NGC 6744
A large spiral galaxy resembling the Milky Way in the local universe.
NGC 6744, cataloged as Caldwell 101 and also called the Pavo Galaxy, is an intermediate spiral galaxy found in the southern constellation Pavo (the Peacock). It was discovered on 30 June 1826 by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop while he was observing from Parramatta, Australia. The galaxy has a mass of 5.92 (units unspecified in the source). Its velocity relative to the cosmic microwave background is 802 ± 3 km/s, which yields a Hubble distance of 11.82 ± 0.83 Mpc, though 21 non-redshift measurements place it closer at 7.244 ± 0.514 Mpc.
Among the largest spiral galaxies in the local universe, NGC 6744 is considered a nearby analog of the Milky Way. It features vigorous star formation, fluffy (flocculent) spiral arms, and an elongated core. The galaxy has at least one distorted companion, NGC 6744A, which superficially resembles one of the Magellanic Clouds. NGC 6744 is a LINER galaxy, meaning its nucleus shows an emission spectrum with broad lines from weakly ionized atoms, and it hosts a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (AGN). It lies within the Virgo Supercluster.
Two supernovae have been observed in NGC 6744. SN 2005at, a Type Ic supernova with magnitude 16, was discovered on 15 March 2005 by R. Martin. Another transient, designated SN 2024vjm, was found by BlackGEM on 13 September 2024. Initially classified as a peculiar nova after spectral analysis, further observations reclassified it as a faint Type Iax supernova, likely the closest known example of its type.
Quick Facts
- Epoch
- J2000
- Ra
- 19 · 09 · 46.1785
- Dec
- -63 · 51 · 26.992
- Z
- 0.002805
- H Radial V
- 841 ± 2 km/s
- Dist Ly
- 7.244 ± 0.514 Mpc
- Group Cluster
- Virgo Supercluster
- Appmag V
- 9.14
- Constellation Name
- Pavo
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
NGC 6744 was discovered on 30 June 1826 by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop, observing from Parramatta, Australia. It lies within the Virgo Supercluster. The galaxy has an active galactic nucleus (AGN) of low luminosity and is classified as a LINER galaxy, meaning its nucleus has an emission spectrum characterized by broad lines of weakly ionized atoms. Its velocity with respect to the cosmic microwave background is 802 ± 3 km/s, corresponding to a Hubble distance of 11.82 ± 0.83 Mpc, though 21 non-redshift measurements give a distance of 7.244 ± 0.514 Mpc, indicating uncertainty in its exact distance. The galaxy has a mass of 5.92 (units not specified).
Reader's Guide
NGC 6744 is notable as one of the largest spiral galaxies in the local universe and is often described as a Milky Way mimic due to its similar structure, including flocculent arms and an elongated core. It displays remarkable star formation and has at least one distorted companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is superficially similar to one of the Magellanic Clouds. Two supernovae have been observed in NGC 6744: SN 2005at (Type Ic, magnitude 16) discovered on 15 March 2005 by R. Martin, and SN 2024vjm, discovered on 13 September 2024 by BlackGEM. Initially classified as a peculiar nova, further observations showed SN 2024vjm to be a faint Type Iax supernova, likely the closest known of this type. The galaxy's low-luminosity active galactic nucleus and its membership in the Virgo Supercluster place it in a broader cosmological context, though its exact distance remains disputed between redshift-based and non-redshift measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NGC 6744?
NGC 6744, cataloged as Caldwell 101 and nicknamed the Pavo Galaxy, is an intermediate spiral galaxy that ranks among the largest spirals in the local universe. Its overall structure is often likened to that of our own Milky Way.
Who discovered NGC 6744 and when?
Scottish astronomer James Dunlop first recorded the galaxy on 30 June 1826 while observing from his post in Parramatta, Australia.
How far away is NGC 6744?
Redshift-derived estimates put it at roughly 11.8 megaparsecs, but 21 independent non-redshift measurements point to a nearer distance of about 7.2 megaparsecs.
What makes NGC 6744 notable?
It harbors a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LINER) and is accompanied by at least one visibly distorted companion, NGC 6744A, hinting at past gravitational interactions.
Where in the sky is NGC 6744 located?
It lies in the southern constellation Pavo (the Peacock), which means it is best targeted by observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
More in Caldwell Objects 1-16
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