This marvelous barred spiral galaxy is about twice as big as the Milky Way, and is about 56 million ly away. It is a major “star maker” as evidenced by its multiple HII regions.

Planewave 12.5″ CDK telescope with an ST11000 camera, Astrodon filters, and ASA gearless DDM-60 mount. F/8 unguided LRGB (58/6min L, 10/6min each 2×2 RGB).