NGC5395 & NGC 5394 (The Heron)
Arp 84
13 58 37
+37 25 31
VM = 12.1 & 13.7
Cvn - The Dogs

My first experience of this unique pair came on the night of Feb 12, 2010 using Jimi's 48". This is an object that truly lives up to its common name. Read below and see if you agree.

That particular night, Cvn was approaching zenith when Jimi suggested that we (which included him, myself, Jim Chandler and Alan Lippert) give it a look. He pulled Arp 84 up on Megastar and slewed Barbarella to the location. He placed his 10mm ZAOII into the focuser and each of us took our turn at the EP. At 488x we can see the uncanny resemblance of a bird, a heron to be precise, looking back at us. There was no mistaken it. It was the profile of a Heron. 5395 plays the part of the body where as 5394, a unique barred spiral in and of itself, plays the lanky neck, head and beak. If you look at the pics below, you'll see what I mean.

If you have never seen this object, be sure to add it to your list. It isn't particularly difficult but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at whats staring back at you!

arp84.jpg HiResARP84.jpg wadingheron.jpg
(click thumbs to enlarge pics)