NGC3166 and NGC3169

[Paul Haese]

This is an image of NGC3166 and NGC3169. It has long been on my list of targets and I finally got around to capturing some data on it.

The data was taken with an Orion Optics UK AG12 and ZWO533 MM. Imaged at Swan Reach Imaging with 24.9 hours of integration. LRGB 875 200 210 210.

I think I will try to imaging it again next year to define more of the tidal streams which surround NGC3169. There is potentially quite a bit more data to be obtained on the streams.

Click here (https://phaese.smugmug.com/Galaxies/i-wFCcq4h/A) for larger image.

[atalas]

Excellent result Paul :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Bodon]

Very nice and detailed :thumbsup:

[alpal]

Great image Paul on a difficult target -
magnitude 10 and 57 million light years away.

cheers
Allan

[PeterSEllis]

Nice one Paul, well done. Just when you think you have them all in your collection, a new one pops up, I will add that one to my nexts years to do list, assuming the clouds give me a brake.

Peter

[gregbradley]

That's a stunning and unique image Paul. The detail in it is amazing.

I agree, more exposure time will reveal those interesting tidal streams.

This galaxy looks a lot like Cent A.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

An intriguing pair of galactic eyes there, plenty going on too, almost dynamic, a lovely result Paul :thumbsup:

Mike

[astronobob]

Some sources mention 70 million LY away, ,
Intriguing gravitational interactions captured there Paul, Seems galactic arms have been ripped off ?
Ive searched other images and really like how you processed the Galactic Centers bringing out the dust lanes and inner galactic structures, even 3165 making a sound addition,, !

Side info, NGC 3169 is also known to shine across the spectrum from radio to X-rays, not sure if equates to extra data collection if/when adding more, interesting none the less..

[Rigel003]

Fantastic detail there Paul. I hadn't heard of this pair of galaxies but they make a stunning image.

[Paul Haese]

Thanks everyone for the comments.



There are so many really good galaxies to image, I am sure I will never get to anywhere near half of them. My particular interest is in galaxies that are interacting or have large contorted halos. Each of them look unique in their own way and it is interesting to see how gravity and perspective presents differing views.



There appears to be some contradiction about the distance even on the Wikipedia pages too. Looks like 3166 lies at a distance of between 61-72 million light years and 3169 says either 57 or 75 Million (likely a typo). In any event it is probably likely to be around 70-75 million light years from what I can determine.

I suspect that 3166 will in the far distant future appear very much like Centaurus A but at a slightly different tilt to its appearance. Perhaps 3169 is more like how Centaurus A would appear from above. There might be a jet Ha/OIII visible with some very deep imaging.

[Ryderscope]

A fascinating collection of most interesting galaxies Paul and well presented with tons of detail. There is certainly a lot of faint data lurking in the field that would be worth pursuing. Will take a fair bit of integration time but worth the effort.