Floating Metropolis (NGC 253) by Michael Sidonio
This striking poster captures the majestic view of one of the brightest spiral galaxies visible from Earth, NGC 253, also known as the Sculptor Galaxy.
This deep image of NGC 253, often referred to as The Silver Dollar Galaxy, shows many bright HII regions and unusual streamers of stars, rising vertically in this image, across the enormous stellar disc. The extensive but very faint and rarely seen outer galactic halo of stars is also evident.
Awards
Finalist (Top 5) Deep Space category, Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2013
Photo details & setup
- Orion Optics AG12 F3.8
- FLI ProLine 16803 CCD & CFW-5-7 + Atlas Focuser
- LHaRGB = 190 30 40 40 40min (bin 1X1) Astronomik filters
- -30C chip temp, darks and flats (Astronomik Aurora Light Panel used for flats)
- Focal length 1120mm
- Image scale 1.6"/pix
- Guide Camera: Starlight Xpress SXVH9
Michael Sidonio, also known as "Strongmanmike," is a well-known Australian amateur astronomer and astrophotographer with a background in strength athletics. He studied astronomy at Dickson College and worked at the Canberra Observatory for over a decade. After retiring from strongman competitions in 2005, Michael focused on astronomy and astrophotography. His work has been featured in various exhibitions worldwide and has won numerous awards.
Michael has made significant contributions to astronomy research, including discovering a galaxy 11 million light-years away. His astrophotography is displayed at Australia's National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra. Michael recently completed the construction of the highest astronomical observatory in Australia, located in the Tinderry Mountains.
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