NGC 536: Hickson 10

This group of four galaxies is around 220 million light years away. The collection of spiral galaxies on the left side of the image include: (from top to bottom) NGC 542, NGC 536 and NGC 531. The warped arms of the latter two galaxies strongly suggests they are interacting with one another. NGC 529 on the right side of the image is a bright lenticular galaxy. This galaxy probably used to be a spiral like its neighbors, but either due to gravitational interactions or a lack of material to form more stars has relaxed to this smooth almost elliptical (but not quite) like state.

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