NGC 4631: The Whale

NGC 4631 (The Whale Galaxy) is an enormous Sc type spiral galaxy seen edge-on. The galaxy is apparently distorted slightly due to the companion galaxy, NGC 4627. The pair together are included in the Arp Catalog of Peculiar galaxies as ARP 281. This group of galaxies is between 25-30 million light years away. Note faint tidal tails between these two galaxies.Out of the field of view to the southeast (down and left) is the companion galaxy NGC 4656, which shows significant distortions, apparently due to tidal interactions with NGC 4631; detailed surveys of the region have shown that a tenuous bridge of hydrogen gas connects the two, indicating this past history of interaction.

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