Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Starfish Galaxy

NGC 6420 is a galaxy located in the constellation Ophiuchus. It is also called the Starfish Galaxy due to its shape. NGC 6240 differs from other galaxies in having two nuclei. It is believed to have formed when two smaller galaxies collapsed. It has often been described like a "twisted, distorted galaxy with a looping arch".

Some astronomers believe that there are two black holes emerging inside the galaxy. NGC 6240 was first observed in detail with the IRAS satellite.

The galaxy can been seen from Earth with a large telescope.

NGC6240