NGC 660
NGC 660 is a striking example of a polar ring galaxy. Such galaxies contain a separate ring of stars, dust and gas that orbit around the galaxy. In the case of NGC 660, there are two dust lanes that cross the galaxy, making a distinctive X shape. It is not clear why NGC 660 has its shape, but it likely either the result of two galaxies colliding head on or the result of gas being stripped from another galaxy that passed nearby but did not collide. The most recent research supports the latter model.
| 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: | 08-24-2012 |
| Filters and Assigned Colors: | g (blue), r (green), I (orange) and Hydrogen alpha (red) |
| Exposure Times: | 3x150sec in g,3x120sec in r, 3x90sec in i and 3x180sec in H-alpha |
| Location of Image: | Pisces |
| Field of View: | 9.3 x 5.6 arcmin |
| Orientation: | Rotated CW 8 degrees from North is right, East is up |
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| Link to Full Resolution Image | |
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