Visually Observing the Entire NGC

MY SKETCHES OF ALL OBJECTS

The NGC is the New General Catalog of deep sky astronomical objects (outside of our solar system). It was compiled by J.L.E. Dryer and published in 1888.

Visually observing all 7000+ NGC objects is considered a “lifelong project” so I began in earnest in 2020 to complete it. I had already logged 3,782 targets during previous nights.

Seeing them is the fun part! I estimate 10-12 years to complete the project. Progress as of date listed:

7/22/2023	OVERALL	FROM START (2020)
Total Objects Cataloged	7840
Non-Existent or Duplicates	518
Total Unique	7322
Sketched	6247	2465
Remaining Objects	1075	1075
Remaining Objects North of -30 declination	642	642
Progress	85%	40%

“NON-EXISTENT OR DUPLICATES” BASIS IS SAGUARO LIST, WITH OTHER OBJECTS DETERMINED TO BE NEJS (NON EXISTENT OR JUST STARS) BASED ON NOTES IN THEIR NGC LIST. THESE WERE ALSO NOT OBSERVED.

I used the NGC objects listed in the Saguaro Astronomy Club Database with duplicates, stars and unidentified objects deleted

VISUAL OBSERVATION SKETCHES FOR EACH NGC OBJECT

Selected sketches below in date groups. Final sketches will be uploaded upon program completion.

IMAGES OF NGC OBJECTS

Project to image all items not previously sketched by me was completed in 2017. Scope of work was to provide “survey quality” pics for identification of field stars, etc. to aid and verify my remaining visual observations. These are in no way good images, but they are useful to me, and, perhaps, others.

All imaging by remote telescopes. “Retakes” of poor original images made occasionally. Also, select items that had been sketched before have been added, if an image was taken subsequently. Additional images by range of NGC catalog numbers may be available by request.