Arp 158 / NGC 537

Designation(s)Arp 158, NGC 537
Object Type(s)Galaxy
Relevant Catalog(s)All (Chron), Arp, NGC
Arp CategoryGalaxies disturbed by interior absorption
Obs. Lat/Long42° 17', 073° 57'
ConstellationAndromeda
Date and Time Observed2024-02-29 19:39:57
Instrument8" EdgeHD SCT
CameraASI294mc-Pro
Image DetailsUp is 94.4 degrees E of N. Total integration time was 36m 30s. Exposures 30s@305g UV/IR Cut Filter. Darks subtracted, no flats. Dithered and recentered in SharpCap. No guiding..
DescriptionThis is a highly disturbed galaxy, no doubt, but I'm a bit puzzled why "disturbance of interior absorption" is the most salient feature here. As a first approximation, young galaxies start with a coherent shape, often sprial and circular. As the galaxy matures and evolves through gravitational interactions with other galaxies, some sort of elliptical shape is often preserved, as well as a high degree of symmetry. This galaxy has been severely elongated in one direction and cut off in the other. The core appears to be separated into two planes: the top level, smaller, perhaps showing the remnants of a formerly "S" curved bar. The lower level, perhaps twice as long, and rotated counter-clockwise 10 or 15 degrees.
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