NGC 1097 is a striking barred spiral galaxy located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Fornax. With its well-defined spiral arms, a bright central bar, and an active Seyfert nucleus, this galaxy presents a fascinating target for deep-sky imaging. The structure of NGC 1097 is characterized by tightly wound spiral arms rich in star-forming regions, glowing in the combined light of hydrogen emissions and young, hot stars. The luminous core harbors a supermassive black hole, actively accreting material and driving energetic outflows.

A total of 67 hours of LRGB data was captured and carefully processed to reveal the galaxy’s intricate features, including its most enigmatic structures—faint, jet-like filaments extending outward from the core. These mysterious jets, first discovered in deep exposures, do not align with typical star formation patterns. Instead, they are believed to be relics of a past galactic merger or the remnants of a disrupted dwarf galaxy. Their exact nature remains an area of active study, as they exhibit properties distinct from standard tidal streams or polar ring structures. The extended integration time in this image allowed for the detection of these elusive filaments, showcasing the deep connections between NGC 1097’s history and its ongoing dynamical evolution.

NGC 1097, nestled in the constellation Fornax, unveils a mesmerizing spectacle of cosmic beauty. This barred spiral galaxy, located approximately 45 million light-years away from Earth, captivates astronomers with its distinctive features, including multiple linear star streams that adorn its spiral arms.

At the heart of NGC 1097 lies a prominent bar structure, consisting of densely packed stars that extend across the galaxy's nucleus. This bar acts as a gravitational anchor, guiding the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and influencing its overall structure and dynamics. Surrounding the bar, spiral arms adorned with young, luminous stars sweep outward, creating a striking visual display that mesmerizes observers.

NGC 1097's intricate structure and dynamic features provide astronomers with valuable insights into the processes of galaxy formation and evolution. The presence of linear star streams suggests past interactions and mergers with neighboring galaxies, shaping NGC 1097's morphology and enriching its stellar population. As astronomers continue to study this celestial marvel, NGC 1097 stands as a testament to the cosmic forces at play in the vast expanse of the universe, inspiring wonder and awe in all who contemplate its splendor.

NGC 1097 is a Seyfert galaxy, harboring a supermassive black hole in its center. There are four mysterious jets in an X shape centered on the nucleus. These are thought to be the tidal remnants of a galaxy disrupted by NGC 1097 in the distant past. Two of these pointing to the upper right corner of the image are easily seen here. The upper one has a right angle bend and is often referred to as the "Dogleg". There is a faint suggestion of a third jet to the left of the image opposite the fainter one on the right.Telescope: 12.5" Plane wave CDKExposure: 8.5 hours with LRGB filters.Processing in PixInsight



Copyright Information: Geoff Smith