Arp 319 / Stephans Quintet / NGC 7320

NameStephan's Quintet
Designation(s)Arp 319, NGC 7320, UGC 12101
Object Type(s)Galaxy
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron), Arp, NGC
Arp CategoryGroups of galaxies
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationPegasus
Date and Time Observed2024-11-03 19:32:00
InstrumentEdgeHD 8" w/f7 reducer-1,422mm FL
CameraPlayer One Apollo-M Mini
Image DetailsUp is 290.4 degrees E of N. Total integration time was 40m. Exposures 15s@300g, UV/IR Cut Filter. Darks subtracted, no flats in SharpCap. No guiding..
DescriptionArp 319 depicts a fascinating, compact cluster of 5 galaxies, 4 of which exhibit dramatic distortions -- extended arms, "tails", and a "fan" -- due to gravitational attraction. One imagines the center 4 are approaching a mega merger.... I became aware of Stephan's Quintet originally because of my affection for NGC 7331, its proximity to this group, and the fact that one of the galaxies here is likely gravitationally bound to it. You can see a 2023 capture in the gallery which I found disappointing in the context of this effort. I wasn't aware of the distortions, and didn't try to capture them. I returned on this date to try to do a better one using my monochrome Apollo-M Mini. This is also the first time I "developed" the negative plate found in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies for comparison.
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