DEEP SKY OBSERVING
June 2009
by Mark Wagner

Targets are rated 1 to 4 for challenge, with 1 very easy, 4 most difficult. Targets are in a one hour window of R.A., and arranged north to south, for easy star hopping. Available as a Megastar .obs file or Excel spreadsheet.
Rating
Object Con Type Size Mag
RA
Dec
Other
 
4
AGC 2296 DRA GXCL 16.8' 15.9
17 54 00
77 42 00
 

4
AGC 2309 DRA GXCL 33.6' 15.8
18 42 06
77 42 00
 

4
AGC 2308 DRA GXCL 15.7' 16.4
18 33 42
71 02 00
 

4
AGC 2301 DRA GXCL 22.4' 15.8
18 14 48
69 39 00
 

4
AGC 2295 DRA GXCL 28.0' 16.2
17 59 54
69 13 00
 

3
Arp 81 DRA GX 2.1'x0.8' 12.8
18 12 54
68 21 00
NGC 6621
4
Arp 81 DRA GX 0.5'x0.4' 15.3
18 13 00
68 21 00
NGC 6622
Arp Classification - Galaxy with large high surface brightness companion. In the 16" at 298x (N7) this is a nice double system elongated NW-SE about 2'x.5' in size. 6621 has a small bright almost stellar core with a small nuclear region surrounding it. It has small bright arms extending NW-SE from the core about .4' in length. There is a very faint haze starting from the NW arm sweeping around to the SE that pops in and out with averted vision. 6622 is in contact with 21 at the end of the SE arm and is slightly elongated perpendicular to the axis of the main galaxy and has fairly even brightness with very little central brightening. The arms of 21 are almost as bright as 22. - Bob Hill

1
NGC6543 DRA PN 20.0" 8.8
17 58 36
66 38 00
 
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.

4
AGC 2293 DRA GXCL 15.7' 16.2
18 01 18
57 39 00
 

2
NGC6426 OPH GC 4.2' 10.9
17 44 54
30 00 00
 
18" (8/23/03): at 160x, appears fairly faint with an irregular triangular outline, 2.5' diameter. There is only a weak concentration though the surface has a patchy, irregular appearance with a few faint stars superimposed. At 435x, the brightest resolved star is at the NW edge and a few others.

3
Abell 46 LYR PN 63.0"x60.0" 13.8
18 31 18
26 56 17
PK 55+16.1 = PN G055.4+16.0
17.5: at 200x and 140x using an OIII filter appears faint, moderately large, ~50" diameter, round. Can hold continuously with averted vision and visible with direct vision. Did not look unfiltered for the mag 15 central star. 13: at 79x with OIII filter appears extremely faint, moderately large, 1.0' diameter, almost round, can barely hold steadily. Just visible using a UHC visible although appears near the visual threshold.

3
Abell 43 OPH PN 80.0"x74.0" 14.7
17 53 32
10 37 24
PK 36+17.1 = PN G036.0+17.6
17.5: nice view at 100x with OIII filter where it is easily visible continuously with direct vision. The disc is at least 1' in diameter, appears slightly elongated and has crisp edges. At 220x , faintly visible without filter and quite noticeable are two superimposed mag 13 stars oriented ~N-S with one at the N edge (check) and second star near the center. A very faint star is also visible near the (SE) edge. Estimate V = 14.0. 13: at 79x and OIII filter; faint, moderately large, almost round, estimate V = 14.2. Can barely hold steadily with direct vision but easier with averted. Located 4' SE of a mag 9.5 star. Collinear with a wide pair of mag 11.5-12 stars about 3' SE.

4
Sh 2-070 OPH BN 5.0' 2
18 14 38
07 03 47
 

1
NGC6633 OPH OC 27.0' 4.6
18 27 42
06 34 00
 
13.1" (9/9/83): 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.

