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Date 2006 |
Location Coudersport PA |
Software Astroart 4 |
Mount Losmandy G-11 |
Guide STV w/ eFinder |
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Optic MN56 w/ Siebert Barlow |
Camera SXV-H9C |
Filter O-S-C |
Exposure 23 x 450s |
Process Photoshop CS2 |
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Billions and Billions.com/Whale and Pup
The Whale and Pup- NGC 4631 and 4627
in Coma Berenices was discovered by the great William Herschel in 1787. NGC 4631 the larger 'Whale' is an Sc-type galaxy and one of the largest Edge-Ons known to us. Its highly irregular shape is due to distortion caused by its companion, the elliptical dwarf NGC 4627 called the 'Pup'. The two are interrelated as evidenced by a bridge of hydrogen gas between them. The Whale exhibits many blue knots indicating young massive stars while the bright yellow of the central bulge is due to an old population of Red Giants. Note the many dark filaments of dust clouds running throughout. From an aesthetic point of view, can you see the red eyes and front fins of the whale's head at left? Click the image for a larger version or return to the Gallery