MCG +05-13-1/2/3/4 -- a misclassified group of reflection nebulae

[Steve Gottlieb]

A couple of nights ago, I also looked at this group of very compact reflection nebulae, about 3.5° from the galactic equator in Auriga. HyperLeda still lists them as galaxies but NED has them reclassified as RN, except for MCG +05-13-1, which Weinberger lists as a galaxy in his catalogue of galaxies in the ZOA. Based on their location and similar appearance, they're probably all small reflection nebulae.

Speaking of location, these objects are found just 15' WNW of the bright triple star 14 Aur = ∑653 (5.2/8.9 at 14"), with a fainter third component. Although these are not very exciting visual objects, they are very easy to find and a nice challenge due to their small size and glare from the illuminating stars. Here are my notes at 375x

MCG +05-13-1 = PGC 16961
05 14 16.1 +32 45 19
Size 0.8'
This compact reflection nebula appeared as a faint glow surounding a mag 13.5 star, perhaps 20" diameter. In a group of misclassified RN with MCG +05-13-002/3 3.2' NNE and MCG +05-13-004 3.6' NE.

MCG +05-13-2/3 = PGC 16963 = PGC 16962
05 14 21.5 +32 48 17
Size 0.5'
A small, faint halo, ~18" diameter, was visible surrounding a 12" pair of mag 12/13 stars. Both components of the pair carry their own MCG/PGC numbers.

MCG +05-13-004 = Magakian 92 = GN 05.11.2 = PGC 16970
05 14 27.1 +32 48 02
Size 0.2'
Very small, very faint halo surrounding a mag 12 star, 10"-15" diameter. MCG +05-13-2/3 lies 1.1' W.

RN in Auriga.jpg

[Ivan Maly]

Interesting objects in an interesting location. I assume you viewed them with the 24". NED gives mag. 15 for PGC 16961, so it seems that at least the -62-63 pair also may be within reach of my 16" if I do it right.

[Steve Gottlieb]

Yep, the observations were with my 24". I previously had a negative observation with my 18", though sky conditions may have had a larger role.