Galaxy NGC 3718 in Ursa Major

by: Jim Misti/Novapix
Reference: a-gax37-18005
Date: 2007-04-29

NGC 3718 (Arp 214) seems to have a rudimentary bar and spiral structure although it is recognized as a peculiar galaxy and as such is listed within Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. NGC 3718 contains an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and is known as a Seyfert type 1.9 galaxy. Its strange shape is probably due to a gravitational interaction with its companion NGC 3729 (out of field). A grouping of 5 background galaxies 300 million light years distant are projected at right of NGC 3718 and are designated Arp 322 (also Hickson 56). Several members of the group appear to be a strongly interacting.

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