Waid Observatory

Object: NGC4435/38
Date: Apr. 27-30, 2019   -   Location: Dark Sky Observatory, Davis Mountains, TX
Telescope: 10in. RC   -   Mount: Paramount MX   -  Camera: Apogee U8300
L = 330 min. - R G & B = 100 min. each
Click on the image below to view at higher resolution.

  NGC4435

 

NGC4435/38 - The Eyes Galaxies 1

NGC 4435/38 is commonly known as the Eyes Galaxies.  This pair of galaxies is located in the constellation Virgo approximately 52 million light years distant.  They are also members of Markarian Galaxy Chain.

The lower galaxy (NGC 4435) is a "barred lenticular galaxy" currently interacting with the upper galaxy (NGC 4438).  NGC 4438 shows a highly distorted disk along with long tidal tails as a result of the gravitational interactions with other galaxies and its companion.  The distortions evident in NGC 4438 may be attributed to an off-center collision with NGC 4435.  Given the high density and close proximity with other members of the Markarian Galaxy Chain, it is possible that NGC 4435, NGC 4438, and M86 may have had past interactions.

1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_Galaxies

 
Copyright Donald P. Waid