Scope

  Takahashi CN-212 Reflector at F/3.9

Mount

  Losmandy G-11 Gemini Level III on Wood Tripod

Camera

  SBIG ST2000XM Camera with CFW8 Filter Wheel

Filters

  Astrodon i-series LRGB

Software

  MaxIm DL 4 and Photoshop CS

Exposure Details

  L:R:G:B 180:30:30:30 minutes 

Description

  This interesting trio of galaxies is known as the Whale and Pup, and the Crowbar.  Evidence suggests that they have interacted with each other in the past.  The Whale (NGC 4631) is a spiral galaxy seen edge on, and its companion, the Pup (NGC 4627), is a small eliptical galaxy.  The Crowbar (NGC 4656) is an irregular shaped galaxy that resembles a hockey stick or a crowbar.