NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy: Type, Age, Size, Diameter, Mass, Location, Facts, Distance from Earth

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy: Type, Age, Size, Diameter, Mass, Location, Facts, Distance from Earth

February 22, 2024

NGC 6872 - The Condor Galaxy

NGC 6872 stands out as a Type SB(s)b pec barred spiral galaxy, positioned approximately 212 million light-years away from Earth. It was first spotted by the English astronomer John Herschel on June 27, 1835. Unveiling its immense size, NGC 6872 boasts two elongated arms, reaching a diameter of over 522,000 light-years based on ultraviolet light and a D25.5 isophotal diameter exceeding 717,000 light-years, securing its title as the largest known spiral galaxy.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy

What is NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy located approximately 212 million light-years away from Earth, known for its immense size and unique features.

What Type of Galaxy is NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy is classified as a Type SB(s)b pec barred spiral galaxy, exhibiting distinctive characteristics in its structure.

How old is NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy

The exact age of NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Size in Light Years

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy stretches over a remarkable diameter of more than 522,000 light-years based on its ultraviolet light.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Diameter in Light Years and Compared to Milky Way

The isophotal diameter of NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy exceeds 717,000 light-years, making it the largest known spiral galaxy. It surpasses the Milky Way in size.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Mass in Solar Masses

The mass of NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy is estimated to be greater than 10^11 solar masses, contributing to its astronomical significance.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Location

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy is located in the Pavo constellation, visible from locations south of the latitude 30° N, and is best observed from the southern hemisphere.

10 Interesting Fun Facts about NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy

Discovery: NGC 6872, the Condor Galaxy, was discovered by John Herschel on June 27, 1835.
Celestial Coordinates: Positioned in the Pavo constellation, NGC 6872 has a Right Ascension of 20h 16m 56.558s and Declination of -70° 46' 04.60".
Distance and Size: Located 212 million light-years away, NGC 6872 is a colossal barred spiral galaxy, stretching over 522,000 light-years with an isophotal diameter exceeding 717,000 light-years.
Interaction with IC 4970: Engaged in a cosmic dance with IC 4970, a lenticular galaxy, NGC 6872 exhibits a distinctive integral sign shape resulting from their interaction approximately 130 million years ago.
Star Formation Rates: Star formation within NGC 6872 varies, with the northeastern arm displaying a stellar flux 1,000 times higher than the core. Rates increase along the spiral arms, with young star clusters dotting the extended portions.
X-ray Trail to NGC 6876: An X-ray trail, 290–330 thousand light-years long, connects NGC 6872 to the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876, suggesting past interactions that may have influenced NGC 6872's structure.
Telescope Observations: NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and Spitzer Space Telescope observations unveil the ongoing collision between NGC 6872 and IC 4970, showcasing a symbiotic relationship where IC 4970 draws fuel from NGC 6872 for its active galactic nucleus.
Tidal Dwarf Galaxy Candidate: Ultraviolet observations reveal a tidal dwarf galaxy candidate near NGC 6872's northeastern spiral arm, containing stars less than 200 million years old, aligning with the collision timeframe.
Galactic Group and Other Members: NGC 6872 and IC 4970 are part of the Pavo galaxy group, with the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 6876, located approximately 8 arcminutes southeast of NGC 6872, believed to contain a binary black hole.
NGC 6872 Location: Positioned in the Pavo constellation, NGC 6872 is visible from locations south of the latitude 30° N and is best observed from the southern hemisphere.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Distance from Earth in Light Years and Miles / Km

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy is located approximately 212 million light-years away from Earth. In terms of distance:

Miles: Approximately $(2.489 \times 1 0^{21})$ miles.
Kilometers: Approximately $(4.007 \times 1 0^{21})$ kilometers.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Black Hole Size

Though details about the black hole within NGC 6872 are not explicitly mentioned, the galaxy's interaction with IC 4970 hints at the potential presence of a central supermassive black hole, shrouded in mystery yet integral to its cosmic narrative.

NGC 6872 The Condor Galaxy Black Hole Name

The specific nomenclature of the black hole within NGC 6872 remains undisclosed. However, the symbiotic relationship with IC 4970 suggests a dynamic interplay, fostering an active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the larger galactic ensemble.

Dimensions Beyond Imagination

Spanning a staggering 522,000 light-years, the Condor Galaxy stretches over five times the expanse of our Milky Way. With an isophotal diameter exceeding 717,000 light-years, it stands as one of the largest known spiral galaxies. Notably, its stellar bar boasts a radius double the average length found in similar galaxies, hosting an astronomical tapestry of 500 billion to 2 trillion stars.

