled as IC 1213, instead of NGC 7172, in UGC, MCG and CGCG. RC3 has the correct identification.

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NGC 6173 = UGC 10421 = MCG +07-34-083 = CGCG 224-049 = PGC 58348

16 29 45.0 +40 48 40; Her

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

18" (7/29/08): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.45', contains a large bright core that gradually increases to the center.  Nearby companions included PGC 58358 1.6' NE and NGC 6174 3.7' N.  Mag 7.9 HD 149025 lies 8.5' SE.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): moderately bright, moderately large, strong bright core, oval NW-SE.  One of the brightest and largest members of AGC 2197.  NGC 6174 lies 3.5' N and NGC 6175 11.3' SSE.  Located 8.5' NW of mag 7.9 SAO 46127.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large, brighter core, slightly elongated.  A mag 8 star is 9' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6173 = H III-640 = h1962 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6174 = MCG +07-34-085 = IV Zw 63 = PGC 58351+ 58350

16 29 47.7 +40 52 19; Her

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

18" (7/29/08): faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter.  Appears to have an extremely faint star involved.  This is a double system (IV Zw 63) with a nearly stellar companion on the northwest side, and the "star" I noted is a compact galaxy (PGC 58350).

 

CGCG 224-047 = PGC 58334 lies 4.5' W.  This galaxy was also discovered and sketched in the Birr Castle observation and Harold Corwin favors it as NGC 6174.  CGCG 224-047 appeared faint, small, round, 25" diameter, even surface brightness.  MCG +07-34-081 = PGC 58321 lies 2.5' further southwest and appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): very faint, small, slightly elongated, requires averted vision.  Located 3.5' N of NGC 6173 in AGC 2197.  This is a double system (unresolved).

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's observing assistant, discovered two new nebulae in the field of NGC 6173, on 26 May 1849.  The 1861 LdR publication mentions "another near" in the entry for NGC 6160, 6173 and 6175.  But the 1880 LdR monograph includes a diagram and states, "3 new neb as in diagram, double star suspected in Alpha, Beta faint, Gamma pL & eeF."  The three nebulae shown in the diagram are not labeled, but assuming the arrowed direction is west, the configuration fits NGC 6173 (Gamma), the double system IV Zw 63 = PGC 58350 + 58351 (Alpha, shown with two nuclei on the sketch!) to the north, and CGCG 224-047 = PGC 58334 (Beta) due west of the double system.  The separations indicated on the sketch are too large -- IV Zw 63 is marked 6' north (actual separation is just under 4') and CGCG 224-047 is marked 8' to its west (actual separation is 4.5').  Two years later (30 May 1851) Bindon Stoney confirmed "Alpha is a double neb, Gamma is vF."  Dreyer added the comment "diagram agreeing with the one made in 1849."

 

John Herschel only included a single LdR nova in the GC based on the note in 1861 publication.  In the NGC, Dreyer added a note to NGC 6174, "Second of 3, forming a rectangular triangle, the 2 others being assumed to be h1962 [NGC 6173] and h1963 [NGC 6175], but the identity of the group is doubtful."  RNGC and PGC identify the double system IV Zw 63 = PGC 58350 + 58351 as NGC 6174 (as here).  Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke favor CGCG 224-047 = PGC 58334, as Dreyer didn't mention NGC 6174 was double.  Both assignments, though, are reasonable.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 6175 = UGC 10422 = MCG +07-34-087 = CGCG 224-050 = PGC 58362

16 29 57.6 +40 37 50; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

24" (7/10/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 E-W, 0.6'x0.4', slightly brighter core.  A mag 15.8 star is just off the west edge.  LEDA 200339, an overlapping companion, appeared as a slightly brighter "bulge" or "knot" at the south edge. A mag 13.1 star lies 1.4' ESE and a mag 14.3 star is 1.5' SW.

 

A number of members of AGC 2197 are nearby including MCG +07-34-092 4' NE, CGCG 224-52 5.4' NE, CGCG 224-51 4' ESE, UGC 10417 4.7' NW.

 

18" (7/30/08): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 30"x20".  The very small brighter core appears offset from the center. A very faint star is just off the WNW edge with a brighter mag 13 star 1.4' ESE.  Located 8' SW of mag 7.9 HD 149025.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, elongated ~E-W, fairly small, brighter core.  Bracketed by a mag 15 star at the west edge and a mag 13 star 1.5' E of center.  Located 11.3' SSE of NGC 6173 in AGC 2197.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): faint, diffuse.  A star is off the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6175 = H III-641 = h1963 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6176 = NGC 6170 = MCG +10-23-076 = CGCG 298-038 = PGC 58188

16 27 36.4 +59 33 45; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core, stellar nucleus.  Located 30' WSW of NGC 6176.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6176 = Sw. V-70 on 1 Oct 1886 and recorded "eF; eS; e diff.; in vacancy; 2 others and Comet 1884 I near."  His position is a good match with CGCG 298-038 = PGC 58188 (7 seconds east).  Perhaps one of the "2 others" nearby is NGC 6189.  Swift discovered CGCG 298-038 just 3 months earlier and published it in list IV-35 = NGC 6170.  His earlier position, though, was 39 seconds too far west and apparently he didn't catch the equivalence.  So, NGC 6176 = NGC 6170.  There are several cases where Swift "discovered" a galaxy twice and sometimes published both positions in the same list.

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NGC 6177 = UGC 10428 = MCG +06-36-049 = CGCG 196-072 = PGC 58390

16 30 39.0 +35 03 22; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, bright core.  A mag 12 is 1.1' NE of center.  Pair with NGC 6179 3.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6177 = H III-890 = h1964 on 28 May 1791 (sweep 409) and recorded "vF; pL; lE; lbM."  JH logged "F; irr fig; r; 2 or 3 of its stars seen, also on 13m 30" distance nf.  RA reduction fluctuating and uncertain in this sweep."  Nevertheless, his mean position from two sweeps is accurate.  Nearby NGC 6179 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 6178 = Cr 308 = ESO 276-006

16 35 47 -45 38 36; Sco

V = 7.2;  Size 4'

 

17.5" (7/4/86): about 15 stars in a triangular outline with mag 8 SAO 226939 at the NW vertex and similar star (SAO 226941) at the south vertex.  A 10th magnitude star marks the NE vertex.  Fainter stars mag 10-14 are inside the triangle.  Appears fairly distinctive in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6178 = h3638 on 27 Jul 1834 and noted "middle of a small group of pB stars."  On a later sweep (20 Apr 1836) he recorded "Chief * 9m of a small, bright clustering group of from 12 to 20 pL stars, with stragglers."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6179 = CGCG 196-073 = PGC 58401

16 30 47.0 +35 06 08; Her

V = 15.0;  Size 0.35'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (7/1/89): extremely faint and small, stellar nucleus, very small halo with averted.  Located 3.2' NE of NGC 6177.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 6179 on 19 Apr 1855.  While observing NGC 6177, he noted "another neb 4' nf, vF, S, has a nucl."

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NGC 6180 = MCG +07-34-095 = CGCG 224-058 = PGC 58386

16 30 34.0 +40 32 21; Her

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 9”

 

18" (7/30/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 30"x22", gradually increases to a very small bright core and faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close 1.7' pair with MCG +07-34-097 to the southeast.

 

MCG +07-34-097 appeared very faint, very small, round, 20", low even surface brightness.  Forms a close 1.7' pair to the SE of brighter NGC 6180.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A pair of mag 11/12 stars oriented E-W are 2.5' WSW and 3.7' WSW, respectively.  Located on the east side of the core of AGC 2197.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus. Two stars preceding.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6180 = St VII-8, along with NGC 6184, on 23 Jun 1876.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6181 = UGC 10439 = MCG +03-42-020 = CGCG 109-031 = PGC 58470

16 32 21.2 +19 49 32; Her

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 175”

 

17.5": fairly bright, moderately large, elongated N-S, gradually increases to a small bright core, mottled appearance, brighter along the major axis.  There is a hint of arm structure at the north and south ends.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, elongated N-S, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6181 = H II-753 on 28 Apr 1788 (sweep 835) and recorded "pF, pS, mbM, vlE."  There is nothing at his position but 40 sec of RA west and 3' north is UGC 10439 (only fairly bright galaxy around).  A second observation on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1007) is accurate.

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NGC 6182 = UGC 10424 = MCG +09-27-048 = CGCG 276-024 = PGC 58338

16 29 34.2 +55 31 03; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, fairly small, small bright core, thin fainter extensions NW-SE.  Located 3.0' SE of mag 9 SAO 29964.  Forms a pair with CGCG 276-023 2.1' SSW.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, brighter core, visible continuously with averted at 222x.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, small bright core, elongated NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6182 = H III-813 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and logged "vF, vS, iR."  His position (CH's reduction) is 25 sec of time following UGC 10424, the only nearby galaxy he might have picked up.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 19 Jul 1884.

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NGC 6183 = ESO 069-008 = PGC 58785

16 41 41.9 -69 22 21; TrA

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 36”

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 230x): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', contains a small brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 1.3' SSW of center and mag 8.5 HD 149556 is 3.8' SW.   Located 42' SW of mag 1.9 Alpha TrA (Atria).

 

ESO 069-009 lies 38' NE, just 7' SSW of orange-tinged Atria. It was a challenging object due to the glare of the bright star, but appeared faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 0.9'x0.7', low surface brightness, weak concentration.  The best view was at 230x with Atria kept outside of the field.  A mag 8.5 star is 5' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6183 = h3639 on 25 Apr 1835 and noted "vF; eS; R; gbM; 10"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 6184 = MCG +07-34-109 = CGCG 224-070 = PGC 58432

16 31 34.5 +40 33 56; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 128”

 

18" (7/30/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 27"x20", very weak concentration.  Located on the SE end of AGC 2197 and 11' ENE of NGC 6180.

 

17.5" (5/23/87): faint, small, round.  Located 11.6' E of NGC 6180 in AGC 2197.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6184 = St VII-9, along with NGC 6180, on 23 Jun 1876.  His positions for both galaxies are accurate.

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NGC 6185 = UGC 10444 = MCG +06-36-052 = CGCG 196-077 = PGC 58493

16 33 17.8 +35 20 32; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 45" N of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6185 = h1965 on 27 Apr 1827 and recorded "F; S; R; gbM; has a * 11m 75” np (by diagram)."  His position is just off the east side of UGC 10444, though the nearby star is due north.

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NGC 6186 = UGC 10448 = MCG +04-39-015 = CGCG 138-038 = PGC 58523

16 34 25.5 +21 32 26; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, small bright core, substellar nucleus, faint extensions SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6186 = H III-730 on 28 Apr 1788 (sweep 835) and recorded "eF, vS, E."  His position is good.  11 minutes later he noted the "moon very bright" and ended the short sweep.

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NGC 6187 = MCG +10-23-079 = CGCG 298-042 = PGC 58429

16 31 36.6 +57 42 24; Dra

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (6/20/87): faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 3.4' S of a mag 8 star and 8.2' SSE of mag 7.7 SAO 29975.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, slightly brighter core.  Located 3' S of a mag 8 star.

 

Charles Augustus Young discovered NGC 6187 on 5 Oct 1883 with the 23" Clark refractor at Halsted Observatory while observing Comet Pons-Brooks.  He called it a "minute nebula" that was "very faint, slightly brighter in the middle" and his discovery position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol II, page 252 matches CGCG 298-042 = PGC 58429.

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NGC 6188 = ESO 226-019 = RCW 108 = Gum 53 = Ced 136a

16 40 06 -48 39 42; Ara

Size 20'x12'

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): With the 27mm Panoptic at 76x and UHC filter, this is an amazing region of bright and dark nebulosity involving open cluster NGC 6193 and extending throughout the entire 51' field in a N-S orientation. The bright nebulosity is split into two large sections by a dark lane that runs N-S.  The eastern portion is the most prominent and includes the scattered cluster NGC 6193 and its three brighter stars (5.6/6.8/7).  On the southern end of this section the nebulosity tapers down towards the SW corner, 15' to 20' from the core of the cluster.  The western rim of the nebula is sharply defined with a locally brighter, crisp edge delineated by the dark river that meanders N-S throughout the field.  The eastern and northern ends fade into the rich Milky Way background field.

 

A nearly perfect ellipse of moderately bright stars is just SW of the main body of the cluster and beyond the edge of nebulosity into the rift.  The center of this ring is within the highest contrast portion of the dark rift, although the eastern side of the ring intersects the bright edge.  This 15'x10' loop of stars spans the two sections of nebulosity.

 

The western portion of the nebulosity extends mostly NW of the elliptical ring and is clearly fainter.  The highest contrast is along its eastern rim and runs N-S, roughly parallel to its brighter counterpart on the east side of the rift.  The nebulosity fades towards the north and west with no well-defined edge but again is quite extensive.  The catalogued dimensions of 20'x12' are too small and covers only the brightest portion of this much more extension HII/dark nebula complex.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very large faint nebulosity which envelops open cluster NGC 6193, about 20' diameter.  Extends roughly E-W through the cluster but also a very long brighter streak oriented N-S extends mainly to the south on the west side of cluster.  This streak is well defined with an abrupt edge but there is no contrast gain with a UHC filter.

 

8" (7/16/82): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness glow on the west side of open cluster NGC 6193.  This object is very low on the horizon from Northern California (less than 3 degrees max elevation).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6188 = h3640 on 15 Apr 1836 and recorded "The brightest part of a vL, faint, diffused, branching nebula, which involves in it nf part the star Brisbane 5789, and extends into the cluster D 413 [NGC 6193], which it in part surrounds. No doubt about the nebula, which in the brightest part of it precedes the cluster about 1 min of time. The following stars behind the double star, and quite free of nebula. I presume the neb and cluster to be unconnected."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA and nearest minute of dec) was poor; it lands to the southwest of the nebulosity, about 22' SW of NGC 6193, although he states the "brightest part of precedes the cluster about 1 min of time."

 

Despite many attempts, Joseph Turner (on 2 Jun 1877 and 16 Oct 1878)  and Robert Ellery were unable to find this nebula with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  This might be due to Herschel's poor position or the GMT's field of view was too small at the lowest power of 234x with a 14' field.

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NGC 6189 = NGC 6191? = UGC 10442 = MCG +10-23-081 = CGCG 298-043 = CGCG 299-003 = PGC 58440

16 31 40.9 +59 37 35; Dra

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (6/20/87): moderately bright, moderately large, oval SSW-NNE, the halo is weakly concentrated but has a sharp stellar nucleus or star is superimposed [a star is superimposed close SSE of center].

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6189 = Sw. II-41 on 3 Aug 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; v coarse double star nr, forming with it an equilateral triangle."  His position and description matches UGC 10442.  It's possible that Swift found this galaxy again on 6 Jul 1886 and recorded it in discovery list IV-36 = NGC 6191, but with a 50' error in declination.  Swift mentioned two stars preceding, but the "v coarse double star nr" is following, so this equivalence is not certain. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1895, though he apparently mistook the superimposed star for the nucleus.

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NGC 6190 = UGC 10443 = MCG +10-23-082 = CGCG 298-044 = CGCG 299-004 = PGC 58458

16 32 06.6 +58 26 20; Dra

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6190 = Sw. II-42 on 30 Oct 1883 and recorded "vF; pS; R; F * nr."  His position is at the west edge of UGC 10443 and a mag 14 star is 1' northeast.

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NGC 6191 = NGC 6189? = UGC 10442 = MCG +10-23-081 = CGCG 298-043 = CGCG 299-003 = PGC 58440

16 31 40.9 +59 37 35; Dra

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6189.  Identification uncertain.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6191 = Sw. IV-36 on 6 Jul 1886 and recorded "pF; pL; E; 2 stars near preceding." There is nothing near his position.  If Swift made a 50' error in declination, then NGC 6191 is a second discovery of NGC 6189, though the two stars near this galaxy are east, not west.  Swift discovered this galaxy on 3 Aug 1885 and catalogued it in his second discovery list (#41).  As expected, Bigourdan was unable to find NGC 6191 at Swift's position.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  So, possibly NGC 6191 = NGC 6189, with much uncertainty.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for additional candidates.

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NGC 6192 = Cr 309 = Mel 149

16 40 24 -43 22 00; Sco

Size 8'

 

8" (6/19/82): 20 faint stars mag 11-12.5 over unresolved haze, small, fairly rich with averted.  Easy to identify in the field, though very far south for viewing from Northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6192 = D 483 = h3641 on 13 May 1826 and recorded "a cluster of very minute stars, of a round figure, about 4' diameter, following v Normae."  He made 3 observations and his position is less than 4' north of center of the cluster.  D 470 is probably a duplicate observation but his position is 19' too far east.

 

On 1 Jun 1834, JH logged "Cluster VII, pretty rich, irr R, gbM, 10', stars 12..14th mag, a straggling group."  Two nights later, he called it "a coarse but rich cluster of stars 11.12th mag, which leaves dark lines unoccupied, forming sections (see fig 4, Plate V)."  The central section in his sketch shows 4 circular wedges separated by dark lanes.

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NGC 6193 = Cr 310 = ESO 226-020 = Gum 53 = Ced 136b

16 41 20 -48 45 48; Ara

V = 5.2;  Size 15'

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 117x, ~75 stars were visible in a 15' field surrounding the ionizing source HJ 4876, a bright 10" double consisting of mag 5.6 O3-type HD 150136 and mag 6.8 O6-type HD 150135.  I also saw a couple of very faint mag 15 companions to the bright double.  In addition, a 7th mag star (HD 150041) is on the west side of the cluster.  These three bright stars are encased in nebulous halos that respond to a UHC filter (indicating emission).  The cluster itself is scattered with no central concentration and includes a mixture of mostly bright and some very faint stars.  A perfect ellipse of moderately bright stars is just southwest of the main portion of the cluster.  Interestingly, the center of this ring is mostly free of the nebulosity (RCW 108) that permeates the field (see NGC 6188 for description) .  The RCW 108 complex is in the Ara OB1 association, one of the youngest and closest star-forming regions.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): 45 stars in a 15' diameter at 63x.  Includes a bright mag 5.6/6.8 double star  at 10" separation and mag 7 SAO 227038 6' W.  A circular group of seven fairly bright stars is just east of the double star with a fainter curved string of stars in the center.  There are several brighter stragglers on the east side.  The cluster is generally spread out with no rich regions.  Extensive nebulosity is involved (see NGC 6188).

 

8" (7/17/82): three bright stars including h4876 (6.0/7.0 at 10").  Many faint stars are visible with averted vision.  Includes emission/reflection nebula NGC 6188.  This star-forming region is extremely far south for viewing from the Sierra foothills (only 2.5” above the horizon)!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6193 = D 413 = h3640 with his 9-inch f/12 reflector from Parramatta, New South Wales.  He reported "A cluster of small stars, with a bright star in the preceding side. A very considerable branch or tail proceeds from the north side, which joins a very large cluster."  He did not mention any nebulosity.

 

On 15 Apr 1836, John Herschel described a "cluster VIII; consists of about a dozen stars 10..11m, and perhaps as many less, with stragglers, which fill field. In its preceding part is a fine double star [HJ 4876] and yet more preceding is a vL, faint nebula [NGC 6188], in which the preceding part of the cl is involved."

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NGC 6194 = MCG +06-36-054 = CGCG 196-082 = PGC 58598

16 36 37.1 +36 12 01; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

18" (6/7/08): fairly faint, small, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core surrounded by a 24" halo with averted.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Member of the NGC 6196 group with UGC 10473 13' NNE.  Located 10' N of mag 7 SAO 65430.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): faint, extremely small, visible without averted.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): faint, very small, requires averted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6194 = h1967 on 27 Apr 1827 and recorded "vF; vS; smbM to a * 12m; 12"."  There is nothing at his single position, but 44 sec of RA west is CGCG 196-082 = PGC 58598.  Herman Schultz measured an accurate micrometric position at the Uppsala observatory.

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NGC 6195 = UGC 10469 = MCG +07-34-118 = CGCG 224-075 = PGC 58596

16 36 32.6 +39 01 41; Her

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located midway between a mag 12 star 1.0' WSW and a mag 13 star 1.1' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6195 = H III-893 = h1966 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "eF, vS, iF.   300 confirmed it with some difficulty, but left no doubt."  His position is good. JH made 3 observations, first logging "vF; S; between 2 stars."

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NGC 6196 = IC 4615 = UGC 10482 = MCG +06-36-058 = CGCG 196-088 = PGC 58644

16 37 53.9 +36 04 22; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 140”

 

18" (6/7/08): middle and brightest of three on a line.  At 260x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a bright, 20" core that increases to a stellar nucleus with direct vision and a 35"x25" halo.  IC 4614 lies 3' NNW and NGC 6197 is 5' SSE.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): brightest in the NGC 6196 group.  Fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.  A pair of mag 15 stars are 1.3' S and 1.3' SSE.  NGC 6196 is the middle of a linear trio with IC 4614 3.0' NNW and NGC 6197 = IC 4616 4.8' SSE.  An extremely faint galaxy (2MASX J16374842+3603393) lies 1.3' SW.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, bright core.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Brightest in group located 45' W and 24' S of M13!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6196 = m 311, along with NGC 6197 and 6199, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vs, stellar."  There is nothing at his position,  but 39 seconds of RA east and 1.6' south is UGC 10482.  The same offset applies to NGC 6197 = CGCG 196-089.  Because of Marth's poor position, Bigourdan found NGC 6196 again on 28 Aug 1886, reported it as new (B. 325) and Dreyer catalogued it as IC 4615.  So, NGC 6196 = IC 4615. 

 

MCG and CGCG label this galaxy as IC 4615 and UGC does not use either the NGC or IC designation.  See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this field.

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NGC 6197 = IC 4616 = MCG +06-36-059 = CGCG 196-089 = PGC 58655

16 37 59.8 +35 59 43; Her

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 38”

 

18" (6/7/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 20"x14".  Located 5' SSE of NGC 6196 and second brightest in chain of three galaxies.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): faint, very small, almost round.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' SE.  This is the second brightest and furthest south in a trio with NGC 6196 4.8' NNW and IC 4614 7.6' NNW.  This galaxy is identified as IC 4616 in the CGCG and MCG and RNGC misidentifies NGC 6197 with an extremely faint companion a 1.3' SW of NGC 6196.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): very faint, very small, near visual threshold.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6197 = m 312, along with NGC 6196 and 6199, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, E, stellar."  There is nothing at his position, but 39 sec of RA east and 1.4' south is CGCG 196-089 = PGC 58655.  This is the same offset as NGC 6196 = UGC 10482, so the identification is certain.  Because of Marth's poor position, Bigourdan found NGC 6197 again on 28 Aug 1886, reported it as new (B. 426) and Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 4616.  So, NGC 6197 = IC 4616. 

 

CGCG, MCG and UGC label this galaxy as IC 4616, though NGC 6197 technically should apply by historical precedence.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 214518 as NGC 6197.  This extremely compact galaxy is situated 1.3' southwest of NGC 6196.  Also, the data listed under RNGC 6199 applies to NGC 6197.  See my RNGC Corrections #1, Malcolm Thomson's article in WSQJ July 1982, and Harold Corwin's identification notes under NGC 6196.

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NGC 6198 = UGC 10467 = MCG +10-24-003 = CGCG 299-007 = PGC 58554

16 35 30.6 +57 29 12; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (6/20/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo.  Located 16' S of mag 7.4 SAO 30011.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6198 = Sw. IV-37 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "vF; vS; R; forms right angle with 2 stars following."  His position is 12 second east and 1' north of UGC 10467 = PGC 58554 and his description applies to this galaxy.

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NGC 6199

16 39 29.0 +36 03 32; Her

 

= *, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC. (R)NGC 6199 = NGC 6197.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6199 = m 313, along with NGC 6196 and 6197, on 9 Jul 1864 and simply noted "eF".  Marth's positions for both NGC 6196 and NGC 6197 are off by 39 seconds in RA and 1.5' in declination.  Assuming NGC 6199 suffers from the same systematic error, his recomputed position falls very close to a wide pair of mag 12.5 and 15.5 stars. Harold Corwin suggests the fainter star applies to NGC 6199, though this is not certain.

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 6197 as NGC 6199 and then reassigns NGC 6197 to PGC 214518, located 1.3' southwest of NGC 6196.  See Malcolm Thomson's article on the identifications here in Webb Society Quarterly Journal, July 1982 and in my RNGC Corrections #1.

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NGC 6200 = Cr 311 = ESO 277-008

16 44 07 -47 27 48; Ara

V = 7.4;  Size 12'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 110x this large, rich open cluster resolves into roughly 200 stars, extending over one-half the 22mm Panoptic field (~20'x15').  A very close triple star is near the center (one component fainter) and a wider pair lies 3.5' NE.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 80x perhaps 150 stars were visible in a roughly 20' cluster (the catalogued dimension of 12' appears significantly too small).  Includes roughly 30 brighter mag 9.5-11.5 stars over a rich background of mag 12-14 stars.  No distinct boundary to the cluster.  A mag 7 star is off the SE side.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about 75 stars in a 20' diameter at 63x.  Bright, large, rich, many stars mag 9-11 over a carpet of faint stars.  Mag 7.1 SAO 227144 is off the SE edge 13' from the center of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6200 = h3643 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "a great space full of milky way stars, so thickly sown as to merit being called a cluster."  His position and description matches this large cluster.

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NGC 6201 = CGCG 138-053 = PGC 58727

16 40 14.4 +23 45 55; Her

V = 14.7;  Size 0.35'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

17.5": extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NE edge 26" from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6203 about 3' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6201 = m 314, along with NGC 6203, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position matches CGCG 138-053 = PGC 58727.

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NGC 6202 = NGC 6226?

16 36 12 +61 57; Dra

 

= Not found, RNGC.  =NGC 6226?, Corwin

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6202 = Sw. IV-38 on 9 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF, pS, * nr following".  There are no candidates near his position and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (not found by Sulentic).

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6202 may be a duplicate of NGC 6226 as this galaxy has a mag 11.5 star 2' east and the declination is within a couple of arc minutes. But this implies his RA was 7 minutes too small, perhaps a typo or copyilng error.  I've left this number as lost.

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NGC 6203 = MCG +04-39-019 = CGCG 138-055 = PGC 58729

16 40 27.4 +23 46 29; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5": very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is just 27" NNE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6201 about 3' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6203 = m 315, along with NGC 6201, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is fairly accurate.  Bigourdan measured a very accurate micrometric position on 14 May 1887.

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NGC 6204 = Cr 312 = ESO 277-010 = OCl 982 = vdB-Ha 196 = Lund 723

16 46 09 -47 01 00; Ara

V = 8.2;  Size 2.3'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): ~100 stars mag 10-14 in an 8' group.  A number of the stars are arranged in interesting chains and loops.  A north-south star chain on the east side leads to a knot of bright stars including mag 7.5 HD 150958 and a mag 8.5 star.  This detached group is catalogued as Hogg 22 and it may be a separate cluster.  Another long curving string of stars (extended N-S) is located in the NE edge of the cluster.  But the richest clustering is a 3' circular group including a nice trio of mag 13 stars with separations of ~10".

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this is a bright cluster with roughly 80 stars in a 7' circle.  Near the center is knot of four stars with additional very faint stars huddled around at 228x.  Many of the stars in the cluster are arranged in a few loops and chains.  Most of the brighter stars in the cluster are situated around the edges including a line of four stars at the east edge.  Four bright stars are off the SE side including mag 7.3 SAO 227189 (catalogued as Hogg 22).

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about 40 stars in 8' diameter at 63x.  Rich appearance over an unresolved haze.  A close triple star is in the center with four bright mag 8-9 stars in a tight group off the SE edge (this is a separate cluster Hogg 22).

 

8" (7/16/82): only a few faint stars are visible over unresolved haze but appears to be rich.  This is one of the southernmost clusters I've viewed from Northern California latitude.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6204 = D 442 = h3644 on 13 May 1826 and recorded "seven or eight small stars in a group, about 1' diameter, with a minute line of stars on the north side."  His position is 15' too far northeast, typical of his rough positions.

 

John Herschel first recorded NGC 6204 on 1 Jul 1834 as a "cluster moderately compressed class VIII; stars 11.12th mag; S.f. is a brilliant knot of stars, one of which is 8th mag, and the others 9th magnitude."  On a later sweep he noted a "singular shaped cluster, irregularly round, compressed VII class, set as it were in a nearly rectangular frame of stars detached from cluster."  He included a sketch of the unusual star chains in Plate V, figure 6 and the "brilliant knot of stars" south following is Hogg 22.

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NGC 6205 = M13 = Hercules Cluster

16 41 41.6 +36 27 27; Her

V = 5.8;  Size 16.6';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

17.5" (7/9/94): several hundred stars in a 10'-12' diameter with a bright central core of 6' diameter.  Many stars are arranged in strings and loops including a distinctive streamer attached on the SE side which heads south and curves west forming a semicircle and another string is attached on the west side of the core and precedes the cluster.  Several chains of stars are also resolved over the 6' core.  Running along the north edge of the core is a starless strip or a long dark lane which separates the central region from the northern outer halo members.  A dark "lane" protrudes into the core on the SE side - this is one of three dark lanes that converge forming a "Y" and referred to as the "Propeller" (first described by Lord Rosse).  NGC 6207 lies 28' NE and extremely faint IC 4617 lies 14' NNE.  HD 150998, a mag 6.8 orange K2 star, lies 17' ENE of center.

 

8": very bright, very large, round, highly resolved into several hundred stars mag 11.5-13.5 over the entire disc.  Includes several star chains and streamers.

 

Naked-eye: fairly easy object in a dark sky, appearing as a dim bloated star.

 

Edmond Halley discovered M13 = NGC 6205 = h1968 in 1714 with a 24-foot (focal length) refractor.  He noted "This is but a little Patch, but it shews itself to the naked eye, when the sky is serene and the Moon absent."  Charles Messier independently found the cluster on 1 Jun 1764 and reported (first Messier catalogue), "I have discovered a nebula in the girdle of Hercules, of which I am sure it doesn't contain any star; having examined it with a Newtonian telescope of four feet and a half [FL], which magnified 60 times, it is round, beautiful & brilliant, the center brighter than the borders.."

 

M13 was probably the second deep-sky object that William Herschel observed (after the Orion Nebula) before starting his sweeps.  Using a 6-inch (7-ft focal length) on 22 Aug 1779 he noted M13 was "without stars".  On 16 May 1787 (sweep 739 with his 18.7-inch) he recorded, "a most beautiful cluster of stars, exceedingly compressed in the middle and very rich, the scattered stars which belong to it extend to 8 or 9' diam.  The most compressed part about 2' or 2 1/2'; the later is R.  The former more irregular."

 

William Parsons (LdR), in his 1850 monograph, noted "an unquestionable curvilinear sweep in the disposition of the exterior stars."  Bond later "confirmed" this spiral structure (seems a case of imagining spiral arrangements in deep sky objects, which was common at the time) in 1860.  Bindon Stoney sketch on 26 May 1851 (includied in the 1861 publication) clearly showed three dark "lanes"in a "Y" configuration.  The dark lanes, sometimes referred to as the "propeller" nowadays, were mentioned in numerous observations with the 72".  Mark Harrington, director of the Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor, made a study of the dark rifts for a month in 1887 with the 6" and 12.5" refractors.  Comparing Stoney's sketch with his observations and a drawing made with the aid of H.C. Markham, Harrington mistakenly concluded the rifts "have shifted their position slightly" since Stoney's drawing.

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NGC 6206 = IC 1227 = UGC 10506 = MCG +10-24-018 = CGCG 299-009 = PGC 58723

16 40 08.1 +58 37 02; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6206 = Sw. V-71 on 23 Oct 1886 and recorded "pF; eS; R; stellar; 3 vF stars near north point to it."  His position is 22 seconds west of UGC 10506, and his comment about the 3 stars clinches this identification.  Guillaume Bigourdan found the galaxy on 13 Aug 1888 while searching for NGC 6206 at Swift's position and reported it as new (Big. 210).  Dreyer recatalogued the galaxy as IC 1227, though Bigourdan later realized his object was equivalent to NGC 6206 (corrected in Comptes Rendus, 1 Jul 1901).  Dreyer repeated that NGC 6206 = IC 2227 in the IC 2 Notes. See Corwin's notes on IC 2227 for the full story.

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NGC 6207 = UGC 10521 = MCG +06-37-007 = CGCG 197-007 = PGC 58827

16 43 03.9 +36 49 57; Her

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 15”

 

24" (6/16/12): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  A blazing stellar nucleus is apparently a superimposed star.  The outer extensions clearly have an irregular surface brightness and an asymmetric appearance.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright stellar nucleus, possible asymmetric appearance.  Located 28' NE of M13.  The noted stellar nucleus is likely a superimposed 13th magnitude foreground star.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): moderately bright and large, elongated SSW-NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6207 = H II-701 = h1969 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 739) and recorded "pB, pS, E from sp to nf, vgmbM."

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NGC 6208 = Cr 313 = ESO 179-014

16 49 28 -53 43 42; Ara

V = 7.2;  Size 16'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): best at 76x with 27mm Panoptic.  Appeared as a 10' cloud of mostly fainter stars which blends into the surrounding field with many stars arranged in an elongated, curving shape.  Includes a mag 10 star on the south side, though the majority are 12-13th magnitude.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6208 = D 364 = h3646 on 28 Jul 1826 and recorded "A round, faint nebula, about 1' diameter, with three small stars in it; a bright star south of the nebula."  His position is 8' south-southwest of the center of the cluster.  On 8 Jul 1834 from the CGH, JH logged "A pretty insulated milky way cluster, class VII of large stars; 8' diameter; stars 9...12th magnitude."  On a second sweep he called it a "cluster class VII; rich; not much compressed in the middle; more than fills field; stars 11...14th mag but chiefly small."

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NGC 6209 = ESO 043-008 = AM 1649-723 = PGC 59252

16 54 57.7 -72 35 12; Aps

V = 11.8;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 10”

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE.  I noticed a faint star or knot at the south end.  A mag 11.5 star is located 4' and a couple of fainter stars are at the SW and SE ends.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6209 = h3645 on 28 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; vgvlbM; 2' dia; quite hopeless, except in the clearest and finest night, and with the mirror bright.".  The next night he confirmed the observation: "Found in the place, and viewed.  It is very visible, and PD is right per index." His position is accurate.

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NGC 6210 = PK 43+37.1 = PN G043.1+37.7 = ·5 = Turtle Nebula

16 44 29.4 +23 48 00; Her

V = 8.8;  Size 20"x13"

 

48" (5/5/16): at 488x; extremely bright, high surface brightness planetary, oval 5:4 WSW-ENE, somewhat rectangular main body.  The central star was continuously visible and situated slightly east of center.  A small darker region surrounds the central star.  On close inspection the main body has an irregular outline, is slightly brighter along the north side and bulges out on the southwest end.  A thin fainter "strip" or shell with a much lower surface brightness and a pinkish color encases the main body.  Two or three broad "jets" or wings (broadest at the base) extend out of the halo on the north and south ends (images show the central part is NNW and SSE) with the northern wing more obvious.  A third wing was sometimes visible on the west side.

 

24" (6/12/15): at 375x and 500x; slightly elongated oval disc E-W or WSW-ENE.  The very high surface brightness central region is encased in a small, but obvious lower surface brightness shell.  Extremely faint "wings" appear to extend to the north and south, though the northern extension is more definite.  These are roughly in the direction of the minor axis.

 

28" (7/8/13): viewed at 375x with an "inverse OIII" or central star filter, which dramatically dimmed this extremely high surface brightness green planetary.  Without the filter the central star was not seen at this magnification (the planetary had a strong green color), but with the filter the central star was easily visible!

 

18" (7/20/06): appears as a beautiful light blue cosmic egg at 225x with an extremely high surface brightness.  Appears slightly elongated ~E-W, ~25"x20" with a very faint thin outer envelope.  At 325x and 435x the faint outer halo is obvious, increasing the size ~35"x28" with the elongation possibly WSW-ENE.  Viewed in fairly poor seeing on 7/20 but on 7/22 in good seeing I was able to use as much as 807x.  With these better conditions the surface brightness was irregular and the faint outer shell fairly prominent.  The bright inner disc was oval but not symmetric.

 

17.5" (5/27/00): beautiful bluish oval at 220x, elongated 4:3 E-W, roughly 24"x18".  At 380x, there appears to be a very small fainter halo.  At 500x, the narrow outer envelope is more evident and is elongated in the direction of the major axis, increasing the size to ~30"x20".

 

17.5" (7/4/86): very bright, small blue oval 20"x15" with an unusually high surface brightness.  At 572x, a fainter outer envelope is suspected.  An evenly matched close double star ·2094 = 7.4/7.7 at 1.3" lies 17' SSW.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): very bright, extremely high surface brightness, blue, takes very high power.  The mag 12.6 central star was not seen.

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6210 = · 5 = h1970 in 1825 while searching for double stars with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory in Estonia.  It was included as #5 in a list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars published in 1827.  He described a "bright planetary nebula, diameter 6", like a star of mag 7".  The planetary was earlier catalogued as a star in Lalande's catalogue of 1801 (LL 30510).

 

John Herschel observed the nebula on 25 May 1830 and recorded, "Struve's fifth nebula, very bright, equal to a star of 8 to 9m, 6" diameter and of uniform light, but with the edges boiling and ragged.  A fine object like a star out of focus".  Vogel observed and sketched the central star with the 27" Grubb refractor at the Vienna observatory on 4 Jun 1883.  He noted a "Bright planetary nebula of elliptical shape.  A delicate star is in the nebula, nearly at the centre.  The nebula is surrounded by a faint elliptical shell."

 

On 5 May 1850, Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, recorded, "intense blue centre fading off to some distance all around.  Small star nf to which neb nearly extends.  Fancied a projection from the bright centre towards np, but I think it was only fancy."  It is possible, though, that Rosse detected the wing or extension to the northwest!  James Keeler clearly sketched the wings using the Lick 36-inch refractor.

 

Sherburne Burnham observed the planetary in 1891 while at Lick Observatory, but did not notice the central star.  Later at Yerkes (1908) he commented, "At the present time it could not be overlooked with any moderate aperture.  It is nearly 12th magnitude, and appears with favorable atmospheric conditions as a sharp, brilliant point.  Doubtless this has been seen by others.  If it is not variable, I cannount account for my failure to see and measure it with the 36-inch at Mt. Hamilton.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported, "Central star about mag 11, surrounded by bright matter in the form of an oblong 8" in length. Outside of this is an oblong of somewhat fainter matter 20" X 13", from the ends of which extend two fainter ansae in p.a. 97-277”.  From the north and south sides of the central oblong extend two longer ansae in p.a. 167-347”, showing a ring formation, making the nebula 43" long in this direction."

 

Wolfgang Steinicke explained why William Herschel missed NGC 6210 in his sweeps: "On 15 May 1784 he swept the region (sweep 217).  However he stopped for about 30 minutes for star counts, i.e. the sky passed horizontally through the eyepiece. Unfortunately the strip runs about 1” below the nebula, starting 25 tmin west and ending 6 tmin east of it.  Thus the object could not enter his field of view (15').  On 10 April 1785 he inspected the field again (sweep 395), but saw only some Flamsteed stars in the morning twilight."

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NGC 6211 = UGC 10516 = MCG +10-24-027 = CGCG 299-014 = VII Zw 655 = PGC 58775

16 41 27.6 +57 47 01; Dra

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 105”

 

18" (6/23/09): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated.  First of four in a string of galaxies to the NE (identical redshifts) with NGC 6213 2.2' NE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright compact core.

 

17.5" (6/20/87): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, strong bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in chain of four with NGC 6213 2.2' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6211 = Sw. IX-63, along with NGC 6213, on 25 Jun 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; D * nr south points to it."  His position is 3' too far west-northwest, a similar offset as NGC 6213.  Swift's original discovery was sent directly to Dreyer and noted as list VI in the NGC, but wasn't published until list IX in 1890.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Aug 1888 and Dreyer published the correct position in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 6212 = MCG +07-34-142 = CGCG 224-096 = PGC 58840

16 43 23.2 +39 48 23; Her

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, gradually brightens but no well-defined core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6212 = St II-3 on 26 Jul 1870.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6213 = MCG +10-24-030 = CGCG 299-017 = PGC 58778

16 41 37.2 +57 48 54; Dra

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 57”

 

18" (6/23/09): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.25'.  Second of four galaxies in a SW-NE string with NGC 6211 2.2' SW, CGCG 299-018 2.3' NE and CGCG 299-019 6' NE.

 

CGCG 299-018 is very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.2'.  Situated between two stars 1' NW and 1' ESE.  CGCG 299-019 appeared very faint to extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1.3' N of a mag 14.5 star.  Faintest of 4 on a line and furthest NE with similar CGCG 299-018 3.9' SW.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/20/87): faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration, fairly low surface brightness.  Second of four with NGC 6211 2.2' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6213 = Sw. IX-64, along with NGC 6211 on 25 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; vS; R; nf of 2."  His position is 2' too far west-northwest, a similar offset as NGC 6213.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Aug 1888 and Dreyer published the correct position in the IC 2 Notes.  Swift's original discovery was sent directly to Dreyer and noted as list VI in the NGC, but wasn't published until list IX in 1890.

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NGC 6214 = UGC 10507 = MCG +11-20-024 = CGCG 320-036 = PGC 58709

16 39 31.9 +66 02 22; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6214 = Sw. I-47 = Sw. IV-39 on 2 Aug 1884 and recorded "vF; S; R: coarse double star in field north."  His position is an excellent match with UGC 10507.  He found this galaxy again on 3 Aug 1886 and recorded (IV-39) "eF; vS; R; forms a L equilateral triangle with 2 pB stars."  His position was 12 seconds of RA too small (only 1.3') and the description matches.  Dreyer combined both entries into NGC 6214.

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NGC 6215 = ESO 137-046 = PGC 59112

16 51 06.9 -58 59 32; Ara

V = 11.5;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 78”

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, round, 1.3' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is superimposed on the north edge ~25" from the center and a couple of additional faint stars are very near or involved.  This spiral is situated in a rich star field 11' ENE of mag 3.8 Eta Arae.  Brightest in a group along with NGC 6221 19' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6215 = h3647 on 9 Jul 1836 and recorded "pF; R; vglbM; has a yellow * 5m preceding it [Eta Ara], 1min 19s +/- Delta RA, and 3' or 4' south." His single position is on the south side of the galaxy.

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NGC 6216 = NGC 6222 = ESO 277-14 = OCL-989 = Mel 152

16 49 25 -44 43 36; Sco

Size 4'

 

17.5" (7/4/86): faint, fairly small, ~3' diameter, roundish.  About a dozen faint stars are visible over haze at low power.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6216 = D 454 = h3648 on 13 May 1826 and described "a faint nebula, about 4' or 5' diameter, irregular round figure, easily resolvable into stars; with stars of larger magnitudes scattered in the preceding side of it."  He made 6 observations of the cluster and his published position was 7' southeast of the center of the cluster.  On 1 Jun 1834, JH logged the cluster as "a p rich cl of small stars, 11m and under, broken up into 2 or 3 groups; fill 2/3 of field."  Exactly a month later, he recorded "a round cl of stars 13m; gbM; 4'; with two appendages of stars, n and s, making together a long cluster."

 

Just two nights after his first observation (3 Jun 1834), he found the cluster again, but his position was 1.4 minutes too far east and he assumed it was new!  He recorded h3650 = NGC 6222 as "a vL, v rich cl; not brilliant; not materially comp M; full 20' diameter; stars 12...13m."  His descriptions appear to describe the same object, so NGC 6216 = NGC 6222.

 

RNGC labels the cluster NGC 6222, Lynga as NGC 6216 and ESO as NGC 6216 = NGC 6222.

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NGC 6217 = Arp 185 = UGC 10470 = MCG +13-12-008 = CGCG 355-014 = Kaz 73 = PGC 58477

16 32 39.3 +78 11 54; UMi

V = 11.2;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

48" (10/22/11): at 375x, this beautiful, two-armed barred spiral spans ~2.3'x1.5' NNW-SSE.  A bright central bar is well-defined, mottled and sharply concentrated with an intensely bright, very small nucleus.  A mag 15 star is superimposed just SE of the nucleus.  The bar contains a brighter, mottled patch at the NNW end.  A long spiral arm is attached at this patch and wraps counterclockwise around the north and northwest side.  A thinner second arm on the SSE side wraps around the south side towards the west.

 

18" (9/3/08): this fascinating barred spiral displays subtle spiral structure.  At 280x, the main portion appears to be a large central bar, 1.5'x1.0', oriented NNW-SSE.  The bar is punctuated by an unusually bright stellar nucleus.  An extremely faint star is close SSE along the central bar.  Off the north end of the bar is a faint appendage or arm that gently curves to the SE and increases the overall dimensions to 2'x1.5' .  Off the SSE end of the bar, some very weak haze extends to the southwest (beginning of an arm).

 

17.5" (7/22/01): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~2.5'x1.5', small bright core.  Contains a bright stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is just off the NW edge.  At the NW end a faint spiral arm is attached to the main body, winding north and then trailing back nearly halfway along the NE flank (this increases the dimensions to ~2.5'x2.0').  With concentration a dark gap is visible between the arm and the main body (bar) of the galaxy.  A very short extension is strongly suggested at the SE end, bending towards the west.  All of these features were sketched and later verified on the DSS.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): bright, fairly large, bright stellar nucleus, elongated.  Irregular appearance; either darker or an indentation on one side (this is probably a gap between the spiral arms).

 

13" (8/24/84): fairly bright, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus, fairly diffuse outer halo.

 

8" (8/24/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6217 = H I-280 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1071) and logged "cB, cL, E, lbM.  The extent points almost to 2 np pB stars, or rather a little on the following side of them.  This is one of the later galaxies he discovered while searching in the far north to finish up his third catalogue. Hermann Kobold measured a very accurate micrometric position in 1892 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg Observatory

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NGC 6218 = M12

16 47 14.5 -01 56 52; Oph

V = 6.8;  Size 14.5';  Surf Br = 0.6

 

18" (7/11/07): at 325x this globular nearly fills the field and extends roughly 11' in diameter.  Contains a very bright 3.5'x2.5' oval core, extended WNW-ESE.  A mag 10 star with an orange tint is just south of the core, 2' from the center.  Two other mag 10-11 stars lie 4' N and 5' ENE of center in the halo.  The core is plastered with an immense number of mag 12.5-13.5 stars and in the central 2' is an incredibly dense mat of mag 13.5 and fainter stars. Very irregular sprays of stars emanate from the central region and form part of the very scraggly outer halo.

 

17.5" (7/15/99): at 220x this bright cluster is highly resolved over the entire disc.  Appears smaller than M10, perhaps 11'-12' diameter with a fairly well-defined 3.5' core.  Two bright field stars are embedded in the north edge of the halo and a third bright star is off the following end.  A mag 10 star is also superimposed just off the SE edge of the core.  A number of brighter resolved mag 12 stars appear to be grouped into pairs and trios.  There are a couple of hundred fainter stars in the central 8' over unresolved haze.  The outline is very irregular and there are distinctive star-poor areas in the outer halo.

 

13.1" (6/19/82) : bright, large, round, very intense core with faint stars scattered over the core.  The outer halo is highly resolved into scores of stars.  Slightly inferior to M10 in faint stars.

 

8" (6/19/82): the outer halo is well resolved and partial resolution of the core.  There are two or three brighter stars in the outer halo.

 

Charles Messier discovered M12 = NGC 6218 = h1971 on 30 May 1764.  Johann Bode independently found M12, along with M10, on 14 Aug 1774.  William Herschel first observed the globular on 21 May 1783, along with several other clusters, using his 8-inch (10-ft focal length) reflector and noted a "cluster of close stars of different sizes."  Using his 18.7-inch (20-ft focal length) on 3 May 1786 (sweep 562), he recorded "a beautiful cluster of very compressed and vS stars; they are however of various magnitudes.  The most compressed part takes up about 2'; the whole not less than 7 or 8'.  Very gradually most compressed in the middle."

 

On 15 Apr 1828 (sweep 146), John Herschel called M12 a "v rich globular cluster.  The stars 10...16m; vgmbM, but has stragglers in lines and branches extending some distance from the condensed part, which is 3' diam.  Comes almost to a blaze in the middle, and has a * 10-11m in the centre."  His first observation was on 30 May 1821, while just learning how to sweep.

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NGC 6219 = MCG +02-43-001 = CGCG 081-004 = PGC 58944

16 46 22.5 +09 02 16; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 157”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6219 = m 316 on 10 Jun 1863 and noted" F, S."  There is nothing at his position (marked as verified) but 28 seconds of time preceding is CGCG 081-004 = PGC 58944.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg Observatory in May or June 1890.

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NGC 6220 = UGC 10541 = CGCG 25-004 = PGC 58979

16 47 13.2 -00 16 32; Oph

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (7/14/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the SW edge of the halo and an extremely faint mag 16 star is highly suspected at the south edge of the halo.  On the POSS there are several close mag 15-16 stars off the south side.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6220 = Sw. IX-65 and recorded "eeF; pS; iR; 3 F stars south point to it."  His position is 1.5' northeast of UGC 10541 and his description clinches the identification.  The discovery was sent directly to Dreyer, reported as list VI in the NGC, but not published until list IX in 1890.

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NGC 6221 = ESO 138-003 = AM 1648-590 = PGC 59175

16 52 46.1 -59 13 07; Ara

V = 9.9;  Size 3.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 5”

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~2.5'x2.0', broad concentration to a small brighter core.  I was surprised there was a strong impression of a spiral arm along the west side of the halo extending to the north.  A very small knot was seen at the northern end, probably within this spiral arm.  Brightest in a group with NGC 6215 19' NW.  Located 25' SE of mag 3.8 Eta Arae in a rich Milky Way field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6221 = h3649 on 3 May 1835 and recorded "pF; L; R; glbM; 80"."  On a second sweep (5 Jul 1836), he logged it as a "Globular cluster; pB; pL; R; gbM; 2 1/2' dia; barely resolvable."

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NGC 6222 = NGC 6259 = Cr 322 = Mel 158

17 00 45 -44 39 18; Sco

V = 8.0;  Size 10'

 

See observing notes for NGC 6259.

 

John Herschel found NGC 6222 = h3650 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "a vL, v rich cl; not brilliant; not materially comp M; full 20' diameter; stars 12..13m."  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin checked the sweep record and found that JH made a transcription error of 10 minutes in RA.  Once this correction is made, his position lands on the southeast of side of open cluster NGC 6259.  Interestingly, he first observed this cluster just two nights previously and placed h3660 = D 456 (later NGC 6259) accurately.  So, NGC 6222 = NGC 6259 and not equal to NGC 6216 as previously assumed.

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 6216 as NGC 6222 and ESO equates NGC 6222 with NGC 6216.

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NGC 6223 = UGC 10527 = MCG +10-24-040 = CGCG 299-021 = VII Zw 657 = PGC 58828

16 43 04.4 +61 34 44; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 3.5'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 88”

 

18" (6/21/09): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'.  Contains a large bright core and a fainter envelope.  UGC 10517 lies 20' SW.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very bright core, faint halo.  Contains a stellar nucleus with direct vision.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6223 on 24 Sep 1862, along with NGC 6226, with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (2 measures) is fairly accurate.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 16 Aug 1885 and included it in list II-43 with description "pB, vS, R."  His position is 10 seconds of RA too small.

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NGC 6224 = UGC 10555 = MCG +01-43-002 = CGCG 053-010 = PGC 59017

16 48 18.6 +06 18 43; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.6' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 6225 5.4' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6224 = Sw. IX-66, along with NGC 6225, on 15 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeeF; vS; lE; pB * nr north both in trap; eee diff; np of 2 [with NGC 6225]."  His RA is 9 seconds too large (similar offset as NGC 6224).  The discovery was sent directly to Dreyer, reported as list VI in the NGC, but not published until list IX.

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NGC 6225 = UGC 10556 = MCG +01-43-003 = CGCG 053-011 = PGC 59024

16 48 21.7 +06 13 21; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 156”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 16 star is involved at the east edge just 12" from the center.  Pair with NGC 6224 5' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6225 = Sw. IX-67, along with NGC 6224, on 15 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; vS; lE; 2 or 3 vF stars involved; sf of 2 [with NGC 6224]."  His RA is 8 seconds too large (same offset as NGC 6224).  The discovery was sent directly to Dreyer, reported as list VI in the NGC, but not published until list IX.

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NGC 6226 = UGC 10532 = MCG +10-24-043 = CGCG 299-022 = PGC 58847

16 43 23.2 +61 59 02; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6226 on 24 Sep 1862, along with NGC 6223, with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted it formed an equilateral triangle with two mag 12/14 stars.  His single position is ~40" south of UGC 10532.

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NGC 6227 = ESO 332-005

16 51 33.7 -41 13 50; Sco

 

18" (6/12/10): this description assumes NGC 6227 refers to the beautifully rich fields to the east and northeast of mag 5.2 HD 151804 (at 16 51 37.7 -41 13 50), extending over a degree.  At 108x, Tr 24 is a striking, very large, bright scattered grouping that overfills the 56' field with no distinct borders.  A number of the stars appeared to be grouped into long chains with smaller knots and concentrations including vdB-Ha 202 and vdB-Ha 205.  On the northern side is IC 4628 (nicknamed the Prawn Nebula), a very large, irregular HII nebula that shows up best with a UHC filter.  On the south edge of IC 4628 is mag 7.2 HD 152723 and 5' SW is a distinctive 8' string oriented NW-SE.  About 20' S of the mag 7.2 star is a mag 6.2 star (V861 Sco) and to the NW is another 20' string extending WNW.  To the south of this string is another 20' string oriented NW-SE that includes vdBH 202.

 

vdB-Ha 202, situated 10' NNW of mag 6.1-6.4 V861 Sco, is located in a beautifully rich region on the SW side of Tr 24. Within this string is a 15" pair of mag 10 stars and just south of a mag 9 situated 2' NW of the double is vdB-Ha 202, a faint, very rich dusting of stars that is elongated ~N-S.  The cluster is dense, just 2' in length and only partially resolved.  A group of faint stars spread out E-W off the south end.

 

vdB-Ha 205, situated 20' NE of vdB-Ha 202, consists of 20 stars mag 7.5 to 13.5 in a distinctive 4' group.  The brightest star is on the NW  side.  The center and south side of the group is devoid of stars.  A smaller clump of stars 7' S of vdB-Ha 205 is catalogued as ESO 332-011.  Another string of stars 7' NE is listed as ESO 332-013.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6227 = h3651 on 5 Jun 1834 and noted "A star 5m in a great cl, or an immensely rich milky way patch."  His position corresponds with mag 5.2 HD 151804 at 16 51 37.7 -41 13 50 (2000).  Although the location is definite, the actual size of an "immense" and "great cl" is uncertain.  This star is 45' NW of NGC 6231 but I would assume Herschel is referring to the very rich fields to the east and northeast (Cr 316) which includes Tr 24 and specifically, the rich region around vdB-Ha 202 and vdB-Ha 205, which are 44' and 60' northeast of HD 151804.

 

Burnham's Celestial Handbook mentions this object as a "rich milky way field northwest NGC 6231.  Not a true cluster."  The ESO description reads "Part of Milky way only."  RNGC classifies NGC 6227 as a nonexistent cluster.

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NGC 6228 = UGC 10558 = MCG +04-40-001 = CGCG 139-003 = VV 791 = VV 846 = PGC 59007

16 48 02.9 +26 12 46; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

17.5": extremely faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE, very low surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6228 = m 317 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S."  His position is just 1' south-southwest of UGC 10558.

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NGC 6229

16 46 58.8 +47 31 40; Her

V = 9.4;  Size 4.2';  Surf Br = 0.0

 

18" (7/23/06): at 225x, appears bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~3.5' diameter with a blazing core.  Several extremely faint stars pop in and out of view in the halo.  At 435x a number of very faint stars are clearly visible in the halo (roughly two dozen) and the core is quite mottled with several brightness levels towards the center.  The globular forms a perfect equilateral triangle with two 8th magnitude stars 6' W and 6' SW.  While searching for NGC 6229 I ran into a neat little asterism of 6 stars (Leiter 6) located 27' NNW that I had observed the previously month.

 

17.5": bright, fairly small, very bright core, faint mottled halo.  Roughly 10 extremely faint mag 15-16 stars are resolved around the edges of the halo at 280x.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 8 stars 6' W and 6' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6229 = H IV-50 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 735) and recorded "vB, R, about 4' dia.  The whole of it is almost equally bright with a faint, resolvable margin."  It was misclassified as a planetary nebula (class IV).  CH's reduced position is 4'-5' too far north.  Giuseppe Bianchi independently found this globular on 11 Jun 1839 and announced the discovery in an AN letter, apparently unaware of WH's prior discovery.

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NGC 6230 = UGC 10575 = MCG +01-43-005 = CGCG 053-014 = PGC 59106

16 50 46.7 +04 36 17; Her

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (6/12/15): at 375x; faint, small, round, 18" diameter.  A mag 14.5 star is at the southeast edge. A wide pair of mag 14.1/14.9 stars is less than 1' NW.  Located 5' W of mag 9 HD 152087.  Member of a small group with NGC 6234 with light-travel time of ~430 million years.

 

Forms a close pair with PGC 214543 1' W.  The companion (identified in NED as NGC 6104 NED01) appeared very faint to faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness but not difficult.  The components have a similar redshift though there is no obvious evidence of interaction.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 15 star is off the south edge.  NGC 6234 lies 22' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6230 = Sw. IV-40 on 3 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; between a distant B * following and a distant F * preceding; ee diff."  His position is 4 seconds of RA west and 1' north of UGC 10575 and his description matches the field.  Swift apparently missed the small companion 1' west.

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NGC 6231 = Gum 55 = Cr 315 = Mel 153 = False Comet Cluster

16 54 11 -41 49 30; Sco

V = 2.6;  Size 240'

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): NGC 6231 is a remarkable naked-eye cluster sits just north of Zeta Scorpii.  At 103x this stunning grup contained a half-dozen stars brighter than 7th magnitude and a dozen of mag 8 or brighter.  This bright subset is set over a rich carpet of 100-150 fainter stars in a roughly 20' field.  Extending to the north following a 1” chain of stars is the sprawling open cluster Tr 24 (60' diameter) that includes IC 4628, a large irregular HII region (see notes below).  NGC 6231 is the core of the young Sco OB1 association.

 

18" (6/12/10): at 108x Tr 24 is a striking, very large, bright scattered group that overfills the 56' field.  A number of the stars appeared to be grouped into long chains with smaller knots and concentrations including vdBh 202 and vdBH 205.  On the northern side is IC 4628, a very large, irregular HII nebula that shows up best with a UHC filter.  On the south edge of IC 4628 is mag 7.2 HD 152723 and 5' SW is a distinctive 8' string oriented NW-SE.  About 20' S of the mag 7.2 star is a mag 6.2 star (V861 Sco) and to the NW is another 20' string extending WNW.  To the south of this string is another 20' string oriented NW-SE that includes vdBH 202.

 

IC 4628 is a large, HII region embedded on the northern half of Tr 24.  At 108x and UHC filter IC 4628 stood out as a very large, fairly bright glow within Tr 24.  The main glow was elongated E-W, roughly 30'x12' with mag 7.2 HD 152723 just off the south side.  A number of mag 8-10 stars are embedded along the SW and west end of the nebulosity. A fainter extension begins on the east end and extends NE for ~15', ending in a brighter patch with several stars involved.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 103x the 40' field to the north of NGC 6231is filled with a huge, scattered grouping with no distinct boundaries.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): over 100 stars mag 8-12.  Bright, very large, scattered.  Divided into two main groups and fills the 40' field.  Emission nebula IC 4628 is involved on the north side (seen from Baja) and a trail of stars extends towards NGC 6231.

 

8" (6/27/81): bright, large, scattered cluster in two main groups.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): 100 stars at 84x in the main part including 10 bright stars.  Impressive cluster at low power.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): five bright stars are in the cluster with a dozen stars in the central portion and 50 stars in a 20' field.  There is a 1” field to the NW and NE consisting of fairly bright stars = NGC 6227 and Tr 24 = H12.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): bright group of stars in center like jewels over rich sprays of stars, excellent low power field.  Located 30' N of Zeta Scorpii.  Partially resolved in 8x50 finder.

 

8" (6/27/81): impressive cluster at 100x with a bright group of 8 stars in the center.  Partially resolved in the 8x50 finder.

 

Naked-eye (numerous times): this is an easy naked eye cluster, even from northern California, looking like a comet heading north from Zeta Scorpii.   From further south (southern Baja or southern Hemisphere), it is a very prominent naked-eye cluster.

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered NGC 6231 = Lac II-13 = D 499 = h3652 around 1650 from Sicily.  Edmond Halley independently discovered the cluster in 1677 whle cataloging southern stars from the island of St. Helena.  Discovery credit is often given to Nicholas-Louis de Lacaille, who observed it in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He noted a "close group of seven or eight close faint stars".   James Dunlop described "a cluster of pretty bright stars of mixt small magnitudes, considerably congregated to the centre, about 10' diameter, with a large branch of very small stars extended on the north side; this is 150 Scorpii."  John Herschel wrote, "a fine bright, large cluster; pretty rich; class VII; 10'; stars 10...13 mag.  Place of a double star 5m, the preceding but one of 7 bright stars in the middle."

 

Ashworth argues in the "Journal for the History of Astronomy" (1981) that Ptolemy listed NGC 6231 in his catalogue as a star (14 Scopii), though did not observe it as nebulous.  It was included as a star or nebula, in every major catalogue and atlas since, but it's position and different labels were so inconsistent that it was not recognized as the same object found by Lacaille in 1752.  For example, it was listed as Bayer's southern Mu, and Sharp's Zeta.  It was depicted as the southern of a pair of stars in Bayer's atlas and the northern in Hevelius' atlas.

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NGC 6232 = UGC 10537 = MCG +12-16-007 = CGCG 339-016 = PGC 58841

16 43 20.1 +70 37 57; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the west edge.  Located 10.9' SW of NGC 6236 in a group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6232 = Sw. I-48, along with NGC 6236, on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "pF; pL; lE.  1st of 4 [with NGC 6236, 6237, 6245]."  His position RA was 15 seconds too small, but at this declination the separation is just 1' west of UGC 10537.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 with the 18" refractor at Strasbourg.  See notes on NGC 6237, which may be a duplicate number.

 

MCG mislabels NGC 6232 as NGC 6237.  The RNGC has the correct identification.

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NGC 6233 = UGC 10573 = MCG +04-40-002 = CGCG 139-007 = PGC 59086

16 50 15.6 +23 34 47; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 33”

 

17.5": faint, small, almost round, gradually increases to a small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6233 = St XI-51 on 12 Jul 1880 and recorded "pF, S, R, gbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6234 = MCG +01-43-007 = CGCG 053-018 = PGC 59144

16 51 57.3 +04 23 01; Oph

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (6/8/91): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Located 9.4' WNW of mag 8.8 SAO 121919.  Member of a small group (USGC U779) with NGC 6230, which lies 22' NW. 

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6234 = m 318 on 17 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, R."  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 6235 = ESO 586-5

16 53 25.3 -22 10 39; Oph

V = 10.2;  Size 5.0';  Surf Br = 1.0

 

24" (8/29/19): unusual observation of NGC 6235 with Jupiter just 8' of the globular and Callisto superimposed on the outer south portion of the halo of the globular!  Using 260x, with Jupiter off the edge of the field and Callisto resolved as an obvious 1.3" disc, the core of NGC 6235 was seen as a small, hazy patch and the halo was occasionally seen as a low surface brightness glow.

 

18" (7/24/06): at 435x this globular was quite scraggly with a small, irregularly shaped core surrounded by a much fainter low surface brightness halo extending to 3'-3.5' diameter.  At least 15 to 20 stars were resolved with 3 or 4 fairly easy brighter stars but most are very faint, in the mag 15-16 range.  With extended viewing, several extremely faint stars popped in and out of visibility in the halo, increasing the overall total to 25-30 stars, though a lower number were visible simultaneously.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly bright, small, 3' diameter, mottled.  A few stars are resolved at the edges of the halo including a fairly prominent mag 14 star at the east edge of the halo and another mag 14 star at the west edge of the core.  The remaining resolved stars are mag 15 or fainter.  The core is elongated N-S.  The globular has an irregular scraggly halo due to unresolved star lanes.  Located within a triangle of three mag 12-13 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6235 = H II-584 = h3653 on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded "pB, cL, gbM, easily resolvable.  No doubt that it consists of stars."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel made the single observation "pretty compressed; S; 2'; rather triangular than R; mbM; resolved into stars 14...16m."

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NGC 6236 = UGC 10546 = MCG +12-16-008 = CGCG 339-019 = Kaz 88 = PGC 58891

16 44 34.4 +70 46 52; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 2.0'x1.4', almost even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 3.0' WSW.

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, broad concentration.  Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest of three with NGC 6232 10.9' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6236 = Sw. I-50, along with NGC 6232, on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "F; pL; B * nr.  2nd of 4 [with NGC 6232, 6237 and 6245]."  His position is 2.5' due west (30 seconds of RA) of UGC 10546 and the identification is certain.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 30 Aug 1888 and it was repeated by Dreyer in the IC 2 Notes section.  See identification notes on NGC 6245, which may be a duplicate number.

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NGC 6237

16 44 06 +70 38; Dra

 

= Not found, Gottlieb and Thomson. =NGC 6232?, Corwin.  (R)NGC 6237 = NGC 6248.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6237 = Sw. I-49 on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "vvF; E; pL; S.  3rd of 4 [with NGC 6232, 6236, 6245]."  There is nothing at his position, just 50 seconds of time due east of NGC 6232 = UGC 10537, which was discovered the same night. Harold Corwin comments that NGC 6237 might refer to a faint star(s), but perhaps Swift was confused and recorded NGC 6232 twice. Interestingly, his position for (nonexistent) NGC 6245 is similar amount off from NGC 6236, suggesting he might have recorded both objects twice.  As this is just a theory, Corwin classifies NGC 6237 as lost.

 

RNGC mislabels NGC 6248 = UGC 10564 as NGC 6237.  See my notes for NGC 6248 as well as Corwin's write-up for NGC 6237 for the complete story.

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NGC 6238 = UGC 10563 = MCG +10-24-057 = CGCG 299-031 = KAZ 92 = Holm 756a = PGC 58980

16 47 16.7 +62 08 50; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 17”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, elongated SSW-NNE, very faint star involved.  Second of three with NGC 6244 6' NE and MCG +10-24-052 8.9' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6238 = Sw. IV-41, along with NGC 6244, on 28 Jun 1886, and recorded "eeF; eS; eF * very close; e diff; sp of 2 [with NGC 6244]."  The faint star is at the north edge.

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NGC 6239 = UGC 10577 = MCG +07-35-001 = CGCG 225-002 = PGC 59083

16 50 05.6 +42 44 22; Her

V = 12.4;  Size 2.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 118”

 

24" (7/2/16): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.6'.  The north edge has a sharper light cut-off apparently due to a dust lane and is slightly concave near the center.  A small, slightly brighter core is offset from center, just south of the dust lane.  The south edge gently bulges out, so overall the galaxy has a weak "banana" shape.  A small knot (blue HII region on the SDSS) is just distinguishable at the WNW end of the galaxy.

 

17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6239 = H III-727 on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) and recorded "cF, S, E in the parallel [E-W]."  His position was reduced exactly 1” too far south of UGC 10577 and copied by JH in the GC.  Stephan found the galaxy again on 27 Jun 1876 and reported it as new in his list VII-10.  Dreyer included Stephan's position in the GC Supplement as 5832. The two GC designations were combined in the NGC.

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NGC 6240 = IC 4625 = UGC 10592 = MCG +00-43-004 = CGCG 025-011 = VV 617 = PGC 59186

16 52 58.9 +02 24 04; Oph

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 20”

 

48" (4/6/13): NGC 6240, a highly disrupted merger, appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.2'x0.8', irregular shape!  A prominent, thin extension or spike extends 4:1 or 5:1 to the NNE from the central region.  This wing is sharply defined and narrow.  A short, bright, broader extension juts out to the SSW, in the opposite direction of the NNE wing.  Finally, a faint short wing (~15"x5") extends south from the central region on the east side (on the DSS, this branch curves at the south end).  A mag 13.5 star is 30" E, a mag 15.5-16 star is 0.8' SSE and a 12" pair of mag 13.5/15 stars lies 1.5' S.

 

24" (7/22/14): the Rumpled Starfish appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, irregular but roughly elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~60"x40", though it increased in size with averted vision.  The surface brightness is irregular, with a mottled texture.  The brightest portion had an offset nucleus or knot on the east side.  On the northeast side, a faint narrow wing extended to the north.  A very short extension was also glimpsed on the southeast side.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.6' NE and a mag 15.7 star is 50" SSE of center.

 

24" (8/15/12): this irregular galaxy appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core.  The shape is unusual as the NNE end is narrow, like an edge-on, while the south-southwest end appears wider. With careful viewing, a very faint extension branches south from the central region, creating a forked appearance with the brighter portion trending SSW.  A mag 13.5 star is 0.6' NE and a mag 15.5 star is 0.8' SE of center.

 

18" (7/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration, appears slightly brighter along the major axis.  With extended viewing, there is an impression of an irregular shape with a very faint extension off the main bar near the center.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge 0.6' from center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6240 = St II-4 = Big 80 on 26 Jul 1870.  His position is ~6' too far southeast, an unusually large error.  Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 2 Jul 1886 and measured an accurate position.  Dreyer realized the equivalence and added a note in the NGC that "Stephan's comparison star must have been LL 30519.  Adopting this star his observation agrees well with Bigourdan's."

 

E.E. Barnard rediscovered this galaxy on 7 Jul 1888 and noted (from observing log) "Ran upon a nebula close south-preceding a 10m star.  2 seconds p[receding] the star and 1/4' +/- south."  Assuming Barnard's object was probably new, Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 4625 though added the note "? = 6240"  Barnard's position was 2' too far north, but IC 4625 = NGC 6240.

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NGC 6241 = MCG +08-31-007 = CGCG 252-005 = PGC 59085

16 50 11.0 +45 25 15; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  UGC 10586 lies 6.7' ESE and Zwicky's Triplet = Arp 103 lies 8' WNW.  The UGC appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration (face-on spiral).

 

17.5" (8/22/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 50"x35".  Weak, even concentration to a slightly brighter core and very faint quasi-stellar nucleus.  Picked up while observing Zwicky's Triplet ~7' WNW.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  In a group with UGC 10586 6.7' ESE and "Zwicky's Triplet" = Arp 103 6.6' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6241 = H III-735 on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 838) and recorded "eF, pS, 300 verified it and shows iF."  His position matches CGCG 252-005 = PGC 59085."  This is one of the fainter galaxies that WH discovered.

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NGC 6242 = Cr 317 = Mel 155 = Lund 732

16 55 33 -39 27 42; Sco

V = 6.4;  Size 9'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): bright, rich group of ~100 stars in a 12' region with most of the stars to the north of a mag 7.3 orange luminary (K2-type HD 152524).  The group is elongated N-S and highlighted by a N-S string of 8 or 9 brighter mag 9-10 stars on the west side of the cluster.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): 80-100 stars in a 12' cluster including a mag 7.3 orange star (HD 152524) on the SE side.  There is an elongated group (N-S) of ten mag 10 stars to the NW of the bright star.  These brighter stars are set over a rich carpet of mag 13-14 stars.  A couple of curved chains of stars forms the southern boundary of the cluster.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): ~100 stars in a 10' region at 220x, rich in faint stars.  Includes red mag 7.3 SAO 101654 in the SE corner of cluster and 8 brighter mag 10-11 stars.  Includes several curving arcs of stars with a few dozen mag 13 stars and a rich background carpet of mag 14.5-15.5 stars.

 

8" (6/27/81): two dozen stars mag 8-11, fairly rich, compact, nice at low power.  Faint stars are visible with averted vision.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6242 = Lac I-10 = D 520 = h3654 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He simply noted an "elongated faint oval spot." James Dunlop observed the cluster on 13 May 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 reflector and recorded "a cluster or group of small stars, about 4' diameter, with branches extending S.p. and N.f., with considerable compression of the stars towards the centre of the group. This answers to the place of 155 Scorpii, but there is no nebula."  He made 3 observations and his position is 4'-5' west of center of the cluster.

 

John Herschel first observed the cluster from the CGH on 5 June 1834 and logged "a p rich brilliant cluster of stars 10...12th mag, with one 7-8th mag near middle."  Later in month (28 Jun) he recorded "cluster VI class, B, L, rich, discrete, 12', irregular figure, vlbM, fine object; place of a red star 9th mag, rest 11th mag, white."  The next night he logged it as "a fine large rich cluster, class VII, stars 9..12th mag, fills field, place of a red star 8-9th mag in centre."

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NGC 6243 = UGC 10591 = MCG +04-40-004 = CGCG 139-013 = PGC 59161

16 52 26.4 +23 19 57; Her

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 154”

 

17.5": very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6243 = St XI-52 on 10 Jun 1880.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 6244 = UGC 10568 = MCG +10-24-059 = CGCG 299-032 = Kaz 96 = PGC 59009

16 48 03.8 +62 12 01; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE.  A mag 12.5 star is 0.9' W.  Third of three with NGC 6238 6.4' SW and MCG +10-24-052 13' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6244 = Sw. IV-42, along with NGC 6238, on 28 Jun 1886, and recorded "vF; vS; R; bet 2 stars; nf of 2 [with NGC 6238]."

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NGC 6245

16 45 24 +70 48; Dra

 

= Not found, Gottlieb or Corwin.  =NGC 6236?, Corwin.

 

(R)NGC 6245 was missed on 3 occasions (including 6/24/95 and 7/27/95) using my 17.5".

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6245 = Sw. I-51 on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "vF; pL; R.  4th of 4 [with NGC 6232, 6236, 6237]."  There is nothing at his position, just 48 seconds of time east of NGC 6236 = UGC 10546, which was discovered the same night.  Harold Corwin comments that NGC 6245 might refer to a faint star(s), but perhaps Swift was confused and recorded NGC 6245 twice.  Perhaps coincidentally, his position for NGC 6237 is similar amount off from NGC 6232, suggesting he might have recorded both objects twice.  Without additional information, Corwin classifies NGC 6245 as lost.

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 58917 (at J16 45 19.2 +70 49 53) as NGC 6245.  HyperLeda still identifies this galaxy as NGC 6245, though with B magnitude of 18.0, it is clearly much too faint to have been seen by Swift.

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NGC 6246 = UGC 10580 = MCG +09-27-098 = CGCG 277-005 = CGCG 276-048 = PGC 59077

16 49 53.4 +55 32 34; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (7/4/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with UGC 10584 = NGC 6246A 10' SSE.  This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 6246A in the RNGC.

 

17.5" (6/19/88): faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6246 = Sw. IV-43 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R."  His position is just 9 tsec of RA west of UGC 10580, so this identification is certain.

 

The RNGC has reversed the identifications of NGC 6246 and NGC 6246A = UGC 10584, which is located 10' south-southeast of NGC 6246.  Although these galaxies have similar magnitudes, NGC 6246 is more prominent visually due to a higher surface brightness.  NGC 6246 is correctly identified in UGC, MCG and RC3.  The error was mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 6247 = IC 1233 = UGC 10572 = CGCG 320-044 = PGC 59023

16 48 20.2 +62 58 35; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6247 on 24 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted the nearby mag 12 star, which he measured as 15.1 seconds east and 35" north.  His position for the galaxy is ~40" south of UGC 10572, the same offset as NGC 6226.

 

Harold Corwin notes that Lewis Swift found this galaxy again (on 24 Jul 1889) and reported Sw. IX-70 (later IC 1233) as "eF; vS; vE; bet. 2 stars."  His position is 10' too far north, but his description is an exact match (Dreyer questioned if IC 1233 = NGC 6247 in the IC description).

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NGC 6248 = UGC 10564 = MCG +12-16-009 = CGCG 339-020 = PGC 58946

16 46 22.8 +70 21 20; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6248 = Sw. II-44 on 11 Aug 1885 in a group with NGC 6232 and NGC 6236, discovered the previous year.  He reported "eeF; pL; R; bet a bright star and 3 stars in a line; v diff."  His position is less than 2' west of UGC 10564 and the description is a perfect match.  NGC 6248 is an irregular blue barred spiral.

 

Nevertheless, the RNGC misidentifies UGC 10564 as NGC 6237.  In addition, RNGC and CGCG mislabel CGCG 339-036 as NGC 6248.  UGC doesn't label 10564 as NGC 6248, but MCG (+12-16-009) has the correct identification.  The identifications of these galaxies is covered in my RNGC Correction list #3, Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal, July 1989, and Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 6237.

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NGC 6249 = Cr 319 = ESO 277-019

16 57 41 -44 48 42; Sco

V = 8.2;  Size 6'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): bright, moderately large cluster with ~50 stars mag 10 to 14 scattered over a 7' region.  Many of the stars are arranged roughly in a "C" or horseshoe shape open to the east.  The most prominent part includes 4 mag 10-11 stars in a small trapezoidal shape (parallel sides N-S).  Three additional mag 10-11 stars are spread out south of this trapezoid; the northern one is a 10" pair and several additional pairs caught my eye.  NGC 6259, a showpiece cluster, lies 33' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6249 = h3655 = D 455? on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "cluster VIII class, coarse, p rich, stars 9...12m." On a second sweep (27 Jul 1834) he logged it as "VII class, p rich, loose irreg fig; large and small stars, 9...15m; 10' long, 7' broad." 

 

James Dunlop *may* have been the first to find this cluster on 31 Jul 1826 with his 9-inch homemade reflector from Parramatta NSW, and described D 455 as "an extremely faint ill-defined nebula, easily resolvable into stars; this is in the milky way."  His position, though is just over 40' WSW of the cluster, so the identification is very uncertain.

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NGC 6250 = Cr 320 = ESO 277-020

16 57 56 -45 56 12; Ara

V = 5.9;  Size 8'

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): small group of a dozen stars in a tight 2' cluster including mag 9.2 HD 152822.  Surrounding this knot is a larger, 14' scattered group of stars, elongated ~E-W, that appears to be a separate superimposed cluster.  Three mag 7.5-8.5 stars are in this larger group to the SW, SE and E of the central clump and a mag 9 star is among a small subgroup at the east edge.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x a dozen stars are packed into a tight 2' group.  Consists of a knot of 6 stars on the NE side and a looping curve of 5 or 6 stars on the SW side.  This "core" is surrounded by a scattered 10' group of perhaps three dozen stars including three mag 7.5-8.5 stars to the SW and SE by 3' and to the east by 6'.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): tight, rich group of 6-10 stars over an unresolved haze.  Set among a larger scattered group of bright stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6250 = h3656 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded a "cluster VIII class; loose and straggling; place that of a D * [HJ 4899 = 9.8/10.0 at 2"] in central more condensed group; has a * 8m sf, 5' dist, and another 7m more remote.  His position is on the close double star.

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NGC 6251 = UGC 10501 = MCG +14-08-010 = CGCG 367-013 = PGC 58472

16 32 31.8 +82 32 16; UMi

V = 12.6;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round.  Contains a sharp, bright core which rises to a bright stellar nucleus.  Pair with NGC 6252 2.4' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6251 = H III-974, along with NGC 6252, on 1 Jan 1802 (late sweep 1106) and recorded "Two, the preceding [NGC 6251] cF, S, bM.  The following [NGC 6252] vF, vS.  The place is that of the first.  The 2nd is about 3' more north, and only a few seconds of time following, they being nearly in the same meridian."  His description is accurate, though his position is 2.8' too far north. This is the second most northerly galaxy that WH discovered.  It wasn't until the later sweeps that the large 20-ft was used to search for nebulae near the pole as it was mechanically difficult to observe and accurately record positions in that direction.

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NGC 6252 = MCG +14-08-011 = CGCG 367-014 = PGC 58456

16 32 40.2 +82 34 36; UMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.75'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 62”

 

17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, round, weak concentration, can hold with direct vision.  NGC 6252 is slightly smaller and has a much smoother surface brightness than NGC 6251 2.4' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6252 = H III-975, along with NGC 6251 on 1 Jan 1802 (sweep 1106) and recorded "Two, the preceding [NGC 6251] cF, S, bM.  The following [NGC 6252] vF, vS.  The place is that of the first.  The 2nd is about 3' more north, and only a few seconds of time following, they being nearly in the same meridian."  This is the most northerly galaxy that WH discovered.

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NGC 6253 = ESO 180-2 = Cr 321 = Mel 156

16 59 05 -52 42 30; Ara

V = 10.2;  Size 5'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x, 178x and 230x): fairly small 5' cluster, but quite rich with 60-70 stars mag 12-14.5 resolved at 230x.  Stands out as a bright, partially resolved glow at 73x.  Irregular shape but expands E-W on the south side and tapers on the north side.  Contains no bright stars but a mag 8.9 star is just off the southwest side.  Located 27' NNW of 4th magnitude Epsilon1 Arae.  This well-studied cluster is an old, very metal-rich with an age of ~4 billion years.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6253 = D 374 = h3657 on 14 May 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, of an irregular round figure, about 2' diameter, slightly bright towards the centre, easily resolvable into very minute stars, slightly compressed to the centre; this also precedes Epsilon Arae."  His position was off by ~8' (too far southeast).  JH recorded it on 8 Jul 1834 as "a small triangular cl 2' diameter; stars = 13m."

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NGC 6254 = M10

16 57 08.9 -04 05 58; Oph

V = 6.6;  Size 15.1';  Surf Br = 0.9

 

18" (7/14/07): large, gorgeous GC at 225x, extends ~15' in diameter and fills most of the field.  The cluster is sharply concentrated with an intense 5' core containing a huge number of resolved mag 13-15 stars over an unresolved background glow and beautiful strings of stars in the halo.  At 323x the core is slightly elongated SW-NE, ~5'x4' in size.  Strings of stars crisscross the core with a very small triangle of stars at the geometric center.  At 393x, one of the 3 stars in this central triangle is a very close double. The core is pretty uniformly rich and evenly resolved and does not compress towards the center. 

 

17.5" (7/15/99): beautifully resolved at 220x.  The halo appears to extend to nearly 14' although the star density is very low in the outer edge of the halo.  The inner halo is sharply concentrated with a very bright 5'x4' core which is elongated SW-NE.  The cluster is highly resolved into mag 12/13 stars from edge to edge (too numerous to count) with the stars very densely packed over the core.  A second layer of mag 13/14 stars is superimposed over the core.  The halo contains a number of strings including a long string to the south which curves east and a string to the north which curves west.  Also two parallel linear strings head north or NNE from the core.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): very bright, fairly large, intense core richly covered with fairly bright stars.  Scores of stars are resolved in the outer halo.

 

8" (6/19/82): bright lively core highly resolved.  The outer halo is highly resolved with several long, distinct streamers.

 

Charles Messier discovered M10 = NGC 6254 = h1972 on 29 May 1764.  William Herschel first observed the globular on 21 May 1783 with his 8-inch (10-ft focal length) and noted "With 227 I suspected it to consist of stars; with 460 I can see several of them, but they are too small to be counted." In 1784 and 1791 he observed M10 with his 18.7-inch and noted "A beautiful cluster of extremely compressed stars; it resembles the 53d [M53]; and the most compressed part is about 3 or 4 minutes in diameter."

 

On 1 Jun 1831 (not registered as a sweep), John Herschel logged, "a superb cluster of very compressed stars, gbM.  The stars are 10...15m, and run up to a blaze in the centre, but I see no nucleus.  Diam about 6'; a noble object."  His first observation was on 30 May 1821, the second night he was learning how to sweep.

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NGC 6255 = UGC 10606 = MCG +06-37-014 = CGCG 197-018 = PGC 59244

16 54 47.1 +36 30 07; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 3.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 85”

 

24" (6/12/15): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.6', low but uneven surface brightness.  At the east end of the galaxy is either a blue dwarf companion (HS 1653+3634) or more likely an intensely active star forming complex.  At 375x a very small, nearly stellar knot was visible just off the east end of the main glow.  The knot had a higher surface brightness than the main galaxy.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, low even surface brightness, elongated 5:2 E-W.  A mag 14 star is off the south edge 1.8' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6255 = H III-689 = h1973 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 739) and recorded "eF, cL, iE nearly in the parallel."  JH made the single observation "eF; vL; E in parallel; 2' l, 1' br."  On 6 May 1850, LdR (or observing assistant George Stoney) noted "Query is it a double streak with a nucleus or a * at f end."  The "star" at the following end is an HII complex seen in my observation.

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NGC 6256 = vdB-Ha 208 = Lund 1104

16 59 32.6 -37 07 17; Sco

V = 11.3;  Size 1.5';  Surf Br = 3.4

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a small, faint globular with a small, brighter core.  A brighter mag 12 field star is attached at the south edge.  At 171x appears just 2' diameter with a few mag 15 stars resolved around the periphery and occasionally over the mottled core.

 

13.1" (5/30/87): very faint, small, round, requires averted but definite at 62x and 166x.  A faint star is visible at the SW end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6256 = h3658 on 28 Jun 1834 and recorded "globular cluster; eF; vL; vglbM; 4' diam; perceived with the upmost attention to be resolved into vS stars 20th magnitude."  The next night he logged "VI. class.  A vL neb, or rather vF, R, cl VI class; vF; irreg R; vglbM; 4'."  His position is fairly accurate.

 

Sky Catalogue 2000.0 misidentifies Terzan 12 as NGC 6256.

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NGC 6257 = CGCG 225-012 = PGC 59274

16 56 03.5 +39 38 44; Her

V = 15.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter (elongated NW-SE on the POSS).  Requires averted vision but sighting certain using GSC field chart.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW (part of collinear string of stars oriented NW-SE).  Uncertain RNGC identification.

 

17.5": not seen in fairly poor seeing and transparency.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6257 = h1974 on 16 May 1831 (sweep 357) and recorded "a suspicious object.  It is pointed to by a faint double star nf.  Doubtful whether a nebula or a vF double star, with perhaps a third star near (of course ill seen)."  There is nothing at his position.  It was looked for once at Birr Castle, but not found.

 

RNGC, CGCG and PGC identify CGCG 225-012 as NGC 6257, though this galaxy is 70 seconds of RA east of Herschel's position (and 2' north).  Furthermore there isn't a reasonably bright "F double* nf" as per his description.  Finally it may be too faint for JH to have picked up.  So, the standard identification is very unlikely.  Karl Reinmuth, in the 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" was probably the first to equate CGCG 225-012 with NGC 6257, though his position was 2.5' too far southwest.  In response to an email I sent, Harold Corwin took a look at the field and was unable to find a good alternate candidate (UGC 10599 doesn't match his description, either).

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NGC 6258 = UGC 10595 = MCG +10-24-073 = CGCG 299-035 = PGC 59165

16 52 29.9 +60 30 51; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 15-15.5 star is in contact at the NW end.  Located 5' ENE of mag 8.4 SAO 17245.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6258 = Sw. IV-44 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; R; a bright star and a double star near preceding."  His position is 7 seconds west and 1' north of UGC 10595 and his comments apply.  The double star is Espin 1829 = 10.7/11.5 at 8.5".

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NGC 6259 = NGC 6222 = Cr 322 = Mel 158

17 00 45 -44 39 18; Sco

V = 8.0;  Size 10'

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this cluster appears as a beautifully rich cloud of stars.  A couple of hundred stars are resolved in an 8' diameter.  Fairly uniform in density and magnitude and roughly circular (similar to NGC 7789).  This very rich cluster would be a showpiece for U.S. observers if further north!  NGC 6249 lies 33' SW.

 

8" (7/16/82): 12 faint stars mag 11-12.5, over unresolved haze, elongated N-S.  Appears to be rich but observed at a very low altitude which diminished the view.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6259 = D 456 = h3660 on 13 May 1826 and described "a very large patch of strong nebula, about 20' long, and 16' broad, rich in small and extremely minute stars."  His position (only to the nearest minute of time in RA) was 11' too far southeast.  On 1 Jun 1834, JH called it "a superb, vL, v rich cluster, which fills field; R, vglbM, stars 11..12th mag, thickly sown at intervals from each other from 10" to 20"." On a second sweep he described it as "vL, v rich, fills more than a field, has one or two straggling appendages p and s; stars 11 and 12th mag, nearly equal."  JH also found the cluster on 3 Jun 1834 but made a 10 minute transcription error in RA.  As a result, h3650 = NGC 6222 is a duplicate observation.

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NGC 6260 = MCG +11-20-029 = CGCG 320-046 = PGC 59142

16 51 50.6 +63 42 52; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6260 = Sw. IV-45 on 5 Aug 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; near south-following are 4 or 5 stars in form of a curve."  His position and description matches CGCG 320-046 = PGC 59142.  The closest star in the chain is mag 9.8 and 2.6' southeast. MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 6260.

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NGC 6261 = UGC 10617 = MCG +05-40-006 = CGCG 169-013 = PGC 59286

16 56 30.5 +27 58 39; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W.  Bracketed by two mag 15 stars.  First of eight in the NGC 6269 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6261 = St XI-53 on 13 Jul 1880.  His position is just off the south side of UGC 10617.

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NGC 6262

16 53 36 +56 56; Dra

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6262 = Sw. V-72 on 23 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeeF, pS, R, eee diff".  His position falls on a blank piece of sky and the number is not associated with a galaxy in any modern catalogue.  Harold Corwin suggests two possible (distant) candidates, but these are just guesses  as his description is unhelpful and the observation might also apply to a faint star or stars.

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NGC 6263 = UGC 10618 = MCG +05-40-008 = CGCG 169-014 = PGC 59292

16 56 43.1 +27 49 19; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the south edge 40" from center.  Located 2.6' S of a mag 9 star.  Second of 8 in the NGC 6269 group with NGC 6264 and NGC 6265 in the field 7.5' ENE and 10.2' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6263 = m 319 = St II-5 on 28 Jun 1864, along with NGC 6264, 6265, 6269, 6270, and noted "eF, vS, R."  His position is accurate.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found this galaxy, along with the other four, on 22 Jul 1871, apparently unaware of Marth's earlier discoveries.

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NGC 6264 = MCG +05-40-009 = CGCG 169-015 = Holm 763a = PGC 59306

16 57 16.1 +27 50 59; Her

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (7/27/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Two mag 13.5 and 14.5 stars lie 1' SW and 1' S, respectively.  Forms a pair with NGC 6265 2.9' ESE in the NGC 6269 group.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, very low surface brightness.  Two faint stars off the south side; a mag 14 star 1.1' SW and a mag 15 star 1.0' S.  Third of eight in the NGC 6269 group with NGC 6265 2.9' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6264 = m 320 = Sf 38 = St II-6 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 6265 and 6269) on 11 Jul 1866 at the Dearborn Observatory.  ƒdouard Stephan found it again on 22 Jul 1871, apparently unaware of Marth's earlier discoveries, and measured a very accurate position.

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NGC 6265 = UGC 10624 = MCG +05-40-011 = CGCG 169-017 = PGC 59315

16 57 29.0 +27 50 39; Her

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (7/27/95): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 40"x30", very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' ENE.  Located 6.4' W of NGC 6269 in a group.  Forms a pair with NGC 6264 2.9' WNW.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, small, very low surface brightness, elongated SW-NE.  Fourth of 8 in NGC 6269 group with NGC 6264 2.9' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6265 = m 321 = St II-7 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 6264 and 6269) on 11 Jul 1866 at the Dearborn Observatory.  ƒdouard Stephan found it again on 22 Jul 1871.  All three positions are good.

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NGC 6266 = M62 = ESO 453-14

17 01 12.5 -30 06 44; Oph

V = 6.6;  Size 14.1';  Surf Br = 1.4

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this is a very striking globular set in a fine star field.  The halo is very irregular and elongated due to a flattening along the SE side.  The halo is easily resolved into several dozen faint stars, many in strings and chains.  A long string of stars extends from a mag 10.5 star off the SE side along the east edge of the halo.  The center appears offset due to the flattening and is very compressed with a large, blazing core.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): very bright nucleus, asymmetric appearance with a flattened SE region.  The outer halo is very mottled and just resolved into many faint stars at 220x.

 

8" (6/19/82): bright nucleus, nonsymmetrical appearance, fans out to the west from an off-center core.  A few very faint stars are resolved at the west edge.

 

Charles Messier discovered M62 = NGC 6266 = D 627 = h3661 on 7 June 1771 and described a "very beautiful nebula, discovered in Scorpio, it resembles a little Comet, the centre is brilliant & surrounded by a faint glow."

 

William Herschel first observed the globular on 28 May 1783 with his 6-inch (10-foot telescope) and noted "With 250 power, a strong suspicion, amounting almost to a certainty, of its consisting of stars.  In observations with his 18.7-inch (20-foot telescope) in 1785 and 1786, he called the cluster "Extremely bright, round, very gradually brighter in the middle, about 4 or 5' in diameter; 240 power with strong attention showed the stars of it. The cluster is a miniature of the 3d of the Connoissance."

 

On 8 May 1834, John Herschel was the first to note its off-center core: "globular, vB, L, R, pgvmbM, perfectly resolved with left eye, hardly with right. The most condensed part is a perfect blaze, but not quite in the centre. The southern part runs out further. A beautiful object (See figure 13, Plate VI).  [Semi] Diam = 13.5 seconds in RA."

 

Using the Great Melbourne Telescope on 8 Oct 1874, Joseph Turner called it a "superb object and almost a miniature of Omega Centauri".   He noted "this condensed portion is not quite central, but (offset) toward the north-following side, the cluster branching out considerably in the south-preceding direction."

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NGC 6267 = UGC 10628 = MCG +04-40-009 = CGCG 139-025 = PGC 59340

16 58 08.8 +22 59 05; Her

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, almost round, low but irregular surface brightness, appears slightly brighter on the north side.  An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is involved on the south side.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6267 = H III-123 on 15 May 1784 (sweep 217) and recorded "vF, pL, R, lbM.  Following and near a star; with several other stars in the field following."  Caroline's reduction is 2' northeast of UGC 10628.  The discovery was on the first night he experimented using a "front-view", observing at the edge of the tube without use of a secondary.

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NGC 6268 = Cr 323 = ESO 332-017

17 02 10 -39 43 42; Sco

Size 6'

 

8" (6/27/81): 30-40 stars mag 10-12.5 in a 10' diameter.  A denser group of stars in the center is arranged in a line.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6268 = D 521 = h3662 on 5 Jun 1826 and described "2 rows or lines of pretty bright small stars in the parallel of the equator, with a multitude of minute stars resembling a faint nebula, 5' diameter."  He made 2 observations and his published position is just 2.5' northwest of center of the cluster.  On 3 Jun 1834, John Herschel recorded a "cluster, rich, pL, brilliant, 8', stars irregularly scattered 10..12th mag, place of a double star in the following angle of a triangular condensed group."

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NGC 6269 = UGC 10629 = MCG +05-40-012 = CGCG 169-019 = PGC 59332

16 57 58.0 +27 51 16; Her

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (7/27/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 1.5' diameter.  Even concentration to a bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5-14 star with an extremely faint companion lies 1.3' S of center.  Brightest in a "poor" group of faint galaxies (AWM 5).

 

17.5"  (7/1/89): fifth and brightest in a string of 8 NGC galaxies with NGC 6264 6.5' W and NGC 6265 9.4' W.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, gradually increases to a small bright core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6269 = m 322 = St II-8 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, R."  Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 6264 and 6265) on 11 Jul 1866 at the Dearborn Observatory.   ƒdouard Stephan found it again on 22 Jul 1871 and his micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6270 = PGC 95562

16 58 44.0 +27 51 33; Her

Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 93”

 

17.5" (7/27/95): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, 20" diameter.  Very weak concentration with an occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  Can hold steadily with averted vision although not included in the UGC, MCG or CGCG.  Located 10' E of NGC 6269 in the AWM 5 group (6th of 8).  Misidentified in the RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6270 = m 323 = St II-9 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, S, R." His position is 5' north of PGC 95562.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 22 Jul 1871 and reported an accurate position in discovery list II-9.

 

The RNGC and PGC misidentify MCG +05-40-015 = PGC 59362 as NGC 6269.  This galaxy is located 16' south of Stephan's position!   Because of this error, the NGC 6270 is not included in the original PGC but has a HyperLeda designation (and no NGC label) of 95562.  I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #4.

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NGC 6271 = MCG +05-40-016 = CGCG 169-021 = PGC 59365

16 58 50.8 +27 57 53; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (7/1/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  Seventh of 8 in the NGC 6269 group and forms a close pair with NGC 6272 3' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6271 = m 32, along with NGC 6270 and 6272, on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6272 = CGCG 169-022 = PGC 59367

16 58 58.3 +27 55 51; Her

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.2'

 

17.5" (7/1/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 6271 3' NNW.  Located along a line of faint stars and last of 8 in the NGC 6269 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6272 = m 325, along with NGC 6270 and NGC 6271, on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF".  His position is within 1' of CGCG 169-022 = PGC 59367.

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NGC 6273 = M19 = ESO 518-007

17 02 37.6 -26 16 05; Oph

V = 6.8;  Size 13.5';  Surf Br = 1.2

 

17.5" (6/3/00): bright, moderately large globular, unusual appearance with an extended halo ~6'x4.5' (elongated N-S) and a bright 3.5' core.  The cluster breaks up into several dozen stars at 220x and at 500x at least 50 stars are resolved over the entire face of the globular.  There are a couple of strings of stars on the SE side of the halo with a dark lane between the strings.  The brightest star (foreground?) is on the northeast side.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): bright, elongated N-S, very mottled, brighter core.  The outer edges barely resolves into one or two dozen stars at 220x.

 

13.1" (7/17/82): a number of faint stars just resolve at 280x, particularly around the south edge.

 

8" (7/17/82): lively, two or three very faint stars are resolved at the north edge.

 

Charles Messier discovered M19 = NGC 6273 = h1975 = h3663 on 5 June 1764 and reported a "Nebula without stars, on the parallel of Antares between Scorpius and the right foot of Ophiuchus: this nebula is round; one can see it very well with an ordinary telescope of 3.5-foot focal length."

 

William Herschel first resolved the cluster using his 6-inch (10-foot focal length) on 28 May 1783, before his sweeps began. "I can count 5 or 6; & all the rest of the light appears mottled like other nebulas when not sufficiently magnified and illuminated to shew the stars."  John Herschel, observing from Slough on 16 Apr 1828, recorded "a fine globular cluster, stars vS, 12...18m, with one = 10m, and one 10-11m; nearly R; vgpmbM, but does not come up to a blaze.  Insulated; 3' diam.  It forms a link between I. 70 [NGC 5634] and M10 or M12."

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NGC 6274 = UGC 10654 = CGCG 169-027 = PGC 59414

17 00 35.2 +29 43 33; Her

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

24" (7/15/15): faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 18"x12", small slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 15 star is just off the southwest side [20" from center].  Forms a pair with NGC 6282 6.2' NNE.

 

UGC 10643, which is identified as NGC 6274 in the RNGC, PGC, NED and SIMBAD is located 21' NW.  At 225x and 375x it appeared faint to fairly faint, small, roundish, ~22"x18", small slightly brighter nucleus.  UGC 10643b = MCG +05-40-020 is a very challenging galaxy (B = 16.5) attached on the south end.  At 225x; UGC 10643b was occasionally visible as an extremely faint glow (too brief/faint for shape).  At 375x I could tell it was elongated to the southeast when it popped.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is off the southwest edge 19" from the center.  Located 6' SSW of NGC 6282.

 

UGC 10643, which is identified as NGC 6274 in the RNGC and PGC, is located 21' NW.  It appeared  faint, small, possibly elongated E-W, brighter core.  Located 2' E of an isosceles triangle consisting of three mag 13-14 stars.  The nearest of these stars is a close double.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6274 = m 326 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  There is nothing close to his position.

 

RNGC and PGC identify UGC 10643 as NGC 6274.  UGC 10643 is a double system (with PGC 59381) situated 11' north and 15 seconds of RA west of Marth's position, so it's a pretty poor match.  Karl Reinmuth first gave this identification in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel".

 

UGC 10654 is a more likely candidate.  It is situated 1.0 minute of time east of Marth's position, so is only off in one direction and a digit error would account for the error.  Edward Fath suggested this identification in his 1914 paper "A Study of Nebulae", based on plates taken with the 60" at Mt. Wilson.  Harold Corwin concurs with my suggestion that NGC 6274 = UGC 10654, particularly as NGC 6274 would be within 6' of NGC 6282, which Marth also discovered the same night.

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NGC 6275 = CGCG 321-007 = Mrk 503 = Mrk 890 = VII Zw 667 = PGC 59262

16 55 33.4 +63 14 32; Dra

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 120”

 

48" (4/21/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~20"x15", slightly brighter core.  With averted vision a very faint tail or "hook" extends east on the south end.  On the SDSS, this is the beginning of a knotty loop (tidally deformed tail?) that extends to the north end of this disrupted galaxy.

 

LEDA 2653385, picked up 9' NW, appeared faint, small, round, 12" diameter.  The redshift implies a light-travel time of just over 1 billion years, so it lies far in the background of NGC 6275.

 

17.5" (7/9/88): extremely faint, very small, round, small slightly brighter core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6275 = Sw. IV-46 on 5 Aug 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; lE; eee diff.; nearly in center of a large vacancy."  His position is 1' west (10 seconds of RA) of CGCG 321-007 and the identification is certain.

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NGC 6276 = IC 1239 = MCG +04-40-010 = CGCG 139-028 = WBL 629-002 = PGC 59419

17 00 45.0 +23 02 39; Her

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

24" (9/5/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20" diameter, weak concentration to the center but no distinct nucleus.  In a trio with NGC 6276 2.4' SE and UGC 10650 8' NW.

 

UGC 10650 (misidentified as NGC 6276 in the RNGC) appeared very faint, moderately large, extremely thin edge-on SSW-NNE, ~45"x5", low surface brightness, slightly brighter core.  A mag 15.2 star is at the SSW tip.

 

17.5": very faint, small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 6278 2.3' SE.  Two faint mag 14.5/15 stars are 2' E.  The northern of these two stars is NGC 6277.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6276 = m 328 = St. II-10 on 10 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S."  His position is 1' northwest of CGCG 139-028 = PGC 59419.  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy again on 13 Jul 1871 and measured an accurate micrometric position.  Finally, Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 19 Jun 1887, reported it as a "nova" in Comptes Rendus list V-213, and Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 1239, though added the comment "= NGC 6276?".  In the NGC main table, Dreyer mistakenly equates NGC 6277 with m 328 and NGC 6276 with m 327.

 

RNGC misidentified UGC 10650 as NGC 6276.  In addition, CGCG and RNGC mislabel NGC 6276 as NGC 6277 and MCG and UGC refer to it as NGC 6276 = NGC 6277.   The identifications are sorted out in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal #87, Malcolm Thomson's unpublished Catalogue Corrections, my RNGC Corrections #4 (on the NGC/IC Project site) and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6277

17 00 48.8 +23 02 22; Her

 

17.5": this number refers to a mag 14 star just under 1' ESE of NGC 6276.  It was noted in the observation of NGC 6276, along with a fainter mag 15 star about 15" south.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6277 = St II-11 on 6 Jun 1864, very close to NGC 6276.  Stephan's micrometric position matches a faint star (northern of a 16" pair).  In the main NGC table, Dreyer equated m 328 (from Albert Marth) with NGC 6277, but m 328 refers to NGC 6276 (corrected by Dreyer in his comments section of the NGC).

 

The RNGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 6276 as NGC 6277. The UGC and MCG incorrectly equate NGC 6276 = NGC 6277.  See Harold Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 6278 = UGC 10656 = MCG +04-40-011 = CGCG 139-029 = Holm 765a = WBL 629-003 = PGC 59426

17 00 50.3 +23 00 40; Her

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

24" (9/5/18): at 375x; bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus.  The halo has a fairly low even surface brightness.  Third and brightest in a trio (WBL 629) with NGC 6276 2.4' NW and UGC 10650 10' NW.

 

17.5": fairly faint, small, dominated by a very small bright core with stellar nucleus, faint halo elongated NW-SE.  Close pair with NGC 6276 2.3' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6278 = H III-124 on 15 May 1784 (sweep 217) and logged "vF, stellar, 240 verified it."  His position (copied into the GC) is 25 seconds of RA too large.   The discovery was on the first night he experimented using a "front-view", observing at the edge of the tube without use of a secondary.  Stephan found the galaxy again on 13 July 1871 and reported St II-12 as new, along with NGC 6276 and NGC 6277.  Stephan's position (used in the NGC) is accurate.

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NGC 6279 = UGC 10645 = MCG +08-31-017 = CGCG 252-013 = PGC 59370

16 59 01.3 +47 14 14; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6279 = Sw. V-73 on 23 Oct 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; wide double star near north-following."  His position and description (the two stars are mag 11-12) applies to UGC 10645.

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NGC 6280 = MCG +01-43-008 = CGCG 053-026 = PGC 59464

17 01 57.5 +06 39 58; Oph

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core.  Located 4.5' NE of mag 8.7 SAO 122019 in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6280 = m 329 on 8 May 1864 and noted "pB, S, lE."  Although his position is within 1' of CGCG 053-026 = PGC 59464, I'm surprised he called this galaxy "pB" (it's small and faint), as most of his discoveries are called F, vF or eF.

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NGC 6281 = Cr 324 = Mel 161

17 04 41 -37 59 06; Sco

V = 5.4;  Size 8'

 

18" (6/12/10): this bright 10' diameter cluster was even resolved in my 80mm finder at 25x.  Excellent in my 18" at 175x with roughly 50 resolved stars to mag 14 including two dozen brighter mag 9-10.5 stars in a distinctive, well-defined outline.  Several double stars are involved including h4915 = 9/10.8 at 11" on the NE side and a 10" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars in the center.  Several of the cluster's fainter stars are situated on the south side.  A number of the brighter stars are in two strings forming a right angle.  The northern line is oriented SW-NE and the southwest line is oriented NW-SE.  The vertex is at the west end of these strings (NW edge of the cluster).  NGC 6281 is located 2.5 degrees east of Mu1/2 Sco.

 

8" (6/27/81): two dozen stars mag 9-11 in a distinct fairly bright, rectangular group of ~10' diameter.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6281 = D 556 = h3664 on 5 Jun 1826 and described "a curiously curved line of pretty bright small stars, with many very small stars mixt."  Dunlop made 3 observations of the cluster and his position is 20' too far east.  JH made a single observation on 28 Jun 1834 and recorded "a p rich, L, pB, cluster VII class, of loose stars 9, 10, 11th mag, which fills 2/3 of field."  His position is on the double star HJ 4915 on the north side of the main group.

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NGC 6282 = CGCG 169-029 = PGC 59418

17 00 47.2 +29 49 15; Her

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  PA = 36”

 

24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, 25" diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the east edge [0.4' from center].  Forms a pair with UGC 10654 6.2' SSW.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, irregularly round, no concentration.  A mag 15 star is attached at the east end.  Forms a pair with UGC 10654 7' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6282 = m 330 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6283 = UGC 10652 = MCG +08-31-018 = CGCG 252-014 = PGC 59386

16 59 26.4 +49 55 18; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, moderately large, broad concentration.  A double star lies 3.7' SW (mag 12/14 at 20").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6283 = H III-728 on 13 Apr 1788 (sweep 832) and noted "vF, cS, iR."  CH's reduction is an excellent match with UGC 10652

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NGC 6284 = ESO 518-009

17 04 28.8 -24 45 53; Oph

V = 9.0;  Size 5.6';  Surf Br = 0.9

 

18" (7/12/07): easily picked up at 25x in the 80mm finder with a very bright core and fainter halo.  At 220x, this globular is sharply concentrated with an intense core that increases to the center.  The 2' halo is very lively and several very faint stars are just visible.  Clouds then interrupted this observation and I wasn't able to use high power.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright, small, round, 2' diameter, bright core, very small intense nucleus.  At 500x, ~12-15 stars are resolved, mostly in the outer halo, and the cluster is very clumpy as if on the verge of more extensive resolution.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): very small intense core, fainter halo with a few faint stars resolved over a mottled haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6284 = H VI-11 = h1976 = h3665 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "a cluster of stars, in respect of the size of the whole, as well as the distance and magnitude of the stars in it, a good miniature of the preceding.  The colour of the stars also preserve a faint red; about 1.5 or 2' in diam.  It may be called the next step to an easily resolvable nebula."  He later commented "It is a good miniature of the 19th of the Connoiss. not only with respect to the size of the cluster, but also with regard to the mutual distance the reduced magnitude of the stars of which it consists."  From the CGH, JH recorded "globular cluster; B; R: gbM; diam = 7.0s; resolved into stars 16m."

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NGC 6285 = Arp 293 NED1 = MCG +10-24-081 = CGCG 299-037 = PGC 59344

16 58 24.0 +58 57 22; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

48" (5/15/12): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~40"x12", well concentrated with a bright core, faint extensions.  Very low surface arm structure is just visible at the east and west ends of the bar.  Smaller and fainter of a pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6286.

 

24" (7/2/19): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, broad and mild concentration. The spiral arms extending north on the west end of the bar and south on the east end were not noticed.

 

24" (7/20/17): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad concentration with a relatively large brighter core.  I wasn't able to see arm structure coming off the central bar with any confidence.  Forms an interacting pair Arp 293 (with low surf. br. tidal bridge and plumes) with NGC 6286 1.5' SE.

 

24" (6/28/16): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W (central bar), ~30"x10", small bright core.  Occasionally, very low surface brightness haze (arms) could be glimpsed on the north side of the west end of the bar and the south side of the east end.  Forms an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6286 1.5' SE.

 

18" (7/14/07): faint, fairly small, very elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.2, small brighter core.  Fainter member of an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6286 1.5' SE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 6286 1.5' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6285 around 1886 and recorded "eeF, S, R, v diffic, np of 2".  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer, who referenced his 6th discovery list, which was under preparation when the NGC was published.  But Swift didn't include it in either his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC.  His position is just 7 seconds west and 1' north of this galaxy.  Nearby NGC 6286 was discovered earlier on 13 Aug 1885.

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NGC 6286 = Arp 293 NED2 = UGC 10647 = MCG +10-24-084 = CGCG 299-040 = PRC C-51 = PGC 59352

16 58 31.8 +58 56 13; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.4', well concentrated with a slightly bulging core and thin extensions.  The outer loop on the southeast side was not seen.  Brighter member of an interacting system (Arp 293) with NGC 6285 just 1.5' NW.

 

24" (7/2/19): at 282x; moderately bright and large, very attractive edge-on 5:1 SW-NE with a bright core.  UGC 10641, located 4.5' SW, is an extremely low surface brightness superthin.  It only "popped" a few times but confirmed and no more than 15"x6" E-W.

 

24" (7/20/17): at 322x; moderately bright and large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.25', contains a bright bulging core.  Slightly brighter of an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6285 1.5' NW.  UGC 10641, an extremely low surface brightness superthin 4.4' SW, was just glimpsed and only the core region, ~15"x5", extending E-W was seen with confidence.  Situated 0.4' NW of a mag 13.7 star.

 

24" (6/28/16): NGC 6286 is the slightly brighter of an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6285 1.5' NW. At 375x it appeared moderately bright and large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.25', well concentrated with a bright core, the extensions taper at the ends.

 

UGC 10641, an extremely low surface brightness edge-on, lies 4.5' SW.  It appeared extremely faint and slender 8:1 E-W, ~40"x5".  A mag 13.7 star is 0.4' SW of center.  Based on the DSS image and low magnitude (mag 16.2-16.5B) I was surprised to pick up this superthin with certainty.  The SQM-L reading at the time was over 21.8.

 

18" (7/14/07): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 9:2 SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.3', very weak concentration with a small slightly brighter core.  A 52" pair of mag 10/11 stars is in the field 7' NE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, bright core.  Form a close pair with NGC 6285 1.5' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6286 = Sw. I-45, along with NGC 6290 and 6291, on 13 Aug 1885 and recorded "eF; pS; R."  His position was just 5 seconds of time too small.  He missed nearby NGC 6285 on this observation, but discovered it on a later observation.

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NGC 6287 = ESO 518-010

17 05 09.3 -22 42 29; Oph

V = 9.3;  Size 5.1';  Surf Br = 1.9

 

18" (7/24/06): this fairly faint 3' cluster was surprisingly partially resolved at 435x and 565x.  At 565x the cluster was very lively and mottled with roughly 20 stars barely resolved over the disc (some popping in and out of visibility). The core was only weakly compressed.  The cluster appeared on the verge of being well resolved with a number of extremely faint mag 16 stars sometimes momentarily sparkling and increasing the total to perhaps three dozen stars.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly bright, irregular, 3' diameter, mottled but not resolved at 280x.  The core is elongated SW-NE.  Two very faint unresolved star lanes stream to the north and east from the core giving the appearance of a tail.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6287 = H II-195 = h3666 on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded "pB, cL, iR, r, lbM."  JH made the single observation "globular cluster; irreg R; gpm comp M; 3' diam; barely resolved into stars 16...18m." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 6288 = MCG +11-21-006 = CGCG 321-008 = PGC 59312

16 57 24.5 +68 27 26; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 6289 4' NNE.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 13 year-old son, discovered NGC 6288 = Sw. I-52 (along with NGC 6289) on 19 Aug 1884 and they recorded "vvF; vS; R; vF * nr; sp of 2 [with NGC 6289]."  The Swifts' RA is only 12 seconds too far east.

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NGC 6289 = MCG +11-21-007 = CGCG 320-056 = PGC 59322

16 57 44.9 +68 30 53; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  PA = 13”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, very small, round.  A pair of stars is 1.5' NE and a mag 15.5 star is at the SW edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 6288 4' SSW.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 13 year-old son, discovered NGC 6289 = Sw. I-53 (along with NGC 6288) on 19 Aug 1884 and recorded "eF; eE; pL; 2 B stars nr n; nf of 2 [with NGC 6288]."  The Swifts' RA is ~0.4 minutes too large (small distance at this declination) and the description matches CGCG 320-056 = PGC 59322.

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NGC 6290 = UGC 10665 = MCG +10-24-088 = CGCG 299-043 = PGC 59428

17 00 56.4 +58 58 13; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Brightest of three in a compact group with NGC 6291 2.0' S and MCG +10-24-085 2' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6290 = Sw. II-46, along with NGC 6291 and 6286, on 13 Aug 1885 and recorded "eF; pS; R; * nr following; 2 bright stars nearly point to it; n of 2 [with NGC 6291]."  The note "2 bright stars nearly point to it" refer to 2 mag 10 stars to the northwest, but there is no star "nr following."

 

MCG misidentifies NGC 6290 as NGC 6291.

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NGC 6291 = MCG +10-24-086 = CGCG 299-042 = PGC 59433

17 00 55.9 +58 56 16; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 6290 2.0' N and part of a group (LDCE 1228) that includes NGC 6285/6286 (Arp 293).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6291 = Sw. II-47, along with NGC 6290 and 6286, on 13 Aug 1885 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; s of 2 [with NGC 6290]."  MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 6291, though the identification is certain.

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NGC 6292 = UGC 10684 = MCG +10-24-093 = CGCG 299-047 = PGC 59498

17 03 03.7 +61 02 37; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  Located within a star group with a mag 15 star at the east end.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6292 = Sw. II-48 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "eF; E; several vF stars near; v diff."  His position is 30 seconds too far west, but the description confirms the identification with UGC 10684.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 10 Sep 1888, and Dreyer published the correction in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 6293 = ESO 519-005

17 10 10.4 -26 34 54; Oph

V = 8.2;  Size 7.9';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

17.5" (6/6/86): small, compact, 10-20 stars resolved at 286x and on the verge of more extensive resolution.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): fairly bright, high surface brightness, compact core, much fainter mottled halo.  Between 6-12 very faint stars are resolved in the halo at 360x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6293 = H VI-12 = h1977 = h3667 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and noted "a miniature cluster of stars of the former cluster [M19]; such as described sweep 223 [NGC 6284], but rather coarser."  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded "globular cluster; B; R; psbM; diam 7.0s; resolved into stars 16m."

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NGC 6294 = ESO 519-006

17 10 16.2 -26 34 29; Oph

 

= ** on the east side of NGC 6293 [1.4' ENE of center], Dreyer.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6294 = h1978 on 16 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; S; vsbM; is a companion to the globular cluster VI. 12 [NGC 6293, observed just previously in the sweep]." His position (corrected by a small offset for NGC 6293) corresponds with pair of mag 13 stars at 10" separation.  Herbert Howe, was the first to make this identification in 1898, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver.  He noted "This follows 6293 closely, and appears to be simply a very faint double star of mag 13 and 13.5, with an angle on 315”, and distance of 8"."

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NGC 6295 = UGC 10682 = MCG +10-24-092 = PGC 59510

17 03 15.4 +60 20 16; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  PA = 77”

 

24" (7/20/17): at 322x; faint or fairly faint, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, ~40"x16", broad weak concentration but no distinct core.  A dust lane bisects the galaxy, but it was not seen. The brighter component of a 25" pair of mag 14/15 stars (oriented SW-NE) lies 45" N of center.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): extremely faint, very small, elongated WSW-ENE.  A mag 14 star is 30" N.  The NGC 6306/6307 pair is 40' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6295 = Sw. IV-47 on 9 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; S; cE; F * nr."  His position is 10 seconds east and 2.5' north of UGC 10682.  There are no other nearby candidates, so this identification is fairly secure.  His "F * nr" probably refers to the mag 13.8 star less than 1' north.

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NGC 6296 = UGC 10719 = MCG +01-44-002 = CGCG 054-003 = PGC 59690

17 08 44.6 +03 53 37; Oph

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  On line with mag 7.8 SAO 122127 8.9' SSE and a mag 9 star 4.9' SSE.  Pair with IC 1242 9.3' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6296 = m 331 on 17 Jun 1863 and noted "pB".  His position is 2' too far north.

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NGC 6297 = NGC 6298 = UGC 10690 = CGCG 299-050 = PGC 59525

17 03 36.4 +62 01 32; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located between a mag 12 star 1.8' ESE and a mag 13 star 0.9' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6297 = Sw. II-49 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "pB; pS; R; bet 2 stars; np of 2 [with NGC 6298]."  His RA is 20 seconds too small, but the comment "bet 2 stars" clinches this identification.  NGC 6298, discovered by Swift three weeks later, he almost certainly a duplicate observation.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 1 Sep 1888.

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NGC 6297 = NGC 6298 = UGC 10690 = CGCG 299-050 = PGC 59525

17 03 36.4 +62 01 32; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located between a mag 12 star 1.8' ESE and a mag 13 star 0.9' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6297 = Sw. II-49 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "pB; pS; R; bet 2 stars; np of 2 [with NGC 6298]."  His RA is 20 seconds too small, but the comment "bet 2 stars" clinches this identification.  NGC 6298, discovered by Swift three weeks later, he almost certainly a duplicate observation.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 1 Sep 1888.

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NGC 6297 = NGC 6298 = UGC 10690 = CGCG 299-050 = PGC 59525

17 03 36.4 +62 01 32; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Located between a mag 12 star 1.8' ESE and a mag 13 star 0.9' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6297 = Sw. II-49 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "pB; pS; R; bet 2 stars; np of 2 [with NGC 6298]."  His RA is 20 seconds too small, but the comment "bet 2 stars" clinches this identification.  NGC 6298, discovered by Swift three weeks later, he almost certainly a duplicate observation.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 1 Sep 1888.

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NGC 6298 = NGC 6297 = UGC 10690 = CGCG 299-050 = PGC 59525

17 03 36.4 +62 01 32; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 6298.  Incorrect identification (and RA typo) in the RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6298 = Sw. II-50 on 1 Aug 1885 and recorded "vF; eS; R; between 2 stars, nf of 2 [with NGC 6297]."  This observation was made just 3 weeks after discovering NGC 6297 = Sw. II-49.  His two positions are nearly identical and there is only 1 galaxy here "between 2 stars", though on the first observation he described this object as "pretty bright".  Swift must have added the comments "sp of 2" and "nf of 2" later, assuming he had observed different nebulae on the two nights.  In any case, NGC 6297 = NGC 6298.  Bigourdan observed this galaxy and corrected the RA  but of course failed to find NGC 6298.

 

The RNGC misidentifies some "very flat" galaxy as NGC 6298 (possibly 2MASX J17042122+6202573, but the position has an obvious typo (RA listed as 11h) so it is difficult to interpret.  I reported this error in my RNGC Corrections #3 list.

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NGC 6299 = MCG +10-24-097 = CGCG 299-051 = PGC 59561

17 05 04.3 +62 27 28; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6299 on 27 Oct 1861 (first official night of nebula hunting) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 6300 = ESO 101-025 = VV 734 = PGC 60001

17 16 59.4 -62 49 14; Ara

V = 10.2;  Size 4.5'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 118”

See observing notes for NGC 6298.  Incorrect identification (and RA typo) in the RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6298 = Sw. II-50 on 1 Aug 1885 and recorded "vF; eS; R; between 2 stars, nf of 2 [with NGC 6297]."  This observation was made just 3 weeks after discovering NGC 6297 = Sw. II-49.  His two positions are nearly identical and there is only 1 galaxy here "between 2 stars", though on the first observation he described this object as "pretty bright".  Swift must have added the comments "sp of 2" and "nf of 2" later, assuming he had observed different nebulae on the two nights.  In any case, NGC 6297 = NGC 6298.  Bigourdan observed this galaxy and corrected the RA  but of course failed to find NGC 6298.

 

The RNGC misidentifies some "very flat" galaxy as NGC 6298 (possibly 2MASX J17042122+6202573, but the position has an obvious typo (RA listed as 11h) so it is difficult to interpret.  I reported this error in my RNGC Corrections #3 list.

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NGC 6299 = MCG +10-24-097 = CGCG 299-051 = PGC 59561

17 05 04.3 +62 27 28; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6299 on 27 Oct 1861 (first official night of nebula hunting) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 6300 = ESO 101-025 = VV 734 = PGC 60001

17 16 59.4 -62 49 14; Ara

V = 10.2;  Size 4.5'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 118”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6299 on 27 Oct 1861 (first official night of nebula hunting) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 6300 = ESO 101-025 = VV 734 = PGC 60001

17 16 59.4 -62 49 14; Ara

V = 10.2;  Size 4.5'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 118”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6299 on 27 Oct 1861 (first official night of nebula hunting) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 6300 = ESO 101-025 = VV 734 = PGC 60001

17 16 59.4 -62 49 14; Ara

V = 10.2;  Size 4.5'x3.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 118”

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 6300 is a very unusual galaxy at a low galactic latitude with an appearance similar to a fairly large emission nebula in a rich Milky Way star field!  The shape seemed irregular, but elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~3.0'x1.8' with a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Two brighter stars (mag 12.5) are superimposed on the core and another two mag 13.5 stars are superimposed near the north and south ends of the halo!  These stars confuse the observation of this strange looking galaxy (a dusty barred spiral with ring).  Located 9.5' SW of mag 7.6 HD 155797.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6300 = h3668 on 30 Jun 1826, according to Glen Cozens who examined his handwritten notes (on microfiche).  For some reason, though, Dunlop didn't include this object in his catalogue.

 

John Herschel rediscovered NGC 6300 = h3668 on 30 Jun 1826 and recorded "F; vL; R; vgvlbM; 3'; has several stars, one = 11m; involved but being on a rich ground, there appears no connection."  Herschel was credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 6301 = IC 4643 = UGC 10723 = MCG +07-35-034 = CGCG 225-049 = PGC 59681

17 08 32.9 +42 20 19; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE.  A mag 13 star is embedded in the SW portion.  Forms a pair with CGCG 225-050 4' SE.  The companion was extremely faint and small, round, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6301 = H IV-57 on 11 Jun 1787 (sweep 746) and recorded "suspected stellar; but too faint to be verified."  He confirmed the discovery on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) and noted "F, stellar or a vS star involved in extremely F nebulosity.  Suspected in sweep 746."  His mean position from two observations matches UGC 10723.

 

Johann Palisa apparently independently rediscovered this galaxy at Vienna.  It was announced in AN 143 (#3412), and later recatalogued as IC 4643.  As Palisa's position matches NGC 6301, it's surprising Dreyer and Palisa missed the equivalence with NGC 6301.

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NGC 6301 = IC 4643 = UGC 10723 = MCG +07-35-034 = CGCG 225-049 = PGC 59681

17 08 32.9 +42 20 19; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE.  A mag 13 star is embedded in the SW portion.  Forms a pair with CGCG 225-050 4' SE.  The companion was extremely faint and small, round, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6301 = H IV-57 on 11 Jun 1787 (sweep 746) and recorded "suspected stellar; but too faint to be verified."  He confirmed the discovery on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) and noted "F, stellar or a vS star involved in extremely F nebulosity.  Suspected in sweep 746."  His mean position from two observations matches UGC 10723.

 

Johann Palisa apparently independently rediscovered this galaxy at Vienna.  It was announced in AN 143 (#3412), and later recatalogued as IC 4643.  As Palisa's position matches NGC 6301, it's surprising Dreyer and Palisa missed the equivalence with NGC 6301.

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NGC 6302 = PK 349+1.1 = Sh 2-6 = Gum 60 = RCW 124 = Ced 139 = PN G349.5+01.0 = Bug Nebula

17 13 44.6 -37 06 12; Sco

V = 9.7;  Size 83"x24"

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE.  A mag 13 star is embedded in the SW portion.  Forms a pair with CGCG 225-050 4' SE.  The companion was extremely faint and small, round, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6301 = H IV-57 on 11 Jun 1787 (sweep 746) and recorded "suspected stellar; but too faint to be verified."  He confirmed the discovery on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) and noted "F, stellar or a vS star involved in extremely F nebulosity.  Suspected in sweep 746."  His mean position from two observations matches UGC 10723.

 

Johann Palisa apparently independently rediscovered this galaxy at Vienna.  It was announced in AN 143 (#3412), and later recatalogued as IC 4643.  As Palisa's position matches NGC 6301, it's surprising Dreyer and Palisa missed the equivalence with NGC 6301.

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NGC 6302 = PK 349+1.1 = Sh 2-6 = Gum 60 = RCW 124 = Ced 139 = PN G349.5+01.0 = Bug Nebula

17 13 44.6 -37 06 12; Sco

V = 9.7;  Size 83"x24"

 

48" (5/3/19): amazing view of the Bug Nebula at 375x!  The central section was elongated roughly N-S and displayed an extremely high surface brightness. Four distinct "wings" were attached; two to the west and two to the east.  A surprisingly long wing is on the southwest side.  It has a noticeable bright section after dimming.  The wing tapers and then fades, stretching to the WNW for a total length of near 2'!  A mag 12 star is ~30" NW of the end of the wing.  The lowest surface brightness wing is on the NW side and extends in the direction of the mag 12 star for about 1' in length, but extends ~1.5' with averted vision.  The third extension on the southeast side is the narrowest and tapers at the east end. It appeared fairly uniform in surface brightness. Finally, the 4th and brightest wing is on the northeast side.  It extends towards the ENE but curls to the SE forming the shape of a "pincher claw" with the southeast wing.

 

18" (7/22/06): fascinating view unfiltered at 325x.  In the center is a very high surface brightness "core" of only 10"-12" in diameter that brightens slightly to the center and is encased in a larger, fainter envelope.  Two remarkable wings oriented WSW-ENE extend from the central core!  The following wing is much shorter but slightly brighter and this extension abruptly shoots towards the southeast near the end.  The much longer preceding wing heads WSW and is cut by a darker lane that detaches the western tip.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x (unfiltered) the Bug Nebula is a remarkable, high surface brightness object, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~2.0x0.7'.  The intensely bright 10" core appears elongated SW-NE and is offset to the east of center. A quasi-stellar nucleus sharpens to a stellar point when the seeing steadies (this is not the central star, though).  The western wing is longer and is nearly split at the midpoint by a dark slash oriented N-S with a brighter condensation at the west end.  The shorter eastern wing is more pinched and just past its midpoint there is a kink and it angles towards the SE.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): structure highly suspected with the western extension cut by a dark lane.  The eastern extension bends north following the core.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): bright, fairly small, elongated E-W, very high surface brightness.  Subtle structure but the western extension is notably longer, brighter and possibly cut by a dark lane.

 

8" (6/27/81): fairly bright, small, elongated, bright core and brighter along the western extension.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6302 in 1880 with his 5-inch refractor.  He wrote, "A small flickering indefinite nebula slightly elongated (east and west) with 5-inch refractor." This was the first nebula that Barnard found, though the discovery was not published until 1884 (AN 108, 369 and Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p226).  He noted "Prof. Swift, with his 16 inch refractor finds it to be a triple and elongated; its major axis nearly perpendicular to the meridian; a smaller nebula at each end, one of which is exceedingly faint.  Its place is from one observation with the meridian circle."  In 1892 Barnard made a detailed observation and sketch with the 36-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.  As far as the popular nickname, Barnard commented, "from its singular appearance, I have called it the "Bug Nebula".

 

Dreyer noted "seems to be Dunlop 567 [found on 5 Jun 1826]" in the IC 1 Notes.  Dunlop's description reads "a very faint small ill-defined nebula, with a small star in it, with two small stars south of it, but not involved."  If this description applies to NGC 6302, his position was particularly bad -- 1.1” NE of the planetary.  But Glen Cozens, in a 2010 article in the "Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage" states "D 567 is an asterism, not the planetary nebula NGC 6302, as suggested by Hartung."  It's surprising the John Herschel missed this bright planetary during his sweeps.

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NGC 6302 = PK 349+1.1 = Sh 2-6 = Gum 60 = RCW 124 = Ced 139 = PN G349.5+01.0 = Bug Nebula

17 13 44.6 -37 06 12; Sco

V = 9.7;  Size 83"x24"

 

48" (5/3/19): amazing view of the Bug Nebula at 375x!  The central section was elongated roughly N-S and displayed an extremely high surface brightness. Four distinct "wings" were attached; two to the west and two to the east.  A surprisingly long wing is on the southwest side.  It has a noticeable bright section after dimming.  The wing tapers and then fades, stretching to the WNW for a total length of near 2'!  A mag 12 star is ~30" NW of the end of the wing.  The lowest surface brightness wing is on the NW side and extends in the direction of the mag 12 star for about 1' in length, but extends ~1.5' with averted vision.  The third extension on the southeast side is the narrowest and tapers at the east end. It appeared fairly uniform in surface brightness. Finally, the 4th and brightest wing is on the northeast side.  It extends towards the ENE but curls to the SE forming the shape of a "pincher claw" with the southeast wing.

 

18" (7/22/06): fascinating view unfiltered at 325x.  In the center is a very high surface brightness "core" of only 10"-12" in diameter that brightens slightly to the center and is encased in a larger, fainter envelope.  Two remarkable wings oriented WSW-ENE extend from the central core!  The following wing is much shorter but slightly brighter and this extension abruptly shoots towards the southeast near the end.  The much longer preceding wing heads WSW and is cut by a darker lane that detaches the western tip.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x (unfiltered) the Bug Nebula is a remarkable, high surface brightness object, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~2.0x0.7'.  The intensely bright 10" core appears elongated SW-NE and is offset to the east of center. A quasi-stellar nucleus sharpens to a stellar point when the seeing steadies (this is not the central star, though).  The western wing is longer and is nearly split at the midpoint by a dark slash oriented N-S with a brighter condensation at the west end.  The shorter eastern wing is more pinched and just past its midpoint there is a kink and it angles towards the SE.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): structure highly suspected with the western extension cut by a dark lane.  The eastern extension bends north following the core.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): bright, fairly small, elongated E-W, very high surface brightness.  Subtle structure but the western extension is notably longer, brighter and possibly cut by a dark lane.

 

8" (6/27/81): fairly bright, small, elongated, bright core and brighter along the western extension.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6302 in 1880 with his 5-inch refractor.  He wrote, "A small flickering indefinite nebula slightly elongated (east and west) with 5-inch refractor." This was the first nebula that Barnard found, though the discovery was not published until 1884 (AN 108, 369 and Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p226).  He noted "Prof. Swift, with his 16 inch refractor finds it to be a triple and elongated; its major axis nearly perpendicular to the meridian; a smaller nebula at each end, one of which is exceedingly faint.  Its place is from one observation with the meridian circle."  In 1892 Barnard made a detailed observation and sketch with the 36-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.  As far as the popular nickname, Barnard commented, "from its singular appearance, I have called it the "Bug Nebula".

 

Dreyer noted "seems to be Dunlop 567 [found on 5 Jun 1826]" in the IC 1 Notes.  Dunlop's description reads "a very faint small ill-defined nebula, with a small star in it, with two small stars south of it, but not involved."  If this description applies to NGC 6302, his position was particularly bad -- 1.1” NE of the planetary.  But Glen Cozens, in a 2010 article in the "Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage" states "D 567 is an asterism, not the planetary nebula NGC 6302, as suggested by Hartung."  It's surprising the John Herschel missed this bright planetary during his sweeps.

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NGC 6303 = UGC 10711 = MCG +12-16-017 = CGCG 321-013 = PGC 59573

17 05 02.9 +68 49 40; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6303 = Sw. I-54 on 14 Oct 1884 and noted "vvF; cE; pL; nearly bet. 2 stars."   There is nothing near his position.  Bigourdan's "corrected" position on 15 Sep 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) refers to a star.

 

Harold Corwin equates UGC 10711 with NGC 6303.  This galaxy is situated 28' north of Swift's position and 30 seconds of time east, but matches his comment "nearly between 2 stars."  Malcolm Thomson disagrees (in his CGCG Corrections) due to the discrepancy in RA and Dec.  All modern catalogues identify UGC 10711 as NGC 6303.

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NGC 6303 = UGC 10711 = MCG +12-16-017 = CGCG 321-013 = PGC 59573

17 05 02.9 +68 49 40; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6303 = Sw. I-54 on 14 Oct 1884 and noted "vvF; cE; pL; nearly bet. 2 stars."   There is nothing near his position.  Bigourdan's "corrected" position on 15 Sep 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) refers to a star.

 

Harold Corwin equates UGC 10711 with NGC 6303.  This galaxy is situated 28' north of Swift's position and 30 seconds of time east, but matches his comment "nearly between 2 stars."  Malcolm Thomson disagrees (in his CGCG Corrections) due to the discrepancy in RA and Dec.  All modern catalogues identify UGC 10711 as NGC 6303.

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NGC 6304 = ESO 454-002

17 14 32.5 -29 27 44; Oph

V = 8.4;  Size 6.8';  Surf Br = 1.7

 

17.5" (8/27/92): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W.  The brightest portion is 2' diameter although a very faint halo increases the diameter to 3'-3.5'.  Appears flattened on the south or southeast side.  There was no significant central condensation although the central region was very mottled and a few faint mag 15-15.5 stars popped in and out of view.  Within the faint halo 10-20 very faint mag 15-16 stars are just resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6304 = H I-147 = h3670 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 559) and recorded "vB, R, gmbM, between 2 & 3' dia.  A very pretty object.  A miniature of M62."  His position is accurate.  JH made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and described the cluster on sweep 478 as "B; R; at first s, the vgvlbM; brighter part 2' diam; but there is a much fainter portion which extends a good deal further; stars 16-17 mag."

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NGC 6304 = ESO 454-002

17 14 32.5 -29 27 44; Oph

V = 8.4;  Size 6.8';  Surf Br = 1.7

 

17.5" (8/27/92): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W.  The brightest portion is 2' diameter although a very faint halo increases the diameter to 3'-3.5'.  Appears flattened on the south or southeast side.  There was no significant central condensation although the central region was very mottled and a few faint mag 15-15.5 stars popped in and out of view.  Within the faint halo 10-20 very faint mag 15-16 stars are just resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6304 = H I-147 = h3670 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 559) and recorded "vB, R, gmbM, between 2 & 3' dia.  A very pretty object.  A miniature of M62."  His position is accurate.  JH made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and described the cluster on sweep 478 as "B; R; at first s, the vgvlbM; brighter part 2' diam; but there is a much fainter portion which extends a good deal further; stars 16-17 mag."

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NGC 6305 = ESO 138-019 = PGC 60029

17 18 00.5 -59 10 18; Ara

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 133”

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 230x): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" (probably the core region).  Two mag 13.5-14 stars just off the north side are collinear with the galaxy.  Located 32' NNW of mag 5.9 HD 156091 in a fairly rich star field.

 

The Stingray Nebula (He 3-1357), the youngest known planetary nebula, lies 23' SW.  It appeared ~13th magnitude and was stellar up to 230x.  It was easy to confirm by blinking with an NPB filter at 178x.  A mag 10.8 star is 35" W and provided an excellent comparison. This star is noticeably brighter unfiltered, but dimmer after inserting an NPB filter, so there was a very good filter response due to its strong OIII lines.

 

Up until around 1980, He 3-1357 was an ordinary B1 post-AGB star, but then it suddenly sprouted bright emission lines like a planetary nebula, and soon afterwards the HST discovered a small PN halo around the star, so apparently a star was caught in the act of ionizing a PN.

 

The brightening of the nebula likely stopped in the early 1990Õs with the turn-off of the fast stellar wind associated with the 1980s ionization event. The fading of the nebula started afterwards in the early 1990s. At this time, the central star underwent fast fading and its illumination of the nebula declined from V = ~10.5 to currently ~12.5.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6305 = h3669 on 5 Jul 1836 and logged "vF; vS; R; glbM; 12"."  RNGC classifies this galaxies as an unverified southern object.

 

Joseph Turner sketched this object on 14 Jul 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He noted "the nebula has a stellar center as shown above [in sketch] and looks like a star of 14th magnitude surrounded by a slight haze." (page 110 in his logbook and unpublished lithograph plate VII, figure 73)

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NGC 6305 = ESO 138-019 = PGC 60029

17 18 00.5 -59 10 18; Ara

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 133”

 

14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 230x): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" (probably the core region).  Two mag 13.5-14 stars just off the north side are collinear with the galaxy.  Located 32' NNW of mag 5.9 HD 156091 in a fairly rich star field.

 

The Stingray Nebula (He 3-1357), the youngest known planetary nebula, lies 23' SW.  It appeared ~13th magnitude and was stellar up to 230x.  It was easy to confirm by blinking with an NPB filter at 178x.  A mag 10.8 star is 35" W and provided an excellent comparison. This star is noticeably brighter unfiltered, but dimmer after inserting an NPB filter, so there was a very good filter response due to its strong OIII lines.

 

Up until around 1980, He 3-1357 was an ordinary B1 post-AGB star, but then it suddenly sprouted bright emission lines like a planetary nebula, and soon afterwards the HST discovered a small PN halo around the star, so apparently a star was caught in the act of ionizing a PN.

 

The brightening of the nebula likely stopped in the early 1990Õs with the turn-off of the fast stellar wind associated with the 1980s ionization event. The fading of the nebula started afterwards in the early 1990s. At this time, the central star underwent fast fading and its illumination of the nebula declined from V = ~10.5 to currently ~12.5.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6305 = h3669 on 5 Jul 1836 and logged "vF; vS; R; glbM; 12"."  RNGC classifies this galaxies as an unverified southern object.

 

Joseph Turner sketched this object on 14 Jul 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He noted "the nebula has a stellar center as shown above [in sketch] and looks like a star of 14th magnitude surrounded by a slight haze." (page 110 in his logbook and unpublished lithograph plate VII, figure 73)

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NGC 6306 = UGC 10724 = MCG +10-24-098 = CGCG 299-053 = Holm 769b Kaz 5 = PGC 59654

17 07 37.1 +60 43 42; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 166”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~N-S, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6307 1.4' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6306 = Sw. II-51 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; lE.  Close to 4278 [NGC 6310].  South-preceding of 2 [with NGC 6310].  Dreyer assumed the "North-following" of two" referred to NGC 6307, but his position and description of Sw. II-52 applies to NGC 6310.  If that's the case, then his comment "close to 4278", should read "close to 4277 [NGC 6307]."

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NGC 6306 = UGC 10724 = MCG +10-24-098 = CGCG 299-053 = Holm 769b Kaz 5 = PGC 59654

17 07 37.1 +60 43 42; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 166”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~N-S, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6307 1.4' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6306 = Sw. II-51 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; lE.  Close to 4278 [NGC 6310].  South-preceding of 2 [with NGC 6310].  Dreyer assumed the "North-following" of two" referred to NGC 6307, but his position and description of Sw. II-52 applies to NGC 6310.  If that's the case, then his comment "close to 4278", should read "close to 4277 [NGC 6307]."

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NGC 6307 = UGC 10727 = MCG +10-24-099 = CGCG 299-054 = Holm 769a = PGC 59655

17 07 40.6 +60 45 02; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~N-S, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6307 1.4' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6306 = Sw. II-51 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; lE.  Close to 4278 [NGC 6310].  South-preceding of 2 [with NGC 6310].  Dreyer assumed the "North-following" of two" referred to NGC 6307, but his position and description of Sw. II-52 applies to NGC 6310.  If that's the case, then his comment "close to 4278", should read "close to 4277 [NGC 6307]."

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NGC 6307 = UGC 10727 = MCG +10-24-099 = CGCG 299-054 = Holm 769a = PGC 59655

17 07 40.6 +60 45 02; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~N-S, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6307 1.4' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6306 = Sw. II-51 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; lE.  Close to 4278 [NGC 6310].  South-preceding of 2 [with NGC 6310].  Dreyer assumed the "North-following" of two" referred to NGC 6307, but his position and description of Sw. II-52 applies to NGC 6310.  If that's the case, then his comment "close to 4278", should read "close to 4277 [NGC 6307]."

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NGC 6307 = UGC 10727 = MCG +10-24-099 = CGCG 299-054 = Holm 769a = PGC 59655

17 07 40.6 +60 45 02; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north end 0.5' from center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6306 1.4' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6307, along with NGC 6310, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen (first night he made discoveries with this telescope).  He noted the mag 13 star at the north end (measured at 20") and his position is accurate.

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NGC 6308 = UGC 10747 = MCG +04-40-021 = CGCG 139-043 = PGC 59807

17 11 59.8 +23 22 47; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 150”

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, diffuse.  A mag 15 star is at the north edge 0.7' from center.  First and largest of three with NGC 6314 11.2' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6308 = m 332, along with NGC 6314 and 6315, on 6 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, S, R, sbM."  These were the first three galaxies he discovered with William Lassell's 48-inch on Malta.

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NGC 6309 = PK 9+14.1 = PN G009.6+14.8 = The Box Nebula

17 14 04.2 -12 54 39; Oph

V = 11.5;  Size 52"

 

24" (8/13/15): this very bright, bipolar, compact planetary was viewed at 375x and 500x. The two lobes are extended at least 3:2 NNW-SSE with an overall size of ~25"x16" and a pear shape.  A bright, roundish lobe is on the NNW side and a 12th magnitude star is off this side in the direction of the major axis [22" from center].  The smaller lobe on the SSE end is slightly fainter and separated by a small darker gap near the center.  A mag 15 star is just off the west edge [14" from center].  An extremely faint outer shell or extension was just visible bulging out on the east side perhaps 10", creating an asymmetric appearance.

 

24" (7/16/15): excellent view at 450x unfiltered.  The larger and brighter lobe on the north-northwest end appeared roughly circular and slightly brighter along the outer rim.  The smaller knot on the south-southeast end is slightly irregular and the nebulosity dims near the center.  A mag 12 star is just north of the north-northwest end.

 

18" (7/22/06): superb view at 807x!  This bipolar elongated planetary appears pear-shaped with the brighter, larger lobe on the north-northwest end and a smaller, slightly fainter nodule on the south-southeast end.  The nebulosity dims between the lobes but there appears to be a very small bridge of faint haze bridging the knots.

 

18" (7/20/06): at 325x this bi-lobed planetary is striking with a mag 12 star situated just off the northwest edge.  The PN is elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE in the direction of the neighboring star.  At the north-northwest end is the larger and brighter lobe with a smaller, fainter condensation forming the south-southeast end.  A very faint irregular halo encases the entire structure.  In moments of better seeing (overall the seeing was poor), the lobes were nearly resolved.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x using a UHC filter, this bright but compact PN was elongated 2:1 in the direction of a 12th magnitude star at the NNW edge, with dimensions of ~25"x12".  There is a large, bright lobe or condensation at the north end with a smaller, fainter knot at the SSE end.  At moments the lobes appear completely "resolved" with a darker gap in the center.  The view at 500x was excellent!  The fainter southern lobe appears elongated and slightly offset from the major axis of the PN.  The lobes are bisected by a darker lane oriented SW-NE and oblique to the minor axis.  The brighter knot at the north end has a mottled appearance and irregular shape.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): moderately bright, small, elongated NNW-SSE.  A mag 12 star is at the NNW edge 20" from the center.  Appears slightly brighter or a condensation is at the SSE end.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 6309 = T I-46 = T V-31 in 1876 using the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Florence.  He only gave a rough position in his first discovery list I (AN 93, p. 59) but measured an accurate position in 1879 that was published in his fifth list.  Edward Pickering found the planetary on 15 Jul 1882 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory using a direct-vision spectroscope and noted "nebula found by Tempel (GC 4851). Tempel's description 'between 2 stars' does not seem applicable."  There is only one close star.  Herbert Howe described NGC 6309 as a close double nebula, using the 20-inch refractor in Denver.  NGC 6309 is the only planetary discovered by Tempel.  Both this planetary and NGC 6445 are referred to as the "Box Nebula".

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "at first sight this nebula appears binuclear, but the southern condensation is not stellar.  Quite irregular; about 19"x10" in p.a. 163”.  The southern condensation is 7.5" from the central star."

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NGC 6310 = UGC 10730 = MCG +10-24-100 = CGCG 299-055 = PGC 59662

17 07 57.6 +60 59 24; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 69”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.3', small bright core.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6310, along with NGC 6307, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen (first night he made discoveries with this telescope).  Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 8 Jul 1885 and reported it as new in list II-52.  His description reads "pF; vE; 3 stars in line point to it.  nf of 2 [with NGC 6306]."  Dreyer assumed this observation referred to NGC 6307, and references Swift as an "Other Observer" for NGC 6307.  It's possible, though, that Swift's II-51 refers to NGC 6307.

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NGC 6311 = UGC 10741 = MCG +07-35-039 = CGCG 225-059 = PGC 59750

17 10 43.7 +41 39 04; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with CGCG 225-056 4.8' SW, which appeared extremely faint and small, round, substellar nucleus, very small halo.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6311 = St VII-11 on 30 Jun 1876.  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 6312 = MCG +07-35-040 = CGCG 225-060 = PGC 59751

17 10 48.1 +42 17 15; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 0.7' NW of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6312 = St X-31 on 25 Jul 1879.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6313 = UGC 10742 = MCG +08-31-025 = CGCG 252-022 = PGC 59739

17 10 20.9 +48 19 53; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 156”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, edge-on NNW-SSE.  Bracketed between two mag 14 stars at the north tip and off the south end 0.8' from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6313 = Sw. IX-74 on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; F * on each side in meridian."  Both stars are mentioned in my observation.  The discovery was relayed directly to Dreyer as he was compiling the NGC and referenced as list VI in the NGC, though Swift published the discovery a couple of years later in list IX.

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NGC 6314 = UGC 10752 = MCG +04-40-022 = CGCG 139-044 = PGC 59838

17 12 38.7 +23 16 12; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 175”

 

17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, small bright core, substellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 6315 3.3' SE.  NGC 6308 lies 11.2' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6314 = m 333, along with NGC 6308 and 6315, on 6 Jun 1863 and noted "F, vS, R, bM."  These were the first three galaxies he discovered with William Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and his position is accurate.

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NGC 6315 = MCG +04-40-023 = CGCG 139-045 = PGC 59843

17 12 46.1 +23 13 25; Her

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5": very faint, very small, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is off the NW edge 0.8' from center.  Last and faintest of three with NGC 6314 3.3' NW and NGC 6308 14' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6315 = m 334, along with NGC 6308 and 6314, on 6 Jun 1863 and noted "eF, S."  These were the first three galaxies he discovered with William Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and his position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6316 = ESO 454-004

17 16 37.4 -28 08 24; Oph

V = 9.0;  Size 4.9';  Surf Br = 1.7

 

17.5" (8/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 2' diameter, broad concentration with no distinct core.  This globular was mottled across the disc but only marginally resolved with a few 16th magnitude stars visible.  A brighter mag 12 field star is off the SE edge by 1' and a mag 13 field stars is at the SW side and another 2' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6316 = H I-45 = h3671 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and recorded "B, R, mbM, but the brightness decreasing very gradually. A faintish dusky red colour is still perceptible.  It is a perfect miniature of the former miniature [NGC 6293, which is itself a miniature cluster of the 19th of the Connoissance des Temps."  So he recognized NGC 6316 as a distant globular.

 

Dunlop probably observed the globular on 13 May 1826, recording "a very small faint round nebula, about 8" or 10" diameter, bright in the centre. There is a very small star south of the nebula, distant about 10" from it, but it is not involved or connected with the nebula."  Observed once, and his position is 36' too far east-southeast, so his identification is not certain.

 

JH made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope.  On 30 Jul 1834 he recorded "globular, B, R, gbM, resolvable, 90", has 2 small stars very near."  On a later sweep he logged "globular, pB, S, R, pgvmbM, 2', resolved into stars 16..17th mag."

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NGC 6317 = MCG +11-21-009 = PGC 59708

17 08 59.5 +62 53 53; Dra

V = 15.0;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

17.5" (7/9/88): extremely faint, small, oval ~E-W, low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is off the north side 51" from center.  Pair with NGC 6319 6.8' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6317 = Sw. I-55 on 2 Jun 1883 and recorded "eeF; S; R; F * nr; sp of 2 [with NGC 6319]."  His position is 14 seconds of RA too large and the faint star is ~50" north.  This was one of his first discoveries at Warner Observatory, made while still testing and adjusting the telescope.  The discovery date for NGC 6319 was nearly two years later, so the comment "south-preceding of 2" was apparently added when his table was prepared. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 7 Sep 1888, which Dreyer repeated in the IC 2 Notes. MCG and UGC (notes section) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 6317.

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NGC 6318 = ESO 333-1 = Cr 325 = Mel 166 = Lund 742 = vdB-Ha 218

17 16 12 -39 25 30; Sco

Size 4'

 

13.1" (7/27/84): large, fairly rich group of stars mag 11 and fainter, fairly prominent, elongated N-S.  The NGC RA is 1.6 tmin too far east and this cluster is misplotted on U2000.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6318 = D 522 = h3672 on 13 May 1826 and described "an exceedingly faint nebula, about 1.5' long and 1' broad, elliptical in the direction of the meridian, with two or three very small stars in it.".  Dunlop made 4 observations and his published position is 18' too far east.  JH observed the cluster on 5 Jun 1834 and wrote "cluster VII class. Rich, pL, R, gbM, stars 12...14th mag, not a globular."  He gave a very approximate position (nearest minute +/- in RA and arcmin of Dec).  In the GC, JH improved the position, but it is still 1.5 minutes of time too large.  Gšsta Lynga (open cluster catalogue) and NGC 2000.0 repeat the erroneous NGC position.

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NGC 6319 = UGC 10744 = MCG +11-21-010 = CGCG 321-015 = PGC 59717

17 09 44.1 +62 58 23; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with difficult NGC 6317 6.8' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6319 = Sw. I-56 on 14 May 1885 and noted "vS; vF; lbM; nf of 2 [with NGC 6317]."  His position is 25 seconds of time too small. Bigourdan measured a fairly accurate position on 7 Sep 1888, which Dreyer repeated in the IC 2 Notes.  MCG fails to identify this galaxy as NGC 6319.

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NGC 6320 = UGC 10761 = MCG +07-35-044 = CGCG 225-067 = PGC 59852

17 12 55.8 +40 15 58; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6', low even surface brightness, very diffuse.  A mag 14 star is attached on the south side, 25" from the center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6320 = St IV-1 on 27 Jul 1872.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6321 = UGC 10768 = MCG +03-44-002 = CGCG 111-015 = PGC 59900

17 14 24.3 +20 18 50; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, round, almost even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the west edge 40" from center and a mag 13 star 1.0' SE of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6321 = St II-13 on 14 Jul 1871.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6322 = Cr 326 = ESO 278-006

17 18 26 -42 56 00; Sco

V = 6.0;  Size 10'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 178x): very distinctive, eye-catching cluster outlined by a very bright equilateral triangle (sides, 6', 6', 7') consisting of mag 7.6 HD 156189, mag 7.5 HD 156292 and mag 7.7 HD 156234.  In the interior is a 34" pair of mag 9/9.5 stars, along with a 16" pair of mag 10.5 stars (both oriented roughly N-S).  Another mag 9.2 star (HD 156271) is at the southeast side of the cluster.  Roughly 50 stars total are resolved within a 9' region, including a number of mag 12-14 stars in addition to the prominent ones mentioned.

 

8" (7/16/82): consists of a near equilateral triangle of mag 7.5, 7.6 and 7.8 stars (sides ~7') with roughly 12 faint stars scattered nearby, moderately large.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6322 = h3673 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "vl cl VII. class, of loose st, on a v rich ground of S stars.  The chief *, 6m, at the nf edge taken.  The next sweep 2 nights later he logged "Coarse B cluster VII mainly included within an equilateral triangle formed by 3 B stars 5 and 6m.  The nf of these taken."

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NGC 6323 = UGC 10764 = MCG +07-35-048 = CGCG 225-071 = PGC 59868

17 13 18.1 +43 46 57; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 172”

 

18" (7/27/03): faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.15'.  Contains a small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.9' NW.  Second of 8 in the NGC 6329/6332 group.  CGCG 225-070 lies 5.4' SSW.  Located 10' ENE of mag 7.2 SAO 46565.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  First of five in a group with NGC 6329 12' ESE and NGC 6327 11' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6323 = St VII-12 on 12 Jul 1876.

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NGC 6324 = UGC 10725 = MCG +13-12-016 = CGCG 355-025 = PGC 59583

17 05 25.1 +75 24 26; UMi

V = 12.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, diffuse, small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6324 = H III-945 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1071) and logged "vF, S, E.  I saw it also with 320x.  A small star is south of it; a 2nd is preceding and a 3rd following."  His description is a perfect match with UGC 10725.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 22 Jul 1884 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 6325 = ESO 519-11

17 17 59.2 -23 45 58; Oph

V = 10.7;  Size 4.3';  Surf Br = 2.8

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, small, 2' diameter, slightly mottled but no resolution, weak central concentration.  At 412x appears very granular with a brighter core that is offset to the west.  A faint star visible off the WSW edge of the halo may be a field star.  Located 30' N of the double star 39 (Omicron) Ophiuchi (5.4/6.9 at 10").

 

8" (6/27/81): very faint, weak concentration, small, no resolution.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6325 = h3676 on 24 May 1835 and logged "pF; R; gbM; r; 60".  No doubt it is a globular cluster."  His single position is good.

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NGC 6326 = PK 338-8.1 = PN G338.1-08.3 = ESO 228-1

17 20 46.3 -51 45 16; Ara

V = 11.1;  Size 16"x11"

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, small, round compact PN in a dense field of stars.  A couple of mag 13-14 stars are just off the north and east sides. At 171x and UHC filter, the crisply defined periphery is slightly elongated and evenly illuminated with no hint of a central star. The diameter appears to be ~15" with a V mag of approximately 10.5.  Located 3.5” NE of gc NGC 6397 and a similar distance SSW of gc NGC 6352.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 6326 = D 381 = h3675 on 26 Aug 1826 and described "an extremely faint small nebula, about 12" diameter, with a bright point in the centre."  The size certainly fits, though his position was off by 24' (too far east) and this identification is uncertain.

 

Joihn Herschel gave two very detailed observations.  On 19 Jun 1835 he logged "planetary nebula, delicate, F, vS, diam = 6 or 7 arcseconds, exactly round, perfectly uniform (as respects the graduation of the light from the centre to the edges), but the light a very little curdled. Not the slightest haziness, but like a star out of focus.  320x shows rather more fur at the edges than I think it would to a planet of equal size and light. Its light is = a star 10-11th mag. It would be quite useless to look for this object under less favourable circumstances -- of instrument and sky. A night of gloriously perfect definition! It is in a very rich place. There are 40 or 50 small stars in field. Measures of the two companions; 1st pos = 351 degrees, dist = 1 diam from edge, star = 14th mag; 2nd pos = 91.4, dist = 2/3 diam, star = 13th mag. Showed it to my attendant, J. Stone, who saw it well".  His sketch in on Plate VI, figure 6.

 

In a later sweep (6 Jun 1837) the comment was added "Referring to the description of D 381, I see no ground to suppose that this can by possibility have been the object intended by that place and description.  At all events the remarkable planetary character has escaped notice by the author of that description."

 

Joseph Turner sketched the planetary on 16 Aug 1874 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope.  His sketch (unpublished plate VII, figure 74)  shows the two nearby stars and no additional features though he noted a softness at the edges and a slight "curdling" appearance.

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NGC 6327 = CGCG 225-074 = WBL 635-001 = PGC 59889

17 14 02.3 +43 38 58; Her

V = 15.0;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (7/27/03): very faint, small sliver oriented ~NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.15'.  Squeezed between two mag 13/14 stars 0.8' N and 0.6' S with a 3rd mag 13 star 1.6' E.  Third of 8 galaxies in a group and situated 3.2' SW of NGC 6329.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): extremely faint and small, round.  Located between a mag 14.5 star at the southern tip 0.6' from center and a mag 13 star 0.8' N of center.  Located 3.2' SW of NGC 6329 and the second of five in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6327 = St VII-13 on 18 Jul 1876.

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NGC 6328 = ESO 102-003 = AM 1718-645 = PGC 60198

17 23 41.0 -65 00 37; Ara

V = 12.3;  Size 2.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 157”

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly small oval NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.5', broad weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Mag 8.9 HD 156534 lies 7' NW and a mag 12 star is 1.3' NNW.  The latter has a 14.5 companion at 11" separation.  Situated within a rich Ara star field with numerous mag 12-14 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6328 = h3674 on 2 May 1835 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 15".  He logged it again on 20 Jun 1835 and noted, "vF; vS; lE; lbM; 15" l, 12" br."  His position matches ESO 102-003 = PGC 60198, nevertheless RNGC classifies this number as a non-existent cluster.  The RNGC was probably misled by DeLisle Stewart's comment (based on a Harvard plate) in the IC 2 Notes: "eF pair of stars only, one star hazy".  Because of the RNGC classification, Brent Archinal includes this object in his monograph on the RNGC nonexistent clusters.

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NGC 6329 = UGC 10771 = MCG +07-35-051 = CGCG 225-077 = WBL 635-002 = PGC 59894

17 14 15.0 +43 41 05; Her

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

18" (7/27/03): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7' diameter.  Contains a small bright core that increases to a distinct stellar nucleus.  Fourth of 8 galaxies and second brightest in the NGC 6332/6339 group (located roughly 50' NW of M92!) with NGC 6327 3.2' SW and NGC 6332 8.1' ESE.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Third of five in a group with NGC 6327 3.2' SW and NGC 6332 8.1' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6329 = St VII-14 on 11 Jul 1876.  A week later he discovered NGC 6327 to the southwest.

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NGC 6330 = UGC 10776 = MCG +05-41-005 = CGCG 170-007 = PGC 59961

17 15 44.6 +29 24 13; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, fairly small, edge-on N-S.  A mag 15 star is just off the NE end 35" from center.  Located 4.8' SSE of mag 8.5 SAO 84956.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6330 = St XI-54 on 12 Jun 1880.  His position is on the east side of the galaxy.

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NGC 6331 = MCG +13-12-015 = CGCG 355-024 = PGC 59513

17 03 34.1 +78 37 48; UMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 126”

 

24" (8/7/13): brightest member of Abell Galaxy Cluster 2256 and first in a 6' string to the east containing a total of 6 galaxies.  At 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 5:3 NW-SE, ~30"x18", broad concentration, brighter core.  This is a very close double system (two nuclei on the SDSS) with a companion on the NW side.  A mag 13 star lies 1.8' E and this star is attached on the southwest side of CGCG 355-026.  PGC 84834, an extremely faint and small galaxy lies 1.1' E, on line with the mag 13 star.  Also in the string is UGC 10726 2.7' ENE, MCG +13-12-019 3.7' ENE, PGC 59471 4.4' SW and MCG +13-12-020 6' E.  In addition, PGC 59495 lies 2.4' SW.

 

UGC 10726: faint to fairly faint, irregularly round, ~35" diameter, broad weak concentration.  This galaxy and NGC 6331 are the two largest in the cluster.

MCG +13-12-019: faint, fairly small, round, 18" diameter.

PGC 59471: extremely faint and small, only 6" diameter.

MCG +13-12-020: very faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 11.3 star is 1.4' E.

PGC 59495: very faint, extremely small, round, 10" diameter.

 

18" (7/5/08): at 280x, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE (a very faint companion at the WNW end may contribute to the impression of elongation), 40"x20", even surface brightness.  Brightest in the core of distant AGC 2256 (~800 million light years) with 6 faint companions picked up within 6'.  NGC 6331 is the first in a 3.7' curving chain of 5 galaxies extending to the east.  A mag 13.9 star lies within this chain 1.7' E.

 

17.5" (5/14/88): faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' E.  UGC 10726 lies 2.7' E.  This is the brightest galaxy in AGC 2256 galaxy cluster and a triple system in a common halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6331 = H III-951 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1075) and noted "eF, S, better with 320 power."  The NGC position is ~3' southwest of CGCG 355-024 = PGC 59513.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 22 Jul 1884.

 

This galaxy is certainly one of the most distant in the NGC at 800 million light years (z = .059), although it is relatively easy to view, so must be intrinsically extremely bright.

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NGC 6332 = UGC 10773 = MCG +07-35-054 = CGCG 225-082 = WBL 635-003 = PGC 59927

17 15 02.9 +43 39 36; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 42”

 

24" (9/5/18): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.4', bright elongated core, moderate surface brightness.  A mag 12.4 star is 2.1' NE of center, while two 14th mag stars lie 1.3' NW and 1.7' WNW.  Member of a group (WBL 635) with NGC 6329 9' WNW.

 

PGC 214598, situated 3.5' ESE, appeared very faint [V = 15.5], round, 10" diameter (core region).  A mag 14.8 star is close off the NW side [25" from center].

 

18" (7/27/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.3' and 1.7' NW.  Appears slightly more prominent than NGC 6329 8.7' WNW and these two galaxies are the brightest in a group of 8 galaxies ~50' NW of M92.  Located 6' SW of mag 9.4 SAO 46585.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, even surface brightness.  NGC 6329 lies 8.7' WNW.  Fourth of five in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6332 = St VII-15 on 11 Jul 1876.  His declination is slightly off, but Emmanuel Esmiol corrected the position in his 1916 re-reduction ("RŽduction des Observations de NŽbuleuses DŽcouvertes par M. Stephan").

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NGC 6333 = M9 = ESO 587-5

17 19 11.7 -18 30 59; Oph

V = 7.6;  Size 9.3';  Surf Br = 1.2

 

17.5" (8/1/92): at 220x, bright, fairly large, 4' diameter.  The bright core is elongated N-S somewhat like M4.  The outliers or unrelated field stars appear to extend the halo E-W.  The halo is fairly well resolved into two dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars.  The core is very mottled and lively and just breaks up into numerous, densely packed mag 14-15 stars.  At 420x, the core is easily well-resolved and two very close double stars are at the west and east edges of the halo.  The dark nebula B64 lies close SW.

 

13.1" (6/19/82): the central region is very bright and mottled.  A number of faint stars are resolved in the outer region of the core at 150x as well as a number of stragglers.

 

8" (6/19/82): very mottled, few stars resolved at edges at high power especially on the east side.  Dark nebula B64 is close SW.  NGC 6356 lies 75' NE and NGC 6342 75' SSE.

 

Charles Messier discovered M9 = NGC 6333 = h1979 on 28 May 1764 and recorded a "Nebula, without star, in the right leg of Ophiuchus; it is round and its light is faint. Diam. 3 arc-minutes".

 

William Herschel first observed this globular on 3 May 1783 with an 8-inch (10-foot focal length) and noted, "With a power of 250, I see several stars in it, and make no doubt a higher power, and more light, will resolve it all into stars. This seems to be a good nebula for the purpose of establishing the connection between nebulae and clusters of stars in general."  Using his 18.7-inch on 18 June 1784 (sweep 230) at 157x, he recorded "A vL and vB cluster of excessively compressed stars. The stars are but just visible, and are of unequal magnitudes: the large stars are red; and the cluster is a miniature of [M53].  Again on 28 May 1786, he reported "a cluster of extremely compressed, excessively small stars, with a very few scattered one chiefly to the north of it."

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NGC 6334 = ESO 392-9 = RCW 127 = Sh 2-8 = Gum 61/62/63/64 = Ced 140 = Cat's Paw Nebula

17 20 53 -36 04 21; Sco

Size 40'x30'

 

18" (7/17/07): The "Cat's Paw Nebula" is a fascinating HII complex and molecular cloud (RCW 17) with several distinct sections. At 73x and OIII or UHC filter, the brightest section or toe is on the southeast side (NGC 6334 = Gum 62) and consists of a 4'-5' glow extending mostly north of a mag 8.5 star (HD 156738) at 17 20.9 -36 04 (2000).  The nebulosity appears weaker on the SW side of the star and slightly brighter wrapping around the eastern side of the star.  John Herschel only described this section of the entire RCW 127 complex.

 

A second large section or toe forming the southwest component (VdBH 86 = Gum 61) lies 13' to the west and consists of a faint, 5' glow involving a 17" pair (HD 319703 at 17 19.8 -36 06).  This piece is asymmetric and appears as a broad fan sweeping north to SE from the central stars and is very weak or nonexistent to the SW of the stars.

 

A group of smaller pieces forming the northeast toe (Gum 64b) is 12'-15' N of the brighter SE section.  First is an obvious 2' glow surrounding a mag 10 star (HD 319702 at 17 20.8 -35 52.  A small, faint knot of nebulosity lies 3' W, no more than 1' in diameter.  This knot is also situated 2' SSE of a mag 9.5 star that is free from nebulosity.  But to the NW of this star another few arc minutes is a third detached piece of nebulosity (brightest part of Gum 64c), ~2' in diameter.  Very weak nebulosity appears to connect the NE section (Gum 64b) with the SE section (Gum 62).

 

Finally, midway between Gum 64b and Gum 61 a small extremely faint detached glow (Gum 64a) was glimpsed close SE of a mag 11 star at 17 20.1 -35 57.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly easy nebulosity surrounds mag 8 star with UHC filter and extends 30' N.  This is an unusually large nebulosity, mostly visible surrounding stars and includes a close faint triple star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6334 = h3678 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "pB; vL, v irr oval, in which, though eccentric is a *8, whose place is that taken.  One side of the neb is brighter than the other."  The next night he called this nebula "vF; vL; vglbM; 5'x4', out of M is a *8.9 or 9 mag, whose place is taken.  The densest part of the nebula follows this star 4.5 sec on the same parallel."

 

Massive HII region/molecular cloud complex with five distinct centers of massive star formation.

 

The nickname "Cat's Paw" apparently is from astrophotographer Jerry Lodriguss.  He writes "I believe that I was also the one who actually gave the "Cat's Paw" nebula its popular name. I started calling it that because of its resemblance to, of all things, a cat's paw (!), and because of its proximity to the "Cat's Eyes", Lambda and Upsilon Scorpii. I think the name was first published in an article I wrote in Sky and Telescope magazine in August of 1998, and documented in Hartmut Frommert's "A Collection of Some Common Names for Deep Sky Objects" on the SEDS web site."

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NGC 6335 = ESO 454-010 = Ced 141

17 19 32 -30 09 54; Sco

 

24" (7/7/13): at 125x this Milky Way field (roughly 15') includes a mix of faint and moderately bright stars overlaying a bright Milky Way background glow.  Includes a 6' string, oriented NW to SE, of mag 11-12 stars as well as a group of a half-dozen stars mag 9.5-12 stars (brightest is HD 156543) about 9' SW.  Only some faint stars are visible between these groups over the glowing background, so it is not eye-catching.  South of this group the background glow dims due to dust clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6335 = h3679 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "The whole lower end of the zone is strongly affected with nebulous patches."  There is no distinguishable cluster or nebula at his position, though Harold Corwin notes "the Southern Sky Survey films show a patchy field of star clouds, defined by the dust of dark nebulae. It is apparently these star clouds that JH saw in the summer of 1837, giving him the impression of patchy nebulosity all through his field."  Herbert Howe was unable to find NGC 6335, searching on a good night with both the 20-inch refractor and its 5-inch finder in Denver.

 

JH's original Cape position is 4” too far south, but he made a correction to the declination on his errata page at the end of the CGH.  The corrected position was used in his GC and copied by Dreyer from there into the NGC.

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NGC 6336 = UGC 10786 = MCG +07-35-057 = CGCG 225-089 = PGC 59976

17 16 16.6 +43 49 14; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

24" (9/5/18): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, broad weak concentration but no distinct core or nucleus.  An extremely faint star (mag 16.5) is at the west edge.  A mag 10 star (HD 156583) lies 2.5' S.  PGC 2231801, located 5.6' NNW, was easily seen as a faint, round glow (V = 14.8) of 20" diameter.  A mag 12 star is 0.6' N.  CGCG 2225-088 and -090, a 2' pair of 15th mag galaxies, were seen 15' N.

 

18" (7/27/03): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S or NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.5'.  The outer halo is ill-defined but contains a slightly brighter, rounder core ~15" diameter.  Located 2.5' N of mag 10 SAO 46594.  Last of 8 galaxies in the NGC 6329/6332 group (5 NGCs).

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, small bright core.  Last in a group of five NGC galaxies located roughly 50' NW of M92.  Located 2.5' N of mag 10 SAO 46594.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6336 = St VII-16.

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NGC 6337 = PK 349-1.1 = ESO 333-5 = PN G349.3-01.1 = Cheerio Nebula

17 22 15.6 -38 29 01; Sco

V = 12.0;  Size 49"x45"

 

18" (7/16/07): at 220x and UHC filter the "Cheerio Nebula" is a gorgeous annular planetary, ~45" diameter with a large, dark circular hole of 25"-30" diameter.  The rim is uneven in surface brightness and perhaps brighter on the northeast side.  A mag 12.5 star is inside the northeast rim and a similar mag star is off the southwest side, along with a mag 13.5 companion.  An extremely faint star is on the SSW edge of rim.  At 323x, the striking rim appears brighter in a 50-60” arc centered on the brighter star on the NE side.  The amount of structure was surprising given the low altitude at -38.4” declination.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): very pretty annular planetary at 280x, ~45" and set in a rich star field.  A mag 12 star is superimposed on the inner edge of the NE rim and an extremely faint star is symmetrically placed at the SW edge.  The darker hole is 20"-25" diameter and perfectly circular.  The outer rim appears irregularly lit.

 

13.1" (5/30/87): at 166x with a UHC filter appears fairly faint, fairly small, roundish.  Slightly darker center (annular) with averted vision although the contrast with the rim is low due to the elevation.  No central star seen.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): at 144x-166x appears fairly small, faint but fairly easy, darker center (annular), somewhat like a smaller and dimmer version of M57.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6337 = h3680 on 28 Jun 1834 and recorded an "Annular Nebula.  A delicate, eF, but perfectly well defined annulus 15-20" diameter.  The field crowded with stars, two of which are on the nebula (see figure 3, Plate VI.)"  A later observation records "A beautiful delicate ring, of a faint ghost-like appearance, about 40" diameter; in a field of about 150 stars, 11 and 12 mag and under.  In it is one *12 mag very conspicuous, and one 15 mag much less so.  Near it are two stars 14 and 15 mag, and south of it at distance 60" is another."

 

Using his 48-inch from Malta, William Lassell also sketched a thin, perfectly symmetric ring with a star "perhaps 10.5 or 11 magnitude" on the north side and a faint one embedded on the south rim.  Joseph Turner made a similar sketch in 1874 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope (plate VII, figure 75, unpublished) as well as Pietro Baracchi in Sept. 1884 with the GMT.

 

The 5 superimposed stars were described in the 1921 Helwan Observatory list (based on photos taken in 1914-16) as follows: "Along a diameter of the ring in p.a. 25” is a line of stars, so straight as to suggest some connection with the nebula rather than a chance superposition.  The two brightest stars are at opposite ends of this line, that to the north being just inside the ring and the south one on the ring itself.  Between the central star and this south star is first (distant 5" from the former) a star 17-18 mag, and then either a still fainter star or possibly a small piece of nebulosity."

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NGC 6338 = UGC 10784 = MCG +10-24-116 = CGCG 299-066 = WBL 636-002 = PGC 59947

17 15 23.0 +57 24 40; Dra

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 15”

 

24" (7/21/17): NGC 6338 is the brightest in a compact group of 10 galaxies that was viewed at 375x.  It appeared bright, moderately large,  slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.25'x1.0'.  Moderately concentrated with a bright core that increases to a small brighter nucleus.

 

The following galaxies lie within 7' distance: CGCG 299-067 = VII Zw 700 is 1.2' N, NGC 6345 is 3.7' S, IC 1252 is 4.6' SE, NGC 6346 is 5.3' S, LEDA 2566799 (V = 15.5) is 5.6' NNE, LEDA 2567181 (V = 15.9) is 6.8' N and IC 1250 is 7.3' W.  CGCG 299-067, a merged double system with twin nuclei just 6" separation, appeared  faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  A 20" pair of 13th magnitude stars is less than 1' NNE.  The object was suspected to be double but the nuclei were not cleanly resolved.

 

18" (7/12/07): brightest in a compact group of 7 galaxies (WBL 636 = NGC 6338 Group) viewed within a 10' circle.  At 262x, appears fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4', broad weak concentration.  A 22" pair of mag 13 stars lies 2' N.

 

Forms a close pair with MCG +10-24-117 just 1.2' N (sandwiched between NGC 6338 and the pair of stars).  The companion is very faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Other members include NGC 6345 3.6' S, NGC 6346 5.3' S and IC 1252 4.5' SE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, broad concentration.  Brightest in a group with NGC 6345 4' S and NGC 6346 6' S in field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6338 = H II-812 on 24 Apr 1789 (last object in sweep 928) and noted "F, S, R, vglbM.  The increase at a distance from the center."  His position (CH's reduction) is 30 sec of RA west of UGC 10784.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA and noted the NGC RA was 16 seconds too small in the 18 Jan 1897 Comptes Rendus paper.

 

MCG misidentifies CGCG 299-067 (just north) as NGC 6338 and labels NGC 6338 as NGC 6345.  Error noted by Malcolm Thomson.

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NGC 6339 = UGC 10790 = MCG +07-35-059 = CGCG 225-092 = PGC 60003

17 17 06.5 +40 50 41; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 10”

 

24" (7/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, large, overall low surface brightness but contains an easily visible "bar" 3:1 or 4:1 WNW-ESE, ~25"x7".  The large, roundish halo is slightly elongated N-S and contained a hint of (spiral) structure.

 

MCG +07-35-062 = PGC 60007 lies 3' NE.  This challenging edge-on (B = 15.9) appeared extremely faint and thin, ~25"x5".  It required averted vision and was only occasionally glimpsed.  CGCG 225-097 (polar-ring galaxy) lies 10' SE and appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 18"x12".

 

13.1" (6/18/85): large, slightly elongated.  Very diffuse appearance with a broad concentration.  NGC 6343 lies 13' NNE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6339 = Sw. IX-78, along with NGC 6343, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pL; iR; sp of 2 [with NGC 6343]."  His position is 6 seconds of time too large and 1.8' north of UGC 10790, a low surface brightness SBd galaxy.  The discovery was relayed directly to Dreyer as he was compiling the NGC and referenced as list VI, though Swift published the discovery a couple of years later in list IX.

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NGC 6340 = UGC 10762 = MCG +12-16-023 = CGCG 339-031 = PGC 59742

17 10 25.1 +72 18 17; Dra

V = 11.0;  Size 3.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 2.2'x1.8', prominent bright core, stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A double star mag 11.5/12.5 is off the NW edge 1.7' from core.  Forms a trio with IC 1251 6.4' N and IC 1254 6.8' NE.

 

IC 1251 was recorded as "faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, fairly low almost even surface brightness.  Located in a string of stars which ends at the double star adjacent to NGC 6340 6' SSE."  IC 1254 was described as "faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness.  Slightly fainter than IC 1251 6' W."

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly bright, moderately large, round, very small bright core.  A wide mag 11/12 double star is 2' NW.  Brightest of three with IC 1251 and IC 1254 in field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6340 = H II-767 = h1980 on 6 Jun 1788 (sweep 847) and recorded "pB, pL, vgmbM, R."  JH made the single observation "vF; R; gbM; 25" sf a small double star 2' dist."

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NGC 6341 = M92

17 17 07.2 +43 08 11; Her

V = 6.5;  Size 11.2';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (7/24/06): at 435x the cluster overfilled the 9' field with several hundred stars resolved stars.  The 3' to 4' core itself was highly resolved into roughly 100 densely packed stars (including a very compact knot of stars) with long streams of stars appearing to spiral out from the core.

 

17.5": very bright, large, very high resolution of 150-200 stars many in curving lanes.  A tight knot of stars in the core is resolved.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): highly resolution over entire disc, dozens of stars resolved in bright core.  A bright knot in the core is partially resolved at 416x.

 

8" (7/9/80): very bright, moderately large.  Well resolved into many long streamers from the small bright nucleus and some core resolution.

 

Johann Bode discovered M92 = NGC 6341 on 27 Dec 1777.  Charles Messier independently rediscovered M92 on 18 Mar 1781.  WH's earliest observation was on 25 Aug 1783 using his 12-inch, calling it "A most beautiful sight.  I can count 50 or 60 stars besides numberless that only distinguish themselves by twinkling..."  JH has no observations listed in his Slough Catalogue.  Christian Peters reported finding it around 1850, while at Capodimonte Observatory in Naples and claimed it did not appear in any of the books.

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NGC 6342 = ESO 587-6

17 21 10.1 -19 35 15; Oph

V = 9.9;  Size 3.0';  Surf Br = 1.4

 

18" (7/26/06): at 325x this small 2' globular was well concentrated to a fairly bright 40" core.  A mag 12.5 star is off the SSW side of the halo [1.2' from center].  Perhaps a half dozen stars are resolved in the halo including three close stars on the NE side.  Additional stars are sometimes visible in the WSW side and the north side of the halo.  The core is very mottled and there is a strong impression of a couple of star lanes below the threshold of visibility.  Located 70' SE of M9.  B259, a large dark nebula, is located ~20' NE.

 

17.5" (7/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, 2' diameter with an irregular outline, increases to fairly well-defined bright core, mottled.  A mag 12 is just off the south tip and a very faint extension or lane extends towards this star.  One or two very faint stars mag 14.5-15 are at the NE edge.  A less well-defined extension to the SW includes one or two threshold stars.  The cluster has a lively appearance but there was no additional resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6342 = H I-149 on 28 May 1786 (sweep 569) and recorded "cB, lE, pS, easily resolvable."  His position is at the northwest edge of the globular.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the GC on 3 Sep 1885 with the Melboure telescope and showed a separate small clump or knot on the NE side.

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NGC 6343 = MCG +07-35-060 = CGCG 225-095 = PGC 60010

17 17 16.3 +41 03 10; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

13.1" (6/18/85): faint, small, round, compact.  Located 12.5' NNE of brighter NGC 6339.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6343 = Sw. IX-79, along with NGC 6339, on 21 Apr 1887. He recorded, "vF; S; lE; nf of 2 [with NGC 6339]."  His position is 10 seconds of time too large and 1.4' north of CGCG 225-095 = PGC 60010 (similar offset as NGC 6339).  The discovery was relayed directly to Dreyer as he was compiling the NGC and referenced to list VI, though Swift published the discovery a couple of years later in list IX.  Kobold later measured an accurate position in 1898 at Strasbourg.

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NGC 6344

17 17 18.2 +42 26 03; Her

 

24" (6/28/19): relatively bright mag 12.5/13.5 stars at ~20", which are situated only 1' S of PGC 60004.  The PGC is located at a whopping distance of 2.27 billion light years and misidentified as NGC 6344 in the RNGC and PGC.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): this is a pair of mag 12/13 stars just 1' S of PGC 60004 (misidentified as NGC 6344 in the RNGC).  PGC 60004 appeared extremely faint and small, round.  Located 2.1' SW of mag 8 SAO 046612!

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6344 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and never published separately.  The NGC description states "F, S, R, *12 nf, nr."  At his position is a wide mag 13.5/12.5 pair at 23" that Harold Corwin identifies as NGC 6344.  From his description "*12 nf, near", though, it appears the fainter southwest star is NGC 6344.  In any case, considering Lohse's poor record of logging double stars as nebulous, this identification is fairly certain. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for the double star in 1898 (identified as NGC 6344).

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 60004 as NGC 6344.  This galaxy is only 1' north of Lohse's micrometric position, but Harold Corwin feels it is too faint to have been picked up by Lohse - and there is no nearby mag 12 star north-following.  HyperLeda now classifies NGC 6344 as a double star.

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NGC 6345 = MCG +10-24-115 = CGCG 299-065 = WBL 636-005 = PGC 59945

17 15 24.3 +57 21 01; Dra

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 33”

 

24" (7/21/17): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~30"x10", very small bright core.  Lies on a N-S line between NGC6338 3.7' N and NGC 6346 1.7' S.  IC 1252 lies 3.6' ENE. 

 

18" (7/12/07): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Located 3.6' S of NGC 6338 in a compact group.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6346 1.7' S and IC 1252 lies 3.6' E.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Member of a close trio with NGC 6346 2' S and NGC 6338 4' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6345 = Sw. VI-91, along with NGC 6346, on 13 May 1887 and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; eee diff; middle of 3, one being [GC] 4291 [= NGC 6338]."  His position is 2' north of CGCG 299-065 = PGC 59945, and falls closer to NGC 6338.   The third galaxy is NGC 6346.

 

MCG mislabels NGC 6345 as NGC 6346 (error noted by Malcolm Thomson).  Swift's position for NGC 6346, given as 2' south of NGC 6345, happens to fall on NGC 6345, causing the confusion.

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NGC 6346 = MCG +10-24-114 = CGCG 299-064 = WBL 636-004 = PGC 59946

17 15 24.5 +57 19 21; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 90”

 

24" (7/21/17): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~30"x25", gradually increases to the center.  At the south end of a north-south string with NGC 6345 1.7' N and NGC 6338 5.3' N.

 

IC 1252 lies 4.4' NE and LEDA 2562439 is 3.3' ESE.   The latter galaxy (misidentified in NED as IC 4650) appeared faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.

 

18" (7/12/07): faint, small, oval, 0.5'x0.35', broad weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 6345 1.7' N.  Located 5' S of NGC 6338 in a group.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, gradually brighter halo.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6345 2' N in a NGC 6338 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6346, along with NGC 6345, on 13 May 1887.  Swift communicated the position (2' south of NGC 6345) directly to Dreyer.  Dreyer referenced Swift's 6th discovery list, which was still being prepared when the NGC went to press, but Swift only included a separate entry for nearby NGC 6345 and NGC 6346 never appeared in any of his dozen discovery lists.

 

Malcolm Thomson notes that MCG mislabels NGC 6345 as NGC 6346.  Then it misidentifies NGC 6346 as IC 4650.

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NGC 6347 = IC 1253 = UGC 10807 = MCG +03-44-004 = CGCG 111-021 = PGC 60086

17 19 54.7 +16 39 39; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  Three mag 14 stars in a line SW-NE are just off the NW edge and a mag 15.5 star is involved at the NW end 23" from center.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6347 = St. X-55 on 6 Jun 1866.  His position for Sf. 29 is accurate.  ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered the galaxy on 6 Jul 1880 and also measured a good position.  Stephan is credited in the NGC as Safford's discovery was not published until 1887, too late to be incorporated into the main NGC table.

 

Harold Corwin notes that Dreyer made an error of 2” in declination when he precessed Safford's (correct) position and so missed the equivalence with Stephan's object and recatalogued the galaxy as IC 1253 with credit to Safford.  So, NGC 6347 = IC 1253.

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NGC 6348 = MCG +07-35-063 = CGCG 225-098 = PGC 60036

17 18 21.2 +41 38 51; Her

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is 30" SW.  Pair with NGC 6350 located 4.9' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6348 = St XI-56, along with NGC 6350, on 29 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6349 = MCG +06-38-016 = CGCG 198-036 = PGC 60060

17 19 06.5 +36 03 39; Her

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6351 0.9' E and CGCG 198-034 lies 7' SW.  Located 16' ESE of mag 7.6 SAO 65925.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6349 = St X-32, along with NGC 6351, on 15 Jul 1879.  His position is just off the southeast side.

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NGC 6350 = UGC 10800 = MCG +07-35-064 = CGCG 226-001 = PGC 60046

17 18 42.3 +41 41 39; Her

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 6348 4.9' SW.  Located 10' S of TX Herculis.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6350 = St XI-57, along with NGC 6348, on 29 Jun 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6351 = MCG +06-38-017 = PGC 60063

17 19 11.1 +36 03 37; Her

V = 15.0;  Size 0.6'x0.4'

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S.  Two very faint mag 15.5 stars are off the south edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6349 0.9' W.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6351 = St X-33, along with NGC 6349, on 15 Jul 1879.

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NGC 6352 = ESO 228-003

17 25 29.1 -48 25 22; Ara

V = 8.2;  Size 7.1';  Surf Br = 0.7

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appears fairly bright, moderately large, ~5' diameter, broadly concentrated to a 2' core.  Fairly well-resolved into ~30 stars, particularly along the south and southwest side of the halo.  A few faint stars were just resolved directly over the core.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large.  Even at 128x, the cluster was fairly well-resolved into roughly 75 stars.  It displayed a rather loose concentration class with a broad central concentration to a moderately bright 3' core.  The irregular halo extended to nearly 8' diameter.  Set in a rich Milky Way field.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly large, 5' diameter, fairly low surface brightness, not condensed, brighter core but no sharp nucleus.  Partially resolved into 5-10 faint stars mostly on the SW side.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): faint, small, diffuse, low surface brightness spot.  A few faint stars are off the SW edge but there is no resolution.  This is the farthest southern globular I've observed from Northern California (Digger Pines) with an elevation of only a couple of degrees.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6352 = D 411 on 14 May 1826 and recorded "A rather faint nebula, of an irregular round figure, 4' diameter, slightly branched; easily resolvable into stars, with slight compression of the stars to the centre."  His position is ~15' too far east (typical error). John Herschel didn't observe this globular from the Cape, so it doesn't have a General Catalog designation.

 

E.E. Barnard independently found it on 7 Jul 1885 (Sidereal Messenger 4, page 223) and assumed it was new since it was missing from the General Catalog, but Lewis Swift informed him of Dunlop's prior discovery.

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NGC 6353

17 21 12.5 +15 41 19; Her

 

18" (6/7/08): at 63x visible as a small, hazy knot probably less than 15" in diameter.  Increasing the magnification to 260x resolved the clump into a trio of mag 14.5 stars packed into a tight 10". A 4th member is just off the south side.  Located 0.9' SSW of a mag 9.8 star.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6353 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  His position (communicated directly to Dreyer) and description "pB, pS, 3 S st inv, * 10 nf 1'." applies to a small clump of stars.  RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6354 = ESO 333-008

17 24 34 -38 32 30; Sco

 

= 4 stars, Corwin and Dorothy Carlson.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6354 in 1884 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University.  His description in Sidereal Messenger Vol 3, page 184, reads "small, faint object in a 6-inch telescope, the light being of an even tint.  There is a faint star a little south, which confuse the light of the nebula".  At his position there are three mag 12 and 13 stars in a tight knot, with a 4th fainter star.  Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and ESO identify NGC 6354 with this group of stars.

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NGC 6355 = ESO 519-15

17 23 58.6 -26 21 12; Oph

V = 9.6;  Size 5.0';  Surf Br = 2.4

 

17.5" (7/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, 2' diameter, slightly elongated N-S, gradually increases to a 1' core.  At 280x, appears granular and three or four very faint mag 15 stars are just visible.  The brightest two stars are on north side of core. 

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, round, diffuse, no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6355 = H I-46 = h3681 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and recorded, cL, rather B, R, r, brighter in the middle and colourless.  It was preceded by many vacant fields and I had just been saying that I was upon nebulous ground."  From the CGH, JH made the single observation "vF; L; R; gbM; 2' diam; resolved into stars 18m."  In early catalogues NGC 6355 was described as an open cluster, with designations Cr 330 and OCl-1036 (Alter et al. 1970).

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NGC 6356 = ESO 588-1

17 23 34.9 -17 48 47; Oph

V = 8.3;  Size 7.2';  Surf Br = 0.9

 

17.5" (7/10/99): this fairly bright globular is ~3.5' in diameter and sharply concentrated with a prominent 1.5' core.  The core appears slightly elongated N-S, although the halo is circular or slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  At 220x the globular appears lively and mottled but there is no obvious resolution.  At 280x and especially 380x, the edge of the halo is very ragged and the surface extensively mottled.  Around the periphery some threshold stars pop in and out of view, particularly on the south side.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): bright core surrounded by a round, even glow.  No resolution evident in poor seeing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6356 = H I-48 = h3683 on 18 Jun 1784 (sweep 230) and recorded "a large, bright, round, easily resolvable nebula, bM and the brightness diminishing gradually.  It is a miniature of the last [M9, which itself a miniature of M53] and I suppose if I had looked enough I might have perceived some of the stars that compose it."  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH recorded "globular, vB; R; vgvmbM; 90" resolved into stars barely resolvable with left eye.  A beautiful softly shaded object."

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NGC 6357 = Gum 66 = RCW 131 = ESO 392-10 = Sh 2-11 = Ced 14 = War and Peace Nebula = Lobster Nebula

17 24 44 -34 12 06; Sco

Size 50'x40'

 

18" (7/16/07): at 115x a faint elongated hazy glow was visible just north of a nice 15" pair of mag 11/12 stars.  Adding an OIII filter dramatically improved this HII region (G353.19+0.91) and showed a bright, elongated nebulosity oriented WSW-ENE, ~5'x2', which appeared brighter in the middle just north of the double star.  A faint star is off the north side, oppositely placed from the double.  At 174x the nebula was slightly brighter and clumpy in the middle on the south side and a couple of very small slightly brighter knots were occasionally visible.  The group of stars to the south (including the double) is catalogued as Pismis 24.  Only the brightest portion of this huge HII complex was noticed.  NGC 6357 is located 8' WNW of mag 7 HD 157528 and this star is the northernmost of a 27' line of four mag 6-7 stars that extends to the south (nicknamed "Las Cuatro Juanitas" in Chile).  NGC 6334, the Cat's Paw Nebula, lies two degrees southwest..

 

17.5" (5/30/92): at 82x using an OIII filter, this emission nebula is a bright, distinctive object, elongated 3:1 E-W, 4.0'x1.5'.  A close mag 11/12 double star is at the south edge.  The whole field appears weakly nebulous and the nebulosity is just very faintly visible without a filter at 220x.  Excellent contrast gain with the OIII filter!  A group of a dozen faint stars is just south (= Pismis 24) including a double star.  This nebula is associated with the Wolf-Rayet star HD 157504 = WR 93, which is located east of the bright section.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6357 = h3682 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "F; L; E; vglbM; milky nebulosity; 2' l; 1 1/2' br; close to and almost involves a double star."  His position is on the double star mentioned in my observation.

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NGC 6358 = UGC 10810 = MCG +09-28-033 = CGCG 277-034 = PGC 60054

17 18 53.0 +52 36 55; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness. A double star is 1.8' WNW consisting of two mag 12 stars at 18" separation E-W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6358 = Sw. VI-92 on 2 May 1887 and recorded "eF; S; R; double star near north-preceding."  There is nothing at his position but 2.0 minutes of RA east is UGC 10810, and the double star is less than 2' northwest.  However the RA in the NGC is correct, so Swift must have originally notified Dreyer with the correct position before publication of the NGC.

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NGC 6359 = UGC 10804 = MCG +10-25-001 = CGCG 299-072 = CGCG 300-005 = PGC 60025

17 17 53.0 +61 46 50; Dra

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 145”

 

24" (6/28/16): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 40"x30", strong concentration, high surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 2.8' N.  Located 9' WNW of mag 7.7 HD 157425.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint oval halo NNW-SSE.  Located 2.8' S of mag 9.3 SAO 17423.  Forms a pair with UGC 10796 11' NW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6359 on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen (first night he made discoveries with this telescope).  He measured the mag 10 star to the north as 3.4 seconds east and 168.4" north and computed an accurate position. Lewis Swift rediscovered the galaxy on 1 Aug 1885, and reported Sw. II-53 as "vF; vS; R; forms arc of a circle with 2 stars; nebula between."

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NGC 6360 = ESO 454-020 = Ced 143

17 24 28 -29 52 18; Oph

 

17.5" (8/2/97): I'm not certain of the identification but the most noticeable object near Herschel's position in the 100x field is an elongated group of a dozen stars in a 8' string oriented NW-SE, which is just north of mag 7.5 SAO 185358 and ~15' NW of the NGC position.  There is a second mag 7.5 star 6' further NW and perhaps the two bright stars draw attention to this weak grouping but the patchy Milky Way background is also locally brighter here and immediate east of the group.  There was nothing of note at JH's position.  This object is just a Milky Way region as noted in ESO.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6360 = h3685 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "A portion of the milky way which is decidedly nebulous, and by no means rich in L stars."  There is no distinguishable cluster at his position and ESO says "stars only.  In a crowded region of the milky way."  Harold Corwin notes the "nebulous" appearance is due to dust in the Milky Way and affects a large region.  The brightest patches of stars is about a tmin W of JH's position and ~7'-8' N.  This corresponds with the ESO position.

 

Herbert Howe reported "on one good night nothing definite was discernible here.  However, the general background of the sky in this region was noted as being not so dark as would be expected if no nebulous matter were present."

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NGC 6361 = Arp 124 = UGC 10815 = MCG +10-25-004 = CGCG 300-009 = PGC 60045

17 18 41.1 +60 36 29; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 54”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.4', contains a large brighter, elongated central region but no nucleus.  The outer extensions are thin and low surface brightness.  Located 16' ESE of bright, orange VW Draconis.

 

Forms a close pair (Arp 124) with MCG +10-25-003 1.8' SW.  The companion was fairly faint, oval 3:2 ~N-S, ~15"x10", very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.8 star lies 24" NW.

 

48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.45', sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core.  The center bulges slightly and the tips taper.  The SW arm has a very faint extension (partial bridge) in the direction of companion MCG +10-25-003, increasing the total length to 2.0'. MCG +10-25-003, 1.8' SW of center, appeared fairly faint, very small, oval 3:2 ~N-S, ~15"x10", very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.9 star lies 24" NW. 

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' SE and a pair of mag 14 stars at 22" separation lie 1.5' NW.  Forms a pair (Arp 124) with extremely faint MCG +10-25-003 1.8' SW.  The companion is extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 15 star lies 25" NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6361 = Sw. IV-48 on 18 Aug 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; eE; spindle, nearly bet 2 pB distant stars, nearer the preceding."  His position is 1' northwest of the center UGC 10815 and his description "eE, spindle" applies to this edge-on.

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NGC 6362 = ESO 102-008

17 31 54.8 -67 02 52; Ara

V = 7.5;  Size 10.7';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly impressive globular cluster; bright, large, scraggly, with roughly 60 stars resolved over a 7'-8' diameter.  A distinctive string of resolved stars passes through the entire cluster in a NNW to SSE orientation.  A mag 10 star is near the edge of the halo on the south side, 3.5' from center.

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 186x, this fairly loose globular appeared moderately bright and large and broadly concentrated.  It was resolved into 25-30 stars with several of these arranged in a line bisecting the cluster.  The ragged halo was roughly 8' in diameter.  Located 1.2 degrees NE of mag 4.7 Zeta Apodis.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6362 = D 225 = h3684 on 25 Jun 1826 and described a " pretty large rather bright round nebula, 3' or 4' in diameter, very moderately condensed to the centre, resolvable into extremely minute stars; the stars are more scattered on the south side."

 

On 22 Jul 1835, JH recorded "globular cluster, B; L R; vgmbM; diam. in RA = 50 second; diam 7' or 8'; stars all seen, 12..16th mag with outliers extending a good way."

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NGC 6363 = NGC 6138 = UGC 10827 = MCG +07-36-005 = CGCG 226-008 = PGC 60164

17 22 40.0 +41 06 06; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 6363 = St X-34 on 24 Jul 1879.  His position matches UGC 10827.  This galaxy was discovered nearly 7 years earlier by Stephan in 1872 and catalogued as NGC 6138 = St II-2, though he transposed the digits of the offset star, so his published position (and the NGC) are in error.  Emmanuel Esmiol corrected the position when he re-reduced all of Stephan's discoveries at the Marseille Observatory (published in 1916).  So, NGC 6138 = NGC 6363.  Nevertheless, modern sources such as the RNGC misidentify NGC 6138, using the erroneous NGC position.

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NGC 6364 = UGC 10835 = MCG +05-41-013 = CGCG 170-027 = PGC 60228

17 24 27.4 +29 23 23; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, 0.6' diameter.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the north edge 0.5' from the center.

 

Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 6364 = Sf 49 = St X-35 = Sw. II-54 around June 1865 with the 31-inch Silver-on-glass Marseille reflector. Truman Safford found this galaxy again on 5 Sep 1866.  Next, ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 21 Jul 1879 at Marseille again and measured an accurate position.  Finally, Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 11 Sep 1885 and reported "pF; vS; R; F * close; stellar."  His RA was 20 seconds too small.  Voigt's discovery was never published (his log was published in 1987) and Safford's discovery list was not published until 1887, so Dreyer credited Stephan in the NGC. So, according to Steinicke, this galaxy was independently "discovered" 4 times before the NGC was published, and is tied for the most independent discoveries, along with NGC 1360 and NGC 7422.

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NGC 6365 = Arp 30 = VV 232a/b = UGC 10832 = UGC 10833 = MCG +10-25-018 = MCG +10-25-019 = CGCG 300-020 = PGC 60171 = PGC 60174

17 22 43.7 +62 10 12; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x1.1'+1.1'x0.2'

 

48" (5/15/12): NGC 6365A is fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~50" diameter, broad concentration with a brighter core.  NGC 6365B is attached at the NW edge and appears faint, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15', low surface brightness, very weak concentration. .  The pair is 1.6' SW of a mag 10.2 star that detracts somewhat from viewing.  A mag 14-15 pair at 6" separation lies just 1' NNE.

