Shot on 9 Apr 20212 photosNGC 4631
Cetus Galaxy
- Right ascension
- 12ʰ 42ᵐ 09ˢ
- Declination
- +32° 36′
- Constellation
- Canes Venatici
- Tonight
- Never sets
- no
- total exposure
- 2 h
- frames in the FITS archive
- 24
- imaging nights
- 2
- imaging period: 23–29 Apr
- 2020
Visibility and signal
Exposure by filter
- R40 min · 8 frames
- G40 min · 8 frames
- B30 min · 6 frames
- Hα10 min · 2 frames
Share of each filter in the total exposure
- Narrowband filters
- 8%needs a dark sky
- Typical frame
- 300 s24 frames in total
- In one night
- 1 haveraged over 2 nights
Altitude above the horizon tonight
Observing log2 nights · 24 frames
Photos of the objectEach photo is a separate processing; parameters and equipment are on the photo page
About the object
The Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631), also known as the Whale Galaxy or Rail Galaxy, is a spectacular object in the night sky located in the constellation Hair Berenices. Named for its unusual shape, the galaxy resembles the silhouette of a swimming whale.
Description and Structure
The Whale Galaxy is a spiral galaxy with a distinctive dust disk that extends through its center. This dust disk is an active star-forming region and contains young star clusters. However, the galaxy has long spiral arms that extend along its disk. The galaxy is located at a distance of about 25 million light-years from Earth and has a diameter of about 80,000 light-years.
Star formation and superwind
The Whale Galaxy is an object of intense study by astronomers, as it provides a unique opportunity to study the processes of star formation. At the center of the galaxy is a star burst, which is a region of intense star formation. Strong star formation is visible by the emission of ionized hydrogen and interstellar dust heated by stars. In addition, as a result of these processes, explosive formation of supernovae occurs in the center of the galaxy, which eject gas beyond the plane of the galaxy, creating the so-called superwind. This superwind can be observed in X-rays.
Interactions with nearby galaxies
The Whale Galaxy is part of the NGC 4631 Group, which also includes galaxies such as NGC 4627 (a dwarf elliptical galaxy), NGC 4656, and NGC 4657. These galaxies interact with each other, and together they form an interesting group object, although the exact relationship between them is controversial.
Observations and Photography
The Whale Galaxy is an excellent target for astrophotography. Its unusual shape and bright structures such as dust lanes and star clusters make it an attractive target for telescope observations. With a telescope, you can take spectacular photographs of this galaxy and study its details.
Inspiration for Study
The Whale Galaxy inspires astronomers and space enthusiasts with its beauty and mystery, serving as a reminder of the vastness and diversity of the Universe. Studying it helps expand our knowledge of galactic evolution and our understanding of processes occurring in space.