A Unique Signature: The Integral Sign Shape

NGC 6872's distinctive integral sign shape is a testament to its ongoing interaction with the lenticular galaxy IC 4970. As the galaxies converge, the elongated arms of the Condor Galaxy come alive with regions of active star formation. The arms, adorned with young star clusters, reveal a captivating celestial symphony with varying starburst activity.

Star Formation Spectacle

In the northeastern arm, a stellar playground emerges, witnessing star formation at a rate surpassing other regions of the galaxy. Observations from NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer and Spitzer Space Telescope unveil a cosmic narrative, indicating that star formation was triggered by the gravitational interplay between NGC 6872 and IC 4970.

Galactic Tango: The Dance of Interaction

The intergalactic ballet between NGC 6872 and IC 4970 is a cosmic spectacle. X-ray data from NASA's Chandra Observatory, infrared data from Spitzer, and optical data from ESO's Very Large Telescope reveal a captivating collision. Despite IC 4970 being shrouded in gas and dust, it plays a vital role in fueling the growth of its active galactic nucleus (AGN) through interactions with NGC 6872.

Unveiling Tidal Dwarfs and X-ray Trails

Ultraviolet observations expose a tidal dwarf galaxy near NGC 6872, born from the collision. Additionally, XMM-Newton's 2004 observations detect a remarkable X-ray trail between the Condor Galaxy and the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876, suggesting a deep connection between these cosmic neighbors.

A Historic Discovery

Discovered by John Herschel in 1835, NGC 6872's tale intertwines with the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876 and the smaller IC 4970, discovered by DeLisle Stewart in 1900. IC 4970's AGN, obscured by gas and dust, finds sustenance from the vast gas reservoir of NGC 6872.

Celestial Coordinates: Finding the Condor Galaxy

Situated in Pavo, the Condor Galaxy is a celestial gem best observed from the southern hemisphere. With coordinates 20h 16m 56.40s (Right Ascension) and -70° 46' 05.07" (Declination), it gracefully adorns the night sky.

Best Time to Gaze at the Cosmic Wonder

For avid stargazers, August is the optimal month to observe NGC 6872 as it climbs high above the horizon in the evening, revealing its mesmerizing beauty.

Observation Data

Constellation: Pavo
Right Ascension: 20h 16m 56.558s
Declination: −70° 46′ 04.60″
Redshift: 0.015194±0.0001
Heliocentric Radial Velocity: 4555±30 km/s
Galactocentric Velocity: 4443±30 km/s
Distance: 212 Mly (65 Mpc)
Apparent Magnitude (V): 10.69
Absolute Magnitude (V): −23.29

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Size

NGC 6872, also famously known as the Condor Galaxy, is a colossal barred spiral galaxy residing in the constellation Pavo. Stretching over a staggering 522,000 light-years (160,000 parsecs) based on its UV light diameter, this galactic giant takes center stage as one of the most massive spirals in our cosmic neighborhood.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Diameter

With an isophotal diameter surpassing 717,000 light-years (220,000 parsecs) according to the 25.5 mag/arcsec−2 B-band isophote, NGC 6872 boasts a celestial grandeur that sets it apart. This immense diameter positions it as the reigning monarch among known spiral galaxies.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Mass

The mass of NGC 6872 is estimated to be greater than 10^11 solar masses. This astronomical heavyweight further contributes to the galaxy's awe-inspiring presence in the cosmic tapestry.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Temperature

While specific temperature details elude direct measurement, NGC 6872's cosmic ballet unfolds in a symphony of temperatures, ranging from the frigid depths of interstellar space to the fiery furnaces of stellar nurseries within its expansive arms.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Distance

Situated at a distance of 212 million light-years (65 megaparsecs) from Earth, NGC 6872 graces the night sky in the southern hemisphere, inviting observers to witness its celestial dance in the Pavo constellation.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Type

Classified as an SB(s)b pec galaxy, NGC 6872 exhibits a distinctive barred spiral structure with peculiarity, adding a touch of uniqueness to its cosmic persona.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Number of Stars

The Condor Galaxy hosts an impressive stellar congregation, with estimates ranging from 500 billion to 2 trillion stars. This vast stellar population contributes to the galaxy's luminous radiance in the cosmic expanse.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Planets

While individual planets within NGC 6872 remain elusive, the galaxy's colossal size and stellar richness make it a promising arena for planetary systems awaiting discovery.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Facts

NGC 6872, discovered by the renowned astronomer John Herschel on June 27, 1835, shares its cosmic stage with the interacting lenticular galaxy IC 4970. This intricate dance has given NGC 6872 its iconic integral sign shape, making it the second-largest known barred spiral galaxy.