 

24" (7/20/17): at 322x and 375x; NGC 6365A appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, broad concentration but no definite core or nucleus.  This face-on spiral forms an overlapping pair (Arp 30) with NGC 6365B, a low surface brightness edge-on at the northwest edge.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, ~20"x10", extremely low surface brightness.  The pair is situated ~1.5' WSW of a mag 10 star that interferes somewhat with viewing.  A mag 14/15 double star lies 1' NNE.

 

24" (6/28/16): at 375x; NGC 6365A is the southern and brighter member of Arp 30.  At 375x it appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x35", weak concentration.  NGC 6365B (perhaps Arp's "heavy arm"), attached at the northwest edge, appeared extremely faint to very faint, edge-on ~3:1 SSW-NNE, ~30"x10", very low surface brightness so difficult to judge size.  A distracting mag 10.2 star is ~1.5' NE and a 6" pair of mag 14-15 stars is 1' NE.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): this is a double galaxy (Arp 30) with a separation of 30" oriented NNW-SSE with the brighter component at the SSE end.  NGC 6365A is very faint, small, weak concentration, very diffuse.  Bracketed by two mag 14 stars off the SW and NE ends.  NGC 6365B is attached at the NW end of NGC 6365A and appears extremely faint, small, very elongated SW-NE [1.1x0.2], requires averted vision.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6365 = Sw. IV-49 on 15 Aug 1884 and recorded "eeeF; pL; iR; sev eF stars involved; B * nr south-following."  There is nothing at his position, though 1.1 minutes of RA due east is Arp 30 = UGC 10832/10833 (double system).  The bright star in his description is actually north-following.  MCG fails to identify either MCG +10-25-018 or -019 as NGC 6365.

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NGC 6366

17 27 44.3 -05 04 36; Oph

V = 9.0;  Size 8.3';  Surf Br = 2.2

 

18" (7/26/06): at 325x, 30-35 stars can be resolved with careful viewing in a 4' region with roughly two dozen of these generally visible and another dozen sparkling in and out of visibility.  The resolved stars seemed spread out over the entire disc, which was only weakly concentrated.  The outline of the halo was quite irregular and ill-defined and may have extended more than 4'.  Several brighter stars, which are clearly not part of the cluster, are around the border.  Located just 17' E of mag 4.5 47 Ophiuchi.  Faintly visible in 15x50 IS binoculars.

 

17.5" (7/20/98): at 220x appears as a diffuse irregular glow, ~4' diameter, with only a weak concentration.  Two mag 9 and 10 stars are off the west side, the nearest is less than 4' from center and a closer pair of mag 11.5-12 stars [45" separation] is at the south edge. There are perhaps a half dozen faint but obvious stars visible over the ill-defined glow including a couple of mag 14 stars 2' S of center, one a similar distance east of center and an addition pair on the SE side.  About a dozen stars are visible with careful viewing.  At 280x, the cluster is pretty clumpy and starting to really break up into numerous very faint stars.  Roughly two dozen stars can be glimpsed with averted vision, many near the threshold of visibility.  The full extent of the cluster is difficult to trace but extends beyond the central 4' region.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): large, diffuse, very weak concentration. About a dozen faint stars are resolved over a hazy background.  Located 17' E of 47 Ophiuchi (V = 4.5).

 

13.1" (6/19/82): few faint stars resolved over a large, hazy region.

 

8" (6/27/81 and 5/21/82): large, very diffuse, unresolved.  Located 15' E of a mag 4.5 star that detracts from viewing.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6366 = Au 36 on 12 Apr 1860 with a 3-inch comet-seeker at the Pulkovo observatory and noted "faint, 2 to 3' diam, no significant central brightening."  Auwers included it in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae.

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NGC 6367 = MCG +06-38-020 = CGCG 198-041 = PGC 60251

17 25 08.9 +37 45 35; Her

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 161”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus or star superimposed.  Located 4.3' WSW of mag 7.9 SAO 66035!

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6367 = St XI-58 on 5 Jul 1880.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6368 = UGC 10856 = MCG +02-44-004 = CGCG 082-032 = PGC 60315

17 27 11.6 +11 32 33; Oph

V = 12.3;  Size 3.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo.  A mag 14 star is at the SW end 0.9' from center and a mag 15 star is at the NE end 1.5' from center.  The bright double star ·2166 = 7.1/8.9 at 27" lies 14' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6368 = m 335 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "F, S, E."  His position and description matches UGC 10856.

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NGC 6369 = PK 2+5.1 = PN G002.4+05.8 = Little Ghost Nebula

17 29 20.4 -23 45 35; Oph

V = 11.5;  Size 30"

 

24" (7/14/18): at 500x; gorgeous annular planetary with a prominent 30" ring and a relatively large, dark central hole. The rim is noticeably brighter along an arc running from the west side counterclockwise to the northeast.  The rim's surface brightness is quite irregular with at least a couple of sharp brighter spots, the brightest on the northwest rim.

 

18" (7/14/07): striking view of this annular planetary at 280x.  The 30" halo is punctured by a relatively large 18" hole.  The rim is noticeably uneven in surface brightness with a brighter arc along the northern side.  Spectacular at 700x and the brighter northern rim has a couple of very small brighter spots.

 

18" (7/22/06): beautiful view at 435x.  The 30" annular ring is brightest along a "C" shaped section from NE moving clockwise to the SW and locally brighter at the NW end.  The central hole is round, well-defined and relatively large compared to the rim.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 500x this planetary has a beautiful annular appearance with a 25-30" halo perforated by a 12" dark hole.  The northern rim is noticeably brighter with a nearly stellar spot near its center.  Located 31' NW of mag 4.8 51 Ophiuchi.

 

17.5" (6/5/99): bright, beautiful annular planetary at 380x with a well-defined dark central hole.  The rim is clearly brighter along the north edge and slightly weaker on the following edge.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): bright, fairly small, about 30" diameter, green-blue color.  Appears as a perfect annular ring at 286x with a 15" central "hole".  No central star visible.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): use at least 220x to clearly resolve the annularity.

 

13.1" (7/16/82): beautiful ring at 214x and UHC filter, small, slightly elongated.  Visible with direct vision as annular.  The north edge of the rim appears brighter at 312x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6369 = H IV-11 = h1981 = h3686 on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded "a curious round, tolerably defined pB nebula 30 or 40" in diameter."  On 26 May 1786 (sweep 566), he called it "pB, R, S, of equal brightness throughout."  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel gave a detailed description: "Annular Nebula.  Exactly round; pF; 12" diameter; well terminated; but a very little cottony at the edge, and with a decided darkness in the middle; = a * 10m at the most.  Few stars in the field [situated in the bowl of the Pipe Nebula!]; a beautiful specimen of the planetary annular class of nebulae."  His published sketch is on Plate VI, figure 4.  Joseph Turner also sketched the planetary in Sep 1874 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 76).

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) described NGC 6369 as "a regular, nearly round ring, slightly longer in p.a. 120”; much fainter at the eastern end of the major axis and brightest at the north.  Diameter 28" center of ring perfectly blank. Quite faint; the ring just shows in 10m on S27. The central star is magn. 16."

 

John Mallas coined the nickname "Little Ghost" in his Apr/May 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebula-IV", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy".

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NGC 6370 = UGC 10836 = MCG +10-25-020 = CGCG 300-021 = PGC 60192

17 23 25.4 +56 58 26; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (6/30/16): at 324x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, bright core.  Situated just 2.2' SSE of mag 6.5 HD 158013.  The extremely low surface brightness outer halo was not seen.

 

NGC 6370 is the brightest member of a cluster (SDSS-C4-DR3 3375).  The Ring Galaxy CGCG 277-42 lies 10' SE.  At 324x; fairly faint, small, round, 12" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  The detached outer ring was not seen although the halo occasionally increased in size with averted vision.  Forms the northwest vertex of a triangle with a mag 11 star 3.6' S and a mag 11.5 star 3.1' ESE.  FGC 2132 is 15' SE.  This superthin appeared extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~15"x7" (brighter core region).  A mag 11.5 star is 3.2' WNW and a mag 13 star is 0.9' NE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.2' S of mag 6.6 SAO 30366!

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6370 = Sw. I-57 on 19 Apr 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; B * nr n."  His position is just off the west side of UGC 10836 with the mag 6.5 star 2.3' north.

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NGC 6371 = MCG +04-41-012 = CGCG 140-027 = PGC 60322

17 27 20.6 +26 30 18; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, oval 3:2 N-S, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.1' NW of brighter NGC 6372.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6371 = m 336 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.  Dreyer added the comment "np of 2 [with NGC 6372]" in the NGC. Truman Safford independently rediscovered this galaxy on 1 Aug 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and listed it as Sf 45 in the 1887 publication.

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NGC 6372 = UGC 10861 = MCG +04-41-013 = CGCG 140-028 = PGC 60330

17 27 32.0 +26 28 29; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, diffuse halo elongated E-W, small brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 6371 3' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6372 = H III-137 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and recorded "vF, not vS, irregular long."  CH's reduction is 2' northwest of UGC 10861.  He noted "daylight very strong" just previously in the sweep, so I'm surprised he could pick up this galaxy.

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NGC 6373 = UGC 10850 = MCG +10-25-023 = CGCG 300-022 = PGC 60220

17 24 08.2 +58 59 42; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): extremely faint, fairly small, very diffuse.  Appears very faint for V = 13.6.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6373 = Sw. I-58 on 13 Jun 1885 and recorded "eeeF; pL; vv diff.; forms a right angle triangle with two stars, preceding star in the same parallel 30 seconds distant."  His position is matches UGC 10850, a face-on SBc galaxy with low surface brightness arms.  The star that Swift mentions "in the same parallel" is 32 seconds following, not preceding.

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NGC 6374 = NGC 6383 = ESO 393-007

17 34 43 -32 35 00; Sco

 

See observing notes for NGC 6383.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6374 = h3687 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "Cluster VIII class, 3' or 4' in extent, a bright * (= B 6125) taken."  But there is no bright star near his single position, and ESO classifies the number as uncertain.

 

Jenni Kay suggested this number is identical to NGC 6383 with a 2.5 minute error in time.  Brian Skiff confirmed that B 6125 (Brisbane Catalogue) is identical to the mag 5.7 star SAO 208977 = HD 159176 which is the central star of NGC 6383.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 6375 = UGC 10875 = MCG +03-44-009 = CGCG 111-042 = PGC 60384

17 29 21.8 +16 12 24; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, moderately large, even concentration to a small bright core, substellar nucleus.  Surrounded by several mag 14-15 stars including a mag 14 star 0.6' NE and a mag 15 star 0.9' E.  Forms a pair with UGC 10873 2.8' SW.  The companion appeared extremely faint, fairly small, thin edge-on N-S. NGC 6379 lies 18' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6375 = m 337, along with NGC 6379, on 15 May 1864 and noted "F, vS, R."  His position is less than 1' too far north.  Brightest in a group, though he missed nearby UGC 10873.

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NGC 6376 = UGC 10855w = MCG +10-25-025 = CGCG 300-024 = VII Zw 712 = PGC 60258

17 25 19.2 +58 49 01; Dra

V = 15.1;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  PA = 172”

 

24" (7/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 15"x10", no core or zones.  NGC 6376 is the fainter of an interacting pair with NGC 6377 [0.6' NE of center].  On the SDSS this is a highly distorted galaxy with numerous blue knots of star formation.

 

LEDA 2582497 (= MAC 1725+5845), situated 3.5' SSW, appeared very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, low even surface brightness.  The bright mag 9.8 star 2' NW interferes a bit with viewing.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 6377 35" NE of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6376 = Sw. IV-50, along with NGC 6377, on 1 Sep 1886, and recorded "eeF; eS; R; e diff; sf of 2 [with NGC 6377]."  His position is fairly close and the relative offsets for the pair are accurate.

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NGC 6377 = UGC 10855e = MCG +10-25-026 = VII Zw 712 = KAZ 136 = PGC 60264

17 25 23.2 +58 49 22; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 58”

 

24" (7/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 30"x10".  Contains a very small bright core and that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms an interacting pair with NGC 6376, just 0.6' SW.  The major axis of NGC 6377 "points" to the center of the companion, which is highly disturbed.  The pair is located 3' NE of a mag 9.8 star and the two galaxies are collinear with the star.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint halo.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 6376 35" SW of center.  Located 12' NNW of mag 6.5 SAO 30387.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6377 = Sw. IV-51, along with NGC 6376, on 1 Sep 1886, and recorded "eF; eS; R; lbM; in center of equilateral triangle; np of 2 [with NGC 6376]; verified both with 200x."  His position is fairly close and the relative offsets for the pair are accurate.  His note "np of 2" should read "nf of 2".

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NGC 6378 = UGC 10884 = MCG +01-44-009 = CGCG 055-001 = PGC 60418

17 30 42.1 +06 16 55; Oph

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:1 N-S, almost even surface brightness.  Forms the vertex of a right angle with two mag 11 stars 1.5' W and 1.0' S.  Located in a rich star field.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6378 = St VII-17 on 13 Jul 1876.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6379 = UGC 10886 = MCG +03-44-010 = CGCG 111-044 = CGCG 112-002 = PGC 60421

17 30 35.0 +16 17 19; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, round, very diffuse, broad mild concentration, no distinct core.  Located 4.8' E of a mag 10 star.  Member of the NGC 6375 group with NGC 6375 18' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6379 = m 338, along with NGC 6375, on 15 May 1864 and noted "vF, pL."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 6380 = ESO 333-014 = Ton 1 = Pismis 25

17 34 28.2 -39 04 10; Sco

V = 11.3;  Size 3.9';  Surf Br = 3.6

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): faint but not difficult.  Appears as a 2' diffuse glow with no concentration.  A mag 10 star at the south-southwest edge hampered the observation.  Ton 2 is located 37' NE.

 

13.1" (5/30/87): extremely faint, small, very low surface brightness, visible only 20% of time with averted.  Mag 9.7 HD 159073 is attached 40" SSW of center.  Located 36' ESE of Howe 87 = 7.5/8.8 at 3".  I failed to find it on several previous attempts.  This globular, along with NGC 6749, are the two most difficult NGC globulars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6380 = h3688 on 29 Jun 1834 and recorded "A star 9m, with a very evident eF nebulous wisp 90" l, 30" br."  A note was added "The wisp by the diagram is fan-shaped and extends in the np direction from the star.  See figure 18, Plate VI."  Joseph Turner searched carefully for it on two clear nights without success using the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope in Sep/Oct 1874, although in the process he discovered the planetary H 1-26.   Paris Pismis reported it as new in her 1959 paper of 24 new clusters and 2 new globular clusters found with the Schmidt camera at the Tonantzila observatory.

 

Although Herschel's and Pismis' positions were accurate, the RA was 1.0 minute too far east in Hartung's 1968 "Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes", Sulentic and Tifft's 1974 "Revised New General Catalogue", Sinnott's 1988 NGC 2000.0, the first edition of the Sky Atlas 2000.0, the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 atlas, Sky Catalogue 2000.0, etc.

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NGC 6381 = UGC 10871 = MCG +10-25-038 = CGCG 300-034 = Kaz 460 = WBL 641-002 = PGC 60321

17 27 16.7 +60 00 50; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 25”

 

24" (7/2/16): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.75', irregular surface brightness.  A mag 15-15.5 star is at the southwest edge.  Forms a close pair with UGC 10870 1.2' SW.  The companion appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.3'x0.2', low even surface brightness.

 

24" (7/15/15): moderately bright to fairly bright, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the southwest edge [30" from center].  Located 12' ESE of mag 5.7 SAO 17472 = HD 158460.

 

Brightest in a group (WBL 641) with UGC 10870 1.3' NW.  UGC 10870 appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.4'x0.2', fairly low even surface brightness.  NGC 6390 (and two companions in an east-west string) lies 10' NE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse oval SW-NE, even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the WSW edge 30" from center.  Located 12' ESE of mag 5.7 HD 158460.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6381 = Sw. I-59, along with NGC 6390, on 7 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; pL; E; DM +60”1754 much interferes with visibility.  His position and description matches UGC 10871, though the bright star is 12' distant

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NGC 6382 = MCG +09-29-001 = CGCG 277-044 = PGC 60342

17 27 55.2 +56 52 08; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.2' SSE of center.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 12 year-old son, discovered NGC 6382 = Sw. I-60 on 2 Jun 1883 with the 16-inch refractor at the Warner Observatory.  Their description reads "pF; pS; R; * near."  This was Edward's first discovery of 25 objects in the NGC (two of these are lost -- NGC 5309 and NGC 6666), made while the telescope was still being tested and adjusted. Lewis credited Edward with the discovery in the errata to his 6th discovery list. Edward made an additional 23 discoveries at Lowe Observatory, which are in the IC.

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NGC 6383 = NGC 6374 = ESO 393-7 = Cr 335 = Gum 67 = Ced 147 = RCW 132

17 34 43 -32 35 00; Sco

V = 5.5;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/27/92): 20 stars mag 12-14 surround mag 5.7 HD 159176.  Elongated WNW-ESE in a 5' string.  The bright star has 4 or 5 faint companions within 1' (h4962 = 5.7/10.5/10.5 at 5"/13").  Also just west is 20' scattered string of 20 stars including 8 mag 10-11 stars visible in the 80mm finder.  This is a striking cluster.

 

8" (6/27/81): Includes a mag 5.8 star and 12 faint stars, excellent with averted, brightest star appears triple.  Surrounded by very large, very faint nebulosity.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6383 = h3689 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "a curious cluster consisting of one large * 6-7m, and some 15 or 20 small ones 13m clustering close to it."  His position is on the bright star.  On a second sweep he reported "a star 7m with a cl of st 12m assembled about it.  The great * occupies the centre.  A very remarkable object."  NGC 6374 is a duplicate observation, verified by his mention of the bright star.

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NGC 6384 = UGC 10891 = MCG +01-45-001 = CGCG 055-007 = PGC 60459

17 32 24.4 +07 03 37; Oph

V = 10.4;  Size 6.2'x4.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 30”

 

24" (8/14/15): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE.  There are three distinct zones.  Towards the center is a sharply concentrated, bright, elongated 2:1 nucleus.  The nucleus is surrounded by an oval central region, roughly 1.5'x1.0'.  The central region is surrounded by a large, very low surface brightness halo, extending ~4.0'x2.5'.  Although spiral structure was not seen, the outer regions were noted as irregular.  A mag 12.5 star is on the northeast side of the halo, 1.8' from center, and a mag 13.3 star is 1.3' SE of center.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): moderately bright with a large core slightly elongated SSW-NNE, broad moderate concentration, large faint halo.  Two mag 12 stars are at the SE and NE ends 1.3' and 1.7' from center, respectively.

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated, brighter core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6384 = m 339 = St II-14 on 10 Jun 1863 and noted "pB, S, vlE."  This is the brightest galaxy that Marth discovered, although his position is 4' too far north. Heinrich d'Arrest independently rediscovered NGC 6384 on 8 Apr 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  In addition, ƒdouard Stephan found it again on 19 Jul 1870 and reported it new in list II-14.

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NGC 6385 = UGC 10877 = MCG +10-25-044 = CGCG 300-035 = PGC 60343

17 28 01.5 +57 31 19; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, round, brightens gradually.  Located 2.9' ENE of mag 8 SAO 30401, which detracts from viewing.  Pair with NGC 6387 3.3' ENE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6385 = Sw. IV-52, along with NGC 6387, on 22 Jul 1886, and logged "eF; S; R; B star nr s[outh]; sp of 2 [with NGC 6387]. His position is fairly accurate, though the bright star is 2.9' WSW.

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NGC 6386 = MCG +09-29-004 = CGCG 277-045 = PGC 60367

17 28 51.7 +52 43 24; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration, low surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6386 = Sw. I-61 on 8 Jun 1883 and logged "vF; pS; R; be 2 st."  His position is just 10 seconds east of CGCG 277-045 = PGC 60367.  This is one of his earliest discoveries at Lowe Observatory, made while still testing and adjusting his new 16-inch Clark refractor.

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NGC 6387 = CGCG 300-037 = I Zw 189 = PGC 60355

17 28 23.8 +57 32 44; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.8

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Close pair with brighter NGC 6385 3.3' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6387 = Sw. IV-53, along with NGC 6385, on 22 Jul 1886 and logged "eF; S; R; nf of 2 [with NGC 6385]; this and the preceding point to the bright star about 8th magnitude."  His position and description matches CGCG 300-037.  This is a compact double system (not resolved in my observation) O.30'x0.22' and 0.25'x0.18'.

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NGC 6388 = ESO 279-002

17 36 17.0 -44 44 06; Sco

V = 6.8;  Size 8.7';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this bright globular appears moderately large, round and granular but with no definite resolution within the main halo.  The appearance was very symmetric and strongly concentrated with a blazing core that ranks as one of the highest surface brightness globular cluster cores.  I didn't use higher power to try and resolve.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): bright at 214x, moderately large, increases to a small very bright core.  Has a grainy, lively appearance but no resolution. Elevation at most 7”.

 

8" (6/19/82): bright, moderately large, intense core, fainter halo, no resolution.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6388 = D 457 = h3690 on 13 May 1826 and described "a beautiful round nebula, about 5' diameter, with a bright round well-defined disk or nucleus, about 15" diameter, exactly in the centre; this has the appearance of a planet surrounded by an extremely faint diluted atmosphere; there is a small star involved in the faint atmosphere: the atmosphere is at least 6' diameter - Figure 18."  His position is just 1.5' south of center.

 

John Herschel, observing on 5 Jun 1834, recorded "globular, vB, R, at first pg, then psvmbM to an intense almost nuclear light. The right eye does not resolve or barely makes it resolvable; the left resolves it completely into stars 17...20m. A superb object on a rich ground of milky way."  On 1 Jul 1834 he logged "globular, vB, R, first p g, then psvmbM, 4' diam, easily resolved with left eye into stars 17m, more difficulty with right eye into 18m, excessively close and comp; shading off insensibly in borders into the general ground of the heavens."

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NGC 6389 = UGC 10893 = MCG +03-45-001 = CGCG 112-005 = PGC 60466

17 32 39.8 +16 24 06; Her

V = 12.1;  Size 2.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, sharp small bright core.  A mag 16 star is superimposed on the south side.  Several mag 11.5-12 stars are near, the closest 2.3' SE.  Located 15' WNW of mag 5.7 SAO 102917.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6389 = H II-901 on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090) and recorded "F, S, iF, er, about 2' long."  CH's reduced position is 20 seconds west of UGC 10893.  Christian Peters independently found this galaxy on 7 Jul 1878 while observing comet 1878a.  His position is a very good match with UGC 10893.

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NGC 6390 = UGC 10881 = MCG +10-25-047 = CGCG 300-040 = WBL 641-004 = PGC 60356

17 28 28.1 +60 05 39; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 8”

 

24" (7/2/16): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.2', broad weak concentration, no distinct core.  Brightest in a linear triplet with CGCG 300-036 4.4' W and CGCG 300-042 4.2' E.  Located 20' ENE of mag 5.7 HD 158460.

 

NGC 6381 is 10' SW (close pair with UGC 10870) and UGC 10888 is 19' NE.  At 375x, the latter galaxy appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, contains a small bright nucleus.  The halo, initially 0.4' diameter, increases with averted vision to ~40"x30".

 

24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.3', broad concentration but no sharp zones.  Brightest and middle of three in an east-west line with CGCG 300-036 4.5' W and CGCG 300-042 4.2' E.  NGC 6381 lies 10' SW.

 

CGCG 300-036 (V = 14.4) was fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, gradually increases to the center.  CGCG 300-042 (V = 15.2) appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, moderately large, edge-on N-S, low even surface brightness.  Second of three in a string with CGCG 300-036 4' W and CGCG 300-042 (not seen) 4' E.  CGCG 300-036 appeared very faint, extremely small, round, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6390 = Sw. I-62, along with NGC 6381, on 7 Jul 1885 and recorded "eeeF; cE; ee diff; one of my minima visible."  There is nothing at his position, but 6' south is UGC 10881, a faint edge-on that fits his description.  Edward Fath suggested this galaxy was probably NGC 6390 in his 1914 paper "A Study of Nebulae", based on plates taken at Mt. Wilson in 1909-12.   MCG gives the NGC designation as uncertain.

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NGC 6391 = MCG +10-25-049 = CGCG 300-041 = PGC 60358

17 28 49.0 +58 51 03; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core, very faint stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6391 = Sw. IV-54 on 1 Sep 1886 and logged "eF; vS; R; nearly bet 2 stars."  His position is 13 seconds of time too far west. The two stars he mentions are 3.2' south and 3.0' northwest.

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NGC 6392 = ESO 070-012 = PGC 60753

17 43 30.3 -69 47 06; Aps

V = 11.6;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, the surface brightness is fairly high and irregular (probably due to a superimposed mag 15.5 star on the southeast side).  A mag 13 star is 50" WSW of center and a mag 15 star is at the southwest edge [20" from center].  Situated in a rich Apus star field with a mag 8.8 star 7' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6392 = h3691 on 17 Jun 1835 and logged "pF; S; R; glbM; 20"; 50 stars in field."  His position (measured on two nights) matches ESO 070-012 = PGC 60753.  RNGC classifies the number as an unverified southern object, though the identification is certain.

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NGC 6393 = MCG +10-25-054 = PGC 60405

17 30 08.5 +59 31 55; Dra

V = 15.7;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

18" (7/30/08): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.  I could just barely hold this galaxy continuously with averted vision once it was identified but it took knowing the exact position to initially pick up.  This galaxy is generally identified as NGC 6394. Although Swift's description for NGC 6393 is a better match with this galaxy it's possible that it is too faint for Swift to have picked up.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): not found

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6393 = Sw. I-64, along with NGC 6394 and 6399, on 7 Jul 1885.  His description for NGC 6393 reads "vvF, pS, R, 2 B st nr north; south of 2" and for NGC 6394, "vvF, pS, R, 2 st point to it, the nearest is D[ouble]; the other and the nebula are equally distant from D star; north of 2."  The description of NGC 6394 is a perfect match UGC 10889 and NGC 6393 is possibly MCG +10-25-054.  The (unequal) double star is HD 159266, located 3.9' NW of NGC 6393.  This star is midway between NGC 6393 and a mag 11 star further NW.  Swift found the northern galaxy (NGC 6394) again on 15 Jun 1890 and included it in list IX-81, this time at the correct position.  The identification NGC 6393 = MCG +10-25-054 is uncertain as the separation in declination between the pair is 6.5', while Swift's gives just 3.5' and MCG +10-25-054 is perhaps too faint for Swift to have picked up with his 16-inch (see my visual description).  Edward Fath first suggested NGC 6393 may be MCG +10-25-054 (No. 789 in Table 1) and NGC 6394 may be UGC 10889 (No. 791 in Table 1) in his 1914 paper "A Study of Nebulae".

 

Swift's poor declination for NGC 6393 coincidentally matches UGC 10889.  As a result, all modern galaxy catalogues misidentify UGC 10889 as NGC 6393.  RNGC and PGC reverse the identifications of NGC 6393 and NGC 6394, labeling the fainter southern galaxy as NGC 6394.  MCG does not attach a NGC label to MCG +10-25-054.  See Harold Corwin's notes for NGC 6394.

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NGC 6394 = UGC 10889 = MCG +10-25-055 = PGC 60410

17 30 21.4 +59 38 23; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 42”

 

18" (7/30/08): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.2', very weak concentration.  An extremely faint star is off the NNE tip.  Located 3.9' SE of mag 8.0 HD 159266, which detracts from viewing.  NGC 6393 = MCG +10-25-054 (identified as NGC 6394 in RNGC, MCG and PGC) is located 6.6' SSW. NGC 6399 lies 11' ESE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE.  Three mag 14/15 stars are near the north end.  Located 3.8' SE of mag 8 SAO 30431.  Pair with NGC 6399 11.3' ESE.

 

Note: This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 6393 in all modern catalogues.

 

See identification notes for NGC 6393.

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NGC 6395 = UGC 10876 = MCG +12-16-039 = CGCG 339-044 = PGC 60291

17 26 31.1 +71 05 43; Dra

V = 12.3;  Size 2.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 15”

 

24" (6/28/16): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.5'x0.6'.  The surface brightness is low but irregular on the northern end and brighter on the southern half.  The galaxy is somewhat mottled or knotty, though one knot is probably the core.  A mag 15 star is just east of the northern end.  IC 1261 (double system) lies 18' NW.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE.  Two mag 12 stars are at the north end 1.5' and 2.5' NNE of center and a mag 14.5 star is off the south end 2.3' from center.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 13 year-old son, discovered NGC 6395 = Sw. I-63 on 18 Sep 1884.  The description reads "vF; pL; lE; double star north; 2 stars near point to it." His position is 30 seconds of time too large.  Bigourdan's measured an accurate position on 8 Aug 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6396 = Cr 339 = ESO 393-010

17 37 36 -35 01 36; Sco

V = 8.5;  Size 3'

 

17.5" (6/8/91): consists of a dozen mag 9-13 stars in a small group of 4' diameter.  Includes four stars in a distinctive 2' string oriented NNW-SSE and continuing north a pretty double star (h4966 = 9.8/10.8 at 12") which is oriented E-W.  The brightest star mag 9 SAO 209043 is just off the WSW edge 4' from the center.  Not rich or impressive but stands out well.  Also a large scattered group of fairly bright stars is roughly 20' to the north.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6396 = h3693 on 7 Jul 1836 and recorded "Cluster VIII; small, 5', place of chief D star".  His position is 35 seconds east of the double star at the northwest side of the cluster, and well outside the confines of the cluster.  Herschel's poor RA is used in the RNGC, NGC 2000.0 and the Sky Catalogue 2000.0.  The ESO and Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas position is correct.

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NGC 6397 = ESO 181-004

17 40 41.3 -53 40 25; Ara

V = 5.7;  Size 25.7';  Surf Br = 0.6

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The view of this showpiece globular at 171x was amazing at nearly 70” elevation.  It extended across 2/3 of the field - perhaps 20' in diameter.  The cluster was very highly resolved into hundreds of stars, many surprisingly bright at mag 10-11 and overall noticeably brighter than most globulars (1st in ranking of brightest stars).  The globular appeared fully resolved in the halo and even the blazing core was covered wall-to-wall with stars.  Many of the stars are arranged in small groups, chains, curves, etc.  The concentrated core appeared ~3.5' diameter and at 228x had a 3-dimensional appearance with the mag 10.5-11.5 stars layered over a dense, uneven background carpet of stars.  Visible naked-eye.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I also had a fantastic view in the 20" f/5 at 212x - the stars seemed to radiate out from the core in spiral curves and completely filled the 23' field!

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, very large, 10' diameter, irregularly round.  At least 50 stars mag 10-12 are resolved at 63x.  Bright intense core 3' diameter with dozens of stars superimposed and at the edges of the core.  The cluster contains a large halo with many faint and brighter stars superimposed over a mottled background.  Beautiful globular although observed at only 13” elevation from Baja.  This is the nearest globular and first in ranking by brightest stars.

 

10x30 (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): picked up while sweeping in IS binoculars close to the SSW horizon from Haleakala.  Once the position was pinpointed, this mag 5.8 globular was just visible naked-eye less than 1 degree NNE of mag 5.3 Pi Arae.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6397 = Lac III-11 = D 366 = h3692 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He simply noted "faint star in nebulosity."  James Dunlop independently found this globular on 28 Jun 1826 with his 9-inch reflector and described "a pretty large nebula, extended nearly in the parallel of the equator, brightest and broadest in the middle; a group of very small stars in the middle give it the appearance of a nucleus, but they are not connected with the nebula, but are similar to other small stars in this place which are arranged in groups. The nebula is resolvable into stars."  Dunlop made 4 observations and his position was 5' east of center.

 

On John Herschel's first observation (8 Jul 1834), he recorded "globular cluster; fine; large; bright; round; gradually brighter to the middle; not very compressed; 5' diameter, but stragglers extend a great way. In the middle is a more compact group of much smaller stars. The stars at circumference are larger than in the middle; at N.f. border is a double star."

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NGC 6398 = ESO 139-018 = AM 1738-614 = PGC 60735

17 42 43.9 -61 41 39; Pav

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 6”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, 45"x35", strongly concentrated with a bright core surrounded by a faint halo.  A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge and a mag 15.5 star is at the northeast edge.  A mag 12.5 star (close double) is 1.3' NW.  Situated in a rich Pavo star field.  Forms a pair with NGC 6403 4.7' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6398 = h3694, along with NGC 6403, on 7 Jul 1836 and recorded "eF; S; R; almost certain it is not small double star.  Definition much improved.  It is certainly a nebula, and with long attention, I see another [NGC 6403], still fainter, exactly on parallel, and 30 seconds following."  His position is accurate.

 

Nevertheless, the RNGC classified both galaxies as nonexistent (Type 7) probably because DeLisle Stewart reported "eF, hazy * only" based on plates taken at Harvard's Boyden Station, in Arequipa, Peru.

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NGC 6399 = UGC 10896 = MCG +10-25-059 = CGCG 300-047 = PGC 60442

17 31 50.4 +59 36 55; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5”

 

18" (7/30/08): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 25"x20", sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  NGC 6394 (generally listed as NGC 6393) lies 11' WNW.  An extremely faint mag 16.7B companion was glimpsed a couple of times 54" NNE.

 

17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, very faint halo SSW-NNE.  Forms a pair with NGC 6393 11.3' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6399 = Sw. I-66, along with NGC 6393 and 6394, on 7 Jul 1885 and recorded "vvF; vS; R."  His position is 1' too far southwest.

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NGC 6400 = Cr 342 = Mel 177 = Lund 767

17 40 13 -36 56 54; Sco

Size 8'

 

17.5" (6/30/00): ~50 stars are resolved in an 8'x5' region at 220x.  The stars are fairly uniform in brightness, though irregular in outline.  The cluster is elongated N-S with a nice string extending through the cluster to the SSE and NNE with a slight bend near the center.  At the kink in the center of the string is a denser clump of stars.  There are circular voids on the NW and SW ends.  The two brighter strings (on the following side) and two less distinct rows of stars create a vague "X" shape through the cluster with a loop of stars on the north end.

 

8" (6/27/81): faint, fairly small, fairly rich.  Many stars are aligned in rows.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6400 = D 568 = h3696 on 13 May 1826 and described "a very faint cluster of very small stars, resembling faint nebula; the stars are considerably congregated to the centre, irregular round figure."  Dunlop observed the cluster 3 times and his position is only a couple of arc minutes too far south.  John Herschel observed the cluster on 28 Jun 1834 and recorded "Cluster class VII, p rich; pL, irr R, 8', stars 9..10m."  His position is 0.6 minutes of time too small.  The RNGC position is 0.6 minutes too far east.

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NGC 6401 = ESO 520-11

17 38 36.9 -23 54 32; Oph

V = 9.5;  Size 5.6';  Surf Br = 2.2

 

17.5" (7/27/92): fairly faint, small, round, 1.5'-2.0' diameter.  Unusual appearance as a mag 12 field star is embedded southeast of the core within the halo.  No other resolution was seen and the globular has a very weak concentration. 

 

8" (6/27/81): faint, small, round, compact, diffuse.  A single bright mag 12-13 star is involved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6401 = H I-44 = h1982 = h3697 on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded "cB, pL, having a kind of nucleus towards the following side."  On 26 May 1786 (sweep 566), he called it "pB, gbM, L, r, some of the stars visible."  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB; R; vgbM; 25"; a * 13m involved, following the centre."

 

Sven Cederblad catalogued this globular as the nebula Ced 149.  This incorrect classification is probably from Julius Scheiner, who gave its spectrum as gaseous (before 1912) at the Potsdam Observatory.

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NGC 6402 = M14

17 37 36.1 -03 14 45; Oph

V = 7.6;  Size 11.7';  Surf Br = 1.9

 

24" (7/30/16): at 432x; very bright, large, nearly fills the 10' field.  The outer halo is resolved into dozens of star, perhaps 50 or 60 total.  The relatively large core is plastered with tiny resolved stars; roughly 50 additional stars were resolved over a lively background, so overall at least a 100 total though difficult to count due to density and the bright background glow.  The outer halo is slightly elongated E-W as well as the core, but the overall appearance is symmetrical.  The core only exhibits a broad, weak concentration.

 

17.5" (7/1/00): this bright, large, fairly symmetric globular appears elongated ~E-W and ~7'x5' in size at 220x.  The bright core is relatively large at 4', very lively and granular with a layer of very faint stars.  At 280x, ~30 stars are resolved in the small halo and at the edge of the intense core.  A rich, even sprinkling of faint stars cover the core.  It was difficult to count the resolved stars as numerous dim stars pop out with averted vision over the bright background haze, but perhaps 60-70 stars in total were glimpsed.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): bright, large, 25-30 very faint stars are resolved mostly at the edges which have a ragged appearance.

 

13" (7/5/83): fairly large, broad concentration.  About a dozen very faint stars are resolved across the disk.  The outer halo fades out smoothly.

 

Charles Messier discovered M14 = NGC 6402= h1983 on 1 June 1764 and noted a "Nebula without star, discovered in the garb which dresses the right arm of Ophiuchus, and situated on the parallel of Zeta Serpentis: This nebula is not large, its light is faint, one can see it nevertheless in an ordinary telescope of 3.5-foot [FL]; it is round, near it is a small star of 9th magnitude."

 

William Herschel, observing with his 12-inch (small 20-foot) on 23 Jul 1783, noted "With a power of 200, I see it consists of stars. They are better visible with 300. With 600, they are too obscure to be distinguished, though the appearance of stars is still preserved. This seems to be one of the most difficult objects to be resolved. With me, there is not a doubt remaining; but another person, in order to form a judgment, ought previously to go through all the several gradations of nebulae which I have resolved into stars." On 25 May 1791 (sweep 1010), he recorded with his 18.7-inch, "eB, R, easily resolvable.  With a power of 300 I can see the stars.  Resembles the 10th of the Connoiss. which probably would put on the same appearance as this, if it were off half as far again as it is."

 

On 30 May 1821, his second night of being instructed how to sweep and record objects, 29-year old John Herschel logged M14 as "a globular cluster of excessively small stars, barely but certainly resolved with the examining power and difficult with the sweeping power, brighter in the middle."  The sweep was registered out of order in his Slough Catalogue as sweep 54.

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NGC 6403 = ESO 139-019 = PGC 60750

17 43 23.7 -61 40 56; Pav

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 30" diameter, broad concentration with a slightly bright nucleus. Situated in a rich Pavo star field with a mag 11.2 star 1.1' SSE.   Forms a pair with NGC 6403 4.7' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6403 = h3695, along with NGC 6398, on 7 Jul 1836 and simply noted "eeF.  The following of 2."  His position, though 10 seconds too small, clearly applies to ESO 139-019 = PGC 60750.  DeLisle Stewart recorded NGC 6403 "extremely faint, hazy star only", based on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station.

 

RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent. See notes for NGC 6398.

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NGC 6404 = Cr 340 = ESO 393-013

17 39 37 -33 14 48; Sco

Size 5'

 

13.1" (7/5/83): 20 stars mag 12-14 over unresolved haze.  The three brightest stars form a small triangle on the west edge, most other stars are very faint.  Located one degree south of M6.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6404 = h4020 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "a p rich, L, F, cluster; class VII; nearly fills field; composed of concave flakes; no m comp; stars 13 or 15m." The observation was included in a list of "omitted observations of nebulae and supplementary nebulae" at the end of the Cape Catalogue.  Dreyer identified these objects as "h o n" ([John] Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6405 = M6 = Cr 341 = Butterfly Cluster

17 40 21 -32 15 18; Sco

V = 4.2;  Size 25'

 

18" (7/21/04): at 92x roughly 200 stars are visible in this beautiful naked-eye cluster.  There are four bright mag 6-7 stars in the main group which form a perfect parallelogram with longer sides of 7' oriented WSW-ENE and shorter sides of 4' oriented NW-SE.  A string of stars connects the two stars on the long southern side of the parallelogram (the star at the SE vertex is orange-tinged BM Sco) with a nice double star embedded in the string.  The NW vertex is part of a bright isosceles triangle with two mag 8-9 stars and ~7' further NW of this star is a small, nice asterism consisting of a trio and a double.  Also a wedge-shaped group of 7 stars extends between this NW vertex (which also has two additional fainter companions) and the SW vertex (short side of parallelogram) Another distinctive string of stars runs through the center of the parallelogram roughly parallel to the two long sides.  A nice mag 9/10 double resides along the long northern side of the parallelogram.  An additional mag 7 star is the SW of the parallelogram.  Around the main group there are numerous scattered stars and the cluster does not have a distinct border.  Over 70 stars in the cluster are brighter than 11th magnitude.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): very bright, fairly large.  Includes a curving rows of stars and a close group of 7 stars near the center.  The brightest star BM Scorpii is on the east side.  Smaller than M7 but richer.  Fairly easy naked-eye cluster.

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered M6 = NGC 6405 = Lac III-12 = h3699 before 1654 and recorded 18 stars.  De ChŽseaux independently found the cluster in 1745-46.  Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille found the cluster again in 1752 with a 0.5-inch telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope, and found a "remarkable group of faint stars in parallel lines making a diamond 20-25 minutes diameter filled with nebulosity."  Lacaille is credited with the discovery in the NGC. James Dunlop's D 612 may refer to M6 as his position falls on the east side of the cluster, though D 612 could apply to NGC 6416, given his often poor positions.  Although a naked-eye cluster, it apparently was not included in any earlier list.

 

In his Messier survey, WH logged on 30 Jul 1783 "I counted about 50 stars; it contains the greatest variety of magnitudes of any nebula I recollect. The compound eye-piece shows more of them variously and intermixed."

 

According to Sue French, the popular nickname "Butterfly Cluster" may come from "Splendour of the Heavens" (1923), as M6 is described as "somewhat irregular in shape, with central rib of stars, and resembles a butterfly with open wings."

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NGC 6406

17 38 19.1 +18 49 58; Her

 

= **?, Gottlieb.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6406 = Big. 81 on 10 Jun 1885 and noted "mag 13.3, 7" or 8" diameter, stellar appearance." Two mag 14 stars with a similar separation are very close to his Comptes Rendus position, so this identification is certain.

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NGC 6407 = ESO 139-022 = LGG 411-004 = PGC 60796

17 44 57.6 -60 44 22; Pav

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 60”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 50"x40", sharply concentrated with a very bright, relatively large core and a much fainter halo.  Mag 9.4 HD 160674 is 1.7' SE, a mag 12 star is 1.2' SE, a mag 13 star is 0.7' NE and a mag 14.5 star is 0.7' SSE.  Situated in a fairly rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6407 = h3700 on 7 Aug 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R: lbM; 15"; near 3 stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6408 = UGC 10930 = MCG +03-45-007 = PGC 60637

17 38 47.3 +18 52 40; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration, fairly low surface brightness.  Located in a rich star field between a mag 13.5 star 1.8' W and a mag 14 star 1.1' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6408 = m 340 = St II-15 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, R, gbM." His position is 1' too far north.  ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered the galaxy on 16 Jul 1871.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6409 = CGCG 253-020 = PGC 60565

17 36 35.4 +50 45 57; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, small, round, broad concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6409 = Sw. I-67 on 18 Jun 1885 and noted "vF; S; R."  His position is 30 seconds of RA too far west. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 7 Aug 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6410

17 35 20.5 +60 47 32; Dra

 

= **?, Gottlieb.  = *, RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6410 = Sw. VI-93 on 2 May 1887 and recorded "eeF, S, R, nearly between 2 stars, GC 4320 [NGC 6411] nr nf".  His position is 3' west of NGC 6411.  A close pair of mag 14.7/15.3 stars at 8" separation, located 2' southwest of NGC 6411, matches Swift's description. RNGC identifies NGC 6410 as a star and Harold Corwin specifically tags this double star.

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NGC 6411 = UGC 10916 = MCG +10-25-068 = CGCG 300-052 = PGC 60536

17 35 32.5 +60 48 48; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 1.1'x0.8', gradually increases to a very small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 20" off the SW edge and 57" from the center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6411 on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 4 nights) is accurate and noted the mag 12 star 6 seconds preceding and 30" south. The MCG declination is 30' too far south, and NGC 6411 is not referenced.

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NGC 6412 = Arp 38 = UGC 10897 = VV 444 = MCG +13-12-026 = CGCG 355-034 = CGCG 356-004 = KAZ 146 = PGC 60393

17 29 37.0 +75 42 15; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (10/22/11): at 375x appeared bright, large, round, 2' diameter.  Broad concentration with a large, brighter 30" core, hint of spiral structure in the halo though it was difficult to trace the arms.  An HII knot or companion was easily seen superimposed at the edge of the halo on the north side (37" from center) and appeared faint, small, oval, ~12"x8".  A mag 13.5 star lies 1' SW and a mag 16 star is 1.8' SW; both stars are collinear with the core.  A bright mag 11.3 star lies 2' SE.  Listed by Arp as a spiral with a "low surface brightness companion on arms", but the "companion" may be an HII region.

 

17.5" (7/9/88): moderately bright, irregularly round, 2.0' diameter, diffuse halo, weak even concentration to a brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SW edge 1.1' from center.  A string of three equally spaced stars begins with a mag 11 star 2' SE and includes two bright stars; mag 8.3 SAO 8824 4.1' S and mag 9.3 SAO 8821 7.6' SSW.

 

8" (8/5/83): very faint, small, diffuse.  Located north of two mag 8 stars in field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6412 = H VI-41 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1071) and surprisingly described this galaxy as a cluster of class VI (very condensed and rich clusters of stars) -- "round, resolvable, about 3' diameter, vgbM. I suppose it to be a cluster of stars compressed extremely. 320 power confirms the supposition, and shews a few of the stars; it must be immensely rich."  CH's reduced position is 30 tsec west (only 1.8' at this dec) of Arp 38 = UGC 10897.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 24 Jul 1884.

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NGC 6413

17 40 40.7 +12 37 26; Oph

 

= ***, Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6413 = St. II-16 on 20 Jul 1870.  At his exact position is a group of three or four close stars with the brightest two a 3" double.  The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6414 = UGC 10906 = MCG +12-16-041 = CGCG 339-047 = CGCG 340-005 = PGC 60416

17 30 36.7 +74 22 34; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, extremely small, round, very small bright core.  Bracketed by two faint mag 14.5/15 stars.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6414 = Sw. III-94 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff.; bet 2 stars; 4 F stars near preceding in form of arc of circle".  His position is just 1' south of UGC 10906 and his description fits this galaxy. UGC 10906 is the furthest north of any Swift discovery.

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NGC 6415 = ESO 393-18

17 44 40 -35 03; Sco

 

= Not found, RNGC and ESO.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6415 = h3701' on 26 Aug 1826 and recorded "a great Nebulous projection of the milky way." His RA is given roughly to the nearest minute of time.  In the Cape Catalogue, JH did not assign a number, but placed it (in RA order) after h3701, so Dreyer called it h3701' in the NGC.  This is likely just a rich section of the Milky Way and RNGC and ESO list the number as "Not found".  Harold Corwin places the center about 1 minute of time larger than JH's position and 3'-4' south.

 

Wolfgang Steinicke lists James Dunlop with the discovery (numbers D 595 and D 596), but Glen Cozens associates these number with Ruprecht 128. Dunlop described a much smaller object than JH's h3701' -- D 595 is only 1' diameter and D 596 is 5' x 30".

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NGC 6416 = Cr 344 = ESO 455-032

17 44 20 -32 21 42; Sco

V = 5.7;  Size 18'

 

17.5" (8/2/97): best view at 100x as it fills the 220x (9mm Nagler) field.  The most detached portion consists of a large cloud of at least 15' diameter and containing roughly 75 stars.  There are four brighter stars (including mag 8.6 SAO 209208) but most of the stars are pretty uniform in brightness and fairly evenly distributed at 100x.  The cluster may extend further north than the region described above but the star density quickly decreases to the general Milky Way appearance.

 

8" (6/19/82): almost two dozen faint stars, large, scattered, not impressive as fairly coarse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6416 = h3702 = D612? on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "Cl class VIII of stars 11m; fills field; not rich; stars in zig-zag lines."  His position is accurate.  James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 13 May 1826 and described "a cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes, about 15' diameter, irregular figure."   His position, though, is nearly 40' west of the cluster and actually falls on the east side of M6, 13' from the center.  So, his identification is uncertain though seems to describe NGC 6416 better.

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NGC 6417 = UGC 10945 = MCG +04-42-001 = CGCG 141-004 = PGC 60709

17 41 47.9 +23 40 19; Her

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.  Located 4.9' S of mag 7.8 SAO 85328!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6417 = m 341 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "pF, S, vlbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6418 = MCG +10-25-074 = CGCG 300-054 = PGC 60610

17 38 09.3 +58 42 54; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is at the east edge 17" from the center.  Contains a very faint stellar nucleus or a mag 15 star involved.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 6418 = Sw. I-68 on 4 May 1885 and recorded "eF: pS; R; forms a right angle triangle with 2 stars, one mB."  Their position is just 1' north of CGCG 300-054 = PGC 60610 and the two stars might be 1.6' southeast and 2.6' northeast.

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NGC 6419 = UGC 10924 = MCG +11-21-012 = WBL 644-003 = PGC 60543

17 36 06.2 +68 09 20; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 134”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE, bright core.  Two mag 15 stars are close north (one is 43" NNW of center).  In a group of 6 galaxies (WBL 644) with NGC 6423 4.5' ENE, NGC 6420 6.3' S, NGC 6422 6.2' SSE and CGCG 321-023 = PGC 60529 5.4' SW (see description under NGC 6422).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6419 = Sw. II-55, along with NGC 6420, on 17 Aug 1883 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; e diff.  n of 2."  His position is 14 seconds of RA west of UGC 10924 (distance = 1.4').  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 6 Sep 1888 (reported in the IC 2 Notes).

 

Harold Corwin notes it is very possible that NGC 6423 (discovered by Swift 16 days earlier) is an earlier observation of this galaxy and NGC 6422 is an earlier observation of NGC 6420.  But Guillaume Bigourdan assigned the numbers to the four brightest galaxies in the field, which are a good match with Swift's declinations (the RAs are 14 to 24 seconds too small).  Bigourdan's corrected positions for all 4 galaxies (measured in Sept 1888), were published in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 6420 = MCG +11-21-013 = CGCG 321-025 = WBL 644-004 = PGC 60553

17 36 16.2 +68 03 08; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.65'x0.2';  PA = 54”

 

24" (6/16/20): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", small bright nucleus. In a group with brighter NGC 6422 1.4' ENE.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  In a compact trio with NGC 6422 1.3' ENE and MCG +11-21-014 1.3' NNE.  Located 6.3' S of NGC 6419.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6420 = Sw. II-56, along with NGC 6419, on 17 Aug 1883 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; ee diff.  s[outh] of 2 [with NGC 6419].  His description is not of any real help, but his position is 23 seconds of RA west of CGCG 321-025 (off by 2.2').  Bigourdan measured an accurate position (matching the CGCG) on 6 Sep 1888.  See notes for NGC 6419.

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NGC 6421 = ESO 393-22

17 45 44 -33 41 36; Sco

 

24" (7/7/13): large, bright Milky Way cloud at 125x (50' field).  Sharply defined by dust clouds on the west edge and along the east side up to the north end.  Includes a nice string of a half-dozen stars (mag 9.5-11.5) on the southeast side and a couple of 1' pairs (oriented N-S) of mag 10.5-11.5 stars are at the east end of the cloud.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6421 = h3702' on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "A most remarkable, well insulated, semi-nebulous milky way patch of a branching rounded figure, within the limits of the field, quite insulated on the p, n and f side, and only connected on the south side by a narrow isthmus with a branch of the milky way, which runs meridionally to a great extent.  It forms a VI. class cluster of the utmost tenuity, barely resolvable, no resolved.  See [sketch] fig 1, plate V."   JH listed this observation (and coordinates) after h3702, but didn't assign it a unique h-designation (it's called 3702 1/2 in his list of sketched nebulae), indicating it was just an interesting field and not a discrete object.  He included it, though, in the GC as h3702', but Dreyer dropped the prime in the NGC.  As a result there are two NGC listings for h3702 (NGC 6416 and NGC 6421).

 

Joseph Turner searched unsuccessfully for this object witht the Great Melbourne Telescope on 25 Sep 1875.

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NGC 6422 = MCG +11-21-015 = CGCG 321-026 = WBL 644-005 = PGC 60558

17 36 29.9 +68 03 31; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.75';  PA = 58”

 

24" (6/16/20): at 260x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~50"x40", contains a bright core and a low surface brightness halo. A mag 8.9 star (SAO 17574) is 3' E. Brightest in a tight trio with NGC 6420 1.4' WSW and PGC 60553 1.0' NW.

 

PGC 60553 appeared faint, round, 20" diameter, fairly low nearly even surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus.

LEDA 2709666, located 4.6' small, appeared faint, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x18", low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.6 star is 0.9' ESE.

CGCG 321-28, located 10' ESE, appeared faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness, 30"x10".

CGCG 321-21, located 12' WSW, appeared faint, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15" (core region).

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  In a compact trio with similar NGC 6420 1.3' WSW and MCG +11-21-014 1' NW.  The MCG was the faintest of the trio and appeared extremely faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Located in a group with NGC 6419 6.3' NNW and CGCG 321-023 = PGC 60529 7' WNW.  The CGCG appeared very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 15 star is off the south edge.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6422 = Sw. II-57, along with NGC 6423, on 1 Aug 1883 and recorded "eF; pS; R; nearly between a F and a B *."   His position is 16 seconds west of CGCG 321-025 = PGC 60553, the brightest of four galaxies in a 3' circle.  The "B *" in the description probably refers to the mag 8.9 star 3' east.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 6 Sep 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  MCG doesn't label +11-21-015 as NGC 6422.  See notes for NGC 6419.

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NGC 6423 = MCG +11-21-016 = CGCG 321-027 = WBL 644-006 = PGC 60576

17 36 53.3 +68 10 17; Dra

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 6419 4.5' W.  Member of the NGC 6422 group (WBL 644)

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6423 = Sw. II-58, along with NGC 6422 = Sw. II-57, on 1 Aug 1885, and recorded "eeF; vS; R; * nr east; v diff."  His position is 12 seconds west and 0.8' south of CGCG 321-027 = PGC 60576.  Bigourdan's position, measured on 7 Sep 1888, matches PGC 60756.  There is no star "nr east", though a mag 12 star is 1.5' north.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 6423.  See notes for NGC 6419.

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NGC 6424 = UGC 10932 = MCG +12-17-001 = CGCG 340-011 = PGC 60552

17 36 11.9 +69 59 20; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.75';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, extremely small, round.  Appears as a stellar nucleus with a small, round halo.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6424 = Sw. II-59 on 5 Aug 1885 and logged "vF; pS; R."  His position is less than 1' from UGC 10932, so the identity is certain.

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NGC 6425 = Cr 348 = ESO 455-038

17 47 02 -31 31 48; Sco

V = 7.2;  Size 8'

 

17.5" (8/2/97): roughly three dozen stars in a 16'x7' detached region about 20 of which are mag 11 and the remainder mag 12-13.5.  The group stands out well using a 14mm UltraWide, although the stars are fairly scattered with no dense regions.  Near the center is a nice 30" equilateral triangle (brightest of the trio is at the SE vertex) of mag 10.5-11.5 stars.  Following this triangle is a large "hole" in the cluster devoid of any stars. The brighter stars form an irregular border although there are two noticeable strings of stars in the cluster. Located 1.5 degrees NE of M6.

 

8" (6/27/81): 15 stars mag 11-13 in a triangular outline.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6425 = h3703 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "Small cl VIII class; 8' dia; has 20 or 30 st 10...12, nearly insulated."  His position is good.

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NGC 6426

17 44 54.7 +03 10 13; Oph

V = 11.2;  Size 3.2';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x and 432x; fairly faint, round, moderately large,  2.5' diameter.  Contains a very small, slightly brighter core that is elongated N-S and lively.  A few faint stars are resolved around at the edges of the halo and several additional stars occasionally sparkle within the halo.  A 15-15.5 magnitude star is at the north edge of core. In addition, five slightly brighter stars are arranged N-S along the west side of the halo; a single mag 14 star is near the NW side, two mag 14.5-15 stars on the west side, and two mag 15/15.5 stars on the SW side.

 

18" (8/23/03): at 160x, appears fairly faint with an irregular triangular outline, 2.5' diameter.  There is only a weak concentration though the surface has a patchy, irregular appearance with a few faint stars superimposed.  At 435x, the brightest resolved star is at the northwest edge.  A few others are collinear in the halo along the western side.  The slightly brighter core is offset east of the geometric center and just resolved into several extremely faint stars at moments.  A total of up to 10 mag 15/16 stars are barely resolved.

 

17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, 3' diameter, slightly elongated, only a weak central condensation, slightly granular.  Two or three faint stars are resolved at the edge of the halo.  At 286x, a few additional very faint stars are resolved over the core for a total resolution of just six stars.  A striking double ·2202 = 6.2/6.6 at 21" lies 36' S.

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, small, round, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6426 = H II-587 = St VII-18 on 3 Jun 1786 (sweep 572) and recorded "F, cL, iF."  His position is reasonably accurate.  Stephan found the cluster 90 years later on 13 Jul 1876 and included it in his 7th list.  As a result, Dreyer catalogued it again as GCS 5870, but he combined both GC entries in the NGC.  Wolfgang Steinicke reports that Herschel first observed the cluster on 15 Jul 1781 with his 6.2-inch before starting his sweeps.

 

The position given in Sky Catalogue 2000.0, Deep Sky Field Guide (first version) and NGC 2000.0 is 10' too far south!

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NGC 6427 = NGC 6431 = UGC 10957 = MCG +04-42-003 = CGCG 141-006 = PGC 60758

17 43 38.7 +25 29 38; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, small bright core, faint extensions.  A mag 15 star is just off the SW end 26" from the center and a mag 14.5 star is 36" S of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6429 10.4' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6427 = m 342 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  His position is 1' north of UGC 10957 = PGC 60758.  Truman Safford independently found this galaxy on 28 Aug 1866 and recorded "pB, pL, vmbM."  His position is 20' too far north, but matches in RA (he noted "position not certain" in a footnote).  ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered this galaxy again on 23 Jun 1870 and reported it in list I-7 (later NGC 6431), but he misidentified his reference star and his position is erroneous.  So, NGC 6427 = NGC 6431.  E.E. Barnard found NGC 6427 and 6429 on 29 Jan 1889 and made a field sketch, though was able to later correctly identify the galaxies, though he labeled NGC 6429 as NGC 6428.

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NGC 6428

17 43 52.9 +25 33 23; Her

 

= *, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.  =**?, Gottlieb.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6428 = Big. 82 on 7 Jul 1885.   A 13" double star is near his Comptes Rendus position, though Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan references the northern star as the intended "object". RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6429 = UGC 10960 = MCG +04-42-004 = CGCG 141-007 = PGC 60770

17 44 05.4 +25 21 01; Her

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 23”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A very close faint double star mag 14.5/15.5 is off the south side 33" S of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6427 10' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6429 = m 343 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "F, S, stellar."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 6430 = UGC 10966 = MCG +03-45-019 = CGCG 112-035 = LGG 414-005 = PGC 60805

17 45 14.3 +18 08 18; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 97”

 

17.5" (8/7/02): at 220x appeared as a faint, moderately large edge-on oriented E-W, 1.2'x0.3' with a low even surface brightness.  A mag 13.7 star is at the following end 50" from the center and the galaxy extends nearly due west.

 

Albert Marth's position for NGC 6430  was off by 38 tsec in RA and although his description matches, modern catalogues and the U2000 (second edition) identify this galaxy as UGC 10966.  Karl Reinmuth identified NGC 6430 as a chain of 4 stars and the RNGC followed suit classifying NGC 6430 as nonexistent.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6430 = m 344 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, mE."  There is nothing at his position, but 38 seconds of time east is UGC 10966, and Marth's description is appropriate for this galaxy.

 

Karl Reinmuth failed to find NGC 6430 in his photographic survey using Heidelberg plates and wrote "no mE neb seen; a chain of 4 st 14-15, 150”, in 17h 38.9m (1860)".  Based on Reinmuth, RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent with the note "4 stars".

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NGC 6431 = NGC 6427 = UGC 10957 = MCG +04-42-003 = CGCG 141-006 = PGC 60758

17 43 38.7 +25 29 38; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 36”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6427.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 6431 = St I-7 on 23 Jun 1870.  This was his first "discovery" but Bigourdan (visually) and Reinmuth (on Heidelberg plates) found nothing at his position.  However, Harold Corwin found that Stephan misidentified his comparison star and once corrected his position matches NGC 6427 = UGC 10957, which Albert Marth had discovered earlier on 2 Jul 1864.  So, NGC 6431 = NGC 6427.  This is one of Stephan's few errors that were not caught by Emmanuel Esmiol during his re-reduction of Stephan's positions ("RŽduction des Observations de NŽbuleuses DŽcouvertes par M. Stephan", 1916).

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NGC 6432 = ESO 520-025

17 47 23 -24 53 12; Sgr

 

= 4* mag 12-13, Howe.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6432 = h1984 on 1 Jul 1826 and noted "a cl of vs stars.  Twilight."  A group of 4 stars within 40" is just 1' north of his position.  Herbert Howe was the first to make this identification in 1899.  Using the 20-inch refractor in Denver, he reported "This 'cluster' contains only four stars, two of mag 12 and two of mag 13."

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NGC 6433 = UGC 10962 = MCG +06-39-015 = CGCG 199-013 = PGC 60766

17 43 56.3 +36 48 01; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 2.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 163”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.  Pair with CGCG 199-014 4.3' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6433 = m 345 on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S, pmE, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6434 = UGC 10934 = MCG +12-17-002 = CGCG 339-053 = CGCG 340-013 = PGC 60573

17 36 49.0 +72 05 20; Dra

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.  Located 2.0' N of mag 7.3 SAO 8860, which detracts from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6434 = H III-741 = h1987 on 6 Jun 1788 (sweep 847) and recorded "eF, stellar.  A few minutes north of a considerable B star, verified by 300, which showed it lE in the parallel [E-W]."  JH made the single observation "vF; vS; R; bM; 6"; 90" n of a * 8m."

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NGC 6435 = UGC 10947 = MCG +10-25-080 = CGCG 300-058 = PGC 60667

17 40 11.1 +62 38 29; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (7/21/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with CGCG 300-059 5.2' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6435 = Sw. IX-86 on 15 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; vF double star near following."  His position is 2' too far northeast, but the double star, which is 2.8' northeast, clinches the identification.  Swift relayed the discovery directly to Dreyer, who assigned it to list VI in the NGC, but the discovery was not published until a couple of years later in list IX (along with others he didn't include in list VI).

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NGC 6436 = UGC 10951 = MCG +10-25-082 = CGCG 300-060 = PGC 60695

17 41 13.2 +60 26 59; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 173”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, elongated 2:1 N-S, even surface brightness.  An extremely faint 16th magnitude star is just west of the core.  Almost collinear with three mag 13 stars off the south edge which are aligned E-W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6436 = Sw. V-74 on 25 Sep 1884 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; v close n of the s * of 3 in a line."  His position is just 50" north of UGC 10951 and the three stars are close southwest as in my visual description.

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NGC 6437 = ESO 393-28

17 48 45 -35 26 00; Sco

Size 20'x5'

 

18" (8/19/09): at 73x (31mm Nagler) appeared as a very large group or star cloud of over 100 stars, mostly mag 10-13, in a 30'x15' region elongated NW to SE.  The mass of stars is just west of mag 7.3 HD 161855 and is fairly well detached in the Milky Way field except on the NW side where a stream of stars extends to the north and then spreads out into another rich star cloud.  The brightest star within NGC 6437 is mag 7.6 HD 161561 on the NW side with a faint companion 25" N.  The background glow of the Milky Way surrounding the group is bright, patchy and overall very striking in the entire 67' field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6437 = h3704 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "A very decided, tolerably defined semi-nebulous mass in milky way, with abundance of vS st, forming altogether a telescopic magellanic cloud.  It fills about a field, and has branches and sinuses and is altogether a remarkable object".  On the DSS, this is a rich Milky Way field (JH's position is at the southeast side), which is detached on the east end by dust.  ESO did not include it as a cluster and RNGC also classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6438 = ESO 010-001 = VV 682 = LGG 417-002 = AM 1806-852 NW =      KTS 56B = PGC 61787

18 22 17.7 -85 24 07; Oct

V = 11.4;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  PA = 156”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, the appearance of this interacting pair was very strange!  NGC 6438 appeared moderately bright, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  NGC 6438A (a disrupted peculiar galaxy) is attached on the east side and appeared as a faint, diffuse glow, elongated SW-NE, ~0.8'x0.5'.  This system is the second closest NGC galaxy to the south celestial pole and is located 4' NE of a mag 9.5 star (an uncatalogued double star) and 16' NE of mag 8 HD 160820.  Mag 6.4 HD 159517 is 28' NW.

 

NGC 6438A appears highly disrupted on the DSS, with two extensions or arms (perhaps two different interacting galaxies).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6438 = h3701 on 2 Jun 1835 and logged "pB; R; vgbM.  RA rudely taken, and may be very erroneous."  His RA was 3 minutes of time too large, though this translate to only 3.6' in the sky at this far southerly declination.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 6438 on 3 Oct 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and described a "Double nebula or a small round pretty bright, [?], pmbM almost to a star like nucleus, with faint roundish flat appendage south following about 40" in diameter which might be a close companion to [NGC 6438]."  His sketch clearly shows a double galaxy with a bright, small nebula on the NW side (NGC 6438) and a larger, fainter glow (NGC 6438A) attached on the SE edge.

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NGC 6439 = PK 11+5.1 = PN G011.0+05.8

17 48 19.8 -16 28 44; Sgr

V = 12.7;  Size 6"x5"

 

18" (7/25/06): easily picked up at 115x as a quasi-stellar light-blue mag 12.5 "star" just 1' S of a mag 10.4 star.  Very good response to the OIII filter.  A very small disc was visible at 225x, perhaps 3" in size.  Adding a UHC filter this compact planetary was similar in brightness to the mag 10.4 star and appeared to increase slightly in diameter.  At 435x a small oval, ~4"x3" was resolved of uniform surface brightness except it seemed to fade around the periphery, hinting at a thin faint envelope.  Located in the NW corner of Sgr near the border of Ophiuchus and Serpens Cauda.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): fairly bright stellar planetary at 79x, verified with OIII blinking.  At 166x a mag 10.5 star just 1.2' N is perfectly placed for blinking comparison!  Appears stellar at 214x.  Estimate V = 12.0-12.5.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6439 on 18 Aug 1882 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory using a direct-vision spectroscope. He reported the discovery in AN 2459 and Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882 and noted "mag 13. A star, mag 11, north 1' and follows 1 second."  His position and description is accurate.  Megastar (and probably other sources) misidentify the mag 13 star that is 1' north as NGC 6439.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) described NGC 6439 as "a minute round disk 5" in diameter, there is a very wind in p.a. 290”.  The disk is slightly fainter at the edges."

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NGC 6440 = ESO 589-008

17 48 52.6 -20 21 35; Sgr

V = 9.1;  Size 5.4';  Surf Br = 3.3

 

24" (8/14/15): at 375x; bright, relatively small globular, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and a much fainter, well-defined circular halo, roughly 2' across.  The core was mottled and very granular but unresolved.  NGC 6440 is collinear with an 11' string of four mag 11-12 stars extending from NW to SE, barely fitting in the field, with the closest star 1.7' NNW of center.  At 500x, a few extremely faint stars were resolved in the halo.  The bright core contains a handful of resolved stars (mag 16.5 or fainter) that popped in and out of view over the extremely granular background.

 

NGC 6440 is a highly obscured, metal-rich globular at a low galactic latitude, so resolution is quite difficult.

 

17.5" (7/14/99): this globular forms an unusual pair with planetary NGC 6445 just 21' NNE and is situated within a string of four mag 11-12 stars oriented NW-SE.  It appears fairly faint, round, at least 2' diameter.  At 280x the diffuse halo increases to a moderately bright, round core.  Although the globular appears granular, there was no resolution in good seeing except for a very faint star that was intermittently visible off the north edge of the core.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): moderately bright, small, broadly concentrated to a brighter core, no resolution.  Forms a striking pair with planetary NGC 6445 20' NNE.  Brightest member stars are only V = 17.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6440 = H I-150 = h1985 on 28 May 1786 (sweep 569) and recorded "cB, R, vgmbM, about 1 1/2' diameter."

 

Based on early Crossley plates of the region, Heber Curtis wrote a note in 1918PASP...30..161C titled "A Spiral Nebula in the Milky Way."  He stated "The nebula NGC 6440 appears to form practically the only known exception to this rule [that spiral nebulae are never found in the Milky Way itself].  Although this object is some distance from the center of all available Crossley plates of this region, rendering its details somewhat indistinct, there seems to be no doubt that it is a rather bright, nearly round, very compact, spiral nebula 1.5' in diameter.  Its unusual interest lies in the fact that it is less than 2” from the galactic plane."  Before this erroneous note was published a footnote was added stating another plate was taken and "the probabilities are that it is a compact star-cluster showing evidences of spiral formation."  Based on photographs taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, the description also reads "some indication of the stars being in spiral formation".

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NGC 6441 = ESO 393-034

17 50 12.8 -37 03 04; Sco

V = 7.4;  Size 7.8';  Surf Br = 1.4

 

17.5" (7/14/99): NGC 6441 is situated just 4.5' following mag 3.2 G Scorpii!  At 220x it appeared moderately bright, round, ~2.7' diameter, fairly sharp concentration with a prominent 1' core.  A mag 11 field star is at the southwest edge of the halo (1.3' SW of center), a mag 13.5 star is just inside the west edge of the halo (1.2' from center), and a mag 12.5-13 star is just off the northwest side.  There was no definite resolution into cleanly visible stars, although the globular had a granular appearance.  H 1-36, a symbiotic star (mimics a stellar planetary), is located just 1.3' NW of the mag 3.2 star!

 

13" (6/18/85): very bright core, mottled halo but no certain resolution.  Located just 4.5' E of G Scorpii (V = 3.2), which hampers viewing.

 

8" (5/21/82): bright, intense core.

 

80mm finder (7/14/99): the globular was easily visible at 21x in the finder.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6441 = D 557 = h3705 on 13 May 1826 with his 9-inch f/12 reflector at Paramatta.  He described "a small well-defined rather bright nebula, about 20 arcseconds diameter, a very small star precedes it, but it is not involved; following gamma Telescopii."  He observed this globular on 5 nights and his position is just 2' south of center (unusually accurate for him).

 

John Herschel first recorded on 28 Jun 1834, "globular cluster, B, R, 90", vgbM, resolvable (barely so), a very regularly graduating neb or cluster; in field with gamma Telescopii."  The next night he logged "globular, B, R, vgbM, up to a blaze. In field with Gamma Telescopii, and nearly on the same parallel; with left eye I barely see it resolved into stars 18 or 20m. The whole ground of the heavens, for an immense extent, is thickly sown with such stars. A beautiful object."  Christian Peters claimed he discovered it around 1850, while at the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples (AJ 2, 1856).

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NGC 6442 = UGC 10978 = MCG +03-45-021 = CGCG 112-038 = PGC 60844

17 46 51.3 +20 45 40; Her

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, small well-defined core, faint halo.  Pair with UGC 10979 7' NE within the NGC 6460 group.  UGC 10979 appeared faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  A mag 10.5 star is at the SW edge.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6442 = m 346 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "pF, S, irr R, gbM."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 6443 = UGC 10967 = MCG +08-32-018 = CGCG 253-033 = PGC 60783

17 44 33.9 +48 06 50; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, almost even surface brightness.  Located along one side of a thin isosceles triangle of three mag 14 stars (two lie 1.6' N and 1.5' S).  A mag 11 star is 3.3' E.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6443 = Sw. V-75 on 22 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff."  His position is less than 1' north of UGC 10967.

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NGC 6444 = ESO 393-030 = Ru 132 = OCl-1023

17 49 35 -34 49 12; Sco

Size 12'

 

17.5" (7/8/94): about 50 stars in a 10' string oriented due E-W.  Stands out reasonably well in the field at 100x.  Very uniform in mag 12-13 stars over some unresolved haze.  A more ill defined branch of stars begins at the west end and trails NE.  An arc of stars begins at the east end and curls back west on the south side.  Located in the same low power field with globular NGC 6453 20' NE and 53' due west of the center of M7.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6444 = h3706 = D 597? on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "A very fine L, rich sc cl of st 12...13m."  His position is 40 seconds of RA too large, but marked the coordinates with a +/-, indicating uncertainty.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 28 Jun 1826 and logged Dun 597 as a "pretty large faint nebula, easily resolvable.  This precedes a cluster of stars."  Dunlop made a single observation and his position is 26' too far east-southeast, but this cluster is due west of M7 by 52', so this identification is certainly reasonable.  RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6445 = PK 8+3.1 = ESO 589-9 = PN G008.0+03.9 = Box Nebula

17 49 15.3 -20 00 34; Sgr

V = 10.9;  Size 38"x29";  Surf Br = 9.9

 

24" (8/14/15): this highly structured planetary was observed using 500x.  NGC 6445 has an unusual rectangular shape, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, with dimensions ~45"x30".  The planetary is brighter in fairly narrow strips along the four sides, creating an annular appearance.  The short northwest facing side is slightly brighter and contains a bright knot or section near the middle.  In addition, a faint knot is at the north vertex.  Another bright knot is at the east vertex and either a faint knot or very faint star is at the south vertex.  The short southeast facing side is sharply defined and quite straight. A very low surface brightness glow can be seen outside (east) of the eastern vertex.  In addition, with careful viewing an extremely faint outer shell or loop is outside the long southwest facing side, connected at the two vertices along this side.  A mag ~15.5 star is just outside the midpoint of the loop.  The outer shell or loop on the northeast side was not seen.

 

18" (7/22/06): this fascinating planetary was viewed at 435x.  The overall shape is rectangular with the longer sides oriented NW to SE.  Both ends are noticeably brighter giving an annular appearance.  The NW end is slightly brighter and irregular in surface brightness with a brighter spot or two.  The rim at the northwest end is slightly bowed out and has a well-defined boundary edge in the interior.  The rim at the southeast end of the planetary is unusually straight and well-defined.  With averted vision it appeared to extend slightly beyond the main body of the planetary.  The bright lobe at this end is bar-shaped and extended SW to NE in the direction of the minor axis.

 

17.5" (7/14/99): this bright PN is striking at 280x with a great deal of structure evident.  It has a boxy appearance, elongated NW-SE with dimensions ~45"x30".  The ends of the major axis are clearly brighter with a bright, shallow arc or crescent-shaped curve on the NW end.  This lobe has an irregular surface brightness with a couple of brighter spots.  The SE lobe is brighter but has an oddly flat edge.  At 380x, the eastern end of the southeast lobe is brighter and has a small extension or nodule that bulges out beyond the rectangular outline to the east.  The center is clearly darker and with careful viewing appears as a dark band running SW-NE.  A mag 12 star lies ~45" NW of center and the planetary precedes a wide uneven mag 8/10.5 pair by 5'.  The planetary forms an unusual pair with GC NGC 6440 20' SSW.

 

13" (8/5/83): bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, brighter along the NW side.  A darker center visible at 288x appears to cut through the minor axis. The NW edge is slightly curved while the other sides and corners are "boxy" giving an irregular rectangular outline.  The ends of the minor axis are fainter.  A wide double star h2810 = 7.7/10.5 at 41" lies 5.3' E.  A mag 12 star is just off the NW end about 40" from the center.  Forms a striking pair with globular cluster NGC 6440 20' SSW in the same low power field.

 

13.1" (7/16/82): dark center at 280x appears to bisect the planetary ~E-W.

 

8" (6/27/81): fairly bright, elongated, uniform.  Located within string of four mag 11/12 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6445 = H II-586 = h1986 on 28 May 1786 (sweep 569) and recorded "pB, S, iF." He placed it in his class II of "Faint Nebulae". John Herschel called this planetary "pB; pL; R; r; 40"."  On 11 Mar 1848, LdR (or assistant William Rambaut) described NGC 6445 as "curious circular-shaped neb with large dark spot at one side [f side in a diagram], around which is a close cluster of well defined vS stars."  Edward Pickering apparently found NGC 6445 while searching with a direct-vision spectroscope at Harvard College Observatory (Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882).  In 1887, Frank Muller reported with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, "Two nuclei forming an elliptical nebula, elongated 150”, largest diameter 26", northern nucleus brighter.  A sketch shows each nucleus to be elongated in the direction 90” +/-, the center being almost devoid of nebulosity.  The nuclei are entirely separated from each other except by very faint nebulosity, and are of the 12.5 magnitude."

 

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported "..the brighter portioin is a very irregular "square-shouldered ring 38"x29"; from this extend very faint ring like ansae in p.a. 50-230”, along which the total length is about 50".  Brightest on NW edge..."  Based on Helwan photographs in 1919-20, it was reported as "trapezium-shaped object with very sharp corners; the two parallel sides are considerably brighter than the other pair and lie in p.a. 60” and 240”; the NE corner is a right angle; no indication of a central star."

 

The Sky Catalogue 2000, Volume 2 and the Deep Sky Name Index 2000 incorrectly refer to NGC 6445 as the "Little Gem".  The nickname applies to NGC 6818 (from John Mallas).  John Mallas coined the nickname "The Crescent" in his Apr/May 1993 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-IV", but the nickname didn't stick.

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NGC 6446 = MCG +06-39-018 = CGCG 199-018 = PGC 60825

17 46 07.5 +35 34 10; Her

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 29”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A pair of mag 14 and 15 stars is 0.9' NNE and 1.2' N of center, respectively.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6447 1.9' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6446 = m 347, along with NGC 6447, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, irr R."  His position is accurate.  Rudolph Spitaler rediscovered both galaxies on 26 May 1884 while observing Comet 1858 III (AN 2446).

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NGC 6447 = UGC 10975 = MCG +06-39-019 = CGCG 199-019 = PGC 60829

17 46 17.2 +35 34 20; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, brighter middle with faint extensions.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6446 1.9' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6447 = m 348, along with NGC 6446, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.   Rudolph Spitaler rediscovered both galaxies on 26 May 1884 while observing Comet 1858 III (AN 2601).

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NGC 6448

17 43 42.8 +53 32 44; Dra

 

18" (8/27/11): At 175x I identified a mag 11.6 star that possibly appeared to have one or more faint companions as there was a slightly hazy glow very near extended E-W.  At 393x, three close, very faint companions were resolved; two following and one preceding, with all 4 stars roughly collinear.  The two companions to the east are at 17" and 30" from the brighter star, while the companion to the west is at a separation of 19".  The brightest of the three faint stars is at the east end, though all three are near V = 15.5.  Located 15' S of 5.8-magnitude HD 161693.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6448 = Sw. II-60 on 16 July 1885 and logged "vF, pS, R, lbM".  There are no galaxies near his position, but about 30 seconds of RA preceding is a east-west string of 3 very faint stars and one brighter star that may be Swift's object.  According to Harold Corwin's identification notes, Jeff Corder suggested this possible identification. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6449 = UGC 10965 = MCG +09-29-020 = CGCG 278-020 = PGC 60762

17 43 46.3 +56 48 14; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Three faint stars very near; a mag 15.5 star is at the south edge, a mag 15 star is just west of the core and a mag 14 star is off the north edge.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6449 = Sw. I-69 on 19 Apr 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; R; bM."  His position is at the northeast edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 6450

17 47 30 +18 35; Her

 

= Not found, Dreyer.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6450 = Sw. II-61 on 1 Jul 1884 and logged "vF; vS; B * f 8 seconds; bet 2 sts."  There are only faint stars near his position and the nearest faint galaxies in the CGCG have no nearby bright star, so clearly there is an error in his position.  Both Bigourdan and Herbert Howe were unsuccessful in finding NGC 6450.  Father Hagen notes in the Vatican Zone Catalogue that there no "B*" in this place.

 

No modern catalogue has an entry for NGC 6450 and Harold Corwin was also unable to recover this object despite the specific description.

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NGC 6451 = Cr 352 = Mel 181 = Lund 783

17 50 42 -30 12 30; Sco

Size 8'

 

13.1" (6/18/85): about three dozen stars in a 8' diameter.  The brighter stars around the edges form the outline.  Includes many very faint stars inside the bright border but unconcentrated towards the center.

 

8" (6/27/81): faint but rich group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6451 = H VI-13 = h3707 on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and recorded "a cluster of small and pretty compressed stars of several magnitudes; about 5 or 6' in diam, not very rich."  On 3 Aug 1834 (sweep 478), John Herschel logged "a remarkable cluster; divided into two by a broad, vacant, straight band; irreg R; 8' diam; st 12...15m.  See fig 5, Pl V."  His sketch shows two elongated groups of stars separated by a starless lane.

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NGC 6452 = CGCG 112-043 = PGC 60876

17 47 58.5 +20 50 16; Her

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Situated almost between two mag 14/15 stars aligned E-W.  Located about 12' WNW of NGC 6458 in the NGC 6460 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6452 = m 349, along with NGC 6458 and 6460, on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "eeF, S."  His position is less than 2' north of CGCG 112-043.  Karl Reinmuth correctly identified NGC 6452 in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" and stated "eF, be 2 F st; identification doubtful."  The two faint stars are mentioned in my observation.

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NGC 6453 = ESO 393-036

17 50 52 -34 36 00; Sco

V = 9.9;  Size 3.5';  Surf Br = 2.0

 

17.5" (7/4/86): at 220x appears very faint, small, very mottled.  A few stars are resolved at the edges (possibly foreground stars).  Located beyond the NW edge of M7 about 40' from the center.  Open cluster NGC 6444 lies 20' SW.

 

8": faint, small, diffuse.  Located NW of M7 in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6453 = h3708 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "a highly condensed nebulous mass, 3' diam, or an irreg R neb; pmbM; resolvable."  His RA was 28 seconds too large, but it was reported as rounded to the nearest minute (marked as +/-) and the description fits.

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NGC 6454 = MCG +09-29-026 = CGCG 278-024 = PGC 60795

17 44 56.6 +55 42 17; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is superimposed or contains a fairly bright stellar nucleus.  Located 5.9' SE of mag 8.7 SAO 30546.  This is the brighter of a pair with NGC 6459 8' NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6454 = Sw. I-70 on 19 Apr 1885 and noted "vF; pS; R; lbM."   His position is 18 seconds of RA too small.  Bigourdan remeasured an accurate RA on 4 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6455 = ESO 394-3

17 51 08 -35 20 18; Sco

 

24" (7/7/13): at 125x (50' field), this position corresponds with a very large, bright Milky Way field just southwest of M7.  The field includes a nice mix of mag 7 and fainter stars centered near a bright, very wide pair (mag 7 HD 162145 and mag 8.5 HD 320780).  The Milky Way background here is glowing, but the field itself is not special considering the region, and it certainly does not appear cluster-like.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6455 = h3709 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "a very extensive nebulous clustering mass of the milky way.  The stars of excessive smallness, and infinite in number."  His position is marked uncertain, possibly due to the large size of the field but falls close to mag 7.3 HD 162287.  Harold Corwin notes this is probably just a random clumping of Milky Way stars near SAO 209348.

 

RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and ESO has only a placeholder for the NGC designation.

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NGC 6456 = CGCG 321-034 = CGCG 322-004 = WBL 645-002 = PGC 60729

17 42 31.7 +67 35 33; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 45”

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 20"-24" diameter, slightly brighter middle.  A mag 16.6 star is 0.4' N of center.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  First of 7 and in a trio with NGC 6463 6.0' E and PGC 2701716 6' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6456 = Sw. V-76, along with NGC 6471, 6472 and 6477, on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eS; R; ee diff; between 2 stars; 1st of 6."  His position is 11 sec of RA west and 1' north of  PGC 60729, the brightest of several faint galaxies near his position.  MCG misidentifies CGCG 321-032 = PGC 60721 as NGC 6456.

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NGC 6457 = UGC 10964 = MCG +11-21-021 = CGCG 321-035 = CGCG 322-005 = PGC 60738

17 42 53.0 +66 28 33; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a small bright core.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 6457 = Sw. I-71 on 8 Jun 1885 and recorded "F; vS; R; bM."  The position matches UGC 10964.  Lewis noted his son discovered this object in the errata to his 6th discovery list.

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NGC 6458 = UGC 10994 = MCG +03-45-029 = CGCG 112-051 = PGC 60911

17 49 10.9 +20 48 15; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration.  Located in a N-S string of three mag 14 stars.  Pair with NGC 6460 5.2' ESE in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6458 = m 350, along with NGC 6460, on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is within 1' of UGC 10994.  MCG misidentifies NGC 6460 (5' southeast) as NGC 6458.

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NGC 6459 = MCG +09-29-029 = CGCG 278-025 = PGC 60817

17 45 47.1 +55 46 36; Dra

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round.  Located 1.6' NNE of a mag 9.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 6454 8' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6459 = Sw. I-72 on 19 Apr 1885 and recorded "eF; vvS; R; vv diff.; stellar.  May be a few eF stars."  His position is accurate, despite his uncertainty. MCG mislabels this galaxy as NGC 6460.

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NGC 6460 = UGC 10997 = MCG +03-45-031 = CGCG 112-055 = PGC 60925

17 49 30.3 +20 45 49; Her

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 157”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  Located between mag 7.6 SAO 85445 7.6' S and mag 7.7 SAO 85452 10' NNE.  Brightest in a group with NGC 6458 5' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6460 = m 351, along with NGC 6458, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, pL, iR."  His position matches UGC 10997 = PGC 60925.  CGCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 6459 and MCG misidentifies it as NGC 6458.

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NGC 6461 = UGC 10954 = MCG +12-17-004 = CGCG 339-055 = CGCG 340-017 = PGC 60659

17 39 56.7 +74 02 03; Dra

Size 1.0'x0.5';  PA = 20”

 

18" (8/12/07): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~20"x16".  Located 1.4' NW of a mag 10.5 star.  NGC 6461 is incorrectly identified as CGCG 340-015 in the CGCG and PGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6461 = Sw. V-77 on 18 Sep 1884 and recorded "eF; pS; R; nr terminal * of 5 forming semi-circle."  There is nothing near his position.  The nearest galaxy is CGCG 339-054 = PGC 60631, which is 1.6 minutes of RA west and 7' north of his position (10' separation).  But this galaxy doesn't fit Swift's star field comments.  Bigourdan's position for NGC 6461 measured on 13 Aug 1888 applies to a double star. The CGCG, RNGC and PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentify PGC 60631 as NGC 6461.

 

Harold Corwin identifies UGC 10954 as NGC 6461.  This galaxy is situated at the northeast end of a loop of 5 stars forming a semi-circle, matching his description.  This galaxy is 38' north of Swift's position and 12 seconds of RA west.

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NGC 6462 = MCG +10-25-085 = CGCG 300-063 = Ark 529 = VII Zw 740 = PGC 60790

17 44 48.9 +61 54 38; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.8

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, extremely small, round, weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6462 = Sw. I-73 on 5 Jun 1885 and noted "F; vvS; R; planetary."  His RA as 15 seconds too large.

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NGC 6463 = MCG +11-21-022 = CGCG 321-037 = CGCG 322-007 = WBL 645-003 = PGC 60755

17 43 34.2 +67 36 13; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (8/23/14): fairly faint, round, 24" diameter, very weak concentration.  Near the center of a group of faint galaxies with NGC 6472, 6470, 6471, 6477 and PGC 2701716 all within 5'!

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, diffuse.  Third of seven in NGC 6456 group with NGC 6472 3.2' ENE, NGC 6470 4.0' E and NGC 6471 3.7' ESE.  Located 6.0' E of NGC 6456.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6463 = Sw. IV-55, along with NGC 6470, on 9 June 1886, and logged "eeF; S; R; v diff; p of 2 [with NGC 6470]."  His position is less than 1' south of CGCG 321-037 = PGC 60755.  Swift also found 4 additional nearby galaxies on 25 Sep 1886 - NGC 6456, 6470, 6471 and 6477.  Due to the compact size of the group, there is confusion on several of these identifications.

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NGC 6464 = MCG +10-25-087 = CGCG 300-065 = PGC 60818

17 45 47.6 +60 53 51; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (7/27/92): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Preceded by an elongated group of 10 stars mag 14-15.  A distinctive trapezoid of four mag 11 stars with bases oriented N-S lies between 2' and 6' N.  The galaxy is collinear with the shorter east base and is located 3' further south.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6464 = Sw. I-74 on 18 Sep 1884 and recorded "eeeF; R; pS; ee diff.; south of 4 stars in form of a square."  His position is 1.2' too far north and his description of the four stars to the north matches the sky.

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NGC 6465 = ESO 521-002

17 52 55 -25 23 54; Sgr

 

= 2 double stars, Howe.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6465 = h1988 on 1 Jul 1826 and noted "suspected; small; twilight."  At his position is a small group of 5 stars, including two double stars (an additional star is to the southeast).  Herbert Howe, observing in 1888-1889 with a 20-inch refractor, reported "search was made for this on two nights.  On the first no nebula could be found.  On the second, it was discovered that, instead of a nebula, there are simply two doubles of mag 12.  In each pair the distance is 4", and the two pairs are 15" apart."  Harold Corwin concurs with this identification.

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NGC 6466 = CGCG 278-030 = MCG +09-29-032 = PGC 60883

17 48 08.1 +51 23 57; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 111”

 

24" (7/15/15): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', brighter stellar nucleus.  Nearby are CGCG 278-028 5' NW, UGC 10984 15' SW and NGC 6478 15' SSE.  CGCG 278-028 (V = 15.3) appeared faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  UGC 10984 is fairly faint, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~40"x30", broad concentration with a brighter core.  A mag 11.6 star is 2.8' SSW.

 

17.5" (6/22/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated, very small bright core.  NGC 6478 lies 16' SSE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6466 = Sw. I-75 on 18 Sep 188.  He recorded, "eF; vS; R; bet 2 stars which with 2 others forms a cross like cross in Cygnus.  Neb placed as in Gamma Cygni."  His position is 27 seconds of RA west of CGCG 278-030 = PGC 60883, though his description is a perfect match with this galaxy.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position on 27 Oct 1897 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg though the correction wasn't published until 1907.

 

Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC Correction paper) equated NGC 6466 with NGC 6478 (based on Mt Wilson photographs).  RC 1, RC 2 and Sky Catalogue 2000 (first edition) all repeat this misidentification.  RNGC and CGCG correctly identify NGC 6478.  Both Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thomson (in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections") report this error.

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NGC 6467 = NGC 6468: = UGC 11004 = MCG +03-45-035 = CGCG 112-058 = Holm 772a = LGG 414-001 = PGC 60972

17 50 40.1 +17 32 16; Her

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located in a rich star field among a group of stars.  Unusual appearance as appears similar to an unresolved clump in an open cluster.

 

Based on redshift, NGC 6467 is part of the NGC 6500/01 group (LGG 414)

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6467 = m 352, along with NGC 6468, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE."  His positions for both objects is a good match with UGC 11004 = PGC 60972, the only galaxy at his position.  Perhaps he accidentally recorded the same object twice??

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NGC 6468 = NGC 6467: = UGC 11004 = MCG +03-45-035 = CGCG 112-058 = Holm 772a = LGG 414-001 = PGC 60972

17 50 40.1 +17 32 16; Her

V = 12.5;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 77”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6467.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6468 = m 353, along with NGC 6467, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is just 1 second of time east of NGC 6467, but there is only a single galaxy here.

 

Karl Reinmuth identifies NGC 6468 with three mag 13-14.5 stars east of NGC 6467 (separations of 17", 19" and 24"), but these are wide enough to easily resolve.  Alternatively, a single mag 14.5 star is 49" southeast of NGC 6468.

 

As the descriptions for NGC 6467 and 6468 are similar, perhaps Marth accidentally recorded this galaxy twice.  RNGC equates the two NGC designations and Corwin tentatively agrees as there is no other compelling nearby candidate.

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NGC 6469 = Cr 353 = Mel 182 = Lund 788

17 53 12 -22 16 30; Sgr

Size 12'

 

17.5" (8/27/92): 75 stars in a 15'x10' scattered region.  Bordered by two brighter rows of stars oriented SSW-NNE and WNW-ESE that intersect at a mag 10 star in the west corner of the cluster.  A close faint double star is just east.  At the end of the ESE string is a wide double star (h4990 = 9.5/11 at 23").  Between the two strings the cluster extends north forming a triangular outline and consists mainly of mag 13 stars except for three mag 10-11 stars at the east boundary.  The planetary nebula M1-31 is located near the west edge of NGC 6469!

 

At 105x with an OIII filter, M 1-31 appeared as a faint but easy stellar object, estimate V = 14.5-14.8.  It was just visible unfiltered and the filter provided an excellent contrast gain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6469 = h3711 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "a pretty rich insulated milky way cluster; place of a coarse double star in it.  The milky way hereabouts is very poor."

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NGC 6470 = UGC 10974 = MCG +11-21-025 = CGCG 321-039 = CGCG 322-009 = Kaz 159 = WBL 645-005 = PGC 60778

17 44 14.8 +67 37 10; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 159”

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 24"x18", small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 0.7' NE.  Brightest in a rich knot of galaxies with NGC 6471 = UGC 10973 1.6' SSW and NGC 6472 = PGC 2703230 1.3' NW and NGC 6477 = PGC 2702901 1.5' SE.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 0.7' from center.  Member of the NGC 6456 group with NGC 6472 1.3' NW, NGC 6471 1.6' S, NGC 6477 1.5' SE and NGC 6463 4.0' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6470 = Sw. IV-56, along with NGC 6456, on 9 Jun 1886 and logged "eeeF; vS; R; ee dif; f of 2 [with NGC 6456].  His position is 4 tsec W and 0.4' south (41" southwest) of UGC 10974.  Although several other galaxies are very nearby, including UGC 10973 just 1' south of his position, UGC 10974 is the brightest one and the mostly likely to have picked up by Swift.  On 25 Sep he went through the cluster again and picked up several fainter galaxies, whose identities are not well determined.

 

RNGC, UGC, CGCG and MCG misidentify UGC 10973 as NGC 6470.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 6456.

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NGC 6471 = (R)NGC 6470 = UGC 10973a = MCG +11-21-023 = CGCG 321-038w = CGCG 322-008w = WBL 645-004 = PGC 60773

17 44 13.0 +67 35 35; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 1.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 173”

 

24" (8/23/14): extremely faint or very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 20"x6".  Located 1.6' S of brighter NGC 6470 and 3.7' ESE of NGC 6463.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small, round.  Forms a double system with UGC 10973b 30" ESE (possibly seen as a faint mag 15 "star") in the NGC 6456 group. In a tight quartet with NGC 6470 1.6' N and NGC 6472 2.4' NNW.  Also nearby is NGC 6463 3.7' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6471 = Sw. V-78, along with NGC 6456, 6472 and 6477, on 25 Sep 1886.  His description simply mentions how faint and difficult the observation was and that NGC 6471 was the "4th of 6".  His position is very close southeast of UGC 10973, a thin edge-on.

 

UGC 10973 is misidentified as NGC 6470 in RNGC, UGC, CGCG, MCG.  PGC labels it NGC 6470 = NGC 6471, but NGC 6470 is a separate brighter galaxy 1.6' north.  The RNGC and CGCG misidentify MCG +11-21-024, a compact galaxy just off the east edge of NGC 6471, as NGC 6471.  See Corwin's identification notes for NGC 6456.

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NGC 6472 = (R)NGC 6477 = PGC 2703230

17 44 03.0 +67 37 49; Dra

V = 15.0;  Size 0.6'x0.35';  PA = 10”

 

24" (8/23/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  A mag 17.0 star (based on SDSS photometry) was occasionally glimpsed 30" E.  Located 1.3' NW of NGC 6470.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small, round.  In a crowded region of NGC 6456 group with NGC 6470 1.3' ESE, NGC 6471 2.4' SSE and NGC 6463 3.2' SW.  Misidentified as NGC 6477 in the RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6472 = Sw. V-79, along with NGC 6456, 6471 and 6477, on 25 Sept 1886.  His description simply comments on how faint and small this galaxy appeared.  He notes this is the "5th of 6" in the group, and the declination is the furthest north.  His position is 7 sec of RA east and 1' north of PGC 2703230 (the furthest north), though this galaxy precedes both the candidates for NGC 6470 and 6471. Still, the most reasonable assignment is NGC 6472 = PGC 2703230.

 

NGC 6472 is mislabeled as NGC 6477 in the RNGC.  Furthermore, NGC 6470 = UGC 10974 (discovered by Swift earlier on 9 Jun 1886) is misidentified as NGC 6472 in RNGC, UGC, CGCG and MCG.  See Corwin's notes to NGC 6456 for more.

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NGC 6473

17 46 54 +57 18.5; Dra

 

= Not found, Gottlieb.  Possibly = UGC 10980, Corwin.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6473 = Sw. IV-57, along with NGC 6474 = Sw. IV-58, on 22 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; R; s of 2."  UGC 10989 is the only galaxy close to his two nearly identical positions.  A mag 16.5 star is close north of this galaxy and a mag 17.5 star a bit further south, but these are probably too faint for Swift to have picked up.  His very detailed description for NGC 6474 clearly establishes its identity with UGC 10989.

 

Unless he somehow recorded NGC 6474 twice that evening, Harold Corwin mentions UGC 10980 as a possibility (suggested by Jeff Corder).  This galaxy is bright enough to be picked up by Swift, though is located nearly 10' west-southwest.  I'm skeptical, though, because of the discrepancy in position and because there is no reference to a mag 13.5 star at its west edge.  So, I've listed NGC 6473 as "Not Found" here.

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NGC 6474 = UGC 10989 = MCG +10-25-092 = CGCG 300-068 = PGC 60850

17 47 05.5 +57 18 04; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, small bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6474 = Sw. IV-58 on 22 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; 3 st. in a line nr and 3 others in a line point to it; e diff; n of 2."  His position is 12 seconds of RA west of UGC 10989 = PGC 60850 and his description applies.  The "3 st. in a line nr" are probably the three equally spaced stars to the southwest in a 3.7' string.  The "3 others in a line point to it" refer to three stars to the northeast.  See NGC 6473, recorded the same night as the "s of 2", has a nearly identical position.  But, there is only a single galaxy here, so Swift made some error.  See that number for more.

 

UGC identifies UGC 10989 as NGC 6473, MCG labels it NGC 6474, and CGCG labels it NGC 6473 = NGC 6474.  Since the description of NGC 6474 is more complete and unambiguous, it makes sense to use it as the primary designation.

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NGC 6475 = M7 = ESO 394-9 = Cr 354 = Ptolemy's Cluster

17 53 51 -34 47 36; Sco

V = 3.3;  Size 80'

 

18" (7/21/04): at 92x at least 300 stars are visible in the cluster, though very difficult to count due to the very large size (overfills the 42' field).  The more concentrated part of the cluster spans perhaps 30' and includes a dozen stars of mag 7.5 or brighter in the main body.  This cluster is much larger and brighter (very prominent naked-eye), but it is much more scattered than M6 and so is less impressive.  There are several bright, distinctive strings in the cluster including a N-S string of ~8 stars on the east side of the central region.  An equilateral triangle of mag 6, 7 and 8 stars with sides of 3' is on the NW side of the core of the cluster.  A clump of 5 stars is near the center including two mag 6 and 7 stars.  On the south side of the center of the cluster is an 11' string of 5 mag 5.6 to 7.8 stars oriented SW-NE with the bright mag 5.6 star (HD 16258) on the SW end a distinctive yellow color.

 

13.1": very bright, very large, impressive but scattered, overfills 52' field.  Open cluster H18 lies 45' SE and globular cluster NGC 6453 40' WNW of center.  Prominent naked-eye cluster in dark sky.  Includes several blue-white and yellowish stars.

 

8": overfills 40' field, not many faint stars, scattered.

 

Giovanni Hodierna made the first telescopic observation of M7 = NGC 6475 = Lac II-14 = h3710 in 1654 and resolved the cluster into at least 30 stars.  Edmond Halley made an early observation of M7 in 1677 from St. Helena while cataloging southern stars and Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille "discovered" it again on 15 Jun 1752 from the Cape of Good Hope, as he unaware of Hodierna's earlier observation.  At a declination of -34.7”, M7 culminates only 7” above the horizon from Paris, so Messier's confirmation on 23 May 1764 is impressive.  Halley was credited with the discovery in the NGC.

 

M7 is often referred to as "Ptolemy's Cluster" as it was possibly included in the Almagest as a "nebula following the sting of Scorpius." (found ~138 BC).  But David Frew states that G Scorpii is the object described as nebulous as Ptolemy may have accidentally precessed the position of G Scorpii in Hipparchus' catalogue.

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NGC 6476 = ESO 456-8

17 54 02 -29 08 39; Sgr

 

18" (8/19/09): at 73x appeared as a very large, bright Milky Way patch that was very elongated N-S, ~20'x6'.  A number of faint stars are superimposed, but the unresolved glow really caught my eye first.  Near the NE side is mag 9.4 HD 185916 with a faint companion 28" N.  The 1.2 degree field is stunning with a very large, elongated dark lane (B259) roughly 25' to the east.  A very prominent stream of Milky Way extends through the field in a N-S direction on the east side of B259.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6476 = h3712 on 15 Jul 1836 and simply noted "Nebula.  No description.  It is probably only nebulous portion of the Milky Way."  His RA and Dec are both given as approximate but correspond with a 10th magnitude star at the west edge of a very rich Milky Way field.  RNGC classify the number as nonexistent (Type 7) in the RNGC and ESO only includes a placeholder for the NGC number.

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NGC 6477 = 2MASX J17443006+6736380 = PGC 2702901

17 44 30.1 +67 36 38; Dra

Size 0.5'x0.2'

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x, extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.  At moments it appeared essentially stellar (perhaps only the nucleus seen).  Located 1.6' SE of NGC 6470 and 1.9' NE of NGC 6471.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): extremely difficult, perhaps 10" diameter, round.  Only detected for moments using averted vision and knowing the exact location.  Located 1.6' SE of NGC 6470 = UGC 10974 (misidentified as NGC 6472 in modern catalogues).  A mag 14.5 star is just 30" due north.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6477 = Sw. V-80, along with NGC 6456, 6471 and 6472, on 25 Sept 1886.  His description simply comments on how faint and small this galaxy appeared and notes it as the "6th of 6".  There is nothing close to his position except for a mag 16.5 star, which is perhaps too faint to have been picked up.

 

Corwin proposes NGC 6477 may be LEDA 2702901.  This galaxy is 15 seconds of RA west and 1.5' south of Swift's position.  But is it too faint?  I found this galaxy was very marginal object in my 17.5" and even challenging in my 24".  So, I'm not convinced at all of this identification and more likely consider it lost.  In any case, the RNGC certainly misidentifies NGC 6472 as NGC 6477.  This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 6478 = UGC 10998 = MCG +09-29-032 = CGCG 278-033 = PGC 60896

17 48 38.4 +51 09 25; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 37”

 

24" (7/15/15): moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.3', brighter core.  Appears mottled (perhaps dust) along the major axis.  NGC 6466 lies 15' NNW.

 

17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE.  Appears brighter along the major axis with a bright core.  NGC 6466 is 16' NNW.  Located 23' N of 30 Draconis (V = 5.0).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6478 = Sw. III-95 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "pB; S; eE; spindle."  His position is 10 seconds west and 1.5' south of UGC 10998 (off by 2.2') and his description applies so the identification is certain.  See notes on NGC 6466, which is not identical to this galaxy.

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NGC 6479 = UGC 10996 = CGCG 278-032 = PGC 60890

17 48 21.7 +54 08 56; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/10/91): faint, fairly small, round, fairly low almost even surface brightness with a very weak concentration.  Observation hampered by mag 6.6 SAO 30593 6.5' NE.  Collinear with three stars to NNW including two mag 12 stars at 2.9' and 4.3' and a mag 10 star at 7.7'.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6479 = Sw. I-76 on 20 Apr 1885 and recorded "pS; eF; R; 3 stars north point to it, the north one the brighter."  His position is less than 1' northeast of UGC 10996 and his description applies.  I'm surprised, though, he made no mention of the mag 6.6 star 6.5' northeast.

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NGC 6480 = ESO 456-13

17 54 26 -30 27 07; Sco

 

18" (7/2/11): NGC 6480 is a bright, rich, glowing section of the Milky Way that is sharply cut off by LDN 1795 to the east.  The dust cloud creates a distinctive "V" shaped wedge to the Milky Way glow pointing east with the vertex in the middle of the dark cloud.  There is no termination to the Milky Way star cloud on the west side and no indication of a true cluster.  On the south side of the "V", LDN 1795 cuts off the Milky Way to the south (not as dramatic) creating a "zig-zag" border to the Milky Way.  The view may be more impressive in the 80mm finder at 25x as the much larger field displays the full dark cloud (roughly 30') as well as dark "finders" and "pools" of dust that intrude into the Milky Way on the north side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6480 = h3713' on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "An extraordinary B nebulous portion of the Milky Way, on a black ground vL; an angle taken where there is a *12m".  His position corresponds with a mag 12 star at the east edge of a rich Milky Way field outlined on the east side by dark cloud LDN 1795.  His sketch (plate V, figure 2) captures the appearance of this object very well.

 

NGC 6480 follows h3713 in the CGH catalogue, but was not given a separate designation, though JH used the designation h3713' in the GC and h3713 1/2 in his list of figured nebulae.  Dreyer dropped the prime in the NGC, leaving two objects (NGC 6480 and 6483) equivalent to h3713.

 

Joseph Turner searched unsuccessfully for this object on two nights in the fall of 1874 as well as Pietro Baracchi on 3 and 4 Oct 188 using the Great Melbourne Telescope.  Perhaps the 14' field of view in the GMT at 234x was too restricted to encompass this object.

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NGC 6481

17 52 48.9 +04 10 04; Oph

 

= ****, HC.  =**, DC

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 6481 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  Close to his micrometric position is a line of four stars oriented east-west.  Dorothy Carlson classifies this object as a double star and Harold Corwin calls it four stars.

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NGC 6482 = UGC 11009 = MCG +04-42-008 = CGCG 141-017 = PGC 61009

17 51 48.9 +23 04 19; Her

V = 11.4;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly bright, small, very bright stellar nucleus (this is a superimposed star 8" from center!), small halo WSW-ENE.  Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 2.4' NW and 2.5' NE.

 

13.1" (7/5/83): fairly bright, very small, compact, bright stellar nucleus (superimposed star), surrounded by a faint halo with averted.  Located in a rich star field.

 

NGC 6482 is the nearest "Fossil Group" -- the end-product of extensive merging of a once normal group, leaving a massive central galaxy that dominates the luminosity of a X-ray luminous group (delta Rmag ³ 2.0 with next brightest group member).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6482 = h1989 on 12 Jul 1830 and recorded "a S, R, very perceptible disc 1" or 1.5" dia, with a vF nebula surrounding it – among many stars 12 and 14m, none of which are so affect.  A curious object."  His position is accurate and his description reflects the sharp stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.

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NGC 6483 = ESO 102-020 = AM 1754-634 = LGG 415-002 = PGC 61233

17 59 30.7 -63 40 07; Pav

V = 11.9;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 122”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Contains a bright, roundish core that increases to the center.  Situated in a striking star field with a number of bright stars and on a line between a mag 10.0 star 2.3' SW and a mag 9.7 star 1.5' NE.  A mag 9.7 star is 6' S and a similar star is 7' N.  A mag 8-9 variable star (OW Pavonis) lies 10' WNW.

 

NGC 6483 forms a close (physical) pair with ESO 102-02A 2.0' SE.  The companion is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20" (core), broad concentration with no well-defined nucleus.  A mag 10 star is 2.7' W (same one as above).  PGC 61288, found 14' SE, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 24"x16", broad weak concentration, no distinct zones.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6483 = h3713 on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; S; E; bM; between 2 stars 10m 45” sp and nf (diagram)."  His position and description matches ESO 102-020.  He missed fainter ESO 102-020A, just 2' SE.

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NGC 6484 = UGC 11010 = MCG +04-42-007 = CGCG 141-019 = Mrk 1118 = KTG 67A = LGG 413-001 = PGC 61008

17 51 47.0 +24 29 00; Her

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (7/9/13): at 375x appeared bright, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W.  Sharply concentrated with a relatively large, intense oval core ~30"x20", that gradually increases to the center.  The core is embedded in a fairly large, low surface brightness halo that increases in size with averted to 1.5'x1.2'.  MCG +04-42-010 and -011, a 30" pair of faint galaxies, are situated 5.8' NE.  MCG +04-42-010 appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness. MCG +04-42-011, just 30" SE, was extremely to very faint, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, just 10"x5".

 

24" (6/8/13): at 282x appeared  moderately bright to fairly bright, sharply concentrated with a fairly oval core of high surface brightness, ~24"x18", oriented SW-NE.  The core is centered within a very low surface brightness halo, ~1.4'x1.0' E-W.  Pou 3316, a mag 11.3/12.5 pair at 14", lies 4.2' SW.  MCG +04-42-010 and -011, a close pair of faint edge-ons, lies 5.8' ENE; MCG +04-42-010 appeared very faint, small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 18"x8" and the companion -011 is very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 12"x6".  NGC 6484 is the brightest member of KTG 67 with UGC 11027 at 21' NE and UGC 11029 at 28' E.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6484 = Sf 41 = St VII-19 on 11 Jul 1866 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 27 Jun 1876.  His micrometric position is accurate.  As Safford's discovery list wasn't published until 1887 as the NGC was being prepared to go to press, Stephan is credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC.

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NGC 6485 = UGC 11014 = MCG +05-42-004 = CGCG 171-009 = PGC 61013

17 51 52.7 +31 27 45; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, diffuse halo.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6485 = m 354 = St II-17 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R."  ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 15 Jul 1871. His micrometric position is very accurate. Both observers are recognized in the NGC.

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NGC 6486 = MCG +05-42-006 = CGCG 171-012 = PGC 61033

17 52 35.2 +29 49 05; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.8'

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Two mag 14 stars are 0.7' S and 2.1' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 6487 1.9' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6486 = St XI-59, along with NGC 6487, on 28 Jul 1880.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 6487 = UGC 11022 = MCG +05-42-008 = CGCG 171-014 = PGC 61039

17 52 41.9 +29 50 20; Her

V = 11.9;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 6486 1.9' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6487 = St XI-60, along with NGC 6486, on 28 Jul 1880.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6488 = IC 1270 = MCG +10-25-098 = CGCG 300-076 = PGC 60918

17 49 20.8 +62 13 22; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located within a curving lane of 8 mag 11-14 stars oriented NW-SE including three mag 11 stars roughly 2' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6488 = Sw. IV-59 = Sw. V-81 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "pF; pS; E; between a pair of stars and a trio of stars in form of a semi-circle."  His position is 21 seconds of RA west of CGCG 300-076 = PGC 60918 and his description applies.  He found this galaxy again four weeks later and reported it as new in list V-81 with comment "eeF; S; R; bet. a * and distant triangle."  His second position was quite similar (16 seconds too far west) and he later made a correction (errata to list VIII) "for distant triangle, read: little triangle."  Dreyer combined the two observations into a single NGC designation.  This is one of several cases where Swift included the same object on two lists or even the same list.  Kobold measured an accurate position in 1899, though the correction wasn't published until 1907.

 

Harold Corwin concludes that Swift rediscovered this galaxy a third time on 11 Jun 1888 and reported in list VII-93 (later IC 1270), "eeeF S R; bet. a * and 3 st. slightly curved; np of 6488; eee diff."  There is nothing at his position, but NGC 6488 follows by 1 1/2 minutes of RA (same Dec) and his description applies with the 3 stars to the north west and a star (more than 1) to the southeast.  Corwin suggests Swift added the comment "np of 6488" when preparing his table for publication based on his earlier position.  So, IC 1270 = NGC 6488.

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NGC 6489 = MCG +10-25-099 = CGCG 300-079 = PGC 60928

17 50 01.3 +60 05 32; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 24”

 

17.5" (7/27/92): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Located between two mag 10-11 stars oriented WNW-ESE with separation of 2.5'.  Also two mag 13.5 stars are 1' WSW.  About 5' SE is a faint double star and the eastern component appears nebulous.  CGCG 300-078 lies 17' NNW.  On the POSS, the eastern component of the double star has a mag 16 companion very close north.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6489 = Sw. I-77 on 5 Jun 1885 and recorded "eeeF; pL; lE; between 2 stars; ee diff.; coarse double star south."  His position is 30 seconds of RA west and 1' south of CGCG 300-079 = PGC 60928 but the description applies, so the identification is certain.

 

MCG and PGC misidentify PGC 2597969 as NGC 6489.  RNGC and CGCG have the correct identification.

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NGC 6490 = UGC 11033 = MCG +03-45-038 = CGCG 112-068 = CGCG 113-002 = PGC 61079

17 54 30.4 +18 22 33; Her

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Forms a small triangle with a mag 14 star 40" S and a mag 13 star 52" SE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6495 5.6' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6490 = m 355 = St II-18 on 11 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  His position is within 1' of UGC 11033.  ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered both galaxies in July 1871.  Stephan's micrometric position is very accurate, though Esmiol has a typo of 6 minutes in RA in his re-reduction published in 1916.

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NGC 6491 = NGC 6493A = UGC 11008 = MCG +10-25-103 = CGCG 300-080 = PGC 60949

17 50 00.6 +61 31 54; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 39”

 

18" (7/27/03): fairly faint, small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  The outer halo has a very low surface brightness and core may be offset within the halo.  Brightest of a close trio with NGC 6493 3.1' NE and UGC 11007 4.6' NNW.

 

17.5" (8/4/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even concentration to a small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 6493 3.1' ENE.  The identifications of NGC 6491 and NGC 6493 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  NGC 6493 3.1' NE not visible.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6491 = Sw. I-78 on 13 Jun 1885 and recorded "pF; vvS; vF* in or just in contact with it, np of 2 [with NGC 6493]."  The other galaxy mentioned is NGC 6493 = Sw. I-79, discovered a week earlier (June 5th) and described as "F; vvS; R; planetary; F* v nr; sf of 2".  Swift perhaps observed both galaxies on the 13th and tacked on the comments "np of 2" and "sf of 2".  His position for NGC 6491 is just 10 seconds of time preceding UGC 11008, though there is no "vF * in or just in contact with it".  I'm guessing he saw the sharp stellar nucleus mentioned in my observing notes.

 

NGC 6493 = Sw. 1-79 is assumed to refer to UGC 11011, a round, face-on Sc situated 3' northeast of NGC 6491.  A mag 14 star less than 1' north may be the "F* v nr".  But Swift's position (and description) for NGC 6493 places it southeast of NGC 6491, contradicting the orientation in the sky.  As a result of this error, the RNGC reversed the identifications of NGC 6491 and NGC 6493, labeling the southwestern of the pair as NGC 6493.  This error is mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #3 and Malcolm Thomson's "Corrections of Some Errors Resulting From Conflicting Catalogue Data".

 

Another possibility, though, is that Swift observed UGC 11008 on both nights and never saw UGC 11011.  Perhaps he later assumed his observations referred to different objects and added the comments "np of 2" and "sf of 2" when he submitted his list for publication.  In support of this idea, it's reasonable to assume he picked up the brighter, more obvious galaxy on the first night -- that is UGC 110081, certainly not the low surface brightness face-on UGC 11011 to its northeast, which I found "extremely faint" in my 18".  Also, his descriptions are similar enough they could easily apply to the same object.

 

Philip Keenan found NGC 6491 on a Yerkes Observatory plate.  It was included in a list of new nebulae in the 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62).  He assumed the galaxy to the NE (UGC 11011) was NGC 6493, so labeled NGC 6491 as NGC 6493A and described it as "1.6'x0.7' in PA 39”; Sb."  Gerard de Vaucouleurs repeated the designation NGC 6493A in the 1964 "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies" (RC1).

 

With two NGC numbers and two galaxies it seems reasonable to assign the NGC numbers to the two galaxies in order or RA, but I think it's more likely that NGC 6491 = NGC 6493 = UGC 11008.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for NGC 6491 in 1899 (published in 1907).

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NGC 6492 = ESO 102-022 = AM 1757-662 = PGC 61315

18 02 48.4 -66 25 50; Pav

V = 11.5;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 75”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, ~1.8'x0.9', brighter along the major axis.  Situated in a bright star field, along numerous faint stars.  A mag 11.2 star is at the east edge, 50" from center, a mag 13.5 star is 1.2' SW and a mag 14.5 star is 40" SE of center.  A mag 6.8 yellow-orange star (HD 163880) lies 8' SE, mag 8.4 HD 163544 is 6.8' SW, and two additional mag 10/11 stars are 5' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6492 = h3714 on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "pF; S; pmE; in direction of the parallel; precedes a * 12m, which is all but involved."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6493 = UGC 11011 = MCG +10-25-105 = CGCG 300-084 = PGC 60961

17 50 22.7 +61 33 34; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.5

 

18" (7/27/03): extremely faint, fairly small.  Appears as a very low surface brightness glow with averted vision.  Two mag 14 stars 1' N and 1.3' NE.  Located 3' NE of NGC 6491 in a trio with extremely faint UGC 11007 5' NW.

 

17.5" (8/4/94): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is about 30" off the north edge.  Located 3.0' ENE of NGC 6491.  Not found on previous observation 6/11/88.

 

See notes for N6491.

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NGC 6494 = M23 = ESO 589-22 = Cr 356

17 57 05 -18 59 06; Sgr

V = 5.5;  Size 27'

 

18" (8/12/10): stunning bright, rich cluster at 175x with several hundred stars visible in the 35' field with a large number of mag 9-11 stars sprinkled throughout the cluster.  Many of the stars are arranged in long chains and loops with a distinctive chain of 5 stars curving NNW to SSE near the center and a longer curve of stars to the southwest.  A string of stars heads NW out of the cluster to mag 6.5 HD 163245 outside the field.  The stars are fairly evenly distributed with the density gradually thinning towards the edges.  Two catalogued double stars are ARA 718 (10.9/12.3 at 5") near the center and ARA 719 (9.8/13.0 at 15") on the SE side.  The Milky Way has a bright background glow just west of the cluster.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): bright, large, rich, appears fully resolved.  Very pretty open cluster. 

 

8" (6/29/84): bright, fairly large with long star lanes to the edge of the field.

 

Charles Messier discovered M23 = NGC 6494 = h1990 on 20 June 1764.  On 18 Jun 1784 (sweep 230), WH recorded "a cluster of beautifully scattered large stars, nearly of equal magnitudes; (visible in my finder) it extends much farther from the field of the telescope will take in, and in the finder seems to be a nebula of a lengthened form extending to about half a degree."  JH made 3 observations, logging on sweep 269 ( 15 July 1830) "A star 10m in the centre of a beautiful discrete cluster of 60 or 70 stars 10 and 11m and one of 9-10. They run in lines and arches. It is loose and straggling, and the sky around it has a dotted appearance."

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NGC 6495 = UGC 11034 = MCG +03-45-039 = CGCG 112-070 = CGCG 113-004 = PGC 61091

17 54 50.7 +18 19 37; Her

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, increases to a small very bright core, substellar nucleus.  Pair with NGC 6490 5.6' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6495 = m 356 = St II-19, along with NGC 6490, on 11 May 1864 and noted "F, S, R."  His position is fairly accurate.  ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered both galaxies in July 1871.  Stephan's micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6496 = ESO 279-013

17 59 03.2 -44 16 02; Sco

V = 9.0;  Size 6.9';  Surf Br = 0.5

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, low surface brightness globular of 4'-5' diameter.  The globular has a loose concentration class with only a little central condensation.  About a dozen stars were resolved over the face although some of these may be superimposed foreground stars as the cluster is set in a very dense Milky Way star field.  Three of the stars are 12th magnitude with the remainder mag 14-15.  The globular straddles the Scorpius/Corona Australis border, ~25' following mag 4.8 yellow HD 163145.

 

8" (6/19/82): faint, diffuse, two faint stars at edge.  Located 24' ENE of mag 4.9 SAO 228562 on the Scorpius-Corona Australis border.  This cluster is very far south (low elevation) from Northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6496 = D 460 = h3715 on 28 Jun 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, extended about 2 1/4' in length, oblique to the equator, with a bright point in each extremity; the northern, I think, is a very small star; but the southern of the two, or the one at the southern extremity, is a small nucleus or condensation of the nebulous matter.  This follows 16 Telescopii - Figure 19."  His position is 12.5' northwest of the cluster -- a typical error.  His sketch shows the globular elongated NW-SE, which is probably due to several brighter stars.  Dunlop's position for D 461 is 4 minutes of RA further east and same declination, so this could be a clerical error.

 

John Herschel noted a possible equivalence with D 460 and D 461 and observed the cluster on two sweeps.  On 1 Jun 1834 he logged "Cluster very rich, irregularly round, including to triangular; vglbM, 4' or 5' diam, with many large and small stars in it. Nebulous."  Then 2 nights later he swept the area again and reported "a distinctly nebulous insulted group, mE, 2' long, 1.5' broad, many stars of considerable size, mixed."

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NGC 6497 = NGC 6498: = UGC 11020 = MCG +10-25-109 = CGCG 300-087 = PGC 60999

17 51 18.2 +59 28 14; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 113”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 14 star is 37" N of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6497 = Sw. I-80 on 16 Sep 1884 and recorded "vvF; pS; lE; diff.; close s of middle * of 3 in a line, middle * the fainter; np of 2."  His position is 15 seconds of RA west and 1.3' north (or 2.4' northwest)  of UGC 11020.  This galaxy is just south of a mag 14 star so the identification is certain.  NGC 6498 is apparently a duplicate observation just 10 days later (see that number).  So, NGC 6497 = NGC 6498 with historical precedence to NGC 6497.

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NGC 6498 = NGC 6497: = UGC 11020 = MCG +10-25-109 = CGCG 300-087 = PGC 60999

17 51 18.2 +59 28 14; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 6497.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6498 = Sw. I-81 on 26 Sep 1884 and recorded "pF; pS; R; B * nr; F * v[ery] nr; sf of 2."  His position is just 14 seconds of RA west of NGC 6497 = Sw. I-80, which he discovered just 10 days earlier.  UGC 11020 is the only galaxy near his position and his description applies (the "B * nr" is probably the mag 11 star 2.3' east and the "F * v nr" is the 14th mag star off the north side).  Swift perhaps thought these were different nebulae as NGC 6497 was logged as "vvF", compared to "pF" for NGC 6498.  He later added the qualifiers "np of 2" and "sf of 2" as he prepared his first discovery list.  By prior discovery, NGC 6497 should be the primary designation.  Hermann Kobold's position (measured in 1899 but published in 1907) for NGC 6498 matches NGC 6497. See NGC 6491 and 6493, which may be another situation where he recorded the same galaxy on different nights and later assumed they were different.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6499

17 55 20.0 +18 21 35; Her

 

= **, Carlson.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6499 = m 357 on 11 May 1864 and noted "small D* in neb."  Close to his position is close 4" pair of stars, with a third star 25" west.  Karl Reinmuth, using a Heidelberg plate identified NGC 6499 as a "**14 and 15 pf, ? inv in F vs neb?"  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 list of NGC corrections, identifies NGC 6499 as a double star and Harold Corwin concurs.

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NGC 6500 = UGC 11048 = MCG +03-46-003 = CGCG 113-008 = LGG 414-003 = PGC 61123

17 55 59.8 +18 20 18; Her

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 50”

 

24" (7/14/18): at 225x; bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, well concentrated with a prominent core and small intense nucleus, much fainter halo.  Forms a very striking pair with similar NGC 6501 2.3' NNE.  The star field is rich and highlighted by STF 2245, a gorgeous bright pair of mag 7.4/7.5 stars at 2.6" separation, which is situated 5.6' ESE.  The double star forms the vertex angle of a thin isosceles triangle with the two galaxies.  An extremely low surface brightness galaxy (uncatalogued) was highly suspected just 0.9' N of the double star.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with similar NGC 6501 2.3' NNE.  Located 6.1' WNW of mag 6.6 SAO 103227!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6500 = H III-957 = St XII-85, along with NGC 6501, on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS.  The place is that of the following one [NGC 6501], the preceding one is about 4' more south and about 5 or 6 sec of time preceding."  His position is about 25 sec of time too far west and 3' too far south.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the pair a century later (15 Jul 1880) and noted his object was probably identical to GC 4348 [NGC 6500], but he was not certain as WH's position was poor.

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NGC 6501 = UGC 11049 = MCG +03-46-004 = CGCG 113-009 = LGG 414-004 = PGC 61128

17 56 03.7 +18 22 23; Her

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (7/14/18): at 225x; bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, well concentrated with a prominent core and a small intense nucleus.  NGC 6501 is the northern member of an excellent, similar pair with NGC 6500 2.3' SSW.  The galaxies form the base of a thin isosceles triangle with STF 2245, a superb equal mag (7.4/7.5) double star at 2.6" separation.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Twin of NGC 6500 2.3' SSW.  Located 5.6' NW of mag 6.6 SAO 103227.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6501 = H III-958 = St XII-86, along with NGC 6500, on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090).  See comments on NGC 6500.

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NGC 6502 = ESO 103-002 = AM 1759-652 = PGC 61352

18 04 13.7 -65 24 35; Pav

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 42”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated, roughly 1.0'x0.8', gradually increases to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.7 star is at the west edge [24" from center] and a small string of very faint stars is just off the southeast edge.  Floats in a rich star field with a mag 9.5 star 7' SE and a mag 10 star 9' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6502 = h3716 on 20 Jun 1835 and noted "the following star (14m) of a vF double * 11m is nebulous.  The nebula is excessively faint, but I am sure of its existence.  The preceding star is free."  On a second observation he logged "vF; 30"; involves 2 or 3 stars."  His mean position is on the east side of the halo.

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NGC 6503 = UGC 11012 = MCG +12-17-009 = CGCG 340-019 = PGC 60921

17 49 26.3 +70 08 42; Dra

V = 10.2;  Size 7.1'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, large brighter core.  The surface has a mottled appearance.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.2' NNE of center.  Located 3.9' W of mag 9 SAO 8937.

 

8" (6/27/81): moderately bright, very elongated, high surface brightness.  A mag 9 star is 4' E.

 

Arthur von Auwers discovered NGC 6503 = Au 37 on 22 Jul 1854 with his 2.6" Fraunhofer refractor while a 15-year old student at Gottingen University.  He showed the new nebula to his friend Friedrich Winnecke, who was also a student there at the time.  Winnecke, using a 9.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor in 1856 in Berlin, described "..a beautiful object; very bright, slightly brighter in the middle and extraordinarily extended from north preceding to south following, 3-4' long, 50" wide."  Auwers observed NGC 6503 again on 19 Feb 1862 with the Konigsberg heliometer and wrote "bright 3'-4' long, at most 1' wide; gradually brighter in the middle.  There appears to be a faint star in the northern part, which makes the nebula nearly look like a double nebula." Auwers' description was published in his 1862 list of 50 new nebulae.

 

William Herschel missed NGC 6503, mainly because of the high northern declination which he only searched in his later sweeps, though he did discover NGC 6434, which is about 3” from NGC 6503.

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NGC 6504 = UGC 11053 = MCG +06-39-027 = CGCG 199-029 = PGC 61129

17 56 05.7 +33 12 31; Her

V = 12.5;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 94”

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly bright, large, very thin edge-on ~8:1 E-W, ~2.0'x0.25'.  Contains a bright very elongated core and a nearly stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2' SE and a slightly fainter star is 2' N.  Located 20' SW of mag 6.9 HD 163948.

 

NGC 6504, located 28' NE, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'.  Unusual bowed or banana shape, concave outwards towards the west.  The core seems offset towards the northwest side of the central region.  Located in a rich star field with a mag 10.5 star 1.3' W.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): moderately bright, edge-on E-W, sharp concentration, almost stellar nucleus.  Situated between a mag 11 star 1.9' N and a mag 10.5 star 2.1' SE of center.

 

13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, small, pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core, thin faint extensions.  Located 22' SW of a mag 7 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6504 = m 358 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vmE, sbM, 2' l."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6505 = UGC 11026 = MCG +11-22-007 = CGCG 322-018 = PGC 60995

17 51 07.3 +65 31 51; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 149”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, small, round, weakly concentrated, very diffuse halo.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6505 = Sw. IV-60 on 27 Jun 1884 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; bet. 2 pairs of coarse D[ouble] st."  His position is 14 seconds of RA east and 1' north of UGC 11026 (1.6' separation).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 8 Oct 1890.

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NGC 6506 = ESO 521-6

17 59 53 -24 41 00; Sgr

 

17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x appears as a weak, circular Milky Way enhancement of approximately two dozen mag 13-14.5 stars over an unresolved glow situated in a rich portion of the Milky Way. At 220x, this group is ~6' diameter, although it is not very well detached so the borders are somewhat arbitrary. As many as 50 stars are now visible as a number of mag 15 and fainter stars are resolved.  Some unresolved background haze is still evident. Also noticed at 100x was Ru 136, a smaller circular glowing spot ~8' WSW of NGC 6506.  At 220x, Ru 136 appeared ~2.5' diameter with about 10 extremely faint stars are resolved over the background glow.  It is situated just NW of two mag 10-11 stars.

 

John Herschel's description for NGC 6506 probably applies to the entire low power Milky Way field and this object is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

17.5" (7/20/96): at 220x, the most noticeable grouping is a small cloud of roughly two dozen mag 13-15 stars in a 5' diameter over unresolved background haze.  Situated in a fairly rich Milky Way field of mixed stars, so does not stand out.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6506 = h3717 on 29 Jul 1834 and recorded "A very loose but rich cluster, which fills many fields. Stars small."  This is a rich region of the Milky Way, though probably not a true cluster.

 

The position is given here is from Harold Corwin's NGC positions file and is 2' southeast of JH's position.  Skiff & Luginbuhl recorded 30 stars 11-14 in a 7-8' area although JH's description refers to several fields.  ESO (521-SC60) classifies this as a questionable cluster and RNGC as nonexistent.

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NGC 6507 = Cr 358 = Lund 797 = OCL-32

17 59 50 -17 27 00; Sgr

Size 7'

 

17.5" (6/8/91): about 30 stars mag 13-14 in a 7' diameter elongated N-S.  Loose appearance with no dense spots.  Stars are fairly uniform in brightness.  The brightest member is variable WX Sagittarii (9.6-11.3) just west of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6507 = H VIII-53 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a cluster of scattered small stars; about 8' diam; not very rich.  His position is ~3' too far north.  The position in the Gosta Lynga catalogue (and other modern sources such as the RNGC) is ~5' too far northwest.

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NGC 6508 = UGC 11023 = MCG +12-17-010 = CGCG 340-021 = PGC 60938

17 49 46.3 +72 01 16; Dra

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, round, even concentration to a small bright core.

 

Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 6508 = Sw. I-82 on 19 Sep 1883 with the 18-inch refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory and measured an accurate position (AN 2544).  He found this galaxy while searching for "Comet Swift" (later NGC 6654), which Swift had announced on 14 Sep as a new comet.  Swift responded on 20 Oct (AN 2561) that Hartwig's nebula was new, though he independently discovered on 1 Oct.  He was probably both upset with himself and embarrassed he was deceived by the galaxy, adding the disparaging comments, "It would appear from his (Hartwig's) silence that he missed another about 4 minutes east and 1” 20' north, which I found Oct 3 [1883]."

 

Swift included NGC 6508 in his first list with a discovery date of 17 Jun 1884 and description "vF; S; forms with 3 stars a square."  His position was 40 seconds of RA too far east, but the description of the nearby stars, which lie to the north, clinches the identification.  Dreyer credited Swift with the discovery in the NGC, though Hartwig made the first observation.

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NGC 6509 = UGC 11075 = MCG +01-46-002 = CGCG 056-006 = LGG 416-003 = PGC 61230

17 59 25.5 +06 17 12; Oph

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (7/9/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 3:2 E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the east edge 41" from the center.  Located 7.9' S of mag 7.1 SAO 122988.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6509 = St X-36 on 20 Jul 1879 and recorded "eF, pL, irr R, lbM."  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 6510 = NGC 6511 = UGC 11051 = MCG +10-25-114 = CGCG 300-092

17 54 39.4 +60 49 05; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6511.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6510 = Sw. IV-61 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff.; in vacancy except  one vF * nr."  His position is 21 seconds of RA west of NGC 6511 = UGC 11051, the only reasonably bright galaxy near his position and his description applies.  Swift discovered this galaxy earlier on 9 Oct 1884.  His first position was 19 seconds of RA too large, so perhaps he felt these were different objects.  In any case, NGC 6510 = NGC 6511 with NGC 6511 the primary designation (due to earlier discovery).  Dreyer himself added the query "? = last one" in the summary description for NGC 6511.  Bigourdan measured a position for NGC 6510 on 6 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes), but his position is well off and probably refers to a faint star.

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NGC 6511 = NGC 6510 = UGC 11051 = MCG +10-25-114 = CGCG 300-092 = PGC 61086

17 54 39.4 +60 49 05; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

24" (7/21/17): at 375x and 500x; fairly faint, fairly small, irregular shape and changes shape/orientation with averted, slightly brighter core, ~30" diameter.  A mag 14 star is 2.6' W.  The spiral arm on the east side was not seen with confidence.

 

LEDA 214647, a 17th magnitude galaxy, lies 2' W and 0.6' E of the mag 14 star.  This extremely challenging galaxy popped 3 times in the same position, so the sighting was fairly confident.

 

17.5" (7/27/92): at 140x appears faint, small, slightly elongated, broad mild concentration with no well-defined nucleus, overall diffuse.  Located between mag 8.8 SAO 17685 10.8' SE and mag 8.0 SAO 17673 15.5' NNW.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, slightly brighter core, diffuse.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6511 = Sw. I-83 on 9 Oct 1884 and recorded "F; pL; BM; 2 nearest of 3 st in a curve point to it."  His position is 19 seconds of RA east of UGC 11051 but his description applies to three stars to the south.  Swift probably found this galaxy again on 30 May 1886, entered it in his 4th list as #60 (later NGC 6510).  His position in list IV was 21 seconds of RA too far west.  So, NGC 6510 is likely NGC 6511.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 6 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6512 = MCG +10-25-115 = CGCG 300-093 = WBL 650-001= PGC 61089

17 54 50.2 +62 38 42; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.5'

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge just 21" from the center.  First of three with NGC 6516 3.4' NE and NGC 6521 6.9' ESE.  NGC 6521 is the brightest in a group (WBL 650).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6512, along with NGC 6516 and 6521, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate.  Lewis Swift independently discovered all three of these galaxies on 28 May 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; vE; np of 2".  Swift's position is 24 seconds too far west and the description should read "sp of 2 [with NGC 6516]."

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NGC 6513 = UGC 11078 = MCG +04-42-018 = CGCG 141-038 = PGC 61235

17 59 34.3 +24 53 14; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Several bright mag 9-11 stars are in the field including a mag 9 star 4.3' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6513 = m 359 = St I-8 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered this galaxy on 22 Jun 1870.  Dreyer credited both in the NGC.

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NGC 6514 = M20 = B85 = LBN 27 = Cr 360 = Sh 2-30 = Ced 151 = Gum 76 = RCW 147 = Trifid Nebula

18 02 42 -22 58 18; Sgr

V = 6.3;  Size 29'x27'

 

18" (8/12/10): the emission component of M20 was sketched and observed carefully at 175x.  At the intersection of the dark lanes is the multiple central star HN 40 with a mag 7.6/10.4 pair at 6" and a tight mag 8.7/10.5 pair at 2.3", with the two pairs are separated by 11".  Four lanes (B85) emanate from the bright central hub.  A narrow lane starts NW of the multiple star and heads 2.5' due N, where it stops at a mag 10 star.  Near the base of this lane another branch heads west to the edge of the nebula.  Another lane heads SSE for ~2.5', tapering at the end.  A prominent lane shoots 3.5' NE and has a few short branches, including one just NE of the central stars.  This lane is bordered by a couple of mag 10.5-11 stars on its south edge.  There is an extension at the NE end that bends to the north and exits the main nebulosity and merging with a dusty region just SE the reflection component to the north.  A mag 9.4 star is at the north edge of the main emission component.  The blue reflection component surrounds mag 7.3 HD 164514 and extends ~6' with an irregular structure.

 

13.1" (7/16/82): bright, fairly large, contains three inky black dark lanes (B85) with sharp edges.  Structure is visible along the dark lanes and in the center.  The prominent central star is a quadruple (4th star difficult) consisting of a mag 7.6/10.4 pair at 6" and a mag 8.7/10.5 pair at 2.3", the brighter stars separated by 11".  The NW lane is wider and fainter than the other two lanes.  A round, bluish reflection nebula is separated, but very close north.  The view improves using a UHC filter.

 

8" (7/16/82): the famous rift structure is fairly prominent with a triple star at the center.  The NW rift is more subdued.  An easily visible reflection nebula is close north.

 

15x50 IS binoculars: visible as a small, faint glow surrounding a the central "star".

 

Charles Messier discovered M20 = NGC 6514 = H IV-41 = H V-10/11/12 = h1991 = h3718 on 5 June 1764 and noted a cluster of stars.  William Herschel first observed M20 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded, "Three nebulae, but they seem to join faintly together, forming a kind of triangle; in the middle of which is less nebulous, or perhaps free from nebulosity is a double star of the 2nd or 3rd class.  As I intended to revisit this place very soon I passed on, but think more very faint nebulosities are following."  He assigned it three catalogue numbers, V 10, V 11 and V 12.  His reference star was misidentified, though (4 Sgr = SAO 186061 instead of 5 Sgr = SAO 186074), so his position is incorrect.  William Herschel also reobserved the Trifid on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded IV-41 using a different reference star as "a double star with extensive nebulosity, of different intensity; about the double star is a black opening, resembling the nebula in Orion, on a small scale."  John Herschel combined these numbers into a single GC entry (4355).  Harold Corwin notes he made the same error with NGC 6533.

 

John Herschel first used the name "Trifid" to describe M20 in the Slough Catalogue (1 Jul 1826): "vL; trifid, three nebulae with a vacuity in the midst, in which is centrally situated the double star Sh 379, neb = 7' in extent.  A most remarkable object." Interestingly neither William or John referred to this object as M20, possibly because of positional confusion or because Messier called it a "star cluster".  The equivalence was given in the GC 4355.

 

In John Herschel's Cape Observations (1847) and "Outlines of Astronomy" (1849) he described "One of the them [several nebulae in Sagittarius] is singularly trifid, consisting of three bright and irregularly formed nebulous masses, graduating away insensibly externally, but coming up to a great intensity of light at their interior edges, where they enclose and surround a sort of three-forked rift, or vacant area, abruptly and uncouthly crooked, and quite void of nebulous light.  A bright triple star is situated precisely on the edge of one of these nebulous masses just where the interior vacancy forks out two channels.  A fourth nebulous mass spreads like a fan or downy plume from a star at a little distance from the triple nebula."

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NGC 6515 = UGC 11071 = MCG +08-33-003 = CGCG 254-004 = PGC 61167

17 57 25.3 +50 43 40; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration, stellar nucleus.  Several mag 10-11 stars in field and mag 9.0 SAO 30650 9' W.  Located 45' S of Etamin = Gamma Draconis (V = 2.2).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6515 = Sw. III-99 on 2 Jul 1884 and recorded "vF; vS; R; 2 B stars near; in finder field with Gamma Draconis."  His position is 4 seconds of RA east and 1' N of UGC 11071 (1.1' separation).  The "2 B stars near" are two mag 10-10.5 stars 2' and 3' west.

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NGC 6516 = MCG +10-25-118 = CGCG 300-094 = CGCG 301-001 = SBL 650-002 = PGC 61109

17 55 16.8 +62 40 11; Dra

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, extremely small.  A mag 15.5 star is at the north edge.  Second of three in the NGC 6521 group (WBL 650) with NGC 6512 3.4' SW and NGC 6521 5.0' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6516, along with NGC 6512 and 6521, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  Lewis Swift independently discovered all three of these galaxies on 28 May 1886 and recorded Sw. III-97 as "eeF; vS; R; pB * nr; sf of 2".  Swift's position is 30 seconds of RA too far west and the description should read "nf of 2 [with NGC 6512]."

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NGC 6517

18 01 50.5 -08 57 32; Oph

V = 10.3;  Size 4.3';  Surf Br = 3.3

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x, moderately bright, round, 2.5'-3' diameter, well concentrated with a brighter, round core that increases to the center.  A little lively but no definite resolution.  The cluster appeared clumpy at 432x but only a couple of star were at the edge of visibility.  At 500x, the nucleus was very clumply several extremely faint stars started to resolve (V tip magnitude = 16.0).

 

17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 2' diameter.  The faint halo is slightly elongated SSW-NNE and increases to a small bright core.  No resolution at 280x.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, brighter core, no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6517 = H II-199 = h3719 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and logged "pB, pL, R, bM, r and the brightness diminishing gradually."  JH made two observations, first recording it (sweep 591) as "globular cluster; F; R; psbM; 90"; r; with left eye I discern the stars in it."

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NGC 6518 = MCG +05-42-024 = CGCG 171-041 = PGC 61238

17 59 43.7 +28 52 00; Her

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 14 star is just at the west edge.  Appears like a close double star with one component "fuzzy".  In a rich star field with UGC 11086 and UGC 11090.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6518 = St XIII-87 on 18 Jun 1884 and recorded "2 vF similar stars in vF and vS nebulosity."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6519 = ESO 456-41

18 03 20.1 -29 48 15; Sgr

 

= **.  Not found, RNGC and ESO.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6519 in Oct 1860 with the 6.2" refractor at Athens Observatory.  The discovery was mentioned in a 1865 paper (AN 65, 261-268) with a micrometric position in AN 70, 343 (1868) that matches a double star.

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NGC 6520 = Cr 361 = Mel 187 = Lund 805

18 03 24 -27 53 12; Sgr

Size 6'

 

17.5" (7/8/94): striking cluster following the remarkable dark nebula B86.  Roughly 75 stars are visible in a 6' diameter.  The "Inky" black dark nebula B86 to the east wraps around the cluster like a tentacle along the south side and also appears to wind through a large portion of the cluster.  In the cluster's core is a very dense perfectly circular group of about two dozen stars in a 1.5' diameter punctuated with the brightest star at the exact center!  Enveloping this core is a dark void except for a few stars that break through to the north.  Surrounding this irregular dark annulus is a 6' incomplete oval ring formed by six brighter and several fainter stars.  Located in a rich star field.  Globular clusters Djorgovski 2 lies 21' WNW and NGC 6540 is 37' ENE!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6520 = H VII-7 = h3721 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and recorded "a cluster of stars, chiefly large ones; considerably rich, but rather coarsely scattered; a little more compressed towards the middle.  It is visible in the finder."  Nearly 5 minutes earlier, he noted "Daylight very strong", though observed a couple more objects.

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NGC 6521 = UGC 11061 = MCG +10-25-119 = CGCG 300-095 = WBL 650-003 = PGC 61121

17 55 48.5 +62 36 44; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, large brighter core.  Bright wide pair O·· = 7.2/7.7 at 55" is 4' E and detracts from viewing.  Brightest in a group (WBL 650 = LDCE 1271) and third of three with NGC 6516 5.0' NW and NGC 6512 6.9' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6521, along with NGC 6512 and 6516, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) is fairly accurate and he measured the bright wide pair of stars are 32.5 and 37.7 seconds following.  Lewis Swift independently discovered all three of these galaxies on 28 May 1886 and recorded Sw. III-98 as "eF; 2 B st nr foll.".  Swift's position is 30 seconds of RA too far west (same offset as NGC 6516).

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NGC 6522 = ESO 456-043

18 03 34.0 -30 02 02; Sgr

V = 8.5;  Size 5.6';  Surf Br = 1.5

 

17.5" (7/11/99): this globular is the larger and brighter of a fairly faint pair with NGC 6528 in the same field just 16' E.  At 220x the halo extended ~2' diameter and contained a very small bright core.  A mag 12.5-13 star is embedded in the northeast side.  At 280x, the ~25" core appeared offset east of center and the halo was slightly elongated E-W.  An unresolved string or bar of stars oriented WNW-ENE (just slightly fainter than the core) appeared to pass through the core .  The globular was lively but without distinct resolution.  With averted vision the outer haze increased in size to ~3'.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): moderately bright, mottled.  A single brighter 13th mag star is on the ENE side.  This is the larger and brighter of a pair of globulars with NGC 6528 15' E in Baade's Window.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6522 = H I-49 = h3720, along with NGC 6528, on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and recorded "B, pL, bM, r."  John Herschel logged this cluster twice, first recording on 3 Aug 1834: "Globular cluster; pB; S; R; 80: resolved into stars 16m."  On a later sweep he logged "GC; B; R; gvmbM; in a nebuloid portion of the milky way; resolved; stars 16...17m."

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NGC 6523 = M8 = NGC 6526 = NGC 6533 = IC 1271 = LBN 25 = Sh 2-25 = Gum 72 = RCW 146 = Ced 152a = Lagoon Nebula

18 03 41 -24 22 48; Sgr

V = 5.8;  Size 90'x40'

 

17.5" (6/6/86): extremely bright, detailed nebulosity that nearly fills a 50' field.  Extensive fainter nebulosity fills the region to the north and a thin extension is to the east.  Cut by a large high contrast dark lane ("Lagoon") oriented SW-NE.  The brightest luminary within the nebula is 9 Sagittarii (V = 6.0), situated to the west of the dark lane with a mag 7 companion 3' NNE.  A very bright 30" nebulous knot ("Hourglass Nebula", ionized by O7 star Herschel 36) is situated 3' SW of 9 Sagittarii.  NGC 6530, a bright open cluster, is on the east side of the dark lane.  Barnard 89 is a fairly well-defined roundish dark nebula ~6' following NGC 6530.  The Lagoon is a prominent naked-eye object in dark sky.  See observing notes for NGC 6530 and IC 1271.  The Trifid Nebula (M20) lies 85' NNW.

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered NGC 6530, the associated cluster within M8 = Lac III-13 = h3722.  He catalogued it as II. 6 in his 1654 "De Admirandis Coeli Caracteribus". John Flamsteed called it a "nebula" around 1680 but Guillaume Le Gentil was perhaps the first to recognize (telescopically) the mix of nebulosity and stars around 1747.  Using a small 18- to 20-foot focal length refractor, he noted "a small nebulosity like the tail of a comet with numerous stars."  His position was off, though, by more the one degree. 

 

Earlier observers appear to have thought the naked-eye glow resolved into stars in a telescope.  When Philippe de Cheseaux reviewed Flamsteed's observation in 1745-46 he concluded the object appeared as a "truly nebulous" star naked-eye but as a star cluster through a telescope.  Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille catalogued M8 as a nebulous star (III. 13), based on his observation at the Cape in 1751-52, though with a 1/2-inch telescope he couldn't resolve the object.  Messier's 1764 observation mentioned "a cluster of stars that appears to be a nebula when observed with a simple three-foot refractor; with an excellent instrument, however, one sees only a large number of faint stars.  Near this cluster there is a fairly bright star [9 Sgr], which is surrounded by a very faint glow."

 

William Herschel observed M8 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and logged "large, extended, pretty bright, broad. The nebulosity of the milky kind, there are some pB stars in it, but they seem to have no connection with it, being of very different sizes [magnitudes] and colours and resembling the other stars that are everywhere scattered about in this neighborhood. This is probably the star surrounded with nebulosity mentioned by Messier. There is indeed one of the stars which are in the nebula that is somewhat larger [brighter] than the rest and may be the only one he saw."  John Herschel produced a beautiful drawing of the nebula with carefully positioned stars (Plate I, fig 1), though Wilhelm Tempel questioned it as differing significantly from his own.

 

Stephen O'Meara states, "The word "Lagoon" was probably first used in association with M8 by Agnes M. Clerke in her 1890 wor entitled The System of the Stars."

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NGC 6524 = UGC 11079 = MCG +08-33-005 = CGCG 254-006 = PGC 61221

17 59 14.9 +45 53 13; Her

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, fairly high surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6524 = Sw. V-82 on 22 Oct 1886 and noted "pF; pS; lE."  His position was 1.3' too far north.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1896 (published in 1907).

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NGC 6525

18 02 04.7 +11 02 17; Oph

Size 10'

 

17.5" (7/24/95): bright, large, very scattered group.  On the west side is the prominent subgroup highlighted by a pair of mag 9.5/10 stars at 32" separation with three other mag 12/13 stars within 1'.  There are about two dozen stars total in a 5' rectangular group with the brighter stars scattered around the outline but no dense spots or core.  Appears to be an asterism with no distinct borders.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6525 = h1992 on 29 Jul 1829 and recorded "A coarse and poor cluster of L stars."  At his position is a small group of stars.  Based on a Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth reported "a very loose Cl of pB st, not well defined."  RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7), though the status as a true cluster is uncertain.

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NGC 6526 = M8 = NGC 6523 = Sh 2-28 = LBN 25 = Gum 74

18 04 06 -24 26 30; Sgr

 

See observing notes for NGC 6523.  This is the southeast portion of M8 = Lagoon Nebula.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6526 = H V-9 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "large, extended, broad; its nebulosity is of the milky kind, but fainter and more uniform, than the preceding [M8]; otherwise in situation and shape, it resembles it pretty much.  It may be taken into the field with the preceding [M8]."  Dreyer comments, in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the "NPD in GC and NGC is 1 degree too small; the error dates from C.H.'s Zone Catalogue.  The nebulosity is just following M8 and is = IC 1271 (Swift, VIII)."  The "corrected" NGC position is then 18 04 15 -24 27.5 (2000) and places it within the main M8 complex.

 

Corwin suggests (e-mail on 6/1/96) that NGC 6526 applies to the part of the Lagoon following the dust lane which swings up to include the star cluster NGC 6530.  Swift's IC 1271 (VIII) apparently applies to a nebulous knot near the end of the "branch" heading east of the main complex, so is not equal to NGC 6526 as Dreyer stated.

 

RNGC places NGC 6526 at 18 04.8 -23 40 (2000) which corresponds with the center of the large, irregular nebulosity plotted on the Uranometria 2000 about 45' NNE of M8.  Sky Catalogue 2000 gives a position of 18 02.6 -23 35, repeated in Sinnott's NGC 2000.0.

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NGC 6527 = UGC 11094 = MCG +03-46-009 = CGCG 113-014 = PGC 61297

18 01 46.3 +19 43 43; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6527 = Sf 46 = Sw. IV-64 on 1 Aug 1866 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. and noted "pB, pS, vmbM."  His position is 2' north of UGC 11094.  Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF; vS; R."  Swift's position was 1.8' too far south.  Swift was credited with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's discovery was not announced until 1887, too late to be included in the main NGC table.

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NGC 6528 = ESO 456-048

18 04 49.5 -30 03 21; Sgr

V = 9.5;  Size 3.7';  Surf Br = 1.7

 

17.5" (7/11/99): this is the smaller and fainter of an unusual double pair of globulars with NGC 6522 just 16' W.  At 220x, it appears round, ~1.5' in diameter.  The brightness gradually increased towards the center but there was no distinct core.  The surface brightness was fairly smooth overall and the outer halo was fairly well defined.  A mag 13.5 field star is at the SW edge.  The surrounding field was noticeably more vacant than around NGC 6522.  Both clusters can be placed at the edges of the 14' field of the 7mm Pentax XL.  Situated within "Baade's Window" (absorption hole in the Milky Way).

 

13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, 2' diameter, not resolved.  This is a smaller and fainter version of globular cluster NGC 6522 15' W.

 

8" (6/19/82): fairly faint, small, easily visible but no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6528 = H II-200 = h3723, along with NGC 6522, on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and logged "F, pL, unequally bright, r."  On 3 Aug 1834, JH recorded "globular cluster, B; R; R; glbM; resolved into stars 16m.  Both this and I. 49 [NGC 6522] occur on a ground so astonishing rich and stippled over with stars 17m individually discernible, as hardly to admit a pin's point between the stars, and this fills more than the whole field or many fields."

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NGC 6529 = ESO 394-28

18 05 29 -36 17 48; Sgr

 

= Not found, Corwin.  = Concentration of stars, ESO.  = No cluster, JS.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6529 = D 569 = h3724 on 3 Sep 1826 and recorded "A pretty large faint nebula, round figure, 5' or 6' diameter, resolvable into very minute stars, with nebula remaining."  He lists 2 observations. JH made a single observation on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "A large milky way patch, much compressed, one portion much more so."  His position (to the nearest min of RA and arcmin in Dec) is marked as approximate and falls ~6' southwest of Dunlop's.  But, there is no recognizable cluster or group of stars that stands out near either position.

 

ESO classifies this object as a concentration of stars and RNGC calls it nonexistent.  Harold Corwin was unable to find a candidate for NGC 6529 (either at the published position or JH's re-reduced position), so it is classified here as "Not Found".

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NGC 6530 = Cr 362 = ESO 521-021

18 04 31 -24 21 36; Sgr

V = 4.6;  Size 15'

 

17.5" (7/8/94): bright scattered group of 40-50 stars at the east edge of M8 just following the edge of the dark "Lagoon" lane which runs SW-NE.  The group forms a rough triangular outline 10'x6' oriented N-S with the longest base along the east side running N-S.  The cluster is encased in the fairly bright eastern portion of the M8 nebulosity that passes directly through most of the cluster.

 

8": 30 stars mag 7-13 in a 10' diameter.  Bright, moderately large.  Located on the east edge of M8!

 

Giovanni Hodierna discovered NGC 6530 = h3725, the cluster within M8, around 1654 and reported it in his catalog "De Admirandis Coeli Caracteribus".  Messier described "a cluster of stars that appears to be a nebula when observed with a simple three-foot refractor; with an excellent instrument, however, one sees only a large number of faint stars.  Near this cluster there is a fairly bright star [9 Sgr], which is surrounded by a very faint glow."  John Herschel recorded (sweep 474) "a B, p Rich, irreg R cl; place that of a double * in the following part of the cluster, which is itself involved in the great nebula M8."

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NGC 6531 = M21 = ESO 521-19 = Cr 363

18 04 13 -22 29 24; Sgr

V = 5.9;  Size 13'

 

18" (8/12/10): In the center of the cluster is the brightest member; mag 7.2 HD 164863.  This star forms a 30" pair (South 698) with mag 8.7 HD 313693. A third bright star, mag 8.8 HD 164883 lies 1.2' NE of the brightest star and extending in a short line NE are two additional mag 10 and 11 stars.  Just north of this central clump is a beautiful ring of a dozen stars mag 9.5-12 stars.  ARA 1841, a pair of 12.4/12.7 stars at 8" lies 1.5' WNW of South 698.  An incomplete larger ring of stars surrounds the entire group and includes ARA 1841.  A total of roughly 50 stars are within 7'.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): M21 consists of roughly 50 stars in a 5' diameter.  Very bright, fairly small although outliers greatly increase the diameter.  Includes a wide double star south 698 = 7.9/8.8 at 30".  Just north of these stars is a remarkably symmetric ring consisting of a mag 9.5 star and ten mag 12-13 stars.  A close mag 14/14 double star is on the west side of the bright double star.  Just west is a 10' string of mag 8/9 stars oriented NW-SE including two double stars.  M20 lies 45' SW.  Easily visible in 15x50 IS binoculars as a small knot.

 

Charles Messier discovered M21 = NGC 6531 = h1993 on 5 Jun 1764.  On 26 May 1786 (sweep 556), WH noted "a rich cluster of large stars."  On 28 Jul 1830, JH recorded "A tolerably rich, sc, coarse cl; one star 9m, the rest 10....12."  His single position was 6' too far east.

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NGC 6532 = UGC 11085 = MCG +09-29-045 = CGCG 278-042 = PGC 61220

17 59 14.1 +56 13 54; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness.  Located 1” SW of Xi Draconis (V = 3.8).

 

Edward Swift, the 15 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC 6532 = Sw. V-83 on 19 Sep 1886.  Lewis recorded "eeF; pS; R; e diff.; in a small vacancy; 3 F stars in line point to it."  The position is 25 sec of RA preceding UGC 11085, the only nearby galaxy.  His comment "3 F stars in line point to it" probably applies to a string of stars to the west. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 6 Sep 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6533 = NGC 6523 = M8 = LBN 25 = NGC 6526 = IC 1271

18 03 41 -24 22 48; Sgr

 

See observing notes for NGC 6523 = M8.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6533 = H V-13 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "extensive milky nebulosity divided into two parts, the most northern part is the strongest and of more than 15' extent; the southern one is followed by a parcel of stars."  This description appears to describe M8, but using the reference star 5 Sgr, WH's position falls on a empty portion of the sky ~30' south-southeast of M8.

 

Harold Corwin found (personal email on 1 Jun 1996) that the same reference star was used by WH in his observation of V10, V11, V12  = M20.  His offset again points 30' SSE of M20 indicating an error in the offset star which should be 4 Sgr = SAO 186061.  Once this correction is made, his position points to the center of M8.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.

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NGC 6534 = MCG +11-22-013 = CGCG 322-022 = PGC 61126

17 56 08.6 +64 17 01; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 16”

 

24" (9/1/16): fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Located just 48" of a mag 10.4 star.  A 1' pair of mag 10/11 stars is 3.5' NE.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 2666218 1.2' S.  The companion is faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

CGCG 322-010 lies 11' NW.  At 220x it appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 15"x10".  Contains a faint stellar nucleus surrounded by a faint halo.  A mag 11.8 star is 2' S, a mag 14 star is 2' ESE and a mag 13.5 star is 2' NE.  CGCG 322-010 fits Swift's published description much better than CGCG 322-022, but is a poorer match in position.

 

17.5" (8/4/94): very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 50" S of a mag 10 star.  With direct vision appears stellar, about mag 15.  With averted vision a very small halo is visible, perhaps 15" diameter.  Located 22' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 17717.  On the POSS this galaxy is almost stellar with a very faint ring.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6534 = Sw. IV-63 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; in center of a semi-circle of 4 stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 70 seconds of RA west and 1.2' south is CGCG 322-022 = PGC 61126, which the RNGC, CGCG and PGC identify as NGC 6534.  But this galaxy doesn't fit Swift's description as there is no semi-circle of 4 stars surrounding the galaxy.  Furthermore, a mag 10 star is less than 1' north and Swift would have likely mentioned it.  Harold Corwin agrees this identification is very uncertain due to the discrepancy with the description and mentions CGCG 322-020 as another candidate.  It fits Swift's description (the semicircle is immediately east), but the positional match is poor.

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NGC 6535

18 03 50.6 -00 17 49; Ser

V = 10.6;  Size 3.6';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

24" (7/30/16): at 500x; moderately bright and large, roundish, ~3' diameter, fairly weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. A mag 13 star is on the southwest side of the halo, two mag 13.5 stars on the west side and another near the northwest edge.  A half-dozen stars additional stars are resolved in the halo with a few additional around the edges of the halo.  A number more scintillate in and out of view, emerging for brief moments in better seeing, ~20-25 total seen in the halo.  The core region includes another half-dozen stars with one standing out more prominently.

 

18" (8/23/03): at 435x, appears fairly faint, ~3' diameter with an irregular outline, and just a weak concentration.  A trio of mag 13-13.5 stars is easily resolved on the west edge and the middle star has two close, mag 14.5 and 15.5 companions.  With careful viewing about a dozen extremely faint stars sparkle over the central glow, often popping in out of averted vision.  At 538x, the cluster barely breaks up into a swarm of extremely faint stars in steady moments.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, roughly circular, 3' diameter.  Three mag 13 stars and a mag 14 star are almost on a line oriented N-S on the west edge.  Very mottled and granular appearance with an irregular outline.  Can just steadily resolve a few very faint stars and another half a dozen extremely faint stars pop in and out of view over the core.  Located within a rich star field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6535 = Au 38 on 24 Aug 1780 with his 6.2-inch reflector (used to discover Uranus) during his initial inspection of Flamsteed stars.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, who uncovered this observation ("a nebula with stars") in his Herschel research, this was the first nebula he discovered!  As a result NGC 7009 = Saturn Nebula, found on 7 Sep 1782 with the same reflector, was his second discovery.  The same night he also observed M8 ("a Nebula not marked in the map full of stars in via Lactea"), before being aware of Messier's catalogue.

 

John Russell Hind independently discovered NGC 6535 on 26 Apr 1852 (MN, 12, 208) with a 7-inch Dolland refractor at George Bishop's private observatory in London and recorded "a nebulous object which does not occur in any of the Catalogues of Nebulae hitherto consulted.  It is very small and rather faint, perhaps 1' in diameter and is preceded a few seconds by a very minute hazy-looking star."  Hind is credited with the discovery in the NGC. Auwers observed it with the 6-inch Heliometer at Kšnigsberg Observatory and reported "pF, round, 2' diameter, gradually very slightly bM."

 

Based on photographs with the 30" reflector in 1914-16 at the Helwan Observatory, NGC 6535 was reported as a "small loose cluster of a few bright stars. No nebulosity."

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NGC 6536 = UGC 11077 = MCG +11-22-016 = CGCG 322-025 = PGC 61166

17 57 16.5 +64 56 16; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, unconcentrated.

 

Edward Swift, Lewis' 13 year-old son, discovered NGC 6536 = Sw. I-84 on 18 Aug 1884 and recorded "vF; R; pL; 3 stars in form of a triangle near."  Their position is 10 sec of RA east and less than 1' south of UGC 11077 = PGC 61166.  The triangle probably refers to 3 mag 11 stars to the north.

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NGC 6537 = PK 10+0.1 = PN G010.1+00.7 = ESO 590-1 = Red Spider Nebula

18 05 13.0 -19 50 35; Sgr

V = 11.9;  Size 5"

 

24" (7/11/18): at 225x; very small disc with a warm or ruddy color.  Excellent view at 375x; very small, slightly elongated, ~6" diameter.  The disc has a very high surface brightness and appears to be surrounded by a very faint thin shell.  The PN forms an obtuse isosceles triangle with a mag 11.6 star 1.5' W and a mag 12.6 star 2.4' N.

 

17.5" (8/17/01): picked up at 220x as a fuzzy mag 12 "star" forming the eastern vertex of an obtuse, isosceles triangle with two similar stars 1.5' W and 2.4' NW.  Excellent view at 380x and 500x.  Clearly nonstellar at the higher powers, ~5" diameter with a bluish color and occasionally a slightly brighter center.

 

13.1" (8/17/85): appears mag 12.0 or fainter with OIII filter at 79x.  In the field SW of a mag 7 star forming the southern "star" of an arc of three stars.

 

13.1" (8/11/85): stellar at 166x, estimate mag V = 12.5.  Just non-stellar at 220x and clearly nebulous at 360x, about 4" diameter.  Appears fainter than computed V magnitude.  Located 7' SW of mag 6.8 SAO 161056 and forms the east vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 12 stars 1.5' WNW and 2.4' NW.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6537 on 15 Jul 1882 with the 15-inch refractor at the Harvard College Observatory.  NGC 6565 was the 5th of 17 planetaries he found using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the large refractor.  He announced the discovery of the first dozen in Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882 (no descriptions) and in Astronomische Nachrichten 2454, he noted it as "small and bright".  His position in Sidereal Messenger was accurate.

 

Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6537 as "a minute disk 5" in diameter, just distinguishable from a star.  Round, with clear-cut edges; a slightly condensation at center is suspected, and a very faint ansa in p.a. 25".  The huge hourglass-shapes structure visible in deep images that surrounds the central part was missed in the Lick photographs.

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NGC 6538 = UGC 11062 = MCG +12-17-012 = CGCG 340-025 = KAZ 218 = PGC 61072

17 54 17.1 +73 25 27; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Located directly between a mag 14 star 1.2' NW and a mag 15 star 1.0' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6538 = Sw. IV-62 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; lE; between 2 eF stars."  His position is 25 seconds of RA west and 44" south of UGC 11062 (2' separation) and his description applies (the stars are northwest and southeast). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 10 Oct 1890.

 

Swift apparently made the initial discovery several years earlier.  On 11 Sep 1883 Swift announced finding a supposed comet (see NGC 6654 for the story).  While searching for the comet, Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 6508 and two other astronomers (Palisa and Lamp) found NGC 6654 and thought it was new.  Swift was apparently upset and probably embarrassed with being deceived and tartly replied (AN 107, p273), "It would appear from his (Hartwig's) silence that he missed another about 4 minutes east and 1” 20' north, which I found Oct 3 [1883]."  This offset matches NGC 6538, but Swift didn't report it in his discovery lists, until it was rediscovered on 30 May 1886.

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NGC 6539

18 04 49.7 -07 35 09; Ser

V = 9.8;  Size 6.9';  Surf Br = 3.1

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~3' diameter, very weak concentration.  A brighter mag 12.8 star is just off the northwest edge and a mag 13.5 star is off the southwest edge. The cluster was very lively at 432x and several faint to extremely faint stars were resolved around the edges of the halo including a few easy ones just off the west side.  Several very faint to extremely faint stars scintillate over the core and main portion of the halo, popping in and out of view with the seeing, though only a couple of these were consistently visible.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 225x appears fairly faint, moderately large, round, weakly concentration.  The diameter is ~3.5' diameter with averted vision.  A few mag 15-15.5 stars are along the west edge of the halo with some brighter mag 13 stars off to the west and NW.  At 435x, 3 or 4 mag 15 stars are grouped near the west edge of the halo and a single mag 15.5-16 star is near the center.  The edges appear ragged at this magnification.

 

18" (8/23/03): at 323x appears fairly faint, round, pretty diffuse with only a broad, fairly weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is off the NW side and a few mag 13 stars are off the SW edge and further off the SE side.  A couple of mag 15 stars are resolved between the two brighter stars on the west side. At 435x, the surface brightness is quite mottled and seems on the verge of resolution but only one or two extremely faint stellar sparkles are intermittently visible.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, diffuse, broad weak concentration.  A number of stars are very near including a mag 12.5 star off the NW edge and a fainter mag 13.5 star off the SE edge.  In addition, an extremely faint 15th mag star is resolved near the NW edge and a mag 15 star is visible near the center but no other resolution was evident. 

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, no resolution.  This globular straddles the Serpens/Oph border, 44' NE of Tau Ophiuchi, an excellent 1.5" double star.

 

Theodor Johann Christian Brorsen discovered NGC 6539 = Au 39 in 1856 (probably Sept) at the Senftenberg Observatory in the present-day Czech Republic, probably using a 9.4-cm comet-seeker.  Arthur Auwers observed this globular on 10 Oct 1860 with the Konigsberg 6-inch refractor and reported (in the notes to his 1862 list of new nebulae) that it "looked faint, but pretty well at 65x; it appears to be a faint star group of about 3' diameter, centrally surrounded by numerous stars 12m." (translation by Wolfgang Steinicke).  NGC 6539 is one of the brighter southern objects that John Herschel missed.

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NGC 6540 = ESO 456-053 = Cr 364 = Djorgovski 3

18 06 08.5 -27 45 55; Sgr

V = 10.4;  Size 1';  Surf Br = 2.0

 

18" (7/11/07): this very unusual globular is buried within a small asterism and requires careful viewing.  At 325x a very distinctive 1.5' string or shallow arc of stars is oriented E-W and contains 6 stars (these are possible cluster members).  Within this shallow arc is a 20" knot just east of the midpoint and this knot is probably the core of the globular.  The entire string is superimposed on a rich Milky Way background so it was very difficult to determine a diameter for the outer halo.

 

17.5" (7/10/99): this interesting globular is located nearly midway along a short 1.5' E-W arc of a half dozen or so mag 13-14 stars that are bowed out to the north.  The globular is a faint, round, 40" glow, embedded just inside the center of this string which extends beyond the globular to the west and east.  At 100x, this string, along with the haze of the cluster creates the impression the globular is quite elongated.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, small, rich spot, slightly elongated E-W, mottled but no resolved.  Also a group of six faint stars in an arc to the SE.  Dark nebula B86 lies 41' W.

 

Originally listed as an open cluster, this object was reclassified as a globular in 1987 by Djorgovski.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6540 = H II-198 on 24 May 1784 (end of sweep 224) and recorded "pF, crookedly extended easily resolvable nebula; or rather a cluster of very close stars; not large." 

 

Guillaume Bigourdan's description mentions a size of 1.5' x 25", elongated E-W, stars mag 13 and fainter containing possible "nebulous material".  So, Bigourdan was clearly describing the entire string of stars.

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NGC 6541 = ESO 280-004

18 08 02 -43 43 00; CrA

V = 6.1;  Size 13.1';  Surf Br = 0.4

 

22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): the view was spectacular at 200x as NGC 6541 was well concentrated with a blazing core and a large halo extending to at least 8'.  Roughly 200 stars were resolved, mostly in the halo but even close to the center of the core.  Includes a few brighter mag 10.5-11 stars are in the halo on the NE and S side.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): excellent view at 127x!  Well concentrated to a small, intense 1.5' core.  The halo extended to roughly 8' and was well-resolved into perhaps 100 stars.  A brighter star is at the northeast side of the halo and a couple of brighter stars are at the S and SW edge of the cluster.  Prominent in 10x30 IS binoculars.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this beautiful globular is set in a rich star field and is strongly compressed with a blazing core.  At 171x, the halo is ~8' and highly resolved into a couple of hundred stars mag 12 and fainter.  A few brighter stars (field?) are mixed in, including mag 11 stars on the east and southwest side of the halo.  The stars are densely packed towards the core - another southern showpiece globular!

 

8" (7/16/82): bright, fairly small, well concentrated to bright core.  Mottled halo but no resolution.  Located 20' SE of a mag 5 star (h 5014 = 5.8/5.8 at 1.8").  Very far south (low elevation) for viewing from Northern California.

 

Niccolo Cacciatore, an assistant to Giuseppe Piazzi at Palermo, discovered NGC 6541 = D 473 = h 3726 on 19 Mar 1826, while searching for Comet C/1825 N1 (Pons) with a small refractor.  James Dunlop independently discovered this globular a few months later on 3 Jul 1826 and described "a very bright round highly condensed nebula, about 3' diameter. I can resolve a considerable portion round the margin, but the compression is so great near the centre, that it would require a very high power, as well as light, to separate the stars; the stars are rather dusky."  He notes 5 observations were made and his position is 6' northwest of the center.  John Herschel's first observation was on 1 Jun 1834 (h3726) and he reported "globular, B, R, e comp, v Fine; diameter of most comp part = 11 seconds of time in RA; stars 15..16m. The scattered stars extend to three times the diameter and die away very gradually."  He references D 473 in the Cape catalogue but wasn't aware of Cacciatore's earlier observation.

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NGC 6542 = UGC 11092 = MCG +10-25-126 = CGCG 300-103 = CGCG 301-009 = PGC 61239

17 59 38.9 +61 21 33; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6542 = Sw. IV-65 on 22 Jul 1886 and recorded "eF; S; eE; coarse D[ouble] * sp points to it."  His position matches UGC 11092 and his description applies.  The coarse double star is 8' southwest.

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NGC 6543 = PK 96+29.1 = PN G096.4+29.9 = Cat's Eye Nebula = Helical Nebula

17 58 33.2 +66 37 59; Dra

V = 8.1;  Size 22"x19"

 

48" (4/1/11): the extremely bright inner section [22"x19"] of the Cat's Eye was a vivid green color at 375x. But besides the bright central star I didn't take notes on the interior structure.  A fairly faint (middle) halo was easily visible, extending ~1.4' diameter and dramatically increased the generally observed size.  This halo had a well-defined periphery and was slightly elongated N-S or the border on the east and west sides were very slightly flattened.  A very faint star is near the west edge.

 

Surrounding the middle shell is a much larger and fainter outer halo that extends ~5' in diameter.  IC 4677 appeared as a prominent, triangular or wedge-shaped knot with the vertex pointing east, situated 1.8' due west of center near the edge of this outer halo. It appeared much larger than previously seen, ~50"x30", and brighter along a well-defined, straight southern edge.  The north side is brightest near the east end at the vertex.  A 15th magnitude star lies 45" NE and a mag 9.8 star is 1.2' NW.  A second fainter knot in the outer halo is located 2.6' ESE of center, just 30" N of a mag 14.5 star.  This knot was only 15"-20" in size and had a low surface brightness.

 

18" (7/21/04): at 435x, it was fairly clear that there were two shells in the main body of different sizes and orientations creating a complex overlapping appearance. Surrounding the high surface brightness main body was a thin, very faint outer envelope (inner portion of the outer envelope). The central star was visible continuously.

 

IC 4677 was easily visible at 160x using a UHC filter as a slightly elongated, low surface brightness glow 1.7' W of center of NGC 6543 and 1.5' SE of a mag 11 star which lies 2.7' WNW of NGC 6543.  This shock-excited knot in the outer halo was elongated 3:2 SW-NE, roughly 20"x13".  At 225x it was barely visible unfiltered, but could be held continuously at this power adding a UHC filter.

 

18" (6/21/03): remarkable view at 538x.  The central star shone steadily in the center of what appeared to be two superimposed shells, offset in orientation by ~90 degrees.  Interior filamentary or arc-like structure was highly suspected.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): viewed at 280x and 412x; the Cat's Eye nebula appears very bright, fairly small, oval SW-NE, blue-green color.  Appears darker (annular) surrounding the mag 11 central star.  The prominent visual portion is surrounded by a very faint oval outer envelope (386") which was not seen but includes the bright irregular knot IC 4677 1.7' W of center.  NGC 6552 is located 10' following.

 

IC 4677 was suspected at 220x without filtration close to a mag 15 star located 1' W of the planetary.  Using a UHC filter, IC 4677 was clearly visible with averted vision as a very faint elongated patch, ~25"x15" oriented SW-NE.  Requires averted for a good view but could hold steadily almost continuously.  It was also visible at 140x with an OIII filter and 280x with the UHC, but 220x provided the best view.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): at 400x appears very bright, oval N-S, blue color, central star visible with averted. 

 

8" (7/27/84): bright, elongated, blue, high surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6543 = H IV-37 on 15 Feb 1786 (sweep 523) and recorded "vB, about 35" diameter. A planetary disk, but very ill defined edge; the center of it is rather more luminous than the rest. With long attention a very bright, well defined, round center becomes visible.  This seems to be a nebula that connects my former planetary ones with two other sorts; viz with those that are very bright in the middle and suddenly grow more diluted; and with those that have a bright central star, or nucleus and a milky chevelure."

 

In 1790, Lalande included this object as a 9th magnitude "star" (LL 38303 in his major star catalogue.  Giuseppe Bianchi independently rediscovered it on 16 Jun 1839 and announced the discovery an Astronomische Nachrichten letter, apparently unaware of WH's prior discovery (there were many similar cases).  Surprisingly, NGC 6543 does not appear in John Herschel's Slough catalogue, which was more accessible and easier to check than WH's catalogues.

 

Sir William Huggins examined NGC 6543 with a spectroscope on 29 Aug 1864 (the same night he viewed NGC 6572, 6828, 6818, 7009, 6720, 7662, 6853).  He wrote "On the evening of the 29th of August, 1864, I directed the telescope for the first time to a planetary nebula in Draco [NGC 6543]. The reader may now be able to picture to himself to some extent the feeling of excited suspense, mingled with a degree of awe, with which, after a few moments of hesitation, I put my eye to the spectroscope. Was I not about to look into a secret place of creation? I looked into the spectroscope. No spectrum such as I expected ! A single bright line only!"  At first, I suspected some displacement of the prism, and that I was looking at a reflection of the illuminated slit from one of its faces. This thought was scarcely more than momentary; then the true interpretation flashed upon me. The light of the nebula was monochromatic, and so, unlike any other light I had as yet subjected to prismatic examination, could not be extended out to form a complete spectrum." Based on subsequent observations, Huggins showed nebulae had bright [OIII] emission lines, unlike the broad spectrum expected of unresolved stars.  He concluded these objects were enormous masses of hot luminous gas or vapour which would never be resolved into stars.

 

The 1888 paper "Observations of Nebulae at the Lick Observatory" (1888MNRAS..48..388H) included a schematic labeled "Helical Nebula in Draco (Holden)" showing two overlapping ellipses or coils, along with a detailed sketch and description of the nebula.  Heber Curtis wrote "We have, therefore, ventured to designate this object as a helical nebula - the first of its class - because its brighter portions unquestionably appear to the eye in a helical and not simply in a spiral form; and also because it seems to us at least probable that the real disposition of the brighter parts in space may be in the form of a helix."  Generally, the nickname "Cat's Eye Nebula" is used today.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered IC 4677, a shock-excited knot in the outer halo of NGC 6543, on 24 Apr 1900 with the 40-inch Yerkes refractor.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6544 = ESO 521-028

18 07 20.6 -24 59 50; Sgr

V = 8.2;  Size 7';  Surf Br = 2.4

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; bright, moderately large, irregular scraggly halo, ~4'x3' roughly E-W.  Well concentrated with a bright irregular core with resolved stars.  A mag 11.2 is at the southwest side of the halo, 1.5' from center.  Roughly 15-20 stars are resolved in the halo (horizontal branch magnitude Å 15.2), though some of these are likely field stars.  At least a half-dozen stars are resolved in the central core including a pair of close brighter stars and a third nearly in line.  At 375x at least a dozen stars were resolved over an irregular core region.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): bright, 4'x3', elongated NW-SE, irregular and scraggly outline, mottled.  Located in a rich star field.  About six stars are superimposed including two or three mag 13 stars in a tight knot near the center.  In addition, several faint stars are resolved at the edges (or nearby field stars).  A double star with components mag 11.5/13.5 lies 2' SW. 

 

8" (8/23/84): at 200x, appears moderately bright with two stars are visible at the center and two or three stars are resolved at edges.  The appearance is grainy with a brighter core.

 

8" (7/31/81): fairly faint, small, brighter core, easy but no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6544 = H II-197 = h1994 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "pB, pL, iR, r."  John Herschel made the single observation "F; L; lE; bM; resolved."  It was noted as probably a globular cluster in the 1921 Helwan Observatory lists, based on photographs taken in 1914-16.

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NGC 6545 = ESO 103-006 = PGC 61551

18 12 14.8 -63 46 34; Pav

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 151”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly faint or moderately bright, small, round, 24" diameter, contains a small brighter nucleus.  The field is rich in faint stars with four mag 13-15 stars in a small quadrilateral close east (sides 30"-50") and a mag 15 star is at the southwest edge.  In the field is a mag 9.7 star 4' S and a mag 10 star 6.7' NE.  NGC 6545 resides 14' SW of mag 6.5 HD 166251.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6545 = h3727 on 20 Jun 1835 and recorded "eeeF, vvvS, R, 4".  This is the smallest nebula I recollect to have seen.  Its light is not greater than that of a *14m. A diagram made for security of finding it again.  See figure 16, Plate VI."  His position is a perfect match with ESO 103-006, though this galaxy is not especially small on the DSS.  Perhaps he only noticed a very small brighter nucleus.  Joseph Turner also sketched this galaxy with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate VII, figure 77).  RNGC misclassifies this object as nonexistent; "not found, Sulentic".

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NGC 6546 = Cr 365 = ESO 521-029

18 07 23 -23 17 48; Sgr

V = 8.0;  Size 13'

 

17.5" (8/27/92): bright, large, scattered, 10' diameter.  Including three mag 9 stars on the east side, 10 mag 11-12 stars mag and roughly 70 stars total.  Between the three mag 9 stars is a very faint, rich group of 15-20 stars.  Near the west edge is a faint, very close double.  The majority of the cluster stars are fairly evenly distributed with no other dense regions.  Situated in a rich Milky Way field.

 

8" (8/23/84): scattered group of about 40 stars with 20 stars easily visible and three brighter mag 9 stars on the east side, elongated ~E-W.  A mag 8 star is in the field to the NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6546 = h3729 on 27 Jun 1837 and noted "the middle of a great and rich cluster in the milky way."  The ESO position is about 5' further south.

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NGC 6547 = UGC 11110 = MCG +04-43-001 = CGCG 141-048 = CGCG 142-001 = PGC 61378

18 05 10.0 +25 13 58; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 136”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, very small bright core.  A well-matched double star is 2' S (12.5/12.5 at 16").

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6547 = m 360 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, vS, E, mbM."  His position matches UGC 11110.

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NGC 6548 = UGC 11115 = MCG +03-46-013 = CGCG 113-020 = PGC 61404

18 05 59.1 +18 35 14; Her

V = 11.7;  Size 3.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, sharp concentration with a very bright core dominating a faint halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 6549 3.7' SW.  The apparent companion lies in the background (3x redshift).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6548 = H III-555 on 22 Jun 1786 (sweep 574) and noted "cF, S, iF, lE, r."  His re-reduced position, with respect to 101 Her, is within 1' of UGC 11115.  But CH's reduced position (used in the GC and NGC) was 3.5' southwest of UGC 11115 and close northwest of NGC 6549 = UGC 11114.  E.E. Barnard swept up NGC 6548 on 29 Jan 1889, and also nearby NGC 6549 on 3 Feb 1889 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.  He correctly identified the pair.

 

The MCG (+03-46-013) misidentifies NGC 6548 as NGC 6550 and the UGC and CGCG mislabel it as NGC 6548 = NGC 6550.  NGC 6550 is a duplicate of NGC 6549 instead (see that number).

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NGC 6549 = NGC 6550 = UGC 11114 = MCG +03-46-012 = CGCG 113-019 = PGC 61399

18 05 49.5 +18 32 16; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 53”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  A very faint mag 16 star is involved.  Forms a non-physical pair with NGC 6548 3.7' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6549 = m 361 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, pL, iR (near III. 555 [= NGC 6548])."  His position matches UGC 11114, a fainter companion to NGC 6548.  ƒdouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 19 Jul 1882 and measured an accurate micrometric position.  But Stephan, in the notes to list XII, incorrectly mentioned that XII-87 = NGC 6550 is distinct from GC 4377 [NGC 6548] and GCS 5892 [NGC 6549].  There are only two galaxies here, so NGC 6549 = NGC 6550, with discovery priority to Marth.  E.E. Barnard swept up NGC 6548 on 29 Jan 1889 and also noted NGC 6549 on 3 Feb, using the 12-inch Lick refractor.  MCG incorrectly equates NGC 6548 = NGC 6549.

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NGC 6550 = NGC 6549 = UGC 11114 = MCG +03-46-012 = CGCG 113-019 = PGC 61404

18 05 49.5 +18 32 16; Her

 

See observing notes for NGC 6549.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 6550 = St XII-87 on 19 Jul 1882.  His micrometric position is a perfect match with UGC 1111.  Albert Marth discovered this galaxy earlier on 27 Jul 1864 and it was catalogued as m 361 = GC 5892 = NGC 6549. Stephan, though, in the notes to list XII, incorrectly stated that XII-87 was distinct from NGC 6548 and 6549.  Whatever Stephan felt was NGC 6549, it is clear that NGC 6550 = NGC 6549.

 

Lewis Swift must have examined the field and realized there were only two galaxies here.  In his notes to his large discovery list XI, he mentions "NGC 6550 = H III 555 [NGC 6548].  6550 must be struck out."  In the IC 2 notes, Dreyer repeated that NGC 6550 is identical to NGC 6548 (from Swift), instead of NGC 6549.  This error is repeated in UGC, CGCG, NGC 2000.0 and Deep Sky Field Guide (to the Uranometria Sky Atlas).  This error is mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".  See Harold Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 6551 = ESO 456-060

18 08 45 -29 34 06; Sgr

 

= NGC 6528 or NGC 6522?, Corwin.  =concentration of stars in Milky Way, ESO.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6551= LM 1-230 on 7 Jul 1885 and noted "vF, vS, R, rr."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is just 17 seconds west of ESO 456-**60, an asterism of a half-dozen stars within 4'.  Herbert Howe, probably found this asterism with his 20-inch at Denver around the turn of the century and remarked "simply a few stars of mag 13."  ESO (Lauberts) calls it a "Concentration of stars in Milky Way."

 

But Harold Corwin, who examined Leavenworth's sketch, notes that it shows a globular cluster-like object between two stars and does not match this asterism.  So, the group of scattered stars near his position seen by Howe is very unlikely.  Corwin suggests NGC 6528 or perhaps NGC 6522 as candidates, though the nearby stars are not a good match with the sketch.

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NGC 6552 = UGC 11096 = MCG +11-22-018 = CGCG 322-026 = PGC 61252

18 00 07.2 +66 36 54; Dra

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, bright core.  Located just 10' E of NGC 6543, the Cat's Eye Nebula!  Position is nearly coincident with the North Ecliptic Pole so the RA and Dec are virtually constant over time!

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6552 on 6 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while observing H IV 37 [NGC 6543].  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 27 May 1886 and recorded Sw. IV-66 as "vF; S; cE; [NGC 6543] in field."

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NGC 6553 = ESO 521-036

18 09 15.6 -25 54 28; Sgr

V = 8.3;  Size 6';  Surf Br = 1.9

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x, moderately bright and large, ~3' diameter, weak concentration with no well defined core.  A mag 11.8 star is on the northwest side of the halo and fainter stars are on the northeast side (pair) and southwest side, bounding the cluster into a somewhat rectangular appearance.  At 432x, the cluster was very lively or mottled with a couple of additional resolved stars and others just on the verge of resolution.  A few additional stars were resolved around the edges of the halo.

 

17.5" (6/6/86): grainy, mottled globular with a single bright star at the north edge and four or five additional stars at the edges may also be resolved members.  Located in a rich field.  The brightest member star is V = 14.7.

 

8" (7/31/81): fairly bright, moderately large.  A single star is at the north edge, elongated or fan-shaped N-S, no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6553 = H IV-12 = h3730 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "pB, L, difficulty resolving; the nebulosity inclining to milkiness.  It is unequally bright."  John Herschel called this cluster "globular; vF; a little oval; vglbM; barely r; stars 20m; one * 14m; diam in RA = 7.5 sec."  Christian Peters independently found the cluster around 1849 at the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples and claimed it did not appear in any catalogue.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 5 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pL, irr shape, gbM, a little elongated 150”, 90" long, 60" broad.  Resolvable into extremely minute stars.  A multitude of small stars in the field."

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NGC 6554 = ESO 590-003

18 08 59 -18 26 06; Sgr

 

18" (9/3/05): at 115x appears as a large, scattered group of ~100 stars in a 25' x10' region.  Most of the brighter stars form a triangular outline with a 15' string of stars oriented NW to SE forming the western leg of the triangle being most evident.  A number of faint stars pepper the interior at 225x, though at this power the group filled the field and was not recognizable at all.  This appears to be a random Milky Way asterism although the triangular outline is somewhat detached in the field at low power.  Contains a number of mag 10.5-11.5 star although there is no single brighter star.  A fairly small triangle of stars including a mag 11 pair at 27" is off the west side.

 

17.5" (8/12/01): large, very scattered, elongated group at 100x.  Roughly three dozen stars are visible in an arbitrary 20'x6' region, extended NW-SE.  A close quadruple is at the west side of the NW end.  There are no rich concentrations and the group looks just like an random asterism.  At 220x, ~50 stars are seen with some faint clumps visible but as the group now fills the field I would not have noticed it at all at this power.  The outline is easier to trace along the western flank and around the NW end.  An evenly matched mag 12 pair is off the west side but is not within the main group.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6554 = h1995 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "A v coarse and scattered but p rich cluster of L and S stars.  Has several double stars in it." A 24" pair of mag 10/12 stars just 1' north of JH's position in a Milky Way field.  Karl Reinmuth reported "many st in milky way, no distinct Cl" and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).  Harold Corwin notes that although this is likely not a true cluster, JH's position and description matches this field.

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NGC 6555 = UGC 11121 = MCG +03-46-015 = CGCG 113-022 = Holm 774a = PGC 61432

18 07 49.3 +17 36 17; Her

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, mild concentration but no sharp core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6555 = H II-902 on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090) and recorded "F, pL, R, vgbM, about 3 1/2' dia."  A few minutes earlier he noted that twilight was very strong.  His time is 20 seconds too small and declination 1' too far south.  Herman Schultz measured a micrometric position at Uppsala (used in the NGC), but it was 40 seconds of time too small, so he probably either made a copying error or misidentified the comparison star.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Jun 1884 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6556 = ESO 456-61

18 09 57 -27 31 30; Sgr

 

24" (7/7/13): very bright but patchy Milky Way field, rich in faint stars at 125x (21mm Ethos).  Excellent region to scan, although no distinct boundaries or dark clouds to isolate the object, so does not stand out conspicuously.  The position, though, was easy to identify as an as a large triangle (sides ~12') with four mag 7-8 stars (including HD 165873, 165708, 165787) is off the southwest side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6556 = h3732 on 15 Jul 1836 and recorded "Cl VI. An oval patch comprised within limits of the field, barely resolvable into infinitely minute points, but which, without attention, appears as a great nebula 15' l; 12' br; hardly bM."  In his survey of NGC objects with the 20-inch refractor at Denver, Herbert Howe wrote "I see nothing in the entire region except thousands of the minutest stars."  Dreyer noted "No nebulosity (Howe)" in the IC 2 Notes.

 

Although there is no cluster per se, Harold Corwin writes that JH's position falls in a "complex region of star clouds and obscuring dust clouds near the Galactic Center."

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NGC 6557 = ESO 045-001 = AM 1814-763 = PGC 61770

18 21 24.8 -76 34 59; Oct

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 77”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', brighter core.  Located 14' E of mag 7.1 HD 15844 and 8.6' W of a 25" pair of mag 10.4/12.5 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6557 = h3728 on 30 Jun 1835 and logged "vF; R; glbM; 15"."  His position in the Cape Catalogue and GC is accurate, but Dreyer made a typo in the NGC and placed this object 50” too far north.  The error was caught and corrected in the IC 1 Notes.

 

RNGC classifies this as an "Unverified Southern Object" (Type 0).  it is missing from the ESO-LV, Deep Sky Field Guide and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Sky Atlas.

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NGC 6558 = ESO 456-062

18 10 18.3 -31 45 49; Sgr

V = 9.8;  Size 3.7';  Surf Br = 1.4

 

17.5" (7/29/92): moderately bright, small, 1.5'-2.0' diameter, irregular outline.  Has a fairly smooth halo with a small bright core offset to the north side with a stellar nucleus sometimes visible.  Five or six very faint mag 14.5-15 stars are embedded within the halo.  Located in a rich star field. 

 

8" (7/31/86): faint, small, round, six faint stars lie to the south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6558 = h3731 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "globular cluster; not vB; R; glbM; 2'; resolved.  The stars barely discernible."  On sweep 794 (June 1837) he logged "globular; pB; irreg R; gmbM; composed of st 16m, on a milky way ground of mixed L and vS stars."  This object may be a compact open cluster.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 5 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pS, round, gbM, resolvable clluster of very minute stars.  A multitude of small stars in the field."  It was described as "probably be classed as a globular" in the 1921 Helwan list (based on photos taken in 1914-16).

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NGC 6559 = ESO 521-40 = LBN 28 = Ced 154f = Gum 75

18 09 58 -24 06 36; Sgr

Size 8'x5'

 

17.5" (7/20/96): at 140x an irregular glow is easily visible surrounding a group of 5 stars and brightest around a 30" pair of mag 9.5/10.5 stars.  The 4'x3' nebulosity extends mainly to the west and NW of this pair.  Best view probably unfiltered at 140x (nebulosity dims with OIII and similar with UHC), but with a UHC filter a very large hazy nebulosity ~10' diameter stands out to the northwest involving a number of brighter stars.

 

17.5" (7/17/93): observation made at 100x using an OIII filter: Brightest portion of extensive nebulous complex, most prominent along two converging rows of stars oriented SW-NE and NW-SE.  A mag 10 star is located in the second chain.  This description appears to describe the large region of nebulosity to the NW of NGC 6559 mentioned in the July '96 observation.

 

17.5" (6/20/87): 88x with UHC filter: fairly bright, fairly large nebulosity about 5' diameter.  Surrounds two mag 11 stars and extending to four or five fainter mag 12/13 stars.

 

13" (7/16/82): fairly faint, curved strip of nebulosity, includes five stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6559 = h1996 = h3733 on 1 Jul 1826 and recorded "several stars affected with nebulosity; the brightest taken."  His position corresponds with a mag 8.8 star (brighter of pair) clearly involved with nebulosity.  The CGH catalogue lists a similar position and notes "vF; L; oblong; 5' long; 3' broad; place of a D* involved; 6 other st near.  Query, if involved."

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NGC 6560 = UGC 11117 = MCG +08-33-019 = CGCG 254-015 = PGC 61381

18 05 14.0 +46 52 53; Her

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 55”

 

24" (7/20/17): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~45"x30", broad concentration, small slightly brighter core.  There is a strong suggestion of a spiral arm on the southeast side [galaxy is a bit "beefier" on this end], extending a short distance north.  Situated 2' SW of a mag 10.4 star (with a companion at ~30") and two 10th magnitude stars lie 5' ESE.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6560 = Sw. V-84 on 22 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; iR; 5 stars near sf in a line, middle one double."  His position is 1' too far northeast and the distinctive string of stars is 4'-5' east-southeast.

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NGC 6561

18 10 30 -16 43 30; Sgr

 

17.5" (7/27/95): very large, fairly rich Milky Way field, roughly 15'x10' elongated ~N-S.  Along the eastern border are four mag 9 stars with a 28" pair at the midpoint of the other two bright stars which are oriented SW-NE at 7' separation.  The stars are fairly evenly distributed and includes a large number of mag 12-13 stars with a background of very faint stars at 220x.  Unable to determine any specific borders or count the large number of stars but the group stands out reasonably well at 80x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6561 = H VIII-54 = h1997 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of considerably L stars.  The place is that of a small triangle or treble star."  JH observed this group of stars twice, first noting on 2 Aug 1826, "very coarsely straggling and loose, hardly entitled to be called a cluster.  The place (roughly taken) is that of 2 or 3 bright stars."  RNGC classifies this object as a nonexistent cluster.

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NGC 6562 = MCG +09-29-051 = CGCG 278-046 = CGCG 279-001 = PGC 61376

18 05 00.9 +56 15 47; Dra

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, small bright core.  A mag 14 star is about 30" off the SW edge and 51" from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6562 = Sw. I-85 on 8 Jun 1885 and logged "F; pS; BM; R; bet 2 st."  His position is 10 seconds of RA too large.  Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00.

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NGC 6563 = PK 358-7.1 = ESO 394-33 = PN G358.5-07.3

18 12 02.5 -33 52 06; Sgr

V = 10.8;  Size 50"x37";  PA = 50”

 

24" (7/11/18): at 200x and NPB filter; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~50" diameter, crisp-edged, irregular surface brightness, weakly annular, resides in a rich star field.  At 375x the elongation was more evident as well as a noticeably irregular surface brightness with slightly darker interior areas.  A faint star is at the SSW edge and one or two extremely faint stars seemed to be superimposed.

 

18" (7/16/07): at 323x appears as a fairly bright, sharply defined disc, slightly elongated SW-NE and perhaps 48"x40".  The disc exhibits a subtle irregularity in surface brightness but there was no evident annularity.  A couple of extremely faint stars occasionally sparkled over the disc, though it was difficult to tell if one was situated right at the center.

 

17.5" (6/28/00): at 280x this moderately bright PN appears elongated 5:4 SW-NE, ~50"x40".  The surface brightness is pretty smooth and no central star was visible.  A UHC filter provides a moderate contrast gain.  Set is a rich star field.

 

13" (8/17/85): observation at 166x and 220x: fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, no annularity.  Prominent using UHC filter, moderate surface brightness.  Located in a rich star field 15' ESE of mag 6.2 SAO 209817.

 

8" (7/16/82): faint, elongated N-S, fairly small.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6563 = h3734 = D 606? on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "a L, F, oval, planetary nebula, about 60" long, 50" broad, or 55"; considerably hazy, or rather indistinctly terminated at the borders, but not bM; a star 6-7m precedes it, just 1 diameter of the field and nearly in the parallel."

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered this planetary on 3 Sep 1826 and reported a "faint nebula, about 1 1/4' long and 30" or 40" broad, with a considerable brightness near each end and faint in the middle, resembling two small nebulae joined." His position (single observation) is 36' northeast of NGC 6563.  This is a fairly large error, even for Dunlop, but the size is reasonably close.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the planetary on 30 Jul 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as an oval and "a close double star just touches its south edge."

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6565 as "a faint oval 50"x37" in p.a. 50”; stronger regions at the ends of the minor axis give it an indistinct ring or shell effect; it is considerably fainter along, and at the ends of the major axis."

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NGC 6564

18 09 02.4 +17 23 40; Her

 

= **?, Gottlieb.  =***?, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6564 = m 362 on 15 May 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  There is nothing near his position and no galaxy catalogue has a listing for NGC 6564.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6564 may be a triple star at the position given here, though this is very uncertain as his description is of no help.

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NGC 6565 = PK 3-4.5 = PN G003.5-04.6 = ESO 456-70

18 11 52.4 -28 10 43; Sgr

V = 11.4;  Size 10"x8"

 

17.5" (8/17/01): picked up at 100x as fuzzy mag 12 star. At 500x in good seeing, I had an excellent view of a crisp, slightly elongated 10" disc with an irregular surface brightness.  In steadier moments, annularity was evident and there appeared to be a tiny darker hole in the center with a brighter rim but no hint of a central star.  NGC 6565 is situated within a rich Sagittarius star field with a few faint stars within 1' and several brighter stars in the field.

 

13.1" (8/17/85): at 166x and UHC filter; moderately bright, small, round, clearly non-stellar, 10" diameter, high surface brightness.  Easy at 360x without filter, appears slightly elongated NW-SE, no central star visible.  Similar view on 8/11/85.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6565 = HN 42 on 14 Jul 1880 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  NGC 6565 was the second of 17 planetaries he found using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the large refractor.  He announced the discovery of the first dozen in Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882.  Compared to NGC 6644, which was discovered the next night, NGC 6565 was "somewhat fainter, but with a larger disk" (The Observatory, 1881).

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6565 as "a minute oval ring 10"x8" in p.a. about 5”.  Considerably fainter along the major axis, and the center is relatively vacant."

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NGC 6566 = MCG +09-30-001 = CGCG 279-002 = PGC 61418

18 07 00.6 +52 15 37; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 15 star is 0.6' W of center and an extremely faint mag 16 star is at the NW edge.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6566 on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 1.4' too far north.  He mentions a mag 16 star is near.  This may be either of the stars mentioned in my observation.

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NGC 6567 = PK 11-0.2 = ESO 590-8 = PN G011.7-00.6

18 13 45.2 -19 04 33; Sgr

V = 10.9;  Size 11"x7"

 

18" (8/14/07): picked up at 94x as a "bloated" blue star of 11th magnitude.  Easy to verify with a UHC blink though only a moderate contrast gain.  Situated in a beautiful star field on the southwest side of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud.  A very long dark lane (part of Barnard 304) crosses the low power field from SW to NE, passing to the north of the planetary.  In the 80mm finder at 25x this lane extends NE and is attached to the prominent dark cloud B92 on its southwest side.  At 260x this high surface brightness planetary displays a 10" disc with a 13th magnitude star barely off the east edge.

