This is a small group of galaxies composed by two Messier objects, the spiral galaxies M65 (NGC 3623) and M66, as well as the edge on spiral galaxy NGC 3628.
M65, in the lower left of the image, is classified
as Sa type and seems to be pretty regular, with no deformations
due to the gravitational influence of its neighbors. It has a
conspicous central lens and uniform spiral arms, as well as evident
dust lanes. Zones of star formation can be distinguished in the spiral
arms.
M66, on the upper left, is larger than M65 and has been clasified as Sb
type. Its spiral arms seeb to be deformed by the gravitational
interaction of its neighbours. Zones of star formation can be also distinguished in the spiral arms.
NGC3628, in the upper right or the image, is the faintest one of the
group. It is an edege on galaxy and has an important band of dark dust
clouds in its equatorial zone, that obscures the bright of the central
area. Deformation due to the gravitational influence of the group can
also be appreciated.
Te distance to Earth of the group is aproximately 35.000.000
light years.
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