NGC 3341

Sextant
RA
10 42 31
DEC
+05 02 08

Mag 14

Type Peculiar AGN

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NGC 3341 is rare example of a galactic triple merger. In a recent paper the B component was found to be a AGN with a supermassive black hole. NGC 3341 was found on March 22, 1865 by Albert Marth in Malta with Lassell’s 48” reflector. It is unusual to see the galactic cores of three galaxies so near each other in a late stage of merger. I was excited when I came across this galaxy in hopes to be able to see the three cores. I wish I could see it in the future when the AGN core crashes into the nucleus of the A galaxy core. I bet it will be an exciting cosmic crash.

4CEF845B-91E2-4B4F-8B00-64E7B22700E1.jpg

Last week I observed this cosmic train wreck under less than ideal conditions the seeing was dismal I would give it a 2 out of 10. I found NGC 3341 to be small and fairly faint. At 610X the B and A cores were popping in and out with the horrible seeing. I did not see a hint of the C core. I am anxious to try it again in the future on a better night I really would like to see the 3 galaxy cores with direct vision.

72CC37FC-4BAB-4166-A230-03B033696373.jpeg

Give It A GO you might be the first see all three of the galaxy cores at the same time.

GOOD LUCK and Great Viewing!