DEEP-SKY OBJECTS

M49 or NGC 4472 (RA 12h 29.8m, dec. +8° 00’) is a bright (+8.4 magnitude) galaxy in Virgo, appearing similar to the better-known M87 (located 4.5° due north, at the centre of the Coma-Virgo Galaxy Cluster). Being an elliptical, M49 visually fits the stereotype comparison to an unresolved globular cluster, having an obvious round (3’) halo, quickly brightening as you approach its intense core.

Move 1° to the east of M49 and discover a pair of 10th magnitude spirals, NGC 4526 and 4535. The southern galaxy, 4526, is easily recognised being flanked by two bright (7th magnitude) stars both 0.1° away. It has an elongated (3’ long) diffuse halo with a bright core and faint stellar nucleus. Its companion, 4535 (0.5° north) is quite different having a fainter and more circular, mottled halo (4’ across) with only a slight central brightening.