Subject: NGC 6501 - NGC 7000 revised notes 3/13/05 From: Steve Gottlieb Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2005 11:26:14 -0800 To: Bob Erdmann [This file updated by seperate e-mail dated 02/19/2006] NGC 6501 = UGC 11049 = MCG +03-46-004 = CGCG 113-009 = NPM1G +18.0529 17 56 03.7 +18 22 23 V = 12.0; Size 2.0x1.8; SB = 13.3 17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Twin of N6500 2.3' SSW. Located 5.6' NW of mag 6.6 SAO 103227. ************************************************************ NGC 6503 = UGC 11012 = MCG +12-17-009 = CGCG 340-019 17 49 26.3 +70 08 42 V = 10.2; Size 7.1x2.4; SB = 13.2; PA = 123d 17.5": very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, large brighter core. The surface has a mottled appearance. A mag 13.5 star lies 2.2' NNE of center. Located 3.9' W of mag 9 SAO 8937. 8": moderately bright, very elongated, high surface brightness. A mag 9 star is 4' E. ************************************************************ NGC 6504 = UGC 11053 = MCG +06-39-027 = CGCG 199-029 17 56 05.7 +33 12 31 V = 12.5; Size 2.2x0.5; SB = 12.4; PA = 94d 17.5": moderately bright, edge-on E-W, sharp concentration, almost stellar nucleus. Situated between a mag 11 star 1.9' N and a mag 10.5 star 2.1' SE of center. 13": fairly faint, small, pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core, thin faint extensions. Located 22' SW of a mag 7 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6505 = UGC 11026 = MCG +11-22-007 = CGCG 322-018 17 51 07.3 +65 31 51 V = 14.0; Size 1.0x0.9; SB = 13.7 17.5": very faint, small, round, weakly concentrated, very diffuse halo. ************************************************************ NGC 6506 = ESO 521-SC6 17 59 53 -24 41.0 17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x appears as a weak circular milky way enhancement of approximately two dozen mag 13-14.5 stars over an unresolved glow situated in a rich portion of the milky way. At 220x, this group is ~6' diameter, although it is not very well detached so the borders are somewhat arbitrary. As many as 50 stars are now visible as a number of mag 15 and fainter stars are resolved. Some unresolved background haze is still evident. Also noticed at 100x was as a smaller circular glowing spot ~8' SW of the previous grouping (see description for Ru 136). John Herschel's description for N6506 probably applies to the entire low power milky way field and this object is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC. 17.5" (7/20/96): at 220x, the most noticeable grouping is a small cloud of roughly two dozen mag 13-15 stars in a 5' diameter over unresolved background haze. Situated in a fairly rich milky way field of mixed stars, so does not stand out. ************************************************************ NGC 6507 = Cr 358 = Lund 797 = OCL-32 17 59 50 -17 27.0 Size 7 17.5": about 30 stars mag 13-14 in a 7' diameter elongated N-S. Loose appearance with no dense spots. Stars are fairly uniform in brightness. The brightest member is variable WX Sagittarii (9.6-11.3) just W of center. ************************************************************ NGC 6508 = UGC 11023 = MCG +12-17-010 = CGCG 340-021 = NPM1G +72.0174 17 49 46.3 +72 01 16 V = 12.8; Size 1.3x1.3; SB = 13.3 17.5": fairly faint, small, round, even concentration to a small bright core. ************************************************************ NGC 6509 = UGC 11075 = MCG +01-46-002 = CGCG 056-006 = LGG 416-003 17 59 25.5 +06 17 12 V = 12.5; Size 1.6x1.2; SB = 13.0; PA = 105d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 3:2 E-W, weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is at the E edge 41" from the center. Located 7.9' S of mag 7.1 SAO 122988. ************************************************************ NGC 6510 = N6511 = U11051 = MCG +10-25-114 = CGCG 300-092 17 54 39.4 +60 49 05 V = 13.6; Size 0.9x0.6; SB = 12.8; PA = 30d See observing notes for N6511. ************************************************************ NGC 6511 = N6510 = U11051 = MCG +10-25-114 = CGCG 300-092 17 54 39.4 +60 49 05 V = 13.6; Size 0.9x0.6; SB = 12.8; PA = 30d 17.5": at 140x appears faint, small, slightly elongated, broad mild concentration with no well-defined nucleus, overall diffuse. Located between mag 8.8 SAO 17685 10.8' SE and mag 8.0 SAO 17673 15.5' NNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6512 = MCG +10-25-115 = CGCG 300-093 = NPM1G +62.0226 17 54 50.2 +62 38 42 V = 13.9; Size 0.7x0.5 17.5": very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is at the S edge just 21" from the center. First of three with N6516 3.4' NE and N6521 6.9' ESE. ************************************************************ NGC 6513 = UGC 11078 = MCG +04-42-018 = CGCG 141-038 17 59 34.3 +24 53 14 V = 13.3; Size 1.2x0.9; SB = 13.3; PA = 40d 17.5": faint, very small, round, small bright core. Several bright mag 9-11 stars are in the field including a mag 9 star 4.3' NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6514 = M20 = Trifid Nebula = B85 = LBN 27 = Cr 360 18 02 42 -22 58.3 V = 6.3; Size 29x27 13.1": bright, fairly large, contains three inky black dark lanes (B85) with sharp edges. Structure is visible along the dark lanes and in the center. The prominent central star is a quadruple (4th star difficult) consisting of a mag 7.6/10.4 pair at 6" and a mag 8.7/10.5 pair at 2.3". The NW lane is wider and fainter than the other two lanes. A round, bluish reflection nebula is separated, but very close north. The view improves using a UHC filter. 8": the famous rift structure is fairly promeninent with a triple star at the center. The NW rift is more subdued. An easily visible reflection nebula is close N. ************************************************************ NGC 6515 = UGC 11071 = MCG +08-33-003 = CGCG 254-004 17 57 25.3 +50 43 40 V = 13.0; Size 1.6x1.0; SB = 13.5; PA = 10d 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration, stellar nucleus. Several mag 10-11 stars in field and mag 9.0 SAO 30650 9' W. Located 45' S of Etamin = Gamma Draconis (V = 2.2). ************************************************************ NGC 6516 = MCG +10-25-118 = CGCG 300-094 = CGCG 301-001 17 55 16.8 +62 40 11 V = 14.8; Size 0.6x0.2; SB = 12.3; PA = 147d 17.5": very faint, extremely small. A mag 15.5 star is at the N edge. Second of three in the N6521 group with N6512 3.4' SW and N6521 5.0' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6517 18 01 50.5 -08 57 32 V = 10.3; Size 4.3 17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 2' diameter. No resolution at 280x. The faint halo is slightly elongated SSW-NNE and increases to a small bright core. 8": faint, small, brighter core, no resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6518 = MCG +05-42-024 = CGCG 171-041 = NPM1G +28.0429 17 59 43.7 +28 52 00 V = 14.2; Size 0.5x0.5; SB = 12.5 17.5": very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 14 star is just at the W edge. Appears like a close double star with one component "fuzzy". In a rich star field with U11086 and U11090. ************************************************************ NGC 6520 = Cr 361 = Mel 187 = Lund 805 18 03 24 -27 53.2 Size 6 17.5": striking cluster following the remarkable dark nebula B86. Roughly 75 stars are visible in a 6' diameter. The "Inky" black dark nebula B86 to the east wraps around the cluster like a tentacle along the south side and also appears to wind through a large portion of the cluster. In the cluster's core is a very dense perfectly circular group of about two dozen stars in a 1.5' diameter punctuated with the brightest star at the exact center! Enveloping this core is a dark void except for a few stars which break through to the north. Surrounding this irregular dark annulus is a 6' incomplete oval ring formed by six brighter and several fainter stars. Located in a rich star field. Globular clusters Djorgovski 2 lies 21' WNW and N6540 is 37' ENE! ************************************************************ NGC 6521 = UGC 11061 = MCG +10-25-119 = CGCG 300-095 17 55 48.5 +62 36 44 V = 12.9; Size 1.6x1.3; SB = 13.7; PA = 160d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, large brighter core. Bright wide pair O?? = 7.2/7.7 at 55" is 4' E and detracts from viewing. Brightest in group and third of three with N6516 5.0' NW and N6512 6.9' WNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6522 = ESO 456-SC043 18 03 34.0 -30 02 02 V = 8.5; Size 5.6 17.5" (7/11/99): this globular is the larger and brighter of a fairly faint pair with N6528 in the same field just 16' E. At 220x the halo is ~2' diameter with a very small bright core. A mag 12.5-13 star is embedded in the NE side. At 280x, the 25" core appears offset E of center and the halo is slightly elongated E-W. Passing through the core is apparently an unresolved string or bar of stars oriented WNW-ENE (just slightly fainter than the core). The globular is lively but without resolution. With averted vision the outer haze increases in size to ~3'. 13": moderately bright, mottled. A single brighter 13th mag star is on the ENE side. This is the larger and brighter of a pair with globular N6528 15' E in Baade's Window. ************************************************************ NGC 6523 = M8 = Lagoon Nebula = LBN 25 = Sh 2-28: = N6526 = N6533 = IC 1271 18 03 41 -24 22.8 V = 5.8; Size 90x40 17.5": extremely bright detailed nebulosity which nearly fills a 50' field. Extensive fainter nebulosity fills the region to the north and a thin extension is to the east. Cut by a large high contrast dark lane ("Lagoon") oriented SW- NE. Contains 9 Sagittarii (V = 6.0) and a mag 7 star 3' NNE. A very bright 30" nebulous knot ("Hourglass Nebula") is near the center 3' SW of 9 Sag. Includes a bright open cluster N6530 on the E side. Prominent naked-eye object in dark sky. See observing notes for N6530 and IC 1271. ************************************************************ NGC 6524 = UGC 11079 = MCG +08-33-005 = CGCG 254-006 17 59 14.9 +45 53 13 V = 12.8; Size 1.3x1.0; SB = 13.0; PA = 155d 17.5": fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, fairly high surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6525 18 02 04.7 +11 02 17 Size 10 17.5": bright, large, very scattered group. On the W side is the prominent subgroup highlighted by a pair of mag 9.5/10 stars at 32" separation with three other mag 12/13 stars within 1'. There are about two dozen stars total in a 5' rectangular group with the brighter stars scattered around the outline but no dense spots or core. Appears to be an asterism with no distinct borders. ************************************************************ NGC 6526 = M8 = Sh 2-28 18 04 06 -24 26.5 See observing notes for N6523. This is the SE portion of M8 = Lagoon Nebula. ************************************************************ NGC 6527 = UGC 11094 = MCG +03-46-009 = CGCG 113-014 = NPM1G +19.0515 18 01 46.3 +19 43 43 V = 13.4; Size 1.4x1.0; SB = 13.7; PA = 150d 17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. ************************************************************ NGC 6528 = ESO 456-SC048 18 04 49.5 -30 03 21 V = 9.5; Size 3.7 17.5" (7/11/99): this is the smaller and fainter of an unusual double pair of globulars with N6522 just 16' W. At 220x, it appears round, ~1.5' in diameter. The brightness gradually increasing towards the center but with no distinct core. The surface brightness is fairly smooth overall and the outer halo is fairly well defined. A mag 13.5 field star is at the SW edge. The surrounding field is noticeably more vacant than around N6522. Both clusters can be placed at the edges of the 14' field of the 7mm Pentax XL. 13": fairly faint, small, 2' diameter, no resolved. This is a smaller and fainter version of globular cluster N6522 15' W. ************************************************************ NGC 6530 = Cr 362 = E521-SC021 18 04 31 -24 21.6 V = 4.6; Size 15 17.5": bright scattered group of 40-50 stars at the E edge of M8 just following the E edge of the dark "Lagoon" lane which runs SW-NE. Forms a rough triangular outline 10'x6' oriented N-S with the longest base along the E side running N-S. The cluster is encased in the fairly bright eastern portion of the M8 nebulosity which passes directly through most of the cluster. 8": 30 stars mag 7-13 in a 10' diameter. Bright, moderately large. Located on the E edge of M8! ************************************************************ NGC 6531 = M21 = E521-SC19 = Cr 363 18 04 13 -22 29.4 V = 5.9; Size 13 17.5": M21 consists of roughly 50 stars in a 5' diameter. Very bright, fairly small although outliers greatly increase the diameter. Includes s wide double star S 698 = 7.9/8.8 at 30". Just N of these stars is a remarkably symmetric ring consisting of a mag 9.5 star and ten mag 12-13 stars. A close mag 14/14 double star is on the W side of the bright double star. Just W is a 10' string of mag 8/9 stars oriented NW-SE including two double stars. M20 lies 45' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6532 = UGC 11085 = MCG +09-29-045 = CGCG 278-042 17 59 14.1 +56 13 54 V = 13.9; Size 1.8x0.9; SB = 14.2; PA = 123d 17.5": very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness. Located 1? SW of Xi Draconis (V = 3.8) ************************************************************ NGC 6533 = N6523 = M8 = Lagoon Nebula = LBN 25 = N6526 = IC 1271 18 03 41 -24 22.8 See observing notes for N6523 = M8. ************************************************************ NGC 6534 = MCG +11-22-013 = CGCG 322-022 = NPM1G +64.0175 17 56 07.2 +64 15 51 V = 14.4; Size 0.8x0.5; SB = 13.3 17.5": very faint, extremely small, round. Located 50" S of a mag 10 star. With direct vision is appears stellar, about mag 15. With averted vision a very small halo is visible about 15" diameter. Located 22' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 17717. On the POSS this galaxy is almost stellar with a very faint ring. The NGC identification is very uncertain, as Swift's description does not match the field surrounding MCG +11-22-013. Swift's position is ~8' E of MCG +11-22-013 = CGCG 322-022. The RNGC and CGCG declination is +64?19' (2000), about 2' N of this galaxy. Corwin feels this identification is unlikely based on Swift's description. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6535 18 03 50.6 -00 17 49 V = 10.6; Size 3.6 18" (8/23/03): at 435x, appears fairly faint, ~3' diameter with an irregular outline, and just a weak concentration. A trio of mag 13-13.5 stars are easily resolved on the west edge and the middle star has two close, mag 14.5 and 15.5 companions. With careful viewing about a dozen extremely faint stars sparkle over the central glow, often popping in out of averted vision. At 538x, the cluster barely breaks up into a swarm of extremely faint stars in steady moments. 17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, roughly circular, 3' diameter. Three mag 13 stars and a mag 14 star are almost on a line oriented N-S on the west edge. Very mottled and granular appearance with an irregular outline. Can just steadily resolve a few very faint stars and another half a dozen extremely faint stars pop in and out of view over the core. Located within a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6536 = UGC 11077 = MCG +11-22-016 = CGCG 322-025 17 57 16.5 +64 56 16 V = 13.4; Size 1.2x1.1; SB = 13.5 17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, unconcentrated. ************************************************************ NGC 6537 = PK 10+0.1 = PN G010.1+00.7 = E590-PN1 = Red Spider Nebula 18 05 13.0 -19 50 35 V = 11.9; Size 5" 17.5" (8/17/01): picked up at 220x as a fuzzy mag 12 "star" forming the eastern vertex of an obtuse, isosceles triangle with two similar stars 1.5' W and 2.4' NW. Excellent view at 380x and 500x. Clearly nonstellar at the higher powers, ~5" diameter with a bluish color and occasionally a slightly brighter center. 13": stellar at 166x, estimate mag V =12.5. Just non-stellar at 220x and clearly nebulous at 360x, about 4" diameter. Appears fainter than computed V magnitude. Located 7' SW of mag 6.8 SAO 161056 and forms the E vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 12 stars 1.5' WNW and 2.4' NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6538 = UGC 11062 = MCG +12-17-012 = CGCG 340-025 17 54 17.1 +73 25 27 V = 13.5; Size 1.1x0.6; SB = 12.8; PA = 48d 17.5": faint, very small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. Located directly between a mag 14 star 1.2' NW and a mag 15 star 1.0' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6539 18 04 49.7 -07 35 09 V = 9.8; Size 6.9 18" (7/19/04): at 225x appears fairly faint, moderately large, round, weakly concentration. The diameter is ~3.5' diameter with averted vision. A few mag 15-15.5 stars are along the west edge of the halo with some brighter mag 13 stars off to the W and NW. At 435x, 3 or 4 mag 15 stars are grouped near the west edge of the halo and a single mag 15.5-16 star is near the center. The edges appear ragged at this magnification. 18" (8/23/03): at 323x appears fairly faint, round, pretty diffuse with only a broad, fairly weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is off the NW side and a few mag 13 stars are off the SW edge and further off the SE side. A couple of mag 15 stars are resolved between the two brighter stars on the west side. At 435x, the surface brightness is quite mottled and seems on the verge of resolution but only one or two extremely faint stellar sparkles are intermittently visible. 17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, diffuse, broad weak concentration. A number of stars are very near including a mag 12.5 star off the NW edge and a fainter mag 13.5 star off the SE edge. In addition, an extremely faint 15th mag star is resolved near the NW edge and a mag 15 star is visible near the center but no other resolution was evident. 8": faint, moderately large, very diffuse, no resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6540 = ESO 456-SC053 = Cr 364 = Djorgovski 3 18 06 08.5 -27 45 55 Size 1 17.5" (7/10/99): this interesting globular is located nearly midway along a short 1.5' E-W arc of a half dozen or so mag 13-14 stars that are bowed out to the north. The globular is a faint, round, 40" glow which is embedded just inside the center of this string which extends beyond the globular to the west and east. At 100x, this string, along with the haze of the cluster creates the impression the globular is quite elongated. 13" (9/3/83): very faint, small, rich spot, slightly elongated E-W, mottled but no resolved. Also a group of six faint stars in an arc to the SE. Dark nebula B86 lies 41' W. Recently reclassified as a globular in 1994. ************************************************************ NGC 6541 = ESO 280-SC004 18 08 02 -43 43.0 V = 6.1; Size 13.1 11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): excellent view at 127x! Well concentrated to a small, intense 1.5' core. The halo extends to roughly 8' and is well-resolved into perhaps a 100 stars. A brighter star is at the NE side of the halo a couple of brighter stars are at the S and SW edge of the cluster. Prominent in 10x30 IS binoculars. 18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this beautiful globular is set in a rich star field and is strongly compressed with a blazing core. At 171x, the halo is ~8' and highly resolved into a couple of hundred stars mag 12 and fainter. A few brighter stars (field?) are mixed in including mag 11 stars on the E and SW side of the halo. The stars are densely packed towards the core - another southern showpiece globular! 8" (7/16/82): bright, fairly small, well concentrated to bright core. Mottled halo but no resolution. Located 20' SE of a mag 5 star (h 5014 = 5.8/5.8 at 1.8"). Very far south for viewing from Northern California. ************************************************************ NGC 6542 = UGC 11092 = MCG +10-25-126 = CGCG 300-103 = CGCG 301-009 17 59 38.9 +61 21 33 V = 13.3; Size 1.3x0.4; SB = 12.3; PA = 98d 17.5": faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6543 = PK 96+29.1 = Cat's Eye Nebula = Helical Nebula = IC 4677 = PN G096.4+29.9 17 58 33.2 +66 37 59 V = 8.1; Size 22"x19" 18" (7/21/04): at 435x, it was fairly clear that there were two shells in the main body which were of different sizes and orientations creating a complex appearance. Surrounding the high surface brightness main body was a thin, very faint outer envelope (inner portion of the outer envelope). The central star was visible continuously. 18" (6/21/03): remarkable view at 538x. The central star shines steadily in the center of what appears to be two superimposed shells, offset in orientation by ~90 degrees. Interior filamentary or arc-like structure was highly suspected. 17.5": viewed at 280x and 412x; the Cat's Eye nebula appears very bright, fairly small, oval SW-NE, blue-green color. Appears darker (annular) surrounding the mag 11 central star. The prominent visual portion is surrounded by a very faint oval outer envelope (386") which was not seen but includes the bright irregular knot IC 4677 1.7' west of center. N6552 is located 10' following. IC 4677 was suspected at 220x without filtration close to a mag 15 star located 1' W of the planetary. Using a UHC filter, IC 4677 was clearly visible with averted vision as a very faint elongated patch, ~25"x15" oriented SW-NE. Requires averted for a good view but could hold steadily almost continuously. It was also visible at 140x with an OIII filter and 280x with the UHC, but 220x provided the best view. 13": at 400x appears very bright, oval N-S, blue color, central star visible with averted. 8": bright, elongated, blue, high surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6544 = ESO 521-SC028 18 07 20.6 -24 59 50 V = 8.2; Size 7 17.5" (5/10/91): bright, 4'x3', elongated NW-SE, irregular and scraggly outline, mottled. Located in a rich star field. About six stars are superimposed including two or three mag 13 stars in a tight knot near the center. Several faint stars are resolved at the edges and nearby field stars. A double star with components mag 11.5/13.5 lies 2' SW. 8": moderately bright, small, brighter core, grainy appearance, in a rich star field. At 200x, two stars are visible at the center and two or three stars are resolved at edges. ************************************************************ NGC 6546 = Cr 365 = E521-SC029 18 07 23 -23 17.8 V = 8.0; Size 13 17.5": bright, large, scattered, 10' diameter. Including three mag 9 stars on the E side, 10 mag 11-12 stars mag and roughly 70 stars total. Between the three mag 9 stars is a very faint, rich group of 15-20 stars. Near the west edge is a faint, very close double. The majority of cluster stars are fairly evenly distributed with no other dense regions. Situated in a rich milky way field. 8": scattered group of about 40 stars with 20 stars easily visible and three brighter mag 9 stars on the E side, elongated ~E-W. A mag 8 star is in the field to the NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6547 = UGC 11110 = MCG +04-43-001 = CGCG 141-048 = CGCG 142-001 18 05 10.0 +25 13 58 V = 13.6; Size 1.3x0.4; SB = 12.6; PA = 136d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, very small bright core. A well-matched double star is 2' S (12.5/12.5 at 16"). ************************************************************ NGC 6548 = UGC 11115 = MCG +03-46-013 = CGCG 113-020 18 05 59.1 +18 35 14 V = 11.7; Size 3.0x2.8; SB = 13.9 17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, sharp concentration with a very bright core dominating a faint halo. Forms a pair with N6549 3.7' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6549 = UGC 11114 = MCG +03-46-012 = CGCG 113-019 = N6550 18 05 49.5 +18 32 16 V = 13.7; Size 1.4x0.4; SB = 13.0; PA = 53d 17.5": faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, low even surface brightness. A very faint mag 16 star is involved. Forms a pair with N6548 3.7' NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6550 = N6549 = U11114 = MCG +03-46-012 = CGCG 113-019 18 05 49.5 +18 32 16 See observing notes for N6549. ************************************************************ NGC 6552 = UGC 11096 = MCG +11-22-018 = CGCG 322-026 18 00 07.2 +66 36 54 V = 13.6; Size 1.0x0.7; SB = 13.1; PA = 105d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, bright core. Located just 10' E of N6543, the Cat's Eye Nebula!. Position is nearly coincident with the North ecliptic pole. ************************************************************ NGC 6553 = ESO 521-SC036 18 09 15.6 -25 54 28 V = 8.3; Size 6 17.5": grainy, mottled globular with a single bright star at the N edge and four or five additional stars at the edges may also be resolved members. Located in a rich field. Brightest member star V =14.7. 8": fairly bright, moderately large. A single star is at the N edge, elongated or fan-shaped N-S, no resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6554 = ESO 590-?003 18 08 59 -18 26.1 18" (9/3/05): at 115x appears as a large, scattered group of ~100 stars in a 25' x10' region. Most of the brighter stars form a triangular outline with a 15' string of stars oriented NW to SE forming the western leg of the triangle being most evident. A number of faint stars pepper the interior at 225x, though at this power the group filled the field and was not recognizable at all. This appears to be a random Milky Way asterism although the triangular outline is somewhat detached in the field at low power. Contains a number of mag 10.5-11.5 star although there is no single brighter star. A fairly small triangle of stars including a mag 11 pair at 27" is off the west side. 17.5" (8/12/01): large, very scattered, elongated group at 100x. Roughly three dozen stars are visible in an arbitrary 20'x6' region, extended NW-SE. A close quadruple is at the west side of the NW end. There are no rich concentrations and the group looks just like an random asterism. At 220x, ~50 stars are seen with some faint clumps visible but as the group now fills the field I would not have noticed it at all at this power. The outline is easier to trace along the western flank and around the NW end. An evenly matched mag 12 pair is off the west side but is not within the main group. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6555 = UGC 11121 = MCG +03-46-015 = CGCG 113-022 = Ho 774a 18 07 49.3 +17 36 17 V = 12.4; Size 2.0x1.5; SB = 13.5; PA = 110d 17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, mild concentration but no sharp core. ************************************************************ NGC 6558 = ESO 456-SC062 18 10 18.3 -31 45 49 V = 9.8; Size 3.7 17.5" (7/29/92): moderately bright, small, 1.5'-2.0' diameter, irregular outline. Has a fairly smooth halo with a small bright core offset to the N side with a stellar nucleus sometimes visible. Five or six very faint mag 14.5-15 stars are embedded within the halo. Located in a rich star field. 8": faint, small, round, six faint stars lie to the S. ************************************************************ NGC 6559 = ESO 521-*N040 = LBN 28 18 09 58 -24 06.6 Size 8x5 17.5" (7/20/96): at 140x an irregular glow is easily visible surrounding a group of 5 stars and brightest around a 30" pair of mag 9.5/10.5 stars. The 4'x3' nebulosity extends mainly to the W and NW of this pair. Best view probably unfiltered at 140x (nebulosity dims with OIII and similar with UHC), but with UHC filter a very large hazy nebulosity ~10' diameter stands out to the NW involving a number of brighter stars. 17.5" (7/17/93): observation made at 100x using an OIII filter: Brightest portion of extensive nebulous complex, most prominent along two converging rows of stars oriented SW-NE and NW-SE. A mag 10 star is located in the second chain. This description appears to describe the large region of nebulosity to the NW of N6559 mentioned in the 7/96 observation. 17.5": 88x with UHC filter:fairly bright, fairly large nebulosity about 5' diameter. Surrounds two mag 11 stars and extending to four or five fainter mag 12/13 stars. 13": fairly faint, curved strip of nebulosity, includes five stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6560 = UGC 11117 = MCG +08-33-019 = CGCG 254-015 18 05 14.0 +46 52 53 V = 13.6; Size 1.2x0.8; SB = 13.4; PA = 55d 17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6561 18 10 30 -16 43.5 17.5": very large, fairly rich milky way field, roughly 15'x10' elongated ~N-S. Along the eastern border are four mag 9 stars with a 28" pair at the midpoint of the other two bright stars which are oriented SW-NE at 7' separation. The stars are fairly evenly distributed and include a large number of mag 12-13 stars with a background of very faint stars at 220x. Unable to determine any specific borders or to count the large number of stars but stands out reasonably well at 80x. ************************************************************ NGC 6562 = MCG +09-29-051 = CGCG 278-046 = CGCG 279-001 = NPM1G +56.0262 18 05 00.8 +56 15 47 V = 13.7; Size 0.7x0.7; SB = 12.8 17.5": faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, small bright core. A mag 14 star is about 30" off the SW edge and 51" from center. ************************************************************ NGC 6563 = PK 358-7.1 = E394-PN33 = PN G358.5-07.3 18 12 02.5 -33 52 06 V = 10.8; Size 50"x37" 17.5" (6/28/00): at 280x this moderately bright PN appears elongated 5:4 SW-NE, ~50"x40". The surface brightness is pretty smooth and no central star was visible. A UHC filter provides a moderate contrast gain. Set is a rich star field. 