I had high expectations of this object, even though I knew it would be a challenge to create a nice image of this with refractors and a dslr. After the first night I already was happily surprised with the results. Nothing seems impossible under truly dark Namibian skies 😉
It was also quite a challenge to process, especially with the galactic cirrus in the background. In the end I think the image needs and deserves some more exposure and frames to bring down the noise and get the galactic cirrus to stand out more. So I’ll call it a Work In Progress for now and it’s added to the planning list of next year 🙂
Irregular galaxy NGC 1313
NGC 1313 is a highly irregular/disturbed galaxy brightly lit with new and blue massive stars. It is also known as the Topsy Curvy Galaxy. A lot of star formation is happening, therefor this galaxy is also labeled as a starburst galaxy.
NGC 1313 seems to have a tidal tail, but in reality we are looking through some galactic cirrus clouds.
Faint galaxy group
Just above NGC 1313 you can see a cluster of very faint and distant galaxies. In fact, if you look closely enough you’ll see this little orange dots all over the FOV. These are all galaxies. It’s so amazing to be able to capture all that as an amature. Truly humbling and putting a perspective on how insignificant we are.
NGC 1313 Acquisition details
Date: July 2, 3, 7 and 8
Location: Kiripotib, Namibia
Optics: APM 107/700 triplet with Riccardi 0.75 reducer side by side with TS Quadruplet 480/80
Mount: Fornax 51
Camera: Modified Nikon D600 and Nikon D5100
Guiding: Lacerta MGEN
Exposures: Nikon D600: 20x12min, 19x10min, 14x8min. ISO200
Nikon D5100: 9x10min, 14x8min. ISO400
