Brightest Object in the Universe

Dear friends,

After spending eight hours waiting for the seeing to improve (from FWHM > 4.0") to no avail, meaningful imaging wasn't meant to be for the other night. I thought I would take a quick stab at the brightest object in the universe and which is also listed in the Guiness Book of Records.

To be more specific, the quasar APM 08279+5255 in Lynx shines at magnitude 15.2 and in spite of the fact that it lies just under 12 billion light-years away! Furthermore, aside from being an example of gravitational lensing, the Hubble Space Telescope has identified three components (due to lensing) which in itself is a rarity since such components are usually even-numbered.

For a result based on 45 minutes total exposure (Lum @ 15x03 min), I kindly direct you to www.perseus.gr/Astro-DSO-QSO-APM08279+5255.htm .

Great shot Anthony. Its nice to see some unusual targets now and again. Well done.
Just one comment, from previous discussions I have seen, I thought Seanie was the brightest object in the universe

Great shot Anthony. Its nice to see some unusual targets now and again. Well done.

Glad you like it John. I do confess that I have a preference for unsual targets ... makes things more interesting.

Just one comment, from previous discussions I have seen, I thought Seanie was the brightest object in the universe

:mrgreen: :lol:

It is not too often I am at a loss for words but this is one such very rare occasion. Great line ... and I am out of ideas for a comeback. I will leave it to my other (creative) friends here on IFAS to address this issue. :lol: