Ngc 247

[Placidus]

A recent New Scientist article suggests that the huge dark void (to left of galactic centre) in NGC 247 was caused by a direct hit from something invisible and heavy, such as a lump of dark matter. The collision triggered the birth of a ring of bright blue stars. 8 hours lum, 2hrs each RGB. Aspen 16M on PlaneWave 20". North down. Allergen advice: this image processed on sky visited by an asteroid, several satellites, and loose glare from Diphda. Traces may remain. Larger versions and other stuff at http://mikeberthonjones.smugmug.com.

[multiweb]

Superb shot Mike. Really good image scale. Lots of details and background faint fuzzies. :thumbsup:

[PeterEde]

Cool shot

[Placidus]

Thanks, Marc. Erratum: In nervous haste I wrote North Down. But I then rotated the image before posting, so now North is Left.

[RickS]

Lovely image, Mike! Nice scope too :)

[Nortilus]

Love it...great shot :)

[cometcatcher]

That 20" gives good image scale on these small galaxies. Like the observatory pics too. And great location.

[Ross G]

Hello Mike,

A great looking galaxy photo!

Nice colours and I love the detail.


Ross.

[Shiraz]

good work Mike - detail and colour are excellent.

[Stevec35]

Very nice job! It's not an easy galaxy.

Cheers

Steve

[marc4darkskies]

Wow! That's an interesting thought bubble ... a hole punched in a galaxy.

Very nice image Mike! Haven't seen that one before either.

Cheers, Marcus

[Placidus]

G'day Marc, Peter, Rick, Kevin, Ross, Ray, Marcus,
Been a member a long time but I think that was my first ever post. Thanks for kind words and moral support.
Mike

[strongmanmike]

Hello Mike :hi:

Wow your scope and observatory are just to die for :love: must be one of the coolest (and most powerful) amateur observatories in Oz :thumbsup:

NGC 247 is a great looking galaxy and you have done it quite proud, congratulations.

You have some formidable images on your site mate :)

Mike

[Placidus]

Hi, Mike, thanks much! Glad you like our web site. Trish and I are greatly encouraged. Looks like some good weather coming up.
Best,
Mike

[rustigsmed]

stunning shot!

Cheers

Rusty

[Placidus]

Thanks, Rusty,
Just saw your Mars shot. Wow! Goosebumps.
Mike

[pvelez]

A lovely image Mike - and I agree with Big Mike, your obs looks amazing.

Do you have a link to the New Scientist article? I'd like to have a read. Alternatively, if you post the names of the original research paper, I can track it down through ADS.

Pete

[Placidus]

Thanks, Pete,

I should have put the reference in earlier! The New Scientist article is in the 21 Aug 2014 edition at

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22329832.500-nearby-galaxy-may-be-victim-of-dark-matter-hitandrun.html

Best,
Mike

[Placidus]

Thanks, Steve,

The thing that was hardest about it is that at almost 3.5 meters focal length, the available guide stars are seriously faint.

Best,
Mike

[Bassnut]

For such a hard one to image, that fair pops and is sharp as :thumbsup:

[gregbradley]

A great image and what an amazing setup in a great location.

Greg.