| Object: Arp 317 (Leo Triplet galaxy group) | Date: 2018 May 10 |
| Peculiarity: Groups of galaxies. | |
| Constellation: Leo | Time & altitude: 21.45 UT 46º |
| Catalogue data: (data is for NGC 3628) | Seeing (5 high): 3/5 |
| R.A: 11h 20m | Transparency (5 high): 3/5 |
| Dec: 13º 36 | Telescope: 0.5m f4.1 Dob. |
| Magnitude 10.3 | Eyepiece 8mm Ethos x260 |
| Galaxy size (mins) 15 x 3 | Filters: None |
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Notes: The triplet comprises M65, M66 (see Arp 16) and NGC 3637. M65 (top): This is a 5:1 oval with the major axis aligned NS. There is a prominent round core and hints of dark structures adjacent to the core on its S side. The W side of the galaxy is brighter than the E. NGC 3628 (bottom): This is a 3:1 oval with the major axis aligned EW. There is very little concentration towards the middle and no core. A dust lane runs the length of the galaxy and is not at all easy to see. The part of the galaxy to the S of the dust lane is a very faint, subtle feature, also not easy to see. A star on the edge of visibility is on the SE edge of the halo. |
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