NGC 383
Double radio galaxy with quasar-like appearance in Pisces.
NGC 383 is a double radio galaxy in the constellation Pisces, appearing similar to a quasar. It was first observed by William Herschel on September 12, 1784, and is included as part of Arp 331 in Halton Arp's catalog of peculiar galaxies.
In 2006, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory found that NGC 383 is split by relativistic jets traveling at significant fractions of the speed of light. These jets contain relativistic electrons that emit synchrotron radiation detectable in X-ray and radio wavelengths. The jets originate from the galaxy's center and extend for thousands of parsecs, ending in streamer- or filament-like structures where they dissipate.
Four nearby galaxies—NGC 379, NGC 380, NGC 385, and NGC 384—are thought to be closely linked to NGC 383, along with several others at relatively small distances.
Two supernovae have been recorded in NGC 383. SN 2015ar, a Type Ia event reaching magnitude 18.8, was found by E. Conseil and G. Arlic on November 11, 2015. SN 2017hle, also Type Ia and magnitude 18, was detected by the Xingming Observatory Sky Survey on October 18, 2017.
Quick Facts
- Epoch
- J2000
- Ra
- 01 · 07 · 24.968
- Dec
- +32 · 24 · 45.103
- Constellation Name
- Pisces
- Z
- 0.017005
- Dist Ly
- 209,000,000 ly / 64 Mpc
- Appmag V
- 13.4
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
NGC 383 was discovered by William Herschel on 12 September 1784. It is a double radio galaxy with a quasar-like appearance, and is listed as part of Arp 331 in Halton Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. Recent discoveries by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in 2006 reveal that NGC 383 is being bisected by high energy relativistic jets traveling at relatively high fractions of the speed of light. The relativistic electrons in the jets are detected as synchrotron radiation in the x-ray and radio wavelengths. The focus of this intense energy is the galactic center of NGC 383. The relativistic electron jets extend for several thousand parsecs and then appear to dissipate at the ends in the form of streamers or filaments. Four other nearby galaxies—NGC 379, NGC 380, NGC 385, and NGC 384—are suspected of being closely associated with NGC 383, as well as several other galaxies at relatively close distance.
Reader's Guide
NGC 383 is significant as a double radio galaxy whose relativistic jets, discovered by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in 2006, bisect the galaxy at high fractions of the speed of light. These jets produce synchrotron radiation detectable in x-ray and radio wavelengths, extending for several thousand parsecs before dissipating into streamers or filaments. The galaxy's quasar-like appearance and its inclusion in Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies underscore its unusual morphology. The association with four nearby galaxies—NGC 379, NGC 380, NGC 385, and NGC 384—suggests a possible group or interacting system. Two Type Ia supernovae, SN 2015ar and SN 2017hle, have been observed within NGC 383, adding to its observational history. The relativistic jets and their energy focus at the galactic center make NGC 383 a key object for studying high-energy astrophysical processes.
Did You Know?
- NGC 383 is bisected by relativistic jets traveling at high fractions of the speed of light.
- The jets emit synchrotron radiation detected in x-ray and radio wavelengths.
More in NGC Objects 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced