NGC 5985/5982/5981

The Details
Object	NGC 5985, NGC 5982, NGC 5981
Optics	10" and 12.5" RCOS Ritchey-Chretien
Platform	Astro-Physics 1200 GTO
Camera	SBIG ST-10XME
Filters	Tru-Balance LRGB filter set
Date	03 June 2005
Location	Laguna Mountains, Eastern San Diego County, CA
Exposure	L 9 x 600 sec 1x1 bin - 12.5" RCOS Ritchey-Chretien at f/6.9 RGB 3 x 300 sec, 2x2 bin - 10" RCOS Ritchey-Chretien at f/6.3
Software	Maxim DL/CCD, Registar, Photoshop, Neat Image 4.4 Pro+
Orientation	Field of View: 21’10" x 13’50" centered on RA 15h38m54s DEC 59°22’31”. North angle 39.91 °; east 90° CCW from north
Notes	A study in galaxy morphology, this spectacular trio offers a rare opportunity to capture three fairly significant and unique objects within the narrow field of view of a moderately-sized amateur telescope. From upper left to lower right are NGC 5985, 5982 and 5981 respectively. NGC 5985 and 5981 are both barred spiral galaxies, one presenting itself at an oblique angle while the other is nearly edge on. NGC 5982 is a class E3 elliptical galaxy. Note the multitude of smaller, fainter galaxies sprinkled across the field of view. This image was the result of a collaborative effort between Dave Jurasevich and David Held , sharing data acquisition and processing tasks.