NGC 533

NGC 533 is an elliptical galaxy located in the constellation Cetus. It is estimated to be approximately 220 million light-years away from Earth. NGC 533 is a bright member of the NGC 541 group (also known as the Arp 130 group), a cluster of galaxies interacting gravitationally. It is classified as an E2 galaxy, indicating it is a relatively flattened elliptical.

Notable features of NGC 533 include a prominent, extended X-ray halo, suggesting the presence of a significant amount of hot gas surrounding the galaxy. This extended X-ray emission is characteristic of massive elliptical galaxies residing in galaxy groups and clusters. The galaxy also possesses a supermassive black hole at its center.

The surrounding NGC 541 group contains other galaxies that are interacting with each other, providing a rich environment for studying galaxy evolution and interaction processes. The interactions between galaxies within the group can trigger star formation and alter the morphology of the involved galaxies. NGC 533, due to its mass and position within the group, likely plays a significant role in shaping the dynamics and evolution of the NGC 541 group as a whole.