Sometimes a galaxy is oriented (with respect to Earth) so that we see it edge-on. When this happens we often also see a dark line running down the center of the galaxy. This is a concentration of cooler interstellar dust outlined against the brighter background made by the stars that comprise the galaxy.

This observing program concentrates on edge-on galaxies - a total of 47. The table below includes object designation, constellation, coordinates, visual magnitude, size, Uranometria (2nd ed.) chart number, and morphology. This program is based on a list compiled by Tom Polakis.