To our amazement, we've not looked at the Sombrero since 2012.
The sky here is expected to be cloudy throughout the rest of new moon, and perhaps even raining (very needed for the pasture) so we'll show you what we have so far. Five hours 30 mins of Luminance, in 15 minute subs, so as not to burn out the core.
Seeing was very good for us, so even in that short period of time, the number of distant background galaxies in the full uncropped image is very gratifying.
A first point of interest is that the central core is really a pin-point.
The second is that the halo appears larger than is usually shown. If we increase the contrast, we can make the halo look smaller, because the faint outer regions go to black, but according to a NASA JPL Spitzer article, the halo really is pretty big: it appears that the Sombero is a spiral galaxy that has formed inside a large elliptical, not swallowed, but formed in situ as a result of the elliptical gulping down fresh intergalactic gas and dust.
We've read elsewhere that galaxies don't really have an outer edge, but just become thinner and thinner forever. Hence the apparent size must depend on processing choices, particularly the amount of contrast used.
We certainly hope to come back to this beastie next new moon.
Just hangin' there in space. Enjoying the view M&T.
You guys must have so many clear nights... the images keep coming. Do you automate it or watch every sub come in?
Nice. The full uncropped view does make it look like a flying saucing hanging in space. I see on the close up view that the centre dust lane has a stepped feature on the left of the image which I have not noticed before. Just shows that you cannot tire of looking at these objects. Always something new to be seen.
Yes, the data collection is pretty automated. We go up to the observatory (350 meters from the house, and 30 meters up, seriously cross-country), fuel up the generator, knock off the bigger mudwasp nests, take off the dust covers, and write a script for the evening. Focusing, filter changes, even multiple objects are all scripted. Then we try to find the Polaris ATV in the dark, drive down the hill, and watch a movie. In the morning we expect to find the scope parked, the dome roof closed, the generator off, and lots of photos. Sometimes expectations even come true.
Yes, the data collection is pretty automated. We go up to the observatory (350 meters from the house, and 30 meters up, seriously cross-country), fuel up the generator, knock off the bigger mudwasp nests, take off the dust covers, and write a script for the evening. Focusing, filter changes, even multiple objects are all scripted. Then we try to find the Polaris ATV in the dark, drive down the hill, and watch a movie. In the morning we expect to find the scope parked, the dome roof closed, the generator off, and lots of photos. Sometimes expectations even come true.
Mike and Trish. My wife and I find this image amazing and so contemplative. The detail of the galaxy is incredible considering it's 28 million light years away for your back yard!
We also enjoyed slow scrolling around the full image spotting the many faint galaxies.
Thank you.
Jim
