[AZ-Observing] Something To Share (Astronomy Related)
- From: "David M. Douglass" <dmdouglass@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2013 12:26:09 -0700
Every once in a while, I come up with an unusual or outstanding image (at
least to me
), which I like to share. This week has produced several of
those, but also, an unusual reaction on one from my wife (Jan). After I am
through processing my prior evenings images, she usually comes into the
office, and I show them to her. She generally gives the normal oohs and
ahhs, and that one is nice, but the other morning was different. On my
observing list from the night before, was NGC 4889 (C35), a small galaxy in
Coma Berenices, measuring about 3x2 arc minutes, and mag 11.4 (thus a faint
fuzzy). There were several (more than normal) very small stars in the
background, but I knew better.
I said See all those small background stars ??
She says Yes
I say Those arent stars. Those are all galaxies
No way ! she says
Way ! I say.
I had done my homework! C35 is often referred to as In the Coma Cluster.
I had to look that up. Thank goodness for Google Search.
The Coma Cluster (obviously in Coma Berenices) is a large cluster of small
(to our FOV) galaxies, containing over 1000 identified galaxies. They are
about 321 million light years away
..
Using TheSkyX Pro, I can generate views for my various equipment, and can
also plate solve my images. Normally, when there is an available image of
a major object, that is included as well. But when you have something like
this, they represent the small galaxies with small red ovals. I had done
a plate solve of my image, and had it ready to show her
. This one really
got to her!
In my image, NGC 4889 (C35) is pretty small, and located pretty much center
(see plate solve marker). The TheSkyX Pro image projection (both eye piece
and CCD image) are located to the lower left on the observing sheet. A
separate, larger scale image of the projection is shown below the
observation sheet.
If you are interested, you can see it all here:
http://www.az-douglass.net/astronomy/ngc4889-c35-03312013.htm
As usual, all comments are welcome. Clear Skies to all !
David M. Douglass
dmdouglass@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (secondary)
david@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (main)
Cell (602) 908-9092
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