Unusual Spiral Galaxy M66
Explanation:
Why isn't spiral galaxy
M66 symmetric?
Usually
density waves of gas, dust, and newly formed stars circle a
spiral galaxy's
center and create a
nearly symmetric galaxy.
The differences between
M66's
spiral arms and the apparent displacement of its
nucleus are all likely caused by the
tidal gravitational pull of nearby galaxy neighbor
M65.
Spiral galaxy M66,
pictured
above, spans about 100,000
light years, lies about 35 million
light years distant, and is the largest galaxy in a
group including
M65 and
NGC 3628 known as the
Leo Triplet.
Like many spiral galaxies, the long and intricate
dust lanes of
M66 are seen intertwined with the
bright stars and
nebulas
that light up the spiral arms.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
