NGC 3614

Lore & Background

NGC 3614 has a small bright nucleus and traces of a faint bar, though no bar is detected in infrared images from the Spitzer Space Telescope; the ARRAKIS study classifies it as SA(r)bc. The galaxy features a narrow inner ring measuring 0.47 by 0.24 arcminutes. From this ring emerge two main, knotty and filamentary arms that begin branching after three-quarters of a revolution, creating a multiple spiral arm pattern. Many HII regions and star-forming knots are visible in the arms, and the star formation rate is estimated at 0.3 solar masses per year. The galactic disk extends 5.4 arcminutes along its major east–west axis and 3 arcminutes along its minor north–south axis.

Adam Block discovered two stellar streams associated with NGC 3614. The brighter stream begins at the northern part of the galactic disk and extends 4.6 arcminutes at a position angle of 314° toward the galaxy 2MASSX J11180157+4547453; it is uniform in brightness and devoid of discernable structure. The second stream appears associated with galaxy SDSS J111838+454721.7, with a total length of about 3.8 arcminutes at a position angle of 40°. That galaxy may be the progenitor of the stream, and both trailing and leading tidal tails are visible.

NGC 3614 seems to form a pair with NGC 3614A, which lies at a distance of 2.6 arcminutes and appears diffuse and patchy, but is a background galaxy. It also forms a group with NGC 3583 and NGC 3595.

Reader's Guide

NGC 3614 is notable for its complex spiral structure and the presence of two stellar streams, which provide insight into tidal interactions and galaxy evolution. The discovery of these streams by Adam Block highlights ongoing dynamical processes, with one stream possibly linked to the galaxy SDSS J111838+454721.7 as a progenitor. The galaxy's classification as SA(r)bc, despite traces of a faint bar in optical images and its absence in infrared, underscores the importance of multi-wavelength observations in understanding galactic morphology. Its star formation rate of 0.3 solar masses per year and numerous HII regions indicate active star formation, while the inner ring and branching spiral arms contribute to its distinctive appearance. As part of a small group with NGC 3583 and NGC 3595, NGC 3614 offers a case study in group interactions and the formation of tidal features. The pair with NGC 3614A, though a background object, adds to the contextual richness of the field. Overall, NGC 3614 serves as a valuable target for studies of spiral structure, star formation, and tidal streams in the local universe.

Did You Know?

• NGC 3614 was discovered by William Herschel on February 5, 1788.
• The galaxy has two stellar streams discovered by Adam Block.