Globular clusters
exist in a spherical halo around a
galaxy |
Globular star clusters are
fascinating objects. They are not located within the galaxy, but
instead they reside in a spherical halo around
it.(illustration at
left). They are massive collections of suns - tightly wrapped
balls of thousands of stars - some spanning over 200 light years
of space. Many of the 200 or more globulars which surround our own
galaxy are easy to see in amateur telescopes. They are immense
objects. Some globulars are twice the size of the Veil
Nebula!
Globular
clusters can contain hundreds of thousands of stars. The Great
Hercules cluster for example, is comprised of about half a
million suns. Views of globulars can offer spectacular and
breath-taking enjoyment, and there are a great many of them
visible with small and medium telescopes.
Included
in our catalog of globulars are the Messiers and notable NGC
subjects, plus some challenging Palomars, and a few hard-to-reach
"specials" such as Ton-2 in Scorpius.
In fact, just to view our drawings of Palomar 4, 11, and 12 may
require averted vision! It may seem at first that there's nothing
there, but it will pop out at you
eventually.
For the
best images of globulars, use a medium to large aperture, and a
good quality eyepiece. We recommend Orthoscopics for their crisp
image fidelity ($58 from University Optics). Eyeglass wearers
should consider moderate-power Orthos with a good Barlow, or high
power Vixen Lanthanums for their long eye-relief (their
standard-field version is best for globulars -
$110). |
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M-2 is a
majestic globular. It is also monsterously large, and a stunning
showpiece at moderate power. It's a swarm of over a hundred
thousand stars spanning across 170 light years of space. From
37,000 light years away it is easy game in small instruments. Some
observers see a blue halo, and under high power, even a few red
giants. There's not much else in the area to help find it except
for a light cluster-like association of binocular stars (in a more
or less straight line) that point directly at it. A 10th magnitude
star is in the same field of view. 17-inch
Dob . To illustrate just how big globular
clusters are, picture this: The Rosette Nebula is a massive
agglomeration of gas and dust that spans across 130 light years of
space. If both objects were placed side-by-side, the nebula would
be dwarfed by this globular. M-2 is 40 light years bigger in
diameter! |
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M-72 is
classified as a loose (or "open") globular. At a distance of
57,000 light years, it spreads across 100 light years of space,
and shines at only 9th magnitude. Its brightest stars, at 14th
magnitude, will require larger apertures to resolve. The core is
shaped somewhat like a five-pointed star. We show it here as it
looks through a medium aperture. 8-inch
SCT |
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Palomar
11 The
15 Palomar globulars are very faint. Some suffer from
extinction - they are "hidden" from view by prodigious quantities
of galactic dust; and some (even the most dense and massive)
suffer the curse of enormous distance. Most are visible only in
very large apertures. According to some observers, this is one of
the brightest Palomar globulars - at magnitude 9.8. But we weren't
able to prove it - our sky was awash in unrelenting fits of
intermittent turbulence. We did manage to glimpse a few brighter
knots inside a fuzz-ball now and then, but the overall effect was
disappointing. It should look much better than this under more
stable skies. Pal-11 is a little more than 42,000 light years
distant.
RA: 19 45
14.4 DEC: -08 00
26 | 20-inch
Dob |
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One of the two
nearest globular clusters to us, NGC 6397 is only about
7,200 light years distant (only M-4 is closer). This bright
cluster shines at a visual magnitude of 5.9. But Messier never saw
it because it is visible only from southern latitudes. It makes a
very impressive image in any size telescope.
11-inch
SCT |
|
Palomar
2 Pal-2 is
a showpiece among the Palomar globulars. But at 13th magnitude
it's barely more than a smudge - even in large instruments (very
dark and still skies are mandatory for dim objects like these).
Pal-2 lies near the plane of our galaxy behind an immense
shrouding veil of dust (otherwise it would be 1.2 magnitudes
brighter). This is the only known globular in
Auriga.
RA: 04 46 05.9 Dec: +31 22
51 | 20-inch
Dob |
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M-3 lies in a
relatively star-poor region, but it's situated near some handy
field stars, so it's fairly easy to find. There's a bluish star in
the field of view, and a 7th magnitude yellow-orange star not too
far away. This globular sometimes displays colors in the eyepiece.
