Galaxies in Leo & Leo Minor (with sketches)

It cleared up somewhat late last night, and I was pretty wrecked from working on a dry stone wall all day so it was an abbreviated session. Conditions (particularly the seeing) were pretty poor, but at least there was no moon.

NGC3277 04/05/2008 22:05UTC; Pickering 3, NELM 5.5, SQM 20.5

Nearly stellar at 175x with a small dim halo (more reminiscent of a fogged eyepiece than a galaxy). Core larger at 260x, fading evenly into a still fairly compact halo. All features slightly easier in averted but also available in direct vision.

NGC3344 04/05/2008 22:15UTC; Pickering 3, NELM 5.5, SQM 20.5

Moderately bright, moderately condensed core near 3 foreground stars. Medium-sized very dim averted-vision disk extending to at least the nearest two foreground stars. Dropping down to 175x reveals central region surrounding core which is brighter than remainder of disk. Once noticed, this feature is readily apparent back at 260x. Outer regions of disk in DSS image not visible.

M66 04/05/2008 22:40UTC; Pickering 3, NELM 5.5, SQM 20.5

Obvious asymmetry at 175x and 260x, but more pronounced at 175x. Fairly bright but poorly-condensed core elongated NNW-SSE with dim direct-vision halo roughly concentric to core. Averted-vision extensions to N and S; southern one somewhat brighter and considerably more extended.

Conditions of last observation (which showed mottling in the core and southern arm) were somewhat better in transparency and considerably better in seeing. I suspect the seeing had a larger impact on this target.

Cheers,
-- Jeff

Hey Jeff again two lovely sketches you've certainly
developed your own style nice work.How's progress
with the new set up.

Jeff,

Those are two impressive sketches. Your attention to detail is exceptional.
Wishing you continued success with your observing and sketching. The sketching done by yourself and Deirdre is something to behold.

Thanks guys! I almost got two nights in a row, but it clouded over last night just as it finally got dark.

How's progress with the new set up.

The new Mak failed its final QC (the primary's overcoat was slightly too thick in the center), so it had to be stripped and re-coated. Markus is having it done in Germany so at least it doesn't have to go back to mother Russia. The stripping was done last week and the re-coating was scheduled for Friday or today. So hopefully soon....

-- Jeff.

Keep up them drawings. They are womderful.
Donal

Thanks, Donal, will do.

-- Jeff.