M74 - Galaxy in Pisces
One of the finer examples of a face-on spiral galaxy.

  • RA:1:37
  • Dec: 15:47
  • Size: 10.2'x9.5
  • Magnitude: 9.4
  • Distance: 35 million ly
  • Constellation: Pisces
  • Millennium Star Atlas: Vol. I, p. 193-4
  • Scope: 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien at f/9
  • Autoguider: ST-4 in faint mode
  • Sky conditions: Excellent seeing. good clarity
  • Film: FLI Dream Machine CCD
  • Exposure: 10x120 seconds L, 7x120 seconds R,G,B
  • Date: 11-4-00


Since this galaxy has such a low surface brightness, I extended the exposure time per frame as long as possible. Unfortunately, the side effect was to bloat the star sizes somewhat. Chalk it up to yet another learning experience.


Back to the photograph list...