Barred Spiral Galaxy

Caldwell 44, often called the Propeller Galaxy, is a brilliant barred spiral located approximately 105 million light-years away in Pegasus. It is easily recognized by its distinctive "backward S" shape and a long, prominent central bar that anchors its swirling arms. This asymmetric structure is likely the result of a "minor merger" with a smaller galaxy, a gravitational collision that ignited intense star-forming activity throughout its disk.

Beyond its striking appearance, NGC 7479 is a high-energy Seyfert galaxy with an active supermassive black hole at its core. It presents a rare cosmic puzzle: radio observations show that a massive jet of radiation is rotating in the opposite direction of the galaxy’s visible spiral arms. This counter-rotation provides strong evidence of its turbulent history and the violent interactions that shaped its current form.

First discovered by William Herschel in 1784, the galaxy has hosted two observed supernovae in recent decades, highlighting its dynamic nature. This view, captured in 2014 through the Advanced Observing Program (AOP) at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center, showcases the vibrant starburst regions and the intricate bar structure that make it one of the most studied and photographed barred spirals in the northern sky.