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C67

NGC 1097

Galaxy Excellent (69/100)

Barred Spiral

C67 Galaxy Fornax Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 9.3
Angular Size 10.6′ × 6.4′
Position Angle 138°
Distance 45000000 ly
Galaxy Type Barred Spiral (SBb)
Spiral Galaxy [Distance: 45000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 02h 46m 19.0s
Dec -30° 16' 30.0"
Constellation Fornax
Catalog C67

Visibility

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About C67

Description

NGC 1097 is a barred spiral galaxy in Fornax, about 45 million light-years away. It is a Seyfert galaxy with an active nucleus, and Hubble images reveal a spectacular nuclear ring of star formation about 5,000 light-years in diameter.

Observing Tips

Visible as a moderately bright, elongated glow in a 6-inch telescope from dark sites. The bar structure is visible in 10-inch scopes. Best observed from southern or tropical locations in autumn evenings when Fornax is well placed.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on October 9, 1790. It was one of the first galaxies identified as having jets emanating from its nucleus, visible in deep photographs.

Fun Facts

NGC 1097 is consuming a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 1097A, which orbits within its halo. The nuclear starburst ring is fueled by gas funneled inward along the galaxy's bar.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026