Spiral Galaxy NGC 4579 M 58

This is one of four barred spiral galaxies. This is one of the brighter spiral galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. This was quite challenging imaging as it was mainly in Infrared and H alpha bands. However, it yields alot of detail you wouldn't normally see in the visible region.

Image of Spiral Galaxy NGC 4579 or M 58

webtreatz.com/component/option,com_zoom/...geNo,2/key,12/hit,1/

Image taken on 28th January, 2008
Using 0.9m Wynne Newt.at f/4 + AP8p CCD
Exposures B 10 x 75 secs, I 10 x 100 secs, H alpha 10 x 80 secs
Processed MIRA PRO 7.5

Eamonn A
MPC J62
www.kingslandobservatory.com

Hi Eamonn, glad those links are working!

Great image in which it seems to show a lot of activity in this galaxy especially in the IR region, this was my first impressions when I looked at the image. Would this galaxy be classed as a starburst galaxy? Difficult to make out what classification of galaxy shape this would be, unless I was told I wouldn’t have classified M58 as a barred spiral, it also seems to have a rather bright and condensed central core; the arms shows up in good detail in IR, there is lots of star forming going on here, right? Its morphology is unusual I think!

Clear skies
Mike

An interesting shot there eamonn, some great h-alpha regions there,
definitely a challenging target, nice one !

Mike,

I don't know if it is a starburst type. I believe it is intermediate between a normal and a barred. However, I take your point the nucleus is very intense.

The arms do depict some star forming regions. I checked Spitzer (IR) and it confirms the star forming areas. I don't know the final morphology. May be it is in transition trying to become a barred.

Eamonn A