NGC 300


Combination of 10, 3 minute exposures, SBIG ST9XE CCD.
8" f/10 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

NGC 300 is a fainter member of the Sculptor group of galaxies that includes the more well known NGC 55 and NGC 253. Although the total magnitude is aroound 9, the galaxy is fairly large and so has a rather faint surface brightness. Under very dark skies, it is visible in 50mm binoculars. In an 8" telescope it is easily visible under dark skies as a round, nebulous patch with a slightly brighter centre. The galaxy is situated about 10 degrees north east of the 2nd magnitude star alpha phoenix.


Combination of 5, 3 minute exposures, SBIG ST9XE CCD camera.
300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.


Combination of 8, 3 minute images, SBIG STL-1001E CCD.
300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.


Combination of the above image and colour data from two, 5 minute images with a modified Canon Digital Rebel DSLR camera.
All taken with a 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

NGC 300 is accessible to northern hemisphere observers, although it does remain rather low. The image below was obtained in central Texas, but even so, the extra atmosphere has taken a toll on the galaxy.


Combination of 10, 3 minute images. SBIG STL-1001E CCD.
20" f/6.8 cassegrain at prime focus.