On clear and still nights the center appears pinkish. Other times
it will look tan. O'Meara sees peach. There is also the illusion
of a green halo. At any rate, this globular is a thrill in almost
any telescope. This image was rendered over time, (several weeks)
with different apertures, from a TV-85 to a 20-inch Dob, and from
widefield all the way up to 900
power. |
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Palomar
12 Except
for a trio of stars that sit close to the southeast, this globular
appears to have reserved a lonely dark place all for itself -
hardly anything else is visible in the field. More notable is the
fact that we could actually resolve a few stars in this distant
cluster. Though it's mostly a fuzzy blur with no core brightness,
it is still willing to yield a few secrets to large apertures.
There appears to be a horseshoe-shaped chunk missing from the
north edge. Two faint central "lines" of stars can be seen
traversing from NE to SW. Pal-12 is 63,000 light years
distant.
RA: 21 46
38.8 DEC: -21 15
03 | 24-inch
Dob |
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NGC-2808 This globular can be fully resolved in a 12-inch scope. It
is quite bright, at magnitude 6.8. Andrew Murell ("Universe")
calls it "...a cross between 47 Tucanae and Omega Centauri".
Visible only from southern latitudes. Drawn by Art Krohl in the
Florida Keys. 7-inch
refractor |
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The most massive of
all known globulars, Omega Centauri contains as much mass
as the smallest of galaxies! It shines so brightly, (4th
magnitude) that Ptolemy cataloged it as a major star in Centaurus.
It is 17,000 light years distant, and is 150 light years in
diameter. It is fairly well resolved in larger scopes. Drawn by
Art Krohl. Large Alvan Clark
refractor |
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NGC
1851 One of
the brighter NGC globulars, NGC-1851 has a lot to offer. It is
bright enough for smaller scopes, and flaunts itself in medium
apertures. Resolves well in medium instruments at dark sites. A
pronounced halo and some nice tendrils are visible in a
10-inch. 13-inch
Dob |
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Depending on what
source you read, M-53 is anywhere from 53,000 to 70,000
light years distant. A fairly moot point. But what all sources
agree on, is that this is one huge globular cluster. It
spans over 200 light years of space! Some sources
list it at 250 light years. Though it's difficult in small and
medium scopes, the core begins to dissolve into stars in a 16-inch
aperture. 13-inch
Dob |
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NGC-
6541 We
have very little data or information on this globular but it's
quite large and bright. One of the dozen or so NGC globulars that
are easiest for backyard telescopes. At about 15,000 light years
away, and at magnitude 6.6, it is visible as a light smudge in
good binoculars. Visible only in southern latitudes.
11-inch
SCT |
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The Great Hercules
Cluster M-13 is a sobering sight in medium and large
telescopes. Almost half a million suns packed into a ball 140
light years wide. It responds well (and seems to flaunt itself)
under high power. We've seen some great views of this cluster with
a TV-85. But the best views we've seen of M-13 are with larger
Dobs. Bigger apertures seem to make it sparkle more. It can almost
seem as though the process of nuclear fusion is perceivable at the
eyepiece. 20-inch
Dob |
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With a linear
diameter of 85 light years, and containing over 300,000 stars,
this cluster deserves to be amoung the top vote-getters at star
parties. M-92 is visible to the naked eye in dark places.
It's over 14 billion years old, and makes a beautiful image in the
eyepiece of any size telescope. Yet it gets little respect. That's
because its cousin, M-13, (who lives in the same neighborhood)
gets all the accolades and credit. There are 14 RR Lyrae type
variables here, one of which is eclipsing - rare in globular
clusters as there are so many chances for catastrophic close
encounters. 20-inch
Dob |
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Palomar
14 This is
a difficult globular to catch even in monster apertures. So tough
in fact, that it was easy to render. Even with apparently good
seeing conditions, a smudgy blur is all we saw, (regardless of
power) so a smudgy blur is all we drew. We did not see it in a
17-inch aperture, and it was barely discernible in a 20-inch.
Though there's a semi-defined, finite "edge" to the blur, there is
no semblance of a core or even a halo to speak of. There is a
bright star SE, and another SSE, plus a straw-colored star to the
north. Very close to the north limb is another bright star. A
close pair of stars hugs the SW limb. Pal-14 is not likely to be
visible in anything less than a 20-inch aperture. The drawing was
rendered mostly at moderate power. High magnification doesn't seem
to help. North is down.