4
Sh 2-068 SER BN 8.0' 2
18 25 10
00 51 17
 
17.5" (7/1/00): at 100x using an OIII filter, Sh 2-68 appears a very large, round, low surface brightness glow, perhaps 5'-6' in diameter. Requires averted vision but can be seen readily. The halo has a fairly crisp edge and surface brightness is uniform. Not seen unfiltered. 17.5" (8/1/86): at 83x and OIII filter appears as a very faint, very large, roundish glow, fairly sharp-edged. Can almost hold steadily with averted. Located 17' WNW of mag 6.9 SAO 123471. Recent 1983 discovery and possibly a HII region.

4
Sh 2-064 SER BN 25.0' 2
18 31 35
-01 54 47
 

4
Abell 48 AQL PN 43.0"x37.0" 17.2
18 42 46
-03 13 25
PK 29+0.1 = PN G029.0+00.4

4
Sh 2-061 SCT BN 2.0' 3
18 32 54
-05 00 36
 

4
B103 SCT DN 8.0'x3.0' -
18 39 25
-06 40 00
 
Irregular; diam. 4'; one small star in it - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
Sh 2-060 SCT BN 20.0' 2
18 36 40
-06 42 04
 

3
PAL 7 SER GC 8.0' 10.3
18 10 44
-07 12 27
 
17.5: at 220x, obvious irregular glow of ~3' diameter just following a mag 13 star at the W edge. A mag 14 star follows and a third star is at the NE end (possibly an extremely faint 4th star is also along this string). Appears elongated E-W and the irregular outline increases in size with averted vision to 4.0'x2.5'. Has an unusual mottled patchy appearance although the observed stars may be field stars.

1
NGC6664 SCT OC 16.0' 7.8
18 36 42
-08 13 00
 
17.5" (8/1/86): 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.

4
Sh 2-058 SCT BN 8.0' 2
18 31 26
-08 27 50
 

4
B101 SCT DN 13.0'x4.0' -
18 32 40
-08 48 00
 
Definite; irregular; 13' long NE and SW; 4' wide; separated from B100 by a scattering of small stars.H91 - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

2
NGC6517 OPH GC 4.0' 10.1
18 01 48
-08 58 00
 
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.

4
B100 SCT DN 16.0' -
18 32 41
-09 08 00
 
Definite; irregular; curved; 16' long NW and SE - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
B97 SCT DN 50.0' -
18 29 05
-09 55 00
 
Irregular; not very definite; diam. 1 degree - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
B94 SCT DN 15.0' -
18 25 33
-10 39 00
 
Roundish; diam. 15'; indefinite - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
Abell 45 SCT PN 302.0"x281.0" 12.8
18 30 15
-11 36 56
PK 20-0.1 = PN G020.2-00.6
Very very faint glow with OIII and averted vision using 12mm. Very indistinct, but possibly a brighter western edge that appears as an arced strand. Relatively large. - Mark Wagner

3
Sh 2-054 SER BN 140.0' 3
18 17 52
-11 43 48
Contains N6604
17.5" (7/17/01): picked up Simeiz 3-132 at 64x using a UHC filter as a moderately bright, 3'x2.5' glow, slightly elongated N-S. The eastern side appears to have a sharper edge. Also viewed at 220x unfiltered and a group of a half dozen mag 13-14 stars extended N-S in a string are superimposed near the eastern boundary. This is an obscure, but relatively easy nebula.

1
N 6604 SER C+N 6.0' 6.5
18 18 03
-12 14 35
 
17.5" (8/10/91): 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.

4
Sh 2-053 SCT BN 15.0' 2
18 25 14
-13 13 44
 

4
B102 SCT DN 8.2'x2.0' -
18 37 41
-13 44 00
 
Rather definite; elongated NE and SW, 8' x 3' - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

1
M16 SER OC 6.0' 6.0
18 18 43
-13 48 00
Sh2-046, 48, 49,50.
13.1" (8/17/85): a thin dark "finger" extends towards the cluster, positioned just south and beyond the two bright mag 9 stars near the center. This is an extension of the wider projection seen previously several times and which is better defined along the south edge.

1
M17 SGR BN 11.0'x6.0' 6.9
18 20 45
-16 10 00
Sh2-045
13.1" (7/16/82): 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.

2
N 6596 SGR OC 10.0' -
18 17 33
-16 39 00
 
17.5" (8/10/91): 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 a very rich field with many bright stars.