 

17.5" (7/8/94): bright very compact planetary at 220x with a mag 13 star at the east edge.  Excellent contrast gain with OIII filter.  A high surface brightness small disc is visible at 280x that is cleanly resolved from the following star.  Has a brighter center but no central star seen.  Located in a very rich Milky Way field on the SW side of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24).

 

8" (8/15/82): appears as a mag 11 "star" at 100x.  Slightly non-stellar at 200x.  A slightly elongated disc N-S is visible at 400x.  Forms a close pair with a mag 12 star just east.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6567 on 18 Aug 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at the Harvard College Observatory.  NGC 6567 was the 9th of 17 planetaries he found using this technique.  His RA, though, was 1.5 minutes too small.  The discovery was announced in AN 2459 and Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6567 as "an oval dic, growing rapidly brighter toward the center; 8"x5" in p.a. 150” in the shorter and about 11"x7" in the longer exposures.  Exceedingly faint ansae are suspected in the prolongation of the major axis, making the total length 20", but these may be very faint stars..."

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NGC 6568 = Cr 369 = ESO 590-006

18 12 44 -21 37 42; Sgr

Size 13'

 

17.5" (8/1/92): at 82x, 75 stars mag 11-14 in 15'x10' region elongated N-S.  Appears as a large enhancement of the Milky Way with no sharp edges.  Most stars are at the periphery and the central region is devoid of stars.  Irregular outline is formed by winding arcs of stars in a "S" pattern with most stars 13th magnitude.  The densest region is a very winding lane along the NW edge. 

 

8" (6/27/81): faint, rich dusting of mag 11-13 stars, forms a nice arc.  A mag 5.5 star is 30' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6568 = H VII-30 = h1998 = h3735 on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded "a cluster of pS, scattered stars; above 15' diameter."  His position is good.  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH called this object a "cluster VIII class; loose; scattered; fills field; is decidedly richer than any part of the milky way that has occurred tonight."

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NGC 6569 = ESO 456-077

18 13 38.8 -31 49 35; Sgr

V = 8.7;  Size 5.8';  Surf Br = 1.6

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2.5' diameter, weakly concentrated but no distinct core.  The surface brightness is irregular and the cluster is mottled with darker areas on the east side.  But there was no definite resolution into stars.  Four stars cradle the globular to the southwest and southeast and mag 6.6 SAO 209873 is 9' S. 

 

8" (7/31/81): faint, small, round, no resolution.  A mag 7 star is 9' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6569 = H II-201 = D 619 = h3736 on 13 Jul 1784 (sweep 237) and recorded "F, pL, lbM, r."  His position (CH's reduction) is 9' too far northeast.  This globular was the second most southerly object WH discovered.  James Dunlop observed NGC 6569 on 2 Jun 1826 and recorded "a pretty well-defined round nebula, about 2' diameter, slight condensation to the centre."  He made 2 observations and his position was 14' too far east.

 

On 3 Aug 1834, John Herschel described the cluster as "globular; pB; L; R; glbM; 4' diam, resolved into stars 15m."  He also noted that on 16 Jul 1836, the cluster was "Found in equatorial [5-inch refractor] in a zone review for double stars, where it appeared as a F, R neb 1' diam."

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NGC 6570 = UGC 11137 = MCG +02-46-008 = CGCG 084-022 = VV 537 = LGG 419-001 = PGC 61512

18 11 07.3 +14 05 34; Oph

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, oval SSW-NNE, fairly small, very weak concentration, rich star field.  Bracketed by four mag 13-14 stars.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6570 = m 363, d'A on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "pF, pL, R."  His position and description matches UGC 11137. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found NGC 6570 on 23 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and observed the galaxy on 3 consecutive nights.  E.E. Barnard found this galaxy again on 15 Aug 1911 while observing Wolf's periodic comet 1911a.  After reducing the position he realized the nebula was Marth's NGC 6570.

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NGC 6571 = MCG +04-43-006 = CGCG 142-010 = PGC 61504

18 10 49.4 +21 14 19; Her

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  First in the large NGC 6579/NGC 6580 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6571 = m 364 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stell."  His position is less than 1' due south of CGCG 142-010 = PGC 61504.

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NGC 6572 = PK 34+11.1 = PN G034.6+11.8 = ·6 = Blue Racquetball Nebula = Emerald Nebula

18 12 06.3 +06 51 13; Oph

V = 8.0;  Size 16"x13"

 

48" (4/4/11): I only took a quick look at this colorful planetary in the 48-inch at the end of the last night when the seeing the poor, but I could tell the very high surface brightness blue/green component was surrounded by much fainter outer halo that appeared slightly pinkish!

 

24" (9/1/16): at 200x, 375x and 500x; extremely high surface brightness, saturated blue-green disc slightly elongated oval N-S, perhaps 14"x10".  A very thin shell appears to encase the disc and occasionally an extremely low surface brightness outer halo appears to extend mostly north and south.

 

18" (8/2/05): at 225x I noticed an interesting color effect; although the color was a quite prominent bluish-green, while staring at the center the planetary decreased in size and the color changed to a deep emerald green (color vision is strongest with a direct view).

 

18" (8/14/04): at 225x, strikingly bright emerald green oval, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~15"x12".  Increasing to 435x this compact planetary appears elongated 3:2, ~16"x11" and brightens towards the center with direct vision, although the color becomes bluish and washed out.  The surface brightness is too high to pick out a central star.  There appears to be small, faint envelope encasing the planetary.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 225x this small planetary is very bright, with an obvious blue-green color.  Generally, the color appeared a vivid emerald green and other times there was bluish tint to the color.  The main body is only ~8" in size with a thin halo elongated ~SW-NE increasing the size to roughly 15"x11".  It appears to have a much larger, very low surface brightness halo, though perhaps this is scattered light as the planetary has such as a high surface brightness.  This halo is still evident at 322x, roughly 30" in diameter.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): at 220x appears as a very bright, small, intense blue oval, ~15"x12".  At 280x-500x, a thin outer envelope is obvious with the inner oval a uniform high surface brightness.  No central star visible.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): very bright, small, about 15" diameter, slightly elongated N-S, extremely high surface brightness, blue color.  Very faint outer halo is elongated N-S.  No central star seen. 

 

8" (7/79): bright, small, very high surface brightness.

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6572 = · 6 = h2000 on 18 Jul 1825 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory.  It was included in his list of 9 "Nebulae detectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars, which was published in 1827.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Bessel earlier measured NGC 6572 in 1822 during his "Zone observations" at Konigsberg, but didn't mention it as being nebulous.

 

John Herschel first observed this planetary on 9 May 1828 and recorded "a beautiful round, perfectly well defined and brilliant disc, equally a star 8-9 mag.  White equably bright.  Well seen in broad morning twilight.  A * 9-10m follows, 2' dist.  The sweeping power shows it as a * of large diameter, which could not escape examination in a good night; with 240 the disc seen as described.  It cannot be more than 4" diameter."  On 19 Aug 1830, JH showed the planetary to Wilhelm Struve at Slough.  Auwers made several measurements of the size, including 6.4"x5.3", and Secchi (1856) measured it at 7.5"x7.2" and noted a brighter center.  At Birr Castle, the color was described as "very blue".

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6572 as "an oval disk, fading out slightly towards edges, 14"x9" in a 5 min exposure and 16"x13" in the long exposure. No structural details visible."

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NGC 6573 = ESO 590-007

18 13 54 -22 09 48; Sgr

Size 12'

 

24" (7/7/13): at 125x this is a nice 12' field (not a cluster) with the stars mostly arranged in three distinct groups.  On the west side is an 8' string oriented NW-SE with a clump at the NW end.  On the north side is more scattered circular group of a couple dozen stars.  Finally on the east side is another elongated group oriented NW-SE with the brighter stars on the SE end.  This field is located 25' due west of the rich cluster NGC 6583.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6573 = h1999 on 28 Jul 1830 and reported "A cluster composed of 2 or 3 clusters of very small stars, and loose large ones.  Perhaps this is an outlier of V. 31 [NGC 6583]."  NGC 6583 lies 2.0 min of RA east of JH's position.  ESO calls this number NGC 6573 a "Concentration of 5 or 6 stars only".

 

According to Harold Corwin, Jeff Corder suggested this was a large scattered clump of stars right around JH's position, based on an observation with his 17/5-inch.  This is the same group of stars described in my observation.

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NGC 6574 = NGC 6610 = UGC 11144 = MCG +02-46-010 = CGCG 084-024 = CGCG 113-026 = PGC 61536

18 11 51.2 +14 58 54; Her

V = 12.0;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is involved at the south end 30" from the center.

 

8" (6/19/82): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6574 = m 365 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "pB, S, R."  His position is accurate.  Stephan independently rediscovered this galaxy on 10 Jun 1864 and included it in list VII-21 (later NGC 6610), but his position was poor due to an error with his offset star.  So, NGC 6574 = NGC 6610, with discovery priority to Marth.

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NGC 6575 = UGC 11138 = MCG +05-43-006 = CGCG 172-009 = PGC 61506

18 10 57.6 +31 06 57; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 65”

 

24" (9/5/18): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~0.6'x0.45', well concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus.  An extremely low surface brightness halo increases the diameter to ~1.0'x0.75'.

 

IC 1275, a small knot of four faint stars, lies 4' NW.  Two mag 14.8 and 15.3 stars separated by 22" were easily resolved and a close mag 16 star was also occasionally visible.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core.  Forms a pair with IC 1277 9' SW.  Located 8.0' S of mag 8.2 SAO 66720.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6575 = Sf 33 = St XII-88 on 7 Jun 1866 and recorded "bN (12m) diam 20"."  ƒdouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 1 Jul 1880 and called it "mB, S, R."  As Safford's discovery was not published until 1887 when the NGC was going to press, Stephan was credited with the discovery.

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NGC 6576 = CGCG 142-014 = PGC 61530

18 11 48.0 +21 25 42; Her

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 3.3' SW of NGC 6577 in the NGC 6579/6580 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6576 = m 366, along with NGC 6577, 6579 and 6580, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 6577 = UGC 11148 = MCG +04-43-009 = CGCG 142-017 = PGC 61543

18 12 01.2 +21 27 49; Her

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, round, small bright core.  A mag 14/15  double star is 1' E.  Located in the NGC 6579/NGC 6580 group with NGC 6576 3.3' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6577 = m 367 = Sf 30, along with NGC 6576, 6579 and 6580, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate.  Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  The discovery was not announced until the 1887 Dearborn Observatory publication.

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NGC 6578 = PK 10-1.1 = PN G010.8-01.8 = ESO 590-12

18 16 16.4 -20 27 02; Sgr

V = 12.6;  Size 13"x10"

 

17.5" (8/17/01): Situated within a clump of stars at 100x and appeared stellar at low power.  At 500x, a small unevenly lit 4" disc was easily visible close ENE [21"] of a mag 11 star. An extremely faint star is just off the SE edge and an evenly matched 20" pair of mag 11 stars lie 1' SE.  Located 7' NW of a mag 7 star.

 

13" (6/18/85): just non-stellar at 220x, estimate V = 13.0, 5" diameter.  Suspected nebulous at 144x, confirmed by UHC blinking.  Located 7.2' NW of mag 7.1 SAO 186575 (17 Sagittarii?).  Forms a close double with a mag 11 star 21" WSW and a pair of mag 11 stars is 1' SE.  This PN is plotted incorrectly on the Sky Atlas 2000.0.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6578 on 18 Aug 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at the Harvard College Observatory.  NGC 6578 was found on the same night with NGC 6439 and NGC 6567.  His RA, though, was 1.5 minutes too small (same error as NGC 6567) and his declination was 10' too far north.  The discovery was announced in AN 2459 and Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6578 as "nucleus almost stellar; mag 15.  Disk nearly round, 8.5" in diameter; no ansae or structural details discernable."

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NGC 6579 = MCG +04-43-011 = CGCG 142-022 = Holm 775b = WBL 652-007 = PGC 61562

18 12 31.8 +21 25 14; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15.5 star is 30" SW (this is a double star on the POSS).  Nearly attached at the SW edge of NGC 6580 (34" separation) in a large group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6579 = m 368, along with NGC 6580, 6576 and 6577, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, Dneb [with NGC 6580]."  His position is less than 1' north of CGCG 142-022 = PGC 61562. 

 

CGCG misidentifies CGCG 142-020 as NGC 6579 = NGC 6580.  This galaxy is 11' NNE of the NGC 6579/6580 double system.

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NGC 6580 = MCG +04-43-012 = CGCG 142-022 = Holm 775a = PGC 61566

18 12 33.7 +21 25 35; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 126”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, diffuse halo.  A mag 12 star is off the north edge.  Forms a double system with NGC 6579 off the SW edge 34" from centers.  Brightest in the cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6580 = m 369 = Sf 31, along with NGC 6579, 6576 and 6577, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, Dneb [with NGC 6579]."  His position matches CGCG 142-022 = PGC 61566.  Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.  CGCG misidentifies CGCG 142-020 as NGC 6579/6580.  This error is mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 6581 = IC 1280 = MCG +04-43-010 = CGCG 142-021 = PGC 61571

18 12 18.4 +25 39 44; Her

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NE end and a mag 15 star at the south end.  Image confused by these two close faint stars.  A wide pair of stars is 12' SW.  Located in the UGC 11156 group and incorrectly identified as UGC 11155 in the RNGC.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6581 = St I-9 on 1 Jul 1870 and recorded "barely visible, seems hazy, very small, between two faint stars."  There is nothing at his position.  But Harold Corwin found the coordinates of his 8th magnitude offset star are off by 11 seconds of RA east and 30" of dec south.  Once that correction is applied, Stephan's position is just 2 seconds of RA east of CGCG 142-021= PGC 61571. This galaxy has a mag 14 star at the northeast end and a mag 15 star at the south end, matching Stephan's description.  Esmiol made an error in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions, as he picked the wrong offset star.

 

Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 1 Jul 1886 while searching for NGC 6581 and listed it as Big. 222 in his fifth Comptes Rendus list.  Dreyer recatalogued the galaxy as IC 1280, so NGC 6581 = IC 1280.  MCG, CGCG and UGC label this galaxy IC 1280.  RNGC misidentifies UGC 11155 as NGC 6581.  UGC 11155 is 13' south of the (erroneous) NGC position.  This error is included in my RNGC Corrections list #4.  Malcolm Thomson also discusses the identification of NGC 6581 and IC 1280 in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections" and as well as Harold Corwin in his NGC/IC identification notes.

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NGC 6582 = UGC 11146 = MCG +08-33-029 = MCG +08-33-030 = CGCG 254-023 = VV 818 = PGC 61510 = PGC 61513

18 11 05.2 +49 54 33; Her

V = 13.5/14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (7/28/16): at 260x; the brighter eastern member (MCG +08-33-030) of the NGC 6582 pair appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30", fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core.  The western member of the pair (MCG +08-33-028) appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, round.  Contains a very small bright nucleus and a faint 15" halo.  The centers of the two galaxies are separated by 33" WNW-ESE and the halos are just separated.  NGC 6582 is the brightest in a group of galaxies at roughly 700 million l.y.

 

MCG +08-33-026, located 6' W, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, weak concentration to the center.  A mag 15.0 star is off the NW side [27" from center].  This galaxy is often misidentified as NGC 6582.  UGC 11149, 3' SE, is faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~20"x15", very small slightly brighter nucleus.  A group of 5 stars is close south and east with a mag 11.5 star 1.5' E.  MCG +08-33-023, 13' WNW, is faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.

 

17.5" (7/22/01): the eastern component of this double system is faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter.  Just off the northwest end is MCG +08-33-029, a fainter companion that was cleanly resolved in good seeing.  It appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.3'x0.2'.  CGCG 254-021 (often misidentified as NGC 6582), located 6' W, appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 10" diameter.  A mag 15 star is close  northwest [28" between centers]

 

17.5" (8/1/89): this is the following member of a double system.  Faint, small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A companion is very close west just 33" separation between centers and appears very faint, small, round, low surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6582 = Sw. IV-67 on 24 Jul 1884 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; in vacancy, between 6 stars like sickle in Leo, and 4 like alpha, beta, gamma and delta Ursae Majoris."  His position is 14 seconds of RA west of the double system UGC 11146 (apparently he only noticed the brighter eastern component).  The 4 stars forming a little bowl are south and the 6 stars forming a sickle are north.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 14 Aug 1892 as well as Howe in 1899-00.  Howe also noted "a star of mag 13.5 precedes about 2 seconds."  The mag 13.5 "star" is MCG +08-33-029, the western component of the double system.

 

MCG and PGC (and secondary sources including Megastar software) misidentify CGCG 254-021 as NGC 6582.  This galaxy is fainter than UGC 11146 and not between the group of stars described by Swift. UGC  has the correct identification.

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NGC 6583 = Cr 370 = ESO 590-011

18 15 49 -22 08 18; Sgr

Size 3'

 

24" (7/7/13): excellent, very rich cluster at 175x with at least 50 stars mag 12-15, many of which are arranged in long intersecting lanes.  Three distinct strings of stars stand out.  Some brighter stars are off the south side.  NGC 6573 (asterism) lies 25' due west.

 

17.5" (8/1/92): fairly faint, small, very rich.  Contains 30 mag 13-15 stars in a 3'x2' field.  Appears elongated SSW-NNE due to string of five stars through the center.  Also a curving string of a half-dozen stars extends out of the cluster to the west.  Three mag 11-12 stars are a few arc minutes off the SE edge.

 

8" (7/16/82): few faint stars resolved over haze, appear rich but stars too faint to resolve well.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6583 = H VII-31 = h2001 = h3739 on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded "a cluster of very small, and pretty compressed stars, considerably rich; 2 or 3' diam, but twilight too strong to see it well."  From the CGH, JH logged "oblong cluster, not v rich nor v compressed, but well insulated; stars 13m; 5' long; 4' broad."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6584 = ESO 229-014

18 18 37.6 -52 12 55; Tel

V = 8.6;  Size 7.9';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this globular appeared fairly bright, moderately large, ~4' diameter with a broad concentration and a fairly symmetric appearance.  It was resolved into a couple of dozen faint stars, mostly in the halo, which appeared a bit ragged.  The central core was very mottled but unresolved.  A few brighter mag 11 stars are just outside the halo, but these appeared to be foreground stars. A mag 7.5 star is 13' NW and mag 7.0 star 15' NNE.  Located 2.8” SE of mag 3.7 Theta Arae at a distance of ~45,000 light years in the inner halo.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appeared fairly faint, ~3.5' diameter, broadly concentrated to a 2' core.  The globular seemed slightly elongated ~NNW-SSE.  Three mag 11 stars cradle the globular on the south, east and northwest sides but appear to be field stars. A few faint stars were just resolved in the halo but the central region was unresolved.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 3' diameter, round, broad concentration to core.  Slight resolution at edges and three brighter field stars are off the NW, west and SW sides.  Observed at 14” elevation from Baja.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6584 = D 376 = h3737 on 5 Jun 1826 and described a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, moderately condensed to the centre; three very small stars involved in the preceding margin."  He claims 4 observations and his position is 6.5' due west of center.  John Herschel made two observations, first recording on 8 Jul 1834, "globular cluster; B; R; gmbM; entirely resolved into stars 16m; easily seen."

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NGC 6585 = UGC 11159 = MCG +07-37-024 = CGCG 227-020 = PGC 61553

18 12 21.6 +39 37 58; Her

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 50”

 

24" (9/6/18): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.25', brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  The mottled appearance strongly suggested a dusty surface and this was later verified on the PanSTARRS image.  Nestled in a striking location, surrounded by a group of brighter stars to the north, east and south [extending ~9'x4' N-S].

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration.  Located within a group of ten mag 10-12 stars including a mag 11 star 1.5' N and a mag 10 star 2.5' NE that is collinear with the major axis.

 

Edward Swift, the 16 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC 6585 = Sw. IX-87 on 25 May 1887. He reported, "eeeF; pS; E; eee diff; between several bright stars."  The Swift's position is 3' north of UGC 11159 (typical error) and the description is applicable as several fairly bright stars surround the galaxy.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and published in 1890 after the NGC.  Bigourdan measured an accurate postion on 14 Jul 1890.  Howe also measured a good position in 1899-00 and noted "the elongation is at 45”, the nebula being 1.0' or more in length, and brighter in the middle.  It appeared to have a backbone or central stripe of greater  brightness than the rest."

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NGC 6586 = UGC 11164 = MCG +04-43-016 = CGCG 142-028 = PGC 61600

18 13 38.5 +21 05 24; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is off the south edge 0.6' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 6591 5' SE within the NGC 6579/NGC 6580 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6586 = m 370, along with NGC 6591, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, S, R."   His position is within 1' of UGC 11164.

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NGC 6587 = UGC 11166 = MCG +03-46-020 = CGCG 113-031 = PGC 61607

18 13 50.8 +18 49 31; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, small, almost round, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNW.  Located in a rich field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6587 = m 371 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vS, R, stell."  His position is accurate to within 30".

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NGC 6588 = ESO 103-014

18 20 33 -63 48 30; Pav

 

= several faint stars, ESO.  Not found, Dreyer.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6588 = h3738 on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "eF; S; among st.  A * 6m sp 10' distant."  There is nothing but faint stars near his position, which seems to be accurate as a mag 6.2 star (HD 167425) is 12' southwest.  DeLisle Stewart reported "not seen, several vF stars, no neb", based on plates taken at Arequipa, Peru and the ESO also states "several faint stars".  Harold Corwin lists three possible groups of stars or asterisms in his NGC positions file, but I've listed the number as "Not Found", as these are all uncertain.

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NGC 6589 = IC 4690: = ESO 590-14 = LBN 46 = vdB 118 = Ced 157a

18 16 53 -19 46 42; Sgr

Size 5'x4'

 

17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x (unfiltered) this is a bright, roundish glow, ~4' diameter, surrounding a wide pair of mag 10/11.5 stars.  On the following side, a small 1' glow seems overlapping, causing the east side to bulge out and extending the diameter to 5'x4'.  Forms a prominent pair with NGC 6590 6' SSE in a weakly luminous Milky Way field.

 

17.5" (6/20/87): at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebula surrounding a mag 9 star.  The nebulosity is more extensive on the following side of the star.  Forms a pair with reflection nebula NGC 6595 7' SSE.

 

13" (7/16/82): very faint, larger than NGC 6590 to the south.  Surrounds two stars.  IC 1283/1284 lies just NE.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6589 = Sf 81 = Sw. II-63 on 28 Aug 1867 and noted "*10m [with] pF nebulosity."  His position is 2.6' too far north, but accurate in RA.  Lewis Swift independently discovered this reflection nebula on 12 Jul 1885 and recorded "Another D* in center of an eF, pL nebulosity; np of 2 [with NGC 6590].  Except for the inequality of the stars and the excessive faintness of the nebula, it would resemble the preceding [Sw II-62 = NGC 6590]."  Swift's position was 35 seconds of time too far west (same error as NGC 6590, found the same night).  As Safford's discovery list was not published until 1887 when Dreyer had already compiled the NGC table, Swift was credited with the discovery.  E.E. Barnard measured an accurate micrometric position, which was published in AN 3101 and repeated in the IC I Notes section.

 

Finally, Harold Corwin suggests that Barnard's IC 4690 may a duplicate entry.  In "Some notes on nebulae and nebulosities" (AN 4239), Barnard writes "The two stars BD -19d 4881 and -19d 4946 are closely and densely nebulous.  The nebulosity about -19d 4881 is somewhat extended nf and sp."  BD -19d 4881 is not involved in any nebulosity, but Corwin suggests he meant BD -19d 4940 instead, and the extended nebula should read -19d 4946.  If that's the case, then IC 4690 = NGC 6589 and IC 4700 = NGC 6590.

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NGC 6590 = NGC 6595 = IC 4700 = ESO 590-15 = Lund 819 = LBN 43 = vdB 119 = Ced 157b

18 17 05 -19 52 00; Sgr

Size 4'x3'

 

17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x, this reflection nebula appears as a bright, round glow surrounding a similar pair (h2827) of 10th magnitude stars separated by 20".  The glow is fairly large, extending roughly 4' in diameter.  Forms a similar pair of RN with NGC 6589 6' NNW.  The entire field is weakly glowing and this nebulosity is connected to the large region IC 1283/84 to the NE.  A dark patch or globule on the NW side was not seen with certainty.

 

17.5" (6/20/87): at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebulosity surrounding a pair of mag 10 stars.  Similar or slightly larger than NGC 6589 in field 7' NNW.

 

13" (7/16/82): moderately bright, small, surrounds a closely matched double star.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6590 = Sw. II-62, along with NGC 6589, on 12 Jul 1885 and recorded "A nebulous D*; pF; sf of 2.  A D* in center of a pF, pL circular atmosphere, each * of the 8.5 mag and about 20" distant.  A wonderful object, not diff".  His position is 45 seconds of RA too far west, but his description clearly applies to this bright reflection nebula.

 

John Herschel was the original discoverer on 14 Jul 1830 and it was catalogued as h2002 = GC 4395 = NGC 6595.  JH's position was good, so it's surprising that Swift didn't realize the prior discovery.  E.E. Barnard corrected Swift's poor RA in AN 3101 and Dreyer noted NGC 6590 = NGC 6595 in the IC 1 Notes section.  By order of discovery, NGC 6595 should take precedence, though for some reason this reflection nebula is generally called NGC 6590.  Barnard's IC 4700, which derives from his mention that BD -19”4946 was densely nebulous (from a review of various photographic nebulae in AN 4239 in 1908), is another identity!  See Corwin's identification notes..

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NGC 6591 = PGC 61610

18 14 03.5 +21 03 48; Her

Size 0.3'x0.1';  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, small, possibly elongated.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge and a wide mag 13.5 pair is 1' NW.  Located 6' ESE of NGC 6586 in the NGC 6579/80 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6591 = m 372, along with NGC 6586, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "eeF, vS, stell."  His position is 3 seconds west and less than 1' south of PGC 61610 (separation 1.0'). HyperLEDA lists a total blue magnitude of 16.4 for PGC 61610, but this is certainly within the range of Lassell's 48-inch.

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NGC 6592 = MCG +10-26-018 = CGCG 301-016 = VII Zw 771 = PGC 61477

18 09 50.8 +61 25 19; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, small brighter core.  A mag 12.3 star lies 1.7' W.  First in a group of 8 NGC galaxies (all discovered by Swift) and one IC.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  An extremely faint star is possibly at the west edge.  First in a group of at least 7 extremely faint galaxies.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6592 = Sw. I-86 on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; nearly bet. 2 stars."  His position is 14 seconds of RA west of CGCG 301-016 = PGC 61477, the only galaxy near his position.  There are a few pairs of surrounding stars that fit his description.  Swift later added the comment "1st of 8 [in a group]."  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 3 Oct 1890 as well as Howe in 1899-00, though Dreyer didn't include a corrected position in the IC 2 Notes section.

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NGC 6593 = MCG +04-43-018 = CGCG 142-030 = PGC 61617

18 14 03.5 +22 17 02; Her

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 30" N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6593 = m 373, St VII on 10 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS."  His position was 1.8' south of CGCG 142-030 = PGC 61617.  Stephan independently found this galaxy on 23 Jun 1876 and reported it in list VII-20 as "excessively small and faint, round, slightly brighter middle."  His micrometric position is accurate to within 1 second of RA.

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NGC 6594 = MCG +10-26-019 = CGCG 301-017 = PGC 61482

18 10 05.5 +61 08 00; Dra

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 90”

 

24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 E-W, 24"x18".  Second in a group of 8 NGC galaxies (and one IC), with NGC 6597 8.7' ENE.  Mag 8.2 HD 167347 lies nearly between these two galaxies.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Located 5.8' SW of mag 7.8 SAO 177948.  Second in a group with NGC 6597 8.7' ENE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6594 = Sw. I-87, along with NGC 6597, on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; between a F and a more distant B *.  2nd of 8."  His position is at the north edge of CGCG 301-017 = PGC 61482 and the "more distant B *" is mag 8.2 HD 167347, which lies 6' northeast near NGC 6597.

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NGC 6595 = NGC 6590 = IC 4700 = ESO 590-15 = Lund 819 = LBN 43 = Cr 371 = vdB 119 = Ced 157b

18 17 05 -19 52 00; Sgr

Size 4'x3'

 

17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x, this reflection nebula appears as a bright, round glow surrounding a similar pair (h2827) of 10th magnitude stars separated by 20".  The glow is fairly large, extending roughly 4' in diameter.  Forms a similar pair of RN with NGC 6589 6' NNW.  The entire field is weakly glowing and this nebulosity is connected to the large region IC 1283/84 to the NE.  A dark patch or globule on the NW side was not seen with certainty.

 

17.5" (6/20/87): at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebulosity surrounding a pair of mag 10 stars.  Similar or slightly larger than NGC 6589 in field 7' NNW.

 

13" (7/16/82): moderately bright, small, surrounds a closely matched double star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6595 = h2002 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "a double * h2827, involved in a pB large nebula 50".  See description of that star."  He reobserved this object the next two nights as well as sketched it.  The RA was only measured on one sweep, but his position and description clearly apply to the bright RN surrounding the double star h2827.

 

Lewis Swift independently found this reflection nebula on 12 Jul 1885, though his position for Sw. II-62 = NGC 6590 was 45 seconds of RA too far west.  Barnard also mentioned that the central star (BD -19”4946) was densely nebulous in AN 4239 and the nebula also received the designation IC 4700.  Dreyer missed the equivalence with the previous NGC identifications, but NGC 6590 = NGC 6595 = IC 4700  (see NGC 6590 for more).

 

Sky Catalogue 2000.0 labels the nebula as NGC 6590/6595 and NGC 6595 is also catalogued as an open cluster at the same position (from Lynga).  The RNGC has an error in declination, placing NGC 6590/6595 9' too far south.

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NGC 6596 = Lund 821 = OCL-41

18 17 33 -16 39 00; Sgr

Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/10/91): about two dozen stars in a 5' diameter.  Unusual arrangement as the stars form a perfect ellipse outline elongated N-S.  The brightest mag 10.5 star is at the north end.  A small group is to the southeast of the mag 10.5 star.  The ellipse is only broken on the east side and the center is void of stars.  Two nice faint double stars are on the northwest side.  Just barely stands out in a very rich field with many bright stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6596 = H VIII-55 = h2003 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars."  His position is on the north side of the cluster.  JH made a single observation and simply noted "a cluster with a triple star in it."

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NGC 6597 = MCG +10-26-020 = CGCG 301-018 = PGC 61520

18 11 13.4 +61 10 50; Dra

V = 14.8;  Size 0.9'x0.45';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 99”

 

24" (7/19/12): faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 18"x12", gradually increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  Situated 3.3' E of mag 8.2 HD 167347.  In a 30' group of 9 NGC/IC galaxies with NGC 6594 8.7' WSW.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint, very small, elongated ~E-W.  Located 3.3' E of mag 7.8 SAO 17798, which detracts from viewing.  Third in large group of faint galaxies with NGC 6594 8.7' WSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6597 = Sw. I-89, along with NGC 6594, on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; diff. by proximity to a B *."  His position is just 9 seconds of RA too small and the bright star is mag 8.2 HD 167347.

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NGC 6598 = UGC 11139 = MCG +12-17-018 = CGCG 340-037 = PGC 61462

18 08 56.0 +69 04 04; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 15.5 star is at the east end.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6598 = Sw. I-88 on 6 Sep 1883 and recorded "vvF; pS; R; in vacancy; 3 st in a curve south."  Swift's position is just off the south edge of UGC 11139 and the closest of the "3 st in a curve south" is 3.7' south-southeast.

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NGC 6599 = NGC 6600? = UGC 11178 = MCG +04-43-019 = CGCG 142-031 = PGC 61655

18 15 43.0 +24 54 45; Her

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core.  Two mag 13 stars are 32" W and 1.1' NW of center and a fainter mag 14 star is 30" WNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 6602 14' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6599 = St XII-89 on 27 Jul 1880 and recorded "pF, vS, R, gbM, tangent to a very small star."  His position matches UGC 11178.  Harold Corwin suggests Albert Marth may have discovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1864 and recorded it as m 374 = NGC 6600, but his declination was 7' too far north.  As the identification of NGC 6599 is certain, this number is the primary designation.

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NGC 6600 = NGC 6599? = UGC 11178 = MCG +04-43-019 = CGCG 142-031 = PGC 61655

18 15 43.0 +24 54 45; Her

 

See observing notes for NGC 6599.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6600 = m 374 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell."  The observation is marked as "verified", but there is nothing at his position.  However, 52 seconds of RA further east is NGC 6602 = UGC 11184 (separation of 12') and 7' due south of his position is NGC 6599 = UGC 11178.  So, either an error in RA or Dec leads to a galaxy he could have seen.  There is nothing (except a pair of very faint stars) at Bigourdan's "corrected" position of 1 Jul 1886.

 

The RNGC equates NGC 6600 with NGC 6602.   However, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6600 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 6599, as it is brighter and has a higher surface brightness.  Stephan independently found NGC 6599 on 27 Jul 1880, measured an accurate position and reported it in his 12th list (#89).  As the identity of NGC 6599 is not in doubt, that is the primary designation.

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NGC 6601 = MCG +10-26-022 = CGCG 301-019 = PGC 61533

18 11 44.2 +61 27 10; Dra

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 42”

 

24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, ~20"x12", very small brighter nucleus.  A group of stars including two mag 9 and 10 lies 4' N.  Fourth of 9, including 8 NGC galaxies discovered by Lewis Swift.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' W.  Fourth in a large group of extremely faint galaxies.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6601 = Sw. I-90 on 4 Aug 1883 and logged "eF; R; pS; near end of a curve of stars.  4th of 8."  His position is 13 seconds of RA west of CGCG 301-019 = PGC 61533 and the comment "near end of a curve of stars" applies to this galaxy.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

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NGC 6602 = UGC 11184 = MCG +04-43-021 = CGCG 142-035 = PGC 61674 = NGC 6600?

18 16 34.2 +25 02 38; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 179”

 

24" (8/12/18): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, strong concentration with a very small very bright nucleus. A mag 14.4 star is at the east side.  A mag 10.7 star is 3.5' NW.  IC 1285, an asterism of 4 stars mag 14-15.5, lies 6.5' NW.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is attached at the east end.  Located in the field of NGC 6599, which lies 14' SW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6602 = Big. 83 on 1 Jul 1886 and recorded "appears to be a cluster of 30" dia, consisting of very dim stars, perhaps interspersed with nebulosity, distinct from GC 5907 [= NGC 6600].  There is nothing at his Comptes Rendus position but exactly 41 seconds of RA east is UGC 11184.  A star at the east edge perhaps gave Bigourdan the impression it was a cluster.  He later corrected the RA in the 6 May 1901 Comptes Rendus paper (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

 

UGC, MCG and CGCG fail to label this galaxy as NGC 6602.  RNGC, though, identifies it as NGC 6602.  NGC 6600 may be a duplicate (earlier) observation of this galaxy (see notes on NGC 6600).

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NGC 6603 = Cr 374

18 18 27 -18 24 24; Sgr

Size 5'

 

13.1" (8/17/85): excellent resolution into 30-50 faint stars including a string oriented NW-SE running through the center.  The outline forms an arrowhead shape pointing to the east.  Situated in the northeast corner of M24 in a glorious region of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud!  Located 4' N of mag 8 SAO 161294.  The dark nebula B93 lies ~30' NW.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): between 50 and 70 stars are resolved, extremely dense.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6603 = h2004 on 15 Jul 1830 and recorded "a glorious concentrated part of Milky Way, almost amounting to a globular cluster.  Star 14 and 15m.  The next night he logged "fine cluster of stars 15m; R; 6'; the stars are all of a size.  The cl seems connected with the Milky Way.  JH gave M24 as a synonym and this was mistakenly repeated in his General Catalog (GC) and Dreyer's NGC, but Herschel's description and position applies to the small, rich cluster within M24 (the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud).  In the NGC, Dreyer noted "h2004 = M24.  h's two observations hardly consist with this description [!, Cl, vRi, vmC, R, st 15 (M Way)], and their deviation of nearly +3m from Messier's place makes it very doubtful whether he really saw this object."

 

IC 4715 refers to M24 (the entire star cloud).  Barnard described the star cloud in detail (AN 4239) based on photos he took in 1905 and Dreyer assumed it was new.  But his position for the center is ~10 min of RA too large, so the connection with M24 was not made until more recently.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6604 = Cr 373

18 18 03 -12 14 35; Ser

V = 6.5;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/10/91): at 140x appears as a prominent 2' arc of five stars including a mag 7.5 star and a double star on the southwest end.  Surrounding this arc is a 5' group of roughly two dozen stars elongated N-S, which includes two faint pairs. My observation of the surrounding emission complex Sh 2-54 is appended below.

 

16x80 finder (8/10/91): very large, very faint emission haze (Sh 2-54 = Gum 84) surrounding a very large group of stars, improves with UHC filter.  The Eagle Nebula was very prominent in the field to the south.  On the north side of this large HII region is a small brighter knot = Simeis 3-132 that was visible in the 17.5" at 64x using a UHC filter as a moderately bright, 3'x2.5' glow, slightly elongated N-S.  The eastern side of this HII knot has a sharper, linear border.  Also viewed at 220x unfiltered and a group of a half dozen mag 12-13 stars extended N-S in a string are superimposed near the eastern boundary.  This obscure, but relatively easy nebula is located 30' N of open cluster NGC 6604 on the north end of Sh 2-54.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6604 = H VIII-15 = h3740 on 15 Jul 1784 (sweep 238) and noted "a cluster of coarsely scattered stars."  His position is roughly 9' too far north-northeast.  JH made the single observation (sweep 617) "a poor cl class VIII having coarse stragglers to a great distance.  The chief * 7m taken."

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NGC 6605 = OCL-47 = Lund 820

18 16 21 -15 00 06; Ser

Size 29'

 

18" (8/27/05): at 73x, this is a very undistinguished group of 80-100 stars scattered over 20' and appears to be just a typical Milky Way field.  Includes a mag 7.8 star (HD 167498) on the NW side and just NW of this star are a number of faint stars.  Otherwise, there is a noticeable lack of any rich spots or concentration and the central region is noticeably lacking in stars.  The only reason I can see Herschel may have been recorded this object is because it's somewhat detached in a low power field.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6605 = h2005 on 31 Jul 1826 and logged "A loose straggling cluster of stars 11...12m."  There is nothing at his position but 2 minutes of RA preceding is a scattered group of bright stars that Corwin identifies as probably NGC 6605.  Karl Reinmuth simply reported "no Cl" and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6606 = UGC 11174 = MCG +07-37-025 = CGCG 227-021 = PGC 61633

18 14 41.7 +43 16 07; Lyr

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

24" (9/5/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 45"x40", diffuse halo, broad concentration towards the center but no distinct nucleus.  Located at the midpoint of mag 7.8 HD 167652 7' WNW and mag 9.5 SAO 47338 7' ESE.

 

UGC 11181, a challenging multiple interacting system, lies 10' ENE of NGC 6606.  Three components (PGC 61650, 61649 and 200356) within 1.8' were seen at 375x, though all were extremely faint and only between 6" and 15" in diameter.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint extensions.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6606 = St XIII-88 on 8 Aug 1883 and logged "vF, S, R, gbM, vf * center."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6607 = MCG +10-26-023 = CGCG 301-020 = PGC 61550

18 12 14.8 +61 19 59; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (7/19/12): faint, small, round, 24", low even surface brightness. In a trio with brighter NGC 6608 2.3' E and extremely difficult NGC 6609 (identification uncertain) 2.7' SE.  Fifth of 7 or 8 faint NGC galaxies discovered by Swift in a 30' group.

 

17.5" (7/21/98): this very difficult object required averted to glimpse a 15" spot just 2.2' W of brighter NGC 6608.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small, round.  Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 6608 2.2' E.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 6608 in the CGCG.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6607 = Sw. I-91, along with nearby NGC 6608 and 6609, on 4 Aug 1883, and recorded "eF; pS; R; v  difficult."  His position is 17 seconds of time due west of CGCG 301-020 = PGC 61550.  As NGC 6609 = CGCG 301-021 = PGC 61559 was placed 20 seconds east (the actual separation is 19 seconds), the identification is certain.  Herbert Howe was unsuccessful in finding NGC 6607 on 3 nights with the 20" refractor at Denver in 1899-00, though on one night he "suspected" one or two objects in the vicinity.  CGCG mislabels CGCG 301-020 as NGC 6608.

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NGC 6608 = MCG +10-26-024 = FGC 2194 = PGC 61556 = PGC 2615431

18 12 28.9 +61 17 53; Dra

V = 15.6;  Size 0.8'x0.1';  PA = 42”

 

24" (7/19/12): at 375x momentarily glimpsed 3 or 4 times as an extremely thin ghostly streak, perhaps 20"x5".  Verified, though, as this difficult galaxy popped out just west of the midpoint of two mag 11 and 11.5 stars oriented NW-SE with a separation of 5.5'.  Located 2' SSW of NGC 6609 and 2.7' SE of NGC 6607.

 

17.5" (7/20/98): not found.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6608 = Sw. I-92, along with NGC 6607 and 6609, on 4 Aug 1883 and recorded "vvS; R; vF; vF * nr."  His position is just 5 seconds of RA preceding NGC 6609 = CGCG 301-021 = PGC 61559.  Although his positions for NGC 6607 and 6609 are offset 16-17 seconds of RA too far west, there is no third galaxy on the same parallel, just preceding NGC 6609.  However, MCG +10-26-024 = PGC 61556, is 2.3' south of his "corrected" position.  Since there are three NGC numbers from Swift and three galaxies, it's reasonable to assign MCG +10-26-024 to NGC 6608.  But there are several issues with this identification, besides the position.

 

MCG +10-26-024 is an extremely faint, narrow edge-on that I missed in my 18-inch on several attempts and I doubt Swift could have picked it up in his 16-inch refractor.  Howe missed it with a 20" when he examined the field in 1899-00.  Furthermore, there is no "vF * nr" to MCG +10-26-024 as in the description. Finally,  MCG +10-26-024 is extremely thin, so "R" does not apply.  Despite these inconsistencies, Corwin still favors NGC 6608 = MCG +10-26-024.

 

As an alternative, perhaps NGC 6608 is a duplicate of NGC 6609 = CGCG 301-021.  His description for NGC 6608 also fits this galaxy, but that implies Swift was confused and recorded the same galaxy twice.  MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 6608 and 6609 given here.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 6607 for the full story.

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NGC 6609 = NGC 6608? = MCG +10-26-025 = CGCG 301-021 = VII Zw 773 = PGC 61559

18 12 33.6 +61 19 55; Dra

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, very small, round, 18" diameter, weak concentration.  Bracketed by a mag 14.5 star 30" SSW and a mag 15.2 star 35" NE.  A mag 11 star lies 1.5' E.  Brightest in a close trio with NGC 6607 2.2' W and NGC 6608 (identification unlikely) 2.1' SSW.  MCG and PGC misidentify this object as NGC 6608

 

17.5" (7/21/98): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is off the south edge 30" from center.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1' S.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6607 2.2' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6609 = Sw. I-93, along with NGC 6607 and 6608, on 4 Aug 1883 and recorded "vF; lE; pS; F * nr."  His position for NGC 6607 is 17 seconds of RA too far west, so applying this same offset to his position for NGC 6609, lands at the north edge of CGCG 301-021 = PGC 61559, the brightest of three galaxies in a small group.  The "F * nr" applies to a mag 14.5 star off the south side, so this identification is certain.

 

Herbert Howe searched for these 3 galaxies in 1899-00 with the 20" at Denver and reported "a nebula supposed to be 6609 was measured in 2 nights.  Its position differs from that given by Swift only 16 seconds in RA and 0.4' in declination.  The "F * nr" is of mag 12, and lies about 25" south of the nebula, a little preceding.  There is another star of mag 13.5 which is one the opposite side of the nebula, at about the same distance."  His position matches CGCG 301-021.

 

MCG, RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 301-021 as NGC 6608, instead of NGC 6609.  CGCG and RNGC have the correct identification.  See notes on NGC 6608, which has an identification problem.

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NGC 6610 = NGC 6574 = UGC 11144 = MCG +02-46-010 = CGCG 084-024 = CGCG 113-026

18 11 51.2 +14 58 54; Her

 

See observing notes for NGC 6574.  Identification uncertain.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 6610 = St VII-21on 13 Jul 1876 and recorded "F, S, E, mbM, r."  There is nothing at Stephan's position but Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's observations (http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1916TOMar...4D...9E), replaces NGC 6610 with an "anonymous" nebula, using a different offset star and separations.  The computed position coincides with NGC 6574 (discovered by Marth on 9 Jul 1863).  So, based on Esmiol's corrections, NGC 6610 = NGC 6574, with priority to Marth.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.  NGC 218 is a similar case I uncovered.  See notes for that one.

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NGC 6611 = M16 = IC 4703 = LBN 67 = Ced 159 = RCW 165 = Sh 2-49 = Gum 83 = Eagle Nebula = Star Queen Nebula

18 18 48 -13 48 24; Ser

V = 6.0;  Size 35'x28'

 

13.1" (8/17/85): a thin dark "finger" extends towards the cluster, positioned just south and beyond the two bright mag 9 stars near the center.  This is an extension of the wider projection seen previously several times and which is better defined along the south edge.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): the "Eagle Nebula" is a fairly bright 30' nebulosity in a striking outstretched eagle shape with a bright scattered cluster superimposed.  There is a considerable contrast gain to the nebulosity using a UHC or OIII filter.  With a UHC filter, a dark projection (called the "Star Queen") enters on the SE edge of the nebula and extends inward to the west. The cluster members surrounding the "head" of the eagle include ten mag 8-10 stars and a bright pair of mag 8.5 stars (8.2/8.8 at 27").  A dark triangular wedge is visible off the north side.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): dark protrusion fairly easy at 88x.

 

Philippe Loys de ChŽseaux discovered M16 = NGC 6611 = h2006 in 1745-46 and reported it as a star cluster to the French Academy of Sciences.  Charles Messier independently found it on 3 Jun 1764 and stated "appears nebulous in a small telescope" and "enmeshed in a faint glow" but this appearance was due to the poor resolution of the stars in his telescope - not the involved nebulosity.  William Herschel, observing on 30 Jul 1783 with his small 20-foot (12-inch reflector), described "Large stars with small ones among them; within a small compass I counted more than 50, and there must be at least 100 without taking a number of straggling ones, everywhere dispersed in the neighborhood."  So, Herschel didn't note any nebulosity either.

 

Isaac Roberts discovered the nebulosity in the "Eagle Nebula" on a photographic plate taken in 1894 and it was catalogued as IC 4703.  But Wolfgang Steinicke claims that ƒtienne LŽopold Trouvelot made a visual discovery of the nebulosity in 1876 with the 26-inch refractor at the USNO!  Robert Innes, observing in 1914 at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, reported "with the 9-inch refractor the nebula is just visible and it fills the perimeter of the cluster with faint extensions beyond."

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NGC 6612 = MCG +06-40-011 = CGCG 200-014 = I Zw 204 = PGC 61665

18 16 10.8 +36 04 43; Lyr

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated.  A mag 16 star is involved at the NE edge, a mag 15 star is 1' NE and a mag 13.5 star is 1.6' SSW.  Located 4.5' NNE of a mag 10 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6612 around 1886.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer, who referenced his 6th discovery list which was under preparation when the NGC was published.  But Swift didn't include this object in either in his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC.  His description reads "eeF; eS; R; v diff." and his position is 12 seconds of RA west and 3' north of CGCG 200-014 = PGC 61665, the only nearby galaxy.

 

Bigourdan measured an accurate position for this galaxy on 3 Jul 1897.  Howe reported "I was unable to find anything at the NGC position for this "v. diff." object, but I measured a supposed nebula about 5' away, making at the time of observation the note "eF, eS"; a little question whether there really is nebulosity here."  Possibly 6612 is identical with [IC] 1279, with an error of 5 minutes in R.A."  His position for the measured nebula matches CGCG 200-014.

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NGC 6613 = M18

18 19 58.5 -17 06 07; Sgr

V = 6.9;  Size 9'

 

17.5" (8/1/92): at 100x, bright, scattered, includes three mag 9 stars and 10 mag 11 stars.  The bright stars form a "V" asterism with the vertex to the NNE.  Includes a few wide double stars.  At 220x, 40 stars are visible in a 7' diameter, scattered but distinctive.  The bright group of 15 stars forming the "V" asterism is surrounded by a dark circular void.  The rest of the cluster is to the south and west of the "V".  Only a few faint stars are involved and the cluster appears fully resolved.

 

Charles Messier discovered M18 = NGC 6613 = h2007 on 3 Jun 1764 and recorded "A cluster of small stars, a little below above nebula, No. 17, surrounded by slight nebulosity, this cluster is less obvious than the preceding, No. 16: with an ordinary telescope of 3.5-foot [FL], this cluster appears like a nebula; but with a good telescope one sees nothing but stars. (diam. 5').  On 22 Jun 1784 (sweep 231), WH logged it as "a cl of coarsely scattered L stars, not rich."  On 16 Jul 1830, JH called it "A poor and coarse cluster. Contains about a dozen stars 10m and 15 or 20 more 12 .. 15m."

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NGC 6614 = ESO 103-018 = LGG 422-002 = PGC 61852

18 25 07.2 -63 14 53; Pav

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~40"x30",broad concentration to an ill-defined brighter core.  Situated in a rich Pavo star field 14' S of a mag 6.1 star.  There are several fairly bright stars along with a large number of faint stars in the field.  A mag 11.2 star lies 1.5' S.  To the NW are three collinear stars; a mag 9.4 star at 3.1', a mag 11.2 star at 4.9' and a mag 12 star at 7.5'. Probably an outlying member of ACO S805 = Pavo II cluster.

 

ESO 103-019 lies 8' SE.  This edge-on appeared faint or fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 40"x10", low surface brightness streak, no concentration.  Three nearby stars are collinear; a mag 14 star at the northwest edge and two mag 12-13 stars 3' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6614 = h3741 on 20 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; or vlE; vlbM; it follows a * 9m about 7 or 8 sec of time, and is about 3' S of it."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6615 = UGC 11196 = MCG +02-46-013 = CGCG 084-034 = PGC 61713

18 18 33.6 +13 15 53; Oph

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

24" (8/29/19): at 375x;, fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, sharply concentrated with an intense core, much fainter 50"x40" halo.   Situated in a rich star field 17' N of mag 6.8 HD 168271.  ROE 111 = 10.5/11.2 pair at 3" separation lies 6' E.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus, in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6615 = m 375 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, vS."   His position is 1.8' too far south.

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NGC 6616 = UGC 11192 = MCG +04-43-022 = CGCG 142-036 = PGC 61693

18 17 41.0 +22 14 18; Her

V = 13.8;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 59”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, elongated SW-NE, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6616 = Sw. II-64 on 14 July 1885 and recorded "vF; eS; eE; forms S equilateral triangle with 2 F st."  There is nothing at his position, but 25 seconds of RA west is UGC 11192 and his description applies (the stars are southwest and west).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1898-99 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 6617 = UGC 11176 = MCG +10-26-029 = CGCG 301-025 = PGC 61613

18 14 02.5 +61 19 10; Dra

V = 14.6;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 80”

 

24" (7/19/12): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~22"x18", low even surface brightness.  Based on my size estimate, I missed the extremely low surface brightness halo with a ~1' diameter.  Located 11' E of NGC 6609 and last in a group of 8 faint NGC galaxies.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Last in a group of 7 faint galaxies.  Located 12' E of the NGC 6607/NGC 6608 pair.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6617 = Sw. I-94 on 14 Jun 1885 and noted "eeeF; pL; R; ee diff.; in vacancy.  8th of 8." in a group.  His position is just 8 seconds of RA west of UGC 11176 and the description applies (faintest in the group).  Herbert Howe measured a more accurate position in 1899-00, though Dreyer didn't include this correction in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 6618 = M17 = LBN 60 = Sh 2-45 = Gum 81a = Ced 161 = RCW 160 = Swan Nebula = Omega Nebula = Checkmark Nebula

18 20 47 -16 10 18; Sgr

V = 6.0;  Size 46'x37'

 

13.1" (7/16/82): the "Swan Nebula" is very bright, very large, with fantastic detail along the bright bar.  Has a turbulent texture with dark areas near the "hook".  A nebulous halo surrounds the brighter star to the south. 

 

8" (7/16/82): very bright, large, very detailed.  The brightest portion consists of a long bright ray that hooks south at the west end.  A fainter section oriented N-S section follows.  The main bar is mottled.  The irregular hooked portion is clearly mixed with a dark nebula intruding.  Fainter nebulosity is visible north and south of the main bar.

 

Philippe Loys De ChŽseaux discovered M17 = NGC 6618 = h2208 in 1745-46 from Paris and wrote, "It has perfectly the form of a ray, or of the tail of a comet, of 7' length and 2' broad; its sides are exactly parallel and rather well terminated, as are its two ends. Its middle is whiter than the borders.  Charles Messier rediscovered M17 on 3 Jun 1764 and described "a train of light without stars, 5' or 6' in extent, in the shape of a spindle, a little like that in Andromeda's belt, but the light is very faint..."

 

William Herschel, using his small 20-ft (12-inch aperture) telescope on 2 Aug 1783, called M17 "a curious train of light.  I cannot resolve it."  On 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) he logged "an extensive milky nebulosity of more than 20' in length, with a hook to the preceding side, bended towards the south; the extent is from np to sf and looses itself imperceptibly.  The hook includes a dark place, almost resembling that in the nebula of Orion."

 

On 6 Aug 1823 (sweep 48), John Herschel recorded "A large extended nebula. Its form is that of a Greek Omega with the left (or following) base-line turned upwards. The curved (or horse-shoe) part is very F, and has many stars in it. The preceding base-line hardly visible. The following, which is the principle branch, occupies nearly half the field (7 1/2').  Its light is not equable, but blotty. Strong twilight."  He didn't describe the nebula from the Cape of Good Hope, but his published sketch (plate II, figure 1) shows from 1837 shows a second curve at the east end, hooking north.  Based on the sketch, Dreyer referred to M17 as "2-hooked" in the NGC, an odd description.

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NGC 6619 = UGC 11200 = MCG +04-43-025 = CGCG 142-039 = PGC 61721

18 18 55.7 +23 39 21; Her

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, increases to a very small, very bright nucleus and stellar center.  A couple of mag 15 stars are at the edges, including one 25" S of center and one 15" W of center, and two mag 11-11.5 stars are 1' E and 1.7' S.  NGC 6623 is 11' NE.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint halo.  Several mag 15 stars are near including a mag 15 star at the west edge just 15" from the center.  Two mag 12 stars with faint companions are following.  Pair with NGC 6623 11.4' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6619 = m 376, along with NGC 6623, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, E."  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 6620 = PK 5-6.1 = ESO 522-26 = PN G005.8-06.1

18 22 54.1 -26 49 18; Sgr

V = 12.7;  Size 5"

 

13.1" (7/12/86): stellar planetary at 79x located 2.1' NW a mag 10.5 star.  Verified with OIII blinking.  At 214x and UHC filter appears moderately bright and a very small disc about 4" diameter is visible.  A mag 13 star lies 0.9' E.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6620 = HN 43 on 3 Sep 1880 using a direct-vision spectroscope on the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  Pickering noted in The Observatory (1881) this is "the smallest planetary nebula known and could not be distinguished from a 13th magnitude star in an ordinary telescope."  His position is exactly 1 minute of time too far west.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "round; about 5" in diameter; just distinguishable from a star.  No structural details can be made out, although faint ansae are suspected in p.a. 70-250”..."

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NGC 6621 = Arp 81 NED1 = VV 247a = UGC 11175 = MCG +11-22-030 = CGCG 322-036 = VII Zw 778 = KAZ 194 = PGC 61582

18 12 55.2 +68 21 49; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.8';  PA = 145”

 

48" (5/5/16): at 610x and 697x; NGC 6621/6622 is a spectacular interacting system (Arp 81 = VV 247) with an amazing tidal tail that wraps around both galaxies. NGC 6621 is sharply concentrated with a very bright, roundish core that increases to the center.  The main halo or arms is elongated ~3:1 NW-SE, ~60"x20" with slightly brighter "handles" (ends of the spiral arms) on the NW and SE end.  The enhancement on the NW side is more evident.

 

The southeast end merges with the halo of NGC 6622 with the cores of the galaxies separated by 40".  A very small knot (at most 10" in size) was visible on a line between the two cores [16" NW of NGC 6622 and 26" SE of NGC 6621]. The HST image reveals this is a prominent blue starburst complex at the edge of the two galaxies.

 

On the northwest end, a broad tidal arm wraps sharply counterclockwise to the southeast (the arm is easily visible in this part), dims into a narrow tail and extends southeast, paralleling (about 30" to the east) the major axis of NGC 6621. This one-sided tail extends ~1.5' in length in the direction of a mag 15 star due east of NGC 6622 and ends in a slightly brighter knot, ~25" NE of NGC 6622.

 

48" (10/22/11): at 488x the main body of NGC 6621, which completely merges with NGC 6622, appears bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.1'x0.4'.  Including NGC 6622 at the southeast end, the entire glow extends ~1.6'x0.4'.  NGC 6621 is fairly sharply concentrated with a bright 20" core that gradually increases to the center.  At 610x, a faint spiral arm is fairly evident attached at the NNW end and winding around counterclockwise to the north side of the main glow.  On the HST image this is the beginning of a long tidal tail that wraps around the north side of both galaxies.

 

18" (7/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~1.0'x 0.4', small bright core.  Brighter of a double system with NGC 6622 (Arp 81) attached at the southeast end in a common envelope.  The two nuclei of the galaxies generally appear as two knots near the ends of a single elongated bar though at moments the pair seems barely resolved.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a double galaxy in a common envelope with NGC 6622 just 40" SE of center.  A mag 15 star is 30" E.

 

Edward Swift, the 14 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC 6621 = Sw. I-95 on 2 Jun 1885.  The Swifts' position was 19 sec of RA too far east.  This galaxy is the brighter of a very close double system, just 40" between centers.  Apparently Lewis took another look in the eyepiece and discovered NGC 6622 = Sw. I-96.  The note "n of 2" and "s of 2" were probably added after noticing it was double.  Lewis Swift "discovered" this close pair again just two months later on 11 Aug 1885 and placed them in his second list (II-65 and II-66).  He noted "forms a close double with the preceding.  Very difficult to separate with power of 265.  Well seen."

 

Dreyer combined the two observations in the NGC, though the published position is 14 seconds of time too large and 2' too far south.  In addition, the RA is identical, though the orientation is northwest-southeast, and NGC 6622 is placed 0.2' north of NGC 6621. Bigourdan measured an accurate position for the pair on 28 Aug 1891 as well as Hermann Kobold in May 1899.  When Herbert Howe measured the positions in 1899-00, he assigned NGC 6622 to the northwest galaxy and NGC 6621 to the southeast (agreeing with Swift's dec values), but modern catalogues reverse the identifications, placing the numbers in order of RA.

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NGC 6622 = Arp 81 NED2 = VV 247b = UGC 11175 = MCG +11-22-031 = CGCG 322-036 = VII Zw 778 = PGC 61579

18 12 59.5 +68 21 15; Dra

V = 15.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

48" (5/5/16): at 610x and 697x; fairly bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20", high surface brightness, very small intense core.  A mag 15 star is 0.6' E.  NGC 6622 and 6621 form a spectacular interacting pair (Apr 81 = VV 247) with NGC 6622 fully merged on the southeast end of this trainwreck.  The cores of the two galaxies are separated by 40".  A small knot is clearly visible directly on a line between the two cores [16" NW of NGC 6622].  The HST image reveals this is a prominent blue star-forming complex at the edge of the two galaxies.  The amazing tidal tail of NGC 6621 that parallels the galaxy on the east side extends as far south as NGC 6622.

 

48" (10/22/11): at 488x, NGC 6622 appears bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 30"x25", sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to the center.  Merged with NGC 6621 on the NW side.  A mag 15.5 star lies 35" due east.

 

18" (7/14/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Forms the fainter member of an interacting pair with NGC 6621 (Arp 81) and appears as a knot at the southeast end of NGC 6621 in a common halo.  At moments this galaxy appeared barely detached.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, possibly round.  Forms an interacting double system with NGC 6621 and visually both galaxies appear enveloped in a common envelope with NGC 6621 just 35" NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6622 = Sw. I-96 on 2 Jun 1885, although his son Edward was credited with the discovery of NGC 6621 = Sw. I-95.  Apparently Lewis took a look in the eyepiece and noticed the smaller southeast component of this double galaxy.  His position is 18 sec of RA too far east.  Swift found the close pair again on 11 Aug 1885 and reported the discovery again in his second list (II-65 and II-66).  Dreyer combined both observations in the NGC.  Howe measured an accurate micrometric position, though called this galaxy NGC 6621 as Swift's position is slightly south of NGC 6622.

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NGC 6623 = UGC 11203 = MCG +04-43-026 = CGCG 142-040 = PGC 61739

18 19 42.9 +23 42 33; Her

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155”

 

24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, roundish, ~0.9' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 45" NE of center. Resides in a rich star field 4.1' NW of mag 8.8 HD 168670.  NGC 6619 lies 11' SW.

 

MCG +04-43-027 = PGC 61744 is at the south edge of the halo [27" S of center]. At 375x it appeared as an extremely to very faint knot, round, 12" diameter.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, diffuse halo.  Located 4.1' NW of mag 8.6 SAO 85932.  Pair with NGC 6619 11.4' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6623 = m 377, along with NGC 6619, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "pF, S, R, bM."  His RA is 6 seconds too large.  Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 (published in 1907).

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NGC 6624 = ESO 457-011

18 23 40.6 -30 21 39; Sgr

V = 8.1;  Size 5.9';  Surf Br = 0.9

 

17.5" (5/10/91): bright, fairly small, round, 3' diameter.  Very symmetric appearance as increases to a sharp, small bright core and brighter stellar nucleus.  There was some resolution in the halo, particularly on the north edge.  Approximately six mag 14-15 stars were glimpsed.  A close mag 12/14 double star at 10" separation is 1.7' WSW of center.  Located 45' SE of mag 2.7 Delta Sagittarii in a rich star field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6624 = H I-50 = h3742 on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and recorded "cL, R, vBM.  The brightness appears to be at least 3/4 of the whole visible diameter, but I suppose if the altitude was more considerable a different proportion would be seen.  The nebulosity appears to be of the milky kind, but from similar phenomena in low situations, I have no doubt that it is resolvable."  JH made three observations from the Cape of Good Hope, first logging on 3 Aug 1834, "Globular Cluster; B; S; R; psmbM; diam 6 seconds in RA; barely resolved so as to be sure it consists of stars."  On a later sweep, the cluster was "clearly resolved into stars 16m; a fine object."

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NGC 6625 = OCL-58 = Lund 829

18 23 01 -12 01 24; Sct

Size 39'

 

17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x, appears to be a Milky Way field in a large triangular region roughly bordered by mag 5.7 HD 169033 star at the SE vertex, a mag 8 star ~12' NW and a mag 9 star ~9' W.  This identification is uncertain as the region is completely indistinguishable from surrounding fields in star density and does not have any resemblance to a cluster although the Milky Way background seems locally brighter (also, JH does not mention the mag 5.7 star). At 220x, there is a fairly well-defined edge to portions of this Milky Way background and there is a small extension to the west near the star at the NW vertex.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC, though may be a true cluster.  Located just east of Sh 2-54, a large, faint HII complex and the slightly enhanced Milky Way background may be caused by the glow of Sh 2-54.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6625 = h2009 on 31 Jul 1826 and logged "A loose straggling cluster of stars 11...12m.".  His position is very close to mag 5.7 HD 169033, although if his position is accurate I'm surprised he didn't mention the nearby bright star.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6625 with a group of stars (possibly a cluster) to the west of the bright star or perhaps a larger Milky Way field.  Brian Skiff could not make a visual identification on two attempts and nothing stood out in my observation.  Karl Reinmuth also reported no clustering was found on a Heidelberg Observatory plate.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 6626 = M28 = ESO 522-023

18 24 32.8 -24 52 11; Sgr

V = 6.9;  Size 11.2';  Surf Br = 1.2

 

17.5" (7/10/99): striking globular at 220x, with the halo appearing ~4.5' in diameter and a very bright core ~2'x1.5' elongated SSW-NNE.  Extensive resolution at 280x and 380x with roughly 50 stars resolved in the halo.  At 380x the edges of the core really start breaking up into numerous stars and a rich sprinkling of stars is superimposed on the well-defined core.  On the north side of the halo a long star chain heads directly north and a fainter but richer chain starts to trail off the east side of the core but abruptly turns in a chain heading NNW.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): a prominent star chain extends to the north.

 

13.1" (7/16/82): very bright, fairly large, sharp concentration with a lively unresolved core.  A few stars are resolved at the edges of the core over haze and many stragglers resolved including long spidery chains.  A total of a few dozen stars resolved.  Excellent view at 290x and a star chain to the north is prominent. 

 

8" (7/16/82): bright, sharp concentration, lively halo just resolves into many faint stars at 200x!

 

Charles Messier discovered M28 = NGC 6626 = h2010 = h3743 on 27 July 1764.   WH first observed this globular on 4 Jul 1783 with his 12-inch (small 20-foot) and noted "if the night were clearer I double not of its being stars that might be seen very distinctly."  On 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) he logged "A cl of exceedingly compressed stars, vBM, R, with 3 or 4 small, irregular branches. The large stars red."

 

JH recorded (sweep 474 from the CGH) "globular; vB; R; vm comp; gbM, but not to a nipple; diam in RA = 12 seconds; resolved into st 14...16m; a fine object.  Occurs in the milky way, of which the stars here are barely visible and immensely numerous."

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NGC 6627 = UGC 11212 = MCG +03-47-001 = CGCG 114-004 = PGC 61792

18 22 39.0 +15 41 52; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W.  Contains a very small brighter core within a diffuse outer halo.  Located in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6627 = m 378 on 13 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, pL."  His position is 1' south of UGC 11212.

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NGC 6628 = UGC 11211 = MCG +04-43-029 = CGCG 142-041 = PGC 61790

18 22 21.8 +23 28 41; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.0' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 85980.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6628 = m 379 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, lE, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6629 = PK 9-5.1 = ESO 522-26 = PN G009.4-05.0

18 25 42.3 -23 12 10; Sgr

V = 11.4;  Size 16"x14"

 

24" (7/11/18): at 375x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 15" diameter, sharp edge, bright central star.  A mag 15.5 star is barely off the NNE edge (15" from center) and a 15.1 mag star is 25" NW of center.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): at 140x, very bright, small, 15" diameter, round, high surface brightness, crisp-edged.  The mag 13 central star is visible with direct vision.  Mag 9.4 SAO 186802 lies 2.1' SE.  At 280x, the central star is easier to pick out within the high surface brightness nebulosity. A mag 15 star is visible 30" NNW and a mag 15.5 star is right at the NE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6629 = H II-204 = h3744 on 7 Aug 1784 (sweep 245) and reported "I suspected a pB, S, stellar nebula np a pB star, but there was too much daylight to verify it."  John Herschel recorded (sweep 793 from the CGH) "pB; vS; 4" at the utmost in diameter; a good deal furry at the edges, and ? if not a little brighter in the M.  It is not a "Stellar Nebula", but rather a link between a planetary and a globular; it probably a v distant and highly compressed globular; has a * 9m 3' dist, sf; night superb and vision perfect.  This is one the smallest if not the very smallest nebulous objects I remember to have seen.  It is a very remarkable object."

 

In 1915 Knox-Shaw reported it was a not a globular cluster, but a planetary nebula, based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector.  Curtis (1918) reported "..the central star is about mag 13. The nebular disk is 16"x14" in p.a. 150”, and is nearly equal density throughout, without ansae or other structural details." (Crossley photograph).

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NGC 6630 = ESO 103-026 = PGC 62008

18 32 34.5 -63 17 32; Pav

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 30"x25" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 17' SE of mag 7.9 HD 169714.  IC 4723 lies 23' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6630 = h3745 on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "pF; S; R; gbM; 15"."  His position is a perfect match with ESO 103-026 = PGC 62008.

 

David Frew mentions in a Sky & Space article (Oct 1995) that Harlow Shapley misclassified NGC 6630 and IC 4723 as a pair of planetaries in his 1936 article "Five Planetary Nebulae and a Globular Cluster" (Harvard Bulletin No. 902).  The same list includes Shapley 1, Shapley 3 and IC 4642.  Evans & Thackery (1950) first imaged NGC 6630 (Plate II, No. 19) and they questioned the PN classification. "The classification is by appearance.  We find an object with a quadrilateral of 4 stars or nuclei surrounded by a nebulous envelope.  The object is difficult, and it seems open to doubt whether the object is correctly classified as a planetary nebula.  Dimensions about 19"x15"."  As a result of Shapley's error, Burnham's "Celestial Handbook", MOL (Master Optical List) and the NGC 2000.0 catalogue (Sinnott) misclassify this galaxy as a planetary nebula.  It was omitted, though, in Perek and Kohoutek's 1967 Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebula.  RNGC misclassifies NGC 6630 as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6631 = Cr 379 = Lund 833 = OCL-59

18 27 11.4 -12 01 52; Sct

Size 5'

 

17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x about 40 stars are resolved in a 5' region over unresolved background haze.  A mag 11 star is at the NW edge but most stars are mag 13/14.  Includes an equal mag 11.5/12 double star off the SE edge.  Barnard 95, a large dark nebula lies 30' NW.

 

8" (7/16/82): a dozen stars were resolved over unresolved haze.  A double star mag 11/11.5 at 10" is at the south edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6631 = h3746 on 12 Jul 1836 and recorded "cl VII class; p rich; 5' diam; with appendages, st 12...15m.  Much richer than any part of the milky way seen tonight."

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NGC 6632 = UGC 11226 = MCG +05-43-018 = CGCG 172-032 = PGC 61849

18 25 03.2 +27 32 07; Her

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, large brighter core.  A pair of mag 12 and 13 stars lie 1.3' W and 1.0' NW of center, respectively.  A group of brighter stars are about 7' S including mag 6.3 HR 6904 8.5' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6632 = m 380 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, R, gbM."  His position is fairly accurate.  E.E. Barnard found it while sweeping on 30 Jan 1889 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory and noted "Faintish, R, vgbM, 2 small stars involved preceding, 1' diameter."  He later added in his logbook the correct identification.

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NGC 6633 = Cr 380 = Mel 201 = Lund 834

18 27 15 +06 30 30; Oph

V = 4.6;  Size 27'

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): this easy naked-eye cluster is more obvious than nearby, larger IC 4756, which has a lower surface brightness.  Partially resolved in binoculars with several resolved clumps of stars.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): very bright, very large but loose and scattered.  At 62x, 150 stars are visible in a 60' field with several bright stars on the SW side and many bright stars are outside this field including mag 5.5 SAO 123516 15' SSE.  This is a naked-eye open cluster in dark skies.

 

Philippe Loys de ChŽseaux discovered NGC 6633 in 1745-46.  Caroline Herschel rediscovered the cluster on 31 Jul 1783.  She wrote, "About halfway from S Serpentarii [Ophiuci] towards Theta Serpentis, a cluster of large stars.  I counted about 80. Messier has it not."  On 30 Jul 1788 (sweep 850), William Herschel called it "a coarsely sc. cl. of L stars."

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NGC 6634

18 29 57 -33 30 48; Sgr

 

18" (6/30/11): this is an unusual asterism of 4 brighter stars mag 8.4-9.2 forming a near isosceles trapezoid with a longer base of 4.4' and shorter base 1.5'.  Three of the stars were easily resolved in my 80mm finder at 12.5x and all four at 25x.  The asterism is striking at 115x in the 18-inch due to the shape and brightness of the stars.  The identification of NGC 6634 is uncertain and is traditionally applied to M69.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6634 = Lac I-11 in 1751-52 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  Messier thought this entry was duplicate of M69, though JH assigned it a separate GC designation (5076) and Dreyer followed in the NGC.  If NGC 6634 = M69, then Lacaille made a one degree error in declination.

 

But Glen Cozens argues that M69 is fainter than other objects discovered by Lacaille with his 1/2-inch telescope and the position is further out than others he discovered.  But near Lacaille's position is a small group of 4 stars that he may have mistook for nebulous with his small telescope. See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this identification and Jeff Corder's observations.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6635 = UGC 11239 = MCG +02-47-003 = PGC 61900

18 27 37.1 +14 49 09; Her

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.0' S.  Located 7.7' NNW of mag 8.6 SAO 103741 in a rich star field.  Planetary nebula M3-27 is 20' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6635 = m 381 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His RA is accurate but his dec is 2' too far south.

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NGC 6636 = VV 368 = VV 679 = VII Zw 790 = UGC 11221 = MCG +11-22-046 = CGCG 322-041 = PGC 61782

18 22 02.7 +66 36 58; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 2.3'x0.35';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 3”

 

48" (5/5/16): fairly bright, fairly large, warped edge-on 6:1 ~N-S, 1.8'x0.3', bright elongated core.  The southern half of the galaxy (including the core region) is slightly bowed out towards the west.  The northern extension, though, is subtly convex to the east.  So the opposite ends seem slightly misaligned and form a weak integral sign.  Adding to the asymmetry, the outer half of northern extension has a much lower surface brightness than the southern arm.  MCG +11-22-047 = PGC 61780 is a bright but very compact Seyfert II galaxy, ~10" diameter, just 20" NE of the core and attached to the east edge of the galaxy.  It is dominated by a bright stellar nucleus with just a small halo.  A mag 11 star is 2.1' due south and a mag 11.5 star (very unequal 6" pair) is 1' SE.

 

24" (7/21/12): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.3', small slightly brighter core.  Forms a contact pair with MCG +11-22-047 = PGC 61780, which is attached on the east side of the northern half.  The companion was easily visible as a very small "knot", perhaps 10" diameter with a fairly bright stellar nucleus that sometimes dominated the small halo.  The core of NGC 6636 (much lower surface brightness than PGC 61780) was close south-southwest of the companion.  Two mag 11 stars are 1.2' SE and 2.1' S.  An extremely faint, slightly non-stellar glow between these stars is a very close (~5") unresolved pair of mag 16.5-16.7 stars.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  The compact companion attached at the northeast side was not seen.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6636 = Sw. IV-68 on 23 Jul 1884 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; forms triangle with 3 st."  His position is at the west edge of UGC 11221 and the description fits.  Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-00, reported "the 3 stars mentioned by Swift are of mags 9, 9.5 and 10.5.  The one of mag 9.5 follows the nebula 4 seconds, 1.0' south.  The others precede, and are also south."

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NGC 6637 = M69

18 31 23.2 -32 20 53; Sgr

V = 7.7;  Size 7.1';  Surf Br = 0.6

 

17.5" (7/29/92): M69 is bright, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, fairly symmetric appearance with a large core surrounded by a small halo.  A bright mag 12.5 star is embedded in the core or it contains a bright stellar nucleus.  Several easy mag 13.3-14.0 stars were resolved around the edges of the halo and 15-20 very faint mag 14-15 stars were resolved in the halo with averted vision.  Additionally, a few stars are also detected over the core. This is a very pretty globular with averted vision.  Located 4.5' SE of mag 7.9 SAO 21059.

 

8": fairly bright, bright core, lively halo, few stars at edges, difficult to achieve resolution.

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (8/3/11): small, fairly faint glow.  The mag 7.9 star 4.5' NW was cleanly resolved from the globular.

 

Charles Messier discovered M69 = NGC 6637 = D 613 = h3747 on 31 Aug 1780 and described "a nebula without star in Sagittarius... Near to it is a 9 mag star; the light is very faint; can be seen only in a good sky, and the least illumination of the micrometer wires extinguishes it... This nebula has been observed by M. de Lacaille and reported in his catalogue. It resembles the nucleus of a little comet. Diam. 2'."  Glen Cozens states that Messier mistakenly assumed Lac I-11 referred to M69 and Lacaille's object is more likely just an asterism.  See NGC 6634 or more.

 

William Herschel observed M69 in 1784 and noted "Very bright, pretty large, easily resolvable, or rather an already resolved cluster of minute stars. It is a miniature of the 53d of the Connoissance [M53]."  James Dunlop observed it 4 times and described "a pretty bright round well-defined nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, gradually condensed to the centre; there is a small star about 1' south of the nebula."  John Herschel made 3 observations from the Cape of Good Hope.  On 1 Aug 1834, he logged "globular, B, R, vgbM, resolved into stars 14..15m, diam 10 seconds in RA."  Two nights later he noted "globular, pB, R, 3' diam, stars 14..15m."  Christian Peters reported finding it around 1850 in Naples (AJ 2, 1856) and claimed it do not appear in any of his books.

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NGC 6638 = ESO 522-030

18 30 56.2 -25 29 47; Sgr

V = 9.2;  Size 5.0';  Surf Br = 1.3

 

18" (7/22/06): at 435x this globular appeared fairly bright, ~3' in diameter with an intense 1' core.  The core appears very mottled and just begins to break up into a swarm of faint stars, particularly around the edges.  Several very faint stars pepper the halo and pop in and out of visibility.  The halo has an irregular scraggly appearance.  I was able to pick up this globular with 15x50 IS binoculars as a very small, faint glow along with a mag 9.4 star close south.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2.5' diameter, gradually increases to a bright core.  The halo has a fairly even surface brightness.  A few extremely faint mag 15-16 stars are resolved at the mottled edges.  Located 3.6' N of mag 9.4 SAO 186904.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6638 = H I-51 = h3748 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "a pretty cons. easily resolvable R nebula, vBM and faint red perceivable.  A second miniature of that near the 42nd Comae [M53]."  JH made the single observation "B; S; R; psbM; diam in RA = 4.5s; barely resolved; a very delicate object; doubtless a globular cluster."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6639 = OCL-57

18 30 59 -13 09 18; Sct

 

17.5" (7/24/95): unimpressive group of two dozen stars at 220x in a 5' region.  The brightest mag 11 star is at the west side, with most stars mag 12.5-13.5.  There are two small elongated subgroups of stars close NE and SE of the mag 11 star.  Located in a rich field 5' NE of mag 8.8 SAO 161547.  There are several richer pockets of stars, so this group appears to be another asterism.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6639 = h2011 on 31 Jul 1826 and noted "A closely clustering portion of the milky way, which is one continued cluster here."  His position is a close match with this group of stars.  Although listed as a cluster in the RNGC, the RA is 48 seconds too small.

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NGC 6640 = UGC 11247 = MCG +06-40-018 = CGCG 200-021 = PGC 61913

18 28 08.2 +34 18 10; Lyr

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (7/7/94): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is close east of the core, a mag 13.5 star is 1.5' N and a mag 11 star is 4.0' SSE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6640 = St XIII-89 on 21 Aug 1884.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6641 = UGC 11250 = MCG +04-43-035 = PGC 61935

18 28 57.4 +22 54 10; Her

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, oval 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' NW.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6641 = Sf 47 = St V-2 on 9 Aug 1866 and noted "pB, pS, vmbM."  ƒdouard Stephan independently found the galaxy on 20 Aug 1873 and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM."  Both positions are accurate.  Stephan was credited in the GC Supplement and the NGC as Safford's discovery was published too late.

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NGC 6642 = ESO 522-032

18 31 54.2 -23 28 34; Sgr

V = 9.4;  Size 4.5';  Surf Br = 1.2

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x, this fairly bright gc contains a very bright core and an irregular 2' halo.  Stars stream out to the east and west creating an impression of elongation.  The core is very lively and a few brighter stars are clearly resolved, though packed together very tightly.  Roughly 20 stars are resolved in the halo.  At 500x, 30-35 stars are resolved (many popping in/out of view) including 8-10 in a clump at the center and close to the core.  A single brighter star is just south of the core and a nice pair (~3" separation) is in the halo on the NNE side.  A string of stars extends out of the cluster to the north.  Easily visible in the 80mm finder at 25x and the finder field contains M22 just 1.1” SE.

 

18" (7/14/07): at 393x appears as a fairly small but fairly bright globular with a very bright 30" core and 2' halo.  The small core is very mottled and partially resolved into 2 or 3 clumps.  Roughly 15-20 mag 14.5-16 stars are just visible in the halo including a very close pair on the NNE edge.  Located just 1.1 degrees NW of M22.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2' diameter, bright core seems slightly offset.  Half a dozen mag 14-15 stars are resolved in the mottled halo.  A mag 11 field star 2.2' NW and a mag 13.5 star 1.5' NW of center are collinear with the core.  Located in a field rich in faint stars. 

 

8" (6/19/82): fairly bright, small, bright core, fainter halo, no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6642 = H II-205 = h2012 = h3749 on 7 Aug 1784 (sweep 245) and recorded "pB, cL, irregularly E, bM."  His position is at the east edge of the globular.  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH reported (sweep 793) "globular cluster; pB; R; gpmbM; 2'; resolved into visible, but vS stars 15...16m."  His position is good.  From Slough (sweep 275), he logged "a beautiful little globular cluster of excessively minute stars, 60" diam; seen in twilight.  It must be pB when seen in dark sky."

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NGC 6643 = UGC 11218 = MCG +12-17-021 = CGCG 340-043 = PGC 61742

18 19 46.6 +74 34 08; Dra

V = 11.1;  Size 3.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo.  Forms the east vertex of a triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 1.6' NW and 2.0' W.  Also a mag 15 star is off the west edge 1.4' from center.

 

8" (6/19/82): faint, diffuse, moderately large, elongated SW-NE.  Two mag 12 stars are at the west edge.

 

Eduard Schšnfeld discovered NGC 6643 = Au 40 = HN 21 in 1858 while measuring stars for the Bonner Durchmusterung (BD +74 766).  This relatively bright galaxy was missed by both Herschels.  Horace Tuttle rediscovered the galaxy on 1 Sep 1859 using a 4-inch comet-seeker at Harvard College Observatory and called it "an elongated faint nebula" (reported in AN 1337).  Using the 6-inch Heliometer at Kšnigsberg, Auwers described the nebula as "fairly bright, gradually brighter in the middle, elongated in PA 50”, 2.5 'l, 1.5' br. Two small star are immediately preceding; the major axis of the nebula is inclined only slightly with respect to their connecting line."

 

Around the time of discovery there was discussion this was possibly a "variable nebula" (a popular topic in the mid to late 19th century), based on very disparate descriptions by Tuttle and d'Arrest (4 observations in "Siderum Nebulosorum").  Wolfgang Steinicke provides the observational history in his book on the NGC discoveries. 

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NGC 6644 = PK 8-7.2 = ESO 522-23 = PN G008.3-07.3

18 32 34.6 -25 07 44; Sgr

V = 10.8;  Size 2.5"

 

17.5" (8/1/86): bright bluish "star" at 105x that brightens dramatically with OIII blinking.  A mag 12 star (good for blinking comparison) is 1.0' N.  At 286x, a small disc is visible about 3" or 4" diameter.  Estimate V = 11.0.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6644 on 13 Jul 1880 (Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882) with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  This was first of 17 planetaries he found using a direct-vision spectroscope (15 new discoveries in the NGC).  Pickering noted in The Observatory (1881) that "its disk is so small that it can scarcely be detected with an ordinary eyepiece even if brought into the field of view."

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "this object is indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negatives, but visual observations made by Mr. Moore and Aitken with the 36-inch refractor show that it is a minute disk 2" to 3" in diameter."

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NGC 6645 = Cr 383 = Mel 205 = Lund 844

18 32 37 -16 53 00; Sgr

Size 10'

 

17.5" (8/1/92): at 82x, this is a striking, rich cluster of 20' diameter!  Quite rich in faint stars but a noticeable "hole" in center is devoid of stars.  A rich knot of stars is on the south side of void and a close triple star is on the north side.  A string of stars extends out of the cluster to the east.  Three mag 7-8 stars are in the field to the NE.  At 220x on the south side of the void are 8 stars in a "V" asterism.  Roughly 75 stars are resolved within the central 10' diameter.  A rich clump of 8 stars is just resolved at the south edge of the circular hole. 

 

8": about 50 stars resolved, moderately large, unresolved haze, including a close triple star, rich in faint stars, several dense patches.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6645 = H VI-23 = h2013 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of vS stars; very rich, the stars are of various sizes and some of them form an almost circular row in the middle.  About 15' diameter."  John Herschel made a single observation; "a rich, p comp cluster; irreg figure having a vacancy in the middle; stars = 11...15m."

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NGC 6646 = UGC 11258 = MCG +07-38-008 = CGCG 228-010 = PGC 61944

18 29 38.8 +39 51 54; Lyr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 50”

 

24" (7/19/17): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~1.2'x1.0', strong concentration with a bright core that increases to a small brighter nucleus.  Mag 8.8 SAO 67027 lies 4' NNW and mag 9.5 SAO 67032 is 3.4' ESE.  NGC 6646 is the brightest in a physical trio with IC 1288 10' SSW and IC 1289 7.5' NE.

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, fairly small, small brighter core, diffuse halo.  Forms an obtuse angle with mag 8.5 SAO 67027 3.9' NNW and mag 9.5 SAO 67032 3.3' ESE.  Forms a trio with IC 1288 9' SSW and IC 1289 7.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6646 = H II-907 on 26 Jun 1802 (sweep 1109) and recorded "F, S, iF."  This is one of the last few "nebulae" that WH discovered and the only one that evening.  He probably observed that evening solely to reach the 500 threshold for a new catalogue, although after the manuscript was submitted to the Royal Society, Caroline discovered the list only included 497 new entries.  So, there were a couple of additional sweeps made in late September to bring the total past 500.

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NGC 6647 = OCL-45 = Lund 838

18 32 49 -17 13 42; Sgr

 

24" (7/7/13): patchy Milky Way star cloud at 125x (50' field).  Unimpressive and does not stand out from the surrounding region except the position is centered on a scattered group of a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars, spread out over 7' in a SE to NW orientation.  Located ~23' SSE of the rich open cluster NGC 6645.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6647 = H VIII-14 = h2014 on 18 Jun 1784 (sweep 230) and recorded "A cluster of scattered stars filling the field; not rich and stars less than those in the foregoing [M25]."  There is no significant clustering at his position on the DSS.  JH made the single observation "a very loose parcel of very small stars, hardly noticeable as a cluster." His position is ~7' further east-southeast, but again there is nothing noticeable.

 

Harold Corwin identifies this number with a Milky Way field (unknown size) centered about 3' north-northeast of WH's position.  RNGC classifies the number as a nonexistent cluster.  See his identification notes for more.

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NGC 6648 = STF 2332

18 25 37.8 +64 58 34; Dra

V = 10.2/12.7;  Size 11"

 

18" (6/30/11): at this position is a 10" double star (·7) oriented ~E-W with the brighter component on the east side and a difference of ~2 magnitudes.  Easily resolved at 175x.  Located 9' NNE of mag 6.9 HD 170527.

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6648 = · 7 = Au 41 in 1825 or 1826 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory.  It was included in his list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars.  He also listed it in his main catalogue of double stars as ·2332.  Struve's sketch (shown in Wolfgang Steinicke's book on the NGC) shows a double star encased in an oval nebula.  Using the 6-inch Kšnigsberg Heliometer in Feb 1861, Auwers found a double star, which he measured at 10" separation in PA 260”, but no nebulosity.   This is not a physical double.

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NGC 6649 = Cr 384 = Mel 206 = Lund 847

18 33 27 -10 24 12; Sct

V = 8.9;  Size 6'

 

17.5" (7/1/89): 40-50 stars in a 5' diameter, fairly rich, over unresolved haze.  The brightest star is the close double ADS 11441 with components 9.7/11.4 at 4" located at the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6649 = h3751 on 10 Jul 1787 and recorded "a cluster of very small and pretty compressed stars of various sizes; but it seems to be of the same nature with the Milky Way, which is at a little distance towards the south."  Because of his uncertainty, he didn't assign it an internal discovery number or list it in his catalogues, but the position is a good match.

 

John Herschel found this cluster on 27 May 1835 and recorded "cl VIII class; a small well insulated group of a roundish figure, 5' diam; st 12...13 m; one * 9m, at the southern edge."  His position is accurate.  JH was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 6650 = CGCG 322-043 = VII Zw 794 = PGC 61857

18 25 27.9 +68 00 21; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.8

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, only a very small weak concentration at the center.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6650 = Sw. II-67 on 11 Sep 1883 and noted "vF; vS; R; 2 stars range with it."  His position is just 7 seconds west of CGCG 322-043 = PGC 61857.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 25 Nov 1897. This galaxy is missing from the UGC, MCG and RC3.

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NGC 6651 = UGC 11236 = MCG +12-17-020 = CGCG 340-044 = PGC 61836

18 24 19.7 +71 36 06; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6651 = Sw. IV-69 on 18 Jun 1884 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff.; between a F[aint] nr *, and a distant B[right] one."  His position is 24 seconds of RA west of UGC 1126 (separation of only 2').  Corwin suggests the "bright" star is ~5' west-southwest of the galaxy while the "faint near" star is roughly 2' east-southeast.  I'd suggest the distant bright one is mag 7.4 HD 171044 11' NE, but in any case the identification is secure.  Bigourdan measured a more accurate position on 3 July 1896 as well as Herbert Howe in 1899-00 with the 20" refractor at Denver.

 

UGC and CGCG and misidentify UGC 11193 = CGCG 340-042 as NGC 6651.  UGC 11193 is located nearly a degree southwest of NGC 6651.  Because of this error the magnitude for NGC 6651 in the RNGC applies to CGCG 340-042.  MCG, RC2, PGC, RC3 and RNGC have the correct identification.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6652 = ESO 395-11

18 35 45.7 -32 59 25; Sgr

V = 8.9;  Size 3.5';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright globular cluster, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 2.0'x1.5', sharp small bright core with a substellar nucleus embedded.  The mottled halo was not resolved except for a mag 13 star 1' WSW of the core near the edge of the halo and a mag 14 star at the east edge.  Located 7' SE of mag 6.9 SAO 210344.

 

8" (7/31/81): moderately bright, small, compact bright core.  A mag 13 star is at the SW edge but there was no other resolution.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6652 = D 607 = h3747 with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector on 28 Jun 1826.  He described "a rather bright well-defined round nebula, about 12 or 14 arcseconds diameter, following a star of the 6th mag."  He claims 2 observations and the published position is 33' too far east.  The cluster is located 7' SE of a mag 6.8 star, so his identification seems secure, despite the rather small estimated size and poor position.

 

John Herschel observed this globular on 4 sweeps.  On 31 Jul 1834 he logged "B; pmE in parallel; gmbM, 60" long, 35" broad, all clearly resolved."  A few nights later he wrote  "pB; S; lE; 90" long, 75" broad, stars 15m."  On a third sweep he described "vB; S; 40"; resolved. Among close stars, which give it an elongated appearance, but do not seem to belong to it."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 5 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "cB, small, irregular shaped, roundish, small vmbM to a very bright center.  Resolvable - cluster of minute stars - yes, a little elongated south-following."

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NGC 6653 = ESO 045-013 = PGC 62342

18 44 38.6 -73 15 48; Pav

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 51”

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this Pavo galaxy appeared moderately bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.1'x0.9', weak even concentration to the center.  A faint star is at the NE edge 32" from the center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6653 = h3750 on 28 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; lE; glbM; 20"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6654 = UGC 11238 = MCG +12-17-023 = CGCG 340-045 = VII Zw 793 = PGC 61833

18 24 07.9 +73 10 59; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (7/9/88): moderately bright, moderately large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright, just non-stellar nucleus embedded in a large low surface brightness halo.  A mismatched mag 11/14.5 double star lies 2.4' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6654 = Sw. I-97 on 11 Sep 1883 and "supposed it to be a nebula, though he had a slight suspicion it might be a comet."  He confirmed the object on 14 September, measured a different (more accurate) position matching UGC 11238 but reported it as a new comet to Harvard College Observatory.  While searching for Swift's "comet", Johann Palisa, observing with the 12" refractor at the Vienna Observatory on 20 Sep 1883, and Ernst Lamp, observing with the 8-inch refractor at the Kiel Observatory on 23 Sep 1883, both found this galaxy and assumed it was a new nebula.  Swift was probably both upset and embarrassed he was deceived by this "nebula".  He responded (AN 107, p273) by explaining his error and stating the nebula found by Palisa and Lamp was the same as he discovered but mistook for a comet.   Swift also said he was surprised that so bright an object was previously missed.  He included it in his first discovery list, with description "pB; R; mbM.  Looks like a comet."

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NGC 6655

18 34 30.8 -05 55 15; Sct

V = 13.3/13.3;  Size 11"

 

18" (7/1/11): The identification of NGC 6655 is uncertain but may apply to an 11" pair of mag 13.3 stars that was easily resolved at 175x.  A third star of similar magnitude lies 35" NNW.  Located in a rich Milky Way field near the edge of the Great Rift and 17' E of mag 6.4 HD 171149.  Although there is no non-stellar object near Winnecke's position, his description: pF, S, E, 10"x3", would apply to this pair and the double might appear nebulous in poor seeing.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6655 = Au 42 in June of 1855 with the 9.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor at the Berlin Observatory and recorded "pF, S, E, 10" x 3".  There is nothing near his position and Arthur Auwers couldn't find this object on two attempts in 1859 and 1860 at Kšnigsberg, but included it in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae.  In 1865, Heinrich d'Arrest found a "small, inconspicuous, easily resolvable star cluster."

 

Harold Corwin suggests this may be a 11" pair of mag 14 stars, situated 19 seconds of time west, and 3.3' north of Winnecke's position.  See his identification notes.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6656 = M22 = ESO 523-4

18 36 24.1 -23 54 12; Sgr

V = 5.2;  Size 24.0';  Surf Br = 1.1

 

24" (7/21/12): M22 displayed a few distinct orange/red supergiants.  Two colored stars are on the southwest and southeast side of the core.  A third fainter star forming an isosceles triangle to the north (closer into the core) is also orange/red.

 

17.5" (8/4/94): at 220x appears 10' diameter although outliers may significantly increase the total diameter.  The very bright core appeared irregularly round and 3.5'-4' diameter but not concentrated to the center.  M22 was extensively resolved to the center and there was no distinct nucleus.  At the NE edge of the core I noticed a rich small clump with 8-10 stars that collectively stood out well and an easy bright pair at the SE edge of the core.  The very irregular halo appeared more extensive on the NE side and seemed elongated SW-NE.  Dark lanes appeared to intrude into the cluster and involve the surrounding region, though this may be an optical effect.

 

8": very bright, very large, extremely rich.  A few hundred mag 11-13 stars were resolved and the globular appeared highly resolved down to the core.  A bright clump as visible in the NE section of the core.  The cluster contained a wide variation of magnitudes.  M22 is the second best globular for viewing from Northern California (next to M13), although it has brighter members).

 

Naked-eye (8/19/09 and 8/3/11): fairly easy naked-eye fuzzy (non-stellar) glow from Northern California.  Bracketed by two mag 5.5-6 stars about 35' NE and a similar distance west.

 

Naked eye: This is the third brightest globular in integrated magnitude (V  = 5.2) and generally a difficult naked-eye object in a dark sky from northern California.  It was a fairly easy naked-eye from Australia, though not as obvious as I expected.

 

Johann Abraham Ihle discovered M22 = NGC 6656 = Lac I-12 = h2015 = h3753 on 26 Aug 1665 during an observation of Saturn.  This was the first globular cluster discovered.  It was reported that Hevelius had seen it earlier, but he didn't include M22 in his list.  Edmond Halley observed and included this globular in his 1715 list of six nebulae.  Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille observed M22 on 6 Apr 1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  William Herschel noted it was "All resolved into stars" on 4 Jul 1783 using his 12-inch reflector (small 20-foot).  On 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236), he called it "a most beautiful extensive cluster of stars of various magnitudes, very compressed in the middle. R and about 8' dia besides the scattered ones which do more than fill the extent of the field, L, r."

 

From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded (sweep 793), "globular cluster; vB; vL; vm comp; vgvmbM; 7' diam.  The stars are of two magnitudes, viz., 15..16m and 12m; and what is remarkable, the largest of these latter are visibly reddish; one in particular, the largest of all (= 11-12m) sf the middle, is decidedly a ruddy *, and so I think are all the other large ones."

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NGC 6657 = UGC 11271 = MCG +06-41-003 = CGCG 201-008 = PGC 62019

18 33 01.4 +34 03 38; Lyr

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 138”

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, fairly small, broad concentration with no distinct core.  Located in a rich star field.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6657 = St VII-22 on 16 Jul 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6658 = UGC 11274 = MCG +04-44-002 = CGCG 143-002 = LGG 421-004 = PGC 62052

18 33 55.8 +22 53 19; Her

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, edge-on N-S, small very bright core with very faint extensions.  A mag 13 star is just off the east side of the north edge 40" from center.  Pair with NGC 6661 9.7' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6658 = m 382, along with NGC 6661, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, lE."

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NGC 6659

18 33 59 +23 35 42; Her

 

17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x a very unimpressive scattered group of ~15 stars elongated SW-NE is visible just south of a mag 9 star.  This weak collection includes 5 brighter mag 10-11 stars and a mag 9.5 star on the south end.  I would have passed over this grouping without using a GSC plot centered on the mag 9.5 star at JH's position.  At 220x, ~20 stars were counted in a 7'x3' region over some background Milky Way haze.  A small extension of this faint glow was seen to the south of the group with a few mag 15 stars resolved.  Looks entirely like a weak asterism and it is very surprising that it was logged as a cluster.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6659 = h2016 on 12 Jul 1830 and simply noted "A very poor cluster 8th class."  His position corresponds with a mag 9.5 star, the brightest in a 6'x4' (or larger) asterism, mostly north of this star.  Karl Reinmuth described "a very loose clustering of a few st 10...15."

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NGC 6660 = NGC 6661 = UGC 11282 = MCG +04-44-003 = CGCG 143-003 = PGC 62072

18 34 36.7 +22 54 35; Her

 

See observing notes for NGC 6661.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6660 = Swift II-68 on 14 Jul 1885 and recorded "pB; pS; R; mbM; between 2 stars.  Larger and brighter than [GC] 5918 [= NGC 6658]."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 10' north is NGC 6661 (discovered by Albert Marth on 6 Jun 1864) and his description applies (the two stars are north and south).  NGC 6660 is noted as identical to NGC 6661 in the IC 1 Notes (PechŸle, AN #3259).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position.

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NGC 6661 = NGC 6660 = UGC 11282 = MCG +04-44-003 = CGCG 143-003 = PGC 62072

18 34 36.7 +22 54 35; Her

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated NW-SE.  Located just south of a shallow arc consisting of five mag 12-13 stars and just north of a line of four mag 11 stars oriented SW-NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 6658 9.7' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6661 = m 383 = St II-20 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, R."  His RA is accurate and his dec is 1' south.  ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 16 Jul 1871 and measured a very accurate micrometric position.  Stephan must not have had a copy of Marth's discovery list as he independently found quite a few of Marth's objects.  NGC 6660, found by Lewis Swift on 14 Jul 1885, is a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 6662 = UGC 11280 = MCG +05-44-003 = CGCG 173-007 = PGC 62059

18 34 11.3 +32 03 51; Lyr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, brighter core.  A mag 11 star [4" pair] is 2.2' NE.  Not identified as NGC 6662 in the UGC or CGCG.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6662 = St XIII-90 on 7 Aug 1883.  His micrometric position is accurate.  Neither UGC nor CGCG label this galaxy as NGC 6662, despite the good position.  MCG, RNGC and RC3 have the correct designation.  Malcolm Thomson noted this omission in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 6663 = UGC 11276 = MCG +07-38-011 = CGCG 228-014 = PGC 62032

18 33 33.8 +40 02 56; Lyr

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, fairly small, almost round, extremely weak central brightening, diffuse.

 

Edward Swift discovered NGC 6663 = Sw. IX-88 on 29 May 1887.  The position is 3.4' due north of UGC 11276, the only nearby galaxy.  The same night Edward discovered NGC 6685 and NGC 6686, all three within 1.5” of Vega.  The discoveries were communicated directly to Dreyer and weren't published until after the NGC (list IX in 1890).

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NGC 6664 = Cr 385 = Lund 850 = OCL-68

18 36 30 -08 11; Sct

V = 7.8;  Size 16'

 

17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x, about 100 stars in a 15' scattered field including several mag 11 stars.  Many stars are arranged in strings although no dense parts.  Located 29' E of Alpha Scuti (V = 3.9).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6664 = H VIII-12 = h3754 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and recorded "a cluster of very coarsely scattered stars; or, the milky way uncommonly crowded.  The cl. did more than fill my field of view."  His position is on the east side of the cluster.  JH made the single observation "a cl of L stars.  It is the commencement of the bright milky way, which here comes on suddenly in the main body."

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NGC 6665 = MCG +05-44-004 = CGCG 173-010 = PGC 62065

18 34 30.0 +30 43 14; Lyr

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 30”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): faint, fairly small, very diffuse, very weakly concentrated core.  Located 24' ENE of mag 5.5 SAO 67090.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6665 = St II-21 on 19 Jul 1871.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  The CGCG fails to label this galaxy NGC 6665, although the identification is certain.

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NGC 6666

18 34 44 +33 35; Lyr

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Edward Swift discovered NGC 6666 = Sw. IX-9 on 25 May 1887 and noted "eF; S; R."  This discovery was directly communicated to Dreyer but it was later included in list IX-89, published in 1890 after the NGC.  There is nothing near Swifts' position or Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 3 Jul 1897. Howe reported "an unsuccessful search for this was prosecuted on two nights.  As it is called "v diff", the region may well be examined with a larger telescope."  No modern catalogue has an entry for NGC 6666.  So for now it is lost.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 6667 = NGC 6668 = NGC 6678? = UGC 11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044 = PGC 61972

18 30 40.1 +67 59 14; Dra

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6667 = Sw. II-69 on 11 Sep 1883 and recorded "vF; pL; lE; vF D * near."  His position is at the west edge of UGC 11269.  There are few faint pairs in the area that might be his "vF double star near".  Swift found the galaxy again on 31 Jul 1886 and reported it in list IV-70.  His position on that night was exactly 50' too far south, so assuming a digit error in reading the declination, NGC 6667 = NGC 6668.  It's also possible that NGC 6678 = Sw. I-99 is a third observation of this galaxy!

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NGC 6668 = NGC 6667 = NGC 6678? = UGC 11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044

18 30 40.1 +67 59 14; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 6667.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6668 = Sw. IV-70 on 31 Jul 1886 and logged "pB; pS; vE."  There is nothing near his position.  Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-00, reported "this is called 'pB, pS, mE' by its discovered, and therefore ought to be an easy object.  I have searched for it on 3 nights unsuccessfully, and conclude that no such nebula exists in or near the place given for it.  It may be identical to [NGC] 6677, which follows about 3 min at about the same declination."  Bigourdan was also unable to find NGC 6668.  Dreyer noted in the IC 2 Notes that NGC 6668 was probably identical to NGC 6677, based on Howe's suggestion.

 

Instead, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6668 is a duplicate observation of NGC 6667.  This galaxy is exactly 50' north of Swift's position and his description "vE" applies (the NGC description is "mE").  It is also possible that Swift's NGC 6678 is another observation of NGC 6667, in which case NGC 6667 = NGC 6668 = NGC 6678, all found by Swift.  RNGC classifies NGC 6668 as nonexistent. See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6669

18 37 15.1 +22 11 45; Her

 

18" (7/21/04): at 225x, this is just an inconspicuous, 20" hazy patch that is lively.  A couple of extremely faint stars are on the verge of visibility.  Several bright and faint pairs are in the field including a faint, close pair 2.4' NW.

 

17.5" (8/7/02): at 100x, I noticed a very faint, small hazy patch at the plotted position.  At 263x, the glow was still faint, ~1' diameter, with an irregular surface brightness with three very faint stars resolved (two of these are on opposite sides of the glow).  Located 10' NE of a mag 6.8 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6669 = m 384 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted 'eF, pL."  Just 1' north of his position is a very faint, rich knot of stars that could fit his description.  Harold Corwin equates NGC 6669 with this group of stars.

 

RNGC and PGC probably misidentify UGC 11302 as NGC 6669.  This galaxy is located 45 seconds of RA east of Marth's position but also 6.5' south.  Furthermore Marth would have probably mentioned a mag 12 star superimposed on the north side.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6670 = UGC 11284 = MCG +10-26-044 = CGCG 301-031 = VII Zw 812 = PGC 62033

18 33 37.3 +59 53 22; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

48" (11/2/13): this fascinating interacting pair was observed at 488x and 813x. NGC 6670B, the western component, appeared as a moderately bright, very thin edge-on, 5:1 WSW-ESE, 0.6'x0.12'.  NGC 6670A is the brighter eastern component and was slightly detached (perhaps by 12") from the western component.  At 488x it appeared moderately bright with a high surface brightness, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2', contains a bright elongated core.  An extremely small knot (LEDA 200359) is at the east-southeast tip.  Using 813x, this knot (listed separately in the UGC notes, but probably a compact star forming region in NGC 6670A) was occasionally just cleanly detached, round, ~5" diameter, situated barely south of the major axis.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1' ESE of the eastern component.  Located 4.4' due E of mag 9.0 HD 238901.  CGCG 301-32, 5' SE, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 21"x14", brighter core.

 

24" (7/21/12): the main two components of this interacting triple were easily resolved at 322x.  The western component (NGC 6670B) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WSW-ENE, 25"x8", even surface brightness.  NGC 6670A is nearly in contact at the east end and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 24"x12".  The tiny companion at the eastern tip of NGC 6670A was not resolved.  Located 4.5' E of mag 9 HD 238901.

 

Nearby is CGCG 030-032 5' SE, CGCG 030-030 9' W, and 2MFGC 14471 10' SSE.   CGCG 030-032 appeared faint, very small, irregularly round, 15" diameter.  CGCG 030-030 is fairly faint, small, round, 15"-18" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus.  Located 4.6' WSW of mag 9.0 HD 238901.  2MFGC 14471 = LEDA 2597427 is extremely faint and small, 12" diameter.  This low surface brightness edge-on is too faint to see any shape or structure.  Situated between a  mag 11.5 star 0.8' NNW and a mag 11 star 1.2' S.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small.  With close inspection resolves into two galaxies oriented WSW-ENE (actually a triple system).  The ENE member is larger and brighter and a mag 13 star is 30" SE of the ENE component.  Forms a trio with CGCG 301-032 5' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6670 = Sw. IV-71 on 31 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; cE; e diff.; between a F and a pB *, nearer the former."  His position is fairly accurate and the "pB *" is mag 9 HD 238901, located 4.7' due west.  Swift did not resolve this double system.

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NGC 6671 = UGC 11299 = MCG +04-44-006 = CGCG 143-006 = PGC 62148

18 37 26.2 +26 25 01; Lyr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (8/2/86): moderately bright, small, high surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is at the ENE edge 28" from center.  A line of brighter mag 11-12 stars begins with a mag 11.5 star 0.7' NW and extends to the NW.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6671 = m 385 = St II-22 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R."  His position is accurate.   ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 19 Jul 1871 and measured a very accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 6672

18 36 14.4 +42 56 51; Lyr

 

= close double star, Thomson and Gottlieb.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6672 = St X-37 on 24 Jul 1879 and recorded "Two faint stars, the northern one appears wrapped in almost imperceptible nebulosity."  At his position is a 12" pair of star, with the northern star a close double (~3"), matching his description.  Bigourdan measured an object just 1' from Stephan's position and also described it as "a double star which appears to have a trace of nebulosity."

 

The RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 228-015 as NGC 6672.  This galaxy is almost 40' WSW of Stephan's position!  This error was noted in my RNGC Corrections #6.

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NGC 6673 = ESO 140-044 = AM 1840-622 = PGC 62351

18 45 06.5 -62 17 49; Pav

V = 11.6;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 26”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  A star is just off the east edge and at the south tip. A mag 9 star (HD 172584) is in the field 7.5' SSE.  Located 50' W of mag 4.1 Lambda Pavonis and 21' WSW of mag 7 HD 173167.

 

Forms a pair with ESO 140-043 4.4' SSW. This galaxy appeared faint, moderately large.  Its sharply concentrated appearance was unusual with a very small, very bright elongated core surrounded by a very faint, ill-defined halo, ~1.5'x1.0' N-S.  In addition, IC 4751 and 4753, a 1.6' pair, lies 16' NW and IC 4754 is 20' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6673 = h3755 on 7 Aug 1834 NGC and recorded "pF; R; psbM; r; 25"."  His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.

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NGC 6674 = UGC 11308 = MCG +04-44-007 = CGCG 143-008 = PGC 62178

18 38 34.0 +25 22 30; Her

V = 12.2;  Size 4.0'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed.  Several faint stars are near.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6674 = m 386 = Sf 32 = St II-23 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, pS, bM."  Truman Safford rediscovered the galaxy on 6 Jun 1871 and noted "pB, pL".  A month later ƒdouard Stephan found it again on 18 Jul 1871 and measured a very accurate micrometric position.  Stephan is credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and both Marth and Stephan are listed in the NGC.  Safford's discovery was not published until 1887.

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NGC 6675 = UGC 11305 = MCG +07-38-013 = CGCG 228-019 = PGC 62149

18 37 26.6 +40 03 28; Lyr

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (7/5/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, mottled, broad concentration.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): faint, fairly small, almost round, fairly low even surface brightness.

 

Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 6675 = Sf 54 = St VII-23 in 1865 with the 31-inch silver-on-glass Marseille reflector.  Truman Safford independently found this galaxy on 28 Sep 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory and noted "pB, pS, gbM."  ƒdouard Stephan found it again on 27 Jul 1870 and measured an accurate micrometric position.  Voigt's discovery was never published and Safford's was published late, so Stephan was credited with the discovery in the GCS and NGC.

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NGC 6676 = UGC 11286 = MCG +11-22-054 = CGCG 322-045 = PGC 62021

18 33 09.9 +66 57 32; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 1.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 142”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint, fairly small, edge-on NNW-SSE, requires averted vision.  Located 10' S of NGC 6677/NGC 6679.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6676 = Sw. IV-72 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; lE; lbM; ee diff.; 2 or 3 others in field.".  His position is 13 seconds of RA west of UGC 11286 W of UGC 11286.   His "2 or 3 others" probably refer to NGC 6677 and 6679.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 5 Sep 1891 as well as Herbert Howe in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

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NGC 6677 = UGC 11290 = MCG +11-22-057 = CGCG 322-047 = CGCG 323-002 = PGC 62035

18 33 36.1 +67 06 36; Dra

Size 0.9'x0.35';  PA = 102”

 

48" (10/22/11): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.3', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is just south of the eastern end.  NGC 6679 lies 1.7' NNW.  This galaxy is identified as IC 4763 in UGC, CGCG and PGC.

 

24" (8/27/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, very weak concentration, ~40"x16".  A mag 14.5 star is barely off the SE end.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 14 star is off the SE end 18" from center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6679 1.7' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6677 = Sw. I-98 on 8 Jun 1885 and logged "pF, pS, R."  His position was 17 sec of RA west and 2' north of UGC 11290, the largest of a compact trio.  Swift made a second observation on 25 Oct 1885, assumed it was a new object and included it in list III-100.  His second position was 12 seconds of time west of UGC 11290.  His notes mention "between a * v close and a vF D *". The "* v close" is probably a mag 14 star off the southeast end.  So, Sw. III-100 likely refers to UGC 11290, while Sw. I-98 may apply to UGC 11290 or perhaps nearby NGC 6679 = UGC 11288, which is more compact and has a higher surface brightness.  The NGC position appears to be a mean of Swift's positions.

 

Bigourdan's position from 5 Sep 1891 matches UGC 11290 as well as Kobold's micrometric position in 1899 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg. Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-1900 with the 20" refractor at Denver reported "The NGC says "bet. * v close and vF D *."  I did not notice the very faint double star; the other is mag 12, and follows the nebula 2 seconds, 10" south."  His position corresponds with UGC 11290, though Dreyer did not publish his corrected position in the IC 2 Notes.  So, NGC 6677 = UGC 11290.

 

UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 6677 as IC 4763, though RNGC appears to have the correct identification.  Malcolm Thomson discusses the identification in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".  Harold Corwin arrives at some different conclusions for identifications of NGC 6677, NGC 6679 and IC 4763.

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NGC 6678 = NGC 6667? = NGC 6668? = UGC 11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044

18 30 40.1 +67 59 14; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 6667.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6678 = Sw. I-99 on 8 Jun 1885 and noted "pF; pS; R."  There is nothing obvious near his position that he might have picked up and the closest galaxy is NGC 6667 = UGC 11269, situated 2.5 minutes of RA west and 8' further north.  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 6678 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 6667, which Swift discovered earlier on 11 Sep 1883.  In addition, Swift's IV-70 = NGC 6668 may be a third observation of this galaxy (his position is off by 50' in declination).  So, it's possible NGC 6667 = NGC 6668 = NGC 6678 refer to UGC 11269.  Due to Swift's poor position, neither Bigourdan nor Herbert Howe could find NGC 6678.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 6679 = IC 4763 = UGC 11288 NED1 = MCG +11-22-055 = CGCG 322-046 NED1 = CGCG 323-001 NED1 = VV 672 NED1 = VII Zw 814 = PGC 62029

18 33 30.5 +67 08 14; Dra

Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

48" (10/22/11): bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, 20" diameter.  A 14th magnitude star is attached at the southwest edge and a mag 16.5 star is 20" NE.  In a close trio with NGC 6677 1.7' SSE and MCG +11-22-056 = PGC 62026 is 0.6' N.  The MCG companion (identified as IC 4763 in MCG and as NGC 6679 in PGC and Megastar) appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.3'x0.2'. A 15th magnitude star is 18" NNE.

 

Zwicky described the pair (VII Zw 814) with MCG +11-22-056 as "post-eruptive blue patchy compacts interconnected by a broad uniform bridge, separation = 30" NNE-SSW."

 

24" (8/27/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 18" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is attached at the southwest edge.

 

MCG +11-22-056 = PGC 62026 lies just 0.6' N. At 375x it appeared extremely faint or very faint, round, just 8"-10" diameter.  Once in my averted vision sweet spot, I could nearly hold this galaxy continuously.  A mag 15 star (brighter than the galaxy) lies 0.3' NNE.

 

17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, elongated SW-NE.  One or two extremely faint stars are possibly involved or close off the edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6677 1.7' SSE.  MCG +11-22-056, a nearly stellar galaxy just 38" N was not seen.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6679 = Sw. IX-90 on 24 Jun 1887 and described "an extremely close double with [NGC] 6679; suspected with 132, confirmed with 200; perfectly separated with 250." This was the third time he visited the field, the previous nights on  8 Jun 1885 (list I-98) and 25 Oct 1885 (list III-100).  Dreyer concluded the first two numbers referred to NGC 6677, which is probably UGC 11290, the largest in the compact triplet.  Swift's position for IX-90 also matches UGC 11290, but in a 1894 issue of Popular Astronomy, Swift clarified that NGC 6679 is a close double, which is a better fit with MCG +11-22-055 = PGC 62029, which has a faint star at its southwest edge.

 

Dreyer made an error in the declination of NGC 6679, placing it nearly 10' further north than Swift's position in list IX.  Confusing the issue further is that NGC 6679 is a double system with an extremely faint component 35" north.  Bigourdan made an observation on 5 Sep 1891. He couldn't find NGC 6679 at Dreyer's incorrect place, but accurately measured PGC 62029 and Dreyer recatalogued this galaxy as IC 4763.  When Howe observed the field in 1899-00, he measured NGC 6677 and 6679 and described NGC 6679 as "a nebulous double star of mag 12.5, distance 5" and angle 60”.  The NGC place is 8.5' out in declination."  His position for NGC 6679 is an exact match with PGC 62029.  So, NGC 6679 = IC 4763.

 

The double system UGC 11288 is misidentified as NGC 6677 + NGC 6679 in the UGC and CGCG and NGC 6677 + IC 4763 in the MCG.   It doesn't appear that the northern component (MCG +11-22-056 = PGC 62026 ) was seen by Swift, Bigourdan or Howe although IC 4763 is often incorrectly assigned to this compact galaxy.  Malcolm Thomson (in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections") and Harold Corwin assign different identifications for this confusing situation.

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NGC 6680 = CGCG 143-010 = PGC 62210

18 39 44.0 +22 18 59; Her

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, round, diffuse, weak concentration.  An extremely faint star is possibly involved.  Located within a line of six mag 14-15 stars in a very rich star field!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6680 = m 387 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, S, close to a small *."  His position is accurate.  This system appears to have at least two components and several superimposed stars and knots.  Perhaps one of these components is Marth's "small *".

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NGC 6681 = M70 = ESO 458-3

18 43 12.6 -32 17 31; Sgr

V = 8.1;  Size 7.8';  Surf Br = 0.2

 

17.5" (7/14/99): At 220x, M70 displays a 3' round halo and is very well concentrated to a small bright core and intense nucleus.  A string of three brighter stars extends to the north from the northeast end and a number of stars are resolved in the halo.  At 280x, ~15-20 faint stars are resolved in the halo and at the edge of the core, particularly on the south side over a very lively background.

 

13": very small bright core, faint stars are resolved at the edges.  A bright string of stars at the following side trails to the NNE. 

 

8": few faint stars resolved at high power, bright core.  The halo appears flattened on the east side.

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (8/3/11): very small, fairly faint glow, brighter center, not difficult.

 

Charles Messier discovered M70 = NGC 6681 = D 614 = h3756 on 31 Aug 1780 and described "a nebula without star, near the preceding [M 69] and on the same parallel. Near to it is a 9 mag. star and four small telescopic stars, almost in the same straight line, close to one another and situated below the nebula as seen in a reversing telescope.  Diam. 2'."  On 13 Jul 1784 (sweep 237), William Herschel recorded "easily resolvable, cB, pL, iR. A very faint red perceivable."  James Dunlop recorded it on 2 Jun 1826 as "a pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/2' diameter, very much condensed to the centre."  Dunlop claims 5 observations in his catalogue.  On 1 Aug 1834 John Herschel recorded "globular, B, R, gmbM, diam in RA = 7 seconds; resolved into stars 14...17m."

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NGC 6682

18 39 37 -04 48 48; Sct

 

17.5" (8/12/01): this appears to be a large Milky Way field in the Scutum Star Cloud, at the eastern edge of the great rift.  At 64x (31 Nagler), there is no obvious cluster but two large, fairly rich, elongated condensations were noted.  The larger southern group is about 20' in size, extended NW-SE.  Connected on the following end to the north is another Milky Way patch, perhaps 15' in size.  Both groups are fairly rich with a background of haze.  The star density dramatically drops just east of this cloud (part of Great Rift) and then the Milky Way bursts into view again on the opposite side of the rift.  So the grouping only barely stands out due to location in an absorption hole at edge of the Great Rift.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6682 = h2017 on 25 Jul 1827 and recorded "A L p rich cl of straggling stars, having a vacuity in M and broken into 2 or 3 clusters.  Fills field.  70 or 80 stars of all magnitudes from 10 to 18 counted.  Extended, in parallel.  The most comp part f."  There is nothing at his position, but 2 minutes of time west is a large, scattered group fitting his description.  The positional error was repeated in the NGC, though Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan gave a corrected position.  The RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent at the erroneous NGC position.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6683 = Lund 856 = OCL-74

18 42 13 -06 12 42; Sct

V = 9.4;  Size 4

 

17.5" (7/1/89): about 20 faint mag 13-15 stars in two converging rows in a very rich field.  The edge of the "Great Rift" is just 10' W (part of dark nebula B103) with an abrupt drop off in stars! 

 

8" (7/5/83): 10 faint stars in an elongated group over unresolved haze.  The "Great Rift" is obvious just 10' W.  In a rich field.

 

8" (7/16/82): elongated group of about 12 stars mag 11 and fainter in a rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6683 = h2018 on 28 Jul 1827 and recorded "A more than usually condensed portion of the enormous cluster of the Milky Way.  The field has 200 or 300 stars in it at once."  His position is accurate.  Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth noted "irregular clustering in extremely dense region, not well defined."

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NGC 6684 = ESO 104-016 = AM 1843-651 = PGC 62453

18 48 57.9 -65 10 23; Pav

V = 10.4;  Size 4.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35”

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this galaxy appeared fairly bright and large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 2.0'x1.6'.  Sharply concentrated with a strikingly bright core and a large, slightly oval halo.  The core brightens evenly to a stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A mag 11 star is off the south side, 2.5' from center.  Located 6' SSE of mag 5.7 Theta Pavonis!  Member of the NGC 6744 group.

 

NGC 6684A lies 30' NE.  It was observed on 14 Oct 2015 at 303x with the 3RF 30" near Crookwell.  At 303x it appeared very large, low surface brightness glow, irregularly round, ~2' in diameter.  Exhibits a very weak central brightening and there was no defined edge to the halo.  A pair of mag 13-14 stars is at the southwest edge.  Located 30' NE of NGC 6684 and 28' NE of mag 5.7 Theta Pavonis.  Nestled in a group of stars, including a mag 9.7 star 2.7' NW, a mag 8.5 star 7.7' SE and a number of mag 13-14 stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6684 = h3757 on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "vB; R; first vg, then psmbM; 90"; a * 6-7m, 7' sp."   The RNGC misclassifies this galaxy as a globular cluster.

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NGC 6685 = UGC 11317 = MCG +07-38-015 = CGCG 228-021 = PGC 62220

18 39 58.6 +39 58 54; Lyr

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 8.7' SSE of mag 8 SAO 47678.  Member of a trio with IC 4772 2.8' N and NGC 6686 9.5' NNE.  RNGC, UGC, CGCG misidentify IC 4772 as NGC 6685.  Described as very small as 8/2/86.

 

Edward Swift discovered NGC 6685 = Sw. IX-91 on 29 May 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; e diff; sp of 2 [with NGC 6686]; in finder field with Epsilon Lyrae."  The positions for both objects are 3' too far north, though Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 2 Aug 1888 (published in his 8 Jul 1901 Comptes Rendus paper).

 

Unfortunately, Swift's published position falls close to a fainter third galaxy (IC 4772 = PGC 62217), which was discovered by Herbert Howe on 7 Sep 1898 and placed accurately.  The CGCG (228-021), MCG (+07-38-015) and UGC (11317) reverse the identifications of NGC 6685 and IC 4772, calling the NGC 6685 the fainter third galaxy.  The RNGC also misidentifies IC 4772 as NGC 6685.  These errors were noted in my RNGC Corrections #2 as well as by Malcolm Thomson in his CGCG corrections.

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NGC 6686 = MCG +07-38-017 = CGCG 228-022 = PGC 62224

18 40 07.0 +40 08 15; Lyr

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (7/5/86): faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 4.8' ENE of mag 8 SAO 47678.  Slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 6685 9.5' SSW.  IC 4772 is 7.9' SSW.

 

Edward Swift, the 16 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC 6686 = Sw. IX-92 (along with NGC 6685) on 29 May 1887.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and wasn't published until 1890, after the NGC.  The declination for both galaxies is 3' too far north and several seconds of RA too far west.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position (matching CGCG 228-022) on 2 Aug 1888 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).  See identification notes for NGC 6685.

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NGC 6687 = UGC 11309 = MCG +10-26-046 = CGG 301-034 = PGC 62144

18 37 22.3 +59 38 33; Dra

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, roundish, low even surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 11 stars to the east.  There are several stars mag 10-12 to the SW in a group.  Situated in a rich and bright star field!

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6687 = Sw. I-100 on 11 Jul 1883 and recorded "eF; pL; R; bet 2 st; also bet 2 coarse clusters; np of 2."  His position is 13 seconds of RA too large and 1' too far north.  His description "bet 2 stars, also bet 2 coarse clusters" applies to scattered groups of stars to the southwest and northeast.  So the identification is certain.  The comment "north-preceding of 2" might apply to NGC 6696, which was discovered 11 months later.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 14 Aug 1891 as well as Herbert Howe in 1899-00 at Denver.

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NGC 6688 = UGC 11324 = MCG +06-41-015 = CGCG 201-027 = PGC 62242

18 40 40.3 +36 17 22; Lyr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (7/5/86): moderately large, diffuse, round, prominent small bright core, possible stellar nucleus.  Pair with UGC 11325 8.0' S.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, low surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 30' ENE of STF 2362.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6688 = m 388 = Sf 35 = St II-24 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "F, pS, R, bM."  His position matches UGC 113245.  Truman Safford found the galaxy on 6 Jun 1871 and noted "vmbM, 40" diam, nucl 12m".  Finally, ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy again on 25 Jul 1870 and measured an accurate micrometric position (using Esmiol's re-reduction).  Stephan is listed as the discoverer in the GC Supplement (5926). Dreyer credited both Marth and Stephan in the NGC.  The NGC position is nearly 5' too far north, though Bigourdan also measured an accurate position on 28 Jul 1886.

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NGC 6689 = NGC 6690 = UGC 11300 = MCG +12-17-026 = CGCG 340-050 = KAZ 210 = PGC 62077

18 34 50.0 +70 31 27; Dra

 

See observing notes for NGC 6690.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6689 on 22 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position and description (he measured the offset to mag 7.7 HD 172803 7' southeast) matches UGC 11300 = PGC 62077.  Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy twice in 1884 (V-86 and V-85), and this galaxy also is catalogued as NGC 6690.  So, NGC 6689 = NGC 6690.

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NGC 6690 = NGC 6689 = UGC 11300 = MCG +12-17-026 = CGCG 340-050 = KAZ 210 = PGC 62077

18 34 50.0 +70 31 27; Dra

V = 12.5;  Size 3.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 171”

 

17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated NNW-SSE.  A mag 14 star is just off the west side 0.6' from center.  A brighter mag 13 star is east of the north tip and an extremely faint mag 15-15.5 star is involved at the NNW end.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6690 = Sw. V-86 = Sw. V-85 on 16 Aug 1884 and recorded "pF; L; R; bet 2 st."  His position is just east of the core of UGC 11300 and the two stars are southwest and northeast.  He found this galaxy on 31 Oct 1886 and reported it as new in his 5th discovery list (#85) as "vF; pS; lE; nearly bet. 2 near st."  His second position was 2.5' too far northwest, although clearly it applies to the same galaxy.  Dreyer combined the two Swift entries into NGC 6690.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest made the first discovery on 22 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and listed it as #188 in his AN 1500 table.  His position (measured twice) is accurate and Dreyer catalogued this galaxy as NGC 6689, despite the very similar positions.  So, NGC 6689 = NGC 6690.  UGC 11300 is usually identified as NGC 6690, although by d'Arrest's prior discovery it should be labeled NGC 6689.

 

Herbert Howe observed NGC 6690 in 1899-00 and reported "this is given as "R" in the NGC.  But it really has two faint wings stretching out north and south from the much brighter centre, making the nebula 1.5' long.  At its northern end is a star of mag 12."

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NGC 6691 = UGC 11318 = MCG +09-30-031 = CGCG 279-022 = PGC 62202

18 39 12.3 +55 38 30; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness, broad concentration.  Located 2.9' N of mag 9.1 SAO 31090.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6691 = Sw. IV-73 on 16 Aug 1884 and recorded "vF; pL; R; pB * nr s[outh].".  His position is 2' south-southwest of UGC 11318 and his comment "pB * nr south" applies to mag 9.8 HD 238917 3' south.  But the NGC position is further out - 30 sec of RA too far west and  E and 3'.3' too far south.

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NGC 6692 = UGC 11330 = MCG +06-41-018 = CGCG 201-033 = PGC 62268

18 41 41.6 +34 50 37; Lyr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, slightly elongated ~E-W.  A bright double star (·2372 = 6.4/8.1 at 25") is 8' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6692 = St XIII-91 on 11 Aug 1883 and recorded "vF, vS, irr elongated E-W, sev vf * inv."  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6693

18 41 32 +36 54 54; Lyr

 

= Not found, Corwin.  =*, RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6693 = m 389 on 3 Aug 1864 and simply noted "vF".  There is nothing nebulous near his position and as expected Bigourdan reported a negative sighting.  RNGC classifies NGC 6693 as a star as there are only stars near his position.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6694 = M26 = Cr 389

18 45 18 -09 23 00; Sct

V = 8.0;  Size 15'

 

17.5" (6/30/00): this rich, distinctive cluster stands out well in the field at 100x.  At 220x, ~60 stars are resolved in a 7' diameter.  A mag 9 star marks the SW end.  About a dozen stars are arranged in a striking arc (concave to the west) just north of the mag 9 star.  A dark lane oriented N-S bisects the cluster just following this star chain and extending past the bright star.  On the east side of this lane is a rich group of stars, roughly arranged into two irregular ovals.

 

13" (7/27/84): about 40 stars mag 9-14 are resolved in a 7' diameter at 220x.  The brightest star is mag 8.8 SAO 142584 at the SW end.  A faint group of mag 13.5-14 stars is just east of the main section.  Located in a rich field.

 

8" (7/27/84): 20 stars mag 11-13, fairly small.  Consists mostly of faint stars except for the four brighter central stars that form a "kite" asterism.  Some dense sections of faint stars lie north and south in strings.

 

Charles Messier discovered M26 = NGC 6694 = h3758 on 20 Jun 1764.  On 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228), WH noted "a cluster of scattered stars, not rich."    JH recorded (sweep 591) "cl VII class; p rich; irreg R; p well insulated; not much comp M; 10' diam; st 12...15m; one 9m taken."

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NGC 6695 = UGC 11340 = MCG +07-38-018 = CGCG 228-023 = PGC 62296

18 42 42.9 +40 21 59; Lyr

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 12”

 

48" (10/24/11): this excellent two-armed barred spiral appeared fairly bright, moderately large with a slightly curving "bar" that is elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~0.6'x0.3'.  Contains a slightly brighter, elongated core.  An arm emerges from the NNE end of the bar and curves clockwise, bending northwest towards a mag 15.5 star and fading out just before intersecting the star.  The second arm is attached at the soiuth-southwest end extending south, though dimming out rapidly before reaching a mag 16 star off the south end.  Overall, the galaxy has an elongated "S" appearance.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): faint, elongated lens, fairly diffuse, slightly brighter along the major axis.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6695 = St XIII-92 on 22 Aug 1884 and recorded "eF, S, irr, lE N-S, vlbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6696 = MCG +10-26-047 = PGC 62215

18 40 05.0 +59 20 02; Dra

V = 15.1;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0”

 

24" (9/6/18): at 225x; faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 N-S, low even surface brightness. I could hold this galaxy continuously using averted vision, though it was quite faint.  Surrounded a several mag 12.5-14 stars.  Located 13' SSE of mag 6.9 HD 172957.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, very low surface brightness.  Not seen initially but once the position was determined using a finder chart, the galaxy was visible about 75% of time with averted vision and concentration.  Located 2.1' N of a mag 13 star.

 

17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint and small, round (elongated N-S on the POSS), requires averted vision.  Forms a right angle with a mag 13 star 2.1' S and a mag 14.5 star 1.3' E.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6696 = Sw. II-70 on 17 June 1884 and recorded "eeeF; in(?) vacancy pL; sev B st f and p it, e diff."  There is nothing close to his position but 1.0 minute of RA west and 3' south is PGC 62215.  There are several mag 9-10 stars in his wide field "f and p".  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position and noted "The NGC place is 1m out in right ascension and 2' in declination.  The nebula is elongated north and south and is a difficult object."  MCG does not label this galaxy NGC 6696.  Due to the faintness of this galaxy, I'm skeptical it was seen by Swift.

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NGC 6697 = UGC 11349 = MCG +04-44-014 = CGCG 143-021 = PGC 62354

18 45 15.1 +25 30 44; Her

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (8/1/89): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, small bright core.  A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge 14" from center, rich star field.  Several bright stars near including three mag 10 stars 1.9' ESE and 4.2' ESE on a line and also 2.3' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6697 = m 390 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6698 = ESO 523-8

18 48 12 -25 55; Sgr

 

18" (9/3/05): at 115x there was nothing notable at William Herschel's position.  Harold Corwin suggests a denser grouping about 25' N and at this location there is a very scattered Milky Way field of stars, ~20'-25' in diameter, but this star field does not stand out at the eyepiece.  In fact, the only object in the area that caught my eye was a small glowing 2' knot of stars at ~18 48.0 -25 43.7 (10' N of Herschel's position), though this knot doesn't match his description of "A suspected cluster of vF stars of considerable extent".  At 225x, ~10 stars were resolved within 1.5'-2'. The planetary M3-33 (see description) is situated within the grouping observed 25' N of the NGC position.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6698 = H VI-15 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "A suspected cluster of vF st of considerable extent."  There is no particular clustering at his position, although a 2' group of five mag 11-13 stars is 4' north.  JH did not make an observation, so there is little else to go on.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6698 may be a group of stars about 27' north of WH's position.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6699 = ESO 183-021 = PGC 62512

18 52 02.1 -57 19 14; Pav

V = 12.0;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright, large, round, 1.25' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus and a fairly smooth halo.  The field is fairly rich in fainter stars and mag 8 HD 174139 lies 8.3' NNE.  IC 4775 lies 30' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6699 = h3759 on 12 Jul 1834 and logged "pF; lE in parallel; pslbM; 40" l, 30" br."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 6700 = UGC 11351 = MCG +05-44-010 = CGCG 173-026 = PGC 62376

18 46 04.5 +32 16 46; Lyr

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, diffuse, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 is at the west edge 37" from center.  Located 2.8' WSW of mag 8.9 SAO 67362.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6700 = St V-3 on 17 Aug 1873 and recorded "eF, lE, diffuse, iR."  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6701 = UGC 11348 = MCG +10-26-050 = CGCG 301-036 = CGCG 302-002 = PGC 62314

18 43 12.6 +60 39 12; Dra

V = 12.1;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, substellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is at the SE end 40" from the center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6701 = Sw. II-71 on 6 Aug 1883 and recorded "pB; pS; vE; F * close to f[ollowing] end."  His position and description matches UGC 11348.  Herbert Howe added "the elongation is very pronounced, and is at 120” [bar], the nebula points at a star of mag 10, less than 1' distant.  There is one condensation of mag 13 [core]; one of mag 14 was suspected at the preceding end of the nebula."

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NGC 6702 = UGC 11354 = MCG +08-34-019 = CGCG 255-013 = PGC 62395

18 46 57.6 +45 42 20; Lyr

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, very small or stellar brighter nucleus.  Forms an optical pair with NGC 6703 10' SSE.  The redshift of NGC 6702 is twice that of NGC 6703, so it likely lies far in the background.

 

8" (8/12/83): very faint, diffuse, small, almost round, even surface brightness.  Located 10' NNW of NGC 6703.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6702 on 8 Sep 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.  Just 4 nights earlier he discovered NGC 6703.  Edward Fath claimed the positions of NGC 6702 and 6703 were incorrect in his 1914 paper "A Study of Nebulae", but the NGC positions are accurate.

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NGC 6703 = UGC 11356 = MCG +08-34-020 = CGCG 255-014 = PGC 62409

18 47 18.9 +45 33 01; Lyr

V = 11.3;  Size 2.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (8/1/89): fairly bright, fairly small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located within a string of four mag 12/13 stars (two are south and two are north) including two mag 12.5 stars 1.3' S and 1.7' NNW of center.  Forms an optical pair with NGC 6702 10' NNW, but NGC 6703 lies in the foreground at roughly half the distance.

 

8" (8/12/83): fairly faint, small, fairly high surface brightness, bright core.  Collinear with two mag 12 stars to the SSW.  NGC 6702 lies 10' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6703 on 4 Sep 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a bright stellar nucleus of 12th magnitude and measured an accurate position.  NGC 6702 was discovered 4 nights later on a second observation.

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NGC 6704 = Cr 390 = Lund 864 = OCL-82

18 50 45 -05 12 18; Sct

V = 9.2;  Size 6'

 

17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x, 40 stars mag 12-15 are visible over unresolved haze, elongated N-S.  Three collinear mag 12.5 stars oriented NNW-SSE are equally spaced near the center.  Located 55' N of M11.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6704 = Au 43 on 23 Jul 1854 at age 19 with his personal 3-inch Metrz comet seeker at Gottingen.  In AN 1072 he reported "In July 1854 I discovered a faint nebula in Scutum with the comet-seeker.  In the Berlin refractor [9.6-inch Fraunhofer] it appears as a faint star cluster, but the place might be interesting, because it looks cometary in a small scope."  Arthur Auwers measured an accurate position with the Konigsberg Heliometer (AN 1392) and described the cluster as elongated in the meridian (N-S), 3'x2'.  He included it in his 1862 list of new nebulae.

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NGC 6705 = M11 = Cr 391 = Wild Duck Cluster

18 51 05 -06 16 12; Sct

V = 5.8;  Size 14'

 

13.1" (7/16/82): at 140x, several hundred stars mag 11-15 and a brighter mag 8 star (SAO 142695) in a 10' region form a remarkably rich cluster including some dense knots of stars.  A starless vacuity is visible just west of center at medium power.  Dark lanes appear to wind through the cluster at high power grouping the stars into chains.  Several dark nebula are near including B108, B112, B318.

 

8" (7/16/82): this is the most impressive open cluster with this aperture.  Appears as an extremely rich carpet of faint stars and dense clumps in an arrowhead shape.

 

Gottfried Kirch discovered M11 = NGC 6705 = h2019 on 1 Sep 1681 in Leipzig, Germany and made a rough sketch (the bright mag 8 star is prominently drawn but no other stars).  William Derham first resolved it around 1733 with an 8-foot (focal length) reflector and described "..not a nebulose, but a cluster of stars, somewhat like that which is in the Milky Way" (PT XXXVIII, 70).  De ChŽseaux also resolved it into "a wonderful cluster of small stars."

 

WH observe the cluster with his 10-ft telescope (4-inch aperture) around 1780 and noted the cluster was visible naked-eye.  JH wrote (23 Jul 1827), "A beautiful irregularly R cl 10' or 12' diam. The stars are all 11m except one = 9m whose place is taken. Examined with high magnifiers [I have often viewed it with 800 and even 1200]; it is broken into 5 or 6 distinct groups with rifts or cracks between them."  Observing with a 9.5" refractor around 1856, Father Secchi described the cluster as having three leaf-shaped dark lanes (AN 43, 157).

 

The nickname "Wild Duck Cluster" is from Admiral Smyth's 1844 guidebook "A Cycle of Celestial Objects".  He describes the telescopic appearance as "A splendid cluster of stars ...which somewhat resembles a flight of wild ducks in shape, is a gathering of minute stars, with a prominent 8th-magnitude in the middle, and two following".

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NGC 6706 = ESO 104-024 = LGG 423-004 = PGC 62596

18 56 51.1 -63 09 58; Pav

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 123”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.5', broad concentration to a small, brighter core.  IC 4800 lies 12.5' ESE and IC 4784 is 28' WSW.  Located 22' due south of mag 6.5 HD 174877.  NGC 6706 is an outlying member of ACO S805 = Pavo II cluster, 1.1” ENE of the center of the cluster (dominated by IC 4765).

 

IC 4800 appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.6'x0.8', well concentrated with a small bright core and fainter halo.  The major axis is collinear with a mag 14.3 star and a mag 12.8 star, 0.8' and 1.3' NNW of center, respectively.  At the southern vertex of a large isosceles triangle with mag 6.5 HD 174877 23' NW and mag 6.8 HD 175782 23' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6706 = h3760 on 8 Jun 1836 and simply noted "Nebula.  No description." His position matches ESO 104-024.  DeLisle Stewart described the galaxy as "vF, vS, eE 120”, stell ncl.", based on examination of plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru.

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NGC 6707 = ESO 183-025 = AM 1851-535 = LGG 425-001 = PGC 62563

18 55 22.2 -53 49 08; Tel

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 143”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.9', broad concentration to a large, elongated core.  Located 2' SSW of a mag 11 star and 15' E of mag 8.4 HD 174477.  Forms a pair with higher surface brightness NGC 6708 6' NNE.  Situated in a fairly rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6707 = h3761 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; gbM; 12"."  On a later sweep his size estimate was 80".  His mean of two position is accurate.

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NGC 6708 = ESO 183-027 = AM 1851-534 = LGG 425-002 = PGC 62569

18 55 35.6 -53 43 25; Tel

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 167”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.9', moderately concentrated to a small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 6707 6' SSW.  Situated in a fairly rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6708 = h4021 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; S; R; 15"; the following of a group."  On 6 Jun 1837 he logged "pB; R; 90"; gpbM."  This observation was not included in the main table of the Cape of Good Hope catalogue but added in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end (h4016 to h4021), which Dreyer identified as "h o n" (Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.

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NGC 6709 = Cr 392 = Mel 214 = Lund 866

18 51 18 +10 19 06; Aql

V = 6.7;  Size 13'

 

18" (8/14/04): excellent open cluster at 115x with roughly 100 stars mag 10-13.  Appears triangular, ~20' diameter with an additional loop of stars bowed out to the south attached at the ends of the southern side of the triangle.  At the eastern end is a distinctive 22" pair of mag 9.2/9.7 stars (Burnham 1464) oriented SSW-NNE, with the SW star an orange color.  A closer 10" pair lies 1' E (h870 = 9.8/11.3 at 12") and forms a quadrilateral with this brighter pair. The stars are irregularly distributed with some vacant regions and there appears to be dust throughout the field, particularly west of the cluster but also intruding into the cluster.  A N-S string of a half-dozen stars is on the west side forming one of the bases of the triangle.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): over 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved in a 15-20' field but not dense.  Appears best at 83x-105x.  An easy mag 10 double star at 22" separation is at the east side and a close fainter pair follows.  Visible in 16x80 finder.

 

13": fairly large, about 70 stars in cluster, includes some close double stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6709 = h2020 on 29 Jul 1827 and recorded "a p considerable cl; 15' diam; irreg fig, 50 or 60 stars, large and scattered.  The place is that of the double star No. 870 [HJ 870] of my third catalogue."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6710 = UGC 11364 = MCG +04-44-019 = CGCG 143-027 = LGG 424-001 = PGC 62482

18 50 34.2 +26 50 16; Lyr

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 40”

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, broad concentration, elongated SW-NE, possible faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 1.6' SSE of center.  Located 26' NNE of ·2406 = 6.9/10.9 at 5" in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6710 = m 391 = St II-24 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, bM."  ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered this galaxy on 18 Jul 1871.  His accurate micrometric position is accurate.  Both are credited in the NGC, though Dreyer referenced Stephan's first list, instead of list II.

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NGC 6711 = UGC 11361 = MCG +08-34-025 = CGCG 255-017 = PGC 62456

18 49 01.1 +47 39 29; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

13.1" (7/20/85): faint, fairly small, diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  Located 8.6' N of mag 7.5 SAO 47830 on the Lyra-Draco border.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6711 = Sw. II-72 on 5 Aug 1885 and logged "vF; pS; R; lbM."  His position is 7 seconds west of UGC 11361 and the identification is certain.

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NGC 6712

18 53 04.3 -08 42 21; Sct

V = 8.2;  Size 7.2';  Surf Br = 1.4

 

24" (8/12/15): at 450x (10mm ZAO + 2x Powermate); nearly fills 5' field, excellent resolution over the entire surface with well over 50 stars resolved.  A dense group of easily resolved stars is on the west side of the halo.  A large number of fainter resolved stars is also on the south side.  The outer halo was ragged and straggling, with no distinct border but shot with numerous stars.  A well resolved, detached elongated section (separated by a lane) is on the south and southeast side of the halo.  Set in a beautiful low power field with planetary nebula IC 1295 24' ESE.  Observation at 8600 ft in excellent transparency in the White Mountains.

 

18" (7/23/06): situated in a gorgeous low power Milky Way star field at 115x with a dense background mat of faint stars filling the 45' field and planetary IC 1295 24' ESE.  At 435x roughly three dozen stars are resolved in a 6' region, mostly on the western half of the cluster.  The core is moderately bright but not sharply concentrated.  The irregular halo is peppered with faint stars though at the periphery it was impossible to really distinguish from these from the numerous faint field stars that surround the cluster.  A dark lane is quite obvious on the south side, appearing to detach the outer section of the halo on the southeast side.  The outer halo is poorly resolved on the eastern end. 

 

18" (8/23/03): at 435x, approximately three dozen stars can be counted, although the eastern edge of the halo resists resolution.  A dark lane cuts through the cluster on the south side running SW-NE and detaching a small piece of the halo on the SE side and flattening the central blaze which begins just north of the lane.  IC 1295 lies 24' ESE and both are nicely framed within the field of the 20mm Nagler.

 

17.5" (6/29/00): at 220x this is a bright, moderately large cluster, ~6' diameter in a very rich Milky Way field.  Contains a relatively large, intense 3' core with a number of very faint stars peppered over the background glow.  A small, partially resolved piece is detached at the southeast end by a dark lane.  The surrounding halo includes a number of brighter stars, though it is difficult to untangle the maze of stars in the halo from the rich Milky Way background.  Roughly 30 stars are resolved at 280x, although it is difficult to accurately count. The core has irregular appearance with a flattened side caused by a sharp light cut off on the south side. PN IC 1295 lies 24' ESE.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): about two dozen stars resolved over haze.  A very rich clump is visible at the west side and a detached clump is at the southeast end.  The outline is irregular.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): about 15 stars resolved including several extremely faint stars, very mottled, ragged edges, non-symmetric (flattened on the southeast side).

 

8" (7/24/82): grainy, very lively but only a few stars resolved over haze at high power.  Strong impression that in excellent seeing or a bit more aperture would resolve more fully.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6712 = H I-47 = h3762 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and recorded "B, vL, easily resolvable, with many stars visible in it; of an irregular form."  John Herschel made a single observation on 27 May 1831 (sweep 591): "globular cluster; pL; F; R; rather irreg; vglbM; 6' or more in diam; all resolved.  A fine object, the stars being very close and numerous."

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NGC 6713 = UGC 11365 = CGCG 201-038 = KAZ 497 = PGC 62487

18 50 44.6 +33 57 35; Lyr

V = 13.6;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.1

 

17.5" (7/5/86): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness, rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6713 = m 392 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6714

18 46 50 +66 44 42; Dra

Size 1

 

18" (7/2/11): at 285x, I initially noticed at this position a low surface brightness glow, ~1' diameter, mimicking a nebulous object.  When the seeing sharpened, though, the glow resolved into 4 extremely faint stars mag 15-16 (difficult to hold all simultaneously).  Nearly on a line with mag 8.6 HD 174788 5' NE and mag 8.9 SAO 18027 7.5' NE.  A string of three equally spaced mag 13 star begins 3' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6714 = Sw. IV-74 on 27 May 1886 and noted "eeeF; pS; ee diff.; sev B st nr north."  There is nothing near his position though several brighter stars are in the field.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Jeff Corder suggests NGC 6714 may be a small asterism of extremely faint stars 1 minute of time following Swift's position and 1' north.  Harold Corwin lists this asterism as a good candidate.  It fits Swift's description and three mag 8/9 stars (SAO 18021, 18025 and 18027) lie ~5' north and northeast.  Herbert Howe searched unsuccessfully for this nebula on three nights at Swift's position in 1899-00, but noted he found a group of four stars of mag 14, about 1 minute following the NGC place.  This is likely the same group of faint stars.

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NGC 6715 = M54 = ESO 458-8

18 55 03.2 -30 28 43; Sgr

V = 7.7;  Size 9.1';  Surf Br = 0.5

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very bright, fairly large, increases to a sharp bright core.  Five brighter stars were easily visible around the edges, though these are probably field stars as the brightest cluster members are V = 15.5.  The globular had a mottled, grainy appearance but there was no additional obvious resolution into stars.  Easily visible in the 16x80 finder. 

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (8/3/11): easily visible as a small fairly faint glow.

 

Charles Messier discovered M54 = D 624 = h3763 on 24 July 1778 and described a "very faint nebula, discovered in Sagittarius. It is bright in the centre and contains no star, seen with an achromatic telescope of 3.5 feet".  On 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232), William Herschel recorded "A round, resolvable nebula. Very bright in the middle and the brightness diminishing gradually, about 2.5' or 3' diameter. 240 power shews two pL stars in the faint part of the nebulosity, but I rather suppose them to have no connection with the nebula. I believe it to be no other than a miniature cl of v compressed stars resembling that near the 42nd Comae [M53]. It is like that under Delta Sagittarii [NGC 6624], but rather larger and brighter though not much."

 

James Dunlop found it "a very beautiful nebula, with a very bright round well-defined disk or nuclei, about 15 arcseconds diameter, surrounded by a gradually decreasing light or chevelure, about 1 1/4' diameter, this is exceedingly bright immediately at the centre."  He made 4 observations of the globular and his published position is 28' east of center (not an unusually large error).  John Herschel made several observations and noted on 1 Aug 1834 from the Cape of Good Hope, "Globular cluster; B; pL; vlE; gbM; 2 1/2' diam; resolved into st 15m, with a few outliers 14m."

 

M54 is the most distant Messier globular, roughly 85,000 light years away and lies close to the center of the Sgr Dwarf Spheroidal (SagDEG or Sgr dSph).  M54 is thought to be the core of the disrupted galaxy but it has been proposed that it formed independently and plunged into the nucleus of the Dwarf as a result of the decay of its orbit due to dynamical friction.

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NGC 6716 = Cr 393 = ESO 592-005

18 54 34 -19 54 06; Sgr

V = 6.9;  Size 7'

 

17.5" (5/10/91): about 40 stars visible in a 9' diameter, bright, fairly large but scattered.  Divided in two groups; the SSW group includes a mag 8 star and two mag 10 stars.  A mag 9 star is at the NE edge of the NNW group, which also includes several mag 10-12 stars in a curved arc.  Pretty empty between these two groups with just four stars in the center.  Not very impressive. 

 

8": 20 stars mag 10-13 including a row of stars at the north edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6716 = h2021 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "a p rich cluster, figure like the letter S, 7' in extent.  Stars 9...13m.  Counted 40 of them."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6717 = Palomar 9 = ESO 523-14 = IC 4802

18 55 06.0 -22 42 06; Sgr

V = 9.2;  Size 3.9';  Surf Br = 0.7

 

24" (8/23/14): this unusual globular, located just 2' S of Nu2 Sgr, was viewed at 375x and 500x.  The "core" appears as a fairly circular, fairly smooth glow, ~1' diameter, with a half-dozen stars superimposed.  With extended viewing a very low surface, irregular halo was noticed that increased the diameter to perhaps 2.5'.  At the center is an unequal pair oriented N-S (~5" separation), with the southern component, brighter and quasi-stellar.  A second pair of mag 14 stars at ~5" separation is on the NE side (this is IC 4802).  A mag 16 star is 10" S of this pair. Finally, another mag 14 star is at the WNW side of the core. 

 

18" (7/15/07): at 280x, stands out prominently just 2' S of mag 5 Nu2 Sagittarii.  The globular appears as an unconcentrated, low surface brightness hazy glow just 1' in diameter but with five likely field stars superimposed, giving the appearance of a small open cluster over unresolved background haze.  At 393x, four out of these five mag 13 and fainter stars are grouped into two close pairs with roughly similar separations and orientations.  One pair is near the center (oriented ~N-S) and another is at the NE edge oriented NNW-SSE  (catalogued as IC 4802) while the 5th star is at the WNW edge.  The glow of the cluster is irregularly round (slightly elongated E-W) and has a well-defined edge, unusual for a globular.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 225x the view is quite unusual as the glow of the globular is just 2' S of mag 5 Nu 2 Sag.  The globular is just a fairly faint, round 1' glow with a low surface brightness and no evident concentration.  Quite striking, though, are several superimposed stars including a close pair of mag 14 stars at the NE edge.  At 434x, a star near the center is also clearly double and the halo of the globular has a ragged periphery.

 

17.5" (7/20/98): very unusual small, faint glow located 2' S of mag 5 Nu 2 Sagittarii!  The very faint background glow is ~1' diameter but more notable are several superimposed stars.  A close pair of mag 13.5 stars is at the NE edge 25" from center (this is IC 4802!) and a similar star is at the WNW edge 20" from center.  A very small bright core appears on closer inspection to be a close pair of mag 12.5 stars or possibly a bright stellar core and nearby star.  Other than the central "knot", the unconcentrated 1' background patch has a low surface brightness and is much smaller than the listed diameter of 4'.

 

13" (6/18/85): fairly faint, very small.  This globular appears as a hazy patch easily visible just 1.8' S of Nu 2 = 35 Sagittarii (V = 5.0)!  About half a dozen stars are either superimposed or resolved including two close pairs.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6717 = H III-143 = h2022 = h3766 on 7 Aug 1784 (sweep 245) and recorded "two or three minutes south of 35 Sagittarii are three vS stars which I suspect to contain nebulosity; but it is probably a deception, circumstances are not favourable enough to determine it."  His position was accurate.  At the Cape of Good Hope on 27 Jun 1837 (sweep 793), John Herschel reported "Close, to the south of, Nu2 Sagittarii; a very small clustering knot, with perhaps nebula.  A doubtful object.  I see 3 or 4 of the st, but there is also a nebulous appearance."

 

According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan's IC 4802, described as "neb *13, 15" nf III 143 [NGC 6717]" refers to a clump of stars northeast of the nucleus of NGC 6717 but part of the cluster.  George Abell found the cluster again while inspecting plates for the POSS1 around 1952 and didn't make the connection with NGC 6717.  As a result, this globular is also known as Palomar 9!

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NGC 6718 = ESO 104-029 = PGC 62688

19 01 28.7 -66 06 36; Pav

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 172”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', strong concentration with a small bright core that increases gradually.  A star is possibly superimposed at the north edge of the core.  Located 5.3' NNE of mag 8.6 HD 175607 and 5' S of a mag 9.6 star.

 

2MASX J19023094-6601086 = PGC 3903657 lies 8.4' NE.  It appeared faint to very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  Situated 27" ESE of a mag 11 star.  A mag 15-15.5 star is off the south side, 20" from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6718 = h3764 on 23 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 20"; a * 9m 5' dist; pos = 220”."  The star is mag 8.6 HD 175607.

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NGC 6719 = ESO 072-008 = PGC 62710

19 03 07.5 -68 35 17; Pav

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 107”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', broad concentration but no distinct core or nucleus.  A faint star is at the SW edge.  Located 10' NNW of mag 5.9 HD 175986.  A wide pair of mag 10 stars lie 6.4' ENE and 8.7' ENE and a few other 10th magnitude stars are in the field.  NGC 6730 lies 31' SE, close to a 7th magnitude star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6719 = h3765 on 23 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; L; R; vgvlbM; 60"; RA:: being by an auxiliary star."  Nevertheless, his position is close to ESO 072-008 = PGC 62710 and the identification certain.

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NGC 6720 = M57 = PK 63+13.1 = PN G063.1+13.9 = Ring Nebula

18 53 35.1 +33 01 45; Lyr

V = 8.8;  Size 86"x63"

 

48" (10/24/11): at 488x and 610x the central star was easily visible continuously in fair seeing.  Using 287x and an NPB filter, a much fainter large outer halo was easily visible surrounding the main bright ring (86"x63").  It appeared much more circular than the ring and ~2.5' diameter (roughly doubling the size), so appeared to extended further out in the direction of the ring's minor axis.  This outer shell was surprisingly evident and even displayed a slightly ragged or irregular edge.

 

28" (7/8/13): the Ring Nebula was examined at 658x using a 4mm ZAO and an "inverse OIII" or central star filter, which dramatically dimmed the nebulosity.  The central star was visible most of the time once acquired, though quite dim.  Surprisingly, a second interior star close northwest of the central star would occasionally pop and it was confirmed in the same position.  Finally, a third star was seen embedded in the brighter portion of the rim on the NNW edge (along the minor axis), though often it looked like a quasi-stellar knot.  In my 24" the central star was nearly continuous and the second interior star was highly suspected with the filter, although I didn't compare with the non-filtered view.

 

24" (5/25/14): observed M57 at 1000x (4.5mm Delos + 2x Powermate) in excellent seeing. The Ring itself was stunning with mottling, textured surface, and brightness variations across the ring clearly visible.  The central star was very faint, but visible ~75% of the time (sometimes as a quasi-stellar brightening).  Often, though, it was seen as a sharp stellar point.  Overall, this was certainly one of the finest views of the Ring I've experienced.

 

18" (6/21/03): I took a look at the Ring Nebula at very high powers  in steady seeing for the first time using my Starmaster w/Zambuto optics.  With the 2.5x Powermate, I used 538x, 807x and finally 1087x!  At 538x and 807x, the mag 15.7 central star flicked on and off several times, but only momentarily.  At 1087x, the central star was visible more consistently, flickering on/off regularly and cleanly visible for a few seconds at a stretch.

 

17.5" (6/5/99): Viewed under very steady seeing at 380x.  The halo was elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE and clearly brighter along the north and south sides (minor axis).  The ends of the major axis were clearly "thinner" and slightly fainter at the following end. The interior had a pale gauzy appearance.  The edge of the ring has a "wooly" appearance with a strong impression of small irregular wisps or filaments hinting at the extremely faint outer halo.  The central star popped in and out of view a few times.  A mag 13 star is close off the east side and a very faint mag 15.7 star is a similar distance off the west end.  Another mag 15.6 star is 1' due south of center.  At high power a 3" pair of mag 14-15 stars ~1.3' NNW of center were just resolved with a difficult mag 16.1 star ~30" further north.

 

17.5" (7/1/89): extremely faint central star visible for moments at 412x just east of center.  The central star was held steadily for a few seconds at best with averted vision.  Forms an unusual pair with the extremely faint galaxy IC 1296 4' NW.

 

13": very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, high surface brightness, best example of annularity although interior not dark.  Slightly fainter at ends of major axis.  Central star not seen.

 

6" (7/78): first view in a dark sky (Bryce Canyon), high surface brightness, ring-shape obvious, easily takes high power, slightly elongated.  Visible in 8x50 finder as a faint "star".

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): fairly faint but clearly non-stellar, appearing as a very small but definite disc.

 

Antoine Darquier discovered M57 = NGC 6720 = h2023 using a 2.5-inch refractor in early 1779.  He wrote, "nebula between Gamma and Beta of Lyra; it is pretty dull, but perfectly outlined; it is as large as Jupiter and resembles a fading planet." This description perhaps inspired the name "planetary nebula".  It has been assumed the Darquier's discovery preceded Messier's independent discovery, but Don Olson and Giovanni Maria Caglier reported in the June 2017 issue of Sky & Tel, that Messier definitely observed the Ring Nebula on 31 Jan 1779 while searching in the region of Bode's comet.  Darquier wasn't even aware of Bode's comet until at least 9 Feb, so Messier deserves discovery credit.  In any case, M57 was the second PN discovered, after M27 in 1764.

 

In 1785 William Herschel logged, "A perforated Nebula, or Ring of Stars. Among the curiosities of the heavens should be placed a nebula, that has a regular, concentric, dark spot in the middle, and is probably a Ring of stars. It is of an oval shape, the shorter axis being to the longer as about 83 to 100; so that, if the stars form a circle, its inclination to a line drawn from the sun to the center of this nebula must be about 56 degrees. The light is of the resolvable kind [i.e., mottled], and in the northern side three very faint stars may be seen, as also one or two in the southern part. The vertices of the longer axis seem less bright and not so well defined as the rest. There are several small stars very near, but none seems to belong to it."

 

The discovery of the challenging central star (V = 15.7 according to http://arXiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0611543) is generally attributed to Friedrich von Hahn in 1795 using a 12" f/20 reflector (mirror from William Herschel).  Though he subsequently reported the "small star is no longer visible", I find his original observation unlikely as his telescope was probably equivalent to a modern 8" or 9" reflector.  William and John Herschel never reported seeing the central star, nor Lord Rosse in his 36-inch.  Apparently it was missed by Trouvelot with the Harvard 18" and Holdenwiththe Washington 26" refractor.  Rosse found the central star "pretty bright" with the 72-inch (first seen in 1848) and William Lassell sketched the central star with his 48" in 1860 (unpublished).  Father Secchi claimed an interior star was seen with the 9.5" refractor in Rome around 1865.  A second interior star was observed through the Lick 36-inch refractorand one at the end of the major axis.

 

The 1936 Carnegie Institute Yearbook mentions that a photograph made with the Mt. Wilson 100-inch by Duncan revealed a "faint, hitherto unrecorded envelope, roughly circular in outline and about twice the diameter of the well-known ring."  Soon afterwards, a larger outer envelope was found in NGC 6826.

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NGC 6721 = ESO 141-019 = PGC 62680

19 00 50.8 -57 45 34; Pav

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155”

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core increasing to a bright, stellar nucleus, halo appears as an irregularly shaped oval.  IC 4806 lies 14' NNE.  Located 28' NW of mag 6.3 HD 176522 and 15' NNE of mag 7.6 HD 175675.  The latter star, NGC 6721 and IC 4806 are collinear with NGC 6721 at the midpoint.

 

IC 4806 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.2', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core and stellar nucleus.  A brighter star is superimposed on the SE edge and a very faint star is at the NNE tip.  Located 14' NNE of the large spiral NGC 6721 and 6' SE of mag 9.5 HD 176085.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6721 = h3767 on 12 Jul 1834 and logged "pF; R; psbM; 30"; the central brightness comes almost to a nucleus."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6722 = ESO 104-033 = LGG 422-021 = PGC 62722

19 03 40.4 -64 53 41; Pav

V = 12.7;  Size 2.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 166”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, very elongated 9:2 NNW-SSE, fairly large, 1.8'x0.4', contains a small brighter core within a bulging middle.  Two stars are on the north end (one superimposed and the other barely off).  A mag 11.8 star is 2' NW of center.  Located 10' due east of mag 8.3 HD 175882 and 7' WNW of mag 7.6 HD 176021 in the southeast outskirts of the Pavo II cluster = ACO S805.  These two bright stars are separated by 4' and a third mag 10.5 to the southeast is collinear.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6722 = h3768 on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "pF; S; E; glbM; 15"; 2 st 8m precede; the nearest about 8'.  Both are nearly on the parallel, or a little south of the neb, by diagram."  His position and description is a perfect match with ESO 104-033 = PGC 62722.

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NGC 6723 = ESO 396-010

18 59 33.1 -36 37 53; Sgr

V = 7.3;  Size 11.0';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, beautiful symmetric globular at 128x.  The halo measures at least 7' with a sharply concentrated, blazing 3' core. Roughly 100 stars were resolved with a strong impression the core would more fully resolve using a higher magnification.  A single mag 10.5 star is at the NE edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): this is a beautiful, symmetric GC at 220x.  The halo extends to ~6' and is sharply concentrated with a very bright 3' core.  This core is highly resolved into a dense overlay of faint stars with a single brighter star just north of center.  The extent of the halo is ill-defined and consists of numerous brighter stragglers (or field stars) mixed with a sprinkling of dim stars.  Perhaps 70 stars are resolved in total.  In a remarkable region with a complex of unusual reflection nebulae (NGC 6726/27/29).

 

17.5" (7/29/92): at 220x, bright, fairly large with about 50 stars visible in a 4'-5' diameter.  Fairly symmetric appearance with no distinct edge.  Beautifully resolved into several dozen stars.  A mag 10.5 star is off the NE edge 3' from the core.  Mildly concentrated but no distinct nucleus although a star appears embedded at the center of the core.  The outer halo was well-resolved and a peppering of stars was resolved over the core.  In the same low power field with bright nebula NGC 6726, NGC 6727, NGC 6729 to the SE!

 

13.1" (8/24/84): at 220x many faint stars resolved beyond the main disc.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): bright, large, mottled, many faint stars resolved across disc and at edges of halo.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): a number of very faint stars resolved around the periphery at 140x.

 

8" (7/31/81): bright, large, bright core, mottled, some resolution of extremely faint stars around edges.

 

10x30mm (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): fairly bright in binoculars, situated just north of the top of the looping curve forming Corona Australis.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6723 = D 573 = h3770 on 2 Jun 1826 and described "a beautiful bright round nebula, about 3.5' diameter, moderately and gradually condensed to the centre. This is resolvable. The moderate condensation, and the bluish colour of the stars which compose it, give it a very soft and pleasant appearance. This is rather difficult to resolve, although the condensation is not very great." Dunlop made 6 observations and his position is 16' too far east.

 

John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery despite the poor position and recorded on 31 Aug 1834 a "globular cluster; B; L; R or vlE; vgbM; diam 5'; perfectly resolved into stars 14..16m, with stragglers extending to 8' diam."  Christian Peters independently found the globular around 1849 at the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples and it was reported as new in AJ 2, 1856.  Apparently Peters didn't have access to JH's Cape Catalogue.

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NGC 6724

18 56 46 +10 25 42; Aql

Size 3'

 

17.5" (7/24/95): at 100x appears as a small indistinct group in a rich Milky Way field.  Stands out better at 220x which increases the number of stars to 15 in a 2.5'x2.0' region (slightly elongated E-W).  There are five brighter mag 12-13 stars and 10 faint stars in this group and visually it appears to be an asterism.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6724 = h2237 on 5 Sep 1828 with a 5-inch Tully refractor (7-ft focal length) purchased in 1828 from James South and normally used for measurements of double stars.  This is the only object JH discovered using this refractor.  Only a rough RA (to the nearest minute of time) is given in the Slough Catalogue and there is no description.  Harold Corwin found there is no additional information in the Herschel Archive DVD material.

 

Karl Reinmuth states "no cluster" based on Heidelberg plates and this is repeated in Dorothy Carlson's 1940 paper.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  Corwin mentions NGC 6724 may refer to a small, unimpressive group of stars about 5' northwest of his (rough) position.  But based on my 18-inch observation, I doubt this group of stars would have caught JH's attention in a 5-inch.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6725 = ESO 183-036 = AM 1857-535 = PGC 62692

19 01 56.6 -53 51 47; Tel

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 40”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.45'; contains a bright, very elongated core, tapered at the tips (spindle shape).  A group of mag 12-13 stars extends to the north.  ESO 184-005 lies 15' ESE.  Located 1.1” SSE of mag 4.9 Lambda Telescopii.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6725 = h3769 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; pL; R."  The RA was only approximated but his position is 4' south of ESO 183-036.  DeLisle Steward described the galaxy as "not pL, R but eF, eS, stell ncl, with straight wisp at 40”" based on examination of plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru.  RNGC misclassifies this galaxy as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6726 = ESO 396-13 = Ced 165b

19 01 39 -36 53 30; CrA

Size 2'x2'

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the south-southwest component of two very bright, similar reflection nebulae oriented SSW-NNE.   Both surround bright stars and are each 1.5'-2.0' in diameter with a separation of 57" (the two stars form the pair B 957).  The nebulae are in contact with overlapping halos forming a figure 8.  Also sharing this eerie dark field obscured by dust is the unusual cometary nebula NGC 6729 5' SSE.

 

17.5" (7/29/92): two bright, round nebulae oriented SSW-NNE: The SSW component (NGC 6726) surrounds a mag 7.2 star and the NNE component (NGC 6727) surrounds the variable star TY Coronae Australis (mag 9.5-10).  Both nebulae are roughly 1.5' diameter and in contact with overlapping halos.  The evenly matched double star BRS 14 = 6.6/6.8 at 13" is 13' SW.  Very unusual dark field is void of stars and set in a striking low power field with nebula NGC 6729 and globular NGC 6723.

 

8" (7/31/81): two fairly bright, round patches in contact surrounding a wide pair (B 957) consisting of a mag 7.2 star and the variable TY CrA (8.8-12.5) at 58".  A closer double star BRS 14 (6.5/7.0 at 13") to the SW.  In a stunning low power field with NGC 6729 and globular cluster NGC 6723.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6726, along with NGC 6727, in October 1860 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.  He made a second observation on 8 Feb 1861 (also NGC 6729) that was published in 1865 (AN 65, 263) and mentioned it was first seen in 1860.  Albert Marth rediscovered this bright reflection nebula on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "* 7m in a F, pL, white envelope."  As these bright reflection nebulae are only 30' SE of the showpiece globular NGC 6723, it's surprising they were missed by John Herschel.

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NGC 6727 = ESO 396-14 = Ced 165b

19 01 42 -36 52 36; CrA

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the north-northeast component of two very bright, similar reflection nebulae oriented SSW-NNE.  Surrounds the variable star TY CrA and 1.5'-2.0' in diameter.  The nebulae are in contact with overlapping halos forming a figure 8.

 

17.5" (7/29/92): bright, round, 1.5' diameter, surrounded variable star TY Coronae Australis (mag 9-10).  Forms a pair with NGC 6726 in contact at the SSW end.  See NGC 6726 for description. 

 

8" (7/31/81): fairly bright circular halo surrounds star in contact with NGC 6726.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6727, along with NGC 6726, in October 1860 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.  He made a second observation on 8 Feb 1861 (also NGC 6729) that was published in 1865 (AN 65, 263) .  Albert Marth rediscovered this bright reflection nebula on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "* 7.5m in a F, pL, white envelope."

 

In Oct. and Nov. 1915, Robert Innes, at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, reported the star CPD -37 8450 (= TY CrA) was a new variable.  Although normally mag 8.7, he noticed it was mag 12.4 on 29 Oct 1915 and mag 11.5 on 24 Nov.  He also remarked "that the nebulous envelope is also variable.  As this envelope actually touches another one of about the same size [NGC 6726] it is most excellently situated for comparison."

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NGC 6728 = Isserstedt 662

18 58 44 -08 58 00; Sct

Size 7'

 

17.5" (7/27/95): large, scattered group of mag 11-14 stars in a 7' triangular outline.  Fairly easy to pick out at 100x.  There are no rich clumps but many stars are arranged in strings and loops, forming the outline.  A small equilateral triangle of mag 12 stars with sides ~30" is situated at the center of the group.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6728 = H VIII-13 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and noted "A coarsely scattered clusters of stars; the stars nearly of an equal magnitude."  There is nothing of note at his position.  Karl Reinmuth reported "no Cl, a dense region" in his photographic survey at Heidelberg.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin suggests WH's object may be a group of stars (Isserstedt 662), a little over a minute of RA west near 18 58.8 -08 58 or a larger, more scattered group at 19 00 28 -08 59 (2000).

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NGC 6729 = ESO 396-15 = R Coronae Australis = HH 104 = PP 87 = Parsamyan 2 = Ced 165c

19 01 55 -36 57 30; CrA

Size 1'

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this remarkable variable reflection nebulae has a distinct cometary or fan-shape similar to Hubble's Variable Nebula.  The cometary nebula extends from mag 10 erratic variable R CrA (9.7-13.5) at the NW end and fans out towards the SE towards the fainter variable T CrA (mag 11.7-13.5) at the SE edge of the nebula.  R CrA is a pre-main sequence star with 2 to 10 times the mass of the sun and is embedded in the Corona Australis molecular complex, one of the closest star-forming regions.

 

The region to the southeast (DN Bernes 157) of NGC 6729 is remarkably void of stars!  This opaque dark void (molecular cloud) appeared as a huge, elongated dark swath.  Within a field of nearly 20', the absorption is very high with only a couple of stars visible near the edges (a solitaire interior star is 14th mag VV CrA) and beyond that only a scattering of faint stars!  Also the field centered on NGC 6726/27/29 was strangely devoid of stars.  The appearance of this entire region was unusual and striking.  Gamma CrA lies just off the east edge of this molecular dust cloud.

 

17.5" (7/29/92): fairly faint, elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.5'.  Variable star T Coronae Australis (mag 11.7-13.5) is attached at the SE end and the nebulosity extends to WNW.  Variable star R Coronae Australis (mag 9.7-13.5), which illuminates the nebula, is at the NW end.  The unusual cometary appearance is similar to Hubble's Variable Nebula.  The brighter reflection nebulae NGC 6726/NGC 6727 lies 5' NW.  Located in a remarkable field of nebulosity and the bright globular cluster NGC 6723.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): at the edge of the field with NGC 6723 is this cometary nebula.  Elongated with a star attached at the tip.

 

8" (7/31/81): faint, elongated nebulosity attached to R Coronae Australis (9.7-13.5) with a comet-like appearance.  Located 5' SE of brighter NGC 6726/6427 in a remarkable field.

 

Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6729 on 15 Jun 1861 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.  He noted a faint, but clearly visible stellar nebula involved with a star identified as "nx", though his reported RA in 1865 was 4 minutes too large (typo). Albert Marth rediscovered this bright reflection nebula on 1864.50 (about 2 Jul) and noted "*13m with a vF, nebulous tail."  His position is accurate.

 

The illuminating star is variable R CrA (T Tauri type).  Schmidt discovered the variability of R CrA in 1866 and the variability of T CrB in 1876.  He also suspected the nebula was variable.  Observing with the 7" refractor at the Cape Observatory, Robert Innes confirmed the probability of the nebula's variability and reported R and T CrA "seem to be placed at the two ends of the major axis of a faint elliptical nebula, which is brightest to R."  With the 18" refractor on 15 Oct 1900, he noted "the nebula does not extend to T CrA and that it is fan-shaped, agreeing very closely with Marth's description."

 

Delisle Stewart first photographed the region on 4 Aug 1899 at Harvard's Arequipa station, followed in 1910 at the Transvaal (Union) Observatory at Johannesburg with the Franklin-Adams camerand by Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory starting in 1911 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector.

 

In describing the opaque dark cloud that spreads SE of NGC 6729, Innes wrote in 1910: "Both Mr. Worssell and the writer when examining this region have suspected the presence of an obscuring medium as the cause of the unusual lack of stars.  In fact, the 9-inch refractor with a field of 25' can be pointed to one part of the region, so that not a solitary star of any magnitude is to be seen.  There is probably no other such region in the whole sky.  Mr Worssell considers that when the edge of the blank region is made to cross the field of the low-power Zeiss eyepiece with an apparent diameter of about 30', a distinct difference in tint between the blank and starry parts of the sky is perceptible."

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NGC 6730 = ESO 072-009 = PGC 62796

19 07 33.8 -68 54 46; Pav

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.1'x0.9', high surface brightness elliptical.  Located 2.2' SW of mag 7.1 HD 176865, which somewhat hampers the view.  NGC 6719 lies 31' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6730 = h3771 on 23 Jul 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R; pmbM; 10" diam; south preceding a * 7.8m; a great many st 12 and 13m in field."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6731

18 57 13.5 +43 04 36; Lyr

 

= **?, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6731 around 1886 using the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer. There is nothing at his position and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin tentatively identifies NGC 6731 as a 10" double star near Lohse's position, though this is just a best guess without additional information.

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NGC 6732 = UGC 11381 = MCG +09-31-011 = CGCG 280-011 = PGC 62586

18 56 24.1 +52 22 38; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 103”

 

24" (7/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 20"-24" diameter, very weak concentration.  A mag 12.6 star is 40" NNW of center.  At 500x, an extremely faint and small glow (quasi-stellar) often popped momentarily into view just off the east end.  This very compact companion [20" E of center] is catalogued as CGCG 280-011 NED2 and LEDA 2413402 at B = 17.1 ± 0.5. UGC calls it a stellar companion at 0.1'x0.1'.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, extremely small, round, fairly high surface brightness.  A star is possibly involved or a stellar nucleus is offset stellar.

 

On the POSS there is an extremely compact companion with dimensions 0.1' x 0.1' just off the east end, and this is probably the "star" noted in the observation.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6732 = Sw. V-87 on 16 Oct 1886 and logged "pB; vS; R; F * preceding close north."  His RA was 19 seconds too small.  Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 8 Sep 1888. Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-00, reported "this is star-like, and of mag 12.5.  The "F * nr" is of mag 11, and precedes 1 second, 0.6' north."

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NGC 6733 = ESO 141-025 = LGG 422-022 = PGC 62770

19 06 10.8 -62 11 48; Pav

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 110”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', small bright core, increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is just off the north edge and a mag 15 star in involved in the halo on the west side.  A distinctive quartet of mag 13-14 stars lies 3'-4' SE, with one of the stars a 5" or 6" double.  Outer member on the northeast side of the Pavo II cluster = ACO S805.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6733 = h3772 on 8 Aug 1834 and logged "eeF; vglbM; 20; a very difficult object."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6734 = ESO 104-036 = AM 1902-653 = PGC 62786

19 07 14.3 -65 27 42; Pav

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): brighter and slightly larger of a pair with NGC 6736 situated 2.5' NE.  Moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', small bright core.  Located 3.8' SE of a mag 10.4 star and 11' WNW of mag 7.5 HD 177345.  The large galaxy NGC 6744 lies 1.6 degrees NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6734 = h3773, along with NGC 6736, on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 20"; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 6736]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6735

19 00 37 -00 28 30; Aql

V = 7.5;  Size 14'

 

17.5" (8/1/92): about 50 mag 13 stars in a 10' field which are very uniform in brightness.  The exception is a mag 7.2 multiple star (SA0 142915 = h874) on the north side, which has three faint companions including a mag 13.4 star at 10" and a mag 12 companion at 22".  This is a large but basically faint group.  The outliers form a circular pattern and the west to north side is well-defined by a semicircle of stars.  Planetary nebula NGC 6741 lies ~30' due east.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6735 = h2025 on 18 Jul 1827 and described "a considerable cluster; not rich, but fills the field. *'s = 12m; place that of a double * No. 874 of my third catalogue."  His description and position matches a group of ~30 stars surrounding SA0 142915 = HJ 874.  RNGC classifies the number as a nonexistent cluster.

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NGC 6736 = ESO 104-037 = AM 1902-653 = PGC 62792

19 07 29.3 -65 25 43; Pav

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 73”

 

30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): slightly smaller and fainter of a close pair with NGC 6734 located just 2.5' SW.  Appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, 0.7'x0.55'.  Located 4.7' E of a mag 10.4 star and 11' NW of mag 7.6 HD 177345.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6736 = h3774, along with NGC 6734, on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "eF; R; glbM; 25"; the following of 2 [with NGC 6734].  His position is just off the southeast side of the galaxy.

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NGC 6737 = ESO 592-008

19 03 03 -18 32 12; Sgr

 

18" (7/21/04): at 115x, ~30 stars are visible in an 8' diameter including two mag 8.5-9 stars and a wide pair of mag 10.5 stars.  The majority of the stars are 13th-14th magnitude including a group of faint stars to the north of the eastern mag 8.5 star.  There is also a group of stars following this brighter star and trailing to the east.  Not impressive but stands out reasonably well at low magnification.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6737 = h2026 on 14 Jul 1830 and noted "A *10 in p rich, roundish cluster 8' dia; stars 12...15m."  His position corresponds with mag 9 HD 176682 and there is a weak enhancement of stars nearby described in my observation.

 

Karl Reinmuth called it "a dense region, but no Cl.", based on its photographic appearance.  ESO also notes "concentration of stars only".  Dorothy Carlson followed Reinmuth and says "No Cl" and this is repeated in the RNGC.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6738 = Cr 396 = Lund 874 = OCL-101

19 01 21 +11 36 54; Aql

Size 15'

 

17.5" (7/20/90): at 82x, 125 stars are visible.  This cluster is bright and very large but scattered.  Located between a mag 7.5 star and a mag 8 star with a 30' separation N-S. A nice string of fairly bright stars is between these two bright stars.  Most of the cluster is west of this string but also a faint stream of stars is just following.

 

NGC 6738 is not a true cluster but an optical alignment of stars seen through various amounts of dust (see "NGC 6738: Not a real open cluster" in 2003A&A...406..893B).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6738 = h2027 on 29 Jul 1829 and noted "the central star (double) in a coarse and poor cluster."  His position corresponds with HJ 1359, a wide unequal pair (9.1/12.6 at 18").

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NGC 6739 = ESO 141-028 = LGG 427-002 = PGC 62799

19 07 48.9 -61 22 04; Pav

V = 12.2;  Size 2.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 171”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large oval, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, 1.5'x0.4'.  Contains a relatively large very bright core!  The 15' field contains several mag 13 and fainter stars, but no brighter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6739 = h3775 on 7 Aug 1834 and recorded "pF; vS; E; psbM; 12" l; has 3 stars preceding."  His position (also measured the next night) is accurate.  The RC2 position of 19 08 03 -61 23 40 (2000) is incorrect.

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NGC 6740 = UGC 11388 = MCG +05-45-001 = = PGC 62675

19 00 50.5 +28 46 16; Lyr

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (7/15/93): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, weak concentration.  Located within a 8' string of stars oriented SW-NE near the intersection point with another string which is perpendicular.  Situated within an extremely rich Milky Way field!  Not identified as NGC 6740 in UGC or MCG.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6740 = m 396 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "eeF, S."  His position is an excellent match with UGC 11338, although neither the UGC nor MCG label the galaxy as NGC 6740.

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NGC 6741 = PK 33-2.1 = PN G033.8-02.6 = J 475 = Phantom Streak

19 02 37.0 -00 26 57; Aql

V = 11.4;  Size 9"x7"

 

24" (9/1/16): easily picked up at 200x as a very small, soft bluish glow.  At 500x (unfiltered) the planetary appeared fairly bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~8"x6", brighter along the rim on the north side.  There was no sign of a central star or any superimposed stars.  A mag 13 star is 34" NW, a mag 14 star is 18" W and a mag 14.5 star is 25" SSW.  Located 16' N of ·2434, a wide pair of mag 8.5 stars at 27" separation.

 

18" (8/25/06): picked up at 115x by blinking with an OIII filter.  Appears light blue and soft at this magnification, making the identification as a planetary evident.  At 323x a small, crisp-edged disc is fairly bright, ~8" diameter.  Excellent view at 565x and the planetary appears slightly elongated ~E-W with a faint, very thin outer envelope with total size of ~10"x8".

 

17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, very small, round, clearly non-stellar at 220x, fairly high surface brightness, greenish tinge.  Set in a rich field with several stars near including a mag 12 star 35" NNW, a mag 14 star 20" W and a mag 15 star 30" SW.  A striking equal magnitude double star ·2434 = 8.5/8.5 at 24" is located 15' S.  At 410x, the easily visible disc is slightly elongated ~E-W.  The PN forms the SE corner of a rough parallelogram with three brighter mag 11-12 stars 2.7' N, 4' WSW and 4' WNW and several other faint stars are near.  The planetary has an irregular surface brightness but no clear structure.  Estimate V = 11.0-11.5.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6741 on 19 Aug 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  The discovery was announced in AN 2459 and The Observatory, Vol 5, for Oct 1882.

 

Robert Jonckheere mistakenly catalogued this object as a double star (J 475) in 1911, based on observations with the 14-inch equatorial refractor at the University of Lille.  The following year he reobserved it with the 28-inch Greenwich refractor and realized it was nebulous and identical to the planetary NGC 6741 (see http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?1915Obs....38..478J).

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "No central star.  A small bright oval, 9"x7" in p.a. 95”.  It shows traces of an indistinct ring structure, being somewhat fainter along the major axis.  There is a small, scarcely perceptible protuberance at the western end."

 

John Mallas coined the nickname "Phantom Streak" in his Jun/Jul 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebula-V", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy".  He writes:  The "Phantom Streak."  First you see it and then you don't...In the 4-inch looks like a broad silver line.  Almost uniform in brightness, the ends appear broken and diffused...My visual impression agrees with H.D. Curtis's description of this object.  He states "It shows some trace of a ring structure, being somewhat fainter along the major axis."

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NGC 6742 = Abell 50 = PK 78+18.1 = PN G078.5+18.7

18 59 19.7 +48 27 57; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 32"x32"

 

24" (10/4/13): picked up unfiltered at 200x but an excellent contrast gain adding an OIII filter.  Appeared fairly bright, round, 30"-35" diameter, slightly unevenly lit.  At 280x and 375x unfiltered, an extremely faint star (mag 16?) is barely inside the west edge and a mag 15 star is just off the NNE edge.  Adding an NPB filter the rim appear to be slightly brighter, particularly along the north side.

 

18" (6/11/07): picked up unfiltered at 174x as a round, moderately bright, crisp-edged disc of ~30" diameter.  Excellent contrast gain with UHC or OIII filter.

 

18" (8/25/06): excellent view at 323x without a filter.  The planetary appeared slightly elongated E-W, ~30"x25" with a slightly brighter rim giving a weakly annular appearance.  A very faint 15th magnitude star is just off the NNE edge and a 16th magnitude star occasionally pops out at the west edge.

 

18" (7/19/04): beautiful view at 322x, appears moderately bright, fairly small, round, crisp-edged, ~30" diameter.  The rim is slightly brighter giving a weak but definite annular appearance.  A mag 15 star is just off the NNE edge and a mag 15.5-16 star is intermittently visible right at the west edge of the halo.  Located 3.5' NE of mag 8.8 HD 176693.

 

17.5" (7/22/01): moderately bright, fairly small, perfectly circular.  Easily picked by scanning region at 100x just 3.5' NE of mag 8.9 SAO 47978.  Appears unevenly lit at 280x, ~30" diameter with slightly enhanced regions along the rim.  A very faint star is off the NE edge.

 

17.5" (5/10/86): at 220x without filter appears fairly faint, round, fairly small.  At 105x using an OIII filter the planetary is bright and compact with crisp round edges.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6742 = H III-742 on 8 Jul 1788 (only object in sweep 849) and noted "vF, stellar, 300 verified it."  He included this planetary in class III of "Very Faint Nebulae".  d'Arrest's single position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 6743

19 01 20 +29 16 36; Lyr

 

17.5" (8/4/94): about 35 stars in a 6' diameter group centered on a bright wide double star h1361 = 8.3/10.6 at 18".  The boxy outline stands out reasonably well at 100x.  There are no dense spots and the group appears fully resolved.  A mag 10 star is at the NW end 4' from h1361.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6743 = h2028 on 6 Jul 1828 and reported "A pL, poor cl of stars forming irreg groups or patches, 11..12m; dia =8'."  His position is close to mag 8.4 HD 176970, a wide, unequal double (HJ 1361) and just following a wide triple star.

 

Karl Reinmuth called it "not well defined loose Cl around BD +29”3445."  RNGC classifies it as nonexistent and it may be a random asterism.  In any case, the identification is certain.

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NGC 6744 = ESO 104-042 = AM 1905-635 = PGC 62836

19 09 46.2 -63 51 27; Pav

V = 8.3;  Size 20.0'x12.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 15”

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): I primarily scanned NGC 6744 looking for very small HII regions.  The offsets stated here are relative to a very small bright nucleus, which was sharply concentrated within the core.  A non-stellar knot was noted 2.5' NW of the nucleus.  A second knot was seen 2.9' ESE of the nucleus and a third was just 1.6' NE of center.  Roughly a dozen "stars" are superimposed on the galaxy and some of the fainter ones may be stellar HII knots.  Spiral structure was too subtle to see any definite arms. IC 4823 (a double system) lies 18' SE.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this massive barred spiral appeared fairly bright, large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, roughly 8'x6' with a large, bright core. About a half-dozen stars are superimposed over the face of the galaxy - some of these are possibly small HII regions. A hint of spirality was suggested within the outer region but no definite spiral structure was observed.  NGC 6744A lies 12' NW but was not noticed.  Member of a sparse group including NGC 6684 and IC 4710 at 25 million light years.

 

20" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): bright, large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~9'x6'. A bright, oval core or bar is surrounded by a moderately low surface halo with an impression of "motion" or arcs embedded within the outer glow.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6744 = D 262 = h3776 on 30 Jun 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta (20 km W of Sydney).  He described "a pretty large very faint nebula, about 5' or 6' diameter, slightly bright towards the centre; a minute star is north of the nebula, and two stars of the 7th mag preceding."  His position is 1 min 45 sec of time too far west (12' error).   On 20 Jun 1835, John Herschel recorded "pB; R; at first vg, then svmbM; total diam 2', but that of the bright part = 15"." His position is accurate.

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NGC 6745 = UGC 11391 = CGCG 229-013 = KTG 69A+B = PGC 62691 = Bird's Head Galaxy

19 01 41.7 +40 44 45; Lyr

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 24”

 

48" (10/24/11 and 10/26/19): we observed the "Bird's Head" galaxy at 488x and 610x and the same detail visible in the April observation was seen.  In addition, I took notes on the detached companion (PGC 200361), which was immediately noticed just off the north edge of NGC 6745. It appeared very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~12"x8".  With averted vision it was continuously visible.

 

48" (4/1/11): this interacting galaxy pair or triple was a fascinating sight at 488x.  The main body is bright, very asymmetric, extending 2:1 N-S, ~1.1'x0.5'.  The brighter east side is noticeable curved or bulging to the east and bends on the north end towards the west.  A thin strip along the eastern edge glows brighter.  The western edge of the main galaxy is relatively straight and dimmer.  The south end has a fairly blunt or rectangular appearance.  At the north end, a very unusual bright spike or "bird's beak" with a high surface brightness juts out of the main body, perhaps 12"x4" (catalogued as NGC 6745 NED03 = PGC 200362 = KTG 69B).  A very faint, very small detached glow, ~5" diameter, is just north of the "beak" (catalogued as NGC 6745 NED02 = PGC 200361 = KTG 69C).

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, edge-on SSW-NNE.  At 220x appears to bend on the NNE end to the west.  This is a disrupted interacting system on the POSS and the extension seen at the NNE end may be the contact pair.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6745 = St X-38 on 24 Jul 1879 and noted "vF, lE north and south."  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 6746 = ESO 141-029 = LGG 427-003 = PGC 62852

19 10 22.3 -61 58 07; Pav

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 173”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright or fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, ~50"x30".  Contains a brighter core that occasionally appears elongated (bar?).  Situated in a dazzling star field with four brighter stars in the 15' field including mag 8.5 HD 178086 6' ENE, mag 9.1 HD 177670 5' W and mag 9.4 HD 177926 3' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6746 = h3777 on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "eF; R; glbM; 30"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 6747 = CGCG 341-012 = PGC 62564

18 55 21.5 +72 46 18; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  The galaxy is located SW of a 1.6' string of four mag 14 stars oriented SW-NE, the closest being 1.0' NE.  A brighter mag 10 star is 3.1' SE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6747 = Sw. V-88 on 31 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eee diff.; pB * nr sf; 3 vF course D st in line near nf point to it."  His position is 1.9' northwest of CGCG 341-012 = PGC 62564, but his description is a perfect match."  Howe claims he searched for this object in vain on two nights.  I'm surprised he could not find it in the 20-inch refractor at Denver as Swift's position is not far off.

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NGC 6748 = NGC 6751

19 03 48 +21 36; Vul

 

See observing notes for NGC 6751.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6748 = St II-26 on 17 Jul 1871 and recorded "pB, vS, bM."  There are no nonstellar objects close to Stephan's position despite 5 measurements from his reference star.  This object was considered lost until 2016.   Then Harold Corwin found that Stephan's offsets from one observation (of 2) of NGC 6751 on 17 Jul 1871 given in Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's offsets, matched the calculated offsets Stephan gave in his second discovery list (II-26).  Esmiol simply left NGC 6748 off of his published paper and made no special note of the 1871 observation, but clearly NGC 6748 = NGC 6751. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6749 = Berkeley 42 = C1902+018 = OCL-91 = Lund 876

19 05 15.2 +01 54 03; Aql

V = 12.4;  Size 6.3';  Surf Br = 4.6

 

24" (7/20/12): NGC 6749 was surprisingly easy to sweep up at 200x and it was immediately noticed in the field as a fairly faint, fairly large, irregular glow, ~2.5' diameter.  Still, the surface brightness is low for a globular, there was no noticeable concentration, and it somewhat blends into a rich Milky Way star field.  At 325x several very faint stars were resolved, mostly around the edges.  The easiest group to resolve are four or so along the north and northeast side.  Another couple of stars are at the south and southeast edges.  Brighter (field?) stars are off the southwest and east edges.

 

18" (8/2/11): this challenging NGC globular is highly obscured and just stands out clearly from the rich Milky Way background glow.  At 225x it appears as a very faint diffuse glow, roughly 2' diameter, with a low surface brightness and a small brighter core.  A 12th magnitude star is superimposed and the slightly brighter core of the globular is located about 45" SW of this star.  The edge of the globular is not well defined but appears to just reach a mag 12.5 on the south end.  Additional mag 11-13 stars are clearly off the east, west and south side of the halo. Four mag 12-13 stars just off the south side form a small trapezoid that helps to pinpoint the location of the globular.  Located 26' ENE of mag 5.8 HD 177178.

 

17.5" (7/1/00): very faint, very low surface brightness globular in a dusty portion of the Aquila Milky Way (dimmed by at least 4.5 magnitudes of extinction).  The core is 15"-20" slightly brighter spot less than 1' SW of a mag 12 star.  The surrounding halo is just a weak glow with averted vision, 2'-2.5' in diameter with an ill-defined edge, and just brighter than the Milky Way background.  The glow encompasses the mag 12 star on its northeast side but does not reach two mag 13.5 stars off the south side. This cluster would most likely be overlooked if just quickly scanning the field and along with NGC 6380 it is one of the two most difficult NGC globulars!

 

17.5" (7/24/95): very faint, ~3' diameter, unusually low surface brightness for a globular cluster with only a very weak central brightening.  A mag 12 star is superimposed on the north side and two mag 13.5 stars are at the south end (not members).  The core appears to be located ~1' SW of the mag 12 star. Does not appear like a globular but rather a diffuse nebula in a rich Milky Way field.  Difficult to determine exact outer extent.

 

13.1" (8/11/85): extremely faint, moderately large, very low surface brightness and fades at high power.  Near the visual threshold this is one of the two faintest NGC globulars along with NGC 6380.  Estimate V = 14.  Located at the NW edge of an elongated group of six mag 12/13 stars and 25' ESE of mag 5.8 SAO 124203.  The position listed in the NGC, SC2000, NGC 2000, U2000, and DSFG are all about 7' too far south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6749 = h2029 on 15 Jul 1827 (single observation) and recorded "a cluster of loose small stars of various magnitudes; fills the field."  His position is 8' south-southwest of this highly reddened globular cluster.  But, I'm not convinced JH was referring to the globular, which is only ~3' diameter visually and unresolved in most telescopes.  The visual appearance doesn't correspond with a object that "fills the field" with "loose small stars of various magnitudes. His description seems to apply to the general Milky Way field here, which is very rich. JH catalogued a number of rich Milky Way fields that caught his eye and this may be another case.

 

Bigourdan examined the area on 24 August 1891 and wrote (Corwin's translation), "Extended region, slightly rich in stars, but which offers nothing remarkable.  "Using Heidelberg-Kšnigstuhl plates, Reinmuth remarked "a dense region, but no distinct cluster."  Dorothy Carlson repeated "No Cl" in her 1940 paper on NGC identifications and this is referenced in the RNGC, although the classification is globular cluster.  Lynga classified it an open cluster and labeled it Berkeley 42.  The position given in Sky Catalogue 2000, Luginbuhl & Skiff, NGC 2000.0, Uranometria 2000, and Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) are all wrong (for the globular), mostly off by ~7' in declination (probably from the JH and NGC position).

 

Harold Corwin writes, "A more appropriate scattering of stars actually overlaps the globular but extends well to the southwest...even if this is JH's intended object, I think that it is no more than a random clumping of Milky Way stars."

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NGC 6750 = UGC 11389 = MCG +10-27-006 = CGCG 302-008 = KAZ 282 = PGC 62671

19 00 36.1 +59 10 00; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A line of three mag 10/11 stars oriented WNW-ESE (length 4.3') lies 5'-6' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6750 = Sw. II-73 on 10 Sep 1885 and noted "vF; vS; R."  His position is unusually accurate.

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NGC 6751 = PK 29-5.1 = PN G029.2-05.9 = NGC 6748

19 05 55.4 -05 59 32; Aql

V = 11.5;  Size 21"

 

24" (9/30/16): symmetric, very attractive planetary at 450x (unfiltered).  The edge of the 20" rim is crisply defined.  The mag 14.5 central star is easily visible.  Annularity is evident with a brighter rim except for a section of the south edge.  The center is slightly darker around the central star.  In a rich star field with carbon star V Aql 30' NW.

 

18" (8/26/06): excellent view at 257x.  The central star was easily seen and the rim appeared brighter with the center slightly darker.  There also appeared to be a thin outer shell.  A mag 14.5 star is close off the east edge and two mag 14/15 stars off the west side.  At 435x, the planetary is perhaps slightly elongated ~E-W and one or extremely faint stars occasionally sparkle, with one possibly on the west edge.  The stunning carbon star V Aql is in the same low power field 30' NW and dark nebula B134 lies 20' SE.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 322x, this is a beautiful 20" fairly bright disc with an easy mag 14.5 central star.  At 435x, the surface brightness is irregular and there is an impression that an extremely faint star or knot is superimposed on the north side or perhaps the rim is irregularly brighter along the north side.  The planetary is bracketed by two stars just off the leading and trailing sides.

 

18" (9/20/03): moderately bright, round, 20" planetary.  Excellent view at 435x; the halo has a subtle irregular surface brightness and seems slightly fainter near the center and it also appears to fade slightly at the edge of the halo. The mag 14.5 central star shines steadily.  Situated in a rich star field with a mag 13.5 star at the east edge with fainter stars off the west side.  The dark nebula B134 lies 20' SE and the deep red variable V Aquilae in 30' NW.

 

17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  At 500x, the surface brightness is uneven and the planetary appears darker on the SE side of the center.  The mag 14.5 central star is obvious at 500x.  Two stars just off the east and west edge (fainter star is at the preceding side) bracket the planetary.  Situated in a rich Milky Way star field.

 

13.1" (8/16/81): fairly faint, small, round.  The mag 15 central star is suspected at high power.  A mag 13.5 star is right at the east edge and a mag 12.5 is 55" ESE of center.  Located 30' SE of the striking deep red variable V Aquilae (6.6-8.4).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6751 = m 397 = St XII-90 on 20 Jul 1863 using Lassell's 48-inch equatorial reflector on Malta and noted "pB, S."  His position is 2' too far south.  ƒdouard Stephan found it on 17 Jul 1871 and logged St II-26 (later NGC 6748) as "bright, small, round, central condensation, seems resolvable."  He misidentified his reference star, though, and NGC 6748 was lost onto 2016 when Harold Corwin noticed the offsets for an observation of NGC 6751 given in Esmiol's re-reduction matched Stephan's computed offsets for NGC 6748.  So, NGC 6748 = NGC 6751.  Stephan made a second observation (St XII-90) of NGC 6751 on 3 Aug 1881 and measured an accurate micrometric position.  In the notes section to list XII, he mentions a 2' error in Marth's polar distance, so he was aware of the prior discovery.  Williamina Fleming first recognized it as a planetary nebula in 1907.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "central star about mag 12.  The nebular disk is 21" in diameter, nearly round, and shows indistinct evidences of a very irregular ring formation."

