One observation in my log for this beauty during my first ever week of observations under southern skies: Sutherland, in the Karoo desert of South Africa.
It was the night of 9 January 2008 and I was observing through a modest 5" Mak; shows that even the smallest apertures, with a bit of magnification, will reveal this galaxy's prominent arms:
106x / 36': Large and bright, brighter in the middle with a distinct, bright nucleus. The S-shape of the galaxy is recognizable, extending east to west.
Using AV it is clear there is a mag. 11 star to the NW. Twice that distance to the east are two mag. 10-11 stars aligned NE-SW.
48x / 58': Using this magnification the shape of the galaxy is more difficult to discern. Using AV the galaxy is a large round patch.
DSF OotW 2024-36 - NGC1365 For_1.jpeg DSF OotW 2024-36 - NGC1365 For_2.jpeg
Here's the guide.
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