13": observation at 166x and 220x: fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, no annularity. Prominent using UHC filter, moderate surface brightness. Located in a rich star field 15' ESE of mag 6.2 SAO 209817. 8": faint, elongated N-S, fairly small. ************************************************************ NGC 6565 = PK 3-4.5 = PN G003.5-04.6 = E456-PN70 18 11 52.4 -28 10 43 V = 11.4; Size 10"x8" 17.5" (8/17/01): picked up at 100x as fuzzy mag 12 star. Jumped up to 500x in good seeing which provided an excellent view of a crisp, slightly elongated 10" disc with an irregular surface brightness. In steadier moments, annularity was evident and there appeared to be a tiny darker hole in the center with a brighter rim and no hint of a central star. Situated within a rich Sgr star field with a few faint stars within 1' and several brighter stars in the field. 13": at 166x and UHC filter; moderately bright, small, round, clearly non- stellar, 10" diameter, high surface brightness. Easy at 360x without filter, appears slightly elongated NW-SE, no central star visible. ************************************************************ NGC 6566 = MCG +09-30-001 = CGCG 279-002 18 07 00.6 +52 15 37 V = 14.4; Size 0.8x0.7; SB = 13.6 17.5": very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 15 star is 0.6' W of center and an extremely faint mag 16 star is at the NW edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6567 = PK 11-0.2 = E590-PN8 = PN G011.7-00.6 18 13 45.2 -19 04 33 V = 10.9; Size 11"x7" 17.5" (7/8/94): bright very compact planetary at 220x with a mag 13 star at the east edge. Excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. High surface brightness small disc visible at 280x which is cleanly resolved from the following star. Brighter center but no central star seen. Located in a very rich milky way field on the SW side of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24). 8": appears as a mag 11 "star" at 100x. Slightly non-stellar at 200x. A slightly elongated disc N-S is visible at 400x. Forms a close pair with a mag 12 star just E. Situated in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6568 = Cr 369 = E590-SC006 18 12 44 -21 37.7 Size 13 17.5": at 82x, 75 stars mag 11-14 in 15'x10' region elongated N-S. Appears as a large enhancement of the milky way with no sharp edges. Most stars are at the periphery and the central region is devoid of stars. Irregular outline is formed by winding arcs of stars in a "S" pattern with most stars 13th magntiude. The densest region is a very winding lane along the NW edge. 8": faint, rich dusting of mag 11-13 stars, forms a nice arc. A mag 5.5 star is 30' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6569 = ESO 456-SC077 18 13 38.8 -31 49 35 V = 8.7; Size 5.8 17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2.5' diameter, weakly concentrated but no distinct core. Irregular surface brightness and mottled with darker areas on the E side but no definite resolution into stars. Four stars cradle the globular to the SW and SE and mag 6.6 SAO 209873 is 9' S. 8": faint, small, round, no resolution. A mag 7 star is 9' S. ************************************************************ NGC 6570 = UGC 11137 = MCG +02-46-008 = CGCG 084-022 = VV 537 = LGG 419-001 18 11 07.3 +14 05 34 V = 12.7; Size 1.8x1.1; SB = 13.3; PA = 30d 17.5": fairly faint, oval SSW-NNE, fairly small, very weak concentration, rich star field. Bracketed by four mag 13-14 stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6571 = MCG +04-43-006 = CGCG 142-010 18 10 49.4 +21 14 19 V = 14.3; Size 0.3x0.3 17.5": very faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration. First in the large N6579/N6580 group. ************************************************************ NGC 6572 = PK 34+11.1 = PN G034.6+11.8 = ?6 = Emerald Nebula 18 12 06.3 +06 51 13 V = 8.0; Size 16"x13" 18" (8/2/05): at 225x I noticed an interesting color effect; although the color was a quite prominent bluish-green, while staring at the center the planetary decreased in size but the color changed to a deep emerald green. 18" (8/14/04): at 225x, strikingly bright emerald green oval, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~15"x12". Increasing to 435x this compact planetary appears elongated 3:2, ~16"x11" and brightens towards the center with direct vision, although the color becomes bluish and washed out. The surface brightness is too high to pick out a central star. There appears to be small, faint envelope which encases the planetary. 18" (7/19/04): at 225x this small planetary is very bright, with an obvious blue-green color. Generally, the color appeared a vivid emerald green and other times there was bluish tint to the color. The main body is only ~8" in size with a thin halo elongated ~SW-NE increasing the size to roughly 15"x11". It appears to have a much larger, very low surface brightness halo, though perhaps this is scattered light as the planetary has such as a high surface brightness. This halo is still evident at 322x appears ~30" in diameter. 17.5" (6/3/00): at 220x appears as a very bright, small, intense blue oval, ~15"x12". At 280x-500x, a thin outer envelope is obvious with the inner oval a uniform high surface brightness. No central star visible. 13" (8/24/84): very bright, small, about 15" diameter, slightly elongated N-S, extremely high surface brightness, blue color. Very faint outer halo is elongated N-S. No central star seen. 8" (7/79): bright, small, very high surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6574 = UGC 11144 = MCG +02-46-010 = CGCG 084-024 = CGCG 113-026 = N6610: 18 11 51.2 +14 58 54 V = 12.0; Size 1.4x1.1; SB = 12.3; PA = 160d 17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration. A mag 14 star is involved at the south end 30" from the center. 8": faint, small, slightly elongated N-S. ************************************************************ NGC 6575 = UGC 11138 = MCG +05-43-006 = CGCG 172-009 18 10 57.6 +31 06 57 V = 12.7; Size 1.8x1.3; SB = 13.6; PA = 65d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. Forms a pair with IC 1277 9' SW. Located 8.0' S of mag 8.2 SAO 66720. ************************************************************ NGC 6576 = CGCG 142-014 = NPM1G +21.0541 18 11 48.0 +21 25 42 V = 14.5; Size 0.6x0.5; SB = 13.0 17.5": extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Located 3.3' SW of N6577 in the N6579/N6580 group. ************************************************************ NGC 6577 = UGC 11148 = MCG +04-43-009 = CGCG 142-017 = NPM1G +21.0543 18 12 01.2 +21 27 49 V = 12.6; Size 1.5x1.3; SB = 13.3 17.5": faint, small, round, small bright core. A mag 14/15 double star is 1' E. Located in the N6579/N6580 group with N6576 3.3' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6578 = PK 10-1.1 = PN G010.8-01.8 = E590-PN12 18 16 16.4 -20 27 02 V = 12.6; Size 13"x10" 17.5" (8/17/01): Situated within clump of stars at 100x and appeared stellar at low power. At 500x, a small unevenly lit 4" disc was easily visible close ENE [21"] of a mag 11 star. An extremely faint star is just off the SE edge and an evenly matched 20" pair of mag 11 stars lie 1' SE. Located 7' NW of a mag 7 star. 13": just non-stellar at 220x, estimate V = 13.0, 5" diameter. Suspected nebulous at 144x, confirmed by UHC blinking. Located 7.2' NW of mag 7.1 SAO 186575 (17 Sagittarii?). Forms a close double with a mag 11 star 21" WSW and a pair of mag 11 stars are 1' SE. This PN is plotted incorrectly on the Sky Atlas 2000.0. ************************************************************ NGC 6579 = MCG +04-43-011 = CGCG 142-022 = Ho 775b 18 12 31.8 +21 25 14 V = 13.5; Size 0.5x0.5; SB = 11.9 17.5": very faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 15.5 star is 30" SW (this is a double star on POSS). Nearly attached at the SW edge of N6580 (34" separation) in a large group. ************************************************************ NGC 6580 = MCG +04-43-012 = CGCG 142-022 = Ho 775a 18 12 33.7 +21 25 35 V = 13.1; Size 1.1x0.6; SB = 12.5; PA = 126d 17.5": faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, diffuse halo. A mag 12 star is off the north edge. Forms a double system with N6579 off the SW edge 34" from centers. Brightest in the cluster. ************************************************************ NGC 6581 = MCG +04-43-010 = CGCG 142-021 = NPM1G +25.0474 = IC 1280 18 12 18.4 +25 39 44 V = 14.5; Size 0.6x0.3; SB = 12.5; PA = 57d 17.5": faint, small, round. A mag 14.5 star is at the NE end and a mag 15 star at the S end. Image confused by these two close faint stars. A wide pair of stars is 12' SW. Located in the U11156 group and incorrectly identified as U11155 in the RNGC. Discovered by Stephan (I). The coordinates of his 8th magnitude offset star are off a bit and when this correction is applied (11s of RA and 30" of dec) his micrometric position is 18 12 20.3 +25 39 40 (2000). This corresponds almost exactly with MCG +04-43-010 = CGCG 142-021 at 18 12 18.4 +25 39 44 (2000). To further pin down this identification, Stephan's description mentions "between 2 faint stars" and there is a mag 14 star at the northeast end and a mag 15 star at the south end of this galaxy which were recorded in my 17.5" observation. Bigourdan also recorded a "nebulous star" near N6581 although his position for IC 1280 is an excellent match with N6581. Because of this match, this galaxy is identified as IC 1280 in MCG, CGCG and UGC (notes to U11150) and it seems logical to assume IC 1280 = N6581. But according to Malcolm Thomson, Bigourdan mentioned both objects in the same observation (could he have mistaken N6581 because of the error in Stephan's position?) The object identified as N6581 in the RNGC is U11155, which is part of a double system with IC 4697 in the UGC 11156 galaxy group and is located 13' S of Stephan's position. Discussed in my RNGC Corrections #4, Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Corwin's NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6582 = UGC 11146e = MCG +08-33-030 = CGCG 254-023e = VV 818 = NPM1G +49.0376 18 11 05.2 +49 54 33 V = 14.3; Size 0.6x0.6; SB = 13.0 17.5" (7/22/01): the eastern component of this double system is faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter. Just off the NW end is a fainter companion. 17.5" (8/1/89): this is the following member of a double system. Faint, small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A companion is very close west just 33" separation between centers. Swift's RA is 0.2 tmin W of U11146e = MCG +08-33-030. MCG and PGC misidentify MCG +08-33-026 = CGCG 254-021 with N6582 and this is followed in TheSky. UGC has the correct identification. ************************************************************ NGC 6583 = Cr 370 = E590-SC011 18 15 49 -22 08.3 Size 3 17.5": fairly faint, small, very rich. Contains 30 mag 13-15 stars in a 3'x2' field. Appears elongated SSW-NNE due to string of five stars through the center. Also a curving string of a half a dozen stars extends out of the cluster to the W. Three mag 11-12 stars are a few arc minutes off the SE edge. 8": few faint stars resolved over haze, appear rich but stars too faint to resolve well. ************************************************************ NGC 6584 = ESO 229-SC014 18 18 37.6 -52 12 55 V = 8.6; Size 7.9 11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appeared fairly faint, ~3.5' diameter, broadly concentrated to a 2' core. The globular seemed slightly elongated ~NNW- SSE. Three mag 11 stars cradle the globular on the S, E and NW sides but appear to be field stars. A few faint stars are just resolved in the halo but the central region is unresolved. 18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this globular appeared fairly bright, moderately large, ~4' diameter with a broad concentration and a fairly symmetric appearance. Resolved into a couple of dozen faint stars, mostly in the halo which is a bit ragged. The central core is very mottled but unresolved. A few brighter mag 11 stars are just outside the halo, but these appear to be field stars. A mag 7.5 star is 13' NW and mag 7.0 star 15' NNE. 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 3' diameter, round, broad concentration to core. Slight resolution at edges and three brighter field stars are off the NW, W and SW sides. Observed at 14? elevation from Baja. ************************************************************ NGC 6585 = UGC 11159 = MCG +07-37-024 = CGCG 227-020 18 12 21.6 +39 37 58 V = 12.8; Size 1.9x0.4; SB = 12.4; PA = 50d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration. Located within a group of 10 mag 10-12 stars including a mag 11 star 1.5' N and a mag 10 star 2.5' NE collinear with the major axis. ************************************************************ NGC 6586 = UGC 11164 = MCG +04-43-016 = CGCG 142-028 18 13 38.6 +21 05 24 V = 13.9; Size 0.9x0.5; SB = 12.9; PA = 105d 17.5": faint, small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is off the S edge 0.6' from center. Forms a pair with N6591 5' SE within the N6579/N6580 group. ************************************************************ NGC 6587 = UGC 11166 = MCG +03-46-020 = CGCG 113-031 = NPM1G +18.0533 18 13 50.8 +18 49 31 V = 12.9; Size 1.3x1.1; SB = 13.2 17.5": fairly faint, small, almost round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNW. Located in a rich field. ************************************************************ NGC 6589 = ESO 590-N14 = LBN 46 = IC 1283 = IC 4690: 18 16 53 -19 46.7 Size 5x4 17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x (unfiltered) this is a bright, roundish glow, ~4' diameter, surrounding a wide pair of mag 10/11.5 stars. On the following side, a small 1' glow seems overlapping, causing the E side to bulge out and extending the diameter to 5'x4'. Forms a prominent pair with N6590 6' SSE in a weakly luminous milky way field. 17.5": at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebula surrounding a mag 9 star. The nebulosity is more extensive on the following side of the star. Forms a pair with reflection nebula N6595 7' SSE. 13": very faint, larger than N6590 to the south. Surrounds two stars. IC 1283/1284 lies just NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6590 = N6595 = IC 4700 = E590-SC15 = Lund 819 = LBN 43 18 17 05 -19 52.0 Size 4x3 17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x, this reflection nebula appears as a bright, round glow surrounding a similar pair of 10th magnitude stars separated by 20". The glow is fairly large, extending roughly 4' in diameter. Forms a similar pair of RN with N6589 6' NNW. The entire field is weakly glowing and this nebulosity is connected to the large region IC 1283/84 to the NE. A dark patch or globule on the NW side was not seen with certainty. 17.5": at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebulosity surrounding a pair of mag 10 stars. Similar or slightly larger than N6589 in field 7' NNW. 13": moderately bright, small, surrounds a closely matched double star. Discovered by Swift (II) and placed 5' S of N6589. Swift's position was also 0.7 tmin too far W which is the same offset error as N6589. The RA was corrected by Barnard (AN 3101) and Bigourdan. The corrected RA was also given in the IC 1 notes and Dreyer notes that N6590 = N6595. JH's position for N6595 is a perfect match with the reflection nebula. By order of discovery N6595 should take precedence. Barnard's corrected position is 18 17 06.5 -19 51 33. See Corwin's discussion for full story. ************************************************************ NGC 6591 18 14 03.5 +21 03 48 Size 0.3x0.1; PA = 95d 17.5": extremely faint, small, possibly elongated. A mag 15 star is at the S edge and a wide mag 13.5 pair is 1' NW. Located 5' SE of N6586 in the N6579/80 group. This extremely faint galaxy is not listed in MCG, CGCG, RC3 but is a good match with Marth's position. I could not match up my description with the GSC field, so perhaps I was describing a different galaxy. Corwin also mentions as another possibility a very faint, compact galaxy a couple of arcminutes following. ************************************************************ NGC 6592 = MCG +10-26-018 = CGCG 301-016 = VII Zw 771 18 09 50.8 +61 25 19 V = 14.4; Size 0.3x0.3 17.5": very faint, very small, round, bright core. An extremely faint star is possibly at the west edge. First in a group of at least 7 extremely faint galaxies. ************************************************************ NGC 6593 = MCG +04-43-018 = CGCG 142-030 = NPM1G +22.0606 18 14 03.5 +22 17 02 V = 14.3; Size 0.9x0.6; SB = 13.7; PA = 162d 17.5": very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 30" N. ************************************************************ NGC 6594 = MCG +10-26-019 = CGCG 301-017 18 10 05.5 +61 08 00 V = 14.2; Size 1.0x0.7; SB = 13.7; PA = 90d 17.5": extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W. Located 5.8' SW of mag 7.8 SAO 177948. Second in group with N6597 8.7' ENE. ************************************************************ NGC 6595 = N6590 = IC 4700 = E590-SC15 = Lund 819 = LBN 43 = Cr 371 18 17 05 -19 52.0 See observing notes for N6590. Discovered by JH (h2002) and identical to Swift's N6590 who gave a poor RA (0.7 tmin too far W). See discussion by Barnard in AN 3101. Corwin also equates N6590 and N6595 but since JH earlier discovered N6595 his designation should apply over Swift's N6590. The nebulosity is identified as N6590/N6595 in the SC2000 and N6595 is actually listed as an open cluster at the same position in SC 2000 (from Lynga). The position given in the RNGC is 9' S of N6590/6595. Barnard also mentioned this object again in AN #4239 and it received the designation IC 4700, although it appears that he only referred to a BD star, as there is no specific position given in the article. Apparently Dreyer did not make the NGC identification ************************************************************ NGC 6596 = Lund 821 = OCL-41 18 17 33 -16 39.0 Size 5 17.5": about two dozen stars in a 5' diameter. Unusual arrangement as the stars form a perfect ellipse outline elongated N-S. The brightest mag 10.5 star is at the N end. A small group is to the SE of the mag 10.5 star. The ellipse is only broken on the E side and the center is void of stars. Two nice faint double stars are on the NW side. Just barely stands out in very rich field with many bright stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6597 = MCG +10-26-020 = CGCG 301-018 = NPM1G +61.0212 18 11 13.4 +61 10 50 V = 14.7; Size 0.3x0.25 17.5": extremely faint, very small, elongated ~E-W. Located 3.3' E of mag 7.8 SAO 17798 which detracts from viewing. Third in large group of faint galaxies with N6594 8.7' WSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6598 = UGC 11139 = MCG +12-17-018 = CGCG 340-037 18 08 56.0 +69 04 04 V = 13.2; Size 1.8x1.3; SB = 14.0; PA = 40d 17.5": faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 15.5 star is at the E end. ************************************************************ NGC 6599 = UGC 11178 = MCG +04-43-019 = CGCG 142-031 = NPM1G +24.0462 = N6600? 18 15 43.0 +24 54 45 V = 12.6; Size 1.3x1.2; SB = 13.0 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core. Two mag 13 stars are 32" W and 1.1' NW of center and a fainter mag 14 star is 30" WNW. Forms a pair with N6602 14' NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6600 = N6599? = U11178 = MCG +04-43-019 = CGCG 142-031 = NPM1G +24.0462 18 15 43.0 +24 54 45 See observing notes for N6599. ************************************************************ NGC 6601 = MCG +10-26-022 = CGCG 301-019 18 11 44.2 +61 27 10 V = 14.7; Size 0.7x0.3; SB = 13.1; PA = 42d 17.5": very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is 1.1' W. Fourth in a large group of extremely faint galaxies. ************************************************************ NGC 6602 = UGC 11184 = MCG +04-43-021 = CGCG 142-035 = N6600 18 16 34.2 +25 02 38 V = 13.8; Size 1.0x0.7; SB = 13.3; PA = 0d 17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is attached at the E end. Located in the field of N6599 which lies 14' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6603 = Cr 374 18 18 27 -18 24.4 Size 5 13.1": excellent resolution into 30-50 faint stars including a string oriented NW-SE running through the center. The outline forms an arrowhead shape pointing to the E. Situated in the NE corner of M24 in a glorious region of the Small Sagittarius Starcloud! Located 4' N of mag 8 SAO 161294. The dark nebula B93 lies ~30' NW. 17.5": between 50 and 70 stars are resolved, extremely dense. ************************************************************ NGC 6604 = Sh 2-54 = Cr 373 18 18 03 -12 14 35 V = 6.5; Size 2.0 17.5": at 140x appears as a prominent 2' arc of five stars including a mag 7.5 star and a double star on the SW end. Surrounding this arc is a 5' group of roughly two dozen stars elongated N-S which include two faint pairs. The larger association was not viewed. 16x80 finder: very large, very faint emission haze surrounding a very large group of stars, improves with UHC filter. Eagle nebula very prominent in field to the south. ************************************************************ NGC 6606 = UGC 11174 = MCG +07-37-025 = CGCG 227-021 18 14 41.7 +43 16 07 V = 13.6; Size 0.9x0.7; SB = 12.9; PA = 105d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint extensions. ************************************************************ NGC 6607 = MCG +10-26-023 = CGCG 301-020 18 12 14.8 +61 19 59 V = 14.6; Size 0.6x0.5; SB = 13.3 17.5": this very difficult object required averted to glimpse a 15" spot just 2.2' W of brighter N6608. 17.5": extremely faint and small, round. Forms a pair with slightly brighter N6608 2.2' E. This galaxy is identified as N6608 in the CGCG. ************************************************************ NGC 6608 = MCG +10-26-025 = CGCG 301-021 = VII Zw 773 = N6609? 18 12 33.6 +61 19 54 V = 14.3; Size 0.6x0.6; SB = 13.0 See observing notes for N6609. ************************************************************ NGC 6609 = MCG +10-26-025 = CGCG 301-021 = VII Zw 773 = N6608? 18 12 33.6 +61 19 54 V = 14.3; Size 0.6x0.6; SB = 13.0 17.5": very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is off the south edge 30" from center. 17.5": very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 14 star is 1' S. Forms a close pair with N6607 2.2' W. This galaxy (M+10-26-025 = Z301-021) is identified as N6609 in the CGCG. Discoverted by Swift (I). Both MCG and RNGC identify N6609 with the faint edge- on MCG +10-26-024 = FGC 2194. The RNGC declination is identical to N6608 although the new description clearly refers to the edge-on 2' S of N6608. Swift's original position is close following N6608 (not south) and this galaxy was missed with my 17.5" so it seems unlikely Swift could have picked up this extremely faint edge-on . Also N6607 was described as "eF" and the edge-on would have be more difficult, yet the description reads "vF". Discussed in RNGC Corrections #3 and NGCBUGS (Corwin identifies the edge-on as N6608 although he questions if Swift could have viewed it). ************************************************************ NGC 6610 = N6574 = U11144 = MCG +02-46-010 = CGCG 084-024 = CGCG 113-026 18 11 51.2 +14 58 54 See observing notes for N6574. Identification uncertain. Discovered by Stephan (VII). N6610 was not found by Bigourdan. Reinmuth lists a nonstellar entry for N6610: "vF, S, lbM, v diffic; *10.7 sp 1.3". The DSS shows this to be a just a group of 4 faint stars. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. See Corwin's description in NGCBUGS for probable equivalence with NGC 6574. ************************************************************ NGC 6611 = M16 = IC 4703 = LBN 67 = Sh 2-49 = Eagle Nebula = Star-Queen Nebula 18 18 48 -13 48.4 V = 6.0; Size 35x28 13.1": the "Eagle Nebula" is a fairly bright 30' nebulosity in a striking outstretched eagle shape with a bright scattered cluster superimposed. There is a considerable contrast gain to the nebulosity using a UHC or OIII filter. With a UHC filter, a dark projection (called the "Star Queen") enters on the SE edge of the nebula and extends inward to the west. Also a thin dark "finger" extends even further towards the open cluster. The cluster members surrounding the "head" of the eagle include ten mag 8-10 stars with a bright pair of mag 8.5 stars (8.2/8.8 at 27"). A dark triangular wedge is visible off the north side. ************************************************************ NGC 6612 = MCG +06-40-011 = CGCG 200-014 = I Zw 204 18 16 10.8 +36 04 43 V = 14.5; Size 0.7x0.7; SB = 13.6 17.5": very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated. A mag 16 star is involved at the NE edge, a mag 15 star is 1' NE and a mag 13.5 star is 1.6' SSW. Located 4.5' NNE of a mag 10 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6613 = M18 18 19 58.5 -17 06 07 V = 6.9; Size 9 17.5": at 100x, bright, scattered, includes three mag 9 stars and 10 mag 11 stars. The bright stars form a "V" asterism with the vertex to the NNE. Includes a few wide double stars. At 220x, 40 stars are visible in a 7' diameter, scattered but distinctive. The bright group of 15 stars forming the "V" asterism are surrounded by a dark circular void. The rest of the cluster is to the S and W of the "V". Only a few faint stars are involved and the cluster appears fully resolved. ************************************************************ NGC 6615 = UGC 11196 = MCG +02-46-013 = CGCG 084-034 18 18 33.6 +13 15 53 V = 13.1; Size 0.9x0.9; SB = 12.7; PA = 165d 17.5": faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus, in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6616 = UGC 11192 = MCG +04-43-022 = CGCG 142-036 18 17 41.0 +22 14 18 V = 13.8; Size 1.4x0.6; SB = 13.5; PA = 59d 17.5": very faint, small, elongated SW-NE, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center. ************************************************************ NGC 6617 = UGC 11176 = MCG +10-26-029 = CGCG 301-025 18 14 02.5 +61 19 10 V = 14.6; Size 1.2x1.0; SB = 14.7; PA = 80d 17.5": faint, very small, round, bright core. Last in group of 7 faint galaxies. Located 12' E of the N6607/N6608 pair. ************************************************************ NGC 6618 = M17 = Swan Nebula = Omega Nebula = LBN 60 = Sh 2-45 18 20 47 -16 10.3 V = 6.0; Size 46x37 13.1": the "Swan Nebula" is very bright, very large, with fantastic detail along the bright bar. Has a turbulent texture with dark areas near the "hook". A nebulous halo surrounds the brighter star to the S. 8": very bright, large,very detailed. The brightest portion consists of a long bright ray which hooks S at the Wst end. A fainter section oriented N-S section follows. The main bar is mottled. The irregular hooked portion is clearly mixed with a dark nebula intruding. Fainter nebulosity is visible N and S of the main bar. ************************************************************ NGC 6619 = UGC 11200 = MCG +04-43-025 = CGCG 142-039 18 18 55.7 +23 39 21 V = 13.0; Size 1.2x1.1; SB = 13.3 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint halo. Several mag 15 stars are near including a mag 15 star at the W edge just 15" from the center. Two mag 12 stars with faint companions are following. Pair with N6623 11.4' ENE. ************************************************************ NGC 6620 = PK 5-6.1 = E522-PN26 = PN G005.8-06.1 18 22 54.1 -26 49 18 V = 12.7; Size 5" 13.1": stellar planetary at 79x located 2.1' NW a mag 10.5 star. Verified with OIII blinking. At 214x and UHC filter appears moderately bright and a very small disc about 4" diameter is visible. A mag 13 star lies 0.9' E. ************************************************************ NGC 6621 = UGC 11175 = MCG +11-22-030 = CGCG 322-036 = Arp 81 = VV 247 = VII Zw 778 18 12 55.2 +68 21 49 V = 13.1; Size 2.1x0.8; PA = 145d 17.5": fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a double galaxy in a common envelope with N6622 just 40" SE of center. A mag 15 star is 30" E. ************************************************************ NGC 6622 = UGC 11175 = MCG +11-22-031 = CGCG 322-036 = Arp 81 = VV 247 = VII Zw 778 18 12 59.5 +68 21 15 V = 15.3; Size 0.6x0.5; SB = 13.8 17.5": faint, very small, possibly round. Forms an interacting double system with N6621 and visually both galaxies appear enveloped in a common envelope with N6621 just 35" NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6623 = UGC 11203 = MCG +04-43-026 = CGCG 142-040 18 19 42.9 +23 42 33 V = 13.3; Size 1.4x1.1; SB = 13.6; PA = 155d 17.5": faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, diffuse halo. Located 4.1' NW of mag 8.6 SAO 85932. Pair with N6619 11.4' WSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6624 = ESO 457-SC011 18 23 40.6 -30 21 39 V = 8.1; Size 5.9 17.5" (5/10/91): bright, fairly small, round, 3' diameter. Very symmetric appearance as increases to a sharp small bright core and brighter stellar nucleus. There are hints of resolution in the halo particularly on the N edge. Approximately six mag 14-15 stars are glimpsed. A close mag 12/14 double star at 10" separation is 1.7' WSW of center. Located 45' SE of Delta Sagittarii in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6625 = OCL-58 = Lund 829 18 23 01 -12 01.4 Size 39 17.5": at 100x, appears to be a milky way field in a large triangular region roughly bordered by mag 5.7 HD 169033 star at the SE vertex, a mag 8 star ~12' NW and a mag 9 star ~9' W. This identification is uncertain as the region is completely indistinguishable from surrounding fields in star density and does not have any resemblance to a cluster although the milky way background seems locally brighter (also, JH does not mention the mag 5.7 star). At 220x, there is a fairly well-defined edge to portions of this milky way background and there is a small extension to the west near the star at the NW vertex. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. Discovered by JH (h2009): "A loose straggling cluster of stars 11...12m.". Identified as OCL-58 = Lund 829 in Lynga. Not found, though, by Brian Skiff visually on 2 occasions. No clustering found by Reinmuth either. JH's position is very close to a mag 5.7 star at 18 23 12 -12 00.9 (2000) although it is odd that he did not mention the bright star. See Corwin's NGCBUGS for more discussion. ************************************************************ NGC 6626 = M28 = E522-SC023 18 24 32.8 -24 52 11 V = 6.9; Size 11.2 17.5" (7/10/99): striking globular at 220x, with the halo appearing ~4.5' in diameter and a very bright core ~2'x1.5' elongated SSW-NNE. Extensive resolution at 280x and 380x with roughly 50 stars resolved in the halo. At 380x the edges of the core really start breaking up into numerous stars and a rich sprinkling of stars is superimposed on the well-defined core. On the north side of the halo a long star chain heads directly north and a fainter but richer chain starts to trail off the E side of the core but abruptly turns in a chain heading NNW. 13": very bright, fairly large, sharp concentration with a lively unresolved core. A few stars are resolved at the edges of the core over haze and many stragglers resolved including long spidery chains. A total of a few dozen stars resolved. Excellent view at 290x and a star chain to the N is prominent. 8": bright, sharp concentration, lively halo just resolves into many faint stars at 200x! ************************************************************ NGC 6627 = UGC 11212 = MCG +03-47-001 = CGCG 114-004 18 22 39.0 +15 41 52 V = 13.3; Size 1.3x1.1; SB = 13.5; PA = 70d 17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated E-W. Contains a very small brighter core within a diffuse outer halo. Located in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6628 = UGC 11211 = MCG +04-43-029 = CGCG 142-041 18 22 21.8 +23 28 41 V = 12.9; Size 1.9x1.3; SB = 13.7; PA = 90d 17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 3.0' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 85980. ************************************************************ NGC 6629 = PK 9-5.1 = E522-PN26 = PN G009.4-05.0 18 25 42.3 -23 12 10 V = 11.2; Size 16"x14" 17.5": at 140x, very bright, small, 15" diameter, round, high surface brightness, crisp-edged. The central star is visible with direct vision. Mag 9.4 SAO 186802 lies 2.1' SE. At 280x, the mag 13 central star is easier to pick out within the high surface brightness nebulosity. A mag 15 star is visible 30" NNW and a mag 15.5 star is right at the NE edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6631 = Cr 379 = Lund 833 = OCL-59 18 27 11.4 -12 01 52 Size 5 17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x about 40 stars are resolved in a 5' region over unresolved background haze. A mag 11 star is at the NW edge but most stars are mag 13/14. Includes an equal mag 11.5/12 double star off the SE edge. 8" (7/16/82): a dozen star are resolved over unresolved haze. A double star mag 11/11.5 at 10" is at the S edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6632 = UGC 11226 = MCG +05-43-018 = CGCG 172-032 18 25 03.2 +27 32 07 V = 12.1; Size 3.0x1.4; SB = 13.6; PA = 155d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, large brighter core. A pair of mag 12 and 13 stars are 1.3' W and 1.0' NW of center, respectively. A group of brighter stars are about 7' S including mag 6.3 HR 6904 8.5' S. ************************************************************ NGC 6633 = Cr 380 = Mel 201 = Lund 834 18 27 15 +06 30.5 V = 4.6; Size 27 13.1": very bright, very large but loose and scattered. At 62x, 150 stars are visible in a 60' field with several bright stars on the SW side and many bright stars are outside this field including mag 5.5 SAO 123516 15' SSE. This is a naked-eye open cluster in dark skies. ************************************************************ NGC 6634 = M69 = N6637 = E457-SC14 18 31 23.2 -32 20 53 See observing notes for N6637 = M69. Corwin equates Lacaille's N6634 with M69. This implies a 1? error in the dec of N6634 too far S. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC but not equated with M69. ************************************************************ NGC 6635 = UGC 11239 = MCG +02-47-003 18 27 37.1 +14 49 09 V = 13.4; Size 1.0x0.9; SB = 13.1 17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.0' S. Located 7.7' NNW of mag 8.6 SAO 103741 in a rich star field. Planetary nebula M3-27 is 20' S. ************************************************************ NGC 6636 = MCG +11-22-046 = VV 368 = VII Zw 790 18 22 02.7 +66 36 58 V = 13.4; Size 2.3x0.4; SB = 13.2; PA = 3d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. N6636 is a double galaxy with a companion attached at the NE side. ************************************************************ NGC 6637 = M69 = N6634 = E457-SC14 18 31 23.2 -32 20 53 V = 7.7; Size 7.1 17.5" (7/29/92): M69 is bright, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, fairly symmetric appearance with a large core surrounded by a small halo. A bright mag 12.5 star is embedded in the core or contains a bright stellar nucleus. Several easy mag 13.3-14.0 stars are resolved around the edges of the halo and 15-20 very faint mag 14-15 stars are visible in the halo with averted vision. Additionally, a few stars are also detected over the core. This is a pretty globular with averted vision located 4.5' SE of mag 7.9 SAO 21059. 8": fairly bright, bright core, lively halo, few stars at edges, difficult to achieve resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6638 = ESO 522-SC030 18 30 56.2 -25 29 47 V = 9.2; Size 5.0 17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2.5' diameter, gradually increases to a bright core. The halo has a fairly even surface brightness. A few extremely faint mag 15-16 stars are resolved at the mottled edges. Located 3.6' N of mag 9.4 SAO 186904. ************************************************************ NGC 6639 = OCL-57 18 30 59 -13 09.3 17.5": unimpressive group of two dozen stars at 220x in a 5' region. The brightest mag 11 star is at the W side, with most stars mag 12.5-13.5. There are two small elongated subgroups of stars close NE and SE of the mag 11 star. Located in a rich field 5' NE of mag 8.8 SAO 161547. There are several richer pockets of stars, so this group appears to be another asterism. Discovered by JH (h2011): "A closely clustering portion of the milky way, which is one continued cluster here." Reinmuth: "a very loose clustering of st, not well defined." JH's position is a close match. Although listed as a cluster in the RNGC, the RA is 48s too small. Listed in Lynga. ************************************************************ NGC 6640 = UGC 11247 = MCG +06-40-018 = CGCG 200-021 18 28 08.2 +34 18 10 V = 13.5; Size 1.1x0.8; SB = 13.2; PA = 153d 17.5": faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is close E of the core, a mag 13.5 star is 1.5' N and a mag 11 star is 4.0' SSE. ************************************************************ NGC 6641 = UGC 11250 = MCG +04-43-035 18 28 57.4 +22 54 10 V = 13.3; Size 0.9x0.7; SB = 12.7; PA = 102d 17.5": faint, small, oval 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6642 = ESO 522-SC032 18 31 54.2 -23 28 34 V = 9.4; Size 4.5 17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2' diameter, bright core seems slightly offset. Half a dozen mag 14-15 stars are resolved in the mottled halo. A mag 11 field star 2.2' NW and a mag 13.5 star 1.5' NW of center are collinear with the core. Located in a field rich in faint stars. 8": fairly bright, small, bright core, fainter halo, no resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6643 = UGC 11218 = MCG +12-17-021 = CGCG 340-043 18 19 46.6 +74 34 08 V = 11.1; Size 3.8x1.9; SB = 13.1; PA = 38d 17.5": fairly bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo. Forms the E vertex of a triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 1.6' NW and 2.0' W. Also a mag 15 star is off the W edge 1.4' from center. 8": faint, diffuse, elongated SW-NE. Two mag 12 stars are at the W edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6644 = PK 8-7.2 = E522-PN23 = PN G008.3-07.3 18 32 34.6 -25 07 44 V = 10.8; Size 2.5" 17.5": bright bluish "star" at 105x which brightens dramatically with OIII blinking. A mag 12 star (good for blinking comparison) is 1.0' N. At 286x, a small disc is visible about 4" diameter. Estimate V=11.0. ************************************************************ NGC 6645 = Cr 383 = Mel 205 = Lund 844 18 32 37 -16 53.0 Size 10 17.5": at 82x, this is a striking rich cluster of 20' diameter! Quite rich in faint stars but a noticeable "hole" in center is devoid of stars. A rich knot of stars is on the south side of void and a close triple star is on the north side. A string of stars extends out of the cluster to the E. Three mag 7-8 stars are in the field to the NE. At 220x on the south side of the void are 8 stars in a "V" asterism. Roughly 75 stars are resolved within the central 10' diameter. A rich clump of 8 stars is just resolved at the south edge of the circular hole. 8": about 50 stars, moderately large, unresolved haze, including close triple star, rich in faint stars, several dense patches. ************************************************************ NGC 6646 = UGC 11258 = MCG +07-38-008 = CGCG 228-010 18 29 38.8 +39 51 54 V = 12.6; Size 1.2x1.0; SB = 12.7; PA = 50d 13.1": fairly faint, fairly small, small brighter core, diffuse halo. Forms an obtuse angle with mag 8.5 SAO 67027 3.9' NNW and mag 9.5 SAO 67032 3.3' ESE. Forms a trio with IC 1288 9' SSW and IC 1289 7.5' NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6649 = Cr 384 = Mel 206 = Lund 847 18 33 27 -10 24.2 V = 8.9; Size 6 17.5" (7/1/89): 40-50 stars in a 5' diameter, fairly rich, over unresolved haze. The brightest star is the close double ADS 11441 with components 9.7/11.4 at 4" located at the S edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6650 = CGCG 322-043 = VII Zw 794 = NPM1G +67.0164 18 25 27.9 +68 00 21 V = 13.9; Size 0.4x0.4; SB = 11.8 17.5": faint, very small, round, only a very small weak concentration at the center. A mag 14 star is 1.0' NNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6651 = UGC 11236 = MCG +12-17-020 = CGCG 340-044 18 24 19.7 +71 36 06 V = 13.1; Size 1.6x0.7; SB = 13.1; PA = 30d 17.5": faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core. ************************************************************ NGC 6652 = ESO 395-SC11 18 35 45.7 -32 59 25 V = 8.9; Size 3.5 17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 2.0'x1.5', sharp small bright core with a substellar nucleus embedded. Mottled halo but no resolution. A mag 13 star is 1' WSW of the core near the edge of the halo and a mag 14 star is at the E edge. Located 7' SE of mag 6.9 SAO 210344. 8": moderately bright, small, compact bright core. A mag 13 star is at the SW edge but there is no other resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6654 = UGC 11238 = MCG +12-17-023 = CGCG 340-045 = VII Zw 793 18 24 07.9 +73 10 59 V = 12.0; Size 2.6x2.1; SB = 13.7; PA = 0d 17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, round. Sharply concentrated with a very bright just non-stellar nucleus embedded in a large low surface brightness halo. A mismatched mag 11/14.5 double star lies 2.4' W. ************************************************************ NGC 6654A = UGC 11332 = MCG 12-17-29 = CGCG 340-053 = CGCG 341-004 18 39 25.4 +73 34 48 V = 12.9; Size 2.6x0.8; SB = 13.5; PA = 63d 17.5": faint, moderately large, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is off the S side 54" from the center. Brightest of a trio with U11331 2.6' NW and edge-on M+12-17-027 6' NW (not seen). ************************************************************ NGC 6656 = M22 = E523-SC4 18 36 24.1 -23 54 12 V = 5.2; Size 24.0 17.5" (8/4/94): at 220x appears 10' diameter although outliers may significantly increase the total diameter. The very bright core is irregularly round and 3.5'-4' diameter but not concentrated to the center. M22 is extensively resolved to the center and there is no distinct nucleus. At the NE edge of the core is rich small clump with 8-10 stars that collectively stands out well and an easy bright pair is at the SE edge of the core. The very irregular halo appears more extensive on the NE side and appears elongated SW-NE. Dark lanes appear to intrude into the cluster and involve the surrounding region though this may be an optical effect. This is the third brightest globular in integrated magnitude (V = 5.2) and a difficult naked-eye object in a dark sky (fairly easy from Australia, but not as obvious as I would have expected). 8": very bright, very large, extremely rich. A few hundred mag 11-13 stars are resolved and appears highly resolved down to the core. A bright clump is visible in the NE section of the core. Varying magnitudes to the cluster members. M22 is the second best globular for viewing from Northern California (next to M13, although has brighter members). ************************************************************ NGC 6657 = UGC 11271 = MCG +06-41-003 = CGCG 201-008 18 33 01.4 +34 03 38 V = 13.6; Size 0.7x0.4; SB = 12.1; PA = 138d 13.1": fairly faint, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, fairly small, broad concentration with no distinct core. Located in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6658 = UGC 11274 = MCG +04-44-002 = CGCG 143-002 = LGG 421-004 18 33 55.8 +22 53 19 V = 12.9; Size 1.7x0.4; SB = 12.4; PA = 5d 17.5": faint, small, edge-on N-S, small very bright core with very faint extensions. A mag 13 star is just off the E side of the N edge 40" from center. Pair with N6661 9.7' ENE. ************************************************************ NGC 6659 18 33 59 +23 35.7 17.5": at 100x a very unimpressive scattered group of ~15 stars elongated SW-NE is visible just S of a mag 9 star. This weak collection includes 5 brighter mag 10-11 stars and a mag 9.5 star on the S end. Would have passed over this grouping without GSC plot centered on the mag 9.5 star at JH's position. At 220x, ~20 stars were counted in a 7'x3' region over some background milky way haze. A small extension of this faint glow was seen to the S of the group with a few mag 15 stars resolved. Looks entirely like a weak asterism and it is very surprising that it was logged as a cluster. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6660 = N6661 = U11282 = MCG +04-44-003 = CGCG 143-003 18 34 36.7 +22 54 35 See observing notes for N6661. ************************************************************ NGC 6661 = UGC 11282 = MCG +04-44-003 = CGCG 143-003 = N6660 18 34 36.7 +22 54 35 V = 12.1; Size 1.7x1.1; SB = 12.6; PA = 145d 17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated NW-SE. Located just S of a shallow arc consisting of five mag 12-13 stars and just N of a line of four mag 11 stars oriented SW-NE. Forms a pair with N6658 9.7' WSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6662 = UGC 11280 = MCG +05-44-003 = CGCG 173-007 18 34 11.3 +32 03 51 V = 13.7; Size 1.6x0.5; SB = 13.3; PA = 20d 13.1": faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, brighter core. A mag 11 star is 2.2' NE. Not identified as N6662 in the UGC or CGCG. ************************************************************ NGC 6663 = UGC 11276 = MCG +07-38-011 = CGCG 228-014 18 33 33.8 +40 02 56 V = 13.9; Size 1.0x0.9; SB = 13.7; PA = 140d 17.5": very faint, fairly small, almost round, extremely weak central brightening, diffuse. ************************************************************ NGC 6664 = Cr 385 = Lund 850 = OCL-68 18 36.5 -08 11 V = 7.8; Size 16 17.5": at 220x, about 100 stars in a 15' scattered field including several mag 11 stars. Many stars are arranged in strings although no dense parts. Located 29' E of Alpha Scuti (V = 3.9). ************************************************************ NGC 6665 = MCG +05-44-004 = CGCG 173-010 18 34 30.0 +30 43 14 V = 13.6; Size 1.1x0.6; SB = 13.0; PA = 30d 13.1": faint, fairly small, very diffuse, very weakly concentrated core. Located 24' ENE of mag 5.5 SAO 67090. ************************************************************ NGC 6667 = UGC 11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044 = N6668: = N6678: 18 30 40.1 +67 59 14 V = 12.7; Size 2.3x1.1; SB = 13.5; PA = 105d 17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration. ************************************************************ NGC 6668 = N6667: = N6678: U11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044 18 30 40.1 +67 59 14 See observing notes for N6667. Discovered by Swift (IV). Not found by Bigourdan or on two nights by Howe (IC 2 notes). Dreyer noted (in the IC 2 notes) that N6668 is probably identical to N6677 although Swift's declination for N6668 is 50' off. Swift's description of "mE" is not a perfect fit with N6677, although this galaxy did appear elongated ~2:1 in my visual observation. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6669 18 37 15.1 +22 11 45 18" (7/21/04): at 225x, this is just an inconspicuous, 20" hazy patch which is lively with a couple of extremely faint stars on the verge of visibility. Several bright and faint pairs are in the field including a faint, close pair 2.4' NW. 17.5" (8/7/02): at 100x, I noticed a very faint, small hazy patch at the plotted position. At 263x, the glow was still faint, ~1' diameter, with an irregular surface brightness with three very faint stars resolved (two of these are on opposite sides of the glow). Located 10' NE of a mag 6.8 star. There is no object at Marth's position but Harold Corwin feels he probably mistook this faint group of stars for a nebulous object. RNGC and PGC identify U11302, located 10' SE, as N6669. Discovered by Marth. His position for 2000 is 18 37 14 +22 10 58. There is no galaxy at this position, but 11' SE is U11302, which is close south of a 12th magnitude star. This galaxy is not identified as N6669 in UGC and it is not catalogued in MCG or CGCG. See NGCBUGS for Corwin's analysis. ************************************************************ NGC 6670 = UGC 11284 = MCG +10-26-044 = CGCG 301-031 = VII Zw 812 18 33 37.3 +59 53 22 V = 14.1; Size 1.1x0.6; SB = 13.5 17.5": very faint, very small. With close inspection resolves into two galaxies oriented WSW-ENE (actually a triple system). The ENE member is larger and brighter and a mag 13 star is 30" SE of the ENE component. Forms a trio with Z301-032 5' ESE. ************************************************************ NGC 6671 = UGC 11299 = MCG +04-44-006 = CGCG 143-006 18 37 26.2 +26 25 01 V = 12.9; Size 1.7x1.7; SB = 13.9 17.5": moderately bright, small, high surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is at the ENE edge 28" from center. A line of brighter mag 11-12 stars begins with a mag 11.5 star 0.7' NW and extends to the NW. Situated in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6674 = UGC 11308 = MCG +04-44-007 = CGCG 143-008 18 38 34.0 +25 22 30 V = 12.2; Size 4.0x2.2; SB = 14.4; PA = 143d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed. Several faint stars are near. ************************************************************ NGC 6675 = UGC 11305 = MCG +07-38-013 = CGCG 228-019 18 37 26.6 +40 03 28 V = 12.4; Size 1.7x1.3; SB = 13.2; PA = 130d 17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, mottled, broad concentration. 13": faint, fairly small, almost round, fairly low even surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6676 = UGC 11286 = MCG +11-22-054 = CGCG 322-045 18 33 09.9 +66 57 32 V = 14.4; Size 1.6x0.3; SB = 13.5; PA = 142d 17.5": extremely faint, fairly small, edge-on NNW-SSE, requires averted vision. Located 10' S of N6677/N6679. ************************************************************ NGC 6677 = UGC 11290 = MCG +11-22-057 = CGCG 322-047 = CGCG 323-002 = VV 672 18 33 36.1 +67 06 38 Size 0.9x0.35; PA = 95d 17.5": fairly faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 14 star is off the SE end 18" from center. Forms a close pair with N6679 1.7' NNW. This galaxy is identified as IC 4763 in UGC and CGCG. Swift's position is 20 tsec W and 1' N of U11290 = MCG +11-22-057 (southernmost of a close trio). There is confusion regarding the identifications of N6677, N6679, IC 4763. This galaxy is identified as IC 4763 in the UGC and CGCG and is not given a NGC/IC designation in MCG but appears to be correctly identified in the RNGC. See Catalogue and CGCG Corrections, Thomson and NGCBUGS by Corwin. ************************************************************ NGC 6678 = N6667: = N6668: = U11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044 18 30 40.1 +67 59 14 See observing notes for N6667. ************************************************************ NGC 6679 = UGC 11288s = MCG +11-22-055 = CGCG 322-046s = CGCG 323-001s = IC 4763 = VV 672 18 33 29.7 +67 08 09 Size 0.4x0.25 17.5": fairly faint, very small, elongated SW-N. One or two extremely faint stars are possibly involved or close off the edge. Forms a close pair with N6677 1.7' SSE. This is a double galaxy (which I did not resolve) and probably consists of N6679 and IC 4763. Discovered by Swift (VI). This is a close double system with N6677 just south. The system is identified as N6677 + N6679 in the UGC and CGCG and N6677 + IC4763 in the MCG. Position accurate using Bigourdan's coordinates and the corrected declination from Howe in the IC 2 notes. See Thomson's Catalogue and CGCG Corrections and new information in letters of 10/12/92 and 11/14/92 (Corwin comments). From Corwin: NGC 6677 and 6679 = IC 4763. I think that only Malcolm's objects "A" and "B" were seen by Swift, Bigourdan, and Howe. (Kobold also has an observation of NGC 6677 in the Strassburg Annals, Vol. 3, 1909, but his comparison star has a high proper motion which makes the derivation of an accurate position more difficult.) I agree with Malcolm that A must be NGC 6677, but am convinced that B is NGC 6679 = IC 4763. Here's why: 1) As I always do for identification problems, I determined as accurate aposition as I can for every object bearing on an identity question. In this case, this meant reducing Bigourdan's micrometric observations, and digging positions out of the Guide Star Catalogue. Here are the results for Malcolm's three objects (positions are for the equinox 1950.0): Galaxy NGC/IC RA Dec Source Notes A N6677 18 33 39.20 +67 04 09.8 GSC 18 33 38.83 +67 04 11.3 Big 5 Sept 1891 only 18 33 40 +67 04.1 Howe B N6679 = I4763 18 33 33.29 +67 05 47.1 GSC 18 33 33.58 +67 05 44.8 Big 18 33 35 +67 05.7 Howe C --- 18 33 34.36 +67 06 21.8 GSC Notice that I have used Bigourdan's observations only from the night of 5 Sept 1891 for NGC 6677. His observations on 25 June 1897 refer to the star southeast of the galaxy. I also suspect that his comparison star (BD +66 1115 = GSC 4227- 00549) has a relatively large proper motion as there is a systematic offset of +0.24 sec and -7.8 arcsec between his positions and the GSC positions for all the objects for which he used this star as a comparison. I've corrected his positions in the table above for these offsets. The excellent agreement between Bigourdan's, Howe's, and the GSC positions convinces me that the two micrometric observations from each of the early observers do indeed refer to Malcolm's objects A and B. Furthermore, their descriptions also make sense -- and agree with Swift's -- if we note one additional fact: object B is in fact a close double galaxy. Object C is more than 30 arcsec north of B, which puts it much too far away to be part of the object that Howe measured as NGC 6679: "This is a nebulous D * of mags 12.5, distance 5 arcsec, [position] angle 60 deg." Bigourdan's description of it as a double star, one that he could not resolve at 344X, also points to the close pair as the actual NGC 6679 -- and adds support to the evidence from his measured position that the pair is equal to Big 333 = IC 4763 (it is, of course, clear that Bigourdan himself realized this). All of this evidence, combined with Swift's own descriptions (in his papers 3 and 9) pin down the identifications without doubt. ************************************************************ NGC 6680 = CGCG 143-010 18 39 44.0 +22 18 58 V = 14.4; Size 0.7x0.5 17.5": faint, small, round, diffuse, weak concentration. An extremely faint star is possibly involved. Located within a line of six mag 14-15 stars in a very rich star field! ************************************************************ NGC 6681 = M70 = E458-SC3 18 43 12.6 -32 17 31 V = 8.1; Size 7.8 17.5" (7/14/99): At 220x, M70 displays a 3' round halo and is very well concentrated to a small bright core and intense nucleus. A string of three brighter stars extends to the N from the NE end and a number of stars are resolved in the halo. At 280x, ~15-20 faint stars are resolved in the halo and at the edge of the core, particularly on the south side over a very lively background. 13": very small bright core, faint stars are resolved at the edges. A bright string of stars at the following side trails to the NNE. 8": few faint stars resolved at high power, bright core. The halo appears flattened on the E side. ************************************************************ NGC 6682 18 39 37 -04 48.8 17.5": this appears to be a large milky way field in the Scutum Star Cloud, at the eastern edge of the great rift. At 64x (31 Nagler), there is no obvious cluster but two large, fairly rich, elongated condensations were noted. The larger southern group is about 20' in size, extended NW-SE. Connected on the following end to the north is another milky way patch, perhaps 15' in size. Both groups are fairly rich with a background of haze. The star density dramatically drops just east of this cloud (part of Great Rift) and then the Milky Way bursts into view again on the opposite side of the rift. So the grouping only barely stands out due to location in an absorption hole at edge of the Great Rift. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC. Discovered by JH (h2017): "A L p rich cl of straggling stars, having a vacuity in M and broken into 2 or 3 clusters." His RA is 2.0 tmin east of this group (error repeated in NGC and RNGC). Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. See NGCBUGS for more info. ************************************************************ NGC 6683 = Lund 856 = OCL-74 18 42 13 -06 12.7 V = 9.4; Size 11 17.5" (7/1/89): about 20 faint mag 13-15 stars in two converging rows in a very rich field. The edge of the "Great Rift" is just 10' W (part of dark nebula B103) with an abrupt drop off of stars! 