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NGC 6752 = ESO 141-030

19 10 51.7 -59 58 55; Pav

V = 5.5;  Size 20.4';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 6752 is one of the top globular clusters (4th brightest in integrated magnitude and 2nd in terms of brightest members) and was spectacular from Magellan Observatory.  At 128x, this naked-eye cluster seemed fully resolved with an uncountable number of stars densely packed over a large region.  Streamers in the halo greatly increased the diameter to roughly 20'.  The central region was well-compressed to a very bright core!  There was a strong 3-dimensional effect as the core was covered with scores of fairly bright stars seemingly superimposed over a rich mat of fainter stars and all set over a background glow.  The nucleus was small and very bright.  Many 11-12th magnitude stars in the halo formed complete loops and long chains.  A mag 7.7 double star is superimposed on the SW edge of the halo (h5085 = 7.7/9.2 at 2.8").  This was one of my favorite objects from Australia!

 

12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this naked-eye cluster ranks second in terms of brightest members (mag 11.5). The 4' core has several dozen mag 12-13 stars, many arranged in streaming curves and chains layered over a dense central glow.  The halo is large but irregular with knots of mag 11-12 stars over a diffuse background.  The brighter members, particularly in the outer halo give the visual appearance of a globular embedded in a larger, open cluster!

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, fairly large, 10' total diameter with a 2' brighter core that increased to very bright nucleus.  The large halo was very mottled and partially resolved although viewed at only 6 degrees elevation as the brightest stars are mag 11.  15-20 stars mag 11-12 were visible around the edges of the core and within the halo in curved strings.  Mag 7.7 SAO 254482 (h5085 = 7.7/9.2 at 2.8") is embedded in the SW portion of the halo 4.3' from the center.  Ranks second in terms of brightest individual stars and appears very rich.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6752 = D 295 = h3778 on 28 Jul 1826 at Parramatta Observatory (near Sydney) with his homemade 9-inch f/12 reflector.  His full description reads: "a pretty large and very bright nebula, 5' or 6' diameter, irregular round figure, easily resolved into a cluster of small stars, exceedingly compressed at the centre. The bright part at the center is occasioned by a group of stars of some considerable magnitude when compared with those of the nebula.  I am inclined to think that these may be two clusters in the same line; the bright part is a little south of the centre of the large nebula." He recorded the cluster on 5 times.

 

JH also made multiple observations.  On sweep 480 (7 Aug 1834), he recorded "globular cluster; B; rich; psmbM; 7'.  The stars are of 2 magnitudes, the larger 11m, run out in lines like crooked radii. The smaller, 16m, are massed together in and round the middle."

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NGC 6753 = ESO 184-022 = AM 1907-570 = LGG 426-001 = PGC 62870

19 11 23.8 -57 02 58; Pav

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, slightly elongated N-S, ~2.2'x1.8', fairly sharply concentrated with an intense elongated core that gradually increases to the center.  A mag 12 star is at the southeast edge, 1.0' from center and a fainter star is off the southwest side.  ESO 184-025 lies 6' SE and IC 4826 is 12' SE.  ESO 184-025 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, thin edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.15', near the midpoint of NGC 6753 6' NW and IC 4826 6' SE.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and large at 127x, round, 1.2' diameter, fairly well-concentrated to a small bright core.  A mag 12 star is off the SE edge of the halo and a mag 13 star is off the SW side (1.3' from center).  Located 3.2' S of mag 10 HD 178302.  Viewed at ~12 degrees elevation.  Brightest in a group including NGC 6758 and NGC 6780.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6753 = h3779 on 5 Jul 1836 and logged "pB; R; gbM; 80"."  His position is accurate.

 

According to Sandage (1975), this galaxy is a member of the NGC 6769 group. Members include NGC 6739, NGC 6769, NGC 6770, NGC 6771, NGC 6782, IC 4827, IC 4831, IC 4842 & IC 4845. Possible additional members include NGC 6753, NGC 6758, NGC 6780, NGC 6776, IC 4837, IC 4839 & IC 4889.

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NGC 6754 = ESO 231-025 = AM 1907-504 = PGC 62871

19 11 25.7 -50 38 31; Tel

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 80”

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.6', weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Surrounded by a number of stars including a mag 11.6 star 2' N. 

 

Forms a close pair with PGC 464622 1.1' NW.  The companion appeared faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the NW side (0.4' from center).  NGC 6761 lies 35' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6754 = h3780 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; pmE in parallel; glbM; 90" l."  On a second observation he logged "pB; pmE in pos 63”, vglbM; 60"."

 

Petro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 7 Nov 1885 with the Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pL, pmE, vglbM.  Diffused about 90" long, 45" broad - outline uncertain, fading away gradually - perhaps large than these given measures.  Observed 4 hours off the meridian.  More suspected.."  The last comment could apply to nearby PGC 464622, though it is not shown on his sketch.

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NGC 6755 = Cr 397 = Lund 878 = OCL-96

19 07 49 +04 16 00; Aql

V = 7.5;  Size 15'

 

24" (8/27/14): although the listed diameter is 15', the most eye-catching region extends only 5' and is described as the southern group in the earlier observation.  The stars are arrange in two main groups.  On the west side is a "U" shaped group of a dozen stars, open to the northwest, with the brightest mag 10.3 star at the southwest end of the loop.  A nice unequal pair (~12" separation) is ~40" SE.  Another couple of pairs (one very close) is along the east side of the loop.  A smaller (~2' dia) but richer group of a dozen stars is 2'-3' NE.  A long looping string of ~20 stars, including two 10th magnitude, begins close southeast of this group and curves to the south and west, ending in a small knot of 4 stars. The region between this loop and the two groups described above contains 10-12 mag 15 stars.

 

17.5" (8/8/91): at 140x this is a bright group of 80 stars mag 10-14 in a 10' diameter.  The stars are arranged in two groups separated by a fairly wide, obvious dark rift oriented SW-NE.  The southern star group is larger and richer (about 50 stars) and contains several stars in two rich subgroups.  The northern group is also catalogued as Czernik 39. A mag 10 star is at the west edge of the northern group.  NGC 6756 lies 30' NE.

 

8" (8/28/81): large, scattered, two parts are resolved into rich clumps.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6755 = H VII-19 = h2030 on 30 Jul 1785 (sweep 416) and recorded "a pretty compressed cluster of pS scattered stars, of various magnitudes and colour, 12 or 15' diameter.   On 21 Aug 1791 (sweep 1017), he recorded "a cl of stars of various sizes, considerably rich, the condensed part of it is divided in two."  On 13 Aug 1830, JH described a "vL, v rich cluster, composed of 2 or 3 clustering groups running together; place that of the most condensed part."  His position matches the richest part of the cluster.

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NGC 6756 = Cr 398 = Lund 879 = OCL-99

19 08 42 +04 42 18; Aql

Size 4'

 

17.5" (7/27/92): at 280x, about two dozen mag 11.5 and fainter stars in a 6'x4' field surrounding a bright knot just east of center.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge of the knot.  With concentration the central knot resolves into half a dozen very tightly packed mag 14 stars.  The brightest mag 11.5 star in the cluster is 3' S of this knot.  Set over unresolved background haze.  Located 30' NE of open cluster NGC 6755.

 

8" (8/28/81): few faint stars at 100x over background haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6756 = H VII-62 = h2031 on 21 Aug 1791 (sweep 1017) and recorded "a small pretty compressed cl. of stars, not very rich."  JH made a total of 4 observations.  On 13 Aug 1830 (sweep 278), he called it "pretty rich; S; m compressed; oval or rather fan-shaped.  The stars 11...12m, 4' in extent; the nf side most compressed."

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NGC 6757 = UGC 11401 = MCG +09-31-019 = CGCG 280-013 = PGC 62752

19 05 06.3 +55 43 02; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, faint stellar nucleus or very faint star superimposed.  Unusual appearance as a mag 14.5 star is at the west end and a very faint star or knot is at the ENE end!  On the POSS there is a knot at the ENE end of the central bar as well as at the west end just following the mag 14.5 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6757 = Sw. II-74 on 15 Aug 1884 and recorded "pF; vE; 3 vF stars curiously placed in it on the line of major axis, which also point to a double star."  His position is 24 seconds of time preceding UGC 11401 but the double star Stein 2412 fits his description.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 5 Sep 1888.  Herbert Howe reported "Swift says '3 vF st inv.' I was unable to verify this, but saw two stars of mag 12 close south preceding."

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NGC 6758 = ESO 184-037 = LGG 426-003 = PGC 62935

19 13 52.5 -56 18 36; Tel

V = 11.6;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 121”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with an intense core that increased to a very small, extremely bright nucleus.  A 9" pair of mag 15-16 stars lies 1' NNE of center.  Brightest in a group with ESO 184-036 3.9' NNW, ESO 184-033 8.3' WNW, ESO 184-026 16' WNW.

 

ESO 184-033 is moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter.  ESO 184-026 appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, broad concentration, very small brighter core.  Three IC galaxies are within 20' (IC 4829, 4832, 4840), but I didn't search for these.  Viewed at an elevation of 13”.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6758 = h3781 on 9 Jun 1836 and noted "pB; R; 20"."  His position is fairly accurate.  Joseph Turner observed and sketched the galaxy on 2 Aug 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He noted a diameter of about 25", gradually brighter in the middle, 3 faint stars forming an obtuse triangle follows.

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NGC 6759 = MCG +08-35-002 = CGCG 256-006 = PGC 62779

19 06 57.1 +50 20 51; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Two extremely faint 16th magnitude stars are involved at the south edge and two mag 13/14 stars are 1' SW.

 

Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 6759 = Sw. V-89 in 1865 with the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at Marseille Observatory. Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 16 Mar 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R: vF D* close sp."  His position is fairly accurate.  Voigt's 7 discoveries at Marseille were not published until 1987 so Swift was credited with the discovery in the NGC.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00, commented "the "vF D* close sp" noted by Swift is of mags 11.5-12.5, and distance 15"."

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NGC 6760

19 11 12.0 +01 01 50; Aql

V = 9.0;  Size 6.6';  Surf Br = 2.4

 

24" (8/12/15): viewed at 564x in excellent seeing and I was impressed with the resolution compared to previous views.  The 2' core was extremely mottled and lively with roughly two dozen very faint stars popping in and out of view, but only a relative few constantly visible.  Another couple of dozen stars were resolved in the halo, mostly in a 180” arc along the entire southern side.  The stars along this arc are confined to a fairly thin strip that appeared detached from the core.  Also a sparse string of stars extends northeast of the core.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 225x, moderately bright and large, round.  The halo extends to 4'-5' and increases fairly rapidly to a fairly bright 2' core.  The cluster has a very mottled appearance and some very faint stars are resolved in the halo.  At 435x, the core is extremely lively and several extremely faint stars pop in and out of visibility for moments.  There are several stars in the halo that are easily resolved, mostly notably on the east and southeast side.  Also the globular appears slightly elongated at this magnification.

 

18" (8/23/03): at 323x this globular appears moderately bright, round, nearly 4' diameter, broad concentration to a slightly brighter 2' core.  A half-dozen stars are resolved around the periphery with several of these on the southeast and east side.  With averted vision a few additional stars sparkle over the center.  At 538x, 10-12 stars are resolved around the edges of the halo and the core is very lively and on the verge of resolution.

 

17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, round, 3' diameter slightly elongated E-W, very mottled or granular appearance.  A few very faint stars are resolved over the core and at the edge of the core.  With averted vision the faint halo increases in size to 4' diameter.  Several stars bracket the halo including a mag 13.5 star off the east edge.  A rich mostly unresolved clump of extremely faint stars is close west. 

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, small, no resolution, very diffuse.

 

John Russell Hind discovered NGC 6760 = Au 44 on 30 Mar 1845 using a 7-inch Dollond refractor, while employed at George Bishop's private observatory in London.  He reported "On the night of 1845 March 30, I found a faint nebula of a circular form... There does not appear to be any previous notice of this nebula, and Sir James South informs me that he can find no registered nebula within two degrees of this place.  This somewhat singular as the present object was found while searching for comets with our 11 foot refractor."

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the cluster in 1852 (announced in AN 809) while searching for comets with the 4.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Leipzig, though he later corrected his announcement.  Arthur Auwers reported that in the 6" Heliometer it was "quite bright, R, gbM, 2-3' diameter." but once it was "surprisingly faint."  At Birr Castle, Dreyer reported it as "vB, L, iR, vgpmbM, like a distant glob. Cl, although not distinctly resolved with the higher powers.  eF curved branches go out from the south side."

 

John Herschel noted in the General Catalogue that this nebula was suspected of variability due to the widely disparate visual brightness estimates.  A photograph was taken with the Mount Wilson 60-inch in 1914 due to comments about variability and the cluster was resolved into "1200 stars ranging approximately from 16.5 to 19.5 photographic magnitude...No trace of nebulosity is found."

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NGC 6761 = ESO 231-028 = PGC 62957

19 15 04.7 -50 39 24; Tel

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 19”

 

30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.3'x1.0', broad concentration except for a very small brighter core.  Unusual appearance as several mag 15 stars are superimposed in the halo.  Located 10' W of mag 8.5 HD 179703.  NGC 6754 lies 35' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6761 = h3782 on 8 Jul 1834 and logged "eF; R; pL; 50"."  On a second observation, he noted "vF; irr R; 40"."

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NGC 6762 = NGC 6763 = UGC 11405 = CGCG 323-009 = PGC 62757

19 05 37.1 +63 56 03; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 119”

 

24" (6/21/20): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, very elongated NW-SE, ~50"x20".  Contains a brighter bulging core.  A mag 15 star is at the SE tip [22" from center] and a mag 14.7 star is 1' NW.

 

CGCG 323-7 and CGCG 323-8 are a 1' pair of compact galaxies located 18' WSW.  Both are faint, very small, round, 20" diameter with very little concentration.  An uncatalogued 5" double star is close NW.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, small bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' NW and a mag 12 star is 2.0' NW.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 6762 = Sw. II-75 on 30 Apr 1884 and noted "eF; vE."  His position and description is nearly identical to NGC 6763, which Swift discovered exactly 8 months earlier (30 Aug 1883) and catalogued in the same list as #76.  So, NGC 6762 = NGC 6763.  See notes for NGC 6763.  Bigourdan's micrometric position (on 29 Aug 1889) is accurate. The UGC declination is 17' too far north.

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NGC 6763 = NGC 6762 = UGC 11405 = CGCG 323-009 = PGC 62757

19 05 37.1 +63 56 03; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 119”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6762.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6763 = Sw. II-76 on 30 Aug 1883 and recorded "eF; vS; cE; F * nr; D * in field.  n of 2"  His position is 14 seconds of time due west of UGC 11405 = PGC 62757 and the description applies.  He apparently found this galaxy again exactly 8 months later on 30 Apr 1884 and catalogued it in the same list as Sw. II-75 = NGC 6762.  The qualifiers "s of 2" and "n of 2" were added as he was preparing his manuscript to be published.  Herbert Howe commented in Monthly Notices LXI (1900) that "NGC 6762 and 6763 are identical; Swift admits it [in a correspondence].  The region was scrutinized one night, the definition being fine.  A star of mag 13 follows the nebula 1 second, a few seconds of arc south.  It is doubtless the star referred to in the description of 6763, and does appear to be nebulous."  Both Howe and Bigourdan measured accurate position.  So, NGC 6762 = NGC 6763.  The primary designation should be NGC 6763, due to the earlier discovery, though NGC 6762 is often used.

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NGC 6764 = UGC 11407 = MCG +08-35-003 = CGCG 256-007 = PGC 62806

19 08 16.4 +50 56 00; Cyg

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 62”

 

24" (6/29/16): at 260x; moderately bright, very elongated 5:1 WSW-ENE (central bar), ~1.7'x 0.35', broad weak concentration, sharp stellar nucleus.  After careful viewing, a very low surface brightness halo surrounds the bar, which increased the size to ~1.7'x0.6'.  Three mag 14-15 stars are at the south side including a 10" pair parallel to the major axis [25" south of the nucleus].  A faint non-stellar knot was visible at the ENE end of the bar.  Occasionally it was elongated and angled towards the north.  A matching knot was suspected (lower contrast) at the WSW end of the bar.

 

Forms a pair with LEDA 214715 2.7' ESE.  At 260x, the companion appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 20"x16" or perhaps 15"x12", weak concentration, slightly brighter nucleus. Visible continuously at this magnification.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, diffuse, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, very diffuse edges.  Two or three faint stars are superimposed on the halo south of center although one of these may be a faint stellar nucleus.  A nice double star is 6' WNW (mag 11/12 at 20").  Located on the Cygnus-Draco border.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6764 = Sw. II-77 on 4 Jul 1885 and recorded "pF; pL; cE; sev vF stars involved."  His position is on the west side of UGC 11407 and the involved stars are on the south side of the galaxy.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00, commented "the elongation is north and south.  Four stars of mag 13.5 are involved, one near each end, and the others in the middle."  Howe's description seems inaccurate.

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NGC 6765 = M 1-68 = PK 62+9.1 = PN G062.4+09.5

19 11 06.4 +30 32 45; Lyr

V = 13.1;  Size 38"

 

18" (7/16/07): this unusual planetary was picked up at 174x unfiltered as an elongated glow.  The view is confused, though, as a star or knot in directly involved at the NE end, along with 1 or 2 additional stars around the edges.  An OIII filter provided an excellent contrast gain. The edges sharpened up and the halo appeared elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.3'.  At 225x, a mag 14-15 star is just off the NE end and the involved knot seemed to occasionally resolve into a couple of faint stars just north of center near the NE edge.  Finally, an extremely faint star occasionally sparkled at the SW end.

 

17.5" (9/5/99): picked up at 100x as a small, irregular glow in a rich star field by moving 20' NW of ·2483 = 7.9/9.0 at 10".  At 220x, the PN is clearly elongated ~2:1 SW-NE.  The appearance is odd with a much brighter NE end and a fainter extension to the SW end.  A mag 14.5-15 star is just off the NE end in the direction of the elongation.  At 380x, a very faint star was intermittently glimpsed within the NE end.  If this is the central star it is very eccentrically placed.

 

13" (6/18/85): faint, elongated SSW-NNE, appears similar to a diffuse galaxy.  A faint mag 14.5 star is at the NE tip.  Located 20' NW of ·2483 = 7.9/9.0 at 10".

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6765 = m 398 = Sf 42 = St II-27 on 28 Jun 1864 with Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and noted "F, S, mE or ray."  His position is accurate.  Truman Safford independently rediscovered this object on 12 Jul 1866 using the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory in Chicago (he also found the planetary NGC 6842 in Vulpecula the same night!) and again by ƒdouard Stephan on 20 Jul 1870 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles.  Dreyer credited Stephan with the discovery in the GC Supplement (GCS 5941), but both Marth and Stephan are listed in the NGC.  Minkowski entered it as the 68th object in his first discovery list (M 1-68) of "New Emission Nebulae" (1946), based on objective prism plates taken with the 10-inch Bruce Astrograph at Mount Wilson, and missed the equivalence with NGC 6765.

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NGC 6766 = NGC 6884 = PK 82+7.1 = PN G082.1+07.0

20 10 23.6 +46 27 40; Cyg

V = 11.0;  Size 6"x5"

 

See observing notes for NGC 6884.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6766 = HN 53 on 8 May 1883 by means of a spectroscopic sweep with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  The discovery was announced, along with NGC 6833, in AN 2517 and noted as mag 11 and with a "faint continuous spectrum."  There is nothing near his position. When double-star observer Reverend Thomas Espin tried to find this object in Sept and Oct 1911, he was unable to locate it.  Espin noticed, though, that the RA of NGC 6766 was exactly 1 hour less than the RA of NGC 6884, another stellar planetary.  Espen sent a letter to Pickering, who confirmed the 1 hr error in AN 105 (2517) and he published the story in 1911MNRAS..72..150E.  The corrected position for NGC 6766, though, had already been published in the discovery table in 1908 Annals of Harvard College Observatory.

 

Ralph Copeland independently discovered this planetary on 20 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Aberdeen using an objective-prism sweep with a 6.1-inch refractor. His position is accurate.  His observation was catalogued as NGC 6884.  So, NGC 6766 = NGC 6884.  Although Pickering's NGC 6766 was the earlier discovery, the primary designation is NGC 6833 due to its unambiguous NGC position.  RNGC classifies NGC 6766 as nonexistent.

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NGC 6767

19 11 33.9 +37 43 31; Lyr

 

= **, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6767 around 1886 using the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and reported as "vF, S, R, stellar, S* nr N".  There are no nebulous objects near his position and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6767 as a 12" pair of mag 14/15 stars very close to Lohse's position.

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NGC 6768 = ESO 337-018 = MCG -07-39-010 = PGC 62997

19 16 32.6 -40 12 33; CrA

Size 1.2'x1.1';  PA = 36”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly large, 1.1'x0.9', sharply concentrated.  Contains a very bright, relatively large core!  A mag 11 star is 4' WSW.  Forms an excellent double system with ESO 337-017, with their centers just 0.9' apart.  The physical companion appeared moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, ~40" diameter, small bright core.  Their outer haloes are just tangent.  The bright compact planetary IC 1297 lies 37' NNE.

 

ESO 337-016, which lies 5.3' NNW, appeared nearly moderately bright, large, oval broad concentration to a large brighter core, fairly low surface brightness, mottled, hint of spiral structure.  Two mag 15 stars are close off the northeast side.  Mag 9.6 HD 179905 lies 4' NNW.

 

17.5" (7/20/96): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, low surface brightness (due to low elevation from Northern California).  ESO 337-017 was not seen in these conditions.  A string of three mag 14 stars are close preceding.  I had a very difficult time identifying the correct field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6768 = h3786 on 4 Aug 1834 and logged "vF; S; R; pslbM."  His position is 1' north of ESO 337-018 = PGC 62997.  I'm a little surprised he did notice ESO 337-017 off the southwest side.

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NGC 6769 = VV 304a = ESO 141-048 = AM 1914-603 = KTS 59A = LGG 427-008 = PGC 63042

19 18 22.7 -60 30 04; Pav

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 123”

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; brightest member in a group and interacting with NGC 6770.  It appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x1.2'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core.  A mag 12.2 star is at the east edge, 0.9' ENE of center.  NGC 6771 lies 3.5' SE, forming a striking triplet in a rich star field with IC 4842 11.5' SE and IC 4845 16' NE.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest member and first of four in an interesting galaxy group!  It appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.5'x1.2'.  In a close trio with NGC 6770 1.9' E and NGC 6771 3.5' SE with a 4th galaxy, IC 4842, 11' SE.  On the DSS image this galaxy is clearly distorted from interacting with NGC 6770 with streamers, plumes, loops and H II regions in the outer arm.  IC 4842 appeared appears fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8', slightly brighter core.  IC 4845 lies 16' NE.

 

The trio is listed as an isolated southern triplet (KTS 59) by Karachentsev.  The group is situated just over a degree southeast of the showpiece gc NGC 6752 and is part of the Pavo-Indus Supercluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6769 = h3783, along with NGC 6770 and 6771, on 11 Aug 1836 and recorded "vF; R; lbM; 20".  The first of 3."  His RA is 1.0 minute too small. DeLisle Stewart provided an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes), based on plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru.  While observing NGC 6769 on 3 Aug 1883 with the 48" Melbourne telescope, Joseph Turner discovered IC 4836, situated about 24' NW.

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NGC 6770 = VV 304b = ESO 141-049 = AM 1914-603 = KTS 59B = LGG 427-009 = PGC 63048

19 18 37.3 -60 29 47; Pav

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 20”

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; NGC 6770 is the disrupted, eastern member of an interacting pair with NGC 6769 (1.8' between centers).  It appeared moderately bright or fairly bright, roundish, sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core or bar oriented NW-SE.  In a rich star field with a mag 12.2 star is just off the west side [0.9' W of center] and a mag 13 star is at the east edge of the halo.  NGC 6771 is 3' S and IC 4845 lies 14.5' NE.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this close companion to NGC 6769 is just 1.9' following and appears fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter with a small brighter core.  On the DSS a straight spiral arm points directly towards the southeast end of NGC 6769, apparently as a result of the interaction.  NGC 6771 lies 2.9' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6770 = h3784, along with NGC 6769 and 6771 on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "eF; 15".  The 2nd of 2."  His RA is 1.0 minute too large and he probably reversed the declinations of this galaxy and NGC 6767.  DeLisle Stewart provided an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes), based on plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru.

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NGC 6771 = ESO 141-050 = AM 1914-603 = KTS 59C = LGG 427-006 = PGC 63049

19 18 39.5 -60 32 46; Pav

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 118”

 

25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.25'x0.3'.  Contains a bright, elongated core.  Three mag 13.5 stars are close south.  Southern member of a triplet with interacting NGC 6769 and 6770 ~3' N.

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): third of three galaxies with NGC 6769 3.5' NW and NGC 6770 3.2' N in a tight trio.  Fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.4', small brighter core.  Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 6769 and NGC 6770.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6771 = h3785, along with NGC 6769 and 6770, on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "eF; 20".  The 3rd of 3."  His RA is 55 seconds too large (similar offset as the two others).  DeLisle Stewart provided an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes), based on plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru.

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NGC 6772 = PK 33-6.1 = PN G033.1-06.3

19 14 36.2 -02 42 24; Aql

V = 12.6;  Size 70"x56"

 

24" (8/30/16): at 225x and 375x (unfiltered); moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~70"x55".  The rim is slightly brighter, particularly along the east and west side and weaker on the south end.  The surface brightness is irregular or mottled and there appeared to be a small knot [the DSS reveals two faint, very close stars] embedded on the northeast side.  A mag 15.7 star is just off the east side [44" from center] and a mag 16.3 star is just off the north end [52" from center].

 

18" (8/26/06): excellent view at 323x and UHC filter.  Appears moderately bright, round, fairly large, ~60" diameter.  The rim is sharply defined and slightly brighter with a subtly darker center giving a weak annular impression.

 

18" (8/23/03): at 215x with a UHC filter, this planetary appears as an irregular, 60" disc, slightly elongated N-S.  The rim is slightly brighter, particularly along an arc from the southwest to the north side, giving a weakly annular appearance.  At 538x the view is too dim but I noticed a couple of extremely faint stars along the edge of the rim.

 

17.5" (9/5/99): easily picked up at 100x as a 1' disc, appearing slightly irregular.  Best view at 220x and 280x using a UHC filter.  The disc was quite irregular in surface brightness and slightly elongated N-S.  Most notably, the rim is generally brighter along the northern side in a broad "U" shape with the center weakly annular.  The south rim of the planetary is fainter and less well defined.  No central star seen at 380x.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated N-S, estimate V = 13.0.  Pretty view at 214x and UHC filter with a slightly mottled or uneven surface brightness.

 

8" (7/31/81): faint, diffuse, moderately large.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6772 = H IV-14 = h2032 on 21 Jul 1784 (sweep 242) and recorded "vF, r, nearly of equal light throughout; about 1' in diam.  In the midst of numberless stars of the milky way."  His position was 7' too far west-northwest.  On 23 Jul 1827, JH noted "vF; R; vlbM; r; 30"."  His position (also measured the next sweep) is fairly accurate.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the nebula is a a very faint and vague oval ring 75"x56" in p.a. about 173”.  Brightest on the east and west edges; considerably fainter along and at the ends of the major axis."

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NGC 6773

19 15 08 +04 51 24; Aql

 

17.5" (7/27/95): unimpressive coarse group of ~20 stars in a 7'x2' rectangular outline elongated N-S and appears to be nothing but an asterism.  Includes six brighter mag 9-11 stars.  The stars in this weak asterism simply form the border and there are no stars inside.  The extent of the group is arbitrary but I included a few mag 11 stars to the south giving the elongation.  A mag 8.5 star located 14' NE is closely surrounded by a group of six faint stars.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6773 = h2033 on 13 Aug 1830 and noted "Coarse, not very rich, eighth class."  His position corresponds to the brightest mag 9.5 star at the west end of the group.  Karl Reinmuth, based on its photographic appearance, wrote "no Cl, a few st pretty much sc."  Dorothy Carlson repeated "No Cl" in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections as well as the RNGC.

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NGC 6774 = Ru 147

19 16 18 -16 15; Sgr

Size 20'

 

13.1" (8/5/83): large, scattered field of 50 stars mag 11 and fainter in a 20' diameter although no real borders.  Does not contain any rich spots.  Possibly not a true open cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6774 = h2034 on 27 Jul 1830 and recorded "a very large straggling space of loose stars, 8, 9, and 10m."  On a second sweep (27 Jul 1830), he logged "a fine, L, loosely scattered cl of large with some small stars.  Fills 2 or 3 fields."  His single good position matches mag 8.4 HD 180326, near the center of this large, loose group.  The Sky Catalogue 2000.0 calls the cluster Ru 147.

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NGC 6775

19 16 42 -00 56 00; Aql

Size 12'x4'

 

24" (9/30/16): at 200x; the most compressed grouping is at the east end and includes a half-dozen brighter stars including a nice linear string.  Perhaps 20 stars are resolved in a 2.5' region.  A nice sprinkling of 13th and 14th magnitude extends to the east for ~10'.  There are no dense clumps, but just enough stars to catch the eye.  Combined, the group is somewhat detached in the wider field and extends ~12'x 5', roughly elongated WNW-ESE, with the main clump at the ESE end.

 

17.5" (8/19/95): at 220x appears as a small, faint group of about a dozen stars mag 12.5-14.5 in a 2.5' region.  Most striking is a rich string of six stars oriented E-W just 1.5' in length.  Stands out reasonable well at 100x but higher power brings out a few fainter stars.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in RNGC and not in Lynga 5.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6775 = h2035 on 19 Jul 1828 and logged "A cluster, poor, loose, irreg fig, stars 10 and 11m."  At his position is a distinct group of 10-12 stars described in my observation.  This may be an asterism and RNGC lists the cluster as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6776 = ESO 104-053 = AM 1920-635 = PGC 63185

19 25 19.2 -63 51 37; Pav

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, ~0.9'x0.75'.  Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.8 star is off the south side, 1.2' from center and a mag ~14.5 star is at the northwest edge [25" from center]. Mag 9.8 HD 181463 lies 4.6' SW.

 

NGC 6776A lies 10.8' NNW. At 264x and 429x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, extremely thin streak, ~1.0'x0.15', with a slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 12.3 star at the north edge interferes with viewing.  The nucleus of the galaxy is just south of the star [by 16"].

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, 0.8'x0.7'.  A faint star is just off the northwest side, ~30" from the center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6776 = h3787 on 20 Jun 1835 and logged "pB; R; psbM; 15"."  There is nothing at his single position, but 1.7 minutes of RA east and 1.5' north is ESO 104-053 = PGC 63185.  There are no other bright candidates nearby, so this identification is fairly secure.  DeLisle Stewart's corrected RA (given in the IC 2 Notes) is 1.6 minutes further west, instead of east

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NGC 6777 = ESO 072-015

19 26 32 -71 27 54; Pav

V = 8.0/8.3;  Size 2

 

= ** (mag 8-8.5 SAO 257685 and 257686) or possibly a duplicate observation of NGC 6752 with a bad position.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6777 = Lac I-13 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He noted "it resembles the preceding [a small nucleus of a comet]."  Based on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station, DeLisle Steward reported "Not seen, 2 st 8 or 9 mag nr, but no neb."  This is a 2' pair of mag 8-8.5 stars (HD 181354 and HD 181464) very close to Lacaille's position. 

 

The RNGC classification is galaxy, but the position falls on a blank piece of sky just 4' east of Lacaille's.  As an alternative, Harold Corwin states "NGC 6777 may be NGC 6752 (first suggested by Owen Gingerich in a Sky and Telescope article which appeared in the February 1960 issue on page 207). If so, there is a large error in Lacaille's position."

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NGC 6778 = NGC 6785 = PK 34-6.1 = PN G034.5-06.7

19 18 24.8 -01 35 47; Aql

V = 12.1;  Size 25"x19"

 

18" (8/26/06): at 115x appears as a fairly bright but small, round disc with a blue-grey color.  Excellent view at 435x with an irregular shape slightly elongated ~E-W, ~25"x20".  A brighter knot at the west end gives the appearance of being double or bipolar.  At 565x the surface brightness is noticeably irregular and an extremely faint "stellaring" was occasionally visible at the west edge and I caught fleeting glimpses of a centrally located star. 

 

17.5" (9/5/99): fairly bright, but small disc picked up at 100x.  Easily takes high power. Nice view unfiltered at 280x - the PN has an irregular surface brightness with a brighter center but no central star and appears slightly elongated WNW-ESE, perhaps 20"-25" in diameter.  At 500x the outer edge of the rim fades and is not sharply defined.  At moments a sparkle was visible at the center with this magnification.  Located 5.0' WSW of mag 9 SAO 143251.

 

13.1" (8/8/86): bright, fairly small, estimate V = 12.0-12.5.  Very nice view at 214x with a UHC filter and slightly elongated WNW-ESE with a fainter rounder halo suspected.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6778 = m 399 on 25 Jun 1863 and noted "S, E, ill defined whitish disc."  His position was 1.8' to the southwest.  John Herschel made the original discovery on 20 Aug 1825 (sweep 6), though his rough RA was two minutes too large.  But his detailed description confirms the discovery.  Edward Pickering found the planetary in Aug or Sep 1882 at Harvard College Observatory, though he noted the equivalence with GC 5942 [= NGC 6778].

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the brighter part of the nebula takes an hour-glass shape; is 19"x13"; faint ansae in p.a. 18” bring the total length to 25".  Fainter along the major axis."

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NGC 6779 = M56

19 16 35.4 +30 11 04; Lyr

V = 8.3;  Size 7.1';  Surf Br = 0.8

 

24" (8/12/15): superb view at 564x (10mm ZAO + 2.5x Powermate) in excellent seeing and transparency.  This bright globular was highly resolved over the entire large central region and within a straggling, irregular halo that filled the 5' field.  Roughly 100 or more stars were resolved, though it was difficult to judge the extent of the halo as it thinned into the density of the surrounding Milky Way star field.  The unresolved background glow of the halo was more evident on the south side.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): about 30 stars resolved including many mag 15 stars at 280x.  Resolution is evident over the entire disc and at the edges of the ill-defined halo.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

13.1" (5/26/84): many faint stars and some brighter stars near the west edge.

 

13.1" (8/16/82): a number of faint stars resolved, particularly at the west edge.

 

8" (10/4/80): very grainy, ragged, few faint stars resolved.

 

80mm (8/27/87): easily visible at 11x.

 

Charles Messier discovered M56 = NGC 6779 = h2036 on 19 Jan 1779 and described a "nebula without stars, having little light."   Caroline Herschel independently found the cluster on 7 Apr 1783. WH first observed the cluster on 31 May 1783 with his 8-inch and noted it was "all resolved into stars [at high power]."  On 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239), he recorded "a cl of v compressed stars, nearly R, and about 4' in dia, very accumulated in the middle; L, r."  JH made a number of observations and on 1 Aug 1829 (sweep 198) recorded a "Fine compressed cluster; R, inclining to a triangular form; bM; stars 12...14m. A fine object, diam 3'."  Observing with an 11-inch refractor, Heinrich d'Arrest wrote "a star cluster, which contains a large number of stars, none of which is brighter than 12 to 13th magnitude.  With 356x resolved into minute stars."  R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant on 12 Aug 1855, logged "fine cluster, R, centre much compressed; composed of from 10 to 15 st of 13m and many much fainter ones.  A few scattered stars have appearance of rays from the centre."

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NGC 6780 = ESO 184-062 = AM 1918-555 = LGG 426-005 = PGC 63151

19 22 51.0 -55 46 33; Tel

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 168”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright, elongated 5:4 N-S, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration and grows to a slightly brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  Weak spiral structure is just visible in the halo.  Located 8.8' SE of mag 8.1 HD 18112 and 15' NW of mag 7.5 HD 181703.

 

PGC 406272 (B = 16.1) lies 3.6' WNW.  It appeared very faint and small, round, 12" diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6780 = h3788 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; L; R; vglbM; 90"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 6781 = PK 41-2.1 = PN G041.8-02.9 = Snowglobe Nebula

19 18 28.2 +06 32 23; Aql

V = 11.6;  Size 111"x109"

 

24" (6/30/16): at 322x and 500x; fairly bright and large, round, just under 2' diameter.  Contains a relatively thick, much brighter rim, except on the north side.  The annulus is unevenly in surface brightness, but brighter along a 180” arc, centered on the side south and dimming gradually but extending ~240”.  This gives the planetary a "C" shape appearance.  The remaining 120” arc, centered on the north edge, is noticeably fainter.  A mag ~13.5 star is at the northeast edge, a mag ~14.5 star is just off the north-northwest edge and a mag 15.5+ star is barely off the south edge.  An extremely faint star is superimposed just north-northeast of center (probably not the central star).

 

18" (7/14/07): at 225x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, round, perhaps 1.8' diameter.  A brighter rim is evident, particularly along the entire south half and extending for nearly 180 degrees.  The rim is weaker on the north side giving a partial thick "C" or crescent appearance.  A mag 13.5 star is at the northeast edge.

 

18" (8/14/04): at 225x, appears moderately bright, fairly large, round, at least 1.5' diameter.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NE edge of the rim with a fainter star off the NNW edge.  The rim is clearly brighter, particularly along the entire south side, with the rim fading on the north side giving an asymmetric or crescent appearance. A large central "hole" appears slightly darker.  At 160x, one or possible two extremely faint stars flickered on and off within the interior of the disc but neither appeared to be the central star.

 

17.5" (6/30/00): at 220x unfiltered this fairly bright PN has a 1.5' round halo.  The rim is brightest and more well-defined along an arc on the south and southeast rim.  The central 45" hole is slightly darker and irregular in surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the northeast edge and once or twice I caught a fainter glimmer of an interior star north of center.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): at 100x appears fairly bright, round, ~1.6' diameter with a darker center.  I used a variety of magnifications and filters but the most interesting view was at 220x using a UHC filter.  With this combination the PN is slightly elongated E-W and clearly brighter along the southern rim with the brightening tapering towards the ends so this brighter portion had a crescent appearance.  Because of this asymmetric rim the darker center seems offset and only weakly brightens at the NW rim.  A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge 1' from center.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): at 222x and UHC filter; very large, about 1.8' diameter, much brighter on the SW portion of the rim, darker center.  A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): the rim is brighter mainly on the SW side giving a slightly annular appearance.  A faint star is off the east edge.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): brighter rim mostly evident on the south side and a darker center just visible at 140x-200x.

 

8" (7/24/82): large and easily viewed but the annularity was not seen with any certainty.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6781 = H III-743 = h2037 on 30 Jul 1788 (sweep 850) and recorded "cF, irregularly round, 3 or 4' diam, resolvable."  John Herschel made a detailed observation on 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280): "A most beautiful, vL, F planetary nebula.  Diameter in RA = 6.5 seconds = 1' 37"; its light nearly uniform, only very little hazy at the edge and perhaps rather brighter at the southern limb.  It nature seems to have been overlooked or mistaken by my Father, who has placed it in his third class [Very Faint Nebula].  In Milky Way.  Many stars in field, one 11m near the north-following limb."  On 28 Aug 1850, Lord Rosse (or assistant) described the planetary as "annular or perhaps spiral, star distinctly seen in dark part n of centre, others seen at moments.  The dark space is undoubtedly irr in form."

 

Johann von Lamont made a sketch on 7 Jul 1837 with the 11" Merz refractor at the Munich Observatory.  William Lassell observed the planetary on Malta with his 48" reflector and made a sketch on 29 Aug 1862.  Another sketch was made around 1877 by Wilhelm Tempel with the 11" refractor at Arcetri Observatory in Florence.  Temple compared his results with Lamont and Lassell. E.E. Barnard described the planetary as annular using the Yerkes 40" refractor in 1899.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "this object is `06" in diameter from east to west, and a little longer than this along a major axis in approximately p.a. 5”.  Exceedingly faint at the north; brightest at east and west edges, and fainter along the major axis.  Indistinct ring structure shown around edges."

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NGC 6782 = ESO 142-001 = LGG 427-011 = PGC 63168

19 23 58.0 -59 55 21; Pav

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 45”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, large, oval 3:2 N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated with an intense core that increases steadily to a very bright stellar nucleus.  Located 3' N of mag 9  HD 181407.  Several faint stars are nearby including a mag 16 star at the northeast edge of the halo just 25" from center, a mag 14/16 double star 1' E of center (about 12" separation), a mag 15 star 1.7' SSE of center and a mag 16.8 star at the south edge, 0.6' from center.  The stars were sketched and later verified on ALADIN.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6782 = h3789 on 12 Jul 1834 and logged "not vF or pB; R; psmbM; 30"."  His mean position (3 observations) is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6783 = MCG +08-35-007 = CGCG 256-013 = PGC 63003

19 16 47.6 +46 01 02; Cyg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.45';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (8/10/91): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration.  A mag 15.5 is at the SE edge 13" from the center and a mag 15 star is 20" off the NW edge.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6783 = St IV-2 on 4 Aug 1872.  His offset points to CGCG 256-013, though Esmiol made a digit error in his 1916 re-reduction and the RA is 1.0 minute too small.  Bigourdan noted the galaxy was barely seen.

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NGC 6784 = ESO 104-055 = AM 1921-654 = PGC 63209

19 26 34 -65 37 24; Pav

Size 0.9'x0.5';  PA = 160”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; NGC 6784 is a close pair of similar galaxies oriented SW-NE that were both easily visible.  NGC 6784A, the southwest component, appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 24"x20".  A mag 15 star is 0.7' SW of center and a ~4" pair of mag 15/15.5 stars is 0.8' N.  NGC 6784B, the northeast component, is slightly brighter and logged as fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 24"x 18", slightly brighter nucleus.  The pair is situated 5' NW of mag 8.3 HD 181957 and 20' ESE of mag 7.3 HD 181018.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6784 = h3790 on 23 Jun 1835 and recorded "eeF; pL; among small stars."  He made three observations (all called "eeF"), but made no reference to it being double.  So, as Harold Corwin notes, its impossible to tell whether he saw one or the other, or both.

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NGC 6785 = NGC 6778 = PK 34-6.1 = PN G034.5-06.7

19 18 24.8 -01 35 47; Aql

V = 12.1;  Size 25"x19"

 

See observing notes for NGC 6778.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6785 = h2038 on 20 Aug 1825 (sweep 6) and made a small diagram in his logbook.  He recorded, "An infinitely small stellar nebula = a star of the 15th mag.  It is in the field with (a) the double star and precedes it.  (b) is a star of 9m half way between (a) and (c) the nebula.  The nebula the angle made with a-b-c with the parallel = 25 or 30”.  Dist [from] c-a = 2/3 diam of field. A most delicate and trying object, but the sky is rather hazy.  Requires verifying."  There is nothing at his rough position (the RA is marked as uncertain) but two minutes of RA directly west is NGC 6778 (discovered again by Marth in 1863), and his sketch and description matches!  In the Slough Catalogue, Herschel erroneously references sweep 5, instead of sweep 6.  This was his first PN discovery and his 5th overall.  Harold Corwin states that Bigourdan's corrected position refers to a close trio of stars.

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NGC 6786 = VV 414 = UGC 11414 = CGCG 341-019 = VII Zw 864 = PGC 62864

19 10 54.0 +73 24 36; Dra

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 40”

 

24" (7/23/14): using 200x and 375x, appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.45', contains a small bright core.  A mag 12.2 star is 1.8' N and a similar star is 1.2' NE.

 

NGC 6786 forms a close pair with UGC 11415, but the core of UGC 11415 is nearly hidden behind the glow of the mag 12 star close northeast.  A very low surface brightness halo is just visible.  With careful viewing, a small portion of the core is a bit more evident close northeast of the star.

 

17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Two mag 12 stars are 1.8' N and 1.2' NE of center.  The mag 12 star just 1.2' NE is superimposed directly on the center of UGC 11415, so the halo was not visible.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6786 =  Sw. V-90 on 3 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; R; south-preceding of and near 2 stars."  His position and description is an excellent match.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00, commented "the 2 stars north-following are of mag 10.  The nearer one follows 11 seconds, 1.0' north.  The more distant is very nearly north of the nebula, at a distance of about 2'.  The NGC description is "eeF", but the nebula appears to be only "F"."

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NGC 6787 = UGC 11424 = MCG +10-27-009 = CGCG 302-009 = PGC 62987

19 16 10.6 +60 25 03; Dra

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (8/13/88): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the NW side.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6787 = Sw. II-78 on 10 Sep 1885 and recorded "eeeF; pS; 4 stars in semi circle sf; e diff."  His RA is 12 seconds too small and the "4 stars in semi-circle sf" lie 5' southeast, so the identification is certain.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00 and commented that "the '4 stars south-following' form a rude square."

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NGC 6788 = ESO 184-067 = AM 1922-550 = PGC 63214

19 26 49.8 -54 57 03; Tel

V = 12.0;  Size 2.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 71”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  A bright mag 12 star is near the WSW end (0.8' WSW of center) and somewhat detracts from viewing the outer halo on this end.  Located south of a line connecting mag 7.8 HD 182396 5.9' ESE and mag 7.6 HD 182160 6.7' NW.  Interacting pair with IC 4856, which lies 6.5' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6788 = h3791 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; pmE; S; follows a * 11m."  His RA was accurate on one sweep and 1 minute too small on the other.  He assumed the erroneous one was correct.  DeLisle Stewart gave the correct RA as measured on an Arequipa plate.

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NGC 6789 = UGC 11425 = MCG +11-23-001 = CGCG 323-011 = PGC 63000

19 16 42.1 +63 58 17; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  Appears fainter than CGCG mag of 13.7.

 

NGC 6789 is the nearest blue compact dwarf galaxy and resides at a distance of 2.1 Mpc (close to the Local Group).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6789 = Sw. IV-75 on 30 Aug 1883 and noted "eeeF; pL; R; ee diff."  His position is 1.4' south-southwest of UGC 11425.

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NGC 6790 = PK 37-6.1 = PN G037.8-06.3

19 22 56.9 +01 30 47; Aql

V = 10.7;  Size 10"x5"

 

17.5" (7/28/92): at 82x, very bright, stellar, surprisingly prominent, estimate V = 10.0.  Blinks well with an OIII filter.  At 280x appears very bright and a very small but definite disc about 5" diameter is visible with a bluish color.  A mag 11.5 star lies 35" W. 

 

13" (7/85): bright, just non-stellar 220x, estimate mag 10, easy blinker with OIII.  A mag 11 star is 30" W.  Forms the east vertex of a thin rhombus of mag 10 stars.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6790 on 16 Jul 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  He noted "very bright and minute."  The discovery was announced in AN 2454 and The Observatory, Vol 5, for Oct 1882.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "Indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negatives, but shown to have a minute disk visually with the 36-inch refractor."

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NGC 6791 = Berkeley 46 = Lund 886 = OCL-142

19 20 53 +37 46 18; Lyr

V = 9.5;  Size 16'

 

24" (8/12/15): gorgeous field at 200x (1/2”) using a 13mm Ethos, but this rich cluster was superbly resolved at 200x using a 10mm Zeiss Ortho.  Roughly 100 stars were visible in an irregular oval outline, slightly elongated NW to SE.  The stars are remarkably uniform but slightly brighter along the southeast edge.  Interestingly, a large percentage of the resolved stars form the outline as the center is richer and contains more fainter stars (like a very weakly compressed globular cluster).  A string of stars extends roughly through the center, bisecting the oval and a "void" is created by this string on the southeast interior.  The outline is fairly well-defined, with some brighter field stars beyond, including a couple of mag 10-10.5 stars off the south side and a mag 9.5 star 11' NW of center.  Excellent cluster!

 

13.1" (9/11/82): fairly faint, moderately large, many faint stars are resolved over haze with averted, low surface brightness.

 

8" (9/11/82): moderately large, very faint hazy patch like a low surface brightness galaxy, no resolution.

 

NGC 6791 is one of the very oldest open clusters, along with Berkeley 17, with an age of 8 to 10 Gyr!

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6791 = Au 45 in December 1853 with his 2.8-inch Merz refractor.  At the time he was an 18-year old astronomy student at Gottingen University.  He described the cluster (repeated in Auwers' 1862 list of new nebulae) as "very faint; a miniature image of M74", so the cluster was clearly not resolved.  But at Kšnigsberg, Auwers noted that it consisted of many mag 12 stars that appeared nebulous in smaller instruments.  Horace Tuttle independently discovered the cluster on 17 Jul 1859 with a 10-cm comet-seeker at Harvard College observatory (announced in AN 1453).

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NGC 6792 = UGC 11429 = MCG +07-40-002 = CGCG 230-005 = PGC 63096

19 20 57.5 +43 07 59; Lyr

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 25”

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, prominent bright core, faint extensions SW-NE.  Located 1.5' SE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with UGC 11430 12' NNE.

 

Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6792 around 1886 using the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer.  His position is 1.7' south of UGC 11420.  This is one of three galaxies discovered by Lohse, although he reported 18 nebulae to Dreyer.  The remainder are probably stars.

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NGC 6793 = Lund 887 = OCL-115

19 23 14 +22 08 30; Vul

Size 6'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): three dozen stars mag 10.5-14 in a 8' field.  Fairly distinctive in the field.  Located within a 30' loose, indistinct group with a mag 8 star at the west edge.  The core of the cluster contains a 1' triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars with the north vertex a nice double star (h886 = 10.5/11.5 at 8").  Just south is a 1' quadrilateral consisting of four mag 13 stars.  No other distinct groups are in the cluster, although 4' N and 4' E are two small groups of seven and four stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6793 = H VIII-81 = h2039 on 18 Jul 1789 (sweep 932) and recorded "a sc. cl. of cL stars, pretty rich, iF, above 15' in extent."  His position is accurate.  On 24 Aug 1827 (sweep 90), JH logged "place that of a double star (HJ 886) at the northern extremity of the more condensed part of a L, loose, poor cluster of st 10...15m."

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NGC 6794 = ESO 338-005 = MCG -07-40-001 = PGC 63241

19 28 03.8 -38 55 08; Sgr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter.  Low surface brightness with no concentration although may be hampered by very low elevation.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' ENE.  Located 3.7' E of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6794 = h3792 on 24 Aug 1834 and logged "eF; R; vgvlbM; 40"."  His position is 2.4' northwest of ESO 338-005.

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NGC 6795

19 26 22 +03 30 54; Aql

 

17.5" (6/24/95): about 40 stars in a 8' elongated group WSW-ENE.  At the west end of the group is mag 8.3 SAO 124619 and the east end is marked by the similar SAO 124629 7.5' E.  Between these stars is an enhancement of mag 12 and 13 stars and a single mag 9 star (SAO 124627).  Appears as a slightly richer group that stands out reasonably well at 100x because of the associated bright stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6795 = h2040 on 24 Aug 1827 and recorded "The first of 3 stars 9m, nearly in parallel, joined by a rich clustering portion of the Milky Way."  His position corresponds with mag 8.3 SAO 124619 at the west end of the group.

 

Karl Reinmuth says "no cl", based on the appearance on Heidelberg plates, and Dorothy Carlson repeated this in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and the RNGC.  See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 6796 = UGC 11432 = MCG +10-27-010 = CGCG 302-011 = PGC 63121

19 21 31.1 +61 08 42; Dra

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 179”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, pretty edge-on 4:1 N-S, 1.4'x0.3', bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6796 = Sw. II-79 on 5 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; vE in meridian [N-S]."  His RA is 13 seconds too small but the description matches.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 8 Sep 1888.  Herbert Howe, in his series of observations of NGC and IC nebulae in MNRAS, commented "this is very much elongated at 0”, and certainly contains one bright spot of mag 13.5; perhaps there are others.  There is a resemblance to the great nebula in Andromeda."

 

CGCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 6797.  Malcolm Thomson noted this error in his list of CGCG errors.

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NGC 6797 = ESO 525-010

19 29 00.7 -25 39 59; Sgr

 

= line of 4*, Corwin. = Triple star, ESO.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 6797 around 1860 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College in New York and noted "star 9m attached following."  At his position is a double or triple star (wider pair at ~8" separation) situated 25" west of a mag 10 star.  ESO/Uppsala identifies this multiple star as NGC 6797 ("Triple star; B star 0.5' f.")

 

The CGCG misidentifies NGC 6796 as NGC 6797.  Malcolm Thomson noted this error in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 6798 = IC 1300 = UGC 11434 = MCG +09-32-002 = CGCG 281-001 = PGC 63171

19 24 03.2 +53 37 29; Cyg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 43" from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6798 = Sw. II-80 on 5 Aug 1885 and recorded "F; vS; R; * v nr; in field with 51 Draconis."  His position is just 9 seconds of time west of UGC 11434.  Swift probably "rediscovered" this galaxy again on 2 Oct 1891 and catalogued it in list X-47 (later IC 1300), but his declination was in error.

 

Howe searched unsuccessfully for IC 1300 on two nights at Swift's position and afterwards communicated with Swift, who responded that the IC position was one degree too far south.  This implies IC 1300 = NGC 6798.  In the same letter Swift state that the declination of IC 1301 was 35' greater than given in the IC (see that number).  In the IC 2 Notes, Dreyer comments for IC 1300, "Delenda, = 6798."

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NGC 6799 = ESO 184-078 = PGC 63339

19 32 16.8 -55 54 29; Tel

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 110”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, contains a small bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Cradled by three stars around the edge of the halo; a mag 12.3 star is 0.5' SE of center, a mag 14.4 star is 0.6' W of center, and a mag 13.5 star is 0.7' SW.  Situated in a busy star field (20' diameter) with many brighter and fainter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6799 = h3793 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; within [partly within] a small triangle formed by 3 st 11, 13 and 14m."  His position and description is a perfect match.

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NGC 6800 = Lund 892 = OCL-123

19 27 07 +25 08 24; Vul

Size 5'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): over 100 stars in a 25' field.  Bright, very large, fairly rich in spots but not concentrated and very weak in the center.  Bordered by a circular outline of mag 10-11 stars.  A rich double group of about ten stars each is at the south side and includes a few bright stars and many faint stars.  Off the west side is mag 7.7 SAO 87200 and mag 6.2 SAO 87190 is another 11' SW.  Two rays of stars extend west of the main group.  Located 35' NW of mag 4.4 Alpha Vulpeculae.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6800 = H VIII-21 = h2041 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 263) and logged "a cluster of coarsely scattered L stars intermixed with small stars."  His position is on the northwest edge of the cluster.  On 17 Jul 1785 (sweep 415), he called it "a coarsely scattered cl of considerately L stars, not rich."  JH made a single observation, noting "vL; p rich; very straggling; stars 10m; fills field."

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NGC 6801 = UGC 11443 = MCG +09-32-005 = CGCG 281-003 = PGC 63229

19 27 35.9 +54 22 21; Cyg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 44”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SW end.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6801 = Sw. IV-76 on 5 Aug 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; F * nr s."  His position and description matches UGC 11443. Herbert Howe observed the galaxy in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at Denver and remarked "This contains at least one stellar point of mag 13.5.  The "F * s nr" is of mag 11.5 and precedes the nebula 3 sec, 1.3' south."  The star is mentioned in my observation as mag 13.5.

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NGC 6802 = Cr 400 = Lund 895 = OCL-114

19 30 35 +20 15 42; Vul

V = 8.8;  Size 3'

 

13.1" (8/11/85): about two dozen stars are visible over extensive unresolved haze in an elongated N-S group.  Located just east of the "Coathanger" asterism, in line with the long base of the Coatthanger.

 

8" (10/4/80): bar-shaped N-S, faint, even surface brightness.  A few mag 13 stars are resolved.  Surrounded by two double stars to the west and north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6802 = H VI-14 = h2042 on 11 Jul 1784 (sweep 235) and recorded "a cluster exceedingly small and v compressed stars, in the form of a parallelogram, about 4' l and nearly 2' broad; in the direction nearly of the meridian.  But the weather is very hazy.  On 18 Jul 1789 (sweep 932) he logged "a compressed cl of considerably small stars, very rich, about 5 or 6' l, 3' br, E nearly in the meridian."  But Wolfgang Steinicke reports that Herschel first observed the cluster on 22 Sep 1783 with his 6.2-inch, before starting his sweeps.

 

On 8 Aug 1831 (sweep 364), John Herschel called it a "rectangular cluster; v m comp; 3' or 4' l; 2' br; stars 14...18m; among B stars."

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NGC 6803 = PK 46-4.1 = PN G046.4-04.1

19 31 16.4 +10 03 22; Aql

V = 11.5;  Size 6"

 

17.5" (9/5/99): picked up by blinking with an OIII filter at 100x as a mag 11.5 "star".  At 220x, appears just non-stellar and is situated ~2' S of a mag 10.5-11 "comparison" star, which is a half magnitude brighter than the PN (unfiltered).  Good response to blinking with a UHC filter.  At 280x and 380x, the PN is very small but clearly nonstellar, <5" diameter with a blue-grayish color.  Easily takes 500x but no other details were visible except for two mag 15 stars that are close west and northwest form a tiny equilateral triangle with the PN.

 

13": fairly bright stellar planetary at 88x, good OIII blinker in a rich star field, estimate V = 11.5.  Just non-stellar at 350x and about 3" diameter.  A mag 11 star is 1.8' N.

 

8" (8/5/83): appears slightly non-stellar at 385x.  A similar field star is just 2' NW.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6803 = HN 52 on 17 Sep 1882 using a direct-vision prism attached to the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  His position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 1. No. 6 (Oct 1882) is accurate to within 1'.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote, "a minute round disk, 5.5" in diameter, just distinguishable from a star; fades out a little at the edges."

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NGC 6804 = PK 45-4.1 = PN G045.7-04.5

19 31 35.3 +09 13 31; Aql

V = 12.2;  Size 62"x49"

 

24" (6/30/16): at 501x (unfiltered): bright, irregular planetary with interesting structure!  The overall shape is roughly oval, extending WSW-ENE, ~0.7'x0.5'.  The 14th magnitude central star is very easy.  A brighter mag 12.5-13 star is along the rim on the northeast side and a fainter mag 14-14.5 star is at the west edge of the rim.  The latter star has a mag 15-15.5 companion 12" SSW.  Also a 10" pair of mag 14/15 stars is off the northeast side.  The rim is brightest along thin 90” strips centered on the southeast and northwest side and weak or open on the southwest side.  Along with the brighter star on the northeast end, this creates a "C" or horseshoe appearance with a darker center.

 

18" (7/11/07): at 450x this striking planetary appeared elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~60"x45".  Three stars are involved including the 14th magnitude central star.  A mag 12.5-13 star is at the northeast edge of the halo and a mag 14.5 star is at the west edge with a mag 15 companion close southwest.  The surface brightness is irregular; weakest on the southwest side and slightly brighter along the east side, giving a "horseshoe" appearance.

 

17.5" (7/11/99): at lower powers appears moderately bright, irregularly round, ~1' diameter with several stars involved or nearby.  At 280x, the view is very unusual with three stars involved and others nearby.  The brightest is a mag 12.5-13 star at the NE edge.  The mag 14 central star is visible with direct vision.  Finally, a mag 14.5-15 star is at or just off the west side.  The planetary is slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE with an irregular surface brightness.  The rim appears brighter along the east and northeast side and weakest at the west edge.  Nearby stars include a mag 13 star ~1.5' NE (nearly on a line with the central star and the star on the northeast edge) and a mag 15-15.5 star close south-southwest of the star at the west edge.

 

13" (8/5/83): moderately bright, elongated WSW-ENE.  Unusual appearance as four faint stars are very near or involved including the faint mag 14 central star visible with averted vision.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge 27" from the center, a very faint mag 15 star is at west edge and a similar star is just NW.  The rim is possibly slightly brighter on the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6804 = H VI-38 = h2043 on 25 Aug 1791 (sweep 1018) and recorded "cB, S, iF, easily resolvable.  Some of the stars visible."  He mistakenly placed this planetary nebula in classification class VI of "Very compressed and rich clusters of stars." John Herschel also assumed it was a cluster, though on his first of four observations (21 Aug 1827), he logged "doubtful if a resolved cl or a neb of first class.  pL; R; bM; 60"; with 2 or 3 accidental stars of the Milky Way."  Confirmed as a planetary by Francis Pease in 1917.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote, "an irregular ring 33" from north to south and 30" from E to W; brightest on north and south and fades out along an axis in p.a. 48”.  The oval disk of much fainter matter outside is 63"x50" in p.a. 0”, and stronger at western and southern edges."

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NGC 6805 = ESO 338-014 = MCG -06-43-002 = PGC 63413

19 36 45.7 -37 33 16; Sgr

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 163”

 

17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, slightly brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' ESE.  Viewing suffers due to low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6805 = h3796 on 24 Aug 1834 and logged "eF; R; vgbM."  One week later, he returned to the field and noted "well looked for, but only a small star-group found."  There is nothing at his position (used in the NGC), but exactly 1” north is ESO 338-014 = PGC 63413.  The 1” error in declination is noted in Corwin's Southern Galaxy Catalogue.

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NGC 6806 = ESO 338-015 = MCG -07-40-003 = VV 411 = AM 1933-422 = PGC 63416

19 37 05.0 -42 17 47; Sgr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 24”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, contains a brighter elongated core.  The halo appears to spread out somewhat on the east side.  A mag 13.8 star is attached at the west edge.  Situated 3.7' SE of mag 8.4 HD 184556.  A number of fainter stars are nearby including a chain that begins with a mag 13 star 1.5' WNW and curls to the northeast.

 

18" (8/19/09): at 175x appeared as a very faint, small oval glow with a mag 13.5 star superimposed on the west end.  Probably due to the very low elevation (10-11 degrees), no additional structure was evident.  Located 3.6' SE of mag 8.4 HD 184556.  A loop of mag 14-14.5 stars elongated SW to NE is between the galaxy and the bright star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6806 = h3795 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; appended to a * 14m."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6807 = PK 42-6.1 = PN G042.9-06.9

19 34 33.4 +05 41 02; Aql

V = 12.2;  Size 2"

 

17.5" (7/20/90): at 140x appears as a mag 12 stellar object.  Shows an excellent contrast gain with OIII filter.  A brighter mag 10.5 comparison star 1.5' NE is similar to NGC 6807 with the OIII filter (so there is a two magnitudes contrast gain with the filter).  Increasing the magnification to 286, it appeared to be quasi-stellar with a tiny disc surrounding the central star.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6807 = HN 51 on 4 Sep 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  His position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol I, No 6 (Oct 1882) is ~30" too far north.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote, "indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negatives, but shown to have a minute disk visually with the 36-inch refractor."

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NGC 6808 = ESO 073-003 = PGC 63578

19 43 54.6 -70 37 57; Pav

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 40”

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.7', weak concentration.  Located 9' W of mag 7.1 HD 185618 and a mag 9.5 star is 5.3' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6808 = h3794 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "Not vF; lE; gbM; 25"."  On a second sweep he logged "pB; pmE; gb to one end (or by diagram a double nebula).  A star 8m [HD 185618] follows on the parallel."  His mean position is at the south edge of ESO 073-003.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 7 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He wrote "pF, pS, E, uneven surface, pretty much brighter in some parts on its axis - no decided nucleus. The area only appears confusedly little brighter in the middle or brighter along the axis.  This brighter internal portion of the object being somewhat uneven in light."  His sketch shows brighter knots at the NE and SW ends of the galaxy.

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NGC 6809 = M55 = ESO 460-21

19 39 59.3 -30 57 44; Sgr

V = 6.4;  Size 19';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

24" (9/2/16): at 200x; superb, very highly resolved showpiece globular of several hundred stars, spreading out at least 15' in diameter.  Contains a very large, very bright core that is uniformly covered with similar, relatively bright resolved stars.  The core has a loose appearance and doesn't increase to a nuclear peak.  The central portion has a distinct 3-dimensional appearance with the brighter stars overlaying a second dense carpet of fainter stars against an unresolved background glow.  The halo is very large and well resolved with a mix of brighter and fainter stars.  The periphery of the halo is irregular or scraggly, but roughly symmetrical.

 

17.5" (7/14/99): at 100x this a beautiful, highly resolved cluster with outliers extending out to at least 12' in diameter.  At 220x, there is uniform covering of easily resolved stars across the halo and the broadly concentrated core.  In addition the central region is contains a layer of very faint stars over unresolved haze.  The star density drops off rapidly in the outer halo and becomes very scraggly around the periphery.  The core also seems indented on the SE side with a void in the halo on this edge.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): bright, large, superb resolution of at least 75 stars mag 12 and fainter.  Loosely compressed with a broadly brighter core, irregular background glow.  One of the easiest resolved globulars.

 

8" (9/3/83): at 100x; faint stars resolved across entire disc, no compact core, over unresolved haze.  Highly resolved at 165x.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered M55 = NGC 6809 = Lac I-14 = D 620 = h3798 in 1751-1752 during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He used only a 1/2-inch refractor at 8x and described it as appearing "like the obscured nucleus of a big comet."  Messier couldn't find it in 1764 but succeeded in 1778, describing it as "a nebula which is a whitish spot; extending for 6' around the light is even and does not appear to contain a star."

 

William Herschel mentions in Philosophical Transactions for 1818: "30 Jul 1783, small 20 feet telescope (12-inch). With 250 power fairly resolved into stars; I can count a great many of them, while others are too close to be distinguished separately. 1784, 1785, 20 feet telescope (18.7-inch). A rich cluster of very compressed stars, irregularly round, about 8' long."

 

James Dunlop described the cluster as "a beautiful, large round bright nebula, about 6' or 7' diameter, gradually condensed to the centre, easily resolvable."  His position is 24' too far east.  On 3 Aug 1834 (sweep 478), John Herschel recorded "Globular cluster; pB; vL; R; vglbM; diam in RA 30.0s; all resolved into separate st 13...16 m; not so comp M as to run together into a blaze or nipple. "

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NGC 6810 = ESO 142-035 = PGC 63571

19 43 34.4 -58 39 21; Pav

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 176”

 

18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7'.  The bright core is concentrated to a stellar nucleus with direct vision.  On the DSS image, this Seyfert galaxy shows an absorption lane along the eastern side but this was not seen visually.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6810 = h3797 on 10 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; mE, in position 169.2”; psbM; 90"."  His position is accurate.  On the next sweep he called this object "R; vgbM; 30" haze thickening rapidly."  The second (poorer) description was given in the GC and NGC, and DeLisle Stewart reported (based on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station), "not round, but cF, S, eE 179”, stell ncl."

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NGC 6811 = Cr 402 = Mel 222 = Lund 897

19 37 17 +46 23 18; Cyg

V = 6.8;  Size 13'

 

17.5" (7/1/00): large, beautiful cluster at 100x.  The central section is ~8' in diameter, roughly triangular and contains a scattering of ~20 10-11th magnitude stars.  There are no prominent members - the brightest star (at the west edge) has a faint companion.  Perhaps 85 stars are resolved in the unconcentrated central region (there is nearly a void in the center) over haze.  The richest knot of stars is on the northeast side.  An isolated 5' tails of stars extends NW and another curving string of stars can be traced 8' to the east.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): fairly large and rich group of approximately 60 stars including many mag 11-12 stars.  A long trail of stars follows and a bright group of stars is WNW.  Prominent in 16x80 finder, some resolution with averted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6811 = h2044 on 29 Aug 1829 and recorded "a double star in the southern part of a fine, large, pretty rich coarse cluster of about 100 stars 11...14m; it fills the field."  His position is near a mag 11 star on the southeast end of the cluster.  The next sweep (2 Sep 1829) he logged "The centre of the more condensed part of a considerable cluster, 10' diameter, of irregularly scattered stars."  His position, though, is about 45 seconds of RA too large.  Harold Corwin mentions "Unfortunately, the position JH adopted for the GC carries the RA of the second, and a Dec 10 arcmin further on north. I think he meant to use only the second observation (he notes that the first observation refers to "A double star in the southern part ..."), so the incorrect Dec must be a transcription or typographical error."  The end result is the GC and NGC position is 15' too far northeast, well outside the confines of the cluster.

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NGC 6812 = ESO 185-015 = PGC 63625

19 45 24.0 -55 20 50; Tel

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 94”

 

25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright oval, elongated ~3:2 E-W, 0.7'x0.45'.  Almost immediately I noticed the shape was either irregular or perhaps there was an attached companion.  On careful examination, an extremely faint, compact companion (LEDA 2802344), 8"-10" diameter, was occasionally resolved (barely separated) or attached to the southwest edge.  LEDA 2802343, a second (easier) companion is just 1.8' WNW.  It appeared very faint and small, round, ~12" diameter.  A number of brighter stars pepper the field including a mag 11 star 2.7' NW, a mag 9.7 star 4.2' NNE and a mag 10.4 star 6' NNW.  Three additional mag 10.5 stars form a small triangle 7' to 8' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6812 = h3799 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB ; pmE; glbM; 40" l, 30" br."  His position is accurate.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 6812 on 8 Nov 1885 with the Melbourne telescope and wrote "Rather faint, small, pmbM. The center sparkling at times as if a star was in it."  The last comment may refer to LEDA 2802344.  His diagram shows LEDA 2802343 as a very small nebulous object, perfectly placed close WNW of NGC 6812.  It appears to be labeled with an "n" (presumably an abbreviation for "nebula").

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NGC 6813 = GN 19.38.4

19 40 22.4 +27 18 34; Vul

Size 3'

 

18" (7/12/07): picked up at 115x as a small, hazy glow surrounding a mag 13.5 star.  Adding an OIII filter, this emission nebula appeared as a moderately bright, round, 1.5' glow surrounding the star.  At 174x the center "star" appears double and the nebulosity responds well to an OIII filter.  At 225x, the two close central stars are cleanly resolved and a third fainter star is just at the northern edge.  Adding a UHC filter, the shape is irregular and the overall outline shifts with averted vision, though it does not appear to be larger than 1.2'-1.5' visually despite a catalogued diameter of 3'.

 

17.5" (6/15/91): at 140x, fairly faint emission nebulosity, round, 1.5' diameter.  Surrounds a very close mag 14 double star.  Using an OIII filter the nebulosity is very prominent and increases to 3' in size.  Located 3' SE of mag 9 SAO 87539.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6813 = m 400 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "D* in vF, S neb."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6814 = MCG -02-50-001 = PGC 63545

19 42 40.6 -10 19 23; Aql

V = 11.2;  Size 3.0'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (8/7/13): fairly bright, fairly large, round, ~1.5' diameter.  Well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a very bright nucleus.  A mag 13 star lies 1' NW and two mag 14/14.4 stars are a bit further northeast. Spiral structure is strongly suggested in the halo with an ill-defined segment of a curving arm on the east side and a counterpart on the west side.  A very faint star (V = 15.6) is superimposed on the western arm.

 

13.1" (7/20/85): this Seyfert galaxy appears fairly faint, round, 2.0' diameter, broad concentration, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo.

 

8" (8/15/82): faint, small, slightly brighter core, larger faint halo with averted.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6814 = H III-744 = h2045 on 2 Aug 1788 (sweep 851) and noted "vF; pL; R; vgmbM."  His position is accurate.  JH made the single observation "Not vF; pL; R; bM; r; 50"."

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NGC 6815

19 40 44 +26 45 30; Vul

 

17.5" (6/15/91): at 100x, ~100 stars mag 10-14 in a large 30' field elongated ~E-W.  Includes six brighter mag 10-11 stars although most members are mag 12-13.  Scattered appearance with no rich sections although over unresolved background haze.  A mag 8 star is off the NW edge.  Difficult to define borders as basically appears as a Milky Way field enhancement.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6815 = h2046 on 18 Aug 1828 and recorded "vL, p rich, straggling cluster; it mores than fills the field.  Stars 10...15m."  His position (marked as uncertain in both RA and NPD) is in a rich Milky Way field, though Harold Corwin defines the center as ~3.5' southwest.  Does not appear to be a true cluster.

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NGC 6816 = ESO 460-029 = PGC 63584

19 43 59.1 -28 29 11; Sgr

V = 13.4;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 105”

 

24" (9/23/17): at 200x-375x; faint or fairly faint, moderately large, elongated ~4:3 WNW-ESE, fairly low surface brightness, small slightly brighter nucleus, ~45"x35".

 

ESO 460-030 (identified as NGC 6816 in most sources), situated 6' NNE, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, small bright core, faint halo 35" diameter.  Two stars are superimposed; a mag 13.5-14 star at the west edge [15" from center] and a mag 14.5 star [20" NW].  The halo appears to encompass both stars with averted vision.  A bright mag 10.8 star is 1' SW.  ESO 460-033, situated 12' NE, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.65', broad and weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.

 

24" (9/29/16): at 375x; fairly faint, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~40"x24", broad concentration with a brighter core.  A faint star is off the NW edge [Note: there no star here but a compact companion is at the ESE end - probably my directions are reversed].

 

In a group with ESO 460-030 6' NNE.  This galaxy (usually identified as NGC 6816) appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 20"-24" diameter, very small bright nucleus, higher surface brightness than NGC 6816. Two mag 13.5-14.5 stars attached at the west edge interfere a bit and a mag 10.8 star is 1' SW.  ESO 460-025, 15' W, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~30"x25", broad weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.4' SE.  ESO 460-033, 12' NE, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, moderate concentration to a small bright nucleus.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): very faint, fairly small, very low surface brightness. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 2.8' SW and 2.8' SSE of center.  A close mag 14.5 star is 1' NNE (?).  Located 4.5' S of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Forms a pair with ESO 460-030 = MCG -05-46-006 6' NNE.  ESO 460-030 is identified as NGC 6816 in RNGC, ESO, PGC, NED and HyperLeda.  It appeared very faint, very small, round.  Two mag 13.5 stars at the west and northwest edge confuse the observation as well as a mag 10.8 star 1' WSW that is detracting.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6816 = h3800 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; R; vlbM; 40"; a *9m north of it; at 6' distance has what may be easily taken for a nebula attached to it, but it is only a little group of vS stars."  There is nothing his position, which is 4' due south of ESO 460-029 and 9' south-southwest of ESO 460-030.  ESO 460-029 is a better match in position and description -- a mag 10.8 star lies 5' due north along with several other nearby fainter stars.

 

The question remains that if NGC 6816 = ESO 460-029 how did JH miss brighter ESO 460-030 = PGC 63587?  His description suggests he probably noticed this galaxy or the nucleus of the galaxy ("what may be easily taken for a nebula attached to [the star]") but decided it was part of the group of stars. In the GC, JH shortened his description to read "eF; pS; R; vlbM; * np." The 6' separation to the star was not included and it's not clear why he changed the direction to "np" [northwest].

 

All modern sources, including RNGC, ESO, RC3, PGC, NED and HyperLeda, misidentify ESO 460-030 as NGC 6816.  I listed this error in RNGC Corrections #5.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6817 = MCG +10-28-005 = CGCG 303-004 = PGC 63431

19 37 22.3 +62 23 00; Dra

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (8/13/15): this double system was resolved at 375x and 500x.  The brighter galaxy is on the east side and appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~24"x18".  A mag 15.5 star is close north-northeast [26" from center] and a mag 16.1 star lies 39" NW.  The companion galaxy is just off the west side [16" between centers] and extremely to very faint (V = 15.7, B = 16.5), round, only 6"-8" diameter!  On the SDSS the halos of the two galaxies are merged and the brighter eastern component is tidally disturbed.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is off the NE edge and an extremely faint mag 16 star is off the NW edge.  This is a very close double system oriented E-W, although apparently the individual components were too faint to resolve separately.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6817 = Sw. II-81 on 10 Sep 1885 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; a curve of stars west like Northern Crown."  His position is 12 seconds of RA too far west.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 30 Aug 1889 as well as Howe in 1899-00 at Denver.  The "curve of stars" in the description begins 3.5' WSW.

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NGC 6818 = PK 25-17.1 = PN G025.8-17.9 = Little Gem Nebula

19 43 57.7 -14 09 11; Sgr

V = 9.4;  Size 22"x15"

 

24" (8/25/19): viewed at 375x, 500x, 644x, and 1000x; easily takes high power due to its high surface brightness and good seeing.  The annular structure, though only moderate contrast, was very interesting with a relatively large, oval darker center and a very irregular, relatively narrow ring with an irregular surface brightness (brighter spots).  The edge was soft in sections with a strong impression of a thin faint halo.

 

24" (7/19/17): at 375x, 500x, 750x and 1000x: small, very high surface brightness oval, slightly elongated N-S, with a blue color at 375x, takes up to 1000x! The planetary is encased in a thin outer shell.  Occasionally the center seemed to sharpen to a point, but I couldn't confirm the central star with confidence.  The rim seemed to sparkle with slightly brighter regions.  Located 40' N of Barnard's Galaxy (NGC 6822).

 

18" (7/23/06): this very high surface brightness blue planetary takes high magnification well and 565x provided an excellent view.  Appears slightly elongated N-S, ~20"x15".  Most striking is an annular structure with a brighter rim and darker center.  The rim has an irregular surface brightness and is brighter along the southeast and east side.  Although the contrast of the rim with the darker center is fairly low, the relative thickness of the rim is comparable to M57.  Barnard's Galaxy lies just 40' S.

 

17.5" (7/12/99): at 100x this striking PN is bright and small with an obvious blue color.  The high surface brightness easily allows high power.  At 380x, there is subtle but obvious structure with a darker center and an irregular brightness to the halo.  Most noticeably the PN is brighter on the east end and mildly annular.  Appears slightly elongated N-S, ~20"x15" in size.  Three mag 13-13.5 stars are nearby at 40" NW, 1.0' E and 1.3' SW.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): at 412x appears very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, blue color, very high surface brightness.  Appears brighter along the east side and slightly brighter along the west side compared to the center.  Has a darker elongated center but the annularity has a pretty low contrast.  Barnard's galaxy NGC 6822 lies 40' SSE.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): very bright, slightly elongated N-S, fairly small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6818 = H IV-51 = h2047 on 8 Aug 1787 (sweep 749) and recorded "a small beautiful planetary nebula, but considerably hazy upon the edges; it is of uniform light throughout, considerably bright.  Perfectly round, 10 or 15" in diameter.  My brother Jacob being in the gallery, I showed it to him."  His position was very accurate.

 

John Herschel reported that "It is exactly like a planet and two satellites. Distance of A, the nearer, 20", Pos 45” np; of B, 25", 20” nf."  JH was interested in the idea that in some cases PN were accompanied by satellites (NGC 6905 and NGC 7662 are two other examples he mentioned).  Other astronomers, such as Olbers, were also interested in this notion. 

 

On 28 Aug 1850, Lord Rosse (or his assistant) recorded, "vB, blue planetary neb, edges not sharp, a little darker in the middle."  A year later, assistant Bindon Stoney logged "the dark part is a little np middle."  In 1856 Father Secchi noted (and sketched) a darker center in the shape of a cross using a 9.5" refractor at 1000x.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "A rather irregular oval ring 22"x15" in p.a. 10”, fainter along and at the ends of the major axis. A fainter narrow ring shows at east and west outside of the inner bright ring."

 

John Mallas coined the nickname "Little Gem" in the Jun/Jul 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-V", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy". He noted it was "the bluest of the planetaries I have observed."

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NGC 6819 = Cr 403 = Mel 223 = Lund 900 = Foxhead Cluster

19 41 18.1 +40 11 12; Cyg

V = 7.3;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (7/1/00): this is a rich, beautiful cluster at 100x.  The central 6' contains 80-90 stars over unresolved haze and has an irregular outline with the brighter stars forming a squared off "U" shape open to the north.  The cluster extends to ~8' diameter with many faint stars on the SW side.  The outline appears elongated SW-NE with the inner bars of the "U" on the NE border delineating a distinct border.  Located 8.5' SE of mag 6.3 HD 186307.

 

13" (8/24/84): over 40 stars resolved at 166x including two intersecting strings.  Striking very rich group situated in a rich star field.  A mag 10 star is off the SW end and several bright stars are in the field at low power.

 

13.1" (9/11/82): striking cluster at 144x.  Nearly three dozen stars are resolved over haze mainly in two rows.  This is a very rich, dense group.

 

8" (9/11/82): rich, well-resolved, pretty.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 6819 = h2048 on 12 May 1784.  William didn't record the cluster during his sweeps (though observed it on 31 Dec 1801), so it doesn't carry an H-designation.  Karl Harding independently found it in 1823, reported the discovery to Johann Bode, and it was listed as new in Astronomisches Jahrbuch for 1827 (published in 1824).  John Herschel rediscovered it again on 31 Jul 1831 and logged "a beautiful cluster, v rich, vL; stars 11...15m and l = 7m nf, a reticulated mass, central part = 4', but fills field with its loose stars.  A very fine object."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6820 = IRAS 19403 +2258

19 42 28.0 +23 05 17; Vul

 

17.5" (8/10/91): at 100x using OIII filter, open cluster NGC 6823 is immersed in a faint nebulosity.  Also extends 5'-10' SW from the core of the cluster to a group of stars that wasn't included in the description of NGC 6823.

 

The observation above refers to Sh 2-86, the usual identification of NGC 6820.  But based on Marth's position and description, NGC 6820 more likely refers to a compact knot to the southwest of the cluster at this position.  At 220x, it appeared as a small, 20" knot surrounding a faint stellar or quasi-stellar core.  Interestingly, this object dimmed with OIII, UHC and H-beta, so it's likely a reflection nebula that is detached from the main mass of nebulosity to the northeast.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): cluster NGC 6823 is encased in nebulosity (Sh 2-86) using a filter and averted vision.  Very difficult to identify the nebulosity unfiltered.

 

8" (10/4/80): Sh 2-86 extremely faint nebulosity in field of NGC 6823.  Involves four stars in the north and two stars in the south side.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6820 = m 401 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, R, bM." This number is usually associated with the large HII region Sh 2-86 = LBN 135, but Marth's position (and Bigourdan's measurements) point to IRAS 19403 +2258, a compact knot at 19 42 27.9 +23 05 15 (J2000).

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NGC 6821 = MCG -01-50-002 = PGC 63594

19 44 24.3 -06 50 02; Aql

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad mild concentration, fairly diffuse.  Palomar 11 lies 1.2 degrees south.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6821 = m 402 on 8 Aug 1863 and noted "F, pL, R."  His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 6822 = MCG -02-50-006 = DDO 209 = IC 4895 = PGC 63616 = Barnard's Galaxy

19 44 58.3 -14 48 03; Sgr

V = 8.8;  Size 15.5'x13.5';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 5”

 

48" (5/16/12): the four HII regions on the north side of the galaxy were carefully observed.  IC 1308 = Hubble X appeared bright, fairly small, irregularly round.  At ~30" diameter this HII knot is slightly larger than Hubble V and more uniform in surface brightness.  Hubble V is bright, fairly small, irregularly round.  This irregular HII region spans 20"-25" and has a higher surface brightness than IC 1308 3' E.  A bright knot is on the SE end.  Hubble III was immediately visible as a faint to fairly faint glow, fairly large (largest of the four regions), round, ~0.9' diameter.  Occasionally, when the seeing steadied the ring structure popped and a brighter rim and darker center was visible.  Smaller and slightly fainter Hubble I is virtually in contact at the NW edge and sometimes the two glows merged into a single large, irregular glow.  Hubble I is the faintest and westernmost of the main HII regions and appeared as a faint, moderately large, round glow of ~36" diameter, barely off the NW side of larger Hubble III.

 

18" (8/12/10): under superb conditions at Lassen (8200'), I tracked down Hubble VII, the brightest and oldest globular cluster in Barnard's galaxy, situated near the center of the galaxy.  At 285x, the globular was visible ~50% of the time as an extremely faint (~16th magnitude) and small glow, ~10" diameter.  I couldn't resolve an extremely faint star attached on the SSE edge, but the glow was definitely non-stellar.  I also viewed this challenging object at 393x and it appeared roughly similar in terms of visibility.

 

18" (7/16/07): very easily picked up at 73x as a very large, low surface brightness glow with no central concentration and extending ~5:2 N-S, ~11x4.5'.  The two HII knots at the north end (IC 1308 and Hubble V) were blinked with an OIII or UHC filter and showed a good response.  Surprisingly the galaxy was quite evident in my 80mm finder at 25x as a faint, elongated glow and it was just at the edge of visibility in my 15x50 IS binoculars.

 

17.5" (7/14/99): the exact position of the HII ring Hubble III on the NW side of the galaxy was examined carefully at 280x without a filter and on several occasions an extremely faint, round, 15" glow popped into view with averted vision ~1.5' W of a mag 13.5-14 star.  A mag 15.5 star is visible a similar distance SSE of the reference star.  This HII knot was clearly nonstellar, although it didn't have the annular ring appearance seen on images.  Viewed on an evening of exceptional transparency at the Sierra Buttes.

 

17.5" (5/10/91): at 82x, this Local Group Member appeared fairly faint, very large, low but uneven surface brightness, elongated 5:2 N-S, 14'x6'.  Diffuse appearance and the boundary is difficult to define, requires low power.  Several faint stars are superimposed with a couple of brighter stars on the north side.  Using an OIII filter two small, faint HII knots (Hubble X = IC 1308 and Hubble V) stand out well on the north and NW edges.  Both of these knots are 2' NW of mag 12 stars.  Planetary nebula NGC 6818 lies 40' NNW.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): easily visible as a large, elongated, low surface brightness glow.

 

8" (8/28/81): very faint, elongated N-S, similar to a faint Milky Way patch.

 

E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6822 on 17 Aug 1884 with either his 5-inch refractor or possibly the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University.  The discovery was announced in Sidereal Messenger, vol 3, p 254.  In AN 2624 he reported "it is some 2' diameter, and very diffuse and even it its light.  With 6-inch equatorial it is very difficult to see, with 5-inch and a power of ~30 (field about 1.25”), it is quite distinct.  This should be borne in mind in looking for it."  Later in 1886 (Sidereal Messenger, vol 5, p 31) he commented "it certainly seems to be much larger and much denser than last year and I certainly think it has increased in density and size since that time." He gave a size estimate of 10' to 15' and concluded "probably this is a variable nebula."

 

When Max Wolf photographed Barnard's galaxy on 16 Jul 1906 and 8 Aug 1907, he assumed the two brighter HII regions at the north end were NGC 6822 and IC 1308 (the mistake originates from Ormond Stone at the Leander McCormick observatory) and thought the galaxy itself was a new discovery (AN 4207).  Dreyer later catalogued it as IC 4895.  So, NGC 6822 = IC 4895, and one of the two HII knots is left without an IC designation.

 

Hubble reviewed the historical inconsistencies in his seminal study, "NGC 6822, A Remote Stellar System" (1925ApJ....62..409H) and also made the comment "NGC 6822 is fairly conspicuous in a short 4-inch finder with a low-power eyepiece, but is barely discernible at the primary focus of the 100-inch. The latter, however, shows the bright details which are invisible in the finder."  As far as these "details", Hubble recorded ten non-stellar objects in NGC 6822 that were measured on a 3.5 hour exposure with the 100-inch reflector. Later studies revealed his list included several giant HII regions as well as a couple of clusters.  IC 1308 is generally referred to as Hubble X.  In addition, Hubble discovered 15 variable stars in it including 11 Cepheids. . Using Henrietta Leavitt's relationship between the period and luminosity of Cepheids, Hubble announced NGC 6822 as "the first object definitely assigned to a region outside the galactic system."  Extragalactic astronomy was now firmly established. Modern studies place the distance at 1.6 million light years, making Barnard's Galaxy an isolated member of the Local Group.

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NGC 6823 = Cr 405 = Lund 903 = OCL-124 = LBN 135

19 43 09 +23 18 00; Vul

V = 7.1;  Size 12'

 

17.5" (8/10/91): about 50 stars in the central 5' diameter, bright, moderately large, fairly rich.  Includes four bright mag 9.5-11 stars in a tight group at the core of the cluster plus two or three very faint stars in a 20" diameter.  Most of the stars form a distinctive 5' oval ring, elongated ~E-W.  Emission nebulosity Sh 2-86 (misidentified as NGC 6820 in most sources) is entwined.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6823 = H VII-18 = h2049 on 17 Jul 1785 (sweep 415) and recorded "an elongated cluster of irregularly scattered stars of various sizes, considerably rich; the place taken is that of the brightest part of it, which is towards the south."  JH made the single observation "p rich, irreg R; 5' diam; a cl of loose stars; the chief = 10m, the rest = 11...12.  Four or five in centre [multiple star BD + 22 3782] form a lozenge."

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NGC 6824 = UGC 11470 = MCG +09-32-012 = CGCG 281-008 = PGC 63575

19 43 40.9 +56 06 33; Cyg

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 60”

 

24" (9/16/17): I observed SN 2017glx (Type Ia-91T), discovered on 9/3/17 just 3" W and 2" N of center of NGC 6824.  It was highly suspected at 375x, as the galaxy appeared to have a double nucleus with a superimposed "star" attached on the NW side of the core. It took 500x, though, to clearly confirm and distinguish from the nucleus.  When the seeing steadied, the supernova appeared as a sharp stellar point, perhaps mag 14.5-14.8, superimposed at the NW edge of the small, but nonstellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (6/8/91): moderately bright and large, 1.5'x1.1', elongated 4:3 SW-NE, bright core with a substellar nucleus, high surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the south edge 34" from the center and a pretty yellow/blue double (Stein 2452 = 9.0/11.1 at 15") is 3.5' N.  Unusually bright for a galaxy in a Milky Way field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6824 = H II-878 on 16 Sep 1792 (sweep 1028) and logged "pB, iF, bM, has 2 stars in it."  CH's reduction is 5' south of UGC 11470, but his description fits.  A change in the PD cord was noted at the end of the short sweep.

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NGC 6825 = CGCG 324-001 = VII Zw 906 = PGC 63535

19 41 54.8 +64 04 23; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): faint, small, oval NNW-SSE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the NNW edge 35" from center.

 

Note: The single glow I noted is a merged pair (separation 8"), along with two superimpsed stars, all within a 0.4' clump.

 

Edward Swift, the 13 year-old son of Lewis Swift, discovered NGC 6825 = Sw. II-82 on 18 Sep 1884 and recorded "eF; vS; F * nr; v diff."  The position is 15 sec of RA east of CGCG 324-001 = PGC 63535.  Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 30 Aug 1889.  Herbert Howe reported "The *F * nr" is of mag 10, and precedes the nebula 3 sec, 0.5' north.  Two stars of mags 8.5 and 9 are about 5' south following."

 

NGC 6825 is classified as a multiple galaxy in NED and the DSS2 reveals four nearly stellar objects in a 12" circle, though one or more may be a faint star(s).

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NGC 6826 = PK 83+12.1 = PN G083.5+12.7 = Blinking Planetary

19 44 48.1 +50 31 31; Cyg

V = 8.9;  Size 30"

 

48" (10/27/16): at 610x and 813x; both internal FLIERS (see observation below) were visible on the NW and SE sides of the central disc. The disc had a slight bulge on the northwest and southeast ends creating a slightly elongated, irregular oval NW-SE.  A fainter inner halo was visible at 610x, roughly doubling the size.  At 244x and NPB filter, a third large outer shell was fairly prominent forming a well defined 2' circular halo.

 

24" (9/13/12): at 325x the main 30" disc appeared slightly brighter in the east-southeast region.  Adding an H-beta filter, a very small knot was sometimes visible near the rim at the east edge.  This difficult knot is prominent on the HST image as a red FLIER (Fast Low-Ionization Emission Region).  The corresponding knot on the west edge was not visible.  The red color of these FLIERS is from ionized nitrogen and it disappeared switching to an OIII filter, although the large outer halo became visible.

 

24" (8/16/12): at 300x and an OIII or NPB filter, the main high surface brightness disc (slightly elongated) is surrounded by a very faint, fairly uniform giant halo, extending 2' diameter and quadrupling the size of the bright 30" disc!  The outer halo seemed perfectly round with a well-defined edge and was easily visible.

 

18" (7/17/07): at 500x the "Blinking" Planetary is slightly elongated ~E-W, ~30"x25" with a bright 10th mag central star surrounded by a small, slightly darker annulus.  The disc is pretty evenly lit but slightly weaker on the west or west-southwest side.

 

17.5" (8/17/01): beautiful view at 500x; the disc is slightly elongated WNW-ESE, with subtle structure.  There is small, slightly darker region around the bright 10th magnitude central star.  The halo appears to dim slightly along the preceding edge and this edge is not as sharply defined.  Located 28' E of the double star 16 Cygni.

 

17.5": very bright 25" roundish nebula surrounding a bright 10th magnitude central star, slightly elongated ~E-W, high surface brightness.  With direct vision the planetary appears brighter on the south side.  The planetary is too bright with this aperture to have the striking "blinking" effect seen with smaller apertures.

 

8": the famous "blinking" planetary blinks well with this aperture.  Contains a bright mag 10 central star (HD 186924) visible with direct vision and the outer nebulosity dominates with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6826 = H IV-73 = h2050 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1049) and recorded "a beautiful phenomenon.  A bright point, lE, like two points close to one another; as bright as a star of the 8-9 magnitude surrounded by a very bright milky nebulosity suddenly terminated, having the appearance of a planetary nebula with a lucid center.  The border, however, is not very well defined.  It is perfectly round and I suppose about 1/2' in diameter.  It is of a middle species between the planetary nebula and nebulous stars."  JH recorded "a most curious object.  A * 11m surrounded with a vB, perfectly R planetary nebula, of equal light throughout.  Diameter in RA = 3.5 sec.  Perhaps a little hazy at the edges.  With 320x the * is not seen double."

 

On 28 Aug 1850, Bindon Stoney recorded at Birr Castle, "A very remarkable object, probably analogous to h450 [NGC 2392].  The dark ring is not easily seen, but there can be no mistake about it, seen by Lord R and myself, my brother (George Stoney) saw it dark under [preceding] the central star."  Observing with a 9.5" refractor at 760x in 1856, Father Secchi described (and sketched) the outer halo resolving into a number of small stars and claimed it was an open cluster (AN 43, 157).

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "The central star...is surrounded by an oval disk of bright matter 27"x24".  Within this are rather obscure evidence of a brighter ring formation, the condensations at the ends of which are 22" apart in p.a. about 125”."  An outer shell of 110" in diameter was first photographed with the 100-inch at Mt Wilson on 13 Aug 1936.  It was looked for after finding an unsuspected outer envelope around M57.

 

The Herschels never mentioned a blinking effect, though it is less prominent in larger scopes.  In an article titled "Suggestions to Amateurs: Nebulae and Clusters" by Lewis Swift in Popular Astronomy (1894) he mentions, "According to Professor Mitchell, "now you see it, and now you don't".  The blinking effect was noted by James Mullaney and Wallace McCall in the August 1963 issue of Sky & Tel, though the nickname was coined by Mullaney.

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NGC 6827 = Be 48 = OCL-120 = Lund 906

19 48 53.4 +21 12 54; Vul

Size 4'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): in a very rich Milky Way field is a faint, smooth, 2' unresolved glow similar to a low surface brightness galaxy.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge.  A slightly brighter knot or a 15th magnitude star is superimposed but no other resolution.  Located just west of a very large, scattered group that just stands out due to many stars mag 11/12 at the edges.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6827 = St IX-25 on 16 Oct 1878 and recorded "eF, E, sev faint stars inv."  His position matches this faint open cluster.

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NGC 6828

19 50 17.5 +07 54 09; Aql

 

17.5" (8/25/95): group of stars about 8' diameter surrounding mag 6.5 SAO 125116 in a rich star field.  A mag 9 star (SAO 125117) lies 2.0' S and a mag 8 star (SAO 125109) is 4.7' SW.  Besides these bright stars there is 6' incomplete ring of approximately 50 stars mag 12-14.5 roughly centered on the mag 6.5 star.  The majority of these stars are located in the northern half of the ring.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6828 = H VIII-73 = h2051 on 30 Jul 1788 (sweep 850) and recorded "A coarsely scattered cluster of stars, with a pB one in the center."  JH made two observations and logged on sweep 89, "a *8 in a poor cl; hardly to be called a cluster (night very bad)."  His position corresponds with mag 6.5 SAO 125116 at 19 50 17.5 +07 54 09 (2000).  At Birr Castle on 14 Aug 1876, Dreyer called this a "Rich part of the heaven, many S, P, lC Clusters, none remarkable."

 

Karl Reinmuth reported a very dense region, no distinct cluster.  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC correction paper, called it nonexistent and this is repeated in the RNGC.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6829 = UGC 11478 = MCG +10-28-010 = CGCG 303-009 = VII Zw 915 = PGC 63667

19 47 07.5 +59 54 24; Dra

V = 14.1;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 31”

 

17.5" (6/15/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 SSW-NNE.  A mag 10.5 star, which detracts from viewing, is close east of the SSW end, 0.7' from the center.  Pair with NGC 6831 6.3' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6829 = Sw. IV-77, along with NGC 6831, on 3 Sep 1886 and recorded ""eF; pS; R; pB * close s; p of 2 [with NGC 6831]."  His RA is 15 seconds too large.  Bigourdan measured an acurate position on 30 Aug 1889. Herbert Howe noted in 1900 "the "pB *" mentioned by Swift is of mag 9, is 0.7' south of the nebula, and follows 2 sec."  Howe also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 6830 = Cr 406 = Mel 224 = Lund 908

19 50 59 +23 06 00; Vul

V = 7.9;  Size 12'

 

17.5" (8/8/91): 30-35 stars in the central 5' diameter.  Most stars are mag 11-12 and arranged in two rows forming a rough "X" shape.  The richest group is at the NW corner and a very faint group is off the SW corner.  The brightest star is just SW of the intersection point of the "X".  Located 30' N of 4.9-magnitude 12 Vulpeculae.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6830 = H VII-9 = h2052 on 19 Jul 1784 (sweep 241) and simply noted "a cluster of stars."  On 17 Jul 1785 (sweep 415), he called this "a L cl of p compressed st, most of the same size, with many adjacent scattered ones."  JH made the single observation "fine large coarse cl; fills field.  Stars 11...12m, some outliers = 9, 10m."  His position is in the center of the cluster.

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NGC 6831 = UGC 11483 = MCG +10-28-011 = CGCG 303-011 = PGC 63674

19 47 57.2 +59 53 33; Dra

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, sharp stellar nucleus, faint halo.  Pair with NGC 6829 6.3' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6831 = Sw. IV-78, along with NGC 6829, on 3 Sep 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R: f of 2 [with NGC 6829]."  His position is 1.5' too far northeast.  Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 30 Aug 1889 as well as Howe in 1899-00.

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NGC 6832

19 48 15 +59 25 24; Dra

 

17.5" (8/25/95): this group consists of roughly two dozen stars in a 6' region surrounding mag 6.7 SAO 32016.  Most stars are mag 12-13 with a few brighter stars, including a mag 10 star 2' SE of the mag 6.7 star and mag 8.5 SAO 32007 5' W on the west side of group.  Visually, this group appears to be a scattered asterism although there are a dozen mag 12-14 stars within 3' (mostly west) of the bright star.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6832 = h2053 on 11 Aug 1831 and noted "A *7 in midst of a field full of 40 stars 10...12m."  His position corresponds with mag 6.7 SAO 32016 at 19 48 15.4 +59 25 23 and matches the group of stars described in my notes.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  This is likely an asterism (not in the Lynga catalogue), but certainly the group JH noted.

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NGC 6833 = PK 82+11.1 = PN G082.5+11.3

19 49 46.6 +48 57 40; Cyg

V = 12.1;  Size 2"

 

13.1" (7/30/85): visible as mag 11.5-12 stellar object without a filter and verified with OIII blinking.  A mag 10.5 star lies 2.8' NE and mag 9.0 SAO 48890 is 4.8' SE.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6833 = HN 54 on 8 May 1883 using a direct-vision prism with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  His discovery position in AN 2517 was accurate.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negative, but shown to have a minute disk visually with the 36-inch refractor."

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NGC 6834 = Cr 407 = Mel 225 = Lund 909

19 52 12 +29 24 30; Cyg

V = 7.8;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/7/91): 40 visible stars in a 8' diameter.  A mag 10 star is in the middle of a line of seven mag 13 stars oriented SW-NE and also at the center of four mag 11/12 stars on a line oriented E-W.  Sprays of stars emanate from the bright star to the SW and SE.  A small clump of five stars lies 4' S of the mag 10 star.  Planetary nebula NGC 6842 lies 38' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6834 = H VIII-16 = h2054 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "a cl of not very compressed stars; closest in the middle.  It may be compared to a cluster which is forming or gathering and not yet arrived to the state of those that are more advanced, or contain more stars."  JH logged this cluster as "coarse irreg R; with detached portions of smaller stars.  Those in the main cluster = 11 or 12 mag."  His position was accurate.

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NGC 6835 = MCG -02-50-009 = PGC 63800

19 54 33.1 -12 34 09; Sgr

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 70”

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 6836 7.4' SSE in a rich star field.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6835 = St XII-91, along with NGC 6836, on 2 Aug 1881 and recorded "small spindle, very faint, elongated SW to NE, 1.5' l."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6836 = MCG -02-50-010 = PGC 63803

19 54 40.4 -12 41 16; Sgr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 140”

 

13.1" (9/3/83): extremely diffuse, visible with averted only, round, fairly small, very low surface brightness.  Located 7.4' S of NGC 6835.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6836 = St XII-92, along with NGC 6835, on 2 Aug 1881 and recorded "vF, pL, R, diff, no central condensation."  His position is accurate.  Herbert Howe reported "In this nebula, or just on its f edge, is a star of mag 13.5, apparently not noticed by its discoverer."

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NGC 6837

19 53 08 +11 41 54; Aql

Size 3'

 

17.5" (6/24/95): this asterism only stands out reasonably well at 100x.  Consists of roughly 15 mag 12-14 stars in a 4' group elongated E-W.  There is a small rich subgroup bulging out on the north side in a semi-circular arrangement (better resolved at 225x).  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6837 = H VIII-18 = h2055 on 4 Sep 1784 (sweep 256) and recorded "a small (forming) cluster of stars, not rich."  His offset with respect to 61 Aql is 19 53 20 +11 43.4 (2000), just 12 seconds of time east of the small clump of stars described in my observation.  JH simply noted "Viewed.  In place by working list?  It is a coarse straggling part of the Milky Way."

 

RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 6838 = M71

19 53 46.1 +18 46 42; Sge

V = 8.1;  Size 7.2';  Surf Br = 0.8

 

24" (9/2/16): at 200x and 375x; beautifully rich cluster mostly defined by an intense triangular central or core region with vertices on the north, southwest and southeast corners and sides ~3', 3' and 2.3'.  Roughly 100 stars are densely packed over the background glow within this triangular outline, though the north end is less well defined.   The surface brightness falls off rapidly outside this core, though the halo includes some brighter stars, and the cluster blends into the fairly rich field density beyond a diameter of 5'.  Open cluster Harvard 20 lies 28' SSW.

 

17.5" (8/5/94): roughly 75 stars resolved in a 5' diameter but has a very irregular ill-defined outline to the halo.  The brightest section is elongated SSW-NNE with dimensions 3'x2'.  The brightest star is on the east side of the core and is a close double.  Located in a rich field with likely many field stars superimposed around the halo.  Located just south of the midpoint between Gamma and Delta Sagittae.

 

Harvard 20, less than 30' SSW, contains about three dozen stars in a 6'x3' field, elongated ~E-W.  Two bright mag 9 stars are off the west side but the cluster is dominated by 20 mag 12/13 stars.  Also includes a scattering of faint mag 14-15 stars.  A pretty evenly matched mag 12.5/12.5 double star is at the east end and an uneven mag 12/14 double star is to the west of the well matched double.

 

13.1" (7/16/82 and 8/22/87): a few dozen stars are resolved over haze, only weakly concentrated, non-symmetrical shape.  Impression that many faint field stars may be superimposed.  Located in a very rich star field.

 

8" (10/4/80): many faint stars were resolved with averted.  The west edge is brighter.

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): bright, obvious glow is elongated with a brighter center.

 

Philippe de ChŽseaux discovered M71 = NGC 6838 = h2056 in 1745-46.  Johann Koehler independently rediscovered it between 1772 and 1779 with a 6-foot Dollond telescope at only 30x and noted "a very pale nebulous patch in the Arrow [Sagitta]."  Pierre MŽchain found it again on 28 Jun 1780 and he is credited with the discovery in the NGC.

 

WH first observed the cluster on 30 May 1783 using his 8-inch (10-ft focal length) and noted it was "resolved into stars.  I can count between 20 and 30 of them."  He viewed it several times in his larger scopes and logged "a very compressed cl of stars." on 18 Aug 1784 (sweep 252) and "a cl. of stars; the stars pretty large, nf is a part seemingly separated" on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 276).  JH recorded on sweep 90, "vL; loose; fills field; a fine object; stars 11...16m; the most condensed part = 3', of an acute triangular figure, the angle northwards."

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NGC 6839

19 54 06 +17 57; Sge

 

17.5" (9/23/95): at 100x there is a very weak enhancement of stars within 10' of mag 8.6 SAO 105398 at 19 54 04 +17 57.1.  More noticeable, though, is a partially resolved clump of faint stars just 3' NW.  At 225x this fairly rich clump is resolved into 15 mag 13.5-14.5 stars in a 3' region elongated NNW-SSE.  There are also scattered mag 10-12 stars to the southeast of SAO 105398 but these don't catch the eye.  Located 50' S of M71.  The identification of this number is very uncertain.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6839 = H VI-16 = h2057 on 18 Aug 1784 (sweep 252) and noted as "a very small cl of compressed stars."  There is nothing of special interest near his position.  JH made two observations and described (sweep 92) "an insignificant bunch of little stars in the milky way.  Hardly more marked than the general mass, which is astonishingly rich here" and "A quantity of Milky Way stars, immensely close, one small patch of which may be the cluster VI 16."  (Repeats his father's position with +/- signs in sweep 362).  So, the identification is quite uncertain and WH's intended group of stars may be lost.

 

Karl Reinmuth calls this "a very dense region, no distinct Cl", based on Heidelberg plates and both Dorothy Carlson and RNGC repeat this assessment.

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NGC 6840

19 55 14 +12 07 06; Aql

 

17.5" (7/27/95): fairly poor group of 20-25 mag 11-15 stars in a 6'x4' rectangular group.  Includes about 10 brighter mag 11 stars.  There are no rich groupings but a very distinctive 3' string or stars oriented NW-SE marks the NE side of the group.  Stands out reasonably well at 80x but not distinguishable at 220x.  Located 11' N of mag 8.1 SAO 105419.  In field with NGC 6843 about 12' ENE.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6840 = H VIII-19 = h2058 on 4 Sep 1784 (sweep 256) and recorded "another much larger [than NGC 6837] but coarsely scattered and not rich."  JH called this "a small, poor cluster; the preceding of two distinct clusters [with NGC 6843].  The stars 11m."  Dreyer, as an observing assistant at Birr Castle in 1876, noted "a S group of F st with 2 of 10-11m."

 

Reinmuth reported "a very loose clustering of a few st 12...15."  RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7) and it may be an asterism, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 6841 = ESO 461-023 = MCG -05-47-011 = PGC 63881

19 57 49.1 -31 48 39; Sgr

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

24" (10/18/12): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a 20" bright core that gradually increases to the center.  The outer halo is very faint and extends ~35" (fades into background).

 

Brightest in a trio with ESO 461-024 5.3' SE and ESO 461-025 6.4' NE.  An uncatalogued double star (separation ~7") lies 4.4' SSW.  ESO 461-024 is faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14", small brighter core.  ESO 461-025 appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse, low surface brightness, 24"x20".  A trio of mag 13-14 stars lies 2.7' NE.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE.  Evenly concentrated to a small bright round core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6841 = h3802 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; psbM; 15" on a highly stipled or dotted ground."  His position is less than 1' too far southeast.

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NGC 6842 = NGC 6847? = PK 65+0.1 = Sh 2-95 = LBN 149 = PN G065.9+00.5

19 55 02.2 +29 17 21; Vul

V = 13.5;  Size 57"

 

24" (9/1/16): at 375x and 500x (unfiltered); moderately bright and large, round, ~50" diameter, crisp edge to the rim, fairly evenly illuminated.  The mag 15.5-16 central star was visible, along with several nearby stars; a mag 15.5 star is just off the NE edge [38" from center], a mag 15 star is off the south edge [47"] and a mag 14 star is off the east edge [50"].  Using 220x with a UHC filter, the planetary is fairly bright and the rim appears slightly brighter in sections.

 

18" (8/26/06): a sketch was made at 435x showing the numerous faint stars that huddle nearby this planetary.  A mag 14 star is off the east edge [50" from center] and a mag 14.5 star is just off the south end [47" from center].  A mag 15-15.5 star is barely off the NE edge [38" from center] and an extremely faint mag 16 star is at the NNW edge. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE.  Finally a very faint central star is often visible.

 

17.5" (8/7/91): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, soft edges.  A very faint mag 15.5 central star is visible and a second extremely faint mag 16.0 star is near the east edge.  Several stars are at the edges including a mag 15-15.5 star at the NE edge and two mag 13-14 stars off the east side.  Appears brighter around the central star.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): at 62x and OIII filter appears moderately bright, moderately large, estimate V = 13.0.  A mag 14.5 star is off the east edge.  NGC 6834 lies 38' WNW.

 

8" off-axis mask (7/28/19): at 107x; very faint but definite unfiltered as a fairly small (~45"), roundish glow.  Visible with direct vision when I added a NPB filter.

 

8" (9/81): I was surprised to glimpse NGC 6842 from home in El Cerrito (limiting mag of 4.5) using a Daystar 300 filter at 125x, even with black hood, averted vision and concentration.  Walter Scott Houston wrote about this observation in detail in his Deep Sky Wonder's column of November 1982.

 

8" (7/31/81): extremely faint, fairly small, diffuse.  Located in a rich star field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6842 = m 403 = Sf 43 on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, pL, R."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered it the following year on 26 Aug 1864 while searching for William Herschel's H. II-202 = NGC 6847.  Truman Safford found the planetary again on 12 Jul 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory.  See NGC 6847.

 

In 1919, Heber Curtis reported it was undoubtedly a planetary nebula based on a Crossley photograph and described it as "Very faint. It is about 50" x 45", showing traces of an irregular ring formation. It has a central star of about the 13th magnitude."

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NGC 6843

19 56 06.1 +12 09 49; Aql

 

17.5" (9/23/95): A very unimpressive scattered group of about two dozen stars mag 11-14 in a 8' region.  Generally elongated N-S in a string with a separate line of six stars at the north end oriented E-W.  There is one close isolated double star and the fainter stars are at the south end of the string.  Appears to be a very weak asterism of no special interest except follows NGC 6840 by ~10' in the same field, a better asterism.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6843 = h2059 on 29 Jul 1829 and recorded (single observation) "A poor, small cluster. The following of two [with NGC 6840], just alike."  Karl Reinmuth stated "no distinct Cl, milky way." in his photographic survey and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6844 = ESO 105-021 = PGC 64025

20 02 50.0 -65 13 46; Pav

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~50"x36", sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A collinear trio of mag 11.5/13/12.5 stars oriented E-W extends to the west beginning 1.5' WNW.  Located 4.8' NW of mag 8.2 HD 189274.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6844 = h3801 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; R; vS; psbM; has a * 11th mag 90" north-preceding, and one 8th mag 6' dist, south-following."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6845 = NGC 6845A = ESO 284-008 = AM 1957-471 = KTS 61B = Klemola 30 = Rose 38 = PGC 63985

20 00 58.4 -47 04 13; Tel

V = 13.1;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 70”

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; NGC 6845A is the largest member in this compact interacting quartet, in a southwest/northeast string.  It appeared moderately bright, elongated ~4:3, only a broad weak concentration. The shape was noticeably curved or irregular on the southwest side.  Images show this is the root and beginning of a tidal arm that curves east and connects to NGC 6845B.  Located 9.6' SE of mag 8.8 HD 189059.

 

NGC 6845B, just 1.4' NE, appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"-20" diameter.  NGC 6845C, centered 0.9' SSW, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 40"x10", small bright core, fairly high surface brightness (highest of the quartet).  NGC 6845D, 1.8' SW, appeared extremely faint, elongated NNW-SSE, ~15'x10" NNW-SSE, requires averted.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest component of a compact interacting quartet.  At 128x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', very weak concentration.  Two companions are resolved - NGC 6845B at 1.4' NE (at the end of a long tidal tail) and NGC 6845C at 0.8' SW.

 

NGC 6845B required averted vision and appeared extremely faint and small, round, 0.3' diameter, very low surface brightness.  NGC 6845C appeared very faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.15'.  On the DSS image, faint tidal plumes appear to connect NGC 6845A with this companion.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6845 = h3803 on 7 Jul 1834 (sweep 467) and recorded "eF; lE; glbM; 30"."  In a second observation he logged "vF; R; bM; 15".  Found and viewed by the place of sweep 467."  This is a compact interacting group of four galaxies (Klemola 30) and RC3 identifies the brightest member as NGC 6845A.

 

The entire quartet was found during an examination of Bruce plates taken at Arequipa, Peru between 1908 and 1913.  The individual members were catalogued in a list by Solon Bailey of 1659 new nebulae in the 1913 Annals of the Astronomical Observatory of Harvard College, Vol. 72.

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NGC 6846 = Lund 912 = OCL-139 = Cr 410

19 56 28.1 +32 20 58; Cyg

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): at 225x appears as a small, faint clump of stars over unresolved haze.  Elongated about 3:2 E-W with dimensions 1.5'x1.0'.  A mag 13.5 star is off the NW edge, a mag 14 star is at the west edge and three additional mag 14 stars in a clump are just visible over of the haze although clean resolution is difficult.

 

K 4-41, an extremely faint stellar planetary is situated just 2' NE!  It wasn't visible without a filter, even using the ESO-Strausberg finder chart.  But adding an OIII filter iI was able to glimpse it several times about 15" S of a mag 14 star.  Appears stellar and estimate V = 16.0-16.5.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6846 = St V-4 on 17 Aug 1873 and recorded "eF, vS, surrounds 3 faint stars."  At his position is a small knot or cluster of faint stars.

 

RNGC places this open cluster at 2” too far south and I unsuccessfully searched for the cluster at this position with my 17.5" scope.  The same error is in the Lynga catalogue (source of the original error?) and repeated in NGC 2000, Deep Sky Field Guide, and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 star atlas.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #6.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6847 = NGC 6842? = PK 65+0.1 = Sh 2-95 = LBN 149 = PN G065.9+00.5

19 55 02.2 +29 17 21; Vul

V = 13.5;  Size 57"

 

See observing notes for NGC 6842.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6847 = H II-202 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "a resolvable nebulous patch; there are great numbers of them in this neighborhood like forming nebula, but this is the strongest of them; they are evidently congeries of small stars."  There is nothing that stands out on the DSS near his position and Dreyer commented that "according to Bigourdan there is no second class nebula here; a region rich in stars, but if there is any nebulosity about, it is very diffused." (1912 revision of WH's catalogues)

 

Harold Corwin suggests that H II-202 may apply to the "cluster and HII region [Sh 2-97] 1 degree north and 30 seconds west of Herschel's single position.Ó  Alternatively, William Herschel's position is 2.0 minutes of RA east of NGC 6842.  Could WH have observed this planetary nebula?  Wolfgang Steinicke suggests this identification.

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NGC 6848 = ESO 185-052 = AM 1958-561 = LGG 429-001 = PGC 64023

20 02 47.5 -56 05 22; Tel

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 157”

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Two mag 13 stars 1' NE and 1.5' SE of center run parallel to the major axis!  Forms a trio with ESO 185-053 9' NNE and ESO 185-054 10' NE in the core of cluster ACO S840.  On the DSS, a prominent dust lane bisects the galaxy.

 

ESO 185-054 is moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0', broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the south edge, 1.1' from center. This galaxy appears slightly brighter than NGC 6848, which lies 10' SW, so it's curious that JH missed it.  ESO 185-053, just 3.6' to the west, appeared faint, small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15'.  A mag 13 star is just off the NNW extension 50" from center and a fainter mag 14 star lies 30" W of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6848 = h3804 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; L; R; vglbM; 90"; forms a triangle with 2 st 11 and 12m, following it."  His position (and description) is accurate.

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NGC 6849 = ESO 339-032 = MCG -07-41-007 = PGC 64097

20 06 15.6 -40 11 54; Sgr

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 18”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak concentration, diffuse halo fades into background.  A mag 13 star is off the east side 1.4' from center.  Located 3.5' S of a mag 10 star.  Low elevation detracts from viewing.  John Herschel's position was exactly 5 tmin of RA to the west so this identification not certain.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6849 = h3805 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R: has a vS star np."  There is nothing near his position matching this description, but exactly 5.0 minutes of RA east is ESO 339-032 = PGC 64097!   The declination is accurate to within 1'.  The "vS star np" is at the southwest edge.  The ESO/Uppsala catalogue equates this fairly bright galaxy with NGC 6849 and notes the NGC RA is off by 5 minutes of time.

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NGC 6850 = ESO 185-056 = AM 1959-545 = PGC 64043

20 03 30.0 -54 50 43; Tel

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 153”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, irregular halo elongated NW-SE, ~1.4'x0.7'. The central region is broadly concentration then sharply increases at the center to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  The outer halo has a fairly low but irregular surface brightness.  Within a triangle of stars including a mag 12 star 1.9' N.

 

IC 4933, a face-on spiral, lies 8' S and appeared fairly bright, large, oval 5:4 ~N-S, ~1.8'x1.4'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core, increasing to the center.  The outer halo shows weak spiral structure (two arms), though they can't be easily traced.  A mag 12.7 star lies 1.6' S.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5', pretty even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with IC 4933 8.0' S but I didn't look for the IC companion.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6850 = h3806 on 9 Jun 1836 and noted "vF; R; bM; 25"."  His single position is accurate.  It is very surprising that he didn't notice IC 4933, a fairly bright galaxy just 8' south.

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NGC 6851 = ESO 233-021 = LGG 430-001 = PGC 64044

20 03 34.3 -48 17 05; Tel

V = 11.8;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 160”

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, it appeared moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'.  The galaxy is well-concentrated with a bright core and is collinear with two mag 9.5 stars 5' SE and 13' SE.  NGC 6851 is a member of the loose Telescopium Group (ACO S851) with dominant members NGC 6861 and NGC 6868.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6851 = h3807 on 5 Sep 1836 and recorded "pF; pS; R or vlE; psbM; 15"."  His position is at the north edge of the halo.

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NGC 6852 = PK 42-14.1 = PN G042.5-14.5 = K 1-18

20 00 39.1 +01 43 41; Aql

V = 12.9;  Size 28"

 

24" (6/30/16): at 501x (unfiltered); very bright compact planetary, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~25"x21".  A darker center and bright knots in the rim give a bipolar annular appearance. A very small bright knot is at the southeast end, close to a mag 14.4 star that is just off the edge [22" from center].  A matching knot (slightly less contrasty) is along the northwest edge of the rim.  A mag 13 field is less than 30" W of this knot.  The rim is slightly weaker on the southwest and northeast sides (the south edge is not well defined), so in effect a darker strip or bar extends through the center in a SW-NE orientation, nearly slicing the planetary into two sections.

 

18" (8/26/06): at 435x, this planetary appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x18".  A mag 14.5 star is close off the SE end.  At this magnification the planetary was occasionally bipolar with a well-defined, very small bright knot just NW of the mag 14.5 star and a second less defined knot that forms the NW end of the planetary.  The two knots appear resolved though I never had a steady view of both simultaneously.  Located less that 5' ENE of a mag 7.5 star.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, no annularity noted.  A mag 13.5 star is 34" WNW and a mag 14.5 star is 23" SE of center.  Located 4.6' ENE of mag 7.5 SAO 125338.  Estimate V = 12.5.

 

13" (7/20/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, no structure.  Two stars are off NW edge about 40" and a faint star is at the SSE edge.  Located 5' NE of a mag 8 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6852 = m 404 on 25 Jun 1863 and noted "F neb, within a group of small stars."  The same night he also discovered the planetary NGC 6778.  Lubos Kohoutek rediscovered this object a century later during a visual survey of the POSS and included it in a list of new PN (K 1-18) published in 1963.

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NGC 6853 = M27 = PN G060.8-03.6 = PK 60-3.1 = Dumbbell Nebula

19 59 36.3 +22 43 16; Vul

V = 7.1;  Size 480"x340"

 

18" (8/23/03): breathtaking view at 215x; with the fainter but larger outer lobes increasing the dimensions to nearly 7.5'x6' and the ends of the major axis (southeast and northwest) appear to open up and bulge out further.  With careful viewing, ~10 superimposed stars can be counted including the easy mag 14 central star.

 

17.5" (6/15/91): very bright, very large, 7'x6', bright dumbbell lobes are oriented SSW-NNE.  The SSW lobe is brighter with a bright outer rim.  Large fainter sweeping side lobes fill in the dumbbell and reverse the major axis to WNW-ESE. The planetary has an irregular surface brightness with a darker center.  At high power 5 or 6 stars are superimposed including the easy mag 13.8 central star.  Overall, this is the most impressive planetary.

 

8" (9/25/81): central star visible at 200x. The fainter side lobes are prominent.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (multiple dates): easily the most prominent planetary visible in binoculars.

 

Charles Messier discovered M27 = NGC 6853 = h2060 on 12 July 1764.  This was the first planetary nebula discovered.  Caroline Herschel independently found it on 30 Sep 1782, her second night of sweeping.  William Herschel reported "My sister discovered this nebula this evening in sweeping for comets; on comparing its place with Messier's nebulae we find it is his 27. It is very curious with a compound piece; the shape of it though oval as M. [Messier] calls it, is rather divided in two; it is situated among a number of small stars, but with this compound piece no star is visible in it. I can only make it bear 278. It vanishes with higher powers on account of its feeble light. With 278 the division between the two patches is stronger, because the intermediate faint light vanishes more."  This discovery may have spurred WH to search for new nebulae.

 

On 19 Jul 1784, William Herschel recorded "The nebula in Vulpecula I suppose to be a double stratum of stars of a very great extent.  The ends next to us are not only resolvable nebulosity, but I really do see very many of the stars mixt with the resolvable nebulosity; farther on the nebulosity is but barely resolvable and ends at last in milky whitishness of the same appearance as that in Orion.  The idea I form of the shape of the nebula is ...[diagram follows]."

 

Lord Rosse's sketch from 21 Sep 1843 with his 36" was published in his 1844 PTRAS paper.  He noted "Cannot say positively whether resolvable, but see through it an immense number of stars apparently united with nebulous matter.  If they are stars seen through the neb and unconnected with it, it is strange they should be so much more numerous than in the adjoining part of the heavens." George Johnstone Stoney's sketch (started on 9 Sep, finished on the 16th) was published in the 1850 PT paper (figure 17).  Bindon Stoney's sketch, with several superimposed and nearby stars, was based on micrometrical measurements and included in the 1861 monograph (figure 43).  On 29 Aug 1854 during a return to Birr Castle, George Johnstone Stoney wrote a long note: "Both Dr. Robinson and I agreed that the beard of faint nebulosity extended farther down [sp?] than in my brother's drawing..."

 

As far as the nickname "Dumbbell" nebula, John Herschel wrote on 24 Aug 1827 "A most extraordinary object; vB; an unresolved nebula, shaped something like an hour-glass, filled into an oval outline with a much less dense nebulosity.  The central mass may be compared to a vertebra or dumb-bell".  In another sweep he describes the shape as "like a double-headed shot or a dumb-bell."

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NGC 6854 = ESO 185-061 = AM 2001-543 = PGC 64081

20 05 38.8 -54 22 33; Tel

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 166”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration, brighter along the major axis.  A mag 14 star lies 1.4' NE and PGC 161899 lies 35" N of this star.  PGC 161899 very faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6854 = h3808 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; glbM; 12"."  His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.

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NGC 6855 = ESO 185-063 = LGG 429-003 = PGC 64116

20 06 49.9 -56 23 24; Tel

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated to a very small bright core, hint of structure in the outer halo.  A very faint star is superimposed just southeast of the core.  An extremely faint star is just visible near the west edge of the halo.  Forms a close pair with PGC 161935 2' SE and NGC 6862 lies 17' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6855 = h3809 on 10 Jul 1834 and logged "Not vF; S; R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6856

19 59 17.1 +56 07 29; Cyg

 

17.5" (7/24/95): 15 stars mag 12-15 in a 2' diameter.  Stands out well as this group is very detached in the field.  Appears to have unresolved background haze but there are no dense spots or concentration and the stars are pretty evenly distributed.  About 3' north is a triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars, a bit larger than the cluster.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6856 = h2063 on 24 Sep 1829 and recorded "A small pretty close cluster, irreg R, 3' dia, stars 12...16m."  At his position is a small group or asterism of 15 stars, matching his description.  Karl Reinmuth reported the photographic appearance on Heidelberg plate as "Cl, S, iR, pB, st 12..."  Jack Sulentic reported "No cluster" in the RNGC and classified the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6857 = PK 70+1.2 = LBN 161 = Sh 2-100

20 01 47.6 +33 31 38; Cyg

Size 1.0'x1.0'

 

18" (7/14/07): at 174x and OIII filter appears as a small but high surface brightness nearly circular knot, just 1' in diameter and sharply defined in a very rich star field.  Without a filter a mag 13 (illuminating?) star is visible at the center and two stars are at opposite edges (SW and NE).  At 280x the outline surface brightness is slightly irregular.  Located just inside a beautiful partial ring or loop of stars that includes a couple of double stars.  While viewing this object I noticed a fairly large, 3' low surface brightness hazy region about 10' W in the field.  This glow matches the location of Sh 2-99 (11' W of NGC 6857).  There was no structure to this HII region and the surface brightness was uniform. 

 

18" (9/25/06): easily swept up at 115x as a small, high surface brightness nebula, roughly 1' in diameter, situated in a rich star field.  Excellent contrast gain with an OIII filter and appears quite bright with this combination.  At 300x, the nebula appears as a 1'-1.5' bright glow that spreads out mostly to the south of an embedded (possibly illuminating) mag 13.5-14 star in an irregular shape.  This HII region is located along one side of a near equilateral triangle of mag 12-13 stars with a mag 12 star just 40" SW.  A close, faint equal pair of mag 13.5 stars follows by 4'.

 

17.5" (8/7/91): very bright, moderately large, about 1' diameter, irregular outline, roughly circular but edges difficult to define, irregular surface brightness.  The mag 13.5 central star is quite prominent offset north of center. Surrounded by four fours; a mag 12 star at the SW edge [40" from center], two mag 13 stars off the NE end [40" from center] and off the NW end [52" from center], a mag 14 star at the SE end.  Located in a rich star field.  Excellent contrast gain with OIII filter.  Extremely faint nebulosity may extend to the west.  This is a compact HII region within Sh 2-100, which mainly spreads out towards the west.  CGCG misclassifies as a planetary nebula.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6857 = H III-144 = h2062 on 6 Sep 1784 (sweep 258) and recorded "a patch containing some nebulosity.  240 confirmed it, irregularly long."  John Herschel made 3 observations and wrote on 1 Aug 1829 (sweep 198), "a nebulous looking patch; 12" diam; in Milky Way; ill-defined; perhaps only some extremely minute stars mixed with larger which as distinct."  This nebula wasn't found (one attempt) at Birr Castle.

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NGC 6858

20 02 59 +11 15 36; Aql

 

17.5" (9/23/95): this is an elongated group of 35 stars in a 10'x4' group oriented N-S which precedes a mag 9 star at 20 03 16 +11 16.4 (2000).  Fairly uniform in brightness and distribution with no dense spots but includes a couple of nice doubles.  Most stars are mag 12-13 with a scattering of fainter stars.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6858 = h2061 on 29 Jul 1829 and recorded "A pretty rich oblong cl; 10' l, 5' br; stars equal and of 13th mag.  In Milky Way.  Place that of double * [HJ 1466."  The visual appearance is similar to JH's description and his position is fairly accurate, so the identification is definite.

 

Karl Reinmuth described its photographic appearance as "a very loose clustering of st 13...., no distinct cluster."  Jack Sulentic stated "No cluster" in the RNGC and classified the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 6859

20 03 49.0 +00 26 43; Aql

 

= ***, Corwin.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 6859 = HN 6 = Au 46 on 24 Nov 1852 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone Survey of stars near the celestial equator.  He noted a "faint nebula follows star #11 [10th mag] by 1 sec [of time] and north of it by 1' 29" north of it."  Dreyer (at Birr Castle), d'Arrest and Schšnfeld only reported finding faint stars.  At Bond's precise offset are two mag 12.6/14.0 (12" separation) stars with a third mag 15 star ~16" east.

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NGC 6860 = ESO 143-009 = AM 2004-611 = PGC 64166

20 08 47.1 -61 06 01; Pav

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 34”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~50"x30", broad concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6860 = h3810 on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "F; R; gbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6861 = IC 4949 = ESO 233-032 = LGG 430-003 = PGC 64136

20 07 19.4 -48 22 12; Tel

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140”

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 429x; very bright, large, fairly large, beautiful lenticular, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.8' , sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core.  There was a hint of a dust lane.  Two 12th mag stars are 1.6' NE and 2' E of center.  NGC 6861D, located 14' NE, appeared fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.6'x0.5', strong concentration with a very bright elongated core and a stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.4 star is 1.2' W.  NGC 6861 is one of the two brightest members (along with NGC 6868) of the Telescopium Group = ACO S851.

 

18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.8', fairly well concentrated with a small brighter core.  Forms the SW vertex of a triangle with two equal mag 12 stars just 1.6' NE and 2' E.  IC 4943 was viewed 8.5' W and probably NGC 6861D 14' NE but then clouds moved in and ended the observation.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this galaxy appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE with a brighter core.  Two nearby mag 12 stars, 1.6' NE and 2.0' E run parallel to the major axis of the galaxy.  Brightest of four galaxies in field with IC 4943 8.5' W, NGC 6861B 14' SW and an anonymous galaxy 2.8' N of IC 4943.  This is one of the brighter galaxies in the Telescopium Group = ACO S851.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, bright core.  Forms the western vertex of an isosceles right triangle with two stars following [mag 12 star 1.6' NE and mag 12.5 star 2.0' E].  NGC 6868 lies 25' E.  Brightest along with NGC 6868 in a group including IC 4943 8.5' W (not seen).

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 6861 = D 425 = h3811 on 30 Jul 1826 and recorded "a very small faint nebula, about 15" diameter."  His published position was roughly 1 degree too far north of this galaxy, but Glen Cozens found he made a 1” error in transcribing his original position.  Once corrected, Dunlop's position is 6' too far northwest.

 

On 7 Jul 1834, John Herschel recorded "B; S; lE; pgmbM; 20"."  On a second sweep he called it "B; S; E; gpmbM; 25" dia.  If a misprint of 42” 12' instead of 41”12' be presumed in Mr. Dunlop's catalogue, this object is identified with No. 425." John Herschel's mean position from two observations matches ESO 233-032.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 Jul 1897 (Sw. XI-189) so it also carries the designation IC 4949.  Swift's position was 3' too far north and he apparently he missed the earlier observation by Herschel.  So, NGC 6861 = IC 4949.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6862 = ESO 186-002 = LGG 429-004 = PGC 64168

20 08 54.8 -56 23 31; Tel

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 149”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, broad concentration .  Situated between a mag 14.5 star 1' W and a mag 15 star 1.4' E.  NGC 6855 lies 17' W.

 

NGC 6862 has a redshift of z = .014 (~200 million l.y.) and is superimposed in the foreground of AGC 3667, which has a mean z = .0556 (~750 million l.y.).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6862 = h3812 on 9 Jul 1834 and logged "vF; lE; glbM; 20"."  His position is accurate.  Member of Abell 3667.

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NGC 6863

20 05 07.3 -03 33 18; Aql

Size 1'

 

17.5" (9/23/95): at 225x five mag 14-15 stars are resolved within a 1' region.  Detached in field and nebulous at low power but unimpressive at high power. Appears fully resolved and just an asterism though may be a possible "open cluster remnant".  There are no brighter stars within the 20' field at 225x.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6863 = h2065 on 25 Jul 1827 and recorded "A little compact knot of 7 or 8 stars taken at first for a nebula (and liable to be taken as one hereafter). Stars 19m."  There is a knot of four faint stars within 35" of JH's position (see visual description).  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", describes "4-5 vS st alm in line 85d; *14 n nr." and Harold Corwin also identifies this as a group of 8 stars.  Moni et al (2010, A&A, 510, 44) conclude this is not a cluster but a random enhancement of field stars.

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NGC 6864 = M75 = ESO 595-13

20 06 04.7 -21 55 16; Sgr

V = 8.6;  Size 6.0';  Surf Br = 0.5

 

17.5" (7/14/93): bright, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, very bright striking core 30" diameter, very mottled.  Several extremely faint 15th mag stars pop in and out of view with averted vision in the outer halo.  A mag 14 star is in the inner region just NE of core.  The cluster almost reaches four mag 12.5-13 stars, which cradle the globular on the south and NE sides, and a fainter star is off the NW side.  This cluster is quite concentrated and is the only Shapley-Sawyer class I globular in the Messier catalogue.

 

13.1" (8/25/82): bright intense core surrounded by a fainter halo that is slightly mottled but with no obvious resolution.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (9/26/11): easily picked up as a very small, round glow with a bright, nearly stellar center and a small fainter halo.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M75 = NGC 6864 = h2064 on 27 Aug 1780 and confirmed by Messier in Oct.  WH found "some of the stars are visible."  On 3 Sep 1831 (sweep 369), JH recorded "vB; R; vsvmbM; 2'; a bright R ball 15" diam, in an atmosphere 2'; 320 does not show the stars but makes it more resolvable."

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NGC 6865 = PGC 64089

20 05 56.5 -09 02 28; Aql

V = 14.9;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6865 = m 405 on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6866 = Cr 412 = Mel 229 = Lund 917

20 03 55 +44 09 30; Cyg

V = 7.6;  Size 15'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): about 100 stars in a 20'x10' region are visible at 100x.  Appears rich and very appealing.  The main string is very elongated roughly E-W and contains a brighter intersecting subgroup 8'x2' NW-SE of about 45 stars with a close triple star on the NW end consisting of a mag 10 star and two very faint companions.  Two mag 10-10.5 stars are at the SE end of this string.  The western end of the main string curves north into a nice semi-circle.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 6866 = H VII-59 = h2066 on 23 Jul 1783.  William Herschel probably found the cluster on 16 Oct 1783 (before his sweeps).  On 11 Sep 1790 (sweep 959) he rediscovered the cluster (unaware of the previous observations) and logged, "a very rich cl of L stars, considerably compressed, above 15' diam.  By the size of the stars, it is situated among the milky way towards us."  His position is accurate.  Karl Harding found the cluster again in 1823, reported it to Johann Bode and it was listed as new (#8) in Astronomisches Jahrbuch for 1827 (printed in 1824).  John Herschel made the single observation on 21 Aug 1829: "a coarse rough cluster.  Taken for VII. 59, but the place does not agree."  His position is on the double star HJ 1478 = 10.3/10.9 at 2.2", which is situated  10' south of the cluster.

 

Brian Skiff found the Lund catalogue has a -10' error in declination, and this error may be carried over into over sources (misplotted on the Millennium Star Atlas).

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NGC 6867 = ESO 186-006 = LGG 429-006 = PGC 64203

20 10 29.7 -54 47 00; Tel

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 156”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated at least 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.35', tapers at the NNW and SSE tips, broad weak concentration.  Nearly collinear with a mag 9.5 star 3.5' ENE and a mag 10.5 star 6.6' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6867 = h3813 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "eeF; L; pmE."  His position and description matches ESO 186-006.

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NGC 6868 = ESO 233-039 = AM 2006-483 = LGG 430-004 = PGC 64192

20 09 54.3 -48 22 43; Tel

V = 10.7;  Size 3.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 86”

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 429x; this giant elliptical is the brightest member of the Telescopium Group = ACO S851. It appeared very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 5:4 WSW-ENE, ~1.8'x1.5' sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to the center, halo gradually fades.  2MASX J20095889-4821262 is off the NE edge, 1.6' from center, and was fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration, with a fairly high surface brightness.  NGC 6770 lies 6.3' NNE, ESO 233-035 7.4' NW and NGC 6861F (faint edge-on) 14.5' NE.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this giant elliptical is one of the brightest members of the Telescopium Group (ACO S851), at a distance of  roughly 120 million light-years.  At 128x, NGC 6868 appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'.  Contains a bright core that is concentrated to the center.  Forms the southern vertex of an equilateral triangle with members NGC 6870 6' NNE and ESO 233-035 7' NW.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, bright core.  Pair with NGC 6870 6.2' NNE and brightest with NGC 6861 in a group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6868 = h3814 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "vB; S; R: pgmbM; 20"."

 

Pietro Baracchi discovered 2MASX J20095889-4821262 off the NE edge, as well as nearby ESO 223-035, while observing NGC 6868 on 5 Oct 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He noted "[NGC 6868] has a small nebulous spark n.f. (See diagram).  Faint, small, flat."  "Flat" indicates an even surface brightness.

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NGC 6869 = UGC 11506 = MCG +11-24-004 = CGCG 324-006 = PGC 63972

20 00 42.4 +66 13 39; Dra

V = 12.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Two mag 10 and 11 stars lie 4.5' SSE and 2.8' SSE, respectively.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6869 = Sw. II-83 = Sw. IV-79 on 26 Aug 1884 and recorded "pB; R; pS; 2 B stars and it form an arc of a circle"  Swift found this galaxy again two years later on 6 Sep 1886 and recorded it as "pB; pS; R; bM."  Dreyer combined both observations in the NGC.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00 as well as Hermann Kobold at Strasbourg in 1896 (not published until 1907).

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NGC 6870 = ESO 233-041 = LGG 430-005 = PGC 64197

20 10 10.7 -48 17 13; Tel

V = 12.3;  Size 2.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x and 429x; bright, large, very elongated 5:2 E-W, ~1.5'x0.6'.  Strong concentration with a very bright elongated core.  Forms a striking pair in the Telescopium Group (ACO S851) with NGC 6868 6.2' SSW.  NGC 6861F, located 10' E, appeared very faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 E-W, very low surface brightness with no concentration, ~0.9'x0.25'.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): last in a trio with NGC 6868 6' SSW and ESO 233-035 7.5' W within the core of the Telescopium Group (ACO S851).  At 128x it appeared moderately bright, very elongated 5:2 E-W, ~1.5'x0.6', with a bright core.

 

ESO 233-037 appeared fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE, 0.5'x0.3' with a small bright core.  Forms the NW vertex of a near equilateral triangle with NGC 6868 7' SE and NGC 6870 7.5' E.  A mag 10.6 star lies 6' W.

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): extremely faint, small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE.  Forms a pair with NGC 6868 6.2' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6870 = h3815 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; pmE in parallel; gbM; 30" l."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6871 = Cr 413 = Lund 921 = OCL-148

20 05 59.4 +35 46 38; Cyg

V = 5.2;  Size 20'

 

18" (9/26/11): bright, large, rich cluster but not isolated in the field, so the catalogued diameter of 20' seems somewhat arbitrary.  At 175x, roughly 200 stars are visible within the region, though there are really too many to count.  The dominant feature are two bright multiple stars near the center: SHJ 314 = 6.8/7.3 at 35" with 4 faint companions and SHJ 315 = 7.9/8.8 at 20" with 8 companions including a trio of mag 11 stars close west, a 15" pair of mag 10.5 stars close east and a tight string of 3 or 4 fainter stars close southeast.  NGC 6871 forms a close pair of clusters with Biurakan 1 (centered on a mag 7.3 star), just off the southeast side.  The little-known Wolf-Rayet shell surrounding W-R 134/135 lies 45' NE.

 

13.1" (8/25/84): dominated by two bright multiple stars: SHJ 314 = 6.8/7.3 at 35" with four additional close companions and SHJ 315 = 7.9/8.8 pair at 20" surrounded by several mag 11 stars.  The bright pairs are oriented N-S and separated by about 2'.  The cluster itself is in a bright, rich field with no apparent boundaries.

 

8" (6/81): two sets of multiple stars in a very rich field including §440 = mag 7, 12, 11, 9.5, 11.5, 8 at 7", 11", 11", 28" and 36".  Located 13' SW of a mag 5.5 27 Cygni.

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6871 = h2067 in 1825 or 1826 using the 9.6" refractor at the Dorpat Observatory and included the double star ·2630 in his main catalogue of double stars.  On 5 Aug 1831, JH recorded "A double star ·2630, in a cluster of 5 bright and many small stars."  His position is near the two bright double stars in the center of the cluster and he credited Struve with the discovery.

 

But by analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 23 Sep 1783 using his 6.2" reflector.

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NGC 6872 = ESO 073-032 = VV 297a = AM 2011-705 = PGC 64413 = The Condor

20 16 56.9 -70 46 04; Pav

V = 11.8;  Size 6.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 66”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): NGC 6872 is a remarkably stretched spiral with extremely distended arms spanning roughly 750,000 light years.  At 303x it appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a bright core encasing an extremely bright nucleus.  A mag 10.4 star is off the west side of the halo, just 1.1' WSW of center.  The initial portions of the spiral arms are visible as thin, very low surface brightness wings, extending ~1' southwest on the south side and northeast on the north side.  The tidal extensions were not seen.  A mag 13 star lies 2.4' ENE.  IC 4970, an interacting companion 1.1' N of center, appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.25', contains a very small bright nucleus.

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second brightest in the Pavo-I Group with brightest member NGC 6876.  Moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE in the direction of a mag 10.4 star 1.1' WSW of center, ~1.2'x0.6', broad concentration with a brighter core.  Interacting with IC 4970 at 1.1' N just outside the halo while fainter PGC 64439 lies 4.0' SE.  Other members of the group include NGC 6876, NGC 6877, NGC 6880.

 

IC 4970 appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Images reveal a distorted bridge and plumes due to interaction with NGC 6872.  PGC 64439, nearly at the midpoint of NGC 6872 and NGC 6876, appeared very faint and small, round, 0.3' diameter, low surface brightness.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE towards a mag 10.5 star off the SW edge, 1.2'x0.5'.  Fairly well concentrated with a small bright core.

 

In 1979A&A, 79, 22, the abstract for "NGC 6872 - A remarkable barred spiral" states, "The extent of the arms is probably greater than in any other spiral known; it is concluded that NGC 6872 is a conventional barred spiral in which severe tidal interaction took place."

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6872 = h3816 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "F; R; glbM; 30"; has a vS * preceding.  first of 4 [with NGC 6876, 6877 and 6880]."  On a second observation he called it "F; E; 40" l; has a * 9m 10.5 seconds preceding."

 

Joseph Turner discovered nearby IC 4970 on 27 August 1881during an observation of NGC 6872 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.

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NGC 6873

20 07 13 +21 06 06; Sge

 

24" (9/9/18): excellent low power field (centered on STF 2631) at 124x but nothing resembling a cluster was evident.  STF 2631 (8.1/9.1 at 4.5"), a striking orange/light blue pair, is at the eastern vertex of a distinctive pentagon-shaped asterism (roughly 5'x3.5') that includes two mag 9.5 stars.  There are only few stars in the interior of this pentagon.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): fairly rich region but there is no noticeable clustering.  There is a 15' string starting from the mag 10 star at the NGC position heading due west and ending at the bright double STF 2631 = 8.4/9.8 at 4.6".  This star is very possibly the double referred to in John Herschel's description with a 1.0 tmin error in RA -- Corwin concurs.

 

17.5" (7/7/94): the low power field (100x using 20 Nagler) surrounding the pretty double star Theta Sagittae = STF 2637 (6.5/9.0 at 12") includes several bright stars but appears too sparse to be a cluster.  But 5' NE of Theta is a neat elongated group of 15 stars mag 12-13 forming a "?" asterism about 6' in length.  Theta Sagittae is located 1.7 tmin east and 11' S of Herschel's position so this identification is less likely than the one given above.

 

Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6873 = h2068 in 1825 or 1826 using the 9.6" refractor at the Dorpat Observatory and catalogued the principal double star ·2631 in his main catalogue of double stars.  On 5 Aug 1831, JH recorded "A double star the chief of a coarse straggling group of stars 10...13m, hardly entitled to be called a cluster."  He credited Struve with the discovery, though his position (copied into the GC and NGC) is exactly 1.0 minute of RA east of the double star (·2631 = 8.4/9.8 at 4.6").  Coincidentally, his position falls very close to a wide 1.1' pair of mag 10/11 stars.  Reinmuth called this "a dense region; no Cl; double star 11.8 in Dreyer's place."  He may have examined the erroneous NGC position.

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NGC 6874 = Basel 6 = OCL-157 = Lund 304

20 07 33 +38 14 48; Cyg

V = 7.7;  Size 8'

 

17.5" (8/25/95): large, fairly rich and uniform triangular group.  Consists of about 60 stars in a 10'x5' triangular region with the longer 10' base oriented NW-SE along the following side of the cluster.  The brightest mag 10 star lies at the east end and most stars are between mag 12-13.  Only stands out at low power due to large size.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6874 = H VIII-86 = h2069 on 15 Sep 1792 (sweep 1027) and recorded "A coarsely sc. cl. of L st, of a rectangled triangular shape."  JH reported (single sweep) "a coarse scattered cluster of about 60 stars. The largest (10m) taken." JH's position corresponds to a brightest 10th mag star on the east side of the group at 20 07 50.1 +38 14 27.

 

Brent Archinal notes the probable equivalence with Basel 6, although the Lynga RA is at least 1 cluster diameter west-northwest. RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).  See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 6875 = ESO 284-028 = AM 2009-461 = LGG 430-009 = PGC 64296

20 13 12.3 -46 09 42; Tel

V = 12.1;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 22”

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located on a line between mag 8 SAO 230105 3.5' SE and mag 9.5 SAO 230102 5.9' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6875 = h3819 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; vS; R; vgmbM; 10"; a * 7m sf dist 5'."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6876 = ESO 073-035 = LGG 432-001 = PGC 64447

20 18 19.1 -70 51 30; Pav

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 80”

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest member of the Pavo-I Group (mean redshift 3800 km/s).  At 171x, it appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.5'x1.3', containing a brighter core.  A star is at the south edge 0.5' from center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6877 just 1.5' following. I also observed these additional members of the group: NGC 6872, NGC 6877, NGC 6880, IC 4970, IC 4972 and IC 4981.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, round, 1.5' diameter.  Broadly concentrated with a slightly brighter core.  A star is superimposed on the south edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6876 = h3817 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; r; 15"."  On a second observation he logged "pF; R; 20"; a vS almost invisible star sf; 2nd of 4 [with NGC 6877 and 6880]."

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NGC 6877 = ESO 073-036 = LGG 432-004 = PGC 64457

20 18 36.2 -70 51 11; Pav

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 169”

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this Pavo-I Group member is located just 1.5' E of the brightest member, NGC 6876, and is just outside the halo.  At 171x it appeared faint, very small, oval N-S, 0.3'x0.15'. NGC 6880/IC 4981 lies 4.4' following.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.7'x0.5'.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6876 to the west.  A close equal mag double star follows by 1'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6877 = h3818 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; eS; the 3rd of a group of 4."  On a second observation, he noted "vF; vS; R."

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NGC 6878 = ESO 284-031 = MCG -07-41-015 = PGC 64317

20 13 53.3 -44 31 33; Sgr

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 125”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.2'x1.0', irregular, contains a small bright round core.  Weak spiral structure is evident in the halo. A mag 14.5-15 star is at the north edge [35" from center] and a mag 16.4 star is on the south edge [25" from center].  Mag 9.2 HD 191827 lies 5.4' SSW.

 

A number of ESO galaxies are within 30', but the only two I took notes on were ESO 284-033 6.7' SSE and NGC 6878A = PGC 64314 18' SSW.  ESO 284-033 appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 40"x20", small bright core, overall high surface brightness.  NGC 6878A appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', fairly low overall surface brightness, small slightly brighter core.  Nestled in a group of stars 6.2' WNW of mag 9.8 HD 191936.  Two mag 13 stars are ~1' N and 1' NW and a mag 14 star is 40" SW.

 

24" (9/15/12): at 175x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  The view was severely hampered by low altitude (less than 10” elevation), poor seeing and sky glow low in the south.  Located 5.5' NNE of mag 9.2 HD 191827.  A wide 40" pair of mag 12.5-13 stars is on line with the brighter star ~2' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6878 = h3821 on 27 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; L; R; glbM; 90"."  His position is on the west side of the galaxy.

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NGC 6879 = PK 57-8.1 = PN G057.2-08.9

20 10 26.7 +16 55 22; Sge

V = 12.7;  Size 5"

 

24" (9/2/16): picked up at 200x unfiltered as a slightly soft, pale blue "star".  Excellent response to an OIII filter.  A slightly brighter 12th mag star is 1.4' SW, though with the filter the planetary dominates this star.  Improved view at 286x and 375x.  A small 5" disc is easily resolved.  Nearby a mag 13.5 star is 50" WNW and a mag 14 star 50" SSE.  At 500x, a 15-15.5 mag star is just off the north side (15" separation) and another 15th mag star is 30" SSE.  The center is brighter but the seeing wasn't steady enough to resolve the central star.

 

17.5" (9/5/99): picked up at 100x with OIII blinking as a mag 12 "star" by star hopping from the double star ·2634 = 7.9/9.4 at 5" which is 14' SW.  A good comparison star for blinking is situated just 1.5' SW.  At 280x, the PN has a slight bluish tinge with a "soft" edge.  At 380x, a very disc ~4" is resolved with a brighter center.  The disc is easier at 500x and a mag 16 star is occasionally visible at the north edge.

 

13" (7/85): observation from El Cerrito: stellar planetary at all powers, confirmed by OIII blinking, estimate V = 12.0.  A similar mag 12 star is 1.4' SW.  Located 14' NE of ·2634 = 7.9/9.4 at 5".

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6879 = HN 55 on 8 May 1883 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (probably in 1885) and not published until 1908 (Harvard Annals 60).  Ralph Copeland independently rediscovered it on 9 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Aberdeen using an objective-prism with a 6.1-inch Simms refractor.  He remarked "equal in brightness to a star 10.2 mag.  Diameter 4.6" by micrometric.  It has an 11 mag star at 222.27”, distance 83.2"."  His micrometric position in Monthly Notices XLV 2 is very accurate.  Both Pickering and Copeland are listed as discoverers in the NGC.  Sherburne Burnham described it in 1911 at Yerkes as resembling an out of focus star of of mag 10.7 and he measured a diameter of 3.7".

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "A minute disk, 5" in diameter, just distinguishable from a star.  Fades out slightly at the edges."

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NGC 6880 = ESO 073-037 = LGG 432-002 = PGC 64479

20 19 29.7 -70 51 34; Pav

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 21”

 

18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy in the Pavo-I Group appeared faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.2'.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge.  Forms a close pair with IC 4981 off the NE edge 1.1' from the center.  NGC 6877 lies 4.4' W.

 

IC 4981 appeared very faint, very small, 20" diameter.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8'x0.4'.  A 13th magnitude star is at NW edge of the halo and a fainter star is superposed on the south end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6880 = h3820 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; S; R; r; 15"; the last of 4 [with NGC 6872, 6876 and 6877]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6881 = PK 74+2.1 = PN G074.5+02.1

20 10 52.4 +37 24 42; Cyg

V = 13.6;  Size 5"

 

13.1" (8/7/85): visible as a mag 13.5 "star" without a filter.  Verified with OIII blinking and appears brighter than a mag 12 just 44" SE.  Stellar at 144x.  Located in a rich Milky Way field.  Several bright stars are near including mag 8.7 SAO 69561 3.6' NNW, mag 8.5 SAO 69557 4.2' NW and mag 9.5 SAO 69565 3.4' SSE.

 

Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6881 = HN 44 on 25 Nov 1881 using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory.  His position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 1, No 6 (Oct 1882) and The Observatory 1882 is accurate.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted, "Probably has a central star.  Just distinguishable from a star; a minute disk 5" in diameter, with very faint ansae in 150-330”."

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NGC 6882 = NGC 6885: = Cr 416 = OCL-133

20 11 58 +26 29 00; Vul

Size 18'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): conspicuous subgroup at the NW corner of NGC 6885.  About 15 stars in a tight 2' knot with three close brighter stars on the west side, over unresolved haze.  Sprays of stars forming the outline of NGC 6885 seem to radiate from this group.  NGC 6682 and NGC 6885 appear as one cluster at low power.  It's very possible that NGC 6882 = H VIII 22 is a duplicate observation of NGC 6885 and does not refer to a distinct object.  In that case, this subgroup would be identified as Cr 416.  See Corwin's NGCBUGS for story.

 

8" (8/23/84): in the field of NGC 6885 to the north with a mag 7 star surrounded by five faint stars.  Two additional mag 7 stars are nearby.

 

William Herschel found NGC 6882 = H VIII-22 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 263) and recorded "a cl. of coarsely scattered stars." There is nothing at his position, but ~15' south is NGC 6885 = H VIII-20, which WH discovered just the previous night!  Corwin suggests that WH made two observations of this cluster and made an error with the dec on the second night.  Brent Archinal concurs with this solution. So, NGC 6882 = NGC 6885.  NGC 6882 is often taken as a richer subgroup on the NW side of NGC 6885.

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NGC 6883 = Cr 415 = Lund 929 = OCL-152

20 11 19.8 +35 49 55; Cyg

Size 15'

 

18" (10/8/05): at 115x, 60 stars over haze are visible in a 6' group that is set in an incredibly rich Milky Way field.  Five of the brighter stars on the south side form an elongated "Y" or "Wishbone" asterism with a bright pair of mag 9.5/10 stars (17" separation) at the base of the wishbone.  The west side of the cluster is defined by a gently curving string of 10 faint stars.  At 220x, up to 80-90 stars can be counted in an 7'x5' region as a number of faint stars emerge from the background.  At low power this region is surrounded by other concentrations or asterisms including Ruprecht 172, which spreads out to the southeast.  About 30' NW is the WR 134/135 Nebula, an uncatalogued but relatively bright Wolf-Rayet shell nebula.

 

17.5" (8/19/95): two dozen stars in a 4' diameter surrounding a prominent "Y" asterism of five mag 10 stars with twenty additional mag 13-14.5 stars.  The brightest star at the base of the "Y" is a mag 9.5/10 double at 17" and the center star about 1.5' NE is an unequal closer pair.  Surrounding this group is a oval border of 7' diameter consisting of several strings of mag 13 stars, which increase the total to roughly 50 stars.  Appears to be an asterism in a rich Milky Way field and best view at 100x.  Attached to Ruprecht 172.

 

8" (8/15/82): elongated string of stars N-S, moderately large, over background haze.  Situated in a very rich star field and difficult to identify.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6883 = h2070 on 19 Aug 1828 NGC 6883 and recorded "a double star in a cluster of a good many stars 10...13m."   Dreyer, the observing assistant at Birr Castle on 23 Aug 1876, simply noted "rich field, no remarkable cluster."

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NGC 6884 = NGC 6766 = PK 82+7.1 = PN G082.1+07.0

20 10 23.6 +46 27 40; Cyg

V = 11.0;  Size 6"x5"

 

17.5" (9/7/91): bright, very small, very high surface brightness.  Appears as a slightly out of focus mag 11 bluish star at 100x.  Moderate contrast gain using an OIII filter.  At 412x appears prominent with a very small 5" blue disk.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, very small, high surface brightness, definite bluish disk at 166x, excellent contrast gain with OIII filter.  Easily takes 350x due to surface brightness.

 

Ralph Copeland found NGC 6884 on 20 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Aberdeen, using an objective-prism sweep with a 6.1-inch refractor.  He remarked "planetary nebula; most of the light in a single line" and measured a very accurate micrometric position (MN XLV).

 

Edward Pickering discovered this planetary earlier on 8 May 1883 using a direct-vision spectroscope (same technique) at Harvard College Observatory.  Unfortunately, Pickering made a 1 hr error in RA (later corrected), so Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 6766 at the wrong position and this number is usually considered nonexistent.  By historical precedence, this planetary should be called NGC 6766, but it is now known as NGC 6884.

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted "no central star can be distinguished. A minute, bright, round disk, of nearly equal brightness throughout, with a suggestion of an elongated brighter central portion in p.a. 135”; 7.5" in diameter in a 5 min exposure."

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NGC 6885 = NGC 6882: = Cr 417 = Lund 933 = OCL-132

20 11 58 +26 29 00; Vul

V = 8.1;  Size 18'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): about 80 stars mag 6-13 in 15' triangular group, bright.  Includes the bright star 20 Vulpeculae (V = 5.9) surrounded by seven very faint stars in the SE corner of the cluster.  Weak in the center of the triangle except for about 10 other stars.  A wide bright pair is at the east vertex and a wide unequal double star is at the SW side.  Most stars are located along the west side particularly at the NW corner (this subgroup is catalogued as NGC 6882, although it may refer to the entire scattered group).

 

8" (8/23/84): about 50 stars at 100x, triangular-shaped, large, scattered, includes 20 Vulpeculae (V = 5.9).  NGC 6882 is superimposed 5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6885 = H VIII-20 = h2071 on 9 Sep 1784 (only discovery in sweep 261) and recorded "a cl of coarsely scattered stars, not very rich."  His position is 6' west of 20 Vul, within the boundaries of the cluster.  This same cluster was probably observed the next night and recorded as H VIII-22 = NGC 6882, but with a 15' error in declination.  So, NGC 6882 = NGC  6885, though NGC 6882 is often taken as a richer subgroup on the northwest side of the cluster.  JH made the single observation "Splendid cluster.  More than fills the field; loose and straggling; poor in stars, one = 6.7m, whose place is given; the rest 9, 10, 11."  Karl Harding found the cluster again in 1823 (probably with a 8.5-inch reflector built by WH, according to Wolfgang Steinicke) and included it in a list of discoveries he sent to Johann Bode.

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NGC 6886 = PK 60-7.2 = PN G060.1-07.7

20 12 42.8 +19 59 23; Sge

V = 11.4;  Size 9"

 

17.5" (11/6/99): this compact planetary was easily identified by blinking at 100x using an OIII filter as a "soft" mag 11 star.  A small disc, less than 10" diameter is visible at 220x without filter.  Situated at the NW vertex of a small isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 0.8' SSE and a mag 10 star 1.6' E.  The nearer star is double with a faint companion close north.  NGC 6886 is clearly non-stellar at 280x-380x and slightly oval.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, very small, just non-stellar at 166x.  At 415x, easily visible small disc elongated ~E-W.  Forms the NW vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with a mag 10.5 star 45" SSE and a mag 10 star 1.5' E.  These two brighter stars form a parallelogram with two mag 12 stars to the SE with sides of 1' and 1.5'.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 6886 on 17 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Scotland, using a direct vision objective-prism or Secchi prism attached to a 6.1-inch refractor.  He recorded "Nebula about 2 1.2" diam, equal to a 9.8 mag star."  His micrometric position in Monthly Notices XLV is very accurate.

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted, "no central star can be made out.  A round disk 6" in diameter, of nearly equal brightness throughout, forms the central part.  Two wings (of ring structure) in p.a. 135-315” bring the total length to 9"."

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NGC 6887 = ESO 186-027 = AM 2013-525 = PGC 64427

20 17 17.5 -52 47 49; Tel

V = 12.1;  Size 3.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 102”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, larger, nearly edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 2.5'x0.7', broad concentration with a brighter core.  The galaxy has a sharp linear edge along the north edge with a suggestion of a dust lane just beyond.  Located 7' SW of mag 8.5 HD 192571 and 5' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6887 = h3822 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "pF; L; pmE; glbM; 2' l, 1' br."  His description and position matches ESO 186-027.

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NGC 6888 = LBN 203 = Sh 2-105 = Ced 179 = The Crescent Nebula

20 12 06.5 +38 21 17; Cyg

Size 20'x10'

 

48" (5/3/19): at 287x and NPB filter; I was amazed by the interior filamentary structure, particularly in the southern half that was not previously observed. I was surprised the nebulous filaments that connect the central mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet star to the western rim continues SE of the star in a well defined, distinctive filament to the dim eastern rim.

 

24" (9/7/18): absolutely gorgeous view of this huge cosmic bubble at 124x (21mm Ethos) and OIII filter.  The entire very irregular oval outline was easily visible and full of wispy structure and wide variation in brightness levels.  Two bright stars are involved along the rim; mag 7.2 HD 192182 (unequal double STT 401) in the center of the northern quadrant and mag 8.2 SAO 69611 on the northeast edge (7' separation).  The sharpest curve in the annulus is the section connecting these two stars.  Moving clockwise from these two stars, the highest surface brightness section of the nebula is a linear strip extending southwest of HD 192182.  Mag 7.4 WR 136 (HD 192163) is nearby in the interior, 5.4' SSW of HD 192182.  Very patchy nebulosity connects in a triangular wedge from HD 192163 to the western side of the rim, very close to the highest surface brightness section.  Continuing clockwise, the annulus brightens on the southwest edge and spreads out (thicker annulus).  This section is highly structured, though has a lower surface brightness on the inside edge.  A fairly prominent "knot", at least 30" diameter, is within this pool of nebulosity on the south side, on a line with HD 192182 and W-R 136. Continuing clockwise, the irregular annulus is weakest on the southeast facing portion of the rim.  The surrounding Milky Way field is plastered with bright and faint stars with a large number within the confines of the nebula.

 

17.5" (6/29/00): Stunning view at 100x (20mm Nagler) using an OIII filter.  The outline appeared as a huge, irregular cosmic egg, ~18'x11', floating in a very rich Cygnus star field.  The complete annulus as easily visible.  The brightest section is along the north side and passes through a mag 7.2 star (very unequal double) at the north edge.  This piece displays much structure with several knots and wispy tendrils. The interior has an irregular surface brightness with wispy striations that appear to radiate from the mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet central star towards the NW rim at the end of the bright arc.  The rim is widest on the SW end with more nebulosity filling in towards the center, including an isolated bright knot that is on a line passing through the mag 7.2 star on the north end and the central star. The fine texture and structure of the nebulosity creates an "electric" effect with a 3-dimensional sense.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): the "Crescent Nebula" is one of my favorite large nebulae at 100x with a OIII filter (excellent contrast gain).  Appears as a bright, 16'x11' oval or egg-shaped annulus elongated SW-NE.  The rim is virtually complete except for a small piece of the east side and exhibits a great deal of turbulent, wispy structure.  The rim os brightest just SW of mag 7.2 HD 192182 (unequal pair O· 401 = 7.2/10.5 at 14"), which is embedded in the rim at the north end.  The nebula also passes through mag 8.2 SAO 69611 on the NE side.  Just north of center in the interior is the mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet star HD 192163 = W-R 136, whose strong stellar wind created this shocked ring-type nebula.  This is beautiful nebulosity set in a very rich Milky Way field.

 

13.1" (9/6/81): bright, large, oval shell, nearly complete loop visible with UHC, striking unusual appearance!

 

8" (9/7/18): used an 8" off-axis mask on my 24-inch, along with a 31 Nagler (84x) and an OIII filter.  I was surprised how much of the ellipse could be easily traced -- perhaps 240”, extending clockwise from mag 8.2 SAO 69611.  The most prominent section is the piece SW of mag 7.3 HD 192182, but the thick section at the SW end with a somewhat lower surface brightness was easily seen.

 

8" (8/9/80): faint, elongated arc of nebulosity connecting two mag 7.5/8.5 stars and extending SW of the brighter star.  Set in a very rich star field.  Only the brightest portion at the north end of the nebula was noticed.

 

6" (8/23/03): used a 6" off-axis mask on my 18", along with a 31 Nagler (73x) and an OIII filter.  A faint curving arc was visible which begins SW of the mag 7.2 star on the north edge and curves around to the mag 8.2 star on the NE side, extending nearly 90” of arc along the annulus of the Crescent Nebula.  No other nebulosity was visible.

 

80mm finder (6/7/08): using 25x and an OIII filter, the brighter northern side of the shell was clearly visible and appeared locally brightest in an elongated arc on the north side passing through mag 7.2 HD 192182.  A very faint hazy glow with no structure completed most of a large oval.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6888 = H IV-72 on 15 Sep 1792 (sweep 1027) and recorded "8m.  Double.  A faint milky ray south preceding joins to the double star; it is about 8' long, and is 1 1/2' broad."  His position is within the interior of this Wolf-Rayet shell, but Bigourdan's corrected RA from 18 Oct 1895 (copied to the IC 2 notes) matches the brightest arc.  Dreyer made three detailed observations and a sketch using the 72", which was published in plate V of the 1880 publication "Observations of Nebulae and Clusters of Stars".

 

NGC 6888 is illuminated by the Wolf-Rayet star

 HD 192163 = SAO 69592 at 20 12.1 +38 21.  This emission star was "discovered" spectroscopically by Copeland while sweeping with a Secchi prism at Dun Echt, Aberdeen and listed in MN 45, p91.  Copeland noted "this is the 7.1 mag star DM +37”3821.  It has a spectrum of several bright lines near D, and a very bright band in wavelength 464 mmm."

 

As far as the nickname "Crescent Nebula", in the 1920 Mt Wilson observations (based on 60" plates), Francis Pease description reads: "It is roughly elliptical, 18'x9', p.a. 42”.  The N, Np and Sp edges include the bulk of the nebulosity, which gives it a crescent form, the bowl of which is filled with faint and scattered nebulosity."

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NGC 6889 = ESO 186-029 = PGC 64464

20 18 52.8 -53 57 27; Tel

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 63”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 SW-NE, weak core, mottled appearance, hint of spiral structure in the halo.  Two mag 15 stars are very close; one is 0.6' ESE of center and other is at the northeast edge of the halo, 0.3' from center.  I also noted an extremely faint mag 17.5 star at the north edge of the halo, 21" from center.

 

ESO 186-036, located 25' NE, was noted as fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.4', sharply concentrated with an elongated bright nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6889 = h3823 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; L; lE; 2' l, 90" br."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6890 = ESO 284-054 = MCG -07-41-023 = PGC 64446

20 18 18.1 -44 48 24; Sgr

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 152”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a well defined bright core that gradually increases to the center.   Located 13' WSW of mag 8.2 HD 192960.

 

24" (9/15/12): at 175x appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9', brighter core.  The view was compromised by low altitude (less than 10” elevation), fairly poor seeing and sky glow near the horizon.  A number of ESO galaxies are within 1” NW, though they were too faint to be seen in these conditions except for NGC 6878 50' NW.  Possibly a member of the Telescopium Group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6890 = h3824 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM; 15"."  On a second sweep he logged "pB; S; R: gbM; 25"."  His position is accurate.  In a group with NGC 6878 50' WNW.

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NGC 6891 = PK 54-12.1 = BD+12”4266 = PN G054.1-12.1

20 15 08.8 +12 42 15; Del

V = 10.4;  Size 15"

 

24" (7/1/16): at 375x; very bright bluish disc slightly elongated NNW-SSE, perhaps 10"x8".  A fainter outer halo increases the diameter to roughly 18".  The mag 12.5-13 central star was steadily visible.  A mag 14.5 star is close off the NE edge [17" from center].  At 750x the brighter inner disc seemed more elongated with tapered ends like a lens.

 

18" (9/10/07): Using 225x; the bright, blue disc of high surface brightness surrounds the central star.  At 300x the very bright oval disc of 8"x6" diameter is surrounded by a fainter, round outer envelope that increases the diameter to ~15".  With direct vision the central star is visible embedded in the center of the high surface brightness disc.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1' WNW and a mag 13 star is a similar distance ESE with NGC 6891 nearly at the midpoint.

 

18" (7/15/07): at 174x this small blue disc has a high surface brightness and is very prominent in the field.  With direct vision the mag 12.5-13 central star is easily visible.  At 280x appears as a very bright, small disc with an unusually high surface brightness and the central star shines steadily.  At 700x, the extremely bright inner region is slightly elongated or lens-shaped N-S and is surrounded by a fainter outer halo or envelope that is still quite evident.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): very bright at 140x and OIII filter.  Appears as a small high surface brightness bluish oval of 10"-15" diameter.  At 410x, a brighter center or mag 13 central star is visible.  At this magnification, the planetary appears as a bright oval with a fainter outer halo.

 

8" (6/29/84): fairly high surface brightness, small blue disk.

 

80mm (9/10/07): visible as a faint "star" at 12.5x in the 80mm finder and easy to verify as a planetary by blinking with an OIII filter.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 6891 on 22 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Scotland, using a direct vision objective-prism (Secchi prism) sweep with a 6.1-inch refractor.  He remarked "this seems to be identical with the 9.5 mag star DM +12”4266.  It is in reality a planetary nebula about 4" in diameter with a nearly monochromatic spectrum."

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted, "mag 11.8 central star (Burnham).  A round disk 15" in diameter, of which the central 7" is considerably the brighter.  From this brighter center extend indistinct traces of wings in p.a. about 135-315”."

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NGC 6892

20 16 56.7 +18 01 10; Sge

Size 15"

 

24" (7/16/15): at 375x, this asterism consists of three mag 13.5-14.5 stars resolved in a small 15" knot, including a 5" pair.  A brighter mag 13.0 star is 30" SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6892 on 19 Jul 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He described it as a very faint star or cluster involved in nebulosity, but it was not resolved at 231x.  Just 1' southeast of his position is a small knot of 3 or 4 stars within 15".  Karl Reinmuth identified NGC 6892 as "3 or 4 eF st + ? eeeF pL neb?, identif doubtful; *13 sp, *12.5 and *15 np, *13.3 nf; IC 1312 = NGC 6892?"  Harold Corwin states that IC 1312 is a different asterism (see his notes).  RNGC classifies NGC 6892 as nonexistent.

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NGC 6893 = ESO 234-006 = AM 2017-482 = LGG 430-007 = PGC 64507

20 20 49.7 -48 14 21; Tel

V = 11.8;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very faint, small, almost round, gradually brightens.  Located 4.0' NNW of mag 9 HD 193199.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6893 = h3825 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; R; svmbM to a * 12m; 20"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6894 = PK 69-2.1 = PN G069.4-02.6

20 16 24.0 +30 33 55; Cyg

V = 12.5;  Size 44"

 

24" (7/1/16): at 375x; striking annular planetary ~45" diameter, the annulus is relatively thin giving a nice 25" darker "hole".  The rim in slightly irregular in brightness and thickness and appears weakly enhanced along the northern side.  A faint star is visible on the inside edge of the ring at the NNW side.

 

18" (7/15/07): excellent annular planetary at 280x, ~40" diameter with a relatively large 25" darker central hole.  The rim appears unevenly lit and possibly brighter along the north side although there are a couple of extremely faint stars involved on the north or NW portion of the rim that may have affected this impression.  At 700x the rim is clumpy and a bit weaker on the west side.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): moderately bright and large, round.  Annular appearance at 105x using an OIII filter and exhibits an obvious darker center at 222x and 294x with a UHC filter.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint but easily visible at 88x.  Darker center just visible at 144x-176x with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6894 = H IV-13 = h2072 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "pF, exactly R, of equal light throughout.  I believe it is resolvable, but am not certain, about 1' in diameter."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 33) as an illlustration of "nebulae that are of an almost uniform light."

 

John Herschel made several observations.  On 4 Sep 1825 (sweep 7), he logged "planetary nebula; diam [by inexperienced estimation] = 1'; light equable; exactly round; vF, a mere ghost."  On 1 Aug 1829, he recorded "eF; annular; pretty sharply defined; a very little elliptic; the northern limb is the brightest; the darkness in the middle requires some attention to see; but once seen it cannot be mistaken.  A most curious object, resembling much the annular nebula in Lyra, but rounder, small (not above half the diameter) and far fainter." 

 

LdR (or assistants) also described NGC 6894 as "annular" on 23 Aug 1851 (first observed on Aug 1 1848): "fine annular nebula like that in Lyra, R, the dark space is E pf, star easily seen in np edge and others suspected."

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick Observatory (earliest in 1899), Heber Curtis called NGC 6894 "The Annular Nebula in Cygnus".  He reported "the central star is about mag 16.  A very vague and indistinct ring, 44" in diameter along a major axis in p.a. 50”.  Quite faint; the brightest patch is at the north, near the 14th mag star involved in the ring."

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NGC 6895

20 16 29 +50 13 48; Cyg

 

24" (7/29/16): at 124x (49' field): this Milky Way field includes mag 6.4 HD 192983.  A 4' circular group with over a dozen mag 11-12.5 stars is ~5' W.  An elongated group of mag 11-13 stars is 5' SE of the bright star. A larger "U" shaped group of stars (open to the north), including mag 8.2 HD 193216 and three additional mag 9-10 stars is ~12' NE.  The overall field is fairly rich, but unimpressive with nothing that resembles a cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6895 = H VIII-83 on 30 Sep 1790 (sweep 960) and recorded "A cl of sc stars, above 15' dia, pretty rich and joining to the milky way, or a projecting part of it."  There is nothing distinctive the DSS near his position though I observed a scattering of brighter stars northeast and west of his position, with an overall size of at least 15'.  The field includes mag 6.4 HD 192983, though WH didn't mention a bright star.  Karl Reinmuth notes "milky way, no distinct Cl." in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" and RNGC calls the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6896

20 18 03.6 +30 38 23; Cyg

 

= **, Corwin. Not found, Reinmuth and Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6896 on 16 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted (3 observations) a small, nebulous group of stars.  There is no nebulosity or cluster at his position, which is close to 16" pair of mag ~14/15 stars.  Karl Reinmuth reported "no Cl + neb found" based on Heidelberg plates and both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Errata paper and the RNGC repeat Reinmuth's negative assessment.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6897 = MCG -02-52-001 = PGC 64513

20 21 01.3 -12 15 18; Cap

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 39”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  A mag 11.5 star is just west of the SW tip 1.1' from the center.  Pair with NGC 6898 6.5' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6897 = m 406 = Sf 80, along with NGC 6898, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, S."  Truman Safford independently rediscovered this galaxy on 24 Aug 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at Dearborn Observatory, though his position is poor.

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NGC 6898 = MCG -02-52-002 = PGC 64517

20 21 08.0 -12 21 34; Cap

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (9/7/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, brighter middle, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is just off the SSE edge 39" from center.  Pair with NGC 6897 6.5' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6898 = m 407 = Sf 79, along with NGC 6897, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, irr R."  Truman Safford independently rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 6897) on 24 Aug 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at Dearborn Observatory.  He logged "pB, S, R, N = 12m."

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NGC 6899 = ESO 234-022 = PGC 64630

20 24 22.4 -50 26 02; Tel

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 112”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.8', contains a relatively large bright core, mottled with a hint of structure in the halo.  Appears to have a brighter knot (or part of an arm) on the west side.  A mag 10 star (HD 193832) lies 2.4' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6899 = h3826 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "F; R; S; glbM; 15"; among stars."

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NGC 6900 = MCG +00-52-001 = MCG -01-52-002 = PGC 64530

20 21 35.1 -02 34 09; Aql

V = 12.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, very diffuse, even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6900 = m 408 on 1 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."

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NGC 6901 = IC 5000 = UGC 11542 = MCG +01-52-002 = CGCG 399-002 = PGC 64552

20 22 21.5 +06 25 48; Aql

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 63”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, overall diffuse with a low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 30" off the NW side and 1.4' from the center. NGC 6906 is located 18' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6901 = m 409 on 15 Aug 1863 and simply noted "eF".  There is nothing at his position, although his observation was noted as verified.  But one minute of time further east is UGC 11542 = PGC 64552.  According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan was misled by Marth's poor position and rediscovered this galaxy on 29 Sep 1891 and it was listed as Big. 335 (later IC 5000) at the correct position.  Nearby IC 1316, also logged by Bigourdan on the same evening, is nonexistent according to Corwin.

 

RNGC identifies UGC 11542 as NGC 6901, though their New Description reads "not found".  Assuming Marth made a 1.0 minute clerical error in RA, this identification is reasonable.  The CGCG mislabels UGC 11542 as IC 1316 and the UGC wrongly states IC 1316 = IC 5000.  RC2 and RNGC equate all three numbers.  I included this number in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 6902 = ESO 285-008 = MCG -07-42-002 = AM 2021-434 = LGG 434-003 = IC 4948 = PGC 64632

20 24 28.0 -43 39 12; Sgr

V = 10.9;  Size 5.6'x3.9';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 153”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, large, elongated 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~4'x2.5'.  There are three distinct zones; a very large, low surface bright halo (spiral arms) that contains several stars, a large brighter core ~60"x45", and a small bright nucleus.  Five or six mag 14.5-15.5 stars are superimposed on the large halo, the closest is 45" W of center.

 

LEDA 546866 = 2MASX J20240144-4336032 lies 5.8' NW and appeared as a small faint glow, elongated nearly 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~20"x12".

 

18" (8/19/09): fairly faint, fairly large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x1.2'.  Contains a large, brighter core with a higher surface bar running along the major axis.  IC 4946 = Shapley-Ames 5 lies 21' NNE.  Viewed at only 9” elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6902 = h3827 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "F; R; psbM; 25"."  His position is accurate.  Harold Corwin suggests that Lewis Swift made an 18 minute error in time in recording the RA of Sw. XII-15 = IC 4946 as well as Sw. XII-16 = IC 4948, as his descriptions and relative positions are a reasonable match for these two galaxies, particularly IC 4946.  Making this correction, NGC 6902 = IC 4948.  But Swift lists the discovery date for IC 4948 as 17 Sep 1897, 6 nights later than IC 4946.  So, some uncertainly on this equivalence still remains.

 

Glen Cozens has suggested James Dunlop's D 451 may be NGC 6902.  Dunlop found "an extremely small faint elliptical nebula, about 12" long and 8" broad, with a small bright point in the following extremity, which may be a star."  He made a single observation but his position is 1.2” due south of NGC 6902 and furthermore  there is no bright star near the eastern end of NGC 6902, so I'm skeptical of this identiication.

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NGC 6903 = ESO 596-029 = MCG -03-52-003 = PGC 64607

20 23 44.9 -19 19 31; Cap

V = 11.9;  Size 2.7'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  Very unusual appearance as a mag 10 star is attached at the NNE end.  The main body of the galaxy just extends up to the bright star but an extremely faint larger halo was suspected to encompass the bright star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6903 = h2073 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "a * 10m, with a considerable nebulous appendage sp, in which by glimpses may be fancied a star 15m."  A total of 3 observations were made.  This galaxy wasn't found on two attempts at Birr Castle in the 1850s, though it was later observed in the 1860's.  d'Arrest followed up with two observations at Copenhagen in 1864 with the 11" refractor and commented it was hard to understand how Rosse missed this object.

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NGC 6904

20 21 48.1 +25 44 29; Vul

 

17.5" (8/25/95): appears to be a random scattering of brighter stars mainly noticeable because it includes mag 8 SAO 88571.  The brighter stars form a rectangle with side of 3'-4' and a string of brighter stars off the NW vertex extends another 4' to the north.  There are roughly two dozen stars mag 9.5-13 in the group besides the mag 8 star.  Richest around mag 9.5 SAO 88575 at the SE corner of the rectangle.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6904 = h2074 on 18 Aug 1828 and recorded "A small straggling cluster of stars 10...11m.  One of the 9m, whose place is taken."  His position corresponds with mag 8.8 SAO 88571 at 20 21 42.9 +25 45 02.  Reinmuth described this asterism as "a very dense region, no distinct Cl". 

 

Dorothy Carlson noted "No Cluster" in her 1940 paper on NGC misidentifications and RNGC claims the number is nonexistent.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6905 = PK 61-9.1 = PN G061.4-09.5 = Blue Flash Nebula

20 22 23.0 +20 06 16; Del

V = 10.9;  Size 47"x37"

 

24" (8/14/15): the "Blue Flash" planetary was observed at 500x and 750x in excellent seeing.  The main body is oval 5:4 NNW-SSE, ~48"x40" and annular.  The rim appeared brightest along a thin strip on the east side and enhanced in a slightly brighter triangular wedge (roughly 60”-80”) extending east from the mag 15.7 central star.  The opposite western rim was also brighter, but the north and south ends as not enhanced.  The interior was mottled with a slightly darker, irregular central "hole", particularly on the south and west side of the central star, but not to the east.  Mag 10.4 HD 352100 lies 48" N of center and a mag 12 star is 38" SSE of center, in the direction of the major axis.

 

An extremely faint outer halo or wing was occasionally glimpsed off the north-northwest end, tapering in the direction of the major axis and extending 10"-12" in length.  The corresponding extension off the south-southeast side and ending at the mag 12 star (completing a lens-shaped outline out of a truncated ellipse on deep images) was not seen, although Jimi Lowrey felt it was equally visible.

 

48" (5/16/12): beautiful blue oval planetary with a fairly bright central star.  Very nice annular appearance with an irregular darker interior.  A bright arc is along the east or northeast rim and a slightly weaker counterpart was on the west or southwest edge.  The ends are somewhat chopped off, creating a rectangular appearance.

 

18" (7/2/08): at 565x, this interesting planetary had a very irregular surface brightness and appeared weaker on the north and south sides and slightly brighter in a triangular wedge that fanned out to the east from the central star.  The edge of the western rim was also very slightly enhanced but there wasn't a complete brighter wedge on the west side of the central star, which would have created a subtle bipolar dumbbell shape. The faint central star was visible continuously at this magnification.

 

18" (8/23/03): beautiful planetary at 320x and 538x.  The mag 15.7 central star is easily visible continuously. The interior seems unevenly lit and there appears to be a very slightly darker "hole" to the north of the central star.  Bracketed by a mag 11 star off north edge and a mag 12 star just off the south edge and the planetary is slightly elongated N-S in the direction of these stars.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very pretty planetary at 280x.  Fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated.  A very faint central star (V = 15.7) is visible.  Takes 440x well.  Just off the north edge is a mag 11 star 1.4' from center and a mag 12 star is just off the south edge 39" from center.

 

8" (6/29/84): moderately bright, uniform, slightly elongated N-S, two stars at the northeast and south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6905 = H IV-16 = h2075 on 16 Sep 1784 (sweep 275) and recorded "pB, perfectly R, pretty well defined, about 3' in diameter." The next night he noted "I do not doubt but it consists of very much compressed stars."  His size estimate was much too large, but his position is just 6 seconds too far west.  JH made 3 observations and logged on sweep 364, "Fine planetary nebula; B; exactly R; rather hazy at the edges, but not materially brighter in the middle, but no hollow.  It has four small stars near it like satellites."  The nearby stars were micrometrically measured as the possibility of physical satellites of planetaries intrigued JH and he mentioned it regarding NGC 6818 and 7662.

 

On 10 Aug 1850 Lord Rosse's assistant reported, "* or B nucl nf the middle.  A dark curved line p[receding] this plainly seen, which at moments I fancied went round the sf part". Two years later, George Johnstone Stoney stated "this planetary nebela is a beautiful little spiral".  This is a case of imagined spiral structure as it was a primary focus at Birr Castle.  R.J. Mitchell's sketch from 12 Aug 1855 with a spiral appearance was included in the 1861 publication (Plate XXVIII, figure 34).  Father Secchi noted a bi-polar brightening or mottling, particularly on the east side (1856, 9.5" refractor).  Vogel made an excellent sketch of the planetary in Sep 1883 with the 27" Vienna refractor with a dark lane oriented ~N-S, tapering towards the central star and two brighter triangular "wings" on the east and west side, with the eastern wing more prominent.

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "the main portion is a very patchy truncated ellipse 44"x37" in p.a. 163”.  Very faint cone-shaped ansae extend from each end.  A star of mag 12 lies nearly at the end of the southern ansa."

 

John Mallas coined the nickname "Blue Flash" in his Aug/Sep 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-VI", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy".  He described NGC 6905 as "The Blue Flash. After turning a telescope on this object one will notice the small triangle of stars superimposed upon it.  Glimmering and flashing between the triangle is the little planetary.  Using about 120x on a 4-inch reveals all that can be seen in small apertures."

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NGC 6906 = UGC 11548 = MCG +01-52-003 = CGCG 399-006 = LGG 435-001 = PGC 64601

20 23 34.0 +06 26 38; Aql

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (6/20/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  NGC 6901= IC 1316 lies 18' W.  A mag 9.5 star lies 3.6' SW.  UGC 11555, located 1.3” SSE, may be part of the same poor group.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): fairly faint, fairly small, very small bright core, diffuse outer halo, elongated SW-NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6906 = m 410 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "pF, pL, R."  His position is 1' north of UGC 11548 = PGC 64601.  Harold Corwin notes that IC 5006, discovered by Hermann Kobold on 23 Sep 1895, and placed 3.3' east-northeast of NGC 6906, refers to a very close double star with a mag 14 star 20" northwest.

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NGC 6907 = ESO 528-003 = MCG -04-48-006 = UGCA 418 = LGG 436-003 = PGC 64650

20 25 06.6 -24 48 33; Cap

V = 11.2;  Size 3.3'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 76”

 

48" (10/25/14): the central 1.2' bar of NGC 6907 runs E-W and contained a bright core and very bright nucleus that increased to the center.  The more prominent spiral arm is attached on the east end of the bar and the section that hooks north contains NGC 6908, a superimposed galaxy.  It appeared fairly bright, elongated 3:1 N-S, ~21"x7", very small bright core -- and appeared distinctly as a separate galaxy.  A mag 16 star is just off the northeast end of NGC 6908.   The arm bends clockwise west and dims as it extends to nearly the west end of the central bar (much further than seen with my 24").  The southern arm was fainter, more diffuse and broader, but swept around to the east on the south side of the halo, reaching nearly to the east end of the central bar.  Two non-stellar HII knots (~10" diameter) were seen along this arm and they made an equilateral triangle with the nucleus; the brighter knot is at the west end of this arm, 0.8' SE of center, and a second knot lies 0.8' SSW of center.

 

24" (8/14/15): the companion galaxy superimposed on the eastern arm was clearly visible and fairly well defined, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~20"x8".

 

24" (7/25/14): striking example of a barred spiral with a prominent 1.5'x0.5' central bar oriented directly east-west.  The bar contains a bright 30" core, which increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A bright arm is attached at the east end of the bar and extends due north for 0.7', at a right angle to the bar.  A bright, elongated N-S "knot" is embedded in the middle (superimposed companion NGC 6908).  At the north end, the arm  curls west a short distance while dimming out.  A difficult, ill-defined arm is attached at the west end of the bar.  It vaguely curves south and west, but quickly disappears into very low surface brightness haze.

 

24" (9/15/12): excellent barred spiral with the 1.5' central bar oriented E-W.  The bar has a small, brighter core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  On the east side of the bar a prominent spiral arm is attached that hooks at a 90” angle to the north for ~45".  The arm dims and curves clockwise to the west a short distance, creating a "comma" appearance in the eyepiece with north down and west left.  There is a noticeable elongated brightening or N-S streak in the arm at the northern end (before curving west).  This streak is NGC 6908, a superimposed companion.  On the west side of the bar, the beginning of a low surface brightness arm (hazy extension) bends southwest a very short distance and dims out.

 

18" (9/3/08): beautiful view at 280x using an 8mm Ethos.  A large 2' "bar" is oriented E-W with a broad, weak concentration but suddenly rises to a very small, bright core and faint stellar nucleus.  On the east side of the bar, a spiral arm is attached that hooks directly to the north and just begins to sweep clockwise around on the north side of the galaxy towards the west.  There appears to a brightening (faint knot) near where the arm is attached to the bar.  Off the west side is faint haze on the south side, but the arm structure is very weak.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.8' due east of center on line with the central bar.  An elongated galaxy (NGC 6908) oriented N-S is superimposed on the eastern arm as it hooks north though visually the galaxy and the arm appear indistinguishable.

 

17.5" (8/8/02): beautiful view at 220x.  This barred spiral appeared moderately bright and large with a fairly bright bar elongated "bar" oriented ~E-W with a small bright core.  At the following end of the bar an obvious arm is attached is attached sweeping north of the galaxy in a comma-like appendage.  On the preceding end there seems to be a faint knot and there is a very short extension bending south that quickly fades out.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): at 192x appears moderately bright, bright core, elongated E-W.  Barred spiral structure is evident; fainter extensions form the bar and an arm at the eastern end of the bar curves north and then hooks slightly back to the west.  This spiral arm appears to end at a faint knot.  Two mag 11.5 stars lie 3' E and a similar distance south.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6907 = H III-141 = h2076 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "a pretty considerable vF nebula, lE, vlbM than at the extremes.  240 showed the same appearance; it makes a trapezium with 3 stars and is at the northern and following corner of it."  JH made the single observation (from Slough), "vF; L; R; vglbM; 3' diam; r; the sky hazy."  His position is accurate.   In a 5-inch refractor at Vanderbilt, Barnard called it  "faint and somewhat faint; it is close preceding a 9-magnitude star, and is gradually pretty much brighter in the middle."

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NGC 6908 = PGC 4581797

20 25 09.0 -24 48 04; Cap

Size 0.3'x0.12';  PA = 3”

 

48" (10/25/14): at 610x; the elongated brightening in the northeast spiral arm appeared fairly bright, elongated 3:1 N-S, ~21"x7", very small bright core. This was the first time this object appeared as a superimposed galaxy and not just as a weak brightening in the arm itself.

 

24" (8/14/15): the companion galaxy superimposed on the eastern arm was clearly visible and fairly well defined, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~20"x8".

 

24" (7/25/14): A bright arm is attached at the east end of NGC 6907's bar and extends due north for 0.7', at a right angle to the bar.  A bright, elongated N-S "knot" is embedded in the middle (superimposed companion NGC 6908).  At the north end, the arm  curls west a short distance while dimming out.

 

24" (9/15/12): the spiral arm that extends north on the eastern end of the bar of NGC 6907 contains a noticeable brightening on the north end that is actually a superimposed galaxy.  The companion is elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.3'x0.1' and appears as a short streak within the arm.  NGC 6908 may apply to the entire spiral arm or this elongated brightening (galaxy).

 

18" (9/3/08): this number refers to the prominent spiral arm on the NE side where an anonymous galaxy (elongated N-S) is superimposed on the arm in roughly the same orientation!  Visually the spiral arm hooks directly to the north from the east end of the central bar, just where the galaxy is located, though the galaxy was not distinguishable.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6908 = m 411 on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, lE, (close to h2076 [= NGC 6907]."  His position corresponds with the brighter trailing spiral arm, or more specifically the elongated companion that is superimposed on the northeastern arm.  The companion is clearly visible on a deep image.

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NGC 6909 = ESO 285-012 = AM 2024-471 = PGC 64725

20 27 38.9 -47 01 37; Tel

V = 11.7;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 68”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.6'; sharply concentrated with a very bright and small core, increasing to bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star lies 0.6' S of center and a mag 13 star is 1.3' SE.  Two mag 9-9.5 stars lie 8' NE and another mag 9.5 is 12' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6909 = h3828 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; gbM; near 2 st 10m."  His position is accurate.  Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 9 Aug 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and showed it elongated ~2:1 SW-NE and sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus.  He placed a 15th mag star close off the south side. (p. 141 of his logbook).

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NGC 6910 = Cr 420 = Lund 950 = OCL-181

20 23 12 +40 46 42; Cyg

V = 7.4;  Size 8'

 

17.5" (8/7/91): about 40 stars mag 7.5-15.5 in a 7' diameter dominated by two mag 7.5 stars oriented NW-SE.  A mag 7.4 star (SAO 49556) with two faint companions is at the NW end and a mag 7 star (SAO 49563) is at the SE end surrounded by a rich group of 10 mag 12-13 stars.  Most of the cluster's brighter mag 10-11 stars are arranged in a NW-SE string just west of the line connecting the two bright stars.  A second curving offshoot to the west consisting of three mag 10 stars gives a "Y" shape to the cluster.  Located 40' NNE of Gamma Cygni (V = 2.2) within a section of the IC 1318 complex.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6910 = H VIII-56 = h2077 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and recorded "a small cluster of coarsely scattered stars, of various sizes; of an extended form; like a forming one [cluster]."  On 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183) John Herschel logged "a poor and coarse but rather brilliant cl, 2 st 9m (the np taken) and 30 or 40 more 10...12."

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NGC 6911 = UGC 11540 = MCG +11-24-006 = CGCG 324-007 = CGCG 325-001 = PGC 64485

20 19 38.7 +66 43 40; Dra

V = 14.3;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A mag 11 star is 2' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6911 = Sw. II-84 on 9 Jun 1885 and recorded "eF; L; lbM; pB * nr."  His position is at the west edge of UGC 11540 and his comment "pB * near applies to a mag 11 star 1.5' southwest.

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NGC 6912 = ESO 596-038 = MCG -03-52-008 = PGC 64700

20 26 52.1 -18 37 03; Cap

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, no significant central brightening, edges fade into background.  Two mag 13.5 star are off the NE edge collinear with galaxy 1.4' and 2.2' from the center.  A bright wide pair of stars mag 8.6 (SAO 163587) and 9.5 are about 6' NE.  Pair with IC 1319 12' NW.

 

13" (7/20/85): faint, extremely diffuse, almost round, two faint stars 2' NE, two brighter stars 5' NE are collinear.  Pair with IC 1319 12' NW.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 6912 on 14 Aug 1881 at Washburn Observatory with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor.  He noted "vF, 8th mag star follows nebula 16 seconds.  There is a pair of stars 14-15 mag a few seconds np the nebula."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6913 = M29 = Cr 422

20 23 57 +38 30 30; Cyg

V = 6.6;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (9/9/83): M29 consists of two dozen stars mag 8 and fainter in a fairly small trapezoidal outline well detached in the field.  The six brightest mag 8 stars form two curving rows on the SW and NE ends.  Appears loose with no dense spots and seems fully resolved.

 

Charles Messier discovered M29 = NGC 6913 = h2078 on 29 July 1764.  Caroline Herschel observed this group on 6 Apr 1783 and logged "About 1 deg under Gamma Cygni; in my telescope 5 small stars thus [diagram]. My Brother looked at them with the 7 ft and counted 12. It is not in Mess. catalogue."  According to Michael Hoskins, the position and diagram applies to M29, despite her comment that it wasn't a Messier.  On 15 Sep 1792 (sweep 1027), William Herschel recorded "a cluster of very coarsely sc. vL stars; not rich." JH reported "a coarse cluster of 8 large stars (10m) and a dozen or 20 smaller in a roundish form."

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NGC 6914 = LBN 274 = LBN 280 = vdB 132 = Ced 176d/e

20 24 43.3 +42 28 57; Cyg

Size 13'x12'

 

18" (8/12/07): at 73x, this rich Milky Way region contains three sections of reflection nebulosity.  The brightest piece (GN 20.22.9) was discovered by Stephan and is located 11' SW of mag 6.9 HD 194708.  It involves two mag 11 stars and a mag 12.5 star on the west side.  About 6' S is another hazy patch (vdB 132 = GN 20.23.0) surrounding a wide mag 9/11 pair at 43".  Faint haze connects these two pieces and together they extend ~10'x3' in a N-S orientation.  This reflection nebula appears to be bounded on the west side by a non-illuminated dust cloud.

 

A third weak reflection nebula (vdB 131) is located 12' SSW of the brighter (northern) section of NGC 6914.  It involves a group of 10-15 stars (Dolidze 8) including two mag 9.5 stars and a nice curving arc of stars is just off the southeast side.  Overall, the Milky Way is very patchy or dusty in this region so these reflection nebulae do not stand out prominently, though the contrast was improved using a Deep Sky filter.

 

To the SE of the NGC 6914 complex is a very faint, hazy HII region (LBN 279), situated just east of mag 7.5 HD 194669.  It appears roughly 10'x6' in size and includes a number of mag 10-11 stars.  There was only a weak response to a UHC filter, though there was no response to a Deep Sky filter and this is not part of the reflection complex.

 

17.5" (8/7/91): at 100x appears as a fairly bright field of reflection nebulosity locally brightest surrounding two pairs of fairly bright stars.  Two mag 11 stars are at the north end with a separation of 51" and a mag 9 (SAO 49589)/mag 11 pair with a separation of 42" is at the south end.  These two sections are separated by ~6' and are connected by a fainter elongated piece of nebulosity.  Very faint nebulosity also extends NE towards a mag 7 star (SAO 49603) located 11' NE.  Stephan's position is centered on the northern pair of stars.  A third piece surrounding a mag 9 further SW was not noted.

 

8" (7/24/82): fairly large nebulous field locally brighter surrounding a wide faint double star and to the south surrounding a double star mag 9.  The brightest section is elongated N-S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6914 = St XII-93 on 29 Aug 1881 and recorded "vF, vL, iR, dif, 2 st att p[receding]." [NGC description].  His position is accurate.  The patch ~6' south is sometimes called NGC 6914B and is part of the same reflection nebula complex.  It's not clear from Stephan's description how large an area of nebulosity he noticed.

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NGC 6915 = PGC 64729

20 27 46.1 -03 04 37; Aql

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): moderately bright faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, large brighter core with a small faint halo.  Bracketed by two mag 13 stars 1.2' SW and 1.5' N of center.  An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at the NE edge.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6915 = m 412 on 24 Jul 1863 and noted "pB, S, R."  His position is 2' north of PGC 64729 (accurate in RA).  Engelhardt and ƒdouard Stephan measured an accurate position.  This is a bright galaxy to be missing in the MCG but it is included in the RC3.

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NGC 6916 = UGC 11554 = MCG +10-29-004 = CGCG 304-004 = PGC 64600

20 23 32.9 +58 20 39; Cyg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W.  A mag 14 star is at the west end 25" from center.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6916 = Sw. IX-94 on 26 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; F * close p; 2 single and 2 D stars in line n point to it."  The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and not published until his 9th list in 1890, though Dreyer assumed it would be included in the 6th list.  Swift's position is 2.3' too far northeast, although his description is a perfect match.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, this was the last discovery to make it into the NGC (published in 1888).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 and noted the "F * close p" was 12th magnitude.

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NGC 6917 = UGC 11563 = MCG +01-52-007 = CGCG 399-010 = PGC 64715

20 27 28.4 +08 05 53; Del

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 44”

 

13.1" (7/27/84): very faint, low even surface brightness, almost round, 0.8' diameter.  A mag 14 star is at the south end 22" from the center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6917 = m 413 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, attached to a small *."  His position and description matches UGC 11563.  ƒdouard Stephan measured a very accurate micrometric position at the Marseille Observatory.

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NGC 6918 = ESO 234-040 = PGC 64851

20 30 47.0 -47 28 26; Ind

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 0”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 13.7 star is barely off the southwest edge, just 24" from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6918 = h3830 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; attached to a * 12m sf [N.B. - By a diagram made at the time, the star is s p."  The note is correct.

