|Subject: Naked eye galaxies.|
Posted May 17, 2001 by Civilian
In the article you claim that the milky way is the only galaxy that can be seen with the naked eye. This is not entirely true. Our milky way is surrounded by a group of small galaxies known as the local group. Although most of these simply resemble bright stars to the naked eye, two stand out.
In the Southren hemisphere we have the pleasure of being able to see both of them. On a clear, dark night you will notice two large bright blobs slightly to the south of the milky way. These are Galaxies, known as the "Clouds of Magellan". They are visible with the naked eye and they are almost impossible to miss unless you find yourself in a bright city. If you happen to be in the southren hemisphere, look south. If the southren cross is to the left of the Celestial pole then the clouds will be on the right of it. If that doesnt help try this:
On a southren Autumn night, quite early (say 8pm) look south (if you see Leo youre looking the wromg way). Find the milky way. Got it? Good. Now find the southren cross. once you have it. scan your eyes right until you find Carina (the keel). once that is done scan your eyes down slowly. Viola..
Yes, and you can catch M30 if it's dark enough and clear enough. It doesn't look like much, as you can't resolve it at all without a telescope, but it can been seen naked-eye.
Sorry, that should be M31.
You are right - this article needs some small tweaking! The galaxy I was referring to was M31, and it is commonly known that it is possible to see it with the naked eye, so long as your eyesight is good of course. I will try to make some much needed corrections to this article in December.
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