NGC 5850

The image shows NGC 5850 (lower left). This disrupted, barred spiral in the constellation Virgo was studied by Higdon, Buta and Purcell in "An Optical and HI Study of NGC 5850: Victim of a High-Speed Encounter?" The Astronomical Journal, January 1998. It's peculiar bar and ring morphology is thought to be the result of a high-speed encounter with the massive elliptical, NGC 5846 (just out of the field of view). NGC 5846 is the largest and brightest member of a small galaxy group, including NGC 5839, NGC 5845, NGC 5846A, NGC 5846B and NGC 5850 itself. Luginbuhl and Skiff give the dimensions of NGC 5850 as 4ʼ.3 x 3ʼ.9 with a V magnitude of 11.0 and a surface brightness of 13.8. This compares with dimensions of 3ʼ.4 x 3ʼ.2, a V magnitude of 10.2 and a surface brightness of 12.8 for NGC 5846. (Caption by Robert Kuberek)

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