NGC 3251 - Bubble Galaxy (HaLRGB + Ha)

[Yoddha]

Hello,

Let me to share a project from this galaxy season

NGC 3251 also known as Bubble Galaxy, is a relatively bright galaxy in Leo constellation which is frequently underestimated because of the famous Leo Triplet nearby.  The distance to it varies in the online sources between 25 and 40 million light years away from Earth. The size is given as 50 000 light years in diameter, but should also “flexible” because of the distance range.

NGC 3251 is “Intermediate Spiral” galaxy by the Hubble - de Vaucouleurs galaxy morphological classification, however it also is mentioned as mentioned as good example of “Flocculent” type galaxies. The main characteristic of such galaxies is the lack of well-defined spiral arms like the “grand design spiral” galaxies M101 and M51, but still with dense outer regions with active star formation. Usually, the galaxies have big glowing halos which give them a soft and woolly look hence explaining the name flocculent.

In the case of the Bubble Galaxy there is hypothesis that it is a result of galaxies merger. A big galaxy collided with several smaller ones, causing lots of gas and individual stars floating and glowing around as a halo. The merging could explain the large number of stars forming regions. Take a look on the Ha channel to see how intense the processes are.

Despite it is big and bright the outer areas of the halo need long integration time. I’m happy with the result so far, however is possible to get back to it and add more luminance at later stage

Total 15h in 5 nights – L(105x240s), Ha (48x300s), R (30x180s bin 2x2), G (20x180s bin 2x2), B (30x180s bin 2x2), RC250 @ f/5.5, ASI2600MM, CEM60, Astrodon 3nm filters
Acquisition: APT - Astro Photography Tool, PHD2
Processing: PixInsight, PS