2 Attachment(s)
Object of the Week December 16, 2012 NGC 2146 (The Dusty Hand Galaxy)
NGC 2146 AKA Dusty Hand Galaxy
Camelopardalis
RA
06 18 41
DEC
+78 21 27
Type SB-Pec-Starburst
Mag 11.38
NGC 2146 is a very peculiar galaxy that has had a close encounter with another galaxy and has star forming rates twice the rate of M82. It also is a loud radio source. It gets the name "Dusty Hand" from the skeleton hand looking dust lanes near the core of the galaxy. I have been able to see this hand on many nights over the years. I have seen it several times with my Old 25" reflector. Last year I remember an exceptional view of the dusty hand when Paul Alsing and Steve Gottlieb were here observing with me. The faint dust lanes were showing up really well that night. I wonder what is the smallest scope that can see this unusual feature? Have you seen it?
NGC 2146A is 18 arc minutes to the North East and some think that it is the galaxy that has perturbed NGC 2146 on a close fly by. Be sure to check it out when you are in the area.
Attachment 396
The image below was taken by my good friend Tom Harrison who lives close to me. It is a very deep image of the Dusty Hand (NGC 2146) and shows some unusual features. If you will look at the 3 o'clock of the image you will see a bubble also you can see the umbrella like jet coming from the core of this disturbed galaxy.
Attachment 397
Next time you are under a clear dark sky I hope you will remember NGC 2146 and see if you can see the Dusty Hand feature of this unusual galaxy and,
"GIVE IT A GO AND LET US KNOW"
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT VIEWING!
