NGC 5101 and NGC 5078 are two fascinating galaxies that reside in the constellation of Hydra, the Sea Serpent, the largest constellation in the night sky. Observations of these galaxies provide significant insights into galactic interaction and the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time.
NGC 5101 is a barred spiral galaxy. This means it has a central bar of stars that extends beyond the nucleus, with spiral arms emanating from the ends of this bar.
Its distinctive features include a prominent central bulge and distinct spiral arms that are sites of star formation.
NGC 5078 is classified as a spiral galaxy, but with a more elongated appearance, which suggests that we see it from the side, that is, edge-on.
Its features include a prominent galactic disk and a visible dust lane that crosses the galactic plane, common in side-view galaxies. The dust lane is an indicator of regions where star formation is potentially taking place, hidden from direct view.
NGC 5078 appears to be interacting with its nearby satellite galaxy, IC 879, an interaction that can cause gravitational distortions and eventually lead to a galactic merger.
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