What is M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068)
M77, also known as The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068), is an active spiral galaxy located in the constellation Cetus. It is famous for its active galactic nucleus and intricate structures in its center.
What Type of Galaxy is M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068)
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) is classified as a spiral galaxy. Its spiral arms and central bulge are distinctive features of this galaxy type.
How old is M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068)
Determining the exact age of M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) is challenging, but it is estimated to be approximately around 200 million years. This estimate involves studying the galaxy's stellar populations and its history of star formation.
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) Size in Light Years
The size of M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) extends across an area of approximately about 100,000 to 120,000 light-years.
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) is approximately about 100,000 to 120,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, M77 is similar in size, as the Milky Way has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years.
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) Mass in Solar Masses
Estimates suggest that the mass of M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) is approximately about 100 billion solar masses. The galaxy's mass influences its gravitational interactions and its active galactic nucleus.
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) Location
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) resides in the constellation Cetus. Its celestial coordinates are approximately right ascension 02h 42m 40s and declination -00° 00' 48". It is part of the Virgo Supercluster.
10 Interesting Fun Facts about M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068)
- M77 is nicknamed "The Squid Galaxy" due to its peculiar appearance in deep-sky images resembling the shape of a squid.
- It hosts one of the nearest active galactic nuclei (AGNs) known, featuring a supermassive black hole at its center.
- The AGN in M77 produces intense radiation and powerful outflows of material, influencing the galaxy's dynamics.
- Observations with various telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, have provided detailed insights into M77's structure.
- M77 is a Seyfert galaxy, a type of galaxy with a bright, compact nucleus and active star formation regions.
- The galaxy's spiral arms are rich in gas and dust, fostering ongoing star formation.
- M77 is a target of interest for astronomers studying the connection between supermassive black holes and galaxy evolution.
- The galaxy's proximity allows detailed observations, contributing to our understanding of AGN and spiral galaxy dynamics.
- M77 exhibits a bar structure in its central region, a common feature in barred spiral galaxies.
- The AGN in M77 was discovered through observations of its strong radio emissions, indicative of an active nucleus.
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
M77 The Squid Galaxy (NGC 1068) is situated at an approximate distance of about 47 million light-years from Earth. Converting this distance, it is approximately 2.75e+20 miles (4.42e+20 km) away. The galaxy's proximity facilitates detailed studies of its active nucleus and overall structure.