NGC 5033

Click on image for larger version.

NGC 5033 is a sprawling spiral galaxy with thick insect-like arms. Several HII (pink star forming regions) can be seen in this image. This galaxy is estimated to be 37 million light years away. Although it is a faint galaxy (at least for a 0.5m telescope) it is surprisingly well studied. One of the most interesting characteristics of this galaxy is that it is classified as being a Seyfert type. The nucleus (and small sources within) is extremely luminous and varies in brightness. Astronomers have also found that this galaxy contains twice the abundance of Oxygen than our own solar neighborhood. .

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8.4
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 = 105 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 20 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 10 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 20 minutes binned 2x2
  • Filter wheel mis-selected the second green exposure.
  • 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.

    • Minimum credit line: Jeff and Mike Stuffings/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 06/01/2003