What kind of
strange galaxy is this? This rare structure is known as a polar ring galaxy, and it seems to have two different rings of stars.
In this galaxy, NGC 660, one ring of bright stars, gas, and dark dust appears
nearly vertical, while another similar but shorter ring runs diagonally from
the upper left. How polar ring galaxies obtain their striking appearance remains a topic of research, but a leading theory holds that it is usually the
result of two galaxies with different central ring planes colliding. NGC 660 spans about 50,000 light years and is
located about 40 million light years away toward the constellation of the Fish (Pisces). The featured image was captured recently from Observatorio El Sauce in Chile.
Image & info via APOD
Image Credit & Copyright: Mike Selby
Source: NGC 660:
Polar Ring Galaxy – Scents of Science
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