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NGC 6919 = ESO 285-027 = MCG -07-42-011 = PGC 64883

20 31 38.0 -44 12 58; Mic

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 148”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright and large, relatively low but uneven surface brightness with a broad and weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  I had a strong impression of spiral structure in the halo.  Three stars are around the edges (at least one may be an HII knot in the halo) including a mag 15.5 star 0.8' NNW.  ESO 285-025 lies 5.4' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6919 = h3831 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6920 = ESO 026-004 = AM 2036-801 = PGC 65273

20 43 57.2 -80 00 03; Oct

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this far southern galaxy appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small intense core, 35" diameter.  This is one of only 7 NGC galaxies south of -80” declination.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6920 = h3829 on 21 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; R; psmbM; 25"."

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 3 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pS, psmbM to a star like nucleus - looks as if it had a very minute star in the center - no certainty about this star o- may be very likely only a sudden condensation."

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NGC 6921 = UGC 11570 = MCG +04-48-001 = PGC 64768

20 28 28.8 +25 43 24; Vul

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.4;  PA = 141”

 

17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, very small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus.  One or two very faint stars are at the edges.  Unusual as located in the midst of a very rich Milky Way field over unresolved background glow.  Located only 7.6” from the galactic equator and less than 3” SW of open cluster NGC 6940!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6921 = m 414 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "F, S, E."  His position is 1.4' southeast of UGC 11570 and the description applies.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Auguste Voigt independently rediscovered this galaxy in 1865 with the 31-inch silvered-glass reflector at the Marseilles Observatory.

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NGC 6922 = UGC 11574 = MCG +00-52-018 = CGCG 373-017 = PGC 64814

20 29 53.0 -02 11 29; Aql

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, round, diffuse, fairly even surface brightness

 

17.5" (8/1/86): moderately large, almost round, diffuse, pretty low even surface brightness with no core.  A very faint star is at the west edge and mag 8.7 SAO 144498 is 7.0' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6922 = m 415 on 24 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, pL, R."  His position (noted as verified) is accurate.

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NGC 6923 = ESO 462-029 = MCG -05-48-017 = AM 2028-310 = LGG 437-001 = IC 5004 = PGC 64884

20 31 38.7 -30 49 58; Mic

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78”

 

13.1" (9/9/83): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is close to the NW edge 1.2' from center.

 

8" (8/12/83): not found.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6923 = h3832 on 31 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; S; lE; bM; 15" l, 12" br."  He made a total of 4 observations and on sweep 619 logged "pB; R; gbM; has 2 or 3 st very near it."  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 22 Jul 1897 and called it "eF; pS; lE; wide D * near s[outh]."  But his position for Sw. XI-189 (later IC 5004) was particularly poor; 6 minutes of RA too far west.  The "wide D[ouble] star" is ~4' S.  So, IC 5504 = NGC 6923.  See Harold Corwin's notes for more on the IC number.

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NGC 6924 = ESO 528-016 = MCG -04-48-014 = AM 2030-253 = PGC 64945

20 33 19.2 -25 28 29; Cap

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 154”

 

17.5" (7/21/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 13 star is at the south tip.  NGC 6924 is at the southwestern end of AGC 3698 and also a member of the SSRS Group 74 triplet with NGC 6936 37' NE and ESO 528-021 25' NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6924 = LM 1-231 on 8 Jul 1885 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 13.2, pS, R, sbMN, * 1.0' N, neb * in field?, env 14.0."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 45 seconds due west of ESO 528-016 = PGC 64945.  Ormond Stone's corrected position in the IC 1 notes is accurate.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor at Denver, notes that Leavenworth's star is mag 13 and 20" south.

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NGC 6925 = ESO 463-004 = MCG -05-48-022 = AM 2031-320 = LGG 437-003 = IC 5015? = PGC 64980

20 34 20.6 -31 58 48; Mic

V = 11.3;  Size 4.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (8/5/91): moderately bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.8', thin long arms extend from the core.  A mag 13 star is at the north tip 1.4' from center. 

 

8" (7/16/82): very faint, elongated SW-NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6925 = h3834 on 31 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; mE; pslbM; 2 1/2' l, 40" br."  His mean position (3 observations) is accurate.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that Lewis Swift's XII-20 (later IC 5015), found on 18 Aug 1897, may be a duplicate observation.  He feels Swift's description "pB, pS, R, nearly bet 2 st with dist. companion" is a reasonable fit, though the position is poor (typical for those made in 1897).  But I would be surprised if Swift called this galaxy "pretty small" as well as "round", and his position is well off in both RA (6 minutes of time) and Dec (17'), so I've listed it as not found.

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NGC 6926 = UGC 11588 = MCG +00-52-033 = CGCG 373-033 = Holm 781a = VV 621 = PGC 64939

20 33 06.2 -02 01 40; Aql

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, broad concentration.  Brighter of pair with NGC 6929 3.9' E.  Also brightest in a small group (USGC U788) that includes NGC 6922.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, slightly brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6926 = H III-142 = h2079 on 21 Jul 1784 (sweep 242) and recorded "vF, E, nearly of equal light throughout and about 2' long.  A patch of not very close small stars north following."  His RA was poor (too large), but clearly applies to UGC 11588.  On 12 Sep 1830, John Herschel logged "vF; pL; pmE; or two joined; nearly in the meridian [N-S]."  On JH's first observation three years earlier, he discovered nearby NGC 6929.

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NGC 6927 = MCG +02-52-016 = CGCG 424-020 = IC 1325: = WBL 663-001 = PGC 64925

20 32 38.2 +09 54 59; Del

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 9”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 20"x10".  Faintest and smallest of the three NGCs in the group.  NGC 6927A, situated 2' S, was extremely faint and small, ~8" diameter, occasionally popped cleanly. Situated between a mag 13.8 star 0.8' E and a mag 14.9 star 1.3' W.  A mag 15.4 star is close south [21" from center].

 

24" (9/1/16): faint, small, elonated 3:2 N-S, 0.3'x0.2', stellar nucleus.  Faintest and smallest in a trio with NGC 6928 3.0' ENE and NGC 6930 (double system) 5.7' SE.

 

18" (7/11/10): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12" (not as elongated as appears on the DSS).  This is the faintest of the three NGC galaxies in the group.

 

18" (9/10/07): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 18"x12".  Located 3' WSW of NGC 6928 and faintest in a trio with NGC 6930.

 

18" (7/29/03): very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~15"x12", low surface brightness.  Either I viewed the core only or this galaxy is much smaller than this listed dimensions. Faintest in a trio with edge-ons NGC 6928 and NGC 6930.  Located 3' WSW of NGC 6928.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, very small, almost stellar at 222x.  Thin faint extensions 3:1 N-S are visible at 294x.  Located 3.0' WSW of NGC 6928 and 5.7' NW of NGC 6930 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6927 = m 416, along with NGC 6928 and 6930, on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "eF, lE."  His position, although marked as verified, is 1.7' too far south.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at the University of Denver.  Hermann Kobold position for NGC 6927 (measured in 1895) refers to a double star located 2.8' NNW of NGC 6928.

 

The RNGC new description for NGC 6927 appears to describe NGC 6928, although the position is correct.

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NGC 6928 = IC 1325 = UGC 11589 = MCG +02-52-017 = CGCG 424-021 = LGG 438-003 = WBL 663-002 = PGC 64932

20 32 50.4 +09 55 37; Del

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 106”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is close north [15" from center of the galaxy].

 

18" (7/11/10): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.35', bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is pinned against the north side, just north of the core. Forms the northern vertex of a trio with fainter NGC 6927 3' WSW and NGC 6930 3.8' SSE.

 

18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', weak concentration with a 0.4'x0.3' brighter core and faint, thin extensions.  A mag 13.5 star is close NE of the core (15" from the center) and a mag 12.5 star lies 1.4' ENE.  Brightest in triplet with NGC 6927 3' WSW and NGC 6930 3.8' SE.

 

18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.1'x0.25', small brighter core.  A 13th magnitude star is at the north edge of the core.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 6927 and NGC 6929.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): moderately bright, pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 13 star is superimposed north of the core just 20" from center.  Brightest in a group with NGC 6927 3' WSW and NGC 6930 4' SE.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, elongated E-W.  An extremely faint star is at the north edge. 

 

8" (8/12/83): extremely faint, averted only, elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus?, fairly bright wide double star in field to NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6928 = m 417, along with NGC 6927 and 6930, on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "pB, pL, mE."  His declination is 1' too small.  Engelhardt and Howe measured a precise micrometric position.

 

Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 23 Sep 1888 and reported Sw. VIII-98 (later IC 1325) as "vF; S; 3 or 4 F st inv; sp of 2 [with IC 1326 = NGC 6930]."  His position is 3' too far south and he confused the orientation of the two galaxies, which is northwest-southeast.  The RNGC new description for NGC 6928 appears to describe NGC 6930 although the position is correct.

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NGC 6929 = MCG +00-52-035 = CGCG 373-035 = Holm 781b = PGC 64949

20 33 21.6 -02 02 14; Aql

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, two mag 15 stars follow.  Located 4' E of NGC 6926.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed.  Two mag 15 stars oriented E-W are collinear close following and this may enhance the impression of elongation.  Elongated at a right angle to NGC 6926 3.9' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6929 = h2080 on 21 Jul 1827 and recorded "vF; vS; the s[outh] f[ollowing] of 2 [with NGC 6926]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6930 = IC 1326 = UGC 11590 = MCG +02-52-018 = CGCG 424-022 = LGG 438-004 = WBL 663-003 = PGC 64935

20 32 58.8 +09 52 28; Del

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 8”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, very thin edge-on 5:1 N-S, 50"x10", slightly brighter core.  A mag 15.5 star is barely off the S tip.  LEDA 200365 is attached to the N tip and appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10", very low surface brightness glow.  LEDA 214749, another dim galaxy, is 1.7' SE.  In a nice group that resides in a rich star field with numerous nearby stars, including mag 8.6 HD 195765 4' SSW. 

 

24" (9/1/16): at 220x, moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 0.9'x0.2', brighter core.  A mag 15.5 star is at the south end [38" S of center].  At 322x, a companion (LEDA 200365) is attached at the north end.  It appeared extremely to very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, 10"x6".

 

18" (7/11/10): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, ~50"x12".  An extremely faint star (V = 15.7) is barely off the south tip.  Occasionally there appeared to be a very small brightening at the north tip (this is LEDA 200365).  In a small group with brightest member NGC 6928 3.8' NW.  Located 4.3' NNE of mag 8.6 HD 195765.

 

18" (9/10/07): faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.25', very weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Located 2.2' NW of a 40" pair of mag 10/11 stars and 4.3' NNE of mag 8.6 HD 195934.  An extremely faint star is at the south tip.  Second brightest of three with NGC 6928 and NGC 6927.

 

18" (7/29/03): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.2', weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is off the south edge, 1.1' SSW of center, and a pair of mag 10/11 stars lie 2.3' SSE.  Second brightest in a trio with a similar edge-on NGC 6928 4' NW and NGC 6927 6' NW.  Located 4.4' NNE of mag 8.7 SAO 125934.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): faint, thin streak ~N-S, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 1.4' SSW.  Elongated at right angles to NGC 6928 4.0' NW.  NGC 6927 lies 5.7' NW.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): very faint, elongated ~N-S.  A mag 11 star is off the south edge.  Member of the NGC 6928 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6930 = m 418, along with NGC 6927 and 6928 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "F, mE."  His declination is 1' too small.

 

Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 23 Sep 1888 and reported Sw. VIII-99 (later IC 1326) as "eeeF; S; eE; spindle; pF * nr south; wide D * nr sf; ee diff; nf of 2 [with IC 1325]."  His position is 1' too far north-northeast and he confused the orientation of the two galaxies, which is northwest [NGC 6928 = IC 1325] and southeast [NGC 6930 = IC 1326].  Herbert Howe suggested the NGC/IC equivalences and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 6931 = MCG -02-52-016 = PGC 64963

20 33 41.3 -11 22 06; Cap

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is off the NW edge.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6931 = LM 1-232 on 4 Jun 1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.6'x0.2', E 120”, gbM, divided into 2 parts?"  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 20 seconds east and 1.5' south of MCG -02-52-016 = PGC 64963 and the position angle matches.  Bigourdan, on 31 Jul 1888, and Herbert Howe in Denver measured an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes).  Howe noted "though this is very small, it is much elongated at 120”.  At times it appeared to have condensation near each extremity, but the seeing was not very good."

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NGC 6932 = ESO 047-008 = AM 2036-734 = PGC 65219

20 42 08.8 -73 37 10; Pav

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 115”

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  A nice string of 5 stars begins with a mag 10 star 2.8' W of center and extends to the south.  On the DSS, this is a striking ring galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6932 = h3833 on 29 Jun 1835 and logged "F; S; R; glbM; follows a hook of 5 stars."  His position is 40" too far south and the "hook of 5 stars" is southwest.

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NGC 6933

20 33 38.2 +07 23 14; Del

 

= *, Reinmuth.  = **, Carlson.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 6933 = Nova VII on 14 Sep 1865 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  He recorded "1/2 minute [of time] preceding h2081 [NGC 6934]. Neb is near stellar, its nebulous atmosphere barely perceptible, yet looks quite differently from the surrounding stars."  His precise position in the "Preliminary Catalogue of Nebulae observed at Uppsala" (1875) corresponds with a mag 12 star.  Karl Reinmuth reported a "*12; no nebulosity seen; *10 sf" (based on a Heidelberg plate).  Dorothy Carlson classified the number as a double star in her 1940 NGC Corrections paper.

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NGC 6934

20 34 11.4 +07 24 15; Del

V = 8.9;  Size 7';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

18" (6/25/04): at 300x, partially resolved into a couple of dozen stars, particularly on the south side of the very ragged 3' halo which surrounds the bright 50" core.  At 538x, perhaps 3 dozen stars are resolved mostly in the halo, but also several are superimposed on the very mottled core including one very close to the geometric center.  The halo is irregular, but clearly elongated N-S with more extension resolution on the south side.  A number of extremely faint stars pop in and out of view with the seeing and the cluster seems of the verge of more extensive resolution.

 

17.5" (8/5/94): bright, 3.0' diameter, round.  Fairly sharp concentration with a 1.5' diameter very bright core.  The halo has about two dozen stars peppered in the outer regions; the brightest star is on the NE side of the core.  The core is very lively and just starts to break up in to several very faint stars and a single obvious star.  A mag 9.5 star is just 2' W of center.

 

17.5" (7/9/94): bright, fairly small, 3.5' diameter, very bright core.  At 225x, 20-25 stars are resolved in the halo mostly in the southern portion.  Contains an intense 1.5' core with a much fainter halo to 3.5' which extends almost to a mag 9.5 star 2' W of center.  The bright core itself is very lively and mottled with a few faint stars resolved and a single brighter star just east of the geometric center.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, small outer halo resolved into approximately 15 stars mainly south of the core, mottled.  A mag 9 star is 2' W. 

 

8" (6/29/84): mottled, fainter halo, clumpy at 400x but no resolution.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6934 = H I-103 = h2081 on 24 Sep 1785 (sweep 440) and recorded "vB, L, gmbM, er.  A beautiful object."  His position is 36 sec of RA too far west and 7' too far north.  The large error was apparently the result of using "a new Polar distance machine contrived to shew the polar distance of the tube in every situation" that was not finished.  JH called it "A beautiful, v compressed, B, R, globular cluster, 3' diam, well resolved.  Stars = 16...20m."  On 19 Aug 1855, R.J. Mitchell (LdR's assistant) recorded "very fine glob Cl, comes up to a blaze in centre.  From f side of Nucl a stream of stars runs np, rather brighter and more condensed than in the rest of the border."

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NGC 6935 = ESO 234-059 = AM 2034-521 = PGC 65112

20 38 20.1 -52 06 39; Ind

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 8”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): brighter of a striking pair with NGC 6937 4.4' SE.  Bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.7'x1.5', well concentrated to a very small bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Surrounded by several mag 14 stars.  Located 54' WSW of mag 4.5 Eta Indi..

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6935 = h3835, along with NGC 6937, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; L; R; glbM; 2'; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 6937]."  On a second sweep he noted "B; pL; R; gbM; r; 80"."

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NGC 6936 = ESO 528-022 = MCG -04-48-021 = PGC 65033

20 35 56.3 -25 16 48; Cap

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 4”

 

17.5" (7/21/90): fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core.  This is the dominant galaxy in AGC 3698, which appears to be a loose, poor cluster on the DSS.  It also a member of SSRS Group 74 triplet with NGC 6924 37' SW and ESO 528-021 12' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6936 = LM 1-233 on 1 Sep 1885 and recorded "mag 13.8, vS, R, slbMN, env 14.0."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is ~36 seconds east of ESO 528-022 = PGC 65033.  Ormond Stone measured a "corrected" position, but he made an error and placed the galaxy 1 minute of time too far west.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

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NGC 6937 = ESO 234-060 = AM 2035-521 = PGC 65125

20 38 46.0 -52 08 35; Ind

V = 12.9;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 105”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fainter of a pair with NGC 6935 4.4' NW.  Fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 2'x1.5'.  There are three distinct zones.  At the center is a small, very bright nucleus ~15" diameter.  This is surrounded by a bright, round, 40" core.  Finally the core is surrounded by a much fainter halo up to 2' with an irregular surface brightness, though no distinct arms.  Located 50' WSW of mag 4.5 Eta Indi.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6937 = h3836, along with NGC 6935, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 40"."  On a second sweep he noted "F; R; glbM; 30"."

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NGC 6938

20 34 42.2 +22 12 55; Vul

Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/19/85): at 220x there are 20 scattered stars in a 5' region with the brightest mag 9.2 SAO 88858.  There are no richer spots and the stars are unevenly distributed into three distinct subgroups.  Appears to be simply a poor asterism at 100x and 220x.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6938 = H VIII-17 = h2082 on 18 Jul 1784 (only discovery in sweep 240) and recorded "A cl of scattered stars more than 20' in diameter, not very crowded and containing a great many large ones."  A scattered group of stars matching his description is ~1 min of time east.  On 17 Aug 1828, JH logged "Place of the chief * 10m of a coarse, poor, straggling cluster."  His position is fairly accurate.  At Birr Castle, Ralph Copeland described this group as "Cl, very poor, scarcely richer than neighborhood."  This may not be a true cluster but RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6939 = Cr 423 = Mel 231 = Lund 960

20 31 30 +60 39 42; Cep

V = 7.8;  Size 8'

 

18" (10/9/04): beautifully rich cluster of ~150 stars in a 10'-12' triangular region over haze.  Beyond the ends of the triangular vertices are four 10th magnitude stars with the star towards the ENE an easy double.  The cluster is fairly uniform with a rich clump of a half-dozen stars near the center.  A number of the stars are in chains, including a string of equally spaced 12-13th magnitude stars along the south side that is oriented NW-SE.  NGC 6946 (which was sporting a supernova) lies 40' SE and both can be placed in the same low power field.  Both objects are easily visible in 15x50 IS binoculars and of similar size, but NGC 6939 is brighter with a higher surface brightness.

 

18" (8/17/04): this triangular-shaped rich cluster is beautifully framed in the 160x field (24'). The cluster is enclosed within a kite asterism of four mag 10 stars with two of these stars near the east and west vertices of the triangular outline.  ~125 stars are visible in a 10' diameter, with most of the stars mag 12-14.  Just west of center is a very rich 3' group and just following this group is a small knot of 4 very faint stars.  The west side is well-defined by a string of mag 12 stars oriented NW-SE.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): about 100-140 stars mag 12-15 are resolved.  Difficult to count as stars fill the 22' field at 220x with no distinct boundaries.  NGC 6946 is located less than 40' SE.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): ~80 stars resolved but richness makes an accurate count difficult.

 

13" (7/5/83): ~70 stars resolved at 166x, very rich, beautiful in faint stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6939 = H VI-42 = h2083 on 9 Sep 1798 (sweep 1077) and described "a beautiful compressed cluster of small stars, extremely rich, of an iF.  The preceding part of it R and branching out on the following side; both towards the north and towards the south; 8 or 9' diam."  JH made 4 observations and logged on sweep 366 "very fine rich cluster; 5' diam; stars 12m and nearly equal; shape rather convex towards the preceding side."

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NGC 6940 = Cr 424 = Mel 232 = Lund 961

20 34 26 +28 17 00; Vul

V = 6.3;  Size 31'

 

13.1" (7/27/84): beautiful rich star field although not dense.  About 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved including the orange semii-regular variable star FG Vulpeculae near the center.  The double star ·2698 = 8.8/9.7 at 4.5" is off the southwest edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6940 = H VII-8 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "a vL cl of scattered stars, very rich and most of the stars nearly of a size and pretty small.  About 20' in diameter."  His position is close to mag 8.3 HD 196244 on the northeast side of the cluster.  On 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 615) he logged it as "a beautiful cl of scattered large stars, extremely rich, taking up near 1/2”."

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NGC 6941 = MCG -01-52-010 = PGC 65054

20 36 23.6 -04 37 08; Aql

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, round, bright core.  Incorrectly listed as a globular cluster in the RNGC, NGC 2000 and U2000.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 6941 = Sf 83 = St IV-3 on 29 Aug 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered the galaxy on 1 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position matches MCG -01-52-010 = PGC 65054.  As Safford's discovery list wasn't published until 1887 as the NGC was being prepared to go to press, so Stephan is credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC.

 

NGC 6941 was misclassified as a globular cluster in the RNGC and this error as repeated in NGC 2000.0 as well as early versions of the Uranometria 2000 star atlas.  This error was listed in my RNGC Corrections paper #3.

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NGC 6942 = ESO 186-073 = AM 2036-542 = PGC 65172

20 40 37.8 -54 18 11; Ind

V = 11.8;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 150”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x1.2', well concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a smooth, fainter halo.  No brighter stars are nearby, though a mag 13 star lies 2' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6942 = h3837 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; R; pslbM; 60"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6943 = ESO 074-006 = PGC 65295

20 44 33.6 -68 44 51; Pav

V = 11.4;  Size 4.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 130”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large, elongated ~5:2 NW-SE, 3.5'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a very small bright elongated core.  Spiral structure is evident in the halo, though I couldn't trace distinct arms.  A mag 9.5 star lies 5' NE.  Located 26' W of mag 5.4 Sigma Pavonis (2' pair with mag 7 HD 197569).  IC 5052, a beautiful thin edge-on, lies 43' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6943 = h3838 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; L; mE; vgbM; 3 1/2' l; 1 1/2' br; has a barely perceptible point in the middle."

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NGC 6944 = MCG +01-52-017 = CGCG 399-025 = PGC 65117

20 38 23.8 +06 59 47; Del

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 57”

 

24" (7/16/15): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a prominent, small round core, ill-defined low surface brightness halo ~50"x30".  Located 2.6' SSE of mag 8.4 HD 196612, which forms the southwest corner of a prominent asterism including three additional mag 10-11 stars.  NGC 6944 lies 6.5' SSW.  The companion (similar redshift) appeared fairly faint, oval 4:3 SW-NE, very weak concentration to a small, slightly brighter nucleus, overall low surface brightness.

 

18" (9/10/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.45'.  Weak even concentration to the center with a faint stellar nucleus.  Located 2.5' SSE of mag 8.5 HD 196612.  This star is at the southwest vertex of a quadrilateral (roughly a parallelogram) with three other mag 10-11 stars.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, very small bright core.  Located 2.5' S of mag 9 SAO 126045.  This bright star is the southwest vertex of a 3.5'x1' parallelogram with three other mag 10 stars.  Forms a pair with NGC 6944A 6.4' SSW.  The fainter companion appeared very faint, small, round.  Located 1.6' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 126044, which detracts from viewing.  A fainter star is close northwest.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration.  A bright rectangle of stars is in the field to the north.  Located 43' E of a mag 6.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6944 = m 419 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "pF, S, R."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6945 = MCG -01-52-015 = PGC 65132

20 39 00.6 -04 58 21; Aqr

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 28" SW of center.  Located 2.9' SW of bright mag 6.6 SAO 144663.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6945 = m 420 = St I-10 on 12 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar or neb. *."  ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered the galaxy (though Marth's position was good) on 1 Jul 1870.  Stephan's micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 6946 = Arp 29 = UGC 11597 = MCG +10-29-006 = CGCG 304-006 = PGC 65001

20 34 52.3 +60 09 14; Cyg

V = 8.8;  Size 11.5'x9.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (5/20/17, 5/22/17 and 6/23/17): Type II Supernova 2017eaw in NGC 6946 was easily identified as a 13th magnitude "star" 2.7' NNW of the nucleus using a photographic finder chart.  I was surprised the supernova was only slightly fainter in June, over a month later than first viewed.  This is the 10th known supernova in the galaxy.

 

48" (10/23/11): this very bright, showpiece face-on spiral stretches roughly 9'x7' E-W.  At 375x, four arms were visible, each containing one or more HII regions.  The brightest arm is attached on the west side of the central region and curves counterclockwise to the north and then heads east, passing just south of a mag 13.5 star and spreads out to the NE of the central region.  At the eastern tip (4.2' from center) is a bright HII knot of 12" diameter, catalogued as #3 under NGC 6946 in Paul Hodge and Robert Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies" (HK83-3) and #1 in Hodge's 1969 paper "HII regions in twenty nearby galaxies" (H69-1).  A second shorter arm vaguely emerges from the core on the north side, and rotates more sharply around the galaxy on the north side, passing south of the brighter arm, and curving around to the east side.  It contains HK83-63/76 = H69-6, an elongated knotty HII complex at its tip, 2.5' due east of center.

 

On the west side are two additional arms, though the brighter inner arm is better defined.  It begins on the south side of the central region and curls sharply to the north on the west side.  It passes through a few mag 14 foreground stars and nearly fades out 3.2' NW of center.  A dim extension finally ends 3.5' N of center at HK83-285 = H69-20, a very faint, very small knot inside a triangle of stars.  An outer arm on the south side rotates towards the west and intersects HK83-503/507 = H69-33, a very bright, round knot of 20" diameter, that rivals the inner core in size.  Using a DGM Optics "Galaxy Contrast" filter, the core was dimmed more and the knot appeared nearly as bright.  Studies reveal this feature is a circular bubble containing numerous, tightly packed small clusters and a bright supermassive star cluster that resembles a young globular. After this point, the arm becomes more patchy as it spreads to the northwest, but near the end is HK83-527/528, an extremely faint knot just west of a mag 14 star 3.5' NW of center.

 

24" (9/13/12): the bright, long, outer spiral arm on the north side passes very close south of a mag 13.5 star before terminating near the small knot HK83-3 = H69-1.  Besides the knot at the end, this arm is a bit clumpy with two slightly brighter regions roughly 1.7' N of center, HK83-213 = H69-11, and 2.4' NE of center, HK83-123/124 = H69-10.  The spiral arm extending north on the west side has several mag 14 stars superimposed. A very small brighter nucleus is embedded the very broadly brighter central region.

 

18" (8/1/08): I took another look at the bright, circular knot that contains a young massive globular.  This knot is located 2.8' WSW of the core of NGC 6946.  It was fairly easy to identify using a pair of mag 13/13.5 stars [18" separation] with the cluster situated 1.5' NW of this fairly wide double.  At 280x it appeared as a very faint, hazy glow, ~15" diameter (nearly the separation of an unequal double star to the southeast).

 

18" (7/31/05): using the photographic finder chart in the 2000 Astrophysical Journal (535,748) paper titled "A Young Globular Cluster in the Galaxy NGC 6946", I tracked down this "knot" which contains numerous star clusters as well as a 15 million year old supermassive star cluster or young globular.  This object is located 2.8' W of the core and 1.5' NW of a wide, unequal pair of stars.  On the DSS, it appears to be located near the end of a faint arm (not seen) that attaches to the core on the south side and extends to the west.  Using the image, I quickly pinpointed the location and at 323x a very faint, small, roundish glow of ~15" diameter was visible.  This very low surface brightness spot was visible 80-90% of the time with averted vision once identified and appeared similar to a faint Abell planetary.  Without the finder chart, I would probably have passed over this object without noticing it, and in fact missed it in my observation from the White Mountains in 8/29/02.  Using ALADIN, the position of the young globular is 20 34 31.7 +60 08 17.

 

18" (10/9/04): viewed type II supernova 2004e, discovered 9/27/04 (13 days ago) and appearing at approximately mag 12.8.  It was easily identified using a photographic finder chart.  The supernova is located 4.1' E and 1.9' S of the nucleus, just west of a pair of mag 13/13.5 stars at 12" separation and was comparable to the brighter star of this pair.  A fainter mag 14.4 star is close WSW and the three stars plus supernova form a small wedge or Sagitta shaped group.  This is the 8th supernova discovered in NGC 6946 since 1917.  NGC 6939 and 6946 were both easily visible in 15x50 IS binoculars and of similar size, but NGC 6939 is brighter with a higher surface brightness.

 

17.5" (8/29/92, White Mountains at 12,000 ft): bright, very large, 6' diameter to main body, elongated 3:2 ~E-W.  Three arms are visible.  A long bright arm is attached at the north side of the core and trails to the east (Arp's "One Heavy Arm").  This eastern arm splits; a short fainter branch bends south following the core and a long curving bright arm terminates with a very faint, very small HII knot (HK83 #3).  On the west side a fainter arm shoots sharply to the north from the core.  These outer arms significantly increase the diameter of the main body.  The galaxy has a very large brighter middle but the core is just a very small brighter region close SW of the geometric center.  A very faint stellar nucleus was seen with direct vision.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): main spiral arm very prominent and easily seen to split.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): bright, large, brighter central core.  A prominent arm is attached on the NE side of the core and trails to the east.  This arm splits - the shorter arm is close to the core and a brighter region or arm to the west.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): bright arm on the east side highly suspected to branch or split into two arms.  Also an arm or brighter region seen on the opposite side of the galaxy pointing west a short way.

 

13.1" (7/16/82): the central region is elongated and fairly low surface brightness though a spiral arm clearly trails off to the east from the main body creating a non-symmetrical appearance.

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, large, diffuse, brighter core.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6946 = H IV-76 = h2084 on 9 Sep 1798 (sweep 1077) and recorded "cF, vL, iF, a sort of BNM.  The nebulosity extends 6 or 7'.  The N seems to consist of some vS stars; the nebulosity is of the milky kind.  It is a pretty object." John Herschel made 3 observations and on 11 Aug 1831 logged "vF; eL; vglbM; r; 5' or 6' dia; irreg fig.  A curious object; no doubt a great cluster of eF stars.  Requires the eye to be well prepared for seeing it."

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant on 6 Sep 1850, described a "New spiral, very fine but faint; 3 branches, of which two terminate in knots, a fourth branch north preceding very doubtful."  Two nights later he made an excellent sketch (Plate XXX, fig. 36) that was included in the 1861 publication.  On 6 Sep 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded, "The two following branches unite in one before meeting the nucleus; I certainly see a fourth branch preceding which seems to join the other preceding branch in the same way before reaching the nucleus. Of the four, those which terminate in knots are the brightest."

 

E.E. Barnard reported (Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5, p286) he first viewed NGC 6946 around 1881 with the 5-inch refractor and marked it as "vvF".  But on 28 May 1885 he found it "almost bright, certainly not faint.  It is moderate in size, round, vgbM with some small stars grouped around it.  Its brightness is a little less than cluster GC 4590 [NGC 6939]."

 

Ten supernovae (most of any galaxy) have been detected in NGC 6946 as of 2017.  The first, SN 1917A, occurred on 19 Jul 1917 when it was discovered by Ritchey and was considered a nova. This supernova, situated 37" W and 105" S of the galaxy's nucleus, peaked at 14.6 mag.

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NGC 6947 = ESO 401-003 = MCG -05-48-028 = AM 2038-323 = PGC 65193

20 41 15.0 -32 29 11; Mic

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 51”

 

17.5" (8/5/91): faint, small, irregularly round, low even surface brightness, ill-defined edges.  A mag 12 star is just off the NW edge 1.3' from the center and a mag 11 star is 2.8' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6947 = h3839 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; on a faintly stippled ground."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6948 = ESO 187-009 = AM 2039-533 = PGC 65256

20 43 29.0 -53 21 26; Ind

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 115”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x0.7', broadly concentrated to a brighter, elongated center but no distinct zones.  A 6' line connecting four mag 12-14 stars mag oriented SW to NE intersects the halo on the NW side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6948 = h3840 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "vF; E; lbM; 35" l."  On a second sweep he logged "eF; pL; lE; 60" l; 50" br."

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NGC 6949 = UGC 11600 = MCG +11-25-001 = CGCG 325-002 = LGG 439-001 = PGC 65010

20 35 07.1 +64 48 09; Cep

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (8/13/88): faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, even surface brightness except for a very faint stellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6949 = Sw. V-91 on 20 Sep 1886 and noted "eF; pS; iR."  His position is at the northeast edge of UGC 11600.

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NGC 6950

20 41 05 +16 37 18; Del

 

17.5" (9/23/95): very scattered group of mag 9.5-13 stars in roughly a 10'-15' region.  Barely stands out in the 20mm Nagler field and not worth noting as a cluster.  There are no specific borders but the stars have the appearance of being aligned in strings or groups.  Most prominent is an elongated group oriented WNW-ESE through the two brightest mag 9-10 stars (brightest star at 20 41 10.5 +16 38.9). A small line of three mag 13 stars is near the western end of the string.  Appears to be a random grouping and listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6950 = H VIII-23 = h2085 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "A Cl of coarsely sc. stars."  JH described this group of stars as a "Poor, large, scattered cl, the brightest * 10m."  His position is very close to a mag 9.5 star at 20 41 10.5 +16 38 55.  Karl Reinmuth reported "a very loose clustering of st 10...15 in a dense region.", based on a Heidelberg plate.  This may not be a true cluster, but RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 6951 = NGC 6952 = UGC 11604 = MCG +11-25-002 = CGCG 325-003 = PGC 65086

20 37 14.2 +66 06 20; Cep

V = 10.7;  Size 3.9'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

48" (10/23/14): NGC 6951 is a large spiral with a brighter central region extending ~1.8'x1.2' ~E-W and outer spiral arms (reaching north and south) that increase the dimensions to 2.8'x2.0'.  Well concentrated with an intensely bright, circular core that is embedded with a bright, elongated oval "bar" extending E-W.  A fairly narrow spiral arm is attached at the west end of the central region and curves strongly counterclockwise to the north, passing between two mag 15.8 stars [1.3' WNW and 0.8' NW of center].  This fairly low surface brightness arm is widely detached from the glow of the central region as it curls to the east, ending about 1.5' NNE of center.  On the east side of the elongated core region a faint, shorter spiral arm curves south, passing near 3 or 4 faint stars oriented N-S and fades out ~1' SSW of center.

 

24" (7/23/14): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core.  A fairly broad "bar" extends east-west through the central region.  Weak spiral structure is definite with careful viewing.  An eastern arm appears as a subtle arc curving counterclockwise and passing west and then south of a mag 12.7 star 1.4' east of center.  I expected the western arm to be more obvious, but it was only visible as a slightly brighter curving "edge" of the outer halo from west to north.

 

18" (8/17/04): at 225x appears moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.8'x1.1'.  On the east end is a mag 12.5 star.  The galaxy suddenly brightens to a very small, brighter core.  The edge of the halo fades and increases in size with averted vision.  Appears slightly brighter along the major axis with a hint of structure.

 

17.5" (10/30/99): observed SN 1999el, which was discovered 11 days ago (Oct 20).  It appeared as a mag 14.5-15 star just following the core (22" E and 8" S) and easily visible at 280x.  The galaxy is fairly faint and moderately large.  Sharply concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo elongated 3:2 E-W.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' following the center and a mag 15 star is just visible a similar distance WNW.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): bright with a very bright core surrounded by a fainter large oval halo 3:2 E-W.  A mag 13 star is just off the east edge 1.4' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NW end.

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, small, bright core.  A mag 13 star is at the east edge.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6951 = Sw. II-85 with his 4.5" comet sweeper (date unknown), though didn't announce the discovery.  He recorded it on 14 Sep 1885 with his 16-inch Clark refractor and noted "pB; pL; lE.  Discovered many years ago with 4 1/2 inchÓ.

His RA was 13 seconds too small.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver as well as Hermann Kobold at Strasbourg in June 1899.

 

JŽr™me Coggia made the original discovery of this galaxy sometime before 1878 at the Marseilles Observatory and it was catalogued as NGC 6952.  Coggia's position was 20' too far north, so Dreyer assumed these were two different objects.  In 1892, William Denning proposed the equivalence NGC 6951 = NGC 6952 (The Observatory, 15, 106) and Dreyer reported the identity in the IC 1 appendix, though suggested it was 6951's position that was in error.  This confusion was corrected in the IC 2 appendix.

 

Based on a Crossley reflector photo, Heber Curtis (1918) described NGC 6951 as "Rather faint, symmetrical spiral 3.5' in diameter. Very bright, slightly oval nucleus 0.2' long. {Phi}-type.

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NGC 6952 = NGC 6951 = UGC 11604 = MCG +11-25-002 = CGCG 325-003 = PGC 65086

20 37 14.2 +66 06 20; Cap

 

48" (10/23/14): NGC 6951 is a large spiral with a brighter central region extending ~1.8'x1.2' ~E-W and outer spiral arms (reaching north and south) that increase the dimensions to 2.8'x2.0'.  Well concentrated with an intensely bright, circular core that is embedded with a bright, elongated oval "bar" extending E-W.  A fairly narrow spiral arm is attached at the west end of the central region and curves strongly counterclockwise to the north, passing between two mag 15.8 stars [1.3' WNW and 0.8' NW of center].  This fairly low surface brightness arm is widely detached from the glow of the central region as it curls to the east, ending about 1.5' NNE of center.  On the east side of the elongated core region a faint, shorter spiral arm curves south, passing near 3 or 4 faint stars oriented N-S and fades out ~1' SSW of center.

 

24" (7/23/14): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core.  A fairly broad "bar" extends east-west through the central region.  Weak spiral structure is definite with careful viewing.  An eastern arm appears as a subtle arc curving counterclockwise and passing west and then south of a mag 12.7 star 1.4' east of center.  I expected the western arm to be more obvious, but it was only visible as a slightly brighter curving "edge" of the outer halo from west to north.

 

18" (8/17/04): at 225x appears moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.8'x1.1'.  On the east end is a mag 12.5 star.  The galaxy suddenly brightens to a very small, brighter core.  The edge of the halo fades and increases in size with averted vision.  Appears slightly brighter along the major axis with a hint of structure.

 

17.5" (10/30/99): observed SN 1999el, which was discovered 11 days ago (Oct 20).  It appeared as a mag 14.5-15 star just following the core (22" E and 8" S) and easily visible at 280x.  The galaxy is fairly faint and moderately large.  Sharply concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo elongated 3:2 E-W.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' following the center and a mag 15 star is just visible a similar distance WNW.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): bright with a very bright core surrounded by a fainter large oval halo 3:2 E-W.  A mag 13 star is just off the east edge 1.4' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NW end.

 

8" (6/22/81): faint, small, bright core.  A mag 13 star is at the east edge.

 

Jerome Coggia discovered NGC 6952 around 1877 at the Marseilles Observatory, probably using a 7.2-inch refractor. The discovery was apparently communicated directly to Dreyer and first appeared in the GC Supplement. There is nothing at his position, but 20' south is UGC 11604 = PGC 65086 and Coggia's description of a 15th mag star close following matches this galaxy.  According to Steinicke, this was Coggia's only NGC discovery.  Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 14 Sep 1885 and placed it accurately in list II-85 (later catalogued as NGC 6951). William Denning noted the equivalence NGC 6951 = NGC 6952 (The Observatory, 15, 106, 1892) and Dreyer repeated the identity in the IC 1 Notes section.

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NGC 6953

20 38 00 +65 46; Cep

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6953 = Sw. II-86 on 14 Sep 1885 with his 16" refractor and noted "eeeF, pL, R, ee difficult."  There is nothing near his position other than a mixed variety of stars.

 

Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at the University of Denver and reported "I could not find this, which is called by Swift 'eeF, pL, vdiffic.'  17 seconds preceding and 0.2' south of the place given by Swift is a small group of at least four stars of mag 14, which was scruntinised for nebulosity, but in vain."  Bigourdan also identified the same stars, at 20 37 45 +65 46 00 (2000), as NGC 6953. This identification is very uncertain and perhaps Swift made a large error in his position.  See Harold Corwin's comments for more on this number.

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NGC 6954 = UGC 11618 = MCG +00-53-001 = CGCG 374-004 = PGC 65279

20 44 03.2 +03 12 33; Del

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 68”

 

18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, irregular oval 0.5'x0.35', weak concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.6' S.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 6955 lies 37' S.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6954 = m 421 on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, vlE."  His position is a good match.

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NGC 6955 = UGC 11621 = CGCG 374-005 = PGC 65287

20 44 17.9 +02 35 41; Del

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): extremely faint, fairly small, very diffuse, low surface brightness, requires averted vision.  Pair with NGC 6957 7.4' E.  Located 37' S of NGC 6954.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6955 = m 422, along with NGC 6957, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "eF, pL, R."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6956 = UGC 11619 = MCG +02-53-001 = CGCG 425-001 = LGG 440-001 = KTG 71A = PGC 65269

20 43 53.7 +12 30 43; Del

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (8/5/13): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~3:2 NW-SE, 60"x40".  The view is somewhat hampered by a mag 11 star that is superimposed on the east edge and a mag 14.5 star is ~20" E of the bright star.  This galaxy appears to be a barred spiral with a brighter bar oriented ~N-S extending down the middle of the glow.  The brighter nucleus is quasi-stellar (~5") and similar to the mag 14.5 star in brightness.  A faint extension (spiral arm) curves east from the south end of the bar, extending south of the mag 11 star.  Brightest in a trio (KTG 71) with UGC 11620 6.9' SE and UGC 11623 8.1' E.  Located in a rich Milky Way star field 3.7' SSW of a mag 9.6 star.

 

UGC 11620 appeared faint/fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 21"x14".  Two mag 13/14 stars are off the SE end and a mag 15.5 star is near the NNE end [22" from center].  UGC 11623 is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 36"x20", a small brighter core is embedded in a fairly smooth halo.  A small trio of mag 13/14.5.15 stars is close preceding.

 

18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, moderately large, round, weak concentration except for a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 10.5 star is superimposed on the east edge of the halo and somewhat hampers the view.

 

17.5" (10/13/01): this moderately bright glow appears unusual as a mag 10.5 star is attached at the east side and interferes with viewing.  The surface brightness of this barred spiral is pretty uniform except for a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 companion star (double) follows the brighter star.  Brightest in a trio with UGC 11620 and 11623 situated 7' SSE and 8' ESE, respectively.

 

13" (6/29/84): faint, diffuse, even surface brightness, possibly slightly elongated E-W.  A mag 10.5 star is attached at the east edge 26" from center and detracts from viewing.  Brightest of three with UGC 11620 6.7' SSE and UGC 11623 8.0' E.

 

8" (7/16/82): faint, small.  A mag 10 star at the east edge interferes.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6956 = H III-219 = h2086 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and noted "eF; vS; stellar; just preceding a small star, 240 verified it with difficulty."  JH made a single observation and recorded "vF; S; 15" precedes and is attached to the double star No. 1566 of my 4th catalogue."  His position for HJ 1566 matches the two stars mentioned in my 24" observation, altlhough the WDS identifies a pair that is off the east side of UGC 11620.

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NGC 6957 = CGCG 374-007 = PGC 65302

20 44 47.6 +02 34 52; Del

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (8/1/87): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' SE.  Pair with NGC 6955 7.4' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6957 = m 423, along with NGC 6955, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6958 = ESO 341-015 = MCG -06-45-017 = AM 2041-381 = PGC 65436

20 48 42.5 -37 59 52; Mic

V = 11.4;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 107”

 

24" (9/8/18): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, sharp strong concentration with a very bright, 0.6' core that gradually increases towards the center.  With careful viewing the core is surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo with no distinct edge, but perhaps 1.0' diameter.  Just east of a group of four stars including a mag 9.5 star 2.8' NW.

 

NGC 6958 is projected (in the foreground) near the center of ACO S900.  ESO 341-013, the brightest cluster member, lies 19' WSW.  It appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~30"x25", brighter core.

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, gradually increases to a very small bright core.  Forms the SE vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 2.5' WSW and a mag 10 star 2.8' NW.  There are four stars total in this V-shaped asterism. 

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, small, round, just nonstellar at low power.  Located at the edge of a small "V" asterism of stars.  Located 25' WSW of a mag 5.5 star.  Pretty low elevation from Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6958 = h3841 on 24 Aug 1834 and recorded "B; R; pgmbM: 25"; follows 4 stars; of which one is 9m."  His position is accurate.  Using his 5-inch refractor at Vanderbilt, Barnard described NGC 6958 as "close following three or four small bright stars.  The light from these stars makes it difficult to see the nebula, which small pretty suddenly much brighter in the middle to a flickering, ill-defined nucleus.  I can not see why it should be called bright in G.C., probably in the southern hemisphere it is much brighter."

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NGC 6959 = CGCG 374-013 = WBL 666-002 = PGC 65369

20 47 07.2 +00 25 49; Aqr

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 57”

 

24" (9/25/19): between fairly faint and moderately bright, very elongated 5:2 SW-NE, ~0.7'x0.3', slightly brighter core.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 162626 1.1' NW of center.  The companion (similar redshift) was extremely faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very low surface brightness, only occasionally popped.

 

18" (8/1/05): fairly faint, small, very elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Nestled within a semi-circular arc of stars including three collinear stars to the SW.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated SW-NE, brighter along the major axis.  A line of three mag 13/14 stars lies 2' SSW.  This is the fourth brightest in the NGC 6962 group with NGC 6962 7.1' SE, NGC 6961 4.1' S and NGC 6967 6.7' ESE.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): slightly fainter than NGC 6967 but easily visible at 220x, small, very elongated WSW-ENE.  Three stars are close SW.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): faint but easily visible with averted vision, very small, elongated WSW-ENE.  A small arc of three stars is just SW.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC 6959 = Big. 84 on 27 Aug 1857, while observing the NGC 6962 group.  He noted "[labeled object] a is lE, bM" and his sketch confirms the identity with CGCG 374-013 = PGC 65369.  Bigourdan found this galaxy again 22 Sep 1884.  His RA in his 2nd Comptes Rendus list is 10 seconds too small, but was corrected in his last Comptes Rendus list.  Bigourdan is credited with the discovery in the NGC due to a confusion about what objects were found at Birr Castle.

 

The RNGC misidentifies LEDA 162626 as NGC 6959.  The RNGC then mislabels the correct NGC 6959 as NGC 6965.  See my article on the identities of this group in Deep Sky, Fall 1985.

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NGC 6960 = SNR G74.0-08.5 = LBN 191 = Ced 182a = Veil Nebula = The Witch's Broom

20 45 58 +30 35 42; Cyg

Size 70'x6'

 

13.1" (5/21/82): this is the prominent western section of the "Veil nebula" and is spectacular with an OIII filter.  Bright, extremely large, very elongated N-S, stretches across the entire low power field while passing through the bright unequal double 52 Cygni = 4.3/9.5 at 6".  Fans out to the south and splits into two delicate branches and fainter wisps.  The bright curving nebulosity north of 52 Cygni has a remarkable "electric" quality.  It has an abrupt bend about midway and then tapers down to a narrow tip towards the north end gently bowing out towards the west side.  Fantastic detail using a 20mm Nagler and OIII filter.

 

11x80 (5/26/84): both sections of Veil are easily visible in the 11x80 finder using a filter.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (8/27/11): the entire Veil was visible (eastern section was striking) using a pair of UHC filters threaded over the objectives.  The western section through 52 Cygni took more care to view and the forked southern half was the most difficult section to pick up.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6960 = H V-15 = h2088 on 7 Sep 1784 (sweep 259) and recorded "Extended from one number to the other [in declination]; pB, taking in 'k' [52] Cygni in its extent.  The milky ray is convex towards the following side in that part which lies north of k, pretty compact and equally bright.  On the southern side of 'k' it is less bright and at last loses itself with some extension, perhaps in two braches, but it is not bright enough that I may determine this circumstance with certainty.  The breadth of the northern parts is near 2', the southern branch is less defined."  Soon after in the same sweep he encountered NGC 6979 (the northern section of the Veil).  On the previous night (sweep 258) he discovered NGC 6992, the main eastern portion of the Veil and

 

JH recorded 3 observations.  On sweep 178 he noted "The place is that of k Cygni, through which the nebula passes.  It is very long and winding and runs northward from k full 2 fields breadth (30').  One branch is pretty conspicuous, even in a little moonlight.  The nebulosity is milky, and does not seem to arise from small stars of the Milky Way."  Isaac Roberts took the first photograph of the NGC 6960 on 28 Sep 1891.

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NGC 6961 = CGCG 374-014 = WBL 666-003 = PGC 65372

20 47 10.4 +00 21 48; Aqr

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 134”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 15.3 star is only 0.5' NNE of center.

 

18" (8/1/05): very faint, very small, round.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo, perhaps 15" diameter.  A very faint star is off the north end.  Located 3.3' NW of NGC 6962 and collinear with NGC 6964.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, round, very small.  A mag 15 star is off the NE edge.  Located 3.3' NW of NGC 6962 in a group and the fifth brightest of six.  NGC 6959 lies 4.1' NNW.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, very small, round, a mag 15 star is less than 30" NE but cleanly resolved.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): extremely faint, very small.  A very faint star appears to be very close.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer, as the observer at Birr Castle, probably first discovered NGC 6961 on 23 Aug 1876.  His offset from NGC 6962 (195" in PA 322.7”) is a close match with CGCG 374-014 = PGC 65372.  Dreyer incorrectly assumed this object was seen by d'Arrest and that it was possibly labeled "a" in the sketch of 1857 (it's not shown on the sketch).  Harold Corwin notes that "Micrometric positions by Bigourdan and Kobold agree with the one by Dreyer [in the NGC]."  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6962 = UGC 11628 = MCG +00-53-003 = CGCG 374-015 = WBL 666-005 = PGC 65375

20 47 19.0 +00 19 14; Aqr

V = 12.1;  Size 2.9'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 75”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright core, ~40" diameter, with an intense nucleus.  I initially noticed only the central region, but lowering the power to 200x there appeared to be a very large, low surface brightness halo, extending ~2.5' diameter.  A mag 14.5 is at the W edge, 1.4' from center, and a similar star 1.7' E of center. Brightest of 4 NGC galaxies and 8 overall in the group.

 

18" (8/1/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Contains a bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Brightest in the group and collinear with NGC 6964 less than 2' SE and NGC 6961 3' NW.  A distinctive obtuse triangle of mag 11 and 12 stars is a few arc minutes to the SW.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): brightest in the NGC 6962 group.  Moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  On a line with NGC 6964 1.8' SE and NGC 6961 3.3' NW.  Also forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 6959 7.1' NW and NGC 6967 6.6' NE.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, roundish, strong bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): fairly bright, fairly small, small bright core, almost round.  Largest and brightest in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6962 = H II-426 = h2087, along with NGC 6964, on 12 Aug 1785 (sweep 425) and recorded "Two, the preceding [NGC 6962] F, S, iR, mbM...  240 showed the same.  The time and NPD is that of the preceding."  His position is within the halo. On sweep 81, John Herschel logged "pF; S; R: gbM; 15...20"." His mean position (2 measures) is accurate.

 

Based on Helwan Observatory photos (1914-16), NGC 6962 was described as "vF, 2.5'x2.0', lE 60”, open spiral with bright nucleus."

 

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NGC 6963

20 47 19.3 +00 30 33; Aqr

 

18" (8/1/05): this is a very faint double star at 12" separation, which was cleanly resolved at 160x and 225x.  The components are mag 15.0-15.5.  Located 1.5' N of NGC 6965.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6963 = Big 85 on 12 Aug 1885 and recorded "mag 13.4; a star involved in nebulosity."  The NGC position is 2.6' N of NGC 6965 = CGCG 374-016 and the RNGC, CGCG, UGC and MCG misidentify this galaxy as NGC 6963.  This error goes back to the 1921 Helwan Observatory bulletin 21, based on photos taken in 1914-15.  According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan's micrometric position falls precisely on a double star 1.5' north of NGC 6965.

 

See my article in Deep Sky, Fall 1985 and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6964 = UGC 11629 = MCG +00-53-005 = CGCG 374-017 = WBL 666-006 = PGC 65379

20 47 24.2 +00 18 03; Aqr

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 171”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 N-S, 60"x45", strong concentration with a very bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SE edge, less than 40" from center.

 

18" (8/1/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.5'x0.4'.  Moderate even concentration to a small bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is just of the SE end of the galaxy.  Forms a close pair with NGC 6962 1.8' NW and this galaxy is just slightly smaller and fainter than its companion.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 38" SE of center.  This is the second brightest in the NGC 6962 group and located just 1.8' SE of NGC 6962.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, strong bright core, substellar nucleus, almost round.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): slightly fainter than NGC 6962 in size and brightness, a faint star follows.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): second brightest in the NGC 6962 group.  Moderately bright, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6964 = H II-427 = h2089, along with NGC 6962, on 12 Aug 1785 (sweep 425) and recorded "Two, the following [NGC 6964] vF, vS, lbM, about 3 or 4' from the preceding and a little more south.  240 showed the same."  John Herschel's mean position (2 measures) is accurate.

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NGC 6965 = IC 5058 = MCG +00-53-004 = CGCG 374-016 = WBL 666-004 = PGC 65376

20 47 20.4 +00 29 03; Aqr

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 68”

 

24" (9/25/19): between faint and fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' S and a mag 13.5 star is 1.8' W.

 

18" (8/1/05): faintest of six in the NGC 6962 group.  Appeared very faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter.  At first I thought it had a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision, but with careful viewing this was a mag 15-15.5 star at the south edge.  Located 1.3' N of a mag 13 star, on a line with two mag 14 stars a similar distance to the east and west.  This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 6963 in most modern catalogues.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad concentration, barely visible continuously with direct vision.  Located 10' N of NGC 6962 within a triangle of mag 13-14 stars including a mag 14 star 1.4' E and a mag 13 star 1.3' S.  Faintest of six in NGC 6962 group.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very faint (requires averted), small, slightly elongated ~N-S, faint stellar nucleus.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): requires averted vision to confirm, similar to NGC 6961.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 10' N of NGC 6962 within a small equilateral triangle of faint stars.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC 6965 on 27 Aug 1857 in the NGC 6963 group.  He labeled this galaxy as "b" and noted "S, nearly R, bM.".  The sketch clearly indicates NGC 6965 = CGCG 374-016.  In compiling the NGC, Dreyer had to estimate the position and placed this galaxy 3' too far south.  This was caused by a poorly indicated direction of drift (west) in the sketch.  Bigourdan later reobserved this galaxy, gave an accurate position, and it was catalogued again as IC 5058.  So, NGC 6965 = IC 5058 = CGCG 374-016.

 

The Helwan Observatory 1921 bulletin has descriptions (and misidentifications based on the poor positions) for the entire NGC 6962 group.  NGC 6965 was described as "Not shown, exposure 90. min.  Inclusion in the NGC probably a mistake."

 

As far as more modern catalogues, RNGC, UGC, CGCG, and MCG all misidentify this galaxy as NGC 6963.  The galaxy labeled as NGC 6965 in RNGC is actually NGC 6959 = CGCG 374-013.  UGC, MCG, CGCG all mislabel NGC 6967 = CGCG 374-018 as NGC 6965. In Deep Sky, Fall 1985 I incorrectly concluded that NGC 6965 was a duplicate entry for Bigourdan's NGC 6963, but NGC 6963 is a double star.

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NGC 6966

20 47 26.8 +00 22 03; Aqr

 

18" (8/1/05): this difficult double star appears as an extremely faint, sub-stellar object at 225x (only a few arcseconds in size) that was slightly elongated like an unresolved double.  At 323x it was occasionally resolved but it was easy to see how this might be assumed to be a nebulous object. Located 3.4' NE of NGC 6962 and at the midpoint of NGC 6962 and NGC 6967 3.2' further NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest probably discovered NGC 6966 = Big 86 on 26 Jul 1865.  About 1' north of his (single) position is a close double star at 20 47 26.8 +00 22 04 (2000) with a separation of 3"-4" (currently).  Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered the same pair on 27 Jul 1884.  His micrometric position is unambiguous.  The Helwan Observatory list for 1921 reported "no nebula here" and Dorothy Carlson perhaps first made the identification with a double star in her 1940 NGC errata list.

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NGC 6967 = UGC 11630 = MCG +00-53-006 = CGCG 374-018 = WBL 666-007 = PGC 65385

20 47 34.0 +00 24 42; Aqr

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 105”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly faint, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.4', strong concentration.  The western half of the disc seems brighter, probably due to the glare of a mag 10.8 star off the E end [45" E of center].

 

18" (8/1/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.3'.  Contains a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 10 star is close following and the galaxy is elongated nearly in the direction of the star.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W.  A mag 10 star is just 44" E of center.  Third brightest in the NGC 6962 group.  Forms the NE vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 6962 6.6' SW and NGC 6959 6.7' WNW.  Misidentified as NGC 6965 in the UGC, CGCG, MCG.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, elongated ~E-W, brighter core.  A bright star follows closely that detracts from viewing.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): fairly faint though the mag 10 star interferes with viewing, small E-W streak, lens-shaped.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, very elongated E-W.  A mag 10 star is off the SE edge.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC 6967 on 27 Aug 1857, while observing the NGC 6962 group.  He labeled this galaxy as "c" on the sketch and noted "c is lE, bM and has a conspicuous * close nf."  The description and sketch clearly establishes NGC 6967 = CGCG 374-018.

 

MCG (+00-53-006) and UGC (11630) misidentify this galaxy as NGC 6965.  RNGC and CGCG give the correct identification.  See my article in Deep Sky, Fall 1985 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 6968 = MCG -02-53-006 = PGC 65428

20 48 32.4 -08 21 37; Aqr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 55" NW of center.  A faint double star (IC 5062)at 10" separation is 6' W.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 6968 = St XIII-93 on 11 Aug 1883.  His position corresponds with MCG -02-53-006.

 

MCG misidentifies this galaxy as IC 5062.  Bigourdan found IC 5062 on the same night as one of his two observations of N6968 and his description and position matches a wide pair of stars a few arc minutes west of the bright galaxy.  So N6968 ­ IC 5062.

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NGC 6969 = UGC 11633 = MCG +01-53-001 = CGCG 400-002 = PGC 65425

20 48 27.7 +07 44 25; Del

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, edge-on streak SSW-NNE, small bright core.  Located 21' WSW of 14 Delphini (V = 6.3).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6969 = m 424 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "F, pL, E."  His position and description is good.

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NGC 6970 = ESO 235-008 = AM 2048-485 = LGG 441-001 = PGC 65608

20 52 09.5 -48 46 42; Ind

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 105”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core punctuated by a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is superimposed on the halo.  A scattered group of mag 12-14 stars lies 5' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6970 = h3842 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; S; lE; gmbM; 18" l."  His position is on the west side of the halo.

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NGC 6971 = UGC 11637 = MCG +01-53-002 = CGCG 400-003 = PGC 65462

20 49 23.8 +05 59 44; Del

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 60”

 

24" (9/5/18): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, 35"-40" diameter, fairly low surface brightness.  Contains a slightly brighter nucleus that rises slightly to a faint stellar peak.  This galaxy was a bit fainter than expected.  Located in a pretty rich star field 7.2' SE of mag 7.7 HD 198271 and 24' E of mag 5.6 13 Delphini.

 

UGC 11639, located 15' NNE, appeared fairly faint, round, 35" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Very similar (or perhaps marginally brighter) than NGC 6971.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, moderately large, pretty diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  Located 7.1' SE of mag 7.7 SAO 126248.  This bright star is at the midpoint of two nearby mag 9/10 stars on a line WNW-ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6971 = m 425 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 6972 = UGC 11640 = MCG +02-53-004 = CGCG 425-011 = PGC 65485

20 49 58.9 +09 53 57; Del

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 143”

 

18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, small, oval NW-SE, 0.4'x0.25', very small brighter core, stellar nucleus.  Situated within a oval ring of 8 stars (4.5'x2') mag 11-13.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): very faint, brighter core, irregular shape, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A mag 12 double star at 23" separation is 2' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6972 = m 426 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "F, S, R."  His declination is 1' too large.

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NGC 6973

20 52 06.0 -05 53 42; Aqr

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6973 = Big 87, along with NGC 6980, on 5 Jul 1886 and noted a star mixed with nebulosity.  His position corresponds with a mag 14.6 star at this position.

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NGC 6974 = Veil Nebula

20 51 04 +31 49 42; Cyg

 

18" (8/3/11): although the NGC position (from the 4th Earl of Rosse) is 74' further south in an empty section of the Veil, this number is generally applied to the southeast end of the 25' section of nebulosity between the north end of Pickering's Triangular Wisp and the north end of NGC 6992/5 (eastern section of the Veil).  This patch is roughly 4'x2.5' in size and contains three brighter stars.  A thread of nebulosity extends NW and then spreads out at the NW end (see NGC 6979).  Extremely faint haze extends at least 20' SE  towards a slightly brighter patch (see notes on section G).

 

18" (7/31/08): at 73x (31mm Nagler) and an OIII filter, this is a locally brighter patch at the SE end of a 25' elongated section of the Veil to the east of the northern end of Pickering's Wedge.  Although not plotted on Megastar, Uranometria or MSA, very faint nebulosity continues to stream to the SE throughout most of the 1.1” field of the 31mm Nagler and ending near a slightly brighter patch (see notes on piece G) at 20 51.1 +32 23 (2000).

 

17.5" (9/7/91): smaller southern portion of a very faint elongated patch with NGC 6979 in the Veil Nebula.  Several faint stars are superimposed.  Located east of the north edge of the widest section of the huge triangular wedge of nebulosity in the center of the Veil.  Also see NGC 6979.

 

The NGC identification is very uncertain as the 4th Earl of Rosse's position was 74' further south and there is no nebulosity near his position.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 6974 on 20 Aug 1873 and described a "Nebulous *, neby cE pf, 20h 45.5m NPD 59d 50'±."  This position precesses to 20h 50.8m +30d 38'± (2000) and places it somewhere in the central region on the Veil.

 

The RNGC position is on the southeast end of the section that includes NGC 6979, over a degree due north of Parsons' position.  Also, this piece of nebulosity is not "cE pf", but extended generally north-south."  Still, Corwin feels this is a plausible candidate (digit error in the declination).  In any case, the identification of this number is uncertain because of these discrepancies.

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NGC 6975 = NGC 6976 = MCG -01-53-015 = HCG 88c = PGC 65620

20 52 25.9 -05 46 19; Aqr

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

See observing notes for NGC 6976. The galaxy identified as NGC 6975 in the RNGC is MCG -01-53-014.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 6975 = Big. 88 on 23 Sep 1886 and noted "30" - 40" in diameter."  There is nothing at his position in his second Comptes Rendus list, but in the remarks section of his 6 May 1901 Comptes Rendus list he stated Big. 88 was identical to NGC 6976 and this was repeated in the IC 2 Notes/Corrections section.  See Corwin's identification notes.

 

RNGC, MCG, PGC and RC3 misidentify MCG -01-53-014 = PGC 65612 as NGC 6975.  The MCG galaxy is located 3' southwest of NGC 6976.

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NGC 6976 = HCG 88C = NGC 6975 = MCG -01-53-015 = PGC 65620

20 52 25.9 -05 46 19; Aqr

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

24" (9/27/19): at 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, fairly low surface brightness, slightly brighter core.  Third brightest of 4 in HCG 88.

 

HCG 88D, situated 3.6' SW, was easily the faintest of the quartet.  At 225x it appeared as an extremely faint, small, elongated smudge, which only occasionally popped.

 

18" (8/3/05): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very low surface brightness, no concentration.  Furthest southwest in a string with brighter NGC 6977 and NGC 6978.

 

18" (7/21/04): very faint, small, round, ~25" diameter, very low even surface brightness.  Faintest of collinear trio with NGC 6977 and NGC 6978 and furthest SW.

 

18" (6/25/04): faintest and further SW of a trio on line with NGC 6977 and NGC 6978 ~2' and 4' NE, respectively [HCG 88d not seen].  Appears extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, very small, round, very diffuse.  This is the furthest south of three galaxies on a line in HCG 88 with NGC 6977 1.8' NE and NGC 6978 4.3' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6976 = m 427, along with NGC 6977 and 6978, on 12 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, irr R."  His position is less than 1' north of MCG -01-53-015 = PGC 65620.  NGC 6975 is a duplicate observation from Bigourdan.  See that number.

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NGC 6977 = HCG 88B = MCG -01-53-016 = PGC 65625

20 52 29.6 -05 44 46; Aqr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 162”

 

24" (9/27/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, round, 50" diameter, brighter core.  The halo had a slightly uneven surface brightness like a face-on spiral

 

18" (8/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 1.8' NE of slightly brighter NGC 6976.  A very faint star lies between NGC 6977 and NGC 6976.

 

18" (7/21/04): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~35"x30", broad weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 or 15 star lies between NGC 6977 and brighter NGC 6978 just 2.6' NE.  Second brightest in HCG 88 along with NGC 6976 just 1.8' SW.

 

18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, very weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Middle of a collinear triplet (HCG 88) with slightly brighter NGC 6978 2.6' NE and fainter NGC 6976 1.8' SW.  A mag 15 star lies midway between NGC 6977 and NGC 6978.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Second of three on a line with NGC 6976 1.8' SW and NGC 6978 2.5' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6977 = m 428, along with NGC 6976 and 6978, on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, S, irr R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6978 = HCG 88A = MCG -01-53-017 = PGC 65631

20 52 35.4 -05 42 39; Aqr

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 125”

 

24" (9/27/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.35', small bright core, brighter along the central axis.  A mag 14.8 star lies 1.3' SSW, halfway to NGC 6977 = HCG 88B.

 

18" (8/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration to a small brighter core and an occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  A very faint star lies midway between NGC 6977 and NGC 6978.  This galaxy is the brightest in HCG 88 and furthest NE in a string of three.  Located 14' SE of mag 5.5 HD 198667 and 18' ESE of mag 6 4 Aquarii.

 

18" (7/21/04): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.35', moderate concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus that seems offset to the NW side.  Brightest of collinear trio in HCG 88 with NGC 6977 and NGC 6976.

 

18" (6/25/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', broad weak concentration.  Largest and brightest of a collinear triplet with NGC 6976 4.4' SW and NGC 6977 2.6' SW.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  Brightest and farthest NE of three on a line (HCG 88 group) with NGC 6977 2.5' SW and NGC 6976 4.3' SW.  HCG 88D not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6978 = m 429, along with NGC 6976 and 6977, on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "vF".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 6979 = Veil Nebula

20 50 28 +32 01 36; Cyg

Size 5'x3'

 

18" (8/3/11): this number is generally applied to the NW end of a fairly faint 20'x4' section of the Veil, located the NE of the northern end of Pickering's Triangular Wisp.  The NW end is roughly 5'x3' and involves a few stars including a couple on the SW side and a couple on the north side.  An isolated filament (section "F") oriented NNW-SSE is situated 10' ENE of NGC 6979.  To the south of NGC 6979 the nebulosity thins and a faint thread extends to the SE before spreading out again on the SE end (see NGC 6974), about 15' from NGC 6979.

 

18" (7/31/08): this is the north end of a very elongated section of the Veil to the NE of Pickering's Wedge.  Although the entire section is reasonably prominent at 73x using an OIII filter, the northern end which corresponds to the position of NGC 6979 doesn't really stand out, other than ending here and involving a few mag 10 stars.  The north end of Pickering's Wedge is in fact much brighter with a wealth of filamentary detail.

 

17.5" (9/7/91): very faint, fairly large, elongated ~NNW-SSE, detached patch in the Veil Nebula.  The SSE portion of this patch (identified in the RNGC as NGC 6974) is smaller and has several faint stars superimposed.  The northern part (NGC 6979) is larger and wider but less well-defined and has some brighter stars superimposed.  This patch is located NE of the northern end of the huge triangular wedge ("Pickering's Wedge") that forms the north central section of the Veil.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6979 = H II-206, along with NGC 6960, on 7 Sep 1784 (sweep 259) and noted "F, S, crookedly elongated, r[esolvable]".  Dreyer mentions in Scientific Papers that this section of the Veil nebula was not found at Birr Castle on three occasions although on one observation "extremeley faint" nebulosity was noted.

 

RNGC and Uranometria 2000 use the NGC position, though this points to extremely low surface brightness filaments.  Harold Corwin's position matches the northeast section of a fairly faint 20'x4' filament situated northeast of the north end of Pickering's Triangular Wisp.

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NGC 6980

20 52 48.9 -05 50 17; Aqr

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6980 = Big. 89, along with NGC 6973, on 5 Jul 1886 and noted a mixed star and nebulosity, 30" diam."  His position corresponds with a mag 14.6 star at this position.

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NGC 6981 = M72

20 53 27.9 -12 32 13; Aqr

V = 9.2;  Size 6';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

17.5" (7/17/01): at 380x, the halo is very irregular and the globular has a very uneven surface brightness.  The non-symmetrical halo is elongated ~E-W, perhaps 4'x3'.  The brighter 1.5' core is covered with a sprinkling a 8-10 faint stars.  From the core there are short ragged extensions to the SW and NW with a few resolved stars.  More prominent is a nearly detached clump on the east side which is extended ~N-S and contains roughly 8 easily resolved stars over haze.  In total, perhaps two dozen stars are resolved in moments of good seeing.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): very mottled at 280x, 3' diameter.  About 20 stars are resolved at the edges and over the core.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very mottled, ragged irregular appearance. 15-20 stars resolved over the disc.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very mottled non-symmetrical appearance with a bright core.  Roughly a dozen stars are resolved mostly on the east side of the core.  A brighter mag 13.5 star is in the NE side of the halo.

 

Pierre MŽchain discovered M72 = NGC 6981 = h2090 on 30 Aug 1780.  First observed by Herschel on 28 Sep 1783 using his 8-inch (10-ft focal length) and noted as "fairly resolved into small stars."  WH made a detailed observation on 30 Oct 1810 using the 40-foot telescope (48-inch):  Having been about 20 minutes at the telescope to prepare the eyes properly for seeing critical objects, the 72nd of the Connois came into the field.  It is a very bright object.  It is a cluster of stars of a round figure, but the very faint stars on the outside of these sorts of clusters are generally a little dispersed so as to deviate from a very perfect circular form; the telescopes which have the greatest light shew this best.  It is very gradually extremely condensed in the center, but with much attention even there the stars may be distinguished.  Power 280x.  There are many stars in the field of view with it, but they are of many magnitudes and totally different from the excessively small ones that compose the cluster.  It is not possible to form an idea of the number of stars that may be in such a cluster, but I think we cannot estimate them by hundreds.  The diameter is about 1/5 of the field = 1' 53".6."  John Herschel also resolved this cluster on 4 Oct 1825: "F; R; gbM; resolved into very small stars; 2 or 3' diam."

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NGC 6982 = ESO 235-019 = PGC 65776

20 57 18.5 -51 51 45; Ind

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 152”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30"x20".  In a trio with NGC 6984 (brightest) 5.5' E and PGC 65805 (Fairall 927) 9' NE.  The galaxy is sandwiched between a mag 14 star 50" NE and a mag 15 star 1' SSW.  Just off the south edge [26" from center] is another 15th magnitude star.  A mag 10.6 star 5' NE makes an equilateral triangle with NGC 6982 and NGC 6984.

 

Fairall 927 was not plotted on my Megastar chart as there was no listed magnitude, so I was surprised to find a reasonably bright galaxy completing a trio.  It appeared fairly faint (slightly fainter than NGC 6982), fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20".  Located 5.6' NNE of NGC 6984 and 9' NE of NGC 6982.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6982 = h3843, along with NGC 6984, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 6984]."

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NGC 6983 = ESO 286-014 = MCG -07-43-004 = PGC 65759

20 56 43.4 -43 59 09; Mic

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 147”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, 0.5' diameter, irregularly round, contains a very small brighter core. Located 13' NW of mag 6.5 HD 199288 (noted as a high proper-motion star in SIMBAD).

 

ESO 286-010 lies 26' WSW and appeared moderately bright, large, nearly 2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center.  The halo is very large and diffuse without a well defined edge, fading into the background at the edges.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6983 = h3844 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; S; R; 45"."  He missed ESO 286-010, 26' WSW, which is just as prominent.

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NGC 6984 = ESO 235-020 = AM 2054-520 = PGC 65798

20 57 54.1 -51 52 12; Ind

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 101”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): brightest in a trio with NGC 6982 5.5' W and PGC 65805 (Fairall 927) 5.6' NNE.  Fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9', broadly concentrated halo, then sharply brightens to a small bright nucleus.  A mag 10.6 star lies 4' NW and a mag 12 star is 1.4' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6984 = h3845, along with NGC 6982, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; L; lE; glbM; 90" l; the following of 2 [with NGC 6982]."

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NGC 6985 = MCG -02-53-001 = PGC 65306

20 45 02.3 -11 06 19; Aqr

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 90”

 

24" (7/28/16): at 260x; fairly faint, oval 4:3 ~E-W, ~30"x20", small bright core.  A mag 15.2 star is just off the ENE side [36" from center].  Situated 2.5' WNW of mag 8.7 HD 197625.  I looked for NGC 6985A (a contiguous Magellanic Irregular on the west end) and there appeared to be some haze extending off the southwest side, but I wasn't able to confirm in soft seeing conditions.

 

17.5" (8/3/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, weak concentration to a small brighter core.  A mag 15 star is just 40" ENE and a mag 13 star 1.2' W of center.  Located 2.5' WNW of mag 8 SAO 163850 and 4.6' SSE of mag 7.5 SAO 163846!  NGC 6985A, a companion (possibly interacting) at the southwest edge, was not seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6985 = LM 1-234 on 11 Jun 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 0.2' dia, iR."  There is nothing anywhere near his very rough position (nearest minute of RA).  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6985 with MCG -02-53-001 = PGC 65306 (based on his discovery sketch).  This galaxy is located 11 minutes of RA west of Leavenworth's position!  Bigourdan, of course, was unable to find this object.

 

The Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) has no listing for NGC 6985 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 6985.

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NGC 6986 = ESO 598-007 = MCG -03-53-011 = PGC 65750

20 56 30.6 -18 33 59; Cap

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 8”

 

24" (9/27/19): at 200x and 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.5'x0.4', very small bright core increased to a brighter nucleus, overall moderately high surface brightness.  A group of 5 mag 12-13 stars is directly southeast.

 

17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core.  A small group of five mag 13 stars is 2'-3' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6986 = LM 1-235 on 2 Sep 1885 and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, glbMN."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is just 16 seconds west of ESO 598-007 = PGC 65750.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 17 Jul 1890 as well as Herbert Howe around the turn of the century, but Dreyer made a 20 minute error in RA in his "corrected" position in the IC 2 Notes.  This error is repeated in Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0.

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NGC 6987 = ESO 235-021 = LGG 441-002 = PGC 65807

20 58 10.4 -48 37 49; Ind

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately to fairly bright, sharply concentrated with a very bright core surrounded by a relatively large, slightly elongated NW-SE halo extending 1.1'x0.8'.  A mag 13 star is near the west edge, 40" from center.  A mag 12 star is 2' S and an 11th mag star 3' SW.  In addition mag 8.8 HD 199212 is 6.4' W

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6987 = h3846 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; lE; gbM; among B stars."  His position (2 observations) is fairly accurate.

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NGC 6988 = CGCG 425-020 = PGC 65732

20 55 48.9 +10 30 28; Del

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the SE end 23" from center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6988 = m 430 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "eF, pL, R."  His position is nearly 2' southeast of CGCG 425-020 = PGC 65732 (the only nearby candidate).

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NGC 6989

20 54 06 +45 14 24; Cyg

 

17.5" (9/23/95): at 100x appears to be simply a large Milky Way field about 20' diameter in the "Canada" portion of the "North American" nebula.  Weakly more enhanced than the surrounding star field and only distinguished because of four bright stars off the south side including mag 5.5 SAO 50187 (off the SW edge) and three mag 7.5-8.5 cradling the south edge and forming an obtuse isosceles triangle.  Requires low power or appears similar to the average Milky Way patch.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6989 = H VIII-82 on 11 Sep 1790 (sweep 959) and recorded "A large cl of pS stars of several sizes."  His position is 10' northeast of mag 5.5 HD 199098 in the northwest corner of the North America Nebula.  JH made two observations under VIII. 82, though he added a question mark.  In the first observation (sweep 189) he did not measure a position and simply noted "Viewed.  A mere clustering portion of the Milky Way."  In the second (sweep 203) he recorded "Coarse, poor, pL cluster; stars small."  His position, though, is 27' northeast of his fathers, and this entry later became NGC 6996.  So, it's not clear if his sone ever saw H. VIII 82.  Karl Reinmuth calls this "a very dense region, no distinct cL; 4 B st s."  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 6990 = ESO 187-043 = PGC 65862

20 59 57.0 -55 33 43; Ind

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 0”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.9'x0.35', slightly mottled appearance but no well defined core.  A mag 12 star is at the south tip, 0.6' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6990 = h3847 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "a * 10m, to which is attached or almost so, by its extremity an eF, vS nebulous ray; vmE in meridian 15" l; 4" br; night superb, and without this condition it were useless to look for this object."  His position (measured twice) is accurate.

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NGC 6991 = Lund 969 = OCL-202

20 54 56 +47 19 18; Cyg

Size 5'

 

17.5" (10/24/92): at John Herschel's position and matching his description for h2091 is a scattered group of approximately 20 stars in a 6' field which is located about 10' SW of IC 5076 and a mag 5.7 star.  Three equal mag stars are collinear on the east side and a mag 8.5 star is on the SW side.  There are no dense knots or a core and this collection of stars barely stands out in the field.

 

At William Herschel's original position and description (VIII 76) is a scattered group of stars involved with IC 5076 and mag 5.7 SAO 50246.  Nebulosity (IC 5076) is visible on the west side of a striking 5' group of stars centered on the bright star.  Ten of the stars surrounding the mag 5.7 star form a semi-circle including a tight quadruple 2' SE.  John Herschel's h2091 lies ~10' WSW and either object could be taken for NGC 6991.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6991 = H VIII-76 = h2091 on 27 Sep 1788 (sweep 866) and recorded "A st 6m not in H.  A L star surrounded with many considerable stars, forming a brilliant though much sc[attered] cluster; the star 6m is not in the center but towards the following side."  His offset points to mag 5.7 HD 199478 at 20 55 49.7 +47 25 04 (2000), which is the star involved with reflection nebula IC 5076.  JH recorded two observations , but they refer to a separate group about 12' southwest!  In sweep 210 he recorded "a star 9m; the largest of a cluster."  His position on this sweep is 8 seconds of RA west of mag 8.4 SAO 50220 at 20 54 43.4 +47 16 50.  In sweep 209 the diameter is given as 6'.

 

So, there are two candidates for NGC 6991.  My notes described both candidates.  Lynga and RNGC identify WH's group as NGC 6991.  Also see Harold Corwin's identification notes and Brent Archinal's monograph on the nonexistent RNGC open clusters.

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NGC 6992 = SNR G74.0-08.5 = Ced 182b = Veil Nebula

20 56 19 +31 44 36; Cyg

Size 60'x8'

 

17.5" (7/5/86): this section of the Veil nebula is probably the most detailed and exciting emission object to explore in the 17.5" using a 20mm Nagler and OIII filter.  Appears very bright, extremely large, very elongated, about 1” length, crossed by darker rifts.  Feather-like side branches are at the south edge running off towards the west.  The breathtaking filamentary detail at 83x using an OIII filter is too intricate to describe, particularly on the southern half!  The filaments appear like intertwined threads or twisted ropes giving a striking 3-dimensional appearance along the length! Attached to NGC 6995 and IC 1340 to the south.

 

13" (5/21/82): incredibly detailed at the south edge.  Wispy structure with two long tails.  Darker rifts and filamentary structure along the entire length.

 

8" (5/21/82): bright at 50x with UHC filter.  Some structure seen with darker rifts and branches at the south edge.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (8/27/11): NGC 6992/6995 is striking at just 15x using a pair of UHC filters threaded over the objectives as a long, curving filament.  Although NGC 6960 through 52 Cygni was also visible in the same binocular field, it's is a tougher object, particularly the fainter (forked) southern portion.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6992 = H V-14 = h2092 on 6 Sep 1784 (sweep 258) and recorded "eF, above 3/4” long and 6, 8 or 10' broad.  The whiteness entirely of the milky kind, brighter in 3 or 4 places than in the rest.  The position of the ray or extent is from np to sf [northwest to southeast], making an angle of 30 or 40” with the meridian.  The stars of the galaxy [Milky Way] are scattered over it in the same manner as the rest of the heavens.  The time and number is taken in the brightest part of the nebula.  The ray is faint enough to have been overlooked had it not been for the brighter places in it."  The following night (sweep 259) he discovered the western section of the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) and reobserved the eastern section, finding "Branching nebulosity of the extent of the number that is 53' in polar distance, and in RA reaches through 5 or 6 fields that is near 1 1/2 degrees.  The following part of it is divided into several streams and windings which after separating meet each other again towards the south."  Herschel's rough sketch was publication in his 1811 paper (Fig. 1) as an example "of extensive diffused Nebulosity".  NGC 6992 is generally applied to the northern portion of the eastern half of the Veil Nebula.

 

John Herschel first observed the Veil on 7 Sep 1825 (sweep 8) mentioned "The whole neighborhood seems affected with wisps or cirro-stratus-like masses of nebula."  This was the original of the nickname "Cirrus Nebula", though the moniker "Veil Nebula" was probably first introduced by Leland Copeland.  E.P. Mason made an excellent sketch in 1838.

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NGC 6993 = ESO 529-011 = MCG -04-49-007 = PGC 65671

20 53 54.1 -25 28 21; Cap

Size 1.3'x1.1';  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (8/4/02): at 220x appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Not noticed initially near position, but once identified could just hold steadily with concentration.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 6993 is uncertain because of a very poor discovery position but it roughly matches Leavenworth's field sketch and description.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6993 = LM 1-236 on 8 Jul 1885 and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, sbMN."  His very rough position (nearest minute of RA) happens to correspond with extremely faint PGC 776139 at 20 59 28.8 -25 41 24.  But Harold Corwin examining Leavenworth's discovery sketch and it does not match this galaxy or star field.  Corwin found the sketch best matches ESO 529-011 = PGC 65671, located 5.5 minutes west and 13' north of Leavenworth's position.  But this identification still leaves some uncertainty (see Corwin's identification notes).

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NGC 6994 = M73 = Cr 426

20 58 56 -12 38 07; Aqr

V = 9.7;  Size 3'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): four stars in a "Y" asterism.  On the west side are the two fainter stars mag 11.5 and 12 oriented WNW-ESE which form the stem of the "Y".  A mag 10 star is on the SE branch and a mag 10.5 star is on the NE branch.  This is an unimpressive asterism. 

 

8": four stars mag 10.5, 10.5, 11.0 and 12.0 in a small group, easily resolved at 100x.

 

Charles Messier discovered M73 = NGC 6994 on 4/5 Oct 1780 and recorded a "Cluster of three or four small stars, which resembles a nebula at first sight, containing a little nebulosity."  On 28 Sep 1783 during his Messier survey, WH noted "consists of a few stars in a triangular form. No nebulosity among them." (10-foot, 150x).

 

The Hipparcos data places the four stars at different distances, so this is an optical quadruple -- a true asterism.

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NGC 6995 = Ced 182c = SNR G74.0-08.5 = Veil Nebula

20 57 10 +31 14 06; Cyg

Size 12'

 

17.5" (7/5/86): feather-like side branches on the south end  run off towards the west.  Using an OIII filter at 83x, the breathtaking filamentary detail is too detailed to fully describe but the filaments appear like intertwined threads or twisted ropes giving a striking 3-dimensional appearance!

 

13.1" (7/5/86): this is the amazingly detailed southern end of the eastern section of the Veil Nebula attached to NGC 6992 and contains beautiful feather-like side branches to the west, especially using an OIII filter.  See description of NGC 6992.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6995 = h2093 on 7 Sep 1825 (sweep 8) and recorded "A most wonderful phenomenon.  A very large space 20' or 30' broad in PD and 1m or 2m in RA, full of nebula and stars mixed.  The nebula is decidedly attached to the stars and is as decidedly not stellar.  It forms irregular lace-work marked out by stars, but some parts decidedly nebulous, wherein no stars can be seen.  A figure (from which the drawing for the engraving was copied), represents the general character, but not the minute details of this objects, which would be extremely difficult to give with any degree of fidelity."  Ebenezer Mason was first to point out the Herschel's position was exactly 1” too far south based on Mason's careful observations and sketch (around 1838).   Herschel's description and sketch clearly refer to the southern portion of the eastern half of the Veil Nebula.  The northern half carries the number NGC 6992.  This was only John Herschel's 6th overall discovery!

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NGC 6996

20 56 30 +45 28 24; Cyg

Size 5'

 

18" (8/12/07): at 115x, ~40 stars mag 10-14 in a 6' region are mostly arranged in a "C" arrangement (or three sides of a rectangle), opening on the NW side.  Stands out somewhat in the field but not striking.  Located on the north (Canada) side of the North America Nebula.  More interesting is that on the east side of the group and curving around the north side is a well-defined fairly high contrast dark nebula (Barnard 353).  I had the impression that the stars in the "cluster" were perhaps an absorption hole in this dark cloud.

 

17.5" (9/23/95): about 50 stars mag 10 and fainter within an 8'-10' group in the northeast part of the North American nebula.  Fairly well-detached and distinguishable in a low power field but appears to be a typical Milky Way cloud with no particular dense spots.  Situated about 10' NW of a striking equilateral triangle of mag 8/9 stars with sides 2' (center at 20 57.0 +45 19).  Barnard 353 (low contrast) is just following. The RNGC misidentifies NGC 6997 as NGC 6696.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 6996 = h2094 on 28 Oct 1828 and noted "viewed.  A mere clustering portion of the Milky Way."  No position was given.  On sweep 293 he logged "Coarse, poor, pL cluster, stars small." His position corresponds with a scattered group of stars in the northern portion of the North America nebula.  He was apparently looking for his father's  H VIII- 82 = NGC 6989 and was uncertain if they were equivalent.  NGC 6996 and 6989 are two different Milky Way fields, based on JH's single position.

 

The RNGC misidentifies NGC 6997 (50' further south) as NGC 6996 (error originated by Hogg).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6997 = (R)NGC 6996

20 56 39 +44 37 54; Cyg

Size 8'

 

18" (8/12/07): very nice group of ~75 stars at 73x in a 12' diameter.  A number of the stars are arranged in an oval outline extended ~E-W.  The cluster is fairly rich although there is no clear border and another smaller grouping is nearly adjacent to the NW.  Located towards the "East Coast" (west side) of the North America Nebula (on images the cluster is closer to the position of Lake Erie).  Several mag 6-7 stars are within 15'-20' of the cluster including mag 6 HD 199579 17' S and mag 5.6 HD 199870 20' SE.

 

17.5" (7/17/93): about 50 stars in a 10' diameter.  Located in the eastern U.S. portion of the North America Nebula.  Includes many mag 10.5-12 stars.  There are no rich portions and the group is somewhat scattered.  Roughly circular outline, weak concentration in center.

 

13.1" (6/30/84): fairly prominent scattered group at the west edge of NGC 7000 (this is the "east" coast of the US outline).  Located midway between two bright mag 6.0 and 6.8 stars with a 30' separation N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 6997 = H VIII-58, along with NGC 7000 (next entry in the sweep), on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620), and recorded "a cl of stars."  On 11 Sep 1790 (sweep 959) he logged "a cl of considerably L stars." and measured a good position. This star group is situated within the East Coast part of the North America nebula and is possibly superimposed in the foreground of the North America nebula. The RNGC and Lynga misidentify the group as NGC 6996.   See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 6998 = ESO 464-014 = PGC 65925

21 01 37.7 -28 01 55; Mic

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (7/16/93): extremely faint, very small, round, extremely low surface brightness, requires averted vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 6999 5.1' ESE.  Appears nearly stellar and about mag 16pg on the POSS.  Member of AGC 3733.

 

17.5" (8/27/92): not found from Grandview (8400') in the Eastern Sierras.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6998 = m 431, along with NGC 6999, on 19 Oct 1864 and noted "eeF, vS."  His position is less than 1' north of ESO 464-014 = PGC 65925.

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NGC 6999 = ESO 464-015 = PGC 65940

21 01 59.6 -28 03 32; Mic

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (7/16/93): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 2.2' N of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest member of AGC 3733. Forms a difficult pair with NGC 6998 5.1' WNW.  (R)NGC 6999 = 2MASXi J2102037-275216 lies 10' NE.

 

17.5" (8/27/92): not found from Grandview campground in the White Mountains.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 6999 = m 432, along with NGC 6998, on 19 Oct 1864 and noted "eeF, vS."  Although Marth's position (copied correctly into the NGC) is accurate, the RNGC misidentified LEDA 133216 as NGC 6999.  This galaxy is located 11' to the north.  ESO gives the correct identification.  Included in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 7000 = LBN 373 = Sh 2-117 = Ced 183d = North American Nebula

20 59 18 +44 31; Cyg

Size 120'x100'

 

18" (7/16/07): superb view of the entire North American nebula in the 80mm finder at 12.5x and at 73x in the 18-inch with UHC filters in both.  The entire outline of the U.S., Mexico and Central America was well-defined and very high contrast with the surrounding dark fields particularly around the Gulf of Mexico region (LDN 935) and the West Coast.  A 7th magnitude star is at the edge of the center of the gulf (Texas area) and another 7th magnitude star is at the south tip of Florida.  The "Baja peninsula" and Central American extension jut out very prominently from the gulf region. The edge of the northern Canadian region is less well defined.  Open cluster NGC 6997 was very prominent on the East Coast (west side of the nebula).  It was breathtaking to scan around the entire outline, though it overfilled the 67' field.

 

17.5" (7/17/93): at 100x and OIII filter appears very bright, extremely large (fills several fields), amazingly high contrast around the "Gulf" of Mexico and "Baja" region (LDN 935) and to a lesser extent along the west and east coasts.  I traced around the entire border except for the "Canada" region, which consists mostly of scattered star fields with weak nebulosity.  The open cluster NGC 6997 is easily picked out in the NE section.

 

8" (5/26/84): bright, very large, sharp border and details around the "Gulf" section, "Southwest border" and "Baja region".  Rich with faint stars.  Viewed with a Rich Field adapter at 33x-50x.

 

80mm (8/23/84): striking contrast at 16x using a filter at Mt. Rose.

 

80mm (5/26/84): bright with a well-defined "Gulf" region at 13x using a narrowband filter.

 

Naked-eye: Easy naked-eye glow in a dark sky, though this is mostly from the rich Milky Way star cloud and not the involved nebulosity.  The contrast is highest on the southwest side where the star cloud and nebulosity is adjacent to the dark "Gulf of Mexico" region.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7000 = H V-37 = h2096 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) and recorded "vL. Diffused nebulosity plainly visible, bM, 7 or 8' length, 6' broad and losing itself gradually."  In the next few minutes of the sweep he also commented, "All this time suspected diffuse nebulosity through the whole breadth of the sweep."  He gave two positions at the east and southwest coast of the North American nebula, which became numbers 44 (Southeast US) and 46 (Central America region) in his list of 52 regions with "extensive diffused nebulosity."  Arthur Auwers wrote (in a review of the General Catalogue) that JH omitted this large object, but NGC 7000 = GC 4621.

 

German Astronomer Max Wolf referred to this HII region as "The 'America' Nebula" in a 1902 German paper based on an image taken in 1901.  In the 1903 paper "Diffused nebulosities in the heavens", Barnard refers to the object photographed by Wolf and states "The "North America Nebula" would perhaps be more definite, for it is North America to which Dr. Max Wolf intends the compliment."  Agnes Mary Clerke refered to it as the "America" Nebula in the caption of Wolf's photograph in her 1905 second edition of "The System of the Stars"

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NGC 7001 = UGC 11663 = MCG +00-53-016 = CGCG 374-037 = PGC 65905

21 01 07.7 -00 11 43; Aqr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated, weak concentration.  Located between a mag 14 star 1.0' N and a mag 13 star 1.4' SSE.  Similar notes on 6/20/87.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7001 = h2095 on 21 Jul 1827 and noted "eF; S; E in the meridian [north-south]."  His position and description matches UGC 11663.  Rudolph Spitaler called this galaxy "pB" (IC 1 Notes), using the 27" refractor at the Vienna Observatory in 1891.

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NGC 7002 = ESO 235-043 = PGC 66009

21 03 44.9 -49 01 47; Ind

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 3”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): brighter of a pair with NGC 7004 5.8' SE.  NGC 7002 appears fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, well concentrated to a bright core that increases down to a bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star lies 0.9' SE.  2MASX J21034127-4902128, an extremely faint companion, is just 45" SW of center.  It appeared as a very small glow, ~10" diameter, no details.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7002 = h3848 on 30 Sep 1834 and logged "F; S; R; smbM; 15"."  A couple of nights later, he noted "pF; pL; R; glbM."

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NGC 7003 = UGC 11662 = MCG +03-53-008 = CGCG 448-027 = PGC 65887

21 00 42.4 +17 48 18; Del

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 120”

 

13.1" (7/27/84): very faint, small, low even surface brightness, almost round.  A faint star is at the NE edge.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7003 on 26 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 15 or 16 star follows the center by 2 seconds of time.  His RA (measured on two sweeps) is ~4 seconds too small.  MCG fails to label this galaxy NGC 7003.

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NGC 7004 = ESO 235-046 = PGC 66019

21 04 02.2 -49 06 52; Ind

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 73”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.3', contains a bright, elongated core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.3' E and a 16th magnitude star is barely off the WSW tip.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 7002 5.8' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7004 = h3849 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "eF; R; lbM; has a * 11m 60 seconds following on parallel."  His position and description matches ESO 235-046 = PGC 66019.

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NGC 7005

21 01 57.3 -12 52 53; Aqr

 

17.5" (7/24/95): small very unimpressive asterism of five stars including three mag 12 stars in a 1.5' right triangle and three additional mag 14 stars.  Only noticeable at all due to the three brighter stars in a small group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7005 on 23 Aug 1855 with an 4.5-inch Fraunhofer refractor at Leipzig and noted a "nebulous star cluster".  His position is 45' southeast of M73.  This was the first object discovered by d'Arrest (along with the double star NGC 607).  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Arthur Auwers observed it on 9 Sep 1861 at Kšnigsberg and logged "not a nebula, but only a triangle of three stars."  Herbert Howe called it "simply a coarse cluster, the 3 brightest stars being 9th mag.  No nebulosity discernable."  Reinmuth gave a similar description based on its appearance on a Heidelberg plate.  Also see Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7006

21 01 29.3 +16 11 15; Del

V = 10.6;  Size 2.8';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

24" (7/11/18): at 375x; bright, very bright mottled core with half-dozen very faint stars resolved around the edges of the halo.  Three very faint to extremely faint galaxies lies to the southwest; CGCG 448-030 3.6' WSW, LEDA 1501723 6' WSW and CGCG 448-029 7.4' SW.

 

18" (7/24/06): this small globular was viewed at 435x and 565x and it appeared very mottled and lively in excellent seeing.  Two or three very faint stars were visible pretty steadily and a number of extremely faint mag 16 stars appeared to sharpen up and momentarily sparkle, particularly in the 1.5' to 2' halo.  Perhaps a total of a dozen stars, sparkled or popped in and out of view.

 

CGCG 448-030 is located just 3.6' SW of the core of NGC 7006!  It appeared extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Requires averted and cannot hold steadily but repeatedly reacquired.  There is an extremely faint star at the northeast edge which was sometimes noticed instead of the galaxy.  Forms the south vertex of a small triangle with two mag 12.7/13.5 stars ~0.6' N and NE. It is nearly on a line between the globular and mag 7.3 HD 200079 10' SW.

 

CGCG 448-028 is 11.6' NW of NGC 7006.  It appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness.  Visible with direct vision.  A wide pair of mag 11.5 stars lies 2.5' NNW.  This is the brighter of the two galaxies observed near NGC 7006.

 

17.5" (8/5/94): moderately bright, small, 1.5' diameter containing a 1' core and a small halo.  The core has a broad weak concentration with no nucleus.  The halo is mottled but difficult to achieve clear resolution.  Around the edges of the halo four or five mag 15.5 stars or fainter pop in and out of view.  The easiest resolved star is just at the north edge of the halo, a close pair is at the east edge and a single star is at the southeast side.  An easy pair of mag 14 foreground stars at 20" separation is off the south side 1.6' from the center.  The interacting system UGC 11672 lies 43' E.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, small bright nucleus, small fainter halo.  Mottled and clumpy but not resolved at 360x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7006 = H I-52 = h2097 on 21 Aug 1784 (sweep 253) and recorded "pB, iR, easily resolvable, about 1' diam.  Hazy, otherwise I suppose I might see the stars in it."  On 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294), he logged "vB, R, mbM, the brightness extending a good way, resolvable (see 253 sweep)."  John Herschel made the single observation "B; R; gbM; 60".  RA from working list, no transit being procured."

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NGC 7007 = ESO 187-048 = PGC 66069

21 05 27.9 -52 33 07; Ind

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 2”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 N-S, ~1.25'x0.75', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A string of 5 mag 12-13 stars (oriented E-W) passes to the south and a mag 15.6 star is 0.8' W of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7007 = h3850 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; vS; R; pslbM; 12"."  His mean position (3 observations) is accurate.  Joseph Turner observed it on 5 Sep 1877 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and notes it was suddently brighter in the middle to a nucleus.(p. 142 of logbook).

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NGC 7008 = PK 93+5.2 = PN G093.4+05.4 = Ced 186 = Fetus Nebula

21 00 32.8 +54 32 36; Cyg

V = 11.0;  Size 98"x75"

 

48" (10/24/14): We had a superb view of NGC 7008 unfiltered at 488x and 610x. This irregular, annular planetary extended ~1.5'x1.2' SSW-NNE with a roughly oval outline, except on the southwest end.  Several stars are involved or just off the edge, including h1606 = 9.6/11.7 at 19Ó separation, which is just off the SSE edge.  A very bright, elongated knot is at the NNE edge of the rim. A larger elongated knot is just on its inside (towards the central star), with the pair of close knots virtually attached.  On the opposite SSW end is the next brightest region, extending nearly 45” along the rim.  This larger glow spreads irregularly into the darker center and dims.  Another brighter knot is on the WNW edge of the rim (probably K 4-44), just northeast of a mag 14 star that is close off the west edge.  Finally, another slightly brighter knot is at the east edge of the rim, close south of a mag 14 star on the northeast side.  The entire southwest side appears as if it was "nibbled" around the edges, as part of the outer edge is missing.  A mag 13.5 star sits in the center of the darker interior with the central "hole" darkest immediately east of the central star. Another darker region is in the southeast quadrant just north of h1606.

 

18" (9/10/07): The "Fetus Nebula" is a fascinating annular planetary, best viewed at high power.  Using 452x the oval halo is elongated SSW-NNE, ~85"x65".  The most striking feature is a bright, 25" knot on the NNE end that is irregular in surface brightness with a very small brighter condensation near its south end.  The SW quadrant of the planetary is also brighter in an elongated region and it is weakest on the east and SE edge facing the wide double star off the south edge.  In the darker center, a mag 13.5 central star is visible and a second fainter mag 14 star is near the NE edge.  Also a mag 14 star is just off the west edge.  NGC 7008 is situated just north of h1606, a mag 9.3/10.2 pair at 18" oriented N-S.

 

17.5" (6/28/00): this beautiful, highly structured PN is situated just north of a wide double star (9.2/10.5 at 18"). At 280x, the annular oval is elongated SSW-NNE, ~90"x65".  A bright 30" irregular knot is prominent at the NE end.  The SW end of the major axis has a fainter condensation and the rim is clearly dimmest near the double star.  The mag 14 central star shines steadily as does a slightly fainter mag 14.5 on the NE edge.  Just off the west edge is another 14th magnitude star.  The darker center is faintly luminous and the surface brightness is irregular over the entire oval giving a mottled, wispy appearance.

 

13" (9/11/82): bright planetary with unusual structure and several stars involved.  The striking complete annular ring is elongated SW-NE.  A mag 14 central star mag is visible as well as a mag 14 star at the NE edge and a faint star is off the west edge.  A small brighter knot marks the NE end.  The planetary is located just north of h1606 = 9.3/10.5 at 18" separation.

 

8" (9/11/82): unusual structure, curves and extends further south on the west side.  A faint star is embedded.

 

80mm (9/10/07):  the planetary was faintly visible in the finder at 25x using an OIII filter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7008 = H I-192 = h2099 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and recorded "cB, strong nebulosity of an irregular square figure.  Seems to contain faint large stars, about 3' l and 2 1/2' broad."  Two nights later (sweep 768) he noted "the stars which are visible in it, do not seem to belong to it."  On sweep 211, JH logged "L; E; r; has an appearance of two nuclei or points of greatest condensation; it touches a fine double star [h1606 = 9.3/10.2 at 18"]."  R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant on 19 Aug 1855, recorded "seen as in sketch [PT 1861, pl XXX, fig 37].  3 st in it, F neby reaches nearly up to the star sf; B knots in it, the nf one seems triangular in shape and sometimes I thought it split up by a dark line from sf to np."

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "irregular ring structure indicated; the dimensions are 86"x69" in p.a. 20”.  The two brightest patches are at the north.. three stars lie in roughly circular gaps in the nebulosity..."

 

In a 2001 issue of Amateur Astronomy magazine, Eric Honeycutt called NGC 7008 the "Fetus Nebula" due to its appearance in his 22-inch telescope.

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NGC 7009 = PK 37-34.1 = PN G037.7-34.5 = Saturn Nebula

21 04 10.7 -11 21 49; Aqr

V = 7.8;  Size 30"x26"

 

48" (10/29/16): the remarkable Saturn Nebula was viewed at 1084x.  The intense, inner "ring" is very elongated (~25"x10") with an unusual warped appearance.  The inner ring is brighter on the west end.  The rounder shell extends ~30"x25", slightly elongated WSW-ENE and contains an obvious "knot" on the north side of the shell.  The ansae ("handles" at the end of the jets) varied in size and orientation, with the western ansae larger, brighter and angled outward on the north end.  The central star was easily visible.

 

48" (10/24/14): at 610x; the western ansae or "handle" at the end of the jet appeared as a small, narrow bar, roughly perpendicular to the extension, but slightly tilted, so the north end was pointing outward (west).  The eastern ansae was much smaller but with careful viewing was slightly elongated and tilted in a mirrored orientation.  Also, a very small, low contrast knot was noted on the north end of the outer shell.  Otherwise, the details mentioned in the observation from last November were all noted.

 

48" (11/1/13): the double-shell structure was fascinating at 813x. The bright, inner ring was surprisingly elongated WSW-ENE, ~30"x10", with an irregular surface brightness and uneven thickness.  The inner darker hole was also elongated, extending nearly the length of the nebula and was punctuated by a fairly easy central star.  This annulus is encased in a rounder, outer shell, ~30"x25" diameter, with a slightly irregular rim (brighter at the north edge).  Extending from the main body were the two easily visible "jets" extending WSW-ENE with prominent "ansae" (handles) at each tip [separation 44"] with the western tip slightly brighter.  The color was generally greenish, though the outer halo had a salmon-colored tinge.

 

24" (7/25/14): viewed at 1000x in good seeing at Lassen National Park (elevation 8200 ft).  The intense, inner annulus is 30"x18" with a bright, moderately thick green rim and darker center.  The central star was nearly visible steadily within the darker center.  The oval annulus was slightly irregular in surface brightness.  It was surrounded by a rounder, fainter envelope, which varied slightly in brightness, particularly on the north side, which contained a noticeable knot.  The fairly narrow jets were readily visible, though brighter on the west side.  An obvious knot ("ansa") that was slightly elongated was visible at the tip of the western jet.  The eastern extension only had a weak brightening at the tip.

 

18" (7/28/03): Viewed at 1087x in very good seeing.  The 30" brighter inner oval is elongated WSW-ENE and has a noticeable irregular surface brightness (first time this was noted) with a brighter, thick rim and darker center (partially annular).  Surrounding the high surface oval is a fainter, outer shell although interestingly, the transition appeared more gradual than at lower power.  The extensions or jets were easily visible with very small knots ("ansae") occasionally visible at the tips.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): extremely bright, fairly small, very high surface brightness, blue-green color, about 30" diameter to the main oval body.  At 412x, the two famous extensions or "jets" are easily visible extending WSW-ENE from the oval disc using direct vision.  The western extension is brighter and a very small knot (ansae) is visible at moments with concentration at the tip of the west extension. A faint outer shell surrounds the bright disc.  Numerous additional observations made since 9/14/85.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): similar view to 17.5", but the eastern extension was more difficult to view.

 

8" (10/13/81): bright, small, blue-green, high surface brightness.  Rays extending outward are suspected, particularly on the western side in excellent seeing at 200x.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7009 = H IV-1 on 7 Sep 1782, over a year before he began his sweeps, while still reviewing naed-eye stars and discovering double stars. This was Herschel's first documented deep sky discovery (Wolfgang Steinicke found an unpublished discovery of NGC 6535 on 24 Aug 1780 while he inspected the Flamsteed stars).  It was found with either his 6.2-inch or his 12-inch f/20 reflector ("small 20-foot") built in 1776 to survey the Messier objects. He described "a curious nebula, or what else to call it I do not know. It is of a shape somewhat oval, nearly circular, and with this power [460] appears to be about 10 or 15" diameter.  It is of the same shape with 278 but much less in appearance.  With 932 it is still the same shape but much larger.  So that its appearance seems to follow the law of magnifying, from whence it is clear that it is of some real magnitude in the heavens and not a glare of light.  The brightness in all the powers does not differ so much as if it were of a planetary nature but seems to be of the starry kind, tho' no star is visible with any power.  It is all over of nearly the same brightness.  The compound eyepiece will not distinguish it from a fixt star, at least not sensibly...".  He observed the planetary during 6 sweeps with his 18.7" and on 2 Aug 1788 (sweep 851) logged, "The planetary nebula, considerably oval, in the direction of the parallel nearly.  Of a bluish light, but not very well defined."

 

Wilhelm Struve independently found NGC 7009 (· 8) in 1825 or 1826 with the 9.6-inch Great Dorpat refractor.  It was included in his list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars. Auwers and d'Arrest measured accurate positions.  Lord Rosse, Romney Robinson and George Johnstone Stoney observed the planetary on 23 Oct 1848 resulting in a sketch (by Stoney) and description, "we have not detected any perforation, but it has ansae, which probably indicate a surrounding nebulous ring seen edgeways".

 

Stoney or Rosse made another observation on 16 Aug 1849 and measured the "position of ring taken with an eyepiece furnished with a level and a position circle.  Inclination of ring to horizon 9”."  Although the nickname "Saturn Nebula" was not mentioned in Robinson's report to the Royal Irish Academy, the description in the 1880 publication (given as 16 Sep 1849) states, "Saturn neb. Pos of ring 81 deg".

 

Using a 9.5" refractor in 1856, Father Secchi sketched NGC 7009 and noted the nebula was fainter at the ends of the major axis and brighter along the north and south sides (AN 43, 157).

 

In 1867 Lassell reported his "Observations with the Four-foot Equatoreal at Malta" and his description from 23 Aug 1862 begins "My first impression of this Nebula was that it was a sky-blue likeness of Saturn".  In a letter dated 26 Sep 1862, he goes into much more detail:  In directing my large equatoreal upon the well-known planetary nebula situated in AR 20h 56m N.P.D. 101” 56' (1862), it has revealed so marvellous a conformation of this object that I cannot forbear to send you a drawing of it [see www.docdb.net/history/texts/display.php?article=1863rsps___12__269l], with some description of its appearance. With comparatively low powers, e.g. 231and 285, it appears at first sight as a vividly light-blue elliptic nebula, with a slight prolongation of the nebula, or a very faint star, at or near the ends of the transverse axis. In this aspect the nebula resembles in form the planet Saturn when the ring is seen nearly edgewise. Attentively viewing it with higher powers, magnifying respectively 760, 1060, and 1480 times, and under the most favourable circumstances which have presented themselves, I have discovered within the nebula a brilliant elliptic ring, extremely well defined, and apparently having no connexion with the surrounding nebula, which indeed has the appearance of a gaseous or gauze-like envelope, scarcely interfering with the sharpness of the ring, and only diminishing somewhat its brightness. This nebulous envelope extends a little further from the ends of the conjugate than from the ends of the transverse axis; indeed, it is but very faintly prolonged, and only just traceable towards the preceding and following stars....

 

Lassell's sketch shows the two ansae or handles as faint stars but the outer halo does not extend as far as the ansae. Hermann Vogel produced an excellent sketch on 20 Sep 1883 using the 27" refractor at Vienna.  Besides the prominent inner elliptical ring and an oval darker central hole, the outer halo extends ENE-WSW and tapers on the ends with a star-like knot on the WSW end.

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NGC 7010 = IC 5082 = MCG -02-53-024 = PGC 66039

21 04 39.5 -12 20 18; Aqr

V = 13.5;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weakly concentrated.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7010 = h2100 on 6 Aug 1823 (sweep 48).  This galaxy was the first deep sky object Herschel discovered during his early "practice" sweeps.  He recorded it as "a round, excessively faint nebula, 1' in diameter, resolvable, scarcely (?) perceptible, bM, found in looking vainly for M72."

 

His practice sweep, along with 6 others in May to September of 1823, were mislaid and later found after he started numbering his sweeps.  For completeness, he sequenced these initial sweeps as numbers 43 to 49.  His position for NGC 7010 was 10' too far south but Herbert Howe measured an accurate position at the turn of the century.  Herschel's first astronomical notebook entries date back to Nov 1816 and include some double stars as well as M31, M32 and M36.

 

Harold Corwin writes that Guillaume Bigourdan misidentified NGC 7010 with a star and rediscovered the galaxy (at the correct position).  Dreyer didn't realize the equivalence, so NGC 7010 was catalogued again as IC 5082.  MCG (-02-53-024) labels this galaxy as IC 5082.

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NGC 7011

21 01 49.7 +47 21 15; Cyg

 

17.5" (9/23/95): at the NGC position are just some scattered faint stars near a mag 9.5 star located at 21 01 52 +47 24.9.  These do not appear to be worth noting at all by John Herschel.  About 15' NE, though, is a fairly bright scattered group located to the southeast of mag 7.5 SAO 50376.  This group is about 5' in length and elongated NW-SE.  Near the center is the brightest star (mag 10) at 21 02 34 +47 32.7.  Also of interest is the Milky Way, which abruptly begins off the southeast side of the low power field and is magnificent to sweep around in this region.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7011 = h2101 on 19 Sep 1829 and simply noted "A cluster.  No further description."  There are only weak concentrations near his position and Karl Reinmuth concludes "no cluster", based on a Heidelberg plate.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

A small group of 8 mag 13-14 stars in a 3' region lies 2' north of JH's position, and Harold Corwin lists this asterism as the most likely candidate.  But I didn't feel it stood out visually.  Another candidate is ~15' northeast (see visual description).  Brent Archinal was unable to visually identify a candidate.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.

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NGC 7012 = ESO 286-051 = PGC 66116

21 06 45.5 -44 48 53; Mic

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 100”

 

30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): brightest galaxy in the core of ACO S921.  I quickly took notes on 10 galaxies within a 10' circle including four small companions of NGC 7012 within 2'!  NGC 7012 appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core.  The brightest nearby companion is ESO-LV 2860520 situated 1.3' SE but two fainter, very small companions (not included in Megastar) are just off the east and NE edge of the halo.  ESO 286-048, a nice edge-on, lies 3.4' NW.  A mag 12 star lies 1' SW and a mag 15 star is 27" SE of center.  The cluster is centered roughly 14' NE of mag 6.9 HD 200554.  The following are some of the nearby galaxies.

 

Anon J2106481-444853

Situated just 32" NE of the center of NGC 7012 in a tight group of 5 galaxies within 2'.  Appeared as a very faint knot, round, 10" diameter.  LCRS B210329.4-450104, a similar faint knot, is just 25" SE.  There is no listing for this galaxy in NED, HyperLeda or SIMBAD.

 

LCRS B210329.4-450104

Situated just 40" E of the center of NGC 7012.  Appeared as a very faint knot, round, 10" diameter with a similar galaxy (uncatalogued) 25" NW.  A very faint star is just off the SW edge, 17" from center, sandwiched between this galaxy and NGC 7012.

 

ESO-LV 2860520 = 2MASX J21065143-4449340 = PGC 66118

This galaxy is situated 1.3' SE of NGC 7012.  It appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, small brighter core.  2MASX J21065660-4449137 lies 1' NE.

 

2MASX J21065660-4449137 = MAC 2106-4449 = PGC 533284

Picked up 2' ESE of NGC 7012 in the core of galaxy cluster.  Appeared very faint, very small, 15"x10".  This is the last of four galaxies that follow within 2' of NGC 7012!

 

ESO 286-048

Fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.25', brighter core.  Located 3.4' NW of NGC 7012 in the central part of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7012 = h3851 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "A nebulous looking but doubtful object following a star 10 mag.  My eye is too much fatigued to be able to decide on its nature."  On a later sweep, he added "F; E; vgvlbM; 60" l; 30" br; near a star."

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NGC 7013 = UGC 11670 = MCG +05-49-001 = CGCG 491-002 = PGC 66003

21 03 33.3 +29 53 49; Cyg

V = 11.3;  Size 4.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 157”

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, dominated by a bright core containing a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 9.5 star (BD+29 4291) lies just off the north edge 1.8' from center.  Located less than 2” SE of the bright eastern section of the Veil nebula!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7013 = H II-203 = h2102 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and noted "pB, bM, irregularly E, resolvable.  Near a bright star."  His position is nearly a minute of time too large.  On 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 265) he noted "F, pL, lE, bM, south following a pB star." JH made two observations, recording (sweep 177) "pB; S; psbM; 12"; has a * 10m, pos 345” by micrometer; field full of stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7014 = ESO 286-057 = LGG 441-010 = PGC 66153

21 07 52.2 -47 10 44; Ind

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): this galaxy is the brightest member of AGC 3742 = ACO S924 = Indus Group (part of the Pavo-Indus Supercluster). At 394x it appeared fairly bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with an intense core, slightly elongated halo ~1.2'x1.0'.  Two mag 13.5 stars oriented E-W are 1.2' N.

 

ESO 286-049, situated 11' W, is the second brightest cluster member or equal in visibility to NGC 7014.  It was noted as fairly bright, fairly small, very small and very bright core, halo elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.6'x0.4'.  A mag 10.8 star lies 2.5' NE. The general field is fairly well populated with stars.  

 

LEDA 506328 is 3.7' N and appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 18"x12".

 

LEDA 101199 is 8' ENE and noted as faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low surface brightness.  A mag 16 star is situated at the NNW tip.

 

LEDA 130607, located just 1.5' SW of ESO 286-049 and 12' SW of NGC 7014, appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7014 = h3852 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R: bM; has 2 st 12th mag north."  His position is at the south edge of ESO 286-057  = PGC 66153 and the two stars are 1.2' north of center.

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NGC 7015 = UGC 11674 = MCG +02-53-012 = CGCG 425-040 = LGG 442-004 = PGC 66076

21 05 37.4 +11 24 51; Equ

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 165”

 

13.1" (6/29/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, diffuse, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge 40" from the center.

 

8" (7/24/82): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7015 = St IX-26 = Sw. II-87 on 29 Sep 1878.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 11 Sep 1885 and logged "pF, pS, R, lbM." His position is 3.5' too far north.

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NGC 7016 = ESO 529-025 = MCG -04-49-013 = VV 764 = AM 2104-254 NED1 = PGC 66136

21 07 16.3 -25 28 08; Cap

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~25" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.

 

24" (8/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~20" diameter, contains a brighter core. In a group with NGC 7018 3.2' NE and NGC 7017 1.5' SE.

 

24" (9/27/14): faint, very small, round, 18" diameter.  Brighter NGC 7017 (double system) is just 1.5' SE with NGC 7018 (also a double system) 3.2' NE.

 

18" (8/25/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak even concentration to a very small brighter nucleus that is occasionally stellar.  Located 3' SW of NGC 7108 in the core of AGC 3744.

 

17.5" (8/21/98): first of trio with NGC 7017 and NGC 7018 within AGC 3744. Appears very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7017 1.5' SE.

 

17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core.  Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7017 1' SE with brighter NGC 7018 3' NNE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7016 = LM 1-237, along with NGC 7017 and NGC 7018, on 8 Jul 1885.  He noted "mag 14.0, eS, R, bMN, 1st of 3."  These three the brightest galaxies in the core of AGC 3744.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is about 1.5' south of ESO 529-025.  Herbert Howe's corrected position is accurate.

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NGC 7017 = ESO 529-026 = MCG -04-49-014 = VV 764 = AM 2104-254 NED2 = PGC 66137

21 07 20.6 -25 29 16; Cap

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 90”

 

24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.5'x0.4', increases gradually to a brighter core.

 

24" (8/14/15): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18", bright core.  Although sometimes it appeared roundish, occasionally the elongated glow just resolved into a very close pair [separation 12" between centers] with the smaller (barely nonstellar) and fainter component on the east side.

 

24" (9/27/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20".  Occasionally a very faint "knot" was attached at the east end, ~6" diameter.  This is a merged double system with the east "knot" listed in NED as NGC 7017 NED2.

 

18" (8/25/06): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, brighter core.  Similar brightness to nearby NGC 7016 but contains a more condensed core.  Located 3.7' SSW of NGC 7018 in the core of AGC 3744.

 

17.5" (8/21/98): very faint, very small, ~30"x20".  Similar to NGC 7016 just 1.5' NW within AGC 3744.

 

17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core.  Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7016 1' NW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7017 = LM 1-238, along with NGC 7016 and NGC 7018, on 8 Jul 1885.  He noted "mag 15.0, vS, R, bMN, 2nd of 3."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) essentially matches ESO 529-026 = PGC 66137, though Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

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NGC 7018 = ESO 529-027 = MCG -04-49-015 = VV 764 NED1 = AM 2104-253 NED1 = PGC 66141 = PGC 93985

21 07 25.4 -25 25 44; Cap

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 86”

 

24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, ~0.6'x0.4', broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is close north [1' from center].

 

24" (8/14/15): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18".  At 375x, resolved into a very close pair of galaxies [just 10" between centers!] oriented E-W.  The western component is slightly smaller and fainter, with the brighter 15" component is on the east side.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1' N.

 

24" (9/27/14): at 375x, the brightest member in AGC 3744 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~E-W.  This double system often resolves into two tangent components; the eastern member (NGC 7018 NED02 = 2MASX J21072565-2525430) is slightly larger and brighter (18" diameter) and the western component (NGC 7018 NED01 = 2MASX J21072463-2525569) is very compact (12" diameter).

 

Nearby are NGC 7016 3.2' SW, NGC 7017 3.7' SSW and MCG -04-49-016 2.6' ENE.  The MCG appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter.  A mag 15 star is 0.6' SW.

 

18" (8/25/06): brightest in the AGC 3744 cluster.  At 220x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 45"x30", gradually brighter core and slightly brighter along the major axis.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1' N.  Located 10' NE of an 8th magnitude star and 25' S of 4.5-magnitiude 24 Capricorni.

 

17.5" (8/21/98): the brightest member of AGC 3744 appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 1' N.  Brightest in a quartet with NGC 7016 3.2' SW and NGC 7017 3.7' SSW.

 

17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' N.  Brightest in a trio with NGC 7016 and NGC 7017 3' SW.  Located 30' SSE of 24 Capricorni (V = 4.5).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7018 = LM 1-239, along with NGC 7016 and NGC 7017, on 8 Jul 1885.  He noted "vF, vS, vlE, glbMN, 3rd and brightest of 3."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 2' south of ESO 529-027 = PGC 66141 = PGC 93985.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

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NGC 7019 = ESO 529-022 = PGC 66107

21 06 25.7 -24 24 46; Cap

V = 14.2;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 137”

 

17.5" (7/26/95): very faint, small, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness, can just hold steadily with averted vision.  Follows a very distinctive "V" shaped asterism of six equal mag 13-13.5 stars with the vertex at the west end.  This vertex star is 3.4' due west of center.

 

17.5" (8/7/91): very faint, very small, round.  Located 3' E of a striking line of four mag 13 stars oriented SW-NE which are equally spaced and part of a larger string.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7019 = LM 1-240 in 1886 and noted mag 15.0, vS, sbMN.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA, which itself is marked as uncertain) is 1 minute of RA east of ESO 529-022 = PGC 66107 and matches in declination.

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NGC 7020 = NGC 7021 = ESO 107-013 = AM 2106-641 = LGG 443-002 = PGC 66291

21 11 19.9 -64 01 27; Pav

V = 11.8;  Size 3.7'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 165”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to the center and a very low surface brightness halo.  Located 8' E of mag 6.9 HD 201020.  Brightest in a small group with IC 5092 41' SE and IC 5096 49' NE.  Structurally, NGC 7020 is one of the most prominent outer-ringed (detached) galaxies in the sky.

 

John Herschel found NGC 7020 = h3853 on 31 Aug 1836 and recorded "pB; lE; pgbM; 30" long."  He had discovered this galaxy earlier on 22 Jun 1835, but made a 30' error in declination (too far north) and it was catalogued separately as h3854 (later NGC 7021).  The error was noted by Lauberts (1980) in ESO. So, NGC 7020 = NGC 7021.

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NGC 7021 = NGC 7020 = ESO 107-013 = AM 2106-641 = PGC 66291

21 11 19.9 -64 01 27; Pav

V = 11.8;  Size 3.7'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 165”

 

See observing notes for NGC 7020.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7021 = h3854 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; R; psbM; 25"; has a * 7-8m 10' preceding, exactly in the parallel.  There is nothing at his position, but 30' south is ESO 107-013 = PGC 66291 and the comment about the bright star to the west clinches this identification.  JH rediscovered this galaxy on 31 Aug 1836, measured an accurate position, and listed it as h3853 (later NGC 7020).  So, NGC 7021 = NGC 7020.  Both DeLisle Stewart and Royal Frost reported not finding NGC 7021 at JH's (erroneous) position (IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7022 = ESO 235-065 = PGC 66224

21 09 35.2 -49 18 13; Ind

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 16”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x, moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~45"x20", irregular surface brightness with slightly brighter middle and major axis but no distinct core.  A mag 16 star is at or just off the north tip.  A string of 3 mag 11.5-13 stars oriented NNW-SSE lies 5' SE.  NGC 7029 lies 22' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7022 = h3855, along with NGC 7029, on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "eeF; S; R; on a delicately and uniformly stipled ground; a bright triple star 6' or 7' sf nearly points to it."

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NGC 7023 = LBN 487 = Ced 187 = vdB 139 = Iris Nebula

21 01 36 +68 10; Cep

Size 18'x18'

 

18" (7/24/06): viewed at 160x, this detailed reflection nebula displayed a great deal of interesting structure!  Surrounding the mag 7.4 illuminating star HD 200775 (pre-main-sequence Herbig Be star) is a bright halo of nebulosity extending mostly north of the star and ending just south of the star in a well-defined slightly curving border.  A wide absorption lane cuts into the nebulosity from the southwest towards the bright star.  To the south of the star is a triangular region of haze (brightest just south of the central star) roughly filling in the region defined by a mag 13.5 star 5.5' SSE and a fainter star a similar distance southwest.  A larger section of faint haze extending N-S is seemingly detached at the periphery on the east side of the nebula (this is an outer "wing" on photographs) and a more vaguely defined region of low surface brightness haze is detached on the western side (also oriented N-S).  These two detached wings give a diameter of at least 7'.

 

17.5" (8/13/88): very prominent unusual nebulosity surrounding mag 7.4 SAO 19158.  A dark lane oriented SSW-NNE is following the bright star.  Nebulosity may extend to a star 3' SSE that also has a halo.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): the dark lane appears to be following the central star and oriented ~N-S.

 

13.1" (9/11/82): bright, large nebulosity surrounding a mag 7 star.  There is a sharp light cut-off on the east side near the bright star, although nebulosity extends beyond.

 

8" (8/28/81): nebulosity extends south of the mag 7.5 star with averted vision using 100-125x. A very faint star is at the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7023 = H IV-74 on 18 Oct 1794 (sweep 1063) and recorded "7m.  A star very much affected with nebulosity that more than fills the field, it seemed to extend to at least a degree all round; small stars such as 9 or 10m of which there are a great number, are perfectly free from this appearance, but everything about the telescope being very damp, I have suspicion of a deception."  Per Collinder mistakenly equated a cluster (Cr 429) with NGC 7023.  Cr 427 is a very faint cluster close west, though Archinal and Hynes noted "His position for Cr 429 fall precisely on the actual location for the real cluster here, Cr 427.  And Collinder's position for the real cluster falls 1 minute to the west of it on comparitively empty sky."

 

In 1907 Max Wolf photographed the nebula with the 28" reflector of the Konigstuhl Observatory and found the nebula was encircled by a lacuna or ring 0.5” in diameter, which is "absolutely empty of faint stars" [dubbed a "Hohlennebel" or "cave-nebula"] .  He noted "In spite of the small field of the reflector-plate, there was evidence that the cavity was the end of a channel entering the picture almost exactly from the south...The nebula itself is a very remarkable object.  In many respects it resembles in form the Pi2 Cygni nebula [IC 5146 = Cocoon Nebula]."  The surrounding void was first photographed by Dr. Roberts.  The reflection nebula vdB 152, also in Cepheus, is another example.

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NGC 7024

21 06 09.1 +41 29 22; Cyg

Size 8'

 

17.5" (10/21/95): this fairly rich Milky Way field shows up reasonably distinctly at low power with a 20 Nagler.  The densest part consists of 30 mag 12-14 stars in a 6' irregular outline.  There is also a looser group of stars attached to the NE extending the diameter to 15'.  The group on the NE side appears part of the same stream and includes several mag 11 stars.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7024 = H VIII-57 = h2103 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and recorded "A cluster of coarsely scattered pS stars of several sizes, not rich."  On 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183), JH logged "A loose struggling coarse cl.  Stars 10...11m, place that of 3 *s 10m in a triangle in the closest part.  Several st precede the cl, which seems to be an outlier of the second branch of the Milky Way."

 

Karl Reinmuth reported its photographic appearance as "an irregular loose clustering of st 10..."   Although it may not be a true cluster, RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 7025 = UGC 11681 = MCG +03-54-001 = CGCG 449-003 = LGG 442-008 = PGC 66151

21 07 47.3 +16 20 09; Del

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 33”

 

18" (10/8/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a well-defined bright core and a faint halo.  The core brightness somewhat to the center.  Located 40" E of a mag 9.7 star, which is on the east edge of a bright, scattered group of stars ("Toadstool" or French 1).

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, very small, almost round, small bright nucleus.  Located close following a large, scattered group of bright mag 8-10 stars (dubbed the "Toadstool" by Sue French) and just 0.7' E of a mag 9.5 star!

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7025 = m 433 on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS, R, stell."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7026 = PK 89+0.1 = PN G089.0+00.3 = Cheeseburger Nebula

21 06 18.6 +47 51 08; Cyg

V = 10.9;  Size 29"x13"

 

18" (9/10/07): at 565x the "Cheeseburger Nebula' was easily resolved into two small, elongated knots oriented ~E-W and with both lobes slightly extended ~N-S.  Both knots are lively or mottled and slightly tapered in shape.  They both contain stellar or quasi-stellar points near their centers with the western nucleus slightly easier.  The eastern lobe is barely larger and brighter.  The lobes are nearly tangent [6" apart between centers] but just separated by a darker lane and both lobes are encased in a common halo.  At 807x, the two lobes were clearly separated by a dark lane (the Cheeseburger's "patty"!) oriented SSW to NNE.  A central star was not seen. A mag 10.5 star is off the NE side, less than 30" from the center.  Located 13' NNW of mag 4.6 73 Cyg.

 

17.5" (7/9/99): fascinating object at 380x both with and without a UHC filter.  The double-lobed structure is clearly visible with the western lobe slightly elongated N-S and containing a brighter center.  The eastern knot also has a quasi-stellar center at moments using direct vision and the knot has an irregular outline.  Using the UHC, the lobes are more cleanly separated and the small fainter halo that encases the two bright lobes is more obvious.  A mag 11 star is just 0.5' NE of center.  Located 12.5' NNW of mag 4.7 63 Cygni.

 

13" (9/3/83): at 333x appears fairly bright, very small, elongated WSW-ENE.  Two brighter condensations at the opposite ends are possibly barely detached at the center.  Forms a double at low power with a comparable mag 11 star 27" NE of center.

 

Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 7026 on 6 Jul 1873 with his personal 6-inch Clark refractor at his home in Chicago (Memoirs of the RAS, Vol 44, p295).  It was described in his "Third Catalogue of Double Stars (1873) as "a very remarkable and curious double, or elongated planetary (?) nebula.  It is close to a 9.3m star.  This may have been noted before, but it is not in Herschel's General Catalogue, or Lassell's Catalogue of New Nebulae."  It was also included in his 1879 "Double Star Observations made in 1877-8 at Chicago with the 18 1/2-inch Refractor of the Dearborn Observatory, comprising: I. A Catalogue of 251 New Double Stars with Measures; II. Micrometrical Measures of 500 Double Stars."  He noted the "distance between nuclei as 2.57".  Dreyer missed Burnham's two discovery notes, so NGC 7026 wasn't added to the General Catalog Supplement.

 

Ralph Copeland independently found this planetary on 18 Nov 1880 using a visual spectroscopic sweep and announced "a new planetary nebula has been found by Dr. Copeland at Dunecht, using Prof. Pickering's method of search."  Burnham caught Copeland's "discovery" note and claimed priority in another 1881 article ("The planetary nebula in Cygnus").  Burnham later studied NGC 7026 with the 36" Lick refractor.

 

In 1909, Rev. Thomas Espin wrote (1909MNRAS..70..184E), "This autumn I have observed the nebula on several occasions.  It consists of two elongated masses running N and small, each of which has a nucleus.  To my eye the preceding nucleus is slightly brighter, and I have estimated them as 11.2, 11.4 mag, respectively.  On Nov. 15 it seemed to me that the south part of the nebula ends more abruptly than the north.  On the same night a faint star was suspected at the south end, and attempts were made to measure it.  On all occasions the space between the two masses has seemed filled with nebulosity, and the object has appeared as one nebula with two nuclei."

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "very irregular; there are two bright lobes 5" long in the shorter exposures symmetrically placed with regard to the central star, and about 6" apart from center to center.  A bright of nebulosity connects these and involves the central star, so that it resembles the letter H.  Irregular wisps extend from each end of this formation, making the total length about 25" in p.a. about 10”.

 

Jay McNeil coined the nickname "Cheeseburger Nebula" in 1994 with a 10" f/5 Cave reflector.  "It very much so reminded me of a small, nebulous hamburger with two perfectly shaped "buns" separated by a long thin dark lane (the meat ;-)."

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NGC 7027 = PK 84-3.1 = PN G084.9-03.4

21 07 01.5 +42 14 10; Cyg

V = 8.5;  Size 18"x11"

 

48" (10/24/14): this fairly small, ultra-high surface brightness green planetary was observed at 610x.  Overall, the object extends ~18"x12" NW-SE, but split up into three distinct components.  The first and brightest component is an elongated glow (~10"x6" NW-SE) on the northwest side, which contains a very small, intensely bright knot at its western edge!  The second bright component is adjacent to its east and is separated by a thin, darker lane. This section has an elongated, irregular outline (~10"x6" NW-SE), and is slightly mottled with brighter spots.  A thin, high-contrast dark lane runs WSW-ENE at the south edge of these two sections. The third bright component, just southeast of this lane, appeared as an irregular, elongated bar, running 2:1 WSW-ENE, ~12"x6" and formed a "cap" on the southeast side.  The two ends of this cap are very slightly curved (concave to the northwest). 

 

18" (9/10/07): at 175x; appears as a small, very high surface brightness oval with a blue-green color.  At 450x, this planetary is elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~18"x12" and has an unusual bipolar appearance with two lobes.  The 10" NW component has a very high surface brightness and contains a quasi-stellar brighter knot on its west edge.  A fainter lobe juts out towards the SE and is slightly smaller (~8").  At 565x the SE lobe seems incomplete as if it was partially obscured and the two lobes are encased in a thin outer envelope.  The view was fascinating at 807x with the sense of peering at a 3-dimensional object - the brighter NW lobe being closer and the partially overlapped SE lobe extending away in space.  At this power both lobes were clearly irregular in shape and surface brightness.

 

17.5" (10/2/99): At 100x, the small greenish disc is very prominent but at higher powers appears bluish.  Easily takes very high power and the view unfiltered at 380x and 500x was striking.  Appears elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.3'x0.2', with two distinct lobes.  The NW knot is slightly brighter and at times a stellar spot or star appears embedded at its SW tip.  At 500x, the two knots are encased in a very small common halo that extends further out on the north side.  The southern edge of both knots has a sharp, flat appearance.

 

13" (9/11/82): at 288x; small, bright, unusually high surface brightness, elongated NW-SE.  There are two distinct overlapping nuclei and a narrow dark lane possibly separates these two condensations.

 

80mm (9/10/07): visible as a mag 8.5-9 "star" at 12.5x in the 80mm finder and easily identified using an OIII blink.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7027 = St IX-27 in the fall of 1878 with the 31-inch Foucault reflector at Marseille. This planetary is probably the brightest object he discovered.  From some reason it was not included in Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions.

 

The following observational history is from Wolfgang Steinicke.  The Reverend Thomas Webb independently rediscovered NGC 7027 on 14 Nov 1879 using a 9-inch reflector.  He described it as an "object like a bluish 9 mag star, not quite of stellar character - a small pair, too close to be separated?"  At higher magnifications it was seen as "bright, very ill-defined, nebulous disk of about 4" diameter, surrounded probably by a little glow, and much resembling the planet Uranus."  Webb's announcement in several publications created a flurry of interest in late 1879 with spectroscopic observations by Knott, Copeland, Winnecke, Vogel.  In 1880, Dreyer noted Stephan's prior discovery, though it was still commonly assumed that Webb was the discoverer.  E.E. Barnard observed NGC 7027 in June of 1889 with the Lick 36-inch at 500x (with Burnham) and logged, "In the p part there is a small bluish -green star like object - shining through ? haze.  Occasionally a darkish space separates the condensations into two."

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "the condensations are not stellar in the shortest exposures.  Quite irregular and roughly trinuclear, though the southern condsation is apparently two masses close together.  The southern condensation and the brighter at the north are 7.5" apart in p.a. 135”."

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NGC 7028 = CGCG 448-039??

21 08 18 +18 29; Del

 

= Not found, Carlson.  = **?, Gottlieb.  Possibly CGCG 448-039, Corwin.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7028 = m 434 on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, vlE."  Near his position are only stars and its possible he mistook some close pair of stars as a nebula, though the observation is marked as verified.  Harold Corwin found no systematic offset on the sweep that would point to a specific star(s).  Two possible candidates are UGC 11676 = CGCG 448-039 (mentioned by Corwin), which lies 2.4 minutes of RA to the west or CGCG 449-005, which lies 17' south.  Neither of these objects, though, are at a simple digit (clerical) offset, so would be simply guesses.  See Corwin's notes for more (unlikely) candidates.

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NGC 7029 = ESO 235-072 = PGC 66318

21 11 52.0 -49 17 01; Ind

V = 11.5;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 71”

 

30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.8'x1.2', strong concentration with a very bright core, rounded ends to the major axis.  A mag 15.1 star is 50" WSW of center, just off the tip.  NGC 7022 lies 22' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7029 = h3856, along with NGC 7022, on 2 Oct 1834 and logged "B; R; gpmbM; 35"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7030 = ESO 598-028 = PGC 66283

21 11 13.3 -20 29 09; Cap

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 70”

 

17.5" (7/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  An anonymous galaxy is 13' WNW.  Located 25' E of 27 Capricorni (V = 6.2).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7030 = LM 1-241 on 3 Sep 1885 and noted "mag 14.0, vS, iR, sbnMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 minute of time west of ESO 598-028 = PGC 66283.  Ormond Stone later measured an accurate position at the Leander McCormick Observatory (repeated in the IC 1 Notes).

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NGC 7031 = Cr 430 = Lund 979 = OCL-210

21 07 12 +50 52; Cyg

V = 9.1;  Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/10/91): at 220x, about two dozen stars mag 11-15 in a 6' diameter.  At the east edge is close double star 11.4/11.8 with a third mag 11.5 star close SW.  A nice string of stars is along the north side extending NW from the trio including a close double star 12/13 1' N.  A mag 11 star is on south side but the rest of the stars are mag 13-15.  Not very rich but stands out in a rich field.  The cluster is fairly scattered except for this region with brighter stars.  At 410x, I used the sequence of magnitudes in Clark's Visual Astronomy to positively identify a faint V = 16.1 star and suspected a V = 16.3 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7031 = H VIII-74 = h2105 on 21 Sep 1788 (sweep 860) and recorded "a coarsely sc cl of L stars, not very rich, about 5 or 6' diam."  JH made the single observation "a curious scattered cluster of triple stars; RA taken from the working list [of Caroline Herschel]."

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NGC 7032 = ESO 074-026 = PGC 66427

21 15 22.9 -68 17 16; Pav

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', broad weak concentration.  A distinctive 7' group of mag 10.5 and fainter stars that is extended N-S lies ~6' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7032 = h3857 on 20 Jul 1835 and noted "vF; R; glbM; 25"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7033 = MCG +02-54-002 = CGCG 426-006 = PGC 66228

21 09 36.2 +15 07 30; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 170”

 

24" (6/30/16): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 10.8 star is 2.3' NNW.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 7034 1.6' NNE. 

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Close pair with NGC 7034 1.6' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7033 = m 435, along with NGC 7034, on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His RA is 2 seconds too large.

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NGC 7034 = UGC 11687 = MCG +02-54-003 = CGCG 426-007 = PGC 66227

21 09 38.2 +15 09 02; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 125”

 

24" (6/30/16): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 30"x24", well concentrated with a small bright nucleus.  A mag 10.8 star is 1.4' NW.  NGC 7034 is the slightly larger of a similar pair with NGC 7033 1.6' SSW.  Located just east of the border of Delphinus into Pegasus.

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Close pair with NGC 7033 1.6' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7034 = m 436, along with NGC 7033, on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7035 = ESO 530-15 = PGC 66258

21 10 46.3 -23 08 09; Cap

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (8/2/97): brightest in a small group of galaxies - this object was quickly noticed to be double at 220x oriented WNW-ESE.  The very close components are just resolved, round, ~20" diameter each and very similar in brightness.  Several faint galaxies are in the field to the east including ESO 530-018, MCG +05-50-004 and ESO 530-020 (resolved triple galaxy).

 

ESO 530-018 is an extremely faint and small object in the NGC 7035 group. Located 8' ESE of NGC 7035 and 4' W of the ESO 530-020 triplet. It required concentration and extended viewing to glimpse this threshold object close (NE) of a mag 15 star.  Confusing the observation further is a second threshold galaxy (MCG +05-50-004) that was also glimpsed on a couple of occasions close southeast of the star.

 

MCG -04-50-007 is the middle in a close trio oriented SW to NE.  Although appearing very faint and small, this member is the largest and brightest of the trio (ESO 530-020), seems to have a brighter core and is slightly elongated ~SW-NE.  MCG -04-50-006 is the furthest southwest and appears extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, but direction uncertain due to faintness. MCG -04-50-008 is the northeast member of the chain and appeared extremely faint, very small, round.  This galaxy is close SE [40"] of a mag 13 star and is just cleanly resolved from MCG -04-50-007 to the southwest.  The trio is situated 4' S of a striking double star h5251 = 8.5/8.7 at 9".

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7035 = LM 2-460 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 21h 11m -23d 05' and he only noted "iR" with a size of 0.5'.  ESO/Uppsala and Harold Corwin identify ESO 530-015 as NGC 7035 as the most likely candidate.  This is a close pair of interacting galaxies about 3' south and 34 second of RA west of Muller's position.  Corwin's Southern Galaxy Catalogue has listings for both components, identified as NGC 7035a and NGC 7035b. 

 

The RNGC identifies either edge-on ESO 530-018 or nearby MCG -04-50-004 as NGC 7035.  This pair lies 5' to 6' south of Muller's position, though happen to match in RA.  As the Leander McCormick positions tend to be fairly accurate in declination, this identification is less likely.  It is also possible that NGC 7035 refers to a close chain of three galaxies 4' east of the edge-on, though Muller would have probably resolved this trio.  There are a number of galaxies in the area, roughly matching Muller's declination, so if he was too far west in RA then there are several additional candidates!

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NGC 7036

21 10 12 +15 22 36; Peg

 

17.5" (10/21/95): very poor scattered asterism of 10 mag 11-13 stars in a 4' diameter.  This is totally unimpressive group and surprising it would be noted by John Herschel.  Most of the stars form an oval outline highlighted by a tighter group of four stars within 1' diameter at the south end of the oval.  There are no stars within the asterism's outline.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7036 = h2104 on 11 Oct 1825 and noted "A scattered cluster of small stars."  A scattered group of stars is centered about 5' south of JH's position, and this is likely the intended object.  Karl Reinmuth notes "no distinct Cl" and the RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 7037

21 10 49 +33 44 48; Cyg

Size 8'x3'

 

17.5" (8/25/95): this asterism is elongated 8'x3' in a SW-NE orientation and is situated in a fairly rich field.  Consists of about 50 stars mag 11-14.5 with the brightest two mag 11/11.5 stars near the center at 50" separation.  The region northeast of this pair is fairly rich in mag 13 stars.  Appears best at 100x where it is detached in the field.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7037 = h2106 on 5 Aug 1829 and recorded "a cluster, not very rich; irreg figure, 8' l, 5' br; stars 11...15m."  His position is very close to the brightest star (11th magnitude) near the center of this group.  At Birr Castle in 1876, Sir Robert Ball called it "Many st, but no remarkable cl."  Based on its photographic appearance at Heidelberg, Karl Reinmuth noted "Cl, pS, E, pP, st pF."  Though this group of stars may be an asterism, it stands out clearly on the DSS and the RNGC misclassifies it as nonexistent.

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NGC 7038 = ESO 286-079 = AM 2111-472 = LGG 441-011 = PGC 66414

21 15 07.5 -47 13 14; Ind

V = 11.8;  Size 3.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 127”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, large, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.4', broad concentration with a small brighter core.  Spiral structure is evident in the outer halo with two arms noted. One is attached on the northwest side of the middle region and curls to the south.  A second arm is attached on the south side and curls to the east and north.  A mag 14 star is 1.8' E.  A mag 11 star situated 2.6' NE is the brightest in a string oriented northwest to southeast.

 

NGC 7038 is an outlying member of AGC 3742 = ACO S924 = Indus Group of galaxies.  The cluster is roughly 200 million years distant.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7038 = h3858 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; L; pmE; gbM; 2' l; 90" br."  His position (also measured on the next sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 7039 = Cr 431 = Lund 981 = OCL-203

21 10 48 +45 37; Cyg

V = 7.6;  Size 25'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): about 125 stars in a 15'-20' diameter.  This is a very large, rich triangular group.  Two bright mag 7.5 stars are at the SSW and NNE ends.  Also two mag 9 stars are involved.  Very rich in mag 12-13 stars.  This is a pretty uniform cluster with a sprinkling of brighter stars.  Excellent low power Milky Way field using a 20mm Nagler.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7039 = h2107 on 19 Sep 1829 and recorded "a star 6-7m situated just beyond the nf edge of a L, p rich cluster, 11...15m, 20' long, 7' broad.  Extended from nf to sp."  His position matches mag 6.7 HD 201935 on the northeast side of the cluster.

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NGC 7040 = UGC 11701 = MCG +01-54-004 = CGCG 401-008 = PGC 66366

21 13 16.5 +08 51 54; Equ

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 150”

 

24" (8/31/16): fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", small brighter nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the south edge of the halo.  The SDSS shows an E-W line of 3 faint stars on the south edge, though the middle "star" is classified as a galaxy.  CGCG 401-006, located 8.7' SW, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): faint, fairly small, diffuse, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, low almost even surface brightness.  A very faint mag 15.5 star superimposed at the south edge is identified in CGCG and UGC as an extremely compact companion with dimensions 15"x7" but NED notes this may be a close line of three stars.

 

Forms a pair with MCG +01-54-003 = CGCG 401-006 = PGC 66355 9' SW.  This galaxy appeared very faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located almost at the center of a 3' square consisting of four mag 12.5-13.5 stars.  In the same 220x field with NGC 7040 9' NE.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, diffuse, irregularly round, no noticeable core.  A faint "star" is embedded on the south edge.

 

Mark Harrington, director of the Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor, discovered NGC 7040 on 18 Aug 1882 with a 12 5/8-inch Fitz refractor.  His discovery note in AN 2479 mentions "it is so faint that I can only see it after resting my eyes in the dark a few moments.  It is about 3' long by half that in breadth and is extended north and south, the northern end preceding a bit."  Although the size estimate is too large, his position is a good match with UGC 11701.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7041 = ESO 235-082 = LGG 444-001 = PGC 66463

21 16 32.4 -48 21 49; Ind

V = 11.2;  Size 3.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 85”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, very large, elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, ~2.8'x1.0', high surface brightness, very sharply concentrated with an intensely bright, very elongated core.  A mag 10.7 star is 2' SSE and a mag 10.4 star is 6' WNW.  NGC 7049 lies 27' SE.  These two galaxies are the brightest in a group including ESO 235-083 14' ENE and NGC 7014A/7041B 14' ESE.

 

ESO 235-083 is fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 24"x18", broad weak concentration.  A mag 15.6 star is 35" N of center.  NGC 7041A is moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~0.8'x0.6', slightly brighter nucleus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7041 = h3859 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; pmE; psmbM; 40" l; has a * 11m sf."  His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7042 = UGC 11702 = MCG +02-54-013 = CGCG 426-023 = LGG 442-001 = PGC 66378

21 13 45.8 +13 34 30; Peg

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, moderately large, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 7043 5.4' NE.  A mag 12 star lies 2.3' NE between the galaxies.  Observed through haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7042 = H III-209 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "vF, S, R."  CH's reduction is 12 seconds west and 1.5' north of UGC 11702.  Albert Marth discovery nearby NGC 7043.

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NGC 7043 = UGC 11704 = MCG +02-54-014 = CGCG 426-024 = LGG 442-002 = PGC 66385

21 14 04.2 +13 37 33; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, small, round.  Located 5.4' NE of much brighter NGC 7042.  Observed through haze.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7043 = m 437 on 18 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate (noted as verified).  Harold Corwin notes that Reinmuth reported NGC 7043 as "Not found" in his 1927 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel" based on Heidelberg plates, though his remark is in parenthesis indicating the plate was poor in some respect.

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NGC 7044 = Lund 984 = OCL-198

21 13 09.4 +42 29 46; Cyg

Size 3.5'

 

24" (7/30/16): at 375x and 500x; perhaps a total of 50 stars in a circular 4' region are resolved over a mottled, scraggly glow.  Several of the fainter stars were near my visual threshold, so popped in and out of view with the seeing.  In any case, the cluster is impressively rich at 375x.  A 20" pair of mag 11.5/13 stars is on the east side.  A rich but faint curving chain of stars oriented ~N-S is on the west side (open to the west).

 

17.5" (10/5/91): at 100x, faint, small, a few stars are resolved over a 4' glowing spot.  At 200x, about 20 faint stars are resolved over background haze, 4' diameter, irregular outline.  A wide pair of brighter mag 10.5/12.5 stars is at the east edge.  About 10 mag 12-13 stars are clearly visible and 10 additional mag 14-15 stars are visible with averted vision.  Appears like a partially resolved low surface brightness globular cluster in a rich field.

 

8" (8/12/83): about 10 faint mag 12/13 stars over unresolved haze, unimpressive.  Elongated N-S, small but not rich.  Some scattered bright stars are in field to the NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7044 = H VI-24 = h2110 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and recorded "a very compressed and very rich cluster of extremely S stars, about 4' l and 3' br. Elongated nearly in the parallel."  On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) he also logged "a cl. of extremely small stars, very compressed wand very rich, about 6' l and 4' br."  On 29 Aug 1829, JH reported "vF; L; irreg fig; p rich; not mbM; 2 or 3 pL stars, the rest 16...18m; 5' diam."

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NGC 7045

21 14 50.2 +04 30 24; Equ

 

= **, Corwin and Dreyer.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7045 = h2108 on 16 Jul 1827 and logged "eF; field feebly illuminated by moonlight, but I remained satisfied of its reality."  His position lies between mag 9.3 SAO 126648 and mag 9.6 SAO 126646 (10' south-southwest) and falls close to a 8" pair of faint stars (one is a blended double).  Heinrich d'Arrest was unsuccessful in finding h2108 at Copenhagen in 1864 and Rudolph Spitaler at Vienna reported NGC 7045 "is not a nebula, but only a couple of vF stars close together."  Harold Corwin also identifies NGC 7045 as this double star (see his identification notes).

 

RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, although the "New Description" appears to describe a galaxy.

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NGC 7046 = UGC 11708 = MCG +00-54-009 = CGCG 375-020 = PGC 66407

21 14 56.0 +02 50 05; Equ

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (5/10/91): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very diffuse, weak concentration.  Two mag 15 stars are off the north and south edges.  IC 1367 is 15' NW and IC 1365 20' SE.

 

13.1" (6/29/84): faint, very diffuse, irregularly round, even surface brightness.  A group of faint stars are off the SE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7046 = H III-858 = h2109 on 10 Oct 1790 (sweep 973) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, vlbM, requires great attention to be seen." JH made two observations, first logging on sweep 94, "eF; R; barely visible; night exquisite."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 7047 = UGC 11712 = MCG +00-54-010 = CGCG 375-023 = PGC 66461

21 16 27.6 -00 49 35; Aqr

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 107”

 

17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, elongated WNW-ESE, a very faint star is at the WNW end.  Appears like a small comet with a star for the head.  Located 13' S of mag 7.9 SAO 145257.  Similar notes on 8/1/86.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7047 = St V-5 on 20 Aug 1873 and recorded "eF, vS; two condensation points on the same parallel at 2 seconds [RA] interval."  His position is accurate.  One of the condensations points is probably the superimposed star at the west end.

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NGC 7048 = Hb 9 = PK 88-1.1 = PN G088.7-01.6

21 14 14.2 +46 17 28; Cyg

V = 12.1;  Size 62"x60"

 

48" (10/27/16): at 375x (unfiiltered); bright, fairly large, nearly round, irregular surface brightness.  The rim is slightly brighter along the west and northwest side in a thin strip and very weakly enhanced on the east edge.  A bright mag 10.5 star is just off the SSE edge and a mag 15.7 star is very near the NNW edge (180” opposite the bright star).  There is one brighter interior star on the northwest side [17" from center].  In addition a couple of very faint stars are superimposed.

 

24" (8/30/16): at 376x unfiltered; fairly bright, moderately large, very slightly elongated N-S, seen full size at ~60" diameter.  The rim is slightly brighter along and the western side and very weakly enhanced on the eastern edge.  On the northwest side is a brighter, circular region with a faint (interior) star embedded.  Overall the planetary has a very weak annular appearance.  A mag 8.3 star is 3.3' WSW, a mag 10.5 star is off the SSE edge [42" from center] and a faint star is barely off the NE edge [30" from center].

 

18" (9/10/07): at 280x unfiltered appears as a moderately bright disc that is slightly elongated ~N-S, ~65"x60".  A mag 10.5 star lies just off the south end (42" from center) and a mag 13 star is off the north end (60" from center).  Appears slightly brighter along the west edge and to a lesser extent along the east edge, giving a weak annular appearance.  A faint star is right at the northeast edge of the rim and an interior star is on the northwest side.  Also, an extremely faint star is sometimes visible at the north-northwest edge of the rim.  Located 3.3' ENE of mag 8.3 SAO 50601.

 

17.5" (8/7/91): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S.  Extends between a mag 10.5 star just off the south end (46" from the center) and a mag 13 star off the north end (1.0' from center).  Extremely faint stars are superimposed at the west and NNE edge.  Appears slightly brighter along the west and east side of the disc and the planetary has a slightly darker center (weakly annular).  No central star was visible.  Located 3.3' ENE of mag 8 SAO 50601.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7048 = St IX-28 on 19 Oct 1878.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  At +46” declination, NGC 7048 is the most northerly object discovered by Stephan at Marseilles as he only searched up to the zenith.

 

In 1919, Heber Curtis reported it was undoubtedly a planetary nebula based on a Crossley photograph and described it as "A rather faint oval, with slight traces of ring structure. It is about 60" x 50" in p.a. 20”±. The brightest portions are at the east end of the minor axis. There is a very faint central star."  In 1920, Francis Pease reported it was "a planetary resembling the Dumb-bell nebula, about 1' diameter, weak axis in p.a. 170”.  The central star is very faint."

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NGC 7049 = ESO 236-001 = AM 2115-484 = LGG 444-003 = PGC 66549

21 19 00.3 -48 33 43; Ind

V = 10.7;  Size 4.3'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 57”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, at least 2.0'x1.5', high surface brightness, very sharply concentrated with a blazing core that is mottled and increases to a stellar nucleus.  A faint star is embedded just west of the core (not visible on overexposed images).

 

Brightest in a group a (LGG 444), along with NGC 7041 27' NW.  ESO 235-85 lies 7.5' WNW.  NGC 7049A = ESO 235-84 + NGC 7041B lies 14' NW.  Also one of the brightest members of the Pavo-Indus Cloud along with NGCs 7041, 7083, 7144, 7205.

 

ESO 235-085 is fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 24"x18", very high surface brightness.  A mag 15.6 star is 35" N of center.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7049 = D 406 = h3860 on 4 Aug 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula, about 12 or 15 arcseconds diameter, very bright immediately at the centre, resembling a small star surrounded by an atmosphere. This is N.f. a star of the 6th magnitude."  His position is 4' ENE of center.  John Herschel observed the galaxy twice, improved the position, and logged on 30 Sep 1834, "vB, pS, pmE, psvmbM, 25" long, 15" broad."  Two nights later he noted "B, R, pgmbM, 1'."

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NGC 7050

21 15 08 +36 10 30; Cyg

Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/25/95): this interesting asterism consists of three distinct groups of stars each about 4' apart from the other two groups.  The south group has five stars including the brightest mag 10 star.  The west group has four stars in a small clump with a detached wide pair a couple of arc minutes south.  Finally, the richest group is on the east side with 15 stars mag 12.5-15 in a 2' circle.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7050 = h2111 on 19 Aug 1828, though apparently didn't take any notes.  The Slough Catalogue reports "No description.  A cluster."  His position falls near the brightest mag 12 star in one of the northeast subgroup in my visual description.  Ld Rosse: " About a dozen B stars and a number of S ones scattered about."  On 5 Oct 1866, Sir Robert Ball logged at Birr Castle, "about a dozen B stars and a number of S stars scattered about it."  RNGC classifies this asterism as nonexistent, though it is pretty clearly JH's intended object.

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NGC 7051 = MCG -02-54-004 = PGC 66566

21 19 51.4 -08 46 53; Aqr

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~E-W, halo gradually increases to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus.  An extremely faint star is possibly involved at the east side.  A wide double star is 2' W (mag 11/13.5 at 26").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7051 = h2113 on 30 Jul 1827 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; near a double star."  There is nothing at his position and it was not found on 3 attempts at Birr Castle. On a 4th try (a bad night), a nebula was suspected near a faint double star but not confirmed.  Exactly two minutes of time west of JH's position is MCG -02-54-004 = PGC 66566 and it is preceded by an unequal double star.  Heinrich d'Arrest followed up at Copenhagen (based on the failure at Birr Castle) and measured an accurate position on 26 Aug 1864 and later noted the two minute discrepancy with Herschel's RA.  Dreyer used d'Arrest's corrected position in the NGC.

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NGC 7052 = UGC 11718 = MCG +04-50-006 = CGCG 471-005 = PGC 66537

21 18 33.0 +26 26 49; Vul

V = 12.4;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 64”

 

13.1" (7/20/85): moderately bright, pretty edge-on WSW-ENE.  Bulging bright core contains a substellar nucleus, fainter extensions.  At 220x an extremely faint mag 15 star is visible off the NE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7052 = H III-145 = h2112 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 263) and noted "vF, lE, stellar."   On 14 Oct 1786 (sweep 610), he reported "F, S, lE, bM.  I see it much clearer this way [using the "front-view" without a secondary], than I have formerly done (263 sweep) in the Newtonian construction."  Herschel reverted to the front-view method (first experimented with in May 1784) starting on 22 Sep 1786 (sweep 600).  John Herschel logged "F; R; 20"; the RA may be 2 or 3 seconds out."  His RA as 13 seconds of time too large.

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NGC 7053 = UGC 11727 = MCG +04-50-009 = CGCG 471-008 = II Zw 124 = PGC 66610

21 21 07.6 +23 05 05; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 45" SW.  Located 12' NNW of a mag 7.9 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7053 = m 438 on 2 Sep 1863 and noted "pB, S, vlE."  His position is off the southwest side of UGC 11727 = PGC 66610. Heinrich d'Arrest independently rediscovered this galaxy on 8 Oct 1865.  His accurate micrometric position (measured twice) was used in the NGC.

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NGC 7054 = NGC 7080 = UGC 11756 = MCG +04-50-012 = CGCG 471-011 = PGC 66861

21 30 01.9 +26 43 04; Vul

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

See observing notes for NGC 7080.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7054 = St IV-4 on 31 August 1872. There is nothing at Stephan's position and there is no specific listing for NGC 7054 in Emmanuel Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions.  But Corwin noticed an "anonymous" object in Esmiol's table is listed with Stephan's original offset but from a different star.  This leads to a position near NGC 7080 (discovered earlier by Marth).  But apparently Esmiol, like Stephan, misidentified the offset star as PPM 113035 is exactly at Stephan's offset from NGC 7080.  NGC 7080 is listed independently in Esmiol's table based on an observation on 17 Aug 1873, so apparently Stephan revisited the field a year later, but this time the offset star was correctly identified.

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NGC 7055

21 19 25 +57 35 24; Cep

Size 3'

 

17.5" (8/25/95): this is a small, unimpressive group of just 10 mag 12-14.5 stars in a 3' region.  The group is only distinguishable because it is detached in the field.  There are some brighter scattered stars to the south, which John Herschel may have included in his 8' estimate.  The group of stars appears to be fully resolved and just an asterism.  Interestingly, there is a large, fairly bright and rich star field about 30' SW centered about 21 16.5 +57 28" (2000) which appears to be a cluster but is not listed in the Lynga catalogue.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7055 = h2114 on 25 Sep 1829 and recorded "a F, S, poor cluster, 8' dia."  His position corresponds with a very small group of 10 faint stars.  Based on a Heidelberg plate, Reinmuth noted "a few F st clustered very loosely."  RNGC classified this perfectly good asterism as nonexistent.

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NGC 7056 = IC 1382 = UGC 11734 = MCG +03-54-008 = CGCG 449-019 = PGC 66641

21 22 07.5 +18 39 56; Peg

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, small, almost round.  A small brighter core appears offset to the west and gives the impression that the galaxy is slightly elongated.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7056 = m 439 on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "pF, S, R." His position matches UGC 11734 = PGC 66641.  Harold Corwin notes that Truman Safford independently rediscovered this galaxy on 29 Sep 1866 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and described Sf 55 (later IC 1382) as "pF, pS, iF."  His RA, though, is nearly five minutes too large, but a good match in declination.  So, NGC 7056 is probably equal to IC 1382.

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NGC 7057 = ESO 287-017 = MCG -07-44-004 = AM 2121-424 = LGG 445-003 = PGC 66708

21 24 59.0 -42 27 37; Mic

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 132”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.7', gradually brightens to a brighter core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is at the east edge [27" from center].  Second brightest in a trio with NGC 7060 10.5' ENE. AM 2122-424 lies 7.4' ESE and appeared very faint, small, round, 18" diameter.

 

18" (8/19/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20".  There appears to be an extremely faint star at the east edge.  First of two with NGC 7060 10' ENE.  Viewed at only 10” elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7057 = h3861, along with NGC 7060, on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; vS; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 7060]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7058

21 21 39.8 +50 50 17; Cyg

 

17.5" (8/25/95): bright, scattered group including mag 7.9 SAO 33352 and four other mag 9.5-10 stars in a 4'-5' region forming the borders of the group. There are roughly two dozen stars mag 13-14.5 in the immediate vicinity but the density of the fainter stars is actually lower than other rich regions in the same low power field.  So, only distinguishable because of the grouping of brighter stars which may form a physical group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7058 = h2115 on 8 Sep 1829 and simply noted "the chief star of a coarse, poor cl."  There is no bright star near his position, but 40 tsec of RA following and 1.5' north is a bright, scattered group including 8th magnitude SAO 33352 at 21 21 39.8 +50 50 17.  Copeland, observing at Birr Castle in 1871, noted it was a "Cl, vP, in milky way." and Reinmuth called it simply "a few B st", based on a Heidelberg plate.  RNGC classifies this Milky Way asterism as nonexistent (Type 7) and Kharchenko et al, 2012, classifies it as a moving group so at least some of the stars may be related.

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NGC 7059 = ESO 145-005 = PGC 66784

21 27 21.5 -60 00 53; Pav

V = 11.9;  Size 3.5'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 98”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~2'x1', well concentrated with a round very bright core.  There is knot (in a spiral arm?) near the northwest end of the core.  A mag 10.6 star is 1.9' S of center.  This star is a fairly close, very unequal pair (not catalogued in the WDS) and was just resolved. Two additional equally spaced stars extend to the southwest.  Also, three collinear mag 13 stars extend to the west of the galaxy.  IC 5110 lies 25' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7059 = h3862 on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "B; lE; gpmbM; 90" l, 40" br."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7060 = ESO 287-022 = MCG -07-44-006 = AM 2122-423 = LGG 445-009 = PGC 66732

21 25 53.5 -42 24 37; Mic

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 124”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright or very bright, fairly large, ~1.2'x1.0' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Two mag 13 stars are 2.0' NNW and 2.8' NW, a mag 14 star is 2' E, and a mag 16 star is 30" SSW.  Brighter in a trio with NGC 7057 10.5' WSW and much fainter AM 2122-424 5' SSW (logged as "very faint, small, round, 18" diameter).  The physical group includes NGC 7060, 7057, 7070, 7072 and 7072A.

 

MLO 6, a very bright mag 5.6/8.2 pair at 2.7" lies 15' SW.  The relatively faint companion in this large mag contrast pair appeared orange-red.

 

18" (8/19/09): faint, fairly small, orientation difficult to determine as sometimes appeared round (core?) and other times elongated 4:3 or 3:2, weak concentration, ~40"x30".  Two mag 14 stars lies 2' N and 3' NW.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 7057 10' WSW.  Located 18' NW of a mag 5.6/8.1 pair at 2.9".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7060 = h3863, along with NGC 7057, on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; the following of 2 [with NGC 7057]."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7061 = ESO 236-013 = PGC 66785

21 27 26.9 -49 03 48; Ind

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 137”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; moderately bright, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE, ~36"x 18", small brighter core.  NGC 7061 is nearly collinear with three nearby stars; mag 15.5 star 45" SE of center), 14.5 star 2' SE and 13.5 star 3' SE.

 

NGC 7071 is the brightest in a small (physical) group including ESO 236-014 2.5' S and PGC 66775 4.6' SW.  ESO 236-014 appeared fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14".  A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' E.  PGC 66775 was moderately bright, fairly small, high surface brightness, very bright core, elongated halo WNW-ESE, 0.5'x0.25'.  A mag 16.2 star is just off the WNW end.  I was surprised that this galaxy was nearly as prominent as NGC 7061!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7061 = h3864 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; 10"; the feeblest object imaginable."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7062 = Cr 434 = Lund 988 = OCL-205

21 23 27 +46 22 42; Cyg

V = 8.3;  Size 7'

 

17.5" (8/7/91): about 30 stars mag 10 and fainter in a 5' diameter at 220x.  The brightest stars form a parallelogram enclosing the cluster.  A mag 10 star is at the east end and a mag 11 star is at the west end.  Most of the cluster stars in the interior are mag 12.5-14.

 

8" (7/16/82): rich, small.  Includes many mag 12-13 stars over haze, very mottled and dense.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7062 = H VII-51 = h2116 on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868) and recorded "a pretty compressed cl. of pS stars, considerably rich, 5 or 6' dia, iR."  JH made 3 observations, first recording (sweep 203), "a neat, pretty compact cluster of 50 or 60 stars 4' diam; irreg fig; a * 13m taken, the chief in the preceding part."

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NGC 7063 = Cr 435 = Lund 990 = OCL-192

21 24 21 +36 29 12; Cyg

V = 7.0;  Size 8'

 

17.5" (8/7/91): about 35 stars mag 9-15 in a 10' region.  Very bright, fairly large, elongated ~N-S.  Includes about ten bright stars mag 9-10.5.  This is a scattered group with no rich sections.  A line of four bright stars is at the west edge and a curving arc of bright stars is just following.  Includes a triple star (ES 2126) consisting of a close 4" well-matched mag 11 double star and a third member at 9".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7063 = h2117 on 19 Aug 1828 and recorded "a poor cluster, stars 10m."  His position matches this bright, scattered cluster.

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NGC 7064 = ESO 188-009 = PGC 66836

21 29 03.0 -52 46 03; Ind

V = 12.5;  Size 3.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 91”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, very large, thin edge-on 7:1 E-W, ~2.5'x0.35', no distinct core.  The surface is slightly mottled and two or three stellar or quasi-stellar knots were noted (probable HII regions); one near the west end, one east of center, and one near the center.  A mag 10 star is 1.3' SSW of center and a mag 14 star is 1' to its east.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7064 = h3865 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; vmE; in pos = 90.8”; vgbM; 80" l; has a star south."

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NGC 7065 = MCG -01-54-017 = PGC 66766

21 26 42.4 -06 59 43; Aqr

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25”

 

24" (9/27/19): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, dominated by a sharp stellar nucleus with a very low surface brightness halo.  Checking the SDSS, a star is superimposed very close west of the nucleus!

 

NGC 7065A, located 4' ESE, appeared 

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, extremely small, round, bright stellar nucleus or star superimposed, just non-stellar (only core visible).  Located 4.7' WSW of mag 8.8 SAO 45403 and 10.3' W of mag 7.6 SAO 45409.  Forms a pair with NGC 7065A 4.2' ESE.

 

The companion appeared very faint, fairly small, weak concentration, very low surface brightness diffuse glow.  Collinear with mag 8.8 SAO 145403 2.7' N and a mag 11 star 6.0' N.  Also a mag 11 star is 3.1' E and mag 7.6 SAO 45409 is 6.3' E!  Close to the mag 11 star that follows are two fainter mag 13 and 14 stars.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7065 = St VIII-12 (first list) on 24 and 25 Aug 1865 and his discovery positions match MCG -01-54-017 = PGC 66766.  Stephan independently discovered MCG -01-54-017 on 22 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  Albert Marth first observed the field on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, irr R." for m 440.  But Marth's position matches MCG -01-54-018 = PGC 66774, which is often identified as NGC 7065A.  Dreyer assumed d'Arrest's object was the same as Marth's and used d'Arrest's micrometric position in the NGC (Stephan was not credited).  He noted in the description, though, that Marth's RA was 13 seconds larger.  For comparison, here are the positions for 2000:

 

21 26 42.4 -06 59 43  NGC 7065 = MCG -01-54-017 = PGC 66766

21 26 45.7 -06 59 41  d'Arrest (mean of 2 positions)

21 26 43.3 -06 59 46  Stephan

21 26 42.9 -06 59 48  Esmiol's re-reduction

 

21 26 57.8 -07 01 18  NGC 7065A = MCG -01-54-018 = PGC 66774

21 26 58 -07 02     Marth

 

So, while d'Arrest and Stephan discovered NGC 7065, Marth apparently discovered NGC 7065A, a larger, lower surface brightness companion 4' southeast.  Interestingly, all three observers only found a single galaxy, though both MCG galaxies were observed in my 17.5" and fairly similar in ease of visibility.  So, NGC 7065A should have received a separate NGC number -- unless Marth's position was very poor, and coincidentally matches NGC 7065A.  The RNGC positions for both galaxies are 2' too far south (see my RNGC Corrections #4).  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 7066 = UGC 11741 = MCG +02-54-025 = CGCG 426-054 = II Zw 130 = PGC 66747

21 26 13.8 +14 10 57; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, very small, elongated, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is just north.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7066 = Sw. IV-80 = Sw. V-92 on 31 Aug 1886 (included in both lists with the same dates) and recorded "eeeF; eee diff.; close sf of middle of 3 faint stars in a curve, middle star the brighter.  Nebula nearly on the same parallel as the south star of 4 in a row preceding."  His position and description matches except the last comment, which should read "Nebula nearly on the same parallel as the north star of 4 in a row preceding."

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NGC 7067 = Cr 436 = Lund 989 = OCL-208

21 24 12 +48 00 42; Cyg

V = 9.7;  Size 3'

 

17.5" (8/10/91): about 20 stars in a 3' field.  Faint but fairly rich, most stars very faint.  Superimposed over unresolved background haze.  The two brightest mag 12 stars are at the SW and NE corners.  A rich string of very faint mag 14-15 stars oriented NW-SE is in the center as well as two mag 13 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7067 = H VII-50 = h2118 on 27 Sep 1788 (sweep 866) and recorded "a few small stars with suspected nebulosity.  300 shows a great many smaller stars intermixed with the former, in the shape of a cluster."  Although not visually distinctive, his position matches this small cluster.  JH made the single observation "A double star.  The chief of a poor cl."  His position matches HJ 1644 (SAO 5080), which is 4' east of the faint but rich section.  Perhaps he failed to resolve these stars?

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NGC 7068 = MCG +02-54-027 = CGCG 426-055 = PGC 66765

21 26 32.4 +12 11 03; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE.  A mag 14 star is at the NNE edge 20" from center.  Located just 1.1' SSE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7068 = m 441 on 7 Nov 1863 and noted "eF, close to a small *."  His position is 1' too far south and the small star is at the northeast edge.

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NGC 7069 = UGC 11747 = MCG +00-54-019 = CGCG 375-040 = PGC 66807

21 28 05.9 -01 38 49; Aqr

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20”

 

18" (8/14/07): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', very small bright core. Five faint IC galaxies lie within 35' to the north.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7069 = m 442 on 12 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, S, R, stell."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7070 = ESO 287-028 = MCG -07-44-016 = LGG 446-001 = PGC 66869

21 30 25.4 -43 05 14; Gru

V = 12.3;  Size 2.3'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 22”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly prominent due to large size but overall modest surface brightness.  Appears as a large cottony oval SSW-NNE, ~1.7'x1.4'.  There appeared to be a brighter bar in the center oriented E-W and a strong suggestion of structure in the outer halo.  Either a stellar knot or a star appeared superimposed just on the west side of the weak "bar" (Carnegie-Irvine image shows this to be a star) and the halo contained some slightly brighter regions or knots.  NGC 7072 lies 4.5' SSE and NGC 7072A is 7' due south.

 

18" (10/16/09): very faint, very low surface brightness patch with no concentration.  Requires averted to glimpse a 1' hazy glow with no definite edge.  First and largest in a trio with NGC 7072 4.5' SE and NGC 7070A 21' NE.  The observation was affected by the low elevation of this group, though this may be a very diffuse galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7070 = h3866, along with NGC 7072, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, L, vlE, vglbM, 2' broad, the preceding of two [with NGC 7072]." On a later sweep he called it "F, pL, lE, gvlbM, 1'."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 7071

21 26 39.7 +47 55 15; Cyg

Size 7'

 

18" (10/8/05): this "nonexistent cluster" is located in a glorious low power Milky Way field.  Several groupings (both large and small) caught my eye at 73x (67' field), but I was mostly drawn to a fairly distinctive 4' string of stars oriented NW-SE.  At 225x, ~15 stars were packed into the string, most stars being mag 13-14 with a few fainter stars, and possibly over unresolved Milky Way background glow.  This group would have likely caught John Herschel's eye as he swept the region, though it may be an asterism (not in Lynga).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7071 = h2119 on 19 Sep 1829 and recorded "A very poor and small cluster of an oblong figure.  It is followed by a loosely scattered mass of stars."  His position corresponds with a 7' to 8' curving string of stars.  Surprising, Karl Reinmuth was unable to identify this group on a Heidelberg plate and noted "not found; = N7067?"  Dorothy Carlson repeated this comment in her 1940 NGC Correction paper as well as in the RNGC.

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NGC 7072 = ESO 287-031 = MCG -07-44-018 = LGG 445-010 = PGC 66874

21 30 37.1 -43 09 08; Gru

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 90”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to the center.  Second brightest in trio with NGC 7070 4.5' NNW and NGC 7072A 3.7' SSW.  NGC 7072A appeared fairly faint, round, 35"-40" diameter, low even surface brightness, no core or zones.

 

18" (10/16/09): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Forms a trio with NGC 7070 4.5' NNW and NGC 7072A 3.7' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7072 = h3867, along with NGC 7070, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; vglbM; 30"; the following of 2 [with NGC 7070]."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7073 = MCG -02-54-010 = Mrk 899 = PGC 66847

21 29 26.0 -11 29 17; Cap

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is off the SE end.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7073 = m 443 on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, irr R." His position is accurate.

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NGC 7074 = CGCG 401-027 = II Zw 133 = PGC 66854

21 29 38.8 +06 40 57; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 115”

 

24" (9/7/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.2'.  There was no noticeable core but seemed brighter along the NE edge.  Located 6' NNE of mag 6.4 HD 204603.  PGC 1307717, an extremely faint and small round glow, 12"-15" diameter, lies 7.5' NNW.

 

17.5" (10/17/98): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.4' NE.  Located 7' NNE of mag 6.6 SAO 126834.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7074 = m 444 on 16 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, S, E."  Although marked as verified, his position is nearly 7' north of CGCG 401-027 = PGC 66854 (double galaxy).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 31 Jul 1886 as well as Rudolph Spitaler in 1891 with the 27-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory.  CGCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7074.

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NGC 7075 = ESO 343-004 = MCG -07-44-020 = LGG 445-011 = PGC 66895

21 31 33.0 -38 37 05; Gru

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 116”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, small, round, small bright core.  Located 3.8' S of a mag 9.5 star (9.9/11.1 at 5") and 10' ENE of mag 7.5 SAO 213054 (wide pair) at the west edge of the 220x field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7075 = h3868 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; psbM; 15"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7076 = Abell 75 = PK 101+8.1 = PN G101.8+08.7

21 26 23.6 +62 53 33; Cep

V = 14.5;  Size 67"x47"

 

24" (10/3/13): picked up unfiltered but very good contrast gain with a UHC filter at 225x.  Appeared moderately bright, slightly elongated ~48"x40".  Clearly brighter along the eastern side with the brightest portion directly east of center, giving a partially annular appearance.  Unfiltered a mag 14.5 star is at the east edge and a mag 15 star is involved at the north edge.  Two mag 13.5/14 stars just north are collinear with the planetary.  Located in a rich star field 16' SE of mag 7.4 HD 204211.

 

18" (10/9/04): picked up at 73x (31 Nagler) as a fairly small (for an Abell planetary), fairly faint disc, perhaps 35"-40" in diameter.  Appears evenly illuminated at low power.  Viewed unfiltered at 160x and a couple of faint stars are embedded, one at the east edge and another at the north.  Only a weak contrast gain using the OIII filter and easier to view unfiltered at 225x.  At this power the shape appears irregular and brighter along the east side.  Neither of the two stars appears to be the central star as they're situated near the edge of the halo.  A number of 13-15th magnitude stars are in the field including a couple of 14th mag stars 1' and 2' N and a small, fainter trio close west.  Located 56' ENE of mag 2.5 Alpha Cephei (Alderamin).

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint at 79x using an OIII filter, slightly elongated, moderately large, estimate V = 13.5-13.8.  Faintly visible unfiltered.  At 222x two stars are superimposed; a faint star east of center and one at the north edge.  The planetary is collinear with two mag 14 stars 1' N and 2' N.  Located 15' SE of mag 7.2 SAO 19386.  Not identified as NGC 7076 in CGPN and ESO-Strausberg catalogues.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7076 = H III-936 on 15 Oct 1794 (sweep 1062) and noted "vF, easily resolvable."  His position is 7 min 54 sec of RA east and 16' north of Alpha Cephei.  Just 2' further north is the planetary Abell 75, which was catalogued by Abell but not associated with the NGC number.  John Herschel did not make an observation of this planetary. It was not found during a single attempt on 15 Sep 1873 at Birr Castle.

 

The ESO-Strausberg planetary catalogue uses the Abell designation.  RNGC lists NGC 7076 as a diffuse nebula instead of a planetary and furthermore the declination is 6' too far south.  I found the equivalency between NGC 7076 and Abell 75 and listed it in RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 7077 = UGC 11755 = MCG +00-54-028 = CGCG 375-047 = Mrk 900 = PGC 66860

21 29 59.6 +02 24 51; Aqr

V = 13.1;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, fainter than NGC 7081 21' ENE.  Located 4.5' SW of mag 8.2 SAO 126846 at the Pegasus border.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7077 = m 445 on 11 Aug 1863 and simply noted "F".  His position is fairly accurate, so the identification is certain.

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NGC 7078 = M15

21 29 58.3 +12 10 01; Peg

V = 6.3;  Size 12.3';  Surf Br = 0.3

 

17.5" (8/5/94): extremely bright with a halo extending to about 11' diameter and a 3' very bright core containing a 30" intense nucleus.  The halo is very highly resolved into fairly bright stars although the stars are irregularly scattered in the outer halo.  The halo extends 85% to mag 7.7 SAO 107179 just off the NNE edge of the halo and many stars in the halo appear to be arranged in loops and strings.  The core is extremely densely packed with stars down to a very small intense glow at the center.  This 30" nucleus is concentrated to the geometric center ("core collapse").  The faint planetary Pease 1 is situated just 30" NNE of center (see observation).

 

13.1": very bright, very large, very small intense nucleus surrounded by a bright core.  Superb resolution down to the center of core.

 

8": very bright, large, intense core is very compact and dense, surrounded by inner halo with many stars superimposed, outer halo well resolved into long distinct streamers.  A mag 7.6 star is at the NNE edge of the halo.

 

Naked-eye (7/11/07): easily visible naked-eye at Lassen National Park as a small, hazy spot just west of a 6th magnitude star.

 

Naked-eye (7/26/06): Located 17' W of a naked-eye mag 6.1 star.  The globular was sometimes visible naked-eye as a faint haze to the west of the star.

 

Jean-Dominique Maraldi discovered M15 = NGC 7078 = h2120 on 7 Sept 1746 at the Paris Observatory while tracking Comet de Cheseaux of 1746.  Four nights later he discovered M2.  Messier made an independent discovery on 3 Jan 1764, as well as Johann Bode on 23 Sep 1774.

 

William Herschel made an early observation using his 6-inch (10-ft focal length) on 31 May 1783 and commented, "all fairly resolved into stars."  On 19 Oct 1784, he described "a beautiful cl. of v compressed and numerous stars, the most compressed part about 2' dia, the next about 7 or 8'; and all the stars within about 15' seem still to belong to the same by the colour, the size, the regular scattering and the gradual accumulation.  The general figure is round; but within the space of 6 or 7' the stars are arranged in a sort of a square."

 

John Herschel reported "vB; vL; irreg. R; g b and v s m b M. A magnificent globular cluster; comes up to a perfect blaze in the centre, like a protuberance or nipple; not the condensation of a homogeneous globe; it has straggling streams of stars, as it were, drawing to a centre. It is not round. Has a * 8m, 30s following in parallel."

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NGC 7079 = ESO 287-036 = MCG -07-44-022 = AM 2129-441 = LGG 446-003 = PGC 66934

21 32 35.2 -44 04 03; Gru

V = 11.6;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 82”

 

18" (10/16/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', small bright core increases to center.  Two mag 12/13 stars lie 1' and 2' SW.  Brightest in a group including ESO 287-37 25' SE and NGC 7070/7072 1” NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7079 = h3869 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; R; psbM; 30"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7080 = NGC 7054 = UGC 11756 = MCG +04-50-012 = CGCG 471-011 = PGC 66861

21 30 01.9 +26 43 04; Vul

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus or star superimposed, diffuse outer halo.  Two mag 14 stars are off the NE and east edges 52" and 66" from the center, respectively.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7080 = m 446 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, vlE."  His position is accurate.  ƒdouard Stephan independently rediscovered the galaxy on 31 Aug 1872 and reported it in list IV-4 (later catalogued as NGC 7054), but with an erroneous position due to an error with the offset star.  So, NGC 7080 = NGC 7054.  See NGC 7054 for the story.

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NGC 7081 = UGC 11759 = MCG +00-54-030 = CGCG 375-049 = PGC 66891

21 31 24.1 +02 29 29; Aqr

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration.  A double star mag 13.5/15 at 16" separation is 1' SSE and is collinear with the galaxy.  Forms a pair (similar redshifts) with UGC 11760 4.6' SE and NGC 7077 is 21' W.  Located at the Pegasus border.

 

UGC 11760 appeared extremely faint and small, round, visible only with averted vision.  A wide pair of mag 11 stars at 1.0' separation lie 1.5' N.  I probably only viewed the inner core region as the listed dimensions are much larger.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7081 = H III-859 = h2121 on 10 Oct 1790 (sweep 973) and recorded "cF, vS, iR, mbM.  360 shewed it very plainly, near a very small star." JH made the single observation "vF; S; R; has a * 14m south.  Dist from centre = 1 diam (by diagram)."  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 7082 = Lund 992 = OCL-209

21 29 17 +47 07 36; Cyg

V = 7.2;  Size 25'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): fairly bright, large, 15' diameter, scattered, no distinct borders, situated in a very rich field.  Two mag 8.5 star are on the west side, a mag 9 star is on the north side and also a mag 9 star is off the east edge.  Not impressive and except for five or six brighter stars mag 8.5-9.5 at the edges this "cluster" would just be a weak field enhancement in the Milky Way.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7082 = H VII-52 = h2122 on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868) and recorded "an extensive cluster of L stars, considerably rich, above 20' diameter."  JH made the single observation "a * 10m, the chief of a p rich, fine, L, coarse cluster.  Stars 10...13m."

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NGC 7083 = ESO 107-036 = PGC 67023

21 35 45.0 -63 54 10; Ind

V = 11.2;  Size 3.9'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 5”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; very bright, large, oval nearly 2:1 N-S, 3.0'x1.7', strongly and sharply concentrated with an intense, slightly elongated core that gradually brightens to the center.  There was a strong hint of a spiral arm along the east side and another extending north on the west side, though they were not cleanly resolved from the general glow.  The halo is a little irregular in surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is just off the south end, 1.8' SSW of center.  NGC 7096 lies 37' E.

 

James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 7083 = D 263? = h3870 on 28 Aug 1826 and recorded "a small faint round nebula, 20 arcseconds diameter, a little brighter in the middle, following a group of pretty bright stars."  His position is ~20' west of ESO 107-036 = PGC 67023.  John Herschel found this galaxy on 22 Jun 1835 and logged "F; L; R of lE; vgpmbM; 60"; resolvable; with long attention it appears mottled. Perhaps Dunlop 263, with 3 minute correction in RA."  On a later sweep he noted "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"."

 

NGC 7083 is one of the brightest members of the Pavo-Indus Cloud along with NGCs 7213, 7205, 7049 and 7144.

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NGC 7084

21 32 33 +17 30 30; Peg

Size 20'

 

17.5" (8/12/96): there is no clustering visible at JH's position but about 5' E is a mag 10 star that is within a 20' string of mag 10-13 stars oriented N-S.  At the north and south end of this long string are two additional rows of stars oriented NW to SE and SW to NE, respectively, which intersect 10' E of the mag 10 star and together form the outline of a large isosceles triangle. The star at the north tip is a close faint triple star.  Most of the stars in this scattered group form the triangle with very few in the central portion.  Does not appear to be a cluster but rather a unimpressive random grouping, noticeably aligned in lanes.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7084 = h2123 on 11 Oct 1825 and simply noted "A coarse scattered cluster."  There is nothing at his position but 24 seconds of RA following is a 10th magnitude star, which is part of a 15' very scattered group.  Karl Reinmuth reported the photographic appearance as "a very loose clustering of pF st, no distinct Cl."   RNGC classifies it as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7), despite standing out reasonably well on the POSS.

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NGC 7085 = MCG +01-55-001 = CGCG 402-002 = PGC 66926

21 32 25.2 +06 34 53; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated.  Located just south of a 7' line of mag 11-13 stars.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7085 = m 447 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, S, E."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7086 = Cr 437 = Lund 993 = OCL-214

21 30 27 +51 36 00; Cyg

V = 8.4;  Size 9'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): about 75 stars mag 10-14 in a 10' diameter.  Fairly rich and contains six brighter stars.  Most stars are located in a compact, rich, 5' group.  A second group is to the north.  A straight line of stars trails off to the SE with a mag 9.5 star at the end of the string.  Includes several faint double stars.  There are two large dark voids to the NE.  This is a pretty cluster at low power using a 20mm Nagler.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7086 = H VI-32 = h2124 on 21 Sep 1788 (sweep 860) and recorded "a beautiful cl of pretty compressed stars, 8 or 9' diam, considerably rich; nearly round."  On sweep 384, JH logged "a rich fine cluster of st 11...16m; it fills field; but the most compressed part is about 6' in extent.  The middle of the cluster taken, but no particular star fixed upon."

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NGC 7087 = ESO 343-008 = MCG -07-44-025 = LGG 445-008 = PGC 66988

21 34 33.4 -40 49 07; Gru

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 39”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 40"x30", brighter along the central axis (appears to be a bar).

 

Brightest in a group with ESO 343-007 2.7' WSW and ESO 343-009 6.6' NNE.  ESO 343-007 appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 ~E-W, weak concentration.  ESO 343-009 is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.4'x0.2'.  A mag 12.5 star is off the east side [25" from center] and a mag 11.5 star is 2.4' N.

 

17.5" (10/30/99): NGC 7087 was just picked up at the lower elevation limit of Ray's mount!  Appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, brighter core.  Seeing too mushy at low elevation for a good view and nearby ESO 343-007 to the west was not seen.  Located 35' NE of mag 5.3 Xi Gruis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7087 = h3871 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R: gbM; 15"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7088 = Ced 193 = Baxendell's Unphotographable Nebula

21 33 24 -00 23; Aqr

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Joseph Baxendell discovered NGC 7088 on 28 Sept 1880 using a 6" refractor at his private observatory in Birkdale, England.  The discovery was announced in "A New Nebula", MNRAS 41, 48 (1880).  The following history is from Wolfgang Steinicke.

 

Baxendell contributed only one object to the NGC.  He published the discovery of a large faint nebula near M2 in Aquarius and described it being of "irregular oval form, its longer axis lying in a nearly east and west direction".  It is 30' north of M2 and has a size of 75' x 52'. He writes "It seems to be similar in character to the large nebula near the Pleiades [found by Tempel], but is slightly less bright. I have, however, seen it on several nights, and have no doubt of its existence."  But, its existence is the very problem!

 

NGC 7088 was seen visually by several observers, such as Dreyer in 1885 with a 10" refractor (mentioned in the notes section of the NGC), Bigourdan (1897, 12" refractor), Hagen (1915 and 1917, 16" refractor), Wolf (1927, 6" refractor), O'Connor (1929, 15" refractor), Becker (1930, 12" refractor) and Lehner (1930, 4" refractor). The crucial thing is that, apart from these sightings, the object could never be photographed (and was nicknamed "Baxendell's Unphotographable Nebula"). Many attempts were made (Wolf, Baade, Shapley, Strohmeier, GŸrtler, Helwan), using different emulsions and filters, but the result was always negative. The modern conclusion is: The object is not real and all visual observations are due to physiological delusions, maybe caused by reflections of the nearby bright cluster M 2. This is supported by sightings of O'Connor, reporting two other, and ever larger nebulae near M2, which are nonexistent too! The same might be true for the obscure "Hagen clouds".  See Harold Corwin's discussion, including Stephen Waldee's comments, for more on this object.

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NGC 7089 = M2

21 33 27.2 -00 49 23; Aqr

V = 6.6;  Size 16';  Surf Br = 0.2

 

48" (10/26/11): hundreds of relatively bright stars resolved in this large, beautifully symmetric globular.  The intensely bright core is overlaid with a mat of resolved stars.

 

18" (7/17/07): overfills the 8' field at 393x with resolved stars from edge to edge.  M2 contains a very bright 3' core that increases to a very intense 1' nucleus.  The halo is very symmetric and thins out fairly evenly.  A few hundred stars were resolved in the cluster with the central region extremely densely packed.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): over 100 stars resolved over the entire disc at 286x.  Superb view at this magnification.

 

13" (7/16/82): high resolution at edges, partially resolved core, symmetrical halo.

 

8" (10/4/80): intense core, faint halo.  Faint stars are resolved in the outer halo.

 

Jean-Dominique Maraldi discovered M2 = NGC 7089 = h2125 on 11 Sept 1746 at the Paris Observatory while tracking Comet de ChŽseaux of 1746.  Charles Messier made an independent discovery on 11 Sep 1760.  William Herschel observed the globular on 31 Jul 1783 with his 12-inch (small 20-foot) and commented "I can count 18 or 20 of the stars."  Using his 18.7" on 12 Aug 1785 (sweep 425), he recorded "an extremely rich, very compressed and very brilliant cluster of extremely small stars, 7 or 8' in diameter.  The stars are plainly to be seen, especially on the borders where they are not so condensed."  On 4 Sep 1799 he observed M2 with the 48-inch (40-foot), and logged "It appeared very brilliant and luminous.  The scattered stars were brought to a good, well determined focus, for which it appears that the central condensed light is owing to a multitude of stars that appeared at various distances behind and near each other.  I could actually see and distinguish the stars even in the central mass.  The Rev. Mr. Vince, Plumian Profession or Astronomy at Cambridge, saw it in the same telescope as described."

 

On 12 Sep 1830 (sweep 288), JH reported "A most superb cluster; round; stars eS; 12, 13, 14m; they are evidently globularly arranged, and not internally condensed towards the centre more than the spherical form would make them appear to be; but in the middle they blend into a blaze of light. It is like a heap of fine sand!  With 9 inches aperture I can just see the stars; with 6 it is resolvable."

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NGC 7090 = ESO 188-012 = AM 2133-544 = PGC 67045

21 36 28.9 -54 33 26; Ind

V = 10.7;  Size 7.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 127”

 

25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large irregular edge-on ~7:1 NW-SE, ~5'x0.7'.  Overall the galaxy has a striking patchy appearance with an irregular surface brightness (somewhat similar to NGC 253).  It contains a very elongated, sightly brighter core region with a mag 14 star superimposed just southeast of the core.  The entire northern flank of the galaxy is very uneven or patchy due to dust patches or a dust lane.  The surface brightness of the galaxy drops significantly as it extends southeast of the star for ~2'.  The northwest wing beyond the core dims more gradually to the tip.  A mag 9 star (HD 205124) is located 12' W, a mag 9.3 star (HD 205308) is 8' N, and a 1.2' pair of mag 9.5/10 star is ~7' NE.

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 4.0'x0.8', broad concentration but with no distinct core.  Irregular surface brightness with a mottled appearance at 127x.  Appears to fade suddenly in a couple of spots (possibly due to dust) including just SE of a mag 14 star that is superimposed on the SE side.  Viewed at an elevation of 13”.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7090 = h3872 on 4 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; L; vmE in pos 127.1”; first gradually, the pretty suddenly lbM to a v feeble nucleus; 4' l, 40" br; has a * 11m preceding.  In the foreground of the Pavo-Indus Cloud which includes NGCs 7213, 7205, 7049, 7083 and 7144.

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NGC 7091 = IC 5114 = ESO 403-008 = MCG -06-47-007 = PGC 66972

21 34 07.6 -36 39 12; Gru

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 86”

 

17.5" (9/7/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Requires averted vision and finder chart to pinpoint location but once identified could nearly hold continuously.  I probably only viewed the core as listed dimensions are much larger.  Located 7' W of mag 6.9 SAO 213103.  Not found on a previous attempt.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7091 = h3873 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; pL; vgbM; 2'; place considerably uncertain [given to the nearest min of time and minute of dec], having been found when much past the meridian in searching in vain for Dunlop 561.  This nebula is much too faint to have seen with 9 inches aperture.  It precedes a * 6m nearly in parallel, about 40 seconds of time."  His position is poor, but the description most likely applies to ESO 403-008 = PGC 66972, which is 1.3 minutes of time west and 8' north of JH's position.  The bright star he mentions is mag 6.9 HD 205186.

 

Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 9 Jul 1897 and described Sw. XI-206 (later IC 5114) as "eF, pS, R, e wide D* f 30 sec."  His RA, though, is nearly 2 minutes too small and his declination 3.5' too far south, though there is a wide 1.2' pair that is 30 seconds following.  So, despite his poor position (very common in his last two lists), IC 5114 is likely NGC 7091.

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NGC 7092 = M39 = Cr 438

21 31 42 +48 25; Cyg

V = 4.6;  Size 32'

 

17.5" (7/31/92): very bright, very large, about 30' diameter, scattered.  Includes 18 bright stars mag 7-8.  Most of the brighter stars form a triangular outline although a few bright stars are inside and outside.  The bright star at the SE corner has about six faint stars close following.  Includes several wide double stars.  The bright stars are superimposed on a background of 100-150 faint stars.  Fairly uniformly distributed though many stars are in short arcs and winding lanes.  The faint stars are no richer than the Milky Way concentration.  Best view with 20 Nagler at 100x.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): ~75 stars visible at 62x including 15 bright stars.

 

8": very bright, very large, 30' diameter, triangle shape, includes four bright stars mag 7 and ten fairly bright stars mag 8-9.  Large and scattered so needs very low power.  Partial resolution in 8x50 binoculars.  Naked-eye cluster in a dark sky.

 

15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): excellent at 15x with 25-30 stars resolved in a triangular outline.  B68, a long dark streamer, is very prominent in the field to the southeast.

 

10x30 IS binoculars (6/13/07): naked-eye fuzzy patch is well resolved into ~15 stars in the 10x30 binoculars and approximately two dozen in the 15x50s. To the south of M39 begins the long dark streamer, Barnard 168, which is striking in 15x50 IS binoculars.  This dark lane leads to the Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146), which is not visible in binoculars.

 

Charles Messier discovered M39 = NGC 7092 = h2126 on 24 Oct 1764, although as a naked-eye object it was probably noticed much earlier. On 27 Sep 1788 (sweep 866), WH logged "consists of such large and straggling stars that I could not tell where it began nor where it ended.  It cannot be called a cluster."  JH recorded on 14 Sep 1829, "A * 7m, one of a large loose cluster of stars 7 .... 10m; very coarsely scattered, and filling many fields."

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NGC 7093

21 34 20 +45 59 42; Cyg

Size 5'

 

17.5" (8/25/95): fairly well detached but scattered group highlighted by mag 8.5 SAO 51043 at the west edge.  A mag 10 star is on the south side and a total of about two dozen stars in a 5' region.  Shows best at 100x. At 220x, the group does not look at all like a cluster and is only distinguished by the few brighter stars.  RNGC classifies it nonexistent.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7093 = h2127 on 19 Sep 1829 and recorded "The chief star (9m) in a cluster of 8th class.  The double star #1660 of my 4th catalogue belongs to this cluster."  His position corresponds with mag 8.7 SAO 51043.  R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 6 Sep 1856, logged "a few B st, (not more than 10 or 12m), forming a very loose cluster."  Based on a Heidelberg plate, Reinmuth reported "one vB* and a few pB st in a dense region."  RNGC classifies NGC 7093 as nonexistent (Type 7 cluster).

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NGC 7094 = PK 66-28.1 = PN G066.7-28.2 = K 1-19

21 36 52.9 +12 47 19; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 99"x91"

 

24" (8/31/16): excellent view at 200x using a NPB filter. The 90" disc was fairly crisply defined and contained a bright central star (mag 13.5), even through the filter.  Unfiltered, a mag 14.5-15 star was visible at the NE edge.  The planetary apppeared weakly annular and brighter in a 90” arc along the west side.  There appeared to be a knot or local brightening right at the west edge of the rim.  Located 1.8” NE of M15.

 

The compact galaxy II Zw 141 lies 6' WNW.  It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  On the DSS a mag 15.2 star is at the southwest edge (6" separation from the center of II Zw 141) and probably the galaxy + star were merged visually.

 

18" (10/9/04): picked up at 73x using the OIII filter as a fairly faint, round, evenly lit 90" disc.  Good contrast gain with the filter.  Faintly visible unfiltered at 160x as a moderately large but low surface brightness halo surrounding the 13.5 magnitude central star.  A faint mag 14.5 star is at the NE edge of the halo.  A string of 3 mag 14-15 stars oriented NW to SE lies ~2' NE.  Images show the a complex multi-rim structure (brighter along the west side) with a darker center, but visually the planetary appeared pretty featureless.  Located 7' S of a mag 10 star (SAO 107277).

 

17.5" (10/2/99): at 100x and OIII filter appears fairly faint, round, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, even glow.  At 220x without filter, the central star is easily visible surrounded by a round, low surface brightness glow.  A very faint star is at the NE edge. No annularity seen.

 

13" (6/18/85): at 62x with filter appears faint, moderately large, round.  Without a filter the faint mag 13.7 central star is visible surrounded by a very low even surface brightness halo 1.5' in diameter.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7094 = Sw. II-88 on 10 Oct 1884 and recorded "nebulous star; B *; in eeF nebulosity; v diff.; nearly pointed to by 3 st. in a line."  His RA is 34 seconds too small.  He added in a footnote, "This is a prototype of GC 4634 [NGC 7023] and several others, and of No. 7 of my Catalogue No. 1 [NGC 2247], which differs from most nebulous stars by being exactly in the center of circular nebulous atmospheres of uniform brightness."  Wolfgang Steinicke mentions that Swift called this object "the most wonderful of all [nebulous stars] - in fact it is the only instance known to me - for instead of the central star being single, it is double."  There is a second star involved but it is not central, rather displaced to the northeast edge.

 

Lubos Kohoutek rediscovered NGC 7094 during a visual survey of the POSS and included it in a list of new PN (K 1-19) published in 1963.

