CCD camera captures stunning images of Knife Edge Galaxy

Using a QHY9M monochrome CCD camera, astrophotographer Terry Hancock captured a stunning image of the Knife Edge Galaxy after 7.2 hours of exposure time over four clear nights in May 2013, according to a Space.com article.

The QHY9M camera is an 8.6 megapixel monochrome CCD camera with deep cooling that features a 5.4 micron pixel using a Kodak KAF8300 CCD sensor, two stage regulated cooling, and a built-in shutter. Additional sample images captured by the QHY9M can be found here.

In addition to the camera, Hancock used a StarlightXpress Color Filter Wheel, Astronomy Technologies Astro-Tech 12” f/8 Ritchey- Chrétien astrograph optics, Paramount GT-1100S German Equatorial Mount (with MKS 4000), and image acquisition software Maxim DL5.

The Knife Edge Galaxy, or NGC 5907, is located in the constellation of Draco about 50 million light-years from Earth. The spiral galaxy was discovered in 1788 and is also known as the Splinter Galaxy.

View the Space.com article.

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