galaxies

Abbreviations- G, billion; M, million; k, thousand; ly, light years; NA, not applicable; FOV- field of view; au- astronomical units (1 au = distance from Sun to Earth or 93 million miles)

 

TON 168 is a quasar about 10.7 Gly (10.7 billion light years) from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici.  Although the light captured here took 10.7 billion years to reach Earth, TON 168 is actually 18.2 billion light years away owing to the expansion of the Universe.  It is an active galatic nucleus at the center of a galaxy, the engine of which is a supermassive black hole feeding on very hot gas and matter.  TON 168 shines with 140 trillion times the brightness of our Sun.  Hover your mouse over the image to zoom in to the quasar.
	Object	TON 168
	Distance	10.7 Gly (10.7 billion ly)
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	TON 168
	Date	February 18 - 20, 2025 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 55 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous to third quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	2 hour; 12 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

PG 1634+706 is a quasar about 9 Gly (9 billion light years) from Earth in the constellation Draco.  It is the most distant object in the universe that can be seen with the human eye through an amateur telescope.  From Earth, quasars look like stars.  However, they are really super massive black holes at the center of active galaxies that generate a prodigious amount of electromagnetic radiation including visible light.  Hover your mouse over the image to zoom in to the quasar.
	Object	PG 1634+706
	Distance	9 Gly (9 billion ly)
	Constellation	Draco
	Link	PG 1634+706
	Date	February 03 - 05, 2025 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 65 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to first quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 891 is an edge-on spiral galaxy approximately 27 Mly from Earth in the constellation Andromeda.  The many filamentary patterns seen in the dusty disk (best seen in larger image) may be the result of supernova explosions that threw interstellar dust out from the disk and into the halo.  NGC 891 is similar in size and structure to our Milky Way.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 891
	Distance	27 Mly
	Constellation	Andromeda
	Link	NGC 891
	Date	December 23 - 27, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 45 - 65 F
	Moon	Third quarter to waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

The Sculptor Galaxy, also known as NGC 253, is an intermediate spiral galaxy about 10 Mly from Earth in the constellation Sculptor.  It is a starburst galaxy, meaning it is undergoing a period of intense star formation.  It is one of the brightest galaxies in the night sky.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)
	Distance	10 Mly
	Constellation	Sculptor
	Link	NGC 253
	Date	December 02 - 07, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 45 - 65 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

Shown is a picture of the Milky Way taken at the base of Chimney Rock in Capitol Reef National Park Wayne County, UT.  The center of the Milky Way, which is in the constellation Sagittarius, is 26,000 ly from Earth.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	Milky Way
	Distance	26,000 ly (to center)
	Constellation	Sagittarius
	Link	Galactic Center
	Date	July 08, 2024 (Capitol Reef Nat Park, UT)
	Conditions	Clear, 70 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	Clear
	Lens	Nikkor 14 - 24 mm @ 14 mm, f/2.8
	Camera	Nikon Z7II, ISO 1600
	Frames	24 x 10 sec exposures combined
	Red	NA
	Green	NA
	Blue	NA
	HA	NA

 

The Splinter Galaxy (NGC 5907) is 50 Mly from Earth in the constellation Draco.  It is a member of the NGC 5866 group and was discovered in 1788 by William Hershel.  NGC 5907 is surrounded by tidal star streams (can be seen here) that are probably the trail of a dwarf galaxy that was torn apart and merged with it.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	Splinter Galaxy (NGC 5907)
	Distance	50 Mly
	Constellation	Draco
	Link	NGC 5907
	Date	June 10 - 14, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 70 - 90 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to first quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 4536 is an intermediate spiral galaxy 49 Mly from Earth in the constellation Virgo and is not a member of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies.  It is undergoing a strong burst of star formation in the ring that surrounds its nucleus.  It has a small supermassive black hole at its core and does not have the classical center bulge.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4536
	Distance	49 Mly
	Constellation	Virgo
	Link	NGC 4536
	Date	May 03 - 07, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 80 F
	Moon	Waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 4676A (left) and NGC 4676B (right), also known as the Mice Galaxies, are two spiral galaxies 290 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  They are in the process of colliding and will eventually merge into one large galaxy.  They are known as the Mice Galaxies because of their long tails of stars and dust emanating from each galaxy caused by gravitational forces.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4676 (Mice Galaxies)
	Distance	290 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	NGC 4676
	Date	April 23 - 30, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 80 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a zoomed out version.

