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NGC 7606
Galaxy
aka MCG -2-59-12, PGC 71047
Integrated Visual Magnitude: 11.7
Apparent Diameter: 3.8' x 2.3'

 
Minimum requirements to view: 6-inch scope and suburban skies

NGC 7606 is the brightest galaxy in Aquarius. Relatively easy to find, it lies within one degree of the stars Phi1, Phi2, and Phi3 Aqr.
 


A 2o field in western Aquarius showing the location of NGC 7606. North is up, and east is left.

NGC 7606 (MCG -2-59-12, PGC 71047) is an 11.5 magnitude spiral galaxy of intermediate orientation. It subtends 5' x 2'. This galaxies lies at a distance of 90 million light years (35-40 times as far as our neighbor the Andromeda galaxy).

Look for a brightening toward the center and a stellar nucleus. Long-exposure photographs of this galaxy show a swirling pattern of tight spirals arms. Users of large-aperture instruments may be able to discern some of the arm structure at high powers on nights of good seeing and transparency.


The view in a 6" at 50x. North is down and East is right.
Millennium Star Atlas Vol III Chart 1162
Sky Atlas 2000 Chart 9
Uranometria 2000 Vol I Chart 124