| GALAXIES (CLICK ON THUMBNAIL IMAGE FOR FULL-SIZE VIEW) |
NGC-7331: A bright, inclined spiral galaxy located in Pegasus. Visually, it resembles
a small version of the M-31 Andromeda Galaxy, and is approximately 10 X 2.5
minutes of arc in size. It is inclined approximately 20 degrees from edge-on, and is
inclined in position angle 163. Its estimated distance from earth is 50 million light
years. Also visible in this CCD image is one of 7331's companion galaxies,
NGC-7335, which appears as an oval non-stellar blob just above the center of 7331.
NOTE: This image was captured on 7/28/06, and is an integration of ten 100 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were
captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with post-processing done in
Photoshop CS.
a small version of the M-31 Andromeda Galaxy, and is approximately 10 X 2.5
minutes of arc in size. It is inclined approximately 20 degrees from edge-on, and is
inclined in position angle 163. Its estimated distance from earth is 50 million light
years. Also visible in this CCD image is one of 7331's companion galaxies,
NGC-7335, which appears as an oval non-stellar blob just above the center of 7331.
NOTE: This image was captured on 7/28/06, and is an integration of ten 100 second
exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images were
captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with post-processing done in
Photoshop CS.
NGC-891: A beautiful edge-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Andromeda. This
is one of the most classic examples of an edge-on spiral. Although it is very
striking in appearance, visually it has very low surface brightness, and requires a
night with crystal-clear skies for the best view. Visually, it is approximately 12 X 1
minutes of arc in size. It lies at a distance of approximately 40 million light years,
and is approximately 120,000 light years in width.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/24/06, and is an integration of ten
100-second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The
images were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional
post-processing in Photoshop CS.
is one of the most classic examples of an edge-on spiral. Although it is very
striking in appearance, visually it has very low surface brightness, and requires a
night with crystal-clear skies for the best view. Visually, it is approximately 12 X 1
minutes of arc in size. It lies at a distance of approximately 40 million light years,
and is approximately 120,000 light years in width.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/24/06, and is an integration of ten
100-second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The
images were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional
post-processing in Photoshop CS.
NGC-6946: A large face-on spiral galaxy located in the constellation of Cepheus,
close to its border with Cygnus. Visually it is approximately 8 minutes of arc in
diameter and appears nearly circular with a brighter center. This galaxy is one of
the nearest galaxies beyond the "local group" which includes M-31 in Andromeda.
NGC-6946 lies at a distance of about 10 million light years. It is inclined
approximately 20 degrees from face-on and has four well defined spiral arms. Its
visual magnitude is 11, but its surface brightness is fairly low.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/23/06, and is an integration of twenty 120
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images
were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional
post-processing in Photoshop CS.
close to its border with Cygnus. Visually it is approximately 8 minutes of arc in
diameter and appears nearly circular with a brighter center. This galaxy is one of
the nearest galaxies beyond the "local group" which includes M-31 in Andromeda.
NGC-6946 lies at a distance of about 10 million light years. It is inclined
approximately 20 degrees from face-on and has four well defined spiral arms. Its
visual magnitude is 11, but its surface brightness is fairly low.
NOTE: This image was captured on 8/23/06, and is an integration of twenty 120
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images
were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional
post-processing in Photoshop CS.
NGC-7479: A beautiful barred spiral galaxy in the constellation of Pegasus. It is
very easy to locate in that it lies just 3 degrees due south of Alpha Pegasi
(Markab). Visually this galaxy is approximately 4 X 3 minutes of arc in size, and is
about 11th magnitude. The accepted estimate of its distance is approximately 50
million light years. On a perfect night, using the 11-inch Celestron SCT at 175X, the
brightest spiral arm can be made out.
