Spring has finally sprung in New England, bringing with it opportunities to observe the night sky. Freezing, dreary nights are gone (for at least 4 months!) giving way to the springtime night sky. This is the time for galaxy hunting. With Leo high in the west, Virgo and Coma Berenices high in the south, we have many opportunities to observe objects that are tens or even hundreds of millions of light years away from planet Earth.
The Virgo Cluster stretches from Canes Venatici, south through Coma Berenices and Virgo, and down to Corvus. Our home, the Milky Way galaxy, as part of the Local Group of galaxies, is located in an outlying area of the Virgo Cluster. There are many gems in this part of the sky. M104, the Sombrero Galaxy is one of my favorites, showing off its galactic bulge and dark dust lane resembling its namesake. Markarian’s chain is a smooth arc of galaxies found in the center of the Virgo Cluster featuring 8 gravitationally related galaxies including M84 and M86, which are massive elliptical or lenticular galaxies. Another object of interest in Virgo is 3C 273. It is one of the first quasars discovered and is one of the most distant objects that can be observed with amateur telescopes. 3C 273 is estimated to be 2.4 billion light years away. Think about that. When the light we see today began its travel, earth was supporting only prokaryotic life (anaerobic and cyanobacterial microorganisms). Observing 3C 273 is truly looking back into history!
Although some of these objects are observable with a good set of binoculars or a quality, small aperture telescope, the light buckets are really the tool to use to get a decent glimpse of these far away objects. Aperture size is somewhat arbitrary, but I would consider light buckets to be telescopes with a diameter of 12” or greater. Smart telescopes are all the rage lately and the Virgo Cluster provides excellent targets. A friend of mine recently shared an image taken with a 30mm smart telescope of Markarian’s Chain. Not only did the image hold the whole chain, but many other ancillary galaxies in the region were visible. Upon zooming-in, great detail of these galaxies were revealed. Truly a marvel of modern technology for an unheard-of price.
As you probably know, Seagrave Memorial Observatory supports our own “light buckets”. Housing 12” and 16” Meade SCT telescopes, our roll-off observatories are actively used for open nights and other events. Members will also bring smart telescopes to open nights for public viewing. If you would like to see the wonders of galaxy season through these telescopes, please visit us on a clear Saturday night. Better yet, as a member, join the Observatory Committee and learn to use these telescopes yourself, opening the door to observing the night sky at your leisure.
In conclusion, springtime is an excellent time to get back out under the stars with milder temperatures and clear sky. Whether at your home or at Seagrave, keep looking up and enjoying the night sky.
Michael