8" (7/5/83): 10 faint stars in an elongated group over unresolved haze. The "Great Rift" is obvious just 10' W. In a rich field. ************************************************************ NGC 6684 = ESO 104-016 = AM 1843-651 18 48 57.9 -65 10 23 V = 10.4; Size 4.0x2.6; SB = 12.8; PA = 35d 18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this galaxy appeared fairly bright and large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 2.0'x1.6'. Sharply concentrated with a strikingly bright core and a large, slightly oval halo. The core brightens evenly to a stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 11 star is off the south side, 2.5' from center. Located 6' SSE of mag 5.7 Theta Pavonis! Member of the N6744 group. Erroneously listed as a globular cluster in the RNGC. JH's position is a perfect match. Incorrectly listed as a globular cluster in the RNGC. Member of the N6744 group. ************************************************************ NGC 6685 = UGC 11317 = MCG +07-38-015 = CGCG 228-021 = NPM1G +39.0492 18 39 58.6 +39 58 54 V = 13.4; Size 1.1x0.9; SB = 13.3; PA = 30d 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located 8.7' SSE of mag 8 SAO 47678. Member of a trio with IC 4772 2.8' N and N6686 9.5' NNE. Incorrect identification in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG. N6685 was discovered by Swift along with NGC 6686 on the same night, the orientation described as SW-NE. Bigourdan later corrected Swift's declination based on his 1888, Aug 2 observation, but kept Swift's original separation and orientation. Howe added a third object, IC 4772, which he placed 2.7' south of N6685. The CGCG (Z228-021), MCG (M+07-38-015) and UGC (U11317) apparently ignored Bigourdan's correction and have reversed the identifications of N6685 and IC 4772. The RNGC misidentifies N6685 with IC 4772. See RNGC Corrections #2 and CGCG Corrections by Thomson. ************************************************************ NGC 6686 = MCG +07-38-017 = CGCG 228-022 = NPM1G +40.0489 18 40 07.0 +40 08 15 V = 14.2; Size 0.9x0.8; SB = 13.7 17.5": faint, small, round, bright core. Located 4.8' ENE of mag 8 SAO 47678. Slightly smaller and fainter than N6685 9.5' SSW. IC4772 is 7.9' SSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6687 = UGC 11309 = MCG +10-26-046 = CGG 301-034 18 37 22.3 +59 38 33 V = 14.0; Size 1.3x1.3; SB = 14.4 17.5": very faint, very small, roundish, low even surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 11 stars to the E. There are several stars mag 10-12 to the W in a group. Situated in a rich and bright star field! ************************************************************ NGC 6688 = UGC 11324 = MCG +06-41-015 = CGCG 201-027 18 40 40.3 +36 17 22 V = 12.6; Size 1.7x1.7; SB = 13.7 17.5": moderately large, diffuse, round, prominent small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. Pair with U11325 8.0' S. 13": faint, small, low surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus. Located 30' ENE of ?2362. ************************************************************ NGC 6689 = N6690 = U11300 = MCG +12-17-026 = CGCG 340-050 18 34 50.0 +70 31 27 See observing notes for N6690. ************************************************************ NGC 6690 = UGC 11300 = MCG +12-17-026 = CGCG 340-050 = N6689 18 34 50.0 +70 31 27 V = 12.5; Size 3.8x1.3; SB = 14.0; PA = 171d 17.5": moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 14 star is just off the W side 0.6' from center. A brighter mag 13 star is E of the N tip and an extremely faint mag 15-15.5 star is involved at the NNW end. ************************************************************ NGC 6691 = UGC 11318 = MCG +09-30-031 = CGCG 279-022 18 39 12.3 +55 38 30 V = 12.9; Size 1.6x1.5; SB = 13.7 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness, broad concentration. Located 2.9' N of mag 9.1 SAO 31090. ************************************************************ NGC 6692 = UGC 11330 = MCG +06-41-018 = CGCG 201-033 18 41 41.6 +34 50 37 V = 13.2; Size 1.0x0.6; SB = 12.5; PA = 110d 17.5": fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, slightly elongated ~E-W. A bright double star (?2372 = 6.4/8.1 at 25") is 8' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6694 = M26 = Cr 389 18 45 18 -09 23.0 V = 8.0; Size 15 17.5" (6/30/00): this rich, distinctive cluster stands out well in the field at 100x. At 220x, ~60 stars are resolved in a 7' diameter. A mag 9 star marks the SW end. About a dozen stars are arranged in a striking arc (concave to the west) just north of the mag 9 star. A dark lane oriented N-S bisects the cluster just following this star chain and extending past the bright star. On the east side of this lane is a rich group of stars, roughly arranged into two irregular ovals. 13": about 40 stars mag 9-14 are resolved in a 7' diameter at 220x. The brightest star is mag 8.8 SAO 142584 at the SW end. A faint group of mag 13.5- 14 stars is just east of the main section. Located in a rich field. 8": 20 stars mag 11-13, fairly small. Consists mostly of faint stars except for the four brighter central stars which form a "kite" asterism. Some dense sections of faint stars lie N and S in strings. ************************************************************ NGC 6695 = UGC 11340 = MCG +07-38-018 = CGCG 228-023 18 42 42.9 +40 21 59 V = 13.5; Size 1.1x0.7; SB = 13.1; PA = 12d 17.5": faint, elongated lens, fairly diffuse, slightly brighter along the major axis. ************************************************************ NGC 6696 = MCG +10-26-047 18 40 05.0 +59 20 02 V = 15.1; Size 0.8x0.2; SB = 12.9; PA = 0d 17.5" (8/25/95): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, very low surface brightness. Not seen initially but once position determined using GSC chart visible about 75% of time with averted vision and concentration. Located 2.1' N of a mag 13 star. 17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint and small, round (elongated N-S on POSS), requires averted vision. Forms a right angle with a mag 13 star 2.1' S and a mag 14.5 star 1.3' E. ************************************************************ NGC 6697 = UGC 11349 = MCG +04-44-014 = CGCG 143-021 18 45 15.1 +25 30 44 V = 12.7; Size 1.2x1.0; SB = 12.9 17.5" (8/1/89): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, small bright core. A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge 14" from center, rich star field. Several bright stars near including three mag 10 stars 1.9' ESE and 4.2' ESE on a line and also 2.3' SSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6700 = UGC 11351 = MCG +05-44-010 = CGCG 173-026 18 46 04.5 +32 16 46 V = 13.1; Size 1.4x1.0; SB = 13.3; PA = 115d 17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, diffuse, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 is at the W edge 37" from center. Located 2.8' WSW of mag 8.9 SAO 67362. ************************************************************ NGC 6701 = UGC 11348 = MCG +10-26-050 = CGCG 301-036 = CGCG 302-002 18 43 12.6 +60 39 12 V = 12.1; Size 1.5x1.3; SB = 12.7; PA = 25d 17.5": bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, substellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is at the SE end 40" from the center. ************************************************************ NGC 6702 = UGC 11354 = MCG +08-34-019 = CGCG 255-013 18 46 57.6 +45 42 20 V = 12.2; Size 1.8x1.3; SB = 13.1; PA = 65d 17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, very small or stellar brighter nucleus. Pair with N6703 10' SSE. 8" (8/12/83): very faint, diffuse, small, almost round, even surface brightness. Located 10' NNW of N6703. ************************************************************ NGC 6703 = UGC 11356 = MCG +08-34-020 = CGCG 255-014 18 47 18.9 +45 33 01 V = 11.3; Size 2.5x2.3; SB = 13.1 17.5" (8/1/89): fairly bright, fairly small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located within a string of four mag 12/13 stars (two are south and two are north) including two mag 12.5 stars 1.3' S and 1.7' NNW of center. Forms a pair with N6702 10' NNW. 8" (8/12/83): fairly faint, small, fairly high surface brightness, bright core. Collinear with two mag 12 stars to the SSW. N6702 lies 10' NNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6704 = Cr 390 = Lund 864 = OCL-82 18 50 45 -05 12.3 V = 9.2; Size 6 17.5": at 220x, 40 stars mag 12-15 are visible over unresolved haze, elongated N-S. Three collinear mag 12.5 stars oriented NNW-SSE are equally spaced near the center. Located 55' N of M11. ************************************************************ NGC 6705 = M11 = Wild Duck cluster = Cr 391 18 51 05 -06 16.2 V = 5.8; Size 14 13.1": at 140x, several hundred stars mag 11-15 and a brighter mag 8 star (SAO 142695) in a 10' region form a remarkably rich cluster including some dense knots of stars. A starless vacuity is visible just W of center at medium power. Dark lanes appear to wind through the cluster at high power grouping the stars into chains. Several dark nebula are near including B108, B112, B318. 8": this is the most impressive open cluster with this aperture. Appears as an extremely rich carpet of faint stars and dense clumps in an arrowhead shape. ************************************************************ NGC 6709 = Cr 392 = Mel 214 = Lund 866 18 51 18 +10 19.1 V = 6.7; Size 13 18" (8/14/04): excellent open cluster at 115x with roughly 100 stars mag 10-13. Appears triangular, ~20' diameter with an additional loop of stars bowed out to the south attached at the ends of the southern side of the triangle. At the eastern end is a distinctive 22" pair of mag 9/9.5 stars oriented SSW-NNE, with the SW star an orange color. A closer 10" pair 1' E forms a quadrilateral with this brighter pair. The stars are irregularly distributed with some vacant regions and there appears to be dust throughout the field, particularly west of the cluster but also intruding into the cluster. A N-S string of a half-dozen stars is on the west side forming one of the bases of the triangle. 17.5": over 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved in a 15-20' field but not dense. Appears best at 83x-105x. An easy mag 10 double star at 22" separation is at the east side and a close fainter pair follows. 13": fairly large, about 70 stars in cluster, includes some close double stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6710 = UGC 11364 = MCG +04-44-019 = CGCG 143-027 = LGG 424-001 18 50 34.2 +26 50 16 V = 13.1; Size 1.7x1.0; SB = 13.6; PA = 40d 13.1": fairly faint, broad concentration, elongated SW-NE, possible faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 1.6' SSE of center. Located 26' NNE of ?2406 = 6.9/10.9 at 5" in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6711 = UGC 11361 = MCG +08-34-025 = CGCG 255-017 18 49 01.1 +47 39 29 V = 12.9; Size 1.3x1.3; SB = 13.4 13.1": faint, fairly small, diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated WSW- ENE. Located 8.6' N of mag 7.5 SAO 47830 on the Lyra-Draco border. ************************************************************ NGC 6712 18 53 04.3 -08 42 21 V = 8.2; Size 7.2 18" (8/23/03): at 435x, approximately three dozen stars can be counted, although the eastern edge of the halo resists resolution. A dark lane cuts through the cluster on the south side running SW-NE and detaching a small piece of the halo on the SE side and flattening the central blaze which begins just north of the lane. IC 1295 lies 24' ESE and both are nice framed within the field of the 20 Nagler. 17.5" (6/29/00): at 220x this is a bright, moderately large cluster, ~6' diameter in a very rich milky way field. Contains a relatively large, intense 3' core with a number of very faint stars peppered over the background glow. A small, partially resolved piece is detached at the SE end by a dark lane. The surrounding halo includes a number of brighter stars, though it is difficult to untangle the maze of stars in the halo from the rich milky way background. Roughly 30 stars are resolved at 280x, although it is difficult to accurately count. The core has irregular appearance with a flattened side caused by a sharp light cut off on the south side. PN IC 1295 lies 24' ESE. 17.5" (7/1/89): about two dozen stars resolved over haze. A very rich clump is visible at the W side and a detached clump is at the SE end. The outline is irregular. 13": about 15 stars resolved including several extremely faint stars, very mottled, ragged edges, non-symmetric (flattened on the SE side). 8": grainy, very lively but only a few stars resolved at high power. ************************************************************ NGC 6713 = UGC 11365 = CGCG 201-038 18 50 44.6 +33 57 34 V = 13.6; Size 0.4x0.3; SB = 11.1 17.5": faint, very small, round, even surface brightness, rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6715 = M54 = E458-SC8 18 55 03.2 -30 28 43 V = 7.7; Size 9.1 17.5": very bright, increases to a sharp bright core, fairly large. Five brighter stars easily visible around the edges are probably field stars. The cluster has a mottled, grainy appearance but there was no additional resolution. Visible in 16x80 finder. Brightest members only V = 15.5. ************************************************************ NGC 6716 = Cr 393 = E592-SC005 18 54 34 -19 54.1 V = 6.9; Size 7 17.5": about 40 stars visible in a 9' diameter, bright, fairly large but scattered. Divided in two groups; the SSW group includes a mag 8 star and two mag 10 stars. A mag 9 star is at the NE edge of the NNW group which also includes several mag 10-12 stars in a curved arc. Pretty empty between these two groups with just four stars in the center. Not very impressive. 8": 20 stars mag 10-13 including a row of stars at the N edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6717 = Palomar 9 = E523-SC14 = IC 4802 18 55 06.0 -22 42 06 V = 9.2; Size 3.9 18" (7/19/04): at 225x the view is quite unusual as the glow of the globular is just 2' south of mag 5 Nu 2 Sag. The globular is just a fairly faint, round 1' glow with a low surface brightness and no evident concentration. Quite striking, though, are several superimposed stars including a close pair of mag 14 stars at the NE edge. At 434x, a star near the center is also clearly double and the halo of the globular has a ragged periphery. 17.5" (7/20/98): very unusual small, faint glow located 2' south of mag 5 Nu 2 Sagitarii! The very faint background glow is ~1' diameter but more notable are several superimposed stars. A close pair of mag 13.5 stars is at the NE edge 25" from center (this is IC 4802!) and a similar star is at the WNW edge 20" from center. There is a very small bright core which on closer inspection appears to be a close pair of mag 12.5 stars or possibly a bright stellar core and nearby star. Other than the central "knot", the unconcentrated 1' background patch has a low surface brightness and is much smaller than the listed diameter of 4'. 13": fairly faint, very small. This globular appears as a hazy patch easily visible just 1.8' S of Nu 2 = 35 Sagitarii (V = 5.0)! About half a dozen stars are either superimposed or resolved including two close pairs. ************************************************************ NGC 6720 = PK 63+13.1 = M57 = Ring Nebula = PN G063.1+13.9 18 53 35.1 +33 01 45 V = 8.8; Size 86"x63" 18" (6/21/03): Observed the Ring at very high powers for the first time with the Zambuto Starmaster and tracking in steady seeing. Using the 2.5x Powermate, I used 538x, 807x and finally 1087x! At 538x and 807x, the central star flicked on and off several times, but only momentarily. At 1087x, the central star was visible more consistently, flickering on/off regularly and cleanly visible for a few seconds at a stretch. 17.5" (6/5/99): Viewed under very steady seeing at 380x. The halo is elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE and clearly brighter along the north and south sides (minor axis). The ends of the major axis are clearly "thinner" and slightly fainter at the following end. The interior has a pale gauzy appearance. The edge of the ring has a "wooly" appearance with a strong impression of small irregular wisps or filaments hinting at the extremely faint outer halo. The central star popped in and out of view a few times. A mag 13 star is close off the east side and a very faint mag 15.7 star is a similar distance off the west end. Another mag 15.6 star is 1' due south of center. At high power a 3" pair of mag 14-15 stars ~1.3' NNW of center are just resolved with a difficult mag 16.1 star ~30" further north. On 8/6/02 did not see the mag 16.6 star on the visual sequence chart. 17.5" (7/1/89): extremely faint central star visible for moments at 412x just E of center. The central star was held steadily for a few seconds at best with averted vision. Forms an unusual pair with the extremely faint galaxy IC 1296 4' NW. 13": very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, high surface brightness, best example of annularity although interior not dark. Slightly fainter at ends of major axis. Central star not seen. ************************************************************ NGC 6723 = ESO 396-SC010 18 59 33.1 -36 37 53 V = 7.3; Size 11.0 10x30 (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): fairly bright in binoculars, situated just N of the top of the looping curve forming Corona Australis. 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, beautiful symmetric globular at 128x. The halo measures 6'-7' with sharply concentrated, blazing 3' core. Roughly 100 stars are resolved with a strong impression the core would more fully break apart using higher power. A single mag 10.5 star is at the NE edge of the halo. 17.5" (6/30/00): this is a beautiful, symmetric GC at 220x. The halo extends to ~6' and is sharply concentrated with a very bright 3' core. This core is highly resolved into a dense overlay of faint stars with a single brighter star just north of center. The extent of the halo is ill-defined and consists of numerous brighter stragglers (or field stars) mixed with a sprinkling of dim stars. Perhaps 70 stars are resolved in total. In a remarkable region with a complex of unusual reflection nebulae (N6726/27/29). 17.5" (7/29/92): at 220x, bright, fairly large with about 50 stars visible in a 4'-5' diameter. Fairly symmetric appearance with no distinct edge. Beautifully resolved into several dozen stars. A mag 10.5 star is off the NE edge 3' from the core. Mildly concentrated but no distinct nucleus although a star appears embedded at the center of the core. The outer halo is well-resolved and a peppering of stars are resolved over the core. In the same low power field with bright nebula N6726, N6727, N6729 to the SE! 13": bright, large, mottled, many faint stars resolved across disc and at edges of halo. 8": bright, large, bright core, mottled, some resolution of extremely faint stars around edges. ************************************************************ NGC 6724 18 56 46 +10 25.7 Size 3 17.5": at 100x appears as a small indistinctive group in a rich milky way field. Stands out better at 220x which increases the number of stars to 15 in a 2.5'x2.0' region (slightly elongated E-W). There are five brighter mag 12-13 stars and 10 faint stars in the group which appears most likely to be an asterism. ************************************************************ NGC 6726 = ESO 396-N013 19 01 39 -36 53.5 Size 2x2 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the SSW component of two very bright, similar reflection nebulae oriented SSW-NNE and both surrounding bright stars and each 1.5'-2.0' in diameter. The nebulae are in contact with overlapping halos forming a figure 8. Also sharing this eerie dark field obscured by dust is the unusual cometary nebula N6729 5' SSE. Observation from Lake Bathurst, Australia. 17.5" (7/29/92): two bright, round nebulae oriented SSW-NNE: The SSW component (N6726) surrounds a mag 7.2 star and the NNE component (N6727) surrounds the variable star TY Coronae Australis (mag 9.5-10). Both nebulae are roughly 1.5' diameter and in contact with overlapping halos. The evenly matched double star BRS 14 = 6.6/6.8 at 13" is 13' SW. Very unusual dark field is void of stars and set in a striking low power field with nebula N6729 and globular N6723. 8": two fairly bright, round patches in contact surrounding wide pair mag 7.2 star and variable TY (8.8-12.5). A closer double star BRS 14 (6.5/7.0 at 13") to the SW. In a stunning low power field with N6729 and gc N6723. ************************************************************ NGC 6727 = ESO 396-N014 19 01 42 -36 52.6 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the NNE component of two very bright, similar reflection nebulae oriented SSW-NNE. Surrounds the variable star TY CrA and 1.5'-2.0' in diameter. The nebulae are in contact with overlapping halos forming a figure 8. Observation from Lake Bathurst, Australia. 17.5" (7/29/92): bright, round, 1.5' diameter, surrounded variable star TY Coronae Australis (mag 9-10). Forms a pair with N6726 in contact at the SSW end. See N6726 for description. 8": fairly bright circular halo surrounds star in contact with N6726. ************************************************************ NGC 6728 = Isserstedt 662 18 58 45 -08 58.0 Size 7 17.5": large, scattered group of mag 11-14 stars in a 7' triangular outline. Fairly easy to pick out at 100x. There are no rich clumps but many stars are arranged in strings and loops, forming the outline. A small equilateral triangle of mag 12 stars with sides ~30" is situated at the center of the group. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. Discovered by WH (VIII 13): "A cluster of coarsely scattered stars not rich." NGC position is 19 00 00 -08 56 (2000). This group of stars is centered near 18 58.8 -08 58 (2000). Identified as possibly Isserstedt 662 in ESGC identifications. Listed size estimated from visual observation. Described as "no Cl, a dense region" by Reinmuth. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6729 = ESO 396-N*015 = R Coronae Australis = HH 104 = PP 87 19 01 55 -36 57.5 Size 1 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this remarkable variable reflection nebulae has a distinct cometary or fan-shape similar to Hubble's Variable Nebula. The nebula extends from mag 10 star R CrA (9.7-13.5) at the NW end and fans out towards the SE towards a fainter star (mag 11.7-13.5 T CrA) at the SE edge of the fan. R CrA is a pre-main sequence star with two to 10 times the mass of the sun and is embedded in the Corona Australis molecular complex, one of the closest star- forming regions. The region to the SE (Bernes 157) is remarkably void of stars! 17.5" (7/29/92): fairly faint, elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.5'. Variable star T Coronae Australis (mag 11.7-13.5) is attached at the SE end and the nebulosity extends to WNW. Variable star R Coronae Australis (mag 9.7-13.5) which illuminates the nebula is at the NW end. The unusual cometary appearance is similar to Hubble's Variable Nebula. The brighter reflection nebulae N6726/N6727 lies 5' NW. Located in a remarkable field of nebulosity and the bright globular cluster N6723. 8": faint, elongated nebulosity attached to R Coronae Australis (9.7-13.5) with a comet-like appearance. Located 5' SE of brighter N6726/6427 in a remarkable field. ************************************************************ NGC 6732 = UGC 11381 = MCG +09-31-011 = CGCG 280-011 18 56 24.1 +52 22 38 V = 13.3; Size 0.9x0.6; SB = 12.5; PA = 100d 17.5": faint, extremely small, round, fairly high surface brightness. A star is possibly involved or an offset stellar nucleus. On the POSS there is an extremely compact companion with dimensions 0.1x0.1 just off the E end which may have been observed as stellar. ************************************************************ NGC 6735 19 00 37 -00 28.5 V = 7.5; Size 14 17.5": about 50 mag 13 stars in a 10' field which are very uniform in brightness. The exception is a mag 7.2 multiple star (SA0 142915) on the N side which has three faint companions including a mag 13.4 star at 10" and a mag 12 companion at 22". This is a large but basically faint group. The outliers form a circular pattern and the W to N side is well-defined by a semicircle of stars. Discovered by JH (h2025). This is a cluster of ~30 stars surrounding SA0 142915. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. Description and position given by JH are a perfect match. ************************************************************ NGC 6737 = ESO 592-**8 19 03 03 -18 32.2 18" (7/21/04): at 115x, ~30 stars are visible in an 8' diameter including two mag 8.5-9 stars and a wide pair of mag 10.5 stars. The majority of the stars are 13th-14th magnitude including a group of faint stars to the north of the eastern mag 8.5 star. There is also a group of stars following this brighter star and trailing to the E. Not impressive but stands out reasonably well at low magnification. Identified as a "concentration of stars only" in the ESO though John Herschel's position does correspond with the brightest star in the group. ************************************************************ NGC 6738 = Cr 396 = Lund 874 = OCL-101 19 01 21 +11 36.9 Size 15 17.5": at 82x, 125 stars are visible. This cluster is bright and very large but scattered. Located between a mag 7.5 star and a mag 8 star with a 30' separation N-S. A nice string of fairly bright stars is between these two bright stars. Most of the cluster is west of this string but also a faint stream of stars is just following. This is an optical alignment seen through various amounts of dust according to Harold Corwin. ************************************************************ NGC 6740 = UGC 11388 = MCG +05-45-001 = 19 00 50.5 +28 46 16 V = 14.2; Size 0.9x0.8; SB = 13.7 17.5": very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, weak concentration. Located within a 8' string of stars oriented SW-NE near the intersection point with another string which is perpendicular. Situated within an extremely rich milky way field! Not identified as N6740 in UGC or MCG. ************************************************************ NGC 6741 = PK 33-2.1 = PN G033.8-02.6 19 02 37.0 -00 26 57 V = 11.4; Size 9"x7" 17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, very small, round, clearly non-stellar at 220x, fairly high surface brightness, greenish tinge. Set in a rich field with several stars near including a mag 12 star 35" NNW, a mag 14 star 20" W and a mag 15 star 30" SE. A striking equal magnitude double star ?2434 = 8.5/8.5 at 24" is located 15' S. At 410x, the easily visible disc is slightly elongated ~E-W. The PN forms the SE corner of a rough parallelogram with three brighter mag 11-12 stars 2.7' N, 4' WSW and 4' WNW and several other faint stars are near. The planetary has an irregular surface brightness but no clear structure. Estimate V = 11.0-11.5. ************************************************************ NGC 6742 = PK 78+18.1 = Abell 50 = PN G078.5+18.7 18 59 19.7 +48 27 57 V = 13.4; Size 31"x30" 18" (7/19/04): beautiful view at 322x, appears moderately bright, fairly small, round, crisp-edged, ~30" diameter. The rim is slightly brighter giving a weak but definite annular appearance. A mag 15 star is just off the NNE edge and a mag 15.5-16 star is intermittently visible right at the west edge of the halo. 17.5" (7/22/01): moderately bright, fairly small, perfectly circular. Easily picked by scanning region at 100x just 3.5' NE of mag 8.9 SAO 47978. Appears unevenly lit at 280x, ~30" diameter with slightly enhanced regions along the rim. A very faint star is off the NE edge. 17.5" (5/11/86): at 220x without filter appears fairly faint, round, fairly small. At 105x using an OIII filter the planetary is bright and compact with crisp round edges. ************************************************************ NGC 6743 19 01 20 +29 16.6 17.5": about 35 stars in a 6' diameter group centered on a bright wide double star h1361 = 8.3/10.6 at 18". The boxy outline stands out reasonably well at 100x. There are no dense spots and the group appears fully resolved. A mag 10 star is at the NW end 4' from h1361. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC. JH: "A pL, poor cl of stars forming irreg groups or patches, 11..12m, dia =8'." Skiff reports a weak cluster is visible on the POSS centered on HD 176970 at 19 01 26.7 +29 17 14. ~25 stars brighter than mag 13, 5' diameter centered on HD 176970 (8.3/10.6 at 18"). See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6744 = ESO 104-042 = AM 1905-635 19 09 46.2 -63 51 25 V = 8.3; Size 20.0x12.9; SB = 14.2; PA = 15d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this massive barred spiral appeared fairly bright, large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, roughly ~8'x6' with a large, bright core. About a half-dozen stars are superimposed over the face of the galaxy - possibly some of these are small HII regions. A hint of spirality was suggested within the outer region but no definite spiral structure was observed. NGC 6744A lies 12' NW (not noticed). 20" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): bright, large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~9'x6'. A bright, oval core or bar is surrounded by a moderately low surface halo with an impression of "motion" or arcs embedded within the outer glow. ************************************************************ NGC 6745 = UGC 11391 = CGCG 229-013 19 01 41.7 +40 44 45 V = 12.3; Size 1.4x0.7; SB = 12.1; PA = 24d 13.1": fairly faint, edge-on SSW-NNE. At 220x appears to bend on the NNE end to the west. This is a disrupted interacting system on the POSS and the extension seen at the NNE end may be a contact pair. ************************************************************ NGC 6747 = CGCG 341-012 = NPM1G +72.0185 18 55 21.5 +72 46 18 V = 14.6; Size 0.5x0.3; SB = 12.4 17.5": very faint, very small, round, bright core. The galaxy is located SW of a 1.6' string of four mag 14 stars oriented SW-NE, the closest being 1.0' NE. A brighter mag 10 star is 3.1' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6749 = Be 42 = C1902+018 = OCL-91 = Lund 876 19 05 15.2 +01 54 03 V = 12.4; Size 6.3 17.5" (7/1/00): very faint, very low surface brightness globular in a dusty portion of the Aquila milky way (dimmed by at least 4.5 magnitudes of extinction). The core is 15"-20" slightly brighter spot less than 1' SW of a mag 12 star. The surrounding halo is just a weak glow with averted vision, 2'- 2.5' in diameter with an ill-defined edge, and just brighter than the milky way background. The glow encompasses the mag 12 star on its northeast side but does not reach two mag 13.5 stars off the south side. This cluster would most likely be overlooked if just quickly scanning the field and along with N6380 is one of the two most difficult NGC globulars! 