NGC 2403, a hidden northern spiral with active star formation.
🌌 Overview
- Name: NGC 2403
- Type: Intermediate Spiral Galaxy (SAB(s)cd)
- Constellation: Camelopardalis
- Distance from Earth: ~8 million light-years
- Apparent Magnitude: ~8.9
- Angular Size: ~21 × 12 arcminutes
- Group: M81 Group (same galaxy group as M81 and M82)
✨ What We See
NGC 2403 is a bright, nearby spiral galaxy showcasing:
- Well-defined spiral arms dotted with H II regions
- Bright stellar associations and dust lanes
- A slightly tilted orientation revealing internal galactic structure
- Several large, pink star-forming regions, visible even in modest exposures
🔭 Scientific Highlights
- Part of the M81 galaxy group, though further out toward the outskirts
- Studied extensively due to its proximity and resemblance to our Milky Way
- Hosts numerous Cepheid variable stars — critical for distance scale calibration
📷 Equipment Used
- Telescope: TS-Optics 80PHQ (544mm f/6.8 Quintuplet APO)
- Camera: SVBONY SV605MC (IMX533 Mono)
- Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro
- Guiding: Off-Axis Guider with veLOX 178 C
- Filters: LRGB
- Software: NINA, PHD2, PixInsight, Photoshop
- Signature: Custom watermark overlay
📝 Final Thoughts
Often overlooked due to its obscure location, NGC 2403 is a gem of the northern sky. With a beautiful spiral form and bright H II knots, it’s a rich target both scientifically and visually — perfect for spring skies and wide-field imaging.
The universe hides some of its finest spirals in the quiet corners of the sky.
Clear skies!