Re: Which galaxy looks like a galaxy in a 8" Dob?
- From: tony_flanders@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: 31 Jan 2006 04:02:52 -0800
CNP wrote:
> Is there any galaxy that will really look like a galaxy (distinct elliptical
> or spiral shape) in a 8" Dob?
>
> We live in a city in North America and our northern and eastern skies have
> heavy light pollution.
To summarize and agree with what everyone else has been saying:
An 8-inch scope can show a fair amount of structural detail in a large
number of galaxies. However, even moderate levels of light pollution --
let alone the levels found in any major city -- are lethal to galaxy
views.
If you really want to view galaxies, it is *essential* to take your
scope
and travel to a reasonably dark site. Dark skies are *much* more
important than aperture for viewing galaxies. Which isn't to say that
aperture isn't important, mind you -- it is, very much so.
In my opinion, the *only* galaxy visible from the Northern Hemisphere
that shows really interesting detail in an 8-inch scope under heavy
light
pollution is M82.
My number-two choice might come as a surprise to many people:
it's M33. What's surprising is that most beginners can't even detect
this galaxy under typical suburban light pollution, let alone see
detail in it. But if you can see it at all, you have some chance of
detecting the beginning of spiral structure. And the emission area
NGC 604 is visible in an 8-inch scope even under very poor skies.
- Tony Flanders
.
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