Arp 29 / Fireworks Galaxy / C12

NameFireworks Galaxy
Designation(s)Arp 29, NGC 6946, C12
Object Type(s)Galaxy
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron), Arp, Caldwell, NGC
Arp CategorySpiral galaxies with one heavy arm
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationCepheus
Date and Time Observed2022-11-26 09:38:00
InstrumentEvolution 9.25 SCT with F6.3 reducer
CameraASI294mc-Pro
Image DetailsUp is 232.6 degrees E of N (SW). Comparison rotated so N is right. Total integration time was 43m. Exposure 10s@375g, UV/IR Cut Filter, captured in SharpCap. Darks and Flats subtracted.
DescriptionAs is often the case with Arp, there's some ambiguity about which is the "heavy" arm, though I believe it's the one towards the bottom of the frame. My Evolution telescope had a mirror diagonal in the image train; the image was flipped in the comparison to Arp's capture. This was literally the first, successful capture of a faint Galaxy in my EAA career. There had been a painful learning curve leading to this point: I was required to capture both darks and flat frames. It was also my second attempt; two days earlier I had captured the galaxy but the focus was horribly off. This capture was my personal, "I love this!" moment. I had no notion of Arp at the time, but in retrospect, this experience started me on the path to the Arp Challenge because this is when I learned that challenging targets are the most fun. I've added to the gallery a "bonus" image of Arp 29 and the open cluster NGC 6939, imaged with my 600mm refractor in August 2023.
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