RA: 16 11 05
DEC: +14 57
29 | 25-inch
Dob |
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NGC-1261 This globular is quite nice in medium apertures. At
magnitude 8.4 it resolves fairly well in a 13-inch scope at
moderate power. A trianglular blaze in the core (with a few
resolved dark lanes) points north like an arrow head. A few
trailing tendrils are visible - the most dominant starts at the NW
hub and flows outward to the northeast. Accessible only in the
southern hemisphere, this is one of the best NGC globulars for
medium apertures. 13-inch
Dob |
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M-68 is 33,000
light years distant, but at magnitude 7.5, it's fairly easy for
small instruments and binoculars. It's bright and full of busy
detail in larger apertures, and there are several noticeable bays
and coves. There's a triangular section that appears to have been
munched out of the north side. Also, if you look long enough at
medium power, it appears to be criss-crossed with thin lines of
darkness. 13-inch
Dob |
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M-79 lies
adjacent to the double star Herschel 3752, in a lonely
corner of a constellation with few other objects of interest. At
magnitude 7.6, it's fairly easy game for smaller scopes, and is
visible in binoculars. At low power it can be mistaken for an 8th
magnitude star - it's a very tight globular. Although O'Meara sees
a distinct starfish shape, we detect a similar configuration, but
not a clean star-shaped outline. It is pleasing in even smaller
apertures, and it appears to resolve easily, although larger
scopes are needed to bring out individual members of 14th
magnitude. Use a good quality Orthoscopic eyepiece.
11-inch
SCT |
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NGC
2419 What
initially attracted us to this cluster was the fact that it
was once thought to be an interloper - a homeless nomad,
destined to forever roam the voids of intergalactic space. It
certainly seemed likely, as this is one of the 6 most remote
cluster known, at a distance of over 350,000 light years! In fact,
it is indexed as an "intergalactic wanderer" on a great many
observing lists. But now it is realized to be within the realm of
our galactic gravitational influence. You won't see much detail
unless you have a large aperture (10-inches or more). In spite of
its fuzzy countenance, the core appears quite bright. With dark
adaptation, a thin line of brightness bisects the entire central
hub from southeast to northwest. This globular will appear only as
a pale smudge in apertures smaller than 10-inches. However, it's
relatively easy to find. There's a bright trio of 7th and 8th
magnitude field stars in an arc that point directly at it. In
fact, the glare from the closest of these stars is quite
bothersome when trying to see any detail in the cluster. Two of
the three are shown to the right in our drawing. One of them
appears to be a double. 17-inch
Dob |
|
M-56 lies
almost exactly between Albireo and Gamma Lyrae. If
you sweep from one to the other you'll stumble upon it. It is
31,000 light years distant, and about 60 light years in diameter.
In binoculars and small scopes at low power it looks like a comet.
It's a loose grayish blob of a globular, but at high power it's
fairly easy to resolve in larger apertures - its brighter stars
are 13th magnitude. There is a 10th magnitude star in the field
(to the right in our drawing). 11-inch
SCT |
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NGC
4833 As far
as northern observers are concerned, southern constellations and
their inhabitants are relegated to the basement of obscurity. But
even to southern observers, this object suffers from the curse of
indifference. The reason for that is because it's a rather large
but poorly concentrated globular, so it gets little respect in
small and medium apertures. In 8 and 10-inch tubes the core is
bright but shrunken, and the halo appears off-center to the south.
However, several tendrils and star-chains can be seen in larger
scopes, and the core exhibits a good amount of detail. Extended
viewing provokes the impression of a tick. A 9th magnitude field
star sits close to the north limb. 17-inch
Dob |
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M-9 is about
26,000 light years distant. It's one of the nearest globulars to
our Galaxy's nucleus (about 7,500 light years). It's about 60
light years in diameter, and is listed at magnitude 7.7, but is
dimmed at least a full magnitude by dust and dark nebulae. Not
very easy to extract any detail, even with higher power.
M-10 and M-12 are much brighter.
8-inch
Newtonian |
|
At a little over
14,000 light years away, and at magnitude 6.5, M-10 is easy
pickings for good binoculars and small and medium telescopes. On
clear and still nights, a lot of detail can be seen in this
globular. Slipping in a Barlow will add more detail and
resolution. At times there is a hint of color here - a slightly
golden center. In larger scopes there is a dimmer area that comes
and goes with seeing and dark adaptation. It covers a third of the
surface and can resemble a triangular section of skin peeled from
an orange. In small, good quality apertures, it has a ghostly
3-dimensional appearance with a coal-like sparkle.
11-inch
SCT |
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M-12 is about
3.5 degrees northwest of M-10, and is also visible in binoculars
(you get both in one field of view). This is a loose cluster. It's
O'Meara's Gumball Globular - a very colorful image.
