Distorted galaxy NGC 2442

The distorted galaxy NGC 2442, also known as the Meathook Galaxy, is located some 50 million light-years away in the constellation of Volans (the Flying Fish). The galaxy is 75,000 light-years wide and features two dusty spiral arms extending from a pronounced central bar that give it a hook-like appearance, hence its nickname. The galaxy’s distorted shape is most likely the result of a close encounter with a smaller, unseen galaxy. This image is based on data acquired with the 1.5-metre Danish telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile, through three filters (B: 250 s, V: 187 s, R: 150 s).

Credit:

ESO/IDA/Danish 1.5 m/R. Gendler, J.-E. Ovaldsen, C. C. Thöne and C. Féron

About the Image

Id:ngc2442
Type:Observation
Release date:3 December 2009, 23:18
Size:1917 x 1764 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 2442
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Spiral
Distance:50 million light years
Constellation:Volans
Category:Galaxies

Image Formats

Large JPEG
1.3 MB
Screensize JPEG
232.5 KB

Wallpapers

1024x768
259.5 KB
1280x1024
462.4 KB
1600x1200
742.8 KB
1920x1200
979.3 KB
2048x1536
1.3 MB

Coordinates

Position (RA):7 36 27.49
Position (Dec):-69° 31' 30.66"
Field of view:12.62 x 12.62 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 43.4° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Optical
B
Danish 1.54-metre telescope
Optical
V
Danish 1.54-metre telescope
Optical
R
Danish 1.54-metre telescope