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NGC 7095 = ESO 027-001 = AM 2145-814 = PGC 67546

21 52 26.4 -81 31 51; Oct

V = 11.5;  Size 2.8'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly large, 1.8'x1.5', slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration to the center.  A star is at the north edge of the halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7095 = h3875 on 21 Sep 1837 and recorded "F; pL; R; vglbM; 50"."  His mean position (2 observations) matches ESO 027-001 = PGC 67546.  Unfortunately, he miscopied his declination in the GC and Dreyer didn't catch the error in the NGC.  The mistake apparently was caused by using the north polar distance of NGC 7097 instead of NGC 7095.

 

Because of this error the RNGC, PGC and HyperLeda  has misidentified ESO 287-042 as NGC 7095.  ESO and modern Atlases such as Uranometria 2000 and the Pocket Sky Atlas doesn't label ESO 027-001 as NGC 7095.  The RNGC error is included in my RNGC Correction list #6.

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NGC 7096 = IC 5121 = ESO 107-046 = AM 2137-640 NED01 = PGC 67168

21 41 19.9 -63 54 29; Ind

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large, oval 4:3, ~1.4'x1.1', sharply concentrated with a relatively large, very bright round core 0.4' diameter.  An 8" pair of mag 13.5/14 stars lies 1.4' NE and a mag 14-14.5 star is 1.5' S.  ESO 107-044 is 8.3' W and NGC 7083 lies 37' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7096 = h3874 on 31 Aug 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; 12"; has a vS double * north-following, near."  His position and description is a perfect match with ESO 107-046 = PGC 67168.

 

Royal Frost's IC 5121 = F. 1221 (described as a "planetary, stellar, 13 magn"), found on 19 Sep 1903 on an Arequipa plate, is exactly 30' south of this galaxy. NED, SIMBAD, Southern Galaxy Catalogue, and ESO equate IC 5121 with NGC 7096.  Jenni Kay questions this identification (e-mail 20 Aug 1998 and in Deep Sky Observer #159 in 2012), noting the description for IC 5121 doesn't match this galaxy.  See Corwin's comments.

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NGC 7097 = ESO 287-048 = MCG -07-44-029 = AM 2137-424 = LGG 446-006 = PGC 67146

21 40 13.0 -42 32 14; Gru

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 20”

 

18" (10/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, ~1' ill-defined halo, sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to the center, occasional faint stellar nucleus, very faint halo extends to nearly 1'.  Located 8' SE of mag 6.9 HD 205913 and 5' N of a wide pair (52") of mag 10 stars.  NGC 7097A lies 6' NE but was not seen at a very low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7097 = h3877 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; S; R; psmbM; 15"; (fog)."  See notes for NGC 7095.

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NGC 7098 = ESO 048-005 = PGC 67266

21 44 16.1 -75 06 41; Oct

V = 11.3;  Size 4.1'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 74”

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared bright, large, sharply concentrated with a small, intense core ~20" in diameter.  Surrounding the core is a large, fainter halo, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.0'x1.4'.  This galaxy appears much brighter than NGC 7095, which was just previously observed, although the total B magnitudes are identical.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7098 = h3876 on 22 Sep 1835 and recorded "pF; R; first vg, the psbM; in a field with many large stars, and strongly stippled."  His position is 1.8 minutes of RA too large, though at this declination, the actual separation is 7'.

 

The RA in RC 2 is 2.5 minutes too large and this error is repeated in RNGC.  The correct position is given in ESO and RC3.

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NGC 7099 = M30 = ESO 531-21

21 40 22.2 -23 10 47; Cap

V = 7.4;  Size 12.0';  Surf Br = 0.1

 

48" (10/27/19 and 10/24/14): at 375x; several hundred stars were resolved right down to a small brighter nucleus.  Several very bright stars were in chains that emanated from the core. The halo seemed fully resolved with a very large range in magnitudes.  The outer halo was scraggly and contained some bright stars, but overall the halo was fairly symmetric. 

 

The first of three bright stars in a string directly to the north of the core (~40" N of center) was clearly orange (red-giant) as well as the first of a string of three bright stars starting at the west edge of the core (~55" W of center) extending northwest.  A few other brighter stars either appear yellow or very pale orange!

 

17.5" (8/17/01): viewed at 575x in excellent seeing.  Very irregular appearance with strings of stars emanating from an irregular bright, partially resolved core.  A prong off the west side heads northwest and includes three equally spaced similar stars along with a close triple.  Another bright line of three stars heads due north with a fainter bent elbow of stars angling towards the NE.  Roughly a dozen stars trail to the east with a large gap towards the edge of the halo.  A fairly well defined semi-circle of stars open to the north passes directly through the core and off the SE side.  The outer halo is peppered with dozens of faint stars over a dim background haze and with concentration the overall diameter increases significantly to at least 10'.

 

17.5" (7/5/86): the small bright core was not resolved but the halo was well resolved into 50-60 stars.  A small circular detached piece is east of the core with resolved stars.  Along the north side the resolved stars are brighter and arranged in lanes.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fascinating view at 350x; ~25 stars resolved in the outer halo.  A few stars (half dozen) are bunched together near the bright, unresolved irregular core over a fainter diffuse halo.

 

13.1": three star lanes are obvious on the north side.  Good resolution in the halo and outer stragglers.  The core appears on the verge of resolution at 288x.

 

8" (10/4/80): two short straight star lanes to north and NW give a unique "prong" appearance.  A few faint stars are resolved southeast of the core but the core is unresolved.

 

Charles Messier discovered M30 = NGC 7099 = h2128 = h3878 on 3 Aug 1764.  WH first observed the globular on 31 Jul 1783 using his 12-inch (small 20-foot) and reported "Power 200; it consists of very small stars; with two rows of stars, 4 or 5 in a line."  He later wrote, "It is a difficult step i.e. if we divide the transition from the Pleiades down to the Nebula in Orion into six steps, this perhaps the 4th towards the real nebulas.  The stars in this seem to be of two different sizes for I perceive 3 or 4 very visible ones branching out towards the north and several more exceedingly small at the sides.  Towards the south in one place the light is very intense, but has all the appearance of crowded stars; so that there remains no doubt of the whole being stars."

 

In PT 1814, WH summarized his observations of M30 as a "brilliant cluster, the stars of which are gradually more compressed in the middle.  It is insulated, that is, none of the stars in the neighborhood are likely to be connected with it.  Its diameter is from 2' 40" to 3' 30".  Its figure is irregularly round.  The stars about the centre are so much compressed as to appear to run together.  Towards the north, are two rows of bright stars 4 or 5 in a line."  He speculated in his 1814 publication that the "lines of bright stars, although by a drawing made at the time of observation, one of them seems to pass through the center, are probably not connected with it."

 

JH made the following detailed observation on 23 Sep 1830: "Fine cluster; irreg R, with two projections A, B, at its northern side. (See fig. 90.) A is directed from the central brightness and consists of 3 or 4 bright stars 12 m; its position taken with microm = 350.4”; B originates in the preceding side of the centre, and is directed in a position 331.7” in a line not passing the centre; diam = 6', stars = 12m; fine object; has a * 9 m preceding it (2 or 3 diameters by diagram)."  From the Cape of Good Hope, he logged "Globular, B; lE; bM; 4' l, 3' br; all resolved into st 16m, besides a few 12m.  Two lines of rather larger stars run out n[orth f[ollowing]."

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NGC 7100

21 39 06.9 +08 57 02; Peg

 

= *, Corwin.  =* or not found, Thomson.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7100 = Big. 90 on 31 Aug 1886.  His position in the second Comptes Rendus list (used by Dreyer in the NGC) is poor, landing 3.7' west-northwest of CGCG 402-012 = PGC 67118. Bigourdan provided a corrected position in his 6 May 1901 Comptes Rendus paper and it matches a single star at the position given here.

 

Unfortunately, Albert Marth's discovery position for NGC 7101 (CGCG 402-012) was also poor and as a result the CGCG, RNGC and PGC misidentified CGCG 402-012 as NGC 7100 and the RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 67112 as NGC 7101.  In the IC I Notes, Dreyer incorrectly suggests NGC 7101 = NGC 7100; "[NGC 7101 was] not seen by Spitaler; evidently = 7100" and this may have contributed to the modern misidentifications.  I botched the identifications in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 7101 = MCG +01-55-007 = CGCG 402-012 = PGC 67118

21 39 34.6 +08 52 37; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  Located 20' SSW of EE Pegasi.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7101 = m 448 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "F, vS, R, stell."  There is nothing near his position, but 6' due south is CGCG 402-012 = PGC 67118.  This galaxy is the middle and easily the brightest of three on a line oriented northwest to southeast, so it's the most likely candidate.

 

RNGC, CGCG, PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar) misidentify CGCG 402-012 as NGC 7100 (see that number for the identification) and the RNGC and PGC (as well as Megastar) misidentify PGC 67112 as NGC 7101.  PGC 67112 is the northwest galaxy in the trio (2.3' from NGC 7101).

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NGC 7102 = IC 5127 = UGC 11786 = MCG +01-55-008 = CGCG 402-013 = PGC 67120

21 39 44.7 +06 17 10; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 153”

 

24" (7/30/16): fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, fairly low overall surface brightness, broad weak concentration.  On images NGC 7102 appears to be interacting with PGC 214783, an edge-on 1.1' SSW.  At 220x, it was glimpsed several times in the same position.  It was too faint for any details, including elongation, but appeared very small.

 

24" (8/23/14): fairly faint, fairly large but diffuse, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~1.3'x0.9' but halo appears to alter its shape with averted vision (sometimes smaller) as fainter parts of the halo pop in and out of view.  A mag 10.2 star lies 3.5' SSE.

 

PGC 214783, an extremely faint edge-on, is just 1' SW.  With careful viewing I had 2 or 3 momentary "pops" at this position over a couple of minutes, too fleeting for any details.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): moderately large but very diffuse, gradually brightens in the middle, slightly elongated NW-SE.  A mag 10 star is 3.5' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7102 = m 449 on 16 Oct 1863 and noted "F, pL, R."  His position is 1' northwest of UGC 11786.

 

Harold Corwin notes that IC 5127, found by Guillaume Bigourdan on 27 Oct 1894, is probably a duplicate observation as his re-reduced position is just 5 sec of RA too far east.  But his observation was made on the same night that NGC 7102 was also measured (though a different offset star was used), so this requires he measured the same galaxy twice, once assuming it was new!

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NGC 7103 = ESO 531-015 = MCG -04-51-006 = PGC 67124

21 39 51.4 -22 28 26; Cap

V = 13.8;  Size 1.4'x1.2'

 

18" (8/9/10): brightest of 10 galaxies viewed in cluster ACO S963 with IC 5122 4' NNW, NGC 7104 4' NE and IC 1393 6.5' NE.  At 225x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x35", weak concentration with no core or zones.  A mag 13.7 star lies 2' ENE.  The distance of the cluster is ~440 million l.y.

 

18" (8/12/07): largest and brightest of 6 members viewed in galaxy cluster ACO S963.  At 260x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~30"x25", broad weak concentration.  Occasionally I glimpsed a nearly stellar galaxy (2MASX J21394761-2228171) just 0.9' W.  Located 45' NNW of gc M30.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in cluster ACO S963 with NGC 7104 4.0' NE, IC 5122 4.2' NNW, and IC 1393 6.4' NE.  Globular cluster M30 lies 45' SSE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7103 = LM 2-461, along with NGC 7104, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He noted "mag 14.0; 0.3' diam; R; gbM; 1st of 2 [with NGC 7104]."  His position is 1.0 minute of RA too far east.  Ormond Stone measured an accurate micrometric position the following year (repeated in the IC 1 Notes).

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NGC 7104 = ESO 531-018 = MCG -04-51-008 = PGC 67137

21 40 03.2 -22 25 29; Cap

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 51”

 

18" (8/9/10): faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20", very weak even concentration.  Located in the core of ACO S963 with NGC 7103, IC 5122 and IC 1393 all within 4'.

 

18" (8/12/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even concentration to a very small bright nucleus.  Second brightest in ACO S963 with brightest member NGC 7103 4' SW.  IC 1393 lies 2.7' ENE.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Second brightest of four in ACO S963 with NGC 7103 4.0' SW, IC 1393 2.7' ENE and IC 5122 4.2' WNW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7104 = LM 2-462, along with NGC 7103, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He noted "mag 14.3; 0.2' diam; iR; gbMN; 2nd of 2 [with NGC 7103]."  His position is 1.0 minute of RA too far east.  Ormond Stone measured an accurate micrometric position the following year (repeated in the IC 1 Notes).  ESO/Uppsala misidentifies ESO 531-017 as NGC 7104.

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NGC 7105 = MCG -02-55-001 = PGC 67181

21 41 41.3 -10 38 08; Cap

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 135”

 

18" (7/30/03): at 257x appears faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4', contains a small brighter core.  Situated just 33" SE of a mag 10 star that detracts from viewing!  This galaxy is located 25' SE of Leavenworth's position but was positively identified as NGC 7105 using the Leander McCormick sketch.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7105 = LM 1-242 on 12 Sep 1885 and recorded "mag 11.0; vS; E; 310”?; smbMN; star n, PA 310”."  There is nothing near his very rough position (the RA is given to the nearest min of time and marked as approximate).  But based on his discovery sketch, Harold Corwin was able to identify MCG -02-55-001 = PGC 67181 as NGC 7105.  This galaxy is ~20' south, but less than 1 min of RA east of  Leavenworth's position.  A brighter star is just 33" northwest (PA ~310”), matching his description.  Because of the poor position, Howe was unable to find it on 3 nights.  This galaxy is not labeled as NGC 7105 in most catalogues, though HyperLeda and NED makes this identification. RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 7106 = ESO 188-017 = AM 2139-525 = PGC 67215

21 42 36.6 -52 41 58; Ind

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 81”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, diffuse with only a weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2' W, a mag 12 star is 1.8' N and a very faint mag 16 star is 0.6' E.. Brightest in a group with ESO 188-018 (close pair) at 4' ENE and IC 5125 at 8.3' SW.  ESO 188-018 (southeast component) appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE, 20"x12", even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7106 = h3879 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; lE; vglbM; 30"; makes an obtuse angled triangle, with 2 st 9 and 10m to north."  His position is on the south side of the galaxy, though I'm not sure which two stars he had in mind.

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NGC 7107 = ESO 287-052 = AM 2139-450 = LGG 446-007 = PGC 67209

21 42 26.5 -44 47 25; Gru

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 128”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; appears as a large diffuse glow, very weak central concentration, contains a very small, very slightly brighter nucleus and a subtle bar oriented NW-SE.  A group of 6 mag 11-14.5 stars is immediately to the west, the closest is a mag 13 star 1.7' W of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7107 = h3880 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 2' diam."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7108 = NGC 7111 = MCG -01-55-002 = PGC 67189

21 41 53.7 -06 42 32; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

See observing notes for NGC 7111.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7108 = m 450 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, stell."  There is nothing near his position, but 1.0 min of RA following and 3' north is NGC 7111 = MCG -01-55-002, later found by Stephan on 30 Sep 1872 and correctly placed.

 

The RNGC misidentifies PGC 1028685  as NGC 7108.  This galaxy is 1.7 minutes of RA east of Marth's position near two mag 11/12 stars and is probably too faint to have been picked up, even in Marth's large reflector.  The simplest solution is to assume Marth made a 1.0 min error in RA and equate NGC 7108 = NGC 7111  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 7109 = ESO 403-015 = VV 376 = MCG -06-47-011 = PGC 67192

21 41 58.5 -34 26 45; PsA

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (7/28/92): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  An wide evenly matched double star (mag 13.5-14 at 36") is 4' E.  NGC 7110 is 17' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7109 = h3881 on 25 Sep 1834 and logged "eF; vS; among stars."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7110 = ESO 403-016 = MCG -06-47-012 = LGG 445-016 = PGC 67199

21 42 12.1 -34 09 44; PsA

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 76”

 

17.5" (7/28/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration, low surface brightness.  A wide double star 11.5/11.5 at 48" separation is 4' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7110 = h3882 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7111 = NGC 7108 = MCG -01-55-002 = PGC 67189

21 41 53.7 -06 42 32; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE.  The nucleus appears offset to the NW side.  Member of AGC 2366.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 7111 = St IV-5 on 31 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position is a very accurate match with PGC 67189.  Albert Marth discovered this galaxy (m 450) on 3 Aug 1864 and it was catalogued as NGC 7108 but Marth's position was 1 minute of RA too small and Dreyer assumed they were different objects.  So, NGC 7111= NGC 7108.

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NGC 7112 = NGC 7113 = MCG +02-55-009 = CGCG 427-016 = PGC 67208

21 42 26.6 +12 34 07; Peg

 

See observing notes for NGC 7113.

 

Lewis Swift found NGC 7112 = Sw. IV -81 on 12 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF, S, R, pB * with distant companion close p; very difficult".  Swift's position is 7 seconds of RA west and 1' north (separation of 1.8') from CGCG 427-016 = PGC 67208.  Furthermore his description applies as mag 9.2 SAO 107337 is less than 1' west with a "distant companion" to the northeast.  This galaxy was discovered by Albert Marth 22 years earlier on 3 Aug 1864 and later catalogued as NGC 7113.  Marth's position was 3' too far north.  Assuming Swift was unaware of Marth's earlier discovery, NGC 7112 = NGC 7113.  Howe was unsuccessful in finding this object on two nights.

 

The RNGC, CGCG, UGC and PGC misidentify UGC 11794 = CGCG 427-014 as NGC 7112. This faint edge-on is located 4.4' south-southwest of NGC 7113 and does not match Swift's description.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 7113 = NGC 7112 = MCG +02-55-009 = CGCG 427-016 = PGC 67208

21 42 26.6 +12 34 07; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1' E of mag 8.7 SAO 107337.  A mag 13 star is 1' NW.  Forms a pair with NGC 7112 5' SSW.

 

17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, round.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7113 = m 451 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, stell."  His position is 3' due north of CGCG 427-016 = PGC 67208.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 12 Jul 1886 and it was recatalogued as NGC 7112.  See notes for NGC 7112.

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NGC 7114 = Nova Cygni 1876 = Q Cyg

21 41 44.0 +42 50 30; Cyg

 

= Nova Cygni 1876 = Q Cygni, Dreyer.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 7114 on 2 Sep 1877 with a 15-inch Grubb refractor at Dunn Echt, Scotland while viewing Nova Cygni 1876 (discovered by Julius Schmidt on 24 Nov 1876).  Copeland reported "through a low power eye-piece and a powerful direct vision prism, held between the eye and the eye-piece, the light of the star was found to be absolutely monochromatic."  In Oct 1885, Lohse claimed the star was surrounded by a small nebulous disc (first reported in 1882).  In the NGC notes and correction section, Lohse is mentioned but not Copeland.  Sherburne Burnham observed the nebula in 1891 with the 36-inch refractor at Lick and noted "at times the new star did not seem to have a perfectly stellar appearance under moderately high powers, but rather to resemble an exceedingly minute nebula."  This was the first of 22 objects in the NGC that was discovered by visual spectroscopy.

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NGC 7115 = ESO 531-025 = MCG -04-51-011 = VV 800 = PGC 67248

21 43 39.3 -25 21 07; PsA

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.2', brighter core.  A very faint mag 15 star is involved at the WSW end.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7115 = LM 1-243 on 9 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; vE 90"; like a comet with tail; 2 st inv."  His rough position is 39 seconds of RA too large and the description applies.  Herbert Howe made a detailed observation in 1897-98 with the 20" refractor in Denver: "The length of the nebula was estimated to be 45", and its breath 10".  There is a 13 mag star at the preceding end and a condensation at the following end; three or four other condensations were suspected lying along the axis.  The position angle of the elongation was estimated at 65”."

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NGC 7116 = UGC 11796 = MCG +05-51-001 = CGCG 493-005 = PGC 67218

21 42 40.2 +28 56 48; Cyg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, thin edge-on WNW-ESE, small, weak concentration.  Located 24' NW of Mu 1 Cygni (V = 4.8).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7116 = m 452 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, pL, mE."  His position is accurate (to within 30").  The UGC fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7116.

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NGC 7117 = ESO 236-040 = AM 2142-483 = PGC 67303

21 45 47.0 -48 25 14; Gru

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x and 318x; moderately bright, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 40"x30", weak concentration.  Forms the northeast vertex of a triangle with two mag 10 stars 3' SSW and 4' WSW.  Fainter of a pair with NGC 7118 5.5' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7117 = h3883, along with NGC 7118, on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 15"."  His position (measured also the next sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 7118 = ESO 236-045 = AM 2142-483 = PGC 67318

21 46 09.7 -48 21 14; Gru

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 50”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x and 318x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.9'x0.7', small bright core.  Brighter of a pair with NGC 7117 5.5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7118 = h3884, along with NGC 7117, on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 15"."  His position (measured also the next sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 7119 = ESO 288-002 = AM 2143-464 = PGC 67325

21 46 16.0 -46 30 58; Gru

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 130”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; moderately bright, fairly small large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' SW.  On carefully viewing NGC 7119 I noticed there was a "bulge" extending out slightly on the southwest side of the galaxy and occasionally there appeared to be a very faint superimposed "star" within this glow.

 

The contact "bulge" is identified in NED as NGC 7119B = ESO 288-001, and is probably an interacting companion (same redshift).  The "star" that I noted is likely the brighter stellar nucleus of this galaxy.  NGC 7119 is the brightest member of the cluster ACO S971.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7119 = h3885 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "not vF; S; R; gbM; 20"."  His single position is accurate.  This is a contact double system (21" separation) consisting of NGC 7719A (northeast) and NGC 7719B (southwest), though it may be a line of sight superposition.  Gerard de Vaucouleurs first used the letter suffixes in the 1956 "Survey of Bright Galaxies South of -35” Declination", based on Mt Stromlo plates, and again in the 1964 "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies".

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NGC 7120 = MCG -01-55-006 = PGC 67273

21 44 33.2 -06 31 23; Aqr

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7120 = m 453 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, vlE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7121 = MCG -01-55-008 = PGC 67287

21 44 52.6 -03 37 11; Aqr

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.75', weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.5' ESE of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7121 = St IV-6 on 3 Sep 1872.  His position (Esmiol's re-reduction) matches MCG -01-55-008 = PGC 67287.

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NGC 7122

21 45 47.8 -08 49 47; Cap

 

= **, Corwin.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 7122 = Au 47 on 24 Nov 1854 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland.  W hile compiling the comprehensive Markree ecliptic catalogue, Cooper or assistant Andrew Graham noted it as a nebulous star or possible cluster . At his position is an unequal double oriented northwest-southeast (nearly merged on the DSS), with separation ~7".  Auwers noted in his 1862 list of new nebulae that in the Heliometer it appeared as an "11th magnitude star, surrounded by some 12-13m stars, perhaps nebulous."  At Birr Castle, it was also found to be a double star.  In fact, all objects noted as nebulous in the Markree catalogue are stars except for a duplicate observation of NGC 4989, which did not receive a NGC number.  See Harold Corwin's comments.

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NGC 7123 = ESO 075-027 = LGG 447-003 = PGC 67466

21 50 46.4 -70 19 59; Ind

V = 12.2;  Size 3.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 146”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.2'x1.1', fairly sharply concentrated with a bright core and much fainter extensions.  Located 5.2' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 257969.

 

This galaxy is an edge-on early-type spiral with a sharp, narrow dust lane (not seen) similar to NGC 7814.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7123 = h3886 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; R; vgbM; 20"; a star 9m follows, 8' dist."

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NGC 7124 = ESO 237-002 = AM 2144-504 = PGC 67375

21 48 05.4 -50 33 55; Ind

V = 12.3;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 143”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.8'.  Contains a bright, elongated core that gradually increases to the center where there is a stellar nucleus.  A knot was seen near the southeast end of the galaxy.  Images reveal this is an HII complex in one of the main spiral arms of the galaxy.  A mag 15 star is 1.1' SSW of center of the galaxy.  Mag 9.8 HD 207042 lies.4.5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7124 = h3888 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; lE; glbM; 70" l, 60" br."  On 3 Oct 1834 (sweep 498) he logged "B; L; pmE; vgbM; 2' l, 80" br."  His mean position from 3 sweeps is accurate.

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NGC 7125 = ESO 145-017 = PGC 67417

21 49 15.5 -60 42 39; Ind

V = 12.4;  Size 3.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 110”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright, large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~2'x1.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter middle.  Two spiral arms are visible in the halo, though not detached from the general glow.  One arm curves along the south side of the halo towards the west and another curves to the east on the north side.  A mag 14-14.5 star is superimposed on the north edge [45" from center] and several mag 13-14 stars surround the galaxy off the entire southern half.  Forms a very nice pair with NGC 7126 6' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7125 = h3887, along with NGC 7126, on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; R; 60"; the preceding of 2."

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NGC 7126 = ESO 145-018 = PGC 67418

21 49 18.6 -60 36 29; Ind

V = 12.2;  Size 2.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 80”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, ~1.5'x0.9', faint outer halo, central region gradually brightens.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE and a mag 16 star is very close to the northwest edge, 0.7' from center.  Forms a very nice pair with NGC 7125 6' due south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7126 = h3889, along with NGC 7125, on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; pL; lE; gbM; 40" l, 35" br; the following of 2."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7127 = Lund 997 = OCL-219

21 43 41 +54 37 42; Cyg

Size 3'

 

17.5" (7/30/92): at 220x, 15 stars mag 11-14 are visible in a 3' diameter.  Course but evenly spaced and doesn't stand out in the field, appears fully resolved.  The brightest mag 11 star forms the center of fairly striking "stick figure" with six stars or else a 5-pointed "star".  Mag 7 SAO 33682 lies 10' WSW.  About 4' NW is a more scattered group of 10 slightly brighter stars.

 

8" (10/31/81): compact, about 10 stars mag 10-13 but not rich.  Located 10' E of a mag 7 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7127 = h2129 on 25 Sep 1829 and recorded "A small, poor, but neatly defined cluster of stars 10...12 m; with appendages np at some distance."  The "appendages np at some distance" is probably the more scattered group in my description.

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NGC 7128 = Cr 440 = Lund 998 = OCL-218

21 43 57 +53 42 54; Cyg

V = 9.7;  Size 3'

 

17.5" (9/7/91): 22 stars mag 11-13 in rich and compact 2.5' region.  Most stars are arranged in oval ring NW-SE.  A mag 11.5 star at the east edge has several very faint companions.  Two mag 11 stars are on the south side.  A double star mag 12/12 is on the west side as well as a few other double stars.  A string of stars oriented SW-NE is just NW of the oval ring.

 

8" (10/13/81): 15 faint stars, small, rich, over background haze, two mag 11 stars are at the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7128 = H VII-40 = h2130 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and recorded "a cl of small stars of several sizes, 3 or 4' in diam, pretty rich but like a forming one."  JH made the single observation "a star 9-10m of a ruby red color in an oval annulus of small stars, 4' diam."

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NGC 7129 = IC 5134 = LBN 497 = Ced 196

21 42 59 +66 06 48; Cep

Size 8'x7'

 

17.5" (10/17/98): fairly high surface brightness nebulosity ~3'x2', surrounding three mag 9.5-10.5 stars at 220x.  At 280x, the brightest region surrounds the southern star (IC 5134) and the star 1' to its northeast.  Just preceding this second star is a small knot that does not appear to be surrounding a star.  The third star is 1' northwest the southern star and has the weakest halo.  An additional pair of stars 1.5' and 2' southwest do not appear to be surrounded by halos.  The entire group is encased in a diffuse glow and the surrounding region appears to be dusty.  IC 5132/5133 are very weak nebulae surrounding two mag 12 stars ~5' NNW.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounded three bright stars.  The brightest portion includes the southern star.  Also a bright knot is at the north end and it does not appear to be surrounding a star (or the star is embedded).

 

13" (7/20/85): fairly bright with OIII filter but dims using a Daystar 300 filter.  This nebulous region includes four or five stars and appears brighter around these stars.  A small knot is at the north end and a second knot is at the south end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7129 = H IV-75 on 18 Oct 1794 (sweep 1063) and recorded "3 stars about 9m involved in nebulosity. The whole takes up a space of about 1.5' diam, 2 other stars of the same size and very near are not enclosed in the nebulosity."  On 16 Sep 1798 (sweep 1079) he logged "3 stars about 9-10m involved in nebulosity; 2 sp stars very near them are free from that appearance.  The nebulosity is of the milky kind and considerably strong.  There is a small 4th stars in the nebulosity just north of the following one."  John Herschel's description is similar: "a very coarse triple star involved in a nebulous atmosphere."  On a second observation he gives the relative offsets for the 3 stars (A, B and C), which match my observation.  His mean position for star A (southern star) is: 21 42 59.0 +66 06 12 (2000).  Both father and son clearly refered only to nebulosity surrounding a few stars at the position given here.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan's position and description for IC 5134 = Big. 339, found on 15 Oct 1895, clearly applies to the nebulosity around star A only, as he thought NGC 7129 only applied to one of the northern patches.  So, IC 5134 is part of NGC 7129.  IC 5132 and IC 5133 refer to separate fainter reflection nebulae surrounding two mag 12 stars ~4' north-northwest, which were discovered by Isaac Roberts in 1895 on a photographic plate.  Bigourdan's NGC 7133 = Big. 91, placed ~10' northeast of NGC 7129, is free of nebulosity and Harold Corwin concludes does not exist.  The RNGC position for NGC 7129 is off by 1.7 minutes of RA and NGC 7133 is misidentified.

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NGC 7130 = IC 5135 = ESO 403-032 = AM 2145-351 = LGG 445-017 = PGC 67387

21 48 19.5 -34 57 06; PsA

V = 12.1;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (8/6/97): moderately bright, moderately large, round, ~1.5' diameter.  Well concentrated with a prominent core and much fainter halo.  NGC 7135 lies 19' ENE.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, large bright core.  Appears to have a knot or star superimposed at the north edge.  Second of three with NGC 7135 19' ENE and IC 5131 11' NW.

 

13" (8/5/83): faint, small, round, NGC 7135 in field 19' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7130 = h3890 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; R; glbM; 20"."  There is nothing near his position, but exactly 30' south is ESO 403-032.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy again on 17 Sep 1897 and described Sw. XI-208 (later IC 5135) as "vF; pL; R; sp of 2 [with XI-209]; not 7130 or 7135."  His position is 4.5' too far southwest, close enough that Howe was able to find it in 1898-99 and measure an accurate position (used in the IC 2).  Swift's XI-209 ("3 B st form a triangle; nf of 2") is clearly NGC 7135.

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NGC 7131 = MCG -02-55-002 = PGC 67359

21 47 36.1 -13 10 57; Cap

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, almost round, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 35" SSE of center.  A bright pretty double star (·2826 = 8.3/9.0 at 4") is located 5' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7131 = m 454 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, vlE, vgbM."  His position is 3' too far south (matches in RA).

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NGC 7132 = MCG +02-55-013 = CGCG 427-024 = PGC 67349

21 47 16.6 +10 14 28; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, elongated E-W, small bright core.  An extremely faint star is possibly involved.  A mag 10.9 star is located 1.1' W.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7132 = Sw. II-89 on 18 Oct 1884 and recorded "vF; pL; lE; bet 2 stars; 5 stars west? in form of a pyramid.  My memory locates the stars east of the nebula."  His position is 22 seconds of RA too large but the description pins down the identification (the stars are west).  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate position on 6 Nov 1891 with the 27" refractor in Vienna (corrected in IC 1 Notes) as well as Bigourdan on 3 Oct 1888.

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NGC 7133

21 44 26.7 +66 10 06; Cep

 

= Nonexistent, Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7133 = Big. 91 on 18 Sep 1884 while observing the NGC 7129 complex.  According to Corwin, Bigourdan's offset is 1 min 26.8 seconds east and 3' 49.7" north of BD +65 1638.  He described a "pretty extended area, perhaps 2' across, in which I suspect some extremely faint nebulosity, at the extreme limit of visibility."  There isn't any visible nebulosity on the DSS at this offset and Harold Corwin classifies this number as non-existent.  See his identification notes.

 

The RNGC classification is a diffuse nebula but there is no description.  The RNGC position is 4' southwest of the center of NGC 7129, and it's not clear what object or section of the nebulosity the authors are referring to.  The RNGC error is mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #4 and by Gordon Bond in Deep Sky magazine.

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NGC 7134

21 48 55.8 -12 58 28; Cap

Size 0.5'

 

17.5" (7/20/96): interesting asterism consisting of a very tight group of four mag 14/15 stars in a 30" arc concave to the south.  Situated just 30" S of a mag 12 star.  The brightest star is 25" due south of the mag 12 star and the faintest mag 15 star is at the west end of the arc.  Nicely resolved at 280x and 410x.  NGC 7131 lies 23' SW.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 7134 around 1860 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory.  He described it as "very small, but not very faint; nearly S of a star 11m."   Herbert Howe, in his visual survey at Denver, reported "not a nebula; it simply a group of three or four stars of mag 13-14, which is about 40" south of a 10th mag star. A most careful scrutiny revealed no trace of nebulosity."  The DSS confirms there are four mag 14/15 stars in an arc, just 30" south of a mag 12 star.  Harold Corwin agrees with this identification.  RNGC classifies this asterism as nonexistent.

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NGC 7135 = ESO 403-035 = AM 2146-350 = MCG -06-48-001 = PGC 67425 = IC 5136?

21 49 45.6 -34 52 33; PsA

V = 11.7;  Size 3.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 47”

 

17.5" (8/6/97): moderately bright, moderately large, ~2' diameter, irregularly shaped bright core.  The halo appears to have an uneven or mottled surface brightness. A mag 14-15 star is embedded at the west edge [34" from center]. Located just following a bright triangle of mag 9.5-10.5 stars.  NGC 7130 lies 19' WSW.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad weak concentration, small bright core.  Follows an isosceles triangle of mag 9.5-10.5 stars including mag 9.4 SAO 213316 5' NW, a mag 10 star 3.3' SW and a mag 11 star 2' N.  Third of three with NGC 7130 19' WSW.

 

17.5" (7/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration.  Unusual as three stars mag 9-10 just west form a right triangle.  The galaxy is just east of a line connecting the two stars on the east side of the triangle. 

 

13" (8/5/83): faint, small, round, similar to NGC 7130 19' WSW.  A triangle of stars precedes the galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7135 = h3891 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; R; bM; 20"; a * 14m precedes just out of neb."  On the next sweep he logged "pB; L; vgbM; has 5 st 8m in field surrounding it [the stars are 9th-11th mag]."

 

Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 17 Sep 1897 at age 77 near the end of his observing career and assumed it was new.  His description of Sw. XI-209 reads "eeF; pL; R; 3 B st form a triangle; nf of 2 [with IC 5135 = NGC 7130]."  Herbert Howe reexamined the field in 1899 and realized Swift's #209 was identical to NGC 7135, so Dreyer didn't assign an IC desigation.  But IC 5136, also from Swift just 2 nights earlier, may be another observation of NGC 7135.  See Corwin's identification notes for that story.

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NGC 7136

21 49 43.3 -11 47 35; Cap

 

= **, Corwin.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7136 = LM 2-463 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He noted "mag 16.0; vS; R; neb?; *9.5m PA 95”, separation 2'."  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA) except stars.  Herbert Howe searched for this object with the 20" at Denver and reported "this is a stellar object of mag 13, which Muller suspected to be a nebula.  At times it looked slightly nebulous, and at other times distinctly stellar.  Nothing is visible in the place give in the NGC."  Howe's position is less than 1 min of RA east of Muller's and corresponds with a faint pair of stars (about 10" separation).  A mag 11-12 star is 2' east, clinching this identification.

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NGC 7137 = UGC 11815 = MCG +04-51-005 = CGCG 472-008 = PGC 67379

21 48 13.0 +22 09 38; Peg

V = 12.4;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval SSW-NNE.  Mottled appearance with an irregular surface brightness and an impression of knots involved.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large, round.  Fairly low surface brightness.

 

8" (8/5/83): very faint, small, round, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7137 = H II-261 = h2132 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 319) and logged "F, iR, less than 1' dia."  JH made two observations, noting on sweep 166, "F; R; vglbM; 30"; r."  His mean position matches UGC 11815.

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NGC 7138 = UGC 11817 = MCG +02-55-014 = CGCG 427-025 = PGC 67406

21 49 01.1 +12 30 51; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, elongated NNW-SSE.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NW end 27" from the center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7138 = m 455 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stell."  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 7139 = PK 104+7.1 = PN G104.1+07.9

21 46 08.6 +63 47 29; Cep

V = 13.4;  Size 86"x70"

 

24" (8/31/16): excellent contrast gain using a NPB filter at 200x.  With this combination NGC 7139 is fairly bright, round, crisp-edged, 1.2' diameter.  The rim is slightly brighter, particularly on the east and west sides and slightly weaker on part of the north and south rim, giving a subtle annularity.  The interior is unevenly lit, and a bit darker on the north-northeast side.  A mag 13.5 star is off the southeast end [0.9' from center] and a mag 15.5 star is right at the northeast edge of the rim.

 

18" (8/17/04): easily picked up at 115x unfiltered.  At 225x appears moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~1.2'x1.0'.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the SE end.  The rim appears to be slightly brighter, particularly along the SE side towards the mag 13.5 star.

 

17.5" (10/13/01): easily picked up sweeping at 100x without a filter.  Appears moderately bright, round, 1.2' diameter, crisp-edged.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge.  Excellent view at 280x without filter.  The surface brightness appears irregular with a slightly brighter rim, particularly along the eastern half of the rim.  An extremely faint star is intermittently visible right at the NE edge.  A nice, elongated group of 6-8 stars follows the planetary in the same high power field.  Central star not seen at 280x.

 

17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 1.2' diameter.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the SE edge 40" from the center.  A slightly darker center is visible with an OIII filter at 140x but the annularity is subtle.  No central star visible. 

 

8" (8/28/81): extremely faint, moderately large, round, difficult, a faint star is near the south edge.  Located about 4' NW of a faint curving arc of stars and 23' E of mag 7 SAO 19595.  This is one of the faintest planetaries observed with the C8.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7139 = H III-696 on 5 Nov 1787 (sweep 775) and recorded "vF, iR, may be a patch of stars but I have not been out long enough, about 1' diam."  His position is within 2' of this planetary.  Four nights later (sweep 776) he reported "vF, S, R, lbM, r."  On 15 Oct 1794 (sweep 1062), he noted "F, irr figure, easily resolvable."  On this sweep, his position is just 1.3' too far south.  John Herschel didn't record an observation.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 24 July 1884.

 

Heber Curtis first found the spectrum to be of a planetary with a slitless spectrograph at Lick.  Based on a Crossley photograph. Heber Curtis reported (1918) "the oval is 86"x67" in p.a. 20” +/-.  Considerably fainter along the major axis; at the east and west edges slightly brighter streaks appear, indicating a ring or shell formation."

 

The declination is 8.5' too far south in the RNGC, Sky Catalogue 2000, Strausberg-ESO Catalogue, NGC 2000.0 and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas. The position is correct in the NGC and the P-K catalogue.  Kent Wallace was first to note the positional error.

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NGC 7140 = NGC 7141 = ESO 189-007 = PGC 67532

21 52 15.3 -55 34 11; Ind

 

See observing notes for NGC 7141.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7140 = h3892 on 4 Oct 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 35"."  There is nothing at his position, but exactly one degree north is NGC 7141 = h3893, which he found again the following night!   Herschel suspected he made an error and noted "It is not improbably that this and the nebula immediately preceding sweep 499 are identical, one or other being mistaken 1” in PD.  Still, as both observations are clearly written in MS, and, as the difference in PD even then is rather considerable (1' 28"), I have thought it necessary to enter them separately."  Despite his uncertainly, NGC 7140 = NGC 7141.

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NGC 7141 = NGC 7140 = ESO 189-007 = PGC 67532

21 52 15.4 -55 34 11; Ind

V = 11.5;  Size 4.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 18”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.0', contains a very bright elongated core.  The halo has an irregular surface brightness suggesting parts of spiral arms.   A mag 15 star is just off the west edge, 40" from center.  Located 13' NNE of mag 7.0 HD 207618.

 

Forms a pair with PGC 190704, 2.7' to the southwest.  It appeared faint (B = 16.3), very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 12"x8".  A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' SE.  No redshift data is available on this galaxy so it may not be a physical pair.

 

John Herschel found NGC 7141 = h3893 on 5 Oct 1834 and recorded "F; L; R; first g, then pslbM."  His position matches ESO 189-007.  He discovered the galaxy the previous night, but made an error and recorded the declination of h3892 (later NGC 7140) 1” too far south.  Herschel thought they might be equal, but included both entries in the GC and Dreyer followed in the NGC.  So, NGC 7140 = NGC 7141, with the first observation resulting in NGC 7140.

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NGC 7142 = Cr 442 = Lund 1000 = OCL-241

21 45 09 +65 46 30 ; Cep

V = 9.3;  Size 4'

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly rich but somewhat scattered in parts, large.  Includes three brighter mag 10 stars but otherwise fairly uniform and rich in mag 12.5-13.5 stars.

 

8": large, spread out.  There is a string of stars on the east and SE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7142 = H VII-66 = h2134 on 18 Oct 1794 (sweep 1063) and recorded "a cl of considerable compressed vS stars, intermixed with some pretty large ones. iF, 8 or 9' diameter.  Some of the large ones from an irregular kind of circle."  On 16 Sept 1798 (sweep 1079) he logged "a cluster; considerably rich, chiefly small stars, about 12' diameter."  JH made a single observation and recorded "the chief star in the sf part of a large, pretty rich, loose cluster of st 12...14m; diam 10'; has more than one star 10-11m in it."  His position is on the double star HJ 1696 at the east side of the cluster.

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NGC 7143

21 48 53.9 +29 57 24; Cyg

 

18" (10/25/03): this is a faint, very close pair of mag 15 stars that was just resolved at 257x.  At first glance at 215x, this pair appeared nebulous.  Also, an easier distinctive pair of mag 14 stars is just 2' E. Located 28' SW of mag 5.1 14 Pegasi.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7143 = h2133 on 15 Sep 1828 and recorded a "strongly suspected neb, or a vF double star with nebulosity. Has a *11 np."  Four negative observations were made in the 1850's using Lord Rosse's 72".  At Herschel's position is a small clump of stars and 1.5' NW is a brighter mag 11 star matching his description.   The RNGC calls this a double star with no nebulosity.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7144 = ESO 237-011 = LGG 448-001 = PGC 67557

21 52 42.4 -48 15 14; Gru

V = 10.8;  Size 3.7'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and large, round, 1.5' diameter, increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  This galaxy has a high surface brightness.  A mag 11 star lies 3' NNE.  In the same 38' field at 127x as NGC 7145, situated 23' NNE.

 

Brightest in a small group along with NGC 7155 and NGC 7151 and one of the brightest members of the Pavo-Indus Cloud including NGCs 7213, 7205, 7049 and 7083.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7144 = h3894 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vB; pL; R; smbM to nucleus; 45"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 2 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "B, small, round, svmbM to an almost star like nucleus - fades away outwards, the diameter being about 60".  Very faint in every part except the nucleus, which alone justify the object to be called bright."

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NGC 7145 = ESO 237-013 = LGG 448-002 = PGC 67583

21 53 20.2 -47 52 57; Gru

V = 11.2;  Size 2.5'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and large, round, 1.2' diameter, small bright core.  Bracketed by mag 13 stars just 0.8' SE and 1.3' NW of center.  A mag 11 star lies 2.4' SSE.  Forms a wide pair (same field) with NGC 7144 23' SSW.  Located 17' ESE mag 8.5 HD 207615.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7145 = h3895 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "B; R; pgbM; 20" within a triangle of 3 st 13m."  His single position is accurate.  Observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 6 Sep 1877, Joseph Turner noted it was brighter in the middle to a stellar nucleus.

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NGC 7146 = MCG +00-55-024 = CGCG 376-044 = PGC 67508

21 51 47.4 +03 01 01; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (8/1/86): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W.  A brighter star is at the east end.  Forms a pair with NGC 7147 4.3' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7146 = m 456, along with NGC 7147, on 11 Aug 1863 and noted "F, R."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 7147 = MCG +00-55-025 = CGCG 376-045 = PGC 67518

21 51 58.4 +03 04 18; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 7146 4.3' SW.  Located 14' S of NGC 7149.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7147 = m 457, along with NGC 7146, on 11 Aug 1863 and simply noted "vF".   His position is accurate.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 15 Sep 1865.  He noted it as slightly elongated and that a mag 10 or 11 star preceded by 10.7 seconds of RA (and a little south).

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NGC 7148

21 52 08.5 +03 20 29; Peg

 

= **, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7148, along with NGC 7149, on 15 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  At his position (measured 3 times) is a pair of stars (~10" separation on the DSS), so the identification is certain although he did not resolve the pair.

 

The RNGC and PGC misidentify IC 1407 = CGCG 376-048 as NGC 7148.  This galaxy is located 6.4' NE of d'Arrest's position.

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NGC 7149 = UGC 11835 = MCG +00-55-026 = CGCG 376-047 = PGC 67524

21 52 11.7 +03 18 04; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 25”

 

24" (9/22/17): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately bright, sharply concentrated with a bright oval core that increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  The core is slightly elongated along the major axis.  The outer halo is ~0.8'x0.6' and has a very low surface brightness.  A mag 12.3 star is 1.4' SSW.

 

IC 1407 (misidentified as NGC 7148 in RNGC and PGC) lies 14' NNE.  It appeared fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very faint stellar nucleus.  This is a double system (II Zw 152), but the nearly stellar companion (PGC 67535) at the WNW edge was not resolved.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  On a line close south are two stars; a mag 14 star 0.8' SSW and a mag 12 star 1.4' SSW of center.  Brightest of three with NGC 7146 and NGC 7147 15' SSW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7149, along with NGC 7148 (just a double star) on 15 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (3 measurements) is accurate.

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NGC 7150

21 50 23.5 +49 45 20; Cyg

Size 0.7'

 

18" (9/26/11): this asterism was picked up at 175x as a small knot of 4 faint stars, ~45" diameter.  The stars are arranged in a slightly curving north-south string, bowed out to the east with mags of 13.5-14.3.  At 285x, a 5th star ~50" E of the string was noticed.  Collinear with two mag 10.5/11 stars situated 3' ENE.  Located 14' ENE of mag 7.0 HD 207647.

 

George Bond discovered NGC 7150 = HN 1 on 10 Feb 1848 with the 15" refractor at Harvard.  This was first deep sky object to be discovered in the United States!  Less than 1' north of his position is a small clump of 4 stars that Harold Corwin identifies as Bond's object.

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NGC 7151 = ESO 237-015 = LGG 448-004 = PGC 67634

21 55 04 -50 39 24; Ind

V = 12.8;  Size 3.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 75”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 ~WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.8' .  There are no well defined brightness zones but the appearance is unusual; very mottled and knotty with an odd shape.  It is brighter on the west side and wider, seeming to taper on the northeast end.  A stellar knot [apparently an HII region, though perhaps a compact companion] is on the southeast side of the galaxy.  In addition, a couple of stars are superimposed; a mag 14.5 star is at the northwest edge and a mag 16 star is place symmetrically on the south side [28" SW of center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7151 = h3896 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; mE; vgbM; rather wedge-formed; ? if not binuclear."  His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7152 = ESO 466-013 = MCG -05-51-020 = PGC 67601

21 53 59.0 -29 17 21; PsA

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 17”

 

17.5" (8/27/92): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S.  A mag 14 star is at the SW end 34" from center and a mag 14.5 star is just off the SE end.  A pair of mag 12-13 stars lie 3.5' N.  NGC 7153 is 15' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7152 = h3897 on 18 Aug 1835 and recorded "eeF; vS; 10"; barely perceptible; sky perfectly clear."  His position is accurate, though Dreyer notes in the NGC description that "Lassell not found."  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver in 1898-99, wrote (in his compilation of NGC/IC observations) "According to the NGC, Lassell did not succeed in finding this.  It is a small, exceedingly faint and diffuse stain on the sky."

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NGC 7153 = ESO 466-016 = MCG -05-51-022 = PGC 67624

21 54 35.4 -29 03 49; PsA

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (7/28/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core.  Located 10' NNW of mag 9.2 SAO 190727.  NGC 7152 lies 15' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7153 = h3898 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; E; or has an eF * near."  His position is 1.8' too far north.

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NGC 7154 = ESO 404-008 = MCG -06-48-005 = LGG 450-001 = PGC 67641

21 55 21.0 -34 48 51; PsA

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 102”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~1.5' diameter, weak concentration, fairly low - though irregular - surface brightness.  A very faint mag 15-15.5 star is superimposed on the south side.  A mag 14.8 star is 1.6' NW of center.

 

First in a large group (LGG 450) that includes HCG 90 (NGC 7172-7176).  MCG -6-48-4, located 12' NW, appeared  fairly faint, slightly elongated E-W, 0.5'x0.4', even surface brightness.  ESO 404-12, located 26' NE, appeared moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x1.0', brighter core.  A mag 14.6 star is superimposed on the east side.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): very faint, elongated 3:2, low even surface brightness, diffuse, requires averted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7154 = h3900 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; pL; glbM; more nebulae hereabouts."  The next sweep he logged "B; pL; irreg R; glbM; r; 60"."

 

Based on photographs taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "pF, 1' x 1/2', irr shape.  Appears to be two small spirals very close together."

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NGC 7155 = IC 5143 = ESO 237-016 = LGG 448-003 = PGC 67663

21 56 09.7 -49 31 19; Ind

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 4”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~1.6'x1.1'.  Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright, roundish core and fainter extensions (bar) oriented E-W.  The core/bar is encased in a much larger, low surface brightness halo.  Located 14' NW of mag 7.7 HD 208360.  The galaxy is collinear with two mag 11-11.5 stars 4' and 6.4' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7155 = h3899 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; lE; psmbM; 20"."  His position (measured also the next sweep) is accurate.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 17 Sep 1897 and logged "eeF; pS; R; in line with 2 9m st[ars]."  His position was 28' too far north, but Harold Corwin comments that Swift's description of the two bright stars clinches this identification.  So, IC 5143 = NGC 7155.

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NGC 7156 = UGC 11843 = MCG +00-55-029 = CGCG 376-053 = PGC 67622

21 54 33.6 +02 56 35; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, irregular surface brightness, appears mottled.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7156 = H III-452 = h2135 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 461) and recorded "vF, pL, R, r."  CH's reduced position is 2' northwest of UGC 11843.  JH made three observations, logging it as "F; R: pL; 40"; vglbM" on sweep 295, and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7157 = ESO 532-003 = MCG -04-51-015 = AM 2154-253 = PGC 67693

21 56 56.7 -25 21 02; PsA

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (8/3/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.9' N of center.  Located 2.7' ENE of mag 9.3 SAO 190762.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7157 = LM 1-244 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.0; vS; R; sbMN; B double star precedes 8 sec; env 16.0."  His position is 0.7 minute of RA west and 1.5' south of ESO 532-003.  A mag 10/14 pair at ~12" separation is 2.8' west, matching Leavenworth's description, so the identification is certain.  Herbert Howe, though, observing with the 20" refractor at Denver, reported in 1898-99 "There is no bright double star in the vicinity, and I could find no nebula.  Possibly, however, the abbreviation "BD" is here used for "Bonn Durchmusterung."  Spitaler also failed to find this."  Despite their failure (the double star is probably very difficult), the identification is certain.

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NGC 7158

21 57 28.1 -11 35 33; Cap

 

18" (8/31/11): At 220x this triple star appears as a soft or nebulous "star" that won't focus sharply.  There is a strong impression, though, of a slightly fainter companion attached on the west side. I could easily see how the merged image of this triple could be taken as a possible nebula (described as a "vF neb[ulous] star").  At 285x it appears to be a double star, though the separation is quite small and the stars were not cleanly resolved in only fair seeing.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7158 = LM 2-464 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  Muller described a "neb*[estimated at mag 14]; *9.5 P 40” Ę2.8'."  In 1898-99 Howe reported "this nebulous star is of mag 13.  It may be double at 270” (west)."  Howe's object is a close double star (fainter component to the west) about 30 seconds of RA east of Muller's rough position (nearest min of RA).  Bigourdan also measured this same multiple star on 10 Sep 1888.

 

Harold Corwin also identifies NGC 7158 as this object (calling it a triple star).  A mag 10 star is 2.9' in PA 40”, clinching this identification.  The RNGC misidentifies PGC 67698, a faint galaxy about 9' southwest of the triple, as NGC 7158.

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NGC 7159 = CGCG 428-003 = PGC 67674

21 56 25.6 +13 33 45; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.65'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S.  A mag 14.5 star at the south end interferes with viewing.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7159 = Sw. VI-94 on 14 Nov 1886 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; pF * with vF distant companion 5' s."  His position is 9 seconds of RA east of CGCG 428-003 = PGC 67674.  His description mentions a "pF * with vF distant companion 5' S.  A mag 10.7 star is 4' due south with a mag 13 companion 46" NW.  Herbert Howe commented the star south-following is involved, but this isn't the star Swift referred to.

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NGC 7160 = Cr 443 = Lund 1002 = OCL-236

21 53 40 +62 36 12; Cep

V = 6.1;  Size 7'

 

18" (8/17/04): at 160x, ~40 stars are visible in a 8'x6' group, extended SW-NE.  Two mag 7 and 8 stars (HD 208392 and 208440) that are separated by 1' dominate the cluster.  Both of these stars have much fainter companions.  Another nice mag 13 pair is southwest of the 7th magnitude star.  The  cluster stands out well in the field.

 

17.5" (10/5/91): about three dozen stars in a 7' diameter.  Very bright, elongated SW-NE although scattered outliers make the cluster rounder.  Includes several fairly bright stars with two stars mag 7.0/7.9 at 1.0' separation NE of center which are surrounded by a semicircle of nine stars.  Includes several double stars with a mag 10 star that has a very faint companion on its west side.  Not rich but distinctive.  Mag 6.8 SAO 19698 is 11' NW at the edge of the field.

 

8" (10/31/81): about two dozen stars in a bright cluster, not dense.  Includes two mag 8 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7160 = H VIII-67 = h2136 on 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 776) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of stars of several sizes, 6 or 7' diam, a forming one."  His position is accurate. Both William and John only made a single observation.

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NGC 7161

21 56 57.2 +02 55 39; Peg

 

18" (10/25/03): this is a close pair of faint mag 15 stars at 9" separation, situated nearly at the midpoint of two mag 13 stars ~2' N and 2' S.  Resolved at 250x, but the faint pair appears nebulous at lower powers.  Located 10' N of a distinctive equilateral triangle of stars highlighted by mag 8.9 SAO 127184.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7161 on 13 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He made two observations on consecutive nights  and mentioned a mag 11-12 stars precedes by 11 seconds of time.  On the 14th, he described this object as a small group of stars (19th mag), between two (16th mag) stars.  About 2' south of his position is a pair of mag 15 stars and 1' further south is a fainter and closer pair with a third extremely close pair to its south.  Karl Reinmuth reported this as a "double star 15 dist 0.2', 0 deg; bet 2 st ssp/nnf." [the northernmost pair].  RNGC follows Reinmuth and Carlson and calls it a double star, though Corwin mentions the other closer pairs might have also been glimpsed.

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NGC 7162 = ESO 288-026 = MCG -07-45-003 = LGG 449-002 = PGC 67795

21 59 39.1 -43 18 22; Gru

V = 12.7;  Size 2.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 10”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright to bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, ~2.5'x0.9', broad concentration with an elongated, brighter core.  A mag 16.2 star is at the west edge.  Second brightest in a trio (similar redshifts) with NGC 7166 11' SE and fainter NGC 7162A 14' NE.  Situated 10.6' NNW of mag 8 HD 208812.  NGC 7162A, a Magellanic spiral, appeared very diffuse, large glow, circular,~2' diameter, no distinct core or zones.

 

18" (10/16/09): very faint, fairly large, appears as a very hazy ill-defined glow, ~1.2'x0.8' N-S.  This galaxy was surprisingly difficult for a V = 12.7 galaxy, though the low elevation affected the view.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 7166 11' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7162 = h3901, along with NGC 7166, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; L; mE; vgbM; (fog)."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7163 = ESO 466-030 = MCG -05-51-035 = LGG 450-003 = PGC 67785

21 59 20.3 -31 52 55; PsA

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 101”

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x30, low even surface brightness.  Located 34' W of NGC 7172 (HCG 90).  Two mag 12.5 star ~7' SSE are collinear with the galaxy.

 

17.5" (7/28/92): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, low surface brightness, diffuse with ill-defined edges, weakly concentrated but no core, requires averted to see well.  Located 7.5' W of a mag 9.5 star.  The NGC 7172-7176 group (HCG 90) lies 35'-40' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7163 = h3902 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "pF; lE; glbM; 40"."

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NGC 7164 = CGCG 377-006 = PGC 67673

21 56 23.6 +01 21 50; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Five stars mag 11-15 in a string to the NE are almost collinear with NGC 7164.  Located 12' from core of the rich cluster AGC 2397 (possible member?).

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7164 = LM 2-465 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.7, R, 4 vF stars from 1' to 4' n."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 2.2 minutes of time west and 3.5' south is CGCG 377-006 = PGC 67673.  Despite the poor positional match, there is a string of stars extending north.  This is the northernmost galaxy discovered at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  See Corwin's identification notes for IC 1415 and IC 1416 (found by Bigourdan while searching for NGC 7164).

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NGC 7165 = MCG -03-56-002 = PGC 67788

21 59 26.1 -16 30 44; Aqr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, round, even concentration, small bright core.  Located equidistant from a mag 13 star 2.1' WNW and a mag 12.5 star 2.0' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7165 = H III-930 = h2137 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and noted "suspected, eF.  300 confirmed it."  John Herschel noted on 5 Aug 1826 (sweep 37), "suspected, but the state of the air is most unfavourable."  His position, though, is a good match.  Herbert Howe, observing in 1898-99, commented "this nebula contains a condensation [nucleus] of mag 13."

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NGC 7166 = ESO 288-027 = MCG -07-45-004 = AM 2157-433 = LGG 449-003 = PGC 67817

22 00 32.9 -43 23 23; Gru

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 14”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small intense core and quasi-stellar nucleus. CPO 628, a nice mag 11.9/13.3 double at ~5" separation lies 4.8' due east and another mag 11.5 star is 2.5' NE.  Brightest in a small group with NGC 7162 11' NW and NGC 7162A 15' N.  NGC 7162A, a Magellanic spiral, appeared very diffuse, large glow, circular,~2' diameter, no distinct core or zones.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7166 = h3903, along with NGC 7162, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; psmbM; 15"."  His position is just off the east side of the galaxy.

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NGC 7167 = ESO 532-009 = MCG -04-52-001 = AM 2157-245 = PGC 67816

22 00 30.9 -24 38 00; Aqr

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  A mag 10.5 star is off the east end 1.3' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7167 = h3905 on 29 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM; 45"; has a * 10m, 90" dist from centre, following in parallel."  His position and description is a perfect match.

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NGC 7168 = ESO 237-026 = AM 2158-515 = PGC 67882

22 02 07.4 -51 44 35; Ind

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 68”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is close southeast, just 43" from the center.  Located 27' S of brighter IC 5152.  PGC 101233, located 3' SE, appeared extremely faint and small with a brighter 15" core surrounded by an extremely faint halo (possibly elongated).  The companion's redshift is 4x that of NGC 7168.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7168 = h3904 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R: pslbM; 15"."  On two later sweeps he called this galaxy "pB". JH missed IC 5152.

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NGC 7169 = ESO 237-028 = PGC 67913

22 02 48.6 -47 41 52; Gru

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 78”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 0.55'x035', sharply concentrated with a very bright, small core and much fainter halo.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' NE and a mag 15.5 star is just off the northeast end, 0.5' from center.  Situated 3.2' ESE of mag 8.8 HD 209175.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7169 = h3906 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; difficult to distinguish from a * 15m; has a * 8m, distance 4' np, nearly in parallel, and another 11m, 60" nf."  His position is 45 seconds of RA too far west, but the detailed description clinches this identification. The error in RA is noted in the ESO and SGC.

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NGC 7170 = PGC 67848

22 01 26.3 -05 25 58; Aqr

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (8/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, broad concentration.  A nice double star is 5' W consisting of a mag 12/13 duo at 9" separation.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7170 = LM 1-245 in 1886 and recorded "mag 13.0; pS; iR; bMN; double star p 36 seconds."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 40 seconds of RA west of PGC 67848.  The double star he mentions precedes, though by only 20 seconds of time.  Ormond Stone measured an accurate micrometric offset (in the "Southern Nebulae" paper) but the position given in the IC 1 is notes is 1.0 tmin too far east!  Bigourdan also corrected the RA on 27 Oct 1888 and noted the NGC RA was off by 40 seconds (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7171 = MCG -02-56-005 = PGC 67839

22 01 02.0 -13 16 11; Aqr

V = 12.2;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 120”

 

24" (9/22/17): at 200x and 375x; moderately or fairly bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:3 NW-SE, ~1.6'x0.9', irregular halo and surface brightness, broadly concentrated, occasionally seemed to have brighter elongated sections (arcs of spiral arms?) and darker regions (probably dust).  A mag 14.7 star is at the southeast end.

 

IC 1417, situated 12' NW. appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated, 3:1 or 7:2 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.3', contains a small bright elongated core with faint extensions, a mag 15 star is at the ESE end.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, very diffuse, moderately large, weakly concentrated but no nucleus, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE.  Appears fainter than the V magnitude suggests.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7171 = H III-692 = h2138 on 12 Aug 1787 (his only discovery on sweep 750) and recorded "eF, E from np to sf, about 2' long and 1' broad."  JH made three observations and recorded on 9 Sep 1825, "vF; R; vgbM; r; 90"."

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NGC 7172 = HCG 90A = ESO 466-038 = MCG -05-52-007 = LGG 450-006 = PGC 67874

22 02 01.7 -31 52 18; PsA

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 100”

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.6', increases in size with averted.  Contains a brighter, elongated core that bulges slightly and the halo has a sharper edge along with south edge.  NGC 7173, 7174 and 7176 triplet lies ~7' SSE, the quartet forming HCG 90.

 

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~1.8'x1.0', broad concentration.  A mag 10.6 star lies 2.5' SE and two mag 13 stars 1.5' SW and 3' SW are collinear with the galaxy.

 

18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.6', contains a brighter bulging core.  A mag 10.5 star lies 2.5' SE.  Located ~7' N of the main grouping (NGC 7173, NGC 7174, NGC 7176) in HCG 90) and largest in the group.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, fairly diffuse.  Brightest of four in HCG 90.  The compact trio consisting of NGC 7173, NGC 7174, NGC 7176 is roughly 7' S.

 

8" (7/24/82): very faint, fairly small, elongated E-W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7172 = h3908 on 23 Sep 1834 and logged "pB; R; 40"."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.  The dark rift was first noted by Knox-Shaw in 1912, based on a photograph taken in 1909-11 with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.

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NGC 7173 = HCG 90C = ESO 466-039 = MCG -05-52-008 = UGCA 422 = VV 698 = LGG 450-007 = KTS 66A = PGC 67878

22 02 03.4 -31 58 27; PsA

V = 12.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 143”

 

24" (8/23/14): bright, moderately large, round, 45" diameter.  Contains a relatively large, very bright core that gradually increases to the center.  NGC 7174/7176  (contact pair) is less than 1.5' southeast.  NGC 7172 lies 6' north.  The quartet forms HCG 90 and the close triplet is KTS 66.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a very bright 30" core that increases to the center.  The core is surrounded by a much fainter halo perhaps 45" diameter.  In a trio with the contact pair NGC 7174/7176 1.4' SE.

 

18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, evenly concentrated to a brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 1.5' NW of the NGC 7176/7174 pair in HCG 90 and just slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 7174.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, round.  Similar in size and brightness to NGC 7176 1.5' SE in a compact trio with NGC 7174 1.3' SE.  Member of the HCG 90 = NGC 7173 group = Klemola 34. 

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, small.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7173 = h3909 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; vS; R; sbM to a star."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) and sketch (plate IV, fig 11) matches ESO 466-039 = HCG 90C.

 

RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 7173 and NGC 7174, making NGC 7173 and NGC 7176 the contact pair instead of NGC 7174 and NGC 7176, as described by Herschel.  Sherburne Burnham measured accurate positions (Publications of Lick Observatory, II) and the galaxies were correctly identified. The identifications are also sorted out in my RNGC Corrections #1.

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NGC 7174 = HCG 90D = ESO 466-040 = MCG -05-52-010 = VV 698 = LGG 450-004 = KTS 66B = PGC 67881

22 02 06.8 -31 59 37; PsA

V = 13.3;  Size 2.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 88”

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x, NGC 7174 was elongated perhaps 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3'.  The surface brightness is irregular with no core region. The galaxy appears to taper and brighten at the west end with a bend or short kink angling northwest.  The east end merges into the halo of NGC 7176 on the its southwest end!

 

18" (10/21/06): this is the western component of an interacting system with NGC 7176 attached to the east side.  At 225x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.4, very weak concentration, no noticeable core.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3'.  This member of the HCG 90 quartet is attached at the west edge of NGC 7176 and extends due west.  The identifications of NGC 7173 and NGC 7174 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): fairly faint, small.  Virtually in contact with NGC 7176 on the NE edge 26" separation.  In a compact trio with NGC 7173 1.3' NW in the NGC 7172 group.  The identifications of NGC 7173 and NGC 7174 are reversed in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7174 = h3910 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "in sweep 493 this was taken for a vF star, but I now perceive it plainly to a small faint round nebula."  His position and sketch matches ESO 466-040 = HCG 90D.

 

The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 7173 and 7174, making NGC 7173 and 7176 the contact pair.  This misidentification is listed in my RNGC Corrections #1.

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NGC 7175

21 58 51.5 +54 49 01; Cyg

 

17.5" (10/25/97): at 100x there is no noticeable clustering at the John Herschel's position centered on a mag 9 star at 21 58 51.5 +54 49 01.  Visually, this appears to be a rich Milky Way field over unresolved haze.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7175 = h2141 on 25 Sep 1829 and recorded "The chief * 9m of a vL, loose clustering group which fills two fields and is pretty rich of large stars."  His position corresponds with mag 9.1 SAO 33935 at 21 58 51.5 +54 49 01. Reinmuth adds "a dense region, no distinct Cl."   RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's identification notes for more on this number.

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NGC 7176 = HCG 90B = ESO 466-041 = MCG -05-52-011 = UGCA 423 = VV 698 = LGG 450-008 = KTS 66C = PGC 67883

22 02 08.4 -31 59 30; PsA

V = 11.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 11.0

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared very bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, intense core that increases to the center, which contains a bright, stellar nucleus. NGC 7174, with an elongated, irregular shape, is merged with NGC 7176 on the southwest side, and the combination forms a striking triple with NGC 7173 1.5' northwest.  ESO 466-046 lies 7.5' due east.  This edge-on galaxy appeared extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.15'.  A mag 15 star is off the southeast end.

 

18" (10/21/06): slightly brighter than NGC 7173.  Appears bright, moderately large, round, 1.1' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 30" core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms an interacting double system (merged) with NGC 7174 (elliptical/spiral pair) attached to the SW side.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly bright, moderately large, 1' diameter, well concentrated with a bright, very small nucleus.  This is the most obvious (along with NGC 7172) in a quartet comprising HCG 90.  NGC 7174 is attached at the west edge.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, round, similar to NGC 7173 1.5' NW.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 7174 at the SW edge in the NGC 7172 group = HCG 90.

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, small.  Component of an unresolved pair with NGC 7174.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7176 = h3911 on 23 Sep 1834 (sweep 492) and recorded "B; R; pgbM; 40"." Two nights later (sweep 493) he logged "vB; pL; sbM to a star; has a very faint star sp."  His position (measured on 6 sweeps and sketched on plate IV, fig 11) matches ESO 466-041 = HCG 90B.  The "faint star" on sweep 493 is NGC 7174 - recorded as a nebula on sweep 495.  Both Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi sketched the group using the 48" Melbourne telescope but the prepared drawing (plate VI, figure 66) was not pubished.

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NGC 7177 = UGC 11872 = MCG +03-56-003 = CGCG 451-002 = PGC 67823

22 00 41.2 +17 44 17; Peg

V = 11.2;  Size 3.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (8/5/91): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2'x1'.  Unusual appearance as the very bright core is elongated at nearly a 45” angle (SW-NE) to the major axis and contains a stellar nucleus.  There is a hint of an irregular surface brightness in the outer halo.

 

13.1": moderately bright, brighter core, elongated WSW-ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7177 = H II-247 = h2139 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "pB, nearly R, bM, r, about 1' dia."  On 11 Oct 1825, JH reported "pB; R; gbM; 60"-90" diameter."  R.J. Mitchell sketched this galaxy on 31 Aug 1854 (included in the LdR 1861 publication).  A total of 19 observations were made at Birr Castle.

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NGC 7178 = ESO 404-022 = MCG -06-48-016 = PGC 67898

22 02 25.2 -35 47 26; PsA

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (9/23/95): extremely faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Appears as a difficult low surface brightness patch with no concentration.  Located 2.6' N of mag 8.1 SAO 213493.  NGC 7178 was much more difficult to view than IC 5157 located 53' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7178 = h3912 on 31 Aug 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 2' n of a *8m; a double star 10/10 m follows nearly on the parallel of the nebula, and pointing directly to it.  A sure observation; but except in the finest nights this neb will not be seen."

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NGC 7179 = ESO 108-011 = LGG 452-001 = PGC 67995

22 04 49.5 -64 02 49; Ind

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 48”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): first in a group of 5 galaxies with brightest member NGC 7192.  At 228x, NGC 7179 appeared moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.7', brighter core.  I had the impression this was a barred spiral.  A mag 14 star is just south of the NE end.  Located 21' NW of NGC 7192.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7179 = h3907 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "F; R or lE; vgbM; 40"."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is very accurate.

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NGC 7180 = ESO 601-006 = MCG -04-52-008 = PGC 67890

22 02 18.4 -20 32 53; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 68”

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 40"x30", very small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus. Located 16' NNW of NGC 7184 and first of 3 NGC galaxies with NGC 7185 10' ENE and NGC 7188 21' NE.

 

18" (8/2/05): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.35'.  Well concentrated with a relatively large bright core and much fainter extensions.  Member of the NGC 7184 group of 4 NGC galaxies.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, very small, small bulging bright core, surrounded by oval halo.  Located 16' NNW of NGC 7184 in a group.  NGC 7185 lies 10' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7180 = h2140 on 23 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; S; R; lbM; the first of 2 [with NGC 7185]." His position is just 1' too far west. Due to a mix-up, WH is credited (H III-693) with the discovery in the Slough Catalogue, GC and NGC, but H III-693 applies to NGC 7185.  See notes on that number.

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NGC 7181 = CGCG 377-014 = PGC 67859

22 01 43.5 -01 57 38; Aqr

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is just 0.6' SE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 7182 14' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7181 = m 458 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is just off the east side of the galaxy.

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NGC 7182 = MCG +00-56-006 = CGCG 377-015 = PGC 67864

22 01 51.6 -02 11 48; Aqr

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, very small, round, easy with averted, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 7181 14' N.  Located 21' W of Omicron Aquarii (V = 4.7).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7182 = m 459 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7183 = ESO 601-008 = MCG -03-56-004 = PGC 67892

22 02 21.6 -18 54 59; Aqr

V = 11.9;  Size 3.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 77”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, gradually increases to a small bright core.  Located at the center of four stars mag 11-13; the closest of the four is a mag 12 star 1.9' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7183 = H II-595 = h2142 on 23 Sep 1786 (sweep 601) and recorded "F, cL, irr E."  He observed it again of 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 634) and noted "eF, S, lE nearly in the parallel, lbM."  On 21 Sep 1830, JH logged "vF; pL; R; pglbM; 50"."

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NGC 7184 = ESO 601-009 = MCG -04-52-009 = UGCA 425 = PGC 67904

22 02 39.8 -20 48 46; Aqr

V = 10.8;  Size 6.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 61”

 

18" (10/21/06): bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 4.5'x1.1'.  The halo extends to a mag 11.5 star at the tip of the ENE arm.  The core is fairly sharply concentrated, round, ~20" in diameter with a stellar nucleus.  The extensions have a grainy appearance. Two wide pairs of mag 12 stars (~1' separation) lie 2' W and 7' NW.  Brightest and largest in a group of three NGC galaxies (NGC 7180, NGC 7185, NGC 7188).

 

18" (8/2/05): fairly bright, large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, ~4'x1'.  Well concentrated with a brighter 30" roundish core.  The extensions fade at the tips and increase in size with averted vision.  A mag 11.5 star is off the NE extension in the same direction as the major axis and a wide pair of stars is near the southwest end.  Brightest in a group with NGC 7180, NGC 7185 and NGC 7188.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): bright, large, very elongated WSW-ENE with long faint extensions 5'-6' length, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is off the NE edge.  In a group with NGC 7180, NGC 7185 and NGC 7188.

 

8" (8/28/81): faint, fairly large, edge-on, narrow.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7184 = H II-1 = h2143 on 28 Oct 1783, the first night of his systematic sweeps! (internal discovery #1).  He was using the "front-view" mode without a secondary (first 41 sweeps).  He made another observation on 13 Oct 1786 (sweep 609, starting again using the front-view): "F, mE, er, making an angle with two pairs of stars, which are situated in a line from np to sf.  The nebula is also followed by a small star, which continues the angle the nebula makes with the two pairs of stars."  JH made the single observation on 23 Sep 1830, "pB; pL; vmE; position = 64.3”; psvlbM; 2' long."  On 7 Sep 1850, George Stoney (LdR's assistant) reported seeing 4 knots or faint stars in the nebula.

 

Photographs taken with the 30-inch reflector at the Helwan observatory in Egypt in 1919-20 revealed "spiral with rather compact but well defined whorls [spiral arms] and a B sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by a rather brighter patch of nebulosity.  Ther are signs of absorption in the northwest portion."

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NGC 7185 = ESO 601-010 = MCG -04-52-011 = PGC 67919

22 02 56.7 -20 28 17; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15”

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:3 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.35', contains a small bright core, perhaps 5" diameter.  There is an extremely faint star superimposed on the southwest side [20" SW of center].  Member of the NGC 7184 group with NGC 7180 10' WSW and NGC 7188 12' NE.

 

18" (8/2/05): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE.  Contains a relatively large, bright core and possibly a stellar nucleus.  The surface brightness seems irregular, though this may be due to a very faint star that is superimposed.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, elongated ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus, surrounded by faint extensions.  Located within the NGC 7184 group.  Appears slightly fainter than NGC 7180 10' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7185 = H III-693 = h2144 on 11 Sep 1787 (sweep 754) and noted "eF, vS.  360x confirmed it, but may consist of but a few stars."  His position is 33 tsec east and 2' north of ESO 601-006 = PGC 67890 and falls much closer to NGC 7185.  JH found this galaxy again on 23 Sep 1830 along with nearby NGC 7180, and noted "vF; pL; irr R; vglbM; the second of two."  JH accidentally assigned H III-693 to h2140 = NGC 7180 in the Slough catalogue, although Wolfgang notes his sweep records show the correct identification.

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NGC 7186

22 01 05.1 +35 04 41; Peg

 

= 4*, WH.  = 7 faint stars, Reinmuth.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7186 = H III-165 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 269) and recorded "Five or six stars forming a parallelogram and mixed with very faint nebulosity.  240 confirmed it."  Although an elongated group of about 8 faint stars matching his description is about 4' southwest of his offsets, there is no involved nebulosity.  Herschel used this object as an example of a "small patches consisting of stars mixed with nebulosity" in his 1814 PT paper.  Bigourdan's corrected position from 24 Aug 1884 in the IC 2 notes is accurate.  Reinmuth describes "7 F st; neb not found"  (repeated by Carlson).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7187 = ESO 404-024 = MCG -06-48-018 = AM 2159-330 = LGG 450-011 = PGC 67909

22 02 44.3 -32 48 11; PsA

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 39' S of mag 6.7 SAO 213495.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7187 = LM 1-246 in 1886 and recorded "pF; pS; R; lbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of time east of  ESO 404-024 = PGC 67909.  Wolfgang Steinicke notes this is the southernmost galaxy in the NGC discovered at the Leander McCormick Observatory with the 26-inch Clark refractor.

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NGC 7188 = ESO 601-011 = MCG -04-52-012 = PGC 67943

22 03 29.0 -20 19 05; Aqr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 44”

 

18" (10/21/06): faintest of 4 NGC galaxies in the NGC 7184 group.  Appears faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 45"x35", low even surface brightness.  Located 14' WNW of mag 8.2 SAO 190861 and 12' NE of NGC 7185. A mag 14 star lies 1.7' NE.

 

18" (8/2/05): faintest of four in the NGC 7184 group.  At 225x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Fairly low surface brightness with just a weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is off the NE end 1.7' from center.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): very faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, very diffuse.  Located 10' NNE of NGC 7185 and a member of the NGC 7184 group.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7188 = LM 1-247 on 9 Oct 1885 and reported "eF; pS; E; lbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 25 seconds west and 1' south of ESO 601-011.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 with the 20" refractor at Denver.  I'm surprised John Herschel missed this galaxy as he observed the other three members in the NGC 7184 group.

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NGC 7189 = UGC 11882 = MCG +00-56-007 = CGCG 377-017 = PGC 67934

22 03 16.0 +00 34 16; Aqr

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 115”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.  Located 33' E of 28 Aquarii (V = 5.8).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7189 = m 460 on 12 Oct 1863 and noted "F, S, lE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7190 = UGC 11885 = CGCG 428-019 = PGC 67928

22 03 06.7 +11 11 57; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 66”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Located in field 10' S of 21 Pegasi (V = 5.8).  IC 5160 lies 16' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7190 = St II-28 = St IV-7 on 23 Jul 1870.   NGC 7190 was discovered by Stephan (II-28) on 23 Jul 1870 and found again by Stephan in 1872.  His second position is a bit off, but close enough it's surprising he didn't realize the equivalence.  Dreyer assigned two GCS number but queried "are these identical?"  UGC and PGC reverse the identifications of N7190 = UGC 11885 and IC 5160 = UGC 11884 located 17' S.  See Harold Corwin's notes on the identification of IC 1424.

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NGC 7191 = ESO 108-013 = LGG 452-003 = PGC 68059

22 06 51.3 -64 38 03; Ind

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 136”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, fairly faint, moderately large, elongated nearly 3:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.5', weak concentration.  Located 19' due south of NGC 7192 and second of 5 in a group.  NGC 7199 is located 11' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7191 = h3913, and NGC 7199, on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; S; lE; vgbM; 20"."  His single position is just off the south side of the galaxy.

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NGC 7192 = ESO 108-012 = LGG 452-002 = PGC 68057

22 06 50.2 -64 18 57; Ind

V = 11.2;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, round, 1.5' diameter, well concentrated with a very small bright core.  A mag 10.5 star lies 5.7' E.  Brightest in a group with 5 members including NGC 7179, NGC 7191, NGC 7199 and NGC 7219.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7192 = h3914 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; gpmbM; 20"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7193

22 03 03.8 +10 48 06; Peg

Size 8'

 

18" (8/8/10): I noticed this asterism, while observing IC 5160, located in the same field 7' to the north.  The group is a distinctive asterism of about a dozen mag 11-12 stars that is elongated NW to SE and extends 6'x1' or nearly twice this length if you include some scattered stars extending NW.  The group stands out well at low power and is a good impostor of a scattered cluster.

 

17.5" (9/23/95): this asterism consists of almost two dozen scattered stars mostly mag 10 and 11 in an elongated 10'x2' group oriented WNW-ESE.  The stars are spread out but well detached in the field and immediately catch the eye at low power.  A faint galaxy IC 5160 lies 7' N of the center of the group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7193 = h2145 on 13 Oct 1825 and recorded "A coarse straggling cl, stars 9...10m."  His position falls on a blank piece of sky, but 30 seconds of RA preceding is a distinctive string of mag 10 and fainter stars elongated E-W.  Based on Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth reported this object as a "Cl, E, pP, st sc, st 9...15; IC 5160 [galaxy] n."  RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent, although the group of stars may be an asterism.  A 2016 preprint titled "Investigation of Galactic open cluster remnants: the case of NGC 7193", concludes "that NGC 7193 is a 2.5 Gyr OCR [open cluster remnant] composed by 15 confirmed members and 19 probable members and located at about 500 pc away from the Sun."

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NGC 7194 = UGC 11888 = MCG +02-56-008 = CGCG 428-021 = PGC 67945

22 03 30.9 +12 38 12; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7195 1.5' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7194 = Sw. II-90, along with NGC 7195, on 9 Nov 1884 and recorded "vF; S; R; lbM; s of 2 [with NGC 7195]."  His position is 8 tsec of RA too far east and 1.8' too far north (similar offset as NGC 7195).  CGCG fails to label this galaxy NGC 7194.

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NGC 7195 = MCG +02-56-008 = CGCG 428-022 = PGC 67940

22 03 30.3 +12 39 39; Peg

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round.  Located 1.5' N of NGC 7194.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7195 = Sw. II-91, along with NGC 7194, on 9 Nov 1884 and recorded "eeF; R; v diff; n of 2 [with NGC 7194]."  His position is 8 tsec of RA too far east and 1.3' too far north (similar offset as NGC 7195).

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NGC 7196 = ESO 237-036 = AM 2202-502 = PGC 68020

22 05 55.1 -50 07 11; Ind

V = 11.5;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 53”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, very sharply concentrated with the core increasing to a very bright stellar nucleus.  The halo extends 4:3 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.9'.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the east edge, 0.6' from center.  A curving chain of stars passes just north of the galaxy and continues to the northeast.  NGC 7200 lies 14' NE and the pair is part of the same physical group.

 

PGC 129874 = 2MASX J22060021-5006303 is a small companion off the northeast edge, 1.1' from center.  It was easily visible as a faint to fairly faint glow, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7196 = h3915 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pslbM; 20"; position of a * 14m from neb = 101.7”."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7197 = UGC 11887 = MCG +07-45-005 = CGCG 530-003 = PGC 67921

22 02 58.0 +41 03 32; Lac

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 112”

 

17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core.  Located 4.1' WNW of mag 8.2 SAO 51599.  Situated in a very rich star field that includes many fairly bright stars mag 10-11.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7197 = H II-599 = h2146 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and noted "F, pS, E."  JH made the single observation "vF; lE; S; vglbM; 15"." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 7198 = MCG +00-56-008 = CGCG 377-023 = PGC 68006

22 05 14.2 -00 38 54; Aqr

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 0.7' SE of center.  Located 21' SSW of Alpha Aquarii (V = 3.0).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7198 = m 461 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7199 = ESO 108-014 = PGC 68124

22 08 29.9 -64 42 23; Ind

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7', brighter core.  A mag 11 star lies 2.7' W.  Fourth of five in a group with NGC 7191 11' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7199 = h3916, and NGC 7191, on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; R; pslbM; follows a * 11m, 3'." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7200 = ESO 237-037 = PGC 68068

22 07 09.5 -49 59 44; Ind

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 33”

 

30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, sharply concentrated with an intense core that increases to an even brighter nucleus.  The halo is slightly extended SW-NE and perhaps 0.6'x0.45'.  NGC 7196 lies 14' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7200 = h3917 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; smbM; 15"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7201 = ESO 467-004 = MCG -05-52-026 = PGC 68040

22 06 31.9 -31 15 47; PsA

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 128”

 

24" (8/16/12): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NW-SE, ~45"x16", small bright core, brightens to the center.  Forms a very nice trio with NGC 7203 and 7204.

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', small bright core.  First and furthest south in a linear trio with NGC 7203 6.6' NNE and NGC 7204 13.5' NNE.  This galaxy has a higher surface brightness than NGC 7203.  This group (Klemola 36) is located ~1.3 degrees NE of the NGC 7173 group (HCG 90).

 

17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  First of three on a line in field with NGC 7203 6.5' NNE and NGC 7204 13.5' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7201 = h3918, along with NGC 7203 and 7204, on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM.

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NGC 7202 = ESO 467-4

22 06 43.3 -31 13 06; PsA

 

18" (10/25/08): this is a single mag 14.5 star located just east of the midpoint of a line connecting NGC 7201 and NGC 7203.  Does not have a nebulous appearance at 280x.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7202 = h3920 on 15 Aug 1835 and recorded "eF; S; star like; [italics] the second of a group of 3."  He later added the note, "It precedes the 3rds 2 beats of the chronom = 1 second.  The RA here set down, it must be noticed, is comparable only with that single value of the RA of the others, which results from sweep 619]."  At his offset from NGC 7203 (3rd in the sweep) is a single star (mag 14.6 in the GSC). Pietro Baracchi searched for this object carefully in Dec 1887 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and also found a single star at Herschel's position.  ESO equates NGC 7202 with this star.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7203 = ESO 467-007 = MCG -05-52-027 = PGC 68053

22 06 43.9 -31 09 45; PsA

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 72”

 

24" (8/16/12): moderately bright, fairly small to moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright roundish core, 40"x20".

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 0.65'x0.4', gradually brightens to a large, brighter core.  Middle of linear trio of elongated galaxies with NGC 7201 to the SSE and NGC 7204 to the NNE.  A mag 11 star lies 2.9' ENE.

 

17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  Slightly brighter than NGC 7201 6.5' SSW.  Second of three on line with NGC 7204 7.0' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7203 = h3921, along with NGC 7201 and 7204, on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM."  He made a total of 3 observations.

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NGC 7204 = ESO 467-008 = MCG -05-52-028 = MCG -05-52-029 = AM 2204-311 = VV 685 = PGC 68060 = PGC 68061

22 06 54.0 -31 02 59; PsA

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

24" (8/16/12): this strongly interacting double system appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, irregular, ~1.0'x0.7'.  At 280x it resolved into two galaxies.  According to my notes the northwest component (MCG -05-52-008 = NGC 7204A) is more prominent with a higher surface brightness.  The fainter galaxy is attached on the south side (MCG -05-52-009/NGC 7204B) and is elongated E-W, extending to the east, with the two glows barely resolved.

 

18" (10/25/08): this interacting double system is the furthest NNE is an equally spaced trio with NGC 7203 6.9' SSW and NGC 7201 13.5' SSW.  At 174x it appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, fairly low surface brightness with no concentration.  At 283x, it appeared brighter on the western side (due to the small companion galaxy just off the NW end), but the duo was not cleanly resolved.

 

17.5" (7/22/87): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse.  Faintest and last of three with NGC 7201 13.5' SSW and NGC 7203 7.0' SSW.  Mag 8.2 SAO 213556 is 7.2' NNE and mag 9.6 SAO 213549 5.8' N.  This is an interacting double system but was not resolved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7204 = h3922 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; L; lE; gbM; 80"."  Although described as single, this is a double system with two entries in MCG (-05-52-028 and -05-52-029) although the MCG declination is 4' too far south.

 

NGC 7204 was first recognized as a close pair in a Helwan Observatory photograph taken in 1914-16 with the 30" reflector and reported in the 1921 observations table: "a curious double nebula.  The north portion is F, S, E30”, but not an ordinary spindle.  The south-following portion is a slightly curved line; concave to the north, moderately bright at each end and E85”.  The west end of this line is south-following the north portion by 20"."

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NGC 7205 = ESO 146-009 = AM 2205-574 = PGC 68128

22 08 34.4 -57 26 33; Tuc

V = 10.9;  Size 4.1'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 73”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this galaxy was surprisingly bright and large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 3.5'x1.8', increases to a small bright core.  The outer halo on the west-southwest end seems to be more extensive but has a noticeably lower surface brightness.  A single spiral arm appears to emerge from the core on the north side and wrap around clockwise towards the east!  Situated between mag 8.9 SAO 247319 4' SW and a mag 10 star 4' NE.  This galaxy straddles the border of Tucana and Indus and is close to the southwest corner of Grus.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7205 = h3919 on 10 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; lE; glbM; 2 1/2' l, 1 1/2' br."  Member of the Pavo-Indus Cloud along with NGC 7213, 7049, 7083 and 7144.

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NGC 7206 = UGC 11904 = MCG +03-56-007 = CGCG 451-006 = PGC 68014

22 05 40.9 +16 47 07; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round, sharp concentration with a very small core.  Pair with NGC 7207 1.6' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7206 = m 462, along with NGC 7207, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, lE, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7207 = CGCG 451-007 = PGC 68017

22 05 45.7 +16 46 04; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 93”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7206 1.6' NW.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 14.5 stars 1' E.  Not identified as NGC 7207 in UGC or CGCG.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7207 = m 463, along with NGC 7206, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S."  His position is accurate (to within 1').  CGCG and UGC (notes for NGC 7206) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 7207. Malcolm Thomson mentioned this omission in his unpublished "CGCG Corrections".

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NGC 7208 = ESO 467-010 = MCG -05-52-032 = AM 2205-291 = PGC 68120

22 08 24.4 -29 03 04; PsA

V = 12.8;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 142”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration but no nucleus.  On a line between a mag 11.5 star 1.8' WSW and a mag 11 star 3.3' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7208 = h3923 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; almost uniformly bright."  There is nothing near his single position, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA east is ESO 467-010 = PGC 68120, certainly the intended object.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7208.

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NGC 7209 = Cr 444 = Mel 238 = Lund 1004

22 05 07 +46 29 00; Lac

V = 6.7;  Size 25'

 

15x50 IS binoculars (6/19/09): while observing Barnard 168, the fairly prominent, long dark lane that begins near M39 and heads east in the direction of the Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146), I picked up this fairly faint, round, diffuse patch that was easily visible in binoculars.  NGC 7209 is perhaps two degrees further ESE and collinear with the B168 dark lane.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): 100-125 stars are resolved, bright, large.  Located in a very rich field so does not stand out conspicuously.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): about 75 stars, bright, fairly scattered.

 

8": fairly large, spread out, similar magnitudes.  Framed by an 8th magnitude star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7209 = H VII-53 = h2147 on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868) and recorded "a large cl. of pretty compressed considerable L stars, above 15' diameter."  JH made two observations, first recording on sweep 209, "place of a * 10m near the middle of a fine L p rich cluster; 50 stars from 10m to 13m counted.  It fills field.  Moon full."

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NGC 7210 = NGC 7487 = UGC 12368 = MCG +05-54-035 = CGCG 496-043 = PGC 70496

23 06 50.5 +28 10 45; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x1.7'

 

See observing notes for NGC 7487.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7210 = h2148 on 17 Nov 1827 and recorded "eF; R; bM; ill-defined; a vF double star 45” north-preceding 4' dist points just to it."  Both his RA and Dec are marked as very uncertain (::) and there is nothing fitting his description near the position.  There were three unsuccessful attempts to find this object at Birr Castle (twice with passing clouds) and Karl Reinmuth reported it was not found on a Heidelberg plate.  But JH made two transcription errors contributing to the erroneous NGC position.  His position in the General Catalogue (GC) and repeated in the NGC is 1 degree too far south.  Furthermore Harold Corwin found (April 2016), that he made a transcription error in copying the RA from his logbook to the Slough Catalogue, so the RA (marked as uncertain) is 1 hour too small.  Correcting both of these errors, the position of NGC 7210 = h2148 (as well as the description) matches NGC 7487, later discovered by Lewis Swift.

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NGC 7211 = PGC 68033

22 06 21.9 -08 05 24; Aqr

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, extremely small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7211 = m 464 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, S, stellar."  There is nothing at his position but exactly 1.0 minute of RA west is PGC 68033.

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NGC 7212 = UGC 11910 = MCG +02-56-011 = CGCG 428-032 = PGC 68065

22 07 02.0 +10 14 00; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 33”

 

24" (8/25/19 and 8/29/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.5'x0.4', contains a very small bright core and easy stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.5 star is off the south side [33" S of center].  A 20" pair of mag 14.5/15 stars is 1.3' NW and another 20" pair of 15th mag stars (nearly collinear with the galaxy) is 2' N

 

A difficult companion is attached on the NE side [15" between centers] and it occasionally popped at 260x as a slightly brighter "knot", perhaps 12" diameter, involved on the north end of the halo.

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; faint to fairly faint, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', very small bright core (round) stands out, occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.5 star is off the south edge [35" S of center].  The seeing was too soft to confidently see the attached companion at the northeast end.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint, small, diffuse.  A mag 15 star is involved at the southwest end.  Located 16' NE of ·2857 = 7.2/9.0 at 20".  NGC 7212 is an interacting, overlapping pair with tidal plumes, but only a single glow was seen.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7212 = Sw. V-93 on 2 Oct 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; lE."  His position matches UGC 11910 = PGC 68065.

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NGC 7213 = ESO 288-043 = AM 2206-472 = PGC 68165

22 09 16.3 -47 10 00; Gru

V = 10.1;  Size 3.1'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

18" (11/22/08): fairly bright [even from northern California!], moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  Contains a bright 30" core that gradually increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo.

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, round, 1.8' diameter.  Well concentrated with a small bright core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus.  Forms the western vertex of an acute isosceles triangle with two equal mag 10.5 stars  6' E and 6' SE.  Located 16' SE of mag 1.7 Alpha Gruis (Al Nair).

 

11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater, Hawaii): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, increases to a small bright core.  Very symmetrical appearance.  Easy to locate 16' SE of mag 1.7 Alpha Gruis.  Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10.5 stars ~6' E and SE.

 

13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, small, bright core.

 

13.1" (9/11/82): faint, small, round.  Located 16' SE of Alpha Gruis (V = 1.7).  This is farthest southern galaxy observed from northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7213 = h3924 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vB; R; gbM; 45"."  His single position is accurate.  NGC 7213 is the brightest in a group that includes NGCs 7232 and 7233, IC 5170 and IC 5181.  The latter two galaxies were discovered by Joseph Lunt at the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope.  Curiously, his list of new nebula also appears to include NGC 7213 (based on his position), though he specifically mentioned the new nebulae were near h3924 [NGC 7213].

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NGC 7214 = HCG 91A = ESO 467-012 = MCG -05-52-034 = VV 700 = AM 2206-280 = PGC 68152

22 09 07.6 -27 48 34; PsA

V = 12.7;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (9/6/18): NGC 7214 is the dominant member of the HCG 91 quartet.  It appeared moderately bright, moderately large, ~50" diameter, well concentrated with a well-defined bright core that increased to the center and a fainter, slightly irregular halo (no spiral structure, though).  HCG 91D is barely off the north edge and appeared fairly faint, very small, round, ~0.3' diameter, very small brighter nucleus with a stellar peak.

 

ESO 467-011 (misidentified as IC 5168), located 5.6' SW of NGC 7214, was a threshold object and popped a couple of times at 220x as a thin edge-on, ~5:1 NW-SE.  A number of faint ESO galaxies surround HCG 91, including ESO 467-17 21' ESE, ESO 467-16 19' NNE, ESO 467-5 36' WSW.

 

18" (9/3/05): brightest and largest of four in the HCG 91 group = AM 2206-280 = Klemola 40.  At 225x NGC 7214 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round or a ragged edge to the outer halo.  Diameter ~0.8', though grows slightly with averted vision.  Contains a small, bright, round core.  Two mag 13 stars aligned E-W are close south and southwest.  MCG -05-52-035 = HCG 91D is attached at the north end and appears as a very faint, extremely small knot, ~10" diameter.  ESO 467-013 = HCG 91C, situated 2' NE of NGC 7214, appeared extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness, 0.3' diameter.  ESO 467-015 = HCG 91B, situated 5' NNE, appeared extremely faint, small, thin edge-on streak NNW-SSE, 0.4'x0.1'.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, very small very bright core, a mag 13 star is just off the SW end, 1.1' from center.  This galaxy is the brightest of four in HCG 91.  An almost stellar companion, MCG -05-52-035 = HCG 91D, is 30" NNE, MCG -05-52-036 = HCG 91C 2.2' NE and MCG -05-52-039 = HCG 91B 5' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7214 = h3926 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "a vS cluster or resolvable nebula; irreg R; lbM; 2' diam; has 2 or 3 stars larger than the rest."  His position is accurate.  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver in 1898-99, remarked "h calls this a globular cluster.  To me it appeared to be a nebula having a nuclear condensation of mag 12; the surrounding nebulosity was indefinite in extent."I

 

In 1915 Knox-Shaw reported it was a not a globular cluster, but an open spiral, based on a photograph taken between 1912-13 the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector.  Based on imges taken 1914-16 it was described as "spiral with two arms, lE 90”, vB stellar nucleus with faint star following 15"."

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NGC 7215 = CGCG 377-031 = PGC 68127

22 08 34.5 +00 30 42; Aqr

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, small, elongated E-W, a small knot is possibly at the east end.  Located 10.4' N of mag 8 SAO 27318.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7215 = m 465 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, E."  His position is less than 1' south of CGCG 377-031 = PGC 68127.

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NGC 7216 = ESO 076-003 = PGC 68291

22 12 35.8 -68 39 43; Ind

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 133”

 

30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, the halo is extended 3:2 NW-SE, ~40"x25".  Mag 8.8 HD 210473 lies 4.8' SE and a distinctive 1.3' string of three mag 10-12.5 stars is 6' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7216 = h3925 on 29 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 25"."  His position is good.

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NGC 7217 = UGC 11914 = MCG +05-52-001 = CGCG 494-002 = PGC 68096

22 07 52.4 +31 21 33; Peg

V = 10.1;  Size 3.9'x3.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very bright, fairly large, round, dominated by small very bright core, surrounded by larger halo.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.2' SE of center.

 

8": fairly bright, round, moderately large, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7217 = H II-207 = h2149 on 7 Sep 1784 (sweep 259) and recorded "R, mbM, cL, er, the brightness diminishing gradually."  JH made the single observation "B; R; 30"; gbM." and measured an accurate position.  The Birr Castle observers felt this object was resolvable -- and there are several faint stars involved or at the periphery.  On 16 Sep 1854, R.J. Mitchell logged "there can hardly be a doubt that this neb is a Cl; some stars near centre seen by Lord R. with one-inch single lens [power 650] and filaments of stars at times suspected running out from the nucleus."

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NGC 7218 = MCG -03-56-008 = PGC 68199

22 10 11.7 -16 39 36; Aqr

V = 12.0;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', broadly concentrated halo.  Two mag 12.5/13.5 are just following; the brighter star is 1.0' E of center and the fainter star is at the NE tip.

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7218 = H II-897 = h2150 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and recorded "pB, lE, r, about 1 1/2' long, 1 1/4' br." His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7219 = ESO 108-019 = LGG 452-004 = PGC 68312

22 13 09.5 -64 50 49; Tuc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 27”

 

18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): last of 5 NGC galaxies in the NGC 7192 group.  At 228x it appeared fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter.  The brighter core is perhaps 15" and with averted vision the faint halo increased to ~1' diameter.  A mag 13 star is less than 2' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7219 = h3927 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "pB; R; psbM; near 2 stars."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7220 = ESO 532-028 = MCG -04-52-020 = PGC 68241

22 11 31.0 -22 57 10; Aqr

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (8/8/91): very faint, very small, irregularly round, gradually weak concentration.  A mag 15 star is 1' N and a mag 12 star lies 3.0' N.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7220 = LM 2-466 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He reported "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, vlE, gbM, *10 precedes 3.2' in PA 5” (NNE).  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east and 2' north is ESO 532-028.  A mag 12 star 3' north matches his description.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897-98 with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 7221 = ESO 467-018 = MCG -05-52-043 = AM 2208-304 = LGG 454-001 = PGC 68235

22 11 15.2 -30 33 47; PsA

V = 12.1;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, gradually brightens.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the NE edge 1.3' from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7221 = h3928 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; has 2 stars 14m near; one almost involved."  His mean position (measured on 4 sweeps) is good.

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NGC 7222 = UGC 11934 = MCG +00-56-012 = CGCG 377-035 = PGC 68224

22 10 51.7 +02 06 21; Aqr

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 5”

 

24" (9/10/15): at 260x; fairly faint, small, round, very small brighter nucleus, fairly low surface brightness halo ~24" diameter.  A mag 12 star lies 2' S and a mag 13.5 star 1.6' NW.  Viewed in fairly poor transparency.

 

CGCG 377-036 lies 4.4' E.  It appeared faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  A 4" double (mag 13.5/14.5) is just 0.6' E of center.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): faint, fairly small, diffuse, broadly concentrated.  Located between a mag 12 star 1.9' S and mag 13 star 1.5' NW.  A mag 11 star is 4.9' WNW.  Relatively large for such a faint galaxy.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7222 = m 466 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7223 = UGC 11931 = MCG +07-45-018 = CGCG 530-013 = Holm 788a = LGG 453-005 = PGC 68197

22 10 09.1 +41 01 02; Lac

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (8/1/86): moderately bright, fairly diffuse, slightly elongated ~N-S.  There are two stars to the south including one at the south edge.

 

Forms a close pair with Holm 788B = PGC 214803 1.0' NW.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  It's situated west of a star off the north side of NGC 7223.  Also UGC 11927, located 8' WSW, appeared faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, very diffuse.

 

13.1" (8/17/85): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated N-S.  Extends from a star on the south end in a fan-shape.  A faint star is off the north end.  A knot is suspected just west of the star at the north end (probably an anonymous companion).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7223 = H III-862 = h2151 on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, r.  300 showed it very plainly."  JH made the single observation "eF; S; E; among 3 stars, with which however it seems not connected."

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NGC 7224 = UGC 11940 = MCG +04-52-004 = CGCG 473-006 = PGC 68242

22 11 35.4 +25 51 52; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7224 = m 467 = St II-29 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "F, S, R."  His position is accurate.  ƒdouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 25 Jul 1870 and measured a very accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 7225 = ESO 532-033 = MCG -04-52-023 = AM 2210-262 = LGG 457-004 = PGC 68311

22 13 08.4 -26 08 54; PsA

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, gradually increases to a small bright core.  Located 12' NNE of mag 6.2 SAO 190967.  The strong dust lane on the DSS was not seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7225 = h3929 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; S; lE; bM; 15" l, 12" br."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 7226 = Cr 446 = Lund 1007 = OCL-226

22 10 26.9 +55 23 54; Cep

V = 9.6;  Size 2'

 

18" (8/17/04): at 225x, this is a small, faint group with 25-30 stars resolved in a 2'-2.5' region.  The star at the northeast edge is a nice, mag 12/13 double.  The remaining stars are generally 14th-15th magnitude and some pop in and out of view.

 

17.5" (11/2/91): 15 stars resolved at 220x within a compact 2' diameter.  The brightest mag 11 star is at the WNW edge and a close double star mag 12/13 at 11" is at the NE edge.  The remaining dozen very faint stars are 14th and 15th mag and located along the south side.  Situated in a rich star field over unresolved background haze.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 7226 on 20 Jun 1881 with the 15.6" Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and described a "pB nebula connected with a small cluster of stars which radiate in two streams from the f[ollowing] to p[receding] side.  Diam of Neb 5', of Cl. 15'.  North-preceding in p[osition angle] 315” is a small knot which may be nebulous."  His position is just off the east side of this small cluster.

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NGC 7227 = UGC 11942 = MCG +06-48-015 = CGCG 513-012 = PGC 68243

22 11 31.3 +38 43 17; Lac

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (8/27/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  View hindered by a mag 10 star at the SW end 34" from the center!  Pair with NGC 7228 3.6' ESE.  Nearby are UGC 11950 12' E and IC 5180 13' NNW.

 

On two occasions, I have picked up nearby galaxies instead of NGC 7227/7228 from the Sierra Buttes!  These include IC  5180/MCG +06-48-014 (for the pair) and CGCG 513-016 (for NGC 7227).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7227 = St IV-8, along with NGC 7228, on 1 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 7228 = UGC 11945 = MCG +06-48-016 = CGCG 513-013 = PGC 68254

22 11 48.6 +38 41 57; Lac

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (8/27/92): faint, small, round, broad concentration, no sharp core.  Close pair with NGC 7228 3.6' WNW and UGC 11950 also in field 8' E.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7228 = St IV-9, along with NGC 7227, on 1 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  It's surprising he missed UGC 11950!

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NGC 7229 = ESO 467-024 = MCG -05-52-051 = LGG 454-002 = PGC 68344

22 14 03.2 -29 22 58; PsA

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 157”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness, averted only.  Located between two mag 14.5 stars 1.7' E and 1.2' SW.  Forms the north vertex of a flat isosceles triangle with mag 9 SAO 190990 6' ESE and an evenly matched double star 5.4' SW (mag 14/14 at 18").  ESO 467-026 = MCG -05-52-056 is located 15' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7229 = h3930 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; L; R; glbM; r."  His mean position (4 nights) is accurate.

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NGC 7230 = MCG -03-56-012 = PGC 68350

22 14 13.0 -17 04 27; Aqr

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, broad concentration with no well-defined core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7230 = H III-931 = h2152 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and noted "eF, S, iR."  His position is accurate.  JH made a single observation on 5 Aug 1826 and called it "vF; R; bM; 20"."

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NGC 7231 = UGC 11951 = CGCG 530-017 = PGC 68285

22 12 30.1 +45 19 42; Lac

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (8/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, unconcentrated glow.  Two mag 14 stars are off the south edge.  Located 15' SW of mag 5.5 SAO 51783 just off the edge of the field.  This object appears as an unresolved patch in a rich Milky Way field (ZOA galaxy) as it is located just 9” from the galactic equator.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7231 = H II-606 = h2153 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) and recorded "F, S, easily resolvable or rather a patch."  His position is nearly 5' too far northwest.  A second observation was made on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868), though he just noted "eF, r[esolvable]." JH made the single observation "a most eF nebulous appearance, which is probably a few minute stars.  No other near."  His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 7232 = ESO 289-007 = KTS 67A = LGG 455-002 = PGC 68431

22 15 38.0 -45 51 00; Gru

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 99”

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, ~1.5'x0.6'.  Well concentrated with a bright 30" core.  Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with two bright stars – mag 8.8 HD 211111 3' NE and mag 8.9 HD 211121 3.5' E.  To complete this striking arrangement, a fainter companion, NGC 7233 is 1.9' E and is squeezed between NGC 7232 and the mag 8.9 star nearly due east.  Observation made with a partially dewed secondary that probably dimmed both members.

 

13.1" (8/17/85): faint, elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core.  Located just 3.0' SW of mag 8.5 SAO 231056 and 3.0' W of a mag 9.5 star.  Brighter IC 5181 lies 26' SW.  Very far south for viewing from the latitude of Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7232 = h3931, along with NGC 7233, on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; vS; pmE; psbM; 15" l, 8" br.  The preceding of 2."

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NGC 7233 = ESO 289-008 = KTS 67B = LGG 455-004 = PGC 68441

22 15 49.0 -45 50 47; Gru

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 133”

 

18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faint, small, round, ~30" diameter, increases gradually to the center.  The halo increases a bit with averted vision to 0.6' diameter.  This unassuming galaxy is in a pretty striking arrangement, sandwiched between brighter NGC 7232 1.9' W and mag 8.9 HD 211121 1.5' following.  NGC 7232B, situated 4' N, was not noticed although the observation was compromised by a partially dewed secondary.

 

13.1" (8/17/85): not seen from northern California (very low elevation).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7233 = h3932, along with NGC 7232, on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; vS; R; 10".  The following of 2 [with NGC 7232]."  A star 8m follows nearly on the parallel, and another to the north."

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NGC 7234 = NGC 7235

22 12 25.0 +57 16 16; Cep

V = 7.7;  Size 4'

 

See observing notes for NGC 7235.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7234 = H VIII-63 on 16 Oct 1787 (sweep 768) and recorded "A small cl of stars, the stars pL but not many of them."  His position (CH's reduction) is just off the west side of the cluster.  But the GC and NGC position is nearly 18' too far south (apparently JH made a clerical error) and falls on a blank piece of sky.  Harold Corwin also reduced WH's offsets (1 min 21 sec east and 56' south of Zeta Cephei) and they land directly on NGC 7235, which was found by JH again (h2154) on 16 Dec 1830.  Because of the poor NGC position, Reinmuth looked in the wrong place and concluded "no distinct cluster".  Dorothy Carlson and RNGC repeated this conclusion.  But NGC 7234 = NGC 7235, with discovery credit to WH.

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NGC 7235 = NGC 7234 = Cr 447 = Lund 1008 = OCL-229

22 12 25.0 +57 16 16; Cep

V = 7.7;  Size 4'

 

18" (8/17/04): at 225x, nearly three dozen stars are resolved in a 4'x3' group, slightly extended E-W.  The brightest mag 9 star is at the east end.  A rich stream of faint stars over haze is the north side and angling WSW towards a mag 10.5 star on the west end.

 

17.5" (11/2/91): two dozen stars mag 9-15 in a 4' diameter at 220x.  This moderately concentrated group is elongated WNW-ESE and includes several fairly bright stars.  A mag 9 star is at the east end and there are eight other mag 10-11 stars.  Just west of the mag 9 star is a 1.5' circular hole with no stars.  A mag 10 star at the extreme west edge has 6 faint stars mag 13/14 close following.

 

A compact group of faint stars 13' S appears as a small, partially resolved nebulous glow at 100x.  At 220x, 7 stars are resolved from mag 14-15.5 within a 1.5' diameter.  I had taken this as NGC 7234 but Corwin's re-reduced position from William Herschel indicates that NGC 7234 is identical to NGC 7235.

 

John Herschel found NGC 7235 = h2154 on 16 Dec 1830 and recorded "a * 10m, the chief of a p compact cluster of 15 or 20 stars 10...17m.  One, 11m, is of a ruby colour."  His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.  JH equated this object with his father's H VIII-63 = NGC 7234, but they were given separate GC and NGC designation, due to an error in precessing the position of NGC 7234.  So, NGC 7235 = NGC 7234.

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NGC 7236 = Arp 169 NED1 = UGC 11958a = MCG +02-56-023 = CGCG 428-058 = 3C 442 = II Zw 172 NED1 = WBL 678-005 = PGC 68383

22 14 45.0 +13 50 48; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

24" (9/27/14): first and brightest in a linear trio (Arp 169) with a total length of only 1.2'.  At 375x, NGC 7236 appeared fairly faint, very small, round, compact, high surface brightness, 18" diameter.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 7237 just 35" SE.  A trio of mag 14 star is to the N and NE and a mag 10 star is 2.7' SW.

 

Brightest in the poor cluster WBL 678 with CGCG 428-057 5.5' SW ("faint, very small (core), round, 12" diameter"), UGC 11953 13' WSW ("faint, very thin streak, 30"x6", even surface brightness"), CGCG 428-049 15' WSW ("very faint, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 27"x8", even surface brightness") and CGCG 428-054 8.5' NW.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): first and brightest of three with NGC 7237 35" SE of center and an anonymous galaxy 1.2' SE, all equally spaced on a NW-SE line.  Appears faint, very small, round, small bright core, in a common halo with NGC 7237.  Located 2.7' NE of a mag 10 star.  The trio forms Arp 169.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7236 = m 468, along with NGC 7237, on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar."  His declination is off by 1' (too far south).  CGCG fails to label this double system as NGC 7236 + 7237.  Malcolm Thomson mentions this omission in his unpublished CGCG Corrections.

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NGC 7237 = Arp 169 NED2 = UGC 11958 NED2 = MCG +02-56-024 = CGCG 428-058 NED2 = 3C 442 = II Zw 172 NED2 = PGC 68384

22 14 46.9 +13 50 27; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 143”

 

24" (9/27/14): At 375x; faint, very small, round, fairly low even surface brightness, 18" diameter.  NGC 7237 is the middle of three collinear galaxies (and second brightest) in the compact Arp 169 triplet with slightly brighter NGC 7236 0.6' NW and very compact NGC 7237C 0.6' SE.  NGC 7237C appeared very faint, extremely small, round, ~5" diameter (core), not difficult with averted.  Arp 169 forms a very similar triplet as Arp 170 (also in Pegasus).

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fainter member of a double system with NGC 7236 35" NW of center.  Very faint, extremely small, round.  In a common halo with NGC 7236.  NGC 7237C, an extremely faint anonymous galaxy, is also just 38" SE!  This galaxy appeared extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold.  Located 2.8' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7237 = m 469, along with NGC 7236, on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar."  Dreyer questioned if this object was possibly only a faint star while an assistant at Birr Castle on 29 Oct 1877.

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NGC 7238

22 15 18 +22 30; Peg

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7238 = Sw. IV-82 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "pF; S; R; mbM; 4 sts in form of a square nr p."  His position is 7' following a mag 6.6 star (which likely Swift would have mentioned) and there is no nearby non-stellar object.  Bigourdan was unable to recover NGC 7238 and Harold Corwin was unable to find a candidate.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7239 = PGC 68388

22 15 01.3 -05 03 12; Aqr

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  Three star mag 14-15 stars on a line are close south including a mag 14 star 1.4' S and a faint mag 15 star 2.2' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7239 = m 470 on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  There is nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA west is PGC 68388.  A single digit error in time would account for the discrepancy.

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NGC 7240 = MCG +06-48-024 = CGCG 513-022 = CGCG 514-002 = WBL 679-003 = PGC 68415

22 15 22.5 +37 16 50; Lac

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (7/15/93): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration.  Situated between a mag 11 star 3.0' NW and three mag 13 stars about 3' SE.  Fourth in the compact NGC 7242 group.  Forms a tight trio with IC 1441 1.4' NNW and IC 5192 1.7' WSW.  Also nearby are NGC 7242 3.5' ENE and IC 5191 4.1' WNW.  The observed elongation is probably due to superimposed mag 16 star on the southeast side.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, very small, near visual threshold.  Located 3.5' W of NGC 7242 in a compact group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7240 = St V-6 on 24 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF, eS, in contact in the north with a very small star."   His position matches CGCG 513-022 = PGC 68415.  At the same time he found NGC 7242 and assumed it was new, but it Auguste Voigt had discovered it earlier in 1865 also at the Marseille Observatory.

 

MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7240.  RNGC and Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 list of NGC correction) incorrectly equate NGC 7240 with IC 1441, which is a separate galaxy 1' NNW.  Mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 7241 = UGC 11968 = MCG +03-56-020 = CGCG 451-024 = II Zw 174 = PGC 68442

22 15 49.9 +19 13 56; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 3.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated or edge-on SSW-NNE.  Asymmetric appearance as the galaxy appears brighter on the SSW end and very faint at the NNE end.  A mag 11.5 star is just following the south end 0.8' from center and a mag 13 star is at the NW end.  A mag 10 star lies 3.4' SW.

 

UGC 11964, an extremely thin and faint edge-on (1.9'x0.15'), lies 5' W.  It was just glimpsed at 262x and 285x and was too faint to see its needle-like shape clearly, though occasionally was visible as a streak, perhaps 20"x6".

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7241 = St IV-10 on 3 Sep 1872.  His RA is 16 seconds too large.  Emmanuel Esmiol's re-reduced position (published in 1916) corrected this error.  Bigourdan also measured an accurate position in 1887, which Dreyer published in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 7242 = UGC 11969 = MCG +06-48-025 = CGCG 513-023 = CGCG 514-003 = Holm 789a = WBL 679-004 = PGC 68434

22 15 39.4 +37 17 56; Lac

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 33”

 

24" (8/13/15): brightest in a group of 8 galaxies.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~0.9'x0.6', large bright core ~30" diameter.

 

17.5" (7/15/93): brightest in a group of 7 galaxies.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the south edge of halo 40" S of center.  Two mag 14 stars are 1.1' WSW and 1.5' ENE from the center.  IC 5195, an extremely faint stellar companion, is superimposed at the northeast tip.  It appeared like a mag 16 "star" and was visible less than one-quarter of the time.  Nearby are NGC 7240 3.5' WSW, IC 1441 4.0' W, IC 5193 3.5' SSE, IC 5192 5.3' WSW and IC 5191 7' W.  See their entries for notes.

 

17.5" (7/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  A mag 13 star is off the SE side of nucleus.  A group of 10 faint stars to the east appears like a faint open cluster.  Brightest of four galaxies in tight group including NGC 7240 3.5' WSW, IC 1441 4' W, IC 5191 7' W. 

 

13.1" (9/3/83): brightest in a group.  Faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, NGC 7240 3.5' W, IC 5191 7' W.  Located 30' S of a mag 4 star.

 

Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 7242 = St V-7 in 1865 with the 31-inch silver-on-glass Marseille reflector.  He didn't publish a discovery list so was not credited in the NGC but his position matches UGC 11969.  Voigt missed the fainter members of the group including NGC 7240.  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy again using the same telescope on 24 Sep 1873 and described it as "F; vS; diffuse; slbM; a faint star projecting." His position is very accurate. At the same time Stephan discovered fainter NGC 7240.  The RNGC photographic description "ALMSTEL" does not apply.

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NGC 7243 = Cr 448 = Mel 240 = Lund 1009

22 15 08 +49 53 54; Lac

V = 6.4;  Size 21'

 

17.5" (10/12/85): at 83x, 150-200 stars are visible in a 20' field.  This is a striking cluster at low power and includes a number of fairly bright stars.  On the east side is the nice pair ·2890 = 9.3/9.6 at 9".  The cluster is irregularly distributed into subgroups.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): about 80 stars resolved, rich, fairly large, excellent low power field, includes double star ·2890.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7243 = H VIII-75 = h2155 on 26 Sep 1788 (sweep 863) and recorded "an extended cluster of coarsely scattered vL stars, in the direction of the parallel nearly; about 16' long."  JH made the single observation "a double star in a very loose straggling cl, which more than fills the field."

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NGC 7244 = MCG +03-56-021 = CGCG 451-025 = Mrk 303 = PGC 68468

22 16 26.8 +16 28 17; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7244 = St IV-11 on 6 Sep 1872.  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 7245 = Cr 449 = Mel 241 = Lund 1010

22 15 16 +54 20 12; Lac

V = 9.2;  Size 5'

 

18" (8/27/05): small, rich group at 323x with at least three dozen stars resolved within the borders of an isosceles triangle (long sides ~4') formed by a mag 8.9 star (HD 235771) at the NE corner and two mag 10.7/10.9 stars on the west and south sides.  Contains a rich, 1' ball of stars that follows the brighter star on the west side.

 

King 9 is close northeast.  At 323x, this rich, distant cluster appeared as a very small, faint knot of stars is just south of a mag 13.5-14 stars.  Perhaps a half-dozen stars were resolved, though these may be superimposed field stars as the brightest cluster members are ~16.5.

 

17.5" (8/5/94): about two dozen stars in a 2.5' diameter bordered by a mag 11 star on the west edge, a mag 10 star on the SSE edge and a mag 9 star (SAO 34240) off the NE side.  A small 1' diameter core is richer.  A large dust lane appears to cut through the 20' field SW-NE and passes the east side of cluster.  At low power other dark patches are evident.  Open cluster IC 1442 is in the low power field 20' SE.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): about 20 fainter stars mostly in a string.  Other rich enhancements are near in this Milky Way field. 

 

8": 15 faint stars elongated N-S with a double star at the north edge.  Includes three brighter stars mag 8-10 around the edges but the rest of the stars are mag 13 or fainter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7245 = H VI-29 = h2157 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and noted "a compressed cluster of extremely small stars."  JH made the single observation "a Milky Way cluster.  Stars 14...15m.  It is more crowded than the Milky Way, so as to run up to a condensed but faint mass of light."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7246 = IC 5198 = MCG -03-56-014 = PGC 68512

22 17 42.7 -15 34 17; Aqr

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is involved at the north end 1.0' NNE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7246 = H III-932 = h2156 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and recorded "eF, S, lE.  Just south of a small star, to which it seemed almost to be attached, but is free from it.  The star is the first of 3 making a small triangle.  His position and description is a perfect match with

MCG -03-56-014 = PGC 68512.  JH logged "vF; R; vgbM; has a * 13m south, at a dist from edge = 1 diam by diagram."

 

Malcolm Thomson found that Bigourdan's IC 5198 is a duplicate of NGC 7246.  Bigourdan made positional errors in declination with his offset stars.  Once the correct stars are identified, his offsets point to NGC 7246.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes on IC 5198.

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NGC 7247 = ESO 533-008 = MCG -04-52-032 = PGC 68511

22 17 41.2 -23 43 52; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.  A pretty double star h5324 = 9.1/10.5 at 10" is 2.5' NW!

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7247 = LM 1-248 in 1886 and recorded "pF, vS, R, B double star p 13 seconds, F double star follows 5 seconds."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) as 27 seconds too large, with the bright double star h5324 to the NW by 2.6' and an extremely faint double that follows by 5 seconds.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 as well as Jermain Porter in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 7248 = UGC 11972 = MCG +07-45-022 = CGCG 530-019 = LGG 456-002 = PGC 68485

22 16 52.6 +40 30 16; Lac

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 133”

 

24" (9/2/16): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.25'x0.5'.  Strong concentration with a very bright slightly elongated core that increases to the center.   The outer extensions have a low surface brightness.  Sitated in a rich star field between two doubles; a 12" pair is 2' E and a 8" pair is 2.7' W.  NGC 7250 is 17' ENE.

 

24" (8/7/13): at 375x appeared fairly bright, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a bright oval core that increases to the center and a moderately large halo.  A 12" pair of mag 13.5-14 stars lies 2' E, a 7" pair of mag 12-12.5 stars is 2.7' W, and finally a 10" pair of mag 14 stars lies 3' WNW.  Not surprisingly in a Milky Way field. NGC 7250 is 17' ENE.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, small, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, small bright nucleus.  Two faint double stars are near including a mag 13/14 pair at 12" located 2' E.  NGC 7250 lies 17' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7248 = H III-863, along with NGC 7250, on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "vF; vS; mbM."  His position (CH's reduction) is off by 7 seconds of RA east and 1' north.

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NGC 7249 = ESO 190-001 = PGC 68606

22 20 31.0 -55 07 29; Gru

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 136”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with PGC 95403 = 2MASX J22204571-5506093, just 2.5' NE.  The companion was logged as very faint, small, 15" diameter. A mag 15.5-15.8 star is 0.4' NE.  These are the two brightest members of the southern cluster AGC 3869.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7249 = h3933 on 4 Oct 1834 and recorded "eeF; R; rather a doubtful object." Despite his doubts, his position is within 1' of ESO 190-001 = PGC 68606, the brightest member of AGC 3869.

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NGC 7250 = UGC 11980 = MCG +07-45-024 = CGCG 530-022 = Mrk 907 = PGC 68535

22 18 17.8 +40 33 45; Lac

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 157”

 

24" (9/2/16): at 200x; this disrupted galaxy or interacting pair appeared moderately bright, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.3', bright core.  A small, very faint knot or extension is at the north end. A mag 10.9 star is 0.9' SE of center.  At 375x; the "knot" attached on the west side of north end of the galaxy extends ~20"x10" NNW-SSE (slightly different PA than the main galaxy), increasing the total size of the merged glow to nearly 1.0'x0.3'.  HyperLeda catalogues the object at the north end as a galaxy (PGC 214816), though on the SDSS it appears to be a collection of blue knots.  NGC 7248 is 17' WSW.

 

24" (8/7/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.75'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just off the SSE edge.  The structure at the north end was masked by Type-Ia supernova 2013dy at mag 13-13.5, which was discovered on July 10th, a couple of weeks before maximum.  The supernova was 2" W and 25" N of the nucleus of NGC 7250.

 

18" (10/19/06): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2', very small bright core.  A mag 11 star is just off the SSE end.  The galaxy fades at the tips, so the full extent was difficult to determine but appears to extend to 1.0'x0.25'.  A very faint knot (PGC 214816) is occasionally visible at the NNW end.  This nearly stellar "knot" is often noted as an interacting companion, though it may be a bright HII complex in the galaxy.  NGC 7250 is classified as a starburst galaxy.

 

13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, very elongated streak NNW-SSE, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is off the SSE tip 0.9' from center.  Pair with NGC 7248 17' WSW.  This galaxy may be an interacting double system but it was not resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7250 = H III-864, along with NGC 7248, on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "vF; S; mE; 300 showed it very plainly.  The extension from about 75” np to sf; bM."  His position is 12 seconds of RA too large (typical error).

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NGC 7251 = MCG -03-57-002 = LGG 458-005 = PGC 68604

22 20 27.2 -15 46 21; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0”

 

24" (9/29/16): at 225x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, broad concentration except for a very small brighter nucleus with direct vision.  MCG -03-57-001, 11' SSW of NGC 7251, appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration with no noticeable core or nucleus.

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7251 = H III-933 = h2158 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM."  JH made three observations.  On 27 Jul 1830, he logged "pF; lE; gpmbM; 20"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7252 = Arp 226 = ESO 533-15 = MCG -04-52-036 = LGG 457-007 = PGC 68612 = Atoms for Peace Galaxy

22 20 44.8 -24 40 43; Aqr

V = 12.1;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 118”

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint, very small, round, compact, weak concentration.  Located 40' WNW of 49 Aquarii (V = 5.5).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7252 = H III-458 = h3934 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and recorded "vF, S, er.  240 confirmed it with difficulty."  His position is at the north edge of the galaxy.  JH made the single observation "Not vF; S; R: bM; 30"."

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NGC 7253 = Arp 278 = VV 242A/B = UGC 11984 = MCG +05-52-010 = Holm 790A/B = Kara 72 566A/B = LEDA 3168458 = PGC 68572 = PGC 68573

22 19 28.6 +29 23 32; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 2.1'x1.4'

 

24" (7/24/14): NGC 7253 = Arp 278, a disrupted, interacting double system, was observed at 260x.  NGC 7253A, the northwest component, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~50"x20".  A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' WNW, collinear with the major axis.  A 7" pair of mag 15 stars is barely off the ESE end.  NGC 7253B is attached at the east-southeast end of NGC 7253A, very close to the faint double, and appears very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x15".  A mag 13.3 star is 0.7' E.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): NGC 7253A is very faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE.  Forms a double system (Arp 278) with NGC 7253B = VV 242b attached at the east end with a separation of 55" between center.  The companion is extremely faint, small, elongated SW-NE.  A pair of mag 15 stars is at the east edge.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7253 = m 471 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, pE."  His position is accurate though apparently he did not resolved this close pair.

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NGC 7254 = NGC 7256 = ESO 602-013 = MCG -04-52-042 = PGC 68686

22 22 36.2 -21 44 14; Aqr

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 122”

 

See observing notes for NGC 7256.

 

Frank Muller found NGC 7254 = LM 2-467 in 1886 and recorded "mag 13.0, 0.4' dia, R, *11 at 4.5' separation in PA 280” [WNW].  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.6 minutes west of NGC 7256 (discovered by Marth on 27 Sep 1864, though placed 10' too far south).  Furthermore, a mag 13 star is  4.7' west, matching his description.  Herbert Howe was the first to equate the two numbers when he observed the field in 1897-98 and found only a single galaxy.

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NGC 7255 = MCG -03-57-006 = PGC 68721

22 23 08.0 -15 32 29; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (7/27/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', even surface brightness.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7255 = LM 1-249 on 1 Oct 1886 and recorded "mag 16.0, 2.5'x0.5', vE 30”, sbMN."  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 1.2 minutes west of MCG -03-57-006 = PGC 68721.  His size estimate is too large and the position angle is in the wrong quadrant, but Corwin verified this identification using Leavenworth's sketch.  Bigourdan could not locate this object.

 

The RNGC classifies NGC 7255 as nonexistent and the galaxy was not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 atlas.

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NGC 7256 = NGC 7254 = ESO 602-013 = MCG -04-52-042 = PGC 68686

22 22 36.2 -21 44 14; Aqr

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 122”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 15 star is involved at the NE end.  Located 16' SE of mag 41 Aquarii (5.6/6.7 pair at 5").

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7256 = m 472 on 27 Sep 1864 and noted " 3 stars involved in F nebulosity."  There is nothing at his position by 10' north  is ESO 602-013 = PGC 68686.  His description is a there are only two stars involved, though a third "star" is probably the nucleus.  Frank Muller found the galaxy again in 1886 at the Leander McCormick observatory and reported it as new in list II-467 (later NGC 7254).

 

In 1898 Herbert Howe reported "These are identical.  The place of NGC 7254 is wrong in right ascension, and the place of 7256 is 10' wrong in declination.  I could find only one nebular object in this vicinity.  Two of the three stars involved, and mentioned by Marth were seen; the third was suspected.  The northernmost one was brightest and was of mag 14."

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NGC 7257 = NGC 7260 = MCG -01-57-003 = PGC 68691

22 22 36.4 -04 07 15; Aqr

 

See observing notes for NGC 7260.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7257 = m 473, along with NGC 7266, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "F, vS, lE."  There is nothing at his position but 24 seconds of RA east and 5.5' south is NGC 7260.  The same offset identifies NGC 7266 with PGC 68758.  Stephan independently found this galaxy later on 22 Sep 1876 and placed it accurately.  So, NGC 7257 = NGC 7260, with discovery priority to Marth.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 1 Sep 1886 and reported it as new in list IV-83, but he retracted the discovery claim in an addendum to list VI.

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NGC 7258 = ESO 467-049 = MCG -05-52-068 = PGC 68710

22 22 58.1 -28 20 43; PsA

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 141”

 

17.5" (8/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7258 = h3935 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R or E, as if it had a feeble neb south preceding; glbM; 15"."  His position is good.

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NGC 7259 = ESO 467-050 = MCG -05-52-069 = AM 2220-291 = PGC 68718

22 23 05.5 -28 57 17; PsA

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 49”

 

18" (10/25/08): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, 40"x30", diffuse with only a weak concentration.  ESO 467-051, an ultra-thin edge-on companion 3' SE, was not seen.

 

17.5" (10/30/99): very faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.9', weak concentration.  The nearby edge-on ESO 467-051 was not seen.

 

17.5" (8/27/92): faint, fairly small, round, 50" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 12 stars 3.3' NE and 6.4' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7259 = h3936 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; pL; R; vglbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7260 = NGC 7257 = MCG -01-57-003 = PGC 68691

22 22 36.4 -04 07 15; Aqr

V = 12.9;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small round halo although it noticeably increases in size with averted vision.  Weak broad concentration, edges fade into background.

 

ƒdouard Stephan found NGC 7260 = St VIII-13 on 22 Sep 1876 and measured an accurate position.  Albert Marth discovered this galaxy on 1 Oct 1864, but his position for m 473 = NGC 7257 was poor (see that number) and Dreyer included both positions in the NGC.  But NGC 7260 = NGC 7257.

 

Lewis Swift also found this galaxy on 1 Sep 1886 and reported the discovery in his 4th list (#83).  His description "vF; pL; R; 4 stars near sf point to it" clinches this identification.  He later noted the equivalence with GC 6040 (later NGC 7260) in the errata comments ti his 6th discovery list.

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NGC 7261 = Cr 450 = Lund 1013 = OCL-237

22 20 12 +58 05; Cep

V = 8.4;  Size 6'

 

18" (8/17/04): at 225x, ~30 stars are resolved in an 7'x3.5' group, elongated N-S.  A couple of scattered groups of stars are to the south, but are apparently detached.  7 stars on the south side form the outline of a perfect rectangle with the eastern vertex the brightest star in the cluster (mag 9.5 SAO 34332).  There are no stars within the interior of this rectangle.  The richest group of stars is just north of the rectangle.

 

17.5" (10/5/91): about 30 stars in a 7'x3' region elongated N-S.  Set over a background of some unresolved haze on the north side of cluster.  Includes six brighter stars with a mag 9 star on the SE side.  Fairly rich in faint stars on the north side although not rich in other sections.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7261 = h2159 on 5 Oct 1829 and recorded "The chief star of a coarse p rich cluster which fills the field.  Stars 10...15m."  His position matches mag 9.6 HD 239927.

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NGC 7262 = ESO 405-017 = PGC 68737

22 23 28.5 -32 21 52; PsA

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, small, roundish, 35" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars ~4' NE and 4' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7262 = h3937 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; lbM."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7263 = MCG +06-49-004 = CGCG 514-012 = PGC 68642

22 21 45.2 +36 21 00; Lac

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 60”

 

24" (9/14/12): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter core, 0.4'x0.3'.  A mag 14.4 star is attached at the northeast end [13" from the center].  Located 6' WSW of NGC 7264 and 12' NW of NGC 7265.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, very small, round.  A mag 15 star is at the NE end.  In a group with NGC 7264 6.1' ENE and NGC 7265 12.0' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7263 = m 474 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "F, S, R."  His position is accurate.  Marth discovered NGC 7264 just a week later, so he must have revisited the field.

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NGC 7264 = UGC 12001 = MCG +06-49-005 = CGCG 514-014 = PGC 68658

22 22 13.8 +36 23 13; Lac

V = 13.8;  Size 2.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 57”

 

24" (9/14/12): fairly faint but excellent thin edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.2', slightly brighter core, very thin extensions.  Two mag 11.6/13.3 stars parallel the galaxy off the north side.  NGC 7263 is 6.1' WSW and NGC 7265 (brightest in a small quartet) is 11' SSE.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE.  A wide double star mag 12/13 at 34" separation is less than 1' N.  Pair with NGC 7263 6.1' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7264 = m 475 on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, pS, mE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7265 = UGC 12004 = MCG +06-49-006 = CGCG 514-015 = PGC 68668

22 22 27.5 +36 12 35; Lac

V = 12.2;  Size 2.4'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 170”

 

24" (9/14/12): at 325x, fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated with a small bright core.  A mag 12 star lies 1.4' SSE, a mag 12.5 star 1.5' SE (12" pair), a mag 12 star is 2.4' ESE and a mag 10 star is 3' ESE.

 

Brightest in a group of at least 9 galaxies, which were all viewed (USGC U813).   In the eyepiece, it's part of a small quartet with UGC 12007 2.8' ESE (attached to the mag 10 star), PGC 214824 2.5' NW and PGC 214825 3.0' NE.  NGC 7273, 7274 and 7276 are roughly 20' ESE and NGC 7263 and 7264 lie ~12' NNW.  In addition, PGC 2075294 is 11' ESE and UGC 12013 is 12' SE.

 

UGC 12007 is faint to fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, roughly 45" diameter.  View hampered by a mag 10 star superimposed just NE of center.  In addition a mag 12 star is just off the NW side, though the halo has a very low surface brightness and fades into the glare from the stars.  Contains a very small weakly brighter core just SW of the mag 10 star.

 

PGC 214824 is faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 15"x10".  A mag 14 star is attached at the north edge and the faint glow extends just south.  PGC 214825 is faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.3'x0.2'.  Visible continuously at 325x.

 

UGC 12013 is fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2'.  A mag 13.2 star is just east of the ESE tip.

 

17.5" (10/13/01): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated.  Contains a bright, 30" core embedded in a fainter halo extended NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.8'.  The core increases to a faint, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group and forms a pair with UGC 12007 2.8' ESE.  Located 1.3' NNW of a mag 11.5 star.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.3' SSE.  Brightest in a group including NGC 7263, NGC 7264, NGC 7273, NGC 7274 and 7276.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7265 = St VIII-14 on 20 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is a perfect match with UGC 12004.

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NGC 7266 = MCG -01-57-006 = Mrk 910 = PGC 68758

22 23 58.9 -04 04 24; Aqr

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 5.4' SW of mag 9.5 SAO 146069.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7266 = m 476 on 1 Oct 1864, along with NGC 7257 = NGC 7260, and noted "F, vS, R, alm stellar."  There is nothing at his position though this galaxy is 25 seconds of RA east and 5.7' south.  Harold Corwin notes that despite the poor positional match, the same offset helps to identify NGC 7257, found the same night.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 5 Nov 1887 and the correction was given in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 7267 = ESO 405-018 = MCG -06-49-003 = PGC 68780

22 24 21.8 -33 41 39; PsA

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 6”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, prominent bright core.  Located 3.6' NE of Mag 8.4 SAO 213789 (very wide triple).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7267 = h3938 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pgbM; 40"; a large triple * sp."

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NGC 7268 = ESO 467-057 = AM 2222-312 = MCG -05-53-001 = MCG -05-53-002 = PGC 68847 = PGC 68848

22 25 41.4 -31 12 02; PsA

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 66”

 

24" (9/6/18): at 375x; NGC 7268 is a merged double system at 20" separation between centers, with NGC 7268 NED1, the brighter and larger component, on the west end and NGC 7268 NED1 on the east end.  Initially the combined glow appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 E-W, ~0.6'x0.4', slightly brighter nucleus.  With careful viewing, the fainter and smaller eastern member occasionally resolved as a distinct glow; faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter. The halos of the two components appeared merged with no gap.  NGC 7277 lies 7.2' NE.

 

17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, very small, round.  A wide double star mag 14/15 is 1' NE.  Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 7277 7.2' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7268 = h3939 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R."  He added the comment "The preceding of 2 [with NGC 7277]."  At his position (mean of two observations) is the double galaxy ESO 467-057.  His GC position, which was used in the NGC, is 1.0 minute of RA too far west.

 

The RNGC clearly misidentifies NGC 7268 (the position is 3' south of ESO 467-IG55) and NGC 7268 is plotted too far south on the first version of Uranometria 2000 Atlas.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #5 and Corwin's notes.

 

The 2 components of this merged double system are identified as NGC 7268A (west) and NGC 7268B (east) in the SGC.

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NGC 7269 = MCG -02-57-005 = PGC 68841

22 25 46.6 -13 09 59; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, almost round, even surface brightness.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7269 = LM 1-250 in 1886 and recorded "eF, pS, R, glbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.9 minutes too far west and 4' south of MCG -02-57-005 = PGC 68841.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897-98 with the 20" refractor at Denver.

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NGC 7270 = UGC 12019 = MCG +05-52-015 = CGCG 494-021 = WBL 680-001 = PGC 68748

22 23 47.5 +32 24 11; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, small, oval E-W, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 1.0' WNW and mag 12.5 star 2.4' WNW.  In a group (WBL 680) with NGC 7271 3.0' SE and NGC 7275 6.8' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7270 = m 477, along with NGC 7271 and 7275, on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, E."  His declination is off by 2' too far north (same offset as NGC 7275).

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NGC 7271 = MCG +05-52-016 = CGCG 494-022 = WBL 680-002 = PGC 68753

22 23 57.6 +32 22 01; Peg

V = 14.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 118”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' W.  Located 4' SE of NGC 7270 in a group (WBL 680).  NGC 7275 is 6.4' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7271 = m 478, along with NGC 7270 and 7275, on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, vlE."  His positions are all off by 1' - 2' too far north.

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NGC 7272 = UGC 12028 = MCG +03-57-003 = CGCG 452-008 = PGC 68786

22 24 31.7 +16 35 17; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 39”

 

24" (8/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 or 5:4 SW-NE, 30"x24", small bright core.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.3' WSW, a mag 13.6 star is the same distance NE and a mag 15.5 star is 40" NW.  Brightest in a small triplet with PGC 1511999 just 52" SSW of center and PGC 214829 1.9' NE.

 

PGC 1511999 (V = 15.4) appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12".  A mag 12.5 star (mentioned above) lies 1.1' NW and a double star (~10" separation) is 1.6' SE.  PGC 214829 (V = 15.6) is very faint to faint, very small, ~12"x8" E-W. A mag 13.5 star lies 50" WSW.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Located between two mag 13 stars and a mag 15 star is 30" NW.  Neither of the faint companions were noticed.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7272 = m 479 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, irr R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7273 = MCG +06-49-012 = CGCG 514-024 = WBL 681-001 = PGC 68768

22 24 09.2 +36 12 00; Lac

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  This is the northern galaxy of three on a line with NGC 7274 4.5' S and NGC 7276 6.8' SSE.  The three galaxies form WBL 681 triplet, but these are likely part of the NGC 7265 group (USGC U813), which is 20' to the west.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7273 = St VIII-15, along with NGC 7274 and 7276, on 20 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7274 = UGC 12026 = MCG +06-49-013 = CGCG 514-026 = WBL 681-003 = PGC 68770

22 24 11.1 +36 07 33; Lac

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (8/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Largest and brightest of three with NGC 7273 4.5' N and NGC 7276 2.4' SSE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7274 = St VIII-16, along with NGC 7273 and 7276, on 20 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7275 = UGC 12025 = MCG +05-52-019 = CGCG 494-025 = PGC 68774

22 24 17.2 +32 26 47; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 37”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, very small brighter core.  A pretty mag 13/13 double star is 2' W.  Located 6.8' ENE of NGC 7270 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7275 = m 48, along with NGC 7270 and 7271, on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "eF, S, mE."  His declination is off by nearly 2' too far north (same offset as NGC 7270).

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NGC 7276 = MCG +06-49-014 = CGCG 514-025 = WBL 681-002 = PGC 68773

22 24 14.4 +36 05 15; Lac

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 26" SE of center.  This galaxy is the furthest south of three on a line with NGC 7274 2.4' N and NGC 7273 6.8' NNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7276 = St VIII-17, along with NGC 7273 and 7274, on 20 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7277 = ESO 467-059 = MCG -05-53-004 = PGC 68861

22 26 10.9 -31 08 43; PsA

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

24" (9/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, brighter core.  The major axis is collinear with a mag 13.3 star 3.5' SE.  NGC 7268, a close double system, lies 7' WSW. The sky contrast was poor (hazy), viewing at a low elevation.

 

17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE.  Pair with NGC 7268 7.2' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7277 = h3940 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; lE; glbM."  He later noted "[The following of 2]", when NGC 7268 was seen the following night.

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NGC 7278 = ESO 146-027 = PGC 68940

22 28 22.4 -60 10 11; Tuc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 23”

 

25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no internal details.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' SE and another is 4.7' ENE.  Located 8.2' SSW of mag 7 HD 212878 and the view was improved when I moved this star outside the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7278 = h3941 on 11 Aug 1836 and recorded "eeF; lE; vgvlbM; very difficult, but a certain observation. It is n p the first of 3 stars 10-11m."  His position and description matches this faint galaxy.

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NGC 7279 = ESO 405-021 = MCG -06-49-005 = PGC 68896

22 27 12.6 -35 08 25; PsA

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 68”

 

17.5" (7/20/96): extremely faint, round, 20".  Appears to have a nearly stellar nucleus.  A faint double lies 4.5' NW (GSC 14.2/14.9 at 23").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7279 = h3942 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM; 15"."  On a later sweep he noted "vF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 30"."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 7280 = UGC 12035 = MCG +03-57-005 = CGCG 452-011 = PGC 68870

22 26 27.6 +16 08 53; Peg

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 78”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small bright core, faint halo, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated WSW-ENE.  Two mag 12 and 13 stars are roughly 2.5' N and 2' NE and a 10" pair of mag 13.5/14 stars are 1' NNW.

 

MCG +03-57-006, located 4.7' NE, appeared extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is off the NE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7280 = H II-248 = h2160 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "F, pS, makes a small quartile with 3 small stars.  The north and preceding whereof is double."  He made a second observation the next night (sweep 294) and logged "vF, S.  The south and preceding corner of a small quartile of very small stars. (See 290 sweep)." JH made two observations and measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 7281 = Lund 1015 = OCL-238

22 25 12 +57 49; Cep

Size 12'

 

17.5" (8/10/91): about 20 stars in a 4' diameter.  A string of three mag 9-9.5 stars is on the north side aligned E-W (separation 1' between pairs) and a pair of mag 12 stars just east aligned N-S (separation 0.9').  Includes two very faint double stars.  Neither rich nor distinctive.  Located in a rich field so extent difficult to determine and outliers greatly increases diameter and total number of stars.  The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7281 = h2161 on 5 Oct 1829 and recorded "Large, coarse, not extremely poor, the stars scattered and 10...16m."  His position is on a 10th magnitude star at the west end of the group.  Sky Catalogue 2000.0 calls it a possible asterism.  Although this field is not distinctive visually, JH's position and description fits.

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NGC 7282 = UGC 12034 = MCG +07-46-007 = CGCG 531-006 = PGC 68843

22 25 53.8 +40 18 53; Lac

V = 13.7;  Size 2.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (8/8/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the NE edge [39" from center].

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7282 = St IX-29 on 2 Oct 1878.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7283 = MCG +03-57-012 = CGCG 452-017 = PGC 68946

22 28 32.7 +17 28 13; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 9”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.7' E of a mag 10 star and 19' NNE of NGC 7290.  This galaxy is 1.0 min of RA preceding and 2' S of Marth's position, so the identification is very uncertain.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7283 = m 481 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R."  There is nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA east and 2' north is CGCG 452-017 = PGC 68946.  This is a large random error unless it was caused by a digit error in RA, so this identification is very uncertain.  Harold Corwin notes that Marth's object could also be a faint double star about 2' preceding his position.  PGC 68946 is not labeled NGC 7283 in the CGCG or MCG, but is used in the RNGC and PGC.

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NGC 7284 = Arp 93 NED1 = VV 74b = ESO 533-031 = MCG -04-53-004 = LGG 457-002 = PGC 68950

22 28 35.9 -24 50 39; Aqr

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 133”

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x, the western component of the double system VV 74 = Arp 93 appeared bright, small, round, high surface brightness, ~0.4' diameter.  The core of NGC 7285 is cleanly resolved [33" between center], though very close northeast.  The twin nuclei are encased in a very low surface brightness halo.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, very small, very compact, almost round, high surface brightness, very small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 7285 at the ENE edge with a separation of 30" between centers.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7284 = H II-469 = h3943 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and recorded "F, er [easily resolvable] or some of the stars visible; pS, lE." Perhaps one the "stars" was the second nucleus (NGC 7285).  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH logged (sweep 474) "F; E; bM; r; binuclear pos 62.3”.  Rather an equivocal object, whether nebulous or a group, but I incline to regard it as a nebula."  On a later sweep (14 Sep 1835), he wrote "pB; irr R; 25"; involves a double star (13m + 14m)." So, he clearly resolved the two nuclei.

 

Herbert Howe reported NGC 7284 and 7285 as follows: "The description of 7284 in the NGC is "cF, cS, lE, r, D * inv." The description of 7285, discovered by Lassell [Marth], is "Nebs. * 1' dist from 7284."  I judge 7285 to be simply one of the components of 7284.  Both seem to be nebulous stars. The brighter one is of mag 12.5  The other is of mag 13, and lies at P.A. 60”, distant about 40".  Neither of the stars appeared to be double.  I could not see any nebulosity uniting them, but the sky was rather dull."

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NGC 7285 = Arp 93 NED2 = VV 74a = ESO 533-032 = MCG -04-53-005 = LGG 457-003 = PGC 68953

22 28 38.0 -24 50 27; Aqr

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x, the eastern component of the double system VV 74 = Arp 93 appeared fairly bright, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", high surface brightness.  Forms a very close pair with slightly brighter NGC 7284 [just 33" between centers].  The twin nuclei are encased in a very low surface brightness halo 

 

17.5" (10/13/90): this is the NE member of a double system with NGC 7284.  Fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Slightly fainter than NGC 7284 just 30" WSW of center. Situated very close to the Aquarius-Pisces Austrinus border.

 

William Lassell discovered NGC 7285 in Oct 1862 using his 48-inch at Malta.  For some reason it wasn't included in Marth's catalogue, although NGC 7489 and NGC 2620, also found by Lassell, were included.  Lassell mentioned the discovery in a letter to John Herschel on 1 Nov 1862 and Dreyer included it in the GC Supplement (GCS 5078).  Although both William and John Herschel reported a double nuclei or two stars involved, neither catalogued it as two numbers.

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NGC 7286 = UGC 12043 = MCG +05-53-002 = CGCG 495-002 = PGC 68922

22 27 50.5 +29 05 45; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 98”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7286 = h2162 on 15 Sep 1828 and recorded "vF; R; 12"...15"; among stars."  His position is exactly 30 seconds of time too small (digit error).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 1Aug 1884.

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NGC 7287

22 27 17.0 -22 07 00; Aqr

 

18" (8/31/11): this close pair of stars (seems to be a trio of stars on the DSS) was barely resolved at 220x and initially could have easily passed for a small, nebulous object, elongated NW-SE.  The separation is just a few arc seconds.  Located 21' WSW of 7.4-magnitude HD 213005.

 

The NGC position happens to fall closer to ESO 602-020 = PGC 68960 (double system), which is identified as NGC 7287 in NED, although this galaxy is less likely to be the NGC object.  ESO 602-020 appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7287 = LM 2-468 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He described it as "mag 15.0, 0.1' dia, E 330” [NNW-SSE]" with a note "slightly nebulous **."  There are several faint galaxies near his position, but since the Leander McCormick are often 1 or 2 minutes off in time, Corwin suggests NGC 7287 may be a triple star at 22 27 17 -22 07 00 (2000).  This pair is roughly 1 min 15 sec west of Muller's position and the orientation of the stars is northwest-southeast

 

As far as nearby galaxies, just 16 seconds east and 4' south is ESO 602-020A.  Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) found this galaxy and described it as two very faint objects about 20" apart (the following one appeared to a faint star).  Corwin feels this candidate is less likely because of the relatively large difference in declination and the wrong position angle. The RNGC misidentifies ESO 533-030 as NGC 7287.

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NGC 7288 = Mrk 912 = MCG -01-57-013 = PGC 68933

22 28 15.0 -02 53 04; Aqr

V = 13.0;  Size 2.3'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 92”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): fairly faint, small, well-defined small bright core, bright stellar nucleus, faint halo slightly elongated E-W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7288 = m 482 = Sf 84 on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, eS, stellar." His position is an exact match with MCG -01-57-013 = PGC 68933.  Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy on 19 Sep 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.

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NGC 7289 = ESO 405-023 = MCG -06-49-006 = PGC 68980

22 29 20.0 -35 28 15; PsA

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (7/20/96): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, brighter core.  Halo grows to 1.0' with averted vision.  Brightest in a group with an anonymous galaxy 5.2' SSE and 2.3' SW (star + galaxy?).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7289 = h3944 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; R: glbM; 20"."  His position is just off the northwest side of ESO 405-023.

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NGC 7290 = UGC 12045 = MCG +03-57-009 = PGC 68942

22 28 26.4 +17 08 51; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 161”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated NNW-SSE, even surface brightness.  Located 7.7' SSE of ·2908 = 7.7/9.4 at 9", a nice yellow-blue pair.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7290 = m 483 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "pB, S, pmE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7291 = UGC 12047 = MCG +03-57-008 = CGCG 452-015 = PGC 68944

22 28 29.5 +16 46 59; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, almost round, small bright core.  A mag 13 star is 0.9' ENE of center.  Located 22'S of NGC 7290.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 7291 = Sf 56 = St VIII-18 on 1 Oct 1866 and recorded "pF, pS, neb MN."  His position is accurate.  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 21 Sep 1876 and measured an accurate micrometric position.  Stephan was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC due to the late publication of Safford's list.

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NGC 7292 = UGC 12048 = MCG +05-53-003 = CGCG 495-003 = Kaz 290 = PGC 68941

22 28 25.8 +30 17 33; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

48" (10/29/16): at 813x; bright, fairly large, very irregular appearance.  A faint star is superimposed just south of a very small brighter nucleus or knot.  A bright "bar" extends through the nucleus WNW-ESE, (length ~50"), ending at a fairly bright knot at its WNW end.  The knot (HII complex/OB assocation?) appears ~10"x7" SW-NE.  A low surface brightness halo on the north and south side of the bar is roughly oval 3:2 and increases the overall size to ~1.5'x1.0'.  Situated in a fairly busy star field.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  A group of mag 13.5-14 stars are off the NW end including a two mag 13.5 stars 1.2' NW and 1.8' NW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7292 = St IV-12 on 6 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7293 = PK 36-57.1 = PN G036.1-57.1 = Helical Nebula = Helix Nebula

22 29 38.4 -20 50 13; Aqr

V = 7.6;  Size 970"x735"

 

18" (11/13/07): superb view at 115x and OIII filter, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, ~14'x12' including a faint extension or filament on the west side.  The bright rim is relatively thick and brightest along the north to NE side within the interior of the annulus (not at the very edge).  A star is embedded at the west edge of this large, enhanced arc (due east of the mag 10.5 star just off the NW edge).  The opposite SW rim is also enhanced in brightness and thicker.  The rim is weakest and thinnest at the WNW end, but with averted vision this end bulges out due to a faint extension or large filament (second ring) that begins just south of the western side of the rim and extends north towards the mag 10.5 at the NW edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (10/2/99): gorgeous view at 100x and OIII filter.  This huge, annular PN is 15'x12' in size and slightly elongated E-W due to an extension on the west side.  The thick annulus is mottled and irregular with brighter regions along the N, NE and SW edge.  The west side is slightly weaker but very faint extensions from the north and south side towards the west, cause the rim to bulge on this side (part of a second ring).  The west edge of the halo more gradually blends into the background near a mag 11 star off the west side.  At 220x without a filter about a dozen stars are superimposed.  The mag 13.5 central star is easy along with a similar star a couple of arc minutes following.

 

13.1" (8/15/82): the "Helix" nebula is extremely large, about 15' diameter, clearly annular.  Significant contrast gain with OIII filter permits observation even from the Bay Area. The fairly bright rim is non-uniform appearing brighter along the north side.  About seven stars are superimposed including the mag 13.5 central star.  Appears best at low power due to size and relative low surface brightness.  Easy in the 80mm finder.

 

8" (10/4/80): huge annular planetary is fairly bright at low power using a Daystar 300 filter.  The rim has an irregular surface brightness.

 

15x50 IS binoculars (8/27/11): easily visible in binoculars using a pair of narrowband filters.

 

Karl Ludwig Harding discovered NGC 7293 = Au 48 around 1823-24 at Gottingen University Observatory, probably using an 8.5-inch reflector built by William Herschel.  According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Harding published a list of 8 new nebulae in Astronomisches Jahrbuch, although the Helix Nebula is the only object he actually discovered, the others being observations of previously discovered nebuae.  Harding's list was not checked until 1857 by Winnecke, so the Helix was not generally known.  Ernesto Capocci independently discovered this huge planetary in late 1824 at Capodimonte Observatory in Naples, but his position was over a degree too far west and the object wasn't found or generally known by others.  In 1856, Christian Peters reported another discovery while he was at Capodimonte Observatory around 1850 (AJ 2, p16).  As late as 1884 Jermaine Porter also reported a discovery, although at that point it was already in the GC.  Both Herschels missed finding this planetary, probably due to its large size.

 

Based on a September 1912 photograph (4 hour explosure) taken with the Crossley reflector at Lick, Heber Curtis wrote "I would suggest that this interesting object be referred to as "The Helical Nebula in Aquarius" [to distinguish it from the the Helical Nebula in Draco, NGC 6543].  In 1917, Robert Innes, at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, noted it was "seen in both the 3-inch and 9-inch telescopes.  Large, but no detail." and probably based on Curtis' comment, he referred to it as the "Helical nebula in Aquarius."

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NGC 7294 = IC 5225 = ESO 533-044 = MCG -04-53-009 = AM 2229-253 = PGC 69088

22 32 08.1 -25 23 52; PsA

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 47”

 

24" (7/29/16): at 200x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~60"x40", contains a brighter core that gradually increases to a small brighter nucleus.  The core itself sometimes appears noticeably elongated SW-NE. 

 

ESO 533-045 (possibly IC 5226) lies 16.6' SSE.  It was fairly faint to moderately bright, slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with a very small brighter nucleus, low surface brightness halo.  With careful viewing the core extended into a bar, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, bright core.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7294 = LM 1-251 in 1886 and recorded "vF, vS, R."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2 minutes of time preceding ESO 533-044.  As his declination is a fairly close match, this identification is reasonable, despite the simple description.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 6 Oct 1897 at age 77 and described Sw. XII-38 (later IC 5225) as "eeF; pS; R; betw 2 stars; a dozen stars in margin of field following, form semicircle, 4 st np a curve, one D, sp of 2 [should be np of 2, with IC 5226].  His position was 36 seconds of time too far west and 2' too far north, but his detailed description matches (specifically "4 st np a curve, one D[ouble]".  So NGC 7294 = IC 5225.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 7294 in 1898-99 that was repeated in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 7295

22 27 54 +52 49; Lac

 

17.5" (10/21/95): this asterism consists of ~10 stars including a mag 10 star at the east end and eight mag 12-13 star in an E-W string about 3' length.  Located 6' SW of mag 7.6 SAO 34488.  In addition, there are also several mag 15 stars surrounding the mag 10 star that are easier to view with averted vision.  Appears to be an unimpressive random grouping at both 100x and 220x.  Open cluster NGC 7296 is in the same low power field 30' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7295 = h2163 on 8 Nov 1831 and recorded "A Milky Way straggler, a poorish cluster of stars 12...13m."  His position corresponds with a mag 9 star accompanied by a small clump of stars close southwest.  Karl Reinmuth called this a "a few st 11...13 in a dense region."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent ("No cluster").  But Harold Corwin suggests that if his declination is 30' too far north, then NGC 7295 is a duplicate of NGC 7296.  As evidence, JH listed H VII-41 as a synonym (with a question mark), so he was uncertain.  The object described in my notes is the asterism at his position.

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NGC 7296 = Cr 451 = Lund 1016 = OCL-228

22 28 02 +52 17 18; Lac

Size 4'

 

17.5" (10/5/91): compact group of roughly 30 stars in a 3'x2' area elongated N-S.  A mag 9 star is at the NW edge.  Most stars are arranged in a curved arc roughly N-S.  A string of four perfectly collinear stars trail from this arc to the NE.  Not particularly distinctive as located in a rich star field.  Contains about ten faint stars mag 14-14.5.  Located 40' E of Beta Lacertae (V = 4.4).

 

8" (11/8/80): 15 stars extended N-S between two mag 8 and 9 stars.  Appears faint and small with an unresolved background haze.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7296 = H VII-41 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and noted "a small cluster of stars, not very rich; like a forming one."  His RA was 40 seconds too large.

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NGC 7297 = ESO 345-018 = MCG -06-49-007 = PGC 69046

22 31 10.3 -37 49 35; Gru

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, ~40" diameter.  Located 2.7' WSW of a mag 13 star.  Pair with NGC 7299 4.6' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7297 = h3945, along with NGC 7299, on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R.  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 7299]."   His position is less than 1' southwest of ESO 405-023 = PGC 68980.

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NGC 7298 = MCG -02-57-010 = Mrk 1124 = LGG 458-002 = PGC 69033

22 30 50.6 -14 11 18; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 5”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~45" diameter, irregular halo with an indistinct shape (face-on spiral), very weak concentration.  In a group (LGG 458) with NGC 7300 12' NNE and NGC 7302 23' ENE.

 

17.5" (9/15/90): extremely faint, fairly small, very low even surface brightness, diffuse.  Forms a pair with NGC 7300 11.3' NNE.  Located 22' NNE of 56 Aquarii (V = 6.4).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7298 = m 484 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, pL, iR."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7299 = ESO 345-019 = MCG -06-49-008 = AM 2228-380 = PGC 69060

22 31 33.1 -37 48 34; Gru

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (7/20/96): threshold object only glimpsed with concentration for moments, ~30" diameter.  No details seen.  Located 1.9' E of a mag 13 star and 4.6' ENE of slightly brighter NGC 7297.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7299 = h3946, along with NGC 7297, on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R.  The following of 2 [with NGC 7297]."  His position is fairly good.

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NGC 7300 = IC 5204? = MCG -02-57-011 = LGG 458-003 = PGC 69040

22 30 59.9 -14 00 13; Aqr

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad concentration with a brighter elongated core.  In a group (LGG 458) with NGC 7302 22' SE and NGC 7298 11' SSW.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 7298 11.3' SSW.  NGC 7302 lies 24' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7300 = h2164 on 26 Jul 1830 and recorded "F; pL; a strong suspicion; almost sure."  The next night he logged "vF; R; vglbM; 20"; twilight commencing."  His position is just off the south side of MCG -02-57-011 = PGC 69040.  This galaxy was found at Birr Castle on 4 Nov 1850 and described as "a vF neb, 80" long, 10" broad, light seems equable."  With a rough position JH catalogued the Rosse "nova" as GC 4799, but Dreyer realized its equivalence with h2164 and assigned only a single NGC designation.

 

Harold Corwin suggests Lewis Swift's list XI, #212 (later IC 5204) found on 8 Aug 1896, is probably a duplicate of NGC 7300 despite a very poor position.  Swift's description reads "vF; eE; a ray; p of 2 [with IC 5228 = NGC 7302].  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7301 = ESO 602-023 = VV 372 = MCG -03-57-015 = PGC 69021

22 30 34.7 -17 34 26; Aqr

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 1”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, weak concentration.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7301 = LM 1-252 in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "vF; pS; lE 0”; lbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.3 min of RA too large, but his position angle (N-S) clinches this identification. Bigourdan was unable to find this galaxy.

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NGC 7302 = IC 5228 = MCG -02-57-013 = PGC 69094

22 32 23.8 -14 07 14; Aqr

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 97”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, at least 1.0'x0.5', sharply concentrated with an intense, round core.  Mag 9.2 HD 213549 lies 3' S.

 

Forms a pair with MCG -2-57-15 5.8' ENE.  This diffuse edge-on was extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter (only the core region seen)

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core.  Located 3' N of mag 9 SAO 165152.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7302 = H IV-31 = h2165 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "F, S, stellar, 3 or 4' north of a pB star.  The chevelure pretty large."  JH made 4 observations, reporting on 26 Jul 1830, "F; pL; R; vsbM to a S, F, R nucleus; diam = 2'; has a * sf in pos 352.5” by micrometer; dist 3'."  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 Aug 1896 and reported Sw. XI-215 as "pB, pS, R; B * nr s; f of 2 [with IC 5204 = NGC 7300]."  His position was just 2' west of NGC 7302, so the equivalence NGC 7302 = IC 5228 is certain.  See IC 5204 for more.

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NGC 7303 = UGC 12065 = MCG +05-53-004 = CGCG 495-005 = PGC 69061

22 31 32.8 +30 57 22; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, almost even surface brightness, slightly elongated NW-SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7303 = h2166 on 15 Sep 1828 and recorded "vF; R; vlbM; 20"."  His RA was 12 seconds too small.  The next night he measured a fairly accurate position.  Harold Corwin notes that NGC 7304, discovered by d'Arrest, is not a duplicate of NGC 7303, despite being equated in the UGC and other sources.

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NGC 7304

22 31 30 +30 58; Peg

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.  =NGC 7303, UGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7304 on 20 Aug 1862 while observing NGC 7303.  He claimed it was 137" away and his offset (+2 seconds in RA and +1.2' in dec, implies it lies northeast.  But there is nothing at this position.  On a later observation (5 Oct 1864) of NGC 7303, he searched carefully but could not find the object again.  Dreyer also searched unsuccessfully for NGC 7304 on 29 Sep 1875 at Birr Castle.  A double star is 2' southwest of NGC 7303 (opposite direction).  Perhaps d'Arrest reversed the orientation and this pair is NGC 7304.  In any case, NGC 7304 is not a duplicate of NGC 7303.

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NGC 7305 = MCG +02-57-003 = CGCG 429-007 = PGC 69091

22 32 13.9 +11 42 44; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7'

 

24" (12/1/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, ~24" diameter, small bright core, diffuse halo.  A mag 15.7 star is 40" N of center.

 

The blazar CTA 102, located  5.6' ENE, was near the maximum of a historic outburst.  It appeared marginally brighter than a mag 12.9 star on the AAVSO chart, so perhaps mag 12.7 or 12.8.  This is 4.5 magnitudes brighter than its normal quiescent state.  At z = 1.037, the light-travel time is ~8 billion years.  This is certainly the most distant object in recorded times to be visible in a 6" scope.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): very faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 15 star is 30" N.  Located between two stars mag 13.5 1.6' NW and 2.1' E.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7305 = Sw. IV-84 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; in center of 4 F stars in form of a rhombus."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7306 = ESO 468-011 = VV 832 = AM 2230-273 = PGC 69132

22 33 16.5 -27 14 48; PsA

V = 12.7;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, brighter core.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' WNW.  Pair with MCG -05-53-015 6' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7306 = h3948 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; S; lE; follows a star 11m in the parallel."  His position is accurate.  Howe noted in 1900 that "The * 11m p" appears to be of mag 10 and precedes 8 seconds, 0.7' north.  The nebula seems brighter near its preceding end."

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NGC 7307 = ESO 345-026 = MCG -07-46-003 = PGC 69161

22 33 52.5 -40 55 58; Gru

V = 12.6;  Size 3.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 9”

 

17.5" (8/26/00): very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.8', broad concentration, fades at tips.  A mag 13.5-14 star is close west of the SW tip.  This galaxy was difficult to view due to its very low elevation.  Located ~40' SW of a wide mag 6 pair (Sigma-1 and 2 Gruis).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7307 = h3947 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "F; pL; pmE; about pos of 75” with parallel; 2 1/2' long.  His RA is 6 seconds too small, and the description is a perfect match.

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NGC 7308 = IC 1448 = MCG -02-57-017 = PGC 69194

22 34 32.1 -12 56 02; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 145”

 

24" (9/29/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, 25"-30" diameter, slightly elongated, reasonably high surface brightness.  Gradually increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  Resides in a barren star field.

 

NGC 7308 forms a pair with MCG -02-57-018 4' ENE.  The companion was faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 25"x10", low even surface brightness.  MCG -02-57-019 was also picked up 14' NE (again in star-poor field). It was logged as very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 18"x12".  A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' WSW.

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, round, bright core.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7308 = LM 1-253 in 1886 and reported "pB; vS; R, no star in field."  His very rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 40 seconds west and 3' south of PGC 69194.  Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 2 Nov 1891.  His position in list 1-472 (later IC 1448) is accurate, so NGC 7308 = IC 1448.  Herbert Howe "recovered" NGC 7308 in 1899-1900 at the University of Denver and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7309 = MCG -02-57-016 = PGC 69183

22 34 20.6 -10 21 25; Aqr

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

24" (8/14/15): moderately bright and large, irregular shape, slightly elongated, ~1.0'x0.8', contains a small bright core.  A fairly thin spiral arm juts out to the west on the north end.  On the DSS, this spiral has a second strong arm off the south end, extending east, though this arm was difficult to distinguish.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7309 = H II-476 = h2167 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, pL, iR, lbM."  JH made 5 observations, first reporting it on 9 Sep 1825 (sweep 9) as "F; R; vgbM; r; 2'."  R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 2 Oct 1856, reported "has a * near center and I suspect a * or knot in np edge [spiral arm at this end]."

 

Heber Curtis described the photograhic appearance in 1913 based on Crossley plates at Lick as "a small nebula about 1.5' in size, of very unusual form.  Has faint stellar nucleus; ther are three fainter nuclei from which spring short whorls [spiral arms]; these are not arranged as in an ordinary spiral, but overlap."  At the Helwan observatory in Egypt, it was described (1921) as a "3 branched spiral with sharp stellar nucleus.  The north branch starts from a faint almost stellar condensation just n.f. the nucleus.  The branch just south of the nucleus forms an oval around it, much brighter on the south side.  The third branch is also south and curiously broken in the middle."

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NGC 7310 = ESO 533-049 = MCG -04-53-015 = PGC 69202

22 34 36.9 -22 29 06; Aqr

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, very low even surface brightness.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7310 = LM 1-254 on 20 Jul 1885 and reported "mag 15.0; pS; R; bMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA is marked as uncertain) is 25 seconds east and 2' south of ESO 533-049 = PGC 69202.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7311 = UGC 12080 = MCG +01-57-009 = CGCG 404-022 = PGC 69172

22 34 06.7 +05 34 12; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, small, very elongated ~N-S, small bright core, sharp bright stellar nucleus. This striking galaxy forms a wide pair with NGC 7312 16.4' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7311 = H II-428 = h2168 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and recorded "F, pS, R, lbM."  On 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) he noted "pB, S, irr R, r."  JH made two observations and his mean position is accurate.

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NGC 7312 = UGC 12083 = MCG +01-57-010 = CGCG 404-023 = PGC 69198

22 34 34.8 +05 49 02; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 83”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, very small brighter core, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Located 16.4' NNE of NGC 7311.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7312 = m 485 on 30 Oct 1863 and noted "F, S."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7313 = ESO 533-052 = PGC 69242

22 35 32.6 -26 06 06; PsA

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 170”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 375x; faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~24"x20", low even surface brightness.  Located 4.5' SW of much brighter and larger NGC 7314.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, small, elongated ~N-S.  Pair with NGC 7314 4.4' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7313 = m 486 on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, E."  His position is within 1' of ESO 533-052 = PGC 69242.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position at Denver in 1898-99.

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NGC 7314 = Arp 14 = ESO 533-053 = MCG -04-53-018 = AM 2233-261 = PGC 69253

22 35 45.9 -26 03 01; PsA

V = 11.0;  Size 4.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 3”

 

24" (9/25/19): at 200x and 375x; bright, large, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.0'.  Subtle spiral structure was seen.  A bright linear arm extended ~N-S along the SW flank.  A 15th mag star is close off the E side, 0.9' from center and a 12th mag star is 2' WNW of center.  Pair with NGC 7313 4.5' SW.

 

17.5" (10/13/90): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.7'x0.9', broad concentration.  A mag 15 star is just off the east side.  A brighter mag 12 star lies 2.0' W of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 7313 4.4' SW. 

 

8" (8/28/89): faint, moderately large, elongated, diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7314 = h3949 on 29 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; L; mE in meridian; vlbM; 4' l, 2' br; moonlight."  His position (also measured the next sweep) is accurate.

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NGC 7315 = UGC 12097 = MCG +06-49-037 = CGCG 514-059 = PGC 69241

22 35 31.7 +34 48 12; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core.  A mag 15 star is 0.7' W of center.  Located 30' NW of NGC 7331.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7315 = St IV-13 on 11 Sep 1872.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7316 = UGC 12098 = MCG +03-57-020 = CGCG 452-030 = Mrk 307 = PGC 69259

22 35 56.3 +20 19 20; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 50" SSW of center. An extremely faint star is possibly involved at the east end.  Located 3.2' NNE of mag 6.7 SAO 90628.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7316 = H III-180 = h2169 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and noted "eF, vS, north of a star about 9m."   His time is about 8 seconds too small, but the identification is certain.

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NGC 7317 = HCG 92E = Arp 319 NED1 = VV 288d = MCG +06-49-038 = CGCG 514-060 = Holm 792d = PGC 69256 = Stephan's Quintet

22 35 51.8 +33 56 42; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (6/25/04): faint, very small, round, ~20" diameter.  A mag 13 star just off the NW side detracts from viewing.  This star is collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.7' NE and 1.7' SE with a mag 14.5 star just off this line.  These and a few additional faint stars near or attached to galaxies in the group (NGC 7320) contribute to the challenge and fascination of these five galaxies.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fourth brightest of five in Stephan's quintet.  Fairly faint, small, round, brighter core, easy with direct vision.  A mag 13 star is at the NW edge just 16" from the center which confuses the observation.  The interacting pair NGC 7318A and NGC 7318B is 1.6' NE and NGC 7320 is 2.5' E.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, small, round.  A star is at the NW edge.  Second faintest in Stephan's quintet.

 

13.1" (8/23/84): very faint, small, round, visible without averted vision.

 

13.1" (8/5/83): extremely faint, very small, round, close following a star, requires averted vision.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7317 = St VIIIa-19, along with the other members of the group, on 23 Sep 1876.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7318 = HCG 92D = Arp 319 NED2 = VV 288c = (R)NGC 7318A = UGC 12099 = MCG +06-49-039 = CGCG 514-061 = PGC 69260 = Stephan's Quintet

22 35 56.7 +33 57 56; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (6/25/04): The brighter western component (NGC 7318A) appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated E-W, sharply concentrated with a bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.  The eastern component (NGC 7318B) is fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, sharply concentrated with a stellar nucleus (not as prominent as NGC 7318A). The two galaxies are encased in a common halo.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): the western member of this double galaxy in Stephan's quintet is moderately bright, elongated ~E-W.  The eastern member is moderately bright, elongated ~E-W.  This double system appears as two stellar nuclei within a common elongated halo.  The three other members are NGC 7317 1.6' SW, NGC 7320 1.9' SE and NGC 7319 1.5' NE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, elongated, two stellar nuclei are resolved in good seeing.

 

8" (6/27/81 and 8/28/81): extremely faint, small.  This double galaxy appears as a single object.

 

6" (6/25/04): extremely faint, glimpsed intermittently at 105x and 140x, along with NGC 7320 using a 6" mask.  This double system was unresolved.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7318 = St VIIIa-20 on 23 Sep 1876.   He didn't resolved the pair, so the two components are often called NGC 7318A and 7318B.  Harold Corwin carefully re-reduced his offsets and found he measured the brighter western component, although his position is just off the nucleus of the eastern component.  Shapley and Ames mentioned NGC 7318 is "bi-nuclear and probably represents two interpenetrating system" in 1930BHarO.878....6S.  The group is also referred to as "Stephan's Quintet".

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NGC 7319 = HCG 92C = Arp 319 NED5 = VV 288b = UGC 12102 = MCG +06-49-041 = CGCG 514-064 = Holm 792b = PGC 69269 = Stephan's Quintet

22 36 03.5 +33 58 33; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (7/20/04): at 323x appears a very faint low surface brightness glow, small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~40"x25", very weak concentration.  Three mag 15-16 stars are very near.  This galaxy is the faintest in  Stephan's Quintet.

 

18" (6/25/04): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", very small slightly brighter core.  Faintest in Stephan's quintet.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): faintest in Stephan's quintet.  Faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, very low surface brightness with only a very weak concentration.  Located 1.7' N of NGC 7320 and 1.5' NE of the double system NGC 7318A/B.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): extremely faint, fairly small, requires averted.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7319 = St VIIIa-21, along with others in the group, on 23 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7320 = HCG 92A = Arp 319 NED4 = VV 288a = UGC 12101 = MCG +06-49-042 = CGCG 514-063 = Holm 792a = LGG 459-002 = PGC 69270 = Stephan's Quintet

22 36 03.4 +33 56 53; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 132”

 

18" (6/25/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~50"x30".  A mag 14 star is embedded on the SE portion of the halo, just 15" from the center.  The brightness of NGC 7320 is comparable to the combined glow of NGC 7318A/B.  The Quintet was viewed at 257x and 300x.  This galaxy has a very low redshift compared to the other group members, so has been a subject of controversy but is likely a foreground object.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): brightest in Stephan's quintet consisting of five galaxies within a 4' diameter circle.  Moderately bright, moderately large, brighter core, elongated 5:2 NW-SE.  A mag 14.5 star is at the SE side 15" from the center.  NGC 7317 lies 2.5' W, NGC 7318 pair is 1.7' NW and NGC 7319 1.7' N.  Located 30' SSW of NGC 7331.

 

13": faint, elongated NW-SE. 

 

8" (6/27/81 and 8/28/81): extremely faint, small.

 

6" (6/25/04): marginal but definitely glimpsed at moments with a 6" mask at 115x and 140x.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7320 = St VIIIa-22, along with the other members of the group, on 23 Sep 1876.  His position is accurate.

 

This galaxy is probably a foreground galaxy in the Quintet.  The Feb 2001 issue of Astronomy mentions the HST image resolved NGC 7320 but not the other members, confirming it is a foreground galaxy (~35 million l.y. vs. ~270 million l.y.).  See S&T November 2004 and my observing piece in the article.

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NGC 7321 = UGC 12103 = MCG +03-57-021 = CGCG 452-031 = Holm 793a = PGC 69287

22 36 28.0 +21 37 19; Peg

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, no concentration.  A mag 15 star is attached at the NE end, 24" from center.  Four bright stars are within the 20' field; mag 9 SAO 90632 5.7' SSW and SAO 90645 9.5' NE and mag 8.5 SAO 90631 6.3' NW and SAO 90649 9.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7321 = H III-237 = h2170 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 319) and logged "eF, vS."  His position is 2.5' north of UGC 12103.  JH recorded "pF; irreg R; vgvlbM; 15...20"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7322 = NGC 7334 = ESO 405-033 = MCG -06-49-010 = PGC 69365

22 37 51.5 -37 13 52; Gru

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 114”

 

17.5" (10/30/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Requires averted vision in poor seeing.  Located just west of the midpoint of a mag 10 (SAO 213968) and 12 star oriented N-S at 14' separation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7322 = h3950 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded pF; R; gbM; 20".  Two nights later he called this galaxy "eF; S; vlE."  His position matches ESO 405-033 = PGC 69365.  NGC 7334 is a third observation made on 23 Oct 1835 (see that number).  So, NGC 7322 = NGC 7334.

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NGC 7323 = UGC 12108 = MCG +03-57-025 = CGCG 452-034 = Holm 794a = PGC 69311

22 36 53.7 +19 08 38; Peg

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad mild concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 7324 1.8' E.  A wide pair of mag 9 stars is 6' E (mag 8.7 SAO 108048 and mag 9.3 SAO 108049 at 41" separation).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7323 = m 487, along with NGC 7324, on 13 Sep 1863 and noted "pF, pL, irr R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7324 = MCG +03-57-026 = Holm 794b = PGC 69321

22 37 00.9 +19 08 46; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 168”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 11.5 star is 0.6' SE of center.  Close pair with NGC 7323 1.8' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7324 = m 488, along with NGC 7323, on 13 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS neb. *."  His position is less than 1' north of PGC 69321.

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NGC 7325

22 36 48.4 +34 22 02; Peg

Size 15"

 

17.5" (10/17/98): this is a very faint double star 4.5' SW of the core of NGC 7331.  At 220x only the brighter mag 14 component was evident but at 280x and 380x a fainter mag 15 companion at 15" S was visible.  A wide pair of mag 12/13 stars that are collinear with the core of the galaxy lie 1.5' NW.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 7325 with PGC 69291 at 22 36 33.4 +34 30 05.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7325 = Nova VIII on 20 Sep 1865 while observing NGC 7331 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  His micrometric position matches a mag 14/15 double star at 15" separation with the northern component an extremely close double. This pair is situated 4.5' southwest of the center of NGC 7331.  Dreyer also found this object and measured an accurate offset at Birr Castle on 8 Sep 1875 using NGC 7331 as the reference.  It's shown unlabeled on the constructed sketch of the companions to NGC 7331 in the 1880 publication. Karl Reinmuth reported this object as a "? Neb *14.8" based on a Heidelberg plate.

 

RNGC misidentifies PGC 69261 as NGC 7325.  On the POSS this galaxy appears to have a fairly bright star superimposed making a visual observation extremely difficult.  The identification of NGC 7325 was discussed in my Fall 1986 Deep Sky magazine article as well as in RNGC Corrections #1.

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NGC 7326

22 36 52.0 +34 25 22; Peg

 

17.5" (10/17/98): NGC 7326 refers to a faint, close double star just 2.5' preceding the nucleus of NGC 7331.  It was not seen with certainty at 220x, but was clearly visible at 280x and 380x as a mag 15.5 star (not resolved).  The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 514-066 as NGC 7326.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7326 on 7 Oct 1874.  His micrometric offset (also measured in 1875) from NGC 7331 (153" in PA 278”) points to a close double star 2.5' preceding the nucleus of NGC 7331.  It's also shown unlabeled on the constructed sketch in the 1880 publication. Dorothy Carlson also equated this number with the double star based on Mount Wilson and Lick Observatory plates.

 

RNGC misidentifies CGCG 514-066 as NGC 7326.  This galaxy is located 12' northwest of NGC 7331.  This error was mentioned in my article on NGC 7331 and its companions in Deep Sky magazine for Fall 1986, as well as in RNGC Corrections #1.

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NGC 7327

22 36 57.3 +34 28 02; Peg

 

17.5" (10/17/98): this number refers to one of the several nonexistent NGC entries in the NGC 7331 vicinity.  A possible candidate suggested by Harold Corwin is a mag 13 star near the tip of the northern extension of NGC 7331.  This single star appeared stellar, although it seems plausible that it might look slightly nebulous due to the faint background haze of the galaxy.  Other fainter nearby stars may instead apply to NGC 7327.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7327, along with NGC 7338, in 1882 with the 11" refractor near Florence and reported in the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439).  He mentions finding a total of 8 companions to NGC 7331, including two that are not shown on Lord Rosse's sketch.  No position was given but NGC 7327 was simply noted as "preceding the northern end of the spindle [NGC 7331]."  There are no galaxies or double stars nearby, so he may have mistaken a single faint star.

 

Harold Corwin suggests the mag 13 star at 22 36 57.3 +34 28 02 (2000) as a reasonable candidate.  Another possibility is the compact galaxy PGC 69261, which has a bright star superimposed (the RNGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 7325).  Unfortunately, Tempel didn't leave any additional clues as to the identification of NGC 7327, so any assignment is really a guess.  The identifications in the NGC 7331 group are discussed in my Deep Sky magazine article for Fall 1986.

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NGC 7328 = UGC 12118 = MCG +02-57-007 = PGC 69349

22 37 29.3 +10 31 54; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, broad weak concentration, faint outer halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7328 = h2171 on 12 Oct 1825 and recorded "eF; elongated in parallel [E-W]; 60" l, 40" br."  His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7329 = ESO 109-012 = AM 2236-664 = LGG 462-002 = PGC 69453

22 40 24.2 -66 28 44; Tuc

V = 11.3;  Size 3.9'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 107”

 

30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, very large, oval 5:3 ~E-W, at least 2.5'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated core (bar E-W).  The halo is only slightly concentrated but shows weak spiral structure.  A mag 12.5 is 3' NW and a pair of mag 14.5/15 stars is off the southwest side and collinear with the nucleus.  IC 5235 and 5236 lie 8.4' and 10.6' SE, respectively.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7329 = h3951 on 20 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; mE in parallel; gbM; 50" l, 20" br."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7330 = UGC 12111 = MCG +06-49-046 = CGCG 514-067 = PGC 69314

22 36 56.2 +38 32 53; Lac

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.2' NW of center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7330 = St II-30 on 26 Jul 1870.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7331 = UGC 12113 = MCG +06-49-045 = CGCG 514-068 = Holm 795a = LGG 459-003 = PGC 69327 = Deer Lick Group

22 37 04.1 +34 24 56; Peg

V = 9.5;  Size 10.5'x3.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 171”

 

48" (10/24/14): at 488x, the long dust lane along the west side (running N-S) was very evident as the galaxy is sharply cut off at the bright edge of a thin inner spiral arm (the arm itself was not resolved). A clearly visible outer spiral arm curves sharply counterclockwise around the south side of the halo and shoots directly north.  It continues or merges into a fairly narrow arm just west of the dust lane and extends north of the central region on the west side.

 

24" (7/21/12): at 322x this showpiece galaxy appeared very bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~9'x3'.  Contains a very bright, elongated core that is sharply concentrated with an intense stellar nucleus.  The galaxy exhibits subtle spiral structure in the outer halo and the brighter edge of the inner western arm is sharply defined as it shoots north.  Just west of this arm the light drops off sharply due to a long dust lane and the dim glow of the outer halo is clearly visible west of the lane.  Arm structure is also evident at the north and south ends of the central region.  The four background companions to the east fit snugly in the field.

 

18" (8/1/08): The sharp light cut-off (dust lane) was evident, running along the west side of the galaxy, and the outer halo had subtle structure and variations in brightness that suggested spiral structure.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): very bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 9'x2.5', very bright elongated core, substellar nucleus.  The west side has a sharper edge due to dust.  Four (background) companions are close following with the brightest three NGC 7335 3.5' ENE, NGC 7337 5.2' SE, NGC 7336 5.3' NE and NGC 7340 8.1' E of center.  Stephan's Quintet lies 30' SSW.  NGC 7331 is the brightest in a small group including NGC 7320 (in Stephan's Quintet).

 

8" (8/28/81): very bright, large, nucleus bulge, very elongated.  Two extremely faint companions to the east are just visible.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7331 = H I-53 = h2172 on 6 Sep 1784 (sweep 258) and recorded "pB, cL, E, lbM."  His position is 10' too far south-southeast.  On 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 269), he noted "vB, cL, mE, mbM, r." JH reported "vB; pL; smbM; E 70” np to sf; 90" l, 30" br.  If I. 53, the working list 9' out in PD [it is]."

 

George Stoney, LdR's assistant on 17 Aug 1849, logged "the preceding edge is well defined [dust lane] and Nucl near it.  I strongly suspected an eF branch [spiral arm] from south end round following and north and then preceding of preceding edge."  A month later he confirmed "appendage preceding certain, following branch suspected, 4 knots [companions] following, one preceding seen by Lord R to consist of 4 or 5 stars [wrong]."  The sketch on Plate XXX, fig 39, clearly shows the dust lane along the major axis.

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NGC 7332 = UGC 12115 = MCG +04-53-008 = CGCG 474-012 = Holm 796a = PGC 69342

22 37 24.5 +23 47 54; Peg

V = 11.1;  Size 4.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 155”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, well-defined very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' SSE of center, collinear with the major axis.  Forms a striking pair of edge-on systems with NGC 7339 5.2' E!

 

8" (7/24/82): fairly bright, small bright nucleus, edge-on NNW-SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 7339 5' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7332 = H II-233 = h2173, along with NGC 7339, on 19 Sep 1784 (sweep 278) and recorded "pB, E, easily resolvable.  I can distinguish one or two stars."  On 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 302) he reported "B, lE, the direction nearly in the parallel [N-S]." John Herschel's first observation (sweep 166) reads, "B; S; mE in pos = 163” by microm; vsmbM to a * 11m."

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NGC 7333

22 37 11.6 +34 26 14; Peg

 

17.5" (10/17/98): extremely close double star just 2.0' NE of the center of NGC 7331.  At 220x it appeared as a single mag 15 star 40" following a mag 13.5-14 star.  This star is on a line between NGC 7335 and the core of NGC 7331.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7333 = Nova IX on 20 Sep 1865 while observing NGC 7331 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  His micrometric position matches an extremely close double star (less than 2" separation) situated 2' northeast of the center of NGC 7331.  The components are just distinguishable on the SDSS.  Karl Reinmuth reported this object as a "nebulous *15, *14 p 0.7'.", based on a Heidelberg plate.  Dorothy Carlson classified it as a double star (misinterpreting Reinmuth's description) in her 1940 paper on NGC errata.  I discussed NGC 7333 in my article on the identifications in the NGC 7331 group in Deep Sky magazine.

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NGC 7334 = NGC 7322 = ESO 405-033 = MCG -06-49-010 = PGC 69365

22 37 51.5 -37 13 52; Gru

 

See observing notes for NGC 7322.

 

John Herschel found NGC 7334 = h3950 on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "eeF; barely, but certainly seen."  A note was added "the observation makes the RA 29 min 6.5 sec [instead of 28 min], and as the PD fails of a perfect agreement [with his previously two observations of h3950 = NGC 7322], it is not impossible that this may be a different nebula."  In the Cape catalogue, all three observations of this galaxy were listed under the single entry h3950, but he included a second entry in the GC at the wrong position, which became NGC 7334.  So, NGC 7322 = NGC 7334, with a 1 minute error in RA.

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NGC 7335 = UGC 12116 = MCG +06-49-047 = CGCG 514-069 = Holm 795c = PGC 69338

22 37 19.4 +34 26 52; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 151”

 

48" (10/24/14): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated nearly 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.35'.  Contains a very bright core.

 

24" (7/21/12): at 322x was moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~50"x20", relatively large bright oval core that gradually increases to the center.  This is the brightest of the four "companions" to NGC 7331 with the faintest galaxy, NGC 7336, situated 2.1' NNE.  The quartet is actually far in the background (8x the redshift) of NGC 7331, at a similar redshift as Stephan's Quintet with the exception for NGC 7320, which has a similar redshift as NGC 7331.

 

18" (8/1/08): at 280x appeared fairly faint or moderately bright, very elongated nearly 3:1 NNW-SSE, well concentrated with a small, bright elongated core.  With averted vision increases in size to 1.2'x0.35'.  This is easily the brightest of four companions on the east side of NGC 7331.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 225x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, contains a bright core which increases to a faint stellar nucleus, ~0.8'x0.35', though increases in size with averted vision to 1.0'x0.4'.  Brightest of four companions on the following side of NGC 7331.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, bright core, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, small bright core.  This is the brightest and largest of the four following companions of NGC 7331 located 3.5' ENE of center.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' NE.  Extremely faint NGC 7336 is 2.1' NNE.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, bright core, very elongated NNW-SSE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): easily the brightest and largest of the companions to NGC 7331.  Fairly faint but easily visible with direct vision at 220x, gradually increases to center, elongated NNW-SSE.

 

13.1" (7/27/84): fairly faint, elongated NNW-SSE, broad concentration.  Located 3.6' E of the center of NGC 7331.  Extremely faint NGC 7336 is 2' NNE.

 

8" (8/28/81): extremely faint, very small, requires averted.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7335 = H III-166 = h2174 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 269) he recorded "eF, vS, E, between 4 & 5' distant from the former [NGC 7331] and north following it." JH reported this galaxy as "eF; it is nf from I. 53 [NGC 7331]; pos by micrometer = 61.8”; Delta RA = 14.5 seconds."

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NGC 7336 = MCG +06-49-049 = Holm 795j = PGC 69337

22 37 21.9 +34 28 54; Peg

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

48" (10/29/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, very small brighter core.  Faintest of the four galaxies to the east of NGC 7331.

 

48" (10/24/14): at 488x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.3', contains a small bright core.  Located 2' N of NGC 7335.

 

24" (7/21/12): at 322x the faintest of the four "companions" to NGC 7331 appeared faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 20"x14", small brighter core.  Situated 2.1' NNE of NGC 7335 (brightest of the quartet).  A mag 13.5 star is 1' S, between the two galaxies.

 

18" (8/1/08): at 283x appeared very faint but visible steadily with averted vision, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" in size.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 225x appears extremely faint, very small, roundish.  At times only a 10" core was visible but with concentrated viewing an extended halo was visible increasing the size to 20"x10".  Located 2' NNE of NGC 7335 and faintest of the quartet.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): very faint, very small, elongated, visible steadily.  Located 1' NNW of a mag 14 star.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): Can just be held continuously with averted vision, elongated ~N-S.  Faintest of the 4 galaxies on the east side of NGC 7331.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Just visible with constant direct vision at 200x (10mm Clave). A mag 14 star is 1.0' SSE of center.  This is the faintest of four companions of NGC 7331 and is located 2.1' NNE of NGC 7335.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 7336, along with NGC 7337 and 7340, on 10 Sep 1849 and noted "4 knots following [NGC 7331]."  A diagram was made 2 nights later and NGC 7336 was labeled "C".

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NGC 7337 = UGC 12120 = MCG +06-49-050 = CGCG 514-071 = Holm 795b = PGC 69344

22 37 26.6 +34 22 27; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

48" (10/24/14 and 10/27/19): moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, ~0.5'x0.4'.  It was difficult to estimate the size of halo due to the superimposed star (just 8" SE of center!) and the low surface brightness outer halo faded into the background. Contains a very small bright core and stellar nucleus within a fairly low contrast "bar" extending N-S.

 

24" (7/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, round, though a mag 14 star on the east side of the core of the galaxy distracts from a clean view.  Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core ~10" diameter and a much fainter halo ~25" diameter.

 

18" (8/1/08): faint or fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.4'x0.25'.  A mag 14.5 star on the east side confuses the view.  Located 5' SE of NGC 7331.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 322x appears faint, very small, round, ~20" diameter.  The observation is confused by a mag 14 star that is attached on the southeast side and the galaxy appears to bulge out from the star towards the NW.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated.  A mag 14-14.5 star attached at the SE end just 9" from the center confuses the observation as the galaxy appears like a close double.  Located 5.2' SE of the center of NGC 7331 in a group of four faint companions.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): faint, very small, round, star attached at SE end.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is superimposed at the SE side.  This is the third faintest of the four companions to NGC 7331 and is located 5' SE of the center of NGC 7331.  NGC 7340 is 4' NE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 7337, along with NGC 7336 and 7340, on 10 Sep 1849 and noted "4 knots following [NGC 7331]."  A diagram was made 2 nights later and NGC 7337 was labeled "E".  Despite an accurate position, NGC 7337 was reported in the 1908 Catalogue of new nebulae and clusters found on plates taken with the Crossley reflector, generally of bright nearby galaxies [NGC 7331 in this case].  The plates were taken by Keeler in 1898-00 and this galaxy was recorded as #716 out of 744.

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NGC 7338 = ?

22 37 31.7 +34 24 51; Peg

 

17.5" (10/17/98): at 220x, a single mag 14 star was clearly visible at this position.  A fainter companion ~12" preceding was not seen at 280x or 380x.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7338, along with NGC 7327, in 1882 with the 11" refractor near Florence and reported in the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439).  No position was given but NGC 7338 was noted as located "between the four brighter companions following [NGC 7331], closer to the southern two [NGC 7337 and 7340]."  There are no additional galaxies he might have seen, so this number probably refers to a single or double star.  Harold Corwin suggest NGC 7338 is probably the faint double star about 3' southeast of NGC 7335, which forms an isosceles triangle with NGC 7337 and 7340.  The identifications in the NGC 7331 group are discussed in my Deep Sky magazine article for Fall 1986.

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NGC 7339 = UGC 12122 = MCG +04-53-009 = CGCG 474-013 = Holm 796b = PGC 69364

22 37 46.9 +23 47 12; Peg

V = 12.2;  Size 3.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 93”

 

24" (6/14/15): bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 2.2'x0.4', large bright core, slightly mottled appearance.  The north edge of the central region had a sharper light cut-off (apparently due to dust) and a very low surface brightness glow was visible just beyond this edge.  A mag 14.6 star is 1.6' WSW and a mag 15.4 star is 1.4' NW of center.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): moderately bright, thin edge-on 5:1 E-W, brighter core but no sharp nucleus.  Forms a striking pair with edge-on NGC 7332 5.2' W.

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, very elongated ~E-W.  Aligned nearly perpendicular to NGC 7332 5' WNW and has a similar size.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7339 = H II-234 = h2175, along with NGC 7332, on 19 Sep 1784 (sweep 278) and recorded "F, E, r, the direction of the extent different from that of the foregoing [NGC 7332]."  On 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 302) he reported "E of the size of the foregoing [NGC 7332], and the extension in a different direction, almost at rectangles to the former; the direction nearly in the parallel, about 1 1/2' in length." On sweep 290, John Herschel recorded "vF; mE in parallel; 60" l; the following of two [with NGC 7332] and a third suspected."  There is no other nearby third object, so perhaps he glimpsed a very faint star.

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NGC 7340 = MCG +06-49-052 = CGCG 514-075 = Holm 795e = PGC 69362

22 37 44.2 +34 24 36; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

48" (10/24/14): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 35"x25", sharply concentrated with a bright core and sharp stellar nucleus.

 

24" (7/21/12): moderately bright at 322x, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.5'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that increases to the center.  Second brightest of the four "companions" to NGC 7331.  Collinear with a mag 11 star 1.8' NNW and a mag 10.3 star 3.6' NNW.

 

18" (8/1/08): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', very faint stellar nucleus.  Collinear with two bright stars 1.8' NNW and 3.6' NNW.

 

18" (7/19/04): at 322x appears fairly faint, small, round, 25"-30" diameter, broad concentration to a brighter core.  This is the second most prominent galaxy of the quartet following NGC 7331.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  This is the last of four galaxies following NGC 7331 and lies 8.1' E of center.  Nearby are NGC 7337 4.2' SW and NGC 7335 5.6' NW.  Collinear with two 10 stars 1.8' NNW and 3.6' NNW.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, small, round, bright core.  Second brightest of four faint companions of NGC 7331.

 

8" (8/28/81): extremely faint, very small, requires averted.

 

George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 7340, along with NGC 7336 and 7337, on 10 Sep 1849 and noted "4 knots following [NGC 7331]."  A diagram was made 2 nights later and NGC 7340 was labeled "D".

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NGC 7341 = ESO 534-011 = MCG -04-53-027 = PGC 69412

22 39 05.1 -22 39 55; Aqr

V = 12.4;  Size 2.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 94”

 

17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration.  Located just 2' SSW mag 8.3 SAO 191299.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7341 = LM 1-255 on 20 Jul 1885 and recorded "pF; pS; E; lbM."  His rough position (the nearest min of RA is marked as uncertain) is coincidentally just 2' south of ESO 534-011 = PGC 69412.  Ormond Stone later published an accurate micrometric position in the "Southern Nebulae" publication (repeated in the IC 1 Notes section).

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NGC 7342 = UGC 12126 = MCG +06-49-054 = CGCG 514-076 = WBL 685-001 = PGC 69374

22 38 13.1 +35 29 56; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration to a small slightly brighter core.  Overall, the surface brightness is pretty low.  A mag 14 star is attached at the west side.  Located 10.7' NNW of UGC 12127 in a group of faint galaxies including NGC 7345 7' ENE.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is at the west edge 25" from the center.  Member of the UGC 12127 group with NGC 7345 6.9' ENE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7342 = St IV-14, along with NGC 7345, on 11 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7343 = UGC 12129 = MCG +06-49-059 = CGCG 514-082 = PGC 69391

22 38 37.9 +34 04 17; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

18" (8/1/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3, 0.6'x0.45', weak concentration.  Located 28' SE of NGC 7331.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 7343 = Sf 53 = St VIIIa-23 on 14 Sep 1866.  Safford's position is 5' too far south and 7 sec of RA too large.  His discovery wasn't published until 1887 (just a position with no description), too late to be credited in the NGC.  ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered this galaxy a decade later on 26 Sep 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate and Stephen was credited in the GC Supplement (6072) and NGC.

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NGC 7344 = MCG -01-57-020 = PGC 69433

22 39 36.2 -37 16 32; Aqr

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, almost even surface brightness.  Either a faint knot is at the north edge or an extremely faint star is superimposed.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7344 = m 489 on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "pF, vS, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7345 = UGC 12130 = MCG +06-49-064 = CGCG 514-083 = WBL 685-005 = PGC 69401

22 38 44.8 +35 32 26; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 39”

 

24" (8/31/16): moderately bright and large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.15', relatively large bright core, the extensions taper at the tips.  A mag 9.6 star is 1.8' S.  Furthest north in the UGC 12127 Group (WBL 685) with NGC 7342 7' SW and CGCG 514-087 6.8' SSE.  The latter galaxy is fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, gradually increases to a small, brighter nucleus.

 

18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, thin edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.15', very small brighter core.  Situated just north of a small group of stars highlighted by a mag 9.6 star 1.7' S.  NGC 7342 lies 7' WSW and CGCG 514-087 is 7' SSE.

 

CGCG 514-087 is very faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter.  Contains a slightly brighter 5" core and faint stellar nucleus with direct vision at 300x.  Located just south of a line connecting two mag 12.5/15 stars oriented E-W and 9' NE of UGC 12127.

 

17.5" (8/12/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, bright core.  A mag 10.5 star is 2' S.  Located 6.9' ENE of NGC 7342 in the UGC 12127 group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7345 = St IV-15, along with NGC 7342, on 11 Sep 1872.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7346 = CGCG 429-017 = PGC 69430

22 39 35.4 +11 05 00; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Pair with NGC 7347 6.1' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7346 = m 490 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate (to within 30").

