[Lvas] Spurious M-40

[roger ivester]

Subject: Spurious object M-40; NGC 4284 and NGC 4290

 

For your consideration I would like to share some information concerning some very faint galaxies in very close proximity to this pair of 9th magnitude stars also known as "Winnecke 4".

 

The two subject galaxies are (NGC 4284) and (NGC 4290). Please see the accompanying sketch. NGC 4290 is the brighter galaxy in the center of the sketch below the DS's, and the very faint NGC 4284 makes a triangle with a pair of faint stars and is located immediately below NGC 4290. North is to the left on the sketch. The star field is approximately 0.35° or 21 minutes of arc.  

 

On a night in February 2000 with both superb seeing and transparency I was able to glimpse NGC 4284 which is a very faint 14.7 magnitude. This is the faintest object of which I have observed to date. The location was in my backyard of Boiling Springs N.C. with moderate light pollution. Averted vision was required to see N-4284 and I could not hold it constantly. My description of this galaxy was very brief. Very faint, round, with a stellar appearance.

 

I have recently discussed these objects with Fred Rayworth and he is going to review (NGC 4284) at his next session with his 16-inch.  

 

Telescope and equipment: 10-inch reflector; 16mm eyepiece with 2x barlow; magnification 142x   

 

Best regards, Roger Ivester   

 
 
 
    I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.      Abraham Lincoln




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