UGC3697

The Integral Sign Galaxy in Camelopardalis

Uploaded 1/16/01

One of the most peculiar edge on galaxies in the sky is UGC3697, known by its shape as the "Integral Sign Galaxy". At 14th magnitude, and 3.3 arcmins by .1 arcmins in size, is also one of the thinnest galaxies known. Located about five degrees from the more famous NGC2403, the galaxy is in a nearly starless field visually, and was not seen even with averted vision with my 12.5" scope with a 9mm eyepiece.

Color details include a yellowish nuclear region, and an blue extension on the left end of the arm which is probably a rich stellar association. I have not been able to find another amateur color shot of this object, this may be the first one.

 

Instrument:  12.5" f/5 Newtonian
CCD Camera:  SBIG237
Exposure:  L=4x10 mins, R=10m, G=10m, B=12m (Binned 2x2)
Filters:  RGB
Location:  Payson, Arizona
Elevation:  5150 ft.
Sky:  Seeing 9/10, Transparency 9/10
Temperature:  30 F

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