2023-07-08

• Condition: VG6
• Location: Home, Spearfish: 44.49, -103.87

11:02PM

• Target: NGC 5907, Splinter Galaxy[1]
• Const: Draco
• RaDec: 15h15m +56°19
• Type: Galaxy
• Scope: AT102ED
• Setting: 60x, AV
• Image: ../images/2023-7-8_NGC5907.jpg[2]

AV is required. I can detect a very sharp line running NNW to SSE. Even while employing AV, it can take a while for the galaxy to pop into view. Found south of Draconis.

[1] NGC 5907, Splinter Galaxy (ID)

[2] ../images/2023-7-8_NGC5907.jpg

11:40PM

• Target: NGC 6503, MCG 12-17-9[1]
• Const: Draco
• RaDec: 17h49m +70°08
• Type: Galaxy
• Scope: AT102ED
• Setting: 60x, AV
• Image: ../images/2023-7-8_NGC6503.jpg[2]

Fairly dim, but AV helps draw a bit of the size and detail out. Looks semi-elongated. Found between χ and ζ Draconis.

[1] NGC 6503, MCG 12-17-9 (ID)

[2] ../images/2023-7-8_NGC6503.jpg

11:49PM

• Target: UX Draconis[1]
• Const: Draco
• RaDec: 19h21m +76°33
• Type: Star (Carbon)
• Scope: AT102ED
• Setting: 30x
• Image: ../images/2023-7-8_UXDra.jpg[2]

Rich yellow / orange. Grouped with 3 other stars of similar magnitude which form a kind of trapezoid.

Attempted both T Draconis and NGC 6543. Since they were close to the zenith, I tried converting my GEM to Alt-AZ mode by turning the latitude adjustment so the RA axis points straight up into the sky. That allows the RA to act as AZ and the Dec to act as Alt.

This worked well, however I was unable to find both T Draconis and NGC 6543 and gave up as it was getting very cold. I'll have to remember this simple trick for the future though.

[1] UX Draconis (ID)

[2] ../images/2023-7-8_UXDra.jpg