NGC 3115 · 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.

RA10h 05m 13sDec−07° 43' 06"

Image: NASA Hubble Space Telescope. CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: NGC 3115
All designations: NGC 3115 · Spindle Galaxy
Object type: Galaxy
Constellation: Sextans
Best viewing: Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 10h 05m 13s
Declination (J2000): −07° 43' 06"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —
Redshift (z): 0.002287

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