NGC 4244 edge-on spiral galaxy: an image – 30 Apr. 2025
We present our image of the edge-on, spiral galaxy NGC 4244.
NGC 4244. 30 Apr. 2025.
The image above comes from the average of 16, 300-second exposures, remotely taken with the ARTEC250+Paramount ME+C3Pro61000EC robotic unit available as part of the Virtual Telescope Project facility in Manciano, Italy, under the darkest skies of the Italian peninsula.
NGC 4244, also known as the Silver Needle Galaxy, is located about 13 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. It was discovered by W. Herschel in 1787. Part of the M94 Group (also known as the Canes Venatici I Group), it stands out as one of the most remarkable examples of an edge-on spiral galaxy in our cosmic neighborhood.
The galaxy spans about 65,000 light-years in length, making it roughly two-thirds the size of the Milky Way. However, it is significantly less massive and less luminous. NGC 4244 is classified as an Sc-type spiral galaxy, meaning it has relatively loosely wound spiral arms and a small or negligible central bulge.
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