NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35)
What is NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35)
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the Coma Cluster. It is one of the brightest galaxies in the cluster and exhibits distinctive features, including a massive central black hole.
What Type of Galaxy is NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35)
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is classified as a giant elliptical galaxy. It lacks the spiral arms and disk structure seen in spiral galaxies and is characterized by a more spheroidal shape.
How old is NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35)
Determining the exact age of NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is challenging, but elliptical galaxies like NGC 4889 are generally composed of older stellar populations. It is estimated to be around 6 billion years old.
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) Size in Light Years
The size of NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is immense, spanning an area of approximately about 130,000 light-years.
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way
The diameter of NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is approximately about 130,000 light-years. Compared to the Milky Way, it is larger, as the Milky Way has a diameter of about 100,000 light-years.
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) Mass in Solar Masses
The mass of NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is estimated to be around 200 billion solar masses. This massive size contributes to its gravitational influence within the Coma Cluster.
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) Location
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is located in the Coma Cluster, a rich cluster of galaxies in the constellation Coma Berenices. Its celestial coordinates are approximately right ascension 13h 00m 08s and declination +27° 58' 37".
10 Interesting Fun Facts about NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35)
- NGC 4889 is part of the Coma Cluster, one of the richest galaxy clusters in the nearby universe.
- It hosts one of the most massive black holes ever discovered, with a mass exceeding 21 billion times that of the Sun.
- The galaxy's immense gravitational influence affects the motion of surrounding galaxies within the cluster.
- NGC 4889's proximity to Earth makes it a prominent target for astronomers studying galaxy clusters and supermassive black holes.
- It is located approximately 308 million light-years away from Earth.
- The galaxy exhibits a smooth, featureless appearance typical of giant elliptical galaxies.
- NGC 4889's central black hole is actively accreting matter, emitting powerful X-rays and other radiation.
- Studies of NGC 4889 contribute to our understanding of the coevolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes.
- Elliptical galaxies like NGC 4889 are often found in the centers of galaxy clusters.
- The Coma Cluster, including NGC 4889, is a key region for cosmological studies, providing insights into large-scale structures in the universe.
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km
NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) is located at an approximate distance of about 308 million light-years from Earth. In miles, this is roughly 1.8e+21 miles (2.9e+21 km) away. Its distance places it within the vast cosmic landscape of the Coma Cluster.
A Historic Discovery by Frederick William Herschel I
NGC 4889, also known as Caldwell 35, stands as a celestial masterpiece in the vast cosmos. Discovered in 1785 by the renowned British astronomer Frederick William Herschel I, this E4 supergiant elliptical galaxy captivates the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike.
The Galactic Core: A Black Hole's Dominion
At the heart of NGC 4889 lies a supermassive black hole, orchestrating the cosmic dance within the northern Coma Cluster. This colossal entity, through friction from infalling gases and dust, heats the intracluster medium, generating gamma-ray bursts that extend millions of light years into the cluster.
Unveiling NGC 4889's Stellar Tapestry
Unlike spiral galaxies, NGC 4889 boasts a flattened, unequal distribution of stars, with a dense interstellar medium filled with heavy elements emitted by evolved stars. Its diffuse stellar halo, spanning one million light years in diameter, encapsulates the galaxy's grandeur.
Galactic Companions: Globular Clusters and Radiant Emissions
Orbiting NGC 4889 are numerous globular clusters, contributing to its awe-inspiring presence. As a prolific source of soft X-ray, ultraviolet, and radio frequency radiation, NGC 4889 captivates astronomers with its multifaceted radiance.
NGC 4889 Galaxy
Below is a specification table outlining key details about NGC 4889 Galaxy, also known as Caldwell 35:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | NGC 4889 Galaxy (Caldwell 35) |
| Type | E4 Supergiant Elliptical Galaxy |
| Discovery Year | 1785 |
| Discoverer | Frederick William Herschel I |
| Distance from Earth | 94 million parsecs (308 million light years) |
| Central Black Hole Mass | Approximately 21 billion solar masses |
| Galactic Morphology | E4 Type, cD Galaxy |
| Apparent Magnitude | 11.4 |
| Location | Coma Berenices, south of Canes Venatici |
| Redshift | 0.0266 (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) |
| Diameter | 239,000 light years (Effective Radius) |
| Diffuse Light Halo Diameter | 1.3 million light years |
| Galactic Mass Estimate | Up to 15 trillion solar masses (spheroid profile) |
| Globular Clusters | 15,800 |
| Observability | Visible with telescopes having a 12-inch aperture under dark skies; affected by light pollution near Beta Comae Berenices |
| Significance | Largest and most massive galaxy visible from Earth, central to the Coma Cluster, pivotal in the study of supergiant elliptical galaxies and cosmic evolution. |
This table provides an overview of NGC 4889's key specifications, historical details, and its significance in the realm of astronomy.
