NGC 292 / SMC – Irregular Galaxy

(ra: 00:52.7 / dec -72:50)

DATA

TYPE Irregular Galaxy

MAGNITUDE: 2.3  (m_v)
SIZE: 280 x 160 arc minutes

DISTANCE: 210.000 light years

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

The SMC is an irregular galaxy type. It might be distorted by the gravitational forces of our Milky Way and the LMC. Interesting to see a variety of extra galactic objects  like nebulae and star clusters which can be reached through amateurs telescopes. Despite its high magnitude the cloud is not visible through binoculars from my backyard in Martinez (30 km north Buenos Aires). I can glimpse NGC 104 but no single feature of the galaxy. However in clears skies is a joy for the naked eye.

The SMC and LMC were certainly known through ages by the southerners. It became known to the world when Fernando de Magallanes went on his journey around the world in 1519.

Have tested the Russian (20 bucks) lens Helios with LRGB filters stoped at f2. I believe it would will give more definition working at f4. Its definitely a good choice for the SXV M7. You can see the rig here

IMAGE INFORMATION

LENS: Helios 58 mm f2

MOUNT: Vixen GPDX with Sky Sensor 2000

GUIDING: none

IMAGE ACQUISITION: Astro Art 3.0

SKY CONDITIONS: Visual limit magnitude 4

CAMERA: Starlight Xpress SXV7 at @ f2

FILTERS: Astronomik Type II, Astronomik CLS

EXPOSURES: LRGB (10,5,5,5) 1 minute subs

PROCESSED: Darks, bias in Images Plus, Photoshop CS

Helios Lens 58 mm f2