Centaurus A ablaze in NIR.

[sjastro]

In terms of pretty pictures Centaurus A isn't much of a subject when imaged in NIR but it is a very different looking object when compared to images in the visible range.
NIR can cut through the obscuring dust revealing a very bright core.

It makes an interesting contrast to the NUV image and was much easier to process.

Details
LRGB L=NIR filter.
3 hrs L, 0.8 hrs G, 0.8 hrs B
BRC-250 scope, ST-X10ME

Higher resolution image.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~sjastro/CentNIR.jpg

To show the bright core is no processing fault, I have attached the Two Micron All Sky Survey image from the 1.3 metre scope at Cerro Tololo Chile as a comparison.

I intend to present an animated GIF showing Centaurus A imaged at various wavelengths.

Clear skies

Steven

[jase (Jason)]

Kudos on the NIR approach to this favourite, Steven. Galaxies with their broad spectra make for an interesting result with NIR. My preference remains with visible wavelengths for such targets however I do like the results obtain imaging complex nebulosity that NIR provides. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing more.

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

the dust lane seems to curve around almost as if it were a ring around the galaxy..don't recall seeing that before.

This is seriously cool stuff.

[sjastro]

Originally Posted by jase

Kudos on the NIR approach to this favourite, Steven. Galaxies with their broad spectra make for an interesting result with NIR. My preference remains with visible wavelengths for such targets however I do like the results obtain imaging complex nebulosity that NIR provides. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing more.

Thanks Jase.
From the imagers perspective the NIR approach turns a common object into a not so common image.
While most astroimagers probably abhor burnt out cores, this one was processed to make sure the burnt out core wasn't lost.
I think it is a unique feature of the galaxy in NIR.

Clear skies

Originally Posted by seeker372011

the dust lane seems to curve around almost as if it were a ring around the galaxy..don't recall seeing that before.

This is seriously cool stuff.

Thanks Narayan.

I find the redder areas in the higher resolution image intriguing. In a visible light image these would normally be interpreted as HII regions, in an NIR image I'm not sure what they are.

Regards

Steven

[DavidU (Dave)]

Very nice indeed.

[gregbradley]

Very good work Steven. Very interesting to see that core so bright like that.

Greg.

[astronobob (Bob)]

Very interesting views Steven a whole new Perspective & Intriguing for these eyes seeing Cent A in this light, nice work ! !

[sjastro]

Thanks Bob, Greg, Dave for your comments.

Clear skies

Steven

[Shiraz (Ray)]

complements your excellent UV work - interesting new view of the galaxy. Regards ray

[sjastro]

Originally Posted by Shiraz

complements your excellent UV work - interesting new view of the galaxy. Regards ray

Thank you Ray.

Visually it pales into insignificance compared to Rolf's great image but I think it conveys a scientific value.

Regards

Steven