NGC 6745, the Bird's Head galaxy

[Howard B]

We had an excellent view of NGC 6745, the Bird's Head galaxy in Lyra - two galaxies in the process of merging - at the OSP a few weeks ago. I was going to make it the OOTW this week but Jimi reminded me that it's already had that distinction. Here are my notes and sketch:

"Well now, this is a wonderful view! The internal detail is way more than I expected and even the worm is visible - dim, but it's there. 605x, 22.00 SQM

3624 3625

I'm not sure if I saw the core of the main galaxy or the knot of bright new stars forming near it as one of the four knots that were visible, but each knot was about equally visible. This was such a stunning sight that we lingered on 6745 for about an hour. The fact that the sky was about as dark as it can possibly get was extra motivation to take a good long look as it's unlikely we'll get better sky conditions to observe this galaxy this well any time soon.

[Paul Alsing]

Hi Howard,

That's pretty funny about you wanting to use this guy as OOTW... because I was going to use it next week for my own OOTW!

When you say "We had an excellent view of NGC 6745...", well, my wife Debbie Searle and I were part of the 'we' you were speaking of, and your drawing is spot-on. This last Oregon Star Party was The Bomb, 7 nights (for us) of wonderous skies and wonderful observing companions, and we shall remember this experience for a very long time!

Not to worry, there are lots and lots of potential OOTW objects out there, still waiting to be chosen...

[wvreeven]

It already was an OOTW back in 2012:

http://www.deepskyforum.com/showthread.php?180-Object-of-the-Week-July-29-2012-NGC-6745-Bird-s-Head-Galaxy&highlight=6745


Wouter

[kisspeter]

NGC 6745 is an interesting and beautiful target even in a 16". My drawing from 2013 (16", 220x):
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