NGC 4559

This spiral galaxy is located in the direction of Coma Berenices. A type II supernova went off in this galaxy some time ago (SN 1941a). Several papers estimate its apparent magnitude was 13 and absolute magnitude to be around 15.7. From this astronomers would estimate this galaxy to be between 20-30 million light years away. Like many nearby spiral galaxies, NGC 4559 displays bright star-forming regions and dust lanes in its expansive arms. There are also a number of background galaxies and galaxy groups in this image. (Note: by using redshift measurements- the galaxy is 35 million light years distant which is not in terrible disagreement with the SN data.)

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.