NGC 3359

NGC 3359

NGC 3359 is a barred spiral galaxy. Recent research has shown that the central bar in this galaxy is relatively young. The bar is only 500 million years old, as compared to the several billion year age of the galaxy. In addition to its central bar NGC 3359 is known for its many regions of star formation, so-called [H II] regions, that are visible as light-red patches throughout the galaxy. There are approximately 100 [H II] regions in NGC 3359, which makes it an example of intense star formation.

Observatory: Gemini Observatory (North)  Mauna Kea, Hawai'i
Telescope: Gemini North
Instrument: GMOS-N  
Astronomer: Gemini Observatory and T. A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage)
Date of Observation: 04-12-2005
Filters and Assigned Colors: g (blue), r (green), i (orange) and H-alpha (red)
Exposure Times: 8x2min in g,r, 5x2min in i and 5x5min in h-alpha
Location of Image: Ursa Major
Field of View: 4.3 x 5.3 arcmin
Orientation: North is down, East is to the right
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