NOTE: This image was captured on 11/5/2010 and is an integration of thirteen 60
second exposures through the 11" Celestron at f/2 using HyperStar. Captured and
processed in Nebulosity v.2.2.8. Post-processed using Photoshop CS, Carboni's
Astronomy Tools and Noiseware.
very easy to locate in that it lies just 3 degrees due south of Alpha Pegasi
(Markab). Visually this galaxy is approximately 4 X 3 minutes of arc in size, and is
about 11th magnitude. The accepted estimate of its distance is approximately 50
million light years. On a perfect night, using the 11-inch Celestron SCT at 175X, the
brightest spiral arm can be made out.
NOTE: This image was captured on 11/5/2010 and is an integration of thirteen 60
second exposures through the 11" Celestron at f/2 using HyperStar. Captured and
processed in Nebulosity v.2.2.8. Post-processed using Photoshop CS, Carboni's
Astronomy Tools and Noiseware.
NGC-7814: A spiral galaxy in the constellation Pegasus, it is precisely edge-on, and
has a narrow equatorial dust lane. Though not apparent visually, it shows very well
in this CCD image. This galaxy lies at a distance of 76 million light years. Visually it is
lens-shaped and is inclined from northwest to southeast, and is approximately 5 X
1.5 minutes of arc in size. If you look closely, you can see the tiny 15th magnitude
galaxy IC-5381, which appears as a reddish lens-shaped blob just above the star at
the left (west) tip of a v-shaped asterism of four stars at the right-hand edge of the
photo.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/1/06, and is an integration of fifteen 100
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images
were capturedand combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing
in Photoshop CS.
has a narrow equatorial dust lane. Though not apparent visually, it shows very well
in this CCD image. This galaxy lies at a distance of 76 million light years. Visually it is
lens-shaped and is inclined from northwest to southeast, and is approximately 5 X
1.5 minutes of arc in size. If you look closely, you can see the tiny 15th magnitude
galaxy IC-5381, which appears as a reddish lens-shaped blob just above the star at
the left (west) tip of a v-shaped asterism of four stars at the right-hand edge of the
photo.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/1/06, and is an integration of fifteen 100
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images
were capturedand combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with additional post-processing
in Photoshop CS.
M-33 (NGC-598): A large, face-on spiral galaxy located in the constellation of
Triangulum. M-33 is commonly called the "Pinwheel Galaxy". It is a member of the
local group of galaxies and is the closest galaxy to earth after M-31 in Andromeda. It
lies at a distance of about 3 million light years. The galaxy has a number of large
emission nebulae which appear reddish in the photograph, due to the wavelength of
ionized hydrogen. The largest of these nebula can be seen at the upper right hand
edge of the photo. This nebula is bright enough to have its own NGC number
(NGC-604) and is easily seen in an 8-inch telescope. Visually, M-33 is a large
object, measuring about 30 X 40 minutes of arc, which almost fills the field of most
low-powered eyepieces. This size, combined with its low surface brightness can
make M-33 a challenging object for visual observation.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/26/06, and is an integration of twenty 120
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images
were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with further post-processing
in Photoshop CS.
Triangulum. M-33 is commonly called the "Pinwheel Galaxy". It is a member of the
local group of galaxies and is the closest galaxy to earth after M-31 in Andromeda. It
lies at a distance of about 3 million light years. The galaxy has a number of large
emission nebulae which appear reddish in the photograph, due to the wavelength of
ionized hydrogen. The largest of these nebula can be seen at the upper right hand
edge of the photo. This nebula is bright enough to have its own NGC number
(NGC-604) and is easily seen in an 8-inch telescope. Visually, M-33 is a large
object, measuring about 30 X 40 minutes of arc, which almost fills the field of most
low-powered eyepieces. This size, combined with its low surface brightness can
make M-33 a challenging object for visual observation.
NOTE: This image was captured on 9/26/06, and is an integration of twenty 120
second exposures through an 80mm f/7.5 ED Apochromatic Refractor. The images
were captured and combined in Maxim DL Essentials, with further post-processing
in Photoshop CS.
 |
NGC-2903: A fine, bright, many-armed barred spiral galaxy which lies just SSW
of Lambda Leonis, the star at the tip of the "sickle" of Leo. Visually, this galaxy is
11 X 4 minutes of arc in size, and glows at 9.7 magnitude. Good detail is visible in
telescopes larger than 6-inches, and spiral structure is easily seen in the C-11.
