NGC 3938 is a beautiful face-on spiral galaxy located about 43 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It is classified as a grand design spiral galaxy, meaning it has well-defined, prominent spiral arms. This galaxy is part of the Messier 109 Group, a collection of galaxies within the larger Virgo Supercluster.
Discovery
NGC 3938 was discovered by William Herschel on April 6, 1785. Herschel, a German-British astronomer, is known for his work in cataloging deep-sky objects, including the discovery of Uranus.
Structure and Features
The galaxy’s bright, symmetrical arms are filled with young, hot blue stars, indicating ongoing star formation. These arms also contain H II regions, which are large clouds of ionized hydrogen where new stars are being born. The core of NGC 3938 is relatively small and lacks a strong bulge, a characteristic of many late-type spiral galaxies.
Supernovae
NGC 3938 has hosted several supernovae, including:
SN 1961U (Type II)
SN 2005ay (Type II)
SN 2017ein (Type Ic, possibly linked to a massive progenitor star)
These events provide astronomers with valuable insights into the life cycles of stars.
Importance
Studying NGC 3938 helps scientists understand star formation, galaxy evolution, and the distribution of dark matter in spiral galaxies. Its proximity and clear structure make it an excellent target for professional and amateur astronomers alike.
Capture Details:
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC Pro
Mount: Juwei-17
Total Time: 127×120″ 4 hours and 14 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.