About image
NGC 4631 (top left in the image) is a large spiral galaxy in the constellation of Canes Venatici.
It is one of the larger, well-known spirals oriented in profile: its distance from the Milky Way is estimated at around 12 million light years.
North of it, on the left, we find the small elliptical galaxy NGC 4627.
NGC 4656, bottom right, is an irregular spiral galaxy in the same constellation.
It is shown as a spindle whose terminal part is actually another galaxy, nana (NGC 4657), which, interacting with the main galaxy, modifies its original appearance, which must have been that of a crossed spiral. Its distance from the Milky Way is estimated at around 10 million light years.
Technical data
Optic Apo refractor Tecnosky 115/800 f/6.9
Mount Losmandy G11 with FS2
Camera Canon 400D Baader modified
Filters -
Guiding system Apo refractor Skywatcher 80ED
Exposure details 20x480" iSO 800
Total integration 2.7h
Acquisition Maxim, PHD2
Processing Maxim, Iris, Photoshop CS5
SQM-L 21.3
Location Cegni (Pavia, Italy)
Date 15 March 2013