NGC 2207

Canis Major

Ra
06 16 22

Dec
-21 22 22

Type SB (rs) bc PEC

Mag 12.2

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IC 2163

Type SB (rs) PEC

Mag 11.6

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NGC 2207 and IC 2163 were found by John Herschel in 1835. They are in close interaction and in several billion years will form into one galaxy. The calculations indicate that IC 2163 is swinging past NGC 2207 in a counterclockwise direction, having made its closest
approach 40 million years ago. However, IC 2163 does not have sufficient energy to escape from the gravitational pull of
NGC 2207, and is destined to be pulled back and swing past the larger galaxy again in the future. Strong tidal forces from NGC 2207 have distorted the shape of IC 2163, flinging out stars and gas into long streamers stretching out a hundred thousand light-years.

NGC 2207.JPG

This is one of my favorite winter time galaxies that I return to year after year. I often have wondered why it is not in Arp's Catalog of peculiar galaxies? This one sure is interesting.

1024px-Ngc2207 sp image.jpg

Be sure to check out this "cosmic Ballet" in the Big Dog next time you are out and,

"GIVE IT A GO AND LET US KNOW"

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT VIEWING!