NGC 3227 is an interacting galaxy in Leo with NGC 3226. NGC 3226 appears to the lower right of NGC 3227 in this image. Dr. Halton Arp published an Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies in 1966. This galaxy pair is listed in the catalog as Arp 94. Although the Arp catalog was mainly compiled from images taken with the Palomar 200-inch telescope, with the sensitive CCD cameras that are now available to amateur astronomers, all of the galaxies in the Arp catalog are now within reach of amateur size telescopes.
NGC 3227 shines at magnitude 10.8, while NGC 3226 is rated at magnitude 12.3. This image goes fairly deep, however, and the field of view is full of faint background galaxies.
This image was taken at Kitt Peak as part of the Advanced Observer Program. This program provides you with an opportunity to stay on the mountain and image using telescopes at the Visitor Center. Wil Milan and I used a 20-inch telescope located in the observatory adjoining the Visitor Center. The Advanced Observing Program is described more fully on their web site. Adam Block was our observing guide that evening, and did an excellent job of assisting us in operating the equipment. This is a great public outreach program, and I recommend it to anyone interested in astronomy.
This is an LRGB color composite CCD image taken at prime focus f8.4 on a 20-inch RC Optical Systems Richey-Chretien telescope carried on a Paramount ME mount.
NGC 3227
Constellation: Leo
RA:10h 23m 44.3s Dec:+19d 50' 46"
March 27, 2004
Image by Sid Leach, Wil Milan and Adam Block
Kitt Peak, Arizona.
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