NGC2685

NGC2685, also known as the Helix Galaxy, or sometimes referred to as a Polar Ring Galaxy, is a very peculiar galaxy approximately 40 million light years distant in the Constellation Ursa Major. It is a lenticular galaxy with numerous rings of gas, dust and stars circling the minor axis. It has probably been disturbed in the past by a passing galaxy, or orbiting one and absorbed the rings of material now circling it.

Date Imaged: March 2008
Place: Ft. Davis, TX
Exposure: LRGB: 300:180:180:180, all unbinned
Processing: MaxIm DL, CCDStack, and PSCS3
Optics: 12.5" RCOS Truss
Focal Length 2808mm @ f9
Mount: Paramount ME
Camera: STL6303E
Guiding: OAG with guide camera
Filters: Tru-Balance LRGB