NGC 6744

NGC 6744 is a large and beautiful face-on, spiral galaxy in Pavo. In an 8" telescope it is easily visible as large, moderatly bright patch of light with a bright centre. Undoubtably NGC 6744 would be widely known if it were visible to northern hemisphere observers.

Combination of 60, 1 minute images, SBIG ST9XE CCD.
8" f/10 schmidt-cassegrain telescope at prime focus.

Combination of 60, 1 minute images unfiltered, 20, 1 minute exposures with red and green filters, and 31, 1 minute exposures with a blue filter.
SBIG ST9XE CCD. 8" f/10 schmidt-cassegrain telescope at prime focus.

Combination of 10, 3 minute exposures, unfiltered,
10, 3 minute exposures with red and green filters, and 12 3 minute exposures with a blue filter.
SBIG ST8XE CCD camera. 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

The patch of light to the upper right of NGC 6744 is the irregular galaxy, NGC 6744A.

Combination of 20, 3 minute images, unfiltered and 10, 3 minute exposures using red, green and blue filters.
SBIG STL-1001E CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

There are a number of other galaxies visible in the image that are interesting challenges for visual observers. The patch of light to the upper right of NGC 6744 is the irregular galaxy, NGC 6744A. To the left of NGC 6744 is the 13.9 galaxy IC 4823. Down towards the bottom of the image are two galaxies. One if the edge-on spiral PGC 62847. At magnitude 15.8 this would be a good challenge for at 18" telescope under dark skies. To the left of this is PGC 62869. At magnitude 14.8, one would think this would not be too difficult, however as the image shows, this galaxy is fairly large and diffuse, so it could be a real challenge to observe visually.

Combination of 20, 3 minute exposures, SBIG STL-1001E CCD camera.
300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.