WLM Dwarf Galaxy

[sjastro]

Another very faint galaxy although compared to the Carina Dwarf galaxy this one is a beacon in the night.

Also known as DDO 221 or UA 4444.

As with the Carina Dwarf image the sky background has been subtracted.
The apparent graininess of the galaxy is due to my little scope being able to resolve the galaxy into stars.

3.5 hrs luminance BRC-250, ST-X10ME.
http://users.westconnect.com.au/~sjastro/ddo221.html

Since there are no other amateur images I know of, the "smallest aperture" image for comparison is from the 2.5M Issac Newton Telescope.
http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/~jmi/images/wlm.jpg

On the basis of that image I'm tempted to go for colour.

Regards

Steven

[renormalised (Carl)]

Great piccie, Steven!!!. Yours easily competes with the professional shot, albeit at a greater FoV, but just as detailed

Colour would look great

You've been going for some tough targets lately!!!!

[sjastro]

Thanks Carl. You're too kind.

There's a big difference in resolution when you compare the detail in the background galaxies in both images.

Regards

Steven

[renormalised (Carl)]

Of course, however for a 10" scope it's not a bad shot.

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Its good to see the comparison shot to put this into perspective. Thanks. So just how far way is this galaxy anyway?

[renormalised (Carl)]

3.04 million light years.

[sjastro]

Perhaps this post belongs in the science forum but the WLM dwarf galaxy has been intensely studied by the professionals.

The 3.5M ESO image of the galaxy is obscene given how deep the image is with ridiculously small exposures , 2 X 45 minute mosaic with a near-IR filter in 0.9 arcsec seeing conditions!!

http://www.eso.org/public/outreach/p.../pr-11-96.html

Steven

[TrevorW]

There is a smudge on the image

Oh thats the galaxy

Well done for such a dim one

Go for colour

[Hagar (Doug)]

Neat little galaxy Steve, you seem to manage all the obscure targets.

Well done.

[rogerg (Roger)]

Nice!

I'm always keen to applaud someone who takes a shot of something rarely or never imaged by amateurs

[Paddy (Patrick)]

Very nice image of a faint target. I reckon your image stacks up very well against the 2.5 m shot. Well done. I look forward to a colour version.

[gregbradley]

Great capture Steven.

Greg.

[telecasterguru (Frank)]

Fantastic image and I love all the background bits and pieces. Lots to see. Colour would make a big difference in my opinion.

Frank

[sjastro]

Thanks Carl, Paul, Trevor, Doug, Roger, Patrick, Greg and Frank for your comments.

I'll try colour but it won't be easy.

Regards

Steven

[glenc (Glen)]

Thanks Steven, that is an impressive image.

I saw the WLM galaxy after the moon set on 7/11/08. It was very faint in the 12" Dob. I had to wait till 30 mins after the moon set before I saw it, and it was better with low power (21mm EP, 70X).

[sjastro]

Thanks Glen.

You must have an excellent dark site to see this object.

Steven