IC 342, also known as Caldwell 5, is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis. It lies about 10.7 million light years from Earth. Despite its relative proximity, IC 342 is hard to observe because it is obscured by interstellar dust clouds and the background light of the Milky Way.
The galaxy has a diameter of about 60,000 to 75,000 light years and is one of the largest spiral galaxies in the Maffei group. It is notable for a prominent bar threaded by spiral arms. Active star formation takes place in these spiral arms, giving birth to bright young stars.
On the left side of the image there are unfortunately double spikes and distorted stars, as it was one of my first attempts with my new 150 Quattro telescope and the collimation wasn’t yet perfect.
| IMAGE DATA | |
|---|---|
| Object | IC342 |
| Distance | 10.7 million light years |
| Date | 10.09.2023 |
| Exposure | 90x180sec. RGB- Total approx. 4.5h |
| Mount | Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro |
| Telescope | Skywatcher 150 Quattro |
| Camera | ZWO ASI 2600mc Pro |
| Corrector | Skywatcher coma corrector |
| Guiding | Zwo Asi OAG with ZWO Asi 290mm Mini & Asiair |
| Software | AsiAir, Astropixel Processor, Photoshop CC, Topaz Deniose AI, Star X Terminator |