NGC 3718

Click on image for larger version.


 What a strange galaxy. There is not much information about this galaxy in the astronomical literature. This is a lenticular galaxy. It is probably part of the M81 group of galaxies. The ethereal glow from this galaxy is testament to the paucity of stars. These galaxies have a disk like a spiral galaxy but with no spiral arms, and little gas and dust. Notice how easy it is to see the very heart of this galaxy with its yellow nuclear beacon. The gossamer wreathe of dust that encircles the disk is the most interesting part of this galaxy. Also note the very compact group of galaxies on the lower left side of the image. (Click on the image for a larger view of the full frame and note the full resolution image of the group to the left).

The compact group of galaxies is not physcially associated with NGC 3718, as they are more than 300 million light years distant. The rather tortured looking galaxy at the bottom right of the group is called UGC 6527. Due the the strong gravitational interactions between these galaxies massive star formation is taking place in each. In fact UGC 6527 is a Seyfert galaxy that emits radio wavelengths of light. This group of five is reminicent of others well known examples such as Stephan's Quintet and NGC 6027.

Equipment

16in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

L R G B color production was used to create this image.

Luminance = 150 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 30 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 30 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 40 minutes binned 2x2
  • One iteration of L-R deconvolution (sharpening) algorithm using CCDsharp was applied to the luminance image.

  • Digital Development (DDP) via Maxim/DL was also used in order to display the the very dim and very bright details of the image simultaneously.

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    Minimum credit line: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 01/25/2002