Galaxy hunting under andromeda

[mdstuart]

Finally managed to get my 14 inch dob out on my own using the wheels and arms I added to the base!

So spent a few hours hunting out a few new objects under Andromeda.

I started with M33. With the extra aperture it was possible to just trace the hints of the arms of this 50,000 light year across galaxy. I found NGC 604 the nebula in this galaxy for the first time. It looks like a little galaxy of its own!

Then on to new galaxy hunting.

NGC 661 was first on my list and it was surprisingly easy and bright. I could hold its circular glow with direct vision.

Next was NGC 736 another circular object next to a field star...I tried for NGC 740 which is the edge on in the image below but no joy despite attempting acquisition using AV.

The final two were NGC 940 and NGC 987. Both were small and faint. 940 was the brightest of the two.

Then managed to put the scope away on my own without having to get my James (16) to come outside to help me!

Great to be out again using this Dob. I do need to get something to stand on as I can only use the eyepiece up to 45 deg without standing on tip toe or on a garden chair!

NGC 987 was my 690'th new galaxy so I am nearing the 700 mark.

Mark

[Jason71]

Sounds like you had a good time. What make is your Dob

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Great report as usual. 690 galaxies is really impressive. With all that aperture you are bound to hit 700 soon. I am hoping to hit 400 coming Sunday, if the forecast holds. I have been stuck on 396 since August, so I am getting withdrawal symptoms.

[mdstuart]

Jason its a darkstar scope..they are no longer made..it was handmade and I have recently done some restoration on it. Works well now but is a bit of a beast!

Michael. Hope you have clear skies soon.

Mark

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[Jason71]

Yes it sounds like it is mark. Well as long as it does the job that's all that matters. And by how many galaxy's you have found then it looks like it is.

[swamp thing]

Nice to see your out and about with the big glass Mark.

Some good targets in that area of sky