M102 · galaxy

Spindle Galaxy

A prolate rotator galaxy, or spindle galaxy, is an unusual class of galaxy that is cigar-shaped and rotates around its long axis.

RA14h 03m 12sDec+54° 20' 56"

Image: NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M102
All designations: M102 · NGC 5866 · Spindle Galaxy
Object type: Galaxy
Constellation: Draco
Best viewing: Spring · Summer

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 14h 03m 12s
Declination (J2000): +54° 20' 56"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —
Redshift (z): 0.000804

III

Visibility tonight

The science

A prolate rotator galaxy, or spindle galaxy, is an unusual class of galaxy that is cigar-shaped and rotates around its long axis. A prolate rotator galaxy is an elliptical galaxy in prolate rotation, meaning they possess a significant amount of rotation around their major axis. To create a prolate rotator galaxy, two large spiral galaxies must collide at right angles. One forms the central bar, the other the disk. The bar then dominates the system.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0