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Hawaiian Astronomical Society

Constellations: Pegasus -- The Medusa's "Child"


Located 4° NNW of Matar, NGC7331 (Best 78, Caldwell 30) is a fairly bright (mag. 9.5), elongated (position angle 163°), galaxy that brightens considerably toward the middle. A "cotton wool" effect is just visible in a good 8".

Half a degree SSW of NGC7331 lie five other galaxies, collectively called Stephan's Quintet. 6" telescopes from a dark site might glimpse a dim fuzzy patch that appears mottled with averted vision. An 8-10" telescope distinguishes 4 of the five galaxies. Larger telescopes are needed to split NGC7318 into its two components. The galaxies range from mags. 14-14.8. All range between 1'-2' in size.

Located 2.5° WNW of Algenib (Gamma Pegasi) in the Great Square, Caldwell 43 (NGC7814) is a quite large (5'x2.5'), quite bright (mag. 10.5), elongated, edge on spiral galaxy with a not too pronounced core. Large scopes might spot the central dust lane.

Caldwell 44 (NGC7479) is a barred spiral galaxy located 2.7° south of Markab (Alpha Pegasi). Dreyer calls it quite large (4'x3.3'), fairly bright (mag. 11), much elongated (PA 25°). Amateurs will see the galaxy sitting between two stars.

M15 (NGC7078) is a fine, powdery globular cluster located 4.2° NW of the mag. 2.1 star Enif (Epsilon Pegasi). Dreyer calls it very bright (mag. 6.4), very large (12'), irregular, and highly condensed. A 6" telescope is needed to resolve individual stars easily.