NGC 1184 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids (Reindeer Galaxy)NGC 1184 |
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The Reindeer Galaxy, with NGC 1184 as principal scientific name
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| Observation data (J2000.0 epoch) | |
| Right ascension | 03h 16.75m 00s |
| Declination | ±80° 47.35′ 00″ |
| Type | Spiral galaxy S0 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 2,8 x 0,6 arcseconds |
| Other designations | |
| Reindeer Galaxy, NGC 1184, PGC 12174, UGCA 2583, IRAS 03088, MCG 13-3-2 | |
| See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies | |
NGC 1184 is a fascinating galaxy known by two names: its official scientific name, NGC 1184, and its more fun nickname, the Reindeer Galaxy! It's a type of spiral galaxy that looks a bit like a flat disc. You can find this galaxy in the night sky within the Cepheus constellation.
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What is the Reindeer Galaxy?
The Reindeer Galaxy, officially called NGC 1184, is a type of spiral galaxy. It's listed as number 1184 in the New General Catalogue, often called the N.G.C. This catalogue is a huge list of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
Where is NGC 1184?
This galaxy is located in the Cepheus constellation. Cepheus is a group of stars that looks like a house with a pointed roof. It's named after a mythical king.
How Was It Discovered?
A famous German-British astronomer named William Herschel first saw NGC 1184. He discovered it on September 16, 1787. Herschel was known for finding many new objects in space.
Why is it Called the Reindeer Galaxy?
The nickname "Reindeer Galaxy" comes from history. In 1801, a German astronomer named Bode included it in a constellation he called "The Reindeer." This constellation doesn't exist anymore on modern star maps. But the name stuck for this galaxy!
Seeing the Reindeer Galaxy
NGC 1184 is quite far away and not very bright. You can only see this galaxy if you use very powerful telescopes. Its brightness, or "apparent magnitude," is about +13.44. The higher the number, the fainter an object appears from Earth.