17.5" (7/24/95): very faint, ~3' diameter, unusually low surface brightness for a globular cluster with only a very weak central brightening. A mag 12 star is superimposed on the N side and two mag 13.5 stars are at the S end (not members). The core appears to be located ~1' SW of the mag 12 star. Does not appear like a globular but rather a diffuse nebula in a rich milky way field. Difficult to determine exact outer extent. 13": extremely faint, moderately large, very low surface brightness and fades at high power. Near the visual threshold this is one of the two faintest NGC globulars along with N6380. Estimate V = 14. Located at the NW edge of an elongated group of six mag 12/13 stars and 25' ESE of mag 5.8 SAO 124203. The position listed in the NGC, SC2000, N2000, U2000, and DSFG are all about 7' too far S. Discovered by JH (h2029). His description "a cluster of loose small stars of various magnitudes; fills the field." appears to describe a larger clustering including the globular. Although listed as a GC in the RNGC, the new description quotes Carlson and incorrectly states "no cluster". Listed in Lynga as an open cluster = Berkeley 42. The position listed in SC2000, NGC, L&S, N2000, U2000, and DSFG are all wrong, mostly in Dec ~7'. Skiff letter on subject 3/93. Exact position 19 05 15.2 +01 54 03. ************************************************************ NGC 6750 = UGC 11389 = MCG +10-27-006 = CGCG 302-008 19 00 36.0 +59 09 59 V = 13.0; Size 0.9x0.6; SB = 12.2; PA = 5d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. A line of three mag 10/11 stars oriented WNW-ESE (length 4.3') lies 5'-6' S. ************************************************************ NGC 6751 = PK 29-5.1 = PN G029.2-05.9 19 05 55.4 -05 59 32 V = 11.5; Size 21" 18" (7/19/04): at 322x, this is a beautiful 20" fairly bright disc with an easy mag 14.5 central star. At 435x, the surface brightness is irregular and there is an impression that an extremely faint star or knot is superimposed on the N side or the rim is irregularly brighter along the N side. The planetary is bracketed by two stars just off the leading and trailing sides. 18" (9/20/03): moderately bright, round, 20" planetary. Excellent view at 435x; the halo has a subtle irregular surface brightness and seems slightly fainter near the center and it also appears to fade slightly at the edge of the halo. The mag 14.5 central star shines steadily. Situated in a rich star field with a mag 13.5 star at the east edge with fainter stars off the west side. The dark nebula B134 lies 20' SE and the deep red variable V Aquilae in 30' NW. 17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter. At 500x, the surface brightness is uneven and the planetary appears darker on the SE side of the center. The mag 14.5 central star is obvious at 500x. The planetary is bracketed by two stars just off the east and west edge (fainter star is at the preceding side). Situated in a rich milky way star field. 13": fairly faint, small, round. The mag 15 central star is suspected at high power. A mag 13.5 star is right at the E edge and a mag 12.5 is 55" ESE of center. Located 30' SE of the striking deep red variable V Aquilae (6.6-8.4). ************************************************************ NGC 6752 = ESO 141-SC030 19 10 51.7 -59 58 55 V = 5.5; Size 20.4 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is one of the top globular clusters (4th brightest in integrated magnitude and 2nd in terms of brightest members) was spectacular from Magellan Observatory. At 128x, this naked-eye cluster seemed fully resolved with uncountable stars densely packed over a large region. Streamers in the halo greatly extend the outer extend to roughly 20'. The central region is well-compressed to a very bright core. There is a strong 3-D effect as the core is covered with scores of fairly bright stars seemingly superimposed over a rich mat of fainter stars and all set over background glow. The nucleus is small and very bright. Many 11th-12th magnitude stars in the halo form complete loops and longs chains. A mag 7.7 double star is superimposed on the SW edge of the halo (h5085 = 7.7/9.2 at 2.8"). This was one of my favorite objects from Australia! 12" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this naked-eye cluster ranks second in terms of brightest members (mag 11.5). The 4' core has several dozen mag 12-13 stars, many arranged in streaming curves and chains layered over a dense central glow. The halo is large but irregular with knots of mag 11-12 stars over a diffuse background. The brighter members, particularly in the outer halo give the visual appearance of a globular embedded in a larger, open cluster! 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, fairly large, 10' total diameter with a 2' brighter core which increases to very bright nucleus. The large halo is very mottled and partially resolved although viewed at only 6 degrees elevation as the brightest stars are mag 11. 15-20 stars mag 11-12 are visible around the edges of the core and within the halo in curved strings. Mag 7.7 SAO 254482 (h5085 = 7.7/9.2 at 2.8") is embedded in the SW portion of the halo 4.3' from the center. Ranks second in terms of brightest individual stars and appears very rich. ************************************************************ NGC 6753 = ESO 184-022 = AM 1907-570 = LGG 426-001 19 11 23.8 -57 02 58 V = 11.1; Size 2.5x2.1; SB = 12.8; PA = 30d 11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and large at 127x, round, 1.2' diameter, fairly well-concentrated to a small bright core. A mag 12 star is off the SE edge of the halo and a mag 13 star is off the SW side (1.3' from center). Located 3.2' S of mag 10 HD 178302. Viewed at ~12 degrees elevation. Brightest in a group including N6758 and N6780. According to Sandage (1975), this galaxy is a member of the NGC 6769 group. Members include NGC 6739, NGC 6769, NGC 6770, NGC 6771, NGC 6782, IC 4827, IC 4831, IC 4842 & IC 4845. Possible additional members include NGC 6753, NGC 6758, NGC 6780, NGC 6776, IC 4837, IC 4839 & IC 4889. ************************************************************ NGC 6755 = Cr 397 = Lund 878 = OCL-96 19 07 49 +04 16.0 V = 7.5; Size 15 17.5" (8/8/91): at 140x this is a bright group of 80 stars mag 10-14 in a 10' diameter. The stars are arranged in two groups separated by a fairly wide, obvious dark rift oriented SW-NE. The SE star group is larger and richer (about 50 stars) and contains several stars in two rich subgroups. A mag 10 star is at the W edge of the N group. 8": large, scattered, two parts are resolved into rich clumps. ************************************************************ NGC 6756 = Cr 398 = Lund 879 = OCL-99 19 08 42 +04 42.3 Size 4 17.5": at 280x, about two dozen mag 11.5 and fainter stars in a 6'x4' field surrounding a bright knot just E of center. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge of the knot. With concentration the central knot resolves into half a dozen very tightly packed mag 14 stars. The brightest star mag 11.5 in the cluster is 3' S of this knot. Set over unresolved background haze. ************************************************************ NGC 6757 = UGC 11401 = MCG +09-31-019 = CGCG 280-013 19 05 06.3 +55 43 02 V = 12.9; Size 1.4x1.0; SB = 13.2; PA = 105d 17.5": faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, faint stellar nucleus or very faint star superimposed. Unusual appearance as a mag 14.5 star is at the W end and a very faint star or knot is at the ENE end! On the POSS there is a knot at the ENE end of the central bar as well as at the W end just following the mag 14.5 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6758 = ESO 184-037 = LGG 426-003 19 13 52.5 -56 18 36 V = 11.6; Size 2.2x1.7; th rim of the planetary is fainter and less well defined. No central star seen at 380x. 13": moderately bright, slightly elongated N-S, estimate V = 13.0. Pretty view at 214x and UHC filter with a slightly mottled or uneven surface brightness. 8": faint, diffuse, moderately large. ************************************************************ NGC 6773 19 15 08 +04 51.4 17.5": unimpressive coarse group of ~20 stars in a 7'x2' rectangular outline elongated N-S and appears to be nothing but an asterism. Includes six brighter mag 9-11 stars. The stars in this weak asterism simply form the border and there are no stars inside. The extent of the group is arbitrary but I included a few mag 11 stars to the south giving the elongation. A mag 8.5 star located 14' NE is closely surrounded by a group of six faint stars. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6774 = Ru 147 19 16.3 -16 15 Size 20 13.1": large, scattered field of 50 stars mag 11 and fainter in a 20' diameter although no real borders. Does not contain any rich spots. Possibly not a true open cluster. ************************************************************ NGC 6775 19 16 42 -00 56.0 17.5": at 220x appears as a small, faint group of about a dozen stars mag 12.5- 14.5 in a 2.5' region. Most striking is a rich string of six stars oriented E-W just 1.5' in length. Stands out reasonable well at 100x but higher power brings out a few fainter stars. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in RNGC and not in Lynga 5. Discovered by JH (h2035): "A cluster, poor, loose, irreg fig, stars 10 and 11m." Listed as a T7 OC in RNGC. Photo in Vicker's Atlas. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6776 = ESO 104-053 = AM 1920-635 19 25 19.3 -63 51 36 V = 12.1; Size 1.7x1.4; SB = 13.1; PA = 15d 18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, 0.8'x0.7'. A faint star is just off the NW side, ~30" from the center. ************************************************************ NGC 6778 = PK 34-6.1 = PN G034.5-06.7 = N6785? 19 18 24.8 -01 35 47 V = 12.1; Size 25"x19" 17.5" (9/5/99): fairly bright, but small disc picked up at 100x. Easily takes high power. Nice view unfiltered at 280x - the PN has an irregular surface brightness with a brighter center but no central star and appears slightly elongated WNW-ESE, perhaps 20"-25" in diameter. At 500x the outer edge of the rim fades and is not sharply defined. At moments a sparkle was visible at the center with this magnitification. Located 5.0' WSW of mag 9 SAO 143251. 13": bright, fairly small, estimate V = 12.0-12.5. Very nice view at 214x with a UHC filter and slightly elongated WNW-ESE with a fainter rounder halo suspected. ************************************************************ NGC 6779 = M56 19 16 35.4 +30 11 04 V = 8.3; Size 7.1 17.5": about 30 stars resolved including many mag 15 stars. Resolution is evident over the entire disc and at the edges of the halo which are difficult to define. Situated in a rich star field. 13": many faint stars resolved, particularly at the W edge. 8": very grainy, ragged, few faint stars resolved. ************************************************************ NGC 6781 = PK 41-2.1 = PN G041.8-02.9 19 18 28.2 +06 32 23 V = 11.6; Size 111"x109" 18" (8/14/04): at 225x, appears moderately bright, fairly large, round, at least 1.5' diameter. A mag 13.5 star is at the NE edge of the rim with a fainter star off the NNW edge. The rim is clearly brighter, paricularly along the entire south side, with the rim fading on the north side giving an asymmetric or crescent appearance. A large central "hole" appears slightly darker. At 160x, one or possible two extremely faint stars flickered on and off within the interior of the disc but did not appear to be the central star . 17.5" (6/30/00): at 220x unfiltered this fairly bright PN has a 1.5' round halo. The rim is brightest and more well-defined along an arc on the S and SE rim. The central 45" hole is slightly darker and irregular in surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge and once or twice I caught a fainter glimmer of an interior star north of center. 17.5" (7/12/99): at 100x appears fairly bright, round, ~1.6' diameter with a darker center. I used a variety of magnifications and filters but the most interesting view was at 220x using a UHC filter. With this combination the PN is slightly elongated E-W and clearly brighter along the southern rim with the brightening tapering towards the ends so this brighter portion had a crescent appearance. Because of this asymmetric rim the darker center seems offset and only weakly brightens at the NW rim. A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge 1' from center. 17.5": at 222x and UHC filter; very large, about 1.8' diameter, much brighter on the SW portion of the rim, darker center. A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge. 13": brighter rim mainly on the SW side, slightly annular appearance. A faint star is off the E edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6783 = MCG +08-35-007 = CGCG 256-013 19 16 47.6 +46 01 02 V = 14.3; Size 0.3x0.3 17.5": very faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration. A mag 15.5 is at the SE edge 13" from the center and a mag 15 star is 20" off the NW edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6785 = N6778? = PK 34-6.1 = PN G034.5-06.7 19 18 24.8 -01 35 47 See observing notes for N6778. Discovered by JH (h2038). Bigourdan gave a minor change of 0.2 tmin E in the IC 2 notes. At this position on the GSC is a close trio consisting of a mag 13.3 star with nearby mag 14.8/14.9 stars. A mag 11 star is 1.2' E. The position of the mag 13.3 star is 19 20 57.8 -01 08 13. Corwin states this clump is clearly *not* N6785, but may refer to the planetary nebula N6778. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6786 = UGC 11414 = CGCG 341-019 = (VV 414) = VII Zw 864 19 10 54.0 +73 24 36 V = 12.8; Size 1.1x0.9; SB = 12.7; PA = 40d 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Two mag 12 stars are 1.8' N and 1.2' NE of center. The mag 12 star 1.2' NE is either superimposed on a companion galaxy U11415 or is the bright stellar nucleus of this galaxy. ************************************************************ NGC 6787 = UGC 11424 = MCG +10-27-009 = CGCG 302-009 19 16 10.6 +60 25 03 V = 13.9; Size 1.2x1.0; SB = 13.9 17.5": faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is at the NW side. ************************************************************ NGC 6789 = UGC 11425 = MCG +11-23-001 = CGCG 323-011 19 16 42.1 +63 58 17 V = 13.3; Size 1.3x1.0; SB = 13.3; PA = 60d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration. Appears fainter than CGCG mag =13.7. ************************************************************ NGC 6790 = PK 37-6.1 = PN G037.8-06.3 19 22 56.9 +01 30 47 V = 10.7; Size 10"x5" 17.5": at 82x, very bright, stellar, surprisingly prominent, estimate V = 10.0. Blinks well with an OIII filter. At 280x appears very bright and a very small but definite disc about 5" diameter is visible with a bluish color. A mag 11.5 star lies 35" W. 13": bright, just non-stellar 220x, estimate 10.0, easy blinker with OIII. A mag 11 star is 30" W. Forms the E vertex of a thin rhombus of mag 10 stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6791 = Be 46 = Lund 886 = OCL-142 19 20 53 +37 46.3 V = 9.5; Size 16 13.1": fairly faint, moderately large, many faint stars are resolved over haze with averted, low surface brightness. This is one of the very oldest open clusters, along with Be 17, with an age of 9 to 11 Gyr! 8": moderately large, very faint hazy patch like a low surface brightness galaxy, no resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6792 = UGC 11429 = MCG +07-40-002 = CGCG 230-005 19 20 57.5 +43 07 59 V = 12.1; Size 2.2x1.3; SB = 13.1; PA = 25d 13.1": fairly faint, prominent bright core, faint extensions SW-NE. Located 1.5' SE of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with U11430 12' NNE. ************************************************************ NGC 6793 = Lund 887 = OCL-115 19 23 14 +22 08.5 Size 6 17.5": Three dozen stars mag 10.5-14 in a 8' field. Fairly distinctive in field. Located within a 30' loose indistinct group with a mag 8 star at the W edge. The core of the cluster has a 1' triangle of consisting of mag 10.5-11 star with the N vertex a nice double star (10.5/11.5 at 8"). Just S is a 1' quadrilateral consisting of four mag 13 stars. No other distinct groups although 4' N and 4' E are two small groups of seven and four stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6794 = ESO 338-005 = MCG -07-40-001 19 28 03.8 -38 55 08 V = 12.9; Size 1.7x1.5; SB = 13.7; PA = 80d 17.5": very faint, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter. Low surface brightness with no concentration although may be hampered by very low elevation. A mag 14 star is 1.4' ENE. Located 3.7' E of a mag 10 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6795 19 26 22 +03 30.9 17.5": about 40 stars in a 8' elongated group WSW-ENE. At the W end of the group is mag 8.3 SAO 124619 and the E end is marked by the similar SAO 124629 7.5' E. Between these stars is an enhancement of mag 12 and 13 stars and a single mag 9 star (SAO 124627). Appears as a slightly richer group which stands out reasonably well at 100x because of the associated bright stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6796 = UGC 11432 = MCG +10-27-010 = CGCG 302-011 19 21 31.1 +61 08 42 V = 12.6; Size 1.9x0.4; SB = 12.3; PA = 179d 17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, pretty edge-on 4:1 N-S, 1.4'x0.3', bright core. ************************************************************ NGC 6798 = UGC 11434 = MCG +09-32-002 = CGCG 281-001 = IC 1300 19 24 03.2 +53 37 29 V = 13.2; Size 1.6x0.9; SB = 13.5; PA = 150d 17.5": fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 43" from center. ************************************************************ NGC 6800 = Lund 892 = OCL-123 19 27 07 +25 08.4 Size 5 17.5": over 100 stars in a 25' field. Bright, very large, fairly rich in spots but not concentrated and very weak in the center. Bordered by a circular outline of mag 10-11 stars. A rich double group of about ten stars each is at the S side which includes a few bright stars and many faint stars. Off the W side is mag 7.7 SAO 87200 and mag 6.2 SAO 87190 is another 11' SW. Two rays of stars extend W of the main group. ************************************************************ NGC 6801 = UGC 11443 = MCG +09-32-005 = CGCG 281-003 19 27 35.9 +54 22 21 V = 13.9; Size 1.3x0.7; SB = 13.7; PA = 44d 17.5": faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is at the SW end. ************************************************************ NGC 6802 = Cr 400 = Lund 895 = OCL-114 19 30 35 +20 15.7 V = 8.8; Size 3 13.1": about two dozen stars are visible over extensive unresolved haze in an elongated N-S group. 8": bar-shaped N-S, faint, even surface brightness. A few mag 13 stars are resolved. Surrounded by two double stars to the W and N. ************************************************************ NGC 6803 = PK 46-4.1 = PN G046.4-04.1 19 31 16.4 +10 03 22 V = 11.5; Size 6" 17.5" (9/5/99): picked up by blinking with an OIII filter at 100x as a mag 11.5 "star". At 220x, appears just non-stellar and is situated ~2' S of a mag 10.5- 11 "comparison" star which is a half magnitude brighter than the PN (unfiltered). Good response to blinking with a UHC filter. At 280x and 380x, the PN is very small but clearly nonstellar, <5" diameter with the blue-greyish color. Easily takes 500x but no other details were visible except for two mag 15 stars which are visible which close W and NW forming a tiny equilateral triangle with the PN. 13": fairly bright stellar planetary at 88x, good OIII blinker in a rich star field, estimate V = 11.5. Just non-stellar at 350x and about 3" diameter. A mag 11 star is 1.8' N. 8": appears slightly non-stellar at 385x. A similar field star is just 2' NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6804 = PK 45-4.1 = PN G045.7-04.5 19 31 35.3 +09 13 31 V = 12.2; Size 62"x49" 17.5" (7/11/99): at lower powers appears moderately bright, irregularly round, ~1' diameter with several stars involved or nearby. At 280x, the view is very unusual with three stars involved and others nearby. The brightest is a mag 12.5-13 star at the NE edge. The mag 13.5-14 central star is visible with direct vision. Finally, a mag 14.5-15 star is at or just off the west side. The planetary is slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE with an irregular surface brightness. The rim appears brighter along the E and NE side and weakest at the west edge. Nearby stars include a mag 13 star ~1.5' NE (nearly on a line with the central star and the star on the NE edge) and a mag 15-15.5 star close SSW of the star at the west edge. 13": moderately bright, elongated WSW-ENE. Unusual appearance as four faint stars are very near or involved including the faint mag 14 central star visible with averted vision. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge 27" from the center, a very faint mag 15 star is at W edge and a similar star is just NW. The rim is possibly slightly brighter on the E edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6805 = ESO 338-014 = MCG -06-43-002 19 36 45.7 -37 33 16 V = 13.3; Size 1.1x0.9; SB = 13.3; PA = 163d 17.5": very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, slightly brighter core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' ESE. Viewing suffers due to low elevation. ************************************************************ NGC 6807 = PK 42-6.1 = PN G042.9-06.9 19 34 33.4 +05 41 02 V = 12.2; Size 2" 17.5" (7/20/90): at 140x appears as a mag 12 stellar object. Shows an excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. A brighter mag 10.5 comparison star 1.5' NE is similar to the planetary with the OIII filter (so there is a two magnitudes contrast gain with the filter). Probably quasi-stellar at 286x with a tiny disc surrounding the central star. ************************************************************ NGC 6808 = ESO 073-003 19 43 54.6 -70 37 57 V = 12.5; Size 1.5x0.8; SB = 12.5; PA = 40d 18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.7', weak concentration. Located 9' W of mag 7.1 HD 185618 and a mag 9.5 star is 5.3' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6809 = M55 = E460-SC21 19 39 59.3 -30 57 44 V = 6.4; Size 19 17.5" (7/14/99): at 100x this a beautiful, highly resolved cluster with outliers extending out to at least 12' in diameter. At 220x, there is uniform covering of easily resolved stars across the halo and the broadly concentrated core. In addition the central region is contains a layer of very faint stars over unresolved haze. The star density drops off rapidly in the outer halo and becomes very scraggly around the periphery. The core also seems indented on the SE side with a void in the halo on this edge. 13": bright, large, superb resolution of at least 75 stars mag 12 and fainter. Loosely compressed with a broadly brighter core, irregular background glow. One of the easiest resolved globulars. 8": faint stars resolved across entire disc, no compact core, over unresolved haze, high resolution at 165x. ************************************************************ NGC 6810 = ESO 142-035 19 43 34.4 -58 39 21 V = 11.4; Size 3.2x0.9; SB = 12.4; PA = 176d 18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7'. The bright core is concentrated to a stellar nucleus with direct vision. On the DSS image, this Seyfert galaxy shows an absorption lane along the eastern side but this was not seen visually. ************************************************************ NGC 6811 = Cr 402 = Mel 222 = Lund 897 19 37 17 +46 23.3 V = 6.8; Size 13 17.5" (7/1/00): this a large, beautiful cluster at 100x. The central section is ~8' in diameter, roughly triangular and contains a scattering of ~20 10-11th magnitude stars. There are no prominent members - the brightest star (at the west edge) has a faint companion. Perhaps 85 stars are resolved in the unconcentrated central region (there is nearly a void in the center) over haze. The richest knot of stars is on the NE side. An isolated 5' tails of stars extends NW and another curving string of stars can be traced 8' to the east. 13": fairly large and rich group of approximately 60 stars including many mag 11-12 stars. A long trail of stars follows and a bright group of stars is WNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6813 = GN 19.38.4 19 40 22.4 +27 18 34 Size 3 17.5": at 140x, fairly faint emission nebulosity, round, 1.5' diameter. Surrounds a very close mag 14 double star. Using an OIII filter the nebulosity is very prominent and increases to 3' in size. Located 3' SE of mag 9 SAO 87539. ************************************************************ NGC 6814 = MCG -02-50-001 19 42 40.6 -10 19 23 V = 11.2; Size 3.0x2.8; SB = 13.4 13.1": this Seyfert galaxy appears fairly faint, round, 2.0' diameter, broad concentration, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo. 8": faint, small, slightly brighter core, larger faint halo with averted. ************************************************************ NGC 6815 19 40 44 +26 45.5 17.5": at 100x, ~100 stars mag 10-14 in a large 30' field elongated ~E-W. Includes six brighter mag 10-11 stars although most members are mag 12-13. Scattered appearance with no rich sections although over unresolved background haze. A mag 8 star is off the NW edge. Difficult to define borders as basically appears as a milky way field enhancement. ************************************************************ NGC 6816 = ESO 460-029 = MCG -05-46-006 19 43 59.1 -28 29 11 V = 13.4; Size 2.2x1.0; SB = 14.1; PA = 105d 17.5": very faint, fairly small, very low surface brightness, forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 2.8' SW and 2.8' SSE of center. A close mag 14.5 star is 1' NNE. Located 5.2' S of a mag 9 star. Forms a pair with E460-030 = M-05-46-006 6' NNE. Incorrect identification in the RNGC, SGC, ESO-LV. On 30 July 30 1834, JH reported the discovery of a galaxy at 19 43 59.5 -28 33 04 (2000) Near this position are two galaxies with a 5' separation; E460-G29 at 19 43 59 -28 29.2 (2000) and E460-G30 at 19 44 02 -28 24.1 (2000). RNGC, ESO, RC3 and PGC identify N6816 = E460-G30, although if you compare Herschel's coordinates the southern galaxy E460-G29 is a better match. RNGC and ESO were probably influenced by the GC and NGC description of N6816 that mentions a "* north preceding." There is a 9th magnitude star just W of E460-G30 and a close pair of faint stars on the west and northwest edge of the galaxy. E460-G29 is located 5' S of this 9th magnitude star. But John Herschel's original Cape observation reads "eF, R, vlbM, 40", a *9 magnitude north of it, at 6' distance has what may be easily taken for a nebula attached to it, but it is only a little group of vS stars." Based on this description, there can be no doubt that the southern galaxy E460-G29 = N6816. Herschel probably observed E460-G30 near the mag 9 star but felt it was only a group of faint stars. I discussed the situation in RNGC Corrections #5 and Corwin writes up a summary in NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6817 = MCG +10-28-005 = CGCG 303-004 19 37 22.3 +62 23 00 V = 14.6; Size 0.7x0.6; SB = 13.5 17.5": very faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is off the NE edge and an extremely faint mag 16 star is off the NW edge. The is a very close double system oriented E-W, although apparently this individual components were too faint to resolve separately. ************************************************************ NGC 6818 = PK 25-17.1 = Little Gem Nebula = PN G025.8-17.9 19 43 57.7 -14 09 11 V = 9.4; Size 22"x15" 17.5" (7/12/99): at 100x this striking PN is bright and small with an obvious blue color. The high surface brightness easily allows high power. At 380x, there is subtle but obvious structure with a darker center and irregular brightness to the halo. Most noticeably the PN is brighter on the east end and mildly annular. Appears slightly elongated N-S, ~20"x15" in size. Three mag 13-13.5 stars are near - 40" NW, 1.0' E and 1.3' SW. 17.5": at 412x appears very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, blue color, very high surface brightness. Appears brighter along the E side and slightly brighter along the W side compared to the center. Has a darker elongated center but the annularity has a pretty low contrast. Barnard's galaxy N6822 lies 40' SSE. 13": very bright, slightly elongated N-S, fairly small. ************************************************************ NGC 6819 = Cr 403 = Mel 223 = Lund 900 19 41 18.1 +40 11 12 V = 7.3; Size 5 17.5" (7/1/00): this is a rich, beautiful cluster at 100x. The central 6' contains 80-90 stars over unresolved haze and has an irregular outline with the brighter stars forming a squared off "U" shape open to the north. The cluster extends to ~8' diameter with many faint stars on the SW side. The outline appears elongated SW-NE with the inner bars of the "U" on the NE border delineating a distinct border. 