NGC 6744
Distance: 25 Million Light Years

Constellation Pavo

 

 

NGC 6744 is a majestic spiral galaxy in the southern constellation of Pavo. It has great similarities to the Milky Way galaxy in both form and structure. It lies at a distance of approximately 25 million Light Years. At its northern tip NGC6744 is interacting with a dwarf companion galaxy much in the same way the Milky Way interacts with the Large Magellanic Cloud. The northernmost spiral arm is most likely being stretched and its stars and gas stripped due to tidal pull from the dwarf companion. Likewise the stars of the companion will likely be engulfed and the companion will ultimately merge with NGC6744 at a far off future time.