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> Galaxies NGC 3718 and NGC 3729 in Ursa Major
Galaxies NGC 3718 and NGC 3729 in Ursa Major
author: A.Block/University of Arizona/Novapix
reference: a-gax37-18001
Image Size 300 DPI: 58 * 58 cm
NGC 3718 and its companion NGC 3729 (left) are physically related members of the Ursa Major galaxy cluster. The two galaxies appear to orbit each other at a projected separation of 147,000 light years. NGC 3718 (Arp 214) seems to have a rudimentary bar and spiral structure although it is recognized as a peculiar galaxy and as such is listed within Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. NGC 3718 contains an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and is known as a Seyfert type 1.9 galaxy. Its strange shape is probably due to a gravitational interaction with its companion NGC 3729. A grouping of 5 background galaxies 300 million light years distant are projected to the south of NGC 3718 and are designated Arp 322 (also Hickson 56). Several members of the group appear to be a strongly interacting.
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