Thread: M51, I think...
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Old July 19th 03, 09:11 AM
David Nakamoto
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Default M51, I think...

If you think so, and if it is getting low then that's that. I found it as a
newbie
a long time ago however, as I recall by going a certain distance off the
Northeast
corner of Corvus and scanning. It was luckly bright enough to pick up, with
patience.

--
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Never be afraid of trying something new for the love of it.
Remember... amateurs built the Ark.
Professionals built the Titanic!


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"bwhiting" wrote in message
...
David, 104 is not only is it getting low, but it's not the easiest
galaxy to find for a newbie, unless he already knows about the
'stargate'and 4 star arrow asterisms that points toward the galaxy in
Corvus.
I would suggest and easier "DSO" for a newbie to find...say, globular
cluster M-4 just one degree west of Antares.
OR a brighter one, M-80, about halfway between Antares and Beta Scorpii.
FWIW,
Tom W.



David Nakamoto wrote:
Should add that, before it gets too low to the horizon (haven't checked
its position lately) try M104; I saw it from suburban skies in the 60s
through
a 60mm refractor. A 5 inch should star showing some sign of the shape

of
the thing, although the dust lane might require an 8-inch or larger,

and/or
darker skies.