13": over 40 stars resolved at 166x including two intersecting strings. Striking very rich group situated in a rich star field. A mag 10 star is off the SW end and several bright stars are in the field at low power. 8": rich, well-resolved, pretty. ************************************************************ NGC 6820 = Sh 2-86 = PP 89 19 42 27.9 +23 05 15 Size 40x30 17.5": at 100x using OIII filter, open cluster N6823 is immersed in a faint nebulosity. Also extends 5'-10' SW from the core of the cluster to a group of stars which wasn't included in the description of N6823. This observation refers to Sh 2-86 which is the commonly accepted identification of N6820, but based on Marth's position and description, N6820 probably refers to a very small knot of nebulosity to the SW of the cluster (see description for IRAS 19403 +2258). 8": extremely faint nebulosity in field of N6823. Involves four stars in the north and two stars in the south side. ************************************************************ NGC 6821 = MCG -01-50-002 19 44 24.3 -06 50 02 V = 13.1; Size 1.2x1.0; SB = 13.1; PA = 135d 17.5": faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad mild concentration, fairly diffuse. Palomar 11 lies 1.2 degrees south. ************************************************************ NGC 6822 = MCG -02-50-006 = DDO 209 = IC 4895 = Barnard's galaxy 19 44 58.3 -14 48 03 V = 08.8; Size 15.5x13.5; SB = 14.5; PA = 5d 17.5": at 82x, this Local Group Member appears fairly faint, very large, low but uneven surface brightness, elongated 5:2 N-S, 14'x6'. Diffuse appearance and the boundary is difficult to define, requires low power. Several faint stars are superimposed with a couple of brighter stars on the N side. Using an OIII filter two small, faint HII knots (Hubble X = IC 1308 and Hubble V) stand out well on the N and NW edges. Both of these knots are 2' NW of mag 12 stars. Planetary nebula N6818 lies 40' NNW. 8": very faint, elongated N-S. ************************************************************ NGC 6823 = Cr 405 = Lund 903 = OCL-124 = LBN 135 19 43 09 +23 18.0 V = 7.1; Size 12 17.5" (8/10/91): about 50 stars in the central 5' diameter, bright, moderately large, fairly rich. Includes four bright mag 9.5-11 stars in a tight group at the core of the cluster plus two or three very faint stars in a 20" diameter. Most of the stars form a distinctive 5' oval ring, elongated ~E-W. Emission nebulosity N6820 is entwined. ************************************************************ NGC 6824 = UGC 11470 = MCG +09-32-012 = CGCG 281-008 19 43 40.9 +56 06 33 V = 12.2; Size 1.7x1.2; SB = 12.8; PA = 60d 17.5": moderately bright and large, 1.5'x1.1', elongated 4:3 SW-NE, bright core with a substellar nucleus, high surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is just off the S edge 34" from the center and a pretty yellow/blue double (Stein 2452 = 9.0/11.1 at 15") is 3.5' N. Unusually bright for a galaxy in a milky way field. ************************************************************ NGC 6825 = CGCG 324-001 = VII Zw 906 19 41 54.8 +64 04 23 V = 14.4; Size 0.5x0.4; SB = 12.5; PA = 174d 17.5": faint, small, oval NNW-SSE, small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is off the NNW edge 35" from center. ************************************************************ NGC 6826 = PK 83+12.1 = PN G083.5+12.7 = Blinking Planetary 19 44 48.0 +50 31 31 V = 8.9; Size 30" 17.5" (8/17/01): beautiful view at 500x; the disc is slightly elongated WNW-ESE, with subtle structure. There is small, slightly darker region around the bright 10th magnitude central star. The halo dims slightly along the preceding edge with concentration and the edge is not as sharp. Located 28' E of the double star 16 Cygni. 17.5": very bright 25" roundish nebula surrounding a bright 10th magnitude central star, slightly elongated ~E-W, high surface brightness. With direct vision appears brighter on the south side. The planetary is too bright with this aperture to have the striking "blinking" effect seen with smaller apertures. 8": the famous "blinking" planetary blinks well with this aperture. Contains a bright mag 10 central star visible with direct vision and the outer nebulosity dominates with averted vision. ************************************************************ NGC 6827 = Be 48 = OCL-120 = Lund 906 19 48 53.4 +21 12 54 Size 4 17.5": in a very rich milky way field is a faint, smooth, 2' unresolved glow similar to a low surface brightness galaxy. A mag 13 star is at the west edge. A slightly brighter knot or a 15th magnitude star is superimposed but no other resolution. Located just W of a very large, scattered group which just stands out due to many stars mag 11/12 at the edges. ************************************************************ NGC 6828 19 50 17.5 +07 54 09 17.5": group of stars about 8' diameter surrounding mag 6.5 SAO 125116 in a rich star field. A mag 9 star (SAO 125117) lies 2.0' S and a mag 8 star (SAO 125109) is 4.7' SW. Besides these bright stars there is 6' incomplete ring of approximately 50 stars mag 12-14.5 roughly centered on the mag 6.5 star. The majority of these stars are located in the northern half of the ring. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6829 = UGC 11478 = MCG +10-28-010 = CGCG 303-009 = VII Zw 915 19 47 07.5 +59 54 24 V = 14.1; Size 1.6x0.4; SB = 13.4; PA = 31d 17.5": faint, small, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 SSW-NNE. A mag 10.5 star is attached at the SE edge 41" from the center which detracts from viewing. Pair with N6831 6.3' ESE. ************************************************************ NGC 6830 = Cr 406 = Mel 224 = Lund 908 19 50 59 +23 06.0 V = 7.9; Size 12 17.5": 30-35 stars in the central 5' diameter. Most stars are mag 11-12 and arranged in two rows forming a rough "X" shape. The richest group is at the NW corner and a very faint group is off the SW corner. The brightest star is just SW of the intersection point of the "X". ************************************************************ NGC 6831 = UGC 11483 = MCG +10-28-011 = CGCG 303-011 = NPM1G +59.0234 19 47 57.2 +59 53 33 V = 13.3; Size 1.5x1.4; SB = 14.0 17.5": faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, sharp stellar nucleus, faint halo. Pair with N6829 6.3' WNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6832 19 48 15 +59 25.4 17.5": this group consists of roughly two dozen stars in a 6' region surrounding mag 6.7 SAO 32016. Most stars are mag 12-13 with a few brighter stars including a mag 10 star 2' SE of the mag 6.7 star and mag 8.5 SAO 32007 5' W at the preceding side. Appears to be a scattered asterism although there are a dozen mag 12-14 stars within 3' W of the bright star. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6833 = PK 82+11.1 = PN G082.5+11.3 19 49 46.6 +48 57 40 V = 12.1; Size 2" 13.1" (7/30/85): visible as mag 11.5-12 stellar object without a filter and verified with OIII blinking. A mag 10.5 star lies 2.8' NE and mag 9.0 SAO 48890 is 4.8' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6834 = Cr 407 = Mel 225 = Lund 909 19 52 12 +29 24.5 V = 7.8; Size 5 17.5": 40 visible stars in a 8' diameter. A mag 10 star is in the middle of a line of seven mag 13 stars oriented SW-NE and also at the center of four mag 11/12 stars on a line oriented E-W. Sprays of stars emanate from the bright star to the SW and SE. A small clump of five stars lies 4' S of the mag 10 star. Planetary nebula N6842 is 38' ESE. ************************************************************ NGC 6835 = MCG -02-50-009 19 54 33.1 -12 34 09 V = 12.5; Size 2.3x0.5; SB = 12.6; PA = 70d 13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Forms a pair with N6836 7.4' SSE in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6836 = MCG -02-50-010 19 54 40.4 -12 41 16 V = 12.9; Size 1.5x1.3; SB = 13.5; PA = 140d 13.1" (9/3/83): extremely diffuse, visible with averted only, round, fairly small, very low surface brightness. Located 7.4' S of N6835. ************************************************************ NGC 6837 19 53 08 +11 41.9 Size 3 17.5": this asterism only stands out reasonably well at 100x. Consists of roughly 15 mag 12-14 stars in a 4' group elongated E-W. There is a small rich subgroup bulging out on the north side in a semi-circular arrangement (better resolved at 225x). Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. Discovered by WH (VIII 18). Described as "a S forming Cl of st". His position with respect to 61 Aql is 16 53 20 +11 43.4 (2000) which is 12 tsec E of the small clump of stars in my observation. Verified using GSC and CCD Atlas. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6838 = M71 19 53 46.1 +18 46 42 V = 8.1; Size 7.2 17.5" (8/5/94): roughly 75 stars resolved in a 5' diameter but has a very irregular ill-defined outline to the halo. The brightest section is elongated SSW-NNE with dimensions 3'x2'. The brightest star is on the east side of the core and is a close double. Located in a rich field with probably many field stars superimposed around the halo. Located just south of the midpoint between Gamma and Delta Sagittae. 13": a few dozen stars are resolved over haze, only weakly concentrated, non- symmetrical shape. Impression that many faint field stars may be superimposed. Located in a very rich star field. 8": many faint stars resolved with averted, the W edge is brighter. Open cluster H20 lies 40' SSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6839 19 54.1 +17 57 17.5": at 100x there is a very weak enhancement of stars within 10' of mag 8.6 SAO 105398 at 19 54 04 +17 57.1. More noticeable, though, is a partially resolved clump of faint stars just 3' NW. At 225x this fairly rich clump is resolved into 15 mag 13.5-14.5 stars in a 3' region elongated NNW-SSE. There are also scattered mag 10-12 stars to the SE of SAO 105398 but these don't catch the eye. Located 50' S of M71. The identification of this number is very uncertain. Discovered by WH (VI 16). Observed twice by JH (h2057) and described as "an insignificant bunch of little stars in the milky way. Hardly more marked than the general mass, which is astonishingly rich here." JH was uncertain if this was VI 16 and his RA and Dec are both approximate. Position given here is of the nearby mag 8 star. Reimuth says "a very dense region, no distinct Cl." Repeated by Carlson and listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6840 19 55 14 +12 07.1 17.5": fairly poor group of 20-25 mag 11-15 stars in a 6'x4' rectangular group. Includes about 10 brighter mag 11 stars. There are no rich groupings but a very distinctive 3' string or stars oriented NW-SE marks the NE side of the group. Stands out reasonably well at 80x but not distinguishable at 220x. Located 11' N of mag 8.1 SAO 105419. In field with N6843 about 12' ENE. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. Discovered by WH (VIII 19). JH (h2058): "a small, poor cluster; the preceding of two distinct clusters. The stars 11m." "Is a coarsely clustering part of the milky way." Reinmuth describes "a very loose clustering of a few st 12...15." ************************************************************ NGC 6841 = ESO 461-023 = MCG -05-47-011 19 57 49.1 -31 48 39 V = 12.7; Size 1.5x1.4; SB = 13.4 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE. Evenly concentrated to a small bright round core. ************************************************************ NGC 6842 = PK 65+0.1 = Sh 2-95 = LBN 149 = PN G065.9+00.5 19 55 02.2 +29 17 21 V = 13.5; Size 57" 17.5" (8/7/91): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, soft edges. A very faint mag 15.5 central star is visible and a second extremely faint mag 15.5-16.0 star is near the central star. Several stars are at the edges including a mag 15 star at the NE edge and two mag 13 stars just off the E side. Appears brighter around the central star. 13": at 62x and OIII filter appears moderately bright, moderately large, estimate V = 13.0. A mag 14.5 star is off the E edge. N6834 lies 38' WNW. 8": extremely faint, fairly small, diffuse. Located in a rich star field. ************************************************************ NGC 6843 19 56 06.1 +12 09 49 17.5": A very unimpressive scattered group of about two dozen stars mag 11-14 in a 8' region. Generally elongated N-S in a string with a separate line of six stars at the N end oriented E-W. There is one close isolated double star and the fainter stars are at the S end of the string. Appears to be a very weak asterism of no special interest except follows in the same field another (better) asterism N6840 by ~10'. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. Discovered by JH (h2059): "A poor, small cluster. The following of two [N6840], just alike." Reinmuth states "no distinct Cl, milky way." Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. See visual description. ************************************************************ NGC 6845 = N6845A = E284-IG008 = AM 1957-471 = Klemola 30 20 00 58.1 -47 04 14 V = 13.0; Size 2.2x1.0; SB = 13.7; PA = 70d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest component of a compact interacting quartet. At 128x, it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', very weak concentration. Two companions are resolved - N6845B at 1.4' NE (at the end of a long tidal plume) and N6845 at 0.8' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6845B = ESO 284-IG008 = A1957-47A 20 01 05.3 -47 03 33 V = 13.9; Size 0.9x0.7; SB = 13.2; PA = 6d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this member of the N6845 compact interacting group is located 1.4' NE of N6845A and on images is attached by a long tidal arm. At 128x, it required averted vision and appeared extremely faint and small, round, 0.3' diameter, very low surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6845C = ESO 284-IG008 = A1957-47B 20 00 56.8 -47 05 03 V = 15.4; Size 0.8x0.3; SB = 13.7; PA = 138d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this interacting companion of N6845 is situated just 0.8' SSW of center. At 128x, it appeared very faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.15'. On the DSS image, faint tidal plumes appear to connect N6845A with this companion. The catalogued V mag is probably in error as the galaxy was not difficult. ************************************************************ NGC 6846 = Lund 912 = OCL-139 = Cr 410 19 56 28.1 +32 20 58 V = 14.2; Size 0.8 17.5": at 225x appears as a small, faint clump of stars over unresolved haze. Elongated about 3:2 E-W with dimensions 1.5'x1.0'. A mag 13.5 star is off the NW edge, a mag 14 star is at the W edge and three additional mag 14 stars in a clump are just visible over of the haze although clean resolution is difficult. The extremely faint stellar planetary K4-41 is 2' NE! The position given in RNGC, Lynga, N2000 and U2000 is exactly two degrees too far south. Discovered by Stephan and correctly placed at 19 56 28.7 +32 21 16 (2000). RNGC lists this open cluster at 19h 56.5m +30 21 (2000) or two degrees south of Stephan's position and I unsuccessfully searched for the cluster at this position with my 17.5" scope. The incorrect position in the RNGC is also found in the Lynga #5 catalogue (source of the orignal error?) and is repeated in NGC 2000, DSFG and on the U2000 star atlas. Listed in RNGC Corrections #6. See Corwin's NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6848 = ESO 185-052 = AM 1958-561 = LGG 429-001 20 02 47.5 -56 05 22 V = 12.1; Size 2.5x1.0; SB = 12.9; PA = 157d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad concentration to a brighter core. Two mag 13 stars 1' NE and 1.5' SE of center run parallel to the major axis! Forms a trio with E185-053 9' NNE and E185-054 10' NE in the core of cluster AS 840 = LGG 429. On the DSS, a prominent dust lane bisects the galaxy. ************************************************************ NGC 6849 = ESO 339-032 = MCG -07-41-007 20 06 15.6 -40 11 54 V = 12.1; Size 1.9x1.1; SB = 12.8; PA = 18d 17.5": faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak concentration, diffuse halo fades into background. A mag 13 star is off the E side 1.4' from center. Located 3.5' S of a mag 10 star. Low elevation detracts from viewing. John Herschel's position was exactly 5 tmin of RA to the west so this identification not certain. ************************************************************ NGC 6850 = ESO 185-056 = AM 1959-545 20 03 30.0 -54 50 43 V = 12.5; Size 2.1x1.1; SB = 13.3; PA = 153d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5', pretty even surface brightness. Forms a pair with the face-on barred spiral IC 4933 8.0' S but did not search for. ************************************************************ NGC 6851 = ESO 233-021 = LGG 430-001 20 03 34.3 -48 17 05 V = 11.8; Size 2.0x1.5; SB = 13.0; PA = 160d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, it appeared moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'. The galaxy is well-concentrated with a bright core and is collinear with two mag 9.5 stars 5' and 13' SE. N6851 is a member of the loose Telescopium Group with dominant members N6861 and N6868 (AS 851). ************************************************************ NGC 6852 = PK 42-14.1 = PN G042.5-14.5 20 00 39.1 +01 43 41 V = 12.9; Size 28" 17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, no annularity noted. A mag 13.5 star is 34" WNW and a mag 14.5 star is 23" SE of center. Located 4.6' ENE of mag 7.5 SAO 125338. Estimate V = 12.5. 13": moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, no structure. Two stars are off NW edge about 40" and a faint star is at the SSE edge. Located 5' NE of a mag 8 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6853 = M27 = PN G060.8-03.6 = PK 60-3.1= Dumbbell Nebula 19 59 36.3 +22 43 16 V = 7.1; Size 480"x340" 18" (8/23/03): breathtaking view at 215x; with the fainter but larger outer lobes increasing the dimensions to nearly 7.5'x6' and the ends of the major axis seem to open up and bulge out. With careful viewing, ~10 superimposed stars can be counted including the easy mag 13.8 central star. 17.5" (6/15/91): very bright, very large, 7'x6', bright dumbbell lobes are oriented SSW-NNE. The SSW lobe is brighter with a bright outer rim. Large fainter sweeping side lobes fill in the dumbbell and reverse the major axis to WNW-ESE. The planetary has an irregular surface brightness with a darker center. At high power 5 or 6 stars are superimposed including the easy mag 13.8 central star. Overall, this is the most impressive planetary. 8": central star visible at 200x, fainter side lobes prominent. ************************************************************ NGC 6856 19 59 17.1 +56 07 29 17.5": 15 stars mag 12-15 in a 2' diameter. Stands out well as very detached in field. Appears to have unresolved background haze but there are no dense spots or concentration and the stars are pretty evenly distributed. About 3' N is a triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars a bit larger than the cluster. ************************************************************ NGC 6857 = PK 70+1.2 = LBN 161 = Sh 2-100 20 01 47.6 +33 31 38 Size 1.0x1.0 17.5": very bright, moderately large, about 1' diameter, irregular outline, roughly circular but edges difficult to define, irregular surface brightness. The mag 13.5 central star is quite prominent offset north of center. Surrounded by four fours; a mag 12 star at the SW edge [40" from center], two mag 13 stars off the NE end [40" from center] and off the NW end [52" from center], a mag 14 star at the SE end. Located in a rich star field. Excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. Extremely faint nebulosity may extend to the E. This is a compact HII region within Sh 2-100 and it is misclassified as a planetary in CGPN. ************************************************************ NGC 6858 20 02 59 +11 15.6 17.5": this is an elongated group of 35 stars in a 10'x4' group oriented N-S which precedes a mag 9 star at 20 03 16 +11 16.4 (2000). Fairly uniform in brightness and distribution with no dense spots but includes a couple of nice doubles. Most stars are mag 12-13 with a scattering of fainter stars. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6861 = ESO 233-032 = LGG 430-003 = IC 4949 20 07 19.4 -48 22 12 V = 11.1; Size 2.8x1.8; SB = 12.8; PA = 140d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 128x, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE with a brighter core. Two nearby mag 12 stars, 1.6' NE and 2.0' E run parallel to the major axis of the galaxy. Brightest of four galaxies in field with IC 4943 8.5' W, N6861B 14' SW and an anonymous galaxy 2.8' N of IC 4943. This is one of the brighter galaxies in the Telescopium Group = AS 851. 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, bright core. Forms the western vertex of an isosceles right triangle with two stars following [mag 12 star 1.6' NE and mag 12.5 star 2.0' E]. N6868 lies 25' E. Brightest along with N6868 in a group including IC 4943 8.5' W (not seen). ************************************************************ NGC 6861B = ESO 233-026 20 06 05.5 -48 28 29 V = 14.1; Size 1.2x0.3; SB = 12.9; PA = 100d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This difficult member of the Telescopium Group = AS 851 was intermittently visible with averted vision at 128x (first of 4 in field). Appeared extremely faint and small with a very low surface brightness (viewed core only of this thin edge-on). Located 7' SW of IC 4943 and 14' SW of brighter member N6861. ************************************************************ NGC 6863 20 05 07.3 -03 33 18 Size 1 17.5": at 225x five mag 14-15 stars are resolved within a 1' region. Detached in field and nebulous at low power but unimpressive at high power. Appears fully resolved and just an asterism. There are no brighter stars within the 20' field at 225x. ************************************************************ NGC 6864 = M75 = E595-SC13 20 06 04.7 -21 55 16 V = 8.6; Size 6.0 17.5" (7/14/93): bright, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, very bright striking core 30" diameter, very mottled. Several extremely faint 15th mag stars pop in and out of view with averted vision in outer halo. A mag 14 star is in the inner region just NE of core. The cluster almost reaches four mag 12.5-13 stars which cradle the globular on the south and NE sides and a fainter star is off the NW side. ************************************************************ NGC 6865 = PGC 64089 20 05 56.5 -09 02 28 V = 14.9; Size 0.7x0.5; SB = 13.6; PA = 130d 17.5": faint, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. ************************************************************ NGC 6866 = Cr 412 = Mel 229 = Lund 917 20 03 55 +44 09.5 V = 7.6; Size 7 17.5": about 100 stars in a 20'x10' region are visible at 100x. Appears rich and very appealing. The main string is very elongated roughly E-W and contains a brighter intersecting subgroup 8'x2' NW-SE of about 45 stars with a close triple star on the NW end consisting of a mag 10 star and two very faint companions. Two mag 10-10.5 stars are at the SE end of this string. The western end of the main string curves north into a nice semi-circle. ************************************************************ NGC 6868 = ESO 233-039 = AM 2006-483 = LGG 430-004 20 09 54.3 -48 22 43 V = 10.7; Size 3.5x2.8; SB = 13.1; PA = 86d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is one of the brightest members of the Telescopium Group (AS 851). At 128x it appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'. Contains a bright core which is concentrated to the center. Forms the southern vertex of an equilateral triangle with N6870 6' NNE and E233-035 7' NW. 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, bright core. Pair with N6870 6.2' NNE and brightest with N6861 in a group. ************************************************************ NGC 6869 = UGC 11506 = MCG +11-24-004 = CGCG 324-006 20 00 42.4 +66 13 39 V = 12.0; Size 1.5x1.3; SB = 12.7 17.5": moderately bright, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Two mag 10 and 11 stars lie 4.5' SSE and 2.8' SSE, respectively. ************************************************************ NGC 6870 = ESO 233-041 = LGG 430-005 20 10 10.7 -48 17 13 V = 12.3; Size 2.6x1.2; SB = 13.4; PA = 85d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): last in a trio with N6868 6' SSW and E233-035 7.5' W within the core of the Telescopium Group (AS 851). At 128x it was moderately bright, very elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, ~1.5'x0.6' with a bright core. 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): extremely faint, small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE. Forms a pair with N6868 6.2' SSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6871 = Cr 413 = Lund 921 = OCL-148 20 05 59.4 +35 46 38 V = 5.2; Size 20 13.1": dominated by two bright multiple stars (6.8/7.4 at 34" with four additional close companions and 7.9/8.8.9 pair at 20" surrounded by several mag 11 stars). The bright pairs are oriented N-S and separated by about 2'. Situated in a very rich star field. The cluster itself is in a bright, rich field with no apparent boundaries. 8": two sets of multiple stars in a very rich field including ?440 = mag 7, 12, 11, 9.5, 11.5, 8 at 7", 11", 11", 28" and 36". Located 13' SW of a mag 5.5 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6872 = ESO 073-IG032 = VV 297a = AM 2011-705 20 16 56.9 -70 46 04 V = 11.8; Size 6.0x1.5; SB = 14.0; PA = 66d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second brightest in the Pavo Group with brightest member N6876. This huge barred spiral (with excessively distended arms spanning roughly 750,000 light years) appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE in the direction of a mag 10.4 star 1.1' WSW of center, ~1.2'x0.6', broad concentration with a brighter core. Interacting with IC 4970 at 1.1' N just outside the halo while fainter PGC 64439 lies 4.0' SE. Other members of the group include N6876, N6877, N6880. 18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE toards a mag 10.5 star off the SW edge, 1.2'x0.5'. Fairly well concentrated with a small bright core. In 1979A&A, 79, 22, the abstract for "NGC 6872 - A remarkable barred spiral" mentions "The extent of the arms is probably greater than in any other spiral known; it is concluded that NGC 6872 is a conventional barred spiral in which severe tidal interaction took place." See http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap990525.html for VLT image. ************************************************************ NGC 6873 20 07 13 +21 06.1 17.5" (8/25/95): fairly rich region but there is no noticeable clustering. There is a 15' string starting from the mag 10 star at the NGC position going due W and ending at the bright double ?2631 = 8.4/9.8 at 4.6". This star is very possibly the the double referred to in John Herschel's description with a 1.0 tmin error in RA -- Corwin concurs. 