NGC 488 is a grand design spiral galaxy located approximately 105 million light-years away in the constellation Pisces. It is a member of the Pisces Cluster (Abell 194) and is one of the cluster's brightest and most massive galaxies.
Characteristics:
NGC 488 is classified as a SA(rs)ab galaxy, indicating that it is a spiral galaxy (S) with tightly wound arms (ab), a small bar-like structure (rs), and a smooth central bulge. It boasts a bright, active galactic nucleus (AGN), powered by a supermassive black hole. The galaxy's spiral arms are well-defined and exhibit active star formation regions, indicated by the presence of blue stars and HII regions (ionized hydrogen gas).
Significance:
NGC 488's brightness and prominence within the Pisces Cluster make it an important object for studying galaxy evolution and the dynamics of galaxy clusters. Its AGN also makes it a target for research on supermassive black holes and their influence on their host galaxies. The galaxy's distance, determined through various methods including surface brightness fluctuations, provides a crucial rung on the cosmic distance ladder.
Observational Information:
- Right Ascension: 01h 21m 46.7s
- Declination: +05° 15' 21"
- Apparent Magnitude: 10.4
- Size: Approximately 8.7 arcminutes
See Also:
- Pisces Cluster (Abell 194)
- Spiral Galaxy
- Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN)
- Supermassive Black Hole