NGC 3445

NGC 3445 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It is estimated to be approximately 70 million light-years away from Earth. NGC 3445 is interacting with a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 3444. This interaction is evident in the distorted shape of NGC 3445 and the presence of tidal streams.

The galaxy was discovered by William Herschel on April 11, 1785. It is classified as SBm, indicating a barred spiral galaxy of the Magellanic type. This means it has a prominent bar structure and loosely wound spiral arms, similar to the Large Magellanic Cloud.

NGC 3445 is notable for its high rate of star formation, likely triggered by the gravitational interaction with NGC 3444. This active star formation contributes to the galaxy's relatively blue color. Studies of NGC 3445 have revealed details about the processes of galaxy interaction and star formation in spiral galaxies.