- Hickson Compact Groups (Aqr) -

Aqr (1) Com (1) Leo (4) Peg (4)
Cnc (1) CVn (1) Ori (1) UMa (1)

Hickson 88 (GxG)

../images/dss/dss2red_205224.00_-054459.00_12_web.jpg
Image source: DSS II (red) - 12'×12'
Name: Hickson 88, HCG88
Type: GxG
Constellation: Aqr
Coordinates: 20h52m24.00s / -05°44'59.00"

Group Members:
MCG-1-53-14 (PGC65612) b15m.0 1.1'×0.3' (70°)
NGC6975 (NGC6976) 14m.0 0.8'×0.7' (5°)
NGC6977 13m.2 1.3'×0.9'
NGC6978 13m.3 1.5'×0.7' (125°)
Robert Zebahl
8" f/6, 171x, Bortle 4, NELM 6m.0+, SQM-L 21.1
Conditions in the target region: SQM-L 20.6
Alt ca. 32°: Due to its low altitude this galaxy group can be a real challenge for 8 inch. Only the two brightest members were visible, which appeared similar bright. NGC6978 is the largest one and appeared elongated and almost evenly bright at 171x. However this galaxy wasn't evident at the first glance, but afterwards easily held with averted vision. NGC6977 is similarly difficult, somewhat fainter, roundish and evenly bright.

MODERATE
33" f/3.9, 194x, Bortle 4, NELM 6m.0+, SQM-L 21.1
Conditions in the target region: SQM-L 20.6
Alt ca. 32°: The two brightest members were obvious and visible with direct vision. NGC6978 was obviously elongated with a brighter core, NGC6977 was smaller, roundish to slightly oval with somewhat brighter core. Between these two galaxies a star was apparent. NGC6975 was fainter and only visible with averted vision as roundish nebula with also somewhat brighter core. All three galaxies are arranged in a line with almost same distances. A nice view! The faintest member (PGC65612) wasn't visible due to problems with dew on the secondary mirror. With large aperture a very nice Hickson Group.

EASY
René Merting
12.5" f/4.5, 206x, SQM-L 20.9
NGC 6978 ist bei 206x am einfachsten, sie fällt als leichter Schimmer auf, leicht länglich und homogen hell

NGC 6977 zeigt sich bei 206x etwa halb so hell und halb so groß wie NGC 6978 nördlich

NGC 6976 ist indirekt sichtbar und kann gehalten werden, schwach

PGC 65612 lässt sich gut lokalisieren durch die 4 Sterne im Norden, die einen Bogen bilden, bei 206x ist ab und an ein ganz zarter, länglicher Schimmer als Aufblitzen zu erkennen, leicht von Osten nach Westen ausgedehnt und sehr schwierig zu halten, die Sichtung ist nicht beliebig wiederholbar
MODERATE