The best galaxy of all...

Jul 15, 2004

When people find out that I enjoy observing galaxies, they inevitably ask me what galaxy I favor the most.  Well, that’s like almost like choosing a favorite child, at least for some people (seeing as I don’t have any kids). There are so many great ones from which to choose.  The Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is just huge, and if you stay out late enough on these summer nights, you should be able to catch a really good view of this giant.  It’s a great galaxy, a bit better to photograph than to observe in my opinion, but it’s not my favorite galaxy.

M33, the Pinwheel Galaxy, is another great one, and it too rises near the morning twilight during the summer months.  But it’s not my favorite.

Of course, there are the Ursa Major pair of M81 and M82.  Wonderful sights through just about any scope with respectably dark skies.  I love viewing these galaxies, but neither are my favorites.

Any discussion of favorite galaxies could not be conducted without bringing up M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy.  For many people, this one is their favorite galaxy.  For me, it’s wonderful…but you might ave guessed by now that it is NOT my favorite galaxy.

How about the Magellanic Clouds?  Well, if I ever see them during my lifetime, I might add them to my list.  Unfortunately, many of us northern hemisphere folks have the same thoughts and wishes.

One of my favorites, M104 or the Sombrero Galaxy, is a great springtime sight.  But it’s not my favorite galaxy.  Same goes for the tremendously underrated and seldom talked about Sculptor Galaxy, NGC 253.

So, what is my favorite galaxy?  Look up this month in some dark skies and you’ll see it.  Nothing bigger; nothing better.  July is the month of the Milky Way—yes, it’s a galaxy!  It is perfectly overhead in the early hours of night and is the highlight of the summer.  While there are so many other great galaxies to observe, the very best is our own! Enjoy it this month!