NGC 3256

NGC 3256
NGC 3256 by Hubble Space Telescope
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
ConstellationVela
Right ascension10h 27m 51.3s[1]
Declination−43° 54′ 13″[1]
Redshift0.009354 +/- 0.000019 [1]
Heliocentric radial velocity2,804 ± 6 km/
Distance122 Mly (37.4 Mpc)[1]
Apparent magnitude (V)11.3
Characteristics
TypePec [1]
Apparent size (V)3.8′ × 2.1′[1]
Notable featuresGalaxy merger, starburst galaxy
Other designations
ESO 263-IG 038, VV 65, AM 1025-433, MCG -07-22-010, PGC 030785[1]
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NGC 3256 is a peculiar galaxy formed from the collision of two separate galaxies in the constellation of Vela. NGC 3256 is located about 100 million light-years away and belongs to the Hydra–Centaurus Supercluster complex. NGC 3256 provides a nearby template for studying the properties of young star clusters in tidal tails. The system hides a double nucleus and a tangle of dust lanes in the central region. The telltale signs of the collision are two extended luminous tails swirling out from the galaxy. The tails are studded with a particularly high density of star clusters.[2] NGC 3256 is the most luminous galaxy in the infrared spectrum located within z 0.01 from Earth.[3]

Three supernovae have been seen in NGC 3256: SN 2001db (Type II, mag. 16.3),[4] SN 2018ec (Type Ic, mag. 15.1),[5] and SN 2021afuq (Type Ic, mag. 16).[6]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database". Results for NGC 3256. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  2. ^ "NGC 3256". www.spacetelescope.org. 24 April 2008.
  3. ^ Sanders, D. B.; Mazzarella, J. M.; Kim, D.-C.; Surace, J. A.; Soifer, B. T. (October 2003). "The IRAS Revised Bright Galaxy Sample". The Astronomical Journal. 126 (4): 1607–1664. arXiv:astro-ph/0306263. Bibcode:2003AJ....126.1607S. doi:10.1086/376841. S2CID 14825701.
  4. ^ Transient Name Server entry for SN 2001db. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  5. ^ Transient Name Server entry for SN 2018ec. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  6. ^ Transient Name Server entry for SN 2021afuq.