What is M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992)
M109, also known as the Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992), is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. It is a member of the Ursa Major Galaxy Group.
What Type of Galaxy is M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992)
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) is classified as a barred spiral galaxy. It exhibits a central bar-shaped structure surrounded by spiral arms, which is characteristic of barred spirals.
How old is M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992)
Determining the exact age of M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 6 billion years. Age estimation involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and the history of star formation.
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) Size in Light Years
The size of M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) encompasses an extensive region of approximately about 120,000 to 130,000 light-years.
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) is approximately about 120,000 to 130,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M109 is similar in size, making it a galaxy of comparable dimensions.
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) is approximately about 200 billion to 250 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and internal processes, placing it within the range of barred spiral galaxies.
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) Location
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) is located in the constellation Ursa Major. Positioned in the northern celestial hemisphere, Ursa Major is home to various celestial objects, and M109 is one of its notable members.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992)
- M109 earned its nickname "Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy" due to its appearance resembling a vacuum cleaner.
- The galaxy's central bar is a region of enhanced star formation, where new stars are born.
- It is part of the Ursa Major Galaxy Group, a collection of galaxies in the same region of the sky.
- M109 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, and later cataloged by Charles Messier.
- Studies of M109 contribute to understanding the dynamics and interactions in galaxy groups.
- Observations of the galaxy's spiral arms provide insights into the distribution of stars and gas.
- M109 is located at an inclination angle that allows astronomers to observe its structure in detail.
- The galaxy has been studied in various wavelengths, including radio and infrared, revealing different aspects of its properties.
- It is situated relatively close to other notable galaxies in the Ursa Major Group, such as M81 and M82.
- The elongated shape of M109, resembling a "barred spiral," distinguishes it from other galaxies.
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M109 Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy (NGC 3992) is situated at an approximate distance of about 83 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 4.86e+20 miles (7.82e+20 km) away. This distance places it in the realm of relatively distant galaxies, and observations of M109 contribute to our understanding of barred spiral galaxy properties and their roles within galaxy groups.