NGC 5128 - Centaurus A

[Paxo]

NGC 5128 - Centaurus A is a lenticular galaxy approximately 14mly away in the constellation Centaurus. It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth. The galaxy is the fifth brightest in the sky, but is only visible from low northern latitudes and the southern hemisphere. NGC 5128 has a relativistic jet eminating from the vicinity of what is believed to be a supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy. Image taken remotely through the GRAS system. Image is 6 subs of guided 300 seconds. Processed in DSS, Photoshop CS2 with Noel's actions. Remote equipment used:

RCOS 12.5" FL2846mm @ f/9 Ritchey Chretien Cassegain (GRAS 08, based in Australia)

Camera SBIG STL-11000M ABG

(click to enlarge)

Got some colour data as well, haven't got round to processing that yet. Please enjoy:

Steve

[rikyuu]

wow superb. How long was the exposure?

[Paxo]

rikyuu,

6x 300 second subs giving a total luminance exposure of 30 minutes.

Steve..

[lunator]

Steve

very good pic

Looking forward to the full colour version.

Cheers

Ian

[Paxo]

A greyscale rework of the Luminance channel to bring out more of the galay structure. Lost some detail in the central dust lane, but take your choice which one you prefer.

(click to enlarge)

As promised, the RGB version

(click to enlarge)

Hope you enjoy.

Steve

[Paxo]

Here's the widefield Luminance channel version, shows a good balance of the galaxy 'ball' and the dark dust lane which hides the centre of the galaxy - going to work on the RGB version of this next.

(click to enlarge)

Steve..

[Paxo]

And finally, the RGB Widefield:

(click to enlarge)

Steve

[Sam]

You've been busy Steve - and it's paid off - lovely images!