M65 andM66 Members of the Leo Triplet

  
 
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  • RA: 11:18.9 (M65) and 11:20.2 (M66)
  • Dec:  +13.05 (M65) and +12:59 (M66)
  • Magnitude: 9.3 (M65) and 9.0 (M66)
  • Size:  8x1.5 (M65) and 8x2.5 (M66) arc min.
  • Distance: 35000 kly
  • Constellation:  Leo

 
  • Scope: 8" SCT at f/6.3
  • Autoguider: ST-4 faint mode
  • Sky conditions:  Good seeing and transparency but cold (in the teens).
  • Camera: Hutech modified Canon 300D ISO800
  • Exposure: 10 x 3 minutes
  • Date:  March 17, 2007

 

 

    
 
Comments:  These two galaxies, the heart of the M66 group, are part the Leo Triplet.  Lying at a distance of 35 million light years, it is probably physically related to the M96 group.  This was a frustrating night in trying to get autoguiding working properly. After wasting two much time I opted for shorter, unguided exposures.