Observing galaxies in Perseus 11 October 2015 20:33

Context

As you look towards Perseus you are looking just below the galactic plane under the Perseus spiral arm of our galaxy which itself is about 7,000 light years away.

The Perseus-Pisces supercluster wall of galaxies starts in this constellation. It stretches from RA 3h +40 in Perseus to 23h + 10 in Pegasus and is around 200 million light years away.

Apart from NGC 1023 the galaxies in this constellation are on the faint side.

The constellation is well placed from late summer to early winter. Relatively bright galaxies

This section covers the galaxies that were visible with direct vision in my 16 inch or smaller scopes. This list will therefore grow over time as I have not yet viewed all the galaxies in good conditions at maximum altitude in my 16 inch scope!

NGC 1023 MAG 9

This is the brightest galaxy in this constellation. It is a fine galaxy to observe and sits in a triangle of stars. I have seen this in my 25 x 100 mm binoculars.

It is 36 million light years away and is the lead member of a group of about ten galaxies.

NGC 1275 MAG 11 - ABEL 426

This galaxy sits at the heart of the Perseus supercluster 230 million light years away. There are loads of galaxies in this field. I have only managed to see NGC 1272 with my 14 inch scope.

By constellation Page 1 NGC 1169 MAG 11

The bright core of this galaxy stands out well in the sparse field of view.

NGC 1138 MAG 11

Relatively small galaxy. It was possible to hold it in view with direct vision in my 16 inch scope.

By constellation Page 2 Other special galaxies and galaxy groups of note

I have set out below a selection of observed galaxies and galaxy groups of note in the constellation.

NGC 1161 and NGC 1160

These galaxies form a pair although I was only able to see NGC 1161 in my 10 inch scope.

Full list of observed galaxies in Perseus ref1 SIZE SHAPE Visual mag Comments MLY Surf INSTRUMENT scale brtness NGC 1023 medium oval 1 9.4 Nice small galaxy 36 12.8 25 x 100B NGC 1169 small oval 1 11.3 Sparse FOV. Bright core 104 13.8 Skywatcher 10 inch NGC 1275 very small circular 1 11.9 Nice oval galaxy 234 13.1 Darkstar 14 inch NGC 1138 very small circular 1 12.8 Quite obvious with AV 105 12.6 Meade 16 inch NGC 1161 very small circular <0.5 11.0 Hazy evening. This galaxy was faint, 86 12.8 Skywatcher 10 inch

By constellation Page 3 NGC 1161 very small circular <0.5 11.0 Hazy evening. This galaxy was faint, 86 12.8 Skywatcher 10 inch only visible with averted vision. No sign of NGC 1160 NGC 1058 small circular <0.5 11.2 Large low sbr irregular galaxy 21 13.4 Skywatcher 10 inch NGC 1003 medium oval <0.5 11.4 Large oval shaped glow 26 13.8 Darkstar 14 inch NGC 1272 very small circular <0.5 11.8 Nice oval galaxy 179 13.2 Darkstar 14 inch NGC 1122 very small circular <0.5 12.1 Very small faint glow! 161 12.9 Skywatcher 10 inch NGC 1106 very small circular <0.5 12.3 Very small round faint galaxy 187 13.4 Skywatcher 10 inch NGC 1167 very small circular <0.5 12.4 Small faint object 218 14.3 Darkstar 14 inch NGC 1129 small circular <0.5 12.5 Oval low sbr - visible with AV only 232 15.2 Meade 16 inch NGC 1175 very small oval <0.5 12.9 Fairly tough and small but reasonably 247 12.9 Skywatcher 10 inch visible with averted vision. Nice star filed to the North of the galaxy.

TARGET LIST AT 11 October 2015

Unseen Burnhams galaxies

NGC 1270 m12.7 - Third brightest galaxy in Perseus supercluster. NGC 1465 m14.5 - Edge on galaxy with bright core

Prepared by Mark Stuart Thornbury UK

October 2015

By constellation Page 4 Prepared by Mark Stuart Thornbury UK

October 2015

By constellation Page 5