Messier 106
About Messier 106
Most astrophotographers can't resist going back year after year to shoot this amazing galaxy! I'm no different. Each year in the fall, I tell myself to skip it... but I don't.
This version of Messier Catalogue 106 was taken from my home in Illinois under Bortle ~8 skies, I get decent results with a older but very good Light Pollution filter, the Optolong L-Pro.
Photo Capture Info:
(485) 3 Minute exposures - 24 hrs, ~15 mins
Optical Equipment Used:
Optolong L-Pro Light Pollution Filter
Scope: William Optics Zenithstar 61II APO Refractor
Camera: ZWO 183MC Pro
Guide scope: William Optics 32mm Guide scope
Guide camera: ZWO ASI120mm-mini
Computerized Equipment and Software:
Mount: iOptron GEM 28
Beelink Mini PC S Intel 11th Gen
Focuser: ZWO EAF (Electronically Assisted Focuser)
Filter Wheel: ZWO 5 Position
Pegasus Pocket Powerbox
PixInsight for Processing
Messier 106, also known as NGC 4258, is an intermediate spiral galaxy located in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 17811. Here are some key details about Messier 106:
Distance: Approximately 22 to 25 million light-years from Earth1.
Apparent Magnitude: 8.4, making it visible with small telescopes under good conditions1.
Characteristics: Classified as a Seyfert II galaxy, it contains an active nucleus and a supermassive black hole at its center1.
Notable Features: Known for its water vapor megamaser, which has been used to make a direct measurement of the distance to a galaxy1.
Size: The galaxy spans about 135,000 light-years in diameter, similar in size and luminosity to the Andromeda Galaxy1.
Messier 106 has played a significant role in calibrating the cosmic distance ladder, thanks to the presence of Cepheid variables that have helped refine distance measurements to other galaxies1.
1 en.wikipedia.org | 2 science.nasa.gov | 3 constellation-guide.com | 4 wikiwand.com
Mythology:
Ursa Major, known as the Great Bear, is a constellation rich in mythology and cultural significance. According to Greek mythology, Ursa Major is associated with the story of Callisto, a nymph who was transformed into a bear by Zeus’ jealous wife, Hera. To prevent a tragedy when Callisto’s son, Arcas, almost killed her during a hunt, Zeus placed them both in the sky as constellations. Callisto became Ursa Major, and Arcas either became Ursa Minor or the constellation Boötes1 2.
1 constellation-guide.com | 2 underthenightsky.com
Finding Ursa Major:
To find Ursa Major in the night sky, follow these steps:
Look North: Ursa Major is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so start by looking north12.
Identify the Big Dipper: The easiest way to locate Ursa Major is by finding its most recognizable feature, the Big Dipper asterism. It's made up of seven bright stars: Alkaid, Mizar, Alioth, Megrez, Dubhe, Merak, and Phecda3.
Use the Pointer Stars: The two stars at the end of the Big Dipper's 'bowl' (Dubhe and Merak) are known as the pointer stars. Draw an imaginary line from Merak through Dubhe, and extend it to find Polaris, the North Star, which is the tip of the handle of the Little Dipper, Ursa Minor2.
Learn more
1 telescopicwatch.com | 2 space.com | 3 lovethenightsky.com | 4
youtube.com | 5 youtube.com | 6 youtube.com | 7 wikihow.com