Messier 59 (NGC 4621), Messier 60 (NGC 4649) - 12"

Messier 59 (NGC 4621), Messier 60 (NGC 4649) – VdS Remote Hakos – 12″

As a member of the VdS Remote Observatory group, I have the opportunity to utilize the VdS Remote Observatory located in Hakos, Namibia. This facility allows members not only to process their own data acquired there but also to work with datasets collected by other users, fostering a collaborative environment for advanced amateur astrophotography. In this particular project, I used my own data obtained with the observatory’s equipment.

The resulting image features the elliptical galaxies Messier 59 (M59) and Messier 60 (M60), both situated in the constellation Virgo and belonging to the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. These massive elliptical systems present contrasting structural characteristics and stellar populations, making them a compelling pair for comparative imaging and analysis. The dataset exhibited excellent image quality, thanks to the observatory’s dark skies and stable atmospheric conditions.

Data calibration, registration, and final processing were performed using PixInsight, with emphasis on accurate color balance, noise reduction, and preservation of galactic structure. The final image highlights the smooth, extended halos of both galaxies as well as several faint background objects. (Please also have a look at my result with the Tak).