Celestial Whale

Though the transparency was mediocre, NGC 4631 (The Whale Galaxy) was bright enough to allow a set of useable subs to be obtained. I was surprised just how large a subject this unusual and disturbed looking galaxy is. Cloud brought the party to a halt once again after I had just managed to acquire my, now habitual, 10 subs ( though the last one was quite badly "pinked"). The nearby elliptical dwarf galaxy is NGC 4627. With the news currently full of volcanic ash and grounded aircraft it will be interesting to see how any future clear evenings are affected. Details: 10" f4.3 Newt. 10x 10 minute exposures @ iso800 with CLS in DSS, CS2, Photobrush & XAT.