Polar ring galaxy NGC 660 in Pisces

by: A.Block/MLSC/Univ.of Az/Novapix
Reference: a-gax06-60001
Date: 2009-12-16

NGC 660 is described as being a "polar ring" galaxy. Another remarkable picture of this rare type of galaxy was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope- the example in this case is NGC4650A. These galaxies are believed to have formed from the collision of two galaxies in the past. In the case of NGC 660 it would appear that our perspective is inclined from the axis of the disk so that the foreground portion of the ring does not cross the plane in the middle- but instead towards one side. The central region of this galaxy is considered a "starburst" due to the extreme amount of luminous star formation.This galaxy is estimated to be 24 million light years away. Image taken with a 24-inch telescope.

Contact →