The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.
/ Mark Russell /



In memoriam Halton C. Arp (1927-2013).


My astronomy sketches. Hover mouse over image for the inverted look. For fainter objects, take a look at the black-on-white original, sometimes it reveals more details.


Need advice? Want to discuss an observation? Feel free to contact me at flovro gmail*com.

ÚJ! Amennyiben elérhetġ, a ikonra kattintva magyarul is olvashatod az észlelést.


Show me the newest sketches!
By type: open clusters [67] globular clusters [14] diffuse nebulae [3] dark nebulae [0] planetary nebulae [27] variable stars [18] binary stars [23] asterisms [2] galaxies [119] quasars [1] planets [2] minor planets [1] comets [5] Sun [0] Moon [5] other objects [8]
By catalogue: Messier 1-50 [20] Messier 51-110 [18] NGC 1-1000 [17] NGC 1001-2000 [21] NGC 2001-3000 [32] NGC 3001-4000 [25] NGC 4001-5000 [18] NGC 5001-6000 [22] NGC 6001-7000 [40] NGC 7001-7840 [35] IC 1-5386 [1] other catalogues [71] uncataloged [10] [25]
By constellation:



NGC 5005 (Galaxy)
Also known as: Caldwell C29
Right ascension: 13h 11m Declination: 37° 01'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Date/time: 2009.05.17 21:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 22' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Bright but tiny galaxy of 10 magnitudes. Nearby you can find a similar but fainter object, NGC 5033. In a FoV of 1 degree, both galaxies can be seen together, although according to their small apparent size, at such a magnification level they look really insignificant. The NGC 5005 sits at the end of a lane of stars, has a quickly brightening core that does not end up in a star-like nucleus.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

M53 (Globular cluster)
Also known as: NGC 5024
Right ascension: 13h 13m Declination: 18° 10'
Constellation: Coma Berenices
Date/time: 2008.03.31 21:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 20' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This globular cluster is really breathtaking. More than a dozen of stars can be separated also with direct vision. By using averted vision, this number jumps to several dozens. It is not really getting denser towards the centre, although what we see is actually the core already: the real diametre of the cluster is actually 21', yet the half of its gross weight stays inside a circle of 1.1'.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5033 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 13h 14m Declination: 36° 33'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Date/time: 2009.05.17 21:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 22' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Only about 40' away from NGC 5005, you can find this small, faint galaxy. This one is the fainter of the two, less spectacular with a slightly brightening core. It is in fact a very spectacular spiral, but visually it's more like a simple elliptical galaxy. At its Northern end you can detect a faint star of 13.9m, which appears (especially with averted vision) to twinkle on the surface of the galaxy. It's brightness is measured at 11m.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

M51 + NGC 5195 (Galaxy)
Also known as: NGC 5194 + NGC 5195
Right ascension: 13h 30m Declination: 47° 14'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Date/time: 2008.04.27 21:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 50' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The spiral galaxy of M51, better known as the Whirlpool-galaxy is one of the most famous Messier objects. Thanks to its position and high luminosity, it's a very easy and impressive target. The spiral arms of M51 look beautiful and sharp, and with a little patience you can see even the bridge of matter between it and its interacting companion (NGC 5195), also with direct vision.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

