The Leo Triplet
M 65, M66, NGC 3628
The Leo Triplet (also known as the M66 Group) is a small group of galaxies about 35 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. This galaxy group consists of the spiral galaxies M65, M66, and NGC 3628.
NGC 3628 is an active spiral galaxy with extended star creation areas and has a diameter of about 145,000 light years. The object is a so-called edge-on-galaxy, and also called "hamburger" or "sandwich galaxy". The spiral arms appear only as dark dusty clouds, illuminated by the bright center of the galaxy.
M 65 and M 66 show their spiral arms to us. The gravitational forces between the galaxies of the group are visible at the distorted slice of NGC 3628 and the extended spiral arms of M66.
NGC 3628 is an active spiral galaxy with extended star creation areas and has a diameter of about 145,000 light years. The object is a so-called edge-on-galaxy, and also called "hamburger" or "sandwich galaxy". The spiral arms appear only as dark dusty clouds, illuminated by the bright center of the galaxy.
M 65 and M 66 show their spiral arms to us. The gravitational forces between the galaxies of the group are visible at the distorted slice of NGC 3628 and the extended spiral arms of M66.
Image Details
| Date |
March 8 & 9, 2022 |
| LOCATion |
Hannover (Germany) |
| Sky Quality |
Bortle 5 |
| Telescope |
Skywatcher 200/1000 @750mm f/3.75 |
| Mount |
Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro |
| Main Camera |
ZWO ASI 2600 MC Pro Gain 100, Offset 18, -10° |
| Focuser |
ZWO EAF |
| Filter |
IDAS LPS D2
|
| Exposure |
70 x 240' (4h 40′) (IDAS LPS D2) 90 x 120' (3h) (no filter) Total: 7h 40′ |
| Guiding |
ZWO ASI 120MM, PHD2 |
| Calibration |
Flats, Darks, Darkflats |
| Software |
N.I.N.A., EQMod |
| Other |
Starizona Nexus Reducer & Corrector |
| Processing | Astropixelprocessor, Photoshop, Pixinsight |
Gallery
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The Crescent Nebula
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Cave Nebula
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Lion Nebula
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IC 447
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Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
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Clamshell Nebula
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Clamshell Nebula in HOO
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The Dark Mermaid
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Bode's Galaxy
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Butterfly Nebula (IC 1318)
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Butterfly Nebula (HOO)
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NGC 7822
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Cone Nebula (RGB)
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Cone Nebula (HOO)
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Loch Ness Nebula
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Heart Nebula
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Heart & Soul Nebula
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Iris Nebula
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Horsehead Nebula
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Horsehead Nebula (SHO)
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Pinwheel Galaxy
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Elephant's Trunk Nebula
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Sh2-134 Widefield
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Flaming Star Nebula
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IC 410
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M 13
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M 38 in HaRGB
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Andromeda Galaxy
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NGC 5033 & Friends
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Orion Nebula
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Leo Triplet
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Jellyfish Nebula
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Jellyfish Nebula in HOO
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Regulus & Leo I Dwarf Galaxy
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Sh2-86
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M 3
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h and χ Persei (HaRGB)
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h and χ Persei (RGB)
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VDB 14 & 15
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Northamerica Nebula
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M 106
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NGC 188
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Tulip Nebula
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Markarian's Chain
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Wizard Nebula
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Bubble & Lobster Claw Nebula
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Copernicus
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M 35 & NGC 2158
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Mare Imbrium
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M 44
