Some Messier Galaxies Less Well Trodden

[Stub Mandrel]

I've been filling in the gaps in my photos of Messier Objects, mostly galaxies. Many of them are delightful objects, especially compared to those dull-as-dishwater (in isolation) elliptical galaxies in Markarian's Chain whose delight solely comes from how they are arranged.

All of these are LRGB images, about half an hour of luminance and 6-15 minutes for each of RGB,  aside from M40 which is only about 10 minutes of L and a few minutes for each of RGB.

First M40, which is just two stars that happen to be lined up, but nearby two pretty little galaxies you can't help wishing Messier spotted.

Next M94, the Croc's Eye, a galaxy so outrageously dressed up in concentric rings it's like a cake. This one would benefit from much more exposure time.

M99 is far less neat and tidy, flinging arms in all directions like a miniature M101 justifying the name of 'Coma Pinwheel'.

M102 is so small that you wonder how Messier spotted it, it doesn't even appear on Wikipedia's map of Messier Objects! One name is 'cat scratch galaxy' look closely and you'll see why.

M104 is a more popular target, the Sombrero Galaxy, but a challenge for me as it floats through light pollution.

M109 is really pretty, but for some reason it doesn't get a popular name.

Edited April 23, 2020 by Stub Mandrel

[Davey-T]

Nice set Neil. I've been gathering data on M99 the last few clear nights, guess I ought to see if it's any good 😂

Dave

[cuivenion]

Great stuff, that Croc's eye is especially good!