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Whale Galaxy

NGC 4631

은하 우수 (72/100)

Barred Spiral

C32 Galaxy Canes Venatici 관측 가능 난이도 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: NASA, STScI, WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
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특성

등급 9.3
각크기 14.4′ × 2.2′
위치각 86°
거리 22000000 ly
은하 유형 Barred Spiral (SBcd)
Spiral Galaxy [Distance: 22000000 ly]

위치 & 식별자

RA 12h 42m 07.9s
Dec +32° 32' 31.2"
별자리 Canes Venatici
카탈로그 C32

가시성

사용자 설정에서 관측지를 설정하세요 가시성 데이터를 확인할 수 있습니다.

서베이 이미지

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Whale Galaxy 소개

설명

The Whale Galaxy (NGC 4631) is an edge-on barred spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, about 25 million light-years away. Its warped, wedge-shaped profile resembles a whale or herring, and it has a small companion galaxy, NGC 4627, riding above it like a calf.

관측 팁

Visible as an elongated streak in a 6-inch telescope. An 8-inch scope shows the asymmetric shape and brighter central region. NGC 4656 (the Hockey Stick Galaxy) lies half a degree to the southeast. Best in spring evenings.

역사

Discovered by William Herschel on March 20, 1787. Radio observations revealed an enormous hydrogen halo extending far above and below the disk, suggesting vigorous star formation activity.

재미있는 사실

The Whale Galaxy has a massive radio halo of hot gas extending up to 25,000 light-years above and below its disk, likely driven by supernovae. Its companion NGC 4627 is a dwarf elliptical galaxy physically associated with it.

커뮤니티 사진 (1)

Credit: NASA, STScI, WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: NASA, STScI, WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026