NGC 4631/4627, a.k.a. Arp 281 or the whale galaxy

About the Object

NGC4631 is a barred spiral galaxy of type SBd in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is a star burst galaxy as shown by its considerable Halpha emission - so a good target also for the narrowband target-poor spring season. NGC 4631 has a partner, the dwarf elliptical NGC 4627, and Chip Arp lists this pair as object 281 ("double galaxy" or a galaxy pair) in his famous catalogue.

Observation Notes

It was a bit late in the season to take on this object, so lots of short sessions in the very short northern nights.

Data were taken on 2025 May 10, 11, 17, 19, 20, 22, and 23

Technical Details

View the full-resolution image together with complete acquisition and processing details on AstroBin.