Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Leo (Leo)  ·  Contains:  M 65  ·  M 66  ·  NGC 3623  ·  NGC 3627  ·  NGC 3628
Leo Triplets, Daniel.Baster
Leo Triplets
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Leo Triplets

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The galaxies are gravitationally bound to each other, and are commonly known as the M66 group. The lower right of the three galaxies is M65 - a spiral galaxy that seems to have suffered the least damage from the galaxies' encounter. To the left of M65 is the barred spiral galaxy, M66. This galaxy displays more consequence from the gravitational collision, as the galaxy's spiral arms are clearly deformed and the colorful arms are indicative of a high rate of star formation.

The third galaxy of the Trio, NGC 3628, is an edge on unbarred spiral galaxy at the top in this image. NGC 3628 may be the most affected of the three galaxies, as this image shows its impressive tidal tail. Astronomers believe that the tidal tail is a result of the gravitational impact, and it consists primarily of young blue stars. The tail extends from the galaxy for over 300,000 light years. Due to its extreme faintness, the tidal tail is not commonly shown in photographs of NGC 3628.

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Leo Triplets, Daniel.Baster