images

Spiral galaxy NGC 3521 in Leo

by

R.Jay GaBany/Novapix

Reference

a-gax35-21004

Date

2011-09-10

NGC 3521 is located about 35 million light years in the distance toward the northern constellation of Leo. This new deep image depicts multiple debris shells that evidence previous mergers with one or more satellite galaxies. NGC 3521 is an example of a flocculent galaxy. Galaxies are assigned this classification because they exhibit short, fragmented and somewhat disorganized spiral arms. Almost one third of all spiral galaxies display this characteristic to some extent. The cause of this condition remains elusive but recent observations have revealed that this galaxy has experienced a merger with one or more satellite galaxies.