PGC 509 (Ring Galaxy)

Click on image for larger version.

PGC 509 is an example of a small category of galaxies called Ring Galaxies. These galaxy shapes are a result of galactic collisions where one galaxy passes straight through the middle of a second galaxy. The shockwave created by the collision sparks a spreading ring of star formation. A slight blueish tint from the star formation can be seen in the ring structure. The bright knot of material below the ring, with its yellowish tint, is likely the core of the colliding galaxy. The most famous example of a ring galaxy is Hoag's Galaxy

PGC 509 is a faint (M15.5) galaxy in the constellation of Cetus.

Equipment

20in RC Optical Systems telescope operating at f/8.4
Paramount ME Robotic Telescope Mount
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel

Luminance = 120 minutes binned 1x1
 Red = 30 minutes binned 2x2
 Green = 30 minutes binned 2x2
 Blue = 30 minutes binned 2x2

Minimum credit line: Brad Walter/Flynn Haase/NOAO/AURA/NSF

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Updated: 06/28/2006