Astral Imaging at Dogwood Ridge Observatory

Latitude: 37°48'51.0" N"
Longitude:78°23'41.0"W
Scottsville, Virginia 24590
 

(click on thumbnails to go to that image's page)

 

 
 

 
   

NGC3718

Image Information

Quoted From Best Of AOP:

What a strange galaxy. There is not much information about this galaxy in the astronomical literature. This is a lenticular galaxy. It is probably part of the M81 group of galaxies. The ethereal glow from this galaxy is testament to the paucity of stars. These galaxies have a disk like a spiral galaxy but with no spiral arms, and little gas and dust. Notice how easy it is to see the very heart of this galaxy with its yellow nuclear beacon. The gossamer wreathe of dust that encircles the disk is the most interesting part of this galaxy. Also note the very compact group of galaxies on the lower left side of the image.

The compact group of galaxies is not physically associated with NGC 3718, as they are more than 300 million light years distant. The rather tortured looking galaxy at the bottom right of the group is called UGC 6527. Due to the strong gravitational interactions between these galaxies, massive star formation is taking place in each. In fact UGC 6527 is a Seyfert galaxy that emits radio wavelengths of light. This group of five is reminiscent of others well known examples such as Stephan's Quintet and NGC 6027.

 

 

 

NGC3718 
NGC3718 LRGB

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NGC3718 Full Crop




 

This image is a work in progress with data from the SRO telescope system not yet added. The start of this project was in January 2016 and new data is being added today. In this image taken at my home observatory there is a reflection in the upper right portion of the image as an artifact of the field flattener which is only present in some targets. The cropped image shows none of this. To date the amount of data used is 12 hours RGB and 8 hours luminance as of January 11, 2021. The full cropped image is an enhanced version of that processed image.

Equipment and Location Information

Date January 4,, 2016 - Present 2021
Location Dogwood Ridge Observatory
Optics Optical Guidance Systems 12.5" RC @f/9
Mount Astro Physics AP1200GTO
Camera SBIG STL-11000M/FW10
Filters Baader LRGB 50.8mm/Baader Ha,SII, OIII 50.8mm Filters
Conditions Transparency good to moderate.

    
  Last Modified :10/02/12 01:10 PM