NGC 1277 Galaxy
What is NGC 1277 Galaxy
NGC 1277 Galaxy is a unique and intriguing galaxy located in the Perseus constellation. It stands out for its remarkable properties, making it a subject of interest for astronomers.
What Type of Galaxy is NGC 1277 Galaxy
NGC 1277 Galaxy is classified as a lenticular galaxy. Lenticular galaxies are intermediate between elliptical and spiral galaxies, lacking prominent spiral arms but showing a disk structure.
How old is NGC 1277 Galaxy
The exact age of NGC 1277 Galaxy is challenging to determine precisely, but it is estimated to be around 10 billion years old.
NGC 1277 Galaxy Size in Light Years
The size of NGC 1277 Galaxy spans an approximate area of about 20,000 light-years.
NGC 1277 Galaxy Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of NGC 1277 Galaxy is roughly about 20,000 light-years. In comparison, the Milky Way has a diameter of around 100,000 light-years, making NGC 1277 significantly smaller.
NGC 1277 Galaxy Mass in Solar Masses
NGC 1277 Galaxy has a notably high mass, estimated to be around 1 trillion solar masses. This places it among the most massive galaxies known.
NGC 1277 Galaxy Location
NGC 1277 Galaxy is situated in the constellation Perseus. Its celestial coordinates are approximately right ascension 03h 19m 00s and declination +41° 32' 51".
10 Interesting Fun Facts about NGC 1277 Galaxy
- NGC 1277 is often referred to as the "Frankenstein Galaxy" due to its unusual characteristics.
- It has a remarkably high stellar density in its center, leading to a concentration of stars.
- The galaxy's mass is dominated by an extraordinarily large population of old stars.
- NGC 1277 defies the conventional scaling relations observed in galaxies, challenging existing models.
- Its lack of significant spiral structure sets it apart from typical lenticular galaxies.
- The central region of NGC 1277 contains a high percentage of metal-rich stars.
- It is located in a region of the sky rich in galaxy clusters and other cosmic structures.
- NGC 1277's mass suggests a unique formation history, possibly involving rapid early star formation.
- Observations of NGC 1277 contribute to our understanding of galaxy evolution and mass assembly.
- The galaxy's distinct properties have made it a subject of interest for advanced telescope observations and studies.
NGC 1277 Galaxy Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
NGC 1277 Galaxy is situated at an approximate distance of about 220 million light-years from Earth. In miles, this is roughly 1.3e+21 miles (2.1e+21 km) away. Its considerable distance places it within the vast cosmic expanse of the universe.
Discovery and Classification
NGC 1277, a lenticular galaxy nestled in the constellation of Perseus, holds secrets that echo across the vastness of time. Discovered on December 4, 1875, by Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, this celestial beauty is a member of the Perseus Cluster, standing approximately 220 million light-years away from our Milky Way.
Ancient Relic or Celestial Mirage?
NGC 1277 is often referred to as a "relic of the early universe." Its stars, born during a short but intense 100-million-year interval about 12 billion years ago, tell a tale of a bygone era. With stars forming at a rate 1000 times that of the Milky Way, NGC 1277 became a haven for metal-rich stars, aging gracefully over the eons. The debate persists on whether it truly stands as a "relic galaxy," with studies and observations ongoing.
Unusual Rotation and Dark Matter Dilemma
The galaxy's enigma deepens with its peculiar rotation curve, suggesting a scarcity of Dark Matter within its cosmic bounds. A groundbreaking revelation by a team led by Sebastién Comerón challenged the cosmological norm, stating NGC 1277 lacks evidence of dark matter, defying established models.
NGC 1277
Here's an informative table summarizing key details about NGC 1277 Galaxy:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Perseus |
| Right Ascension | 03h 19m 51.5s |
| Declination | 41° 34′ 25″ |
| Redshift | 0.016898 |
| Heliocentric Radial Velocity | 5066 km/s |
| Galactocentric Velocity | 5168 km/s |
| Distance | 73 Mpc (240 Mly) |
| Group or Cluster | Perseus Cluster |
| Apparent Magnitude (V) | 14.66 |
| Type | S0^+, pec |
| Size | ~52,700 ly (16.16 kpc) (estimated) |
| Apparent Size (V) | 1.0 x 0.4 |
| Other Designations | PGC 12434, LGG 088 |
| References | [1] |
This table provides a concise overview of NGC 1277's celestial coordinates, characteristics, and classification, offering a quick reference for those seeking key information about this intriguing galaxy.
Celestial Enigma Unveiled
Dark Matter Dilemma
NGC 1277, nestled in the cosmic tapestry, defies conventions with its minimal Dark Matter footprint. The galaxy challenges established norms, prompting astronomers to revisit and reassess prevailing cosmological models. The absence of dark matter, a cosmic anomaly, sparks debates and quests for alternative explanations.
