NGC 6027

Click on image for larger version.


 This group of six galaxies has a controversial background that is similar to another famous group- Stephan's Quintet. In this example 5 of the 6 galaxies show recessional velocities (redshifts) that are approximately equivalent. However the small spiral galaxy has a retreating velocity more than 4 times higher than the others. If these galaxies are truly bound gravitationally (at the same distance), it would be difficult to marry the conflict in velocity with distance. Please visit the NOAO gallery's description of NGC 6027 for a good explanation and labeled picture.

This image is deep enough to adequately show the tidal tails of the interacting galaxies. Note that galaxies seen through this material are significantly reddened.

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope Operating at f/8.4
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

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

Luminance = 80 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 20 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 20 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 20 minutes binned 2x2
  • This image represents a re-visit to a target requested by a guest around 7 years ago.
  • 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: Doug Matthews/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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    Updated: 05/12/2005