NGC 3169

Last updated
NGC 3169
Up and Over NGC 3169.jpg
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation Sextans
Right ascension 10h 14m 15.099s [1]
Declination +03° 27 58.03 [1]
Redshift +0.004113 ± 0.000017 [2]
Heliocentric radial velocity +1,232 [3] km/s
Distance 57 Mly (17.43 Mpc) [3]
Apparent magnitude  (V)10.3
Characteristics
Type SA(s)a pec [4]
Apparent size  (V)4.2′ × 2.9′
Other designations
UGC 5525, PGC 29855 [4]

NGC 3169 is a spiral galaxy about 75 million light years [3] away in the constellation Sextans. It has the morphological classification SA(s)a pec, [5] which indicates this is a pure, unbarred spiral galaxy with tightly-wound arms and peculiar features. [6] There is an asymmetrical spiral arm and an extended halo around the galaxy. [7] It is a member of the NGC 3166 Group of galaxies, which is a member of the Leo II Groups, a series of galaxies and galaxy clusters strung out from the right edge of the Virgo Supercluster. [8]

Contents

This is a LINER 2 galaxy that displays an extended emission of X-rays in the region of the nucleus. [9] A hard X-ray source at the center most likely indicates an active galactic nucleus. [10] The stellar population in the nucleus, and a ring at an angular radius of 6″, shows an age of only one billion years and is generally younger than the surrounding stellar population. This suggests that a burst of star formation took place in the nucleus roughly one billion years ago. [5]

NGC 3169 is located in close physical proximity to NGC 3166, and the two have an estimated separation of around 160 kly (50 kpc). Their interaction is creating a gravitational distortion that has left the disk of NGC 3166 warped. [11] Combined with NGC 3156, the three galaxies form a small group within the larger Leo 1 group. The three are embedded within an extended ring of neutral hydrogen that is centered on NGC 3169. [5]

Supernovae

In 1984, a Type II-L supernova was discovered in this galaxy. Designated 1984E, the spectrum of this event at maximum light showed prominent Balmer lines that indicated the explosion occurred inside a dense shell of hydrogen surrounding the star. This shell was likely created by a strong stellar wind from the progenitor star. [12] A second supernova was discovered in 2003: SN 2003 cg (type Ia, mag. 14.4). [13] [14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pinwheel Galaxy</span> Galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major

The Pinwheel Galaxy is a face-on spiral galaxy located 21 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781 and was communicated that year to Charles Messier, who verified its position for inclusion in the Messier Catalogue as one of its final entries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Messier 83</span> Barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Hydra

Messier 83 or M83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy and NGC 5236, is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 15 million light-years away in the constellation borders of Hydra and Centaurus. Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered M83 on 23 February 1752 at the Cape of Good Hope. Charles Messier added it to his catalogue of nebulous objects in March 1781.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whirlpool Galaxy</span> Galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici

The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a (M51a) or NGC 5194, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici, and was the first galaxy to be classified as a spiral galaxy. It is 7.22 megaparsecs away and 23.58 kiloparsecs (76,900 ly) in diameter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Messier 81</span> Spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major

Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode's Galaxy) is a grand design spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It has a D25 isophotal diameter of 29.44 kiloparsecs (96,000 light-years). Because of its relative proximity to the Milky Way galaxy, large size, and active galactic nucleus (which harbors a 70 million M supermassive black hole), Messier 81 has been studied extensively by professional astronomers. The galaxy's large size and relatively high brightness also makes it a popular target for amateur astronomers. In late February 2022, astronomers reported that M81 may be the source of FRB 20200120E, a repeating fast radio burst.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Messier 74</span> Face-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Pisces

Messier 74 is a large spiral galaxy in the equatorial constellation Pisces. It is about 32 million light-years away from Earth. The galaxy contains two clearly defined spiral arms and is therefore used as an archetypal example of a grand design spiral galaxy. The galaxy's low surface brightness makes it the most difficult Messier object for amateur astronomers to observe. Its relatively large angular size and the galaxy's face-on orientation make it an ideal object for professional astronomers who want to study spiral arm structure and spiral density waves. It is estimated that M74 hosts about 100 billion stars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Messier 77</span> Barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Cetus

Messier 77 (M77), also known as NGC 1068 or the Squid Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Cetus. It is about 47 million light-years (14 Mpc) away from Earth. Messier 77 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780, who originally described it as a nebula. Méchain then communicated his discovery to Charles Messier, who subsequently listed the object in his catalog. Both Messier and William Herschel described this galaxy as a star cluster. Today, however, the object is known to be a galaxy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 4725</span> Galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices

NGC 4725 is an intermediate barred spiral galaxy with a prominent ring structure, located in the northern constellation of Coma Berenices near the north galactic pole. It was discovered by German-born astronomer William Herschel on April 6, 1785. The galaxy lies at a distance of approximately 40 megalight-years from the Milky Way. NGC 4725 is the brightest member of the Coma I Group of the Coma-Sculptor Cloud, although it is relatively isolated from the other members of this group. This galaxy is strongly disturbed and is interacting with neighboring spiral galaxy NGC 4747, with its spiral arms showing indications of warping. The pair have an angular separation of 24′, which corresponds to a projected linear separation of 370 kly. A tidal plume extends from NGC 4747 toward NGC 4725.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 4536</span> Spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo

NGC 4536 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo located about 10° south of the midpoint of the Virgo cluster. However, it is not considered a member of the cluster. Rather, it is a member of the M61 Group of galaxies, which is a member of the Virgo II Groups, a series of galaxies and galaxy clusters strung out from the southern edge of the Virgo Supercluster. The morphological classification in the De Vaucouleurs system is SAB(rs)bc, which indicates it is a weakly barred spiral galaxy with a hint of an inner ring structure plus moderate to loosely wound arms. It does not have a classical bulge around the nucleus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 1566</span> Galaxy in the constellation Dorado

NGC 1566, sometimes known as the Spanish Dancer, is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Dorado, positioned about 3.5° to the south of the star Gamma Doradus. It was discovered on May 28, 1826 by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop. At 10th magnitude, it requires a telescope to view. The distance to this galaxy remains elusive, with measurements ranging from 6 Mpc up to 21 Mpc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 613</span> Galaxy in the constellation of Sculptor

NGC 613 is a barred spiral galaxy located 67 million light years away in the southern constellation of Sculptor. This galaxy was discovered in 1798 by German-English astronomer William Herschel, then re-discovered and catalogued by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop. It was first photographed in 1912, which revealed the spiral form of the nebula. During the twentieth century, radio telescope observations showed that a linear feature in the nucleus was a relatively strong source of radio emission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 5668</span> Galaxy in the constellation Virgo

NGC 5668 is a nearly face-on spiral galaxy, visual magnitude about 11.5, located about 81 million light years away in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered in 1786 by William Herschel. It is a member of the NGC 5638 Group of galaxies, itself one of the Virgo III Groups strung out to the east of the Virgo Supercluster of galaxies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 4274</span> Galaxy in the constellation Coma Berenices

NGC 4274 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices. It is located at a distance of circa 45 million light years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 4274 is about 95,000 light years across. It was discovered by William Herschel in 1785.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 3941</span> Galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major

NGC 3941 is a barred lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. It is located at a distance of circa 40 million light years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 3941 is about 40,000 light years across. It was discovered by William Herschel in 1787.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 2336</span> Galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis

NGC 2336 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Camelopardalis. It is located at a distance of circa 100 million light years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 2336 is about 200,000 light years across. It was discovered by Wilhelm Tempel in 1876.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 536</span> Galaxy in the constellation Andromeda

NGC 536 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Andromeda. It is located at a distance of circa 200 million light-years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 536 is about 180,000 light years across. It was discovered by William Herschel on September 13, 1784. It is a member of Hickson Compact Group 10, which also includes the galaxies NGC 529, NGC 531, and NGC 542. It belongs to the Perseus–Pisces Supercluster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 7184</span> Galaxy in the constellation Aquarius

NGC 7184 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Aquarius. It is located at a distance of circa 100 million light years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 7184 is about 175,000 light years across. It was discovered by William Herschel on October 28, 1783.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 3367</span> Spiral galaxy in the constellation Leo

NGC 3367 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It is located at a distance of about 120 million light years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 3367 is about 85,000 light years across. It was discovered by William Herschel on March 19, 1784.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 7130</span> Galaxy in the constellation Piscis Austrinus

NGC 7130 is a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Piscis Austrinus. It is located at a distance of about 220 million light years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 7130 is about 100,000 light years across. It was discovered by John Herschel on September 25, 1834, and discovered independently by Lewis Swift on September 17, 1897. The location of the galaxy given in the New General Catalogue was off by 30 arcminutes in declination from the location of the galaxy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 7418</span> Galaxy in the constellation Grus

NGC 7418 is an intermediate spiral galaxy located in the constellation Grus. It is located at a distance of circa 60 million light-years from Earth, which, given its apparent dimensions, means that NGC 7418 is about 60,000 light-years across. It was discovered by John Herschel on August 30, 1834.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NGC 5135</span>

NGC 5135 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Hydra. It is located at a distance of about 200 million light years from Earth. It was discovered by John Herschel on May 8, 1834. It is a Seyfert galaxy.

