Date 2008	Location Linz, Austria	Software CCDSoft, CCDStack	Mount Paramount ME	Guide
Optic RCOS 16"	Camera ST-10XME	Filter L/R-G-B	Exposure 600s/300-420-600s	Process Photoshop CS2

Billions and Billions.com/NGC 4618

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 NGC 4618 (Arp 23) and 4625

NGC 4618 (right) is a distorted but beautiful dwarf galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici.  It is formally classified as an Sm galaxy because its structure vaguely resembles the structure of spiral galaxies.  NGC 4618 is sometimes referred to as a Magellanic spiral because of its resemblance to the Magellanic clouds.  Unlike most spirals NGC 4618 has a single spiral arm, which gives it an asymmetric appearance.  This galaxy was included in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies (Arp) as one of three examples of nearby galaxies with single spiral arms.  Although NGC 4618 is labeled as peculiar, many similar galaxies have been identified.  It has been hypothesized that this galaxy's asymmetric structure may be the result of a gravitational interaction with NGC 4625 (upper left).  Now NGC 4625 is most unusual.  Its dim spiral arms are considered to be quite young though its core is not.  This is the second collaboration with my friend Martin Winder who acquired the data from his Picard Observatory in Linz, Austria- thank you Martin!  Return to the Gallery