4
Sh 2-044 SGR BN 60.0' 2
18 16 28
-16 44 01
IC 4701

1
NGC6645 SGR OC 10.0' 8.5
18 32 36
-16 45 00
 
17.5" (8/1/92): 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.

4
Abell 44 SGR PN 63.0"x39.0" 15.8
18 30 11
-16 45 28
PK 15-3.1 = PN G015.6-03.0
Picked up at 73x using an OIII filter as a very faint, small glow attached to a mag 12.5 star. Best view at 115x and OIII filter and visible continuously with averted version as a fairly small, 35" round disc with a star superimposed on the west edge. Situated in a very rich star field just 35' WNW of the rich cluster NGC 6645 and roughly two degrees ESE of the Swan Nebula.

1
M18 SGR OC 9.0' 6.9
18 20 00
-17 06 00
 
17.5" (8/1/92): 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.

2
N 6507 SGR OC 6.0' 9.6
17 59 50
-17 27 00
 
17.5" (6/8/91): 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.

4
B84a SGR DN 16.0' -
17 57 37
-17 40 00
 
Round; diam. 16', with extension 45' S; BD -17 4967 (magnitude 9.1) in center; perhaps some detail in it - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
B93 SGR DN 8.0'x3.0' -
18 16 53
-18 03 00
 
Cometary; a sharply defined black head 2' in diam., with a diffused tail 15' long running S; 20' NE of B 92 - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

2
B92 SGR DN 15.0'x9.0' -
18 15 35
-18 13 00
 
Black spot; 15' N and S, 9' E and W - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

3
N 6548 HER GX 2.9'x2.7' 12.7B
18 05 59.1
18 35 14
 
17.5" (7/1/89): 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.

1
M24 SGR OC 120.0' -
18 17 00
-18 36 00
 
13.1" (8/17/85): 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.

4
Sh 2-039 SGR BN 3.0' 2
18 16 46
-18 38 59
 

4
B95 SCT DN 30.0' -
18 25 34
-18 44 00
 
Large; indefinite; diam. 30'; elongated http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

1
M23 SGR OC 27.0' 5.5
17 56 54
-19 01 00
 
13.1" (6/29/84): bright, large, rich, appears fully resolved. Very pretty open cluster.

1
M25 SCR OC 32.0' 4.6
18 31 45
-19 07 00
 
17.5" (8/27/92): about 100 stars in 30' field although fills 45' field at 82x. The densest portion in the center is a group of 7 fairly bright stars situated between two bright stars mag 6.5 (U Sgr) and 8.0 oriented E-W. U Sagittarii (6.3-7.0) is located at the E end and is the brightest star in the cluster. Just south of this group is a long dark lane void of stars oriented E-W which appears darker than the background. Bordering the S edge of this dark lane is an elongated group of 10 stars including a nice evenly matched double star. To the west of this string are two mag 9 and 10 stars oriented SW-NE. The cluster includes several colored stars and is visible naked-eye just S of a mag 5 star.

4
Sh 2-037 SGR BN 20.0' 2
18 17 42
-19 39 51
IC 1283/1284
17.5: at 100x unfiltered IC 1283 appears as a very faint, very large nebulosity, at least 10' diameter. Encompasses a mag 9 star and extends about 10' NE to merge with IC 1284 surrounding mag 7.6 SAO 161273. The illuminating star is 6' NE of reflection nebula N6589 and 8' N of N6595. At 88x and UHC filter appears as a very large, extensive nebulous region just NE of N6589 and N6595. Has an elongated, irregular shape. Includes a mag 7.5 star near the N end. IC 1284 is the northeastern section of the IC1283/1284 nebulosity surrounding mag 7.6 SAO 161273. Although brightest around the star, the nebula appears to nearly merge with IC 1283 stretching to the SW to a mag 9 star located 7' SW. Located less than 15' NE of the bright reflection nebulae N6589 and N6595.

