IC 10 is a small irregular galaxy located about 2.2 million light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia. It is the only known starburst galaxy in the Local Group, meaning it has an unusually high rate of star formation. This makes it an important target for astronomers studying how galaxies evolve and produce new stars.
Astronomer Lewis Swift discovered IC 10 in 1887. However, because of its location behind dense interstellar dust, it remained largely overlooked for many years. The dust makes IC 10 appear dimmer, even though it is forming stars at a rapid pace.
One of IC 10’s most remarkable features is its abundance of massive, young stars and powerful stellar winds. The galaxy is home to many Wolf-Rayet stars, which are massive stars in their final stages of life before exploding as supernovae. These stars contribute to the galaxy’s high-energy environment.
IC 10 is also rich in hydrogen gas, the fuel for star formation. Scientists believe this gas supply is responsible for the ongoing starburst activity. Because of its relatively close distance, IC 10 provides a valuable opportunity to study the effects of intense star formation in a small galaxy.
Despite its chaotic appearance, IC 10 plays an important role in understanding how galaxies grow and change over time. Studying it helps astronomers learn more about the processes that shape galaxies across the universe.
Capture Details:
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC Pro
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Time: 173 x 60 sec 2 hours 53 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini ZWO OAG-L
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.