NGC4151 the "mini-Quasar and cie

Image Title: NGC4151 the "mini-Quasar and cie

Copyright: Thomas LELU

Date image was taken: March 30, 2025

Location: Lorraine - FRANCE

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

If other selected:

Image Description and Details: This superb wide-field image reveals a fascinating concentration of galaxies located in the constellation Canes Venatici, approximately 60 million light-years from Earth. Among the celestial protagonists of this deep field are NGC 4145, NGC 4151, and NGC 4156, alongside a multitude of more distant galaxies that dot the sky like a veritable carpet of extragalactic stars.

NGC 4151 — The Star of the Field
Sometimes nicknamed the "mini-Quasar," NGC 4151 is one of the most studied active Seyfert galaxies. Its nucleus is particularly luminous due to the presence of a supermassive black hole of approximately 40 million solar masses, which is currently engulfing matter. This process generates intense radiation that extends from the radio to X-ray range. Located approximately 62 million light-years away, NGC 4151 is often considered a natural laboratory for the study of active galactic nuclei (AGN).

NGC 4145 — A Disturbed Spiral
Slightly lower in the image, NGC 4145, a barred spiral galaxy, can be seen face-on, with its arms slightly distorted by gravitational interactions. This irregular structure could be the result of past encounters with small satellite galaxies. Located approximately 45 million light-years away, it harbors star formation activity in its arms, which is indicated by a bluish hue.

NGC 4156 — Small but Not Inconspicuous
Right next to NGC 4151, the small NGC 4156 is an elliptical or lenticular galaxy. Although it appears modest in size, it is likely part of a group of interacting galaxies. Its diffuse halo indicates a turbulent history, potentially marked by minor mergers with other galaxies.

A Deep Field, an Infinity of Worlds
In the background, dozens of more distant galaxies, some more than a billion light-years away, appear as evanescent specks. Some have clearly recognizable spiral shapes, others are merely faint elliptical spots—evidence of a Universe teeming with structures as far as the eye can see.

Equipment Details: ASA Newton 254/950 F3. 6
Paramount MyT
Player One ZEUS 455M Pro
Player One filter wheel and ANTLIA LHaRVB filters
Skywatcher Evostar72ED + ASI290MM mini
TheSkyX pro, NINA, PHD2, AstroPixel Processor, PixInsight, Photoshop CC
Luminance = 10h, RGB = 15h, Ha 3nm = 20h
TOTAL = 45h
ALIENWARE OLED screen and X-Rite i1Display Pro calibration probe

Name: Thomas LELU

Website or Facebook Profile: https://app.astrobin.com/u/-Amenophis-#gallery