NGC 3023 and NGC 3018

NGC 3023 and NGC 3018 are a pair of galaxies in Sextans. The system is interesting because of the presence of Markarian (Mrk) 1236 - an intensely bright blue/ultraviolet source appearing within NGC 3023. Although unclear, it is believed to be a very active giant star forming region. The spectrum of Mrk 1236 resembles that of a Wolf-Rayet star, suggesting very recent star formation (within the past few million years before this light was emitted). NGC 3023 and NGC 3018 appear to be interacting and this would explain the vigorous star formation and considerable UV activity as recorded by GALEX. Both galaxies show distorted spiral arms and were probably barred spiral galaxies before their interactions started. They are about 31.2 megaparsecs (or about 102 million light years) from Earth. Despite extensive searches I have been unable to find any deep images of these targets, and thus believe this image to be the first.

Thanks to Owen Brazell for providing the technical details on these galaxies.

Data captured on my remote observatory in Spain.

Scopes: APM TMB LZOS 152 Refractors

Cameras: QSI6120wsg8

Mounts: 10Micron GM2000 HPS

A total of 10 hours 5 minutes (LRGB)

More information at www.imagingdeepspace.com/ngc-3023.html

Done