Mirach’s Ghost (NGC 404) in Andromeda
NGC 404 is truly a hidden treasure. This bright (mag 9.8) lenticular galaxy lies a little more than 6′ northwest of the 2nd-magnitude gold star Beta Andromedae (Mirach). Beta’s light interferes with — but does not drown out — this round little gem. NGC 404 is the nearest lenticular galaxy to our Milky Way at a distance of 8 million light-years.
The vicinity of NCG 404 to Mirach and the huge difference in brightness (8 magnitudes) made the processing of the image demanding. In addition, many reflections on surfaces in the optical train appeared when data have been stretched. North is at 2 o’clock.
[description from O’Meara]
Details
Telescope:
RCOS 14.5″ f/8
Mount:
ASA DDM85
Camera:
Apogee U16M
Filters:
Astrodon Gen2
Exposure:
LRGB 620:220:220:220 min.
Location:
ROSA Remote Observatories Southern Alps
Author:
© Martin Rusterholz, Astrophotographer
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Hello, my name is Martin Rusterholz. I’m a Swiss amateur astrophotographer living near Zurich, the biggest town in Switzerland. My interest in astronomy started when I was 16. At that time, I built my first Newtonian telescope and mount. I studied physics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) which was the only study including at least some aspects of astronomy and astrophysics.
“Looking at the nights sky is an experience touching everybody deeply inside, something common to all human beings independent to the language spoken by the individuals”.
Deep-sky astrophotography is my passion.