Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Coma Berenices (Com)  ·  Contains:  IC 3531  ·  IC 3533  ·  IC 3536  ·  IC 3543  ·  IC 3546  ·  IC 3571  ·  IC 3582  ·  NGC 4555  ·  NGC 4562  ·  NGC 4565  ·  Needle Galaxy
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Needle Galaxy - NGC 4565, Alan Santana
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Needle Galaxy - NGC 4565

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Needle Galaxy - NGC 4565, Alan Santana
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Needle Galaxy - NGC 4565

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Description

NGC 4565 (also known as the Needle Galaxy or Caldwell 38) is an edge-on spiral galaxy about 30 to 50 million light-years away in the constellation Coma Berenices. It lies close to the North Galactic Pole and has a visual magnitude of approximately 10. It is known as the Needle Galaxy for its narrow profile. First recorded in 1785 by William Herschel, it is a prominent example of an edge-on spiral galaxy.

NGC 4565 is a giant spiral galaxy more luminous than the Andromeda Galaxy. Much speculation exists in literature as to the nature of the central bulge. In the absence of clear-cut dynamical data on the motions of stars in the bulge, the photometric data alone cannot adjudge among various options put forth. However, its exponential shape suggested that it is a barred spiral galaxy. Studies with the help of the Spitzer Space Telescope not only confirmed the presence of a central bar but also showed a pseudobulge within it as well as an inner ring.

NGC 4565 has at least two satellite galaxies, one of which is interacting with it. It has a population of roughly 240 globular clusters, more than the Milky Way.

NGC 4565 is one of the brightest member galaxies of the Coma I Group.

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Needle Galaxy - NGC 4565, Alan Santana