Discovery: Needle's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4565) Found Year: 1795 Discoverer: William Herschel Location: Coma Berenice constellation The Needle's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4565) is an edge-on spiral galaxy situated approximately 30 to 50 million light-years from Earth. William Herschel first observed this galaxy in 1785, and it is notable for its position near the North Galactic Pole.
Key Features: Orientation: As an edge-on galaxy, Needle's Eye presents a unique view of its structure, making it an interesting subject for study. Distance: Its considerable distance from Earth allows astronomers to examine its characteristics and composition in the context of galactic evolution. Significance The discovery of Needle's Eye Galaxy contributes to our understanding of spiral galaxies and their formation, as well as the large-scale structure of the universe.
Conclusion Needle's Eye Galaxy serves as an important example of edge-on spiral galaxies, enriching our knowledge of galactic dynamics and the diversity of structures within the cosmos.
Discovery: Needle's Eye Galaxy Credit: ©JPL-Caltech/Wikimedia/NASA The Needle's Eye Galaxy (NGC 4565) is renowned for its distinctive appearance, featuring an unusual hole on one side of its core. This unique structure is believed to have resulted from a collision with dark matter.
Key Characteristics: Narrow Profile: The galaxy's elongated shape gives it its name, "Needle's Eye." Brightness: It is notably brighter than the Andromeda Galaxy, making it a prominent object in the night sky. Significance The formation of the Needle's Eye Galaxy through interactions with dark matter provides valuable insights into the role of dark matter in galaxy evolution and structure.
Conclusion The Needle's Eye Galaxy exemplifies the complexities of galactic formation and dynamics, enhancing our understanding of the universe's structure and the influence of dark matter on galaxy characteristics.
