Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Leo (Leo)  ·  Contains:  HD98388  ·  HD98644  ·  IC 2708  ·  IC 2745  ·  Leo Triplet  ·  M 65  ·  M 66  ·  NGC 3623  ·  NGC 3627  ·  NGC 3628
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The Leo Triplets, Monty Chandler
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The Leo Triplets, Monty Chandler
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Description

The Leo Triplet - Three beautiful galaxies in the constellation Leo known as the M66 group. 

Three spiral galaxies presenting different views from our perspective on Earth.  

NGC 3628 is the thin looking galaxy at left.  Thick dark dust lanes cut through the galactic plane with hot young stars glowing blue.  This appearance has garnered it the nickname "Hamburger Galaxy".

M66 (the lower of the two remaining) and M65 are angled more favourably in terms of displaying their spiral structure, and their distinct arms can clearly be seen in the image.

M66 is slightly asymmetrical, however: again as a result of the gravitational tug-of-war playing out between the 3 galaxies.
The Leo Triplet is located about 30 million lightyears from Earth in the Leo constellation that gives this iconic galaxy grouping its nickname.

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The Leo Triplets, Monty Chandler