NGC 128 group anyone?

[akarsh]

Has anyone observed the NGC 128 group of galaxies? The only information I seem to find is this: http://observing.skyhound.com/archives/oct/NGC_128.html

Clear Skies

Regards
Akarsh

[Ivan Maly]

I've seen the grouping of NGC 125-128 and 130 earlier this year with 12". The tight trio 127, -8, -30 is very nice.

[Uwe Glahn]

Always worth a visit http://www.deepsky-visuell.de/ Arkash (Zeichnungen>Galaxiengruppen/-haufen>NGC 128-Gruppe) and I'm pretty sure Steve has something at his pages.

16", 360x-600x, NELM 6m+, Seeing III
1911

[Ivan Maly]

Very sharp X-bar in 128 there, Uwe, excellent observation. I could only see it as distinctly angular and boxy. The bend in the disk is also a nice feature.

[Uwe Glahn]

Hi Ivan,

nor really an X-bar as the photos shows but a necking in the middle was a distinct detail. The bend was also a little surprise but visible.

[Clear Skies]

Have yet to observe it, but here's some info:

1924

[FaintFuzzies]

Hi Akarsh,

See the third one down.

http://www.faintfuzzies.com/OR-Oct222011-SR.html

[akarsh]

Hi Akarsh,

See the third one down.

http://www.faintfuzzies.com/OR-Oct222011-SR.html

Dear all,

It's very encouraging to know that the features of the box-shaped galaxy are nicely visible in small aperture. Uwe's sketch really makes me want to try this the next time I get a chance!

I have a question for Alvin (and also others): how do you estimate the length of features in arcminutes? Do you compare it against some other separation and thereby deduce it, or do you have a metrology eyepiece?

Regards
Akarsh

[FaintFuzzies]

Akarsh,

I estimate the size relative to spacing between two similarly spaced field stars. I do a quick rough sketch. One of the thing I notate is which pair of stars is closest (i.e. same, slightly smaller, slightly larger). I go home and use MegaStar with DSS overlay to determine spacing (size).

If there isn't enough field stars, I use the estimate based on the actual field of view and experience. Since I have been doing this for 4 decades and figure that I can roughly estimate the size based on a given magnification and actual field of view.

[KidOrion]

Akarsh--

FWIW, I estimate sizes based on the size of the true field of view (as Alvin does), using the smallest TFOV that can contain the entire object--usually the 0.2-degree field of a 6mm Radian in my 12.5" Dob.

I find magnitudes to be much harder than sizes to estimate, especially with DSOs!

[akarsh]

Thank you, Alvin, and KidOrion for your responses. I'll try to incorporate this habit in my observation.

Regards
Akarsh