NGC 1961 spiral galaxy in Camelopardalis
author: A.Block/MLSC/Univ.of Az/Novapix
reference: a-gax19-61001
Image Size 300 DPI: 44 * 34 cm
NGC 1961 (Arp 184) is a problematic galaxy. Its highly disturbed and asymmetric spiral arms would normally indicate an interaction or merger with another galaxy. However, no culprit is found to be the source of NGC 1961's angst. Given the apparent size and brightness of this galaxy- it must be one of the largest galaxies in our "local" universe. The shape of the galaxy may be due to its interaction with the gas in the cluster. Most of this galaxy is still producing young and massive stars that live short lives and die violent deaths as supernovae.