|
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 22 |
Process Astroart 5, Photoshop CS5 |
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Billions and Billions.com/Whale and Hockey Stick
The Whale and Pup NGC 4631 and 4627 with the Hockey Stick NGC 4656-7
in Coma Berenices was discovered by the great William Herschel in 1787. NGC 4631 the 'Whale' at right, 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- the 'Pup', riding on its back. 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 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? To the left is NGC 4656/4657, actually two interacting galaxies known as the Hockey Stick or Crowbar. Note the dim extension above not seen in most images. Click for a larger version or return to the Gallery