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Astronomy/Brightest Quasar visible to amateurs?
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Question
Hi
I was wondering what the current record holder
for the brightest quasar is, and would it be visible
with a 12 or 14 " reflector?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jason,
3C 273 still remains the brightest quasar at magnitude 12.9v in Virgo, a few degrees NW of
naked eye star Porrima (Gamma Virginis), which is also a very pretty equal magnitude close double star. At just under 13th magnitude, 3C 273 is theoretically just visible in a 6 inch
telescope so obviously a 12 or 14 incher is no problem, which are good down to about 14.5 magnitude. Next is Markarian 421 up in Ursa Major at about 13.3v visual magnitude. For all the brighter quasars, see listing at
http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Misc/qso.html
or just google quasar 3C 273.
Clear Skies,
Tom
FOLLOW UP:
Oh, there is another one at magnitude 13.1 down in Piscis Austrinus at about -30 S. declination,
but for us in the northern part of the USA, that's too low for us, being only about 15 degrees
high in the south at its highest, so we don't usually try for that one. Also, in my case, I
usually don't bother with quasars (or Pluto or asteroids) as I prefer deep sky objects that exhibit some measureable diameter in the eyepiece (like planetary nebulae), rather than bare pin-points of light, irrespective of their distance from us.
Clear Skies,
Tom
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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