"The Eyes"

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NGC 4438 and smaller NGC 4435 is a pair of interacting galaxies in Virgo called “The Eyes”.  Powerful gravitational forces distort the symmetry of the stars, gas, and dust in the larger and peculiar galaxy, NGC 4438, which is also known as Arp 120. Its active nucleus is believed to harbor a black hole. Numerous other more distant background galaxies are also captured in this four hour long exposure.

 

This image is dedicated to my daughter, Monica.



Date Imaged       :

April 17, 2012

Lens       :

N16 f/5.2

Camera       :

ST10xme

Exposure       :

4 hours

Filter       :

L 24x10 minutes

Mount       :

Losmandy Titan

Location       :

Stardust Observatory, Baguio