Starfish Galaxy
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{{Galaxy | name = Starfish Galaxy | image = Image:Ngc6240 real.jpg | epoch = J2000.0 | type = IBm | ra = Template:RA | dec = Template:DEC | dist_ly = 400 million | appmag_v = 12.8 | size_v = 2.2' × 0.9' | constellation name = Ophiuchus | radius_ly = ? | absmag_v = -13.7 | notes = collided galaxies | names = NGC 6240, PGC 59186 }}
The Starfish Galaxy (also known as NGC 6240) is an irregular galaxy approximately 400 million light-years from Earth, in the Ophiuchus constellation.
It differs from other galaxies in having two nuclei. Astronomers generally believe that a galaxy with two nuclei is formed when two smaller galaxies collide and merge. The Starfish Galaxy has often been described as a "twisted, distorted galaxy with a looping arch". Some astronomers believe that it contains two black holes.
The Starfish Galaxy was first observed in detail with the IRAS satellite. This galaxy can been seen from Earth with a large telescope.Template:Clear
Other images
 Some scientists speculate that this picture shows two supermassive black holes. |
 NGC 6240 is sometimes called the starfish or butterfly galaxy because of its shape. |
See also
External links
- SIMBAD: NGC 6240 -- LINER-type Active Galaxy Nucleus
- Chandra: Two supermassive black holes in same galaxy.