17.5" (7/7/94): the low power field (100x using 20 Nagler) surrounding the pretty double star Theta Sagittae = ?2637 (6.5/9.0 at 12") includes several bright stars but appears too sparse to be a cluster. But 5' NE of Theta is a neat elongated group of 15 stars mag 12-13 forming a "?" asterism about 6' in length. Theta Sagittae is located 1.7 tmin E and 11' S of Herschel's position so this identification is less likely than the one given above. Discovered by JH (h2068 = ?2631): "A double star the chief of a coarse straggling group of stars 10...13m hardly entitled to be called a cluster." JH's position (h2068) of 20 08 14 +21 06.4 (2000) is exactly 1.0 tmin E of the bright double ?2631 = 8.4/9.8 pair at 4.6" separation. Coincidentally his position falls on a mag 10 star, although it does not appear to be double. Described by Reinmuth as "a dense region; no Cl; double star 11.8 in Dreyer's place." In Deep Sky #31, Summer 1990, Skiff identifies the double star involved with the group as Theta Sge = ?2637 = 6.5/9.0 at 12" and 7.4 at 84" which is located at 20 09 56 +20 54.9. "A sparse group centered on Theta Sge, which is the pair mentioned in the NGC description, and is clearly observable in my 6" refractor." This group is more visually prominent (see visual notes from 7/7/94) but does not correspond with John Herschel's position. Brent Archinal concurs that the Theta Sge group is not N6873. Corwin: JH's position (and so GC and NGC) is 1 minute of time too large. The correct position for ?2631 (the double star noted in the description) puts it into the midst of a relatively rich Milky Way field. But JH is right in calling it "... a coarse straggling group of stars 10...13m, hardly entitled to be called a cluster." The grouping is approximately 13 arcmin x 10 arcmin with a center of gravity just south of the double very close JH's position corrected by 1 minute in RA. ************************************************************ NGC 6874 = Basel 6 = OCL-157 = Lund 304 20 07 33 +38 14.8 V = 7.7; Size 8 17.5" (8/25/95): large, fairly rich and uniform triangular group. Consists of about 60 stars in a 10'x5' triangular region with the longer 10' base oriented NW-SE along the following side of the cluster. The brightest mag 10 star lies at the E end and most stars are between mag 12-13. Only stands out at low power due to large size. Discovered by WH (VIII 86): A coarsely sc. Cl. Of L st, pretty rich. Described by JH (h2069) as "a coarse scattered cluster of about 60 stars. The largest (10m) taken. JH's position corresponds to a star at the SE end of the group at 20 07 50.1 +38 14 27. Archinal notes the probable equivalence with Basel 6 although the Lynga RA is 1 tmin smaller and 6' N of h's mag 10 star (at least 1 cluster diameter). Vicker's CCD atlas of the field identifies the group as Basel 6. Listed as a T7 OC in RNGC. Article on observation in 10/93 Deep Sky Observer. Also see Corwin's comments in NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6875 = ESO 284-028 = AM 2009-461 = LGG 430-009 20 13 12.3 -46 09 42 V = 12.1; Size 2.3x1.3; SB = 13.1; PA = 22d 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Located on a line between mag 8 SAO 230105 3.5' SE and mag 9.5 SAO 230102 5.9' NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6876 = ESO 073-IG035 = LGG 432-001 20 18 19.1 -70 51 30 V = 11.1; Size 2.8x2.2; SB = 13.0; PA = 80d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest member of the Pavo Group (mean redshift 3800 km/s). At 171x, it appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.5'x1.3', containing a brighter core. A star is at the south edge 0.5' from center. Forms a close pair with N6877 just 1.5' following. Other members of the group which I observed include N6872, N6876, N6880, IC 4970, IC 4972 and IC 4981. 18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, round, 1.5' diameter. Broadly concentrated with a slightly brighter core. A star is superimposed on the south edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6877 = ESO 073-036 = LGG 432-004 20 18 36.2 -70 51 11 V = 12.2; Size 1.8x0.8; SB = 12.6; PA = 169d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this Pavo Group member is located just 1.5' E of the brightest member, NGC 6876, and is just outside the halo. At 171x it appeared faint, very small, oval N-S, 0.3'x0.15'. N6880/IC 4981 lies 4.4' following. 18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.7'x0.5'. Forms a close pair with N6876 to the west. A close equal mag double star follows by 1'. ************************************************************ NGC 6879 = PK 57-8.1 = PN G057.2-08.9 20 10 26.7 +16 55 22 V = 12.7; Size 5" 17.5" (9/5/99): picked up at 100x with OIII blinking as a mag 12 "star" by star hopping from the double star ?2634 = 7.9/9.4 at 5" which is 14' SW. A good comparison star for blinking is situated just 1.5' SW. At 280x, the PN has a slight bluish tinge with a "soft" edge. At 380x, a very disc ~4" is resolved with a brighter center. The disc is easier at 500x and a mag 16 star is occasionally visible at the N edge. 13": stellar planetary at all powers, confirmed by OIII blinking, estimate V = 12.0. A similar mag 12 star is 1.4' SW. Located 14' NE of ?2634 = 7.9/9.4 at 5". ************************************************************ NGC 6880 = ESO 073-037 = LGG 432-002 20 19 29.7 -70 51 34 V = 12.2; Size 2.0x0.9; SB = 12.7; PA = 21d 18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy in the Pavo Group appeared faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.2'. A mag 13 star is at the west edge. Forms a close pair with IC 4981 off the NE edge 1.1' from the center. N6877 lies 4.4' W. 18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8'x0.4'. A 13th magnitude star is at NW edge of the halo and a fainter star is superposed on the south end. ************************************************************ NGC 6881 = PK 74+2.1 = PN G074.5+02.1 20 10 52.4 +37 24 42 V = 13.6; Size 3" 13.1" (8/7/85): visible as a mag 13.5 "star" without a filter. Verified with OIII blinking and appears brighter than a mag 12 just 44" SE. Stellar at 144x. Located in a rich milky way field. Several bright stars are near including mag 8.7 SAO 69561 3.6' NNW, mag 8.5 SAO 69557 4.2' NW and mag 9.5 SAO 69565 3.4' SSE. ************************************************************ NGC 6882 = Cr 416 = OCL-133 = N6885: 20 11 58 +26 29.0 Size 18 17.5" (9/7/91): conspicuous subgroup at the NW corner of N6885. About 15 stars in a tight 2' knot with three close brighter stars on the W side, over unresolved haze. Sprays of stars forming the outline of N6885 seem to radiate from this group. N6682 and N6885 appear as one cluster at low power. It's very possible that N6882 = H VIII 22 is a duplicate observation of N6885 and does not refer to a distinct object. See Corwin's discussion in NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6883 = Cr 415 = Lund 929 = OCL-152 20 11 19.8 +35 49 55 Size 15 17.5": two dozen stars in a 4' diameter surrounding a prominent "Y" asterism of five mag 10 stars with twenty additional mag 13-14.5 stars. The brightest star at the base of the "Y" is a mag 9.5/10 double at 17" and the center star about 1.5' NE is an unequal closer pair. Surrounding this group is a oval border of 7' diameter consisting of several strings of mag 13 stars which increase the total to roughly 50 stars. Appears to be an asterism in a rich milky way field and best view at 100x. Attached to Ruprecht 172. ************************************************************ NGC 6884 = PK 82+7.1 = PN G082.1+07.0 = N6766 20 10 23.6 +46 27 40 V = 11.0; Size 6"x5" 17.5": bright, very small, very high surface brightness. Appears as a slightly out of focus mag 11 bluish star at 100x. Moderate contrast gain using an OIII filter. At 412x appears prominent with a very small 5" blue disk. 13": fairly bright, very small, high surface brightness, definite bluish disk at 166x, excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. Easily takes 350x due to surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6885 = Cr 417 = Lund 933 = OCL-132 = N6882 20 11 58 +26 29.0 V = 8.1; Size 18 17.5": about 80 stars mag 6-13 in 15' triangular group, bright. Includes the bright star 20 Vulpeculae (V = 5.9) surrounded by seven very faint stars in the SE corner of the cluster. Weak in the center of the triangle except for about 10 other stars. A wide bright pair is at the E vertex and a wide unequal double star is at the SW side. Most stars are located along the west side particularly at the NW corner (this subgroup is catalogued as N6882, although it may refer to the entire scattered group). 8": about 50 stars at 100x, triangular-shaped, large, scattered, includes 20 Vulpeculae (V = 5.9). N6882 is superimposed 5' N. ************************************************************ NGC 6886 = PK 60-7.2 = PN G060.1-07.7 20 12 42.8 +19 59 23 V = 11.4; Size 9" 17.5" (11/6/99): this compact planetary was easily identified by blinking at 100x using an OIII filter as a "soft" mag 11 star. A small disc <10" diameter is visible at 220x without filter. Situated at the NW vertex of a small isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 0.8' SSE and a mag 10 star 1.6' E. The nearer star is double with a faint companion close north. N6886 is clearly non- stellar at 280x-380x and slightly oval. 13": fairly bright, very small, just non-stellar at 166x. At 415x, easily visible small disc elongated ~E-W. Forms the NW vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with a mag 10.5 star 45" SSE and a mag 10 star 1.5' E. These two brighter stars form a parallelogram with two mag 12 stars to the SE with sides of 1' and 1.5'. ************************************************************ NGC 6888 = Crescent Nebula = LBN 203 = Sh 2-105 20 12 06.5 +38 21 17 Size 20x10 18" (8/23/03): Using a 6-inch off-axis mask with a 31 Nagler (73x) and an OIII filter, a faint curving arc is visible which begins SW of the mag 7.2 star on the north edge and curves around to the mag 8.2 star on the NE side, extending nearly 90? of along the annulus of the Crescent Nebula. No other nebulosity was visible. 17.5" (6/29/00): Stunning view at 100x (20mm Nagler) using an OIII filter. The outline appears as a huge, irregular cosmic egg, ~18'x11', floating in a very rich Cygnus star field. The complete annulus is easily visible. The brightest section is along the north side and passes through a mag 7.2 star at the north edge. This piece displays much structure with several knots and wispy tendrils. An isolated bright knot is within the weakly glowing interior which has an irregular surface brightness and is on a line with the mag 7.2 star and the mag 7.4 central star. There are interior wispy striations which appear to radiate from the central star towards the NW rim at the end of the bright arc. The rim is widest on the SW end with more nebulosity filling in towards the center. The fine texture and structure of the nebulosity creates a 3-dimensional feel and an "electric" effect. 17.5": the "Crescent Nebula" is one of my favorite large nebulosities at 100x with a OIII filter (excellent contrast gain). Appears as a bright, 16'x11' oval or egg-shaped annulus elongated SW-NE. The rim is virtually complete except for a small piece of the east side and exhibits a great deal of turbulent, wispy structure. Brightest just SW of mag 7.2 SAO 69597 (unequal pair 7.2/10.5 at 14") which is embedded in the rim at the north end. The nebula also passes through mag 8.2 SAO 69611 on the NE side. Just north of center in the interior is the mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet star HD 192163 = WR 136, whose strong stellar wind created this shocked ring-type nebula. This is beautiful nebulosity set in a very rich milky way field. 13": bright, large, oval shell, nearly complete loop visible with UHC, striking unusual appearance! 8": faint, elongated arc of nebulosity connecting two mag 7.5/8.5 stars and extending SW of the brighter star. Set in a very rich star field. Only the brightest portion at the north end of the nebula is visible. ************************************************************ NGC 6891 = PK 54-12.1 = BD+12?4266 = PN G054.1-12.1 20 15 08.8 +12 42 15 V = 10.4; Size 12"x10" 17.5": very bright at 140x and OIII filter. Appears as a small high surface brightness bluish oval of 10"-15" diameter. At 410x, a brighter center or mag 13 central star is visible. At this magnification, appears as a bright oval with a fainter outer halo. 8": fairly high surface brightness, small blue disk. ************************************************************ NGC 6893 = ESO 234-006 = AM 2017-482 = LGG 430-007 20 20 49.7 -48 14 21 V = 11.8; Size 2.6x1.7; SB = 13.3; PA = 10d 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very faint, small, almost round, gradually brightens. Located 4.0' NNW of mag 9 SAO 230164. ************************************************************ NGC 6894 = PK 69-2.1 = PN G069.4-02.6 20 16 23.9 +30 33 55 V = 12.5; Size 44" 17.5": moderately bright and large, round. Annular appearance at 105x using an OIII filter and exhibits an obvious darker center at 222x and 294x with a UHC filter. ************************************************************ NGC 6897 = MCG -02-52-001 20 21 01.3 -12 15 18 V = 13.8; Size 0.9x0.5; SB = 12.8; PA = 35d 17.5": faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. A mag 11.5 star is just W of the SW tip 1.1' from the center. Pair with N6898 6.5' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6898 = MCG -02-52-002 20 21 08.0 -12 21 34 V = 13.7; Size 1.2x0.8; SB = 13.5; PA = 150d 17.5": fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, brighter middle, small bright core. A mag 12 star is just off the SSE edge 39" from center. Pair with N6897 6.5' NNW. ************************************************************ NGC 6900 = MCG +00-52-001 = MCG -01-52-002 20 21 35.1 -02 34 09 V = 12.1; Size 1.0x0.9; PA = 85d 17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, very diffuse, even surface brightness. ************************************************************ NGC 6901 = UGC 11542 = MCG +01-52-002 = CGCG 399-002 = IC 5000 20 22 21.5 +06 25 48 V = 13.7; Size 1.4x0.6; SB = 13.4; PA = 63d 17.5": faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, overall diffuse with a low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 30" off the NW side and 1.4' from the center. N6906 is located 18' E. ************************************************************ NGC 6903 = ESO 596-029 = MCG -03-52-003 20 23 44.9 -19 19 31 V = 11.9; Size 2.7x2.5; SB = 13.8 17.5": fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Very unusual appearance as a mag 10 star is attached at the NNE end. The main body of the galaxy just extends to the bright star but an extremely faint larger halo was suspected to encompass the bright star. ************************************************************ NGC 6904 20 21 48.1 +25 44 29 17.5": appears to be a random scattering of brighter stars mainly noticeable because it includes mag 8 SAO 88571. The brighter stars form a rectangle with side of 3'-4' and a string of brighter stars off the NW vertex extends another 4' to the N. There are roughly two dozen stars mag 9.5-13 in the group besides the mag 8 star. Richest around mag 9.5 SAO 88575 at the SE corner of the rectangle. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6905 = PK 61-9.1 = PN G061.4-09.5 = Blue Flash Nebula 20 22 23.0 +20 06 16 V = 10.9; Size 47"x37" 18" (8/23/03): beautiful planetary at 320x. The faint central star is visible continuously with direct vision. At 538x, the central star is easily visible continuously. The interior seems unevenly lit and there appears to be a very slightly darker "hole" to the north of the central star. Bracketed by a mag 11 star off N edge and a mag 12 star just off the S edge and the planetary is slighly elongated N-S in the direction of these stars. 17.5": very pretty planetary at 280x. Fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated. A very faint central star (V = 15.7) is visible. Takes 440x well. Just off the north edge is a mag 11 star 1.4' from center and a mag 12 star is just off the south edge 39" from center. 8": moderately bright, uniform, slightly elongated N-S, two stars at the NE and S edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6906 = UGC 11548 = MCG +01-52-003 = CGCG 399-006 = LGG 435-001 20 23 34.0 +06 26 38 V = 12.3; Size 1.7x0.8; SB = 12.4; PA = 36d 17.5": moderately bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. N6901= IC 1316 lies 18' W. A mag 9.5 star lies 3.6' SW. 13": fairly faint, fairly small, very small bright core, diffuse outer halo, elongated SW-NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6907 = E528-003 = MCG -04-48-006 = UGCA 418 = LGG 436-003 20 25 06.7 -24 48 32 V = 11.2; Size 3.3x2.7; SB = 13.4; PA = 46d 17.5" (8/8/02): beautiful view at 220x. This barred spiral appeared moderately bright and large with a fairly bright bar elongated "bar" oriented ~E-W with a small bright core. At the following end of the bar and obvious arm is attached is attached sweeping north of the galaxy in a comma-like appendage. On the preceding end there seems to be a faint knot and there is a very short extension bending south which quickly fades out. 17.5": moderately bright, bright core, elongated E-W. Barred spiral structure is evident; fainter extensions form the bar and an arm at the eastern end of the bar curves north and then hooks slightly back to the west. This spiral arm appears to end at a faint knot. Two mag 11.5 stars lie 3' E and a similar distance south. The eastern arm was listed separately by Albert Marth as N6908. ************************************************************ NGC 6910 = Cr 420 = Lund 950 = OCL-181 20 23 12 +40 46.7 V = 7.4; Size 8 17.5": about 40 stars mag 7.5-15.5 in a 7' diameter dominated by two mag 7.5 stars oriented NW-SE. A mag 7.4 star (SAO 49556) with two faint companions is at the NW end and a mag 7 star (SAO 49563) is at the SE end surrounded by a rich group of 10 mag 12-13 stars. Most of the cluster's brighter mag 10-11 stars are arranged in a NW-SE string just west of the line connecting the two bright stars. A second curving offshoot to the W consisting of three mag 10 stars gives a "Y" shape to the cluster. Located 40' NNE of Gamma Cygni (V = 2.2) within the region of the IC 1318 complex. ************************************************************ NGC 6911 = UGC 11540 = MCG +11-24-006 = CGCG 324-007 = CGCG 325-001 20 19 38.7 +66 43 40 V = 14.3; Size 1.7x1.1; SB = 14.8; PA = 115d 17.5": very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 11 star is 2' W. ************************************************************ NGC 6912 = ESO 596-038 = MCG -03-52-008 20 26 52.1 -18 37 03 V = 13.2; Size 1.4x1.1; SB = 13.5; PA = 55d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, no significant central brightening, edges fades into background. Two mag 13.5 star are off the NE edge collinear with galaxy 1.4' and 2.2' from the center. A bright wide pair of stars mag 8.6 (SAO 163587) and 9.5 are about 6' NE. Pair with IC 1319 12' NW. 13": faint, extremely diffuse, almost round, two faint stars 2' NE, two brighter stars 5' NE are collinear. Pair with IC 1319 12' NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6913 = M29 = Cr 422 20 23 57 +38 30.5 V = 6.6; Size 7 13.1": M29 consists of two dozen stars mag 8 and fainter in a fairly small trapezoidal outline well detached in the field. The six brightest mag 8 stars form two curving rows on the SW and NE ends. Appears loose with no dense spots and seems fully resolved. ************************************************************ NGC 6914 = LBN 274 = LBN 280 20 24 43.3 +42 28 57 Size 13x12 17.5": at 100x appears as a fairly bright nebulous field locally brightest around two pairs of fairly bright stars. Two mag 11 stars are at the N end with a separation of 51" and a pair of mag 9 (SAO 49589) and mag 11 stars are at the south end with separation 42". Connected by a fainter elongated piece of nebulosity. Very faint nebulosity extends NE towards a mag 7 star (SAO 49603) located 11' NE. The catalogued position is centered on the northern pair of stars. 8": fairly large nebulous field locally brighter surrounding a wide faint double star and to the S surrounding a double star mag 9. The brightest section is elongated N-S. ************************************************************ NGC 6915 = PGC 64729 20 27 46.1 -03 04 37 V = 13.4; Size 1.4x1.0; SB = 13.6; PA = 100d 17.5": moderately bright, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, large brighter core with a small faint halo. Bracketed by two mag 13 stars 1.2' SW and 1.5' N of center. An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at the NE edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6916 = UGC 11554 = MCG +10-29-004 = CGCG 304-004 20 23 32.9 +58 20 39 V = 13.5; Size 1.8x1.1; SB = 14.1; PA = 90d 17.5": very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W. A mag 14 star is at the W end 25" from center. ************************************************************ NGC 6917 = UGC 11563 = MCG +01-52-007 = CGCG 399-010 20 27 28.4 +08 05 53 V = 13.3; Size 1.5x1.0; SB = 13.6; PA = 40d 13.1": very faint, low even surface brightness, almost round, 0.8' diameter. A mag 14 star is at the S end 22" from the center. ************************************************************ NGC 6921 = UGC 11570 = MCG +04-48-001 20 28 28.8 +25 43 24 V = 13.4; Size 0.9x0.2; SB = 11.4; PA = 141d 17.5": fairly faint, very small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus. One or two very faint stars are at the edges. Unusual as located in the midst of a very rich milky way field over unresolved background glow. Located only 7.6? from the galactic equator and less than 3? SW of open cluster N6940! ************************************************************ NGC 6922 = UGC 11574 = MCG +00-52-018 = CGCG 373-017 20 29 53.0 -02 11 29 V = 13.5; Size 1.3x1.0; SB = 13.7; PA = 150d 17.5": faint, moderately large, almost round, diffuse, pretty low even surface brightness with no core. A very faint star is at the W edge and mag 8.7 SAO 144498 is 7.0' N. ************************************************************ NGC 6923 = ESO 462-029 = MCG -05-48-017 = AM 2028-310 = LGG 437-001 20 31 38.7 -30 49 58 V = 11.9; Size 2.6x1.3; SB = 13.1; PA = 78d 13.1": faint, small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is close to the NW edge 1.2' from center. 8": not found. ************************************************************ NGC 6924 = ESO 528-016 = MCG -04-48-014 = AM 2030-253 20 33 19.2 -25 28 29 V = 12.8; Size 2.0x1.7; SB = 14.1; PA = 154d 17.5": fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 13 star is at the S tip. ************************************************************ NGC 6925 = ESO 463-004 = MCG -05-48-022 = AM 2031-320 = LGG 437-003 20 34 20.6 -31 58 48 V = 11.3; Size 4.5x1.2; SB = 13.0; PA = 5d 17.5" (8/5/91): moderately bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.8', thin long arms extend from core. A mag 13 star is at the N tip 1.4' from center. 8" (7/16/82): very faint, elongated SW-NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6926 = UGC 11588 = MCG +00-52-033 = CGCG 373-033 = Ho 781a = VV 621 20 33 06.2 -02 01 40 V = 12.4; Size 1.9x1.3; SB = 13.3; PA = 0d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, broad mild concentration. Brighter of pair with N6929 3.9' E. ************************************************************ NGC 6927 = MCG +02-52-016 = CGCG 424-020 = NPM1G +09.0505 = IC 1325: 20 32 38.2 +09 54 59 V = 14.5; Size 0.9x0.4; SB = 13.3; PA = 9d 18" (7/29/03): very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~15"x12", low surface brightness. Either I viewed the core only or this galaxy is much smaller than this listed dimensions. Faintest in a trio with edge-ons N6928 and N6930. Located 3' WSW of N6928. 17.5": very faint, very small, almost stellar at 222x. Thin faint extensions 3:1 N-S are visible at 294x. Located 3.0' WSW of N6928 and 5.7' NW of N6930 in a group. ************************************************************ NGC 6928 = UGC 11589 = MCG +02-52-017 = CGCG 424-021 = LGG 438-003 = IC 1325 20 32 50.4 +09 55 37 V = 12.2; Size 2.0x0.6; SB = 12.3; PA = 106d 18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.1'x0.25', small brighter core. A 13th magnitude star is at the north edge of the core. Brightest in a trio with N6927 and N6929. 17.5": moderately bright, pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 13 star is superimposed N of the core just 20" from center. Brightest in a group with N6927 3.0' WSW and N6930 4.0' SE. 13": fairly faint, elongated E-W. An extremely faint star is at the N edge. 8": extremely faint, averted only, elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus?, fairly bright wide double star in field to NW. ************************************************************ NGC 6929 = MCG +00-52-035 = CGCG 373-035 = NPM1G -02.0441 = Ho 781b 20 33 21.6 -02 02 14 V = 13.4; Size 0.8x0.7; SB = 12.6; PA = 95d 17.5": faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus or star superimposed. Two mag 15 stars oriented E-W are collinear close following. Elongated at a right angle to N6926 3.9' W. ************************************************************ NGC 6930 = UGC 11590 = MCG +02-52-018 = CGCG 424-022 = LGG 438-004 = IC 1326 20 32 58.8 +09 52 28 V = 12.8; Size 1.3x0.5; SB = 12.1; PA = 8d 18" (7/29/03): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.2', weak concentration. A mag 11 star is off the south edge, 1.1' SSW of center, and a pair of mag 10/11 stars lie 2.3' SSE. Second brightest in a trio with a similar edge-on N6928 4' NW and N6927 6' NW. Located 4.4' NNE of mag 8.7 SAO 125934. 17.5": faint, thin streak ~N-S, weak concentration. A mag 11 star is 1.4' SSW. Elongated at right angles to N6928 4.0' NW. N6927 lies 5.7' NW. 13": very faint, elongated ~N-S. A mag 11 star is off the S edge. Member of the N6928 group. ************************************************************ NGC 6931 = MCG -02-52-016 20 33 41.3 -11 22 06 V = 13.7; Size 1.0x0.5; SB = 12.8; PA = 125d 17.5": very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is off the NW edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6934 20 34 11.4 +07 24 15 V = 8.9; Size 7 18" (6/25/04): at 300x, partially resolved into a couple of dozen stars, particularly on the south side of the very ragged 3' halo which surrounds the bright 50" core. At 538x, perhaps 3 dozen stars are resolved mostly in the halo, but also several are superimposed on the very mottled core including one very close to the geometric center. The halo is irregular, but clearly elongaged N-S with more extension resolution on the south side. A number of extremely faint stars pop in and out of view with the seeing and the cluster seems of the verge of more extensive resolution. 17.5" (8/5/94): bright, 3.0' diameter, round. Fairly sharp concentration with a 1.5' diameter very bright core. The halo has about two dozen stars peppered in the outer regions; the brightest star is on the NE side of the core. The core is very lively and just starts to break up in to several very faint stars and a single obvious star. A mag 9.5 star is just 2' W of center. 17.5" (7/9/94): bright, fairly small, 3.5' diameter, very bright core. At 225x, 20-25 stars are resolved in the halo mostly in the southern portion. Contains an intense 1.5' core with a much fainter halo to 3.5' which extends almost to a mag 9.5 star 2' W of center. The bright core itself is very lively and mottled with a few faint stars resolved and a single brighter star just E of the geometric center. 13": fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, small outer halo resolved into approximately 15 stars mainly south of the core, mottled. A mag 9 star is 2' W. 8": mottled, fainter halo, clumpy at 400x but no resolution. ************************************************************ NGC 6936 = ESO 528-022 = MCG -04-48-021 20 35 56.3 -25 16 48 V = 12.8; Size 1.9x1.0; SB = 13.4; PA = 4d 17.5": fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core. ************************************************************ NGC 6938 20 34 42.2 +22 12 55 Size 5 17.5": at 220x there are 20 scattered stars in a 5' region with the brightest mag 9.2 SAO 88858. There are no richer spots and the stars are unevenly distributed into three distinct subgroups. Appears to be simply a poor asterism at 100x and 220x. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6939 = Cr 423 = Mel 231 = Lund 960 20 31 30 +60 39.7 V = 7.8; Size 8 18" (10/9/04): beautifully rich cluster of ~150 star in a 10'-12' triangular region over haze. Beyond the ends of the triangular vertices are four 10th magnitude stars with the star towards the ENE an easy double. The cluster is fairly uniform with a rich clump of a half-dozen stars near the center. A number of the stars are in chains, including a string of equally spaced 12-13th magnitude stars along the south side which is oriented NW-SE. N6946 (which was sporting a supernova) lies 40' SE and both can be placed in the same low power field. 18" (8/17/04): this triangular-shaped rich cluster is beautifully framed in the 160x field (24'). The cluster is enclosed within a kite asterism of four mag 10 stars with two of these stars near the east and west vertices of the triangular outline. ~125 stars are visible in a 10' diameter, with most of the stars mag 12-14. Just west of center is a very rich 3' group and just following this group is a small knot of 4 very faint stars. The west side is well-defined by a string of mag 12 stars oriented NW-SE. 17.5" (9/14/85): about 100-140 stars mag 12-15 are resolved. Difficult to count as stars fill the 22' field at 220x with no distinct boundaries. N6946 is located less than 40' SE. 13" (7/27/84): ~80 stars resolved but richness makes an accurate count difficult. 