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> Triple galaxy system (NGC 6769-71) in the Pavo constellation
Triple galaxy system (NGC 6769-71) in the Pavo constellation
author: ESO/Novapix
reference: a-gax67-69001
Image Size 300 DPI: 14 * 15 cm
This triple system NGC 6769-71, is located in the southern Pavo constellation (the Peacock) at a distance of 190 million light-years. This composite image was obtained on April 1, 2004 by Melipal, one of the four 8.2-m Unit Telescopes of the VLT at the Paranal Observatory (Chile). The two upper galaxies, NGC 6769 (upper right) and NGC 6770 (upper left), are of equal brightness and size, while NGC 6771 (below) is about half as bright and slightly smaller. All three galaxies possess a central bulge of similar brightness. They consist of elderly, reddish stars and that of NGC 6771 is remarkable for its "boxy" shape, a rare occurrence among galaxies.
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