The Splinter Galaxy (NGC 5907), as captured by the RC-12 Astrograph in the KPO dome. LRGB image with 9.6 hours total integration time.
The Splinter Galaxy, also known as NGC 5907, is a stunning spiral galaxy located approximately 50 million light-years away in the constellation Draco. Discovered by William Herschel in 1788, this galaxy has captivated astronomers and stargazers alike with its unique appearance and intriguing features.
One of the most striking aspects of the Splinter Galaxy is its elongated shape, which gives it the appearance of a thin sliver of light cutting through the darkness of space. This elongation is believed to be the result of interactions with other galaxies in the past, which have stretched out the gas and dust in NGC 5907 and caused it to take on its distinctive shape.
Despite its unusual appearance, the Splinter Galaxy is a prime example of a spiral galaxy, with well-defined spiral arms and a central bulge of stars. These features make it a fascinating object of study for astronomers, who are interested in understanding the processes that shape galaxies and drive their evolution over time.
In addition to its striking appearance, the Splinter Galaxy is also home to a number of interesting phenomena, including a large number of young, hot stars that are actively forming in its spiral arms. These stars shine brightly in ultraviolet light, illuminating the gas and dust around them and creating a beautiful display of color and light.
The Splinter Galaxy is also known for its active galactic nucleus, which is believed to be powered by a supermassive black hole at its center. This black hole is thought to be accreting matter from its surroundings, releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of radiation and jets of high-speed particles.
Overall, the Splinter Galaxy is a fascinating object that offers a wealth of opportunities for scientific study and exploration. Its unique appearance and intriguing features make it a favorite among astronomers and amateur stargazers alike, and its mysteries continue to inspire curiosity and wonder about the vast and mysterious universe in which we live.
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Image Info
- Imaged from the Kissimmee Park Observatory, in Saint Cloud, Florida
- Camera : ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
- Scope: Orion RC-12 Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph, 2450mm fl, F/8
- Mount: iOptron CEM-120
- Luminance: 44 subframes of 300s = 220 min integration
- Red: 25 subframes of 300s = 125 min integration
- Green: 30 subframes of 300s = 150 min integration
- Blue: 16 subframes of 300s = 80 min integration
- Total integration time: 575 min = 9.6 hours.
- Captured via ASIAir Pro automation
- Optical tracking via ASIAir automation via the ASI174mm Pro guide camera
- Separate channels stacked and SHO4 integrated in Astro Pixel Processor
- Image run through Super DeNoising
- Final processing in Aperture