13" (7/5/83): ~70 stars resolved at 166x, very rich, beautiful in faint stars. ************************************************************ NGC 6940 = Cr 424 = Mel 232 = Lund 961 20 34 26 +28 17.0 V = 6.3; Size 31 13.1": beautiful rich star field although not dense. About 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved including the orange star FG Vulpeculae near the center. The double star 9 Vulpeculae = ?2698 = 8.8/9.7 at 4.5" is off the SW edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6941 = MCG -01-52-010 20 36 23.6 -04 37 08 V = 12.7; Size 1.8x1.3; SB = 13.5; PA = 115d 17.5": very faint, small, round, bright core. Incorrectly listed as a globular cluster in the RNGC, N2000 and U2000. This galaxy was discovered by Stephan and his micrometric position pins down the identification as M-01-52-010 at 20 36 23.4 -04 37 07 (2000). This galaxy is incorrectly classified as a globular cluster in the RNGC and the error is repeated in N2000.0 and early versions of the U2000. Listed in RNGC Corrections #3. Reinmuth gives PA = 115?. ************************************************************ NGC 6944 = MCG +01-52-017 = CGCG 399-025 = NPM1G +06.0514 20 38 23.8 +06 59 47 V = 13.8; Size 1.5x0.6; SB = 13.7; PA = 57d 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, very small bright core. Located 2.5' S of mag 9 SAO 126045. This bright star is the SW vertex of a 3.5'x1' parallelogram with three other mag 10 stars. Forms a pair with N6944A 6.4' SSW. 13": faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration. A bright rectangle of stars is in the field to the N. Located 43' E of a mag 6.5 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6944A = MCG +01-52-016 = CGCG 399-024 20 38 11.3 +06 54 08 V = 14.1; Size 0.9x0.7; SB = 13.5 17.5": very faint, small, round. Located 1.6' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 126044 which detracts from viewing. A fainter star is close NW. Forms a pair with brighter N6944 6.4' NNE. ************************************************************ NGC 6945 = MCG -01-52-015 20 39 00.6 -04 58 21 V = 12.7; Size 1.5x0.8; SB = 12.7; PA = 30d 17.5": moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 28" SW of center. Located 2.9' SW of bright mag 6.6 SAO 144663. ************************************************************ NGC 6946 = UGC 11597 = MCG +10-29-006 = CGCG 304-006 = Arp 29 20 34 52.3 +60 09 14 V = 08.8; Size 11.5x9.8; SB = 13.8 18" (10/9/04): viewed type II supernova 2004e, discovered 9/27/04 (13 days ago) and appeared at approximately mag 12.8. It was easily identified using a photographic finder chart. The supernova is located 4.1' E and 1.9' S of the nucleus, just west of a pair of mag 13/13.5 stars at 12" separation and was comparable to the brighter star of this pair. A fainter mag 14.4 star is close WSW and the three stars plus supernova form a small wedge of Sagitta shaped group. This is the 8th supernova discovered in N6946 since 1917. 17.5" (8/29/92): bright, very large, 6' diameter to main body, elongated 3:2 ~E- W. Three arms are visible. A long bright arm is attached at the north side of the core and trails to the east. This eastern arm splits; a short fainter branch bends south following the core and a long curving bright arm terminates with a very faint, very small HII knot. On the west side a fainter arm shoots sharply to the north from the core. These outer arms significantly increase the diameter of the main body. The galaxy has a very large brighter middle but the core is just a very small brighter region close SW of the geometric center. A very faint stellar nucleus was seen with direct vision. Observation from 12,000' in the White Mountains. 17.5" (8/13/88): main spiral arm very prominent and easily seen to split. 17.5" (9/14/85): bright, large, brighter central core. A prominent arm attached on the NE side of the core and trailing to the east. This arms splits - the shorter arm is close to the core and a brighter region or arm to the west. 13" (7/27/84): bright arm on the east side highly suspected to branch or split into two arms. Also an arm or brigter region seen on the opposite side of the galaxy pointing W a short way. ************************************************************ NGC 6947 = ESO 401-003 = MCG -05-48-028 = AM 2038-323 20 41 15.0 -32 29 11 V = 13.4; Size 1.9x0.9; SB = 13.8; PA = 51d 17.5": faint, small, irregularly round, low even surface brightness, ill-defined edges. A mag 12 star is just off the NW edge 1.3' from the center and a mag 11 star is 2.8' SW. ************************************************************ NGC 6949 = UGC 11600 = MCG +11-25-001 = CGCG 325-002 = LGG 439-001 20 35 07.1 +64 48 09 V = 13.5; Size 1.4x1.2; SB = 13.9 17.5": faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, even surface brightness except for a very faint stellar nucleus. ************************************************************ NGC 6950 20 41 05 +16 37.3 17.5": very scattered group of mag 9.5-13 stars in roughly a 10'-15' region. Barely stands out in the 20mm Nagler field and not worth noting as a cluster. There are no specific borders but the stars have the appearance of being aligned in strings or groups. Most prominent is an elongated group oriented WNW-ESE through the two brightest mag 9-10 stars (brightest star at 20 41 10.5 +16 38.9). A small line of three mag 13 stars are near the western end of the string. Appears to be a random grouping and listed as nonexistent in RNGC. ************************************************************ NGC 6951 = UGC 11604 = MCG +11-25-002 = CGCG 325-003 = N6952 20 37 14.2 +66 06 20 V = 10.7; Size 3.9x3.2; SB = 13.3; PA = 170d 18" (8/17/04): at 225x appears moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.8'x1.1'. On the east end is a mag 12.5 star. The galaxy suddenly brightens to a very small, brighter core. The edge of the halo fades and increases in size with averted vision. Appears slightly brighter along the major axis with a hint of structure. 17.5" (10/30/99): observed SN 1999el which was discovered 11 days ago (Oct. 20th). Appeared as a mag 14.5-15 star just following the core (22" E and 8" S) and easily visible at 280x. The galaxy is fairly faint, moderately large. Sharply concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo elongated 3:2 E-W. A mag 12 star is 1.5' following the center and a mag 15 star is just visible a similar distance WNW. 17.5" (8/13/88): bright with a very bright core surrounded by a fainter large oval halo 3:2 E-W. A mag 13 star is just off the E edge 1.4' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NW end. 8" (6/22/81): faint, small, bright core. A mag 13 star is at the E edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6952 = N6951 = U11604 = MCG +11-25-002 = CGCG 325-003 20 37 14.2 +66 06 20 See observing notes for N6951. ************************************************************ NGC 6954 = UGC 11618 = MCG +00-53-001 = CGCG 374-004 20 44 03.2 +03 12 33 V = 13.2; Size 1.0x0.6; SB = 12.6; PA = 68d 17.5": fairly faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. N6955 lies 37' S. 13": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated. ************************************************************ NGC 6955 = UGC 11621 = CGCG 374-005 = NPM1G +02.0476 20 44 17.9 +02 35 41 V = 13.6; Size 1.4x1.3; SB = 14.1; PA = 30d 17.5": extremely faint, fairly small, very diffuse, low surface brightness, requires averted vision. Pair with N6957 7.4' E. Located 37' S of N6954. ************************************************************ NGC 6956 = UGC 11619 = MCG +02-53-001 = CGCG 425-001 = LGG 440-001 20 43 53.7 +12 30 43 V = 12.3; Size 1.9x1.9; SB = 13.6 17.5" (10/13/01): this moderately bright glow appears unusual as a mag 10.5 star is attached at the east side and interferes with viewing. The surface brightness of this barred spiral is pretty uniform except for a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 companion star (double) follows the brighter star. Brightest in a trio with UGC 11620 and 11623 situated 7' SSE and 8' ESE, respectively. 13": faint, diffuse, even surface brightness, possibly slightly elongated E-W. A mag 10.5 star is attached at the east edge 26" from center and detracts from viewing. Brightest of three with U11620 6.7' SSE and U11623 8.0' E. 8": faint, small. A mag 10 star at the E edge interferes. ************************************************************ NGC 6957 = CGCG 374-007 20 44 47.6 +02 34 52 V = 14.4; Size 0.7x0.7; SB = 13.3 17.5": very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.1' SE. Pair with N6955 7.4' W. ************************************************************ NGC 6958 = ESO 341-015 = MCG -06-45-017 = AM 2041-381 20 48 42.5 -37 59 52 V = 11.4; Size 2.1x1.7; SB = 12.7; PA = 107d 17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, gradually increases to a very small bright core. Forms the SE vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 2.5' WSW and a mag 10 star 2.8' NW. There are four stars total in this V-shaped asterism. 8" (7/24/82): faint, small, round, just nonstellar at low power. Located at the edge of a small "V" asterism of stars. Located 25' WSW of a mag 5.5 star. ************************************************************ NGC 6959 = CGCG 374-013 20 47 07.2 +00 25 49 V = 13.7; Size 0.6x0.3; SB = 11.8; PA = 120d 17.5": fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core. A line of three mag 13/14 stars lies 2' SSW. This is the fourth brightest in the N6962 group with N6962 7.1' SE, N6961 4.1' S and N6967 6.7' ESE. 8/31/86 and 7/16/88. 13": faint, very small, elongated WSW-ENE. Three stars are close SW. Misidentified in the RNGC. 7/27/84, 8/23/84. Discovered by Lord Rosse (object a). Bigourdan's corrected RA in the IC 2 notes is a perfect match with CGCG 374-013. Misidentified in the RNGC as a very faint anonymous galaxy located 1' NW of N6959 (which is also misidentified in the RNGC as N6965!). Correctly identified in the UGC notes and CGCG (Z374-013). This galaxy is not in MCG. See Deep Sky, Fall 1985 and NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6960 = Veil Nebula = LBN 191 20 45 58 +30 35.7 Size 70x6 13.1": this is the prominent western section of the "Veil nebula" and is spectacular with an OIII filter. Bright, extremely large, very elongated N-S, stretches across the entire low power field while passing through the bright unequal double 52 Cygni = 4.3/9.5 at 6". Fans out to the south and splits into two delicate branches and fainter wisps. The bright curving nebulosity N of 52 Cygni has a remarkable "electric" quality. It has an abrupt bend about midway and then tapers down to a narrow tip towards the north end gently bowing out towards the W side. Fantastic detail using a 20 Nagler and OIII filter. ************************************************************ NGC 6961 = CGCG 374-014 = NPM1G +00.0554 20 47 10.4 +00 21 48 V = 13.7; Size 0.6x0.5; SB = 12.3; PA = 110d 17.5": very faint, round, very small. A mag 15 star is off the NE edge. Located 3.3' NW of N6962 in a group and the fifth brightest of six. N6959 lies 4.1' NNW. 13": extremely faint, very small. A very faint star appears to be very close. ************************************************************ NGC 6962 = UGC 11628 = MCG +00-53-003 = CGCG 374-015 20 47 19.0 +00 19 14 V = 12.1; Size 2.9x2.3; SB = 14.0; PA = 75d 17.5": brightest in the N6962 group. Moderately bright, fairly small, almost round, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus. On a line with N6964 1.8' SE and N6961 3.3' NW. Also forms an equilateral triangle with N6959 7.1' NW and N6967 6.6' NE. 8/31/86 and 7/16/88. 13" (7/27/84): fairly bright, fairly small, small bright core, almost round. Largest and brightest in group. ************************************************************ NGC 6964 = UGC 11629 = MCG +00-53-005 = CGCG 374-017 20 47 24.2 +00 18 03 V = 13.0; Size 1.7x1.3; SB = 13.8; PA = 168d 17.5": fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, strong bright core, substellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 38" SE of center. This is the second brightest in the N6962 group and located just 1.8' SE of N6962. 13": second brightest in the N6962 group. Moderately bright, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A faint star is following. ************************************************************ NGC 6965 = MCG +00-53-004 = CGCG 374-016 = IC 5058 20 47 20.4 +00 29 00 V = 14.0; Size 0.7x0.7; SB = 13.0 17.5": very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus, barely visible continuously with direct vision. Located 10' N of N6962 within a triangle of mag 13-14 stars including a mag 14 star 1.4' E and a mag 13 star 1.3' S. Faintest of six in N6962 group. This galaxy is misidentified in the RNGC, UGC, MCG, CGCG as N6963. Observations on 8/31/86 and 7/16/88. 13": extremely faint, very small, round. Located 10' N of N6962. 7/27/84 and 8/23/84. Discovered by at Birr Castle on 27 Aug 1857 in the N6963 group. In the NGC, Dreyer placed this galaxy 3' too far south at 20 47 25 +00 25 40 (2000). This was caused by the Birr Castle sketch (wrong direction of drift) which led to confusions in subsequent catalogues. Not found by Reinmuth (based on NGC position). Bigourdan later gave a precise postion as IC 5058 assuming it was a new discovery. GSC has two stars at the position of N6965 with a mean position of 20 47 20.4 +00 28 57. This galaxy (M+00-53-004 = CGCG 374-016) is identified in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG, MCG as N6963. The galaxy identified as N6965 in RNGC is actually N6959. *Check this statement* In Deep Sky, Fall 1985 I incorrectly concluded that N6965 is a duplicate entry for Bigourdan's N6963 which is actually a double star! ************************************************************ NGC 6966 20 47 26.8 +00 22 03 17.5": very close pair of mag 14 stars with a mag 15 star nearby. Located 4.1' N of N6964 in the N6962 group. ************************************************************ NGC 6967 = UGC 11630 = MCG +00-53-006 = CGCG 374-018 20 47 34.0 +00 24 42 V = 13.1; Size 1.0x0.7; SB = 12.6; PA = 90d 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, bright core. A mag 10 star is just 44" E of center and detracts from viewing. Third brightest in the N6962 group. Forms the NE vertex of an equilateral triangle with N6962 6.6' SW and N6959 6.7' WNW. Misidentified as N6965 in the UGC, CGCG, MCG. 8/31/86 and 7/16/88. 13": faint, small, very elongated E-W. A mag 10 star is off the SE edge. 7/27/84, 8/23/84. ************************************************************ NGC 6968 = MCG -02-53-006 = NPM1G -08.0539 20 48 32.4 -08 21 37 V = 13.2; Size 1.6x1.2; SB = 13.8; PA = 135d 17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 55" NW of center. A faint double star (IC 5062) is 7' W. ************************************************************ NGC 6969 = UGC 11633 = MCG +01-53-001 = CGCG 400-002 20 48 27.7 +07 44 25 V = 14.0; Size 1.1x0.3; SB = 12.8; PA = 15d 17.5": faint, small, edge-on streak SSW-NNE, small bright core. Located 21' WSW of 14 Delphini (V = 6.3). ************************************************************ NGC 6971 = UGC 11637 = MCG +01-53-002 = CGCG 400-003 20 49 23.8 +05 59 44 V = 13.7; Size 1.1x0.9; SB = 13.5; PA = 60d 17.5": fairly faint, moderately large, pretty diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE. Located 7.1' SE of mag 7.7 SAO 126248. This bright star is at the midpoint of two nearby mag 9/10 stars on a line WNW-ESE. ************************************************************ NGC 6972 = UGC 11640 = MCG +02-53-004 = CGCG 425-011 = NPM1G +09.0513 20 49 58.9 +09 53 57 V = 13.3; Size 1.1x0.5; SB = 12.4; PA = 143d 13.1": very faint, brighter core, irregular shape, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 12 double star at 23" separation is 2' WSW. ************************************************************ NGC 6974 = Veil Nebula 20 51 04 +31 49.7 17.5": smaller southern portion of a very faint elongated patch with N6979 in the Veil Nebula. Several faint stars are superimposed. Located east of the north edge of the widest section of the huge triangular wedge of nebulosity in the center of the Veil. Also see N6979. The NGC identification is uncertain as Lord Rosse's position was 74' S of this position! ************************************************************ NGC 6975 = N6976 = MCG -01-53-015 = HCG 88c = NPM1G -05.0582 20 52 25.9 -05 46 19 See observing notes for N6976. Incorrect identification in the RNGC. (R)N6975 = M-01-53-014. Bigourdan realized that Big. 88 = N6975 is identical to N6976 (see IC 2 notes). RNGC and MCG misidentify N6975 as M-01-53-014 which is located 3' SW of N6976. See NGCBUGS. ************************************************************ NGC 6976 = MCG -01-53-015 = HCG 88c = NPM1G -05.0582 = N6975 20 52 25.9 -05 46 19 V = 14.0; Size 0.8x0.7; SB = 13.2; PA = 5d 18" (7/21/04): very faint, small, round, ~25" diameter, very low even surface brightness. Faintest of collinear trio with N6977 and N6978 and furthest SW. 18" (6/25/04): faintest and further SW of a trio on line with N6977 and N6978 ~2' and 4' NE, respectively [HCG 88d not seen]. Appears extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very low even surface brightness. 17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, very small, round, very diffuse. This is the furthest south of three galaxies on a line in HCG 88 with N6977 1.8' NE and N6978 4.3' NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6977 = MCG -01-53-016 = NPM1G -05.0583 = HCG 88b 20 52 29.6 -05 44 46 V = 13.2; Size 1.2x0.9; SB = 13.2; PA = 162d 18" (7/21/04): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~35"x30", broad weak concentration. A mag 14.5 or 15 star lies between N6977 and brighter N6978 just 2.6' NE. Second brightest in HCG 88 along with N6976 just 1.8' SW. 18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, very weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Middle of a collinear triplet (HCG 88) with slightly brighter N6978 2.6' NE and fainter N6976 1.8' SW. A mag 15 star lies midway between N6977 and N6978. 17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Second of three on a line with N6976 1.8' SW and N6978 2.5' NE. ************************************************************ NGC 6978 = MCG -01-53-017 = HCG 88a 20 52 35.4 -05 42 39 V = 13.3; Size 1.5x0.7; SB = 13.2; PA = 125d 18" (7/21/04): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.35', moderate concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus which seems offset to the NW side. Brightest of collinear trio in HCG 88 with N6977 and N6976. 18" (6/25/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4' broad weak concentration. Largest and brightest of a collinear triplet with N6976 4.4' SW and N6977 2.6' SW. 17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Brightest and farthest NE of three on a line (HCG 88 group) with N6977 2.5' SW and N6976 4.3' SW. HCG 88D not seen. ************************************************************ NGC 6979 = Veil Nebula 20 50 28 +32 01.6 17.5": very faint, fairly large, elongated ~N-S, detached patch in the Veil Nebula. The southern portion of this patch (identified in RNGC as N6974) is smaller and has several faint stars superimposed. The northern part is larger and wider but less well-defined and has some brighter stars superimposed. Located just NE of the northern end of the huge triangular wedge which defines the north central region of the Veil. ************************************************************ NGC 6981 = M72 20 53 27.9 -12 32 13 V = 9.2; Size 6 17.5" (7/17/01): at 380x, the halo is very irregular and the globular has a very uneven surface brightness. The non-symmetrical halo is elongated ~E-W, perhaps 4'x3'. The brighter 1.5' core is covered with a sprinkling a 8-10 faint stars. From the core there are short ragged extensions to the SW and NW with a few resolved stars. More prominent is a nearly detached clump on the E side which is extended ~N-S and contains roughly 8 easily resolved stars over haze. In total, perhaps two dozen stars are resolved in moments of good seeing. 17.5" (8/13/88 and 8/2/86): very mottled ragged appearance, 3' diameter. About 20 stars are resolved at the edges and over the core. 13" (9/29/84): very mottled non-symmetrical appearance with a bright core. Roughly a dozen stars are resolved mostly on the E side of the core. A brighter mag 13.5 star is in the NE side of the halo. ************************************************************ NGC 6985 = MCG -02-53-001 20 45 02.3 -11 06 19 V = 13.8; Size 1.3x0.9; SB = 13.9; PA = 90d 17.5": fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, weak concentration to a small brighter core. A mag 15 star is just 40" ENE and a mag 13 star 1.2' W of center. Located 2.5' WNW of mag 8 SAO 163850 and 4.6' SSE of mag 7.5 SAO 163846! Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC. Leavenworth discovery (I). His very rough position was 11.0 tmin E of M-02-53- 001 but his discovery sketch confirms this identification according to Brent Archinal and Corwin! Not found by Bigourdan and not listed in DSFG. MCG does not identify this galaxy as N6985. ************************************************************ NGC 6986 = ESO 598-007 = MCG -03-53-011 = NPM1G -18.0530 20 56 30.6 -18 33 59 V = 13.6; Size 1.0x0.6; SB = 12.8; PA = 8d 17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core. A small group of five mag 13 stars is 2'-3' SE. ************************************************************ NGC 6988 = CGCG 425-020 = NPM1G +10.0499 20 55 48.9 +10 30 28 V = 14.6; Size 0.5x0.5; SB = 13.0 17.5": very faint, very small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the SE end 23" from center. ************************************************************ NGC 6989 20 54 06 +45 14.4 17.5": at 100x appears to be simply a large milky way field about 20' diameter in the "Canada" portion of the "North American" nebula. Weakly more enhanced than the surrounding star field and only distinguished because of four bright stars off the S side including mag 5.5 SAO 50187 (off the SW edge) and three mag 7.5-8.5 cradling the S edge and forming an obtuse isosceles triangle. Requires low power or appears similar to the average milky way patch. ************************************************************ NGC 6991 = Lund 969 = OCL-202 20 54 56 +47 19.3 Size 5 17.5": scattered group of approximately 20 stars in a 6' field. Located about 10' SW of IC 5076 which surrounds a mag 5.7 star. Three equal mag stars are collinear on the E side. A mag 8.5 star is on the SW side. There are no dense knots or a core and this group barely stands out in the field. This group corresponds with John Herschel's observation (2091) but see the description for the cluster around IC 5076 which is a better fit with William Herschel's position and description (H VIII 76). Discovered by WH (VIII 76): A st 6m surrounded by many cst forming a brilliant sc Cl the Lst not M but f." His offset points to mag 5.7 SAO 50246 = HD 199478 at 20 55 49.7 +47 25 04 (2000) which is the star involved with reflection nebula IC 5076. See visual description of IC 5076 for description of cluster surrounding this star. Observed twice by JH (h2091) but his position refers to a separate group about 12' SW ! In sweep 210 described as "a star 9m; the largest of a cluster." His position on this sweep is 8s of RA W of mag 8.4 SAO 50220 at 20 54 43.4 +47 16 50. In sweep 209 the diameter is given as 6'. The Lynga position (repeated in RNGC and U2000) is 20 56.7 +47 25 is following mag 5.7 SAO 50246! See NGCBUGS. Also see Archinal's article on T7 open clusters. My identification is also uncertain, although the star group was identified on the POSS. ************************************************************ NGC 6992 = Veil Nebula 20 56 19 +31 44.6 Size 60x8 17.5": this section of the Veil nebula is probably the most detailed and exciting emission object to explore in the 17.5" using a 20mm Nagler and OIII filter. Appears very bright, extremely large, very elongated, about 1? length, crossed by darker rifts. Feather-like side branches are at the south edge running off towards the west. Breathtaking filamentary detail at 83x too intricate to describe using an OIII filter particularly on the southern half! The filaments appear like intertwined threads or twisted ropes giving a striking 3-dimensional appearance along the length! Attached to N6995 and IC 1340 to the south. 13": incredibly detailed at the S edge. Wispy structure with two long tails. Darker rifts and filamentary structure along the entire length. 8": bright at 50x with UHC filter. Some structure seen with darker rifts and branches at the S edge. ************************************************************ NGC 6993 = ESO 529-011 = MCG -04-49-007 20 53 54.1 -25 28 21 Size 1.3x1.1; PA = 108d 17.5" (8/4/02): at 220x appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness. Not noticed initially near position, but once identified could just hold steadily with concentration. The identification of this galaxy with N6993 is not certain, but it roughly matches Leavenworth's field sketch and description. ************************************************************ NGC 6994 = M73 = Cr 426 20 58 56 -12 38 07 V = 9.7; Size 3 17.5": four stars in a "Y" asterism. On the W side are the two fainter stars mag 11.5 and 12 oriented WNW-ESE which form the stem of the "Y". A mag 10 star is on the SE branch and a mag 10.5 star is on the NE branch. This is an unimpressive asterism. 8": four stars mag 10.5, 10.5, 11.0 and 12.0 in a small group, easily resolved at 100x. ************************************************************ NGC 6995 = Veil Nebula 20 57 10 +31 14.1 Size 12 13.1": this is amazingly detailed southern end of the eastern section of the Veil Nebula attached to N6992 and contains beautiful feather-like side branches to the west, especially using an OIII filter . See description of N6992. ************************************************************ NGC 6996 20 56 30 +45 28.4 Size 5 17.5": about 50 stars mag 10 and fainter within an 8'-10' group in the NE part of the North American nebula. Fairly well-detached and distinguishable in a low power field but appears to be a typical milky way cloud with no particular dense spots. Situated About 10' NW of a striking equilateral triangle of mag 8/9 stars with sides 2' (center at 20 57.0 +45 19). Barnard 353 (low contrast) is just following. The RNGC misidentifies N6997 as N6696. Discovered by JH (h2094) and observed twice: "Coarse, poor, pL cluster, stars small." The RNGC dec is 50' too small and the position corresponds with N6997 so the RNGC has apparently misidenified N6997 as N6996 (error originated in Hogg). This starcloud is located in the northern portion of the North America nebula. See Corwin's NGCBUGS for a discussion on the observation. ************************************************************ NGC 6997 = (R)N6996 20 56 39 +44 37.9 Size 8 17.5": about 50 stars in a 10' diameter. Located in the eastern U.S. portion of the North American Nebula. Includes many mag 10.5-12 stars. There are no rich portions and the group is somewhat scattered. Roughly circular outline, weak concentration in center. 13": fairly prominent scattered group at the E edge of N7000. Located midway between two bright mag 6.0 and 6.8 stars with a 30' separation N-S. Discovered by WH (VIII 58). This cluster is incorrectly identified as N6996 by Lynga and RNGC. This group is situated within the East Coast part of the North America nebula based on William Herschel's position. See NGCBUGS for more information. Possibly superimposed in the foreground of the North America nebula. ************************************************************ NGC 6998 = ESO 464-014 21 01 37.7 -28 01 55 V = 14.2; Size 0.8x0.7; SB = 13.5 17.5": extremely faint, very small, round, extremely low surface brightness, requires averted vision. Forms a pair with N6999 5.1' ESE. Appears nearly stellar and about mag 16pg on the POSS. Member of Abell 3733. 17.5": not found on 8/27/92 from Grandview (8400') in the Eastern Sierras. ************************************************************ NGC 6999 = ESO 464-015 21 01 59.6 -28 03 32 V = 14.0; Size 0.9x0.7; SB = 13.4; PA = 175d 17.5": very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Located 2.2' N of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest member of Abell 3733. Forms a difficult pair with N6998 5.1' WNW. (R)N6999 = 2MASXi J2102037-275216 lies 10' NE. 17.5": not found on 8/27/92 from Grandview campground. Marth discovered a pair of galaxies, N6998 and N6999 in April 1864 which he oriented NW-SE. N6999 was placed 22s of RA E and 2' S of N6998 which has coordinates of 21 01 37.7 -28 01 55 (2000). Applying Marth's offset points exactly at E464-G15, located at 21 01 59.6 -28 03 32 (2000). For some reason the RNGC has identified N6999 with an anonymous galaxy located 10' N of N6998 which is an obvious error. Correct identification given in the ESO. Confirmed by Corwin. Appears nearly stellar and ~16pg on POSS. See RNGC Corrections #5. ************************************************************ NGC 7000 = North American Nebula = LBN 373 = Sh 2-117 20 59.3 +44 31 Size 120x100 17.5": at 100x and OIII filter appears very bright, extremely large (fills several fields), amazingly high contrast around the "Gulf" of Mexico and "Baja" region and to a lesser extent along the W and E coasts. Can trace around the entire border except for the "Canada" region which consists mostly of scattered star fields with weak nebulosity. The open cluster N6997 is easily picked out in the NE section. 8": bright, very large, sharp border and details around the "Gulf" section, "Southwest border" and "Baja region". Rich with faint stars. Easy naked-eye in dark sky. ************************************************************