The Triplet of Galaxies in Leo (M65, M66 and NGC 3628)
Copyright 2001 Hap Griffin
The "Leo Triplet" is a close grouping of three distant galaxies in the constellation of Leo, providing a stunning view of three examples of the largest structural building blocks of the universe in a single field of view. All three are at a distance of 35 million light years.
At the left is NGC 3628. At the upper right is M65, and below it is M66. All of these galaxies are spiral in nature, with NGC 3628 presenting itself edge-on. A dark dust lane can be seen spanning its center. M66 shows some distortion in its spiral arms...possibly owing to gravitational interaction with its neighbors.
Date/Location:
February 23, 2001 Griffin/Hunter
Observatory Bethune, SC
Instrument: Meade f6.3 10" LX-200
Focal Ratio: Approx. f4 (utilizing focal reducer in GEG)
Guiding: Auto - SBIG ST4 through Orion ST80
Conditions: Visually clear, but with moderate high level water
vapor
Weather: 40 F, Still
Film: Kodak Elite Chrome 200
Exposure: Composite stack, 2 x 40 minutes
Filters: None
Processing: Stacked in Registar 1.0, finished in Photoshop 5