NGC 3227 is an intermediate spiral galaxy that is interacting with the dwarf elliptical galaxy NGC 3226. The two galaxies are one of several examples of a spiral with a dwarf elliptical companion that are listed in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. Both galaxies may be found in the constellation Leo.

Sir William Herschel already recognised them as a 'double nebula' and they were jointly listed as Holm 187 in the Catalogue of Double and Multiple Galaxies and as Arp 94 in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. They are situated 50′ east of the well-known double star system Gamma Leonis (i.e. Algieba).

NGC 3227 contains a Seyfert nucleus, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). Such Seyfert nuclei typically contain supermassive black holes. As is typical of many AGN, the nucleus of NGC 3227 has been identified as a source of variable X-ray emission. This variability occurs on time scales ranging from a few hours to a few months. The variability may be caused by variations in the density or ionization of gas and dust near the AGN that absorb the X-ray emission. A substantial amount of the X-ray-absorbing gas may lie within 0.4 parsec (1.3 light-years) of the nucleus. An observed change in the shape of the X-ray spectrum in 2000 and 2001 suggests that some of the X-ray absorbing gas is located within 10–100 light-days of the nucleus.

NGC 3226 contains a low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER), a type of region that is characterized by spectral line emission from weakly ionized atoms. In general, the energy source for LINER emission has been a subject of debate among astronomers. Some astronomers have asserted that LINERs are powered by star formation regions, while other have asserted that LINERs are powered by active galactic nuclei (AGN) which contain supermassive black holes.

Interstellar medium-

It is possible that NGC 3226 may be acquiring gas from NGC 3227 during the interaction process, which would enhance star formation within NGC 3226. However, observations of NGC 3226 failed to detect any molecular gas within the galaxy. These results not only demonstrate that NGC 3226 contains little molecular gas but also demonstrate that the galaxy has acquired no gas from NGC 3227.--Wiki

This was a tough one that got stuck back and almost forgotten about. Tough one mainly because of the magnitude 2.20 star Algieba (Gamma Leonis) just off the frame to the left (west) in this image. The subs were taken on several nights between December 2nd 2016 and January 25th 2017. Its a very cool pair of galaxies that I'd like to try again sometime using the 10RCT and new Moravian G2-4000. I've been hit with the new equipment curse. Mother Nature can be cruel at times. :-/