Fornax_Dwarf

The Fornax Dwarf Galaxy, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, lies some 466Kly (143Kpc) away from Earth, in the constellation of Fornax (the Furnace). Shining at an apparent magnitude of 9.3, the galaxy subtends a diameter of around 17' (arcminutes) at its greatest elongation. Meaning that at its distance, the true diameter is around 2403ly.

The galaxy is composed of mainly old Pop II stars, giving it a decidedly reddish hue. Although, there are some intermediate and youthful stars within its boundaries. It has a recessional velocity (redshift) of around 53km-s, which is below the Hubble Flow for its distance and it accounted for by its orbital motion about the Galaxy. It's Hubble Classification is dE0, meaning it's a dwarf elliptical galaxy that is generally close to being a sphere in shape. Though, this is just the apparent shape as its true shape will be quite a bit different.

Noted for containing 6 globular clusters, unusual for a galaxy of its size, the largest of which is NGC1049, which was discovered before its parent galaxy. Also, quite unusual for such a galaxy, the globular clusters have been found to contain stars of various ages and metallicities. meaning they are of varying ages and stellar compositions.

Pic taken with t69 (iTelescope, SSO), 10x4min subs, OSC camera.
Read less