NOTE: This image was captured on the morning of January 29th, 2011, and is an
integration of twenty-one 60 second exposures through the 11" Celestron at f/2,
using the HyperStar system. Also visible in this image is the small 16.5 magnitude
galaxy PGC-27115, the small faint blob about half way to the upper LH corner of
the image. Captured in Maxim DL, processed in Nebulosity v.2.2.8.
of Lambda Leonis, the star at the tip of the "sickle" of Leo. Visually, this galaxy is
11 X 4 minutes of arc in size, and glows at 9.7 magnitude. Good detail is visible in
telescopes larger than 6-inches, and spiral structure is easily seen in the C-11.
NOTE: This image was captured on the morning of January 29th, 2011, and is an
integration of twenty-one 60 second exposures through the 11" Celestron at f/2,
using the HyperStar system. Also visible in this image is the small 16.5 magnitude
galaxy PGC-27115, the small faint blob about half way to the upper LH corner of
the image. Captured in Maxim DL, processed in Nebulosity v.2.2.8.
M-51 (NGC-5194): The famous "Whirlpool Galaxy", the first galaxy found to show a
spiral form. Discovered by Messier in 1773, the spiral pattern was first detected in
1845 by Lord Rosse with his giant 72-inch reflector in Ireland. M-51 is a type Sc
spiral (compact nucleus with well-developed spiral arms). Visually, it is 8th magnitude
and appears to be 10 X 6 arcminutes in size. Messier's description of a "nebula with
two nuclei" is due to the presence of the companion galaxy, NGC-5195, which
appears at the north end of a spiral arm which has been distorted by the tidal
interaction with this galaxy. The classification of this galaxy is uncertain. The
M-51/NGC-5195 pair lies at a distance of approximately 35 million light years from
earth. Visually, the spiral structure can be seen with an 8-inch reflector, and is
unmistakable in the C-11.
NOTE: The left image was captured on May 4, 2011, and is an integration of
twenty-three 60-second exposures through the 11-inch Celestron at f/2, using the
HyperStar System and an Orion SSDSI-1 one-shot color imager. The center image
was captured on the morning of June 4, and captured the new type II supernova
(2011 dh) which erupted in M-51 on May 31st! This is an integration of fifteen
80-second exposures through the C-11 @ f/2. The right image was taken on 7/1/11,
and shows the brightening of the supernova to magnitude 12.7. This image is an
integration of thirty-five 80-second sub-exposures. All three images were captured
in Maxim DL 5 Pro and post-processed using Photoshop CS, levels, curves, and
Gradient X-terminator. Final filtering with NoiseWare.
spiral form. Discovered by Messier in 1773, the spiral pattern was first detected in
1845 by Lord Rosse with his giant 72-inch reflector in Ireland. M-51 is a type Sc
spiral (compact nucleus with well-developed spiral arms). Visually, it is 8th magnitude
and appears to be 10 X 6 arcminutes in size. Messier's description of a "nebula with
two nuclei" is due to the presence of the companion galaxy, NGC-5195, which
appears at the north end of a spiral arm which has been distorted by the tidal
interaction with this galaxy. The classification of this galaxy is uncertain. The
M-51/NGC-5195 pair lies at a distance of approximately 35 million light years from
earth. Visually, the spiral structure can be seen with an 8-inch reflector, and is
unmistakable in the C-11.
NOTE: The left image was captured on May 4, 2011, and is an integration of
twenty-three 60-second exposures through the 11-inch Celestron at f/2, using the
HyperStar System and an Orion SSDSI-1 one-shot color imager. The center image
was captured on the morning of June 4, and captured the new type II supernova
(2011 dh) which erupted in M-51 on May 31st! This is an integration of fifteen
80-second exposures through the C-11 @ f/2. The right image was taken on 7/1/11,
and shows the brightening of the supernova to magnitude 12.7. This image is an
integration of thirty-five 80-second sub-exposures. All three images were captured
in Maxim DL 5 Pro and post-processed using Photoshop CS, levels, curves, and
Gradient X-terminator. Final filtering with NoiseWare.
