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:

2/12/2023	OVERALL	FROM START
Total Objects Cataloged	7840
Non-Existent or Duplicates	513
Total Unique	7327
Sketched	5865	2083
Remaining Objects	1462	1462
Remaining Objects North of -30 declination	1026	1026
Progress	80%	34%

3/10/2023 CHANGED BASIS FOR “NON-EXISTENT OR DUPLICATES” TO SIMBAD DATABASE TO REDUCE CONFUSION, MORE OBJECTS NEED TO BE 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.