Edge-on galaxy ESO 342-G017

The galaxy ESO 342-G017 was observed on August 19, 1998 during a spell of excellent observing conditions. Two exposures, each lasting 120 seconds, were taken through a red filtre to produce this photo. The quality of the original images is excellent, with seeing (FWHM) of only 0.26 arcsec measured on the stars in the frame. ESO 342-G017 is an Sc-type spiral galaxy seen edge-on, and the Test Camera was rotated so that the disc of the galaxy appears horizontal in the figure. Thanks to the image quality, the photo shows much detail in the rather flat disc, including a very thin, obscuring dust band and some brighter knots, most probably star-forming regions.

This image is reproduced from a composite of two 120-second exposures in the red R-band (~600 nm) of the edge-on galaxy ESO342-G017, both with 0.26 arcsec image quality. The frames were flat-fielded and cleaned for cosmics before combination. The field shown measures 1.5 x 1.5 arcmin. North is inclined 38 o clockwise from the top, East is to the left.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9842c
Type:Observation
Release date:15 September 1998
Related releases:eso9842
Size:2131 x 2252 px

About the Object

Name:ESO 342-G017
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distance:350 million light years
Constellation:Microscopium
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEG
1.4 MB
Screensize JPEG
439.5 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
332.5 KB
1280x1024
531.0 KB
1600x1200
718.9 KB
1920x1200
792.3 KB
2048x1536
1.0 MB

Coordinates

Position (RA):21 12 10.88
Position (Dec):-37° 37' 38.39"
Field of view:1.32 x 1.39 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 29.6° right of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
R
600 nmVery Large Telescope

Exposure time: 240s