NGC 326 explained

NGC 326
Epoch:J2000
Ra:[1]
Constellation Name:Pisces
Z:0.047400
H Radial V:14,210 km/s
Type:E
Appmag V:14.33
Size V:1.4' × 1.4'
Names:UGC 00601, CGCG 480-026, MCG +04-03-025, 4C +26.03, B2 0055+26, PGC 3482, PKS B0055+265, TXS 0055+265.

NGC 326 is a dumbbell galaxy in the constellation Pisces. It was discovered on August 24, 1865 by Heinrich d'Arrest. It was described by Dreyer as "faint, a little extended, 9th or 10th magnitude star to southeast."[2]

Background

X-shaped (or "winged") radio galaxies are a class of extragalactic radio source that exhibit two, low-surface-brightness radio lobes (the "wings") oriented at an angle to the active, or high-surface-brightness, lobes. Both sets of lobes pass symmetrically through the center of the elliptical galaxy that is the source of the lobes, giving the radio galaxy an X-shaped morphology as seen on radio maps.[3]

Study of the galaxy

NGC 326 is a radio galaxy; in fact, it is one of the most prominent X-shaped galaxies ever observed. Several studies have been conducted to try to explain its morphology through either fluid motion or reorientation of the jet axis. The Chandra X-ray Observatory examined the emissions of the galaxy. The study revealed several features, including a high-temperature front that might indicate a shock, high-temperate knots around the rim of the radio emission, and a cavity associated with the eastern wing.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database . Results for NGC 0326 . September 2, 2016.
  2. Web site: New General Catalog Objects: NGC 300 - 349. Cseligman. October 30, 2016.
  3. Web site: Study of X-Shaped Radio Galaxy NGC 326 Shows Outburst History and Active Galactic Nucleus Feedback. Scitechdaily. February 6, 2012. October 30, 2016.
  4. A Chandra Study of the Radio Galaxy NGC 326: Wings, Outburst History, and AGN Feedback. The Astrophysical Journal. 746. 2. 167. 1112.2707. December 12, 2011. Hodges-Kluck. Edmund. Reynolds. Christopher S. 10.1088/0004-637X/746/2/167. 2012ApJ...746..167H. 119162407.