NGC 2903 - Barred Spiral Galaxy

Jan 2026
NGC  2903
author image @sharon Botnang, Stuttgart

8

NGC 2903, a bright barred spiral galaxy in Leo, shown in high detail. The prominent central bar funnels material into the core, driving intense star formation that lights up the inner regions. Well-defined spiral arms, dust lanes, and scattered H II regions extend outward, giving the galaxy a dynamic, structured appearance reminiscent of the Milky Way, but seen from a more favorable angle.

Lights

Filter UHC LightPollution
Lights 91
Single Exposure 180 sec
Total Exposure 4 hr 33 min
Gain 101
Offset 200
Temp (°C) -10.0 °C

Equipment

Camera Omegon VeTec571c
Telescope Omegon Ritchey-Chretien Pro RC203/1624
Guide Camera ZWO ASI174MM Mini
Guider Askar Off-Axis-Guider
Mount ZWO AM5N
Tripod ZWO Carbon Fiber Tripod TC40
Filter Wheel Svbony SV226
Eaf Gemini Automatic Star Focuser Pro
Flat Panel WELZK A3 Light Pad

Weighted Exposure

Red Channel 3 hr 4 min
Green Channel 3 hr 25 min
Blue Channel 3 hr 8 min
Total 3 hr 12 min

Nights

Capture Dates Moon Illumination
21 January 2026 Waxing Crescent (5.04%)

Software