NGC7424 Grand Designs Galaxy

[rmuhlack]

This is NGC7424, a barred spiral galaxy about 37.5 million light years away in the southern constellation Grus. What's far more interesting though, is that according to my planetarium software (Stellarium) this galaxy is also known as The Grand Design galaxy. Not *a* grand design galaxy, but *THE* grand design galaxy. Which begs the obvious questions:

Was it an owner-architect-builder? Is it an innovative ecological design which features both open plan living spaces as well as a cosy snug? Did they mortgage everything to afford the build? Did they have to live in a caravan after blowing out the deadline and available cash? Was there an unexpected pregnancy? Or a divorce? And most importantly, did Kevin raise an eyebrow and knowingly smile when they said they’d be in by Christmas…? ENQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW !!!

Capture details:
Skywatcher 200PDS, QHY294C, Sharpstar 0.95x MPCC, Skywatcher NEQ6
Optolong UV-IR 114 x 5min subs
Captured across 28 August – 6 Sept from Strathalbyn, processed in PixInsight 1.8.9-3

Am hoping I might be able to add some NB at a later date to enhance the nebula regions, but I’m happy with how this is shaping up so far. I’ve given it a good stretch as there seems to be some galactic cirrus around and lots of background fuzzies too.

Full res: https://www.astrobin.com/ywjlt1/

[alpal]

Hi Richard,
nice job on a faint mag 11 galaxy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_7424

cheers
Allan

[Startrek]

Richard,
I’ll second Allan , an excellent result from your semi rural skies
The frames must have been just a faint blemish as they rolled in , it’s certainly a dim galaxy
Well done !
Martin

[CoolhandJo]

nice capture and hilarious pic insert:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

A fine galaxy image Richard. Grand and majestic with lots of light, gives a sense of space and the use of materials in each gently curved arm of the structure complements its environment beautifully. :D

Mike

[rmuhlack]

Thanks Allan/Martin - yes it is on the dim side which makes it a bit more challenging than some of the brighter target, but the challenge is part of the fun of the hobby, right? :)

Thanks Paul/Mike - you'll agree that Kevin does have a keen eye for these sorts of details ;) :D

[rmuhlack]

With some more clear weather I've been able to extend the integration on this target by another few hours, including some NB to help bring out the Ha regions. Now with:

Optolong UV-IR 144 x 5min subs
Optolong L-extreme 15 x 10min subs

Hi-res version of this image revision here: https://www.astrobin.com/ywjlt1/B/

[TrevorW]

Like this, dim galaxies need a lot of good data, nicely done :)

[gregbradley]

That's a lovely widefield image of this galaxy. Love the stars too as well as the feeling of space the image imparts.

Greg.