This image was taken using the Meade f3.3 focal reducer on my 8" f10 LX 200 with no extension rings.  This optical arrangements gives me an effective focal ratio of f6.6.  The image is a composite of six 20 minute exposure.  You can began to see some of the faint halo of gas around the galaxy, but my magnitude 4 skies are just too bright to register this faint halo clearly, even with a very long exposure.  The image was guided by the STAR 2000 and I also used the IDAS light pollution filter.  Total exposure is 120 minutes.  NGC 3628 is near two other bright galaxies in Leo:  M-65 and M-66.  These three galaxies are often called the Leo Trio. Click here to go back.