NGC 134


3 minutes exposure.
SBIG ST4 CCD camera, 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

NGC 134 is a moderately bright, edge-on spiral galaxy that is a member of the Sculptor group, a loose cluster of galaxies in the southern constellations of Sculptor and Phoenix. This is a relatively close cluster at a distance of around 7.5 million light years. Many of the cluster members are difficult to observe due to a low surface brightness, while some, such as NGC 253 and NGC 55, are excelent objects for small telescopes.

NGC 134 fits in between these two extremes. It is a easy object for an 8" telescope, appearing as a thin streak of light.


Combination of 2 3 minute exposures.
Meade 416XTE CCD camera, 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

The galaxy to the right (west) is the 13th magnitude NGC131. This is also easily visible in an 8" telescope under dark skies.