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PGC Objects 51000 to 51499

PGC 51214 (with PGC 200317 =
Arp 45)
A 15th-magnitude spiral galaxy (type SABb) in Boötes
OR a 16th-magnitude spiral galaxy (type ?) in that same constellation

PGC 51214 and PGC 200317 comprise Arp 45, an example of a spiral galaxy with a fainter companion. Unfortunately, it is not clear which is which. HyperLeda (and as a consequence, Wikisky) list the fainter galaxy as PGC 51214, and the brighter as PGC 200317; but NED reverses the PGC designations, and I have yet to find an independent database which clarifies the matter. However, although the "names" of the galaxies are confused, both catalogs agree on their characteristics. The brighter galaxy (RA 14 19 55, Dec +51 53 38) has a recessional velocity of 8705 km/sec, and an apparent size of 0.7 by 0.5 arcmin. The fainter galaxy (RA 14 20 01, Dec +51 52 53) has a recessional velocity of 8770 km/sec, and an apparent size of 0.4 by 0.3 arcmin. This implies that the pair is gravitationally bound, and about 390 million light years away; and that the larger is about 80 thousand light years across, and the smaller is about 45 thousand light years across. Note: the exaggeratedly red star which dominates the closeup is a 10th-magnitude object.

Wikisky SDSS image of Arp 45
Above, a 2 arcmin wide closeup of Arp 45
Below, a 12 arcmin wide region centered on the galaxies
Wikisky SDSS image of region near Arp 45
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PGC Objects 51000 to 51499