NGC 56

NGC 56 is a New General Catalogue entry for a supposedly observed astronomical body that does not exist.^[1][2] This object was recorded by John Herschel early in his observations as part of his 1825 "sweep 14." He recorded only that, "about this place a considerable space seems affected with nebulosity." Astronomers have noted that the observation may have been of a reflection of a bright star which lies two degrees to the north of NGC 56's location. The other recorded observations by Herschel at this time included Messier 15, and were correctly located, so the error is not attributed to a general error in locating objects during the survey.^[3]

This supposed object is located at R.A. 00^h 15^m 20.6^s and Dec. +12° 26′ 40″.

See also

• history of astronomy

References

1. ^ Skyfactory deep sky catalog
2. ^ STScI Digitized Sky Survey query for NGC 56
3. ^ Dr. Harold Corwin "Not Found" Objects

Astronomical catalogs
NGC:	NGC 54 - NGC 55 - NGC 56 - NGC 57 - NGC 58