The disturbed galactic duo NGC 3169 and NGC 3166

This image from the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at the La Silla Observatory in Chile captures the pair of galaxies NGC 3169 (left) and NGC 3166 (right). These adjacent galaxies display some curious features, demonstrating that each member of the duo is close enough to feel the distorting gravitational influence of the other. The gravitational tug of war has warped the spiral shape of one galaxy, NGC 3169, and fragmented the dust lanes in its companion NGC 3166. At the bottom-right of the pair, a third galaxy is portrayed, NGC 3165.

Credit:

ESO/Igor Chekalin

About the Image

Id:eso1114a
Type:Observation
Release date:20 April 2011, 12:00
Related releases:eso1114
Size:5403 x 5403 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 3166, NGC 3169
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Interacting
Distance:70 million light years
Constellation:Sextans
Category:Galaxies

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Coordinates

Position (RA):10 14 4.93
Position (Dec):3° 27' 18.66"
Field of view:21.43 x 21.43 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 1.6° right of vertical