NGC 4861

NGC 4861, also known as Arp 266, is a galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by William Herschel on May 1, 1785.[4]

NGC 4861
Hubble image of NGC 4861, taken using the Advanced Camera for Surveys
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
ConstellationCanes Venatici
Right ascension 12h 59m 02.340s[1]
Declination+34° 51′ 33.98″[1]
Redshift0.002785[2]
Helio radial velocity835[2]
Distance34.77 ± 15.99 Mly (10.662 ± 4.903 Mpc)[2]
Group or clusterVirgo Cluster
Apparent magnitude (V)12.32
Apparent magnitude (B)12.90
Characteristics
TypeSB(s)m[2]
Im/BCD
Apparent size (V)0.797' × 0.692'[1]
Other designations
Arp 266, UGC 8098, MCG+06-29-003, PGC 44536[3]

Morphological classification of NGC 4861 has proved relatively difficult. Its mass, size, and rotational velocity are consistent with it being a spiral galaxy. However, due to its highly irregular shape, it may also be classified as a dwarf irregular galaxy.[5] In fact, since dwarf galaxies are less massive and have lower gravitational potentials, gases and other material for star formation can move within them much faster, causing the galaxy to become a specific type of starburst galaxy, called a blue compact dwarf galaxy.[5][3]

See also
  • Dwarf irregular galaxy

References
  1. Skrutskie, M. (2006). "The Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS)". The Astronomical Journal. 131 (2): 1163–1183. Bibcode:2006AJ....131.1163S. doi:10.1086/498708.
  2. "NED results for object NGC 4861". National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Infrared Processing and Analysis Center. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  3. "NGC 4861". SIMBAD. Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  4. Courtney Seligman. "New General Catalog Objects: NGC 4500 - 4599". Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  5. "Starbirth with a chance of winds?". www.spacetelescope.org. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  • Media related to NGC 4861 at Wikimedia Commons


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