Galaxy in Draco
Caldwell 3 is a nearby galaxy, a member of the group that includes Messier 81 and 82. Despite its relative proximity (for a galaxy), it is known for its very low surface brightness, making it hard to discern if there is any substantial light or haze in the sky. On the evening that I took this image, thin clouds were passing overhead, and that hindered my efforts at capturing this galaxy. The central portions are easy to see, but we are only seeing part of this galaxy's extent. Its more tenuous outer spiral arms would stretch almost from top to bottom of this frame if the sky conditions were better.
| Magnitude | 9.7 |
| Apparent Size | 19' x 7' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 12 million |
| Right Ascension | 12:16.7 |
| Declination | +69 28 |
| Field of View | 32' x 24' |
Image details: Exposure times of 60 minutes luminance and 30 minutes each of red, green, and blue, taken with an SBIG STF-8300M imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.6.
February 2023