2
PAL 8 SGR GC 5.2 10.9
18 41 29
-19 49 33
 
I'm very surprised this globular was not discovered visually at an earlier date as it is an easy object with direct vision in my 13". It is slightly elongated north-south and a faint star appears at the south end. A threshold star can be glimpsed at the west end but there is no other resolution over the disc.

4
B83a SGR DN 7.0' -
17 45 18
-20 00 00
 
Small; definite; diam. 4', N and S; about 5' SE of BD -19 4698 (magnitude 9.5) - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

3
NGC6445 SGR PN 44.0"x30.0" 13.2P
17 49 12
-20 01 00
 
18" (7/22/06): this fascinating planetary was viewed at 435x. The overal shape is rectangular with the two longer sides oriented NW to SE. Both ends are noticeably brighter giving an annular appearance. The NW end is slightly brighter and irregular in surface brightness with a brighter spot or two. The rim of the NW end is slightly bowed out and has a well-defined boundary edge in the interior. The rim at the SE end of the planetary is unusually straight and well-defined and with averted vision it appeared to extend slightly beyond the main body of the planetary. The bright lobe at this end is bar-shaped and extended SW to NE, in the direction of the minor axis.

4
B84 SGR DN 16.0' -
17 46 25
-20 15 00
 
Irregular looped figure; sharply defined; 22' long E and W; extension from it 20' toward the NW. BD -20 4865 (magnitude 8.2) near W end and BD -20 4860 (magnitude 9.1) near east end. - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

2
NGC6440 SGR GC 4.4' 9.3
17 48 54
-20 22 00
 
17.5" (7/14/99): this globular forms an unusual pair with planetary N6445 just 21' NNE and is situated within a string of four mag 11-12 stars oriented NW-SE. It appears fairly faint, round, at least 2' diameter. At 280x the diffuse halo increases to a moderately bright, round core. Although the globular appears granular, there was no resolution is good seeing except for a very faint star which was intermittently visible off the north edge of the core.

4
B99 SGR DN 11.0'x3.0' -
18 33 17
-21 28 00
 
Definite; 11' long E. and W., 3' wide; E end is the larger, with a faint star in it. - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

1
NGC6568 SGR OC 12.0' 8.6
18 12 42
-21 36 00
 
17.5" (8/1/92): 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.

2
NGC6583 SGR OC 4.0' 10.0
18 15 42
-22 08 00
 
17.5" (8/1/92): 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.

1
M21 SGR OC 13.0' 5.0
18 04 12
-22 29 51
 
17.5" (8/10/91): 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.

1
M20 SGR BN 17.0'x12.0' 9.0
18 02 25
-22 59 00
Sh2-030, B85, NGC 6514
13.1" (7/16/82): 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 brighter stars separated by 11". 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.

2
NGC6629 SGR PN 16.0" 11.6P
18 25 42
-23 12 00
 
17.5" (8/10/91): 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.

2
NGC6642 SGR GC 5.8' 8.9
18 31 54
-23 29 00
 
18" (7/14/07): at 393x appears as a fairly small but fairly bright globular with a very bright 30" core and 2' halo. The small core is very mottled and partially resolved into 2 or 3 clumps. Roughly 15-20 mag 14.5-16 stars are just visible in the halo including a very close pair on the NNE edge. Located just 1.1 degrees NW of M22.

1
M22 SGR GC 32.0' 5.2
18 36 24
-23 54 12
 
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).

4
B88 SGR DN 0.5' -
18 04 35
-24 06 00
 
Extended N and S; 2.7'x0.5'; in M8. There are other well-known markings in this nebula. This one and B 89 are given as illustrations of dark markings in the sky shown in relief against a nebulous or other luminous background. In this case there may be non-luminous opaque parts of the nebula itself. - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

1
M8 SGR BN 50.0'x40.0' 5.0
18 04 03
-24 18 00
 
17.5" (6/6/86): 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. The brightest luminary within the nebula is 9 Sagittarii (V = 6.0), situated to the west of the dark lane with a mag 7 companion 3' NNE. A very bright 30" nebulous knot ("Hourglass Nebula") is situated 3' SW of 9 Sagittarii. A bright open cluster, N6530, is on the east side of the dark lane. The Lagoon is a prominent naked-eye object in dark sky. See observing notes for N6530 and IC 1271. The Trifid Nebula (M20) lies 85' NNW.