 

M91 is a barred spiral galaxy 63 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  It is part of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies.  It is considered an anemic galaxy because it has little star formation and gas relative to other galaxies of its type.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M91
	Distance	63 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	M91
	Date	April 14 - 16, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing gibbous to waning gibbous
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	6 hours; 36 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 5216 (bottom) and NGC 5218 (top), also known as Keenan's System and Arp 104, are spiral (5216) and globular (5218) galaxies 17 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  They are bridged by a cosmic trail made of gas, dust, and stars that spans 22,000 ly.  The two galaxies will likely merge into a single galaxy billions of years from now.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 5216 & 5218
	Distance	17 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	Arp 104
	Date	April 12 & 13, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M51, commonly known as the Whirlpool galaxy, is a spiral galaxy 37 Mly from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici.  The very pronounced spiral structure of M51 is believed to be the result of a close interaction with its companion galaxy, NGC 5195 (right), which passed through M51 about 500 - 600 million years ago.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy)
	Distance	37 Mly
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	M51
	Date	April  09 - 11, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 45 - 80 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	6 hours; 36 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 4216 (center left) is a metal-rich intermediate spiral galaxy 55 Mly from Earth in the constellation Virgo.  It is one of the largest and brightest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster of galaxies and is brighter than the Andromeda galaxy.  It is considered an anemic galaxy because it has low star formation for a galaxy of its type.  It is seen here with two neighboring galaxies NGC 4206 (upper left) and NGC 4222 (lower left).  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4216 / 4206 / 4222
	Distance	55 Mly
	Constellation	Virgo
	Link	NGC 4216
	Date	April 02 - 06, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 70 F
	Moon	Third quarter to waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2.7 hours; 16 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2.7 hours; 16 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2.7 hours; 16 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 3310 is a grand design spiral galaxy 35 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  Grand design means that it has almost perfect structure with prominent, well-defined arms that extend from a clear, central core.  It is a starburst galaxy and likely collided with a nearby satellite galaxy 100 million years ago, which triggered the widespread star formation.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 3310
	Distance	35 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	NGC 3310
	Date	March 04 - 11, 2024 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 70 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	14.8 hours; 89 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

M77, also known as the Squid Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy 47 Mly from Earth in the constellation Cetus.  It has tightly wound spiral arms and an outer ring.  It is an active galaxy with a supermassive black hole at its core.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M77 (Squid Galaxy)
	Distance	47 Mly
	Constellation	Cetus
	Link	M77
	Date	November/December, 2023 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 70 F
	Moon	First quarter to third quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 266 is a barred spiral galaxy 197 Mly from Earth in the constellation Pisces.  It has a quasi-ring-like structure and moderately-to-tightly wound spiral arms.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 266
	Distance	197 Mly
	Constellation	Pisces
	Link	NGC 266
	Date	October 15 - 18, 2023 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 60 - 70 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	9 hours; 54 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

M64, also known as the Black Eye Galaxy, is spiral galaxy 17 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  A dark band of absorbing dust in front of its bright core resembles a black eye, hence, its name.  M64 contains about 100 million stars and spans about 54 kly, which is about one-third the size of our Milky Way.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M64 (Black Eye Galaxy)
	Distance	17 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	M64
	Date	May 24 - 28, 2023 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 60 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to waxing gibbous
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	5 hours; 30 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 5371 is a weakly barred spiral galaxy 130 Mly from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici.  It has a transitional inner ring structure and moderately wound spiral arms.  NGC 5371 appears to be weakly interacting with the nearby, equidistant, Hickson 68 group of galaxies (not seen here), and thus may be a member.  Two supernovae have been discovered in NGC 5371.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 5371
	Distance	130 Mly
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	NGC 5371
	Date	May 20 - 23, 2023 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 60 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 2775 is an unbarred spiral galaxy 67 Mly from Earth in the constellation Cancer.  It has a prominent outer ring structure and flocculent tightly wound spiral arms.  Star formation is taking place in the outer ring but its nucleus is devoid of star formation.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 2775
	Distance	67 Mly
	Constellation	Cancer
	Link	NGC 2775
	Date	January 25 - 28, 2023 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 70 F
	Moon	Waxing and waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	8 hours; 48 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	7 hours; 42 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	7 hours; 42 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	7 hours; 42 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M74, also known as the Phantom Galaxy, is a large spiral galaxy 30 Mly from Earth in the constellation Pisces.  It contains two clearly defined spiral arms and is an example of a grand design spiral galaxy.  It is thought to contain an intermediate-mass black hole at its core.  Several supernova have been observed within this galaxy.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M74 (Phantom Galaxy)
	Distance	30 Mly
	Constellation	Pisces
	Link	M74
	Date	October/November, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 70 F
	Moon	Waxing and waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	8 hours; 48 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	7 hours; 42 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	7 hours; 42 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	7 hours; 42 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