Name and Discovery:
- NGC 6872, the Condor Galaxy, was discovered by John Herschel on June 27, 1835.
Celestial Coordinates:
- Positioned in the Pavo constellation, NGC 6872 has a Right Ascension of 20h 16m 56.558s and Declination of -70° 46' 04.60".
Distance and Size:
- Located 212 million light-years away, NGC 6872 is a colossal barred spiral galaxy, stretching over 522,000 light-years with an isophotal diameter exceeding 717,000 light-years.
Interaction with IC 4970:
- Engaged in a cosmic dance with IC 4970, a lenticular galaxy, NGC 6872 exhibits a distinctive integral sign shape resulting from their interaction approximately 130 million years ago.
Star Formation Rates:
- Star formation within NGC 6872 varies, with the northeastern arm displaying a stellar flux 1,000 times higher than the core. Rates increase along the spiral arms, with young star clusters dotting the extended portions.
X-ray Trail to NGC 6876:
- An X-ray trail, 290–330 thousand light-years long, connects NGC 6872 to the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876, suggesting past interactions that may have influenced NGC 6872's structure.
Telescope Observations:
- NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and Spitzer Space Telescope observations unveil the ongoing collision between NGC 6872 and IC 4970, showcasing a symbiotic relationship where IC 4970 draws fuel from NGC 6872 for its active galactic nucleus.
Tidal Dwarf Galaxy Candidate:
- Ultraviolet observations reveal a tidal dwarf galaxy candidate near NGC 6872's northeastern spiral arm, containing stars less than 200 million years old, aligning with the collision timeframe.
X-ray Trail to NGC 6876:
- An X-ray trail, 290–330 thousand light-years long, connects NGC 6872 to the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876, suggesting past interactions that may have influenced NGC 6872's structure.
Galactic Group and Other Members:
- NGC 6872 and IC 4970 are part of the Pavo galaxy group, with the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 6876, located approximately 8 arcminutes southeast of NGC 6872, believed to contain a binary black hole.
NGC 6872 Location:
- Positioned in the Pavo constellation, NGC 6872 is visible from locations south of the latitude 30° N and is best observed from the southern hemisphere.
Historical Discoveries:
- NGC 6872 was discovered by John Herschel on the same day as the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876. IC 4970 was later discovered by DeLisle Stewart in 1900.
Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) in IC 4970:
- IC 4970 contains an active galactic nucleus (AGN) obscured by dust and gas, visible only in X-rays and infrared light, and is likely fueled by gas accreted from NGC 6872.
Size Comparison and Visual Appearance:
- NGC 6872, measuring over 500,000 light-years tip to tip, is the second-largest known barred spiral galaxy. Its visual appearance is influenced by interactions with IC 4970, causing visible distortions and star-forming regions.
Galactic Size and Comparison:
- NGC 6872 is an immense barred spiral galaxy, over five times the size of our Milky Way, with an estimated 500 billion to 2 trillion stars.
Galactic Rotation and Spiral Arms:
- The galaxy's stellar bar boasts a radius of about 26,000 light-years, twice the average length of barred spiral galaxies. Elongated arms exhibit regions of active star formation, with rates increasing with distance from the core.
Galactic Evolution and Interaction Effects:
- NGC 6872's evolution is intricately linked to its interaction with IC 4970. Computer simulations suggest the galaxies interacted along the plane of NGC 6872's spiral disk, influencing its highly elongated shape.
Ultraviolet Observations:
- Ultraviolet observations uncovered a tidal dwarf galaxy candidate in the northeastern arm, indicating recent star formation resulting from the collision between NGC 6872 and IC 4970.
X-ray Trail to NGC 6876 (Revisited):
- The 290–330 thousand light-year X-ray trail between NGC 6872 and NGC 6876 is theorized to result from processes like gas stripping or interstellar medium effects during their possible past interaction.
Hubble Space Telescope Image:
- An image from the Hubble Space Telescope reveals NGC 6872's integral sign shape, with the upper left spiral arm visibly disturbed due to the recent passage of IC 4970, even though this occurred 130 million years ago.
Observation Challenges:
- Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, NGC 6872 is largely invisible to observers in mid-northern latitudes. It is best seen from locations south of latitude 30° N.
Condor Galaxy's Role in AGN Fueling:
- Despite the obscured nucleus of IC 4970, Chandra and Spitzer data suggest that NGC 6872 provides fuel to the active galactic nucleus in IC 4970, influencing the black hole's growth.
Condor Galaxy and NGC 6876 Relationship:
- NGC 6872's movement away from NGC 6876, combined with the aligned X-ray trail, suggests a historical interaction, indicating that NGC 6876 may have affected NGC 6872's structure.
NGC 6872's Historical Significance:
- NGC 6872 holds historical importance as it was discovered by renowned astronomer John Herschel and played a role in the discovery of the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876 on the same day.
Galactic Group Membership:
- NGC 6872 and IC 4970 are part of the Pavo galaxy group, adding to the cosmic neighborhood with the presence of the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 6876.
AGN and Fuel Supply Dynamics:
- The active galactic nucleus (AGN) in IC 4970, cocooned in gas and dust, is likely fueled by the gravitational pull from NGC 6872, emphasizing the intricate relationship between galaxies and their central black holes.
Best Time for Observation:
- To catch a glimpse of NGC 6872, August is the optimal time when the Pavo constellation ascends high above the horizon in the evening sky.

