[Ken Crawford (KenC)]

Hello,

We now know that an important part of galaxy formation is the fact that many larger galaxies tear apart and absorb smaller galaxies called Dwarfs. During the merger process, the dwarf galaxy orbits around and sometimes through the main galaxy, leaving a trail of debris around the larger galaxy. Because this galaxy is about 55 Mpc (179 million light years) we are lucky enough to see the possible tidal star streams. They appear like a hula hoop around the core of the main galaxy. These loops are very well defined and are thought to be at least two orbits of a dwarf galaxy.

This target is getting to the limits of my imaging system but you can just start to make out a faint dust lane around the core.

Click to zoom and pan and don't forget the full screen button.

http://www.imagingdeepsky.com/Galaxi...11/NGC7711.htm

Thanks for taking the time to look . . .

Kindest Regards,