Arp 234 / NGC 3738

Designation(s)Arp 234, NGC 3738
Object Type(s)Galaxy
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron), Arp, NGC
Arp CategoryGalaxies with the appearance of fission
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationUrsa Major
Date and Time Observed2025-01-03 22:37:00
InstrumentEdgeHD 8" w/f7 reducer-1,422mm FL
CameraPlayer One Apollo-M Mini
Image DetailsUp is 277.2 degrees E of N. Total integration time was 50m. Exposures 15s@300g, UV/IR Cut Filter. Darks subtracted, no flats. Dithered and recentered in SharpCap. No guiding.
DescriptionBecause of its irregularity, this is a very challenging object to interpret. "The appearance of fission" presumably suggests the galaxy is breaking apart. Yet Arp's remarks suggest, "Considerable resolution into stars and absorption tubes", Absorption tubes I can somewhat understand. There do seem to be dark veins running along the surface. They're more clear in Arp's (Oh, what I would give for a 200" telescope and clear mountain air"), but you can see corresponding veins in my capture. But fission? I don't see anything here that suggests fission. Indeed, current consensus is that this is an area of active star-birthing. See: https://esahubble.org/images/potw1243a/
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