Three galaxies.

[ollypenrice]

Highlights from a visual night last night were three galaxies, two of which I don't recall observing before, though I've imaged them both. The first was the one armed spiral, NGC 4725 ( http://ollypenrice.smugmug.com/Other/Best-of-Les-Granges/i-BCbNkR4/0/X3/NGC4725%20LRGB%2011HRS%20WEB4-X3.jpg) For some reason I'd expected this to be unrewarding visually but it was remarkably large and bright. The larger companion was also easy.

The other was the Blackeye. ( http://ollypenrice.smugmug.com/Other/Best-of-Les-Granges/i-p5JCSFT/0/X3/M64%20LRGB%205Hrs%20WEB%20CROP-X3.jpg) Another big bright one in the Dob, the dark curved structure which embraces half the inner core was easy.

Finally the Whale was a bit of a treat. That I have observed before quite often. I don't know why I have overlooked the others for so long, though. Too much imaging! 

20 inch Dob, F4.1, TV 26 Nagler and 13 Ethos. SQM 21.6. Windy and unseasonably cold!

Olly

PS The Sky Quality Meter was a present from two kind guests. I've never had my own before, relying on others to have them in their pockets! It's a brilliant bit of kit.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice report. These are all within reach of my C8, so should be wonderful in "Sir Isaac"

[YKSE]

Nice report Olle, excellent photos as always.

4725 was the last of the I bagged, early last month with C8 in mag 21.0 sky, averted vision only. This shows the difference of both aperture and sky condition. The neighboring galaxies 4712 and 4747 is on my list next year.

[YKSE]

Sorry, I lied  , it was not in 21.0 dark site, it was in 18.8 backyard, averted vision.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Nice report Olle, excellent photos as always.

4725 was the last of the I bagged, early last month with C8 in mag 21.0 sky, averted vision only. This shows the difference of both aperture and sky condition. The neighboring galaxies 4712 and 4747 is on my list next year.

Might give those a go too. Quite faint though at mag 12.8 and 12.4 respectively (a doddle with Sir Isaac from Olly's place on a good night). Fairly compact so the surface brightness might be good enough

[Paul73]

20" form a dark site! These are bright rewarding targets from my ruralish back garden. They must have been splendid.

Did you pick up the Whale's edge on companion NGC4656? They make a particularly pleasing pair in my book.

Paul

[ollypenrice]

Yes, initially I underestimated the separation. Is it edge-on or irregula, though?

Olly

[Paul73]

Good point. I had assumed that long and thin was likely to be edge on. They are both listed as Spirals. The my eye (and much smaller scope). The Whale is the lumpy bumpy one of the two. Definitely a favourite that takes magnification well.

Paul

[ollypenrice]

There's a huge amount of tidal distortion in the Hockey Stick. It may have been pulled well and truly out of shape, I dare say.

Olly

[Paul73]

Oh. I hadn't realised that was the Hockey Stick. I'll have a read.

Thanks

Paul

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

You may be talking at cross-purposes. The Hockey Stick is well separated from the Whale. The whale also has a close-in companion, as seen in the APOD image here:

That latter one (NGC 4627) is difficult. Haven't conclusively spotted that yet (some hints, close, but no cigar)

[Paul73]

Now it makes sense! Thank you Micheal.

I need to have another look under some dark sky.

Paul

[estwing]

Nice report...funny I do almost the same in my Dob 21e....then 13e or 8e that's it! Clear skies!

[ollypenrice]

The close-in one is nicknamed The Pup. A  sort of cetaceous Magellanic Cloud? 

Olly