NGC 3021 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids NGC 3021 |
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NGC 3021 as seen by HST
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| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Constellation | Leo Minor |
| Right ascension | 09h 50m 57.149s |
| Declination | 33° 33′ 13.07″ |
| Redshift | 0.00514±0.000013 |
| Helio radial velocity | 1541±4 km/s |
| Galactocentric velocity | 1510±4 km/s |
| Type | SAc |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 1.6′ × 0.9′ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 10.88 |
| Absolute magnitude (V) | -21.25 |
| See also: Galaxy, List of galaxies | |
NGC 3021 is a fascinating galaxy located in the Leo Minor constellation. It's a type of spiral galaxy, much like our own Milky Way. This galaxy is incredibly far away from Earth, about 100 million light years!
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What is NGC 3021?
NGC 3021 is a spiral galaxy. This means it has a flat, rotating disc with spiral arms that reach out from a central bulge. Imagine a giant cosmic pinwheel!
Where Can We Find It?
This galaxy is located in the Leo Minor constellation. Leo Minor is a small constellation, or group of stars, that can be seen in the northern sky. It's often called "The Lesser Lion."
How Far Away is This Galaxy?
NGC 3021 is about 100 million light years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in one year. Since light travels incredibly fast, 100 million light-years is an enormous distance! It helps us understand just how vast the universe is.
Observing NGC 3021
Astronomers use powerful telescopes, like the Hubble Space Telescope, to study galaxies like NGC 3021. These telescopes help us see details of distant objects that are impossible to see with the naked eye. Studying these galaxies helps scientists learn more about how the universe formed and how it is changing.
Images for kids
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Spiral galaxy NGC 3021.
