Cepheus spiral, NGC6946

When I observed this galaxy from the Canary Islands, its spiral structure was pretty obvious in the 12.5-inch. Observing it from home I still see hints of the spiral arms. What is your experience?

Inge S

I've seen some spiral structure from fairly dark Michigan skies in someone else's 14.5 inch scope, but no luck with my 6inch scope (not that I expected it).

It is still one of my favorite "odd couple" views, side by side with open cluster NGC 6939.

Inge
I really like NGC 6946 and think it may be a little overlooked and underrated. I see a lot of spiral arm structure in my large Dob.

I agree that this galaxy is an overlooked object. It is pretty bright and large, and quite impressive in mid-sized scopes. I recommend everybody with scopes with aperture from 12.5-inches to look for the spiral arms.
I also like the nearby cluster, 6939. In my opinion it is the best open cluster in Cepheus.

Inge S

Inge-
In my 16" under mag 6 or better skies at 200X I see a great hooking arm on the east side separating into two, and a stubby claw of two arms toward the west; at lower power this detail is enveloped in a slightly oval nebulosity. It helped to have the galaxy near the meridian, for me about 70 degrees of altitude. At home under sub mag 5 skies it is just a smudge, occasionally hinting at some structure in AV. I've looked at it many times in smaller scopes (8, 10, and 13 inch) but (oh the shame!) haven't recorded those observations. It is a very satisfying object to contemplate in the 16", an early autumn consolation, when the spring galaxies have long since set.
--George