Use medium power for an overall effect, and a larger aperture to
resolve the 12th magnitude stars in the core. A very nice globular
in any backyard scope. 14-inch
Dob |
|
M-14 sits in a
sparsely populated patch of sky near 47 Ophiuchi. In a 10-inch
aperture it covers about 10 arc minutes of field, and exhibits a
fair amount of detail. The core is bright, and at dark locations
appears tan in color. M-14 is 33,000 light years distant, and
shines at magnitude 7.6. We've tried this globular at various
powers, and in several different aperture sizes. In medium tubes
it gives the impression of having been swiped from south to north
with a giant gum eraser. Our favorite combination is the 11-inch
SCT at moderate power, but high magnification brings out a curious
glow in the southern limb that shimmers with an almost orange
sparkle. At low power there appears to be a wide rift that runs
north-south. 11-inch
SCT |
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M-19 is an
extremely egg-shaped globular. In fact, it's listed as the most
"oblate" globular known - being almost twice as long as it is
wide. The deformation is likely due to its proximity (4,600 ly) to
the galactic core. At 27,000 light years distant, which isn't very
far away as globulars go, it is quite visible in any telescope.
Resolution increases dramatically with apperture. It is fully
resolved in a 20-inch Dob at 230 power. It is sometimes
reminiscent of a large sugar-coated beetle.
20-inch
Dob |
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M-62 is
another Messier globular (like M-19) living close to the galactic
core. Its 14 billion year existence under that kind of
gravitational influence might be the cause of the cluster's odd
shape. It appears to have been taffy-pulled, squashed, and blown
up. At moderate power, this cluster appears to twinkle - at times
to even shimmer. Plus, it can trick you into seeing colors (rusty
red, gold, and even blue). This is another one of those globulars
suspected of having undergone a core collapse. At 6th magnitude,
it should be easy pickings for small scopes.
17-inch
Dob |
|
Though it's not a
great subject for binoculars, M-107 is fairly easy to grab
in small and medium telescopes. It sits almost in the center of an
asterism of four stars that make up a cross. At magnitude 7.8, and
at 19,000 light years distant, this is a curious-looking globular
(it doesn't seem as bright as it should be). In a medium aperture
it has a skeletal look about it - as though it were stripped of
something, like a light bulb minus the outer glass, with only a
glowing filament to light the room. With dark adaptation, what
initially looks like individual stars, resolves into bright lines
criss-crossed and interrupted by dark lanes. Lengthy observations
provoke a patchwork appearance. 11-inch
SCT |
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NGC
6356 At magnitude 8.4, this globular is fairly easy to spot
with medium scopes. It lies just 1.2 degrees northeast of M-9.
Though it shows a bright core, it's somewhat of a challenge. It's
brighter stars are 14th and 15th magnitude.
8-inch
Newtonian |
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M-15 is
probably the most densely concentrated globular associated with
our galaxy. Its core has undergone a process of severe collapse
(which is common in globulars). This was once thought to be due to
the presense of a central black hole. There are dark bays and
coves at the limbs that seem to grow more expansive with dark
adaptation. The top drawing was done using a 24-inch Dob at
extremely high power. The bottom drawing is from a 13-inch Dob.
The cluster contains a hundred variables, a planetary nebula
(Pease-1)*.and 9 known pulsars, remnants of prehistoric
supernova explosions. An interesting feature in M-15 is the
existence of a pulsar-binary - with a neutron star
companion. 24-inch Dob; very high
power.
*.NOTE: If you
have a chart, and if you know where and HOW to look, you can see a
planetary nebula within this globular. It is possible to view
Pease-1 with amateur telescopes. ("Blink" with a UHC or O-III
filter). We've denoted it with a reddish dot at the upper left
(NE) in the bottom drawing. See the help page on Doug Snyder's blackskies.com website. Visit his Homepage.
Excellent website! 13-inch
Dob |
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M-22 is an
extraordinary object. At a distance of 10,000 light years, it's
one of the closer globular clusters. It's angular diameter of 24
arc minutes translates to a linear diameter of about 65 light
years. At dark sites it is visible to the naked eye, and is a good
deal brighter than M-13 (the Great Hercules Cluster). In
fact, it's outdone only by Omega Centauri and 47
Tucanae as the three brightest globulars in the sky. It has
long been our favorite, and therefore deserves a premier place in
our catalog. This image is an updated version.
