NGC 1097 is a striking barred spiral galaxy located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Fornax. With its well-defined spiral arms, a bright central bar, and an active Seyfert nucleus, this galaxy presents a fascinating target for deep-sky imaging. The structure of NGC 1097 is characterized by tightly wound spiral arms rich in star-forming regions, glowing in the combined light of hydrogen emissions and young, hot stars. The luminous core harbors a supermassive black hole, actively accreting material and driving energetic outflows.

A total of 67 hours of LRGB data was captured and carefully processed to reveal the galaxy’s intricate features, including its most enigmatic structures—faint, jet-like filaments extending outward from the core. These mysterious jets, first discovered in deep exposures, do not align with typical star formation patterns. Instead, they are believed to be relics of a past galactic merger or the remnants of a disrupted dwarf galaxy. Their exact nature remains an area of active study, as they exhibit properties distinct from standard tidal streams or polar ring structures. The extended integration time in this image allowed for the detection of these elusive filaments, showcasing the deep connections between NGC 1097’s history and its ongoing dynamical evolution.

NGC 2442, also known as the "Snake and the Mouse Galaxy," is a distorted spiral galaxy located approximately 50 million light-years away in the constellation Volans. Its asymmetric shape, marked by a dramatically warped spiral arm, is the result of a past gravitational interaction, likely with a smaller companion galaxy. This encounter triggered intense star formation, visible in the bright knots of young, blue stars along its arms.

The galaxy’s core remains relatively undisturbed, while one arm extends outward in a sweeping arc, earning it the nickname "the Snake." The opposing, shorter arm, rich in dust and active stellar nurseries, is often associated with "the Mouse." NGC 2442 is an excellent example of how galactic interactions shape and redefine galaxies over cosmic timescales, providing insight into the processes of tidal distortion and starburst activity in the universe.

NGC 1398, a stunning barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Fornax, lies approximately 65 million light-years from Earth. Its defining features include a prominent bar structure and tightly wound spiral arms, creating a breathtaking cosmic masterpiece.

This galaxy is a true gem of the night sky, showcasing a wealth of intricate details that challenge even the most experienced astrophotographers. With this image, I aimed to capture those details with precision, revealing the beauty and complexity of this distant treasure.