THE WHALE GALAXY (NGC4631)




Date: 14th April 2011
Scope: ED80
Camera: Atik 16ic + Astronomik CLS and R,G,B Filters
Exposure: 18X500secs L + 6X300secs each R,G,B
Guiding: ZS66 - Modified Toucam SC3 - EQ6 Pro
Location: Bromley, Kent.
Comments: NGC 4631 (also known as the Whale Galaxy or Caldwell 32) 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 a whale, hence its nickname. 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. This image was a real pain to process. The colour balance was really difficult I think due to use of the CLS filter.