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NGC 7347 = UGC 12136 = MCG +02-57-009 = CGCG 429-019 = PGC 69443

22 39 56.2 +11 01 39; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Pair with NGC 7346 6.1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7347 = h2176 on 9 Oct 1830 and recorded "eF; pL; 60" l, 30" br; a certain observation."  His position and description is a good match with UGC 12136.  On 28 Sep 1875, Dreyer recorded "eF; vmE 130”, vlbM, perhaps a little curved [like an integral sign]."

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NGC 7348 = UGC 12142 = MCG +02-57-010 = CGCG 429-020 = PGC 69463

22 40 36.3 +11 54 22; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 12”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, small, elongated, very diffuse, low surface brightness.  Appears fainter than V = 13.8.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7348 = m 491, along with NGC 7350 and 7353, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, pL, irr R."  His position is accurate, though NGC 7350 and NGC 7353 have uncertain identifications.

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NGC 7349 = ESO 603-004 = MCG -04-53-029 = PGC 69488

22 41 14.8 -21 47 48; Aqr

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 166”

 

17.5" (10/30/99): this was a marginal object from Pacheco State Park and appeared extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S.  Required averted vision and could hold for more than a few seconds at a time at 220x and 280x.  Forms the southern vertex of a small triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.7' NE and 2.3' NW.  Located 5' N of a mag 10.5 star.

 

17.5" (10/25/97): not found at 220x and 280x although examined exact position using GSC chart.  The seeing was fairly poor and observed early in evening before mirror had reached thermal equilibrium.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7349 = LM 2-469 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He recorded "mag 15.0 (nucleus), 0.3'x0.1' in position angle 175”, binuclear; double."  There is nothing at his position but one degree north is ESO 603-004 = PGC 69488, which is identified as NGC 7349 in ESO and the Southern Galaxy Catalogue, but not the MCG.  Although Muller's declination is considerably off, his position angle is accurate and provides a reliable check.  Harold Corwin concurs with this identification.

 

The RNGC misidentifies MCG -04-53-036 as NGC 7349.  This galaxy is 3.3 minutes of RA east and 8' south of Muller's place.  Neither galaxy is close to the original position, but the ESO galaxy is a better fit with the visual description.  This number was discussed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 7350

22 40 48.5 +12 00 23; Peg

 

= **?, Corwin (or triple star).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7350 = m 492, along with NGC 7348 and 7353, on 7 Aug 1864 and simply noted "vF".  There is nothing near his position, despite the fact that NGC 7348 was accurately placed.  Dorothy Carlson equates this number with a star (repeated in the RNGC).  Harold Corwin tentatively identifies this number as a double or triple star at this position.  DSS shows a close pair with a much wider third component.  See his notes for further investigation of this number.

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NGC 7351 = MCG -01-57-022 = PGC 69489

22 41 26.9 -04 26 41; Aqr

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  This galaxy has a high surface brightness with a large prominent central region and a small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7351 = St IX-30 = Sw. II-92 on 3 Oct 1878.  Stephan's micrometric position is very accurate.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 18 Nov 1884 and noted "vF; pS; R."  Swift's RA was 19 seconds too small.  Herbert Howe commented in his series of NGC observations that "Swift calls this 'round', but to me it appeared much elongated at 180” [N-S]." Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.

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NGC 7352

22 39 46 +57 23 18; Cep

 

18" (9/24/05): at John Herschel's position is just a undistinguished scattered star field surrounding mag 8.5 HD 214833, set within a rich, low power Milky Way field.  Perhaps 50 stars are visible within a 15' circle, though the borders are pretty arbitrary.  There are no rich subgroupings although the background contains some unresolved Milky Way background glow.  This field does not appear to be eye-catching enough to be mentioned by Herschel, but apparently it was.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7352 = h2177 on 24 Sep 1829 and recorded "A star 9-10m, the chief of a p rich, vL, very coarse cluster."  His position corresponds with mag 8.5 HD 214833.  Based on its photographic appearance, Karl Reinmuth described this object as "a very dense region, Cl not well defined."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's identification notes for an alternative identification.

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NGC 7353 = PGC 85285

22 42 12.5 +11 52 38; Peg

 

17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Can barely hold continuously with averted vision at 220x once identified using GSC chart.  Forms the NE corner of a nearly perfect rhombus with sides 2.7' with three mag 12-14 stars.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7353 = m 493 on 7 Aug 1864 and simply noted "eF".  There is nothing near his discovery position of 22 41 24 +11 56 (2000).  RNGC and RC3 misidentify UGC 12134 as NGC 7353.  This galaxy is 1.8 minutes of time west of Marth's position and also 10' south. This error was given in my RNGC Corrections #2.

 

Harold Corwin suggests KUG 2239+116 = PGC 85285 as NGC 7353.  This galaxy is 49 seconds east and 3' south (11' ESE) of Marth's position.  Although closer to his position, this is still implies a large positional error, so the identification is very uncertain.  There is no listing for NGC 7353 in MCG, CGCG or RC3 or Reinmuth's photographic survey.

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NGC 7354 = PK 107+2.1 = PN G107.8+02.3

22 40 19.8 +61 17 06; Cep

V = 12.2;  Size 28"x20"

 

24" (8/30/16): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~25"x20".  The rim is brighter along the southeast side and very slightly brighter along the northwest side.  The rim dims on the northeast side.  A mag 14 star is 0.5' SW, a mag 14-14.5 star is 0.8' W and a mag 15 star is 0.7' NW.  At 500x, the planetary clearly has a mottled appearance with what appears to be several very small brighter spots that wink in and out.

 

18" (8/17/04): at 225x, moderately bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter.  A mag 14 star is just off the SW edge with a mag 14.5 star a bit further west.  At 435x appears slightly brighter along portions of the rim, particularly along the SE side.

 

17.5" (11/6/99): a fairly bright, 25" disc is visible at 100x with one or two stars very close.  At 280x, the PN is slightly elongated E-W, ~25"x20".  A mag 14 star is close off the SW edge, 30" from center and a mag 14.5 star is 0.6' due west.  At 380x, a mag 15-15.5 star is 0.6' WNW.  In addition, the surface brightness is noticeably irregular with hints of brighter areas.

 

13.1" (7/12/86): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is just off the SW edge.  Pretty with a UHC filter at 166x, estimate V = 12.0.  Takes high power without a filter.

 

8": faint, small, round, but easily visible at 100x or higher and takes 200x. Very faint star is at the SW edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7354 = H II-705 = h2178 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "pB, S, irr R, er, almost of an equal light throughout."  JH noted it was "B enough to be noticed and caught in sweeping in full moonlight, with the moon on meridian; pgbM; R; no nucleus seen."  NGC 7354 was the most northerly object observed with the Lord Rosse's 72", culminating 8” beyond the zenith.

 

Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "a somewhat irregular oval ring, fading out at each end, 22"x18" in p.a. 27”.  Outside this is a ring or disk of much fainter matter, rather more circular in form and 32" across from east to west.  This outer portion likewise is fainter at the ends of the major axis, and shows brighter streaks at the east and west edges."

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NGC 7355 = ESO 406-006 = AM 2240-370 = PGC 69587

22 43 30.4 -36 51 57; Gru

V = 14.3;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 43”

 

17.5" (8/26/00): at 220x, this was a marginal sighting as it appeared to pop into view a few times momentarily and I had the impression it was elongated.  Forms the north vertex of a small equilateral triangle with two mag 15 stars ~1.5' SW and SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7355 = h3952 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eeF; vS; R: a double star follows about 40 seconds on the parallel [east]."  There is nothing near his position, but Harold Corwin notes that exactly 1” north is ESO 406-006  = PGC 69587 and his description applies (a 30" pair follows by 40 seconds of time).  RNGC misses this identification and classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 7356 = UGC 12159 = MCG +05-53-010 = CGCG 495-014 = PGC 69530

22 42 02.3 +30 42 32; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 76”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE.  A mag 14 star is at the edge 32" SSE from center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7356 = St XIII-94 on 4 Oct 1883 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; weak gradual concentration; *13 attached to southeast."  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7357 = UGC 12162 = MCG +05-53-011 = CGCG 495-016 = PGC 69544

22 42 23.9 +30 10 17; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14 star is just off the NW edge 25" from center.  View severely hampered by Eta Pegasi (V = 2.9) located 8' NE!

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7357 = St XIII-95 on 26 Sep 1883 and recorded "vF; eS; vF * inv."  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7358 = ESO 109-018 = LGG 462-005 = PGC 69664

22 45 36.4 -65 07 19; Tuc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 176”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus.  A collinear trio of stars passes just north of the galaxy with the closest mag 13.5 star 0.8' NE.  Also a mag 13.8 star is 1.5' WSW.  Located 11' SW of the brighter double system IC 5250 in a group containing several IC galaxies.  IC 5247 lies 12' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7358 = h3953 on 20 Jul 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"."  His position is accurate though he missed IC 5250 11.6' WNW, which is brighter than NGC 7358 and found earlier by Dunlop (D 255).

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NGC 7359 = ESO 534-022 = MCG -04-53-034 = LGG 463-002 = PGC 69638

22 44 48.0 -23 41 17; Aqr

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated, sharp concentration, bright core.  Located 7' NE of mag 8.5 HD 215298.  Unusual appearance as bright core dominates with very thin and faint extensions 4:1 SW-NE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7359 = LM 1-256 on 14 Jul 1885 and reported "pF; vS; pmE; bMN."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA too far west and the description fits. Ormond Stone's corrected micrometric position (in the IC 1 Notes) is incorrect as he misidentified the comparison star.  Herbert Howe finally measured an accurate position in 1898-99 with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.

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NGC 7360 = UGC 12167 = MCG +01-58-001 = CGCG 404-036 = CGCG 405-002 = PGC 69591

22 43 34.0 +04 09 04; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, slightly fainter than NGC 7367 34' SE.  Located 16' NNW of mag 7.6 SAO 27714.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7360 = m 494 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7361 = ESO 468-023 = MCG -05-53-027 = UGCA 434 = AM 2239-301 = IC 5237 = PGC 69539

22 42 18.1 -30 03 24; PsA

V = 12.3;  Size 3.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 5”

 

13.1" (9/22/84): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, very elongated 3:1 N-S.  A faint star is off the south end.  Located 5.4' ESE of mag 7.8 SAO 214019.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7361 = h3954 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; pL; vmE in meridian [N-S]; vgvlbM."  There is nothing near his position, but exactly 2.0 min of RA west is ESO 468-023 = PGC 69539 and his description applies.  Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 19 Jul 1897 at Echo Mountain and reported Sw. XII-40 (later IC 5237) as "eeeF; eeeS; eeeE; eee dif; a line.  8m * np."  Swift's position was also 2.4 minutes of time too small, but the description fits!  At age 77 Swift's positions were often very poor and he wasn't careful in checking prior discoveries, so the identification IC 5237 = NGC 7361 is nearly certain.

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NGC 7362 = UGC 12171 = MCG +01-58-002 = CGCG 405-003 = PGC 69602

22 43 49.3 +08 42 20; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, brighter core.  An anonymous galaxy is 4' S.  There are several very faint companions on the POSS.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7362 = Sw. IV-85 on 2 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R; lbM."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7363 = MCG +06-49-078 = CGCG 514-102 = LGG 459-004 = PGC 69580

22 43 18.4 +33 59 56; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, fairly small, irregularly round.  A faint star mag 15 is involved at the SE side 17" from center and a second mag 15 star is off the east end.  UGC 12179 lies 22' E.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7363 on 27 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position is accurate and he mentioned a (wide) pair (~40") follows by 15 seconds and 1 1/2' north.

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NGC 7364 = UGC 12174 = MCG +00-58-001 = CGCG 379-002 = PGC 69630

22 44 24.4 -00 09 43; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 65”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, round, large brighter core surrounded by much fainter halo.  Located 30' SE of two mag 7 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7364 = H II-442 = h2179 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 447) and logged "eF, S, r.  240 confirmed it."  JH made two observations, first logging it on 12 Sep 1830 as "vF; S; R; psbM; 15"."

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NGC 7365 = ESO 603-010 = MCG -03-58-001 = LGG 463-005 = PGC 69651

22 45 10.0 -19 57 07; Aqr

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 34”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): moderately bright, small, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.9' NE and a mag 12 star 4.3' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7365 = LM 1-257 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.5; eS; R; gbMN; * 11 nf 4.0'."  His rough position (nearest min) was fairly accurate and a mag 12 star is 3' northeast.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7366 = MCG +02-58-004 = PGC 69629

22 44 26.6 +10 46 53; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

17.5" (8/4/97): extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very weak concentration.  Initially, I had a difficult time locating this object, but once identified could hold continuously with averted vision.  Located 2' WSW of a nice pair of mag 12/12.5 stars [25" separation] oriented N-S.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): not found.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7366 = m 495 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, S, stellar."  His position is 1' northwest of PGC 69629.

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NGC 7367 = UGC 12175 = MCG +00-58-002 = CGCG 379-003 = PGC 69633

22 44 34.4 +03 38 47; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, edge-on WNW-ESE.  A faint star is just off the east edge [19" ESE of center].  Located 12' WSW of mag 8.0 SAO 127735.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): similar appearance to observation of 8/31/86 but second very faint star suspected.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7367 = m 496 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS, irr. R, stell."  His position is less than 1' south of UGC 12175.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy a year later (30 Aug 1865) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted a faint double star followed by 16.5 seconds of time.

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NGC 7368 = ESO 345-049 = MCG -07-46-010 = LGG 461-002 = PGC 69661

22 45 31.4 -39 20 26; Gru

V = 12.3;  Size 3.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (7/20/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'.  No concentration though viewed hampered by the very low elevation.  In good moments, appears up to 1.5'x0.5' in size.  Forms an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 3.5' S and 3.5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7368 = h3955 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "F; lE; glbM; 30" length."

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NGC 7369 = MCG +06-49-080 = CGCG 514-105 = CGCG 515-002 = IV Zw 113 = PGC 69619

22 44 12.3 +34 21 04; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, small, round.  Located between two mag 14 stars 0.7' SSW and 0.9' NE of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7369 on 29 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He measured an accurate micrometric position on two nights and mentioned this object was between two stars of mag 14 and 15.

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NGC 7370 = PGC 69662

22 45 37.2 +11 03 28; Peg

V = 15.3;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 1.9' NNE.  On a line with NGC 7372 4.9' NNE and mag 7.5 SAO 108159 9.5' NNE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7370 = m 497, along with NGC 7372, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 7371 = MCG -02-58-001 = PGC 69677

22 46 03.7 -11 00 04; Aqr

V = 11.5;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  Located 10' N of mag 6.6 SAO 165285.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7371 = H II-477 = h2180 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "pB; pL; iR; lbM."  JH made 5 observations, first reporting it on 9 Sep 1825 (sweep 9) as "F; R; 1' diam; no other near."

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NGC 7372 = MCG +02-58-005 = CGCG 430-004 = PGC 69670

22 45 46.0 +11 07 51; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, slightly brighter core.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, round, diffuse, very weakly concentrated core.  Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.5 SAO 108159 that detracts from viewing.  Pair with NGC 7370 4.9' SSW and MCG +02-58-009 is 13' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7372 = m 498, along with NGC 7370, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, irr R."  His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 7373 = CGCG 379-004 = PGC 69688

22 46 19.4 +03 12 36; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, round, increases to bright core with a sharp stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7373 = m 499 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "F, vS, bM, stellar."  His RA is 12 seconds too small.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Aug 1890.

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NGC 7374 = (R)NGC 7374A = MCG +02-58-007 = CGCG 430-006 = Holm 798a = PGC 69676

22 46 01.0 +10 51 13; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 177”

 

24" (7/29/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, broad weak concentration, ~30"x24".  Forms a close pair with virtually stellar IC 1452 [centers separated by 56"].  The companion was faint, but extremely compact (core only seen), so has a high surface brightness.  On a later observation (10/1/16), a very small halo (~6"-8") was visible using averted vision only.  This pair is is situated on the southwest end of ZwCl 2247.3+1107 (distance ~360 million l.y).  The core of the cluster contains NGC 7385 and 7386 and lies 1.2” NE.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Forms a close pair with IC 1452 = NGC 7374B just 1' NNW.  IC 1452 appeared very faint, extremely small, round.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, round, a mag 14 star is 30" N.  Forms a double system with IC 1452 = CGCG 430-005 57" NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7374 = m 500 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, pL, R."   Marth's position is less than 1' north of CGCG 430-006 = PGC 69676. He missed the fainter companion (IC 1452) that was discovered by Bigourdan.

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NGC 7375 = MCG +03-58-003 = CGCG 453-007 = PGC 69695

22 46 32.0 +21 05 01; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small or stellar nucleus.

 

Truman Safford discovered NGC 7375 = Sf 57 = Sw. IV-86 on 1 Oct 1866 with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "vS, R, bM, N = 13m."  Lewis Swift independently rediscovered the galaxy on 2 Sep 1886. Swift's position is 12 seconds of RA west of CGCG 453-007 = PGC 69695 and his comment "forms equilateral triangle with 2 st, one the brighter" applies. Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 5 Oct 1888 (Comptes Rendus, 22 Jul 1901).

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NGC 7376 = CGCG 379-006 = PGC 69715

22 47 17.4 +03 38 44; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, small, round, diffuse.  A mag 14 star is very close off the north edge 0.8' N of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7376 = m 501 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS, R."  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 7377 = ESO 534-026 = MCG -04-53-038 = LGG 463-004 = PGC 69733

22 47 47.4 -22 18 38; Aqr

V = 11.1;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 101”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1' diameter, gradually increases to a small bright core.  A group of stars lies south and mag 8.5 SAO 191412 is 11' N. 

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, round, diffuse.  Two mag 9 stars 6' NNW and 10' N are aligned N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7377 = H II-598 = h2181 on 13 Oct 1786 (sweep 609) and recorded "pB, pL, iR, vgmbM."  The observation was using the "front-view" configuration (adopted as the primary method after earlier experiments) at the edge of his tube, bypassing the need for a secondary.  John Herschel made three additional observations.

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NGC 7378 = MCG -02-58-005 = PGC 69734

22 47 47.7 -11 49 00; Aqr

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, large brighter center.  Located 3.6' WNW of mag 8.5 SAO 165304.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7378 = T III-1 = T IV-10 on 19 Sep 1879 and first reported it the narrative part of his third paper (AN 2284).  His micrometric position in AN 2347 is accurate.

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NGC 7379 = UGC 12187 = MCG +07-46-018 = CGCG 531-013 = PGC 69724

22 47 33.0 +40 14 20; Lac

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (7/28/92): faint, small, round, broad weak concentration.  Collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 20" SE and 1.5' SE.  Previously observed UGC 12188 22'S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7379 = St VIIIa-24 on 22 Sep 1876 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; lbM."  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7380 = Sh 2-142 = LBN 511 = Ced 206 = Cr 452 = Wizard Nebula

22 47 21 +58 07 54; Cep

V = 7.2;  Size 30'x20'

 

17.5" (10/30/99): at 100x with an OIII and UHC filter appears as a bright triangular-shaped nebulosity (Sh 2-142), 8'-10' diameter, superimposed on a rich cluster of stars (NGC 7380) within a rich Milky Way field.  The brightest member, mag 8.5 DH Cep, a very rare spectroscopic eclipsing pair of massive O5.5/O6.5-type stars, is at the west vertex. Also a wide strip of nebulosity is attached near the southeast vertex and extends to the southwest.  A dark band appears to separate this strip from the triangular patch. The surrounding region appears weakly nebulous and the "edge" can be traced with some certainty further the north.  DH Cep is the main ionizing source of the nebula.

 

17.5" (7/31/92): at 100x, about 40 stars in a 10' diameter.  The brighter stars form a "V" or chevron pattern.  The brightest star is at the west tip of the "V" and is an unequal double mag 8.6/13.  The cluster appears to be encased in nebulosity especially from the mag 8.6 star to the star at the east tip of the "V".  Using an OIII filter the nebulosity is quite prominent with some structure and encases the entire cluster.  A lane of nebulosity oriented SW-NE extends beyond the cluster from the star at the east end of the "V" and nebulosity also extends west of the mag 8.6 star.  The double star O·480 = 7.6/8.6 at 30" is in the field to the west.

 

13" (10/26/80): ~30-35 stars in a triangular outline, 10'-12' in diameter but not rich.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 7380 = H VIII-77 = h2182 on 7 Aug 1787 with her 4.2" comet-sweeper reflector.  William rediscovered it on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 876) as "a Cl of coarsely scattered stars 7' or 8' diameter."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel called it "a L, p rich, v coarse cl of stars 9.10 m and below."  On a second sweep he noted "A double star, the chief of a fine, p rich, L cluster, 10' dia; stars 9...13m."

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NGC 7381 = ESO 603-017 = MCG -03-58-007a = PGC 69828

22 50 08.2 -19 43 30; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (9/23/95): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 40"x30", very little concentration.  Can hold steadily with averted once identified.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7381 = LM 1-258 on 9 Oct 1885 and recorded "eF; vS; R; gbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 minutes of time too small and 2' of dec too small.

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NGC 7382 = ESO 406-015 = MCG -06-50-005 = PGC 69840

22 50 23.9 -36 51 26; Gru

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 109”

 

17.5" (8/4/97): very faint, very elongated, ~1.0'x0.3', no concentration.  View hampered by the low elevation in the sky.  Has an unusual appearance as a mag 12 star is attached at the NW edge [0.6' from center] and the elongated ghostly galaxy appears to hang from the star towards the SE!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7382 = h3956 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; R: appended (sf 45”, dist 30") to a * 12m; place taken that of the star."

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NGC 7383 = MCG +02-58-014 = CGCG 430-012 = WBL 688-001 = PGC 69809

22 49 35.6 +11 33 23; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, gradually increases to center but no well defined core or nucleus.  Located 5.6' SW of NGC 7385, the brightest member of the group (WBL 688) of 6 NGC galaxies.  PGC 69819 (misidentified as NGC 7385 in the RNGC) lies 2.5' E.  It appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, small, irregularly round, ~25" diameter, very small slightly brighter core.  First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies (brightest member NGC 7385). PGC 69819, just 2.5' E, appeared extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  Located 5.6' SW of NGC 7385 in a group.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 7383, along with NGC 7387 and 7389, on 27 Nov 1850.  It was labeled Beta on the diagram of the group and placed it 5.5' southwest (PA = 235”) of NGC 7385.  In 1875 Dreyer called it "vF, vS, R, south of 3 stars nearly in a line of which the middle one is in Pos 333.9” at 146.6"."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 19 Sep 1862 and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7384

22 49 42.6 +11 29 15; Peg

V = 15.7

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; continuously visible mag 15.7 star situated 4.5' SSE of NGC 7383.  It forms the northern vertex of a small triangle with a mag 11.7 star 1.0' SSW and a mag 14 star 40" SE.  RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 69819 as NGC 7384.  This galaxy, situated 2.5' E of NGC 7383, appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

 

18" (10/21/06): PGC 69819 is extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter, requires averted to glimpse and faintest member of the NGC 7385 group.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): PGC 69819 is extremely faint, very small, round.  The faintest member of the NGC 7385 group is located 4.0' SW of NGC 7385 and 2.5' E of NGC 7383.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 7384 in the RNGC and PGC although the number more likely applies to a faint star at Lord Rosse's position.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 7384 on 27 Nov 1850 in an observation of NGC 7385/7386 group.  It was placed southeast of NGC 7383 on the diagram of the cluster but not labeled.  Offsets were measured four other nebulae, but not to NGC 7384.  Dreyer's comment "5' nf 7383" in the NGC is incorrect.

 

RNGC, PGC and SIMBAD misidentify PGC 69819 (due east of NGC 7383) as NGC 7384.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 7384 with a star (position given here) about 5' southeast of NGC 7383, although there are several other nearby stars that may as well be Stoney's star.

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NGC 7385 = UGC 12207 = MCG +02-58-017 = CGCG 430-015 = WBL 688-002 = PGC 69824

22 49 54.7 +11 36 30; Peg

V = 12.0;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 36”

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; moderately to fairly bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~1.3'x1.0', moderate concentration with a bright core that gradually increases to the center.  A mag 11.5 is just off the NW edge, 1.0' from center.  Brightest in a group (WBL 688, the core of ZwCl 2247.3+1107 at roughly 360 million l.y.) with 6 NGC galaxies and numerous additional fainter galaxies.  Only slightly fainter NGC 7386 is 5.8' NNE.

 

18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE.  Appears similar to NGC 7386, though slightly larger and brighter.  Contains a bright, 25" core and a much fainter halo.  A mag 10.8 star is just off the northwest side, 1' from the center.  Brightest in a compact group of 7 galaxies (not rich enough to qualify as an Abell cluster). 

 

17.5" (7/4/86): moderately bright, broadly concentrated halo, small bright core, slightly elongated ~N-S.  A mag 11 star is 1.0' NW.  Brightest in a group with NGC 7383 5.6' SW, NGC 7384 ~5' SSW, NGC 7386 5.8' NNE, NGC 7387 5.9' ENE, NGC 7389 5.9' ESE and NGC 7390 7.7' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7385 = H III-216 = h2183, along with III-217 = NGC 7386, on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and recorded both as "Two, vF, S, R, r, about 5' distant from each other.  The position is that of the last or north following [NGC 7386]."  On 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) he noted "vF, pS, R, vlbM, not far south of a small star." JH made two observations and recorded on sweep 304 "pB; R; 20"; has a *11m near.  The preceding of two neb.  The * by diagram is 1 radius of the neb np its edge."

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NGC 7386 = UGC 12209 = MCG +02-58-018 = CGCG 430-016 = WBL 688-003 = PGC 69825

22 50 02.2 +11 41 54; Peg

V = 12.3;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 150”

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.8', well concentrated with a bright, round 25" core.  One of the two brightest galaxies in a group (WBL 688) with NGC 7385 5.7' SSW.

 

18" (10/21/06): fairly faint to moderately bright, irregularly round, outer extent varies with averted vision though roughly 1.2'x1.0' diameter.  Contains a brighter, 20" core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo that was difficult to trace.  NGC 7835 lies 5.8' SSW.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, very small bright core.  Located 5.8' NNE of NGC 7385 in a galaxy group and appears as a slightly fainter version of NGC 7385.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7386 = H III-216 = h2184, along with III-216 = NGC 7385, on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and recorded both as "Two, vF, S, R, r, about 5' distant from each other.  The position is that of the last or north following [NGC 7386]."  On 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) he noted "vF, pS, R, vlbM."  JH made two observations and recorded on sweep 304 "pB; S; R; pgbM."

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NGC 7387 = MCG +02-58-022 = CGCG 430-019 = WBL 688-005 = PGC 69834

22 50 17.6 +11 38 12; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 48”

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", contains a very small bright nucleus.  In a group (WBL 688) of 6 NGC galaxies with NGC 7389 4.3' S, brighter NGC 7386 5.4' NW and brighter NGC 7385 5.9' WSW.  A wide pair of mag 10.5/11 stars lies 4' SE and the two stars "point" to the galaxy.

 

18" (10/21/06): faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", very small bright core.  Collinear with a pair of mag 10.5-11 stars (40" separation) that are located ~4' ESE.  Similar distance from NGC 7386 5' NW and NGC 7385 6' SW.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): faint, very small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a very small bright core.  Located 5.9' ENE of NGC 7385 in a rich galaxy group.  NGC 7389 lies 4.2' S and NGC 7386 5.3' NW.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 7387, along with NGC 7383 and 7389, on 27 Nov 1850.  It was labeled Delta on the diagram of the group with an offset of 5' 44" east-northeast (PA = 73”) from NGC 7385.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 19 Sep 1862, measured an accurate position, and was credited with the discovery in the GC (JH was confused with the identifications).  Both LdR and d'Arrest are credited in the NGC.

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NGC 7388

22 50 21.0 +11 42 39; Peg

V = 15.9;  PA = 29”

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; at the discovery position is a single 16th magnitude star.  It was visible as a very faint star 4.7' ENE of NGC 7386 and 4.5' NNE of NGC 7387.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7388 on 11 Oct 1873 in the NGC 7385 group.  His micrometric offsets from GC 4847 = NGC 7387 points precisely to a very faint star, whose position is given here.

 

RNGC and SIMBAD misidentifies PGC 69832 as NGC 7388.  This extremely faint galaxy is located just 1.5' north of Parsons' star and was too faint to see in my observation of 4 Jul 1986.   Malcolm Thomson discusses the identification in his unpublished Catalogue Corrections as well as Harold Corwin at the NGC/IC Project.

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NGC 7389 = MCG +02-58-019 = CGCG 430-018 = WBL 688-004 = PGC 69836

22 50 16.0 +11 33 58; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 144”

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint, oval NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration, slightly brighter core gradually increases to the center.  Member of the NGC 7385 Group = WBL 688 with NGC 7390 2.3' SSE, NGC 7387 4.3' N and NGC 7385 6' NW.

 

18" (10/21/06): this member of the NGC 7385 group appeared faint, small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Located 6' SE of NGC 7385.  NGC 7390 lies 2.3' SSE.

 

17.5" (7/4/86): faint, very small, brighter core, slightly elongated.  Located 5.9' ESE of NGC 7385 in a rich galaxy group.  Appears similar to NGC 7387 4.2' N.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7390 2.3' SSE.

 

Johnstone and Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 7389, along with NGC 7383 and 7384, on 27 Nov 1850.  It is unlabeled on the diagram of the group and not very accurately placed. John Herschel apparently thought it was Delta (NGC 7387), resulting in a poor position in the GC and NGC.  Dreyer measured an offset and position angle from NGC 7390 on 11 Oct 1873.

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NGC 7390 = MCG +02-58-020 = CGCG 430-020 = WBL 688-006 = PGC 69837

22 50 19.6 +11 31 52; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 3”

 

24" (7/30/16): at 260x; faint to fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.  Situated 3.3' NNW of mag 9.3 SAO 108210 and 2.3' SSE of NGC 7789 in the NGC 7385 Group = WBL 688.

 

18" (10/21/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.  Located 2.3' SSE of NGC 7389 and furthest southeast of a compact group of galaxies (brightest member NGC 7385).

 

17.5" (7/4/86): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 7.7' SE of NGC 7385 in a rich, compact galaxy group.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 7389 3.3' NNW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7390 on 9 Sep 1856 while examining the NGC 7385 group.  He noted, "the 2 last sf ones [NGC 7389 and 7390] are vvF".  This galaxy was misidentified as GC 4848 [NGC 7389] in the offsets measured on 11 Oct 1873.  d'Arrest missed NGC 7390 when he observed the cluster.  The (estimated) NGC position is 3' too far north; a similar offset error occurred with NGC 7389.

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NGC 7391 = UGC 12211 = MCG +00-58-006 = CGCG 379-008 = PGC 69847

22 50 36.1 -01 32 37; Aqr

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 70”

 

17.5": moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7391 = H II-443 = h2185 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 447) and recorded "F, vS, stellar, about 1 1/2' south of small star."  JH made two observations, first logging it on 12 Sep 1830 as "pF; R; psbM; 50...70"; has a * np; pos by micrometer = 350.3”."

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NGC 7392 = ESO 603-022 = MCG -04-53-040 = LGG 463-008 = PGC 69887

22 51 48.7 -20 36 26; Aqr

V = 11.9;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (10/24/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.8', moderately brighter core.  Several stars are near including a mag 10.5 star 4.5' N.  A pair of mag 13/14 stars 1.6' N and 2.2' N are collinear with NGC 7392 and finally a mag 12 star lies 2.6' ESE. 

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7392 = H II-702 = h2186 on 11 Sep 1787 (sweep 754) and recorded "pF, pL, E from np to sf but nearer the parallel, mbM, about 1 1/2' long."  JH made 3 observations and on 3 Sep 1831 logged "not vF; lE; gbM; 60" l, 40" br."

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NGC 7393 = Arp 15 = VV 68 = MCG -01-58-002 = PGC 69874

22 51 38.1 -05 33 26; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7393 = H II-453 = h2187 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 455) and recorded "F, pL, E in the parallel [E-W], r."  JH logged it as "eF; R; vgbM; sky dull." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7394

22 50 11.8 +52 10 03; Lac

 

17.5" (9/26/92): bright group of two dozen stars mag 9-13 in a 10' scattered field.  Very elongated in a string NW-SE.  Includes 10 stars mag 9-11 with a mag 7 star off the SSE end and a similar star 10' NNE.  This group is probably an asterism.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7394 = h2188 on 12 Sep 1829 and logged "A double star, the last of a poor cluster of about a dozen stars."  His position corresponds with this bright cluster or asterism.  Reinmuth calls it "a few pB stars north preceding of BD+51”3485."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, despite the fact it is quite striking on the DSS.

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NGC 7395 = UGC 12216 = MCG +06-50-006 = CGCG 515-008 = PGC 69861

22 51 02.9 +37 05 16; Lac

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is off the NW edge 0.9' from center.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7395 = St V-8 on 21 Aug 1873 and recorded "eF; vS; R; condensation in the centre."  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 7396 = UGC 12220 = MCG +00-58-007 = CGCG 379-010 = WBL 689-001 = PGC 69889

22 52 22.6 +01 05 33; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 103”

 

48" (10/25/14): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.7'x0.8', contains a very bright core that increases to an small, intense nucleus.  An obvious dust lane extends along the major axis for most of the length of the galaxy, passing just south of the core.  PGC 194158 lies 1.5' N ("faint, small, round, 15" diameter") and PGC 214871 is 3.2' SW ("fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter").

 

17.5" (7/22/87): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, moderately large, brighter core.  Brightest in a group of five or six galaxies including NGC 7401 9.5' ENE, NGC 7402 11' ENE, NGC 7397 6.5' ENE and NGC 7398 9.3' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7396 = h2189 on 12 Oct 1827 and recorded "pF; irreg R; bM; 60"; r."  His mean position from two observations is accurate.  The four fainter NGC galaxies to the northeast were discovered at Birr Castle in 1856-57.

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NGC 7397 = MCG +00-58-008 = CGCG 379-011 = PGC 69904

22 52 46.7 +01 07 58; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (7/22/87): faint, very small, elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  Located 6.5' ENE of NGC 7396 in a group with NGC 7398 4.2' N, NGC 7401 3.0' ENE and NGC 7402 4.5' ENE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7397, along with NGC 7401 and 7398, while observing NGC 7396 at Birr Castel on 2 Oct 1856.  He noted "about 5' nf [of NGC 7396] is another neb, pF, S, R, bM and f[ollowing] the latter are 2 vF, S, R neb knots."  A sketch was made on 23 Oct 1857 and NGC 7397 was labeled "C".  On 22 Dec 1876, Dreyer measured micrometric offsets to NGC 7397 from a mag 12 star 3.8' northeast of NGC 7396.

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NGC 7398 = UGC 12225 = MCG +00-58-009 = CGCG 379-012 = PGC 69905

22 52 49.3 +01 12 04; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (8/21/87): fairly faint, small, small bright core.

 

17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.  Located 4.2' N of NGC 7397 and 9.3' NE of NGC 7396 in a group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7398, along with NGC 7397 and 7401, while observing NGC 7396 at Birr Castle on 2 Oct 1856.  A sketch was made on 23 Oct 1857 and NGC 7398 was labeled "B".  On 22 Oct 1876, Dreyer measured micrometric offsets to NGC 7398 from a mag 12 star 3.8' northeast of NGC 7396.

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NGC 7399 = MCG -02-58-006 = PGC 69902

22 52 39.3 -09 16 04; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 13 star is 1.1' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7399 = Sw. II-93 on 15 Nov 1884 and recorded "eF; pL; mistaken for Barnard's Comet 1884 II."  There is nothing at his position, but 22 seconds of RA west and 1' south is MCG -02-58-006 = PGC 69902.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver in 1898-99 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7400 = ESO 290-022 = AM 2251-453 = PGC 69967

22 54 20.8 -45 20 49; Gru

V = 12.8;  Size 2.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 2”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', broad weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7400 = h3957 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; lE; glbM.  Query if it has not a vS * involved."  His Cape position is very accurate, though an error was made and the position in the GC (copied into the NGC) is 30 seconds of time too small.

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NGC 7401 = MCG +00-58-010 = CGCG 379-013 = PGC 69911

22 52 58.5 +01 08 33; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7402 1.5' E.  Located in a group 3.0' ENE of NGC 7397 and 9.5' ENE of brightest member NGC 7396.  Identification reversed with NGC 7402 in the RNGC and not identified as NGC 7401 in the CGCG.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7401, along with NGC 7397 and 7398, while observing NGC 7396 at Birr Castle on 2 Oct 1856.  A sketch was made on 23 Oct 1857 and NGC 7401 was labeled "D", along with a companion just following that was labeled as "E" (NGC 7402).  The sketch identifies NGC 7401 = CGCG 379-013 (described here) and NGC 7402 = PGC 69914.

 

MCG, RC3 and DSFG all mislabel NGC 7401 as NGC 7402.  CGCG doesn't attach a NGC designation to CGCG 379-013.  RNGC and the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide reverse the identifications of NGC 7401 and 7402.  The correct identifications are sorted out in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 7402 = PGC 69914

22 53 04.5 +01 08 40; Psc

Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 50”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold.  Forms a difficult pair with NGC 7401 1.5' W and last in a group.  Forms a near equilateral triangle with NGC 7398 5' NE and NGC 7397 4.5' W.  Appears just nonstellar on the POSS.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7402 with LdR's 72" at Birr Castle on 23 Oct 1857.  This object is labeled "E" on the sketch and is shown on a line with "C" [NGC 7397] and "D" [NGC 7401].  Mitchell noted, however, "E is doubtful and needs confirmation."  Because of this comment, JH didn't assign a GC designation but Dreyer added it in the NGC.  Mitchell's sketch matches the position and orientation of PGC 69914.

 

The galaxy identified as NGC 7402 in RNGC, MCG, PGC and RC3 is NGC 7401.  NGC 7401 is the brighter of the close pair and is close west of NGC 7402.  See NGC 7401 and my RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 7403

22 53 06.4 +01 28 56; Psc

 

= *, Corwin.  = IC 1455?, Burnham.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 7403 = HN 22 on 15 Nov 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted "slightly nebulous" with a rough position (measured in 1 of 2 zones).  As a result, Herschel didn't include this object in the GC but Dreyer added it in the  GC Supplement (#6092).  A mag 13.4 star is close to Coolidge's position at 22 53 06.4 +01 28 57 (J2000), which Harold Corwin equates with NGC 7403.  All 9 of Coolidge's discoveries are stars (single or multiple).

 

In searching for this object, Sherburne Burnham found a nearby galaxy that he felt was probably NGC 7403.  Dreyer catalogued it as IC 1455 (also observed by Spitaler).  IC 1455 is 40 sec of RA east of Coolidge's rough position and 6.6' south.

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NGC 7404 = ESO 346-010 = MCG -07-47-001 = IC 5260? = PGC 69964

22 54 18.6 -39 18 54; Gru

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 2”

 

18" (10/25/08): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.4'x0.25', very small brighter core.  Located 22' NNW of the bright edge-on NGC 7410 and 11' NE of mag 7.3 HD 216443.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7404 = h3958 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; 15"."  His position matches ESO 346-010 = PGC 69964.  Lewis Swift possibly rediscovered this galaxy on 19 Jul 1897 and recorded Sw. XII-41 (later IC 5260) as "eeF; pS; R; 9m star nr sp; ee dif."  Swift's position is two degrees south and 0.3 minutes of RA east of NGC 7404 but has a mag 7.3 star 11' SW, consistent with the description.  IC 5260 may also be a reobservation of NGC 7421, which is 2.3 min of RA due east of his position and has a mag 10.9 star to its southwest.

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NGC 7405

22 53 36 +12 28 36; Peg

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7405 = m 502 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, S, R."  There is nothing near his position and Harold Corwin was unable to recover this object.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7406 = MCG -01-58-003 = PGC 69947

22 53 56.2 -06 34 45; Aqr

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is off the WSW end 1.8' from center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7406 = m 503 on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, lE."  His position is 1' north of PGC 69947.

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NGC 7407 = UGC 12230 = MCG +05-54-002 = CGCG 495-042 = CGCG 496-005 = PGC 69922

22 53 21.1 +32 07 46; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 2.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 152”

 

18" (9/16/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration, no core or zones.

 

A 20' string of faint galaxies oriented N-S follows, including UGC 12238 14' NE (closest).  All the galaxies in the nearby string, including NGC 7407, have identical redshifts of z = .022, so are members of the same group or cluster within the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, almost even surface brightness.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7407 = St V-9 on 13 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF; vS; vaporous."  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7408 = ESO 109-026 = LGG 462-007 = PGC 70037

22 55 56.9 -63 41 41; Tuc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 167”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright, fairly large, irregularly round, ~1.25'x1.0'. There is a hint of a central bar ~N-S, but no well-defined core.  The outer halo has an irregular surface brightness with a hint of structure and extends further on the east side.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7408 = h3959 on 1 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; vglbM; 40"."  His position is accurate.  Donald Menzel misclassified this galaxy as a planetary in "Five New Planetary Nebula", Harvard Bulletin 772, 1922.

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NGC 7409 = CGCG 453-018 = PGC 69939

22 53 48.1 +20 12 37; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 0.55'x0.45';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 13 star 1.2' NW.  Located 11' WSW NGC 7411 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7409 = m 504, along with NGC 7411 and 7415, on 20 Sep 1863 and simply noted "eF".  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7410 = ESO 346-012 = MCG -07-47-002 = PGC 69994

22 55 00.7 -39 39 42; Gru

V = 10.3;  Size 5.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 45”

 

18" (10/25/08): bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~3.0'x0.9'.  Contains a bright, round core ~25" diameter, which gradually increases to a very bright nucleus.  At moments a stellar nucleus was visible that appeared offset to the southwest of center.  The surface appeared irregular or curdled (perhaps due to dust or spiral arms).  NGC 7404 lies 23' NNW.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, well concentrated to a small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' NNE of center.  Appears bright for such a far southern galaxy (observed from +38” latitude).

 

8" (7/16/82): faint, moderately large, very elongated SW-NE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7410 = D 518 = h3960 on 14 July 1826 and recorded "a very faint nebula extended preceding and following, about 1.5' long and 20 or 25 arcseconds broad; a little brighter in the middle, or rather nearer the N.p. extremity; the S.f. extremity is very ill defined."  His position is 11' due east of the galaxy.  John Herschel first observed this galaxy on 4 Sep 1834 and logged "B, pL, vmE in pos 41.9 degrees, pgmbM, 3' long, 20" broad, has a star 11m, 2' dist, pos from nucleus 12.9”."  On a later sweep he wrote "a long pB ray, 4' long, psvmbM, elongated in pos 44.7”."  His mean position is accurate.

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NGC 7411 = UGC 12241 = MCG +03-58-010 = CGCG 453-020 = PGC 69974

22 54 34.9 +20 14 10; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (10/29/11): at 283x, faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus, ~25" diameter.  Located 2.3' SE of a mag 10.7 star and 6' S of BU 847, an attractive pair of mag 9/10 stars at 7" separation.  NGC 7415 lies 4.5' ENE.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Brightest of trio with NGC 7415 5' ENE and NGC 7409 11' WSW.  A pretty double star is 6' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7411 = m 505, along with NGC 7409 and 7415, on 13 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7412 = ESO 290-024 = MCG -07-47-004 = LGG 464-001 = PGC 70027

22 55 45.5 -42 38 30; Gru

V = 11.3;  Size 3.9'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 65”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated ~N-S.  Located 6' SSW of mag 7.3 SAO 231361.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7412 = h3961 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; vL; 3' diam at least; it is south-preceding a star 7m, 8' dist."

 

Based on a photo taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, it was described as a "2-branched spiral with pF almost stellar nucleus and condensations; like the letter "S"."

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NGC 7413 = MCG +02-58-035 = CGCG 430-029 = PGC 69997

22 55 03.1 +13 13 14; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 81”

 

18" (10/25/08): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. A string of stars extends SW.  A very faint galaxy (PGC 70008) 5.4' ENE that is identified as NGC 7414 in the RNGC was not seen.

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, extremely small, round, weak concentration.  Several fairly bright stars lie SW including a mag 10 star 3.8' SW and a mag 11 star 6.1' SW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7413 = Sw. IV-87, along with NGC 7414, on 2 Sep 1886 and recorded ""eeF; pS; R; e diff.; 8 or 10 stars in an irregular line p; s of 2 [with NGC 7414]."  His RA is 15 seconds too small, but his comment of the string of stars applies to the loose string of stars extending southwest.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1998-99.  See NGC 7414.

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NGC 7414 = PGC 70008 = PGC 94273

22 55 24.4 +13 14 54; Peg

V = 16.0;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 171”

 

18" (8/12/10): extremely faint, very small, irregularly round ~15"x12", required averted vision and visible at most 25% of the time but could repeatedly glimpse in the same position once the location was pinpointed.  Based on the difficulty of this object in superb conditions, I feel this galaxy was probably too faint to have been discovered by Swift with his 16" refractor.

 

18" (11/22/08): Not seen at 175x or 283x.

 

18" (10/25/08): Not seen at 175x or 283x.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): Not seen at 220x.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7414 = Sw. IV-88, along with NGC 7413, on 2 Sept 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; eee diff; n of 2 [with NGC 7413]."  His RA is listed as the same as NGC 7413, which is 15 seconds too small, and 2.5' to the north. 

 

There is nothing near Swift's published position for NGC 7414 or after correcting for the offset in RA for NGC 7413.  The RNGC identifies PGC 70008 = PGC 94273 as NGC 7414.  This galaxy is located 1.7' north, but 21 seconds of RA further east.  Harold Corwin feels the RNGC candidate is a plausible identification, but I'm skeptical based on how faint it appeared in my 18".  So, NGC 7414 may be nonexistent (perhaps a faint star).  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7415 = UGC 12244 = MCG +03-58-012 = MCG +03-58-011 = CGCG 453-023 = PGC 69985 = PGC 69984

22 54 53.6 +20 15 42; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  PA = 128”

 

28" (10/29/11): at 295x, resolved into two tangent glows oriented E-W, ~0.6'x0.3'.  It seemed the western component (MCG +03-58-011) was slightly brighter.  At 394x, the eastern component (UGC 12244) was elongated NW-SE, perhaps 0.4'x0.2'.  UGC 12244 is identified as NGC 7415 in most sources, though the NGC number should probably apply to the double system.

 

18" (10/29/11): at 283x, appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.2'.  I suspected the glow was double but couldn't confidently resolve this close pair so the description likely refers to the combined glow.  Located 4.5' ENE of brighter NGC 7411 and 5.7' SE of

 

17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.  Located 5' ENE of NGC 7411.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7415 = m 506, along with NGC 7409 and 7411, on 13 Sep 1863 and simply noted "eF".  His position is fairly accurate.  The MCG identifies MCG +03-58-011, the western component, as NGC 7415.  Other sources identify the eastern edge-on component as NGC 7415, but the number should probably apply to the entire double system as Marth didn't resolve the pair and they are pretty comparable in brightness.

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NGC 7416 = MCG -01-58-004 = PGC 70025

22 55 41.7 -05 29 43; Aqr

V = 12.4;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  On a line with a mag 9.5 star 6' SSW and mag 7.7 SAO 146389 12.5' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7416 = m 507 = Sf 86 on 25 Aug 1864 and noted" F, pL, pmE, vgbM."  His position is accurate. Aaron Skinner, assistant to Truman Safford at the Dearborn Observatory, independently rediscovered this galaxy on 21 Sep 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark Refractor.

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NGC 7417 = ESO 109-028 = LGG 462-008 = PGC 70113

22 57 49.5 -65 02 19; Tuc

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 2”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 N-S, ~1.4'x1.0', well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group including IC 5266 6.4' SSE, IC 5272 14' SE and PGC 127682 11' S.  Mag 9.5 HD 216941 lies 6.5' NE and similar star is 10' E.  These galaxies and stars just fit in the 20' field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7417 = h3962 on 20 Jul 1835 and recorded "B; R; gpmbM; r; 40"."  His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.

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NGC 7418 = ESO 406-025 = MCG -06-50-013 = LGG 466-006 = PGC 70069

22 56 36.2 -37 01 48; Gru

V = 10.9;  Size 3.5'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 139”

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly bright, very large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.8', broad weak concentration.  The halo fades into the background without a well-defined edge.  This is the largest galaxy visually in the Grus Chain (brightest member IC 1459).

 

13.1" (10/20/84): fairly large, very diffuse, even surface brightness. Larger than NGC 7421 19' SSE.

 

8" (7/16/82): very faint, fairly large, round, diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7418 = h3963 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded "pB; vL; R; or vlE; vgbM; 4' diam; with left eye r, hardly resolved, PD bad.  A fine object."

 

Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 at the Helwan observatory with the 30-inch Reynolds telescope, it was described as "2.5' x 2.5', spiral with a pF almost stellar nucleus.  This is a "left-hand" spiral with two main branches which are close together on the following side, and from these proceed a number of smaller subsidiary whisps."

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NGC 7419 = Cr 453 = Lund 1024 = OCL-250

22 54 20.1 +60 48 55; Cep

Size 2'

 

18" (8/17/04): at 160x this is a small group of 25-30 stars down to mag 15, elongated 3'x1' NW-SE.  Located ~3' SE of a mag 8 star.  The brightest mag 9.5 star is at the NE tip of the cluster and the fairly rich cluster follows to the SE.  A faint pair is near the center of the group

 

13.1" (8/25/84): about a dozen faint stars are visible over unresolved haze with a mag 9.5 star at the NW edge.  Appears to be a rich group.  Mag 8.2 SAO 20306 is just off the NW edge.  About 12' NW is the double star ·2953 = 7.8/9.8 at 8".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7419 = H VII-43 = h2190 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "a small cluster of vS stars, considerably compressed and pretty rich."  His position is accurate.  On 29 Sep 1829 (sweep 213), JH logged "a *10m in a cluster of vS stars 15...18m; p rich; vgbM.  A star 8m is 2' S."

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NGC 7420 = MCG +05-54-018 = CGCG 496-023 = PGC 70017

22 55 32.0 +29 48 18; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', faint stellar nucleus or star superimposed.  Located between a mag 9.0 SAO 90876 4.6' WNW and a mag 10.5 star 4.1' ESE.  Several faint stars that confuses the observation are near south.  These include a close mag 14 pair at 9" separation.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7420 = m 508 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7421 = ESO 346-017 = MCG -06-50-015 = AM 2254-373 = LGG 466-004 = PGC 70083

22 56 54.3 -37 20 50; Gru

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.5' diameter, diffuse with only a very weak concentration.  At moments I had the impression of an elongated brightening or bar in the central region.  Located near the southern end of the Grus Chain of 9 galaxies with NGC 7418 20' NNW and IC 1459 53' N.

 

13.1" (10/20/84): very faint, very diffuse, moderately large.  Located 20' SSE of NGC 7418.

 

8" (8/16/82): extremely faint, small, round, at visual threshold.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7421 = h3964 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded "B; L; R; gpmbM; 2'; r[esolvable] with right eye; with left, barely resolved in the centre."  His mean position (3 measures) is accurate.  Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was a spiral in 1912 based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt.  On later photographs in 1919-20 showed the eastern halo suffered from dust obscuration.

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NGC 7422 = UGC 12254 = MCG +01-58-013 = PGC 70048

22 56 12.5 +03 55 36; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration.  Located 21' WNW of mag 6.3 SAO 127860.  Observation in poor seeing.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7422 = m 509 = Sf 93 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, irr R."  His position is accurate.  Otto Struve independently discovered this galaxy on 6 Dec 1865 at the Pulkovo Observatory in St Petersburg (in an unsuccessful search for Comet Biela), by d'Arrest on 29 Sep 1866 and by Safford with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory on 27 Sep 1867!  So, this object was "discovered" 4 times, which along with NGC 1360 and NGC 6364, is the most of any NGC entry.  Dreyer credited Struve and d'Arrest in the GC Supplement and Marth, Struve and d'Arrest in the NGC.  Safford's observation was not published until 1887, a bit too late to be noticed when Dreyer compiled the NGC.

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NGC 7423 = Be 57 = OCL-246 = Lund 1026

22 55 09 +57 05 49; Cep

Size 5'

 

18" (9/24/05): at 225x, this cluster appears as a small, rich, glowing spot 2' in diameter, peppered with roughly a dozen mag 14-15 stars, several of which are just on the edge of visibility.  Set within a rich low power Milky Way star field, although noticed immediately at 115x.  A wide pair of mag 11 stars is just off the SW side.  At 435x, the faint resolved stars are easier to view, although the background glow fades.  Planetary nebula M 1-80 is just 10' ENE.  M 1-80 was easily picked up by blinking at 160x with an OIII filter, although appears slightly soft at this power unfiltered.  Excellent view at 538x unfiltered as a slightly irregular small disc, ~4" diameter.  Situated ~40" W of a mag 11 star.  A very close pair of mag 14.5-15 stars follows the mag 11 star and a brighter double is close north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7423 = H III-745 = h2191 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 876) and noted "pL, irr figure, easily resolvable, or a very distant patch of the milky way." His RA is 50 seconds too large.  JH recorded "A large patch of the milky way, consisting of stars so small as to be quite nebulous.  If this be not III 745, I find no other."  Dreyer used JH's position in the NGC but commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that William's and John's positions differ by about 1 tmin, so the two entries may refer to different objects.  RNGC lists the number as nonexistent, though the cluster is also catalogued as Berkeley 57.  See Corwin's notes for discussion.

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NGC 7424 = ESO 346-019 = MCG -07-47-008 = PGC 70096

22 57 18.5 -41 04 14; Gru

V = 10.5;  Size 9.5'x8.1';  Surf Br = 15.1;  PA = 88”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): very diffuse, hazy, fairly large, round, weak concentration.  Located 16' E of mag 6.8 SAO 231360.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7424 = h3965 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; vL; R; vgmbM; 3' diam."  Based on Helwan photographs taken in 1919-20, it was described as "pF, 6'x6', pB nucleus elongated in p.a. 130”; spiral with open [spiral arms] and condensations."

 

This loose face-on spiral might show structure in the southern hemisphere.

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NGC 7425 = MCG -02-58-013 = PGC 70097

22 57 15.5 -10 57 00; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (9/23/95): faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located just south of three mag 14 stars (closest is 1.9' NNE of center).

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7425 = LM 1-259 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, lE? 90”, *10 in PA 260” [ESE] at 4.0' separation."  His rough RA (nearest min of time) is 30 seconds too small and the star is 13-14th magnitude.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 with the 20" refractor at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7426 = UGC 12256 = MCG +06-50-012 = CGCG 515-012 = PGC 70042

22 56 02.9 +36 21 41; Lac

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 72”

 

17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Observation slightly hampered by the bright wide double star h975 = 5.6/9.5 at 50" located 3.5' W!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7426 = H III-576 = h2192 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 617) and recorded "vF, S, iR, stellar."  JH made two observation, first noting "eF; pL; R; a coarse double star 6m (HJ 975) precedes a little to south.  Hurried observation."

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NGC 7427 = MCG +01-58-016 = CGCG 405-018 = Mrk 521 = PGC 70091

22 57 09.9 +08 30 20; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (8/27/87): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Visible steadily with direct vision.

 

17.5" (8/21/87): very faint, extremely small, round  A mag 10.5 star is 4.2' S.  Located 34' SE of 50 Pegasi (V = 4.9).

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 7427 on 22 Nov 1865 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory at St. Petersburg while unsuccessfully searching for Comet Biela. Struve's position is 2.5' south of MCG +01-58-016, though he correctly placed a mag 11.5 star 4' from NGC 7427 in PA 172”.

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NGC 7428 = UGC 12262 = MCG +00-58-014 = CGCG 379-016 = PGC 70098

22 57 19.5 -01 02 56; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  NGC 7434 lies 17.5' ESE.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, small bright core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7428 = m 510, along with NGC 7434, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vS, R, bM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7429 = OCL-249 = Lund 1027

22 56 00 +59 58 24; Cep

Size 14'

 

17.5" (11/18/95): scattered group of 18 stars in a 6'x2' group elongated NNW-SSE.  Includes 8 mag 9.5-12 stars and the rest are mag 13-15.  There are no rich spots and most stars are scattered around the elongated irregular outline.  The brightest two mag 9.5 stars are located near the center (SAO 34961) and at the SE end (SAO 34971).  Located about 8' W of a mag 7.3 SAO 34988.  Appears to be an asterism although listed in Lynga 5.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7429 = h2193 on 29 Sep 1829 and recorded "VIII class; pretty compact, poor cluster; stars 9...11m." His position corresponds with the center of 6' group of 12 brighter stars (mag 9.4-13.3).

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NGC 7430 = MCG +01-58-017 = CGCG 405-019 = PGC 70106

22 57 29.7 +08 47 39; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.35';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (8/21/87): very faint, very small, round, brighter core.  A faint star is very close south.  Located 32' E of 50 Pegasi (V = 4.9).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7430 on 27 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) is an exact match with CGCG 405-019 = PGC 70106 and he mentioned the faint double star just over 1' south.

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NGC 7431 = LEDA 1765321

22 57 38.9 +26 09 51; Peg

V = 16.0;  Size 0.2'x0.2'

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; this object consists of a mag 15 star with a very small galaxy attached on the east side.  A low surface brightness, round glow extended ~10" diameter.  The star and the center of the galaxy are separated by only 5"!  Located 4.3' WNW of NGC 7436 in a group.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): with direct vision appears as a mag 14.5 star with no noticeable halo.  With averted vision, an extremely small halo is sometimes visible, perhaps 10" in diameter.  Located 4.3' WNW of NGC 7436 and faintest in a group of four galaxies.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.4' SW.  On the DSS the galaxy is virtually stellar with the star attached on the west edge.  The galaxy identified as NGC 7431in the RNGC, UGC (notes) and CGCG is CGCG 475-006 (possibly NGC 7433), located 1.5' NW of NGC 7436 and not seen in this observation though was not difficult in my 24".

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7431 = Big. 92 on 30 Sep 1886 and noted "eF and eS."  His micrometric position is 19 seconds of time preceding NGC 7436 and 55" north.  Precisely at this separation is faint star with an extremely faint galaxy (PGC 1765321) attached on the east side.  It's like Bigourdan noticed only the star as the galaxy is quite faint, but he mistakenly thought it was a nebula.  RNGC, CGCG, UGC (notes to NGC 7436) and PGC all misidentify NGC 7433 = CGCG 475-006 = PGC 70112 as NGC 7431.

 

On 12 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell discovered the galaxy (CGCG 475-006) that RNGC, CGCG and UGC misidentify as NGC 7431.  Although clearly shown on the sketch, the 29 Sept 1875 observation states "the object preceding in the 1857 sketch is a faint star, night bad."  Because of this last statement, Thomson feels Dreyer decided not to include this object in the NGC but Corwin and Steinicke identify CGCG 475-006 = NGC 7433 and remove the companion jutting out of the west side of NGC.  Malcolm Thomson discusses this case in detail in the Dec 1989 Webb Society Quarterly Journal and his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections."

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NGC 7432 = UGC 12268 = MCG +02-58-040 = CGCG 430-033 = PGC 70129

22 58 01.9 +13 08 04; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, very small, strong bright core, slightly elongated.  A mag 13 star is 1.6' E of center and a pair of mag 12/13 stars at 21" separation is 2' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7432 = H III-465 = h2194 on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and recorded "eF, S, irregular.  240 showed the same."  JH made three observations and logged (sweep 304), "eF; S; R; precedes a near double star 5 seconds."

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NGC 7433 = MCG +04-54-003 = CGCG 475-006 = WBL 692-002 = PGC 70112

22 57 51.7 +26 09 44; Peg

V = 14.9;  Size 0.7'x0.25';  PA = 47”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 35"x14", brighter nucleus. Located 1.5' NW of NGC 7436 in a group.  A mag 14.3 star is 0.4' S.

 

24" (7/20/12): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8".  A mag 14.3 star is just 24" S of center.  Located in the core of the NGC 7436 group, just 1.5' NW of NGC 7436.

 

The historical identification of NGC 7433 is ambiguous (see notes), but this galaxy is misidentified as NGC 7431 (which is 2.9' W) in CGCG, UGC, PGC, U2000 and Megastar.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7433, along with NGC 7435, on 12 Oct 1855.  While observing the field of NGC 7436 this galaxy was clearly shown on a diagram and sketch showing 4 galaxies (including the companion of NGC 7436).  Nevertheless, there are only three entries in the GC and NGC.  The reason is probably Dreyer's 1875 observation that noted "The object preceding in the diagram from 1857 is a faint star.  Night bad".  The question remains which object Dreyer intended to exclude in the NGC -- CGCG 475-006 (the galaxy generally associated with NGC 7433) or the companion at the west edge of NGC 7436?

 

Malcolm Thomson gives a detailed analysis of the identifications of NGC 7433 and 7435 in his Catalogue Corrections and concludes Dreyer rejected CGCG 475-006 so that NGC 7433 refers to the galaxy the western component of NGC 7436. On the other hand, Harold Corwin supports the view NGC 7436W was rejected by Dreyer and CGCG 475-006 is NGC 7433.  Corwin's identification is used in NED and Steinicke and adopted here, though Thomson's argument is very persuasive.

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NGC 7434 = MCG +00-58-016 = CGCG 379-017 = PGC 70145

22 58 21.5 -01 11 02; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (7/22/87): very faint, extremely small, round, about 10" diameter.  Located 17.5' SE of NGC 7428.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7434 = m 511, along with NGC 7428, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar."  His position is 1' too far north.

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NGC 7435 = UGC 12267 = MCG +04-54-004 = CGCG 475-007 = Holm 800a = WBL 692-003 = PGC 70116

22 57 54.6 +26 08 20; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 132”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 30"x12", small brighter nucleus.  A mag 15 star is on the NNW end [17" from center].  Situated 0.9' SW of NGC 7436 in the center of the cluster.

 

24" (7/20/12): faint or fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 24"x8".  A mag 15 star is attached at the NNW tip. This close companion to NGC 7436 is situated just 1.0' SW of center.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2', no concentration.  A mag 15 star is at the NNW end.  In a tight group just 1.0' SW of NGC 7436.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, very elongated NW-SE.  A mag 15 star is attached at the NNW end 17" from center.  Located 1.0' SW of NGC 7436 in a group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7435, along with NGC 7433, on 12 Oct 1855 while examining the field of NGC 7436 at Birr Castle.  The identification is certain based on the diagram and sketch in Plate V, including a star close northwest. The NGC position is 1' due south, instead of southwest of NGC 7436.  Heinrich d'Arrest also measured the position twice in September 1865, although Dreyer only credited d'Arrest's observation of NGC 7433.

 

The NGC position falls very close to MCG +04-54-007 = LEDA 1763030, and Francis Pease identified this galaxy as NGC 7435 in the 1920 paper "Photographs of nebulae with the 60-inch reflector, 1917-1919".

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NGC 7436 = VV 84a = (R)NGC 7436B = UGC 12269 = MCG +04-54-006 = CGCG 475-008e = Holm 800b = WBL 692-004 = PGC 70124

22 57 57.5 +26 09 00; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x2.0'

 

48" (10/26/16): brightest of a total of 8 galaxies observed within 4'.  At 610x; bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright small core, increasing to a stellar nucleus.  The halo has a much lower surface brightness and contains NGC 7436B, which pokes out of the halo on the west side.  The contact companion appeared moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 24"x8", very small bright nucleus.

 

24" (7/20/12): brightest and central galaxy in a group with three extremely close companions.  At 325x appeared moderately bright and large, round, ~1' diameter.  Sharply concentrated and dominated by a very bright small core.  The halo has a low surface brightness and gradually fades out, but seems to encompass NGC 7436B = VV 84b, which appeared as a faint or fairly faint thin spike, ~22"x8", emerging from the halo and extending west.  NGC 7435 is just 57" SW and NGC 7433 is 1.5' NW.  Also nearby are MCG +04-54-007 2.4' S, PGC 1766408 3.4' NW, NGC 7431 4.2' WNW and PGC 1768375 is 5.7' NNW.

 

MCG +04-54-007 is extremely faint or very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  A mag 16.1 star lies 20" E.  PGC 1766408 is extremely faint, very small, irregularly round, 15"x12".  PGC 1768375 is extremely faint and small, round, 9" diameter.  Collinear with a mag 15 star 0.7' NE and a mag 13 star 1.2' NE.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): brightest in a tight group of four galaxies including NGC 7431, NGC 7433 and NGC 7435.  Fairly faint, small, round, 1.2' diameter.  Well concentrated with a small, bright core.  The view is confused by a companion, which is partially superimposed on the west side of the halo and creates the impression of elongation E-W.  A mag 15 star is 50" SW and a mag 14.5 star 1.3' WNW.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): brightest in a group, faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core.  Forms a double system with NGC 7433 attached at the west end.  In a group with NGC 7435 1.0' SW, NGC 7431 2' NW (not seen).  Located 15' E of mag 8.9 SAO 90886.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7436 = H III-243 = h2195 on 2 Dec 1784 (only object in sweep 327) and recorded "vF, S, er, but I have not been out long enough to see very well, and it may be only stars."  On 18 Aug 1828 (sweep 167), JH logged "F; E in parallel; gbM; 60" l, 30" br."  Although not resolved, the elongation was caused by the superimposed companion on the west side.

 

The RNGC identifies the brighter eastern component as NGC 7436A and the western component as NGC 7436B.  The identification problems with this group (specifically NGC 7433 and 7431) are discussed in detail in the Oct 1989 Webb Society Quarterly Journal and in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7436B = MCG +04-54-005 = PGC 70123 on 23 Oct 1855 and noted "3 neb; last one [NGC 7436] pB, bM, has either a star or nebulous knot closely p [NGC 7436]; ...."   The "nebulous knot" is NGC 7436B.  He observed the group again on 18 Sep 1857 and logged, "... closely p is a * or sharply defined nebulous patch, ..."  Dreyer observed the group on 29 Sep 1875 and reported, "The object p in the diagram from 1857 is a F *.  Night bad."  Harold Corwin notes that based on Dreyer's own observation, he didn't assign the western component of NGC 7436 an NGC designation.  NED identifies this galaxy as NGC 7436A and HyperLEDA calls it NGC 7436B.

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NGC 7437 = UGC 12270 = MCG +02-58-041 = CGCG 430-034 = PGC 70131

22 58 10.1 +14 18 32; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, very diffuse, low surface brightness with a weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is at the north edge.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7437 = Sw. II-94 on 31 Oct 1885 and recorded "eeF; L; R; F * nr nf; v diff.  Nearly in finder field with Alpha Pegasi."  His RA is 10 seconds too large, but the dec is accurate.  In 1900, Herbert Howe reported "the 'F * nr nf" is of mag 10.5 and follows 4 seconds, 1.4' north."  Howe's micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7438

22 57 29.6 +54 21 17; Cas

Size 15'

 

17.5" (8/13/96): at 100x, there is a 20' elongated group of stars separated into two distinct scattered subgroups. The SW group is circular, ~6' diameter with roughly three dozen stars total, although there are a dozen brighter mag 10/11 stars which form the circular outline.  Only a few faint stars populate the interior of the outline.  The NE group is more elongated, ~7'x5', with two dozen stars.  It includes a nice well-matched mag 11 pair at 15" separation.  The two groups only stand out in a rich Milky Way field using a 20 Nagler but it still looks like a random grouping.  Listed as nonexistent in Carlson and RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7438 = h2196 on 8 Nov 1831 and recorded "A large oblong cluster which fills 2 fields.  Place that of the double star h3157 of my 5th catalogue."  Based on the photographic appearance on a Heidelberg plate, Reinmuth notes "a very dense region, no distinct Cl."  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Harold Corwin's identification comments.

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NGC 7439 = UGC 12273 = MCG +05-54-021 = CGCG 496-027 = PGC 70134

22 58 09.9 +29 13 42; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, very weakly concentrated core, very faint stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' WSW.  Located 4.3' NW of mag 9.3 SAO 90908.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7439 = m 512 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted a "long patch of F nebulosity."  His position is 30 seconds of RA east and 1' north of UGC 12273.  Interestingly, I recorded this galaxy as round, so his description does not fit this galaxy very well.  Bigourdan published a "corrected" position from 3 Aug 1891 in his Comptes Rendus list for 22 Jul 1901, but his position is 3.6' south and 20 seconds of time too large and probably refers to one or more stars.

 

Karl Reinmuth reported "not found" in his photographic survey at Heidelberg as well as Heber Curtis in Lick Observatory Bulletin #248 (1913) based on photographs with the Crossley reflector.  Harold Corwin searched unsuccessfully for another candidate besides UGC 12273.  See his notes.

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NGC 7440 = UGC 12276 = MCG +06-50-014 = CGCG 515-015 = PGC 70152

22 58 32.5 +35 48 09; And

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (8/27/92): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Located just west of a string of four stars mag 13-14 oriented N-S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7440 = St VIII(a)-25 on 9 Oct 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate. Bigourdan's "corrected" position in the his 22 Jul 1901 Comptes Rendus paper (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section) is 10 seconds too far east and 4' too far north and lands on a double star.

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NGC 7441 = MCG -01-58-013 = PGC 70186

22 59 29.2 -07 03 17; Aqr

V = 14.3;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  This identification is very uncertain.  See historical comments.

 

IC 1458 is another possible candidate for NGC 7441.

22 56 41.4 -07 22 45

V = 13.6; B = 14.4; Size = 1.3'x0.8'; Type = Scd

24" (9/22/17): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, low surface brightness patch, irregularly round, ~0.6' diameter, slightly irregular surface brightness but no distinct core.

 

18" (10/25/03): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', low even surface brightness.  A 15' string of stars oriented SW-NE with mag 9.5 SAO 146395 at the SW end passes north of the galaxy.  A mag 9.5 star is 10' due west.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7441 = LM 1-260 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.8' dia, iR, *10 p[receding]."  His rough position (RA to the nearest min and Dec marked as uncertain) is coincidentally just 14 seconds of RA east of MCG -01-58-013 = PGC 70186.  The RNGC, PGC and HyperLeda identify this galaxy as NGC 7441, although no 10th magnitude star is preceding.  However, the 19th century estimated magnitudes were often several mags too bright and a mag 11.7 star is 1.8' NE and a mag 12.5 star 5' WSW.

 

As an alternative, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 7441 = IC 1458 = PGC 70080.  This galaxy has a 10th magnitude star 10' west, though the position is 3 minutes of RA east and 20' south of Stone's position.  Neither identification is very secure.

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NGC 7442 = UGC 12286 = MCG +02-58-045 = CGCG 430-042 = PGC 70183

22 59 26.6 +15 32 54; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Located 27' SW of NGC 7448 in a group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7442 on 24 Nov 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (2 measures) is very accurate and he noted the mag 12 star (called mag 13) 2.0' north-northeast.

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NGC 7443 = MCG -02-58-015 = LGG 468-001 = PGC 70218

23 00 08.9 -12 48 28; Aqr

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 40”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core, high surface brightness.  Forms a distinctive similar duo of elongated systems with NGC 7444 1.6' S.  NGC 7450 is in the field 10' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7443 = H II-450 = h2197 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "Two [with NGC 7444], both lE and about 1.5' from each other; they extend in different directions.  The sweeping power showed but one, but 240 distinguished them both, and I saw them afterwards also both with the former power.  Both vF, vS."  JH made two observations and called it "F; R; psbM; rather the brighter of 2."

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NGC 7444 = MCG -02-58-016 = LGG 468-002 = PGC 70219

23 00 09.0 -12 50 03; Aqr

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7443 1.6' NNW.  NGC 7450 lies 10' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7444 = H II-451 = h2198 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "Two [with NGC 7443], both lE and about 1.5' from each other; they extend in different directions.  The sweeping power showed but one, but 240 distinguished them both, and I saw them afterwards also both with the former power.  Both vF, vS."  JH made three observations and called it "pF; irr R; sbM almost to a nucleus; r; the southern of a double nebula."

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NGC 7445 = MCG +06-50-015 = CGCG 515-016 = PGC 70178

22 59 22.4 +39 06 27; And

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 88”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' ESE of center.  Member of the UGC 12298 group with NGC 7449 3.7' NE and NGC 7446 2.0' SE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7445 = St IX-31, along with NGC 7446 and 7449, on 23 Oct 1878.  His position matches CGCG 515-016.

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NGC 7446 = CGCG 515-017 = PGC 70185

22 59 29.0 +39 04 59; And

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (9/26/92): very faint, very small, round, even concentration, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 1.2' N.  Farthest south of the members in the UGC 12298 group with NGC 7449 4.5' N and NGC 7445 2.0' NW.  Appears unusually easy for a galaxy only 15.7pg.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7446 = St IX-32, along with NGC 7445 and 7449, on 23 Oct 1878.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7447

23 00 26 -10 31 42; Aqr

 

= Not found, Corwin.  = *, Reinmuth.

 

Edward Cooper discovered NGC 7447 = Au 49 on 8 Oct 1855 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland.  While compiling the comprehensive Markree Ecliptic Catalogue he thought he found a nebulous mag 11-12 star.  Arthur Auwers searched and reported "no nebula can be seen" using the Heliometer at Konigsberg.  Wilhelm Tempel was also unsuccessful on several attempts (AN 2284), as well as Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II).  Reinmuth identified NGC 7447 as a mag 13 star but this number is likely lost. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7448 = Arp 13 = UGC 12294 = MCG +03-58-018 = CGCG 453-042 = LGG 469-001 = PGC 70213

23 00 03.6 +15 58 49; Peg

V = 11.7;  Size 2.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 170”

 

48" (10/26/16 and 10/28/2019): at 610x; very bright, large, elongated ~2:1 N-S, 2'x1', interesting structure with knots.  The central portion is brighter along the major axis like a weak bar and in the center is a small, very bright nucleus.  A bright, prominent knot, 10"-12" diameter, is just west of the northern tip of the galaxy and a weak knot is close east [by ~15"].  The northern half of the galaxy is generally brighter with a slightly mottled surface.  The galaxy has a weak enhancement along the southwest edge of the halo [spiral arm] and a fairly faint knot is on the southeast side [40" SE of center].  Overall, the southern part of the halo has a lower, more uniform surface brightness.

 

17.5" (9/19/87 and 9/14/85): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, small bright core, fainter extensions.  Brightest in the NGC 7448 group.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, broad moderate concentration, thin fainter extensions NNW-SSE.  Does not contain a well-defined nucleus.

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, elongated.  NGC 7454 is located 29' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7448 = H II-251 = h2199 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "pB, cL, E, r."  On his sweep 11, JH logged "pB; L; vgbM; E pos 85” np to sf."  His mean position is accurate.  Ralph Copeland commented it was "slightly concave towards p side" in a 1873 observation at Birr Castle.  Christian Peters also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7449 = UGC 12292 = MCG +06-50-016 = CGCG 515-018 = PGC 70196

22 59 37.6 +39 08 45; And

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, round, gradually brighter middle, small bright core.  In the UGC 12298 group with NGC 7445 3.7' SW, NGC 7446 4.5' S and UGC 12298 9' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7449 = St IX-33, along with NGC 7445 and 7446, on 23 Oct 1878.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7450 = MCG -02-58-019 = Mrk 1126 = LGG 468-003 = PGC 70252

23 00 47.8 -12 55 07; Aqr

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  Third of three with the striking NGC 7443 and NGC 7444 pair 11' NW.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7450 = T I-47 = T IV-11 on 19 Nov 1876.  His micrometric position in list IV is 5 seconds of RA too large.

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NGC 7451 = UGC 12299 = MCG +01-58-020 = CGCG 405-022 = PGC 70245

23 00 40.9 +08 28 04; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 67”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 7451 on 7 Dec 1865 with the 15-inch refractor at Pulkovo Observatory at St. Petersburg while unsuccessfully searching for Comet Biela. His position is 3' south of UGC 12299 (common offset with his other objects).  Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 7 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 notes) is 5.8' too far southwest, perhaps an error with the offset star.

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NGC 7452 = LEDA 1306660

23 00 47.5 +06 44 44; Psc

V = 15.0;  Size 0.4'x0.3;  PA = 25”

 

24" (12/28/13): at 282x appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, extremely small or stellar nucleus.  Located at 3.1' W of brighter UGC 12302 (NGC 7459?).

 

17.5" (11/18/95): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter, very low surface brightness.  Requires averted vision but observation repeatable.  Located 3.1' W of NGC 7459.  A mag 14.5 star lies 2.1' SSW.  This galaxy is not listed in any modern catalogue and the identifications of NGC 7452 and NGC 7459 are uncertain due to poor positions by Lewis Swift.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7452 = Sw. II-95, along with NGC 7455 and NGC 7459, on 14 Oct 1884 and recorded "eeeF; pL; R; e diff.; np of 2 [with NGC 7459]."  His position falls within a small cluster, 9 seconds of RA east of UGC 12302.  RNGC, MCG and PGC identify UGC 12302 as NGC 7452.  It's the brightest member of the cluster and a double system with nuclei only 10" apart.   Herbert Howe apparently also identified this galaxy as NGC 7452 (MN, Vol 60, 129).

 

As an alternative, Corwin suggests that NGC 7452 = LEDA 1306660, the second brightest in the cluster.  This places NGC 7452 21 seconds of RA preceding Swift's position (matching in dec).  This identification was first made by Kobold in his 1907 catalogue. NED and HyperLeda now both use this identification. This implies NGC 7459 = UGC 12302, which is 12 seconds of RA larger (Swift's difference is 20 seconds).

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NGC 7453

23 01 25.5 -06 21 19; Aqr

 

= ***, Corwin.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 7453 on 7 Nov 1860 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory. At Peters' position of 23 01 25.4 -06 21 17 (2000) is a pair of mag 12.5 stars at 15" separation.  His observation may refer to one of these stars as his description reads "*11 north, close to it."

 

RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7) although the New Description ("E,R,BM") implies it refers to a galaxy.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7454 = UGC 12305 = MCG +03-58-020 = CGCG 453-045 = LGG 469-002 = PGC 70264

23 01 06.6 +16 23 18; Peg

V = 11.8;  Size 2.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, small, bright core, stellar nucleus, fainter extended halo.  A mag 11 star is 52" WNW of center.  Member of the NGC 7448 group.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, extended NNW-SSE, small bright core.  A brighter star is close WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7454 = H II-249 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "F, vS, R, lbM."  The next night (sweep 294), he logged "F, pS, E, following a pB star."  Rudolph Spitaler measured a very accurate micrometric position with the 27" refractor in Vienna in 1891.

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NGC 7455 = CGCG 405-021 = Mrk 523 = PGC 70246

23 00 41.0 +07 18 11; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 174”

 

17.5" (8/21/87): faint, very small, round, small, brighter core.  A mag 11 star is 1.1' NNE of center.  Located 29' E of mag 6.3 SAO 127874.  The NGC identification is not certain.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7455 = Sw. II-96, along with NGC 7452 and 7459, on 14 Oct 1884 and recorded "eF; cE; pS * nr p.  Found while searching for Encke's Comet 1885 I."  There is nothing at his position, but 38 seconds of RA west is CGCG 405-021 = PGC 70246 and Kobold identified this object as NGC 7455 in his 1907 publication.  RNGC and CGCG also identify CGCG 405-021 as NGC 7455.  Herbert Howe noted, though, that there is no star "nr p[receding]."  A mag 12 star is 1.2' north-northeast of this galaxy, but not in the right orientation and furthermore this small galaxy is not "cE".  Because of this discrepancy Corwin suggests that perhaps NGC 7455 actually applies to the comet!   Bigourdan searched for NGC 7455, but his position refers to a star.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7456 = ESO 346-026 = MCG -07-47-011 = PGC 70304

23 02 10.4 -39 34 10; Gru

V = 11.8;  Size 5.5'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 23”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): very faint, diffuse, moderately large, elongated SW-NE.  A pair of mag 13 stars is 3' E of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7456 = h3966 = h3967 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; L; mE; vglbM; pos of elongation 33.8”; 4' l, 1' br; loses itself imperceptibly.  His Cape position for h3966 is 30' too far south but he corrected this clerical mistake in the errata page at the end of the catalogue. His position for h3967 is correct.

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NGC 7457 = UGC 12306 = MCG +05-54-026 = CGCG 496-032 = PGC 70258

23 01 00.0 +30 08 42; Peg

V = 11.2;  Size 4.3'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, very bright core, very small bright nucleus.  Forms a pair with UGC 12311 8' NE (logged as "very faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness").  Several bright stars in field including two mag 10 stars 3.5' NE and 2.8' E.  A mag 11 star is 5.0' ENE and mag 9 SAO 90959 9.5' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7457 = H II-212 = h2201 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 267) and recorded "pB, pL, lE, mbM, r.  South of 2 faint stars.  Some stars visible in it."  His position is just off the west side of the galaxy.  JH made a single observation, "B; L; lE; pgbM; 60"; has a stellar point in the centre."  The observers at Birr Castle noted a star involved just preceding the nucleus.

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NGC 7458 = UGC 12309 = MCG +00-58-020 = CGCG 379-022 = PGC 70277

23 01 28.6 +01 45 12; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core.  An equilateral triangle with sides 2' formed by mag 8.8 SAO 127905 and two mag 11 stars lies about 6' N.  NGC 7460 is 31' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7458 = H II-590 = h2200 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 589) and noted "F, S, bM."  JH made two observations, measured an accurate position, and noted on sweep 295, "vF; vS; psbM."

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NGC 7459 = UGC 12302 = MCG +01-58-021 = PGC 70261

23 00 59.9 +06 45 01; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 57”

 

24" (12/28/13): at 200x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', brighter core.  At 282x, the core appeared double [post merger system?], with the two extremely small nuclei just resolved [10" separation], and oriented along the major axis.  The northeast component appeared quasi-stellar.  A mag 13.2 star is 1.2' E of center.

 

17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 40"x25", weak concentration.  Located 1.2' W of a mag 13 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 7452 3.1' W.  This is a double system (not resolved) and brightest in a faint cluster. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7459 = Sw. II-97, along with NGC 7452 and 7455, on 14 Oct 1884 and recorded "eeF; pL; R; * nr; sf of 2 [with NGC 7452]."  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin suggests this number applies to UGC 12302 (the brightest in the cluster), located 30 sec of RA due west of Swift's position.  This identity was first made by Hermann Kobold in his observation at Strasbourg in 1897 (published in 1907). This implies NGC 7452 = PGC 1306660, which is 21 seconds west of his position.

 

RNGC, MCG and PGC identify UGC 12302 as NGC 7452.  UGC does not apply an NGC designation for this double system.  RNGC classifies NGC 7459 as nonexistent (Type 7).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7460 = UGC 12312 = MCG +00-58-021 = CGCG 379-023 = PGC 70287

23 01 42.9 +02 15 49; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  NGC 7458 is 31' SSW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7460 = St VIII(a)-26 on 21 Sep 1876.  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 7461 = UGC 12314 = MCG +02-58-056 = CGCG 430-051 = PGC 70290

23 01 48.3 +15 34 57; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, extremely small, round, compact, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 2.3' SW. Member of the NGC 7448 group located 23' S of the NGC 7463, NGC 7464 and NGC 7465.  Pair with NGC 7467 9.5' ESE.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness, NGC 7467 11' E.  Located 23' S of NGC 7463/64/65 in the NGC 7448 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7461 = m 513 on 8 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, vS, alm stellar."  His position is 1' south of UGC 12314.

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NGC 7462 = ESO 346-028 = MCG -07-47-013 = PGC 70324

23 02 46.5 -40 50 07; Gru

V = 11.7;  Size 4.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 75”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, fairly small, pretty edge-on oriented ~E-W.  A mag 11 star is at the west end and four other comparable stars including a nice double at 36" separation are within 5'.  Located 10.6' W of mag 6.6 SAO 231415.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7462 = h3968 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; vmE; has a *11m preceding its extremity."  The mag 11 star at the west edge is MCG -07-47-012 (misclassified as a galaxy).

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NGC 7463 = UGC 12316 = MCG +03-58-022 = CGCG 453-048 = Holm 802a = PGC 70291

23 01 52.0 +15 58 55; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 2.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; very bright, large, very elongated at least 4:1 E-W, ~2.0'x0.5'.  Unusual structure [nearly edge-on barred spiral] with a fairly bright bar angling across the central section ~SW-NE, ~25"x10".  A spiral arm extends west of the bar and a long, low surface brightness tidal arm stretches to the east.  NGC 7464, situated 0.7' SE, is just south of the beginning of the eastern arm.  The stretched appearance is likely due to an interaction with NGC 7465 2.6' SE.  These galaxy, as well as the two described below, are part of the NGC 7448 group.

 

UGC 12321, located 7' NE, appeared fairly faint, thin edge-on 6:1 sliver WSW-ENE, 35"x6", very small brighter core.  A 2' length NW-SE string of 3 mag 11.5-12 stars is close south.  The middle star is in this string is an uncatalogued double star with a separation of ~1.8".  UGC 12313, located 5.5' NNW, appeared very faint to faint, moderately large, edge-on ~4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', slightly brighter core, fades out at the tips, overall fairly low surface brightness.

 

18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration.  Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 7465 2.6' SE.  A close companion, NGC 7464, is just 0.7' SE.  Located 2.5' NE of a mag 8.5 star that is a bit of a distraction in viewing, though it makes the group quite distinctive.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, brighter core but no sharp nucleus.  Lower surface brightness than nearby NGC 7465 2.6' ESE.  In a close trio with NGC 7465 and NGC 7464 just 42" SE of center.  Located 2.5' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 108339.  Member of the NGC 7448 group.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, lower surface brightness than NGC 7464 45" SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7463 = H III-210 = h2202, along with NGC 7465, on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "Two, the second of them [NGC 7465] stellar, both vF.  The first [NGC 7463] lE and a little larger than the second; both vF."  Both Herschels missed NGC 7464 (discovered by d'Arrest).

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NGC 7464 = UGC 12315 = MCG +03-58-023 = CGCG 453-049 = Holm 802c = LGG 469-007 = PGC 70292

23 01 53.7 +15 58 26; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~24"x20", broad concentration with no well defined core or nucleus but fairly high surface brightness.  Smallest and faintest in an excellent trio with NGC 7463 40" NW and NGC 7465 1.8' ESE.

 

18" (7/29/03): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration.  Located just 40" SE of the center of NGC 7463 in a trio with NGC 7465 and less than 3' NE of a mag 8.5 star.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.  Located just 42" SE of the center of NGC 7463 with NGC 7465 1.8' ESE.  Located 2.5' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 108339.  Member of the NGC 7448 group.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): appears as an extremely small "knot" attached at the southeast end of NGC 7463.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): extremely faint, very small, round, near visual threshold.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7464 = m 514 on 27 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while examining NGC 7463 and 7465.  NGC 7464 is labeled Roman numeral III in his sketch. Albert Marth independently discovered this galaxy just two months later on 23 Oct 1864 with the 48-inch on Malta ("vF, eS, near [NGC 7463]") as well as Hermann Vogel with the 8.5-inch refractor in Leipzig on 10 Aug 1869.

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NGC 7465 = UGC 12317 = Mrk 313 = MCG +03-58-024 = CGCG 453-050 = Holm 802b = LGG 469-003 = PGC 70295

23 02 01.0 +15 57 54; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; bright, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, ~0.9'x0.7'.  There are three distinct brightness zones; the oval halo, a slightly elongated bright core, and a very small intensely bright nucleus.  In an interacting triplet with NGC 7463 2.4' NW and NGC 7464 1.8' WNW.  Mag 8.2 HD 217602 lies 4' WSW.

 

18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 or 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.4'.  Fairly high surface brightness with a weak, even concentration to a small brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a close trio with the tight duo NGC 7463/7464 ~2' WNW.  The trio is situated ~3' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 108339.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, small, bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  Brightest in a close trio with NGC 7464 1.8' WNW and NGC 7463 2.4' WNW in the NGC 7448 group.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): very small, round, stellar nucleus surrounding a small outer halo.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, very small, stellar nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.  Only viewing the nucleus?  Brightest in subgroup of three with NGC 7464 and NGC 7463.  Located 27' E of NGC 7448.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7465 = H III-211 = h2203, along with NGC 7463, on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "Two, the second of them [NGC 7465] stellar, both vF.  The first [NGC 7463] lE and a little larger than the second; both vF."  JH measured separate positions for the pair.  They both missed NGC 7464.

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NGC 7466 = UGC 12319 = MCG +04-54-017 = CGCG 475-023 = PGC 70299

23 02 03.4 +27 03 10; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 26”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7466 = St V-10 on 20 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF; eS; with a condensation in the centre."  His position is accurate.  MCG and PGC incorrectly equate IC 5281 (a close double star) with NGC 7466.

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NGC 7467 = MCG +02-58-057 = CGCG 430-053 = PGC 70310

23 02 27.4 +15 33 15; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 0.75'x0.55';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 33”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 15 star is just off the east edge 1.0' from center.  Located 9.5' ESE of NGC 7461 in the NGC 7448 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7467 = m 515 on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, v."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7468 = UGC 12329 = CGCG 453-052 = Mrk 314 = LGG 469-004 = PGC 70332

23 02 59.3 +16 36 18; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located 8.7' N of mag 7.9 SAO 108362.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7468 = H III-202 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar.  240 confirmed it."  CH's reduction is a good match with UGC 12329 = PGC 70332.  No observations were made by JH, but d'Arrest measured three positions.

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NGC 7469 = Arp 298 NED1 = UGC 12332 = MCG +01-58-025 = Holm 803a = Mrk 1514 = PGC 70348

23 03 15.7 +08 52 26; Peg

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): sharp, bright stellar nucleus (Sy 1 galaxy) surrounded by a small faint halo.  A faint star is just east.  Forms a close pair (Arp 298) with IC 5283 1.3' NNE.  Located at the western vertex of a triangle with mag 8.5 SAO 127930 5.4' SE and mag 8.4 SAO 27929 6.3' NE.  This is a Seyfert galaxy with a variable nucleus.  IC 5283 is a very faint glow, small, round, diffuse, with an even surface brightness.

 

13" (11/13/82): moderately bright, small, round, small bright nucleus surrounded by small diffuse halo.  The nucleus dominates the galaxy.  Located along the west side of three mag 9-10 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7469 = H III-230 = h2204 on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and noted "eF, eS, but 240 left a doubt."  He found it again on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and logged "suspected a small irregular patch with seeming nebulosity."  He didn't link the second observation with the first or assign it an internal discovery number.  JH made the single observation "F; S; R; vsmbM; equals a star 12m with a vF wisp about it.  At first seems like a star."  The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large.  NGC 7469 is one of the 6 original Sy 1 galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".

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NGC 7470 = ESO 239-009 = AM 2302-502 = PGC 70431

23 05 14.1 -50 06 42; Gru

V = 13.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 84”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~50"x40", contains a small slightly brighter core and a patchy halo.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' NW.  Forms a pair with PGC 469486 1.9' SSW.  At 394x, the (line of sight) companion appeared faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7470 = h3969 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; R; glbM; 60"; has a * 11m np 3' dist."  There is nothing at his position but 0.8 min of RA east is ESO 239-009 and his description matches.

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NGC 7471 = ESO 535-4

23 03 54 -22 55; Aqr

 

= Not found, Corwin, RNGC and ESO.  = *?, SG

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7471 = LM 2-470 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, lE 85”, sbM, 3 stars 10, p[recede] 20 seconds."  There is nothing near his position.  If Muller's object is the mag 15 star at 23 05 32.9 -22 53 44 (1 min 38 seconds of RA east), there are three mag 12-13 stars about 30 seconds preceding.

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NGC 7472 = NGC 7482 = MCG +00-58-029 = CGCG 379-031 = PGC 70446

23 05 38.6 +03 03 33; Psc

 

See observing notes for NGC 7482.

 

Otto Struve found NGC 7472 on 7 Dec 1865 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory while unsuccessfully searching for comet Biela.  He noted a faint star with a nebulous halo.  There is nothing near his position, but exactly 2.0 minutes of RA east is NGC 7482, which was discovered by Marth the previous year on 11 Aug 1864.

 

Sherburne Burnham, who examined the field (see Publ of Lick Obs, II), noted there was only one galaxy in the vicinity, essentially agreeing with Marth's position for NGC 7482, and that NGC 7472 as well as d'Arrest's NGC 7477 were probably duplicates.  Dreyer mentioned this in the IC I Notes, although NGC 7477 is a different object.  See NGC 7477.

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NGC 7473 = UGC 12335 = MCG +05-54-030 = CGCG 496-038 = PGC 70373

23 03 57.1 +30 09 37; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): faint, small, oval SSW-NNE, bright core.  A mag 14 star is 46" N of center.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7473 = m 516 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is 6 seconds of time too small.

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NGC 7474 = MCG +03-58-026 = PGC 70379

23 04 04.4 +20 04 02; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (9/10/15): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, stellar nucleus.  First in a trio with NGC 7475  1.6' NE (double system with MCG +03-58-028).  A mag 11.5 star lies 2' N and a wide pair (~15") is 2.8' SE.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 11 star is 2.0' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 7475 1.6' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7474 = m 517, along with NGC 7475, on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7475 = UGC 12337 = MCG +03-58-027 = MCG +03-58-028 = CGCG 453-059 = PGC 70382 = PGC 70383

23 04 10.9 +20 04 52; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  PA = 54”

 

24" (9/10/15): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~0.6'x0.4', contains a very small bright nucleus that appears offset to the southwest side.  NGC 7474 lies 1.6' SE.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.7' NW.

 

With careful viewing this is clearly seen as a double system with a companion attached at the northeast end (MCG +03-58-028 = PGC 70382).  It was visible as a faint, small, round glow, 12" in diameter.  The centers of the galaxies are separated by just 27" and nearly collinear with NGC 7474.

 

17.5" (9/2/89): faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE.  A mag 11 star is 1.7' NW.  Forms a pair with NGC 7474 1.5' SW.  The compact companion at the NE end was unresolved.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7475 = m 518, along with NGC 7474, on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7476 = ESO 290-045 = MCG -07-47-015 = PGC 70427

23 05 11.7 -43 05 51; Gru

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, fairly small, possibly oval N-S, bright core.  Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 7.7 SAO 231425 3' NW and mag 7.2 SAO 231432 4' NNE.  Located 32' ENE of mag 4.3 Theta Gruis.  This is an exceptionally far southern galaxy for viewing from Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7476 = h3970 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; 12"; makes an obtuse-angled triangle, with 2 st 7m at some distance." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7477 = PGC 1245518

23 04 40.7 +03 07 05; Psc

V = 15.0;  Size 0.3'x0.15'

 

18" (9/26/11): this number applies to an extremely faint galaxy with a star superimposed.  At 175x, it appeared as a faint, nebulous patch (perhaps 15" diameter) with one or two very faint stars involved.  At 225x, three mag 14.5 stars were resolved including a 15" pair but a third star close north was not involved in the glow.  It was easy to see to see how this knot of stars could be taken as nebulous even if the galaxy was not seen.  NGC 7482 lies 15' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7477 on 9 Sep 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  At his exact position is a group of 3 faint stars and an extremely faint galaxy (LEDA 1245518).  Probably d'Arrest picked up the combined glow of a faint star and the galaxy (V = 15.0) or else two close stars.  Hermann Kobold's position, measured in 1898 at the Stasbourg Observatory, is at the north end of LEDA 1245518, where a faint star is attached. Reinmuth also identified NGC 7477 as "4 st 15 in Dreyer's place; ? eeF vS neb s of 2nd * alm att?, neb E 75 deg?."

 

Burnham noted the odd situation that NGC 7477 and 7472 precede Marth's NGC 7482 by exactly 1.0 tmin and 2.0 tmin of RA, respectively, and felt all 3 numbers referred to the same galaxy.  But Harold Corwin notes that only NGC 7472 (discovered by Otto Struve) is identical to NGC 7482.

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NGC 7478 = PGC 70418

23 04 56.6 +02 34 40; Psc

V = 15.4;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, slightly brighter core.  Located 1.0' SE of a mag 11.5 star and fainter of a pair with NGC 7480 4.6' ESE.  Not listed in CGCG, MCG or RC3.

 

13": not found.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7478 = m 519, along with NGC 7480, on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, E."  His position is 1.2' too far northwest. This galaxy is mentioned in UGC notes to NGC 7480 but is not identified as NGC 7478.

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NGC 7479 = UGC 12343 = MCG +02-58-060 = CGCG 430-058 = PGC 70419

23 04 56.7 +12 19 23; Peg

V = 10.8;  Size 4.1'x3.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 25”

 

48" (11/2/13, 10/30/16 and 10/28/19): The view of NGC 7479 was mesmerizing at 488x and 610x.  Compared to the view last October, I noticed the fainter eastern arm was broader (split in two parallel branches on images) and although diffuse, obviously extended all the way to the southern edge of the galaxy, nearly reaching a mag 16 star.  Also the bright arm on the western side of the bar dimmed as it extended north, but wrapped all the way or just beyond a mag 15.7 star situated 48" SW of the bright mag 12.5 star off the north end of the bar.  The western arm clearly had a clumpy appearance with a couple of brighter patches.  Near the south end of this arm [1.1' SSW of center] is a very faint quasi-stellar knot, which is catalogued as HII region #45 in Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies".  Another brighter knot, ~12"x6", is at the southwest end of the arm [1.5' SW of center].  This is region #57 in the HK Atlas.  A faint edge-on (V = 17.8), lies 3.5' NW of NGC 7479.

 

48" (10/22/11): NGC 7479 is probably the best barred spiral in the northern sky. At 488x and 610x the central bar appears very bright and extended over 2' N-S. The bar had a mottled appearance, bulging slightly in the center, was broadly concentrated with a small bright core. A bright mag 12.5 star is at the north end of the bar, 1.3' from the center.

 

At the northern end, an arm emerges from the bar and begins to curve counterclockwise to the east, but abruptly dims and merges with the halo on the east side. At the south end of the bar, a beautiful sweeping arm wraps counterclockwise around the south of a superimposed mag 13.5 star, extending to the west side of the core. This prominent arm dims and ends just north of an extremely faint HII knot (stellar) in the arm, which is catalogued as object #4 in Rozas' et al 1999 A&AS paper "Global properties of the population of HII regions in NGC 7479 from photometric H-alpha imaging". A mag 16.4 star is 0.7' due west (outside the arm) of this knot. A mag 15.7 star is also superimposed between the faint HII knot and the bright star at the north end. 

 

18" (11/7/07): I was surprised the thin spiral arm was readily visible from Lake Sonoma extending from the south end of the bar and wrapping outside the mag 13.5 star situated 50' SW of the core.  This arm dimmed out roughly due west of the star.  The central bar extends 2.4'x0.6' N-S and contains a bulging 25" core that broadly brightens to an occasional faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Barely off the north end of the central bar is a mag 12.5 star (1.3' due north of center) and there was just a hint of the spiral arm at the north end of the bar beginning to bend towards the east.

 

18" (10/19/06): fairly bright, fairly large, the main bar appears elongated 3:1 N-S, moderately concentrated with a bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the north tip of the bar.  At the south end an extension is generally visible with averted vision hooking back sharply on the west side towards the north.  This spiral arm dims as it hooks but intermittently appears to sweep due north though does not extend as far as the mag 13.5 star off the SW side of the core.

 

17.5" (7/19/90): this is one of few northern barred spirals in which the structure is clearly visible. A bright bar is oriented N-S with a bright core and nearly stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is off the north edge 1.4' from center and a fainter mag 14 star is 47" SW of center. A thin curving spiral arm attached at the south end curves to the west and then north beyond the mag 14 star SW of the core. This arm parallels the bar along the west side about 90”. At the Sierra Buttes, the spiral arm was held almost continuously with averted vision. Located 3.3' NNE of a mag 10 star.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): thin curving arm clearly seen attached at the SW end curving to the north around a faint star.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, elongated ~N-S.  Strong impression of a dark lane or gap on the west wide and brief hints of haze beyond this gap, particularly around the south end towards the west (spiral arm).

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, elongated N-S, bright core.  Two faint stars are west and north.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7479 = H I-55 = h2205 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and noted "F, mE, r, near 3' in length and about 1' in breadth; I see 2 or 3 stars in it; but they do not seem to belong to it."  On 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) he noted "cB, mE nearly in the direction of the meridian; about 4' long, about 2' broad, gbM."  A sketch was published in 1811.

 

Lord Rosse or his assistant George Johnstone Stoney sketched NGC 7479 on 10 Sep 1849 (figure 4 in the 1850 PT paper).  The sketch shows a single prominent spiral arm wrapping nearly completely back to the bar, though the form was uncertain: "Spiral, but query whether this is not more properly an annular than a spiral nebula."  Tempel, John Herschel and d'Arrest made additional sketches.

 

In the 1900 paper "The spiral nebula H I 55 Pegasi" (1900ApJ....11....1K), Lick astronomer James Keeler compared the various sketches of NGC 7479 with the photograph taken with the Crossley reflector to demonstrate the subjectivity of sketches and their limitations compared to photographs.

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NGC 7480 = UGC 12349 = MCG +00-58-027 = CGCG 379-030 = Holm 804a = PGC 70432

23 05 13.6 +02 32 58; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (11/18/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.3.'  Contains a small, round bright core with very faint thin extensions.  Preceded by an isosceles triangle of mag 10.5 stars (with equal sides about 3.5' and base 5.5').  Forms a pair with NGC 7478 4.6' WNW.

 

13.1" (11/29/86): very faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE.  Nearby NGC 7478 not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7480 = m 520, along with NGC 7478, on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, vlE, vgbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7481

23 05 48 -19 57; Aqr

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7481 = LM 1-261 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, gbM."  There nothing near his rough position and Harold Corwin was unable to find a reasonable candidate in the area.

 

ESO assigned ESO 604-003 to NGC 7481, though questioned the identification as uncertain.  This galaxy is 20 seconds of RA east and 7' north of Stone's position and consists of a pair of extremely faint galaxies close to a mag 14-14.5 star.  Corwin rejects this as a plausible candidate, so this number is lost.

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NGC 7482 = NGC 7472 = MCG +00-58-029 = CGCG 379-031 = PGC 70446

23 05 38.6 +03 03 33; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 140”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, very small, round.  Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 5.8' NW and a mag 10.5 star 7.8' NW.  NGC 7483 lies 29' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7482 = m 521 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate to within 1'.  Otto Struve probably found this galaxy again on 7 Dec 1865 as his position for NGC 7472 is 2.0 minutes of RA west.  So, NGC 7482 = NGC 7472.

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NGC 7483 = UGC 12353 = MCG +00-58-030 = CGCG 379-032 = PGC 70455

23 05 48.3 +03 32 42; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 110”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, small, round, noticeable small bright core.  Possible larger fainter outer halo.  NGC 7482 is 29' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7483 = h2206 on 18 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; E; psbM; 20" l, 8" br."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 7484 = ESO 407-006 = MCG -06-50-026 = PGC 70505

23 07 04.9 -36 16 29; Scl

V = 11.8;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Located just 1' N of mag 9.9 SAO 214317 and 3.8' W of mag 9.8 SAO 214322!  Very close to the Sculptor, Pisces Austrinus and Grus border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7484 = h3971 = h3972 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; gbM; attached to, or not much separated from, a * 8m just south of neb, 60" dist."  His position (for h3971) is 1.0 min of RA too small.  He observed this galaxy on 3 additional sweeps, recording the position accurately under h3972and noted the probable RA error with h3971..  The two entries were combined in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 7485 = UGC 12360 = MCG +06-50-022 = CGCG 515-024 = PGC 70470

23 06 04.9 +34 06 28; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated oval NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A close mag 15 double star is 1.8' ESE = NGC 7486.

 

Forms a pair with UGC 12358 4.8' NW (incorrectly identified in RNGC as NGC 7485).  UGC 12358 appeared extremely faint, very elongated ~E-W, near visual threshold.  A star attached at the southwest end detracts from viewing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7485 = h2207 on 19 Aug 1828 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM; 12"; has a * 10m, 5' preceding in same parallel.  His position is just 2 seconds of RA west of UGC 12360, though the mag 10 star is 7' west-northwest.

 

The RNGC misidentifies UGC 12358 as NGC 7485.  This extremely faint edge-on galaxy is located 4.8' northwest of NGC 7485.  The correct data for NGC 7485 is listed in the RNGC under NGC 7486.  This error was listed in my RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 7486

23 06 06.7 +34 04 25; Peg

 

17.5" (8/13/88): this number refers to three mag 15 stars located ~2' ESE NGC 7485.  Not knowing the nature of this object, I logged NGC 7486 as "very faint, extremely small, forming a close pair with a mag 15 star" and assumed this observation referred to a very small galaxy.  But on the DSS the "extremely small" object is just two very close mag 15 stars that form a tight triple with the mag 15 star.  Using Lord Rosse's 72", Copeland made the same error.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 7486 on 25 Aug 1871 while observing GC 4895 = NGC 7485.  He noted a "D neb f a little south [of NGC 7485]."  On 3 Dec 1877 Dreyer observed the field and logged "vF, vS, undoubtedly seen, position angle 109.5”± and distance 114"."  At Dreyer's exact offset from NGC 7485 is compact group of 4 faint stars that I also mistook as a nebulous in my 17.5"!   This is the last object in the GC Supplement Addenda (GC 6251).

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 7485 as NGC 7486.  This error was noted in my Catalogue Corrections #3.

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NGC 7487 = NGC 7210 = UGC 12368 = MCG +05-54-035 = CGCG 496-043 = PGC 70496

23 06 50.5 +28 10 45; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.8'x1.7'

 

17.5" (8/13/88): faint, fairly small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 40' ENE of Beta Pegasi (V = 2.4).

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7487 = Sw. IV-89 on 3 Aug 1886 and noted "vF; S; R."  His RA is 8 seconds too large.

 

The original discovery of this galaxy was made by JH on 17 Nov 1827, but Harold Corwin found (April 2016) that he made a transcription error in copying his logbook RA to his Slough Catalogue, so the RA (marked as uncertain) is 1 hour too small.  Furthermore, he made another error when transferring the declination to the General Catalogue, so his GC and NGC north polar distance is one degree too large!  Correcting both of these errors, the position of NGC 7210 = h2148 matches NGC 7487.  Although NGC 7210 should be the primary designation, all catalogues of course identify this galaxy as NGC 7487 only (as of 2016).

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NGC 7488 = MCG +00-59-001 = CGCG 380-001 = PGC 70539

23 07 48.9 +00 56 26; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7488 = m 522 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  His position in accurate.

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NGC 7489 = UGC 12378 = MCG +04-54-028 = CGCG 475-038 = PGC 70532

23 07 32.7 +22 59 53; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 170”

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, very diffuse, fairly small.  A mag 14 star is very close southwest, just 33" from the center.  Located 4.5' SSW of mag 8.9 SAO 91024 and 10.7' WSW of mag 8.3 SAO 91034.  NGC 7489 is larger and slightly brighter than IC 5285 8.6' WSW.  IC 5285, an unusual ring galaxy, appeared faint, very small, almost round, slightly elongated ~E-W, possible faint stellar nucleus.  A very faint mag 14.5 star is at the west edge, 23" from center.

 

William Lassell discovered NGC 7489 = m523 on 14 Sep 1863 from Malta and recorded "F, S, R; found by L."  This was his last of four NGC discoveries and occurred while Marth was already surveying Pegasus for new objects (10 were discovered between the 13th and 17th of Sep).  His position is off by 1.5' in dec (too far south).

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NGC 7490 = UGC 12379 = MCG +05-54-036 = CGCG 496-044 = PGC 70526

23 07 25.2 +32 22 30; Peg

V = 12.3;  Size 2.8'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, fairly large, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, large faint halo.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7490 = St X-39 on 11 Oct 1879.  His position is an exact match with UGC 12379.  Edward Holden found this galaxy again on 21 Aug 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory.  He assumed it was new and reported it as #23 in his list of new nebulae in the Publications of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I.   Both Stephan and Holden are credited with the discovery in the NGC.

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NGC 7491 = MCG -01-59-002 = PGC 70546

23 08 06.0 -05 58 00; Aqr

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.5' N of a mag 10 star.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7491 = St XII-94 on 21 Aug 1881.  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 7492

23 08 26.6 -15 36 41; Aqr

V = 11.5;  Size 4.2'

 

24" (11/24/14): picked up at 200x as a faint, large, low surface brightness glow with a very weak concentration, 4'-5' diameter.  At 375x, a few resolved stars shone steadily and quite a number popped in/out view consistently.  Perhaps two dozen were intermittently resolved, though the surface was too lively (particularly with averted vision) to count reliably. These are the brightest red giant members and range from mag 15.5 to 16+. 

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, large, round, diffuse, no resolution.

 

8" (8/2/81): very faint, diffuse, moderately large, no resolution.  Very low surface brightness for a NGC globular and difficult with this aperture.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7492 = H III-558 = h2208 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 595) and recorded "eF, cL, iR.  By changing and wiping the eye glasses, I saw it with both so as to leave no doubt.  5 or 6' dia."  JH called this cluster "eF; vL; 2 or 3'; the faintest thing imaginable; half way between two coarse double stars in the same parallel."

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NGC 7493

23 08 31.6 +00 54 36; Psc

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7493 = Big. 95 on 28 Oct 1886 and noted "mag 13.4; stellar.  Sky mediocre."  His micrometric position corresponds with a mag 15 star, so this identification is secure.

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NGC 7494 = ESO 535-005 = MCG -04-54-007 = PGC 70568

23 08 58.6 -24 22 10; Aqr

V = 14.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very low even surface brightness, requires averted vision.  NGC 7498 lies 13.5' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7494 = m 524, along with NGC 7498, on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 7495 = UGC 12391 = MCG +02-59-003 = CGCG 431-006 = PGC 70566

23 08 57.2 +12 02 53; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the NNE end.  Located 7' NW of mag 8.7 SAO 108451.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7495 = Sw. II-98 on 31 Oct 1885 and recorded "eF; lE; S; 9m star close nf."  His position is just 6 seconds of RA too small.  There is 9th magnitude star 7' southeast, but he is likely referring to the 12-13th magnitude star 1.3' northeast.

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NGC 7496 = ESO 291-001 = MCG -07-47-020 = VV 771 = LGG 472-001 = PGC 70588

23 09 47.3 -43 25 41; Gru

V = 11.1;  Size 3.3'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, brighter core.  A mag 10.5 star is off the north end 1.8' from center!  Located 32' W of mag 4.3 Theta Gruis (V = 4.3).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7496 = h3973 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; L; lE; vgmbM; to a * 13m."

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NGC 7497 = UGC 12392 = MCG +03-59-002 = CGCG 454-003 = LGG 470-003 = PGC 70569

23 09 03.4 +18 10 38; Peg

V = 12.2;  Size 4.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 48”

 

17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, brighter middle, fairly low surface brightness.

 

On deep images, NGC 7497 resides in a remarkable streak of "Integrated Flux Nebula" in Pegasus.  IFN, also known as Galactic Cirrus is dust and gas outside the plane of the Milky Way.  It dimly shines by reflected light (blue) as well as fluoresced by ultraviolet light of massive stars within the disk of our galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7497 = H III-203 = h2209 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "vF, E, considerably L, about 2' long."  JH made two observations: "eF; E like the tail of a comet; lbM." (sweep 11) and "vF; mE; pos 45” nf to sp; 4' l, 1' br." (sweep 92).

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NGC 7498 = ESO 535-006 = MCG -04-54-008 = PGC 70590

23 09 56.2 -24 25 30; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 40"x20", very weak concentration.  Located 4.7' SSW of a mag 11 star.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.1' NW and a mag 15 star 1.5' NE of center.  NGC 7494 lies 13.5' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7498 = m 525, along with NGC 7494, on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S, irr R."  His dec is 1' too large.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 at Denver.

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NGC 7499 = UGC 12397 = MCG +01-59-005 = CGCG 406-007 = PGC 70608

23 10 22.4 +07 34 50; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  First of three with NGC 7501 2.1' ENE and NGC 7503 5.0' ESE.  This trio is the brightest in the Pegasus II cluster.  Two very faint members, MCG +01-59-002 and CGCG 406-005 are located 5' W and ~8' SW, respectively.  Located 14' NNE of mag 7.2 SAO 128008.

 

CGCG 406-005 required averted vision using 220x to momentarily glimpse a 20", very low surface brightness circular patch, 3.0' NW of a mag 12.5-13 star.  A star appears to be very close or involved or possibly the galaxy contains a faint stellar nucleus.  Located ~10' SW of the NGC 7499/7501/7503 trio.

 

MCG +01-59-002 was also a difficult target and appeared as an extremely faint, small thin sliver, ~0.3'x0.1', but too faint for any details.  Collinear with brighter NGC 7499 and NGC 7501 to the east.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7499 = m 526, along with NGC 7501 and 7503, on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7500 = UGC 12399 = MCG +02-59-004 = CGCG 431-008 = PGC 70620

23 10 29.8 +11 00 44; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 125”

 

17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Located 12' N of mag 7.4 SAO 108442.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7500 = Sw. IV-90 on 8 Aug 1886 and noted "eF; vS; R."  His position is 8 seconds too far west and 1' too far north (2.3' error).

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NGC 7501 = MCG +01-59-007 = CGCG 406-008 = PGC 70619

23 10 30.4 +07 35 21; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/1/87): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.  NGC 7501 is the faintest in a trio with NGC 7499 2.1' WSW and NGC 7503 3.2' ESE.  Located in the core of the Pegasus II galaxy cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7501 = m 527, along with NGC 7499 and 7503, on 2 Sep 1864 and simply noted "eF".  His dec is 1' too large.

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NGC 7502 = ESO 604-005

23 10 19.8 -21 44 15; Aqr

 

= faint **, ESO.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7502 = LM 2-471 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He reported "mag 15.8; 0.3' dia; E 290”; double star?" There is nothing at his rough position, but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 7502 as a double star (20" separation on the DSS) just 30 seconds west of Muller's position and matching his PA and size estimates.  ESO and RNGC also identify NGC 7502 as a double star.

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NGC 7503 = MCG +01-59-008 = CGCG 406-012 = PGC 70628

23 10 42.3 +07 34 04; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/1/87): faint, small, round.  NGC 7503 is the third in a trio with NGC 7501 3.2' WNW and similar to NGC 7499 5.0' WNW but with a more compact core.  Located in the core of the Pegasus II cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7503 = m 528, along with NGC 7499 and 7503, on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7504

23 10 41.1 +14 23 10; Peg

 

= *?, Corwin.  =*, Carlson.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7504 = m 529 on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar."  There is no nearby galaxy to his position.  Bigourdan was unsuccessful in identifying it, of course, and Reinmuth identified a nearby mag 14 star as NGC 7504 (repeated by Carlson in her 1940 paper on NGC/IC corrections).  Harold Corwin also tentatively identifies NGC 7504 with this star as he was unable to find another candidate.  Still, we could just call this number lost.

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NGC 7505 = CGCG 431-009 = PGC 70636

23 11 00.7 +13 37 54; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 111”

 

18" (10/25/03): very faint, extremely small, 10" diameter.  At 257x, a very faint stellar nucleus was clearly visible embedded in a small halo.  Located 22' WSW of NGC 7511.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7505 = Sw. V-94 on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eS; lE; nearly between a bright star and a very wide double star."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7506 = UGC 12406 = MCG +00-59-005 = CGCG 380-006 = PGC 70660

23 11 41.0 -02 09 36; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 103”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, fainter extensions.  NGC 7517 lies 23.5' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7506 = H III-184 = h2210 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and logged "eF, vS, stellar.  240 verified it."  On 6 Sep 1831 (sweep 371), JH called it "Not vF; R; gb and smbM to a * 15m."  His mean position from two observations is accurate.

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NGC 7507 = ESO 469-019 = MCG -05-54-022 = AM 2309-284 = PGC 70676

23 12 07.6 -28 32 26; Scl

V = 10.4;  Size 2.8'x2.7';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (10/13/90): bright, fairly small, round, unusually bright compact core, stellar nucleus.  Located 6' NW of a mag 10 star.  NGC 7513 lies 18' NE. 

 

8" (7/24/82) : fairly bright, small, small very bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7507 = H II-2 = h2211 = h3974 on 30 Oct 1783 (#2 sweep discovery).  He made a total of 3 observations and noted on 1 Sep 1785 (sweep 430), "pB, S, irr figure, mbM."  JH made observations both at Slough and at the CGH, where he logged "B; R; psvmbM; 60"."

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NGC 7508 = UGC 12408 = MCG +02-59-005 = CGCG 431-011 = PGC 70663

23 11 49.2 +12 56 25; Peg

V = 14.7;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, very thin extensions from stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.5' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7508 = h2212 on 13 Oct 1825 (sweep 14) and called it "eF; R; seems to have a star in centre."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7509 = MCG +02-59-006 = CGCG 431-013 = PGC 70679

23 12 21.4 +14 36 34; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, weak gradual concentration.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7509 = Sw. IV-91 on 8 Aug 1886 with his 16-inch refractor and recorded "vF; S; R: bet 2 stars."  His position is 7 seconds of RA west and 1' north of CGCG 431-013.  The 2 stars might be a mag 9.5 star 5' northeast and a mag 9.9 star 5' south or refer to two fainter but closer stars.

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NGC 7510 = Cr 454 = Lund 1030 = Do 57 = OCL-256

23 11 04 +60 34 18; Cep

V = 7.9;  Size 4'

 

18" (10/9/04): beautifully rich, small cluster with a triangular or wedge-shaded outline.  Roughly 50 stars are resolved in a 4'x2' region with additional sprays of stars extending to the SW and NE.  There is a well-defined border of brighter stars running SW-NE along the south side of the wedge with the brightest mag 9.6 member at the east end of this string.  There are several 11-12th mag members, but most seem mag 13 and fainter.  The north end of the giant HII complex Sh 2-157 lies ~30' E.

 

17.5" (10/17/98): very pretty triangular wedge of stars in a 5x2' group.  There are brighter stars at the west and east vertex with the brightest star at the following end.  Within the triangle are two dozen stars oriented SW-NE including a number of mag 14-15 stars on the eastern side.  Just following the main grouping are another 8 or 9 stars that may be part of the cluster.  Picked up while viewing nearby Sh2-157.

 

13" (9/9/83): striking at 62x, about two dozen stars in a wedge-shape elongated SW-NE.  Compact cluster Mrk 50 and HII region LBN 11 is ~30' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7510 = H VII-44 = h2213 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "a cl of compressed pL stars, considerably rich, E, the stars arranged in lines."  On 29 Sep 1829 (sweep 213), JH logged "a very pretty fan-shaped cluster of pB close stars in two lines with other small to N.  A * 10m taken.  Another 11m dist 19 seconds; pos = 244”."

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NGC 7511 = UGC 12412 = MCG +02-59-007 = CGCG 431-012 = PGC 70691

23 12 26.3 +13 43 35; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SW, even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the south end.  A distinctive line of five stars mag 12-13 oriented NW-SE follows.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7511 = Sw. IV-92 = Sw. V-95 on 6 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; R; 5 or 6 stars nf in a line; e diff."  His position is 9 seconds of RA east of UGC 12412 and the description applies.  He found this galaxy again later in the month (25 Sep) and reported it as new in list V-95 at the correct position and a similar description.

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NGC 7512 = UGC 12414 = MCG +05-54-046 = CGCG 496-054 = PGC 70683

23 12 20.9 +31 07 32; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7512 = St IX-34 on 28 Sep 1878.  His position is an exact match with UGC 12414.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 10 Oct 1884, assumed it was new and reported it in list II-99 as "B; pL; R; bM.  Easy in presence of a half moon."  His position is 12 seconds of RA too small.

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NGC 7513 = ESO 469-022 = MCG -05-54-023 = UGCA 437 = AM 2310-283B = PGC 70714

23 13 14.0 -28 21 27; Scl

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 108”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright core.  Located 3' NNW of a wide bright pair consisting of mag 8.1 SAO 191733 and a mag 10 star at 52" separation.  NGC 7507 lies 18' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7513 = m 530 on 24 Sep 1864 and logged "vF, pL, E, gbM."  His position is accurate. E.E. Barnard independently found this galaxy in Sep 1883 (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p 226) with his 5-inch refractor at Nashville.  Barnard described it as "faint, moderate size, in field with and 20' nf GC 4900 [NGC 7507] and close north-following 2 stars", but the galaxy is NNW of the stars.  He soon published a note (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p 290) that his object was the same as GC 6131 = NGC 7513.

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NGC 7514 = UGC 12415 = MCG +06-50-026 = CGCG 515-027 = PGC 70689

23 12 25.9 +34 52 53; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 132”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  Located 3.2' SSE of mag 8.5 SAO 73084.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7514 = St VIII(a)-27 on 21 Sep 1876 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position is off by 0.7' (too far northeast).

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NGC 7515 = UGC 12418 = MCG +02-59-008 = CGCG 431-015 = LGG 471-002 = PGC 70699

23 12 48.7 +12 40 45; Peg

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, bright core.  Collinear with a bright wide double star 8' SSE (8.9/9.0 at 27").

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7515 = H III-220 = h2214 = Sw. V-96 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and recorded "vF, S, irr R, r."  His position matches UGC 12418.  He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "F, R, bM, about 1 1/2' in diam."  John Herschel also made 3 observations.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 29 Sep 1886 and reported in his 5th discovery list, "pB; pS; R; double star points to it."  Swift's position is 10' too far north, but his description applies.

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NGC 7516 = UGC 12420 = MCG +03-59-010 = CGCG 454-006 = PGC 70703

23 12 51.9 +20 14 54; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, faint halo.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7516 = m 531 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar."  His position is off by 1' northwest.

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NGC 7517 = MCG +00-59-008 = CGCG 380-010 = PGC 70715

23 13 13.8 -02 06 02; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 148”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): faint, very small, round, seen with direct vision.  A mag 13 star is 0.9' WNW.  Located 2.3' S of mag 8.8 SAO 146567.  Located in the NGC 7556 group with NGC 7506 23.5' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7517 = m 532 on 5 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7518 = UGC 12422 = MCG +01-59-012 = CGCG 406-020 = Mrk 527 = LGG 473-002 = PGC 70712

23 13 12.7 +06 19 18; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 126”

 

24" (1/1/16): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 30"x24", small brighter nucleus.  Forms a pair with superthin UGC 12433 (axial ratio 10:1), located 6.6' due north.  Outlying member of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

UGC 12423 appeared very faint, very thin streak at least 8:1 NW-SE, ~1.5'x10", very small brighter nucleus.  The southeast extension was longer than the northwest.  Situated directly between a mag 10.8 star 2.3' SW and a mag 12.7 star 1.8' NE.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faint, fairly small, diffuse, very slightly elongated, small weak concentration.  Observation in poor seeing.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7518 = m 533 on 29 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7519 = UGC 12424 = MCG +02-59-009 = CGCG 431-016 = PGC 70713

23 13 11.2 +10 46 20; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 165”

 

24" (10/6/18): at 260x; between faint and fairly faint, fairly large, irregularly round or slightly elongated (outer halo changes with averted), ~1.25'x1.0', broad concentration with an ill-defined brighter core.  The surface brightness is slightly uneven and gave the sense of a face-on spiral (later confirmed).

 

UGC 12416 lies 7.4' WSW.  At 260x and 375x it appeared at least fairly faint and nearly moderately bright, small, ~18"x10", surprisingly high surface brightness with a sharp stellar nucleus!    The galaxy is collinear with a mag 10.1 star 2.8' NNE and a mag 12.2 star 1.8' NNE.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse.  Located 6' N of a wide double star mag 9/11 at 21".

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7519 = m 534 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, pL."  His position is a perfect match with UGC 12424.  Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan's RA "correction" in the IC 2 notes applies to another galaxy (UGC 12416 = Mrk 526) that is located 28 seconds of RA further west and 2.5' north.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7520 = IC 5290 = ESO 535-008 = MCG -04-54-014 = PGC 70705

23 12 53.3 -23 28 09; Aqr

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 66”

 

18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', very weak concentration.  Situated between two fainter doubles 5' NNE (a 15" pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars)  and 5' S (a 10" pair of mag 14 stars).  Another mag 13 star lies 2' SE.

 

NGC 7520 is listed as nonexistent in most sources.  Harold Corwin suggests the possibility that NGC 7520 is equivalent to IC 5290 (described above).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7520 = T I-49 in 1876 and noted "class II size; class III brightness; seen repeatedly; position difficult to determine."  There is nothing near his rough position (given only to the nearest min of time and noted as very uncertain "::").  Herbert Howe was unsuccessful in locating it on two nights at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 7520 may be identical to IC 5290, discovered by Johann Palisa on 4 Oct 1896 with the 27-inch refractor at Vienna (1897AN....143...49W).  This requires Tempel's declination to be 20' too far south, though the RA is less than a minute off.

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NGC 7521 = MCG +00-59-009 = CGCG 380-011 = PGC 70725

23 13 35.3 -01 43 53; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 7524 not seen 2.8' E.  NGC 7517 lies 22' SSW.  Located within the NGC 7556 group.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): similar appearance as earlier observation by NGC 7524 also observed.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7521 = m 535, along with NGC 7524, on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, pS, psbM."  His position is accurate.  See notes for N7524.

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NGC 7522

23 15 36.4 -22 53 41; Aqr

 

= *?, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7522 = LM 2-472 in 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0; 0.3' dia, iR, sbM?; *10 in PA 75” at 3.2' separation."  There is nothing at Muller's rough position (nearest min of RA) and Howe was unsuccessful in finding it on 3 nights.  Confusingly, ESO places 535-009 at the nominal NGC position but there is no obvious galaxy there.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent

 

Corwin suggests NGC 7522 might be a faint star 1 min 45 sec of RA following Muller's position (typical error).  A mag 11-12 star is 3' separation in PA  70” matching Muller's description.

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NGC 7523 = CGCG 431-018 = PGC 70726

23 13 34.7 +13 59 12; Peg

V = 14.8;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 3”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, round (must have viewed the core only).  A mag 14/15 double star is off the north edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7525 2.5' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7523 = m 536, along with NGC 7525, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, E." His positions for both objects are off 1' too far southwest.

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NGC 7524 = MCG +00-59-010 = PGC 70737

23 13 46.6 -01 43 48; Psc

V = 14.7;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 172”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 2.8' E of NGC 7521 in the large NGC 7556 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7524 = m 537, along with NGC 7522, on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position and relative separation with NGC 7522 is accurate.

 

CGCG (380-046) completely misplaces NGC 7524 by over 5” and apparently this large error was repeated in the RNGC rectangular coordinates.  The error was listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 7525 = CGCG 431-019 = Mrk 316 = PGC 70731

23 13 40.5 +14 01 16; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration, extremely faint star involved or faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 7523 2.5' SW.  On the DSS, an extremely faint companion is at the north edge.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7525 = m 538, along with NGC 7523, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS, vlE, gbM."

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NGC 7526

23 14 02.1 -09 13 15; Aqr

 

18" (10/25/08): at 174x this object appears as a mag 14 star with a nearby very small knot (sometimes resolved) close SSE [35"].  At 450x the "knot" is cleanly resolved into a close, faint triple star with components 15-15.5 and separations 9" and 13".  Located 29' WSW of mag 4.2 91 Aqr.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7526 = H III-470 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "eF, vS, 240x left it doubtful."  There is no nebulous object near his position.  Karl Reinmuth (1926) reported finding on a Heidelberg plate "3 F st in line 10”, no neb; *14 np nr."  Harold Corwin also tentatively identifies NGC 7526 as a short line (length of 20") of three mag 15 stars (length of 20").

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NGC 7527 = UGC 12428 = MCG +04-54-031 = CGCG 475-045 = PGC 70728

23 13 41.8 +24 54 08; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7527 = m 539 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7528 = 2MASX J23142026+1013531 = PGC 70770

23 14 20.3 +10 13 53; Peg

V = 15.1;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint and small, round, low surface brightness.  Located 5.5' NE of mag 8.9 SAO 128054.

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7528 = Nova #26 in August of 1880 with his 36-inch reflector and simply noted "F, S."  His approximate position (obtained by reading the setting circles) is 25 seconds of RA due west of PGC 70770.  Bigourdan could not find this galaxy (at V = 15, perhaps too faint for his 12.5-inch refractor.  This galaxy is not in MCG or CGCG.

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NGC 7529 = UGC 12431 = MCG +01-59-014 = CGCG 406-024 = PGC 70755

23 14 03.2 +08 59 33; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, almost even surface brightness.  Located 14.5' E of mag 7.6 SAO 128037.  Outlying member of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7529 = T IV-12 on 2 Jul 1880 and noted "vF, I thought it was Comet Faye."  His micrometric position matches UGC 12431 to within a few arcseconds.

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NGC 7530 = MCG -01-59-004 = KTS 71A = PGC 70759

23 14 11.8 -02 46 46; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 120”

 

24" (8/7/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 27"x18", moderate concentration with a small brighter core.  First in a trio (KTS 71) aligned SW to NE with NGC 7532 4' NE.  A mag 10.7 star lies 2.7' ENE.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small brighter core.  First in a trio on a SW-NE line with NGC 7532 4.1' NE and NGC 7534 6.1' NE in the NGC 7532-7556 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint, diffuse, even surface brightness, slightly smaller than NGC 7534 4.1' NE.  Member of the NGC 7532-7556 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7530 = m 540, along with NGC 7532 and 7534, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, alm stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7531 = ESO 291-010 = MCG -07-47-025 = AM 2312-435 = LGG 472-002 = PGC 70800

23 14 48.5 -43 36 00; Gru

V = 11.3;  Size 4.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, brighter core.  Located 7.0' due west of mag 8 SAO 231518.  Appears bright for such a low elevation galaxy from Northern California.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7531 = h3975 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "pB; S; lE; pgmbM."  His single position is accurate.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed this object on 2 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "B, vmE, gbM, about 2' long and 25" broad - ends indistinct, edges soft. The axis is in a direction n.f. (see diagram).  A star 13m follows nebula by 17 seconds and is 18" north of it.  Another star 7 mag follows nebula by 40" and is 10" south of it."

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NGC 7532 = MCG -01-59-005 = Mrk 529 = KTS 71B = PGC 70779

23 14 22.2 -02 43 41; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 150”

 

24" (8/7/13): brightest and largest in a trio of NGC galaxies (KTS 71) in a 6' string oriented SW to NE.  At 375x appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, well concentrated with a small bright round nucleus.  A mag 10.7 star lies 2.3' S.  NGC 7534 is 2' NE and NGC 7530 is 4' SW.  Situated 6.8' SE of mag 7.1 HD 219200.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): brightest and largest of three on a line with NGC 7530 4.1' SW and NGC 7534 2.1' NE.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 6.8' SE of mag 7.5 SAO 146580.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): brightest and largest of trio, fairly faint, small bright core, slightly elongated.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, small, round.  Second of three with NGC 7530 3' SW and NGC 7534 2' NNE.  Located SE of a mag 7 star in the NGC 7532/7556 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7532 = m 541, along with NGC 7530 and 7534, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7533 = CGCG 380-013 = PGC 70778

23 14 22.1 -02 02 01; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small brighter core.  Located 5.6' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 146588 in the NGC 7556 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7533 = m 542 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "F, S, R."  His position is accurate.  CGCG misidentifies CGCG 380-053 as NGC 7533.  The correct CGCG entry is 380-013.

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NGC 7534 = MCG -01-59-006 = KTS 71C = PGC 70781

23 14 26.6 -02 41 54; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  PA = 15”

 

24" (8/7/13): faintest and last of three with NGC 7530 and 7532.  At 375x appeared fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 24"x15".  A mag 14 star is off the south side.  Located 2' NE of NGC 7532 (brightest in the trio) and 6' SE of mag 7 HD 219200.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S.  A mag 15 star is just off the south edge 30" from the center.  Third of three on a line with NGC 7532 2.0' SW and NGC 7530 6.1' SW.  Located 6.3' SW of a mag 7.5 star in the NGC 7556 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faintest of three in a group.  Faint, very small, possibly slightly elongated.  Located 3' NE of NGC 7532.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7534 = m 543, along with NGC 7530 and 7532, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, lE." His position is accurate.

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NGC 7535 = UGC 12438 = MCG +02-59-010 = CGCG 431-023 = LGG 471-003 = PGC 70761

23 14 12.7 +13 34 54; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, very diffuse, sharp stellar nucleus or star superimposed.  Pair with NGC 7536 9.2' S.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7535 = Sw. V-97, along with NGC 7536, on 29 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff.; bet. a faint near star and a bright star following; n of 2 [with NGC 7536]."  His position is accurate and the description applies.

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NGC 7536 = UGC 12437 = MCG +02-59-011 = CGCG 431-022 = LGG 471-004 = PGC 70765

23 14 13.3 +13 25 38; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 56”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core.  A group of five stars are within a 3' radius including a mag 13 star 1.3' NW, a mag 12 star 2.5' NE and a mag 11 star 2.4' SSW.  Pair with NGC 7335 9.2' N in the NGC 7556 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7536 = Sw. V-98, along with NGC 7535, on 29 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; curiously placed in a ring of 6 stars np of center."  His position and description is accurate.  This is one of several candidates that Corwin suggests might be John Herschel's NGC 7555.

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NGC 7537 = UGC 12442 = MCG +01-59-016 = CGCG 406-028 = Holm 805b = PGC 70786

23 14 34.5 +04 29 54; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 79”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.5', much brighter core has a fairly high surface brightness, narrow faint extensions from core.  Forms a striking (physical) pair with NGC 7541 3.1' NE. 

 

13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, thin extensions, slightly brighter core, 3' SW of brighter and larger NGC 7541.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7537 = H II-429 = h2215 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427), along with NGC 7541, and recorded "Two, the time and polar distance is that of the largest [NGC 7541]; pB, mE about 4' l; extended mbM about 1' broad, the extent nearly in the parallel.  The other [NGC 7537] is vF, cS, about 3 or 4' sp the large one; and but for the large one might have been overlooked."  JH reported (sweep 95), "F; S; R; bM; the sp of 2 [with NGC 7541]."

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NGC 7538 = LBN 542 = Sh 2-158 = Ced 209

23 13 38 +61 30 42; Cep

Size 10'x5'

 

18" (9/3/08): at 115x, this HII region appears bright, fairly large, surrounding two mag 11.5 stars SW-NE with a mag 14 star to the west of the SW star.  The main portion of the nebulosity (Sh 2-158) is elongated SW-NE and extends 3'x2'.  Using an OIII filter, fainter nebulosity extends on the NE side, making an oval 4.5'x3'.  The brightest portion is on the southwest side and this high surface brightness area encases the faint star mentioned above.  The SW mag 11.5 star (IRS 6) is a massive O3-type and the main ionizing source of Sh 2-158.  The 14th mag star (IRS 5) is also an O9-type.

 

17.5" (8/10/91): fairly large elongated emission nebula 2.0'x0.75' oriented NW-SE.  Surrounds two mag 11.5 stars oriented SW-NE (PA = 35”) with a separation of 30".  The nebulosity extends SW of the pair and is brightest just west of the pair.  A mag 15 star is at the SW end and a mag 14 star is 30" W of the southern mag 11.5 star.  At 100x using an OIII filter the nebulosity is very bright and a fainter glow also extends east of the pair to a size of 3'x2'.

 

8": faint nebulosity with two mag 12 stars involved.  Appears elongated and fairly large.  Easy to view with averted.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7538 = H II-706 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "vF nebulosity of 3 or 4' extent, contains two considerable stars, but they do not seem to be connected with it."  On 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887) he noted "2 pS stars involved in nebulosity, about 2' l and 1 1/2' broad, pBM." In his 1814 PT paper WH argued that this was too unusual to be line of sight arrangement and the stars had formed within the nebula!  Ralph Copeland sketched the nebula using LdR's 72" in Sep 1873 and showed two extremely faint, curved thin "tails" extending east and west.

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NGC 7539 = UGC 12443 = MCG +04-54-035 = CGCG 475-048 = PGC 70783

23 14 29.5 +23 41 05; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse elongated halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7539 = h2217 on 17 Aug 1828 and recorded "F; S; R: psbM; 12"."  His single position is very accurate.

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NGC 7540 = CGCG 454-010 = PGC 70788

23 14 36.1 +15 57 01; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 0.65'x0.45';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, very small, round, very small slightly brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 1.9' ENE of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 7551 11.1' E.  The close companion just 44" W (misidentified as NGC 7551 in the RNGC and PGC) was not seen.

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, round, small bright core.  A mag 13 star is 2' E.  NGC 7567 lies 25' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7540 = m 544 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7541 = NGC 7581 = UGC 12447 = MCG +01-59-017 = CGCG 406-030 = Holm 805a = PGC 70795

23 14 43.9 +04 32 04; Psc

V = 11.7;  Size 3.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 3.0'x0.75', large slightly brighter middle bulges.  Has an irregular surface brightness with mottling and appears brighter on the west side.  A mag 12 star is off the east edge 2.1' from center.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 7537 3.1' SW. 

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, fairly large, edge-on E-W.  A mag 12.5 star is close east.  Forms a pair with NGC 7537 3' SW.  Located in the Pisces Circlet.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7541 = H II-430 = h2216 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and recorded "Two. The following [NGC 7541] pB, mE in parallel, mbM, about 4' long, 1' broad."  JH logged "vB; L; 10” np to sf; 80"; the nf of 2 [with NGC 7537]; a * 10m sf."

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NGC 7542 = CGCG 431-025 = PGC 70796

23 14 41.6 +10 38 36; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7542 = m 545 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7543 = UGC 12450 = MCG +05-54-052 = CGCG 496-065 = PGC 70785

23 14 34.6 +28 19 38; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Pair with CGCG 496-062 7.5' NNW.  Located 17' W of 61 Pegasi (V = 6.5).

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7543 = St IX-35 on 19 Sep 1878 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 7544 = PGC 70811

23 14 56.9 -02 11 58; Psc

V = 15.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 58”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, round.  A string of four stars mag 13 oriented N-S is 3' E including a pair at 23" separation.  Member of the NGC 7556 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7544 = m 546 on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is accurate to within 1'.

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NGC 7545 = ESO 347-004 = MCG -07-47-026 = AM 2312-384 = PGC 70840

23 15 32.0 -38 32 03; Gru

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (10/20/90): extremely faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is attached at the west end 27" from the center.  Very difficult to view due to poor seeing at a low elevation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7545 = h3976 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; or lE; vgvlbM; attached to a * 10m in parallel."  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 7546 = MCG -01-59-007 = PGC 70820

23 15 05.6 -02 19 29; Psc

V = 15.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 5”

 

24" (9/29/16): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~4:3, 0.4'x0.3', irregular shape.  A knot or the core seems offset towards the north side.  Forms a close pair with MCG -01-59-008 2' N.  The companion appeared very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 25"x8", even surface brightness.  Located 10' WNW of NGC 7556 in a large group of galaxies.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): extremely faint, fairly small, almost round, can barely hold steadily with averted.  Located in the NGC 7532-7556 group with NGC 7556 10.3' ESE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, very diffuse, fairly small.  Located 10' WNW of NGC 7556.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7546 = m 547 on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, S, lE."  His position matches MCG -01-59-007 = PGC 70820 to within 1'. Harold Corwin agrees with this identification but notes that NGC 7546 could be MCG -01-59-008, a fainter galaxy 2' north.  This seems unlikely to me as I didn't notice it while viewing -007 with my 17.5".

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NGC 7547 = HCG 93C = Arp 99 NED1 = UGC 12453 = MCG +03-59-013 = CGCG 454-011 = KTG 78A = PGC 70819

23 15 03.4 +18 58 24; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 98”

 

24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): at 282x appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 ~E-W, 45"x20", moderate concentration to a brighter core.  First in the HCG 93 quintet.

 

24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W.  Strongly concentrated with a nearly round, small bright core.  First of 5 in HCG 93, with brighter NGC 7550 3.1' ESE.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, 0.7'x0.3'.  Contains a nearly stellar brighter core, otherwise the surface brightness is nearly even.  Located 3' W of NGC 7550 in a group of five galaxies (HCG 93).

 

18" (8/27/05): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.5'x0.25'.  Located 3' W of NGC 7550 in HCG 93.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration with a slightly brighter rounder core.  First of five in HCG 93 with NGC 7550 3.0' ESE.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, oval ~E-W, weak concentration.  First of three with NGC 7549 5.2' NE and NGC 7550 3.0' E in the HCG 93.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7547 = h2218 on 26 Aug 1827 and simply noted "the np of 2 [with NGC 7550].  His single position is pretty accurate so there is no doubt with the identification.  Herman Schultz measured an accurate micrometric position at Uppsala.

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NGC 7548 = UGC 12455 = MCG +04-54-036 = CGCG 475-050 = PGC 70826

23 15 11.1 +25 16 55; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration.  Located 23' SSE of mag 6.7 SAO 91126.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7548 = Au 50 on 30 Sep 1861 with the 11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a faint star (called mag 16 and mag 17 on his two observations) preceded by 11 seconds of time.  The star is exactly where he placed it, though closer to mag 13.5.  The discovery was early enough to be included in Auwers' 1862 list of 50 new nebulae.

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NGC 7549 = HCG 93B = Arp 99 NED3 = UGC 12457 = MCG +03-59-014 = CGCG 454-013 = KTG 78C = PGC 70832

23 15 17.2 +19 02 30; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 2.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 8”

 

24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.6', the central region is weakly concentrated.  There was a hint of structure with a strong impression of a short arm on the west side extending south. A mag 11.0 star is 1.3' WNW of center.  NGC 7547 = HCG 93C lies 3.8' ENE and NGC 7550 = HCG 93A is 5' due south.

 

24" (12/1/13): fairly faint or moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~60"x40".  Contains a brighter central region that only has a weak, broad concentration towards the center and no distinguishable nucleus.  A mag 11 star lies 1.4' WNW of center.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular round, 0.5', weak concentration.  Situated 1.3' following a mag 10.5 star and 5' N of NGC 7550 in HCG 93.

 

18" (8/27/05): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Follows a mag 10.5 star and 4.8' N of NGC 7550.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, very weak concentration.  Situated 1.3' following a mag 10.5 star within the HCG 93 quintet and 4.8' N of NGC 7550 = HCG 93a.  Listed dimensions include extremely faint plumes not seen visually.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness.  Located 1.3' ESE of a mag 10.5 star.  Second brightest in HCG 93 with NGC 7550 4.8' S and NGC 7547 5.2' SW.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7549 along with NGC 7553, on 2 Nov 1850. Whilehe was observing NGC 7547 and NGC 7550 he found "4 neb in the field, perhaps another [including NGC 7547 and 7550]."  No positions were measured.  A diagram made in 1877 was published in the 1880 publication.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 30 Aug 1864 and made a total of 4 observations.  Herman Schultz also measured an accurate micrometric position, attributing the discovery to d'Arrest. Bigourdan noted the equivalence of d'Arrest's GCS 6151 and LdR's GCS 4912.  Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC.

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NGC 7550 = HCG 93A = Arp 99 NED2 = UGC 12456 = MCG +03-59-015 = CGCG 454-012 = KTG 78B = PGC 70830

23 15 16.0 +18 57 42; Peg

V = 12.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 171”

 

24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): at 282x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 0.9'x0.75', strongly concentrated with a very bright, prominent core that increased to a sharp stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the HCG 93 quintet with NGC 7547 3.1' WNW and NGC 7549 4.9' N.

 

24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.0'x0.8', strongly concentrated with a bright core that increases to a very bright small nucleus.  Occasionally, a bright stellar nuclear pip was visible within the small nucleus.  Brightest in the HCG 93 quintet.

 

18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.7', fairly strong concentration, small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

18" (8/27/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', gradually increases to a small, bright core and stellar nucleus.  HCG 94 lies 32' SE!

 

17.5" (9/7/96): moderately bright, fairly small, halo elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a round, bright core and nearly stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the HCG 93 quintet.  HCG 94 lies only 32' SE!

 

17.5" (9/23/89): brightest in a group of 11 NGC galaxies and HCG 93.  Moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a triple system with NGC 7549 4.8' N and NGC 7547 3.0' W.  Also nearby is NGC 7558 5.9' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7550 = H III-181 = h2219 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "vF, vS, R, 240 confirmed it.  His position is 34 sec of RA too large (noted by Dreyer in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH").  JH measured an accurate position for this galaxy and listed it as h2219 with description "pB; R; 20", the sf of 2 [with NGC 7547]", although due to his father's poor position, he thought it was new.

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NGC 7551 = 2MASX J23152200+1556251 = LEDA 3978375

23 15 22.0 +15 56 25; Peg

V = 15.2;  Size 0.5'x0.1'

 

17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small brighter core, stellar nucleus.  Located 11.1' E of NGC 7540.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7551 = m 548 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted a "neb. star 13m."  His position is less than 1' south of LEDA 3978375, which has a very faint star superimposed on the southwest side.  Interestingly, Edward Fath reported in his "A Study of Nebulae" (1914) there was a double star in the position of NGC 7551, based on plates taken with the 60-inch at Mt. Wilson in 1909-1912.  Apparently the galaxy was stellar-like on the plate.

 

RNGC misidentifies a close companion 20" NE of NGC 7540 as NGC 7551.  This identification is clearly wrong as Marth placed NGC 7541 45 seconds of RA following NGC 7540 (both were found on the same night).  Malcolm Thomson reported this error in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections", as well as Harold Corwin in his NGC identification notes.

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NGC 7552 = IC 5294 = ESO 291-012 = MCG -07-47-028 = VV 440 = LGG 472-003 = PGC 70884 = Grus Quartet

23 16 11.0 -42 34 59; Gru

V = 10.6;  Size 3.4'x2.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 1”

 

30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 264x; very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~2.3'x0.9'.  A brighter bar extends E-W along the major axis.  The center is punctuated by a sharp, extremely bright stellar nucleus!  A spiral arm was clearly visible attached at the east end of the major axis (bar).  The beginning of the arm rotated counterclockwise towards the south but it shortly dimmed out after a distance ~0.6'.  The main part of the galaxy is embedded in an extremely low surface brightness halo, ~3' in diameter. A mag 13.5 star is off the west end [2.2' from center] and a mag 12 star is at the edge of the outer halo [1.8' S of center].   NGC 7583, the first in the Grus Trio with 7590 and 7599, lies 28' ENE.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, elongated E-W, small bright nucleus.  A mag 10 star lies 4.4' W and a mag 11 star is off the south side.  The Grus trio consisting of NGC 7582, NGC 7590 and NGC 7599 are roughly 35' NE with the entire group called the Grus Quartet.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7552 = D 475 = h3977 on 7 Jul 1826 and claimed 4 observations.  He described the first member of the Grus Quartet as "a small faint nebula, rather elongated in the parallel of the equator, about 30" broad, and 40" long; there is a pretty bright point situated near the centre of the nebula: a small star precedes it."

 

John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Sep 1836, logging "B, S, mE, nearly in parallel; vsbM to a star 13m."  Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery.  Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 22 Oct 1897 and reported Sw. XI-226 (later IC 5294) as "pB; pS; R; 8m * p[receding] same parallel."  His RA was just 9 seconds too small and his description of the brighter star clinches the equivalence.

 

Based on a Helwan plate taken in 1919-20, NGC 7552 was described as "vB sharp stellar nucleus; irregular Phi-type spiral; the cross-arm [central bar] is in p.a. 90” and is moderately bright at each end rather than near the middle, where a curious faint circle occurs of diameter 50"; the outer circle [ring] of the Phi is extremely faint except the southeast side."

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NGC 7553 = HCG 93D = CGCG 454-015 = PGC 70842

23 15 33.1 +19 02 53; Peg

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20"-24" diameter, nearly even surface brightness.  A 12" pair of mag 15.5 stars was resolved 1.3' SE.  In addition, a 7" pair of mag 16.1/16.4 stars was noticed 3.5' ENE and often was merged into a single slightly fuzzy glow at 282x.

 

24" (12/1/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  Contains a faint, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 3.8' ENE of NGC 7549 in HCG 93.

 

18" (8/25/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A very faint and close pair of mag 15 stars lies 1.4' SE.

 

18" (9/3/05): very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.  Contains a sharp stellar nucleus in steady moments.  Located 4' E of NGC 7549 within HCG 93.

 

18" (8/27/05): very faint, extremely small, round, 0.2' diameter, occasional stellar nucleus.  Located 3.9' E of NGC 7549 in HCG 93.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, very small, round.  Located 3.9' E of NGC 7549 = HCG 93b.  An extremely faint and close double star ~1.5' SE also appears as a nebulous object at times.  Faintest of five (along with NGC 7558) in HCG 93.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7553 along with NGC 7549, on 2 Nov 1850.  While he was reobserving NGC 7547 and 7550 he found "4 neb in the field, perhaps another [including NGC 7547 and 7550]."  The 4th brightest galaxy in the field is CGCG 454-015, and this was likely seen by Stoney. The 6 Sep 1855 description reads "3 neb [NGC 7547, 7550, 7549], F, S, and perhaps 2 more vS and F f[ollowing] them."  A diagram of the field was made at Birr Castle on 6 Oct 1877 and confirmed on 10 Oct 1877 showing four objects including NGC 7547, 7549 and NGC 7550, although the direction of drift shown is somewhat off.  The object shown in the upper right corner of the diagram should be CGCG 454-015, but the placement better matches 16th magnitude 2MASX J23153890+1858171.  Perhaps it's one of the others that were suspected.

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NGC 7554 = III Zw 99 = PGC 70850

23 15 41.3 -02 22 43; Psc

V = 14.9;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (9/29/16): at 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  NGC 7554 is one of the close companions of brighter NGC 7556, which is centered just 48" E.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with much brighter NGC 7556 47" ESE.  Located in a large galaxy group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7554 = m 549 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, eS, alm stell, near h 2220 [NGC 7556]."  His position is just 3 seconds of RA preceding NGC 7556 and matches PGC 70850.

 

The RNGC appears to misidentify a faint galaxy 5' southwest of NGC 7556 as NGC 7554, although there may simply be an error in position for NGC 7556 as the rectangular coordinates don't match.  This error is listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.

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NGC 7555

23 15 36 +12 35; Peg

 

= Not found, Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7555 = h2221 on 11 Sep 1828 and recorded "F; R; bM; place very rough; two or three more nebulae suspected in the neighborhood."  His RA and NPD are marked with +/- to the nearest minute of time and minute of arc, respectively.  There is nothing near his position, but if JH was off mostly in RA then NGC 7515 is a candidate.  If he was mostly off in declination, then NGC 7563 is another possibility.  Neither d'Arrest, Schultz or Vogel could recover this object, though one observation was claimed at Birr Castle (but of which object?).  Dorothy Carlson reported "Not Found" in her 1940 NGC/IC Correction paper and Corwin concludes the same.

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NGC 7556 = MCG -01-59-009 = PGC 70855

23 15 44.4 -02 22 53; Psc

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 123”

 

24" (9/29/16): at 375x and 500x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~0.8'x0.5', well concentrated with a bright core, high surface brightness.  Surrounded closely by several smaller and fainter companions including NGC 7554 48" W, NGC 7556A just 19" SW, LEDA 195267 1.4' SE and LEDA 195265 3.3' SSE.  A mag 10.6 star is 2.7' E.

 

At 500x; NGC 7556A appeared extremely faint and small, round, ~8" diameter.  Situated at the southwest edge of the halo of NGC 7556.  At 375x LEDA 195267 appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  LEDA 195265 was a difficult object, extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, moderately large, oval ~E-W, bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7554 47" WNW of center.  Brightest in the large NGC 7532-7556 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7556 = H II-235 = h2220, along with NGC 7566, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "vF, pS." His summary description (based on a later observation) reads "F, pL, broadly E." JH reported "pB, R, a bright double * follows".  His single position is accurate.   LdR's assistant Bindon Stoney observed the galaxy on 4 Nov 1850 and wrote, "Has nucleus; I suspect a F, S, neb about 1' sf."  Very likely this second nebula is LEDA 195267, situated 1.4' SE of NGC 7556 (described in my 24" observation).  The RNGC declination is 3' too far north.

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NGC 7557 = MCG +01-59-021 = CGCG 406-035 = LGG 473-016 = PGC 70854

23 15 39.7 +06 42 30; Psc

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (1/1/16): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration to the center.  Located 4.6' WNW of brighter NGC 7562.  NGC 7557 lies midway between mag 9.4 SAO 128068 9' NW and mag 9.5 SAO 128073 8' SE.  Outlying member of the NGC 7619/7626 Group.

 

18" (11/22/08): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 7562 4.5' ESE.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): faint, small, round, small brighter core.  A mag 15 star is 1' S.  Located 4.7' WNW of much brighter NGC 7562.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, diffuse.  Precedes NGC 7562 by 5'.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7557 on 16 Sep 1852. Using a freshly polished mirror, he recorded "another neb about 6' p and 1' n of [NGC 7562], pB, vmbM, 40"."  R.J. Mitchell found it again on 23 Oct 1857 and noted "a new neb about 4' p[receding] h2224, F, vS, R."  His offset is accurate.

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NGC 7558 = HCG 93E = MCG +03-59-016 = PGC 70844

23 15 38.2 +18 55 11; Peg

V = 14.9;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~20"x16".  Low even surface brightness with an occasional faint stellar nucleus.  The redshift of this galaxy is over ~70% greater than the other four members of HCG 93, so it is probably a background object.

 

24" (12/1/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Nearly collinear with two mag 14.5 stars [22" separation] located ~2.8' S.

 

18" (8/25/06): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Collinear with two mag 14.5-15 stars.  Furthest east of five members viewed in HCG 93.

 

18" (9/3/05): extremely faint, very small, round.  Can hold steadily with averted vision.  A close, faint pair of mag 14.5-15 stars (separation 22") lies 2.6' south.

 

18" (8/27/05): extremely faint, extremely small, round.  Collinear with a pair of faint stars to the south that help in pinpointing the location.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Collinear with a pair of mag 14.5 stars oriented N-S that lie 2.5' S.  This galaxy and  HCG 93D = CGCG 454-015 = NGC 7553? (NGC identification uncertain) are the two faintest members of the HCG 93 quintet.  Located 6' SE of NGC 7550 = HCG 93A.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  An easy pair of mag 14.5 stars with separation 22" oriented N-S lies 2.5' S.  Located 5.8' ESE of NGC 7550 in HCG 93 and faintest of four viewed.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7558 = m 550 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, neb * 13m."  His position is accurate.  This galaxy was probably first found by LdR or assistant Bindon Stoney on 2 Nov 1850 and noted again on 6 Sep 1855, though it was just mentioned as an additional nebula in the field, without any comment about the location.

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NGC 7559 = UGC 12463 = MCG +02-59-013 = CGCG 431-028 = PGC 70864

23 15 46.6 +13 17 25; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (8/30/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 45"x35", small bright core.  A mag 15.5 star is 0.8' NE.  With averted vision, NGC 7559A = MCG +02-59-014 was seen just off the NNW edge [24" from center].  It appeared extremely faint [V ~15.5] and small, perhaps 8" diameter.  On the SDSS this is an edge-on galaxy, but I probably only noticed the brighter nucleus.  It was a bit easier to view at 282x.  NGC 7563 lies 6.2' SSE.  A mag 9.3 star 8.7' SW forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 7563 and 7559.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, oval SW-NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 7563 6.1' SSE.  This is a double system but the fainter companion was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7559 = H III-221 = h2222 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 7563 = H. III-222], eF, R, S, both alike."  He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "vF, S."  John Herschel made 4 observations and remarked on sweep 15, "F; R; bM; 30"."

 

MCG lists the components separately as MCG +02-59-013 = NGC 7559a and MCG +02-59-014 = NGC 7559b, but NED identifies MCG +02-59-014 as NGC 7559A and MCG +02-59-014 as NGC 7559B.

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NGC 7560

23 15 53.9 +04 29 45; Psc

 

= **, Carlson.  = 8" double star, Gottlieb

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7560 = Nova X, along with NGC 7561, on 5 Oct 1864 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  At Schultz's micrometric position is a double star (POSS2 separation 8").  Karl Reinmuth identified this double star as NGC 7560 in his photographic survey at Heidelberg (Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC repeated this identification).

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NGC 7561

23 15 57.7 +04 31 20; Psc

 

= *, Carlson.  = *14, Gottlieb.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7561 = Nova XI, along with NGC 7560, on 5 Oct 1864 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  At his micrometric position is a mag 14 star.  Karl Reinmuth reported "mag 14.5 star, no nebulosity" and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson and in the RNGC.

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NGC 7562 = UGC 12464 = MCG +01-59-024 = CGCG 406-039 = LGG 473-003 = PGC 70874

23 15 57.5 +06 41 15; Psc

V = 11.6;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 83”

 

24" (1/1/16): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.8'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center.  The much fainter halo gradually fades out at the periphery.  A mag 13.8 star is 1.8' E.  NGC 7557 lies 4.6' WNW and NGC 7562A is 2.3' SSE.  Two extremely faint "stars" [mag 16.3 or fainter] were glimpsed close to the position of NGC 7562A and one of these may have been the core of the galaxy as it occasionally seemed non-stellar and possibly elongated N-S.

 

18" (11/22/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a very bright core surrounded by a much fainter halo.  The core is concentrated to a bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly bright, fairly small, strong bright core, fainter halo slightly elongated ~E-W.  Forms a pair with NGC 7557 4.7' WNW.  NGC 7591 lies 35' ESE and NGC 7564 36' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7562 = H II-467 = h2224 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and recorded "pB, pL, irr figure."  John Herschel made the single observation "B; S; R; psbM; 15"."  While observing NGC 7562 on 16 Sep 1852, George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, recorded "Involves a very small star to north-following.  Another nebula [NGC 7557] 6' preceding and 1' north of it."

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NGC 7563 = UGC 12465 = MCG +02-59-015 = CGCG 431-029 = LGG 471-007 = PGC 70872

23 15 55.9 +13 11 46; Peg

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155”

 

24" (8/30/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, contains a small bright round core with very faint extensions (bar) E-W.  A very low surface brightness halo is elongated 2:1 NW-SE (clearly offset the axis of the "bar"), ~1.2'x0.6'.  A group of stars is close east including a mag 10.5 star 2.2' ESE.  NGC 7559 (double) lies 6.2' NNW.  The trio lies at a distance of 200 million l.y.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.3' WNW of a mag 10 star.  Pair with NGC 7559 6.1' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7563 = H III-222 = h2223 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 7559 = III-221], eF, R, S, both alike."  He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "vF, S."  JH made 4 observations and remarked (sweep 15), "pB; S; R; smbM; a B * near; the s f of 2 [with NGC 7559]."

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NGC 7564

23 16 01.2 +07 20 52; Psc

 

= *, Corwin.

 

CGCG 406-036 (identified as NGC 7564 in the RNGC, PGC, Megastar, etc.) appeared faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE.  Located 5.7' SSW of a mag 10 star.  This star is at the north end of a 8' string of 6 or 7 stars oriented NNW-SSE.  The galaxy lies just west of the middle of this string.  NGC 7562 is located 37' SSE.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7564 = B. 96 on 7 Oct 1885 and noted as 5"-6" diameter.  At the exact position in the Comptes Rendus list is a mag 14 star.  RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 406-036 = PGC 70843 as NGC 7564.  Malcolm Thomson classifies NGC 7564 as nonexistent in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 7564 with the star at Bigourdan's position.

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NGC 7565

23 16 19 -00 03 30; Psc

 

= Not found, Corwin.  = *, Carlson.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7565 on 14 Dec 1865 using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial while an assistant to Father Secchi.  It was found while searching for Biela's comet but there is nothing at his position. Reinmuth reported a "*15 in Dreyer's place." based on a Heidelberg plate.  No modern catalogue identifies NGC 7565 and Harold Corwin lists it as lost.

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NGC 7566 = MCG -01-59-010 = PGC 70901

23 16 37.4 -02 19 50; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 115”

 

24" (9/29/16): at 500x; fairly faint or moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~0.6'x0.3', small bright nucleus.  Bracketed by two mag 14.5 stars [27" ESE and 36" WNW of center].  Member of a group with brightest member NGC 7556 13.5' WSW.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, oval.  Bracketed by two mag 14.5 stars 37" WNW and 27" E of center.  Also a mag 14 star is 1.1' SW.  Located 13' ENE of NGC 7556 in the NGC 7532-7556 group.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): within a triangle of 3 faint stars, elongated ~WNW-ESE, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7566 = H III-185, along with NGC 7554, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and logged vF, pS, irr E." His summary description (based on a second observation) mentions "3 faint stars visible in it."  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 7 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7567 = UGC 12468 = MCG +03-59-019 = CGCG 454-016 = KUG 2313+155A = WBL 702-001 = PGC 70885

23 16 10.3 +15 51 00; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 76”

 

24" (12/20/17): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, very elongated ~4:1 WSW-ENE, ~40"x10", very weak concentration.  Two mag 12.5 stars are 1' SE and 1.2' ENE  A mag 10.7/13.7 pair at 8" is 2.8' NW. NGC 7567 is the brightest in a small group (WBL 702 at z = .015).

 

CGCG 454-017, 3' ENE, appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, no other visible details.

CGCG 431-030, 7' SSE, appeared faint, small, irregularly round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus.

CGCG 454-019, 7' NE, appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 5:2 SW-NW, ~40"x15", broad weak concentration. A mag 14.8 star is 50" NNE.

 

17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE.  A mag 12.5 star is off the ENE end [1.2' from center].  NGC 7551 lies 13' NW and NGC 7540 is 24' WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7567 = m 551 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, vS, E."  His position is 1' too far south.

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NGC 7568 = NGC 7574? = UGC 12469 = CGCG 475-058 = PGC 70892

23 16 24.9 +24 29 49; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 120”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, very low even surface brightness.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7568 = St VIII(a)-28 on 17 Oct 1876 using the 31" reflector at the Marseille Observatory.  His position matches UGC 12469.  Harold Corwin proposes that NGC 7574, discovered by d'Arrest ten years earlier on 2 Oct 1866, refers to this galaxy.

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NGC 7569 = UGC 12472 = MCG +01-59-026 = CGCG 406-041 = III Zw 100 = PGC 70914

23 16 44.5 +08 54 20; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 88”

 

18" (10/25/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6'.  A distinctive group of four mag 12-13 stars is SE.  The closest star is 2' SE while the other three are 4' SE and arranged in an isosceles right triangle with sides 0.9', 1' and 1.5'.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7569 = Sw. IV-93 on 6 Sep 1886 and logged "vF; vS; R; 3 faint stars south-following form a small right angle triangle."  There are no galaxies close to his position or even stars to the southeast matching his description. But Harold Corwin was able to identify UGC 12472 as NGC 7569.  This galaxy is exactly two degrees south of Swift's position (matches in RA) and there is a small right triangle of stars 5' southeast.  So, the identification is nearly certain.  No modern catalogue identifies UGC 12472 as NGC 7569 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 7570 = UGC 12473 = MCG +02-59-018 = CGCG 431-032 = LGG 471-005 = PGC 70912

23 16 44.7 +13 28 59; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, fairly low surface brightness except for small bright core.  NGC 7559 is located 20' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7570 = H III-238 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 320) and logged "eF, eS.  240 confirmed with difficulty."  His position is only 40" south of the center of UGC 12473.

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NGC 7571 = NGC 7597?? = MCG +03-59-032 = CGCG 454-032

23 18 30.3 +18 41 19; Peg

 

See observing notes for NGC 7597.   = **?, Bigourdan and Reinmuth.  = NGC 7578, RNGC.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7571 on 25 Sep 1867 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  In his remarks to NGC 7550 in "Micrometrical Observations of 500 Nebulae" he mentions "A poor stellar group of pretty bright stars follows the above nebulae [NGC 7547, 7549, and 7550] about 1 1/2 minutes; and the whole region following this stellar group seems nebulous:  a group of small nebulae or a considerably extended nebulosity with several knots?...Description and position do not at all agree with III. 181 [NGC 7550]!"  There is nothing near the NGC position.  Karl Reinmuth reported "identif very doubtful; vF** dist 0.3' 135d, np * nebulous?, N7571 = N7578?"  Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 23 Sep 1886 applies to this double star.  This equivalence is repeated in the RNGC.

 

Harold Corwin notes there is no group of "pretty bright stars" 1.5 minutes following NGC 7547/7550 as in Schultz's description, but there is such as group at this separation from NGC 7578.  If Schultz was confused and was actually referencing NGC 7578, then NGC 7571 may be a duplicate of NGC 7597 (the brightest in a group).  This identification is very uncertain, though, as I feel NGC 7597 is too faint for Schultz to have picked up.

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NGC 7572 = MCG +03-59-023 = CGCG 454-021 = PGC 70919

23 16 50.4 +18 28 59; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 162”

 

18" (8/25/06): faint, small, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.25', *12 1' NNE.  Member of cluster AGC 2572 with core HCG 94.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, very small, irregularly round, broad weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7572 = m 552 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, alm stellar."  His position is just 1' too far south.

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NGC 7573 = ESO 604-008 = MCG -04-54-017 = AM 2313-222 = PGC 70893

23 16 26.3 -22 09 16; Aqr

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (7/25/95): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 50"x40", no concentration, very low surface brightness.  Located 4.4' ENE of a mag 11 star.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7573 = LM 2-473 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.8; 0.7' dia; iR; bnp; *10 in PA 290” at 4.4'."  There is nothing at his position but 1 min of RA west is ESO 604-008.  Muller's star is 5.5' west.  Herbert Howe noted the approximate RA correction in his 1900 list of NGC/IC comments.

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NGC 7574 = NGC 7568? = UGC 12469 = CGCG 475-058

23 16 24.9 +24 29 49; Peg

 

See observing notes for NGC 7568.  NGC identification very uncertain.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7574 on 2 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There is nothing near his single position.  Karl Reinmuth reported it not found, and this was repeated by Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC. Harold Corwin suggests that if d'Arrest made both a 30' error in declination (too far south) and 30 seconds in RA (too far east), then NGC 7574 is equivalent to NGC 7568, discovered by Stephan 10 years later.  As both errors involve single digits, this solution is reasonable (though not certain).

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NGC 7575 = CGCG 406-044 = MCG +01-59-028 = Holm 807a = PGC 70946

23 17 20.9 +05 39 39; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 108”

 

18" (10/25/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, ~20"x15".  Difficult to pin down orientation, though appears roughly E-W.  Forms a 1' pair with fainter MCG +01-59-028.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7575 = m 553 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, vlE."  There are no galaxies near Marth's position, only mag 15 stars 2' northwest and 3' east-south.  Karl Reinmuth reported "Not Found" on a Heidelberg plate and Dorothy Carlson equates it with star (repeated in the RNGC).

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 7575 = CGCG 406-044 = PGC 70946 (brighter of a pair).  This galaxy is located 1” south of Marth's position and requires he made a single digit transcription error. See Corwin's notes for discussion.

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NGC 7576 = MCG -01-59-012 = PGC 70948

23 17 22.7 -04 43 40; Aqr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): moderately bright, fairly small, round, even concentration to a bright core containing a stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 7585 10.7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7576 = H II-454 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 455) and logged "F, S, almost stellar."  His position is off by 1.6' southeast.  Nearby NGC 7585 had been discovered previously.

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NGC 7577 = PGC 70947

23 17 17.1 +07 21 56; Psc

V = 15.4;  Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

17.5" (11/18/95): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Forms a close pair with a mag 15 star off the ENE edge 23" from center that confuses the observation.  Cannot hold steadily with averted at 220x but observation certain.  Faintest in trio and located 8.8' due west of NGC 7583 and 9.5' SW of NGC 7604.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7577 = B. 97 on 7 Oct 1885.  His position in the Comptes Rendus list is just 1' north of PGC 70947, an extremely faint galaxy that is not listed in CGCG or MCG.  A mag 15 star just 23" northeast certainly contributed to the appearance of nebulosity.  This object is probably Bigourdan's faintest discovery. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7578 = NGC 7578B = HCG 94A = Arp 170 NED2 = VV 181a = (R)NGC 7578A = UGC 12478 = MCG +03-59-025 = CGCG 454-024 = PGC 70934

23 17 13.6 +18 42 29; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

48" (10/27/16): at 488x; bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increases to the center and a low surface brightness ~30" halo.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NE edge [17" from center]. Forms a bright double system with NGC 7578A = HCG 94B 0.6' SW.  The companion appeared fairly bright, small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core increasing to small intense nucleus.  HCG 94D, just northeast of the mag 14.5 star, is faint to fairly faint (V = 16.1), very small, round, 8" diameter, even surface brightness.

 

HCG 94C, the third brightest (V = 15.1) and perhaps the largest in the septet, is 2.2' NE.  It appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated at least 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~30"x10", well concentrated with a sharp bright nucleus.  HCG 94F, just 0.5' NW, is very faint (V = 17.0), very small, slightly elongated, 8"x6".  HCG 94G, 0.9' N of HCG 94C, is an extremely small, very faint glow (V = 17.2), only 6" diameter.  Completing the septet is HCG 94E, 1.2' NNE of NGC 7578.  This extremely faint (V = 16.9) edge-on extends 0.4'x0.1' and has a very low even surface brightness.  The observation was made through thin clouds.  This septet lies at a distance of ~570 million light years.

 

24" (8/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 24" diameter, very small bright nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the northeast side [17" from center].  Forms a double system with NGC 7578A = HCG 94B just 34" SW.  The companion appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, contains a very small, bright nucleus.  NGC 7578C = HCG 94D, just 27" NE, is the faintest of 4 in HCG 94 and appeared extremely faint and small, round, only 6" diameter, visible only part of the time.  Finally HCG 94C lies 2.2' NE and appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated at least 3:2 N-S, contains a small brighter core and very faint extensions NNW-SSE, 18"x10".   The quartet (along with the mentioned star) are in a 2.8' linear string oriented SW-NE.

 

24" (8/16/12): at 376x the brightest member of HCG 94 appeared moderately bright, very small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, very small bright nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is barely off the northeast end.  Forms a close pair with HCG 94B (34" between centers) with HCG 94D only 24" NE (very close to the mag 14.5 star).  HCG 94B (NGC 7578A) appeared fairly faint, very small, round, 20" core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo.  HCG 94D (NGC 7578C) appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.  HCG 94C lies 2.2' NE and appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, contains a very small slightly brighter core and faint extensions NNW-SSE, ~20"x10".  A mag 14 star lies 50" S.

 

18" (8/25/06): this is the northeast component of a double system in HCG 94 (core of AGC 2572).  It appeared faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter with a mag 14.5 star just off the NE end.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, very small, round, 25" diameter.  A mag 14 star is very close at the NE edge and somewhat confuses the view.  Forms a double with slightly fainter HCG 94B just 0.6' SW of center.  The SW component appeared faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.

 

18" (8/27/05): at 323x, this double system is cleanly resolved.  The NE component is faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14-15 star is just off the NE end and a second mag 14 star lies 50" south.  Just separated from HCG 94B, which lies 34" SW of center.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): fairly faint, small, round, 45" diameter.  A mag 14 star is at the NE edge and a second mag 14 star 0.9' S.  Forms a double system with UGC 12477 = HCG 94b on the SW side of the halo.  The brighter cores of the galaxies are cleanly resolved but both appear to be encased in a common outer halo.  The faintest member, HCG 94c, lies 2.2' NE.  HCG 93 lies only 32' NW!

 

17.5" (9/23/89): this is the brightest member of the HCG 94 compact group in AGC 2572 (identified as NGC 7578B in RC2, UGC and HCG).  Faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE.  Attached to fainter NGC 7578A = HCG 94b just 34" SW of center in a common halo.  A mag 15 star is at the NE edge 15" from center and a mag 14 star is off the south side 52" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7578 = H III-182 = h2225 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "2 vS stars about 2 or 3' distance with excessively faint nebulosity between them.  I saw also a third star."  He probably resolved the pair, though his separation estimate is much too large. On 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290), he logged "Suspected, E, 240 shewed 4 or 5 small stars with seeming nebulosity but left it doubtful." JH simply called this object "F" but his position matches - no mention of being double or nearby faint stars.  The brighter northeast member is designated NGC 7578B in RC2, RC3, UGC, MCG and Hickson.  See Corwin's notes for a full discussion.

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NGC 7579 = MCG +01-59-031 = CGCG 406-046 = PGC 70964

23 17 38.9 +09 26 00; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 39”

 

24" (9/30/16): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 18"x15".  First in a small group of galaxies within Pegasus II cluster with NGC 7584 3.5' due east and CGCG 406-050 4.2' ESE.  Situated 6.7' SW of mag 7.6 HD 219728.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  This Pegasus II member forms a trio with NGC 7584 3.5' E and CGCG 406-050 4.2' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7579 = m 554, along with NGC 7484, on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7580 = UGC 12481 = MCG +02-59-019 = CGCG 431-034 = Mrk 318 = LGG 471-006 = PGC 70962

23 17 36.4 +14 00 04; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7580 = Sw. V-99 on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; R; F * nr sp; 3 stars following point to it."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 7581 = NGC 7541 = UGC 12447 = MCG +01-59-017 = CGCG 406-030 = Holm 805a = PGC 70795

23 14 43.9 +04 32 04; Psc

 

See observing notes for NGC 7541.

 

Horace Tuttle discovered NGC 7581 on 11 Jan 1875 with the 26-inch refractor at the U.S. Naval Observatory. Although Holden is credited with the discovery in the NGC, Wolfgang Steinicke found in the USNO observations for 1875 the entry "Jan. 11.  Nebula (nova).  In looking for Encke's Comet, found a vF, elongated nebula [alpha] = 23h 11m.4 [delta] = +3d 59.  T[uttle].".  There is nothing near his position.  In Die Herschel Nebel (1927), Karl Reinmuth states "not found, =N7541".  NGC 7541 is 3 minutes of RA west and 8' south of Tuttle's position, but there is a mag 12-13 star just east, which matches the NGC description.  So despite the very poor position this identification is possible.  See Harold Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 7582 = ESO 291-016 = MCG -07-47-029 = LGG 472-004 = PGC 71001 = Grus Trio

23 18 23.5 -42 22 14; Gru

V = 10.6;  Size 5.0'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 157”

 

30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 264x; extremely bright, very large, very elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE,  ~3.6'x1.2'. Strong concentration with an extremely bright elongated core and a prominent quasi-stellar nucleus.  This barred spiral is brighter along the spine of the major axis and displays a mottled or patchy surface brightness.  NGC 7582 is the largest and most impressive in the Grus Triplet with NGC 7590 5' NE and NGC 7599 12.5' NE. 

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly large, diffuse, elongated NNW-SSE.  First of three in the field with NGC 7590 9.8' NE and NGC 7599 12.6' NE.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7582 = D 476 = h3977 on 7 Jul 1826 and recorded "a small faint round nebula, about 30" diameter: a double nebula follow this."  John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Sep 1836 and described "pB, L, pmE, gbM."  His declination is 15' too large.  DeLisle Stewart's corrected declination in the IC 2 notes (from Ann Harv Coll Obs, vol LX, p175) is accurate.

 

When Pietro Baracchi observed the field on 2 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, he couldn't find NGC 7582 at Herschel's position, but instead picked up MCG -07-47-031, an uncredited discovery.

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NGC 7583 = NGC 7605 = MCG +01-59-034 = CGCG 406-047 = PGC 70975

23 17 52.8 +07 22 46; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (11/18/95): faint, small, round, well-defined 30" halo.  Weak concentration to a small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' W of center.  Brightest of trio with NGC 7604 = MCG +01-59-033 = CGCG 406-048 3.0' N and NGC 7577 8.8' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7583 = m 555 on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, vS."  His position is 2' north of CGCG 406-047 and 1' south of CGCG 404-048.  Since he only observed one of these galaxies on this date, it's reasonable to assume he picked up CGCG 406-047, as this is the brighter galaxy.  Marth probably found this galaxy again three months later on 29 Nov 1864 as m 568 = NGC 7605 but his RA was 1.0 tmin too large.  So, NGC 7583 = NGC 7603 = CGCG 406-047.  CGCG doesn't use the NGC designation and misidentifies CGCG 406-048 as NGC 7583.  This latter galaxy is probably NGC 7604.

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NGC 7584 = MCG +01-59-035 = CGCG 406-049 = PGC 70977

23 17 53.0 +09 26 00; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

24" (9/30/16): at 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter.  In a trio with CGCG 406-050 1.1' NE and NGC 7579 3.5' due W.  Located 4.5' SSW of mag 7.6 HD 219728.  CGCG 406-050 appeared faint, very small, round, 10"-12" diameter.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' SE.  Member of the Pegasus II cluster.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 15.5 star (or extremely faint and small galaxy) is off the SW edge.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' ENE.  Forms a trio with CGCG 406-050 1.1' NNE and NGC 7579 3.5' W.  Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.6 SAO 128095 in the Pegasus II cluster.  CGCG 406-050 appeared extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 15.5 star is less than 1' WSW and a mag 14 star is 1' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7584 = m 556, along with NGC 7579, on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7585 = Arp 223 = MCG -01-59-015 = PGC 70986

23 18 01.2 -04 38 58; Aqr

V = 11.4;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105”

 

17.5" (8/7/91): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 8.0' SSE of mag 8.5 SAO 146621.  Forms a pair with NGC 7576 10.7' SW.  NGC 7592 lies 15' NE. 

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, small bright nucleus.  Two mag 8 stars are in the field to the north and NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7585 = H II-236 = h2226 = h3979 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "pB, irr E, r."  On 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 455) he noted "pB, pL, iR, mbM."  JH made an observation from Slough as well as the Cape of Good Hope (accurate position).

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NGC 7586 = LEDA 1349697

23 17 55.6 +08 35 03; Peg

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

24" (8/29/19): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter halo, very small brighter core, occasional faint stellar nucleus.  Easily seen 3.8' NW of a mag 9.3 star.  This galaxy lies in the bacground of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

CGCG 406-45, misidentified as NGC 7586 in the CGCG, RNGC and PGC, is noticeably fainter and appeared very faint (V = 15.7), round, ~20" diameter, very low surface brightness.  Located 20' SSE of NGC 7586.

 

17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, slight central brightening.  Located 3.8' NW of mag 9 SAO 128097 and collinear with a mag 12 star 1.3' SE of the mag 9 star.  RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 406-045 as NGC 7586.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7586 = m 557 on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, alm stellar."  His position is less than 1' northwest of LEDA 1349697, an extremely compact galaxy.  Bigourdan also made two observations of this galaxy as well as Hermann Kobold with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg. Karl Reinmuth appears to have identified this galaxy correctly in his 1926 Die Herschel-Nebel.

 

But RNGC, CGCG, PGC, HyperLeda misidentified the double system CGCG 406-045 as NGC 7586.  This galaxy is located 20' south of Marth's and Bigourdan's position. Malcolm Thomson discussed this identification in Q. Jl R. astr. Soc. (1991), 32, 17-24 and his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 7587 = UGC 12484 = MCG +01-59-037 = CGCG 406-052 = PGC 70984

23 17 59.1 +09 40 49; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 123”

 

24" (9/30/16): moderately to fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, ~50"x18", high surface brightness, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2.5' NE.  Forms a close pair with CGCG 406-051 [51" between centers].  The companion appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 20"x10".

 

17.5" (10/28/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with CGCG 406-051 0.9' S.  The companion is extremely faint and small, round.  At z = .029, this galaxy is twice the redshift of the main members of Pegasus I, so perhaps is a member of the Pegasus II cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7587 = m 558 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE, gbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7588 = MCG +03-59-031 = CGCG 454-030 = PGC 70983

23 17 57.8 +18 45 08; Peg

V = 14.9;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

18" (8/25/06): very faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter with a well-defined halo, even surface brightness.  Located 2' NW of a 9th magnitude star and 8.6' NW of NGC 7597 in the core of AGC 2572.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint and small, round.  This member of AGC 2572 is located on a line with a mag 13 star 1.0' SE and mag 8.8 SAO 108523 2.1' SE.  Also lies 3.1' N of mag 8.6 SAO 108518.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7588 = m 559, along with NGC 7598 and 7602, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, eS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7589 = MCG +00-59-019 = CGCG 380-024 = PGC 70995

23 18 15.6 +00 15 40; Psc

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 102”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  Located 1.2' W of a double star with components mag 11/14 at 18" separation.  Forms a pair with NGC 7603 8' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7589 = m 560, along with NGC 7603, on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7590 = ESO 347-033 = MCG -07-47-030 = LGG 472-005 = PGC 71031 = Grus Trio

23 18 54.8 -42 14 21; Gru

V = 11.5;  Size 2.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 36”

 

30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 264x; very bright prominent ellipse, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE,, ~2.1'x0.7'.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that appeared mottled. A mag 12.0 is attached on the east side of the northern end of the galaxy.  NGC 7590 is the second of three in the Grus Triplet with NGC 7599 5' ESE and NGC 7582 10' SW.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): faint, small, elongated SW-NE.  A star is at the NE edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 7599 4.9' ESE.  Second of three with NGC 7582 9.8' SW.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7590 = D 477.1 = h3980 on 14 Jul 1826, along with NGC 7599 and recorded "two very small round nebulae [NGC 7590 and 7599], nearly the same RA, and differing about 1' in polar distances."  John Herschel observed the pair of 2 Sep 1836 and logged "pB; pmE; gbM; 90 arcseconds, the preceding of two [with NGC 7599]."

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NGC 7591 = UGC 12486 = MCG +01-59-038 = CGCG 406-053 = PGC 70996

23 18 16.3 +06 35 09; Psc

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Located 34' ESE of NGC 7562.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7591 = m 561 on 14 Aug 1864 and noted "pF, S, R, vgbM."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7592 = MCG -01-59-017 = VV 731 = PGC 70999

23 18 22.5 -04 24 59; Aqr

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 57”

 

48" (10/29/19): NGC 7592 is an interacting, merged pair with a separation of only 13"!  At 610x the western component (NGC 7592 W) appeared moderately bright, small, round, with a sharp stellar nucleus.  A low surface brightness tidal arm was attached on the west side and it hooked to the north.  The brighter eastern galaxy (NGC 7592 E) was fairly bright, fairly small, roundish, ~25" diameter, very bright core offset towards the north side.  A very small HII knot, 6"-8" diameter, called NGC 7592 S, is at the southwest end [13" from center].  A very low surface brightness halo extended further southwest of 7592 E and directly south of 7592 W.  This section is probably part of another tidal tail.

 

24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregular.  The component with the highest surface brightness is the core of the eastern galaxy (NGC 7592B = 7592E).  Most of the glow extended southwest (NGC 7592C = 7592S) and created an asymmetric appearance.  The nucleus of the western galaxy (NGC 7592A =7592W) appeared faint and extremely small, perhaps 5" diameter.  The arm or wing to its north was not seen.  The two nuclei are separated by only 13".  The nucleus of the third southern component, which wasn't seen, is probably a large HII clump in NGC 7592E.  The western galaxy has a Sy2 nucleus.

 

17.5" (8/7/91): faint, small, round.  NGC 7592A, a very faint and extremely small companion (only the nucleus was observed) attached at the west edge, was just resolved.  NGC 7585 lies 17' SW.  This is an interacting/colliding pair on the POSS with nuclei only 15" apart!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7592 = H III-186 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "eF and vS."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on 2 Oct 1866.

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NGC 7593 = UGC 12483 = MCG +02-59-020 = CGCG 431-035 = PGC 70981

23 17 57.0 +11 20 57; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 104”

 

17.5" (8/27/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is at the NE edge.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7593 = m 562 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "F, S, R."  There is nothing at his position but 23 seconds of RA west is UGC 12483 (same dec).  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 30 Oct 1886 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7594 = IC 1478 = UGC 12485 = MCG +02-59-023 = CGCG 431-037 = WBL 706-003 = PGC 70991

23 18 13.9 +10 17 54; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (11/18/95): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4', broad weak concentration.  The outer halo increases in size with averted vision.  Brightest in a quartet (WBL 706) with IC's 5305, 5306, 5307.  NGC 7594 is identified as IC 1478 in UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3.

 

IC 5305 is faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, weak concentration.  Located 3.8' NNE of a mag 11.5 star and 1.9' W of NGC 7594.  Collinear with two mag 14 stars 45" SSW and 1.4' SSW.

IC 5306 is extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.  Collinear with IC 5305 3.4' NNW and two mag 14 stars 2.0' NNW and 2.7' NNW.

IC 5307 is extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter, required averted to glimpse.  Faintest of four in the NGC 7594 group.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7594 = Nova #27 in August 1880 with his 36-inch reflector and recorded "Faint, round, following 3 stars in a line [with orientation] 90” pointing to another fainter nebula south."  His discovery position (estimated using setting circles) is ~6' southeast of UGC 12485, the brightest galaxy in a group and his description applies.  Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Aug 1889, measured an accurate position and catalogued it as Big. 239 (later IC 1478). Kobold also measured an accurate position in 1897.  All modern galaxy catalogues (as well as HyperLeda) identify this galaxy as IC 1478.

 

The "fainter nebula south" is IC 5306 (independently found by Kobold in 1897), and the northernmost of the "3 stars in line 90”" is IC 5305!  The two ICs, as well as IC 5307 were found by Kobold in 1897.  RC3, MCG, RNGC and DSFG misidentify IC 5306 as NGC 7594.  I noticed this identification while examining John Vickers' CCD Atlas.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #7 as well as Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7595 = PGC 71004

23 18 30.2 +09 55 57; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Collinear with two mag 14 and 15 stars 0.8' and 1.4' due S, respectively.  A group of four mag 11/12 stars lie ~3' NE.  Located about 20' S of the NGC 7594 group (including IC's 5305, 5306 and 5307) in the northern part of Pegasus I cluster.

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7595 = Nova #28 in Aug of 1880 and simply noted "F, stellar."  His position corresponds with PGC 71004.  This galaxy is not catalogued in the CGCG, MCG, RC3.

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NGC 7596 = IC 1477 = MCG -01-59-011 = PGC 70932

23 17 12.0 -06 54 43; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 34”

 

17.5" (7/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Located nearly at the midpoint of two mag 13.5 stars 1.1' W and 1.4' E.  Two similar star are also 1.3' S and 2.3' SE.  The PGC magnitude (B = 12.9) appears to be too bright.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7596 = LM 1-262 on 28 Sep 1886 and reported "mag 13.5; pS; lE 180” [N-S], lbMN."  There is nothing at his rough position (even the nearest min of RA is marked uncertain), but 1.5 min of RA west is MCG -01-59-011 = PGC 70932.  Harold Corwin checked Leavenworth's sketched and confirmed it matches PGC 70932.  Stephane Javelle found this galaxy 6 years later on 16 Sep 1892 with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory, measured an accurate position for J. 485 (later IC 1477).  So, NGC 7596 = IC 1477.  MCG uses the IC designation.

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NGC 7597 = NGC 7571?? = MCG +03-59-032 = CGCG 454-032 = PGC 71006

23 18 30.3 +18 41 19; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (8/25/06): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7', broadly concentrated halo rising quickly to a small, bright core.  A faint double star lies 1.3' WSW.  This galaxy is the brightest in the core of AGC 2572.  The cluster is located within a group of 5 brighter mag 8-10 stars that detracts from viewing.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, small, round, small bright core.  Located between two mag 14 stars 1.2' SW and 1.3' NE.  Brightest of trio with NGC 7598 3.7' NNE and NGC 7602 3.2' ENE in AGC 2572.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7597 = m 563 on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, gbM."  His position is 1'-2' south of CGCG 454-032.  Harold Corwin proposes that Herman Schultz may have found this galaxy again on 25 Sep 1867 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory and it was recorded as GC 6161 = NGC 7571.  See that number.

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NGC 7598 = MCG +03-59-033 = CGCG 454-033 = PGC 71011

23 18 33.3 +18 44 58; Peg

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (8/25/06): extremely faint and small, round, 8" diameter.  Forms a close "double" with a slightly brighter mag 15 star.  Located 2.2' NE of a mag 9.8 star and 3.7' N of NGC 7597 in the core of AGC 2572.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint and small, round.  This member of AGC 2572 is located 2.2' NE of a mag 9.5 star.  In a close trio with NGC 7597 3.7' SSW and NGC 7602 3.9' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7598 = m 564, along with NGC 7588 and 7602, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7599 = IC 5308 = ESO 347-034 = MCG -07-47-033 = LGG 472-006 = PGC 71066 = Grus Trio

23 19 21.1 -42 15 25; Gru

V = 11.5;  Size 4.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 57”

 

30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 7599 is the third in the showpiece Grus Trio.  At 264x it appeared very bright, very large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, ~3.25'x1'. It was broadly concentrated but there was no distinct core or nucleus.  The surface brightness was uneven or mottled, though, likely due to spiral structure or dust.  The southwest end appeared more tapered and had a very faint extension at the tip, while the northeast side ends more abruptly.  A mag 14 star is superimposed on the north side, 0.8' NNE of center. A mag 12.8 star is off the east side, 1.5' from center.  NGC 7590 lies 5' WNW.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): extremely faint, fairly large, very elongated SW-NE, at visual threshold.  Located 4.9' ESE of NGC 7590.  Faintest of three nearly edge-on galaxies in the field (Grus Quartet including NGC 7552).  Observation hampered by very low elevation from Northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7599 = D 477.2 = h3981, along with NGC 7582, on 14 Jul 1826 and recorded "two very small round nebulae, nearly the same RA, and differing about 1' in polar distances."  John Herschel observed the pair of 2 Sep 1836 and logged "F; pmE; gbM; 3'; [the following of two]."

 

Harold Corwin notes that Lewis Swift's XI-227 = IC 5308, found on 8 Aug 1897 and described as "eeF; S; cE; f of 3; f of 7599.", is probably a duplicate observation.  Swift likely confused NGC 7590 as 7599 and assumed Sw. XI-227 was new.  See Corwin's historical notes.

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NGC 7600 = MCG -01-59-019 = PGC 71029

23 18 53.8 -07 34 50; Aqr

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 69”

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A group of bright stars mag 8-9 to the NW forms a "V" asterism pointing to the E; includes mag 7.8 SAO 146629 12' NW, mag 8.3 SAO 146619 16' WNW, mag 8.8 SAO 146626 16' NW and mag 8.5 SAO 146625 21' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7600 = H II-431 = h2227 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and recorded "vF, S, mbM, irregularly a little extended, r."  JH made two observation, logging (sweep 186), "pB; R; psbM; 15"."

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NGC 7601 = UGC 12487 = MCG +01-59-039 = CGCG 406-056 = PGC 71022

23 18 47.0 +09 14 01; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 90”

 

24" (9/30/16): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x32", low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1.4' N.  CGCG 406-063 lies 7.2' NE

 

17.5" (10/12/85 and 10/28/89): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated oval ~E-W, diffuse, even surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.4' N of center.  Forms a pair with CGCG 406-063 7.1' NE in the Pegasus I cluster.  NGC 7584/NGC 7579 pair lies 18' NW.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7601 on 4 Aug 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  He reported "pB, diffused.  Found in looking for Faye's comet."  His position is 2' due north of UGC 12487 - an unusually good position.

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NGC 7602 = MCG +03-59-034 - CGCG 454-034 = PGC 71019

23 18 43.5 +18 41 54; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (8/25/06): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small brighter core.  Located  3.2' NNW of an 8th magnitude star and 3' ENE of NGC 7597 in the core of AGC 2572.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, extremely small, round, very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 38" NNW of center.  Located 3.2' NNW of mag 8 SAO 108536.  In a trio with NGC 7597 3.2' WSW and NGC 7598 3.9' NW within AGC 2572.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7602 = m 565, along with NGC 7588 and 7598, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7603 = Arp 92 = UGC 12493 = MCG +00-59-021 = CGCG 380-026 = Mrk 530 = PGC 71035

23 18 56.6 +00 14 38; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 165”

 

48" (10/29/16): at 610x; bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and an intensely bright stellar nucleus!  The roundish halo gradually fades out around 1.0' diameter.  The beginning of a tidal arm is occasionally visible on the south side, extending a short distance to the southeast, but not reaching NGC 7603B.  The apparent companion, resides far in the background at a redshift distance of ~740 million ly.  It appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.3' diameter, very small brighter core, stellar nucleus.  A hint of the apparent bridge from NGC 7603 is just visible close west, but was not seen as connected.

 

48" (10/22/11): at 375x, this Seyfert galaxy is unusually sharply concentrated and displayed an extremely bright stellar nucleus surrounded by an intensely bright, 20" core with a much fainter outer halo extending 1.3'x1.0'.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7603B = PGC 71041 just 1' SE.  At 610x, the small companion is just outside the halo of NGC 7603 and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter.

 

24" (9/1/16): at 220x; bright, small, round, contains a very small unusually bright core that increases to an extremely bright stellar nucleus (Seyfert galaxy)!  Forms a close (line of sight) pair with NGC 7603B 1.0' SE.  The companion appeared extremely to very faint, extremely small, only ~6" diameter, required averted to see (V = 15.9, B = 16.7).

 

17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, sharp concentration, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 7589 8' WNW.  Located 5.1' SW of a mag 9.5 star.

 

13.1" (8/11/85): faint, small, round, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus.  Located ~5' W of a mag 9 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7603 = m 566, along with NGC 7589, on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

 

There is a long-standing redshift controversy with this pair first mentioned by Arp in ApL, 7, 221, 1971.  NGC 7603, the brighter galaxy, has a redshift z = .029 (~390 million ly) while its companion NGC 7603B has a much higher redshift z = .057, placing it about twice the distance (~740 million ly).  But there appears to be a luminous bridge connecting the objects that is easily visible on the DSS.  Also two quasars with much higher redshifts (z = .391 and z = .243) are embedded exactly on line of sight at the start and end of the bridge.

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NGC 7604 = MCG +01-59-033 = CGCG 406-048 = LGG 473-020 = PGC 70974

23 17 51.9 +07 25 48; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, appears to brighten slightly at the center.  Can just hold steadily with averted vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 7583 = NGC 7605 3.0' S.  Outlying member of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7604 = m 567, along with NGC 7605, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS, bM."  There is nothing at his position bright enough to have been seen, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA preceding is CGCG 406-048 = PGC 70974.  This galaxy is 3' north of NGC 7583.  Assuming Marth made the same 1.0 minute recording error for NGC 7605 = m 568 (observed on same night), then NGC 7605 matches NGC 7583. Karl Reinmuth and RNGC also equated NGC 7604 with CGCG 406-048.

 

Hermann Kobold independently discovered CGCG 406-048 in 1899 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory.  He reported it as Kobold 20 (20th discovery) in his big table of NGC positions in the 1907 Strasbourg Annales, Vol 3.

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NGC 7605 = NGC 7583 = MCG +01-59-034 = CGCG 404-047 = PGC 70975

23 17 52.8 +07 22 46; Psc

 

See observing notes for NGC 7583.

 

Albert Marth found NGC 7605 = m 568, along with NGC 7604, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, glbM."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 minute of RA preceding is CGCG 404-047 = NGC 7583, which Marth had discovered a few months earlier on 2 Sep 1864.  So, NGC 7605 = NGC 7583.  See NGC 7604.

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NGC 7606 = MCG -02-59-012 = PGC 71047

23 19 05.1 -08 29 05; Aqr

V = 10.8;  Size 5.4'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 145”

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration, diffuse halo, possible faint stellar nucleus.  Bracketed between two mag 12/13 stars that lie 3' N and 2.5' S of center.

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7606 = H I-104 = h2228 = h3982 on 28 Sep 1785 (sweep 445) and recorded "cB, cL, gmbM, nearly in the meridian, each end seems to terminate in a very faint ray."  From the Cape of Good Hope, JH reported "F; pL; pmE; 2' l, 1 1/2' br."  On 18 Sep 1852, G. Johnstone Stoney, observing with LdR's 72", logged "seemed narrowest in the middle and to spread out at either end, a small star nnp nucl on edge of neby.  Query, a brighter streak f nucl from np to sf [probably the eastern spiral arm]."

 

Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, NGC 7606 was described as "a fine compact spiral with dark lanes between the whorls, bright almost stellar nucleus."

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NGC 7607 = IC 1480

23 18 59.4 +11 20 30; Peg

 

= **, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7607 = T IV-13 on 5 Aug 1880.  A faint double star is at his ring micrometric position and he notes a 16th magnitude star is 1/2' northeast.  Harold Corwin remarks that Bigourdan found this double again on 30 Oct 1886 and called it a "Small cluster 20 arcsec in diameter in which I can distinguish at least two stars, perhaps accompanied by a little nebulosity." His entry B. 240 in his 5th Comptes Rendus list became IC 1480, so NGC 7607 = IC 1480 = double star.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7608 = UGC 12500 = MCG +01-59-044 = CGCG 406-062 = LGG 473-004 = PGC 71055

23 19 15.3 +08 21 01; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 20”

 

24" (8/29/19): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.3', broad and weak concentration, no distinct core.  The major axis lines up with a 1' pair of mag 9.2 and 9.6 stars 7' SSW.  Another pair with a similar position angle is 5' SE!  Located 17' NW of NGC 7619 in the Pegasus I cluster.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, small, diffuse, very elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness, requires averted.  IC 5309 lies 14' S.  Collinear with mag 8.5 SAO 128112 7' SSW and mag 9 SAO 28111 8' SSW.  A second wide bright pair lies 5.5' SE (mag 10/11 at 42").  Member of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7608 = m 569 on 25 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, pS, lE, lbM."  His position is 2' too far southwest.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 2 Oct 1866 (single observation).

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NGC 7609 = HCG 95A = Arp 150 NED1 = VV 20a = MCG +01-59-047 = CGCG 406-065 = PGC 71076

23 19 30.0 +09 30 30; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 135”

 

48" (10/27/16): at 488x; bright, fairly small, roundish, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus and a slightly elongated halo.  NGC 7609 = HCG 95A forms an interacting system with HCG 95D 0.4' SE.  HCG 95D appeared fairly faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  The beginning of the tidal bridge or loop connecting HCG 95D to NGC 7609 on the north side was faintly visible.  MCG +01-59-048 = HCG 95B, situated 1.2' SE, appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, slightly brighter core, ~30" length.  Two mag 15 stars are close southwest.  MCG +01-59-046 = HCG 95C, 1' SW of NGC 7609, is the faintest in the quartet and appeared as a low even surface brightness sliver, ~30"x6" NW-SE.  HCG 95B is likely a a foreground galaxy based on the 2MASS redshift, with the other three forming an interacting triplet.

 

48" (10/23/11): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30"x25" very bright core surrounded by a fainter halo.  Forms an interacting pair with HCG 95D (25" between centers) on the southeast side.  At 488x the close duo was connected on the north side by a very faint loop or bridge!  The tidal plume to the south of 95D (forming a partial ring) was not seen.  The total size of the system is ~45"x30", oriented NW-SE.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 25"x20".  Brightest in HCG 95 and forms a double system with 95D.  The attached companion (VV 20b = HCG 95D) was extremely faint and small, round, 5" diameter. It was only glimpsed a few times so the observation was not 100% certain.

