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Antennae Galaxies

NGC 4038

Galaxy Excellent (64/100)

Barred Spiral

C60 Galaxy Corvus Visible Level 5 Expert level - Dark skies recommended
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 10.5
Angular Size 5.4′ × 3.8′
Position Angle 80°
Distance 83000000 ly
Galaxy Type Barred Spiral (SBm)
Interacting Galaxies [Distance: 83000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 01m 53.3s
Dec -18° 52' 12.0"
Constellation Corvus
Catalog C60

Visibility

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About Antennae Galaxies

Description

The Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038) are a spectacular pair of colliding galaxies in Corvus, about 45 million light-years away. NGC 4038 is the northern component, and together with NGC 4039 (C61), they form one of the most famous interacting galaxy pairs, with long tidal tails stretching out like insect antennae.

Observing Tips

Visible as a peculiar, irregularly shaped glow in a 6-inch telescope. An 8-inch scope shows the double nucleus region. The tidal tails require long-exposure photography. Best in spring evenings when Corvus is well placed.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on February 7, 1785. The Antennae are one of the youngest and nearest examples of a galaxy merger in progress, making them a prime laboratory for studying galaxy interactions.

Fun Facts

The collision has triggered an enormous burst of star formation. Hubble images show over 1,000 bright young star clusters formed in the interaction, some containing millions of stars. This is a preview of what will happen when the Milky Way and Andromeda collide.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026