NGC 906 is a barred spiral galaxy located about 220 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. This galaxy is part of a group known for its visually appealing spiral structure, where a central bar-like shape stretches across its core, with arms winding outwards in a pattern. NGC 906 is classified as an “SBbc” galaxy, which means it has a defined central bar (the “SB”) and moderately wound spiral arms (the “bc”). This kind of structure is typical for galaxies where star formation is actively occurring in both the arms and the central regions.
The British astronomer William Herschel first discovered NGC 906 on September 21, 1786. Herschel, who is renowned for cataloging various celestial objects, noted NGC 906 during his detailed survey of the night sky. He made significant contributions to our understanding of galaxies and nebulae by systematically recording these objects with a large telescope.
A standout feature of NGC 906 is its star-forming activity, visible through the galaxy’s blue regions, where young stars are continuously born. The bright blue glow of these areas results from hot, young stars that emit high-energy light. Such activity suggests that NGC 906 has ample gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for new stars. The arms, dense with these materials, rotate slowly around the galactic center, creating ongoing cycles of star birth.
Observing NGC 906 provides insight into the life cycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies. Astronomers study it to learn how galaxies form and how their structures impact star formation. Because it’s part of the New General Catalogue (NGC), it remains a popular subject for both professional and amateur astronomers looking to understand the dynamics of barred spiral galaxies in greater detail.
Capture Details:
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC Pro
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Time: 203×60 sec 3 hours 23minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.