Galaxy  NGC 253

The Object:  This is a galaxy much like our own Milkyway.   It is really round like a pancake, but we are seeing it tilted on its side.   The dust lanes (dark patches) reveal that the  lower left side is the side that is closest to us.

Exposure Information:  2 hours on hypered PJM on  10-22-98  using a Meade 12" LX200.  There was quite a bit of haze during the first part of the exposure.  I'm surprised that the photos turned out as well as it did.

Courtesy Jason Lewis