Virgo

Observing Projects for Virgo
M104: The Sombrero Galaxy

M104: The Sombrero Galaxy

: By Glenn Chaple
One of the more noteworthy examples of an edge-on spiral galaxy bisected by a dark dust lane is M104, the Sombrero Galaxy. The nick-name arises from the galaxy’s resemblance to the traditional Mexican headwear, the bright nuclear bulge forming the hat and the spiral arms/dust lane the wide brim.
Porrima: Binary Star in Virgo

Porrima: Binary Star in Virgo

: By Glenn Chaple
Compiling a list of the finest double stars for backyard telescopes is always a work in progress. The list is forever in flux, because many showpiece double stars are binary systems that periodically close to the point where they can’t be resolved by small-aperture telescopes. Such is the case with Porrima (gamma [γ] Virginis).

3C 273: Quasar in Virgo

: By Glenn Chaple
“How far can you see with that telescope?” It’s a question I occasionally hear from visitors who peer into my telescope at public star parties. The farthest my telescopes have taken my eye, I tell them, is 2 billion light years - to the quasar 3C 273.

The Constellations of Spring

: By Francine Jackson
As the warm weather starts letting us know that seasonal change is really happening, we can look to the skies to remind us that springtime is once again coming to us.

Can You Find a Quasar? (You Might be Surprised)

: By Craig Cortis
Readers having 8” or larger telescopes might wish to observe a quasar, provided you can follow a detailed finder chart and manage to isolate a 12.8 magnitude object that looks exactly like a star, but actually is not. Rather it’s the brightest known quasar and, at a distance of 2.5 billion light years, will be by far and away the most distant thing in the universe most of you will ever see in your lives.
A Better Galaxy Guide: Late Spring

A Better Galaxy Guide: Late Spring

: By Craig Cortis
Those of you who enjoyed my first installment on this subject will find this second part to be even better. Three constellations are covered on the accompanying list of recommended objects and two—Virgo and Coma Berenices-feature the grandest, richest assortment of galaxies bright enough to be seen in small-to-medium aperture instruments.
A Better Galaxy Guide: Early Spring

A Better Galaxy Guide: Early Spring

: By Craig Cortis
We all know about the wealth of galaxies that populate the sky beginning around this time of year, but if you’re not an experienced deep-sky observer, where do you begin?