What is M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303)
M61, also known as The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303), is a prominent spiral galaxy located in the Virgo Cluster. It is characterized by its well-defined spiral arms and active star-forming regions.
What Type of Galaxy is M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303)
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) is classified as a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies, like M61, are characterized by a central bulge, a disk, and distinctive spiral arms.
How old is M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303)
Determining the exact age of M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) 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.
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) Size in Light Years
The size of M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) encompasses an extensive region of approximately about 100,000 light-years.
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) is approximately about 100,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M61 is of a similar size.
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) is approximately about 80 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and internal processes.
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) Location
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) is located in the Virgo Cluster, a large cluster of galaxies in the constellation Virgo. Virgo is a rich field for the study of galaxies, and M61 is one of its notable members.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303)
- M61 exhibits a prominent central bulge and grand-design spiral arms.
- It is known for its high rate of supernova discoveries, indicating active star formation.
- The galaxy's spiral arms are rich in gas and dust, fostering the formation of new stars.
- M61's appearance is enhanced by the presence of bright H II regions, regions of ionized hydrogen.
- The Swelling Spiral Galaxy has been studied for its complex structure and dynamics.
- It is part of the Virgo Cluster's intricate network of interacting galaxies.
- M61 is a target for astronomers studying the connection between spiral structure and star formation.
- The galaxy's active nucleus suggests the presence of a supermassive black hole.
- M61's location in the Virgo Cluster offers insights into galaxy evolution in a dense environment.
- Observations of M61 contribute to our understanding of the Virgo Cluster's dynamics and composition.
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M61 The Swelling Spiral Galaxy (NGC 4303) is situated at an approximate distance of about 52 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 3.05e+20 miles (4.91e+20 km) away. This distance places it in the realm of relatively distant galaxies, and observations of M61 contribute to our understanding of spiral galaxy properties and their roles within galaxy clusters.