Hi Bill,
Interesting catch. It just goes to show that you never know what my be hiding alongside those bright DSO's.
A bit of checking shows that they are listed as MAC 1647-0202 A and B. MAC stands for Mitchell Anonymous Galaxy Catalog No magnitudes were given but the sizes were 0.6' x 0.4' for "A" and 0.4' x 0.2' for "B".
A little more searching shows that these are also listed in the USNO-A2.0 catalog. However I do not have the resources here at home to check the catalog numbers. The catalog magnitudes are: for "A" blue 16.2 and red 13.8; and for "B" blue 16.3 and red 13.4. These show that there is considerable interstellar reddening in the area. Not surprising considering their location.
Looking at these numbers, I would estimate they are at about mag 14.5 in the visual, which should make them visible in 14" telescopes or larger, and even in as small as 10" if the skies are really dark. (LM 7.0+) The biggest problem with viewing them would be interference from the stars and glow of M12. This might make a for larger telescope to be required than would be expected from the magnitudes alone.
As to possible interaction, from looking as DDS images, it does not seem like they are. There is no obvious disortion in them. You can check for yourself on the DSS images at:
http://archive.stsci.edu/cgi-bin/dss_form
To get the correct field, enter RA 16 47 00 DEC -02 03 26. If you do not have software that will let you view FITS images, change the "FILE FORMAT" to "GIF". That way it will display on your monitor.
I have not had the chance to check if anyone has taken any spectra, which could give the distances. I would be doubtful if anyone has since there are in such a crowded field. However you never know.
Kim Coulter, where are you? We need you to have a look with your 40"!
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Maurice
edited for spelling!
