Observation by Alan Thomas: M40 & NGC4290 in Ursa Major

Uploaded by

Alan Thomas

Observer

Alan Thomas

Observed

2023 Apr 18 - 21:18

Uploaded

2023 Jun 01 - 10:41

Objects

M40
NGC4290

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Constellation

Ursa Major

Field centre

RA: 12h21m
Dec: +58°05'
Position angle: -94°43'

Field size

0°36' × 0°27'

Equipment
  • Unistellar eQuinox 112mm reflector
Exposure

5min.

Location

Norbreck Observatory, Warrington, Cheshire, UK.

Target name

M40 & NGC4290 in Ursa Major

Title

M40 & NGC4290 in Ursa Major

About this image

M40 is an optical double, one of three items in Messier's catalogue that are not DSOs (the others being M24 and M73). It is sometimes described as 'mistakenly' entered into the catalogue as a nebula. Messier was, in fact, well aware that he was observing a double star. He discovered the pair in 1764.

NGC4290 can be faintly seen at top centre. It is a barred spiral galaxy, discovered by William Herschel in April 1789. Distance c.125million ly. Apparent mag. 12.5.

Bortle 7/8. Intermittent cloud.

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