NGC 4631 : The Whale Galaxy

Photographs by Andy Strappazzon

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Messier Number:
-

NGC Number:
NGC 4631

Common Name:
The Whale Galaxy

Constellation:
Canes Venatici

Distance from Earth:
30 million light years

Visual Magnitude:
9.8

Size:
15′.5 × 2′.7

Rate:

Description:
NGC 4631 is an edge-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. This galaxy's slightly distorted wedge shape gives it the appearance of a herring or whale, which is why it is infrequently referred to as the Whale Galaxy. Because this nearby galaxy is seen edge-on from Earth, professional astronomers observe this galaxy to better understand the gas and stars located outside the plane of the galaxy. (Wikipedia)

Deepskystacker Live Results:

Score:

FWHM:

Stars Number:

Background:

Date Taken:
22 March 2009

Location:
Belgium - Biesmerée

Weather:
Temp = 4°C

Equipment:
Skywatcher NEq6 Pro
Skywatcher ED80
Images aquired with: 
Canon 350D unfiltred

Exposure Specs:
Lights: 
120x60 sec @ 800ISO

Darks: 
72x60 sec @ 800ISO

Flats: 24
Offsets: 46

Total Exposure: 120min

Processed with:
Deepskystacker
Adobe Photoshop CS 2