M64

17 million light years from us, in the Constellation of the Chioma of Berenice we find a bright and beautiful galaxy marked by the initials M64.
It is also called "Black Eye Galaxy" due to a vast area of dark dust that covers part of the central area.
The latest studies have shown that the peripheral part of the Galaxy rotates in the opposite direction of the nucleus, probably due to an "ancient" clash with a smaller galaxy captured by M64. This clash would have started to rotate the outer part of the galaxy in the opposite direction to the nucleus. These two areas that rotate in the opposite direction collide forming compressed "gas pockets" creating regions with an extremely intense star formation.

Imaging telescope or lens: Geoptik Formula 20 - Newton 200/1200
Imaging camera:Nikon D5100 full Spectrum Modded
Mount:Sky-Watcher EQ6 SynTrek
Guiding telescope or lens:Sky-Watcher 80/400 f5 acro
Guiding camera:QHYCCD5L-II-M
Filter:Optolong UV/IR Cut
Accessories:Explore Scientific HRCC Coma Corrector , Selfmade Peltier Cooling Box
Dates:15 Mar 2020 , 16 Mar 2020
Frames:
Optolong UV/IR Cut: 58x300" ISO200 -5C
Optolong UV/IR Cut: 39x600" ISO200 -5C
Integration: 11.3 hours

Copyright: Corrado Gamberoni