Cartwheel Galaxy: Difference between revisions
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[[File:375px-Cartwheel Galaxy.jpg|thumb|Cartwheel Galaxy]] | [[File:375px-Cartwheel Galaxy.jpg|thumb|Cartwheel Galaxy]] | ||
The Cartwheel Galaxy (also known as ESO 350-40) is a lenticular galaxy and ring galaxy about 500 million light-yearsaway in the constellation Sculptor. It is an estimated 150,000 light-years across, has a mass of about 2.9–4.8 × 109 solar masses, and rotates at 217 km/s. | The Cartwheel Galaxy (also known as ESO 350-40) is a lenticular galaxy and ring galaxy about 500 million light-yearsaway in the constellation Sculptor. It is an estimated 150,000 light-years across, has a mass of about 2.9–4.8 × 109 solar masses, and rotates at 217 km/s. | ||
It was discovered by Fritz Zwicky in 1941. Zwicky considered his discovery to be "one of the most complicated structures awaiting its explanation on the basis of stellar dynamics." | It was discovered by Fritz Zwicky in 1941. Zwicky considered his discovery to be "one of the most complicated structures awaiting its explanation on the basis of stellar dynamics." | ||
An estimation of the galaxy's span resulted in a conclusion of 150,000 light years, which is slightly larger than the Milky Way. | An estimation of the galaxy's span resulted in a conclusion of 150,000 light years, which is slightly larger than the Milky Way. | ||