|
Date 2011 |
Location Mayhill, NM |
Software ACP, MaxIm DL, TheSky6 |
Mount Software Bisque Paramount ME |
Guide Atik 16IC, Astrodon MMOAG |
|
Optic OGS/RCOS 10" RC |
Camera Atik 11000C |
Filter OSC RGB |
Exposure 1200s x 40 |
Process Astroart 5, Photoshop CS5 |
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Billions and Billions.com/M106
M106 in Canes Venatici was actually discovered by Messier's friend Pierre Méchain in 1781. This beautiful and bright galaxy is about 20 million light-years away and classified as a peculiar 'normal' Sb. The arms form a spiral pattern which can be traced well into its core. M106 has a much larger extent in radio radiation than in visual light. In 1995, evidence that it is the home of a massive dark object was detected. The active center emits jets similar to the central "engines" in other active galaxies such as M82, which can easily be seen in H-alpha light. A supernova (1981K) occurred in M106, August 1981 and reached 16th magnitude. Several neighboring galaxies can be seen, most conspicuously NGC 4248 at 4 o'clock. Click for a larger version or return to the Gallery