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The Cocoon Galaxy |
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Click here to enlarge photograph.
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DESCRIPTION This pair of galaxies often goes by the nickname of the "Cocoon Galaxy." Each "blob" is actually a spiral galaxy that has been distorted by the other. Hints of spiral structure are still evident in the smaller galaxy. These galaxies have already passed their closest approach (perigalacticon) and are now speeding away from each other. A tail of stars stretches between the galaxies which are separated by at least 24,000 light years. All of this action takes place 40-50 million light years away. (Source: NOAO) Constellation: Canes Venatici - Distance: RA: 12h 30.6m - DEC: +41d 38.0m - Magnitude: 9.8 - Apparent Size: 5.9 arc minutes |
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| Date Taken: 04-05-06 Telescope: Celestron C9.25 @ F/10 Camera: SBIG ST10XME Rotator: Optec Pyxis Filter Wheel: Optec IFW 50mm Focuser: Optec TCF Mount: Software Bisque Paramount ME Filters: Astrodon CRGB Guider: Self Guided |
Image Aquisition: CCDAutoPilot 3.0 Pro Image Processing: CCDStack Post Processing: Photoshop CS |
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