NGC 2403

NGC 2403 (also known as Caldwell 7) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis. It is part of the M81 Group, and is approximately 8 million light-years away. It is very similar in type to our neighbor galaxy, M33, in both size and starburst activity.

December 16, 2024

This is my first time imaging NGC2403. This object is toward more light pollution and lower in the sky in the early evening, so I split time imaging this and Caldwell 23 when I was able to capture broadband RGB data under moonless skies. I was able to finish up that data collection earlier this month, and I added 7 hours of Dual Band data last night to have another go at continuum subtraction. I had to throw out 2 hours of Dual Band data due to clouds. Interestingly enough, even with close to 11 hours of RGB data, I found the RGB data to still be somewhat noisy, which was tough to process without losing detail. I was also unable to successfully use StarNet without it removing some of the nebulosity, so I needed to process this one with the stars included, which made it a bit more challenging. I still think the result came out quite nice!

Technical Details

Imaging Telescope: Orion Optics UK Ideal 8

Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro

Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro

Filter: Antlia Tri-band RGB Ultra Filter - 2” Mounted; Antlia ALP-T Dual Band 5nm 2”

Accessories: ZWO ASIAIR Plus, ZWO EAF, ZWO Filter Drawer (Gen 2)

Software: PixInsight, BlurXterminator, GraXpert, SetiAstro Automatic DBE, SetiAstro Statistical Stretch

Guiding Telescope: SVBony SV106 60mm Guide Scope

Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI174MM

Imaging Dates: November 29, December 2, 4, 15 2024

Frames (gain 101.0) f/4.9 -10c: 220x180” (11h) Triband; 140x180” Dual Band

Integration Time: 18h

Darks/Flats/Dark Flats: 30/30/30

Bortle Dark-Sky Scale: 6.00

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C23 - Silver Sliver Galaxy