4
B89 SGR DN 2.0'x0.5' -
18 04 59
-24 21 00
 
Very small, diam. 0.5'; in M8 - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
Sh 2-025 SGR BN 90.0' 3
18 05 25
-24 23 39
M8 = Lagoon
17.5" (6/6/86): 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. The brightest luminary within the nebula is 9 Sagittarii (V = 6.0), situated to the west of the dark lane with a mag 7 companion 3' NNE. A very bright 30" nebulous knot ("Hourglass Nebula") is situated 3' SW of 9 Sagittarii. A bright open cluster, N6530, is on the east side of the dark lane. The Lagoon is a prominent naked-eye object in dark sky. See observing notes for N6530 and IC 1271. The Trifid Nebula (M20) lies 85' NNW.

3
N 6526 SGR EN 52.3'x35.8' -
18 04 06
-24 26 30
 
See observing notes for N6523. This is the SE portion of M8 = Lagoon Nebula.

1
M28 SGR GC 13.8' 6.9
18 24 32
-24 52 12
 
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.

1
NGC6544 SGR GC 9.2' 7.5
18 07 18
-25 00 00
 
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.

4
Sh 2-022 SGR BN 60.0' 2
17 55 02
-25 02 10
 

2
NGC6638 SGR GC 7.3' 9.2
18 30 54
-25 30 00
 
18" (7/22/06): at 435x this globular appeared fairly bright, ~3' in diameter with an intense 1' core. The core appears very mottled and just begins to break up into a swarm of faint stars, particularly around the edges. Several very faint stars pepper the halo and pop in and out of visibility. The halo has an irregular scraggly appearance. I was able to pick up this globular with 15x50 IS binoculars as a very small, faint glow along with a mag 9.4 star close S.

2
NGC6553 SGR GC 9.2' 8.3
18 09 18
-25 54 00
 
17.5" (6/6/86): 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.

4
B98 SGR DN 3.0' -
18 33 16
-26 03 00
 
Very small; black; sharply defined; diam . 3' - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
PAL 6 OPH GC 1.2' 11.6
17 43 42
-26 13 21
 
Strongly suspected, but only with AV and observing hood, careful breathing -- all the tricks. Fairly large, very dim, very low surface brightness. Not brighter center. - Bob Jardine

4
NGC6540 SGR OC 1.5' 14.6
18 06 18
-27 49 00
 
18" (7/11/07): this very unusual globular that is buried within a small asterism and requires careful viewing. At 325x a very distinctive 1.5' string or shallow arc of stars is oriented E-W and contains 6 stars (these are possible cluster members). Within this shallow arc is a 20" knot just east of the midpoint and this is probably the core of the globular. The entire string is superimposed on a rich Milky Way background so it was very difficult to determine a diameter for the outer halo.

4
B86 SGR DN 5.0' -
18 03 01
-27 52 00
 
Diam. 5'; edge of diffused nebulosity. For the visual discovery of this object see Astronomische Nachrichten 108, 370, 1884. http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

1
NGC6520 SGR OC 6.0' 7.6
18 03 24
-27 54 00
 
17.5" (7/8/94): 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!

4
B90 SGR DN 3.0'x2.0' -
18 10 14
-28 16 00
 
Irregular; elongated; 3' N and S - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

4
Sh 2-019 SGR BN 12.0' 2
17 49 20
-29 07 01
 

4
Sh 2-018 SCO BN 4.0' 2
17 48 45
-29 15 06
 

4
Sh 2-016 SGR BN 20.0' 2
17 47 52
-29 18 14
 

2
NGC6304 OPH GC 8.0' 8.3
17 45 30
-29 28 00
 
17.5" (8/27/92): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W. The brightest portion is 2' diameter although a very faint halo increases the diameter to 3'-3.5'. Appears flattened on the south side. There was no significant central condensation although the central region was very mottled and a few faint mag 15-15.5 stars popped in and out of view. Within the faint halo 10-20 very faint mag 15-16 stars are just resolved.