Stephan's Quintet (bottom center, hover mouse over image to zoom in) consists of five galaxies: NGC 7317, NGC 7318A/B, NGC 7319, NGC 7320C, and NGC 7320.  The first four galaxies are between 210 to 340 Mly from Earth in the constellation Pegasus.  NGC 7320 (blue galaxy on left in quintet) is in the foreground about 39 Mly from Earth.  Also seen is the unbarred spiral galaxy NGC 7331 (top right) 40 Mly from Earth.  Several arcs of intergalatic gas caused by shock of colliding gas can be seen within the quintet.  Click here to see a larger version.
	Object	Stephan's Quintet
	Distance	210 - 340 Mly
	Constellation	Pegasus
	Link	Stephan's Quintet
	Date	September 17 & 18, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 70 - 80 F
	Moon	Third quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see an annotated image

 

Abell 1656, also known as the Coma Galaxy Cluster, is a large cluster of over 1,000 galaxies 330 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  Most of the galaxies are elliptical with NGC 4874 and NGC 4889 being the most prominent (center).  The Coma Cluster is one of the first places where dark matter was discovered by Fritz Zwicky.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	Coma Galaxy Cluster (Abell 1696)
	Distance	330 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	Coma Galaxy Cluster (Abell 1656)
	Date	May 05 - 08, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 60 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	9 hours; 54 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see an annotated image.

 

NGC 4725 is an intermediate barred spiral galaxy 40 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  It is the brightest galaxy in the Coma I Group.  NGC 4725 arms are warped due to its gravitational interaction with the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 4747 (upper left), which is 370 kly away.  NGC 4725 has a supermassive black hole at its core.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4725
	Distance	40 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	NGC 4725
	Date	April 28 - May 04, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 55 - 75 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	10 hours; 60 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3  hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see an annotated image.

 

M100 (upper left) is a grand design intermediate spiral galaxy 55 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  It is considered a starburst galaxy with strongest star formation activity in its core, which is surrounded by two tightly wound spiral arms.  The galaxy in the lower right is NGC 4312.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M100
	Distance	55 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	M100
	Date	April 23 - 27, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Third quarter to waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	6 hours; 36 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see an annotated image.

 

NGC 4565 is a giant barred spiral galaxy 40 to 50 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  It is one of the brightest members of the Coma I Group and is more luminous than Andromeda, our neighbor galaxy.  NGC 4565 is interacting with several nearby galaxies including NGC 4562 (upper right).  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4565
	Distance	40 - 50 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	NGC 4565
	Date	March 8 - 11, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to waxing gibbous
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	6 hours; 36 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see an annotated image.

 

NGC 4298 (right) is a flocculent spiral galaxy 53 Mly from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices.  It forms a pair and interacts with NGC 4302 (left), an on-edge spiral galaxy that is about 36 kly away from NGC 4298.  NGC 4302 has a prominent extended dust lane that is edge-on from our perspective.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4298 & 4302
	Distance	53 Mly
	Constellation	Coma Berenices
	Link	NGC 4298
	Date	March 01 - 07, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	8 hours; 48 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 2903 is an isolated barred spiral galaxy 30 Mly from Earth in the constellation Leo.  It is a member of the Virgo Supercluster.  It has moderate to tightly wound spiral arms.  There is strong starburst activity near its core.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 2903
	Distance	30 Mly
	Constellation	Leo
	Link	NGC 2903
	Date	February 03 & 04, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

The Hickson 44 Group consists of four galaxies including NGC 3185, 3187, 3190, and 3193.  They are about 80 Mly from Earth in the constellation Leo.  NGC 3185 (lower left) is a barred spiral galaxy, 3187 (upper right) and 3190 (upper left) are spiral galaxies, and 3193 (top) is an elliptical galaxy.  Gravitational interactions with other members of the Hickson 44 group have warped the spiral arms of NGC 3187 and 3190.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	Hickson 44 Group
	Distance	80 Mly
	Constellation	Leo
	Link	Hickson 44
	Date	January 23 - 25, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous to third quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	8 hours; 48 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see an annotated image.

