NASA's Spitzer Spies a Perfectly Sideways Galaxy

[Makuser]

This image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope might look like a lightsaber floating in space, but it's actually an entire galaxy viewed on its side. The long red beam in the center of the image is a galaxy called NGC 5866. It lies 44 million light-years from Earth and has a diameter of roughly 60,000 light-years — a little more than half the diameter of our own Milky Way galaxy. When we think of galaxies, we often imagine massive spiral arms or thick disks of dust. But not all galaxies are oriented face-on as viewed from Earth. From our viewpoint, we see only the edge of NGC 5866, so most of its structural features are invisible. You can read more about this and see the fantastic Spitzer image here, at:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasas- ... ays-galaxy

[KingNothing13]

Neat - I have not observed this one yet - but I suspect, given it's history, many on this board have!

[bladekeeper]

NGC 5866 is quite often counted at M102, so I am sure many have observed this one.

I've got it logged three times, twice with a 12" dob and once (and latest) with an 80mm refractor.

From 12 August 2015:

5. Spindle Galaxy - Messier 102 - Spiral Galaxy in Draco - Good to see M102 again. This is my 2nd observation of this galaxy. A nice fat slash, or maybe a thin oval, pointing toward the 11 o'clock position. Two dim stars above and to either side lend the appearance of Mickey Mouse ears.

And via the 80mm on 13 July 2018:

10. Spindle Galaxy - Messier 102 - NGC 5866
(Spiral Galaxy in Draco, mag 9.9, size 4.7’ x 1.9’, SB 12.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:41:02
Comment: Detectable with averted vision only as a nice slender oval. There seem to be one or two very dim stars on either side of it.
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

[Zeroed4x]

Move on over Needle Galaxy.

[Juno16]

M102 is a nice looking galaxy view, but the Needle is a fine view too! They are all different, unique, and special!

Thanks,
Jim

[Kingofthehill]

I thought it looked pretty skinny.