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NGC 3718 and NGC 3729 in Ursa Major

 

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (2000x1445)

Scope: C8 203 mm   at f/6.3, Location: Blair Valley, Anza Borrego Desert, CA  10  March 2013  Camera: ST8300M

Exposure: 18 x 8 min  (2x2 bin) exposure with UV/IR block, 8 x 3.5 min (3x3 bin) RGB exposures.

Processing: Data Collection -  CCDSoft (as FITs).  Calibrated, stacked (Sigma Combine), LRGB channel registration, central gradient removal, and color equalization - Astroart.  Curves, Levels, LRGB combine and finishing  - Photoshop.  This image is a LRGB combine with Luminance layering -   Final Image size is approximately 2000x1445.

North is up in this image. NGC3718 is the galaxy to the right. NGC  3729 is the smaller galaxy to the left.  NGC 3718 is characterized by the peculiar "S" shape of  its elongated arms and the dust lane diagonally bisecting the main body of the galaxy. NGC 3718's  distance is estimated at 55 million light years - its arms span about 160,000 light years. NGC 3729, while smaller with a span of about 40,000 light years, is about the same distance.  It's spiral arms span about 1,000 light years.   Horizontal FOV is 44'

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 11h 32m 59.9s Dec: +53°04'19"

 

All images and content remain the property of Jim Thommes - copyright 2003 - 2013

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