LEO TRIPLET NGC 3628 – M65 - M66

Leo

(ra: 11:20.03/ dec +13:36)

DATA

TYPE: Spiral Galaxy

VISUAL BRIGHTNESS: NGC 3628, 9.5, M65 9.3, M66 9

SIZE (apparent): NGC 3628 14x 3.3 arc minutes,  M65 10 arc minutes and M66 8.7 arc minutes

DISTANCE: 35 Millions light years

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

A popular target for astrophotographers because the three magnificent Galaxies can be included in a single field of view. Leo Triplet Galaxy Group which includes (clock wise) NGC 3828 (hamburger shape) M65 and M66, present gravitational interactions. It is visible how NGC 3628 dark band has skewed in their extremes towards its companions. The Image expose the narrow relative distance from NGC 3628 to its companions. Charles Messier was not able to catalogued NGC 3628 half point less bright than its neighbours. Finally NGC 3628 was catalogued by Sir William Herschel in 1784

IMAGE INFORMATION

SCOPE: Orion ED 80 @ 7.5 Meade LXD 75

SKY CONDITIONS: very good.

CAMERA: Starlight Xpress SXV H9

FILTERS: Astronomik Type II

EXPOSURES: LRGB (20,12,12,12)

ACQUISITION: AstroArt v 3. CCD control Interface v. 3.72

GUIDING: Synta 70/400 refractor - SXV Guide Camera

PROCESSED: Images Plus, (no darks, flats nor bias used) Photoshop CS