NGC 278

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NGC 278 is an isolated[1] spiral galaxy in the northern circumpolar constellation of Cassiopeia, near the southern constellation boundary with Andromeda. It lies at a distance of approximately Script error: No such module "convert". from the Milky Way, giving it a physical scale of Script error: No such module "convert". per arcsecond.[1] The galaxy was discovered on December 11, 1786 by German-born astronomer William Herschel. J. L. E. Dreyer described it as, "considerably bright, pretty large, round, 2 stars of 10th magnitude near".[2]

The morphological classification of this galaxy is SAB(rs)b,[1] which indicates a weak bar structure around the nucleus (SAB), an incomplete ring around the bar (rs), and moderately-tightly wound spiral arms (b). It is a relatively small, compact spiral[1] with a diameter of Script error: No such module "convert".,[3] multiple flocculent arms and a bright, dusty nucleus that does not appear to be active.[1] However, the neutral hydrogen in the galaxy is spread over a diameter five times larger than its visible size.[3]

Although it appears nearly face-on, the galactic plane is inclined by an angle of 28° to the line of sight from the Earth, with the major axis being oriented along a position angle of 116°.[1] The outer part of the disk appears to be warped, so that the major axis is not quite perpendicular to the minor axis,[4] and the morphology is somewhat disrupted.[3] The inner disk contains multiple intense star-forming regions.[1] This is taking place in an inner ring with a radius of Script error: No such module "convert". that may have been triggered by a merger with a smaller companion.[5] It has an H II nucleus.[6]

References

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External links

Template:Sky Template:Ngc5 Template:Cassiopeia (constellation)