| Description | This is a fascinating and challenging observation. NGC 4747 is a barred spiral galaxy categorized by Arp as exhibiting disturbances due to "interior absorption" which seems reasonably apt in this case. On the image, North is left. The overall galaxy appears elongated, though this may be exaggerated by the relatively low angle of view. The central disk, normally centered, is offset up and to the right. Huge knots are visible on both ends of core. The bright "core", usually circular, exhibits two, possibly three bright, circular centers, almost as if they were beaded. A huge debris trail flows from the lower left to underneath the core and is unconnected to any object near the far end. Merger relics? |
