NGC 2968
Barred spiral galaxy in Leo with a possible active nucleus.
NGC 2968 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Leo. It was discovered by William Herschel in December 1785. The galaxy’s velocity relative to the cosmic microwave background gives a Hubble distance of about 26.6 megaparsecs, but five other measurements not based on redshift place it much closer, at roughly 14 megaparsecs. NGC 2968 may contain an active galactic nucleus—a bright, compact central region whose energy output cannot be explained by stars alone.
One supernova, SN 1970L, was observed in this galaxy. Discovered by Paul Wild in October 1970, it was a Type Ib/c event with a peak magnitude of 15.5. The supernova appeared on the bridge connecting NGC 2968 to its neighbor NGC 2970, suggesting its progenitor was accelerated by tidal interactions between the two galaxies.
NGC 2968 belongs to a compact galaxy group called RSCG 34, which also includes NGC 2970 and NGC 2964.
Quick Facts
- Epoch
- J2000
- Constellation Name
- Leo
- Ra
- 09 · 43 · 12.0423ned
- Dec
- +31 · 55 · 43.503ned
- Z
- 0.005132 · 0.00000919ned
- Dist Ly
- 14.010 ± 4.107 Mpcned
- Group Cluster
- NGC 7329 group (LGG 462)
- Appmag V
- 12.9gned
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
NGC 2968 was discovered by German-British astronomer William Herschel on 7 December 1785. Its velocity with respect to the cosmic microwave background corresponds to a Hubble distance of 26.61 ± 1.88 Mpc, but five non-redshift measurements give a much closer mean distance of 14.010 ± 4.107 Mpc, indicating a discrepancy in distance estimates. The galaxy has a possible active galactic nucleus, meaning it contains a compact central region that emits significant energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, with characteristics suggesting the luminosity is not produced by stars. One supernova, SN 1970L, has been observed in NGC 2968. It was discovered by Swiss astronomer Paul Wild on 31 October 1970, with a magnitude of 15.5 and classified as Type Ib/c. The supernova was found on the connecting bridge between NGC 2968 and NGC 2970, implying that its progenitor was likely accelerated by the tidal interaction of the two galaxies. NGC 2968, together with NGC 2970 and NGC 2964, forms the compact galaxy group known as RSCG 34.
Reader's Guide
NGC 2968 holds significance as a barred spiral galaxy with a possible active galactic nucleus, placing it among galaxies that may host energetic central engines. The distance discrepancy between its Hubble distance (26.61 ± 1.88 Mpc) and the mean of five non-redshift measurements (14.010 ± 4.107 Mpc) underscores the challenges in accurately determining extragalactic distances and highlights the need for multiple measurement methods. The supernova SN 1970L, discovered on the tidal bridge connecting NGC 2968 and NGC 2970, provides a rare example of a supernova progenitor influenced by galaxy interactions, offering insights into stellar evolution in dynamic environments. As a member of the compact group RSCG 34, NGC 2968 contributes to the study of galaxy interactions and group dynamics, where tidal forces can shape galaxy morphology and trigger star formation or nuclear activity. Its legacy lies in its role as a case study for active nuclei, distance measurement uncertainties, and the effects of galaxy mergers on supernova progenitors.
Did You Know?
- NGC 2968 has a possible active galactic nucleus, emitting energy not produced by stars.
- The supernova SN 1970L was discovered on the connecting bridge between NGC 2968 and NGC 2970.
- NGC 2968 is part of the compact galaxy group RSCG 34 with NGC 2970 and NGC 2964.
- Five non-redshift measurements give a mean distance of 14.010 ± 4.107 Mpc, much closer than the Hubble distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NGC 2968 and where can I find it in the sky?
NGC 2968 is a barred spiral galaxy sitting in the constellation Leo. It was first recorded by William Herschel on 7 December 1785, making it a well-established entry in the New General Catalogue.
How far away is NGC 2968?
Its distance is genuinely contested: redshift-based calculations put it at roughly 26.6 megaparsecs, yet five independent non-redshift methods cluster around 14 megaparsecs. That gap is large enough that astronomers still treat its true distance as an open question.
Does NGC 2968 have an active galactic nucleus?
It may. The galaxy's core shows a compact, unusually bright region whose energy output seems to exceed what stars alone could produce, a hallmark of a possible AGN. However, a definitive confirmation of a supermassive black hole driving that emission has not been locked in.
Has a supernova ever been observed in NGC 2968?
Yes—SN 1970L was detected there in October 1970 by Paul Wild. It was classified as a Type Ib/c event, meaning the explosion spectrum lacked hydrogen, pointing to a stripped-envelope star that had already shed its outer layers before detonating.
Why does NGC 2968 matter to the broader study of galaxies?
It gives researchers a real case of conflicting distance estimates, which stresses the limits of different cosmological measurement techniques. Combined with its possible active nucleus and its role as the host of one of the early well-observed Type Ib/c supernovae, it stays a useful benchmark object in several sub-fields at once.
More in NGC Objects, Part 5 1-24
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