Monday 14th March 2010

[pbyrne]

Hi all

Clear skies got me out and I managed to get a couple of sketches.

I hope you like them.

NGC 2169

The 37 cluster, but only from Australia:D. This is a bright cluster in Orion that is interesting just for the arrangement of the stars.

NGC 2360

A really nice cluster in Canis Major, it has plenty of members that are concentrated in an elongated shape.

NGC 2903

One of my favourite galaxies, this resides in Leo, not too difficult to find just off the nose of the lion. It had a prominent core with the surrounding nebulosity of the spiral arms.

Thanks for taking the time to view.

[DarkerSky]

Super sketches Paul. Those OC's are a treat to look at. I've not seen either of them before - NGC 2360 reminds me of an outline of a dragonfly in flight!

NGC 2903 is a beautiful galaxy. I sketched it a few weeks ago. Did you pick up on the brighter notch of material in the halo to the north of the core? I could make it out with averted vision in my 16". It was quite amazing

[pbyrne]

Thanks Seb.

I didn't notice the material you mentioned, it was observed from the back garden, and all associated streetlights:(. The next time I'm under dark skies I'll look out for it. Maybe that four inches of aperture will make all the difference.

Nice description of NGC 2360, and I can see the dragonfly shape, now that it's been pointed out to me. Perhaps you can register the name, The Dragonfly Cluster has a nice ring to it.