Declination or surface brightness???

All other things equal - location, aperature, galaxy, darkness and transparency - in your opinion what is more important to seeing details in galaxies: declination or surface brightness?

Thanks.........Mike

I prefer to observe galaxies while they are at least 20 degrees above the horizon. An absolutely dark sky is a must. Dark adaptation of the eyes is extremely important. There must be no thin cloud layer, no haze and no auroras. The importance of seeing should not be underestimated. Some of my favourite galaxies (M61 and M99) are quite small, and their spiral arms get washed out by poor seeing.

Inge S