NGC 4618 and NGC 4625 -- Galaxies in Canes Venatici
Double Galaxy
NGC 4618 is a barred spiral galaxy less than 2 degrees west of the Croc’s Eye Galaxy
(M94).
The charm of NGC 4618 is that it appears doubled. It is a single galaxy but has a bright
star-forming region south of the nucleus, making it appear double when the lighter
extended parts of the galaxy cannot be seen.
The reason for NGC 4618’s double-distortion is due to the gravitational interaction with
the smaller galaxy, NGC 4625, above it. In the 6-inch refractor the double parts of NGC
4618 are doable from my suburban backyard but seeing the fainter sections of the galaxy
are only hinted at – even on the best of nights.
NGC 4625, at mag 12.3, is near the limit of visibility and becomes a reality only on the
best of nights in the 6-inch from the backyard. A little additional magnification is helpful.
The next time you visit the Croc’s Eye Galaxy, take a few additional minutes and check
out the nearby Double Galaxy and its faint companion. It is time worth spent.
(M94).
The charm of NGC 4618 is that it appears doubled. It is a single galaxy but has a bright
star-forming region south of the nucleus, making it appear double when the lighter
extended parts of the galaxy cannot be seen.
The reason for NGC 4618’s double-distortion is due to the gravitational interaction with
the smaller galaxy, NGC 4625, above it. In the 6-inch refractor the double parts of NGC
4618 are doable from my suburban backyard but seeing the fainter sections of the galaxy
are only hinted at – even on the best of nights.
NGC 4625, at mag 12.3, is near the limit of visibility and becomes a reality only on the
best of nights in the 6-inch from the backyard. A little additional magnification is helpful.
The next time you visit the Croc’s Eye Galaxy, take a few additional minutes and check
out the nearby Double Galaxy and its faint companion. It is time worth spent.