October 2018 - Picture of the Month
Arp 331 in the Constellation of Pisces
This may be a familiar object to some of you, but I've never set an eyepiece on it. David's fabulous image certainly makes me appreciate why many dedicated galaxy hunters love these galaxy groups. The chain in this image is just under fourteen arc-minutes long with NGC 383 sitting in the middle.
I chose these galaxies because Owen's already featured Arp 331 as his Galaxy of the Month back in 2011, so he won't be doing that again. I suggest you take a look.
Unfortunately, my guess is that these galaxies are beyond the reach of my even my 10-in scope, especially with suburban UK skies. Owen noted it being observed with a 16-in scope, and it's possible in a 12-in according to Night Sky Observer’s Guide Volume 1. Imaging it is clearly possible given David's terribly light polluted sky. So visual or imaging. why not give it a go?
James Whinfrey - Website Administrator.