17-inch
Dob |
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M-28 gets no
respect because of who else resides in the neighborhood. It is
less than a third the apparent size of M-22, and is
almost two magnitudes fainter. Nevertheless, it makes a nice image
on its own in any backyard telescope. 11-inch
SCT |
|
M-30 is a very
big globular at over 90 light years in overall diameter. It is
easy to see with the naked eye at a dark site, and is fairly
accessible to small instruments. It moves rapidly through the
galactic halo at over a hundred miles per second. With good
darkness and the right optics, M-30 is a shock in the eyepiece. It
appears to have exploded out its front (north) side, and the
debris is trailing in the wind, tossing a wake of spangled dust.
With small apertures, (and less than perfect optics) such as that
used by Messier, it can easily look like a comet. Drawn by Art
Krohl in the Florida Keys. Large Alvan Clark
refractor |
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Until recently,
M-54 was estimated to be about 50 to 65,000 light years
away. But in 1994 it was discovered that this globular was
probably not part of our Milky Way galaxy at all, but was instead
a member of a newly discovered dwarf galaxy! This galaxy is
now called "SagDEG", (Sagittarius
Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy)
and is one of the most recently discovered galaxies in the Local
Group. The dwarf elliptical and M54 are both receding from us at
very similar velocities. This makes it probable that M54 is
attached to that elliptical, which is now estimated at a distance
of 88,700 light years. At this distance, M54 would be one of the
most luminous globular clusters known, second only to Omega
Centauri. 11-inch
SCT |
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M-55 is about
18,000 light years distant but quite large in apparent size - two
thirds of a full moon. It is also loosely packed enough to give a
good impression in binoculars. It can be a challenge in northern
latitudes, but it's an excellent image in any
telescope. 17-inch
Dob |
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M-69 is near
the southwest corner of the teapot. At magnitude 7.5 it is fairly
visible with smaller instruments. At low power it's a fuzzy
agglomeration just south of a bluish 8th magnitude star. This is
one of those clusters in "Globular Alley", that is dimmed
by extinction through intergalactic dust. Higher power will bring
out more resolution, and larger apertures will begin to extract
some individual stars. At dark sites, and on still nights, there
are several lanes of light and dark streaks and
slashes. 8-inch
Newtonian |
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M-70 lies at
the center of the teapot's base. It's an 8th magnitude globular,
about the same distance from us (34,000 light years) as
M-69. It needs larger apertures to bring out details, and
resolve the core somewhat. 8-inch
Newtonian |
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M-75 is one of
the most far-away Messier globulars at about 60,000 light years
distant. However, at magnitude 8.5 it's fairly easy for smaller
scopes. With high power and the help of larger apertures, the 14th
magnitude stars in the core will begin to
resolve. 7-inch
refractor |
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NGC-6638 At 9th magnitude this is one of the dozen or so NGC
globulars for medium backyard scopes. It's a very nice image. With
the right optics, and a superwide field of view, you can get M-28
and M-22 in the same shot (the three are only a few degrees
apart). However, this globular and M-28 will look rather pathetic
compared to M-22, but then any northern globular
does! 8-inch Newtonian
Bottom
illustration: With low power in
widefield optics you can see these three globulars in one field of
view. However, M-22 will be so dominant that the other two will
seem almost unnoticeable. NGC 6638 is just east of Lambda
Sagittarii.
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Palomar
9 This
obscure globular is listed as NGC 6717 on Chart 22 of the SkyAtlas
2000.0. It's located very close to 5th magnitude 35
Sagittarii. Pal-9 lies 23,000 light years distant, and about
8,000 light years from the galactic center. It is considered one
of the "easier" Palomar globulars, but of course a very dark sky
is required to view it.
RA: 18 55 6
DEC: -22 42
00 | There is a triplet of 13th magnitude
stars bracketing the northeast limb, plus a lone star of similar
magnitude at the northwest and also on the south. North is
down. 20-inch
Dob |
|
At a distance of only
6,800 light years, M-4 is the nearest known globular. It
can be a naked eye object under still skies, but if Antares is
twinkling - forget about it (M-4 is just 1.5 degrees away).
