NGC 4656
NGC 4656, also known as the Hockey Stick Galaxy, is a highly distorted barred spiral galaxy in
the constellation Canes Venatici. Its unusual bent shape is the result of gravitational
interaction with the nearby companion galaxy NGC 4657. The galaxy’s warped disk, bright knots
of star formation, and chaotic structure make it one of the most striking irregular spirals
in the region.
Deep imaging reveals tidal streams, clumpy star-forming regions, and a long, curved extension
that gives the galaxy its characteristic “hockey stick” appearance. NGC 4656 is part of the
M51 Group and shows clear signs of ongoing dynamical evolution.
Object Data
NGC:NGC 4656
Type:Distorted barred spiral (SBm)
Constellation:Canes Venatici
Distance:~30 million light-years
Observation Data
Location:Pollux Observatory, Zuidlaren
Date:2020-04-16
Technical Data
Exposure time:121 x 60 sec
Total: 2.0 h
Total: 2.0 h
Telescope:Takahashi FSQ106 ED
Camera:ZWO ASI 294mc Pro (OSC)
Color palette:RGB
Filters:None