NGC 4900: Spiral Galaxy (Virgo) RA: 13h 00.7m / DEC: +02° 30'.0 Instrument: 10-inch Starfinder |
The constellation Virgo is well-known for her collection of galaxies. The magnificent grouping called Markarian's Chain includes the huge elliptical galaxies M84 and M86. These reside in the northern reaches of the constellation just across the border from Coma Berenices. However, exploring deep into the heart of Virgo will produce other fine galaxies. NGC 4900 can be found just 1.5 degrees southeast of 3.4 magnitude Auva, Delta (43) Virginis. The sketch at left shows a 2'x1'.8 oval nebulosity with an 11th magnitude GSC star seen in the foreground along the southeast edge. This SB-type galaxy has a visual magnitude of 11.4. Thirteen field stars complete the drawing, which was made at 129X with the 10-inch Starfinder Newtonian. |
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