M66
Image details:
M66 is a very good example of the dynamics that gravitational interaction with other galaxies can produce. Nearby, at least in terms of galaxies, are two other island universes, forming a group popularly known as the Leo Triplet. The interaction disturbs the delicate structure of the galaxies, warping (and possibly even causing) the spiral arms, and triggers episodes of rapid and widespread star formation. We see this here as clusters of hot, young blue stars, and pinkish regions of energized hydrogen gas, clouds illuminated by still younger stars just being born.
Technical details:
Optics: 8'' inch SCT tube
Camera: Canon 60D prime focus
Mount: Celestron AVX mount
Guiding: Orion Starshoot autoguider 60mm guide scope
Dates: March 25, 27, 2018
Location: taken at my Backyard observatory in Northwest Missouri
Exposures: 256 minutes of lights 4 minutes subs, 55 flats, 50 darks, 70 bias, ISO-1600
Processing: Images Plus, Pixlnsight, Photoshop cs5
M66 is a very good example of the dynamics that gravitational interaction with other galaxies can produce. Nearby, at least in terms of galaxies, are two other island universes, forming a group popularly known as the Leo Triplet. The interaction disturbs the delicate structure of the galaxies, warping (and possibly even causing) the spiral arms, and triggers episodes of rapid and widespread star formation. We see this here as clusters of hot, young blue stars, and pinkish regions of energized hydrogen gas, clouds illuminated by still younger stars just being born.
Technical details:
Optics: 8'' inch SCT tube
Camera: Canon 60D prime focus
Mount: Celestron AVX mount
Guiding: Orion Starshoot autoguider 60mm guide scope
Dates: March 25, 27, 2018
Location: taken at my Backyard observatory in Northwest Missouri
Exposures: 256 minutes of lights 4 minutes subs, 55 flats, 50 darks, 70 bias, ISO-1600
Processing: Images Plus, Pixlnsight, Photoshop cs5