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Black Hole Size

NGC 6872 Condor Galaxy Black Hole Name

Dimensions Beyond Imagination

A Unique Signature: The Integral Sign Shape

Star Formation Spectacle

Galactic Tango: The Dance of Interaction

Unveiling Tidal Dwarfs and X-ray Trails

A Historic Discovery

Celestial Coordinates: Finding the Condor Galaxy

Best Time to Gaze at the Cosmic Wonder

For avid stargazers, August is the optimal month to observe NGC 6872 as it climbs high above the horizon in the evening, revealing its mesmerizing beauty.

Star Formation Symphony

In the realm of NGC 6872, the central region and bar showcase the serenity of old stars, with minimal star formation rates. However, as we traverse along the spiral arms, a celestial symphony unfolds. The northeast arm, in particular, dazzles with a stellar flux around 1,000 times higher than the central region, hosting young star clusters ranging from one to one hundred million years old. The varying rates of star formation create a breathtaking cosmic tapestry.

Cosmic Dance: Interaction with IC 4970

NGC 6872 engages in a celestial dance with the lenticular galaxy IC 4970, a close cosmic neighbor. Simulation studies reveal that IC 4970 approached NGC 6872 along the plane of its spiral disk, culminating in a significant interaction approximately 130 million years ago. This interaction sculpted NGC 6872 into its current highly elongated shape.

Galactic Trails and Mysteries

Further unraveling NGC 6872's cosmic narrative, a 290–330-thousand-light-year X-ray trail links it with the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876. As NGC 6872 gracefully moves away from NGC 6876, the X-ray trail hints at intriguing possibilities: a close fly-by, gravitational focusing, or the stripping of interstellar medium. These mysteries add layers to the rich history of NGC 6872.

Galactic Waltz with IC 4970

Delving into the intricacies of NGC 6872's interaction with IC 4970, researchers have pieced together a captivating narrative. The computer simulations by Horrelou and Koribalski (2007) unveil a balletic encounter where IC 4970 gracefully approached NGC 6872 along its spiral disk plane. This cosmic rendezvous, transpiring approximately 130 million years ago, played a pivotal role in shaping NGC 6872's distinctive elongation.

Stellar Symphony: The Star Formation Chronicles

NGC 6872's spiraling arms tell a tale of stellar evolution. The ultraviolet and mid-infrared observations spotlight a symphony of stars, with older stars gracing the central region and bar. As we traverse outward, the spiral arms come alive with young star clusters, each a testament to the dynamic interplay of cosmic forces. The northeast arm steals the spotlight with a stellar flux soaring to remarkable heights, creating a celestial masterpiece.

Tidal Dwarf Galaxy: A Celestial Offspring

Amidst the cosmic interplay, a bright ultraviolet source emerges at the end of NGC 6872's northeastern arm, approximately 290 thousand light-years from the nucleus. This luminous entity, possibly a tidal dwarf galaxy born from the interaction with IC 4970, adds a touch of celestial poetry to the narrative. Its ultraviolet brilliance hints at a stellar age aligning with the timeframe of the ancient collision.

Cosmic Trails: NGC 6872 and NGC 6876

The cosmic drama extends beyond IC 4970, as NGC 6872 leaves an enigmatic X-ray trail in its wake, connecting it to the elliptical galaxy NGC 6876. Moving away at a speed of 849 ± 28 km/s, NGC 6872's trajectory mirrors the path of the X-ray trail. The origin of this trail remains a cosmic puzzle—whether it's the result of a close encounter, gravitational focus, or interstellar medium dynamics, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to NGC 6872's cosmic narrative.

Dance of the Giants: NGC 6872 and IC 4970

The cosmic dance between NGC 6872 and the nearby lenticular galaxy IC 4970 is a spectacle etched across the canvas of space and time. Computer simulations by Horrelou and Koribalski (2007) unveil a graceful approach, with IC 4970 making its closest pass along the plane of NGC 6872's spiral disk around 130 million years ago. This close encounter has left an indelible mark, sculpting NGC 6872 into the largest known spiral galaxy, its elongated arms stretching over 522,000 light-years.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, NGC 6872 stands as a testament to the dynamism and interconnectedness of celestial bodies. As astronomers continue to peer into the depths of space, the Condor Galaxy remains an astronomical masterpiece, inviting us to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

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