UGC 3274 (VV 161) AKA Abell 539

Orion

RA
05 16 36

DEC
+06 26 30

MAG 14.5

Type Galaxy chain

Most people are really surprised when I show them this striking chain of galaxies in Orion. Most do not think of galaxy hunting in Orion. I return to this chain every winter as its one of my favorite winter objects.

This image is from the VV catalog.
ugc3274.jpg

UGC 3274 is in the rich Galaxy cluster Abell 539 so you can spend a lot of time here trying to catch the faint glows of the many galaxies in this cluster. How many can you catch?

DSS image
UGC 3274 DSS.JPG

I was looking at this group last week and was taken by the view of the edge on galaxy UGC 3275 that is 10.6 Min North of the chain. This edge on really grows with averted vision, I was surprised at how long and extended it was.

ugc3275.jpg

Also 1.3 DEG back toward Ballatrax is the challenging chain of galaxies that is ARP 327 AKA Hickson 34. So the next time you are looking at the old familiar object in Orion be sure to try these galaxies and,

"GIVE IT A GO AND LET US KNOW"

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT VIEWING!