NGC 6340, IC 1251, IC 1254

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (3000x2250)

Scope: Explore Scientific MN152 Maksutov Newtonian at f/4.8, Location: DAA Observatory, Shelter Valley, CA,  4 June 2019, Camera: ST8300M (Baader LRGB filters)

Processing: Data Collection -  Sequence Generator Pro (as FITs).  Exposure calibration, LRGB registration, and stacking (Median combine -  Winsorized Sigma Clipping) - PixInsight.  LRGB channel registration, equalization and gradient removal - PixInsight.  Curves, Levels, RGB combine, Luminance layering - PixInsight. Final finishing  - Photoshop.  RGB calibration - eXcalibrator. Annotation - PixInsight, Aladin (Simbad and NED), and PhotoShop. This image is a  RGB combine with Luminance layering.  Images processed at 3352 x 2532 resolution. Final Image size is approximately  3000x2250.

North is up in this image. The dominant (roughly center) galaxy is NGC6340. This galaxy is considered very old and believed to be the result of a merger between and early type galaxy and a spiral galaxy around 12 billion years ago. Distinct elements of these galaxies' structures are seen in current observations; it is classified as a SA0/a(s). Distance estimate for NGC6340 is approximately 62 million light years.  Close to NGC 6340 are two smaller galaxies, IC 1251 and IC 1254. Further out with similar redshift estimated distances are galaxies UGC 10791 and UGC 10713.  There are many background galaxies in this image field as well. These objects and some of the brighter stars are shown in the annotated image.   Horizontal FOV is about 85'. Image resolution on the full size image is about 1.7 arcsec/pix. 

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 17h 10m 14s Dec: 72°24'27"

All images and content remain the property of Jim Thommes - copyright 2003 - 2019

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