IC 342

Common Name: The Hidden Galaxy

Also Known as: Caldwell 5

Object Type: Intermediate Spiral Galaxy

Constellation: Camelopardalis

Distance from Earth: 10.7 million light years

Apparent Magnitude: 9.1

Coordinates: RA 03H 46M 48.5S DEC 68 deg 05 min46 sec

Actual Size: 75,000 light year in diameter

Apparent Dimensions: 21.4 arc-minutes x 20.9 arc-minutes

Discovered by: IC 342 was discovered by William Frederick Denning in 1892.

Description: IC 342 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis, located relatively close to the Milky Way.
Despite its size and actual brightness, its location behind dusty areas near the galactic equator makes it difficult to observe, leading to the nickname "The Hidden Galaxy", though it can readily be detected even with binoculars. If the galaxy were not obscured, it would be visible by naked eye.
The galaxy KKH 32 was identified as the first known satellite of IC 342 that is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy.

Click Below Image(s) for Full Size:

Unlike galaxies with large bulges such as the Andromeda Galaxy, IC 342 has a relatively few dwarf satellite galaxies.
IC 342 is located very high in the sky, making it an ideal target to image.

The months of August through December are best.

Platesolve

IC 342 Spiral Galaxy

Imaging Details
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