Being able to see the spiral structure in galaxies directly through the telescope, has always been a dream of mine. However, I have mostly been limited to small scopes, and the 8-inch Portaball which has been in my posession for nearly two years now only shows hints of spiral structure in M51 and with some patience, in M33. Lately, however, I had the opportunity to use a 12.5-inch NGT. With this aperture, the spiral structure of M51 is obvious, and it is also possible to glimpse the arms of M81. With some patience some structure is seen in M101. However, I have so far not been able to see any spiral pattern neither in M99 nor M100. (Light conditions have not been optimal. There has always been some scattered city light interfering, and at my latitude auroras can be quite annoying. This season we had some of them every night.)
It would be interesting to hear about other observers' experience with observation of spirals with apertures in the 10 - 14-inch range. What is possible to achieve? In which galaxies is the spiral pattern easiest to see visually? What magnification is best?
It would be interesting to hear about other observers' experience with observation of spirals with apertures in the 10 - 14-inch range. What is possible to achieve? In which galaxies is the spiral pattern easiest to see visually? What magnification is best?
