Interactive Mosaic of the Markarian Region
Characteristics:
Field of view: 10 x 6.6 degrees
RA
(J2000): 12h 31m 31s
Dec (J2000): 12 degrees 43' 00"
Position Angle (Pinpoint): plus 23 degrees
Description:
This image represents a 4 panel
mosaic of the Markarian region that spans a field of view of 10 x 6.6
degrees. In order to take full advantage of its large size, I
have chosen to present it using Zoomify
software (requires Adobe
FlashPlayer), which allows you to navigate around the image at
various magnification levels. The controls are self-explanatory
and make it
convenient to explore the
mosaic at relatively high resolution. When
navigating the image, please be patient as new regions download to full
resolution. You can also move around the
area by clicking and dragging your mouse (or using the direction arrows
on your keyboard). The above image
contains superimposed labels from The Sky software. Please click here
for the original, unlabeled image. Markarian's chain was named
after an Armenian astronomer in the 1970s
and represents a beautiful stretch of galaxies that forms part of the
Virgo Cluster. Our own Local Group of galaxies (Milky Way, large
and
small Magellenic Clouds, M31, M32, M100, M33) is currently receding
from
the Virgo Cluster at a rate of about 1000 km/second. However, it
is anticipated that our Local Group will eventually stop receding from
the Virgo Cluster and will ultimately accelerate towards this region
(gravity
from the Virgo Cluster influences us even at distances of 70 million
light
years).
Photographic
Details:
Date: February 16 and 17, 2009.
Scope: Takahashi
FSQ106 at f5 on the Takahashi NJP
Mount
Autoguider: SBIG ST-402 with
60mm guidescope, focal length 227mm
Camera: STL11K -20C
Filters: Baader
luminance
filter, 50.8mm
unmounted
Exposures: This 4 panel mosaic was obtained in an
automated manner using CCD Commander. Each panel represents
approximately 90 minutes total exposure, using the best subs from two
consecutive nights (quality of individual subs determined by CCD
Inspector). Total
exposure approximately 6 hours.
Post-processing:
Calibrated, aligned, and Sigma Clip combined
in Maxim, followed
by DDP
in ImagesPlus (IP). Mosaic registered using Registar, and further
processing was done in Photoshop
CS.
Please
note: Graphics on this website may not be reproduced without
author permission.
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