NGC 1316 “Ripples, Loops and Arcs”

 NGC 1316, also referred to as Fornax A, is a prominent lenticular galaxy situated approximately 60–62 million light-years from Earth within the constellation Fornax. Recognized as one of the brightest radio sources, NGC 1316 exhibits visual evidence of having originated from mergers involving gas-rich spiral galaxies roughly three billion years ago.

 Ripples, Loops, and Arcs: Faint, extensive shells and ripples comprising stars and gas are observable in the galaxy’s outer regions, indicating tidal disruptions characteristic of previous merger events.

 Dust Lanes: The presence of complex and pronounced dark dust lanes represents remnants of gas and dust acquired from the integrated spiral galaxies.

 Globular Clusters: Studies of the surrounding globular cluster system further substantiate this history. Astronomers have identified fewer low-mass clusters near the center—where destructive collisions would occur—as well as an abundance of atypical young, metal-rich clusters formed during starburst episodes initiated by the merger.

 In summary, NGC 1316 serves as an instructive model for the formation of giant elliptical galaxies through sequential mergers with smaller, gas-rich systems over extensive cosmic timescales. These merger events likely fueled its central black hole, leading to its radio-galaxy activity.

 Imaged in LRGBHa on a Planewave CDK 24 and Moravian C5 at Observatorio El Sauce, Chile.

72x600L, RGB 40x300, 40x900HA, Total 32 hours.

Enjoy,

SWOS Group, Mazlin, Parker, Forman, Magill, Hanson