NGC 87 is a diffuse, irregular galaxy located approximately 155 million light-years away in the southern constellation of Phoenix. It was discovered on September 30, 1834, by the English astronomer John Herschel.
Physical characteristics NGC 87 is classified morphologically as a diffuse irregular galaxy, displaying a lack of a distinct central nucleus or organized spiral structure. At its distance of 155 million light-years, its angular size corresponds to a physical diameter of roughly 42,000 light-years, making it about 40% the size of the Milky Way. Unlike its spiral and lenticular companions, NGC 87 contains significant reservoirs of cold neutral hydrogen gas and active H II regions. Its asymmetric appearance and chaotic star-forming areas are driven by tidal interactions with nearby galactic companions.
Group membership The galaxy is a member of Robert's Quartet, a compact galaxy group located in Phoenix that also includes NGC 88, NGC 89, and NGC 90. The four member galaxies reside within a region spanning roughly 150,000 light-years across and exhibit active gravitational interactions.
See also Robert's Quartet NGC 88 NGC 89 NGC 92 List of NGC objects (1–1000)
References
External links NGC 87 http://www.astro.pef.zcu.cz/
NGC 87 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images