M-95 (NGC-3351): A fine face-on barred spiral galaxy located in the center of the
constellation Leo, about 9 degrees east of Regulus (Alpha Leonis). M-95 is paired
with M-96, a spiral galaxy which lies 45 arcminutes to the east. M-95 has a bright
center and a pronounced central bar surrounded by circular spiral arms which gives
it a structure resembling the greek letter Theta. Visually, the galaxy is approximately
5 minutes of arc in diameter. Astronomers currently believe that this pair of galaxies
lie about 29 million light years from earth.
NOTE: This image is an integration of fifteen 120 second exposures through the
11-inch Celestron at f/2 using HyperStar. Images were captured and combined
using Nebulosity v.2.2.8, with further post processing using Photoshop CS. Images
were taken the morning of March 6th, 2011.
constellation Leo, about 9 degrees east of Regulus (Alpha Leonis). M-95 is paired
with M-96, a spiral galaxy which lies 45 arcminutes to the east. M-95 has a bright
center and a pronounced central bar surrounded by circular spiral arms which gives
it a structure resembling the greek letter Theta. Visually, the galaxy is approximately
5 minutes of arc in diameter. Astronomers currently believe that this pair of galaxies
lie about 29 million light years from earth.
NOTE: This image is an integration of fifteen 120 second exposures through the
11-inch Celestron at f/2 using HyperStar. Images were captured and combined
using Nebulosity v.2.2.8, with further post processing using Photoshop CS. Images
were taken the morning of March 6th, 2011.
M-101 (NGC-5457): The great face-on spiral galaxy in Ursa Major. One of the finest
examples of a face-on Sc type spiral galaxy. Discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781
and added to Messier's catalog the same year. The distance to M-101 has been
disputed for many years, but after Alan Sandage & Gustav Tammann spent 10 years
with the Palomar 200" telescope studying faint Cephied variables in M-101, it was
believed to be about 15 million light years. Current studies of Cephied variables with
the Hubble Space Telescope have revised this distance as closer to 23 million light
years. At this distance, its apparent visual diameter of 20 arcminutes would
correspond to a diameter of over 100,000 light years. M-101 has a mass of over 16
billion suns! A truly impressive object.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of July 1,2011 through the 11-inch
Celestron at f/2 using the HyperStar 3 imaging system. It is an integration of forty 90
second exposures. Captured in Maxim DL 5 Pro, with post-processing in Photoshop
CS, levels & curves, sharpening, Carboni's Astronomy Tools. Final image filtered
using NoiseWare.
examples of a face-on Sc type spiral galaxy. Discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781
and added to Messier's catalog the same year. The distance to M-101 has been
disputed for many years, but after Alan Sandage & Gustav Tammann spent 10 years
with the Palomar 200" telescope studying faint Cephied variables in M-101, it was
believed to be about 15 million light years. Current studies of Cephied variables with
the Hubble Space Telescope have revised this distance as closer to 23 million light
years. At this distance, its apparent visual diameter of 20 arcminutes would
correspond to a diameter of over 100,000 light years. M-101 has a mass of over 16
billion suns! A truly impressive object.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of July 1,2011 through the 11-inch
Celestron at f/2 using the HyperStar 3 imaging system. It is an integration of forty 90
second exposures. Captured in Maxim DL 5 Pro, with post-processing in Photoshop
CS, levels & curves, sharpening, Carboni's Astronomy Tools. Final image filtered
using NoiseWare.
M-64 (NGC-4826): A large, oval spiral galaxy of 8th magnitude, easily located just
1 degree ENE of the star 35 Comae Berenices. Its common name, "Black-Eye
Galaxy" derives from the large, dark, comma-shaped dust cloud which lies in the
central core just north and east of the bright nucleus. This dust cloud is difficult to
observe visually, requiring an 8-inch telescope and crystal clear skies to resolve.