Relic Galaxy Hypothesis
As a prototype relic galaxy, NGC 1277 is a time capsule from the early universe. Its stars, formed in a monumental burst 12 billion years ago, paint a picture of a bygone era. The ongoing debate about its relic status intensifies, fueled by observations indicating a lack of metal-poor globular clusters—a hallmark of relic galaxies.
The Galactic Black Hole Paradox
NGC 1277's cosmic theater features a supermassive black hole, initially thought to be a behemoth at 17 billion solar masses. However, subsequent studies unveiled a more nuanced reality, revising estimates to a range between 2 and 5 billion solar masses. This revelation challenges assumptions about the correlation between galaxy mass, black hole mass, and the unexpected absence of dark matter.
The Black Hole Conundrum: Unmasking NGC 1277's Dark Secrets
The Quest for Dark Matter: A Cosmic Paradox
In defiance of standard cosmological models, NGC 1277 disrupts expectations, lacking the dark matter typically associated with massive galaxies. The absence of this invisible cosmic entity raises questions and challenges current understanding.
Relic Galaxies and the Dark Matter Puzzle
NGC 1277 stands as a prototype "relic galaxy," a rare gem untouched by cosmic interactions. Observations with Hubble Space Telescope indicate a scarcity of metal-poor globular clusters, aligning with the relic galaxy hypothesis. The quest for understanding continues through integral field spectrograph observations.
The Black Hole Paradox
Initial excitement surrounded the discovery of a colossal black hole in NGC 1277, initially estimated at 17 billion solar masses. However, subsequent studies revised this estimate to a range between 2 and 5 billion solar masses. Theories abound, suggesting a correlation between the galaxy's formation, black hole mass, and the absence of dark matter.
Cosmic Anomalies and Future Investigations
The lack of dark matter in NGC 1277 challenges alternative models and raises questions about the fundamental relationship between galaxy mass and black hole mass. Ongoing investigations, including the use of the WEAVE instrument on the William Herschel Telescope, aim to unravel the mysteries encoded within this cosmic enigma.
NGC 1277: A Celestial Tapestry Unraveling
An Antique Marvel in the Cosmos
NGC 1277 unfolds as a celestial relic, its stars echoing the symphony of the early universe. With stars dating back 12 billion years, it defies conventional models of galaxy evolution, presenting a conundrum for astronomers.
Bridging the Past and Present
The discovery of red, metal-rich globular clusters challenges the two-phase model of galaxy formation. NGC 1277's ancient nature prompts a reevaluation of how galaxies evolve, sparking debates within the astronomical community.
Cosmic Odyssey: NGC 1277's Timeless Presence
As we gaze upon the idyllic scene of the Perseus Cluster, NGC 1277 stands as an untouched relic, beckoning us to question our understanding of the cosmos. Its existence, seemingly frozen in time, invites astronomers to rethink the very fabric of galaxy evolution.
Cosmic Conundrums and Future Horizons
Alternative Models Under Scrutiny
The absence of dark matter in NGC 1277 casts doubt on alternative models that challenge the standard paradigm. Theories proposing modified gravity face scrutiny, as a galaxy without dark matter questions the universality of such modifications. NGC 1277, standing at the intersection of cosmic anomalies, urges astronomers to rethink the very fabric of gravitational interactions on a galactic scale.
WEAVE Instrument's Cosmic Gaze
In the pursuit of unraveling NGC 1277's mysteries, astronomers turn to the WEAVE instrument on the William Herschel Telescope. Nestled on the Canary Island of La Palma, this instrument promises to peer deeper into the cosmic enigma, providing new insights into the galactic dynamics and the elusive dark matter that may still hide within NGC 1277's celestial realms.
Reimagining Galaxy Evolution
NGC 1277 challenges not only our understanding of dark matter but also the fundamental relationship between galaxy and black hole mass. As astronomers explore this cosmic conundrum, the implications ripple through the broader field of galaxy evolution. NGC 1277's existence, frozen in time, beckons astronomers to rewrite the narrative of how galaxies evolve over cosmic epochs.
Charting the Celestial Coordinates
- Constellation: Perseus
- Right Ascension: 03h 19m 51.5s
- Declination: 41° 34′ 25″
- Redshift: 0.016898
- Heliocentric Radial Velocity: 5066 km/s
- Distance: 73 Mpc (240 Mly)
- Apparent Magnitude (V): 14.66
- Type: S0^+, pec
- Size: ~52,700 ly (16.16 kpc) (estimated)
NGC 1277, a cosmic enigma, challenges our understanding of the universe, inviting astronomers on a journey to unravel its dark secrets and rewrite the cosmic narrative.