NGC 4861
| NGC 4861 | |
|---|---|
 Hubble image of NGC 4861, taken using the Advanced Camera for Surveys | |
| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Constellation | Canes Venatici |
| Right ascension | 12h 59m 02.340s[1] |
| Declination | +34° 51′ 33.98″[1] |
| Redshift | 0.002785[2] |
| Heliocentric radial velocity | 835[2] |
| Distance | 34.77 ± 15.99 Mly (10.662 ± 4.903 Mpc)[2] |
| Group or cluster | Virgo Cluster |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 12.32 |
| Apparent magnitude (B) | 12.90 |
| Characteristics | |
| Type | SB(s)m[2] Im/BCD |
| Apparent size (V) | 0.797' × 0.692'[1] |
| Other designations | |
| Arp 266, UGC 8098, MCG+06-29-003, PGC 44536[3] | |
NGC 4861, also known as Arp 266, is a galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by William Herschel on May 1, 1785.[4]
Morphological classification of NGC 4861 has proved relatively difficult. Its mass, size, and rotational velocity are consistent with it being a spiral galaxy. However, due to its highly irregular shape, it may also be classified as a dwarf irregular galaxy.[5] In fact, since dwarf galaxies are less massive and have lower gravitational potentials, gases and other material for star formation can move within them much faster, causing the galaxy to become a specific type of starburst galaxy, called a blue compact dwarf galaxy.[5][3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Skrutskie, M. (2006). "The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS)". The Astronomical Journal. 131 (2): 1163–1183. Bibcode:2006AJ....131.1163S. doi:10.1086/498708.
- ^ a b c d "NED results for object NGC 4861". National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Infrared Processing and Analysis Center. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ a b "NGC 4861". SIMBAD. Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ Courtney Seligman. "New General Catalog Objects: NGC 4500 - 4599". Retrieved 4 February 2017.
- ^ a b "Starbirth with a chance of winds?". www.spacetelescope.org. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
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