Object Type | Galaxy SBb Pec |
Constellation | Canes Venatici |
Magnitude | 10.3 |
Size | 6.3' x 4.5' |
NGC 4151 is a distorted barred spiral galaxy, sometimes listed as Peculier. The inner disk is very bright but the spiral arms, particularly the one to the west, are very faint and extended. It would appear that the galaxy has had a close encounter with another galaxy some time in the relativly recent past. The most likely culprit is not the small spiral galaxy to the upper left, (NGC 4156, Magnitude 13.1) as it is too regular. Rather it is more likely to be the extremely distorted spiral directly to the left. This is magnitude 17.1 PGC 38811.