NGC 4565 is the best-known edge-on spiral galaxy in the sky and for good reason. It is a truly stunning object garnishing the spring sky. However, the autumn sky boasts another fine edge-on spiral, NGC 891. I begin the star hop to this object at 2.1 magnitude Almaak. Almaak is at the end of the bottom row of bright stars extending northeastward from Alpheratz in Andromeda. You'll pass three fairly bright stars along the way. Then, just a few degrees east of that third star, you encounter Almaak. Center Almaak in your finder scope. NGC 891 is 3.4 degrees due east. This galaxy marks the halfway point between Almaak and the beautiful open star cluster, M34. If you run into M34, you'll know you've gone too far. Enjoy the view for a bit and return to Almaak, stopping halfway between.
| Autumn Sky Tour: NGC 891 (Andromeda) RA: 02h 22.6m / DEC: +42° 21'.1 |
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Revised: November 26, 2005 [WDF]
NGC 891 is an elusive edge-on galaxy in Andromeda. It has a total visual magnitude of 9.9 but a moderately low 22.4 magnitude per square arc second surface brightness. NGC 891 is often detectable in moderate aperture, but only when observing conditions are at their best will this galaxy show detail. My drawing was made at 141X under a dark & transparent sky that produced a fabulous view in the 18-inch Obsession. The galaxy is spread over an 11' by 1'.5 area with a dark dust lane visible across the central portion. Notice the growing bulge in the vicinity of the core region. The bright star to the northwest shines at 9th magnitude.