A bright moon and gusty winds didn’t deter the creation of this image. Poor seeing, operator error, and clouds for a couple of hours also didn’t stop it. This is most likely my last image of 2024. The forecast for clear nights after the full moon passes doesn’t look promising.
I present my version of the “Dusty Hand Galaxy.” Also known as NGC 2146, it is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis. It is unique due to the dusty spiral arm that is looping the core from our perspective. Potentially the result of a galaxy merge at its end stage. A result is intense star formation, to such an extent that NGC 2146 is referred to as a starburst galaxy. This is a common state for barred spirals. However, the extra gravitational disruption that NGC 2146 is enduring no doubt exacerbates the situation. This compression of hydrogen-rich nebulas triggers stellar birth.
Image acquisition via Astro Photography Tool (APT), processing with Pixinsight. RC8 telescope, ASI071MC camera, & Eq6r Pro mount.
