Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 2903 in Leo
Taken by Tom Wildoner on November 23, 2025 @
Weatherly, PA, USA
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Camera Used: Unavailable Unavailable
Exposure Time: Unavailable
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ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2025:12:08 07:40:37
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Details:
NGC 2903 is a bright barred spiral galaxy located about 30 million light-years away in the constellation Leo, notable for its striking central bar and vigorous star-forming regions. Classified as an SB(s)d galaxy, it displays tightly wound spiral arms rich in young, hot stars and glowing nebulae. Its nucleus is unusually active for a galaxy of its type, hosting dense clusters of newly formed stars that make the core shine intensely in infrared and ultraviolet light. Although prominent in telescopic images, NGC 2903 was surprisingly not included in Charles Messier’s famous catalog, despite being easily visible with modern amateur equipment. Its combination of structure, star formation, and relative proximity makes it a valuable target for both astrophotographers and researchers studying barred spiral galaxy evolution.
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 55 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: November 23, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Photographer's website:
https://www.thedarksideobservatory.com
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