| "The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 82) |
Astrophotography by Jason Jennings |
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| Galaxies :: NGC253 - Silver Coin Galaxy | |
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| Resolutions Available: 800x600 : 1600x1200 | |
| Object | NGC253 - Silver Coin Galaxy |
| Comment |
The barred spiral galaxy NGC 253 is the brightest member of the Sculptor group of galaxies. The group is estimated as being nearest to the Local Group of galaxies which includes our Milky Way galaxy. NGC 253 is one of the dustiest galaxies known. Dark dust patches conceal much of its spiral structure, also masking the HII regions. The galaxy appears elongated as we see it from an edge-on perspective. In spite of the dust, two spiral arms are subtly visible towards the edge of the galaxy with numerous bluish clusters of young stars. NGC 253 is approximately 10 million light-years distant. The image is a LRGB composite. |
| Optics | RCOS 12.5" F/9.15 (2846mm FL) |
| Camera | SBIG STL-11000M - 1x1 bin (image scale .65 arcsec/pix) |
| Mount | Paramount ME |
| Exposure | Total exposure time: 5.5 hours (L:120min,R:70min,G:70min,B:70min) |
| Date |
Luminance: 2/10/2007 Chrominance (RGB): 29/9, 1/10 - 2007 |