NGC 660, polar ring galaxy in Pisces

Posted by BruceW
on Saturday, February 4, 2012

NGC 660 is one of a relatively small number of polar ring galaxies.  These galaxies are characterized by a stream of gas and stars forming an orbital ring roughly perpendicular to the plane of the galactic disk.  This is thought to result from an interaction with another galaxy, and possibly through "consumption" of a smaller galaxy.  This image was captured over a period of 4 nights in Ocxtober-November 2011 from Anza, CA using a 10-inch Meade SCT and an SBIG ST-2000XM camera at f/8.

 

-- Bruce Waddington

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