M3 (Globular cluster)
Also known as: NGC 5272
Right ascension: 13h 43m Declination: 28° 20'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Date/time: 2009.04.25 21:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 31' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very bright globular cluster with a very high number of separated star members. It's core brightens up very quickly. An interesting feature is a small bright stripe, built up by stars that cannot be separated with the eye. The background is grainy even far away from the core, and it is obvious that many of the bright field stars belong to the cluster gravitationally.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Hickson 68 (Galaxy)
Also known as: NGC 5350 + NGC 5353 + NGC 5354 + NGC 5355
Right ascension: 13h 54m Declination: 40° 17'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Date/time: 2010.05.12 22:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 20' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Fantastic spectacular group of galaxies. I can catch 4 of 5 group members. NGC 5353 and 5354 are showing star-like core, NGC 5350 does not show such a feature, although this is clearly the largest of all. NGC 5355 is the faintest, it's so dim that it's hard to detect its exact shape and position angle (PA). Hickson designations are: 68a = NGC 5353 (11m), 68b = NGC 5354 (11.4m), 68c = NGC 5350 (11.3m), 68d = NGC 5355 (13.1m), 68e = NGC 5358 (13.6m). Unfortunately I was unable to detect the last one of the quintet, but it should be visible on a better night.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5466 (Globular cluster)
Right ascension: 14h 6m Declination: 28° 29'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2009.04.25 21:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 34' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This globular cluster is located in the constellation Boötes. It's quite bright with large apparent size (I estimate a diametre of about 8'), however unfortunately it has a more spectacular neighbour, the M3 that draws attention away, although the two have similar size. About a dozen of its stars can be separated easily with direct vision, and the whole surface is very grainy with a lightly brightening core.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5529 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 14h 16m Declination: 36° 10'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2010.05.12 23:25 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 23' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Very thin edge-on galaxy. Although it can be detected with direct vision, I can see its real shape and size using averted vision. By looking far beside it and a bit away from the eyepiece it seems as if it doubles its extent. To the East of the galaxy an interesting triplet of stars can be found which is quite noticeable to help to locate this object. I estimate its surface brightness to be around 14.4 magnitudes, with its core a little bit brighter. To the East there's a very faint star of 14.8m that sometimes seem to be inside the galactic body.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5689 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 14h 36m Declination: 48° 42'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2010.06.05 20:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 24' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Medium brightness, small galaxy, elongated in the E-W directions, it's shape reminds me of an eye. Its Southern side looks a bit brighter near the fuzzy star-like core. The core is only slightly brighter than the rest of the galaxy and I estimate it to have a brightness of about 13.9m. The air is very humid.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5707 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 14h 38m Declination: 51° 31'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2010.06.05 21:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Very tiny and faint galaxy, I find it a definitely hard object. At 71x all I can notice is that next to a bright star there's some star that looks a bit fuzzy. By increasing the magnification the surface of the galaxy slowly becomes visible. I find it a lovely little galaxy and a real challenge!


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5857 + NGC 5859 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 08m Declination: 19° 33'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2009.06.13 22:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 23' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

An extremely faint pair of galaxies in a sparsely populated starfield, therefore it's recommended to have some experience with starhopping. The brighter one is the NGC 5859, that is a small edge-on galaxy. Its core is brightening slowly. To the NW you may notice a small foggy star which turns out to be the core of another faint galaxy, the NGC 5857. It's much fainter than its companion, and features a star-like core. It nearly touches the outer regions of the NGC 5859. The faintest star of the sketch is catalogued at 15.21m, which is considered to be excellent in such a terrible atmospheric conditions.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5875 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 10m Declination: 52° 29'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2012.06.16 22:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Small and very faint galaxy, elliptical by direct vision, but seems lentil-shaped by averted vision, bit more shiny to the SW side. With averted vision its core looks star-like, but it's only a little bit brighter than its surface.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5876 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 10m Declination: 54° 28'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2012.06.16 23:20 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 10' Magnification and filter(s): 300x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Very tiny elliptical galaxy near the galactic companion NGC 5874. According to my map the latter should be brighter, however that is almost invisible while this one's definitely visible already with 71x power. It has a tiny star-like core. Lies in a trapesium asterism. It has a perfectly even surface except for its core.

SQM reading: 21.3 MPSAS, 13°C.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5899 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 15m Declination: 42° 0'
Constellation: Boötes
Date/time: 2010.05.13 0:20 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 24' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Tiny, extremely faint object. The core is barely brighter, not starlike. I estimate an average visual surface brightness of 14.6m and a dimension of 2' x 0.8'. Unfortunately the bad seeing is not ideal for its observation


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5905 + NGC 5908 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 16m Declination: 55° 26'
Constellation: Draco
Date/time: 2010.06.05 22:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 28' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The NGC 5908 is a perfect example of an edge-on galaxy, elongated in a direction of NW-SE, brighter than its companion with a faint, but star-like central core. Another interesting detail I noticed is a bar-like feature in this galaxy. The NGC 5905 is much fainter, a very hard object, shows no sign of a star-like core and it's so faint that I'm sometimes not at all sure in its elongation. This doublet can be found 1° South of the very spectacular Splinter galaxy (NGC 5907).


