Red Hydrogen pours out of the nucleus of this edge on spiral, it is still controversial weather or not this galaxy is actually "exploding", but the debate continues. Numerous dark lanes cut across the face of this galaxy, dark clouds of dust and gas blocking the light of the luminous stars behind. This shots luminosity exposure was done with the red interference filter to enhance the hydrogen clouds, therfore is what is called a "RRGB" exposure.

Instrument:  12.5" f/5 Newtonian
CCD Camera:  SBIG237
Exposure:  L=40mins with Red filter, R=10m, G=7m, B=12m (Binned 2x2)
Filters:  RGB
Location:  Payson, Arizona
Elevation:  5150 ft.
Sky:  Seeing 8/10, Transparency 6/10
Temperature:  21 F