NGC 4631
The Whale Galaxy
Captured: Feb 28, 2026
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NGC 4631 (Captured 2/28/26)
NGC 4631 (aka the Whale Galaxy) is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatci. It was discovered by William Herschel 1787. The slighty distored wedge shape gives the appearance of a whale. It is approximately 30 million light-years from Earth.
The annotated image to the left shows other items of interest in the capture.
The image consists of 72 Luminance, and 74 each of RGB two minute exposures for a total integration of 9 hours and 40 minutes. I processed the images using PixInsight and Adobe Photoshop software. I used my Astro-Tech AT130-EDT telescope, with a focal length of 910mm, a ZWO 2600MM astronomy camera, Antlia LRGB filters . I used the Orion Short-Tube 80 guide scope and ZWO 220MM Mini guide camera all atop the iOptron CEM70AW telescope mount.
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