(Click here to see high resolution version ~1.6MB)
M66: A Barred Spiral Galaxy
RA:11 20 30, Dec:+13 00 00, mag: 8.9, Size:9'x4', Dist: 33 Ml.y.
Colour version:
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Mono version:
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| Object: | This spiral galaxy, in the constellation of Leo, was observed by Charles Messier in 1780. It is well known as one of the Leo Galaxy Trio, M65 & NGC 3628 being the other two members. (Click here here to see an image of the trio.) The spiral arms of M66 are warped and appear to rise above the main disk, this is due to gravitational interaction with the other members of the Trio. The many bright blue and red regions seen in the image indicate the active star forming regions. | |
| Exposure: | L: 22x600s | |
| Equipment: | Vixen VMC260 f/11.5, AP 0.67x reducer. SBIG ST10 CCD [L:1x1]. RGB taken with Takahashi FSQ106N, 1.4x extender. SBIG ST10 CCD. Astronomik LRGB filters. |
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| Location: | 21st & 22th Mar. 2010 23:00 UT, Oxford UK. | |
| Processing: | Images combined in MaximDL. Curves & levels in Photoshop. | |