Combination of 5, 3 minute images.
SBIG STL-1001E CCD. 20" f/6.8 Dall-Kirkham cassegrain at prime focus.
The brightest quasar is 3C 273 in Virgo. At magnitude 12.7, this is an easy object for a 6" telescope, and if the skies are dark, should be visible in a 4". Not bad for an object that is situated about 1800 million light years away!
Below is an image of the quasar and several maps to assist observers in locating this very distant object. The first map is a large scale map showing the general area around the quasar. The second chart shows an area of about 4 degrees and includes the quasar and the nearest bright star, Porrima. (beta virginis) This is for use at the finder. The final charts are small-scale maps of the quasar showing ever fainter stars and is for use with the main telescope.
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