 

18" (8/27/05): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  At times, appeared slightly elongated ~4:3, possibly due to HCG 95D which is attached to the southeast end.  Located 3' WNW of a faint, unequal double star.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 40"x30", very little concentration. This is an interacting pair with HCG 95D attached at southeast end (not seen) and HCG 95B lies just 1.2' SE.  In the background of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, stellar nucleus or star superimposed.  Located 18' NNE of NGC 7601 in the Pegasus I cluster.  On the POSS this is a close double galaxy with stellar nuclei.  Brightest in HCG 95.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7609 = m 570 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, vS, gbM."  Although there are four galaxies here (HCG 95), it's reasonable to assign NGC 7609 to the brightest member only as it wasn't mentioned as double.

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NGC 7610 = NGC 7616? = UGC 12511 = MCG +02-59-025 = CGCG 431-042 = LGG 473-010 = PGC 71087

23 19 41.4 +10 11 06; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.5

 

17.5" (8/27/92): faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, low surface brightness, no central concentration.  A mag 12 star is just off the southwest edge 1.1' from the center.  Located at the north edge of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7610 in August of 1880 using his 36-inch reflector and recorded "F, S, diffused."  His position is 10 seconds west and 1.7' south of UGC 12511.  Nearby NGC 7616 (28 seconds of RA larger) may be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 7611 = UGC 12509 = MCG +01-59-049 = CGCG 406-066 = LGG 473-006 = PGC 71083

23 19 36.6 +08 03 48; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 139”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, stellar nucleus.  NGC 7619 lies 12.7' NE.  Located 5.5' NNW of mag 7.1 SAO 128119 in the Pegasus I cluster.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): faint, small, round, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated.  A mag 7 star is 5' S.  NGC 7619 is 12' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7611 on 21 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He observed this galaxy on 6 nights and noted several times it formed a triangle with two stars (estimated at mag 17 and 18, though only mag 14).   This galaxy appears to have been missed at Birr Castle (NGC 7617 was seen instead).

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NGC 7612 = UGC 12512 = MCG +01-59-050 = CGCG 406-068 = LGG 473-008 = PGC 71089

23 19 44.2 +08 34 35; Peg

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, small, elongated, small bright core.  Member of the Pegasus I cluster with NGC 7615 11' S.

 

13" (11/5/83): faint, very small, almost round, small bright nucleus, compact.  Located 15' NW of NGC 7623.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7612 = m 571 on 26 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. It was first reported as #205 in his AN 1500 discovery list (1864).  Albert Marth independently discovered it on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "pB, vS, psbM."

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NGC 7613

23 19 54 +00 12; Psc

 

= Not found, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7613 = Nova #3, along with NGC 7614, on 18 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet.  He was using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at the College Romain as an assistant to Father Angelo Secchi (see AN 1571). There is nothing at his position or any pair nearby.  Harold Corwin lists this number as lost (not found).  The RNGC misidentifies PGC 71095 as NGC 7613.  This (single) galaxy is located 12' due north of Ferrari's position and too faint to have been picked up.  Most of Ferrari's discoveries are probably single or multiple stars.

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NGC 7614

23 20 00 +00 13; Psc

 

= Not found, Corwin.  =4*, Steinicke.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7614 = Nova #4, along with NGC 7613, on 18 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet.  Both objects were given a single position, but there is no pair of galaxies in the area.  Most his discoveries are missing (probably single or double stars). Karl Reinmuth was unable to identify a candidate of a Heidelberg plate and Corwin lists the number as lost.  Wolfgang Steinicke identifies NGC 7614 as a group of 3 faint stars at 23 19 52.6 +00 10 56, very close to Ferrari's position.

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NGC 7615 = MCG +01-59-051 = CGCG 406-070 = PGC 71097

23 19 54.4 +08 23 58; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 152”

 

17.5" (10/12/85): appears slightly brighter than NGC 7608, elongated ~NW-SE. A faint star is off the east edge.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, diffuse, slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is off the east edge 1.0' from the center.  This member of the Pegasus I cluster is located 6' WNW of NGC 7621 and 7.5' W of NGC 7623.

 

13" (11/5/83): extremely faint, at visual threshold, possibly slightly elongated.  A mag 14 star is off the edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7615 = h2229 on 16 Aug 1830 and noted "pF; R; psbM."  His position is fairly accurate although this galaxy was missed by d'Arrest (failed attempts in 1862 and 1865), Wilhelm Tempel and Herman Schultz (searched for in vain in 1865).

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NGC 7616 = NGC 7610?? = UGC 12511 = MCG +02-59-025 = CGCG 431-042 = LGG 473-010 = PGC 71073

23 19 41.7 +10 11 06; Peg

 

See observing notes for NGC 7610.  (R)NGC 7616 not found 8/27/92, Grandview.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7616 in August of 1880 and noted "pF, diffused."  There is nothing at his position, 28 seconds of RA east and 1' south of his position for NGC 7610 (probably UGC 12511).  Kobold tentatively identified this galaxy as NGC 7610 and measured an accurate position in 1897.  The most likely scenario (suggested by Harold Corwin) is that Common recorded this galaxy twice at different positions.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

 

RNGC misidentifies PGC 71073 as NGC 7616.  This extremely faint galaxy is located 12 seconds west and 1' south (4' southwest) of NGC 7610.  I missed PGC 71073 in my 17.5" on 27 Aug 1992 from an excellent high elevation site (Grandview in the White Mountains).

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NGC 7617 = MCG +01-59-051A = CGCG 406-072 = WBL 710-001 = PGC 71113

23 20 09.0 +08 09 57; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): faint, small, slightly elongated oval, brighter core.  Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 7619 2.8' NNE in the Pegasus I cluster.

 

13.1": (9/22/84): faint, very small, round.  Easy with averted.

 

13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, very small, round.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7617 = m 572 on 23 Sep 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted it preceded NGC 7619 by 6.5 seconds of time and 2' to 2 1/2' south. Albert Marth independently discovered NGC 7617 just two months later on 25 Nov 1864 while observing the cluster.  Both are credited in the NGC (d'Arrest is listed first).

 

But Bindon Stoney probably made the original discovery on 30 Aug 1851 at Birr Castle, noting "I suspect 2 small nebula p[receding] h2330 [NGC 7619], though perhaps they are stars."  A sketch in the 1880 publication shows NGC 7617 at the correct orientation with a separation of 4'.  Because of his uncertainty, Stoney didn't receive credit in the NGC.

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NGC 7618 = UGC 12516 = MCG +07-47-013 = CGCG 532-014 = PGC 71090

23 19 47.2 +42 51 09; And

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', weak even concentration to a brighter core.  Situated midway between a mag 7.5 SAO 52915 6.8' N and a wide double star mag 9/11 at 26" located 8' S.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7618 = St X-40 on 8 Oct 1879.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7619 = UGC 12523 = MCG +01-59-052 = CGCG 406-073 = LGG 473-011 = WBL 710-002 = PGC 71121

23 20 14.5 +08 12 22; Peg

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): bright, elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  This galaxy is the brightest and largest member of the Pegasus I cluster along with NGC 7626 6.9' E.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7617 2.8' SSW.  NGC 7626 lies 11.0' E and difficult UGC 12518 lies 9.4' NW.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): bright, small prominent core, largest in cluster.

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, small bright nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7619 = H II-439 = h2230 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and recorded "vF and vS."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel made two observations, reporting "pB; R; bM; 30"." (sweep 89) and "B; pL; R; psbM." (sweep 280)

 

NGC 7619 was the most distant known galaxy mentioned by Hubble in his 1929 paper "A relation between distance and radial velocity among extra-galactic nebulae", although it's recessional velocity of +3779 km/sec wasn't used in his graph of the velocity-distance relationship.  Hubble mentioned a preliminary distance of 25 million l.y.

 

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NGC 7620 = UGC 12520 = CGCG 476-008 = Mrk 321 = PGC 71106

23 20 05.7 +24 13 16; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, almost round, brighter center surrounded by a small halo.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7620 = m 573 = T I-50 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "F, S, vlE."  His position is accurate.  Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy in 1876 and reported it as new in his first discovery paper.  Engelhardt also measured an accurate micrometric position.

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NGC 7621 = MCG +01-59-055 = CGCG 406-074 = PGC 71129

23 20 24.6 +08 21 59; Peg

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 177”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, small, elongated N-S.  Requires averted vision.  Located 2.2' SW of NGC 7623 and 2.0' NE of a mag 12 star in the core of the Pegasus I cluster.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7621 = m 574 on 25 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7622 = ESO 148-008 = AM 2318-622 = PGC 71187

23 21 38.5 -62 07 04; Tuc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 60”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~30"x10"; contains a small slightly brighter nucleus.  Several brighter stars nearby including a mag 11.4 star 1.4' NE, a mag 11.3 star 2.9' NW, and a mag 11.9 star 3.8' NE.  Located 34' ESE of mag 5.7 HD 219482.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7622 = h3983 on 1 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; eS; rather a doubtful object; situated among 5 small stars."  His position is fairly accurate and the stars are just north with one to the west.

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NGC 7623 = UGC 12526 = MCG +01-59-056 = CGCG 406-075 = LGG 473-012 = PGC 71132

23 20 30.0 +08 23 45; Peg

V = 12.8;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (10/12/85): bright core, stellar nucleus, very faint extensions ~N-S.

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, small, elongated, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7621 2.2' SW in the Pegasus I cluster.

 

13" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core.

 

8" (7/24/82): very faint, small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7623 = H III-435 = h2231 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and noted "vF and eS."  His position is accurate. JH made the single observation (sweep 281), "pF; R; psbM."  Marth discovered nearby NGC 7621.

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NGC 7624 = UGC 12527 = MCG +04-55-004 = CGCG 476-012 = Mrk 323 = PGC 71126

23 20 22.6 +27 18 56; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 30”

 

24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  Appears mottled and patchy, agreeing with my notes two months back!  A mag 16 star is just visible at the south edge and a mag 12.5 star is 1.5' WNW.  PGC 169937 lies 4.8' SW with PGC 169936 7.8' SW (the latter galaxy is 0.9' NNW of a very nice 7" pair of mag 11 stars).

 

24" (10/4/13): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, broad concentration with a small slightly brighter core.  Seemed slightly clumpy or irregular in surface brightness at 375x.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' WNW, and an equilateral triangle of mag 13 stars is 3.5' W.  PGC 169937 lies 4.8' SW and PGC 169936 is 7.8' SW.  The first galaxy appeared very faint, small, round, low surface brightness, 20", diameter and the second faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.4'x0.3'.

 

17.5" (10/13/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  Follows a group of four mag 12/13 stars.

 

17.5" (8/26/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  A few times I had an impression of a slightly brighter arc along the west edge.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, smooth surface brightness.  A group of four stars mag 12-13 precede; the closest is a mag 12 star 1.5' W.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7624 = St IX-36 = Sw. IV-94 on 2 Oct 1878.  His micrometric position is very accurate.  Lewis Swift found it again on 8 Aug 1886 and noted "pF; pS; cE; 3 stars in a line near preceding." in his 4th discovery list.  His position is unusually accurate (perhaps modified to match Stephan)

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NGC 7625 = Arp 212 = VV 280 = UGC 12529 = MCG +03-59-038 = CGCG 454-043 = III Zw 102 = PGC 71133

23 20 30.1 +17 13 32; Peg

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 60”

 

48" (10/28/19): viewed at 375x through thin clouds; very bright, fairly large, round, ~1.25' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright, slightly elongated or oval core. A low contrast dust lane wraps along the eastern edge of the core around to the south.  The dust lane continues slicing through the galaxy towards the west, cutting off a southern piece of the galaxy, which mimicks the appearance of a broad spiral arm.  A slightly brighter knot or patch is at the east end of this section, about 20" S of center.  The outer halo was slightly fainter on the southeast side.  Note: On the SDSS, there are two distinct, intersecting dust lanes, east and southwest of the core.

 

24" (8/30/16): at 375x; bright, moderately large, roundish, well concentrated with a large bright core that is irregular and mottled and a small nucleus.  The halo is much fainter and extends at least 1.0' diameter.  With careful viewing I had the impression there was two close nuclei or perhaps a knot was close to the nucleus.  The DSS and SDSS shows at least two intersecting dust lanes, though this feature was not confidently seen.

 

24" (9/10/15): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter, small bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  The absorption lane on the southwest side was not seen in poor transparency.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly bright, small, round, bright core.  The dust lane on the southwest side was not seen.  Located 6.8' WSW of mag 6.6 SAO 108560.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7625 = H II-250 = h2232 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "F, lE, followed by a very bright star."  He made another observation on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 480) and noted "cB, S, R, mbM."  On 7 Oct 1825 (sweep 11), John Herschel logged "B; R; sbM; 60"."  A total of 8 observations were made at Birr Castle, mostly commenting on the irregular surface brightness.  On 27 Sep 1857, Mitchell logged "south edge certainly brighter than the other, and a * or nucleus near that side, perhaps vF neby outside the s edge [the piece is cut off by dust]."

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NGC 7626 = UGC 12531 = MCG +01-59-057 = CGCG 406-076 = LGG 473-007 = WBL 710-003 = PGC 71140

23 20 42.3 +08 13 02; Peg

V = 11.1;  Size 2.6'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (9/14/85): bright, slightly elongated 4:3, brighter core (although less intense than NGC 7619), substellar nucleus.  A mag 14.3 star is less than1' W. NGC 7626 is the second brightest in the Pegasus I cluster and appears similar to NGC 7619 6.9' W.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): bright, small prominent core, fainter halo, similar to NGC 7619.

 

8" (9/25/81): faint, small, bright core.  A mag 6.5 star is at the south edge of the 40' field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7626 = H II-440 = h2233 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and recorded "pB, pS, bM."  His position is accurate.  JH made two observations, "pB; R; bM; 30"." (sweep 89) and "B; R; pL; psbM" (sweep 280).

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NGC 7627 = NGC 7641? = UGC 12556 = MCG +02-59-029 = CGCG 431-047 = PGC 71241

23 22 30.7 +11 53 31; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

See observing notes for NGC 7641.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 7641 is uncertain.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7627 = Sw. VI-95 on 18 Nov 1886 and recorded "vF; S; vE; coarse double star near north; the double star is between 2 stars."  There is nothing near his position.  Herbert Howe mentions in his 1899-00 observations that "I failed to find this on two nights.  In reply to a letter of inquiry, Swift says that this is identical with 7641, one of Stephan's nebulae which I have measured.  With this opinion I agree, having seen near 7641 the "2 star n" mentioned by Swift."  Dreyer repeats this conclusion in the IC 2 appendix.  If NGC 7627 is identical to NGC 7641, then Swift's position is off by 1.6 tmin in RA (too far west) and 10' too far north.  His comment "vE" applies to this galaxy though the "coarse D * nr n; the D * is bet 2 stars" is not a good match. So this identification is uncertain.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 7628 = UGC 12534 = MCG +04-55-005 = CGCG 476-014 = PGC 71153

23 20 54.9 +25 53 55; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 117”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7628 = St IX-37 = Sw. IV-95 on 4 Oct 1878.  His position is accurate.  Lewis Swift independently discovered it again on 9 Nov 1884 and noted "eF; pS; R." in his 4th discovery list.

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NGC 7629 = MCG +00-59-031 = CGCG 380-040 = PGC 71175

23 21 19.3 +01 24 11; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' NE of center.  Similar to NGC 7642 22' ENE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7629 = m 575, along with NGC 7642, on 19 Oct 1864 and noted vF, vS, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7630 = UGC 12540 = MCG +02-59-027 = CGCG 431-044 = PGC 71176

23 21 16.3 +11 23 50; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 162”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, elongated ~N-S, low surface brightness.  Located 2' E of an unequal double star mag 11/13 at 20" separation.  IC 1483, IC 1484 and IC 1485 lies ~20' ESE (Common's NGC 7638 and 7639 may be identical to IC 1483 and 1485).

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7630 before 8 Aug 1880 while viewing Faye's comet "as seen some 15' following...There are 2 similar nebulae within 30' south-following [NGC 7638 and 7639]."  Common gives a very rough position in his Copernicus list (nearest min of RA).  But just 2' south is UGC 12540.

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NGC 7631 = UGC 12539 = MCG +01-59-060 = CGCG 406-083 = LGG 473-013 = WBL 710-006 = PGC 71181

23 21 26.7 +08 13 03; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 79”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, gradually brightens but no nucleus, fainter extensions.  Located 11.0' E of NGC 7626 in the Pegasus I cluster.

 

13" (11/5/83): faint, weak concentration, elongated ~E-W.

 

George Johnstone Stoney or Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 7631 on 30 Aug 1851. He noted "12' following h's second nebula [NGC 7626] is another E preceding and following, F, light unequal."  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 21 Sep 1862 and made a total of 6 observations (noting the equivalence of the two GC entries from LdR and himself).

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NGC 7632 = IC 5313 = ESO 291-021 = MCG -07-47-035 = AM 2319-424 = LGG 472-007 = PGC 71213

23 22 00.9 -42 28 50; Gru

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 92”

 

18" (10/16/09): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.5'x0.4' (core region probably viewed), contains a very small bright inner core, occasional stellar nucleus.  Located 4' NE of a mag 10 star.  Located 40' SE of the Grus Quartet (NGC 7582/NGC 7590/NGC 7599) and a member of the same group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7632 = h3985 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; 20" [diameter]." On a later sweep he called it "vF; R; glbM; 20"." His mean position (two observations) matches ESO 291-021. Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 8 Aug 1897 at the age of 77 and reported Sw. XI-228 (later IC 5313) as "eeeF; pL; R; 10m * near sp."   His position was 14 seconds of time too small and the dec 1.7' too far south but the comment "10m * nr south-preceding" clinches this identification.  In his third discovery list from Lowe Observatory (in Popular Astronomy), he added "11m * f[ollows the 10m star].  So IC 5313 = NGC 7632.

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NGC 7633 = ESO 077-015 = PGC 71274

23 23 03.5 -67 39 09; Ind

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 142”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright roundish core. Subtle extensions (forming the bar) extend from the core.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' N and a mag 15 star is 1.3' SSW.  Located 29' SE of mag 6.1 HD 219644.  Brightest in a physical group with a quartet of IC galaxies (IC 5323, 5324, 5320 and 5322) ~30' ESE and NGC 7655 30' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7633 = h3986 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; vS; pmE in parallel; psbM."   E-W bar in larger ring oriented NW-SE.

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NGC 7634 = UGC 12542 = MCG +01-59-062 = CGCG 406-085 = LGG 473-009 = PGC 71192

23 21 41.7 +08 53 13; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (9/14/85): moderately bright, very small, small bright core, round.  A mag 14 star is close south 20" SSE of center.  Located 40' N of NGC 7619/NGC 7626 in the Pegasus I cluster.

 

13" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, slightly brighter core.  A star is off the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7634 = H II-441 = h2234 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and noted "F, S".  JH made the single observation (sweep 281), "a double star with some singular nebulous appendage.  The stars are 14m."  One star is certainly on the south edge and the other is probably the nucleus.  At Birr Castle, Samuel Hunter was uncertain if the star at the south edge was nebulous, but on his third observation in 1862 noted "I think there is no neby round the * adjoining it."

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NGC 7635 = Hb 11 = LBN 548 = LBN 549 = Sh 2-162 = Ced 210 = Bubble Nebula

23 20 45 +61 11 42; Cas

V = ~10.5;  Size 15'x8'

 

17.5": the "Bubble Nebula" extends mainly north of the ionizing emission-line star, mag 8.7 BD+60”2522 (O6.5-type supergiant).  Dark lanes are suspected to the north with very faint nebulosity just north of this gap.  The main piece of nebulosity curves away from the involved star towards the east but appears brightest at the western edge near the bright star.  Only the portion of the rim extending from north to east of the 3' diameter "Bubble" was seen (not the south edge).  The view improved with both OIII and UHC filters but not dramatically.  Located 6.5' NE of mag 7 HD 220057.  M52 lies 35' NE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): unusual appearance - surrounds a mag 8 star with a mag 7 star nearby to the SW. The nebulosity mostly appears north of the mag 8 star with a suspected dark lane to the north of this nebulosity. Very faint nebulosity appears close north of this lane. The main section hooks around the involved star to the east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7635 = H IV-52 = h2235 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "a bright star with F nebulosity; but I saw it too late to verify it, as in the north I cannot follow the stars.  I rather suspect a deception." On 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887) he added "a star about 9m with vF nebulosity of very little extent."

 

Hubble considered NGC 7635 a giant planetary nebula in his 1922 paper "A general study of diffuse galactic nebulae."  Even in the early 1970's it was considered a possible or probable planetary (see ApJ, 167, 491-498 (1971)), though it was not included in Kohoutek's CGPN.

 

John Mallas coined the nickname "Bubble Nebula" in his Aug/Sep 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-VI", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy".

 

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NGC 7636 = ESO 470-002 = MCG -05-55-005 = PGC 71245

23 22 33.0 -29 16 51; Scl

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, very small, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  NGC 7645 is 17.3' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7636 = h3987 on 28 Sep 1834 and logged "eF; S; R; sbM; rather a doubtful object."  Despite his uncertainty, his position accurately matches this galaxy.

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NGC 7637 = ESO 012-001 = AM 2322-821 = PGC 71440

23 26 30 -81 54 42; Oct

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration, slightly brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the north edge of the halo, 0.7' from the center.  PGC 224614, a very faint galaxy, lies 2.3' NW.  NGC 7637 is the 4th closest NGC galaxy to the south celestial pole.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7637 = h3984 on 17 Oct 1835 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vlbM; 90"; 2 or 3 stars near it."

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NGC 7638 = IC 1483 = MCG +02-59-030 = CGCG 431-046 = PGC 71246

23 22 33.1 +11 19 44; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 8' N of mag 8.3 SAO 108572.  A wide pair of mag 11/13 stars is 1.5' S.  First in faint group with IC 1484 and IC 1485 = NGC 7639 (uncertain ID).  IC 1484 is extremely faint and small, round.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7638, along with NGC 7639 and 7630, on or before 8 Aug 1880 while viewing comet Faye.  Common only mentions "there are 2 similar nebulae [to NGC 7630] within 30' sf" but does not provide coordinates for NGC 7638 and 7639.  A group of faint galaxies is ~20' ESE of NGC 7630.  It's likely that common picked up the two brightest, NGC 7638 = CGCG 431-046 and NGC 7639 = CGCG 431-050.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered these galaxies on 2 Dec 1893 and measured accurate positions.  So, NGC 7638 = IC 1483 and NGC 7639 = IC 1485.  MCG and CGCG label these galaxies using the IC designation only.  See Harold Corwin's NGC/IC notes.

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NGC 7639 = IC 1485 = MCG +02-59-032 = CGCG 431-050 = PGC 71256

23 22 48.2 +11 22 22; Peg

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  PA = 123”

 

17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Similar size as IC 1483 = NGC 7638 but contains a very small brighter core that makes it a little easier to view.  Just preceding a small triangle of mag 12-14.5 stars.  Also collinear with a wide pair 5' SW near IC 1483.  Brightest in a trio with IC 1484 2.1' WNW and IC 1483 4.5' SW.

 

The identification of IC 1483 is certain but NGC 7639 is uncertain.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7639, along with NGC 7638, on 8 Aug 1880 while viewing comet Faye.  This is the last entry in his discovery list.  See notes for NGC 7630 and 7638.

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NGC 7640 = UGC 12554 = MCG +07-48-002 = CGCG 532-017 = CGCG 533-001 = KTG 80A = PGC 71220

23 22 06.6 +40 50 44; And

V = 11.3;  Size 10.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 167”

 

24" (10/4/13): at 200x appeared bright, very large, nearly edge-on 4:1 N-S, ~6.5'x1.5'.  Very asymmetric appearance with a brighter, elongated core, 1.0'x0.5', which is oddly angled to the major axis in PA 20” (SSW-NNE).  A mag 14 star is just off the SE side of the core.  The galaxy dims more noticeably on the south side, but is brighter along the western half (DSS shows this is a long spiral arm).  A mag 11 star is just west of the northern end of the galaxy [3.1' NNW of center] and two mag 14.5-15 stars that are collinear with the mag 11 star are superimposed on the north side.  The northern half of the galaxy is also asymmetric with a slightly brighter strip (arm) extending N-S and a very low surface brightness (outer arm) near the mag 11 star.  Additional mag 11 stars bracket the galaxy just west of the south end and 1.8' NE of center.

 

17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, very large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 7.0'x1.5'.  The large, slightly brighter middle bulges out a little.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SE edge of the core 33" from the center.  Bracketed by two mag 11 stars at the north end 3.0' NNW of center and just west of the south end 2.6' SSW of center.  An extremely faint mag 15 star is embedded near the north end.

 

8" (11/8/80): faint, large, very elongated streak N-S.  There are stars at both the north and south end.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7640 = H II-600 = h2236 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 613) and recorded "pB, mE a little np to sf but nearly in the meridian, lbM, resolvable, about 5' long and 1.5' broad."  On 1 Oct 1828, JH logged "F; L; mE from a bright to a faint star; vlbM; 2 1/2' l, 20" br.  See fig. 60."

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NGC 7641 = NGC 7627 = UGC 12556 = MCG +02-59-029 = CGCG 431-047 = PGC 71241

23 22 30.7 +11 53 31; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 144”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, small, low even surface brightness, elongated 5:2 NW-SE.  Located 8' SW of NGC 7643.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7641 = St V-11, along with NGC 7643, on 24 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF, S; roundish, but of irregular form; diffused, with a slightly brighter centre."  His micrometric position is accurate.  NGC 7626, found by Swift on 18 Nov 1886, is probably a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 7642 = UGC 12560 = MCG +00-59-035 = CGCG 380-048 = PGC 71264

23 22 53.4 +01 26 34; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

24" (1/1/16): at 375x; faint/fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration to center.  CGCG 380-049 lies 2.7' SE.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 12"x9".  A mag 15.3 star is 45" W.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Appears about a half a magnitude fainter than the CGCG mag 14.5z.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7642 = m 576, along with NGC 7629, on 19 Oct 1864.  He noted "vF, vS, bM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7643 = NGC 7644? = UGC 12563 = MCG +02-59-033 = CGCG 431-051 = PGC 71261

23 22 50.5 +11 59 20; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  Pair with NGC 7641 8' SW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7643 = St V-12, along with NGC 7641, on 24 Sep 1873 and recorded "irr R, of moderate extent; faint and diffused, with a slightly brighter center."  His position is accurate.   Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 7644 (discovered by Swift) may be a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 7644 = NGC 7651? = MCG +02-59-036 = CGCG 431-055a = PGC 71344

23 24 26.0 +13 58 20; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  PA = 100”

 

See observing notes for NGC 7651.  The identification of this number is uncertain and it may apply NGC 7643.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7644 = Sw. V-100 on 29 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF, pS, lE."  There is nothing reasonably bright near his position and the description is too generic to be of help.  However, 74 seconds of RA due east is the double system NGC 7651, which Swift discovered earlier in the month on 1 Sep 1886 and placed correctly.  Most likely NGC 7644 is a second observation of NGC 7651.  Harold Corwin also suggests NGC 7643 as a possible candidate.  See his notes for more.

 

The RNGC misidentifies 2MFGC 17581 = PGC 1445975 as NGC 7644.  This is an edge-on galaxy situated  1.7' east-northeast of NGC 7651 and too faint to have been seen by Swift.

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NGC 7645 = ESO 470-003 = MCG -05-55-007 = PGC 71314

23 23 47.3 -29 23 12; Scl

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  NGC 7636 lies 17.3' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7645 = h3988 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "vF; S; R: glbM; 15"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7646 = IC 5318? = MCG -02-59-015 = PGC 71338

23 24 32.3 -11 59 07; Aqr

 

= **, Yann Pothier and Harold Corwin.  All modern catalogues equate NGC 7646 with IC 5318 at 23 24 06.9 -11 51 38.  My observation of this galaxy is below.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, very small, probably elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20".  The view is severely hindered by mag 11.5 star that is attached at the northwest end!  It was difficult to determine the dimensions and orientation due to glare from star and faintness of galaxy.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7646 = LM 2-474 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 14.5; 0.2'x0.1', E 260”, neb?; *9 in PA 10” at 3.6' separation."  There is nothing near his rough position, though 8' north is IC 5318 = PGC 71338.  All modern catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 7646, although NED comments the identification is uncertain.

 

Harold Corwin notes several inconsistencies with Muller's description; the elongation is NW-SE (not ~E-W) and the star at 3.6' separation is 10” west of north, not east.  A more serious omission, though, is that Muller makes no mention of the bright, superimposed star on the west side.  So, this identification is very unlikely.

 

In 2016, Yann Pothier suggested NGC 7646 is the double star at 23 24 32.3 -11 59 07.  Harold Corwin agrees this is a good candidate as the position angle of the pair matches Muller's estimate and a star is at the required separation and position angle matching Muller's description.

 

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NGC 7647 = UGC 12576 = MCG +03-59-055 = CGCG 454-063 = PGC 71335

23 23 57.4 +16 46 38; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 170”

 

24" (9/2/16): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 30"x25", gradually increases to the center.  With averted vision a very low surface brightness outer halo was detectable.

 

NGC 7647 is the brightest galaxy (cD) in AGC 2589, a richness class 0 cluster at a distance of ~560 million l.y.  Surrounding NGC 7647 is a large number of very faint galaxies with PGC 71331 (2.1' N), PGC 71337 (2.2' NE), PGC 71326 (1.7' S) and PGC 71317 (2.3' WSW), forming a small rectangle around the bright elliptical.  Additionally, I picked up PGC 71320 6.2' NNW, PGC 71324 8.4' N and CGCG 454-062 8.1' SSW.  These 7 additional members were very faint or extremely faint and generally 0.2' in size.

 

17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' ENE.  Appears unusually faint for 15.2z due to low surface brightness.

Note: There is no mag 13.5 star to the ENE, so my observation may refer to another galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7647 = H III-473 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 480) and recorded "eF, cL, some doubt left.  It precedes an irregular row of scattered stars.  His RA is 10 seconds too small, but the description matches.

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NGC 7648 = IC 1486 = UGC 12575 = MCG +01-59-072 = CGCG 406-096 = Mrk 531 = LGG 473-015 = PGC 71321

23 23 54.0 +09 40 03; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85”

 

13.1" (11/2/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated, gradually increases to a small bright core.  A mag 15 star is 30" E of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7648 = H III-218 = St IX-38 on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and noted "eF, pS, lE."  There is nothing at his position, but 15' south is UGC 12575.  Stephen found this galaxy again on 3 Oct 1878 and reported it as new in list IX-38, though added a footnote it was identical to H III 218.  Finally, Bigourdan discovered it again on 1 Oct 1885, reported it as #241 in Comptes Rendus for 20 Apr 1891, and Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 1486, missing the equivalence with NGC 7648.

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NGC 7649 = IC 1487 = UGC 12579 = MCG +02-59-035 = CGCG 431-054 = PGC 71343

23 24 20.1 +14 38 49; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 80”

 

18" (8/26/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6', very weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 2832048 0.9' NE . This companion appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter, requires averted vision.  A total of 8 galaxies (most 10"-15" knots) were seen in AGC 2593 at 323x.

 

LEDA 95722, 2.6' SW of NGC 7649, is extremely faint, appears elongated SW-NE, 15"x10".  LEDA 1465051, 3.7' NNE of NGC 7649, is extremely faint, round, 10" diameter.  PGC 71356, 2.9' ESE of NGC 7649, is similar as well as MCG +02-59-037, 4.2' E.  LEDA 95729, 4.4' NE, is extremely faint, appears stellar at times, otherwise ~6" in diameter. CGCG 431-056, 5.2' ESE, is a bit larger and brighter than the previous galaxies and nearly spans between a pair of 14th-magnitude stars 20" SSW and 30" E.  

 

17.5" (8/22/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.6'.  Located less than 3' SW of a mag 11 star. This galaxy was the brightest of four members viewed in AGC 2593 in Jim Shield's scope at 220x.

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, almost round, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 2.8' ENE of center.  Brightest of five in the core of AGC 2593.  Surrounded by three anonymous galaxies 1.0' NE, 2.6' SW and 3.6' NNE and MCG +02-59-037 lies 5' ESE.  Located 9' N of mag 7.9 SAO 108595.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7649 = Sw. VI-96 on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF; pL; R."  His position is barely off the west side of UGC 12579, the brightest member of AGC 2593.

 

Harold Corwin reports that Swift may have "discovered" this galaxy again on 15 Oct 1887 and reported Sw. IX-99 (later IC 1487) as "eeeF; pS; iR; 8m * f; faint star near nf; not [NGC 7653]."  His position is 15 seconds of RA east of NGC 7649 and happens to fall close to a much fainter galaxy in the cluster.  Just 1' further southeast is CGCG 431-056, which Howe assumed was IC 1487.  But NGC 7649 is a better match with Swift's comments of the two stars.  There are many cases where Swift listed the same galaxy twice in different or even the same list.  So IC 1487 is probably identical to NGC 7649.

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NGC 7650 = ESO 148-010 = AM 2322-580 NED01 = KTS 73A = PGC 71394

23 25 21.2 -57 47 21; Tuc

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', appears brighter along a central bar oriented E-W. A spiral arm is just visible on the north side and containing a bright HII knot (or companion?) at its northern end.  Brightest in a trio (KTS 73) with NGC 7652 6.2' SSE and NGC 7657 11.5' ESE.  I also picked up PGC 384902 4.2' SSW. It appeared very faint (B = 16.7), very small, 10" with possible extensions SW-NE increasing the size to 20"x10", low surface brightness. This background galaxy has a light-travel time of ~960 million years.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7650 = h3989 on 28 Oct 1834, along with NGC 7652, and recorded "pB; R; glbM; 40"; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 7652]."  His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.

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NGC 7651 = NGC 7644? = MCG +02-59-036 = CGCG 431-055a = PGC 71344

23 24 26.0 +13 58 20; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  PA = 100”

 

24" (1/1/16): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a double system with PGC 3085862 at or just off the south edge, just 20" between centers.  The companion appeared very faint, extremely small, round, ~6" diameter.

 

Several additional galaxies are nearby (part of the southern extension of AGC 2593).  PGC 71344, just 2.3' W, appeared very faint (V = 15.3), small, round, 15" diameter.  2MFGC 17581 = LEDA 1445975, just 1.7' NE, also appeared very faint (V = 15.2), small, elongated WNW-ESE, 15"x10".  IC 5319 lies 5.7' ENE and was noted as faint or fairly faint (V = 14.8), small, round, 18" diameter. 

 

17.5" (7/17/93): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, very small brighter core, diffuse halo gradually fades into background.  The companion at the south edge was missed.

 

17.5" (8/27/92): fairly faint, small, round, halo gradually increases to a small bright core.  Forms a double system with a companion attached at the south-southwest end.  PGC 3085862 is an extremely faint small knot, round, just nonstellar.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7651 = Sw. IV-96 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; in vacancy."  His position is accurate.  This is a double system (not resolved by Swift) with an extremely small companion at the south edge.  NGC 7644 may be a duplicate observation by Swift.  See that number.

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NGC 7652 = ESO 148-011 = KTS 73B = PGC 71402 = PGC 71403

23 25 37.4 -57 53 15; Tuc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 85”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to the center.  A mag 11.5 star is 2' WNW.  Southernmost member of the KTS 73 triplet with NGC 7650 6.2' NNW and NGC 7657 10.5' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7652 = h3990, along with NGC 7650, on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R: the following and fainter of 2 [with NGC 7650]." His position is accurate.

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NGC 7653 = UGC 12586 = MCG +02-59-038 = CGCG 431-058 = PGC 71370

23 24 49.3 +15 16 32; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

24" (9/29/16): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.0'x0.8', bright core, very small well-defined nucleus.

 

Brightest in a group of galaxies with LEDA 214955 3.2' NNE.  This dim galaxy was extremely faint and small, ~6"-8" diameter, only visible occasionally.  LEDA 165923, 6.3' ESE, was very faint to faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~15"x11".  UGC 12590, 7' SE, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, contains a sharp stellar nucleus and faint thin extensions.  IC 1488, 12.8' ENE, was faint to fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 ~N-S, ~30"x9", contains a very small or stellar nucleus.  Only UGC 12590 has the same redshift as NGC 7653.  The other mentioned galaxies lie 3 times the distance (~570 million l.y.) and are probably outlying members of Abell Galaxy Cluster 2593, which lies ~35'-40' S.

 

24" (1/1/16): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.5', small bright core.  LEDA 214955 is a challenging target 3.2' NNE.  It appeared extremely faint (V = 15.6) and small, round, 6" diameter, only visible intermittently.

 

17.5" (7/28/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration to a small bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7653 = h2237 on 2 Nov 1823 (sweep 1) and recorded "eF; R; gbM; 30"; appears as M71 does in the 7-feet reflector with the double eye-piece."  This galaxy was Herschel's second deep sky discovery.  NGC 7010 was discovered earlier on 6 Aug 1823, before formally starting his sweeps (later sequenced as sweep 48 for completeness).  The following spring he embarked on a 6 month tour of Europe and his next discovery was not made until 11 Apr 1825 (sweep 3).

 

Both Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thomson report that IC 1488 has an erroneous position (misidentified offset star) is not identical to NGC 7653 as claimed in the PGC, UGC, etc.  The correct identification is IC 1488 = LEDA 2800840, located 12.8' northeast of NGC 7653.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7654 = M52

23 24 43 +61 35 36; Cas

V = 6.9;  Size 13'

 

13.1" (9/29/84): 150-175 stars in a 15' diameter, a mag 8 star (SAO 20606) is on the WSW edge of the cluster.  NGC 7635, the "Bubble Nebula", lies 35' SW.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): fills 21' field, fully resolved at 105x.

 

15x50mm binoculars (9/6/10): prominent roundish glow ~10-15' diameter located 40' S of 5th magnitude 4 Cas and on a line with Alpha (Schedir) and Beta (Caph) Cas.  A few mag 8-9 stars are resolved.

 

Charles Messier discovered M52 = NGC 7654 = h2238 on 7 Sept 1774.  WH made an early observation on 29 Aug 1783 with his 6-inch and noted, "All resolved into innumerable small [faint] stars without any suspicion of nebulosity."  On 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773), he reported "A very beautiful cl of very compressed stars about 12' dia., nearly R and most compressed in the middle."  JH made the single observation, "A ruddy star 9m in the p part of a p rich irreg cl of stars 13m, all separate, 6' diam; a v little more comp in the s f part."  Admiral Smyth described M52 as resembling "a bird with outspread wings" and added "the field is one of singular beauty under a moderate magnification."

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NGC 7655 = ESO 077-018 = PGC 71452

23 26 45.9 -68 01 39; Ind

V = 13.2;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, very small, round, 18" diameter.  Contains a very high surface brightness core surrounded by only a small halo!  Situated 2.3' ENE of mag 9.1 HD 220649.  A quartet of IC galaxies (IC 5320, 5321, 5323, 5324) lies 15' NE.  NGC 7633 is 30' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7655 = h3991 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "eF and feeble, if a nebula; pslbM; vS; R; 10".  It follows a large star." His position and description matches ESO 077-018.  DeLisle Stewart described this object as a "group of stars, not a nebula" (repeated in the IC 2 Notes), based on plates taken at Arequipa.  As a result, The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 7656 = ESO 605-005 = MCG -03-59-008 = VV 669 = KTS 72B = PGC 71357 = Anthead Galaxy

23 24 31.4 -19 03 33; Aqr

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

48" (11/1/13): at 488x and 610x appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, round, ~24" diameter, high surface brightness.  Surprisingly, a low surface brightness wing or loop extending to the northeast was immediately noticed.  This loop is brighter along the northern edge and passes through a mag 16.7 star (or stellar galaxy), increasing the overall length to 45" extending southwest (core) to northeast (loop).  A mag 16.5 star lies 1.3' W and another mag 16.5 star is 1.4' N.  2MASX J23242536-1902139, an extremely compact galaxy (V = 15.7) lies 1.9' NW.  Finally, 2MASX J23243030-1903019, an extremely faint quasi-stellar galaxy was glimpsed less than 30" NNW, although another loop in that direction was not seen.

 

24" (9/30/16): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, contains a small slightly brighter nucleus.  ESO 605-004, 13' WNW, appeared very faint, fairly small, roundish, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness.  ESO 605-006, 14' NE, was only occasionally glimpsed as an extremely faint glow, small, ~15" diameter, possibly elongated.  The trio is catalogued as KTS 72 (Karachentsev Triplets, South).

 

24" (8/23/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20"-24" diameter, weak concentration.  The loop structure to the northeast was not noticed.  ESO 605-004 lies 13' WNW.

 

17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Contains a very small brighter core surrounded by a very faint halo.  This is an unusual, distorted interacting system with loops and filaments, though no structure was seen.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7656 = LM 1-263 on 9 Oct 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; bMN."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but approximately 1 minute of RA west is ESO 605-005 = PGC 71357.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897-98 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  Bigourdan couldn't find this object, probably looking at the wrong position.

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NGC 7657 = ESO 148-012 = KTS 73C = PGC 71456

23 26 47.1 -57 48 20; Tuc

V = 14.2;  Size 1.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 106”

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 45"x15", fairly low even surface brightness.  A mag 14.8 star is off the north side [27" from center] and a mag 16.6 star at the south edge [20" from center].  NGC 7657 is the faintest member of a KTS triplet with NGC 7650 11.5' WNW and NGC 7652 10.5' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7657 = h3992 on 2 Oct 1836 and noted "eF; R."  His position is just 1' southwest of ESO 148-012.

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NGC 7658 = ESO 347-016 = MCG -07-48-002 = AM 2323-392 = PGC 71432

23 26 25.0 -39 13 38; Gru

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 128”

 

18" (8/19/09): only glimpsed for short moments at 175x.  Appeared extremely faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~25"x20", very low even surface brightness.  The close companion to the north was not seen.

 

18" (10/25/08): difficult observation due to low altitude and faintness of this double system.  This is the southern "knot" of two extremely faint glows (separation 40") that were occasionally visible. Too faint for any details.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7658 = h3994 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "double nebula; individuals equal; eF; R; bM; 20"; follows a line of 4 stars at 11 and 12m, somewhat oblique to the meridian.  He confirmed the description on 4 Oct 1836, though for some reason he only assigned a single h- and GC-designation.  So, we have NGC 7658A and 7658B.

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NGC 7659 = UGC 12595 = MCG +02-59-040 = CGCG 431-064 = PGC 71417

23 25 55.7 +14 12 35; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 110”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, even concentration to a small brighter core.  This galaxy has a fairly high surface brightness for CGCG mag = 15.1z.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7659 = H III-212 = h2239 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "eF, eS, stellar.  240 verified it completely though with difficulty."  JH made the single observation "vF; S; R; psbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7660 = UGC 12594 = MCG +04-55-012 = CGCG 476-035 = PGC 71413

23 25 48.7 +27 01 48; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.7' W of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7660 = h2240 on 5 Sep 1828 and recorded "F; vS; psmbM; 6"; almost stellar; a star 10m preceding; dist 1' in parallel."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7661 = ESO 110-011 = AM 2324-653 = PGC 71473

23 27 14.3 -65 16 14; Tuc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 25”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x; faint, fairly large, somewhat elongated or irregular,~1.4'x1.1',  very low surface brightness (face-on spiral?) halo with only a very weak concentration.  A 12' string of 7 stars extends southwest.  Observed under windy conditions, though my query "face-on spiral" is accurate.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7661 = h3993 on 1 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; L; R; vgvlbM; 100"; a difficult object."  His position is accurate. RNGC classifies this galaxy as a unverified southern object.

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NGC 7662 = PK 106-17.1 = PN G106.5-17.6 = Blue Snowball

23 25 53.9 +42 32 05; And

V = 8.3;  Size 32"x28"

 

48" (10/24/14): superb view of the double-shell structure at 610x and 813x.  The inner shell is elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~18"x12", and contains a remarkable, bright thin rim, so it appears like a racetrack with a dark interior.  This delicate but high surface brightness ring is brightest along a 90” arc around the northeast end and nearly as bright in a matching 90” arc on the southwest end.  The rim is noticeably weaker on the west and east sides.  The elongated darker hole spans a large percentage of the inner shell and is punctuated by a faint, but steadily visible central star.

 

The outer shell is twice the size (~35"x25"), slightly less elongated, and a bit offset in its major axis (SSW-NNE).  The outer rim also has two brighter arcs or strips, but only 25”-30” in length.  The more prominent arc is on the southeast side with a weaker strip symmetrically placed on the northwest edge.  These strips are 90” offset from the much brighter inner arcs.  The outer shell appears irregular in surface brightness with an impression of striations.  Surrounding the outer shell there appears to be a very low surface brightness outer halo.

 

18" (9/10/07): viewed this gorgeous double-shelled planetary at 807x in good seeing.  The outer envelope is a sharply defined 35"x25" oval, oriented SSW-NNE.  Roughly halfway to the center is a remarkable, thin oval ring oriented SW-NE (slightly offset in orientation compared to the outer shell) of very high surface brightness.  This annular ring is brightest along a 90” arc on the south side and is also enhanced along a shorter arc along the northern part of the ring.  The ring fades and appears broken with a gap along the west to WNW edge.  Inside the ring is a darker oval hole that is weakly luminous.

 

18" (10/19/06): In steady seeing, the double-shell structure was remarkable at 807x (7mm Pentax + 2.5x Powermate).  The outer envelope is noticeably oval SW-NE, ~35"x25".  Embedded within this envelope is a fairly thin, very bright inner ring with a sharply defined outline.  The ring was irregular in surface brightness but clearly brightest at the SW and NE ends of the ring (ends of the major axis).  The ring fades on the NW side and there was a small, distinct gap in the ring at the NW end. The surface brightness of the inner ring was high enough to give a glowing "electric" quality with an impression of a rope-like or twisted structure.  The center of the ring was much darker than the ring and formed a substantial dark oval at this magnification, but was still clearly luminous.

 

17.5" (10/13/01): at 500x, this blue high surface brightness planetary has a beautiful double-shell structure with a small, dark center.  The bright inner structure has a delicate, embedded thinner ring of very high surface brightness, though weaker at the following end.  In the center of this ring is a small, darker hole.  The fainter, outer envelope is elongated SW-NE, ~35"x25", giving an asymmetric appearance with the outline of the inner ring.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): extremely bright, very high surface brightness, fairly small, easily takes very high power.  At 410x, the planetary appears weakly annular with a slightly darker center.  There is a second outer shell, which exhibits subtle structure due to an irregular surface structure, blue-green color is evident.  Central star not seen.

 

13" (9/11/82): darker center, faint outer shell.

 

8" (9/25/81) : slightly darker center at 300-400x, irregular surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7662 = H IV-18 = h2241 on 6 Oct 1784 (during sweeps 281-285, which was made in the east) and noted "bright, round, a planetary [with a] pretty well defined disk, 15" diameter with a 7 feet reflector."  In his 1811 PT paper, he write "A beautifully bright round nebula, have a pretty well defined disk of about 10 or 12" in diameter.  It is a little elliptical, and has a very small star following, which gives us the idea of a small satellite accompanying its planet [from 3 Oct 1790, sweep 964].  It is visible in a common finder as a small star."  This may be the first time "planetary" is actually used although earlier, Darquier describes M57 "... as large as Jupiter and resembles a fading planet."

 

On 1 Oct 1828, John Herschel recorded "A fine planetary nebula.  Diameter 12"; with 240 beautifully defined, light, rather mottled, and the edge the least in the world unshaped.  It is not nebulous, but looks as if had a double outline, or like a star a little out of focus.  A perfect circle."  JH measured the 13th magnitude star ~50" NE of center several times (interested in it as a possible satellite of the planetary) and noted "These satellites of planetary nebulae out to be especially attended to."

 

32 observations were made with Lord Rosse's 72".  It was first observed by Rosse and Johnstone Stoney on 31 Oct 1848, "Has a central spot, at moments very dark."  Lord Rosse and Stoney made sketches on 16 Dec 1848 revealing the double ring structure and brighter arcs (1850 publication, Fig 13, Plate XXXVIII).  Bindon Stoney's sketch on 16 Sep 1852 using a freshly polished speculum shows a prominent central star within a spiral shaped nebula and well-defined "arms".

 

Using a 9.5" refractor in 1855, Father Secchi described (and sketched) a slightly darker horseshoe-shaped central region and a brighter outer arc, a questionable amount of detail for that aperture.  Joseph Winlock and George Searle, observing with the HCO 15-inch refractor around 1866, did not report the central star but "Two edges seen...as of a brighter nebula placed over a dimmer one.  The brighter and fainter ellipses have major axes slightly differing in direction; the brighter having the position angle of its major axis 10” to 15” the large"

 

Barnard thought the central star was variable based on observations with the Yerkes 40-inch in 1897 and wrote a paper in 1908 on "The Variability of the Nucleus of the Planetary Nebula NGC 7662" (MNRAS, 68, 465).  The paper includes a superb sketch made with the 40-inch refractor at Yerkes.  In 1935, John Duncan wrote "The bright ring of NGC 7662, like that of NGC 6720, has a vivid bluish-green color; but the outer shell, seen with a large reflector [probably with the 60"] on a favorable night, has a pronounced reddish hue."

 

The nickname "Blue Snowball" is from Leland S. CopelandÕs description (1960), "looking like light blue snowball.Ó

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NGC 7663 = MCG -01-59-023 = PGC 71455

23 26 45.2 -04 57 59; Aqr

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (12/16/95): this observation refers to MCG -01-59-022 which is located 4.4' W of (R)NGC 7663 = MCG -01-59-023.  It appeared extremely faint and small, round, 20" diameter, very weak concentration to an occasional 10" core.  Located on a line between a mag 14 star 1.2' NW and mag 9.5 SAO 146709 3.6' SE.  A mag 14 double at 16" separation lies 6' ENE.  MCG -01-59-023 was not seen in fair seeing.  The identification of either galaxy with NGC 7663 is very uncertain.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7663 = Nova #5 on 18 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet and simply noted "vF".  He was using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at the College Romain as an assistant to Father Angelo Secchi (see AN 1571).  There is nothing near his position.  The RNGC and PGC identify MCG -01-59-023 = PGC 71455 as NGC 7663.  This galaxy is 13' south of Ferrari's position.  Harold Corwin suggests that either MCG -01-59-023 or -022 (close preceding) are possibly NGC 7663.  Wolfgang Steinicke classifies this number as "Not Found".  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7664 = UGC 12598 = MCG +04-55-013 = CGCG 476-038 = LGG 474-004 = PGC 71450

23 26 39.8 +25 04 49; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval E-W, brighter core.  A mag 14 star is just off the south edge 1.0' from center and a mag 15 star is just off NE edge 38" from center.  Located midway between mag 6.8 SAO 91256 15' SW and 69 Pegasi (V = 5.9) 15' NE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7664 = St VIII-29 = T I-51 on 17 Oct 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.   Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy in 1876, so the discovery priority is uncertain.

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NGC 7665 = MCG -02-59-019 = PGC 71474

23 27 14.8 -09 23 13; Aqr

V = 12.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located 2.9' WNW of mag 9.1 SAO 146713.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7665 = H III-438 on 28 Sep 1785 (sweep 445) and logged "eF, S, stellar, about 1 1/2' a pB star."  His dec is 2' too small.

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NGC 7666

23 27 24 -04 11; Aqr

 

= Not found, Corwin and Steinicke.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7666 = Nova #8 on 21 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet.  There is nothing near his position. Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke were unable to identify a candidate and classify it as lost.

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NGC 7667 = VV 613 = UGC 12578 = MCG +00-59-038 = CGCG 380-050 = PGC 71345

23 24 23.1 -00 06 29; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 90”

 

48" (10/27/16): at 488x; fairly faint, large, elongated roughly 5:2 E-W but the shape is irregular.  Low though uneven surface brightness with no core.  The galaxy bends to the north on the east side and spreads out into a very low surface brightness haze.

 

This barred Magellanic irregular (possible merger) contains a series of blue HII knots along the west side and three were seen at 488x.  A very faint stellar or quasi-stellar knot (UM 160 NED1) is detached off the west end.  A slightly brighter tiny knot (UM 160 NED2) is close ESE [by 15"], at the west edge of the galaxy.  A third collinear knot (UM 160 NED3), 15" further ESE, was intermittently visible.  The NED designations are from the University of Michigan emission line survey.

 

UGC 12589, located 12' NE, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 ~SW-NE, ~1.0'x0.3', small brighter central region.   This peculiar galaxy has an unusual shape, hooking counterclockwise on the southwest side and extending a short distance [~0.3'] due west.  The galaxy tapers on the northeast end.  It forms a pair with LEDA 214957 1.2' NE.

 

24" (9/29/16): at 375x; very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, ~30"x20", low even surface brightness (surprisingly faint).  This is highly irregular or disrupted merger with several blue knots on the western half, but these were not noticed.  UGC 12589 lies 12' NE.  This peculiar galaxy (another merger?) appeared extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 SW-NE, 30"x12", very low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, very diffuse, elongated 3:2 E-W.  A faint star is 2' N and another 6' ENE (mag 14.5/15 double at 16"). UGC 12589 lies 12' NE.

 

Brother Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7667 = Nova #9, along with NGC 7668, 7669 and 7670, on 21 Dec 1866 (AN 1571) while searching for Biela's Comet at College Romain with a 9.5-inch refractor.  He simply noted "vF" and "three [others] surround the 9th [NGC 7667] in the field."  There is nothing near his position (determined using the setting circles).  RNGC and PGC identify UGC 12578 as NGC 7667.  This galaxy is 3.0 min of RA west and 4.5' north of Ferrari's position, so is a very uncertain identification and the number could be considered lost.  Neither UGC, MCG, CGCG nor ESGC identify UGC 12578 as NGC 7667.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 7668

23 27 12 -00 11; Psc

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7668 = Nova #10, along with NGC 7667, 7669 and 7670, on 21 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet. There is nothing near his position and both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke list this number as lost.  See NGC 7667.

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NGC 7669

23 27 12 -00 11; Psc

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7669 = Nova #11, along with NGC 7667, 7668 and 7670, on 21 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet. There is nothing near his position and both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke list this number as lost. See NGC 7667.

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NGC 7670

23 27 12 -00 11; Psc

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7670 = Nova #12, along with NGC 7667, 7668 and 7669, on 21 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet. There is nothing near his position and both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke list this number as lost.  See NGC 7667.

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NGC 7671 = UGC 12602 = MCG +02-59-044 = CGCG 431-069 = PGC 71478

23 27 19.3 +12 28 03; Peg

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 138”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, prominent small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.1' W.  Pair with NGC 7672 5.7' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7671 = H III-226 = h2242 on 21 Oct 1784 and simply logged "eF, S.  The moon up(?)."  His position is accurate.  He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "vF, vS, stellar.  240 confirmed it; a few minutes following a pB star."  On sweep 13, JH recorded "pB; S; R; 20"; mbM, with a hazy border.  Approaching to a stellar, or a planetary character."

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NGC 7672 = MCG +02-59-045 = CGCG 431-070 = PGC 71485

23 27 31.4 +12 23 07; Peg

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness, no central brightening.  Pair with NGC 7671 5.7' NW.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC 7672 on 23 Oct 1857.  While observing NGC 7671 he logged "I see a S, vF, neb about 6' south. and this latter is followed by a double star."  His description and offset matches this galaxy.  Lewis  Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 31 Oct 1885 and called Sw. II-100 "eF; pS; R; v diff.; [NGC 7671] near; [William Herschel] is wrong and [John Herschel] right as to brightness of [NGC 7671]."

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NGC 7673 = IV Zw 149 = UGC 12607 = MCG +04-55-014 = CGCG 476-042 VV 619 = Mrk 325 = LGG 474-001 = PGC 71493

23 27 41.4 +23 35 20; Peg

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, small, weak concentration, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 7677 7' SE.  Located 4' W of mag 7.9 SAO 91280 and 5' WNW of mag 8.6 SAO 91282.  Upsilon Pegasi (V = 4.4) is 33' WSW in a low power field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7673 = m 577 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "F, S, R."   Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy again on 30 Sep 1866 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.

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NGC 7674 = HCG 96A = Arp 182 NED1 = VV 343a = UGC 12608 = MCG +01-59-080 = CGCG 406-112 = Mrk 533 = PGC 71504

23 27 56.7 +08 46 44; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

48" (10/30/16): at 610x; very bright, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to a blazing stellar nucleus!  The halo has an irregular surface brightness with a strong hint of spiral structure, though no clearly defined arms.  A faint star (mag ~16.5) is at the northeast edge and NGC 7674A = HCG 96C is just beyond this star.  The contact companion is moderately bright, small, roundish, ~18" diameter, slightly brighter stellar nucleus.  NGC 7675 = HCG 96B, the second brightest in the HCG 96 quartet, is 2.3' WSW.

 

HCG 96D, 1.1' SE and the faintest in the quartet, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 N-S, low nearly even surface brightness, ~15"x6".  Just outside the field and not catalogued by Hickson are LEDA 214960, 3.8' SW of NGC 7674 and LEDA 1353595, 3.9' E of NGC 7674.  The first galaxy appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x8", well concentrated with a bright core.  LEDA 1353595 was very faint (V = 16.9), small, irregularly round, 10" diameter, very low surface brightness.

 

24" (12/28/13): at 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core.  Brightest in the HCG 96 quartet with CGCG 406-113 = HCG 96C just off the NE edge [33" from center].  HCG 96D (faintest member) lies 1.1' SE and NGC 7675 = HCG 96B is 2.3' ESE.

 

HCG 96B: moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 5:4 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.45', well concentrated with a small, very bright core.

HCG 96C: fairly faint, very small, round, 15" diameter

HCG 96D: extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter, only pops with averted (at same position) but cannot hold for an extended period.

 

18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~0.8' initially though with averted the halo appeared ~1' diameter.  Contains a brighter core and stellar nucleus.  Brightest and largest of a trio in HCG 96.  MCG +01-59-081 is attached on the NE edge.

 

18" (8/27/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter (though somewhat larger with averted vision), even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Forms a similar pair with NGC 7675 2.5' E in HCG 96.

 

17.5" (11/28/97): fairly faint, small, roundish, 0.6' diameter, increases to a very small brighter core and a stellar nucleus.  Forms a very close pair with MCG +01-59-081 = HCG 96C close off the NE side. Brightest of three visible in the group.  CGCG 406-113 is also in the field 8.5' due north.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): brightest in HCG 96.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, substellar nucleus.  A companion (HCG 96c) is just visible at the northeast edge of the halo <1.0' from the center.  A possible threshold star mag 16-16.5 is also superimposed at the northeast edge.  NGC 7675 lies 2.5' ESE. 

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 7675 2.5' ESE.  Seeing poor.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7674 = h2243, along with NGC 7675, on 16 Aug 1830 and reported "F; R; gbM; 30".  The p of 2 [with NGC 7675]."  Samuel Hunter observed the pair as an assistant at Birr Castle on 30 Sep 1862 and described "Two neb p and f; preceding one [NGC 7674] is double, north-south, north component may only be a * enveloped in nebulosity".  The "north component" is MCG +01-59-081 = HCG 96C and if Hunter was more certain, this object would likely have received a NGC designation.  The MCG misidentifies MCG +01-59-081 as NGC 7674 and NGC 7674 itself is mislabeled as NGC 7675.

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NGC 7675 = HCG 96B = Arp 182 NED2 = VV 343 = MCG +01-59-083 = CGCG 406-114 = PGC 71518

23 28 05.9 +08 46 07; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 35”

 

48" (10/30/16): at 610x; very bright, moderately large, well concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center.  The halo is oval 4:3 SSW-NNE.  NGC 7675 is the second brightest member of the HCG 96 quartet with HCG 96D 1.5' W.  LEDA 1353595, situated 1.9' NE though not a member, appeared very faint (V = 16.9), small, irregularly round, 10" diameter, very low surface brightness.

 

24" (12/28/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 5:4 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.45', well concentrated with a small, very bright core.  Second brightest in the HCG 96 quartet with NGC 7674 2.4' WNW.

 

18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very small brighter core and stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 2.5' ESE of slightly brighter and larger NGC 7674.

 

18" (8/27/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', very small bright core.  Located 2.4' following NGC 7674.

 

17.5" (11/28/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core.  At 280x a stellar nucleus is visible. Located 2.4' ESE of NGC 7674 in HCG 96.

 

17.5" (7/16/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration, substellar nucleus.  Second brightest in NGC 7674 group = HCG 96 group with NGC 7674 2.5' WNW.  Appears brighter than listed magnitude.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, very small, round, weak concentration, slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 7674 2.5' WNW.  Poor seeing during observation.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7675 = h2244, along with NGC 7674, on 16 Aug 1830 and noted "vF; R; gbM; 20".  The f of 2 [with NGC 7674]."   MCG (+01-59-083) doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 7675.

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NGC 7676 = ESO 148-016 = AM 2326-595 = PGC 71564

23 29 01.7 -59 43 00; Tuc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~1.4'x0.7'.  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a small, intense core that increases to the center.  ESO 148-017, situated 17' NNE, appeared fairly bright, fairly large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE, ~1.8'x0.8'.  Contains a bright elongated core that appears slightly askew from the major axis of the halo.  The galaxy is also located 10' ESE of mag 7.1 HD 220986

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7676 = h3995 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "B; S; lE; vsvmbM to a * 11m."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7677 = UGC 12610 = MCG +04-55-015 = CGCG 476-043 = Mrk 326 = VV 619 = LGG 474-002 = PGC 71517

23 28 06.2 +23 31 53; Peg

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (9/22/84): faint, small, almost round.  Located 6.6' SE of brighter NGC 7673.  Two bright stars to the north interfere with viewing!  Mag 8.6 SAO 91282 lies 2.7' N and mag 7.9 SAO 91280 is 3.8' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7677 = m 578, along with NGC 7673, on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stell."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7678 = Arp 28 = VV 359 = UGC 12614 = MCG +04-55-017 = CGCG 476-045 = LGG 474-003 = PGC 71534

23 28 27.9 +22 25 16; Peg

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 5”

 

48" (10/27/16 and 10/28/19): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 2.0'x1.5'.  Contains and small bright core and an extremely bright, very small nucleus with a pinpoint stellar peak.  The core is elongated WNW-ESE and appeared as a weak bar. A bright thin arm was nearly attached on the east side of the "bar" and swung counterclockwise to the south of the core.  This arm was sharply defined and brightened significantly on the southwest end [~30" SW of center].   The northern arm was only visible at its root near the west end of the "bar" as well as a small, detached piece on the northeast side of the halo [30" NE of center].   The galaxy sits within a bright isosceles triangle of mag 11/12 stars.  The observation was made in good seeing but through thin clouds.

 

24" (10/5/13): NGC 7678 is in the Arp group of "spiral galaxies - one heavy arm", which is evident visually.  At 260x the galaxy is beautifully framed with a thin triangle of mag 11.3/11.4 stars to the north and a mag 12 star off the south end.  It appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, ~1.8'x1.3'.  Contains a brighter elongated core that increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  The "heavy arm" is visible on the south side as a thin, shallow arc in the outer halo and brightens right at its western tip.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.8'x1.4', weak concentration.  Located within a thin isosceles triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars with the vertex at the south end and height 2.5'.  The mag 11 star just off the south end is just 1.1' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7678 = H II-226 = h2245 on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "F, pL, bM, elliptical, between an acute triangle of pretty considerable stars."  On sweep 91, JH described this object as "F; vR [sic?]; pL; lbM; very symmetrically situated in the southern part of a lozenge of 4 stars, on the longer diagonal, forming an elegant object."  He included a sketch in the Slough catalogue (fig. 85).

 

On 5 Nov 1850, Lord Rosse's assistant George Johnstone Stoney reported "I saw two knots and a dark space between them [gap between nucleus and southern arm].  I think the nebula is connected above the dark space."  R.J. Mitchell, observing in 1854, noted "spirality distinctly seen.  I thought the coil double in more closely upon itself than shown in Mr. Stoney's drawing, and that the central knot had a stellar nucleus.  The whole nebula looked sparkling, though I could not see any separate stars."

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NGC 7679 = Arp 216 NED1 = VV 329a = UGC 12618 = MCG +00-59-046 = CGCG 380-061 = Mrk 534 = PGC 71554

23 28 46.7 +03 30 41; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 93”

 

24" (9/29/16): at 200x; moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, high surface brightness.  Contains a small bright core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  Burnham 1222, a close 1.4" pair of mag 10 stars, is 5.2' NW and cleanly resolved at 375x.  On the SDSS NGC 7679 appears disrupted and surrounded by an off-center ring or tidal arm with a condensation (former companion?) at the eastern edge (LEDA 1253673).  Forms a trio with NGC 7682 (undisturbed) 4.5' ENE and UGC 12628 11.5' SE.

 

17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 7682 4.3' ENE.  A mag 12 star lies 2.4' WNW.  Located 5.3' SE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, extremely small, dominated by a very small intense nucleus. 

 

8" (8/16/82): faint, small bright nucleus surrounded by a small halo.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7679 on 23 Sep 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured again 2 nights later with nearby HD 221014) is accurate.  Albert Marth independently discovered this galaxy just a month later on 23 Oct 1864 at Malta and noted a "nebulous star 12.5 mag."  Surprisingly, Marth missed nearby NGC 7682.

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NGC 7680 = UGC 12616 = MCG +05-55-023 = CGCG 497-025 = LGG 475-002 = PGC 71541

23 28 35.1 +32 24 57; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, very bright core, moderately large halo slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  Several faint stars are near including two 14th mag stars 40" S and 1.2' E of center.  In a trio with CGCG 497-024 7' NW and LEDA 214962 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7680 = H III-860 = h2246 = St IX-39 on 2 Nov 1790 (sweep 975) and "vF, S, lbM."  His RA is 6 seconds too small (CH's reduction).   JH made a single observation but didn't measure a good position.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on 7 Nov 1863.  Stephan also found this galaxy on 30 Oct 1878, reported it as new in list IX-39, and his micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7681 = UGC 12620 = MCG +03-59-063 = CGCG 454-074 = PGC 71558

23 28 54.9 +17 18 35; Peg

V = 13.7;  Size 1.6'x1.4';  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, very small, round, small prominent core with stellar nucleus.  A wide pair of stars mag 11.5 and 13 at 25" separation is 2.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7681 = H II-242 = h2247 on 11 Oct 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "F, vS, irr R, resolvable." His position is good (within 1').  On 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 480), he logged "F, S, lrr E, near and preceding 2 or 3 stars."  JH made two observations and noted on sweep 11, "vF; R; gbM; 20" to 30"; near a double star.  Bigourdan also measured the position of NGC 7681 as 23 26 21 +17 02 52.  All of their positions are in good agreement with UGC 12620.

 

Despite this match RNGC, RC3, CGCG, UGC notes and NGC 2000 all misidentify CGCG 454-072 as NGC 7681.  This galaxy is located 6.2' west-southwest and much fainter than UGC 12620.  MCG is the only catalogue to correctly identify NGC 7681.  The V magnitude = 14.8 and B = 15.7 in the RC3 is too faint for UGC 7681.

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NGC 7682 = Arp 216 NED2 = VV 329b = UGC 12622 = MCG +00-59-047 = CGCG 380-062 = PGC 71566

23 29 03.9 +03 32 00; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (9/29/16): at 200x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~32"x24", bright core.  In a trio with NGC 7679 4.5' WSW and UGC 12628 10' SSE.  UGC 12628 appeared fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0', low but uneven surface brightness (face-on spiral).  A few times I detected a central bar running SW-NE (confirmed on the DSS).

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  Larger of a pair with NGC 7679 4.3' WSW.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): very faint, diffuse, slightly elongated.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7682 on 23 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position is accurate (measured a total of 3 nights) and he mentioned a mag 14 star preceded by 13.7 seconds of RA.  d'Arrest didn't record brighter NGC 7679 until 2 years later.

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NGC 7683 = UGC 12623 = MCG +02-59-048 = CGCG 431-074 = PGC 71565

23 29 03.8 +11 26 43; Peg

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' NNW.  Located 6.0' SE of mag 8.7 SAO 108630.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7683 = Nova #1 = T I-52 on 14 Nov 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet.  Although the positions of the other 13 objects in the discovery list (AN 1571) were found using the setting circles, NGC 7683 was measured using a comparison star, so has a more accurate position.  Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy in 1876.

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NGC 7684 = UGC 12637 = MCG +00-59-050 = CGCG 380-065 = PGC 71625

23 30 32.0 +00 04 52; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 21”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, small intense core.  A mag 12 star is just off the NW side 45" from center.  A faint companion 5' NNW (15.6z) not seen.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7684 = m 580 on 5 Oct 1863 and noted "F, vS, stell."  His position is accurate and the observation is marked as verified.

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NGC 7685 = UGC 12638 = MCG +01-59-087 = CGCG 406-121 = PGC 71628

23 30 33.5 +03 54 06; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 170”

 

17.5" (8/27/87): faint, moderately large, round, diffuse.  Located within the Pisces circlet.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7685 = H III-426 = h2248 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and logged "eF; pL; iR; requires great attention to be seen."  His RA is 30 seconds too large.  JH noted "eF; L; 60" to 90"." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 7686 = Cr 456 = Lund 1037 = OCL-251

23 30 07 +49 08 00; And

V = 5.6;  Size 15'

 

17.5" (7/31/92): about 75 stars in a 15' field surrounding mag 6.3 SAO 53088, elongated E-W.  A group of seven faint stars to the west of the mag 6 star is the only fairly rich portion.  There is a large region almost devoid of stars to the north and NW of the bright star consisting of two circular blank holes in contact.  A string of stars extends out from cluster to the west.

 

8" (8/16/82): about three dozen stars resolved including three bright stars mag 6.5/7.5/8.5 and many faint stars over haze, elongated E-W, irregular outline.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7686 = H VIII-69 = h2249 on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 787) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of pretty large stars.  Contains one 8m in the sf part."  On 14 Sep 1829 (sweep 209), JH logged "a bright coarse cluster 7' diam; seen in full moonlight.  Place of the chief star = 7m; about a dozen 9...11m, and many 12...14m."

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NGC 7687 = MCG +00-59-051 = CGCG 380-066 = PGC 71635

23 30 54.4 +03 32 48; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, small brighter core.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' N of center.  Located 27' E of NGC 7682.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7687 on 21 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He made a total of 4 observations and measured the mag 11 star 1.5' north.

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NGC 7688 = CGCG 454-080 = CGCG 455-004 = PGC 71648

23 31 05.5 +21 24 42; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' SSW of center.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 7688 on 13 Oct 1865 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, while searching for Biela's Comet.  Otto Struve independently discovered this galaxy a few months later on 12 Dec 1865 (also searching for the comet) with the 38-cm refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory at St. Petersburg.  Struve noted a mag 14 star in PA 201” at a separation of 80", which pins down this identification.  Peters' discovery was not published until his 1882 list in Copernicus, so Dreyer credited Struve in the GC Supplement (6206).  Both are listed in the NGC.

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NGC 7689 = ESO 192-007 = PGC 71729

23 33 16.1 -54 05 37; Phe

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 162”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303; bright, very large, oval 3:2 or 5:3 NW-SE, ~2.7'x1.8', contains a relatively large brighter core that is only weakly concentrated.  Spiral structure is evident.  A short arm is attached on the southeast side of the core and extends east.  A second arm appears to be attached on the southwest side of the core and extends southeast.  Finally a third arm appears to the north of the core.  The halo is patchy or mottled on the northwest side (HII regions or parts of an arm).  A mag 11 star is 2.2' E of center, a mag 15 star is at the north-northwest edge of the halo and a mag 16 star (or stellar knot) is at the northeast edge of the halo.

 

James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 7689 = D 347 = h7689 on  5 Sep 1826 and described a "faint round nebula, about 20" diameter."  His position is 17' too far east-southeast.  John Herschel found this galaxy on 5 Sep 1826 and noted "pF; L; R; vglbM; 2'."  His RA was 40 seconds too small and this error was repeated in the RC2 and RNGC.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #6.

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NGC 7690 = ESO 240-006 = PGC 71716

23 33 02.6 -51 41 54; Phe

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 132”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large, oval 5:2 NW-SE, ~100"x40", sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  The galaxy bulges very slightly at the center and rounds near the ends.  Located 6.2' WNW of mag 8.5 HD 221593.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7690 = h3997 on 3 Oct 1834 and recorded "B; S; E; psbM."  On a later sweep he noted "pB; S; R; 20"; precedes a * 8m 37 seconds [of time]."

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NGC 7691 = UGC 12654 = MCG +03-60-001 = CGCG 455-009 = LGG 477-001 = PGC 71699

23 32 24.4 +15 50 52; Peg

V = 12.9;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 175”

 

17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse, low surface brightness.  The galaxy forms the vertex of an obtuse triangle with a mag 10.5 star 1.3' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 1.7' E.  The two stars detracted from viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7691 = H III-213 = h2250 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "eF, cL, between 2 pB stars but a little north of them.  240 verified it."  John Herschel made the single observation "eF; pL; forms a triangle with 2 st 10m, near it".  Curiously, this object was not found on 4 attempts in 1856-57 with Lord Rosse's 72" and d'Arrest found it "hard to understand" (gloating?) after 2 successful observations at Copenhagen with the 11" refractor.  It was observed at Birr Castle in a final attempt by Dreyer in 1876.

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NGC 7692 = MCG -01-60-003 = PGC 71712

23 32 46.8 -05 35 49; Aqr

V = 13.0;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.1;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 4.9' NNW of mag 9.5 SAO 146766.

 

George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 7692 = HN 2 on Oct 23 1848 at Harvard College Observatory with the 15" Merz refractor.  His position in AN 1453 is accurate.

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NGC 7693 = MCG +00-60-003 = CGCG 381-006 = PGC 71720

23 33 10.5 -01 17 31; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 30”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' ESE.  Located 15' WSW of 14 Piscium (V = 5.9).

 

Asaph Hall discovered NGC 7693 on 1 Dec 1881 while observing Faye's Comet with the 26-inch refractor at the USNO (see AN 2394) and noted a "small nebula or nebulous star."  His position is an exact match with MCG +00-60-003.  Sherburne Burnham also measured the position (Publ of Lick Obs, II) and commented it was not a "nebulous star".  This is the Hall's only NGC discovery, though he is famous for discovering the two moons of Mars.

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NGC 7694 = MCG -01-60-004 = Mrk 931 = PGC 71728

23 33 15.8 -02 42 10; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.1'x0.7', broad concentration.  Almost collinear with two mag 13 stars 1.8' NNE and 3.0' NNE of center.  Located 4.2' SW of a mag 10 star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7695 1.1' SSW.  Member of the NGC 7701 group with NGC 7701 20' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7694 = H III-187 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and recorded "eF, stellar.  240 verified it, and showed it of a considerable magnitude."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 2 nights, so the NGC position is accurate. Albert Marth discovered nearby NGC 7695.

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NGC 7695 = PGC 71726

23 33 15.0 -02 43 12; Psc

V = 15.1;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 81”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): extremely faint and small, round, requires averted.  Located just 1.1' SSW of NGC 7694 in the NGC 7701 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7695 = m 581 on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, stell, very near III. 187 [NGC 7694]."  His position is within 1' of PGC 71726, situated 1.1' south of NGC 7694, so the identification is certain despite the faintness of this galaxy.  The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 7696 = MCG +01-60-004 = CGCG 407-010 = PGC 71757

23 33 50.1 +04 52 15; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 96”

 

24" (11/24/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, 30"x18", weak concentration.  CGCG lies 10' NE.

 

18" (11/14/09): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 40"x20", weak concentration with no core or nucleus.  Located on the SW side of a group of 10 galaxies (4 NGCs) centered about NGC 7706.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' WSW.  NGC 7704 lies 19' E.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7696 = m 582 on 14 Nov 1863 and noted "F, S, lE."  His position is 1' south of CGCG 407-010 = PGC 71757.

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NGC 7697 = IC 5333 = ESO 110-012 = AM 2332-654 = PGC 71800 = LEDA 127728

23 34 53.0 -65 23 46; Tuc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 87”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very thin edge-on ~8:1 E-W, ~1.2'x0.15', tapers at the tips, contains a thin brighter elongated core.  The galaxy is at the eastern vertex of a triangle with a mag 11 star 4' SW and a mag 12.5 star 3.5' NW.  Also a mag 14.3 star is 1.7' ENE, along with a 15.2 star 1.6' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7697 = h3998 on 6 Sep 1836 and recorded "eeF; pL; 40"; very difficult but certain".  His position in the CGH catalogue is accurate, but his declination in the GC is 9' too far south.  Then Dreyer made another clerical error and his NGC RA was 3.0 minutes too large.  He later mentioned the misprint and corrected the RA in the IC 2 Notes.

 

DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy again in 1900 on an Arequipa plate and reported IC 5533 = HN 784 as "cB, S, edge of plate, susp."  His position is off by only 1.5'.  So, NGC 7697 = IC 5533 = ESO 110-012.  PGC and HyperLEDA identify ESO 110-012 as IC 5333 only.  RC3 misidentifies ESO 110-014 as NGC 7697.  ESO-LV identifies both ESO 110-012 and ESO 110-014 as NGC 7697.  RNGC classifies this number as a galaxy but reported the erroneous NGC position!  So, there are numerous identification missteps.

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NGC 7698 = UGC 12668 = VV 400 = MCG +04-55-029 = CGCG 476-069 = PGC 71762

23 34 01.5 +24 56 41; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170”

 

24" (9/7/18): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, round, small bright core, much fainter halo ~50" diameter.  A mag 15 star is 40" E of center.

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  A mag 14 star is 38" E of center.  A wide double star mag 9/10 (1.0' separation in PA 0”) lies 5' SSE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7698 = St XIII-96 on 26 Sep 1883. His position is accurate.

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NGC 7699 = PGC 71782

23 34 27.0 -02 53 58; Psc

V = 15.0;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 109”

 

24" (9/22/17): at 260x; very faint, very small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 1' E.  Situated nearly midway between NGC 7700 3.3' S and NGC 7701 2.9' NNE.

 

17.5" (11/30/91): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted vision.  Located just 1.0' E of a mag 11 star.  Also located just west of the midpoint of the line connecting NGC 7700 3.2' SSE and NGC 7701 3.0' NNE.  NGC 7699 is the faintest in this trio.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7699 = m 583, along with NGC 7700 (near NGC 7701), on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His position is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7700 = MCG -01-60-006 = PGC 71777

23 34 30.3 -02 57 13; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 155”

 

24" (9/22/17): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~1.0'x0.25'.  A mag 12 star is 3' ENE.  NGC 7699 is 3.3' N and 7701 is 6' N.

 

17.5" (11/30/91): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.0' SSE.  In a group with NGC 7701 6.0' N and NGC 7699 3.3' NNW.  The identifications of NGC 7700 and NGC 7701 are reversed in RC3, PGC and DSFG.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7700 = m 584, along with NGC 7699, on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, eS, stellar. (not far from [NGC 7701])."  His position is accurate. The identifications for NGC 7700 and NGC 7701 are reversed in the pre-publication version of the ESGC and this error is repeated in the RC3, PGC and secondary sources such as the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide and WikiSky.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7701 = MCG -01-60-007 = LGG 476-003 = PGC 71779

23 34 31.5 -02 51 15; Psc

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 175”

 

24" (9/22/17): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, well concentrated with a small bright elongated core.  Brightest in a group (LGG 476) with NGC 7699 3' SSW, NGC 7700 6' S, IC 1501 18' S, NGC 7710 19' ESE.

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, prominent core, stellar nucleus, halo gradually fades into background.  A mag 11 star is 3.3' SW.  Brightest in a group with NGC 7700 6.0' S, NGC 7699 3.0' SSW, NGC 7710 19' E and NGC 7694 20' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7701 = H III-188 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and recorded "eF, stellar.  I did not verify this because it looked exactly like the former [NGC 7694] before I verified it."  His position is 7' too far southwest, comparable to the offset for NGC 7694, the previous object in the sweep.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 4 nights, though questioned if it was NGC 7701 due to the discrepancy in position.

 

The data for NGC 7700 and 7701 are reversed in the ESGC, PGC and the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide.

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NGC 7702 = ESO 192-009 = PGC 71829

23 35 28.9 -56 00 44; Phe

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 117”

 

30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; very bright, fairly large, elongated at least 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.6', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases gradually to the center.  On images this galaxy has a strong apparent ring though it is not connected to a bar.  Visually the ring was evident as a well defined oval periphery that brightened slightly at the ends of the major axis (WNW and ESE ends).  A mag 8.2 star (HD 221752) lies 3.4' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7702 = h3999 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "vB; pmE; smbM; 30" l; has a * 9m 23.5 seconds preceding, 10" north."  His mean position (measured on 2 nights) is accurate.

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NGC 7703 = UGC 12676 = MCG +03-60-004 = CGCG 456-016 = PGC 71797

23 34 46.9 +16 04 33; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, well-defined small bright core, thin faint extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7703 = h2251 = Sw. IV-97 on 7 Oct 1825 and recorded "vF; vS; gbM; 10"; has a * 1' dist north following."  His position is at the south edge of UGC 12676.  Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 1 Sep 1886 and reported "vF; vS; R; 2 st point to it [to the east]."  Swift's position is accurate, though he apparently missed the JH's earlier discovery in the Slough Catalogue and GC.

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NGC 7704 = UGC 12684 = MCG +01-60-005 = CGCG 407-014 = WBL 718-002 = PGC 71810

23 35 01.0 +04 53 51; Psc

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 67”

 

24" (11/24/14): at 375; fairly faint to moderately bright, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, bright core, halo increases with averted, 0.6'x0.4'. A mag 15 star is off the SE side [45" from center].  PGC 214966 lies 2.0' WSW of center and appeared very faint, round, 10" diameter.  Slightly brighter NGC 7706 is 4.6' NNE and NGC 7705 is 5.6' S.

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4', very weak concentration.  PGC 214966 lies 1.9' WSW and appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.  This compact galaxy was near my visual threshold and only occasionally visible as a tiny knot.  A mag 12 star is 3' W and a mag 15-16 star is less than 1' ESE.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small brighter core.  A mag 15 star is 0.8' SE of center.  In a group with NGC 7705 5.7' S and NGC 7706 4.7' NE.  NGC 7696 lies 19' W.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, very little concentration, slightly elongated SW-NE.  A faint star is 1' off the SE end.  Observation in very poor seeing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7704 = h2252 on 13 Oct 1827 and logged "eF; hardly perceptible; a * 12m precedes."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7705 = CGCG 407-013 = WBL 718-001 = PGC 71811

23 35 02.5 +04 48 14; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 105”

 

24" (11/24/14): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20"-24" diameter, contains a very small brighter nucleus.  Faintest of 3 NGC's in a N-S string with NGC 7704 5.7' N.

 

18" (11/14/09): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration to center with no zones, though an occasional stellar nucleus.  Located 5.7' due south of NGC 7704.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, just a weak concentration at the core.  Located 5.7' S of NGC 7704 in a group with NGC 7706.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7705 = m 585 on 27 Oct 1864 and briefly commented "eF". His position is accurate.

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NGC 7706 = UGC 12686 = MCG +01-60-006 = CGCG 407-015 = WBL 718-003 = PGC 71817

23 35 10.4 +04 57 51; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 120”

 

24" (11/24/14): moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, contains a bright, elongated core and a faint, oval halo.  A mag 14.8 star is on the south edge [27" from center].  Brightest in the WBL 718 group.

 

18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W.  Contains a very small, slightly brighter center with an occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is just off the south side.  One of the brightest members of a group that includes 10 galaxies in a one-degree circle. Similar NGC 7704 lies 4.5' SSW.

 

17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is 27" SW of center.  Similar in size and brightness to NGC 7704 4.7' SSW but a weaker concentration.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): similar in size and brightness to NGC 7704 but contains a slightly brighter core.  Slightly elongated NW-SE, a faint star is 1' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7706 = h2253 on 16 Oct 1827 and logged "vF, but brighter than the preceding."  The preceding refers to NGC 7704, which was discovered on the previous sweep just 3 nights earlier.

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NGC 7707 = UGC 12683 = MCG +07-48-012 = CGCG 533-014 = PGC 71798

23 34 51.4 +44 18 15; And

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 1' diameter, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  The impression of elongation may be due to a mag 15 star at the NNE tip.  Located 53" SE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7707 = H III-579 = h2254 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621) and logged "vF, vS, just following a pB star."  JH made two observations, first noting "eF; R; 20"; has a * 11m, 45” np; distance 25"."  This object was missed at Birr Castle on one attempt.

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NGC 7708

23 34 39 +72 48 54; Cep

Size 13'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): large, scattered group that requires at low power.  At 100x, about 30 stars are spread out in 15' triangular outline (borders are arbitrary) elongated NW-SE.  Includes one bright star (mag 7.4 SAO 10785) and a number of mag 11 stars.  There are also two mag 8 and 9 stars (SAO 10788 and 10791) at the south vertex of the triangle.  There are no rich spots but the group appears somewhat detached in the field at low power.  Catches the eye because of the brighter stars although appears to be just an asterism due to lack of any concentration or rich spots.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7708 = H VIII-62 = h2255 on 19 Sep 1787 (sweep 760) and recorded "a cl. of coarsely scattered large stars, not rich, but the stars are brilliant."  John Herschel observed this group of stars on 20 Nov 1829 and noted "A poor and coarse cluster of large and small stars.  The largest (= 9m) taken."  On a later sweep he reported "a * 8-9m, the chief of a scattered cluster of 30...50 stars, 10...15m.  It more than fills the field. JH's positions correspond with mag 7.6 SAO 10785.  RNGC classifies this object as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7709 = MCG -03-60-002 = PGC 71828

23 35 27.5 -16 42 18; Aqr

V = 12.7;  Size 2.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 54”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7709 = Sw. VI-97 on 21 Oct 1886 and recorded "pF; S; R; betw 2 distant B stars."  His RA was 12 seconds too large, but the description matches MCG -03-60-002 = PGC 71828.  Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Nov 1890.  Herbert Howe reobserved the galaxy in 1897-98 and noted "This is described as "R". I find it much elongated at 225”.  It lies 8' south of a star of mag 8. Its length is 20", with a possible further faint extension."  His micrometric position was accurate.

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NGC 7710 = MCG -01-60-010 = PGC 71844

23 35 46.1 -02 52 51; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135”

 

24" (9/22/17): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 7:2  NW-SE, 0.8'x0.25', well concentrated with a small bright core.  NGC 7701 (brightest in a group) is 19' WNW.

 

17.5" (12/16/95): faint, small, 40"x30" halo extended NW-SE, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core.  Situated in a poor star field at 220x with only scattered mag 14-15 stars.  Located 19' following NGC 7701 (which is the brightest of a trio).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7710 = m 586 on 24 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  Albert Marth independently found this galaxy in Nov 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."

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NGC 7711 = UGC 12691 = MCG +02-60-004 = CGCG 432-007 = LGG 477-003 = PGC 71836

23 35 39.4 +15 18 07; Peg

V = 12.2;  Size 2.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, sharp bright core, fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7711 = H II-244 = h2256 on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and logged "F, S, lE.  240 showed it better, resolvable."  On 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294), he noted "F, stellar but not vS."  This is one of the first objects John Herschel recorded.  On 2 Nov 1823 (sweep 1), he recorded "vF; R; gmbM; 20"; r; like a blotted star."

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NGC 7712 = UGC 12694 = MCG +04-55-030 = CGCG 476-073 = PGC 71850

23 35 51.6 +23 37 08; Peg

V = 12.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, small, round, weakly concentrated.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7712 = T I-53 in 1876 with the 11-inch "Amici I" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory.  His position is 1.6' northwest of UGC 12694.

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NGC 7713 = ESO 347-028 = MCG -06-51-013 = AM 2333-381 = LGG 478-002 = PGC 71866

23 36 15.2 -37 56 22; Scl

V = 11.2;  Size 4.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 168”

 

24" (9/26/19): at 200x and 375x: fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, ~3.5'x1.2', broad concentration and slightly brighter center in a N-S orientation but no distinct nucleus.  The surface brightness appeared irregular but this galaxy is too far south to resolve any knots or other detail.  A mag 11.3 star is 1.8' SW of center with a mag 10.1 star 4.8' W.  A mag 13.3 star is off the N end [3.3' from center] and a mag 15 star is off the S end [2.6' from center].

 

NGC 7713A, located 17' NNE, appeared fairly faint, round, 1' diameter, low even surface brightness.  The galaxy is collinear with a mag 12.3 star 2.6' NE and a mag 9.2 star (HD 222071) 6.4' NE.

 

17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is at the north tip.  Located just east of two mag 10 and 11 stars; the closer mag 11 star is 2' W of center. NGC 7713A lies 17' NE (not seen).

 

8" (8/16/82): very faint, elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  Located 40' ESE of Beta Sculptoris (V = 4.4).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7713 = h4000 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "pB; oval; or pmE; vgbM; 3'."   The NGC has 30' error in north polar distance due to a misprint in GC, but JH's original NPD is accurate.  Innes noted the error in Monthly Notices 58,330 and Dreyer included the correction in the IC 2 Notes.

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NGC 7714 = Arp 284 NED1 = VV 51a = UGC 12699 = MCG +00-60-017 = CGCG 381-011 = Mrk 538 = LGG 479-002 = PGC 71868

23 36 14.1 +02 09 18; Psc

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 4”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; very bright, moderately large, unusual irregular structure, ~1.2' diameter.  This deformed, interacting Wolf-Rayet galaxy is dominated by an extremely bright stellar nucleus (starburst activity).  A short bar-like central region is elongated NNW-SSE.  A curved arm bends sharply west on the south end of the "bar" and contains a very small knot (southwest of the nucleus).  A second arm, which appears to consist of a series of HII knots on the SDSS, begins on the NNW end of the "bar" and extends a short distance northeast.  A low surface brightness halo appears as a hazy glow on the eastern side only [a tidal loop on the SDSS].  The western tidally stretched arm of NGC 7715 2' E heads towards NGC 7714 but doesn't form a complete bridge.

 

NGC 7714 is located just 4' NW of mag 5.7 16 Psc and the bright star needs to be kept out of the field.  [HB89] 2333+019, an 18th magnitude quasar with a light-travel time of over 10 billion years, faint distant quasar, lies 4.4' ENE of center and was the subject of an article by Howard Banich in the Oct. '17 issue of Sky & Tel.

 

24" (8/30/16): at 322x; bright, moderately large, irregular shape.  Contains a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus and a close knot on the NW side.  The halo is irregular in outline.  Brighter of a close, interacting pair (Arp 284) with NGC 7715 2' E.  The bridge of material connecting the pair was not seen.  Located 4' NW of mag 5.7 16 Psc!

 

17.5" (8/7/91): moderately bright, very small, unusually bright 13th magnitude stellar nucleus!  Surrounded by a small halo slightly elongated NW-SE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7715 1.8' E.  Located 4' NW of 16 Piscium (V = 5.7), which adds to an interesting view!  This is a distorted Wolf-Rayet starburst galaxy.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7714 = h2257 on 18 Sep 1830 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; in field with 16 Piscium; a star 12m near south preceding (dist = 1 diameter of neb by diagram)."  His position is fairly accurate.  NGC 7715 was discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 7715 = Arp 284 NED2 = Arp 284:C1 = VV 51b = UGC 12700 = MCG +00-60-018 = CGCG 381-012 = LGG 479-003 = Holm 810b = PGC 71878

23 36 22.1 +02 09 24; Psc

V = 14.2;  Size 2.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 73”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; fairly bright, moderately large, thin edge-on 6:1 WSW-ENE.  Dominated by a small, bright elongated core ~20"x8" that increases to a star-like nucleus.  Long stretched tidal arms or plumes extend WSW-ENE, ~1.8'x0.3'.  The western "arm" heads towards the center of NGC 7714 [1.9' W], but dims out before reaching the halo.  Mag 5.7 16 Psc is just 3.3' S and the glare affected viewing unless moved off the field.

 

[HB89] 2333+019, a faint distant quasar, lies 2.6' NE of the center of NGC 7715.  At a redshift of z = 1.871, the light-travel time is 10.2 billion years.  It was generally visible with averted vision despite a V magnitude of 18.3.  The quasar wasn't our target - Jimi noticed it on his monitor when we were observing NGC 7714/15, so of course Howard, Jimi and I had to take a look and we were pleased it was readily visible.

 

24" (8/30/16): at 322x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE.  Contains a brighter core and low surface brightness extensions (arms) that increase in size with averted vision to ~1.4'x0.35'.  On images the western arm or tidal bridge stretches to brighter NGC 7714 1.8' W, though there was no visual connection.  Located 3' N of mag 5.7 16 Psc!

 

17.5" (8/7/91): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE.  Located 3.2' N of mag 5.7 16 Psc, which detracts from viewing.  Forms a close pair (Arp 284) with much brighter NGC 7714 1.8' W.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7715 on 4 Nov 1850.  While maing an observation of NGC 7714 he noticed "a faint neb follows [NGC 7714] about 2'."  Dreyer measured an accurate position in 1876 using the offset from 16 Psc.

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NGC 7716 = UGC 12702 = MCG +00-60-019 = CGCG 381-013 = LGG 479-004 = PGC 71883

23 36 31.5 +00 17 50; Psc

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 35”

 

13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 2.0' N of a mag 9.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7716 = h2258 on 6 Sep 1831 and recorded "Not eF; pL; lE; gbM; has a * 10m exactly south, dist 2'."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7717 = MCG -03-60-008 = PGC 71941

23 37 43.7 -15 07 07; Aqr

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 8”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 4.9' WSW of mag 6.4 SAO 165808.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7717 = T I-54 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. He mentions the nebula precedes Lalande 46286 (HD 222125) by 10 seconds and 1.5' south, but the galaxy is 20 seconds of RA west of the star.

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NGC 7718 = UGC 12712 = MCG +04-55-034 = CGCG 476-082 = PGC 71959

23 38 05.0 +25 43 11; Peg

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7718 = m 587 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."  His dec is 2' too far south.

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NGC 7719 = ESO 536-012 = PGC 71961

23 38 02.6 -22 58 28; Aqr

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S? [DSS orientation SW-NE], 30" diameter, can just hold steadily with averted vision.  A mag 14 star is 2.2' SW.  There are no stars brighter than mag 12 in the 21' field.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7719 = LM 1-264 on 11 Aug 1885 and noted "eF; vS; R."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA too large.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

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NGC 7720 = UGC 12716 = MCG +04-55-036 = CGCG 476-091 = 3C 465 = PGC 71985

23 38 29.4 +27 01 55; Peg

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): located at the center of the rich cluster AGC 2634.  Fairly faint, small, small bright core, elongated SSW-NNE.  Forms a double system with a companion (NGC 7720A) attached at the north side.  The system appears visually as overlapping galaxies with double nuclei.  A dense swarm of galaxies are nearby to the south and east; IC 5341 2.8' SSW, CGCG 476-090 3.2' S, CGCG 476-092 3.3' SSE, IC 5342 2.4' SE, PGC 85575 0.9' E and PGC 71991 1.5' E!  A mag 15.5 star is 1.5' SW and two mag 11 stars lie 4' SSE and 7' SSE.

 

IC 5341: very faint, extremely small, round.

CGCG 476-090: very faint, extremely small, round.  A mag 11 star is 2.1' E.  This is the central galaxy in a very tight trio 3' S of NGC 7720.

IC 5342: very faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 2' N of a mag 11 star and 2.4' SE of NGC 7720.

PGC 85575: extremely faint and small, round, <5" diameter.  Located just 0.9' E of the center of NGC 7720.

PGC 71991: extremely faint and small, slightly elongated N-S.  A mag 14 star is 30" WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7720 = H III-146 = h2259 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded "vF, E, small stars with nebulosity between."  There is nothing at his position, but 36 seconds of time west is UGC 12716. JH described this galaxy as "pF; R; bM; 20"." and measured an accurate RA.  Herbert Howe reported in his 1900 paper on NGC/IC observations that "there seems to be a small nest of nebulae clustered about this one.  I have measured two, and suspected some others.  An examination with a large telescope might be fruitful.  7720 is described as "lE, bM."  It looks like a nebulous double star of mag 12-13.5, angle 10” [NNE], and distance 10"."  So Howe clearly resolved the two components of NGC 7720.

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NGC 7721 = MCG -01-60-017 = LGG 481-001 = Holm 812a = PGC 72001

23 38 48.7 -06 31 04; Aqr

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 15”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, broad weak concentration.

 

8" (8/15/82): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7721 = H II-432 = h2260 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and logged "pB, cL, E."  On 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 605), he reported "F, lbM, about 3' l, E from sp about 10 or 15” from the meridian to nf." JH made 3 observations in Oct 1828, calling the galaxy "vF; L; R; vgbM; 60"." and "pB; pL; pmE; irreg fig."

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NGC 7722 = UGC 12718 = MCG +03-60-017 = CGCG 455-035 = LGG 477-004 = PGC 71993

23 38 41.2 +15 57 17; Peg

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 150”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, even concentration to a bright core, very small or stellar nucleus.  A mag 15.5 star is close off the SW edge [44" from center].

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7722 on 12 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position is accurate (observed on two nights) and he mentions the mag 12 star 2' NNE (3.8 seconds of time east and ~1.5' north).

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NGC 7723 = MCG -02-60-005 = LGG 480-001 = PGC 72009

23 38 56.6 -12 57 35; Aqr

V = 11.2;  Size 3.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, very small bright core, large diffuse halo.  NGC 7727 lies 40' NNE.  Located 20' ENE of mag 5.7 SAO 165804.

 

8" (8/28/81): faint, moderately large, elongated.  Located 20' ENE of a mag 6 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7723 = H I-110 = h2261 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM, lE."  His position is accurate.  JH logged (sweep 9) "Irreg R; gbM; 2' diam; r.  I certainly see one star near the middle."

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NGC 7724 = MCG -02-60-006 = LGG 480-002 = PGC 72015

23 39 07.2 -12 13 27; Aqr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 37”

 

13.1" (10/10/86): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, diffuse but edges well defined, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star (SAO 165813) lies 5.6' SSE.  Located 12' WNW of NGC 7727.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7724 = St V-13 = T I-55 = T IV-14 on 23 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF, moderate extent; irregular."  His micrometric position is accurate.  Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy again on 26 Nov 1877 and measured an accurate micrometric position in 1880.  He was surprised WH, JH, d'Arrest and LdR missed this galaxy, although they all viewed nearby NGC 7727.

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NGC 7725 = MCG -01-60-018 = PGC 72025

23 39 14.8 -04 32 22; Aqr

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (10/21/95): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, weak even concentration down to a slightly brighter core and nucleus.  A wide pair of stars (h990 = 9.2/11.5 at 41") is 10' SE.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.  The PGC magnitude (13.0B) is too bright.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7725 = H III-189 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and simply noted "eF".  His single position is ~6' southeast of MCG -01-60-018 = PGC 72025.  There were no observations of this object by JH or at Birr Castle.  As his positions were too far south in the previous two objects in the sweep, this is a reasonable identification.   MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 7725.  The RNGC misidentifies MCG -01-60-011 as NGC 7725.  This galaxy is located 3.0 min of RA west and 17' south of the NGC position.

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NGC 7726 = UGC 12721? = MCG +04-55-040 = CGCG 476-098 = PGC 72024

23 39 11.9 +27 06 55; Peg

V = 14.2;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 60”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 2.6' SW.  Located 10.7' NE of NGC 7720 in AGC 2634.  NGC 7728 lies 11' E and CGCG 476-095 is 11' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7726 = Sw. IV-98 on 8 Aug 1886 and reported "eeeF; pS; R; e diff.; pB * nr foll; 6218 [NGC 7728] nr north following but is not little but very elongated."  There is nothing at his position (14' east-southeast of NGC 7720), but the number probably applies to one of the galaxies within the galaxy cluster Abell 2634.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 7726 = UGC 12721, though notes some inconsistencies.  Swift's position is 19 seconds of RA east and 8' south of this galaxy.  Swift mentions a "pB* nr foll".  A mag 9 star is due east, but it follows by 9'.  Also a mag 10 star is only 2.6' southwest of UGC 12721 and it seems likely this star would have been noted instead.  On the other hand, NGC 7728 is 11' east-northeast in agreement with the description, though it certainly doesn't appear "very elongated".  Corwin was unable to find another more likely candidate, so this identification is very uncertain.

 

The RNGC and RC3 misidentifies IC 5342 as NGC 7726. This galaxy is just 2.5' southeast of NGC 7720.  I called NGC 7726 nonexistent in RNGC Corrections #4, but my comments were revised in RNGC Corrections #6.

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NGC 7727 = Arp 222 = VV 67 = MCG -02-60-008 = LGG 480-003 = PGC 72060

23 39 54.2 -12 17 31; Aqr

V = 10.6;  Size 4.7'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 35”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 E-W, very bright core, almost stellar nucleus, large fainter halo.  Forms a pair with NGC 7724 12' NW. 

 

13" (10/10/84): moderately bright, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, faint outer halo, slightly elongated.  Forms a pair with NGC 7724.

 

8" (8/28/81): faint, moderately large, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7727 = H I-111 = h2262 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "pB; pL; bM; iR."  His position is unusually accurate.  d'Arrest made two observations, measured an accurate position, and gave the diameter as 37"-42".

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NGC 7728 = UGC 12727 = MCG +04-55-041 = CGCG 476-103 = PGC 72064

23 40 00.8 +27 08 01; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 75”

 

17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 2.3' NE of a mag 10 star in AGC 2634.  Forms a pair with PGC 85623 = 2MASX J23400320+2710014 2.5' NNE.  UGC 12721 lies 11' W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7728 on 16 Feb 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His mean position (measured on 3 nights) is just off the south side of the galaxy and he mentions the nearby mag 9 star (9 seconds of RA west).

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NGC 7729 = UGC 12730 = MCG +05-55-046 = CGCG 497-047 = PGC 72083

23 40 33.7 +29 11 17; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 7”

 

17.5" (7/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.4', small bright core.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7729 = St XIII-97 on 5 Oct 1883 and recorded "eF; S, irr elongated SSW to NNE. Small star (or nucleus) eccentrically placed to the south."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7730 = ESO 606-002 = MCG -04-55-022 = PGC 72094

23 40 45.9 -20 30 32; Aqr

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 134”

 

18" (11/22/08): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter (viewed core only?), weak concentration.  Located 8' WSW of a mag 9.6 HD 222507.  The NGC identification with this galaxy is uncertain due to Tempel's poor position and description ("pretty bright").

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7730 = T I-56 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "Nebula, good class II, elongated, 2' dia; no known star in the vicinity."  There is nothing at his very rough position (RA to the nearest minute and marked +/-) in his first list (AN 2212).  The GC Supplement and NGC position, though, is about 50 seconds further east based on a position communicated directly to Dreyer.  Herbert Howe reported he unsuccessfully searched for this object on two nights in 1898-99.

 

The ESO identifies ESO 606-002 = MCG -04-55-22 as NGC 7730.  This galaxy is 17' south and 36 seconds west of his "corrected" position. Furthermore, with a magnitude of B_t = 14.8 this galaxy is pretty faint, so I doubt Tempel would refer to it as a "good [Herschel] class II".  Harold Corwin was unable, though, to find another suitable candidate.  See his notes.

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NGC 7731 = UGC 12737 = MCG +00-60-034 = CGCG 381-025 = Holm 813b = LGG 482-001 = PGC 72128

23 41 29.1 +03 44 24; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.0'x0.8', well concentrated with a slightly elongated bright core SW-NE and a sharp, very bright stellar nucleus!  Situated just 1.3' W of a distracting mag 11 star.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 7732 1.5' SE.

 

24" (11/24/14): fairly faint, fairly small.  Sharply concentrated with a brighter "bar" oriented SW-NE within a very faint halo increasing the size to ~30".  A mag 11 star is 1.3' E and NGC 7732 is  1.5' SE.

 

IC 1504 lies 17' NNW and appeared fairly faint, fairly small.  Sharply concentrated with a brighter "bar" oriented SW-NE in a very faint halo increasing the size to ~30".  A mag 11 star is 1.3' E

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~SW-NE, small bright core.  A mag 11 star is 1.3' E.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7732 1.4' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7731 = m 588, along with NGC 7732, on 27 Oct 1864 and noted "F, S."

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NGC 7732 = UGC 12738 = MCG +00-60-035 = CGCG 381-026 = Holm 813a = LGG 482-002 = PGC 72131 = Zwicky's Pierced Galaxy =

23 41 33.9 +03 43 30; Psc

V = 13.8;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 96”

 

48" (10/26/16): at 610x; fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 E-W, 1.4'x0.4'.  There was no brighter core in the central region but the galaxy was asymmetric, appearing wider and brighter on the west end [SDSS shows a series of blue HII knots].  At 697x, the western end was mottled and occasionally appeared to bulge out a bit to the south on the southwest side.

 

24" (11/24/14): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~35"x14", low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 7731 1..5' NW.  A mag 11 star is 1' due north.

 

17.5" (11/30/91): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, low even surface brightness.  Located just 1.0' S of a mag 11 star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7731 1.4' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7732 = m 589, along with NGC 7731, on 27 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, pL."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7733 = ESO 110-022 = AM 2339-661 = PGC 72177

23 42 33.0 -65 57 23; Tuc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 107”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, 35" diameter.  Very weak, if any, concentration.  Forms a close interacting pair with slightly brighter NGC 7734 1.25' NE.  Located 25' NE of mag 6.9 HD 222272.  On the DSS and Arp-Madore images, both galaxies are highly disturbed.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7733 = h4001, along with NGC 7734, on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "eF; S; R; the p of 2; pos from the other = 210”."

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NGC 7734 = ESO 110-023 = AM 2339-661 = PGC 72183

23 42 42.9 -65 56 41; Tuc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 119”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; moderately bright, roundish, ~45" diameter. Contains a relatively large, slightly brighter central region. NGC 7734 is the slightly brighter of a close 1.25' pair with NGC 7733 off the southwest side.  The outer halo of the two galaxies are separated by roughly 30".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7734 = h4002, along with NGC 7733, on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 25"; the following and largest of 2."

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NGC 7735 = UGC 12744 = MCG +04-55-046 = CGCG 476-115 = PGC 72165

23 42 17.3 +26 13 54; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 90”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, very small bright core, faint halo.  A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 34" from center and a mag 15 star is at the SW edge 21" from center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7735 = h2263 on 5 Sep 1828 and recorded "vF; a star 14m with a nebulous branch extended towards the star, and on its south preceding side; position from the star by diagram = 250” or 260” [WSW].  This disagrees with my Father's description of II. 208 [NGC 7741], which is said to be south following a star, but this may be a mistake for south preceding; but then the RA disagrees 2m and PD 6'.  It can hardly, therefore, be the same object."  JH's position matches UGC 12744.  UGC and MCG fail to label this galaxy as NGC 7735, though it is correctly labeled in the CGCG.

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NGC 7736 = ESO 606-005 = MCG -03-60-010 = PGC 72173

23 42 25.8 -19 27 08; Aqr

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (10/21/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter.  Even concentration to a small bright core and a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 7.8' SE of mag 8.3 SAO 165838.  A mag 14 star lies 1.8' NNW and a mag 13.5 star 2.9' SSE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7736 = LM 1-265 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.   He reported "mag 15.0; eS; gbM; bet 2 st 12m."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 15 seconds of RA too large.  This galaxy is between two mag 14 stars 1.8' NNW and 2.9' SSE so the identification is certain. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897-98 with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 7737 = UGC 12745 = MCG +04-55-048 = CGCG 476-118 = PGC 72182

23 42 46.4 +27 03 11; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 147”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration at the center.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' NE.  Pair with CGCG 476-117 3' NW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7737 = B. 98 on 3 Oct 1886.  His position is accurate although CGCG does not identify this galaxy as NGC 7737.

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NGC 7738 = NGC 7739? = UGC 12757 = MCG +00-60-038 = CGCG 381-033 = PGC 72247

23 44 02.0 +00 31 00; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (11/2/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, brighter core.  NGC 7739 lies 14' SE.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7738, along with NGC 7739, on 20 Dec 1865 using the 9.5-inch refractor at the College Romain as an assistant to Secchi.  These two nebulae were found while searching for Biela's Comet and simply noted as "vF. The 7th [NGC 7739] is near to the south."  The single position in AN 1571 is 30 seconds of RA west of UGC 12757.  Dreyer also observed this galaxy in 1877 at Birr Castle, though misidentified NGC 7738 with a star.  The nearest galaxy to the south is CGCG 381-038, 14' south-southeast.  Edward Fath reported ("A Study of Nebulae", 1914) that NGC 7738 and 7739 were not found on plates taken with the 60-inch at Mt Wilson in 1909-12

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NGC 7739 = CGCG 381-038 = PGC 72272

23 44 30.1 +00 19 14; Psc

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 90”

 

18" (10/25/03): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', weak concentration with a very small, slightly brighter core.  A 9' east-west string of five mag 13-14 stars passes 2' N.  The identifications of NGC 7739 and 7738 (both found by Secchi) are uncertain.

 

Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7739, along with NGC 7738, on 20 Dec 1865 using the 9.5-inch refractor at the College Romain as an assistant to Secchi.  NGC 7739 was simply noted as near south of NGC 7738, but the nearest galaxy is CGCG 381-038, 14' south-southeast.  Bigourdan couldn't recover NGC 7739 and it was not found on Heidelberg or Mt Wilson plates.

 

RC3 identifies CGCG 381-038 as NGC 7739.  UGC calls UGC 12757 = NGC 7738 = NGC 7739.  RNGC classifies NGC 7739 as nonexistent.  MCG has no listing for NGC 7739.  The RC3 identification is used here, though it's uncertain due to the large separation.

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NGC 7740 = CGCG 476-123 = PGC 72216

23 43 32.2 +27 18 43; Peg

V = 14.4;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, very small, round.  CGCG 476-120 lies 14' NW.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7740 = B. 99 on 27 Oct 1886.  His position matches CGCG 476-123 = PGC 72216.  RNGC, CGCG and PGC misidentify CGCG 476-122 as NGC 7740, despite a good position.  This much fainter galaxy is situated 4.3' northwest of CGCG 476-123 and was not seen in my 17.5".  Furthermore, MCG misidentifies UGC 12746 as NGC 7740.  This edge-on galaxy is situated 10' west-southwest of NGC 7740.

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NGC 7741 = UGC 12754 = MCG +04-55-050 = CGCG 476-125 = PGC 72237

23 43 54.0 +26 04 34; Peg

V = 11.3;  Size 4.4'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 170”

 

24" (8/30/16): at 226x; bright, fairly large, dominated by a central bar extending at least 3:1 E-W, ~45"x15".  A very low surface brightness arm is attached at the west end of the bar and extends to the south.  The corresponding arm extending north on the east end was less obvious and only marginally glimpsed.  The arms blend into a low surface brightness halo at least 2' in diameter.  A nice mag 9.8/12 double star is off the NW side 2' from center.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated ~N-S.  A pretty double star mag 9/11 at 24" is just off the north edge 2' from center and interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7741 = H II-208 = St XII-95 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded "F, cL, R, brightest in the middle; the brightness diminishing by very gradual shades, sf a star (of the 10 or 11 magnitude by memory)."  His position is 4' northwest the center of UGC 12754.  Heinrich d'Arrest observed the galaxy on 6 nights (first on 1 Sep 1864), noted the error in WH's position, and accurately measured the offset to the double star off the northwest side.

 

ƒdouard Stephan independently discovered this galaxy on 25 Oct 1881, also measured an accurate micrometric position and recorded "eF, fairly large, irr oval, elong E to W, two points of condensation."  In the remarks section at the end of the list, Stephan notes this object is identical to GC 5005 [NGC 7741], but WH's position was poor.  Perhaps while preparing his manuscript, he read d'Arrest's observations.  The 10 Dec 1873 observation at Birr Castle reads "cB, L, mE 108”, much diffused neby south and following, which Lord Rosse suspected to be divided into branching [spiral] arms."

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NGC 7742 = UGC 12760 = MCG +02-60-010 = CGCG 432-023 = PGC 72260

23 44 15.7 +10 46 01; Peg

V = 11.6;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (10/28/89): moderately bright, moderately large, round, bright core.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' ESE of center (outside halo).

 

8" (8/17/82): faint, small, round, small bright nucleus.  A mag 12 star is very close east.  NGC 7743 lies 50' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7742 = H II-255 = h2264 on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and recorded "pB, pS, R, bM, r."  CH's reduced position is 11 sec of RA west of UGC 12760.   He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and noted "pB, R, gbM."  JH observed this galaxy on 5 sweeps and logged (sweep 14), "B; R; gmbM; 60"; has a small * one diameter following."

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NGC 7743 = UGC 12759 = MCG +02-60-011 = CGCG 432-022 = PGC 72263

23 44 21.1 +09 56 03; Peg

V = 11.5;  Size 3.0'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (10/28/89): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NW-SE, prominent core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the southeast edge 1.0' from center.  A mag 10 star is 2.8' SW.

 

8" (8/17/82): faint, elongated, small bright nucleus, faint halo with averted.  A mag 13 star is off the SE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7743 = H II-256 = h2265 on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and logged "R, like the foregoing [NGC 7742], but rather fainter."  His position matches UGC 12759.  JH observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps and noted (sweep 305) "pB; R; psbM; 15"; has a * 15m, dist 1'; pos = 153.8” by micrometer."  Samuel Hunter, LdR's assistant on 10 Sep 1860, commented "Is it connected with the * sf by a branch from the north side of neb?"  This branch is a spiral arm that extends south towards the star on the east side of the galaxy.

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NGC 7744 = IC 5348 = ESO 292-017 = MCG -07-48-017 = AM 2342-431 = PGC 72300

23 44 59.2 -42 54 39; Phe

V = 11.9;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 105”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, elongated WNW-ESE, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions.  Located 10' NE of mag 7.8 HD 222838.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7744 = h4003 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; S; lE; vsvmbM to a small round almost stellar nucleus."  His mean position from 3 sweeps is accurate.  Despite a good NGC position, Lewis Swift found the galaxy again at Echo Mountain on 23 Sep 1897, assumed it was new and reported it in list XI, #235 (later IC 5348) as "eF; eS; R."  His RA as 17 seconds too small and along with a significantly different description, Dreyer recatalogued it as IC 5348.  Harold Corwin notes there are no other nearby galaxies that Swift might have picked up instead.  So, NGC 7744 = IC 5348.

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NGC 7745 = MCG +04-56-004 = PGC 72299

23 44 45.8 +25 54 32; Peg

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (12/16/95): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Appeared as a very low surface brightness spot that required averted vision.  Collinear with a wide pair of mag 13/14 stars 3.0' and 4.0' NW of center.  Located 15' SE of NGC 7741.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7745 = m 590 on 6 Sep 1863 and measured an accurate position.  MCG (+04-56-004) fails to use the NGC designation and as a result the RNGC doesn't reference the MCG.

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NGC 7746 = UGC 12768 = MCG +00-60-043 = CGCG 381-040 = PGC 72319

23 45 20.0 -01 41 06; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 160”

 

48" (10/29/16): fairly bright, moderately large, well concentrated with a bright core and a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  The halo is oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~45"x30".  A 6" (uncatalogued) double star is 2.3' SSE (recorded as a single star in 17.5" observation).  Two 16th mag stars 1.5' and 2.5' NW are collinear with the galaxy.  Shakhbazian 21, a distant compact galaxy cluster (1 billion l.y.), is 22' ESE.

 

17.5": fairly faint, small, round, small bright core.  In line with three mag 14 stars oriented E-W 2.5' W and 2.2' E of center.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.3' SSE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7746 = Sw. IV-99 on 7 Sep 1886 and logged "eF; pS; R; * nr south, which with one following and preceding forms a double triangle."  His RA is 7 seconds too small (1.5'), but there is no question with the identification.

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NGC 7747 = UGC 12772 = MCG +04-56-005 = CGCG 477-003 = PGC 72328

23 45 32.3 +27 21 39; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, very elongated or edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration.  Pair with CGCG 477-004 3.6' ESE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7747 = St V-14 on 23 Sep 1873 and recorded "very faint and small; roundish; with an eccentric condensation."  His position (Esmiol's re-reduction) is off by 3 seconds of RA (too far west), though his published position was 10 seconds too far west and 2.5' too far south.

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NGC 7748 = SAO 20818

23 44 56.7 +69 45 18; Cep

V = 7.2

 

= *7.2 SAO 20818.  = "Not found", Carlson and Curtis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7748 = h2266 on 16 Nov 1829 and noted "about a * 8m is a very extensive space which I am certain is affected with nebulosity."  At his exact position is mag 7 HD 222958, and there is no nebulosity seen on the DSS.  Based on photographs with the Crossley reflector at Lick, Heber Curtis reported (1913), "Does not exist; absolutely no trace in exposure of 130 min."   Interestingly, Karl Reinmuth reported a Heidelberg plate showed "*6.8 BD+68 1393 with F L halo.".  Dorothy Carlson noted "not found" in her 1940 NGC/IC correction list.

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NGC 7749 = ESO 471-009 = MCG -05-56-003 = PGC 72338

23 45 47.6 -29 31 04; Scl

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 28”

 

17.5" (12/16/95): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, only a broad weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' following.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7749 = h4004 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; glbM; has a * 12m 1' dist following."

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NGC 7750 = UGC 12777 = MCG +01-60-034 = CGCG 407-056 = LGG 482-003 = PGC 72367

23 46 37.9 +03 47 59; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 171”

 

17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.2' ESE and a mag 10 star is 5.8' SE of center.  Located 20' N of the deep red variable 19 = TX Piscium.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7750 = H III-427 = h2267 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and recorded "vF, S, lE nearly in the meridian."  JH made 3 observations, first logging it (sweep 94) as "Not eF; pL; R; lbM."  CGCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7750.

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NGC 7751 = UGC 12778 = MCG +01-60-035 = CGCG 407-057 = PGC 72381

23 46 58.3 +06 51 42; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, irregularly round, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7751 = H III-437 = h2269 on 27 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and logged "eF, vS, er, resembles a patch of stars.  240x confirmed it."  His RA is 30 tsec east of UGC 12778 and JH's RA is 1.0 tmin too large.  The NGC position (from d'Arrest) is accurate.

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NGC 7752 = Arp 86 NED1 = VV 5b = UGC 12779 = MCG +05-56-004 = CGCG 498-009 = Mrk 1134 = Holm 816b = IV Zw 165 = PGC 72382

23 46 58.5 +29 27 32; Peg

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 113”

 

48" (10/28/19): at 375x and 542x; bright, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.35', irregular shape, large bright core that bulges at the center.  Situated at the end of the western spiral arm of NGC 7753 [2.0' SW of center].

 

18" (7/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ENE, 0.5'x0.3', even surface brightness.  Fainter of a double system (attached at end of spiral arm) with NGC 7753 just 2' NE.  A mag 14 star lies between the two galaxies

 

13.1" (9/22/84): faint, very small, elongated ~E-W.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 7753 2' NE.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' NE of center and situated between the galaxies.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7752 on 22 Nov 1854 while observing NGC 7753 at Birr Castle  He noted "south preceding [NGC 7753] is a vS oblong nebula, resolvable?"  It was observed again in 1857, but no offset or sketch was made.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 24 Sep 1865, though confused the orientation and placed NGC 7752 1.5' north of NGC 7752, instead of 1.6' south.  As a result the relative positions in the NGC are incorrect.

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NGC 7753 = Arp 86 NED2 = VV 5a = UGC 12780 = MCG +05-56-005 = CGCG 498-010 = Holm 816a = PGC 72387

23 47 04.8 +29 29 00; Peg

V = 12.0;  Size 3.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 50”

 

48" (10/28/19): at 375x and 542x; very bright and large spiral, with the main body about 2' diameter (slightly elongated SW-NE), but the tidally stretched arm that wrapped towards NGC 7752 increased the length to at least 2.6'.  Strongly concentrated with a bright core that increased to an intense nucleus.  A faint star (mag 16.5?) was visible close southwest of the nucleus.

 

A spiral arm is connected to the east side of the core, though wasn't separated initially from the central region. It rotated sharply clockwise to the north, and was well defined as it passed directly through a mag 15 star on the north side of the halo. The arm faded as it separated away from the center and gradually curved south on the west side of the galaxy.  The arm faded out just east of a mag 16.9 star [1.7' SW of center], before reaching companion NGC 7752, 2.0' SW of center.

 

The southern spiral arm emerged from the east or northeast side of the core.  It curled tightly clockwise to the south and passed barely inside a mag 14.5 star.  The arm was brightest in a strip near this star and then faded as it rotated to the east side of the galaxy.

 

18" (7/14/07): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.5'x1.3', broad concentration with a relatively large, brighter core that is also elongated.  A mag 14 star is near the SW edge, less than 1' from center and a mag 15 star is on the NW side.  Brighter of a close pair (Arp 86) with NGC 7752 2' SW.

 

13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, moderately large, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 0.9' SW of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7752 2.0' SSW.  This is a M51-type system (Arp 86) with NGC 7752 attached at the end of a spiral arm.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7753 = H II-213 = h2268 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 267) and logged "F; pL; lbM; a longish round." JH reported "pF; L; vgbM; 70"; r."  Both Herschels missed the fainter companion.

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NGC 7754 = MCG -03-60-021 = PGC 72511

23 49 11.2 -16 36 02; Aqr

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 128”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Two stars mag 13.5 and 15.0 are 1.5' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 7759 5.5' NW.  NGC 7763 lies 18' E.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7754 = LM 1-266, along with NGC 7759, on 28 Nov 1885.  He simply recorded "mag 16.0 [NGC 7759 is listed at mag 14.0], vS". There is nothing at Leavenworth's rough position (nearest min of RA), but 1.5 min of RA due east is MCG -03-60-021, placing NGC 7754 east of NGC 7759.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00.  Probably due to Leavenworth's inaccurate RA, the identifications of NGC 7754 and NGC 7759 are reversed in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas.

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NGC 7755 = ESO 471-020 = MCG -05-56-014 = AM 2345-304 = UGCA 443 = PGC 72444

23 47 51.8 -30 31 19; Scl

V = 11.9;  Size 3.8'x2.9';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (12/16/95): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.3'.  Fairly low surface brightness halo surrounding a bright 30" rounder core and an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 2.2' E of center.

 

8" (8/16/82): very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7755 = h4005 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; L; R; psmbM; 90" diameter."  His mean position from two consecutive sweeps is fairly accurate.

 

Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.

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NGC 7756

23 48 28.6 +04 07 31; Psc

 

= * or ** 5' SW of NGC 7757.  Identification uncertain although incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7756 on 11 Dec 1873 while observing NGC 7757.  Parsons simply mentions "another neb 5' south preceding."  A single mag 11 star is at this offset from NGC 7757 though perhaps he was misled by a pair of faint stars (probably too faint) 4.2' southwest of NGC 7757.  Harold Corwin mentions another possibility is a brighter, 22" pair of mag 14.5/15 stars 5.5' southwest.  In any case, NGC 7756 is probably either a single or double star.  RNGC misidentifies an extremely faint anonymous galaxy located 1' west of NGC 7757 (Arp's "small high surface brightness companion on arm") as NGC 7756 and CGCG equates NGC 7757 with NGC 7756.  Discussed in RNGC Corrections #2.

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NGC 7757 = Arp 68 = UGC 12788 = VV 407 = MCG +01-60-037 = CGCG 407-059 = Holm 817a = LGG 482-004 = LGG 482-005 = PGC 72491

23 48 45.5 +04 10 16; Psc

V = 12.7;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 115”

 

13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 12 and 13 stars 1.3' N and 2.5' N, respectively.  Located 13' E of mag 7.7 SAO 128385.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7757 = h2270 on 24 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 40"; a * 13m, 1' N."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.  On 11 Dec 1873, it was described at Birr Castle as "vF, cL, lE, shaped like an "S" backward."  So, clearly he noticed the brighter spiral arms.  Arp (68) and CGCG misidentify this galaxy as NGC 7756.  See that number.

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NGC 7758 = ESO 606-010 = PGC 72497

23 48 55.2 -22 01 27; Aqr

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 118”

 

17.5" (12/16/95): extremely faint and small, requires averted.  Position verified using GSC chart.  Appears barely nonstellar, ~10" diameter though possibly only the core observed.  Forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 14 stars 3.1' NNE and 3.6' ENE.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7758 = LM 2-475 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.5; 0.3' dia; irr R; sbM; double star mag 10, north following 50 seconds."  His position is fairly accurate and the double star is HJ 3218.

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NGC 7759 = MCG -03-60-018 = PGC 72496

23 48 54.7 -16 32 28; Aqr

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 141”

 

24" (8/31/16): at 282x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, sharply concentrated with a bright core that gradually increases to the center.  The 45" outer halo has a low surface brightness.  A mag 14.8 star is 1.6' SSE.  NGC 7759A = MCG -03-60-019 is attached at the east edge of the halo.  The companion appeared extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~20"x7".

 

17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, almost stellar nucleus.  Located 2.8' S of a mag 9.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 7754 6' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7759 = LM 1-267, along with NGC 7754, on 28 Nov 1885 and noted "mag 14.0; vS; R."  His rough position falls just 1' south of MCG -03-60-018.  Curiously, his RA is 1 minute larger than NGC 7754, though NGC 7759 is actually west.  The relatively bright mag estimate (14.0) secures this identification.

 

Lewis Swift found the galaxy again in 1886 and communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer, who referenced Swift's 6th discovery list, which was in preparation when the NGC went to press.  But Swift didn't published the rediscovery in either his 6th or later 9th list, possibly due to Leavenworth's earlier discovery.  Howe measured a very accurate micrometric position in 1899-00.  The identifications of NGC 7754 and 7759 are reversed on the Uranometria 2000 Atlas, placing them in RA order.

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NGC 7760 = UGC 12794 = MCG +05-56-008 = CGCG 498-014 = PGC 72512

23 49 11.9 +30 58 59; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (8/29/92): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, small brighter core.  Unusual appearance as a mag 12.5 star is attached at the southwest end and the galaxy appears as a small attached knot.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7760 = H III-854 = h2271 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971) and recorded "two very small close stars, with seeming nebulosity between them.  360 confirmed it nearly."  On sweep 975, he was more certain, "the 2 close stars affected with nebulosity of the 971 sweep.  360 confirmed it."

JH made a total of 5 observations and generally recorded this object as a faint double or triple star possibly with nebulosity, though one was clearly the nucleus.

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NGC 7761 = IC 5361 = MCG -02-60-020 = PGC 72641

23 51 28.9 -13 22 54; Aqr

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, round, 1' diameter, very even concentration, small bright core, very symmetrical appearance.  Two brighter stars mag 10 are 3.5' W and 7' WSW.  Located in a field that is strangely devoid of any faint stars.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7761 = LM 1-268 in 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 13.0; vS; R; gbM; *10 precedes 8.0'."  There is nothing near his rough (nearest min of RA) position, though 2 minutes of time east is MCG -02-60-020 = PGC 72641.  A mag 11 star is 7' west, matching the description, though another mag 11 star is only 3.5' west.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy again (Big. 356) on 30 Nov 1891 and measured an accurate position.  Herbert Howe found it a third time on 1 Oct 1897, measured a very accurate micrometric position, and included it in his first discovery list. Dreyer combined Bigourdan and Howe's observations into IC 5361.  So, NGC 7761 = IC 5361.  See Corwin's notes for discussion.

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NGC 7762 = Cr 457 = Mel 244 = Lund 1047

23 50 01 +68 02 18; Cep

Size 11'

 

17.5" (10/13/90): about 100 stars in a 20' field including many mag 12-13 stars.  Very large, fairly coarse but there is a rich region near the center consisting of six tight stars almost on a line oriented NNW-SSE with much haze nearby including a partially resolved clump close north.  A mag 8 star is at the east edge.  Located 15' NE of mag 5.0 SAO 20853. 

 

8" (10/31/81): scattered cluster but one rich subgroup, fairly large, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7762 = H VII-55 = h2272 on 23 Nov 1788 (sweep 883) and described "a cluster of scattered vS stars, irr figure, pretty rich.  Contains a vacancy n the middle."  A second observation was made the next night.  In his 1814 PT paper he speculated "this appearance may be accounted for by supposing, for instance, three, four or a greater number of preponderating attracting centres near each other, situated so as to enclose a certain space, the stars in which, then, cannot be accumulated, while the clustering power arising from the combined attractions with be exerted on the surrounding stars."  JH made the single observation "a vL, v coarse, rather poor cluster of *s 11...15m.  The most compressed part taken."

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NGC 7763 = PGC 72565

23 50 15.8 -16 35 24; Aqr

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, round.  A very faint mag 15 star is almost attached on the east side.  Located 18' ENE of NGC 7754.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7763 = LM 1-269 on 28 Nov 1885 and logged "mag 15.0; vS; R; faint star following."  His rough position is just 24 seconds of RA east of PGC 72565.  Herbert Howe noted the "F * f" is mag 13.5, and follows about 2 seconds, a trifle north."  His position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) is accurate.

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NGC 7764 = ESO 293-004 = MCG -07-48-027 = AM 2348-405 = AM 2348-410 = VV 715 = PGC 72597

23 50 53.6 -40 43 46; Phe

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 148”

 

13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, brighter core.  Located 11' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 231814.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7764 = h4006 on 4 Oct 1836 and noted "B; R; gbM; 90"."

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NGC 7765 = MCG +04-56-015 = CGCG 477-015 = Holm 818c = PGC 72596

23 50 52.2 +27 09 59; Peg

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (8/5/13): faint, small, round, 24" diameter, pretty even surface brightness.  Located 1.8' NW of NGC 7768 in the core of AGC 2666.

 

18" (8/26/06): very faint, small, round, 35" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 1.7' NW of NGC 7768 and furthest north in a string of 4 galaxies including NGC 7766, NGC 7767 and NGC 7768.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): extremely faint, very small, elongated, very low surface brightness.  Located 1.7' NW of NGC 7768 and 4' W of a mag 10.5 star in the core of AGC 2666.

 

R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 7765 on 12 Oct 1855 and noted "a little np [NGC 7768] is another neb, vvF."  It is labeled as Gamma in a sketch made on 9 Oct 1872.

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NGC 7766 = MCG +04-56-017 = CGCG 477-018 = Holm 818d = PGC 72611

23 50 55.9 +27 07 35; Peg

V = 15.4;  Size 0.6'x0.1';  PA = 36”

 

24" (8/5/13): very faint to faint, thin edge-on 3:1 SW-NE, 20"x6".  Situated just 1.4' SSW of NGC 7762.  A mag 13 star lies 1.2' NE and a mag 14.5 star is just 0.8' WSW.

 

18" (8/26/06): very faint, very small, appears elongated SW-NE at moments, though only 0.3'x0.2'.  Located only 1.4' SSW of NGC 7768 in the core of AGC 2666.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness, requires averted vision.  A mag 14.5 star is 45" WSW of center.  Located 1.4' SSW of NGC 7768 and 2.3' N of NGC 7767 in the core of AGC 2666.  Extremely faint NGC 7765 lies 2.5' NNW.

 

Ralph Copeland, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 7766 along with 7767, on 9 Oct 1872 and labeled it Delta in the sketch.  He measured a separation of 85" SSW from NGC 7768 and at this exact offset is CGCG 477-018 = PGC 72611.

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NGC 7767 = UGC 12805 = MCG +04-56-016 = CGCG 477-017 = Holm 818b = PGC 72601

23 50 56.3 +27 05 13; Peg

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 142”

 

24" (8/5/13): faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 30"x8".  A mag 12.6 star is just 21" SW of center.  Located on the south side of the core of AGC 2666 with NGC 7766 2.4' N and NGC 7768 (brightest member) 3.7' N.

 

18" (8/26/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', very small brighter core.  A mag 12.5 star is just SW of the core.  Second brightest member of AGC 2666 and furthest south in a N-S chain of four NGC galaxies.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is just off the west edge 20" from the center.  This is the second brightest galaxy in AGC 2666 with NGC 7768 3.6' N and NGC 7766 2.5' N.

 

Ralph Copeland, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 7767 along with 7766, on 9 Oct 1872 and labeled it Beta in the sketch. He measured the micrometric offset to the mag 12.6 star off the west side.  Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan's IC 1511 is not identical to NGC 7767, as stated by Karl Reinmuth, CGCG and PGC.  Instead it refers to a single star 1.8' SSE of NGC 7767.

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NGC 7768 = UGC 12806 = MCG +04-56-018 = CGCG 477-019 = Holm 818a = PGC 72605

23 50 58.6 +27 08 51; Peg

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 60”

 

24" (8/5/13): the dominant galaxy in AGC 2666 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', contains a bright core with a very small brighter nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is superimposed west of the core, just 13" from the center.  A mag 11 star (GR Peg) lies 2.6' ENE.  NGC 7768 is surrounded by a number of faint galaxies including a N-S string of 4 galaxies to the north (with an additional 3 nearby).  Another group of 3 or 4 galaxies (including NGC 7765, 7766, and 7767) are also arranged in a N-S string close west, so most of the cluster is in a 12' chain oriented north-south.

 

CGCG 477-020 is very faint, very thin edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 24"x6".  Located 4.3' N of NGC 7768 and southernmost in a string of four galaxies extending 4' N with PGC 72606 next at 1.3' N.  PGC 62606 is extremely faint to very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 15"x8".  PGC 72608, just 1.1' further NNE, is very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  Finally, PGC 72609, an additional 1.9' N, is very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  CGCG 477-016, 3' due W of PGC 72609, is faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter.  Slightly larger and brighter than most members of the cluster.  This is a rare collisional ring galaxy but was too faint to see any structure.

 

18" (8/26/06): by far the brightest member of AGC 2666.  At 220x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~1.0'x0.8', very small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is attached at the west edge.  Located 2.5' WSW of mag 10.5 GR Pegasi.  Several fainter NGC galaxies are strung out along a N-S line including NGC 7768.

 

CGCG 477-020, 4.3' N of NGC 7768, is extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 in the direction of a mag 12 star 1.3' SE, 0.5'x0.25'.  PGC 72608, 6.6' N of NGC 7768, is extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter.  PGC 72609, 8.5' due N of NGC 7768, is very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  CGCG 477-016, just 3' to the west, is very faint, small, round, 25" diameter.  Collinear with three mag 11-13 stars extending 9' to the SE.

 

17.5" (11/6/99): the brightest member of AGC 2666 is faint, small, round.  A mag 14 star is attached at the west end of the halo.  Appears slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 35"x25".  Located 2.6' SW of mag 10.5-11.0 GR Peg.  A mag 13 star lies 1.1' SE of center.  The unusual collisional ring galaxy MCG +04-56-014 lies 9' N and a number of very faint NGC galaxies are nearby.

 

17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 star is at the west end 12" from the center.  This is the brightest galaxy in AGC 2666 with NGC 7767 3.6' S, NGC 7765 1.7' NW, NGC 7766 1.4' SSW.  Also MCG +04-56-019 lies 4.3' N (not seen).  Located 2.6' WSW of a mag 10.5 star (GR Peg = 10.4-11.0).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7768 = h2273 on 5 Sep 1828 and recorded "vF; S; irreg fig; appears by glimpses to contain a vF double *, but it *is* a nebula."  His single position is accurate, although he missed the fainter nearby members of the cluster that were discovered at Birr Castle.

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NGC 7769 = UGC 12808 = MCG +03-60-030 = CGCG 455-054 = KTG 82A = Holm 820c = LGG 483-001 = PGC 72615

23 51 04.0 +20 09 01; Peg

V = 12.0;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (10/5/13): at 260x; bright, fairly large, round, 1.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and stellar nucleus.  The low surface brightness outer halo (spiral arms) is slightly elongated and gradually fades out.  Brightest in a trio (KTG 82) with NGC 7770 and 7771 (1' pair) both 4.5' SE.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, brighter core, sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 2.1' SSW.  This galaxy is the brightest in a compact quartet with the NGC 7770/NGC 7771 pair 5' ESE and CGCG 455-055 6' NNE.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly bright, moderately large, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7769 = H II-230 = h2274, along with NGC 7771, on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and logged "F, pL, R, bM, r."  On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) he noted "cB, pL, iF, mbM."  JH reported "pB; S; R; bM; the np of two [with NGC 7771]."

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NGC 7770 = UGC 12813 = MCG +03-60-034 = CGCG 455-057 = KTG 82B = Holm 820b = PGC 72635

23 51 22.5 +20 05 47; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (10/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.3', contains a small bright core.  Forms a close pair with much larger NGC 7771, 1.1' NNE.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated, brighter core.  Forms a double system with much brighter NGC 7771 just 1.1' NNE in the NGC 7769 group.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): very faint, very small, round.  Forms a close pair with NGC 7771 1' SSE.

 

William Herschel noticed NGC 7770 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) in his discovery of NGC 7771.  He commented, "towards the sp part [of NGC 7771] seems to be a vS stellar nebula within the nebulosity of the large one, but it may be only a small star."  Due to his uncertainty he didn't assign NGC 7770 an internal discovery number or H-designation, so received no later credit.

 

John Herschel independently found this galaxy on 25 Aug 1827 while observing NGC 7771.  His description on sweep 91 reads, "pB; E; bM; has a vS almost stellar nebula about 45” sp, dist 40"."  On the following sweep, he made a sketch and noted "... has a smaller neb, 60” sp, 35" dist."  Wolfgang Steinicke mentions that JH used object class "N2" (two nebulae), so it's surprising he didn't assign NGC 7770 a separate designation in the Slough or General Catalog.  As a result, JH received no credit in the GC or NGC.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7770 agaom on 5 Nov 1850 while observing NGC 7769 and 7771.  A sketch of the trio was included in the 1861 publication (NGC 7770 is labeled Gamma). A more accurate sketch from 1855 is on plate V of the 1880 publication.  Lord Rosse is credited with the discovery of NGC 7770 in the GC and NGC.

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NGC 7771 = UGC 12815 = MCG +03-60-035 = CGCG 455-058 = KTG 82C = Holm 820a = LGG 483-002 = PGC 72638

23 51 24.8 +20 06 42; Peg

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 68”

 

24" (10/5/13): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.7', moderate concentration with a large, elongated core that gradually increases to the center.  Largest in the KTG 82 triplet with NGC 7770 1.1' SSW and NGC 7769 5.4' NW.

 

17.5" (8/31/86): fairly bright, pretty lens-shape 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.4'x 0.7', bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star lies 2.1 ENE of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 7770 1.1' SW of center.  NGC 7769 lies 5' WNW.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly bright, very elongated WSW-ENE.  In a trio with faint NGC 7770 just 1' SW and similarly bright NGC 7769 5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7771 = H II-231 = h2275, along with NGC 7769, on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "F, pL, E in the direction of the parallel [E-W], towards the sp part seems to be a vS stellar nebula within the nebulosity of the large one, but it may be only a small star."  The "vS" nebula is probably NGC 7770.  He observed NGC 7771 again on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) and noted "cB, pL , lE,  mbM." but missed NGC 7770.  JH made two observations (sweep 91 and 92).  On 25 Aug 1827, JH logged "pB; E; bM; has a vS almost stellar nebula about 45” sp, dist 40"."  This clearly refers to NGC 7770.

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NGC 7772 = Lund 1049 = OCL-230

23 51 46 +16 14 54; Peg

Size 5'

 

13.1" (9/29/84): small group of 7 stars from mag 11.5-14.5.  The two brightest stars are at the southwest and north end.  The other five stars are arranged in a distinctive "V" asterism with a vertex and open to the east.  The status as a cluster is questionable and this group may be an open cluster "remnant".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7772 = h2276 on 7 Oct 1825 and noted "a cluster of scattered stars 10m."  His position matches this small, well detached group of 7 stars.  The status as a true cluster is questionable.  Harold Corwin notes this is one of JH's earliest discoveries, found on only his 11th sweep (out of 810).

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NGC 7773 = UGC 12820 = MCG +05-56-015 = CGCG 498-022 = PGC 72681

23 52 09.9 +31 16 36; Peg

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, round, fairly even surface brightness except for stellar nucleus which appears offset to SW side.  A mag 13 star is attached at the NNE edge and a mag 12 star is 2' NNW.  The stellar nucleus may be a superimposed mag 15 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7773 = H II-851 = h2277 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971) and logged "vF, S, R, lbM, south preceding a very small star."  JH called this galaxy "eF" on two nights and "the faintest conceivable" on a third.

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NGC 7774 = UGC 12819 = MCG +02-60-022 = CGCG 432-037 = Holm 821a/b = PGC 72679 = PGC 93142

23 52 10.7 +11 28 13; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

24" (1/1/16): at 375x; this very close, merged system (15" between nuclei) was easily resolved as double at 375x.  The brighter and larger component is on the west side.  It appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~24" diameter, contains a very small bright nucleus.  PGC 93142 is attached on its east side (the galaxies are virtually tangent) and appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated, 12"x9".  An uncatalogued mag 11.3/12.3 pair at 8" separation is 5.7' NW.  IC 1513 is 21' SE.

 

17.5" (11/30/91): this is a small double system elongated E-W and just resolved at 220x into a double nuclei but not cleanly separated.  The brighter component is at the west side and appears faint, very small, round.  The fainter companion (LEDA 93142) is attached at the east end within a common halo and appears very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  The separation is just 15" between centers!

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7774 = Sw. IV-100 on 9 Aug 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; in center of equilatoral triangle of 3 stars; double star near np."  His RA is 10 seconds too large (a similar offset as NGC 153, 163 and 217, all observed the same night) and his description matches UGC 12819.

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NGC 7775 = UGC 12821 = MCG +05-56-016 = CGCG 498-024 = PGC 72696

23 52 24.4 +28 46 22; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 20”

 

17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, very weak concentration.  Located 4.2' N of mag 9 SAO 91549.  Forms a pair with an anonymous galaxy 6' E.  NGC 7777 lies 30' SSE.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7775 = St XIII-98 on 6 Oct 1883.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7776 = IC 1514 = MCG -02-60-022 = PGC 72812

23 54 16.6 -13 35 11; Aqr

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 153”

 

17.5" (10/21/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.4'.  Weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.  Located 2.3' NE of a mag 10.6 star.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' SW between the galaxy and the brighter star.  Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC and identified as IC 1514 in MCG.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7776 = LM 1-270 on 31 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 15.0; vS; lE 315; gbM; near #268 [NGC 7761]."  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but Harold Corwin examined his field sketch and found it matches MCG -02-60-022 = PGC 72812.  This galaxy is 1.6 min of RA east of Stone's position and 12' south.  Johann Palisa independently discovered this galaxy on 19 Sep 1893 with the 27" refractor at Vienna and it was recatalogued as IC 1514.  So, NGC 7776 = IC 1514.  MCG uses the IC designation.

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NGC 7777 = UGC 12829 = MCG +05-56-018 = CGCG 498-026 = PGC 72744

23 53 12.5 +28 17 00; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 48”

 

24" (10/13/12): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~48"x35", sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo.  Picked up while viewing Comet 168P/Hergenrother, which was in the same 30' field.

 

17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 7775 is 30' NNW.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7777 = St VIII(a)-30 on 25 Oct 1876.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7778 = UGC 12827 = MCG +01-60-043 = CGCG 407-069 = WBL 727-001 = PGC 72756

23 53 19.7 +07 52 15; Psc

V = 12.7;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (9/15/07): moderately bright but fairly small, round, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  This is the 3rd brightest of 5 NGC galaxies in the NGC 7782 group and forms a 1.8' pair with slightly brighter NGC 7779 just 1.8' E.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): third brightest of five in the NGC 7782 group.  Moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.  Not as large or bright as NGC 7779 1.8' E.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' NW.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, small bright core.  Observed at 220x.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Appears just slightly fainter than similar NGC 7779 1.8' E in the NGC 7782 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7778 = H III-231 = h2278, along with NGC 7779, on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and recorded "Two, vF, stellar."  His single position is between the pair.  On 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280), JH logged "pB; R; psbM; 20"."

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NGC 7779 = UGC 12831 = MCG +01-60-045 = CGCG 407-070 = WBL 727-002 = PGC 72770

23 53 26.8 +07 52 32; Psc

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10”

 

18" (9/15/07): moderately bright and large, irregularly round, 0.9'x0.8'.  Well concentrated with a bright, 30" core.  With direct vision the core contains a very small, bright nucleus.  Forms a 1.8' pair with NGC 7778 to the west.  Second brightest in the NGC 7782 group.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): second brightest of five in the NGC 7782 group.  Moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, bright core, diffuse halo.  Forms a close pair with slightly fainter NGC 7778 1.8' W.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated, even surface brightness, similar size to NGC 7778.  Viewed at 220x.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): faint, small, round, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7779 = H III-232 = h2279, along with NGC 7778 on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and recorded "Two, vF, stellar."  On 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280), JH logged "pB; R; psbM; 20"."

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NGC 7780 = UGC 12833 = MCG +01-60-046 = CGCG 407-071 = PGC 72775

23 53 32.2 +08 07 05; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 3”

 

18" (9/15/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.4'x0.2', slightly brighter along the major axis, weak concentration with a small, slightly brighter core.  Located 10' NW of NGC 7782, the brightest of 5 NGC galaxies in a group.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): faintest of five in the NGC 7782 group.  Faint, small, very diffuse, elongated N-S, very weakly concentrated core.  Two faint stars are off the NE edge with the closest 1.7' NE of center.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, small, very diffuse, elongated ~N-S.  Two mag 14.5 stars are off the NE edge.  Located 9' NNW of NGC 7782 in a group.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7780 = St XII-96 on 18 Oct 1881.  Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy in 1886 and communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer.  Dreyer referenced Swift's 4th discovery list, though he probably meant his 6th list which was under preparation when the NGC was published.  But Swift didn't include it in either his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC.  Perhaps Swift became aware of Stephan's prior discovery, though a few other objects nevery appeared in his dozen lists.

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NGC 7781 = MCG +01-60-047 = CGCG 407-072 = WBL 727-003 = PGC 72785

23 53 46.0 +07 51 38; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 13”

 

18" (9/15/07): one of the two faintest members of 5 in the NGC 7782 group.  At 260x appears faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x10".  A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge.  Located 5' E of NGC 7779 and 7' SSW of NGC 7782.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): fourth brightest of five in the NGC 7782 group.  Fairly faint, very small, bright core, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge of the core just 12" from the center.  Located 4.8' ESE of NGC 7779 and 6.9' SSW of NGC 7782.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): faint at 220x but visible with direct vision.  Faint star just at the west edge.  At 220x, appears very small, slightly elongated ~N-S.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): very faint, very small.  A faint star is involved.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7781 = h2280 on 16 Aug 1830 and logged "F; S; R; the faintest of 3 [with NGC 7779 and 7778]."  WH discovered nearby NGC 7778, 7779 and 7782, but missed this fainter galaxy.

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NGC 7782 = UGC 12834 = MCG +01-60-048 = CGCG 407-073 = WBL 727-004 = PGC 72788

23 53 53.9 +07 58 14; Psc

V = 12.2;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175”

 

18" (9/15/07): largest and brightest in a group of 5 NGC galaxies viewed at 260x.  Moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 N-S, 1.0'x0.6'.  Broadly concentrated with a relatively large, brighter core that is slightly offset to the north side as the halo is more extended towards the south.

 

17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, halo broadly concentrated to core, substellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group of five galaxies with NGC 7781 7' SSW and the NGC 7778/NGC 7779 pair about 10' SW.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): Largest and brightest in a group of five with NGC 7778, NGC 7779, NGC 7780, NGC 7781.  Appears moderately bright, moderately large, fairly even surface brightness.

 

13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint, diffuse but easy, elongated N-S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7782 = H III-233 = h2281, along with NGC 7778 and 7779, on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and recorded "vF, E; but very hazy weather."  On 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) he noted "cF; pL glbM."  On 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280), JH logged "pB; pL; gbM; 40"."

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NGC 7783 = HCG 98A = Arp 323 NED1 = VV 208A = (R)NGC 7783A = UGC 12837 = MCG +00-60-058 = PGC 72803

23 54 10.1 +00 22 58; Psc

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 100”

 

48" (10/25/14): at 610x; HCG 98A, the largest and brightest in the quartet, appeared bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, moderately large, ~1.0'x0.4', small bright core.  A star (mag 15-16) is at the ESE tip.  Forms a near contact pair with HCG 98B, just southeast of the star.

 

HCG 98B appeared moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 21"x14", small brighter nucleus.  Located 1.8' S of mag 9.4 HD 223975.  The halo of 98A and 98B are fully merged on the SDSS image.  HCG 98C, 1.3' SSE of HCG 98B, appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 15"x12".  A mag 15.5 star is 0.4' N.  SDSS J235412.56+002113.3, an extremely faint galaxy (V = 18.0) is just 21" SW. HCG 98D is very faint, round,10" diameter. low even surface brightness.  The faintest member in the HCG 98 quartet is located 40" N of NGC 7783 and 1.1' S of a mag 9.4 star that hampers viewing.

 

18" (9/3/05): the brightest member of HCG 98 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4'.  Forms a near contact double system with HCG 98B nearly attached to the SE end.  View hampered by mag 9.4 HD 223975 just 1.8' N.  HCG 98B is very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.3'x0.2'.  HCG 98C was barely visible; just an extremely faint and small, round, 5" knot.  Situated close south of a mag 15.5 star.

 

17.5" (9/7/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.1'x0.4'.  Seems brighter on the west end.  Brightest member of three viewed in HCG 98 and merges with NGC 7783B = HCG 98b on the SE end [35" between centers].  Located just 1.8' S of a mag 9 star.  HCG 98B is very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 20"x10".  There is a slightly darker gap where the galaxies are attached.  HCG 98C, just 1.8' SE is extremely faint and small, round.  At first, I thought it was the mag 15.5-15 star about 25" N.  After careful viewing I could see there were two distinct objects here although the star and galaxy were very difficult to view simultaneously.

 

17.5" (11/6/88): fairly faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.  Forms a contact pair with NGC 7783B = HCG 98B at the SE end.  HCG 98B is faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  The pair is situated 1.8' S of mag 9 SAO 128452.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7783 = m 591 = Sf 99 on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "F, S, lE."  His position matches MCG +00-60-058 = HCG 98A, although he apparently missed HCG 98B, attached at the southeast end or thought it was a single object.  Truman Safford independently discovered this galaxy on 23 Oct 1867 using the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory, and also measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7784 = MCG +04-01-001 = CGCG 477-029 = PGC 72862

23 55 13.6 +21 45 44; Peg

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, round, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 7786 10' S.  Located 6' NE of mag 8.6 SAO 91575.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7784 = St XIII-99, along with NGC 7786, on 1 Oct 1883.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7785 = UGC 12841 = MCG +01-60-049 = CGCG 407-075 = PGC 72867

23 55 19.0 +05 54 57; Psc

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 143”

 

17.5" (8/29/92): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, striking bright core.  A mag 14 star is 1.0' N of center.  Three bright stars are near and the galaxy forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 9 stars 3.0' SE and 3.3' SSE.  Located 4.4' ESE of mag 8.2 SAO 128465.

 

8" (7/24/82): faint, small, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 8 star is 4' W and two other mag 9 are close south and east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7785 = H II-468 = h2282 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and recorded "vF, pS, irr figure."  John Herschel made 4 observations, calling this galaxy either "B" or pB".

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NGC 7786 = UGC 12842 = MCG +03-60-038 = CGCG 455-065 = CGCG 456-001 = LGG 483-003 = PGC 72870

23 55 21.5 +21 35 17; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 0.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.6;  PA = 2”

 

17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, bright core.  Pair with NGC 7784 10' N.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7786 = St XIII-100, along with NGC 7784, on 1 Oct 1883.  His micrometric position is very accurate.

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NGC 7787 = UGC 12847 = MCG +00-01-001 = CGCG 382-001 = PGC 72912

23 55 52.0 +00 33 28; Psc

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.65'

 

24" (8/31/16): at 324x; faint to fairly faint, small, round, stellar nucleus, ~15" diameter.  Located 4' W of UGC 12849, the galaxy generally taken as NGC 7787. The two galaxies are comparable in visibility.

 

UGC 12849 appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 30"x12", slightly brighter core.  A mag 12.6 star is just 36" NW of center and interferes somewhat with the visibility.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7787 = m 592 on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is 17 seconds of RA west of UGC 12849, the galaxy generally taken as NGC 7787 and in fact lands on UGC 12847.  MCG labels this galaxy as NGC 7787, but UGC 12849 is taken as NGC 7787 is PGC, NED, HyperLeda and SIMBAD.

 

Harold Corwin agrees with my identification, and notes "Aside from the possibility of a systematic offset in Marth's positions on the night he found the galaxy, there is no reason to suppose that he didn't see UGC 12847.  We will check the possibility of a systematic error in other of Marth's positions measured on the same night.  I am reasonably confident that the earlier cataloguers did not make this check, so am reassigning the NGC number to what is undoubtedly the galaxy that Marth actually saw."

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NGC 7788 = OCL-275 = Cr 459 = Lund 1052 = C 2354+611

23 56 46 +61 24 00; Cas

Size 9'

 

18" (11/26/03): fairly small, 4' rich clump of roughly two dozen stars.  Includes a mag 9.7 star (SAO 20947) on the west side.  Several other mag 10 stars are scattered nearby but the cluster still stands out fairly well in a rich Milky Way star field.  NGC 7790 is situated 16' SE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): about a dozen mag 12-14 stars over haze in a 1.5' diameter.  Includes a single bright star mag 9.3 SAO 20947 on the west edge.  This is a small but distinctive group in a very rich field.  Situated within a string of open clusters with NGC 7790 and Harvard 21.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7788 = h2283 on 5 Oct 1829 and recorded a "vS and close cluster.  One * 10m with a great many minute stars close to it."

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NGC 7789 = Cr 460 = Lund 1053 = OCL-269 = Caroline's Rose Cluster = Caroline's Cluster

23 57 24 +56 42 30; Cas

V = 6.7;  Size 16'

 

17.5" (10/12/85): a few hundred stars were resolved in a 20' field.  Remarkably rich and fairly uniform carpet of stars mag 11 and fainter.

 

8" (11/8/80): extremely rich, uniform in faint stars.  Certainly among the top open clusters with this aperture.

 

15x50mm (9/6/10): bright but unresolved 15' glow.

15x50mm (7/26/06): moderately bright glow, at least 10' diameter.  Observed using IS binoculars.

 

Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 7789 = H VI-30 = h2284 on 30 Oct 1783 (William had just started his sweeps two nights earlier) with her 4.2-inch reflector, noting "between Sigma and Rho Cass, a fine nebula, very strong."  William resolved the cluster with his 6.2-inch reflector on 11 Mar 1784.  On 18 Oct 1787 (sweep 769) he called it "a beautiful cluster of very compressed stars, very rich." That evening he swept with a binocular set-up, using two eyepieces. John Herschel called it "a most superb cluster, which fills the field and is full of star; gbM; but no condensation to a nucleus; st 11...18m."

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NGC 7790 = Cr 461 = OCL-276 = Lund 1054 = C 2355+609

23 58 24 +61 12 30; Cas

V = 8.5;  Size 17'

 

18" (11/26/03): ~30 stars resolved in a 4.5'x2.5' region, fairly rich.  Three mag 11 stars are along the west side of the cluster and a slightly brighter mag 10 star is ~4' SE of the main group.  This cluster is slightly larger than NGC 7788 ~16' NW.  Fainter Be 58 lies 20' SE.

 

13.1" (9/29/84): largest of three open clusters on a line.  Roughly two dozen stars mag 10-15 are resolved in a 5'x2' region elongated E-W.  A mag 10 star is about 4' SE of the center and a couple of similar stars are on the west side of the cluster.  The slightly fainter cluster NGC 7788 is located 15' NW.  The three clusters span about 1” including Harvard 21.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7790 = H VII-56 = h2285 on 16 Dec 1788 (sweep 892) and recorded "a pretty compressed cl of small stars of several sizes; considerably rich; E nearly in the parallel.  5 or 6' long."  JH reported "a double star in the p part of a pretty rich cluster; diam 4'; stars 12...13m; the f part most compressed."

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NGC 7791

23 57 57.3 +10 45 56; Peg

 

= **, Reinmuth and Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7791 = h2286 on 10 Oct 1830 and noted "vF; vS.  Query if not a star."  At his position is a very faint double star.  d'Arrest was unable to find it and Reinmuth described a "F double star 15 and 16 cont 130 deg; no neb."  Carlson repeated this conclusion in her 1940 list of NGC/IC errata.  DSS shows a very close double star (~6.5") oriented NW-SE.

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NGC 7792 = MCG +03-01-066 = CGCG 456-007 = PGC 73066

23 58 03.6 +16 30 05; Peg

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (8/29/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a vertex of a small parallelogram with three mag 14 stars with sides 1.5' length.

 

ƒdouard Stephan discovered NGC 7792 = St V-15 on 20 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF, eS, with a condensation in the centre."  His position is accurate. The CGCG declination is 30' too far north (typo).

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NGC 7793 = ESO 349-012 = MCG -06-01-009 = AM 2355-325 = LGG 004-003 = PGC 73049 = Bond's Galaxy

23 57 49.8 -32 35 28; Scl

V = 9.1;  Size 9.3'x6.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 98”

 

48" (10/31/13): bright showpiece galaxy, very large, oval 3:2 E-W, ~7'x4.5', large bright core.  Spiral structure was evident, though it was difficult to trace individual arms except for one better defined arm attached on the west side of the core.  This arm sweeps towards the east on the south side of the core (~2' from center) and ends just east of center.  The halo appeared lumpy with an irregular surface brightness and several HII knots/associations were visible.  The brightest individual knot is [H69] #20 from Paul Hodge's 1969 paper "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies".  This fairly faint, 10" knot was easily seen 1.5' S of center, near the south side of the halo.  [H69] #27, a slightly smaller and fainter patch is near the west-northwest end of the halo (1.9' from center).  On the west-southwest side of the halo were two additional close, faint knots, both ~8" in diameter; [H69] #32 situated 2.3' from center and [H69] #33 at 2.4' from center.  Finally, [H69] #3/5 is a fairly faint, 15" patch near the northeast edge of the halo, 2.8' from center.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the northern edge, 2.9' from center.

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; most of the detail seen in the 48" was visible, but the HII regions were not as obvious.  The galaxy extended roughly 8' x 5' WNW-ESE and contained a relatively large core region that gradually brightened towards the center.  Although the halo appeared mottled and ragged, spiral structure was subtle.  A very low contrast "arm" extends due west on the northwest side of the core and another "arm" appeared to extend east on the southeast side of the core.  I noted 4 HII regions: the most obvious is [H69] 20, a faint, 10" knot near the south edge of the halo, ~1.5' from center.  [H69] 3/5, a larger, very diffuse isolated patch, perhaps 20" in size, was seen on the northeast edge of the halo, 2.9' from center.  Closer to the core I noted two very low contrast knots, both ~8" in diameter.  [H69] 11 is 1.3' NE of center and [H69] 10 is 1.2' E of center.

 

17.5" (8/20/88): bright, very large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, very large broadly brighter halo, small bright core.  A mag 12 star is off the north side 2.8' from center.

 

8" (11/8/80): very large, oval, low surface brightness.

 

16x80mm (8/20/88):  easily visible in the finder.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 7793 = D 608 = HN 4 on 14 Jul 1826 and recorded a "faint round nebula, about 2' diameter, with a very slight condensation towards the centre; a double star is north preceding" (2 observations).  His position is 14' too far east (typical error).  Apparently John Herschel didn't observe this galaxy from South Africa.

 

George Bond independently found the galaxy on 7 Nov 1850 at Harvard College Observatory with a 4" comet-seeker and announced it as a new discovery.  Bond is credited with the discovery in the NGC.  His RA is 40 seconds too large though he mentioned his position required further confirmation. Since John Herschel didn't include NGC 7793 in the GC (possibly because of Bond's comment) but Dreyer added it to the GC Supplement (6233).  An accurate position from the Cordoba D.M was stated in the IC 1 notes.

 

Based on a photograph taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14, Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an "open spiral, knotty and complex."  A later plate revealed a "bright sharp stellar nucleus" and "very many knots and patches."

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NGC 7794 = UGC 12872 = MCG +02-01-004 = CGCG 433-010 = PGC 73103

23 58 34.2 +10 43 41; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 0”

 

17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is just off the SW edge 50" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7794 = H III-466 = h2288 on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and logged "vF, S, R, lbM."  JH made the single observation "eF; irreg fig; pL; 40"."  Heinrich d'Arrest measured two micrometric positions and noted the mag 14 star that precedes by 1.9 seconds and a separation of 40".

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NGC 7795

23 57 33.5 +60 01 25; Cas

Size 10'

 

17.5" (12/20/95): scattered group of two dozen stars in a 10' diameter mostly north and east of mag 6.5 HD 224404.  Most stars are mag 11-13 (with one brighter mag 9.5 star) and only a few faint members.  There are two mag 9 stars 4' and 6' S of the mag 6.5 star but these are really detached from the group.  The brighter mag 11 stars form a boxy outline and there is circular hole void of stars in the center.  This asterism is only noticeable at 100x and 220x because of the mag 6.5 star and the group is somewhat detached in the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7795 = h2287 on 29 Sep 1829 and recorded "A star 7m, the chief of a vL coarse scattered but poor cl which fills the field.  Stars 10m."  There is no bright star near his (single) position, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA preceding is mag 6.5 SAO 35922.  The DSS shows a good scattering of fairly bright stars nearby, mainly to the north.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent, using the incorrect NGC position.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7796 = ESO 149-007 = AM 2356-554 = PGC 73126

23 58 59.8 -55 27 30; Phe

V = 11.5;  Size 2.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 168”

 

25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; very bright, large, ~1.5'-1.7' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a very well defined intensely bright core and much fainter halo.  The core gradually increases to either a quasi-stellar or stellar nucleus.  Mag 8.0 HD 224288 lies 20' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7796 = h4009 on 11 Sep 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R; gmbM; 25"."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 7797 = UGC 12877 = MCG +00-01-011 = CGCG 382-010 = PGC 73125

23 58 58.9 +03 38 05; Psc

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10”

 

17.5" (11/6/88): very faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7797 = H III-867 = h2289 on 6 Dec 1790 (sweep 984) and recorded "eF, pS, lbM, irr R.  I saw it with difficulty, but very well."  JH made the single observation "eF; not vS." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 7798 = UGC 12884 = Mrk 332 = MCG +03-01-010 = CGCG 456-009 = PGC 73163

23 59 25.5 +20 44 59; Peg

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (7/20/90): moderately bright, fairly small, round, increases to bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 1.4' SSW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7798 = H II-232 = h2290 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "F, S, R, or large stellar."  He observed this galaxy again on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) and noted "B, S, R, mbM, near a star."  JH made the single observation "pB; S; R; bM; has a * 10m 60” sp, distance 65"."

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NGC 7799

23 59 31.5 +31 17 44; Peg

V = 14.5

 

18" (10/29/11): this number refers to the fainter northeast component of a 20" pair of mag 13.6/14.4 stars.  The pair was easily resolved at 225x and there was no hint of a nebulous image.  Another 13" pair (with a 3rd component squeezed between) lies 3' SW.  Located 13' NW of mag 8 HD 224769.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7799 on 7 Nov 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single observation mentions a mag 16 star is southwest by 20" and at his position on the DSS is a 21" pair of stars oriented southwest-northeast.  So, d'Arrest must have thought the northeast component was slightly nebulous.  Coincidentally his position is 9 seconds of RA east of UGC 12882, an extremely faint edge-on (too faint to have been seen by d'Arrest).  RNGC, PGC, Megastar and probably other amateur software misidentify UGC 12882 as NGC 7799. NED and HyperLeda identify NGC 7799 as a star.

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NGC 7800 = UGC 12885 = MCG +02-01-007 = CGCG 433-012 = PGC 73177

23 59 36.8 +14 48 25; Peg

V = 12.6;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 42”

 

17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' ESE and a mag 14.5 star is just off the NE end, 1.5' NNE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7800 = H II-10 = h2291 on 24 Dec 1783 (early sweep 62) and noted "a nebula, vF, E.  Has two or three places in which I suspect vF stars."  On 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590) he logged "F, E, bM, pL, the extension not far from the meridian; from sp to nf."  John Herschel apparently observed this galaxy on his first sweep of 2 Nov 1823, but didn't identify it later.  On 12 Sep 1828 (sweep 175), he logged "F; S; E; irreg fig; 18"."

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NGC 7801

00 00 22 +50 44 24; Cas

Size 12'x6'

 

17.5" (11/6/93): three dozen mag 9-14 stars in a coarse 12'x6' group.  The rectangular outline is elongated 2:1 ~N-S.  Includes several brighter mag 9-10 stars (SAO 35975, 35977, 35990), scattered and best view at 100x.  A richer subgroup of 10 stars along the east side includes two nice doubles and several faint stars.  A mag 9 star is near a void in the center.  Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7801 = h2292 on 8 Sep 1829 and reported "A double star [HJ 1923] in a tolerable cluster in which is one star 9m."  His position corresponds with a scattered group of brighter stars (probably an asterism).

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NGC 7802 = UGC 12902 = MCG +01-01-008 = CGCG 408-007 = PGC 81

00 01 00.4 +06 14 31; Psc

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 52”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, well defined small bright core, much fainter extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7802 = h2293 on 25 Sep 1830 and logged "vF; S; R; psbM."  His single position is accurate.

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NGC 7803 = HCG 100A = UGC 12906 = MCG +02-01-011 = CGCG 433-013 = PGC 101

00 01 20.0 +13 06 41; Peg

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85”

 

48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared bright, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core.  A 17" pair of mag 14.4/15.1 stars is 1' NW.  Flanked by HCG 100B 1.5' E and 100D 1.2' W.  All 4 galaxies in HCG 100 fit within a circle of radius 2'.  In addition, MCG +02-01-013, an extremely faint galaxy, lies 1.2' SE of 100D and Mrk 935 lies 4.7' ESE of 100D.

 

24" (11/7/18): at 375x; moderately bright and large, oval ~3:2 E-W, ~45"x30". Contains a relatively large, very bright core region that gradually increases towards the center.  A pair of mag 14.5/15 stars lie 1' NW.  Forms a close pair with HCG 100B 1.5' E. The companion was faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 25"x20", low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 45" E.  HCG 100C, 2.5' NW, appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 20"x15".  Often visible with careful averted vision but could not nearly hold.  Mrk 935 (not a HCG 100 member but same redshift) at 6' E of NGC 7803 was almost fairly faint, small, roundish, 20" diameter.

 

18" (9/24/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, increases in size to ~0.8'x0.4' with averted vision.  Contains a small, brighter core that is rounder.  A faint pair of mag 14/15 stars lies 1' WNW.  Precedes a mag 11 star by 2'.  Forms a close pair with HCG 100B, which appeared very faint, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.3'x0.2'. A mag 11 star is less than 1' following.

 

17.5" (11/10/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core.  A pair of mag 14/15 stars lie 1' WNW.  This galaxy is the brightest in the compact HCG 100 group.  Forms a close pair with HCG 100B 1.5' E.  The fainter companion is very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Sandwiched between NGC 7803 1.5' W and a mag 11 star 46" ENE.

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, almost even surface brightness.  A pair of mag 14 and 14.5 stars is 1' WNW.  Collinear with two stars mag 12.5 and mag 11 2.3' E and 4.0' E, respectively.  NGC 7810 lies 18' ESE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7803 = Sw. VI-98 on 5 Aug 1886 and recorded pF; pS; F * nr np; near and between the 2 preceding of 3 stars in a line; np of 2 [with NGC 7810?]."  His position is 12 seconds of RA west and 50" north of UGC 12906 (3' error), the brightest galaxy in HCG 100.  Howe measured an accurate position in 1897.

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NGC 7804

00 01 18.7 +07 44 55; Psc

Size 10"

 

18" (11/17/08): this 10" unequal pair of faint stars was resolved at 175x and easily split at 325x.  Located 3' N of a pale orange/blue-white pair (Du 4 = 9.6/10.2 at 15").  A third mag 10 star lies just 1.4' ESE of the closer pair.

 

This erroneous NGC entry is from Schweizer (Observations de Moscou, II, 115).  But in four observations Engelhardt could only see a double star without nebulosity  and the region was carefully examined by Burnham (Publ of Lick Obs, II) on two nights and only a faint pair was found: "but there was no trace of nebulosity about it, or anywhere in the vicinity."  He measured the separation (1891) as 9.8" in PA 55.6”.

 

Kaspar Gottfried Schweizer, director of the Moscow Observatory, discovered NGC 7804 on 22 Oct 1860.  The discovery wasn't published until 1875 (Observations de Moscou, II, 115).  At his exact position is a pair of mag 14 stars at 10" separation.  In four observations Engelhardt could only find this double star and no nebulosity (micrometric position given).  Sherburne Burnham also carefully examined the region (Publ of Lick Obs, II) on two nights and only the faint pair was found, "but there was no trace of nebulosity about it, or anywhere in the vicinity."  He measured the separation (1891) as 9.8" in PA 55.6”.  Finally, Reinmuth says "no neb; double star 13 and 14 alm cont 50”".  This is Schweizer's only NGC entry (bio at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1904Obs....27..314L).

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NGC 7805 = Arp 112 NED1 = VV 226b = UGC 12908 = MCG +05-01-024 = CGCG 498-064 = CGCG 499-036 = Holm 826a = Mrk 333 = LGG 001-001 = PGC 109

00 01 26.8 +31 26 01; Peg

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 47”

 

24" (12/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, compact, very slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", small bright core, very small bright stellar nucleus.  Forms a similar double system (Arp 112) with NGC 7806 [50" NE between centers].  A mag 13.5 star is 1' W.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' W.  Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7806 30" off the NE edge and 54" between centers (the pair is Arp 112).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7805 = H III-855 = h2294, along with NGC 7806, on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971), and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, between 1' of each other, from 30” sp to nf."  On sweep 178, JH reported "eF; S; R: sbM; double; the sp of 2."

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NGC 7806 = Arp 112 NED2 = VV 226a = UGC 12911 = MCG +05-01-025 = CGCG 498-065 = CGCG 499-037 = Holm 826b = Mrk 333 = LGG 001-002 = PGC 112

00 01 30.1 +31 26 31; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 20”

 

24" (12/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, compact, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~24"x18", small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 7806 is the northeastern of a double system with NGC 7805 50" SW.  A mag 15.2 star is 50" SE.

 

MCG +05-01-026, a very low surface brightness arc-shaped edge-on 1' E, was not seen though the seeing was soft.  I glimpsed it, though, with certainty on 12/28/16 in Bob Douglas' 28" at 427x.  It was visible some of the time as an extremely faint and small glow, though a couple of times it elongated into a small streak.

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, oval 4:3 ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a close double system with NGC 7805 54" SW of center and about 30" off the edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7806 = H III-856 = h2295, along with NGC 7805, on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971) and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, between 1' of each other, from 30” sp to nf."  John Herschel made 3 observations and noted (sweep 178) "eF; S; R; sbM."

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NGC 7807 = ESO 538-015 = PGC 33

00 00 26.6 -18 50 31; Cet

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 27”

 

17.5" (8/25/95): extremely faint, very small, probably elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4'.  Located 6.5' WNW of a mag 11 star.  I needed to use a Guide Star Catalog chart and averted vision to pick up this galaxy.  No details were seen as it required concentration just to detect the low surface brightness glow.  A mag 15 star lies 2.9' E.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7807 = LM 1-271 at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0; pS; irr F; E 90”?"  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 1.2 min of RA west and 4' south is ESO 538-015 = PGC 33 (brightest nearby galaxy).  His uncertain PA is not a good match, though.  Howe recovered this object in 1898-99 and measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  The RA in the ESO, SGC and NGC 2000 is 48 seconds too small, due to a typo in the ESO catalogue.

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NGC 7808 = MCG -02-01-013 = PGC 243

00 03 32.1 -10 44 41; Cet

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (8/16/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round bright core dominates, slightly elongated much fainter halo SSW-NNE.  Located 3.5' NE of a mag 10 star and 20' SW of 3 Ceti (V = 5.1).  Forms a pair with MCG -02-01-012 3' SW, which is situated just 40" E of the mag 10 star.  The MCG appeared very faint, very small, elongated 5:2 N-S, 20"x8".

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 9.5 star is 4' SW.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7808 = LM 1-272 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0; vS; R; stellar N; star 8.5m at 3.6' separation in PA 240” [southwest].  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) but 2 minutes of RA east (common error) is MCG -02-01-013 = PGC 243 and the description matches.  He missed MCG -02-01-012, the faint galaxy immediately following the star.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  ESO misidentifies this number with a "Conc of stars only".

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NGC 7809 = MCG +00-01-019 = CGCG 382-018 = III Zw 126 = PGC 158

00 02 09.4 +02 56 28; Psc

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 95”

 

17.5" (11/6/88): very faint, very small, round.  Located 24' SSW of NGC 7811.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7809 = m 593 on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS."  His RA is 3 seconds too small.

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NGC 7810 = UGC 12919 = MCG +02-01-015 = CGCG 433-018 = PGC 163

00 02 19.2 +12 58 18; Peg

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 80”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 14.5 star is just 0.4' NW of center.  NGC 7803 lies 18' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7810 = H (III-984) = h2296 = Sw. VI-99 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 320) and recorded "suspected but 240 showed 2 small stars, and left it doubtful whether they contained nebulosity between them or not; rather against."  He decided to not include this object in his three catalogues and CH crossed out the internal discovery number (649) in her fair copy.  CH's reduced position is 1.5' north of UGC 12919, and the identification is certain.

 

John Herschel made 3 observations and noted on sweep 174 "eF; follows 2 stars which point a little south of it.  It is called a suspected nebula by my Father in his sweeps." He added the designation "H.MS" (Herschel manuscript) as a synonym for h2296 and Dreyer called it "(III-984)" in the NGC.

 

Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 5 Aug 1886 and recorded it as the 99th object in his 6th discovery list.  Swift's position is 16 tsec too far west but his comment "2 F stars v near and in line with it" fits perfectly.

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NGC 7811 = MCG +00-01-020 = CGCG 382-019 = III Zw 127 = Mrk 543 = PGC 168

00 02 26.5 +03 21 07; Psc

V = 14.6;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (11/6/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  A bright triangle of stars follow including mag 8.6 SAO 108985 8.2' ENE, a mag 9.2 star 10' SE and a mag 9.5 star 4.3' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7811 = m 594 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, stellar."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7812 = ESO 349-021 = MCG -06-01-016 = PGC 195

00 02 54.5 -34 14 08; Scl

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 146”

 

17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', slightly brighter core.  Lies just north of a line of three mag 12-13 stars 1.5' SSE, 2.2' SSW and 3.9' SW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7812 = h4010 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; among S stars."  His position is less than 1' too far south.

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NGC 7813 = IC 5384 = MCG -02-01-016 = Mrk 936 = PGC 287

00 04 09.1 -11 59 02; Cet

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 158”

 

17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, can just steadily with direct vision.  A mag 13 star is 3' NW.  Located 12' ESE of mag 8.2 SAO 147055.  The listed magnitude appears too bright.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 7813 = LM 2-476 in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.2; 0.5'x0.2' E 80”, *8.5 follows 38 seconds; *9 north preceding 40 seconds."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 minute east is MCG -02-01-016 = PGC 287.  His description has several inconsistencies: his position angle is well off from 158”, a mag 11-12 star follows by 25 seconds (his estimates were often a couple of mags too bright) and a mag 8 star precedes by 40 seconds.  Still, there are no other reasonable candidates nearby.  Herbert Howe found this galaxy again in 1899 while searching for Muller's object and assumed it was new because of the inconsistencies listed above, and it was recatalogued as IC 5384.  So, NGC 7813 is perhaps identical to IC 5384, but not with certainty.

 

MCG labels this galaxy as IC 5384.  Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 and the Deep Sky Field Guide both give the wrong position (based on the NGC position).  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7814 = UGC 8 = MCG +03-01-020 = CGCG 456-024 = PGC 218 = The Little Sombrero

00 03 14.9 +16 08 43; Peg

V = 10.6;  Size 5.5'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 135”

 

48" (10/23/11): gorgeous view of this showpiece edge-on spiral at 375x and 488x.  The oval central bulge was large and very bright, increasing to an intense core.  A very thin, very high contrast dust lane sliced through the major axis of the galaxy, neatly bisecting the galaxy.  On close inspection, the halo on the south side of the lane was marginally more extensive.  At the center, a small nucleus is apparently obscured, leaving only two very small brilliant "knots" on either side of the lane.  Beyond the central region, much fainter arms extend NW and SE, increasing the total size to 5'x1.5'.  The dust lane was easily visible splitting the edge-on arms until they dimmed out at the tips.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very bright, very bright large core, fainter extensions NW-SE.  Forms a pair with IC 5381 10' S.  The narrow dust lane bisecting the galaxy was not seen.  IC 5378 (Arp 130) lies 30' NNW.

 

17.5" (12/19/87): faint stellar nucleus visible.

 

13.1" (10/10/86): bright, large, large bright core, elongated NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus.

 

8" (11/8/80): moderately bright, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7814 = H II-240 = h2297 on 8 Oct 1784 (sweep 286) and logged "pF; pL; irr R; easily res."  John Herschel made the single observation "B; L; irreg R; vgbM; 2' or 3' diam; no nucleus."  R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant on 12 Oct 1885, wrote "pL and B, E, gmbM, a decided dark lane runs through it in the direction of the major axis.  The neb is rather narrower in the middle of its length and spreads out laterally towards its extremities, fading away gradually.  His sketch was included in the 1861 publication and in Plate 5, Fig 11 in the 1880 Lawrence Parsons publication.  The sketch shows the thin dust lane bisecting the core and extending out through the arms.

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NGC 7815

00 03 24.9 +20 42 14; Peg

 

= *, Gottlieb.  "Not found", Carlson.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7815 = Nova XII on 15 Oct 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  His micrometric position of 00 03 24.9 +20 42 15 (2000) falls on a mag 14.4 star, just 2.2' north of mag 7.5 HD 225097.  His notes describe "sev fine *... Seen in the neby?  The object...quite distinctly seen as a neb with stellar center; in the autumn 1869 hardly visible!"  Nearly all of Schultz' objects in the NGC are single or double stars.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 7816 = UGC 16 = MCG +01-01-018 = CGCG 408-018 = PGC 263

00 03 48.9 +07 28 43; Psc

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, moderately large, round.  Contains a bright core surrounded by a grainy halo.  The periphery gradually fades into the background.  Forms a pair with NGC 7818 7.7' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7816 = H III-436 = h2298 = h2299 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and recorded "vF, pL, lbM."  JH probably made two observations on 15 and 16 Aug 1830 that he assumed were of different objects as his dec differed by 7.5'. One of these observations is certainly NGC 7816 (assumed to be a nova), but the other could possibly be NGC 7818 (matches in dec).

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NGC 7817 = UGC 19 = MCG +03-01-021 = CGCG 456-028 = PGC 279

00 03 58.8 +20 45 03; Peg

V = 11.8;  Size 3.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 45”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, broad concentration.  An evenly matched mag 14 pair of starts with separation of 17" lies just south of the SW extension 1.3' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7817 = H II-227 = h2300 on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "F, pL, E, r."  On 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) he reported "pF, cL, E, r."  Again on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) he logged "F, E, about 2 1/2' long from sp to nf."  JH made the single observation "pB; mE; lbM; 2' l, 20" br; pos 45” nf to sp by diagram."

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NGC 7818 = UGC 21 = MCG +01-01-019 = CGCG 408-019 = PGC 288

00 04 08.9 +07 22 46; Psc

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (9/15/90): extremely faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 7816 7.7' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7818 = Sw. VI-100 on 23 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; ee diff.; follows 5048 [NGC 7816] 22 seconds and is 5' south."  His position is 5 seconds of RA west and 2' north of UGC 21, but the reference to NGC 7816 clinches this identification.

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NGC 7819 = UGC 26 = MCG +05-01-029 = CGCG 498-072 = CGCG 499-044 = LGG 001-003 = PGC 303

00 04 24.5 +31 28 20; Peg

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, round, diffuse.  Collinear with a mag 13.5 star 1.4' NNE and a mag 12.5 star 2.5' NNE of center.  Located 37' E of NGC 7806.  Appears fainter than CGCG magnitude = 14.3pg.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 7819 on 26 Oct 1872 at Birr Castle.  His full description reads "eF, L.  Nova f 2m 57.0s and 2' 32.5" n of 5042 [NGC 7805]".  His micrometric offset is accurate. Dreyer made a second observation on 5 Oct Also and he noted "3 minutes f [NGC 7805] an eF, L , diffused neb was seen."

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NGC 7820 = UGC 28 = MCG +01-01-022 = CGCG 408-021 = PGC 307

00 04 30.8 +05 12 01; Psc

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 165”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, small well-defined bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 43" SW of center.  First and brightest of four in a group with NGC 7825 14' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7820 = h2301 on 24 Sep 1830 and recorded "B; S; mE; vsmbM to a *; 12" long, has a * preceding."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 7821 = MCG -03-01-019 = PGC 367

00 05 16.7 -16 28 37; Cet

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 111”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, moderate concentration but no core.  Located 14' E of mag 5.8 SAO 147064.  The WLM System lies 1.3” NW.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7821 = LM 1-273 on 3 Nov 1885 at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0; pS; irr figure, E 125”; glbM."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.6 minutes of RA west of MCG -03-01-019 = PGC 367.  Stone later measured an accurate micrometric position in October 1887 (published in the "Southern Nebulae" monograph) and noted the PA = 100” and size 0.5'x0.3'.

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NGC 7822 = Ced 215 = LBN 587 = LBN 589

00 03 18 +68 30; Cep

Size 60'x30'

 

18" (9/15/07): at 73x (31mm Nagler) unfiltered, extends nearly 60' in length (roughly E-W).  A group of stars are involved near the middle and includes a nice isosceles triangle of mag 8/8/9 stars with separations of 2.7', 2.7' and 4' with several fainter stars nearby.  This group is clearly encased in nebulosity and extends to the east for nearly 30' with quite a few stars involved.  Fainter nebulosity also extends to the west in a wide curving lane.  The entire glow shows up well at 12.5x in the 80mm finder.  Did not experiment with filters.

 

17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, very large nebulosity best viewed in the 16x80 finder as it gives a higher contrast with the surrounding sky.  Appears elongated E-W and at least 40' in size.  At 82x, nebulosity is clearly visible in the region of a triangle of mag 8-9 stars including mag 7.9 SAO 20996 at 00 00 57.5 +68 27 27 (2000).  A large portion of the field appears weakly nebulous, though not with certainty.

 

The identification of NGC 7822 is uncertain and may apply to Ced 214 about 1.5 degrees to the south.  Here are my descriptions for Ced 214 = Sh 2-171:

18" (9/15/07): at 73x (31mm Nagler) unfiltered, Ced 214 appears as a huge, faint, irregular glow of at least 50' diameter surrounding mag 5.7 HD 225216.  Extends as far south as mag 6.3 HD 225136 (28' S of the mag 5.7 star).  The NW portion includes open cluster Be 59 (~20' NW of the mag 5.7 star).  Generally, the outline can be traced, though it is only vaguely defined in some areas.  The east side has a roughly circular outline.  Did not compare the view using a UHC or H-beta filter, although despite the previous negative result it was immediately evident without a filter.  On deep images, Ced 214 and the elongated section to the north (often taken as NGC 7822) are connected and part of a huge loop extending off the west and east side of Ced 214 and curving to the north.

 

17.5" (10/4/97): Ced 214 was not detected unfiltered at 82x or using an OIII filter.  With an H-Beta filter, a 40' field surrounding the mag 5.7 illuminating star appeared weakly nebulous in contrast to the immediate periphery.  No structure noted, although seemed roughly circular.  The small open cluster Be 59 is embedded on the NW side.  This object may be NGC 7822 if John Herschel made a 1.5 degree error in declination.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7822 = h2302 on 16 Nov 1829 and recorded "the central part of what I am positive is an enormously L, but eF neb of a round figure, though I cannot trace its limits.  Diam 10'±.  The night exquisite.  I swept often across it to be sure, but always recurred to the same place.  No doubt but can never be seen but in the best state of the air and sky. Diameter 10' +/-."   Herschel's position is just north of the 60'x30' nebula described here, though it is not of a "round figure".  Two unsuccessful obsesrvations were made with LdR's 72", probably due to the size.

 

Isaac Roberts gave dimensions of 42'x38' in MNRAS, Vol LXIII, p301 based on plates taken in 1901 and 1902, although his description (as well as possibly JH's) refers to Ced 214 = Sh 2-171, about 1.5” south of JH's position (part of the same complex).  Dreyer repeated Robert's dimensions in the IC 2 Notes section.  Harold Corwin's favors identifying Robert's nebula as NGC 7822, with Ced 215 (close to JH's position) as a secondary choice.  Either are possible, but as JH didn't mention the mag 5.7 star involved in Ced 214, I prefer Ced 215.

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NGC 7823 = ESO 111-012 = PGC 328 = PGC 349667 = PGC 349695

00 04 45.6 -62 03 42; Tuc

V = 12.6;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a bright, bar elongated N-S, punctuated by a bright, very small nucleus.  A mag 14.6 star is 1.5' SE and a mag 16.2 star is just 0.8' S.  The 20' field is very star poor.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7823 = h4011 on 11 Aug 1836 and recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 15"."  His mean position (2 observations) is fairly accurate.

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NGC 7824 = UGC 34 = MCG +01-01-025 = CGCG 408-025 = PGC 354

00 05 06.2 +06 55 12; Psc

V = 13.2;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 145”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, even concentration down to very small bright core.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.1' NW of center.  Forms a pair with UGC 36 9' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7824 = h2303 on 25 Sep 1830 and recorded "not vF; S; R; 12"; a * 9m north preceding."  His position is very accurate.

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NGC 7825 = CGCG 408-024 = WBL 002-003 = PGC 1279700

00 05 06.6 +05 12 13; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.1' NE.  Forms a trio with NGC 7827 5.3' E and UGC 37 7' ESE.  Incorrectly identified in RC3 and UGC but correct in RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7825 = h2304, along with NGC 7827, on 25 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; S; gbM." His single position matches CGCG 408-024 = PGC 1279700.  UGC, PGC and RC3 misidentify CGCG 408-027 as NGC 7825. MCG misidentifies NGC 7825 as NGC 7827.  The CGCG and RNGC identification is correct.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more on these errors.

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NGC 7826 = ESO 538-019

00 05 17 -20 41 30; Cet

 

17.5" (12/4/93): about 20 scattered mag 9-13 stars in a 15' diameter form this asterism.  Most of the stars are arranged in an elongated string oriented NNW-SSE including five brighter mag 9-10 stars.  A double star (mag 10/11.5 at 30" in pa 45”) located 10' E forms an equilateral triangle with the endpoints of the string.  The asterism stands out in field because of the brighter stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7826 = H VIII-29 = h2305 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 330) and recorded "a cl of a few coarsely scattered L stars."  At his position is a group of stars matching this description.  John Herschel noted a "A triangular group of about a dozen stars."  ESO states "concentration of stars only".  Proper motion of these stars indicate this is an unrelated asterism. The RNGC classified as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7).

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NGC 7827 = UGC 38 = MCG +01-01-027 = CGCG 408-028 = PGC 378

00 05 27.7 +05 13 20; Psc

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 36”

 

17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, irregularly round.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' ENE.  Brightest of three with UGC 37 2.7' S and NGC 7825 5.3' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 7827 = h2306, along with NGC 7825, on 25 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; S; R; sbM; has a * nf."  His position is accurate.  d'Arrest also measured an accurate position (on 3 nights) and noted the star to the northeast follows by 6 sec of time.  MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 7825.

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NGC 7828 = Arp 144 NED1 = VV 272a = MCG -02-01-025B = PGC 483

00 06 27.1 -13 24 58; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 140”

 

48" (10/23/14): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 40"x18", irregular shape with a mottled or clumpy appearance, slightly brighter along with south side. The galaxy displayed an extension or bend (slightly north) on the northwest side as if it consisted of two merged galaxies. A fainter 15" knot or patch is attached.at the northwest end.  NGC 7828 forms an interacting pair (Arp 144 = VV 272) with NGC 7829 just 0.6' between centers.  Arp 51 lies 3.2' SW and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~SW-NE, 24"x20".

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Forms a double system with NGC 7829, an extremely compact galaxy off the SE end.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7828 = LM 2-274, along with NGC 7829, in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4; 0.5' dia; pE 130” sbMN; * 15 [NGC 7829] sf 3 seconds; Double [with NGC 7829], PA 100” at 0.3' separation."  Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 at Denver (given in the IC 2 Notes).

 

In the Arp catalogue, NGC 7828 has a very unusual distorted appearance.  According to Higdon (1988), this is not a classical ring but possibly the result of stripping of the gaseous disk from a spiral galaxy during the collision with an intergalactic HI cloud.  It was rejected as a ring galaxy in "Stellar Disks of Collisional Ring Galaxies" (AJ 136, 1259,2008) by Romano et al.

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NGC 7829 = Arp 144 NED2 = VV 272b = MCG -02-01-025A = PGC 488

00 06 29.0 -13 25 14; Cet

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

48" (10/23/14): at 488x; bright, small, 15" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core ~4" diameter increasing to an intense stellar nucleus.  The core is surrounded by a small round halo.  Forms a close, interacting pair (Arp 144 = VV 272) with much larger NGC 7828 just 0.6' NW.

 

17.5" (9/15/90): faint, round, extremely small, barely non-stellar.  Appears at first glance to be as a mag 14 star just off the SE end of NGC 7828!

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7829 = LM 2-275, along with NGC 7828, in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0; 0.2' dia; R; sbMN; neb?; Double, pair at 0.3' separation in PA 100”."  Herbert Howe reported "I can see no nebulosity; it appears to be simply a star of mag 13."  Perhaps he was not using a high enough magnification.  Its appearance on the DSS is very compact but definitely non-stellar.

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NGC 7830

00 06 12.5 +08 22 46; Psc

 

= *, Corwin.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7830 = m 595, along with NGC 7834, 7835, 7837, 7838 and 7840, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted an "eF, neb * 13 m."  At his position (25 seconds of time west of NGC 7834) is a 16th magnitude star. This is perhaps Marth's object, though it's surprising he would call it 13th magnitude."  In any case, there is no other nearby galaxies (besides the ones he discovered) that he might have picked up instead.  So, this number either refers to a faint star or is lost.

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NGC 7831 = IC 1530 = UGC 60 = MCG +05-01-032 = CGCG 498-078 = CGCG 499-050 = LGG 001-005 = PGC 569

00 07 19.5 +32 36 34; And

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 38”

 

17.5" (10/12/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is at the SW end 45" from center.  Located 2.2' NNW of mag 8.9 SAO 53654.  Identified in the UGC and CGCG as IC 1530.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7831 = Sw. II-1 on 20 Sep 1885.  His description reads, "eF; vS; eE; bright star south; vF star very near."  There is nothing at his position, but 62 seconds of RA east and 8' north is UGC 60.  Similar offsets in RA and Dec yield identities for NGC 19, NGC 21 and NGC 7836, all discovered the same night (NGC 6 also shares the same offset in RA).  Furthermore, his comment of a "bright star south" matches mag 8.9 SAO 53654 located 2.2' S and "vF star very near" matches a mag 14 star at the southwest end 45" from center, so this identification is certain.

 

Bigourdan couldn't find NGC 7831 at Swift's position so when he rediscovered UGC 60 he assumed it was new and Dreyer catalogued Big. 357 as IC 1530.  CGCG, UGC, MCG label this galaxy as IC 1530 because of the unambiguous IC position, though Swift's number should apply by prior discovery.  For more, see Harold Corwin's identification notes and Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".

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NGC 7832 = IC 5386 = MCG -01-01-033 = PGC 485

00 06 28.5 -03 42 58; Psc

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 25”

 

17.5" (11/6/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 7832 = H III-190 = h4013 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made a single observation from the Cape of Good Hope: "F; R; first vg, the psbM; has 2 stars 9m sf."  His position is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 12 Sep 1896 and described IC 5386 = Sw. XI-1 as "pB; pS; vE."  His position was 5' too far southeast.  The IC position (based on Herbert Howe's observation in 1898-99) matches NGC 7832.  Corwin notes that neither Swift, Dreyer nor Howe noticed the equivalence with NGC 7832.

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NGC 7833

00 06 31.9 +27 38 26; Peg

Size 2'

 

17.5" (10/21/95): this asterism consists of four faint mag 14.5-15 stars within a 1.3' diameter although three of the stars form a very small triangle with the fourth star 1' N.  The faintest of the four stars is the northern star in the small triangle.  Located 2' NE of a close well-matched double star and in the same low field with NGC 1 and 2, just 10' ENE.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7833 = Big. 101, along with NGC 7839, on 18 Nov 1886 and recorded "Small cluster (clump) of 2.5' diameter, consisting of very faint stars, including a bit of suspected nebulosity."  At his position (just 10' west-southwest of NGC 1) is a small group of 5 stars (1.3' diameter).  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).  Archinal and Hynes mention my observation in the book "Star Clusters".

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NGC 7834 = UGC 49 = MCG +01-01-030 = CGCG 408-030 = PGC 504

00 06 37.9 +08 22 04; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 18”

 

18" (10/21/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Just follows a 40" pair of mag 13/14.5 stars oriented N-S that are close off the NW and SW side (40" NW and 25" SW).

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very diffuse, fairly small, even surface brightness.  Two stars are very close off the NW and SW end oriented N-S.  Largest in the NGC 3 group with NGC 7837/NGC 7838 4.3' ESE and NGC 7835 4.2' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7834 = m 596, along with NGC 7835, 7837, 7838 and 7840, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, vS."  His position is just off the northwest edge of the galaxy.

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NGC 7835 = MCG +01-01-031 = PGC 505

00 06 46.8 +08 25 33; Psc

V = 14.6;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 162”

 

18" (10/21/06): extremely faint, very small, appears elongated 2:1 ~N-S but only 0.4'x0.2', very low surface brightness.  Located 3.4' E of a mag 12.5 star in the NGC 3 group.  NGC 7834 lies 4' SW and NGC 7837/7838 5' SE.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, diffuse.  Forms an isosceles triangle with a mag 12 star 3.4' W and a mag 13 star 4.5' NNW.  Located 4.0' NE of NGC 7834 in the NGC 3 group.  The NGC 7837/38 pair lies 5' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7835 = m 597 on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, S, R."  His position is accurate.  The same night he found NGC's 7834, 7837, 7838, 3 and 4.

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NGC 7836 = UGC 65 = CGCG 498-079 = CGCG 499-051 = Mrk 336 = LGG 001-006 = PGC 608

00 08 01.6 +33 04 15; And

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 133”

 

17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core.  A string of four mag 11-12 stars of 5' length follows.  Not identified as NGC 7831 in the UGC or CGCG.  Listed as Anon 1 in the Webb Society Deep Sky Observers Handbook on Anonymous Galaxies.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7836 = Sw. II-2 on 20 Sep 1885 and recorded "eF; vS; R; between 2 stars."  There is nothing near his position but 75 seconds of RA east and 8' north is UGC 65.  Similar offsets in RA and Dec yield identities for NGC 19, NGC 21 and NGC 7831, all discovered the same night (NGC 6 also shares the same offset in RA).  Bigourdan measured a corrected position matching UGC 65 on 7 Sep 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).

 

UGC 65 is not labeled as NGC 7836 in the UGC or CGCG.  RNGC and PGC have the correct identification. See Malcolm Thomson's "CGCG Corrections" and Corwin's notes for more on the story.

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NGC 7837 = Arp 246 NED1 = MCG +01-01-035 = CGCG 408-034 = PGC 516

00 06 51.4 +08 21 05; Psc

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 171”

 

18" (10/21/06): extremely faint and small, round, attached at the west edge of NGC 7388 (just 0.6' between centers).  The pair is occasionally resolved with this galaxy appearing as a separate knot on the west edge of elongated NGC 7388.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very small, round.  Forms a tight double system with NGC 7838 at the east edge 38" between centers.  Member of the NGC 3 group with NGC 7834 4.2' WNW and NGC 7835 4.7' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7837 = m 598, along with NGC 7838, on 29 Nov 1864 and simply noted "eF, D neb [with NGC 7838].

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NGC 7838 = Arp 246 NED2 = MCG +01-01-036 = CGCG 408-034 = PGC 525

00 06 54.0 +08 21 03; Psc

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 93”

 

18" (10/21/06): very faint, small, very elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.4'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  Forms a double system with NGC 7837 at the west edge.  The galaxies are only resolved part of the time, otherwise the single glow appears elongated ~3:1 E-W.  Located 6.4' NW of NGC 3.

 

17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very small, round.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 7837 just 38" W of center.  Located in the NGC 3 group with NGC 7834 4.5' WNW and NGC 3 8' SE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7838 = m 598, along with NGC 7837, on 29 Nov 1864 and simply noted "eF, D neb [with NGC 7837].

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NGC 7839

00 07 00.9 +27 38 15; Peg

V = 15.3

 

= *, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7839 = Big. 102, along with NGC 7833, on 18 Nov 1886.  He noted the size as 40"-50" with several points of condensation."  At his position (just 5' southwest of NGC 1) is a mag 15 star (with a mag 17 star at 21" separation), though Corwin notes the fainter star is likely too faint to have been seen in Bigourdan's 11-inch.  The RNGC new description appears to apply to NGC 2, though the coordinates seem to refer to NGC 7839.

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NGC 7840 = PGC 1345780

00 07 08.8 +08 23 01; Psc

V = 15.5;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  PA = 127”

 

48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 24"x20", low even surface brightness.  Located 5.3' NNW of NGC 3 and 3.9' WNW of NGC 4.

 

18" (10/21/06): marginal galaxy in the NGC 3 group only glimpsed with averted and concentration, though it seemed to pop into view at the same location on a couple of occasions as a stellar or quasi-stellar knot.  Located 4' NE of NGC 7837/7838 and 5' NNW of NGC 3. Incorrectly classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 7840 = m 600 on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, S."  The same night he discovered NGC's 7830, 7834, 7835, 7837, 7838, 3, 4.  With the exception of NGC 7830, which is mostly likely a star, the other members can be confidently identified with faint galaxies.  But there is no galaxy at his position for NGC 7840 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

 

However, Harold Corwin identifies PGC 1345780 as a likely candidate.  This extremely faint galaxy is ~3' south of Marth's position.  I missed it with my 17.5" and it was a marginal object in my 18", but Marth could have seen it using Lassell's 48" equatorial.  The identification was discussed with Corwin in personal correspondence on 18 Jul 1986.  The RNGC omission is listed in my RNGC Corrections #2.

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