What is M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866)
M102, also known as The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866), is a lenticular galaxy located in the constellation Draco. It is a member of the Virgo Cluster.
What Type of Galaxy is M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866)
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is classified as a lenticular galaxy. Lenticular galaxies are intermediate between elliptical and spiral galaxies, exhibiting a disc without well-defined spiral arms.
How old is M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866)
Determining the exact age of M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 10 billion years. Age estimation involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and the history of star formation.
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) Size in Light Years
The size of M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) encompasses an extensive region of approximately about 50,000 to 60,000 light-years.
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is approximately about 50,000 to 60,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M102 is smaller in size.
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is approximately about 100 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and internal processes.
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) Location
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is located in the constellation Draco. Positioned in the northern celestial hemisphere, Draco is home to various celestial objects, and M102 is one of its notable members.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866)
- M102 has been associated with the controversy surrounding the misidentification of the object originally claimed to be M102.
- The galaxy is often referred to as The Spindle Galaxy due to its elongated appearance.
- Its classification as a lenticular galaxy indicates a lack of prominent spiral arms.
- M102 is part of the Virgo Cluster, a large cluster of galaxies in the constellation Virgo.
- The galaxy has been studied to understand the formation and evolution of lenticular galaxies.
- Observations of M102 contribute to the broader understanding of the Virgo Cluster's dynamics.
- It is situated at a distance that allows astronomers to study its structure in detail.
- The absence of pronounced spiral arms distinguishes it from typical spiral galaxies.
- Studies of M102 include observations in various wavelengths, providing insights into its composition.
- The Virgo Cluster, including M102, is a rich field for galaxy studies, offering a diverse range of galaxy types.
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M102 The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866) is situated at an approximate distance of about 44 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 2.58e+20 miles (4.15e+20 km) away. This distance places it in the realm of relatively distant galaxies, and observations of M102 contribute to our understanding of lenticular galaxy properties and their roles within galaxy clusters.