This is the last image of a series of images where I was able to collect data and process it in week 2 of 2024. The other objects are going to be mentioned and linked in the subsequent description.
My imaging sessions usually were designed to collect data for about two to three hours of a high object before it transits (that was the case for
NGC 1499 California Nebula as well as the
IC 405, The Flaming Star Nebula). Right after, I was going for typical winter objects (
Caldwell 49, Rosette Nebula and
Barnard 33 and NGC 2024, Horse in Flames) as they have now reached an altitude which allows some imaging (although 30 degrees isn't a lot). As those objects remain fairly low for my latitude, I couldn't capture data all night until astronomical dawn. Therefore, I didn't want to call it a night and was looking out for another target. Maybe due to a lack of creativity or whatever, I've ended up doing a wide-field of the M81 group of galaxies. Whenever I think of the members of this group, a larger FL scope crosses my mind. Nevertheless, I am happy that I've attempted that region of space. Although I've collected ten hours worth of data, I wasn't able to pull out the contrast in the background showing the interstellar medium.
On the positive side however, I was able to show every known PGC object in that field. After the initial advanced plate solve, I've realised that some clearly noticeable galaxies weren't highlighted and was wondering if they weren't part of the NGC. Obviously, they're not and so I've turned o the PGC annotation as well and from what I can see, all objects are brighter than the sky background and therefore visible.
I am very surprised to read about the amount of galaxies being part of that group. From the image, one would think that maybe a handful of galaxies might be part of it - a few (apparently) smaller ones besides M81 and M82. After all it seems to be certainly more than a dozen and apparently a few dozens of galaxies (depending on the source). Considering the fact that this group is still called local even being around (10MLy) away indicates how much there is in this universe.
Feel free to comment!
Björn
* This image was not and will not be submitted for IOTD consideration
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