M106 & neighbours

Higher resolution image

Image information:

Date: 04/05/2025
Equipment: Altair Hypercam 533C colour camera with IDAS HEUIB-II filter through APM/LZOS 105/650 APO telescope on Pegasus Astro NYX-101 mount. The telescope was working at f6.2 with Astro-Tech 2" field flattener.
Image type: OSC
Exposure time: 90X180s, gain 250 (0.8e/ADU).
Comment:  

Object information:

Object designations:
  • M106, NGC4258
  • NGC4217
  • NGC4248
Object type:
 Galaxies
Object size:
  • M106 18.6' X 7.2'
  • NGC4217 5.2' X 1.5'
  • NGC4248 2.4' X 1.1'
Constellation:

Canes Venatici

 

Comment:

M106 is a spiral galaxy 30 kly across and 21 million ly distant. It is the closest example of Seyfert galaxy. Seyfert galaxies have active core emitting huge amounts of energy across the spectrum. Such active cores are believed to be fueled by matter falling into a massive central black hole.

NGC4248 is a dwarf companion galaxy of M106, some 82 kly distant from it.

NGC4217 is an edge-on spiral galaxy visually close to M106. But, at 55 million ly it is much more distant than M106. Its prominent central dark dust lane is clearly visible in the image.

There are some other galaxies visible in the image. Most notable are NGC 4231, NGC 4232 and NGC 4226. They are much further away than M106. They are between 330 - 390 million ly distant.

Related images:

List of related images:

M106, LRGB, ST2000XM through WO ZS105ED telescope

 

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