Dragan
February 28th, 2024, 06:07 PM
NGC 4293
UGC 7405
Galaxy
Constellation: Coma Berenices
RA: 12 21 13.1
DEC: +18 22 58
Class: (R)SB(s)0/a
Mag: 10.3
Size: 5.6’x2.5’
Discovered on March 14, 1783 by William Herschel, NGC4293 is a lenticular galaxy that sits approximately 54Mly distant towards the constellation Coma Berenices. As an intermediate galaxy sitting between the elliptical and spiral morphological branches, NGC4293 has been described as having “distinguishable tightly wound spiral arms with a bar structure at its nucleus”. Dreyer remarked that NGC4293 is “faint, very large, extended, little brighter middle, mottled but not resolved”.
I was fortunate to observe this object just this last dark moon atop Mauna Loa with Dave Kriege and one of his 22” UC Obsessions. NGC4293 appeared rather bright and elongated with mottling nearest its core. At 180x, we easily spotted the galaxy as a moderately bright east-west oval glow with a brighter core. We both confirmed mottling throughout the galaxy and hints of arms. At 292x, the galaxy held up nicely with the arms becoming even more apparent. On our previous night of observing, we had an incredible view of M82. Dave made mention that 4293 reminded him of the prior nights view of M82 – albeit smaller.
NGC4293 makes for a fine target. Online reports have observers seeing this galaxy in scopes as small as 8 inches. In a large scope from dark skies, NGC4293 really does make for a spectacular view. With so many showpiece Messier objects not that far away, it’s easy to overlook NGC4293. But don’t. I wasn’t disappointed with it and nor will you.
And as always,
Give it a go and let us know!!
5364
5365
©Gary Imm
UGC 7405
Galaxy
Constellation: Coma Berenices
RA: 12 21 13.1
DEC: +18 22 58
Class: (R)SB(s)0/a
Mag: 10.3
Size: 5.6’x2.5’
Discovered on March 14, 1783 by William Herschel, NGC4293 is a lenticular galaxy that sits approximately 54Mly distant towards the constellation Coma Berenices. As an intermediate galaxy sitting between the elliptical and spiral morphological branches, NGC4293 has been described as having “distinguishable tightly wound spiral arms with a bar structure at its nucleus”. Dreyer remarked that NGC4293 is “faint, very large, extended, little brighter middle, mottled but not resolved”.
I was fortunate to observe this object just this last dark moon atop Mauna Loa with Dave Kriege and one of his 22” UC Obsessions. NGC4293 appeared rather bright and elongated with mottling nearest its core. At 180x, we easily spotted the galaxy as a moderately bright east-west oval glow with a brighter core. We both confirmed mottling throughout the galaxy and hints of arms. At 292x, the galaxy held up nicely with the arms becoming even more apparent. On our previous night of observing, we had an incredible view of M82. Dave made mention that 4293 reminded him of the prior nights view of M82 – albeit smaller.
NGC4293 makes for a fine target. Online reports have observers seeing this galaxy in scopes as small as 8 inches. In a large scope from dark skies, NGC4293 really does make for a spectacular view. With so many showpiece Messier objects not that far away, it’s easy to overlook NGC4293. But don’t. I wasn’t disappointed with it and nor will you.
And as always,
Give it a go and let us know!!
5364
5365
©Gary Imm