Observation by Dr Paul Leyland: Polarissima Borealis et al. through a SS...

Uploaded by

Dr Paul Leyland

Observer

Dr Paul Leyland

Observed

2024 Nov 11 - 19:57

Uploaded

2024 Nov 21 - 18:08

Objects

NGC3172

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Constellation

Ursa Minor

Field centre

RA: 11^h37^m
Dec: +89°03'
Position angle: +6°56'

Field size

0°22' × 0°19'

Equipment

Seestar S50

Exposure

11 minutes in 66 10-second subs

Location

Little Shelford

Target name

NGC 3172, aka Polarissima Borealis

Title

Polarissima Borealis et al. through a SS50

About this image

This was an attempt to see how well a Seestar S50 could do on faint fuzzies with a short exposure time, of 11 minutes on this occasion. I am certain that it could do far better with a few hours.

Polarissima Borealis is, as the name suggests, the northernmost object in the NGC catalogue at J2000 coordinates of 11 47 13.0 +89 05 35.

With a B magnitude of 14.9 it may be thought rather difficult with an 11 minute exposure on a 50mm refractor. However, it clearly shows a bright nucleus and there may be just a hint of the surrounding elliptical galaxy. NGC 3172 is indicated by the circle in the image.

Surprising to me is that MCG +15-01-010, aka LEDA36268 and 2MasX J11404042+8905060, marked by lines is also faintly visible. This galaxy is 17th magnitude!

Allegedly the Seestar's alt-az mount doesn't work well very close to the celestial poles. I had no problems whatsoever.

Files associated with this observation

Polarissima2.png (1.1 MB)

Like this image

Peter Mulligan, James Weightman

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