NGC 253 - The Sculptor Galaxy
NGC 253 - The Sculptor Galaxy
Technical data:Acquisition date: 16 June 2020Exposure: RGB 47x3min -15CTotal exposure: 2,3 hoursTelescope: Orion UK CT8 Mount: AZ-EQ6Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC ProGuide: TS 60mm scope & T7 cameraControl: EQMOD, Stelarium, APTool, PHD2Processing: PixInsight
This spectacular galaxy, the “Sculptor Galaxy” (NGC 253) lies in the constellation of the same name. At a relatively close distance of about 13 million light-years away, is one of the brightest galaxies in the sky.
It is also the brightest member of a small collection of galaxies called the Sculptor Group, one of the closest such groupings to our own Local Group of galaxies. Part of its visual prominence comes from its status as a starburst galaxy, one in the throes of rapid star formation.
NGC 253 is also very dusty, which obscures the view of some parts of the galaxy. Seen from Earth, the galaxy is almost edge on, with the spiral arms displayed beautifully in the outer parts, along with a bright and colorful core at its center.
