Despite it being part of the M81 group, and having almost a similar apparent size as M81, this galaxy is very dim!
It is classified as a SB(s)dm type galaxy, which breaks down as:
- SB — barred spiral
- (s) — pure spiral structure (no ring)
- dm — The "d" means it has very faint, poorly defined spiral arms and a tiny or non-existing bulge, which is exactly why it has such low surface brightness and requires long integration times to show the arms. The "m" stands for Magellanic-type, meaning it's irregular and asymmetric, even looser than a typical "d" spiral.
Capture:
- L: 263x 60s
- R: 86x 60s
- G: 88x 60s
- B: 85x 60s
- Ha: 17x 300s
- Total: 10 hours 7 minutes
Bortle 5
Equipment:
- OTA: Skywatcher 130PDS newtonian
- Camera and filter wheel: QHY minicam8 mono
- Guiding: WO uniguide 50 + asi224mc + uv/ir cut filter
- Mount: hypertuned HEQ5 with Rowan belt mod
- Morefine M9 mini PC, Pegasus Astro Powerbox micro
- Capture software: NINA
Processing:
- Pixinsight: technical prep: Graxpert, RGB combination, BXT, NXT, seti astro statistical stretch. GHS, HDRMT.
- Both a RGB image and an HaGB image were created, which were then blended in affinity. This gave better results than my usual continuum subtraction followed by colorized layering. L channel was layered on this blend in Affinity.
- Some additional curves and saturation in Affinity.
- Screening RGB stars on result in Affinity.
by Sleepses