NGC3718 Arp 214, Arp 322, Hickson 56 astrophotography CCD images at the Curdridge Observatory

Curdridge Observatory, Southampton,UK
Object name: NGC3718 Arp 214, Arp 322, Hickson 56
Apparent RA: 11 32 34.7 Apparent Dec:+53 04 02
Constellation: Ursa Major

This is an extremely complicated region to which I've given a great deal of exposure: Around 4 hours.

The region is dominated by the large SB(s)a/P galaxy NGC 3718, also known as Arp 214. He's joined on the left by the much smaller NGC 3729 SBa/P galaxy.

Adding further interest is the chain of smaller galaxies below NGC 3718 containing

PGC 35609, 15m6, 0.3' x 0.2', SB0 pec
PGC 35615, 15m9, 0.2' x 0.1', S0
PGC 35618, 15m8b, 0.3' x 0.2', S0
PGC 35620, 15m0b, 0.5' x 0.3', S0-a
PGC 35631, 16m1b, 0.7' x 0.1', Sc

Collectively this region is known as Arp 322 or Hickson 56.

Behind that lot are a vast number of much smaller galaxies - this region is packed with tiny background galaxies. Something for everybody in here!

View full sized image of NGC3718 Arp 214, Arp 322, Hickson 56

cCaptured in Maxim and processed in Photoshop

This image was autoguided using my homemade off axis guider with Lodestar.

Imaged with my homemade telescope mount

Exposure Details :

Coma Corrector Baader L 60x240s on 200 @ F5 f.l. 1000 with Artemis 285 camera

Equipment:

Skywatcher 200 Newt (upgraded with OO Hilux secondary)
Baader Focuser
Homemade focus motor
Homemade filterwheel / OAG combo with Lodestar guide camera
Artemis 285 CCD camera
Homemade Telescope mount

Curdridge Observatory, Southampton,UK