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).
Credit:
ESO/IDA/Danish 1.5 m/R. Gendler, J.-E. Ovaldsen, C. C. Thöne and C. Féron
About the Image
| Id: | ngc2442 |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 3 December 2009, 23:18 |
| Size: | 1917 x 1764 px |
About the Object
| Name: | NGC 2442 |
| Type: | • Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral • X - Galaxies |
| Distance: | 50 million light years |
| Constellation: | Volans |
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 7 36 27.49 |
| Position (Dec): | -69° 31' 30.66" |
| Field of view: | 12.62 x 12.62 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 43.4° left of vertical |
View in Worldwide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Telescope |
| Optical B |
Danish 1.54-metre telescope |
| Optical V |
Danish 1.54-metre telescope |
| Optical R |
Danish 1.54-metre telescope |
Images
Wallpapers