2
NGC6522 SGR GC 9.4' 9.9
18 03 36
-30 02 00
 
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 east 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'.

2
NGC6528 SGR GC 5.0' 9.6
18 04 42
-30 03 00
 
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. Situated within "Baade's Window" (absorption hole).

2
NGC6451 SGR OC 7.0' 8.2
17 50 42
-30 13 00
 
13.1" (6/18/85): about three dozen stars in a 8' diameter. The brighter stars around the edges form the outline. Includes many very faint stars inside the bright border but unconcentrated towards the center.

2
NGC6624 SGR GC 8.8' 7.6
18 23 42
-30 22 00
 
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.

4
Sh 2-015 SCO BN 30.0' 2
17 50 34
-31 15 50
 

2
NGC6569 SGR GC 6.4' 8.4
18 13 36
-31 50 00
 
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.

1
M6 SCO OC 30.0' 4.2
17 40 17
-32 16 00
 
18" (7/21/04): at 92x roughly 200 stars are visible in this beautiful naked-eye cluster. There are four bright mag 6-7 stars in the main group which form a perfect parallelogram with longer sides of 7' oriented WSW-ENE and shorter sides of 4' oriented NW-SE. A string of stars connects the two stars on the long southern side of the parallelogram (the star at the SE vertex is orange tinged BM Sco) with a nice double star embedded in the string. The NW vertex is part of a bright isosceles triangle with two mag 8-9 stars and ~7' further NW of this star is a small, nice asterism consisting of a trio and a double. Also a wedge-shaped group of 7 stars extends between this NW vertex (which also has two additional fainter companions) and the SW vertex (short side of parallelogram) Another distinctive string of stars runs through the center of the parallelogram roughly parallel to the two long sides. A nice mag 9/10 double resides along the long northern side of the parallelogram. An additional mag 7 star is the SW of the parallelogram. Around the main group there are numerous scattered stars and the cluster does not have a distinct border. Over 70 stars in the cluster are brighter than 11th magnitude.

1
M69 SGR GC 9.8' 7.7
18 31 23
-32 20 58
 
Corwin originally equated Lacaille's N6634 with M69. This implies a 1¡ error in the dec of N6634 too far south. But Glen Cozens argues that the globular is fainter than others seen by Lacaille and the position is further out than any others seen by him. At or near his position, though, is a small group of 4 stars that may be the intended object. Corwin now feels this interpretation is more likely (see NGCBUGS). Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC but not equated with M69.

4
B87 SGR DN 12.0' -
18 04 10
-32 29 00
 
Parrot's head; CD -3 13679 (magnitude 9.3) central; several smaller stars in it CD -32 13666 (magnitude 9.6) on NW edge. CD -32 13687 (9.6) on SE edge. - http://dvaa.org/AData/Barnard.html

1
M7 SCO OC 80.0' 3.3
17 53 54
-34 47 00
 
18" (7/21/04): at 92x at least 300 stars are visible in the cluster, though very difficult to count due to the very large size (overfills the 42' field). The more concentrated part of the cluster spans perhaps 30' and includes a dozen stars of mag 7.5 or brighter in the main body. This cluster is much larger and brighter (very prominent naked-eye), but it is much more scattered than M6 and so is less impressive. There are several bright, distinctive strings in the cluster including a N-S string of ~8 stars on the east side of the central region. An equilateral triangle of mag 6, 7 and 8 stars with sides of 3' is on the NW side of the core of the cluster. A clump of 5 stars is near the center including two mag 6 and 7 stars. On the south side of the center of the cluster is an 11' string of 5 mag 5.6 to 7.8 stars oriented SW-NE with the bright mag 5.6 star (HD 16258) on the SW end a distinctive yellow color.

Source catalogs


Herschel 400 are identified as NGCXXXX, Herschel 400-II are indentified as NXXXX.

Prior lists available in the Astronomical Catalogs and Observing List section of Adventures In Deep Space.


All descriptions are by Steve Gottlieb, including his NGC Notes, except where otherwise attributed.

visitors since August 31, 2007