NGC 3315, The Spindle Galaxy

[Tropo-Bob]

This galaxy is also know as Caldwell 53.

Using my Vixen ED 115S (at 60x), this galaxy appeared as an edge-on haze with an unusually bright streak, running along the central region of the galaxy. The streak had a molten appearance, as it varied in brightness. IMO, the brightness of this streak makes this galaxy an especially appealing target if only using a small telescope. (observation made on 13th March, 2018)

NGC 3115 is said to have a black hole of 2 billion solar masses, making this the closest-known black hole to us with over a billion solar masses.

More information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_3115
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/multimedia/photo-H-11-248.html

[Tinderboxsky]

Very interesting Bob. I have not observed this galaxy, so will add to my list. Thanks for posting.

[bigjoe]

My favorite Bob, after M83 and M77 and N4565..Always I recommend this one for small apertures even near 66mm!

It is UNUSUALLY BRIGHT.

bigjoe

[Tropo-Bob]

Thanks Steve & Joe.

Steve, this was the first time that I viewed NGC 3315, so it was all a surprise to me also. Maybe, I should be noting in my reports if I had viewed the subject previously.

Joe, well done for already being familiar with such an interesting galaxy.