Spring is close at hand. Yes I know It's only February 1st, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy some of the spring-time observing highlights now, it simply means observing later at night(start around 10pm).
I'm gearing up for spring by starting with photographing an entire moon cycle and creating a mosaic. But in case you're interested in getting an early start, here's a list of suggested objects to enjoy.
Clear skies to all
*Note: all objects lie within the Cancer, Leo and Leo Minor regions.
NGC 2775 - Bright spiral galaxy 60 million ly. Easily visible through an 8"
NGC 2773 & 2777 - faint companions to 2775
M67 - Ancient open cluster
M44 - Also known as the Beehive
NGC 2903 - Galaxy at the northern end of the sickle in Leo
Leo 1 - Dwarf galaxy less than 1/2 degree from Regulus. Good challenge
NGC 3190 - Also known as Hickson 44, this galaxy is the centerpiece of a group of four, and is also the brightest of the group.
NGC 3344 - Face-on galaxy in Leo Minor
M95 - Probably the highlight of this region. Comprises a group of nine galaxies in a 4 degree field. larger scopes may be able to pick up remnants of M96, a supernova
NGC 3521, NGC 3632, NGC 3628 (the Leo triplet)
Also look for Abell 1367. A large cluster of more than 100 galaxies, with several easily resolved through an 8".
There you have it. Enjoy the spring. There's more than just apple blossoms to enjoy.
Clear Skies,
David Eccles
Lompoc, CA
I'm gearing up for spring by starting with photographing an entire moon cycle and creating a mosaic. But in case you're interested in getting an early start, here's a list of suggested objects to enjoy.
Clear skies to all
*Note: all objects lie within the Cancer, Leo and Leo Minor regions.
NGC 2775 - Bright spiral galaxy 60 million ly. Easily visible through an 8"
NGC 2773 & 2777 - faint companions to 2775
M67 - Ancient open cluster
M44 - Also known as the Beehive
NGC 2903 - Galaxy at the northern end of the sickle in Leo
Leo 1 - Dwarf galaxy less than 1/2 degree from Regulus. Good challenge
NGC 3190 - Also known as Hickson 44, this galaxy is the centerpiece of a group of four, and is also the brightest of the group.
NGC 3344 - Face-on galaxy in Leo Minor
M95 - Probably the highlight of this region. Comprises a group of nine galaxies in a 4 degree field. larger scopes may be able to pick up remnants of M96, a supernova
NGC 3521, NGC 3632, NGC 3628 (the Leo triplet)
Also look for Abell 1367. A large cluster of more than 100 galaxies, with several easily resolved through an 8".
There you have it. Enjoy the spring. There's more than just apple blossoms to enjoy.
Clear Skies,
David Eccles
Lompoc, CA