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5907 (Galaxy)
Also known as: Splinter galaxy
Right ascension: 15h 16m Declination: 56° 19'
Constellation: Draco
Date/time: 2008.06.29 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 40' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 5/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A gigantic, greatly elongated galaxy, visible totally from its edge on. It covers an area of about 13' x 1.4' on the boundary of the constellations Draco and Boötes. It has a homogeneous colour, even its core is just slightly brighter than the rest of its outside territories. When looking at its shape, it's very clear why it is commonly referred to as the Splinter galaxy.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]
This sketch was featured on Astronomy Sketch of the Day on Oct 23, 2008.

NGC 5963 + NGC 5965 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 34m Declination: 56° 35'
Constellation: Draco
Date/time: 2010.06.06 22:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 33' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

From the two galaxies the NGC 5963 is the brighter and displays a faint star-like core. The NGC 5965 is rather homogeneous with constant surface brightness, yet its Southern side seem to be a little bit brighter than the rest. Later on I've checked some photographs and now it seems that I've seen only the very central features of the NGC 5963.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5981 + NGC 5982 + NGC 5985 (Galaxy)
Also known as: Draco trio
Right ascension: 15h 38m Declination: 59° 21'
Constellation: Draco
Date/time: 2008.06.30 00:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 36' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 5/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The trio, also known as the "Draco group" is just like an illustration for a book to show the variety of galaxies: it consists three totally different galaxies lined up on line from East to West. Some details about these galaxies westward: the huge NGC 5985 (11m) is a nearly face-on spiral galaxy. Plenty of its arms are visible even with direct vision! Its galactic core is not really bright. This is followed by the tiny NGC 5982 (11m) which is an elliptic galaxy with homogeneous surface and a very bright, star-like core. While drawing these, I've noticed that something just appears more to the West: it was the faint NGC 5981 (13.2m), another spiral galaxy, but with edge on. If I were just taking a small glimpse instead of taking the time to sketch this area, I'd have surely miss this gem. This is why sketching is wonderful: it is what makes observation complete!


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5987 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 40m Declination: 58° 3'
Constellation: Draco
Date/time: 2010.06.06 21:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 24' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Small, faint galaxy, highly elongated in the E-W direction. It seems that its Southern side is a bit brighter, the core is slightly star-like, moderately brighter than the surface. Located in a nice environment rich of spectacular star formations that helps to find it.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5962 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 37m Declination: 16° 36'
Constellation: Serpens
Date/time: 2015.07.07 22:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 22' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 20.41 m/as2 Temperature: 24°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: breeze
Sight: 2 - minor details, somewhat interesting
Difficulty: 4 - hardly visible, dark adaptation and very dark skies needed, averted vision is required to see details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Small, faint galaxy, looks 2 to 1 elongated to the EW. Very uncertainly at times I suspect a thin spiral arm to the West, could be just an illusion? Its core is brighter but not stellar looking. High humidity after a heat record day, doesn't really help with seeing faint details of galaxies. I've checked some astrophotographies after the observation and it's still unclear whether there was a spiral arm, or not.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5949 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 28m Declination: 64° 43'
Constellation: Draco
Date/time: 2015.07.10 22:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 12' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.09 m/as2 Temperature: 18°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 3 - moderately visible, dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Oval galaxy elongated to the NW-SE. Based on my map (Triatlas-B) it should be a tiny, faint object, yet to my surprise it is relatively large, and definitely easy to see. Reacts very well to increasing magnification. It appears a bit asymmetrical: its SE side is brighter and its NW side is more elongated.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 5984 (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 15h 44m Declination: 14° 11'
Constellation: Serpens
Date/time: 2016.06.06 22:10 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 16' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.38 m/as2 Temperature: 15°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: breeze
Sight: 2 - minor details, somewhat interesting
Difficulty: 4 - hardly visible, dark adaptation and very dark skies needed, averted vision is required to see details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Small edge-on galaxy. Not homogeneous. No apparent star-like core. Difficult view on the current humid sky.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]
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