Explore the warped spiral galaxy NGC 3718 and its neighbor NGC 3729 — a dynamic duo of deep-sky oddities in the constellation Ursa Major.
Interacting galaxies NGC 3718 (left) and NGC 3729 form an unusual pair of challenging objects to observe in the constellation Ursa Major. Credit: SAFIY14
- NGC 3718, a magnitude 10.6 barred spiral galaxy approximately 65 million light-years distant, exhibits a significant S-shaped distortion and a bright nucleus, with dimensions of 2.9’ by 2.3’.
- The distortion in NGC 3718 is attributed to gravitational interaction with its neighboring galaxy, NGC 3729.
- NGC 3729, located approximately 65 million light-years away, is described as a typical barred spiral galaxy with a magnitude of 11.0 and dimensions of 2.8’ by 1.8’.
- Hickson Compact Group 56, a collection of interacting galaxies, resides approximately 425 million light-years away, situated south of NGC 3718.
Ursa Major and its Big Dipper asterism are loaded with terrific galaxies. Two strange galaxies that inhabit this area may be found below the southern edge of the dipper. NGC 3718 (Arp 214) is a distorted barred spiral lying about 65 million light-years away. It glows at magnitude 10.6, spans 2.9’ by 2.3’, and is characterized by a strong S shape, a prominent dust bar encircling its hub, and an intensely bright, concentrated nucleus.
NGC 3718 displays warping believed to have been caused by interaction with its neighbor, NGC 3729, which lies about 150,000 light-years from its neighbor.
NGC 3729 is a barred spiral lying approximately 65 million light-years away, glowing at magnitude 11.0, spanning 2.8’ by 1.8’, and representing a garden-variety barred spiral structure.
South of NGC 3718 is another unusual object, the odd interacting galaxy group known as Hickson Compact Group 56, which consists of a chain of distant galaxies lying some 425 million light-years away.
