What is M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556)
M108, also known as The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556), is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. It is part of the Ursa Major Galaxy Group.
What Type of Galaxy is M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556)
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) is classified as a barred spiral galaxy. It features a central bar-shaped structure surrounded by spiral arms, which is characteristic of barred spirals.
How old is M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556)
Determining the exact age of M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 5 billion years. Age estimation involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and the history of star formation.
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) Size in Light Years
The size of M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) encompasses an extensive region of approximately about 90,000 to 100,000 light-years.
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) is approximately about 90,000 to 100,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M108 is similar in size, making it a galaxy of comparable dimensions.
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) is approximately about 100 billion to 120 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and internal processes, placing it within the range of barred spiral galaxies.
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) Location
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) is located in the constellation Ursa Major. Positioned in the northern celestial hemisphere, Ursa Major is home to various celestial objects, and M108 is one of its notable members.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556)
- M108 was discovered by astronomer Pierre Méchain in 1781.
- It is often referred to as The Surfboard Galaxy due to its elongated appearance.
- The galaxy's central bar is a region of enhanced star formation.
- M108 is part of the Ursa Major Galaxy Group, which also includes the well-known M81 and M82 galaxies.
- Observations of M108 contribute to the understanding of barred spiral galaxy morphology.
- The galaxy has been studied in various wavelengths, revealing details about its structure and composition.
- It is located at an inclination angle that allows astronomers to observe its spiral arms and central region.
- M108 is situated relatively close to the Great Bear asterism formed by the stars of Ursa Major.
- Studies of galaxies in the Ursa Major Group help scientists understand the dynamics of galaxy groups and their evolution.
- The elongated shape of M108 distinguishes it from other galaxies in the same region of the sky.
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M108 The Surfboard Galaxy (NGC 3556) is situated at an approximate distance of about 45 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 2.64e+20 miles (4.25e+20 km) away. This distance places it in the realm of relatively distant galaxies, and observations of M108 contribute to our understanding of barred spiral galaxy properties and their roles within galaxy groups.