 

M104, also known as the Sombrero galaxy, is 31 Mly from Earth in the constellation Virgo.  It is a member of the Virgo II Group, which is part of the Virgo Supercluster.  It has a bright nucleus, a large central bulge, and a prominent dust lane in its outer disk, which is edge-on from our perspective.  There is a supermassive black hole at its core.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M104 (Sombrero Galaxy)
	Distance	31 Mly
	Constellation	Virgo
	Link	M104
	Date	January 20 - 22, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 55 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous
	Seeing/	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	LLuminance	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA/	NA

 

IC 342 is a spiral galaxy 11 Mly from Earth in the constellation Camelopardalis.  IC 342 is relatively close, large and bright but because it is located near the plane of our galactic equator (as evident by the number of stars in the field of view) it is obscured by galactic dust.  Hence, it has been nicknamed "The Hidden Galaxy".  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	IC 342 (The Hidden Galaxy)
	Distance	11 Mly
	Constellation	Camelopardalis
	Link	IC 342
	Date	January 19 - 21, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Full moon to waxing gibbous
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	4 hours; 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2.5 hours; 15 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2.5 hours; 15 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2.5 hours; 15 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M81, also known as Bodes galaxy, is a spiral galaxy 12 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  M81 has a lot of interstellar dust in its spiral arms that is associated with star formation, many of which are hot blue stars.  Its center contains a supermassive black hole with a mass about 70 million times that of our sun.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M81 (Bodes Galaxy)
	Distance	12 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	M81
	Date	January 04 - 06, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 60 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	6 hours; 36 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

M81 (bottom left) and M82 (top right), also known as Bodes and the Cigar galaxies, are 12 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  M81 is a spiral galaxy that contains many star forming regions (pink).   M82 has an irregular shape probably due to its gravitational interaction with M81.  Superwinds of hydrogen gas caused by massive stars and supernova explosions can be seen emanating from its center.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M81 & M82 (Bodes & Cigar Galaxies)
	Distance	12 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	M81 & M82
	Date	February 05 & 06, 2022 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STX16803
	Luminance	3.5 hours; 21 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M31, also known as the Andromeda galaxy, is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way approximately 2.5 Mly from Earth in the constellation Andromeda.  M31 spans 3 to 4 degrees in the night sky (6 to 8 moon diameters) and is estimated to contain 1 trillion stars.  It will collide with the Milky Way in 4 to 5 billion years.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M31 (Andromeda Galaxy)
	Distance	2.5 Mly
	Constellation	Andromeda
	Link	M31
	Date	October 28 - 31, 2021 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 55 - 75 F
	Moon	Third quarter to waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	Takahashi TOA130 @ f7.7
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	13.3 hours; 40 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 2841 is a flocculent spiral galaxy about 46 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  It's referred to as flocculent because its arms are patchy and discontinuous.  It has properties similar to our nearest neighbor the Andromeda galaxy.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 2841
	Distance	46 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	NGC 2841
	Date	January 09 - 17, 2021 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 40 - 60 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	13 hours; 39 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	7 hours; 21 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	7 hours; 21 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	7 hours; 21 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

