C67
NGC 1097
Object Data
- Catalog Designation
- C67
- Type
- Galaxy
- Constellation
- Fornax
- Magnitude
- 9.3
- Right Ascension
- 02h 46m 19.0s
- Declination
- -30° 16' 30.0"
- Distance
- 45,000,000 light-years
- Angular Size
- 9
Survey Image
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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)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026