Embark on a cosmic journey with FreeAstroScience.com as we delve into the wonders of NGC 1058—a remarkable spiral galaxy nestled within the Perseus constellation. This celestial marvel offers a window into the dynamic processes of star formation and the lingering enigmas of its supernovae. As we traverse the galaxy's physical characteristics, location, and observation data, we also uncover the secrets of its spectral fingerprint across various electromagnetic bands. Join us as we illuminate the intricate details of NGC 1058, a galaxy that, despite its modest size, boasts a wealth of astronomical phenomena and historical supernova events.
NGC 1058: A Spiral Galaxy in the Northern Skies
Celestial Position and Observational Data
NGC 1058 is a spiral galaxy located in the Perseus constellation, positioned above the celestial equator. This advantageous location makes it primarily observable from the northern hemisphere. For those charting the night sky, NGC 1058's coordinates are anchored at a right ascension of 02h 43m 30.24s and a declination of +37° 20′ 27.2″, as noted in the J2000 epoch.
An Intimate Look at NGC 1058's Structure
Compact Size and Energetic Star Formation
Despite its relatively small stature, NGC 1058 is a hotbed of stellar creation. The galaxy's distance from Earth implies a modest size, yet it is distinguished by striking blue and pink regions, indicative of vibrant star formation.
Cosmic Velocity and Our Spiral Neighbor's Distance
NGC 1058 is receding from our vantage point on Earth at a heliocentric radial velocity of 518 km/s. When measured against the backdrop of the Milky Way, its galactocentric velocity registers at 629 km/s. The galaxy resides approximately 27.4 million light-years from Earth, placing it within reach of our telescopes yet far enough to inspire wonder.
NGC 1058 Through the Lens
Apparent Brightness and Telescopic Appearance
The apparent magnitude of NGC 1058, a measure of its brightness as perceived from Earth, stands at 11.82. Its angular dimensions measure 3.801 x 3.715 minutes of arc, revealing the extent of the galaxy's presence as it stretches across the celestial sphere.
Star Formation: The Galaxy's Lively Canvas
NGC 1058's diminutive size does not hinder its prolific star-producing regions. The galaxy's fabric is adorned with patches of blue and pink, the hallmarks of new star birth, painting an active and dynamic portrait of this galactic entity.
The Supernovae Enigma within NGC 1058
NGC 1058 holds a place in the annals of astronomy for its supernovae occurrences. The galaxy has been the stage for three supernovae: SN 1961V, SN 1969L, and SN 2007gr. The true nature of SN 1961V remains a tantalizing mystery, continuing to puzzle astronomers decades after its detection.
Gazing at NGC 1058: Accessibility and Viewing
With a visual magnitude of 11.75, NGC 1058 can be observed through telescopes with an aperture of at least 8 inches. From locations like Greenwich, United Kingdom, the galaxy is poised eastward, with an altitude of 41.2° and azimuth of 78.8°.
NGC 1058's photometric profile spans multiple bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Its blue band magnitude is 12.29, the visual band is 11.75, and in the infrared J, H, and K bands, the magnitudes are 9.9, 9.25, and 9.03, respectively. The surface brightness of the galaxy is 22.16 mag/arcsec^2.
The galaxy presents a major angular size of 2.47 arcmin and a minor size of 1.36 arcmin. Classified as an SAc spiral galaxy, NGC 1058's morphology can be deciphered using the Hubble and de Vaucouleurs systems.
Pinpointing NGC 1058 in the Celestial Dome
For skywatchers, the celestial coordinates for NGC 1058 during the J2000 equinox are provided for ease of location. Simplified sky charts can aid in spotting this distant galaxy amidst the stars.
Supernova 1961 and Its Aftermath
The 1961 supernova, SN 1961V, within NGC 1058 presents a compelling study. Its light-curve bears resemblance to the notable η-Carinae, characterized by a gradual increase in brightness over several decades. The ejected gas clouds from this stellar explosion expand at a formidable 3000 km/sec, with the supernova itself receding at about 750 km/sec.
At FreeAstroScience.com, we are dedicated to bringing the marvels of the universe to your screen, making complex astronomical phenomena accessible and engaging. NGC 1058 is just one example of the wondrous spectacles the cosmos holds, and we invite you to continue exploring with us as we unveil the mysteries of space.
Image: Composite optical image of NGC 1058 taken with the Gemini North Telescope at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. It was created using broadband filters centred at 475 nm (G-band, blue), 630 nm (R-band, green), 780 nm (I-band, red), and 876 nm (Z-band, orange). Additionally, a narrow band filter focused on the emission of ionised hydrogen (Hα, red) was used. Numerous star-forming regions can be seen in the image around NGC 1058, appearing red due to emission of ionised hydrogen. The image is also contaminated by foreground Milky Way stars, but we can see background galaxies too.
Image Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA
Image processing: T. A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF’s NOIRLab), J. Miller (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Rodriguez (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab) & M. Zamani (NSF’s NOIRLab)
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