NGC 2276 is a lopsided spiral galaxy in the constellation Cepheus, about 120 million light-years away, known for its intense star formation and distorted shape caused by gravitational interactions with its neighbor, NGC 2300. This "tug-of-war" creates a bright, blue arm of newborn stars and a long tail of interstellar gas, making it a prime example of galactic interaction and a subject of study for its unique features, including an intermediate-mass black hole.
Key Characteristics
Type: Intermediate spiral galaxy (SAB(rs)c).
Location: Constellation Cepheus, 120 million light-years away.
Appearance: Asymmetrical and distorted due to gravitational interaction with the elliptical galaxy NGC 2300.
Star Formation: Exceptionally high, with a bright, blue arm rich in massive, young stars, possibly triggered by a past collision or interaction with hot gas.
Unique Feature: Contains an intermediate-mass black hole (NGC 2276-3c) in one of its starburst arms, which is producing a jet that appears to suppress star formation nearby.
Interactions: Listed in the Arp Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies for its lopsided arms and interaction with NGC 2300. It also has a long tail of interstellar medium being stripped away by ram pressure.
What Makes It Special?
Gravitational Dance: The galaxy is in a gravitational "tug-of-war" with NGC 2300, which is pulling its disk and causing its distorted shape.
Starburst Activity: The intense star formation is a key feature, making it a "starburst" galaxy.
Multi-Wavelength Study: Images from telescopes like Hubble and Chandra combine optical, X-ray, and radio data to reveal its structure, magnetic fields, and the black hole's influence. Image Credit NASA/ESA Hubble
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