References

  1. 1 2 Skrutskie, Michael F.; Cutri, Roc M.; Stiening, Rae; Weinberg, Martin D.; Schneider, Stephen E.; Carpenter, John M.; Beichman, Charles A.; Capps, Richard W.; Chester, Thomas; Elias, Jonathan H.; Huchra, John P.; Liebert, James W.; Lonsdale, Carol J.; Monet, David G.; Price, Stephan; Seitzer, Patrick; Jarrett, Thomas H.; Kirkpatrick, J. Davy; Gizis, John E.; Howard, Elizabeth V.; Evans, Tracey E.; Fowler, John W.; Fullmer, Linda; Hurt, Robert L.; Light, Robert M.; Kopan, Eugene L.; Marsh, Kenneth A.; McCallon, Howard L.; Tam, Robert; Van Dyk, Schuyler D.; Wheelock, Sherry L. (1 February 2006). "The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS)". The Astronomical Journal. 131 (2): 1163–1183. Bibcode:2006AJ....131.1163S. doi: 10.1086/498708 . ISSN   0004-6256. S2CID   18913331.
  2. De Vaucouleurs, G.; De Vaucouleurs, A.; Corwin, H. G. Jr.; Buta, R. J.; Paturel, G.; Fouque, P. (1991), Third Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies, 3.9.
  3. 1 2 3 Crook, Aidan C.; et al. (February 2007), "Groups of Galaxies in the Two Micron All Sky Redshift Survey", The Astrophysical Journal, 655 (2): 790–813, arXiv: astro-ph/0610732 , Bibcode:2007ApJ...655..790C, doi:10.1086/510201, S2CID   11672751.
  4. 1 2 "NED results for object NGC 3169", NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database, NASA , retrieved 2013-05-30.
  5. 1 2 3 Sil'chenko, O. K.; Afanasiev, V. L. (August 2006), "Central regions of the early-type galaxies in the NGC 3169 group", Astronomy Letters, 32 (8): 534–544, Bibcode:2006AstL...32..534S, CiteSeerX   10.1.1.515.4412 , doi:10.1134/S1063773706080044, S2CID   53956086.
  6. Buta, Ronald J.; et al. (2007), Atlas of Galaxies, Cambridge University Press, pp. 13–17, ISBN   978-0521820486.
  7. Haynes, M. P. (August 1981), "Neutral hydrogen streams in groups of galaxies. I - Observations", Astronomical Journal, 86: 1126–1154, Bibcode:1981AJ.....86.1126H, doi: 10.1086/112993 .
  8. "The Leo III Groups". Atlas of the Universe. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  9. Terashima, Yuichi; Wilson, Andrew S. (January 2003), "Chandra Snapshot Observations of Low-Luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei with a Compact Radio Source", The Astrophysical Journal, 583 (1): 145–158, arXiv: astro-ph/0209607 , Bibcode:2003ApJ...583..145T, doi:10.1086/345339, S2CID   16047866.
  10. Mathur, Smita; et al. (October 2008), "AIP Conference Proceedings", American Institute of Physics Conference Series, 1053: 43–49, arXiv: 0807.0422 , Bibcode:2008AIPC.1053...43M, doi:10.1063/1.3009521, S2CID   118424765.
  11. Drory, Niv; Fisher, David B. (August 2007), "A Connection between Bulge Properties and the Bimodality of Galaxies", The Astrophysical Journal, 662 (2): 640–649, arXiv: 0705.0973 , Bibcode:2007ApJ...664..640D, doi:10.1086/519441, S2CID   17999271.
  12. Henry, Richard B. C.; Branch, David (February 1987), "The spectrum of the type II-L supernova 1984E in NGC 3169 Further evidence for a superwind?", Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 99: 112–115, Bibcode:1987PASP...99..112H, doi: 10.1086/131962 .
  13. Elias-Rosa, N.; et al. (July 2006), "Anomalous extinction behaviour towards the Type Ia SN 2003cg", Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , 369 (4): 1880–1900, arXiv: astro-ph/0603316 , Bibcode:2006MNRAS.369.1880E, doi:10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.10430.x, S2CID   15108977.
  14. Transient Name Server entry for SN 2003cg. Retrieved 29 March 2023.