M61 in Virgo

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (4132x2811)

Scope: Celestron 9.25 Edge HD 235 mm at f/7, Location: DAA Observatory, Shelter Valley, CA, 24  1 and 5 April  2022  Camera: ASI294MM (Baader  LRGB Filters)

Exposure: Exposure: L - 67 x  4 minutes (gain-121, 2x2),  RGB - 20 x 2.5 min each filter (gain-121 2x2).

Processing: Data Collection -  Sequence Generator Pro (as FITs).  Sub-frame calibration - Pixinsight. Sub-frame  registration and integration (Average combine -  Winsorized Sigma Clipping) - PixInsight.  Mure Denoise - PixInsight. De-convolution - PixInsight. Non-linear stretching, normalization and gradient removal - PixInsight.   Curves, Levels,  RGB combine, Luminance layering - PixInsight.  Final finishing  - Affinity Photo.  Photometric RGB calibration - PixInsight. Annotation - PixInsight, Aladin (Simbad and NED), and Affinity Photo. This image is a  LRGB with luminance layering.  Image processed at 4144x2822 resolution. Final Image size is approximately  4132X2811

North is up in this image.  This is an image of the galaxy M61 and some nearby neighbors. M61, SAB(rs)bc, is a Seyfert type 2 galaxy . It is a weakly barred  with a suggestion of a ring structure and a moderate to loosely wound arm swhich look somewhat irregular. It is about 40-46 million light years distant and a member of the Virgo Cluster.  NGC 4292, NGC 4301, and UGC 7411 galaxies are noticeably visible and also Virgo Custer members. Interestingly , NGC 4301  is superimposed in  the foreground of  the 4 member compact galaxy group SDSSCGB 20312. There are various Quasars  visible ranging lookback time from 6.75 to 11.37 billion light years. These objects, information, and some of the brighter stars are identified in the annotated image. This image replaces an earlier image that can be seen in the Archives here. Horizontal FOV is approximately 39 arc minutes. Full size image scale is approximately 0.57 arcsec/pix.. 

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 12h 21m 52s Dec: 04°11'32"

All images and content remain the property of Jim Thommes - copyright 2003 - 2022

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