NGC 134--the forgotten galaxy

[Geoff45]

This is a very rarely imaged galaxy. I'm not sure why, because it is quite large (8.5' x 2') and bright. There are only three other pictures of this galaxy on IIS, two on Astrobin (both from IISers) and none on Cloudy Nights

http://www.astrobin.com/137781/

This is probably one of the last pics I'll be taking with my trusty QSI through the Planewave, as the FLI Proline, Filter Wheel, MMOAG and Plane Wave connectors are all finally in hand. I'll probably use it on the Televue 101is.
Exposure details: Binned colour (3 hours), unbinned luminance (70 minutes), all 10 minute subframes.
Mount: AP900
Camera: QSI540wsg
Telescope: 12.5" Plane Wave CDK

I'll get in first and mention the warts in the background of the high res version before MS gets to say something :). Maybe a more careful reprocess is in order.

Very warm conditions, could only manage -10 with the QSI.
Geoff

[strongmanmike]

:eyepop: Warts!!!!! run for your liiiives! :rofl:

Seriously, great looking galaxy Geoff, like that faint extension to the left of the main galaxy.

Bet you are hanging to get all that brilliant new kit up and running, should produce some corker images.

Mike

[RickS]

Very nice image, Geoff, and a galaxy I hadn't seen before. Well done!

[Geoff45]

Thanks Mike. The extension is interesting. It looks like a tidal tail, but the is nothing obvious to have caused it.


Thanks Rick. As I said, it's strange that it doesn't get more exposure. I think most people wrap up "Sculptor" and "NGC253" in a box and assume that's all there is.

[Placidus]

Beautiful image, Geoff. Superb colours in the galaxies and in the foreground stars. The "uncaused" tidal tail is very obvious. The main galaxy looks like it would be very beautiful if we could see it face-on.

[Stevec35]

Nice image Geoff. I believe the trouble I've always had with NGC 134 is a lack of guide stars.

Cheers

Steve

[Geoff45]

Thanks Steve. I agree about the guide star. In fact I had a bit of luck here. I couldn't get a guide star when NGC134 was centered, so I moved it over looking for a guide star and unexpectedly got both NGC131 and a guide star. I hadn't known about NGC131, so that was a bonus.
Geoff

[ZeroID]

NIce work. Gives me something to try if the weather cooperates.

[sjastro]

Very nice Geoff.

Did you apply the pixel mapping routine to this one?

Regards

Steven

[Geoff45]

Thanks Steven. No, I didn't apply the PMR, but will have a go when I reprocess.
Geoff

[Ryderscope]

Wow, nice target Geoff. Agreed that there should be more captures of this field. Will make sure to add to target list.

RW

[Geoff45]

Thanks Rodney. It should still be in a good position at the next new moon weekend at Wiruna.
Geoff

[marc4darkskies]

Very interesting & pretty galaxy Geoff. :thumbsup: I see you struggled with noise control on the background - those warm nights wreak havok without an ambient-60C CCD. What will your image scale be with the new FLI?

[Geoff45]

Thanks Marcus. Image scale will be a tad over 0.7 asp.
Geoff

[Ross G]

Great looking galaxy photo Geoff.

I love the composition.

Ross.

[Geoff45]

Thanks Ross. I agree about the composition, but as I pointed out somewhere above it was more a matter of blind luck than careful forethought,
Geoff