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C83

NGC 4945

Galaxy Showpiece (75/100)

Barred Spiral

C83 Galaxy Centaurus Visible Level 4 Large telescope (10"+) - Dark skies recommended
Credit: ESO. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 8.6
Angular Size 23.3′ × 4.0′
Position Angle 44°
Distance 13000000 ly
Galaxy Type Barred Spiral (SBc)
Spiral Galaxy [Distance: 13000000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 13h 05m 27.4s
Dec -49° 28' 04.8"
Constellation Centaurus
Catalog C83

Visibility

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About C83

Description

NGC 4945 is a bright, edge-on barred spiral galaxy in Centaurus, about 11.7 million light-years away. It is one of the brightest galaxies in the Centaurus A/M83 galaxy group and hosts a Seyfert 2 active nucleus obscured by heavy dust absorption.

Observing Tips

Visible as a bright, elongated streak in a 6-inch telescope. The thick dust lane makes the profile appear asymmetric. Located near Centaurus A (C77). Best from southern latitudes in spring and summer evenings.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop on April 30, 1826 from Australia. X-ray and infrared observations have revealed the hidden active galactic nucleus behind the galaxy's dust-choked central region.

Fun Facts

NGC 4945's central supermassive black hole is accreting matter and producing powerful water maser emission — one of the strongest extragalactic maser sources known, visible at radio wavelengths.

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