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Seashell Galaxy

NGC 5291

Elliptical Galaxy in Centaurus

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Proper Name	Seashell Galaxy
Messier Number	None
NGC/IC Number	NGC 5291
Constellation	Centaurus
Right Ascension	13h 47m 24s
Declination	-30° 24' 25"
Distance	c.187,200,000 light years c.57,400,000 parsecs
Magnitude	Apparent: +14.1 Absolute: -19.7
Diameter	Apparent: 1.2' Actual: c.65,000 light years
Hubble Types	E pec Peculiar Elliptical (central galaxy) S0a Spiral Galaxy ('Seashell' formation)
Optimum Visibility	April / May
Notes	NGC 5291 consists of several interacting galactic structures resulting from a cosmic collision in the distant past. Apart from the central Elliptical Galaxy and the spiralling curl that gives the Seashell its name, the group also contains a shattered dwarf galaxy extending out from the central grouping.

A small cluster of galaxies near the northern border of Centaurus. It consists of a system of interacting galaxies designated NGC 5291, with the 'seashell' structure lying very close to a more massive elliptical galaxy. The gravitational force of its larger neighbour has stretched it into a tapering spiral shape, like that of a seashell.

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