Markarian's Chain is a stretch of galaxies that forms part of the Virgo Cluster. When viewed from Earth, the galaxies lie along a smoothly curved line. Charles
The bright members of the chain are visible through small telescopes. Larger telescopes can be used to view the fainter galaxies. Near the center there appear the pair of interacting galaxies
At least seven galaxies in the chain appear to move coherently, although others appear to be superposed by chance. Six of the points on the chain can be marked by galaxies. The other two points are pairs of galaxies.
I am so glad that I got the opportunity to image this galaxy chain!!!
Not only to get the chance for some clear skies (5th and 6th clear nights so far this year), but to capture this beautiful sight that has eluded me for the past few years.
I last time that I imaged the “Chain” back in 2019. Just 2 years into the hobby and using a modified Nikon D5300, I just didn’t have enough experience to process the data where it looked presentable.
Two years ago, I attempted this target with my current equipment. Unfortunately, the Chain rises just over a bright led streetlight in my front yard. The house blocks direct light, but the glow extending into the sky above the light was so bad that I couldn’t guide!
Guiding was so bad, I aborted the project. Guiding anywhere else in the sky was fine, so I knew it was that light glow causing the problem.
This week, I tried again. Seeing was really bad along with high thin clouds, so guiding was not good, but I went for it. The target goes into the trees just after the
I got that opportunity two night later. Still poor seeing and this time low thin clouds this time, but it worked well enough.
Sharpstar 61 EDPHII (w 0.8FR/
ASI 533
Skywatcher HEQ5 (rowan mod)
IDAS LPS D-1 light pollution filter
375 lights at 90 seconds (9:22:30)
I must also say that my inspiration for imaging the Chain was from a visit to the Griffith Observatory several years ago. When I walked downstairs, I was blown away by the wall 20’ x 152’ image of Virgo galaxies on the wall! Beautiful!
I am sure that I will work on the data more. Processing went so quickly, that I feel guilty not spending more time! Very light noise reduction was used. Only mild saturation bumps both to the galaxies and stars.
Thanks for looking!
Jim