Galaxy selection

[Andrew]

Had a few good nights recently which has given me a chance to take a look at a fair few galaxies. Here are a few notes on a selection of these:

M51 & NGC5195 ~ The whirlpool galaxy: First impression was of two circular patches of relatively equal brightness (M51 & NGC5195). However, after a little time the large circular glow surrounding M51 became clear as did two distinct patches of brightness either side of the core, but not obviously connected to it. Comparison with photos confirms these patches correspond to bright regions within the two main arms of M51. Perhaps a little surprising that a third bright patch shown in photos southeast of the core wasn’t visible.

M105, NGC3384 & NGC3389 ~ M105 appears only marginally brighter than NGC3384. Both are approximately circular, bright and diffuse. NGC3389 was very faint but with clear east-west elongation.

M106 ~ Large and bright with an oval nucleus. Despite no sign of spiral arms, differences in structure either side of the core are consistent with photos that show these arms. For example, north of the core was a thin, bright extension that corresponds to the start of an arm which then curves around to the west. South of the core the brightness covered a larger area but was more diffuse, which is consistent with photos that suggest the spiral arm on this side of the galaxy is less distinct (photographically at least).

NGC4449 ~ The box galaxy: This one is really interesting. It shows definite mottling, several localised bright patches and has faint extensions in each corner that give it a rough X shape, although these were noticeably brighter in the S and E corners

M63 ~ The sunflower galaxy: Very bright, particularly the oval nucleus which appeared slightly mottled.

NGC 4565 ~ Spectacular edge on galaxy with a pronounced central bulge split by a very distinct dark lane. Extensions either side of the nucleus were like needles of light although appearing shorter than suggested by the listed dimensions for this object.

[Andrew]

Decided to add sketches before inverting since I think I prefer these

[The Warthog]

Damn you do nice work! Nice of you to post your FOV, too. Good stuff.

[geppetto]

Again, some stunning sketches Andrew

Excellent stuff

[FLO]

Your clearly very good at this Andrew 8)

[dazza1639]

Very nice definate WOW factor in those

Darren

[Merlin]

What type and aperture of 'scope did you use, Andrew, for these good sketches?

[SteelRat]

Real nice stuff again Andrew 8)

[Andrew]

Hi Merlin - I'm using an Orion Optics 12" f5.3 Newtonian.

[themos]

Thank you for these sketches, Andrew. Is there a web-place where one can see them all together?

[Andrew]

No web site yet - maybe I'll get around to it some time