However, at magnitude 5.5, it is easy pickings for good binoculars
and any telescope. We occasionally think we see a greenish halo
around the western edge (the side nearest Antares). While you're
here, examine the whole region. Astrophotos show this area
(centered around Rho Ophiuchi) to be painted in gaudy
colors - red, blue, and even yellow. 8-inch
Newtonian |
|
M-80 resides
in the same scenic neighborhood as Antares and globular
M-4. The Milky Way carpet is stunning here, and astrophotos
reveal brilliant arrays of color. At 27,000 light years distant,
and at 7th magnitude, this globular is easy in small scopes and
binoculars. It's a very dense cluster, and the resolution of
individual 13th and 14th magnitude members is difficult - although
achievable. O'Meara's description and drawing bear resemblance to
a clover leaf pattern, but at moderate power we see more of a
three-toed paw print. 8-inch
Newtonian |
|
Ton 2
(Tonantzintla-2) Because it's so faint, this is one of the most difficult
and challenging objects we've ever done. It is certainly our most
difficult globular. Located near the galactic bulge at 21,000
light years distant, it is well hidden behind countless light
years of extinction. Plus, it has been erroneously cataloged,
which makes it even harder to find. The correct coordinates
are:
RA: 17 36
10.5 DEC: -38 33
12 | At magnitude 12.2 it appears only as a
blur in all but the largest of instruments. It does not resolve
well in amateur telescopes, and isn't very attainable in medium
apertures. However, with a large aperture at 240 power, there is a
suggestion of dark lanes and trailing arms and tendrils on the
western limb, but no discernible core or halo. There is a "bright"
resolvable star near the center - probably a foreground field
star, of around 13th magnitude. With extended viewing and dark
adaptation, the stellar background fills-in to become distracting.
Only the darkest and calmest skies will render this globular with
any clarity whatsoever. If you can view it with any certainty, you
may assume that you have a dark and clear location. It's a great
challenge, and for that reason - a rewarding sight!
20-inch
Dob |
|
NGC-288 is
located just 1.5 degrees southeast of the Sculptor Galaxy (NGC
253). With widefield optics you can get both subjects in one
field of view, although N253 will be very dim. This globular is
easy in small telescopes, and is fairly crisp in medium apertures.
It lies 40,000 light years distant, and shines at magnitude 8.1.
Showing a bright core in 8-inch tubes, it gets dramatically better
in slightly larger apertures. In a 13-inch at moderate power, the
core is criss-crossed with bright and dark lanes - provoking a
patchwork appearance with spikes and tendrils in all directions.
This globular (like many others) makes an awesome subject in a
large refractor with a good Ortho. 13-inch
Dob |
|
M-5 ranks 3rd
among the most dominant globulars in the Northern sky, and is the
5th easiest to observe in the entire heavens. This is the best
northern globular for small telescopes. If you have the luxury of
a dark site, this globular exhibits some color. It appears tan or
slightly pink in the center, and a dusty blue at the halo and
outer edges. As a bonus, just a few arc minutes away is the edge
of a massive galaxy cluster - about 200 galaxies per square degree
of space. Four degrees west of M-5, adjacent to the star 110
Virginis, are a group of galaxies (at least eight) that are all
visible in small telescopes at moderate power.
14-inch
Dob |
|
47 Tucanae
(NGC-104) is the second brightest globular associated with our
galaxy. But it lies in such a southerly latitude that it isn't
seen by amateurs in the northern hemisphere. This globular is a
breathtaking sight in virtually any telescope. Our drawing was
rendered by Art Krohl using a large refractor.
Large
Alvan Clark
refractor |
|
NGC
362 There
are some fabulous globulars in the south that observers in the
northern hemisphere just don't get to see. Sadly, many of these
are neglected because 47 Tucanae draws all the attention. NGC 362
is located just north of the Small Magellanic Cloud, and is
usually overlooked because of that object's brightness and 47
Tuc's dominance. This globular is very bright in the eyepiece, and
a marvel in medium and large apertures. Alvan Clark
refractor |
|
Palomar
4 This is
one of those "extreme halo" globulars that are virtually
impossible to view without the best of seeing conditions in the
darkest of skies. It is a massive globular, but it's the second
most distant at 356,000 light years. Hubble discovered it in 1949,
but it appeared so dim that it was classified as a dwarf eliptical
galaxy, or "The Ursa Major Dwarf". At magnitude 14.2, and with its
brightest stars at 18th magnitude, it is easy to imagine why this
globular is so elusive. There are a few 10th & 12th magnitude
stars in the field for reference. We originally failed to find it
with a 17-inch aperture. It was barely discernible with a 20-inch
(less than perfect conditions). The 24-inch finally picked it up
with averted vision under better skies.
RA: 11 29
16.8 DEC: +28 58
25 | 24-inch
Dob |
|
NGC
3201 Another NGC globular that's easy for southern backyard
scopes (7th magnitude). We don't have much information or data
here. 10-inch
SCT |
..In Memorium
|