NGC 7742

NGC 7742, also known as the Fried Egg Galaxy, is a Seyfert type 2 galaxy located approximately 72 million light-years away in the constellation Pegasus. It is notable for its prominent yellow nuclear ring and relatively inactive galactic center.

The strong ring-like structure is a region of intense star formation, likely fueled by gas that has been channeled inwards towards the galaxy's center. This gas is compressed as it orbits the core, triggering the formation of new stars. The yellow color of the ring suggests an older stellar population compared to typical star-forming regions.

Inside the ring, the galaxy appears relatively devoid of stars, creating a "fried egg" appearance in some astronomical images. The central supermassive black hole exhibits low levels of activity, contributing little to the galaxy's overall luminosity in comparison to more active Seyfert galaxies.

NGC 7742 is considered a relatively isolated galaxy, meaning it is not part of a rich galaxy cluster or group. This isolation may have influenced its unique morphology and activity level. It has been studied to understand the processes that govern star formation, galaxy evolution, and the behavior of supermassive black holes in different galactic environments. Its designation as a Seyfert 2 galaxy places it among galaxies with active galactic nuclei (AGN), but with the emission lines originating from a region obscured from direct view.