This image is the result of a collaborative effort by a team of French astrophotographers at the SADR Observatory in Chile. By combining multiple nights of exposure, we have moved beyond the traditional view of the galaxy’s bright core and dust lane to reveal the complex “ghosts” of its violent past.
Key features captured in this exposure include:
The Relativistic Jet: A prominent red, wispy H-alpha emission extending to the upper right, fueled by the supermassive black hole.
The Extended Stellar Halo: Faint concentric “shells” of stars caused by the gravitational shockwaves of an ancient galactic merger.
Integrated Flux Nebula (IFN): The reddish-brown mottled background, revealing the “galactic cirrus” of our own Milky Way.
Foreground H-alpha Glow: Deep emissions likely associated with the massive Gum Nebula complex.
The Team:
Project Coordinator: Jean-Christophe Dalouzy
Photographers: Jean-Christophe Dalouzy, Philippe Bazard, Marwane Dherbécourt, Jean-Paul Quéau, Gaëtan Leroy, Emmanuel Valin, Hugues Talbot
Image Processing: Cédric Humbert
Technical details:
Imaging Scope: TEC APO140ED / Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI6200MM Pro / Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ8
Dates: multiple dates between April and September 2025
Location: SADR Remote Observatory, located in Monte Patria, Chile
Frames:
H-alpha 2″: 257×300″(21h 25′)
Oxygen III 2″: 185×300″(15h 25′)
Blue: 153×180″(7h 39′)
Green: 163×180″(8h 9′)
Luminance: 469×180″(23h 27′)
Red: 223×180″(11h 9′)
Total Integration: 87h 14′
We have attached the mid-resolution file for your review. A higher resolution file can also be found here: https://www.astrobin.com/ixo52t/0/