NGC 1097 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Fornax, approximately 45 million light-years away from Earth. This captivating galaxy is a member of the Fornax Cluster, a group of galaxies gravitationally bound together in the southern hemisphere of the sky. NGC 1097 has drawn the attention of astronomers and enthusiasts alike due to its intricate structure and intriguing celestial features. At the heart of NGC 1097 lies a prominent bar-shaped structure composed of stars, gas, and dust. This central bar extends across the nucleus of the galaxy, leading to tightly wound spiral arms that spiral outwards. 
One of the most striking features of NGC 1097 is the presence of a bright and active nucleus. At the center of the galaxy, astronomers have identified a supermassive black hole with a mass estimated to be 140 millions of times that of our Sun. 
NGC 1097 is also known for its interaction with a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 1097A, located to the northwest (bottom right of its core in the picture oriented with north at right). The gravitational interplay between these two galaxies has led to the creation of tidal tails and distortions in their structures, providing further insight into the complex dynamics of galactic interactions.
In the same cosmic canvas, to the top left of the image (southeast in the sky), the IC 1860 Group commands attention. Nestled in the same constellation of Fornax, at a distance of about 319 million light-years, this group comprises 74 identified galaxies, including IC 1858 and 1859 cataloged by Dreyer in 1895. Amidst the celestial tapestry, numerous faint galaxies and distant galaxy groups paint a breathtaking background, further enriching our exploration of the cosmic wonders present in the southern skies.

Takahashi CCA250 (250/f5) - ZWO 6200MM - L (530m) R (60m) G (90m) B (60m) - Osservatorio AMT (A.Lau/M.Lorenzi/T.Tse), Río Hurtado, Cile. Elaborazione immagini M.Lorenzi.