NGC/IC Project Restoration Effort

===== NGC 5761 carries in the NGC another of the notoriously poor early Leander McCormick positions. Nevertheless, I am almost certain that this is one or the other of ESO 580-G039 or ESO 580-G040. Since the LM positions are more likely to be off in RA than in Dec, and since the nominal declination is close to that of -G040, this suggests that the RC3 identification with G39 is incorrect. However, -G039 is nearly a magnitude brighter than -G040 in ESO-LV, it is larger, and it is also more face-on -- all factors that suggest that it, and not -G040, is N5761. Unfortunately, there is no discovery sketch, so we can only guess at this point. Forced to a decision, I would say that the RC3 identification is perhaps correct -- but I certainly wouldn't bet any of my cats on it!

===== NGC 5761 48" (5/12/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, oval 5:4 ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright, oval core, halo fades out gradually. A mag 16 star lies 45" SW. Two companions are on opposite sides of the galaxy: PGC 52918 is 50" NNE of center and ESO 580-038 lies 1.9' SW. The PGC appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 15"x12", brighter core. The ESO was fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~21"x7". The tidal plume connecting NGC 5761 to the ESO by a long tidal plume was not convincingly seen (though by Lowrey). 17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter. The faint outer halo rises sharply to a 15" bright core. Brightest in a small group with ESO 580-040 12' NE. The NGC identification is uncertain and NGC 5761 may be ESO 580-040. This is a disrupted interacting galaxy with a long connecting tail SW to a faint companion. PGC 52918 close north was not seen with certainty in breezy conditions.