NGC 4725
Located in Coma Berenices NGC 4725 is classified as a barred spiral galaxy. However it is far from a typical spiral in that it only has a single arm whereas most spirals have two or more. Computer simulations of the formation of single arm galaxies suggest that the arm can be either trailing or leading with respect to the galaxy’s rotation.
This galaxy has an impressive central bar structure which is home to populations of older yellow stars, dust lanes and an extremely bright central core which is believed to host a supermassive black hole. This galaxy is about the same size as our own Milky Way.
The smaller galaxy to the right is NGC 4712. Although it appears to reside nearby it is actually in the background approximately 160 million light years away from NGC 4725.
This image was selected by Astronomy Magazine as their Picture of the Day for December 1, 2015
OTA: Vixen VC200L
Camera: Atik 460ex w/EFW2 filter wheel
Filters: Astrodon LRGB
Mount: AP Mach1
Exposure: L:R:G:B 150:60:60:60 (m) rgb bin 2x2
Data obtained: April 2015