Although M-64 lies just 8 degrees from the great Coma-Virgo galaxy cluster, it is a
foreground object, about 20 million light years from Earth, whereas the rest of the
cluster lies at three times that distance.
NOTE: This image was taken on the evening of April 6, 2011, and is an integration
of fifteen 70-second exposures through the 11-inch Celestron at f/2 using the
HyperStar system. The images were captured, combined and processed using
Nebulosity v. 2.2.8. Further post-processing using Photoshop CS, levels, curves
and layers. Finished image was filtered using NoiseWare.
1 degree ENE of the star 35 Comae Berenices. Its common name, "Black-Eye
Galaxy" derives from the large, dark, comma-shaped dust cloud which lies in the
central core just north and east of the bright nucleus. This dust cloud is difficult to
observe visually, requiring an 8-inch telescope and crystal clear skies to resolve.
Although M-64 lies just 8 degrees from the great Coma-Virgo galaxy cluster, it is a
foreground object, about 20 million light years from Earth, whereas the rest of the
cluster lies at three times that distance.
NOTE: This image was taken on the evening of April 6, 2011, and is an integration
of fifteen 70-second exposures through the 11-inch Celestron at f/2 using the
HyperStar system. The images were captured, combined and processed using
Nebulosity v. 2.2.8. Further post-processing using Photoshop CS, levels, curves
and layers. Finished image was filtered using NoiseWare.
NGC-4565: A spectacular edge-on galaxy in Coma Berenices and the largest of this
type. It and NGC-891 in Andromeda are the two most beautiful examples of the
edge-on spiral. It is easily located, being just 1.7 degrees east of the bright star 17
Comae. It is a very interesting object for small to medium sized telescopes,
appearing as a bright narrow streak in a 6 inch reflector. Through the C-11 at 93
power, it fills almost 2/3 of the field of view. The prominent equatorial dust lane is
readily visible in telescopes of 6-inch diameter and up. Radial velocity
measurements indicate that NGC-4565 lies at a distance of about 20 million light
years. At this distance, its visual size of over 15 arcminutes in width would
correspond to an actual diameter of over 90,000 light years.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of April 18, 2007 and is an
integration of twenty-five 70 second exposures through the 80mm f/7.5 APO
Refractor. The images were captured, stacked and combined in Nebulosity and
post-processed using Photoshop CS and NoiseWare.
type. It and NGC-891 in Andromeda are the two most beautiful examples of the
edge-on spiral. It is easily located, being just 1.7 degrees east of the bright star 17
Comae. It is a very interesting object for small to medium sized telescopes,
appearing as a bright narrow streak in a 6 inch reflector. Through the C-11 at 93
power, it fills almost 2/3 of the field of view. The prominent equatorial dust lane is
readily visible in telescopes of 6-inch diameter and up. Radial velocity
measurements indicate that NGC-4565 lies at a distance of about 20 million light
years. At this distance, its visual size of over 15 arcminutes in width would
correspond to an actual diameter of over 90,000 light years.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of April 18, 2007 and is an
integration of twenty-five 70 second exposures through the 80mm f/7.5 APO
Refractor. The images were captured, stacked and combined in Nebulosity and
post-processed using Photoshop CS and NoiseWare.
M-100 (NGC-4321): The largest spiral galaxy in the Coma-Virgo galaxy cluster.
Discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781 and by Messier a few weeks later. In
amateur telescopes, M-100 appears to be slightly less than 6 minutes of arc in
diameter. At its estimated distance of 40 million light years, this corresponds to
an actual diameter of 110,000 light years. Also visible in this image are two faint
companion galaxies, NGC-4328 (upper center) and NGC-4322 (upper right).
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of April 18, 2007, and is an
integration of twenty-five 70 second exposures through the 80mm f/7.5 APO
refractor. Images were captured, stacked and combined in Nebulosity with
post-processng using PhotoshopCS and NoiseWare.
Discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781 and by Messier a few weeks later. In
amateur telescopes, M-100 appears to be slightly less than 6 minutes of arc in
diameter. At its estimated distance of 40 million light years, this corresponds to
an actual diameter of 110,000 light years. Also visible in this image are two faint
companion galaxies, NGC-4328 (upper center) and NGC-4322 (upper right).
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of April 18, 2007, and is an
integration of twenty-five 70 second exposures through the 80mm f/7.5 APO
refractor. Images were captured, stacked and combined in Nebulosity with
post-processng using PhotoshopCS and NoiseWare.
NGC-3628: A large dim edge-on spiral galaxy which forms a triangle with the
brighter pair of galaxies, M-65 & M-66 in Leo. NGC-3628 is quite large, with a
visual size of over 12 minutes of arc in length. At its accepted distance of 30 million
light years, this would correspond to an actual diameter of over 90,000 light years.
The prominent dust lane is easily seen in small telescopes, although the overall
surface brightness of this galaxy is rather low. It appears somewhat ghostly in
comparison to its neighbors, M-65 and M-66.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of April 18, 2007 and is an
integration of twenty 100-second exposures thru the 80mm APO Refractor. The
images were captured and combined using Nebulosity, with further post-processing
in Photoshop CS and NoiseWare.
brighter pair of galaxies, M-65 & M-66 in Leo. NGC-3628 is quite large, with a
visual size of over 12 minutes of arc in length. At its accepted distance of 30 million
light years, this would correspond to an actual diameter of over 90,000 light years.
The prominent dust lane is easily seen in small telescopes, although the overall
surface brightness of this galaxy is rather low. It appears somewhat ghostly in
comparison to its neighbors, M-65 and M-66.
NOTE: This image was captured on the evening of April 18, 2007 and is an
integration of twenty 100-second exposures thru the 80mm APO Refractor. The
images were captured and combined using Nebulosity, with further post-processing
in Photoshop CS and NoiseWare.
M-96 (NGC-3368): A large spiral galaxy of type Sa (large central region and tightly
wound spiral arms). Forms a pair with the fine barred spiral M-95, which lies just
45 minutes of arc to the west. These two galaxies, along with M-105 and its two
companions, form the so-called "Leo Group" of galaxies. M-96 is a fine sight in
small telescopes, and makes a nice pair with M-95.
NOTE: This image is an integration of fifteen 120 second exposures through the
11-inch Celestron at f/2 using HyperStar. Captured and combined using Nebulosity
v.2.2.8, with additional post-processing using Photoshop CS, levels, curves, and
color balance. Noise filtered using NoiseWare software. Images taken the morning
of March 6, 2011.
wound spiral arms). Forms a pair with the fine barred spiral M-95, which lies just
45 minutes of arc to the west. These two galaxies, along with M-105 and its two
companions, form the so-called "Leo Group" of galaxies. M-96 is a fine sight in
small telescopes, and makes a nice pair with M-95.
NOTE: This image is an integration of fifteen 120 second exposures through the
11-inch Celestron at f/2 using HyperStar. Captured and combined using Nebulosity
v.2.2.8, with additional post-processing using Photoshop CS, levels, curves, and
color balance. Noise filtered using NoiseWare software. Images taken the morning
of March 6, 2011.
NGC-253: A large, much-elongated spiral galaxy in Sculptor. If not for its extreme
southern declination (-25 degrees) it would be one of the showcase deep sky
objects in the northern sky. It resembles a small version of the great Andromeda
Galaxy, M-31. NGC-253 is an impressive sight in small telescopes. Its visual size is
approximately 22 X 6 minutes of arc. It is part of the Scuptor Group of galaxies
which lie approximately 8 million light years from earth.
NOTE: This image was captured on the morning of 8/23/06, and is an integration of
twenty 40-second exposures through the 80mm APO refractor at f/7.5. Captured
in Maxim Essentials and combined and processed using Nebulosity. Further post
processing with Photoshop CS and NoiseWare.
southern declination (-25 degrees) it would be one of the showcase deep sky
objects in the northern sky. It resembles a small version of the great Andromeda
Galaxy, M-31. NGC-253 is an impressive sight in small telescopes. Its visual size is
approximately 22 X 6 minutes of arc. It is part of the Scuptor Group of galaxies
which lie approximately 8 million light years from earth.
