Explore the Spanish Dancer Galaxy: Unveiling NGC 1566

Commonly known as the Spanish Dancer Galaxy, NGC 1566 is a breathtaking barred spiral galaxy residing about 20 million light-years away in the Dorado constellation. This celestial beauty was first spotted by James Dunlop, an eminent sky gazer, on May 28, 1826.

Structure and Characteristics

Belonging to the NGC 1566 Group, a subgroup within the larger Dorado group, the Spanish Dancer Galaxy is a sight to behold with its well-defined, symmetrically wound spiral arms. A faint bar surrounds the galaxy nucleus, both encased within an incomplete, yet striking ring. The galaxy's northwest side hides more behind cosmic dust, hinting at it being the galaxy's near side. Furthermore, its disk displays asymmetry, as revealed by radio band observations.

Active Nature of the Spanish Dancer Galaxy

Known as an active galaxy, the Spanish Dancer's spectrum exhibits characteristics commonly found in Seyfert type I galaxies, although uncertainties about its exact nature remain. At its core, a supermassive black hole with a whopping mass of 13 million solar masses stirs up activity. Its relative proximity makes it one of the closest active galaxies to us.

Interactions and Emissions

Evidence suggests that the Spanish Dancer Galaxy interacts with smaller members of its subgroup. Moreover, it radiates hot gas emissions extending nearly 100,000 light-years from its halo.

Supernova Discovery

One significant discovery within the Spanish Dancer Galaxy is the supernova SN 2010el. Identified as a type Ia event, this supernova adds intrigue to the galaxy's profile.

Capturing the Spanish Dancer Galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a composite image of this galaxy using broadband filters. These filters highlight the galaxy's active central black hole and reveal the numerous H II regions that appear reddish across its spiral arms.

Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Calzetti and the LEGUS team, R. Chandar.