NGC 4631 & NGC 4627

Another of my favorite interacting galaxy pairs is the Whale and Calf galaxy. NGC 4631, the Whale shows it’s misshapen form even in a 4″ refractor. In fact my first observation of this pair was with a 4″ refractor. The fainter companion, NGC 4627, is easier to see with a larger telescope but with dark skies, it is doable with a 4″ refractor.

The Whale and Calf galaxy, NGC 4631 & 4627

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