Distorted galaxy NGC 2442

The distorted galaxy NGC 2442, also known as the Meathook Galaxy, is located some 50 million light-years away in the constellation of Volans (the Flying Fish). The galaxy is 75,000 light-years wide and features two dusty spiral arms extending from a pronounced central bar that give it a hook-like appearance, hence its nickname. The galaxy’s distorted shape is most likely the result of a close encounter with a smaller, unseen galaxy. This image is based on data acquired with the 1.5-metre Danish telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile, through three filters (B: 250 s, V: 187 s, R: 150 s).

Crediti:

ESO/IDA/Danish 1.5 m/R. Gendler, J.-E. Ovaldsen, C. C. Thöne and C. Féron

Riguardo l'immagine

Identificazione:ngc2442
Tipo:Osservazione
Data di rilascio:Giovedì 03 Dicembre 2009 23:18
Grandezza:1917 x 1764 px

Riguardo all'oggetto

Nome:NGC 2442
Tipo:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distanza:50 Milione Anni luce
Constellation:Volans
Categoria:Galaxies

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Coordinate

Position (RA):7 36 27.49
Position (Dec):-69° 31' 30.66"
Field of view:12.62 x 12.62 arcminutes
Orientazione:Il Nord è a 43.4° a sinistra della verticale