NGC 4157 is barred spiral galaxy 36 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  This galaxy is seen almost edge-on from Earth but it is inclined just enough to see its core and several dust lanes.  Several type II supernovae explosions have been observed in this galaxy.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4157
	Distance	36 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	NGC 4157
	Date	May 21 - 25, 2020 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 60 - 80 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	8 hours; 24 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 3344 is a weakly barred spiral galaxy 23 Mly from Earth in the constellation Leo Minor.  It has moderate to loosely wound spiral arms and both an inner and outer ring.  It is half the size of our Milky Way.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 3344
	Distance	23 Mly
	Constellation	Leo Minor
	Link	NGC 3344
	Date	April 12 - 16, 2020 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 70 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	9 hours; 27 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 6946 is an intermediate spiral galaxy approximately 22 Mly from Earth in the constellations Cepheus & Cygnus.  From the vantage point of Earth, NGC 6946 is highly obscurred by interstellar matter because it lies in the Milky Way's galactic plane.  In the past century, 10 supernova have been observed in this galaxy.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 6946
	Distance	22 Mly
	Constellation	Cepheus & Cygnus
	Link	NGC 6946
	Date	October 13 - 28, 2017 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 55 - 80 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous to first quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	25 hours; 75 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 2403 is an intermediate spiral galaxy approximately 8 Mly from Earth in the constellation Camelopardalis.  It is an outlying member of the M81 group and resembles M33 (see below).  NGC 2403 contains numerous star-forming HII regions.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 2403
	Distance	8 Mly
	Constellation	Camelopardalis
	Link	NGC 2403
	Date	October 13 - 28, 2017 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 55 - 80 F
	Moon	Waning gibbous to first quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	15 hours; 45 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2 hours; 6 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M94 is 16 Mly from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici.  It is a barred spiral galaxy that has two rings around it (difficult to resolve in this image).  The inner ring is the site of strong star burst formation.  The outer ring is also active in star formation.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M94
	Distance	16 Mly
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	M94
	Date	April 02 - May 02, 2017 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 55 - 80 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.4 - 3.7 arc-sec (mean 2.96 arc-sec)
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	26 hours; 79 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M63, also known as the Sunflower galaxy, is 37 Mly from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici.  It is ~100 kly across and has many short spiral arms that are streaked with cosmic dust lanes and dotted with pink star forming regions.  M63 belongs to the M51 (see below) group of galaxies.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M63 (Sunflower Galaxy)
	Distance	37 Mly
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	M63
	Date	April 16 - 18, 2015 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, 50 - 60 F
	Moon	Waning crescent to new moon
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	6 hours, 36 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours, 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours, 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours, 18 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 4038/4039, also known as the Antennae galaxies, are two colliding galaxies about 45 Mly from Earth in the constellation Corvus.  The two galaxies were separate 1.2 billion years ago and began colliding about 600 - 900 million years ago.  The collision causes rapid star formation.  Eventually, they will become one galaxy.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 4038/4039 (Antennae Galaxies)
	Distance	45 Mly
	Constellation	Corvus
	Link	Antennae Galaxies
	Date	March 23 - 26, 2015 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Mostly clear, 60 - 70 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to first quarter
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	4 hours, 24 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	2 hours, 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	2 hours, 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	2 hours, 12 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 7331, also known as Caldwell 30, is a spiral galaxy about 40 Mly from Earth in the constellation Pegasus.  In most spiral galaxies, the central bulge rotates in the same direction as the disk.  The bulge in NGC 7331 is rotating in the opposite direction.  Several other galaxies much further away can also be seen in the field of view.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 7331
	Distance	40 Mly
	Constellation	Pegasus
	Link	NGC 7331
	Date	November 22 - 25, 2014 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Mostly clear, 50 - 60 F
	Moon	New moon to waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	7 hours; 21 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	3 hours; 9 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 5033 is a Seyfert galaxy 38 - 60 Mly from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici.  It has a bright, active nucleus thought to contain a supermassive black hole.  Some of the arms are warped indicating a recent interaction with another galaxy.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 5033
	Distance	38 - 60 Mly
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	NGC 5033
	Date	March 10 - 22, 2013 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Mostly clear, 50 - 60 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent to waning gibbous
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	17 hours; 51 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	6 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	6 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	8 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 3628 is 35 Mly from Earth in the constellation Leo.  It is a member of the Leo Triplet, which includes M65 and M66.  NGC 3628 was discovered in 1784 by William Hershel.  From our perspective, NGC 3628 is seen edge-on.  Its dust lane and ends are distorted by its gravitational interaction with M65 and M66.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 3628
	Distance	35 Mly
	Constellation	Leo
	Link	NGC 3628
	Date	February 10 - March 13, 2013 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Mostly clear, 50 - 70 F
	Moon	New moon - new moon
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	16.7 hours; 50 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	5 hours; 15 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	4 hours; 12 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

