Iiro's DeepSky Sketches

Name: NGC 978 group	Other name: NGC 978
RA: 2h 34.8m	DEC: +32° 51'
Constellation: TRI
Type: Galaxy
Magnitude: 14
Size: 2' x 1.7'
PA: 80°
Classification: E-SO
Description: pB,R,5th of 5
Notes: np of 2,contact
Observer: Iiro Sairanen
Location: Härskiänsaari, Ruokolahti, Finland
Date: 12/13.12.2004 21:00
Instrument: Newton 406/1830 mm
Magnification: 146x	Filter: -
Field: 21'	Seeing: 3
Background sky: 3	NE lim mag: 6.3
Visuality: III	Height: 62°
Weather: -8°C, windy
Description: These four galaxies forms the NGC 978 group. NGC 978 (12.2 mag) is a double galaxy but I didn't resolve the companion. It is somewhat elongated in W-E direction and has a stellar core. NGC 969 (12.3 mag) is the second brightest member. It's highly elliptical in NW-SE and has an obvious core which is also elongated. NGC 974 (12.8 mag) is quite faint elliptical haze which is involved with two stars. NGC 970 (14.9 mag) is the smallest and faintest member, I confirmed it at 244x.
Updated: 17.12.2004 21:13