Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631), and Hockey Stick Galaxy (NGC 4656), are two interacting galaxies in the Canes Venatici constellation, about 25-30 million light-years from Earth. NGC 4631 is an edge-on spiral galaxy with a diameter of about 80,000 light-years and intense star-forming regions, while NGC 4656, irregular and distorted, shows signs of gravitational interactions with its companion. Both are part of a group that also includes the dwarf elliptical galaxy NGC 4627, located near NGC 4631.
Technical data:
Telescope/Mount: Skywatcher 150/750 Heq5 pro
Camera: 294 MC PRO
Integration & filters: 220 exposures of 180" Optolong L-QEF
Acquisition: Asiair mini
Guide scope: Take 60/240
Guide camera: ZWO 224 with UV/IR cut
Location: Faggiano (TA)
Average SQM: 19.10
Bortle Class: 6
Date: 11-12/05/2026
Processing software: DSS-Graxpert-PS
Copyright: Raffaele Calcagno