NGC 2442, also known as the "Snake and the Mouse Galaxy," is a distorted spiral galaxy located approximately 50 million light-years away in the constellation Volans. Its asymmetric shape, marked by a dramatically warped spiral arm, is the result of a past gravitational interaction, likely with a smaller companion galaxy. This encounter triggered intense star formation, visible in the bright knots of young, blue stars along its arms.

The galaxy’s core remains relatively undisturbed, while one arm extends outward in a sweeping arc, earning it the nickname "the Snake." The opposing, shorter arm, rich in dust and active stellar nurseries, is often associated with "the Mouse." NGC 2442 is an excellent example of how galactic interactions shape and redefine galaxies over cosmic timescales, providing insight into the processes of tidal distortion and starburst activity in the universe.

Image Description and Details :

NGC 2442 is located around 50 million light-years away in the constellation of Volans. The galaxy is 75,000 light-years wide and has quite an peculiar shape featuring two dusty spiral arms extending from a central bar that gives it a hook-like appearance. Given its appearance it is often referred to as “The Meat Hook Galaxy.” The galaxy’s distorted shape is most likely the result of a close encounter with a smaller galaxy some time in the past. A considerable amount of IFN is present in the field proximate to the galaxy and the image shows faint star streams at the ends of the arms of the galaxy.Imaged in LRGB and H alpha OTA CDK 1000 Luminance, RGB and H alpha. Additional RGB RiDK 500.Imaged at Observatorio El Sauce, ChileIntegration time: 47 hoursImage Processing: Mark Hanson and Mike Selby

Copyright: Mark Hanson_Mike Selby