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,