NGC 7753

Click on image for larger version.

These interacting galaxies are reminicent of the much closer (and famous) example, M51. NGC 7753 and its companion are more than 200 million light years distant. Note the arm that the two galaxies share is divided by some interesting mechanism. Both the companion and NGC 7753 have recent episodes of star formation taking place. The small galaxy has most likely made a close passage to its larger neighbor in its orbit. It will either be flung out into the inter-galactic realm- or more likely it will eventually be consumed by NGC 7753.

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 = 120 minutes (see below) binned 1x1
 Red = 20 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 20 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 20 minutes binned 2x2
  • Two iterations of L-R deconvolution (sharpening) algorithm using CCDsharp were applied to the luminance image.
  • Data taken with considerable moonlight and through hazy clouds.

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

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    Updated: 08/04/2003