Back Spin Galaxy
Astronomers have found a spiral galaxy that may be spinning to the beat of a different cosmic drummer. To the surprise of astronomers, the galaxy, called NGC 4622, appears to be rotating in the opposite direction to what they expected. Pictures from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope helped astronomers determine that the galaxy may be spinning clockwise by showing which side of the galaxy is closer to Earth. This Hubble telescope photo of the oddball galaxy is presented by the Hubble Heritage team. The image shows NGC 4622 and its outer pair of winding arms full of new stars [shown in blue].
Credit:About the Image
About the Object
| Name: | NGC 4622 |
| Type: | Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral |
| Distance: | 200 million light years |
| Constellation: | Centaurus |
| Category: | Galaxies |
Wallpapers
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 12 42 37.50 |
| Position (Dec): | -40° 44' 41.01" |
| Field of view: | 1.42 x 1.61 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 29.6° right of vertical |
View in ESASky:
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Ultraviolet U | 336 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |
| Optical B | 439 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |
| Optical V | 555 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |
| Infrared I | 814 nm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |