NGC 3898 -- Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major
A Three-Toned Galaxy
The spiral galaxy NGC 3898, as viewed from my suburban backyard with a 155mm
refractor, appeared in three separate brightness layers. The star-like nucleus was the
brightest, surrounded by the distinct glow of the core. The most difficult part was the disk
which faded in-and-out of existence as I viewed it. I was not able to discern any detail
within the outer disk (such as spiral arms), but at times almost convinced myself that it was
not completely uniform. The dim disk section of the galaxy will likely not show in the
drawing unless you enlarge the picture.
refractor, appeared in three separate brightness layers. The star-like nucleus was the
brightest, surrounded by the distinct glow of the core. The most difficult part was the disk
which faded in-and-out of existence as I viewed it. I was not able to discern any detail
within the outer disk (such as spiral arms), but at times almost convinced myself that it was
not completely uniform. The dim disk section of the galaxy will likely not show in the
drawing unless you enlarge the picture.