Time to hunt for IC342

IC342 in Camelopardalis is an extremely difficult face-on spiral galaxy. The integrated magnitude is relatively high, but it is large, and is considered to be at least as difficult as NGC147 in Cassiopeia, but detectable in an 8-inch. I have never seen it, but never made an attempt either. Now, however, is the right time, I will have it at a convenient altitude when it gets dark at night. I just have to wait for clear sky.

Anyone else taking the challenge?

My 4" TV-102 Light Cup would like to try too, Inge. IC 342 is a RASC Deep Sky Challenge Object (8"-12" minimum!). Walter Scott Houston wrote that he had seen both NGC 147 and 185 through a "4-inch instrument". He also noted that he couldn't recall seeing IC 342 through a 4-inch :-(. So at least these latter two are hopeful for me ;-).

According to Skiff's Observing Handbook, the surface bright ness are:
IC 342: SB=15.2 (wow)
NGC 147: SB=14.5
NGC 185: SB=14.3

Umm, on 2nd thought ...

Ron B[ee]

Inge,

I observed this Local Group galaxy on Thursday night from Cherry Springs State Park using a friend's new 14.5" f/4.3 Starmaster. IC 342's core was visible but not much else. We also visited the more difficult Maffei I.

Dave Mitsky

I'll take the challenge. It can't be any more difficult than NGC 6118 in Serpens. I'm going down to Southern Utah next week for some clear dark skies. I'll give a report when I find it.

Debbie

Inge,

I observed IC342 at the BFSP almost two weeks ago using a 14.5" f/4.3 Starmaster Dob. It wasn't much of a target visually with only the brighter nuclear core being visible.

Dave Mitsky