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Observation by Adam Rawlinson: NGC4038 & NGC 4039

Uploaded by

Adam Rawlinson

Observer

Adam Rawlinson

Observed

2024 May 04 - 22:30

Uploaded

2024 May 06 - 08:14

Objects

NGC4038
NGC4039

Planetarium overlay









Constellation

Corvus

Field centre

RA: 12h01m
Dec: -18°51'
Position angle: -166°27'

Field size

1°11' × 0°57'

Equipment
  • Skywatcher Al-EQ6 Pro Mount - pier mounted
  • Primaluce 102 Apo
  • SX 694C Trius CCD
Exposure

3000secs (250sec subs)

Location

sandhurst

Target name

NGC4038 and 4039

Title

NGC4038 & NGC 4039

About this image

45Mltyr (latest data) these pair of galaxies (which are actually spirals) are busy colliding

Gravitational interaction is causing waves of gas and interstellar dust in the pair to elevate in temperature with the result being lots of star formation apparent. Seen only if this image is really stretched are two long trails of stars giving the name. 

Meanwhile the cores continue to dance their dance with a full merger expected in 400-500million years.

This pair are quite low down and have to rise above the murk, clear some trees and then I have about 1hr to image before they crash into more trees.

So only get a chance a couple of times a year to take a decent image.

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