Interacting galaxies in Leo
This pair of interacting galaxies can be found less than one degree to the east of gamma Leonis (Algieba), a well-known double star in the neck of Leo, the Lion. The pair includes the spiral galaxy NGC 3227 and, above it, the elliptical galaxy NGC 3226. As this image shows, the gravitational interaction between the galaxies has pulled portions of these galaxies into the space surrounding them, forming faint extensions and wisps.
To the right side of this image is another spiral galaxy, NGC 3222.
NGC 3227:
| Magnitude | 11.1 |
| Apparent Size | 5' x 3' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 77 million |
| Right Ascension | 10:23.5 |
| Declination | +19 52 |
| Field of View | 29' x 22' |
Image details: Exposure times of 249 minutes luminance, and 30 minutes each of red, green, and blue, taken with an SBIG ST-8300M imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/6.
March 2015