NOTE: This image was captured on the morning of 8/23/06, and is an integration of
twenty 40-second exposures through the 80mm APO refractor at f/7.5. Captured
in Maxim Essentials and combined and processed using Nebulosity. Further post
processing with Photoshop CS and NoiseWare.
M-99 (NGC-4254): A bright face-on spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices, located just
50 minutes of arc SE of the bright star 6 Comae. It was discovered by Mechain in
1781. M-99 is nearly circular, but the spiral arms are somewhat assymetric, with
an unusually far-extending arm on the west side, which is easily seen visually in
telescopes of 10" aperture and larger. The probable distance of M-99 is 50 million
light years, and its diameter is over 50,000 light years.
NOTE: This image was captured on April 15, 2007, and is an integration of
twenty 70-second exposures through the 80mm f/7.5 APO refractor. The images
were captured and combined using Nebulosity, with post processing in PhotoShop
CS and NoiseWare.
50 minutes of arc SE of the bright star 6 Comae. It was discovered by Mechain in
1781. M-99 is nearly circular, but the spiral arms are somewhat assymetric, with
an unusually far-extending arm on the west side, which is easily seen visually in
telescopes of 10" aperture and larger. The probable distance of M-99 is 50 million
light years, and its diameter is over 50,000 light years.
NOTE: This image was captured on April 15, 2007, and is an integration of
twenty 70-second exposures through the 80mm f/7.5 APO refractor. The images
were captured and combined using Nebulosity, with post processing in PhotoShop
CS and NoiseWare.
M-104 (NGC-4594) The enigmatic "Sombrero" galaxy in Virgo. This magnificent
galaxy is a striking example of a galaxy seen nearly edge-on and exhibiting a
prominent dust lane. It is a class Sa galaxy, meaning that it has a large equatorial
bulge and very tightly wound spiral arms. It lies at a distance of 40 million light
years from earth, is over 85,000 light years across, and contains over 1.3 trillion
suns!
NOTE: This image was captured on the morning of March 6, 2011 and is a
composite of thirty 60-second exposures through the C-11 at f/2 using HyperStar.
Captured and processed in Nebulosity. Post-processed using Photoshop CS.
galaxy is a striking example of a galaxy seen nearly edge-on and exhibiting a
prominent dust lane. It is a class Sa galaxy, meaning that it has a large equatorial
bulge and very tightly wound spiral arms. It lies at a distance of 40 million light
years from earth, is over 85,000 light years across, and contains over 1.3 trillion
suns!
NOTE: This image was captured on the morning of March 6, 2011 and is a
composite of thirty 60-second exposures through the C-11 at f/2 using HyperStar.
Captured and processed in Nebulosity. Post-processed using Photoshop CS.
M-63 (NGC-5055) Spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, located about 5 1/2 degrees SW of
the famous Whirlpool Galaxy M-51. A fine Sb type spiral, inclined 30 degrees from
edge-on. Commonly called the Sunflower Galaxy, because of its multiple knotted arms.
Visually it is approximately 8 x 3 minutes of arc in size, which at its estimated distance
of 35 million light years corresponds to an actual diameter of 90,000 light yrs.
NOTE: This image is a composite of ten 120-sec. exposures through the C-11 at f/2
using HyperStar. Captured & combined in Maxim DL 5 Pro. Post-processed in
Photoshop CS.
the famous Whirlpool Galaxy M-51. A fine Sb type spiral, inclined 30 degrees from
edge-on. Commonly called the Sunflower Galaxy, because of its multiple knotted arms.
Visually it is approximately 8 x 3 minutes of arc in size, which at its estimated distance
of 35 million light years corresponds to an actual diameter of 90,000 light yrs.
NOTE: This image is a composite of ten 120-sec. exposures through the C-11 at f/2
using HyperStar. Captured & combined in Maxim DL 5 Pro. Post-processed in
Photoshop CS.