NGC 4889's Journey Through Catalogues
From Herschel to Dreyer: Cataloguing the Celestial Giant
NGC 4889's journey through astronomical catalogues involves a historical interplay. Despite being intrinsically bright and close to Messier objects, Charles Messier did not include it in his famous catalogue. Frederick William Herschel I's initial observation led to inclusion in his Catalogue of Nebulae and Clusters of Stars, later integrated into John Frederick William Herschel's General Catalogue. A duplication error by John Louis Emil Dreyer in 1888 spurred subsequent revisions, ultimately settling on NGC 4889.
Caldwell 35: NGC 4889's Alternate Designation
In December 1995, Patrick Caldwell Moore compiled the Caldwell catalogue, spotlighting NGC 4889 as Caldwell 35, an intriguing addition to the list of objects missed by Messier.
NGC 4889: A Celestial Spectacle in the Night Sky
Locating NGC 4889 in the Celestial Tapestry
Situated along the high declination region of Coma Berenices, south of Canes Venatici, NGC 4889 beckons observers. With an apparent magnitude of 11.4, it reveals its splendor through telescopes with a 12-inch aperture, though larger telescopes unveil its vast halo.
Morphological Marvel: E4 Type and cD Galaxy
In Gérard de Vaucouleurs' Hubble sequence, NGC 4889 shines as an E4 type galaxy with a flat star distribution. Classified as a cD galaxy, its elliptical-shaped nucleus is surrounded by an extensive, dustless halo.
NGC 4889's Cosmic Dimensions and Mass
Measuring the Unfathomable: Distance and Size
With a redshift of 0.0266, NGC 4889's distance of 94 Mpc (308 million light years) unfolds. The largest galaxy easily visible to Earth, it boasts a diameter of 239,000 light years and an expansive diffuse light halo extending 1.3 million light years.
Mass Matters: Unlocking NGC 4889's Galactic Secrets
NGC 4889's immense size hints at its colossal mass. Potentially rivaling 15 trillion solar masses, this spheroid galaxy offers a unique perspective on the dynamical evolution of supergiant elliptical galaxies.
A Legacy of Mergers: The Formation of NGC 4889
Giant elliptical galaxies like NGC 4889 are believed to emerge from multiple mergers of smaller galaxies. The galaxy's egg-like shape and random orbital motions of its stars present a captivating spectacle in the cosmic theater.
The Galactic Behemoth's Central Mysteries
The Black Hole Enigma: NGC 4889's Supermassive Secret
NGC 4889's central regions reveal a supermassive black hole 5,200 times more massive than the Milky Way's. With a diameter spanning 20 to 124 billion kilometers, it hints at a past quasar state, now quiescent after absorbing available matter.
Center of the Celestial Crowd: NGC 4889 in the Coma Cluster
Lying at the center of the Coma Cluster, NGC 4889 shares its cosmic neighborhood with NGC 4874. Also known as A1656-BCG, it contributes to the estimated 4×10^15 M☉ mass of the entire cluster.
Time-Traveling with Caldwell 35: A Cosmic Portal
The Enchanting Caldwell 35
Also known as NGC 4889, Caldwell 35 beckons from a staggering distance of 300 million light-years. Observing this celestial gem allows us to peer back in time, unveiling the cosmic dance of NGC 4889 as it existed 300 million years ago.
Caldwell 35's Galactic Dimensions and Black Hole Marvel
Approximately two and a half times larger than the Milky Way, Caldwell 35 harbors a supermassive black hole with a mass of 21 billion times that of the Sun. In contrast to common black hole imagery, stars orbit peacefully around it, defying expectations.
In conclusion, NGC 4889, the celestial giant in the cosmic tapestry, continues to captivate astronomers and enthusiasts alike. As we unravel its mysteries, Caldwell 35 invites us to embark on a cosmic journey, bridging the gap between the past and the present in our ever-expanding universe.