Going Ultra-Deep NGC 4477 NGC 4475 NGC 4458 NGC 4461 NGC 4435 NGC 4402 NGC 4438 M86 M84 NGC 4387 NGC 4425 NGC 4388 NGC 4413 M87 NGC 4476 NGC 4478 NGC 4486A M64 LEO +20° M53 M85 α M100 M86 M98 M β M84 ε Denebola M87 +10° ο M49 VIRGO ν M61 δ β γ 13h 32 APRIL 2 02 0 * SK Y & TELESCOPE η 12h υ sharp optics, and be prepared to pile on more magnification than you might think is required. The reward is worth your effort and patience. Step 2: Know where to look, what to look for, and how to maximize your chances of seeing it. Knowing the orientation of the jet relative to the center of M87 is helpful, as is having a good idea of how short the jet is compared to the rest of the galaxy. My sketches on pages 34 and 35 show the orientation and length of the jet, so check them carefully if you plan to go after it. For best results, especially in smaller scopes, be sure to place the location of the jet in the averted vision sweet spot of your observing eye to improve your odds at seeing it. What is the averted vision sweet spot? It's the place in your eye where your averted vision is most sensitive, and knowing exactly where it's located is a valuable tool for detecting small objects like M87's jet. It's usually about a third of the way POSS-II / STSCI / CA LTECH / PA LO M A R OBSERVATORY tp A CURIOUS GALAXY AMONG MANY OTHERS You'll find M87 deep inside the Virgo Cluster, with Markarian's Chain (members are labeled in gold) arcing gracefully to its north. COMA BERENICES