NGC 3521 is 35 Mly from Earth in the constellation Leo.  It contains many star forming regions (pink) and clusters of young, blue stars.  It is embedded in gigantic bubble-like shells (see here), which are probably tidal debris and streams of stars torn from satellite galaxies that have undegone mergers with NGC 3521 in the past.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	NGC 3521
	Distance	35 Mly
	Constellation	Leo
	Link	NGC 3521
	Date	March 28 & 29, 2012 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp- 60 F, RH- 20%, DP- 23 F
	Moon/	Waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	7 hours; 21 x 20 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 3 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 3 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 3 x 20 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

M82 (Cigar Galaxy) is 12 Mly from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major.  It was discovered in 1774 by Johann Bode.  Its irregular shape is probably due to its gravitational interaction with M81, a neighboring galaxy.  Superwinds of hydrogen gas caused by massive stars and supernova explosions can be seen emanating from its center.  Click on the image to see a larger version.
	Object	M82 (Cigar Galaxy)
	Distance	12 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	M82
	Date	January 19 & 20, 2012 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp- 43 F, RH- 77%, DP- 37 F
	Moon	Waning crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	2 hours; 12 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

	Object	M33 (Triangulum Galaxy)
	Distance	3 Mly
	Constellation	Triangulum
	Link	M33
	Date	December 24 & 25, 2011 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp- 45 F, RH- 48%, DP- 23 F
	Moon	New moon
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	3 hours; 18 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Click here to see a larger version.

 

	Object	M106
	Distance	25 Mly
	Constellation	Canes Venatici
	Link	M106
	Date	April 30, 2009 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp- 69 F, RH- 16%, DP- 20 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	2 hours; 8 x 15 min, 1 x 1
	Red	1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	Green	1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

	Object	M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy)
	Distance	27 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	M101
	Date	April 29, 2009 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp- 69 F, RH- 16%, DP- 20 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	1 hour; 4 x 15 min, 1 x 1
	Red	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	Green	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

Click on the image above to see animation.  Shown in the animation are two superimposed images of M101 taken in April 2009 (frame 1) and September 2011 (frame 2).  A type Ia supernova designated SN2011fe (seen in frame 2) appeared in August/September of 2011 reaching a peak visual magnitude of ~10.
	Object	Supernova SN2011fe in M101
	Distance	27 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	M101
	Date	04/29/2009 & 09/25/2011 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear
	Moon	Waxing (2009) and waning (2011) crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 3.0 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	4 x 15 min; 1 x 1 (both 2009 & 2011)
	Red	NA
	Green	NA
	Blue	NA
	HA	NA

 

	Object	M65 (right) & M66 (left)
	Distance	35 Mly
	Constellation	Leo
	Link	M65 & M66
	Date	April 28, 2009 (Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp- 69 F, RH- 16%, DP- 20 F
	Moon	Waxing crescent
	Seeing	2.0 - 2.5 arc-sec
	Telescope	RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9
	CCD camera	SBIG STL11000M
	Luminance	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 1 x 1
	Red	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	Green	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	0.5 hours; 2 x 15 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA

 

	Object	NGC 5746
	Distance	95 Mly
	Constellation	Virgo
	Link	NGC 5746
	Date	April 20, 2004 (Kitt Peak, Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp, RH, DP- Unknown
	Moon	New moon
	Seeing	Unknown
	Telescope	RCOS 20" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9 (Kitt Peak)
	CCD camera	SBIG ST10XME
	Luminance	1 hour; 6 x 10 min, 1 x 1
	Red	10 min; 1 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	10 min; 1 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	10 min; 1 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Image taken by Adam Block, Svend and Carl Freytag

 

	Object	NGC 3359
	Distance	49 Mly
	Constellation	Ursa Major
	Link	NGC 3359
	Date	April 19, 2004 (Kitt Peak, Tucson, AZ)
	Conditions	Clear, Temp, RH, DP- Unknown
	Moon	New moon
	Seeing	Unknown
	Telescope	RCOS 20" Ritchey-Chretien @ f9 (Kitt Peak)
	CCD camera	SBIG ST10XME
	Luminance	1.75 hours; 7 x 15 min, 1 x 1
	Red	10 min; 1 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Green	10 min; 1 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	Blue	10 min; 1 x 10 min, 2 x 2
	HA	NA
	Image taken by Adam Block, Svend and Carl Freytag

 

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