RE: [Utah-astronomy] NGC5139
I have observed Omega Centauri from Skull Valley, although its very low on the horizon and only visible for a short time. -----Original Message----- From: David L Bennett [mailto:dlbennett@mac.com] Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 1:37 PM To: Astronomy in Utah Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] NGC5139 (Sorry, I hit 'send' too soon!) Jim, Debbie, et al, FYI you can see Omega Centauri from up north here. I've seen it as far north as the Rush Valley site which is about 40.25 degrees North. It 'rolls' nicely down a hill almost due south of the site. dlbennett
Can you see NGC5139 in Centarus from where you are or is it too far down in the mud? I am thinking that one may have to go to Arizona to see it.
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We must be on the same wavelength. Last night, I was checking out Omega Centauri on the Sky and Telescope interactive chart. I was trying to figure out when it would be highest in the sky. I saw it last year down here just over the Arizona border. My scope was in a complete horizontal position but it was in the eyepiece (22 Panoptic). I guess I got lucky because I didn't know when the cluster was at its highest point in the sky. I just love
this cluster. It is about the size of the full moon. M13 is about half of it's size. Keep in mind this NGC 5139 is at its highest when Spica is at its highest. If you haven't seen this cluster, I'd suggest coming down to St. George this spring. Also check out the Centaurus A galaxy. It is higher up in the sky than the Omega Centauri cluster.
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Debbie, Dave and forrell@es.com Thanks for the info. That "Slave Driver" Brent Watson (more corectly - that "Inspiring Instructor" ) had me working on my telescope all day yesterday (it was my choice) and I didn't read my mail. Dave and forrell@es.com I love the Rush Valley site, it is one of my favorite haunts. My son and I have been going out there every couple of weeks, if the sky is not cloudy, even at 4AM. We have been looking at comets and getting to know the sky a little. Rich - any time you want to go out there I would be glad to go with you if I am not otherwise engaged. For us it is about a 45 minute drive. Briefly this is how I get there. Go out through Lehi and continue west. When you go past Fair Field you will be going on a slight incline for about 4 or 5 miles and near the top of the hill on the north side (right) is a popular dirtbike riding area. Just after you pass over the top of the hill, a quarter of a mile or so, is a left turn. I know the place so well I haven't paid attention to any signage. If there is a sign it will say either Vernon or Faust (pronounced Foss by the locals). Take that turn and check your odometer. proceed west for 4.2 miles. You will know you are getting close when you pas a BLM sign on the left. It is facing west so you can't read it. There are a couple of dirt roads before you get to the one you want so watch your milage. There is a bit of a dip in the road, maybe 50 yards long (it's hard to tell at 75 miles an hour - just kidding). The last few time I have been there, there were a set of skid marks right at the dirt road. Those are NOT mine. As you come through the dip at the top there will be a dirt road on the left (south). Take it and go about 1/2 mile. The road will turn gently to the west and another dirt road on the right will be slightly hidden by sage bursh. Back up and take that road west for less than a mile until the area opens up (no sage brush) and you will be at the 'pit-n-poll'. Good place! Did I say briefly? Jim --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
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Jim Gibson