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Created by Jon K. Olson (WT5L)

The Leo Triplet (LRGB)

This photogenic grouping of bright galaxies lies in the constellation Leo and is made up of NGC 3628 (left), M65 or NGC 3623 (upper right), and M66 or NGC 3627 (lower right). Occupying a field of view less than 1 degree wide, this group lies at a distance of about 30 million light years and the three galaxies are physically related. NGC 3628 and M66 show evidence of a previous encounter and M65 appears largely unaffected by its immediate neighbors. For more detailed information regarding this group, click on the link to Rob Gendler's website near the bottom of the page.

Leo Triplet (LRGB)

Image Details


Target: Leo Galaxy Group (NGC 3628, M65, and M66)
Coordinates (Center - J2000): RA 11h 19m 41s ; Dec +13d 16m 31s
Date: 20 January 2007
Constellation: Leo
Imaging Location: Indialantic, Florida
Camera: SBIG ST-8XME & CFW-10 Color Filter Wheel
Filters: Astrodon H-Alpha & Series E Tru-Balance LRGB
Telescope: Takahashi TSA-102S 4" APO Triplet f/8 (FL = 814mm)
Mount: Takahashi EM-200 Temma II GEM (12 VDC)
Image Scale: 2.28 arcseconds per pixel
CCD Temperature: -15 C
Ha:R:G:B Exposures: 55:35:35:35 minutes (5 min. sub-exposures)
Mount Control Software: The Sky 6.0.0.52
Camera Control Software: CCDSoft 5.00.182
Focus Control Software: FocusMax 3.3.15
Executive Control Software: CCD Commander 1.4.5
Sub-frame Registration Software: Registar
Calibration and Combining Software: CCDStack
Final Processing Software: Photoshop CS

CCD Commander Info

Additional Information

Description of the Leo Triplet (By Rob Gendler):      http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/LeoTriplettext.html