- L45 minutes (9 frames)
- R35 minutes (7 frames)
- G15 minutes (3 frames)
- B15 minutes (3 frames)
The spiral galaxy IC 342 is one of the most studied objects in the constellation Giraffe. It is located at a distance of about 10 million light-years from Earth and has a diameter of about 75,000 light-years.
Characteristics and structure
IC 342 is a typical spiral galaxy, which consists of spiral arms in which stars and gas rotate around a central core. The galaxy also contains many nebula regions in which new stars are born. These processes make the galaxy an interesting object for astronomical study.
Observation problems
Because of its location in an area hidden by thick interstellar dust, observations of IC 342 are difficult, which led to its nickname "The Hidden Galaxy". Despite this, the galaxy can be easily detected even with binoculars, and in ideal conditions it would be visible to the naked eye.
Astronomical research
IC 342 is an object of study for many astronomers, as it is one of the closest galaxies to us, but remains poorly studied due to dust. However, studying this galaxy helps to deepen our knowledge of the structure of galaxies and the processes occurring in their depths. The galaxy attracts the attention of astronomers with its large number of supernovae and star clusters, which makes it an interesting object for studying star formation and stellar evolution.
Discovery and features
The galaxy IC 342 was discovered by William Frederick Denning in 1892 and was initially considered part of the Local Group of galaxies, but it was later found that it is not a member. In 1935, Harlow Shapley discovered that the galaxy was larger than the full Moon, making it one of the largest spiral galaxies at the time. Modern estimates suggest that its apparent size is between half and two-thirds the diameter of the full Moon.
Satellites and New Discoveries
In 2020, the first known satellite of IC 342 was discovered — KKH 32, a dwarf spheroidal galaxy. This galaxy is located at a distance of 10.2 million light years and has a diameter of about 4,300 light years.
Conclusion
The galaxy IC 342 is an interesting object for astronomical observations due to its unique structure and important role in the study of galaxy evolution and star formation. Studying its hidden regions and studying interactions with its satellites helps astronomers better understand the processes occurring in such distant and mysterious corners of the Universe.
Visibility chart of Spiral Galaxy IC 342 during the day
| Date | Moon Phase | Exposure | CCD Temperature | Gain | Offset | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- 2023ixf•
- 40 Eri•
- Abell 74•
- Artemis A868 SA•
- a Canis Minoris•
- C 2020 R4 ATLAS•
- C 2020 T2 Palomar•
- C 2021 S3 (PANSTARRS)•
- Haumea (2003 EL61)•
- HCG 68•
- HCG 92•
- IC 1318B•
- IC 1396•
- IC 1795•
- IC 1805•
- IC 1848•
- IC 1871•
- IC 3322A•
- IC 342•
- IC 4015•
- IC 405•
- IC 417•
- IC 434•
- IC 443•
- IC 4703•
- IC 5070•
- IC 5146•
- IC 63•
- M 1•
- M 101•
- M 103•
- M 109•
- M 13•
- M 15•
- M 27•
- M 3•
- M 33•
- M 42•
- M 45•
- M 5•
- M 51•
- M 57•
- M 63•
- M 64•
- M 74•
- M 76•
- M 81•
- M 82•
- M 86•
- M 87•
- M 94•
- M 97•
- NGC 147•
- NGC 1491•
- NGC 1499•
- NGC 1579•
- NGC 1961•
- NGC 2146•
- NGC 2239•
- NGC 2403•
- NGC 281•
- NGC 4236•
- NGC 4565•
- NGC 4631•
- NGC 507•
- NGC 508•
- NGC 5866•
- NGC 5907•
- NGC 6503•
- NGC 6823•
- NGC 6888•
- NGC 6946•
- NGC 6992•
- NGC 6995•
- NGC 7000•
- NGC 7023•
- NGC 7129•
- NGC 7217•
- NGC 7331•
- NGC 7380•
- NGC 7538•
- NGC 7635•
- NGC 7640•
- NGC 7822•
- NGC 891•
- NGC 896•
- NGC 925•
- PGC 54559•
- Sh2-155•
- Sh2-168•
- Sh2 103•
- Sh2 109•
- Sh2 132•
- T CrB•
- UGC 6930•
- V1405 Cas•
- Vesta A807 FA•